Vanguard #3 (08/17/22)

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The camera pans around the packed State Farm arena. Energy fills the building as the crowd cheers for the show's start. They erupt into louder cheers, with a few pockets of boos, as the intro to “Save Yourself” by Stabbing Westward hits. The camera switches to the entrance area to show “The Beggar King” Eddy Todd and Mikaela Callaway standing there. Mikaela is in her ring gear with her entrance coat on. Eddie is in his street clothes, a pair of boots, jeans, a white tank top, and a black and red jacket. On his shoulder rests the HYBRID Global Heavyweight Championship.

The pair look out at the crowd for a moment. Once the lyrics kick in they make their way to the ring. They head to the first set of steps and Eddie helps Mikaela up them. He follows, then holds the ropes for her then steps between them himself. They stand in the center of the ring just looking out over the crowd for a moment. Mikaela gets a mic from one of the ring crew and hands it to Eddie. He waits for his music to die down before speaking.

Eddy Todd: Two weeks ago I showed that experience will override talent any day.

The crowd gives him a big pop.

Eddy Todd: Let me clarify before anyone in the back gets their panties in a bunch. Just because I’ve been wrestling longer than anyone else here, doesn’t mean you can’t call yourself a veteran of the sport if you’ve been wrestling long enough. Just means that I’ve been at it longer. I’ve done everything you’ve done. Twice at least. I’ve been winning titles like this one…

He pats the title on his shoulder.

Eddy Todd: When most of you were still in diapers. So because I make a comment about it, don’t get it twisted. Ain’t no one sayin’ your history or whatever is invalid. Just that I’ve been doing this longer. If that threatens you, then that says more about you than it does me.

Eddie shrugs.

Eddy Todd: Now, what does it mean for HYBRID and its fans now that I am the Global Heavyweight Champion? It means that it has entered the era of the Beggar King. I can be a kind and benevolent King. Or I can be evil and merciless. That depends on all of you. Just remember that.

After a quick adjustment of the title, Eddie continues.

Eddy Todd: I will face anyone who thinks they can take a shot at the Beggar King. I’ve been around long enough to know that that always doesn’t mean they will happen. The boss backstage has the final say. But just know that if it doesn’t happen, it ain’t cause I wasn’t willing. Anyone can step to me. Doesn’t matter if you’re Duke Andrews, Sam Tolson, or even you Mikaela.

He looks over at her for a moment.

Eddy Todd: I will step into this ring and put my title, my crown, on the line. Call it cocky or arrogant, hell you can even call it stupid if you want to. I just won’t have it be said that I backed down from a challenge. That I wasn’t willing to answer any call-out. But also remember this.

He looks intensely into the camera.

Eddy Todd: If you come at the King, you better not miss. Because I do not give second chances. Now enjoy my reign, for it truly is the Era of the Beggar King.

Mikaela Callaway: Long live the King!

Eddie lets the mic fall from his hand as “Save Yourself” starts up again. He wraps an arm around Mikaela’s waist and pulls her close. He looks out into the camera. His gaze was intense but his face was calm and relaxed.

Two figures walk down the backstage hallway, this path in particular leading toward the crew entrance to the arena. One figure is a well-dressed, bookish sort, going over details on a tablet as he walks next to a veritable tower of humanity with his face twisted into a near-permanent scowl.

Liaison: ...though they have a tendency to get a bit rowdy. You might want to keep some tight supervision on them, at least at the start. I’m still not sure why you asked for these types, though…

Trenton has his hands in his pockets as he moves, though they come out as he stops walking, seemingly at the comment from the smaller man. Said liaison keeps walking and talking until he realizes that his companion isn’t doing either anymore. Turning back with a confused expression, he tentatively speaks out.

Liaison: Uh, Mr. Mitchell? Sir?

Something in Trenton’s expression, perhaps the set to his jaw or the coldness of his stare… it would make most folks pause. This fellow isn't like most folks, clearly.

Liaison: What’s going on? Is there a prob-

Trenton Mitchell: ”These types”?

Liaison: Huh?

Confused briefly, it dawns on the suited man after a moment, causing him to grin sheepishly and shrug.

Liaison: You clearly have the funds and reputation to get the finest men and women a security specialist could ever want… but you want the problem people for some reason. The ones with violent history, in and out of prison… all that. I don’t get it. Not that I mind someone taking them off my hands, being that they’re more trouble than they’re worth half the time-

But Trenton doesn’t seem to be listening. He has, however, moved up to the man’s side again… though he continues on past him. The little fellow is confused again, but trots along to keep up.

Liaison: Well, as I was saying-

Trenton Mitchell: This is them?

Gesturing to a group of imposing figures near the rear doors, Trenton earns a nod from the suited gentleman. Some of them are thick and burly, thought some are more wiry yet still intense. There’s more than a few ladies as well, and most across the board are scarred, tattooed, pierced or a combination of all three. None would look out of place in a metal band… or a prison yard… or on some supervillains goon roster.

Liaison: It is, yes.

Trenton goes up to them, staring most of them right in the eye. Not a one looks away. Some actually chest up to the monstrous man, to which he barely reacts. Hell, some of the ladies look more imposing than the men. He makes a lap, going past each one once, then again, before turning to face the suited man.

Trenton Mitchell: Fine. They’re all hired.

Liaison: Y-You’re sure? None of them are really experienced, though! I mean… some of them have been against security more than they’ve been part of it, even!

This makes some of the crowd bristle but Trenton is only looking at the smaller man.

Trenton Mitchell: Violent malcontents, in and out of trouble with the law, people no one would hire much less look at. Hell, most people on the street would cross at the fuckin’ sight of ‘em. Ain’t that right, little man? That’s about what you said, right?

Liaison: Well, y-yes.

There are murmurs among the group. Some are staring at the suited man with disdain. Some are staring at Trenton with something akin to awe. A couple of the women are looking him up and down somewhat… hungrily.

Trenton Mitchell: While what you’d call your best people are more like animals. If I crack the whip they’ll stand at attention, right? “Yes, sir” and “no, sir” and all that bullshit, Oh, they can keep their back straight and make sure their fuckin’ boots are polished, but that ain’t gonna do shit in a fight except give their blood a clean place to splash when it’s knocked out their mouths!

Liaison: Ahhh-

Trenton Mitchell: Ah, shut the hell up. Bring that fuckin’ thing over here.

Timidly, only now seeming to realize what he has awakened, the man brings the tablet over and Trenton snatches it out of his hands. He swipes the corporate credit card through the scanner, taps the screen a few times and shoves the device back at the man, who takes it as though he’s afraid it’ll explode.

Liaison: Um… is that all?

Trenton Mitchell: Yeah. Which means you ain’t got no fuckin’ reason to be here. Which means, to my simple mind since according to you I’m just like this crew, that you’re trespassing.

Turning back to the group, Trenton nods sharply in the little man’s direction.

Trenton Mitchell: Get him the fuck outta here. Then bring your asses to catering, grab some food and take a load off. I’ll be in there to give you your marchin’ orders. If any of you can’t see workin’ for a motherfucker like me, this is your one chance to walk without consequence.

However, none of the group made a move… at least to leave. They swarm the suited man, practically body-surfing him down the hall and out the door. Trenton, chuckling darkly to himself, turns on his heel and heads down the hallway.

---

No More

The camera jumps backstage to find Mikaela Callaway in the interview area, pacing back and forth in front of the backdrop. She doesn’t look happy as she moves impatiently in her ring gear and jacket. Beside her, Dennis Folsom stands at the ready with the microphone.

Dennis Folsom: Ladies and gentlemen, good evening! Dennis Folsom here with the one and only Mikaela Callaway. Mikaela, how’s it going?

Mikaela Callaway: Been better, Dennis.

She stops her pacing and turns to acknowledge the interviewer and the fans by camera proxy.

Dennis Folsom: Sorry to hear, but hey things always get better right? You’ve had a solid showing here in HYBRID, thus far, and with only three shows behind us, things can definitely get better.

Mikaela Callaway: Sure they can. I started off my professional career off with a loss to a childhood favorite, Duke Andrews. If it had to happen, I couldn’t have asked for a better name. But as it turns out, he’s a bit of a dick. I started off hot in the tournament for the Global Heavyweight Championship and bumped a bitch who’s more bark than bite off in Bianca Davis. I told her she was gonna have to bring it if she wanted to make it past me. Guess she had nothing to bring. I was starting to feel some traction but that came to a screeching halt two weeks ago when I landed in the tournament against a blowhard named Sam Tolson who thinks she’s God’s gift to professional wrestling. I’ll take that L. She’s good, but Sam you ain’t got great. You were talking all that good shit until you got humbled by the Beggar King. Yet, here you are, still denying the facts that he’s back and he’s here to stay. Duke and Tolson, you and I got unfinished business. I want those wins back. I will get those wins back.

Dennis Folsom: I can hear the conviction in your voice and I see it in your eyes. It sounds like the veterans of the business had better be ready. But Mikaela, tonight, you have an opportunity to get back on track as you take on Darcy Graves.

Mikaela scoff-chuckles as she rests her hands on her hips.

Mikaela Callaway: Darcy Graves. Ah, man. You know something? I’m all about good sportsmanship. I’m all about a good fight. Rest assured, Darcy, that’s exactly what you’re gonna get from me. You’re gonna get the fight of your career - hell, of your life! I’m not here to make friends. I’m here to make a name for myself. I’m here to climb the ranks and become THE top star in HYBRID Wrestling. Darcy Graves, you’re the first step on the ladder to the top. See your ass out there.

Before Dennis can get another word out, Mikaela storms off the scene, heading towards Gorilla for her match.



The shot opens on a closeup of the fallen body of Brody Slater. He has a pained expression on his face. As the shot zooms out, a giant boot is seen holding Slater’s head down against the floor. He’s motionless aside from a few shallow breaths here and there. The shot stays like this until a pair of legs in black leather pants and red high heels enter. The shot rises up the figure’s body until Katie and Damian Simmons are revealed. Damian is staring down at the man under his boot while Katie sneers into the camera.

Katie Simmons: I want you all to see the man down there and realize that’s what happens when Damian isn’t booked to compete.

Below the frame, Katie abruptly kicks backwards, drawing a pained grunt from the fallen man. This makes her giggle.

Katie Simmons: It’s really simple. My husband is going to fight. One way or another, he’s going to obliterate someone.

She points off screen as she speaks.

Katie Simmons: You saw what he did against Jabali Desmond. You’ve seen the damage he can do in the Vanguard championship ladder match.

She puts a finger to her lips and bites the tip of her nail, giving a cute smile as she does.

Katie Simmons: So, let me ask you. Would you rather give my husband someone to fight in a sanctioned match? Or would you rather him pick someone at random and jump them in the parking lot?

Katie laughs again, this time a little more maliciously.

Katie Simmons: Honestly either one is fun. But I’d prefer to be on TV, and we can’t really do that with the latter. So please, do the right thing. Save these poor people from getting the everloving tar kicked out of them without getting paid for it.

Katie makes the “come here” gesture with her finger as she kneels down to get closer to Slater, who is barely conscious at this point.

Katie Simmons: Listen, sir. I want you to know I’m sorry about what’s happening. But you need to understand, this isn’t personal. Nor is it our fault this is happening. If you feel like complaining, be sure to thank the one who did this to you, the one who left my husband’s name off the card. Can you do that for me?

The fallen man doesn’t respond. It’s up in the air whether he even heard her or not. This lack of response causes Damian to stomp down hard on his chest. This forces out a loud, pained scream of “YES” before a strained series of coughs. Katie just giggles as she stands back up.

Katie Simmons: Good boy! So, HYBRID… The ball is in your court. How would you like to respond? We’ll be waiting with baited breath for you…

She gives a smile that’s a mix of evil and cute as she waves at the camera. Damian, meanwhile, just stares daggers.

Backstage, Holly makes her way down the hall in a slightly hurried pace while Honey tries to keep up with her. It helps that the maid has a hold of her compatriot's wrist but not so much that during her days of competition Holly was taught to be fast above all else. Hence Honey’s consistent level of groans and wishing for breaks.

Honey Rydel: There’s a chair. Let’s just sit down there for a bit.

Holly: I’m sorry, Miss. Honey, this will only take a moment.

Honey Rydel: If you’re going to show me the stupid rooftop again…

Holly: No, this is something far better.

Holly finally, and perhaps mercifully, comes to a halt turning around toward the blonde, catching her off guard as they almost come chest to chest.

Holly: I think I may have found you a friend. Or at the very least someone who’ll understand.

Honey Rydel: Understand what?

Holly’s green eyes drift off to the side as she nibbles her bottom lip nervously. She doesn’t know quite how to put this so maybe it’ll all come out naturally. At least she hopes as she turns around and continues down the hall dragging Honey along behind her.

Honey Rydel: Understand what?

She now demands, though such demands fall upon deaf ears as Holly begins to mumble.

Holly: It took a lot of effort getting this match together, I hope things work out well of-oh!

Spotting her targets, Holly shows she’s not even at her full speed by picking it up, causing Honey to have to run, groaning the entire time. When they arrive, Holly greets the two with a respectful bow.

Holly: Miss. Bianca, Simon, I’m really glad you came as requested. I brought your partner, Miss. Honey, so you can discuss your aligned competition.

Honey Rydel: Tag match? You requested a TAG match for me? Holly, how the hell am I supposed to show you up when I’m having to-

Holly: Miss. Honey has issues being in a tag team, but it was the only way I felt the two of you could meet upon common grounds.

Honey Rydel: Why? What’s she supposed to understand?

Holly: Miss. Honey calls herself a “Princess.”

She states as if it were an unknown fact and it silences Honey. Not because she’s upset but because she’s surprised everyone wouldn’t already know this. She immediately calms herself down and focuses back on Bianca looking at her as though ready for her to grovel. As Queen Bianca looks at Simon who begins to speak.

Simple Simon: Ah it is nice to see that respect is being shown towards our Queen of HYBRID, See Queen Bianca Davis, has been disrespected since she has arrived here the treatment toward Royalty has been disgusting and we will no longer stand for it, Super Kitty will lose her Ironheart title soon to the Queen.

Queen Bianca holds her hand up to shush Simon, who stops as Queen Bianca then speaks.

Queen Bianca Davis: Princess huh? My my, what a claim but as Simon stated I am the Queen of HYBRID. The woman who should be standing before you all right now you’re Global Heavyweight Champion, but I was robbed by a masked peasant but that won’t be happening again because tonight her and Jesse Robinson will face a royal execution and tonight Honey you are going to be my partner in ensuring royal justice throughout HYBRID exciting right?

Hearing all of this, Honey twists her lips from hearing Bianca call out the difference between the two. Seeing how Honey is, Holly steps in gently hugging her arm and speaks for her.

Holly: Miss. Honey would be delighted to fight such a problem alongside you. She was also ousted-

Honey makes a light growling noise.

Holly: WRONGED in her tournament match as well. It’s a shame, it really truly is. But if the two of you can win here tonight then who knows HOW far you can both go! Maybe even the tag team titles? The Royal Couple has a nice ring to it. Don’t you think?

Believing that she’s calmed her friend down, Holly loosens her grip only for Honey to blurt out.

Honey Rydel: My Princess status was won! I earned it by being pretty.

Holly stares at her a little in astonishment but there’s no capping that up. So, after fixing a bit of her pink hair, the maid just smiles and nods a little. Bianca had a sly smirk on her face at the outburst, nodding her head as she said in a direct but still highly accented tone.

Queen Bianca Davis: I earned my title as well, despite what the peasants do believe. As far as that offer I have to wait and see because right now one masked peasant is my biggest problem currently, and her partner Jesse Robinson who wanted to try and attack me with a dirty mop? That low life action will be paid for.

Queen Bianca said in a matter of fact tone. Holly is shocked, covering her mouth with her lace gloved hand as the fury in Honey’s eyes shines forth.

Honey Rydel: If they did that to me people would be saying to them “That is the ugliest tail I’ve ever seen and why are you so stiff right now?”

She shakes her head in disgust.

Honey Rydel: Royalty is that way for a reason. I say it’s high time we make the whole world bow before us. Not only that but remember who we are. Can you believe after my match NO ONE came to congratulate me on my efforts? It was all directed to…whoever I was facing at the time.

Holly leans in to whisper but Honey cuts her off.

Honey Rydel: I don’t care! THEY should care about ME! Correction, they’re GOING to care about US.

She smiles determinedly toward Bianca.

Queen Bianca Davis: Now we are talking. See, royalty shall reign tonight. It is time to put down that rodent of an Iron Heart Champion, and her tag along. Tonight, they bend the knee to the Queen and Princess of HYBRID.

---

Inside of the locker room, we see Jessie Robinson. They’re tying up their boots and putting on the finishing touches before their tag team match tonight. They pull out their phone, scrolling through something and just smiling as they look up and turn the phone to the camera to show a picture of them and Super Tiger that was taken before the very first Vanguard show aired.

Jessie Robinson: See this here, this was the day I got to meet one of my heroes before we teamed together for the first time. Most of the time, people say to never meet your heroes, but Super Tiger, she was everything I had ever dreamed she would be. I can’t express how excited I was to get to share the ring with someone of her caliber not once, but twice already, once as a teammate and another as an opponent. She is everything I hope to be one day and then some.

Jessie puts their phone away in their bag as they stand up now and begin to walk around the room a little bit.

Jessie Robinson: I felt so honored when she offered to work out and train with me. Me, a complete and total rookie to this sport and Super Tiger, one of the best in the entire world, offered to train with me and then offered to become a tag team with me. I didn’t think I deserved any of that, but here we are. We need a tag team name though…

Jessie strokes their chin, lost in thought for a moment.

Jessie Robinson: I know! Kawaii Trash Pandas Go! Wait…no… that was already used. Kawaii Trash Pandas Go 2: Electric Boogaloo! No… too wordy…

Jessie pauses for a moment thinking even more now, comically contorting their face to show the fact their deep in thought.

Jessie Robinson: Super Beans! No… that sounds like it’ll give you really bad gas.

Then Jessie gets a lightbulb moment and their face lights up as they throw a finger up.

Jessie Robinson: Hyper Cosmic Rainbow Kitties! Yeah, that sounds awesome! I’ll have to run that one by Super Tiger, but I’m sure she’ll love it!

Jessie scrambles into their bag and pulls out a notepad and pen and scribbles the name down on a piece of paper before tearing it off and folding it up.

Jessie Robinson: But, I can’t stand here and not talk about our opponents tonight…

Jessie growls, it’s cute, and not at all intimidating like they clearly think it is as they have a serious look on their face.

Jessie Robinson: Bianca, I don’t like how you hafta attack people from behind, especially my new bestie. I hope you enjoyed that little shower I gave you last time with the dirty mop water. Tonight though, I plan on kicking your booty and showing you that you shouldn’t be picking a fight with me and Super Tiger. You’re just a mean, mean, lady Bianca. You’re delusional if you even think people actually like you, because not only are you ugly on the outside, you’re like a big old troll on the inside. You’re just a bad apple and I don’t like things that are rotten. You only care about yourself and everyone and everything else can go to heck. One day, that’s gonna finally bite ya in the butt and I’m gonna laugh when that happens.

Honey, I don’t know a whole lot about you, but if you’re willingingly teaming up with Bianca, you must be pretty rotten too. But, you’ll learn that Bianca won’t hesitate to hit you from behind too and cost you a match like she did with me and Super Tiger because she was jealous of us. She’ll get jealous of you too if you end up being better than her, but that’s not super duper hard to do because she always has to cheat to win a match. Tonight is the night I finally get my first win in Hybrid and I’m so pumped I get to do it with my bestie and tag team partner. See yinz out there!

Jessie enthusiastically waves at the camera with a giggle before it fades away.

NFW presents Cruel Summer, live on PPV!

RINGSIDE SEGMENT: ALOYSIUS MARCUS VANCE IV

Giving Them What They Want

The three-way melee is still going even after the bell rings several times, with security coming down to break things up. They manage to do just that, to the surprise of many, and even keep Eddy, Duke and Sam from getting at one another again. Clearly you get what you pay for and the boss of HYBRID has cash to spare, well-used by his Chief of Security. And speaking of the man in charge…

Bernadette Olson: You know what that tune means, folks!

Jacob Frankel: The boss is on his way out to make a scene!

ZZ-Top’s “Sharp-Dressed Man” starts to play and the well-dressed Aloysius Marcus Vance IV comes out onto the stage, microphone in hand. His presence is enough to get some of the attempts to continue the fight to stall, at least momentarily, but to the surprise of many, the CEO is clapping his hands and wearing a wide smile!

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Now this is what I call excitement! Chaos! Madness! Violence, ladies and gentlemen, sells in case you didn’t know… and I’d say you three are this close to buying me that antique rug I’ve been eyeing for my game room!

The comment has both the fans and the wrestlers incredulous, but if nothing else it has them thinking less about violence and more about what the boss is on about. Thankfully, he doesn’t keep them in suspense.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: But here’s the thing: as much as these good people love a brawl, they love to celebrate decisive victory and heap sympathy on favorites suffering from defeat. And tonight they were allowed neither. That doesn’t sit well with me. Luckily, I have a solution.

Bernadette Olson: A solution, huh? Does he really think he can satisfy these hell-or-high-water malcontents?

Jacob Frankel: I mean… he’s known for making some incredible deals, so… maybe?

Bernadette Olson: I’ll believe it when I see or hear it.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: At Vanguard #4, the two of you, Duke and Samantha, will face off again in a match to determine the challenger for the Global Heavyweight Championship at Fall of Man in September!

The fans totally dig this, and while one gets the feeling that Tolson and Andrews do as well, it also sparks new desire between them to get at one another’s throats! However, security is more than capable of keeping them at bay.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Two things to note there: one is that I did not say you would be the ONLY people in the match. Two… is that I did not say the match would be against Eddy Todd.

The Beggar King, calmer than the other two, now casts his gaze up at AMV with a brow elevated. His expression is best described as incredulous. AMV, no longer wearing a broad grin but a small, intense smile, looks right back at the champ.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: That’s because you won’t be sitting around or having meaningless battles in that ring between now and then, champ. In fact, at Vanguard #4, you’ll be defending that championship against an opponent to be determined shortly!

Far from bothered, Eddy slaps the belt over his shoulder and gestures that he’s ready for anyone and anything. AMV nods approvingly, turning his attention back to Tolson and Andrews.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: As for you two, your match will clearly require some extra authority. Eddy will be busy defending his championship, so he’ll be unlikely to bother with you… but you two are explosive kegs on your own. So that number-one contender’s match will have a special enforcer whose word will be every bit as much law as the referee’s. So, ladies and gentlemen… what do you think?

The fans are clearly quite happy with the announcements. Duke and Sam are glaring at one another, but both are wearing the subtle smiles of anticipation one would expect from hardened warriors vying for a shot at gold. Eddy is the only one not smiling, but he looks very determined and quite eager.

Jacob Frankel: WOW! A triple threat for a title shot and Eddy Todd making his first defense? I have ZERO issues with that!

Bernadette Olson: Credit where it’s due: Mr. Vance seems to have satisfied all parties. I like it.

Jacob Frankel: Definitely can’t wait for Vanguard #4! We’ll see you then, folks!

Fade to black.