A few weeks ago...
The luxurious home of SCW Hall of Famer, Nick Jones. Inside to the living room, where Jones is sprawled out across his leather couch, watching television. A buzzing sound is heard, Nick pulls out his cell phone. Nick is reading the name of the incoming caller, which is all too familiar: Christian Underwood. Nick's eyebrow raises, before letting out a sigh and clicking the "Decline". Just a few moments later, the doorbell rings. Nick is unphased, and continues to flip through the channels, ignoring the doorbell. A few moments later, the bell rings again and Nick quickly looks annoyed. He mutes the television and loudly calls out.
Nick: Hey Tony, get that!
With no response coming of any kind, a few more moments pass before the bell rings again, causing the look Nick's face, and tone of his voice, to become that much more irritated.
Nick: Damnit. B! Will you get the damn door!?!
Again no response, as an even more quick follow-up ring comes after it. Nick tries to calm himself as he calls out once more.
Nick: Dee, babe, you got that?
Immediately after another lack of response, the doorbell now goes into a mode of constant ringing, again and again and again. The momentarily self-calmed Nick comes to a quick end as jumps up off the couch.
Nick: Damn it! Where the hell is everyone?!?
Nick angrily stomps towards the front door of the home, in the process stubbing his toe and making him even more furious.
Nick: Son of a....
Nick continues to hop along, eventually reaching the door, and pulls it open with an overly-physical tug, angrily spouting out before he even sees who is at the door.
Nick: What the hell do you want?!?
As the door finishes opening, Christian Underwood stands there with a giant smirk on his face. Christian quickly looks Nick up and down, and seeing Nick still hopping on one foot after his prior toe-stubbing, quickly responds with a sarcastic tone.
Christian: Faking an injury already?
Nick quickly stands up straight and gets serious, but with less anger, as he glares at Christian.
Nick: What are you doing here?
Christian: Welllll... I have been trying to talk to you, but strangely enough every single call I made has gone straight to voicemail. So I figured I better check in and make sure everything is going alright. Something funny going on with your phone?
The tone in Christian's voice makes it clear that he knows full well what Nick has been doing, but Nick plays it off, making a point to respond very matter-of-factly.
Nick: Odd. You know how it is with tech these days... always acting up.
Christian: I guess so. I've even left you voicemails, you had to have gotten at least a few of those, right?
Nick: Nope, not a single one.
With Nick's phone still in his hand, it vibrates as the notification comes up "New Voicemail from Christian Underwood: 8 Total". Nick's eyes goes wide as he sees this, and quickly tucks his phone away, but looks back to Christian who is glaring at Nick, having very clearly seen his phone.
Nick: Weird, must be an issue with the service. I'll definitely have to talk to those folks about that. Unbelievable, right? Well thanks for letting me know. Bye!
Nick goes to close the door, but Christian has none of it as he puts his hand up to stop the door, and lets himself in, walking down the hall, and plops down on the couch. Nick slams the door shut, follows Christian over and stares down at him.
Nick: So... is there something I can do for you?
Christian: Well, as I'm sure you are already well aware, SCW is coming up on it's 200th episode of Climax Control.
Nick: Nope, hadn't heard a thing. Good luck with that.
Christian raises an eyebrow towards Nick, clearly not believing what he has to say.
Christian: Anyway... the plan is to bring back a numerous of SCW's best, and well...
Nick: Listen, let me stop you right there. I appreciate that you guys can hardly live without me, but I'm long since retired now. Those days are over. You can't expect this out of a guy like me.
Christian: Oh really? Well this didn't seem to be a problem for some other old friends, such as Jordan Williams and Tom Dudely.
Nick tries to play it off, as he shrugs and shoulders and shakes his head.
Nick: Who???
Christian refuses to even respond, simply staring at Nick with a glare in silence. After a few moments, Nick finally concedes.
Nick: Fine! I know them! But that's not really the point. Hell, those guys probably NEED to get back in the spotlight, just to make their little lives have some meaning. I've got enough big things going on in my life without SCW.
Christian pauses before responding, taking a look back and forth around the large, yet rather empty, house.
Christian: Yeah, I certainly got that impression.
An angry look returns to Nick's face, as Christian continues.
Christian: Listen, I'm not going to sit here and trying to talk you into doing this full time again. It's just one appearance. Catch up with some old friends, fans, and bring it back to just like it was for you in the old days.
Nick: Yeah, yeah. Sounds like a great story and all, but it's just more of SCW trying to make some money off of the name of Nick Jones. Fine, I'll do some stupid little appearance to make everyone freak out, sign some autographs that you'll charge people out the ass for, and then go on my very way. Just a glimpse of me will have you guys rolling in more cash than you know what to do with.
Christian: Well we wouldn't want to tire you out too much, are you sure that pen wouldn't be asking a bit too much of you? It can be tough you know. Maybe we can just roll you out onto the stage in a wheelchair, you wave, and we send you back to the home... um, I mean your home... here.
Nick's face starts to turn red, as Christian continues to get further under his skin.
Nick: Listen bud, I told you once and I'll say it again. I'm retired, alright? I don't need this crap from you or anyone else.
Christian: Oh, I know. I'm sure you could hold your own. But we all know what it's like when you're not in the routine anymore. Trust me, I've been there.
Nick: If I WANTED to step back into that ring, I could do it this second without blinking an eye.
Christian: Oh, of course, and I'm sure you'd do fine, but I get that it's tough to admit being "fine" when surrounded by the rest of this talent.
Nick: Listen up, if I step into that ring, there's absolutely none of those chumps, whether it be past, present, or future who could do a DAMN THING to stop me! I doesn't matter how long I've been gone, I'm still better than all of those clowns COMBINED! You got that? It would be a mere dream for them to think they could ever match up with me.
Christian: Great to see you're as cocky as ever.
A smirk appears across Nick's face.
Nick: Not cocky, just the best.
Christian rolls his eyes as he hears Nick's old catchphrase, then gets up without a word and walks up to Nick and pats him on the back.
Christian: Well you've convinced me, you really do still have what it takes. I'm sorry I ever doubted you.
Nick: Damn right. You should know better by now.
Christian simply turns and walks out towards the front door. He opens the door and steps out, sticking his head back in for one last moment with a big smile on his face as he calls back out.
Christian: See you in Vegas for your match!
Nick: Yeah, yeah... see you there.
With that, the door quickly slams shut, and just a moment later, Nick suddenly realizes what he just agreed to. He quickly looks back to the door, seeing it closed and Christian gone.
Nick: Wait a damn second!
Nick goes sprinting to the front door, flinging it open and going running out as the scene fades.
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Later that day, Nick is in his home with more company, as sitting around the kitchen table as his now wife Diana, and the Entourage: Big B, Tony, Jimmy, and Max.
Nick: So let me start by asking... where the hell were all of you earlier?
There is a look of confusion on the groups faces, not understanding where this is coming from, but he waves them off and continues.
Nick: Never mind. Anyway, I've got some news for you guys.
Nick hesitates for a moment, taking a bit of a deep breath as the group looks at him intently.
Nick: I'm going to make a return to SCW for...
Before Nick can even finish his sentence, Diana quickly snaps back.
Diana: You're what?!? You have got to be kidding me!
Nick: Listen babe, you don't understand.
Diana: Did you even think about maybe discussing it with me first?!?
Nick: Will you just give me a damn second to explain?!?
As this exchange quickly becomes heated, Tony leans in towards Jimmy, seated beside him, as he mumbles to him.
Tony:Yous know dis ain't gonna go well. Nick ain't got no say no more eva' since he got tied down.
Jimmy chuckles, but Tony was too loud, as Nick turns his attention to then, who stop their laughter. Before Nick can get a word out, Diana holds her hand up, stopping him. This draws more chuckles, but that comes to an end as Diana glares towards them.
Diana: Laugh it up, but why don't you just remember that ever since this did happen...
Diana holds up her hand, pointing to the ring on her finger.
Diana: ... that means you idiots now work for me, too!
Diana stops for a moment as they think it over, all looking a bit timid.
Diana: Or, of course, if you prefer, I could make it that you used to work for us.
The group looks even a bit more worried now, as Nick cannot help but laugh at the situation.
Nick: And let me tell you all right now, this time, I'd be more than happy to concede to her.
Diana looks a bit more pleased with that comment from Nick, but it lasts for only a moment as she turns back to him.
Diana: Now as for you...
Nick holds his hand up, motioning for Diana to calm down a bit as he continues.
Nick: Ease up little lady... it's only for one night and you none of guys even have to go with me.
The expression on Diana's face quickly changes, with the anger completely disappearing.
Diana: Oh.
With that, Diana quickly sits back down. Before Nick can say anymore, Big B is seen with his arm raised high in the air, excitedly waving his hand.
Nick: What is it?
Big B: Can I pleeeeeeeease go cuz?
Nick: Why?
Big B: Because it would be fun! I can see people and talk to them and catch up and play games and watch the matches and...
Nick: Ok, ok, I get it. Yes, you can come. Just calm down.
B puts all his effort into containing his excitement, as others begin to chime in.
Tony: 'Ey, if yous gonna let do big kid go, den you's gots to be lettin' me go too. I ain't gonna sit dere and let you get jumped by a bunch of dem spineless nobodies cuz dey know dey can't take ya in da ring.
Nick: Sure, fine, whatever.
Jimmy: Nicky, baby, if this is the way it's all gonna go, then you know how this works, right? Money, baby!
Nick: You know, wherever I go, money always follows.
Jimmy: You're right Nicky, and you know where I go with you, we make even more of it, baby!
Nick seems rather surprised by the ongoing rounds of excitement from the Entourage, and he nods his heads.
Nick: If you really want to join in too, why the hell not?
Jimmy: Of course when I'm making you all that money, we need someone here to um... "creatively" account it.
Jimmy looks over towards the unsurprisingly silent one of the group, Max. Max lets out a deep sigh of exasperation before speaking.
Max: Fine. If you really need me there, I suppose I can make the trip. But please, keep all of those big crazy lunatics away from me!
Max suddenly hits a high anxiety as he becomes paranoid about how they interpreted it, looking over to Big B and Tony.
Max: Oh gawd, I didn't mean you two. I'm so sorry!
Tony seems annoyed by the comments from Max, while B is as oblivious as ever, smiling and nodding in response to Max.
Nick: Alright, alright. So does that mean EVERYONE is going?
Nick has a smirk appear, and looks back to Diana, who can't help but chuckle as she shakes her head.
Diana: If I must. It's not like I trust all of you idiots together without me. At the very least, I'd really prefer if you didn't all gamble a small fortune of ours away... again.
Diana looks around at all of the men seated around him, each of whom can't help but smile and innocently shrug.
Nick: Well there you have it, like like the good old days, we'll all be making it out to Vegas.
At that moment, another voice is heard calling out from off-screen, which sounds as though a bit intoxicated.
Voice: Ye... yeah! All...
A hiccup interrupts for a moment.
Voice: All of us! Like the good... the... yeah!
Everyone turns their heads together, to see full-time drunk, Matt Grove. Matt has a beer in hand as he stumbles forward, nearly falling over before catching himself on the back of the couch, spilling beer all over it and them.
Nick: What the... how the hell did you even get in here.. AGAIN?!?
Matt: Ah Rick, you were always the fun... funny one! Just like old times, right?
Nick: It's Nick you drunken idiot! What do you want?
Matt: We're gonna SCW it up man! Woooooooooo!
Nick: No, WE are going. I don't know, nor care, what you are doing.
Matt: Ah! Always the ball butter... bummer... buffer?
Nick: BUSTER!
Matt: Right... that. Come on though man, I gotta go see my old cousin Shane. It's been too damn long.
Nick: Don't you see each other all the damn time?
Matt: I... I don't think so. I mean, I can't even remember the last time we saw each other.
Tony: Ain't dat just cuz you ain't 'member nuttin'?
Matt laughs in response to Tony's accusation, before simply nodding his head.
Matt: You... you may be onto something there, Tory!
Tony: I's Tony, stoopit!
To interrupt, Nick shoves his phone into Matt's face, showing Matt's own Instagram, which features a picture of Matt and his cousin Shane Boswell, both quite intoxicated.
Nick: This is a selfie of you two... from last night! Dumb ass.
Matt squints his eyes as he leans in to take a closer look. After a few moments, he bursts into laughter.
Matt: Oh yeah! I remember that! Sort of.
Nick: Will you just get out?
Matt: But it uh... it's cool if I grab a beer on my way out, right?
Nick: Fine, take what you want and go already.
Matt makes a bee-line to the kitchen, and after a few moments, comes walking back with his arms filled with many beer bottles he can barely control. He stumbles along toward the door.
Matt: Th... thanks again guys. See ya soon!
Nick shakes his head in disgust, but opts to not even respond to it, turning his attention back to the group before him.
Nick: Alright, if we're going to make this happen, we have to make this happen right. Let's get planning.
Before anyone can respond, there is a loud crashing of breaking glass.
Matt: Um... sorry!
The look of fury quickly returns to Nick's face, as the rest of the group just look disgusted by the situation as it once again fades.
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One week ago...
Nick is on the couch, staring at his phone checking SCWrestling.net, with the lineup for Climax Control 200 having been announced. Nick looks over the champions and roster.
Nick: I have no clue who these people are.
Nick continues as he mumbles the next line to himself
Nick: Ah crap, I'm getting old.
Nick realizes what he said and looks around, relieved to see no one heard. Nick continues to the card.
Nick: Alright, this seems a bit more like it.
Nick goes to match, filled with familiar names. As he reads through the opponents, his expression changes at the last name.
Nick: Oh boy.
Entourage members Tony and Jimmy have walked in the room, just in time to having heard Nick's comment.
Jimmy: Nicky, baby, what's wrong?
Nick: I just took a look at my booking and well, it's... interesting.
Tony: Just a bunch a nobodies you's already beaten before. Ain't I right or what? Dere ain't nuttin' to be worried 'bout.
Nick: Well... it's not so much worried, but... one of my opponents is Despayre.
Tony bursts into hysterical laughter at this remark, while Jimmy seems rather shocked by this news, responding rather loudly.
Jimmy: Seriously? Despayre?!?
Nick: Will you two shut the hell up? If B hears you idiots he's going to lose his damn mind. THAT is what I'm worried about here.
Jimmy quickly quiets down, as Tony holds his laughter back a bit, but clearly can't completely stop as he continues to chuckle while trying to hold it in.
Nick: Oh yeah, laugh it up Tony... because you've got the greatest track record against the kid.
Tony's expression quickly changes, as he does not appreciate the reminder of his pasts encounters with Despayre.
Jimmy: So that's the concern, Nicky? You don't want B freakin' out?
Nick: Well, yeah. I mean... mostly.
Both Tony and Jimmy seem to be a bit surprised by Nick's reaction.
Nick: I mean, the little nut was starting to grow on me after a while.
The two look surprised to hear what Nick has to say, but Nick once seeing their expression, he quickly shakes it off as he expression becomes much more serious.
Nick: But that doens't mean a damn thing, I'll gladly slap him around a bit if we even spend a moment in that ring together.
Tony: A'ight, but what you's gonna do when B finds out 'bout dis, huh?
Nick: What do I pay you idiots for?
Tony: Yeah, but you's know how quickly things can change wit' da big lug. He can be da nicest guy, but when you set him off, woo boy, he's gonna lose dat real friggin' quick.
Nick: I don't know, just distract him with something shiny, this should not be that difficult! Figure it out!!!
With that, Nick gets up and storms off, leaving Tony and Jimmy alone, as they look to each other and shrug, clearly not quite sure what to do as the scene fades.
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Tonight...
Backstage at the Gold Coast Casino, in walk Nick, Diana, and Entourage. The one who stands out the most is none other than Big B, who is hopping around, with a giant smile across his face.
Big B: We're here! We're here! We're here! WE'RE HEEEEEEEEERRREE!!!
Nick: Jeez, calm down. Somethings going to pop in that little brain of yours if you keep this up.
Big B: But it's just soooooo great cuz!
Nick: I know, I know. Just take it easy, alright?
B takes a deep breath in an attempt to calm his nerves.
Big B: Ok, ok. Can we at least see the card now? I can't believe we haven't been able to see the card. I want to see the card!
Nick and the group all exchange awkward glances, clearly keeping B in the dark. They all say nothing, but B points toward a posted copy of the night's card.
Big B: Oh look, there it is!
Nick: No, that's not it. That's, um... a menu. Yeah, the card is uh... this way. Yeah, in our locker room.
B seems confused, but opts to questionably trust his cousin. As he Nick guides B towards the locker room area, they duck into a room. Nick pushes B onto a couch, and motions towards the Entourage, as they close and lock the door.
Big B: But where's the card? I thought you said they had it in here.
Nick: Oh, I can um... tell it to you.
Big B: But didn't you see you didn't know it yet either?
Nick: Right... I did say that. Well... they just told it to me.
Big B: When?
Nick: Just now. You must have missed it.
Big B: But we have been together the whole time.
Nick: Yeah, well... um... didn't you get distracted by something shiny?'
Big B seems to be suspicious of Nick for a moment, but a smile appears as he nods along.
Big B: Oh yeah!
Nick seems relieved.
Nick: So the first match of the night is...
Big B: No, no... I just want to know about YOUR match!
Nick: Oh, right.
Nick is displeased that his attempt to distract B came to an abrupt end.
Nick: Well my teammates are...
Big B: Nah, forget them! Who are your opponents?
Nick: Well let's see, there's um... Tom Dudely.
As Nick motions towards the rest of the group, having them join the conversation.
Diana: Wow, it's been a while since I heard that name.
Nick: Seriously, right? Old memories.
Tony: Yeah, and do new ones gonna be yous whoopin' him in da ring. Am I right, or what?
Nick: Of course you're right, but isn't he someone we want to keep discussing for a while? You know, given his long, illustrious career and his return to the ring?
Max: Well I hear he has very well kept finances.
Everyone else gives Max a look of confusion, as he immediately looks down at the floor.
Max: Sorry.
Big B: Enough about him. Who else?!?
Nick: Well, um next... there is Jordan Williams.
Jimmy: I remember that guy. Wasn't he Hot Stuff's best buddy?
Nick: Excuse me?
Tony: Yeah, dose two have ta be da oldest friends who ever actually made it through wrestling. I ain't never seen two put up wit' dat much of each other, ya know?
Nick: Wait a damn minute...
Diana: Credit where it's due, he was an all-time great. Him and Mark really made each other what they are.
Nick: Hold on...
Max: And very fiscally responsible!
Everyone gives Max an odd look once more, but he chimes in with one last thought.
Max: Which is an important lesson he taught to Mark from what I'm told.
Nick: Alright... ENOUGH!
Big B: Yeah, those two were like the best pair of bestest best friends ever!
Nick: You know what? Enough about Jordan! I don't want to talk about that washed-up old has-been anymore, alright?!?
They look at Nick in shock, as put a quick end to the first successful attempt to distract B. Nick's realizes it, but just a moment too late.
Big B: Ok, who else?
Nick: Well, um... there was that Bo Dreamwolf guy.
Big B: Oh yeah, he was FUNNY.
Nick: Funny? I don't think he was funny.
Diana: Well he did manage to pull a few pranks, from time to time.
Nick: I don't remember that.
Tony: How you ain't rememba'? He totally did dat to you, boss.
Jimmy: Yeah, Nicky, baby... don't you remember that one time where he...
Nick: Enough!!! Yes, we wrestled each other, yes there were some, um... "incidents". But do we really need to be harping on the past here?
Max: Isn't that the whole point of this episode of Climax Control?
Nick: Oh, NOW you suddenly have some sort of thoughts to contribute here?
Max: It was just a question.
Diana: And while I've never said this before, Max does have a good point.
Tony: Yeah, deys an't wrong, boss.
Jimmy: It's where the money is at tonight.
Nick: Fine, but that doesn't mean it's all we have to talk about sitting in this room, now is it?
Big B: Yeah, Nick is right!
Nick is pleased with his cousin having his back, but that fades as B continues.
Big B: We should talk about something else. Like the next opponent!
Nick: Oh, right. Well, the next one is, uh...
Obviously avoiding bringing up the last name they are keeping from Big B, Nick lets out a rather loud grunt of disgust before saying the name he is least pleased with.
Nick: ... Spike Staggs.
Diana: Not a fan?
Nick: You could say that.
Didn't you's guys used to be on like a team togetha' or sumtin'?
Nick: That's what they say. Although let's just say, we didn't exactly always see eye to eye.
Jimmy: Then why were you even teammates to begin with?
Nick: For some odd reason, Mark was infatuated with the guy. Why, I will never know or understand. So basically, I had to grin and bare it while he road the coattails.
Big B: Oh come on, cuz. I remember Spike, he wasn't that bad!
Nick: Easy for you to say. You didn't have to deal with the endless jealously of him desperately wanting to be me.
Max: Wasn't he the one who beat you to end your second SCW Heavyweight Championship reign?
Nick turns to Max, giving him an angry stare, while everyone else all in complete shock.
Max: What??? I remember Nick didn't receive the winner's bonus that night, nor the championship payout.
Max's logical explanation does nothing to change the expressions on faces.
Max: I suppose I'll be quiet now.
Nick: Yeah, you do that!
Max slinks back as Nick turns back to the group.
Nick: Besides, let's not forget which one of us is an SCW Hall of Famer.
Diana: Um, babe... pretty sure he is, too.
Nick: Well... fine. But do you remember which one was in the INAUGURAL class?
Tony: He did dat too boss.
Nick: Just... just... shut up. I don't care if it's that little wannabe Spike, stupid prankster Bo, old man Dudely, or washed up Williams, these clowns are ALL the same, the pathetic remnants of guys who only ever wished they could be as good as me. They never were then, and they sure as hell aren't now. I embarrassed all of those idiots back in the old days, and after tonight, they'll never want to show their faces again. Do you all freakin' understand that?!? Let's not forget, these chumps all hand to spend years and years of their lives, painfully long careers, to come up with a resume that still comes short of mine. I show up after years of them grasping for straws, and like that...
Nick snaps his fingers.
Nick: I'm soaring past anything and everything they've ever dreamed of. Those idiots made it their lives from the days when they were still floating around in daddy's sack, while I only came to this business because of one misguided wager... and guess what? I still showed I can do it better than anyone. I've proved it time and time again. Every damn word of what I'm saying is true. Regardless of what anyone else around here says, you all just remember, I'm not cocky... I'm the best.
Big B: Wow cuz, that was great! But, um... who's your last opponent?
Nick turns white as he realizes that he is painted into the corner, with B looking for Nick's last opponent: Despayre. In one last desperate attempt, Nick responds in a casual manner.
Nick: Well um... that's it. That's all of them.
Big B: But isn't it a five-on-five match?
Nick: No, you must be mistaken.
Big B: But when I kept asking you about the match, you said you didn't know the card, but told me you knew it was five-on-five.
Nick: I really said that?
Nick cannot believe that he actually painted himself into this corner with his past comments, as he mumbles to himself.
Nick: Damn it.
Nick shakes it off, as he continues on.
Nick: Pretty sure, I said five-on-five.
Big B: Noooooo. Cuz, I know it was five, cuz I remembered like this... five and five.
B holds up all of the fingers on each hand. The group cannot help but laugh at the childish mindset of B. However, Nick sighs, realizing he's running out of excuses.
Nick: Oh, well... I guess you're right.
Big B: Well then tell me... who's the last opponent?
Nick: Well, um... it is, uh... you see it's... uh...
Nick then suddenly looks towards the door and points.
Nick: I've got it!
The group looks confused, as no sound was heard.
Big B: I didn't hear anything cuz.
Nick ignores this comment, instead calling out towards the door.
Nick: BE RIGHT THERE!
Nick sprints towards the door, open it and darts out into the hallway, quickly slamming the door shut behind him. With no surprise, the hallway outside of the locker room is empty, as Nick leans back against the door again and lets out a sigh of relief, as the scene fades to black.
