Promos for Assault 3/23/18

[Gary Bloomfield]

EDIT: Original Title "Backstage After Assault"

BLOOMFIELD: "Terry Schneider caught up with Bartholomew 'Brawler' Beckett after the main event on last night's Assault."

*Terry Schneider, followed by the camera, makes his way down the backstage hall toward the locker room door. A few of the wrestlers are outside. Kevin Starr, one of the wrestlers present, glances casually at Schneider as the journalist reaches for the door handle.*

Starr: "I'd bring a baseball bat, bud."

*Terry pauses, not sure whether Starr is just having him on, when a loud crash shakes the steel door. Schneider opens the door, and the camera follows him in ... with some trepidation.

*In the locker room, they see Beckett amid a mess of overturned benches, broken locker doors, and a porcelain sink that was formerly mounted to the wall.*

SCHNEIDER: "Uh, Mr. Beckett, I was wondering if you might give us a few words about your match just now against Pan-"

BECKETT: "EURRRAAAARRGH!!" *Beckett pries a section of lockers from the wall and lets it drop to the floor.* "Who let him in? Who chose that flying train wreck as a legitimate competitor? What right do they have, springing such a match on the likes of me like this? To have started this illustrious championship competition with this- this- injustice?! Oh .... VENGENCE!!"

SCHNEIDER: "Well, Mr. Beckett, it was an authorized match with, for Pantaro's part, clean wrestling, and- "

BECKETT: "WRESTLING! 'WRESTLING?' That flying burrito did no such thing! Leaping about and - and - that was NOT wrestling! He just jumped about, like he always does, no mat work, no technique, just flinging himself about like a bloody semi-human cannonball! All his so-called style comes from boarder-jumping, obviously. 'Wrestling,' indeed!"

SCHNEIDER: "Now, Mr. Beckett, that's not really true, is it? I mean, Pantaro executed plenty of ground-work techniques, including a bow-and-arrow backbreaker, and didn't you try a fist-drop from the top rope? I seem to-"

BECKETT: *his back turned to Schneider, suddenly speaking very softly* "Terrance, if you say one more word, I will make you eat your microphone. Is that UTTERLY clear, mush?"

SCHNEIDER: "Mr. Beckett, I don't think tha-"

[Quillz]

***The scene opens backstage following PWA Assault. Tiger Gold is having a 3-inch gash above his right eye closed with staples by a trainer.***



TRAINER: “This would be easier if you removed your mask Mr. Gold.”



***Tiger Gold stares at the trainer flatly and narrows his eyes.***



TRAINER: “But this is fine. We can work around it.”



***Just then, PWA reporter Ronnie Stockholm approaches Tiger Gold with a camera crew.***



STOCKHOLM: “Tiger Gold, could we get just a few words with you regarding your hard fought victory against Nakamua Yamasaki? That was an absolutely brutal match. It looked as if you were trying to end things early with a brutal assault right from the bell.”



***Tiger Gold shrugs off the trainer and towels off the blood collecting around his eye.***



GOLD: “Trying to end the match early? Far from it. I was administering justice Stockholm… as is my RIGHT as a warrior-born. Justice requires time. I was merely being efficient with the minutes allotted to me. Nakamura Yamasaki besmirched my honor with a cowardly attack last week. He brought me low in a way that I found to be… unseemly. Tonight at PWA Assault, I served as judge and gavel to the ‘Divine Psycho’. He felt the unbound fury of the Tiger Spirt as I wrenched his soul from his mortal vessel with the intensity of a thousand suns.”



STOCKHOLD: “You certainly did seem determined to beat him within an inch of his life. However, Nakamura certainly answered with his own brand of intensity when he introduced an endless array of chairs, sickles, and barb-wire bats into the match.”



GOLD: “Nakamura used every wicked and devious implement in his arsenal to douse the flame of my righteous anger. He lacerated my flesh. He battered and bruised my mighty frame. To be sure… Nakamura is a dangerous and unwieldy foe. However… I am Tiger Gold, and my strength is legend! I will not be denied on this or any other night. I have set my sights on the glory of heavyweight gold, and all that stand in my way will fall beneath the thunderous stampede of my fighting spirit!”



STOCKHOLM: “It was truly an impressive match. Looking ahead in this tournament, do you have any words for the men you have yet to meet in head to head competition? I’ve just been informed that next week, you will be facing off against the Surgical Specialist, Akira Wyld. Now Wyld was present last week when Nakamura attack-…”



***Just then, Tiger Gold’s gaze shoots past Stockholm and the camera crew. The camera swivels to reveal Akira Wyld limping backstage with an ice pack on the back of his head. Tiger Gold shoots to his feet and pushes past Stockholm.***



GOLD: “Excuse me Ronald. Something has come up that demands my immediate attention.”



***Tiger Gold throws his towel down and marches across the trainer’s center in the direction of Wyld. Wyld turns and his eyes go wide as he sees Gold advance toward him. He tries to beg-off, but Gold seizes him by the throat with a mighty hand and slams him against the concrete wall.***



GOLD: “AKIRA WYLD. I have been looking for you. Last week you interrupted me in the ring… and through your actions, Nakamura Yamasaki was able to attack me from behind! Tell me Wyld… did you conspire with that snake Nick Spoils to attack me? Did you attempt to use vile subterfuge to gain an unfair and dishonorable advantage over me in our upcoming match? I give you ONE chance to explain yourself before I decorate this hall of immortal combat with your crimson entrails!”



***Wyld winces in pain and flashes a look of furious anger at Tiger Gold. He aggressively slaps Gold’s hand away from his throat and stumbles forward. Wyld winces in pain and grabs his shoulder.***



WYLD: “Dishonorable? Me?! You have a hell of a lot of nerve.”



***Gold steps back and cocks an eyebrow. Wyld stands up straight and sneers at Gold.***



WYLD: “You know… I’d expect this kind of bull from someone like Damion Black… but I thought you were made of something a little bit better than that. You’re supposed to be this great, honor-bound warrior. And here you are, assaulting me backstage right after I’ve had one of the WORST nights of my life against Brian Fury. I didn’t know Tiger Gold was the kind of wrestler who pounced on injured opponents backstage. So remind me again… WHO’S being dishonorable here?”



***Tiger Gold lowers his hands and looks suspiciously at Wyld.***



GOLD: “You are injured… I did not realize. It is not keeping with the warrior’s code to attack an opponent when he is in less than fighting condition. Even if the opponent is one without honor such as yourself.”



***Wyld pokes a finger into the center of Tiger Gold’s chest.***



WYLD: “Just what exactly did I do to you huh? You were making a grand speech and I… what? I came out and told you that maybe you weren’t focusing on the right opponents. You were talking up Robert MacElroy, a guy who *I* already exposed as a sack of hot air. I was trying to do you a FAVOR Gold. And it turns out I was right. Nakamura was just waiting for you to turn a blind eye so he could pounce on you.”



GOLD: “You’re saying… you had nothing to do with that attack?”



WYLD: “What I’m SAYING… is that you shouldn’t turn your back on a potential ally. Maybe I came down to the ring last week to offer you an olive branch… to help you out a little. And how did you repay me for my generosity? You THREATENED me. You called me NAMES. You tried to attack me! For six weeks I’ve done NOTHING to you Gold. Think about that for a second.”



***Gold casts his gaze down and to the right… he clenches and unclenches his fists, and sighs.***



GOLD: “There is wisdom to what you say Akira Wyld. But… though you have done nothing to me personally, you have long conducted yourself in an unsavory manner. You turned your back on your father and your legacy. You conspired with the insidious Nemesis Rex. You are not innocent.”



WYLD: “Yeah, that’s just the kind of LIE that a one of Damion Black’s bosom buddies would tell about me.”



GOLD: “…I am no man’s bosom.”



WYLD: “Listen, think what you want. You haven’t been through what I’ve been through. You haven’t seen the things I’ve seen. This whole organization is corrupt and dirty and WE are the only ones who can clean it up.”



***Tiger Gold blinks.***



GOLD: “You propose an… alliance of some sort?”



WYLD: “Look, there aren’t many of us good guys left. One way or another, ONE of us needs to win that PWA title.”



GOLD: “One way or another? Akira Wyld, there is only ONE way to win a championship. That is through fighting spirit and fair competition!”



WYLD: “Ok ok… from a certain point of view I see where you’re coming from. But let me ask you… just what is fair huh? Is it FAIR to have a rich ego-maniac put out a hit on you? Is it fair to have each and every opportunity that comes your way yanked away from you through no fault of your own?”



GOLD: “Cease your scheming Akira Wyld… I won’t hear one more word…”



WYLD: “Now LISTEN Gold… you’re undefeated in this tournament. You’re 4-0. You know that no matter what happens from this point on, you’re going to be entering that battle royal near the end. You don’t’ NEED a victory over me to get where you’re going.”



GOLD: “Stop this dishonorable talk now Wyld. This is your last chance!”



WYLD: “Now me… I’m gonna get there too… but Damion Black has it out for me. Brian Fury tried to cripple me tonight. Richard Pennyworth came at me with a steel chair. I’m a marked man. Now… if you just laid down for me next week at Assault, I’d be up 3-2, and…”



*Tiger Gold’s eyes flash with furious anger and he clenches his hands in rage.***



GOLD: “HEARASY! You speak of cheating! You dare to dangle the fruit of ill-gotten gains in my face! I am Tiger Gold! I do not lay down for any competitor in the field of combat!”



WYLD: “Woah woah… hang on, hang on… see, you WANT me in that final slot Gold. I can help you! If you do the job to help me get there, I can make it worth your while. You can’t beat Robert MacElroy! You proved that day-one! You lay down for me and I’ll HELP you take down that hard headed dimwit. Then, once I’ve secured that final slot and we both eliminate everybody else from the battle royal, it’ll be just you and me! One on one! You’ll get the honest, world-class competition you want! You just have to do a little business beforehand to grease the wheels!”



***Gold roars and grasps Akira Wyld around the throat with both hands and hurls him down the hall, through a catering table.***



WYLD: “GAAHHH!!!!”



***Wyld smashes through the craft services and crumples in a pile on the floor. He rolls to his back and stares up at Tiger Gold, his face a mask of pain and fear.***



GOLD: “You DARE defile the fighting spirit of PWA?! You DARE sully the reputation of TIGER GOLD with your deceit and chicanery?! Injured or not, that is an insult that WILL NOT STAND! You do not deserve to be in this glorious tournament! You are a paranoid, sick individual… and for the honor of this organization and its prestigious championship, I shall smite you in the field of combat and extinguish your championship ambitions once and for all! Do not bother preparing for your destiny… nothing you do will save you from your well-deserved FATE!”



***Tiger Gold steps over Akira Wyld’s crumpled body and strides pridefully down the hall. Akira rolls to his side and clutches his neck. He watches as gold walks away. Once he’s gone, Wyld looks up and sees the camera crew still recording him.***



WYLD: “What the hell are YOU staring at?! Get out of here!”



***He quickly grabs a handful of smashed pastrami sandwich and hurls it at the camera. Fade to black.***

[Quillz]

***The scene opens backstage at PWA Assault. Akira Wyld is limping down the hall. Mayonnaise and lettuce hang from his hair, following his impromptu encounter with Tiger Gold. PWA reporter Ronnie Stockholm jogs down the hall toward Wyld with a microphone in hand.***



STOCKHOLM: “Mr. Wyld, if we could have just a moment of your time.”



WYLD: “What?! Do I LOOK like I’m in the mood to talk Stockholm?! My outfit is ruined, my neck is killing me, and I’ve had it up to HERE with PWA and everyone associated with it!”



STOCKHOLM: “It was certainly a rough night. Now, thanks to your loss to Brian Fury, you’ve dropped to a 2-2 record in the Rise of Kings Tournament. Any thoughts on that?”



***Wyld stops short and leans heavily on the hallway wall. He then turns around and levels a death-stare at Ronnie Stockholm.***



WYLD: “Do I have any thoughts… regarding my LOSS… to Brian Fury? Stockholm if I wasn’t so beat up right now I’d slap the taste out of your mouth where you stand. Were you watching Assault you idiotic stuffed shirt? Did you SEE the clinic I put on in the ring? Every move Fury hit me with I had a counter for. Every time he knocked me down, I hit him back twice as hard! Despite the fact that I was outweighed by nearly 100lbs I took EVERYTHING that low-class pit fighter had to offer.”



***Wyld buries his palms in his eyes and drags his fingers deliberately through his hair. His eyes look crazed.***



WYLD: “And I ALMOST had him didn’t I? I was THIS close to pinning that THUG for the second time! After slamming down on him from the top rope… I… I HAD him! Any other day… any other time, that would have ENDED that match!”



STOCKHOLM: “And yet… the amazing fortitude of Brian Fury allowed him to kick out, and come back to pin you, advancing to a 3-1 record in the tournament.”



***Wyld yells in frustration and punches a nearby door.***



WYLD: “I was THERE Stockholm! I SAW what happened!”



***Wyld sneers at Stockholm and advances on him, violently shaking a finger in his face.***



WYLD: “You think you’re so damn smart don’t you? You with your pressed shirt and your news anchor haircut, passing judgement on situations you have NO right to weigh in on. You don’t know what it’s like to face a monster like Fury in the ring! You don’t know what it’s like to come SO close and have victory STOLEN out from under you!”



STOCKHOLM: “Stolen Mr. Wyld? It looked like Fury pinned you in the ring fair and square.”



***Wyld’s eyes dart back and forth and for a moment Wyld looks lost in thought.***



WYLD: “Yeah… yeah you WOULD see it that way wouldn’t you Stockholm? You would just… just GLOSS over the OBVIOUS and rush to tow the company line. Well… I was THERE and I saw what Fury did CLEAR AS DAY. That last kick… the one that ended the match. He… he kicked me LOW! Brian Fury DELIBERATELY hit me below the belt because he knew he couldn’t beat me! I had him running scared and he did what all COWARDS do. He took a shortcut!”



STOCKHOLM: “Mr. Wyld… I’d have to review the tape but I certainly didn’t see Brian Fury kick you low.”



WYLD: “You don’t need to review JACK! I know what I felt! It’s all a conspiracy anyway! No doubt that footage has already been doctored by the monkeys in the truck! Well… that doesn’t matter. None of it matters! I’m Akira Wyld dammit! Brian Fury will get his in the Rise of Kings battle royal! Him and Richard Pennyworth both! And next week, I’m going to keep showing this low-rent organization that NOBODY can stand in MY way in this tournament! I’m going to make the ultimate example of that gold plated HYPOCRITE Tiger Gold when I end his undefeated streak and prove to the WORLD that Akira Wyld is the man to beat in PWA! Now get out of my face!”



***Wyld shoves Stockholm aside and stumbles down the hall. Fade to black.***

[Ameronth]

*Tiger Gold is sitting on a bench in a locker room, drenched in sweat and with a towel draped around his neck. His is methodically unwinding the tape from one of his wrists, as if in a private ceremony to show reverence for his sport. There is a knock at the door at his back. Tiger turns as the door opens, and into the room steps Damion Black.*


BLACK: "Tiger, good to see you. *Black and Tiger shake hands.* You have been on an exceptional run in this tournament. You are fighting like a man inspired. It is truly a privilege to watch you compete. Congratulations on your recent success, and may that success continue."


TIGER: "Thank you Mr. Black... it is always an honor to be given the opportunity to test my warrior spirit against worthy combatants."


BLACK: "I want you to know that you are one of my most valued athletes. You are a fierce and respected competitor in the ring and a hero to millions of people worldwide.  And back here in the locker room, you are THE elder statesman that provides a positive example to your peers on how to conduct themselves with honor and respect. PWA would not be the organization it is without you in it, and I am proud to have you here."


*Black takes a deep breath and exhales slowly*


BLACK: "That being said, we must discuss the altercation that took place between you and Akira Wyld. Before I start, I want to hear your side."


*Tiger Gold sighs deeply and turns away from Damion Black.*


TIGER:  "Akira Wyld is a scoundrel.  Since his first day in PWA he has sullied the honor of this entire organization with his poisonous tongue.  He does not take responsibility for his actions and succeeds through chicanery and subterfuge.  Yesterday, he insulted my honor and the integrity of the Rise of Kings Tournament.  As a warrior-born... I could not let such an affront go unchallenged.  However... all warriors must adhere to a moral code that transcends pride.  Akira Wyld was injured from his match with Brian Fury.  Attacking him in such a state was not becoming of a honorable warrior.  I succumbed to baser instincts... and I take full responsibility for my actions.  I apologize if I have brought shame or dishonor on this organization.


BLACK: "I admire your integrity. That is the example that needs to be set. Tiger, what I said before I did not say lightly. Young men like Spencer Watts, like Derrik Arzon, they are watching you. They are taking cues from how you carry yourself. What happened between you and Akira... You're better than that, and I am depending on you to show it for that sake of our sport's future.  You cannot let that responsibility lapse for even a moment. Grabbing Akira by the throat, throwing him across the room...  On a personal level, I can't say I don't understand your actions.  He is no innocent, but you, you are held to a higher standard.  On a professional level, I cannot and WILL not tolerate that sort of behavior especially from you. I know it will not be necessary to have this conversation again, because if this does happen again, you will be fined heavily and you will be placed on a one month suspension. Tiger, you are too valuable to this company as a locker room leader. If you cannot be the example I need you to be, then I will have no choice but to make an example of you. Do you understand?"


*Tiger Gold considers Damion Black's words for a long moment... then nods and turns to leave the locker room.  As he approaches the door, he turns back to Damion Black.*


TIGER:  "You have always treated me with honor Damion Black... and to be sure, Akira Wyld's claims of conspiracy are thoughts without merit.  However... I wonder if you've considered how hard it is to eliminate an idea once it's taken root.  The image of a power-hungry, selfish boss. It is an easy one to buy into is it not?"


*Tiger Gold pauses a moment longer and then turns to leave.*


BLACK: "I would hope that my actions would speak louder than his words. Best of luck in the rest of the tournament."

[Snow]

The camera slowly pans across a snow-covered field before entering an old red barn, inside of which is a wrestling ring. Snow is sitting on a turnbuckle, obviously waiting for the camera. It comes to a rest facing him.

SNOW: It has been announced that there will be a four way match for the Light Heavyweight crown at Rise of Kings. My friend, my partner, Pantaro has already earned his ticket to that match by defeating the blowhard Bartholomew Beckett. And while I cannot say that the sight of that victory didn't fill me with cheer, for multiple reasons, I must focus instead on my own chance.

This week on Assault, I face off against Jack Lane to determine which of the two of us will go on to have a chance to earn the title. I have examined your matches, Jack Lane. You fight well. You have spirit. But it has been oh so long since I have tasted gold. On Assault, I will not be holding back. You and I will bring down the PWA ring in a fight for the ages, but in the end only one man can walk out victorious. No distractions. No excuses. Full throttle. And when the dust settles, I intend to be raising my hand in victory. I apologize to you, Jack Lane, but you stand in my way.

And when I emerge victorious, then the true battle begins.

Scene fades to white.

[Pennyworth]

Richard Pennyworth III reclines in a comfortable leather chair. A wide screen tv sits in front of him, on which a splitscreen shows multiple matches going on at once, all of which feature Yamasaki Nakamura. The camera rotates so that it can catch Pennyworth's reactions, which range from wincing to full on shuddering with eyes closed. After a minute or so of this has passed, Pennyworth pulls out a cell phone, and dials a number with a single button push.

PENNYWORTH: Hey, Mick? Can you call up Dr. Brennan, make sure he's on retainer after Assault? I have a feeling I'm going to need some quick plastic surgery afterwards. Yeah, no, it's this madman Nakamura. Look, I'm not worried about winning -- the man doesn't ever go for a pin. He'll tap out eventually, or I'll hold him to the mat. But the longer it takes me to wear him down? The more damage he's going to do to this amazing physique I've got going now. Yeah, thanks. Right there at the arena is the way to go. I'll bribe the PWA medical staff and have a cleanroom set up ahead of time. Catch you later.

Pennyworth hangs up the phone, then seems to notice the camera for the first time.

PENNYWORTH: What the hell are you doing in my house? Were you invited? I'm calling the cops if you don't get out of here right now!

Scene abruptly cuts to black.

[Nick Spoils]

Nick Spoils addresses the camera. Behind him, Ragnarok stands, seemingly at ease, but a number of bandages cover his body.

NICK: At Assault, the big man here faces off against the larger of the Coldsnakes. This is nothing he hasn't done before, since he apparently decided the last time was a singles match. This time, however...it is. Anaconda, the last time you met Ragnarok, you managed to lock in the vice after wearing down the beast alongside your partner. This time around, you won't have Junior Cobra to spell you, to let you catch your breath. This time, you should fear Awakening the Serpent...for when Ragnarok comes around, nobody survives.

[Stu]

(Beckett stands, impeccably dressed, behind a podium becore a dark, heavy stage curtain.)

Beckett: "Greetings. I am here to make a special announcement. There are venomous rumours flying about, concerning the legitimacy of the business dealings at Prestige Wrestling. There are accusations of corruption at the highest levels. These accusations are no secret. They have been made public, particularly by one Akira Wylde. As to the veracity of these accusations, well, let's face it; there is no hard evidence. A civilized, law-abiding man will not act in such a matter without evidence. There is pleanty of innuendo, suspicion, rumors, to be sure, but no true evidence.

"These, you must pardon me, Wylde accusations are, however, not without merrit. How many such situations must happen coincidentally before they become a pattern of behaviour? How many times must matches be arranged and rearranged without the competitor's knowledge, right before the match is to commence? How many times must such matches occur with brutes, thugs, and strongarm men before someone recognizes that it is done with bias and harmful intent? How many times-"

BACKGROUND: "42!"

BECKETT: "I will cripple you, sunshine." (addresses the cameras again) "Now, I am sure that you all see what I am talking about, have seen it over the past several weeks. Of course, Akira himself has been the only one to speak out against these vile acts. It takes great courage to stand alone and call out those who have done you wrong, which is why I am here today. I, too, have been conspired against. All bore witness last week as a match, for which I was not prepared, on an evening in which I was not to compete, suddenly materialized. This so-called wrestling match was used as an excuse to send a trained dog after me in order to rip from me my rightful championship status. Well, it worked.

"Now I am left out of the running. That was their mistake, for now I have nothing to lose. However, I am a civilized man. I will not wait in a dark ally to viciously 'jump' those who have wronged me. That is not the behaviour of a civilized man, of a champion. Instead, I am offering a $10,000 bounty, EACH, for the masked criminals known as Snow and Pantaro. Bring me their masks, or evidence that they have been crippled, and I will pay you. Now, this is business, so before any of you colonial red-necked turkey-foot eating ignorami go and grab the bear traps you keep hidden under your bed with your homade distilled swill and your AR-15s, this bounty is open ONLY to the competitors here in the PWA, whom it chiefly concerns. Jack Lane, this includes you, my friend.

"That is all. Good evening."

[Ameronth]

***The scene opens backstage at the PWA Arena. Cassidy Cray is sitting on a bench in the locker room wrapping tape around his wrist. His face wears a serious and distant expression. After a few moments, his tag-team partner Bokrug Manaj enters the scene. His face is stern and his arms are crossed.***

MANAJ: "Cassidy. Not like you to disappear. I have searched but found no trace until now. After Nemesis Rex and Johnny Ecks attacked you, I admit I had some concern whether to find a new partner. What goes on in that head of yours?"

***Cray takes a deep breath and stops wrapping. He places his hands on his knees and he shakes his head absently and offers Manaj a weary smile.***

CRAY: “Apologies my brother… I know I’ve been a ghost in the wind these past few days, but you’ll understand that after Assault, I needed time for a bit of meditation… a little bit of self-reflection.”

***Manaj considers Cray's words and waves a hand dismissively at the Pinfall Wizard.***

MANAJ: "Despair and darkness are my domain. You do not belong there. Enough of this! The attack shall not stand! We shall repay blood with blood! When you face Nemesis Rex on the next Assault, we shall give true meaning to Assault! Nemesis shall rue the day!"

CRAY: “I appreciate your concern partner… but I actually requested that match against Nemesis Rex, and I intend on facing him alone.”

***Manaj raises an eyebrow at Cray and then sneers with distaste.***

MANAJ: "This does not concern only you, Cray. The attack struck us both, as an attack on a brotherhood would. You cannot yet be recovered from your last encounter. Wisdom has left you."

CRAY: “You know, the truth is I’m NOT at 100% my man… but that’s why I need this match.”

MANAJ: "You make no sense."

CRAY: “Look… it’s no secret that we haven’t had the smoothest run here in PWA up to this point. Between your neck injury and my being attacked at Assault, it feels like the universe is out to get us. And in truth… I think that is exactly what’s happening. I think that the universe is trying to tell us something Bokrug. In life… everything happens for a reason, and I think that the singularity is trying to get our attention.”

***Manaj slams a fist angrily against a locker.***

MANAJ: "Of course the universe is trying to destroy us! That is it's nature! Obliteration is truth! Yet, there is no reason to hurry to meet doom when you could ready yourself with brothers and heal your body. Your explanation is lacking."

CRAY: “You know Bokrug... the Meso-American Indigenous had a ritual for their young warriors that they called the sweat lodge. The boys would sit inside a closed hut made of grass and thatch. A roaring fire would be built in the center of the hut. For hours the boys would have to endure the intense heat of the fire as the temperature inside the hut rose and rose. The blistering heat was so intense, that the young warriors would sometimes pass out from the strain."

MANAJ: "HehehaHA! Purification through fire! Immolation leads to salvation! And yet, that has nothing to do with our path to Enlightenment. I say it is others who must be put to the flames. I did Rex Camelot this service and he has come back renewed, and one step closer to Enlightenment."

CRAY: “The thing is, after enduring the pain and purification of the sweat lodge… after passing out from the intense heat… these warriors would be rewarded for their sacrifice with grand visions of future and purpose. Bokrug, this season in PWA… this is our sweat lodge. The pain and suffering we are enduring is the singularity calling to us. By fighting through the pain… by taking all the punishment the PWA superstars can dish out… we will be purified and rewarded with wisdom and understanding. That is why I must face Nemesis Rex next week… and Johnny Ecks, and anybody else who destiny sees fit to place in our path.”

MANAJ: "Bah! You speak the nonsense of a man seeking his own demise! Foolishness! When the time comes, I will be at your side and we will give the Devil's Own his due! And then, PWA will fear their coming reckoning and we shall make them face the fires of Enlightenment!"

CRAY: “Believe me, I feel your pain brother. And after all is said and done… if you want to take out some of your frustration on Nemesis Rex, be my guest. But you need to wait until AFTER the bell rings and the match is done. My sweat lodge… my vision quest… must reach its inevitable conclusion.”

MANAJ: "Mark me, Cassidy: this will be your end."

CRAY: “Death is only a one stop on a long journey partner.”

***Manaj snarls and shakes his head as Cray closes his eyes to meditate.***

[BG05]

(A black Escalade with tinted windows pulls up to the PWA arena blasting “Jump” by Kris Kross. Jack Lane gets out of the car and walks to the building with an intense look on his face. As he gets to the door he is greeted by Gary Bloomfield and a cameraman.)

Bloomfield: Mr. Lane, sorry to interrupt you but the fans are all over the internet talking about you and your upcoming match with Snow. Can you tells us what’s going through your mind as you prepare for the match?

(Lane pauses and looks Gary Bloomfield up and down with an annoyed look.)

Lane: Yo homie, check this out. I have a match with Snow, a dude I’ve been checking out for a bit. My man’s got MAD skills and can do his thing....but right NOW..... I gotta take him out, straight up! Ever since I got here I’ve been busting my tail trying to make things happen but lately it hasn’t been going my way. I was pretty frustrated the last few days but then I heard about the Light Heavyweight tournament and that got me going! I know that to get where I wanna be I gotta beat Snow so that’s what’s going down, ya dig?

Bloomfield: I’m picking up what you’re putting down.....

(Lane rolls his eyes and shakes his head “No!” at Bloomfield.)

Lane: Let’s not go there, my man.

Bloomfield: ......ANYWAY, Brawler Beckett made some comments putting a BOUNTY on both Pantaro and Snow. He also gave you an option of taking him up on his offer. How will you respond to Beckett?

Lane: I saw what “B-Squared” said.....and the way I look at it is that I ALREADY plan on putting Snow on ice in the match. The question is do I wanna pick up an extra 10 grand along the way? Maybe I wanna play things right down the middle? Maybe I wanna rip Snow apart to make a point? I’m sure you wanna know how it’s going down.....but I ain’t saying JACK!

Now I’ve gotta bounce. We’ll get up later bro. Peace out!

(Lane opens the door to the arena and slams it behind him as the scene fades.)