We fade into the quiet halls of the backstage area, as it pans around for a moment.
Suddenly, extremely dramatic music plays over the sight of two pairs of luxury business shoes clicking against the concrete below.
One pair belongs to a man, who is wearing tight pinstripe pants that stop just above his ankle, and is not wearing socks.
The other pair belong to a woman, her businesswoman pumps walking in unison with the other pair.
The sound of clicking stops as the camera pans up slightly, to see both individuals carrying briefcases. They aggressively swing open a door and place their briefcases on the dimly lit table. As they take their seats, we see the two are OCW General Managers Kumiko Sensation & RYU Matsumoto.
They are both wearing thin clear glasses. Spider dramatically unlocks and opens his briefcase.
RYU: One second… I didn’t notice you guys there
Spider reaches down and pulls his shoes off, placing his shoes inside the briefcase and shutting closing it back.
RYU: That’s better.
EMP: Let’s get down to business, shall we? Now, you asked us to meet you in this secret location in order to discuss this issue. So tell me, why do you think you deserve a World Tag Team Championship match?
EMP leans forward, bringing her head into the dim lighting hanging above the table.
EMP: The silent treatment, eh?
RYU: Actually, I think we might be in the wrong room.
The camera pans over to see Ted sitting in a small chair on the other side of the table, his hands tied behind his back and his mouth covered with duct-tape.
EMP: OR. This is his negotiation tactic. Sometimes you gotta get rough with them.
Empress reaches across the table and tears the duct-tape off of his mouth.
EMP: TELL US THE TRUTH!
Ted: Can you just untie me already? My hands are starting to hurt.
EMP turns to look at Spider with a curious look. The camera dramatically zooms into his face.
RYU: Hah, we have ourselves a regular mastermind here, a STEEL TRAP.
A hand raises from below, as he rubs his chin in deep thought. After a moment, another hand reaches up to rub the other part of his chin. Then another. Spider has reached such a deep investigative headspace that he has 6 hands rubbing his chin in deep thought. What an incredible leader and thinker.
EMP: I think I know where to find them.
Spider looks back at Empress with a doubtful face.
RYU: I’m pretty doubtful, but I hope it's in catering.
EMP: Oh, right. Hang on.
She looks above her head as a lightbulb randomly appears and flickers on, indicating she does have an idea.
RYU: Aha!
The two get up and nod to one another as they collect their briefcases and exit the room.
Ted: Wait a second! I did what you asked, YOU CAN’T JUST LEAVE ME IN HERE-
His voice is cut off as the door shuts behind him. Spider and Emp walk away as a hooded figure bearing the insignia of Kasstianity peeks from behind a nearby corner.
TO BE CONTINUED
TURMOIL BLOCK - ROUND 1
ASHLEY MOORE vs. MARISA
Earlier tonight
We cut backstage to see a clip from earlier in the day, as OCW North American Champion Viktor Karmine was entering the arena. The Who steps in through the parking garage entrance and removes his headphones, sliding them in a zipper pocket of his bag.
As he does, he’s approached by a few OCW crew members and a tame looking Jim Black who is also arriving at the same time.
Karmine: Heya, Jim!
Jim Black: Viktor! Great to see you, buddy.
Karmine: Everything good with the family?
Jim Black: Oh, you know it! Living the dream. The wife and I are planning a trip to Costa Rica soon.
Karmine: Damn, JB! I might need to talk to your agent and get me that Jim Black money!
Jim Black: Ahh, well I do alright. Loyalty does pay off sometimes, you know? .
Karmine: Well hey, I won’t keep you. Would hate to have the powers that be coming after you for being held up, right? That Emp… Sorry, Mrs. Sensation - can be a real stickler.
Jim Black: I plead the fifth on that one my friend, but hey I’ll see you around.
Karmine waves to Jim after a pleasant encounter as his phone rings, he happily answers it but stops in his tracks.
Viktor’s smile fades as he stops walking, listening intently to the other side of the call.
He turns his head to the camera crew following him and pulls his phone away from his ear to put it on speaker.
The sound of a ticking clock plays on his phone’s speaker.
Karmine: Who is this?
A very scratchy, deep voice that’s clearly being modified to conceal the voice of the speaker, plays over the ticking clock sound.
???: Good evening, Champ. I'd love to get your thoughts about my message last week.
Karmine: Absolutely, and I’d love to give you my feedback face to face. Where can we meet?
???: Well, if it's my choice, someplace comfortable for me… Maybe not so much for you.
Karmine scoffs and starts looking around his immediate area to see if he can see anyone, to no avail.
Karmine: What’s the plan? Attack me in the parking lot? Beat me with a weapon? I’ve been through this before, you’re not that original pal.
???: Heh… Nah, that ain't really my style anymore, Vik.
Karmine: And why should I believe that?
???: Well, if I was lying, you would've been laid out already.
???: Trust and believe, when we meet again, you'll see it coming.
Viktor’s eyes snap back to his phone as he hears that.
Karmine: What did you say? Again?
???: When the smoke clears, and the words “And new… North American Champion” ring through the arena, I don't want there to be any excuses.
Karmine: You said “again”. Who are you?
???: Time's almost up. See you soon.
Karmine: HEY!
Click.
Karmine stares at the phone screen for a moment, watching the “call ended” notification flash on the front before it fades back to the home screen.
The camera gets a closer look at Karmine’s anxious expression as we fade back to ringside.
