As the cameras return from commercial we open up into a fully decorated pro wrestling office. As the camera is panning all over showing off various posters, championship titles, action figures, and other pro wrestling memorabilia we see WhereCulture’s own Brian Williams.
Brian wearing a headset and has a mounted microphone in front of him. Brian is waving at the camera as to the left of his a black screen with the zoom logo in the corner.
Brian: Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome back to the Pro Wrestling Hour, I am your host Brian Williams and today! My goodness do we have a STACKED guest list. Following the fallout from Wrestlution 16, the Walk Through The Fire tournament, and more we have so much going on here today.
Brian: But first, we need to start off the show in a big way and I can’t think of any bigger way than…
A drum roll starts playing from behind the cameras as Brian is playfully acting like he’s doing it himself.
Brian: We will have the man himself, the CEO of Dennis Dillinger Enterprises, you guessed it, Dennis Dillinger! A truly special occasion for Mr. Dillinger joining us here today. I know I have plenty of questions for him so when we welcome him over the zoom machine momentarily we’ll get the scoops!
Brian: With the dramatic defeat of El Primero, El Parca there’s been a lot of speculation on the internet these last few weeks. Many people are saying retirement, others are saying he was RELEASED from DDE, and just a lot more. So without further ado let us welcome Dennis Dillinger onto the Pro Wrestling Hour.
The black screen that was occupying the wall flickers as Dennis Dillinger appears on the screen. Dennis having a professionally blurred background where we only see him is smirking. Brian waves at Dennis to start the pleasantries.
Brian: Dennis! Thank you so much for joining me today. I do truly appreciate you for giving us some of your time here. How are you my friend?
Dennis: Let me just respond to what you said before I came out here… It’s a truly special occasion for you to have me on this show and piss off your mark fans. Buuut, after that favor you did for me hosting DDWA? I’m happy to accept a paycheck.
Brian: I don’t really know if that was a willful favor but that's totally fine. So Dennis, gonna cut straight to the chase here. Tough weekend for DDE at Wrestlution 16, we unfortunately saw El Primero lose his OCW World Championship and I could only imagine what that means for DDE, so tell me what’s the feel right now over there?
Dennis: I have been saying from the start that “multiman” match was a farce and there’s absolutely no reason Harvey should have been involved. He was just upset Primero almost ended his career when he tore his shoulder up and you know how the suckers in the OCW front office love a good comeback story. Which is exactly how we plan to make our comeback in the near future.
Brian is nodding his head up and down while listening to Dennis.
Brian: That actually leads me into my next question. We have heard NOTHING from Parca. This is relatively unheard of, he’s usually somewhat active on social media or just somewhere. Any update on Parca?
Dennis: Listen up, Brian. Lots of men claim to “carry” this business and they’re all foolish. No one man can carry an industry like this, especially with how fat the fans are, am I right? Why do you think I’ve opened the bank account to secure several of them?
Dennis; But seriously, while one man can’t hold all that power, one man can CHANGE THE GAME and lemme tell you Brian, if those 4 dorks on night two are being called the “Pillars” of this business, then El Parca is the adhesive that connected them to the foundation…
Dennis: In fact, what the hell is this, Caesar's Palace? Nobody uses pillars anymore! The structural foundation of this 6 bedroom mansion is carved out of years and years of passion and arduous commitment from El Parca… So he’s on vacation. A well deserved vacation, if you ask me.
Brian: So what does that mean for DDE? Is it over? Is El Parca released from DDE? I’ve even heard rumors that he’s retiring is that what the long vacation is?
Dennis throws his head back laughing pompously as he puts a hand on his chest for a moment. He regains his composure as he wipes at his eye.
Dennis: What in the hell are you on about? Is this what they call “gotcha” journalism? Because you need to check your facts. El Parca is RECOVERING to fill this company’s coffers and change the game AGAIN down the road. Nobody is retiring, although you might want to consider it after how embarrassing that question was.
Dennis: After all, what did I just say? YEARS of changing the game takes its toll on any man. Parca committed himself to pushing through a pain he’s been suffering, really since before Wrestlution 15… I finally convinced him to get his body right and I will rebuild him over and over again if I have to.
Brian: So does that mean we will see Parca soon? Is he done for the year? What’s the timetable for Parca? There’s also rumors about potential injuri-
Dennis puts a finger in the air and cuts off Brian.
Dennis: You see Brian, that’s exactly the kind of journalism that gets people like you in trouble. There’s no need to be hasty in your search for mark clickbait, son. El Parca is alive. El Parca is recoverating. El Parca is not retired. Whatever speculation you want to make up because you MISS HIM SO MUCH ALREADY! Well… That’s your credibility out the window, so go for it.
Dennis: And for El Primero? He’s the biggest international star in this company and they know it. So hey can take whatever time he needs and do whatever he damn well pleases, he’ll return when HE is ready.
Brian: Alright. That’s some interesting news. So El Parca isn’t retiring, he is seemingly doing fine I suppose? And we could potentially see him again sometime this year?
Dennis: Very astute! See, Brian? This job’s not that hard!
Brian: Alright Dennis, I know you’re a busy man but I do have just one last question here for you. We still have Jesus and Gonzalo within the DDE ranks. We also saw at Lution that your former investment Christian Garcia prevailed against Cort Marshall and retained his North American Championship. Any comments?
Dennis rolls his eyes as his demeanor goes from calm and poised to annoyed.
Dennis: Agh shucks. And just like that, you’re back to the same old regressive, cartoon vexation knows you so well for.
Dillinger stands up, the camera focused on his midsection, as you can hear him removing his microphone.
Dennis: Gotta go, kid. Time is money and I think you got the update you wanted.
Dillinger tosses the mic to the floor and walks off as the screen flickers back to black.
MYSTERY FIGHT!
JOSHUA TUCKER vs. ?????????
We fade in backstage to see Terra Daturas, speaking on a cell phone.
Terra: Take your time. I will be here when you arrive.
Terra: No, amica mea, please do not rush. We can catch up as soon as you get here.
Terra’s eyes divert, catching something in the corner of her eye. Her smile does not subside, but grows wider as she turns her head to get a full view of the person approaching.
Terra: I have to go. I will see you very soon. I love you.
Terra nods and hangs the cell phone up, placing it gently on her bag near her before stepping towards the other side of the room.
The camera pans to see the OCW Women’s Champion standing in the doorway across from her, standing firm, but alone.
Terra: Here for anything in particular? Where are your friends?
Furiosa: I could ask you the same. I must say it was nice that you didn’t attempt anything foolish like you did last Wrestlution. You do remember where your mind was last year, don’t you?
Terra’s smile widens even further.
Terra: Oh… Please tell me you have found new material since February… Are you and I going to do this again, Heather?
Upon hearing the name “Heather”, Furiosa winces very subtly, turning her reaction into laughter and stepping towards the woman who made her presence felt at Wresltution 16.
Terra: You should know that Zoe tried this before… and it did not go her way… But I am sure you already knew that.
Furiosa: It’s La Mujera number one. Number two you are speaking to FURIOSA! The OCW Womens Champion. It’s something your dear friend “Heather” could never achieve.
Furiosa: You being so close with Valkyrie these days, I’m surprised YOU take me so lightly as to walk into the ring with me so flippantly. Hehe, I guess she never told you what I truly am capable of.
Terra: What you call ‘flippant’ is a newfound belief in myself.
Terra: I will not apologize if you were able to dig any “disrespect” out of what happened after your match with Bertha.
Terra: You do not deserve my respect, but I will give it to you because of the person you once were, Heather.
Once again, Furiosa winces, this time it bothering her a bit more, her reaction visible to Terra.
Furiosa: Calling me that proves that you have no idea what you’re in for. This is not about Kasstianity. This is about you, Terra.
Terra’s eyebrows raise in intrigue, while her smile doesn’t waver.
Furiosa: That’s right… You might have everyone else here fooled with your pathetic little wedding and your disgusting wife, but I know who you are.
Furiosa: The woman who was not above setting fire to treasured symbols of triumph. The woman who was strong enough to engage in warfare that spanned far beyond the mental level. I want THAT Terra. I want you to stop playing ‘house’ and give her to me.
Terra’s smile fades a little bit as she steps forward. Furiosa, sensing the change in demeanor, intensifies her interrogation.
Furiosa: Yes… I know you have not changed at all.
Furiosa: People like you and me! We do not change. We are what we are and you and me! We’re so much of the same person.
Furiosa: But If you have any real plans to challenge for this championship, you should know that this pathetic shell of a competitor in front of me isn’t going to be enough to-.
Terra: Your eyes…
Furiosa stops in her monologue, confused by Terra’s response.
Terra: I see you, Heather.
Terra takes a step closer and places her hand gently on the shoulder of Furiosa. For whatever reason, Furiosa can’t move, but her desire to throw Terra aside radiates from her posture.
Terra: I know you are there. The very first woman I met here in OCW.
Terra: I am very much looking forward to our contest, Heather.
Terra smiles as Furiosa finally dashes Terra’s hand off of her shoulder and gnarls at her. Terra’s smile persists as she walks calmly out of the locker room, leaving Furiosa to her own devices, frustrated and confused at the interaction.
Walking backstage, through the arena halls of Barclay’s, we see the new CCW champion Inness Quartz.
His stride is interrupted by one Colin Locke, fresh off of a valiant performance in the men’s Future Investment ladder match.
Quartz stops in his tracks to look at Colin, who steps off the wall he had been leaning on, away from the two piles of Hot Storage merchandise that appear to have been sorted into cursed and non-cursed piles, as evidenced by the cursed pile featuring a picture of Kylo Ren shouting ‘Moore!’.
Colin: The belt suits you, mate. Been a bit, but I’m starting to recognise you again.
Quartz: Thank you. Though, I can’t lie to you, I did believe our first interaction after Wrestlution would be different.
Quartz: I thought you’d be carrying a little prize of your own.
Colin shrugs, clearly disappointed, but with an air of what can you do? about his demeanour.
Colin: Ah, you know me, gotta scoop the biggest guy in the room, happened to Pato, to KD, happened to a guy who looks a lot like you who knew I didn’t need that case to be on his level. Helps if it’s a mystery opponent coming out of nowhere, too.
Quartz lets out a breathy laugh and nods his head.
Quartz: They really do get sneaky around this time of year. Hey, listen…
Quartz peeks down at his CCW Championship, comfortably draped across his shoulder.
Quartz: I know that you-
The sentence is interrupted by a hearty (and loud) applause coming from behind the champion.
Both Colin and Quartz look to see the approaching source of the obnoxious cheering. Quartz’ tone immediately shifts as OCW World Champion H2O and his ‘mentor’, Papa Kassidy Alexander Hayes, enter the frame.
H2O: Brother!!! We…did it! When the Ocean Brothers talk heavy we back it up! The best part is…we did it together!! In one weekend! At WRESTLUTION OF ALL PLACES!
Kass: My son! The time is nigh for you to take your place amongst family. Bring it in.
Quartz and Colin share a look as Colin shakes his head, not interested in dealing with the mess in front of him, and walks off screen.
H2O: The two of us, huh? Standing here in OCW as world heavyweight champions! Your third and… well, this is my fourth, but who’s counting, am I right??? Hahah!
Kass: Last time I stood before you I apologized to the blue one but that was an error you made clear… So my son! Now back in red, I'm sorry.
Kass: I'm sorry you felt I was not there for you, making you feel neglected, causing you to turn on Ryu.
Kass: I'm sorry that I knew best for you and took that championship away from you so quickly but now I do believe. This is your time and you have Kasstianity's full support in this reign.
Kass: Longest reigning champions side by side, family together, nothing can stop us.
Quartz’ brow furrows in response to the elation from the two men. He tilts his head back and takes a deep breath.
Quartz: Harvey, when you and I spoke prior to Wrestlution… I thought we’d reached a common ground. But this?
Quartz gestures towards Papa Kass, standing with his hands clenched together, smiling deviously.
Quartz: …This is not common ground. I want nothing to do with this man.
H2O: Oh, c’mon bro! This is our chance for a new start! You know, if I knew I had a big brother growing up, I would have jumped at the chance to team with him.
Harvey approaches and throws his arm over the shoulder of Quartz, excitedly. Harvey points points to thin air and has his brother look up towards it.
H2O: Picture this! TONIGHT is phase one!! We’re going to walk in… BOTH standing as WORLD champions and taking down some of The GOAT Academy’s finest! John Carter and Derek Smith. How can you not be pumped about that?!
H2O: We have an opportunity to take down The Future Investment winner and The GOAT Academy’s Gold Medalist! This will be just the beginning!
Quartz grabs the wrist of the OCW World Champion and slowly moves his arm away.
Quartz: Let’s make one thing very clear about tonight, Harvey. You and I are not a collective. We co-existed before what happened last year and we’re going to co-exist now. I’m your brother by blood and nothing more.
Kass: Don't be foolish, my son! Don't let pride and a grudge keep us from destiny. You think the two men, separated at birth and brought together by pure athletic greatness… winning world championships in the main events of the biggest show of the year.. .You think that was on accident???
Kass: Of course not! Kasstianity has set the pieces in motion. Now it’s time to fulfill the prophecy.
Quartz scoffs at Kassidy Hayes' proclamation and takes a step forward.
Quartz: Harvey, don’t bring him out tonight..
The CCW champion carries on his way as Kass and H2O are left behind. H2O looks peeved, but Papa Kass pats him on the shoulder.
Kass: In due time, Harv. He’ll come around. He has to find his faith his own way.
The scene fades closing in on a smiling Kassidy Hayes.
In a wide-open area backstage, we see FloJo pacing back and forth mumbling to herself. She catches the attention of Jim Black who approaches her with caution.
Jim: Uhh FloJo, What’s up, why are you pacing alone? Being weird…again.
FloJo stops and takes a seat in an empty seat. She looks up at Jim.
FloJo: What, can’t a girl be alone?
Jim: Well, it seems you have a lot on your mind right n–
FloJo: Yeah? I do. I’m just tired. I am tired of putting on a fake persona for this god-damned company. I tried to be the company woman they wanted me to be. And look what it got me?
FloJo: I got memed into chasing the women’s championship. After all the trials and tribulations I’ve gone through, I finally won the championship.
FloJo: And you know what the fans, my so-called friends did? They talk shit about me online. I read everything, I listen to everything. They're all full of shit.
FloJo: Because when I lost it, they laughed, they cheered, etc. I ain’t taking that bullshit anymore. This place doesn’t love me.
Jim nervously rubs the back of his neck as he begins to ask another question.
Jim: Okay. FloJo what about Jasmine? She genuinely wanted to help you get back your “mojo”. She was the only friend you had until you pushed her away…
FloJo: Tch. Jim, you remember that classic hip-hop song by Whodini “friends”
FloJo: Friends. How many people have them? Friends. Ones we can depend on.
Jim: Y-Yes?
FloJo: You see, Jasmin, FloJo doesn’t need “friends”. Who are you to come into my life, trying to tell me what to do? She’s all happy-go-lucky. Well, I’ll have to get her to make peace with the marker.
