DAY 1 PRE-SHOW

CONTRACT CEREMONY

INT. MALL OF AMERICA STAGE – DAY

 

The event theme song slowly fades into the speakers at the MAWL as a woman in a power suit stands at the microphone. The woman is federation President LEILA BLAKE.

 

 

Leila: Hello! Hello fans of Maniacal Action Wrestling League and our annual event full of excitement and explosion, the W2!

 

The fans whoop and cheer.

 

Leila: This year is a very special one for us for several reasons! Things are going to change in all the best ways after this year. The first is that this is the last event of the gender separation in our federation. We’ve been behind the times and with amazing advances in equality and the growing roster of non-binary wrestlers, we’ve decided to shift away from these dichotomies. This year the Men’s and Women’s W2 winners will compete in a unifying match to be crowned W2 Ultimate Champion!

 

The crowd loves this and give rings of enthusiastic support, save two in the back who walk out.

 

Leila: This will mean that our roster will have the abilities to compete for any title, but with our growing company, and we will get there, we did not think it would be fair to our champions to downsize the belts. Instead we will be re-christening the titles, with our new title names and designs to be revealed at their matches on Day 12! Now to our third announcement - As you all know, we have held this event as a gathering of four federations nationally – of course, MAWL has historically been based in Minnesota which has allowed us to build this connection with the amazing Mall of America to host this honestly insane two-week gathering of brutality.

 

The fans whoop and one yells “Brutality!”

 

Leila: Of course the other three federations are Eastern Kaos based out of New Jersey, Ring the Belle Wrestling from Texas, and Waves of Pain out of SoCal. So, 2024 was a particularly loud boon for us and we’ve been trying to start making ourselves known on a wider basis! And with that now the four federations all exist as part of us and the competitors today will now exist as MAWL! Welcome to the family!! As before, we will not be downsizing our singles champions but we will be combining our tag team belts, with that four-way match serving as our pre-show for today. This national expansion also means that we welcome competitors from any other federation to come down and try us in our upcoming MAWL W2, which rather than being gender divided will be elemental-based, with Fire, Water, Air, and Earth brackets vying for the W2 brand. However, 11 competitors today will not be joining the MAWL roster-as they have been called to Path to Glory!! With us to announce and hand out the contracts is last year’s winner of the W2 who recently made his debut at the Winter War Pay Per View, Steve Thunder!

 

A man with long blonde hair in a W2 2024 shirt comes onstage holding 11 folders. This is STING RAY STEVE THUNDER.

 

 

The audience cheers. Steve smiles. It’s good to be back in friendly territory.

 

Steve: My many thanks, most fantastic Leila Blake, being part of this event last year was a super rad experience that I was honestly blown away that I was accepted for, and did not expect to come out of it how I did. You’re an absolute superstar of a Fed Pres and I felt real good about myself at every event of yours I did. Now, I wanna be very clear in that I’m not in any way corporate management or chosen by the higher ups to make the choices on the contracts, and I asked if I could at least come home and deliver them and they were most gracious and gave me the chance to do so. Let’s give it up for Path, yeah?

 

The audience goes into a major cheer.

 

Steve: Now for the reason I’m here, and then I’d love to stay but I gotta head back to the Path peeps and see what they got goin’ on for me as we get ready for Crowning Glory in Rio De Janeiro – that’s a little inside tip for y’all, oh damn that’s gonna show up on the special but hey hopefully you’re at least pumped for that upcoming show cause whatever happens it’s gonna be more epic than Faith No More, and especially y’all who will be jumping up into the roster with me. And those of you here whose names I don’t say, y’all are part of an awesome company that throws WILD events, and it’s only gonna get crazier. This Voltron move means it’s a bigger stage than you’ve ever seen, but there’s ways to rise to the moment and you’re gonna be in with a company that really fosters you and rewards you for doing the work. Right! So let’s get these names goin’, yeah! First up, and I swear these were handed to me alphabetically but I’d be lying if this first name didn’t bring a tear to my eye, the Delaware Daredevil herself, DARIA DONNER!

 

 

The audience cheers. A blonde woman in a Daredevil-themed Jacket, DARIA DONNER, walks up with tears in her eyes. Steve gives her a hug as he hands her a contract.

 

Steve: (quietly to Daria) You made it cuz.

 

Daria: (quietly to Steve) Thank you.

 

Daria walks off pumping her fist to cheers.

 

Steve: Next contract goes to the Disney Adult, the Powerslam Princess, EMMA JANEER!

 

 

The audience cheers as a pink-haired woman with space buns, a Disney shirt, and a frilly tutu walks on the stage to cheers. She twirls a bit and curtsies before graciously accepting the contract from Steve.

 

Steve: The next – oh! This is a Tag Team, that’s rad – which makes it somewhat an exception to the alphabetics…Unbreakable Gilbert Glass and Unrelenting Perry Payne…the MANIFESTATION OF DEFENESTRATION!

 

 

A white man with wispy brown hair and a five o’clock shadow (GILBERT) and a black man with blonde mohawk (PERRY) come up to the stage to a huge cheer, who fist pound quickly then accept their contracts from Steve and walk offstage.

 

Steve: Next up, the Innovator of Inurawa, KALPANA!

 

 

The audience cheers as they see a Nepali woman in a Kurti-Suluwal (long-flowing shirt and pants combo) comes onstage. This is KALPANA. She shakes Steve’s hand as she accepts the contract.

 

Steve: Oh man I love how many women are being signed, this is rad y’all. And now, “With weather and Pain it’s” KIRA DAIN!

 

 

KIRA walks onstage in a suit and heels with her blonde short hair, and waves to the audience as she firmly shakes Steve’s hand and accepts the contract from him.

 

Steve: Okay, next is apparently the Blue Blood Brawler, the Upper Crust, LANDON GENTRY! Hey I appreciate a good pun.

 

A man who appears the recreationist version of merry old England right down to the powdered wig, LANDON sticks his nose up as he walks briskly on, takes the contract and walks off, barely noticing Steve.

 

Steve: Rude, but okay, sure. And now El Divertido, NEON JUAN GUYVERNO!

 

 

A Latino man with a hot pink mustache, mohawk, pants, shutter shades, and shoes, and a mesh shirt, NEON JUAN dances onstage, sambas over to Steve and they share a brief staredown as Juan snatches the contract from Steve in a fluid flourish then continues the dance unbroken as he leaves the stage.

 

Steve: Next up…oh boy. I’ve had some run-ins with this guy. He’s one of the reasons I am surprised I won this event last year. It’s gonna get interesting and brutal real quick. RADE!

 

 

A 7 foot 3 behemoth with a metal mask that has a glowing red smiley face and a bag-brown jumper enters the stage ominously. He looks down for a moment at Steve, a look of recognition, then snatches the contract and walks back offstage.

 

Steve: Oof. Okay, deep breath. Our next person is from the Isle of Man, huh, loving the international flavor, where she used to be a train conductor. She is the Circutbreaker, TAMARA RIVERS!

 

 

A woman with a blonde low ponytail and a t-shirt that says “I believe in Gef” with a mongoose on it walks onstage, gives a cursory bow of respect, and takes the contract from Steve. Some clapping happens.

 

Steve: Not sure who Gef is, but I’m excited to learn. That’s badass. And then last but not least, the Gen Z Dramaturge, TRAGEDEIGH!

 

 

A red-headed woman with a high ponytail and a University of Minnesota-Duluth College Sweater and sweats flourishes onstage, takes a dramatic bow, then takes the contract from Steve and takes another bow, before exiting the stage.

 

Steve: This is a crazy bunch and I can’t wait to mix it up with y’all! But hey y’all are tired of hearing us talk right? I think we got a pre-show to kick this off? Whaddya say we see some action?

 

The crowd goes bananas.

 

Leila: Alright! Let’s not waste any more time, and I’ll throw this over to our ring announcer Ash Greaves, who is going to introduce our tag team champions for our first match. MAWL – LET’S – GOOOOOOOO!

 

TAG TEAM TITLE UNIFICATION MATCH

 

INT. ARENA SECTION OF THE MALL

 

Referee LILY MARTIN and Announcer ASH GREAVES stand in the middle of the ring. COLIN MCRAE and BIANCA DIAZ sit at the Commentary Desk.

 

Ash: The following contest is a Fatal Four Corners Elimination Tag Match, and is for the MAWL Undisputed Tag Team Championship!

 

Wu-Tung “Gravel Pit” plays as two white male rappers come out strutting and dancing down the ring to boos. This is H. DOG AND T. KRIP, accompanied by a white woman rapper. They are all dressed in red.

 

 

Ash: First, accompanied by Faith, the Waves of Pain Tag Team Champions, T. Krip and H. Dog, P. CRUE!

 

Bianca: Welcome to the Mall of America, home to our Annual MAWL W2 Event! We’ll be here the next two weeks for Round Robin Action, culminating in the final day with the Knockout Tournament as well as a whole chaotic lineup. I’m Bianca Diaz.

 

Colin: And I’m Colin McRae. Days 1 and 12 will have a pre-show, which is where we’re finding ourselves currently. Our first match with this merger is the meeting of the tag champs from what used to be four leagues, now mashed into one. Bianca, can you explain to our newcomers the Fatal Four Corners Tag Match?

 

Bianca: So a Fatal Four-Way match is four wrestlers in the ring.

 

Colin: Right.

 

Bianca: And a Four Corners match typically is two wrestlers starting in the ring and the other teams able to be tagged in at any time. So a Fatal Four Corners is the marriage of the two – each team has a legal wrestler in the ring a la the fatal four way, and one awaiting a tag, a la Four Corners.

 

Colin: Fascinating. And now we have these wannabe rappers coming to the ring, and worst-case scenario, they’ll be the representation of our league going forward. They don’t even record their own songs. Most rapper-wrestlers at least have some talent in the rap field.

 

Bianca: Regardless, we’re stuck with them. And, the woman Faith is going to be in a title match on the final day. Guess this merger isn’t all winners.

 

MGMT “Flash Delirium” plays as two men in crazy colored outfits run out. The one with the luchador mask and old-timey mustache is Zeke the Sneak, the one with the facepaint and full beard is Deke the Freak. They run in zig zags jumping goofily as they make their way to the ring.

 

 

Ash: Their opponents! First, the Ring the Belle Tag Team Champions, Deke the Freak and Zeke the Sneak, the team of EAK!

 

Colin: It goes from bad to worse. Who are these clowns?

 

Bianca: Apparently Sneak is the Masked Man and Freak is the one with the robes. Far be it for me to question Leila Blake, but I’m not convinced she vetted these rosters before the merger.

 

Colin: Well, one of the things we were going to be lacking in is people for the fans to hate so I guess we’re remedying this now.

 

The instrumental of Three Days Grace “Animal I Have Become” plays as two men in vaguely animal-themed clothing come out and bump forearms before walking with intent down to the ring. The one in purple is JAGUAR KING, the other is LIONHEART.

 

 

Ash: Next, the Eastern Kaos Wrestling Tag Team Champions, Jaguar King and Lionheart, ANIMALITIES!

 

Colin: Okay, see, this is a team that’s a little more intense, a little more intent, and actually look ready to fight.

 

Bianca: There’s no messing around in their eyes, that’s for sure.

 

Neil Diamond “Sweet Caroline” plays as a man and woman in plaid button-down tees walk down to the ring. These are NORMAN NORMAL and BRYCE NICE. They wave to everyone, to a mixed reaction of boos and cheers, though everyone sings the “Bum, Bum, Bum” of the song.

 

 

Ash: And the MAWL Tag Team Champions, Norman Normal and Bryce Nice, Nice N Normal!

 

Bianca: The audience still doesn’t know what to make of these two.

 

Colin: You can’t argue the theme song though.

 

Bianca: You’re so white.

 

Colin: You sang along too.

 

The bell rings. H. Dog, Deke the Freak, Lionheart, and Bryce Nice start in the ring.

 

1. Dog jackhammers Lionheart and goes for the cover, while Deke gyrates in front of Bryce and Bryce dropkicks him. Lionheart kicks out before 1 count.

 

Bianca: H. Dog, Deke, Lionheart, and Bryce to start. H. Dog with a quick Jackhammer and already trying to take Lionheart out of the equation! Way too early for that.

 

Colin: And Deke showing his freak to Bryce and Bryce responds with a dropkick. Nice doesn’t mean pushover.

 

Bianca: Nice n Normal are our home team tag team champs, wouldn’t be the case if they were.  

 

Bryce and Lionheart throw Deke the Freak off the rope and into a back body drop. H. Dog tags T. Krip in as Lionheart attempts to pin Deke the Freak. Deke kicks out before 1 count.

 

Colin: And H. Dog goes in for a tag to T. Krip while Bryce and Lionheart send Freak off the rope – oh! That’s a hell of a back body drop. And Lionheart going for another quick cover on Freak. Not even a 1, they have to do a lot more work than this in this match. And T. Krip goes off the ropes-

 

1. Krip drills Bryce with a clothesline and mocks her with a crotch chop taunt. Deke does a gyration taunt.

 

Bianca: Brutal clothesline! Not good form to do a crotch chop to the only woman in the match. But Deke mocking Lionheart with a gyration before whipping him into the corner.

 

Deke throws Lionheart over to the corner and tags in Zeke. Zeke climbs the turnbuckle and they drill Lionheart with an assisted spike piledriver completing tag team finisher Bleak.

 

Colin: Zeke tagged in and goes up…And they call that move Bleak! I can see why.

 

1. Krip tags H. Dog back in. H. Dog jumps up on the turnbuckle and takes down the other three legal fighters with a splash. H. Dog locks Bryce into the Inverted STF or as he calls it the FTS.

 

Bianca: P. Crue with the quick tags, showing solid teamwork, WHOA H. DOG GOES FLYING right into the party in the ring, that’s a strike! He has his choice of targets and goes for Bryce!

 

Colin: Trying to do away with the Niceties. Oh, that’s an inverted STF, which he calls the FTS, abbreviation for something I can’t say if we want to keep this mall contract.

 

Bianca: I know what abbreviation you’re talking about and apparently Bryce does too as that’s what she’s saying. She’s tapping!

 

Bryce Nice taps out and is eliminated by H. Dog with the FTS.

 

Colin: And that’s half of the home team out of the picture. Norman’s gonna have to do a lot of catchup work if he wants the belt to stay around his waist. Here he comes.

 

Norman enters the match. Lionheart tags Jaguar King, and Norman and Zeke immediately drill Jaguar King with a double team dropkick.

 

Bianca: Lionheart brings Jaguar King into the picture now and the welcoming committee are ready for him! Double dropkick by Normal and Sneak! And Norman going off the ropes- is he?

 

Norman runs back off the ropes and waves to Jaguar King as he hits him with a flying clothesline, completing the Hello Neighbor.

 

Colin: Yep, there’s that friendly wave! Hello Neighbor!

 

Bianca: I guess Jaguar won’t be lending him a cup of sugar anytime soon. And Zeke tries to live up to his name and sneak out the ring. H. Dog shaking his head, that’s not happening.

 

1. Dog throws Zeke into his corner and tags in T. Krip. T. Krip and H. Dog lift Zeke up onto the turnbuckle. T. Krip hits a top rope powerbomb.

 

Colin: Dog tagging Krip in again and bringing Zeke upwards.

 

Bianca: T. Krip with a top rope powerbomb!

 

Colin: These two seemed kind of ridiculous, but I have to admit, they’re actually getting it done in the ring.

 

Jaguar King and Norman Normal hit a double superkick to Zeke and then Norman throws Zeke off the ropes, catching him into a pop-up gutbuster, completing the Normcore. Norman covers Zeke.

 

Colin: Trying to get to his feet now and Normal and King are waiting for Zeke with a double superkick!

 

Bianca: Norman takes Zeke off the ropes and up he goes, Normcore! Going for the pin… 1…2….3! That’s the end of the road for Zeke!

 

Zeke the Sneak is eliminated by Norman Normal with the Normcore and pin.

 

 

Norman then turns around and drills Jaguar King with the forearm. Norman devastates T. Krip with a stalling suplex which T. Krip attempts to reverse but can’t. Deke then hits Norman with a double karate chop on his shoulder blades.

 

Colin: Norman is on fire now! Norman nails Jaguar with a forearm, then turns around and grabs T. Krip, T. Krip attempts to get out and puts his feet on the top ropes, Norman rejects the reversal and hits the suplex anyway! 1…2…

 

Bianca: H. Dog pulls T. Krip off, finally we’re seeing some team support! Norman yelling at H. Dog and Deke nails Norman with a chop to each shoulder blade!

 

Deke and T. Krip drill Jaguar King with a DDT. Deke rolls Jaguar King up, but Jaguar King reverses the roll up. Deke rolls back and attempts to pin him again but uses the ropes as leverage.

 

Colin: Norman down, Krip and Deke turning their attention to King and double DDT! Deke rolls King up, King with the reversal and Deke rolls him back and FEET ON THE ROPES!

 

1!

2!

3!

 

Jaguar King is eliminated by Deke the Freak after a leg-sweep and O’Connor roll pin.

 

 

Lionheart enters the match with a jumping karate kick to Deke.

 

Bianca: Jaguar King apoplectic!! Lionheart in the ring and a solid kick to the face of Deke.

 

Colin: Jaguar King outside!

 

Jaguar King: Avenge me!

 

Bianca: Lionheart salutes him briefly and is dropkicked outside by Normal! Jaguar King apologizes to Lionheart, they’re good, Lionheart runs back and Jaguar King giving him a boost for an over the top rope clothesline back into the ring! T. Krip sets Deke up on the ropes…

 

1. Krip uns for the 619, but Deke catches his legs and locks him in the STF with Dragon Headlock, or DTF.

 

Colin: 6-1-NOPE! Deke drops him back down and locks in the DTF! T. Krip extending his hand…

 

1. Krip tries to reach for H. Dog but Zeke pulls H. Dog off the apron and T. Krip taps out!

 

Bianca: Trying to get to Dog for the tag but Zeke acting the sneak and Dog is no longer available! T. Krip is out! T. Krip is out!

 

T. Krip is eliminated by Deke the Freak with the DTF Submission.

 

 

Bianca: And any advantage that the teams would have had is gone! 1 member eliminated from each and we’re down to the final 4.

 

Colin: Any advantage the teams could have had never manifested, Bianca, because the other halves never left the side of the ring.

 

Bianca: Good point, Colin.

 

Colin: Dog trying to get back in the ring and into this match, but Zeke is throwing hands and whip into the steel stairs! Zeke and Deke are doing a little dance, and Norman dropkicks Lionheart. Wait! Bryce goes under the ring and…there’s the fedora. We know what’s coming…

 

Norman Normal grabs the fedora from Bryce. He picks Lionheart up and puts the Fedora on his head and hits a Skull-Crushing Finale, completing Fedorable.

 

Bianca: Simply FEDORABLE.

 

Bryce holds his legs for the pin. 1-2-3!

 

Lionheart is eliminated by Norman Normal with the Fedorable and pin.

 

 

Colin: And Animalities officially out of the running! Bryce may not have been an in-ring competitor for much of this match but she’s certainly made her presence felt in this. And Normal is back on the warpath.

 

Norman Normal rams Deke the Freak’s back into the turnbuckles, then tosses him with a release belly to belly.

 

Bianca: Norman charging the Freak into turnbuckle! Now he’s running him into the other one! Wait, H. Dog on the move, look about behind you Norm!

 

1. Dog rams Norman into the turnbuckle with a knee smash then smashes Norman Normal’s head into the turnbuckles repeatedly. The audience counts. 1! 2! 3! 4! 5! 6! 7! 8! 9! 10!!

 

Colin: Oh! Took him for the full 10 and it looks like he’s pointing upwards…

 

1. Dog lifts Norman up onto the top turnbuckle, climbing up with him and hitting him with an Avalanche Bulldog, completing the Dog Pound.

 

Bianca: Did it Doggy Style! Took him to the Dog Pound!! Going for the cover. 1…2…3! Norman is OUT! THAT’S IT FOR NICE N NORMAL! THE BELTS WILL CHANGE HANDS TONIGHT!

 

Norman Normal is eliminated by H. Dog with the Dog Pound and pin.

 

 

Colin: Down to 2! The Freak and the Dog!

 

Bianca: And the Sneak! Living up to his name once again and holding H. Dog in that corner.

 

Zeke the Sneak holds H. Dog in the corner while Deke the Freak punches him in the gut.

 

Colin: Where was this teamwork when Sneak was a viable competitor?

 

Bianca: Teams like this operate better in the shadows, Colin. And H. Dog is stunned on that turnbuckle..

 

 Deke the Freak runs backwards and then hits H. Dog with a body splash in the turnbuckle.

 

Bianca: Deke the Freak with the body splash! All of the Freak up in your space, that CANNOT be fun.

 

 Deke the Freak tries it again but H. Dog slams him with brass knuckles.

 

Colin: And Zeke not the only sneak in this match! Those brass knucks are sure handy to have around.

 

Bianca: And what’s Faith digging around for…?

 

Faith from outside slides a folded steel chair into the ring. H. Dog throws Deke off the ropes and pop up powerbombs him onto the steel chair, completing the H Bomb.

 

Bianca: H BOMB ONTO THE CHAIR! Only one thing left to do.

 

1!

2!

3!

 

Deke the Freak is eliminated by H. Dog with the H. Bomb pin, making P. Crue the tag team champions!

 

 

Ash: Here are the winners, and new Undisputed Tag Team Champions, H. Dog and T. Krip, P. CRUE!!

 

 

Bianca: This has been a hell of a match to kick off our 12 day cavalcade of chaos! Welcome to the company P. Crue, here’s some gold to get ya started!

 

Colin: And we’re moments away from beginning the reason you’re all here, the W2 Classic! 12 men and 12 women from the four federations now merged into one supergroup!

 

Bianca: And this is the last year that it’s gender-separated so at the end of all this the two divisions will come to a head to declare the ultimate winner!

 

Colin: 9 of the competitors scheduled for this are going to be heading to Path 2 Glory, and I’m sure that coming in with this trophy under your belt is going to get your momentum going.

 

Bianca: Absolutely right Colin! And we have our backstage interviewer Ann Lee who will be with us for the event and whose focus today is on those heading to the Path. Ann?

 

INT. BACKSTAGE AREA OF THE MALL

 

Ann stands with Kalpana who is stretching out before her match.

 

 

Ann: Thank you! I have here with me the Innovator of Inurawa, Kalpana. A Nepali Nova known for her creativity both in the ring and behind the bar?

 

Kalpana: That’s right, Ann! I was a bartender before I got into the ring and like to keep on top of it, so I have a post-show ritual where I will make a cocktail and offer it to my fellow fighters, depending on whether I win or lose. And myself of course.

 

Ann: Interesting! What’s-?

 

Kalpana: Ah, ah, it’s a surprise, I don’t want to give too much away and get you too excited about me winning or even worse losing. Last time I gave away the ingredients the interviewer liked the losing cocktail more and hit me with a microphone costing me the match. Either way, it’s a tasty treat.

 

Ann: Doesn’t this create a drinking problem?

 

Kalpana: My trick is I only drink after matches or at parties, so it’s pretty well contained. Especially now that I’m heading to a fed with a much saner schedule and better pay, so I’ve been told. More top shelf ingredients and less nights in the- okay, I’m getting too far into it. But we’re not here to talk about that, we’re here to talk about THIS!

 

Kalpana holds her P2G contract up in victory.

 

Ann: Yes! The innovator is heading to Path. What got you to want to sign there?

 

Kalpana: I go where I’m needed, Ann. And I looked at the roster. Did you know that before this little signing spree, there were only 7 women in that division? Fully half of the division is here at this event. There are 29- 29, Ann! – times more women wrestling in Nepal than in this world-renowned federation. Like, do they even have a women’s specific title? And that’s not meant to be an insult to my new home, I hear McManus runs a tight ship over there and I’m excited about this please don’t fire me before I even get there, but let’s be real.

 

Ann: Actually, I’m being told there’s no division by design and everyone fights everyone.

 

Kalpana: Oh! Well that’s even better then, I’ve yet to work in a place like that. Now I’m even more excited.

 

Ann: But since you mentioned not getting fired, let’s talk about your time in Nepal.

 

Kalpana: Oh, I knew this was going to come up. Look, it’s important to tip your bartenders, okay? If there’s one lesson I can impart to people, one public service announcement, it’s tip your bartenders. That wrestler got what was coming to her. And I know there are afterparties and Path has a bartender on staff, so I’m directing this to soon to be new best friend Rachel Perry girl I got you just say the word and I’ll deal with any problem people. And to my fellow wrestlers, I try to be respectful, I prefer to lead with love and all that, but just because you’re in the spotlight it doesn’t give you a pass to be rude to the people who serve you. Every one of us in this industry is two mistakes away from going back to our service jobs, so show some respect. Also, if you don’t- we all got a little heel in us, a little extreme hardcore, so you’re gonna get a bottle across your face right at the height of your title defense. Try elbow dropping with a mouth full of glass. I’ve done it before. I can be your Kal Pal, or I can be your Pan in the Ass. Choose wisely.

 

Ann: I never thought I’d say this but I’m weirdly glad you used name puns because we can transition this to your in-ring work. You call yourself an innovator, but I gotta be honest, Kalpana, I’m not seeing much in the way of a gimmick or a new way of doing things, you’re just naming your moves after yourself. Kalculator, Panacea, that doesn’t exactly scream new and exciting.

 

Kalpana: Ah yes, we can’t all be a wrestling Santa Claus, can we? We can’t all be a Doctor Wrestler. I choose to do my innovating where it actually matters. These other wrestlers, they’re like “this is Candy Cane Lane” and it’s just a DDT or something. It reminds me of growing up with those cookbooks for children that were all IP. Why call it Captain Hook’s Kill the Crocodile Omelet when it’s just…broccoli in the omelet? That’s truly disappointing to me. A gimmick isn’t talent. A gimmick isn’t a personality. Look, I’m wrestling an Optometrist later today. Like that’s exciting? An eye doctor character? And I bet her finisher is some like I poked your eyes and then did a clothesline or something like that. You wanna see real innovation? You wanna see something special? Watch what my moves actually are. You won’t believe your eyes, which is good because there will be an eye doctor right there going back to her day job because wrestling wasn’t it for her and she’ll be able to treat you. Sure I could have leaned into the mixology and been like “this is my finisher the Cocktail Shaker” or whatever and came out with my cocktail shaker and had my theme song be something about drinking, but and I say this with all the love in my heart, I chose to put my effort into making the most fascinating show in the ring and I think that’s what this crowd is going to respond to. I don’t need them to ogle me on the way to the ring, I want to earn their oohs and ahs with my work. So no gimmicks, just me. The outfit is because I like space. The puns are because I like wordplay. Is one of my finishers called Nepal Bearer? And is it a play on a Tombstone? Yes. But I’m not coming out here being like (mock gravelly voice) Reeeeest Iiiiin Peeeeace.

 

Ann: Do you really think it’s wise to mock the…?

 

Kalpana: It’s fine, that guy doesn’t watch the Indies.

 

Ann: If the big E has their eyes on the indies, then I wouldn’t be-

 

Kalpana: Hey, sir, if you’re watching this, take a break. You’ve urned it.

 

Kalpana does a snap fingers wink. Ann groans.

 

Kalpana: And if any of you on the Path are watching this show, I suggest you get a good look at what’s coming your way. And then watch it again, because you may have some disbelief that first time. In fact, I think they’re calling me out. Ann, care to accompany me? This way you can understand exactly where the innovation comes in.

 

Ann: I guess…my next interview isn’t until after your match so.

 

 

DAY 1: THE W2 BRACKET BEGINS

INT. ARENA SECTION OF THE MALL – CONTINUOUS

 

Colin and Bianca sit at the commentary table, with Ash in the ring and Lily preparing to referee.  “Under My Umbrella” by Incubus plays as Iris Correa comes out in full hospital regalia. “Freedom” by Sparkle plays as Kalpana comes down in traditional Nepali clothes.

 

 

Ash: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and will count towards the point total in the round robin. First, from Denver Colorado, the Blindsider herself, the Eye-Con, Iris Correa! And, accompanied by…Ann Lee, okay, Ann…from Inurawa, Nepal, the Innovator of Inurawa, Kalpana!

 

 Kalpana takes off her traditional garb to reveal her cosmic-themed leotard. Iris and Kalpana square off. The bell rings as they lock up.

 

Colin: And we’re off! Kalpana trained under Nepal’s most famous woman wrestler and president of the Nepali Women’s Wrestling Bhagwati and she wastes no time sending Correa off the ropes, Correa swings back around and HOLY CANNOLI did someone rewind the tape on a Canadian Destroyer?! I didn’t know a body could turn that way from nowhere.

 

Bianca: My time in the ring, I’ve dealt with flip moves but I don’t know if I’ve seen that before and we go to the two count, Lily Martin stops the count at 2 as Iris gets her shoulders up. And Ann, what are you doing there?

 

Ann pulls up a seat and a mic. Kalpana begins her journey running towards the ropes.

 

Ann: I was interviewing Kalpana and she advised to come watch to get a better taste of the innovation.

 

Bianca: Well we’re up and Kalpana running towards Iris and spin on a dime Lariat with the back of her arm!

 

Colin: Okay, that’s just showing off now, she’s continuing her run backwards to the other side of ropes, Iris trying to get up and a running somersault AXE KICK on the back of Iris’s head!

 

Bianca: Kalpana’s just like did I say you could get up?

 

Colin: Kal picks her back up and OOF right into a Sunset Flip Powerbomb.

 

Bianca: That says something if that’s the first move I recognize in the way it’s delivered. I bet you Correa is begging for a bit of normalcy at this point.

 

Colin: Is this just how they do things in Nepal? Ann?

 

Ann: Why are you asking me? I’m Korean.

 

Colin: No, I mean from your interview with Kalpana.

 

Ann: Oh! No, this is all Kalpana, who has an aversion to normalcy. And to gimmicks. And recognizability.

 

Colin: That’s clear right from her entrance theme. Apparently, that’s a Nepali band, called Sparkle, that we…and OH! We took our eyes off Kalpana for a moment and she has Iris bent almost all the way back in a Boston Crab. Iris almost making a full letter O with her body and someone’s going to need a chiropractor after this match-oh! Iris finally getting some offense in with a reversal for 1, and Kalpana kicks out! We have a match! Kalpana pushes herself to the ropes and Iris sends her up in a monkey flip WHAT THE HELL Kalpana catches the momentum and turns it into a rolling splash! Iris cannot catch a break. Martin with the count and it’s a 1. You can see the frustration in Iris’s eyes.

 

Bianca: Maybe Iris needs to get her eyes checked if she can’t see these moves coming.

 

Ann: Can you be referred to yourself?

 

Bianca: I think I might need to change doctors. Iris off the ropes with a regular lariat. Kal takes a bump. Iris Correa usually more effective than this, has an impressive win-loss back in Colorado, but can’t seem to get too much momentum here in Minnesota. Maybe it’s the elevation.

 

Colin: And Kalpana saying I can help you with that, lifting Iris up and going into what looks like a pancake-

 

Bianca: Nope! She’s having her other arm meet Iris halfway into a clothesline! Can’t this kid do anything regular?

 

Ann: She was telling me backstage that she saves her innovation for the ring and I didn’t not believe her but this, this is something else.

 

Colin: Iris is going to have 0/0 vision on that scoreboard if she can’t get it together, it’s been an absolute decimation by the Innovator. The Mall of America is absolutely gobsmacked by what they’re seeing. Kalpana picking Iris up and Irish whip into the corner, her second standard move of this match I think and scooping up for a Tree of….what, what is she doing Bianca?

 

Bianca: She’s installing that Tree of Woe all wrong! The hinges are not going to fit on the door! A slap to Iris’s head to get her to open her eyes well that was just not necessary but I guess you have to see to believe, running back and OH GOD DROPKICK TO THE HEAD AND SHE MADE IRIS KISS THE TURNBUCKLE!

 

Ann: She calls that move the Kalculator.

 

Colin: And it looks like her calculations were spot on. Kalpana charging back away from the turnbuckle now, Iris just stay down it’s not worth it Kal charging back to Iris and leapfrogs over her into a split-legged moonsault wait she hooks the arms on the way down and that’s no moonsault it’s a Pedigree! It’s a moonsault Pedigree! It’s a combination moonsault Pedigree! What the hell did we just witness?!

 

Ann: And this signals the end, that was the Panacea and she can get the end now, wait, she – why is she picking up Iris into a Tombstone, oh no she was telling me about this-

 

Bianca: STANDING MOONSAULT TOMBSTONE! THE FANS ARE ABSOLUTELY LOSING IT AND HONESTLY SO AM I!

 

Ann: It’s the Nepal Bearer! NOW she’s going for the pin.

 

Colin: Martin gives the three count and this has been an absolute ripping apart of a match!

 

Ash: Here is your winner, and awarded 3 points, the Innovator of Inurawa, KALPANA!

 

 

Bianca: And that folks is what gets you a contract with an industry with as much renown as P2G.

 

The fans give a standing ovation as Lily Martin raises Kalpana’s hands in victory. Kalpana looks over at Ann Lee and winks, then steps out of the ring and begins to high five some fans. “Freedom” by Sparkle plays over the PA system. Kalpana looks in the ring and sees Iris just getting up and confused. Kalpana re-enters the ring and helps Iris up, then gives her a small hug and pat on the back before high-fiving Ash and leaving the ring again, high-fiving more fans as she leaves.

 

Bianca: That my friends is a beautiful sign of sportsmanship. Sportswomanship? No, that doesn’t sound right. Kal could be gloating right now, but gives Iris a little love.

 

Ann: Now, I heard about a victory cocktail so I have to go see what this is about.

 

INT. Backstage Area

 

Kalpana holds a bottle of banana rum and a Coca-Cola and pours them into a cup. Ann comes up to Kalpana as Kalpana puts a squirt of chocolate syrup into the cup and gently mixes.

 

Ann: So what are we drinking?

 

Kalpana: I call this Sweet Success. It’s banana rum, chocolate, and Coke. Here, cup all ready for you.

 

Ann takes a sip and sighs happily.

 

Kalpana: So good right? Tastes like winning.

 

Ann: See, I know you don’t want to go for gimmicks, but you could easily do one of those talk show segments where you serve drinks.

 

Kalpana: I mean I guess. I don’t really love those talking segments and I don’t think the audience does either. Honestly often I find that people that do those segments don’t have much talent in the ring and are just attempting to skate by on a semi-personality. It’s like we hired you and we have no other use for you.

 

 

Iris comes by and Kalpana mixes her a Sweet Success. Iris looks at her and looks at the drink then looks back at her.

 

Iris: What’s this then?

 

Kalpana: Sweet Success. I always offer a drink to my mates after our matches, unless they’re absolute jerks.

 

Iris: Oh! That’s a fun gimmick.

 

Ann: That’s what I thought!

 

Kalpana: (thinly) It’s not a Gimmick. I’m just doing something nice for someone nice.

 

Iris: Offering me a drink called Sweet Success after you beat me seems a bit like rubbing it in, don’t you think?

 

Kalpana: I mean I could offer you the defeat drink instead. That I feel like would be rubbing it in.

 

Iris: You have a defeat drink too? That screams gimmick. And drinking problem.

 

Kalpana: Again, not a gimmick.

 

Ann: (sipping) She doesn’t do gimmicks.

 

 

At this point a blonde wrestler walks in, this is DARIA DONNER.

 

Daria: Ah, sorta like NJM.

 

Kalpana: What’s NJM?

 

Daria: Where I’m from, it’s this car insurance company, and their whole thing is that they don’t do gimmicks or mascots. Except they use fifty thousand mascots to prove how anti-mascot they are. It’s funny sometimes, but it’s really kinda annoying.

 

Ann: So your gimmick is you hate gimmicks. (To Daria) Also you’re my next interview after I’m done with Kalpana. Congrats by the way.

 

Daria: Thank you!

 

Iris: What’s wrong with gimmicks? They’re fun characters to get into to get away from your daily life.

 

Kalpana: Aren’t you an optometrist in real life?

 

Iris: Yeah, but I can’t hit my patients in real life so. (Iris takes the drink Kalpana offered earlier) Oh, this is good! Yeah, lean with this when you get into P2G.

 

Daria: It’s possible the concept of gimmicks just didn’t make it to Nepal. Hey look-

 

Ann: Oh no, Kalpana had a period where she played an evil superhero named (looks at her notes) Kal-Hell.

 

Daria: Oh! So it was just a bad gimmick. Okay, look, I get why you might not-

 

Kalpana: You know what concept also made it to Nepal? Nepo baby. (to Ann) You said you’re interviewing her next?

 

Ann: That’s what’s on the docket.

 

Kalpana: See how much of the interview she talks about her cousin Steve Thunder, the main reason she had a shot here or at P2G.

 

Daria: (starting to get heated) Hey I was trying to defend and understand you, we’re gonna be going to the same company and we need to have each other’s backs so I thought maybe the concept just didn’t-

 

Kalpana: okay Blondie your little I’m an innocent little ball of nervous energy I don’t understand how the world works is coming off super privileged and it’s not cute, I’m sure your cousin’s gonna have your back when we get to Path but right now I have full access to you, so shut up, apologize, or stay out of my way.

 

Daria: (head of steam building, speech speeding up) or what? You don’t have ropes or a turnbuckle here. Your I’m doing all the new things may fly in a ring, but you got nothing in a brawl.

 

Kalpana smiles and smashes a beer bottle over Daria’s head. Daria and Kalpana start throwing fists, Kalpana pulling the back of Daria’s shirt over her head and throwing hockey blows. Kalpana whips Daria into the catering table. Daria screams and charges Kalpana who leaps over Daria and Daria plows head-first into a table with a wooden chair by it. Daria tries to get her shirt down as Kalpana climbs up on the table. Kalpana does a moonsault off the table and drives Daria’s face into the seat of the chair. Kalpana dumps the drink over Daria’s head.

 

Kalpana: You shouldn’t be drinking before a match anyway.

 

Iris decides to stick herself back into the argument.

 

Iris: You really should consider this gimmick. Clearly you have a whole-

 

Kalpana: What is your obsession with gimmicks?

 

Iris: What is your hatred for them? You think you’re better than those of us who come in with a character which by the way I was listening and you are a hell of a hypocrite given that you played this game too.

 

Kalpana: I don’t understand this. I feel like I was super respectful to you after our fight, what is your beef with me?

 

Iris: And then you handed me a drink to bask in your victory. Kinda sets your whole post-fight hug as condescending.

 

Ann: You did mock her whole deal before the match.

 

Kalpana: What are you doing?

 

Ann: I believe your words were “that’s exciting? An eye doctor? I bet her finisher is she pokes your eyes and does a clothesline”.

 

Kalpana: Are you trying to start a fight?

 

Iris: At least my line of work helps people. They have whole meetings because of people like you.

 

Kalpana sighs and lifts Iris up by the shirt collar and waist collar and tosses her into a makeshift bar.

Kalpana: Bet you didn’t see that coming.

 

She turns her attention to Ann Lee.

 

Kalpana: And you’re supposed to be interviewing me. Not egging on fights. So keep your opinions to yourself and ask your little fluff questions. I trust the interviewers at Path are better than this. You know what? Give me the mic. Guess I have to do your job too.

 

She rips the microphone out of Ann’s hand and stares down the camera.

 

Kalpana: Path 2 Glory. When I get into your ring, you’re going to have a lot of presuppositions about me. You’re going to look at my face and think I’m an ingenue. You’re going to look at my skin and think I’m demure and deferential. You’re going to look at my outfit and think I’m going to name my moves after rockets and planets. You’re going to think you know me. I can’t control any of that but I can tell you about myself. That was the whole purpose of this interview before Annie Amateur here decided to try to turn this into some sort of reality show that Americans seem to gobble up. You’re going to hear me say that and think I’m some sort of Anti-American heel, some derivative Iron Sheik. And all of that couldn’t be further from the truth. Hell, I don’t even blame you for that, I’m sure I haven’t and won’t be your most exciting interview, because as I said from the start my talking is done where it’s supposed to be, in the ring. I came into this interview excited. I came into this interview excited to introduce myself to a wider world. I came into this interview excited about receiving this.

 

She holds the contract up again.

 

Kalpana: I am excited for this opportunity. I am excited to operate with grace and grow into a solid role model you can look up to. I am excited to represent and grow your brand. This mess here-

 

Kalpana gestures to Daria being flopped on the chair and Iris behind the bar.

 

Kalpana: This isn’t my standard way of doing things. I don’t like to act like this. I prefer to act with respect and love. I prefer to keep the fire in the ring and bring you the excitement with my ever-expanding, ever-evolving moveset. I love to rep Nepal, rep women, rep the intelligent and the interested. I want to inspire you. But make. No. Mistake. I can be a real beshya when I need to. I can be a real ma shaala. I know how to brawl. I know how to hurt people. I know how to make people regret speaking to me the wrong way. Earlier Ann here asked about “what happened in Nepal” so let me set the scene for you. I used to bartend for the first woman wrestler in Nepal, the amazing Bhagwati Khadka Unika, and her events and in addition to being paid well she was giving me ring training. At one event, one of the wrestlers decided she didn’t want to tip me. She was set to come out of that match the #1 Contender to the title. I made sure that didn’t happen. Then I stepped in the ring the next event and scooped that #1 spot away from her. That was over a tip. Don’t think for a second I will hesitate to put you in your place if you cross me. I’ll keep it within the guidelines. I don’t attack fans and I don’t attack crew or staff. With my hands. Otherwise Ann here would have gone through the table too. I make no promises with words. And I don’t expect to jump the line for any title or be handed any opportunity. I don’t have a cousin fighting for you like Ms. Donner here, and even if I did I wouldn’t rely on the name. I earned this folder, and I earned that spot, and I am going to show up every day and prove I earned it. Because that it what I believe in. I believe in doing the work, I believe in enhancing the work, and that’s what I’m coming to you to do. You don’t have enough women willing to do the right thing in your ranks, so I’m thrilled to be that person for you. But I can be this person too and make no mistake.  Now blondie is going to have to go into her interview and her W2 match all bruised up. You’re welcome in advance, Morgan Maverick. Should be an easy 3 points for you. Not sure how your interview is going to go, Ann, but it seems like it was destined to be a disaster regardless. So yes, I can be a friend and I can be a foe. I can be open to suggestions presented respectfully, I know that part of this is playing the game. I refer you to the previous mention of Kal-Hell, which I didn’t love, but I did. I’m willing to tag. I’m willing to take the bumps and take my place at the bottom of the ladder. I’m willing to be patient, I’m willing to be game. What I’m not gonna be is your little exotic toy. I’m not gonna be doing Nepali cooking segments or teach white people how to speak my language bits. I’m not gonna be painted as some only-speaks-Nepali monster with some translator saying that what I’m saying is “death to Americans.” I’m not gonna do Standard Asian character or Geisha or any of that nonsense. I respect this craft and I respect this business and I respect these fans and I expect the same respect in return. I don’t think my expectations are unreasonable and you see now what happens when they’re not met. So let’s do this, Path to Glory, and let’s do it correctly. If we have each other’s backs there’s worlds beyond worlds of possibility of where this can go. I do want to be the face of your company, I do want to be what you think of when you think of innovation, I do want to challenge what you think is possible for women in this business, for minorities in this business, and for this business in general. I do want to be the person that when you inevitably create your video game, people get excited to unlock my moveset, people are gonna take their created characters and say “Oh! I want to do the Nepal Bearer, that’s insanely cool.” I want to be the reason Nepal is a choice for location. I don’t need to be the cover star just yet, I’ll work to that and make no mistake. I want to be the reason people turn on the TV, to say “what insane ridiculous move are we going to see today?” and for the announcers to shrug and say “I’m not sure what to call that but it looks like it hurt.” Does that answer your question, Ann Lee? Does that show you who I am?

 

Kalpana starts to put the mic down on the table, then looks at Daria Donner and reconsiders. Kalpana begins to kick Daria on her side to get her moving.

 

Kalpana: Hey! Hey Donner get moving. You have a match soon and you better clean up.

 

Daria picks her head up from the chair and holds it in her hands.

 

Daria: Oof my head.

 

Kalpana: Yeah, Panacea will do that to you. Did you learn your lesson?

 

Daria: Why are you helping me up?

 

Kalpana: I proved the point I needed to prove, and as sloppy as you and Ann are, you and I heading to the same company and we need it to look good. So wash your face and fix your everything.

 

Daria: Yeah. Sure. Thanks.

 

Daria walks out of the makeshift bar area. Kalpana turns to Ann.

 

Ann: You know I’m just doing my job.

 

Kalpana: Your job is creating conflict?

 

Ann: It’s a fight company, and the people want to see fights. We’re just giving them what they want. And look, maybe we can start fresh. I can make you look good and you can make me look good.

 

Kalpana: Great! Hey, maybe I can even get you some ring training.

 

Ann: Because you respect me?

 

Kalpana: Because then I can whoop you and not get fined for attacking a staff member.

 

Kalpana bumps past Ann. Ann sighs.

 

Ann: So there you have it, MAWLers and Gloryhounds. Kalpana, a woman of creation. A woman of innovation. A woman who may not present as anything at first glance, but underneath is a torrent of execution and aggression. A woman who will challenge everything you know about what you see. You can see from the chaos behind me that you would be very careful to speak wrong to her. But the girl does make a hell of a drink. My next interview is going to be with the woman she just laid out, but the Daredevil herself.

 

Ann signals to turn the camera off, but just before the camera shuts off, a metal mask with a glowing red smiley face appears behind her. 

 

 

INT. Arena Section

 

Colin and Bianca sit holding their headsets.

 

 

Colin: We just received word that two of our competitors have been taken out of commission unexpectedly. We don’t have words yet on which two competitors, it seems like they were in their street clothes and left crimson masks.

 

Bianca: This wasn’t as a result of the street attack we just saw Kalpana get into with Daria Donner and Iris Correa, as both of them have been checked with doctors and cleared for continuing.

 

Colin: Apparently this was two of our men, and I don’t yet know what Ms. Blake intends to do about this, I guess they could try to call Steve Thunder back but he’s already off doing Path-related things.

 

Bianca: And that would only replace one of the spots. We do have some other fighters but it seems like they won’t be here until Day 12, so getting one of them on the plane now may not work out so well. What we do know is that the EMTs are on the scene, and we’ll keep you up to date with this as we know more, but for now it seems that Daria is ready for action so we’re going to throw you back to Ann.

 

INT. Backstage Area of the Mall

 

Ann stands in the locker room with Daria Donner, who’s freshly clean and pumping herself up.

 

 

Ann: Here and ready to rock with the Delaware Daredevil herself, Daria Donner. Daria, first thing I have to ask you is are you okay?

 

Daria: Oh you’re talking about Kalpana’s little temper tantrum?

 

Ann: In so many words.

 

Daria becomes increasingly motormouthed as she talks.

 

Daria: Look, I was a stuntwoman, I’ve jumped away from explosions and into fires. A little faceplant on a chair isn’t gonna stop me. I don’t know what her deal is and honestly I don’t really wanna know, I don’t think much about the past I’m all about that future baby woo! And my future is looking bright as a boom Ann let me tell you I got my match against Morgan Maverick today and Morgan I’m gonna put it out there to you I’m not afraid of flying and I’m not afraid of heights so you got nothing girl I mean NOTHING that’s gonna throw this D-Light off her train no sir! And then after I ground this plane and run this game it’s off to merry old England or wherever it is they bring the Pathfinders is that what we’re called now Pathfinders well it doesn’t really matter because I’M SIGNED BABY HELL YES it’s a done deal a Donner deal and it’s a Dinner deal in that I’m gonna make a meal out of anyone who gets between me and steel it’s a rise to the top and I don’t stop this girl is goin for GOLD! HELL YEAH LET’S GO!

 

Daria exhales. Ann takes a breath as well.

 

Ann: Whew, that was…a lot. Careful you don’t run out of steam before you even have a chance to get in the ring.

 

Daria: Oh I don’t stop and I don’t run outta steam cause it’s pure electricity that runs through these veins and you better believe your girl’s gonna bring the PAIN!

 

Ann: How many energy drinks did you have this morning?

 

Daria: Oh I don’t need that Ann Lee I don’t drink the C4 I drink the H2 and add a little O on the end I’m a beach inside and out baby there’s oceans in motion. And I don’t do coke either because I know that’s gonna be your next question but let’s get down to what we’re here to get down to and that’s me 5D setting foot in the P2G bringin’ that surge of energy to the women’s D HELL YEAH! I know there’s 7 women in there already in need of a jolt, a challenge, a wake-up call, and the fans need it even more than that I say this with all the joy and love and appreciation in my constantly beating heart your women’s roster falls on its face P2G but that’s okay! Because if something falls on its face it just needs a new face and that’s this girly here, this lady in red, great song by the way Chris DeBurgh is a legend, hey Chris if you’re watching this I dedicate this match to you cause why the hell not, dedicate to you and of course my cuz Steve love ya like a brother and thank you for putting in a good word for me and staying true to your word and I’ll see you soon and we’ll tear it up!

 

Ann: People are saying that your relationship to Steve Thunder is the reason you got chosen in the first place. What do you say to that?

 

Daria: You see Ann that’s where I do get pissed off and I guess I’m gonna have to clear the air again. Did Steve put in a good word for me? Yes. Yes he did. But he’s not exactly a top tier star over there yet so and I mean no disrespect to my amazing cousin his word wasn’t gonna be enough to get me signed. It got me seen and that’s all, and I did the rest. And also Steve wouldn’t even know about wrestling if it weren’t for me, I introduced my boyfriend to wrestling and he introduced Steve to it. So if anything I’m the reason he’s there not the other way around. And he thanked me for it and that was cool. No, wrestling’s been in my blood a long, long time and being here is something that I’ve always wanted. I grew up watching the greats….Warrior. Savage. HBK. Of course Alundra Blayze. The giants of the industry. And then Thea Hail came along and I saw myself in the ring truly for the first time. I’d always been told that my motormouth was a fault, a failing, a flaw. I was told that it meant my brain wasn’t fast enough but let me tell you something the brain and body are simpatico Ann Lee everything is running in pure teamwork fashion and it’s made me a Voltron of excellence. And Morgan Maverick’s gonna see exactly why I got this contract here and so is everyone else and it's not gonna be because of Steve no my cousin only lit the fuse and baby I’m the bomb. I guarantee you you’re not gonna see me comin until someone gets the smelling salts out and then I’m already gone with my hands raised in victory. Morgan you just got on the bullet train to pain and baby we’re making NO local stops! LET’S GO!

 

Ann: You’re talking so fast that even with all that we still have time before your match. Tell me, what can we expect from you moves wise?

 

Daria: You can’t expect anything Ann Lee you should learn to just roll with what comes but if you’re talking what’s my moves what’s my endgame well it’s funny we’ve touched the air and land but we haven’t yet gotten to the sea for you see I’m from DE baby and we’re boat people so I’m fixing to give Morgan a little ride on the Ferry, first you pay the feet then you take the German ride, and if that’s not enough for you then you’re gonna have to cross the Delaware but don’t worry baby cause I got the bridge but you’re gonna have to pay the toll again and it is steep. It costs an arm and a leg and a head.

 

Ann: You’re talking about a submission?

 

Daria: Call my opponents the military at dawn cause I’m makin em play Taps!

 

Ann: How do you square such a game of resilience and intense slow stillness with your frenetic pace?

 

Daria: Intensity comes in all forms Ann. You’ll see. All of you are gonna witness just how much technique this little body carries and I’ll make you all DE-Lievers I am 5-5 of fire and I’m ready to blow this plane’s engines! LET’S GO!!!

 

Daria hits the lockers a few times intensely and howls like a wolf, then heads out in the direction of the ring. Ann starts to follow but is stopped as the lights in the locker room go out for a second.

 

Ann: What the-?

 

 

In the darkness a glowing red face can be seen, but it appears to just be a mask. From it comes a child’s voice, very steady and disarming.

 

Child Voice: Hello Ann Lee.

 

Ann: Who’s there?

 

Child Voice: Do not be alarmed. We are not here for the purposes of harm. We wish only to talk.

 

Ann: Who’s we?

 

Child Voice: We will talk soon, Ann Lee.

 

The child’s voice giggles and the lights go on. There is no mask. Ann looks around, sighs, and walks out towards the ring.

 

INT. ARENA SECTION OF THE MALL – CONTINUOUS

 

Colin McRae and Bianca Diaz are at the desk. Ann shakes off a cold feeling as she joins them.

 

 

Colin: You good?

 

Ann: Yeah. Yeah. I’m good.

 

 

Ash Greaves stands in the middle of the ring, with Lily Martin next to her. As they are announced, Morgan Maverick comes out in a flight suit to “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins, followed by Daria Donner charging out in her daredevil jacket to “Song for the Dead” by Queens of the Stone Age. As each of them removes their outermost layers, Morgan Maverick is in a brown tee with a stylized version of her name on her chest and brown army pants, as Daria Donner is in a red daredevil themed singlet with wing-designed boots. The fans cheer each entrance in turn.

 

Ash: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and will count towards the point total in the Round Robin. Entering first, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ms. Fight AND Flight, Morgan Maverick! And! From Rehoboth, Delaware, she is the Delaware Daredevil, Daria Donner!

 

Daria and Morgan circle each other, Daria hopping back and forth as she does so, and Lily signals for the bell. Immediately Daria goes for the ropes.

 

Colin: And we were a little worried that the bar room brawl between Kalpana and Daria prior to the match was going to slow her down but Daria does not appear to have lost a step! Speed demon off the ropes, catches a little air and we’re starting a jumping forearm! Daria lands with a roll and already running back off towards the ropes and it’s a running dropkick! Morgan already starting at a disadvantage.

 

Bianca: If this is Daria after being beaten into a disadvantage I do not want to see her at 100 percent. And back off the ropes already and OH! Morgan Maverick catches her into a powerslam. Bad luck. Tries for the cover, can’t even get the 1. Morgan well-known around the indies for her power and propensity for the air, but was not considered for the contract and you can tell she’s more than a little sore about it as she pummels Daria with fists and Daria slides out from under her arm and cartwheels out of the way, springing into another well-timed forearm! Morgan up and charging now at Daria but WHOA Daria baseball slide underneath Morgan’s clothesline, springs back up with a jumping roundhouse! Fair play to Daria!

 

Ann: Daria said backstage that her connection to Thunder only got her considered and it was her skill that got her in, and that she felt she had to prove that in this match.

 

Colin: And she is certainly doing that right here and now. Did she say anything else?

 

Ann: Maybe but that’s all I could catch.

 

The announcers laugh as Daria does a snap-hurricanrana and gets herself onto the middle turnbuckle.

 

Ann: If Kalpana was a bit of a boring interview then Daria was a mass overcorrection. It went from a cup of tea to a Monster energy drink.

 

Bianca: We can see the monster unleashing! As Daria decides to spring from the middle to the top turnbuckle with a hop and an elbow drop to the back of Morgan’s head! Off the ropes and here she comes in with a Leg Drop! And we get a 2 count. Daria pounds the turnbuckle a little, seems frustration is setting in. She runs and Maverick catches her with the arm drag no wait Daria reverses it into her own arm drag and Maverick reversing it right back! Morgan with an arm lock and that looks painful!

 

Colin: And Daria looks like she’s struggling a bit and up, up, Kip Up into a headscissors no Morgan again drops that into a Tilt-a-Whirl Sidewalk Slam! And it seems that maybe that brawl had more of an effect on Daria than we thought.

 

Bianca: Or maybe Maverick is just that much a match for her. Maverick missed consideration by an inch for P2G, but there have been eyes on her elsewhere. Personally I’d love to see her stay here and make herself the bedrock of this league, as you know this event is hosted by Maniacal Action Wrestling League though it is an invitational helping us to spread good cheer amongst the indie circuit so no indie leagues are necessarily off-limits. So some but not all of the competitors are ours or have been closely affiliated with us, and we’re hoping to make a move to snag Maverick who is putting on a hell of a showing. We also want to give a warm thank you and shoutout to Path 2 Glory, as you know this event has been particularly special in that 11 of the superstars here today – including 2 in a tag team who aren’t part of the invitational proper but are otherwise on the card – have had their applications to P2G accepted or been scouted and tagged to join. Ann Lee, sitting here with us has been working in tandem with them to give them the skinny on them.

 

Ann: Thank you, Bianca, and yes, the matches I am sitting in with you at the booth and interviews for today are part of that. Over the course of this event I intend to talk to the other competitors but today’s focus is on the Path upcomers. Which means I hope that Daria can pull it together or Path might find themselves reconsidering.

 

Colin: As we get back to the action we can see that Daria is back on her feet! And she looks a little shaken but she takes a breath and starts to pound on the turnbuckle.

 

Bianca: Daria charges towards Morgan and snapmare! And she runs back to the other turnbuckle, bounces off of it and here we go with a Hidden Blade! Daria screams! She’s pumped up! Off the ropes now and basement dropkick! Daria pulls Morgan up into a scoop slam! Two count! Daria with a bodyslam! Kicks again at 2! We’re moving at light speed here and the only breaths are in the pin attempts! Fisherman suplex…almost 3! Daria is looking very frustrated! Wait-

 

Bianca: - Here comes Broadway Bloom! What’s she doing down here! Her match isn’t til later!

 

Colin: Broadway Bloom comes from the same league as Daria and another competitor we’ll see perform later Emma Janeer, and my intel from that league is that Bloom has been making valiant attempts to lure both Daria and Emma over to the dark side and has not as of yet been successful, but part of her signing up for this tournament was to do exactly what she is doing now, which is pitching her case and she is trying to demonstrate what could be by distracting Lily Martin!

 

Ann: Someone should tell Broadway Bloom that Emma and Daria are going over to P2G and she’s not invited.

 

Bianca: Do you think she’s doubling up her efforts to be invited?

 

Colin: I don’t know anyone who’d do that, right, Ann?

 

Ann: I will not dignify that. Anyway I don’t know if Daria is exactly aware of what’s happening because she’s got this face on like she’s driven on one goal and one goal alone.

 

Daria grabs onto the rope and begins to shake it to cheers from the mall.

 

Bianca: I’ve heard her mention the Warrior in other interviews, what of those interviews I was able to catch and understand anyway, and I think this is what they were talking about. She’s riling herself up. Is Bloom SINGING to Martin?? Oh, whatever league they’re in I’m glad I’m far away from it.

 

Colin: And here she goes! Off the ropes, Elbow Drop 1! Back up and bouncing Elbow Drop 2! Back to the ropes AND-

 

 

Colin: OH MY GOD KALPANA HAS A MICROPHONE AND SHE STRIKES DARIA ACROSS THE FACE WITH IT!

 

Kalpana: So! Am I still boring?!

 

Kalpana drops the mic. Broadway Bloom runs her out of the arena section.

 

Ann: It’s Nepal all over again! It’s Nepal all over again!!

 

Bianca: And Bloom gives chase. Maverick attempts to capitalize with the roll-up DARIA REVERSES IT AND UP WE GO WITH A LOCK AND A BRIDGE! WELCOME TO DELAWARE THE BRIDGE HAS A TOLL!  MAVERICK TAPS OUT!

 

Ann: Kalpana tried to make lightning strike twice and it backfired on her!

 

Ash: Here is your winner, and awarded 3 points, the Delaware Daredevil, DARIA DONNER!

 

 

Colin: And Lily raises Daria’s hand! You’d think Daria would be happier than this!

 

Daria exits the ring and grabs the mic, then walks back in and calls to cut the music.

 

Daria: Yeah, you little twerp, I still think you’re boring. And it’s a good thing for you that you have your little folder because now this audience here knows what a little snake you really are, just like they knew in Nepal. Only this time it didn’t work out for you. Because one, I still got the points. Two, round robin rules means I’m going to get my day with you in the ring, and oh I’m going to love it. Oh yeah! Three, I also have one of those little folders, and you better hope that we are scheduled in separate freaking months and that we don’t run into each other, because both of us are claiming we want to go over there and do the right thing, but I can play mean too if I have to, and if I see your little children’s ceiling space suit cross my path, I will break you in ways that your little innovative brain still couldn’t even imagine. This contract here-this was going to be a great win for both of us. And when this day started I was happy for you. I really enjoyed the little success cocktail you made, and had this gone down different we’d be backstage right now laughing it up and sharing in another one, maybe talking about hey should we team up when we get to Path, let’s be roomies, let’s be besties. But I’ve learned better, and that is very, very bad news for you, Kalpana.

 

Daria Donner leaves the ring.

 

INT. LOCKER ROOM – MOMENTS LATER

 

Daria paces around the room agitated. Ann walks in.

 

 

Daria: Oh perfect. This is exactly who I want to see.

 

Ann: I can see you’re frustrated but no need for sar-

 

Daria: No! Not at all, no sarcasm. I need to get something out beyond what I could say in the ring so your timing is spot on Ann Lee. So let me ask you something Ann Lee what do you do when you just want to be someone’s support someone’s friend and then you make one stupid statement one misspeak and then they come out and blow it waaaaay out of proportion and decide to try to ruin your day what do you do with that person Ann because I’m tellin you that I got a lot of things running through my head and ooh baby Kalpana really crossed the wrong river I’m gonna tell you that I stand by what I said in the ring and I will break your little face but what I want to say beyond what I said is to the locker room at Path, don’t take my youth for inexperience or my kindness and I swear I am kind even if I trip over my own words sometimes but we all do that Ann Lee we all say stupid things and have to clean them up in the ring and this could have been water under the bridge but now it’s gonna be a head locked in a Delaware Bridge but I am kind and I am fun and I will bring a party to the ring but don’t mistake my kindness for weakness or my fun bubbly demeanor and my fast mouth for stupidity oh no I graduated college top of my class yes sir and I got brains to go with the brawn to go with the beauty and that’s not arrogance that’s confidence I’m not gonna go in there and call you ugly but I am gonna get real ugly in the ring Pathfinders and whether it stays ugly when we get out of the ring is on you but I’d rather it not Kalpana is on my list but the rest of you I can have a real good time but I am business too hell yeah LET’S GO!

 

Daria hits the lockers and then exhales.

 

Ann: So…did you have a question?

 

Daria: What would you do about Kalpana?

 

Ann: I’d get even and then I’d call us even.

 

Daria: So show up, whack her with something in a match, and then say now we’re even don’t pull that again?

 

Ann: Yeah, pretty much.

 

Daria: I mean I don’t usually like to play that way, Steve is very big on play it clean as much as you can and that’s just been a Donner way of doing things even if Steve decided to anglicize the name, but I guess this is where the “as you can” comes into play.

 

Ann: That’s the first time you brought him up unprovoked, I’m impressed.

 

Daria: Kal Gal would have you believe that I never stop talking about my cousin but I told you early on and I showed you in the ring getting to this spot is all me baby I got the speed and the smarts and the skills and anyone who wants to doubt on me or call me nepo or whatever I’m not gonna cry about it but I’m gonna make you cry while I prove you wrong and then I’ll help you dry the tears I got outta you cause lesson learned and I’m not a monster I’m a Donner baby.  Hell yeah!

 

Ann: There are some who would say that the Donners were-

 

Daria: Those Donners are not these Donners and I know people are gonna make that connection but I don’t eat people I beat people I deplete people and defeat people the only hunger I have is for victory. And sauerbraten. I love sauerbraten. You ever have sauerbraten Ann Lee?

 

Ann: I don’t even know what that is.

 

Daria: It’s so good so good you really gotta try it it sounds disgusting but it tastes amazing and obviously I can relate to that for several reasons.

 

Daria sticks her tongue out and throws the horns momentarily. Ann smirks a little.

 

Daria: But yeah I am lookin to put a good name on my name and change the story I don’t want people to think of death when they think of Donner I want them to think of delight and dedication and determination and the Daredevil herself and I know it’s not gonna help with the nepo comments but I wouldn’t hate teaming with you Steve and we can be well not the Donner Party I’m not that dense but the Donner Duo or something and we could get out there and take this by storm! Donnersturm! LET’S DO THIS STEVE I’M COMING AND IT’S GONNA BE A PARTY!

 

Daria slams the locker one more time and then exits the locker room. Ann stands there on her own for a moment to catch her breath, at which time the locker room lights go out. A glowing red smiley face appears.

 

 

Child Voice: Ann Lee. You do not appear to have control of the situation.

 

Ann: Who are you?

 

Child Voice: We have been observing you. You have a strong voice but no direction. We have a direction but no voice.

 

Ann: How do I hear you if you have no voice?

 

Child Voice: We will explain further when the time is right. We need a voice, Ann Lee. And you need a direction. We will talk soon.

 

The lights go back on. Ann sighs. There is no mask or face.

 

INT. ARENA SECTION OF THE MALL - CONTINUOUS

 

Colin and Bianca are on their mics.

 

 

Colin: Daria Donner gave us a great showing in the ring there, Bianca.

 

Bianca: If she wants to show us that she can set herself apart from her relation to Steve Thunder, she certainly has done a considerable amount in pursuit of that goal Colin.

 

Colin: We are still awaiting word on what happened with the two still unnamed competitors that have been assaulted or who is going to be the stand-ins. But for now, we have Ann talking to one of the competitors in our next match. Ann?

 

INT. BACKSTAGE AREA - CONTINUOUS

 

Ann stands before a well-built Hispanic man with a hot pink mohawk and handlebar mustache who has music playing and is distracted with his grooving.

 

 

Ann: Thank you Colin and Bianca! We switch over to the men’s side. I have with me here Neon Juan Guyverno, who is set to face off against Dangerous Johnny Dagger, if he stops dancing.

 

Neon Juan: Ann, Ann, the dance does not stop even when I get to the ring, for you see, life is just one continuous glorious party for which I have endless dancing partners who are at once enraptured by my glow and unable to keep up with me, so I keep on dancing as they sit on the sidelines like weak no-stamina wallflowers. I never bother to remember their names for when my time dancing with them is done and they are taken by the radiance and perfection I emanate, I am already dancing with the next unworthy partner. But this does not bother the Neon one, no, for me the dance is the purpose and the love of the few who can keep up with me is a simple and fleeting bonus rendered unnecessary by the sheer brilliance of my own light. Do you feel the light, Ann? Do you find yourself like a moth driven to the sinful incandescence of my sheer being? It does not matter. I will have my dance with this Dastardly Jim or whatever you say his name is, and then I will come and seek a dance with you. And even that, Ann, will be fleeting for you see Path 2 Glory is sure to supply me with the dance partners I seek, ones who stand somewhat more of a chance of surviving the dance than whoever it is that fills my card here, so before you can sing Despacito I will be off on my party yacht where the dance will no doubt continue with beautiful women of which you can be one if you so choose Ann, and off to wherever the Path decides a party is sought to grace them with the utter illumination of my presence.

 

Ann: Why Path in particular? You make it sound like you could have been taken by anyone.

 

Neon Juan: Si, I could have gone back to the CMLL where I spent my young years training and could have had a very lucrative career with some ugly men hiding in masks. But The Party Boat made the decision, and I go where the Party takes me. As luck would have it, it took me to the Finland and I was able to have a very nice talk with a Mr. Owen McManus and we decided to take this dance together. So when I received this very lovely folder I was already knowing of where the fate took me next. So now the question that lays to the Path people is who will be the first to try to dance with the Neon Juan? Which of you probably unworthy but at least decent dancers will step into the bright lights and try your hand with the man who will lead you to your next defeat?

 

Ann: Careful, you may burn the bridge with CMLL that you will need later.

 

Neon Juan: If I burn this bridge I will dance in the flames, but I will not burn this bridge Ann because I am desired universally so if I even give the slightest sign that I am interested then CMLL will be how you say sliding into the DMs. But I shall say ay, no, I am currently leading the willing and beautiful Path 2 Glory into a passionate glow of a dance. But! I am called to fascinate the confused masses and draw these insects into my light. Watch me glow.

 

Ann: Neon Juan, ladies and gentlemen and people of all shades, we will be seeing in action.

 

INT. ARENA SECTION OF THE MALL – CONTINUOUS

 

Colin McRae and Bianca Diaz are at the desk. Ann joins them.

 

 

Ann: I need a cold shower. The smarm of that man.

 

Colin: Is that why you’re sitting next to Bianca this time?

 

Ann: Nothing personal Colin, just a temporary aversion to masculinity.

 

Bianca: Well Ann, you’ll have nothing to fear from Colin in that regard.

 

Colin: Oh look! The announcer is here and we’re about to get started. Thank God.

 

 

Lily Martin and Ash Greaves stand in the middle of the ring. As they are announced, the relative people enter – Neon Juan comes out dancing in hot pink shutter shades and a neon hot pink vest that matches the hot pink NJ logo on his green trunks and pink glow bracelets to the song “Bailar” by Deorro feat. Elvis Crespo. He shakes his chest at various women in the audience, then takes off his vest; then “D is for Dangerous” by Arctic Monkeys plays as Dangerous Johnny Dagger walks out running and aggressively pointing at the audience.

 

Ash: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and will count towards point totals in the round robin. First, from La Santa, Mexico weighing in at 235 lbs, El Divertido, Neon Juan Guyverno! And, from Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina weighing in at 202 lbs, Dangerous Johnny Dagger!

 

Colin: Okay, I can see exactly what you mean about Juan, Ann. What is that cologne?

 

Bianca: I think that Juan created his own scent, and might be trying to sell it on the side.

 

Colin: If you buy me this scent for Christmas, I will divorce you. I don’t care if we’re not married, it will be a proactive divorce.

 

Johnny and Juan circle each other, then Juan shimmies his vest off and shakes his chest at the crowd while taking off the shades. Johnny is getting irritated and dropkicks Juan in the back. The bell rings.

 

Bianca: And Johnny got tired of waiting for Juan! I don’t think I can blame him. Juan gives Juan a look of irritation and swings back with a jumping kravate kick. Juan gives a little samba in the ring, he’s not taking this seriously at all.

 

Ann: He did say that the dance is what matters to him and that he doesn’t regard his opponents enough to remember their names, and he’s pretty much showing that here.

 

Bianca: Johnny Dagger does not seem to take kindly to this, rolls backwards and into the ropes and towards Juan, Juan sidesteps him and directs him right outside the ring! Two claps like a shiny matador and he keeps on dancing. Not even looking at Johnny.

 

Johnny slides directly into the banister, then hits it with his hands when he gets up.

 

Colin: The sheer disrespect by this man. Johnny up on the ropes, goes for a springboard splash and Juan reverses it with a monkey flip. And Juan off the ropes, we’ll actually get a move by this man! Hurricanrana! And has him down, Lily counts 1 and Johnny reverses it into a Boston crab and Juan into an O’Connor Roll! 1! 2…no!

 

Bianca: Juan off and a jumping elbow to the head! Juan tries for another jumping elbow but no Johnny in sight! Juan shakes off his arm and dances it off, Johnny catches him with a quick low dropkick and standing moonsault! 1…Juan has his shoulders up. Juan stomping Johnny out, going, going.

 

Colin: Juan taking it much more seriously now, not strutting his stuff, rolling arm drag, armbar! And he’s kicking Johnny in the back of the head as he does it! Johnny trying to get the ropes and he’s got a hold of the middle rope. Juan refusing to let go, the ref counting, 1! 2! 3…Johnny arm whips Juan out! Juan spills to the floor. What-what’s he doing?

 

The ref counts…1! …2!...

 

Ann: He appears to be snapping off his glow bracelet…and re-snapping them around his knuckles! The ref keeping the count going and Johnny giving himself some runway-

 

Colin: Don’t do it Johnny, it’s a trap!

 

Bianca: Once the crowd pops you can’t stop, Colin and suicide dive INTO THE STIFF PUNCH BY JUAN!

 

Colin: Accent on the suicide, Bianca!

 

Ann: Juan tosses the glow bracelet off to the side and rolls Johnny back into the ring.

 

Colin: Onto the apron, springboard over the rope, 450 splash! Juan goes into the Northern Lights, rolls for the second Northern Lights, are we going for the third, we ARE, it’s the NEON LIGHTS DRIVER! 1! 2! 3! Juan wins! And the dance is going. He’s trying to get Lily to dance with him and she gives an awkward little shimmy, but trying to give it small enough that the audience doesn’t assume any wrongdoing.

Ash: Here is your winner and awarded three points, Neon Juan Guyverno!

 

 

Bianca: And I don’t know how anyone could accuse Lily of wrongdoing, I’ve never seen her doing anything other than down the line.

 

Ann: And you can tell that she doesn’t particularly want to be that close to Juan, and I can’t blame her for that either.

 

Juan continues to dance back to the backstage as Ann looks frustrated.

 

INT. BACKSTAGE – MOMENTS LATER

 

Juan comes back and dances. Ann walks in but tries to keep her distance.

 

 

Ann: Before you say anything, no, I will not dance with you.

 

Neon Juan: Ah, Ann, so reluctant, yet so sure of herself. You’ll see, before this is all over, we will be engaged in the dance.

 

Ann: Your confidence is strong now, but this is just your first win, and the other men who have also been signed have yet to-

 

Juan dances over and puts his finger on her lips.

 

Neon Juan: Mamacita, you continue with the not understanding. I care not for concern with these other men. I care only for the dance. And, far be it for me to question such a beautiful and voluptuous lady but you are here just to ask the questions of the greatness before you, yes? Not to interject these negative energies into my space. Now, I take my leave of this and on to my next dance.

 

Neon Juan sashays out, and Ann stands there stewing for a second when the lights go out.

 

Ann: Oh come on.

 

The metal mask with the glowing red face appears behind her again.

 

Child voice: Ann Lee, these interviews are not proceeding as you had envisioned them. This does not bode kindly for your chances at joining us at Path 2 Glory.

 

Ann: What are you-

 

Ann turns around. This time the lights remain out and she lays eyes on the mask.

 

Ann: You’re Rade’s mask. You’re his mask? Am I truly losing the thread?

 

Child voice: You are losing his thread, but yes, I am the mask and the voice that speaks for him. Rade, you see, has not had much use of his voice since traumatic actions in his childhood pushed him into unspeakable acts.

 

Ann: So is it fair to see that I won’t actually come face to face with Rade?

 

Child voice: Quite the contrary. He is present here with us now.

 

 

Ann turns around to see the hulking mass that is Rade in all his 7 ft 3 glory. She tries not to scream.

 

Child voice: We do not wish harm upon you. As we have previously stated, we only seek a voice. And an ear.

 

Ann: I’ll…provide…the second for you. That’s why I am here. But why is the voice…your…voice?

 

Child voice: I exist in this voice as a reminder of his most unspeakable act. He has tried and failed to escape me, and so we have learned to coexist.

 

Ann: He didn’t r-

 

Child voice: There is no sexual drive in Rade nor has there ever been. No. He was…careless. With his strength. They say that the first time you commit such darkness you either run from it or gather a taste for it. I was the first time such darkness occurred. He did not enjoy this and has not rid himself of me. But the taste has grown. A taste for bloodshed. Not in a vampiric way. He does not eat the blood. But he does collect the blood.

 

Ann finds herself backing away.

 

Ann: What…what does he do with the blood?

 

Child voice: He then shares the blood so that others may have it as well. It is the cycle, Ann Lee, the cycle of stasis. He collects the blood, he shares the blood. Blood is a gift, Ann Lee. He is not selfish. He does not wish to keep the blood for himself. Others around him are selfish. They hoard the blood and do not share it. We are not soulless monsters, Ann Lee, and we do not wish death on others. Death is not the goal, it is an unspeakable truth that we no longer wish a part of. But as with the cycle of stasis, balance is required. We have found ourselves in a bloodsport so that we may achieve our goal with no further unspeakable acts, and so that we may show others how blood can be shared in hopes that they will grow our mission.

 

Ann gets herself up to leave.

 

Ann: This…this is insanity.

 

Child voice: Anything broken down is insanity, Ann Lee. It is only the purpose that separates what kind of insanity.

 

Ann backs away to the door.

 

Child voice: We collect the blood, we share the blood.

 

Ann runs out into the arena.

 

INT. Arena part of the Mall – continuous

 

Colin and Bianca are at the desk. Ann sits down out of breath.

 

 

Colin: You seem very exhausted.

 

Bianca: Is everything okay?

 

Ann: I just did my interview with Rade. In a way. It was…it was weird. He’s on some blood collecting mission. I don’t know what that means and I don’t know why Path thought to sign him but I’m just happy to be out and away at this point.

 

Colin: So you’re not going to be particularly happy about this next turn of events.

 

Ann: Oh don’t tell me.

 

 

Ash Greaves and Lily Martin stand in the ring. Ash is holding a mic in their hand. During these announcements, first “Capybara” by Habitually Henry plays as a man in a Capybara mask and outfit enters and high fives some people. This is, well, CAPYBARA. Then the lights go out in the mall as “Mitternacht” by e nomine plays and a glowing red mask is all that can be seen.

 

Ash: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and will count towards points in the round robin. First, from Bang Phra, Thailand, weighing in at 201 lbs, Capybara! And from deep in the Black Forest, weighing in at 355 lbs, der Blutsammler, RADE!

 

Capybara gets one look at RADE and the legs are moving as if to escape but his body is unable to follow. The bell rings and RADE doesn’t even bother to take off his bag-brown jumpsuit.

 

Bianca: Capybaras are loving animals, and you can see this one is not ready for a fight.

 

Colin: And RADE throws Capybara off the ropes, Capybara is sprung back not by his own volition, tossed way up over Rade’s head and Rade DRILLS HIM DOWN with a catching Chokeslam! He just took Capybara 7 Feet Under! 1…2…3!

 

Bianca: One animal was harmed during the making of this match, Colin.

 

Colin: And the match lasted shorter than that irritating Capybara theme song, Bianca. That was an absolute mercy kill!

 

Rade spits up a red fountain in the air and basks in the rain of it. Lily thinks better of raising his hand or getting near him as “Mitternacht” rings through the arena, and just points at him.

 

Ash: Here is your winner, RADE!

 

 

Rade steps over the ropes and out of the ring.

 

Bianca: You wanted to know why Path signed him, Ann, well, there’s your answer.

 

Colin: And I’m just receiving word that he was responsible for the injuries of two of our Round Robin combatants, and that the tag team of Glass and Payne have been asked to fill in as their replacements. I think it was Chef Nobi and Genesis who have been taken out of commission, yes that is the confirmation we are now receiving.

 

Ann: Well that’s going to be awkward when they inevitably face each other. I hope the team can withstand that, part of Path’s excitement to sign them was to increase their tag team roster and I’m not sure how they will feel if the two are trying to remarket themselves as singles competitors.

 

Bianca: The sense I get is that the two are consummate professionals and that they’ll be able to work something out.

 

Colin: In the meantime, we’re going to switch back over to the women’s side after this brief intermission. Feel free to grab something from the food court but be sure to make your way back. And when we return, Ann will give us the lowdown on the next Path signing, Emma Janeer, who will be in competition with Broadway Bloom.

 

Commercial Break

 

A highlight reel of some of the most intense moments of P2G Winter War play over the announcer speaking.

 

Announcer: Coming soon to DVD and Blu Ray. Path 2 Glory presents: Winter War. Relive the 2 night pulse pounding action from the heavy metal capital of the world, Finland. See all the drama, the twists, the turns, the betrayals, with multiple titles on the line and the debut of 2024 W2 Winner Sting Ray Steve Thunder in a pre-show match as well as the hero of the holidays Yuletide, Wolfie, the Firm, Dan Hammer, Dr. Ashla “Dream” Mari, and many of your other favorites. Fans of MAWL will love the high-intensity action that promises to bring War into your homes. Pre-order now.

 

INT. LOCKER ROOM - CONTINUOUS

 

Ann Lee stands in the locker with Emma Janeer, who looks just ready to burst into joyful song as she’s finished applying her glittery lipstick.

 

 

Ann: Welcome back, I’m here with Emma Janeer, the Powerslam Princess, preparing for her first match in this W2 Round Robin.

 

Emma: Isn’t it simply magical, Ann? To come out into a world and provide a show of fireworks and passion, joy and adventure? Who will come out on top? Who will persevere in a battle of wits and strength? Who will feel the weight of the surface pressure and who will go the distance? Ooh! I am so excited!

 

Ann: Now Emma, you seem positively perky.

 

Emma: Uh-Huh!

 

Ann: Can you tell us what we can expect from Emma Janeer?

 

Emma: Imagination! Passion! The strength and tenacity to see light in the darkness of 1000 Arabian nights! Can you just see it, Ann? The clapping of a young girl seeing her idol in the ring, knowing that one day she too can explore and build her own queendom? It just (sing-songy tone) makes my heart siiiing.

 

Ann: Your first opponent is also a performer at heart, I think in fact there are 3 of you in this round robin, but you’ll be facing Broadway Bloom who just earlier showed that she has no problem using underhanded tactics and I know has been trying to get you to change your ways for some time back in your home federation Eastern Kaos Wrestling. What’s going through your mind?

 

Emma: As I’ve told and showed Broadway Bloom multiple times, both in the words and in the squared castle, good always triumphs over evil and Disney has conquered Broadway for some time now. I feel very bright and excited to demonstrate that to her again, we can feud for as long as she wants in her mind and the ending will always be a Happily Ever After.

 

Ann: Well, maybe not as long as she wants, as you’ll be going to Path 2 Glory and she’ll be heading back to EKW.

 

Emma: Like I said, a Happily Ever After.

 

Emma boops Ann on the nose playfully and then traipses out. Ann smirks to herself and heads to the ring to rejoin commentary.

 

INT. ARENA PART OF THE MALL

 

Ann takes her seat next to Colin and Bianca.

 

 

Ann: Well that was certainly cutesy.

 

Colin: I’ve heard a lot of this rivalry over in EKW and it’ll be interesting to see it play out here.

 

Bianca: Disney vs Broadway, a battle that no one thought would be settled in a wrestling ring but here we are.

 

Ann: Well that was certainly cutesy.

 

Colin: I’ve heard a lot of this rivalry over in EKW and it’ll be interesting to see it play out here.

 

Bianca: Disney vs Broadway, a battle that no one thought would be settled in a wrestling ring but here we are.

 

 

Ash and Lily are back in the middle of the ring making their announcements. As they do, the competitors enter. First is Broadway Bloom, entering to “Lost and Found” from City of Angels Musical which she sings as she walks down with a feather boa and sparkly dress. Next is Emma, entering to an instrumental of “Going the Distance” from Hercules as she wears a Disney varsity jacket and Minnie Mouse shades which she gives to a little girl.

 

Ash: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and will count towards points in the round robin. First, from New York, New York, the Great White of the Great White Way, Broadway Bloom! And from Celebration, Florida, the Powerslam Princess, Emma Janeer!

 

As Emma is about to make it to the ring, Broadway Bloom still holding a mic makes a hand signal to cut the music.

 

Broadway Bloom: Darling, Darling, don’t you think this would make a better solo for you?

 

Broadway Bloom signals with her hands for music, “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from Little Mermaid plays. This aggravates Emma who charges to the ring throwing off her jacket and launching into a Lou Thesz press. Lily signals for the bell.

 

Colin: Well, that certainly rankled Emma and she dropped the cutesy act real quick.

 

Ann: She recognizes Broadway Bloom right now as her biggest rival, and if we know anything about this business, it’s that a deep enough rivalry can make you forget yourself.

 

Bianca: That’s certainly true, we’ve already seen it play out with Kalpana and Emma continuing to unload those fists on Bloom! It’s easy to see that Emma will be very relieved when she doesn’t have to think about Bloom anymore. Get her out of the system first match into this, stay out of her way, and then head off to Path and that’s all she wrote.

 

Colin: Emma called off by Lily and scoops Bloom up into a powerslam! That certainly looks like it hurt!

 

Bianca: Emma proving that you can’t judge someone by their gimmick, it would be very easy to underestimate a Disney adult and an elbow drop right to the midsection makes that clear how much of a mistake that is!

 

Colin: Bloom looks like she may not have been ring ready for this match, and standing moonsault knee strike from Emma is showing that she knows she has the upper hand! You don’t attempt something like that this early on if you’re not sure you’re going to land it.

 

Bianca: Going for the pin, and up at 2. We’re getting a 2 count this early maybe Bloom should have just stayed home. Emma picking Bloom up and a scoop slam! This woman is all business in the ring! Emma keeping Bloom grounded, back on her unloading some fists. Bloom must be regretting rubbing her lamp the wrong way.

 

Ann: Emma prides herself on being the hero, and truly believes in good triumphing over evil. The attempts to Disenchant Emma have been fruitless so far, and have only irritated her further. Emma pulls Bloom up again, Fireman’s Carry!

 

Bianca: Emma has two main modes in the ring, power and flight, and her sticking to power this time tells me that maybe flight has been used in their more recent encounters with each other. Longstanding rivalries mean learning each other’s moves and what makes your opponent tick, if you can’t learn and adjust accordingly then you’re making a mistake staying in that rivalry. And facebuster by Emma! Bloom really is struggling here to make any sort of impact. Emma off the ropes now, switching the style up a bit jumping over Emma and back around into a Handspring Moonsault and Bloom is out of the way!

 

Colin: You know the saying if it ain’t broke don’t fix it? That would have served Emma well there. Bloom now with a jumping sleeper hold trying to bring Emma down and Emma is on the ground in the sleeper! Emma crawling to the ropes and Bloom drives a knee into her back but doesn’t let go! That slows down Emma’s momentum a bit. Emma trying to power her way over and makes it to the ropes! Ref counting – 1 – 2 – Bloom not letting go – 3 – Bloom lets go and Emma trying to rest herself on that middle rope-

 

Bianca: Bad idea! As Bloom tarantulas over and locks Emma’s throat around the ropes and the ref counting again- 1-2-

 

Bloom: This could be you! This could be…alright, alright.

 

Colin: Bloom releases and Emma wheezing a bit, trying to catch her breath. Bloom holds onto the ropes and stomp, stomp, stomp! Emma getting stomped out.

 

Ann: Lily getting right into Bloom’s face now and telling her to back off. Bloom throws her hands up and Emma takes the opportunity to hit her with a running forearm! Bloom eats ground! Emma heads to the apron, Bloom trying to get up but looking at the ground and springboard elbow grounds Bloom! Emma with a strike to the side of Bloom’s head! She’s getting in her face a little bit!

 

Emma: Good always wins! Good always wins! Get that through your head!

 

Colin: Slams Bloom’s head into the ground! That seemed uncharacteristically aggressive! And yelling good always wins at her is an interesting choice, but she picks Bloom up by the hair and drags her to the turnbuckle.

 

Ann: And is that a little smile on Bloom’s face? Does she think that she’s getting through to Janeer here?

 

Bianca: Emma wipes that smile off her face with a series of quick punches, charging back and Bloom moves! Shoulder right into the ring post! Bloom now climbing up with a series of quick punches, and a foot choke now!

 

Colin: Ref counting, 1 – 2 – 3 – Bloom pulls her foot back and just into a quick stomp to the face! Tries to climb the turnbuckle to spider-lock her and Emma tosses Bloom out of the ring! Bloom takes a landing right on the steps and that looks like it hurts!

 

Bianca: Is Bloom going to need an understudy after this match?

 

Ann: Ref counting – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – Emma up on top and an elbow drop onto Bloom on the steps! Emma grabs Bloom and tosses her back into the ring! She’s not looking to end this by countout!

 

Bianca: Emma back into the ring and off the ropes, Bloom up and that was a bad idea! Dis-Knee! Emma spins her hand around and pulls Bloom up! Small World Driver!

 

Colin: 1…2…3! Emma proving once again that good triumphs over evil!

 

Bianca: I dunno…Emma had to resort to some evil tactics. Bloom may be getting in her head after all.

 

Lily raises Emma’s hand. Emma jumps for joy and blows kisses to the audience as the instrumental of “Going the Distance” kicks back up.

 

Ash: Here is your winner and awarded 3 points, Emma Janeer!

 

 

Ann: Well Bloom has all of this tournament to try, and then Emma is going off to Disney World! By which I mean Path 2 Glory.

 

Colin: And it looks like we’re already gearing up for our next match, not going to give you much time to get backstage, Ann.

 

Ann: It’s not much of a problem, I think the match after this is Sprinkl vs Craig Convery and I don’t need to be here for the Path purposes for that match, so I’ll get my backstage check-in with Emma and Kira Dain then.

 

Bianca: You just don’t want to go back there, do you.

 

Ann: I’ve never been afraid of backstage. That said, not particularly, no.

 

 

Ash is back in the ring, Lily hasn’t left. As Ash makes these announcements, first, a pleasant newscast song plays as Kira Dain enters the stage area in a red blazer and pencil skirt and a calm news anchor announces “Here’s Kira Dain with the weather” and then the music cuts off as the news anchor says “And Pain.” The music shifts to Nita Strauss feat. Dorothy “Victorious” and Kira takes off her blazer. In the ring, Kira takes off the pencil skirt to reveal her trunks, which read “With the weather” in front and “and pain” in the back. Kira signals to the crowd who cheers. Next comes out Zora Luthor in a blazer and stern heels with a shiny Superman pin to “Rich” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs, accompanied by a butler who assists her in taking off her blazer and skirt to reveal a sparkly onesie with dollar signs all over it.

 

Ash: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and will count towards points in the round robin. First, from Sheridan, Wyoming, Kira Dain! And her opponent, accompanied by Jenkins, from Wall Street, the Corporate Corruptor, Zora Luthor!

 

The bell rings. Kira immediately locks up with Zora.

 

Colin: And the blazers are off! First we had two dramatists and now we’ve got two career women in the ring.

 

Ann: Kira Dain with a less standard backstory, apparently she was a weatherwoman in her day job and uses this as a stress release.

 

Bianca: Sounds like a hobby, but clearly she is invested enough in it to make it into this tournament and gotten the attention from Path 2 Glory. Guess that means she’ll have to quit her day job.

 

Colin: That won’t be a problem, they fired her.

 

Bianca: Guess the weather is pretty fickle.

 

Ann: She was one of the people, like Neon Juan and Daria, who had an inkling they might be hired by Path. Kira has an MMA background and you can see it in the way she keeps that headlock. She’s really working Zora.

 

Colin: Absolutely right Ann, and to take it a step further there’s a small difference in that Kira’s background prior to this being MMA rather than wrestling, when they were negotiating the contract part of the conditions of signing was that Kira gain some in-ring wrestling experience, including the qualifiers for this tournament, and Kira showing dominance in those qualifiers sealed the deal.

 

Bianca: Meanwhile Zora Luthor is one of our homegrowns here in this tournament and she’s definitely a ruthless competitor in the ring, as well as a slimy and charismatic smooth talker outside the ring, always trying to build up her corporation.

 

Colin: Weren’t you on her payroll at one point?

 

Bianca: It was a dark time.

 

Colin: Zora throws Kira off the ropes, and into an arm drag. Kira rolls away from that and back on her feet, and Zora with another arm drag. Kira bouncing back up again, Zora tries it a third time and this time Kira reverses it into an armbar. Pulls it up, good form on that armbar. Zora trying to roll out of it, Kira just putting more pressure on it.

 

Bianca: The problem with someone like Zora is that as skilled as she is, she’s taken some time to rely on dirty tricks more than in-ring knowledge, and it’s possible that she’s gotten a little ring rust as a result.

 

Colin: Zora’s also not used to fighting someone with an MMA background, we don’t get a ton of those here at MAWL, so she seems a little out of her depth.

 

Ann: Zora refusing to tap and it looks like Kira’s getting frustrated with that and transitions it into a judo flip. Zora goes down. Not a good look for an executive. Zora back on her feet but taking a lightning quick series of high kicks and Zora trying her best to parry them but Kira keeping the pressure on. Zora catches Kira’s leg and dragon whips her down!

 

Colin: Zora into the ankle lock and holding it tight, tight, Kira pushes her off with her free foot! Hands up into a boxing position, Zora tries for a slap and Kira brushes it away! Kira unloading on the midsection with a series of body blows, UPPERCUT! Zora is not keeping on her footing too well here!

 

Bianca: Zora trying to head towards Jenkins who is digging in his pockets for something, Kira shaking her head and pulls her back into a ripcord knee strike! That is a major blow!

 

Ann: Zora pulled away from her chance to cheat and pull the momentum back in her favor, Kira locks in the Kirafuda Clutch! Zora trying to get to the ropes and can’t do it! Kira pulls the hold on her harder! Zora reaching out for Jenkins, Jenkins trying to reach back, Kira pulls the hold tighter and that’s all she wrote! Zora is tapping! Zora is out!

 

Lily holds Kira’s hand up in victory as Jenkins looks apoplectic. “Victorious” blares over the PA.

 

Ash: Here is your winner, Kira Dain!

 

 

Ann: She called it, folks, weather and pain. And Zora Luthor could not weather the pain.

 

Ann leaves to head backstage.

 

Colin: Well, while Ann heads backstage, we have our next match geared up. They’re coming fast and furious.

 

Bianca: Speaking of fast and furious, we have another one of our homegrowns about to come out, as Ash is on the mic.

 

 

Ash Greaves stands in the middle of the ring. As they announce the wrestlers, they come out. First is a man in a Crash Test themed suit with crash test symbol face paint and crash helmet, and carrying a dummy as Primitives “Crash” plays. This is “Crash Course” Craig Convery who runs to the ring while shaking the dummy and then running headfirst into the ring apron, acting dazed, and then telling the dummy to wait for him before getting into the ring. The next man comes out to pink lights with little projections of sprinkles to the ring, with a donut painted on his chest and offering donuts to people, to the song System of a Down "Sugar". This is Sprinkl.

 

Ash: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and will count towards points in the Round Robin! First, from Detroit, Michigan, weighing in at 211 lbs, Crash Course Craig Convery! And his opponent, from Boston, Massachusetts, weighing in at 212 lbs, Sprinkl!

 

Sprinkl and Convery circle each other as the bell rings.

 

Colin: As you said, Bianca, Crash Course is one of our own and this man is an absolute lunatic both in and out of the ring, and he might just take a bite out of Sprinkl.

 

Bianca: Sprinkl comes from the Eastern Kaos contingent and I believe started as a cross-promotion with Dunkin?

 

Colin: Would make sense, being from Boston. I’ve always been more of a Horton’s girlie myself.

 

Bianca: You and me both, and Convery sending Sprinkl across the ring and takes the run from the other direction, Running Polish Hammer! Sprinkl goes down.

 

Colin: Only a pound between the two of them, it’s not often we get two people so evenly matched in size, but definitely not as much in aggression as Sprinkl already seems to be in a spot of trouble. Convery is on top of Sprinkl and repeated headbutts!

 

Bianca: You’d think Convery would know to put his helmet on before doing that.

 

Colin: And Sprinkl trying to get to his feet, Convery with a standing splash to stop that momentum. Convery trying to stick his thumbs in Sprinkl’s eyes now and Lily tells him off! Disqualifications still very much count in this tournament, so Crash Course better check himself before he wrecks himself.

 

Bianca: And Lily Martin’s stepping in seems to be the drive that Sprinkl needed as there’s a Monkey Flip! Sprinkl off the ropes now and solid elbow drop! Sprinkl back off the ropes now and Senton! Sprinkl getting the fans pumped up, Convery back on his feet and Sprinkl sends him back down with a spinning wheel kick!

 

Colin: Convery getting himself riled up now and off the ropes, Sprinkl with the jump evasion as Convery comes back around, Sprinkl tries the jump evasion again and Convery says NO DICE! Catches him in a Spinebuster then running past his head and plank jumps ACROSS his body to headbutt to the groin!

 

Bianca: That’s certainly one way to do it…and he lays on Sprinkl for the pin! Ref counting 1…2…Sprinkl reverses into a rollup! 1…2…Convery kicks Sprinkl off into the middle rope!

 

Colin: Sprinkl hung over the middle rope now…Convery off the ropes and coming back…OVER THE ROPE INTO A COFFIN DROP! WHAT A RISK!

 

Bianca: Crash Course always lives up to his name and this is no different! Craig Convery slides back into the ring and grabs Sprinkl’s legs and just flicks him like a folded sheet!

 

Colin: Pulls Sprinkl into Deadlift German Suplex! Sprinkl is a crumpled mess! Craig up into a…well I guess some would call it a Styles Clash, some people call it a Faithbreaker, but he calls it a Crash Landing! 1! 2! 3!!

 

Lily raises Crash Course’s hand as Primitives “Crash” plays.

 

Ash: Here is your winner and awarded three points, Crash Course Craig Convery!!!

 

 

Colin: We are 7 down and 5 to go in this first round! During all this, Ann Lee spoke with Emma Janeer, Kira Dain, and a man in our next match, Landon Gentry. Roll tape!

 

INT. BACKSTAGE AREA - MOMENTS PRIOR

 

Ann meets up with Emma Janeer, who is all cheers and sparkles.

 

 

Ann: Hi Emma, how are you holding up?

 

Emma: I’m doing simply super duper fantabulous! Good triumphed over evil again and all is right in the world.

 

Ann: Congratulations on that! Broadway Bloom has been trying for weeks now to get in your head, and it seems like today she started to crack the surface a little.

 

Emma: Well sure! Every hero has a moment of weakness and doubt, one has to go through the tumult and the tribulation and needs to reach deep down inside and reclaim the magic. But! This may have been Broadway Bloom’s and my final fight and in the end the hero’s story does not fail. Broadway Bloom can go back to singing her little arias and I can go up to soar with the birds!

 

Emma is humming happily as she walks out of the locker room and twirling herself about. Kira Dain walks in at this time.

 

 

Ann: Just the woman I was hoping to see! It seems that the ring training has really been paying off.

 

Kira: (in her cheery newscaster voice, since she can’t seem to turn it off) Well, Ann, the forecast predicted a 75 percent chance of a beatdown and sure enough the painfall landed heavily on the Mall of America. There was a cold front in the front of the ring as Tropical Depression Frigidbitch made its way forward, but that was quickly dispersed and the weather patterns ended in a sunny day here in the beautiful Midwest. The painfall is expected to last for the next 10 days before it moves in the direction of Path 2 Glory, with gale force winds that will knock your socks off. Be prepared Path 2 Glory and buckle down those sheds because this is a Hurri-Dain warning. Back to you, Ann.

 

Ann: Um, thanks?

 

Kira keeps her cheery smile as she leaves. Before Ann can walk out a trumpet blares. The MINSTREL enters.

 

 

Minstrel: The Earl of the Ring, Lord Landon Gentry, demands an audience with the interviewer Ann Lee prior to his planned altercation.

 

The trumpet blares again and a man in a powdered wig looking like a wealthy Redcoat enters. This is LANDON GENTRY.

 

 

Landon: Ahem.

 

Ann: Lord Gentry.

 

Landon: Honestly I have been waiting entirely too long to be noticed. This is unacceptable!

 

Ann: I go in the order of the card. You may be a Lord wherever it is you’re from but here you’re a man with a powdered wig.

 

Landon: Well I never! This would most certainly not be tolerated in England! Thank Heavens I have been properly courted by Path 2 Glory, proper members of the United Kingdom and consummate world travelers, so I do not have to sully myself in this denizen of filthy Colonial commerce. Is this a weird bread you are consuming while I sit here in delay? And where is my tea?

 

Ann: It’s called a pretzel and it’s the only thing I could have that is nearly as salty as you.

 

Landon: If this is how you see fit to engage your competitors, it is small wonder that Path did not consider you glorious enough to be hired. Minstrel! (clapping hands) Come. Let us not waste any more time with this unqualified commoner.

 

The Minstrel leads Landon Gentry out. The lights in the backstage area go out and the glowing mask can be seen.

 

 

Child voice: This is what we were describing, Ann Lee. But we can be of mutual assistance to each other.

 

Ann: Nope.

 

Ann leaves the backstage area and heads to commentary.

 

INT. ARENA SECTION OF THE MALL - MOMENTS LATER

 

Ann sits next to Colin and Bianca.

 

 

Ash and Lily stand in the center of the ring. During the announcement we start to get our competitors. Out comes a smiling black man in a black singlet. This is GREG ARIAS. “Friends and Family” by Trik Turner play as he shakes hands and walks down to the ring. The audience sways along to the song and Greg does a sway dance in the ring.

 

Ash: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and counts towards points in the Round Robin! Entering first, from Boise, Idaho, weighing in at 301 pounds, the “Good Dude” Greg Arias! And his opponent-

 

Ash is cut off by a trumpet, as a red carpet comes down. The minstrel enters first, followed by flower bearers, and begins to sing to the tune of a madrigal and play his lute. As he does so, Landon Gentry walks in behind him, in full Redcoat Regalia.

 

Minstrel: O Come, O Come, Tell ye a Tale, of a Champion in the making/ the pain he will bring to the riff-raff in ring/ the win is his for the taking/ if you stand in his way the tax you will pay by way of pain beyond your worst fears/ So lay down for pin and give him the wind or you will leave here in tears. 

 

The Minstrel continues to strum his lute to the same tune. The flower bearers approach the ring and use their hands to create a stepstool on which Landon steps and enters the ring. He waves in the flower bearers who take off his robe to reveal a bare chest. He puts his fists up as if to engage in fisticuffs and donnybrooks. The bell rings.

 

Colin: And we’re off! Arias, another homegrown, was very happy to qualify for this event. And honestly, I’m happy for him. It’s good to see him get his dues.

 

Bianca: It’s not often that you can have such a chill entrance song and have such an otherwise rabid fanbase swaying along in a moment of harmony. That’s the power of Greg. But Gentry unimpressed, and putting on a pair of long velvet gloves I guess to avoid touching Greg too much during this match. He sticks his hands up to engage a grapple, a very old school start, Greg matches this and Gentry plants a solid boot into the solar plexus! Grappling Greg down and sends him off the ropes, Greg eats a boot.

 

Colin: Greg back up and off the ropes, ducks the boot this time and back around and oh! Nice body splash. Greg scoops Landon up for a bodyslam! Landon down and Greg back off the ropes – Elbow drop! That’s a solid Elbow for sure. Goes for the cover, not even a 1, but Landon is brushing himself off. Greg tries to throw Landon this time but Landon reverses the Irish whip and Greg going for a run into OH! European Uppercut. Landon grabs Greg’s head and seems to be yelling at him.

 

Landon: What are you smiling at you ignoramus?

 

Bianca: Landon with a big slap across Greg’s face and that’s just disrespectful. Greg now smiling even wider and a quick punch to Landon followed by a pick up and Samoan Drop! Picks him up and a Back Body Drop! Greg is taking control of this match! Scooping him up for a running powerslam and Landon reverses into a sleeperhold! Greg’s a big dude, it’s like trying to subdued a confused bear!

 

Colin: You get the sense that Greg’s used to this and spins Landon around without his hands and shrugs him off! This is probably the most trouble a Path signee has had so far. Landon’s going to have to get his act together if he wants to prove his worth. Greg with a spinebuster! Greg picks him up and is he going for a bear hug, not yet, he’s charging him towards the turnbuckle and Landon jumps and catches Greg in a guillotine over the ropes!

 

Bianca: Turnabout is fair play, poors. And now Landon holding the choke! Ref beginning to count – 1 – 2 – Landon rolls his eyes and lets go. Ann, you’ve been uncharacteristically quiet, you with us?

 

Ann: Oh sorry, yeah, I’m here. Something about Landon causes me to zone out honestly. But it looks like he’s got a pretty good hold as he wraps his leg around goes for the choke again! Ref counting – 1 – 2 – 3 – Landon lets go. Greg trying to regain his footing and Landon choosing next to take the express way back into the ring, I guess that’s beneath him, but taking his time to get in and he’s actually choosing to step off the apron! Is he walking away from this match?

 

Colin: No, it appears he is going to talk with his minstrel, Lily Martin beginning the count.

 

Lily: 1! 2! 3! 4!

 

Bianca: And GREG WITH A SUICIDE DIVE THROUGH THE ROPES! Knocking both Landon and the Minstrel down! Greg taking a moment to high five a kid in the crowd and then jumps back in the ring. Landon looks furious as he re-enters the ring. Another slap to Greg right across the cheek! Greg rubs his cheek but he laughs and nods a bit.

 

Ann: Great to see the man doesn’t lose his smile. But he grapples Landon and huge toss to the other side of the ring! What’s this-the Minstrel appears to be cuing up!

 

The Minstrel begins to strum the first chords to “Friends and Family.”

 

Colin: Is…is that Greg’s theme song? It is! Minstrel is playing Greg’s theme song and Greg can’t help himself, he’s grooving along to it. Oh, Landon looks pissed.

 

Ann: Landon giving the Minstrel an earful AND THE MINSTREL UNLOADS THE LUTE ON LANDON!

 

COLIN: THE PROLETARIAT RISE AGAIN!

 

Bianca: Lily looks unhappy and like she’s…arguing with Greg? Well, she’s arguing, Greg’s listening, and she calls for the bell!

 

Ash: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner by way of disqualification and awarded the three points, Landon Gentry!

 

 

Bianca: I guess he was playing Greg’s song and very clearly twanged Landon.

 

Colin: Lily Martin isn’t thrilled but she calls it down the middle every time. And all the evidence supports her call.

 

Ann: AND THE MINSTREL IS HELPING UP LANDON! And they’re LAUGHING!

 

Bianca: Guerrero Special! Landon and the Minstrel pull the rug out from under Greg Arias with a Guerrero Special!

 

Colin: So much for the Revolution.

 

Ann: That’s…that’s cold. Greg Arias got done dirty. Of all the people to do that to. At least we don’t have to hear that damn lute song again, he’ll need to replace that for tomorrow.

 

INT. BACKSTAGE - MOMENTS LATER

 

Landon Gentry is enjoying a spot of tea. Ann enters.

 

 

Landon: You are interrupting my victory tea. Do you not have customs here in America?

 

Ann: Usually, but we also usually don’t hit our own allies to give them the win.

 

Landon: Yes, well.

 

Landon shoos Ann off. Ann heads to catering.

 

INT. CATERING - MOMENTS LATER

 

Ann pulls up on Tamara Rivers, wearing her Gef the Mongoose shirt and making a choice on which fruits she wants.

 

 

Ann: Tamara Rivers! Congratulations on getting the contract for Path 2 Glory, you must be riveted.

 

Tamara: Oh, hello Ann. Yes, yes, very thrilled.

 

Ann: A lot of sarcasm going around-

 

Tamara: No, this is not the sarcasm. I am very pumped to go to Path 2 Glory and have the chance that not many people from back home have. Where I am from, we do not have yet a train to the main city. Many of us live on farms which is okay but we do not get much of the varied experiences. Being away from home, it is the first time I feel that I have the strength of possibility rather than the containment of circumstances, ja. I was a track layer back in the Isle of Man, and we were still trying to work on getting the connections but the money was not present to do so. And then there was much in the way of crime on the island. So to be out here, looking to do my passions, ja I am very excited. Path 2 Glory, did you know that they are doing shows in Brazil and Japan, and that they were just in Finland? Even if I do not fight at the shows, just the sheer excitement of the traveling it is giving me the mongoosebumps.

 

Ann: Speaking of mongoose-

 

Tamara: Ah! Yes, my shirt. He is Gef the talking mongoose, an urban legend back home and very popular mascot. It is one of the things from the Isle that I quite enjoy and so I like to bring him along with me. And he makes for a good symbol for he eats the snake ja and so to I…well I do not eat my opponents, that would be not so good, but I attack on them as the snake is attacked on by the mongoose. Speaking of, I speak now on my opponent? Sugar Cooki, I think this is? Is she like the (mimics fist pumping) ootsa ootsa?

 

Ann: Kind of, yeah.

 

Tamara: But also the baker?

 

Ann: Yes, appears to be.

 

Tamara: This is very strange combination, no? I do not understand how the ootsa ootsa and the baking goes together. I shall have to pull this apart much like I pull her apart. Not literally, also that would be not so good, but I break her and see how she ticks now.

 

Tamara gives a curt nod and walks towards the stage. Ann shrugs and follows her out.

 

INT. ARENA - CONTINUOUS

 

Ann sits down with Colin and Bianca.

 

 

Colin: What can you tell us about Tamara Rivers, Ann?

 

Ann: She has a bit of a whimsical side to her, but is ultimately all business. Sugar Cooki is going to have a rough go out there.

 

 

Ash and Lily stand in the middle of the ring. As they do their introductions, the fighters come out. First, Sugar Cooki with a full Snooki hairstyle and a baker’s apron comes out fist pumping to DNCE “Cake By the Ocean.” Then Tamara wearing a black sports bra and shorts combo with the Isle of Man Triskelion in the middle fashioned as a gear punches the ground and lifts her fist as the instrumental version of Nothing But Thieves “Trip Switch” plays. The fans cheer sporadically but are not entirely sure what to make of this.

 

Ash: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and counts towards points in the round robin! First, from the Jersey Shore, New Jersey, Sugar Cooki! And her opponent, from Onchan, Isle of Man, the Manx Machine, the Circuitbreaker, TAMARA RIVERS!

 

Sugar and Tamara circle each other intensely as the bell rings.

 

Bianca: You think I can pull off Sugar’s hairstyle?

 

Colin: I’d like to see you try.

 

Bianca: If Sugar gets a win this week, I’ll break it out for the following day.

 

Ann: Well it’s certainly going to get messed up fairly quickly, Tamara driving her down with a short-arm clothesline and picking her up and pulling her quickly into a Hatch Suplex! She’s got Sugar up and down with a solid powerbomb! You could hear the mat impact from here!

 

Colin: Tamara does not want to mess around, she does not want to play a character, she just wants to wreck and run. Picks up Sugar, Gutwrench Powerbomb! Picks her up again and a huge scoop slam!

 

Ann: I don’t think you’re gonna need that hairspray tomorrow, Bianca. This is an absolute shellacking. Tamara pulls Sugar up and into a chokeslam!

 

Bianca: Best thing I can say for Sugar right now is that hair is staying intact. But the rest of her already looks worn out.

 

Colin: Tamara deadlifting Sugar up over her head, walking her over to the turnbuckle and lets her go! Head bouncing on the turnbuckle! That is not a fun way down!

 

Ann: She calls that the Machinehead, and Sugar is going to need some mechanical assistance in there after that one! Grabs her up for probably the last time, puts her over her shoulder and climbing to the top turnbuckle, Avalanche Spinebuster! Or as we’ll all grow to know it, the Circuitbreaker!

 

Bianca: The pin count 1…2…3! Just utter decimation!

 

Lily holds Tamara’s hand in victory as her instrumental theme song picks back up.

 

Ash: Here is your winner, the Circuitbreaker, TAMARA RIVERS!

 

 

Colin: And the sugar cookie has crumbled, gang! We have three more matches to go, so don’t touch that dial!

 

COMMERCIAL – MAWL Action Figures

 

Announcer: New from HATTEL, it’s the MAWL W2 2024 Action Figure Selection! With fully bendable action, you too can play out the Intensity of the summit! All 24 fighters are available for purchase, including new P2G fighters Sting Ray Steve Thunder and Rade!

 

 

Announcer: Buy now and you can get a limited edition Sting Ray Steve Thunder Winter War Action Figure! GET WILD! GET MAWLING!!

 

INT. BACKSTAGE - CONTINUOUS

 

Tragedeigh looks into the camera. It is the intense glare of a red-headed theater girl holding a book, and she brings the drama to a dramatic reading.

 

 

Tragedeigh: Gather round and hear my story

Of stardom birthed and sprung anew

A woman on her path to Glory

Starts the walk at W2

 

Must first outlast her foes 11,

Beginning with Cindy Sweet,

A sugary little slice of heaven

Render’d sour upon defeat.

 

She closes the book and smiles.

 

INT. ARENA SECTION OF MALL – MOMENTS LATER

 

Ann sits with Colin and Bianca.

 

 

Ann: Tragedeigh wanted to do the promo herself. I think she nailed it, honestly.

 

 

Ash and Lily stand in the middle of the ring. As they do the introductions, first comes Cindy Sweet out to Hozier “Too Sweet” with purple hair and a cake-themed singlet. Then a spotlight follows Tragedeigh, coming out in a black turtleneck and tights with a drama mask on, mimicking conducting Nightwish “Phantom of the Opera” as it plays.

 

Ash: The following contest is for one fall and will count towards the point totals in the round robin! First, from San Diego, California, the Cake Queen, Cindy Sweet! And her opponent, from Edina, Minnesota, the Gen Z Dramaturge, Tragedeigh!

 

Tragedeigh takes her mask off and bows dramatically to the audience, and then the bell rings.

 

Ann: Only 22 years old, just graduated from college, background in stage combat, and already being accepted into Path 2 Glory, Tragedeigh has a bright future ahead of her. And she’s starting with some big chops to Sweet, some extra flourish in her arms in those chops, is that necessary?

 

Bianca: A bit of drama is always necessary, Ann. The fans seem to love it. Why not? And some quick punches, and she is putting Sweet on the defensive. Sweet is indeed a baker by trade, but she and her friend Taylor Tekk decided they’d try to tackle this world together. Surprised Tekk isn’t out here, he often comes to support her matches, but perhaps she felt she could handle this on her own.

 

Colin: And that may have been in error, because Tragedeigh has early control of this match. Trading punches now, Sweet may be sweet in the kitchen but she has a hard right that you need to watch out for and there it is! Sweet’s first definitive offense in this match. Tragedeigh…okay the punch wasn’t that hard. No need for dramatics.

 

Bianca: I’m telling you, there’s always need for dramatics. Tragedeigh back on her feet, Tragedeigh parrying those punches like she’s Zorro and wraps it around into an arm-trapped crossface! Sweet reaches the ropes and Tragedeigh lets go!

 

Colin: Tragedeigh with a sweeping bow to the crowd, takes a charge back on the ropes and tries for the Baseball slide but Sweet moves and Tragedeigh slides out of the ring! Tragedeigh emoting on the outside, running around the ring a bit, up on the apron and catches Sweet with a springboard crossbody! 1-2-no Sweet is up and Tragedeigh lighting her up with another punch combo, off the ropes, SHINING WI-ZARD!

 

Bianca: Tragedeigh is looking to wrap this one up it looks like! Up on the turnbuckle, somersault leg drop to the back of the head! Welcome to Intermission! 1 – 2 – Sweet up again and Tragedeigh mocks fainting!

 

Colin: I do say, she has the vapuhs.

 

Ann: Sweet is not amused by the dramatics, but she’s looking to take advantage of the situation, off the ropes into an ElbOH MY GOD Tragedeigh with a possum roll-up! 1…2…3! A truly award-winning performance by Tragedeigh! And Sweet does indeed look sour right now!

 

Lily Martin raises Tragedeigh’s hand, and Tragedeigh works Lily into a bow with her as Nightwish’s “Phantom of the Opera” cues up again.

 

Ash: Here is your winner and awarded three points, TRAGEDEIGH!

 

 

Tragedeigh blows kisses as she leaves the ring.

 

Colin: We’ve got two more matches for you folks, and they have to do with the Manifestation of Defenestration.

 

Ann: I had a chance to speak with them soon after they found out they would be taking the spots in this event.

 

INT. BACKSTAGE - CONTINUOUS

 

Ann stands with GILBERT GLASS and PERRY PAYNE in matching stained-glass vests.

 

 

Ann: Fellas, first of all congratulations on being the own tag team signed in this spate of stars.

 

Gilbert: Yep.

 

Perry: What my verbose companion here is trying to say is that we are pumped to be heading over and lighting up the team scene in Path 2 Glory. When we heard the clarion call of McManus and company that they are seeking to expand their duos, we knew that we had to take this magic we’ve been building up and the good graces we’ve been giving and make our move. Gil and me, we saw the call clear as…well, glass…and of course we threw our names in the hat. And of all the teams that were considered we were the ones who made it through. So we’re gonna demonstrate exactly what we did day in and day out no doubt no doubt to land the bag and run with it. Path, y’all don’t know what you brought in, you’re gonna see exactly what happens when the Manifestation of Defenestration comes to play, there’s gonna be bodies launched and glass broken, it’s not gonna be pretty but it’s gonna be beautiful.

 

Gilbert: Yep.

 

Perry: You see, my man and I here, we’re unbreakable and unrelenting. You don’t get broken, we do the breaking. And we don’t stop. And the Path is clear for us, what we gotta do, and whoever wants to step up, you’re just lining up to get tossed.

 

Ann: Speaking of breaking, how do you feel about being entered as singles competitors in this round robin? That means that at one point you’re gonna have to fight each other.

 

Gilbert: We’ll be fine.

 

Perry: Well said my brother, you see Ann, this is what I mean by Unbreakable. We got into a situation here, we’ll figure it out. It’ll be no hard feelings between us when that time comes, we sparred in training together, we know how to go toe to toe and still grab drinks after. After all, its not til Day-

 

Gilbert: 10.

 

Perry: That we’re even in that situation, and by then, it will likely be pretty clear where we are in the ranks, it’s not likely to be a make or break by then. See, we’re not worried. It’s the other dudes here who should be on the lookout, most of all P. Crue, we got one more match with you fools and we intend to go out on a high.

 

Gilbert: And you’ll just be going out.

 

Perry: Yep.

 

Gilbert: Yep.

 

Gilbert and Perry pound fists.

 

Ann: Alright, well there you have it. The MoD is not worried, I don’t think anything can worry them.

 

INT. ARENA - PRESENT

 

 

Ash and Lily are in the ring. As they announce, the competitors come out. First is Taylor Tekk who comes out in a lab coat to “The Scientist” by Dandy Warhols and waves to the crowd as he walks in the ring. Next is the Manifestation of Defenestration in matching stained glass vests, who pound fists to the instrumental of “CASTLE OF GLASS” by Linkin Park.

 

Ash: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and will count towards points in the round robin! First, from San Diego, California, weighing in at 195 pounds, the Modern Magician, Taylor Tekk! And his opponent, accompanied by Unrelenting Perry Payne, from Neenah, Wisconsin, weighing in at 291 pounds, Unbreakable Gilbert Glass!

 

Gilbert takes his vest off, and Taylor takes his lab coat to reveal a “Science is Magic” themed leotard. The bell rings.

 

Ann: Taylor wears his nerd on his lack of sleeves and honestly I have to respect that. I don’t know how well it’s going to serve him here but at least he’s unabashedly himself. Gilbert Glass is a man of few words and many hits and we see the first one there! Stiff punch takes Taylor back a little bit. Gil continuing in with a series of boxing punches, unloading on Tekk now and Tekk trying to create a little distance between them and Gil yanks him right back into a ripcord lariat!

 

Bianca: You don’t get many rough and tumble types in Wisconsin, do you?

 

Colin: You don’t get many people who aren’t cheese themed. And Neenah is a bit of a deep cut.

 

Ann: Apparently Neenah is home to a well-known glass museum and glassblowing center, it makes sense the whole theme here and Tekk sent off the ropes into a big boot! Show of dominance from the Unbreakable one. Going for the legs, into a figure four!

 

Bianca: Tekk doesn’t seem too distressed about the Figure Four and he reverses it into a hold of his own, technical is in his name and technical is in his game, it looks like Glass just tripped into Tekk’s wheelhouse. Glass trying to lift their combined legs up and SLAMS THEM DOWN! NOW Tekk winces a bit and releases the hold.

 

Colin: Payne getting excited for his partner and you can see he liked that move.

 

Bianca: Gilbert Glass is up, pulls Tekk into a DDT hold and walking over to the ropes? He’s…looking for a tag?

 

Colin: Glass forgets himself for a moment that he’s in a singles match and Tekk uses this to his advantage, pushing Glass out of the headlock and off the ropes, Glass back around ducks the lariat and makes it to the other side and loads up the running Superman punch, Tekk would do well to turn around and not in time! Glass Cannon! Both Tekk and his Baking Impossible teammate Sweet thought they’d be able to go this alone today and now I’m sure both are thinking better of it! 1…2…3! That’s all she wrote!

 

Lily Martin holds Gilbert Glass’s arm up in victory as the speakers play the instrumental version of Linkin Park “CASTLE OF GLASS”, then Perry Payne enters the ring and the team double fist bumps.

 

Ash: Here is your winner and awarded three points, Unbreakable Gilbert Glass!

 

 

Glass pats Payne on the back and exits to ringside. Payne takes off his vest, he’s already ready to go.

 

Ann: Pure tag team energy here, Glass finally tagging Payne in, in a sense anyway. And they’re already playing his music, so looks like we’re just gonna get going.

 

 

Ash: And now, for our final match of Day 1 of the W2! In the ring, accompanied by Unbreakable Gilbert Glass, from Corning, New York, weighing in at 246 pounds, Unrelenting Perry Payne!

 

A yell of “SCHMETTERLIIIIIIIIIIIING!” comes over the loudspeaker, and the crowd loses their minds. The music is “Mein Herz Brennt” by Rammstein as a man with butterfly tattoos and a metal mask comes out with a mini-flamethrower that he holds up and shoots off whenever the song says “BRENNT!”

 

 

Ash: And his opponent, from Mellrichstadt, Germany, weighing in at 219 pounds, your MAWL Men’s Champion, SCHMETTERLIIIIIING!

 

Colin: The Men’s belt to be rechristened at the end of these two weeks as Schmetterling defends the championship against Hoy Sumer in a 30-minute Iron Man match, but Schmetterling couldn’t pass up the opportunity to represent MAWL in this event as well.

 

Bianca: He’s a true workhorse and the fans respond to him well for it. But Payne is no slouch either.

 

The bell rings and Schmetterling grapples Payne from the start.

 

Colin: Schmetterling wastes no time and scoop slam to Payne! Jumping elbow drop to Payne on the ground! Payne, a former skateboarder, no stranger to being caught on the ground. Payne the more energetic of the Manifestation team both in his mouth and his movements and there you can see it in action as Schmetterling stalled for only a second and is already being tripped! Knee stomps by Payne, and he’s increasing in speed with the stomps. Schmetterling holding the leg a little, an injury would be a terrible turn of events on Day 1 if Schmetterling has to defend the title on Day 12, Payne flipping Schmetterling over by his leg now and Schmetterling turns that into a Pele Kick! Payne stutters back and this gives Schmetterling space to run back and Payne catches him into an arm drag!

 

Bianca: Schmetterling trying to Kip Up and does so right into Payne’s standing dropkick! And Payne off the ropes into a low-angle shoulder tackle! Payne on top of Schmetterling now and throwing fist after fist and fist to the top of the head!

 

Colin: Smart to aim away from the mask. We’re starting to see where the Unrelenting nickname comes in as Schmetterling trying to get up for air and Payne rejects it with more fists and jump up into a Mushroom stomp!

 

Bianca: Springs back up into an Elbow Drop up into a Senton! Payne’s just using Schmetterling as a trampoline at this point! Oh, this is a rough start for the champ, he’s lucky this isn’t the title match.

 

Colin: Unrelenting Perry Payne off the ropes, Schmetterling trying to sit up to catch his breath, oh boy Perry is sliding on his right heel, left foot out, and SHOOT THE DUCK! Sits down for the pin… 1…2…3!! This has been a crazy day and it ends with the champ getting an absolute walloping!

 

Lily Martin holds Perry’s hand up, then Gilbert comes in the ring and holds Perry’s other hand up.

 

Ash: Here is your winner and awarded three points, Unrelenting Perry Payne!

 

 

Bianca: This event has been all sorts of insane already, and we’re just getting started.

 

Ann: A more than solid showing from the future Path stars here on Day 1. The fans don’t know what to make of Schmetterling’s being mollywhopped, it’ll be interesting to see if Schmetterling is able to re-gather himself. I’m Ann Lee.

 

Colin: I’m Colin McRae.

 

Bianca: And I’m Bianca Diaz. Day 1 in the books, see you tomorrow for Day 2!

 

FADE TO BLACK