Chain Reaction Roleplay Thread!

[Stalker]

Everyone post your roleplays here for IWF's first ever Chain Reaction.

Card line up will be announced ON the card.

Feel free to trash talk, call people out, generate heat or whatever you wish.

Remember 2k word count on the roleplays with a 2 rp limit!

Have fun!

Roleplay Deadline: November 13th, 11:59pm central time.

 

[John Doe]

Perfect

FADE IN...

[A man wearing a tight Express polo, washed jeans and a pair of black dress shoes. Hair black down to his shoulders and a pair of shades sitting on his face. He stands against an IWF Chain Reaction backdrop, hands sitting on his sides. He is tall, dark, handsome, toned.]

Perfection: Dear, sweet, Settle, Washington. A place of women, rain...

And me...Perfection.

Glitz, glamor, style, looks. Street to street, town to town, country to country. I am the finest of specimen.

Men yearn to be me.

Women flock to be with me.

And that is the modest end of the stick.

[Perfection shakes his head as the camera slows his hair taken by the wind.]

Perfection: And the wrestling, well, if I made it look any better Armani would do fashion shows in rings.

Souley based on this.

Chain Reaction, heh.

This is a chain reaction, this body.

These eyes.

[He deepens his voice slightly]

My dazzling voice.

This is what people long to be, and what people long to see.

Sperm quiver in the balls of men because of my sheer alpha presence.

So, when it comes to ten thousand dollars, who else would the fans pick as a top performer.

Top in looks.

Top in style.

Top in...bed.

And the world, the world is my literal oyster to crack.

[Perfection puts his thumb, pointer finger, and middle finger together to his lips kissing them and extending his arm out]

Delicious.

Even my teeth are perfect.

[A large smile in which the camera zooms in on a perfect set of white teeth.]

Perfection: And when we wrestle, get in that ring and square off, note my grace. Because none have been like me, none will be like me.

Simply.....perfect.

FADEOUT

 

[RStrawsma]

The Place Is Here, The Time Is Now

OOC: I dare you to word count this promo... (minus this message, of course)

(The shot opens up within the Dojo, a recently renovated gym and wrestling school situated in downtown Seattle. It’s midday, and we can see through the large windows on the back wall that the standard gloomy overcast that typically hangs over the Pacific Northwest hasn’t yet set in. The large room is filled with the sound of heavy breathing, bodies hitting a mat, trainers barking insight, and heavy metal squawking out of a stereo in the corner.)

(Standing before the camera is IWF’s own field reporter, the lovely GAIL MARTIN. At 38 years young, she still looks remarkably well for age, outside of slight crow’s feet around her eyes. Her pretty smile hasn’t lost a bit of its luster since the last time she appeared on camera, some ten years ago before the closure of the erstwhile Insanity Wrestling Federation.)

Gail Martin
Good afternoon, citizens of Seattle and wrestling fans across world! My name is Gail Martin, and in the coming months, I will be the one bringing all of you out there exclusive coverage on the latest news and happenings within International Wrestling Federation!

I’m here today at the gymnasium and wrestling school known as “The Dojo”, owned and operated by multi-time former World Champion and Seattle’s own local professional wrestling legend, “The Undying” Rocko Daymon. Rumor has it that one of the competitors scheduled to appear at IWF’s premiere event, CHAIN REACTION, is in fact a student of this facility.

Not much is known of this new and upcoming talent, other than his name is Kerry Kuroyama.... so let’s see if this young man is present today so that we may learn more about him.

(Gail turns from the camera and goes to the ring, where a couple of students are in the process of a quick sparring match. Standing on the outside and watching their progress is one of the Dojo’s trainers, FRANK ARES. She gives him a polite and hopefully non-intrusive tap on the back, turning his attention from the ring to the reporter.)

Gail Martin
Excuse me, sir, sorry to bother you... I was wondering if you could help me find someone.

(Completely bald and bearing the scars of bloody battles long forgotten, Frank is the physical testament to late nineties hardcore wrestling, which has since fallen out of style. Besides a brief and controversial stint in Empire Pro wrestling under the name “Clapper”, he never gained major exposure industry, but has diligently worked these past years as Rocko Daymon’s training partner, and now as a teacher to the next generation of professional wrestlers. He notices the microphone and the camera, and immediately knows what’s up.)

Frank Ares
Reporter, huh? If you’re looking for Rocko, he’s not here right now... and I doubt he’s interested in talking.

Gail Martin
Oh, sorry... I was actually inquiring about Kerry Kuroyama. Is he here today, and would he be available for a quick interview?

(Frank smiles and nods.)

Frank Ares
Kerry? Yeah, he’s here. You can have him in just a minute...

(He gestures to the ring, and both Gail and the cameraman look to the two sparring athletes. The world gets its first look at KERRY KUROYAMA, clad in green trunks and protective wrestling gear, engaged in a collar-and-elbow tie-up with another student. The struggle goes on for another moment before Kuroyama’s opponent slips behind for a rear waistlock.)

Frank Ares
Watch closely...

(Kerry stalls for a moment before reversing the hold and putting his opponent in a waistlock of his own. He follows through by lifting him up and slamming him back to the mat with a well-executed German Suplex, and without a moment’s hesitation quickly transitions over the shoulder and slaps a Fujiwara armbar. The other student promptly taps him on the leg, and they break it up.)

Frank Ares
See that? That’s exactly what we’re trying to produce here at the Dojo. No flair, no frills... just pure wrestling spirit. And let me tell you, I’ve seen a lot of athletes in my years... but this kid has a natural talent like you wouldn’t believe. It was like he was BORN for this sport...

(Kuroyama helps his fellow student off the mat and the two exchange a respectful handshake before they exit the ring. Kerry strips off his head-gear as he joins up with Gail and Frank, the latter of whom hands him a towel to wipe the sweat off his forehead.)

Frank Ares
Nice job in there, Kerry. You definitely got the chain system down. I’d say you’re ready for the real deal.

Kerry Kuroyama
Thanks, Frank...

Frank Ares
The fed sent somebody to talk to you. Guess it’s time to pop your camera-time cherry and show this world what you can do on the stick. Try not to make us look like a bunch of dumbasses; I’ll catch up with you later.

Kerry Kuroyama
Heh, right on, Frank. I won’t let you down.

(Ares pats him on the shoulder before leaving him to the reporter to share some supportive words with Kuroyama’s opponent. Gail meets the young man with a polite smile.)

Gail Martin
Hello, Kerry... pleasure to meet you. Allow me to introduce myself...

Kerry Kuroyama
No introduction necessary. I know who you are, Miss Gail Martin, and the pleasure is all mine.

(Kerry shakes her hand and gives her a respectful bow of the head, while Gail looks slightly astonished that anybody would recognize her.)

Gail Martin
Oh my! You already know who I am?

Kerry Kuroyama
Of course I do. It may have a new name, a new image, and a new owner, but the people of Seattle haven’t yet forgotten that there was once an INSANITY Wrestling Federation many years ago. Good to see a few familiar faces from the old product have come back for the new era.

Gail Martin
I wasn’t aware anybody even remembered Insanity Wrestling Federation. After all, it’s been so long since it folded...

Kerry Kuroyama
Ten years, if I’m not mistaken. But yes, some of us still remember growing up watching guys like Razmataz, Redbeard, and the StarMakers tear each other up in those infamous Hardcore Hell matches. Its time may have been short-lived... but all the same, IWF was kind of a big deal for this city while it was up and running.

Gail Martin
Thank you... I find that very flattering. I had no idea we had that kind of presence back then.

(Kerry abruptly shakes his head and apologetically holds up his hands.)

Kerry Kuroyama
Ah, but excuse me... you didn’t come down here today to talk about the old days. Why waste our time looking into the past when there’s so much to look forward to? What’s important now is that IWF is BACK, new and improved for the modern era of professional wrestling, and a lot of the guys here at the Dojo are feeling inspired to give this city something else to remember for another ten years. Professional wrestling has come back to the Emerald City, and we feel like we’re living in the perfect time and place to build something new and exciting in this sport.

Gail Martin
Well, it’s good to see that many young athletes are taking an avid interest in IWF’s return. But tell me, Kerry... what do you mean by working toward “something new and exciting”? What can the fans expect from you as you take to the ring at Chain Reaction?

(He shrugs.)

Kerry Kuroyama
Unfortunately, Gail, I can’t predict the future. All I can promise is that when I step through those ropes for my professional wrestling debut at the Moss Bay Events Center here in a couple weeks, I will compete with an absolute conviction to the sport, and an unwavering dedication toward entertaining my hometown fans. I’m not in this for fame or fortune or anything like that... I just want to make enough of an impact in that ring so that the entire world takes notice and realizes that the fine athletes we have here at the Dojo are paving the way to a new evolution of professional wrestling.

Gail Martin
A “new evolution”?

Kerry Kuroyama
That’s right. Here at the Dojo, we’re doing more than just learning basic suplexes and armlocks. We’re intending to take this sport to the next level.

Gail Martin
Revolutionizing professional wrestling? I must say, that’s quite a bold statement, Kerry.

Kerry Kuroyama
And it’s a bold mission, Gail... but the fact of the matter is that we have a lot going on for us.

After all, we have the guidance and leadership of one of the most renown and respected former World Champions -- the Legend, the Myth, the MAN that is “The Undying” Rocko Daymon. He’s been everywhere and seen everything this industry has to offer, and that knowledge is being passed down. I’ve learned much from our Iemoto, and I’m certain there is much more to learn... but even now, having yet to participate in a single professional match, I can state with all certainty that I am confident in my ability to handle whatever and whoever stands across from me in that ring.

On top of that, I can attest that every man in this building -- myself included -- has the drive and the desire to set a new standard of professional wrestling. As fate would have it, the International Wrestling Federation came to be right here in our own backyard of Seattle. It may be small starting off, but we intend to change that after the world sees the unique brand of wrestling this federation has to offer over other companies out there.

Gail Martin
So what exactly makes your brand of professional wrestling “unique”? What sets it apart from, say, the Mexican high-flying style of lucha libre, or the reckless abandon of extreme wrestling, or just old-school classic technical wrestling?

Kerry Kuroyama
Well, Gail... all styles of wrestling have their own strengths and weaknesses. What we’re learning here at the Dojo is to take all the strong parts of various styles to create a hybrid form of wrestling; a no-nonsense method of hand-to-hand combat designed to debilitate and subdue the opponent in the most straightforward manner possible.

Our system implements any manner of strikes, submissions, slams, or holds into long and sometimes complex chains of maneuvers that would render any opponent incapable of gaining ground. Any single move can give way to a multitude of other options. Anticipation is key, as well as thinking two or three moves ahead. The possibilities are endless, but the point is... the other guy isn’t going to know what’s coming to him.

We also don’t believe in flashy antics or showboating. Our underlying goal is always to win the match, and nothing should distract from that. This is not to say that we don’t believe in entertaining the fans... but it could be said that we set out to INSPIRE, rather than entertain.

Gail Martin
Sounds very interesting. I’m sure many out there can’t wait to see this new hybrid style of wrestling in action when you step into the ring at Chain Reaction. Anyway, I should probably stop distracting you from your training...

Kerry Kuroyama
Not a problem, Gail. Thank you for coming by today.

Gail Martin
And thank you for your time!

(Kerry respectfully nods to the reporter and leaves to rejoin Frank Ares beside the ring, leaving Gail to herself with the camera.)

Gail Martin
Well, there you have it, ladies and gentlemen... Kerry Kuroyama is determined to spearhead a new movement in professional wrestling, and we’re lucky that the International Wrestling Federation will serve as the platform as he embarks on what we hope will be a very accomplished career!

Once again, I’m Gail Martin. Don’t forget to join us November 18th for CHAIN REACTION, coming to you LIVE from the Moss Bay Events Center, where you will see this man and many others in action! We’ll see you there!

(Fade to black.)

 

[BWade]

No Place Like Home, Part I

After a month in Texas and two years in Mexico; it was good to be home. Never mind that the dusty road worn greyhound arrived to an absent fan base, or that the friend and/or family attendance was at a, proverbial, all time low. These things mattered not to a home sick, soon to be, 21 year old failed professional wrestler. It was just good to be home, even if it was raining.

The trip from the bus station on Stewart Street to South Park wasn’t far but after the insufferable bus ride from Texas; Scott’s stiff joints made walking the least desirable option. A short cab ride would drop him, only slight moments from the domicile of his formative years, in front of the areas most frequented corner grocery.

Scott stops in for a cold drink and most likely a pack of cigarettes.

The bell fastened to the top of the door jingles as Scott walks into what feels like a time warp. His time away, in the grand scheme of things, wasn’t the longest journey in the history of wayward sons but nostalgia has a tendency to place tricks on the minds of men. Over crowded shelves, out of date products, scuffed tiled floors, a hint of some disinfectant merged with the incense display up by the counter, a thirteen inch television blaring some intolerable basic cable day time television show, and of course the old man behind the counter who appeared to be more of a card board cut out of himself than a real person.

“Afternoon …” Scott muttered as he entered the dilapidated store. He did not receive any reciprocal pleasantries.

Scott snatched a soda from the coolers at the rear of the store and reported to the counter to retrieve the rest of his required transaction.

“… dollar twenty five” the shop keep barked with out ever turning away from his zombie like gaze affixed to the small television set.

Scott reached for his money.

“I need a pack of Newport’s; in a box.” He stated while rifling threw the singles and coins in the depths of his tattered denim.

“Shorts?” the old man questioned while reaching just above his head for the cigarette rack. Scott responded positively and the small box was deposited on the counter slightly askew from the existing soda bottle. “Those will kill you son… eight fifty.”

Scott chuckles slightly as he lays the bills down on the counter and returns to his pocket for the change. A poster hanging from the counter just behind the old push button register catches his attention. Counting out the fifty cent, in dimes and nickels, he asks “IWF?”

The shop keep finally breaks away from his television program to collect and divvy up the legal tender in the cash drawer by its respective bill and coin type, “… pro’ wrestling fan?”

“… Life long,” Scott replies; clearly sparking the old mans interests. Slightly, but at least enough to be granted some eye contact … albeit post transaction.

“Wait, you’re...” the shop keep stumbles over his thought as he slams the cash drawer shut inciting a slight ring of the registers bell. “Nate … uh, Nate Daniels?” he asks.

Being recognized stuns Scott a bit and his response, although prompt, lacks its normal vocal presence and firmness. “Nate Douglas, well Scott …” he responds before being interrupted.

“Nate Douglas … that’s right. Douglas. You were smaller then. I saw you a few times down at the South Park community center. You weren't half bad.” the old man remembered. “What the hell happened?”

Scott, not sure whether to feel insulted or proud, responds politely, “well, there wasn’t much money around here, and I had an opportunity to go to Texas, which eventually landed me in …”

“Texas? Never mind that, so your back now I take it?” the old man interrupts.

“Yes sir, going to put the business behind me and try to start over” Scott pauses “… before it’s too late.”

Clearly displeased; the old man replies indignantly, “No, no, no … This IWF deal is supposed to be the next big thing in Seattle. You got to get on board son! You had something.” Shaking his head he punctuates his recently thrusted opinion, “… no way you lost it already.”

Scott attempts to offer a rebuttal, “well I don’t …”

“You don’t what? Know? You’re young son … you don’t know anything. Except how to put on a show. I saw that for myself. Don’t cheat yourself boy, take that flyer with you. Chasing dreams is a young man’s game, do it while you still can.” The shop keep lectured.

Scott retrieved his soda and cigarettes from the counter and turned to leave. “I’ll keep that in mind ...”

“Well, you better!” the man behind the counter calls out to Scott as he exits the door with a jingle of the bell and a click of the old warped door frame.

It was still good to be home.

 

[RStrawsma]

IWF's The Fuse (Ep. 1)

(CUE UP: “Mind the Drift” by Big Business.)

(The shot opens up on an ordinary fibrous cord sitting by itself along a black background. Off camera, we hear something like a match being struck... and a small flame is soon carried into the frame by a disembodied hand. As it touches the cord, a sparkling and fast-burning orb of flame forms and works its way down the length of the thread. In the next shot, as the fire passes by, it reveals a set of words hanging overhead...)

International Wrestling Federation Presents...

THE FUSE​

(We cut to a studio. The camera slowly tracks in on two silhouetted figures sitting behind a broadcast table. The music fades out as the studio lights come up, AARON CREED and TERRY “THE IDOL” ANDERSON are sitting there with million-dollar smiles and a large flatscreen behind them, currently showing the new and pimped-out IWF logo.)

Aaron Creed
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the official International Wrestling Federation hype show -- THE FUSE, coming to you LIVE from our studio in Seattle, Washington! In case you don’t know me yet, my name is Aaron Creed, and with me is my regular partner in crime...

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
Terry “THE IDOL” Anderson!!

Aaron Creed
...and we are the IWF commentary team!

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
Aaron, you ugly son of a b*tch... it feels good to be BACK behind the table after all these years!

Aaron Creed
For once, Terry, I can agree with you on something! But forging on... IWF has returned with a new generation of professional wrestlers, and its premiere wrestling showcase -- CHAIN REACTION -- is just a short while away!

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
Oh man, I’m so excited I could PEE!!

Aaron Creed
On tonight’s program, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the talent scheduled to appear at the event!

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
Tell the peeps just who they can looking forward to seein’, Aaron!

(Creed hits a button the table. On the screen appears ERIK MATEO.)

Aaron Creed
For one, we can expect an appearance by this man, ERIK MATEO...

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
Hell of a talent from my hometown of Las Vegas, and the last man to be LVW Champion, if I recall correctly!

(Creed hits the button again and the image fades to SCOTT DOUGLAS.)

Aaron Creed
Recently signed hometown talent, SCOTT DOUGLAS...

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
Also known as “Sup Pop Scott!"

(Creed hits the button again and the image fades to MARY-LYNN MAYWEATHER.)

Aaron Creed
Here’s someone some of you fans might recognize from appearances in New Frontier and Empire Pro, MARY-LYNN MAYWEATHER...

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
WHOA, MAMA!! Bang my gavel and put my in CONTEMPT, judge, cause this law-chick is SMOKIN’!

(Creed visibly rolls his eyes as he cues the next image, and PERFECTION appears on the screen.)

Aaron Creed
Here’s another new talent scheduled to appear. He goes by the name PERFECTION, and appears to think pretty highly of himself!

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
And based on the way he talks, I’d say he’s probably spot on! Can we get a clip of those comments from earlier in the week?

(Creed hits another button, and we get a quick highlight from Perfection’s promo.)

Perfection
This is what people long to be, and what people long to see. Sperm quiver in the balls of men because of my sheer alpha presence. So, when it comes to ten thousand dollars, who else would the fans pick as a top performer?

Top in looks. Top in style. Top in... bed. And the world, the world is my literal oyster to crack.

(The highlight fades to the IWF logo as Terry slaps the table.)

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
Hell yeah, Perfection! You CRACK that oyster!

I tell you, Aaron, I see a man in him that could potentially LEAD this company in the right direction!

Aaron Creed
If you ask me, it seems a little bold for someone to boast complete and absolute perfection in every aspect of life! I mean... NOBODY is really perfect.

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
Except Perfection!

Aaron Creed
Bah... and just what makes you think that?

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
He just SAID it, of course!

Aaron Creed
Do you just assume when people say something, it’s automatically true no matter what?!

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
Well, DUH!! See, Aaron... I put a little-known thing called TRUST into certain people when I recognize they have the right qualities! I’ve lived by that philosophy my entire life, and LOOK at me!

(He puts a couple thumbs to his chest and flashes a daring smile to the camera, spreading many creases across his orange and aged face.)

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
I mean, I’m a BADASS! I’m a SEXUAL MAVEN, Aaron! I’m “THE IDOL”!!

Aaron Creed
Whatever, Terry... in any case, Perfection wasn’t the only man to get some comments out there in the past week. We also heard from another hometown talent... KERRY KUROYAMA, straight out of Rocko Daymon’s Seattle wrestling school, the Dojo! Let’s hear a bit of what he had to say...

(Creed hits the replay button on his table to bring up a clip of KERRY KUROYAMA.)

Kerry Kuroyama
All I can promise is that when I step through those ropes for my professional wrestling debut at the Moss Bay Events Center here in a couple weeks, I will compete with an absolute conviction to the sport, and an unwavering dedication toward entertaining my hometown fans. I’m not in this for fame or fortune or anything like that... I just want to make enough of an impact in that ring so that the entire world takes notice and realizes that the fine athletes we have here at the Dojo are paving the way to a new evolution of professional wrestling.

(As the image returns to the IWF logo, Terry Anderson is shaking his head.)

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
Man, listen to the nerve of this guy!

Aaron Creed
What are you talking about?

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
“New evolution of professional wrestling?” I can’t believe the AUDACITY of this kid to say something like that! What is he... sixteen? Not even yet weaned off momma’s teats, and he’s already strutting around talking like he’s going to change this entire sport from the ground up!

Aaron Creed
Relax, Terry...

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
No, Aaron, I’m not going to stand for it! I put in many good years into this business... I had a lot of epic matches, and banged a lot of sleazy chicks afterwards... but whenever I was in that ring, shakin’ my THANG and bustin’ out CHICKEN-W’ANGS, never ONCE did I believe I was above this sport!

Above the goobers that come out to the shows, maybe... but DEFINITELY not above the sport!

You want to see the REAL evolution of professional wrestling, Aaron? Here, I’ll show you...

(Anderson reaches over and hits a different button on Creed’s console. The flatscreen begins showing b-roll footage of STEPHEN WALTZ working out in a training facility.)

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
Forget about the punk Rocko trained... THIS MAN was trained by yours truly... “THE IDOL” himself! You’re looking at the TRUE evolution right there! The last man to carry the GXW Television Title... “THE FALLEN ANGEL” STEPHEN WALTZ!!

Aaron Creed
Stephen Waltz? He still WRESTLES?

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
Never stopped, last I checked!

Aaron Creed
I thought he broke his hip in an automobile accident back in 2004, while he was signed to Empire Pro...

Terry “The Idol” Anderon
A tragic accident, but nevertheless, a thing of the past! After a HEROIC and COURAGEOUS recovery, my boy Steph-O is ready to get back between those ropes and start suplexin’ people on their heads!

Aaron Creed
And you think he’s the “new evolution” of this sport?

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
Well maybe I wouldn’t go THAT far, but I bet you anything he’s better than that Kick-Yo-Mama or whatever the hell his name is! What’s your wager, Aaron?

Aaron Creed
Nothing, I --

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
COME ON, Aaron! Fifty bucks? Double or nothing?

Aaron Creed
I thought we talked about your gambling problem!

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
Ah, you wet blanket... I can’t count on you for anything.

Aaron Creed
Anyway, should we expect “The Fallen Angel” Stephen Waltz to make his presumably highly-anticipated return at Chain Reaction?

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
Not only will Stephen be there, but I have a good feeling he’ll personally be wanting to teach that Kerry Kucomonga a lesson in respect for the generations of wrestlers that came before him! Wrestlers like ME... “THE IDOL”!

Aaron Creed
So you’re saying right now that you want to see Kerry Kuroyama make his debut in the ring against your wrestling prodigy, “The Fallen Angel” Stephen Waltz, at Chain Reaction?

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
That’s EXACTLY what I’m saying, Aaron! I mean, the matches haven’t been set as of right now, but if Commissioner Art Mori was out there listening right now...

Aaron Creed
He is, Terry. In fact, he’s right there off-stage, looking at you...

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
Oh, RIGHT... hey, Art, how’s it going?

Anyway, since you’re here listening right now, you should DEFINITELY book my boy Waltz in the ring with that Dojo punk! Give these fans a REAL beatdown to watch!

Aaron Creed
I’m sure he’ll keep it under consideration... but right now, Art is giving us the sign to cut it. Looks like we may be a bit over time.

Terry “The Idol” Anderson
WAIT A SEC... I didn’t get a chance to shill my new BOOK!

Aaron Creed
Looks like it will have to wait for next time, Terry. Anyway, ladies and gentlemen... don’t forget to join us at Chain Reaction, where we will see Kerry Kuroyama, Stephen Waltz, and many others in action! International Wrestling Federation is going to kick things off with a BANG, so don’t miss it!

For Terry “The Idol” Anderson, I’m Aaron Creed... and thank you for joining us here on THE FUSE! We’ll see you again at the Moss Bay Event Center for CHAIN REACTION!

(The outtro to “Mind the Drift” begins playing again as the studio lights come down and the camera tracks backwards. Soon after, we fade to black.)

 

[BWade]

No Place Like Home, Part II (Fatherly Advice)

The South Park neighborhood of Seattle had been going threw a bit of a transition over the past few years. Some might call it gentrification … others beatification. Either way; less fortunate people were slowly being displaced to make way for condominiums and over priced juice bars in Seattle’s, traditionally, poorest neighborhood.

Strangely enough, Scott’s street hadn’t changed much.

The walk from the corner store to Scott’s parent’s home was of short distance and before he could smoke a whole cigarette he was at the front door of there two story walk up. Scott flicked the remainder of his vice into the street and opened the door.

At the top of the stairs, Scott knocked and anticipated the jubilation spurred by his unannounced prodigal son like return.

“Who is it?!” a muffled voice on the other side of the door inquired.

Scott leaned in a bit to make up for sound damping provided by the thick oak door, “Ma’ it’s me!”

“Who?!” The voice questioned in a suspicious tone, denoting either a break down in thru-door communication or simply an unrecognizable voice standing on the outside.

“Mom, it’s me. It’s Scotty!”

“Scotty?” the voice from the inside repeats.

A second voice from inside the door calls out, slightly more commanding and full, “Martha, who is it?!”

“It’s Scotty!” Martha replies.

“Scotty!?” the second voice questions, “Well let ‘em in!”

The door opens with a creak and a woman in late forties holding a dish rag, wiping her hands, stands at its threshold. “Get in here Scotty! It’s been so long. Give your mother a hug!” she lovingly demands.

Scott leans in to embrace his mother, “Hey Ma’.”

“Nate, it’s Scotty!” Martha calls to Scott’s father who is sunken into his dingy green recliner on the other side of the common room.

“I heard you the first time Martha.” George responds as he slowly hoists him self up from the comfort of his favorite chair. “… good to see ya’ boy! How the hell ya’ been?”

Reaching to grasp his fathers extended hand and be pulled in for the eventual half hug; Scott greets his father and completes the pleasantries with the proper responses, facial expressions, and mannerisms.

Scott’s father, Nate “The Great” Douglas, had been a mid-card man in the ‘territories’ during his rebel rousing youth. Originally from upstate South Carolina, he moved threw out the South East promotions attempting to make a name for himself and jump to the next level. When the work seemed to have dried up in the South, Nate tried his luck on the West coast where he would meet his lovely and enchanting young bride, Martha. He left the sport in his thirties with bad knees and an ailing back with few regrets. Settling in Seattle, he secured government employment as a mail carrier and put the business behind him focusing on his growing family.

“You two get comfortable. I’ll get us some drinks. Scotty, are you hungry?” Martha asks on her way into the kitchen just mere steps from the family room.

“I could eat.” Scott tells his mother as he plops down on the old family couch and his hulking father retires back to his worn recliner. The two settle in and Nate mutes the television and then lumbers his timed tested ankle up to cross over the knee of his opposite leg still firmly planted on the floor.

“You know, I wondered when I saw the IWF flyers if you’d be rolling back into town, son.”
Scott still timid to break the news to his father replies, “Actually I just saw the flyer down in the grocery. I hadn't heard ‘til this afternoon.”

“Well, that works out nicely for you then. Work is hard to find in this terrible economy and you just stepped in some. What happen to Mexico?” Nate questions the fruit of his loins.

Scott, knowing the question would arise eventually, answers reluctantly “I just didn’t feel like I was making in any head way down there. The money was decent, I suppose, but overall it just felt like a dead end street. So it was Japan, Germany or just come back home and regroup.”

“Scotty; is ham and cheese ok?” his mother calls from the kitchen.

Scott replies with a simple ‘yes’ and he and his father continue their conversation against the dusk colored window coverings that block out the slowly setting son and the ever increasing flicker of the silenced television.

“Regroup?” his father questions “You can’t take a break son, they’ll forget your name faster than they learned it. You got to stay on it, stay in front of ‘em and remind ‘em every time out… you’re the one they either came to see … or should have.”

Martha brings in a pair of sodas and gives Scott and Nate each a can. “I’ll bring your sandwich right back Scotty.” Martha pauses for a moment as if to take in the literal sight for sore eyes. “I’m just so glad your back home son. It feels like it’s been ages.” She turns back toward the kitchen and leaves the two to their verbal discourse.

Unrelenting, Nate starts back in on his young son, “You’re too young to give up this quick son. I’m not saying walk in my footsteps, or make your old man proud or any of that horse ****. Your old man was a hack at best, but you have something special … you have a real gift. And if I have to watch you waste it; I might as well kick your ass while I do it.”

The two have a bit of a laugh and wash it down with a sip or two of theirs sodas.

“That’s definitely something to think about Pop, but to be completely honest … I’m thinking its time to hang it up and refocus before its too late.” Scott laments.

“Refocus? Regroup? What are you talking about boy? Your twenty one years old. You have plenty of time. Your still healthy,” Nate stops himself, “… you are still healthy right?”

Scott chuckles, “Yes, Pop. I’m fine. Nothing major.”

“Well look, you’ve got a total of what? … Maybe four years tied up into the business? All I’m saying is give it some time. Hell, this time its right in your own back yard. Don’t cut yourself short here son.” Nate lectures.

“Alright boys, sandwiches are served. Nate I made you one as well.” Martha announces as she emerges from the fluorescent washed kitchen.

Scott reaches out to receive the plate from his mother and turns to his father as he sets it down on the coffee table in front of him. “That’s something to think about Pop… “He raises the sandwich to his face as his gears turn and thoughts race. He sets in to take a bite of the homemade snack and pauses momentarily.

“I’m going to give ‘em a call.”

 

[Ford]

Re: No Place Like Home, Part II (Fatherly Advice)

(FADEIN: To the muted decor of a small studio apartment's kitchen. Sun shines in through the open window, causing a checkerboard pattern of sunlight and shade to drape across the cabinets and inhabitants. Sitting at the table drinking a cup of tea is none other than former PRIME standout and current EPW manager, Mary-Lynn Mayweather. She wears her trademark red skirt suit and ties her hair back using a pink clip. MLM takes a sip using both hands to steady the extremely hot tea, before setting it down.)

WOMAN'S VOICE(OS): So you're really going to be a wrestler?

(Another woman walks over and takes a seat across from her. She's as young as Mayweather, not a day over 25. African American, brunette, short, wearing thin black framed glasses and a "Childish Gambino" t-shirt. She takes two sugar cubes and drops them in her tea.)

MARY-LYNN MAYWEATHER: It’s fun Liz. I swear, if you tried it, you’d have a blast.

LIZ: Don’t get me wrong. I love me some monster trucks, and being paid to grope muscle bound action figures is a luxury few of us enjoy, but professional wrestling? Haven’t you read the studies on concussions? You’re a smart girl. Not as smart as me but…

MARY-LYNN MAYWEATHER: Oh come off it. I scored higher on the L-SATs.

LIZ: That’s why I went to broadcasting.

(Liz takes a sip of her tea before smiling.)

LIZ: And I crushed you on the S-A-Ts.

MARY-LYNN MAYWEATHER: I really appreciate you letting me crash on your couch for these shows. Who knew having a friend in Seattle would pay off!

LIZ: Funny.

MARY-LYNN MAYWEATHER: So come on out. My treat. You have a horrible time, I’ll buy you dinner afterward. You have a great time, maybe some other wrestler buys you dinner.

LIZ: And if you get hit so hard in the face you see stars?

MARY-LYNN MAYWEATHER: I have you to take me to the hospital. Which, that can be a fun place too!

(Slight pause, then said at the same time.)
LIZ: It really can’t.
MARY-LYNN MAYWEATHER: No, it can’t.

(Long awkward pause.)

LIZ: Can we not do this whole camera thing at my place ever again? I feel like I’m a reality star… I’m gonna have to shower to take that stink off.

MARY-LYNN MAYWEATHER: Figured you’d be used to it.

LIZ: How? I work in radio.

MARY-LYNN MAYWEATHER: Is your boss letting you play the ad to hype the show?

LIZ: Yeah, but I’ve only got a few rotations it can fit in to, and a limit imposed by how much I can plug it. He said he’d let it play during metal hour, like, ad infinitum.

MARY-LYNN MAYWEATHER: Well I didn’t expect it to be played during rush hour, but any publicity is good publicity.

LIZ: Except Penn State publicity.

MARY-LYNN MAYWEATHER: So c’mon! Come with me to the show. I promise no one will be diddlying little boys in the locker room.

LIZ: How would you know? Isn’t it the first show?

MARY-LYNN MAYWEATHER: Yeah, but pedophiles at least wait a show or two before they feel comfortable enough to molest a small child in front of other people.

LIZ: I dunno. I’m just not a fan of spray tans and waxing. Plus the smell of jock makes me sick and horny.

MARY-LYNN MAYWEATHER: There’s a difference with you?

LIZ: Ha ha.

(A long pause. Mayweather shudders.)

MARY-LYNN MAYWEATHER: I’m just so excited! It’s the first time I get to wrestle without Jack looking over my shoulder, or Lindsey watching in the locker room, or Sonny, well… not giving a ****.

LIZ: Out on your own. Like last week when my co-host was sick.

MARY-LYNN MAYWEATHER: I streamed that. You were great after the first fifteen minutes of dead air.

LIZ: He’s our tech guy. It’s not my fault no one told me I was still muted.

MARY-LYNN MAYWEATHER: Hopefully I do better than that.

LIZ: I’m sure you will.

MARY-LYNN MAYWEATHER: Let’s hope so…

(FADE OUT.)