“WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? NO! NO! NO!”

“THIS IS THE ONLY WAY…THIS IS HOW IT HAS TO BE!!!”

“YOU’RE A MADCAP FULL OF FOLLY IS WHAT YOU ARE!!!”

“MAYBE SO BUT DAMMIT I’M SEXY!!!”

“LANGUAGE!”

(There’s a raging commotion down the hallway and down further still into the basement, passing through the door and opening into a bright, vibrant room where Slappy McGoo, Jack Russow, Demetrius Spinelli, Emma Russow, Jami Burnett, and Alanah O’Connell-Russow all sitting around a table where Levi Russow lurks behind a DM screen. Slappy is pulling his hair out, locked in a heated debate with Spinelli.)

Slappy McGoo: THAT’S NOT EVEN- WHA- HOW DO YA NOT SPEC FOR THAT!?

Spinelli: THE JACKAL ASSUMED IT WOULD BE OKAY BEING THIS FAR INTO THE CRAWL!

Levi Russow: *weird voice* Oh not okay, never okays…

Emma Russow: *flatly and sarcastically* Oh baby. Oh baby. Bring that voice to the bedroom.

Levi Russow: …REALLY!?

Emma Russow: NO YOU DILAPIDATED TWIT!

Jami Burnett: Huh…wonder why Slap’s not callin’ that one…

Slappy McGoo: the “I” is okay, the “A” is tha curse word.

Spinelli: It’s FINE, it’s fine. Do we roll for initiative Darth Russow?

Levi Russow: Nnnnnnope!

Jack Russow: …oh God.

Slappy McGoo: We-...they ain’t attackin’?

Jack Russow: We’re dead!...we’re friggin’ DEAD!

Levi Russow: I need Slappy…

Slappy McGoo: OH NO!!!

Levi Russow: Spinelli…

Spinelli: May the Everlight shield me and guide my path.

Levi Russow: And Jami to roll a constitution check against-

(Suddenly a spanish guitar plays out of nowhere and we see the door fly open and everyone’s hair blow in the wind majestically as Jack has jumped up on his chair and in a high, shrill voice he wails as he strums…)

Jack Russow: COUNTERSPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELL!!!!!!!

*BZZT! BZZT!*
“Whatchu Gon’ Do When There’s Blood In The Water, the pri-”

(Jack and Alanah both look at their phones then back at each other and let out an exasperated sigh as they give each other a “its okay” smirk. They start to pack up and everyone starts to groan.)

Slappy McGoo: Surriously!? Ya gotta go NOW!?

Jack Russow: We’re sorry you guys but…you know how it goes.

Levi & Emma: Aaaaaall too well.

(Jack holds the door open for Alanah as they walk out of the garage and get into their vehicle and start back home, holding hands.)

Alanah O’Connell-Russow: …okay be honest, you just wanted to be a bard so you could rockstar didn’t you?

Jack Russow: I can neither confirm nor deny, my love.

Alanah O’Connell-Russow: I hope the twins haven’t been TOO much trouble…

Jack Russow: Iunno, that text was kinda frantic.

Alanah O’Connell-Russow: …when are we going to talk about it, Jack?

Jack Russow: …there’s nothing to discuss. I have faith.

Alanah O’Connell-Russow: But if we both draw different partners…

Jack Russow: That can’t happen.

Alanah O’Connell-Russow: It CAN and then what if we have to face each other?

Jack Russow: That’s not going to happen!

Alanah O’Connell-Russow: Jack!

Jack Russow: Ope! We’re home! Baby time, she comes!

Alanah O’Connell-Russow: This is NOT over!

-Later That Evening-

(Jack Russow is in the pillow fort he and Alanah can frequently be found in situated in the middle of their living area as we hear a knife shnikt and a woman scream. When she screams, Jack screams. The door to the room FLIES open and Jack screams again. It’s Alanah looking very…very…well, you’ll see.)

Alanah O’Connell-Russow: YOU’RE TEAMING WITH TWISTED SISTER!

(Jack screams one more time, this time like a little girl as Alanah rolls her eyes.)

Alanah O’Connell-Russow: Would you stop that!?

Jack Russow: Sorry…what’s a Twisted Sister?

Alanah O’Connell-Russow: …oh…oh honey…

(Moments later we see Jack sitting in front of a computer watching highlights as Alanah freezes it right on Twisted Sister’s face.)

Jack Russow: …fffffffffffffffffffFUCK that noise, I ain’t doin’ it.

Alanah O’Connell-Russow: Mo chroi, you already signe-

Jack Russow: I AIN’T DOIN’ IT THAT THINGS GONNA EAT ME!!! Wait…then who are YOU with!?

Alanah O’Connell-Russow: Todd Williams…and there’s more…

Jack Russow: …no…

Alanah O’Connell-Russow: I’m afraid so, my love.

Jack Russow: That’s fucking rigged! They can’t! You can’t get in the ring with…THAT!

Alanah O’Connell-Russow: Would you rather I fight you?

Jack Russow: I’d rather not face you at all!

Alanah O’Connell-Russow: Well suck it up, buttercup! It’s happening!

Jack Russow: Yaaaaay. Go Team “Please Don’t Hurt Me”.

–The Next Day–

(Jack Russow walks down a hallway towards the camera…sporting a new shirt that has been photoshopped of Jack running from Twisted Sister with #TeamPleaseDontHurtMe etched on it.)

Jack Russow: Fate is a fickle little bitch, isn’t she? See I thought it’d be fun…to stretch my legs after the birth of my beautiful children…who are doing fine, thanks for asking. Paddy drinks like a whale and little Elise is all smiles. But see I’m not here to talk about them…just like I have to face my own wife in this match. But I don’t want to TALK about that. Because you weren’t there…you haven’t BEEN there to see what I’ve seen. To watch the tears flow from her eyes and she doesn’t know why. I’ve been there to hold her hand in the hospital as her auto-immune disorder wreaked havoc on her system. I was there…holding her tight, watching our children sleep. And you say it was all “random”. It’s random you pit my wife against me? It’s random you think I’m going to tag out of this match. And I DO demand the men start this match. Todd…let’s have a chat shall we?

(Jack reaches the end of the hallway and jumps up on a production crate sliding to a stop as he slides his round frame glasses to the end of his nose before shaking his shoulders like he’s doing a samba of some sort.)

Jack Russow: TODD!!!! Todd, Todd, Toddy Todd Todd…can I call you Bitch? Imma call ya bitch. Bitch! You and I…have a bit of a problem…because ya see Bitch, I cannot allow my TAG partner…to eat my LIFE partner. D’you see where my problem is now, Todd? Well actually, it’s not so much a *ME* problem so much as it’s a…I’m going to pummel you beyond all recognition until they call you Robert Paulsen. And it’s not even entirely because I want to…though I DO…it’s because I NEED to. And I swear to God if you’re any kind of man, you’re gonna take this challenge head on and not tag out like a bitch. Because you can bet your punk bitch-ass that I’ll tag…RIGHT back in. I don’t give a FUCK if she bites my hand off. Not. Alanah. Do you understand? NOT Alanah. I will feed Twisted Sister ANYONE else in this tournament piece by piece…I’ll chop the bodies up for her like some Little Shop of Rocky Horror Picture Shit but she doesn’t get anywhere NEAR…Alanah.

(Jack jumps off the crate and flips his jacket collar up after pushing his shades back up over his eyes.)

Jack Russow: It’s nothing personal Bitch. It’s…well actually I think I’m lying, this kinda feels like the utmost epitome of personal. What with my family and the mother of my children being on the line and whatnot. Don’t get me wrong…Alanah can hold her own. Alanah can kick my ass all over this arena and I am A-Okay with that! But I’m not taking any chances…I can’t. And so this is me…with a psychotic beast in my corner and the weight of the world on my shoulders…

…so here lies Todd “The Bitch” Williams.

(Jack smirks and starts to walk off but he gets stopped by a stagehand. She hands him a box and he reads the note scribbled “Pretty bird.’ as he slides his shades down and cocks an eyebrow…he opens the box to find…a rotisserie chicken carcass.)

Jack Russow; Aww…in her own way that’s almost…sweet.

(Jack puts the lid back on and walks off with it tucked safely under his arm…its a gift after all. And as we fade to black all we hear is Jack exclaim.)

Jack Russow: …just gotta keep her from murdering my wife…

END!

*Record Scratch*

Jack Russow: OH…HELL…TO THE MOTHERFUCKING NO.

(And our black screen shatters like glass as we open to see Levi Russow walking into the second part of The Family’s museum. He’s briskly squared up by a cross-armed, absolutely fuming Jack Russow.)

Levi Russow: Son! Hel-

Jack Russow: Don’t you son, ME!

Levi Russow: So…you’re in a bad mood then?

Jack Russow:/b] I finally got a fan…ONE FAN…everyone else is all “ooh Bella! Ooh Miles! Ooh Lachlan!” and they forgot about ME…but not THEM!

Levi Russow: Them?

Jack Russow: HELLUVA. BOTTOM. CARTER.

Levi Russow: …oh.

Jack Russow: That was MY sweet, sweet man candy they was after and I finally had acceptance and adoration and it felt WONDERFUL and then you had to take your little shirt off and flip your little hair like an Abercrombie & Bitch and you're even using Uncle Jesse's entrance music as inspiration, well NO MORE!!! You are not to harm a SINGLE HAIR on that darling’s head!

Levi Russow: Well I mean we’re gonna have a great wrestling match but I-

(Jack’s hand darts out and yanks one of Levi’s hairs out of his head.)

Jack Russow: NOT A SINGLE. HAIR!

(He rubs his fingers together letting the hair fall to the floor as he points in his father’s face and stomps off in a huff…there’s an awkward silence for about fifteen seconds until Levi snaps back to reality, OPE! There goes rabbit! He…well you get the idea…on we go! Levi turns around and sees a bunch of old photographs adorned with different replica championships. He’s looking at a picture of “The Family’ in it’s prime on the wall. There’s him and his wife Emma. Her sister Jami and brother in law you all know and love…Slappy McGoo. He seemingly towers over the already large Nick Madison who’s got his arm around Laura Phoenix who stands next to her sister Cameron O’Neil…who has Jesse Russow’s arms around her. Just behind Jesse giving him bunny ears is the third brother Daniel Russow who’s holding hands with his wife Audrey who’s rolling her eyes visibly.There are various other people filling out the photographs who are just memories now…as Levi can’t helps but beam.)

Levi Russow: The Family…Mi Familia…La Familia De Russow. The Russows. The Jesse and Dan Super Extravaganza Experience of a Lifetime. We went by a couple names over the years. We all came under the banner of “The Family” though…Jesse was close to Nick. Nick and I  grew close enough to officially become blood brothers. And wouldn’t you know, while all this was going on? Nick was preparing to marry Laura…then we caught Jesse and Cam makin’ out in a broom closet together! S’a fuckin’ small world dude, I’m tellin’ ya!

(Levi turns and flds his hands behind him as he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath before speaking into the camera.)

Levi Russow: Helluva Bottom Carter…my God, still the greatest name I’ve heard to this date. I don’t want you to think I called you out because I’m offended by your wonderful compliments, that’s certainly not it. And I also don’t want you to think that I called you out BECAUSE of our shared adoration of each other. I called you out…to wrestle. Because I’ve been where you are. I’ve been watching what’s been going on since before I got here. They don’t respect you. And for Chrissakes you’re a former World Champion, right!? No no no…I called you out…for the simple hope that if my pathetic, vainglorious last victory lap can put any kinda shine on your talent THAT’S what I’m back for!

(Levi runs his hands along the glass containing gear and more replica championships.)

Levi Russow: You could be asking yourself, if you don’t know who I am, what all these empty replicas on my wall are. They’re memories. They’re reminders of who I am and what I’m capable when I put my mind to “this shit”. We’re not “Jokes” to anyone…anymore. I know what it feels like to start out different. This wasn’t even my dream…I didn’t even know pro wrestling EXISTED until I got community service cleaning up the arena. And I saw what these “superstars” were doing and here, I’d been popped for fist fighting full grown men for spare change. What did they have over me? But there was one guy…and I’ve never, ever talked about this.

(Levi runs his hands through his hair as he continues.)

Levi Russow: He was my first…tag team partner. And this was 22 years ago so there was no “private jets” yet, there was no “luxury tour buses”, there was a car…with five, maybe six if two of them are luchadors all piled into one of ‘ems Grandma’s Cutlass Supremes to trek up and down the road trying to make this shit pop. Turns out…he and I were the two luchadors…so we were smashed together often.

(Levi wipes a tear from his eye as he sniffles.)

Levi Russow: And y’know they tell ya when you start tagging to pattern your gear together so we would come out matching, cut as all Hell, looking twice as good maybe three times better than the main event and because we didn’t have beer guts and back acne from shooting steroids in our asses…because we had the long hair and the flowy moves. Y’know…you’ve heard it I’m sure. “FAG”, “KILL SQUAD ARE FAGGOTS! GO BURN IN HELL QUEERS!!!” and this was before your YouTube and your uploading and your social media. Before your "It Gets Better" and your suicide hotline.  And we just didn’t know how to…cope! We knew there was something there but we also saw all this…this HATRED. This burning rage towards us. It didn’t matter who we were or what we could do, it only mattered what we “were”. HBC, I see you. Of COURSE you made the list of names I wanted to face, I cannot WAIT for this match. Because I’m going to make you show the world what you can do and when we’re done they’ll never question or judge you again. As God as my witness you and I are gonna be match of the night. As for the story…well…we got nothing but…

…time.

Levi Russow: I’ll see you there, boo!

(The scene cuts out like someone turned off the TV switch.)

(We open to the interior of the Russow Academy as Levi Russow sits indian style with his arms crossed and a glare fixed on his face as he glares a hole straight through the banner of Miles Kasey.)

Levi Russow: I could see why they would want to throw Agostino Romano at me again...what, with the amount they’re payin’ me? They’re gonna start sendin’ fully armed battalions to my gates! It’ll be Waco 2.0 but this time...THIS time, the hermits are the GOOD GUYS. And all we ever wanted was just a little respect on the name! That’s all, babies!!! But NO!

(Levi flails a hand out towards the banner as he scoffs like a little child again.)

Levi Russow: But NO...NOW you have to go and use my own weapons AGAINST me, don’tcha! Well who’s fuckin’ afraid of the Big Bad Wolf...Pirate...Knight thin-PICK A FUCKIN’ GIMMICK!!! You’re taking one of my kids...and you’re feeding them to me. Why? To make sure I knew what I was doing? Is he not a former champion? Is he not constantly at least in the running? I know what I’m doing...i’ve SHOWN you I know what I’m doing. Two weeks in a row and for fucks sake Ion’t REMEMBER one of em!

(Levi looks at the projector flashing his last match against Romano in front of his eyes.)

Levi Russow: ...why do they still try to make this guy a thing? Why? No one gives a fucking shit about racing. I don’t even CARE if he does the kind where they turn right sometimes. How the FUCK can people bitch about gas prices and then turn around and support this unleaded suck monkey like hes Jesus on wheels and BESIDES THAT...I’m not RACING him, I’m gonna PUNCH HIM IN THE FACE!!

And then Milo is gonna fly at me and I’m gonna?

PUNCH ‘IM IN THE FACE!!!

And then your Roulette Champion is gonna step up all like “hey I thought I told you”-

I-I-IN THE FAAAAAACE!!!!

Monster Truck Voice Over Guy: WITH SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY GRAVE DIGGER!!!

Levi Russow: NOOPE! Nope, can’t promise that one.

Monster Truck Voice Over Guy: Fine...uh...with a special appearance BY a Grave Digger!

Levi Russow: Better, closer, warmer...

Monster Truck Voice Over Guy: ...don’t miss this triple threat IN A GRAVEYARD!!!

Levi Russow: There you go….and also? Just...just a real quick follow-upWHY THE FUCK ARE WE IN A GRAVEYARD!!!???

Monster Truck Voice Over Guy: It’s the Roulette Title, baybay! You never know WHAT youi’re gonna get!!!

(Levi suddenly stands up and swipes his hand as the projection clears and the lights kick on in the arena...where we see his newest class of students sitting on the bleachers.)

Levi Russow: THIS is not typically what is offered to you unless you’re not a pussy. Alright? Look I’ve had two matches in this company...and a lot of people will tell you that’s not enough for a number one contenders match. Well to them I say, I’m not your typical number one contender and this ain’t your typical fuckin’ show once I sign MY name...on the dotted LINE. And YOU have to work YOUR asses off for the hope that someday someone shivers when they say YOUR name. Who knows? Maybe some of you might even end up in The Family. Now go home and think about what I told you...and then come back when you decide you want to put in the work. DISMISSED!!!

(Levi wipes his face and leans against the ropes looking at the banner of Milo Kasey hanging up.)

Levi Russow: Ah kid...it wasn’t supposed to be me that cut ya down. Well…...FUCK!!!!

(Levi grabs a nearby stool and chucks it at the wall as it splinters and everyone jumps in fear as they suddenly have a hustle getting their things as we fade to black.)

There comes a time when you look back reflecting upon the decades you’ve spent on this spinning God forsaken rock. And you only have a limited amount of time...to make that rock remember your name for the rest of its existence. Was your legacy enough to last? Did you leave...EVERYTHING you could into whatever you loved? Did you...make an impact?

DO YOU KNOW...WHO YOU ARE!?

(The scene opens to a bustling stately manor as various unknowns are running around frantically. There’s Levi’s over dramatic 9 year old daughter raises the back of her hand to her forehead like Scarlet O’Hara.)

Rosie Russow: MOTHER I SIMPLY CANNOT FIND MY *BEST* CARDIGAN!!!

(We see a striking woman, probably mid-to-late 30’s stick her head out of the kitchen. This is Levi’s wife, Emma.)

Emma Russow: It’s in the dryer dear! You left it where Pongo could get ahold of it again!

Rosie Russow: PONGO!? Oh the BETRAYAL!!!

Emma Russow: Just...get a move on. Charlie, honey. Could you put the book down for a moment and get ready for school?

(We see the scene fly down the hall to a rather large library where Rosie’s twin brother Charlie, an autistic savant with a near genius IQ, is hanging upside down off the sofa with his face turning red but still buried in the book. Suddenly, our hero...The Iceman Levi Russow enters the scene and pats his leg making Charlie sit up.)

Levi Russow: Time for school, bud.

Charlie Russow: I stay in school, father.

Levi Russow: What were you doing anyway?

Charlie Russow: I was reading a book on how to learn Kanji and I wondered if I’d process it better with my neural processors under duress.

Levi Russow: Uh…..huh. And how’d that go?

Charlie Russow: Results were inconclusive pending parental intervention.

Levi Russow: Meaning...ME, right?

Charlie Russow: Affirmative. Father...can I ask you a question?

Levi Russow: No you and Rosie are not adopted, yes I’m just stupid. Is that what you wanted me to know?

Charlie Russow: Father! I would NEVER insult you so viciously! I am aware you may not know the atomic weight of an element, 39 by the way, I recognize everything you’ve done to provide and keep us safe at the cost of traditional habitual bonding.

(With that Charlie looks like he wants to hug his dad but instead he just...pats him on the shoulder and rushes off to his room. Levi chuckles a bit before standing up and walking into the foyer where the children are bustling to their designated rooms to Zoom call their teachers. Suddenly the entire house is quiet. Levi and Emma stand looking at each other. Neither one says anything, she just throws her arms around his neck and kisses him passionately.)

Emma Russow: Hey sexy, nice ass!

Levi Russow: You wanna talk about a nice ass?

(Levi playfully spanks Emma as she squeaks in surprise as she smiles, smacks his chest, and kisses him again. They pull away holding on to each other, pressing their foreheads together and closing their eyes just...drinking in each other’s presence. Once they raise their heads and look at each other. Emma looks into Levi’s now concerned eyes.)

Emma Russow: ...no...I know that look.

Levi Russow: Em...just hear me out.

Emma Russow: NO! EVERY TIME a new generation comes out YOU get this wild hair up your ass even in your 40’s! What do you have to prove!?

Levi Russow: That I was the best there ever was!

(Levi lets go of her and starts to walk towards his study as she gives chase to him, grabbing his arm and whipping him around.)

Emma Russow: You have more money than 500 men make in a lifetime, you’ve got THREE TROPHY ROOMS...so WHAT? WHAT is it!?

Levi Russow: Emma it’s just all I know, okay!

(Levi runs his fingers through his hair as he sits on his desk.)

Levi Russow: ...my 9 year old son just “no offense’d me after ONCE AGAIN going on a tangent I couldn’t understand. There’s no way in HELL I identify with Rosie-

Emma Russow: Debatable.

Levi Russow: But I saw...a Russow...walk into that company, win one title, lose it immediately, and run away. This name isn’t a name anymore...it’s a brand. And I can’t have my name remembered like that.

Emma Russow: Jack did his best!

Levi Russow: I’m not saying he didn’t! I’m saying...you know I’ve wanted one last shot. And aside from my boys and girls I have there? I have never locked horns with a single person on that roster and the itch...the possible matches...it just CHILLS me!

(Emma walks up to him and takes his hands kissing his forehead.)

Emma Russow: Just promise me...it’ll be different this time.

Levi Russow: What do you mean, my love?

Emma Russow: Every time you throw yourself into your work you forget to take care of your mental and physical health and you go...dark.

(Levi kisses her hands.)

Levi Russow: Love I promise you that will NEVER...happen again.

Emma Russow: ...okay. But if you’re gonna do this, you better bring Mama some more presents for the trophy room!

Levi Russow: Heh...yes ma’am!

(Levi and Emma kiss as the scene pans backwards and the door closes.)


(We open to show the inside of...the Georgia Aquarium? We see various shots of families enjoying looking at the various wildlife. A child marvels as a stingray flaps overhead in the underground tunnel. Until we reach an extremely dark hallway and as we’re heading down it all of a sudden out of NOWHERE a cell phone lights up illuminating the face of Levi Russow nearly giving the cameraman a heart attack. Levi simply holds up a finger to his lips and shushes him as they slowly traverse on until we reach the deepest, bluest (my hat look like a shark fin) shark enclosure.)

Levi Russow: Look at that...fascinating creatures aren’t they? Severely misunderstood if you ask me. Wait...sorry that was Hagrid! But the point still remains! They are streamlined evolution at its finest. And there’s so many very different types, y’know? It’s like picking your favorite kid. There’s the whale shark who’s just a giant water puppy. There’s the bull shark that will barrel into you if he even THINKS you’re lookin’ at him funny. And then you’ve got the ones in between that don’t matter. See...what I’m trying to do here, Alex. Is find a way to help you understand that YOU...are in very real danger. Lemme tell ya why.

(Levi does a summoning motion with his hand calling for the cameraman to sit with him as sharks swim overhead and behind and everywhere in between.)

Levi Russow: ...it’s time I get a little real, innit? ...innit? Fuck I been spending too much time with the Brits. Why did almost EVERYONE in my family marry the only worthy people in the UK. Well…’cept maybe Malachi but I think he just has a hormone imbalance. Anyway. My name...is Levi Russow. USUALLY It’s “The Iceman” Levi Russow. I am the Patriarch of the infamous Russow family you’ve seen running rampant on Twitter and...elsewhere. I’ve clocked 20 years in this business...and that’s a miracle. Because I was never supposed to see the AGE of 20. Curse of the Orphans, after all. Me and my brother Jesse...and another kid that...fuck the bloodline, he’s my brother.

(Levi runs his hands through his hair trying to maintain his composure.)

Levi Russow: I should warn you, Alex. I’m manic depressive bipolar with high anxiety and PTSD. I’m TELLING you this because I know you’re a goofy little sweetheart that loves to have fun but I swear by Odin’s beard if you walk into this match with anything but a scowl on your face, I’ll drink my mead from your severed kneecaps. I love fun and games man! Hey! Party at my house later, why not? But in the MEANTIME. It’s Mean Time. D’you know what I think Alex?

(Levi kicks his legs out resting his hands on his knees as he lays his head back against the glass right as a turtle swims by.)

Levi Russow: Look! I’ve been chosen! There’s a belief that if a sea tortoise chooses to check you out, that’s good luck! Whattya know! There’s your random fact of the day! But let’s get back to what’s...REALLY important. Alex Rush. Alex, I...I almost wanna tell you...that I don’t wanna do this. You’ve been so kind to my son and welcoming but I’ve checked you out and I understand what a victory over you would mean. And I NEED...that victory. Do you really think I’m coming back...for my one last grandiose crusade...and I’m gonna let a squeaky, fuzzy little man peach try to derail everything I’ve worked SO HARD to set up! THAT’S why I’m pissed off! Because I can guaran-fucking-tee you that lanky little bastard is “havin’ a pint” not takin’ my ass seriously. That’s fine...hey man...Alex...can I call you Alex? Have you ever seen the Northern Lights? God...they’re a sight to behold. My little brother proposed to his old lady under ‘em...they’re at the hospital havin’ a baby right now. So my bonus for this match is YOU are gonna catch the motherfucker of all beatdowns from a brand new Uncle! So shortly after...I so PROUDLY became...the Grandfather of Jack and Alanah’s children.

(Levi clicks his teeth and pops up shuffling his jacket on as he turns around and comes face to face with a charging mako shark who’s charging the glass as Levi flexes back at it, it diverts and swims off.)

Levi Russow: ...maybe THAT’S why I’m doin’ this. Maybe I heard someone call me “Gramps” for the first time and I instantly wanted to punch a hole through someone’s chest because I’M ONLY IN MY EARLY 40’S!!! So I have this little tick in my mind that makes me think you’re all gonna look at me and write me off as this old fossil that’s just bouncin’ babies on his knees and havin’ Sunday barbecues and all that shit and there’s nothing WRONG with that...for most people. But me? All these titles and changes, Grandpa, Uncle Levi, Old Man, all of ‘em...you just poked the bear! And now poor Alex Rush has to pay for it, Goddammit! I even think I LIKED that guy!

(Levi turns around and presses his forehead to the glass watching a great white swim by.)

Levi Russow: Look at him...the perfect predator. The only problem he has...is when he goes for the kill, much like all of you little bitches running around acting hard...when it’s time to go for the kill the shark rolls it’s eyes in the back of its head...it takes it’s eye off the ball. And most of YOU? You close your eyes when you swing. I don’t know who trained you? But I look forward to exposing ALL of you. Starting...with Alex Rush. I already said how bad I was gonna hurt this kid...what else is there to say? Oh...wait…

...it’s nothin’ personal “bruv”...you’re just in my way.

My violent...violent way.

...Good Luck.

(And with that Levi disappears into the darkness of the alcove as we fade out on a shot of the great white swimming by one more time.)

 “I DO NOT CONSENT TO THIS!!!”

“TOO BAD!!!”

(The scene opens outside of stately Russow Manor as we see Alanah O’Connell essentially DRAGGING her boyfriend Jack Russow by the collar of his pants up the stairs. Though the show is in Las Vegas...when you have access to private transportation, sometimes you just need to go back to the beginning and re-root yourself.)

Jack Russow: YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT IT”S LIKE FOR A BOY!!!

Alanah O’Connell: LOOK!!! This was the ONLY thing I could think of and YOUR great lump of an ass was just gonna roll over and forfeit!

Jack Russow: But THIS...the HORROR...the...HORROR.

(She drags him up the stairs and opens the door. Jack’s withdrawn yet almost genius brother Charlie was in his usual spot in the corner reading a book far beyond his years. Emma suddenly floats out from the kitchen and up to Alanah giving her a big hug and a kiss before wrapping Jack in a hug and pulling back to hold his face.)

Emma Russow: My boy...how have you been? Losses still weighing on your mind?

Jack Russow: I don’t care about the losses anymore…

Emma Russow: Ahhh...it’s Mack.

Jack Russow: I promised him I’d have his back...I SWORE blood brothers against the wind with him that we would find her together! And I know I should be honored...SCW entrusted me with a championship reign at the expense of MAYBE the greatest in-ring competitor they’ve ever hosted. But every time I try to focus…

Alanah O’Connell: ...I still hear her screaming...the nightmare’s are too real…

(Emma turns and consoles Alanah again as Jack starts to slink towards the door…)

Jack Russow: WEEEEEEELL I guess Dad’s uhh...probably in the gym so I’m uhh…

(Alanah suddenly snaps back to reality like OP there goes Rabbit and she’s suddenly giving him a VERY stern look. Emma is confused.)

Emma Russow: Well yes, your father is in the gym but whyyyy am I picking up miscommunication vibes between you two?

Alanah O’Connell: Because that’s NOT who he’s here t’see!

(Jack literally hits his knees grabbing at the hem of Alanah’s sundress burying his face into it.)

Jack Russow: I beg of you...I IMPLORE you...PLEASE...RECONSIDER THIS!!

(Emma suddenly gets a known look on her face…)

Emma Russow: Ahhhh…*ahem* ROOOOOOOOOSIEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

(There is a cup of water on the table...we see it ripple with a thud like in Jurassic Park...Jack looks at it and gulps deeply as a tiny voice calls out from the distance…)

“I AM PRACTICING MY MONOLOGUE, MOTHER...WHATEVER COULD BE SO IMPORTANT!?!?”

(Jack frantically looks at Emma and literally squeaks like a mouse…)

Jack Russow: ...please mommy...no…

(Emma feigns sympathy for her son before screaming out…)

Emma Russow: VISITORS!!!

(We hear a three octave Mariah Carey-esque shriek as suddenly there’s the quick pitter-patter of little feet rushing down the second flight of stairs but suddenly stopping at the top of the bottom set of stairs. We hear a little throat clear as suddenly we see the reigning Diva herself...Jack Russow’s 9 year old little sister...Charlie’s COMPLETELY opposite twin...comes eloquently sliding her arms down the bannister as she floats about in what looks to be a formal evening gown. As soon as she sees Alanah they both shriek and lunge for each other as Alanah picks her up swinging her around.)

Rosie Russow: OH MY DEAREST ALANAH it is just DARLING to see you again!!!

Alanah O’Connell: The honor is MINE, my dearest! How are you!?

Rosie Russow: I am....admittedly...dismayed.

Alanah O’Connell: Awww...what troubles my beloved Rosie?

(She sets Rosie down and Rosie rubs her arm looking at the ground as tears begin to form in her eyes and she looks at Jack.)

Rosie Russow: ...why haven’t you found Mattie yet?

(That hit Jack like a ton of bricks and he starts to stammer over his words as he backs into a seat...Alanah’s face suddenly becomes flushed with concern as she kneels besides the young hostess and fixes her dress.)

Alanah O’Connell: Now Ms. Rosie...you have my EVERY guarantee we are trying our best to find your Mattie. And we will! She’ll be right back here adorning you in every beautiful color you could imagine. I ADORE this dress...did she make it for you?

Rosie Russow: She DID! Oh she was so divine! Far better than I could have ever DREAMED!!! But I’m curious...why did you two come all this way just to see...me?

Alanah O’Connell: *Gasps* As if I’d need a REASON to see my Rosie! But you are correct...there is one thing I could use your...expertise on.

Rosie Russow: Oh darling you flatter me! Do go on!

Alanah O’Connell: See your brother has to defend his Roulette Championship for SCW-

Rosie Russow: UGH! Barbaric fisticuffs run deep in this family, I’ll have NONE of it!

Alanah O’Connell: Well he’s facing a man who’s a little…”dramatic”.

(This peaks Rosie’s attention...someone more dramatic than her? Bitch is goin’ down...err...you know.)

Rosie Russow: Dramatic...how?

Alanah O’Connell: Well as best we can tell he thinks he’s some sort of...warlock.

Rosie Russow: ...like a boy wizard?

Alanah O’Connell: Kinda.

Rosie Russow: ...like Harry Potter with guyliner?

Alanah O’Connell: EXACTLY.

(Rosie thinks for a moment...staring at her brother in extremely deep thought...before she claps her little hands twice and saunters back towards the stairs.)

Rosie Russow: I AM READY...BRING THE CHILD.

Jack Russow: ...I am literally a decade older than you.

Rosie Russow: And yet you seek MY help...is this the hill on which you wish to be buried?

(From the other room, behind his book...in a rare outcry of notoriety we hear young Charlie Russow proclaim…)

Charlie Russow: WELL SAID, SISTER!

(Rosie flips her hair and winks at Alanah who grabs Jack by the arm and leads him up the stairs to “The Theatre”...once the door closes...and three minutes have passed...we suddenly hear a blood-curdling shriek that obviously belongs to Jack Russow. Emma Russow looks at Charlie who has looked up from his novel as they both shake their heads at each other concluding this part of the thing…)

HEY SEGUES ARE WEIRD, RIGHT!?

-I Am Jack’s Punch-Drunk Delusion-

“‘Cause I'm about to BREAK down!
Searching for a WAY out!
I’m a liar! I’m a cheater! I’m a non-believer!
I’m a POPULAR! POPULAR! MONSTER!”

(We see the under-dwelling of what appears to be a stone-masoned castle dungeon. Where are we? We can only speculate. As the world burns outside and the voices cry for justice it seems the only place one can find a moment’s concentration to attend to the business at hand is to go subterranean. We see a faint light shine down from the stone spiral staircase in a dark blue until the camera pans back and we see a decent sized cauldron boiling over a roaring fire. We hear a harsh, almost Batman like tone begin to speak…)

“In the end as you fade into the night...who will tell the story of your life?”

(Suddenly we see a very dark Jack Russow clad in all black leather ALMOST like The Crow if the Crow had better hair and didn’t have solid white contacts in his eyes.)

Jack Russow: Kedron Williams. You have fought...bled...for your one chance at glory. To match me fate for fate in that hallowed ground. That squared circle. And I admit you intrigue me to an extent but do not let my curiosity blind you to the DANGERS...you now FACE. See if you were smart you’d have paid attention to everything I’ve said thus far. You’d KNOW my pedigree...you’d know my track record...you’d know I’m banging Lachlan Kane and Malachi’s sister on the regs-

“JACK!!!”

Jack Russow: SORRY! That one slipped...also...just really love reminding them of that. BUT ALAS!!! The time has come for your end of days, Kedron! You hapless jabroni! LOOK! LOOK into your crystal ball or your Ouija Board or your...Miss Cleo hotline! LOOK and ACKNOWLEDGE!...ACCEPT your defeat!

(Jack suddenly slinks towards the camera taking a moment to cough and sputter as the smoke from the fire blows up in his face before he suddenly snaps back into...iunno what we call this, “Weird Mode”? He slithers up to the camera making sure you can see his super cool all white contact lenses that he got from Lens Crafters who totally didn’t pay us to shout them out.)

Jack Russow: Kedron Williams you WILL know pain unlike you’ve ever know! Because I WILL COME ON YOU LIKE NO MAN HAS COME ON YOU BEFORE!!!

“...really?...you wanna take that one again?”

(Jack pauses and thinks for a second...his eyes squint so hard that one of the contact lenses folds in half and he dances around digging at his eye.)

Jack Russow: Owowowowowowowowowfuckinow GODDAMMIT WHY DO I HAVE TO WEAR THESE BULLSHIT GIMMICKS!?

“Rosie thought it would add to the drama!”

Jack Russow: ROSIE’S FUCKIN’ NINE!!!

“Don’t you yell at me ya thick dolt!”

Jack Russow: I’m SORRY babe I just...GAHHHHH!!! THAT’S IT! FUCK IT! HIT THE LIGHTS!!!

(Suddenly we hear a bell ring as lights turn on and we see that it was a pre-built set as Jack walks over to the vanity mirror and scratches at his face as Alanah O’Connell calms him and calmly takes the contact lenses out of his eyes holding his face to look at him as she kisses him quickly.)

Alanah O’Connell: That’s much better anyway!

Jack Russow: What am I doing? The leather, the fire, the...ALL of it...it just…

Alanah O’Connell: It isn’t you. I see that now. I just thought since you were drifting we might try something a little different is all!

Jack Russow: Can’t I just...wear MY clothes...somethin’ that doesn’t have a chokehold on our kiddie makers...come out to MY kinda scene and just...go OFF on this Hawthorne Heights lookin’ motherfucker?

(Alanah kisses Jack on the forehead)

Alanah O’Connell: That’s my boy. Now GIT! We’re burnin’ daylight!

HAHAHA OMG SEGUES AGAIN AMIRITE!?

(Next thing we know we hear…)

“KEEP YOUR HOPES UP HIGH!
AND YOUR HEAD DOWN LOW!”

(The door swings open to an outside bonfire where a few of his closest people are having a good time. They’ve backed trucks up to the fire and are sitting on the tailgate, there’s a keg, there’s punks...thugs...preps...literally people from every walk of life. And out of the door bounds Jack Russow in his ratty jeans...his ratty band shirt...his ratty Chuck Taylors...his goofy shades...and the SCW Roulette Championship slung over his shoulder.)

Jack Russow: I’m not the kinda kid that is known...to REALLY discriminate against anyone based on sexual orientation, color, creed, anything...in fact, MY crew...is called the Island of Misfit Toys. And for good reason! You an outcast? Are you a liberal that grew up in the South? You a thug from the suburbs? You just never…”fit in” anywhere? You got a spot with ME. I SEE you. I ACCEPT you. I LOVE you. And in this current climate and situation? I think we need all of that we can get...don’t you?

(Jack screams towards the crew and they raise a bottle or a glass to him in return as he adjusts the title on his shoulder.)

Jack Russow: Kedron I don’t know the first thing about you...and that’s cool! ‘Cause you don’t know the first thing about ME, either! Now...if I were a dick...I’d come out here and I’d say you look like the poster child of Marilyn Manson’s mom having a three day crack binge while she was pregnant with you! I could say “cheer up kid, your makeup’s running!” I COULD say...that Dungeons & Dragons is NOT a viable way to pattern your life but Kedron...I don’t wanna do that. Y’see…

(Jack walks down and hops up on a tail bed next to Alanah who lays her head on his shoulder.)

Jack Russow: D’you wanna know why I was the RIGHT person at the RIGHT time to end Griffin Hawkins’ epic run with this championship? It’s because I went into it knowing I was outclassed, outmanned, and outgunned...but I showed up with all the class I could. I showed Griffin Hawkins every ounce of respect he deserved and then when that was well documented I showed him...EXACTLY...what being the “Real Wild Child” is all about! Now you and I are gonna have...one HELLUVA fight for this title...come Hell or high water. Who KNOWS what this destiny is gonna hold for us. But I want you to know this is nothing PERSONAL for me! If you win? I’ll be the same cat after as I was right now. I will personally get up, hand you this title, and shake your hand. But I gotta tell you something and I NEED you to hear it…

(Jack and Alanah share a knowing look at each other as they both nod in solidarity...Jack turns back to the camera.)

Jack Russow: I took my turn...to look Into The Void...I didn’t see all of time and space like The Doctor...I didn’t hear the drums like The Master. What I saw...was my destiny. And that was me toppling you to RETAIN this title and go on to continue cementing my legacy in SCW.

...that was scenario...one…

Jack Russow: ...and then it changed. I saw my best friend Mack...getting slashed down by a maniacal preacher and his sadist father trying to save the ONE chance at love he ever had in his life...and when I looked...I didn’t see me anywhere near it. And that? I won’t lie to ya...that bothered me. That fueled me. THAT. ANGERED. ME. Because I have felt torn between two destinies...two worlds...for far too long so HERE...is what I’M going to DO.

(Jack slides off the tailgate and wanders right up to the fire holding his hand out over it as close as he can get it as the pain starts to show on his face in the form of undeniable rage.)

Jack Russow: “On a gathering storm comes a tall handsome man...but hidden in his coat is a red right hand.” And I’m gonna TAKE...that red right hand...and I’m gonna try my damndest to punch through your SOUL. As FAST as I can. Because the faster I put you down...the quicker I can get back to looking for Mattie Cormier so no...I don’t want you to think I’m OVERLOOKING you. No no...I’m red dot sighted, x-ray vision THROUGH you. After it’s all said and done? If you can get up on your own power? I invite you to come join us! Have a beer and socialize...you look like you could use it. But until that party...from bell to bell?

...kid...I’m gonna kick your chick pant wearin’ ass.

(Jack winks at the camera and turns back to the party as we fade to black.)

 -It’s My Turn To Keep The Wolves Away-
By Jack Russow
scwrestling.net blog

This world...is bullshit.

It’s everything you ever dreamed it would be...if that dream were a nightmare...and everything in that nightmare was carpet bombed with napalm.

THAT...is the world you live in.

See I get a lot of flack from people...and you all know why by now. I don’t NEED to keep droning on and on about the adversities I’ve had to overcome. And whether you like to admit it or not there WERE adversities I had to overcome.

“Silver-Spooned Rich Boy”

Man those words...just looking at them written before me. Fill me with such a burning, annoying anguish that doesn’t just boil my blood, it sets my very bones on fire. See I will admit for all the family turmoil, for all the death threats and explosions and kidnappings, when we weren’t in the public’s eye? I did have a wonderful life. I got to travel places and experience things that some people could only ever dream of.

...people like Jack Washington.

And I feel bad about that. I don’t...pretend to know his story and I surely don’t pretend to understand what HE’S been through or overcome. I guess...if he’s reading this, and he IS reading this...I’d want him to know that I’m GLAD he chose SCW. And I’m glad I’m his first big test outside of the Blast From The Past tournament. I know he turned a lot of heads...turned mine, that’s for damn sure. But I want you all to remember...one...important...thing.

...I...I’M the one who beat Griffin Hawkins...I ended the historic reign…

...and I’M...your new Roulette champion...so if you’re comin’ for me? You best come correct.

...and may the best...Jack...win.

*BUZZ*

(Jack closes his laptop and looks at his phone...it’s a tweet from the account of his missing friend Mattie Cormier...beloved of his best friend, Mack McKane. They’d been looking for Mack...and Mack has been off looking for Mattie. They didn’t even get the chance to celebrate their new title reigns together. While Jack captured the SCW Roulette Championship...Mack had captured the PWS:Apex World Heavyweight Championship but his celebration was cut short with Mattie’s abduction. Jack looks at his phone...and his blood runs cold.)

“Mattie Cormier @MattieArt
All these tough talkers, spewing their vitriol and hatred...
Amusing.
Perhaps if @MissAlanah is so lonely for her friend...we can arrange for them to be reunited.”

(Almost as if on cue there’s a knock at the hotel door...Jack’s girlfriend Alanah O’Connell gets up from the couch in the villa’s lobby and heads towards the door. Jack grabs the closest thing he can...his acoustic guitar and he starts bolting towards Alanah screaming…)

Jack Russow: ‘LANAH DON’T-

(He was a step too late and she had cracked open the door...which flew off the handle as a group of masked men, about five in numbers, suddenly crashed into the room and two of them grabbed Alanah’s arms. However they must have missed the memo that Alanah herself is the PWS United Champion as she stomps on the instep of one of her attackers and clocks the other with her newly freed hand as the third lunges towards her and Jack sends his guitar crashing square in the middle of the man’s skull flooring him as the other two men wrap around Jack’s waist and drag him to the ground. Jack was still sore from his brutal battle with Griff as he sees the two men Alanah was fighting off get a vase broken over one's head and the other dragged out into the hallway respectively. Jack can’t focus as he’s dodging stomps and punches until one of his attackers is picked up and viciously thrown against the wall and Alanah cracks the other over the head with a lamp as the ones who CAN recuperate start grabbing their comrades and book it out of the room. Alanah kneels next to Jack helping him up gingerly as they both look at their rescuer. A tattooed man in probably his early to mid 30’s dusting off his coat and picking his bowler hat up off the ground placing it firmly back on his head.)

Man: ...is everyone alright?

Jack Russow: Ho...ly...shit.

Alanah O’Connell: We are thanks to you err...sir?

Jack Russow: Look closer at his face, babe.

(Alanah kinda squints her eyes and they suddenly fly wide open as her and Jack stand, Jack holding his ribs.)

Jack Russow: ...I was startin’ to think you weren’t real.

Man: I figured it was time at least WE met, innit…

(The man takes his hat off with one hand covering his heart and takes Alanah’s hand with his other and kisses it, bowing…)

Man: Kenny McKane...at your service, love.

(Alanah suddenly FLUSHES bright red as she lets out an “oh my!” as Jack gets a weird look on his face and darts his gaze back and forth before he clears his throat and Kenny let’s go of her hand and rightens himself as he shakes Jack’s hand and puts his hat back on his head.)

Kenny McKane: Daresay, neither of you have seen that brother of mine around lately, have you?

Jack Russow: I was kinda hopin’ you had.

Kenny McKane: No such luck...just a trail of anguish and destruction left in his wake, but I calculate we’ll find him.

(Jack suddenly gets a very serious, very stern look on his face...Mack was like a brother to him...this was eating Jack alive...and for those not in the know, Kenny was imprisoned for what Mack thought was the murder of their psychotic, abusive father...but the truth was outed a few months ago that it was for ATTEMPTED murder and their father was still alive and now aligned with the somehow even more deranged Reverend Synister...both of whom kidnapped Mack’s beloved Mattie. However, even though Jack understood his reasons...he begrudge Kenny for lying to Mack all those years.)

Jack Russow: I appreciate you saving our asses...and probably saving Alanah from Mattie’s fate. But I been waitin’ for the chance to meet you...and look you in the eye. See-

Kenny McKane: With respect Jack...I know exactly what you’re going to say. And you’re absolutely right. I lied to my brother...I broke his trust and I buggered his head up perhaps just as much as the notion of our father’s survival. And I know now that I was, of course, wrong for that. And I, too, been waitin’ for the chance to look YOU in the eye...and say thank you. Don’t know if it were fate or providence what crossed you an’ my brothers paths but...I’m damn grateful for you and yours. You been a far better brother to him than I ever were. And for that, you have my thanks. But now that the pleasantries have been dolled out…’fraid this is where we part for the moment.

Jack Russow: If you find him...tell him we’re on our way.

Kenny McKane: Quite. *he takes off his hat and gives a little bow to Alanah* Ma’am. *She flushes like a schoolgirl again as he and Jack have another strong handshake as he turns and ghosts out the door shortly before the police arrive*

-I Am Jack’s Blinding Rage-

“By all means!
Put me through hell...
And I'll make you see.
I'll be your worst enemy...
Try to kick, kick, kick me when I'm down!”

(The camera begins rolling as elevator doors open and we turn and venture down a hallway where just about halfway down we see two police officers seemingly standing guard in front of a now rickety door barely hanging on one hinge as they hold up a hand to stop the cameraman…)

Police: Hey hey….no paparazzi, no reporte-

Jack Russow: It’s fine officer...I asked them to come by...it’s for work.

(The cop shakes his head and pushes open the door as we see Jack Russow sitting in the middle of the couch in the foyer of the villa. He’s perched right on the edge with his hands pressed together like he’s praying pressed against his mouth. As soon as the camera comes into place we see Alanah call the dogs into the next room but little Pip the Papillon doesn’t want to go...his eyes are still fixed on Jack like he’s worried about him.)

Alanah O’Connell: Pippers! C’mon! Let’s go to the fort!

(Pip whimpers and nudges Jack’s arm as Jack calmly reaches and picks him up holding him up to his face…)

Jack Russow: ...you don’t listen very well.

(Pip barks and licks Jack’s nose...and for the first time, Jack cracks a smile. Which warms Alanah’s heart as she crosses her arms and teasingly says…)

Alanah O’Connell: WHEREVER could he get THAT from?

(Both boys turn and give her a playful little glare as she shakes her head and Jack nods that Pip is okay...he cuddles him to his chest and lays back against the couch with a pensive look on his face.)

Jack Russow: Well go ahead...take a look around. Take ONE good look around this room and tell me what you see…

(The camera pans around to see the entire villa completely trashed...shards of broken lamp and chairs and chaos lie all around.)

Jack Russow: See for MOST people...such a grievous, heinous attack on their lives like this would be a harrowing event! A home invasion, DAILY threats of disfiguring bodily harm, ones you love just straight being TAKEN from their domiciles. This entire scene...should be a nightmare...described to a therapist one day. But for me?

...it was tuesday.

(Jack lays Pip beside him as he leans forward clasping his hands together in front of him looking lost in thought for a moment before he starts to speak.)

Jack Russow: See now...an attack like this? For anyone else, THIS would be an excuse to call in sick to work. Look at how this year has gone so far! We almost had World War 3, the dude in charge just told us to inject disinfectant, they cancelled every other sport, Kobe Bryant died, and hippie bitches are feedin’ their husbands to tigers while a gay bleached blonde mulleted redneck with meth-addicted straight husbands tries to hire a cop to kill her and I KNOW...I KNOW that’s like the third promo in a row I’ve talked about that fucking show but I STILL...CANNOT...PROCESS. And I’ll ADMIT...I SHOULD...be in the next room, tucked into our usual blanket fort with my dogs...and the love of my life. But I’M taking this moment...to speak my mind.

(Jack scratches Pip behind the ears and whispers to him…)

Jack Russow: ...Daddy’s still gotta go to work doesn’t he!

(Jack moves the pillow on the couch to the left of him and we see the untarnished SCW Roulette Championship as he reaches for it and stares into it lovingly.)

Jack Russow: That’s why this is mine. THAT’S why...at the ripe old age of 19, I am FINALLY...your NEW...Roulette Champion. And after everything I’ve done...everything I’ve accomplished. I don’t feel like a single...FFFFUCKIN’ one o’ you...wanna give me my respect! What do you give me? You give me some other “trauma case” named Jack because, and I’m GUESSING, “Well they’re both fucked in the head and they’re both named Jack...makes enough sense for ME!” MEANWHILE...I coulda crippled your poster boy. I took...everyone’s favorite rockstar...and I did what no one else could for ALMOST...A YEAR. And what did I get?

...I got no-sold.

(Jack starts to snarl a bit as he clutches the title tighter.)

Jack Russow: And you’re starting to wonder...why I’m walking around here with a CHIP...on my SHOULDER. It’s because I’M the future of this company! I’M the hottest Rookie going right now! I KNOW you heard Tommy Knocks! And I KNOW you saw me prove him RIGHT. But all I’ve heard about is Griffin Hawkins not even having the BALLS...to ask for a REMATCH. Instead he thinks that, after being embarrassed by a rookie he should have dominated, that made him better enough to dream of being the World Champion! And hey man, I hope he gets there...I hope Griffin Hawkins becomes the FACE of SCW because each and every time...you see his face. You’re gonna look at him...and you’re gonna think of me. Because even if he goes undefeated the REST of his career...even if he’s the GREATEST World Champion of ALL TIME.

...he got taken out...by a ROOKIE.

Jack Russow: And see NORMALLY I wouldn’t be shooting off at the mouth like this! NORMALLY...I’d be nothing but respectful and gracious to Griffin Hawkins for giving me what was UNDOUBTEDLY...the HARDEST obstacle I’ve ever had to overcome and in a lot of ways, I still want him to know that! But’cha carried on...like I didn’t carve you up like Ebenezer Scrooge’s Christmas Goose. Like I didn’t turn you into the Grinch’s roast beast he served to that sociopath Cindy Lou Who. And THAT’S what bothers me man, you SAY you respect me but I...I don’t really feel it. I don’t really FEEL like I have the RESPECT...that I’ve EARNED around here yet. And so now I’m gonna take this kid Jack Washington...bright eyed and bushy tailed from Philadelphia...and I’m gonna show him some of MY “Brotherly Love”. Because aside from only hearing about you brushing me off? All I’ve heard is how impressive this kid was in that BULLSHIT Blast From The Past tournament that they CRAVED for me to enter...and I said no. Ya know WHY I said no? Look what happened to Bella Madison...look what happened to SO MANY PEOPLE in that bullshit lottery...she got stuck with a lame duck, an albatross around her neck, and I was smart enough to know that taking THAT chance...COULD have been the death of my career before it even started!

(Jack shakes his head at Pip who yawns in what we can only assume is complete agreement...don’t at me.)

Jack Russow: I didn’t watch the Blast From The Past tournament...there I said it. You want the truth? I’ll hand you the truth. It seemed like nothing more than a cheap marketing gimmick to me and I had...NO interest in it. But from what I UNDERSTAND...YOU, Jack Washington, hey man! You did it! I mean, you didn’t win but you did well enough to generate some buzz for yourself! Let’s see, what did they say? Everyone was CLAMORING to sign you and Mark Ward FINALLY threw out the right number? Hell yeah, bro! GET that coin! But uh...see what you didn’t factor in was NOW...you’re SCW’s property and NOW...they fed you to me. And I don’t give...THREE shakes of a fat baby’s dick what they saw in you. I don’t give a FUCK how “impressive” you were...when push came to shove...ya lost. And hey man, I get it! I just recently had to get over MY first loss as well! The only difference is I got over MY first loss by becoming a champion and you’re gonna have to get over YOUR loss by...well...processing another loss. Ain’t that about a bitch? I just want you to know that...it’s nothin’ personal. But I have the weight of two COMPLETELY different companies on my shoulders. I have MAYBE the biggest namesake in the world to live up to. And I cannot afford to fail now. So you and I are gonna do our little dance out there. “The Real Wild Child” JACK...FFFFUCKIN’...RUSSOW...versus Jack(-Off) Washington. And we’re gonna light up the Twitterverse and steal the fuckin’ show and then I’m gonna mosey on down the line to exorcise some half-cocked, fuck-wit demonic scrublord named fuckin’ “KEDRON” but until then? At the risk of getting ahead of myself? I’m going to take...every single frustration I have built up inside of me out on you and in the PROCESS...if you’re LUCKY…

...I’M gonna make you famous. Deuces.

(Jack scoops Pip up and slings the title over his shoulder as he winks to the camera before walking off to join Alanah in the blanket fort as we fade to black.)

 March 15, 2020
Canterbury, Kent, England
SCW Climax Control

Jack does it in the nick of time, he dives on Mark Cross hooking the leg.

ONE!

TWO!

Mark cross kicks out!. Jack Russow can't believe it. He takes a deep breath and slides from the ring, he grabs the top rope and waits for Mark to get up, Jack leaps up and goes for a springboard shining wizard, Mark though steps forward, catches Jack into a powerbomb position, he then uses his strength to flip Jack round into a go to sleep!, as his knee connects with Jacks nose he grows down, Mark grabs Jack, hooks his arms and hits the tiger driver slamming Jack to the mat and holding him down.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

DING DING DING!

Justin: The winner of the match..... Mark Cross!

Simone: OH HOT DAMN WHAT A MATCH!


Adams: You have to give it up to young Jack Russow....he gave it his all

Simone: But in the end Mark Cross was just too much for the rookie.

-IT’S ALL BEEN A BAD DREAM-

(Jack Russow comes stumbling through the curtain and to his surprise...no one is there to meet him. He’s holding his back and taking a deep breath closing his eyes, looking up to the sky before he wipes the sweat from his face and looks around...he gets a few knowing nods of respect from some of the crew and other wrestlers.)

Sound Guy: Helluva match, Jack!

Jack Russow: Yeah...yeah...thanks…

(Jack looks around before he remembers Alanah isn’t allowed to come wait for him at the curtain...for his first professional loss, he was alone. He hangs his head in shame and makes his way towards the trainers room to get checked out. The entire flight home he has his headphones in and just continues staring at the ceiling. Alanah was, of course, out in the main section of the plane freaking out and girl-talking with the newly-engaged Bella and Malachi as Levi was popping bottles of champagne in celebration as the plane lands for a quick refueling...he hears Alanah coming and he rolls over putting his earbuds deeper in his ears pretending to be asleep. Alanah gently shakes him which he obviously feels...but doesn’t respond. So she crawls up and kisses him on the cheek and leaves him to “sleep”. Once the partition closes he rolls back over and looks at his travel bag. The memory of that last match just won’t let go...Russow’s were never exactly known for being losers and he thought he even detected a hint of resignation when he saw his father. After all...Bella and Malachi had won THEIR match and were number one contenders and meanwhile Jack couldn’t take out some scrub from the “Underground”, champion though he may be?)

Jack Russow: ...why the fuck...am I doing this? Why the fuck am I even here?

(He’d made a rookie mistake...it was bound to happen. He was 19, what...did he think he was just gonna be some unstoppable juggernaut that would go undefeated his entire career?

...OF COURSE HE DID…

THAT’S WHAT WAS EXPECTED OF HIM!!!

And now he’d embarrassed himself on International TV...he’d put a blemish on the “Russow Name”, GOD did he ever resent the “Russow Name”. He never felt like one! He never BELONGED with them! His best friend Mack fit in with his own father more than Jack ever did. But there was no use in getting worked up about it now...not when you’re in a tin can with nowhere to go. And so dipping into the medicine cabinet, Jack takes a few Ambien and promptly allows him to pass out for real for the rest of the flight.)

-LAS VEGAS, NEVADA-

“Bright light city gonna set my soul!
Gonna set my soul on fire!
Got a whol-”

*Record Scratch*

(No. We’re not fuckin’ doin’ THAT third grade bullshit. The plane finally lands on the tarmac and almost immediately...Jack has pushed his way through the plane to be the first one off. The chauffeur approaches and offers to take his bags as Jack waves him off and throws it in the trunk himself looking longingly at the end compartment before swinging around and nearly throwing himself in the car before he’s stopped.)

Levi Russow: Woah woah woah firecracker, what’s your hurry!

Jack Russow: Tired.

Levi Russow: ...oooookay? Well I’ve got us set up at the Bellagio in the Two-Bedroom Penthouse Suite.

Jack Russow: ...I thought they were closed.

Levi Russow: Money opens doors, son. Learn that.

(Levi was obviously joking but Jack rolls his eyes and annoyed, throws himself into the car anyway pressing his fingers into his eyes. Suddenly he feels a slender body slide into the seat beside him and take his hand.)

Alanah O’Connell: So...you ready to talk to me now?

Jack Russow: I was never avoiding you.

Alanah O’Connell: Jack...what’s wrong? I can’t help you if you’re just gonna shut me out all the time!

Jack Russow: It’s a problem...I’ve gotta deal with, babe. And I don’t wanna burden you with it because you’ve got enough on your hands. Speaking of which, did you use the Purell when you got off the plane?

Alanah O’Connell: Yes, MUM...geez, for the last time I’m just fine!

Jack Russow: I cannot...I WILL not...take any chances with you. You are too important.

(He kisses Alanah on the forehead but it feels...different to her. She rests her head on his shoulders as Jack looks out the window and sees Bella with her arms crossed looking kinda upset in his direction as he tells the driver to take off.)

Alanah O’Connell: We could’v-

Jack Russow: Babe. I know your heart is in the right place. But right now. No. I was trapped with them the WHOLE TOUR...I’ve had them shoved IN MY FACE for WEEKS now. SO PLEASE... No.

Alanah O’Connell: Oh...okay…

(Alanah cuddles back up to Jack who lays his head back and closes his eyes as we see hers are still wide open and looking very concerned.)

-HERE’S LOOKIN’ AT YOU, KID-

(We open again to the interior of the nicest hotel room you could ever imagine...Alanah is like a little kid in a candy store darting around playing with all the buttons and knobs and anything she can get her hands on...when suddenly there’s a knock at the door. They look at each other confused as a booming voice cries out…)

“PUPPY DELIVERYYYY!!!”

(Alanah absolutely jumps out of her skin shrieking as she bolts to the front door and throws it open to see Potato and Lady file in and Mattie Cormier standing with little Pip in her arms as both girls shriek at the top of their lungs and do the weird little double kiss thing as Alanah grabs Pip and bounces him up in the air and wiggles noses with him and cuddles him to death. Both girls start gossiping 90 miles an hour in 0 seconds flat, so fast you can’t understand what they’re saying as Mack McKane comes sauntering into the room wearing one of his ever-daunting face masks. He sees Jack and nods swaggering over.)

Jack Russow: Dear Grim Reaper, if you’re here for my soul-

Mack McKane: Bah...we both know you lost it when they signed the last name on the birth certificate.

Jack Russow: ‘least I HAVE a birth certificate.

Mack McKane: OUCHIES! My but the lady hath claws tonight...what’s got YOUR bollocks in a blender?

Jack Russow: I don’t know man I just…

(Just at that moment both frequencies aligned and both girls shrieked “BELLA AND MAL ARE ENGAAAAAGED!!! And they run off to the newly makeshift pillow fort Alanah built earlier that day out of boredom as Mack suddenly gets a look of knowing on his face.)

Mack McKane: ...so thassit then…

Jack Russow: I don’t wanna talk about it.

Mack McKane: Them ain’t the rules an’ you know i-

Jack Russow: I SAID I DON’T WANNA FUCKING TALK ABOUT IT.

(Suddenly Pip barks at Jack twice as Jack realizes he screamed that and everyone stopped to look at him as Alanah bounces him doing a funny voice in his ear.)

Alanah O’Connell: Dats RIGHT Pippers, you TELL daddy quit bein’ so MEAN!!!

(The girls are almost INSTANTLY back into gossipping about the engagement until you hear the sound of FaceTime chiming to life and then the swooping sound of someone answering and THREE women’s voices shrieking together as Jack gets a hang-dog look on his face like he might tear up in frustration.)

Jack Russow: ...we were there, Mack. I had it all planned out...we were gonna take a day or two...go visit her Da’s grave...watch the sunrise with him. What she didn’t know was I’d called her Ma and asked for permission...and I’d rounded up some of her old friends and her family...and they were gonna be hiding out, waiting there...the sun was gonna rise...I had a speech I was gonna say to her dad about loving her...and protecting her...and the night before we’re set to go…

...that fucking slack-jawed asshole proposes on a random-ass rooftop.

(Jack hauls off and throws whatever he can find around him as hard as he can as Mack facepalms.)

Mack McKane: You fookin’ nutter, you could have STILL DONE IT!!!

Jack Russow: Oh yeah, THAT woulda went well…*in a bad Bella impression* “HOW COULD YOU! THAT WAS *MY* MOMENT! HOW COULD YOU STEAL *OUR* MOMENT JUST CAUSE *YOU* HATE *MY* BOYFRIEND BECAUSE THE WORLD REVOLVES AROUND *ME*!!!”

Mack McKane: …’kay I see where you’re comin’ from, but also? Bit childish, mate?

Jack Russow: Oh well that’s PAR FOR THE FUCKIN’ COURSE THEN “INNIT”? ‘Cause that ENTIRE tour they all TREATED me like a child. I felt like I had NO support in that match against Cross and hey man...I get it. Everyone’s busy. I was freaking out about Alanah’s health, SHE wasn’t in a position to keep me level. And I was facing the champion of the SCUnderground...in HIS hometown...things looked pretty bleak for our hero, I *GET* that...but just...FUCK.

...ONE fuckin’ thing...I need ONE. FUCKING thing to go right.

(From the next room they hear the giddy voice of Bella shriek)

Bella Madison: OH MY GOD! We’re not that far away! I’ll be RIGHT over! WE NEED GIRL TIME AND DRINKS!!!

(Jack raises his hand towards them and looks at Mack with a look of utter disbelief in his eyes.)

Jack Russow: Called God. Busy signal AGAIN.

(Jack gets up and starts gathering his things and he FINALLY...unzips the end of his carry-on pulling out…

...a small red box.

He stares at it pained for a moment as Mack walks up and puts his hand on his shoulder.)

Mack McKane: ...so what’s plan B?

(Jack looks at his reflection in the mirror and sees the tears come to his eyes as he shakes the rage and nerves off before calmly turning to look at Mack holding the box and looking out at Alanah...thinking about his failure, and the fear of losing her, and the stupid timing of everything in between as he chuckles and looks Mack in the eye putting a hand back on his shoulder in return.)

Jack Russow: Best I can tell, man?

...I’m not meant to have one.

(He pats Mack on the back as Mack shakes his head.)

Mack McKane: Where you goin’? D’you want company?

Jack Russow: Don’t know. Not really.

Mack McKane: ...d’you wanna borrow my mask!? It keeps out pathogens and shit and people would leave yas alone!!!

(Jack continues walking as Mack flails his arms looking at Pip who’s sitting on the bathtub looking at him.)

Mack McKane: Nothing! Not even a chuckle! I tell ya boss, I’m not meant for the comedy game.

(Pip just continues to stare at Mack.)

Mack McKane: No I didn’t pack your “chariot”...wha-? Because I didn’t think we’d need a ROOMBA in a HOTEL ROOM...well I’m SORRY but you can’t always...oi! That’s not fair!

(Mack continues having a heart to heart conversation with Pip the Papillon as Jack takes one more look at the excited girls chattering away before he slips out of the door. He puts his earbuds in and puts his hood heavy over his head as he walks down the hallway, the elevator opens as soon as he gets to it and Bella Madison steps off...he doesn’t even look at her as they pass. She realizes it’s him and starts trying to talk to him as he hits the button and the door is closing right before she realizes and as she’s speaking he simply...points to his earbuds and the door closes)

-PRETENSE-

“GO AHEAD…
...MAKE ME THE BAD GUY!!!
How dare YOU guilt ME…
For not sticking around.
...as if YOU ever did for ME.

I’ll leave you in the DARK
With a BROKEN FLASHLIGHT…
...YOU LEFT ME WITH A CHOICE
AND A PRETENSE.”

(We rejoin Jack Russow walking the not-so-bustling streets of Las Vegas, THIS time it’s very apparent he has a camera crew with him as he drops one of the earbuds to hang so he can address the camera as he tucks his hands deeper into his pockets and looks around at all the lights as impersonators dance around him like Fat Elvis and Spider-Man Elvis and fuckin’ Britney Spears though...nowadays that might just be...y’know...HER. Jack shakes his head in disbelief and keeps walking.)

Jack Russow: Y’know you...I bet you’ve FORGOTTEN more about Vegas than I could ever learn, right Griff? As long as you’ve been in BOTH games this long. Probably played sold out shows at all these casinos...Devilition in its prime! Live...wild...unbridled! Just like you wrestle, right? Wherever you go...whatever you do...and no, I’m not quoting some played out Bryan Adams song, fuck that guy.

...actually fuck ya’ll, I like Bryan Adams. He’s a Canadian treasure.

Jack Russow: What the fuck...why’d I even...SAY that? See Griff I...I don’t know...how to approach you! Am I starstruck!? Is that what it is!? I’ve watched you for so long...mimicking your moves...your promos. YOU...were a STAR in my eyes! Of course I grew up in a household where...God bless him, my dad tried to raise me but how can you raise a kid when you’re not done growing up yourself?

(A montage plays of Levi Russow doing extreme sports, throwing massive parties, going completely psycho trying to kill his own family, jumping off the top of his manor into a bouncy castle just to see if he could it’s like...it was the life the Tiger King wanted to live except no polygamy, no butt stuff, and no FUCKIN’ BITCH CAROLE BASKINS!!! We see Jack has slid his way into the Casino backstage as the stage crew has all gone to their respective rooms for the night as Jack walks into the empty “arena” and he gets an uneasy feeling.)

Jack Russow: What the fuck is this? How the fuck did I get here? I’m in a CASINO...in LAS VEGAS...fighting for something called the ROULETTE CHAMPIONSHIP...and I’M not even allowed to DRINK or even walk the Casino FLOORS. If there’s a GOD...this is a WEIRD fuckin’ joke man.

(Jack speeds his way to the middle of the room where the ring is set up and he slides in lying there looking at the ceiling for a moment before sliding his legs out to dangle off the side as he lays his torso across the bottom rope.)

Jack Russow: Yeah y’know this whole...this whole meeting of the worlds thing, it’s got me thinking. My SCW life can collide with my PWS:Apex life and everything could fuckin’ blow up in my face at any minute and THEN I stop and I realize...no it can’t! It can’t because I HAVE...no lives of my own. I’m not even on the radar in PWS: Apex...Malachi and my best friend Mack are your championship wet dream about to go one hour in an Iron Man match. My GIRLFRIEND...my Wild Irish Rose, Alanah O’Connell is about to DEFEND…*HER* TITLE...against my supposed “Best Friend” Bella Madison! I’m not even a spoke on the wheel! And then I look...I look at SCW, the chance I took! The land of opportunity! The place I was going to BRANCH OUT! And make my OWN name! Be my OWN man! Aaaaaand there’s Bella and Mal...winning some intergender number one contendership. And there’s Alanah’s brother Lach...HELL of an athlete...just higher up on the card than me INSTANTLY in an Internet title match against a man I daresay I don’t ever look forward to crossing paths with...Austin James Mercer.

...so what about me?

...all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, y’know?

(Jack suddenly produces a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and packs them...then opens the pack and pops one in his mouth. With it still pressed in his lips...he continues to speak.)

Jack Russow: So go on Griff...this is ME...sitting under the learning tree. We’ve had our tit-for-tat on Twitter...we’ve done the “my biggest challenge” THIS and the “I respect you so much” THAT and we’ve blown so much proverbial smoke up each others asses I’m thinking to myself “This is Griffin...FFFUCKIN’ Hawkins, man! This is the BIG TIME!”

...and I freeze.

Like a Goddamn...deer in the headlights.

(Jack holds up the pack of cigarettes and twirls them around in his fingers.)

Jack Russow: You told me...that you see a lot of yourself...what you USED to be in me. So please, Griff...please do me the honor and ELABORATE on that. Tell me ‘bout your family? Tell me ‘bout your friends? Give me some good ‘ol WAR stories so I know what I’m in for if I keep this God awful attempt at being a professional wrestler a try! Because I’m gonna level with you, Griff. Because one thing I’ve noticed in your long, and storied career...is when someone is faced with the prospect of FACING you a LOT of times...they aim to jump you from behind. See THAT one...I learned LONG ago...to keep my head on a swivel. Ever since I was a kid. You think you see so much of yourself in me? Alright, let’s see how much ME you can relate to.

(Jack jiggles the pack of cigarettes between his fingers.)

Jack Russow: I’ve been carrying these around...since the day I started training almost a YEAR ago now. I showed up to class...just like everyone else...and these were sitting in my locker with a Post-It note that said “Start Now. You’ll Need Them When I’m Done With You”...they were from my fucking FATHER, Griff. What kind of back-ass Breakfast Club “EY SMOKE UP JOHNNY” bullshit is THAT? But I got what he meant...he beat my ass from sun up until sun down. I don’t mean “he put me through a lot of drills” I mean when all my classmates would go home...I was still there...and dear old DAD well...he’s had a lotta PROBLEMS over the years and the ring is “therapeutic” for him...so when your Hall of Fame caliber, championship machine father stands across from you in a broken down plywood ring and he gets that Thousand Yard ‘Nam stare...you’re not his son anymore, you’re his target. But I get it…”poor Jack”, right? Nah...fuck your pity and fuck your sympathy. And fuck...your...cancer.

(Jack spits the cigarette unlit out of his mouth and crushes the pack in his hand tossing them over his shoulder as he rests his chin on the back of his hands across the bottom rope.)

Jack Russow: And none of this...will mean a DAMN thing to you, Griffin Hawkins. See I had a band too! And we were just starting to get regular opening gigs for bands like Shinedown and Breaking Benjamin! We were starting to get noticed and I even had a contract BUT!

...do you know how many of my “friends”...my own ‘FAMILY”...*STILL* said to give it up, there was no career in music?

Jack Russow: I had...hundreds of fans showing up...singing MY words back to me! There were a few songs we’d cut the instruments at the end and just let them sing the rest of the song FOR us! Now THAT one...THAT one I KNOW you feel me on Griff! But I took...a left turn. ‘Cause I wanted to make...dear old Dad proud. Are ya noticin’ a theme here, Griff? I’m the poster child of Daddy Issues! Should make me MORE than easier to RIP apart! God knows Mark Cross did! I stacked him up...IN HIS HOMETOWN...he still handed me the first real loss I’ve ever felt in my life and TRUST ME...this isn’t sour grapes...there IS no “Poor Jack” here! I fought my ass off...I showed what I was made of...but I made ROOKIE MISTAKES and I WILL not be doing that again. I-...

(Jack starts to get fired up but suddenly waves a finger at the camera chuckling to himself.)

Jack Russow: ...I know why I’m here. I know...what I wanted to come out of this, Griff. I wanted to give you a glimpse behind the curtain! Because for all my flash, for all my bravado? I’m still a wet-behind-the-ears rookie...that can’t...beat you.

...I...CAN’T beat you, Griffin Hawkins…

Jack Russow: Is that what you wanted to hear? Is that all everybody, is that all every fucking talking head in my ear lately wanted me to admit!? I’m a ROOKIE...I’m not even supposed to BE HERE. *I’M* supposed...to go out and make the Once and Future King, Griffin Hawkins...the Golden GOD of Rock ‘N Wrestling...look like the supernova he is as he CONTINUES on his ever-impressive streak! This was supposed to be nothing more than a quick bank off my last name and his legacy...this was supposed to give me the rub from the Old Gods to show I *COULD* be the future...while I made them look like they were in the past! I’m a journeyman...a curtain jerker! I am not fit...to lace your boots.

...is what every...fucking...turncoat...wants me to say to you.

Jack Russow: In reality Griff, that loss? That loss DID change me. That loss left a PIT in the bottom of my stomach and I haven’t felt right since. Questioning if this was for me while I watched the love of my life go through the scariest tests I’ve ever endured on baited breath...listening to your legions of fans spit in my face and tell me I had a date with the “Devil of Devilition” and honestly Griff? I...I don’t buy it. I don’t buy the mystique, I don’t buy the bravado, I don’t buy the bullshit. But here’s what I buy...here’s what I BELIEVE.

I BELIEVE...you are one of the Greats. Probably of All-Time.

I BELIEVE...when you’re on your game...there’s not a soul that could touch you.

I BELIEVE...that NONE of your championship WINS or DEFENSES have been a fluke.

...BUT…

I BELIEVE...that time and tide are on my side.

I BELIEVE...that I have every proper motivation...to TAKE the Roulette title from you NO MATTER the match.

I BELIEVE...that if you’re gonna beat me? You’re gonna fuckin’ earn EVERY. INCH.

I BELIEVE...THAT IF YOUR GROUPIES DON’T LIKE IT...THEY CAN BITE MY LEFT ONE.

BECAUSE I BELIEVE...THAT FOR ALL THE RESPECT I HAVE FOR YOU...I’M GONNA KICK. YOUR. ASS!!!

Security Guard: HEY! YOU CAN’T BE IN HERE!

(Jack flips his hood back over his head sliding out…)

Jack Russow: ...don’t let me down, old man...I’ll see you REAL soon…

(With that Jack runs off as security gives chase.)

 (We hear the roar of fans in the parking lot of the latest PWS: Apex Riot show as the interior camera of a limousine shows Alanah O’Connell step inside as a straining Jack Russow follows in behind her, they both give one more wave as the driver shuts the door.)

Jack Russow: This...is gonna suck.

Alanah O’Connell: Oh don’t be so sour...I’ll keep you company!

Jack Russow: It’s not that babe, I think I tweaked my back trying to keep up with that Cabrera kid...y’know I think he might be ready to graduate from developmental.

Alanah O’Connell: Oh please mo chroi...he couldn’t keep up with you for a SECOND. That was another great win.

Jack Russow: ...over a trainee...in the middle of the card...on a show headlined by our boss trying her Goddamn best to screw over my best friend.

Alanah O’Connell: Bella’s mom had everything well in hand...and I know my brother. He’s been chomping at the bit ever since Mack beat him in their first match.

Jack Russow: ...he seems to have a habit of that.

Alanah O’Connell: Don’t start.

(Jack lays his head back and closes his eyes as Alanah curls her head up on his shoulder.)

Jack Russow: I don’t wanna think about it...I don’t wanna HEAR about them...I just want a nice...relaxing flight to Scotland. Just me...and you.

(The camera fades to black and when it comes back in it is some time later as we see the limo pull up to the tarmac of a private hangar. The driver gets out and opens the door as Jack cranes himself painfully out of the seat stretching his back before turning and offering his hand to help Alanah out of the limo as they start walking towards the plane.)

Jack Russow: Y’know people might give me shit for it but...sometimes it DOES pay to be a kid of privilege.

(When they get to the plane they are greeted by Jack’s father, The Iceman Levi Russow stepping out of the plane and hopping down the ladder walking up and embracing his son.)

Levi Russow: Helluva win, HELLUVA show kid! I’m so proud o’ you!

Jack Russow: I didn’t know you’d be here! Are you going to Scotland with us!?

Levi Russow: Well seeing as how it’s MY jet and I don’t want anything broken on it? Yes we are.

Jack Russow: ...we?

(Almost on cue two behemoth sized bodyguards step off the plane...following Slappy McGoo.)

Slappy McGoo: Hullo!

Jack Russow: THE SLAPMASTER GENERAL IS COMING!? This is gonna be kick-ass!!!

(Jack bearhugs Slappy as Slappy lets go and turns to hug Alanah.)

Jack Russow: What’s with the security guards, dad?

(Levi turns and looks at Alanah with a look of utter dread on hsi face.)

Levi Russow: ...you didn’t tell him…

Alanah O’Connell: I was gonna! But it...it kinda never came up and we mighta fallen asleep on the way here…

(Jack suddenly gets a very concerned look on his face.)

Jack Russow: What are you talking about? Tell me on the plane, let’s go! The faster we’re wheels up the more rest I get when we get there!

Levi Russow: ...we ain’t leavin’ yet, kid.

Jack Russow: ...wwwwwwhy?

(Jack suddenly looks at the security and then at the looks on Alanah, Slappy, and Levi’s faces and reality hits him like a brick...and he instantly begins seething.)

Jack Russow: Fuck. That.

Levi Russow: My plane. My rules.

Jack Russow: Then fuck your plane, fuck your rules, and fuck YOU. I will SAIL to Scotland before I get in this tin can with THEM.

Levi Russow: Kid what’s gotten into you? Bella’s your best friend?

Jack Russow: I won the match. Okay? I won the fuckin’ match. End of story. So just because your boy toy took an L, if you’re supposed to be my best friend, doesn’t mean you get to go talking all that SHIT on Twitter like “oh he never pinned Mal and I KNOW that eats at him!” trying to undermine what I’ve done and if I see his bitch-ass little weasel face whining “yew didun’t beet mee!!!” I’ll kick open that door and push that motherfucker out at 35,000 feet!

Alanah O’Connell: JACK ALEXANDER!!!

Jack Russow: WHAT!? I know, I know...he’s your brother. And hey! I never held that against you babe! You can’t pick your family! But your brother is a downright egotistical PRICK who can’t stand the fact he had to watch me take the win he couldn’t outsmart the old man to muster himself! And y’know what? GOOD. That’s fuckin’ karma!

Alanah O’Connell: Jack Russow I am two seconds away from getting quite cross with you?

Jack Russow: Why? ‘Cause I’m right?

(Just then the car pulls up adjacent to the limo as Bella Madison and Malachi step out...Mal and Jack are instantly glaring at each other as Mal mouths something and Jack drops his bag and takes a leap barely being pulled back in time by the massive hand of Slappy McGoo. Bella and Malachi approach as Levi gives Bella a hug.)

Levi Russow: Look. This kid, whether you two are at each other’s throats or not, is family. And if it can help them get there comfortably and save a buck or two...they’re damn sure hitchin’ a ride. Now stop being a damn child and get on the plane.

(Jack pushes Slappy’s arm off of him as he glares at Alanah who looks a bit regretful she didn’t tell him as he takes one step forward and starts putting in his earbuds.)

Jack Russow: I got the room in the back of the plane so I can lay down. You can do whatever, just stay the fuck away from me.

Bella Madison: Okay SERIOUSLY? WHAT is your fucking problem!?

Jack Russow: My PROBLEM is that everyone keeps telling me you’re my “best friend” and you haven’t done a damn thing to act like it in months. I saved your ass time and time again, didn’t ask for a thank you. Just kinda expected you wouldn’t be talking shit everytime your bitch and I get into a spat.

Alanah O’Connell: JACK!

Jack Russow: No! I said it. I said it before they got here so I’ll damn sure say it now that they can hear. I see your little jabs on Twitter “he didn’t pin Mal and I KNOW that bothers him” no...no you fuckin’ don’t. Because it DOESN’T. His bruised ego doesn’t mean SHIT to me. I took the win, he took the loss, I’m the number one contender. Everyone got it? Good. Now let’s get this the fuck over with.

(Jack shoves his bag into one of the bodyguards arms as he rushes up the steps of the plane making his way to the very back in the tail that’d been converted into a small bedroom as he reaches into the little closet and pulls out his guitar as he turns around. He sees everyone else getting on board and Alanah giving him a stern, almost MEAN look as Jack looks back at her...deadpanned...and hits the button sliding the door closed. He throws himself on the bed with his headphones blaring as he closes his eyes.)

-Some Time Passes-

(Jack wakes up and slides up in the bed rubbing his face...his playlist had ended so he hits replay and picks up his guitar playing along. Suddenly the door slides open and Jack instantly glares towards the entrance after demanding he not be bothered but softens a bit when he sees Alanah step through and close the door behind her pressing her forehead against it before turning around and cupping her hands together behind her back looking at him. His eyes are closed as he plays along with the song blaring through the headphones until she calmly walks over and pulls his headphones out.)

Alanah O’Connell: Are you gonna avoid me the whole flight?

Jack Russow: That really depends on you, doesn’t it.

Alanah O’Connell: Look...I’m sorry I didn’t tell you they were coming, I didn’t think it’d be that big a deal or that you’d act this…

Jack Russow: Act this what? Go on. Finish your thought, babe. Act. This. What?

Alanah O’Connell: BLOODY CHILDISH!!!

(Jack grabs the hole in his guitar and pushes it off to the side pointing at her.)

Jack Russow: That. THAT right there.

Alanah O’Connell: What!?

Jack Russow: All of you. Every. Single. One of you. You not so much but THEM? My father...my “best friend”...your brother...EVERYONE talks down to me because of my age. You all call it “constructive criticism”, I call it “butting in where no one asked you”. And so when I lash out at everyone calling me “childish” because I have a LEGIT problem with them, it makes me feel like NONE of you take me seriously and NONE of you are in my corner!

Alanah O’Connell: I LOVE YOU, YA DAFT BASTARD!!! How much more “in your corner” can I be!?

Jack Russow: So your brother can act like a complete dickhead and pick all the fights with me he wants but when I retaliate I’M being childish and “attacking” your brother who’s coming after ME in the first place? MEANWHILE...my supposed “Best Friend”...y’know I get it, she loves him and they’re all gaga over each other but every win I’ve taken...not ONCE did I get a “congratulations” or a “good win” or anything and that’s FINE...I don’t need a response or validation at all. But she can’t help herself...she nitpicks at every little thing and when I get into with Mal I’M always the asshole. So fine! You all want an asshole? I’ll be your asshole.

(Alanah caresses Jack’s face with her hand as we see him seething with tears in his eyes.)

Alanah O’Connell: …*I* see you...and I’M proud of you...isn’t that enough?

Jack Russow: It’s more than enough...until you turn around and side against me.

Alanah O’Connell: I NEVER SIDE AGAINST YOU! But you’re bickering with my brother! How do you think that makes ME feel!? I can’t PICK a side, I have to sit on the sidelines and watch both of you tear each other apart while my heart breaks and you’re both too PIG-HEADED to notice!!!

(That hits Jack like a ton of bricks as Alanah starts crying...Jack reaches out and takes her hand as she looks at him and completely busts out bawling throwing her head against his chest as he pulls her up on the bed and cuddles her against his chest.)

Jack Russow: ...I’m sorry, babe. You’re totally right...I never thought of it that way. Hurting you and breaking your heart...is the absolute LAST thing I wanna do. But I HAVE tried. I’ve tried, and tried, and tried again to extend an olive branch and be nice to him. He and I will never be friends, I get that...but I don’t wanna break your heart anymore...so regardless of what those two say, I’m gonna let it die. It doesn’t matter who pinned who or who DIDN’T pin who...if I were a real professional I’d have already put it behind me and started preparing for the title shot itself.

(Jack lifts her chin up to look at him as he kisses her gently as she sniffles and he wiipes a tear away.)

Jack Russow: ...I will do...whatever you want me to do...because these past few hours have been a nightmare without you. I love you...more than you’ll ever know.

Alanah O’Connell: No more fight?

Jack Russow: No more fight.

(Alanah reaches over and grabs Jack’s guitar sliding up to sit beside him and putting it in his hands before taking one of his earbuds and putting it in her ear.)

Alanah O’Connell: Well, rockstar? As you were. Give me a song!

(Jack smiles and hits play and starts playing an acoustic version of “Figure Eight” by Trophy Eyes. Alanah listens very intently as she listens along...before she reaches over and double taps Jack’s throat indicating she wants him to sing for her…)

Jack Russow: *Singing*
Can you feel it inside?
Everything can change in the light.
They’re singin’ just for you tonight…
…’Cause baby you’re the star in my eyes!
Say it like you mean it…
Do you trust me now?
Call it like you see it…
Are we burning out?
...I wish you could FEEL it like I do!
Everything I’ve DONE, I do it all for YOU!
Say it like you mean it…
...do you trust me...now?

(Alanah grabs his face and kisses him passionately as they rest their foreheads against each other.)

Alanah O’Connell: ...with all my heart, mo chroi.

(They kiss again as Jack screams as loud as he can…)

Jack Russow: HEY NOBODY COME BACK HERE, I’M IMPREGNATING MAL’S SISTER!!!

(Alanah breaks out bright red and slaps his shoulder as hard as she can as they cuddle up together listening to the song and falling asleep in each others arms for the rest of the flight.)

-THE JOKER AND THE THIEF-

(The plane has landed, the body has been rested, and the camera opens with a familiar guitar riff as we see a montage of a crew scuttling around setting up the arena in Scotland before cutting back to the locker room where we see close ups of a man wrapping wrist tape, pulling on his kneepads, etc...as “Joker And The Thief” by Wolfmother drums and riffs on…)

“THEY SAY THE JOKER IS A WANTED MAN…
HE MAKES HIS WAY ALL ACROSS THE LAND…
SEE HIM SIFTING THROUGH THE SAND…
...SO I’LL TELL YA ALL THE STORY,
‘BOUT THE JOKER AND THE THIEF
IN THE NIGHT!!!”

(Suddenly the camera finds a young Jack Russow in full gear sitting on the production crates as seems to be a recurring theme with him except this time he’s already got Alanah O’Connell cuddled up next to him as he fixes his wrist tape. They hop off the crate and start walking hand in hand down the hallway until a door opens next to them and a billowing cloud of smoke comes pouring out as Alanah covers her mouth and Jack looks completely perplexed as a the notorious new backstage reporter “Stoner” Scott Oliver stumbles out looking around like the lights are destroying his eyes...he finally focuses and sees Jack and Alanah who has moved to Jack’s opposite side. Suddenly Scott gets very excited.)

“Stoner” Scott Oliver: OH! BRO! Whassup man!

Jack Russow: ...how fuckin’ high are you right now?

“Stoner” Scott Oliver: Iunno like 5’10”?

Jack Russow: ...I asked...I knew, and yet, I asked…

“Stoner” Scott Oliver: So like, DUDE! Hey man...I got a question for ya…

Jack Russow: ...are you even aware you’re wearing a kilt right now or was that COMPLETELY by accident?

(Scott sways a little looking confused at Jack...then looks down with the camera following his gaze...and sees he is, in fact, wearing a kilt.)

“Stoner” Scott Oliver: OH HOLY SHIT DUDE!!! Well hey! “When In Rome” right!?

Jack Russow: Weeeee’re in Scotland, but...yeah okay.

(Scott smacks his lips twice with a glazed look in his eyes and a weird smile just...staring at Jack and Alanah.)

Jack Russow: ...your question?

“Stoner” Scott Oliver: Huh?

Jack Russow: You said you had a questi-

“Stoner” Scott Oliver: OH DUDE! I got a question for ya…

Jack Russow: I’M AWARE!

“Stoner” Scott Oliver: Oh...fuck, I thought you were Jack Russow.

Jack Russow: I AM JU-

Alanah O’Connell: Scott, sweetie, what were you going to ask?

“Stoner” Scott Oliver: OH! RIGHT! So like...you have been tearin’ it UP since you got here man! Like 0 and 2 or somethin’ like that?

Jack Russow: Switch that?

“Stoner” Scott Oliver: Switchfoot?

Jack Russow: No it’s ju-...I’m undefeated. Let’s just call it undefeated.

“Stoner” Scott Oliver: Mmkay! Like...so at My Bloody Valentine 3 you kinda shocked the world comin’ outta nowhere to get that win and becoming number one contender to the Roulette championship so like...how’ve you been FEELING since that, man?

Jack Russow: It’s been pretty awful, if I’m being honest. I should be celebrating but instead I have people coming out of the woodwork since we landed...England, Ireland, Scotland...all of ‘em showing out to remind me that I won the match but I didn’t beat the “homegrown” boy or whatever. And that’s fine, I’ve come to grips with that. I didn’t pin Malachi. Didn’t really NEED to, now did I? So let him seethe away on that, I don’t care. Other than that...SCW has been an amazing experience.

“Stoner” Scott Oliver: That’s what’s up...so like, your family is like, famous and shit right?

Jack Russow: My dad had a 20 year long career with multiple, multiple, multiple accomplishments...I came here so I wouldn’t have to talk about that.

“Stoner” Scott Oliver: But I mean like, that’s a lot of PRESSURE isn’t it?

Jack Russow: It can be...but I think I’ve shown, judging from my professional wrestling track record across both companies I’m signed to, that I’m more than up for the challenge. No one’s beaten me yet...and no one WILL.

“Stoner” Scott Oliver: But dude, like...you gotta face CALEB FUCKIN’ STORMS this week bro! He’s the number one contender challenging Austin James Mercer for the Internet Championship! This dude’s like...NEXT LEVEL, bro! How you feelin’ comin’ into this match against that raw power metalhead!? SLAYERRRRRRR!!!

Jack Russow: Caleb Storms has been nothing but impressive. Trust me, even before I got here I was hearing about him. And I’m sure he and Mercer will have a match for the ages, it’s true! Just like I’ll have a match for the ages with the Roulette champion when the time comes at Blaze of Glory. Because as good as Caleb Storms is...I’m just that little inch better. For every achievement he’s clawing for, I’m draping my legacy in gold...they just don’t know it yet. And so I want Caleb to be very...VERY clear on something…

...if you overlook me? I WILL break a limb.

(Scott’s eyes bug outta his head and he looks instantly afraid for his life as he starts shifting uncontrollably.)

“Stoner” Scott Oliver: S’a little...little dark there, don’tcha think dude?

Jack Russow: No. I don’t think it’s dark enough. Because each and every one of those talking heads on the microphone, of those keyboard warriors on Twitter, of those basement dwelling marks who THINK they can but could never be able to bring a SMIDGE of the athleticism and aerial dynamics I bring to a match? My anger...my rage...my frustration builds and I’m not the kinda guy...to just go around swinging wildly, that’s not me. I’m not the guy that’s gonna bust you in the back of the head with a chair when you’re not READY...that’s not ME. I’M not the guy...to step into the RING with...I’M not the guy who’s just gonna “lay down” because you THINK you have some glorious claim to face some beast for a title...representing the INTERNET. No, no see...I LIKE the Roulette title. I LIKE the uncertainty, the Wildcard...I LIKE not knowing what I’m walking into or even knowing if I’ll be walking OUT the same. And so I’m gonna practice...because practice makes perfect. And my sparring dummy...will be the corpse of Caleb Storms.

(Scott exaggeratingly blinks his eyes and says “woahhhh” as he looks around hoping someone safe is nearby.)

“Stoner” Scott Oliver: So like...speaking of the Roulette Championship...is there anybody in particular you’re hoping holds it when you get to them?

Jack Russow: Griffin. FUCKING. Hawkins.

“Stoner” Scott Oliver: HELLS yeah, that’s my BOY! Wait, what’chu got against Griff!?

Jack Russow: I have nothing against Griff. I have nothing but RESPECT for Griff. And that’s why, for me to make my own legacy...for this whole experiment to pan out...it has to be HIM. I *HAVE* to face Griffin Hawkins because he said it best...I see a lot of my dad and my uncles in him and he sees a lot of his younger self in me. And I wanna know...I wanna know if I can hang with a man who is, aside from a dude named Manny and another dude named Redd Thunder, THE most popular professional wrestler in the world. And it markets ITSELF! It’ll be the Battle of the Bands! I was a HUGE Devilition fan growing up...Hell they inspired me to start my OWN touring band, The Fall Back Plan. I owe EVERYTHING to guys like Griffin Hawkins! And THAT’S why...I need THAT stamp of approval!

“Stoner” Scott Oliver: But like... you just warned Caleb Storms about overlooking YOU...d’you think you might be overlooking HIM?

Jack Russow: Bro, I’m 6’2” I can’t look over MOST of this roster.

“Stoner'' Scott Oliver: EYYYYY I see what’cha did there!

Jack Russow: I can’t overlook what I can’t expect. I came into this company with knowledge of like, five people at BEST. So more than likely, and with Caleb Storms especially...each and every time I walk out to that ring, I have no IDEA what I’m getting myself into. And that’s the way I like it. I like that feeling of uncertainty, I LIKE that slight feeling of panic, I LIKE that overwhelming rush of confidence when I’ve taken their body in my hands and I can FEEL I’m the one more physically suited to BREAK them if i wanted. That’s why they want me for the Roulette title...because fuck Simon Cowell, I’M the X Factor! I’M the Wild Card! I’M the Black Sheep! I’m a hobo with a jug o’ wine! I will pray for your soul while I twist the knife in your back. I will quote Manson and Dahmer as I cradle your head in my hands. Because I am...and it’s very, VERY important you hear me on this Caleb...I am a very, VERY dangerous man that is capable of doing terrible...TERRIBLE things. I am the agent that decides your fate. They used to call my dad “The Oncoming Storm”...and he’s put me in the hospital three times. So what...do you think a pissant “metalhead” like YOU...could possibly do to ME?

I AM THE GOD-FORSAKEN BLACK SHEEP!!!

I AM THE PUNK THAT WAS PROMISED!!!

I AM JACK RUSSOW...AND I AM...A

REAL.

WILD.

CHILD!!!!

(Jack clicks his teeth and winks at Scott who didn’t catch a word of that because a bug has flown by as Jack and Alanah walk off hand in hand.)

 (“All I Want” by A Day To Remember is still faintly playing out in the arena as Jack Russow comes stumbling back through the curtain holding his chest with both hands. He stumbles down the stairs and collapses on the ground, leaning up against a production box as a few people come by to congratulate him. He cracks a sideways grin like his father always does and slowly pulls himself back up breathing heavily still holding his chest. It’s not long before his girlfriend, Alanah O’Connell flies into frame wrapping her arms around him and kissing him. He gingerly winces as she backs up.)

Alanah O’Connell: ...how bad is it?

(Jack moves both hands to show that his chest is no longer it’s usual bronzed color, it’s now bright red, bleeding, and resembling that of thawing hamburger meat. Alanah’s hands cusp her mouth as Jack, struggling to catch his breath, sees the camera nearby.)

Jack Russow: I...I want each and every...one of you. To take a look at this. GET A SHOT OF THIS!!!

(The camera zooms in on Jack’s chest, nearly caved in by the massive, hellacious chops by Erik Kuttner as Jack wipes away a trickle of blood and looks at it glistening on his hand as he shows it to the camera.)

Jack Russow: You think I haven’t paid my dues? YOU THINK...I DON’T KNOW WHAT I’M IN FOR!? Nah nah nah...I just showed you...I just showed the WORLD. That I am almost always...OUTSIZED...I’m almost always...OUTMATCHED...but I am NEVER...OUTWORKED. So each and every one of you...you hear that reaction out there?

(They are still showing replays out in the arena of the match as the fans are still chanting “JACK! JACK! JACK!”)

Jack Russow: That is REAL...THAT...is what I  FIGHT FOR!!! I fight...for each and every single one of you...that has been told “no”. I fight for each and every one of you that have been told “you’re too small”...”you’re not TALL enough”...”you’re NOT. GOOD. ENOUGH.” Born in privilege though I was...I was still criticized and ostracized…”you’ll never be as good as your dad”...”you’ll never be as good as your MOM”...”you’ll never be as good as your Uncles”...”you’re BARELY a Russow”! Understand...I am not HERE...to be the NEXT…”Great Russow”...I’M here...to be the first JACK Russow! And YOU...haven’t seen ANYTHING...like ME!!!

(Jack turns and puts his arm around Alanah walking off down the Hall)

-A FEW DAYS LATER-

(Jack winces as he struggles to bend his waist to get outta bed...he finally manages to swing his legs over the side and kinda thrust himself up...we see his chest has turned from just red to an almost beautiful display of red, purple, green, and yellow. He walks over and looks in Alanah’s vanity mirror gingerly touching his chest.)

Jack Russow: I look like a Goddamn Van Gogh painting…

Voice: ...as pretty as one too!

(Jack turns his head to see Alanah walk into the room as she walks up to him and gently wraps her arms around his waist kissing his shoulder.)

Jack Russow: Memo to self...if a big-ass German rears back...learn how to DODGE, amiright?

Alanah O’Connell: I’m so very proud of you…

(Jack turns and pulls her in closer kissing her forehead and hugging her tightly. They lean back pressing their foreheads together.)

Jack Russow: ...I have a bad feeling.

Alanah O’Connell: About what, mo chroi?

Jack Russow: I don’t know...I just have this nagging feeling that things are about to get hectic.

Alanah O’Connell: I would imagine...you’re working in two companies at once.

Jack Russow: No it feels...more than that.

(Jack’s phone suddenly goes off as he pulls away to check the text message informing him of his next match and once he reads it...his face drops completely.)

Jack Russow: ...and there it is.

Alanah O’Connell: What, babe? What’s wrong?

(Jack takes a deep breath and shows her the text message…)

*Congrats on the win. You made it onto My Bloody Valentine 3.
#1 Challenger Roulette. Triple Threat. Roulette Rules.
You’re facing Chris Crippler and-*

Alanah O’Connell: ...Malachi.

Jack Russow: Malachi.

(Alanah looks up from the phone to the stone gaze on Jack’s face...they knew SOMEDAY they would collide, but now...when they were just starting to warm up to each other…)

Alanah O’Connell: It’s okay. We’re professionals. This is what we do. You, him, and Crippler...whatever happens, happens. But please...PLEASE try not to get too carried away, mo chroi.

Jack Russow: I’ll show as much restraint as I can, my love. But I’ll tell you this now...I know how he fights, YOU know how he fights...this is gonna be intense. It’s gonna get rough. There’s still just...this tension between us whenever we’re near each other.

Alanah O’Connell: *sigh* I know, love...just…

(Jack walks over and lifts her chin kissing her.)

Jack Russow: I got this.

(Alanah cuddles against his chest again, her face heavy with concern as Jack looks out the window with a silent intensity...he didn’t wanna upset her…)

...but shit happens.

“I...won’t back down…
I WILL not bow…
(I’ve come to bring you Hell)
And I can’t forget…
The things you did.

-...I’VE COME TO BRING YOU HELL.-

(The scene opens back up with Jack Russow sitting in the middle of a sweat-stained ring looking around the warehouse converted into a wrestling gym...ran by his father, The (One TRUE) Iceman Levi Russow. Giant banners hang on the wall of the successful wrestlers who have made big names themselves in various places like the Russow’s home of PWS: Apex and even some from SCW. He looks around at the banners of Miles Kasey, Bella Madison, and even his own girlfriend, Alanah O’Connell. They’re intermingled between banners with big pictures of his family beaming down at him. Levi Russow, Emma Russow, Cameron O’Neil, Daniel Russow, Jesse Russow, even Slappy McGoo.)

Jack Russow: ...helluva sight, isn’t it? Welcome to The Russow Complex. Hasn’t been around all that long, if I’m bein’ honest. Dad only JUST retired and even then...you know how retirement goes in this sport. He’ll probably get the itch again and pop up somewhere, I don’t know...that’s not MY problem anymore. I did my part. I won him back from The Darkest Carnival and put that miserable sonuvabitch, sorry…”The Reverend Synister” back in his feeble, frail little hole.

...I did that.

Jack Russow: That was my first TECHNICAL “win” but if any of you saw it...and I’m certain you didn’t ‘cause why would you...it was a fix. I admit that. But I was still the one to step up, walk into that Godless carnival, and lay down the challenge. And then my second match? My aunt’s brother kept distracting the dude and I capitalized. I wasn’t proud of it...that wasn’t how I wanted to win...but I needed all the momentum I could. But after that?

...I...was a joke.

(Jack swings his legs in crossed style as he runs his hand along the mat.)

Jack Russow: See the fans...have been MORE than amazing to me. Far better than I deserve. But to every wrestler in that locker room...I was a sham. Two matches and I had help winning both of them? Nah...I knew it then. I knew I HAD to branch out and EARN respect. I had to go somewhere...where my last name meant NOTHING. Sure...it’s been tossed around SCW a couple times by the announcers but let’s be honest! You people don’t know me from Adam! And why would you? What...have *I* done? Look around...what DON’T you see?

(The camera pans around the warehouse looking at all the banners again and it’s noticeable...there’s one gaping hole next to the banner of Levi. Other than that...there was no banner for Jack. Jack points to the hole.)

Jack Russow: That’s me. That’s...where I’M supposed to be. So why aren’t I? Because...I haven’t EARNED it, yet. Bella earned hers by blasting my father in the face with a chair when he lost his damn mind and never backing down from anything after that. You all know her tenacity...that’s why she’s facing Candy for that title. Miles Kasey earned his by becoming the PWS: Apex United Champion and holding it for 138 days...RIGHT after he graduated from this gym. And Alanah? I’ll tell you right now...Alanah is the best O’Connell in professional wrestling right now. I don’t care that Malachi has a Heavyweight title right now...Alanah CRUSHED training...and as soon as she did? She ENDED Miles run as United Champion...she still holds it now. But here’s the thing…

(Jack lays back and kips up walking over to a turnbuckle leaning his forearms across the top as the camera shoots him from the floor.)

Jack Russow: NONE of that...means a damn thing to any of you. So why would I go to the trouble to say it? I’m giving you a little bit of insight as to what is driving ME now. Because you see...last Climax Control. I stepped into a foreign ring...BY MYSELF...and I will admit! I got the ever-loving SHIT chopped out of me. I’m still feeling that beating Erik Kuttner laid on me.

...but.

Jack Russow: How’d it end? Does anyone remember? I do...I Cut The Cord on him. See that’s what I call that super badass submission I’ve worked out. You just wait though...I’ve got SO much more to show you. I’m gonna show each and every one of you EVERYTHING. I tapped that big sonuvabitch out! And I punched my card...to My Bloody Valentine 3. Because I EARNED it!!!

(Jack slides under the bottom rope but sits on the apron looking a bit confused.)

Jack Russow: Guys, I’ll be honest with you...I’ve...NO fuckin’ clue what “Roulette Rules” are or how the Roulette Title even works. But here’s the thing...I don’t CARE. I assume I spin a wheel and it says something like “fight the entire match from your knees” or whatever bullshit like that and STILL...I DON’T...CARE. Because no one...NO ONE...wants to win this one more than me. I HAVE to.

(Jack cracks his neck and gets lost in thought for a moment before he starts chuckling to himself as he continues…)

Jack Russow: ...how much of a name would I make for myself if I were the one to finally put Chris Crippler out to pasture. See I was raised to always “respect your elders” but there’s one TEENSY conflict of interest in this case, Mr. “Crippler” IF that is your real name WHICH. I. DOUBT!

(Jack smashes his fist on the apron lightening the mood a bit before cracking the signature grin and continuing.)

Jack Russow: You have had...SUCH a spectacular career, haven’t you. How many titles have you held in your illustrious career, Double C? Hmm? How many injuries have you overcome...how many injuries have you INFLICTED? There's an entire biography behind those cold, dead eyes that I want to know. But I’m not much of a reader and you’re standing in my way so I’m gonna play that audiobook and listen so intently with every panicked scream escaping your body when I twist your joints and crack your marrow in ways not even YOU have endured before. The first piece of information I got before my first real match was to always have a stone cold “Poker Face’ and never let your enemy know what you’re gonna aim for. Yeah, yeah...I know. But we’ll call it even. I’m a struggling learner and you’re a hard study...it’s gonna be fun clashing with you. But I will do you the favor of letting you know my initial game plan now...I am taking you out...as quick as I can. Because you are the unwanted third wheel on a runaway train that’s been bound to collide for over a year now.

(Jack looks at the banners of Alanah and Bella and gets a sort of remorseful look on his face…)

Jack Russow: ...D’you know what it’s like to be damned if you do, damned if you don’t? See because even if I win this match, and believe me I WILL. I’ll have lost another battle. Alanah is the undisputed, absolute love of my life...and she’s Malachi’s sister. And Bella! Bella and I grew UP together...she used to watch out for me backstage to make sure I didn’t get into too much trouble...fat load of good THAT did, she was just as much trouble as ME. And when your parents are travelling the world nonstop...just ruthlessly BASHING each other’s heads in. You don’t really get a stable “home life”. It wasn’t like they had anywhere to just drop their kids off at and NOT see them for months at a time. So...they took us with them. We were tutored together...she was a couple grades ahead of me. She was always the smart one...she’s my best friend. When you’re jetted around the world together with no other kids to play with or bond with, you just naturally get closer...and then she left...she went to school in Paris after I chose Alanah…

...and that’s when she met...him.

(Jack kinda snarls a little bit before taking a breath and regaining his composure.)

Jack Russow: Since DAY. ONE. Malachi was nothing but a smart-ass, beef-starting, irritating, sniveling little asshole. He only started pursuing Bella because he knew...it was pissing us off. How were we to know that Bella would connect with him back and he GENUINELY fell for her. But still...STILL...that ENTIRE TIME. “Shitheel” this and “Cockknuckle” that! Just SPEWING the most vile, detestable, irritating, personally attacking, INTENDED bullshit. ANYTHING his weird, alien-ass shaped head could concoct! But I tried...I TRIED to break bread with him...to make PEACE with him. But no...the little prick couldn’t let himself seem WEAK could he!? I mean after ALL! He was living in Lachlan’s shadow!

...he was the silver place...yet again.

Jack Russow: See, for as angry as he is, for as irritating as he is, for as smart-assed, arrogant and blase’ as he is...Malachi’s problem, aside from a Napoleon complex, is that until Bella let him in...he has NEVER...been anyone’s first choice. Technically if you think about it he wasn’t even BELLA’S first choice...so he’s like, the BRONZE medal in that place. It went me...then Miles for a little bit because I fuckin’ hated him too and she thought hanging out with him would get under my skin...and THEN Malachi, who she started hanging out with because she knew THAT one would REALLY get under my skin. And it worked, Bells! Oh God it worked in spades but up until NOW...I’ve played nice...for your sister and your mother’s sake.

...your Ma says “Hi”, by the way...did you know telephones do more than play games and text? You should try it sometime.

Jack Russow: But I digress! That was neither here nor there, no...that was a blatant cheap shot. And I’m sorry for that. I’m better than taking the low road...which is more than we can say for dear, sweet, sacrificable Malachi. You stole...my best friend. The relationship between me and Bella hasn’t been the same since you poisoned it with your rat-like persistence. And NOW...you’re bonding with my OTHER best friend because he gutted you in a deathmatch!!!

...so that’s it?...THAT’S the key?

Jack Russow: ...I guess it makes sense. You and Lach have tolerated me up until this point...I guess it’s, as my boy Mack McKane would say, “an’ Irish tradition, innit?” If the way I’ve treated your sister and your mother hasn’t earned me a modicum of respect with you? Then I can’t WAIT for this match…because whether it’s YOU...or Chris Crippler…

...I’M just gonna have to beat the respect INTO you...see you soon. We’re JUST getting started.

(Jack winks at the camera as he hops of the ring and walks out of the warehouse.)