FFW Future Shock - Episode 32

[Adam Grant]

Live from the Future Shock Arena in Boston, Massachusetts
January 16, 2018

A spotlight flashes over the FFW logo on the side of a building before we are taken outside the Future Shock Center in the middle of the night. A group of four men dressed in dark colors descend on the entrance, with one removing a skeleton key to unlock the main door. They all swarm in as an alarm sounds.

“Find the title and that Ring, hurry!”

One of them barks out the order as they all split up in different directions in the darkened Center with flashlights in hand. One heads towards the concession area, shining his light around before he hears a voice clearing. When he spins around, he sees Valerie McKinley lounging across a table. She gives a flip of her hair before she launches off with a clothesline. “Confident” by Demi Lovato begins to play.

It's time for me to take it
I'm the boss right now
Not gonna fake it
Not when you go down
'Cause this is my game
And you better come to play

When the lyrics begin, we are then shown clips as Gillie Barnes scampers across the ring to headbutt an opponent. Angel wraps piano wire around the neck of another opponent, followed by Rose Gardner doing her Sonic Spin attack in the corner. A flash back to the robbery finds two of the men breaking into the Arena itself, seeing the ring in place and the seats empty. As they are about to turn back and leave, a whistling noise is heard before they look up to see Andi Takata come off the rail with a plancha onto one of them. The other darts to go back outside door, and runs straight into a discus punch from Avantasia Bom, while Max cackles and Ji-Hu rolls her eyes.

I used to hold my freak back
Now I'm letting go
I make my own choice
Bitch, I run this show

A flash to more clips where we see Britt Kane and Kaya Crimson staring across the ring at their opponents. That’s followed by Lacey blowing a red mist into the camera, Christian glancing over with a grin towards Tara with her hands on her hips before the image splits in half to the next clip.. NHB are shown standing tall in London. Lydia is shown flexing her biceps, and looking over her shoulder at the camera. Mila draws a bow from a quiver on her back, and prepares to fire it. Sienna is shown retrieving a pack of toothpicks from her boot, while Elizabeth Lannister takes off a robe to reveal a bikini underneath. Isis crushes a group picture of several Prospects in her hand.

It's time to get the chains out
Is your tongue tied up?
'Cause this is my ground
And I'm dangerous
And you can get out
But it's all about me tonight

It then cuts back to the robbery, where the fourth thief has broken into Adam’s office and sees the Future Shock Championship and Aspire Ring in cases by his desk. He raises his flashlight to shatter them when cockroaches seem to come from everywhere and swarm towards him as Bianca Reed taps him on the shoulder and hits him with a roundhouse kick to the face. The scene then cuts back to the door as a security guard shuts off the alarm, then peeks out the window to see that Harley Shannon is calling the police for him as she is whistling the Demi Lovato song before we go live inside the Future Shock Arena.

Zack: Welcome back to Boston! And welcome back to Future Shock! Happy new year, fans, and we are gonna hit the ground running tonight. Zack here, alongside Lyn Dallins himself, to bring you all the action as we always do. Lyn, a pleasure being back here in the booth with you again.

Lyn: It’s the beginning of a new year and with that demands new opportunities and three-hundred and sixty five days of new moments to happen.

Zack: In our main event tonight, the Aspire Ring is on the line. Bianca Reed successfully defended it at Global Wars, and now meets Mila “Midnight” Martin one on one. Who you like in this one, Lyn?

Lyn: I like them both is my main problem, Zack. Midnight may make the clock strike tonight, but Reed proven to be no slouch with that ring since getting it.

Zack: We’ll also see someone I know that is near and dear to you when Lydia Charisma meets Kaya Crimson. This match is built off what happened on our last show, primarily involving the antics of Lacey.

Lyn: These two will have some steam to blow off, more Kaya than Lydia and with good reason. Accidents happen but that doesn’t mean competition won’t be the answer.

Zack: Emma Haynes looks to put the first W in her record in Future Shock when she faces Mara Werth, in her ring debut. We know what kind of tenacity Emma has, but Mara is largely an unknown quantity, Lyn.

Lyn: That same unknown quantity might either spell another week of Haynes going without a W, or finally grabbing it and sending her on her way.

Zack: We have been informed that the new COO of this company, Seth Star, is in attendance. He plans to meet with Adam tonight in what will surely be an eye opening discussion.

Lyn: ...I’m sorry, Adam. I’m here for beers after if you need me. The girlfriend can come too. First round’s on me because I have that funny little feeling you’ll both need it.

Zack: Also tonight, Tara Cortez looks to continue to show us what an impressive woman she is. And I understand there’s more footage to that effect we’ll be seeing from the 10 Star Prospect.

Lyn: If she plays three games of chess with herself at the same time Zack, I’m out.

Zack: What have you heard about the upcoming edition of “This Week in Wrestling” with “Old School” Gillie Barnes, Lyn?

Lyn: From what I understand Barnes got a special history lesson that had to be greenlit by Samantha Star herself. I think we’re in for some diving into FFW’s history.

Zack: All that, and there’s no telling what else will take place on the first Future Shock of 2018! So let’s send it up to the New Year’s Wildcat to get things started!




The sound of the bell ringing a few times takes us up to ringside with the “Wildcat” standing in the center of the ring, per usual.

Gaby: The opening contest of Future Shock is scheduled for one fall!

Zack: We have a lot of new talent coming into Future Shock of late, and we’re about to see one of them, Lyn. Not to mention there’s still a handful waiting in the wings to do the same thing.

Lyn: Too right you are Zack, and here comes one now in the form of a former jailbird!

I'm only human
I'm only—I'm only—
I'm only human, human

“Human” by Rag’n’Bone Man starts to play over the soundsystem as the video screen shows a jail cell door sliding backwards and a pair of black ring boots with legs going all the way up to a simple blue skirt step out onto the landing only to suddenly stumble as if given a push in the small of the back from the man who appeared behind her in shiny black shoes and black pants.

Maybe I'm foolish,
Maybe I'm blind
Thinking I can see through this
And see what's behind
Got no way to prove it
So maybe I'm lying

As the pair pass by, the camera gets a shot from behind before it cuts to more grainy CCTV footage that shows the guard escorting the raven haired prisoner across a prison yard of patchy grass and into another building. There’s another cut as we see a shot of exposed midriff on the other side of a counter that has a pack of gum, some loose change on it and a hair bobble on it. A hand reaches forward, picking up a pen and signs a name quickly before scooping up the possessions as she stiffly pushed to move onwards.

But I'm only human after all,
I'm only human after all
Don't put your blame on me
Don't put your blame on me

There’s another cut; this time to show the back of the black haired woman as she reaches up to tie her long loose hair back with the bobble while still walking forward, coming to a stop in front of a large closed door. The camera cuts to the opposite side of the door and low door, watching as it swung open and the woman stepped out; only for the blazing sun to obscure her face and body; the video screens becoming a blazing yellow-white sun glare with a spotlight shining bright as the same woman has appeared at the top of the entrance ramp. The spotlight dims to reveal Mara Werth standing there in her black boots, blue skirt and white vest top.

Take a look in the mirror
And what do you see?
Do you see it clearer
Or are you deceived
In what you believe?

Gaby: Ladies and gentlemen please welcome from Tuscaloosa, Alabama… MARA WERTH!!!

'Cause I'm only human after all,
You're only human after all
Don't put the blame on me
Don't put your blame on me

With a smile on her face she begins to head down the ramp to the ring, running up the ring steps. She moved down the apron, facing out to the crowd and threw her arms up into the air before she stepped through the ropes. Heading to the corner, the girl carefully stepped up onto the middle ropes, throwing her hands up into the air again before she bounced back onto her feet and stretched as she waited for the match to start.

Zack: The last time we saw Mara Werth in action was that dodgeball challenge, which some on the roster are still feeling the effects from, as odd as that is to say. I’ve not seen much footage of Mara in the ring, so this will be a new experience.

Lyn: Neither have I, but lo and behold here’s one woman who are still feeling said effects... In so far as the effect of loss, challenge, match or otherwise. Haynes will be looking to make that up.

“Call You Out” begins to play over the speakers before we see Christian Kincaid walk out from behind the curtain followed by Emma Haynes who has a cocky grin on her face. Christian gives her a few words at the top of the ramp as she nods at him before making her way to the ring with him beside her. Once the two get to the ring, Christian climbs up the steps first, followed by Emma as she looks out at the crowd soaking up their reaction. Christian sits on the middle rope, holding it down for Emma before she climbs into the ring and heads to the corner climbing up it and striking a quick pose before jumping down and heading to the corner where Christian is standing to receive a few last minute strategic suggestions.

Gaby: Ladies and gentlemen, hailing from Portland, Oregon, Emma Haynes!

Zack: Emma Haynes didn’t have the success she wanted against Celeste in their mutual debuts, and it definitely has lit a fire under her. From what I have noticed on social media, she really pushes herself hard.

Lyn: You say that, and I think it’s her opponents she’s really trying to push. Onto their backs if applicable.

Referee Angela Keanan checks both women for anything illegal, finds nothing, and then calls for the bell to start the match. Mara takes a deep breath, looking out over the crowd and back to Emma. The redhead snaps her fingers, and tells her to come here as she moves to the center. Mara wastes zero time in meeting her in the center, only for Emma to push her backwards. Mara wastes zero time at all, and shoves Emma on her backside in return. Haynes gets back to her feet, and slaps her across the face. This ignites Mara as she begins to unload with furious right hands one after another. Emma tries to cover up as she gets backed into the ropes before the referee tells Mara to let her out. Werth ignores her for a moment, and hammers forearms to her head before the referee finally gets between them. Mara gets pushed a step back, only to catch a thumb to the eye over the referee’s shoulder. Keanan turns to admonish Emma, who also ignores her and starts taking a few shots of her own. A trio of right hands to the head stopped Mara in her tracks before she got her head pulled down, and ate a kneelift from Kincaid’s protege.

Lyn: Nasty high knee there from Haynes and now she’s looking to send her to the turnbuckles.

Zack: One thing that is obvious about Emma is her relentless nature when she has the advantage. She stays laser focused.

Emma fires her into the far corner with a whip, and follows her with an avalanche style splash to the body. Werth stumbles out of the corner as Emma hops up onto the second turnbuckle from the inside. She screams at her to turn around. Mara does that on instinct, and catches a blockbuster from Haynes that flattens her. Emma got back to her feet, raking her boot across Mara’s face as she talked smack to her on the canvas. The redhead doubled back to the same corner as before, and made her way up again. She stood tall on the top turnbuckle, waving Mara to get up again. The brunette was slow to do so. But when she did, Emma connected with a missile dropkick followed by a cover with a hook of the leg. Keanan dropped to count.

Zack: It’s easy to see why Emma hired Christian as a manager, given her propensity for using aerial attacks! Werth may be done now!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

TH-NOPE!!!

Lyn: That was an excellent missile dropkick, though personally I always liked the front flying rather than the side but to each his own...

Mara kicked out in time, which Emma didn’t appreciate. Haynes grabbed her into a front facelock on the mat before getting back to their feet. With her head still locked under her arm, Emma drove repeated knees into her face. She finally shoved Mara backwards, shouting to the back if this was the best they had for her. Haynes took off for the far side, and left her feet for a high cross body. But Werth caught into a scoop powerslam as a counter!

Lyn: Beautiful counter there, I always like a good scoop powerslam especially using your opponent’s own momentum against them.

Zack: Mara with an excellent snap of her hips there as well. I think she might be a little more powerful than her appearance might lead you to believe.

The crowd was slowly getting behind Mara as she pushed up to her knees, gathering her wits and listening to them for a second. She finally got to a vertical stance as Emma was beginning to do the same. Haynes held her back as she finally got up, just as Mara came off the far side with a roaring elbow that literally sent spit flying. Werth took in deep breaths as she glared down to Emma.

Zack: Good Lord, Lyn! I thought that might have been a tooth!

Lyn: She’s... Very riled once given the reason.

She yanked the clearly dazed Emma back to her feet. Mara whipped Emma with all her might into the far corner, taking herself off her feet in the process. Emma’s back crashed against the turnbuckle, as Mara rose to her feet. Emma clutched her lower back as she staggered out of the corner, and Mara snatched her up into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker followed by a cover. Keanan slid right into place.

Lyn: Excellent backbreaker there, again Werth loosing one counter after the next.

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THRE-NOOPE!!!

Emma kicked out in time, and Mara immediately got back to her feet. Haynes rolled to her stomach to try to get up, and Werth made her pay for it with relentless stomps to her lower back. Not just a couple, Mara kept stomping repeatedly to the point that the crowd was counting them for her. When they got to 15, she finally stopped.

Zack: Mara really likes to stomp, doesn’t she? I’ve never heard a crowd count them off like that, but Werth just kept putting the leather to Emma’s back.

Lyn: First time I’ve seen them go up to fifteen but hey, if you’ve got it...

Mara stepped over her back, seemed to think for a moment, and then applied a camel clutch. Seated on Emma’s lower back, Werth began to pull back on her chin as the referee moved into position to see about a submission. Emma was indignant about not giving up, glaring at the official each time she asked. The redhead tried to pull them towards the ropes, but was not having any success with it.

Zack: Mara is hardly a ring general by any stretch, but she knows the basics very well. And she has excellent positioning with this clutch, because Emma can’t move for anything.

Lyn: Very tried and true move, the camel clutch. If Barnes was out here she’d talk about Shah Malik in 1965 being the first wrestler to use the camel clut--

Keanan asked again as Emma once more refused to submit. Realizing she couldn’t make it to the ropes though, she shoved a pair of Mara’s fingers into her mouth and bit into them. It worked as Mara let go of the hold, and started shaking her hand when she got back to her feet. Emma climbed back to a vertical base, clutching her lower back in pain. And when Mara turned to face her, the redhead used a handspring back elbow that rocked Mara’s jaw. The newcomer stumbled back into the corner, with Emma climbing up the middle rope in front of her. She unloaded with a series of right hands to her head before grabbing it and executing a tornado DDT. But Haynes grabbed her back after they landed, clearly still suffering the effects.

Lyn: --I stand corrected, somehow Barnes got into the audio truck. 1968. Ehem... Anyway, excellent Tornado DDT from Portland’s Favorite Redhead.

Zack: I have a feeling that there’s not a lot of competition for that title either. But you’re right, and her back is still in agony.

Emma struggled back to her feet, heading towards the corner once more. She slowly made her way to the top rope, still holding at her lower back before connecting with a shooting star leg drop and into a quick cover!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THR-NOPE!!!

Mara kicked out, and Emma rolled off with one hand still pressed against her back. She struggled back to her feet, and crawled towards the corner yet again!

Lyn: My god what a leg drop and... Wait, she’s going for more!

Emma slowly made it back to the top again, with Christian telling her to end it here if she could. Haynes measured, and flew with a corkscrew shooting star! But Mara rolled out of the way! Haynes crashed violently with a shout of agony before Mara immediately rolled her up with a tight small package!

Lyn: Small package on the staggered Emma!

ONE!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

As the referee called for the bell, Mara rolled away and struggled to her feet. The live crowd gave her quite a warm reaction when Keanan raised her hand in victory.

Gaby: Here is your winner by pinfall…………………...MARA WERTH!!!

Zack: Mara showed us something tonight with what we saw her do, and she also proved she can seize the moment just as well!

Lyn: Too true but I don’t suspect Haynes will be too enthused about any part of the final moments of this match. At all.

Mara rolled out to the floor, and began to head up the ramp. She looked a little surprised still at the reaction she was getting as she headed to the back. On that, the show cut to a commercial for Future Shock Genesis.



She’s A Little Impatient

The next image we see is the door leading into what looks to be a store dressing room. As the camera pulls back, we see that is precisely what it is. The camera pans around to show a very upscale dress shop before turning back to the closed door, where the only thing visible are the feet underneath it as obviously someone is changing.

As the camera pulls back again in the video, we see Kyle Kilmeade walk into the shot dressed in a  three piece suit.

Kyle: I’m always on the lookout to find the future stars. That’s why I manage such women as Valerie McKinley and Lacey. But recently, I became aware of another Prospect who I think I can guide to immense success. You’ve been seeing her lately in videos, similar to this.

We cut to a quick highlight package of the videos of Stacey Sky attacking cheerleaders at football games, and also being carried out of the stadium by security. Then we cut back to Kyle.

Kyle: When I saw those videos, I knew I saw a woman I could mold and make it into another major star here in Future Shock. Her name is Stacey Sky….the “Sensational” Stacey Sky. You already saw she has the killer instinct, she just needs to hone it. Beyond that, I’ve always had a soft spot for cheerleaders.

At this point behind him, we see Stacey with a little black dress in her hand as she storms towards the dressing room door. Clearly not looking to wait, she jerks the door open and yanks out a woman in her 40s half dressed and shoves her to the floor. The older woman looks furious as Stacey stares down at her, as though daring her to do something about it. The older woman starts to slink away as Stacey starts throwing her clothes out at her before stepping inside to close the door behind her.

Kyle: As you can see, patience isn’t something she has in abundance. She’s used to getting what she wants whens he wants it, and doesn’t take well to anything short of that. With her pending arrival in Future Shock, I assure you that’s going to be even more the case. So I’d advise the Prospects or anyone else put across from her….see about getting the booking changed. That’s a place you don’t want to be.

After a few moments Stacey opens the door of the dressing room to show she is wearing the black dress that she carried in. It clings to every inch of her and she runs her hands down over her hips with a smirk on her face. Letting one hand rest on her hip she leans against the door frame.

Stacey: I am the woman that men want and that women want to be. I am everything that the rest of you are not. When the time arrives for me to step inside a Future Shock ring, it is going to be the thing that dreams are made of for me… and a nightmare for whoever is unlucky enough to be the first of many to fall at my feet. I am the Sensational one, and I am going to take my rightful place at the top of the Future Shock pyramid.

Hearing that brings a smile to her manager’s face before we head elsewhere.



Tracey Is Ready

We open to a shot of Sara Wilkins, microphone in hand.

Sara: “Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you the newest addition to Future Shock, Tracey Murdock!”

The camera pans out to reveal the 5’2 newcomer, shuffling from left foot to right. Her arms swing back and forth as she takes a deep breath.

Sara: “Tracey, you seem a bit nervous to be here. What is that about?”

Tracey: “Well, yeah. I mean, this is my first actual company! Who wouldn’t be nervous when riding their first wave? But not like completely nervous, like a mixture of nervousness and excitement, with a heavy dash of adrenaline. You follow?”

Sara: “Absolutely!”

Tracey: “A lot of people that sign with FFW, they’ve been through the battlefield already. This isn’t their first company. They’ve made their mark in other places, gone through virtually every first there is. Me, I haven’t done that. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve wrestled. I’ve had wins and losses, but they’ve all been at obscure events.”

As Tracey speaks, her confidence increases.

Tracey: “But the glitz and glam of the professional world? That’s new to me. I’m not used to having an interview backstage. I’m not used to fireworks and television cameras. This world, it’s all brand new to me.”

Sara: “There have been some murmurs about that being the reason nobody considers you a threat.”

Tracey: “Have you ever seen Rocky?”

Sara: “Um… what?”

Tracey: “Have you ever seen Rocky?”

Sara: “Well of course I have. Who hasn’t?”

Tracey: “When that exhibition fight was announced, nobody considered Rocky a threat to Apollo Creed. Nobody, not even Mickey, saw him as a credible threat to the Heavyweight Champion of the World. Why? Because he was a nobody. He was an amateur, a name drawn from a hat. But as time went on, Balboa proved to everyone that he not only belonged in the ring, he belonged in the pantheon of the world’s greatest fighters. And that’s exactly what I intend to do. I have my share of naysayers and doubters, but all of the greats had them. Who supported Valerie Lamb when she started? Nobody, and now she’s in the FFW Hall of Fame. I’m sure Wendy Briese had her share of detractors when she first set foot in the ring, but now she’s considered one of the greatest of all time.”

She takes a breath, pausing a moment to compose herself.

Tracey: “Look, people are going to talk. It’s what they do when they haven’t actually seen anything, and nobody has seen what I’m capable of. I’m the unknown, the newcomer, and all people can really do is speculate. So I say, speculate away! Make your assumptions and hurl your insults. All that amounts to is a bunch of words. The only way you’re going to know about me is by watching me.”

A smile curls the corners of her mouth.

Tracey: “And you can do exactly that when I debut… on the next episode of Future Shock.”




Team Ginger

After the commercial break, the show returns somewhere within the Future Shock Arena. In a catered locker room, we find the 1 Percenter watching the monitor on a very plush sofa before she is joined by her manager, Kyle Kilmeade.

Kyle: Just the girl I’ve been looking for.

Valerie’s face turns up in a smile as she greets her very capable manager.

Valerie: Well, here I am.

He takes a seat next to her, and makes himself comfortable.

Kyle: I have some very good news for you. For starters, I’ve managed to get you two things I know you’ve been wanting. One, you’re in the main event on the next show. And two? I got you a tag match with a certain partner I know you’ve been appreciative of.

Valerie: Main event, huh? Fitting. VERY fitting.

Her head cocked to one side as she ponders. Then, a sly smile creeps onto her face.

Valerie: Now that IS good news. You are too good, Kyle.

Kyle: You both have issues that need addressing. So it’s going to be you and Lacey facing “Old School” Gillie Barnes and Lydia Charisma in the main event. I figured you two could help each other quite a bit.

Valerie leans back on the couch, not even bothering to contain the fact that her smile has now grown even wider.

Valerie: Kyle, you are a genius. With Lacey on my team, no one is stopping us. Specially not Miss “Old School” herself.

Kyle: Plus you’ve seen how Lydia has treated Lacey, trying to take away her spotlight and her debuting moment. Between the two of you, I’m sure you will impress upon both Gillie AND Lydia the error of their ways.

Valerie: You have my word that no one is going to treat Lacey the way that she has been treated and hope to get away with it. The only thing worse than an upset redhead? Two upset redheads.

Kyle: That’s what I love to hear. I’ll go get her, and we can treat her to dinner tonight after the show.

He gave Valerie a wink, and got up to leave. From there, the show heads elsewhere.

[Adam Grant]

A quick clip of the match between Lacey and Kaya from the last Future Shock is shown, involving Lydia unintentionally helping Lacey get a disqualification win. From there, we head back to ringside at  the live show.

Gaby: The following contest is scheduled for one fall.

Zack: Just like we did, I imagine Lydia has looked at that footage about as many time as Kaya has done. Lyn, I’m sure you agree they both have valid points for what they did or didn’t do.

Lyn: Whatever points they have, and I say this as unbiased as I can in regards to an impressive Kaya and Lydia, my former student... Whatever points made, its seemingly Lacey who benefits.

The opening to “Our Truth” by Lacuna Coil kickstarts, feeling the arena with Cristina Scabbia’s symphonic wail. Its unique beat results in Kaya Crimson making a steady walk from behind the curtain. Chewing on a piece of bubblegum, she scans the crowd methodically. After her initial scan, she blows a bubble before heading down the ramp. A black hood shrouds all but her excited smile. Her walk down the ramp itself represents that as she throws her hands out to the crowd, smacking the hands of outstretched fans. She stops and points outward to Gabrielle Crimson, beckoning her to start her call.

Gaby: Making her way down to the ring...weighing at a 143 pounds...she is the Rockstar Revolution...KAYAAAAAAAAAAA CRIMSOOOOOOOOOON!

Only taking a few more steps down the ramp, she stops on the end of the it. From there, she takes a “break” on the barricade, allowing some lucky fans to get some up close and personal selfies and interactions with the Rockstar Revolution. She leaves them with a playful air, putting up the devil horns with her fingers while she saunters towards the ring.

When she ascends the ring apron, she shows a small usage of her athleticism, front-flipping over the top rope. With a roll to recover, she stays on one knee. The hood naturally falls off, revealing the full features of herself. The bright eyes of Kaya Lovelace displays her competitive glee as she points out to Gabrielle Crimson. She blows her a kiss and mouths “thank you” to her fellow Crimson. She heads to her designated corner, keeping her back turned to whatever. Lowering her head to the top turnbuckle, she begins her mental preparations. Most of which involves her rolling her wrists around in, garnering focus in the action.

Zack: Kaya Crimson is trying to get her foot back in the door to get a crack at the Aspire Ring. Bianca defeated her at Global Wars, and that’s been her goal. But of late, she’s had some unfinished business to finish.

Lyn: The unfinished business in question is coming to the ring now, but even then...

“Charisma” by W.A.S.P. fills the arena as up near the top of the ramp a fine smoke begins to pour out from both sides. Fragments of code begin running on the ground, but they slowly transform into... Music notes. The notes of green and purple begin to appear on the ground of the ramp towards the ring.

“I've a breath in minds of men with the lies I breathe!
No man's ever ruled the world not knowing the curse of me!
I'm some of the seven sins, vanity in the lust of men!
I'm the Alpha-Omega man, I'll show you who I am!
Ohhhhhh, hypnotic charm, mesmerizing face, my soul has a dark embrace!

A magic tongue, I'll seduce you all ‘till I'm your king, ‘till ya know my...!
CCHHHHAARRRIIIZZZMMMMAAAAAAAAAA!!! DO YOU KNOW MY NAME!?
I’M THE GOD THAT YOU PRAISE, WHEN YOU WORSHIP MY NAME!
CCHHHHAARRRIIIZZZMMMMAAAAAAAAAA!!! ARE YOU IDOLIZING ME!?
I’M A DANGEROUS THING, AND YOUR NEW MESSIAH’S ME!”

Walking backwards through the smoke is Lydia Charisma with her back to the crowd. She raises her hands up over her head and turns around, doing a little air guitar! Charisma continues to play an invisible guitar halfway down the ramp. She stops to look through the crowd and spots a young man in the audience on the way to the ring. Lydia taps her cheek, telling him to kiss it... Before doing the same to the girl nearby him.

Gaby: From Sin City... Weighing in at 202 pounds... She is THE RAWK OF AGES, THE JUKEBOX POWERHOUSE, THE ONE WOMAN NIELSEN RATING... This is “THE SIX STRING SINNER”... LLLYYYDDDIIIAAA! CCCHHHHAAARRRIIISSSSMMMMAAAAA!!

“I'm a liar blinding your vision, vatican man!
Preachin' fear and using religion, with the Bible and Koran!
I wrap myself in the American flag, and tell people I'm for which it stands,
I'm comin' back till you know I'm God, ‘till you believe, till you know my...!
CCHHHHAARRRIIIZZZMMMMAAAAAAAAAA!!! DO YOU KNOW MY NAME!?
I’M THE GOD THAT YOU PRAISE, WHEN YOU WORSHIP MY NAME!
CCHHHHAARRRIIIZZZMMMMAAAAAAAAAA!!! ARE YOU IDOLIZING ME!?
I’M A DANGEROUS THING, AND YOUR NEW MESSIAH’S ME!”

With unfettered confidence she slides into the ring before stopping to crouch down and seemingly check her knee pads. Suddenly Lydia springs up and runs against the ropes, stopping in the center to crouch once more and flex her bicep. She kisses each once, posing for the crowd as her song fades out.

Zack: One of my favorite Prospects in a long while, Lydia Charisma is a one woman rock show! And if anyone knows how much trouble Lacey can cause, Lyn, it’s the “6 String Sinner” here.

Lyn: Said client of Kyle’s is likely watching this match from somewhere.

Referee Angela Keanan returns to the ring, checks both women, and then calls for the bell. The first thing Lydia does is move towards the center, and once more apologize for what happened. Kaya meets her there, listening and nodding her head. Lydia offers her a handshake, and Kaya seems to accept the apology and return the gesture. This brings a little pop from the crowd before the pair lock up in the center. Kaya tries more than once to move Lydia backwards, but that proves to be quite the Herculean task. Charisma doesn’t budge an inch, but easily begins to push Kaya back into the ropes. The referee calls for a clean break, and gets just that. Kaya looks quite impressed by her strength, and surprises the powerhouse with a headbutt to the face. She immediately starts firing elbows into the side of her head. It wobbles her backwards before Kaya fires her across into the ropes. Crimson catches her on the rebound with a running shoulder tackle that doesn’t put her down. Charisma stumbles backwards towards the ropes though, and Kaya gets back to her feet with a shake of her head.

Zack: I applaud Kaya’s initiative here as she is trying to bring Charisma down. But she’s got a low center of gravity does Lydia, and Kaya may be well suited to go for the legs than up top. What do you think?

Lyn: Lydia’s legs may look like tree trunks, but enough axes can bring down even the mightiest redwood. Axe kicks perhaps?  Crimson! Try some axe kicks! ...Wait, not you Gaby. Sorry.

As Lydia tries to gather herself, Kaya takes off for the far side ropes again. This time, she picks up a bit more speed when she comes back with a leaping clothesline to the chest. But still, Lydia doesn’t go down. She only teeters backwards against the ropes. Crimson pounds a fist into the mat, hops back up, and this time heads for the corner. She snags her opponent’s head, and drags her towards the corner. Kaya looks for a tornado DDT, but as she leaves her feet, Lydia counters into an Alabama slam!

Lyn: It was a worthwhile attempt but Kaya gets countered into a big time alabama slam that shook the ropes!

Zack: I’m not sure leaving your feet more when you still haven’t gotten Lydia down is the best idea really. Kaya needs to get her down, that’s key to everything against Charisma.

Lydia takes a second to get herself together before pulling Kaya up by her arm. She yanks her forward into a short arm clothesline, but doesn’t let go of her hand before she does it all over again. Kaya is pulled up again, this time into a fireman’s carry before getting dropped across Lydia’s knee three times in a row. But Lydia didn’t drop her still, instead hoisting her high overhead into a military press and then letting her drop across her knee. Crimson curled in half on the canvas as Lydia utilized a double knee drop to her body before hooking a leg for the cover.

Lyn: Stomach breaker there, also known as your standard gutbuster. No Leona Vega double knee gutbuster there but lethal enough and there’s the pin!

ONE!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

NOPE!!

Kaya’s fans came to life as she got her shoulder up in time, and Lydia seemed impressed herself. She pulled her to her feet, and hoisted her up for a deadlift vertical suplex. Quickly rising to her feet, she pulled Kaya with her into an overhead belly to belly suplex.

Zack: Kaya MUST find a way to stop Lydia, because she can do this all night if she has to! Charisma is flattening her again and again. This won’t last much longer, if something doesn’t change.

Kaya moved towards the corner, using it to help her get back to her feet. Lydia wasted no time as she charged towards her with a corner clothesline. But Kaya sidestepped her, and she crashed into the corner instead. Kaya stumbled away from the corner, trying to recuperate as quickly as she could as she held her ribs. Lydia gathered herself somewhat, and turned back to the ring just as Kaya darted towards her with a running jumping uppercut! Lydia would have fallen that time, had she not fallen back into the corner. Kaya took off towards the ropes again, wincing in pain thanks to her ribs hurting. Lydia started to move out of the corner, and right into a big boot across the jaw from Kaya. Charisma teetered and fell to the canvas with a thud!

Zack: Kaya with one hell of a SHORYUKEN! And a boot to the chops brings down the Rock of Ages like a giant oak tree!

Lyn: That was a thing of beauty... If they weren’t beating on each other they might share tips on proper Dragon Uppercut execution.

As Lydia tried to get to her hands and knees, Kaya grabbed her head and began driving soccer like knee lifts with both legs into both sides of her head. Charisma wobbled only a moment before Kaya planted her with a facebuster! She quickly rolled her over for the cover, hooking the outside leg in the process.

Zack: Kaya’s looking for knockouts, and she may well have one right here! Crimson with the cover!

ONE!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THR-NOPE!!

Lydia kicked out just after the two, and immediately started to roll onto her stomach to prevent another cover. Kaya immediately pulled her head between her legs, setting up for her piledriver. The Crimson fans came to their feet as Kaya locked her hands in position.

Lyn: We are lookin’ at a KAYA DDRRRIII--

As soon as she went to lift her though, Lydia rose up with Kaya hanging upside down over her back. Charisma grabbed her leg, took off out of the corner, and planted her with a backdrop driver that ignited the Sinner’s fans. She quickly rolled her over, gathered her senses, and went for the cover!

Zack: A freakish counter to the Driver, and she’s out cold!

ONE!!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOPE!!

As the three was about to strike, Kaya slid her arm under the bottom rope. Lydia looked up to see it with jaw agape. She started back to her feet, and began making a hand motion like she was dealing cards to a pop from the crowd.

Lyn: You know what they say about the House always winning...

Lydia moved around as Kaya was starting to try to get to her feet. Charisma grabbed her from behind with both hands, and lifted her off the mat.

Zack: DEALER’S HAND COMING UP!!

As soon as she had her in position, a steel chair struck across Kaya’s back that caused Lydia to drop her. Keanan called for the bell immediately. The powerhouse turned around as the chair connected with her ribs, and then across her back. And standing over them both was….

Lyn: LACEY!? FOR WHAT!?

Gaby: Your winner by disqualification……...KAYA CRIMSON!!!

Zack: I didn’t even see her come out here! But Lacey has struck, and struck hard! She’s used that chair on Lydia before, and now it’s open season!

As both women lay on the mat, Lacey took turns striking them both on any part that moved. The live crowd was overwhelming in their boos...until the cheers returned as Celeste took off towards the ring. Lacey saw her coming, and went to strike her with the weapon. But Celeste ducked it, and then jerked it out of her hand as she was about to turn around towards her. Lacey then bolted from the ring as Celeste dropped the chair to the mat, and invited her back.

Zack: Lacey’s been irritated with Celeste since that dodgeball challenge, and now when she’s fresh and ready for a fight, she’s not interested!

Lyn: So... That’s Kaya, Lydia, and Celeste...

Lacey backed up the ramp with a glare towards the ring. Meanwhile, Lydia and Kaya got to their feet, and helped the other stay there as they looked back to the ramp too.

Zack: How many enemies is Lacey trying to make in Future Shock?!

Lyn: Ask the three women in the ring.

As Kyle emerged and took his client’s hand to pull her towards the back, Future Shock headed to commercial.




Isn’t She Amazing?

Future Shock returns from the break, and there we find a fairly divided crowd both cheering and booing at the sight of the 10 Star Prospect herself, Tara Cortez. She stands in the ring with her manager, Christian, who looks quite pleased, like his client.

Zack: Welcome back, folks. As you can see, we’ve been joined by Tara Cortez and her manager in the ring. And she seems to have about as many detractors as fans here in Boston. Our ring announcer decided to join us for...whatever we are about to see.

Gaby: Yes, I have! Sup, boys? I just want to confirm something that’s been, uh… You know, bothering me for a while when it comes to Tara Cortez. I’ll tell you all about it as it happens.

Christian: First of all, happy new year to everyone. With 2018 upon us and last year having been such a huge success for Tara here, I wanted us all to start the new year off right. You’ve seen how talented Tara is in the ring, she’s turning them away left, right, and sideways. You’ve seen her play baseball and chess, and be absolutely dominant. But tonight, what I wanted to do was show you how adept she is at many of the challenges you’ve seen in Future Shock.

Tara, whose million-Dollar smile shines like usual, raises her microphone, and that itself sparks the crowd to raise their voices in a mix of boos and cheers.

Tara: Christian and I have heard the, um, complaints, so to speak. Sure, Tara Cortez sure is talented, and she does look damn good while doing all this stuff that it would take a team to perform all by herself, but what use is there for all of it in Future Shock if she’s not doing things our other wrestlers do? Consider all of it remedied tonight, my lovely Faithful, because I’ve come to prove that I’m at least twice as good as your average wrestler not only in your random activity of choice… I can most definitely outperform the best of them in any challenge you put me in!

Christian: And that’s the theme of the clips we have for you, like I mentioned. At my own expense, I arranged for Tara here to compete in some of the challenges you have seen on Future Shock. And I think you’ll be impressed. We’re going to start with a classic...volleyball!

Zack: That is a favorite challenge, though I’m curious to see how she plays since she’s...one person.

We cut to the video clip, and there we see Tara on one side of the net warming up. She’s doing a few stretches in a swimsuit before finally handing off her sunglasses to Christian. He’s the referee apparently, judging by the striped shirt he’s wearing. He blows the whistle, and tosses the ball at Tara. She immediately lunges towards it, and uses an underhand shot to send it over the net. The camera switches to the other side of the net as Tara darts across the sand, and fires it back across. Another switch to the other side of the net shows Tara bouncing it off the top of her head before it sails back over. The camera switches back to the other side as Tara just barely misses it before it hits the sand. The whistle is heard before the camera goes back to the other side of the net with Christian raising Tara’s hand. From there, we go back to the live show.

Gaby: I’ll give her that, she sure is fast. But I’m pretty sure this was said last time -- when you’re playing with yourself, doesn’t that mean you’re automatically the loser when the game ends?... As well as the winner.

Christian: Talk about impressive! You just saw Tara being the ultimate volleyball player, if the challenge ever arises for her in Future Shock. I mean the only person who could defeat her is herself, as you just saw.

Tara takes a twirl and a soft dip of a bow to the mixed crowd, with the boos obviously outdoing the cheers now.

Tara: This is not a threat nor it’s a warning, it’s just the facts: anyone who gets put against me in any kind of challenge will need an army’s worth of strength and a fighter jet’s worth of speed to even come close of matching me. I’m twice as good as your favorite volleyball star, and that’s all the proof you need.

Christian: The next video I have for you is another favorite in the Future Shock challenges. And I’m referring to dodgeball. You thought Tara was quick at volleyball? You haven’t seen anything yet!

The clip begins on the video wall as Tara is lined up against the wall of what looks like a parking garage. She limbers up a bit before we switch to see Christian on the other side. He has the ball in his hand, and then hands it off...to Tara. She bounces it up and down, and hurls it across towards the wall. On the other side, Tara darts out of the way and the ball bounces off. A quick cut back to see Tara back with the ball, and then leaning back to chunk it with all her strength. Another cut back to the wall, and Tara easily avoids it. The screen goes black before “A Hour Later…” comes up, and the hurling and dodging continues until Christian blows the whistle, declaring a draw. Tara against the wall cracks her knuckles, while Tara next to Christian in a cutaway shows her admitting she can’t defeat herself. From there, we once more return to the live show.

Zack: This is ridiculous….

Gaby: That’s basic video editing, Z. I’m a video editor, and this is what I wanted to confirm. Okay, she can be fast enough to cover two halves of a, say, 10-foot beach volleyball court, but nobody can humanly cover that much ground like in that footage. She’s just recording parts independently and gluing them together!

Inside the ring, Tara can’t help but smile even wider. Christian looks very impressed as well, tucking his microphone under one arm and giving her some applause. The few cheers are starting to fade now throughout the crowd.

Christian: Another impressive display, folks. This woman really is everything she says she is, and a whole lot more. But….I saved the best for last! Because in this final clip, you’re going to see the 10 Star Prospect compete in…..tug of war!

Zack: TUG OF WAR?!

Gaby: Okay, now this is going a bit TOO FAR!

We go back to the video wall again, once more back on the beach like the volleyball clip from earlier. Tara’s still in the same swimsuit from that clip as she picks up the rope with a piece of red tape at the center. She gets a good grip before he walks off camera, and we cut to see the other side of the rope where Tara picks up the other end. He checks to see if she’s ready, and gets a nod before he blows his whistle again. And then it begins. On one side, we see Tara with her teeth gritted pulling for all she’s worth. Cut to the other side, and there Tara is pulling backwards with her head back. Cut to the middle with just Christian standing behind the rope, looking in either direction. Cut to the left, Tara struggles a bit and starts to lose her footing and gets pulled forward. Cut to the right, and Tara screams as she gives the rope a mighty yank. Cut back to the left as Tara falls into the sand where the line was drawn. Cut back to the right as Christian raises her hand in victory. And then we’re back to the live show.

Gaby: … this is absolutely ridiculous! How in the w-- How is it possible for anyone to play tug of war with themselves?! It’s not even turn-based!!!

Christian: Another amazing performance. But you know what? I am supremely confident in Tara Cortez. I have no reason not to be. That’s why I have already cleared it with Adam. And at Future Shock Genesis, I have an open contract for a match with Tara. That’s right, all you have to do is see me and then sign on the dotted line. The only rule I have is you can’t be booked on the show already, because I don’t want to hear any excuses when you come up short.

Tara: And it can be anyone. Absolutely anyone. I’ll take on any challenger, really. Another one of Christian’s school’s girls wanting to become someone in the business? Come get some! The newest talk of the town who wants to be something in FFW? Come at me, sis! Anyone at all, I’ll take you on, and I’ll prove once again why 5 stars are not enough… I need TEN STARS!

And as she raises her hands with her palms open, the crowd boos her boisterously, something she just doesn’t seem to give a crap about.

Christian: If you want to step up, come talk with me. There’s no one else in Future Shock who has ever put out an open contract on a Pay Per View like this. That should tell you all you need to know. And no matter who steps up at Genesis, you’ll be seeing stars too. At least 10 when you’re looking up at the lights! Ladies and gentlemen, let’s hear it for the 10 Star Prospect Tara Cortez!

The crowd doesn’t really give her any positive support at this point, though Christian puts the microphone down and gives her some applause as “Drama Queen” hits the sound system.

Zack: Finally! Maybe we’ll get to see someone who is actually part of Future Shock face Tara rather than these girls in wrestling school Kincaid keeps hiring. What do you think, Gabs?

Gaby: It depends on how stacked the card to Genesis turns out to be. We already have four matches scheduled for that night, so we won’t see someone like, say, the FS Champion Harley Shannon or the owner of the Aspire Ring taking this challenge. But I really want to see what Tara Cortez is ACTUALLY made of… Especially after all these ridiculously surreal displays.

On the image of Christian holding the ropes open for his client, Future Shock heads to a commercial for Genesis.





The music starts playing with a series of hazy looking technicolor clips that slowly meld into black and white clips of professional wrestling, both women and men of days long past...

Gillie: Welcome to Future Shock’s “This Week In Wrestling” With Gillie Barnes... Brought to you by Plunder Pack. Plunder Pack comes filled with all sorts of shirts, toys, and memorabilia from your favorite brands. We’re in the middle of January, but that won’t stop you from getting your Plunder Pack! This month’s theme is COLD...! Wait, no I mean really, it is cold! No seriously, that’s theme! Cold based pop culture, everything from Mr. Freeze, Sub-Zero, Glacius, Frozen, Jack Frost, and more! Action figures, posters, comic books, and when you use TWIWSTAYFROSTY as a coupon code on Plunder Pack’s website? You’ll get an awesome alternate tee of Mr. Freeze doing battle with Elsa from Frozen! Let it go? More like let it snow! Plundering, its not just for pirates anymore!

Gillie Barnes looks... A little more than excited to speak up on tonight’s this week in wrestling. She looks a bit more than giddy. In fact, this seems like the most energetic that Gillie has ever been, nearly bouncing on her toes one can tell. She leans back and forth on her feet, dressed in fitting jeans and a ‘Future Shock - Fight Night 2’ shirt from years... Years ago.

Gillie: The date? January 9th, 2014... But let’s give you a little bit of back story... Before this momentous occasion, there came Future Shock Fight Night 2, a proto-Future Shock pay-per-view if you will on August 13th, 2013. The main event? A very game Casey Atherton as the champion, facing Jo McFarlane as the challenger. Unfortunately for Jo it would not pass...

We return to footage courtesy of FFW’s archives. Jo and Casey in front of a sold out Seattle crowd in the Key Arena. As Jo was about to make it to the top turnbuckle, Casey nipped up to her feet and went straight for her. Jo’s mouth dropped open as Casey popped up between her legs and spiked her with the ocean cyclone suplex off the top! McFarlane’s body hit the mat with thunderous impact as Casey bridged into a cover and the three count. The footage pauses with Gillie turning her attention back to the camera.

Gillie: Casey, love her or loathe her was an amazing Future Shock champion, fighting back challenger after challenger as the inaugural champ. It finally came to Ignis as the one to dethrone her in an impressive match, the two women effectively blood rivals for some time. Ask Casey some day about a certain steel cage... Now come October 26th, 2013... Oh! Well, you’re still waiting for why January 9th is so important... Hold your horses! Soon after winning the Future Shock title from Casey, the Firebird and Hall of Famer would find herself unseated by our very own ring announcer...

As Gillie grins we return once again to the archives. The first few clips showing off a very game Atherton and Ignis tearing the house down again on a Breaking Point show in 2013. Fast forward to FFW Anarchy at November 30th, 2013...? We show the closing moments of the Future Shock title match... Gaby Crimson managing to push the Champion away from her and straightens up. As Ignis turns around, Gabrielle jumps upward and connects with the Taste the Rainbow; the jumping spinning roundhouse kick connecting perfectly with the temple. Ignis collapses to the mat and Crimson rolls her over and hooks the legs as she makes the pinfall.

Gillie: Gabrielle Crimson. Wild Cat. FFW Future Shock champion... With the stage already set on who would be her first opponent. January 9th, 2014. Honolulu, Hawaii. Jo McFarlane getting one more shot at the gold. Two opponents with nothing but respect for each other and The Living Firework hungry... For gold.

Once again we dive deep into the archives, the first Velocity of 2014 where Gaby and Jo square off and throw quite literally everything at each other. Crimson with a springboard roundhouse that would have made Starla McCloud proud, Jo digging deep into a tiger feint kick from her more classic arsenal, and in the end, Gaby going for a top rope moonsault only to be caught into a vicious jumping cutter. According to the fans that night...

Crowd: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!

ONE!!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

Davis called for the bell as Jo rolled off Gaby, collapsing to the mat... Before we return to Gillie Barnes back in the studio, her hands in her pockets and a small grin on her face.

Gillie: Jo McFarlane, years after her debut on Future Shock would finally... Finally capture gold in FFW, going on to get her hands on the No Surrender Championship, the Evolution Championship and of course... the FFW championship. If ever there was a story of staying power, of pushing on and on, it would be the FFW champion. The Living Firework is proof positive that the journey may be long but all the work will pay off and success will come though let me take nothing away from Casey or Gaby or even The Firebird herself.

Gillie reaches down and hangs a framed photo that details the inaugural journey of the Future Shock championship’s holders, Atherton, Ignis, Crimson, and Jo’s photo in the center.

Gillie: Jo McFarlane, Casey Atherton, Gabrielle Crimson and Ignis. For being the fore... Well, foremothers of the Future Shock division, we salute you. My name is Gillie Barnes and this has been This Week In Wrestling... UNTIL NEXT TIME FAITHFUL!

Fade to black.




The New Boss

The next image we find is that of Future Shock Director Adam Grant knocking on a door, and stepping inside to find the new COO of FFW, Seth Star, and his girlfriend slash FFW wrestler Savannah Taylor. As soon as Seth looks over from the monitor to Adam, he rises from his seat after his girlfriend exits his lap. The pair are greeted as Adam and Seth shake hands, and the same with Savannah.

Seth: Mr. Grant, the man I’ve been looking to see. I know you’ve been busy tonight, but I’m glad you found time for me. I know you are familiar with Miss Taylor here.

Adam: Of course, I’ve met Savannah more than once. I’m glad you’re both enjoying the show tonight. This is the future of FFW after all.

The Las Vegas Native reaches out and shakes Adam’s hand, albeit a bit tentatively.

Savannah: So far, the future looks good.

Seth: Now Mr. Grant, I must admit that part of my job as the new COO is to monitor ALL of the aspects of FFW. And there’s no question Future Shock is a very big part of things. I know you used to be under the thumb of Cody Kincaid, my….predecessor to this job. And I know he kept a close eye on things, but largely gave you the reins. Is that fair?

Adam: I’d say so, yes. I always reported back to Cody, and when needed, got his advice. I also turned all the financials and everything else over to him. You have them too, I send them every two weeks.

Seth: Yes, I’ve been looking at them. And I’m quite happy with how they look at this point. But you see, I’m not as much of a hands on kind of person when I see something is working. And for all intents and purposes, Future Shock is growing. You’ve signed many new talents, such as Elizabeth Lannister and Celeste among others. It is regular viewing, and Miss Taylor here keeps an eye on it very closely as well.

Seth gives Savannah a smile for a moment.

Seth: So as it pertains to your performance review, I have no issues with it. Future Shock is coming along very nicely, and I see no reason to make any changes….with your office, at least. However, Miss Taylor has informed me of what she sees as a problem. And that is with your Executive Assistant, whom you compliment frequently on her job.

Savannah’s eyes narrow upon the mention of Brianna Singer. It has been well documented just how little she cares for the Executive Assistant.

Savannah: I know you must think this is rooted in personal bias because of previous problems. Well…..you would be one hundred percent correct on that. We’ve had this discussion before, if I recall.

Adam: We have. And at the time, I will agree Brianna might have been a little too….hands on with certain aspects of Future Shock. But she has been a different woman since then. She’s been a referee a few times, has called all those matches down the middle, and she’s currently finalizing a contract right now with one of our newer Prospects. So I’d say she hasn’t given any cause for concern in quite some time.

Seth exchanged glances with his girlfriend for a moment.

Seth: That may be. But you see, I know the kind of person she is. I know them, because...well I am one of them. And I have a feeling you are going to see her in her true form very very soon. I have a feeling that’s an opportunist, and her opportunity may be looming soon. I’d encourage you to give heavy consideration to the scope of Miss Singer’s powers within Future Shock. Because just like I told you before, I don’t tend to be hands on with things unless I see a need. And if the need arises, I am perfectly content to make the decisions you won’t. And….if need be, one of those decisions could...involve your position as well.

Adam remains silent at this point, keeping a very solemn face as he lets what the couple said sink into mind.

Seth: You’re doing a very fine job with Future Shock. I understand you were recently given quite the raise as well by my sister. Don’t let personal feelings cloud your judgment, because I assure you I won’t. Especially as I have no personal feelings about you.

Savannah: One more thing, Adam.

She tosses her hair back over her shoulders as she places her hands on her hips.

Savannah: What Seth said is very true. You need to keep a close eye on her, because sooner or later, the mask is going to come off and her true form is going to show itself. I hope for everyone’s sake that it doesn’t come to it. But mark my word. If that happens….I’m taking care of her myself. Understood?

Her blue eyes narrow slightly as Adam slowly nods his head. He says a polite goodbye as he leaves the room. Savannah sighs as she leans her head on Seth’s shoulder, the scene fading out.

[Adam Grant]

A quick clip shows how Bianca Reed won the Aspire Ring by defeating Alicia Garland, as well as her first successful defense at Global Wars against Kaya Crimson. From there, we head back to the ring with Gaby standing front and center.

Gaby: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the Aspire Ring!

Zack: Bianca Reed’s been on quite the roll of late since becoming the holder of the Ring, minus one blemish. But it’s the defenses that count, Lyn. She’s just two away from a potential title shot, or maybe she wants to be the the first to go for five!

Lyn: All she needs is five times... Five times... Five times... Five times... Five times a win to head to the main roster.

As Survivor by Destiny’s Child starts to play around the arena, Midnight walks out in her ring gear of black combat style shorts, matching black cut off tank top, black boots and a short black jacket. She stops at the top of the ramp, nodding her head a bit as the verse plays. As the chorus begins, white pyrotechnics erupt at the side of her. While the chorus plays, Midnight makes her way down the ramp, tagging the hands of the fans along the way.

I'm a survivor (what?)
I'm not gon' give up (what?)
I'm not gon' stop (what?)
I'm gon' work harder (what?)
I'm a survivor (what?)
I'm gonna make it (what?)
I will survive (what?)
Keep on survivin'(what?)

Gaby: Introducing at this time, hailing from London, England……”MIDNIGHT” MILA MARTIN!

I'm a survivor (what?)
I'm not gon' give up (what?)
I'm not gon' stop (what?)
I'm gon' work harder (what?)
I'm a survivor (what?)
I'm gonna make it (what?)
I will survive (what?)
Keep on survivin'(what?)

As the chorus ends and Midnight reaches the bottom of the ramp, she speeds up and runs the rest of the way to the ring, then jumps straight up onto the apron. Holding onto the top rope she looks out to the crowd and raises her hand fist pumping and hyping the crowd up. She climbs into the ring as the music ends and heads to her corner, taking off her jacket and getting ready for the match.

Zack: Mila has been impressing a lot of people. I’ll not forget anytime soon how she put Isis to sleep in one of the more eye opening performances I’ve ever seen against the Titaness.

Lyn: A sleeper is what Bianca is going to have to be watching out for, among a whole lot of other weapons in Martin’s arsenal. She’s proven to be nothing but adaptive.

I told ya, baby
Uh-oh
I told ya

The arena darkens as “Rockstar 101” by Rihanna begins to play before the camera takes us behind a woman with purple hair. She steps out onto the stage, raising her hand and making a fist as the camera looks over her shoulder. She tosses her sunglasses on her head out to the crowd as she heads towards the ring.

Rocking these diamonds
I'm rocking this chain
Make sure you get a picture
I'm rocking my fame

Gaby: Introducing from Atlanta, Georgia, this is the Princess of the Reed family……...BIANCA REED!!!!

Bianca climbs up onto the apron, drops into a split before sliding under the bottom rope to the inside. She brings her legs together and hops to her feet, already making eye contact with her opponent and running them down verbally while her music fades and before the bell even rings.

Zack: Bianca Reed wakes up in the morning talking shit to the alarm clock for waking her up, and it’s straight on the same way all day. Just recently having turned 23, there’s no question in her mind she’s destined for superstardom. And woe betide anyone who tries to say otherwise.

Lyn: Especially if your name is Elizabeth Lannister from what I’ve heard. Actually if you’re pretty much anyone but The Lioness reigns high on the list.

Referee Angela Keanan checks both women for illegal objects, and finds none before taking the Aspire Ring from Bianca. She quickly shows it to Mila before zipping it into her pants pocket. She calls for the bell as Bianca hasn’t stopped talking at all, heading for the center and asking Mila if she was woman enough to take what was hers. The brunette didn’t respond at first, and Bianca instead piefaced her backwards. The former military officer took a deep breath as she looked back to the crowd, and fired a big right hand. Bianca fired back, and the two began trading blows in the center of the ring. While Bianca was hitting faster, Mila was striking harder as she began to rock Reed backwards a couple steps. She whipped her across to the far side ropes, and went to catch her on the rebound with a clothesline. But Reed ducked underneath it, and popped up behind her. She shouted something at the back of her head, causing Mila to turn around right into a roundhouse kick upside her head. Martin rocked backwards a few steps before Bianca fired her across this time, and caught her on the rebound with a back heel kick to the abdomen. It bent her over long enough for Bianca to execute a swinging neckbreaker before sitting, and continuing to talk smack.

Lyn: The Princess of House Reed is doing par for the course right now, letting that mouth run. I appreciate that she has the wherewithal to continue the offense instead of just stopping to talk.

Zack: I’ve been told that it’s bad enough to get beaten up, but it’s worse to have someone talking to you the whole time they are doing it.

She pulled Mila up with her, and started laying in knife edge chops across her chest. Each shot seemed to ring a little louder than the last until she got her back to the corner.  Then the chops picked up speed before she fired Mila into the far corner chest first. The challenger crashed hard just as Bianca came from behind with a codebreaker that flipped her over to the mat. She quickly rolled her over, making a cover in the process.

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Zack: First near fall of the contest, and Bianca’s catching Mila from all directions tonight. Martin’s never faced an opponent with her speed.

Lyn: From power to speed... Martin’s going to need a plan of sorts but one has to expect she’s working one out as she goes.

Mila kicked out at the two count, while Bianca continued talking stuff. She pulled her to her feet, and started bouncing her head off the top turnbuckle. Mila stumbled out backwards as Bianca took off for the ropes. She rebounded quickly, looking as though she were going for a high cross body. But Martin snatched her out of the air, and drove her into the mat with a spinebuster.

Lyn: What did I say, Zack? Adaptive.

Zack: Mila needed to find something, and quick. And that’s precisely what she did. But now they are both down, and that doesn’t help either girl.

Both women lay on the mat for a moment before Mila begins to stir. She sits up, shaking her head a bit. And as she sees Bianca starting to sit up, she leans back and clocks her with a back elbow to the mouth. Martin starts back to her feet, and hoists Bianca up with her. Over one shoulder, she takes off for a running powerslam to the mat. With Reed face down on the mat, she begins to hammer elbows into her lower back repeatedly. The purple haired wrestler grimaces in pain before Mila pulls her back to her feet. She shoves her chest first into the nearest corner, and follows up with a kidney punch that freezes her where she stands. The challenger drops her shoulder, and begins thrusting it into Bianca’s lower back as she’s caught in the corner. Each shot makes Bianca grunt harder before the fifth one is followed up with a shove into the ropes into a sidewalk slam to the mat.

Zack: That’s what you call surgical precision, Lyn. Mila is punishing Bianca’s lower back, and there’s no better way to slow down a high flyer like Bianca than that.

Lyn: Shoulder checks to the gut in the corner seems so deceptively simple Zack, but it does a number of things for you in the ring. You’re using the turnbuckle to do most of the heavy attacking so you can catch somewhat of a breather while you bury your shoulder in your opponent’s gut. You work their abdomen, their vertebrae and lower back all at once and all the while continue wearing them down.

She dragged her away from the ropes, and applied a seated full nelson. Sat on Bianca’s lower back, Mila pulled up on her arms and started to lean back as much as she could. The champion was nearly bent into a C shape as Mila’s hands pressed her chin into her chest. Keanan dropped down in front of her, checking for a submission. But Bianca showed no signs of that as Mila continued to lean back, trying to get even more pressure into the hold.

Lyn: A seated full nelson. Reed’s finding out how flexible she really is tonight, seemingly to her own displeasure at that.

Zack: What a great move at that! Not only is she trying to put Bianca out, but she’s continuing to work on her back at the same time.

Bianca’s face began to darken a bit as Mila continued to apply the full nelson, causing the referee to make sure she was still able to continue. But Reed’s hands were active as they hung overhead, clenching and unclenching her fists as Martin leaned back as far as she could. Bianca did manage to surprise her though, catching her with a wild kick that caught her on the top of her head. It stunned her long enough for Bianca to try to land a second, which worked and caused Martin to let go of the submission. Bianca shoved her off, and started to crawl away from her. Mila immediately rose to her feet, clearing the cobwebs before Bianca went to use the middle ropes for a springboard. But her back caused her to land on her feet, nearly falling over as she clutched at it with her hand. Martin capitalized by shoving her into the ropes, and catching her on the rebound with a cobra clutch backbreaker. She immediately went for a cover as Keanan dropped to count.

Lyn: Beautiful cobra clutch backbreaker there, and the work Reed has taken on her back is showing.

ONE!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

TH-NOPE!!!

Bianca got her shoulder up, and Mila rolled her onto her stomach. A rain of elbows followed that before she stood up, and applied a surfboard before falling backwards onto her back to suspend Bianca in midair. Reed shouted in pain as Mila locked her arms and legs in position beneath her.

Zack: Listen to Reed shout in agony in this surfboard. Every single thing Mila’s done has only served to work that back more and more! For someone so new to this sport, she is scary in her efficiency.

Lyn: I would argue that it’s the military background at work there. Surgical precision. Adaptability. Give that woman a year or two more and she’ll have any title she wants.

Keanan continued to ask if Bianca wanted to quit, but only got negative responses again and again. Mila’s face tensed as she kept the hold applied, causing Bianca to experience immense pain in the process. Reed began to wiggle and try to get Mila to lose her grip slightly, but it only worked for a second before Mila let her fall to her knees, now transitioning into a seated surfboard behind her with Bianca still in a precarious position.

Lyn: Transition into a full on seated surfboard and the Ring Bearer finds herself in more trouble. She continues to weather Martin’ storm but she’s going to have to get a counterattack in soon.

Zack: I don’t know who’s been teaching Mila these transitions and submissions, but she uses them expertly. I agree with you in that give her a little while, and I think she’s gonna have gold anywhere she wants it!

Keanan asked once more, still getting the same defiant answer from the champion. Mila finally let the hold go, causing Bianca to collapse to the mat face down. The challenger got back to her feet, jerking Bianca up with her and back over her shoulder again. This time, she drove her back first into the turnbuckle and hung her upside down in a tree of woe. But as soon as she tried to lock Bianca’s feet, one of them got free and caught her upside the head. It wobbled her as Bianca continued to kick at her head twice more, causing her to stumble back. Reed came to sit up on the top turnbuckle, and slowly made her way to her feet. Mila gathered herself and went to get her as Bianca executed a moonsault that flattened her! She quickly hooked the outside leg for the cover with one hand, and clutched her back in pain with the other.

Zack: A textbook moonsault from the maw of defeat, and Bianca Reed may be 3 seconds away from another successful defense!

ONE!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-NOPE!!!!!

Mila’s arm shot up in time, and Reed rolled off the cover. She held her lower back in despair as her face showed the pain she was feeling. The Aspire Ring bearer crawled towards the ropes, and began to use them to pull herself to her feet. Mila was starting to rise as well.

Lyn: That moonsault was a thing of beauty and if you don’t believe me, just hit the replay! Reed got all of it as Mila’s prone form was showing but Reed’s still aching a bit on the back.

Reed made it to a vertical base seconds before Mila, who went to grab her. But the Aspire Ring bearer caught her coming in with a superkick to the chin. Martin collapsed backwards to the canvas, and Bianca headed for the corner. She pressed her head against the top turnbuckle, trying to summon the will as she climbed up to the top rope. The crowd knew what she had in mind as she looked down to Mila starting to get up again.

Zack: I think they know what’s coming, Lyn! There’s gonna be a CRACKER JA---Wait!

Boos rained throughout the Future Shock Arena as Elizabeth Lannister in a robe made her way to ringside with yet another photographer.

Lyn: ...Why is she out here again?

The referee went to intercept the photographer as he was climbing up onto the apron with his camera. Lannister hopped up onto the other side of the ring, and shook the ropes to cause Bianca to land straddling them. She stepped through into the ring, checking to make sure the photographer still had Keanan distracted. She then scooped Mila up into her swinging leg hook fireman’s carry slam!

Lyn: DEBT FULFILLED!?

Bianca finally got down off the corner as Lannister fed her a bicycle kick to the face before leaning down, and letting her know she wanted to face her at Genesis. She dragged Bianca over Mila for the cover, and then rolled out of the ring. A snap of her fingers brought the photographer back to her as the referee went to count the cover.

Zack: YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!

ONE!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Keanan called for the bell as Bianca held her face and rolled off the cover. The crowd was heavily booing as Lannister let the photographer take a few shots of her teasing as though she were going to take the robe off.

Gaby: Your winner of this match…..AND STILL ASPIRE RING bearer……….’KILLER B’ BIANCA REED!!

Lyn: Lannister costs Mila the match and why? I think I have an idea. She wants no one to take Bianca’s piece of jewelry unless its her.

Zack: I think you’re right. She flatly told her she wants to face her at Genesis!

Reed got her bearings, watching what took place on the video wall before she glared daggers towards Elizabeth on the floor, still getting some shots taken.

Zack: Elizabeth must think she’ll have an easier time with Bianca in their now rematch at Genesis for the Aspire Ring! I’m not sure she knows what she’s set off, Lyn!

Lyn: She’ll learn, Zack. There’s a Cracker Jacker in that woman’s future.

Zack: Lannister and Bianca, Once More With Fury at Genesis! Take all the pictures you want, because I have a feeling Bianca’s gonna rearrange her face!

Elizabeth gave a Cheshire grin towards the ring as Bianca was awarded her ring again, already hurling out expletives as Future Shock faded off the air.