April 15, 2018
Sam’s Town
Las Vegas, NV

We catch up to our favorite cowboy backstage after Climax Control has gone off the air. “Big Country” Wyatt Peterson has just finished his match in the first round of the sixth annual Blast from the Past tournament. If you’re unfamiliar with the Blast from the Past tournament, it’s a yearly event that Sin City Wrestling puts on in honor of the legendary men and women of wrestling. Superstars and bombshells come from all over the world and from several different promotions to compete in mixed tag team action in hopes of winning an SCW championship match in their respective divisions. Unfortunately for Wyatt, him and his partner, Alana Allure, have just lost in the first round of the Blast from the Past to Chris Crippler and “Punk Princess” Amy Marshall and would not be advancing. Wyatt is sitting in the trainer’s room getting his surgically repaired neck checked out after his first match in about three years. The trainer is dressed casually in blue jeans and a button up shirt with a flannel design.  Blue latex gloves adorn his hands and he feels around Wyatt’s neck and shoulders.

Trainer: Any pain?

Wyatt: Nope. Just mah ego, a bit.

The trainer doesn’t even crack a grin at Wyatt’s poor attempt at a joke. He is too focused on examining the cowboy. After a few more moments, the trainer stops poking around and takes off his gloves, tossing them into a nearby trashcan. He picks up a clipboard and starts jotting down some notes as Wyatt watches him, waiting for the results.

Wyatt: Well… what’s the verdict, doc?

Trainer: Well… everything feels fine and you say you’re not in pain. I think you’re probably good to go.

Wyatt pumps his fist in celebration.

Wyatt: Alright! Too bad ah’m done wit’ this tourn’ment. It felt real good tah be back in the ring.

There’s a knock at the door, but before anyone can reply, the door opens and SCW’s backstage interviewer “Stoner” Scott Oliver pops his head into the room. He looks around and gets a big grin on his face when he sees Wyatt on the exam table.

Stoner: Hey cowboy, I don’t know what you did wrong, but Christian is looking for you. He said if I find you, to send you to his office. Good luck.

The stoner’s head disappears back into the hallway with the door closing behind him. Wyatt hops off of the exam table and takes the trainer’s hand in his to shake it.

Wyatt: Thanks, doc. Guess ah should go git mah pink slip from the boss. Ah’ll see ya ‘round.

Wyatt grabs his Stetson and places it on his head before leaving the room. The scene fades.



<hr width=50%>



Ten minutes later


The scene resumes in the office of SCW Owner Christian Underwood. His chair is turned away from his desk as he is in the middle of a phone call.

Christian: I understand, and that’s exactly why that rule was put into place. Now we have a way to deal with this situation without controversy. Well… not much controversy at least.

There is a knock at the door. Christian spins his chair to see Wyatt Peterson shyly opening the door. Christian waves Wyatt in. Wyatt makes his way into the room and closes the door behind him.

Christian: Look, it’s already a done deal. We will just have to move forward from here. I’ll talk to you later.

Christian ends his call and turns to face Wyatt as he puts his phone down onto his desk. With a smile, Christian motions to the chair on the opposite side of the desk.

Christian: Please, Wyatt, take a seat.

Wyatt does as he’s told, placing his Stetson in his lap as he sits down in the purple cushioned chair. Christian looks at the nervous cowboy for a moment before beginning.

Christian: Let me begin by saying how happy I was when you committed to the Blast from the Past tournament. After our little hiatus, we really needed some of the SCW originals to get it back off the ground.

Wyatt: Well, sir, t’was really an honor that ya had me back. It means a lot tah me tah start mah comeback in an SCW ring.

Christian: Yes, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. Your match tonight didn’t go as well as, I assume, you wished.

Wyatt rubs the back of his neck.

Wyatt: Yeah… ah guess ya could say that. It definitely woulda been nice tah at least last a couple matches.

Christian: Well, you’re in luck. Due to a small loophole, we are giving you a new partner and putting you back into the Blast from the Past quarter-finals next week.

This perks Wyatt right up as he straightens himself up in his chair.

Wyatt: Oh?

With a bit of a sly grin, Mr. Underwood gets ready to tell Wyatt who his new partner would be, but he is interrupted by an incoming call on his cell phone. Christian looks down at his phone on the desk and picks it up, putting up his index finger to indicate that it would be just a moment before answering the call.

Christian: This is Christian.

The voice on the other side of the phone is loud and urgent sounding. Christian’s demeanor changes to one of frustration.

Christian: Hold on just a moment.

Christian removes the phone from his ear to address Wyatt, who has taken to looking around the office at the artwork.

Christian: Wyatt, can we continue this later? I have to take this call.

Wyatt stands up quickly, almost tripping over his own feet in the process.

Wyatt: O’ course! Ah’ll catch up with ya later.

Wyatt places his Stetson back onto his head and tips it towards Christian before opening the door. Christian puts the phone back to his ear as Wyatt exits to the hallway, closing the door behind him. Before Wyatt can even take a step, he is bombarded by “Stoner” Scott Oliver and a cameraman.

Stoner: Wyatt, now that you’re back in the Blast from the Past tournament, what are your thoughts on being teamed up with the Punk Princess?

The stoner puts the microphone into Wyatt’s dumbfounded face as he attempts to process what was just asked.

Wyatt: Punk Princess? Wait a minute…

A big smile spreads across the big man’s face as he realizes who his partner is.

Wyatt: Are ya tellin’ me that mah new pardner is former Bombshell Champion Amy Marshall?

Stoner: Yeah. I thought Mr. Underwood just told you.

Wyatt: That’s the best news ah’ve heard all day! Me an’ Amy Marshall! YEEEEEEEHAWWWWW!!!

Wyatt disappears down the hall, celebrating the news of his new tag team partner. The Stoner is left outside Christian Underwood’s office looking on, perplexed, as the scene fades.



<hr width=50%>



April 17, 2018
Excalibur Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada

Before the scene even begins, the sound of loud chatter and excitement fills the room. The scene opens with an overview of the main casino floor at Excalibur in Las Vegas. The constant “DING DING DING!” from winning slot machines is the only sound that seems to overpower the chatter. We zoom in on a row of “Wheel Of Fortune” slot machines. A familiar hat adorns the head of one of the players. As we get closer, we realized that it’s “Big Country” Wyatt Peterson that is trying his luck at the machine. He pulls the handle and watches as the reels spin… and spin… and spin. After what feels like forever (which in reality was only about three seconds), the reels stop one by one. The first one stops at the Wheel of Fortune logo. Two more of these and the bonus wheel at the top of the machine would spin. The second one stops… another Wheel of Fortune logo. The third on takes the longest to stop. It leaves Wyatt (and us) in suspense until it stops on… a dollar sign. Wyatt lets out a disappointed sigh and turns to the person playing on his left.

Wyatt: Ah almost had it that time. Only needed one more wheel.

The person leans forward to look at Wyatt’s machine and it’s none other than Wyatt’s mentor and former SCW Superstar, Tom Dudely.

Tom: Yup. Looks like you came up just a little short. That’s the second time this week you weren’t able to finish the job.

Wyatt: Hey! This has nothin’ tah do with mah match last week. Ah’ll admit that ah didn’t get the job done at Climax Control, but that had more tah do with mah pardner than me.

Tom: Blah! Blah! Blah! You can’t be coming up with excuses if you wanna win. When it comes to tag team wrestling, you either need to have your partner’s back one-hundred percent, or you need to make sure you get the job done yourself.  Kinda like how Braun Strowman had that kid as his partner and pretty much just won the tag titles in that promotion on his own.

Wyatt: Ah liked Nicholas.

Tom: So did about everyone else. Your partner wasn’t able to hold her own last week and you didn’t step up to get the job done yourself. Lucky for you, I don’t think you’ll have the same problem with your new partner.

A grin spreads across Wyatt’s face like a smitten school boy.

Wyatt: Ah’m real excited tah have Amy as mah pardner. It don’t get much better than having an SCW Grandslam Champ as yer pardner.

Tom: That’s true. You know that the Punk Princess will hold up her end. You’ll just have to step up your game against Dmetri. He’s a former champion for a reason. He’s pretty damn good in the ring. Then there’s the whole vampire thing.

Wyatt chuckles.

Wyatt: Vampire…

Tom: I’m not saying that I buy into it either, but he’s definitely got something off about him that gives me the creeps.

Wyatt: Maybe ah oughta wear a turtleneck in mah match this week. Jus’ in case he gets thirsty.

The two men laugh.

Tom: It’s all good to laugh right now, but come Sunday, you’ll need to be on your A game. Either that or hope that Amy takes care of that Lucy chick quickly and you don’t have to deal with Dmetri at all.

Wyatt: Ah ain’t sayin’ ah’m afraid of ‘im, but ah wouldn’t complain if that were tah happen.

Tom laughs at Wyatt’s admission as a bony finger pokes Wyatt in the back of his shoulder. Wyatt turns around and finds himself face to face with a wisp of thin white hair attached to the frail looking wrinkled body of an elderly woman. In one hand, she is holding a cup full of quarters and has her purse hanging across the crook of her elbow. With her other hand, she’s pointing at the big man’s face.

Wyatt: Can ah help ya, ma’am?

The woman replies with a screechy voice.

Elderly Woman: You’ve been sitting at my machine for an hour just flapping your gums. I want my seat back.

Wyatt is taken aback by these accusations.

Wyatt: Ah’m sorry, ma’am. Ah didn’t realize this was yer machine. Ah musta missed yer name on it.

The woman does not appear to be amused by Wyatt’s sarcasm.

Wyatt: Alright… alright… it’s about time tah get outta here anyway. Ya ready, Tom?

Tom: Yeah. Let’s go.

The two men stand up. Wyatt’s butt has barely separated from the seat before the elderly woman slides into “her” seat and starts pumping in quarters. Tom and Wyatt laugh at the situation as they start walking away.

Tom: Hey, I just realized something.

Wyatt: Yeah?

Tom: Yeah. You’re a little bit country. Amy’s a little bit rock and roll.

Wyatt stops in his tracks and just shakes his head in disbelief at Tom’s joke. Tom bursts into laughter. Wyatt waits for Tom to gather himself.

Wyatt: Are ya done?

Tom: Yeah. Let’s go.

The two men start weaving their way through the casino again.

Wyatt: Where do ya wanna go now?

Tom: Well, first, I need to take a leak.

Wyatt: Mmkay…

Tom: Then after, I’m thinking we should go see Donny and Marie.

Tom bursts into laughter again. Wyatt starts shaking his head again but quickly gives into the laughter. The friends continue walking through the casino again as the scene fades.



<hr width=50%>



April 21, 2018
Wyatt’s Hotel Room
Las Vegas, Nevada

The scene opens in a dark room. The only light is emitting from a small split between the curtains. We can make out the shape of a large shirtless man in the bed. Since this is Wyatt Peterson’s hotel room, I assume it’s pretty safe to say that that’s Wyatt in the bed. Wyatt turns over a few times trying to get comfortable, finally just lying on his back, staring at the ceiling, thinking to himself.

Ah’ve come a long way tah get back to Sin City Wrasslin’. After mah neck injury at the hands of Rage all those years ago, ah wasn’t supposed tah step foot in a ring again. Now, after mah miraculous recovery, ah’ve gotten mah first match under mah belt an’ am preppin’ for another one.

Ah know this ain’t gonna be an easy match tah win either. Ah’m psyched fer mah new pardner. Anyone would be lucky tah be teamed up with Amy Marshall. She’s probably the most talented woman on the roster. It’s jus’ that we’re gonna be up against a vampire and some kinda magic lady.

Ah don’t really understand that stuff. Momma always raised me up tah believe in what the Bible says. It’s been a while since ah’ve read that stuff, but ah don’t remember there bein’ no vampires in there. There was a bit o’ magic though. Ah dunno… maybe that Lucy gal really is magic. I ain’t buyin’ that vampire thing though. Ah’ve tasted mah own blood. It ain’t good. Nobody can like that as their main food supply.
   
Man, mah mind wanders when ah’m tired. Ah really need tah get some sleep or ah ain’t gonna be any good fer mah match tomorrow. Lucy an’ Dmetri worked real good last week against Casey an’ Song. Me an’ Amy are gonna hafta bring our best to beat ‘em.

Ya best believe we will.

The scene fades.

 “So, things haven’t been going my way lately. First, I lose at NeWA’s Lord of the Ring pay-per-view event. Not that I thought that anything NeWA was worth my time, but Erik Staggs made my match for the SCW Heavyweight Championship so I felt that I should at least give it a go. Then, a couple of days later, at Climax Control, I was the one who got pinned to lose a match for my team in a six-man tag team match. Needless to say, I was not a happy camper.”

The scene opens inside of a small dingy looking bar somewhere in Hayward, CA. The bar is fairly empty on this Sunday night. There are a couple of guys playing darts along the back wall. The pool table is occupied by a middle aged man “teaching” a younger woman how to play as he buys her drink after drink hoping to get lucky. At the bar, a solitary figure is slouched over a half-empty (or half-full depending on how you look at it) cup of dark liquor over ice. He lifts the glass and finishes it in one gulp before slamming the cup down on the counter. The bartender appears to know the drill as he is ready with the bottle of Jack Daniels. He refills the man’s glass and walks away without saying a word. One of the guys playing darts comes over to the counter.

Dart guy #1: Can I get two more beer?

As the bartender grabs the beers, the man glances over at the man who is sitting at the counter. He turns away but quickly whips his head back towards the man.

Dart guy #1: Dude! You’re Tom Dudely!

Tom looks up from his glass. He’s obviously three sheets to the wind as he tries to focus on the dart guy with his glossy blood-shot eyes.

Tom: Depends who’s askin’.

Tom’s speech is incredibly slurred.

Dart guy #1: I’m a huge fan. I’ve been following you since your GXW days.

Tom: Good for you.

Dart guy #1: I was at the SCW show tonight. You got your ass kicked!

Dart guy starts laughing at Tom’s face starts turning red. The bartender sets two bottles of Budweiser in front of Dart guy and twists off the caps.

Bartender: Four-fifty.

Dart guy puts down a five-dollar bill.

Dart guy #1: We’re good.

The bartender grabs the bill and walks off as Dart Guy turns his attention back to the inebriated Tom Dudely.

Dart Guy #1: Can I get your autograph?

Tom: I’ve got something even better for you.

Tom tilts his head back and finishes his drink before bringing his arm around, smashing his glass upside dart guy #1’s head. The sound of shattering glass draws the attention of everyone else in the bar. Dart Guy #2 sees his friend hit the ground with blood dripping down his face.

Dart Guy #2: What the fuck!?

Dart Guy #2 comes running over as Tom gets up from his barstool to face the oncoming man. Dart Guy #2 stops in his tracks.

Dart Guy #2: Holy shit! Tom Dudely!

The momentary pause gives Tom enough time to grab one of the open beer bottles and chuck it at the second dart guy who ducks out of the way. The man and woman at the pool table decide that it’s time to get out of there as they exit out of a side door. Dart Guy #2 looks shocked at he looks back at the shattered bottle that had missed him by inches. As he turns back towards Tom, he is hit in the shoulder by the second bottle with such force that he spins and falls to one knee. He is momentarily shocked but quickly recovers. He charges towards Tom and slams his back into the counter. Tom starts bringing forearms down onto his back, but Dart Guy #1 joins to fight as he blindsides Tom with an empty beer bottle to the head. Tom’s body goes limp as he falls to the floor. Both dart guys start stomping on Tom’s unconscious body until the bartender pulls out a shotgun from beneath the counter and shoots it into the ceiling. Both men look towards the bartender in surprise.

Bartender: Why don’t ya make like a tree and get the fuck outta here?

The two dart men slowly back away towards the exit once close enough, they turn around and make a run for it. Once they’re gone, the bartender leans over the counter to look at Tom who is just coming to.

Bartender: How’re ya doin’, mate?

Tom lets out a groan of pain as he pulls himself to the sitting position. He wraps his arms around ribs as he shakes his head.

Tom: This has not been my week.

Tom pulls himself to his feet.

Bartender: It’s about closin’ time. You should make like a fetus and head out.

Tom looks slightly confused but shrugs it off as he starts walking unsteadily towards the door. He lifts his arm above his head in what appears to be a wave goodbye. He exits out of the front door and disappears into the night as the scene fades.  


<hr block=50%>


The following in a radio appearance by SCW superstar Tom Dudely on the KTDY Morning Show with David and Lin. He’s all set to promote this weekend’s SCW Climax Control.

David: Welcome back! You’re listening to the KTDY Morning Show. I’m David.

Lin: And I’m Lin.

Tom: And I’m Tom.

That elicits a chuckle from the hosts.

David: That right there is our guest this morning. Here in studio we have Sin City Wrestling’s own Tom Dudely.

There is a sound effect of applause.

David: It’s good to have you with us.

Tom: Thanks.

David: So you’re here to promote an event this weekend. It’s called… Climax Control and it will be happening this Sunday at Robertson Gymnasium. Tell everyone what to expect at the show.

Tom: Well, what they can expect is more domination by myself and my fellow teammates in Team Erik.

Lin: Team Erik? What’s that?

Tom: Don’t you guys even do research before a guest comes on? Team Erik is the rebellion led by Mr. Erik Staggs to bring SCW to the prominent levels that it once was. We’re taking on the founders of Sin City Wrestling, “Hot Stuff” Mark Ward and Christian Underwood and everyone else who is foolish enough to side with them.

David: Taking a look at the show that’s planned this week, you and Nick Jones are wrestling “Hot Stuff” Mark Ward.

Lin: You’re fighting the owner himself?

Tom: Well, he used to be a wrestler and he pissed off the wrong people, so Mr. Staggs decided to put him in a match against two of the most prolific wrestlers in history at the same time.

David: Judging by the smile on your face you’re happy with that decision.

Tom: Quite happy actually. It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten in the ring with Mark. I’m happy to have the opportunity to take out the only remaining founder of SCW.

Lin: Only remaining founder? What happened to the other one? What was his name?

Tom: Christian Underwood? Old Chrissy is out of the picture right now. He won’t be back for a long, long time.

David: That doesn’t sound good for him.

Tom: Oh, it most definitely isn’t.

David: It’s 7:45 and we need to take a break. Did you want to stick around for a while?

Tom: Not really. You guys are waaay too peppy for me.

This elicits more laughter from the hosts.

David: Alright so the event called Climax Control at the Robertson Gymnasium. It’s happening this Sunday June 9th. The doors will open at 6pm. We’ll be right back.

The show goes to commercial, so we’ll fade out from here.

 The scene opens in the bowels of the Movistar Arena in Santiago, Chili. From around a corner, SCW interviewer “Stoner” Scott Oliver comes rushing around a corner with a cameraman following behind him. The Stoner stops abruptly in the middle of the hallway. The cameraman is unable to stop in time and crashes into The Stoner. The Stoner goes flying forward, flailing around in a very comical way, before landing face first on the floor. He slowly pulls himself back to a standing position rubbing his chest.

Stoner: Watch where you’re going, dude!

Cameraman: That wouldn’t have happened if you knew where the hell you were going. What are you looking for anyway?

Stoner: It’s not what. It’s who. I’ve heard that Tom Dudely is somewhere around here and I’m going to get the first interview with him.

The Stoner looks down one stretch of the hall, and then the other, before waving the cameraman forward and shooting back down the hall. The cameraman shakes his head in disbelief before following Mr. Oliver. They reach the end of the hall and turn the corner. The Stoner stops abruptly again, but this time the cameraman has given him enough space to prevent another collision.

Stoner: What the heck is this?

The camera moves to reveal returning SCW Superstar Tom Dudely in the middle of an interview with another SCW interviewer, Pussy Willow. The Stoner storms over to Pussy Willow and gets into her face.

Stoner: What are you doing? This is my interview. I called dibs.

Tom and Pussy start laughing.

Tom: Dibs? What are we? Twelve?

Stoner: But, I said that I wanted to interview Tom when he got back.

Pussy smiles in a slightly seductive way.

Pussy: Look, Scotty, Tom has already agreed to do the interview with me. So, why don’t you go interview someone else? How about Goth?

The Stoner shivers.

Stoner: That guy creeps me out. Why don’t you go do his and I’ll finish up Tom’s?

Pussy: How about I don’t?

Pussy Willow’s eyes narrow at The Stoner who quickly takes a step back.

Tom: Look, Stonehenge, how about you just get the hell out of here and let the lady do her job. She’s much more qualified to interview someone of my caliper anyway.

The Stoner looks at Tom with disbelief.

Stoner: By better qualified, are you referring to those things on her chest?

Pussy Willow looks offended.

Pussy: Why, I never…

Tom puts up his hand to stop Ms. Willow.

Tom: No, actually he’s right. If you hadn’t promised me a date after the show I probably wouldn’t have given you the interview.

Pussy: What?!?!

Tom realizes that he just ruined his chances to have Pussy tonight. She looks offended as she storms off down the hall. Tom calls after her.

Tom: Does that mean that our date is off?

She swings around and walks back to the men. She gets in Tom’s face and speaks through clinched teeth.

Pussy: I was NEVER going to go out with you. The day I go on a date with you is the day I die.

Stoner: I never knew you were into necrophilia.

Pussy glares at the Stoner before turning away and disappearing down the hall. The remaining men stand in awkward silence for a moment before The Stoner breaks it.

Stoner: Did you know she was into necrophilia?

Tom: Oh, Shut up, you idiot!

There’s another moment of awkward silence. This time, Tom is the one to break it.

Tom: So, are you going to finish my interview or what?

This brightens The Stoner’s demeanor.

Stoner: I thought you’d never ask!

The cameraman sets up and, after a couple of minutes, the interview is underway with a shot of The Stoner.

Stoner: Dudes and Dudettes, for many years people have been wondering, where in there world is Santiago? I have found Santiago. It’s in Chili. I’m here right now with someone else that has been missing for the last few months, Tom Dudely.

The camera pans out to reveal Tom looking at “Stoner” Scott Oliver incredulously.

Tom: Your stupidity never ceases to amaze me.

Stoner: Huh?

Tom: It’s “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?” you idiot!

Stoner: So… we’re in Carmen Santiago, Chili?

Tom pinches the bridge of his nose in frustration.

Tom: You’re going to be the death of me. My blood pressure goes up so much when you’re around.

Stoner: Thanks!

Tom shakes his head.

Tom: Just get on with this interview.

Stoner: Oh, right. Umm… where were we?

Tom starts snapping his fingers rapidly.

Tom: First question. Come on! Get your shit straight.

Stoner: You don’t have to be so mean, dude.

Tom: If I hadn’t promised to keep my hands off of the staff, I’d kick your ass right now, but Christian made me promise. You’re making it really, really hard right now.

Stoner: That’s what she said!

The Stoner starts laughing at his joke. Tom’s face gradually turns to a dark shade of red. He grabs “Stoner” Scott Oliver by the collar of his shirt and slams him up against the wall.

Tom: Listen here you little puke stain. Interviewing me is not a joke. I’m a former World Champion. I’m a multi-time tag team champion. I’m a member of the most elite group to be formed in wrestling history. Tonight, I’m going to go into that ring and do what I do best… have my way with my opponent.

Tom releases The Stoner.

Tom: Now, piss off!

The Stoner stands in place looking lost. Tom raises a fist that sends The Stoner running away down the hall. Tom looks satisfied with his work as he walks away.  The scene fades.

 The scene opens in Tom Dudely’s suite at the top of the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tom is sprawled across the king-sized bed wearing nothing more than a pair of fleece Beavis and Butthead pajamas. Tom has the remote control in his hand as he flips through the channels on the television. After about a minute of channel surfing, Tom tosses the remote onto the bed. He lies back onto the bed and sighs as he stares up at the ceiling.

Tom: Why do New Year’s parties have to start so late? I’m getting bored waiting.

Tom sits up and looks around the room, spotting his Ipad sitting on the dresser across the room. He covers the distance from the bed to the dresser with two strides and picks up his Ipad. Within a matter of seconds, Tom is logged into Twitter. He starts tapping rapidly on the screen until his latest tweet is complete.

@NXTSpikeStaggs is the only one in NXT that actually deserves to be in the main event with #TheSupremacy

Tom clicks the “Tweet” button to send his tweet to his millions of followers. A smirk meets Tom’s lips as he starts working on his follow-up tweet. Only about two minutes after the first one had been sent, Tom submits the second one.

He really doesn’t, but I feel bad for making out with his ex @SCWMisty at the company Christmas party last week.

Tom chuckles to himself as he re-reads the last tweet.

Tom: That should mess with Spike a little bit.

Within a minute of the second tweet, Spike’s ex-girlfriend, Misty, replies to it.

@SinCityDudely Excuse me? Just what were you smoking, because I wouldn’t be caught dead kissing you.

That doesn’t wipe the smile from Tom’s face.

Tom: We were all pretty drunk. Maybe she forgot. I’ll have to remind her.

Tom sits back on the bed and grabs his cell phone off of the nightstand. After a pushing a couple of buttons, Tom puts the phone to his ear.

Tom: Mark, it’s Tom.

It’s just about 1am New Year’s day in London, England and “Hot Stuff” Mark Ward sounds like he is in the middle of a party. He has to yell over the background noise to be heard.

HS: Happy New Year, mate!

Tom: Yeah, back at ya. Hey, do you have Misty’s number?

HS: I’m the boss. I have EVERYONE’S numbers.

Tom chuckles.

Tom: Can I get that from you? I need to talk to her about something.

HS: No problem, mate. I’ll text it to you.

Tom: Thanks.

They end the call. Tom walks into the bathroom. After a couple of moments, Tom walks back into the bedroom and finds that Hot Stuff has gotten him the number that he had requested. Tom dials the number and puts the phone back to his ear.

Misty: Hello?

The confusion can be heard in Misty’s voice as she answers the call from a number she doesn’t recognize. Her voice changed from one of confusion to one of disgust as she realizes who’s on the other end.

Tom: Hey there, sunshine. I see you’re in denial about our little game of tonsil hockey at the Christmas party.

The sound of Misty gagging can be heard.

Misty: You can’t be serious? You are such a vial, disgusting creep. I would never be caught dead with you. Even if it was just to get at Spike.

Tom chuckles.

Tom: Oh Misty, Misty, Misty. You were pretty wasted. I guess you’d had more to drink than I’d thought. Let me remind you…

<hr width=50%>
CUT TO DREAM SEQUENCE
<hr width=50%>

The Red Rock Casino Recreation Hall is filled with the staff and superstars of Sin City Wrestling. They are in the middle of an eloquently decorated Christmas Party that puts anything that the other wrestling companies do to shame. Christian Underwood and Mark Ward spared no expense to put on this fancy soiree. There is a clinking of a fork on glass as Mr. Underwood gathers everyone’s attention.

Christian: Ladies and Gentlemen, Mark and I would like to thank you all for all of the hard work that you have all put in to making Sin City Wrestling one of the most popular independent promotion in the United States. We have been able to thrive for over a year now and are still growing above and beyond our wildest dreams. Here’s to a great year and to many, many more to come.

Christian holds up his glass and most of the others in the crowd follow suit. Back in the corner of the room, Tom Dudely, wearing a dark blue Armani suit, walks over to SCW bombshell Misty who is knocking back a glass of champagne by herself in the back corner of the hall. Tom is prepared with a fresh glass as she finishes. He takes the empty one and places the new one in her hand.

Misty: Thank you, stud muffin.

Tom smirks.

Tom: Any chance of getting a kiss in exchange.

Without hesitating, Misty lunges at Tom. Their champagnes glasses shatter as they hit the floor. Things are getting pretty hot and heavy between the two of them when Tom feels a tug on his arm. Tom shakes off the disruption without his lips separating from Misty’s. “Stoner” Scott Oliver tugs on Tom’s arm again.

Stoner: Umm… Tom? Are you sure you know what you’re doing?

Tom shakes off The Stoner’s grasp again. His lips become free to respond.

Tom: Can’t you see that I’m making out with a hot chick? Go smoke a bowl or something.

“Stoner” Scott Oliver looks at Misty as if he’s about to be sick. He shakes his head in disgust.

Stoner: Whatever floats your boat. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you…

The Stoner disappears back into the crowd as Tom and Misty’s lips become entangled once more.

<hr width=50%>
BACK TO REALITY
<hr width=50%>

As Tom finishes his recap to Misty, she bursts into laughter. Tom looks taken aback by the laughter.

Tom: I don’t see why you’re laughing. You should be worried about your drinking problem if you were drunk enough to forget that.

Misty continues to laugh as she answers Tom.

Misty: Is that really how you remember that night? Ha ha ha! Let me tell you how it really happened.

<hr width=50%>
CUT TO DREAM SEQUENCE
<hr width=50%>

The Red Rock Casino Recreation Hall is filled with the staff and superstars of Sin City Wrestling.  It’s a fairly fancy looking occasion, but not nearly as fancy as Tom had made it out to be. Christian has just finished his speech and Tom walks up to Misty, who is in the middle of a conversation with Ruby, with a fresh glass of champagne as she finishes her current one. He holds it out to her.

Tom: More champagne, gorgeous?

Misty and Ruby stop and glare at the source of their interruption. Tom starts to look uneasy as they don’t say anything to him. His uneasiness soon turns to surprise though as Misty reaches out and hits the champagne into his face. Tom is frozen in shock as the champagne pours from his chin. Misty laughs as her and Ruby walk away into the crowd. Someone reaches out a towel and Tom takes it, wiping off the liquid. He looks up at the person handing him the towel and a smirk crosses his face.

Tom: Hey there, good lookin’. Wanna make out?

The camera zooms out to reveal that he is talking to Hope Heelcum, SCW’s resident gender-bender.

Hope: That sounds fabulous, Big Boy!

Hope grabs Tom by his shirt, pulling him in for a kiss. The two make out until Tom feels a tug on his arm which he shakes off. He feels another tug, this one accompanied by the voice of “Stoner” Scott Oliver.

Stoner: Umm… Tom? Are you sure you know what you’re doing?

Tom shakes off The Stoner’s grasp again. His lips become free to respond.

Tom: Can’t you see that I’m making out with a hot chick? Go smoke a bowl or something.

“Stoner” Scott Oliver looks at Hope Heelcum as if he’s about to be sick. He shakes his head in disgust.

Stoner: Whatever floats your boat. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you…

The Stoner disappears back into the crowd as Tom and Hope’s lips become entangled once more. Off to the side, Narly and Radical watch on in disgust. They are keeping the party “classy” in their board shorts and tuxedo t-shirts.

Radical: Narly…

Narly: What?

Radical: No, I meant that that’s narly.

Narly: I thought I was Narly.

Radical thinks about it for a second.

Radical: Dude, you totally are!

The Surf Boys laugh in the way that only they can do as the scene fades.

<hr width=50%>
BACK TO REALITY
<hr width=50%>

Tom’s face is twisted into one of disgust and disbelief.

Tom: No way that is what happened? I would never…

Misty: Oh, but you did.

Misty bursts into laughter as she hangs up. Tom appears to be in shock as he seizes to move. After about a minute of no movement from Tom, the scene just fades out.  






<hr width=50%>




The last few weeks of 2012 have been a bit down for Tom Dudely. He got suspended from Sin City Wrestling when Christian Underwood decided to make an example of him. The following week, Christian Underwood made a match putting all of Tom’s enemies into a match against The Supremacy and Goth. Then, to finish off the year, Wyatt Peterson, Tom’s former protégé, joined NXT and Christian Underwood once again got the better of Tom. Oh, and to top it all off, Tom found out that he had had a drunken make out session with Hope Heelcum. This year, Tom is determined to turn things around quickly. The first opportunity he is going to have will be at New Year Rising when The Supremacy teams with Goth to face NXT teaming with Matthew Kennedy. Talk about starting 2013 with a bang. This match has Match of the Year written all over it. On January 2nd, Tom made a video and posted it on YouTube for the world to see.


<hr width=50%>

Tom is sitting in front of the camera. It is apparent that the video was made using a webcam. On the desk around him is a can of Red Bull and a box of tissues.

Tom: This message is for all of you pitiful drones out there who are unable to think for yourselves. Anyone with half a brain can see that The Supremacy is the best thing that can happen to Sin City Wrestling. Mark Ward has seen that Sin City Wrestling was in dire need of someone to get rid of the trash that is NXT. We are not the bad guys. I repeat, we are NOT the bad guys. The bad guys are the guys who spit on the business that guys like TSSA, Austin Parker, and the members of The Supremacy have built up for years. You’d think that Christian Underwood would have seen what was happening and helped us instead of helping the scum in NXT. Now, Christian has started a war, a war that The Supremacy will squash at New Year Rising when we destroy NXT in the Stable Wars.

Tom stops to take a drink from the Red Bull can before continuing.

Tom: Unfortunately, there need to be some third-party casualties in a war. In this case, Matthew Kennedy is in the way of us stifling the NXT scumbags. Kennedy is not even worth the time of NXT though so Mark Ward has recruited Goth to dispose to him. Also, I just want to say, just because Goth is on our side in this war, that doesn’t mean that I would hesitate to throw him to the wolves if it’s for the greater good.

Tom grabs a tissue and blows his nose. He tosses the tissue onto the floor.

Tom: What did you think the tissues were there for? You sick fucks.

Tom chuckles.

Tom: Spike, you think that you can surround yourself with mid-card talents to make yourself look better? It’s not working. Guys like Casey Williams, Aleksei Koji, and…

Tom sneers.

Tom: … Wyatt Peterson…

Tom shakes his head as if to clear it of his former protégé.

Tom: Those kinds of guys are doing nothing but holding you down. I haven’t talked to the other guys yet, but I want you to consider the power that someone like you would have by joining The Supremacy. The money…. the influence… the women. You could stop slumming it with the likes of Vixen. Get rid of the dead weight and join the winning side. Help us clean out the trash in this business. Help us return Sin City Wrestling to the glory that it was before all of the disrespectful brats joined.

Tom sits back in his chair.

Tom: I’m not expecting an answer right away, Spike. I’ll see you at New Year Rising. If you decide not to take me up on my offer, then you can expect to take an ass whoopin’ with the rest of your stable.

Tom reaches towards the camera and the scene cuts to black.  

 “Cult of Personality” by Living Colour can be heard as the scene comes into view. A bed is in the center of the dim room. A pair of bare legs are sticking out from the bottom of the blanket. The music is coming from a cell phone that is lit up on the bedside table. There is some stirring from the bed before an arm shoots out to grab the phone. It disappears back under almost as quickly as it had emerged. The groggy voice of Tom Dudely answers the phone.

Tom: Yeah?

A panicked “Hot Stuff” Mark Ward is heard on the other end of the phone.

HS: There you are, mate. It’s about fucking time I was able to get through to you. Have you seen the news yet?

Tom: No. I’ve been sleeping off last night. I had a hell of a dream, too. I dreamed that Matthew Kennedy actually beat me.

HS: Tom.

Tom: There’s no way in hell that would ever happen. I mean…

HS: Tom.

Tom: …he’s not even in my league. Not that anyone is.

HS: TOM!

Tom stops talking.

Tom: What the hell, man?

HS: There’s something out there much bigger than a little nightmare that’ll never actually happen.

Tom: What? What’s going on?

HS: Tom, the dead. They’re coming back to life.

Tom laughs.

Tom: Ha ha. Very funny. Zombies are roaming the streets and we’re all going to die. Who came up with this gem? Sounds like something from Jordan’s twisted mind.

HS: I’m dead serious, mate.

There is a loud crash on the other end of the phone.

HS: Fuck!

Tom shoots up in the bed. The blanket falls to his lap.

Tom: What the hell was that noise?

The sound of running can be heard along with the occasional swear word from Hot Stuff.

Tom: What the hell is going on, Mark?

After a few more moments of feet hitting the pavement, Hot Stuff gets back on the line.

HS: Just turn on the fucking telly. AAAAARRRGH!!!

Hot Stuff lets out a scream of extreme pain followed by the sound of chewing. Tom pulls his phone away from his ear and stares at it confused.

Tom: What kind of shit did that guy take last night? That asshole should have shared.

Tom tosses his phone back onto the table and gets up out of bed. The blanket falls away as Tom stands up, revealing his smiley face boxers. The words “DON’T WORRY BE HAPPY” are written across the butt. Tom walks over to the curtains and throws them open with both hands to reveal the Las Vegas skyline. Tom takes in the view of the late morning sun glaring off of some of the world’s most famous casinos.

Tom: Nothing quite like the view from the top of the Stratusphere.

Tom watches as people are running around on the strip several stories below. He wasn’t sure if he was seeing things, or if people were actually chasing each other down below. Tom attempts to shake the thought from his head.

Tom: Damn Mark. He’s trying to get into my head. It’s not going to work.

Tom walks away from the window, grabbing the television remote from off of the bedside table. He pushes the power button before tossing the remote back onto the bed. The television flickers to life as Tom walks into the bathroom. The steady tinkling of… well… tinkle can be heard coming from the bathroom. The toilet flushes and Tom walks back into the main room. He glances at the television as he enters the room. He had fallen asleep watching a late night rerun of Jerry Springer, but that channel was now showing video of people who were bloody and dirty. Their clothes were shredded to the point that they were barely staying on their bodies.

Tom: I’m so sick of people asking for money.

Tom grabs the remote and changes the channel. This channel has a news anchor staring into the camera.

Anchor: Though no one official is prepared to comment, religious groups are calling it Judgment Day. There's...

Tom flips to the next channel where a music video is playing. It’s “Panic” by The Smiths.

Morrissey: … panic on the streets of London…

Tom changes the channel back to the previous one.

Anchor: …as an increasing number of reports of…

Tom changes the channel to a football game.

Commentator: … serious attacks on…

Tom flips back to the news once more.

Anchor: … people, who are literally being…

Tom changes it again, this time to a nature documentary showing a gazelle being eaten by a lioness.

Narrator: … eaten alive.

Tom turns back to the news channel once more, this time leaving it there.

Anchor: In case you are just tuning in, we have been receiving reports from around the globe of the dead coming back to life and attacking the living. You are encouraged to stay indoors. Do not attempt to get to loved ones. If…

The news anchor stops midsentence and puts his hand to his ear. After a moment, he straightens up and looks into the camera.

Anchor: We are now receiving word that the only way to stop the dead is to stop the brain. They do not appear to respond to damage to any other part of the body.

The anchor shakes his head in disbelief.

Anchor: I don’t really know what to say, folks. In all of my years of doing the news I have NEVER seen anything quite like this. Please be careful out there.

Tom turns off the television and lies back on the bed.

Tom: There’s no way this is possible. It sounds like something out of a bad horror movie.

Tom lies there staring at the ceiling for a moment

Tom: MARK!

Tom scrambles to grab his phone. After a couple of buttons, he puts the phone to his ear.

Tom: Fuck! It’s busy.

Tom tries to get through to Hot Stuff a few more times with the same result. He throws the phone to the bed before yelling in frustration.

Tom: FUCK!

As if on cue, a thumping starts on the door to the hotel room. Tom’s head whips around to look at the door. The thumping continues at a steady, almost rhythmic pace. Tom slowing gets to his feet and slowly makes his way towards the door. As he gets closer, he calls out in a shaky voice.

Tom: He-hello?

The thumping stops. Tom gets to the door and puts his ear against it to listen for any sounds. None come, so Tom reaches out and puts his hand on the door knob. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.

Tom: Calm down, Tom. There’s nothing out there. It’s all in your head.

Tom slowly turns the door knob. As soon he does, the door is pushed open from the other side. Tom stumbles and falls to the floor with a smaller man on top of him. This man, a short, middle-aged Asian man wearing nothing but tighty-whitey underpants, has a chunk taken out of his arm. His eyes look like they have a white film over them. Tom gets a forearm into the other man’s chest to try to keep some space between them as the Asian man is chomping ravenously towards Tom’s face. Drool drips from the man’s mouth, landing on Tom’s forehead.

Tom: What the fuck, dude!

The commotion appears to have drawn some attention as another man stumbles in through the open door.

Tom: Shit!

The sound of footsteps running down the hall can be heard. They stop at Tom’s door. The zombie at the door is suddenly stops moving and crumples to the ground with a thud. Where the zombie was standing is a man who looks like Arnold Schwarzenegger from his physical appearance to the clothes he is wearing. A machete is in his hand, dripping with blood. He steps into the room and uses his foot to roll the Asian zombie off of Tom. He mounts the Asian zombie and plunges the machete straight through its eye. The Asian zombie stops moving immediately. Arnold slowly gets to his feet. He turns back to Tom who is staring at the man in horror. Arnold reaches out his hand and addresses Tom in an Austrian accent.

Arnold: Come with me if you want to live.

Tom looks up with a questioning look.

Tom: Arnold Schwarzenegger?

Arnold clears his throat before answering. His voice is dramatically different, this time speaking in a nasally, whiney voice.

Arnold: Actually, my name is Eugene. I’m an Arnold impersonator.

Tom: You’re pretty good.

Eugene: Thank you.

Tom takes Eugene’s extended hand and pulls himself back to his feet. Tom looks at the two lifeless corpses on the floor of his hotel room.

Tom: So this is really happening?

Eugene’s eyes light up as he smiles.

Eugene: Yeah, it is.

Tom runs his hand across his shaved head as he attempts to take in the fact that this is, in fact, a reality. All of those bad, late night movies on the SyFy channel have come to light. The dead have come to life and were feasting on the living. Tom walks over to the window again to look out onto the streets of Las Vegas. Eugene pushes one of the corpses out of the doorway so he can close the door. He walks across the room to stand behind Tom.

Tom: How is it down there?

Eugene looks at the floor as he shakes his head.

Eugene: It’s bad. It’s really bad. Those things are all over the place once you get outside. Most of them are on the south end of the strip though. We need to get out of here now if we stand a chance of surviving.

Tom spins around to face Eugene with an incredulous look on his face.

Tom: Are you fucking kidding? You just said yourself that those things are all over out there. There’s no way in hell I’m going out there. I’m much safer in here.

Tom follows Eugene’s gaze towards the two corpses on the floor.

Eugene: It looks like you’ve been staying safe so far in here.

Tom: Look, sarcasm aside, I didn’t realize what was out there when I opened the door. Now that I know, I’m not opening that door for anyone.

Eugene: Fine, stay here. But, what are you going to do about food?

Tom walks over to his duffle back and pulls out a box of Twinkies and a bag of beef jerky. He holds them up for Eugene to see.

Eugene: Twinkies? Beef jerky? How long do you expect that to last you?

Tom looks at the food in his hands and shrugs.

Tom: I figure that with the half-eaten pizza from last night under my bed, this stuff should last me two to three days. The army should have this under control by then.

Now it’s Eugene’s turn to look at Tom with an incredulous expression.

Eugene: The army? Haven’t you ever watched a zombie movie? The army is useless. This is something that you can’t just sit around waiting for rescue from. You need to find something to use as a weapon, something that can bash in a human skull or cut through to the brain. Then we need to get out of Las Vegas. With how overran this place is, the government, assuming it’s still functioning, would more likely nuke it than try to salvage it.

Tom: Okay. Okay. I guess you make a good point. As far as a weapon…

Tom starts scanning the room. Not finding any acceptable weapons, he turns to Eugene.

Tom: Where’d you get that?

Tom points at Eugene’s machete. Eugene holds up the bloody machete.

Eugene: This? I took it from the wall of the restaurant downstairs. It was part of the décor.

Tom: Are there anymore? Can we get me one of them?

Eugene laughs to himself.

Eugene: Sure, there are more, but I locked about twenty zombies in the restaurant. It’s up to you if you want to try to fight your way through them to get one.

Tom shakes his head.

Tom: Fuck that!

Tom continues to look around the room as Eugene helps with the search for a weapon. Eugene checks the corpses for anything of use.

Eugene: Hey! I’ve got something you can use.

Tom turns to face Eugene who has his back to Tom. He is bent over the second zombie. Eugene stands back to his feet and turns around with a revolver in his hand.

Eugene: Do you know how to handle one of these?

Tom walks across the room and takes the gun from Eugene.

Tom: I’ve been to the shooting range a few times.  

Tom inspects the gun. He opens the wheel, counts the bullets and closes it back up with a flick of his wrist.

Tom: Only six bullets. I’m gonna have to make them count.

Eugene: We’ll get you a melee weapon as soon as possible. Until then, try to conserve the ammo.

Tom nods.

Tom: How come you seem to know how to handle this situation?

Eugene: I didn’t have much of a social life growing up. I spent most of my time working out and watching horror movies. Zombies were my favorite.

Tom shakes his head.

Tom: Nerd.

Eugene: What was that?

Tom: Huh? Oh, nothing. Let’s get moving. Gotta stay ahead of the crowd.

Eugene nods in agreement. The two men step over the corpses as they make their way to the door. Eugene places his hand on the knob.

Eugene: Once we open this, be ready for anything.

Tom nods.

Eugene: Also, since we’re gonna be working together to try to survive, I should probably know your name.

Tom: The name’s Tom.

Eugene: Alright Tom. Let’s say hasta la vista to Las Vegas.

Eugene turns the knob and flings the door open. Eugene exits the room first. Tom is right behind him with the gun pointed straight out in front of him. The hallway looks like it would on any other day. Ugly carpet and bad wallpaper line it in both directions. The two men go to the right from Tom’s room. Eugene stops suddenly at an intersection with another hallway. Tom runs into him and falls backwards¸ landing on his butt.

Tom: Ow! What the fuck, dude?

Eugene: Shhhh!

Eugene pokes his head around the corner and finds himself nose to nose with a zombie.

Eugene: Shit!

Eugene jumps back as the zombie lunges towards him. The zombie falls to the ground. Tom sits on the ground, frozen in place, as Eugene places a foot between the zombie’s shoulder blades and drives his machete into the base of its skull with a sickening squishing sound. Tom takes one look at the dark red liquid dripping off of the machete and starts violently vomiting onto the floor. Eugene chuckles.

Eugene: It’s pretty gruesome, but you’ll get used to it. Let’s go.

Tom pulls himself to his feet and wipes his mouth with his shirt. The two men take off around the corner. Tom has to jog to keep up with Eugene’s long, fast strides. They reach the elevator and Eugene pushes the “down” arrow. After a couple of moments, the doors open to reveal a headless body on the floor. Gore is splattered along the back wall of the elevator.

Tom: What the hell?

Eugene shrugs.

Eugene: He followed me onto the elevator. I took care of him.

Eugene walks into the elevator. Tom hesitates.

Eugene: Look, I’m not going to let you drag me down. Do you want to come with me or would you rather fend for yourself?

Tom takes another look at the body on the floor before stepping into the elevator. Tom stands as far from the body as possible. Eugene pushes the button for the ground floor. The doors close and lounge music starts playing as the elevator starts to descend. As the elevator goes down, both Tom and Eugene start swaying with the elevator music. They both notice the other doing it and they laugh nervously.

Eugene: Hold onto that feeling. It’ll keep you sane when the shit hits the fan.

Tom: You mean that the shit hasn’t hit the fan yet?

Eugene shakes his head.

Eugene: You haven’t seen anything yet.

The elevator reaches the ground floor and stops.

Eugene: Get ready.

Tom lifts his gun as the elevator dings and the doors slide open into the main casino. The usually busy casino looks to be abandoned. The only sound is the music coming from the slot machines.

Tom: It looks like no one is here.

Tom starts to step off of the elevator, but is stopped by Eugene’s extended arm. From around the closest row of slot machines, a zombie stumbles towards the elevator.

Tom: One zombie? That’s not such a big deal.

This zombie is only the first of many as right behind him several more spill into view. Tom stands frozen as he watches in disbelief at the hoard heading towards them, his mouth moves as he tries to form words to no avail.

Eugene: Come on!

Eugene grabs Tom’s arm and yanks him out of the elevator in the opposite direction of the seemingly unending hoard of the blood thirty undead. The two men run along the wall with Eugene basically dragging Tom behind him.

Eugene: The exit is right up here. Just a little bit further.

They turn a corner right into another horde of zombies. Both men come to a screeching halt and turn around to go back the way they came. Unfortunately for them, the way they came is now blocked by more of the undead coming from around another row of slot machines.

Tom: Shit!

Eugene: Come on!

Eugene grabs Tom’s arm to pull him in a direction that appears to be clear. Tom, not expecting the sudden pull from Eugene, falls to the ground. He watches in panic as the hordes on either side of him start to close in. Eugene grabs Tom’s arm and starts to pull him up to his feet. As Tom is on his knees, one of the zombies grabs Eugene’s arm, but before it can get a good grip, Eugene hits it with the handle of his machete causing it to let go. Eugene swings his machete at another zombie who is getting close, severing it at the base of its skull. Tom hurriedly crawls away as Eugene fends of the advancing hordes. Eugene steps backwards in Tom’s direction as he continues to swing his machete. Tom, realizing that the zombies have forgotten all about him, gets to his feet to watch Eugene fight them off. Eugene continues to fight off the twenty or so zombies, moving closer to Tom with every swing. Eugene finally gets out from between the two hordes. As he does so, he stumbles and does a summersault before coming to a stop at Tom’s feet. Tom helps him quickly get back to his feet.

Tom: Let’s get out of here.

Eugene takes one step away from the now-combined horde before crumpling back to the floor. His face is twisted in agonizing pain.

Tom: What’s wrong?

Eugene lifts the leg of his pants. His ankle has already swollen to the size of a softball.

Eugene: I think I sprained it.

Tom takes one glance at the zombie horde, which is growing in number by the second, before bending down next to Eugene.

Tom: Put your arm around my neck.

The larger man puts his arm around Tom. Tom pulls the man to an upright position.

Tom: Use me for leverage. We need to move.

They start walking away from the zombies. The horde follows right behind them. The weight of Eugene is too much for Tom as the zombies are closing in. Tom looks over his shoulder to see that the zombies in the front of the horde are almost within reach of the two men. Tom looks at Eugene who is struggling with each step. Tom reaches out his free hand.

Tom: Give me the machete.

Eugene does as instructed, placing the machete in Tom’s free hand. As soon as he has it, Tom releases his hold on Eugene.

Eugene: What are you doing? I can’t walk without the support.

Tom turns towards Eugene and sweeps his legs out from under him. Eugene falls onto his back and the zombies are quickly on top of him. Eugene lets out a horrific scream as more and more zombies fall on top of him while Tom just watches. The sound of chomping teeth and tearing flesh takes over as the screams stop. Tom stares at the carnage with no emotion on his face.

Tom: Hasta la vista, baby.

Tom notices a couple of zombies starts to stray towards him. He swings his newly acquired machete at the one closest to him. Its head hits the floor with a thud and rolls a few feet. Tom doesn’t wait around to watch where it stops though.  He breaks away at full speed to get away from the horde. Tom weaves through the rows of slot machines, staying towards the outside of the main room as he searches for the exit. The part of the casino that Tom is in is fairly empty as most of the undead have been drawn towards the commotion caused by Eugene’s demise. Over the tops of the slot machines, Tom sees a green “EXIT” sign. Tom throws caution to the wind as he breaks full speed towards the sign. Tom’s momentum is stopped suddenly as he finds himself falling through the air. The wind escapes his lungs as he lands hard on the casino floor.

Tom: What the hell?

Tom’s confusion turns to horror as he feels something grab his foot. Tom’s heart starts racing as he frantically starts kicking his legs until his foot connects with something solid. Tom’s foot comes free and his scoots away from whatever grabbed him. Tom sits up and sees the top half of what used to be a woman crawling towards him. A red trail covers the floor behind her, disappearing down one of the rows of video poker machines. Tom scrambles to his feet and continues to run towards the “EXIT” sign, this time being more aware of his surroundings. Tom reaches the door, an emergency exit, and stops. He puts his ear to the door to listen for any noises. Being satisfied with the silence, Tom pushed the door open and steps outside into the bright blue Las Vegas sky. The door closes behind him with a click and Tom finds himself in an alleyway. Tom leans against the wall to catch his bearing. He puts his hands on his knees and takes a deep breath.

Tom: Where the fuck do I go now? Maybe I should go find Nick or Jordan or…

Tom falls to the ground as something falls on top of him. Tom hears teeth gnashing together as he struggles for position, finally getting onto his back. Tom grabs the zombie that is pinning him down by the neck, pushing its flesh seeking teeth as far away from his face as possible. As the zombie’s face comes into view, Tom recognizes it.

Tom: Mark?

The reanimated corpse of “Hot Stuff” Mark Ward is covered in blood from head to toe. A large amount of blood is concentrated around his mouth. It appears that his arm is half gone with strips of flesh hanging where his elbow once was. Tom is so shocked at the sight of his old friend trying to eat him that he stops fighting and his arms just give way under the weight of the once great wrestler. Zombie Mark’s bodyweight falls onto Tom he sinks his teeth into Tom’s shoulder with a sick squishing sound. Zombie Mark pulls away from Tom’s body with flesh hanging from his mouth. Tom stares off into the sky. All fight has left his eyes as he bleeds out onto the pavement. Zombie Mark continues working on the flesh between his lips as Tom takes his last breath. Several minutes later, Tom’s body starts to move again. This time, it’s must more of an animatronic movement. Tom has joined the ranks of the living dead. Zombie Tom gets to his feet, as does Zombie Mark. They stumble together out of the alley onto the Vegas Strip. At the end of the alley, they are joined by Jordan Williams and Nick Jones, also in zombie form. The four zombies shuffle down the middle of the street. Their silhouettes are all that can be seen against the setting desert sun. Coming down a side street, a 16-wheeler big rig smashes into the four undead SCW Superstars. Their bodies go flying in all directions. As the truck drives away, you can see that the back door is decorated with a picture of a pink flamingo.


<hr width=50%>


Tom shoots up into a sitting position in his bed. His breath is coming at a quick pace and his body is covered in a cold sweat. Tom’s phone is ringing on the bedside table. He grabs his phone and looks at it. He shakes his head in disbelief as he answers the call.

Tom: Hello?

The voice of “Hot Stuff” Mark Ward is heard on the other end of the line.

HS: There you are, mate. It’s about fucking time I was able to get through to you. Have you seen the news yet?

Tom: Fuck. Not again.

HS: What are you going on about?

Tom: Um… nothing. What’s on the news?

Time feels like it’s going slow as Tom awaits Mark’s reply.

HS: Looks like some drunk had the police chasing him down the strip this morning. I just hope it wasn’t Nick.

Tom lets out a laugh of relief at the news.

Tom: I was afraid you were gonna tell me that the dead were coming back to life.

Hot Stuff pauses for a moment before bursting into laughter.

HS: Zombies? Why the hell would that be on the news?

Tom: It was just a bad dream. Felt real though. I’ll tell you all about it later.

HS: That’s the last time I give you Absinthe at a Halloween party. Get your arse out of bed. You’ve got some promo stuff to do for High Stakes.

Tom laughs.

Tom: Yeah, yeah. I’ll be there. Don’t worry about it.

A knock can be heard from Hot Stuff’s end of the line.

HS: You’d better be. My entertainment just got here though. See you later, mate.

Tom clicks off his phone and lies back onto the bed. He laughs to himself.

Tom: Zombies. What a kick.

The scene fades.


<hr width=50%>


The scene opens at Gold’s Gym off of the strip in Las Vegas. Tom Dudely is sitting at a bicep curling machine. He is wearing a white wife-beater style shirt with a towel hanging around his neck. Tom doesn’t appear to have broken a sweat as he takes a drink from his water bottle. He puts the bottle onto the floor and looks into the camera.

Tom: So, here I am. The Sin City Dudely himself. I know you’ve all missed me out there. You don’t have to hide it. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. I figured I’d do one of these promos from the gym since they seem to be so popular. I don’t really need to be here. You know who does though? That scrawny looking guy, Matthew Kennedy.

Tom gets up from the machine, grabbing his water bottle. His black spandex shorts are more than flattering.

Tom: I’ve been loosely watching Sin City Wrestling lately. Mostly watching Spike Staggs whining about everything and newbies beating established SCW guys like Rage. What was that guy’s name? Something fishy.

Tom rubs his chin as he tries to remember. He waves his hand in the air as if it’ll get rid of the thought.

Tom: Oh well. It doesn’t matter because that guy was just a flash in the pan. He’s gone now. I guess he got upset about not getting a title shot.

Tom snorts.

Tom: What a chick! At least he’s gone now though. That must be why Rage is finally coming out of hiding. That fish guy must have really scared the crap outta him.

Tom starts leisurely strolling through the gym.

Tom: Now, I guess I’ve got a match with Rage at High Stakes. I’m not sure why. Maybe he requested it? He got lucky once against me, maybe he thought he could get lucky again. Who knows? All I know is that he doesn’t stand a chance against me this time around. He has shown how weak he truly is. No more luck, no more flukes, no more wins for little ol’ angry pants.

From off screen, the voice of “Stoner” Scott Oliver can be heard calling out.

Stoner: Hey Tom!

Tom looks in the direction of the Stoner who comes jogging over to Tom.

Stoner: Sorry I’m late. I got held up in traffic. I waited fifteen minutes for a stop sign to turn green.

Tom pinches the bridge of his nose in frustration.

Tom: You do realize that stop signs don’t change color, don’t you?

The Stoner chuckles.

Stoner: Yeah right! Next you’ll try to convince me that Kevin Bacon was in Footloose.

Tom looks confused.

Tom: Kevin Bacon WAS in Footloose.

Stoner: You’re funny.

The Stoner laughs as he looks around the gym.

Stoner: What is this place anyway?

Tom: Umm… It’s a gym.

The Stoner bobs his head as he takes in the gym.

Stoner: Nice. Nice. What happens here?

Tom looks at all of the people who are working out in the gym before turning back to face The Stoner.

Tom: You’re kidding, right?

The Stoner’s face breaks into a big smile as he starts laughing again.

Stoner: Totally. What are we doing here?

Tom: Well, I was just talking about my match with Rage at High Stakes before you showed up.

Stoner: Sweet! Did you get to Matthew Kennedy yet?

Tom: Why would I talk about him?

Stoner: Dude, he’s in the match, too!

The Stoner pulls a copy of the High Stakes card out of his pocket. Tom grabs it out of his hands.

Tom: Let me see that.

Tom looks over the card for a moment.

Tom: What the hell? When did he get added?

Stoner: Umm… when the card was made?

The Stoner laughs at his own joke as Tom starts to fume.

Tom: Whatever, Stonehenge. Rage, Matthew Kennedy, hell, I don’t care if they had the Pink Flamingo himself in this match. There’s only one result, and that’s a Tom Dudely victory. No scrawny Brit or angry scaredy-cat are going to get in my way of being at the Tom. Me and the rest of Tom’s Troops will be the best stable in wrestling history. We’re going to be bigger than the NWO, D-Generation X, or even The Corporation from back in SCW.

Stoner: Tom’s Troops? Is that the name of your group? I’ve heard it called a couple of other things.

Tom waves off the Stoner’s question.

Tom: It doesn’t matter what anyone says. Without me, there is no stable, so I have naming rights. Now get out of my way. This interview is over.

Stoner: What about a statement for High Stakes?

Tom: The only statement you need is that I’m going to beat Rage and Kennedy at High Stakes. Tom Dudely has been reborn and these guys are going to be another example of what he’s capable of.

Tom walks away from the Stoner, disappearing into the locker room to change as the scene fades.

 The scene opens backstage at The Firestone Fieldhouse in Malibu, California. Tom bursts through the curtains from the ring area looking disheveled. His button-down shirt is untucked and the jacket to his suit in hanging down off of his shoulder. Blood is splattered on his face and shirt. Tom looks furious as he appears to be looking for someone.  He spots an SCW security team member leaning against a wall in the busy hallway and storms straight towards him.

Tom: What the hell was that? Some crazy fan comes out of nowhere and attacks me and you’re just standing back here doing nothing? Explain yourself!

The security guy is taken aback by Tom’s sudden appearance.

Security Guy: Umm… What are you talking about? I didn’t see any fans attack anybody.

This infuriates Tom even more. He becomes more animated as he becomes even more frustrated with the security guy.

Tom: That long haired freak that just attacked me during the match between Wyatt Peterson and Casey Williams! He just tackled me on the ramp and started pummeling me. Your job is to protect the talent from crazy people. I just got attacked and you’re just standing back here with your thumb up your ass.

The security guy attempts to explain himself but is cut off by Tom.

Tom: I don’t want to hear excuses. There is no excuse for you. You allowed this idiot to attack me and bleed all over me.

Tom pulls on his shirt where blood has splattered onto it.

Tom: He ruined my shirt! This shirt is worth more than you make in a year. You’re worthless as a security guard. Hell, you’re worthless as a burger flipper. I’m going to make sure Mr. Ward hears about you not doing your job. You will be fired by the end of the day. You don’t mess with Tom Dudely.

The security guard is just smiling as Tom continues to ramble on. From the ring area, the man who had attacked Tom, Aleksei Koji, comes through the curtain alongside Tom’s former protégé Wyatt Peterson. The two men are laughing together. They see Tom standing across the hallway glaring at them. Tom turns back to the security guy.

Tom: There he is! Do your job and get that son of a bitch out of my arena.

Wyatt says something inaudible to Koji. Koji nods in agreement and walks away down the hall opposite of Tom. Wyatt walks over to Tom with a big smile on his face.

Tom: You liked that, didn’t you? You liked seeing me get attacked from behind by one of your fans?  I bet that you even paid off this crappy security guy to allow your buddy to get to me.

Wyatt starts laughing.

Wyatt: That’s preposterous! Ah don’t need tah pay anyone tah let Koji attack ya.

Tom: Koji? What kinda name is that? It sounds like something that a Canadian would name their kid.

Wyatt: Actually, ah think he’s Romanian.

Tom: I don’t care where he’s from. The fact still remains that he should be arrested for attacking me and this so-called security guy should be fired for allowing it to happen.

Wyatt laughs again.

Wyatt: Ya sure are somethin’ else, Tom. Ya know that Koji’s a ‘rassler here, right?

Tom: HE’S a wrestler? You’ve gotta be kidding me!

Wyatt: Nope, he’s actually perdy good too. He’s got a title match at an NWA event against Casey comin’ up.

Tom: Ugh! I’m tired of hearing about that NWA crap.

Wyatt: Ah just had an idea. Hold on.

Tom watches curiously as Wyatt pulls his cell phone out of his pocket and starts typing something out. After a few moments, Wyatt puts his phone back into his pocket and looks back up at Tom with a cocky smile on his face.

Tom: What? Why are you smiling like that? What the hell did you just do?

Wyatt: Ah just tweeted a little somethin’. Ya might wanna check it out. It has tah do with you.

Wyatt walks past Tom and disappears down the hall. Tom pulls out his own cell phone and brings up with Twitter app. The most recent tweet was from @BigCountrySCW. It reads.



"Wanted to break the news here. Next week, @SinCityDudely will be taking on that crazy SOB Aleksei Koji."



Tom: FUUUUUUUUUCK!!!

Tom takes a step down the hall before stopping and turning back to the security guy who is still just leaning against the wall. Tom sticks his index finger into the man’s face.

Tom: I’ve got my eye on you. Don’t fuck up again.

Tom, clearly frustrated at the events of the last twenty minutes, walks away down the hall as the scene fades.


<hr width=50%>


The scene opens inside of Tom Dudely’s home in Dudelyville, California. There appears to be a party going on in the house. It’s not your typical SCW party though. The party guests are all wearing business suits or dresses. Classical music is being played by a pianist in the corner of the main room. There are servers weaving through the guests trying not to drop trays of Champagne, quiche, and various other hors d'oeuvres. The host of the party, Tom Dudely, is talking to a redheaded man wearing a gray suit.

Tom: Honestly, I’m tired of hearing about all of this crap about gay marriage. If they want to get married, just let them. I just don’t want to have it crammed down my throat all the time. What about you, Steve?

Steve: Well, I do agree that it’s been overplayed, but as they say, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. If the gay marriage issue falls out of the headlines, it will never get legalized.

Tom: Either way, I could care less. It doesn’t affect me or my investments.

Steve: But wait, don’t you have stock in Chik-Fil-A? The president of that company came out against gay marriage and it will definitely hurt that company’s stock.

Tom laughs.

Tom: What do you take me for? I’m not an idiot. As soon as I saw that article on Yahoo I sold my shares. I didn’t make much off of them, but at least I didn’t take a hit.

Steve: Well done!

Tom: Thank you.

Tom takes a sip from his champagne flute as he observes the other guests in the party.

Tom: Now this is how a party should be. The uncouth beasts that I put up with at work are always going out and drinking until they get black out drunk only to wake up with random fat bimbos next to them in the morning.

Steve: Didn’t you used to do that?

Tom: Ugh! Don’t remind me. I had some very dark years in my past. I’d rather not have to relive them. It’s bad enough that I still have to be around people like that anymore.

Steve: Why don’t you just quit then? You’re doing really well for yourself. Your returns on investments are through the roof. Maybe it’s time to just walk away from the wrestling world.

Tom shakes his head.

Tom: I’ve thought about it. Hell, I tried to retire for a bit, but there’s something about the energy you feel when performing in front of a life crowd that can’t be matched by anything else.

Steve: Have you tried cocaine? It gives you a pretty good feeling, too.

Tom shoots Steve a disapproving look.

Tom: You know that I don’t mess around with drugs. I’ve always lived a fairly clean life and I don’t plan on changing that now.

Steve: Hey man, that’s cool. I’m just throwing out suggestions.

Tom: That wasn’t a very good suggestion. Anyway, it’s not just the crowd that keeps me wrestling. I feel like the sport has become corrupted by young people that don’t respect everything that I’ve worked for. I’m the only one who is willing and able to restore the sport to it’s glory. This week, I’m going to start by making an example of the party animal Aleksei Koji. Once I’m done with him, I will shift my focus to the inbred southerner Wyatt Peterson. I haven’t decided who I will make an example of after that, but you can guarantee that I won’t quit until Sin City Wrestling returns to what wrestling should be: real wrestlers, no more crappy gimmicks, and respect for the men, such as myself, who built the business.

Steve: Good luck with that. If anyone can do it, it will be a man with intelligence, integrity, and talent such as yourself. I need to excuse myself though. The brunette over by the piano has been giving me the eye for a while.

Tom looks towards the piano.

Tom: The one that looks like a librarian?

Steve: That’s the one. I’m gonna go talk to her.

Steve finishes off the remaining champagne from his flute and sets it on the tray of a passing server. He pats Tom on the shoulder.

Steve: Wish me luck.

Tom: Good luck.

Steve disappears into the crowd in the direction of the piano as the scene fades.


<hr width=50%>


The scene opens again backstage at the War Memorial Gymnasium in San Francisco, California. Tom Dudely has just arrived and is walking around searching for the locker room to drop off his duffel bag. Tom is wearing dark blue slacks and a matching vest that is covering a light blue long sleeved dress shirt. His eyes are hidden behind some dark sunglasses.

Stoner: Hey Tom, wait up!

Tom stops in his tracks and looks up at the ceiling in annoyance. He drops his duffel bag to the floor and spins around to find “Stoner” Scott Oliver hurrying down the hallway towards him with a cameraman in tow. Tom plasters on a half-hearted smile.

Tom: To what do I owe this honor?

Stoner: I wanted to get your thoughts going into your match with Aleksei Koji.

Tom lets out a heavy sign before replying.

Tom: To be completely honest, I don’t feel that this rookie is worth my time. He’s just another kid that doesn’t respect the business. He’s been going around talking to teddy bears, teaming up with guys that looks better suited for a comic book than a wrestling ring, and getting drunk with his…

Tom holds up two fingers on each hand to form quotation marks.

Tom: … party horde.

Tom drops his hands back to his side.

Tom: He’s been taking up way too much of my TV time with this so-called hoard. He doesn’t even know what a hoard is. I’ve been a part of a real hoard. Back when I left wrestling to act, I was in the major straight to DVD film “Zombie Hoard 4: The Aztec Curse”.  A party cannot be a hoard, only zombies come in hoards.

Stoner: It seemed that last week, you didn’t even know that Aleksei Koji was an SCW wrestler. Did you spend the week scouting him?

Tom laughs.

Tom: No. No. No. No. No. This guy isn’t even worth my time. I don’t know what Wyatt was thinking by putting me up against him. I’ve had more experience in the ring than Romania as a whole. This guy will come in, make a couple of mistakes, and end up beating himself. I just have to show up and enjoy the show.

Stoner: I don’t know about that. Aleksei has had quite a bit of success so far in SCW. He’s very unorthodox in the ring and the fans are fully behind him.

Tom: What do I care about the fans being behind him? They aren’t the ones in the ring that feel the torque of a Dudely Crossface. They don’t get knocked unconscious by a Dudely DDT or an Axe Kick. They just want to see people get their ass kicked. That’s exactly what they’ll get tonight when I beat their beloved Koji in the middle of the ring.

Stoner: There’s been talk about the match being contested under Roulette Rules. The rumor is that the higher ups feel that the spontaneity of Roulette Rules favor Aleksei’s style and that’s why they scheduled your match as such.

Tom: That just shows that even the higher ups know that this guy is a joke. They knew that under a normal match he wouldn’t last two minutes in the match with me. I still hold an incredible advantage even under these rules. I’ve been in so many match types. I’m one of the most hardcore adept wrestlers in this company. The only way he’d have a chance of beating me is if we end up in a mud pit match. The only reason he’d beat me there is because I’m not going to embarrass myself just so the fans can get a laugh.

Stoner: Dude, you in a mud pit match would be hilarious.

Tom: Yeah, too bad you weren’t there when I was rolling around in the mud with your mom.

The Stoner’s smile turns to a frown.

Stoner: Not cool dude.

Tom smiles at upsetting The Stoner.

Tom: She didn’t complain. Next time, maybe I’ll take that Odette chick out for a roll in the mud.

Stoner: You son of a bitch.

The Stoner lunges towards Tom, but Tom’s reflexes are too good as he jumps back out of The Stoner’s reach. Tom starts laughing as he leaves The Stoner fuming in the middle of the hallway.

Stoner: That guy’s become a total asshole.

From down the hall, Tom calls back towards The Stoner.

Tom: When you’re done standing there, looking like an idiot, bring my bag to the locker room.

The Stoner looks down at Tom’s duffel back still sitting on the floor. He swings his leg back and gives the bag a hefty kick that sends it sliding across the floor, bumping into the wall.

Stoner: Asshole.

The Stoner and the cameraman walk the opposite direction as Tom down the hall as the scene fades.

 The scene opens up inside of some kind of shop. There are multicolored beaded curtains hanging in the doorways and various posters on the walls. There are posters of such greats as Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix. Other posters feature Marijuana leaves and tie-dyed images. There's even one of an alien with a joint sticking out of his mouth while giving a peace sign. The cashier's counter is a glass case filled with various 'tobacco pipes'. The wall behind the cashier has a shelf with various 'water bongs' sitting on it, available for sale to anyone who asks. Someone is crouched down looking into the glass case. He has long hair and is wearing a black beanie. The cashier is a tall black man that looks a lot like Bob Marley. He is wearing a tie-dyed shirt and his curly black hair is in dreadlocks.

Cashier (In Jamaican Accent): So Scotty, what will it be today, mon?

The man who is crouched at the counter stands to his feet.

Scott: I don't know man. All I know is that I need something fast. My pipe broke last night and I had to make one out of a coke can.

Cashier: That be pretty ghetto, mon. How'd you break dat ting anyways?

Scott: Aw man, it was bogus. A friend of mine brought over a dime of some sticky, but he didn't have anything to smoke out of. So of course, I broke out ol' faithful and passed it to him to fill. I don't know how he did it, but somehow he tried to overstuff it and it broke into a million pieces.

Cashier: Aw mon! Dat be pretty bad.

Scott: That's not even the worse part of it. My buddy started bleeding all over my floor, then started yelling at me for it. Then he took the sticky and left.

Cashier: So you didn't get ta smoke it or anyting?

Scott: Nah man, I was sober all night.

Cashier: Tat sounds like it's been a tough night. Let's get you set up wit a new pipe, mon. Then maybe I can hook you up with a bit o' green.

Scott: That would be awesome.

The jingle of a bell is heard as someone else enters the store. He is carrying a camera. He walks right up to the cashier.

Cameraman: Hi, I was told that I could find Scott Oliver here.

At the mentioning of his name, Scott turns toward the man.

Scott: That depends. Are you a cop?

Cameraman: A cop? No, I'm actually a cameraman from GXW.

Scott: Yeah man, I remember you now. You were that guy who was there when me and Billy were watching the magic TV.

Cameraman: Yeah, that was me. I'm surprised you remembered. You seemed pretty distant that night.

Scott: Yeah man. That was a great night. Me and Billy just sat back, watched some wrestling and lit up. Anyway, what are you doing looking for me?

Cameraman: Actually, the GXW higher ups wanted me to get your comments about your upcoming match at Attitude.

Scott: No way! I've got a match?

The cameraman nods. Scott turns to the cashier.

Scott: Did you hear that man? I've got a match.

Cashier: Ya mon. Tat is pretty cool.

Scott: Dude! I'm so going to go in there, get a nice buzz going, and kick some ass.

Cameraman: Well, if I could just get your thoughts on your match?

Scott: No time for love, Doctor Jones!

Scott rushes out of the store in a hurry. The cameraman looks at the cashier.

Cashier: Don't ask me, mon, tat boy is a crazy motha. Now get de 'ell outta me store wit dat camera.

The cameraman leaves as the scene fades.

 London, England is home to the most recognizable clock in the world. Big Ben stands 316 feet tall with a 23 foot face. The time is shown on the face via a short and long arm that measure 9 and 14 feet respectively. Right now, the short arm is slightly past the spot that represents 7. The long arm is pointing at the 2 position. The morning sun reflects off of Big Ben’s face onto the street below. There are a few people on the street. Some of them are jogging. Some of them are on their way to work. Others, look like they’re just making their way home from a long night of drinking. Our focus is on one of the joggers. Taking his usual morning jog, SCW Superstar Tom Dudely is just making his way past Big Ben. He is wearing some blue basketball shorts and a matching tank top shirt. On his arm is a black armband with the Nike swoop prominently displayed. An Ipod is tucked into the armband with ear buds extending to Tom’s ears. The music that is blaring from into Tom’s ears is being ignored as Tom has other things on his mind this morning. As his feet continue to hit the sidewalk, Tom thinks to himself.

Tom: My favorite city in the world. I could get into a lot of trouble here. Should I go get drunk at one of the local pubs?

Tom smiles and shakes his head.

Tom: Nah. Last time I did that, I woke up in Paris with a bunch of soccer hooligans. Maybe I’ll just stick to the sight-seeing. I could go check out Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, maybe I could even head up to Abbey Road and recreate the Beatles record cover.

Tom ponders it for a moment before shaking his head again.

Tom: Nah. I’m in the mood to get into a bit of trouble. The last couple of weeks haven’t been as awesome as I would have liked. Two weeks ago, losing to Rage in the Knockout Tournament was more of a blow than I’d thought it would be. I didn’t think I really wanted to SCW Championship since I’m going back into retirement in a month or so, but now that I can’t have it, I want it. I think that was a Freud thing. I’m sure something about penis envy can be found in that.

Another smile creeps to the corners of Tom’s mouth. He looks around at the other people on the street.

Tom: I wonder if everyone’s minds wander from subject to subject like mine. I’m not even sure what made Sigmund Freud pop into my mind.

Tom turns a corner and continues to jog.

Tom: Last week wasn’t as bad as the week before, but I couldn’t help but wish it was me in the finals of the tournament against Goth. It would have been a better match that way. The fans didn’t really care whether Rage or Goth won. It wasn’t even a good match. If it was me and Rage though, at least there would have been some star power. The fans would have actually had someone to root for.

Tom takes a left turn around another corner.

Tom: What’s done is done though. Now, Rage gets to take on Nick Jones for the strap instead of me, and I get the scraps. I probably shouldn’t discount Goth. I’ve heard good things about him from Gabriel. I mean, he can’t be too bad anyway if he made it to the finals of the Knockout Tournament, right? Oh well, I’ll just go about it the same way I do every match. The fire I feel when the crowd chants my name gives me enough strength to win any match. This one won’t be any different.

Tom slows down to a fast walk. His pace eventually slows to a leisurely stroll. Tom reaches his destination, The Sanctuary House Hotel, and paces back and forth in front of it a few times. He comes to a stop and bends down to touch his toes. Upon returning to a standing position, Tom clasps his hands together over his head and bends his body to the left and then the right. Once finished with his stretching, Tom pulls the ear buds out of his ears and tucks them into the armband. Tom walks into the hotel as the scene fades.  

 That’s not good.

Tom rushes over to the aide of Wyatt Peterson. Wyatt’s was just thrown shoulder first into the ring post. Even with Wyatt’s size, he is no match for solid steel. Casey shows no concern for Wyatt as he turns his attention elsewhere. Then Tom gets to Wyatt, he is writhing on the ground holding his shoulder.

Wyatt: It hurts, Tom. Ah’ve never hurt this bad.

Tom makes an “X” by crossing his arms over his head to signal that Wyatt was legitimately hurt.

Tom: Where does it hurt?

It sounds like a stupid question, but minor details such as a pinnacle of the pain may give more insight into what kind of injury it is. Wyatt wasn’t much help.

Wyatt: It’s mah damn shoulder. Where the hell did ya think it hurt?

The medical staff comes out to attend to Wyatt.

Trainer: Wyatt, I need you to hold still.

Wyatt: Ah’ll try.

The trainer attempts to move Wyatt’s arm. Wyatt’s defensive instincts kick in as he pulls away and uses his powerful legs to launch the trainer ten feet away. The trainer doesn’t look too pleased as Wyatt’s tag team partner, Sean Williams comes over to check on Wyatt.

Sean: How’s he doing?

Tom: It’s definitely a bad shoulder injury. Not sure how bad though.

Trainer: Can you guys help him to the back? I don’t think we should be out here examining him.

The trainer’s eyes shoot nervously to the ring where the Aristocrats are intensely battling Jordan and Casey Williams.

Tom: No problem. Wyatt, we’ve got to get you to the back. Do you think you can get up on your own?

The pain is visible in Wyatt’s eyes as he clutches his shoulder. Wyatt closes his eyes and shakes his head.

Tom: Alright, we’re going to help you up.

Tom grabs Wyatt by his good arm.

Tom: Are you ready?

Wyatt gulps before nodding. Tom carefully pulls Wyatt to his feet. Wyatt holds his shoulder against his side as Tom and Sean steady him from either side. They make their way up the ramp as the scene fades.

<hr width=50%>

Tom (Whispering): Wyatt?

Tom slowly pushes open the door of Wyatt’s hospital room. Before it’s fully open, a nurse comes out of the room, pushing Tom away from the door in the process.

Nurse: I’m sorry, sir, but it is after visiting hours and Mr. Peterson is asleep. The only people allowed into patient rooms after visiting hours are family. Are you family?

Tom starts to shake his head, but stops himself.

Tom: He’s pretty much like a little brother to me. Please let me go in to see him. I promise I won’t wake him.

Nurse: I’m sorry, sir, you must be a blood relative to be able to enter that room.

A man wearing scrubs walks into the room, closing the door behind him.

Tom: What about that guy? He’s definitely not family.

The nurse looks at Tom, unamused.

Nurse: He is a doctor. I’m going to have to ask you to leave.

Tom: But…

The nurse gives Tom a stern look as she points down the hallway towards where the elevators are located. Tom slowly starts walking in the direction of the elevators. The doctor comes back out of Wyatt’s room and says something to the nurse. The two of them walk off in the opposite direction, leaving Tom an opportunity to slink into Wyatt’s room. Tom quietly closes the door behind him. He grabs a chair and places it next to Wyatt’s bed. Tom sits down and looks at Wyatt.

Tom: Casey’s a son of a bitch for doing this to you.

After a moment of silence, Tom gets up to grab Wyatt’s chart from the foot of the bed before sitting back down. Tom starts flipping through the chart. He grimaces when he finds Wyatt’s diagnosis.

Tom: Broken clavicle? Looks like you’re going to be out for about two months. That’s going to set you back a little bit in your training. Someone needs to teach Casey a lesson. Too bad I’m retired…

Tom’s voice trails off. He pulls out his phone and sends a direct message to SCW Co-Owner Mark Ward on Twitter (@SCWBossHS). The message said:

Wyatt’s out for 2 months. I’m willing to fill the gap in the roster, but I want Casey.

Tom puts his phone back into his pocket.

Tom: I know you were looking forward to going to Europe. You woulda liked it. I’ll take lots of pictures for you.

Tom sighs loudly.

Tom: I should let you rest up. You need to heal up and get back into the ring.

Tom stands up and lightly pats Wyatt’s hand so as not to wake him.

Tom: Get well, buddy.

Tom walks out of the room. The door clicks shut as the scene fades.

<hr width=50%>

A few hours later, Tom receives a one-word twitter message back from Mark Ward.

Done

<hr width=50%>

The scene opens inside of the darkened bedroom of the apartment that Tom Dudely has rented for a week. He would only be in Venice, Italy for a day, but it was more convenient than staying at a hotel. A couple of beams of light have found their way around the drawn curtain to illuminate the room in a dull gray color. Tom is lying on top of the covers, his body is spread in such a way to take up the entire queen sized mattress. Tom starts to stir from his sleep. He pulls himself to a half-sitting position and grabs his phone from the bedside table to take a look at the time. Tom closes his eyes and flops back down into the bed, still clutching the phone.

Tom: Ugh! It’s not even seven? This time zone change is gonna kill me.

Tom slowing pulls himself to a sitting position on the side of the bed. After a moment, he pulls himself to his feet with a groan. With his arms reaching towards the ceiling, Tom stretches his entire body, even standing on his tip-toes to stretch his feet. As he relaxes the stretch, Tom stumbles a little, putting his hand on the bedside table to steady himself. Once regaining his balance, Tom shuffles over to the window and throws open the curtains. The room is immediately flooded with the orange glow of the early morning Venetian sun. Tom shades his eyes with his arm until his eyes are able to adjust to the light. Tom takes in the view of the streets of Venice from the third story flat. The streets are already populated with, by Tom’s guess, locals trying to get their errands ran before the tourists took over for the day.

Tom: It’s a good looking morning. What better way to check out the city than to go for a jog?

Tom walks over to the foot of the bed where his duffle bag had tossed carelessly the previous night. He digs around until he finds his jogging shorts and an old t-shirt with the GCW logo emblazoned across the front. He puts them on and grabs his phone. Before heading out the door, Tom taps a quick message to his Twitter followers.

7 am in Venice. Going for a jog. Hope I don’t get lost.

He clicks the button to send his tweet before stuffing the phone into his pocket. He walks out of the room as the scene fades.

<hr width=50%>  

A smoky fog fills the bakery. College students that are on spring break make up most of the crowd. In the far back corner, two men are sharing a plate of brownies.

Tom: Good call with the milk. It totally helps the brownies go down.

Tom’s companion, SCW Interviewer “Stoner” Scott Oliver, swallows down another bite.

Stoner: Of course it was a good call. Who do you think you’re talkin’ to? I’ve been eating special brownies since I was a kid.

Tom: Why call them special brownies? It’s legal here. Call them what they really are.

Stoner shrugs.

Stoner: I dunno. I kinda like calling them special brownies. It makes them seem more… mysterious.

Tom laughs and shrugs.

Tom: Yeah, I guess it don’t really matter. Didn’t I tell you they were good brownies though?

Stoner nods as his mouth is full with another bite of brownie.

Tom: It was really nice of Mark to find this place. I might make this a regular vacation spot.

Tom takes another bite of brownie. After a couple of chews, Tom takes a gulp of milk to help it go down.

Stoner: Dude! Did I tell you that I finally got hired on full time?

Tom quickly finishes swallowing.

Tom: That’s awesome, dude. Congrats.

Stoner: Yeah. I got the call from Christian the other day. Perfect timing, too. They paid for my trip out here.

Tom: I coulda had them pay for mine, but I wanted to hit up Italy first. They weren’t willing to spring for the ticket if I wasn’t going to the show. Venice was worth it though.

Stoner: Did you eat some pizza.

Tom looks at Stoner like he’s out of his mind.

Tom: Duh! It’s Italy. They put some weird shit on their food though. The pizza I tried had cream cheese, peas, and potatoes.

Stoner: That sounds delicious.

Tom raises an eyebrow at Stoner.

Tom: Seriously, dude?

Stoner holds his hands up in innocence.

Stoner: What? I’ve got the munchies. I’d even eat McDonald’s if it were put in front of me right now.

As if by some form of magic, a hand comes out of the fog and places a basket containing a hamburger and fries on the table. Tom and Stoner look at each other shocked.

Tom and Stoner: Woah…

Stoner: That was trippy.

Tom: Yeah. I haven’t seen anything that cool since that time I hung out with Gabriel.

Tom stares absentmindedly at the wall which is covered in neon colored posters that are illuminated by black lights. After a couple of moment, Tom seems to snap out of it and grabs a fry from the “magic” basket.

Tom: You know what I found really interesting about Italy?

Tom puts the fry into his mouth before continuing.

Tom: They’re totally obsessed with wieners.

Stoner is caught off guard and starts choking on his mouthful of fries. Tom starts laughing uncontrollably until Stoner starts coughing chunks of food onto the table.

Tom: That’s gross, dude.

Stoner: You’re the one who was talking about wieners.

Tom: Well it’s true! It seemed like all of their paintings and statues were of naked dudes. Haven’t you ever heard of the statue of David?

Stoner scratches his head before shaking his head.

Stoner: Nope. It must be something they taught in high school. I was usually high when I showed up.

Tom: It’s a statue of a naked dude with a big ass but a small wiener.

Stoner: How small are we talkin’?

Tom: That's really the first thing that popped into your head?

Stoner nods.

Tom: Well, let’s just say that he could never pull off being a top.

Stoner looks confused. Tom quickly changes the subject.

Tom: I’ve always been curious. Why’d you start smoking weed in the first place?

Stoner shrugs.

Stoner: I dunno. Something to do?

They both start laughing hysterically. Stoner’s laugh mellows a bit.

Stoner: Wait. Why are you laughing?

Tom’s face gets dead serious.

Tom: I dunno. Something to do?

Both men start laughing again, even harder this time. Tom stops suddenly.

Tom: Did you just hear the picture move?

Both men look at the picture over their table suspiciously.

Stoner: I dunno. Looks like it’s in the same place to me.

Tom: What do you mean? It’s moving right now. Look at it.

Stoner stares at it for a moment.

Stoner: I don’t see it. Dude, those brownies must be messing with ya hardcore.

Waiter: Can I get ya some more brownies, mon?

The men are startled and quickly turn to face the waiter, a tall, skinny, black man with long dreadlocks. The best way to describe his appearance would be Rastafarian. He spoke with a Jamaican accent. The Stoner leans across the table and audibly whispers to Tom.

Stoner: I thought we were in Amsterdam? What’s with the Jamaican guy?

Tom just shrugs, too captivated by the waiter’s hair to give it a second thought. He reaches out to touch it, but the waiter smacks his hand away.

Tom: Dude, just let me touch the octopus on your head.

Waiter: What de ‘ell is wrong with ya white boys?

Stoner: I dunno. Maybe the brownies were made with a bad batch.

Waiter: Ya know those weren’t special brownies, right?

Tom suddenly sobers up. Stoner just nods and laughs.

Tom: What the hell do you mean they weren’t special brownies?

The waiter shrugs.

Waiter: We were outta da special ones so I gave ya regular brownies.

Tom turns to Stoner.

Tom: You knew they were regular brownies?

Stoner: Yeah.  I could tell by the taste.

Tom: Then why’d you let me go on acting like an idiot.

Stoner shrugs.

Stoner: I dunno. Something to do?

Tom and Stoner burst into uncontrollable laughter as the scene fades.

<hr width=50%>

Stoner: Ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to introduce a man who’s getting ready to have his first match in three years, Tom Dudely.

We are now backstage at the University Sports Centre at Amsterdam University. Tom, wearing jean shorts, sunglasses, and a newly designed “Who’s Your Dudely?” t-shirt, is standing next to SCW’s newest interviewer, “Stoner” Scott Oliver. They are doing an interview for Tom’s upcoming match against Casey Williams.

Stoner: Tom, you were so set on retiring for good. You said that you were never stepping into the ring again. What made you change your mind?

Tom: Before I answer your question, I want everyone to feast their eyes on this.

Tom points at his shirt.

Tom: The new “Who’s Your Dudely?” t-shirt. Available only as scwrestling.net.

Stoner: Nice plug.

Tom: Thank you. As far as why I’ve decided to get back into the ring, it’s really quite obvious. What Casey Williams did two weeks ago was completely uncalled for. He fractured Wyatt’s clavicle by throwing him into the ring post after Wyatt had already been eliminated from the match. I, being a man who honors the sport of wrestling, feel that Casey needs to show some respect to the sport and all it stands for.

Stoner: Is wrestling a sport?

Tom: Yeah, it is.

Stoner: Other people may not agree.

Tom: Like who?

Stoner: Like Vin...

Tom quickly puts his hand over the Stoner's mouth, hushing him.

Tom: Okay. Okay. Let's move on. We don't need a lawsuit on our hands.

Stoner: Okay. Are you sure you didn’t just decide to do this so you can get a free trip to Europe?

Tom: I’ll admit. I’ve been living it up out here. I’m sure you will agree that we’ve had a good time.

Stoner nods.

Tom: But Casey… that boy has be infuriated right now. First he injures Wyatt, then, when I call him out on it, he starts calling me names. String bean, has-been, inbred, the only compliment he gave was on the way my legs look in my shorts. He talks about Dudelyville being a hick town. He should really do his homework. Dudelyville is home to the world famous Table Museum. It’s where they house the table that Robert E. Lee signed the confederate surrender to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox. If you don’t know what that is then pick up a history book. Casey, you’re bigger than me. There’s no doubt that you can do damage. But, I’ve faces bigger. I’ve faced badder. There used to be a guy in GCW named Apocalypse.

Tom makes a cross pattern across his chest before pointing to the sky.

Tom: He was one bad ass dude, but I beat him on every occasion that we met. The way I look at it, the bigger they are, the harder they fall. You’re just another big, big man that’s going to be taking a big, big fall. After I pin you, you’re going to find yourself rocking in a corner repeating “Tom’s my Dudely.” I’ll see you in the ring.

Tom walks away, clearly pumped for the match. The scene fades.

 The wind is whipping through Wyatt Peterson and Tom Dudely’s hair as they speed down Interstate 15 towards San Diego in Tom’s 1957 Chevy Bel Air convertible. Tom is driving while Wyatt is asleep in the passenger seat. Eugene, whom Wyatt had invited along for the trip much to Tom’s chagrin, is in the backseat with a map unfolded. Suddenly, Eugene puts the map down and leans forward to talk to Tom and Wyatt.

Eugene: Hey guys, we should totally stop in Baker. It’s right off of the freeway about 20 miles ahead.

Tom rolls his eyes.

Tom: What is so interesting in Baker? World’s biggest cupcake?

Eugene starts laughing.

Eugene: World’s biggest cupcake! Because it’s Baker! You’re so funny!

Tom rolls his eyes, obviously annoyed with Eugene.

Eugene: It’s actually home of the World’s Tallest Thermometer.

Tom (sarcastically): Wow….

Eugene: While we’re there we can stop at Alien Fresh Jerky. They say that the jerky is made from abducted cows.

Tom smiles and shakes his head at the ridiculousness coming out of Eugene’s mouth. He looks over at Wyatt sleeping with a thin stream of drool coming out of his mouth.

Tom (thinking to himself): I can’t put up with this kid much more. Why the hell should Wyatt get to sleep while I put up with this kid. He’s the one who invited him.

Tom turns the steering wheel to make the car swerve sharply. Wyatt’s head swings into the window divider with a thud. Wyatt shoots up wiping the drool from his chin. His other hand goes to where his head hit the divider.

Wyatt: Oww! What the hell happened?

Tom (Feigning innocence): Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you up. I had to swerve to avoid hitting… umm… a dog. Yeah, that’s it, a dog.

Wyatt looks at Tom like he doesn’t believe him. Tom just flashes him a smile and a wink as Eugene starts talking again.

Eugene: You had to wake up anyway. We’re going to stop at the World’s Tallest Thermometer.

Wyatt gives Tom an angry look.

Wyatt: That ain’t no reason to wake a man up from his mid-mornin’ nap. Ah need mah beauty sleep.

Tom laughs.

Tom: Don’t worry. It wasn’t helping anyway.

Wyatt: Why the hell are we gonna stop to see a thermometer anyway? Ah can check the temperature on mah cell phone.

Eugene: It’s not just ANY thermometer though. It’s the World’s Tallest Thermometer! And we’re gonna stop at Alien Fresh Jerky while we’re there. The jerky is supposed to have been made by aliens.

Wyatt: Ah have no doubt that the jerky was probably made by aliens, probably illegal ones. What’s so special ‘bout that?

Eugene: Not illegal aliens, as in people who are in the United States illegally, but aliens as in the kind from outer space.

This peaks Wyatt’s interest.

Wyatt: Aliens like the little green men?

Eugene nods.

Wyatt: Ah don’t think that’d be a bad thing tah check out. Might be kinda nifty.

Tom looks at Wyatt and shakes his head.

Tom: Alright, I guess I’m outvoted. We’ll stop in Baker.

Eugene: YAY!!!


<hr width=50%>


***10 minutes later***

Tom: We’re here.

Tom turns off of the freeway onto Baker Avenue.

Eugene: Look! There’s Alien Fresh Jerky.

Almost immediately off of the freeway, a building on the right side of the road has “ALIEN FRESH JERKY” in really big letter across the front. Tom pulls into the parking area. All three men get out of the car to take in the view. An alien is sitting on the roof with its feet dangling over the side, a spaceship is parked along the side of the building, and there’s a taxi parked in front with an alien family inside, even a baby one in a car seat. Tom just shakes his head as he watches Wyatt and Eugene run around looking at everything with the excitement of children. Eugene takes a few pictures before they run back to the car where Tom is still standing.

Wyatt: We’re gonna head on inside. You comin’?

Tom: No, I’m okay out here. You guys have fun with your aliens.

Wyatt and Eugene look at each other and shrug before turn back to the building and disappearing inside. Tom pulls out his cell phone and sits on the hood of the car. He proceeds to play “Angry Birds” for several minutes until Wyatt and Eugene reemerge from the building. Wyatt is carrying a paper bag. They hurry over to Tom.

Eugene: That place is awesome! I love aliens!

Tom: Probably because you're one of them.

Wyatt: Look at all the cool stuff we got.

Wyatt starts digging into the bag. He pulls out six bags of assorted flavors of jerky and sets them on the car one by one.

Wyatt: They were three for twenty dollars. We got: Abducted Cow Teriyaki, whiskey jerky, space cowboy pepper, BBQ on the moon, colon cleaner hot jerky, and Space Gator alligator jerky.

Tom: Alligator jerky?

Eugene: Yeah, it’s made from real alligator.

Tom: So is Wyatt’s boot. Why not just eat that? It probably tastes the same.

Wyatt and Eugene laugh. Wyatt reaches back into the bag and pulls out three pouches.

Wyatt: Astronaut ice cream. It’s freeze dried so it don’t melt.

Tom: That sounds disgusting.

Wyatt sets the pouches on the car and reached back into the bag.

Wyatt: Last, but not least…

Wyatt pulls out a t-shirt and holds it up against his chest. It shows a picture of two spaceships crashed into each other with the caption reading “Where’d you learn to drive, Earth?” Wyatt tosses the shirt to Eugene who pulls it on over the shirt he’s already wearing. Wyatt pulls out another shirt that just says “I got abducted by aliens and all I got was this lousy shirt”. Tom rolls his eyes.

Tom (sarcastically): Classic…

Wyatt smiles and tosses the shirt over his shoulder as he reached back into the bag to pull out a third shirt.

Wyatt: We got this one fer you.

Wyatt holds it up. It shows a female alien on all fours with a human “mounting” it. The caption reads “Once you go green, you never go back”. Eugene and Wyatt burst into laughter at Tom shakes his head and starts climbing into the car.

Tom: I’m not wearing that.  

Wyatt and Eugene are still laughing as they climb into the car. Wyatt tosses the shirt at Tom who tosses it right back while shaking his head.

Tom: Let’s go see this damn thermometer so we can get out of here. Where is it?

Eugene leans forward into the front seat and points down the road.

Eugene: It’s right down there. I can see it from here.

Tom: Alright, let’s get this over with.

Tom starts the car and pulls out of the parking lot back onto the main road. Within a minute they arrive at the world’s tallest thermometer. They all pile out of the car and look up at the thermometer. Eugene snaps a picture of it.

Wyatt: That’s a perdy big thermometer.

Eugene: It’s 134 feet tall, which is also the highest temperature ever recorded in the United States. It was built in 1991 and costs about forty thousand dollars annually to upkeep. Judging by the fact that it’s about 65 degrees out and it’s reading 90 I’m going to assume that the economy has hit it too.

Tom: Alright, we’ve seen it, let’s get back in the car and head to San Diego.

Eugene: Can we stop in Barstow along the way? They’ve got a real ghost town!

Tom rolls his eyes.

Tom: We’ll see. Let’s just go.

Eugene: Hold on. I need to use the restroom.

Eugene starts running towards the gas station next to the thermometer. As soon as Eugene disappears inside, Tom gets back into the car and starts it up.

Tom: Come on, Wyatt. Let’s get out of here.

Wyatt: What about Eugene?

Tom: He’s been annoying the sh*t out of me. Let’s ditch him.

Wyatt shrugs and climbs into the passenger’s seat. Tom pulls out and starts back towards the freeway.

Wyatt: You know that he’s not going to let us just leave him. He’s gonna be bugging us until we go back and get him.

Tom: How’s he gonna do that?

Wyatt’s cell phone starts ringing.

Wyatt: He’s got my cell phone number.

Tom stops the car and hangs his head. He takes a deep breath and makes a U-turn. Wyatt answers the phone and puts it to his ear.

Wyatt: Don’t worry. We’re on our way back tah get ya.

The scene fades as they drive back to get Eugene.


<hr width=50%>



***Sunday before the show***


Tom and Wyatt are sitting in the men’s locker room at Aztec Aquaplex in San Diego, California. Tom reaches into a McDonald’s bag that is next to him and pulls out three McDoubles. He hands them to Wyatt who opens one of them and devours it in three bites.

Tom: Hungry?

Wyatt: Yeah, ah’ve been a bit nervous today so ah didn’t eat breakfast.

Tom: What are you nervous about? You’ve been in the main event before.

Wyatt: Yeah, but not with such big names in it. There are three guys in the match with me that were the biggest names in the business at one point.

Tom (shrugs): You can’t let that get to you. You’ve a beast in the ring. I have no doubt that you can hold your own in the ring with them. Anyway, you’re on the same side as two of them.

Wyatt: It’s still enough to make me nervous. Ah’ve gotta take my game to the next level with them in the ring.

Tom: I know you can do it. This is your chance to show what you can do. Everyone’s eyes are going to be on you tonight to see what you’re capable of.  Finish up your burgers. I set up an interview with a new interviewer here in SCW. It should be… interesting.

Wyatt eats his other two burgers fairly quickly, washing them down with a bottle of water. Tom stands up.

Tom: Let’s go get this interview done.

Wyatt stands up and puts his Stetson hat on.

Wyatt: Ah’m ready.

Wyatt follows Tom out of the locker room. They walk around the backstage area looking for their interviewer. As they are walking, a bathroom door opens and smoke comes rolling out of it. “Stoner” Scott Oliver stumbles out of the bathroom coughing.

Tom: Scott!

“Stoner” Scott looks up.

Stoner: God?

Tom: Over here, dumbass.

Stoner turns to see Tom and Wyatt looking at him. He flashes a dazed smile as he walks over to them.

Stoner: Sup, boys?

Tom: We’re supposed to be doing an interview with you. Where’s your cameraman?

Stoner points between Tom and Wyatt. They turn around to see the cameraman there filming the whole thing.

Tom: Why are you filming already?

Cameraman: I figured that something funny was gonna happen with Scott so I’ve been recording since he went into the bathroom.

Everyone shrugs.  The cameraman hands a microphone to Stoner.

Cameraman: You’ll need this to do the interview.

Tom and Wyatt stand next to Stoner and face the camera. Stoner turns his back to the camera.

Stoner: I’m here with Wyatt…

Wyatt grabs Stoner by his shoulders and turns him around to face the camera.

Stoner:  Oh. I’m here with Wyatt Peterson and his heterosexual life mate, Tom Dudely.

Tom: Manager works just fine.

Stoner: Umm… okay. His manager, Tom Dudely. Wyatt, you’re in a huge main event with a bunch of dudes. Umm… why are you here?

Wyatt takes the microphone from Stoner.

Wyatt: Ah’ve got it from here. Why don’t ya head back into the bathroom?

Stoner shrugs and walks back to the bathroom. Smoke is still rolling out as he opens the door and disappears inside.

Wyatt: Tonight, ah’m in the biggest match ah’ve been in in mah life. Ah know ah’ve been in a battle royal for the SCW Championship and at December tah Dismember ah was in a match for the tag team titles, but how many people can say that they’ve been in the ring with three hall of famers at the same time? Ah get tah team up with one of the greatest teams in wrestling history Spike Staggs and Jordan Williams. These two men alone could probably handle the three guys on the other side. Ah’m just glad that they allowed by tah join ‘em. Ah know that they’re probably both a bit rusty since they haven’t been in the ring in years, but ah know that they’re both ready.

Tom pulls the microphone a bit closer to himself.

Tom: I’ve never been in the ring with Jordan Williams that I can remember, but Spike is probably the person that I’m most familiar with. I had my very first professional match against him many years ago and have wrestled him many times since then. He’s going to be ready.

Wyatt takes the microphone back.

Wyatt: On the other side of the ring is another hall of famer, Nick Jones. He’s been around for a few weeks in SCW and from what ah’ve seen he’s just a cocky jackass who gets lucky every once in a while. Tom told me that he was GXW Champion once, but he lost his title tah some guy named Matt Seex. Who the hell is Matt Seex? Ah dunno either, but ah think it’s embarrassing dropping the title to a no name. At least Tom lost his GXW Championship to Rix Usher. Ah may be wrong, but in mah tag match with him in the tag team tournament a few weeks back he didn’t impress me much.  In fact, he’s the one who got pinned tah lose that match for his team. Ah don’t care if he’s the number one contender to the SCW Championship, I’m still better than him. Kain, ah have no idea really who he is. Ah assume he’s done something special tah impress the bosses since he’s in the main event. Ah guess Ah’m just gonna have tah wait ‘til ah see him in the ring to determine how good he is for mah self. Then there’s Casey Williams…

Wyatt dramatically pauses.

Wyatt: Me and Casey Williams have had a few run-ins since SCW began. The bosses have put us in matches together because we’re the two biggest, most dominant forces in the SCW. It’s inevitable that we’ll have a one on one match someday. Ah dunno when, but it’ll have to happen to establish who’s the biggest, baddest man in the SCW. Ah already know the answer, but ah’m always willin’ tah prove it. Ah’m gonna go get ready for this match, but the rest of y’all had better watch your asses, cuz Wyatt Peterson is ready to kick ‘em.

Wyatt and Tom walk away down the hall. The cameraman calls after them.

Cameraman: Thanks, guys.

Wyatt and Tom walk until their outta earshot.

Wyatt: How’d ah do?

Tom: it wasn’t bad for your first promo pretty much on your own. Not bad at all.

Wyatt smiles as the scene fades.