BLOOMFIELD: “Folks we have plenty more action for you here tonight but before we… wait a minute ladies and gentlemen… it appears that somebody is coming down the aisle toward ringside.”
***The camera cuts to a view of the entrance ramp where Bokrug Manaj has appeared in the entrance ramp. He beings walking purposefully toward the ring.***
BLOOMFIELD: “Well fans… it looks like Bokrug Manaj is on his way to the ring. He’s… he’s grabbed a microphone from our ring announcer. I guess he has something he wants to address live here on Assault!”
***Microphone in hand, Manaj rolls into the ring and paces back and forth, glaring back up toward the entrance ramp. After a few moments he begins to speak.***
MANAJ: “The eternal struggle between Light and Dark is in flux. Alpha Omega has always been the bearer of the Fire of Truth… the burning, destructive Light of Enlightenment. The origin of the imbalance has revealed itself. Cassidy Cray….. FACE ME!”
***After a pregnant pause… a downcast looking Cassidy Cray appears at the entrance ramp. He is wearing a plain black tank top over his wrestling attire and is not moving with he usual flamboyant swagger. He eyes Manaj coolly as he makes his way slowly up the entrance ramp. As he approaches the ring he can be heard speaking off mic.***
CRAY: “What is this man?”
***Cray shoots a suspicious look at the audience and narrows his eyes. He makes his way up the ring steps and stands outside the ring, leaning against the ropes.***
CRAY: “What the hell Manaj? We’re partners. You don’t call me out in the middle of the ring.”
***Manaj backs up into a corner and rests his arms calmly on the ring ropes as Cray steps suspiciously between the ropes into the ring. Cray looks around and puts his hands on his hips. He shakes his head and beckons for a microphone. A ringside attendant tosses him one and he drags his hand through his hair impatiently.***
CRAY: “Manaj… what the hell is this about? You have words you want to say to me we can do that backstage. I’m not airing dirty laundry out here with you.”
MANAJ: “Cray… I have watched you descend into the depths of mad depression. As Alpha Omega endured defeat after defeat, the exterior of your cool demeanor frayed and disintegrated, bit by bit, revealing the vulnerable mortal beneath. Your crisis of faith is only human, but the Balance must be restored. Things will continue to unravel until you cease doubting yourself.”
***Cray throws up his hands and gestures helplessly.***
CRAY: “Is that what this is about? We’re on a losing streak and you think it’s because I’ve lost my edge? Manaj man, you are WAY off base. Every team goes through a slump now and again. Me? I’m just fine. Regardless of what you think is going on, I’m right in my groove. Come on brother, let’s head backstage. Stop wasting these people’s time and let them get on with the show.”
***Cray begins to step back through the ropes, out of the ring.***
MANAJ: “’We’? No no…. no, Cray. ‘We’ do not have a losing streak. YOU do.”
***Cray stops in his tracks and turns to face Manaj.***
CRAY: “What did you just say to me man?”
MANAJ: “I have performed at heights previously unattained. My match against Pantaro is the stuff of LEGEND! You… have been an embarrassment. Desperately mortal. A mortal cannot bring enlightenment to the ignorant masses. FRAUD!”
***Cray’s eyes go wide and he steps sharply back into the ring and advances on Manaj.***
CRAY: “What the hell man?! You can’t talk to me like that. We’re partners! You can’t just disrespect me like that in front of the world!”
MANAJ: “CHARLATAN!”
CRAY: “What?! What is this man? You need to watch yourself or… or…”
MANAJ: “OR WHAT?! You’ll meditate until you find PEACE?! There is no PEACE!”
***Manaj shoves Cray in the chest, causing him to stumble backwards.***
CRAY: “Hey! Brother I’m warning you, you’d better back off. I don’t want to fight you!”
MANAJ: “It is far too late for that. Now is not the time to beg for peace. It is now time… to be cleansed. Purified. The impurities of your sins must be burned away in the Forge of CONFLICT!”
***Manaj reels back and drives a forearm into Cray’s face, dropping him to the mat. He drags him to his feet and levels him a second time with a vicious headbutt. Cray stumbles to his knees and begins to drag himself up to his feet using the turnbuckle for support.***
MANAJ: “FAKE! FALSE PROPHET! LIAR! DECEIVER!”
***Manaj drags Cray to his feet and rains shots down on his head and shoulders. Finally, Cray drops to his knees and drives a forearm up into Manaj’s crotch, causing him to hobble away and collapse into the mat. Cray regains his footing and begins pacing back and forth in front of the fallen Manaj. With a crazed look in his eye, he pulls Manaj to his feet and begins hammering him with lefts and rights, backing him into a turnbuckle and brutalizing him with shot after shot. With Manaj propped up against the turnbuckle, Cray takes several steps back… and runs at Manaj, delivering a stiff knee into his face. Manaj stumbles forward and collapses on the ground. Cray eyes him with contempt and grabs his microphone.***
CRAY: “Are you happy now?! Huh?!”
***Cray tears at his hair and kicks at the ring ropes.***
CRAY: “You know what?! You’re right Manaj! There HAS been something wrong with this team! The stars have been out of balance and I finally know why! You sit there and brood and sulk with your ridiculous death and doom bull crap! You’ve been throwing off my vibes for too long man! There HAS been a weak link in this team! It’s YOU! I’m sick and tired of you holding me back! I’m Cassidy ‘Goddamn’ Cray and I’m better than this, and I’m better than YOU.”
***Cray throws his microphone down at Manaj and storms out of the ring and up the entrance ramp, ignoring the confused murmurs of the crowd. In the ring… Bokrug Manaj slowly pulls himself to his knees and eyes Cray as he disappears behind the entrance ramp. Manaj deliberately rises to his feet… and lets out a hearty laugh. He laughs as he rolls out of the ring and continues to laugh all the way up the entrance ramp.***
BLOOMFIELD: “Folks… I don’t fully understand what we’ve witnessed here today. It appears that Alpha Omega has completely imploded… and Bokrug Manaj is laughing about it? Stay tuned… we’ll be back with more PWA action after this.”