Tuesday July 23, 2013
North Marion Speedway- Storage Shed
Indianapolis, Indiana
1:56 PM Local time.
Wendy grimaced as she felt her opponents thighs constrict, tightening the body scissors she was currently in. Leaning back, she focused on her breathing and pain management, as her mind raced through an array of possible escape tactics. Jasmine- her hired sparring partner for the day- was a tough cookie. Only wrestling for six months, she’d become quite the force in the local Circle City Wrestling company, and she was even giving Wendy a bit of a tough time. If she kept this up, she resolved, Wendy would have to recommend her to take part of an upcoming Future Shock.
Wendy looked up at the ceiling, and squinted a little at the large halogen lamp hanging directly overhead. Oddly, her thoughts drifted away to the renovation of her gym, and all the work that needed to be done. That would include completely changing the lighting, making it brighter in here than the lone lamp that sat in the middle. And maybe cooler bulbs? That one lamp alone was making it sweltering in here. Although it was summer... maybe in winter, she’d need all the heat she could get.
Decisons, decisions
To be fair, the renovations were coming along nicely, albeit a bit slow. She had her ring, which was a good start, and had already ordered a wide array of exercise equipment, to be delivered once she had escaped her Beautiful People membership. True, a lot of the renovations required that the ring be removed, but she had already made arrangements for the work to be done while she was abroad on the world tour.
Yes, things were coming a long nicely. She had even come up with a name for the place: The Storm Shelter.
Wendy’s focus snapped back to the present, and her sparring partner still continuing trying to squeeze the life out of her. Gritting her teeth, she grabbed at Jasmine’s legs, trying to pry them apart. She succeeded just enough to slide herself mostly free, and Jasmine, realizing the inevitablity, released the hold, and lunged at her, trying to wrestle her down. But Wendy ducked her shoulder, and Jasmine went flying over her to crash backfirst on the mat. Jasimine sat up, then proceeded to stand up, her back facing Wendy all the while- a huge rookie mistake that Wendy took no hesitation in capitalizing on. Soon, Jasmine was in a dragon sleeper, Wendy’s legs locked around her abdomen to prevent escape. It wasn’t too long before Wendy felt a frustrated tap on her leg, and she let her opponent go.
She was surprised to hear applause, and turned to see Terrence and Cassie had walked in. Terrence was acting like business was usual, but Cassie was enthusiastic as if she had just watched Frank Gotch himself compete. Wendy grinned, slightly embarassed, and she told Jasmine to take a fifteen minute break.
“How are you guys?” Wendy asked, sliding out of the ring, and approaching her husband and his new track manager. Even though Cassie’s trip to St. Louis was almost two weeks away, the young woman was still hard at work evaluating the facility and doing what she could with her limited knowldge. Wendy admired her work ethic.
“Oh, not too bad.” Terrence said. “Was just showing Cassie around the place, and she came up with the most brilliant idea!
“Terrence said that with all your appraisals and estimates, it was probably going to be about a million dollars to make the facility workable, right?
“On the low end, I think,” Wendy said. “Realistically, probably twice that once you factor in the parking lot and pit area, and maintenance buildings.” She glanced at Terrence for confirmation, and her husband nodded.
“Are you able to muster up that kind of money?”
Wendy pursed her lips. SHe hated talking about financial situations. “Probably, if we had to. But it’d involve taking huge risks I don’t think we’re prepared to take. I don’t want to lose our house, or Theresa’s college fund, or anything like that.”
“That’s pretty much what Terrence said. So I suggested to him that we find a way to use the facility to raise the money.”
“Pretty tough to do when it’s not even functional,” Wendy pointed out.
“I know. But all you would need to do is fix the grandstands, and clear out the infield. Maybe bring in a few portable seats, too.”
“For what?” Wendy asked.
“A wrestling show.” Cassie simply replied.
Wendy snorted. “There’d be no way we’d be able to get FFW to come to a race track, Cassie.”
“We’re not talking about FFW, hon.” Terrence said. “An independent event. Something special, like a huge battle royal, that would make people want to watch it. We could even get it on Pay-Per-View. Give a big enough purse to make even some of the biggest names want in, and use the rest of the proceeds to fund the track development.”
Wendy pursed her lips. It was certainly a risky venture as well, but not nearly as much as spending the money outright. If it failed, they probably weren’t out on the streets, and if it succeeded...
“I’ll have to talk with Mr. Kincaid first,” Wendy said. “I don’t want to tick off the company I work for, even if I’m legally allowed to do it And who knows? Maybe we could get FFW to partner with us.”
“That would help,” Terrence agreed, raising his eyebrows in admiration. “I figure we’ll ask Pollaski about it too. See what ideas he has. Funding aside, this could get us massive exposure too. We could become bigger than Eldora!”
“It’s a great idea, Cassie,” Wendy said, giving her friend a hug. “If we can pull this off... I think it will be a good thing for us. And I love that you’re not waiting til you go to St. Louis to start brainstorming. You’re making it obvious that we made the correct decision.
The pale girl turned a bright red, and Wendy laughed. “I just thought it’d be a interesting concept. Anyways, lets not get too excited until we get the details hammered out.”
“Not excited?” Wendy said, grinning, glancing over her shoulder as Jasmine came back in the room, ready to resume the training session. She headed back towards the ring, turning back around to Cassie.
“It’s wrestling, Cass. There’s no such thing as ‘not excited’.”
=====================
Friday July 26, 2013
Pier 17
Bayside, Texas
11:30 AM Local Time
“It’s funny, the way things work out sometimes.”
Across the bay from Houston is the town of Bayside, a decently sized shipping center for the southeastern Texas area. Most of the piers are used for cargo, but one- Pier 17, is open to the general public for tourism. It is here that we fade in to Wendy, leaning against the railing looking out over Mitchell bay, a massive oil tanker passing behind her.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, or what company you work for, or how successful you’ve been elsewhere. Whenever you enter a company, you can’t help start to daydream about the first time you’ll be main eventing a pay-per-view. You always think about how long, the place, who’s it going to be against, what the announcers will say, and of course, how awesome you will look standing there victorious at the end of the night.”
“When I think back to my first days in this company, I don’t think I ever thought in my wildest dreams that it would take over two years for me to make it here. I came into this company a little overconfident, having had so much success in my previous companies. I thought this one would be the same- going so much as even directly telling Kaitlynn Stryfe that I wanted her spot in the Elimination Chamber match way back at Unstoppable 2.”
Wendy snorts, remembering how badly that got misinterpreted, and what a disaster that whole week ended up being.
“Well, I didn’t get that spot, of course. I’ve yet to have any spot in any FFW Championship match. It’s not me complaining- I’ve had than my fair share of chances to get there with the Femme For All. Each time I fell short... sometimes catastrophically so. It’s all the proof I’ve ever needed to say that FFW is by far the toughest company I’ve ever worked for. I know how good I am, and for me to take this long to get up there... it says more about the women I’ve wrestled with than me.”
“So it may have taken longer than I expected, and it might not be for the title I’ve dreamed of competing for, but somehow, from day one, I always knew that when I made it up here... it’d be Isabella Pazzini standing there to greet me.”
A small crooked smile.
“You saw it in that video last week. My first day in this company, I was taking Isabella to task for what she did to Rori, and two weeks later, she was trying to intimidate me in my own locker room. We’re just so opposite of each other, it’s a natural rivalry. So yeah, it’s been a long time coming, and I think we’ve both known that sooner or later, it was going to happen, and it was going to be huge when it did.”
“But I don’t think it’d ever happen under THIS scenario.”
“Wrestlers retire all the time in this business. Like any professional athlete, we’re inherently expendable. Lose someone on the roster, and there’s twenty more eager to take their place. Lose a main-eventer, and half the roster is fighting to fill that spot. Injuries, company closures, unceremonious terminations, burnout, all of them make the turnover in this sport pretty high, and no one bats an eye at all the comings and goings. And we wrestlers are a stubborn lot too. There’s many a wrestler who’s slogged on, taking beating after beating and looking worse and worse in the fan’s eyes because they just don’t know when to hang it up, and they kill their legacy in the process. So when you have an icon like Isabella saying that’s it, and she hangs it up- the night after her Hall of Fame induction, no less, it’s a pretty big deal.”
Wendy adjusts her position against the railing, and glances aside for just a second, watching a circling seagull.
“There’s a nasty truth in sports that no one ever openly admits, and that’s sometimes the storylines are a bit one-sided. Even though it takes at least two people to compete in a match, often times the match is about one far more than it is about the other. When I faced Kat, it was about me, because it was my first televised match back since my injury, and it took place in my hometown. When I faced Jodie, the narrative was again mostly about me, because it was my first PPV match back, and I was the one who had called out the Power Trip. It’s just the way things are sometimes.. it doesn’t determine who wins and who loses. ”
“Unstoppable, however, win or lose, it’s Isabella’s night. You could take me out of this match, and stick in any other woman, and it’d still be just as big as a deal. So I’m pretty honored that it’s me. That even if it’s just one time, I get Isabella one-on-one, although that certainly ramps up the pressure on me to deliver.”
“Isabella’s legacy... it’s secure. She’s a three-time FFW Champion. She’s beaten dang near every top name on this roster, and a heck of a lot more too boot. She’s now in the Hall of Fame, she’ll be remembered for so much. I could whip her from post to post, not let her get a single move in, beat her in four minutes, and I wouldn’t tarnish that even the slightest.”
Another small shrug. Wendy speaks matter-of-factly about this, although it’s clear she’s not the most pleased.
“I’m not that fortunate. I’m not without accomplishment in this company, but you stack it alongside Isabella’s, and it pales in comparison. I’ve never held the FFW Championship. This is my first ever FFW Pay Per View main event. I’m nowhere near Hall of Fame Credentials yet, and I’m almost remembered as much for supposedly choking away big matches as much as I am for winning them. I’m still building my legacy, and no matter what happens here in Houston...I’ve a long way to go to even come close.”
“So the opportunity to beat another Former FFW Champion and Hall of Famer... well, that’s definitely one I’d like to capitalize on. And this is my one shot at this one. No rematches. Sunday morning, Isabella wakes up no longer a wrestler, and anything I haven’t done before that time is lost to me forever.”
Another glance out into the bay, and a deep sigh.
“And forever is something I certainly don’t have, and there’s nothing like a match like this to remind me of that. Isabella’s hanging it up, and she’s a year younger than me! Granted, I did have a five year mini-retirement, and havent’ been in matches nearly as brutal as Isabella has, but it still makes me wonder- how long do I have left? Three years? Five years? Ten years? Does anyone really see me doing this at the age of forty-two... or thirty-seven?”
“Well, whenever my time is, it’s not now. I’m healthy, I’m strong, I honestly feel like I’m performing at the highest level of my life, and I have way more left to do before I ride of into the sunset. So while the pay-per-view, the night, heck the entire weekend might belong to Isabella Pazzini, I intend to take the one thing that’s fully in my right to do so, and that’s the match.”
Wendy’s voice, already calm, goes quiet, as she takes a couple of minutes to compose her thoughts.
“So that’s the professional aspect of this match. But of course, there’s a far deeper, more personal one to this too. Everyone saw how much it’s been brewing for me and her over the past year or so...”
“Isabella, do you remember that day in Baltimore? It was almost two years ago. We met on the waterfront, much like this one. You had just been jumped by the A-List, and removed from Samantha’s good graces. And you told me that you wanted to stop being the monster. You told me that you wanted to do some good, and stop the unfairness that was plaguing the company, and not let Ms. Star run rampant on the world.”
“And even though our tag team was a miserable failure, I still stood by you, and you me. You saved me when Crystal Hilton tried to ruin my career. And then little by little, you drifted away. I invited you to the Super Bowl in Indianapolis... you never even responded. I invited you to dinner, or to a sight seeing trip. And you flat out ignored me. And then... in May, when you attacked Stacey after her match with Shane... and told me to get lost when I asked you what was going on. I couldn’t believe you were slipping”
Another great sigh, as Wendy looks sadly at the camera.
“And then at Conviction, it was over. You became the monster again. You threw Jennifer Stryfe off the video screen. And you joined the very thing you had gone out and RECRUITED me to fight! You turned your back on me, you turned your back on the fans, you turned your back on everything you said that day in Baltimore!”
“Was any of it ever even real, Isabella? Or was everything you said on the waterfront a lie? You were going to fight the monster, instead you embraced it. You were going to take on Ms. Star’s treachery, instead you joined it. And you begged me to join in... for what? Your own sick sense of a joke?”
Wendy shakes her head, grimacing.
“I expected to be far more angry going into this match than I turned out to be. This is a woman I’ve wanted at for the better part of two years now. This is a woman who’s come to embody everything wrong with our sport today. This is a woman who destroyed nearly everything just so she could steal a title belt from a woman she hated.”
“But I guess, in the end, it doesn’t really matter. Once Unstoppable goes off the air, you’re done. You’re out of here, and you’re not mine, or anyone else’s problem anymore. I could stand here and read you the riot act until I’m blue in the face, and it’d be energy wasted. So I’m just going to ask one question.”
“How do you want to go out?”
WEndy chuckles softly, at the simplicity of her question, and the obvious answer to it.
“Obviously with a win, of course. But that’s not what I’m talking about. I already said, and no one can deny, that your wrestling legacy is secure. The fans will always remember you as one of the greatest FFW wrestlers of all time... if not THE greatest. But that’s Isabella Pazzini the wrestler. What about Isabella Pazzini the person?”
“You hear so much about important first impressions are, but last impressions are even more. It might take a lot of time and energy, but you can always overcome a bad first impression. Last impressions, however, that’s it. There’s no going back to redeem yourself. Whatever impression you make is the one people will remember.”
“And what will that be? Are you going to go out Isabella the monster? Trying to end my career on the same night you end yours? Go out cheating, biting, clawing, in the most hateable way possible? Disdain everything, leave one final black mark on your reputation? Disappear backstage, and send the fans home happy with the fact that they’re never going to see you again?”
Wendy’s emerald eyes bore directly into the camera, and even though her voice is quiet, she is clearly passionate.
“Or are you going to go out on a more positive note? The Isabella Pazzini the fans had always so desperately wanted you to be? The Isabella Pazzini you could have been, and once were, for oh so brief a time?”
“I’m prepared either way. The choice is yours, and yours alone. Because Sunday morning, all you will be to Femme Fatale Wrestling is a memory, a vivid one that will last a long time, but a memory nonetheless.”
Wendy pushes herself away from the railing, and gives the camera one final, small smile.
“It’s up to you how fond that memory is going to be.”
THe scene fades, and a quote appears on the screen in elegantly crafted scrpit, before also fading to dark.
“For when the One Great Scorer comes
To mark against your name
He marks- Not that you won or lost
But how you played the game.”
- Grantland Rice.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
EPISODE 218: The Solution, Part 2
Tuesday July 16, 2013
The Nest- Dining Room
Indianapolis, Indiana
2:02 PM Local Time
“Thank you for meeting with us, Cassie.” Wendy Briese said amiably as she sat down at the table, smiling across at the blonde haired woman on the other side.
“Thanks for having me meet with you,” Cassie replied shyly. “I’m surprised you guys called me in honestly. I turned my resume a month ago, and I figured you guys didn’t think I’d be right for the job.”
“Well, we were pretty busy, and honestly, somehow we didn’t even see your resume until last week. Why didn’t you tell us you had applied?”
Cassie looked down at the table, shrugging. “I didn’t want to be a nag about it, and I didn’t really want you giving me preferential treatment.”
“Oh, you don’t have to worry about that.” Terrence Thompson growled from beside his wife, patting the FFW Racing pin he had above his breast pocket. “How are you even qualified for this position?”
“Well, I have a bachelors degree in business managemen-”
“LIES!” Terrence thundered standing up, grabbing his chair and throwing it. “Your resume had NO higher education when you applied to be Theresa’s babysitter-”
“Four years ago?” Cassie finished mildly. “I’ve been taking online courses since then. You’ve SEEN me doing it...”
“I’ve only seen you staring at a computer screen night after night after night. Probably talking with CHRISTIAN KINCAID” Terrence growled, grabbing Cassie’s coffee cup and dumping it on the floor (Wendy’s mouth opening in horror at the willful destruction of her carpet, much less the absolute horrific treatment of her guest.) Terrence leaned in as close as he could to Cassie, and snarled in her ear. “If you’ve got a degree, prove it.”
“It’s at home,” Cassie replied, looking at Terrence and not even blinking. “Wendy’s seen it, though.”
“I have. Terry what the heck are you doing? Cassie’s a friend of ours and-”
“Pollaski suggested to him that you guys play good cop/bad cop for this.” Cassie replied with a great sigh. “Evidently he’s elected to be the bad cop.”
“Apparently,” Wendy said, glancing sideways at her husband in a most disapproving fashion.
“And how do you know that?” Terrence protested as he glared at Cassie hard enough to burn a hole through her.
“Because I heard you and him talking about it in the garage when I got here,” Cassie said quietly.
“YOU WERE EAVESDROPPING?!” Terrence roared, rearing up to full height.
“The garage door was wide open, and you two were talking at full volume. Honestly, it was almost impossible to NOT hear you. Seriously, if you’re going to do this maybe I should-”
“No, Cassie please stay.” Wendy said quickly standing up and walking over to her husband. She had a sneaking suspicion about that FFW Racing pin he was wearing, and kept adjusting. “Terry, drop the good cop/bad cop act. Cassie may be running your race track, and even if we decide she’s not the one for the job, she’s still a family friend, and we don’t want to ruin that by doing something**STUPID!**”
She screamed the last word as loud and shrill as she possibly could, and was rewarded with both her husband wincing and a loud *THUMP* from upstairs as something large and heavy fell, possibly off the bed in the guest bedroom. She could hear Pollaski’s muffled sobs of agony, and smiled inwardly, realizing she had been right. The ‘pin’ had been disguising a hidden microphone upon which her manager had been listening upstairs with headphones.
Hopefully with the volume turned up as high as possible.
As Cassie watched on in amusement, Wendy held out her hand, and Terrence sheepishly took out his own earpiece and placed it in her hand. “So, now shall we PROPERLY interview the woman who might be running YOUR racetrack?”
“Right,” Terrence said meekly, then sighed. “Here’s the thing, Cas. We know you have a bachelors degree, and you’re a smart woman, and apparently quite good under pressure.” He smiled chagrined. “But the problem is, we don’t have any idea what we’re doing. Neither do you, for that matter. You have less experience with racing than I do.”
Cassie grimaced, seeing the writing on the wall. “I could learn. I’m a fast learner. But I understand if you don’t have the time to...”
Wendy cut her off with a wave of her hand. “Cass, hang on a second. See, the other thing is, we’re looking for someone we can TRUST. We’ve read stories about track manager’s screwing over their owners with awful decisions, or flat out dishonesty and theft. We were able to trust you with our daughter for four years, and never ONCE did we ever regret that decision. If we could trust you where Theresa was concerned, we most certainly could trust you with a race track.”
Cassie looked confused. “But you just said...”
“The question for you, Cassie, is how do you feel about St. Louis?” Terrence asked.
“St... Louis? You mean the city?” Cassie scratched her chin. “It’s a nice place... I guess.”
“I know the owner of the I-55 Speedway out there,” Terrence said. “We’re pretty good friends from when we ran in the ASA a few years ago. And he’s got a great track manager who’s been at the place longer than he’s owned it, and she’d be more than willing to take you on for a couple weeks as an apprentice to teach you some day to day aspects. If we payed for your hotel and food, would you be willing to do that?”
“Y...yes.” Cassie said, flustered. “Does this mean you’re offering me the job?”
“It does,” Wendy smiled. “Provided you honestly feel you can handle it after I-55.”
“Oh, I know I can!” Cassie said, leaping up and giving WEndy a big hug. “Thank you so much. When would I leave for St. Louis?”
“The last weekend of July,” Terrence said. “Then you’ll be there for World of OUtlaws week. If you can’t learn anything from Susan during THAT, then we’ll have a problem.” He grinned to let Cassie know he was kidding- kind of.
“Thank you for this opportunity.” Cassie was on the verge of tears. “I promise you’ll be happy with this decision.”
“We trust that we will too,” Wendy said, returning her nanny- and friend- and now new track manager’s embrace.
The celebration was briefly interrupted by her now seven-year old daughter, who came running into the room. “Mom. Pollaski’s bleeding from his ears!”
“Better not be on my carpet!” Wendy snapped, looking over at her child. Her voice softened with sigh. “Tell him to wait in the bathroom. I’ll be up with some cotton balls.”
“I’ll do it,” Cassie volunteered as Theresa bounded off. “I can handle it.”
“If you want...” Wendy said, not liking the suddenly sinister gleam in the girl’s eye. “Do you know where the cotton balls are?”
“Of course!” Cassie said, then grinned. “I also know where the rubbing alcohol is. After all, we don’t want a bleeding ear to get INFECTED, do we?”
Cassie bounded off, humming happily to herself, leaving Wendy and Terrence behind.
“Oh, I LIKE her!” Terrence said jovially, more than satisfied with his decision. He reached over and picked up his earbud, putting it back in. “You want one?”
“No thanks,” Wendy sighed, shaking her head. “I’m sure I’ll be able to hear it just fine from down here.”
The Nest- Dining Room
Indianapolis, Indiana
2:02 PM Local Time
“Thank you for meeting with us, Cassie.” Wendy Briese said amiably as she sat down at the table, smiling across at the blonde haired woman on the other side.
“Thanks for having me meet with you,” Cassie replied shyly. “I’m surprised you guys called me in honestly. I turned my resume a month ago, and I figured you guys didn’t think I’d be right for the job.”
“Well, we were pretty busy, and honestly, somehow we didn’t even see your resume until last week. Why didn’t you tell us you had applied?”
Cassie looked down at the table, shrugging. “I didn’t want to be a nag about it, and I didn’t really want you giving me preferential treatment.”
“Oh, you don’t have to worry about that.” Terrence Thompson growled from beside his wife, patting the FFW Racing pin he had above his breast pocket. “How are you even qualified for this position?”
“Well, I have a bachelors degree in business managemen-”
“LIES!” Terrence thundered standing up, grabbing his chair and throwing it. “Your resume had NO higher education when you applied to be Theresa’s babysitter-”
“Four years ago?” Cassie finished mildly. “I’ve been taking online courses since then. You’ve SEEN me doing it...”
“I’ve only seen you staring at a computer screen night after night after night. Probably talking with CHRISTIAN KINCAID” Terrence growled, grabbing Cassie’s coffee cup and dumping it on the floor (Wendy’s mouth opening in horror at the willful destruction of her carpet, much less the absolute horrific treatment of her guest.) Terrence leaned in as close as he could to Cassie, and snarled in her ear. “If you’ve got a degree, prove it.”
“It’s at home,” Cassie replied, looking at Terrence and not even blinking. “Wendy’s seen it, though.”
“I have. Terry what the heck are you doing? Cassie’s a friend of ours and-”
“Pollaski suggested to him that you guys play good cop/bad cop for this.” Cassie replied with a great sigh. “Evidently he’s elected to be the bad cop.”
“Apparently,” Wendy said, glancing sideways at her husband in a most disapproving fashion.
“And how do you know that?” Terrence protested as he glared at Cassie hard enough to burn a hole through her.
“Because I heard you and him talking about it in the garage when I got here,” Cassie said quietly.
“YOU WERE EAVESDROPPING?!” Terrence roared, rearing up to full height.
“The garage door was wide open, and you two were talking at full volume. Honestly, it was almost impossible to NOT hear you. Seriously, if you’re going to do this maybe I should-”
“No, Cassie please stay.” Wendy said quickly standing up and walking over to her husband. She had a sneaking suspicion about that FFW Racing pin he was wearing, and kept adjusting. “Terry, drop the good cop/bad cop act. Cassie may be running your race track, and even if we decide she’s not the one for the job, she’s still a family friend, and we don’t want to ruin that by doing something**STUPID!**”
She screamed the last word as loud and shrill as she possibly could, and was rewarded with both her husband wincing and a loud *THUMP* from upstairs as something large and heavy fell, possibly off the bed in the guest bedroom. She could hear Pollaski’s muffled sobs of agony, and smiled inwardly, realizing she had been right. The ‘pin’ had been disguising a hidden microphone upon which her manager had been listening upstairs with headphones.
Hopefully with the volume turned up as high as possible.
As Cassie watched on in amusement, Wendy held out her hand, and Terrence sheepishly took out his own earpiece and placed it in her hand. “So, now shall we PROPERLY interview the woman who might be running YOUR racetrack?”
“Right,” Terrence said meekly, then sighed. “Here’s the thing, Cas. We know you have a bachelors degree, and you’re a smart woman, and apparently quite good under pressure.” He smiled chagrined. “But the problem is, we don’t have any idea what we’re doing. Neither do you, for that matter. You have less experience with racing than I do.”
Cassie grimaced, seeing the writing on the wall. “I could learn. I’m a fast learner. But I understand if you don’t have the time to...”
Wendy cut her off with a wave of her hand. “Cass, hang on a second. See, the other thing is, we’re looking for someone we can TRUST. We’ve read stories about track manager’s screwing over their owners with awful decisions, or flat out dishonesty and theft. We were able to trust you with our daughter for four years, and never ONCE did we ever regret that decision. If we could trust you where Theresa was concerned, we most certainly could trust you with a race track.”
Cassie looked confused. “But you just said...”
“The question for you, Cassie, is how do you feel about St. Louis?” Terrence asked.
“St... Louis? You mean the city?” Cassie scratched her chin. “It’s a nice place... I guess.”
“I know the owner of the I-55 Speedway out there,” Terrence said. “We’re pretty good friends from when we ran in the ASA a few years ago. And he’s got a great track manager who’s been at the place longer than he’s owned it, and she’d be more than willing to take you on for a couple weeks as an apprentice to teach you some day to day aspects. If we payed for your hotel and food, would you be willing to do that?”
“Y...yes.” Cassie said, flustered. “Does this mean you’re offering me the job?”
“It does,” Wendy smiled. “Provided you honestly feel you can handle it after I-55.”
“Oh, I know I can!” Cassie said, leaping up and giving WEndy a big hug. “Thank you so much. When would I leave for St. Louis?”
“The last weekend of July,” Terrence said. “Then you’ll be there for World of OUtlaws week. If you can’t learn anything from Susan during THAT, then we’ll have a problem.” He grinned to let Cassie know he was kidding- kind of.
“Thank you for this opportunity.” Cassie was on the verge of tears. “I promise you’ll be happy with this decision.”
“We trust that we will too,” Wendy said, returning her nanny- and friend- and now new track manager’s embrace.
The celebration was briefly interrupted by her now seven-year old daughter, who came running into the room. “Mom. Pollaski’s bleeding from his ears!”
“Better not be on my carpet!” Wendy snapped, looking over at her child. Her voice softened with sigh. “Tell him to wait in the bathroom. I’ll be up with some cotton balls.”
“I’ll do it,” Cassie volunteered as Theresa bounded off. “I can handle it.”
“If you want...” Wendy said, not liking the suddenly sinister gleam in the girl’s eye. “Do you know where the cotton balls are?”
“Of course!” Cassie said, then grinned. “I also know where the rubbing alcohol is. After all, we don’t want a bleeding ear to get INFECTED, do we?”
Cassie bounded off, humming happily to herself, leaving Wendy and Terrence behind.
“Oh, I LIKE her!” Terrence said jovially, more than satisfied with his decision. He reached over and picked up his earbud, putting it back in. “You want one?”
“No thanks,” Wendy sighed, shaking her head. “I’m sure I’ll be able to hear it just fine from down here.”
EPISODE 217: The Solution, Part 1
From the private journal of Wendy Briese
7-9-13
Well, that didn’t go so well.
For the first time since coming back from my injury, I’ve been on the losing side of a match, as my teaming with Spectral Fantasia ended in a defeat to the Power Trip. I know conventional wrestling logic says that I should at least take solace in the fact that I wasn’t the one who took the fall. But I hardly find it to be any more of a consolation that I was stunned on the outside of the ring, unable to help Val as she lay helpless. A loss is a loss, and while some sting more than others, they all invariably stink.
What stinks even more is that I think it was Spectra Fantasia’s first loss as a tag team ever, at least where FFW is concerned. Undefeated as a unit, until they team with Wendy Briese. Then they lose. I was teaming with Pink, Inc. when they took their first ever loss too. I’m 3-5 in tag matches since joining FFW! And the only times I ever won were with CRYSTAL HILTON!
At least no one’s calling me a mere tag team specialist anymore. Now everyone’s just wondering how I won eight tag titles in the first place. Why can’t I do with another partner what I did with Terrence?
Well, at least I don’t have to face that question for a little while. Unstoppable is next for me, and Isabella Pazzini. A match that’s been brewing for quite some time, since at least before I threw Isabella’s phone in the hallway last year after she jumped Stacey Mackenzie. I knew sooner or later we were going to face, and I’ve actually been looking forward to it, because there’s a lot of things I need to say to her, both on a verbal and physical level.
But this is her last match ever. After Unstoppable, Isabella takes her Hall of Fame induction, and steps away from wrestling forever. Which means that I have one chance at this. That only ups the ante a little bit more, because there’s absolutely no thought of a rematch. Its Saturday night in Houston, and then that’s it. Anything I do, it will be remembered forever. And anything I don’t... will be gone forever.
No pressure, eh?
It’s going to be a busy month. July normally is, with Theresa’s birthday next Monday, and the PPV, and of course Terrence’s month long break in ARCA comes to an end. And of course getting ready for my own training facility to fully open in late September when I’m finally done with that idiotic health club. And of course that infernal race track. That thing is becoming a bigger problem than it’s worth.
But then, what would life be without a few of those?
=====================
Thursday July 10, 2013
The Nest- Dining Room
Indianapolis, Indiana
3:28 PM Local Time
“I don’t get it,” Wendy Briese sighed as she stared at the stacks of paper strewn about the table. “The economy is terrible, unemployment is nearly eight percent, and we don’t have a single qualified applicant.”
“Well, what about this guy,” Terrence said, holding up a sheet of paper and showing it to her. “He says he has facility management experience.”
“Of a lemonade stand when he was six.” Wendy replied, her eyes narrowed as she read the paper. “I’m not sure that and being an assistant manager at Taco Bell makes you qualified to run a race track, Terrence.”
“WEll, we gotta take a chance on someone.”
“No! No chances!” Wendy shot back fervently. “Terry, if we’re not careful with this, this track could completely DRAIN us of everything we’ve worked for, and everything we’ve set up for Theresa. I’m not taking that risk. Whoever we get, they have to be competent, reliable, and most of all, trustworthy!”
“But that could take years,” Terrence grumbled, gesturing at all the papers stacked on the table.
“Yes, it could.” Wendy said simply. On the tip of her tongue was the reprimand that he should have thought of that BEFORE he had shelled out a hundred grand on a completely unusable tract of land, but she didn’t feel like getting into another argument about it. Terrence was already well aware of her displeasure of the situation.
“And you’re sure you can’t get that Paige girl?”
“No,” Wendy sighed. “Jenny made it perfectly clear that wasn’t going to be happening, and after that little hissyfit she threw, I’d rather not go through any of that again. And Paige herself pretty much said she wasn’t qualified. Kind of makes it hard to take her now over all these who say they are.”
No matter how far from the truth that seemed to be. She grabbed another resume, her eyes brightening as she began to read it. “Hey, here’s one who might...” but her voice trailed off as it flat out said the man had left his last company for refusing to let a woman boss him around. “Never mind,” she sighed, setting the resume aside, and turning to the next one.
In the front hall, she heard the door banging open, but didn’t look up. She knew it was her manager- he had long been given permission to come and go from the nest as he pleased, such as they trusted the obese Washingtonian- despite his ever growing incendiary temper.
Sure enough, Pollaski came strutting into the room, clapping Terrence hard on the back as he did, causing the stock car driver to lurch forward. “Hey-o.” The portly manager said, his usual customary greeting. He looked around at the two glum faces in front of him, and winced. “How goes the hunt?”
“Not well.” Wendy sighed, looking up. “Terry thinks my standards are too high, but...”
“Work that out with yourselves,” Pollaski said tersely, definitely not wanting to get into the middle of a debate. “How’s your shoulder?”
“Not bad,” Wendy said, although she winced and rubbed it as Pollaski’s words triggered a pang. “I’ve been taking it easy, icing it at night. I’ll be good to go. You have the video I asked for?”
“Of course,” Pollaski said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a couple of freshly burned DVDs. “Every Isabella Pazzini match in the past two years,” he said, sliding them onto the table. “I’d pay special attention to the one she had against Colleen at Cold Blooded. Col and you are pretty similar style wise, and she practically lay out a blueprint for bringing Bella down. Just don’t punch the damn ref.”
“I’ll try not to,” Wendy replied, smiling softly. “And thanks.” She looked to say something else, but ultimately decided not to, and sat quietly, looking down at the jewel,cases in her hands.
“Nervous?” Terrence asked, looking up from another resume- one extremely crinkled that had actually been handed in that way.
“No... well, maybe a little,” Wendy said, and she shrugged. “I was just thinking. When Isabella had her Hall of Fame induction ceremony, watching her accept it, and announce her retirement, I got choked up. She seemed genuinely grateful and touched for the honor, and I couldn’t help but think that this was a woman that wrestling was going to miss. Then she pulls the stunts she did against Serafina and Val, and now I can’t wait to get this over with, and have that dreadful woman out of our hair for good.”
Pollaski chuckled. “Isabella seems to inspire things like that. Respect and detestability. You have to admire her paradox.”
“Perhaps,” Wendy sighed. “But right now I’m just trying to think of what I’m going to say, and what I’m going to do once I get into the ring with her.” She grinned as she held up the DVD’s. “This will certainly help on the latter part.”
“And who knows?” Pollaski replied with a shrug. “Maybe it’ll give you some things to say for your promo too. You never know.”
“Maybe,” Wendy said again, with a small smile. She gestured over at the table again. “At the very least, this gives me something to look at besides waves upon waves of resumes.”
“Well, how about these?” Pollaski said brightly, reaching into his other pocket, and pulling out a small stack of glossy pamphlets. “Here’s the brochures on the places you were thinking about for Theresa’s birthday party next week.”
“Lifesaver, dude,” Terrence said, taking the brochures and thumbing through them.
“We should probably do those first,” Wendy added. “Theresa’s Birthday’s less than a week away, and we should have sent those details out ages ago.” She looked around at the papers. “Come on, let’s get this cleaned up and put in the office, and then we can figure it out.”
“Where is Theresa, anyways?” Pollaski asked. “Shouldn’t she be in on this?”
“Nah,” Terrence said. “She’s upstairs watching TV. But we’re trying to kinda surprise her with this. She thinks we’re spending her birthday in Pennylvania with Wendy’s Aunt Margaret.”
“Ooh,” Pollaski groaned sympathetically. “She hates your right now, doesn’t she?”
Terrence grinned. “You have NO idea... oops.” He looked down in dismay as the papers he was gathering up slipped from his hand to scatter onto the floor.”
WEndy sighed, glaring at Terrence. “Seriously? No, no, leave it. I’ll get it. I want to keep it somewhat organized. Just let me-” She set her own stack of papers down on the table, and knelt down, gathering the papers up and trying to look far less annoyed than she really was.
Terrence obediently made no move to help her, instead glancing down and wincing. “Sorry, hon,” he offered with an apologetic grimace.
“I know, I know,” Wendy said testily. “Just I don’t want to mix up the stacks we’ve gone through with the....” her voice trailed off as she looked down at the paper in her hand.
“What, what is it?” Terrence asked, concerned.
“I think I found someone.” WEndy said queitly, handing up the paper to Terrence. Terrence took one look and burst out laughing.
“No... no way. Are you serious, hon? HER?!”
“And why not?” Wendy protested.
Pollaski leaned in and glanced at the paper as well. “Hunh. I... wow. Not a bad idea actually. I’d say at least interview her.”
Terrence still looked incredulous, but Wendy simply grinned , quickly gathering up the rest of the papers, apparently no longer concerned about keeping them organized. “We’ll set something up for just after Theresa’s birthday!” She shot Pollaski a wink- a silent thank you for taking her side in the matter. And with that, she was scurrying away, to get rid of the papers in her hands.
Terrence looked back at his best friend and sighed. “This is going to end badly, dude.”
7-9-13
Well, that didn’t go so well.
For the first time since coming back from my injury, I’ve been on the losing side of a match, as my teaming with Spectral Fantasia ended in a defeat to the Power Trip. I know conventional wrestling logic says that I should at least take solace in the fact that I wasn’t the one who took the fall. But I hardly find it to be any more of a consolation that I was stunned on the outside of the ring, unable to help Val as she lay helpless. A loss is a loss, and while some sting more than others, they all invariably stink.
What stinks even more is that I think it was Spectra Fantasia’s first loss as a tag team ever, at least where FFW is concerned. Undefeated as a unit, until they team with Wendy Briese. Then they lose. I was teaming with Pink, Inc. when they took their first ever loss too. I’m 3-5 in tag matches since joining FFW! And the only times I ever won were with CRYSTAL HILTON!
At least no one’s calling me a mere tag team specialist anymore. Now everyone’s just wondering how I won eight tag titles in the first place. Why can’t I do with another partner what I did with Terrence?
Well, at least I don’t have to face that question for a little while. Unstoppable is next for me, and Isabella Pazzini. A match that’s been brewing for quite some time, since at least before I threw Isabella’s phone in the hallway last year after she jumped Stacey Mackenzie. I knew sooner or later we were going to face, and I’ve actually been looking forward to it, because there’s a lot of things I need to say to her, both on a verbal and physical level.
But this is her last match ever. After Unstoppable, Isabella takes her Hall of Fame induction, and steps away from wrestling forever. Which means that I have one chance at this. That only ups the ante a little bit more, because there’s absolutely no thought of a rematch. Its Saturday night in Houston, and then that’s it. Anything I do, it will be remembered forever. And anything I don’t... will be gone forever.
No pressure, eh?
It’s going to be a busy month. July normally is, with Theresa’s birthday next Monday, and the PPV, and of course Terrence’s month long break in ARCA comes to an end. And of course getting ready for my own training facility to fully open in late September when I’m finally done with that idiotic health club. And of course that infernal race track. That thing is becoming a bigger problem than it’s worth.
But then, what would life be without a few of those?
=====================
Thursday July 10, 2013
The Nest- Dining Room
Indianapolis, Indiana
3:28 PM Local Time
“I don’t get it,” Wendy Briese sighed as she stared at the stacks of paper strewn about the table. “The economy is terrible, unemployment is nearly eight percent, and we don’t have a single qualified applicant.”
“Well, what about this guy,” Terrence said, holding up a sheet of paper and showing it to her. “He says he has facility management experience.”
“Of a lemonade stand when he was six.” Wendy replied, her eyes narrowed as she read the paper. “I’m not sure that and being an assistant manager at Taco Bell makes you qualified to run a race track, Terrence.”
“WEll, we gotta take a chance on someone.”
“No! No chances!” Wendy shot back fervently. “Terry, if we’re not careful with this, this track could completely DRAIN us of everything we’ve worked for, and everything we’ve set up for Theresa. I’m not taking that risk. Whoever we get, they have to be competent, reliable, and most of all, trustworthy!”
“But that could take years,” Terrence grumbled, gesturing at all the papers stacked on the table.
“Yes, it could.” Wendy said simply. On the tip of her tongue was the reprimand that he should have thought of that BEFORE he had shelled out a hundred grand on a completely unusable tract of land, but she didn’t feel like getting into another argument about it. Terrence was already well aware of her displeasure of the situation.
“And you’re sure you can’t get that Paige girl?”
“No,” Wendy sighed. “Jenny made it perfectly clear that wasn’t going to be happening, and after that little hissyfit she threw, I’d rather not go through any of that again. And Paige herself pretty much said she wasn’t qualified. Kind of makes it hard to take her now over all these who say they are.”
No matter how far from the truth that seemed to be. She grabbed another resume, her eyes brightening as she began to read it. “Hey, here’s one who might...” but her voice trailed off as it flat out said the man had left his last company for refusing to let a woman boss him around. “Never mind,” she sighed, setting the resume aside, and turning to the next one.
In the front hall, she heard the door banging open, but didn’t look up. She knew it was her manager- he had long been given permission to come and go from the nest as he pleased, such as they trusted the obese Washingtonian- despite his ever growing incendiary temper.
Sure enough, Pollaski came strutting into the room, clapping Terrence hard on the back as he did, causing the stock car driver to lurch forward. “Hey-o.” The portly manager said, his usual customary greeting. He looked around at the two glum faces in front of him, and winced. “How goes the hunt?”
“Not well.” Wendy sighed, looking up. “Terry thinks my standards are too high, but...”
“Work that out with yourselves,” Pollaski said tersely, definitely not wanting to get into the middle of a debate. “How’s your shoulder?”
“Not bad,” Wendy said, although she winced and rubbed it as Pollaski’s words triggered a pang. “I’ve been taking it easy, icing it at night. I’ll be good to go. You have the video I asked for?”
“Of course,” Pollaski said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a couple of freshly burned DVDs. “Every Isabella Pazzini match in the past two years,” he said, sliding them onto the table. “I’d pay special attention to the one she had against Colleen at Cold Blooded. Col and you are pretty similar style wise, and she practically lay out a blueprint for bringing Bella down. Just don’t punch the damn ref.”
“I’ll try not to,” Wendy replied, smiling softly. “And thanks.” She looked to say something else, but ultimately decided not to, and sat quietly, looking down at the jewel,cases in her hands.
“Nervous?” Terrence asked, looking up from another resume- one extremely crinkled that had actually been handed in that way.
“No... well, maybe a little,” Wendy said, and she shrugged. “I was just thinking. When Isabella had her Hall of Fame induction ceremony, watching her accept it, and announce her retirement, I got choked up. She seemed genuinely grateful and touched for the honor, and I couldn’t help but think that this was a woman that wrestling was going to miss. Then she pulls the stunts she did against Serafina and Val, and now I can’t wait to get this over with, and have that dreadful woman out of our hair for good.”
Pollaski chuckled. “Isabella seems to inspire things like that. Respect and detestability. You have to admire her paradox.”
“Perhaps,” Wendy sighed. “But right now I’m just trying to think of what I’m going to say, and what I’m going to do once I get into the ring with her.” She grinned as she held up the DVD’s. “This will certainly help on the latter part.”
“And who knows?” Pollaski replied with a shrug. “Maybe it’ll give you some things to say for your promo too. You never know.”
“Maybe,” Wendy said again, with a small smile. She gestured over at the table again. “At the very least, this gives me something to look at besides waves upon waves of resumes.”
“Well, how about these?” Pollaski said brightly, reaching into his other pocket, and pulling out a small stack of glossy pamphlets. “Here’s the brochures on the places you were thinking about for Theresa’s birthday party next week.”
“Lifesaver, dude,” Terrence said, taking the brochures and thumbing through them.
“We should probably do those first,” Wendy added. “Theresa’s Birthday’s less than a week away, and we should have sent those details out ages ago.” She looked around at the papers. “Come on, let’s get this cleaned up and put in the office, and then we can figure it out.”
“Where is Theresa, anyways?” Pollaski asked. “Shouldn’t she be in on this?”
“Nah,” Terrence said. “She’s upstairs watching TV. But we’re trying to kinda surprise her with this. She thinks we’re spending her birthday in Pennylvania with Wendy’s Aunt Margaret.”
“Ooh,” Pollaski groaned sympathetically. “She hates your right now, doesn’t she?”
Terrence grinned. “You have NO idea... oops.” He looked down in dismay as the papers he was gathering up slipped from his hand to scatter onto the floor.”
WEndy sighed, glaring at Terrence. “Seriously? No, no, leave it. I’ll get it. I want to keep it somewhat organized. Just let me-” She set her own stack of papers down on the table, and knelt down, gathering the papers up and trying to look far less annoyed than she really was.
Terrence obediently made no move to help her, instead glancing down and wincing. “Sorry, hon,” he offered with an apologetic grimace.
“I know, I know,” Wendy said testily. “Just I don’t want to mix up the stacks we’ve gone through with the....” her voice trailed off as she looked down at the paper in her hand.
“What, what is it?” Terrence asked, concerned.
“I think I found someone.” WEndy said queitly, handing up the paper to Terrence. Terrence took one look and burst out laughing.
“No... no way. Are you serious, hon? HER?!”
“And why not?” Wendy protested.
Pollaski leaned in and glanced at the paper as well. “Hunh. I... wow. Not a bad idea actually. I’d say at least interview her.”
Terrence still looked incredulous, but Wendy simply grinned , quickly gathering up the rest of the papers, apparently no longer concerned about keeping them organized. “We’ll set something up for just after Theresa’s birthday!” She shot Pollaski a wink- a silent thank you for taking her side in the matter. And with that, she was scurrying away, to get rid of the papers in her hands.
Terrence looked back at his best friend and sighed. “This is going to end badly, dude.”
EPISODE 216: The Great American Road Trip
Narrator: They were one of the most successful tag teams in wrestling history...
[flashback cut]
BJ: FLOWERSFALL!!!!
[Wendy goes for the cover and hooks the leg.]
1...
2...
[Frost charges in and gets drilled with a massive spear from Twister to cut him off.]
3!!!!
[DING!!! DING!!! DING!!!!]
BJ: THE BIRDZ DID IT!!! THE BIRDZ HAVE JUST WON THE CROCKETT CUP!!!!
Narrator: And even though professionally, they’ve gone their separate ways...
[flashback cut]
Announcer: Terrence Thompson coming out of turn four.... TAKES the Chase the Taste 200 for his third victory of the season!
Narrator: They’re still doing what they love the best.
[flashback cut]
Lunging into an attempted lockup, Wendy sidesteps and pulls Tara to the mat, hooking her arm and pulling back on her head with a perfect Crippler Crossface. Tara refuses to quit, only for Wendy to pull back further, increasing the pressure. Tara claws at Wendy’s iron grasp and reaches for the ring ropes only to find them agonisingly far away as the No Surrender Champion once more increases the pressure and finally, with no other option available, Tara taps reluctantly on the mat, Malcolm Parks calling for the bell.
Mark: WENDY’S DONE IT!!! It took a submission hold we don’t normally see from her, but that’s a testament to just how damn good she it and how technically sound this woman is!
CCM: Tara was taken by surprise with the Crippler Crossface, right in the middle of the ring and was ultimately left with no option. And I think the only person more pissed off then Tara right now will be Samantha Star, having seen the Power Trip lose gold in this match.
Cory: Here is your winner...the reigning FFW NO SURRENDER CHAMPION and NEW FFW EVOLUTION CHAMPION....WENDY BRIESE!!!
Narrator: They are... THE WHIRLYBIRDZ
A graphic appears on the screen
ESPN PRESENTS: ON THE ROAD- THE WHIRLYBIRDZ
==============================
We then cut to an exterior shot of the RV, a massive 45 footer painted a dark blue with green accents, sitting in the middle of a sunny parking lot. A smaller graphic appears along the bottom of the screen:
FRIDAY JULY 5 4:37 PM
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
A cut to the interior, which is quite nice and modern- the furnishings and decor are more akin to an upper-tier condominium than what one would expect in a traditional RV. A bunch of crew members are hooking up cameras and microphones. Then a cut to Wendy, who’s standing a short distance away with the RV in the background, wearing sunglasses.
Wendy: “When ESPN first approached us about taking part in the on the road series, I was a bit nervous. It’s just kind of weird putting your personal life out there like that. But it’s really only for a day, and I guess the way we do get around is unique and interesting.”
Then to Terrence
Terrence: “Even though I’m no longer an active wrestler, we’re still a team, being married with a daughter. And that’s really why we bought the RV. Because both of our jobs demand that we’re on the road as much as possible, so if we can’t be home, why not bring home with us? We wanted to make it as easy as we possibly could on us, and especially Theresa. And as it much as it works out, it lets us stay together, and I can go to her shows, and she can come to my races. Although occasionally we do have to separate... and then I get the RV and she flies.”
Terrence looks around nervously, then whispers.
Terrence: “She doesn’t know how to drive it.”
Back to Wendy
Wendy: “There is no off-season for professional wrestling, and when it adds up, you’re probably on the road for as many days as a baseball player would be. But unlike baseball players... we’re responsible for our own transportation. So, you know, at least this makes one less thing you have to worry about. And it helps turn what could be tedious travelling into somewhat of an adventure. So its really something I feel so blessed to have.”
Another cut, to the Birdz and Pollaski standing outside the RV, still waiting on the technicians.
Wendy: (almost whispering) “They’re not putting a camera in the bathroom, so if you change clothes, do it in there.”
Terrence: “There’s one in the bedroom? Does that mean...?”
Wendy: “No.”
Terrence: “But they wouldn’t air it... probably. And we could maybe get a copy for ourselves. I bet it would be...”
Wendy’s starting to turn crimson in anger and embarassment.
Wendy: “NO!”
Cut to Wendy a ways from the RV again.
Wendy: “I’m hoping beyond all hope this isn’t a bad idea.”
She sighs. Cut back to them standing in a group.
Theresa: “Man, this is boring. And I’m hot. How soon until they’re going to be done?”
Wendy smiles consolingly.
Wendy: “I don’t know, Terr-Bear. We just have to patien-”
Sound guy: “OKAY WE’RE DONE!”
Wendy: “Or now... that’d be good.”
====================================
5:52 PM
HAMMOND, INDIANA
We’re now inside the RV, which is evidently rolling, a shot from an exterior camera shows it’s the legendary Chicago Skyway to Indiana. Terrence is sitting in the cockpit, both hands on the wheel as he maneuvers the massive vehicle through traffic.
Terrence: “So, ah, we’re going to stop in Chesterton tonight, just west of Michigan City. Just been a long day, spending time in Chicago, and we had a late night last night with the show and fireworks. So we’re just going to grab some Subway, and have a nice early evening, before making the drive tomorrow.”
There’s a pause.
Terrence: “We donated all our change to the burger cookout last night, didn’t we?”
Wendy’s voice comes in from the back of the RV.
Wendy: “I think so, why?”
Terrence sighs.
Terrence: “Because there’s a tollbooth coming up, and all I have is... Anyone have ANY change?”
This is immediately followed by all murmurs of negativity amongst the passengers.
Terrence: “You all sure? Check your pockets...”
A rustling sound.
Wendy: “Nope, sorry.”
Terrence: “Pollaski?”
Pollaski, sitting in shotgun, makes no move whatsoever.
Pollaski: “Nope, sorry. All I have in here is gum.”
Terrence: “...well... crap.”
========================
5:59 PM
GARY, INDIANA
The scene cuts to a rapidly accelerating RV, apparently pulling away from the tollbooth. Terrence looks like he’s spent the last five minutes getting his ass royally handed to him by the tollbooth operator. He sighs.
Terrence: “I am now positive there is no way to pay a three dollar toll with a hundred dollar bill and not come off looking like a complete douchebag.
From the shotgun seat, we hear a rustling sound, as Pollaski’s digging in his pocket.
Pollaski: “Oh, hey! This isn’t a gum wrapper! It’s a five dollar bill! My bad!”
Terrence grits his teeth, glaring over at Pollaski. Then slams on the brakes, illiciting a shriek from both Theresa and Wendy. Pollaski, on the other hand...
Pollaski: “AIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!”
*THUD*
...goes flying face first into the dashboard. slumping to the ground. Terrence immediately re-accelerates.
Terrence: “Oh, gee. Looks like you forgot to buckle your seatbelt.”
Pollaski merely whimpers as Terrence continues to drive.
===========================
6:31 PM
CHESTERTON, INDIANA
Considering the RV has just entered a campground, its moving a little too fast for any one with safety- or sanity- on their mind. Pollaski is now buckled in, white faced, and hanging on for dear life, although his anxiety is nothing compared to Wendy’s- who’s holding three bags of Subway and is being bounced around in the back, despite having her seatbelt buckled. Theresa’s being bounced around a bit too, but she seems to be under the impression she’s on an awesome carnival ride.
Wendy: “Terry! Would you slow it down?! You’re going to hit-”
Terrence: “Dan, we’ve got six minutes until the green flag drops. You know what you’re doing?”
Pollaski: “P-p-op outs and sta-ta-ta-baliz-ers. R-r-ight?”
Terrence: “Exactly. I got Parking Brake, water and power hookup, and the satellite dish. Wendy?”
Wendy only looks incredulous as she’s nearly launched out of her seatbelt by a speedbump. Terrence is obviously getting no satisfaction from her. Not that it seems to matter.
Terrence: “Right, you’re getting dinner plated. Alright gang! On my mark... get set.... GO!”
Terrence slams the breaks on the RV, and he and Pollaski immediately burst into motion, rushing out of the RV to prepare it to stay overnight, leaving a completely nonplussed Wendy behind holding the Subway bags. Cut to Terrence standing outside on a confessional cam, the RV behind him, with Pollaski running around making sure the stablizers are set.
Terrence: “Obviously I’m not missing a NASCAR race if I can help it, although sometimes we cut things a little close. So Pollaski and I have gotten it down to a science on how to get set up quickly. We’re like our own little pit crew for our RV.
Pollaski: “WHY THE HELL AM I DOING ALL THE WORK!?”
Terrence shrugs, and turns around.
Terrence: “You’re doing good, Pollaski! Keep it up! ”
==============================
8:31 PM
INDIANA DUNES STATE PARK
Back to a confession cam, again outside, although this time it’s Wendy who’s in front of the camera. She’s sitting on a lawn chair, looking out at the sun setting over Lake Michigan. She’s smiling softly.
Wendy: “Terrence and Pollaski are obviously inside, still watching that race. But sometimes... it’s just nice to get outside, enjoy the sunset, and breathe some fresh air. A good time for thinking, y’know?”
She looks out over the lake, where the sun has just disappeared below the horizon.
Wendy: “Tomorrow, its on to Toronto and the Unity Tag Team Show Monday. You know, I was kind of surprised I was even booked on the show, considering it’s highlighting tag teams and I’m not offically in one right now. But then I realized that it was a six-femme, and I was tagging with Spectra Fantasia against the Power Trip, and you bet your bottom dollar that I was excited about it.
She smiles softly, her face a shade of orange in the dying sunlight.
Wendy: “I’d like to think I know something about tag team wrestling, and I can say that Spectra Fantasia is one of the best teams I’ve ever seen. Just, looking at them team, the chemistry they have... it reminds so much of the way Terrence and I used to work together. They trust each other implicitly, both in and out of the ring. There’s a reason why they never lost the Unity titles in the ring. And to be in a six-femme tag match in their corner is both an honor and a privilege.”
Wendy takes a quick sip of the Snapple she had sitting beside her.
Wendy: “I don’t really think there’s much that Camilla and I see eye to eye on. I doubt she likes to hear it, but there’s a lot of similarities between her and her sister, their stubbornness coming first and foremost. But Camilla is a woman that you just can’t help but respect. The power she has is just so formidable, and there aren’t many women in this sport who can utilize it as effectively as she does. And I know she likes to do that trolling thing like Pollaski does, and stir the pot whenever she can, but you can tell her hearts in the right place.”
Wendy shrugs, brushing a loose strand of her flame-colored hair from her face.
Wendy: “And it’s a big heart she’s got. She can certainly battle back from pain. We saw it when she came back from her injuries in January... a heck of a lot quicker than I made it back from mine, that’s for sure. If she’s to be the only Pazzini remaining in FFW after Unstoppable, well, it’s definitely the right one.
Wendy chuckles silently, shaking her head.
Wendy: “But with all due respect to Camilla, the one I’m MOST excited to be teaming with is Val. I’ve faced Valerie in a strange bedfellows tag match back in PWX. I’ve faced her when the Birdz and the Belmonts met. And I faced her one on one in the Femme For All. All the while, I always thought it’d be interesting to have the opportunity to team with her. Pollaski used to joke that if I ever got sick of teaming with Terrence, Val and I should team up and call ourselves “Ginger Snaps.””
Wendy laughs again, this time a bit louder at her bad joke.
Wendy: “From the first time I saw Val in the ring, I knew she was going to be something great. I wasn’t surprised in the least bit that she won the FFW Championship. It was something I knew she could do all along. And she’s only... what? Twenty-four? She’s got so much of a future ahead of her, it’s almost awe inspiring. It’s safe to say Valerie Lamb will be wowing audiences for a long time after older people like myself have hung them up for good.”
Wendy grimaces, and looks back out at the darkening sky.
Wendy: “It puts some pressure on me, though, doesn’t it? I’m the third wheel here, coming in to team with one of the best tag teams in FFW history, two women who are nigh unbeatable when they’re together. And I’m not exactly keen to watch their run of dominance come to a crashing halt on my watch, and I’m sure they aren’t either. We’ve talked quite a bit at Velocity about how I’m going to fit into the overall strategy here. But it’s all conjecture, really. Until we actually get in that ring and the match starts, we won’t know for sure.
Wendy sighs deeply, and looks down.
Wendy: “Still, I don’t think this is going to be a repeat of Great Expectations. For one, I’m much more confident that I know what I’ll be getting from Camilla and Valerie when I step into the ring. And I just feel more comfortable about this. I mean... I managed to team with Crystal Hilton, and everything worked out okay, so this should be a walk in the park by comparison, right? Either way, I owe it to Val to do everything I can for her and Camilla. Think of it... as an apology of some sort.”
Wendy pauses for a second, and then sighs even deeper. She almost looks guilty.
Wendy: “You know, professional wrestling is a full contact sport, and I know we’re risking physical harm to our bodies by what we do. BUt even more than that... there’s so much emotion involved in it. Especially in a company like FFW, where one win can mean everything here. So you put all that time and effort in, and invest so much of yourself, so when it’s all said and done...”
She swallows hard, fidgeting slightly.
Wendy: “It’s hard enough to swallow your pride after being beaten in this sport. To go on Twitter, or television, and congratulate your opponent on winning, and say that they were the better woman that night. It’s certainly humbling, and I’ve yet to meet a wrestler who enjoys being humbled, whether its against someone they admire greatly, or someone they despise. And when there’s something else on the line, like a title or a shot at one, and that all goes away... it just multiplies things. It’s not easy to deal with, and anyone who says it is I’ll claim is a liar.”
A small pause.
Wendy: “So imagine what its like to not only have to deal with the disappointment of being beaten, but facing a career threatening injury to boot. You want to be the good sport, try to take it in stride, say it’s just what happens, but deep down, there’s resentment. There’s bitterness. There’s always ‘what the heck did you have to go and do that for?’.”
Wendy gives a small, crooked smile.
Wendy: “Let’s just say, from a mental standpoint, it took a lot longer for me to get over being injured like that than I pretended. I can’t say for certain how long, but I can tell you that for a decent while, there was a time where deep down, I wanted Val to lose pretty much every match she was in. It’s pretty duplicitous, considering that I was quick to tell everyone it wasn’t her fault. But deep down, you get to thinking ‘well, she WAS the one who threw me on the stupid steps, and then targeted my back several times for the rest of the match.”
A long, shuddering sigh. Wendy’s clearly emotional about this.
Wendy: “And a lot of times, when you’re bitter about something, you go back and watch the tape. Just to remind yourself why you were angry, in case you could forget something like that. But it was funny.. the more and more I watched our match... the more and more I realized that it wasn’t because of Val I was out for six months. It was because of Val I could even come back in the first place!”
Wendy bites her lip, and looks back out over the lake for another couple of minutes.
Wendy: “Val went for the win, and did everything she could to make it happen, but you watch that tape. You can tell right away that she was being careful. Had it been any of the three women we’re facing on Monday, I’d have been crippled for the rest of my life, and they’d have done it gladly. Val, she never went over that line. She did what was needed, and no more, and because of that, I’m teaming with her at Unity.”
Wendy pauses, and takes another drink of her snapple, swallowing hard.
Wendy: “The next time I’m in a match with Val, I doubt we’re going to be on the same side. It might be for the FFW Championship. It might be for a contendership. I don’t know. But I do know that none of this means anything when that happens. I’m going for the win, and I’m not holding back until I get it, and I doubt Val would expect anything less of me. That means that Unity is my one chance. The way I can tell her thank you, and I’m sorry, all in one go. Because this is more than just a six-femme to me. It’s a debt I owe, and I have to pay it now. So that’s-”
Wendy’s cut off as the RV door bursts open, and out runs Theresa, squealing with joy as she waves a lit sparkler around in the air.
Theresa: “FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS!”
Behind Theresa steps out Terrence and Pollaski, who’s holding a cardboard box filled with more fireworks. Terrence sees Wendy standing at the end, and glances over, grinning.
Terrence: “We’re shooting off some leftovers! You want in!”
Does Wendy look like the shooting fireworks off type? Especially when you consider...
Wendy: “Terry! Be careful! I don’t even think you’re allowed to shoot off fireworks in a state- AUGH!”
*BOOM!*
Wendy ducks frantically as a flaming colored ball comes whizzing right by her head, not from Terrence’s firework. She spins around, the camera rotating also to see... the park ranger holding up a roman candle out the window of his car.
Park Ranger: “WHOOO! FOURTH OF JULY!”
Wendy: “... But it’s the fifth... and fireworks are illegal in state...”
She gives up as a mortar flies into the sky, illuminating the night, and sighs deeply, sitting back down in resignation to watch the show.
================================
10:55 PM
INDIANA DUNES STATE PARK
Theresa: “Mommy? Do you think the Parks department will buy Mr. Ranger another house?”
We’re now in the RV, where Theresa’s lying in the RV’s hideabed in the main cabin, tucked in. She’s looking up at her mom inquisitively.
Wendy: “I’m sure it’s insured, honey. And the fire marshall is certain it wasn’t daddy’s bottlerocket that started it. Now get some sleep, okay? We’re getting up early tomorrow.”
Theresa nods sleepily, and is already dozing off as Wendy leaves the room, shutting off the light. The camera cuts to Wendy tiredly walking into her own bedroom, and giving her husband a kiss.
Wendy: “Goodnight, Terrence. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Terrence: “Good night, hon.”
The two tuck in, and the light goes off too. There’s a long silence, before...
Wendy: “Terrence... don’t you dare...”
Terrence: “You’re no fun.”
======================
SATURDAY JULY 6 5:59 AM
The camera’s cycle through different shots. Of Terrence and Wendy sleeping in their bed, Theresa in the hide-a-bed, and Pollaski wedged into a loft above the cockpit. Its not long before...
*BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP*
...three different alarm clocks go off, followed by three muttering adults all shutting them off.
======================
6:30 AM
At least everyone’s up now, moving about the now brightly lit cabin. Terrence is busy cooking something for breakfast, while Pollaski sits idly by, playing on his tablet. Theresa comes bounding out of the bedroom, dressed for the day, with Wendy following behind, still a little bleary eyed. Theresa sniffs the air.
Theresa: “What’s that smell?”
Terrence: “Breakfast. Good old fashioned biscuits and gravy.”
Theresa: “Ew... can’t we have Lucky Charms instead?”
Terrence: “Why? This is good home cookin’. A wise man once said that biscuits and gravy are what made him a man.”
Theresa: “Well, I don’t WANT to be a man.”
Terrence: “Well, thank God for that. The operation is expensive and I doubt our insurance-”
*SMACK!*
Wendy has a mean backhand.
Wendy: “You can have whatever you want for breakfast, Theresa. But if you have cereal, you need to have a yogurt too, for protein. I dont want you just filling up on empty carbs when you’re going to be riding in the RV all day, okay?”
Theresa nods eagerly.
=================
7:42 AM
Wendy’s on a confessional cam now, standing outside the RV.
Wendy: “Even after settling for just one night, getting ready to go is always a chore. You have to pack everything up. Make sure its put away, secure. Then there’s the safety checks... we made checklists so we can remember everything, but still...
Cut to Wendy, holding a hand radio and standing behind the RV, with Terrence’s voice coming over the radio.
Terrence: “Okay, the left blinker should be on.”
Sure enough, the left blinker is blinking.
Wendy: “Right.”
Terrence: “Wait... the RIGHT blinker is blinking?”
Wendy: “What? No! Terry, I...”
The left turn signal suddenly stops, and the right one starts to blink. At this moment, Theresa comes walking up behind Wendy.
Terrence: “What about now, hon?”
Theresa: “Mom, Pollaski wants to know where the elastic tie downs are.”
Obviously, two people demanding her attention at once isn’t sitting too well with Wendy.
Wendy: “Hold on, Terry. Theresa, they’re normally in the cabinet left of the sink, but I don’t think we have any left.”
Terrence: “NOW THE LEFT BLINKERS ON?! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THIS WIRING?”
Wendy facepalms. Cut to Wendy back in the confessional.
Wendy: “...but somehow, God’s Mercy, we manage to get it done.”
=================
8:02 AM
An external shot at the RV, with voiceovers.
Terrence: “Alright gang... next stop, TORONTO!”
Everyone Else: “YAY!”
Terrence: “...Unless we stop for lunch first.”
Everyone Else: (Louder) “YAY!”
THe RV begins rolling out of the lot, turning up the street...
Wendy: TERRY STOP! We forgot the camera!
The RV screeches to a halt.
======================================
9:35 AM
KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN
The RV is most definitely on the road, heading up I-94 through Michigan at this point. Terrence and Pollaski are driving, while Wendy’s sitting in the back, playing a game of magnetic checkers with Theresa. Wendy’s just moved a piece onto Theresa’s end.
Wendy: “King me!”
Theresa looks slightly grumpy about that, but nonetheless, she takes one of Wendy’s captured pieces, and stacks it atop the original, crown side up.”
Theresa: “Aw, you’re too good at this.”
Wendy: “Hey, you beat me the last game, didn’t you? You’re getting really good at these strategic games. Anyways, your move.”
Theresa thinks for a second, scratching her chin, her lips pursed as she contemplates her move. Before she decides, however, curiosity overcomes her, and she looks up at her mom.
Theresa: “Are we all taking the RV to Houston?”
Wendy grimaces sadly.
Wendy: “No, sorry, Terr-Bear. Daddy’s got a race in New Jersey the next day, so he’ll be driving it there. I’ll have to fly down.”
Theresa: “Can I come with?”
Wendy shakes her head.
Wendy: “No. Sorry, hon, but I don’t think that’d be a good idea this time. It’s going to be a little bit hectic down there, and I’m not sure I want you watching this one until after its over.”
Given Theresa’s expression, this is something she’s definitely used to, but still not something she’s a fan of.
Theresa: “But its your first FFW main event...”
Wendy: “I know hon. But I just have this feeling that Isabella’s going to try to... make her final match as memorable as she possibly can, and I really don’t want you watching and getting frightened, okay?”
Theresa: “But now that you told me she’s going to try to hurt you... won’t I be frightened anyways? So then there’s no point in not letting me watch, is it?”
There’s a smirk on Theresa’s face, as if she just caught her mom in a ‘gotcha’. Wendy opens her mouth to respond, then closes it. She’s completely at a loss for words- and slightly annoyed at her daughter being a bit too clever for her own good. She evidently decides to relent... just slightly.
Wendy: “I’ll talk to Terrence, and see what he thinks, alright? It’s still your move.”
Theresa looks down at the board, but only for a second, and then she looks back up.
Theresa: “Are you excited about it?”
Wendy smiles at her daughter.
Wendy: “Absolutely. I mean, I was in the main event at last year’s Sin & Sacrifice, but when you have that many people in the ring, it kind of lacks the same experience. But now I’m going from facing Jodie to facing Isabella in her retirement match at the biggest show of the year... that’s quite a jump. And knowing that we’ll be the final match... even AFTER the FFW Championship...”
She takes a deep breath, smiling at her daughter.
Wendy: “Being anyone’s retirement match is a huge honor in and of itself. But when it’s a hall of famer like Isabella... at such a huge show. It’s going to be a night that’s so memorable. Even though it’s three weeks away, I’m already starting to feel it.
Theresa: “But mom... if it’s such a huge honor, and you and Isabella don’t like each other... why is she letting you be her final match.”
Wendy looks away, her eyes distant for a couple minutes, before she turns back to her daughter.
Wendy: “Because this is something that’s needed to happen for a very, VERY long time.”
Theresa doesn’t look like she completely understands, but she nods slightly, then looks back down at the checkerboard. A grin suddenly washes over her face.
Theresa: “Jump! Jump! King me!”
Wendy looks almost stunned at the reversal of fortune she just encountered.
Wendy: “Wow... that’s... impressive, Theresa. Good job!”
Theresa grins, satisfied with herself, as Wendy begins to study the board for her own turn.
==============================
1:40 PM
PORT HURON, MICHIGAN
Pollaski: “Man, that was a good lunch.”
Back in the RV, we are, although Pollaski is patting his stomach, evidently rather full. Terrence is looking ahead, however.
Terrence: “Okay, guys. Borders in a mile. Everyone have their passports ready?”
Cut to a quick confessional cam by Wendy in the back seat.
Wendy: “Whenever we go to Canada, if we can help it, we always cross at Port Huron into Sarnia, instead of Detroit into Windsor. It’s less busy, and is a bit quicker overall.”
Terrence has his own add on.
Terrence: “Also because Detroit is a shitstain that nobody in their right mind would ever want to go to.”
Back to Terrence driving. An exterior shot shows them pulling up to the border crossing, stopping at customs.
Customs Officer: Hello there! Passports, please.
Terrence hands the CO four passports, and the man begins to look through them.
CO: So what brings you to Canada, today?
Terrence: My wife’s a wrestler, and she’s got a show in Toronto.
CO: Your wife... Gwendo... OH! Wendy Briese! Well, good luck to her, sir. Alright go ahea-
The officer begins handing the passports back, but suddenly one of the K-9 units goes berserk, barking up a storm at the RV. Terrence suddenly finds himself with the enitre border guard aiming guns at him.
Terrence: “Uh...”
Meanwhile, in the back...
Wendy: “Terry? What’s going on... is everything alright?”
Back up front, Terrence and Pollaski both have their hands in the air.
Terrence: “Yeah, hon. Everythings... fine.”
CO: “Alright sir, nice and slow, pull your RV over to the side there. DO IT NOW!”
Terrence: “Yeah. I’m gonna go REAL nice and slow when you’re screaming at me like that. Asshole.”
Cut to a confessional cam again, this time with Wendy standing outside. The RV is behind her in the background, and Canadian customs agents are pouring over it.
Wendy: “So... apparently if you completely stuff your RV full of fireworks, and then try to drive it across an international border two days later... the dogs can smell the gunpowder. A LOT of gunpowder. And that’s why they’re searching us.
Wendy glances to the side. Where no doubt her husband is standing. She is going to kill him.
Now a Pollaski confessional.
Pollaski: “Man, this ain’t nothing. One time my uncle got busted in Mexico trying to smuggle in thirty pounds of cocaine. And a small armory of assault weapons. And maybe a dozen underage prostitutes. I think they just shot him on the spot. Anyways, I knew it was gonna be a while, and it was kinda boring. So I figure, why not give these Canucks a bit of a show?
Cut to Pollaski standing on a table, a small kid’s microphone in his hands. He’s singing “Somewhere Out There” by Our Lady Peace to a bunch of Mounties and customs agents.
#You’re falling out of reach... defying gravity...
I KNOW YOU’RE OUT THERE... SOMEWHERE OUT THERE!#
There’s not a dry eye in the house. Pollaski back on confessional.
Pollaski: “I don’t care if you’re Canadian or al fucking Queada. If Our Lady Peace doesn’t move you to tears, you don’t have a soul. So yeah, everything was going pretty well, and they were about to let us go.
Pause, and Pollaski’s face darkens.
Pollaski: “Then Wendy had to go and fuck it all up.”
Now its Wendy who’s in front of the agents, singing.
#Every night in my dreams... I see you, I feel..#
Voice: “TERRORIST! STOP HER!”
Wendy: “Wha.. HEY!”
Before the redhead can react, she’s being wrestled to the ground her arms pinned behind her back. She’s obviously confused out of her mind.
Wendy: “What are you doing?! Let me go! I didn’t... AAAAAAAIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!”
That would be when one of the border guards smacks her with a taser. Cut to Pollaski, Terrence, and Theresa a short distance away. Even Pollaski looks completely stunned and horrified, although Theresa sees an opportunity.
Theresa: (completely matter-of-fact) “I think I’m handling this pretty well, dad. So I should totally be allowed to watch Unstoppable.
The incredulous glare from Terrence is priceless. A cut to a now quite disheveled Wendy on the confessional cam.
Wendy: “I don’t... get it. I was just singing Celine Dion, and she’s a national icon, so...”
CO: “SHUT UP, TERRORIST!”
A knightstick comes crashing down on Wendy’s head, knocking her back to the ground, as an angry customs agent stands over her, brandishing the knightstick. Wendy’s now practically on the verge of tears.
Wendy: “What is WRONG with you people!”
Cut to Pollaski, back in confessional.
Pollaski: Well, luckily they didn’t find anything worse than an unused sparkler, and we managed to convince them that Wendy didn’t REALLY like Celine Dion. So they let us on our way, eventually. And the adventure continues.
======================
4:18 PM
WYOMING, ONTARIO
The adventure may be continuing, but it’s certainly a cold, awkward one now. Terrence is driving, looking straight ahead, while Wendy behind him is holding an icepack to her head. Even Theresa’s gotten the hint that this would be a REALLY bad time to badger her mom about watching the PPV. Pollaski takes it upon himself to try and get some form of communication going, pointing to the radio, and the song that’s playing on it.
Pollaski: “You know, it seems to me that EVERY good road trip montage should have “Blurry” by PUddle of Mudd playing. It’s like the ultimate long drive song...”
He’s only greeted by three annoyed glances. Giving up, Pollaski turns back around, singing quietly to himself.
#Everythings so blurry and no one..la-de-da... da, la de da de da da and everything is so messed up...#
=====================
5:35 PM
WOODSTOCK, ONTARO
Confessional cam again, with Wendy sitting in the back of the RV, looking slightly more dignified than she did at the customs. Theresa’s next to her, fast asleep, leaning over so that her head is in her mom’s lap. Wendy gently strokes her daughter’s hair gently, smiling down at her.
Wendy: “She looks like an angel, doesn’t she? We’re so blessed that she has taken so well with travelling like this. Our daughter comes first in both of our lives, and as much as we love our jobs, we wouldn’t be doing them if we didn’t think she could handle it.”
She smiles softly, glancing down at her daughter.
Wendy: “You know, I was thinking about what I said yesterday. About how had it been any of my Unity opponents in the ring with me when I hurt my back, that I doubt I’d still have a career. And that... that’s chilling isn’t it? Especially when you look at the track record of those three women, what they’ve done, who they hurt. And ultimately, that’s what makes all the difference in the world.
She grimaces slightly.
Wendy: “Isabella’s sent how many women to the hospital over the past couple of years? Starla might even be worse. Isabella at least has a ‘win-first’ mentality. But Starla, I almost think sometimes the victory only becomes second on her priority list, and causing as much misery as possible being number one. And Tara... we saw what she did to Caroline.”
A deep breath.
Wendy: “I’ve been thinking about what Isabella said a couple weeks ago, about how submissionists are more dangerous than ‘hardcore’ wrestlers. It makes you wonder what her partners at Unity... who are both competent submissionists- thought about it. Especially since all her gripes fit those two to the hilt.”
A small shrug.
Wendy: “The scary thing is, she’s right. I mean, hardcore wrestling is dangerous, but you look at what a brutal, merciless submission can do if left on too long... you can do a lot of damage to someone on a whim, if you’re cruel enough. You can tear muscle, snap bones, dislocate joints, asphyxiation, ischemia... you can do a lot of horrible things to someone in a submission hold. I know that.”
She shakes her head.
Wendy: “But... and this makes all the difference in the world- you don’t HAVE to. Any wrestler in any match has the opportunity to tap out if either the pain or the threat becomes to great, and once that bell rings, it’s over. You release, that’s it, match over, you win, everybody goes home intact. Going further and beyond that... keeping the hold applied after the bell... that’s not wrestling. That’s assault. And it’s disgusting.”
Wendy bites her lip, shaking her head.
Wendy: “I’ll put it plain, here. If I make Isabella tap out at Unstoppable, it will be the first time I’ve ended anyone’s career with a submission hold. I apply, they tap, I release. That’s all I’ve ever done, and that’s all I’ll ever do. And I REFUSE to sit here, listening to a woman like Isabella, who’s ruined countless careers just because the whimsy calls to her, acting like I’m some sort of health hazard in this industry, when I’ve never ever so much as even threatened someone’s career.
Wendy certainly looks angry about that.
Wendy: “It all comes down to respect, I guess. You respect your opponents, you acknowledge that they’re human beings, you can go to bed witih a clear conscience. But when they stop being humans to you, and become more like a cheap doll that you can play with, abuse, and discard on a whim... that’s when the danger occurs.”
Another small shrug.
Wendy: “And that’s why the Power Trip is so dangerous. Because almost to a woman, they all have this mindset of an undisciplined child. One who sets ant hills on fire and tortures neighborhood cats, strictly on a whim. The one who gets on the playground, and looks for loopholes in the rules of games, or just strictly changes them, because they can, and to hell with the enjoyment of their playmates. And then think themselves clever for it, despite the fact that it’d been done countless times before, all by other smug brats who think themselves more clever than they really are as well.”
A small meaningful glance at Theresa. Think Wendy may be speaking from her daughter’s personal experiences here?
Wendy: “Believe it or not, wrestling’s a big-girl sport, and the FFW is presumably a place for adults. There’s no room for children here, for that ‘me first, I do what I want and to hell with everyone else.’ mentality that we were all supposed to outgrow by the fifth grade. But we still see it, far too often. And when you put that in a fully grown, musclar woman who’s been triained in a full contact combat sport... it’s not a good combination for anyone.”
Wendy shakes her head sadly.
Wendy: “But ultimately, all children are cowed in the face of grown-ups. Think about Lord of the Flies, and how degenerate they became in the face of isolation. And then the moment the naval officer shows up, they’re all weeping with shame and embarrassment over what they had become. The change isn’t as radical here, but its happening. The Power Trip is getting their way less and less. They’re becoming more and more impotent, and as a result, their attempts to justify themselves are becoming more and more feeble. And while I’d love to pretend that Unity will be the final stroke that leads to their dissolution, I know better.”
A small,final smile.
Wendy: “But it’s going to be another step in that direction.”
=======================
6:25 PM
AURORA, ONTARIO
A shot of the RV parking in its new campground space, with Wendy’s voiceover.
Wendy: “Well, we made it! It was a bit of a more... eventful trip than we were used to. But still, you have to take the adventures as they come when they’re on the road. And well, we hope you got the idea of what it’s like to travel as a WhirlyBird.
A shot to Pollaski and Terrence again getting the RV set up, and prepared for another night of camping.
Wendy: “So, make sure you watch Unity on Monday night! Lot’s of great tag team action coming up, and a star studded main event you absolutely do NOT want to miss!”
A slight pause.
Wendy: “I’m just glad we made it in one piece. But you know what they say...”
Terrence’s voice over pops in, interrupting.
Terrence: “Hey, hon? Could you keep it down? The race is about to start.”
A deep sigh from Wendy.
Wendy: “Exactly.”
And roll credits. Along with a promo for the next episode of on the road- Keeping up with the Clippers, Columbus, Ohio’s AAA baseball team. And of course for the upcoming IX for IX documentary Pat XO. And a bunch of other promos. Because ESPN self-whores like that.
And cut feed.
[flashback cut]
BJ: FLOWERSFALL!!!!
[Wendy goes for the cover and hooks the leg.]
1...
2...
[Frost charges in and gets drilled with a massive spear from Twister to cut him off.]
3!!!!
[DING!!! DING!!! DING!!!!]
BJ: THE BIRDZ DID IT!!! THE BIRDZ HAVE JUST WON THE CROCKETT CUP!!!!
Narrator: And even though professionally, they’ve gone their separate ways...
[flashback cut]
Announcer: Terrence Thompson coming out of turn four.... TAKES the Chase the Taste 200 for his third victory of the season!
Narrator: They’re still doing what they love the best.
[flashback cut]
Lunging into an attempted lockup, Wendy sidesteps and pulls Tara to the mat, hooking her arm and pulling back on her head with a perfect Crippler Crossface. Tara refuses to quit, only for Wendy to pull back further, increasing the pressure. Tara claws at Wendy’s iron grasp and reaches for the ring ropes only to find them agonisingly far away as the No Surrender Champion once more increases the pressure and finally, with no other option available, Tara taps reluctantly on the mat, Malcolm Parks calling for the bell.
Mark: WENDY’S DONE IT!!! It took a submission hold we don’t normally see from her, but that’s a testament to just how damn good she it and how technically sound this woman is!
CCM: Tara was taken by surprise with the Crippler Crossface, right in the middle of the ring and was ultimately left with no option. And I think the only person more pissed off then Tara right now will be Samantha Star, having seen the Power Trip lose gold in this match.
Cory: Here is your winner...the reigning FFW NO SURRENDER CHAMPION and NEW FFW EVOLUTION CHAMPION....WENDY BRIESE!!!
Narrator: They are... THE WHIRLYBIRDZ
A graphic appears on the screen
ESPN PRESENTS: ON THE ROAD- THE WHIRLYBIRDZ
==============================
We then cut to an exterior shot of the RV, a massive 45 footer painted a dark blue with green accents, sitting in the middle of a sunny parking lot. A smaller graphic appears along the bottom of the screen:
FRIDAY JULY 5 4:37 PM
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
A cut to the interior, which is quite nice and modern- the furnishings and decor are more akin to an upper-tier condominium than what one would expect in a traditional RV. A bunch of crew members are hooking up cameras and microphones. Then a cut to Wendy, who’s standing a short distance away with the RV in the background, wearing sunglasses.
Wendy: “When ESPN first approached us about taking part in the on the road series, I was a bit nervous. It’s just kind of weird putting your personal life out there like that. But it’s really only for a day, and I guess the way we do get around is unique and interesting.”
Then to Terrence
Terrence: “Even though I’m no longer an active wrestler, we’re still a team, being married with a daughter. And that’s really why we bought the RV. Because both of our jobs demand that we’re on the road as much as possible, so if we can’t be home, why not bring home with us? We wanted to make it as easy as we possibly could on us, and especially Theresa. And as it much as it works out, it lets us stay together, and I can go to her shows, and she can come to my races. Although occasionally we do have to separate... and then I get the RV and she flies.”
Terrence looks around nervously, then whispers.
Terrence: “She doesn’t know how to drive it.”
Back to Wendy
Wendy: “There is no off-season for professional wrestling, and when it adds up, you’re probably on the road for as many days as a baseball player would be. But unlike baseball players... we’re responsible for our own transportation. So, you know, at least this makes one less thing you have to worry about. And it helps turn what could be tedious travelling into somewhat of an adventure. So its really something I feel so blessed to have.”
Another cut, to the Birdz and Pollaski standing outside the RV, still waiting on the technicians.
Wendy: (almost whispering) “They’re not putting a camera in the bathroom, so if you change clothes, do it in there.”
Terrence: “There’s one in the bedroom? Does that mean...?”
Wendy: “No.”
Terrence: “But they wouldn’t air it... probably. And we could maybe get a copy for ourselves. I bet it would be...”
Wendy’s starting to turn crimson in anger and embarassment.
Wendy: “NO!”
Cut to Wendy a ways from the RV again.
Wendy: “I’m hoping beyond all hope this isn’t a bad idea.”
She sighs. Cut back to them standing in a group.
Theresa: “Man, this is boring. And I’m hot. How soon until they’re going to be done?”
Wendy smiles consolingly.
Wendy: “I don’t know, Terr-Bear. We just have to patien-”
Sound guy: “OKAY WE’RE DONE!”
Wendy: “Or now... that’d be good.”
====================================
5:52 PM
HAMMOND, INDIANA
We’re now inside the RV, which is evidently rolling, a shot from an exterior camera shows it’s the legendary Chicago Skyway to Indiana. Terrence is sitting in the cockpit, both hands on the wheel as he maneuvers the massive vehicle through traffic.
Terrence: “So, ah, we’re going to stop in Chesterton tonight, just west of Michigan City. Just been a long day, spending time in Chicago, and we had a late night last night with the show and fireworks. So we’re just going to grab some Subway, and have a nice early evening, before making the drive tomorrow.”
There’s a pause.
Terrence: “We donated all our change to the burger cookout last night, didn’t we?”
Wendy’s voice comes in from the back of the RV.
Wendy: “I think so, why?”
Terrence sighs.
Terrence: “Because there’s a tollbooth coming up, and all I have is... Anyone have ANY change?”
This is immediately followed by all murmurs of negativity amongst the passengers.
Terrence: “You all sure? Check your pockets...”
A rustling sound.
Wendy: “Nope, sorry.”
Terrence: “Pollaski?”
Pollaski, sitting in shotgun, makes no move whatsoever.
Pollaski: “Nope, sorry. All I have in here is gum.”
Terrence: “...well... crap.”
========================
5:59 PM
GARY, INDIANA
The scene cuts to a rapidly accelerating RV, apparently pulling away from the tollbooth. Terrence looks like he’s spent the last five minutes getting his ass royally handed to him by the tollbooth operator. He sighs.
Terrence: “I am now positive there is no way to pay a three dollar toll with a hundred dollar bill and not come off looking like a complete douchebag.
From the shotgun seat, we hear a rustling sound, as Pollaski’s digging in his pocket.
Pollaski: “Oh, hey! This isn’t a gum wrapper! It’s a five dollar bill! My bad!”
Terrence grits his teeth, glaring over at Pollaski. Then slams on the brakes, illiciting a shriek from both Theresa and Wendy. Pollaski, on the other hand...
Pollaski: “AIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!”
*THUD*
...goes flying face first into the dashboard. slumping to the ground. Terrence immediately re-accelerates.
Terrence: “Oh, gee. Looks like you forgot to buckle your seatbelt.”
Pollaski merely whimpers as Terrence continues to drive.
===========================
6:31 PM
CHESTERTON, INDIANA
Considering the RV has just entered a campground, its moving a little too fast for any one with safety- or sanity- on their mind. Pollaski is now buckled in, white faced, and hanging on for dear life, although his anxiety is nothing compared to Wendy’s- who’s holding three bags of Subway and is being bounced around in the back, despite having her seatbelt buckled. Theresa’s being bounced around a bit too, but she seems to be under the impression she’s on an awesome carnival ride.
Wendy: “Terry! Would you slow it down?! You’re going to hit-”
Terrence: “Dan, we’ve got six minutes until the green flag drops. You know what you’re doing?”
Pollaski: “P-p-op outs and sta-ta-ta-baliz-ers. R-r-ight?”
Terrence: “Exactly. I got Parking Brake, water and power hookup, and the satellite dish. Wendy?”
Wendy only looks incredulous as she’s nearly launched out of her seatbelt by a speedbump. Terrence is obviously getting no satisfaction from her. Not that it seems to matter.
Terrence: “Right, you’re getting dinner plated. Alright gang! On my mark... get set.... GO!”
Terrence slams the breaks on the RV, and he and Pollaski immediately burst into motion, rushing out of the RV to prepare it to stay overnight, leaving a completely nonplussed Wendy behind holding the Subway bags. Cut to Terrence standing outside on a confessional cam, the RV behind him, with Pollaski running around making sure the stablizers are set.
Terrence: “Obviously I’m not missing a NASCAR race if I can help it, although sometimes we cut things a little close. So Pollaski and I have gotten it down to a science on how to get set up quickly. We’re like our own little pit crew for our RV.
Pollaski: “WHY THE HELL AM I DOING ALL THE WORK!?”
Terrence shrugs, and turns around.
Terrence: “You’re doing good, Pollaski! Keep it up! ”
==============================
8:31 PM
INDIANA DUNES STATE PARK
Back to a confession cam, again outside, although this time it’s Wendy who’s in front of the camera. She’s sitting on a lawn chair, looking out at the sun setting over Lake Michigan. She’s smiling softly.
Wendy: “Terrence and Pollaski are obviously inside, still watching that race. But sometimes... it’s just nice to get outside, enjoy the sunset, and breathe some fresh air. A good time for thinking, y’know?”
She looks out over the lake, where the sun has just disappeared below the horizon.
Wendy: “Tomorrow, its on to Toronto and the Unity Tag Team Show Monday. You know, I was kind of surprised I was even booked on the show, considering it’s highlighting tag teams and I’m not offically in one right now. But then I realized that it was a six-femme, and I was tagging with Spectra Fantasia against the Power Trip, and you bet your bottom dollar that I was excited about it.
She smiles softly, her face a shade of orange in the dying sunlight.
Wendy: “I’d like to think I know something about tag team wrestling, and I can say that Spectra Fantasia is one of the best teams I’ve ever seen. Just, looking at them team, the chemistry they have... it reminds so much of the way Terrence and I used to work together. They trust each other implicitly, both in and out of the ring. There’s a reason why they never lost the Unity titles in the ring. And to be in a six-femme tag match in their corner is both an honor and a privilege.”
Wendy takes a quick sip of the Snapple she had sitting beside her.
Wendy: “I don’t really think there’s much that Camilla and I see eye to eye on. I doubt she likes to hear it, but there’s a lot of similarities between her and her sister, their stubbornness coming first and foremost. But Camilla is a woman that you just can’t help but respect. The power she has is just so formidable, and there aren’t many women in this sport who can utilize it as effectively as she does. And I know she likes to do that trolling thing like Pollaski does, and stir the pot whenever she can, but you can tell her hearts in the right place.”
Wendy shrugs, brushing a loose strand of her flame-colored hair from her face.
Wendy: “And it’s a big heart she’s got. She can certainly battle back from pain. We saw it when she came back from her injuries in January... a heck of a lot quicker than I made it back from mine, that’s for sure. If she’s to be the only Pazzini remaining in FFW after Unstoppable, well, it’s definitely the right one.
Wendy chuckles silently, shaking her head.
Wendy: “But with all due respect to Camilla, the one I’m MOST excited to be teaming with is Val. I’ve faced Valerie in a strange bedfellows tag match back in PWX. I’ve faced her when the Birdz and the Belmonts met. And I faced her one on one in the Femme For All. All the while, I always thought it’d be interesting to have the opportunity to team with her. Pollaski used to joke that if I ever got sick of teaming with Terrence, Val and I should team up and call ourselves “Ginger Snaps.””
Wendy laughs again, this time a bit louder at her bad joke.
Wendy: “From the first time I saw Val in the ring, I knew she was going to be something great. I wasn’t surprised in the least bit that she won the FFW Championship. It was something I knew she could do all along. And she’s only... what? Twenty-four? She’s got so much of a future ahead of her, it’s almost awe inspiring. It’s safe to say Valerie Lamb will be wowing audiences for a long time after older people like myself have hung them up for good.”
Wendy grimaces, and looks back out at the darkening sky.
Wendy: “It puts some pressure on me, though, doesn’t it? I’m the third wheel here, coming in to team with one of the best tag teams in FFW history, two women who are nigh unbeatable when they’re together. And I’m not exactly keen to watch their run of dominance come to a crashing halt on my watch, and I’m sure they aren’t either. We’ve talked quite a bit at Velocity about how I’m going to fit into the overall strategy here. But it’s all conjecture, really. Until we actually get in that ring and the match starts, we won’t know for sure.
Wendy sighs deeply, and looks down.
Wendy: “Still, I don’t think this is going to be a repeat of Great Expectations. For one, I’m much more confident that I know what I’ll be getting from Camilla and Valerie when I step into the ring. And I just feel more comfortable about this. I mean... I managed to team with Crystal Hilton, and everything worked out okay, so this should be a walk in the park by comparison, right? Either way, I owe it to Val to do everything I can for her and Camilla. Think of it... as an apology of some sort.”
Wendy pauses for a second, and then sighs even deeper. She almost looks guilty.
Wendy: “You know, professional wrestling is a full contact sport, and I know we’re risking physical harm to our bodies by what we do. BUt even more than that... there’s so much emotion involved in it. Especially in a company like FFW, where one win can mean everything here. So you put all that time and effort in, and invest so much of yourself, so when it’s all said and done...”
She swallows hard, fidgeting slightly.
Wendy: “It’s hard enough to swallow your pride after being beaten in this sport. To go on Twitter, or television, and congratulate your opponent on winning, and say that they were the better woman that night. It’s certainly humbling, and I’ve yet to meet a wrestler who enjoys being humbled, whether its against someone they admire greatly, or someone they despise. And when there’s something else on the line, like a title or a shot at one, and that all goes away... it just multiplies things. It’s not easy to deal with, and anyone who says it is I’ll claim is a liar.”
A small pause.
Wendy: “So imagine what its like to not only have to deal with the disappointment of being beaten, but facing a career threatening injury to boot. You want to be the good sport, try to take it in stride, say it’s just what happens, but deep down, there’s resentment. There’s bitterness. There’s always ‘what the heck did you have to go and do that for?’.”
Wendy gives a small, crooked smile.
Wendy: “Let’s just say, from a mental standpoint, it took a lot longer for me to get over being injured like that than I pretended. I can’t say for certain how long, but I can tell you that for a decent while, there was a time where deep down, I wanted Val to lose pretty much every match she was in. It’s pretty duplicitous, considering that I was quick to tell everyone it wasn’t her fault. But deep down, you get to thinking ‘well, she WAS the one who threw me on the stupid steps, and then targeted my back several times for the rest of the match.”
A long, shuddering sigh. Wendy’s clearly emotional about this.
Wendy: “And a lot of times, when you’re bitter about something, you go back and watch the tape. Just to remind yourself why you were angry, in case you could forget something like that. But it was funny.. the more and more I watched our match... the more and more I realized that it wasn’t because of Val I was out for six months. It was because of Val I could even come back in the first place!”
Wendy bites her lip, and looks back out over the lake for another couple of minutes.
Wendy: “Val went for the win, and did everything she could to make it happen, but you watch that tape. You can tell right away that she was being careful. Had it been any of the three women we’re facing on Monday, I’d have been crippled for the rest of my life, and they’d have done it gladly. Val, she never went over that line. She did what was needed, and no more, and because of that, I’m teaming with her at Unity.”
Wendy pauses, and takes another drink of her snapple, swallowing hard.
Wendy: “The next time I’m in a match with Val, I doubt we’re going to be on the same side. It might be for the FFW Championship. It might be for a contendership. I don’t know. But I do know that none of this means anything when that happens. I’m going for the win, and I’m not holding back until I get it, and I doubt Val would expect anything less of me. That means that Unity is my one chance. The way I can tell her thank you, and I’m sorry, all in one go. Because this is more than just a six-femme to me. It’s a debt I owe, and I have to pay it now. So that’s-”
Wendy’s cut off as the RV door bursts open, and out runs Theresa, squealing with joy as she waves a lit sparkler around in the air.
Theresa: “FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS!”
Behind Theresa steps out Terrence and Pollaski, who’s holding a cardboard box filled with more fireworks. Terrence sees Wendy standing at the end, and glances over, grinning.
Terrence: “We’re shooting off some leftovers! You want in!”
Does Wendy look like the shooting fireworks off type? Especially when you consider...
Wendy: “Terry! Be careful! I don’t even think you’re allowed to shoot off fireworks in a state- AUGH!”
*BOOM!*
Wendy ducks frantically as a flaming colored ball comes whizzing right by her head, not from Terrence’s firework. She spins around, the camera rotating also to see... the park ranger holding up a roman candle out the window of his car.
Park Ranger: “WHOOO! FOURTH OF JULY!”
Wendy: “... But it’s the fifth... and fireworks are illegal in state...”
She gives up as a mortar flies into the sky, illuminating the night, and sighs deeply, sitting back down in resignation to watch the show.
================================
10:55 PM
INDIANA DUNES STATE PARK
Theresa: “Mommy? Do you think the Parks department will buy Mr. Ranger another house?”
We’re now in the RV, where Theresa’s lying in the RV’s hideabed in the main cabin, tucked in. She’s looking up at her mom inquisitively.
Wendy: “I’m sure it’s insured, honey. And the fire marshall is certain it wasn’t daddy’s bottlerocket that started it. Now get some sleep, okay? We’re getting up early tomorrow.”
Theresa nods sleepily, and is already dozing off as Wendy leaves the room, shutting off the light. The camera cuts to Wendy tiredly walking into her own bedroom, and giving her husband a kiss.
Wendy: “Goodnight, Terrence. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Terrence: “Good night, hon.”
The two tuck in, and the light goes off too. There’s a long silence, before...
Wendy: “Terrence... don’t you dare...”
Terrence: “You’re no fun.”
======================
SATURDAY JULY 6 5:59 AM
The camera’s cycle through different shots. Of Terrence and Wendy sleeping in their bed, Theresa in the hide-a-bed, and Pollaski wedged into a loft above the cockpit. Its not long before...
*BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP*
...three different alarm clocks go off, followed by three muttering adults all shutting them off.
======================
6:30 AM
At least everyone’s up now, moving about the now brightly lit cabin. Terrence is busy cooking something for breakfast, while Pollaski sits idly by, playing on his tablet. Theresa comes bounding out of the bedroom, dressed for the day, with Wendy following behind, still a little bleary eyed. Theresa sniffs the air.
Theresa: “What’s that smell?”
Terrence: “Breakfast. Good old fashioned biscuits and gravy.”
Theresa: “Ew... can’t we have Lucky Charms instead?”
Terrence: “Why? This is good home cookin’. A wise man once said that biscuits and gravy are what made him a man.”
Theresa: “Well, I don’t WANT to be a man.”
Terrence: “Well, thank God for that. The operation is expensive and I doubt our insurance-”
*SMACK!*
Wendy has a mean backhand.
Wendy: “You can have whatever you want for breakfast, Theresa. But if you have cereal, you need to have a yogurt too, for protein. I dont want you just filling up on empty carbs when you’re going to be riding in the RV all day, okay?”
Theresa nods eagerly.
=================
7:42 AM
Wendy’s on a confessional cam now, standing outside the RV.
Wendy: “Even after settling for just one night, getting ready to go is always a chore. You have to pack everything up. Make sure its put away, secure. Then there’s the safety checks... we made checklists so we can remember everything, but still...
Cut to Wendy, holding a hand radio and standing behind the RV, with Terrence’s voice coming over the radio.
Terrence: “Okay, the left blinker should be on.”
Sure enough, the left blinker is blinking.
Wendy: “Right.”
Terrence: “Wait... the RIGHT blinker is blinking?”
Wendy: “What? No! Terry, I...”
The left turn signal suddenly stops, and the right one starts to blink. At this moment, Theresa comes walking up behind Wendy.
Terrence: “What about now, hon?”
Theresa: “Mom, Pollaski wants to know where the elastic tie downs are.”
Obviously, two people demanding her attention at once isn’t sitting too well with Wendy.
Wendy: “Hold on, Terry. Theresa, they’re normally in the cabinet left of the sink, but I don’t think we have any left.”
Terrence: “NOW THE LEFT BLINKERS ON?! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THIS WIRING?”
Wendy facepalms. Cut to Wendy back in the confessional.
Wendy: “...but somehow, God’s Mercy, we manage to get it done.”
=================
8:02 AM
An external shot at the RV, with voiceovers.
Terrence: “Alright gang... next stop, TORONTO!”
Everyone Else: “YAY!”
Terrence: “...Unless we stop for lunch first.”
Everyone Else: (Louder) “YAY!”
THe RV begins rolling out of the lot, turning up the street...
Wendy: TERRY STOP! We forgot the camera!
The RV screeches to a halt.
======================================
9:35 AM
KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN
The RV is most definitely on the road, heading up I-94 through Michigan at this point. Terrence and Pollaski are driving, while Wendy’s sitting in the back, playing a game of magnetic checkers with Theresa. Wendy’s just moved a piece onto Theresa’s end.
Wendy: “King me!”
Theresa looks slightly grumpy about that, but nonetheless, she takes one of Wendy’s captured pieces, and stacks it atop the original, crown side up.”
Theresa: “Aw, you’re too good at this.”
Wendy: “Hey, you beat me the last game, didn’t you? You’re getting really good at these strategic games. Anyways, your move.”
Theresa thinks for a second, scratching her chin, her lips pursed as she contemplates her move. Before she decides, however, curiosity overcomes her, and she looks up at her mom.
Theresa: “Are we all taking the RV to Houston?”
Wendy grimaces sadly.
Wendy: “No, sorry, Terr-Bear. Daddy’s got a race in New Jersey the next day, so he’ll be driving it there. I’ll have to fly down.”
Theresa: “Can I come with?”
Wendy shakes her head.
Wendy: “No. Sorry, hon, but I don’t think that’d be a good idea this time. It’s going to be a little bit hectic down there, and I’m not sure I want you watching this one until after its over.”
Given Theresa’s expression, this is something she’s definitely used to, but still not something she’s a fan of.
Theresa: “But its your first FFW main event...”
Wendy: “I know hon. But I just have this feeling that Isabella’s going to try to... make her final match as memorable as she possibly can, and I really don’t want you watching and getting frightened, okay?”
Theresa: “But now that you told me she’s going to try to hurt you... won’t I be frightened anyways? So then there’s no point in not letting me watch, is it?”
There’s a smirk on Theresa’s face, as if she just caught her mom in a ‘gotcha’. Wendy opens her mouth to respond, then closes it. She’s completely at a loss for words- and slightly annoyed at her daughter being a bit too clever for her own good. She evidently decides to relent... just slightly.
Wendy: “I’ll talk to Terrence, and see what he thinks, alright? It’s still your move.”
Theresa looks down at the board, but only for a second, and then she looks back up.
Theresa: “Are you excited about it?”
Wendy smiles at her daughter.
Wendy: “Absolutely. I mean, I was in the main event at last year’s Sin & Sacrifice, but when you have that many people in the ring, it kind of lacks the same experience. But now I’m going from facing Jodie to facing Isabella in her retirement match at the biggest show of the year... that’s quite a jump. And knowing that we’ll be the final match... even AFTER the FFW Championship...”
She takes a deep breath, smiling at her daughter.
Wendy: “Being anyone’s retirement match is a huge honor in and of itself. But when it’s a hall of famer like Isabella... at such a huge show. It’s going to be a night that’s so memorable. Even though it’s three weeks away, I’m already starting to feel it.
Theresa: “But mom... if it’s such a huge honor, and you and Isabella don’t like each other... why is she letting you be her final match.”
Wendy looks away, her eyes distant for a couple minutes, before she turns back to her daughter.
Wendy: “Because this is something that’s needed to happen for a very, VERY long time.”
Theresa doesn’t look like she completely understands, but she nods slightly, then looks back down at the checkerboard. A grin suddenly washes over her face.
Theresa: “Jump! Jump! King me!”
Wendy looks almost stunned at the reversal of fortune she just encountered.
Wendy: “Wow... that’s... impressive, Theresa. Good job!”
Theresa grins, satisfied with herself, as Wendy begins to study the board for her own turn.
==============================
1:40 PM
PORT HURON, MICHIGAN
Pollaski: “Man, that was a good lunch.”
Back in the RV, we are, although Pollaski is patting his stomach, evidently rather full. Terrence is looking ahead, however.
Terrence: “Okay, guys. Borders in a mile. Everyone have their passports ready?”
Cut to a quick confessional cam by Wendy in the back seat.
Wendy: “Whenever we go to Canada, if we can help it, we always cross at Port Huron into Sarnia, instead of Detroit into Windsor. It’s less busy, and is a bit quicker overall.”
Terrence has his own add on.
Terrence: “Also because Detroit is a shitstain that nobody in their right mind would ever want to go to.”
Back to Terrence driving. An exterior shot shows them pulling up to the border crossing, stopping at customs.
Customs Officer: Hello there! Passports, please.
Terrence hands the CO four passports, and the man begins to look through them.
CO: So what brings you to Canada, today?
Terrence: My wife’s a wrestler, and she’s got a show in Toronto.
CO: Your wife... Gwendo... OH! Wendy Briese! Well, good luck to her, sir. Alright go ahea-
The officer begins handing the passports back, but suddenly one of the K-9 units goes berserk, barking up a storm at the RV. Terrence suddenly finds himself with the enitre border guard aiming guns at him.
Terrence: “Uh...”
Meanwhile, in the back...
Wendy: “Terry? What’s going on... is everything alright?”
Back up front, Terrence and Pollaski both have their hands in the air.
Terrence: “Yeah, hon. Everythings... fine.”
CO: “Alright sir, nice and slow, pull your RV over to the side there. DO IT NOW!”
Terrence: “Yeah. I’m gonna go REAL nice and slow when you’re screaming at me like that. Asshole.”
Cut to a confessional cam again, this time with Wendy standing outside. The RV is behind her in the background, and Canadian customs agents are pouring over it.
Wendy: “So... apparently if you completely stuff your RV full of fireworks, and then try to drive it across an international border two days later... the dogs can smell the gunpowder. A LOT of gunpowder. And that’s why they’re searching us.
Wendy glances to the side. Where no doubt her husband is standing. She is going to kill him.
Now a Pollaski confessional.
Pollaski: “Man, this ain’t nothing. One time my uncle got busted in Mexico trying to smuggle in thirty pounds of cocaine. And a small armory of assault weapons. And maybe a dozen underage prostitutes. I think they just shot him on the spot. Anyways, I knew it was gonna be a while, and it was kinda boring. So I figure, why not give these Canucks a bit of a show?
Cut to Pollaski standing on a table, a small kid’s microphone in his hands. He’s singing “Somewhere Out There” by Our Lady Peace to a bunch of Mounties and customs agents.
#You’re falling out of reach... defying gravity...
I KNOW YOU’RE OUT THERE... SOMEWHERE OUT THERE!#
There’s not a dry eye in the house. Pollaski back on confessional.
Pollaski: “I don’t care if you’re Canadian or al fucking Queada. If Our Lady Peace doesn’t move you to tears, you don’t have a soul. So yeah, everything was going pretty well, and they were about to let us go.
Pause, and Pollaski’s face darkens.
Pollaski: “Then Wendy had to go and fuck it all up.”
Now its Wendy who’s in front of the agents, singing.
#Every night in my dreams... I see you, I feel..#
Voice: “TERRORIST! STOP HER!”
Wendy: “Wha.. HEY!”
Before the redhead can react, she’s being wrestled to the ground her arms pinned behind her back. She’s obviously confused out of her mind.
Wendy: “What are you doing?! Let me go! I didn’t... AAAAAAAIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!”
That would be when one of the border guards smacks her with a taser. Cut to Pollaski, Terrence, and Theresa a short distance away. Even Pollaski looks completely stunned and horrified, although Theresa sees an opportunity.
Theresa: (completely matter-of-fact) “I think I’m handling this pretty well, dad. So I should totally be allowed to watch Unstoppable.
The incredulous glare from Terrence is priceless. A cut to a now quite disheveled Wendy on the confessional cam.
Wendy: “I don’t... get it. I was just singing Celine Dion, and she’s a national icon, so...”
CO: “SHUT UP, TERRORIST!”
A knightstick comes crashing down on Wendy’s head, knocking her back to the ground, as an angry customs agent stands over her, brandishing the knightstick. Wendy’s now practically on the verge of tears.
Wendy: “What is WRONG with you people!”
Cut to Pollaski, back in confessional.
Pollaski: Well, luckily they didn’t find anything worse than an unused sparkler, and we managed to convince them that Wendy didn’t REALLY like Celine Dion. So they let us on our way, eventually. And the adventure continues.
======================
4:18 PM
WYOMING, ONTARIO
The adventure may be continuing, but it’s certainly a cold, awkward one now. Terrence is driving, looking straight ahead, while Wendy behind him is holding an icepack to her head. Even Theresa’s gotten the hint that this would be a REALLY bad time to badger her mom about watching the PPV. Pollaski takes it upon himself to try and get some form of communication going, pointing to the radio, and the song that’s playing on it.
Pollaski: “You know, it seems to me that EVERY good road trip montage should have “Blurry” by PUddle of Mudd playing. It’s like the ultimate long drive song...”
He’s only greeted by three annoyed glances. Giving up, Pollaski turns back around, singing quietly to himself.
#Everythings so blurry and no one..la-de-da... da, la de da de da da and everything is so messed up...#
=====================
5:35 PM
WOODSTOCK, ONTARO
Confessional cam again, with Wendy sitting in the back of the RV, looking slightly more dignified than she did at the customs. Theresa’s next to her, fast asleep, leaning over so that her head is in her mom’s lap. Wendy gently strokes her daughter’s hair gently, smiling down at her.
Wendy: “She looks like an angel, doesn’t she? We’re so blessed that she has taken so well with travelling like this. Our daughter comes first in both of our lives, and as much as we love our jobs, we wouldn’t be doing them if we didn’t think she could handle it.”
She smiles softly, glancing down at her daughter.
Wendy: “You know, I was thinking about what I said yesterday. About how had it been any of my Unity opponents in the ring with me when I hurt my back, that I doubt I’d still have a career. And that... that’s chilling isn’t it? Especially when you look at the track record of those three women, what they’ve done, who they hurt. And ultimately, that’s what makes all the difference in the world.
She grimaces slightly.
Wendy: “Isabella’s sent how many women to the hospital over the past couple of years? Starla might even be worse. Isabella at least has a ‘win-first’ mentality. But Starla, I almost think sometimes the victory only becomes second on her priority list, and causing as much misery as possible being number one. And Tara... we saw what she did to Caroline.”
A deep breath.
Wendy: “I’ve been thinking about what Isabella said a couple weeks ago, about how submissionists are more dangerous than ‘hardcore’ wrestlers. It makes you wonder what her partners at Unity... who are both competent submissionists- thought about it. Especially since all her gripes fit those two to the hilt.”
A small shrug.
Wendy: “The scary thing is, she’s right. I mean, hardcore wrestling is dangerous, but you look at what a brutal, merciless submission can do if left on too long... you can do a lot of damage to someone on a whim, if you’re cruel enough. You can tear muscle, snap bones, dislocate joints, asphyxiation, ischemia... you can do a lot of horrible things to someone in a submission hold. I know that.”
She shakes her head.
Wendy: “But... and this makes all the difference in the world- you don’t HAVE to. Any wrestler in any match has the opportunity to tap out if either the pain or the threat becomes to great, and once that bell rings, it’s over. You release, that’s it, match over, you win, everybody goes home intact. Going further and beyond that... keeping the hold applied after the bell... that’s not wrestling. That’s assault. And it’s disgusting.”
Wendy bites her lip, shaking her head.
Wendy: “I’ll put it plain, here. If I make Isabella tap out at Unstoppable, it will be the first time I’ve ended anyone’s career with a submission hold. I apply, they tap, I release. That’s all I’ve ever done, and that’s all I’ll ever do. And I REFUSE to sit here, listening to a woman like Isabella, who’s ruined countless careers just because the whimsy calls to her, acting like I’m some sort of health hazard in this industry, when I’ve never ever so much as even threatened someone’s career.
Wendy certainly looks angry about that.
Wendy: “It all comes down to respect, I guess. You respect your opponents, you acknowledge that they’re human beings, you can go to bed witih a clear conscience. But when they stop being humans to you, and become more like a cheap doll that you can play with, abuse, and discard on a whim... that’s when the danger occurs.”
Another small shrug.
Wendy: “And that’s why the Power Trip is so dangerous. Because almost to a woman, they all have this mindset of an undisciplined child. One who sets ant hills on fire and tortures neighborhood cats, strictly on a whim. The one who gets on the playground, and looks for loopholes in the rules of games, or just strictly changes them, because they can, and to hell with the enjoyment of their playmates. And then think themselves clever for it, despite the fact that it’d been done countless times before, all by other smug brats who think themselves more clever than they really are as well.”
A small meaningful glance at Theresa. Think Wendy may be speaking from her daughter’s personal experiences here?
Wendy: “Believe it or not, wrestling’s a big-girl sport, and the FFW is presumably a place for adults. There’s no room for children here, for that ‘me first, I do what I want and to hell with everyone else.’ mentality that we were all supposed to outgrow by the fifth grade. But we still see it, far too often. And when you put that in a fully grown, musclar woman who’s been triained in a full contact combat sport... it’s not a good combination for anyone.”
Wendy shakes her head sadly.
Wendy: “But ultimately, all children are cowed in the face of grown-ups. Think about Lord of the Flies, and how degenerate they became in the face of isolation. And then the moment the naval officer shows up, they’re all weeping with shame and embarrassment over what they had become. The change isn’t as radical here, but its happening. The Power Trip is getting their way less and less. They’re becoming more and more impotent, and as a result, their attempts to justify themselves are becoming more and more feeble. And while I’d love to pretend that Unity will be the final stroke that leads to their dissolution, I know better.”
A small,final smile.
Wendy: “But it’s going to be another step in that direction.”
=======================
6:25 PM
AURORA, ONTARIO
A shot of the RV parking in its new campground space, with Wendy’s voiceover.
Wendy: “Well, we made it! It was a bit of a more... eventful trip than we were used to. But still, you have to take the adventures as they come when they’re on the road. And well, we hope you got the idea of what it’s like to travel as a WhirlyBird.
A shot to Pollaski and Terrence again getting the RV set up, and prepared for another night of camping.
Wendy: “So, make sure you watch Unity on Monday night! Lot’s of great tag team action coming up, and a star studded main event you absolutely do NOT want to miss!”
A slight pause.
Wendy: “I’m just glad we made it in one piece. But you know what they say...”
Terrence’s voice over pops in, interrupting.
Terrence: “Hey, hon? Could you keep it down? The race is about to start.”
A deep sigh from Wendy.
Wendy: “Exactly.”
And roll credits. Along with a promo for the next episode of on the road- Keeping up with the Clippers, Columbus, Ohio’s AAA baseball team. And of course for the upcoming IX for IX documentary Pat XO. And a bunch of other promos. Because ESPN self-whores like that.
And cut feed.
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