Press Conference Thread for 09.11.19

[FGA Office]

DDT3 Press Conference
Venue: Statehouse Convention Center
Location: North Little Rock, AR
Date: September 11, 2019 (in character)
Start Time: 12 pm EST (in character)

Invitees:
Big Dog's Goat Squad Motherfucking Money Factory 3000 V 2.1, The Scarborough Fair, Hollywood Angels, Go Go Tokyo, Los Chicos Malos, The League of Extraordinary GentleGrapplers, G3, Carina Eventide/Laurel Anne Hardy, Ashley Marie Chase/Antoinette Sands.

Deadline: September 10th at 9pm EST

---

The following is a press conference for the 2019 Dynamic Duos Tag Team Tournament. The names listed above are the wrestlers who have been invited to this press conference. For reporters, you are more than welcome to use Vertigo's Spencer Burke and Jessie Pederson. Or you can use your home fed's interviewers if you would prefer. Or you can make up your own. Doesn't matter. IC, this press conference takes place on Wednesday, September 11 2019. All Opening Round/First Round matches will take place later that night.

[sasso]

The press room is buzzing for the opening Dynamic Duos press conference. For the most part the teams all seem settled into their seats, with one notable exception. Big Dog's Goat Squad Motherfucking Money Factory 3000 V 2.1 is still stirring around trying to customize their area. A DJ station & turntable for their manager Isaac the Space Monkey (whether the monkey actually knows how to DJ is unclear), some space for their incredibly reticent mascot Mo the Melon to stand in, as well as a slide projector.

Spencer Burke Welcome everyone to this press conference for night one of Dynamic Duos 2019, how about we start with some questions for the first team announced for the tournament-- Persephone Waters and Seren Beyer from Underground?

Sephy stops on a dime, clearly caught off guard, her eyes going wide as saucers.

Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG OH YOU SLY MINX YOU THINK YOURE FUNNY RUSTLING MY JIMMIES, YOU JUST JOINED THE LIST OF THE DOOMED BURKE.

Spencer blinks.

Spencer Burke We can start with someone else if you're not ready.

Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG NONSENSE THE BIG DOG AND MY TRUSTY JEW ARE ALWAYS READY. WERE HAPPY TO HEAR THE QUESTIONS OF THE FLASHPOINT ZONE.

Spencer Burke ... Vertigo.

She starts untangling the wires she was setting up, oblivious to the fact that she was wrapping her partner up in them, or the correction.

Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG A COHESIVE UNIT ALWAYS ON ALERT AND AWARE OF OUR SURROUNDINGS, A COHESIVE UNIT IF YOU WILL ... GO AHEAD DO YOUR WORST.

As she heads over to her seat, Spencer defers to his interview partner Jessie Pederson.

Jessie Pederson Okay, this is a pretty simple question but as good a place to start as any, what drove you to enter Dynamic Duos and what would winning it mean to you?

Her composure clearly rattled after struggling to untie herself, Seren jumps in, lunging to grab her mic.

Seren "Big Money" Beyer Uh I'll start this one off if that's okay.

She takes a moment to catch her breath.

Seren "Big Money" Beyer Well I think it's pretty easy, like anything we do we wanna go big or go home. We both got a lot of ambitions and all that, I think that's a big part of why we became friends and decided to make this team. Like we ain't the type to be happy playing it safe, we gonna take big swings and this is one of those. We been busy chasing the belts in Underground, but hadda also look for challenges and stuff outside of that. Uh, we wasn't gonna be one of those squads signing up for every tag tourney out there but this has gotta be the longest running tag tourney going right now as far as I know of. So winnin' this, then jumping straight to the front of the FGA tag division would show everyone what we're about.

Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG MY TRUSTY JEW IS RIGHT.

BIG DOG interjects.

Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG THE BIG DOG WAS IN THIS TOURNAMENT LIKE FIVE YEARS AGO OR SOMETHING AND IT WAS AN ESTABLISHED BRAND THEN. AND ILL BE HONEST IT DIDNT GO SO HOT. I HAD COME OFF A STRETCH OF BEING ONE OF THE MOST DYNAMIC DOMINANT TAG TEAM WRESTLERS ON THE PLANET. RECORD SETTING TITLE REIGN IN SCW, ABLE TO RANDOMLY TEAM WITH FUCKERS AND GET THE JOB DONE. THEN MY MAIN TAG PARTNER RETIRED AND I DIDNT KNOW WHAT TO DO. I THOUGHT I COULD JUST GRAB ANYONE AS MY PARTNER AND MAKE IT WORK. SO I DID I ENTERED THE DYNAMIC DONGS WITH A GOOD WRESTLER WHO I JUST DIDNT GEL WITH AND WE GOT BOUNCED IN THE FIRST ROUND. SO FOR ME PERSONALLY THERES A BIG MOTIVATION TO DO THIS RIGHT AND TO DO IT WITH A REAL PARTNER.

At this point, the rest of their entourage has decided to finish setting up their equipment.

Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG BECAUSE SHES RIGHT WE ARE A LEGITIMATE TEAM BONDED BY A COMMON AMBITION IN ANY UNDERTAKING AND WE CARRY THAT OVER TO THE RING. AND SPEAKING OF AMBITIONS THE MONEY FLOW IN FROM WINNING DYNAMIC DONGS COULD HELP FUND THE BIG DOGS TRUE PASSION.

With the slide projector now set up, she starts a powerpoint presentation.

Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG FOR TOO LONG THE GREEDY LEGWALKERS HAVE RULED OVER THE EARTH WITH THEIR REIGN OF TERROR. THE BIG DOGS SOVEREIGN NATION OF BIGDOGLANDIA DREAMS OF A WORLD WHERE GOATS CAN FROLIC FREE AND RULE THE PLANET.



Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG THE BIG DOG TRIED TO CREATE A MIGHTY GOAT ARMY TO FIGHT THEIR FILTHY RANKS FOR A LONG TIME.



Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG UNFORTUNATELY THEIR RANKS WERE TOO GREAT AND IT SEEMED HOPELESS. THAT IS UNTIL AN AMAZING CREATION WAS DISCOVERED. THATS RIGHT ... LAZERGOATS.



Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG BY ADDING THESE FUNDS NOT JUST FROM THE WINNINGS BUT FROM THE OPPORTUNITIES THIS TOURNAMENT WILL OPEN UP INNUMERABLE OPPORTUNITIES TO CREATE MORE LAZERGOATS AND THEN THE LEGWALKERS WILL BURN.



Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG BURN! BURN! MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

As she unleashes her evil laughter, most in the room, including her partner who seemed caught off guard with a 'wait, what?' sink into an awkward silence.

Spencer Burke Right. Anyways, you've got AAA up first, do you have any impressions of them and taking them on?

The question seems to have snapped Waters out of her trance-like state.

Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG KNOW A BIT ABOUT SANDS. CROSSED PATHS WITH HER HOT BROTHERS AND COUSINS IN VARIOUS VENTURES. KNOW SHE LEARNED FROM MY FRIEND RORI DOWN IN RISE. GOOD TALENT VERY ENERGETIC IN A DERPY WAY. CHASE HAS THE EXPERIENCE KINDA THAT VIBE OF SOMEONE WHOS SUPPOSED TO BE ALL SMART AND SOCIALITE CLASSY BUT ISNT QUITE WHAT THEY PUT THEMSELVES OUT TO BE. GOOD TEAM THOUGH, GOOD CHEMISTRY TOGETHER AND THEYVE HAD SOME SUCCESS HERE. ITLL BE TOUGH BUT THINK WE CAN BIG DOG THEM UP THE ASS THOUGH.

Seren chimes in.

Seren "Big Money" Beyer Uh, the one thing that'll be really nice with this match and hopefully after that too is we should just get a deal where both teams get to compete and show who's the best at rasslin'. Back in UG, we had a lot of teams running in and ruinin' matches attacking us and other teams when we had big matches against squads like #RUBYWAY and whatnot.

Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG EVEN WITH A SPACE MONKEY WATCHING OUR BACKS WITH SPACEMONKEYCANRANAS.

Seren "Big Money" Beyer I mean, we ain't complainin' about where we work but here? It's nice to go out and just focus on tag team rasslin', new tests and stuff without any of the other baggage around it.

Jessie Pederson How about the idea of potentially having to wrestle twice tonight if you win? Any concerns about that?

Seren takes a moment to consider before shrugging her shoulders.

Seren "Big Money" Beyer Nah, I mean we both got what it takes to go all night if we have to.

Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG HASHTAG THATS WHAT SHE SAID.

The monkey blares an airhorn at the DJ station; Mo the Melon simply stands in the background looking like she'd rather be anywhere else.

Seren "Big Money" Beyer ... I don't get it. Nevermind, point is I done ironman matches, two of three falls or sortsa stuff, BIG DOGGY DOG here's as durable as anyone out there. And far as a working together deal, we just went through a War Games together going for the UG Titles so I know we can like keep our chemistry and bond and stuff even when we beat up and tired.

Persephone nods.

Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG THE BIG DOGS BEEN WRESTLING AND DOING COOL TAG TEAM SHIT SINCE I WAS A TODDLER. THATS HOW YOU FEND FOR YOUR FOOD IF YOURE A WATERS. RANAS OFF THE KITCHEN COUNTER. THIS IS MY ELEMENT AND MY TRUSTY JEW HAS A NATURAL KNACK FOR COMPOSURE DURING COMBAT. BUT PERHAPS MORE IMPORTANTLY AS FAR AS OUR COMMONALITIES WE BOTH DO A LOT OF STUFF AND HAVE SIDE PROJECTS. SOME SEE THIS IS A DISTRACTION OR A LACK OF FOCUS OR WHATEVER BUT THATS WHERE THEYRE WRONG. THE FACT WE KEEP OUR PASSION AT ALL OURS FOR ALL WE DO THAT WE KEEP OUR DRIVE SHOWS JUST HOW AMBITIOUS JUST HOW DRIVEN WE ARE AND JUST HOW FAR WELL GO. NOT EVERYONE IS WIRED LIKE US AND THATS TO OUR ADVANTAGE MY FRIEND.

Spencer Burke Speaking of people that are wired differently. You expressed interest in potentially wrestling Laurel if you advance to that second match. Any thoughts on her and Carina Eventide?

She scratches her chin.

Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG HMMM. WELL THIS MAY SHOCK YOU BUT THE BIG DOG ISNT A BIG SCOUTING ANALYTICAL BREAKDOWN TYPE. MUCH MORE OF A FEEL TYPE WRESTLER.

Seren "Big Money" Beyer Nice and flowy!

Seren calls out.

Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG AMONG THOSE LINES I DONT KNOW A LOT OF THE YOUNG GUATEMALAN LAD BUT SHE MUST BE GOOD IF LAURELS TEAMING WITH HER. AND YEAH I KNOW LAURELS AN INTRIGUING STOUT RUBIX CUBE OF DYNAMISM BUT THIS ISNT REALLY ABOUT ME AND HER THAT WAS MORE JUST THE BIG DOG TRAIN OF THOUGHT STREAM OF CONSCIOUSNESS TALKING IF YOU WILL.

More the researcher of the team, Seren realizes that Carina isn't Guatemalan but also knows her partner well enough that there's no point in correcting her.

Seren "Big Money" Beyer Honestly I know more about her ol' preggers partner Leanne than I do Laurel besides by rep, got some history with her back when I had some growin' up to do. But she's right, this ain't about one of them, this is about what kind of team they are. I'm sure they'll be a great one, but we gotta get there first. We dang well plan on it and then advancing, because this is a big deal to us and we believe a lot in ourselves but end of the day all we can do is put out the best display of tag team rasslin'.

Persephone Waters a.k.a. THE BIG DOG AND THAT MY FRIENDS IS THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS. HASHTAG NEVER FORGET!

[Raphael Dallins]

It is time for the Dynamic Duos Tournament #3. Pleasantly known as #DDT3 currently if you are social media savvy. Or you know, have been paying attention the last few years and connect the dots, you literal piece of garbage. In any case, one of the teams who had been sitting and waiting for their turn of phrase and conversation is none other than Mickey Scarborough and Raquel Fair... The Scarborough Fair. Of course if you don’t know them, don’t care to know them or will never know them in this lifetime or the next, it’s pretty much all that Guardians of the Galaxy gif because that’s hilarious and Djimon Hounsou is daddy. At least if you ask Mickey and Raquel. The tag wrestlers in question begin setting up shop for their side of the press conference, which includes one of those 3M Projectors from the way-way-way back.

Seriously can you imagine that these 3M Projectors have gone out of style?

Crazy.

Mickey moves a transparent image over the lit top of the projector as Raquel shrieks at the back of the room this is being presented in, assuming that those of Little Rock need to be yelled at loudly for her to be heard properly. The blonde watches with satisfaction as the lights get dimmed as Mickey Scarborough slightly shifts a... Transparent picture of the original Monopoly game board over the projector.

Mickey: (confused) Wait, wait wait... Hold on ‘Quels. We’re actually doing a bit about Monopoly? In this day and age? We’re not like... Gonna change this even in the slightest? I mean it could use some updating. Also does this make Ethan the terrier? Oh Em Gee, is Blaise the thimble?! PLEASE TELL ME THAT BLAISE IS THE THIMBLE!? I BET SHE IS THE THIMBLE!?

Raquel: Listen Scarborough, there’s a lot of jokes that we could tell. There’s a lot of schtick that we could sell with but it doesn’t ALWAYS have to be a bit.

Pause.

Mickey: Raquel, is this a bit?

Raquel: ...This is probably a bit, yes. Also yes, Ethan is the terrier, Blaise is the thimble.

Mickey: I thought so. Like, shall we?

Raquel: OF COURSE! ...Shout out to Raul Julia and Pro Wrestling NEO. R.I.P. Both gone too soon. Take this away monkeys! The sight of the Free Parking Space totes disgusts me.

’Quels snaps her fingers and a number of goons for the benefit of grabbing chairs and moving them and doing whatever the wrestlers want in general, grab the projector. They lift it up all together, unplug it, and walk it towards the side of the wall. The lights turn on in the conference room as Mickey and Raquel stay standing, arms crossed. They almost go back-to-back but this is far from any buddy cop sitcoms in the late 80’s so they choose to not do that. Instead they simply stand where they are as Mickey clears her throat.

Mickey: Here’s what we know about the League of Extraordinary GentleGrapplers. Blaise has won a shit ton of like, singles championships, including beating William “I’m literally being paid as we speak for this mention and trying to put another child in my wife” Bateman for the Pro Wrestling NEO World Championship. She and the likes of Lowri Moss, Lowri Moss, and Neal Durden, and Lowri Moss (THIS is a bit) won the 2018 HELL Legion tournament... Trios... Person... Thingie. Think about how meaningful. it would be for her and Neal Durden to face their old tag partner from like wha, like a year ago except INSTEAD of being on the same side of the ring, they’re on different sides. DIFFERENT. SIDES. ‘Quels. That’s like... Almost like opposing sides.

Raquel: That IS opposing sides, you frickin’, frackin’... I can’t even with you right now.

Jessie Pederson: Uhm... If I may. Miss Scarborough. Miss Fair... What even brings you to the Dynamic Duos?

Mickey and Raquel glance at each other for the space of a few moments before slowly shrugging their shoulders before Raquel decides to field this question, crossing her arms over her chest.

Raquel: Honest answer there, Jessie?

Mickey: (The Best Walter White impression you’ve ever heard in your life... Ever.) We have to cook today, Jessie.

Raquel facepalms Mickey quite literally out mashes Raquel out of the way, hand covering face and mushing her away before Raquel answers the question, shoving Mickey out of the way a SECOND time because she tries to answer the question yet again.

Raquel: We’ve like, thought about messin’ with the Dynamic Duos for a while now. There was never the right time, know what I mean? Never the best time. Never the greatest time. Now me and Mickey aren’t stupid--

Mickey: SAYS YOU BASIC BITCH!!

Raquel pauses, blinking silently. She quietly raises her left hand up and rubs the bridge of her nose before inhaling so deeply that her entire frame seems to expand slightly. She almost gains an inch of height before exhaling out and shrinking down slowly but surely. She puts her hands together as if in prayer before slowly turning to Mickey.

Raquel: Can I finish? Can... Can I like, finish?

Mickey: (Sheepish) Y-you can finish.

Raquel: Thank you.

Clearing of the throat. Pause. Breathe in. Breathe out.

Raquel: You wanna know what Ethan Giles can do? Go watch some Rebellion ish. We know what he can do. We UNDERSTAND that beyond the most pleasant man in professional wrestling is like, a competitor. If you don’t believe that, you’re a fracking dumbass and God help you in all your day-to-day living. We keep our thumbs on the pulse and one particular pulse happens to be Rebellion. Now granted, Blaise isn’t exactly his tag partner towards success, as far as we’ve checked, looked, found some information and watched wrestling matches on... At least as far as I mean winning tag titles. Unless we’re wrong. Maybe we’re wrong? I dunno Scarborough; are we wrong? She’s not exactly the same as Honey is she?

Mickey however waves a hand as if that doesn’t mean anything because it doesn’t. At least in her mind. Raquel to her part shrugs it off.

Mickey: Does it matter though?

Raquel: Yes, Scarborough it indeed goes beyond counting and discussing tag teams. Who belongs with who. In a perfect world, Ashleigh and Bianca is my ship and so is Cade and Ethan! I need Laura right now, guys.

Mickey: ...

Spencer Burke: ...

Jessie Pederson: ...

Everyone In The Room: ...

...


...

Raquel: (blinking) I’m sorry, did I say that out loud?

Mickey: (Saving This) I’m sorry can we... Take any other questions. At all. Ever?

Spencer Burke: Uh. Sure. I guess the biggest question is... Knowing everything that Blaise and Ethan bring to the table, both capable of tag championship supremacy and singles wrestling supremacy... Do you feel your chances are lessened?

Mickey grimaces slightly, hearing that question before she crosses her arms and sits down for the first time. By sitting down, I mean she physically rummages to find herself a seat which takes three of the most awkward minutes of all time. Mickey finally does find one however and drops in her seat before her fingers fold together and she grins.

Mickey: Like many teams in the Dynamic Duos, we’re all but unheard of. Don’t get me wrong... We’ve done a lot in this business. We’ve held MULTIPLE tag team championships, we’ve combined two sets of titles together. As far as ladder matches go? We are UNDEFEATED. You hear me. UN. DE. FEAT. ED... But that’s OUR stomping grounds. That’s not Ethan and slash or Blaise’s stomping grounds. That’s not Frontier Grappling Arts’ stomping grounds. That’s not where it counts most. So we come here... To make it count where it should... Where it can... Count most. Nothing wrong with that, am I like, right? Now if that means wrestling against a walking freight train in human form and the wunderkind of the Giles family? That’s fine. That’s fine because that’s what me and ‘Quels are about. Finding that next greatest challenge. Look. At one point in our careers, we had someone tell us we belonged on the short bus and that was about the kindest thing they COULD have told us. We ain’t like, given up on this crazy dream yet. Stepped to play with other projects sure, done other crazy bits and pieces, alright but THIS... ALL of this... All of you still means the world to us and The Scarborough Fair is here to deliver.

Spencer Burke: Deliver?

Raquel: (Decisive) Deliver. Deliver those beautiful Frontier Grappling Arts World Tag Championships.

[nealdurden]

The room is still buzzing about the last set of answers given to the press for this year’s tournament when Carina Eventide and Laurel Anne Hardy appear on stage. The artistic duo look around the press room, and Carina grins eagerly while Laurel just sucks on her tongue a bit, with an enigmatic and arguably kind of condescending look in her eyes. Reporters and interviewers alike scramble on their notepads, cellphones and recorders trying to get everything set up before asking anything. Eventide and Hardy look at each other, sharing a smile, before both sitting down and hearing the first question.

Spencer Burke: As we continue let’s welcome the team representing Filthy Bazaar… Carina Eventide, and the returning Laurel Anne Hardy!

Carina waves at the crowd while Laurel leans back in her chair, smirking, and winks at the room in general. Hardy gets the bigger reaction out of the two and considering she was a regular in FGA a while back, also being a constant competitor of the Dynamic Duos Tournament and a former Rey del Aire winner, it’s no surprise to see her getting such reaction. Carina doesn’t seem fazed, enthusiastically joining the crowd on the applause for her partner. Yet, the first question isn’t directed at Laurel; it’s rather aimed at Carina.

Jessie Pederson Hi, Laurel; Carina. Let’s just get this out of the way. Carina, it’s no secret that you’re a big fan of Laurel Anne Hardy. How did you react when, presumably, she asked you to tag up with her in this tournament? How do you feel now that you know you two are here?

Carina lets out a big grin, as she leans towards the microphone in front of her to answer Jessie’s question.

Carina Eventide: Well, po. It was a surprise to me; as you mentioned it’s no secret that I admire the woman sitting next to me and everything she has accomplished in wrestling and art. So, the fact she choose me for this opportunity and to represent Filthy Bazaar surprised me in a good way. As for your other question, let’s leave it by saying this is a dream come true for me. Partaking in this tournament, with the partner that I have; it’s quite the feeling.

While reporters scramble to take note of what Carina has said, a hand springs from the sea of heads, aiming a question at Laurel.

Morgan Evans: Hi, Morgan Evans here from Wales Online. Laurel; I’ve heard a rumour, as I’m sure many others have here, that you were originally signed up with someone else and they had to pull out at short notice, forcing you to find a replacement - is that true?

Laurel remains sitting back, answering the questions… not rudely, necessarily, but forthrightly.

Laurel Anne Hardy: Yup.

Morgan Evans: Who was that other person, if you don’t mind me asking?

Laurel Anne Hardy: Artemis Kaiser.

That sends murmurs rippling through the throng… imagine Laurel Anne Hardy and Artemis Kaiser standing side by side? This response does not go unnoticed by Laurel, who smiles. The Wales Online reporter still pushes on.

Morgan Evans: Why Carina, then? With all due respect, she’s not exactly on the same plateau as Artemis in terms of her success or renown.

Morgan’s question seems to leave Eventide a bit distraught - she knows she might not be the first name to pop up in everyone’s mind as a “replacement” for Artemis Kaiser. In fact, quite the opposite, after learning Artemis was Laurel’s initial intended partner for the tournament and seeing how pressing the questions towards Laurel have been; there’s a feeling of discomfort that might be palpable from Carina. Laurel, however, is quick to turn it away with her answer.

Laurel Anne Hardy: You kind of answered your own question right there, mate. I asked Carina because she’s young, crazy, violent, creative, talented, and it’s about damn time she got to showcase what she’s about on a stage this big. I believe that Carina Eventide has big things in her and I want her to be able to show everyone else what I see in her. She’s someone the wrestling world’s been sleepin’ on and it’s time to change that.

A young reporter quickly hops on that point, the subject clearly being one that’s on their mind.

Derek Williams: Speaking of breaking out, seemingly a trend with this year’s edition of the Dynamic Duos Tournament has been the introduction of unknown names in the industry. Names that most fans either don’t care about or don’t even recognise. Do you have any comments on that?

Despite Derek’s breach in protocol of just barging in with a question, Laurel answers it anyway.

Laurel Anne Hardy: You know, I know what you mean, yeh? I seen people complaining the field this time around is full of wrestlers they don’t know. Well my advice for those people: howbout you sit the fuck down, watch, learn, get turned on to some new names. Would you honestly rather the show was filled up with fuckin’ Mark Storm, Riley Savell, Cosmo Cooper and all the other people you can already see backing up practically half the companies in the world? Or that… what’s his name? Augustin? Carlos Cruz’s new buddy, the guy who keeps posting ridiculous sexist drivel that everyone falls over themselves to retweet sayin’ we should ignore him. They’re well known names; does that mean they should be in this thing? Hell, why not just make every team in this tournament Dom Harter plus a different one of the girls he’s sleeping with? That sure sounds fresh and exciting, huh.

Carina shrugs and the two women huddle.

Carina Eventide: Bacán, imaginas un torneo de parejas donde todas las parejas tengan solo una persona diferente y la otra sea la misma persona, po! Que tenga que saltar de lado a lado del ring para diferentes momentos, cachai?

Laurel Anne Hardy: Sí, esa una muy buena idea, to be honest. Let’s ah, let’s actually make a note about that one.

And she pulls a notebook from the pocket of her kimono, and quickly scribbles it down. Given their dynamic and Carina introducing the use of her native Spanish to the mix, they get a reaction from the crowd gathered there. There’s a momentary lull after that, and one reporter jumps at the opportunity to state the obvious elephant in the room.

Allison Reynolds: Hardy-Eventide sounds like quite a different dynamic to a Hardy-Kaiser team.

Laurel smiles knowingly.

Laurel Anne Hardy: You mean Artemis is a savage, yeh? I mean, you ain’t wrong. She is. Everyone here’s seen her matches. You all know how much of a beast Artemis is. You don’t need me to tell you ‘bout how a Hardy-Kaiser team would’ve cut through this field like friggin’ helicopter blades. But lemme tell ya this, Carina Eventide is a fuckin’ savage too. When I book her on my shows, whatever I throw at her - no matter how weird it is or how violent it is - she rises to it. She keeps surprising me and I mean that in the best way.

Allison, Morgan and the rest of the journalists continue taking notes. It’s been a while since they’ve had the opportunity to get a word from Laurel, given the silent cartoon persona she’s been portraying for the last year and only recently started moving away from again. But she’s here in a press conference to talk, so she’s gonna get some things off her chest. Carina feels a bit relieved now, considering Laurel actually took care of any and all doubt that might exist as to why they’re tagging up. Yet, she lets Laurel continue talking… maybe The Mat Matriarch needs to vent things she might’ve kept to herself while she was mute.

Laurel Anne Hardy: People got too much regard for hustle alone. Just take every booking you can get, yeh? Don’t matter whether you focus on honing yourself, on learning… just do the work, do more hours than anyone else, and you get to be an in-demand name. All about eyeballs. Well, I say screw that. There’s still room for people who think about how to stand out, who refine and improve themselves, who take the time about their craft. To be the best version of themselves… not just the most famous version of themselves.

Allison Reynolds: And Carina’s ready to take the next step after improving herself?

Laurel Anne Hardy: Damn right she is.

Carina cracks her knuckles in more of a joking manner, which gets a bit of a chuckle from the crowd of reporters.

Carina Eventide: Pos claro, po!

Her interjecting in Spanish got a reaction from a section of Chilean reporters who are there to cover her journey in the tournament. Still, Carina lets Allison Reynolds continue her questioning of Laurel.

Allison Reynolds: And maybe get your real self back onto a big stage after spending the last year playing more of a gimmicky persona?

Laurel Anne Hardy: Heh. I mean… I might not speak much anymore, but I watch. I see people get called these great innovators for walking in the path I trod. People doin’ things to their bodies in the name of pushing an envelope I already pushed; people callin’ themselves the best in the world who ain’t done a damn thing I never did. I look forward to seein’ more people get called so original in five years from now again, when they start to do the things I’m doing now. It’s okay though. Decades from now, when they write the history book about this era of wrestling, the picture on the cover is gonna be this face right here.

As she says that, she waves her hand in a circle around her own visage.

Laurel Anne Hardy: ‘Cause see all those innovators doin’ the things I did years ago? I, myself, have moved on again. I stay ahead of the game - in myself, and stayin’ au courant with the people who are gonna be doin’ great things of their own soon enough… people like Carina right here.

Carina nods, yet she doesn’t interrupt as Laurel continues pressing her point forward.

Laurel Anne Hardy: I can just hear the next question - “oh but Laurel, if you’re so good then how come you paint yourself black an’ white an’ pretend to be a cartoon character an’ wrestle people I never heard of...” ...because I can. I can dress up in a restrictive costume, cut back on my moveset, not talk, just have some goddamn fun and only take the matches I‘m interested in, and still be an elite talent. But that don’t mean that when I choose to, I ain’t gonna wipe off that paint, get back into my most colourful ring gear an’ remind everyone why I’m the final boss of wrestling.

And she folds her arms, leaning back once more. Spencer Burke takes the moment of peace to ask a question. Considering Laurel answered most, if not all, questions surrounding her initial partner, the reasons she took Carina in for the tournament and her feelings on wrestling’s current scene… he directs his question at Carina Eventide.

Spencer Burke: Carina, as Laurel said, you’re young, wild and creative. There’s not much to your name in terms of accolades, compared to other peers of yours, including some in this tournament. As Laurel alluded, this year’s edition of the Dynamic Duos Tournament is full of newer faces and names that aren’t as known around the industry, yours included. With that in mind, and that your partner said she sees great things in you, what specifically is the quality you feel you bring to the table? Is there something you feel makes you unique or a name to watch in this tournament or going forward?

Carina looks at Laurel, who seems like she was about to just go ahead and answer the question herself. But she catches Carina’s eye and zips her mouth, letting her partner take the question.

Carina Eventide: I dunno, po. Laurel basically said it all when she stated her reasons for choosing me, from what I’m sure was a sea of worthy wrestlers that might’ve been, probably, better names to team up with her. I’m sure the world would’ve been very happy to see her and Annie Zellor reunite #SparkleBuddies, or her and Allison Lorraine reunite The Zodiac Killers. I’m sure many others would’ve jumped at the chance to team up with her. There are few names in wrestling that so many people respect and admire as Laurel’s. She has been wherever she wants, done whatever she wanted… and I know I’m kinda beating around the bush to get back to your question but the thing is; she has said it all. I’m young, wild and creative… I think that creativeness, that wild aspect of my style - if you can even call it a style - is what I bring to the table.

Laurel nods enthusiastically at Carina’s self-assessment, with an expression of agreement.

Carina Eventide: I don’t have a lot of accolades, but the one I have was based around that unpredictability I bring to the table, that creativity. I thrive in chaos and anarchy; I thrive in environments where I’m not expected to do much. So this tournament is perfect for me, as Laurel said… this year’s tournament is filled with unknown names. Sure there are established names, such as the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad, the SMWB; Blaise Fader is in this, as is Persephone Waters… but most teams are either chaotic, given they’re either new to the scene or unknown entities or chaotic in the sense that… they like to create chaos. So in a sea of chaos, dots… dots is the answer.

After Carina’s answer, despite it being a bit abstract at the end there, Spencer goes back to his notebook, taking notes. His colleague Jessie takes over again.

Jessie Pederson The two potential teams who are currently awaiting whoever wins Dynamic Duos are the World Tag Team Champions, Pendragon, and the new United States Tag Team Champions, Silk & Cyanide. Supposing you win, which of those teams would you prefer to challenge?

Laurel Anne Hardy: Oh, uh, well, Pendragon are mates of mine, to be honest. I know how much those straps mean to ‘em. So, like, I’d love to face them but I’d feel bad about taking their title away from them. As for Silk & Cyanide, they fluked out a win over me an’ Evangelista in Dynamic Duos a few years back. But, you know… they weren’t better than us that night. They didn’t outwrestle us. They certainly didn’t impress me.

Jessie Pederson So you’re out for some revenge?

Laurel grins - though whether she’s agreeing or disagreeing with Jessie’s assertion is hard to say.

Laurel Anne Hardy: Well, I mean…

She slides that notebook from her kimono again, and flips through it.

Laurel Anne Hardy: Where are we… reasons for enterin’ this tournament… one: because you can’t have DDT3 without Laurel Anne Hardy… two: let people know the loveable cartoon character ain’t the only version of me still out there… three: get Carina under a big spotlight… hm, hold on... hur-de-dah.. number seven: win tag titles open bracket if Carina wants to close bracket… oh, here we go. Nine: remind Silk & Cyanide they still ain’t the killers they think they are just yet.

She flips the book closed and pockets it again.

Laurel Anne Hardy: So, I guess it’s not driving, but it is a consideration.

Looking at Laurel’s determination, Carina simply smirks and continues where her partner left off.

Carina Eventide:[/color] There’s this idea of proving yourself against the best, and undoubtedly within FGA, right now that tag-team is Pendragon in my eyes. Yet, I’m here to create the unpredictable and Laurel has some unfinished business that we might get to give the final touches to if we were to win this whole tournament. But, there are other teams aiming at the same thing, po. So, yeah...

After Carina’s interjection, Jessie takes a moment to grab Laurel’s attention and she does so with another question, a rather simple one.

Jessie Pederson There are two teams fighting early on tonight, with the winners going on to face you. Laurel, out of Antoinette Sands and Ashley Marie Chase, or Seren Beyer and Persephone Waters, do you have a prediction on which team you’ll be facing?

Laurel Anne Hardy: Nope.

Jessie Pederson Okay then - do you have a preference?

Laurel Anne Hardy: Nope.

Laurel Anne Hardy: Look, we’ve done our homework on both teams. We’ve prepared for both of them. We’re just gonna watch their match like everyone else and whichever team wins, we’ll go out there and face ’em.

Carina takes a moment to chime in on the situation.

Carina Eventide: As Laurel said, in this sort of chaotic environment the best thing you can do is prepare for everything. She has the experience in this sort of thing, becoming sort of a meme at this point for how many times she has competed in Dynamic Duos with different partners… which kinds of rubs on myself. We know what both teams are capable of doing and how they mesh against ourselves. So, we’ll just be there, watching what they do in their match and we’ll just create art with whoever we end up facing.

Pederson takes notes of what both Laurel and Carina said to her question, while José Fernández from El Mercurio in Chile stands up to make a question.

José Fernández: Which team in the tournament are you most scared of?

Laurel Anne Hardy: None of them.

José Fernández: You don’t consider anyone else a threat?

Laurel Anne Hardy: Oh, there are plenty of good wrestlers in this tournament. Extremely good wrestlers. But there’s not a wrestler alive who’d keep me up at night. There’s not a wrestler alive I’m not capable of beating. I ain’t saying the field is weak; I ain’t the type to come out here pretending that everyone else in this tournament is worthless. People who do that are people who, deep down, are scared that they ain’t as good as they think they are - and I know exactly how good I am, and how good Carina is. Do I absolutely 100% guarantee victory? No, and anyone who does is a fucking idiot. But I know absolutely that we’re one of the teams with the best chance.

Carina nods in agreement with Laurel as she prepares an answer for her compatriot.

Carina Eventide: As I see it, po… if we’re scared of anyone in this tournament, we ain’t aiming to win it. Simple as that. We might not have the chemistry a team like the Super Mario Wrestling Bros have, given their years working as a tandem. But look at it this way; Laurel beats her drum to a beat of her own creation… I dance to a beat that hasn’t been heard. We’re like Frida and Diego; Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat… we have our own styles but when together… oh it’s, oh so special.

Laurel gets up, her kimono dangling all over as she feels they’ve said enough already. Carina smiles and gets up. Both Carina and Laurel bow to the press and head out, leaving the stage to the next team.

[Giles]

Eagle eye reporters may have noticed one team is missing from this press conference junket while the other teams are fielding questions. It’s unlike them to do something so unprofessional as no show an event like this too! Don’t fret and take heart, dear reader. The League of Extraordinary GentleGrapplers did not abandon us.

They’re just making a snazzy entrance.

The door to the conference room opens with Ethan Giles pushing into it a little trolley cart full of freshly prepared baked goods and sweets. He waves and he leans over to nearby press to give them great big one armed hugs. He’s not alone either! Blaise Fader is right behind him!

Ethan takes his time going through every row of the press to hand out these treats to them. He produces from within his trolley an array of teapots too, each filled with a different type of tea for anyone desiring a little drink to go along with their treats. Sugar? Honey? Milk? Ethan’s got nearly anything anyone would want to add to their tea and he offers it to every person that takes a cup.

Quiet thank you’s for taking time out of their busy schedules and being here are given by him to them too. He pats them on the shoulder and he shakes each of their hands, maybe a little too vicariously for some of them by some of the looks he gets from his handshakes. Happily he obliges any that request a hug from him, pulling them into a warm embrace. Only after doing his “hug dance” of course.

Blaise follows behind Ethan doing her best impression of Santa Claus with the giant bag she’s carrying over her shoulder. The impression’s a pretty good one with the gifts she hands out to the press and the staff gathered around for the event. When asked about what’s inside their gifts Blaise gives the eager receivers a wink and a tap of her nose. Blaisy Claus continues this until she’s all out of gifts and she makes her way over to her team’s seating.

It’s once everyone has a muffin or a cupcake or a biscuit that Ethan pushes his trolley over to where all the #DDT3 teams are seated, tipping his hat in salutations to all of them. He gets to work, offering and giving some to any wrestlers interested in treats and tea too. Down the line he goes until he comes back around to where Fader and him are meant to be seated, parking his trolley beside it. He sits down and he quickly pours Blaise and him two cups of tea too.

Reporter: League of Extraordinary GentleGrapplers, what brings you two to the Dynamic Duos Tournament? You’re both a far way from your home promotions.

Fader and Giles glance at one another, and Giles gestures that floor is Fader’s.

Blaise: Yeah, we are. Ethan and I have known each other for a while now and we really just wanted an opportunity to team up more often. The Dynamic Duos seemed like the perfect place to do that.

Blaise shrugs and Ethan nods his head.

Ethan: Quite right, I’d say! The League of Extraordinary GentleGrapplers has more consistently competed in a trios form of some kind, but my dear friend and I have teamed on occasion. We’ve been trying our very hardest to team more before the year’s end and we thought the Dynamic Duos was the very best place to try our hand at it! Not only to finally get an opportunity to compete for such a wonderful promotion, but in a setting that is filled to the brim with so many marvelous teams!

Giles leans forward a little so that he can properly motion to all of the other teams seated around Blaise and him on either side of them.

Ethan: The stars aligning in such a way doesn’t happen every day.

Blaise leans in with some swagger and she grins.

Blaise: That’s wrestling, innit?

Ethan tilts his head and he puts a finger to his mouth.

Ethan: Is it? I thought that was Neal and Lowri and Lexi, and you…

The League of Extraordinary GentleGrapplers stare at each other, Ethan out of confusion and Blaise trying not to corpse.

Reporter: What would winning the tournament mean to the two of you?

Blaise snaps into a near stoic expression. It’s a 7.5 on the Misawa scale easily.

Blasie: What a story to be told on such a major stage as this that would be, ya know? Like my esteemed fellow GentleGrappler said, I’m no stranger to Lowri and Neal. I’m no stranger to being the underdog like I know some probably view a team like the League of Extraordinary GentleGrapplers to be in the Dynamic Duos. If we could win this tournament and meet my buds in a championship match with all of the pomp and circumstance…

She trails off, glancing down and Ethan pats her on the back.

Blaise: It’d be something.

She sits back and lets Ethan take control of the wheel.

Ethan: When I first became apart of the industry I didn’t know many people, and through no fault of anyone it was something of a lonely place when I was starting out back in England. But there was a person who was high above a rookie like I was at the time that noticed me and they reached down their hand in comradery to me. They told me they’d be my friend and they were so much more than that in the time we’ve known each other, they helped me through so many trials and tribulations that young professional wrestlers face in their careers. They never pushed or pressured me in any direction, but were always there willing to help me when I desperately needed it in and out of the ring.

Ethan takes off his hat and he holds it close to his chest, as if making a confession.

Ethan: In many ways, they helped make me who I am today.

He glances over at his tag team partner warmly.

Ethan: I could think of nothing better as a gift in return for all that they’ve done for me than to stand side by side with them through all of the challenges that await us in the Dynamic Duos. To withstand the slings and arrows that come with every wrestling match, even moreso when you are competing with teams on the level so many of these teams are at. Trying to be my very best me that I can be and the very best tag team partner that I can be to take us all the way to the end. So that when the announcement is made, I can raise this friend’s arm in victory with the knowledge that I repaid their kindness in some small way.

Blaise grins at Ethan and she gives him a playful noogie.

Blaise: Ya sap.

[Ashley Marie Chase]

Ashley Marie Chase and Antoinette Sands formerly of AAA step up to the Microphones for their Press Conference. AMC seems happy to be here and as usual Ant seems distracted but smiling nonetheless

Jessie Pederson: Jessie Pederson for FGA here and i want to ask firstly if the recent draft will have any effect on you two considering your AAA leader was drafted to a different show than you?

AMC shakes her head

AMC: Leader? Miss Sullivan was not our leader. We were one cohesive unit and we were all equals on that team. If of course you are talking about Peanut then you should talk to Miss Sullivan you talked to him all the time or my partner Ant here who knew Peanut intimately.

There are giggles and laughter from those in attendance after AMC’s comment.

Antoinette Sands: HEY!! That is so not true. Me and Peanut had a totally professional relationship.

Jessie Pederson: So AAA being down a member will not affect the two of you in this tournament?

AMC takes a second to choose her words carefully

AMC: AAA was brought together to even the odds and right some wrongs here in FGA and we did that but the truth is Ashley Sullivan has not been involved with mine and Ant’s matches for a while now. Look at the previous events and tell me when was the last time the 3 of us had a match together?

Antoinette Sands: Ashie is a good friend and a good teammate but she is on Flashpoint and we are on Vertigo and you can’t cry over spilled fruit punch.

AMC looks over at Ant confuzzled by what she just said. However she shakes it off and turns back to the microphone.

AMC: Truth is Ashley has other priorities these days and that is fine. We wish her all the best in her singles career and I am sure she hopes we have the best tag careers on Vertigo and we both know she will be rooting for us to win this tournament.

Jessie Pederson: So tonight you may end up wrestling 2 matches. First up is BIG DOG'S GOAT SQUAD MOTHERFUCKING MONEY FACTORY 3000 V 2.1 and if you beat them then you have to face Carina Eventide/Laurel Anne Hardy later in the show. Are the two of you prepared for multiple matches tonight?

The mention of two matches seems to irk AMC. On the other hand, Ant does not seem overly bothered by this.

AMC: Do we like having to possibly wrestle 2 matches? Hell no! Am I surprised? Again no as it is not the first time I have been screwed over in FGA by having to wrestle twice in one night. So i can promise you we will be ready, willing and able to go 2 or 3 or however many matches we need to wrestle in one night. We will happily turn those goats into sheep and shut that Money Factory down!!! Then Carina and Laurel you may get to rest but I promise we will mow you two over as well. Tell em Ant!!

Antoinette Sands: Tell them what?

AMC shakes her head as the reporters pit laughs

[The Mason]

Cameras shutter and the murmurs begin as Los Chicos Malos, the duo of Prometheus and Epimetheus enter the room. For two men who look straight out of a horror movie and primed and ready for Halloween, the eccentric pair sure have reporters buzzing. Despite the clamoring, both men stare deadpan into the sea of media personnel as they shuffle into their seats.

Spencer Burke: Los Chicos Malos...

Prometheus: Jesus Christ.

The demon-painted oddity mutters under his breath as the FGA reporter is handed a microphone and rises from his chair.

Spencer Burke: Well, first of all, gentlemen…

Spencer chuckles.

Spencer Burke: ...It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Welcome to FGA!

But Prometheus and Epimetheus simply nod.

Spencer Burke: I’m Spencer Burke, representing FGA...this tournament features some of the very best tag teams in the world, including last year’s runner up with a chip on their shoulder and a pretty clear goal in mind. Prometheus, fans of HELL would be familiar with your work, but how have you two prepared for the pressure of competing as a tag team on a big stage like this?

For a moment, the teammates are silent. Their eyes shift from Spencer to each other, where a reassuring nod from Epimetheus paves the way. Prometheus clears his throat, then speaks with a nasally growl...

Prometheus: You talk about last year’s runner up, Best For Business, how they have a chip on their shoulder. Why would we be any different?

Prometheus flashes a menacing smile, displaying a mouthful of shining white teeth that pale a dramatic contrast to his painted face. Epimetheus remains silent, but turns a curious eye on his partner as he continues.

Prometheus: Everyone in this tournament is here to win. Los Chicos Malos have that same goal. We have just as much to lose as anyone else, and I don’t think you know this about us, Mr. Burke, Epimetheus and myself, we really don’t like to lose.

Epimetheus: I didn’t risk my life and lose a toe crossing over three dimensions illegally to come here and lose.

Prometheus slouches back in his chair, brooding with his arms crossed as Los Chicos Malos await their next question.

Jessie Pederson: Jessie Pederson, also representing FGA...care to share your thoughts on your first-round opponents, Kazu Hirano and Naoki Ojima, Go Go Tokyo?

Prometheus: Th--

Epimetheus: That Kazu Hirano is an absolute spectacle to behold, isn’t he?! As a representative of the… [incoherent mumbling]... it’s an honor to be a part of first round competition against Go Go Tokyo.

Prometheus makes some kind of noise that can’t quite be pinpointed, but it almost sounded like a scoff or a snarl as his lip curls up in disgust.

Prometheus: It might be an honor to be participating in this tournament, but there is nothing exhilarating or even the least bit intriguing about our first-round opponents. I have no doubts about the abilities of Naoki Okajima, and perhaps even Kazu Hirano, but as a pair of behemoths intent on running roughshod through this tournament with the endgame being the two of us standing atop the wreckage triumphant and in glory, we will do whatever it takes to dismantle each and every foe that stands in our way...no matter how talented or how much of a spectacle our opponents might appear to be.

Epimetheus sits in silence, drawing in a deep breath-- and then continuing to unleash more silence because that seems like a far more solid choice than retorting to Prometheus. His eyes flicker upward though as a hand shoots aggressively up into the air behind Jessie. The interdimensional traveler nods toward the diminutive young man.

Epimetheus: Ye--?

Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter: My name is Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter, and I have some motherfucking questions.

Spencer Burke: ...Nando, you can’t be h--

Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter: I already know that the goddamn devil over there resides in the deep abyss of Tartarus, and BELIEVE ME, I AM LOOKING RIGHT THE HELL INTO THAT, but where the fuck are you from, Epimetheus? Huh? Which dimension? Identify yourself!

Spencer Burke: Nando--

Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter: Spencer, I will kick your knee in. ANSWER THE QUESTION, EPIMETHEUS.

Epimetheus: Uhhhhm. What-- what was the question, little human?

Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter: WHERE ARE YOU FROM, FALSE TITAN?!

Epimetheus: Uh. Same place. Same place as R… Prometheus. From Tartarus. We’re-- we basically bunked together. So. That’s… that’s where I came from.

Nando glares at Epimetheus, eyes growing gradually more narrow.

Epimetheus: Is it… hot right now? Is it always so hot in this dimension? Is-- is this man about to attack me?

Jessie Pederson: Has anyone told you guys that you look familiar?

Epimetheus: I beg your p… hm?

Prometheus turns to look toward his partner, giving him a long, silent look, drumming his fingers against his own knees for a moment before he turns back to Pederson.

Prometheus: Is it just me or does it feel like there’s some bad juju up in here? Like something’s just not right in here? Why don’t you ask us about that, Pederson?

Epimetheus: Yeah, it does feel pretty off-kilter. I think it’s because of the small human dude over there giving us the hungry, angry eyes. Sir, do you have a leash?

Nando flips Epimetheus off without a second thought.

Epimetheus: I don’t know what that means. But same to you, little sir.

Spencer Burke: Do you guys have any concerns heading into this tournament considering… your other obligations?

Epimetheus blinks.

Epimetheus: What other obligations?

Spender sighs a bit, rubbing at his eyes before he chuckles softly and gestures to the pair.

Spencer Burke: I mean the uh… the obvious conundrum that you two face, not only as competitors in the Dynamic Duos tournament, but as—

Epimetheus: Our focus…

Spencer falls silent as Epimetheus speaks.

Epimetheus: ...our focus is singular, Spencer.

Prometheus: Mr. Burke, you and your colleague seem to be perplexed by something and I’m not sure what that is. But as my friend here stated, our focus is singular. There are no other obligations. There is no conundrum. Los Chicos Malos are here in FGA to win Dynamic Duos.

Prometheus’ yellow eyes are narrowed and staring daggers through the FGA reporter. Neither individual seemingly willing to back down.

Spencer Burke: Prometheus. Epimetheus. Thank you for your time. And best of luck in the 2019 Dynamic Duos tournament.