Judgement Day II Promo Thread

[veggieleezy]

*Camera comes up in a local tailor shop, shopkeep at the till. Jerry Bishop enters in uncharacteristically dapper clothing, a dark purple suit with a black collared shirt, purple striped tie, and white suspenders.*

Shoppie: Hello, sir, how can we help you?

JB: Hello, yes, I have a bit of an unusual request.

Shoppie: How so?

JB: Well, this is going to sound strange, I'm a professional wrestler, and I'm looking to get some new ring gear.

Shoppie: Is that so? I've never been a fan myself, but my neighbors' kids love wrestling.

JB: Oh yeah?

Shoppie: Yeah, he told me they got really upset about this "Jokester" guy? Said he used to be some kind of superhero but now he's gone bad?

JB: *playing along* Is that right?

Shoppie: I dunno, it's not my scene. What sort of thing would you be looking for?

JB: Well, I have a few ideas. As you can probably guess, I do have a color scheme in mind.

*Bishop draws a collection of sketches from his jacket pocket and hands them to the tailor. The tailor flips through the pages, acknowledging the designs.*

Shoppie: Looks like you've put a good deal of thought into these.

JB: What can I say, this is something I've been meaning to do for a while now.

*Shopkeep takes a sketch and holds it up next to Bishop*

Shoppie: This one seems like it would suit you.

JB: Really?

*Bishop strikes a few poses*

JB: I should also probably mention I wrestle with facepaint on.

Shoppie: In the same color scheme, I assume?

JB: Naturally.

Shoppie: Yup, this one works nicely. Especially once that paint goes on, this'll look a right treat. When would you want this?

JB: I'm not in any particular rush, but as soon as you can provide it would be fabulous.

Shoppie: Certainly, sir, my associates and I will get to work on this right away. Of course, you understand custom work like this comes with a price tag?

JB: Indeed I do, and I can pay in advance.

*Bishop draws a VERY fat stack of bills from his jacket pocket and lays it on the counter. The shopkeep's eyebrows raise in reflex.*

JB: My contract is, shall we say, essential to the company. And since I don't usually splurge like this, I've got a fair stack tucked away for this purpose.

Shoppie: I see. Well, this could still take some time, but if it's all right with you, we will be in touch as soon as possible to let you know when this is ready for you.

JB: Thank you, and please, take your time. I'm sure we would both rather it look good than be hastily done.

Shoppie: Of course. And if we could just get your information, sir, we'll let you know once we have it ready.

*Bishop jots down his contact information on a slip of paper and hands it back to the shopkeep.*

Shoppie: Bishop, eh? My neighbors' kids have talked about someone called Bishop before, but I can't remember why.

JB: Is that right? Well, I don't mean to be rude, but if that's all you need from me, I do need to be going.

Shoppie: Oh, of course! We'll let you know once we have this ready for you.

JB: Thank you. I'll be back soon!

*Bishop lets out a big booming laugh, much like the laughs he has used before planting his opponents with the Last Laugh. However, it sounds more forced than usual, as though it was purely for show. The shopkeep laughs in response as Bishop exits the store.*

[Jim Houston]

MDE sits in the edge of a ring, workout gear on but clearly not having begun yet. He looks straight down the camera.

“Mason... I’m starting to feel sorry for you. Last night I had my match with your friend Aaron Williams- an interesting opponent but not a particularly troubling one I must say- and there you were, sitting on the outside of the ring on commentary. That was the only way they’d let you on the show. The number one contender to the Freedom Pro Wrestling Championship reduced to an announcer. But I know why you were there. You didn’t need to see me up close and personal. You don’t get anything from that that you couldn’t get from watching the tape of the match. No, you wanted your big moment. The big staredown. The photo you’ll have up in your house somewhere after you retire to remind you that once... just that one time... you were inches from greatness. That’ll be the photo that your kids look at, look up at you with big smiles and looks of pride and they’ll ask you... did you really wrestle MDE for the FPW Championship? And you won’t want to answer because you’ll know what their next question will be and you’ll have to explain that you didn’t, you couldn’t and never got another chance. I don’t blame you for wanting your moment last night. But even Jim Houston didn’t think you deserved to close the show. Don’t be fooled by the mock surprise. Of course he knew Marcus Allen Jones would be coming out. No no, he didn’t think the image of you in the ring was good enough to sell people on Judgement Day II so he put the real stars in the ring at the end.

“Quite frankly Mason, I’m disappointed. Imagine if Marcus had won the Free-1. Imagine if Jerry had done it. There would be no doubts. The show would have ended with me and them standing face to face with me holding my belt in the air. Everyone would have been in agreement- there’s the closing shot. But not with you. MDE in the main event? Semi-main last year so why not. Jace Mason... no. The wrestler I am... the champion I am... I deserve better than you. I have half a mind to march into Houston’s office and refuse to wrestle unless I get a true top-tier opponent... but I won’t. You’re the man I have to wrestle and wrestle you I will, but don’t be surprised Mason when I beat you and when the people leave with murmurs of discontent. Don’t be surprised Mason when Jim Houston calls you and tells you there’s nothing for you at the End of Year Awards Show. Don’t be surprised Mason when you slide slowly back down the card and don’t be surprised Mason when that call comes to tell you thank you but you don’t quite cut it here. It all comes back to our match in thirteen days’ time.

“Mason you’ve admitted you’re not ready. You’ve admitted you don’t deserve to be in the match. You’ve admitted you don’t think you’re FPW Championship material. Think hard about how you’ll answer that next question when your kids ask you... because you’ll have to explain that you couldn’t quite beat MDE to a lot of people over the years. I hope you’ve got a good excuse ready.”

[noname1525]

Jace Mason is in the locker room, slowly clapping as he gives a sarcastic smile to the camera.

"Congratulations MDE," he says as he stops clapping. "You managed to pick the lowest hanging fruit, good for you. Do you want to know how many times rivals have made fun of my honesty? I'm sure don't, and that's a good thing, because I wouldn't be able to answer, since I lost track sometime after fifty. Almost everyone I face looks at my honesty as a weakness, my humility as a crutch. Apparently because I don't say I'm the best, I'm not worth their time. But I don't say I'm the best, I leave that for the people like you MDE, the arrogant pricks no one can stand, the ones with no friends, the ones who bring others together by giving them a common hatred. I'm not like that, I keep my head down, I let my skills do the talking. And most importantly, I treat people with respect. It doesn't matter whether you're the world champion or a winless rookie, I will treat you the same. Because at the end of the day, we're all in the same boat, putting in the same work. So you're right, I don't act like I deserve this, because I will not act as though I'm better than any of my fellow wrestlers."

"But while I don't act like I deserve this opportunity, I know, that I've earned it. I won the Free-1, defeating Graham Baker in the final. I defended my title shot against Aaron Williams, I earned this match. I may not be ready for it mentally, but my skills have proven that I've at least earned the right to challenge for the FPW world championship. And you're right, I might lose. That's a chance whenever I enter a match, but that;s true no matter who I'm facing. Congratulations, you understand how competition works. But while there is a chance I'll lose, there's also a chance I'll win. And you can bet that I'll do whatever I can to make that chance the reality."

Jace pauses before his next statement, clearly unsure of exactly what to say.

"Which includes doing something I don't like to do, and that's asking for help. Aaron, you've made several offers to help me train for this match, and I've done everything I can to politely refuse. But now, I've reached as far as I can get on my own. I need some help, and so I'm turning to you. MDE's biggest advantage over me is going to be his experience, but you've got nearly the same amount of experience, and I'm sure there's something you  can show me that I haven't thought of. So if you're not too banged up from your match on Sunday, I'd like some help getting ready for the biggest match of my career."

[kingclutch]

*David Archer and Braxton Cable are shooting from an undisclosed location. They have their tactical gear on*

DA: "So let me see if I have this correct: we have five teams trying to change the rules because they don't like how the game went? Five teams who are in no position to make demands of anyone. Now don't get me wrong, after Brax and I beat the Guardians of Strong Style, the Dogs of War will be fighting champions, but it is laughable to me that every team who has been eliminated in this series now thinks they can walk in and demand a shot.

Look, if I had things my way: our first defense wouldn't be against any of you, but unfortunately due to circumstances out of my control, it must. But that bridge will be crossed when we get to it. For now, our sights are set on the Guardians of Strong Style. This is what we wanted. We didn't want a wrestling match. We wanted A FIGHT. And at Judgement Day, kiss those tag team titles goodbye. Because you will be beaten, battered, and bruised. And you will be turned every way but loose. We are FPW's reckoning. All of you with your managers, advocates, your significant others...you're all puppets. Tangled...in strings. We have no one controlling us. And what we are is a sharp blade, cutting the strings so we can watch you fall."

* Suddenly Braxton chimes in*

BC: THIS.....IS......WAR!

[Jim Houston]

Sato responds to The Dogs of War I’m a short video.

“Dogs of War... congratulations. You win one match. Suplex Sweethearts win three. Guardians of Strong Style are... disappointed. But you win and we face you. I keep this simple. You want war? We give you war. Make sure you ready for Guardians of Strong Style. We ready for you.”

[botiatus]

Bo is back in the gym as he completes another set of running the ropes. He walks over to J who tosses him a bottle of water that he downs as J speaks

J- "So how'd you end up working with the kid?"

Bo finishes his drink as he gives J a curious look before the realization hits him

Bo- "Oh you mean Berry?! Honestly it was a chance meeting. I went looking for Jerry cause I kinda felt like he still owed me after our last match..."

J immediately interrupts

J- "I thought according to House Rules you owed HIM"

Bo- "That's not the point. I mean I do but anyways I walked into his locker room and..."

J again cuts off Bo

J- "You ran into Berry"

Bo- "Noooooo, I ran into Fozzy!"

J- "Who?"

Bo- "Man you're really gonna have to start watching the whole shows and not just the matches. Fozzy is the Bishop's pet Bear. And before you ask yes, he's a real fucking bear ok. And also quite easily the most intelligent and highly well trained animal i've ever met"

J- "I see"

Bo- "When I saw him I was stuck for a second but I let him know that I was just looking for Jerry"

J- "Wait the bear can understand you?"

Bp- "Like I said, most intelligent animal I've ever met. He let out a kinda growl that let me know I should probably just go, so I leave and right on the other side of the door I run into Berry. I still needed a partner so I took a chance. She jumped at it pretty quickly too. Karlson took that title from her so I figured she might want another crack at her. Plus I'm sure she was also just happy to have a distraction from everything she has going on"

J- "So since the match never happened, Im assuming that leaves things exactly where they were for your Championship match with Karlson"

Bo- "Yep. She gets to pick the match stipulation. I'm sure she'll get nice and comfy on her couch before she makes her decision. I know by now you've watched plenty of tape on her so tell me J, what kind of a match do you think she'll choose?"

J- "Good question. I see her going one of two ways. The first world be a Submission Match. That's really her wheelhouse and where she's most comfortable. I think she might believe that she'll have a technical advantage over you as well seeing that you've never tapped anyone out here. But you've also shown that you're a capable technician and if Graham Baker couldn't get you to tap then Liz may not want to risk it.

Now the more likely option I think she'll take is to make it into a Deathmatch. That's also a match she has more experience in than you. Also the weapons even out the playing field as far as your power advantage goes. I know you've done Deathmatches before but I also know it's been a few years for you"

Bo- "You're right J but that's exactly why I'm here. I love FSB but I needed more. I used to wrestle all kinds of matches in New Japan and Ring Of Honor. I was itching for more than just another Fatal Fourway or Battle Royale. The Free-1 was my first taste of tournament wrestling in almost 5 years. I'm honestly having as much fun as I ever have. I told Houston I wanted to face the best he had to offer and he's certainly delivered. But now it's time to make my mark here. And that starts by capping off my Rookie of the Year run by winning the Freedom Championship"

J- "Ok Rookie well we won't know what to prepare for until Karlson picks a stipulation. And if it's a Deathmatch there's really no way to prepare anyways so let's just focus on your technical game this last week"

Bo- "Sounds like a plan"

The men share their custom handshake before the camera pans over to a calendar on the wall with Dec 22 circled in red with the letters H.O.B. written over it

[kingclutch]

A table is set up that has 3 microphones at it. Clutch, Russ, and Danica come from the side and take seats. Clutch pulls Danica's chair out for her. They all sit down in virtual unison. Clutch takes a second to adjust his tie.

CM: *nervously* Good day, ladies and gentlemen. ....Sorry, Rich normally did this. Ummm I guess you're all wondering why we called this press conference. We want to get some things out there and clear the air on others. So I don't want to waste your time, let's go ahead and get to your questions.

*several hands go up*

CM: Yes ma'am

MW1: "Danica, my question is for you. Firstly, I want to say how incredible your maneuvers were in your match with Vanessa Scott. What are your thoughts, having gone through that? What's next for you?

DJ: Firstly, that was two questions, but no matter. But thank you for your comment. I want to say that match was exhilarating. It's good to be able to put my background into representing clients including, but not limited to Clutch *she grabs his hand as she smiles*, but putting my gymnastics background to good use as well. But what's next? I mean, who knows? I'd definitely love to continue to break new ground no matter WHO that's against in FPW.

*at this Clutch becomes visibly flustered, adjusting his tie again*

CM: *coughs* Next question....please.

*hands go up*

CM: "Yessir"

MM1: "Clutch, you've made your opposition to intergender wrestling since the Free-1 when you were slated to go against Artemis Evans. Not to sound insensitive, but why is that? You certainly haven't done yourself any favors as of late.

CM: That's a highly sensitive question, but you know what? I'll answer it. Time I stop running from it. *breathes heavily* I grew up in a place where there were only two ways you got out: sports or a body bag. And growing up things weren't always the best. In fact, they rarely were. My father...he, he worked long hours and after the day was done...he'd have a beer or two...or five. And once his stupor turned to rage...he always turned to my mom. And he let her have it pretty fierce. Right in front of me. This went on for years until finally she had enough. One night he comes at her. Mom pulls the gun out of the nightstand...and she fires. Enough times to make sure. For years, people knew...and did NOTHING. And get to now where a man putting his hands on a woman violently is commonplace. I see it everywhere...I see MONSTERS everywhere....and it disgusts me. *Clutch begins to mildly tear up and walks out of the presser. Danica follows behind him*

Russ looks annoyed.

Russ: I guess it's just me out here. I'm not mad at Clutch. I know this is something that has been bothering him for a long time. *sighs* But I'll take another question I guess. *sees a reporter* Yeah.

MM2: "Russ, I guess to the elephant in the room: why you chose Clutch over Richard Crowley?"

RB: Man, is this sh*t just gonna keep coming up? Fact of the matter is, sometimes team mates get heated, they get passionate. That's what Clutch and I are: passionate. And we're pissed off because we're constantly overlooked and written off. Dismissed because we weren't "indie darlings" and we aren't anyone's Golden Boys. But you know what? The most troubling thing to me is that everyone is framing this as if I didn't make a choice, as if I don't have the ability. The next person that does is going to get the taste slapped out of their mouth. And Crowley got what was coming to him. Crowley was always fucking us over, putting us in situations we couldn't win, so I decided to go into business for myself. Danica reps Clutch, not me. I am my own man. *Russ breathes deeply* Why are you people doing this? You're constantly trying to drive a wedge between Clutch and I where there isn't one? What is it?!? You know what? This press conference is over. *Russ storms off*

[noname1525]

Jace and Aaron were in a training facility, with Jace running the ropes as Aaron held a stopwatch on the outside. It was obvious they'd been working for a while, sweat was pouring from Jace's body, and even Aaron was glistening on the outside.

"Thirty seconds!" Aaron called out. "Don't let up now!"

Jace kept running, even increasing his speed for a few laps, right up until Aaron called "Time!" a moment later. He slowed down and jogged to the ropes, stopping himself and leaning against them. Aaron stepped into the ring, nodding as he did so. "That's everything we planned out, unless there's something else you want to work?"

Jace thought for a moment, breathing hard. He went to shake his head but hesitated. "Yes, no, I don't know. It just doesn't feel like enough, you know?"

"I know how you're feeling, I remember how I felt before challenging for my first major title. You're going to feel those nerves right up until the moment you walk down that ramp and the bell rings. But think about what we did here today. We talked strategy for far longer than I'd planned, going over several possibilities for your match. We worked counters to some of MDE's best moves, we worked on your technical game, since that's an area where MDE is strongest. And we worked a lot of cardio, since I can tell you firsthand that MDE's not going to finish the match early, he's going to wear you down, so you're going to need a deep gas tank on Sunday. We worked basically every facet of wrestling that you're going to need to beat MDE."

Jace nodded. "I know that objectively, but it just still feels like it's not enough. I said I didn't feel ready for MDE before, and I was hoping this would make me feel more ready but honestly? I feel even less ready than before. There's so many little things to remember, I'm bound to forget something, and it's going to be my downfall."

Listen Jace," Aaron sighed. "This whole 'honesty is the best policy' thing is pretty refreshing in this world of egos, but you've got to give yourself more credit. You're a damn good wrestler, I'd say you're almost even better than I was when I was that green. I mean, shit, you're challenging for a world title after less than two years with this company, not a lot of people can claim that. And you said it yourself the other day, you have 100% earned this. You're the one that holds the Free-1 trophy, you earned that spot. Not Marcus, not Graham, not anyone else MDE claims you've 'cut in front of,' you." He clapped Jace on the shoulder. "You're ready for this kid."

Jace sighed, a look of determination on his face, and nodded at his friend.

Aaron pulled his arm back. "Now go take a shower, you're gross."

Jace laughed and began to leave the ring.

"Same time tomorrow?" Aaron asked. "And then nothing physical on Saturday, keep yourself fresh."

"Actually, I was thinking of bringing in someone else for tomorrow. No offense, this was a great training session. But I'm thinking I should bring in someone who's had my number, see if they can give any pointers. And if they have previous victories over MDE, even better."

"That's got to be a pretty small list," Aaron said. "Who were you thinking?"

"Berry Bishop," Jace replied. "There's a house show tonight, I figure I can ask her then. she might say no, she's got that match with Jerry to prepare for, but it's worth a shot."

"Yeah, that's a good idea. And if she declines, just give me a call, and I'll be here tomorrow. Now go take that shower before you ask Berry"

Jace smiled and left the facility.

[kingclutch]

"Welcome back to SportsCenter, I'm Cari Champion. Former NBA star turned pro wrestler Clutch McCloud is back at home in St. Louis after unexpectedly leaving a press conference after delving into some personal matters."

*clip of Clutch's answer and subsequent leaving the press conference plays*

"His agent and girlfriend Danica Jane joins me now to discuss that and more. Danica, thanks for joining today

DJ: My pleasure to be on.

CC: So Danica, how is Clutch holding up?

DJ: I think he's still a bit shaken up. As most people would be. This has been bothering him for a big part of his life. He had been holding that in for so long and everyone has been making the wrong criticism about him and I think he just hit a breaking point. Pro athletes are under a microscope now and Clutch has always had a principled stance against domestic violence, even when other leagues haven't.

CC: So what inspired Clutch to come out with this now?

DJ: He has been under a lot of scrutiny in the past for his opposition to intergender wrestling. As I have said in the past, I disagree with his position, but I know where he's coming from. I have a unique perspective on him. Being "more than an athlete" means shining a light on these issues, even when it isn't the cool or popular thing to do. Clutch at the end of the day just wants to do the right thing.

CC: Given that female competitors will be in the match Sunday, does this impact how Clutch goes about it?

DJ: Absolutely; however, Clutch isn't without options. There are still people he can and will go after in Sunday.

CC: So how about you? What's next for you?

DJ: Well, I'm coming off of a big win against Vanessa Scott. Right now I'm just trying to get a few matches under my belt but who knows? Maybe I'll get another shot at the Freedom Championship or maybe even I can work my way up to the FPW Women's Championship. At this point, I'm willing to take on ANY challenge in FPW.

CC: That sounds amazing, I wish you and Clutch nothing but the best. Once again, thank you for joining us today.

DJ: Glad to be on anytime.

[noname1525]

Jace and Berry were sitting on the ring apron, both of them clearly worn out from their training session. There was a slightly awkward silence between the two, one that Jace eventually broke.

“Well, you’ve certainly given me a lot to think about today. Although, this close to the match, that might do more harm than good. Maybe I should have come to you sooner.”

Berry gave a small smile. “Don’t worry about it. And thank you for your help as well. I feel a little more prepared than I was this morning.” There was a slight pause before Berry continued. “I just can’t shake this feeling, I feel like I’ve been training to go up against the old Jerry, the Jerry I want to see. And I worry I’m turning a blind eye to what Jerry’s become now, that no matter what I do, I won’t be ready for what I’m going to have to face on Sunday.”

Jace let out a small chuckle, and Berry gave him a hard look. “Don’t laugh at me!”

Jace shook his head. “I’m not laughing at you, it’s just-” he pauses for a moment, choosing his words carefully. “Speaking from personal experience, both as someone who’s been across the ring from you and someone who frequently doesn’t feel ready for his matches, you’re selling yourself short. You have all the tools you need to defeat anyone you want, and when you find your groove, you’re nearly unstoppable. You just need to get yourself in that winning mindset, and I’m sure you can defeat Jerry.”

“You think so?” Berry asked, clearly not fully believing him.

“Of course, you hold a pinfall victory over the current FPW World champion after all.” Jace answered. “And there’s another reason I know you’re going to defeat Jerry, and that’s because you’re being true to yourself. I’ve never faced Jerry myself, but I’ve been around here long enough to know that this ‘Joker’ thing he’s doing is not the real Jerry. But you’re still the real Berry, and that’s why you’re going to win.”

Berry smiles and nods. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” Jace smiles. “Now I have to ask Aaron if this is what it’s like for him when I’m being all down about my chances of winning.” Berry gives him a quizzical look, and Jace laughs. “I mean, you’re sitting here thinking you’ve got no chance, when it’s obvious to me that you’re going to win. I have to know if it’s as annoying to him as it is to me right now.”

This time, Berry laughs. “Are you kidding? It’s the most annoying thing ever! The way you stand there acting like you’re some sort of rookie that just lucked into your spot, when everyone around you can clearly see that you’ve got all the skill in the world, it gets on everyone's nerves. We don’t want to see you acting all mopey about your chances, we want to see you go out there and kick some a--butt!”

Jace laughed as well. “Alright then, I didn’t realize you felt so strongly about it.”
Berry nodded. “Of course. I mean, if I can beat the limey prick, as Jerry used to call him, I’m sure you can do it too.”

“Thank you for the compliment.” Jace says, glancing up at the clock as he does so. “Well, I’ve got to head out. Thank you for the help today, I think I needed it. I’d wish you luck for your match on Sunday, but I don’t think you’d need it.”

“Same here,” Berry responded. “Now you get out of here and figure out what you’re going to do to celebrate becoming champion.”

Jace laughed as he packed up his gym bag and left the training facility, leaving Berry sitting there for a moment, lost in thought with a smile on her face.

[veggieleezy]

*Camera comes up on Berry Bishop in the stands of the FPW arena. She sits in thought with her backpack in the seat next to her, Fozzie Bishop seated pensively on the other side.*

BB: Jerry’s a tough egg, Fozz. I know his style, I know him, but in the ring, he’s something else.

*Fozzie growls reassuringly*

BB: Aww, thanks, buddy. I know I’m no slouch either. But Jerry, though. As much as I hate to associate him with that new name he’s given himself, he’s always prided himself on being the Wild Card. He’s always boasted about how he’s the one guy you can’t plan for. Well, just because he can improvise doesn’t mean he can’t be beat. But I haven’t faced him head-on before.

*Fozzie growls in slight confusion.*

BB: In an actual match, Fozzie, you know what I mean. We’ve trained together, but we’ve never had anything at stake other than getting better together and improving together. Now, it doesn’t look like we’ll be doing much of anything together.

*Fozzie roars confidently*

BB: You’re right as always, mi oso payaso! Everyone who’s faced Jerry knows what he can do. They’ve seen through his bag of tricks, and they know what the real Jerry can do in the ring. They’ve seen what he does to keep the Freedom Fighters on their toes, and they’ve seen what he does to keep himself in the match, whether or not he wins. Somewhere in there, that’s the Jester. That’s Jerry. I just need to talk to some of them and get some advice, maybe some help warming up in the ring.

*Berry sits forward and reaches into her bag. She takes out a notepad with a list of names, names of members of the FPW locker room. She reads through the names with a pen and makes marks as she lists.*

BB: Let’s see... Baker, thanks but no... Saturn, not really... Mason, check... Williams, that could work... Jones, he’s hibernating... Boshine- Bosch- Busch Stadium-

*Fozzie roars in a correcting tone.*

BB: THAT’S how you say it? Well. ...maybe not yet. Still not too sure about him. MD- HELLLLLLLLL to the frikkin’ NOOOOOOOOOO...

*Berry scribbles furiously through the line.*

BB: Let’s see... that doesn’t really leave a lot left...

*Camera pans up to reveal Marcus Alan Jones seated in the row behind Berry.*

MAJ: Ahem.

*Berry turns, startled*

BB: Marcus! When did you get here? You missed when I was going over my list earlier...Wait, I can do it again. Mason, he's a little--

*Marcus interrupts.*

MAJ: Ya know...you and I, we didn't exactly get off on the best of terms if I'm remembering correctly.

BB: You ain’t kidding. Whatta you want? I’m trying to figure out who I can ask for help with my match against Jerry.

MAJ: That’s, uh... that’s actually kind of why I’m here.

BB: Oh really? Well then, who did you have in mind? Some internet darling? One of your in-the-know smartypants friends? A third thing I can’t think of right now that expresses my annoyance with you while mocking your overall character?

MAJ: Okay, okay, I probably earned that.

*Marcus climbs over the seats and sits next to Berry.*

MAJ: I regret a lot of what I did, a lot of who I was. And I'm sorry for how you got caught up in it. You never deserved how I treated you. So if you'll have it, I just wanted to apologize and maybe, we can start over?

*Marcus extends his hand and Berry looks at it pensively. She looks at Marcus and studies his face. She gets within a few inches of his eyes and stares into them, squinting, scrutinizing. Marcus, confused but unwavering, keeps his hand outstretched. Berry’s expression changes to a smile and she takes Marcus’ hand, backing off.*

BB: Okay, Marky Mark, I think that can be arranged.

*Marcus smiles, seeming to disarm Berry slightly.*

MAJ: I'm glad...but...that's not the only reason I'm here.

*Berry frowns.*

BB: Of course you'd want something. Alright, what is it? I draw the line at borrowing Fozzie for a weekend so don't even bother asking.

*Marcus laughs as Berry continues frowning.*

MAJ: I want nothing. No Fozzie, nothing. Well, maybe not nothing. The reason I came here was to make you an offer. I want to help you with your upcoming match. Let's just say, I'm passing it forward. An unexpected offer of help came my way and now, I want to return the favor.

*Berry softens a bit but still seems apprehensive.*

BB: If I say yes, what do I owe you in return?

MAJ: Nothing. No quid pro quo, I promise. It's just...I can't imagine how tough this is for you. But I know you still want to win. No tricks, just win by being better. I know a little something about that. And as it would turn out, I know a little something about beating Jerry and beating MDE. And losing to Jerry and losing to MDE. So, I know the dos and don'ts as it were. And I'm guessing your mind is a little clouded and conflicted given everything that's happened between you and Jerry and MD--

*Berry presses a finger to Marcus' lips with a grim expression.*

BB: *almost growling* We do not say his name.

*Marcus nods.*

MAJ: Right. But anyway, my point is, I can be an objective voice in all of this. Because truth be told, I'd like to see you win but at the end of the day, I have no horse in this race.

BB: Marcus, horses aren’t going to help me, this is a WRESTLING company. Although I have been working on some lasso tricks...

MAJ: *under his breath* It’s a metaphor...

BB: Okay, Marcus Bagwell Jones. I accept. After all, I don’t think Bobby is quite in the right place to ask right now either. You know, I hardly remember seeing you two in the same place at the same time...

MAJ: It happens, it’s just been a while. Now let’s get to work.

*Fozzie grabs a fresh notepad from Berry’s bag and Marcus and Berry start discussing her match*.