San Diego... home of the Padres and the Chargers. San Diego... the site of Climax Control. San Diego... the site of what will be a brilliant move in the lead up to Summer XXXtreme II. We find the anti-hero... Pro Wrestling’s Pedigree, Max Burke walking along one of the picturesque beaches in sunny California. Max is sporting a pair of Under Armour shorts and his Under Armour shirt is tucked, hanging from the waistband of his shorts. Mirrored sunglasses hide the eyes of the future Roulette Champion.

Max: California... sunny skies, miles of beaches, beautiful women. My kind of place. California is also the place that Max Burke proves once again that his intelligence far exceeds of that ignoramus Kain. That idiot is punch drunk from years of too many shots to the head.

Max continues along the sandy beach, making no effort to hide his staring at the ladies sunbathing.

Max: You see Kain, when I was informed that we got to choose the stipulation for each other’s match... I did not waste a second dialing the bosses. I knew the perfect stipulation for your stupid ass. Your hands are definitely tied going to your match with Grimm. It will be an uphill battle as I take away your most powerful women. Grimm is going to decimate you because of my brilliance.

Max tips his sunglasses as he strolls by a itty bitty bikini clad lady and fires off a wink in her direction. She smiles sheepishly and continues down the beach hand in hand with her boyfriend.

Max: Nathaniel Havok. Let me be the first to welcome you to Sin City. I’m very familiar with your body of work. I’ve followed your career. You have had an impressive career thus far, there is no denying that fact. You have won championships all over the globe. You and I are very much alike in many ways. Unfortunately for you, I am your welcoming committee as you arrive in SCW. You are just what the doctor has ordered as I make my way to the Roulette Championship. The fact that the SCW brass has decided on Roulette Rules is a blessing in disguise. Honestly, I could give two shits what Kain decides for us Havok. It doesn’t matter. Since my return from injury, I’ve turned that corner in my career. This is the perfect opportunity to make another statement on way to your title Kain. I’ve beat you once, and now we’re going to play your game. I’m going to beat you again Kain, but this time I’m taking your goddamn title AND your career!

 Sunday, March 17th.

Backstage at Climax Control. Max sits in the back staring intently at the backstage monitor, baffled at what he sees. On the screen... Aleksei, Karina, and Trevor stand united proclaiming their allegiance to Christian Underwood.

Max Burke:YOU’VE GOTTA BE SHITTIN’ ME!

Max throws his bottle of beer across the locker room, and it smashes with force on the wall.

Max Burke: What the fuck...

Max gets to his feet, and storms out of the locker room. He is pretty much in a full sprint when he reaches the gorilla position, just behind the curtain. He makes it just as Aleksei, Karina, and his partner Trevor Irons return to the back.

Max Burke: WHAT THE FUCK GUYS!?

Max shoves Aleksei hard into the wall. Trevor steps between them, and forces the separation before things can escalate. Unfortunately... they do.

THWACK!!!!!

Trevor gets absolutely drilled by his partner. Karina and Aleksei and look on in shock as Trevor reacts instinctively and shoves Max hard.



Trevor Iron: What the fuck man!?

Max Burke: Fuck you Trev!

Aleksei Koji: GUYS! STOP!

Max Burke: Fuck off Aleksei. Seriously, you can go fuck yourself.

Aleksei Koji: Hey now. Relax Max.

Max Burke: Why should I? Why didn’t I get the memo about your little pledge of allegiance to Christian. That’s bullshit guys! You know it. Why the fuck did I just have to watch that on a goddamn monitor? I thought we were a team. I thought we were a damn family.

While Max is on his verbal rampage, Karina attempts to calm down Trevor, before he loses his cool again. Trevor rubs his face where Max suckerpunched him.

Max Burke: Like seriously, why wasn’t I filled in on this?

Aleksei Koji: We talked about this Max.

Max Burke: Hold on a second there bud. Yeah, we BRIEFLY talked about it. I didn’t think we came to a final decision. Last I heard we were still weighing the pros and cons of each side. I’m sorry, but why the hell would we join Mark and Christian again? They’ve screwed us at every turn. You guys really didn’t think this through.

Trevor Irons: Max... chill.

Max Burke: Seriously? You guys go out there by yourselves, and not tell me you’re doing it... and you want me to chill? You’ve gotta be kidding Trevor. I thought we were partners. Fuck this... I’m out of here.

Max shoves his way past Aleksei, and leaves the remaining three members of the Party Horde staring on in disbelief.

---


Later that evening...

Max sits in a dark corner of the venue, ear to his phone. We hear only one side of the conversation.

Max Burke: It’s bullshit. Complete, and utter bullshit. I can’t believe they pulled this. I don’t understand man.

Max shoves his hair out of his face, and takes a swig from his quart of whiskey during a pause in the conversation.

Max Burke: I can’t believe they sided with Christian. I mean, what have they done for us lately? They’ve screwed us so many times. Time, after time we can’t catch a break with them. We deserved a one on one rematch with Blood Omen. Everyone saw that. But.... noooooo... triple threat. And now look... we can’t even take the fuckin’ straps from them now since Carter and Baldwin pulled that tonight. I’m so frustrated. Team Erik is looking REALLY good.

Max takes another long drag off his quart which reveals to now be empty. Max drops it in frustration.

Max Burke: Fuck, and now I’m out of whiskey. This night is a write off. Not to mention I already found out we’ve got Hope and Casper next week. What the hell is that? Why do those two idiots keep throwing us in there with random ass pairings? I really don’t want to go out there next week. This match makes no sense. I seriously doubt their faith in us. I doubt their faith, and vision for our division. I just can’t see us breaking through their little glass ceiling at this rate. I’m so frustrated man. I’m confused too. Now that the Party Horde is all  “WOOO TEAM CHRISTIAN!!!!” I don’t know what to think. Fuck it. We’ll talk more later. I’m going to go find some more booze.

Max endeds the phone call, and tucks his phone in his pocket. He storms off.

 Air Canada Flight 576 Las Vegas to Montreal leaves from Mcarran International Airport at 11:10AM on Saturday, January 23. Outside of the airport, our heroes Aleksei Koji, Trevor Irons, and Max Burke hop out of the Party Horde bus in a hurry.

Max Burke: Come on, you clowns! We’re late!

Trevor Irons: Breathe Max. All is well. Everything is aligned.

Max Burke: What? What the heck is up with you?

Aleksei Koji: Max... relax. We’ve got plenty of time. We’re going to make it. I called ahead.

Max Burke: And you trust that phone call Aleksei? This is an airport... I don’t trust these idiots.

Aleksei Koji: Easy Max. Don’t say bomb, and use your Canadian charm. They’ll push us through fast, and we’ll be done in no time.

Trevor Irons: Nothing is “up” Max. I just see things clearly now. You just need to have faith.

Max Burke: Are you high?

Max and Aleksei shoot a look at each other, questioning Trevor’s newfound enlightenment. They rush the gate, bags in hand and passes the ticket over to the airline agent.

Max Burke: I’m so sorry we’re cutting it so close ma’am. Our driver somehow got lost on the way to the airport. I apologize.

The agent looks over their passports and tickets, and waves them through.

Max Burke: Thank you SO much. You’re amazing!

The agent smiles at Max, and scurries them on their way. Max looks over at Aleksei, and Trevor.

Max Burke: Whew. That was close.

Aleksei Koji: Are you kidding? You charmed the panties off her with your nice guy Canadian charm. You suave mother...

Trevor Irons: Hey! Watch your mouth!

Max chuckles as he ponders the innocent flirting that he just excellently perfected to get them through without a hitch. The three amigos board the plane, and find their seats with little trouble. Max and Aleksei take their seats, and Trevor takes a seat in the aisle on the floor. Trevor crosses his legs and sits in a classic meditation pose.

Max Burke: Uh, Trev? Seat’s up here bud.

Aleksei Koji: Yeah, Trev. I don’t think they’ll dig you plunked down on the floor like that.

Trevor Irons: Guys, can you give me a couple of minutes? I need to center myself.

Aleksei snickers, as Max just rolls his eyes.

Max Burke: Trev, don’t blame us when we say we told ya so.

Aleksei Koji: You got that right Max. Hurry up and center yourself before you kicked off the flight.

Trevor ignores his teammates, and breathes deeply over and over. Eyes shut, total focus is what Trevor is currently at. So much so, that he does not notice one of the airline attendants come up from behind him.

Max Burke: Hey Trev, you’re in the lady’s way. You might want to snap out of it before she calls security to snap you out of it.

Trevor continues to ignore his partner. The attendant looks at Max and Aleksei. They simply shrug. Max motions to the attendant to give him a minute. He pops out of his seat, and crouches in front of his partner. He snaps his fingers in front of his partner’s face.

Max Burke: Yo. Earth to Trev. Yo!!! Get your ass up!

Trevor slowly opens his eyes, and looks at Max blankly.

Trevor Iron: Yes?

Max Burke: Lady would you like you to get in your seat, so she can do her job. We need to get this bird off the ground, but we can’t until your cuckoo ass gets in his seat.

Aleksei Koji: Ha! Well played Max. Come on, Trevor.

Trevor Irons: Apologies ma’am. I’ll return to my seat now. I just needed to prepare for the long flight ahead.

Attendant: That’s okay, sir. I enjoy yoga, and meditation myself.

She smiles sheepishly at Trevor, and walks towards the back of the plane..

Max Burke: Look at you, you sly dog. Get after that. I guess I need to start doing this is meditation crap. I’ll teach ya YRG, if you teach me how to meditate.

Trevor Irons: YRG?

Max Burke: What? You’ve never heard of it?

Aleksei Koji: Come on Trev, it’s a phenomenon!

Trevor Irons: Never heard of it.

Max Burke: It’s Yoga For Real Guys! An old retired wrestler came up with it. It’s wicked. It’s like a mix of yoga and physio. Takes away the aches, and pains. I love it. I’ve been doing it for a week or so now, and it’s crazy but I’m already seeing a difference. I’m taking my training to a whole new level with YRG, and I want you to join in. So, let’s make a deal... you teach me your meditation stuff, and you’ll work out with me doing the YRG. Deal?

Trevor Irons: Deal.

Max Burke: Good deal bro. I think it’s really going to help. Now, that we’ve got Casper and Goth too we really need to focus. But, I got to admit, Goth needs to be repackaged. The whole dark and scary goth gimmick went out in the 90’s. Talk about holding on to past accomplishments.

Aleksei Koji: Max, do not take him lightly. He is an accomplished champion.

Max Burke: I’m not taking him lightly boss. I’m just saying his gimmick sucks. He might as well go sparkle somewhere else.

Aleksei Koji: What? He’s not a damn Twilight vampire... he’s goth. Goth is goth. Both gimmicks are lame though.

Max Burke: He needs to wash off the damn face paint, and stop living in the past. Goth is lame. Are we supposed to be scared of white makeup and leather? Like seriously? He’s a trooper to be able to pull off that lameass gimmick. I know the Netherlands love their goth and metal gimmicks, but he’s in the states now. He needs to ditch the gimmick, and get down to business.

Aleksei Koji: So, what’s your gameplan with Goth? Remember, what we’re focusing on.

Max Burke: Yeah, boss. Break him down. Go after the left knee, and his back. It was “years” ago, but I know full well how bad that shit lingers. I’m going to break him, and send him back to those scuzzy metal clubs in the Netherlands.
Aleksei Koji: You two are the one true team in this match. Divide and conquer all of them. Cut the ring off. Use your tags. Go after their weaknesses. It’s always been said the best defense is a strong offense. That is your focus. Offense. You two are the so-called underdogs, but the people who say that don’t know any better. Now, both of you get some rest. It’s a long ass flight. Get some sleep.

Max Burke & Trevor Irons [in unison]: YES SIR!

Max and Trevor mockingly salute their manager and confidant. Max and Trevor lean back in their seats, and pop in their ear buds. Both close their eyes as commanded.

Will the Young Lions new focus lead them to success? Can Max put up with Trevor’s teaching methods? Can Trevor handle Yoga For Real Guys? Find out next time as the Young Lions pounce Canada eh!

 We rejoin Max Burke & Laura Jackson downstairs in the basement gym. Both Max & Laura are on the mats stretching out before starting the workout.

Max: I got to say, I dig your tatts Laura. They're pretty damn amazing.

Laura: Hey, thanks! You got any?

Max: Nah, thought about it a few times, but none yet.

Laura: You should. It's definitely addicting.

Max: That's what everyone tells me.

Max shoots a smile at Laura. Max is usually nervous interacting with new people, but Laura's personality has put him at ease quickly.

Max: Ya know, I think we're a perfect match for this tournament. You're basically the female version of Trev style wise. We're going to mesh really well.

Laura: Totally! I think we'll do well.

Max: Focus on the teamwork. Quick tags for sure. Let's stay fresh out there. If one of us gets in trouble, the other person has got be quick to react or it's going to be a short tourney. I've got your back 100% Laura.

Laura: Yeah, I got yours too. Tom and Necra are in for a surprise at Climax Control.

Max: Yeah, I think we're on the same page for sure. You all limbered up Ms. Jackson? Let's work on our moves.

Max chuckles a bit to himself.

Laura: Yeeeah. Uh huh.

Max: What!? I meant our timing. Let's go you. It's time for you to experience the pooooounce!

Laura: ... oh god. Okay... you're on. Let's go.

Max pops to his feet, and offers his hand to Laura. She grabs a hold, and he pulls her to his feet. The new partners make their way over to the rickety ring in the far corner of the room, where they're two training dumm... err... partners are waiting for them. The unidentified duo await their fate with a look of uneasiness on their faces.

Max: Alright bud, come on over. Laura, we can do this two ways. Would you rather from the top or springboard off the ropes?

Laura: I'll wing it. Let's go with the springboard for giggles this time.

Max: You ready?

Laura nods, and Max lifts up their training partner quickly. Laura leaps and bounces off the second rope, twisting in mid-air and grabbing hold perfectly to plant their victim on his head.

Max: NICE! That was perfect. Oh, we got this... we're in f'n sync already. Ok Mr. Cameraman, time for you to leave. My lovely partner and I are going to work on a few surprises for Climax Control. Scoot!


Camera cuts off. Static.

 High in the skies, Max and Trevor are relaxing on their flight to Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. Max, however does not look to be in the best of the shape though.

Trevor: You okay buddy?

Max’s face is pale, beads of sweat are forming. Max wipes his brow with his sleeve.

Max: I don’t know man. It must have been something I ate.

Trevor chuckles.

Trevor: Or drank. You had quite a few brews yesterday.

Max glares at his partner and crime with a look of disdain. He puts his head between his knees.

Max: Maybe. Ugh... I think you’re right.

Trevor pats him on the back mockingly. Max lets out a groan.

Trevor: There, there my friend. Damn brother you need to learn to have limits.

Max: Screw you man... it was your family’s damn home brew. It was probably contaminated.

Trevor: Hey now! That stuff is the shit! You just can’t handle your booze. Suck it up cupcake.

Max gags a bit. Trevor backs up. Max jumps up out of his seat and darts to the washroom.

Trevor: Don’t puke on the little old lady!

Max reaches the bathroom, but to his horror it’s occupied. Max frantically looks around for somewhere to puke. To his relief he spots a garbage can, he buries his head relieves himself of yesterday’s Irons family home brew.

Trevor: MAX! JESUS! GROSS!

A flight attendant walks up to Max as he finishes. A look of disgust crosses her face. Max pulls his head out of the can and wipes his mouth.

Max: I am so sorry, I must have a bug. The bathroom was occupied, and I just couldn’t hold it any longer.

The flight attendant directs Max to the sink to dump the contents of the can. Max obliges and returns to his seat very embarrassed.
Trevor: You okay?

Max shoots him a look and plunks down in his seat. He grabs his bottle of water.

Trevor: Mint?

Trevor dumps a few breath mints in Max’s hand. He then dumps half the container in Max’s hand.

Trevor: There we go. Tummy all better now?

Max: Shut up.

Trevor laughs at his partner’s embarrassing moment with the gorgeous flight attendant.

Max: Yeah, I feel better now. Definitely blaming the home brew.

Trevor: Lightweight.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A couple hours later, the Young Lions’ plane touches down in Moncton, New Brunswick. Max and Trevor gather their bags.

Unknown Lady: MAXI!

A lady, in probably her early to mid 50’s dashes towards Max Burke. Max drops his bags and embraces her. She squeezes him tight.

Max: Okay, okay. Let go.

Trevor: Who’s this enchanting lady?

Trevor smirks at his partner. The lady lets go of Max.

Max: Trevor, this is my mother. Mom, this is Trevor Irons.

Trevor: Ma’am.

Mrs. Burke: Nice to meet you Trevor. Welcome to New Brunswick. How was your flight kids.

Max: It was okay.

Trevor: He puked.

Max: Trev!

Trevor: He had one too many.

Trevor laughs at Max.

Max: Because of you bathtub brew!

Trevor: Lightweight.

Mrs. Burke: Kids. Stop.

Max and Trevor: Yes, mom!

Mrs. Burke: Don’t be smart. I’ll take you to the gym.

Max and Trevor pick up their bags and head out of the airport. They hop in Max’s mother’s car and heads to his uncle’s gym.

Max: We’re heading to the Burke Wrestling Academy.

Trevor: Catchy.

Max: Yeah, they decided to finally buy an actual facility. Kicking butt in the backyard or the garage was getting old. And, then there was the whole insurance issue.

Trevor: Insurance? Damn people suck nowadays. I miss it when you could just knock heads together and not have to worry bout the paperwork.


Max: Back when they trained me, nobody thought about insurance. You go to get trained and to try and break into the business. Too many damn regulations now. We’re going after hours though.

Trevor: Great, no witnesses for the ass kicking.

Max: Pretty much. It’s probably just going to you, me, uncle Len and maybe one or two of the students.

Mrs. Burke: We’ll be there in about 10 minutes.

Max: I hear it’s a nice gym. Haven’t been in it yet. They only opened it this year.

The car eventually pulls into the parking lot of a small strip mall in Moncton. The BWA sign is small, nothing fancy. The boys hop out of the car and grab their bags. A gruff man opens the door of the gym and steps out into the brisk air.

Max: Uncle Len!

Len: Maxwell. How ya doin’ kid?

Max: I’m good. You’re looking good.

Len: Quick sucking up. Let’s go. You too son.

Trevor: Yes sir.

Len steps inside the gym. Trevor grabs Max’s sleeve and holds him back for a second.

Max: What?

Trevor: He’s a real pleasant sort.

Max: I told you he’s old school. He doesn’t know you yet. Earn his respect Trevor. He’s about to whip both of our asses.

Max opens the door to the gym, and waves Trevor through. As both men enter the academy, they stop dead  in their tracks. Nice really isn’t the word to describe the facility. Barebones would be a better word. There’s a weight bench and a few dumbbells. There are a couple exercise bikes. In the far corner there is a rickety old boxing ring... it’s not even a professional wrestling ring.

Len: Get changed boys. Let’s go! Hurry up.

Trevor swallows hard as he passes the ring. He shoots a look at Max.

Trevor: This is going to be SO much fun.

Max: Get ready, it’s only just begun.

Max laughs out loud as they hit the locker room to change. The boys reemerge and head to the ring, where Len is waiting for them impatiently.

Len: Max, you remember the good old days? Time for squats. Go!
Trevor (underneath his breath): Fuck me.

The Young Lions obey orders and start their squats. Len leans up against the corner of the ring and watches intently.

Len: Max filled me in that you’re squaring off against thoroughbreds in a couple of weeks. You said the new champs right?

Max (grunting): Yes, sir.

Max and Trevor’s faces say it all. Squats suck. They push through.

Len: I looked at the videos you sent me of them. Kid in the mask is fast. Max, you know how to stretch. You need to take his legs out early. Ground the hood and don’t let him fly. The other guy, Kain is strong, he looks like he has a few pounds on you two. You need to fight smart. Cut the ring off and lots of quick tags.

Trevor and Max (both grunting): Yes, sir.

Len: Ok stop. That’s enough.

Trevor and Max drop to the mat in unison, relieved that the hindu squats are finished.

Len: You’re getting soft Max.

Max: I missed your training uncle Len, what can I say. You want to show Trev a few old locks?

Trevor interjects.

Trevor: I’d be happy to observe! Mr. Burke, I’d love to see you tie Max up.

Len: Sorry son, he’s been there plenty before. Time to open your eyes to the old ways. Come on over.

Trevor: Shit. Yes, sir.

Trevor steps up to Len with hesitation. Within moments, Len has Trevor on the mat with a nerve hold that came out of nowhere. Len switches to a variation of a headlock and sleeper, Trevor grunts in pain trying to free himself. He lets out a yell, and Len releases the hold.

Len: Now, how was that?

Trevor rubs his neck trying to work out the pain.
Trevor: Educational.

Max: You okay?

Trevor: Peachy. Mr. Burke, mind showing me that? Could come in handy.

Len: I’ll show you kids lots. Let’s get to work.

The scene fades out as Len Burke barks out instructions at the Young Lions, who listen intently.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When we return to the gym several days have passed. The guys have been pushed nearly to their limits but both Lions feel like they are more prepared for their match ahead. Tomorrow they head to Vegas but for now they have one more thing to do. A favor for Len. Outside the ring a dozen young fighters are sitting on metal chairs.

Len: Now I know some of you have heard me mention my nephew Max. He is working a big promotion in the states and he is here for a few days training. Now while the states have softened his fighting skills one of the things that shows improvement is his promos... so listen up.

Trevor and Max step forward.

Trevor: Well shoot it’s kind of weird to be doing this like a class... I mean I became a wrestler because I sucked at school. But lets give this a try. Anyone here watch SCW?

Some of the students raise their hands.

Max: Well let me catch you guys up. We have a tag team title match against a team called Blood Omen. Kain and Frost have teamed up and won the titles recently. Kain is well... mean. Frost is uh... unique.

Trevor: What he means to say is that we are up against a flying masked mystery man and a guy who did not get enough hugs growing up... see that is me using a little bit of humor.

The group laughs a little bit and Trevor smiles.

Max: Yeah, Trevor here is a wiseass that’s for sure. He is good at it, but its good to balance that out. A good promo is not just about cracking jokes. You have to be clear about why you're going into this match strong. You see Trevor and I have been a team for awhile, where Kain and Frost just recently got together. That’s one of our strengths. We’ve had the time to gel as a team. Our styles complement each other well. It’s kind of funny because Kain and Frost have somewhat similar styles too, but they’re not really a team yet.

Trevor: Hell yeah, see that is what I am talking about. What I love about Max is he keeps it simple and direct, because at the end of the day this is not a debate we will be having, it’s a fight. See Frost can talk like some weirdo and that is his thing, but what makes him a threat is his ability in the ring. Kain can scowl and growl better than almost anyone, he is a really angry dude... but that is not enough. Your promo has to get that point across. It’s like you are going to war and you're just letting the other side know what kind of ass kicking they're getting.

Max: That’s right Trevor. To sum it up... use the KISS philosophy. Keep it simple stupid. Be direct. Don’t leave the fans scratching their heads. Make the fans believe in what you say. You need to hold them in the palms of your hands.

Trevor: Intensity is good too, but for the love of god don’t yell the entire time. You’ll lose them. You’ll look stupid. You need to know when to jack the volume.

Max: Better known as the warrior. Len always taught me to keep the volume low and the intensity high. Show the intensity in your eyes... in your mannerisms. You don’t need to yell to be intense.

Len Burke steps up and interjects.

Len: So, what we are going to do now is let the boys shoot a spot for the SCW website. The office wanted some hype for New Year Rising, so we’re going to do it right here, right now. Jimmy, is the camera ready?

A young member of Len’s staff nods his head.

Len: Max... Trevor... you’re up.

The cameraman counts the Young Lions down. Max and Trevor sit on the edge of the ring with the students looking up at them.

Max: January 13th. Sin City Wrestling’s New Year Rising. Blood Omen defends against the Young Lions.

Trevor: Blood Omen has had our number lately. There’s no denying that. The numbers don’t lie. We lost the triple threat. Max lost to Frost.

Max: The past is in the past. Those losses were learning experiences. Those losses will make us stronger in the end.

Trevor: This right here will also make us stronger. Max brought me to his home. We are here at his uncle’s academy. His uncle has been kicking our collective asses for days now. With these ass kickings come education. We are learning so much about the history of professional wrestling. We are learning invaluable techniques.

Max: My uncle has tied us into knots since we’ve arrived. He is breaking us down, and building us back up. We’ve honestly turned a corner with this reeducation.

Trevor: We are ready to show the entire world the fruits of our labor. Kain and Frost are the champions for a reason. But, the knowledge I’ve taken in since coming to Canada is priceless. I feel that the Young Lions without a doubt are a better team.

Max: We are going to show it on January 13th when we step into the squared circle against the SCW Tag Team Champions. We go in as the challengers and we leave with new found respect and gold around our waists.

Trevor: It’s time for the Young Lions to step up and get noticed. We need to prove that we are the new generation of tag team wrestling. It’s time to pounce.

[After a pause, the cameraman confirms they have cut.]

Len: And that is how you cut a promo kids. Thanks guys. Class dismissed.

[End]

 Early morning. Really early morning. Max and Trevor are crashing at Aleksei's until they lock down a place of their own. The boys are prepping for their huge title match in San Jose. We find Aleksei and
the Young Lions in the kitchen. It looks like a bomb went off.

Aleksei: Okay... I know now we're not cooks.

Max looks around at the mess in the kitchen and lets out a loud laugh.

Max: Obviously.

Aleksei: BUT... I'm going to whip you boys into shape. First up... eggs, and lots of 'em.

Trevor: Are those raw?

Aleksei smirks and tosses back his bottle of booze.

Aleksei: Haven't you seen those old wrestling training videos from the 80's?

Max: No. Not happening bud. No way.

Trevor: THAT can't be good for you.

Aleksei chuckles at the hesitation of his proteges.

Aleksei: Of course it is! It'll put hair on your chests. Bottoms up!

Max: Crap.

Trevor: Nah uh. Not happening.

Aleksei slides the glasses over to each of the boys. The glasses contain nothing, but four eggs each.

Aleksei: You want to win? Want to shock the world?! Drink up!

Max: Where's yours?

Trevor: Yeah!

Aleksei shakes his head.

Aleksei: Am I in this match? No. Drink!

Max: You're goin' to make us sick!

Trevor: We're going to land in the damn hospital.

The look on Aleksei's face becomes stern.

Aleksei: Copri prosti! Do it!

Max swirls the eggs around in the glass. He looks at them with fear and then tips the glass a bit.

Max: You better be right.

Trevor: Not doin' it.

Max brings the glass to his mouth and knocks back his eggs. He gags over and over as he swallows the four eggs.

Aleksei: Don't lose it kid. You can do it!

Trevor: Screw that.

Max holds it together and doesn't puke. A deep sigh of relief finally comes out.

Aleksei: There ya go brother. Good on ya.

Max: You suck. Come on Trev. Suck it up... let's go.

Trevor: No.

Out of nowhere, Aleksei tackles Trevor to the ground and holds him down.

Aleksei: Max! Grab the glass. Dump it.

Max: You got it teach.

Trevor: Nooooo!

Aleksei forces Trevor Irons to open his mouth and Max dumps the four eggs down his throat. Trevor forces himself to swallow and not choke or puke on the eggs. Aleksei hops up after all of the eggs are down the hatch.

Aleksei: Great job boys!

Aleksei takes a long haul off his morning bottle.

Aleksei: Now, we're ready to start our day. Let's go.

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Communications Hill. San Jose, California. Post breakfast, Aleksei packed up the boys and headed to a place to whip them into shape.

Max: Holy crap... look at those stairs!

Trevor: Oh god.

Aleksei: We'll save those for later. I've got other plans for you two schmucks first.

Max: Like?

Aleksei: I had a pal bring over some gear. Look over there.

Aleksei points over to a pile that includes, but is not limited to tractor tires, sledgehammers, heavy ropes, a wheelbarrow and a bunch of good size rocks.

Aleksei: Time to make you two sweat. First up, go grab a tire each. We're flippin' those suckers. And by we...of course I mean you two.

Max: Going all MMA on us eh?

Trevor: That thing's bigger than me!

Max and Trevor go over and select a tire each. They prop their respective tires up.

Aleksei: You bet Max. You're going to hate me, and then love ol' Koji after we're done. That match Sunday is going to be a cakewalk after I'm through. Flip those end to end till you get to that tree up there. GO!

Aleksei whips out a coach's whistle and blows on it, letting loose an ear piercing shrill. End over end, the tires are flipped. The tree is a solid forty to fifty feet away. No easy task that's for sure. Aleksei jogs besides his two student yelling out things in Romanian. Max and Trevor both struggle with the size of the tires as they finally reach the finish. Both men flop to the ground.

Aleksei: I must say I really do like this training stuff now that I am not doing it.

Max: Holy sh*t.

Trevor (breathing heavily): .... yep. You were right... I hate you.

Aleksei: Told ya. I'll guarantee you that Sinful Obession and Kain and Frost won't be able to match your cardio. You guys will be able to go for hours when we're done.

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Aleksei continues to run the Young Lions through a gauntlet of exercises. He works their arms and legs with wheelbarrow runs. He works their upper bodies with heavy rope exercises. The workout continues for about an hour and a half, and then it is time for the real test. Both men are spent, but it's time to tackle the final challenge. Max and Trevor are leaning up against the truck trying to catch their breath. Trevor’s eyes light up and he reaches into the truck for his bag.

Trevor: I almost forgot. I got us something to help us get in the head of our opponents.

Trevor pulls out two mask from the duffle bag and Max just stares at him in disbelief.

Max: Do you have heat stroke or something?

Trevor: Nah man I am just trying to get in the head of my opponent.

Max: You’re an idiot. Next your going to tell me you have a magic kit in there too.

Trevor looks like he is about to nod but then his face falls. He stuff the mask back in the bag and tosses the bag into the truck.

Trevor: Fine....be that way man...I am just trying to enlighten us.

Max laughs and shakes his head at his partner. We hear Aleksei shouting at them in the distance. The two men take a deep breath and force themselves to move forward.
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Aleksei: Are you boys ready?

Max: Ready?

Trevor: For what?

Aleksei pulls out an old school boombox from the trunk of his car and presses play. The classic opening beats of the most famous training song begins to play...

Aleksei (off key and loving it): Rising up back on the street... took my time took my chances...

Max: Oh lord...

Trevor: Wow...

Aleksei: You must fight just to keep them alive! GO!

Max and Trevor race to the stairs at Communications Hill.Trevor pulls the mask from his pocket and puts it on as they make their ways to the high stairs.

Max: Take that damn thing off...

Trevor laughs and tosses it aside. Max and Trevor lock eyes, give a nod and a smile...

Max: Let's do this!

Trevor: Yeah! Go!

They blast out of the starting gates and race up the neverending stairs. The sweat is flying; the breathing is heavy, but the boys are inspired by Survivor's anthem of perseverance. The boys push through and finally reach the top. Max and Trevor leap high in the air and high five each other. Aleksei hops out of his car and strolls over.

Aleksei: Way to go kids! You kicked these stairs' butt! Now we go kick some more at Climax Control. Bring it in.

Max and Trevor huddle up with Aleksei.

Aleksei: Hands in. On three... CLIMAX!

Max darts a look at Aleksei.

Aleksei: What!? No? Fine. On three... LIONS! ONE! TWO! THREE!

In Unison: LIONS!!!!

Aleksei: Let's get out of here. You guys look like sh*t.

Aleksei laughs and pats them on the back as they head to the car.