Monday May 20, 2013
Complete Darkness (Cause she’s blindfolded, remember?)
Indinapolis, Indiana (Oh dear God, she hopes)
6:34 PM Local Time
“Alright... on three Wendy. Okay? One... two.... THREE!”
The blindfold came off.
Her face fell.
And she looked at Terrence.
“Really?”
“Isn’t it beautiful?” Terrence said, grinning as wide as his bandadged, broken nose would allow him to, as if he were standing in a national park and not an abandoned race track. “North Marion Speedway, where I started my career!”
Now that he mentioned it, the place did look familiar- Wendy had gone to North Marion enough times to where she should have recognized it. But the track had closed back in 2008, she recalled, and it certainly looked the part. The entire facility was overgrown with weeds, including the track itself, which had the indiduous plants shooting through the numerous cracks in its surface. The grandstands themselves were stripped of all paint and dilapidated, and several windows in the announcers booth had been shattered. And thanks to the recent rain, the entire field was a pit of mud. She couldn’t even begin to fathom why her husband would drag her to such a dreary place.
“Thats... nice, Terrence” Wendy said, trying to subdue the throbbing thought that she was missing valuable training time for this. “Why are we here?” she continued, hoping to god that this wasn’t her husband’s idea of a spot for a nice family picnic. Even with the weather having cleared up from the afternoon’s thunderstorms, the speedway was a fairly depressing place. She hoped any of them didn’t get ticks... or tetanus... or the plague.
“I thought you might want to see it.” Terrence said, matter-of-factly. “I was thinking we should increase the banking... maybe widen the turns a bit. Heck, we might even get this thing open by 2014!”
Her husband was obviously getting ahead of himself, but Wendy realized what he was talking about almost instantly, and she whirled around, disbelief all over her face. “You cannot honestly be thinking about buying this dump.”
Terrence laughed. “Oh, don’t be silly, Wendy. I already BOUGHT it!”
For the first time all evening, Wendy was suddenly glad she had driven her elbow into her husband’s nose earlier, and was seriously contemplating doing it again. She tried to smile her sweetest fake smile, but could only manage a grimace, and stammer. “Wh...wh... WHY?!”
Terrence shrugged. “Well, I was thinking the other day. I’m getting older. You’re getting older. (For the second time, Wendy fought down the urge to slug him) We can’t do what we’re doing forever, you know. So I saw that this lot was up for sale, and, well, why not? There’s a serious lack of good stock car tracks in Indianapolis right now, most guys have to run up to Anderson. So why not bring back the NMS? It’d be fun!”
Wendy rubbed the bridge of her nose, unable to believe what she was hearing. “Terry, do you even know what it TAKES to operate a stock car track? Much less RESTORE one?”
Terrence shrugged. “Can’t be that hard. I’ve already talked to the local drivers, and they said they’d love to come back here if we fix it up. And how hard could THAT be? I figure, y’know, fix up the grandstands and repaint them. Clear out the weeds, repave the track...”
“Bury my husband...” Wendy muttered under her breath, glancing sidelong at her daughter. To her credit, Theresa had an expression on his face that clearly showed she too thought this was a bad idea. Great... so her seven year old daughter had more common sense. “How much did it cost?”
“Oh, about a hundred thousand. More or less.”
Terrence’s cavalier attitude about dropping a hundred grand on a dilapidated unusual racing stadium grated on Wendy’s nerves. She was still kicking herself for signing with that stupid Beautiful Health Club, and her husband had just spent TWENTY TIMES that money for something even MORE useless. And he didn’t even bat an eye!
“So this is my birthday present?” Wendy said, trying to keep her voice level. She didn’t want to sound ungracious, but even she had her limits as to how much she was willing to put up with. This was even dumber than the time he had given her a (homemade) coupon for one free oil change lesson.
“Oh, God no.” Terrence said, bursting out laughing. “This baby’s for me. And of course the wonderful stock car racing fans of central Indiana.”
Wendy snorted, a small smile forming on her face. “Oh, good. Because I thought you said you were surprising me with an early birthday present.”
“Oh yeah.” Terrence said, pointing across the track. “There it is.”
Wendy followed his gaze, and her smile promptly disappeared. “A... shed. How thoughtful of you, Terrence.”
“Yeah, it came with the property,” Terrence said. “Come on, let’s go check it out.”
Terrence turned around, and walked back to the car, humming a jaunty tune, while Wendy sulked behind him, nearly tripping on her daughter as she did. She got into the car, and slammed the door as Terrence started the Charger’s engine. She bit her lip to keep from screaming, at her husband and everything else. How much time was she wasting with this? When she could be training, or watching match tape, or at least trying to find a stupid ring she could train in for her big match in five days?
Instead, she was at an abandoned racetrack her husband had clearly bought without thinking things through, and on her way to look at her very own abandoned storage shed!
Yippie ki frickin yay.
It was only a couple minutes drive at least, around the gravel service road that surrounded the track (and was in surprisingly good condition too, all things considered). And to her surprise, the shed was actually bigger than she had thought- not quite a full-size warehouse, but definitely not the tiny building she had assumed it was. There were two huge doors, assumedly for a truck to enter, but it was a smaller side door that Terrence opened, inviting her in.
She had expected a cobweb infested nightmare, but the building was actually quite clean, if not a little dusty. A row of large halogen lamps hung from the peak of the roof, and Wendy almost had to shield her eyes at how bright it became inside. Still, despite it not being the spectacular health-hazard dump she had expected... it was just a storage shed, and she sighed.
And then it hit her.
“I could train here...” she whispered, looking around. There was more than enough room for plenty of workout equipment, even a ring. It was almost exciting to think about... even though she almost shuddered at the thought of how much work that could take to make this a proper training facility.
“Well, that’s what I was thinking,” Terrence said, grinning that his wife had caught on. “I mean, it wouldn’t exactly be Adonis & Appletini, or whatever, but you could probably at least make it as nice as that Speed City dump.
And no more having to rely on Crossroads wrestling, and at the mercy of a stupid sumo ladder match. In fact...
Wendy was suddenly so excited she could barely keep her hands steady as she reached into her pocket, nearly fumbling her phone as she grabbed for it. She dialed her manager, and paced back and forth as she listened to the ring on the other side.
Pollaskis tone when he answered was one of exasperation. "I'm still looking, dammit! And the goddman CIRCUS cancelled for Wednesday, and I’m trying to find a replacement!”
“Yeah, well... wait. A CIRCUS?” Wendy was flabbergasted.
“Yeah, for the musical. Just trust me... it’ll be awesome.”
“I... what... no. We don’t need a circus, Pollaski.” Wendy sighed. This conversation hadn’t exactly taken the direction she was hoping. Then again, they rarely did,where Pollaski was concerned.
“But I was gonna pay Jodie’s actress to lie down so that an elephant could take a big-”
"NEVER MIND THAT!," Wendy nearly screamed. She took a deep breath, calming herself. "Dan, what if I were to *buy* a ring? How much would that cost?"
"I dunno." Pollaski was clearly caught off guard. "Maybe four... five thousand for a nice one. Why?"
"Because I want you to get one." Wendys said, in an obvious tone. "I dont care if its new or used or state of the art. But I want it sturdy, and I want it SAFE. And Pollaski?"
"Yeah?"
"I want it delivered TOMORROW. I want to be running the ropes in here by tomorrow evening."
Pollaski sounded as if he didnt know whether to laugh or cry. "Delivered WHERE? You don't even have a space to stick a goddamn wrestling ring!"
"I do now!" Wendy responded fervently. "I’ll text you the address."
She heard a thud on the other end of the line, which she guessed wads her manager's skull colliding with his desk. His voice was as weary as Wendy had ever heard it. "I'll see what I can do."
"I believe it's 'Do or do not, there is no try,' Daniel"
"Don't go Master Yoda on me," Pollaski snapped. "All Yoda wanted was to get a goddamn spaceship out of the mud with the Force. I have to get an ENTIRE goddamn ring to Indianapolis in less than twenty-four hours."
"Using your cell phone, the power of persuasion, and my credit card," Wendy smiled. "This will be WAY more productive than a stupid circus. I have faith in you."
"Of course you do" Pollaski sighed. "Oh, and if you see Terrence, would you telk him to GET HIS FUCKING ASS OVER HERE AND FIX MY-"
Wendy pressed the 'end call' button, sliding her phone back in her pocket. She noticed both Terrence and Theresa staring at her.
"So, is he gonna do it?" Her husband asked. When Wendy nodded he continued. "He all bent out of shape that I havent fixed his car yet?"
Wendy raised her eyebrows, slightly surprised. "I figured you’d forgotten."
Terrence snorted. "I was busy finalizing the deal here. He can wait. You come first."
Even though she knew that was a partial lie- Terrence had cared far more about buying his race track than he had about this warehouse, Wendy still smiled graciously. "Thats sweet of you, Terry," she said.
"Yeah, well, happy birthday, Wendy," Terrence said, putting his arms around her. Wendy smiled as she felt her daughter hug her waist was well.
"Yeah, happy birthday, Mom."
"Thank you both"
They pulled apart, and stood next to each other, arms around each others shoulders, looking at the empty building,
"Well, I guess we're both going to have a lot of work to do." Wendy said.
"Yup. A track to refurbish, and a gym to build. And once youre done, you wont have to deal with Muffy ever again."
"Thatd be the best present anyone could EVER give me," Wendy grinned.
"And when you're done here, you could even open up your own gym! Or, even better, a wrestling school!"
The glare that she turned on him was one that could have melted through the shed's metal walls, and Terrence quickly backpedaled, waving his arms as if to ward her off.
"Sheesh. I was KIDDING!"
===============
Saturday May 25, 2013
Barclay’s Center- Exterior
New York City, New York
4:17 PM Local Time
Less than a year in operation, the Barclay’s Center is a shining beacon of modernism nestled in with the much older brick buildings of Brooklyn, New York. We’re just outside the arena, in the Oculus, a rather unique structure on the side of the arena with LED screens. Wendy is sitting underneath the Oculus, on a bench that has been positioned so that she is in the shade. She’s dressed casually, in a buttoned blouse and jeans, not quite ready to slip into her ring gear yet.
“Finally here at the Barclays Center. I have to say... it’s been a heck of a week to get here. Heck it’s been a heck of a two months. I came back at Chaos Theory. Got back in the ring right here in this beautiful city, in Central Park no less. Then I got to main event in my own hometown and beat a former FFW Champion. And then, just this Monday, I found out that the ring I normally was out, and was in a bit of a bind until...”
Wendy smiles, and shakes her head, chuckling.
“Well, I’ll say this. You can say what you will about my manager, and I know he’s certainly gotten on the bad side of more than a few of my colleagues. But when you’re in a pinch, not too many people can come through like he does. I had a ring by Tuesday, and I’ve been working hard all the way up to when I caught my flight to La Guardia. It’s been a bumpy ride this week, doing that musical and all, but I’m here, and I’m ready. “
“Am I nervous? Yeah, a little. Not so much as I was before Byte This or Breaking Point, though. I think once you get back in the swing of things, nab a couple wins under your belt, it gets a bit easier. Of course, that doesn’t change the fact that TONIGHT, the pressure is entirely on me. I was the one who called out the Power Trip. I was the one who demanded a match. I was the one who said ‘pick anybody and send them down, and I’ll beat them’. And, like the billing for this match says... it’s time for me to put up or shut up.”
Wendy bites her lip, grimacing.
“I normally don’t like guaranteeing victories. There’s just too much that can go wrong in this sport for you to do that, and one misstep, and you end up with egg on your face. But you know what? Sometimes you have to cut the safety net. Sometimes you have to put your reputation and credibility on the line to make a point. And this is one of those times I have to do it. Because after watching what those people did to this company in the past few months, I have to fight and beat one of them.”
“And I’ll be honest... I was a bit disappointed when first Isabella told me that I was facing Jodie. It’s got nothing to do with her talent, or where she is on the card, or anything regarding ability. She’s shown time and again she’s a good wrestler. There’s no question about that. It’s just... maybe it’s just me... but it’s kind of easy to forget that Jodie IS a member of the Power Trip sometimes.”
A small shrug.
“Unless there’s something to be directly gained from it, like, y’know, being in a pay-per-view main event, you don’t see Jodie flying the flag too much. She’d clearly rather spend her time with her wrestling school buddies than she does with the rest of the Power Trip, to the point that you get members of the Power Trip questioning her loyalties publicly on Twitter. Lord knows what they’re thinking behind closed doors. Heck, maybe that’s why Isabella ‘fed’ her to me... either as some kind of test, or cannon fodder. Although we’ll get to all that in a second.”
“The more I think about it though... the more I realize it doesn’t matter. Wherever her loyalties ultimately lie, Jodie’s officially Power Trip. The billing says she’s Power Trip. The fans think she’s Power Trip. So if I want to fight someone from the Power Trip, and she’s the one available, then let’s get it on. Wherever her loyalties play out afterwards is no concern of mine.”
Wendy looks up at the Oculus screen above, her, and lets out a small sigh.
“So here we are, Wendy versus Jodie. THe 2011 Breakout star of the Year against the 2012. Once I found out this match was going to happen, my family and friends have actually been betting each other on which gaming reference Jodie was going to throw out. Apparently, there aren’t that many ‘Wendys’ in video games, and Theresa was thinking Wendy O’Koopa from the Mario series, while Terrence got his money on Wendy Ryan from Psychic Force, while Pollaski bet that whatever it is, it’ll be from either Batman or Pokemon, because that’s all Jodie ever references.”
Wendy snorts in amusement.
“Looks like Pollaski won there. But ultimately... heh, I’d rather be compared to some ugly psychotic shrill female turtle than what I ultimately ended up seeing from these ‘v-logs’, or whatever they’re called.”
Wendy shakes her head and rubs the bridge of her nose, almost chuckling in her bemusment.
“I mean... I don’t even know where to BEGIN here.”
“When I saw ‘Road to Relentless’, my musical mind immediately thought that we might see something along the lines of the old, great, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope travel buddy musicals. Or at least scenes of her preparing herself, both physically and mentally for our match. Instead, we get her at various locations around New York, WHINING about how horrible she gets treated.”
“I guess I can start by saying this ALL looks a little bit TOO much familiar here. I could have SWORN not too long ago I had another match against another member of one of Samantha Star’s little power cliques. Come to think of it, she ALSO was a Future Shock graduate who came into FFW as a somewhat likeable fan favorite, but within months had completely changed her tune, joined up with Samantha, and became a snotty little brat. And then and then both of them get a match with me, and call me out for being a big fat phony who only PRETENDS to be nice.”
Wendy rolls her eyes, clearly annoyed.
“Yes, ladies and gentlemen. Jodie Gray IS the Power Trip’s spiritual successor of Jo McFarlane from the A-List. Heck, they even both dug up a tag match that happened years ago in another company that MAYBE 5% of FFW fans ever saw in some desperate attempt to claim I cheat. So here’s an idea, since Jodie is suddenly so interested in history- she should go as Jo how that all ended up working out.”
“Of course, I have the added bonus here of being the one BLAMED for Jodie’s sudden turn to the dark side. All because I apparently didn’t hold her hand and save her from all the evil critics in the world... but we’re going to get to that later.”
“Because before we get ANY further, let me just point out that JUST like it was with Jo, all this is a bunch of bunk. The only difference is that I actually believe Jo really, truly believed what she was saying at the time, while with Jodie...”
Wendy can’t help but laugh, and shake her head at the incredulity of it all.
“At the risk of being graphic here, Jodie Gray is more full of dung than a compost heap in August. The woman is either a habitual liar, or has absolutely zero grasp on reality.”
“She likes video game references, so let me throw one out here. I know this, because Terrence and Pollaski play Dynasty Warriors AD NAUSEUM, and I’m honestly dreading July when the next one comes out. Anyways... there’s this character in the game.. Zhuge Liang. Every time you beat him, he spouts off a line about how this was ALL a part of his plan, and retreats. The boys even joke about it while they’re playing. I’ll admit, it’s kind of funny to think about.”
“But with Jodie... its not really that funny. It’s more sad and pathetic, but we’re seeing it. She wants to pretend that EVERYTHING is going according to her plan, when the truth is... I don’t think she even HAS a plan. The woman seems to change her tune so much she’s like a human MP3 player. And we just saw it so blatantly with Kinsey. Jodie spent weeks spreading LIES about her, to the point that Kinsey... think about that... KINSEY ROBINSON, who seems like one of the sweetest girls in the company, wanted to rip her head off. And honestly, she nearly did just that. And after the dust settled?”
“Jodie claimed that she was just trying to motivate Kinsey. Even though Kinsey clearly didn’t need much motivation. Because she was the Queen of Games, and that’s what she did. You know, it’s one thing to lie, but when you insult everyone’s intelligence by expecting us to swallow such unmitigated BULL, well... there’s something seriously wrong with you.”
Wendy takes a deep breath, and exhales, coupling it with another eyeroll.
“So no, I don’t believe for a second this whole ‘broken idol’ story that Jodie has concocted. Just like she did with Kinsey, she’s simply making up stuff as she goes along to make her look better. But what she fails to realize, everything she says is so farfetched. For instance, if I was her idol... how come she never ONCE did anything to initiate a relationship with me? I don’t think I’m unapproachable, and yet, before I was set against her for Conviction we’ve barely ever talked. And if she wanted my, ahem, ‘help’, why wouldn’t she, y’know... ASK for it?”
“Because, like I said, she’s lying. She’s basically throwing deus ex machina’s into her own version of continuity, simply for the sake of looking better. I also don’t believe for a second that she’s spent the last month being told by the entire human race that I’m going to steamroll her, either. I’ve actually NEVER seen a wrestler to go so far out of her way to play the victim. It’s almost amusing, if it weren’t so pathetic.”
“I don’t even believe Jodie actually asked for this match. If Jodie wanted to, what was it... ‘rip the mask off me’... she had that chance at Chaos Theory. She could have nipped the ‘Wendy problem’ in the bud right then and there, and she didn’t. Obviously, I can’t prove this... I’m not exactly on speaking terms with Isabella, and I doubt she’s going to publicly gainsay a member of the Power Trip. But again, everything Jodie let’s out seems just a bit TOO convenient, especially considering the “IM BEING FED TO WENDY” meltdown we all got earlier. Now suddenly, it’s her idea, because Jodie found out the hard way what trying to play the pathetic victim gets you in terms of respect around here. She’s played so fast and loose with the truth every time she talks, you just have to assume she’s doing it now. You keep crying wolf over and over, the villagers stop listening to your wails, right?”
A slight nod.
“It’s easy to see WHY she keeps doing it too. She’s created this whole ‘Queen of Games’ persona, trying to present herself as a chessmaster who manipulates people, either for advantage or amusement. Of course, the whole thing unravelled MONTHS ago. Jodie’s proven time and again that she’s a pawn in this game, not the player she so wants to desperately say she is. She was a tagalong at Chaos Theory, and she REFUSED to take any sense of leadership at any point in the match that night. She was just... there. What kind of Chessmaster allows themselves to become such a non-entity, especially when its her biggest opportunity ever to stand out?”
“She’s a pawn here, too. I made a move, made an open challenge to the Power Trip. And Isabella picked her right up, and put her into my way. Of COURSE Jodie doesn’t want us to believe that. That this was all her idea. It wasn’t. It’s all just an attempt to make her look like she’s got some semblance of control here, when she doesn’t.”
Wendy pauses, and shakes her head, laughing.
“Of course, I suppose now Jodie’s just going to say that she intended ALL ALONG that no one would believe her, because she’s a psychological master like that.”
“So since Jodie’s lied so much that you don’t know what’s going on... what is the truth, exactly?”
“Well, for starters. While I don’t believe for a second that Jodie has spent the last month listening to everyone tell her it... she IS being fed to me.”
Wendy slightly raises her eyebrows, as if to say ‘you’re really surprised’
“At least in Isabella’s mind. I was almost taken aback at how... dismissive Isabella was about the entire situation when I ran into her at Breaking Point. I helped put her entire faction on the run at Chaos Theory, you know she’s not about to let something like this stand. I’ve been in the Power Trip’s crosshairs for the better part of a year now. And all I get is a shrug and a ‘Oh, by the way, you’re facing Jodie’?”
“Then I realized it for what it truly was. Isabella Pazzini is not a stupid woman, and what she did... it’s actually brilliant, because, at least where I’m concerned, she put herself in a no-lose situation. Wendy wants to fight a member of the Power Trip? Alright, give her Jodie. Wendy still gets to fight a Power Trip member, so she’s happy, and doesn’t bother the rest of them for a while. And when she beats Jodie, it’s not like the rest of the group will lose much face, because Jodie’s almost universally considered the weakest member by the fans, and not exactly considered to be part of the inner circle. And if, by some miracle, Jodie DOES win, then Wendy’s publicly humiliated and out of their hair for a good while.”
“I hope Jodie’s taking notes here, because THAT is how a true Chessmaster works. I’ll give the devil her due, Isabella’s one of the most adept there is at moving pieces on the board, perhaps second in this company only to Samantha Star herself. Unlike Jodie, she is actually capable of fooling people beyond a simple craven cheating tactic mid match.”
“But unfortunately for Jodie... just because I’m savvy enough to understand the TRUE games that are being played around here, it doesn’t mean I take them at face value. She might be the sacrificial lamb in Isabella’s eyes, but I know she’s one dangerous little lamb, with teeth, claws... and a ‘Hand of God’. So even if she IS being fed to me by her Power Trip sisters... I’m still going to have to sing for my supper, so to speak. There are no gimme matches in FFW. This one is no exception. So she should stop insulting my intelligence by acting like I’m going to assume it is one.”
“Then again... insulting people’s intelligence seems to be her modus operandi around here. I’m not all that into video games and comic books, but I’m pretty sure there’s more to the mediums than Pokemon and Batman, but oddly... like Pollaski mentioned to me, those tend to be the only two things Jodie... who’s supposedly this great ‘nerd queen’... ever references. It’d probably explain why most of our... pardon me... ‘nerd fans’ seem to reject her and are far more into supporting Jennifer Williams or Eileen Amaro, both of whom can throw out reference from pretty much anywhere and seem far more... legitimate.”
Wendy finishes, looking almost guilty, although there is a sheepish smile on her face.
“Sorry, I suppose that’s nitpicking a bit there. But it just always made me wonder why Jodie seems to have such a... limited scope of the culture compared to her more likeable counterparts. But I suppose it’s not my place to be checking people’s ‘nerd cred’.”
“But it all factors into the second basic truth here, and that is Jodie is little more than a chameleon, just like Crystal Hilton tends to be. Jodie almost takes it to an insidious level, but the name of the game remains the same, ultimately. Jodie simply changes her colors to what she thinks will be best for her. This week, she’s pitiful and vengeful. Against Kinsey, she was jaded and bitter. Against Gigante, she was arrogant. In the Ten Femme Chaos match, she played the Golden Apple of Discord. And it goes ALL the way back.”
“Jodie likes to go on and on and on about how she became who she is because people were ‘mean’ to her. She tried to be nice but people like Mel and Leo were just so mean to her, that she abandoned the facade!”
“Except, two things... first... Jodie’s NEVER abandoned her facade. She simply changed it. There hasn’t been a moment in that girl’s career when she wasn’t surrounded by at least multiple levels of pretense. Her next opponent, it will all change again, and she’ll have something else. I suppose you could say it’s that psychological manipulation she’s apparently so great at... but looking at things it hasn’t done her a whole lot of good in the long run.”
Wendy snorts, and shakes her head.
“Second... does anyone here remember WHY Mel and Leo kept dogging on her, and calling her out? It’s because... they thought she was a FAKE. Heck, when Future Shock started, she went so far as to pretend she didn’t know what she was doing... until the match started and she suddenly looked VERY competent. And Jodie even ADMITS it HERSELF, because she says she was “acting like the good girl”. She was playing a role. And now she’s bitter because people SAW THROUGH IT?”
“Well, golly GEE, Jodie Gray. There’s your PROBLEM!”
“Maybe, just MAYBE, if Jodie actually stopped to think for six seconds, figured out who she was, and ACTED LIKE HERSELF, and NOT like ANYONE else... she wouldn’t have had these difficulties. But ultimately, the great psychological mistress who thinks she toys with everyone else’s emotions can’t even FIGURE OUT HER OWN.”
“Instead we get this snivelling, ‘I tried to be good and all, and I acted really nice, and I thought people would like me, but they didn’t, and Wendy wouldn’t hold my hand, and people were really mean, my skin’s so thin I couldn’t handle it, and now I’m mean and’... oh for God sakes, I’m starting to nauseate MYSELF.
Wendy scoffs in derision, shaking her head. She takes a deep breath, and shakes her head.
“And that ultimately brings us to the third, and most fatal truth about Jodie Gray. She’s all about image over substance.”
“If you have a moment, go to femmefatalewrestling.com, and check out my roster page. Then look at hers. Notice the difference?”
“Mine just says ‘Wendy Briese’. Because that’s simply who I am. But Jodie’s says ‘Queen of Games’. Because that’s who she wants us to think she is. Neverminding that her gaming knowledge seems awfully limited outside of Pokemon, or her machinations are ineffective at best, and completely counterproductive at worst, like what we saw in Kinsey’s case. We keep hearing about it... but we never actually see it. But nevermind that, she IS the Queen, and she will fool us all with her mind games, because she SAID so! In the literary world, they call that an ‘informed ability’.”
“I think Jodie believes that since she puts a huge steaming pile of horsepucky on a plate, and serves it to us expecting everyone to lap it up, that the rest of us all do the same thing. That Femme Fatale Wrestling, or even the entires world, is all one giant dung buffet, with each of us feeding each other, and everyone’s just expected to eat what’s served, and like it.”
Wendy scrunches up her nose, looking fairly disgusted at the analogy.
“Reality proves that in essence, Jodie has absolutely no clue what she’s talking about. For better or for worse, the vast majority of the FFW roster is TRUE to themselves. I know Eileen is. I know Valerie is. I know Hayley and Ignis are. Even some of the people in the Power Trip are, including Tara, and, dare I say it, Isabella. What you see from them is ultimately what you get.”
“And its the same with me as well. I might hold my tongue once in a while, and maybe I’ll even tell a white lie now and then, but by and large, what you see from me here is what you see from me at home.”
“I think of myself as a generally likeable person, and I think I get along with most people. If that means I’m ‘The Nice Girl’, okay. But I don’t think I’m being very nice right NOW. I don’t think I’ve been all that nice to Katherine Stryfe, or Crystal Hilton, and for good reason, in my opinion. But Jodie’s got it in her mind that since 90% of the time I fit into her mentality of a ‘Nice Girl’ persona, whenever I break from it, I’m suddenly a hypocrite.”
“Well, surprise. I’m opinionated, and if I think something is wrong, I’m not going to keep quiet. Speaking up about stuff is JUDGEMENTAL, and we can’t be THAT this day and age, because we might hurt someone’s FEELINGS. I also have a temper, as my friends and family can attest to. I have limits to my patience, and they can be snapped, like say, when I have to listen to uninformed diatribes by insane little girls who don’t know much about anything. And there’s some people in this world that I just don’t like, and I don’t think any of them would call me very friendly towards them.”
“And I certainly don’t think anyone I’ve ever been in the ring with would ever say I’m much of a nice person there...”
Wendy quickly flashes a grin.
“And I know I make a lot of mistakes, but ultimately I try to do what’s best for my family, my friends, my company, my sport, and myself, and some people get in their minds that me doing that somehow makes me a ‘White Knight’. But its just another persona that people like Jodie try to shoebox me into when I do fit, and then scream and cry HYPOCRITE when I don’t, because their minds can’t comprehend anything outside the precut templates they make for themselves.”
Wendy spreads her arms wide, gesturing to herself, and smiles crookedly.
“This is me, its who I am, and I don’t need to hide any of it. My triumphs and sorrows, my virtues and vices, my assets and liabilities, and my accomplishments and shortfalls. For better or for worse, and believe me, there is a HEALTHY mix of those in here. But it’s who I am, and I have no need to say otherwise.”
“Jodie of course doesn’t understand that. Everything has to be pre-packaged up for her in a nice little box, so she can tie a cute little quote to it and drop it as a soundbite.”
“Actually, there’s a lot Jodie doesn’t understand. For thinking she’s so manipulative... she sure lacks any understanding of basic human psychology.”
Wendy nods. It’s true, it’s true.
“She doesn’t understand that most people can tell when you’re trying to manufacture an emotion. When you’re on screen in the middle of the night wearing masks talking about how horrible you’ve had it and then start trying to cry, people will reject it as camp drama, especially if they’ve been following along and know how much of it you’ve brought upon yourself. But in her mind, all she has to do is conjure up some wild theatrics and a contrived story to make me look like a horrible person, and here come the water works. It’s hammy, and gag inducing. Which is fine, because Jodie is sure to mention that can’t keep solid food down, because being on the verge of vomiting makes EVERYONE know she’s taking things seriously!”
“She also doesn’t understand basic the nature of human competition, or why people are so fascinated by it. Competition, especially physical ones like wrestling, football, and basketball, breed interest simply because people, can follow along and choose sides. You don’t NEED over the top violence. You don’t NEED a whole bunch of gimmicks and contrived backstories. You just need two competing sides, a good reason for them to even have conflict, and a playing medium that people can understand.”
“I mean, look at the Super Bowl, or the UEFA Champions League Final, the two most watched events of the annual sporting calendar. I don’t see much blatant cheating going on. I don’t see much over the top villiany. And yet, people still watch, because the enjoy watching the game, and they legitimately care about at least some of the factors involved.”
Wendy gives a slightly sarcastic smile, as if she’s genuinely astonished that no one can comprehend this.
“Why can’t professional wrestling be any different? Well, actually, it IS no different. All you need are two women, a ring, and a compelling reason for them to face, whether it’s a grudge, a title, or just straight up pride on the line. It’s great television, and our ratings show it. And if the only way Jodie can make herself compelling is by acting like a complete delusional idiot who’s best at kicking other women in the crotch, that’s a shame, because there are MANY women in this company who certainly don’t need to do that.”
“Right, and now I’m sure we’ll get another caps-lock laden rant about how I’m insulting her by saying she’s a delusional idiot who doesn’t understand anything about this business. Facts are facts, and despite her considerable talent, accomplishments, and longevity, she doesn’t”
Wendy crosses her legs. She’s been sitting there so long, she’s gotta fidget a little.
“I’m actually amazed how long she’s lasted in this company, considering how fragile her psyche is. You need thick skin in this business, both literally and figuratively, and Jodie certainly doesn’t have it in the latter. I’ve taken FAR worse flak in my life than Jodie’s ever received, or given, for that matter, and yeah, it’s dang tough sometimes, but you have to learn how to cope with it. Throwing shrill tantrums on Twitter... over the TAMEST of insults, to boot... just wow. In reality, that’s just inviting to make it worse, because your critics then know they’re getting to you.”
“The kicker though, is got to be the rant we just heard. Kinsey mentions that Jodie was unable to beat Misty within the time-limit, and all of a sudden we’re treated with A Comprehensive and Complete History of Draws and No Contests in Professional Wrestling. Because being reminded you wrestled to a DRAW is the absolute end-all be-all can’t recover from INSULT in Pro Wrestling! The cherry on top is that this is then somehow applied to me, because apparently whatever Kinsey says, I must also think.”
“If Jodie is using logic as a weapon, she might want to check her ammo. I think she ran out a while ago.”
Wendy actually facepalms here, but she tries to pass it off as rubbing her eyes.
“So I guess, bravo, Isabella. I wanted a fight against one of the Power Trip, and I end up with one against a crackpot emotional headcase trainwreck who you’re using as a throwaway to keep me busy. Well played, I suppose. Certainly a case of ‘be careful what you ask for,’ isn’t it?”
Wendy leans forward, her eyes narrowing.
“As far as you go, Jodie, Don’t think that because I don’t buy any of your act for a second doesn’t mean I’m taking you lightly. Does it LOOK like I’ve been taking you lightly? But that’s the hope you’re going for, isn’t it? Because you’ve already seen from Starla and Tara what happens when I’m going full throttle, and you know what’s going to happen if I do the same to you. Heck, you’d have experienced it yourself two months ago, had you not bailed out of the ring. And let’s just be honest, Jodie, the only card you seem to be able to play in your big ‘mind-master’ deck is the one that inspires people to want to beat the snot out of you. Not put them into blind rage so that they make mistakes, but inspire them to wrestle the best match of their lives, and put you down, because no one can STAND your neurotic, whiny self.”
“And either way, I MADE this open challenge, and I fully plan on seeing it through to the end, no matter who got put forth, and why. Because while this might have gotten personal for you sometime around 1:00 yesterday afternoon, this deal has been personal for me since the Power Trip formed, and even before that with the A-List.”
“And whatever else you are Jodie, YOU ARE Power Trip. And YOU ARE facing me tonight. YOU ARE a target. And YOU ARE first.”
“And ultimately, when it’s all said and done... YOUR GAME will be UP!”
Wendy gets out of her chair, smooths her clothes out, and starts walking into the arena. The scene fades.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
EPISODE 211: The Ball Drop, Part II (W/ Relentless: The Musical)
Monday May 20, 2013
Terrence’s Charger
Indianapolis, Indiana
6:11 PM Local Time
“Are you sure you should be driving?” Wendy Briese asked, looking over at her husband with concern.
“Oh yeah, I’m fine.” her counterpart replied with a small shrug, despite the fact that his voice was far more thick than normal. “We’re almost to the- destination as it is.”
Wendy wasn’t entirely sure about that. It wasn’t the worst condition she had ever seen her husband in- he had taken some pretty hard licks throughout both his wrestling and racing careers, but he still was pretty banged up. His nose was covered with a massive bandage that she wasn’t entirely even sure how he could breathe through. His now-ruddy face was covered with purple splotches, with two black eyes that suddenly appeared to be perpetually drowsy. Several times she had wondered if her husband was falling asleep at the wheel- but he still seemed responsive enough.
“I’m sorry,” she said, for perhaps the four hundredth time in the last couple hours. She sighed, turning around to the back seat, where her daughter sat. “How are you holding up, Terr-Bear?”
She had an idea what the answer was. Once it became apparent that Terrence was very much alive and still able to (mostly) function, her daughter’s take on the situation had almost instantly turned from horrified trauma to it being the most awesome thing she had ever seen in her life. She had LOVED the hospital, and so badgered the doctor with questions as he looked over Terrence that Wendy had to eventually drag the six-year old out of the room so the poor beleaguered man could finish his job.
So it was no surprise when Theresa replied with “Fine.” Although Wendy hadn’t quite expected what came next. “Daddy says he’s going to buy me a ten-speed bike if I promise not to ever tell anyone that you beat him up.”
“Well, not off to a very good start there, are you?” Terrence muttered, rolling his eyes, and doing his best to ignore the suddenly incredulous glare his wife was giving him.
“What kind of lesson do you think bribing our daughter teaches her?” Wendy asked, her voice low, yet deadly.
“That sometimes its better to just keep your mouth shut,” Terrence replied easily. “Such as when you’d probably not have your name suddenly associated with ‘domestic violence.’ How’d you like it if someone like Alex Houser found out about it?”
Wendy couldn’t help but cringe at that thought. Houser’s sole purpose in life seemed to be idiotically twisting words around to suit his own needs. “It was an *accident*.” Wendy replied emphatically. In truth- it hadn’t entirely been. She had meant to deliver every single blow she had struck on her husband right where she had done it. But she certainly hadn’t realized it was her husband until he was already down and bleeding.
"Oh, I know." Terrence responded lightly. "But you know what people like that do. And you have to admit... it was a hell of an overreaction!"
Terrence chuckled, and Wendy bit her tongue, choking down a retort she knew she'd regret. It took her a couple seconds to calmly say "Why did you have to grab me from behind like that?"
"I wanted to surprise you. I guess I did!" He laughed again, seemingly taking it all in stride. "I actually called your name a couple times, but you couldnt hear me over that rain, I guess. Thats why I grabbed you."
Wendy frowned, turning back to look out the window. At least it had stopped raining, and was turning out to be a beautiful evening, after all. "I never knew you were there. And its just that... the last time someone came up from behind like that I-" she paused, remembering her daughter was in the back seat. "I was in Belfast." she simply said quietly.
It took a few seconds for Terrence to catch on, and when he did his eyes went wide. "Oh..." was all he could say.
They rode for a while in silence, the mood in the car turned somber. Wendy sighed. She had vowed to not let what had happened last July affect her life, but she couldnt help it when the memories resurfaced unexpectedly such as today. Just the thought of that creep sneaking up behind her again...
She shuddered, and felt Terrence reach over and put an arm around her, keeping his left hand still firmly on the Charger's wheel. She smiled slightly at her husbands compassion, but snapped her head around in alarm as the arm quickly withdrew, the car jolting sharply as Terrence steered away from something that emitted a loud honk. Theresa let out a startled yelp, and Wendy looked wide eyed at him. Had they been veering into the other lane?
"Terry... are you honestly okay?" Wendy demanded. Terrence had taken some pain medicine at the hospital before being released, but had proclaimed himself okay to drive, and the doctor hadn't objected. But even so...
Terrence just waved away her concern. “I’m fine,” he said again, making no effort to even hide his eyeroll.
“Terrence, our daughter is in this car, and you’re injured. Pull over and I’ll-”
“I’m fine,” Terrence repeated adamantly. “Besides, you don’t even know where we’re going.”
“You could give me directions. I’ve been told I’m quite good at following them.”
“Nah. I want you to be surprised. In fact... we’re getting close. You should put on your blindfold now.”
“Terry, I’d rather not-”
“Just put it on!” Terrence insisted. “Trust me, it’ll be worth it.”
Wendy sighed, and glanced back at her daughter, who had been in charge of hanging onto the blindfold. The girl was eagerly holding it up for her mom to take it, a mischievous grin all over her face. Obviously she knew what was up. Relenting, she grabbed the blindfold, and slipped it over her head to cover her eyes.
Whatever it was, Terrence, and even Theresa were certainly excited about it. Wendy had later found out that Terrence had deliberately avoided her call, to better make sure she hadn’t been suspecting of this ‘surprise’ he was wanting so badly to show her. Even after THAT had ended in disaster, he had been adamant that they would still go, and nothing that Wendy could say would convince him otherwise. An early birthday present, he called it.
It grated on her more than she wanted to admit, and not just because she was worried about what condition Terrence would even be in to drive. She should have been in a ring training three hours ago, but between her transportation issues, the unavailibility of Crossroad’s ring, and Pollaski’s inability to find a replacement, it didn’t look like that was going to be happening tonight. Just great- five days away from her first Pay Per View match in eight months, and she was sitting in a car fretting instead of getting in that ring an preparing herself. Take away the fact that Pollaski had insisted on using a bunch of Wednesday to shoot one of her promos, and she was running short on time.
“Almost there,” Terrence said from next to her, as she felt the car slow down, and take a hard left turn that pushed her hard into the seatbelt. Even though she was more annoyed about the situation than anything, she still was at least mildly curious as to what Terrence had up his sleeve. She hadn’t even recognized the area she was in before she put the blindfold on, but if she had to guess, she’d say they were in Lawrence Township in the northeastern corner of the city- outside the Interstate 465 loop. She had no idea why they’d be on the other side of Indianapolis from The Nest.
The road they were on was obviously gravel- she could hear the crunching of the rocks under the Charger’s tires. Other than that, she was literally in the dark. Twice, she considered slipping off her blindfold, but ultimately kept it on. Whatever it was, it was obviously important to Terrence, so she played along.
It didn’t take long for the car to come to a stop, and Terrence shut off the engine. “Keep it on,” he said, and she heard his door open and close, with her door opening several seconds later. She undid her seatbelt, and accepted her husbands assistance in climbing out of the car, nearly falling over as her shoe rolled wrong on an errant pebble. Terrence caught her, and helped her straighten up, then left her standing blind to help Theresa out as well, and shut the car door. He turned her slightly, to make sure she was facing the right way.
“Okay Theresa, start the music.” He said, his voice more excited than Wendy had remembered in a long time. A second later, Mussorgsky’s “Great Gate of Kiev” began to play, and despite herself, she felt goosebumps on her arm. If Terrence was using this for music... it must be a big deal.
“Alright... on three Wendy. Okay? One... two.... THREE!”
The blindfold came off.
Her face fell.
And she looked at Terrence.
“Really?”
===========================
Wednesday May 22, 2013
Marion County Community Theater- Parking Lot
Indianapolis, Indiana
11:48 AM Local Time
(OOC: Every character in this that’s not a member of the Birdz is very obviously played by a lookalike actress. Also, any song you don’t recognize can probably be found on YouTube)
As we fade in, we’re looking up at a telephone pole, up against a building. A bolt of lighting comes down, striking the pole, sparks flying. A beam of electricity begins to slowly creep down the wooden pole, which just so happens to be by a curbside parked car where Daniel Pollaski is sleeping. The windows are down, Pollaski is snoring, a bag of potato chips sitting on his chest.
As the beam hits the bottom of the pole, it creeps towards the car, and the moment it hits the car, the stereo immediately explodes into noise-
“ITS RELENTLESS!” .
And Pollaski wakes with a start, potato chips flying all over the place. The music to Martha Griffith’s “Electric Boogie” begins to play, and suddenly we are looking at a three-quarters down view of what looks like the ENTIRE FFW ROSTER DOING THE ELECTRIC SLIDE. As they do that, a graphic that looks like it could ripped straight out of an eighties sit-com appears on the screen.
RELENTLESS: THE MUSICAL
After a few more seconds of FFW-style line dancing, it cuts to a seperate scene of Wendy (the real Wendy, of course), standing against a cheesy looking background of orange clouds. Occasionally it does flash back to the line dancers.
Wendy: #We’ve got twelve matches#
Choir: #ITS RELENTLESS!#
Wendy: #Twenty-Eight Wrestlers#
Choir: #ITS RELENTLESS!#
Wendy: #Barclay’s Center!#
Choir: #ITS RELENTLESS!#
Now sung real fast-almost like a rap.
Wendy: #It was orignally called Conviction
And we had a different song up
Then we suddenly had to change it#
Cut to Pollaski leaning out the car window, almost doing a Kubrick Stare
Pollaski: #BUT ITS SO WORTH THE MONEY!#
More interspersed shots of Wendy singing, along with other FFW’ers dancing in the middle of the street.
Wendy: #You’ve gotta know it#
Choir: #ITS RELENTLESS! BOOGIE WOOGIE WOOGIE!#
Wendy: #That FFW Can show it...#
Choir: #ITS RELENTLESS! BOOGIE WOOGIE WOOGIE!#
Wendy: #Is the best wrestling company...
In the whole world...#
Now a cut to Wendy singing while doing the electric slide along with the rest of the cast)
Wendy: #So come on down and watch us...
It’ll be a roller coaster ride
And you can see it, see it, see it
All for just forty-nine ninety-five#
Ordering information suddenly appears flashing on the screen, in the same horrendous eighties style graphics as the title screen. Wendy is not daunted by the awful effects.
Wendy: #This night we will make history
It’ll be the end of the Power Trip
And they’ll be like big rats, big rats, big rats
Deserting a sinking ship.#
One more round of the electric slide ensues, and then the song changes to “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jespen. “Arianna Millar” is standing at a window, looking through it, while on the other side “Desirae Kain” is in the middle of training on a punching bag (or trying to... the actress doesn’t seem too good at it.)
“Arianna”: #I was in SVW
I didn’t know what to do
My T&A run was through
And that was kind of lame.#
Now interspersed are more close-up cuts of “Desi” training.
“Arianna:” #This French housewife then knocked
Said “I just won Future Shock
If we could team up, that’d rock”
And I was on my way.#
“Arianna:”#Our team was flying
The competition was dying
But my eggs weren’t frying
So I’ll throw it all away..#
Cut to “Ari” now singing on a stage, with a VERY generic looking backup band behind her.
“Arianna”: #Hey Des, I owe you,
And this is crazy
But I’m a right bitch
So screw you Kain-y
Since Team Adonis
Took our babies
I don’t need you
So screw you Kainy#
Chorus Reprise!
“Arianna:” #Hey Des, I owe you,
And this is crazy
But I’m a right bitch
So screw you Kain-y
Was I ever your friend?
I dunno maybe
But I prefer Sophie
So screw you Kainy#
A brief instrumental, which includes bonus shots of “Desi”... mowing a lawn?
“Arianna:” #I’ve been on the attack
I think you’re starting to crack
You lost to SOPHIA BLACK
And that is A-Okay
In a couple days we will fight
I’ll show you you’re wrong I’m right
And put you down for the night
And that will make my day#
“Arianna” has got the most evil little smirk on her right now, although the real Ari probably doesn’t have dimples like that...
“Arianna:” #You’re cracks are showing
Ripped heart, your chances blowing
The crowd will be going
“ARIANNA MANNING, BABY!”#
Back to the chorus!
“Arianna:” #Hey Des, I owe you,
And this is crazy
But I’m a right bitch
So screw you Kain-y
Next FFW CHampion?
That’s kinda hazy
But then I can win it
So screw you Kain-y#
Now “Arianna” lying on the hood of a car, singing, trying to look seductive. YMMV on the success of that...
“Arianna:” #Hey Des, I owe you,
And this is crazy
But I’m a right bitch
So screw you Kain-y
You belong here?
That’s kinda crazy
I’ll prove it other
So screw you Kain-y#
As the bridge hits, “Ari” back on the stage smugly singing right into a very disgruntled “Desirae’s” face.
“Arianna:” #I know you saved my career
I’m just ungrateful
I’m just ungrateful
I’m just an ungrateful bitch.#
The music fades out, and we cut to a darkened room. “Claire Black” steps forward, up to a microphone, as behind her, the Canadian and American flags are illuminated. To the tune of “O, Canada”
“Claire”: #O, Mileena
I’ll punch you in the face
This woman’s is a disgrace
To the entire human race#
Behind “Claire”, marching in from opposite directions are two columns of Mounties. They stand behind Claire at attention for the rest of the song.
“Claire:” #Through thick and thin I will take her flag
And then I’ll reign supreme
I can’’t wait to knock out this dyejobbed bag
The IWC will turn it into a meme#
IWC sung REALLY fast there. Meter matching is harder than it looks, dammit!
“Claire:” #I’ll win this match. So easily.
O Mileena you’re about to get beaten by me
O Mileena you’re about to get beaten by me!!!!#
“Claire’s:” arms spread wide as she finishes, and on cue, the Mounties all turn, saluting the Canadian flag. The reverency of the moment is kinda undermined by the words MILEENA SUCKS spelled out on their backs. Below, in much more modernized font than earlier, comes a disclaimer.
No Canadians were harmed in the making of this video.
And now we’re in a simple room with a chair, upon which Daniel Pollaski is sitting, (fake) strumming a guitar, as the tune of “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5 kicks in.
Pollaski: #Punk Rock Queen of only twenty-one
Annoyed too many of the top-tier brass
Until Samantha got it in her mind that
Jessie Hexstar should kick her ass.#
Intersperesed with scenes of Jessika tormenting Kate and Misty in the ring taken from actual FFW footage.
Pollaski: #Hexxie’s said for months and months that Kate will no longer live.
Will Steele stand up to her, cause something’s gotta give!#
A shot of “Kate” lying on the floor crying, as “Misty” runs up to her, trying to pull her up and give her a hug.
Pollaski: #I think that this match will have a lot of pain.
One is emo and the other’s insane.
With no rules this could get carried away...
Kate kill the monster, or will Hexstar slay?
But there will... be blood.
Yes there will... be blood.#
Pollaski’s singing voice? Surprisingly decent. But those high notes... no bueno.
Pollaski: #Hexstar’s already beaten Kate’s best friend
Then again in a six-femme match.
She’s gonna make sure Kate can’t reproduce
Like when she kept kicking Candi in the--
Wendy: (angrily, from offscreen) “POLLASKI!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Pollaski can only shrug and roll his eyes as he returns to the prechorus
Pollaski: #Kate’s gotta pull herself together so she won’t be ran out the door.
She’s gotta prove she’s not so emo, she still matters anymore.#
And back to the chorus, as shots of “Jessika” seems to be stalking “Kate” and “Misty” as they walk down the street, laughing as they are shopping.
Pollaski: #Crimson fluids will be running high.
Blood and guts and of course hair dye.
Kate’s gotta do it, can’t afford to choke.
This is the moment she’s gotta go for broke
But there will.. be blood
Yes there will... be blood.#
Pollaski holds the last note in an attempt to croon, but it’s suddenly interrupted by...
*JENNY ROCK!*
And the music of LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem” kicks in, Back to the entire cast in a line dance set up in the street, save for “Jenny Williams” and “Kelly McGuffin” who are standing at the forefront. Despite all of Pollaski’s claims (or maybe because of them) he certainly picked a rather photogenic actress to play Kelly.
“Jenny:” “WHOOOO!”
Choir: #TV Belt is in the house, tonight!
And you know you’re gonna have a good fight.
When we’re done you just turn out the lights
Cause every other match will just seem trite#
“Kelly:” “CLAP!”
Everyone starts clapping, their hands above their head, as they repeat the chorus.
Choir: #TV Belt is in the house, tonight!
And you know you’re gonna have a good fight.
When we’re done you just turn out the lights
Cause every other match will just seem...#
Brace yourselves... you know what's coming.
“Kelly:” #SHAKE IT!#
If you’ve ever wanted to watch amateur actresses dressed like your favorite FFW Stars 'shufflin', you picked the right video to watch! Even some of the guys (like “Cody Kincaid”, “Wolf Ramsey”, and even Pollaski) are getting in on this. And its as glorious as you would think.
“Jenny” gets to rap first.
“Jenny:” #Look at this, my TV belt.
You think that you can take this? What the hell?
Overrated, that’s so you
I’ll down you quicker than my Mountain Dew
I’m a Williams, You know what that means?
Big match Jenny is on the scene.
Kelly McGuffin, second-rate
You’re about to have too much on your plate.#
Ah, but “Kelly’s” got some words of her own, filling in for RedFoo
“Kelly:” #Yo, you seem to forget that I’m the best high flyer
If you even think otherwise, I know you’re a liar
Your TV Belt... you better believe that I’ll take it
I’ll beat you down so hardcore you’ll wonder how you’ll ever make it.#
Back to the chorus we go!
Choir: #TV Belt is in the house, tonight!
And you know you’re gonna have a good fight.
When we’re done you just turn out the lights
Cause every other match will just seem trite#
Now an epic-looking camera sweep of the entire scene
Choir: #TV Belt is in the house, tonight!
And you know you’re gonna have a good fight.
When we’re done you justr turn out the lights
Cause every other match will just seem...#
Long pause... “Kelly” and “Jenny” look at each other, before deciding they better both do it.
“Kelly” & “Jenny”: #EVERYDAY WERE WRASSLIN!!#
More shuffling. It should be noted that Wendy’s in the corner of the formation for this number, and she looks completely lost as to what the hell we’re even doing here. She don’t shuffle every day, it seems.
Anyways, on to “Kelly” rapping again.
“Kelly:” #House of glass
And your precious title reign is gonna crash.
Oh, you mad? Calm down, Rover
Now, stop. Your fluke is over#
She pats “Jenny” on the head derogatively, like a dog. As the beat kicks in, it’s a bit of back and forth here.
“Jenny:” #Got my Mountain Dew#
“Kelly:” #Let’s ring the bell#
“Jenny:” #Now you’re really screwed#
“Kelly:” #No chance in hell#
“Jenny:” #I will get that pin#
“Kelly:” #Just a spotmonkey#
“Jenny:” #And you will choke again#
“Kelly” #And your brother’s flunky#
Cut to “Scarlett Kincaid” and “Crystal Hilton”, who are sharing a microphone as they musically cheer on their respective friends.
“Scarlett” & “Crystal”: #Climb up, jump down, squash that girl who’s on the ground.
Climb up, jump down, acrobatics just like a clown
Climb up, jump down, shooting star press goes round and round
Climb up, jump down, listen to the crowd’s cheering sound#
Break it on down, girls! As they continue to sing, wires lift “Jenny” and “Kelly” into the air, where they swing back and forth, trying to aerial Kung Fu Fight CTHD style.
“Scarlett” & “Crystal:” #Climb up, climb up, climb up, climb up, climb up, climb up
Jump off that turnbuckle too the ground, to the ground to the ground...#
The wires lower “Jenny” and “Kelly” back down, and their feet touch right on the beat that leads back to the chorus.
Choir: #TV Belt is in the house, tonight!
And you know you’re gonna have a good fight.
When we’re done you just turn out the lights
Cause every other match will just seem trite#
One mo’ time!
Choir: #TV Belt is in the house, tonight!
And you know you’re gonna have a good fight.
When we’re done you just turn out the lights
Cause every other match will ju-u-u-u-st seem trite!
Whoa-oh-oh Whoa-oh-oh-oh#
The beat slows, and suddenly...
#BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA#
#BWAAAAA BWAAAAA BWAAAAAA#
The scene doesn’t even cut before “Jump Around” by House of Pain begins to play, and everything immediately breaks down into a bedlam of everyone pretty much just jumping around- and into each other. At the forefront are “Hayley” and “Ignis” who are not just ahead of everyone else, THEY ARE WEARING FUCKING MOON SHOES.
It’s such a shame those never lasted.
*SCRAAAAAAAAAAATCH*
The music suddenly stops, everyone covering their ears at the record scratching sound. Confused silence for a beat, and then Pollaski’s voice comes in from off camera, via a megaphone.
PollaskI: “Uh yeah, sorry. Just got a tweet. Tag title match just got postponed.”
Everyone: “AWWWWWWWWWW!”
Pollaski: “Yeah, apparently Iggy just hurt her ankle. Poor girl.”
Wendy looks concerned, piping up from her spot in the group.
Wendy: “Is she okay?”
Pollaski: “Dunno. That’s all Adam’s said. So, well, uh, I guess we move on to the next one.”
Wendy has pulled out her own phone, and is reading her feed, looking somewhat bummed out.
Wendy: “Oh, look. Kat Stryfe is already whining and sniping about it. There’s a big surprise.”
She quickly types something into her phone, while everyone else just mills around.
Pollaski: “Alright, on to the next one...”
The scene cuts away, back to a stage with the same generic band that was in “Call me Maybe” playing. This time though, the music is “Surrender” by Cheap Trick.
Gee, which match you think this one’s about?
Sure enough, “Tara Thunder” and “Serafina Reynolds” are lined up at microphones, side by side. The champion looks to kick things off.
“Serafina:” #They all told me, yes they told me
This title was a fluke.
Eight months later, I still have it
My critics have all puked.
But now they told me
I will have my toughest yet defense
Tara Thunder’s will put me to the test...#
Choir: #Sera’s all right. Tara’s all right.
But something has got to give.
No Surrender. No Surrender.
Or the title goes away...ay...ayy#
Now it’s “Tara’s” turn to go to the microphone, the actress playing her has the wrong hair for it, but she’s got that smug smirk down pat.
“Tara:” Well, I say that reign’s all right.
I’m actually quite impressed.
But I’m the Femme Fatale of last year
And I’ll prove that I’m the best.
Now I had heard the Power Trip
Cant win one on their own
Im the exception to that rule so you are boned.
Choir: #Sera’s all right. Tara’s all right.
But something has got to give.
No Surrender. No Surrender.
Or the title goes away...ay...ayy#
Interlude here. The guitarist seems to be rockin out FAR more than he has any right to for a mild-paced Cheap Trick song, but it might just be the floppy hair. Duet for this one.
“Serafina” & “Tara”: Watch this one cause it might be
The best match of the year.
A shiny belt goes to the winner
The loser just gets tears.
It will be Thunder and also Cupcake
Rolling in the ring
Throwing out every submission hold
All that they can bring.
Choir: #Sera’s all right. Tara’s all right.
But something has got to give.
No Surrender. No Surrender.
Or the title goes away...ay...ayy#
Outro!
Choir: #Awayyyyyyyyyy... Awayyyyy.....#
The music suddenly stops, and we now see “Cody Kincaid” standing on the street corner, addressing a crowd of FFW’s babyfaces, and Scarlett, of course.
“Cody:” “Amanda Saint will destroy this company! She’ll ruin us all, alright?”
To the tune of “Kill the Beast” from Beauty and the Beast
“Scarlett:” #We’re not safe until she’s gone
So its time we stand and fight#
“Valerie:” #Or well sacrifice our careers
To her own pathetic plight.#
Wendy: #She’ll wreak havoc on our company
If we Let her wander free#
“Cody:” So its time to take some action girls
Its time to follow me!
“Cody” waves for the faces to follow him, and they all do, as he continues to sing.
“Cody:” #Through the door, down the ramp
Through the ropes into the ring
It’s a gamble but its one exciting ride.
Take a breath, it smells like death
Its the stench of my opponent
Or perhaps it’s the ineptitude inside.#
“Cody:” #AMANDA SAINT, she’s as dumb as a mountain
MBA, or so she’ll say, is her cred.
Bottom line is all she knows.
But our employees say she goes
Out the door and on her head!
ON HER HEAD!#
Now practically screaming.
“Cody:” KILL THE SAINT!#
Suddenly...
#GAAAAAAAAASTOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!#
… No, your eyes aren’t decieving you. Lucas Peek just jumped out from nowhere to sing one line. Of course its an actor, this man actually DOESN’T look like a complete braindead roided up idiot. That doesn’t stop “Cody” from turning around, and punching “Lucas” full on in the face. Lucas wobbles for just a second, before completely collasping. All the girls look down, then back up to “Cody.”
“Cody:” NOW WHO’S WITH ME?
A LOUD affirmative cheer, and the scene is “Cody” leading the faces up the street, as more and more people join the mob. Of course there’s pitchforks and torches. LOTS of pitchforks and torches.
Choir: #Scarlett’s banned, change the plan
Only Easter is at ringside
There’s no chance she’ll have it any other way.
Cody must, have to trust
In his own skills and his cunning
If he hopes to hold his job another day.
Amanda Saint has to leave she’s a cancer.
Worse than Star, oh by far
Can’t you see.
We’ve had enough, about to blow.
She has definitely got to go.
We’ll rid ourselves of this foul taint!
KILL THE SAINT!!#
The mob has arrived at their destination, a tree in a park just off the road. They gather around the tree.
Chorus: #KILL THE SAINT!#
#KILL THE SAINT!#
#KILL THE SAINT!#
On the last, an effigy of Amanda Saint falls from the tree, strung up by a noose. Immediately, the effigy combusts, bursting into flames.
The scene cuts to the middle of a junkyard, where “Eileen Amaro” is standing on a crate, as “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz kicks in.
“Eileen”: #I’ve got my match match match match
Get ready to batten down the hatch hatch hatch hatch
I’m aware this is my third chance chance chance chance
But tonight I’m gonna dance dance dance dance#
“Eileen” rolls her eyes
Eileen: #Yeah, Kat bitches on and on and on...
But I'm so glad to take her on... yeah!#
Full on popstar mode, now.
“Eileen:” #My whole career has led up to this night
Saying Ay-Yo,
I’m Eileen Amaro
I’m gonna make my own name shine so bright
Saying A-yo
C’mon Let’s go#
Suddenly, background dancers!
“Eileen:” #Cause I will rock her world
I will bring the fight
I will make her quit
And finally claim my right.
All my doubters they
Will soon see the light
Because I’m taking home
The Evo Belt Tonight. #
It cuts straight to the bridge, with “Eileen” standing atop a car, wearing shades, despite the fact that it is night out.
“Eileen”: #I’m gonna go all out.
I’m gonna be the last one standing
I’m gonna break this curse
On my feet will be where I’m landing
Because I’m due
And Katherine Stryfe is screwed
It’s time for a brawl
I’m taking it all.
It’ll be my hand in the air, yeah my hand in the air!#
“Eileen” raises her hand in the air, as if triumphant already, as the quadruple beat of the song hits, then immediately cuts to New Order’s “Bizarre Love Triangle” We’re back at the stage, this time sands generic background band, but lights are flashing wildly as the three women in the FFW Championship match are on the stage. “Starla” and “Isabella” are to one side, sharing a microphone, while “Valerie” has one to herself, although she’s moved to the side.
“Isabella:” #Everytime I think of this
Match I cannot helped but get real pissed.
Everybody can see
That I’m the best in history
They can't beat me with two, so now they'll make it three#
“Isabella smirks, although both “Starla” and “Valerie” roll their eyes. “Starla” steps up to the mic this time, glancing over at “Isabella”.
“Starla:” #People question our relationship
Am I in this for me or for the Power Trip?
Not like I swore an oath
But why can’t it be both?
So long as its in the family, we’ll both stay close.#
Now it’s “Starla’s” turn to smirk, and “Isabella” doesn’t look pleased in the slightest. Then the chorus hit, and all three women sing.
“Starla”, “Val”, & “Isabella”: #Every time I see you falling
I’ll get down on my knees and pin
And hope that the ref can count to three
Before a kickout or break-up gets in.#
The camera flips over the “Valerie” for the second verse, where she stands alone, yet defiant.
“Valerie:” #I don’t care about these politics
It could be the Power Trip is up to old tricks.
They can lie, they can spin
But I am just here to win.
I don’t care if by submission, or its by pin.
I’ve never held a top belt in my life
No more being the bridesmaid, now I’ll be the wife.
You all know it’ll be great
To see my name on that plate.
More and more I feel it, I know it’s fate. #
Both “Isabella” and “Starla” are now scowling at this, glaring at “Valerie”, then each other, before the chorus kicks in again.
“Isabella”, “Starla” & “Val”: #Every time I see you falling
I’ll get down on my knees and pin
And hope that the ref can count to three
Before a kickout or break-up gets in. #
The music fades, and we cut to a rooftop in an older section of Indianapolis, where Wendy Briese (the real one!) is standing in her ring gear. The beat sounds like a heartbeat, followed by three noises that almost sound a horn. Most would recognize it as the start of Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory”. Wendy’s holding a microphone.
Wendy: #Six months ago I hurt my back inside the ring. It stunk#
An echo pops in from another singer who can't be seen on screen.
Echo: #Yeah baby, it stunk, yeah baby#
Wendy: #I had to watch on the sidelines and you know I felt the sting, to my pride#
Echo: #My pride#
Wendy: #But now I’m back and I’m finishing what I’ve left undone, and fight#
Echo: #Yeah baby, and fight yeah baby#
Wendy: #And I won’t stop until I prove that I am number one.#
It’s a bit shaky, as Wendy’s apparently had some struggles in the rhythm, but once she hits the bridge, her true vocal talent shines through.
Wendy: #I know there’s one more plus.
I feel more dangerous.
I know it comes down to
This next Pay-per-view
The first that I’ve had in eight months.#
Suddenly, bright lights appear from around, illuminating the rooftop.
Wendy: #Cause I’m in a match... with Jodie
It’s the Power Trip facing the truth
I’m in a match... with Jodie!
It’s experience up against youth.
I’m in a match, a match
A match, a match
A match a match a match!
I’m in a match... with Jodie.
And I know that I’ve got something to prove.
I’m in a match WOO-HOO!#
Wendy finishes the chorus with a cheesy fist pump, grinning sheepishly.
Wendy: #I’ve had enough of all the screwjobs and the tricks, no more#
Echo: #Yeah baby, no more yeah baby#
Wendy: #But they can’t hurt me I will always be right here in the mix#
Echo: #Alright! alright!#
Wendy: #I will show the world the Power Trip is no better, no way#
Echo: Yeah baby, no way yeah baby#
Wendy: #I am stronger, even if they think that I am fettered#
Echo: #She is! She is!#
Wendy’s not entirely sure which part that echo refers to, but she bravely presses on.
Wendy: #So to the Queen of Games
I’m going to say it plain.
I don’t care what you do.
I will charge on through.
And give you the hardest challenge of your life!#
Bright lights again!
Wendy: #Cause I’m in a match... With Jodie
And I know we’re gonna blow off the roof.
I’m in a match... with Jodie
It’s the sole reason I’m singing this spoof.
I’m in a match.. a match ..
A match.. a match
A match, a match, a match!
I’m in a match... with Jodie.
And I’m carrying the burden of proof.
I’m in a match, woo-hoo!#
Suddenly, Terrence appears next to her, wearing super cheesy shades (at night!), and a bright red leisure suit. He’s playing the HELL out of the saxophone in his hands. Wendy obviously wasn’t expecting this, but she remembers her cue.
Wendy: #I’m in a match woo-hoo!#
Terrence is playing a bit TOO hard, it seems. Or at least not taking any breaths, because his face starts to turn deep red. He finally doubles over, gasping, Wendy so concerned about him that she misses her next cue. Strangely, the saxophone continues to play, even though its nowhere near Terrence’s lips.
Wendy’s almost about to run and help him, but he waves her away, and begins playing again. Unfortunately, by now, the saxophone has STOPPED on the Music track, and Wendy facepalms as she realizes her husband has now completely lost it.
Luckily, the chorus comes up again not to long after, and this time, Wendy nails it, as the entire cast suddenly appears behind her, breaking into an energetic, choreographed dance.
Wendy: #I’m in a match... With Jodie
And you better know I’m bringing the pain
I’m in a match... With Jodie
If you haven’t realized from the last three refrains
I’m in a match, a match
A match, a match
A match, a match, a match
I’m in a match... with Jodie.
And there’s nothing else that I have to say.
See you Saturday at Barclays!#
The music abruptly stops, and a bunch of cheap fireworks explode behind her, as everyone freezes in a pose. And with that... the credits roll to music that sounds like it was taken out of a bad 70s movie.
RELENTLESS: THE MUSICAL
LYRICS BY: DANIEL POLLASKI
MUSIC BY: RESPECTIVE ARTISTS
DIRECTED BY: DANIEL POLLASKI
STARRING
WENDY BRIESE as HERSELF
DANIEL POLLASKI as HIMSELF
Thus follows the very long list of FFW personality portrayed in the show, and finally
STUFFY DOLL IV as AMANDA SAINT
SPECIAL APPEARANCE by TERRENCE THOMPSON
SPECIAL THANKS TO
THE MARION COUNTY COMMUNITY THEATHER
BUTLER UNIVERSITY GLEE CLUB
IUPUI AUDIO/VISUAL DEPARTMENT
THANK YOU FOR WATCHING
NOW WATCH RELENTLESS ON MAY 25!
And cut.
Terrence’s Charger
Indianapolis, Indiana
6:11 PM Local Time
“Are you sure you should be driving?” Wendy Briese asked, looking over at her husband with concern.
“Oh yeah, I’m fine.” her counterpart replied with a small shrug, despite the fact that his voice was far more thick than normal. “We’re almost to the- destination as it is.”
Wendy wasn’t entirely sure about that. It wasn’t the worst condition she had ever seen her husband in- he had taken some pretty hard licks throughout both his wrestling and racing careers, but he still was pretty banged up. His nose was covered with a massive bandage that she wasn’t entirely even sure how he could breathe through. His now-ruddy face was covered with purple splotches, with two black eyes that suddenly appeared to be perpetually drowsy. Several times she had wondered if her husband was falling asleep at the wheel- but he still seemed responsive enough.
“I’m sorry,” she said, for perhaps the four hundredth time in the last couple hours. She sighed, turning around to the back seat, where her daughter sat. “How are you holding up, Terr-Bear?”
She had an idea what the answer was. Once it became apparent that Terrence was very much alive and still able to (mostly) function, her daughter’s take on the situation had almost instantly turned from horrified trauma to it being the most awesome thing she had ever seen in her life. She had LOVED the hospital, and so badgered the doctor with questions as he looked over Terrence that Wendy had to eventually drag the six-year old out of the room so the poor beleaguered man could finish his job.
So it was no surprise when Theresa replied with “Fine.” Although Wendy hadn’t quite expected what came next. “Daddy says he’s going to buy me a ten-speed bike if I promise not to ever tell anyone that you beat him up.”
“Well, not off to a very good start there, are you?” Terrence muttered, rolling his eyes, and doing his best to ignore the suddenly incredulous glare his wife was giving him.
“What kind of lesson do you think bribing our daughter teaches her?” Wendy asked, her voice low, yet deadly.
“That sometimes its better to just keep your mouth shut,” Terrence replied easily. “Such as when you’d probably not have your name suddenly associated with ‘domestic violence.’ How’d you like it if someone like Alex Houser found out about it?”
Wendy couldn’t help but cringe at that thought. Houser’s sole purpose in life seemed to be idiotically twisting words around to suit his own needs. “It was an *accident*.” Wendy replied emphatically. In truth- it hadn’t entirely been. She had meant to deliver every single blow she had struck on her husband right where she had done it. But she certainly hadn’t realized it was her husband until he was already down and bleeding.
"Oh, I know." Terrence responded lightly. "But you know what people like that do. And you have to admit... it was a hell of an overreaction!"
Terrence chuckled, and Wendy bit her tongue, choking down a retort she knew she'd regret. It took her a couple seconds to calmly say "Why did you have to grab me from behind like that?"
"I wanted to surprise you. I guess I did!" He laughed again, seemingly taking it all in stride. "I actually called your name a couple times, but you couldnt hear me over that rain, I guess. Thats why I grabbed you."
Wendy frowned, turning back to look out the window. At least it had stopped raining, and was turning out to be a beautiful evening, after all. "I never knew you were there. And its just that... the last time someone came up from behind like that I-" she paused, remembering her daughter was in the back seat. "I was in Belfast." she simply said quietly.
It took a few seconds for Terrence to catch on, and when he did his eyes went wide. "Oh..." was all he could say.
They rode for a while in silence, the mood in the car turned somber. Wendy sighed. She had vowed to not let what had happened last July affect her life, but she couldnt help it when the memories resurfaced unexpectedly such as today. Just the thought of that creep sneaking up behind her again...
She shuddered, and felt Terrence reach over and put an arm around her, keeping his left hand still firmly on the Charger's wheel. She smiled slightly at her husbands compassion, but snapped her head around in alarm as the arm quickly withdrew, the car jolting sharply as Terrence steered away from something that emitted a loud honk. Theresa let out a startled yelp, and Wendy looked wide eyed at him. Had they been veering into the other lane?
"Terry... are you honestly okay?" Wendy demanded. Terrence had taken some pain medicine at the hospital before being released, but had proclaimed himself okay to drive, and the doctor hadn't objected. But even so...
Terrence just waved away her concern. “I’m fine,” he said again, making no effort to even hide his eyeroll.
“Terrence, our daughter is in this car, and you’re injured. Pull over and I’ll-”
“I’m fine,” Terrence repeated adamantly. “Besides, you don’t even know where we’re going.”
“You could give me directions. I’ve been told I’m quite good at following them.”
“Nah. I want you to be surprised. In fact... we’re getting close. You should put on your blindfold now.”
“Terry, I’d rather not-”
“Just put it on!” Terrence insisted. “Trust me, it’ll be worth it.”
Wendy sighed, and glanced back at her daughter, who had been in charge of hanging onto the blindfold. The girl was eagerly holding it up for her mom to take it, a mischievous grin all over her face. Obviously she knew what was up. Relenting, she grabbed the blindfold, and slipped it over her head to cover her eyes.
Whatever it was, Terrence, and even Theresa were certainly excited about it. Wendy had later found out that Terrence had deliberately avoided her call, to better make sure she hadn’t been suspecting of this ‘surprise’ he was wanting so badly to show her. Even after THAT had ended in disaster, he had been adamant that they would still go, and nothing that Wendy could say would convince him otherwise. An early birthday present, he called it.
It grated on her more than she wanted to admit, and not just because she was worried about what condition Terrence would even be in to drive. She should have been in a ring training three hours ago, but between her transportation issues, the unavailibility of Crossroad’s ring, and Pollaski’s inability to find a replacement, it didn’t look like that was going to be happening tonight. Just great- five days away from her first Pay Per View match in eight months, and she was sitting in a car fretting instead of getting in that ring an preparing herself. Take away the fact that Pollaski had insisted on using a bunch of Wednesday to shoot one of her promos, and she was running short on time.
“Almost there,” Terrence said from next to her, as she felt the car slow down, and take a hard left turn that pushed her hard into the seatbelt. Even though she was more annoyed about the situation than anything, she still was at least mildly curious as to what Terrence had up his sleeve. She hadn’t even recognized the area she was in before she put the blindfold on, but if she had to guess, she’d say they were in Lawrence Township in the northeastern corner of the city- outside the Interstate 465 loop. She had no idea why they’d be on the other side of Indianapolis from The Nest.
The road they were on was obviously gravel- she could hear the crunching of the rocks under the Charger’s tires. Other than that, she was literally in the dark. Twice, she considered slipping off her blindfold, but ultimately kept it on. Whatever it was, it was obviously important to Terrence, so she played along.
It didn’t take long for the car to come to a stop, and Terrence shut off the engine. “Keep it on,” he said, and she heard his door open and close, with her door opening several seconds later. She undid her seatbelt, and accepted her husbands assistance in climbing out of the car, nearly falling over as her shoe rolled wrong on an errant pebble. Terrence caught her, and helped her straighten up, then left her standing blind to help Theresa out as well, and shut the car door. He turned her slightly, to make sure she was facing the right way.
“Okay Theresa, start the music.” He said, his voice more excited than Wendy had remembered in a long time. A second later, Mussorgsky’s “Great Gate of Kiev” began to play, and despite herself, she felt goosebumps on her arm. If Terrence was using this for music... it must be a big deal.
“Alright... on three Wendy. Okay? One... two.... THREE!”
The blindfold came off.
Her face fell.
And she looked at Terrence.
“Really?”
===========================
Wednesday May 22, 2013
Marion County Community Theater- Parking Lot
Indianapolis, Indiana
11:48 AM Local Time
(OOC: Every character in this that’s not a member of the Birdz is very obviously played by a lookalike actress. Also, any song you don’t recognize can probably be found on YouTube)
As we fade in, we’re looking up at a telephone pole, up against a building. A bolt of lighting comes down, striking the pole, sparks flying. A beam of electricity begins to slowly creep down the wooden pole, which just so happens to be by a curbside parked car where Daniel Pollaski is sleeping. The windows are down, Pollaski is snoring, a bag of potato chips sitting on his chest.
As the beam hits the bottom of the pole, it creeps towards the car, and the moment it hits the car, the stereo immediately explodes into noise-
“ITS RELENTLESS!” .
And Pollaski wakes with a start, potato chips flying all over the place. The music to Martha Griffith’s “Electric Boogie” begins to play, and suddenly we are looking at a three-quarters down view of what looks like the ENTIRE FFW ROSTER DOING THE ELECTRIC SLIDE. As they do that, a graphic that looks like it could ripped straight out of an eighties sit-com appears on the screen.
RELENTLESS: THE MUSICAL
After a few more seconds of FFW-style line dancing, it cuts to a seperate scene of Wendy (the real Wendy, of course), standing against a cheesy looking background of orange clouds. Occasionally it does flash back to the line dancers.
Wendy: #We’ve got twelve matches#
Choir: #ITS RELENTLESS!#
Wendy: #Twenty-Eight Wrestlers#
Choir: #ITS RELENTLESS!#
Wendy: #Barclay’s Center!#
Choir: #ITS RELENTLESS!#
Now sung real fast-almost like a rap.
Wendy: #It was orignally called Conviction
And we had a different song up
Then we suddenly had to change it#
Cut to Pollaski leaning out the car window, almost doing a Kubrick Stare
Pollaski: #BUT ITS SO WORTH THE MONEY!#
More interspersed shots of Wendy singing, along with other FFW’ers dancing in the middle of the street.
Wendy: #You’ve gotta know it#
Choir: #ITS RELENTLESS! BOOGIE WOOGIE WOOGIE!#
Wendy: #That FFW Can show it...#
Choir: #ITS RELENTLESS! BOOGIE WOOGIE WOOGIE!#
Wendy: #Is the best wrestling company...
In the whole world...#
Now a cut to Wendy singing while doing the electric slide along with the rest of the cast)
Wendy: #So come on down and watch us...
It’ll be a roller coaster ride
And you can see it, see it, see it
All for just forty-nine ninety-five#
Ordering information suddenly appears flashing on the screen, in the same horrendous eighties style graphics as the title screen. Wendy is not daunted by the awful effects.
Wendy: #This night we will make history
It’ll be the end of the Power Trip
And they’ll be like big rats, big rats, big rats
Deserting a sinking ship.#
One more round of the electric slide ensues, and then the song changes to “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jespen. “Arianna Millar” is standing at a window, looking through it, while on the other side “Desirae Kain” is in the middle of training on a punching bag (or trying to... the actress doesn’t seem too good at it.)
“Arianna”: #I was in SVW
I didn’t know what to do
My T&A run was through
And that was kind of lame.#
Now interspersed are more close-up cuts of “Desi” training.
“Arianna:” #This French housewife then knocked
Said “I just won Future Shock
If we could team up, that’d rock”
And I was on my way.#
“Arianna:”#Our team was flying
The competition was dying
But my eggs weren’t frying
So I’ll throw it all away..#
Cut to “Ari” now singing on a stage, with a VERY generic looking backup band behind her.
“Arianna”: #Hey Des, I owe you,
And this is crazy
But I’m a right bitch
So screw you Kain-y
Since Team Adonis
Took our babies
I don’t need you
So screw you Kainy#
Chorus Reprise!
“Arianna:” #Hey Des, I owe you,
And this is crazy
But I’m a right bitch
So screw you Kain-y
Was I ever your friend?
I dunno maybe
But I prefer Sophie
So screw you Kainy#
A brief instrumental, which includes bonus shots of “Desi”... mowing a lawn?
“Arianna:” #I’ve been on the attack
I think you’re starting to crack
You lost to SOPHIA BLACK
And that is A-Okay
In a couple days we will fight
I’ll show you you’re wrong I’m right
And put you down for the night
And that will make my day#
“Arianna” has got the most evil little smirk on her right now, although the real Ari probably doesn’t have dimples like that...
“Arianna:” #You’re cracks are showing
Ripped heart, your chances blowing
The crowd will be going
“ARIANNA MANNING, BABY!”#
Back to the chorus!
“Arianna:” #Hey Des, I owe you,
And this is crazy
But I’m a right bitch
So screw you Kain-y
Next FFW CHampion?
That’s kinda hazy
But then I can win it
So screw you Kain-y#
Now “Arianna” lying on the hood of a car, singing, trying to look seductive. YMMV on the success of that...
“Arianna:” #Hey Des, I owe you,
And this is crazy
But I’m a right bitch
So screw you Kain-y
You belong here?
That’s kinda crazy
I’ll prove it other
So screw you Kain-y#
As the bridge hits, “Ari” back on the stage smugly singing right into a very disgruntled “Desirae’s” face.
“Arianna:” #I know you saved my career
I’m just ungrateful
I’m just ungrateful
I’m just an ungrateful bitch.#
The music fades out, and we cut to a darkened room. “Claire Black” steps forward, up to a microphone, as behind her, the Canadian and American flags are illuminated. To the tune of “O, Canada”
“Claire”: #O, Mileena
I’ll punch you in the face
This woman’s is a disgrace
To the entire human race#
Behind “Claire”, marching in from opposite directions are two columns of Mounties. They stand behind Claire at attention for the rest of the song.
“Claire:” #Through thick and thin I will take her flag
And then I’ll reign supreme
I can’’t wait to knock out this dyejobbed bag
The IWC will turn it into a meme#
IWC sung REALLY fast there. Meter matching is harder than it looks, dammit!
“Claire:” #I’ll win this match. So easily.
O Mileena you’re about to get beaten by me
O Mileena you’re about to get beaten by me!!!!#
“Claire’s:” arms spread wide as she finishes, and on cue, the Mounties all turn, saluting the Canadian flag. The reverency of the moment is kinda undermined by the words MILEENA SUCKS spelled out on their backs. Below, in much more modernized font than earlier, comes a disclaimer.
No Canadians were harmed in the making of this video.
And now we’re in a simple room with a chair, upon which Daniel Pollaski is sitting, (fake) strumming a guitar, as the tune of “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5 kicks in.
Pollaski: #Punk Rock Queen of only twenty-one
Annoyed too many of the top-tier brass
Until Samantha got it in her mind that
Jessie Hexstar should kick her ass.#
Intersperesed with scenes of Jessika tormenting Kate and Misty in the ring taken from actual FFW footage.
Pollaski: #Hexxie’s said for months and months that Kate will no longer live.
Will Steele stand up to her, cause something’s gotta give!#
A shot of “Kate” lying on the floor crying, as “Misty” runs up to her, trying to pull her up and give her a hug.
Pollaski: #I think that this match will have a lot of pain.
One is emo and the other’s insane.
With no rules this could get carried away...
Kate kill the monster, or will Hexstar slay?
But there will... be blood.
Yes there will... be blood.#
Pollaski’s singing voice? Surprisingly decent. But those high notes... no bueno.
Pollaski: #Hexstar’s already beaten Kate’s best friend
Then again in a six-femme match.
She’s gonna make sure Kate can’t reproduce
Like when she kept kicking Candi in the--
Wendy: (angrily, from offscreen) “POLLASKI!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Pollaski can only shrug and roll his eyes as he returns to the prechorus
Pollaski: #Kate’s gotta pull herself together so she won’t be ran out the door.
She’s gotta prove she’s not so emo, she still matters anymore.#
And back to the chorus, as shots of “Jessika” seems to be stalking “Kate” and “Misty” as they walk down the street, laughing as they are shopping.
Pollaski: #Crimson fluids will be running high.
Blood and guts and of course hair dye.
Kate’s gotta do it, can’t afford to choke.
This is the moment she’s gotta go for broke
But there will.. be blood
Yes there will... be blood.#
Pollaski holds the last note in an attempt to croon, but it’s suddenly interrupted by...
*JENNY ROCK!*
And the music of LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem” kicks in, Back to the entire cast in a line dance set up in the street, save for “Jenny Williams” and “Kelly McGuffin” who are standing at the forefront. Despite all of Pollaski’s claims (or maybe because of them) he certainly picked a rather photogenic actress to play Kelly.
“Jenny:” “WHOOOO!”
Choir: #TV Belt is in the house, tonight!
And you know you’re gonna have a good fight.
When we’re done you just turn out the lights
Cause every other match will just seem trite#
“Kelly:” “CLAP!”
Everyone starts clapping, their hands above their head, as they repeat the chorus.
Choir: #TV Belt is in the house, tonight!
And you know you’re gonna have a good fight.
When we’re done you just turn out the lights
Cause every other match will just seem...#
Brace yourselves... you know what's coming.
“Kelly:” #SHAKE IT!#
If you’ve ever wanted to watch amateur actresses dressed like your favorite FFW Stars 'shufflin', you picked the right video to watch! Even some of the guys (like “Cody Kincaid”, “Wolf Ramsey”, and even Pollaski) are getting in on this. And its as glorious as you would think.
“Jenny” gets to rap first.
“Jenny:” #Look at this, my TV belt.
You think that you can take this? What the hell?
Overrated, that’s so you
I’ll down you quicker than my Mountain Dew
I’m a Williams, You know what that means?
Big match Jenny is on the scene.
Kelly McGuffin, second-rate
You’re about to have too much on your plate.#
Ah, but “Kelly’s” got some words of her own, filling in for RedFoo
“Kelly:” #Yo, you seem to forget that I’m the best high flyer
If you even think otherwise, I know you’re a liar
Your TV Belt... you better believe that I’ll take it
I’ll beat you down so hardcore you’ll wonder how you’ll ever make it.#
Back to the chorus we go!
Choir: #TV Belt is in the house, tonight!
And you know you’re gonna have a good fight.
When we’re done you just turn out the lights
Cause every other match will just seem trite#
Now an epic-looking camera sweep of the entire scene
Choir: #TV Belt is in the house, tonight!
And you know you’re gonna have a good fight.
When we’re done you justr turn out the lights
Cause every other match will just seem...#
Long pause... “Kelly” and “Jenny” look at each other, before deciding they better both do it.
“Kelly” & “Jenny”: #EVERYDAY WERE WRASSLIN!!#
More shuffling. It should be noted that Wendy’s in the corner of the formation for this number, and she looks completely lost as to what the hell we’re even doing here. She don’t shuffle every day, it seems.
Anyways, on to “Kelly” rapping again.
“Kelly:” #House of glass
And your precious title reign is gonna crash.
Oh, you mad? Calm down, Rover
Now, stop. Your fluke is over#
She pats “Jenny” on the head derogatively, like a dog. As the beat kicks in, it’s a bit of back and forth here.
“Jenny:” #Got my Mountain Dew#
“Kelly:” #Let’s ring the bell#
“Jenny:” #Now you’re really screwed#
“Kelly:” #No chance in hell#
“Jenny:” #I will get that pin#
“Kelly:” #Just a spotmonkey#
“Jenny:” #And you will choke again#
“Kelly” #And your brother’s flunky#
Cut to “Scarlett Kincaid” and “Crystal Hilton”, who are sharing a microphone as they musically cheer on their respective friends.
“Scarlett” & “Crystal”: #Climb up, jump down, squash that girl who’s on the ground.
Climb up, jump down, acrobatics just like a clown
Climb up, jump down, shooting star press goes round and round
Climb up, jump down, listen to the crowd’s cheering sound#
Break it on down, girls! As they continue to sing, wires lift “Jenny” and “Kelly” into the air, where they swing back and forth, trying to aerial Kung Fu Fight CTHD style.
“Scarlett” & “Crystal:” #Climb up, climb up, climb up, climb up, climb up, climb up
Jump off that turnbuckle too the ground, to the ground to the ground...#
The wires lower “Jenny” and “Kelly” back down, and their feet touch right on the beat that leads back to the chorus.
Choir: #TV Belt is in the house, tonight!
And you know you’re gonna have a good fight.
When we’re done you just turn out the lights
Cause every other match will just seem trite#
One mo’ time!
Choir: #TV Belt is in the house, tonight!
And you know you’re gonna have a good fight.
When we’re done you just turn out the lights
Cause every other match will ju-u-u-u-st seem trite!
Whoa-oh-oh Whoa-oh-oh-oh#
The beat slows, and suddenly...
#BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA#
#BWAAAAA BWAAAAA BWAAAAAA#
The scene doesn’t even cut before “Jump Around” by House of Pain begins to play, and everything immediately breaks down into a bedlam of everyone pretty much just jumping around- and into each other. At the forefront are “Hayley” and “Ignis” who are not just ahead of everyone else, THEY ARE WEARING FUCKING MOON SHOES.
It’s such a shame those never lasted.
*SCRAAAAAAAAAAATCH*
The music suddenly stops, everyone covering their ears at the record scratching sound. Confused silence for a beat, and then Pollaski’s voice comes in from off camera, via a megaphone.
PollaskI: “Uh yeah, sorry. Just got a tweet. Tag title match just got postponed.”
Everyone: “AWWWWWWWWWW!”
Pollaski: “Yeah, apparently Iggy just hurt her ankle. Poor girl.”
Wendy looks concerned, piping up from her spot in the group.
Wendy: “Is she okay?”
Pollaski: “Dunno. That’s all Adam’s said. So, well, uh, I guess we move on to the next one.”
Wendy has pulled out her own phone, and is reading her feed, looking somewhat bummed out.
Wendy: “Oh, look. Kat Stryfe is already whining and sniping about it. There’s a big surprise.”
She quickly types something into her phone, while everyone else just mills around.
Pollaski: “Alright, on to the next one...”
The scene cuts away, back to a stage with the same generic band that was in “Call me Maybe” playing. This time though, the music is “Surrender” by Cheap Trick.
Gee, which match you think this one’s about?
Sure enough, “Tara Thunder” and “Serafina Reynolds” are lined up at microphones, side by side. The champion looks to kick things off.
“Serafina:” #They all told me, yes they told me
This title was a fluke.
Eight months later, I still have it
My critics have all puked.
But now they told me
I will have my toughest yet defense
Tara Thunder’s will put me to the test...#
Choir: #Sera’s all right. Tara’s all right.
But something has got to give.
No Surrender. No Surrender.
Or the title goes away...ay...ayy#
Now it’s “Tara’s” turn to go to the microphone, the actress playing her has the wrong hair for it, but she’s got that smug smirk down pat.
“Tara:” Well, I say that reign’s all right.
I’m actually quite impressed.
But I’m the Femme Fatale of last year
And I’ll prove that I’m the best.
Now I had heard the Power Trip
Cant win one on their own
Im the exception to that rule so you are boned.
Choir: #Sera’s all right. Tara’s all right.
But something has got to give.
No Surrender. No Surrender.
Or the title goes away...ay...ayy#
Interlude here. The guitarist seems to be rockin out FAR more than he has any right to for a mild-paced Cheap Trick song, but it might just be the floppy hair. Duet for this one.
“Serafina” & “Tara”: Watch this one cause it might be
The best match of the year.
A shiny belt goes to the winner
The loser just gets tears.
It will be Thunder and also Cupcake
Rolling in the ring
Throwing out every submission hold
All that they can bring.
Choir: #Sera’s all right. Tara’s all right.
But something has got to give.
No Surrender. No Surrender.
Or the title goes away...ay...ayy#
Outro!
Choir: #Awayyyyyyyyyy... Awayyyyy.....#
The music suddenly stops, and we now see “Cody Kincaid” standing on the street corner, addressing a crowd of FFW’s babyfaces, and Scarlett, of course.
“Cody:” “Amanda Saint will destroy this company! She’ll ruin us all, alright?”
To the tune of “Kill the Beast” from Beauty and the Beast
“Scarlett:” #We’re not safe until she’s gone
So its time we stand and fight#
“Valerie:” #Or well sacrifice our careers
To her own pathetic plight.#
Wendy: #She’ll wreak havoc on our company
If we Let her wander free#
“Cody:” So its time to take some action girls
Its time to follow me!
“Cody” waves for the faces to follow him, and they all do, as he continues to sing.
“Cody:” #Through the door, down the ramp
Through the ropes into the ring
It’s a gamble but its one exciting ride.
Take a breath, it smells like death
Its the stench of my opponent
Or perhaps it’s the ineptitude inside.#
“Cody:” #AMANDA SAINT, she’s as dumb as a mountain
MBA, or so she’ll say, is her cred.
Bottom line is all she knows.
But our employees say she goes
Out the door and on her head!
ON HER HEAD!#
Now practically screaming.
“Cody:” KILL THE SAINT!#
Suddenly...
#GAAAAAAAAASTOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!#
… No, your eyes aren’t decieving you. Lucas Peek just jumped out from nowhere to sing one line. Of course its an actor, this man actually DOESN’T look like a complete braindead roided up idiot. That doesn’t stop “Cody” from turning around, and punching “Lucas” full on in the face. Lucas wobbles for just a second, before completely collasping. All the girls look down, then back up to “Cody.”
“Cody:” NOW WHO’S WITH ME?
A LOUD affirmative cheer, and the scene is “Cody” leading the faces up the street, as more and more people join the mob. Of course there’s pitchforks and torches. LOTS of pitchforks and torches.
Choir: #Scarlett’s banned, change the plan
Only Easter is at ringside
There’s no chance she’ll have it any other way.
Cody must, have to trust
In his own skills and his cunning
If he hopes to hold his job another day.
Amanda Saint has to leave she’s a cancer.
Worse than Star, oh by far
Can’t you see.
We’ve had enough, about to blow.
She has definitely got to go.
We’ll rid ourselves of this foul taint!
KILL THE SAINT!!#
The mob has arrived at their destination, a tree in a park just off the road. They gather around the tree.
Chorus: #KILL THE SAINT!#
#KILL THE SAINT!#
#KILL THE SAINT!#
On the last, an effigy of Amanda Saint falls from the tree, strung up by a noose. Immediately, the effigy combusts, bursting into flames.
The scene cuts to the middle of a junkyard, where “Eileen Amaro” is standing on a crate, as “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz kicks in.
“Eileen”: #I’ve got my match match match match
Get ready to batten down the hatch hatch hatch hatch
I’m aware this is my third chance chance chance chance
But tonight I’m gonna dance dance dance dance#
“Eileen” rolls her eyes
Eileen: #Yeah, Kat bitches on and on and on...
But I'm so glad to take her on... yeah!#
Full on popstar mode, now.
“Eileen:” #My whole career has led up to this night
Saying Ay-Yo,
I’m Eileen Amaro
I’m gonna make my own name shine so bright
Saying A-yo
C’mon Let’s go#
Suddenly, background dancers!
“Eileen:” #Cause I will rock her world
I will bring the fight
I will make her quit
And finally claim my right.
All my doubters they
Will soon see the light
Because I’m taking home
The Evo Belt Tonight. #
It cuts straight to the bridge, with “Eileen” standing atop a car, wearing shades, despite the fact that it is night out.
“Eileen”: #I’m gonna go all out.
I’m gonna be the last one standing
I’m gonna break this curse
On my feet will be where I’m landing
Because I’m due
And Katherine Stryfe is screwed
It’s time for a brawl
I’m taking it all.
It’ll be my hand in the air, yeah my hand in the air!#
“Eileen” raises her hand in the air, as if triumphant already, as the quadruple beat of the song hits, then immediately cuts to New Order’s “Bizarre Love Triangle” We’re back at the stage, this time sands generic background band, but lights are flashing wildly as the three women in the FFW Championship match are on the stage. “Starla” and “Isabella” are to one side, sharing a microphone, while “Valerie” has one to herself, although she’s moved to the side.
“Isabella:” #Everytime I think of this
Match I cannot helped but get real pissed.
Everybody can see
That I’m the best in history
They can't beat me with two, so now they'll make it three#
“Isabella smirks, although both “Starla” and “Valerie” roll their eyes. “Starla” steps up to the mic this time, glancing over at “Isabella”.
“Starla:” #People question our relationship
Am I in this for me or for the Power Trip?
Not like I swore an oath
But why can’t it be both?
So long as its in the family, we’ll both stay close.#
Now it’s “Starla’s” turn to smirk, and “Isabella” doesn’t look pleased in the slightest. Then the chorus hit, and all three women sing.
“Starla”, “Val”, & “Isabella”: #Every time I see you falling
I’ll get down on my knees and pin
And hope that the ref can count to three
Before a kickout or break-up gets in.#
The camera flips over the “Valerie” for the second verse, where she stands alone, yet defiant.
“Valerie:” #I don’t care about these politics
It could be the Power Trip is up to old tricks.
They can lie, they can spin
But I am just here to win.
I don’t care if by submission, or its by pin.
I’ve never held a top belt in my life
No more being the bridesmaid, now I’ll be the wife.
You all know it’ll be great
To see my name on that plate.
More and more I feel it, I know it’s fate. #
Both “Isabella” and “Starla” are now scowling at this, glaring at “Valerie”, then each other, before the chorus kicks in again.
“Isabella”, “Starla” & “Val”: #Every time I see you falling
I’ll get down on my knees and pin
And hope that the ref can count to three
Before a kickout or break-up gets in. #
The music fades, and we cut to a rooftop in an older section of Indianapolis, where Wendy Briese (the real one!) is standing in her ring gear. The beat sounds like a heartbeat, followed by three noises that almost sound a horn. Most would recognize it as the start of Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory”. Wendy’s holding a microphone.
Wendy: #Six months ago I hurt my back inside the ring. It stunk#
An echo pops in from another singer who can't be seen on screen.
Echo: #Yeah baby, it stunk, yeah baby#
Wendy: #I had to watch on the sidelines and you know I felt the sting, to my pride#
Echo: #My pride#
Wendy: #But now I’m back and I’m finishing what I’ve left undone, and fight#
Echo: #Yeah baby, and fight yeah baby#
Wendy: #And I won’t stop until I prove that I am number one.#
It’s a bit shaky, as Wendy’s apparently had some struggles in the rhythm, but once she hits the bridge, her true vocal talent shines through.
Wendy: #I know there’s one more plus.
I feel more dangerous.
I know it comes down to
This next Pay-per-view
The first that I’ve had in eight months.#
Suddenly, bright lights appear from around, illuminating the rooftop.
Wendy: #Cause I’m in a match... with Jodie
It’s the Power Trip facing the truth
I’m in a match... with Jodie!
It’s experience up against youth.
I’m in a match, a match
A match, a match
A match a match a match!
I’m in a match... with Jodie.
And I know that I’ve got something to prove.
I’m in a match WOO-HOO!#
Wendy finishes the chorus with a cheesy fist pump, grinning sheepishly.
Wendy: #I’ve had enough of all the screwjobs and the tricks, no more#
Echo: #Yeah baby, no more yeah baby#
Wendy: #But they can’t hurt me I will always be right here in the mix#
Echo: #Alright! alright!#
Wendy: #I will show the world the Power Trip is no better, no way#
Echo: Yeah baby, no way yeah baby#
Wendy: #I am stronger, even if they think that I am fettered#
Echo: #She is! She is!#
Wendy’s not entirely sure which part that echo refers to, but she bravely presses on.
Wendy: #So to the Queen of Games
I’m going to say it plain.
I don’t care what you do.
I will charge on through.
And give you the hardest challenge of your life!#
Bright lights again!
Wendy: #Cause I’m in a match... With Jodie
And I know we’re gonna blow off the roof.
I’m in a match... with Jodie
It’s the sole reason I’m singing this spoof.
I’m in a match.. a match ..
A match.. a match
A match, a match, a match!
I’m in a match... with Jodie.
And I’m carrying the burden of proof.
I’m in a match, woo-hoo!#
Suddenly, Terrence appears next to her, wearing super cheesy shades (at night!), and a bright red leisure suit. He’s playing the HELL out of the saxophone in his hands. Wendy obviously wasn’t expecting this, but she remembers her cue.
Wendy: #I’m in a match woo-hoo!#
Terrence is playing a bit TOO hard, it seems. Or at least not taking any breaths, because his face starts to turn deep red. He finally doubles over, gasping, Wendy so concerned about him that she misses her next cue. Strangely, the saxophone continues to play, even though its nowhere near Terrence’s lips.
Wendy’s almost about to run and help him, but he waves her away, and begins playing again. Unfortunately, by now, the saxophone has STOPPED on the Music track, and Wendy facepalms as she realizes her husband has now completely lost it.
Luckily, the chorus comes up again not to long after, and this time, Wendy nails it, as the entire cast suddenly appears behind her, breaking into an energetic, choreographed dance.
Wendy: #I’m in a match... With Jodie
And you better know I’m bringing the pain
I’m in a match... With Jodie
If you haven’t realized from the last three refrains
I’m in a match, a match
A match, a match
A match, a match, a match
I’m in a match... with Jodie.
And there’s nothing else that I have to say.
See you Saturday at Barclays!#
The music abruptly stops, and a bunch of cheap fireworks explode behind her, as everyone freezes in a pose. And with that... the credits roll to music that sounds like it was taken out of a bad 70s movie.
RELENTLESS: THE MUSICAL
LYRICS BY: DANIEL POLLASKI
MUSIC BY: RESPECTIVE ARTISTS
DIRECTED BY: DANIEL POLLASKI
STARRING
WENDY BRIESE as HERSELF
DANIEL POLLASKI as HIMSELF
Thus follows the very long list of FFW personality portrayed in the show, and finally
STUFFY DOLL IV as AMANDA SAINT
SPECIAL APPEARANCE by TERRENCE THOMPSON
SPECIAL THANKS TO
THE MARION COUNTY COMMUNITY THEATHER
BUTLER UNIVERSITY GLEE CLUB
IUPUI AUDIO/VISUAL DEPARTMENT
THANK YOU FOR WATCHING
NOW WATCH RELENTLESS ON MAY 25!
And cut.
EPISODE 210: The Ball Drop, Part I
From the private journal of Wendy Briese
April 29, 2013
I was so nervous last Monday that I thought I was going to be sick. Pollaski’s stupid shenanigans with “Naughta Belmont” didn’t make anything better. But once I got in that ring, and heard the people of Central Park cheering me... all that went away. It was like I had spent the last five months under water, and had finally emerged into a pocket of the coolest, driest, most refreshing air in the world. And of course I was disappointed that my win over Trinity was by disqualification, instead of a simple fall, but still, I thought everything went alright.
Then came Saturday night.
Returning to television in a main event in my own hometown was pressure enough, to be sure, but getting in that ring, hearing the fans cheering for me... that blew any emotions I felt in Central Park right out of the water. And then the match started... and I SHONE. From a pure technical standpoint, that was one of the best matches I’d ever wrestled. I started slow, but then took control, and managed to put it away in the end. And all that uncertainty, doubt, and anxiety went away.
And I’m back. Better than ever, I think.
Of course, I feel the pressure for Relentless now... whenever you make an open challenge like that, you’re pretty much compelled to beat the person who steps forward or risk losing face. But I also feel confidence. If I can beat Katherine Stryfe in the middle of the ring, and force Trinity into disqualifying herself in desperation, of course I can beat Jodie Gray. Now it’s just a matter of actually doing it.
Of course... here still is the matter of The Beautiful People. I don’t know why I keep going- Lord knows the limits Muffy puts on people makes it impossible to get any training done. I’d be better served just driving to Anderson, or going to a 24 Hour Fitness.
But I’m still paying $900 a month for this stupid club, and everyone I’ve talked to said there’s no way for me to get out of that contract. I could just pay my dues, and not go, of course... but that feels like such a waste. Some people have to pay rent and feed themselves on $900 a month, and to go around splurging it on a health club I never use... in addition to paying for another one that I WOULD... that just seems arrogant.
And those exfoliating showers feel SO good...
Well, its worked so far, for the last month at least. I’m still getting ringtime down at Crossroads. And while the workouts I’m getting at TBP are pedestrian at best, I still can do supplemental things, like going for a run in the park, or even just doing some things at home. It sure hasn’t affected my performance any.
It’s a precarious balance to be sure, spreading out your training over so many different fields... but so far I’m juggling it, and I’m doing quite well.
But what happens if one of those balls drop?
- Wendy
==============================================
Monday May 20, 2013
The Beautiful People- Women’s Locker Room
Indianapolis, Indiana
2:31 PM Local Time
As good as a singer as Wendy was, she never was much of a whistler, although it never stopped her from trying, even though she knew her adaptation of the Irish Washerwoman was a choppy, garbled mess that was probably indecipherable to anyone but herself. It hardly mattered though- she was the only one in the locker room to ‘enjoy’ her music, and she was in one of those moods where it was impossible NOT to whistle.
Muffy was on vacation for the week, and Wendy was free.
Ever since she had pulled the plug on Wendy’s treadmill for going too fast, Muffy had taken on an almost unbearable air of superiority with Wendy, smirking every single time she looked at her, and speaking to her as if she were a five year old. Wendy hated it, and dreamed almost every day about challenging Muffy to a match, putting her in the Banshee, and laughing as the woman screamed as every muscle and joint in her body tore in half- but of course she knew that Muffy would never accept, and probably use it as even more of an excuse to treat her like a Neanderthal. So she merely bit her tongue, and suffered the woman’s abuse, although every day she asked her why she did it.
Those four months until her membership here was up couldn’t come fast enough.
But at least for this week- she didn’t have to worry about her. Muffy’s hiatus was timely too- this was the week that she needed to be at her peak performance, the week before Relentless and her match with Jodie, and none of Muffy’s lackeys were anywhere near as strict as she was when it came to that stupid “five mile an hour” rule. In fact, other than Muffy and Bambi- the receptionist who had kicked Pollaski out when they had first visited- most of the workers at the club were quite friendly when not carrying out her orders, and Wendy got the sense that a lot of them resented the way Muffy treated them even more than Wendy did.
She checked over her bag one more time, making sure she had everything- especially her ring practice clothes, since she was heading to Crossroads for some in-ring work next. She rather liked the Crossroads center, even though it lacked the cardio and weight facilities of a full gym, the ring they possessed was actually pretty good for an Indy fed. And it seemed like there was no shortage of local talent willing to be her sparring partner.
Other than her constant desire to punch Muffy in the face, it was almost a miracle how well this arrangement was working out.
Wendy’s whistling had faded as she exited the locker room, heading for the front door. As could be expected, Bambi was sitting there, Muffy’s right hand woman, texting on her phone. She looked up as she saw Wendy approaching, and smiled sarcastically.
“All done for the day Mrs. Thompson?”
“I am here,” Wendy said, smiling politely, although it was certainly strained. “I’ve got an hour and a half of ringtime at Crossroads though. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yeah,” Bambi muttered, as if she’d prefer getting SARS, the Asian Bird Flu, and ebola all rolled up into one nice little death cocktail. “Oh, Ms. Thompson! I almost forgot! Congratulations!”
“Oh? For what?” Despite her dislike of the young brunette, Wendy was curious.
“It’s been over a month since you’ve had your picture on the Wall of Shame. Muffy wanted me to tell you that she’s SO happy that you’ve learned to stop being a barbarian here, and work out like a lady.”
“I’m... touched.” Wendy said coldly, although she could feel her face starting to burn. “You have a good afternoon...” her voice trailed off as she was distracted by a flash of light flickering out of the corner of her eye. Her head turned towards the glass entry doors, and her face fell...
*BOOOOOOOOOM-rumblerumblerumblerumble*
“Oh, great...” Wendy sighed as she looked out the doors. Another flash of lighting brightened the early afternoon sky, and already there was standing water around the drains in the parking lot, with plenty more liquid falling from the heavens. Despairingly, she looked over at leftmost row of cars at her Vespa. There was absolutely no way she could safely go riding in this deluge.
“Wow.” Bambi said dispassionately. “It’s really coming down.”
Wendy sighed, casting a sidelong glance at the receptionist. “If you see Lyn St. Carmichael today, be sure to thank her for her prediction of ‘sunny all through the 500.” The Channel Eight weather girl was a member of the club as well.
“I’ll be sure to say you said so,” Bambi said smugly, as Wendy walked through the glass doors.
At least the club had a small overhang she could stand under without getting wet as she made arrangements, Wendy thought as she pulled out her phone, dialing Pollaski. She didn’t really want to be begging for a ride in front of Bambi. “Pick up pick up pick up pick up...” she pleaded
“Hey-o!”
“Dan, its Wendy!” she said, raising her voice to a yell to be heard over another rumble of thunder.
“Oh, hey!” Pollaski suddenly sounded nervous for some reason. “I was JUST about to call you!”
“Yeah, look. I need you to pick me up on your way to Crossroads. It’s raining cats and dogs, and there’s no way I can ride my bike in this!”
There was a nervous laugh. “Sorry. Can’t do that. My car’s...ah... broken.”
“BROKEN?! What do you mean broken?” Between Bambi, the storm, and now this, any semblance of Wendy’s earlier good mood had now completely vanished.
“As in it won’t work. Think it’s something to do with the transmission. Terrence was supposed to come and look at it, but the asshole hasn’t gotten here yet. So ah, yeah. I’m not going anywhere. Sorry.”
“Great!” Wendy snapped sarcastically, her words drowned out over the phone by another clap of thunder. “Well how are EITHER of us going to get to Crossroads then?!”
“Oh, well, the good news is... you don’t need to go to there now. Um... cause you can’t use the ring.” The words came out in a nervous jumble that Wendy could barely hear over the rain.”
“ARE YOU SERIOUS?! I told you to get me scheduled for three o’clock!”
“Well, nobody’s scheduled now. Didn’t you watch the Five Hundred Miles of Pain yesterday?” he asked, referring to the independent promotions annual week-before-the-500 supershow.
“No. I was in Toledo with Terrence,” Wendy replied. “We didn’t get back til late. What’s this have to do-”
Pollaski interrupted her. “Well, it was a good show... at least the first two matches were. Then... well... um...”
“What happened?”
Pollaski’s answer was three simple words. “Sumo ladder match.”
There was a long pause.
“You’re joking.”
“I so wish I was. Anyways, there’s a pretty sizeable crater in that ring now, and nobody’s gonna be using it for a while until they can figure out how to fix it. So.. yeah. You don’t need to go there. For a good while now.”
The disappearance of her easy, Muffy-free week of training before her eyes and Pollaski’s easygoing attitude about it was stretching her patience to a breaking point. Wendy took a deep breath, closing her eyes, gritting her teeth as another roll of thunder washed over her. “So. What. Am I going. To DO. About. A Ring?”
“Well, uh...”
“What about Anderson?” Wendy demanded. Anderson was an hour’s drive one-way, but it was just for this week, and she abolutely positively NEEDED a ring.
“Nope. They’re using that one for a Golden Gloves tournament. Should be pretty good too... shame we’re so busy this week, otherwise we could-”
“I DONT CARE!” Wendy exclaimed, the last vestiges of her patience snapping. “I don’t care about a stupid boxing tournament. I don’t care about a crater in a ring. All I care about is that I’m facing Jodie Gray in FIVE DAYS, and YOU are telling me that I DONT HAVE A RING TO TRAIN IN! WELL FIND ONE!”
“Okay..” Pollaski sounded exasperated. “You know that the nearest one I know of after Anderson is in South B-”
“I. Don’t. Care.” Wendy snarled again. “I don’t care if it’s in Indianapolis, or Anderson, or South Bend, or Louisville, or Tampa, or Timbuktu, or ON THE DAMN MOON! I want a ring, Daniel, and you WILL find me one, or I WILL FIND SOMEONE WHO CAN!”
“Okay...” Pollaski said, his voice almost sounding on the verge of tears after being yelled at. “I’m looking. I’ve BEEN looking. I’ll find one, I’m tryi-”
“WELL TRY HARDER!” Wendy snapped, and smashed her thumb into the end call button. For a second, she felt guilty about her outburst, but one look out into the rain brought her irritation back again. If Pollaski wasn’t capable of doing something as simple as finding a wrestling ring for her to train in, what good was he? Already his attitude and constant sniping with various other people on Twitter was getting on her nerves, and she didn’t relish having yet another one of *those* talks.
Maybe it was time for her to move on.
“Well, nothing to do about it now,” she sighed. Even if she couldn’t go to Crossroads now, she still needed to go home. And if Pollaski couldn’t drive, that left her husband.
“Pick up pick up up pick up pick up...” Wendy pleaded again after she dialed, listening to the phone as it rang. She groaned inwardly when her husband’s voice came over the phone telling her that he couldn’t take her call right now, but if she left her name and number, he’d love to get back to her.
“Terry, its Wendy! I’m at the health club, and its raining hard, and I don’t really want to drive home in this weather! Could you come get me, please?” She hung up, and sighed again. Terrence was probably busy at the shop, or fixing Pollaski’s car. It could be a while before he got the message.
There was naught else to do but try and drive home in this... and hope to God that FFW wouldn’t be cancelling her match tomorrow due to a ‘tragic motorcycle accident’... or a lightning strike.
Tucking her phone in her gym bag, and praying it didn’t get wet, Wendy set out from under the overhang, trudging across the oversaturated parking lot. Within seconds, everything about her was sopping, from her hair right on down to her socks. She didn’t mind the rain normally- at least when it was forecast, but this was just ridiculous.
She had foolishly left her helmet sitting on her Vespa’s seat, and it was filling up with water, spilling out of the visor. It didn’t really matter though.. she was wet enough already, and would be even wetter by the time she got home- it was a fifteen minute drive in good weather.
The next flash of lightning was too close, and she flinched as she set her gym bag in her bike’s carry rack, pulling the sopping wet gloves out of her helmet, and struggling to put them on. She began to put on her helmet too, but froze at a sound. Not the thunder...
Someone was sneaking up behind her. And they were close. Briefly her mind flashed to the last time someone had ambushed her from behind, and she shuddered.
A strong, masculine hand grabbed Wendy’s shoulder , and she burst into action, kicking behind her, feeling her foot smash into his instep. The man grunted in pain, but Wendy took no chances, dropping the helmet as she flashed her elbow back, catching him in the nose. The man howled as bones cracked, and WEndy spun around, driving her knee into his abdomen. The attacker weakly stepped back, once, twice, then collapsed on the ground in the fetal position, blood streaming out of his busted nose to mingle with the rain water, and a crimson creek began a trek towards the nearest storm drain.
And it was only then that she realized who it was who had attacked her.
Through the falling rain, she heard a gasp, and looked over. A little girl, about seven, had just gotten out of a running, yet parked, cherry red 1971 Dodge Charger. Even with the hood up on her pink rain coat, she could see the beautiful dark brown hair of her daughter’s.
Theresa’s eyes was filling up with tears, and she began to wail at the sight of the bloody man still lying on the ground. Wendy felt like throwing up as she took a step forward, nearly slipping on the wet ground.
“Theresa... I-”
“YOU KILLED DADDY!”
April 29, 2013
I was so nervous last Monday that I thought I was going to be sick. Pollaski’s stupid shenanigans with “Naughta Belmont” didn’t make anything better. But once I got in that ring, and heard the people of Central Park cheering me... all that went away. It was like I had spent the last five months under water, and had finally emerged into a pocket of the coolest, driest, most refreshing air in the world. And of course I was disappointed that my win over Trinity was by disqualification, instead of a simple fall, but still, I thought everything went alright.
Then came Saturday night.
Returning to television in a main event in my own hometown was pressure enough, to be sure, but getting in that ring, hearing the fans cheering for me... that blew any emotions I felt in Central Park right out of the water. And then the match started... and I SHONE. From a pure technical standpoint, that was one of the best matches I’d ever wrestled. I started slow, but then took control, and managed to put it away in the end. And all that uncertainty, doubt, and anxiety went away.
And I’m back. Better than ever, I think.
Of course, I feel the pressure for Relentless now... whenever you make an open challenge like that, you’re pretty much compelled to beat the person who steps forward or risk losing face. But I also feel confidence. If I can beat Katherine Stryfe in the middle of the ring, and force Trinity into disqualifying herself in desperation, of course I can beat Jodie Gray. Now it’s just a matter of actually doing it.
Of course... here still is the matter of The Beautiful People. I don’t know why I keep going- Lord knows the limits Muffy puts on people makes it impossible to get any training done. I’d be better served just driving to Anderson, or going to a 24 Hour Fitness.
But I’m still paying $900 a month for this stupid club, and everyone I’ve talked to said there’s no way for me to get out of that contract. I could just pay my dues, and not go, of course... but that feels like such a waste. Some people have to pay rent and feed themselves on $900 a month, and to go around splurging it on a health club I never use... in addition to paying for another one that I WOULD... that just seems arrogant.
And those exfoliating showers feel SO good...
Well, its worked so far, for the last month at least. I’m still getting ringtime down at Crossroads. And while the workouts I’m getting at TBP are pedestrian at best, I still can do supplemental things, like going for a run in the park, or even just doing some things at home. It sure hasn’t affected my performance any.
It’s a precarious balance to be sure, spreading out your training over so many different fields... but so far I’m juggling it, and I’m doing quite well.
But what happens if one of those balls drop?
- Wendy
==============================================
Monday May 20, 2013
The Beautiful People- Women’s Locker Room
Indianapolis, Indiana
2:31 PM Local Time
As good as a singer as Wendy was, she never was much of a whistler, although it never stopped her from trying, even though she knew her adaptation of the Irish Washerwoman was a choppy, garbled mess that was probably indecipherable to anyone but herself. It hardly mattered though- she was the only one in the locker room to ‘enjoy’ her music, and she was in one of those moods where it was impossible NOT to whistle.
Muffy was on vacation for the week, and Wendy was free.
Ever since she had pulled the plug on Wendy’s treadmill for going too fast, Muffy had taken on an almost unbearable air of superiority with Wendy, smirking every single time she looked at her, and speaking to her as if she were a five year old. Wendy hated it, and dreamed almost every day about challenging Muffy to a match, putting her in the Banshee, and laughing as the woman screamed as every muscle and joint in her body tore in half- but of course she knew that Muffy would never accept, and probably use it as even more of an excuse to treat her like a Neanderthal. So she merely bit her tongue, and suffered the woman’s abuse, although every day she asked her why she did it.
Those four months until her membership here was up couldn’t come fast enough.
But at least for this week- she didn’t have to worry about her. Muffy’s hiatus was timely too- this was the week that she needed to be at her peak performance, the week before Relentless and her match with Jodie, and none of Muffy’s lackeys were anywhere near as strict as she was when it came to that stupid “five mile an hour” rule. In fact, other than Muffy and Bambi- the receptionist who had kicked Pollaski out when they had first visited- most of the workers at the club were quite friendly when not carrying out her orders, and Wendy got the sense that a lot of them resented the way Muffy treated them even more than Wendy did.
She checked over her bag one more time, making sure she had everything- especially her ring practice clothes, since she was heading to Crossroads for some in-ring work next. She rather liked the Crossroads center, even though it lacked the cardio and weight facilities of a full gym, the ring they possessed was actually pretty good for an Indy fed. And it seemed like there was no shortage of local talent willing to be her sparring partner.
Other than her constant desire to punch Muffy in the face, it was almost a miracle how well this arrangement was working out.
Wendy’s whistling had faded as she exited the locker room, heading for the front door. As could be expected, Bambi was sitting there, Muffy’s right hand woman, texting on her phone. She looked up as she saw Wendy approaching, and smiled sarcastically.
“All done for the day Mrs. Thompson?”
“I am here,” Wendy said, smiling politely, although it was certainly strained. “I’ve got an hour and a half of ringtime at Crossroads though. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yeah,” Bambi muttered, as if she’d prefer getting SARS, the Asian Bird Flu, and ebola all rolled up into one nice little death cocktail. “Oh, Ms. Thompson! I almost forgot! Congratulations!”
“Oh? For what?” Despite her dislike of the young brunette, Wendy was curious.
“It’s been over a month since you’ve had your picture on the Wall of Shame. Muffy wanted me to tell you that she’s SO happy that you’ve learned to stop being a barbarian here, and work out like a lady.”
“I’m... touched.” Wendy said coldly, although she could feel her face starting to burn. “You have a good afternoon...” her voice trailed off as she was distracted by a flash of light flickering out of the corner of her eye. Her head turned towards the glass entry doors, and her face fell...
*BOOOOOOOOOM-rumblerumblerumblerumble*
“Oh, great...” Wendy sighed as she looked out the doors. Another flash of lighting brightened the early afternoon sky, and already there was standing water around the drains in the parking lot, with plenty more liquid falling from the heavens. Despairingly, she looked over at leftmost row of cars at her Vespa. There was absolutely no way she could safely go riding in this deluge.
“Wow.” Bambi said dispassionately. “It’s really coming down.”
Wendy sighed, casting a sidelong glance at the receptionist. “If you see Lyn St. Carmichael today, be sure to thank her for her prediction of ‘sunny all through the 500.” The Channel Eight weather girl was a member of the club as well.
“I’ll be sure to say you said so,” Bambi said smugly, as Wendy walked through the glass doors.
At least the club had a small overhang she could stand under without getting wet as she made arrangements, Wendy thought as she pulled out her phone, dialing Pollaski. She didn’t really want to be begging for a ride in front of Bambi. “Pick up pick up pick up pick up...” she pleaded
“Hey-o!”
“Dan, its Wendy!” she said, raising her voice to a yell to be heard over another rumble of thunder.
“Oh, hey!” Pollaski suddenly sounded nervous for some reason. “I was JUST about to call you!”
“Yeah, look. I need you to pick me up on your way to Crossroads. It’s raining cats and dogs, and there’s no way I can ride my bike in this!”
There was a nervous laugh. “Sorry. Can’t do that. My car’s...ah... broken.”
“BROKEN?! What do you mean broken?” Between Bambi, the storm, and now this, any semblance of Wendy’s earlier good mood had now completely vanished.
“As in it won’t work. Think it’s something to do with the transmission. Terrence was supposed to come and look at it, but the asshole hasn’t gotten here yet. So ah, yeah. I’m not going anywhere. Sorry.”
“Great!” Wendy snapped sarcastically, her words drowned out over the phone by another clap of thunder. “Well how are EITHER of us going to get to Crossroads then?!”
“Oh, well, the good news is... you don’t need to go to there now. Um... cause you can’t use the ring.” The words came out in a nervous jumble that Wendy could barely hear over the rain.”
“ARE YOU SERIOUS?! I told you to get me scheduled for three o’clock!”
“Well, nobody’s scheduled now. Didn’t you watch the Five Hundred Miles of Pain yesterday?” he asked, referring to the independent promotions annual week-before-the-500 supershow.
“No. I was in Toledo with Terrence,” Wendy replied. “We didn’t get back til late. What’s this have to do-”
Pollaski interrupted her. “Well, it was a good show... at least the first two matches were. Then... well... um...”
“What happened?”
Pollaski’s answer was three simple words. “Sumo ladder match.”
There was a long pause.
“You’re joking.”
“I so wish I was. Anyways, there’s a pretty sizeable crater in that ring now, and nobody’s gonna be using it for a while until they can figure out how to fix it. So.. yeah. You don’t need to go there. For a good while now.”
The disappearance of her easy, Muffy-free week of training before her eyes and Pollaski’s easygoing attitude about it was stretching her patience to a breaking point. Wendy took a deep breath, closing her eyes, gritting her teeth as another roll of thunder washed over her. “So. What. Am I going. To DO. About. A Ring?”
“Well, uh...”
“What about Anderson?” Wendy demanded. Anderson was an hour’s drive one-way, but it was just for this week, and she abolutely positively NEEDED a ring.
“Nope. They’re using that one for a Golden Gloves tournament. Should be pretty good too... shame we’re so busy this week, otherwise we could-”
“I DONT CARE!” Wendy exclaimed, the last vestiges of her patience snapping. “I don’t care about a stupid boxing tournament. I don’t care about a crater in a ring. All I care about is that I’m facing Jodie Gray in FIVE DAYS, and YOU are telling me that I DONT HAVE A RING TO TRAIN IN! WELL FIND ONE!”
“Okay..” Pollaski sounded exasperated. “You know that the nearest one I know of after Anderson is in South B-”
“I. Don’t. Care.” Wendy snarled again. “I don’t care if it’s in Indianapolis, or Anderson, or South Bend, or Louisville, or Tampa, or Timbuktu, or ON THE DAMN MOON! I want a ring, Daniel, and you WILL find me one, or I WILL FIND SOMEONE WHO CAN!”
“Okay...” Pollaski said, his voice almost sounding on the verge of tears after being yelled at. “I’m looking. I’ve BEEN looking. I’ll find one, I’m tryi-”
“WELL TRY HARDER!” Wendy snapped, and smashed her thumb into the end call button. For a second, she felt guilty about her outburst, but one look out into the rain brought her irritation back again. If Pollaski wasn’t capable of doing something as simple as finding a wrestling ring for her to train in, what good was he? Already his attitude and constant sniping with various other people on Twitter was getting on her nerves, and she didn’t relish having yet another one of *those* talks.
Maybe it was time for her to move on.
“Well, nothing to do about it now,” she sighed. Even if she couldn’t go to Crossroads now, she still needed to go home. And if Pollaski couldn’t drive, that left her husband.
“Pick up pick up up pick up pick up...” Wendy pleaded again after she dialed, listening to the phone as it rang. She groaned inwardly when her husband’s voice came over the phone telling her that he couldn’t take her call right now, but if she left her name and number, he’d love to get back to her.
“Terry, its Wendy! I’m at the health club, and its raining hard, and I don’t really want to drive home in this weather! Could you come get me, please?” She hung up, and sighed again. Terrence was probably busy at the shop, or fixing Pollaski’s car. It could be a while before he got the message.
There was naught else to do but try and drive home in this... and hope to God that FFW wouldn’t be cancelling her match tomorrow due to a ‘tragic motorcycle accident’... or a lightning strike.
Tucking her phone in her gym bag, and praying it didn’t get wet, Wendy set out from under the overhang, trudging across the oversaturated parking lot. Within seconds, everything about her was sopping, from her hair right on down to her socks. She didn’t mind the rain normally- at least when it was forecast, but this was just ridiculous.
She had foolishly left her helmet sitting on her Vespa’s seat, and it was filling up with water, spilling out of the visor. It didn’t really matter though.. she was wet enough already, and would be even wetter by the time she got home- it was a fifteen minute drive in good weather.
The next flash of lightning was too close, and she flinched as she set her gym bag in her bike’s carry rack, pulling the sopping wet gloves out of her helmet, and struggling to put them on. She began to put on her helmet too, but froze at a sound. Not the thunder...
Someone was sneaking up behind her. And they were close. Briefly her mind flashed to the last time someone had ambushed her from behind, and she shuddered.
A strong, masculine hand grabbed Wendy’s shoulder , and she burst into action, kicking behind her, feeling her foot smash into his instep. The man grunted in pain, but Wendy took no chances, dropping the helmet as she flashed her elbow back, catching him in the nose. The man howled as bones cracked, and WEndy spun around, driving her knee into his abdomen. The attacker weakly stepped back, once, twice, then collapsed on the ground in the fetal position, blood streaming out of his busted nose to mingle with the rain water, and a crimson creek began a trek towards the nearest storm drain.
And it was only then that she realized who it was who had attacked her.
Through the falling rain, she heard a gasp, and looked over. A little girl, about seven, had just gotten out of a running, yet parked, cherry red 1971 Dodge Charger. Even with the hood up on her pink rain coat, she could see the beautiful dark brown hair of her daughter’s.
Theresa’s eyes was filling up with tears, and she began to wail at the sight of the bloody man still lying on the ground. Wendy felt like throwing up as she took a step forward, nearly slipping on the wet ground.
“Theresa... I-”
“YOU KILLED DADDY!”
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