The backstage area is dimly lit, the harsh fluorescent lights casting long shadows on the walls. Rory Miller paces back and forth in front of the camera, his jaw clenched and fists tightly balled.
His face is a storm of frustration and fury, the bruises from Claudio Stardom's brutal attack still visible. The tension in the room is palpable, a stark contrast to the usual backstage hustle and bustle.
Rory Miller stopping abruptly and glaring directly into the camera: Claudio, I have to admit, I have no idea what your problem was on Ambition. What upset you because I said I didn’t know who you are? Are we children?
Rory Miller: This is the type of ego you walk around with? I would’ve thought a former champion like yourself would’ve had more decorum.
Rory: Alas, you showed me and all these people your true colors by trying to swing down on a rookie who had his back turned to you.
Rory:
Well here’s the thing Claudio, I’m not scared of you, I’m not scared of these tactics. If you think this is gonna make me back down and cower? You’ve got the wrong guy pal.
The backstage area is quiet, with Rory Miller lost in thought, his back turned. Claudio Stardom emerges silently from the shadows, his movements deliberate and stealthy.
He approaches Rory with a predator’s grace, waiting for the perfect moment. As Rory finally turns around, Claudio is already upon him, catching him off guard with a sudden, powerful shove that sends Rory stumbling.
Claudio Stardom towering over Rory with a cold smirk: Surprise, Rory. Didn’t see that coming, did you? Maybe next time you’ll think twice before stirring up trouble. This is just a taste of what’s to come.
Claudio Stardom: Look at you down there, Rory. At the feet of The Tribal Cheeks where you belong. You’re pathetic! Just like every other one of these pitiful rookies around here.
Claudió’s eyes narrow as he cracks his knuckles and takes another step closer to Rory, trying to intimidate him
Claudio: But at least you can sleep well at night knowing I’ve personally chosen you to make an example out of.
Intensely staring at Rory, eyes locked in.
Claudio:
I think I’ll end your career here before it even gets going. Yeah, I like that idea.
OCW Security overhear this scuffle going on as they begin to run at Claudio and Rory. Claudio noticing this takes a step back and sighs knowing he won’t be able to get his hands on Rory just yet.
While security eventually gets over to both men and physically separating them, Rory stands up and brushes himself off.
Rory: Once again, you’re not scaring me. You’re deflecting and scared to face your true self Claudio. But if I’m your target? Then so be it, but here’s a hint of advice Tribal Cheeks. You better swing hard and swing fast, because if you don’t put me out?
Rory walks closer to Claudio who is seen smirking from seeing the anger in Rory’s eyes. The security guards begin pushing both men back as Rory finally stands his ground staring at Claudio.
Rory: I’m not gonna go away. I’m not gonna give you the benefit of thinking you can take me out so easily. I’m gonna sit here and make you regret trying to pick on the next generation of wrestlers. You should’ve been a mentor, a guiding light, someone to aspire to be.
Rory: But instead? You’re just an angry man who’s a shell of his former self. You caused your own downfall, but I promise you I’ll finish it whether I survive it or not.
Claudió winces a tad bit at the passionate words coming from Rory. A low blow in Claudió’s eyes that he’s too used to hearing as of late.
Claudió bucks up his chest even more and goes to lunge at Rory, but Security is quick on the draw, stopping him. He huffs and puffs. Claudió gives the security guards a warning look before slowly “cooling” himself down.
Knowing where getting physical with staff has gotten him, Claudió slowly begins to walk away. A maniacal laugh begins to escape him as he backs out of the room, eyes locked on Rory the entire time.
Claudió Stardom: You’re going to regret this day, young buck. The day you stepped to the Tribal Cheeks is the day your career in OCW has begun to die.
After dropping that ominous statement, Claudió slams the steel door shut with force while making his exit, almost knocking it right off the hinges. Security jump at the loud bang before checking on Rory again.
He assures them he’s perfectly fine as the scene fades out on a disgruntled Rory Miller staring at the broken door.
ROOKIE CHALLENGE
GABRIEL VINCENT vs. C-NOTE
Backstage we see the reigning Undisputed OCW Tag Team Champions, Mass Effect, sitting on top of a large equipment crate, shining up their title belts. The muscle bound champs are all smiles as they check themselves out on the reflective surface of their championships.
As the two continue to cut up, RyVaughn spots the Iceman Nate Mac doing some banded exercises in a nearby corner of the corridor. He taps Devon Flash and gives the signal to him. The champions get up, grab their title belts, and arrogantly stride over to Iceman.
As Mass Effect approaches him, Nate Mac stops what he’s doing, raises an eyebrow, and cocks his head. The tag champions put their hands up signaling peace.
RyVaughn: We’re not here to start anything with you, Mac. We’re really not. We’re actually here to offer you some good news, and throw you a bone.
Mac’s eyes narrow at RyVaughn tensely.
RyVaughn: Oof, bad choice of words. My bad brother. But naw, seriously, we’ve seen what you’ve been going through with that hoe wife of yours and we feel for you man.
Devon Flash: We do, bruh. You whooped the Dawg’s ass last week in the main event. Had that motherfucka leaking. You were out for blood! Literally. You should’ve won, man.
RyVaughn: Facts. And we respect that aggression Mac. That’s why we have an offer for you. We need one more team for our Muscle Juice #1 contenders battle royal.
Devon Flash: Yeah and so if you’re down and can find yourself a partner we’d be happy to give that spot to you and a teammate of your choosing. What do you say!? I think it’s time Iceman had some gold around his waist again! See, we’re not that big of assholes.
Ry & Dev stand there arms folded while grinning. Not quite sure how to read Iceman. After a few moments Iceman finally responds to Mass Effect’s proposal.
Iceman Nate Mac: You know what fellas, I’ll take you up on that offer. I got just the person in mind too, dig it.
Iceman begins to walk away, but stops and turns back to Mass Effect.
Iceman Nate Mac : Oh, don’t take it too personally when me and my partner take them titles from you. If we weren't friends anymore, I just don't know if I could bear it. Dig it…See you soon.
RyVaughn and Devon scoff as Iceman makes his exit. The champs turn to each other.
RyVaughn: That man is so defeated. I hope he wins. That would be extra light work. Besides who is he gonna get anyways?! Tired ass Tre Golden..
Devon Flash: LIGHT WORK!
RyVaughn: Anyways. Come on, let’s go get into some good trouble. I had production inform the teams to meet us out in the ring.
Devon Flash: My man. Time to stunt on these bozos.
Mass Effect laughs as they walk away with something up their sleeves. The scene fades on the boastful champs walking off into the distance.
