We come back from commercial as we see Stacy Clark, seated in the middle of a decked out room with the “Clark Effect” banner in the middle. The camera pans over to the left revealing none other than El Parca. Parca is leaning back in a chair relaxed as Stacy begins the intro to the show.
Stacy: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to another installment of the Clark Effect. Today, my guest, an OCW Grand Slam Champion, former World Champion, and proclaimed Crowned Jewel of OCW, El Parca!
The piped in studio crowd applause begins as Parca smiles at Stacy.
Stacy: Parca, welcome to the show, thank you for joining me.
Parca: Thank you very much Stacy. I really appreciate it. It’s felt like an eternity since I’ve last been on here, feels good that’s for sure.
Stacy: You have had an interesting 2023 to say the least. We saw you return at Riot 600, regaining the championship you lost, and then the epic battle with Aisu after that. We all know your dilemmas and issues after that with KC Barrett, Aries, and Anthony Martin, how’s it been?
Parca: Honestly Stacy? It’s hard it really is. This year, and honestly a majority of 2022, were really hard for me in many ways. Injuries, mental struggles, burnout, and other things that don’t need to be said here.
Parca: When me and Aisu closed that chapter at Road 2 Glory it felt like my life started a new chapter. It felt like I was finally going to be able to try and start new, but clearly KC, A-Mart, Aries, and GSS refuse to see that happen.
Stacy: Speaking of GSS, you’ve been pretty entangled with them for the better half of six months, with the issues you previously stated how does that mix in with the GSS?
Parca let’s out a deep sigh and clasps his hands together rubbing his thumbs together.
Parca: It’s worsened some things but also helped others y’know? I’d be lying if I sat here and told you I didn’t learn anything from all of this so far. KC targeting me, Aries ruining my image of him, A-Mart betraying me.
Parca: It’s somethings that in reality I more than deserved. I just hate that Catriona, Dennis, and now Mark also got dragged into it. They didn’t deserve it but it showed me just how horrible I was back then as well.
Parca: See the thing is Stacy and I’ll be blunt here. I’ve been feeling burnt out for sometime, when you go at the pace that I’ve been going at in this company for almost five years? It really weighs you down. That break from early-to-mid December in 2022 to January was the longest time I’ve physically spent away from OCW.
He adjusts his position and grabs a nearby water bottle as he cracks the cap open and takes a sip of water. He puts the bottle down on the table as he continues on.
Parca: I honestly thought after I had the short return with Aisu I was going to probably go away again to be honest. My body at the time wasn’t truly 100%, but let’s be honest at this point? I don’t know how long I’d need to be gone to fully achieve that.
Stacy: Wow. Seeing and hearing you open up so much… I don’t think we’ve ever really seen this from you. In regards to the burnout part, if that’s the case then why stay? What’s keeping you here?
Parca: That’s a great question but a loaded question. Ya see, when Aries made the decision to come back at Lution and spoil one of my biggest moments? That really stung. Then he went and ruined another rising stars moment with Sheldon Tremblay, then he did it again by barely skating by and beating OWEN as well.
Parca: That’s why, this thing started with ME and Aries. So it has to be ME, who finishes this with him. If I’m being honest with you I don’t want the championship, I'm terrified of going back to that place when I did have that championship. It changes you, but for the betterment of OCW? I need to be the one who sends Aries back to the shadows.
Stacy: I’m sure you know but many men are going to try and stake their claim against Aries. Does this worry you at all? Considering even one of them could be your friend Mark Reese?
Parca takes a moment to process the question. He looks around absorbing the environment and taking it all in, thinking and choosing his words carefully.
Parca: I said it once, I’ll say it again and until my face is purple. Mark Reese is the World Champion that this company would be proud of and could carry OCW into the future. Once I’m done with Aries? I would love to have another clash in the ring with the big guy but this time it wouldn’t be a blood feud. It would be two best friends sharing the spotlight like we once used to do.
Parca: There’s a lot I have to think about and plan before I make any concrete decisions. But my mind and heart are at the mission at hand, getting rid of Aries from OCW. The man I once used to idolize and adore showed his true colors to me, he betrayed his family, he betrayed the company that made him, and he betrayed all the fans that cherished him throughout the years.
Parcas phone begins chiming and going off in his pocket. He slides it out of his pocket and looks down at his notifications. He abruptly stands up and looks at Stacy.
Parca: Apologies, pressing matter just came up, thank you so much for the time and opportunity to open up and lay stuff out. I hope we get to do this again sometime.
Parca quickly exits the view of the cameras as Stacy begins her outro.
Stacy: Well folks, a rare insight into the mind and man of El Parca, thanks for joining me and we will see you next time!
The camera fades to black as it cuts to commercial.
C-NOTE vs. WREX
We join back inside the Gym at the Equinox where many of New York City’s most aristocratic fitness enthusiasts go to convince themselves that they are bettering themself.
Among the crowd, one familiar face, Luis Bishop, fresh off his last loss on Riot at the hands of DNS, is looking to avenge himself on the dip bar.
However, Bishop is not the only familiar face inside the gym. A finely fitted suited man can be seen making his way through the crowd and as he gets closer to Luis it’s clear that the man is none other than the Manhattan Mogul, Dennis Dillinger.
DIllinger approaches Luis as he finishes his last rep for the set.
Dillinger: Now that’s what I like to see! The future of the industry, right here!
Bishop catches his breath for a sec before responding.
Bishop: Yeah man, just tryna work on all the rough edges.
Bishop: Friday’s match taught me a lot of things including there is certainly room for improvement.
Dillinger: Tch, of course there is room for improvement, but if you ask me, getting in league with that Independent maniac Cody Hagen has its consequences. No matter! The computer people are already over the hill while I’m staring at peak physical performance.
Bishop: You’re probably right, hopefully now BASH or his friends will leave me alone and allow us to focus on other things.
Dillinger: Actually, Luis… That’s why I’m here.
Bishop: What’re ya thinking?
Dillinger: I gotta tell you, Luis. Back in the 90s when I began my empire in New York, I never in a million years thought I’d find myself investing in professional wrestling, or any combat sport for that matter. You know, far too volatile.
Dillinger: But I’ve been here a while now. I’ve seen my fair share of stars and to be fair, I’ve had my fair share of misses in this business.
Bishop grabs a towel to wipe his hands as he listens intently to Dillinger.
Dillinger: Don’t get me wrong, you were THE Luis Bishop out there. The Grand Overseer of OCW. But…
Dillinger: This style you’re putting on might be too much.
Bishop finishes wiping his face and looks at his manager inquisitively.
Dillinger: I know you didn’t win the match, but honestly, I know now that winning matches is only half the battle. To truly be a star, you need consistency. Reliability.
Dillinger: So… About all these “frog splashes”... These, sprungthings, what do you call it… Bouncing off the ropes to attack your opponent?
Bishop drops the towel as he tries to work out what Dillinger is saying.
Bishop: What are you talking about? Are you asking me to tone down my offense?
Dillinger puts his hands up to try to appease the annoyed Bishop. He realizes now that maybe approaching him mid-workout wasn’t the best choice.
Dillinger: I wouldn’t put it like that. Look at me, right? I’m no athlete. Sure, I hit the gym regularly, but not like what you’re doing. Not now, not ever. Let’s be honest, this body of mine couldn’t handle it. That’s why I sign the contracts! Aha!!!
Dillinger: So please, don’t take this as me pretending I know what it’s like to be inside the ring with some of the top fighters in the world.
Dillinger: I’m just saying… Hear me out.
Dillinger: It’s all risk-reward, right? Maybe that extra 5 or 10 percent that dive took out of you was the difference? Maybe the reward you’ve been making your name off of turns to consequence at some point…
Bishop: I’m just so confused.
Dillinger: Luis… Trust me when I tell you, our agreement and relationship being kept quiet for the last 6 months had a risk-reward, too. You have to know that my constituents are not thrilled that I was not transparent about this whole thing.
Dillinger: But even still, I know you are everything I’ve said that you are. I know it. I’ve never been more confident. So please…
Dillinger: With that in mind, trust me when I tell you that I’ve seen this before.
Dillinger: Wrestlers that keep pushing themselves with this high-flying style? It doesn’t last. Injuries rack up. Accidents happen.
Dillinger: I’ve been standing side by side with a former world champion who has suffered his own fair share of injuries that he could have avoided with a little bit better…. Risk management, if you know what I mean.
Dillinger puts his hands back up defensively as Luis continues to stare dumbfounded at the consideration.
Dillinger: I’m not going to put you in any situation you’re not comfortable with. I’m going to be standing in the Bishop castle giving you any amount of support I can, no matter what. I’m just asking you to consider this. Consider your long-term career. You’re only getting started, Luis. d
Bishop reaches down to pick up his dropped towel, squeezing it in his hands and inspecting it before answering.
Bishop: I-I’ll think about it
Dillinger’s defensive demeanor soon turns to joy as his legs spring into action at the excitement of Bishop’s consideration.
Dillinger: Great, regardless, I already know I’m staring at a future world champion right now.
Dillinger eagerly shakes Bishop’s callused hands and starts to make his way out of the gym but not before leaving Luis with one final word.
Dillinger: When have I ever led you astray, my miracle boy?!
Bishop watches cautiously as the suited zealot quickly heads towards the door avoiding the many other gym-goers, leaving Bishop to continue his workout.
The following footage was recorded on Thursday afternoon:
We find ourselves outside of what appears to be a very busy mega-gym style complex. The reception is well kept, pricey looking would describe it best.
A soft close door opens, the noise trebling in volume as the gym sounds spill out. Through the door walls a red faced, tussle haired Sue Plex. Around her neck is a towel, embroidered with her initials.
The woman looks a little leaner, more noticeably in the face. She pauses and uses the towel to wipe her brow as the door clicks shut behind her, hushing the banging and clanging going on.
Sue: Jeez, I’m warmer than a kangaroo at a bonfire! Okay what’s next on the schedule…
Sue hangs her towel back round her neck and removes a phone from her leggings, to the delight of women everywhere they have pockets.
Sue: Okay says here… Shower… Well duh, then I have a personal one on one session with a life coach… I still can’t believe Terra spent all this money on this fancy pants support system for me.
Sue gives a happy little sigh and hugs herself.
Sue: Between all this and gettin’ on-board with her diet and nutrition plan I’ve never felt better! Even if Mark is a little sad he found out at the family barbecue.. Oh well, he’ll get over it! Now let’s get that shower.
Sue disappears for the locker room and some time passes, she eventually emerges looking more radiant, her hair tied up in a bun whilst it’s still drying. She smiles to the receptionist and asks for directions before going on her way.
Sue: Here it is!
She pauses in front of a door, the name plate reads “Aaron Reyes, Life Coach.” Confidently and with a smile Sue pushes the door open and steps into the classroom.
Sue: Mr Reyes? I’m you’re three o’clock… Is… This room is empty… Am I in the wrong place? Sue looks around the seemingly empty room as the door silently closes behind her. She looks around some more when suddenly Aries pops up from behind the lecturers font.
Aries: Dear daughter! I knew you’d come!
Sue pinches her nose in frustration.
Sue:Oh cheese and crackers, it’s you. It just has to be you… Aaron Reyes. Aries. I… That’s just offensively obviously if we’re being honest. Aries smiles.
Aries:I am the greatest life coach of all time! Aaron Reyes! I don’t know who this… Aries fellow you speak of is, but if he’s half as good as I am then you’ve came from good stock. Sue motions over her shoulder towards the door, looking uncomfortable.
Sue: I’m just going to… Make like a banana and split.
Aries: But don’t you want to know what brought you here?
Sue: My feet… My feet brought me here and with all due respect, you’re nuttier than a squirrel, so my feet are going to take me away from here.
Aries: A squirrel? Would a squirrel win 43 OCW World Heavyweight Championships? I don’t think so, Plexi. Now, over there! Grab a mat and let’s get started! We’re going to exercise the sadness out of you!
Sue: Sweetie, I’m sorry. That just sounds like workplace harassment.
Aries, with a perplexed look on his face, tosses his track jacket to the ground in anger.
Aries: Harassment?! ME?! THE TOP G?! That’s not very Top G if you, Plexi. You know what else isn’t very Top G of you? The fact that you mope around backstage. Ever since Lution. Ever since…well, you know.
Sue: She isn’t dead! You gosh darn goose!
Aries: Yeah, and neither was I, WINK WINK! Look, Plexi…I get it. She’s gone now. The world is worse off without her. I completely understand, but you’re wasting the potential inside of you.
Aries: Look at you! You have the makings of a varsity athlete! A future champion! Yet all I ever see you do … is lose. Do you really think Flower Power would want this for you?
Sue: Well—
Aries: OF COURSE NOT! She’d want you to go out there and be you. That positive, strong Plexi that everyone loves. The Top Plex!
Sue: I… I like the sound of that… And this gym is pretty nice… And the people are cuter than a baby rabbit in a sailor suit… But….
Aries: But?
Sue: Aren’t y’all… Sort of, kinda… Evil?
The Top G scoffs, no, howls with laughter at the notion of him being “evil”.
Aries: Evil? Plexi, I do what I can to get by. To get ahead, because in this life, that’s how you survive. If that makes the Top G evil, then I guess I’m the Lord of Flies. As long as you feel what you’re doing is right, then you’re right. Right?
Sue: …right??
Aries: EXACTLY!! Now, Top Plex…let’s get this session underway!
The champ gets down onto the ground into a push up position.
Aries: Come on now, don’t be shy. It’s time for some Tiger Bend Push ups!
Sue reluctantly gets on to the floor mat, going along with the weird Top G.
Aries: Now just follow me, Plexi!
As the Top G shows his tip top form, as Sue struggles to maintain her form.
Aries: Don’t worry, Plexi. All in due time! Keep going!
The two continue their exercise routine, with Aries slightly showing off. Although, Sue did think it was strange that he had someone named Stooge holding up his legs for him.
