Press Conference (First Round)

[FGA Office]

First Round Press Conference
Hammerstein Ballroom at the Manhattan center
March 24, 2017
Start Time: 9am EST
Participants: Kickass Smurf, Kai Cooper, Molly Reid, Tommy Evans, Dragón UV, James Lambert Jr, Laurel Anne Hardy, Artemis Kaiser, Aiden Deimo, Adam Alpha, Chris Andrew, Emilio VialpandoPedro Gonzales, Elizabeth Lannister, Nando Fresno, Blake Jones

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The following is a press conference for the first round of the Rey del Aire tournament. The names listed above are the only wrestlers who will be appearing at this press conference. For reporters, you are more than welcome to use FGA'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 Friday, March 24, 2017 at 9am EST. The first round matches will be taking place later on that same night.

[Tritch.]

The moderator steps aside, leaving the podium open, and no one jumps at the opportunity to fill it immediately. After a few seconds and a deep breath, Tommy Evans pushes to his feet. He’s wearing a suit, but rather than a dress shirt under his sports jacket he has a hoodie on, with the hood pulled far over his head.

TOMMY EVANS: Morning.

As Tommy approaches the podium, he pulls a bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos out of a pocket inside his suit jacket. He sets it atop the podium and then leans forward onto an elbow, glancing out at the press. His eyes survey the scene, but they all seem to be waiting for him to say something.

TOMMY EVANS: Oh, uh, I didn’t prepare anything. Just go ahead and ask your questions, I like that better anyway.

A flurry of hands shoot into the air, but one voice stands out above them.

REPORTER #1: Welcome back to New York City, Tommy. How does it feel to be competing in the Big Apple again?

TOMMY EVANS: It’s nice to be “home.” I can call a lot of places home, but New York City is where my career really got started. I might’ve started my training in Mexico, but Talon Wilkinson hired me as ring crew right here in NYC; which gave me a front row seat to see all the action, and I fell in love with the sport.

Several hands reach up again, and Tommy points at one of them.

REPORTER #2: Tommy, some people are concerned about your abilities today. Just a few days ago you were thrown through a plate-glass window by Nem. Are you going to be able to compete tonight?

TOMMY EVANS: I’ve been through worse.

REPORTER #2: You say that, your landing looked pretty brutal on the footage. You spent the night in a hospital bed, and now you’re wearing a hood to cover your face. How can we be sure you’re at 100%?

TOMMY EVANS: First of all, when don’t I cover my face with a hood? Second of all, is anyone ever really at 100% in this business? And finally…

Tommy takes a deep breath and pulls his hood down. His face is covered in scratches but they all seem to be healing nice. But a side camera picks up that there are a few stitches in the back of his head as well.

TOMMY EVANS: Having a few scrapes and bruises on my face isn’t going to affect my ability to compete. He threw me through some glass, it’s not like he set me on fire or broke my leg. I’ve been cut before, I’ll get cut again. Tonight, I’m going to fly.

REPORTER #3: So say you do make it through tonight, the next three rounds of the tournament all take place tomorrow. You say you’re fine now, but will you really be able to compete in a second match in 24 hours just five days after spending the night in ER? A third match? A fourth?

TOMMY EVANS: The luxury of this first round is that I don’t have to worry about the second round yet. If I make it to tomorrow, I’ll have to prepare for everyone remaining. But right now I’m just preparing for Nando. If I do make it to tomorrow, I’ll worry about it then… tomorrow. But I don’t see any problem in wrestling back to back matches, hospital or not. If I was worried about my stamina I wouldn’t be working for three companies.

REPORTER #4: Speaking of working for three companies, at the beginning of the year, everyone was speculating on how much jet lag would affect you with your increasingly demanding schedule. Now that you’ve had a couple of months, care to comment on those claims?

TOMMY EVANS: Nothing has changed, in my opinion. I work in Europe more often than I work in the United States, and I haven’t yet made my debut in HKW. Jet lag hasn’t caused any issues for me yet. Maybe that’ll change once I start working for Subversion more regularly, but I doubt it.

The journalists all scurry to jot things down on their notepads, before another hand casually raises into the air.

REPORTER #5: So, Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter. What do you think about him?

TOMMY EVANS: I think he’s going to put up a hell of a fight, to be honest. He works at NKP as a tag team competitor, so he’s got a lot to prove tonight. Not only does he have a chance to prove that he’s a competent singles competitor and move on in this tournament, but he’s wrestling one of the number one contenders to the Grand Championship. However, that creates even more pressure than participating in this tournament already does. I’m excited to step between the ropes with him, and I hope he pushes all those pressures to the side and brings his A game.

REPORTER #6: Rey Del Aire isn’t the first tournament you’ve signed up for recently. In fact, you’ve signed up for quite a few, including the Titans of Trios which your team just lost after you weren’t able to compete, and of course the Young Guns Cup which arguably launched your sudden emergence in the industry.

Tommy scowls with a sarcastic laugh, popping another Cheeto into his mouth.

REPORTER #6: Are you just signing up for all of these tournaments to get your name out there, or do you actually care about these tournaments?

TOMMY EVANS: Signing up for a lot of tournaments gives you a higher chance of losing a bunch of tournaments, so it’d be a risky ploy to do it just to raise my stock. You’ll notice, I haven’t won any of those tournaments.

REPORTER: #6: But YGC-

TOMMY EVANS: Regardless, I sign up for tournaments because it’s a great way to prove myself against a wide variety of competitors. Whether I win the tournament or not, I gain experience, I learn something about this sport and, more importantly, about myself. People say the best way to become a great writer is to constantly read and write. In my opinion, the best way to become a great wrestler is to constantly wrestle and watch people wrestle.

Tommy clears his throat, shifting his weight to his other leg as he stares down at the podium.

TOMMY EVANS: I’m not going to sign up for a tournament that doesn’t make sense for me. You won’t see me in a deathmatch tournament, or a boxing tournament. But the Young Guns Cup? The Titans of Trios? Rey Del Aire? Yeah, sign me up.

REPORTER #7: So what does Rey Del Aire mean to you?

TOMMY EVANS: I’m extremely excited to be able to show off a major part of my offense that I don’t get to show off as often as I’d like. Everyone knows I can kick, and everyone knows I can submit, but I feel like people forget that before all that came my flying shit. Nando and I are going to have some fun out there tonight, and I’m really looking forward to flying around that ring.

Tommy taps his fist on the podium, taking a step back and holding up a hand before he pulls his hood back over his face.

TOMMY EVANS: I think that’s enough for me, let’s get somebody else up here.

He backs up as several reporters clamor to have their questions heard, but the moderator reclaims control and hushes them as he moves onto the next competitor.

[Anna]

The Manhattan Center has been home to a number of events and moments during the course of wrestling history. Today is no exception.

As he once again sits in on yet another press conference, Pedro Gonzales feels the weight of what is about to happen. TJ Adams made sure surviving the preliminaries wasn’t the complete cakewalk people expected. He gave his heart and soul to the mat even though, to many, the result was predetermined by fate. But in the end, it just wasn’t enough to bring Mexico City’s Favorite Son down. Yet even despite all of that, Pedro’s first round opponent is a whole different story…

Listening to Tommy Evans, Pedro couldn't help but smile. This is the first time he has seen most of these people in person and hearing about Evans from the bibs and bobs floating around on the internet didn't do the man proper justice at all. Then again, you never really know the score until you hook up with them, even if you have dealt with his students. He rouses himself towards the podium and faces down a larger version of the media row that previously emerged in the Frontier Fieldhouse. With the 3GW tag tile on his shoulder once again (gotta make sure it’s in the shot after all ), his first words are to the point.

“Pedro Gonzales. Bueno Club member. 3GW tag team champion. Bring on the questions.”

Some nerd writing for an Observer ripoff speaks up immediately.

”Pedro, I could help but notice in your match with TJ Adams that you seem to have become a different person entirely. The Bueno Club entrance, using moves you have never done in previous matches, even the way you walked to the ring. This change in you seems…if not radical, then certainly spontaneous.“

A shrug, despite the fact that that wasn't exactly a question.

“I guess to some people, it was. I don’t know. But in the truth of things, this has been building for a long time. I have walked through the forest of my brain, perhaps a little too much. I have picked up elements from the dirt and discarded unnecessary dross. I don’t pretend to understand every bit of goings on in every wrestling promotion. But the stuff I do, I find inspiration from, I consume, and I hold until the time is right. If it is ever right.

This tournament was the right moment for this current incarnation. Plus, I’m not a complete idiot, amigo. Why wouldn’t I hold this belt high? Why wouldn’t I promote my Club? Why would I do the things my opposition expects me do? I am doing this for myself, but I have also realized after the last press conference that how well I battle in that ring affects everything."

Pedro turns to Blake Jones and gives him a nod.

"Don’t get me wrong, Señor Jones. You were half correct before. Nobody has to win from an overall standpoint. The pain from losses fade in time. Yet every result has effects all the same. Most are temporary, some last longer, the rarities last forever. So given the circumstances? I’d rather have the results be in my favor.”

A beat.

“Besides I get half the royalties for merch sales. So ya know. BUY ALL THE SHIRTS! Next question!”

Another dude. For shits and gigs, just pretend he has a German accent.

“Your next match is against Kickass Smurf. How do you feel about him?”

There's a pause before Pedro speaks, almost as if debating whether to say exactly what he's thinking before inevitably saying in his own brain eh, fuck it.

“I know I don’t have a place to judge in the matter considering my encounters with Time Lords and zombies and resurrected Walt Disney. But I do have far too many questions. Like how is a five-foot-eight Smurfman even possible? Did Gargamel smurfnap him and give him some sort of steroid that turned him into this creature? Have they ever attempted to film a movie where he is Smurfzilla and if so, did he accidentally squash Papa Smurf in the process?”

This line of questioning, along with Pedro’s befuddled expression as he thought about all these questions, gets a good laugh from the media. There’s also a since that for Nando Fresco: Alien Hunter, the conversation should have stopped on the mention of Time Lords. Fuck knows though. I ain’t his writer. The Mexican shrugs.

“Seriously, I have no hate in my heart for him. He is a talented performer and I know he will give me the best fight he can…as long as there aren’t any fake Smurfettes around, of course. And I can go on a whole thing about that too. But that would be overdoing it, so I won’t.”

A wild Spencer appears! “Your speculation aside, he has an impressive resume. Smurf has also won his fair share of gold and is a co-contender for New Kingdom Pro’s Grand Championship. Does any of this rattle you at all?”

With this question comes an uncharacteristic scowl.

“If that was all it took to get me quaking in my boots, I would have given my spot to the next person that wanted it. Seriously, are you kidding me?”

“Not kidding you whatsoever. But the talent pool is just so—“

“Let me stop you right there. I have a good idea what you are about to say. Most of my fellow competitors have accomplishments that you can’t takes away from them, abilities they have sharpened to a fine point, and championships to pad their resumes. There’s halls of famers in this building and hell, one even has a six star match under her belt!”

Pedro's next words are to himself as well as the world at large.

“But I’m here.”

All the confidence in the world is etched on his face.

“I am not here because I have wrestled in five zillion other places. I am here simply because I have earned it. That’s not something that can be taken away from me, nor the few of us that made it through the preliminary round. But if any of you honestly think my mindset is to just be honored that I have made it to this point, you are sadly mistaken.

Because, in the grand scale of things, getting to the first round isn’t all that much of an accomplishment.”

The assorted interviewers seem baffled by this revelation. It’s as if the idea is a strange sort of promotional sacrilege.

“Only those who analyze the history books will care about who is standing here and now. For the wrestling world at large, the only thing that matters is the finals and who wins that match. The rest of it--the press conferences, the matches before--are ladder rungs which we will all try to climb, even when we all know that one of us can stand at the top.

Only one person can become Rey del Aire.

I respect the accomplishments. But I couldn’t care less about those once we’re in the ring and I am certainly not intimidated by them out of it. Deep down, everybody here is human. They are mortal, they are flawed, and there’s weaknesses galore. You think I should be afraid, Spencer Burke. Why should I be afraid? Once you’ve been dead, the living isn’t all that scary anymore.

I am not going to be arrogant enough to predict myself as the winner. That’s a perfect way to make yourself sound like a total shithead if you lose. But I fully admit to being a contender for the prize. People call this wrestler a dark horse or that one a dark horse. I am the dark horse for this event. The odds tell that tale. The puzzlement on your faces pass it around. I accept that mantle and I will go faster and harder than any thoroughbred on this stage.”

A respectful nod to the press.

“Thank you. No more questions.”

As he goes back to his proper seat, Pedro carefully guards that fire in his belly all the while gaining a sudden hunger for Cheetos.

[Deleted]

Kickass Smurf: Thank you, buddy.

The masked man says as he passes by Pedro Gonzales on the way up to the podium; as usual Kickass Smurf is wearing his blue mask, but he’s opted to wear an ash grey suit and white shirt over the rest of his attire. There’s a smile on his face as he stands behind the podium, waiting for the first question.

Kickass Smurf: I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time now, and thank you smurfly to FGA for having me. So lets gets this underway!

Smurf shoots the press corps a thumbs up as a reporter stands up.

Reporter #1: Fiora Baldwin, UK Grappling News-

Kickass Smurf: Smurfy to see you again, buddy.

Reporter #1: -you too. Tonight you’re in action against Pedro Gonzales, a man who you’ve never faced before. How have you been preparing for this match, and did you get any insights into your opponent from his preliminary match against TJ Adams?

Fiora stays standing, holding her voice recorder out to catch Smurf’s response as he prepares to answer, smiling all the while.

Kickass Smurf: Buddy, I’ve got an Axxess Network subscription, I’ve been smurfing Pedro Gonzales for longer than he might realise. And not in a creepy way, buddy!

Smurf looks over to where his first round opponent is sitting; the masked man holds up his hands in a conciliatory gesture.

Kickass Smurf: We’ve got a couple of your old buddies from LDFC over in NKP now, so I’ve been smurfing those shows. And I’ve got a buddy or two in 3GW, so I’ve been smurfing those shows too. So as to whether I leaned anything from your match a couple of weeks ago against TJ Adams – buddy, you were #smurftastic just like I expected you to be. But this is the Rey Del Aire, where some of the most smurftastic aerial wrestlers have come together – and some others too – to see who’s the smurfiest of us all.

Smurf looks around the room, smiling at his friends and friendly rivals on the panel; his girlfriend’s best friend, Laurel Anne Hardy is there, as is her girlfriend, Molly Reid. His NKP co-workers, Tommy Evans and Nando Fresno. Elizabeth Lannister he recognises from SSWA. Emilio Vialpando is one he’s traded friendly barbs with over Twitter. Kai Cooper and Dragon UV he met during his sojourns to HELL, as well as WCS events.

Kickass Smurf: But it’d be unsmurfy of me to just prepare for Pedro Gonzales. Uh, shortsighted, that is. This isn’t one of those tournaments where I get weeks to see who I might be smurfing in the next round, buddy. I’ve gotta prepare for Pedro tonight – if I smurf him, then I might have Emilio tomorrow. And Molly! And Laurel! So it might be different to what Tommy or Pedro has done, but I ain’t prepared for just one opponent – I’m smurfing ready for anyone!

Smurf looks over to Pedro again.

Kickass Smurf: But, Pedro, buddy. Whatever happens tonight, I want you to know I appreciate the smurfy words – it’s smurftastic to hear an opponent who’s done actual research on me instead of smurfing the same clichéd jokes as everyone else. Even if you did slip in one or two. But you’ll pay for those tonight, alright, buddy?

Reporter #2: Jessie Pederson, FGA. Smurf, you mentioned a few names a second ago. Are these the people you’d like to face tomorrow night?

Kickass Smurf: #SmurfYeah they are, buddy! I ain’t here to verbally smurf nobody, and I know smurfing Pedro tonight ain’t gonna be an easy task – trust me, I know. But I’ve got the possibility to face Emilio Vialpando in the quarter finals! A former HKW Global Champion, one of the biggest names in HKW today. How smurftastic would that be, buddy? Seriously.

Kickass looks over to Emilio, smiling at the HKW superstar as he does so. That’s before he turns his attention to Molly and Laurel.

Kickass Smurf: And if I manage to smurf Emilio, I might get to go up against Molly Reid. And I know, we just smurfed in the Titan of Trios. But that ain’t one on one with the FGA Pride Champion. But it’s more than that; me and Molly are the kinda people who have a ton of mutual friends, but never really got to know one another. And, to me anyway, buddy, there ain’t any better way to get to know someone than smurfing them in that ring!

Smurf tries to keep a straight face, having to mask his true past with Molly Reid. Especially since Laurel is right there.

Kickass Smurf: And Laurel Anne Hardy? #SmurfYeah, buddy. I shouldn’t even have to tell anyone how much I want that match. How badly I wanna get in the ring with her. And tomorrow night that might happen. And it’s matches like that, that make the Rey Del Aire so smurftastic to me, buddy.

He looks around again.

Kickass Smurf: And to most of the rest of you, I’ll happily smurf you too if the cards are dealt that way. No sweat off my back. Nando, Tommy, you two have been making waves over in NKP and it'll be a pleasure to smurf with you out there. Blake Jones, that'd be smurftastic too! If I get the chance to wipe that smirk off Elizabeth Lannister's face then I ain't gonna say no! But after finishing as the runner up of the Clash of Motor City, after becoming the #1 contender to the NKP Grand Championship, after advancing to the next round of the Titan of Trios, I feel like this is my time. And maybe, buddy, just maybe, I’ll be crowned the King of the Air this weekend! #SmurfYeah!

Smurf punches the air before sitting back down in his seat, happy with his chances this weekend. He shares a look with Pedro Gonzales before the next competitor steps up to the podium.

[Dreamscape]

Sitting there in newly released Nike hoodie, Emilio Vialpando was seen taking a few sips from his bottle of Tropical Punch Body Armour. He was used to the large amount of reporters who couldn’t wait to ask him and the others booked for the first round of the Rey del Aire Tournament. Vialpando looked around to the competitors as he sat next to Kickass Smurf with a smile on his face. He leans over to go and say something to Smurf but was stopped as a fan in the crowd was heard screaming out.  

Fan 

I LOVE YOU EMILIO!!!!!!!! 

The crowd laughs at this and Emilio gives a light chuckle as well. He leans into the microphone as the photographers began taking several photos of him as he done so.  

Emilio Vialpando 

I love you too, jaja.  

Once the former World Champion speaks the reporters began shouting out the questions to Emilio all of them wanting to speak to him.. Emilio raises his arms up and down trying to get them all to calm down.  

Emilio Vialpando 

Hey, look I’m sure everybody wants to get their questions and what not but I wanna give FGA’s people the chance to ask all the questions breh. This may be an open tournament but it’s an FGA event so no disrespect to all of you that have came out today but I’m only gonna be taking questions from Spencer y Jessie.  

Spencer Burke stands up to his feet as he plans to ask the first question.  

Spencer Burke 

Hi there Emilio, it’s great to have you back here under the Frontier umbrella.  

Emilio Vialpando 

Si, hola amigo.  

Spencer Burke 

Emilio the last time we actually got a chance to see you wrestle here in FGA was Back To The Frontier where you took on Levi Chambers, who might I say I love watching you both on Nightwing. Can’t wait for next season.  

Emilio laughs and nods his head. 

Emilio Vialpando 

Yeah, that was a fun time y gracias Spencer. Next season is gonna be epic, I promise you that.  

Spencer Burke 

Nice! Now, what brings you back now for the Rey del Aire Tournament? 

Emilio looks out to the crowd for a moment and smiles.  

Emilio Vialpando 

Well this is an high flying tournament isn’t it? And I am a high flyer, right? I am a luchador, right? Well there you have it, there’s the reason I signed on up to be in this tournament this year. Despite what some of these people think and say they are capable of doing, I actually fit the bill that FGA was asking for...High flyers. Also I always love to take advantage of a chance to showcase my lucha ways, breh. Since I’ve stepped into the ring you all have known what it is I do and where it all comes from. Mi familia. Mi familia in the legendary LAX.  

Emilio shrugs as he hears some rumblings from the crowd.  

Emilio Vialpando 

Yeah I know what you all are saying, I’m not with LAX anymore. That’s true I’m not. And I haven’t been for about a year now, but that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten where I have came from. That doesn’t mean I have forgotten what runs through mi veins. You see it every time I get into the ring breh. I know exactly who and what I am. I’m the best performer inside the ring today, no denying that. No one here can dare deny that knowing all that I’ve done. I’m one of the best high flyers in the business. Again, no denying that. And all that stems from mi familia which I am grateful to be apart of. Dating back all the way back to mi bisabuelo, I come from nothing but some of the greatest luchadors in the history of professional wrestling. I’m honored to be able to continue the legacy that mi familia has began. To continue to give back to this sport that has been apart of mi familia’s lives. I don’t have to be apart of LAX just to do that. I mean look at where I am right now. Look at who I have become.  

Emilio smiles.  

Emilio Vialpando 

I’ve become one of the elite talents in this business in such a short time. I’ve become one of the top names in the history of this business. Hell, I’m only twenty-four years old and I’m an Hall of Famer. Such a short time and I’ve already reached heights than most veterans couldn’t even imagine of reaching...But whatever. I’m here to entertain all of you that will be watching. Giving you the best possible matches throughout this tournament. I can actually fly unlike some of the others who didn’t even know what exactly it was they were signing up for. And you’re gonna be able to see plenty of that with me in this tournament.  

Jessie Pederson 

Hi Emilio!  

Jessie stands up waving at Emilio with a big smile on her face.  

Emilio Vialpando 

Hola Jessie! 

Emilio replies and waves back to her.  

Jessie Pederson 

Just like everyone else, I was surprised to see that you were going to be in Rey del Aire this year. I mean there were so many news outlets reporting it I didn’t think it was true at first then Paco tweeted the images of all the competitors and my mouth dropped when I seen your photo! No lie! I’m so happy to get to see you perform especially here in the big apple! How did this all come about?  

Emilio Vialpando 

Well...I was en Slaughterhouse Gym after a workout, got a call from some officials from FGA asking me whether or not I would be interested. Normally, I don’t usually like to venture out from where I’m signed but there may be those surprise moments that you’ll see show up somewhere. Like I did for AIR, RISE y FGA in the past. Now you can see me in this year’s tournament and WCPW. Being the kind of tournament it was, I couldn’t just ignore this opportunity breh. Wasn’t about to pass this opportunity up by no means. 

Burke now stands back up.  

Spencer Burke 

After watching the preliminary rounds were you impressed by any of the competitors who advanced? 

Vialpando looks around at a few of the mention competitors and shrugs.  

Emilio Vialpando 

Sure, I guess you can say that. Well actually I don’t think I would say I was impressed but I would say some did catch my eye. It takes a lot to actually impress me but if these guys can manage to advance to a future round to go up against me then sure maybe then they’ll have a chance to impress me.  

Emilio shows off a cocky smile as he sits back waiting for the next question.  

Jessie Pederson 

You say that as if you’re confident that you’ll be able to defeat Dragón UV in your upcoming first round match up and maybe even the winner between Kickass Smurf and Pedro Gonzalez. Don’t you think that you should probably take a few steps back and go one match at a time?  

Emilio Vialpando 

Yeah I mean I could but...Let’s be honest here for a second. You look at these other people in this tournament and you don’t see a name that really comes close to mine. And quite frankly the only person I wish to face is Kickass Smurf because I respect the hell out of him and have always wanted to get in the ring with him. I look at the others and I don’t really see them as threats. They can take that however they want I don’t really care too much about what anyone at this table has to say on that matter. I’m not here for them or their approval breh. I’m here for me. I’m here for these fans and to give them a show because each and every time they see me step into that ring they know it’s Show Time. There’s not as much pressure on me as there is the person across from me. They have to be able to perform just as well as I can y will just so they can keep up. And if they can’t keep up well...Then it’s just gonna be a long night for them but that’s okay. I’ve worked with the best and the absolute worse in this business and every time I’ve been able to put on a show for the fans to make them not even notice a difference.  

He says with a wink and smile.  

Emilio Vialpando 

No but seriously, I know I may come off as this cocky entitled asshole but...I’ve earned the right to be this way. Have they? Has anyone else? I mean you have a guy like Pedro here talking himself up to heaven’s gates like he’s actually accomplished something worth noting and still...He will not be welcomed into those pearly gates. He has to go up against one of the toughest puta madres I’ve had the pleasure of watching out in SSWA for his opening bout. Kid had to go the the prelims just to earn this opportunity jaja. Congrats on winning in the prelims but now the lights are on, amigo. You don’t even belong in the tournament but here you are and acting as if Jesus has arrived. No..No no. You are going up against mi amigo Kickass Smurf breh and if you think you’re just gonna be skating by easy against him then I can’t really do anything but sit here and laugh. And I feel sorry for Smurf having to deal with an iditota like this in his first match in the tournament. It’s a bit discouraging to say the least. At least I have the pleasure and opportunity of going up against someone who actually fits the bill and not someone who acts like he can do something or is something he’s not and can’t actually do. Well not on the same level as the true high flyers in this tournament at least. Ja… 

Spencer Burke 

You and Kickass Smurf have been friends for a while now haven’t you? You seem very confident in his abilities to advance to possibly go up against you in the second round.  

He looks over to Smurf who was sitting next to him and nods.  

Emilio Vialpando 

Of course, why wouldn’t I be? You can’t ever count this man out breh. Fans who watch him know this.  

Spencer Burke 

I see. Well will it be difficult for you to go up against him at all?  

Emilio shakes his head.  

Emilio Vialpando 

Nah, because win or lose I will be proud to have finally shared the ring with him after all this time. I was really hoping I would meet him in the semis or even the finals but I guess the sooner the better right? I promise you breh, me y Smurf are looking to steal the whole damn show once we...well I guess I should say if we are able to face off in the second round. And then maybe one of us will be able to go on and tear the house down with Artemis, Elizabeth, Tommy or even Blake Jones. Speaking of Blake Jones what in the hell is he doing here? Jaja, that still cracks me the hell up knowing that he’s in this competition.  

Jessie Pederson 

Other than Smurf, those names mentioned are people you would want a chance to go up against?  

Emilio Vialpando 

The only people I actually look forward to possibly facing, yes.  

Jessie Pederson 

And Dragón UV? 

Emilio Vialpando 

Si, that goes without saying. We’ve both have been waiting for a while to finally get into the ring and kick this tournament off. What better way for the both of us to kick this thing off with another Mexican luchador, yeah? It should be an exciting match but I can’t allow him to defeat me and steal my chance at going up against Smurf.  

Emilio nudges Smurf’s arm with his elbow.  

Spencer Burke 

Besides winning this competition, what are you looking to achieve in Rey del Aire 2017, Emilio? 

Vialpando thinks for a moment and nods to himself.  

Emilio Vialpando 

It’s not really all about winning I would say...I can sound as confident that I will as the next man or woman but that’s not my true goal here. I’m here to have some fun. To compete. To give these fans exactly what they have paid to see when it comes to seeing me in the ring. I love to entertain the fans in any way that I possibly can breh. That’s...That what I want to do. And I want to do there here en this competition because I don’t think I’ve had the luxury of being able to face off with an individual who was as daring as me or had wings that helped them take flight. I love that about this competition. It allows me to do that and entertain the fans breh. I’m really looking forward to leave these fans in awe and sending them home wanting more. Like I said before I’m here for not just myself but for the fans. That’s all the really matters to me in this tournament breh.  

Jessie stands back up and smiles at Emilio.  

Jessie Pederson 

All of us seen what happened at Destiny: Chapter 4 in the Co-Main Event between you and Shane Atwater, one would have to assume that you need some sort of pick me up after what your cousin did to you on the biggest stage of them all.  

Emilio sighs as he looks down. He clears his throat and then looks back up at Jessie.  

Emilio Vialpando 

Yeah...I uh...I really don’t wanna talk about him here. He doesn’t deserve the kind of recognition. I don’t care if he wrestles at a promotion upstate, he’s still not gonna get any publicity out of me. Not here at least. What happened happened and it’ll be rectified soon enough. In the meantime si, I am looking to get my mind off of that night and more in the positive frame of things. I just wanna go out there, lose myself y have fun.  

Spencer Burke 

There’s gonna be a lot of memorable moments that happen tonight and tomorrow night out there. Are there any of your own that you’ll looking to have?  

Vialpando chuckles some.  

Emilio Vialpando 

Uh...Well I can’t just show you my whole hand now can I, Spencer? Jaja. Look, I’ll say that I’m looking to do as much as they will allow me to do even if that means doing something that’d risky my life. We’ll see what happens, just stay tuned. Show Time never disappoints.  

[bmac]

There’s a silence in the air as nobody takes the podium and people are unsure about who’s going next. Then, after a few brief seconds, an “Alright, alright, I’m up!” as Molly Reid stands up from her seat and approaches the podium. Her platinum blonde hair is held back by a backwards trucker hat, and she’s wearing a Laurel Hardy shirt; coincidentally, the woman that was sitting beside Molly, one Laurel Hardy, is wearing a Molly Reid shirt. Molly grins as she leans into the microphone.

Molly Reid: Hey guys. Y’all should be impressed that I made it here on time, mornings are not my strong suit. But seriously, don’t really have much to say. Super pumped to be here, really amped for tonight. Love New York, love the Hammerstein, love my wrestlers here, love y’all. So ask away.

Molly grins again and points at the first reporter she sees stand up with a phone in his hand, clearly with notes written on it. Molly nods her head as he confirms that she’s pointing at him.

Reporter #1: Thanks Molly. First off, welcome to New York. What’s your mood right now on this, the first day of the tournament?

Molly Reid: Like I said, I’m just amped. You remember back in high school when you’d go to those tournaments in other cities? Getting to hang out in awesome cities with your friends, watch a bunch of amazing games and play in some as well, with a bunch of people who love the same thing as you. This is a little different just cause instead of playing volleyball we’re jumping onto each other from like five feet up on a top rope and dropkicking each other in the face. But yeah, same concept really. It’ll be fun. I get to compete in a tournament with a bunch of incredible wrestlers in front of some incredible fans in an incredible ballroom in an incredible city. Just excited to get to show off what I can do in that ring for y’all.

Another reporter stands up as Molly motions towards him

Reporter #2: Molly, can you tell us a bit about why you decided to enter the Rey del Aire tournament this year?

Molly Reid: Of course! You know it all comes back to just challenging myself. It’s what I try to do every time I wrestle. And tournaments are an amazing way to do that. I’ve already been in a couple this year, with the Young Guns Cup, and then Titans of Trios. And they were phenomenal. They didn’t turn out quite how I wanted to you know, with me losing to Artemis in Young Guns…

Molly turns her head and looks over at Artemis and grins at her before turning back to the microphone.

Molly Reid: Or losing on Monday in my trios match to everyone’s favorite smurf right there…

She points at Smurf and grins again, this time she’s met with a grin back from him before she turns back.

Molly Reid: But that doesn’t change the fact that I gained so much from the experience and I’d do it all again even if nothing changed. These are opportunities to test myself against the best of the best. FGA is phenomenal and pretty much everyone in the company is awesome but there’s even more talent out there that wrestle in different companies. So these tournaments are a great chance to test myself. And I think I’ve held my own so far. So when FGA announced Rey del Aire, it was a no brainer for me. A chance to go up against the best high-flyers in the wrestling world? Come on, I had to do it. Plus it was a chance to wrestle here at Hammerstein, which is incredible every time. So again, no-brainer.

Reporter #2: Molly, quick follow up. Would you describe yourself as a high-flyer? While we’ve seen you pull off some big moves before, you’ve always sort of described yourself as more speed than flying.

Molly Reid: Yeah so here’s the thing. People probably don’t remember but back when I started in IWF like what, five years ago now, I had no wrestling training. I was thrown into the ring because of who I was and the popularity that they hoped I could draw. My experience was basically barfights. So yeah, basically nothing. But I was a gymnast growing up, and a cheerleader. So I had incredible cardio and watching some high flyers in IWF at the time, I knew I could basically do some of the moves they were doing. I could use handsprings to hit people, I could use the ropes as springboards and I could flip off the top rope. So my style when I started was very much that. Just me running and flying around the ring to try to mask how little I knew about wrestling. But then I started to learn more about wrestling, and my top rope moves became more like actual moves, my springboard attacks more dangerous and varied. So I got pretty good at it. And then I got injured jumping off the set, almost died. And then a year later almost broke my back. Coming back to FGA early on, I’ll admit, I was a little hesitant to do some of those moves. You know when NFL guys tear their ACL’s, it always takes then a while to get fully confident in cutting again because they’re afraid it’ll tear again? For me it was just mentally getting over the fact that I’m in great, healthy shape now and if I get hurt again, it won’t be because of any old injuries. Anyone can get hurt at any time so once I accepted that and sort of got over my fear of flying in the ring, I’ve started to get back into it. I’ve always used speed and cardio to my advantage, because I’ll challenge anyone in wrestling to go as fast as I go for as long as I go without getting tired. I truly one-hundred percent believe that I have the best cardio and stamina in this entire business. So yeah, I’ve always been speed but I started out as a flyer too. And recently I’ve been getting back into that. This tournament is a chance for me to really unleash it and remind everyone that this is what I’m really good at. So I guess I’ll let my performance tonight and hopefully tomorrow do the talking for me and you guys can decide after this is over if I should start calling myself a high-flyer. Specifically one of the best high-flyers in the world.

The reporter thanks Molly and sits down. Another motions to talk and Molly points at him and yells “Go!”, causing a slight chuckle from some of the reporters.

Reporter #3: Molly, in a tournament hosted by your company, FGA, do you feel any added pressure being the only actual FGA wrestler entered into it?

Molly Reid: I don’t know if pressure is the right word. I don’t think FGA is expecting me to win and they’ll be mad if I don’t. This is a tournament of the best high-flying wrestlers in the world. I don’t think any one of us here right now is an odds-on favorite with a ton of pressure or anything like that. The only pressure I feel right now is the pressure I’ve put on myself to win this tournament. That’s all me though. But I will say that I do want to represent FGA well. I mean who wouldn’t? It’s my company hosting this event and I’m the one who’s gotta show everyone what FGA’s all about. This is sort of my home turf in that sense. I gotta defend the yard. Need to show everyone who steps into that ring with me that FGA is home to some of the best talent in the world. And that if they want to win this FGA-hosted tournament, they’ll have to go through me to take the crown away from them. So I wouldn’t say it’s a pressure to succeed in the tournament. More of an obligation to defend our house. And that’s what I’m going to do, no matter who I’m up against.

The reporter sits down and this time FGA’s own Jessie Pederson stands up for the next question.

Reporter #4: Molly, your opponent tonight is James Lambert Jr.. He’s coming in representing HKW Underground. Have you watched a lot of his matches to study? And do you feel thoroughly prepared to wrestle him tonight?

Molly Reid: Of course! I’m always prepared. But truth be told I haven’t studied a tonnnn on Lambert. I used to be that person, watching every bit of old match footage as I could find to try to study everything. But lately I’ve sort of toned it back. Every match is different, so you don’t need to study a million different matches. Watch a couple, figure out what their style is. Then work on developing a plan to counter that style. I’ve watched a few of his matches, I know what he does in that ring. He’s a sort of strong style wrestler. I’m pretty confident that I can out-fly him and use that to beat him. He’s young so this’ll be good experience for him. But like I said, I’m here to show everyone that I’m one of the best aerial wrestlers in the world. Winning this tournament is how I do that. Beating Lambert tonight, that’s step one. That’s what I plan on doing.

Molly leans back as if inviting another question, but then leans forward again.

Molly Reid: Excuse me while I go on a bit of a rant here. There are a few people here that upon my brief watching or experience with them, I’ve found to be decisively grounded wrestlers. Lambert, for example. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him go up to the top rope. Or springboard, or really do anything that this tournament is about. So I guess I’m a little confused on why he’s here. Like I get that people want to enter tournaments, but shouldn’t you enter tournaments that actually suit what you do? Lambert doesn’t fly. He barely even jumps. There are a few others of you here and y’all know who you are. I mean feel free to correct me because I could very well be wrong. But like Tommy said earlier, he’s not going to enter a tournament that doesn’t make sense for him. I would never enter a tournament that’s for the best strikers, or the best brawlers or something like that because it’s not something that I really do. It just doesn’t make sense to me. Again, feel free to tell me to shove it and explain but that’s just how I feel. Anyways, I digress! Lambert’s my opponent tonight so I’m focused on him.

Molly shakes her head as she finishes and looks into the crowd. Another reporter stands up and Molly points in her direction.

Reporter #5: Molly there are a handful of people that you know in this tournament. Are there any specific wrestlers you want to face if you continue to move through the tournament?

Molly Reid: Yeah, of course. I don’t want to look that far ahead but look, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking at some potential matches. But if I get to the semi finals, I could face Smurf. The guy who just helped knock me and my fellow Whitest Girls you Know out of the Titans of Trios tournament on Monday. So it would be nice to get to wrestle him and settle the score on that. And then the finals, there are a bunch of potential matches there that I’d love. Obviously Tommy is someone I consider a friend and seeing him there would be awesome. And then there’s Artemis, who beat me in the Young Guns Cup. I’d love another chance at her if I could get the chance. Even that score at one win each. But I think y’all know my dream match would be against Laurel here.

Molly points at her shirt before shrugging jokingly.

Molly Reid: I mean look, Laurel’s my girl. I’m pulling for her throughout the whole tournament. Getting to face her in the finals would be amazing. And she’s the only one in this tournament that I wouldn’t be mad at myself for losing to. Well I would, but way less than everyone else. Besides, I think she’d be the first one to tell you that she wants to settle things with me after I beat her in that Lego deathmatch a few months ago. So yeah, dream finals is me vs Laurel. I’m sure that comes as a big shock to everyone here. But I’d still win. Sorry babe.

Molly turns and blows a kiss to Laurel, who just grins as Molly smiles, shrugs and then turns back towards the podium.

Molly Reid: And if none of those happen, I’ll still be happy. Everyone that’s in this tournament is here for a reason. I’ll be honored to wrestle anyone that steps into that ring with me. I may not agree with why some people are here, but it’s too late for that now. Everyone’s here and I’ll fight any wrestler that steps into that ring with me. So bring it on flyers. I can’t wait to do battle with everyone, and if all goes according to plan, next time you talk to me you’ll be talking to the winner, of the 2017 Rey del Aire tournament. Thanks y’all, enjoy the weekend!

Molly smiles and gives a final wave as she walks back and sits down beside Laurel, leaning into her ear and whispering something that causes her to giggle. Molly grins and leans back in her chair, awaiting the next wrestler to step up.

[pete]

Note: For the sake of ease in terms of comprehension, please assume everything written in italics is in Spanish. Thanks - Polyglottal Pete



Dragón UV approaches the stand slowly. The notoriously anti-social luchador, wearing his signature mask, of course, is also wearing a light purple shirt and white slacks. Taking the stand, he pauses a moment. He looks around at his fellow competitors, at the assembled press and interviewers, with a sneer.

Dragón UV: Idiots.

The official translator for FGA stands, and clears his throat.

Dragón UV: Don’t you dare speak, asshole. These sons of bitches look to put on a lucha tournament, and opt not to speak in the language of lucha? Fuck them. They take our noble art, and parade it here in New York like a special attraction, when it’s our way of life? And then they expect us to bow to them, and speak their bitch of a language. Fuck them.

The translator casts uncertain glances between UV and the moderator.

Dragón UV: Just sit the hell down, idiot.

He looks out to the crowd.

Dragón UV: I don’t give a fuck if they understand me or not. That’s their problem, not mine. Look at them. Idiots. Staring at me with vacant looks on their faces. Most of them thinking it’s disrespectful that I dare to speak in my native tongue. Well fuck them, and their disrespect! They disrespect me by trying to force me to talk in their drivel.

The contempt on his face is visible, as he looks about the room. He locks eyes briefly with both Emilio, Pedro and Laurel, individuals he knows understand every word he’s saying.

Dragón UV: I suppose you wish me to talk about how it is a great honor to perform on this stage? How I should be grateful to have this opportunity to perform for the great FGA? Idiots. The “honor” is all yours. You have the Future of the Reinado stood before you, preparing to go into the ring with this... pocho… and you think it is I who should be grateful? When it is you who are being blessed with a display of what true lucha libre is?

Emilio sits up sharp at the insult, before restraining himself, shaking his head. In response, UV starts laughing; it’s a creepy, and slightly sinister laugh.

Dragón UV: Idiots.

He steps back a little, spreading his hands out wide.

Dragón UV: Come on, then. Ask a true luchador your questions.

The interpreter begins to stand once more.

Dragón UV:Don’t you dare.

After a few moments lull, it’s apparent what’s happening. A young man nervously stands.

Nervous Guy: Umm… Dragon… other than your brief time in the now closed White Lion Wrestling and your occasional visits to Britain for Filthy Bazaar, and occasional visits to Texas with HELL, you very rarely compete outside of Mexico. What’s provoked you to enter this tournament?

Silence, as UV stares holes in the man answering the question. After a few moments, the nervous guy looks to the translator, who clears his throat.

Dragón UV: Didn’t I tell you to shut up? I understand him. I under- I understand you, pendejo. Unlike you arrogant assholes, I have actually taken the time to learn another language. However I will not answer questions from assholes who do not afford me the same courtesy.

The nervous guy looks around, unsure of what is happening. This earns him a dismissive wave from UV.

Dragón UV: Sit down, puto.

A young lady in glasses, very near the front, stands, brushing hair out of her face.

Glasses: Dragón, you are facing a very experienced luchador in Emilio Vialpando. His name is synonymous with Hard Know Wrestling, and the numerous titles and awards he has garnered show him to very able. How do you feel you will fare against him?

UV glares at the confident young lady, but she does not wither under his stare, instead returning it with one of her own. The fact someone has actually spoken to him in Spanish seems to be a greater source of frustration for him than if no-one had.

Dragón UV: Sure. My opponent has had some degree of success… in America…

He waves his hand dismissively once more, further earning the ire of Emilio.

Dragón UV: But if he was a true luchador, he would have been made in Mexico. He would have sweated under a Tijuana sun, he would have donned the mask, but no. He has some remote connection with my homeland, and feels that is sufficient to call himself luchador? It does not work like that. It is not just throwing yourself off of high things for the benefit of stupid Americans who know no better. It is about pride, about skill, about technique. It is so much more than putting on an accent and then dropping in a Spanish word every few sentences. It is a life.

He shrugs.

Dragón UV: Am I younger? Yes. Less experienced? In terms of time in the ring, perhaps. But my blood is the blood of wrestling royalty. For three generations my family have fought. I have been trained by some of the finest luchadors in the world, with additional training in your American styles also. Emilio may have experience… but I have pedigree. Sure, you talk about the things he has done… but what about what he is doing? Sitting around, growing fat, living in his Hall of Fame. His accomplishments are in the past. But mine?

Cocky grin.

Dragón UV: Mine are the future.

The bespectacled young lady sits, noting down what was said in her notepad, as a colleague leans in to ask her about what was just said.

Dragón UV: I have had enough of your insulting questions. Whatever is left to be said will be said in the ring. Fuck you all, you ignorant bastards.

He turns, looking at Emilio with a smirk, before walking back to his chair at the opposite end of seating area.

[jameslambertjnr]

Stepping onto the stage, there's a certain awkwardness to James Lambert Jnr as he makes his way behind the podium: he's somewhat reluctant to make eye contact with the assembled journalists and other RdA competitors, and he certainly seems ill at ease at having a camera pointed at him, putting him on the defensive as he opens the floor

So...?

Although he did not mean to come across so standoffish, the manner of Lambert's introduction causes the room to be uncomfortably silent for a moment, until Jessie Pederson breaks the mood with his opening question

Jessie Pederson: There's been some comment ahead of this tournament that you could be a dark horse to win this tournament, based on your holding the North American Championship in Underground. Do you feel this tag is justified?

Somewhat caught on the back foot by the directness of the question, given having smoke blown up his behind isn't something he is too used to, Lambert fidgets as he searches for the right response, again leading to an awkward atmosphere until he finally responds in his molasses-thick drawl...

I can see why some folks'll think that, but if you ask me being spoken of as someone who could do well in the tournament ain't a blessing - it's only gonna make my scalp more valuable to anyone I face. To tell you the truth, I ain't too fond of people saying this guy or that guy could be the winner, 'cause I think it disrespects everyone else in the tournament. Take my opponent for a sec': here I am walking onto Molly's turf, 'cause she's FGA and she has to come back here when the whole tourney's over, while no matter what happens I go back to Underground. So isn't it takin' liberties to write her off even though her peers'll be watching our match, and they'll be pissed if things don't go her way?

I've gone my research, I know she's got a hell of a lot in her locker, I heard plenty about the rest of the tournament, and I'm not going to stand here and say one guy's the winner and one guy's the loser because I got better things to do than talk shit about people for the sake of talking shit. Leave that to people compensatin' for something.

With Lambert coming out of his shell a little, Pederson has a follow-up question

Jessie Pederson: Another thing people have said about you is that, while most second-generation wrestlers have a lot to live up to, it has been noted that you have more of a blank slate to work with. Can you tell us more about growing up in a wrestling family?

Lambert bristles somewhat at the mention of his father's less-than-stellar wrestling career, the reason why the younger Lambert not only barely saw his father at weekends when he was growing up but also the reason why he was teased and even bullied at school, jibes which continue to this day given some opponents' willingness to use this as a stick to beat him with

Attempting to remain calm, Lambert takes a sharp intake of breath, yet it is impossible to ignore he's shrinking back into his hooded sweatshirt again as he is uncomfortable with the subject

...yeah, that's the bitter pill that needs to be swallowed every step of my career. When I was trainin', people knew me as Jimmy Lambert's boy. When I was working my first few matches, a bunch of them I was his partner as I learned the way things worked. As I started to branch out, yeah, there was the thing about being my father's son, but people want to use that as a weapon against me.

I get it, his career weren't great, I know all about it, but at the end of the day I'm my own man so if people want to say I'm doing my family proud, go ahead - but what I care about is my old man being proud of the choices I made and how they work out.

Pausing to take a sip of water, Lambert uses the pause as a means to say a few things that are on his mind

Look, I know I'm not the guy who talks the ear off everyone in the arena, and I'm cool with that. When I'm back in Underground, people listen to some guy who paints pictures with his words to make up for the fact those pictures he's painting ain't much when he gets in the ring and gets found out as all talk. I don't talk a big game, but I hope to hell I can bring a good game, and so far in my career I've managed to do that.

Take the last time I was in NYC, I was up against a guy who was the firm favourite to win the match and with it the North American Championship, and it weren't no match where one fall declares the winner, it was best of five. Folks expected the other guy to take the match, as on paper his pedigree was hard to argue with - but matches ain't won or lost on paper, they're won and lost in the ring and I'm the guy that got their hand raised.

Sensing an inroad to Lambert's though process, Pederson quickly interjects

Jessie Pederson: Does your title win give you belief that you can deliver in big matches?

Mulling over the question for a moment, Lambert's face soon betrays that he doesn't agree

I ain't gonna be clinging to that match to say I'll be winnin' this tourney, 'cause sitting on past glories is a good way to make your ass get fat. I'm sayin' that I want to take the next step, push myself that bit harder, 'cause if you want to improve you can't sit back.

Attempting a nonchalant smile in the direction of the reporters, Lambert attempts to look relaxed but he still looks uncomfortable being grilled by Pederson, leading to him glancing in the direction of first Elizabeth Lannister and then Laurel Hardy - almost as if he's checking to see if they;re preparing for their turn behind the podium, which would give him an excuse to wrap up and get out of there

Jessie Pederson: One final question: do you have anything to say about your opponent Molly Reid?

Do I have...?

It dawns on Lambert that he spoke a little too soon, causing him to quickly clam up as he works what he was saying around in his head once more, taking a couple of seconds to compose himself, again glancing over to the other competitors, this time to see if Artemis Kaiser is preparing to get up there, before he tries to get back onto the page he's supposed to be on

As I said already, she's got a lot to lose as we're in her backyard, so she's got the pressure of having an entire locker room being PO'd at her if she doesn't make FGA look good. But what the hell should the locker room feel worried about? I've done my research, I know that she's walking into the match with a title on her shoulder, so she ain't no slouch. One thing that needs saying, tho', is Molly got one thing wrong about me: I got no problem going high risk, but rather than hurl myself around the ring 'cause I think I have to, I go high risk because I need to. To pick up on what...

He nods in the direction of Tommy Evans a couple of times, but is a tad reluctant to point him out or say his name

...to pick up on what he said, I mean...sorry, to pick up on what Tommy said, the only way to get better is to step outta your comfort zone, which for me means stepping into the ring with a buncha different opponents with a their own styles, an' you can't sit and plan a strategy for days or weeks in advance, you gotta think on your feet.

That's why I signed up, 'cause I know I gotta learn plenty when you put my career next to Molly's or Emilio's or Laurel's and I ain't denyin' that, but here's the thing: I wanna learn the hard way, an' to learn the hard way I need to step up against more experienced opponents and push myself to not just match them step-for-step, but surprise them by having them play catch-up. 'Cause I've gotten a couple a' damn fine matches on my record already, an' while I'm in this tourney I want to have a few more, an' I want people to say the match was so damn good not 'cause of my opponent but because we both tore the goddamn house down.

Scanning the room to see if there's any other questions, when he sees a lack of raised hands a look of relief crosses Lambert's face that his interrogation is at an end

So...we're good?

[Savannah Taylor]

As the reporters and various other media outlets take a brief moment to finish up their notes after the previous wrestler finished at the podium, another chair scraping on the floor can be heard. Heels clicking on the stage are heard next as the figure of one third of the SSWA Trios champions, Elizabeth Lannister, makes her way to the podium. Dressed in black high heels, a sleeveless form fitting mid-thigh length dress in a solid crimson color and a fitted black leather blazer over the dress, she once again has her Trios title belt slung over her right shoulder as she clears her throat. This simple gesture is enough to perk up the media pool once again.


Elizabeth Lannister: Didn’t mean to wake you all up.


She says with a sarcastic tone to her voice, rolling her eyes.


Elizabeth Lannister: Look, I get that this is an exciting day for everyone involved. I’m excited. You guys are excited. But I have a job to do and so do you guys. So if we could….


She makes a little circle motion with her finger as an older man wearing wire rimmed glasses and holding a pad of paper and a pen slowly stands up.


Reporter #1: Lance Kirkfield, WrestlingScoopsOnline.com. First of all, congratulations to you and the rest of your teammates on retaining the Trios championships, even though it was seen by some to be under dubious circumstances.


Elizabeth Lannister: Let me stop you right there, Lance. First of all, there was nothing dubious about how we won. The important factor is that we won. We did ecactly what we said we would do. Is it my fault that Dirty Waters are a few crayons short of a full box? No it isn’t. Now, for everyone bitching and moaning that we somehow ruined a dream match between Dirty Waters and Mill Road Massive? Cut the crap. That is NO ONE’S idea of a dream match.


Lance Kirkfield: Are you worried about any repercussions that may come your way based on what you and your teammates did to Mill Road Massive later in that same night?


Elizabeth looks Lance directly in the face as she shakes her head.


Elizabeth Lannister: Let Huffington Post do his worst. The end result is still going to be the same. The same goes for the remaining teams left in the Titans of Trios tournament. It doesn’t matter if it’s Canadian Chainsaw Massacre, Crusaders, Super Smurf Wrestling Buddies or….


She draws in a sharp breath as she spits out the name of the final team left, shaking her head slightly.


Elizabeth Lannister: Ellipses. It doesn’t matter which of the four teams win. Every one of them want what The Triumvirate has. Whichever team wins….or even all four of them because Bart Huff is that kind of person, the closest any of them will ever get to Trios gold is in pictures.


She shines her belt up a little bit, tossing a knowing smirk towards Kickass Smurf before turning her attention back to the media, where she smiles before pointing slightly at FGA reporter Jessie Penderson.


Jessie Penderson: Hi Elizabeth. Good to see you again.


Elizabeth Lannister: Likewise, Jessie.


Jessie Penderson: I have two questions for you. The first is, after a successful match against Yazzmin, are you expecting the same sort of luck later this evening against Chris Andrew?


Elizabeth Lannister: Let me indulge myself for a second. Of course I am. I pay attention to things. I keep an eye on Twitter. All I see whenever he does anything is making sure everyone around him is diagnose with the worst case of diabetes known to man.


She turns and addresses Chris, who is sitting a few feet away from the podium.


Elizabeth Lannister: Look man, we get it. You are SOOOOOOO in love with your girlfriend. Happy days for you. Here is a pro tip, though. Not everyone gives a crap how mushy you get on social media. The only thing that matters, at least to is me that is, is what you do in between the ropes. I’m here to tell you that you have a mighty tall order ahead of you later tonight. You saw what I did to Yazzmin. You’ve seen what I’ve done in England. Imagine what I’m going to do to you.


She says as she seemingly ignores Jessie and her final question as she goes back to her chair.

[styg]

Those still left to speak pause momentarily, seeing who's most eager to get up next. When no rush is immediately forthcoming, Laurel Anne Hardy gives a little shrug and swings herself to her feet, choking back a yawn. As she approaches the podium with her hands in her pockets, a sea of other hands shoots up, their owners all anxious to question the young woman from North Wales reckoned by many to be one of the absolute favourites in the tournament. Hardy surveys the room with a louche smile once she's settled at the podium, and can't help breaking into a laugh - short and quiet, but full of excitement.

Laurel Anne Hardy: Ah my god... um. Hey!

She's clearly suppressing the giggles. What caused them? Who knows. But whatever the cause, she dampens them down - though the smile doesn't leave her face - as she lazily points out a raised hand before folding her arms on the surface in front of her and leaning forward. She does so without a sound, that "hey" her sole word of greeting or introduction, which causes a moment of hesitance in the chosen reporter as she stands up and clears her throat.

Young Journalist: Toni Williams, The Canvas Sheet.

Laurel Anne Hardy: A'right, Toni. How you doin' this mornin'?

This takes Miss Williams aback slightly, but she recovers admirably and gets down to business.

Toni Williams: Good, thank you. Uh, so, it wasn't clear at first whether or not you'd even be in Rey del Aire - at the point when it was announced, and the weight limit of one hundred and fifty pounds for female entrants was confirmed, you weighed, I believe, a hundred and fifty-three?

Laurel nods.

Laurel Anne Hardy: About that, yeah. I was definitely at least a couple of pounds over. I mean, that's not that much; I actually cut the weight ages ago. I had weeks an' weeks to cut, what, between five to eight pounds? That's not exactly that big a challenge, even takin' it gradually. The actual hard part's been not puttin' it back on, especially because I've been in Brazil so much lately with the XWA tour. Long flights, less gym time than normal; I over-cut initially in fact, knowin' I needed the room in case I put any back on. Uh, which I did.

She grins with a slight shade of embarrassment as she says that last part, and there are a handful of knowing chuckles from around the room.

Laurel Anne Hardy: But the official weigh-in's in a little bit. I weighed myself before I went in the shower today. I'm just under a hundred an' forty-nine pounds, so it's all good. Less than that even, I guess, since I've had a shit since then. I've made weight an' I'm ready to go.

Toni Williams: So you don't think the weight cutting will affect you in the ring at all?

Laurel Anne Hardy: No. No, not at all. I've still been wrestlin' throughout that time an' it ain't been a problem. Like, I mean, I've been conscious of that fact, yeh? That cuttin' weight might affect how I am in the ring. So I've been cuttin' with that in mind, to make sure I adjust with the changes.

She quickly points out another hand.

Portly Middle-Aged Man: Yes, thank you... your round one opponent is another of the favourites. The God of Anger, Artemis Kaiser. Artemis has made it clear this a big match for her. Do you share those sentiments?

Laurel nods enthusiastically.

Laurel Anne Hardy: Yeah, she's described me as her favourite wrestler; an idol. Obviously, it's very flattering to hear that - especially from a competitor the calibre of Artemis Kaiser. This is actually gonna be our first ever one-on-one match, and I feel confident that it's gonna live up to what you'd think of when you hear that phrase: "Hardy versus Kaiser, one-on-one, first time ever". I mean... this is the kinda match that's worthy of the finals.

Portly Middle-Aged Man: So you share her respect for you?

Laurel Anne Hardy: I respect her, definitely. Me an' Artemis are very, very similar in a lot of ways. Couldn't be more different in other ways. There's definitely stuff she stands for that... well, let's just say, I don't. But she's someone you cannot overlook one iota in the ring. She ain't win her reputation in a raffle. Then again... neither did I. I respect Artemis enough that I'm gonna go into this like it was the main event of All-Star Showdown an' I know she respects me enough to come in exactly the same way, which is nothing less than I'd want or expect. Now, trust me, in a four round tournament, it's nice for the first round to be a chance to warm up a bit. Get into first gear before the real intensity begins. Neither me or her is gonna get that luxury though, so we're gonna do the next best thing an' that's use round one to get fired waaaay the fuck up, so hard we could bounce off Jupiter, never mind the walls, an' ride that rush all the way to the final.

Portly Middle-Aged Man: And do you think you'll beat her?

Laurel Anne Hardy: I wouldn't be standin' here if I didn't.

The journalist seems to be formulating a response to that but he's taking his time, so Laurel moves on:

Laurel Anne Hardy: Next question, please!

She points to another raised hand.

Woman With Spanish Accent: After this press conference and the weigh-in, there are still several hours to go before the show begins. What last-minute preparation will you be doing between now and then?

Laurel chuckles as she shakes her head, but in her expression she acknowledges the question as being something she hadn't expected.

Laurel Anne Hardy: Nah, nah, nah, the prep's done; any more you do on the day don't stick right. Important thing's to be relaxed goin' in. Today's the day to let it all settle. After this press conference I'm gonna have one more workout for an hour or two, then just chill out all day. Listen to some music. Maybe do some artwork. When we get closer to show time I'm gonna try to sneak in a power nap. Fresh an' focused's the way to go in, especially against someone as dangerous as Artemis. You don't wanna have a bunch of "what if?"s runnin' around your head. That's a really, really good way to sabotage yourself from the get-go. Good question though. Next?

Another hand.

Guy With Frosted Tips In 2017: What do you make of the accusations from some people that a lot of the names this tournament aren't really known as fliers?

Laurel Anne Hardy: You mean "some people" sayin' I got no right bein' in this 'cause there's more to my repertoire than just jumpin' on fuckers? I think "some people" are fuckin' idiots. That they say that just shows they dunno what goes on more'n five feet from their face.

Guy With Frosted Tips In 2017: Well, two years ago, you actually publicly said you didn't deserve to win the UK Sports Syndicate's award for Flier of the Year, and said you ought to be removed from the ballot...

Laurel shrugs and pulls a "so sue me" face.

Laurel Anne Hardy: I sure did. Matter of fact, I actually said to everyone to vote for that man right there.

She gestures towards a certain blue mask at the panel bench. The man in question favours the room with a smurftastic salute.

Laurel Anne Hardy: An' you know what? Two years ago I wasn't particularly flyin' that much. You know why that is?

The man nods. Yeah, he knows why. But he lets Laurel continue.

Laurel Anne Hardy: I was worried I was gettin' pigeonholed as an aerialist. That people thought, "that Laurel Anne Hardy, god damn she can cut the air in half with shapes I never thought possible outside of Escher paintings, but can she actually, yanno, wrestle?" Well, I guess it worked, cause here we are two years later an' now people are askin' whether I can fly. Amnesia goin' around I guess.

Laurel pauses for a moment, sucking in one cheek for just a second and smirking, before continuing.

Laurel Anne Hardy: Lemme tell ya, for those who don't watch XWA, how heavy the roster is there. We got literally four or five giants on one roster. Levinator's like fuckin' four hundred pounds or somethin'. He can barely get through doors; I feel sorry for him, to be honest. Lynx is about three hundred an' fifty. Vrag from Catastrophe's about the same. Jerod Barnez, an' The Tarmogoyf, if they ain't breakin' three hundred they must be ounces off it.

She leans back a bit.

Laurel Anne Hardy: Russ Lehman I know is two-six-six. Rob Chapman I believe ain't far off that, though since he lost the Supreme title he's kinda stopped trainin' properly, mopes around in these baggy fuckin' sweatshirts, so fuck knows what he weighs right now. Prolly balloonin' up an' down like bloody Robert Smith or some'n. LJ Summers, Alex Krull, Giovanni Bianchi, Nemisys, Chris Dolmeth, Solomon Fenric... every single one of them's about two-eighty. I mean, hell, Diamond Jack Sabbath, Michael Swift? Lx-Tim, too - they're all billed at two hundred an' forty. Almost any other promotion they'd be considered huge. In XWA they're considered average sized, the way guys likesa two hundred an' ten, two hundred an' fifteen are in other places. Now that's not to say there ain't plenty of smaller people on the roster, there are, but I can't think of another company that comes anywhere NEAR the number of superheavyweights an' just big fuckers we have in XWA.

Another brief pause, to let all that sink in.

Laurel Anne Hardy: The point of all this is: that's a helluva lotta guys on my home promotion's roster I ain't about to suplex any time soon. When you're a 24/7 champion in a company with that many fellas that kinda size, you need to know how to use speed. Dexterity. Simple as that. So no, I don't fly exclusively; I branched out over the last few years; I pride myself on that. On the mat I can tie opponents in the kinda knots that would tie Kent Walton's tongue in a knot too just tryna describe 'em. I can crack someone's jaw with a punch. Against opponents the kinda size we got in this tournament, I can chuck 'em around like training dummies. I can do everything, and that ain't braggin', that's the product of a career dedicated to pushing myself - to never ever decidin' that what I can do already is enough. The best style to step between the ropes with is every style.

Grin.

Laurel Anne Hardy: But what I started out as - what I cut my teeth on, what I first made my name on - is high flying. Some people would say in a field like the one at XWA, me at a hundred an' fifty pounds should be an underdog. An' yet... I'm the most dominant force there is there. Nobody's beaten me in over a year; nobody's beaten me cleanly in over two. I was the first Supreme Champion. I break records like other people break nails. So no - I don't do underdog. Maybe, maybe the one match I've had lately where I've been the underdog goin' in was Andreas Lasiewicz, an' that's got nothin' to do with his size - it's to do with the fact he's got about three 'undred years more experience than me. An' you know a big, big part of why I'm so successful against a field of that many people I can barely lift, never mind chuck about? Because I know how to move.

Laurel is, at last, standing up straight, gesticulating as she expounds on her theory of aeralism.

Laurel Anne Hardy: Flyin' ain't just jumpin' about. Bein' able to do a fuckin' moonsault off the top rope don't make you a high flier. Flyin's about so, so much more than that - precision. Composure. To excel as a flier means dictating the pace of the match, controlling your own momentum and your opponent's... knowin' when to slow down as well as speed up. Outmanoeuvring, that's what it's about. Mobility as the difference-maker. Some kids, they just throw everythin' they got into gettin' as much as air as possible or doin' as many flips as possible at the first chance they get. That's why they lose. That shit ain't bein' a flier. That's just bein' an acrobat. Like I'm proud of my Tsunami Wildfire, I'm proud of Stronger Than Dirt, an' all the other big dives an' flips an' that I do, be they part of my regular rotation or things I craft in the moment. But the thing is, they're tools, same as any other in my kit. I use them when it's right, not 'cause they happen to be there. People been thinkin' that just because I don't exclusively fly that somehow means I can't fly at all. Well, I'm here at the Hammerstein to fly. By which I mean fly as a wrestling discipline - not just do some flips. I mean... if tonight or tomorrow it comes to havin' to drop a fucker on their head? Then that's what I'll do. An' I'll get that world's smallest violin all tuned up an' ready to go for anyone who complains that I used a move that wasn't a dive. But anyone who faces me expectin' to have the air to themselves is about to get utterly shit on, cause I'll be higher up than them. Oh, on that note? Lucha libre no es lo mismo que volar. Par de personas aquí necesitan aprender las raíces de su propia disciplina un poco mejor, parece.

She doesn't bother turning round to see reactions from her fellow competitors. She just clicks her fingers and points to another reporter.

Man So Tall He's Stooping: Edwin Porter, of International Journal of Wrestling. Who in this tournament would be an ideal match for you? Who would you like to meet in the final, should you make it that far?

Laurel Anne Hardy: Hm. Well, one of them is actually my first round opponent. I said earlier, me an' Artemis would be worthy of the final. Obviously that ain't gonna happen but even so, this is a big match, one that would've been a special exhibition under different circumstance. The return of Blake Jones to wrestling is huge of course. It'd be an honour to face him in round two - though people are sellin' Adam Alpha short a bit, I think. Adam's an extremely talented young man. I don't really know him personally but me an' his brother, we, hah, have some history. Then there's Kai. Tommy, of course. The dark horse in Young Guns Cup. Off the back of that, definitely not a dark horse here. He bounced my brother out of Young Guns an' if I could beat Tommy tomorrow it'd drive Matty insane.

She cackles at that thought.

Laurel Anne Hardy: On the other side of the brackets, for who I could face in a potential final...

She glances down at the print on her Molly Reid T-shirt and smiles.

Laurel Anne Hardy: I mean, me versus Molly, obviously. I got a loss to avenge, as she just reminded me before... that's a final that writes itself, right? The lovers collide? But then there's Kickass Smurf, he's a good friend, we actually live together, an' I wasn't kidding before - he's one of the best fliers in the business. He's one of the ones who gets it, that it ain't just about how much hang time you can get. Elizabeth Lannister - I've kicked her arse before, but I'd gladly do it again for some of the shit she's been doin' to my mates lately. Really, there's a bunch. I'm just gonna take each match as it comes. Whoever I meet is... well, whoever I meet. Fiora, mate, you look itchy.

She points to the rep from UK Grappling News.

Fiora Baldwin: Laurel, you're arguably the biggest name in this year's Rey del Aire event...

The woman in question beams.

Laurel Anne Hardy: Thank you.

Fiora Baldwin: Compared to someone like Pedro Gonzales or Tommy Evans, in the process right now of breaking out, or a youngster like Dragón UV or Nando Fresno for whom Rey del Aire represents important international exposure, is it fair to say you don't really need this...?

Laurel doesn't answer at first. She just blinks, then shakes her head, frowning.

Laurel Anne Hardy: Uh... does anyone have a real question?

Fiora Baldwin: I'm serious. Especially given your noted disdain for titles and trophies, how much would this really mean to you versus anyone else in the field?

Taking her time to mull this, Laurel leans forward, sucking in her cheeks in thought.

Laurel Anne Hardy: Well, the way I see it, Fiora... nobody needs this, whatever they might say. Needed wins are for... very deep, personal emotional reasons, stuff innately tied to a person's psychological state, which as far I can tell ain't quite the case with any of my fellow competitors here. But we all strongly want it. All sixteen of us. All twenty if you count the people who went out in the preliminaries. My disdain... that's about titles for titles' sake. That's about the people who go "I'm a world champion, respect me!"... people who so painfully obviously need bits of gold to validate their legacy 'cause it ain't gonna happen any other way. People who don't care how they won something just as long as they won it. But the important thing about Rey del Aire - to me, certainly - isn't the trophy. It's the nature of the canvas. This is about craftsmanship within a discipline. You remember after the first Rey del Aire, the Ash Sullivan vs Bob Pooler final? Nobody was more vocal than me in wantin' this tournament to come back. I wanted to be in that one, to be honest, but that was the same night me an' Annie challenged Super Mario Wrestlin' Brothers for the tag titles. Rey del Aire ain't, y'know, just somethin' to stick on your CV. Another line on your Wikipedia entry. It's an artistic maelstrom. It's about pushin' the limits of what flying means, both in yourself and in the world of wrestling as a whole.

She glances down momentarily, scowling slightly, again deep in thought.

Laurel Anne Hardy: Maybe I should explain what this means to me. As I'm sure you all know, wrestling to me is an art form, and an artist has to stay at the cutting edge. I fly in my matches; like I said, I need to, in the kind of company I work for. I train the students at Caledonian in flying. Evangelista does a bit, but mainly me. We got some really, really promising trainees comin' up. They can do things that are just inhuman. I mean, this is one of the fastest moving branches of the sport. I've been told Tsunami Wildfire looks unreal to watch, like it shouldn't be possible in the laws of physics. Know some'n though? Once upon a time, the double rotation moonsault was considered impossible. That lateral corkscrew roundhouse that's gettin' popular? Five years ago people woulda sait that was impossible. My trainees are comin' up with stuff I would never've thought of. They've kinda reaffirmed for me that every move is only impossible until someone does it - but the really important thing, as I alluded to earlier, is incorporatin' it into a fight properly. Knowin' how an' when to use a move, on top of just bein' able to do it. To stay at the cutting edge in that sense means immersing myself, not just in the safe confines of the training ring, not just in matches where I'm flying because it's the paper to my opponent's rock, but against other specialists in the field. To test myself against some of the best fliers in the world, where we push each other to out-fly the other. That's why I'm here, Fiora, an' that's why I'm damn sure I'm gonna put everything I have into winning.

Hardy glances across at Spencer and nods.

Laurel Anne Hardy: I guess that's about as good a place as any to call it, yeh? Let someone else get a word in. Thanks everyone, an' sorry to everyone I didn't get to. I guess all that's left to say from me is... see you tonight, an' maybe get some'n ready to catch your dropped jaws when me an' Artemis Kaiser collapse the Hammerstein Ballroom in on itself.

She nods one final time, then slouches back in the direction of her seat.

[Jensen Banks]

Blake Jones walks up to speaker and smiles as he looks out at the audience.

"I've decided to spare you from the long intro speech because most of you have already heard me talk once. You know I want to win this tournament but you also know that I don't see it as necessary to win this tournament. To me, this tournament is about having fun matchups with people I've never faced before. I beat Jae Ramsey in the prelims and now I get Adam Alpha in the next round. Excited for that and for what I could possibly see in the other rounds should I advance. So I've decided we're going to speed round today's questions for me. Just blurt em out and I'll answer em, folks."

"Are you afraid Adam Alpha is going to fondle you after all that crotch talk you had on Twitter?"

"I wear a cup just for this reason. I really don't want anyone touching my eggs and bacon. Next!"

"Do you care who wins between Artemis and Laurel?"

"Nope. Would love to face either one of them."

"Do you speak Spanish?"

"A little-o."

"Who's got the best hair in this tourney?"

Jones smiles.

"Well, I don't mean to brag, but this do takes a good hour to get it just right."

"If you make it to the finals, who would you like to see?"

"A person. Could you imagine if I couldn't fight a person in the finals?"

"Let's talk about EXO-"

"Let's not. Next!"

"Do you like Katy Perry?"

"Yes. I went to one of her concerts before I made my comeback. That eye of the tiger song she got really pushed me to make this decision."

"Do you know how to slapbox?"

"Meet me outside and I'll show you."

"Did you vote for Trump?"

"No, I'm not from Alabama."

"What's wrong with Alabama?"

"Nick Saban."

"If you win Rey del Aire, will you call yourself a king?"

"There's enough royalty in wrestling as it is. I'll just call myself a winner. Okay, last question belongs to you, Danny DeVito."

"My name is Steve Bubkus."

"And my name is Blake Motherfucking Jones. What's your question?"

"How did it feel to be back in a ring?"

"Felt like riding a bike all over again. That's all I got, folks!"

Blake steps away and walks back to his seat.

[The Mason]

Before anybody can approach the podium in the Hammerstein Ballroom, there is an ear-piercing shriek, echoing throughout the walls of the building.

Jessie Pederson: What--?!

Our cameras cut to the rear of the audience, where a dark-haired woman in a white buttoned shirt and gray slacks screams, throwing herself to the ground as a humanoid creature towers above her, roaring at the top of its lungs! Standing at a height of at least six-foot-six, the creature, covered in brown-and-green scales stomped its hooved foot, shrieking again before grabbing at the woman’s arm as she tries to scramble away!

Reporter With a Strong Case for a Lawsuit: OH MY GOD! SOMEBODY HELP! IS ANYBODY SEEING THIS?! JASPER, ARE YOU FILMING THIS?! HAAAAALP!

A skinny, pale, blonde-haired boy rushes forward with an iPhone in hand, pointed toward the action to film, eyes wide.

Jasper: I’m getting all of it! SecuritAAAAAHHH!

The phone is smacked from Jasper’s hand and he is grabbed next by the creature, hoisted up in the air by his collar. Jasper shrieks, in a higher pitch than his ladyfriend comrade. When suddenly--

Nando: That’s good We’re good! EVERYBODY, may I please have your attention?!

Suddenly, the creature throws its hands up, dropping “Jasper” to his feet-- though Jasper collapses anyway. The brunette reporter pulls herself up, breathing heavily, as the creature calmly makes its way to the stage. Nando Fresno: Alien Hunter stands confidently at the podium, looking into the audience of shocked, confused, and otherwise annoyed faces.

Nando: Luckily for you all, that was just a drill. This big, harrowing figure approaching my left, right now, is not an extraterrestrial being. I repeat, he is NOT an actual extraterrestrial being. This is Frank, and I asked Frank to be here with us today because I wanted everybody to understand the immediate repercussions of ignoring my attempted seminar last week in relation to, in layman’s terms, ‘alien safety protocol’. Now, if you had allowed me to talk a little bit about extraterrestrials, then maybe we wouldn’t have had the TERROR in this room that we witnessed tonight.

Spencer Burke takes a deep breath, eyes closed. He rubs at his temples with his knuckles for a moment before calmly continuing.

Spencer Burke: Andrew from the Fist Network, a local blog and sports-related newspaper, I hear you had a few question for Nando Fresno. Please, go ahead.

Nando: Are you seri--

Andrew the Fist: Nando, though we already heard from your opponent this evening, I wanted to know directly from you exactly how nervous it makes you, knowing that before you can even cast a gaze toward the end of this tournament, you have to make it past one of the number one contenders to the New Kingdom Pro Grand Championship.

Nando narrows his eyes at the reporter for a moment

Nando: ‘How’ nervous? Jeez, man. Did you decide my feelings for me, Andrew?

Nando grabs the skinny cord that separates the microphone from the wooden podium, pulling the mic back to himself.

Nando: I am a little bit though. Foolish not to be, isn’t it? Tommy may not have made that extra stride to be the sole number one contender to the NKP Grand Championship, but he still basically made it there, and for that, I respect him. I would never stand behind any mic and say Tommy Evans isn’t a challenge, or he isn’t a threat. Record be damned, I think Tommy is one of the most fierce and maybe most dangerous wrestlers in this tournament. The world can sleep on “Suicide” but Nando Fresno most certainly will not, my friends. I’m keeping close tabs on Tommy Evans. When it comes to pain and abuse in this sport, that man thrives.

Hands gripped on either side of the podium, Nando smirks a bit and turns his gaze back toward Tommy.

Nando: The question we haven’t answered yet, man, is… how long… can you thrive?

His smirk evolves into a grin. Devolves into a scowl. Reasons for a half-smile. And Nando slowly turns back toward the audience, leaning into the microphone erected from the podium.

Nando: Not long. You can only suffer so much and absorb so much before it catches up to you. And no, maybe I haven’t been sitting idle during this tournament either, but I haven’t traveled the miles and taken the beatings that Tommy’s body has since we all last spoke. I’m not saying that his momentum and his will aren’t enough to progress, but I’m saying… I have momentum and I have willpower. Just as strong, if not stronger.

Nando’s eyes drift over every face in the audience. He begins to say something else, but a familiar hand raises into the air. Nando doesn't necessarily call on the girl, but stares long enough for her to lower her hand and speak.

Cassandra McPherson: Hiii! Cass McPherson, from Ringside Reports! I was just wondering if… if all of this might be a bit overwhelming for you, Nando? I mean it with no disrespect, but after gaining notoriety because of your namesake, you--

Nando: Namesake?

Nando makes an indistinguishable sound, as if he’s been struck. Slamming a fist to the top of the podium, he leans forward once more.

Nando: Explain.

Cassandra McPherson: Well… you… reasonably earned a lot of press and buzz because of your association with the likes of Sadie San Francisco and Lani San Di--

Nando takes a deep breath, head lowered, hair falling all around his face.

Nando: I’m sorry. At the risk of sounding miffed as shit, does anybody here see Lani San Diego or Sadie San Francisco?

There is a murmur among the small crowd and the shaking of a few heads. Nando sighs again.

Nando: No. Because for all they’ve done for me as an individual, they weren’t relevant in this tournament. Man. Look. I’ve been trying to save the better part of humanity since before this tournament ever started. Now, some of the same people who were looking to be saved are chanting and screaming and hollering for Artemis Kaiser… for Laural Hardy… for Kai Cooper, for Pedro, for Molly, and my work looks harder than ever.

Nando shakes his head a bit.

Nando: I can't save everyone in this tournament. But with my victory, Spencer, I can spread my message to a wider audience. My word, then, might be taken seriously across the globe. Until then, I'll do what I can in the confines of this tournament. But never forget-- they're out there. And thank God, for now, I'm here to remind the world.

Nando slams a hand on the podium, and pivots, exiting the stage along with Frank, his man-made alien.