[L!zz~]

(Post game night we find Kylie and Josie in the sewing/production/whatever room. Kylie is watching as Josie carefully examines some clothes she printed out for "Mac")

"Josie," Kylie began than paused. "This was really sweet of you to do but we need to be careful..."

Josie smoothed out some basketball shorts she just printed (no sparkles) and turned to her Titi. She looked at her, her eyes showing sadness but a lot of understanding. "It's no different than Chuck talking to Wilson in Cast Away. " Kylie looked at her. "When did you watch that?"

Josie turned to the printer taking out a matching shirt for the shorts. "The Woodsman showed it at the survival camp they did this summer." Kylie nodded, storing that away for another time. "Ok, well Josie we just have to treat Titi Bridget as normally as possible..."

Josie cut her off as she stacked the clothes together. "I'm making clothes for a giant paper doll Titi. If anyone around here is able to act like this is normal it's me. Tio kinda blew it" Josie looked at her again. "After all the world's we saw this really isn't the strangest thing we've seen. She just needs time. And she needs us." She paused. "I took down all tbe No Mac signs in the yard."

Kylie rose and went to hug her niece. "You're the best Jospehine. I love you."

"I love you the most Titi." Josie said as she hugged back.

Kylie smiled at that, dropping a kiss a top her head. "C'mon let's go bring these to Bridget and than how about you bunk we with me tonight? I'm not sleepy. We can watch a movie?"

Josie grinned "yes!"

(We fade as they gather the clothes and discuss what movie to watch)

[DrMcAwesome]

*the scene and INVISIBLE NINJA CAMERA find BRIDGET O’MALLEY inspecting the contents of an envelope left outside of her room. BRIDGET looks at each piece with a very discerning eye before placing all of the items back in the envelope and opening the door to her room*

BRIDGET: “Mac! You are absolutely going to love these! Josie did an amazing job capturing who you are in these.” *BRIDGET pauses* “… Yes. You need to wear shorts more often and show off those legs. You’ve been wearing the same ring gear since 2016.” *BRIDGET pauses again* “… She worked really hard on these and you will thank her the next time you see her.”

*the door to BRIDGET’s room closes as the scene fades*

[Fire-Babe]

Firewoman is SITTING~! in her office, ostensibly doing paper work, but really just staring off into space in deep thought, spinning her revolver absent-mindedly around her finger. Dr. Sidney Freedman comes in and sits across from her.

SF: This is ... new.

FW: Hm? Oh, sorry, just thinking about something Beverly told me. I'd offer you some coffee but as you can see, I'm on the wagon.

Fire gestures to the credenza were the super fancy latte machine used to be.

SF: I am sure that is just temporarily until all the healing is done.

FW: Do we have an appointment?

SF: No, no, just checking in to see how you're doing after your latest near-death experience.

Fire is still staring off into space, twirling the gun. Dr. Freedman's eyes fixate on the gun.

SF: Do you think we can put your new toy away? It makes me a little nervous.

FW: What? Why, it's not loaded.

To demonstrate, Fire takes aim at a vase, fires and *BANG*. The vase shatters, Dr. Freedman jumps, and Fire looks a tad surprised.

FW: Oops.

SF: Fire--

FW: Fine, fine, I'll put it away.

Fire does so, as Lucky comes in quickly, then calms down as he surveys the scene, sighs, and begins to clean up the glass. He spies Dr. Freedman.

L: Sid.

SF: Eugenio...

L: I can't tell you how glad I am to see you here.

SF: I bet...

Lucky finishes his cleaning and leaves.

SF: So, what's going on with you?

FW: Did Jack call you? Or Beverly?

SF: I got an anonymous text. Fire, up until recently, you were very anti-gun. What's with the new fascination?

FW: I... I don't know. I mean, I got one when Patrick was born, because I felt this super strong urge to protect him using all means necessary...

SF: A normal reaction, although as usual, the Quinn family takes it to extremes.

FW: Ha. Then Moose took it from me and I felt like Patrick was unsafe, so then I got it back.

SF: I see.....and how does the, (checks his phone for the anonymous text) "trust exercise" fit in with this?

FW: Well, Annie and Sandra need to learn to trust each other and, quite frankly, Annie could use some toughening up--

SF: There's nothing wrong with trust exercises, we do them in group therapy quite a bit. We just used trust falls and--

FW: That is SOOO cliché.  Besides, you know how crazy it gets around her pre-Hell on Earth (on OOWF-TV, still at $6.66/mo), I was just trying to break the tension. Shake things up a bit.

SF: Well, in that, you succeeded.  Are you ready to talk about the dream?

FW: ...Hm....no. I'm still processing.

SF: Might be good to process out loud.

FW: I will...in our next session. Right now, I have a DDPY session with Annie. Her training, and my PT. Multi tasking. And YES I'm leaving the gun here, locked up.

SF: Okay, I will see you Thursday.

FW: Thanks for checking in, Sid...Seriously. But I'm fine.

Dr. Freedman nods as if he doesn't quite believe her, and leaves. Fire puts the gun in the safe, and spins the combo knob, grabs her gear, then leaves.

[DrMcAwesome]

*the scene and INVISIBLE NINJA CAMERA find MAC FLASHER and SANDRA FALLON enjoying breakfast at the OOWF Bladejob Deli*

SANDRA: “It blows my mind that of all the great breakfast items this place serves, and you just get a bowl of Frosted Mini Wheats every morning.”

MAC: “I’m a fan of the classics, what can I say?”

SF: “Whatever, dude. You just need to expand your horizons more than just eating the same stuff every morning. Especially when you could just eat that at home.”

MF: “I like what I like, plus I like the atmosphere here. They really did a bang-up job in changing the vibe from when this was Ric’s.”

SF: “Dude, if you want good breakfast vibes, just wait until we start to tour away from Asheville and get anywhere close to my stomping grounds.”

*BEVERLY CAMBRIDGE enters the deli and makes her way toward the table where MAC and SANDRA are seated*

BEVERLY: “Mac. Sandra. Good morning.”

SANDRA: “Sup, Bev?”

BC: “I’m doing well, Sandra. Could I have a word with Mac?”

SF: “Yeah. That’s cool. I’ll just be over by the ‘Galaga’ machine if you need me. Need to beat Mac’s high score anyway.”

*SANDRA walks away as BEVERLY sits across from MAC*

BC: “I’ll cut right to it. It’s Bridget. She’s … Having some difficulties accepting this reality of you not choosing her.”

MF: “I mean, I’m not sure I’ve fully chosen Sandra, but it’s feeling like the better move for who and where I am now.”

BC: “That’s part of the issue. I won’t go into the details because we’re all still trying to process what’s going on with her at the compound, but Bridget’s image of you has become very rigid and very much from around the time when you started in OOWF. I cannot stress enough how important it is that you be very supportive of her during any interaction you may have with her in the near-future.”

MF: “What’s really going on? This is … Weirding me out more than the normal weird-outs that happen in OOWF.”

BC *sighs*: “I know that this is a lot to process without full context, but I also need to ensure that you’re not overwhelmed by what’s happening. I am aware of your history of sudden spirals when you’re hit with heavier news that you can’t process efficiently.”

MF: “Does this have anything to do with The Woodsmen and Zed checking or commenting on my well-being last night?”

BC: “In a way that only happens in OOWF, yes.”

MF: “Gotcha. I guess I will be supportive and not whatever it is that you fear if I encounter Bridget in the near future.”

BC: “Thank you, Mac. I know that you need more context, but now maybe isn’t the time to go into that.”

*BEVERLY pats MAC’s hand on the table, stands up and exits, but not before exchanging a quick and pleasant goodbye to SANDRA, who then makes her way back to the table where MAC is seated*

SF: “Took me three tries, but I beat your high score.”

MF: “That’s awesome. Looks like I have a project for today.”

SF: “Naw, brah. We’re getting the heck out of here and hitting the Asheville Outlets.”

MF: “Did Bev put you up to this?”

SF: “She might have planted the seed to suggest that you need a day away from OOWF real estate.”

MF: “Well, I guess we’re doing the outlets.”

*MAC finishes off his bowl of cereal and reaches for his wallet since it’s his turn to pay the guest check as the scene fades*

[L!zz~]

(Spencer enters the common area loaded down with multiple rolls of paper. She is about to begin rolling them out when she sees "Mac" propped up on the couch. She looks around for Bridget but doesn't see her. Spencer shrugs and begins to roll out the reams of architectural designs. )

The over head fan caused "Mac" to tilt, seemingly trying to get a glance. Spencer looked at him "Final three designs for the sports bar. You're going to love it. I need to make a decision though."

Spencer looked between the 3 and started to point out the differences, some of them subtle. "It's a tough decision and I have my favorite but I just don't know. I need to be solid in it before I present it to Bev and Zed." She rolled her eyes. As the fan shifted "Mac" again she chuckled, his hand flapped."Yup. I agree. Those two eh..."

Spencer turned back to the papers pouring over them again. Another gust from fan caused "Mac's" leg to touch one of the designs. Spencer looked at him "That one?" She paused. "You think so?" She didn't really wait for any answer. She smiled as she picked it up. "Thanks Mac" she said as Bridget entered. "That one is my favorite. Knowing someone else likes its really helps. Especially since your a sports guy."

Spencer rolled up all the papers as Bridget watched.

Fade

[DrMcAwesome]

*the scene and INVISIBLE NINJA CAMERA find BRIDGET O’MALLEY, without the cardboard standee of MAC FLASHER, sitting inside the OOWF Senior Executive Office as FIREWOMAN returns from her morning training session with ANNIE HORVATH*

FIREWOMAN *toweling off perspiration and clutching her water bottle*: “Oh good. Bridget you’re here.”

BRIDGET: “Yeah. I got a note to meet you at my earliest convenience and since Mac’s been a little cranky today, I figured I’d give him a little space and stop in.”

F: “About this relationship or situationship with Mac. Are you sure that he’s worth a second chance? Especially after how things ended between you two the first time.”

BO’M: “I had my doubts, too, but he’s been everything that made me fall in love with him the first time since we got back together on Sunday. He’s a little rough around the edges and he has lost a lot of weight, but he’s become such a good listener and he’s always smiling.”

F: “I see. Have you two discussed what you’re hoping to achieve.”

BO’M: “He wants to help me become world champion because he’s done it twice and he wants me to know that feeling, but he also is 1,000% supportive of everything I want to do, even away from the ring. I could never get him to go to T.J. Maxx with me, but there he was yesterday after he won me $42,000 at Harrah’s, holding onto my cart as I was able to get a few things for our dream home with those winnings.”

*BRIDGET shows FIREWOMAN a picture of ‘MAC’ tied to a shopping cart while at T.J. Maxx on her phone*

F: “OK, I believe you. Are you worried that things are moving too fast between you two. You were at odds with Mac as recently as Saturday.”

BO’M: “When he arrived, he was ready to put all the noise behind us and start new. It was refreshing. We must have made out for …”

F: “OK! I don’t need to hear details of you consummating with a cardboard … personality like Mac Flasher.”

BO’M: “Oh no. We won’t go that far until we’re married. Even though he is a sexy piece of man, seemingly cut from the sexiest tree in the forest, we’re not taking that step until we exchange vows. He very much respects my Catholic upbringing.”

F: “Aren’t you lapsed Catholic?”

BO’M: “I am … But he apparently forgot and is so mindful of what he thinks my beliefs and values are that I’m just letting it all happen. He’s been really sweet about it. Plus the anticipation of the big night makes me tingle.”

F: “That’s somehow equally gross and hot. I mean … OK, well, I’m sure that I do not need to remind you that while you two are a couple, your dearest Mac is not to interfere in your matches or vise versa. I expect that your dealings will remain professional, especially in front of OOWF cameras.”

BO’M: “I’ll make sure that Mac is on his best behavior and you know that you don't have to worry about me.”

F: “Great. Allow me to sign off on this romantic endeavor, I wish you two the best.”

BO’M: “Thank you! That means so much to both Mac and I!”

*BRIDGET practically skips out of FIREWOMAN’s office as LUCKY enters through a side door*

LUCKY: “Is any of this necessary? She’s clearly …”

F: “Lucky! Stop right there. We need to be here to help and listen to her, not label her.”

*FIREWOMAN and LUCKY continue their conversation as the scene fades*

[DrMcAwesome]

*the scene and INVISIBLE NINJA CAMERA find HUNTER and DAKOTA, THE WOODSMEN, sitting with JACK QUINN inside the courtroom of JUDGE JOHN LAW*

JACK: “So what’s the strategy, here?”

DAKOTA: “Woodsman Jack. Never you worry about strategy. We have one piece of evidence that is so strong that Judge Law will have to throw this trial out of his court.”

JQ: “BUT WE ASKED FOR THIS TRIAL!”

*LUCAS ‘STANK’ MANN, serving as the bailiff in the courtroom, hushes JACK*

JQ *whisper yelling*: “But we asked for this trial! So help me, if either of you two fuck this up, I will give both of you danger hugs.”

HUNTER: “Woodsman Jack. A Woodsman knows to always avoid danger when it presents itself.”

JQ: “Danger hugs. Both of you.”

*DAKOTA, getting the hint first, begins ruffling through his notepad and avoiding all possible eye contact with JACK as the scene fades*

[L!zz~]

(We fade into the gym of the ZeBevBriKy compound. Beverly, Bridget and Jeff are seen together. "Mac" is lying on the weight bench)

Jeff cleared this throat. "I think it's clear that we all will be gunning for win."

The two ladies nodded, Beverly spoke up "What ever happens, happens. It's ok to have feelings but any discussion about it in house is just that a discussion. Right?"

Bridget nodded "oh yes absolutely. But with Mac back in my corner I've got my MOJO back and you two are going to loser town."

Jeff and Bev glanced at each and just laughed. Bev smirked teasing her friend. "Don't forget I have Josie." Jeff fake groaned. "This isn't fair. I need some one in my corner."

The two ladies continued to tease him before beginning to spar.

(We fade as Zed comes in and goes over to Mac to spot him, because why not..)

[DrMcAwesome]

*the scene and INVISIBLE NINJA CAMERA find MAC FLASHER and SANDRA FALLON on MAC’s couch at his apartment while both are scrolling through their phones*

MAC: “So OOWF fans on TikTok have been on a weird one, it seems.”

SANDRA: “What makes you say that, man?”

MF: “The trending hashtag is #MailOrderMac and fans are showing off their promotional standees of me from like 2016 or ’17. Some have dressed them up in some weird way and others are professing their deepest affirmations of love as if it’s a surrogate version of me.”

SF: “Brah, that’s very weird and sort of creepy.”

MF: “I know! This post from All_Sin_No_Saint_69 is particularly off-putting. The girl is dressed as Bridget in a wedding gown, offering wedding vows to the standee in her room.”

SF: “You gotta let me see that one!”

*MAC refreshes the video and turns his phone's screen toward SANDRA*

SF: “Brah! That is strange! I kind of dig it.”

MF: “I think I’d enjoy it more if it wasn’t using a younger, hipper version of me as a prop.”

SF: “You were never that hip, old man.”

MF: “Quiet, rookie. Man, I wonder if this is some weird TikTok challenge that Bridget conjured up. I know she scrolls on this app a ton. I might need to ask someone at the compound if they know anything about this, though with the texts Zed sent on Monday, maybe they’re not the best folks to ask.”

SF: “I wouldn’t put too much thought into it, dude. This just looks like fans and kids having fun and being creative.”

MF: “Yeah, you’re right. Plus Bridget might be setting a standee of me on fire if she had one in her room.”

SF: “Yeah, man. With that temper, cardboard you would be a goner.”

*MAC and SANDRA continue scrolling on their phones as the scene fades*

[DrMcAwesome]

*the scene and INVISIBLE NINJA CAMERA find BRIDGET O’MALLEY and a cardboard standee of MAC FLASHER on their way to visit ONA JONES in the rookie dorms. ONA, still suffering the effects of her match with BRIDGET this past Saturday is restricted to bedrest as her knee heals*

BRIDGET *tapping on the door frame*: “Hey, Ona. I need to talk to you.”

ONA: “After what you did Saturday, I don’t want to hear a word from you.”

*BRIDGET, blissfully ignoring ONA, steps in and sets the standee of MAC up beside her*

BO’M: “Listen. I thought a lot about what I did on Saturday, and after talking to Mac, he agrees that I need to make things up to you.”

OJ: “You almost crippled me, long after I submitted. I don’t see how there’s anything you can that will make up for you almost ending my career!”

BO’M: “Exactly, it’s been hanging over my head like you were in that submission. Mac over here has made me very aware that I was in the wrong. So I’ll make this offer to you. The trainers say that you should be cleared to participate in Imperial Onslaught on October 7. If I win my match at Hell on Earth and get the last entry, I will trade that to you, no matter what spot you draw. Even if you draw No. 1 or 2.” *BRIDGET leans in to ‘listen’ to ‘MAC’* “No, Mac. I don't think that I’m throwing away a big opportunity by possibly trading the last spot, but I’m righting a wrong.” *BRIDGET turns back to ONA* “So, what do you say?”

OJ: “Whatever. Deal. You win at Hell on Earth and I’ll take that spot in Imperial Onslaught.”

BO’M: “Good! We can put that whole mess behind us now.”

*BRIDGET leans over the bed for a hug that ONA wants no part of and doesn’t even move an arm for. BRIDGET then picks up ‘MAC’ and exits while ONA hits the nurse button on her intercom*

INTERCOM NURSE: “Yes, Ona …”

OJ: “If I’m on the same painkillers that Bridget O’Malley is on, kindly take me off of them at once.”

*ONA puts the intercom down and ponders what just happened as the scene fades*

[DrMcAwesome]

*the scene and INVISIBLE NINJA CAMERA find ANNIE HORVATH and FIREWOMAN in a ring filled with padding inside the SPIN HANSEN Memorial Training Center*

FIREWOMAN: “OK, I’m not sure why you insist on coming here. You are in no way ready to be practicing any sort of moves from the ropes. Even with these padded blocks, you’re risking injury.”

ANNIE: “Fire. Do you trust me?”

F: “I think I trusted you more with the revolver than whatever it is you think you might do in here.”

AH: “Fire, I got this. I’m doing this like a Quinn.”

*ANNIE climbs the ropes, gestures for FIREWOMAN to move the grappling dummy a bit further away and turns her back toward the ring once on the top turnbuckle. ANNIE takes a deep breath and leaps off, delivering a picture-perfect moonsault onto the dummy. Landing with almost zero excess impact*

F: “Oh my. That had to have been beginner’s luck. I want to see that again.”

AH: “Fire, I learned that by watching you all of those years. It’s not quite the BEST FIRESAULT EVAR!, but I like to think it’s pretty damn good.”

F: “Very well. Again. Show me that it wasn't a fluke.”

*FIREWOMAN blows her coaching whistle as ANNIE, with a boost of confidence, heads to the corner, climbs the ropes and delivers a carbon copy of the moonsault that she hit earlier”

F *to herself*: “Holy shit! … AGAIN!”

*FIREWOMAN blows her coaching whistle as ANNIE heads to the corner, climbs the ropes and doesn’t deviate in form from her two previous moonsault attempts*

F: “OK. That’s surprising, but there is still a lot to work on. I just know that we can now build around this. You are to tell nobody that you can do THAT, not even Sandra, until Hell on Earth.”

AH: “You got it, coach.”

*FIREWOMAN leads ANNIE to the nearby mats outside of the ring and blows her whistle while ANNIE starts a set of 10 burpees as the scene fades*

[DrMcAwesome]

*the scene and INVISIBLE NINJA CAMERA find MAC FLASHER on his way the SPIN HANSEN Memorial Training Center when he is blindsided by NUKE, who connects with a chair shot to the side of MAC’s head. NUKE stays on MAC with a series of stomps, punches and elbows before loading up Give ‘Em the Boot and sending MAC to Dreamland with the running boot. All while ADAM JENNINGS looks on with approval before taking a selfie video over a downed MAC that the feed cuts to*

ADAM: “Flasher! When you come to, you’ll see this video on TikTok and you’ll be taken back to a time when there were attacks and confrontations during show cycles that furthered stories in this company. Not just funny dialogues and mundane day-to-day conversations.”

*NUKE spots KAYFABE and holds her off while threatening a chair shot to her as well*

AJ: “You see, Flasher. Hell on Earth is an appropriate name for our next event because on September 23, you’ll be put out of the ring for four shows. In those four shows, you’ll see Nuke achieve the things you couldn’t. He’ll win Imperial Onslaught. He’ll cash in on whoever is champion. He’ll become the world champion you never could be … A successful one. All while you’ll be sitting at the broadcast table calling those moments. And now that Nuke no longer has that blue-haired anchor dragging him down because she’s now the problem of our esteemed general manager, he can finally show OOWF what he’s capable of in and out of the ring.”

*the feed cuts back to the INC as NUKE picks up a lifeless MAC and tosses him into a catering table, sending food, plates and plasticware flying across the room. NUKE then sits MAC up on the table and delivers another Give ‘Em the Boot as MAC slumps backwards off the table and against the wall*

NUKE: “Flasher. Don’t think of this as a warning. Consider this a preview of your night at Hell on Earth.”

*NUKE and ADAM give one last look to an unconscious MAC before leaving as the scene fades*

[Fire-Babe]

It is time for Firewoman’s session with Dr. Freedman. They are sitting in Dr. Freedman’s office. (He of course has one in the OOWF Complex.)


SF: How’s your aim?

FW: Better than it used to be. I swear, this surgery gave me a new lease on life. I feel….

SF: Better?

FW: Yeah, it’s hard to describe. I mean the fact that the automatic doors open for me is one thing, but—

SF: You know that’s just a coincidence.

FW: Is it?

SF: So are you ready to talk about the dream?

FW: *heavy sigh* I supposed I have to.

SF: What’s the last thing you remember?

FW: I was in the ring. Jericho was tapping out to his own move.

SF: A classic disrespect.

FW: Exactly. I did feel out of breath, but it was a damn hard match. I stood up and got my arm raised. I vaguely remember Moose being there, and I wanted … I NEEDED to tell him how much I appreciated him. How much I always appreciated him. Words weren’t enough.

SF: So you hugged him.

FW: Right when I did, I felt this whole “whooshy” feeling, and it was almost like a hood of darkness came up over me from behind, covering the back of my head and then descending down over the front, and then.. that was it.

SF: So then you woke up in the hospital?

FW: Yes…no…first was the vision.

SF: Dream.

FW: You call it your thing, I’ll call it my thing. I was in a house… it looked a little bit like the house we grew up in, but…not. You know how that happens in dreams. We were out in the yard.

SF: We?

FW: Yeah, me… Moose was there….and Jack was there.

SF: Both of them?

FW: Yeah… and then I was there again. And we all looked at each other. I looked at me, and Moose and Jack looked at each other. Then there was all this commotion, voices yelling, doors slamming, the sounds of people hitting each other. And then two of us shrank. We became ourselves as kids, and the adult versions of us….
I was focused more on Jack and Moose. Jack was a little kid again, and he pushed Moose in front of him. Wherever the noise was coming from, Jack would position Moose to be between himself and the commotion.

SF: And what was going on with you?

FW: And then when the commotion faded, Moose turned to look at little kid Jack. Little Kid Jack nodded and made motion, and he grew back up again, but he kind of merged with adult Moose, and they were only one person again.

SF: And you?

FW: It was harder to see. I kept standing over the little kid….she was so cute, she had pig tails and was holding a teddy bear. And she just looked up at me, pleading. So I pushed her behind me. No one was protecting her.

SF: But you did.

FW: And then I turned and looked at her again, and she hugged me. And I felt….

SF: …

FW: …

SF: …

FW: Safe.

SF: Ah…

FW: And then I woke up to Moose holding my hand. Or Jack. Whatever.

SF: What do you think it means?

FW: I’d say I was watching Moose integrate his dissociated personalities into one.

SF: Okay…and you? You didn’t… “integrate.”

FW: No, but—

SF: It’s okay, I’ve never had the sense that you and Lisa were two different personalities. I’m not sure what yet, but it’s very interesting that you felt safe after you protected your younger self.

FW: I don’t know that I ever felt that.

SF: I think you came close once. I was going through the last videos before the hiatus, and hit on this:

FW: Oh yeah… Apparently Moose and I were feuding.

SF: It was a day with a Y in it.

FW: I am so glad we’re in a much better place now. 

Dr. Freedman hits “play.”

FW: Where am I gonna go? Lucky, in less than a week ... You want me to do an autopsy interview when in less than a week I'm going to be HOMELESS!!

L: What? What are you talking about....

FW: Well, they're not going to let me stay here...

L: You have TWO houses....

FW: Those are BUILDINGS, Lucky...that's not a home. A home is where there are people who care about you and you care about them, and for the last twelve years ....

Fire's voice catches with emotion.

FW: For the last twelve years ... hell, even before that... I've known where I was going, and who was going to be there, and that at least most of the time someone would be there for me not because they're getting paid to do it by the state....That's all.....gone.....

L: *gently* Heeeey......okay, just.....maybe ... I should get Moose, huh? You guys will have all sorts of time to--

FW:*scoffs* Moose? Seriously? I only did EVERYTHING he wanted...I divorced my husband, I married his friend, I joined his stupid stable...again....made a tag team with him.....and now he doesn't even talk to me....what on earth makes you think that's going to change NOW?

L: I.....gee, Fire I don't know....

Lucky searches for words to try to help, but is coming up blank. Fire stops maniacally pacing and sits down.

FW: It's....it's just over....

L: ......

FW: It seems like yesterday I was sixteen....ran away to join this circus we call professional wrestling....I blinked, and a man with the most amazing eyes I've ever seen took me by the hand and asked me to go on an adventure to the land of the rising sun....

L: .........

FW: And the roller coaster started and I thought it would never end....

Dr. Freedman hits stop and the two sit silently.

FW: I am so glad the roller coaster is back. Even as I’m embarrassed to have been so emo.

SF: You were realizing something very important, though. I think had OOWF continued at that point, it would have continued. You were very much impacted by the security you felt here, impacted enough to reveal your deepest thoughts to Lucky, after… how many years?

FW: Yeah, but that was because I had Bullet’s soul.

SF: Fire, that was an angle, not a real thing.

FW: So…. What does this mean?

SF: I think it means you’re healing. Finally.

FW: That can’t be.

SF: Why not?

FW: First of aoll, what will you do with your time?

SF: Well, you’re not there yet. And, I’m sure something else will come up.

FW: OH, yeah, about that. I got something for you….

FADE

[Jack Quinn]

<the court room fills in, Angie Delpetro and Pete Quick sit at one table, while Jack, Dakota and Hunter sit at the other. Pete and Angie look smugly confident, while Dakota and Hunter are trying to explain a sound new legal strategy to Jack. As they talk, Jack's hand slowly slides toward his boot......>

Bailiff Stank: All Rise. OOWF Wrestlers Court is now in session, the honorable Jon E. Law presiding

<Judge Law comes in and takes his seat>

JL: Alright, the case tonight is, The People vs. Jack Quinn, let's get right to it, Miss Delpetro, your opening statement.....

AD: <getting to her feet and slowly walking in front of the jury box> Ladies and Gentlemen, throughout the annals of history, we have examples of the worst humanity has to offer. Adolph Hitler, Vlad Dracul, Pol Pot the list goes on, countless butchers of men, destroyers of the innocent, ravagers of those decent enough to follow the law in a CIVILIZED society. Their crimes so numerous and offensive, that decorum prevents me from listing them in detail here.

And then there is Jack Quinn.

For over a decade and a half, Jack Quinn.....or, as he likes to "pretend" is not his alter ego, Moosehead Jack, have savaged the OOWF. Inflicting not just physical, but mental torture. Hangings, stabbings, broken bones, barbed wire, glass.....anything this depraved monster could get his hands on became a weapon, a weapon to be used by a madman with one intent and one intent only, prey on the innocent.

This spring, Jack Quinn's bloodlust reached newer, more incomprehensibly sadistic levels! No longer content to prey on those who may have once done something to earn such a fate, Jack Quinn decided to take his sick depravations out on two of the most innocent, harmless people who have ever graced this earth.

Justin Sane and Ellie May From Elijay, two habitually peaceful people who just wanted to bring some joy and happiness into this world. Ellie May was a small business owner, while Justin was a sort of Jack of All Trades, both just doing their best to earn a living and make life just a little better for everyone around them.

And then Jack Quinn struck. Ladies and Gentlemen, the pictures of the carnage left at the scene of the crime are BEYOND the pale! I had three grown men on my team pass out just from LOOKING at the scene! Veterans of crime scenes said the violence was not only gratuitous, but also seemingly done in a state of pure revelry.

Jack Quinn stalked and attacked Justin Sane and Ellie May From Elijay. He battered them to the point where both have been sequestered away, recovering from their ghastly wounds, slowly piecing their lives back together after they were, LITERALLY, shredded by a maniac with a scalpel. Years of therapy will likely not be enough, round after round after round of plastic surgery will be required just in the vain attempts to piece these people back together into something that resembles the human form.

<turning to Jack and pointing at him>

THIS man is a menace to society. There is no punishment too severe for this man. I trust the jury will agree.

<Angie walks back to her table and sits down, Quick is BEAMING.>

Law: Defense

<Hunter stands and rubs his chin thoughtfully, then looks at the jury>

H: Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Quinn is a Woodsman, Woodsman Jack, and the Woodsmen swear an oath to do no wrong. My client has CLEARLY done no wrong. Thank you.

<Hunter sits back down, Dakota congratulates Hunter, Jack looks like he wants to murder them both, and PORK has to hold Katie back to keep her from jumping over the railing and killing them both>

Law: Well.......I do appreciate the brevity. Alright then, I guess we can get started, Miss Delpetro you may call.....

<Before Angie says anything, we see the doors open, it's from the first person perspective, so we just see everyone in the court room looking at them with their eyes wide and their jaws open. The man sneaks around the side and makes it up to Bailiff Stank>

Man: Hey Boss, can I borrow five bucks?

<Lucas absent mindedly takes five bucks from his wallet and hands it to........JUSTIN SANE!?

<crowd gasps, Law bangs the gavel>

Law: Are you Justin Sane?

JS: Yes

Law: You're not horribly disfigured!

JS: <looking at himself> I'm not!

Awesome Bill From Dawsonville: HEY JUSTIN! THEY SAID YOU'S ALL BEATIFIED BY MOOSEYHEAD JACK!

JS: Nah, Jack didn't beat me up

Law: What about Ellie May?

JS: No <HEY ELLIE! - Ellie May walks in and waves shyly>

Law: <glaring at Quick> There had BETTER be an explanation!

Delpetro: Umm......mistrial?

Law: Miss Ellie May......were you attacked by Jack Quinn?

EMFE: I was not

Law: Mr. Sane, were you attacked by Jack Quinn?

JS: I was not

ABFD: Wherefore y'all been an whatnot?

JS: They told us we had to stay in the Nowhere Bar, Grille & PCPL Repository cause the covid had come back

Law: They kept you in there?

EMFE: They said they had to bar the door so the covid couldn't get in.

Law: <looking at Delpetro and Quick who shrink in their seats> So, you were being held hostage?

JS: I mean........yes?

Law: The court finds Jack Quinn innocent on all charges, and Miss Delpetro, I think you and I need to have a word in my chambers

AD: <sullen> Yes your honor

<the judge gavels and people celebrate. The Woodsmen shake hands with everyone, even Katie and we fade>

[Zed]

Sean Franklin and Zed are doing some in-ring work in the Spin Hansen Memorial Training Center when Rev. BRICK~! dashes into the facility.

B~!: Zed, a moment of your time, please?

Zed is running the ropes and preparing to clothesline Sean.

Z: Little busy!

Sean ducks the clothesline, Zed continues running the ropes and gets caught by a dropkick from Sean.

Z: SONUVA -

B~!: It will just take a moment.

Zed scrambles back to his feet, ignoring BRICK~!, but Sean quickly transitions into a Bridging German Duplex. BRICK~! slides into the ring and gives arguably one of the quickest three counts known to man.

B~!: Alright, Sean wins, now can I please talk to you, Zed. This is very important.

Zed glares at BRICK~!, then looks at Sean who can only stand there and shrug.

SF: He says it's very important.

Z: I've learned what's "very important" to BRICK~! compared to most people. 

SF: Maybe this is different?

Zed rolls his eyes before sliding out of the ring.

Z: What?

B~!: So I've been looking at venues for the after-party next Saturday - 

Z: - After-party? After-what?

B~!: You know, for the Grand Slam celebration.

Z: No.

B~!: Zed! Could you just, for once in your life, try some positive affirmation? Speaking things into existence? You can do all things through he who strengthens you!

Z: Sure. If we win the championships, I am positive I will find a way to party that you aren't going to approve of.

B~!: My child, that's exactly why I need to organize this celebration. You shouldn't be worrying about any of that after the biggest show of the year, and especially after the biggest accomplishment of your career!

Z: I hate everything about this.

B~!: Well, let me at least show you some options. Now, obviously, since money is not an objection, there's always the possibility of renting a venue at the Biltmore - 

Z: - Over my dead body.

B~!: - But of course, you're going to say that's much too decadent for your taste. *pulling out his phone* So there's this lovely place, has a great view of downtown - 

Z: - Yes, the majestic Asheville skyline - 

B~!: - I personally love the exposed brick, but perhaps I am biased. There's also this place, a little more laid-back setting, nice open-air venue, more relaxed seating arrangements - 

Z: - Is that food for rabbits?

B~!: - Orrrrrrrrr of course, if you're looking for something more in the mountains, there's this venue here, got some nice outdoor gathering spaces, maybe we can bring in a band - 

Zed starts to turn around and get back in the ring.

B~!: Zed, why won't you take this seriously? I'm trying to prepare for one of the biggest celebrations of your life!

Zed turns back around to face BRICK~!

Z: You know what? 

Zed stops and takes a deep breath.

Z: You're right. You're trying to do that, and I appreciate it. I just ... I can't, right? I can't let those thoughts enter my head in any capacity until it's necessary. So, like, plan whatever you want to plan. I'm sure, win or lose, it will be great to celebrate the first Hell on Earth in the new OOWF.  Invite everyone on the roster, invite the office staff, invite some family and friends, that all sounds great. Hell, maybe Kylie will win too and there will be two Grand Slams to celebrate.

But please, please, please, just ... I can't talk about it. I can't. Alright?

Rev. BRICK~! looks back at Zed, a flicker of concern crossing his face.

B~!: I understand, Zed. I just want what's best for you. I always have.

Z: I know. But you have to believe me when I say, right now, planning a celebration for something that might not even happen isn't what's best for me.

B~!: Why even leave the door open for doubt, though! You're Zed! 

Z: What does that even mean?

B~!: It means you're Zed! How long are you going to let the one championship you haven't won diminish everything you've already accomplished here? A World Heavyweight Championship? Four Intercontinental Championships? Zed, do you even realize how many people have won that title four times?

Z: Mai's won it seven times.

B~!: YES, GREAT, SHE HAS. You know what Mai never won? The OOWF Onslaught Championship. You know who has, Zed? YOU. Gosh, Zed, you've won the Trios title. You won the OOWF Invitational. You've been named Wrestler of the Year.

Now, look, I know you've fought me from day one on being a part of this OOWF revival. But this is why you need to be here.

Z: For what? To complete a legacy? To check the last box on the resume?

B~!: No, Zed! Everyone here already knows your legacy. You didn't have to come back for that. Zed, you needed to come back - I needed you to come back - so you can see that. You don't need to win next Saturday. But you're going to.

Z: Would you stop fucking saying that?

B~!: No, I'm not going to stop saying that, Zed, because you're too good to lose. Even if you're the only person here that sees it. Sean sees it. Sean spent months trying to get rid of you, and like a cockroach you kept coming back. You refused to give him the satisfaction, even as you sat there and talked about how much you didn't want this, worried about whether or not you've "still got it." 

Zed looks back over his shoulder at Sean, still standing in the ring, leaned against the ropes and nodding his head.

B~!: Now look, I don't even know if he likes you yet. But he respects you, because you demanded that respect from him. He's not going to let you down next Saturday. And you're not going to let him down. You're not going to let us down, or your fans, or your family or anyone else. 

I know you're going to hate me for saying this. But I've never meant it more than right now when I say, when you two are lifting each other's arms in victory after you beat the Woodsmen next Saturday, we are Making the OOWF Zed Again.

Zed continues to stare at BRICK~!. 

Z: ... Fine. Plan a party. *through gritted teeth* A Hell on Earth Celebration Party. But I hate all of these venues you showed me. 

B~!: All of them?

Z: Just ... find some old barn or something. And for the love of God, talk to Josie about the food or something, I'm not trying to invite all these people to a party and give them TetraMin to eat or something stupid like that.

B~!: Sure.

Z: Now, can I get back to work?

B~!: Absolutely.

Z: Thank you.

Zed climbs back into the ring and shares a knowing nod with Sean before they lock up. BRICK~! leaves as we FADE.

[DrMcAwesome]

*the scene and INVISIBLE NINJA CAMERA find MAC FLASHER sitting on the bottom step to the stairwell entrance of his second-floor apartment sipping on a can of National Bohemian when ZED approaches, with a bottle of water in his hand*

ZED: “So, you still happy with your decision to bring this all back even after you took the worst backstage beating of any of us in the old guard since the relaunch?”

MAC: “I certainly didn’t expect to be the obsession of some punk rookie who thinks he’s actually punk for more than six months, if that’s what you’re asking. I was anticipating more dream matches and maybe a title reign or three by now.”

Z: “So … What made you do it? What made you say what you said on that podcast in February?”

MF: “There was a promise that I made to an 11-year-old.”

Z: “Like some Make-a-Wish kid? A kid of someone you grew up with? Someone at an autograph signing.”

*MAC pulls out his phone and sifts through the camera roll until he lands on an image of himself at Age 11, standing outside of the ring at a then-WWF house show in Johnstown, Pennsylvania*

MF: “This kid.”

Z: “Oh shit. Nice Pitt Starter jacket, I mean it. So all of this is really just fulfilling a daydream for you?”

MF: “No, man. It goes a bit deeper than that. You see, that’s me at 11, one of the rare instances where a photo caught me smiling around that time. I don’t need to bore you with the details of what made me not smile during my school years, I’ve told those stories a billion times over. But this Sunday afternoon was incredibly special to me. I skipped watching a Steelers game – a 17-10 win over Cincinnati –  for this event. It was my first live wrestling show involving the wrestlers that I saw on TV and not local wrestlers who never quite made it to the big time. The matches were totally insignificant in the grand scheme of things and the show was merely a rest stop for this loop to get another gate between a Saturday night in Baltimore and a Sunday night in Pittsburgh, but I could tell you every detail of every match from that day 10 times over. Riding home with my grandmother, I recall thinking that I wanted to one day sell out that arena. I wanted to be the guy who came from that area and made this town famous in wrestling circles. Calgary had the Harts. Dallas - or Denton, if you want to be anal – had the Von Erichs. Johnstown was going to be …”

Z: “Well, you did sell out that arena. Three times.”

MF: “Let’s not go there. Anyhow, I watched this stuff since I was 6. I had matches against pillows and couch cushions that Dave Meltzer would give 20 stars to if my living room was in Tokyo. I was booking a pen-and-paper, cards-and-dice fed in my study hall as a freshman in high school. Wrestling was always what I was going to be pointing myself toward come adulthood. Around seven years ago, I was ready to back-burner that dream and get serious about a different career path, then a certain North Carolinian sent me a message. A couple of days later, I’m on this monstrous cruise ship and the rest is history, as the kids say.”

Z: “So this is all …” *ZED busts out a VINCE McMAHON impression* “… THE BOYHOOD DREAM OF MAC FLASHER!?”

MF: “More or less, but something happened since the reboot. A person who spent more time on hiatus in OOWF than actively wrestling for the company was now one of, ‘The old guard.’ Some of the new faces have sort of blended in with the furniture, but others have given me new life. Nuke, obviously, has forced me to care a bit deeper about not chasing a championship until I can do away with him at Hell on Earth. Sandra’s been a breath of fresh air and I’m really excited to see what is planned for her as she grows in this sport. Heck, even seeing you and Rev. BRICK~! have the exact same dynamic that you two did before OOWF went dark brings me joy. Even if some of us are rivals, having the gang back together has been tremendous fun.”

Z: “Look, I’m not going to question your definition of fun, but I know mine doesn’t involve getting knocked cold and then kicked over a catering table when I was only on my way to get in some cardio work.”

MF: “Obviously, I might have scripted that moment differently if I were holding the pen.”

*KAYFABE emerges from behind a nearby shrub and mouths ‘OH, COME ON!’ directly at MAC*

MF: “Anyhow … I came back to finish my story, as I think a lot of us have. What I’m finding is that none of us are anywhere near that finish line and I don’t think any of us want to be. That’s, as Firewoman would say, sparkling with me.”

Z: “Well, the Reverend basically demanded that I invite you to my grand-slam celebration party after Hell on Earth. You don’t have to RSVP now, but BRICK~! does need to know if you want Pop-Tarts or a snack-size bag of Doritos as your main course before this coming Saturday.”

MF: “Sparing no expense, I see.”

Z: “He’s using Sean’s mom’s Costco membership to buy this all in bulk.”

MF: “Hell, put me down for Pop-Tarts, though it stuns me that you’re allowing yourself to think ahead like this.”

Z: “Well, a young Zed had dreams about this sport, too.”

*ZED and MAC keep the conversation going as the scene fades*

[L!zz~]

(BRICK~ is seen arriving at the ZeBevBriKy compound and approaching reception. Sitting behind the desk is "Mac" )

BRICK~ stops at reception and signs in. "Mac" facing him, BRICK~ tells him "I received an email marked urgent from Miss Josephine she is expecting me "

"Mac's" slid in his chair which resulted in a lean towards the door.

"Oh,I can go straight in? Thank you Flasher... you're usually more chatty than this .. oh well..." the walking stone moved towards the door where a moment later a buzz released the lock and he let himself into the compound. "Sit up straight Flasher. You want to min your best for any one who arrives. Best face forward!" BRICK~ let the door close behind him as Opus greeted him inside..

Fade

[Zed]

GM the Firewoman is in her office as the conference speaker chimes and we hear Shizuru-Mune Mangyuniku-Cox's voice.

SM: You have a delivery?

GMtF: Was that a question?

SM: No, it's a statement, I'm just confused.

GMtF: What is it.

SM: It appears to be ... a plate of cookies?

GM the Firewoman's eyes light up.

GMtF: ARE THEY OATMEAL WITH CRANBERRIES AND WHITE CHOCOLATE CHIPS?

SM: ......... Maybe? There are definitely white chocolate chips. I guess those are cranberries?

GMtF: BRING THEM HERE.

We see the door open and Shizuru-Mune Mangyuniku-Cox presents the cookies, as well as a handwritten note.

SM: It would appear these are from ... Zed's Mom?

GMtF: Of couuuuuuurse! I should have known! Is she here?!?!

SM: No, but I have gathered she will be here in the next day or two, with Hell on Earth upcoming and everything.

GMtF: Oh, that's exciting! Please keep me posted!

SM: I will do that.

Shizuru-Mune, clearly still trying to process Fire's sudden joy over cookies, leaves the office as she takes a cookie from the plate and we FADE.

[Zed]

The OOWF.TV feed picks up at the compound, as Zed walks in the door and Zed's Mom follows him in.

Z: So yeah, this is the place. Certainly larger than anywhere I've stayed before, but there are also a metric shit-ton of people who live here, so it makes sense.

ZM: I love what they've done to the place!

Z: They? You don't think I helped with the interior design.

ZM: I know you didn't, or there wouldn't be interior design. 

Z: Harsh, but fair.

Before a deeper conversation regarding Zed's design philosophies can take shape, Kylie Mignolio appears.

KM: Oh my gosh, it's so good to see you!

Kylie and Zed's Mom hug.

ZM: Well, it's the big show, I couldn't miss it! It feels good to finally get back and see everyone!

KM: Do you have any bags you need help bringing in? I'm sure between Zed and Josie we can get you situated.

ZM: Oh, I've got a room at a hotel downtown.

KM: Seriously? *looks at Zed* You weren't even going to let your mom stay here?

Z: Easy, easy. I offered to ask about her staying here, but she insisted that she, and I quote, 'Didn't want to impose.'

KM: It would be more of an imposition if you weren't here. Now, c'mon, let's get your stuff in here and get that room cancelled. *turns towards the hallway* Josie! Can you come here, please?

J: *off screen* Coming!

Josie runs into the room and sees Zed's Mom, running into her arms for a hug of her own.

ZM: Oh my goodness, you've grown up so much!

Z: Alright, Josie, let's help my mom get her bags inside.

J: She's staying here?

Z: She is.

J: YAY!

Josie runs out the door, Zed smiles and shakes his head before winking at Kylie and mouthing 'Thank you' to her. She nods and smiles as Zed also walks outside. FADE.

[Zed]

At the compound, most of the residents are gathered between the living room and dining room, but having two or three separate conversations. Zed's Mom is sitting on the end of a couch, with Josie silently reading to herself on her right. To her left, 'Mac' sits in a chair.

ZM: That's a great question, Mac. My family moved around a lot growing up. I don't know if I have a particular attachment to any of those places ... but I do miss living out in the Midwest sometimes.

Zed's Mom 'listens' while looking around at some of the other conversations taking place.

ZM: But what is home, really? Is it an address? Or is it a place that makes you feel different from anywhere else?

Zed's Mom is paying particular attention to Zed. He is standing in a circle with Beverly, Kylie, and Spencer, but isn't saying much and appears very uncomfortable.

ZM: No, I understand. Especially in your line of work.

No longer glancing around the room, Zed's Mom turns her undivided attention to 'Mac.'

ZM: I guess I just think about it being a specific location so much. To me, 'home' is where you can be yourself. 

Zed's Mom nods attentively. 'Mac' starts to slide out of the chair.

ZM: Oh, if you need to get some rest, I completely understand. I'm sure it's been a long day, and you've been very busy. I might turn in soon myself. 

With that, Zed's Mom stands up and walks by Zed, kissing him on the cheek. She wishes everyone a good night before she heads to her guest room as we FADE.

[L!zz~]

(Josie, who had overheard Mama Zed's conversation with "Mac", marked the page in her book and closed it. She stood up, also announcing she was going to her room. She gave her Titi's and Tio hugs goodnight and went off to her room. Zed watched her, sensing something was off. Kylie seemed to as well, as she excused herself to follow her)

Kylie caught up to Josie. "Hey you ok sweetie?"

Josie nodded, "I'm ok Titi. I just wanted to see if I could talk to Lala for a minute before she goes to sleep.."

"What about?" Kylie asked gently.

"Just want to see if she's free for my meeting with BRICK tomorrow. "Mac" will be there as well " Josie replied just a bit too quickly.

Kylie eyed her niece. "OK. I'll come check on you in a bit. " She hugged her niece again.

Josie hugged her tight than darted off till she reached Mama Zed room. She looked around to the air "Uh..Mr.INC, sir. I'd like some privacy please. "

As she raised her hand to knock the scene went black.

[Zed]

The next morning, Zed's Mom is in her guest room. After knocking, Zed pops in, already in his workout gear and about to head to the Spin Hansen Memorial Training Center.

Z: Hey mom, I'm getting Sean to pick me up to go to the Training Center, so if you need my car to go anywhere today, it's all yours.

ZM: Oh, go ahead and take it, I think I'll be busy today. *smirking* I have meetings with Josie.

Zed chuckles.

Z: She has turned into quite an entrepreneur. I'm sure those will be very productive.

ZM: I'm looking forward to it.

Z: Well, good.

ZM: Hey ... is everything okay?

The smile leaves Zed's face and he shakes his head.

Z: Iiiiiiii hateyou.

ZM: No, you don't.

Z: I don't. But you know me too well.

ZM: So what's the matter?

Zed looks at his watch, then shuts the door behind him and sits on the edge of the bed.

Z: Mostly, that I'm an idiot.

ZM: Well, you're not, but go ahead.

Z: No, I'm a pretty big idiot and I'm pretty sure Beverly hates me and might even want to kill me. And she definitely could and no one would ever find the body, so, like, you know, just keep that in mind.

ZM: Does she have reason to hate you?

Z: Maybe.

ZM: Have you apologized for it?

Z: ... No.

ZM: .... Have you even talked to her about it to see if she actually hates you and you're not just, uh ... what is it your therapist calls it?

Z: *sighs* .... fortune-telling. And no.

Zed's Mom glares at Zed.

Z: You're right. I should talk to her. And apologize.

ZM: I didn't say anything ...

Z: You were strongly implying it.

ZM: That's Eco's line.

Z: .............. You know what? I think I actually felt a little hatred there.

ZM: No, you didn't.

Z: I dunno, that was a new one. You might be in trouble at the next game night for that.

ZM: Not if it's Phase 10.

Z: Mom, these people aren't old enough to know about Phase 10, calm yourself.

ZM: It doesn't mean we can't teach them!

Z: Look, I know it's a great game but it takes FOREVER to play, especially with this many people. 

Zed looks again at his watch.

Z: We can have a more spirited debate on this later, but I gotta run.

ZM: Of course. Love you, have fun today.

Z: I'll try.

Zed leaves the room as we FADE.

[L!zz~]

(Kylie had left the compound after Ashley had assured she would be there all day and Kylie should take a few hours to run errands. Kylie was now pulling into a parking spot, before exiting the car she took a deep breath.)

A few minutes pass and we see Kylie walking into a familiar place for OOWF fans, but one we haven't seen Kylie at.

She let's herself into the dojo and looks around, spotting Jack, who is clearly surprised to see her, she heads over to him)

Jack waits till she is closer than greets her. "This is a surprise...." Kylie smiled a bit and nodded. "It is. I'm sorry to come unannounced. ." Jack waved off her apology. "Nonsense. Everything ok?"

Kylie paused. "I don't know to be honest. Is it possible to speak privately?" She asked as PORK and Katie tried not to look like they were watching

Jack nodded. "Go into my office. Let them talk to them for a moment and I'll be right in." Kylie thanked him, giving PORK and Katie a wave she headed into the office as Jack went over to his students.

Fade

[Zed]

Zed and Sean are getting ready for their workout in a locker room at the Spin Hansen Memorial Training Center.

Z: Where's BRICK~!

SF: Oh, he had a meeting with Josie.

Z: Does everyone have meetings with Josie now? Is she organizing a crime syndicate or something?

SF: You would know better than me.

Z: Well, there have been rumblings about my mother's potential connections in the past.

SF: I'm not going to ask.

Z: It's better that way. Trust me.

SF: That's Jack's line.

Z: I'm apparently stealing everyone's gimmick today.

SF: Well, you know what they say, work smarter, not harder.

Z: Oh, cool, I hate you, too.

SF: Well, that feels like a good a time as any to ask a question, since BRICK~! isn't here.

Z: Oh, that's not foreboding at all.

SF: Look ... I appreciate your commitment to your standards and your "code" in the ring. It's admirable, really. But there's so much on the line next week - 

Z: Did BRICK~! put you up to this?

SF: Absolutely not. I want this for you, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen.

Z: I know you'll do whatever it takes, we established that when you tried to end my career. But if you want this for me, it's got to be my way. I'm sorry.

SF: So you'd rather go the rest of your life without this title than bend the rules this one time?

Z: We can win it without "bending the rules."

SF: It's a hypothetical question, Zed.

Z: ... Then yes. I'd rather be a loser forever than win like that. 

Sean takes in Zed's response.

SF: I'm not going to lie. That takes balls.

Z: Maybe. *smiles* Maybe I'm just an idiot.

SF: Oh, you're definitely an idiot. But I respect it.

Z: Great. Now let's get to work.

Zed gives Sean a "play punch" in the arm as he gets up to walk away, Sean follows as we FADE.

[DrMcAwesome]

*the scene and INVISIBLE NINJA CAMERA find ANNIE HORVATH and LUCKY sitting at the conference room table adjacent to the OOWF Senior Executive Office. LUCKY takes a folder from his briefcase and slides it and a pen across the table to ANNIE*

ANNIE: “What’s all this?”

LUCKY: “Procedural items mostly. It came to our attention that you were not fully under contract when making appearances with Nuke, so this gets everything on the up and up and allows you to enroll into our benefits packages.”

AH: “Oh, cool. What’s this yellow sheet?”

L: “That’s information for production, and our web, media and broadcast teams. Just things like your entrance theme, what you call your finisher and special maneuvers.”

*ANNIE clicks the pen and begins filling out the information sheet, sliding it to LUCKY upon finishing*

L: “Looks like you filled out everything correctly, but before I go and secure the rights for your theme, why did you choose that song.”

AH: “Well, Mr. Lucky. I picked ‘Anchors Aweigh’ by The Bouncing Souls because Nuke and Mr. Jennings always referred to me as an anchor, and then The One-Notes called me that at the deli when I was just trying to eat. My mom, who raised six of us by herself in a two-bedroom apartment, was raised as a Navy brat and would always say ‘anchors aweigh’ when we’d start a trip. She picked that up from my grandpa. So now that I’m starting my journey on my own, the anchor is pulling up.”

L: “I see. And your finisher is ‘Anchor Down?’”

AH: “Yes, Mr. Lucky. You see … Not only am I coming down with my own body weight, which I admit isn’t much, but when I’m landing on an opponent, I’m bringing all of the emotional weight I’ve had to carry during my lifetime. Again, some people in my life keep calling me anchor as a negative, I want to use it as a positive.”

L: “OK, well, I guess as long as you don’t start dressing as a sailor in the ring, this will be …”

AH: “Oh no! Just my regular outfits. T-shirt, jeans with band patches and Doc Marten boots.”

L: “OK, I’ll make sure that the right people see this information sheet and then I’ll check in on you in a day or two about your benefits enrollment.”

AH: “Sounds like a plan, Mr. Lucky. I need to get going, though, Coach Firewoman wants me in the yoga room in about five minutes.”

*ANNIE hands LUCKY’s pen back to him and leaves the conference room as the scene fades*