GCW Friday Vindication 30th June 2017

Maricia RP

MC: What the fuck were they thinking?!

Maricia is pacing around the office. Andreas is sitting in a leather chair at the corner of the desk, spinning a golden coin.

AL: Care to elaborate? Who was thinking? About what?

Maricia glares out the window.

MC: Who the fuck thought it was a good idea to put me on the same team as that pyromaniac bitch?

AL: The teams were randomly selected. Kidd said so himself.

Maricia shakes her head and begins tapping her foot.

MC: Kidd said that... Listen, Andreas. You ever wonder why Kidd is never around?

AL: Enlighten me.

MC: I don't know. I wonder though. I think it's because he's more worried about his success than anyone else's. He devised these teams. He chose them. He had to. You and Jensen? That masked idiot and Collins? Camber and I? We hate each other.

AL: I don't have any problems with Jensen.

MC: Whatever. Point is, these teams are bullshit. He did this, because he doesn't want anyone to actually challenge for his and Darius' championships.

AL: I meant to ask, why did you join the tournament?

MC: I needed the competition, why did you join?

AL: I didn't. They put me in this. I would have been gong for the Hardcore Championship otherwise.

Maricia turns back to the window, and nods.

AL: Why would you choose to find the competition you seek, within your husband? Why not just challenge Chiyoko again?

Maricia shrugs.

MC: What's a couple without some quarrel? If you'll excuse me, I'm going to head off to the airport now. I suggest you do the same.

She walks out of the office.

AL: 'What's a couple without some quarrel'... Happier, I'd suppose.

Andreas flicks the coin into the air, before catching it and sliding it back into his pocket.

AL: Then again, those two will never be happy.

He shrugs.

AL: The same could be said for most of us.

Andreas RP

Andreas kneels, sitting back on his feet. In front of him is the curtain that separates the crowd from the backstage area. He flattens out his feet, and sits back further, stretching out his ankles.

: You're gonna be just fine.

*FLASHBACK*

Andreas walks down the stairs in his house. He adjusts his suit, looking at himself in the mirror.

AL: I hope so.

He rounds the corner to see his wife sitting on the couch.

SL: I know so.

AL: Listen, Saraya, I appreciate the faith--

Saraya stands and walks over to Andreas. She lays a hand on his cheek.

SL: No, listen to me, Andreas. You're only gonna be gone for four months. Two if everything goes well.

AL: You don't know that.

SL: Well that's what the lawyer sai--

AL: Yes, and how often does a lawyer defend people accused of war crimes, in international court? This is not typical. This is as far from typical, as court proceedings get.

Saraya sighs, and takes her hand off of Andreas' face.

SL: I know, baby. I just-- I need to know you're gonna be okay.

Andreas nods.

AL: I'll be just fine. If you're out here, and you're safe, I'll be fine.

She nods.

AL: Plus, I've dealt with worse than prisoners...

Andreas kisses her on the forehead, and walks out the door.

: Hey... HEY!

Andreas snaps out of his flashback to see one of the technicians waving at him.

Tech: You're up next! Let's go.

Andreas nods, and rises to his feet as his music begins. He walks out into the screaming crowd. The crowd is smaller that most GCW shows, but still very vocal. He steps into the ring, and as he moves towards the turnbuckle, his opponent steps in his way. His opponent, Zachary Hayden, taunts Andreas. Andreas looks to the ref, unamused by Hayden's antics. The ref rings the bell, and Hayden starts firing away on Andreas. Andreas covers up effectively, deflecting almost every shot. Hayden lets out a battle cry. Andreas mumbles to himself.

AL: Pitiful...

Hayden charges off the ropes, and is met with a vicious lariat from Andreas. Andreas sighs and begins to circle Hayden.

AL: You poor kid. You didn't think this through did you?

Andreas charges off the ropes, bypasses Hayden, hits the other ropes, and then bowls Hayden over with a shoulder block.

AL: Rule Number One: Respect your opponent.

Andreas picks Hayden up, and hurls him at the turnbuckle.

AL: Rule Number Two: Treat your opponent as a threat at all times...

Hayden stumbles out of the corner, and Andreas drives him to the mat with a uranage.

AL: Rule Number Three: Extend the same courtesy to your opponent, as they would extend to you--

Andreas drags Hayden to his feet.

AL: If they would treat you fairly, treat them fairly--

Andreas hooks Hayden into a gutwrench position.

AL: If they would attempt to destroy you--

Andreas flips Hayden into position for "The Hunter".

AL: Destroy them...

Andreas crashes down to his knees, snapping Hayden's back off of his massive shoulders. Andreas crawls over Hayden's writhing body, shoves a forearm into his face, and secures the pin. Andreas stands as his music begins to play. He raises his hand and rolls out of the ring. Andreas hears the voice of his wife in his head.

SL: You and your rules. Whatever works I guess. I love you, I always will.

Andreas mumbles to himself as he walks up the ramp.

AL: I love you too.

*****

Andreas is sitting in the office with Darius and Maricia. The duo is arguing while Andreas twirls a gold coin between his fingers. He wants to interject into the argument, but he knows the value of playing neutral, so he keeps it to himself.

DS: You didn't have to enter the damn tourney!

AL (to himself): True.

MC: Well it's better that I enter the tourney to even the odds slightly!

AL (to himself): Also true.

DS: As if you're here to even the playing field. You'd love to get your hands on the tag titles.

AL: (to himself): Ooooh, got a point there.

MC: You think I'll get anywhere in this tournament with Camber as a partner?

AL (to himself): Haha! Oh fuck, you're not getting past the first round, much less winning.

DS: You'd drag her along if it meant another championship for you.

AL (to himself): I mean, she's not that heavy so it's plausible...

MC: Why are you getting at me? Andreas is in the tournament too!

AL (to himself): Ahh fuck...

Darius turns to look at Andreas.

DS: You're in it?

AL (to himself): Well she's not fucking lying.

AL: Yeah, they put me in it.

DS: Well just forfeit the first match. You've got better shit to do.

AL (to himself): There is no way I'm fucking forfeiting.

Andreas clears his throat.

AL: I think it would serve you better if I won the tournament. Then I could just put Jensen down, centre of the ring, and let you two take care of him. I'll just stand back. Hands off.

Darius puts his hand to his chin and nods.

DS: That could work, good idea.

Maricia's eyes widen with anger. She looks to Andreas, who simply shrugs. Darius nods, points to Andreas and claps.

DS: Obliterate everyone in your path. If you get to face Maricia, don't touch her, just end Camber.

He turns to Maricia.

DS: If you face Andreas and Jensen, just leave the ring, they'll take care of shit.

Maricia goes to speak when Darius kisses her on the cheek and leaves the room. She turns to look at Andreas.

MC: Who the hell are you facing anyway?

AL: Umm--

Andreas checks his phone.

AL: The duo of 'Kathy Brooke' and 'Joanna Walker'. That's who.

Marcia shakes her head, perplexed.

MC: You're facing-- developmental-- women?!

AL: Appears so.

MC: What the actual fuck?! You get to face two shitty women?

AL: You don't know them, don't underestimate them.

MC: Look at the size of you! They're women! Inexperienced ones at that!

Andreas stands and looks down at Maricia.

AL: When you disparage a woman, simply because she is a woman, you disparage yourself in the process. Don't underestimate them. You made that mistake with Chiyoko, remember?

Maricia scowls at Andreas, and he responds with a smile.

AL: I've got to go pick up my new boots. When we fly into Vancouver, the first thing I'm going to do, is find my opponents, and politely introduce myself. I suggest you do the same. It could make a world of difference.

We open to the backstage area of GCW. Terry Kohl is present with his mic in hand, ready to interview the newly debuting Joanna Walker. She appears to be doing a confidence dance of sorts, much to the confusion of Kohl who waves his hand in front of her face.

TK: Miss Walker, what is your reaction to being drawn alongside Kathy Brooke to face Andreas Landa and Jensen, in the Eckert & Haggerty Tag Team Tournament.

Joanna clears her throat

JW: "I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum. They live - 1988! but to be serious Kohl, I am overjoyed! Us women will get a platform to show we can fight on level pegging with the males. I can assure you through no difficulty that Jensen and Andreas will have a lot on their hands next week when they meet with us in the ring!

TK: What is your thoughts on Jensen? The recently dethroned former International Champion?

JW: "Oh, well, he's very popular, Terry. The sportos, the motorheads, geeks, sluts, bloods, wastoids, dweebies, dickheads - they all adore him. They think he's a righteous dude. Ferris Bueller's Day Off - 1986! But I pity the fool who thinks he can stop the womens revolution, us women have been kept down a long long time in wrestling and only now are we getting our time in the spotlight. I'm sorry Jensen but its nothing personal.

TK: Do you only ever quote 80s movies?

JW: Yes, and knowing is half the battle! In our match on Friday, with the help of Kathy Brooke we will achieve the unthinkable and become the first women in GCW history to claim victory over the men and thus score one over the patriarchy!

Joanna high fives Kohl enthusiastically before running off

JW: Gotta remember the training! Wax On, Wax Off!

*In the woods on the outskirts of town, a lonely cottage stands with a single light coming from one of its four widows. Inside that room, an oval table is positioned directly under the light source and placed on top of this table is the World Heavyweight Championship. The reflection of the light from the title shines towards one of the corners to reveal Mason James lurking in the doorway*


Mason: I grow tired of these shadows.


*A small smack of a switch is heard as the remaining lights in the room light up, revealing what was once hidden in the shadows. The room is mainly clear, with only the table in the centre. But, on the walls, several pictures are stuck onto it. These pictures are of every GCW wrestler: Kenji, Masko, Simon etc. Mason cracks his neck and walks slowly towards the picture of Darius*

Mason: Darius, I have already beaten you. I have already proven that you are no match for me. But why do you insist on fighting me? What do you gain from losing to me again? I do not want to face the same person every time. I want new victims. Victims, such as you…


*Mason turns around and walks over to the opposite wall and looks at a picture of John Styles*

Mason: Mr Styles, in all my time of being in GCW, you have never crossed my path. I have been on a path of destruction while you have been on a path of cowardice. While I was on my journey through the shadows, I never stopped competing. I wrestled day in and day out. You on the other hand, disappeared and stopped wrestling. Should I even be worried about someone who isn’t committed to growing stronger? We shall see when the time comes. But for now…


*Mason turns back and walks over to the heavyweight title on the table as he picks it up, examining the craftmanship and detail*


Mason: Ian always dreamed of getting to the top. That’s why we got together in the first place, we wanted total domination. But why is it that when he was with me, I never won and when he finally left, I become the world champion? I know why…He was holding me back. Ian never believed in me to make it. Every time I failed he was lambasts me for my loss and force me to work even harder the next day. I don’t need a scrawny low life like him to stay on top.


*He looks away from the title and focuses on a picture of Ian which also hangs on a wall. This one Is framed and in a more prominent position than the others. Mason places the title back on the table and walks up to the picture…before grabbing it from the wall and throwing it across the room, shattering the glass. Mason stands still for second, letting himself calm down*


Mason: The era of Mason is here.


*With that, he grabs the title and slings it over his shoulder before slamming the light switch, sending the room into complete darkness*

Chiyoko RP

"Waaaah...!"

"Aww, Chiyo! You crying again? It's already been a few days!"

The idol sits at the foot of her hotel bed, cradling the Women's Championship in her arms. She sobs into her shoulder, careful not to spill any tears on the title. Pryce slaps a hand on her back, giving it a reassuring rub.

"I-I know..." She sniffles, steadying her voice. "But it's just... every time I think about it...! I get so happy and... and...!" Her voice cracks again, eyes welling up with tears. "Waaah...! I can't believe it...!"

"Believe it, baby!" Pryce snaps a finger into a fingergun. "And hooooo boy, let me tell you, after that win? The internet's been a-buzzin' and the merch sales have gone up, up, up!" He clenches a fist, pressing it to his chest. "You know what that means? The fans love ya, Chiyoko!" He plops down on the bed, slinging an arm around her shoulder. "And that's just the first step in you climb to... stardom!" He uses his other hand to pan out the imaginary road in in front of them.

"Ghh..." She winces back more tears, hiccuping.

"Aw, don't cry!" He nudges her. "Your fans are waiting to see their new, adorable champion! We'll celebrate again at the meet and greet later, yeah?"

"No. No celebrating."

"H-huh...?" Chiyoko glances to the other end of the room where Calhoun stands, arms crossed. "Why not...?"

"Hey, hey!" Pryce springs up from the bed, lifting his arms in a nonchalant shrug. "Chiyo's earned it, dontcha think?"

"She won the title, yeah..." He leans his head aside. "...But now she has to defend it. "

"Aah..." Chiyoko wipes her face on her arm in an effort to reset her emotions. "Th... That's true..."

"Aw, I know that!" He snaps another finger, twirling it around. "But we'll worry about that later, yeah? Let her relax!"

Calhoun sighs. "I'm not saying she can't relax... I'm saying she shouldn't let her guard down just 'cause she succeeded once."

"Pfft! What, you think a little frolicking will make our little Chiyoko complacent?" Pryce snerks. "Hah! As if!"

"Tch!" He snorts, his tone laced with irritation. "Have you even being paying attention to the shit that goes around here?!" Calhoun leans forward, motioning both arms aside. "Some masked guy won that Hardcore Title two weeks ago, but the guy who lost got more of a celebration than him!" He straighthens himself back up, a sneer now wrinkling his face in disdain. "And if that's the norm around here, y'all got a long way to go before any of us can relax!"

Pryce blinks for a moment. "Soooo... That's why we lead by example!" He grins. "Set these rapscallions straight and... y'know, teach 'em to celebrate when a winner wins!"

"Psh." Calhoun rolls his eyes, glancing aside. "Did I mention that masked guy just lost that title, too?" He looks back to them. "And he only had it for a week! What makes you think the same thing can't happen to Chiyoko?!"

Chiyoko frowns at this, casting her gaze downwards as she defensively tightens her grip on the title. "Are you..." She sniffs, still sensitive. "Are you saying you don't think I can do it...?"

"...No." He grunts. "I'm sayin' you need to be careful!" He readjusts his arms, slightly leaning his head aside. "Ain't that woman you just fought entitled to a rematch or somethin'?"

"...Oh." She looks up. "...Is she?"

"Don't worry about it!" Pryce waves his hand dismissively. "You've beaten her once before a while back, and she basically said she didn't even care about it!" He shrugs smugly. "So you beating her second time? Heh, it was hardly a surprise, but at this point she probably doesn't even care about the title anymore!" He double fingerguns at her. "Just think, a champion who doesn't care about their own title...? Well, that won't be the case now that you're holding it!" He puts on a softer smile, muttering to himself. "Especially with all the crying you've been doing over it..."

"Hm. Well..." Calhoun rolls his wrists, idly cracking them. "What about... this Wolfe lady she's booked against this week?" His brow furrows. "She's probably hungry for a title shot."

"Ohoho," a grin creeps across Pryce's face. "Hungry... LIKE THE WOLF?!"

"..."

"..."

Casey presses a palm into face, letting out a loud groan.

"Heh heh!" Pryce snerks at the same time his phone beeps. He glances down at the device in hand, answering the call without missing a beat.

"Eyyyyy, nice one!"

"Uh... Thanks?" Pryce blinks, looking to the phone from the corner of his eye. "...Who is this?"

"Daniel. Daniel Collins. ...You know, the wrestler?"

"Aiiiin't... ringin' any bells." He tilts his head to the side. "...Say, how'd you get my number, anyway-"

"DONT WORRY ABOUT IT BYE."

"...Huh." Pryce pulls the phone away from his ear as the call ends, staring down at it. "...Weird." he shrugs, lowering his phone arm. "...Well, anyway!"

"Don't take yer goddamn calls when we're in the middle of talkin'." Calhoun adjusts his crossed arms. "...S'rude."

"Easy for you to say!" Pryce fingerguns at him before using said finger to scroll down his phone screen. "Some of these people offer some great opportunities to Chiyoko, yanno?"

"...Yeah okay whatever. We're gettin' off topic, anyway... " He rolls his eyes before looking to Chiyoko. "All I'm sayin' is don't get too comfortable. I'm sure y'all can do it, I've seen what you can do... but just stay on your toes, ya hear?" He looks aside to Pryce. "There ain't no telling what some of these people might be willing to go through to get their hands on that title..."

"...Sooo... celebrate in moderation, got it!" Pryce flashes a thumbs up, immediately rushing to the door. "Anyway, great talk, just realized the meet and greet starts in like 10 minutes, we gotta go Chiyo, bye!" He says in one long breath, saluting them both as he darts out of the room.

"That's not what I said!" Casey groans as the door shuts. "Augh..." He grumbles, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

"It's okay, I know you guys are both trying to look out for me..." Chiyoko assures him, rubbing one of her eyes, a bit less puffy from crying. "And I understand!" She smiles weakly. "Mr. Pryce is saying it's okay to feel good about my accomplishments, but you're just reminding me that I can't let them get to my head." She nods.

"...All right." He sighs. "So long as you understand that... S'good, I suppose." He frowns. "That don't mean I ain't gonna stop worrying, though..."

"Then you should come along with us!" She pushes herself off the edge of the bed, springing to her feet.

"Hm?" He glances over.

"Yeah! To the meet and greet!" She adjusts the title over her shoulder. "There'll be snacks and stuff!"

"...Eh. Think I'll sit this one out." Calhoun turns aside, looking to the hotel phone. "I've.... got a phone call to make."

"Aw, but it'll be fun!" She pouts. "You've just been telling me to relax in moderation... So I'm telling you to work in moderation!" She tilts her head. "I mean, you're always working hard, you know? You need to take it easy now and then!"

"...Huh." Calhoun stares at the wall for a second before a small smirk crosses his face.. "...Heh. Guess you do have a point... " He looks back to her. "...All right. I might catch up later, but... no promises."

"Okay!" She clenches her fists excitedly. "So... whether or not you come... I'll see ya later!" She waves, trotting over to the door.

"See ya." Calhoun lets off a single wave as she leaves. A few moments after the door shuts, he walks over to the hotel phone, picking up the receiver and dialing a number. He sits on the bed's edge, almost reluctant to take up any space on it. The dial tone lingers for a few seconds before someone on the other end picks up.

"...Hey, Switch."

*The press conference room is packed full of eager journalists with their microphones and notepads poised and ready. Kenji emerges from the back as he waves at the audience before taking his seat behind the table*


Kenji: Hey there everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Kenji Yamada and I am a GCW wrestler. I will be taking your questions today starting with you in the middle.


*A rather thin man in a business suit stands up from the crowd with a microphone in hand*


Journalist #1: After the opportunity scramble at Heatwave, you have come out with a guaranteed International championship match whenever you want. When will you cash in that opportunity and how do you think you will fair against the new champion Andrew Jordan?


Kenji: I’m not too sure yet as to when I will cash in my championship match. Maybe I’ll do it next week. Maybe I’ll wait till the next pay-per-view. I feel the fun of it is the fact that nobody knows. As for how I think I will fair against Andrew Jordan, I have expressed in the past that I feel that Andrew is one of the most underrated wrestlers here in GCW and that his win at Heatwave was his way of projecting himself into the spotlight. You saw our match at ignition a few weeks back. That was one of the most brutal matches I have been in…and I can’t wait to do it again. Andrew if you’re watching, be prepared for another hard-hitting encounter when we both meet again. Next question, the lady at the back.


*A young woman in a long dress stands up with her own microphone*


Journalist #2: It has recently been revealed that you have entered the Eckert and Haggerty tag team tournament and have been give the partner of John Styles and the first-round opponents of El Masko and Daniel Collins. What do you think of your partner for the tournament and do you think you can defeat your opponents at vindication this week.


Kenji: You know, although I don’t agree with some things that John has done in his career, I still believe he is still one of the best wrestlers in GCW. I mean we put on one hell of a show at Heatwave but unfortunately, he got the better of me. However, it gave me a chance to really analyse his style of wrestling and if I’m perfectly honest, I think I’ve been given one of the best possible partners for this tournament. I really do. I feel our styles will merge very well and it’s going to be hard to stop us.


Journalist #2: And what about your opponents for this week?


Kenji: oh yeah, Masko and Dan. You know, many people look at guys like Masko and Daniel and they just push them aside and label them as clowns or a waste of a spot of the card. But let’s be real here…these guys are bloody tough. I mean hell, Daniel is the hardcore champion! How can he be taken as a joke? These guys just have that natural chemistry that will be hard to break and they won’t be one’s to quit. They will fight on even if their chance of winning is small. They are just that damn resilient. But we can take them on, without a doubt. We just need to focus on wearing them down slowly and preventing them from tagging in and out so quickly. These are some good opponents, they will surely be a good way to start our journey to the final.


*The audience mumble to themselves at the bold claim from Kenji as he leans back in his chair confidently*


Kenji: That’s right. You heard it here first. Kenji and John are making it to the finals. Anyway, next question, you in front.


*A young man gingerly stands up in his t shirt and Jeans as he fumbles around with his microphone*


Journalist #3: Hi, s-sorry I’m relatively new to this. Anyway, recently you have been showing a very different side to you in your
matches and your actions outside the ring. Do you have any comments?


*Kenji’s smile fades away as his faces turns into a look of seriousness. He looks directly at the journalist who is beginning to sweat as the audience mumble to each other once more. Kenji closes his eyes before taking a deep breath*


Kenji: No more questions.


*With that, Kenji stands from his seat and walks off the stage as the journalists become frustrated with the sudden finish of the conference. As he makes his way out of the arena, Kenji spots Toshiya who is looking at him with the look of concern. Kenji simply smiles at him before leaving the building through the parking lot*