Vanguard #23 (07/05/23)

---

The show opens up as per usual, but instead of taking us to the arena proper, we’re instead invited into a pristine boardroom. Aloysius Marcus Vance IV sits at the head of the table, hands folded before him and a neat pile of paperwork beneath those manicured digits. Forge, towering and, for the love of all things leather and spiky, dressed in a suit himself, is standing next to AMV’s chair. Around the table are the rest of the board, including Chief Operations Officer Jayson Perez, Chief Financial Officer Latoya Crask and Chief Media Officer (as well as the person who handles the company’s Twitter), Elizabeth Gray. This meeting has been going on for some time before now, with the refreshment containers and half-empty coffee containers attesting to this. AMV is, predictably, the first to speak.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: So, based on our projections at the start of last year, as well as our numbers at this point, we’re all in agreement as to our next step?

Jayson is the first to speak up.

Jayson Perez: Venues have been selected for the next four seasons, including a few foreign locales. The crew is aware of what’s coming and we’ll be ready well before Vanguard #24.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Excellent. Miss Crask, are the necessary expenses covered?

The young lady leans back in her seat with a smile, pausing for a sip of coffee before nodding.

Latoya Crask: One-hundred-and-twenty-seven percent. Literally.

There are chuckles around the table from everyone but Forge, though his lips twitch as though he’s looking to hold back a smile. AMV puts his attention on Elizabeth now.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: And your crew is ready to let the world know, Miss Grey?

Elizabeth Grey: Digitally and physically. Twitter will be the chief method but we’re running ads in local and national publications as well as through radio, television and internet. There’s not a soul on the planet who won’t know what’s coming.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Just what I wanted to hear! So… as of Vanguard #24, we’re taking the show on the road. Seasonal format, with five Vanguards and a premium event for each, with the launch of Battle Damage in the open week between seasons. As to the locker room and more… in-ring details?

AMV, along with the others, turn to look up at Forge, who finally breaks his silence.

Forge: It’s handled. Names are comin’ in for the tournament already, actually.

Elizabeth Grey: I’ve got people working on a formal display for that. By the time August 6th rolls around, we’ll be ready. As to the influx of new talent-

Forge: I’ll keep them busy.

Something about that just strikes as foreboding. AMV, though, is all smiles.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Then, as of August 9th, HYBRID: rEvolution is officially going on the road! No better way to celebrate our first year in business than that! Good work, everyone!

And with that, the meeting ends.



As "Spoilin' For A Fight" by AC/DC blasts through the speakers, the crowd's excitement reaches a fever pitch. The atmosphere crackles with anticipation as the spotlight shines on Josh Woodrum, gathering a microphone before returning to center-ring.

Bernadette Olson: What is going on here? What is he doing?

Jacob Frankel: Looks like he wants to tell the world that he's just getting started.

Bernadette Olson: He certainly lived up the the name of "Mr. Impressive," but he still has a long way to go before making any sort of impact.

Jacob Frankel: Agreed, though that match was a strong start to his career in HYBRID.

With a commanding presence, Josh steps through the ropes and steps into the center of the ring, his eyes locked on the awaiting microphone. The crowd's deafening cheers gradually quiet down, eagerly awaiting his next words. A crew member places a microphone in Josh's hand.

Josh Woodrum: Hello ATLANTA!!! I Know there's a lot of you Joshamaniacs out there who've been eager to see me return. Well tonight is that night. It's great to be back in the ring. I took a little time off, but now it's time to unleash the JoshBottom, and let Josh-A-Mania run as wild as ever.

The electric atmosphere pulsates with anticipation as the audience, united in their support, unleashes a symphony of cheers that washes over Josh, which he takes a moment to bask in before quieting them down.

Josh Woodrum: Now, I'm sure you've heard some rumblings, of a certain…"ghost from my past"...who has been running his mouth. Well, let me assure you of this. I treat it like a duck treats water, and let roll off my back.

"Uprise" by Kingdom Collapse shatters the silence, the arena trembles with anticipation. The crowd's cheers reach its peak as Kimo emerges from backstage, exuding an aura of intensity and purpose. With a mic firmly clutched in his hand, he walks determinately towards the ring. The combination of the music and Kimo's commanding presence electrifies the atmosphere, setting the stage for an all out brawl.

Kimo: "Let it roll off your back," huh? There's a phrase you're used to saying, only this time it doesn't involve D-Squad stripper and a Wish.com camera crew.

Josh Woodrum: Oh HA HA HA!!! Like I haven't heard that before.

Kimo:: You know I wonder what HAVE you not heard before? Maybe the word "no" or "I agreed to one dwarf not two." Or how about "Get away from me….I'M MARRIED!"

Kimo glares at Josh.

Josh Woodrum: Oh so THAT'S what this is about?!

Kimo:: My ex-WIFE?! Yeah it's one of them!

Josh Woodrum: Well, let me tell you Kimo, I've bedded a thousand women, your woman wasn't so special. I don't need to steal any man's wife, she came to me. If she came to me, you must have been lacking in the packing, if ya smell what The Josh is microwaving.

Kimo: There you go again, ripping off other people who have more talent in one hair than you have in your entire body. Just like you always do. But you know what? I won't hold it against you. In fact, I owe you a sincere thank you. You see, you helped show my ex's tru colors. It brought me to the edge of ruin, yes, but had that not happened I never would have met my current wife, Kate. She helped save me from one of the darkest times of my life. And for that, I owe her everything. You see Josh, that's one of the many…MANY differences between you and me. For me, one woman is enough, you want to screw the whole planet. I put blood, sweat, and tears into EVERYTHING I do, you think you can buy your way through life. And what the actual hell are you doing with this routine? You think this act of yours is convincing anybody? Your 'good guy' schtick is so thin, Stevie Wonder can see through it! Oh god, I just got a mental image!


The audience bursts into laughter and applause at the unexpected music break.

Kimo: What I'm trying to say Josh…is stop lying. Stop lying to yourself, stop lying to your wife- speaking of which isn't bestiality illegal?- but most importantly, Josh…

Kimo points to the audience

Kimo: Stop lying to them. Because the only thing you can be a face on is the Sex Offender Registry. Now you better watch the next match closely, because what I'm about to do to my opponent is just a FRACTION of what I got planned for you.

---

After the opening match between Josh Woodrum and Jabali Desmond there was a slight break in the action. Allowing the two competitors and referee Zach Young to leave the ring before everything went to complete darkness. A flash of gold splashed across the screen for a split second before the sound of the reverb of “Mud to Gold” by Upchurch hit the sound system.

The first eight seconds hit in complete darkness before the gold light hits the stage. Our Global Heavyweight Champion standing with his back to the crowd a la Y2J with his hands outstretched. Holding the title in his right hand before slowly turning around. Sporting a solid black suit, with a simple white dress shirt underneath. The title clutched in his hand as he made his way down to the ring.

The chorus of boos from the crowd went in one ear and out the other. He stopped and posed again, lifting his right hand directly in the air with the leather and gold of the Global Heavyweight Championship on hand. The light reflecting off of the gold and diamonds embedded into the leather. Taking a moment as a young child wants to take a picture of the champion standing directly in front of him. Just before he could get the picture, Duke stepped forward and continued towards the steps. Drinks were hurled over the railing in his direction as he soaked it all in. Tossing the title over his right shoulder as he slowly stepped between the top rope and the middle rope and into the ring.

He turned in the ring, arms outstretched as the crowd continued to shout at him. Smirking the entire time.


This did nothing more than cause the smirk to form into a full-fledged smile as he raised a microphone into the air. His music fades. The gold light that followed him towards the ring was replaced with a white spotlight. Reflecting the gold leaf pattern in the suit jacket. A pair of gold framed Versace glasses on his face. A gold Rolex on his left wrist as he held the microphone up.

Duke Andrews: I’ve got nothing but time. Every second you boo me is another second that comes off the Kimo and Brody match!

It was almost as if he was egging on the crowd to continue its negative reaction towards him. He was eating it up as he stepped back towards the corner. A smile formed once again as he laughed at the crowd.


He adjusted the title over his shoulder and took a bow in front of the crowd before raising the microphone back to his lips.

Duke Andrews: I’ll just talk over you and they’ll edit your stupid asses off of television.

He lowered the microphone and cleared his throat before taking a small pace around the ring.

Duke Andrews: It’s been eighty four days since I took back my property from that fraud Eddy Todd. And we are two weeks away from Stephanie Kenyon getting her opportunity to become famous at Heatstroke. Which brings up my first point.

A brief pause as the crowd briefly cheered for Stephanie’s name being mentioned.

Duke Andrews: Yeah, whatever. But I see that AMV thinks he needs to bring in dinosaurs from the past in the likes of Griffin Hawk-

As soon as the Gr sound came out the crowd erupted in cheers as Duke rolled his eyes.

Duke Andrews: THIS IS MY TIME GODDAMMIT! SHUT YOUR BACKWOODS MOUTHS AND LISTEN WHEN THE CHAMP IS TALKING!

The crowd again went back to booing as Duke lowered the microphone for a brief second.

Duke Andrews: This is the one person who has ducked and walked away from the Epitome of Perfection since the first time I met his fraud ass. Griff knew he couldn’t compete on my level and wouldn’t ever answer the challenge. Wouldn’t ever step in the ring. So here is where I’m drawing the line. As the leader of this god damn locker room, if that piece of trash steps out of line for one second, I’ll drop his guitar hero ass on the spot and toss him back into the gutter where he belongs. But if AMV is so keen on bringing back the trash of yesteryear, I’m sure Rhodes and Ursula are looking for a quick payday. I’m sure you can drag them and the lizard back into this building for some one off event that’ll add an extra dollar to your bank account.

Duke took a deep breath as he lowered his head for a second.

Duke Andrews: But it’s time to actually talk business. And the business at hand comes at the expense of Stephanie Kenyon.

Again the crowd cheered as Duke held his hand up and closed his fist, telling the crowd to shut their mouths.

Duke Andrews: You’ve wanted my attention for the last month. You’ve begged for me to mention you. You begged for your five minutes of fame. Tell me this Steph, there’s an old phrase out there, and I’m sure you’ve heard this before, never tug on Superman’s cape. And yet you kept prodding. You stuck your nose where it didn’t belong. You jumped in on twitter. You couldn’t have kept your distance and just took the easy ass kicking that was coming your way. You poked and poked. Begged for attention. And before I get to jump into the new asses that will get kicked, Knox and Cashe, I’m going to focus every ounce of energy on you. You’ve tried to make yourself relevant in my world. Not understanding that a match that doesn’t have any input on MY championship is something I’m not worried about. So congratulations Steph. You got a tainted win. Something that you can tell your nurse as she spoon feeds you Jello on July 20 after I kick your head off your shoulders. You’re entering my goddamn world Steph and you’re not ready. It’s not that I am dismissing you for shits and giggles, I’m giving you a fair warning. I’m so many levels ahead of you that it isn’t fair what I’m going to do to you. And if you're willing to risk not just your name and career, but your own well being and way of life, then I’m all for you stepping into the ring. So take the next two weeks and think long and hard about if this is a career move you’re willing to make.

He tossed the microphone in the air before catching it one time.

Duke Andrews: And before I leave for the night and go back to hanging out with the bad bitch Tiffany Lynn Page, AMV do me a favor and do what you need to bring that piece of scum into this company so I can rid the world of Vance once and for all.

“Mud to Gold” once again hit as the crowd booed the champion as he bounced from the ring.



Backstage at HYBRID we come in to find one of the newest signees, Charles Morgan, talking backstage with his lovely manager and newly crowned fiance, Holly Wakefield.

Charles Morgan: Here we are, the big day, going to be making my debut in front of a brand new audience and it’s against two pretty big names, excited to get to see me in action?

Holly Wakefield: Of course I am, it’s why I insisted on being right there at ringside to see you up close and personal.

Holly gives him a smile as she reaches over to place a comforting hand on his arm.

Holly Wakefield: I think the more important question here is how are you feeling?

He smiles over at her, of course she would get to the heart of the matter so quickly.

Charles Morgan: Well I suppose I’m a little nervous, though not about being in front of the new audience, that’s exciting but going out there right away with the likes of Matt Knox and Moe Renhuan on the first match isn’t something to be taken lightly. They’re going to be gunning for that win just as much as I am and in that sort of environment, you’re not only looking out for yourself but you have to pay attention to the others as well if they’re in trouble. It’s a lot to handle and I’m a little anxious about being rusty. It’s hard to simulate that sort of environment at the local gym.

Holly Wakefield: That might be true, but it’s still quite fun to watch you when you’re working out.

Holly wiggles her eyebrows slightly in a suggestive manner before she laughs.

Holly Wakefield: Seriously though, I know it’s a big match right out of the gate with some big named opponents, but I think it was all meant to be. You have a lot of talent and a lot of heart which is the most important thing.

As she is speaking, Holly reaches upwards with one hand to tap her index finger up against his chest, directly over his heart to further emphasize her point. He glances down at her touch before once more meeting her eyes.

Charles Morgan: I appreciate you saying that and I don’t think you’re wrong, I couldn’t have even gotten to this point in my career if I didn’t have those, sometimes you just need to hear it, you know?

He takes but a moment to brush back a stray strand of blonde hair behind her ear before continuing.

Charles Morgan: And having you by my side is the edge I need, I think, to overcome these odds and truly make a statement here tonight.

Holly Wakefield: I might have a little something else to give you some extra good luck…

Holly reaches inside of her purse, taking a few moments to dig around the inside, before she pulls out what appears to be a blue and green braided string bracelet. She holds it up between two fingers as she gives him another smile.

Holly Wakefield: This is a little something from Hayden, he wanted to wish you good luck.

He takes the bracelet and slips it over his hand, holding it up to the light.

Charles Morgan: That’s very sweet, almost feels like cheating having his spirit to look over me. You know how protective he is.

A gentle smile followed by a deep sigh.

Charles Morgan:: Suppose there’s no reason to hold off any longer, shall we go make a statement?

Holly Wakefield: Lead the way.

Holly leans in closer to give him a quick kiss for good luck before she slides her arm in his so that she can hold onto him while they are making their way down the hall.

---

He always enjoys taking walks through new backstage areas. Even if he’s familiar with the State Farm Arena, this is still a whole new playing field. New roster, new faces, and new opportunities. Brand new in his old, decrepit face.

One of those new opportunities is by his side, indulging in his curious and exploratory ways.

Matt Knox: So, you’re sure she isn’t roaming freely? I left the bear mace back in the hotel…

A soft smile forms on the face of the Rainbow Angel. She’s in formal wear tonight, a gentle pink dress that flows with her movements and white high heels that click with every step. Naturally, she’s accessorized with elegance. Her red hair is styled up in a nice updo and her emerald eyes are soft.

Xaria Linette: You speak of Mademoiselle Sanada, oui? I imagine she is… preparing for war.

Oh, she’s taken note of the insanity between Gutter Ballet and the Queens of Chaos. She tilts her head a little.

Xaria Linette: ...why do you need bear mace?

Matt Knox: Because the child is a menace.

He states this flatly but with the faintest bit of begrudging fondness. He’s dressed far down compared to her in a plain black tee and his ring gear. He stops, taking a moment to appreciate the view of her beauty before continuing.

Matt Knox: Did my opponents pay you to dress like this? Distract me?

A quirked eyebrow and a smirk full of mirth. Ever the mischievous bird. His angel giggles with a soft red hue color on her cheeks.

Xaria Linette: I never accept bribes, Matthew. Besides, if I wanted to distract you, I’d wear something a little more… revealing, oui?

Folding her hands behind her back, she plays cute and innocent very well. He allows a chuckle, shaking his head at her antics while stepping forward to rest already wrapped hands upon her shoulders.

Matt Knox: Out here, it would just get me in another fight. Greedy, petulant, and jealous as I am.

He leans in, kissing the top of her head before stepping back with a smile on his face. His eyes briefly avert to a clock on the wall, fighting off the urge to linger on relics that endure.

Matt Knox: I promise I won't keep you waiting tonight. Besides… how could any outcome be a loss when I'm leaving with you?

His face scrunches up as soon as the line makes it past his lips.

Matt Knox: That was nearly criminal, wasn't it?

Xaria Linette: It was rather sweet, monsieur…

Stepping forward, she closes the distance between the two and presses her lips over his. A sweet kiss for the newfound relationship. With slight hesitation, she breaks it.

Xaria Linette: ...just like you.

He lingers near, mouth opening to say something either foolish or profound when suddenly, the hallway is filled with an all too familiar, all too ominous tune. “Hell Broke Luce” by Tom Waits, a look over his shoulder at the curtain towards the end of the hall. He turns back to her with a smile.

Matt Knox: Look at you…making me lose track of time.

He leans down, capturing one last kiss for luck or greed, he’d never tell. He backs up a few steps after breaking it, his smile never leaving him.

Matt Knox: Won’t be long… Don’t move a muscle.

Like him, her own smile never leaves her. Her emerald eyes gaze into the ocean of his eyes for a moment.

Xaria Linette: Je vous bonne chance, Matthew.
(I wish you good luck, Matthew.)

She’ll wait for him. He knows this. Even if he thinks her foolish for wasting time on him, he'd never tell her. With one last smile, he pivots on his heel and makes a beeline for the curtain.



With the Triple Threat having come to a finish, the live audience was simmering down before the next match started. A pause in the action is what was expected...

The hymn-like hum vibrates through the area before Lauren Hill soundfully brings in the chorus to "Ready or Not".

Jacob Frankel: He broke the news this past weekend of his signing, is this him?

Bernadette Olson: If it is, how will the HYBRID fans respond? He is a hometown kid after all isn't he?

Immediately as Jason Cashe steps out from the back, he is met with a roaring cheer from the audience! Looking around the arena, he takes in the applause and nods as a smile breaks across his face.

Bernadette Olson: They like him! They really like him!!

Jacob Frankel: Yeah but for how long? He isn't exactly a 'people person' is he?

Taking a long drag off an air joint, Cashe howls up into the sky and the whole building howls with him!

Spirit Montego: From ATLANTA, GEORGIA!

The crowd went bananas and drown out most of Montego's introduction as Cashe heads towards the ring.

Spirit Montego: JASON CAAAAAAASHE!!

He rounds the corner and climbs the steel steps before ducking under the top rope to enter the ring. Growling into a roar at the live audience! Cashe got a roar from the crowd right back. He was home.. Spirit Montego hands Cashe a live microphone as he takes the center of the ring.

Bernadette Olson: They are loud! Cashe is going to have a hard time getting a word in!

The live audience was wild! They were glad to see a hometown guy come home and now make his residence with HYBRID so he would be home a lot more often. Among the chaos of cheering fans, someone jumps the guard railing and it causes an uproar from the audience.

Jacob Frankel: We have a crazy fan!

Bernadette Olson: Hey, that's not a fan! I recognize her! That's Emma Douglas!

Jacob Frankel: What is she doing here?! She isn't signed to HYBRID!

In the ring, Cashe hasn't noticed her as Emma Douglas, the Mistress of Mayhem slides into the ring behind him. As he turns around, his eyes bulge open as she races at him and crashes a knee into his face with a Shining Wizard!

Bernadette Olson: Good lord! She just took his head off!!

Not holding back, Emma Douglas drills down into Cashe's face with rapid closed fist punches. He bucks her off and tries to roll away. She crawls after him as he slides out of the ring. Touching his mouth, he finds blood and soreness against his bottom lip.

Jacob Frankel: Cashe is bleeding! His debut in his hometown is not going as he planned!

Emma climbs through the ropes to chase after him but Cashe grabs her legs and rips them out from under her. She falls and slams back first onto the ringside floor. Cashe stomps down into her chest before trying to walk away. She doesn't let him, turning onto her stomach, Emma springs to her feet and shoves Cashe from behind. He rushes and shoulders into the corner guard railing. Pushing to a stand, he turns and finds Emma barrelling towards him and launches herself at him, putting them both through the railing and into the front row!

Bernadette Olson: Holy Moses!

Jacob Frankel: Emma Douglas does not like Cashe!

Finally, a team of security hurries on scene. Pulling the two apart as they lay in a pile. They are still clawing and swinging at the other, clearly these two have some unresolved issues and it is finally coming to a head in HYBRID.

---

We cut backstage to the hallway near gorilla position, earlier in the evening, where one half of the Global Tag Team Champions, Gigi Nova, is walking through, checking her phone, her championship belt draped over her shoulder. Out of the corner of her eye, she spots one of the newest members of the roster, Kimo, walking by. She quickly waves him down.

Gigi Nova: Hey, new guy!

Kimo looks from one side to the other, then points at himself as if to ask “Who, me?”

Gigi Nova: Yeah, you got a second?

Kimo tentatively walks toward her, but not before tossing a quick glance over his shoulder.

Kimo: What’s up, Champ?

Gigi looks over Kimo's shoulder, puzzled.

Gigi Nova: Uh… are you expecting someone?

Kimo chuckles.

Kimo: Nah… just had a bit of a flashback is all. Anyway, what can I do for you?

Gigi Nova: I just had a couple of questions. Maybe it’s my inner bartender coming through, but I sense some beef between you and one of the other new guys. I can’t help but be a little curious… how far does this beef go?

Kimo: Several years, and almost as many companies. It’s complicated, really.

Gigi nods her head as she listens.

Kimo: Basically, he’s been a thorn in my family’s side for longer than I can remember.

Gigi Nova: And like the proverbial bad penny, he keeps turning up, eh?

Kimo scoffs.

Kimo: Something like that. I’ll get to him soon enough. For now, I’ve got a chance to send him a message, even if it’s at someone else’s expense.

Gigi nods again, this time with a bit of a chuckle.

Gigi Nova: I see.

Kimo: So what are you doing here? I figured since you’ve got the night off, you’d be kicking it at home…

Gigi shakes her head.

Gigi Nova: Well, I had to at least show up to check out the new blood coming in, ya know? I could have just watched the show from the bar where I work… wait a minute…

A wave of realization washes over her as she narrows her eyes at the newcomer.

Kimo: What? I got something on my face?

Kimo instinctively wipes his face as Gigi shakes her head again.

Gigi Nova: No, nothing like that. It’s just that I just realized where I know you from. You ever been to a little hole-in-the-wall bar inside of a bowling alley near the Del Amo Mall in Torrance?

Now, Kimo narrows his eyes as he scrutinizes Gigi’s features as if trying to remember a forgotten memory.

Kimo: Actually, now that you mention it, I kinda do remember you. And here I thought it was just a foggy memory from all the Adios Motherfuckers I drank from that place. You were the one that made them!

Gigi nods in acknowledgement.

Gigi Nova: That would be me. It’s my favorite drink to mix, let alone drink!

Kimo laughs.

Kimo: Yeah, actually, that’s the bar where I met my wife.

A solemn look washes over the champion.

Gigi Nova: Yeah… shame it’s gone now.

Kimo: Whole building’s gone now.

Gigi Nova: I know. But hey, nothing lasts forever, right?

Kimo: You can say that again!

They both laugh as Gigi nods her head. Kimo looks past Gigi as one of the backstage crew members tries to get his attention.

Kimo: Anyway, I think that’s my cue to get my ass in gear. Good luck defending that bad boy right there… who knows? I may find myself a partner and come after it myself.

Gigi smirks a little.

Gigi Nova: Hey, it could happen. After all, I didn’t expect to become a champion so soon, but I wound up teaming with Sam Tolson, and here I am! But the Calinauts are no joke; I know my upcoming title defense isn’t going to be easy. All I can do - all WE can do as the champs - is fight to the best of my ability in an effort to hold onto what I’ve got.

Kimo nods.

Kimo: Well again; good luck.

Kimo begins to move past her, but not before Gigi taps him on the shoulder.

Gigi Nova: Hey… you too. Good luck out there.

Kimo: Thanks, champ!

They exchange a quick nod before going their separate ways as the scene fades out.



His big announcement, along with the Board of Directors, having been made earlier in the evening, AMV is found later in his office and on the phone with someone, conversing animatedly as he sits behind his desk. Legs propped up on it, the fourth-generation lawyer has the most shit-eating grin on his face as the dialogue continues. Meanwhile, his second-in-command and security chief, Forge, has a book of some sort in hand that he’s leafing through slowly. Odd, since he doesn’t seem the reading type. But there you go.

As this carries on, there comes a knock at the door that gets AMV’s attention and he glances over before swinging his legs down and speaking more audibly to the other person on the line.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: Ah, there they are! Now, don’t worry about a thing! I’ll send you all the details in about an hour!

Hanging up, AMV turns to the door. Forge’s eyes turn that way, too, but the big man otherwise doesn’t move.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: It’s open!

In walks the host of Heatstroke, Griffin Hawkins. He slowly looks around the office.

Griffin Hawkins: Hey…hope you don’t mind me dropping in…

He recognizes everything in the office.

Griffin Hawkins: Hmmm…there was a different owner in this place, but I guess that’s a story for another day. It’s nice to finally meet you.[

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: The Reader’s Digest version is that when it closed down, Mr. Donavan maintained controlling interest. When I purchased it from him, everyone was offered a chance to join up anew. Some did, some didn’t. Some we simply couldn’t find. As to the decor, well… why fix what isn’t broken?

Aloysius chuckles as he stands, offering his hand to Griffin. Griffin nods and shakes his hand, accepting his gesture of kindness.

Griffin Hawkins: It is indeed a pleasure to finally meet you face to face, Mr. Vance. ‘Course I’m not going to lie, I was kind of surprised to get the call offering to host the summer pay per view. But at the same time I’m kind of glad because being in these halls gives me some feelings of nostalgia. I had some of the best matches in my career in this company. Longest Duality Tag Team Champions with Stacy Jones and the Final HYBRID Grand Champion. It almost feels like I’m home again.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: All the more reason to have you here to make an impact. Of course, there’s more to it than that, but we’ll keep this talk above board.

A sly glance toward the camera by AMV before he returns his attention to Griffin.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: The fact is… we’re coming up on a year in this new incarnation. As you might have seen earlier tonight, we’re going to start branching out. Touring the world. Drawing more eyes and talent on ourselves. That’s part of where someone like yourself taking part comes in.

He strokes his chin, thinking on it.

Griffin Hawkins: That actually does sound pretty damn good. I always thought this company was one of the best ones in the world. Whether I won or lost… or held a title or not, I was happy to share a locker room with those men and women. And as I look at it now there’s some old faces… and some new faces on the roster.

He can feel the spirit of competition building up.

Griffin Hawkins: There are some that I have shared a ring with in other promotions… and some I’ve been itching to test my skills against for quite some time. I look very forward to seeing them showcase their abilities in that very ring.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: You won’t be disappointed. Do you have any questions for me before we move forward?

Forge, as the two men chat, maintains his silence. His eyes do shift from the book to the two gentlemen and back a few times, but that’s about it. Some might see it as rude. He sees it as letting them conduct business that does not yet involve him.

Griffin Hawkins: Not really. I think I’m ready to host the biggest summer block party this city has ever seen. I look forward to all the action that’s gonna take place.

The two shake hands once more. As they do so, Forge finally speaks up.

Forge: There’s a couple people around here who are already looking to start somethin’ where there ain’t nothin. But don’t sweat them.

He closes the book and sets it aside, approaching Griffin.

Forge: My security is hand-picked and they do their job well. Anyone fucks around, they find out in a hurry.

AMV nods emphatically at this.

Aloysius Marcus Vance IV: One hundred percent on that. So enjoy yourself, Mr. Hawkins.

Griffin Hawkins: I believe I will… it was a pleasure meeting you..the both of you.

He gives them a nod before leaving the office.

---

As the main event is about to take place, the fans are greeted by the powerful drums and guitars of Metallica’s “Hardwired”. There’s some cheers as Forge, no longer well-suited as he had been earlier in the evening, comes out onto the stage, flanked by his second-in-command, Becca “Bruiser” Maguire, and a dozen members of their security team. They head down the ramp, half the guards backing Forge while the other half follow in Becca’s wake. They make their way down to the ring with purpose.

Bernadette Olson: Clearly, neither AMV or Forge want any further shenanigans out of these two teams before Heatstroke! Not that I mind seeing tall, dark and vicious one bit!

Jacob Frankel: Oh, good gravy, Bernie! But you’re right! After everything that’s gone down, Mr. Vance probably doesn’t want his money match ruined. And you and I both know that there’s no keeping these ladies apart with the stakes in this match tonight!

Bernadette Olson: Well, Forge and his team can handle it and more!

Jacob Frankel: Do I need to douse you with ice water?!

Bernadette Olson: Don’t you dare!

With teams of seven on either side of the ring, ensuring that neither the Gutter Ballet or the Queens of Chaos are gonna cause mayhem while this match goes on, Forge and Becca take their respective positions, arms folded as the main event gets underway!