AGGRESSION 48: Main Event - Fusenshoff & The First vs. Edmunds & Tact

[DBrunkGXW]

Tag rules apply.

Post all RP here.

 

[The Great Eye]

(FADEIN: The First, face painted like Kefka, wearing his brand new T-Shirt, which is a black T-shirt with a headshot of himself done up Obamacon style and the word HOPE beneath it.)

FIRST: Welcome to your new life Fusenhoff, welcome to a world with HOPE...You overcame the horrors that Stalker placed upon you. You fought tooth and nail and in the end, won your freedom...And now fate has brought us together, to continue the process by which Anthology is destroyed...

I have allied even with Sean Stevens in matches to thrash and defeat Anthology...And I've been nothing less then a willing and helpful partner, you need not mistrust me, my track record speaks for itself.

Anthology is in retreat, Wells is missing, Cruise is most likely holed up somewhere weeping over his misfortune, Edmunds was last seen doing his impression of bug Vs windshield with him being the bug Vs Bruce Richards...Hell, Larry Tact, never one to be thought of as a juggernaught is about the only thing holding Anthology together...He's still holding down a tag belt and kept his sanity as well...

So now Larry, welcome to the front line. Welcome to the main event, now we're going to have some fun. Maybe Edmunds sucks it up and brings his A-Game, maybe you fight the match of your life...Maybe it's all going to work out for Anthology...

(Shakes his head, laughs)

I have more faith in Muse's sputtering Giants then I'd have in you fools figuring out how to save yourselves. You were unchecked, out of control for so very long and couldn't do anything with that power, But it gained you so very little, Cruise should have been the unbeatable Champion, flanked by his Anthology army, overpowering all in his path...But no, his weakness, and the weakness of Anthology kept him to the IC Title, away from fame and glory...And now...Edmunds and Tact...You pay forr his failures, you pay for the crimes of Anthology...

This is the reckoning...This is where Larry Tact and Sean Edmunds are called to account for their actions, this is where they learn that there is a price even they are unwilling to pay...You wanted to ride Anthology to glory, now you're going to find out it was a path to ruin...What you were thinking was salvation...Is in fact your doom...

Welcome to the nightmare of your own creation...Welcome to the era...of HOPE...

(FADEOUT)

 

[Starbreaker]

Progress.

FADE IN: on a man-made opening of a large rock formation. A sign above the entrance reads, "Colossal Cavern." Then a voice is heard, though nobody is seen.

"I'm glad you haven't changed much in the past few months, First. You're still the brash, ignorant miscreant, readily poised to shove his foot right down his own cavernous mouth... and somehow never see it coming."

Someone is progressively bathed in the southwestern sunlight as he steps from inside the cavern's depths. That person is Larry Tact, donning chocolate brown Mark Nason Lounge boots; blue denim Philipp Plein jeans; blue lensed/silver framed Covington shades; and a black t-shirt with "EPW: An ANTHOLOGY State of Mind" emblazoned in gold cursive across the front.

LARRY TACT: "Because the only thing you may have accomplished at Russian Roulette... is possibly giving Anthology EXACTLY... what it needs."

He smirks, thumbs hooked in his jean pockets.

"But before I get ahead of myself like you have, let me tell you something about being dominant, since you've never been. If you really knew what you were up against, or paid attention at Russian Roulette, you'd recall a core principle of Anthology: we don't exist in EPW to take flak from ANYONE. Jared and I, the Gold Standard of EPW, hammered that home... in BOTH of our matches for the World Tag Championship. It doesn't matter who, from Dan Ryan and Big Dog, to Sean Stevens... from Lindsay Troy on down. Anthology will spit in your face then smack you down, and before you even realize where you went wrong, your defeat will already be at hand."

"But quite frankly, First, when talking about the list from Lindsay Troy on down... you're pretty far DOWN. You haven't earned more than a sucker, to stop your incessant whining. So I'm just a BIT skeptical to accept that YOU and your little band, and this... concept... of HOPE, is for real..."

He shrugs.

"I won't ignore the present, though, and we do have a tag match coming up. You act like the Main Event is some paradise, but I've been here plenty.. so has Sean... and we'll happily peel away the veil of roses you seem so content to stare at... layer by painful layer..."

"The assumption you'll capture the attention of others, because you're going to cap off the show."

"The great opportunity you assume to have, right before your eyes, to try and bring a shred of legitimacy to your concept."

"The assumption that something... ANYTHING... you say to disparage Anthology will somehow stick."

"Well, you know what they say about assuming... but Sean and I are going to shine some light on a different concept, First... something you should have learned before, if you would stop playing with your dyes and eyeliner... and allowed reality to humble you..."

"We'll show you the detriments of the Main Event. We're going to bring your price for your assumptions. If you need to ask how or why, then it's already too late..."

He turns his back to the scene below, facing us.

"Because like I said, there isn't time for that excess hesitation. Your defeat will already be upon you... your star? Broken, once more."

He looks back up at the 'Colossal Cavern' sign, indicating it with nonchalance.

"And HOPE may come to a crashing halt."

"But the attempt won't be completely in vain. I said that it could give Anthology exactly what it needs, and that's a challenge. So far, we've burned a trail through the ranks.... one by one, we've taken our share of gold. We've made a statement, and we've captured the attention of EPW. Love us or hate us... we're progressing our movement. We're not to be taken so lightly, First. I guess you just enjoy living that fantasy of yours, where you're the one who's done anything around here... rather than the fact that you're trying desperately to find people to give you credibility."

"The one who is most HOPEful to take on Anthology would be you... since you acknowledge the force we wield, the stage we've taken... and the potential for you to catch a little of that lightning for yourself."

Shrugs.

"All in all, that doesn't mean too much. What really matters is that, once we crush this opposition... Anthology solidifies itself further. Because when you defend your turf, and EPW is ours... you cement the hold over your turf. And when the rest of EPW sees it happen, Anthology will rise to a whole new level."

"I'd thank you, but it's enough for you to have your name beside Anthology's, in the Main Event. Savor that spotlight while it lasts, because once you step in the ring... the veil will be lifted.. and the humbling begins."

He shakes his head.

"Which puts Fusenshoff in a pretty worthless position... though I've been interested in seeing what you've got to offer. Unlike First, you've obtained some stature. You've won some gold... you've certainly had your share of issues... and you're still here. It's something that needs to happen more frequently, younger talent sticking around when s(BLEEP)t pulls you off course, even dragging you into the gutter."

"With your recent... turmoil, though, it's enough to get me wondering which Fuse will present himself at Aggression. Do you understand that you've been saddled with a crutch in the First? Did you get that familiar sinking feeling when you saw your names together opposite Anthology... understand that you're just being USED again, to help someone else's cause?"

"Don't lose your perspective, Fuse. You're a human shield for the reckless abandon of the First. You stand NOTHING to gain from taking part in aiding him. And I'm not telling you to take a pass on this match, because that goes against what I believe."

"I'm telling you to show up... show up and see how you match up against two of the best this industry has."

"Just do it for the right reason."

He gives a slight nod as he turns, and walks away as the shot pans over to the city skyline.


FADE OUT.

 

[Fusenshoff]

Fade in to Fusenshoff outside a bar in Arizona, looking a little sloppy as he passes people on the street. Maybe it's relief from washing his hands of Stalker or maybe it's just Tuesday. Nobody maunders like Fusenshoff and he's in fine form tonight. After finishing what's left of his blackjack he contributes the shards to the Streetwalker's Mosaic Fund of the greater Tucson area, though he fears his donation will go unappreciated.

Fusenshoff: "HOPE, huh? Well, I suppose it worked for Barack."

Fusenshoff is walking backwards, looking at the camera as the cameraman tries to keep up. He almost looks like he's about to fall, but in one uncharacteristically urbane stride slips into the closest liquor store and waits in line.

Fusenshoff: "I won't lie. Beating the hell out of Stalker this past week was some of the most fun I've had in a long damn time. It felt like Mom's homemade key lime pie washed down with a pint of Jim Beam after winning an amateur wrestling match. Spending five months training and avoiding all indulgences of the palate, then beating your adversary one-on-one is fun in itself. That said, there's the primal euphoria one can't conjure on a whim that comes with reaping the fruits of your labor with booze and baked goods.

“So if I have a little extra skip in my stumble, you can understand why.

“It took temperance the likes of which I didn’t know I had in me, but it didn’t kill me—as much as I may have wanted it to—and I’m stronger for it.

“And I’m working with First, or The First maybe, in this week’s last match. Frankly I know his buddy Muse better than I know him. The guy’s a stiff drink or two away from landing on a mortician’s table half the time.

“ I do know that even though First looks like a prepubescent Insane Clown Posse fanatic, the guy is one-half of arguably the most successful Tag Team Champions in EPW history.
Fusenshoff pauses for a moment, not for emphasis, but instead to pay for the fifth of Jack Daniel’s that the cashier had waiting for him.

Fusenshoff: “Which is why I wonder if Larry Tact actually knows what stature means. Label me easily impressed, but I’d say The Forsaken’s reign, which lasted about fourteen months and survived the winners of the Kings of the Cage tournament, is a pretty decent coup.

“You’re in a tag match against EPW’s most successful active tag wrestler and you’re treating him like the fat kid in gym class.

“I recommend taking this one a little more seriously. If anyone’s carrying around excess baggage, it’s you. Sean Edmunds entered EPW with a bang and proceeded to claim his spot as the porn equivalent of Anthology’s fluffer. His name instills about as much fear these days as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Taylor Swift puts up a bigger fight.

“And I can’t help but get a kick out of you referring to me as two different types of people. Like an old acquaintance of mine would say, I’m about as one-dimensional as Mario and Luigi .

“Which Fusenshoff were you referring to? Is it the one who gets utterly ****-faced all week, sobering up only for the one thing that brings him any joy? Or is it Fusenshoff the Rhodes Scholar who teaches German war strategy to Dutch prostitutes for ‘favors’ and spends his off-time reading endless teen movie scripts for Channing Tatum when he can’t get his hands on the latest Tiger Beat?

“Frankly I’m not the least bit worried about my partner or anyone in The Anthology either, for that matter. All I’m worried about is where your collective heads are at. Your head has to be somewhere else if it’s not focused on the very real threat in front of you, Larry. Sean’s head has been wedged up his own ass since he walked in Lindsay’s office and signed a contract.

“You’re getting a turmoil-free Fusenshoff and exactly what you’re asking for whether you like it or not.”

Fade out as Fusenshoff finally finds a quiet place to park his ass and drink the liquor in his hand without fear of an open intox citation.

 

[TheOriginalSE]

Call Me Crazy...

(The camera opens up on a ray of sunshine breaking through half-closed blinds. It cuts to a wide-view shot of the room. The room looks as if some fraternity had partied all night there. Clothes, furniture, all tossed around. The sound of a cell phone can be heard, although faintly.)

VOICE: "Rghgherhrhg."

(Shortly following the grunt, the mountain of clothes begins to rumble. Almost as if the earth itself was shaking, the clothes fall from the top to the bed. The camera slowly closes up on the bed. Tossing the covers to the side, "Simply Sensational" Sean Edmunds tosses his legs over the side of the bed and sits up. Placing his hands to his head he takes a moment to gather his thoughts. Finally he picks up the cell phone.)

EDMUNDS: "Hmm.. hello?"

(He sits there silently listening.)

EDMUNDS: "Wait, wait. What day is it?"

(More silence. Finally Edmunds looks over to where his alarm clock should be, but finds nothing.)

EDMUNDS: "What time is it?"

(Edmunds listens and finally hangs up the phone without giving any indication.)

EDMUNDS: "What the hell did Jared give me? Jesus Christ."

(Edmunds stands up and slowly saunters over to a door. He reaches in, flip the light. The camera catches Edmunds in the mirror. He washes his face, reaches into the shower and seconds later the sound of water is heard. The camera fades out as Edmunds stands over the toilet.)

HOURS LATER...

(Sean Edmunds stands in front of a black backdrop, presumably in the EPW Studios. Wearing an Anthology t-shirt w/ cut off sleeves and blue jeans, he runs his fingers over the top of his hair.)

EDMUNDS: "Well ain't that the sh*t? Biggest show of the year and Jared decides to play a prank. Love the guy, but sometimes I just want to slam his face, you know? But whatever, good job, Bruce. You steamrolled me. Made me look sad, pathetic.. sort of like the men that take Lindsay Troy out on dates.. but I digress.. because I'll get my revenge.. Scratch that. Anthology will get my revenge. (smiles) And that big debut victory you walked away with will be a fleeting memory."

(Edmunds crosses his arms across his chest as his brow furrows.)

EDMUNDS: "I expected to be called a lap dog. I expected to be compared to many things, although a fluffer is one I hadn't thought of. Kudos to you, Fusenshoff. You win the Creativity Award for the Week of ... whatever today's date is. I've lost track of the day, the hour.. all meaningless to me."

(He takes his arms down and places his hands behind his back, popping it.)

EDMUNDS: "I keep hearing about the so-called impending doom of Anthology. How our world is falling to pieces.. that the end of Anthology is near."

(He throws his hands up in a "WTF" manner.)

EDMUNDS: "Excuse me? Did I miss something here? We have a little bit of bad luck at the pay per view and the doctor is called to give a time of death? I don't think so. Things ebb, they flow. They grow stronger. The weaken. What matters is the overall consistency. And fellas, our stock isn't dropping. Larry Tact and Jared Wells took Dan Ryan. Took Big Dog. And shoved them right back up the p*ssy they fell out of.. (he mouths "Lindsay Troy") They went out there and retained the EPW World Tag Team Championships. Cameron Cruise fought valiantly. Copycat likewise. Anthology fought and fought and fought. That's what we do. This wasn't our Hiroshima. We didn't toss up the white flags."

(Edmunds stops and smiles. Shaking his head he wipes the corners of his mouth with his fingers.)

EDMUNDS: "HOPE has come to EPW. To stop Anthology? Oh what a noble cause... except for the fact that they only wish to topple us so that they can stake the claim that they are the most powerful force in *professional wrestling. EPW doesn't need HOPE. EPW doesn't need the First coming out on every show spewing some bullsh*t that only makes sense to the residents in the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital.. Their entire formation is such a pathetic grasp for attention that if I had anymore vomit left in my stomach, it'd be pouring out of my mouth right now."

(Edmunds looks down at his t-shirt.)

EDMUNDS: "Bring HOPE to Anthology... and then watch as it flounders under the bright lights. This upcoming Aggression will be your first test run. You want a chance at the punching bag, I'll be there waiting."

(He looks off screen. Apparently he sees something, or someone because he stops talking to the camera and instead calls to them.)

EDMUNDS: "You and me need to talk, douche. Don't think I don't know!"

(He looks back at the camera and puts his hands up as to apologize.)

EDMUNDS: "Fusenshoff. You seem to think that your past as a tag team champion will be enough to get past Anthology in the main event.. (sigh) As if you'll be able to carry the team on your own. Larry and I. We click. Certainly you understand team chemistry. Larry and I, and all of Anthology, click. Hart didn't click, and poof, he was out. Do you really think that you and the First will be able to click that easily? I'm not sure you can. I might be excess baggage, Fusenshoff... but I can check that sh*t at the door. The First is a godd*mn trip to the loony bin in the flesh. All this talk about Larry and I paying for the crimes of Anthology... with YOU? Is he going to carry you? Please, please get that figured out before we step into the ring."

(Edmunds is tossed a jacket from off screen and begins to put it on.)

EDMUNDS: "Listen, it's getting late. I've got a lot of sh*t to catch up on. I don't want to keep beating a dead horse... or get so verbose that my words end up getting wrapped around a tree.. you know what I mean? The fact of the matter is that come Aggression, come the main event, The First, Fusenshoff... HOPE ... it's going to be exposed for what it truly is... the proverbial flash in the pan.. shone bright for a single moment in time ... only to be extinguished right after."

(Edmunds zips the jacket up and walks off screen... he mumbles as the camera fades to black.)

EDMUNDS: "Fusenshoff... what exactly IS a Fusenshoff..."

FADETOBLACK.

 

[The Great Eye]

(FADEIN: First in his hotel room in Arizona, his face painted black/white like Kefka. After a beat Muse stomps in, wearing a tight fitting road Giants #10 jersey, short black shorts, and brown cow girl boots.)

MUSE: What you doing all made up?

FIRST: I got an autograph signing at a wal-mart in 3 hours, might as well be ready for it.

MUSE: And how come I wasn't told about this?

FIRST: Cause you were not in EPW when this got booked ages ago...You can go, sure the fans would want to see you.

MUSE: How noble of you to ALLOW me to share your autograph signing...

FIRST: What's got you so angry?

MUSE: What the hell is this match anyhow? Larry Tact and Sean Edmunds? Who the hell are they? Seriously, what is this crap? Why aren't you fighting Stevens? Or kicking someone's ass to get to Stevens?

FIRST: When I joined EPW, I remember the texts you would send me, wishing me luck, cheering whatever wins I had, hell you were pumped when I came close losing to JA...Now I'm main eventing...And it's not a good enough maain event? And aren't you gonna get Stevens on your talk show?

MUSE: Management hasnt said anything about this...And no this isn't good!These guys are bums!

FIRST: Larry Tact holds my tag belt, he beat me for it...He's also like, friggin 6 foot 6 and north of 250...This isn't like boxing or MMA where they put you on a scale and make everyone weigh about the same...I'm going to have to stick and move, go for his legs, keep to striking with him, don't let him get ahold of me...Edmunds has been around for forever, I know he hasn't done a thing in EPW, but this could be the night he decides to quit goofing off and brings his A-Game...

MUSE: Bull, they suck, this is a disgrace of a match...

FIRST: How would you feel if you joined a band and you sold 2 million records?

MUSE: This is a trap I know it...But whatever...That would be awesome...

FIRST: Of course it would, but what if your first album had sold 6 million? And everyone saying you failed, you lost the magic...When for crying out loud, you sold 2 million records!

This is the main event, I'm thankful to have a match, they put it at the end of the show, even better...This is the good life...HOPE was made to destroy Anthology...And now here I am getting to do that in the main event...

MUSE: But why with Fuse? I mean, he's a cool guy and all, we got drunk after Russian Roulette, even with him all bloody and beaten he still could hold his booze...Unlike you, you wimp. (Punches First in the arm) Still why aren't you HOPE guys in this together?

FIRST: Cause Anarky's fighting Copycat one on one, taking out another member of Anthology, Winters is defending his title, cause he's a fighting champion, and Hart having medical clearance for this card was up in the air...You did see the chairshots he took? He celebrated his winning of the IC Title by spending a night in the hospital for observation.

MUSE: You just have an answer for everything, don't you, you smart ass (Punches First in the arm again.)

FIRST: You are such a violent woman, why aren't you fighting for some woman's title somewhere?

MUSE: Hell with that, if you ever won the EPW World Title I know I can kick your ass, I'll be the second chick champion of this league!

(Knock on the open door from some random hotel staffer)

HOTEL MINION: Got some DVD's here from EPW, said you need to watch 'em...

FIRST: Oh goodie, promos...

(CUTTO: First and Muse now sitting at the foot of First's bed in his hotel room.)

FIRST: Sean, you said what you needed to say, you're shrugging off the mauling from Richards, it's a mulligan, these things happen to the best of us, you gave me some crap, and well, if you didn't I'd be more scared then if you did. Of course HOPE seeks to destory Anthology so we can run this place, this is kind of how it works, you heard Anarky and Winters at Russian Roulette...HOPE is based off self interest and greed...Ayn Rand would weep a tear of joy seeing what HOPE is...

We are here to destroy you because you're lazy, you're complacent, you've gotten by on the name Anthology alone for to long and now no more...

You haven't done a damn thing in this company Edmunds...Some might get shown the door or at least hauled into Troy's office after letting a newcomer like Richards beat them half dead in the ring...But the Anthology brand saves you, and Anthology clearly doesn't care when they let you to continue to taint their name with your failures in the ring...

It's nothing but greed and self interest for you also, but where as HOPE is an alliance of men who are hell bent on being ELITE, on dominating everyone...Anthology exists only to make sure the checks clear. To make sure they have enough warm bodies to make themselves look imposing...Cause when you have Copycat, Edmunds, Cruise all in matches, and you have Wells and Tact defending the tag belts...With only one of you walking out with victory and gold...Well, you get to hang your hat on that win and sweep all the defeats under the rug...

But enough about you, because honestly...Larry...You're hilarious...

Talking about the main event like it's old hat...When the hell was the last time you main evented in EPW? I'll answer that for you, way back at Agg 37, 11 TV shows and a few PPV's ago...You know what happened? You tagged with Troy Douglas against Felix and I, and you lost...

And you come out and tell me to be thankful for you elevating me (shakes head)...Larry, you might be on a good run...But honestly, Cruise is the leader, it's why he paid the price when HOPE came to EPW...Copycat's made the impact since he showed up...You...You're known as Jared Wells partner and little else...You're 4th on the totem pole of Anthology, and that makes Edmunds 5th...

If this was a baseball team, you two would be batting 8th and 9th...You're not main eventers, you're not the reason this is the main event...

Fuse just spent a year of his life warring with Stalker...Muse likes him, and he seems like a nice enough guy when he isn't cutting on me..Prepubescent ICP fan?

MUSE: Well you CAN NOT grow a beard to save your life...Oh I remember those shameful chin fur days....How Rozy ever stayed with you...:: Laughing ::

FIRST: Thanks a lot...But anyhow, Fuse is on the rise...He clearly has a future that's very bright...But him...Facing low end Anthology...That's not a main event...

*I* am the reason this is the main event...

Larry...I'm going to be like a fortune teller and give you a look into your future, now I don't know what will happen bell to bell, but well, I do know what's going to happen before hand...

You and Edmunds will come out, maybe seperate, maybe together in Anthology solidarity...Once they are done announcing you...Your music will fade out...

Then Fusenshoff's music will play, the crowd will get loud for him, he'll come out and fire up the fans...To continue the baseball talk...This day in history, this moment in time...Fuse is like a lead off hitter or 2nd in the line up, some power, gets on base a lot, can steal a bag if you need it...Now he might march to that ring and defy you two to attack him, or maybe he'll stay up on the ramp...But either way...His music fades...

Then it starts...The hardcore manaics with their faces painted begin it. "First...First...First..."...Then the others will pick up the cry..."First...First...First"...And it will build...Till that whole damn arena is crying out in unison...MY NAME...They will call...FOR ME....And then "Happy Birthday" will start...That quiet little intro building...The Empiretron flickering to the countdown till the drums hit and bring in the guitar...And then I will arrive...

And when I do I'll tear the roof off the damn place...I'm batting clean up and sending it out of the park...You will hear that noise, that horrible, all encompassing noise...And you will learn then why I'm the main event...You will understand that you are doomed. You will know in your bones...IN YOUR SOUL that Anthology can not survive HOPE...

You will be defeated long before I even enter that ring...

To all of Anthology...And to any who would oppose HOPE...I say only this...

Oderint dum metuant

(FADEOUT)

 

[TheOriginalSE]

The First at Bat

(“Simply Sensational” Sean Edmunds is seen walking through the streets. It looks as if he’s going out for a night on the town because he is wearing dark slacks and a Christian Dior hidden zip jacket from the Winter 2009/2010 collection. Edmunds sees the camera and quickly motions for them to walk with him.)

EDMUNDS: “There’s a chill in the air…”

(And the visible breath coming from his mouth confirms this.)

EDMUNDS: “But it’s a great night for a little … brainstorming amongst friends.”

(Edmunds turns the corner and nearly walks into a woman walking her dog. The dog jumps back, not expecting someone to come careening around the corner. After briefly pausing, and without saying anything to the woman, or the dog, Edmunds continues walking.)

EDMUNDS: “For the first time I’m experiencing the numbing of the mind that comes with the leadup to a match with the First. I had heard the horror stories. The verbal lobotomies. The inane ramblings. I realize now how the First is so successful. It’s a brilliant strategy. Slowly kill the brain cells of your opponents leading up to the match… force them to spend more time Googling Latin phrases than they do training… and there ya go! A victory.”

(Edmunds raises and lowers his eyebrows to accentuate the point.)

EDMUNDS: “Honestly, I’m bored with you, First. I guess I expected more from you than a retreading of things you’ve said in the past; things you seem to say to every single person that is forced to step in the ring with you. Perhaps there’s a reason why you haven’t exactly been lighting up the marquee lately. But hey, it’s getting you gigs signing autographs for the Bobby Jo’s and Jimmy Ray’s of the world.. so you go and make that $4.98 per autograph… go on with your bad self, First. You deserve it. You’re bringing HOPE to the trailer parks…”

(Edmunds rolls his eyes and takes his hands out of his pockets to grab onto a parking meter as he stops and turns to the camera.)

EDMUNDS: “Haven’t done a damn thing in Empire Pro? I know I was laid down faster than a $2 dollar hooker … but really? How many people can say that they’ve stepped into the ring with Marcus Westcott, Sean Stevens and Ice Tre and walked out victorious? Sean Edmunds can. How many people can say they’ve stepped into the ring with your very own Anarky and walked out victorious? I didn’t exactly walk out, but hey, there’s a W next to my name there, too. Oh and let’s not forget your toy Shawn Hart… How many people can say they’ve walked into a match with Shawn Hart and Desert Sex…. (he stops short) Excuse me, Jungle Storm … and walk out with a victory? Sean Edmunds can. Anthology is going to blow through Tucson..”

(He taps a few times on the top of the meter and fixes the collar on the jacket. After using the store window reflection to check to make sure everything is ok, Edmunds continues on his journey.)

EDMUNDS: “The crowd may be screaming your name … they may chant and stomp and call out to the Heavens above … but their HOPE will be put to rest in the very ring before them at Aggression. Fusenshoff isn’t going to salvage your lack of understanding, First. The crowd’s energy isn’t going to revitalize your broken spirit. HOPE itself is all you will have… and after Anthology has finished humbling them throughout the evening they will leave you high and dry.”

(Edmunds steps off the sidewalk into the street. He checks for traffic and makes his way across the street. The heavy wind blows a stack of newspapers open and their advertisements disappear into the darkness.)

EDMUNDS: “What is this really about, First? HOPE? No, it’s not about HOPE. It’s about Larry Tact.. It’s about me. It’s about Anthology. For HOPE has an expiration date. You feed off Anthology. But hey, we’re here for a good time, First, not a long time. So I don’t blame you, in fact, I commend you for fighting off obscurity. Surround yourself with the very men who cast you aside. It is a sound decision.. a temporary solution, for sure, but one that was necessary. And therein lies the problem…”

(Thumping club music, once heard in the distance, is slowly becoming more and more audible. The camera cuts to a long view of the street and a few blocks down we see a long line formed around a building; flashing lights popping through the windows.)

EDMUNDS: “Fusenshoff … First … I know that in Tucson you guys will walk into the main event with a chip on your shoulders. Fusenshoff has already shown his hand … he needs to prove himself once more as a lion in the tag team match. The First needs to prove that he’s truly main event material once more…”

(A man walks out of the alley, a paperbag containing what can only be liquor, in his hand. He stumbles towards Edmunds and attempts to grab onto him to steady himself. As he stumbles forward with his arm outstretched, Edmunds sidesteps him and the man faceplants into the ground, the bottle heard breaking.)

EDMUNDS: “The weak and timid hold out for HOPE, First. They reach and grab and pray that it lifts them to a better place. You are no different. Winters.. Hart… Anarky.. your HOPE to escape the labyrinth you’ve sunk into. But you’re freefalling won’t stop simply because you have others to hold you up.. you wrap your fingers around this main event and yank at it .. perhaps in Tucson you will be able to pull yourself out… but more likely than not you’ll find that you, too, will fall flat on your face.”

(Edmunds has reached the crowd of people. They stop talking as they see the camera. Some, of course, have no shame and begin waving wildly. Edmunds ignores them and continues.)

EDMUNDS: “Anthology doesn’t fear HOPE. We don’t fear anything or anyone. We ARE the most dominant force in Empire Pro … and despite what you may think, First, your words, no matter how cluttered.. no matter how obtuse … will never change that. Only actions can.”

(He reaches the front of the line and nods at the security guard at the front door. He guard removes the line and lets Edmunds pass. Edmunds stops and turns to the camera, the strobe light beating behind his head, causing his face to be obscured every few seconds.)

EDMUNDS: “Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright.. The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light… And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout…”

(The camera begins to fade out as Edmunds takes his hands out of his pockets and mockingly swings an invisible bat..)

EDMUNDS: “But there is no joy in Mudville— mighty Casey has struck out.”

(Edmunds turns and enters the club… the camera continues to zoom in on the shot until the door shuts and the scene fadestoblack.)

 

[The Great Eye]

(FADEIN: The First and Muse, in some random smallish rental car, driving with Muse in the passenger seat. "The Dope Show" by Marilyn Manson plays as they talk.)

MUSE: This is all bullsh*t...This f*cking vote in Maine, these people, they go around deciding who'll have rights and who won't, all this does is drive me nuts...

FIRST: All will be changed in time, we always move towards more rights, more freedom, more tolerance...Progress is measured one funeral at a time...

MUSE: You really think that? We'll just outlive the bigots? There are plenty people who are...Well what age our bodies are...And they hate just the same, will fight tooth and nail just as much...

FIRST: Not as many, couldn't be...You think gay marriage loses 53-47 20 years ago in Maine? You think it loses at all 20 years from now? Society is always this way...

MUSE: Bullsh*t...Woman got the vote and the Civil Rights movements both passed because of pressure from liberal groups and because the government had the balls to take a stand...

FIRST: You hate how congress works...You would love how we get an amendment to the constitution passed...That wasn't just a bunch of crazy women and Wilson decreeing it...LBJ did do great work for the civil rights bill, but it was time for it, we as a country understood that...We were ready for it...If we were not, the bill would not have passed...America is clearly not ready for a federal fight over gay marriage...But it will be...

MUSE: So we just have to wait till you, the grand king on high decrees when we're now evolved enough to not be hateful pieces of sh*t?

FIRST: If I had my way things would be much different, but I don't...Anyhow...Enough lamenting our world...Time to yell at Sean Edmunds...

MUSE: Well at the very least that'll be fun...

FIRST: I remember you and Copycat's promos before you unveiled yourselves. The two of you whined and b*tched about how the fans quit cheering for you...Well, as this song says...They love you when you're on all the covers...When you're not, they love another...That's just society...But then again who really pays attention to guys who wear lots of make-up named Brian...(Muse punches him in the arm)

MUSE: Don't even say that word...

FIRST: What? I'm just referencing Manson's birth name...(Muse punches him again in the arm) I'm driving you know, we can go down this little hill here and go back to The Spiral if you want...

MUSE: I'm ready, turn the wheel...

FIRST: Wife...Kid...Not just yet...

MUSE: Tethered to the flesh, pitiful...

FIRST: Anyhow...Look Edmunds, you had a run, now you're back, and well, you're back now trying to re-kindle lost glory, but you've had nothing to show for it...The old saying goes when you have the law on your side, argue the law, when you have the facts on your side argue the facts, when you got neither, bang the table...Well you are offically in table banging mode...

Your 'victories' are 2 six man tags...One of which was pretty much designed to get you a win since you were fighting the World Champ, his opponent at the next PPV, and the guy who screwed the champ out of the belt a few shows before that...You're throwing in my face the fact that you sat back and watched a spark hit a container of gasoline and it exploded...

Sean...Honestly, Larry, Moe, and Shemp could have won that match...

MUSE: Wow, not even giving him the respect of Curley...That's cold...

FIRST: And you tried to downplay it a little, but you still bragged about your win over Anarky...You're getting all pumped up to me about a match where literally it was only the quick actions of security and having Dean Matthews get Anarky's attention off you, that saved your family from making the horrible decision of leaving you hooked up to the machines for the next decade or so, or just pulling the plug and letting you expire...

MUSE: Anyone who would leave a loved one hooked up to those machines is a monster.

FIRST: So really Sean, what you have is a 6 man tag where Cruise ran in and cracked Hart in the head with a belt, and that's the most respectable win you have! That's all you've got going for you...

So don't give me any of that, I mean seriously, it's pitiful, scream and yell about a fresh start, a new day, something, anything but this crap where you're trying to claim greatness when you know you're lying...

MUSE: Did he mention he beat Dan Ryan yet?

FIRST: No...But he should have, I have no idea if he did or not...Look Sean, you want to play the "I've kicked so much ass" card...I'll play the trump...Sean Stevens...Yeah he won the match, but I beat his ass, there's a reason he hasn't given me a re-match, it's cause he knows his run as World Champion ends when he gets back in the ring with me, it's why even now he's praying to whatever dark powers he worships for you and Tact to find a way, any way to beat Fuse and myself...So he can shout to the world that because I lost this match, I don't deserve a re-match with him...

But that's not happening...No, I'm going straight through you Sean, you and Tact will not stop me...Can not stop me...My path is clear now...I'm going to plow through you...And I'm going to get my belt...

MUSE: Now we're talking...

FIRST: Was that a Joker impersonation?

MUSE: (Punches First in the arm again) Why so serious?

FIRST: (Shakes head) OK crazy girl...

MUSE: Well, until they put Harley Quinn in a film, a girl is limited for her batman references...

FIRST: True enough...Well, there's the wal-mart, time to get ready for the unending masses...

MUSE: The teeming horde! I can't wait...

(First pulls the car into a back area of the Wal-Mart...FADEOUT)

 

[TheOriginalSE]

Lost HOPE

(A dark screen comes flickering to life showing what looks like the beginning of a movie reel. Counting down from 10, the numbers flash before the viewers’ eyes. On the bottom left hand corner of the screen the text reads: “EPW Promo: Tact, Larry.” The reel hits 3 …. 2 …. 1… A white flash and we see a well lit, but poorly taken care of living room. A single kitchen chair is positioned in front of the camera. In the background we see a man lying on a living room couch. His face is turned towards the cushions, one hand lying on top of the arm rest, a half empty beer bottle teetering. The back of his shirt reads: “What Daddy Wants … Daddy Gets!” … A hand steadies the camera. The body to which it is attached walks in front of the camera and then sits down in the chair. “Simply Sensational” Sean Edmunds puts his hands behind his head and looks straight forward, a subtle smile on his face.)

EDMUNDS: “Aren’t we all a little bit delusional, First?”

(The smile loses its subtlety.)

EDMUNDS: “I say poh-tay-toe, you say poh-tah-toe… but the facts are the facts, and when one looks at the sheet … I have victories over Sean Stevens, Marcus Westcott, Anarky, Shawn Hart… Call it what you will, First.. but the facts don’t lie.”

(Moving from his more relaxed position, he shifts forward and rests his forearms on his knees.)

EDMUNDS: “I keep trying to figure it out, you know, what is bothering you so much.. what makes you so .. bitter. I mean, you have a nice little run going, notwithstanding the draw against Layne “My Balls Are So Small It Must Be” Winters… and then I guess it makes sense, doesn’t it? Here you have been out there putting on the best show you can for the imbeciles in the seats … and you have nothing to show for it.. I mean, for God sakes, you’re in a tag team match with FUSENSHOFF…. What does that tell you, First?”

(The figure behind Edmunds starts to move, groans, and drops the bottle off the side of the couch. Edmunds pauses for a second, looks over his shoulder and is about to say something, but stops and looks back at the camera.)

EDMUNDS: “ I feel bad for you … (smirks) well, no .. I really don’t … which is why Larry and I are going to go out there and kick you while you’re down. All that you’re doing here in Empire Pro is going unnoticed by those who matter, First.. for some asinine reason you think it’s because Sean Stevens is too afraid to face you in the ring …”

(Edmunds pauses and gives a “oh really?” look.)

EDMUNDS: “I’m probably going out on a limb here… but I HIGHLY doubt that Sean Stevens has even given you a single thought within the past month… perhaps aside from the moment that HOPE was aborted all over Russian Roulette, and only then to pity what you’ve become. You see, by your line of thinking, First… Sean Stevens must not want to give Nakita Dahaka a World Heavyweight shot because he’s too afraid of her… hell, I’m sure she’d leave whatever whorehouse she’s currently sucking her way through right now to get a shot .. but noo… Triple X is too scared of her after they met at Aggression 20… just like he’s scared of you.”

(Edmunds rolls his eyes.)

EDMUNDS: “But as I said .. I guess we’re all a little delusional.”

(He gives an overly enthusiastic “thumbs up.”)

EDMUNDS: “But Triple X … just in case you have been tuning into the First’s promos, either for a laugh, or something to help your constipation … I guaran-damn-tee you that the First and Fusenshoff won’t be walking out of Aggression with any sort of victory; not moral and certainly not official. You see, First … what separates you and I … and thus HOPE and Anthology, is that I know what I’m here to do. I know where I belong … and where I am going. You, and by extension, HOPE, are floating aimlessly.”

(Edmunds pauses as he hears a sound in another room. After a brief moment, he looks back at the camera and continues.)

EDMUNDS: “One week you’re in a tag match with Stevens, the next you’re fighting Layne Winters for the championship … the following you’re in a match with Shawn Hart … then at Russian Roulette you’re in a Street Fight with Felix Red… You’re all over the place, buddy. For someone whose supposedly got the World Heavyweight champion shaking in his boots, you can’t even stabilize your footing. And now you’re here … at Aggression in Tucson … with FUSENSHOFF …. Taking on Anthology. Your track record against us is pretty good, I must admit … but that ends here. HOPE … ends here.”

(Edmunds leans back in the chair and places his hands back behind his head again. He looks up at the ceiling as he talks.)

EDMUNDS: “Everything you do wreaks of desperation, First.. the ploy to the crowds .. the half-witted banter between you and Muse … HOPE … your delusions run deep … and show no signs of slowing. Maybe this week will be the week that the big wigs in Empire Pro take notice… maybe next week! Maybe the week after! Your entire EPW career has been a giant hamster wheel, hasn’t it? In an effort to get out … in an effort to get noticed … you throw wet paper towels at the wall and go with what sticks… and when that falls .. you move onto the next thing that sticks. It’s sad. It’s demeaning. But it’s undeniably -- you.”

(He moves his eyes from the ceiling back to the camera. His smile is all but gone, nothing much left on his face as if he suddenly lost interest in carrying on with the promo.)

EDMUNDS: “Perhaps I’m wasting my time. It’s obvious to anyone and everyone that you’re too focused on this imaginary championship shot that you’re expecting to get in the near future to fully appreciate what I’m saying.”

(He shuts his eyes, resting.)

EDMUNDS: “There’s delusional…. And then there’s you. I beat Marcus Westcott. I beat Sean Stevens. I beat Shawn Hart. I beat Anarky. There’s empirical records of this, First.. You… You stand on this soapbox and proclaim that the EPW World Heavyweight champion is afraid of you because he won’t give you the time of day… you strike such fear into the heart of a man who wipes the floor with everyone he steps into the ring with, except me of course (quick smirk), that he won’t acknowledge your existence, nevertheless give you a shot at the championship you so surely deserve! Where’s your proof? Hm?”

(Edmunds braces himself and gets out of the chair. He stands in front of the camera and just looks into it. The shot begins to fade out .. and as it does we hear a toilet flush. In the back of the shot we see a figure, Larry Tact, come out of what appears to be the bathroom, fixing himself up for the promo he was supposed to be have cut … which was apparently, unbeknownst to him, done by “Simply Sensational” Sean Edmunds. Fadetoblack.)

 

[Fusenshoff]

Fade in to Fusenshoff sitting on a stool behind an EPW backdrop. He looks the same as he always does. The only clothes he owns with names on them is his leather jacket, which has the name ‘Jason’ and a phone number on the tag because Fuse bought it from Goodwill. He leans a little too heavily to one side and almost slips off the stool, giving viewers the impression that he’s half-in-the-bag.

Fusenshoff: “Apparently I’m a former EPW tag team champion. It’s news to me, but I do blackout more often than freshmen frat boys. I wonder who my tag partner was?

“Was it Shawn Hart?

“No. We lost in the Kings of the Cage tournament and he bailed on EPW for half a year after that. Could it have been Stalker? I remember we tagged up a few times. Nah, that poor bastard can’t even win a match if it isn’t Stalker’s Rules, let alone hold gold. I know… I’ll check a program and take a look at my bio page.

Fusenshoff pulls out a program, which is rolled up and stuffed in the back of his pants. ‘Coincidentally’ he’s carrying it with him as he flips through it.

Fusenshoff: “Well sh*t, I don’t see anything here in the program. It’s hard to believe Sean Edmunds would f*ck that up, not once, but several times over the course of a couple of days. I mean this is a guy who beat Sean Stevens and Marcus Westcott while the two of them were on the same tag team despite absolutely despising each other. This is a guy who beat Jungle Storm… what? That’s all I got.

“You’re right Sean. My agenda in this match is to prove myself ‘once more as a lion in the tag team match’. Looks like you’ve really studied up, hitting the books hard this semester. Don’t worry, when First and I put your ass on academic probation, you can just go to Lindz and tell her you had mono. She’ll buy it.

“Or maybe I’ve got it wrong. By the way your promo’s drone on about how everyone else’s perspectives are skewed and how you have your pointer on the EPW pulse, you sound more like a professor.

“The class is Empty Threats 101.

“Required reading includes ‘Guaran-damn-teeing victory: How to Spout off at the Mouth’ and ‘Losing all HOPE: Destroying a stable a week after its reveal’.

“ Of course, there won’t be a Final in this course because you’ll have already won the EPW World Heavyweight Championship and have everyone in the back groveling at the collective feet of Anthology by Week Six. Maybe you can make it essay format, having your students write out the ideal parade festivities and hall-of-fame induction ceremony. Extra-credit if you remember to invite Wells’ favorite strippers.

“Nice work putting Stevens and Dahaka in the same sentence by the way. What you’re forgetting is that The Blue-Eyed Badass has no choice but to be reminded of that demoness at least once a month. Those child support checks can be a real burden when they cut into your mani/pedi budget, but you already know that after hanging out with Larry Tact all week.

“Let’s face it. After pretending that you know anything at all about me you’ve pretty much just focused on First and HOPE, which apparently after twenty minutes of air time HOPE is doomed to failure and First has no chance of continuing his past success. The poor guys just can’t catch a break when it comes to you and your opinions.

“I hope your plans after wrestling don’t include becoming a camp counselor or a Life Coach. Let’s just say your outlook on life might be a tad disheartening for your average cub scout. I recommend writing a book predicting when the world will end or teaching drill sergeants how to berate new recruits.

“According to you, there is no HOPE. Good thing you’re about as well-informed as a typical POW.”

Fade out as Fusenshoff seems to be much less soporific now that Edmunds’ promo has been mostly wiped from his memory.

 

[TheOriginalSE]

A is for Anthology.

(The camera fades in to a grand foyer; a golden framed portrait of “Simply Sensational” Sean Edmunds hanging on the wall to the left clues us in that we’re most likely in Boston, Massachusetts at Edmunds Estates.. as the camera slowly pans around the foyer, the front door is heard opening. The camera spins back to the door just as Edmunds is walking through. Wearing a black buttoned up winter jacket, Edmunds is carrying two bags from his favorite designer store. He places them down next to the marble statue that also doubles as a convenient location for his keys.)

EDMUNDS: “I guess you could consider me Joe Biden to Larry’s Barack Obama..”

(He walks towards the camera and then past it as he heads down a long hall. The camera follows him. He continues with his back to the camera.)

EDMUNDS: “Give me an infinite amount of time to run my mouth and one of those times I’ll stick my foot in it.”

(Edmunds reaches into the room and flips on the light switch. The lighting slowly begins to fill the once darkened space. Almost cascading across the room, eradicating any hint of night, it is revealed that we’re in the spacious living room. Edmunds walks over to the stools placed near the in-home bar and begins to unbutton his coat.)

EDMUNDS: “Unlike others, Fusenshoff … I’ve got a good head on my shoulders… I can admit when I am wrong..”

(Edmunds slips the coat off revealing a black t-shirt underneath. On the t-shirt is a check list of sorts. “ANARKY” is seen with a line through his name. Followed by “ANNIHILATED.” Underneath it says “WESTCOTT” .. followed by “WASTED.” “HART” is underneath and next to his says “HUMILIATED.” Finally “JUNGLE STORM” with a line through their name and next to it “JOLTED.” Edmunds holds his jacket in his hand allowing the camera to get the full monty.)

EDMUNDS: “It’s not often, but I guess this time …”

(Edmunds turns around and places the jacket on the back of the stool.. as he does the back of his shirt is revealed: “STEVENS” crossed out followed by “SILENCED.” )

EDMUNDS: “I’ll admit, Fusenshoff, I was wrong when I went on that tangent about you being a former tag team champion.”

(Edmunds turns back around and begins walking to the sofa. As he walks by the camera he nonchalantly glances at it.)

EDMUNDS: “Apparently I’m not fluent in retard.”

(Edmunds continues walking past the camera and stops at a black and stainless steel minifridge. He pulls out a Guinness and opens it. He then plops down on the couch. The camera comes around.)

EDMUNDS: “It’s a mistake I loathe to have made … mostly because that’s not the type of person I am .. overlooking the little details.. I can’t take it back now … so I apologize. Maybe it was the slurring of the words … or maybe by that point in time I had just lost all interest in what you had to say … but after careful consideration, and having Jared translate .. I realize now that I got what you were saying about the First and understood that I wrongly attributed that high honor to you.”

(He pauses long enough to enjoy his Guinness.)

EDMUNDS: “So I’m glad that you’re having your fun with my misstep, Fuse.. It must have been quite the bright spot in a day where you most likely woke up in a pool of your own piss and vomit. It does warm my soul a tiny bit to know that I’ve made one underprivileged person’s day. Congratulations.”

(More Guinness down the tube. Edmunds places one arm on the top of the sofa as he attempts to get more comfortable. Kicking off his shoes, he places his feet up.)

EDMUNDS: “All this talk about HOPE and the First .. as if somehow that WEREN’T the reason you are even in the main event in Tucson. Most people would give their left nut to be in the main event, Fuse… hell, I know people who would trade their own sibling’s lives to be in the main event…”

(A cocky sneer briefly flashes on Edmunds’ face.)

EDMUNDS: “So why don’t you just enjoy the ride, and shut the hell up, already? You had your five minutes .. now let the adults play.”

(Edmunds pauses and takes a second to take a few breaths.)

EDMUNDS: “You need to control this, kid .. walking into Tucson thinking he somehow DESERVES to be there.. I don’t know who threw him into this match .. but HOPE’s first order of business at Aggression should be to find a replacement… you’re stepping into the ring with Sean Edmunds and Larry Tact … with Anthology … the most dominant force in Empire Pro.. Dump the dead weight and try to make this worth all the hype.”

(Edmunds finishes off the Guinness and places the bottle on the slate coffee table.)

EDMUNDS: “People are wondering how I can confidently predict the collapse of HOPE … afterall, they’ve only just christened themselves the savior of Empire Pro, as that sororcidal blockhead so adequately hinted. It’s simple..”

(Edmunds sits up and gets ready to explain …)

EDMUNDS: “Anthology works because one… we’ve got a core group of people who are comfortable with one another… who have such a long, intertwined history, that we know, from inside out, the abilities of our teammates. Copycat.. Jared Wells … I’ve known these two for many more years than I care to say. Cameron Cruise .. Larry Tact … good people. HOPE? Loose Cannon Anarky? Self-Absorbed Shawn Hart? The First? Winters? Come on. HOPE doesn’t need Anthology to destroy them … they’ll implode. Larry and I will just help them along…”

(Edmunds leans back again.)

EDMUNDS: “And two ..”

(He smiles.)

EDMUNDS: “We’re g0dd*mned Anthology, b*tches.”

(Edmunds shakes his head and with a motion to the camera essentially shoos them out.)

EDMUNDS: "Class dismissed."

(The shot slowly begins to fade out .. as it does Edmunds picks up a remote and hits one of the buttons. The lights in the room begin to dim, and eventually the entire room, like the camera, fadestoblack.)

 

[The Great Eye]

(OORP: The bar scene was written by us both.)

(FADEIN: The storage area of a Wal-Mart. The First and Muse are talking to a older looking gentleman who’s in a brown suit jacket/pants combo.)

MANAGER: I’m glad you’re here, sometimes the talent gets here late and then we have all kinds of headaches and stuff.

FIRST: Oh I know I look like an idiot, but I’m not out to make anyone’s life hard.

MANAGER: (chuckles) oh I don’t care what the kids like or what ya’ll look like, I just want things to run on time. You got 2 hours here you got a crowd out there for you, so only sign 3 things per person tops. (Points down the room) You two will go out those doors and then take a right, there will be a table waiting for you. (Looks at watch) you got about 15 minutes before you go out there. This event is mostly for the hyping of the EPW new CD of entrance themes and remixes, so we’ll have the CD’s at the table, they can get them signed by you guys and then purchase them up front. Just make sure nobody tries to grab a stack and run off. (He laughs at the idea)

FIRST: I’ll tackle them if they try it…You got any silver or gold pens for us?

MANAGER: I don’t know that we did, but I’ll go get some.

(The manager walks off.)

MUSE: Oh lord you diva….

FIRST: I’m not being a diva, most of my merch is black, if they have us sign a CD or a photo, that’s easy with a black marker, but T-Shirts and stuff, it’s all black, so I need a pen that writes on black…

MUSE: Always an answer for everything, Mr. Expert at autographs…

FIRST: What? I’ve done this before I know how it works.

(Muse throws a punch at First’s arm, he avoids it)

FIRST: Not so easy when I’m not pinned down in a car now is it?

MUSE: I’ll get you…Oh I’ll get you…

(CUTTO: First and Muse walking towards the table, high pitched screaming can be heard.)

MUSE: I can’t believe this is really happening with you…With us…This is so surreal…

FIRST: If we couldn’t live adventures like this, why even come here?
(Muse nods, they take their seats.)

(CUTTO: A couple of younger teen goth girls, come up to the table, they each grab a CD and both have a “Painted Up Freak” T-Shirt.)

GIRL: Why are you with that maniac Anarky, and that creepy guy Winters? They are just so…Evil….

FIRST: Let not your heart be troubled…( signing the shirts, which he then passes over to Muse to sign) This is a war, and in such times, actions one would not normally take must be taken. Anthology isn’t going to go away without a fight…I don’t go out and party with Winters or Anarky, we’re not some grand friendship (signs CD’s and then moves them over.) yesterday I fought Layne Winters, today I ally with him, tomorrow, we may be at each other’s throats anew…America would not exist were it not for France…France would be under the yoke of Nazi or Communist oppression if not for America, yet we currently hate each other…I will always be who I am, no matter who’s company I keep, they will not corrupt me, not change who I am…

GIRL: OK…Well when HOPE is finished, kick their asses…

FIRST: I may very well have to…

(CUTTO: A 20 something guy wearing the “HOPE” T-Shirt, he grabs a CD off the stack.)

MUSE: Why would you wear that shirt? Oh I get it, you want me to have to grope you to sign it you dirty minded man!

GUY: I uhh…Didn’t think to get the shirt signed….Umm…

MUSE: Oh come here! (Muse puts her hand on the guy’s chest as she signs the shirt with her other hand.) where you from sweetie, you got a car?

GUY: Uhh…I’m like 15 minutes south of Tucson…Yeah I have a car…

MUSE: (Handing him a piece of paper) Well here baby, gimme your number and maybe we can do something tonight…

GUY: (Writing down number looking nervous) My name is Kevin…Oh wow…Thanks…

FIRST: You are…Impossible…

MUSE: What?! He’s cute! And nervous, I find that endearing!

(CUTTO: Another teen girl, not as gothy as the others. She grabs a CD and then puts a poster of The First on the table.)

GIRL: When are you going to kick Triple X’s ass? It’s just bullsh*t he’s ducked you for so long!

FIRST: He can’t escape his fate anymore than anyone else can, he knows he must fight me again, however long he wishes to try to delay it, that’s up to him (signs poster, slides it over to Muse)…I prefer to embrace my fate, for good or ill…He on the other hand is one who fears what fate has to offer him…(signs CD, slides it over to to Muse)

GIRL: Yeah cause you’re taking his belt when you fight him again.

FIRST: That would be the plan (Smiling)

(CUTTO: A young couple with an EPW magazine cover with The First on it. They grab CD’s.)

GUY: Man, Burning Down October really sold out on their new CD, that stuff is depressing.

FIRST: Muse tried out for them, but they didn’t like the vibe a girl brought to the band (Signs magazine, pushes it over to Muse) now I’m trying to get Beating Dan Ryan to take her as my representative, cause I can’t sing or play anything. Lindsay’s fighting it, but with how bad things are going for them, they’ll crack.

MUSE: They let a falcon into the band over me! The music business is so corrupt! Can’t a girl get a break?

(CUTTO: First and Muse now in the car, driving back from Wal-Mart.)

FIRST: I’m gonna be glad to get some rest now, that stuff, the energy, always gets to me…

MUSE: You aren’t getting much rest, we’re meeting Fusenshoff for drinks in like, 2 hours.

FIRST: What? I thought it was going to just be a light training session, going over plans for the match.

MUSE: Screw that…We’re going out and having fun tonight dammit…

FIRST: Oh great…

(CUTTO: to the inside of a small, run-down dive bar. At a table in the back we see The First in a black shirt with his hair pulled back in a pony tail, he's still wearing eye-liner and black lipstick. Muse sits next to him wearing a low cut red top, with her hair now a dark red. She has three shot glasses lined up in front of her. Fusenshoff has his leather jacket tossed over his chair. He’s wearing just his wife beater and his inside forearm tattoos of the Canadian and British flags can be plainly seen. Fuse has 6 shots lined up in front of him. First has all of a half filled Bud Light in front of him. Muse and Fuse are clearly in mid-conversation as the camera pans in.)

MUSE: Well of course I'm not doing as many as you, you got me by like 200 friggin pounds! If you're gonna yell at anyone yell at this lightweight, he won't even do one. I'd drink his sissy ass under the table any day of the week.

FIRST:I'm sorry I don't think of budding alcoholism as being a talent.

MUSE: Alcoholics have a problem with their drinking...I'm a drunk, I enjoy my drinking.

FIRST: I was trying to explain to Fuse about blind tags when you brought over the glasses and booze.

FUSENSHOFF: We're glad you could make it out tonight First. And I appreciate you buying the drinks... the tag match pointers are a big help too...

Fuse takes a shot as he pauses

but couldn't you have left the lipstick and 'guyliner' on the vanity desk in your locker room?

FIRST: Hey, I could have gone full out...to hell with people if they can't deal with me.... now, about the match. Tact's gonna know what he's doing, been tag champ for a long time… Edmunds, Edmunds will be sloppy most likely about positioning and stuff.

MUSE: Really, we're still in a scouting session, really?!

Muse does a shot then pushes one in front of First.

Drink you wimp.

FIRST: “I'm only doing one... And only ‘cause you asked so nicely.”

First does a shot. If his expression is any indicator, he has a little trouble holding it down.

FUSENSHOFF: I don't think Edmunds will be a slouch though, either. Tact already made the mistake of underestimating your skills First. I wouldn't return the favor. Besides, all that matters is what they're capable of when they’re at their best anyway. Our approach shouldn't change based on their most recent exploits.

FIRST: Oh of course not...(Winces)...They know things changed with HOPE...They know it's not just a time when they can lace up the boots and act tough and that will be good enough...They are in for the fight of their lives now...Edmunds fell asleep against Richards, but he's wide awake now...

MUSE:Here, this is the last shot I'll make you do, but only if you drink it in ten seconds.

FIRST: Fine...

First shakes his head, does the shot and blinks a few times.

“What the-?!”

MUSE: It was a double! You really have no idea the about booze at all, you're so easy to trick!

Muse laughs and takes a shot of her own. Then she nods at the bartender and signals for another half-dozen shots for the table.

FUSENSHOFF: Where'd you come up with HOPE anyway? I like the team you've assembled. I know both Winters and Hart pretty well- two of the toughest sons of b*tches I've fought...

Fusenshoff pauses again and pounds a shot

... and I got a hold of Anarky once or twice a couple months ago in another tag match. You're really the only one I haven't had the pleasure of taking a shot in the midsection from actually.

Still, I mean HOPE... it's a girl's name, there's a few gushy songs about it. I've been to a few AA meetings and it seems to be a big word for some of those quitters.

Fuse pauses, mid sentence and stares off behind Muse. She can't help but look and Fuse takes the opportunity to steal one of her shots.

... any logic behind it? It's almost as confusing as the name Anthology. Apparently they’re named after the only sh*tty Beatles album? None of it makes sense to me, that's all.

Fuse raises his eyebrows and shrugs as MUSE gives him a dirty look for stealing her shot.

FIRST: Oh the name...Well, that just came from the fact that after Copycat threw me off the top rope and then Cruise Reality checked me into being semi-conscious...They threw me out of the ring, and that prick Copycat grabbed the mic, and as I'm laying there, beaten, been screwed out of the title, that piece of sh*t starts rambling on about how he joined Anthology because it gave him hope...And I thought to myself in that moment...Oh...I'm gonna give you HOPE alright...I'll give you HOPE till you're where you left me, broken and defeated...So I guess really we could be named vengeance or something...But then I wouldn't have my new Obamacon T-Shirt, and that sucker is selling big...Thank goodness I have a percentage of my merch sales...”

A random bar drunk passes by.

DRUNK: What are you looking at f*ggot?

FIRST: I ain't looking at nothing. You think you’re cute, think I should be looking at you?

DRUNK: You want trouble?

FIRST: Nah…

The drunk gets in First's face. First puts his hand up so Fuse doesn't get involved. He hands the guy a shot and grabs one for himself.

FIRST: Let's just do a shot buddy.

DRUNK: (Eying First carefully) OK then...

They both tip back their shots, suddenly First blasts the guy in the face with green mist, the drunk stumbles backward into the bathroom.

MUSE: How the f*ck you do that?

FIRST: State secret...

FUSENSHOFF: That probably wasn't the smartest move First. I think those shots are starting to catch up to you. We might want to get out of here before things get ugly. I like this place and it's a long week. Getting kicked out now would put a real damper on the rest of my time here in sunny Arizona.

First starts to slump in his seat.

FIRST: What...What did I do?

MUSE: Yeah he's going, (Under her breath) Lightweight (back to normal) Best plan for now is you just scare the sh*t out of people while I smuggle him out...We’re all set for the ride…Should even be here now waiting…

FIRST: Smuggle me? What, I'm contraband or something?! Look, just cause some people are HATEFUL BIG--

Muse covers First’s mouth before he gets into more trouble.

MUSE: Yeah, time to move...

Fuse gets up and walks over to the drunk guy, who looks like he was making out with Oscar the Grouch's Mom with the green sh*t all over his face. As Muse throws First's arm over her shoulders, Fuse stands in front of the irate drunk. The man tries to force his way after First, but Fuse just pulls him in the general direction of the bar.

FUSENSHOFF: Take some advice friend. Booze is better than bloody knuckles and broken noses.

Fuse buys the drunk a shot and sets it in front of him. Weighing his options, he takes the shot.

FUSENSHOFF “Cheers... life it a waste of time and time is a waste of life, so get wasted all the time and have the time of your life.”

The drunk grins and they both take a shot. Fade out as Fusenshoff pays and follows First and Muse out of the bar, nodding to the bartender on the way out.

(CUTTO: Outside the bar. Kevin from the autograph signing is sitting in the drivers seat of his car. looks on in a kind of wide eyed shock as Muse is dragging First out of the bar, after a couple moments Fusenshoff comes out with them)

MUSE: I’m so sorry Kevin baby, these boys just cause so much trouble I can’t take them anywhere…

(First gets in the back seat of the car as Fuse takes shotgun, Kevin just looking more and more bewildered as this is happening. Muse walks over to the driver side window and leans into Kevin.)

MUSE: Baby can you get us back to the hotel, we’re all in no condition to drive, and after that last DUI Wells got, management’s been a bunch of jerks…(She kisses Kevin on the cheek while running her hand over his chest) thanks baby! (Muse gets in the back seat with First while Kevin finally snaps to and pulls the car out of the parking lot.)

KEVIN: I…Can’t believe this.

MUSE: It happens…Roll with it…

(The car heads down the road back to the hotel…FADEOUT)

 

[TheOriginalSE]

A Final Salute...

(“Simply Sensational” Sean Edmunds stands alone in a fluorescent lit room. Hanging on a wall behind him is a poster that says “Anthology Cares…” however, a handwritten cardboard piece that says “EPW” has been placed over the middle of “Anthology.” Edmunds stands there, looking somber.)

EDMUNDS: “It has come to my attention that my use of the word ‘retard’ recently has offended many people. So, under the threat of having to wash Lindsay Troy’s jockstraps for a year, I wanted to come before the camera and say that I am deeply sorry to have used the term in such a derogatory way.”

(Edmunds cups his hands in front of him.)

EDMUNDS: “So, I apologize to little Jimmy, whose mother called EPW’s headquarters to inform us of the effect my words had on her developmentally disabled bundle of joy.”

(Edmunds pauses.)

EDMUNDS: “And I would also like to apologize to the State of Texas … New York Yankee fans .. and the Republican Wing of the Republican Party. It was wrong of me to use a term that could be construed as making fun of your impairments.”

(Edmunds steps closer to the camera.)

EDMUNDS: “Thank you for your time … and after this quick commercial break we’ll be back with more EPW promotional material.”

(The shot goes black. Some shuffling is heard. A loud bang, followed by soft voices. A few seconds later whatever was blocking the camera is removed and now the scene shows two tables set up side by side. The background wall, which only a few minutes earlier had the “EPW Cares...” sign” is now completely white. Standing to the right behind his table, is “Simply Sensational” Sean Edmunds. In front of him is a tabletop sign that says “Anthology.” On the left stands, no .. slumps … a haggard looking fellow; possibly someone who was dragged off the street. In front of him is a tabletop sign that says “HOPE.” A quick little jingle rings in the studio causing the bum to pop up and put his hands up in a fighting position. He looks around and puts his hands back down.)

EDMUNDS: “I’m Anthology.”

(Edmunds looks over at the bum who stares back.)

BUM: “…”

(Edmunds motions down at the table. The bum looks down and picks up a piece of paper. Peering down he slowly mouths out what’s written.)

BUM: “And … I … I’m HOP… HOPE.”

(Edmunds puts his face in his hand.)

BUM: “We are the gre… gre… great… greatest stah.. stah… stable in EPW.”

(He looks over at Edmunds looking for approval. Edmunds turns his head forward back to the camera.)

EDMUNDS: “Anthology is the most dominant group of individuals in Empire Pro.. we’ve been established. You’re just the new kids on the block.”

(Edmunds looks back at the Bum who looks back down at the paper.)

BUM: “How can .. you com… compete with Ah, nark-why?”

(Edmunds does a double take.)

EDMUNDS: “HOPE has Anarky? Here at Anthology we have (a picture of Jared Wells comes on screen) Jared Wells… so we’ll see your screw-loose with our resident pharmacist… and raise you .. (picture of Copycat comes on screen) the Smartest Damn Player in the Game today..”

(Edmunds flashes a bright smile as the bum looks confused. Edmunds continues smiling, now straining as the bum continues to look at him … finally he waves his arm at the bum who looks back down at the paper.)

BUM: “Okay. Here at HOPE we have … the First?”

(Edmunds cuts him off.)

EDMUNDS: “Ah, the First … HOPE’s biggest mouth.”

(Edmunds smiles as a picture of Cameron Cruise comes on screen.)

EDMUNDS: “Need I say more?”

(Edmunds shrugs his shoulders.)

BUM: “When do I get my Hennessey?”

(Edmunds shoos him.)

EDMUNDS: “You see HOPE .. while you might be the latest thing that Empire Pro is throwing at Anthology …”

BUM: “You have any sandwiches?”

(Edmunds ignores him and continues.)

EDMUNDS: “Anthology has strong stability ratings ..”

(The bum stumbles from behind his table and starts walking around the stage … he looks behind the wall mumbling to himself.)

EDMUNDS: “We are constantly upgrading our systems…”

(A picture of Shawn Hart comes on screen.)

EDMUNDS: “Eliminating the defects…”

(The bum now walks up to Edmunds and stands there watching him.)

EDMUNDS: “While HOPE seems to be … happy with sloppy seconds.”

(A picture of Shawn Hart comes on screen again. Edmunds nods at “it.”)

EDMUNDS: “I’m Anthology.”

(The bum begins to pick his nose … he finds what he was looking for and pops his finger in his mouth. Edmunds turns to him.)

EDMUNDS: “And he’s HOPE.”

(The scene fades out.)

(CUTTO: An airplane is seen lifting off into the air through a glass window. As it gains height the camera fades back. A bustling airport is now shown… two flight attendants stand by the desk with the “TUCSON” sign flashing. The camera pulls back further and catches “Simply Sensational” Sean Edmunds standing by the arrivals/departures monitors. He scans the list.)

EDMUNDS: “We’re getting closer to Aggression … in just … (he runs his finger across the screen) an hour until we depart from this place … and four hours after that I will be arriving at the Tucson International Aiport..”

(Edmunds wipes his mouth and turns to the camera.)

EDMUNDS: “Then it’s only a matter of time before Larry Tact and I walk through the curtains and down the ramp … to grace Empire Pro’s main event with the awe-inspiring dominance of Anthology.”

(A crowd of people begin to gather in the background as they notice the camera.)

EDMUNDS: “The First and Muse have been wasting away in America’s Hellhole signing autographs for the so-called fans … gaining some sort of satisfaction from pleasing people who will only forget about them in a year’s time when someone newer and less coherent fumbles through the ranks of Empire Pro.”

(Edmunds grabs his carry-on and begins walking to a set of seats that have been taped off.)

EDMUNDS: “Anthology isn’t going away, period, First. Bring the fight .. battle us on the front lines … but prepare to lose the war. Then walk amongst the battlefield … scavenge through the broken bodies …. Collect your HOPE …. And give it a soldier’s burial. I’m sure we can even pitch in and pay for the four gun salute…”

(Edmunds untapes one side of the barrier, allows the camera to follow through, and puts it back in place. He sits down as the people who were watching from afar now come closer.)

EDMUNDS: “I never thought you were a fool … but look at you, First.. accept the inevitable result of this façade. HOPE … against Anthology? What kind of vanity crusade are you on?”

(Edmunds’ cell rings. He takes it out of his pocket and motions to the camera to hold.)

EDMUNDS: “Hey, what’s going on?”

(He listens.)

EDMUNDS: “No, I saw it .. the crew’s actually here now..”

(He smiles.)

EDMUNDS: “Yea, I’m not sure why they haven’t talked to you either.. You would think that with both of us in the main event that we would have had equal time ..”

(Edmunds nods his head as he takes in what the person on the other line is saying.)

EDMUNDS: “Conspiracy for sure … You’re one half of the World Tag Team champions … Troy probably thinks that by keeping you out of this that we’ll walk into Aggression at a disadvantage… but don’t worry, I have this.”

(Edmunds nods some more.)

EDMUNDS: “Alright, I’ll see you when I get into Tucson.. I’ll be in the air for the rest of the evening .. so hopefully the EPW crew will hit you up while we’re in a technological blackout.”

(Edmunds sits there looking at his hand.)

EDMUNDS: “Cool deal. Okay. I’ve gotta finish this up .. my flight is leaving soon… later.”

(Edmunds hangs up the phone and places it back in his pocket.)

EDMUNDS: “Sorry about that .. business is business, you know? Where was I?”

(Someone from the group of people calls out “vanity crusade!” Edmunds looks past the camera into the group of people and “hmms.”)

EDMUNDS: “You can scheme, but the chemistry don’t lie, First .. For all the talk about HOPE … for all the smoke and mirrors… HOPE’s biggest threat isn’t Anthology .. it’s you. It’s Shawn Hart .. It’s Layne Winters .. It’s .. well, I would say it’s Anarky … but he’s too busy writing love letters to even care about what happens to you all. Anthology thrives because we are unified. You know what you’ve got, First. You’ve got a team that was slapped together at the last minute just so you could keep your name out there.”

(Pausing for a moment, Edmunds looks around the terminal.)

EDMUNDS: “Because after you botched your big match … you’ve been sliding into oblivion… You’ve been stepping on people ever since … but gravity’s grasp has been too strong. HOPE has been that temporary speedbump, hasn’t it? A buffer from hitting rock bottom. So now you have what you wanted.. another chance to become the big gun here in Empire Pro.”

(The gate door opens and a line of people stream out. Edmunds watches them. Some people linger … others breeze past. A family with small children stop and bundle them up.)

EDMUNDS: “And for what? For them? For the idlers and the rejected?”

(Edmunds continues to watch as the last stragglers filter out. The attendant comes on the mic and gives everyone notice that pre-boarding will begin in 10 minutes. Edmunds reaches down and checks his carry-on to make sure that it is zipped and ready to go.)

EDMUNDS: “For the Fusenshoffs out there?”

(Edmunds stands and grabs his carry-on.)

EDMUNDS: “HOPE..”

(Edmunds rolls his eyes.)

EDMUNDS: “A worthless concept…”

(Edmunds walks towards the tape.. the crowd begins to part.)

EDMUNDS: “For the lost … the incompetent … and the beaten.”

(Edmunds walks through the crowd, the camera staying put. He turns one last time.)

EDMUNDS: “I bid you adieux.. and from the bottom of my heart… (his face goes cold) f*ck off.”

(The camera fades to black as the crowd closes off and obscures Edmunds from the camera’s shot. Some people turn and look at the camera, fixing their hair before waving.)

 

[The Great Eye]

(FADEIN: The First, wearing a black wife beater and gi pants, sitting on the balcony of his hotel room, he's peeling an orange as he looks at the camera, he's not wearing any face paint or make up.)

FIRST: Sean...I know how it is, this world is cruel and it's cold...You came to EPW with a promise of glory, that the Anthology brand and your past achivements would lead to a career of being deeply lazy and collecting you checks, every now and then you would have a match and win or lose, the checks would still come in, and every now and then, you would be in a main event, fighting some big talent.

But now that well just went dry...Anthology's no longer the brand that matters...You hitched your wagon to Cameron Cruise and he crashed and burned at Russian Roulette. He was your champion, your avatar, and we punked him. We laid his ass out and took his belt.

You say Anthology's unified...Behind what? What binds Anthology? A call to greatness? When have any of you sought the World Title of this company, when have any of you put yourselves in a position to challenge for that title? Cameron Cruise had that chance handed him and he ran from it like a coward. I called out Copycat, and he ran...

Is that what defines you? Shame? Fear? HOPE is unified by a simple goal, we all want something, and it's easier to get what you want when you ally with others then to go it alone...

Sean Hart wanted to take the pride of Anthology, the Intercontinental Title, the high point of Anthology's glory, and make it his own...HOPE did that for him...And now Sean wants to keep his foot on the throat of Anthology, until he finally hears it breath no more...And we shall do that for him also...

Anarky wants the blood to flow in rivers, he wants to no longer have the hand of EPW management meddle in he can and can not do to his victims in...HOPE gives him this...We only seek to pick out the victims for his mayhem, his carnage...Anarky lives only to destroy, we merely give a direction...

Layne Winters wants...What I want, but he also knows that he could have been 5 years or more away from that moment...All the pain and sorrow he's lived, all the horrors he's put himself through to finally see success...Now he's had a taste, and now that taste makes him want more, want everything...HOPE gives him a free pass...He gets to skip all those years of toiling in the mid-card, fighting whoever is put in front of him, not knowing if anyone will notice or care, not knowing if he'll ever catch Lindsay Troy's eye and be put in position to obtain his dream, his goal...The EPW World Heavyweight Title...And he's using HOPE to get there...

And while that belt is his goal...For me that belt is only part of what HOPE gives to me...For I want the man holding that belt right now...Oh if Marcus Westscott had won, I'd have hunted him...But it would not have been the same...No...

HOPE will give me a King...And I will make that King kneel before me...

That is what HOPE is Sean...Not 5 men hiding in the power of a mob just trying to muddle through card after card, praying that nobody sees them for the cowards they truly are, the weak, feeble men who cling to each other for survival...No we don't go out and party together, no we're not BFF...No, this is a group of men who know what we want...And we will get it...Anthology will be destroyed, Anarky will reign over all who get in his path...Layne Winters will aspire to greatness...And I will kill the King...

Can you tell me your dreams Sean? Your goal? What has Anthology done for you, what will it do for you? Anthology is a bunch of little kids talking about how awesome they are...HOPE is men...Getting results...

(Muse walks onto the balcony, her hair is up, she's wearing a pink T-shirt and white shorts.)

MUSE: What are you doing up? I thought you would be laid out from the booze.

FIRST: Puked, cleaned me out...Better that way...Still I had the strangest dream...I dreamed I was watching somebody else watch Phil Collins drown and thought how ironic all of that was...

MUSE: Yeah that song's so creepy...I can't believe it all happened...

FIRST: It didn't, it's an urban legend...Phil himself said the lyrics meant nothing.

MUSE: What?! Dammmit, that was such a good story, you friggin' ruin everything.

FIRST: At least I'm not Sean Edmunds continuing to ramble on about Anthologgy.

MUSE: He'sm still talking? Man to hell with him, throw him outside the ring so I can kick him in the balls...

FIRST: The ref might notice he's been ball kicked...

MUSE: Can I at least slap him in the face?

FIRST: Sure

MUSE: Sweet! Edmunds, you are so gonna get five across the eyes! You miserable little...AHHH I can't even think of a word for him...

FIRST: Don't bother...Just focus your rage into the slap, kill him with one blow...

MUSE: Oh I will...

FIRST: You're so dead Sean...Then we'll tell everyone else in The Spiral to laugh at you when you get there...

MUSE: Oh they will, his soul has to suck to be in that loser...

FIRST: Yeah...Sucks to be whoever the hell he's been...

MUSE: Exactly...Now gimme some of that orange...

(They fight over the orange as we FADEOUT)

 

[DBrunkGXW]

To clarify - both Tact & Edmunds may reply to the final RP posted last night.

This right expires at 11:00 CENTRAL tonight.

 

[TheOriginalSE]

Sorry to disappoint you

(OORP: This is Edmunds' RP for the 24hr Deadline.)

(FADEIN: “Simply Sensational” Sean Edmunds sits in his hotel room, his luggage in the corner, a light jacket draped across the tops. He flips through the local guide before closing it and tossing it onto the bed.)

EDMUNDS: “You just had to open your mouth, First, didn’t you?”

(He stands and walks over to the desk. He picks the phone up off the receiver and places it on the desk.)

EDMUNDS: “Just HAD to get the final word in …”

(He turns and walks over to the luggage. Grabbing the jacket, he drops it on one of the chairs before unzipping the smaller of the luggage pieces.)

EDMUNDS: “For what? To expose the reasoning behind HOPE.. again? Anarky wants HOPE to destroy … Hart uses HOPE for revenge… Winters has HOPE for a future … and HOPE will give you … Stevens?”

(Edmunds begins to remove the clothes from the luggage and places them neatly on the bed.)

EDMUNDS: “Sounds pathetic.”

(He takes the last few pieces out and zips the luggage back up and places it in the closet. As he closes the door, he looks into the mirror, his reflection looking into the camera.)

EDMUNDS: “Wrapped between pointless, witless conversations with Muse, you keep spouting off about how Anthology has somehow been pillaged by the Visigoths… Our walls are crumbling, our defenses in ruin…”

(He turns to the camera, the blueness of his eyes sparkling as the light from the window catches them.)

EDMUNDS: “I suppose it will be Larry’s and my duty at Aggression to expose your propaganda for what it is … false HOPE. You sit at autograph signings … you come on television sets … you preach about the end of Anthology … giving the minions out there a glimmer of HOPE that the end really is near…”

(He steps towards the camera, a smile creeping onto his face.)

EDMUNDS: “Anthology is alive and well… and it will FLOURISH at Aggression. Russian Roulette didn’t break us. HOPE didn’t break us. YOU will not break us.”

(He grabs onto the front of the camera and pulls it forward. His face filling up the entire shot.)

EDMUNDS: “Look at me, First. Look at me.”

(He pauses. The smile shrinking, but still lurking. A twitch in his eye. His nostrils flare. His tone low, he begins to speak.)

EDMUNDS: “You won’t break me.”

(He pauses again, staring into the camera.)

EDMUNDS: “No one dares to call you out on the trash that you put out there.. Until now.”

(He pushes the camera back. It takes a few seconds to autofocus.. as it does, Edmunds walks over to the window and opens the curtain fully, allowing the light to penetrate every inch of darkness that was in the room. He stands looking out the window, his back to the camera.)

EDMUNDS: “You know nothing, First. Nothing about Anthology. Nothing about HOPE. Nothing about me. I said it before, and I’ll say it again … with all the sh*t that’s being tossed out there … something’s bound to stick. You’ve been doing a lot of sh*t tossing … and holding on to anything that sticks. At Aggression, in the main event, you’ll be standing in the middle of the ring … with nothing to show for all your efforts.”

(He pivots off his heel, turning, and heads back over to the corner, grabbing the larger piece of luggage and placing it on the bed.)

EDMUNDS: “The result will be disappointing, no doubt. Not only for you, not only for the fans …. But for all of Empire Pro. You’re already disappointed, aren’t you, First? You expected to roll through Aggression… roll through Larry and I? After all, I had my ass handed to me at the pay per view … Larry hasn’t exactly been filling the airwaves… while Fuse came out of a huge feud with a victory under his belt … and you .. you have future plans, obviously… Yet here we are .. moments away from Aggression, and things haven’t gone so easily, have they? Instead of a welcome mat … you’ve been introduced to a wall.”

(Edmunds sits on the bed, his hand resting on top of the clothes there.)

EDMUNDS: “I guess it just hit me, First. All this talk about HOPE … all the indignation in your voice…”

(He shakes his head..)

EDMUNDS: “You weren’t expecting a fight at Aggression … you wanted a god-damned coronation. So what have you been doing? Have you been calling in favors? Making the rounds trying to pull whatever strings are hanging in front of you?”

(A look of disgust crosses Edmunds’ face as he works himself up.)

EDMUNDS: “You’re a user, an abuser… and at Aggression I will make sure that you feel the full resistance of Anthology. You roam through Empire Pro expecting that people kneel before you, averting their eyes as you walk past them… how did it feel when Sean Stevens knocked that smug look off your face? How did it feel when he would not give you the time of day afterwards? It was a blow to your ego, yes, knowing that there was someone out there who didn’t give in to your hype?”

(Edmunds pushes the luggage onto the floor, a loud thud cutting through the silence.)

EDMUNDS: “Now it’s happening again. Anthology … Larry Tact… myself … not bowing before the great First…”

(He places his hands on the bed and pushes himself to his feet. Edmunds walks to the window once more and looks off into the distance.)

EDMUNDS: “That feeling must be rushing over you again … That loss of control. Pull HOPE close, First. Use them. Abuse them … while you can. One day their eyes will be opened. Anarky will break through his madness … Winters will have his epiphany… It’ll hit Hart like a punch in the arm from Muse … They’ll reach for the scissors and cut the strings … no longer your puppets…”

(Edmunds places his hand against the glass.)

EDMUNDS: “I only hope that by then you’ve had your chance to accomplish everything you wanted..”

(His hand slowly slides down the glass, falling off the window.)

EDMUNDS: “Because as I’ll show you at Aggression, First … when everything you expected fails to unfold as you planned … the results … will be heartbreaking.”

(Edmunds turns to the camera.)

EDMUNDS: “Disappointment.”

(He glances over his shoulder.)

EDMUNDS: “It’s on your doorstep …”

(Looking back, he takes a few steps backwards until he hits the cushion of the chair, finally sitting down.)

EDMUNDS: “I know it’s not the door mat you were hoping for …”

(Edmunds waves the camera off and the shot slowly fadestoblack.)

 

[Starbreaker]

Break it down.

[OORP: Tact's buzzer beater reply.]

FADE IN: within the Cactus Rose Steakhouse, part of the Doubletree Hotel Tuscon at Reid Park. Golden colored walls provide a vibrance to the dining rooms; while green plates, black-framed pictures, and other wall decorations, as well as strategically placed plants in the rooms, contribute a more subdued and simplistic touch.

CUTTO: one of the dining tables, with an arched opening behind it, and a cactus hugging one side. Instead of seats at this table, there is a cushioned bench that allows for seating on two sides, one of which the camera is filming from. Leaning back on the back cushions of the other side, dressed in a ribbed black Kenneth Cole shirt, Mark Nason boots, and Guess Cliff jeans, is Larry Tact. All that remains of a freshly decimated dinner are on a plate in front of him, which isn't much more than steak juices. Tact's olive green eyes gleam in the dim lights of the restaurant, and a small grin accompanies him.

LARRY TACT: "It's been a longer week than I'd expected, and I'm not just talking about all the senseless banter of The First. It's unfortunate that I wasn't around to amuse myself with brushing off his petty remarks, given how easily First sets himself up for a fall..."

"While I was in town, I figured on taking up on an invite to guest speak at a Diversity Gala event in the area. I should have known better to go to one in Tuscon, though, considering it's proximity to the border. It basically boils down to two facts: the immigrants around here are fresh from their 'homeland,' so I guess general hygiene and healthy living practices aren't something they've picked up on yet. As a result, my second point... they bring along diseases festering in them."

"Here's a little 'Did You Know?' Around these parts of the country, you can throw a suit on some of these immigrant kids, instruct them on the right things to say to some panel, and BAM! Free money for your school, courtesy of the DoE wanting to promote 'diversity' for higher education!"

"Unfortunately, I guess they didn't bother to make sure their parents got their shots, because I woke up the next morning... well, you saw that spot of mine Edmunds 'stepped in' for. Yeah... H1N1 is a b**ch..."

"And here I thought coming here for Aggression wouldn't be as bad as the one in Mississippi... was THAT ever a mistake. I'm still not sure why Troy has us cater to these infested cesspools that have passed for States."

He frowns, momentarily recalling with visible disgust, then shakes his head of it.

"Of course, Edmunds stepped in and took up the mantle, further exemplifying how Anthology is going to take First and his HOPE, and kick it like Devin Barclay did that 39-yarder for OSU in OT... and quell their attempt at treading on Anthology's turf."

He looks down at the barren plate on the table.

"And thanks to some extensive massage therapy, spa treatments, a few 22oz. Porter House steaks... and, uh, that nasal vaccine, or whatever... I'm feeling back to full health and wellness. Oh and Ms. Troy, EPW offices should expect the bill in a couple days' time...."

He looks back up, smirking.

"Reasonably speaking, though... that bout of flu was about the only hope that HOPE had in this match. It's passed just like First's chances of victory. Edmunds summed it up pretty well; you're just delusional if you think you can come in here and dictate to Anthology what you plan on doing. You may have stolen the Intercontinental title from us, unfair enough. I'll credit you for picking the match that would see Jared and I unable to assist, considering we were going over what we later dealt out to Jungle Storm. I can't say I wouldn't have picked that exact same point to make a splash."

"Problem is, you suffer from a chronic case of mediocrity. Shawn Hart has the title, but what did he really DO to get it?"

"Nothing Anthology can't do to RECLAIM it."

"Not that we'll even have to make the odds so lopsided to get the job done."

"The only way Cameron Cruise won't get his title rematch is if Anthology decides to set our sights elsewhere... and make no mistake, that only means higher. It's all a matter of timing, though, and that time will come on OUR terms, and no one else's."

"Edmunds humored you with talk about who's beaten who and deserves what as a result, First, but the fact of the matter is this..."

"Your delusions have culminated in an asinine 'mission' to rid EPW of Anthology, which isn't going to happen until we've met our agenda. When I say no one dictates to us, that certainly includes those who can't make a career for themselves, and resort to surrounding themselves with others who might do it for them. Right now, you seem to top that list, First."

"HOPE doesn't stand for any cause that would bring that word to mind. It's members haven't 'banded together'-- and I use that term in the LOOSEST sense possible-- for unselfish reasons."

"You have all come together because, while you may have found a win here or there against us... SOMEHOW that hasn't caused us to implode. SOMEHOW... Anthology moves on and wins the next one. I know it must be utterly mindbending to you, First... but Anthology can suffer a defeat, and still come back strong."

"Because just as we've always said... Anthology doesn't exist solely to win matches and take Championships. Anthology doesn't exist for selfish reasons. We've come together for a greater cause. Our perspective is big picture."

"Don't tire yourself trying to wrap your head around that one though, First. You already know what's most important... the reason HOPE truly exists...."

"Despite your small success against us, the fact is that NONE of you... not Layne Winters, Anarky, Shawn Hart, or yourself... NONE of you can HANDLE Anthology. Win or lose individually, we still stand strong. We still continue our cause. And we prove your statements that you'll rid us wrong... an enduring humiliation that you can't accept and turn away from."

"And so, you needed some HOPE for your losing battle."

He chuckles.

"But as far as saying HOPE was here for EPW... I don't think you could have picked a more HYPOCRITICAL name."

He shrugs.

"But whether you've won against us on your own or not... whether you're lying to the fans or not... I'm not going to try convincing you otherwise. Believe me, between taking medication and vomiting in toilets for the past week, I've had PLENTY of time to dissect what you've said."

Looks away.

"Come to think of it, maybe listening to your spots only forced my stomach back into convulsions, and me back to the toilet..."

Shakes head, turning back to us.

"Either way, after listening to you all week, thinking over what you'd said, it still didn't hit me. For Anthology... why should we even give HOPE the time? What have you done to earn our attention?"

"Because you managed to steal the IC strap from us? No... that only shows how easily and willingly you come to play on OUR level... on Anthology's terms. And given what we've done in EPW already, you can bet you'll lose that game in the end."

"HOPE lacks its own identity. You've got no reason for existing other than the humiliation of failing to break up Anthology, and the unwillingness to humble yourself, accept your losses, and EARN a place in EPW. Sorry if you thought you'd get some long-lasting free ride to the top, First."

"But since you're in our way at Aggression, Anthology WILL help you along. We'll humble you and, this time... maybe you'll actually accept it and try to move on."

"I won't HOPE for it, though."

He calls for the check. FADE OUT.


FADE IN: outside the Cactus Steakhouse dining room, where there's a patio on which patrons may dine or lounge. Tact walks along the patio; one of his hands holding his half of the EPW World Tag Team Championship.

"Don't think I forgot about you, Fusenshoff. It's just that this match IS supposed to be the showcase of HOPE versus Anthology. Like I said before... you're just a bit player here... one that First and Ms. Troy fully intend on using to take a few extra shots at Anthology."

"I warned you not to lose your perspective. I told you I wanted you to show for the match, so long as it was for the right reason. When it comes down to it, though... I guess you don't mind being USED by others."

"You just went through dealing with Stalker tugging you around by the jock. At Russian Roulette, you finally rid yourself of the nuisance. And now, the very next show... you're going to buy into what First is talking about, and let yourself be jerked around again?"

"Are you sh***ing me?"

"What is it about being in these situations, Fuse? Do you LIKE it? Do you take some sort of enjoyment listening to people who don't have a clue, ranting about nonsensicle 'missions' and sh**? Stalker was no different than First..."

"Actually, that's not true. Reeves didn't care about winning matches, and he was a lot more brutal. Hell... maybe you were better off with him!"

He laughs.

"Honestly, Fuse... you may be a drunk, but you've still got more talent than First. Once upon a time, you were even on your way. You had the EPW Television Championship, and were considered a force that would have been able to go toe-to-toe with the top of the card."

"You would have had a place in the Main Event."

"Now?"

He shrugs.

"You're aligning with a guy who's already said his whole line of thought for forming his little group is due to Anthology... due to Cruise and Copycat humiliating him, and what was said in the aftermath of that humiliation."

"Beyond that, you're teaming with someone who leads a wholeheartedly greed-filled group. It's true they're quite the opposite of what Anthology stands to accomplish. We want to put down the people who degenerate this industry we love; walking around here like they own the ring, when they haven't earned a damn thing."

"You lower yourself by going along with the likes of the First."

He shakes his head.

"Having listened to what he believes, there's NO WAY I'd underestimate the First, because he fits the target profile to a tee..."

"Except First and the rest of HOPE haven't really done anything we haven't been able to handle and move on to further success from. So why, then, should we allow HOPE to somehow break our momentum? We've got a plan and it's worked for us to this point. Don't fix what isn't broken, especially when it's being suggested by a bunch of false prophets parading around their hypocrisy."

"The Intercontinental Championship was something that afforded us further control, but whoever says HOPE has taken our influence is dead wrong."

He pats his World Tag strap.

"We still have influence, and the gold that speaks to the masses. That will be maintained, or extended further. Jared and I beat the toughest of Anthology's adversaries at Russian Roulette. We've defended the tag straps and have a right to say we're two of EPWs best. Your only dispute to that would be saying, "They're just tag titles." Of course, that's an ignorance Anthology has to continue working to dispel, but in the ring you'll see how quickly that train of thought derails."

"It's comical how people keep deeming me somehow 'lower' than Cameron Cruise, or Copycat, or Wells, or Edmunds. Everyone jumps to criticize Anthology, but nobody can control themselves enough to listen, despite the fact we've largely had success, and it's gotten us control."

"We may not have all come together at the same time, but none of us is higher than another."

"We've divided and conquered, and will continue to do so, because we bring a selfless formula to a promotion, EPW, filled with predominantly selfish egos."

"And you've gone from Champion and force... to just another selfish ego in the fold, Fusenshoff."

He stops, coming to the pool outside the Doubletree. He sits on the diving board, swinging a leg over it so one is on either side, and lays the World Tag strap over it.

"Do you know why I agreed to stake Anthology's claim in the World Tag division with Wells, Fuse? Of course you don't, so listen up and maybe learn something."

"It's because I knew the Tag division was in shambles, and needed redemption. Yeah, the Forsaken held the tag belts for some time before Anthology arrived. Long title reigns aren't always a good thing, though. By the time we took the belts from them, the division was beat up and depleted, like some overf**ked p***sy."

"Not because the Forsaken had run through the division and proved their dominance... because they corrupted it and the World Tag Championship. Who wants to vie for a meaningless belt?"

"But Wells and I, we've been to the top already. We've been knocked off the top, too, and y'know what? Three days later you MIGHT have found us BACK on top again, like some religious revelation..."

"Not that I'm making comparions."

He winks, chuckling.

"In all seriousness, though, we've taken the lead, been on top of the mountain. We're no strangers to success. So when Anthology needed two to take the World Tag titles, that DIVISION.... and make it MEAN something again? To pump some life into it? Jared and I stepped up and said, "We got this..." because, we knew how to get it done."

The World Tag belt shimmers off the pool lights as he takes it in hand, holding it face-out to us.

"And now? We even provoked Dan Ryan and Big Dog out for a night to get us. Would they have given them a second thought six months ago? Did they show up back then?"

"Say what you want about Anthology, but we're bringing back some lost life to EPW, and there's no use denying what's right there in your face. It'll only cost you in the end."

He slings the belt over his shoulder.

"Here's the thing though, Fuse. Whether I think you're ignorant or not... worthy of the Main Event or not... wasting your talent or not.... you're still in this Main Event. You'll still BE in the ring with Anthology and First, at Aggression. And don't think we've overlooked THAT... for one second."

"I'm fully aware of what's in my face, and this week it's you and First. Thing is, I'd very much like to get you OUT of my face, so you're going to be getting plenty of my attention this match."

"Because my method of getting people out of my face?"

"Put them ON THE MAT... and down for the count of three. So I HOPE... you prepared as much as you bantered this week, First... Fuse. Otherwise, this won't even be a contest. It'll be a clinic... and you won't be long for... a tactful surrender."

"Either way, at Aggression, you'll both find your way... to an ANTHOLOGY state of mind."

"And you WILL.... BE... TACTILIZED!"


He stands up, smirks, and walks back towards the Doubletree.