Aftermath of Climax Control Edition #075.
The scene opens to the back exit of the War Memorial Gymnasium in San Francisco, California, the doors fling open with an almighty crash as the handle smashes into the concrete wall, Sin City Wrestling officials and security guards for the War Memorial Gymnasium pushes out the young Landon Axel after his scuffle with SCW Tag Team Champion, Lucian Frost. His face filled with rage as they keep him at arms reach, pacing back and forth with anger in his eyes, blood spatter from Lucian’s forehead is evident on his torso and taped fists, Landon stands still breathing in and out frantically before closing his eyes and controlling his breathing.
Landon Axel
I’ve calmed down. Can you let me back in, please?
A couple of the security guards standing there shake their head in rejection, crossing their arms as they stare at the long haired biker, most of the SCW Officials had left the scene bar one of the trainers.
SCW Trainer
Landon, you’ve been ejected from the building. The promoters don’t want you to return onto the premises, you’ll be smart to just leave, congratulations on your win but go home, Landon.
Landon doesn’t take to that news lightly, kicking at the concrete and grabbing a crushed beer can and throwing it into the parking lot, Landon screams in frustration as he places his hands through his long blond locks. Unbeknown to Axel, his partner Ethan Brody brushes past the security, giving them both an evil glare before standing a few feet from them with his arms crossed. Landon hears the footsteps and turns to look at his partner.
Landon Axel
Can you believe they’ve thrown me out, Ethan?
Ethan Brody
You allowed yourself to be manipulated
Landon Axel
No I didn’t!
Ethan Brody
No? So throwing a cup of coffee and ramming a championship belt into someone’s face is normal?
Landon looks at his partner, hoping to get reassurance, not judged upon his actions against the Tag Team Champion.
Landon Axel
Who’s side are you on?
Ethan takes a step forward to get closer to his partner.
Ethan Brody
Did you get paid for doing what you did?
Landon looks surprised by that question.
Landon Axel
No?
Ethan Brody
Then there was no justification for it. You where both as bad as each other, Lucian is being sown up whilst you’re out here! We’ve lost our spot in the pecking order for the championships thanks to Joshua Acquin! We’re focused currently on the blast from the past tournament. Lucian Frost is not our concern!
Ethan glances back at the security guards and leans in close to his partner to talk quietly.
Ethan Brody
We will get Frost when the time is right, okay?
Landon nods in agreement.
Ethan Brody
But for now go to the hotel, take a drive, go for a drink. I don’t care what you do Landon, just leave this place as an afterthought and think about the future, yeah? Your next round match.
Landon chuckles.
Landon Axel
It could be against you, you’know.
Landon turns and walks towards where his motorcycle is parked, the security guards behind Ethan watches as Axel walks into the distance before heading inside, Ethan nods his head with a smirk on his face.
Ethan Brody
If we do face each other, L.A, you’ll be in serious trouble my friend.
Ethan turns as the sound of Landon’s modified engine ignites, reversing carefully through the lines of cars, before facing the open road and reving his engine a few times before roaring away. Ethan walks back into the gymnasium as the scene fades away to black.
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The draw for the quarter finals where made..
Landon Axel & Jessie Salco
Versus.
Delia Darling & Ethan Brody
Guns for Hire would be facing each other so early on in the tournament. Landon’s fears have come true.
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The scene fades in to Landon Axel standing in the middle of his auto-body shop, he is about to start work on a customers car, but he spots the black American muscle car that he knows is owned by Ethan Brody. The door swings open and out steps his formidable British partner, leather jacket and denim jeans with a pair of sunglasses on too, he slams the door and locks the car before heading into the auto body shop and stands before Landon.
Landon Axel
You’ve seen next weeks show? We’re on it..
Ethan nods his head.
Landon Axel
But we’ll be facing each other.
Landon sighs as he rubs his dirty hands with a rag.
Landon Axel
I have to be honest with you, I’m not happy about this, I know that this scenario was a possibility if we advanced further. But in the final 8? Come off it.
Ethan crosses his arms, the leather creaking with his movement, Landon looks his partner up and down.
Landon Axel
I will not fight you.
Ethan looks confused.
Ethan Brody
You will not fight me?
Landon shakes his head reluctantly
Landon Axel
You’re my partner, we’re a team, I don’t want this to destroy us this tournament.
Ethan snorts.
Ethan Brody
You knew we’d have to face each other if we advanced in this tournament, be it first round, quarter, semi or the actual final. That is the luck of the draw, L.A, and our luck is here in the quarter-final stage and saying this..
Ethan takes his sunglasses off.
Ethan Brody
Is insulting to me, Landon, you’re better than this.
Landon shakes his head disagreeing.
Landon Axel
I don’t want to fight you.
Ethan Brody
You’re insulting you partner, Jessie Salco with this defeatist attitude.
Landon Axel
I will not fight you..
Without a moments hesitation, Ethan slaps Landon hard across the cheek, the sound of the slap echoes throughout the auto-body shop. Axel’s work colleague, Ste, pops his head out of the office holding a lead pipe. Brody notices this and reaches over to grab wrench but Landon holds both hands up towards both men.
Landon Axel
It’s fine, Ste, I’m fine.
He turns to look at Ethan
Landon Axel
Put it down, Ethan.
Ethan smiles as he lets go of the wrench, Ste a little bit unconvinced, reluctantly accepts Landon’s wishes and steps back into the office. Landon faces Brody with a look of horror on his face.
Landon Axel
What did you do that fo…
Ethan slaps the cheek of Landon Axel again, Landon closes his eyes and rubs his cheek with his hand, trying to compose himself as he faces Ethan Brody once more.
Landon Axel
You’re provoking me, aren’t you.
Ethan goes for another slap but this time Landon has wised up for it, blocking his arm, glaring into the eyes of Brody.
Ethan Brody
It isn’t provoking, it’s encouragement..
Landon Axel
I will not..
Before he could finish the sentence off, Ethan jabs the ribs of Landon with his free hand, the wind escapes the body of Landon as he crouches over trying to get his breath back.
Ethan Brody
How are you feeling, L.A? Do you want to hit me?
Landon gets back up exhaling slowly, Ethan taps the red cheek of Landon, poking his shoulder intimidating.
Ethan Brody
You’re just in my shadow, Axel, without you I’d be very successful. Roulette and possible Heavyweight Champion contender, you’re as useless as a chocolate teapot, a failure without me.. I MADE YOU!
Landon’s rage inside begins to grow, his hands begin to shake, his eyes piercing a hole into Ethan’s body.
Ethan Brody
How do you feel, L.A?
Landon takes a step forward, brushing his long hair out of his face, his body boiling with rage as he glares into the smiling face of Ethan Brody.
Ethan Brody
Good, use that this coming Sunday, yeah?
Ethan places his sunglasses back onto his face, slapping the shoulder of Landon as he spins on the spot, heading back out of the auto body shop with a smile from ear to ear. Landon grabs the wrench and throws it across the room, his hands shaking in anger, all he wants to do is hurt his own partner after those words. Ste steps out and looks at his colleague with concern.
Ste
You do know he didn’t mean anything he said, right?
Landon rakes his fingers through his hair, trying to calm down, looking at his colleague as he breaths in and out slowly before replying.
Landon Axel
I hope you’re right, this Sunday, I’m going to show the entire SCW as well as chrome dome their that I can be every bit a challenger that Brody is! You’ll see!
Landon walks over to the wrench he chucked and picks it up, placing it back where it was, grabbing the rag to wipe his hands as the scene fades away to black.
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The scene reopens with Landon Axel standing outside in a parking lot, next to him is the “stoner” Scott Oliver, the cameraman focuses the camera on the pair before someone from behind the camera counts them in.
Voice Behind Camera
Three, Two, One…
”Stoner” Scott Oliver
Dude did you see that guy, he like totally counted by himself, all three two one like, did you get rejected on being the new Barney Dinosaur?
Voice Behind Camera
We’re filming, Scott.
”Stoner” Scott Oliver
And?
Voice Behind Camera
You got to interview Landon..
Scott stares blankly at the guy off camera, he turns and looks surprised to see Landon Axel standing there, even thou he hadn’t moved an inch.
”Stoner” Scott Oliver
Duuude, when did you get here?
Voice Behind Camera – quiet voice
I do hate my job at times, stop giving him those brownies, Alex.
”Stoner” Scott Oliver
Right, I’m here today to ask the questions of the fans of SCW, to my…
Scott holds his hand up to get his bearings
”Stoner” Scott Oliver
Right, it is my right, right?
Landon nods.
”Stoner” Scott Oliver
is one half of the group, known only as Guns for Hire, he is the blonde biker and maybe Jessie Salcos Lover…LANDON AXEL!
Landon Axel
I’m not her lover, she’s taken.
”Stoner” Scott Oliver
Dude, whatever. I think everyone wants to know one thing and one thing only… Ethan Brody versus Landon Axel… your thoughts?
Landon sighs
Landon Axel
Ethan is foremost my friend, my ally, my partner
”Stoner” Scott Oliver
Sexual partner?
Landon Axel
No.. I was the one who talked Ethan into joining Atlantic Championship Wrestling, I was the one who entered him into tournaments within the Alliance and it was me who convinced him into joining the SCW. He believed in me and we’re a team. Even in the independent scene we’ve been a team and never been put in this predicament. Always about the paypacket, the highest bidder could hire us for protection or beating someone up, we’ve not utilised that here in SCW but we’ve been successful so far in our careers here. We entered this tournament knowing full well we may encounter each other and this Sunday it comes to fruition.
”Stoner” Scott Oliver
I can see why Ethan does the talking, jeez, so who is going to win, you or the exile?
Landon sighs.
Landon Axel
Me and Jessie worked well in our first match together, the chemistry was sublime and I’d definitely love to work with her in the near future, Ethan has got the worst end of the deal with the true Diva, Delia Darling, but they have an understanding and can be formidable. I am very reluctant to step into the ring with Ethan but after being dry slapped, my eyes have been opened, and you’re asking who will win.. It will be me! Ethan is a veteran British wrestler, I am the young blood to the team, Jessie will have Delia’s number but I will show Ethan why I am worthy of being his partner!
Scott continues to nod his head whilst Landon stands there, glancing at the camera and at the interviewer.
”Stoner” Scott Oliver
Oh you finished, sorry, I didn’t notice as I zoned out. Understandably Ethan and Delia are seen to be the favourites, with a place in the final four teams up for grabs, if you are successful with Jessie then will you see yourselves winning it? I know it’s highly unlikely since you’re complete outsiders and there are so many better teams than you guys but come on, humour us will ya?
Landon doesn’t look to impressed at “stoners” comments
Landon Axel
You may think we’re in one of the specialised café’s in Amsterdam but we’re not to be underrated. Look at Steve Ramone succeeding with Odette, Ryder is possibly one of the best bombshells this promotion has ever seen and Ramone is riding the coat-tails of that. Jessie Salco is a proven former champion here and although a former champion myself, I need to prove it once again when I beat Lucian Frost and Jon Dough to become two time Tag Team Champions! All I can say is don’t count your chickens, Scott.
Scott peers down at the ground and looks confusingly at Landon.
”Stoner” Scott Oliver
What chickens?
Landon shakes his head and walks away from Scott and the camera crew, Scott continues to peer down at the floor, kneeling down to look underneath the nearby van and car before staring into the camera.
”Stoner” Scott Oliver
I think he’s high, there definitely isn’t any chickens, but I think we got what we needed, right?
Voice Behind Camera
I think that is possibly the worst interview yet, but yes it’s a wrap.
”Stoner” Scott Oliver
Great, now where is the brownie boy?
Scott chucks the microphone to someone behind the camera, he walks off as the cameraman lowers it so it’s looking at the tarmacked floor, there is the odd murmur of voices before the scene fades away to black.
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The scene fades in to Ethan Brody standing behind the bar in his establishment, a few of the locals are sitting at tables drinking away, Brody has got his smartphone out and checking out his twitter feed. Social media still confuses the exile as he glances through SCW wrestlers feeds, seeing the hacked messages on certain accounts, Gabriel’s decent from grace and other promotions offers through Direct Messaging. Ethan places his phone away and sees one of his locals wanting another beer, leaning down into the fridge to pull out a couple of bottles, he uncaps them and walks over to their table and places them down whilst the customer hands him a few dollar bills. Ethan walks back around and places the bills into the till. The door opens and Ethan looks up to see SCW camera crew walking in, some of the locals looks confused as they set up near the bar, Ethan Brody looks over at his locals with a small smile on his face.
Ethan Brody
Don’t worry it’s to do with the wrestling promotion I’m with
Some of the locals nod as they know of the proprietors other career, some just shake their heads and continue with their conversations, a couple continue to watch as Ethan downs the rest of his own drink and prepares himself for the actual recording from the camera. The red light comes on.
Ethan Brody
I’m getting accustomed to doing these on my own, usually I have my partner by my side, both of us showing the iSCW audience what Guns For Hire is about. But we are both involved in this amazing tournament, Blast from the Past, where the teams are randomly drawn as is the tournament brackets. I got drawn with the co-founder of Mean Girls, the French bombshell who almost cost us our first round match, through her annoyance of co-owner of SCW, Christian Underwood. However we managed to defeat our opponents to advance to this very point, the point of facing the former Roulette and Tag Team champion Jessie Salco and my own partner, Landon Axel.
Ethan grabs a bottle of scotch and pours the amber liquid into his empty glass.
Ethan Brody
In the past I was entered in tournaments thanks to Landon, namely the King of the Deathmatch, I reached the semi-finals there, even beating the WWA, NWA and ACW Heavyweight Champion Sean Jackson in the process. L.A was the reason I entered this tournament too, I’m not going to lie, I would have been happy fighting Jon Dough and Lucian Frost to get back our Tag Team Championships back. But you know what, Landon has this way of being right about tournaments, I enjoyed the first round and I’m going to enjoy the quarter-final match too. Unfortunately it’s at the expense of the man who entered me into it, the man who always stands by my side, the man who was reluctant to face me in the ring. Landon Axel.
There is no such thing as a reluctant star. He needed a bit of encouragement and hopefully when the bell sounds he’ll be fired up, using the rage that I hopefully installed into him against me, I don’t want to win because he didn’t want to wrestle his own partner. Everyone makes sacrifices in order to succeed. Mark Ward and Christian Underwood sacrificed everything in order to start SCW, they sacrificed some top stars in order for the promotion to succeed in the long run, they weren’t reluctant when it comes to progression. Landon Axel shouldn’t have that philosophy either. He can be easily wound-up like an old toy, Frost has been doing that recently, I did it not too long ago in order for him to have that fire inside his belly. It isn’t personal, Landon, It’s just business.
Ethan takes a swig from his glass.
Ethan Brody
At the end of the day, Landon, Semi-Final place is up for grabs, one victory away from going into Blaze of Glory 3 for the chance to become Blast from the Past 2 victors and a guaranteed championship opportunity. That is business, Axel, this isn’t going to destroy our team and jeopardise our re-match challenge for the Tag Team Titles. Unless you’re going to team with Joshua Acquin, or unless he picks myself to wrestle Frost and Dough, but understand this Landon. When the bell tolls and we’re in the ring, I hope you don’t hold back, you’re representing your partner in that ring like I am with Delia, nothing about who’s the better partner or destroying our team. Get that into your head. We’re Guns For Hire!
Jessie Salco, the Heavy Metal Bombshell, you and Landon worked well together in your last match but this is going to be a bit tricky, Delia maybe a bit of a ‘in your face’ person, someone you probably would avoid at great lengths but she gets the job done. I was pissed off with her when she almost cost us our match before it even started, but we won, we’re here and we’re looking to progress to the Semi-Finals. I cannot say much about you Jessie since my hands cannot touch you, but I’m sure Delia will have her say, unleashing her French tongue in a non-sexual way upon you.
Ethan Brody and Delia Darling are the team to watch, the favourites got eliminated first round, this is open for anyone of our teams to take. We’ll do everything we can to progress and at Climax Control, Guns for Hire will be in the Semi-Finals of the Blast from the Past tournament but to which one... It’ll be me, The Exile Ethan Brody and Double D, Delia Darling!
Ethan glares into the camera as it zooms in on the intensity of his face, fading away slowly, leaving the sound of the conversations within the bar the last thing you can hear before fading to black.
