OORP: Posting this under the 'buzzer beater' rule, so Frankie has a few extra hours to get one in.
FADE IN: on a shot of Larry Tact, as he walks back to the plush, burgundy leather sofa of his suite in Manhattan, NY, and takes a seat. He cracks open a water bottle and immediately takes down a good helping of it, before setting it on the cocktail table in front of the sofa. He seems to have just worked out, or exerted himself somewhat, as some sweat dots his face. Draped over the back of the sofa is his half of the TEAM Lethal Lottery Championships.
LARRY TACT: "It's been a while, Frankie, but I think you still remember our little deal? Last year, we had gone back and forth on terms for a match to take place. I believe we were about to sign on an "I Quit" match, was it? Of course, that never quite made it to being a done deal, as the ToC took the stage. And with TEAM all transitioned and into the new year, now, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, given I've become the sole possessor of the Lethal Lottery Championships. But it seems the Powers That Be made a TACTFUL decision, if I do say so myself. They decided the word 'tag team' was, in fact, nowhere in the word 'handicap,' and that defending MY Lethal Lottery Championships in a handicap match, wouldn't be so hot."
"So, whenever we're called on to defend the straps, either Shawn Hart or Olvir will be given the distinction of being a Lethal Lottery Champion. Either way, it'll be something new for me, so I'm down for it. Although it would seem more fitting for my fellow ANTHOLOGY member to take the other strap... and I'm sure, after the matches we've had AGAINST each other, the marks on the 'net would be intrigued over the prospect of a Tact-Hart tag unit... what do I really give a damn what they all think? In fact, does anyone? Certainly, this industry is hardly ever so cut-and-dry."
"Having said that, it's a matter for another time. For this week, I find myself starting the 2009 TEAM calendar off by returning to a match I wasn't sure would finally come to pass. It's not as exciting as it might be to you, Frankie, since I last remember sending you and your Idol image straight out of the last TEAM Invitational. And, as far as I know, this match won't have the "I Quit" stip, with the loser being temporarily suspended from team, as we were planning."
"Even so... there's something about beating you down that brings a smile to my face."
He laughs.
"I guess it's the fact that you're one arrogant son of a b**ch, Frankie. Even moreso than people accuse me of being. I mean, every time I run into you, it seems you feel like you've got the upper hand. I doubt this match will be any different; you'll feel as if you can impose yourself on me without a problem. You'll think that I've grown stale, or old, or that I just plain suck. I guess what I'm saying is... you really want to beat me, every time we meet in the ring. You really don't like me, Frankie. That's so... SATISFYING."
"Breeding those kinds of feelings in others, because I'm that good at what I do, it really is satisfying. It get me up for a match, to refortify that disgust you harbor for me, Frankie. I wouldn't want it to be any different... so I'll need to take your ass and humble it again."
He takes another drink of the water.
"But that's not all, Frankie. Because there may very well be an additional spectator in our midst, this week, Frankie. Someone who you're familiar with... one, Omega. I know you've got something he wants back, Frankie. Something he holds precious to him, and that you took. It seems you're going to be facing him soon, and I guess this is a good opportunity for you to really show him that you're not going to just give it back to him. This match, you could show him that you're capable of doing something he's got the task of doing over in EPW... trying to take me down."
"But I told him, Frankie, that he should take a look at our match in TEAM, this week. I told him I'd show what I can do to you, so he knows where I stand. I'll tell you right now, Frankie, I wasn't doing you any favors. Because with those words I said to him, I'm going to have to make an example out of you. Where I stand? It's going to be over your laid-out carcass, after I make you tap out... to a tactful surrender."
A brunette in a slinky neglige comes walking out into the room, leaning over the sofa and showing some cleavage. She wraps an arm around his shoulders and nuzzles him, moaning softly.
"That message will be sent soon enough, Frankie... when I will show both you, and Omega, where I stand. And once I do, I hope you'll give me the satisfaction of seeing those emotions etched back across your face. Disgust. Envy. Inferiority."
For now, though... I still have another round of my 'workout' to finish."
He smirks, walking towards the camera and reaching behind it. FADE OUT.
