Backstage during an electrifying episode of Turmoil, within the pulsating heart of Barclays, the air crackled with anticipation. Bright neon lights bathed the labyrinth of corridors, casting vivid hues upon the walls adorned with faded posters and legends of the past.

Amongst the chaotic symphony of bustling bodies and echoing footsteps, one figure stood apart, emanating an aura of quiet determination.

Colby McCallum, the self-proclaimed Vanilla Gorilla, adjusted his crisp suit jacket with meticulous care, his hands trembling ever so slightly with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Tonight was no ordinary evening; it was the night "The Clarke Effect" would take center stage, promising a fusion of entertainment and raw passion.

Amidst the flurry of activity, a hush fell over the backstage area as Stacy Clarke, the magnetic force behind "The Clarke Effect," made her grand entrance.

The woman who possessed a rare blend of enigmatic charisma and boundless ambition, now commanded the attention of everyone around her. Colby's heart skipped a beat as she approached, her every step oozing confidence and intrigue. He begins to mutter to himself:

Colby: “Good Lord Jesus in Heaven, this woman is HOT.”

Stacy's magnetic gaze locked with Colby's, and in that fleeting instant, he felt the weight of the world upon his shoulders. He knew this moment held the potential to shape his career, to become the catalyst for a tale that would resonate through the ages.

The spotlight was poised to shine on his craft, his ability to unveil the untold stories that simmered within the ring.

With a deep breath, Colby steadied himself, ready to embark on a journey of discovery, revealing the dreams, triumphs, and untold sacrifices that lay hidden beneath the glitz and glamour of the wrestling world.

As the curtain prepared to rise on "The Clarke Effect," he sensed the electric energy building, echoing the fervor within his own soul.

Stacy Clarke: “Hello everyone in Brooklyn! Welcome to the Clarke Effect. I am, as always, your talented, titillating interviewer Stacy Clarke.”

Stacy Clarke: “Next to me is a man you all know too well. The seed of OCW Legends Stephen McCallum! The resident, troublemaking Irishman! Colby McCallum!”

Colby: “Good to be here, Stacy. Fun fact, I don’t think my father has ever participated in the Clarke Effect.”

Stacy Clarke: “So this is a first in your family?!”

Colby: “A first and hopefully not the last. Let’s get started, Stacy. I’m moist with anticipation!”

Stacy’s face turns sour, completely hating the verbiage Colby decided to go with in this instance.

Stacy Clarke: “Let’s get to know you, Colby. Could you take us through the most challenging setback you've faced in your career and how you managed to overcome it?”

Colby: “Most challenging setback? Well, that’s an easy one. Bein’ framed for a fookin’ carbomb. Before that, my stock was on the rise here in OCW.

I was goin’ on to main event night one of Wrestlution 16. My very first title shot was in one of the main events of the biggest show of the year, and it was for the OCW World Championship.”

Colby: “That gassed up giant midget wouldn’t know a thing about main events. How long’s that wee bitch been here? How many times has he main evented? How many times has he been in the runnin’ for a World Title?”

Colby: “People wanna insinuate that Sheldon was the third wheel of Sanctum. They wanna say one half of the longest reigning tag champs was the fookin’ third wheel. The reality, though? It’s OWEN.”

Colby: “OWEN has been a liability for Sanctum since day one. DAY ONE! My pal James Fraser and Sheldon have been carryin’ that piece of dead weight for years.”

Stacy Clark: “That was scolding. Speaking of OWEN, with the recent psychological torture from the man, do you feel like you’ll be capable of keeping your cool?”

Colby exhales loudly.

Colby: “Honestly, Stacy…I do feel I can keep my cool. OWEN…that fook has been three steps ahead of me since we started this little dance. Last week was my shot, and I blew it. I had the opportunity to smack the redness out of those stupid fookin’ cheeks.”

Colby: “Whether it’s at Wrestlution 17 or the show after; I’m goin’ to make that bubble-headed fook regret every single thing he’s said.”

Stacy Clarke: “You’re not worried about perhaps going too far and costing yourself the match, or perhaps, even worse, doing long term or irreversible damage to Owen?”

Colby: “Why the fook would I be worried about that? That man went to my Ma’s fookin’ house. He sat in her chair, ate her food, and heard that saintly voice. OWEN went to me Pa’s grave, too.”

Stacy Clarke: “You definitely know a lot about unwanted grave visits.”

Colby: “Oh don’t say that. I was a different man back then. I had different priorities and ideas. Maxx’s grandda didn’t deserve that, and I am sincerely sorry for desecratin’ a man’s grave. However, if this match ends up puttin’ OWEN underground, he shouldn’t expect some roses.”

Stacy Clarke: “Well that’s an unpleasant thought.”

Colby: “You know what’s an unpleasant thought? The idea of your Ma bein’ scared because some balding British bitch is sittin’ in her kitchen.”

Stacy shrugs, and readies her next question.

Stacy Clarke: “Is there a particular behind-the-scenes story that stands out to you?”

Colby: “Behind-the-scenes story? I mean, since we’re on the subject of pale, balding men; James Fraser and I were actually goin’ to be the start of Sanctum.”

Stacy Clarke: “Wait, whoa. Is that true?!”

Colby: “Do I look like the type to lie, Stacy? It was goin’ to be me and James teamin’ up in a team called Sword and Shield, and eventually we’d take in the young lad Sheldon. Due to unfortunate circumstances, that didn’t happen and they pulled in the guy on the Quaker Oats boxes.”

Colby: “Can you imagine how much we could’ve accomplished? Three of the best in this company? Instead, they had to settle for a useless third wheel.”

Stacy Clarke: “Maybe someday.”

Colby: “Probably not, Stacy. You see, Sheldon’s a Kasstian now. Somethin’ that could’ve been prevented if OWEN knew what he had in front of him.

Colby: Sheldon has what it takes to be a leader in OCW, but he wastes his time following others. Can you imagine how bad it must’ve been bein’ perceived as UNDER OWEN?”

Colby: “It’s no wonder he gave his life to a cult. I’d have done anythin’ to get away from that fook, too.”

Stacy Clarke: “Final question, Colby. What are the plans for after Wrestlution 17?”

Colby: “Plans for after? Honestly, I’m hopin’ I can work my way back to the top and stay there. I think I want to be in a World Title scene. Whether it’s Wrex, Rust, Sheldon, whoever. I want that gold…but if not, I’ll settle for beatin’ the piss outta someone else.”

Colby smirks at Stacy, as the interview comes to a close.

Stacy: “Thank you for your time, Vanilla Gorilla!”

Colby: “Thank you for yours, gorgeous. Take it easy.”

Stacy Clarke: “Back to you guys!”

Colby walks off camera as the scene fades.

ROOKIE BATTLE

CODY HAGEN vs. PAUL BOULET

In the backstage interview area, we see the oft-maligned and disrespected Jim Black sitting across from the women’s champion, Jasmin Kaffee, who appears more pale than usual after her sudden rampage in the aftermath of last week’s main event.

Jim: Good evening, OCW fans. For those of you just tuning in, I’m Jim Black, and I’m here for a sit-down interview with our Women’s Champion, Jasmin Kaffee, and… well. You made it clear yesterday about how you felt about people asking you ‘why’.

Jasmin nods.

Jim: In that case, miss Kaffee, explain to me your thought process. What made it necessary to make an example out of Ashley Moore.

Jasmin scowls, and signs out her feelings. Subtitles on screen assist those not familiar with sign language.

Jasmin: Ashley Moore has now beaten me 3 times, and every time we've faced each other, Ashley Moore has been nothing but condescending. She has taken shortcuts in their matches and bent the rules in her favor, and still been cheered for it.

Jasmin: I don't need Ashley Moore's condescension. I don't need the 'Queen' of OCW reminding me that all I will be to her is a trailer trash peasant. She's learned now. They're all gonna learn.

Jim: Jasmin, no one can deny you’ve been through a lot in your OCW career thus far, but-

Jasmin: I'm not done talking.

Jasmin: Jake Allen called me a sore loser. Christian Garcia is a sore loser. Furiosa is a sore loser. Empress is a sore loser. John Carter is a sore loser. Harri Etiquette is a sore loser.

Jasmin: I'd like Jake Allen to get treated like I get treated, get his larynx crushed, get his knee mangled, get his heart broken by the people he loves on a weekly basis before he calls me out on being a 'sore loser'.

Jim: Jasmin—

Jasmin practically leaps out of her chair, sending Jim back into his as far as his body will allow. Jim slowly relaxes, and Jasmin sits back down, the implicit threat of violence doing more than any punch would have.

Jasmin: How many friends do I have left, Jim? Who hasn't left me out there to die? Who hasn't betrayed me? Who hasn't kicked me in the face, thrown me in a cage, tossed me aside for a stupid championship, or just straight up died.

Jim: What about Dragana Cesar, Jasmin? What about your partner, Marcus McMichaels? What about the future hall of famer, Drago Cesar? What about your former trainers, Bill Pine and Mugen?

More signing, more interpretation.

Jasmin: I'm not going to wait for them to turn on me too. Ever since Riot 600 I've been told I don't deserve to be Women’s Champion. That I don't deserve to be here, that I've been given opportunities other women deserved more.

Jasmin: One fan told me a couple of weeks ago, to my face, that I should not have been on Riot 600, that I am not an 'exciting' Women's champion.

Jasmin: I never asked to be here. I'm not some 'Pro Wrestling Powerhouse'. I'm a single mom. I make 'too much money' to qualify for assistance and not enough to buy my son the toys all his friends have. We can't take summer vacations. We don't have a nice house of our own. A man we didn't know a year ago is letting us live in his house and helping me raise him because his father won't, and he gets attacked last week by two women who wanted to ruin my life.

Jim: I'm... very sorry to hear about your situation, Jasmin. If I can ask one more question before our time is up. I remember, specifically, about four or five months ago...

Jim: After being viciously assaulted post match by your tag team partner Lotus Flojo, you had stated that you wanted to set a good example for her son, Atlas. Or was it Spencer?

Jasmin signs, but there’s less..rage. More fondness. For a single, solitary moment, there’s a little bit of the old Jasmin in her eyes.

Jasmin: Atlas is his first name, Spencer is his middle name. Management asked me to use his middle name cause of that Atlas guy. It was kinda silly.

Jim: Jasmin, what would you say to your son after he watched what you did last week? Is this the example that you want to set for him? That in the face of injustice, the right thing to do is lash out and hurt people? That doesn’t feel like the Jasmin Kaffee who won the women’s championship. That doesn’t feel like the Jasmin Kaffee who said she was doing this for her son.

The silence that ensues is utterly deafening. Jim Black looks equally nervous, considering the fact that OCW officials have been getting assaulted left and right lately. However… Jasmin doesn’t lash out. There’s a deep, overwhelming sadness in every minute detail of her body language, and she turns to the camera, signing out a few words.

Jasmin: Atlas, Momma wants you to know that she loves you very much.

Jasmin: But she also wants you to know that you can't let people take advantage of you.

Jasmin: Please don't watch any more of this OCW stuff. I don't want you to see this.

Jim watches dispassionately as Jasmin finishes what seems to be a genuine, heartfelt plea, before looking behind him.

Jim: I think that's all the time we have, Jasmin. I appreciate you stopping in.

What was once a live and smelly place, bustling with talent, the Scumchester locker room, is now empty. Inside, is that familiar smell and the glimmer of the CCW Championship belt, guarded by its rightful holder Wrex.

Wrex’s focus is aimed straight at the television, as if waiting for something to happen, when suddenly his boy comes bursting through the locker room. After some time off, Luis Bishop returns to see his favorite coach but things aren’t exactly the same.

Bishop’s contagious excitement isn’t mirrored, nor is it met with a fake groan, instead Wrex reacts with nothing more than a brief glance and a lazy wave, most of his energy sapped from previous proceedings.

Bishop walks over to Wrex waving his hands in front of the TV when suddenly Wrex temporarily snaps out of it, becoming alert for a second before returning to his slouched position. This time he properly acknowledges Bishop.

Wrex: Finally made it back, huh kid? Place has been quiet without you.

Bishop takes a second to notice the eerie silence emanating from the room. A silence that is louder than the talking head on the television.

Bishop: Yeah, you don’t say…Anyways, It’s uhh good to be back.

Bishop: Now that me and Garcia are…settled, I can start to put the focus back on the right things.

Wrex: Gotta be honest, didn’t think walking into his type of environment would be your smartest move, but you did it.. And won.. That’s why you’re my favorite, Bishop.

Wrex: Though that’s.. Not the highest bar right now.

Bishop raises an eyebrow as Wrex continues.

Wrex: Samsin got kidnapped.. Or something, Garcia’s off doing whatever he does, Megan’s gone.

Wrex: Place is a mess..

Bishop cracks a smile as he sits down next to Wrex.

Bishop: Guess it’s just like the good ol’ days, just you and me.

Bishop: Except this time, you got that thing.

Bishop points down to the large CCW Championship belt as it peeks out of Wrex’s bag. Bishop’s eyes start to glisten.

Bishop: I’ve been here for a long time but I haven’t even gotten close to winning one of those.

Wrex chuckles, finally looking away from the screen again to address Luis.

Wrex: Keep going the way you are, and that’ll change. Lution’s around the corner, opportunity’s knocking, get in that ladder match, and anything you’d want is there for the taking… within’ reason.

Interrupting the sweet moment is the sudden buzz coming from Bishop’s pocket. Bishop pops up and takes his phone out of his pocket all in one motion.

Bishop: Welp, guess I better get going. I just got back and have a whole slew of people I need to see.

Bishop dashes for the door leaving Wrex only slightly confused as now, Wrex is able to go back to his favorite activity, doing nothing.

The wrestling locker room could be a sanctuary of camaraderie, a place where anticipation and adrenaline intermingled with sweat-soaked towels and the echoes of battle cries.

The OCW locker room on this particular evening was a different atmosphere as a sense of solitude pervaded the air. OWEN sat on a bench inside the locker room, his head bowed and hands gripping his cellular phone tightly.

The lingering scent of liniment and worn leather reminded him of the battles fought and the friendships forged within these walls.

With trembling fingers, he dialled James Fraser's number, one person who had been there for him, both inside and outside the ring since joining OCW.

As the phone rang, each tone reverberated through the locker room. He remained hopeful that James would answer, offering vindication that his current rival Colby McCallum was wrong.

But the call went to voicemail, and OWEN looked as though he was starting to understand the position he was in. The automated voice droned on, inviting him to leave a message after the tone.

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