Press Conference (DDT3)

[FGA Office]

First Round Press Conference
Blue Cross Arena
Rochester, NY
July 8, 2017 (in character)
Start Time: 9am EST
Participants: All teams in DDT3
Deadline: July 6 at 9pm EST

The following is a press conference for the first round of the 2017 Dynamic Duos Tag Team Tournament. The names listed above are the 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 Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 11am EST. The first round matches will be taking place later on that same night.

[Smart Style]

Before anybody else has a chance, Mark Bisley walks onto the stage at a brisk pace to take up his position behind the podium, clad in a crisp white short-sleeve shirt and a pair of black slacks and he takes a moment to look out onto the rest of those gathered, shaking his head as he sees somebody who hasn't bothered to dress formally for this occasion

As the assembled journalists prepare their questions, not least why Bisley is stood on stage by himself in spite of the tournament clearly being named the Dynamic Duos Tournament, Bisley takes control by speaking before anyone else has the chance to

Mark Bisley: Before we begin, allow me to introduce myself to you all personally: my name is Mark Bisley, and I am here to win.

Taking a second to move the gum he was chewing as he waited for the floor to open up into his cheek, Bisley looks out over the room to acknowledge that there are actually people there...but he continues anyway

Mark Bisley: I am sure each and every one of you are thinking the same thing, but you miss the point. I am not here to win the Dynamic Duos Tournament, I am here to win everything. This tournament is the first thing that I intend to win, and with the tournament won the tag team titles shall follow. Yet if you think that is the ceiling of my ambitions, shame on you. I see so many titles available, and I want them all.

Raising a finger, Bisley pauses as he continues

Mark Bisley: Of course you think this sounds unrealistic, but that is why you are all part of the problem: people focusing all their energies on one tiny piece of real estate when there is so much more to focus on. However, I will concede that with five different titles available, trying to win each and every one of them can become problematic as nobody can defend three, four or five belts at the same time, and this is why I am looking to begin a dynasty - but to start a dynasty you need somebody to stand alongside you, somebody to be a partner for this tournament and for when I challenge for the tag team titles, but also to stand alongside me when we save this company one title at a time.

Pausing to clear his throat, it looks as if Bisley is preparing to introduce his partner...

Mark Bisley: So let me tell you a story. For literally years, all it would have taken for FGA to have a premier athlete on their shows was a phone call. That is all, one simple phone call, yet nobody ever thought of it. Instead they allowed a unique talent to sit idly by, a talent who would give their product credibility, legitimacy, delivering matches that would have had people talking and yet they never made that call.

Smirking as he pauses yet again, Bisley wryly shakes his head

Mark Bisley: You all think I'm talking about myself, don't you? Well I hate to say it, really I do, but you're all wrong: the whole industry could have called me, so singling out FGA for their mistake is unfair. On the other hand, though, it is not unfair to point the finger at FGA for their failure to capitalise on a talent they had under contract, yet constantly overlooked. So allow me to do something that FGA never did, and introduce you all to my partner, Shintaro Majima.

Having been introduced (at long last) Majima walks onto the stage clad in a jet black suit paired with a crimson shirt underneath, and a moment where he and Bisley share a few words away from the microphone, Makima approaches the podium while Bisley stands aside

Shintaro Majima: For some time I have grown frustrated with how I have been treated. As many were granted opportunities to leave Lions Den or 3GW, I was expected to remain there, to rot, to stagnate, to endure Jordan Cain for longer than any man could bear. Yet in the darkest moments after 3GW closed their doors, one man offered me a hand. One man. The man who gave me my first chance in this country, the man who always gave me encouragement when others did not, and the man who has decided now is the time to dominate. I believe you know who this man is.

While Majima does not so much as crack a smile at the joke, Bisley cannot help but chuckle

Shintaro Majima: As has been said, this tournament is the first step on this new journey, but the tag team titles are not the end of the path, they are the platform from which we will branch out, as not only will we dominate the tag team division we shall challenge for every title on offer, and we shall win them all until there is nothing more to conquer, only challengers to turn back time and again until we have a legacy that will prove how foolish and short-sighted those who failed to see what I am capable of.

Having finally got his trials and tribulations in FGA's developmental system off of his chest, Majima steps aside to allow Bisley to resume control of the podium, an offer which Bisley gladly accepts as he saunters back to the centre of the stage

Mark Bisley: So does anyone have any questions?

Once again Bisley looks out over the audience, more in expectation that he and Majima answered every single question that anyone was going to ask - yet then he spots Spencer Burke stand up to ask a question, the sight of which causes Bisley to look in Majima's direction as if to say "Who does this dork think they are?" - a look which Majima apparently understands, as he nods in agreement

Spencer Burke: I have a question about how you are focusing on every title in the company, which has drawn some comment online about how you are treating this tournament as a stepping stone…

Bisley leans ever so slightly forward as he cuts off Burke’s question

Mark Bisley: Did you listen to everything we have said?

Spencer Burke: Well, yes…

Mark Bisley: Then you can see that we are not treating this tournament as a stepping stone, in fact we are treating it as the first title of many.

Having relaxed, Bisley continues

Mark Bisley: I presume, Mr…Burke, I believe it is? I assume you have heard of a wrestler by the name of Dom Harter? You should have, considering he works for this company.

Bisley cannot help but smirk at his last comment

Mark Bisley: Several years ago he was a competitor in this very tournament, and following this he went on to win the tag team titles. Do you think he should have stopped there and then, because if you do you really should be accusing him of using the tournament as a stepping stone considering the obvious fact that he went on to win other titles within this company. So I have to ask you, Mr. Burke, if you or whoever has made comments have an issue with me looking at this tournament as the first victory of many, then you should equally have a problem with Dom Harter doing the exact same thing.

Having batted away Burke’s question like Godzilla bats away any building unlucky enough to be in its way, Bisley throws it open to the floor once again

Mark Bisley: Are there any other questions?

While it’s clear that Bisley would rather not engage with any questions, to the point he’s already stepping away from the podium expecting nobody else to ask anything, Jessie Pederson has a question

Jessie Pederson: While you have spoken about winning the tournament, you have not made any mention of the other competitors in it. Do you believe the tournament is a formality for the pair of you?

Once again Bisley looks over to Majima, this time with a look more of amusement than being inconvenienced, which again Majima understands as he looks back towards Bisley, then looks towards Pederson, while Bisley responds

Mark Bisley: There is a simple reason why I have not gone into great depth about every single person in the tournament, and that is simply because we will never set foot in the same ring as the vast majority of the field.

With the faintest of shrugs, Bisley continues

Mark Bisley: As it stands there are only two opponents that we are aware of: the team of Davey-Boy O'Brien & Baz Jones that will be facing us in the qualifying round, and Serpent’s Touch who we will be facing in the first round proper.

Pausing for a moment, Bisley looks for Jones & O’Brien in the crowd so he can say to them…

Mark Bisley: No offence, boys.

While the looks on the faces of Jones and O’Brien indicate they took plenty of offence at Bisley casually predicting victory over the pair of them, Bisley continues

Mark Bisley: After that, how many teams are we supposed to talk about? Everyone in our side of the bracket? Everyone in the entire tournament? I’m sorry, but while I’m sure you could listen to me all day I do not have the time to do a rollcall of all twenty-three teams in the tournament, because I am sure that somebody else would like to have their chance to speak at some point today.

At this point Majima leans in and says something to Bisley that the mic doesn’t pick up, and when he’s finished Bisley nods and stands aside once more, and as Majima approaches the podium he fixes Jessie with a glare

Shintaro Majima: The real question is why you do not believe we are capable of winning this tournament. You should be aware of what I have done, while it is not difficult to learn about what my partner has done in his career until this point. If this tournament is about proving who is best, it makes sense for the best to be involved – it is just you cannot see who the best are, as you have decided who you think should win the tournament before a single match has begun. That can only lead to disappointment for you.

Majima backs away from the podium and Bisley pats him on the back for his answer, and once again he returns to the podium to look out over the room

Mark Bisley: So if there are no more questions, the stage is all yours.

Clapping his hands together and he backs away from the podium, Bisley gestures towards it as if to challenge anybody to follow their conference, almost as if he’s treating this press conference as a match in its own right

As there’s murmurs from the assembled crowd as the various teams talk amongst themselves about who will go next, Bisley and Majima walk off the stage – but rather than take their seats, instead they walk past the seating and head to the back of the room, where the two of them stand so they can get a good look at the reactions of every single person they could potentially face in this tournament

[El Dragón]

As the rest of the teams take their time figuring out who should go next, a familiar accent rings throughout the room. Everyone, from the assembled journalists to the assembled guerreros in pairs, including the team of Mark Bisley and Shintaro Majima who both take a second to satiate their mutual curiosity, turns to the door, gracefully swung open by a very handsome individual in an obviously expensive purple suit. Some would say his appearance, both his literal appearance and his unexpected participation in this press conference, is unwarranted and completely unnecessary, considering he's not technically part of the Dynamic Duos tournament. Others would welcome this surprising development, a fresh face, and none can truly be any fresher than his, an unadvertised inclusion (or intrusion if you're not a fan). The rest? Well, the rest can sleep easy tonight, knowing they have just experienced, witnessed first-hand, a truly guapo moment.

Julian Tijerina: Ladies and gentlemen, friends and lovers...

Julian winks at Savannah Taylor who is caught surprised and annoyed, both at the same time. Her tag team partner, Heather whose last name Julian can't even spell, is caught confused, knowing nothing between Julian and Savannah, which is understandable, considering there is only nothing between them, except for a single interaction primarily of a couple, two, tweets that wouldn't be enough to amount to anything.

Julian Tijerina: I apologize to each and every one of you beautiful---

Julian's eyes widen at the sight of The Jester who is grinning devilishly at him. El Guapo swallows air, closes his eyes, and shakes his head, trying his best to shoo away the haunting past of his very memorable feud with the equally candy-color-coated and quite possibly mentally unstable Emily Scott. The Jester unnerves Julian, more the nostalgia of her aesthetic. That straight-jacket match between Julian and Emily was one of the best matches in that other fed's very history. Julian brought the hunger, as it was his very first feud in AXN, but Scott brought with her the crazy, which was by far a pretty good equalizer. Heaving a deep sigh, Julian regains his composure, putting on his patented charming smile and carefully straying his alluring eyes far from where The Jester stands.

Julian Tijerina: ---pineapple, people. We got into a little trouble on the road. Someone didn't like shawarma, thought it was dog food, most people aren't as cultured as I am, I suppose, and they got into a fight with a waiter. Three waiters. Five? Oh, one was the security guard and the other was the owner. Two police officers also got involved. It was a blood bath. Poor law enforcement. I mean, the law enforcement here is good, great, wonderful, but those officers... Thankfully their chief was pretty nice. Of course a friend had to give him a kiss and I had to shell out some American dollars but things ended well. Well, not as well, as we ended up late for this conference, but I guess, as well as quite possibly can, considering police officers were assaulted with lamb and pita.

Julian sighs, a bit saddened that some innocent shawarma had to be involved in the unwanted altercation on their way to the press conference. It hasn't been a day yet. The pain was still fresh. As fresh as the lamb. Thankfully, Spencer Burke, Frontier Grappling Arts Wrestling's resident backstage interviewer, Julian Tijerina fan boy, and self-professed best friend of El Guapo, comes to his rescue, breaking him out of his trance.

Spencer Burke: Uhm, Julian, amigo, you're not a part of the Dynamic Duos tournament.

Spencer turns to his broadcast colleague, Jessie Pederson, with confusion, mouthing "right?" to the equally confused reporter who can only shrug.

Julian Tijerina: Oh, of course, Stephen. Obviously.

Julian waves at his amigo. Spencer waves back, still confused.

Spencer Burke: It's Spencer.

Julian shrugs, turning his attention back to the crowd of reporters and journalists, ignoring the other, annoyed teams.

Julian Tijerina: Of course. Good, good. Good for you. I'm not a part of the Dynamic Duos tournament, obviously, my name's nowhere on any FGA poster, ever, but my friends are. Ladies and gentlemen, friends and...

Julian turns to Savannah Taylor again, but this time she's ready with a murderous glare, startling Julian who proceeds with new-found caution.

Julian Tijerina: ...strangers, it is my honor and great pleasure to present to you, the soon-to-be winners of the Dynamic Duos tournament, Faye Valentine and Kimiko, Serpent's Touch!

"Heart Killer" by Gossling starts playing from a tiny corner of the room as Valentine and Kimiko enter from behind Julian. Everyone starts looking for the source of the music and eventually they find a tiny Mexican man in a suit, grinning excitedly, as he holds up a boombox. As soon as Serpent's Touch take their place beside El Guapo, the Mexican boombox man stops playing the music. He seems oblivious at how annoyed everyone is right now, maintaining her childish, innocent smile throughout. Soon enough, everyone's attention returns to the three people under the figurative spotlight, the way both Julian and Valentine wants it. It's hard to tell what Kimiko wants, because while both Julian and Valentine are grinning ear-to-ear, The Queen of Strong Style has her signature oni bandana wrapped around the lower part of her face. She takes a second to look behind her, seemingly to stare daggers at Daph the Destroyer who stands unfazed beside a somewhat fazed, or more precisely annoyed, Melody Lennox.

Julian Tijerina: Questions?

The journalists immediately raise hands, some even talking over each other, all trying to get El Guapo's attention. Julian turns to Valentine beside her, giving her a look that asks "what did I tell you?," to which she responds with a look that says "I'm impressed; you should take your clothes off later to impress me even more." Kimiko ignores either of them, now focusing her full attention on the crowd before her. Hopefully, no one asks anything offensive or the lamb and pita fiasco may have a part two at this exact event.

Julian Tijerina: All right, easy, everyone, you'll get your turn. Let's start with... Aha! My good ol' amigo, Sami Burke.

Sami Burke stands straight up, a bit disappointed. He sighs.

Spencer Burke: It's Spencer.

Julian does a double take, narrowing his eyes, but quickly slides back in his apathetic but charming persona.

Julian Tijerina: Yes, that's what I said.

Spencer shakes his head, his heart breaking, but maintains his professionalism.

Spencer Burke: This is a question for, uhm, Serpent's Touch... You're one of the eight teams that received a huge advantage in the tournament in the form of a bye into a second round. That means you won't have to compete in the first round, but alongside the teams of Danse Macabre, Tommy & The Guns, Upper Echelon, Invictus Fight Club, Plan B From Outer Space, Durden & Moss, and Jensen & TCB, you're already qualified for phase two of the competition. How does that make you feel, especially with complaints that you two do not deserve this advantage?

Kimiko takes a step forward, ready to break Spencer Burke in two, but before she can take another step, she is stopped by Faye Valentine's outstretched hand. As most of the crowd swallow spit in relief, Valentine does not return Kimiko's glare and instead, holding the microphone Julian bequeathed her, pleasantly answers the question.

Faye Valentine: That's an interesting question, Saruman.

Spencer throws both hands in the air, shaking his head, much to the amusement of Julian who turns his head to the side to laugh. Valentine ignores Spencer's reaction, though deep inside she's laughing, proud of her somewhat humorous insult.

Faye Valentine: There's a reason why Kimiko and I have that bye, that red carpet straight to the second round, and that reason is that simply put we're better than all of these teams combined. We are the best team in this tournament, THE tournament that will define tag team competition, especially here in Frontier Grappling Arts Wrestling. Elysian Empire didn't get a bye. Through Diamond Eyes didn't get a bye. Lowri Moss did get a bye, but when was the last time she teamed up with Neal Durden, anyway? You know what? Don't answer that question. I don't care. No one cares.

Valentine turns around and stares Moss down, grinning with an eyebrow raised, looking her over from her feet to her head, dismissing her aesthetics without hesitation. The Siren Seductress turns her attention back to the reporters.

Faye Valentine: So don't you worry your pretty little head, Burke. Serpent's Touch will make sure this tournament, FGA's tournament, will be won by an FGA team. Come O'Brien & Jones or Smart Style.

Valentine gracefully returns the microphone to Julian who mouths a "thank you" before immediately proceeding to the task at hand.

Julian Tijerina: Next question?

More hands shoot up in the air. Julian skims over each one like pages in a book. He spots Ross McIntosh of Wrestling Culture, a cult-favorite online publication that covers any and all of professional wrestling. Remembering how they wrote a piece about his pretty impressive world championship reign over at AXN, El Guapo offers a rising McIntosh a curtsy as a sign of respect. McIntosh smirks and bows his head a bit in response.

Ross McIntosh: My question is mostly about Serpent's Touch as a team. Yes, you two won't have to fight in the first round. Yes, you two will fight the winner of the first-round clash between the teams of Davey-Boy O'Brien & Baz Jones and Smart Style, Mark Bisley & Shintaro Majima, your first match in the tournament, which won't happen until the second round. But, considering what my insiders have told me, will we actually see Serpent's Touch fight each other? It's no secret that you two don't always get along. You have far too many differences---age, style, philosophy---that may prove to be your own undoing. Maybe Serpent's Touch might not even survive its one and only match.

Unexpectedly, or maybe expectedly if you've been following Kimiko's career, the Red Lotus bursts into fury, almost lunging at McIntosh, who not surprisingly falls back down to his seat in fear, if Valentine had not put her own body in the way, grabbing her tag team partner and trying her best to stop her from turning the reporter into a bloody mess. The reporters in the front immediately get up to protect themselves, looking for a safe distance between their own bodies and Kimiko's. Even those near McIntosh move, and understandably so. Julian takes the microphone once more as Valentine continues trying to calm Kimiko down. El Guapo steps forward, in front of Serpent's Touch and before the rest of the crowd.

Julian Tijerina: With Serpent's Touch a little too busy at the moment...

Valentine finally stops Kimiko's rage at that exact moment, murmuring reminders to her that seems to work. Julian's comment brings a bit of an awkward calm to the outburst, with some reporters and even wrestlers laughing awkwardly to better the press conference's mood. El Guapo turns back to Valentine and Kimiko. Valentine sighs, seemingly apologetic. Kimiko, however, glares back at him, grunting under her breath. Julian shifts his attention back to the reporters who are slowly trying to regain their composure, showing them a confident and attractive smile.

Julian Tijerina: ...I think I can answer this question for them. Serpent's Touch isn't exactly a traditional tag team. Faye Valentine and Kimiko are two very different individuals, both independent, both confident in themselves, their respective skills, their very being. Valentine might seem naive at times, especially when business politics are involved, and her temper can rival that of Kimiko's as well, she can be as undisciplined as the next millennial, whatever that word means, but her passion, her inspiration, is undeniable. She's drop-dead gorgeous as well, so that helps.

More awkward laughter, as some reporters return to their original seats. McIntosh is still cowering a bit as Kimiko continues to glare at him.

Julian Tijerina: Kimiko's father, the legendary Sekichiku Kyo, the original King of Strong Style, was also one of my mentors. Kimiko learned the art from a young age, so she's much more disciplined and, well, determined. She's not just deadly with her kicks but she's also quite a tactician in the ring. She's a bit lithe, however, so that can be a problem against bigger, heavier opponents, and her overthinking and lack of communication skills don't help. Put together these two and on paper it's a recipe for disaster. On paper.

Julian eyes the crowd methodically. They seem hooked at his every word. He tries his best not to let his excitement show, wanting to focus on the intensity of his words a bit more.

Julian Tijerina: But time and time again, throughout their career as a team, throughout their battles the world over, they have proven that when push comes to shove, Venom & Viper will always strike back...together.

Everyone goes quiet. Julian himself is unsure of what to say next. The wrestlers behind him start mumbling while the reporters just stare at their trio. Out of the blue, an unexpected voice demands to proceed despite the broken English.

Kimiko: Final question.

Only one hand shoots up in the air, unfazed, undeterred. Everyone turns to look at the woman in red. She keeps her eyes on Julian's.

Woman in Red: Es esto lo que sigue para Julian Tijerina?

The woman in red raises an eyebrow, a dangerous smile dominating her face. Julian just stares at her, confused. Valentine, noticing this, narrows her eyes and whispers to Julian.

Faye Valentine: Who's this one? New chick?

Julian can't even speak straight.

Julian Tijerina: I don't... I'm not sure...

Valentine rolls her eyes, grabbing the microphone.

Faye Valentine: Of course not. You go through them like Kimiko goes through kendo sticks.

She puts the microphone to her lips and stares directly at the woman.

Faye Valentine: No hablo Spanish.

The Siren Seductress flashes a smile to everyone else.

Faye Valentine: We're done here. Gracias and arigatō.

She turns around and throws the microphone to the nearest wrestler she finds, though she does not take the time to identify who it is. In one quick pivot, Valentine turns back to Julian and grabs him by the tie, leading him to the back of the room, exactly where Smart Style is. Kimiko follows suit, not saying a word. Taking their place next to the team that might face Serpent's Touch for the girl's first match, Valentine quickly flashes Mark Bisley an obviously sarcastic smile, looks Shintaro Majima over disapprovingly, and forces Julian's eyes to hers by grabbing his face. While Julian shakes the cobwebs out of his head, Valentine asks him if he's all right, to which he nods, his mind elsewhere. Valentine turns to the woman in red but the latter does not turn to them. Valentine sighs and checks up on Julian, still wanting to know if he's really all right. All this time, Kimiko and Shintaro Majima stare each other down.

[Deleted]

The microphone was, in fact, deftly caught by none other than Harper Hill who, along with her tag team partner, Miss Fortune, makes her way out onto the stage in front of the crowd of baying reporters. Both have chosen to wear the GBH shirt, as made by Irish Whip Clothing, along with a pair of jeans.

The hustle and bustle of the area is left behind, but not before Miss Fortune gives Julian Tijerina one last smirk. The members of GBH stand before the reporters as Harper speaks up first. A broad London accent sounding out throughout the hall as she does so.

Harper Hill: Alright, lets get this started. If you didn’t know already my name’s Harper Hill and this is my partner in crime, Miss Fortune–

REPORTER #1: Sorry to interrupt! Adam Rossiter from NY Wrestling Magazine here; I thought you were teaming with The Jester for the Dynamic Duos.

The members of GBH look at one another for a moment, before they throw their heads back and laugh.

Harper Hill: Mr. Rossiter, where have you been the past few weeks? She explained all this to everyone at SCCW’s High Voltage, yeah. After the unfortunate invasion of her privacy and the scandal that followed, she now goes by Miss Fortune. It’s rather fitting, you know, ‘cause anyonone who come across her has some serious bad luck.

Miss Fortune: You are too kind.

Her partner coos in her French accent.

Miss Fortune: But Harper, she is right. I have undergone a transformation of sorts; I have broken free from the shackles that bound me, and I have, uh, shed the image of the clown. And it is working, no?

She jokes about her recent victories, which are a far cry from the seven month losing streak on which The Jester started her career.

Spencer Burke: Harper, Miss Fortune; not much is known of you as a team and, as such, you may be overlooked by some of the other teams competing in this tournament.

Harper Hill: Yeah, so what’s the question Spence?

Spencer Burke: You’re obviously here representing FGA’s new developmental territory, SCCW. So what do you say to the teams that may just write you off as a couple of developmental wrestlers?

The GBH members look towards each other again as Miss Fortune steps forward, so she can speak into the microphone for them.

Miss Fortune: Their opinions? They do not matter. Harper and I, we realize we are, uh, dark horses, yes?

Harper nods as Miss Fortune looks to her for confirmation.

Miss Fortune: And we know that the people see these big names, and they are impressed. They see former world champions, and they are in awe. And that is, uh, pathetic. Because GBH? We are rising tag team: in SCCW, in SSWA, in BCW, in CCP, and now here in FGA.

Harper Hill: And FGA, yeah? It’s just a new playground for us. New faces to kick, new spirits to break, and more hell to wreak! But we didn’t enter the Dynamic Duos to just crash out in the first round. We didn’t come here to make some old man feel good about himself again, or so Ashlyn DeLuca can try and win another title somewhere new.

Harper is standing in front of the podium now as Jessie Pederson stands up in the crowd of reporters,

Jessie Pederson: Are we correct in thinking this is your first tournament? Do you think your inexperience will play a factor?

Harper Hill: Seriously?! What did we just say? We’re rising talents, Jessie, yeah. Understand? We’re the brightest talents in Sussex County, and the future of the FGA tag division. ‘Cause sooner or later, those belts that the Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad hold are gonna be ’round our waists.

Miss Fortune: And maybe sooner rather than later, no? Dynamic Duos may be our first tournament, but we are ready. For the Chaotics, for Tommy & The Guns, and whoever else may lay beyond. But tonight’s opponents: The Chaotics? Their name, it bodes well for us. But where there is chaos, where there is crazy, we shall prevail…

Harper Hill: And you’ve always got that great equalizer.

Harper winks, hinting at Miss Fortune’s trusted bat, Priscilla.

Jessie Pederson: Well good luck tonight, and good luck later this month in the Rookie X Cup too.

Jessie sits back down, and GBH ready themselves to speak once again.

Harper Hill: Luck? We don’t need it Jessie. Why you’ll ask? Because even if you don’t know who we are yet, we do. So after tonight… after you see what we’re gonna do… we’ll all be on the same wavelength. A few weeks ago you saw as my partner knocked off a former FGA World Tag Team Champion, and Mid-Atlantic Legacy Champion.

Miss Fortune: Two-time champion.

Harper Hill: Right. And we’ve beaten the SCCW Tag champs, and we’ve faced former CCP tag champs, and the former BCW tag champs. So we’re adding Ashlyn DeLuca and Logan Alexander to that list. We’re knocking off the SSWA World Champions and the walking embodiment of her daddy issues. We’re sending old man Alexander back to the old folks home. Putting him out to pasture, yeah. Then Ashlyn can go back to doing what she does best and be a short term champion in SSWA or HKW, and leave this tag team wrestling to us. To the future. To GBH! Otherwise they’re gonna find themselves in a world of pain…

With that, the two members of GBH high five one another before skipping off stage hand in hand. They pass by the rest of the DDT competitors with little issue, as the next team ready themselves to stand up and answer the questions of the crowd of reporters.

[Owen Gonsalves]

There’s a collective cheer from the crowd “Indestructible” Owen Gonsalves smirks before looking at his tag team partner, HKW’s very own, Ace Watson before the pair stand up from their place. There's a collective cheer from the audience as Shootcamp make their way to the front of the stage, Gonsalves picks up the microphone to speak.

OWEN GONSALVES: "I guess that means we’re up, and suddenly...the whole game changes."

Gonsalves chuckles to himself as Watson matches the chuckle with a reassuring smile. Owen is dressed in all black attire, black jeans, his black “Shootcamp” T-Shirt (Now available to order and buy at the merch tables!) and a black leather jacket over the top of that. Watson is dressed in some faded denim jeans and a Shootcamp T-Shirt of his own.

OWEN GONSALVES: "Ladies and gentlemen, what you have in store for you is one of the most prestigious tag team tournaments in wrestling. The field for this tag team tournament is quite extraordinary, full of experienced tag teams, teams you aren’t familiar with, teams that have been thrown together and dream teams...Now for those of you who are unfamiliar with my bearded friend and myself over here, that’s okay because we plan to make sure you become familiar with us throughout this tournament."

Gonsalves smirks a little before noticing his tag partner does not have a microphone. Ace opens his arms and looks around as if to exaggeratingly signal ‘where's my mic?’.

OWEN GONSALVES: "Could we get a second microphone please? We’re a global organization, the least we can do is have two microphones for both members of a team to speak with."

Gonsalves chuckles to himself as a "Where's his mic?" chant begins to bellow out from the smart mark section of the crowd, a pop follows this as a stage hand comes off from side stage and hands Watson a microphone for him to speak throughout the press conference.

OWEN GONSALVES: "Thank you, kind sir! Now as I was saying, this lovely bearded bastard next to me is Ace Watson, I’m sure you’re all familiar with him as he’s been in the limelight for some uh...rather risque stuff lately. Apart from starring in your teenager’s favorite movies, he’s also a pretty good bloody wrestler and alongside myself, proves to be a damn good tag team wrestler as well."

The Submission Alchemist chuckles once again as there’s a small portion of the audience who begin a “Shootcamp” chant, causing both men to turn in their direction and acknowledge them.

ACE WATSON: "Well I'm glad you're all chanting for the tag team and not the other thing…"

Watson chuckles before turning back to the crowd of journalists.

ACE WATSON: "But Owen is right, I'm a lovely bearded bastard and together we do make a very good team. And honestly, after seven years of knowing each other, it's a surprise it's taken this long for Shootcamp to begin. Me and this guy have been enemies more often than we have friends over that seven year period, but we’re turning our experience against each other into something we can use as a tag team. We know each other's strengths, we know each other's weaknesses. So I have a very good feeling our tactics will be pretty well planned out."

Gonsalves nods along and immediately chimes in as Watson finishes his sentence.

OWEN GONSALVES: "Exactly, and I can safely say, despite not having been in a match alongside Ace yet, that there isn’t any other team on this stage that has the chemistry we do. There isn’t a team of two that knows each other as well as us and there isn’t a team that work as well as us inside that ring. Now with that being said, we’ll open up to some questions I suppose?"

There’s a flash of hands going up and cameras flash along with them as Owen picks out the hand of FGA's Jessie Pederson. 

JESSIE PEDERSON: "Owen, Ace...Jessie Pederson representing FGA! This question is for the both of you I suppose, you both briefly mentioned how you have yet to actually team with each other, looking over the field of competitors there are teams that have been tagging for a long time now. While you both may be talented singles competitors, do you feel you are prepared to handle the pressure of debuting as a tag team in this tournament?"

The question creates some murmurs from the crowd of journalists and some from the wrestlers behind them as well as Owen smirks at the question.

OWEN GONSALVES: "You know, that’s something we’ve spoken about...this whole idea that we’re making our tag team debut in the first round of DDT3. Jessie, the easiest way to put this is that Ace and myself have indeed faced more times than we remember, we started our careers in America together and have fought in every promotion we’ve been in. We’ve seen and done a few firsts separately so personally, there is not a doubt in my mind that we’re going to take the pressure of debuting against Josh and Zoey Anderson in Round 1 and use it to produce our best work in order to advance."

Watson nods along as his tag partner speaks, before raising the microphone to his mouth when Owen had finished.

ACE WATSON: "Owen sums it up, really. We’ve both been wrestling for a long time now, I don't know about Owen but I'm pretty sure I know I'm not feeling too much pressure. We’ve both dealt with some high pressure situations in our careers, this is just another to add to the list."

The microphone is in the hands of another journalist now, this one not representing FGA judging by the fact that he isn’t branded as such.

"Jason Kirkland, Wrestling Observer. I’ve been following all the tag teams in this tournament pretty closely since the announcement of this tournament and looking at the rest of the field, there perhaps isn’t a tag team who have hyped themselves and hyped their involvement in this tag team more than Shootcamp has. In fact one of the more anticipated match ups in this tournament was the idea of Ace Watson and Owen Gonsalves, Shootcamp meeting Bryan Williams and of course, Lyle Risky, Plan B From Outer Space." 

There’s a rather loud cheer from the rest of the crowd either at the mention of Plan B From Outer Space or the idea of the match itself. Kirkland chuckles at the pop before continuing.

JASON KIRKLAND: "I was just wondering personally, what your thoughts are on Bryan William’s injury? That obviously rules him out of the tournament and as a result means that the match won’t be happening. Are there any other matches you’re both interested in having?"

The members of Shootcamp listen intently and as the question is finished, Owen looks over at his partner, allowing him to take this question first.

ACE WATSON: "As much as Risky would like you to believe I wasn't, I was very disappointed to hear of Bryan Williams’ injury. Myself and Owen were looking forward to having a match against them both, it was something we had hyped up and trash talked about with them, so it's sad that that match will have to wait. Hopefully Bryan heals up pretty soon and we can have the match sooner rather than later. And onto your second part of the question… Well there are some very good teams in this tournament, Godfathers of Wrestling, Danse Macabre, Blonde Ambition, and more, who would all be great opponents and we’d have some great matches against them. I'd be lying if I didn't say I want to face fellow UKWF competitors Lowri Moss and Neal Durden, I'm interested to see how those two work as a tag team. But it really is the case with a lot of the more well known teams, they're predominantly singles wrestlers, like us, but I can't help but doubt if some of them will have that some chemistry as Shootcamp." 

Gonsalves smirks once again at Ace’s remark as he slowly raises the microphone to his lips.

OWEN GONSALVES: "Invictus Fight Club."

The mere mention of the team name causes a roar of cheers from the audience as Owen turns and gives a slight glare at Storm and Madison who both react postively as well.

OWEN GONSALVES: "I have a lot of confidence in our tag team, and I know for a fact that you can stack us up against any team and there isn’t a single one that we can’t put down. Mark and Chris are no different and if the time comes where we do face them, perhaps in a final then we’ll go to war. As for teams in the near future, Ace will agree when I say we have our focus on Josh and Zoey in our Round 1 match and then...we face Risky and his new partner El Stravito, who for clarification is from Costa Rico and NOT Mexico." 

There’s a quiet boo from the crowd as Owen nods and takes the licking from the crowd before continuing.

OWEN GONSALVES: But it doesn’t matter who Risky decides to team with, whether it be Bryan Williams or El Stravito or anyone else for that matter…

Gonsalves turns around and finds the team of Risky and Stravito, both men standing up and staring daggers back at Shootcamp.

OWEN GONSALVES: "...We’ll tear the house down with a great bloody match, no doubt about it, but boys, at the end of the day, we’ll put you down. Plain and simple. And that goes for any other tag team we face, we are not just two guys who speak on Twitter and decided to team for the sake of it, we’re practically brothers who have travelled the world together for years now. The fact of the matter is that whenever Owen Gonsalves and Ace Watson stepped in the ring together we created magic and turned heads, this tournament will be no different."

Owen confidently speaks as he makes sure to glance at damn near every wrestler on the stage before turning back around and returning his attention back to the journalists. Ace, once again, had been nodding along to what Owen had been saying.

ACE WATSON: "I feel like we need to hug or something." 

That gets a laugh out of the crowd, and then as the laughter dies down Jason Kirkland raises his hand again.

JASON KIRKLAND: "Sorry guys, I just have another question if I may? Many of the teams in this tournament have something going for them that they think will push them along into the later rounds of this tournament, with that being said, what do you think will help you both the most when it comes to competing in this tournament?"

Gonsalves ponders for a moment before raising the microphone, he looks over at Ace to confirm that he’s going to speak first before continuing on.

OWEN GONSALVES: "Besides what we’ve mentioned already, I can tell you right now that we’ve worked our asses off to make sure that there isn’t a wasted step in our ring work as a tag team. We may not be the best wrestlers on the planet...yet, you can award that to The Godfathers or Upper Echelon or even Danse Macabre for now, but the difference between us and teams like them is that everyone knows what they all do. We’ve seen Chandler in these big matches, we’ve seen Andreas in these big matches, we’ve seen Emilio and Artemis, we’ve seen what they’re all capable of doing when they’re put under the bright lights. Owen Gonsalves and Ace Watson are a whole new dynamic that none of them have seen before, Ace and myself have watched a majority of these folks behind us wrestle in some big matches but there’s maybe less than a handful of them that have seen and watched the both of us at our best. Nobody knows what to expect with Shootcamp." 

Satisfied with Owen’s answer, the microphone is passed on to FGA’s Spencer Burke who once again has a question prepared for tonight’s events.

SPENCER BURKE: "Just one last question, gentlemen! Spencer Burke representing FGA, I wanted to bring us back to round one for a moment if that’s okay, Josh and Zoey Anderson are both well respected within the industry and share a bond through a relationship. Just wanted to get your thoughts on them quickly, any message for them?"

The pair pause for a moment before Owen looks to Ace, who raises the microphone to speak.

ACE WATSON: "I think on behalf of Shootcamp I'd like to say good luck to the Andersons, we’re looking forward to facing you and putting on the best match of the night. But… Just like all these other teams, you aren't ready for Shootcamp, and we will beat you and advance into the second round." 

OWEN GONSALVES: "Like I said, Owen Gonsalves and Ace Watson create magic inside that ring and tonight will be no different, I do have respect for Josh and Zoey, I really do but when it comes down to it, it won’t be ‘Kill, Josh Kill’, not on our watch. At the end of the day, Shootcamp will advance and we’ll go on to win the whole damn tournament. #ShootChamp."

There was a small pop at the hashtag as soon another “Shootcamp” chant came from a small section of the audience. The cameras flashed as Owen and Ace placed their microphones back on the podium, allowing the next tag team to take over. Gonsalves walked past Risky and made gun gesture at him as he rolled his eyes before the team of Gonsalves and Watson take their seats.

[C.S.O.]

The next person to garner attention from those in attendance is one half of Chaotics, particularly the SSWA World Champion, Ashlyn De Luca. To the audience viewing online and at home, only her face is visible for a moment as she looks out into the crowd of journalists, walking toward the podium. Ashlyn pauses behind it, taking a breath before leaning forward, slightly.

Ashlyn De Luca: Hi. So, um. I wanted to address something before we got too far into this tournament. And Spencer Burke, I see that wide-eyed look on your face, and I’m gonna get to it right now just for you. Specifically for you. Guys…

The camera pans out and many of the gasps are justified as Ashlyn stands next to a large, black Tibetan Mastiff. Ashlyn looks toward the dog and then back toward the audience with a small nod.

Ashlyn De Luca: This is my giant stress dog. Andre. Because I’m stressed.

Spencer Burke can’t help himself. He immediately raises his microphone, using his free hand to gesture toward Ashlyn and the gigantic Mastiff on the stage.

Spencer Burke: Ashlyn, let me ask a fair question here; why exactly do you nee--

Ashlyn De Luca: Need a giant stress dog? I’ll tell you why. And my partner can probably articulate it better than I can because I can’t wrap my around my head around the shit, but-- all due respect to our opponents, Harper Hill and the Je..Miss Fortune-- a lot of people, like, already reached this overwhelming conclusion that Logan and I aren’t even going to make it past two glorified fucking Instagram models. No offense. And I could normally respect the hell out of that, dude, trust me. I respect people thinking GBH could be, like, a wrecking ball in the Dynamic Duos Tournament, because they could, but…

Ashlyn looks down, laughing a bit behind the podium as Logan Alexander appears behind her, making his way from the rest of the crowd on the stage.

Ashlyn De Luca: ...but it doesn’t sit well with me, at least, that this--

Ashlyn raises the SSWA World Championship, just high enough to peek over the podium.

Ashlyn De Luca: --and my partner, who's never lost a match in this promotion, aren’t enough to convince a lot of people that we belong in this tournament. It’s apparently not even enough to convince people that we can make it out of the first round past two talented girls that, in fairness, are still finding themselves as wrestlers. And probably as people.

Ash clears her throat, lowering the title again, looking back toward her partner before turning back toward the crowd. A hand shoots up from the audience, interrupting what would’ve likely become a tirade from the SSWA World Champion. De Luca nods toward the pale, slender man decked in a generic “HKW Underground” t-shirt. He speaks to De Luca in a thick British accent.

Underground: Ashlyn, it’s not a secret that among the trainers at Sussex County Championship Wrestling, where your first-round opponents primarily represent, is Aubrey J. Parker. Though Aubrey may not be the sole trainer in the case of GBH, she’s had a hand in training you... and your partner has had a hand in training her. Do you see any of this playing a factor in your match? Do you find it creeping through your mind from time to time, even?

Ashlyn narrows her eyes at the reporter, leaning forward again.

Ashlyn De Luca: Miss Fortune’s had a handful of teachers and so has Harper Hill. So have I. And just like they’re looking to do in the RXC over in SSWA next month, they’ve got the most versatile group of wrestlers in the world teaching them how to focus all the bad shit that’s happened to them over the past few months-- all their shortcomings and everything they’ve learned. Even without the experience, that’s still an advantage. We won’t ignore that.

A pause.

Ashlyn De Luca: We could’ve been trained by all the same people, but we still would’ve learned differently. But to be real with you, knowing that I’ve got my teacher beside me through this, holding the tag rope, fighting alongside me… that shit gets me hyped. It gets me where I think we need to be.

Ashlyn spares another glance back at Logan Alexander, who gives her a short nod. She turns back toward the crowd, finishing.

Ashlyn De Luca: So if you’re asking me, Chaotic’s still the best way to go.

Suddenly, Andre, the giant Tibetan Mastiff begins to growl at something indistinguishable. Maybe of the reporters and camera crew actively take a step back as the oversized canine reaches all four feet, suddenly bearing his teeth. A trio of loud barks ensue and even Ashlyn gasps a bit.

Ashlyn De Luca: That’s a big ass dog to just be barkin’ like that…

She looks toward Logan for help-- but Logan simply narrows his eyes at his partner, as if silently reminding her that doing such a thing was a poor decision. With a sigh, Ashlyn turns back toward the crowd.

Spencer Burke: My God, aren’t you gonna do something about that dog?

Ashlyn De Luca: Nnnnnope… no, sir.

Spencer Burke: But it’s so loud!

Ashlyn De Luca: Dude. Look, he’s stressed too. I don’t know Andre that well. Would you like to come up here and try to silence this beast? Because the stage is yours, friend.

Spencer falls back into the sea of reporters and Ashlyn narrows her eyes a bit, but another hand shoots up in the crowd before she can react. Ashlyn turns her gaze toward the stout, blonde female in a bold, blue “SUPPORT LOCAL BRITISH WRESTLING” tee, who responds in an accent similar to the man before her.

Support British Wrestling: If the two of you do manage to make it past Miss Fortune and Harper Hill of GBH this Saturday on Flashpoint, you’ll find yourselves in an entirely different conundrum if I haven’t mismatched my brackets here…

Ashlyn glances toward somebody else on the stage, though our camera never pans quite far enough to show who. She spares another look back toward Logan, who meets her with the same calm expression before Ash turns back toward the reporter.

Support British Wrestling: If you advance to the second round, then you face the fresh team of Tommy and the Guns, consisting of Tommy Evans and Aurora Jansen. This presents an especially interesting number of scenarios considering that you-- Ms. De Luca-- and Tommy Evans are an item. Wouldn’t that, in theory, create a bit of a problem for your team?

Ashlyn angles her head a bit. Andre, the giant Tibetan Mastiff growls again, though never devolves into full-on barking before Ashlyn continues, leaning into the mic.

Ashlyn De Luca: Um. No.

Support British Wrestling: Why?

Ashlyn blinks.

Ashlyn De Luca: Because Tommy and I have a full understanding that if there’s bragging rights on the line, we kick each other as hard as we possibly can in the face, like, without remorse. Like, we say it’s love and respect, but it’s really a combination of bloodlust and pride. Um. Next question.

Spencer Burke: What about the other equation in Tommy and the Guns? Aurora Jansen?

Both members of Chaotics remain silent for several seconds. Ashlyn rubs at her right eye with the heel of her palm, chuckling under her breath for a moment.

Ashlyn De Luca: She’s always been a problem for me. What else can I say? I want to be the best, and she stands in my way wherever I go. I hope it’s different here, but that’s basically up to me and my partner and the work we’ve put in. Shit like this is hard to call. So…

Ashlyn trails off, looking over her shoulder toward Logan again. Suddenly her body language changes and she shifts away from the mic.

Ashlyn De Luca: I guess we need to figure out that solution sooner rather than later. We need to figure out the key to victory when it comes to GBH. Then Tommy and the Guns. And then… then it could be anybody on this stage, and that’s just too many options to sort through in my head right now.

Ashlyn’s eyes drift over her shoulder toward Miss Fortune and Harper Hill for the first time during her address to the reporter.

Ashlyn De Luca: But believe me, we’ll find a way. Every time.

Ashlyn begins to turn from the podium--

Spencer Burke: I have a question for you before you go.

Looking a bit put upon, Ashlyn turns back to the podium.

Ashlyn De Luca: Alright. So--?

Spencer Burke: Actually, it’s for Logan.

Ashlyn and Logan trade glances with one another. Logan steps up to the podium, switching places with Ashlyn, and then motions for Spencer to ask his question.

Spencer Burke: You’ve been quiet at your partner’s side thus far tonight. Do you have anything to say or add to what she has stated?

Logan pauses and considers the question for several moments, seemingly thinking over his response, then he leans a bit closer to the microphones.

Logan Alexander: No.

Spencer looks baffled by that response.

Spencer Burke: No?

Logan Alexander: I’ve already offered more meaningful commentary than any of the teams that have come before us, haven’t I?

He smirks slightly as he glances towards members of the other teams that had spoken already. Spencer looks a bit confused.

Spencer Burke: But… you hadn’t even said anything.

Logan Alexander: Exactly.

There’s a bit of laughter that ripples through the group of reporters at Logan’s jab. Logan then returns his attention to the crowd in front of him.

Logan Alexander: Alright Spencer, because it’s you asking, I’ll level with you. To be honest, I feel out of my depth here if I judge this tournament’s competitors based on just the teams that have spoken before us. I simply cannot compete with people such as these. It’s quite obvious that I am outmatched as they quite simply possess bigger mouths and larger egos than I could ever manage. I’m quite surprised that all of them can fit in this one room at the same time.

The draws another round of laughter from within the ranks of the reporters. Once they settle back down, Logan continues.

Logan Alexander: I didn’t come here today to run my mouth or make bold predictions about how Ashlyn and I are going to win this tournament, or that we’re the future of tag team wrestling, or that we’ll dominate FGA wrestling, et cetera. I leave that sort of thing to the people who are insecure about their standing or are desperate about getting themselves noticed because they haven’t accomplished anything yet. I’ve won plenty of championships and several tournaments over my career, but that doesn’t guarantee success here. I’ve looked at this field of competitors and I’ve pegged a couple of teams as favourites to win. Ashlyn and I aren’t one of them.

He turns to look at Ashlyn, who returns his gaze.

Logan Alexander:I know that it might contradict the expectations of my partner… but Ashlyn dreams a lot bigger than I do.

He smiles and then looks back out to the reporters once again.

Logan Alexander: It also doesn’t have any impact on our ability to go out and compete in the ring as a team. To me, the simple fact of the matter is that there are twenty three pairs of losers in this room right now. Most of them don’t want to believe it and I’m sure they’d argue their point loudly, and probably obnoxiously. It also won’t change anything. I’m not arrogant enough to assume that I’m on the only team that won’t be knocked aside. I don’t expect to win this tournament.

He pauses here for several moments, and as he does so, a hand goes up from the crowd. Logan recognizes Amanda Johnson from their encounters on Flashpoint and he nods to her.

Amanda Johnson: So, then why are you competing if you aren’t expecting to win Dynamic Duos?

Logan Alexander: Just because I don’t expect us to win doesn’t mean I don’t believe we are capable of winning. Those are two entirely different things. You can look around at every one of these teams arranged her for Dynamic Duos and you can probably say for every one of them that they are capable of winning this tournament, but not everyone can win. And honestly onl...

Andre begins to growl again where he’s standing. Logan glances down at him and then looks back at Ashlyn, who just shrugs back at him. A few moments later the growling dies down, and Logan resumes once the chances of an incident seem to have been averted.

Logan Alexander: … honestly only the teams that have already proven themselves as a team or as top tier individuals are truly expected to win. Ashlyn has already pointed out how we are already being written off by the odds makers, experts, and other wrestlers. We’re not expected to get past the second round, presuming that we even get past our match tonight, and our opponents tonight have already assumed that their victory is a foregone conclusion. Although…

He pauses to glance around at the assembled teams.

Logan Alexander: Favourites can have an off night. Underdogs can be better than expected. Outside elements could be involved. Officials can make mistakes. And sometimes that ‘old man’ you’re staring across the ring at is a threat you shouldn’t have dismissed and now he’ll make you pay for your short-sightedness.

Andre moves toward the podium, raising up on his hind-legs, placing his front paws on the podium to overlook the crowd. Ashlyn quietly murmurs ”...big ass dog to be jumpin’ on shit like that…” Almost in response, Andre barks, which is amplified by the mic and makes most people in the room wince from the resulting feedback. Ashlyn raises her hands, as if showing the dog she comes in peace. Logan’s head snaps around to focus on Andre.

Logan Alexander: Andre! Sit!

Andre drops back down onto the stage and sits down there. He glances up at Logan. Logan looks back at him, shaking his head slightly. He lets out a breath and then looks back over to Amanda.

Logan Alexander: Now, assuming everyone can hear again... back to actually addressing the ‘why’ in your question, Amanda. I signed up for Dynamic Duos because I wanted a bigger challenge. I wanted to be pushed and tested in the ring. I am hoping to get far enough in this tournament that I can have a chance to face off against some of the more skilled competitors taking part. I would love for us to win this tournament but I am not going to hide from the fact that we likely will not. I’d be thrilled if the Chaotics were the bookends of this tournament though. Also, I wa...

Amanda Johnson: I’m sorry… bookends?

There are a few looks of incomprehension through the crowd as Logan’s apparent non sequitur. Logan sighs softly.

Logan Alexander: Yeah, bookends. You put them at either side of a shelf of books, one at the start and one at the end. Ashlyn and I are kicking off the tournament in the opening match and we’d like to be in the last one as well.

Andre growls toward Amanda as she takes her seat again. Ashlyn continues to stare at the dog in terrified amusement.

Logan Alexander: Yes, thank you for making me kill my metaphor by having to explain it.

He shakes his head again at the awkward events that have played out here.

Logan Alexander: As I was just starting to say, I also wanted a chance to partner up with Ashlyn and see what we can do as a team. In the past, I’ve had success and great matches when I’ve committed myself to furthering someone else’s career and not just my own. I want to see if my luck holds.

He lets out another breath and casts a quick glance at Andre.

Logan Alexander: Any other questions or follow ups?

He waits for a few moments, looking over the crowd of reporters.

Logan Alexander: No? Alright. Thank you for your time. Now, since I’ve heard all that I needed to hear, I’ve got something to go take care of.

He nods to the audience, then turns and steps away from the podium. He casts a glance at Ashlyn and then at Andre. He says something that isn’t picked up by the mic and Andre looks up to him. Logan makes a motion with his hand and starts making his way across the stage, with the Tibetan Mastiff falling into step alongside him. They descend from the stage and head to the nearest exit, he pauses at the door to glance back at Ashlyn, and then steps out. Ashlyn blinks, looking back at the people on the stage and then at the reporters. She leans into the mic and clears her throat again.

Ashlyn De Luca: Okaaayy… kayyybye.

And hurriedly, Ashlyn walks off the stage, following her partner.

[Dragon]

Which is when things got worse, as a man in a lab coat stood up and hurried over to the stage. Some, familiar with the HELL promotion in Mexico, know him as Doktor Logan Adversary, the manager of the DRAGONZORD team. Others perhaps think he’s some loon in a lab coat. For some reason neither Dragón Diabólico or MECHA APE follow him, as Dragón can be seen putting his head in his hands.

As Logan steps to the podium and the microphone, those familiar with him cover their ears, knowing what is about to happen. The others…

The others very quickly learned why.

Doktor Logan Adversary: GREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETINGS!

The assembled masses all flinch at the feedback, as Logan screams directly into the microphone. The man himself barely seems to notice it, as he continues on.

Doktor Logan Adversary: I! Am Doktor Logan Adversary! I am the manager of the GREATEST TEAM IN LUCHA LIBRE HISTORY, DRAGONZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORD!

He excitedly points them out, especially Dragón Diabólico, who he repeatedly points at like a proud father at his son’s baseball game. Coincidentally Dragón looks as pleased about that as the son who just wants to play baseball in peace.

Doktor Logan Adversary: DRAGON SATAN and MECHA APE! Destroyers of teams, devourer of realms, demotivators of foes! The most feared in HELL, by which I mean the place and also the company! And your Dynamic Duos 2017 winners!

He pauses, leaning forward into the microphone, his tone turning apologetic.

Doktor Logan Adversary: Hey, wow, sorry, wasn’t thinking, if you tuned in hoping this would be spoiler-free my bad. Very rude of me. But come on!

He gestures again at those he manages.

Doktor Logan Adversary: It’s obvious! One’s a robo-monkey from the future and the other is a SICK ASS SCIENCE DRAGON STRAIGHT OUT THE LAB!

He gestures across the room, at the other Dynamic Duos entrants.

Doktor Logan Adversary: These are people! People hurt when faced with fire and DRAGONZORD is MADE OF FIRE! Metaphorically! Vaguely literally! Please refrain from striking a match near them! Safety precautions!

He slams his hands on the table, looking out at the assembled reporters.

Doktor Logan Adversary: Now! Ask me about how proud I am of Dragon and his best friend!!

The reporters look amongst themselves, none really eager to be the first to ask something of the…”eccentric” man. Finally, with a sigh, FGA’s own Spencer Burke stands up to address Logan.

Spencer Burke: Why has DRAGONZORD chosen to enter Dynamic Duos?

Doktor Logan Adversary: Stupid question, let me give you a better version: why has DRAGONZORD chosen to DESTROYYYYYY Dynamic Duos?!

He pauses again, leaning into the microphone.

Doktor Logan Adversary: I mean a metaphorical destruction, not a literal one, that requires property damage and other things that will end in incarceration and that’ll really put a dampener on DRAGON SATAN’s career.

And back to shouting.

Doktor Logan Adversary: BECAUSE! Dynamic Duos is the greatest collection of teams in the world! The greatest from across the realm come to DUKE IT OUT, and DRAGONZORD LOVES TO DUKE! DRAGONZORD is the greatest teaming in history, but to make everyone accept that, they must do! Rend and tear and beat! Pin the greatest! And that is the PLAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!

Logan points around the room of entrants again.

Doktor Logan Adversary: Look at them all! Gods! Superstars! Huge people! Small people that DRAGON will throw from here to the International Space Station! This is the greatest assembly of teams on EARTH! Like, seriously, lookit some of these names! Lasiewicz! Kaiser! Aurora! Scott! Lasiewicz again! Taylor! Her Majesty’s Rejects! Herrera! Elysian Empire! Vialpondo! Jinzai! Jensen, Evans, Evans II The Younger Edition, Luca, Risky, Watson, Owen, ALLLLLLLLLLL OF THEMMMMMMM! A super tournament of momentous names! And do you know what it’d do for DRAGONZORD to beat them?!

He points to Spencer, who looks equal parts shocked and confused.

Doktor Logan Adversary: You! What would beating them all mean for DRAGONZORD!

Spencer looks around, still very much confused, before trying to respond.

Spencer Burke: It...raises their standing in the wrestling community far beyond where they were?

Doktor Logan Adversary: Good try, very smart, not what I mean! YOU!

He points to a random reporter in the crowd.

Doktor Logan Adversary: You try!

Poor Reporter 1: Uh...the glory and prestige of the victory will be a very good addition to their trophy case?

Doktor Logan Adversary: You did great, fantastic attempt, not even close! YOU!

He points to another poor reporter.

Doktor Logan Adversary: You try!

Poor Reporter 2: ...so it’ll...um…

He shrugs.

Poor Reporter 2: Show that they’re super cool and, like...very very strong?

Everyone looks at the reporter oddly for his rather...base answer, except for Logan who leaps from the stage, running up to where the reporter is, where he offers him a very friendly handshake.

Doktor Logan Adversary: Fantastic, excellent, legendary, could not have said it better myself, flawless, have some Reese’s.

From his coat pocket he pulls out a pack fo Reese’s Pieces, handing it to the reporter before rushing back to the stage and leaping back up. The reporter, the true winner of the conference due to getting Reese’s Pieces, enjoys his reward as Logan returns to...whatever he’s doing.

Doktor Logan Adversary: That’s it! Winning this, it means that they are the biggest and coolest, and as creatures of science, it will prove that SCIENCE! IS! SUPERIOR!

He slams his hands on the podium again to emphasize his point, his face very serious...and then just relaxing.

Doktor Logan Adversary: Next question, please.

Again the assembled reporters look amongst themselves, none wanting to be the one to have to do anything...and their eyes all fall on Spencer, since he’s already started. Burke lets out a groan, but stands again.

Spencer Burke: Well...you mentioned a lot of the names in this tournament, but you didn’t mention Melody Lennox or Daphne the Destroyer, the team DRAGONZORD faces first. Are you overlooking them?

Doktor Logan Adversary: NAH! Of course not! Just because I believe DRAGON and MECHA are going to destroy everyone in their path, take their glory for themselves and be very large and great, they don’t overlook anything! It is a very deadly pairing! A devious mind and a VERY BIG LARGE woman. Truly, it combines two of DRAGON SATAN’s favorite things!

He holds up one finger.

Doktor Logan Adversary: Fighting big strong fighters that do destroying like he does.

He holds up a second finger.

Doktor Logan Adversary: And two! Fighting very small people that he can throw very very very very high!

He claps his hands together for some reason.

Doktor Logan Adversary: Combine that and you get the kind of team DRAGONZORD love to fight! A team that separately brings different things to the pairing! It’s more to fight, more to deal with, and more to BEAAAAAAAAAAT!

He points at Spencer.

Doktor Logan Adversary: And that’s what’ll happen! Good pairing or no, DRAGONZORD can’t allow themselves to fall in the first round, not with so many other juicy teams to defeat! For Melody and Daphne it’s too bad, so sad, any other team they could’ve drawn would be better for them, because DRAGONZORD is on a mission!

He throws his arms back.

Doktor Logan Adversary: A mission of CONQUERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRINNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGG! And after that is Durden and Moss, who got a bye and will then go bye bye bye! And then comes one of three teams but for them I have the same thing to say SO to Shootcamp, Josh, Zooey an-WHOOP!

Logan is interrupted at the start of his very long ramble/rant/speech at the other Dynamic Duos teams as he is picked up from behind by Dragón Diabólico. He hefts his creator up by the waist, turning and setting him down away from the podium. Logan huffs, but still seems in a good mood as he can be heard yelling about how cool and strong that was as Dragón steps to the podium. His expression clearly shows he wants this to be over, as he’s long expressed a distaste for words when it was time to fight. He leans into the microphone and speaks, one of the rare times it has happened on-screen..

Dragón Diabólico: Why Dynamic Duos. That was the original question, yes?

Spencer nods, surprised to be addressed by HELL’s Dragon of Strength.

He seems to think for a moment, considering his response where Logan does not, before continuing.

Dragón Diabólico: I wish to fight the strongest. That is how I become stronger. I think it is the same for my partner, MECHA APE. There are many strong wrestlers in this tournament. With MECHA APE, we will face them all. And when we are the ones left standing, the world will acknowledge that our teaming is the strongest in the world. The trophy, the accolade, the title shot. Those are fine things, but they are not what is important to me. What is important to me is the fight. Dynamic Duos, everyone will fight even beyond their 100 percent best. This environment will bring out every reserve of strength everyone has, to fight. That is what I want to experience, and that is what I want to fight. To grow stronger. That is why I am here. Thank you for having me.

As he seems to finish the small bit he wanted to say, Logan reappears at the podium, pushed against Dragón as he leans into the microphone.

Doktor Logan Adversary: DRAGONZORD! WINNING EVERYTHING! BASHING EVERYONE! BEST BOYS COMING FOR YOUR HEADS! FOR SCIENCE!

Dragón’s eyes close briefly, as he lets out a sigh.

Dragón Diabólico: Yes. Quite.

At that he steps away from the podium, grabbing and hefting Logan up to walk back to where they had been standing, Logan continuing to shout things as they went including for some reason the words “fuck Viktor!”

Most in attendance seem relieved that it’s over, as now perhaps things can go back to normal.

[Savannah Taylor]

As the previous Dynamic Duos participants finished up their turn at the podium and sit back down, a pair of chairs can be heard scraping softly on the stage. A soft murmuring can be heard among the press pool as the surprise team to enter this tournament, Heather Lasiewicz and Savannah Taylor, collectively known as Blonde Ambition, make their way to the podium. Heather is looking nothing short of amazing clad in a pair of very well fitted black skinny jeans with well placed tears across both knees and thighs, the jeans fitting the shapley legend in all the right places. She is also wearing an equally well fitted black tank top with a deep v-neck underneath a black leather jacket. On her feet are a pair of simple black pumps, the heels giving the petite Texan added height. Savannah is wearing a short black off the shoulder romper with sheer sleeves and a pair of nude colored Christian Louboutin heels that wrap a few inches past her ankles, and the height of the shoes pushing her just past the six foot tall mark. Across her right shoulder is slung her newly won FGA Pride championship, a fact that the press nor the other competitors seem to overlook. The champion clears her throat before leaning forward to the mic.

Savannah Taylor: Before we begin, there are a couple of things I want to get off my chest. First of all, I know everyone and their grandmother are calling into question just how I won this beauty on my shoulder. People are saying that I couldn’t beat Chris on my own and I needed outside help to win. These same people are constantly downplaying my talents. People are whining to the heavens that Chris Madison should still be the Pride champion. Hell, I’ll do even better than that. There are some trolls who lurk on the internet who have it ingrained in their minds that I shouldn’t have even won that qualifying Battle Royal. These same trolls are the same people who stand by the thought process of Mark Storm being the rightful winner and that I shouldn’t even be involved in the Pride title scene. To everyone who doubted me, talked crap about me and STILL don’t think I deserve this title, I have a little message for you.

She backs away from the microphone slightly and extends her middle finger towards the press pool, turning her body until she is in the direction of where Chris Madison is seated with his tag team partner Mark Storm, and gives him the same finger as well as a glare of her crystal blue eyes. She then turns her attention and body back to the podium and clears her throat once more.

Savannah Taylor: But we aren’t here to talk about the Pride title, oh no. We’re obviously here because each and every one of us wants to become number one contender to the Tag Team titles, but only one team can. You just so happen to be looking at one of the frontrunners to win this entire thing. But, I think I’ll let my partner say a few words before we let you people talk.

She motions to the press in front of the stage before stepping aside slightly to allow Heather to step to the mic. Heather steps up and bows slightly before Savannah before taking her turn at the podium. She clears her throat slightly as a seductive grin curves her luscious lips. She tips her head becomingly and the sexy, husky Southern drawl she’s known for carries easily through the room.

Heather Lasiewicz: I’ve been asked the same question ever since the announcement of Blonde Ambition was made. ‘Why Savannah Taylor? Why not your husband? Why not anyone else BUT Savannah Taylor?’

Heather turns towards her partner with a wink before turning back to the vultures that were known as the press. She licks her lips and grips the podium with both hands.

Heather Lasiewicz: My reason for choosing Savannah was quite simple; a no-brainer, really. Savannah Taylor is the future of this industry. I’ve been watching her since the start of her career and I’ve seen the evolution of low-card nobody out of Las Vegas to the bonafide superstar she’s become. And despite the naysayers who would have you believe that she wasn’t capable of doing it on her own, let me clue you in on a few facts about my leggy partner over here. Savannah is as resourceful as she is beautiful. If she spots an opportunity to gain a means to her end, she’s going to take it. She’s also extremely clever. What you lot call “riding coattails”, a professional calls “taking advantage of the opportunities offered”. Savannah hasn’t done anything different from any of the rest of us since the beginning of this business. The difference between her and the rest of them is that she’s been very smart about it. Instead of being shady and dishonest about her uprising, she’s been very open and flashy. It’s refreshing, when you think about it. Savannah is where she is now because she has been crafty, bold and innovative in her tactics. Who are we to fault the young lady for her strategies?

Heather smirks as she notices many of the other teams rolling their eyes or shaking their heads in disagreement. She shrugs casually towards them before putting giving them the hand to talk to.

Heather Lasiewicz: As for my part in this pairing… Well, how could I say no when Savannah made the call to me and asked if I’d be interested in teaming with her for this? I wasn’t just watching Savannah rise to stardom, Savannah has been watching me throughout my own career. She’s seen me at my highest and my lowests. She’s seen me win and lose. She’s seen what I’m capable of and for that reason, she planned her next strategy to include me. And I’m honored that she would want a washed up, midcard glory such as myself for a tag team partner. I have no real experience in the tag team circuit. I’ve never won tag team titles in ANY promotion I’ve been a part of. So when the idea of Blonde Ambition came about, I was very much intrigued. It was the perfect pairing: My veteran status to guide the way and give us the advantage of experience and Savannah’s youth and growing skill to cement our victory. Together, we are an exotic blend of past and future, here in the present. There are many who wisely see us as frontrunners for winning this thing. There are other’s who would laugh us off as first-round losers. Maybe we are the dark horses… I just hope our opponents are prepared to be trampled.

Heather finishes and steps back beside Savannah, sharing the mic for the press to begin their questioning. Savannah scans the crowd of reporters before nodding in the direction of ace FGA reporter Spencer Burke.

Savannah Taylor: Spence, out with it.

Spencer Burke: Savannah, I first have a question for you. You recently won the Pride championship under what some would call dubious circumstances. Why would you want to go from one tough match to an even tougher tournament?

Savannah Taylor: Why not? Despite what the trolls on the internet or even the people I work with, I have a desire to improve myself every day. I have a desire to be better than I was the day before. I have a desire to do things that few have ever done before. I want to challenge myself. That is why myself and Heather entered this tournament. We want to show the entire world, as well as everyone up here on this stage, that we are more than just gorgeous faces and knockout bodies.

Heather pipes in at this.

Heather Lasiewicz: Not that there is much of a difference between the trolls on the internet and the majority of the ones we work with. They are all under the misconception that Savannah is undeserving of everything she has earned. Why would she go from one tough match to a tougher tournament? Because Savannah Taylor is a champion, tested, tried and true. This tournament will only prove that further. Next question?

She covers her eyes and points to a random member of the press. The young lady rises and holds out her cassette tape.

Reporter: I have a question for Mrs. Lasiewicz. You just stated in your opening speech that you’ve never participated in the tag team division in any federation you’ve been a part of. Was there any particular reason you haven’t pursued that before? And as a follow-up to that; after fifteen years on and off in the business, and a brief retirement period, why would you choose now to give that a try?

Heather uncovers her eyes and looks towards the young woman who asked the question. Her face shows what seems to be respect for the question.

Heather Lasiewicz: Funnily enough, as much as I used to get along with others, no one ever came to me with the idea of forming an actual tag team. Obviously I’ve been in tag matches before, but nothing long-term ever came from them. It was never a lack of interest in the division itself, just the lack of the opportunity to pursue it. Tag Team gold was something that has always eluded me… So perhaps part of the reason I’m eager to participate in this tournament at this point in my career is to remedy that. I believe I finally have the right partner to help me realize a goal that I never accomplished previously. Being in a successful partnership takes mutual dedication, drive, determination and direction. Before now, I believe that partnerships I formed started off as such, but fell apart too quickly when it became obvious that our end goals were going to be drastically different. Savannah and I, at this moment and for the foreseeable future, share all four of the D’s I just mentioned.

The young reporter nods her head thanks and sits back down. Almost immediately a familiar figure stands up, that being popular Flashpoint interviewer Amanda Johnson.

Amanda Johnson: My question is for Savannah. Savannah, out of everyone you could have picked to be your partner for the Dynamic Duos tournament, why choose Heather?

The Las Vegas native looks at Amanda with a somewhat incredulous look on her face as she mulls over an answer.

Savannah Taylor: Why wouldn’t I?

Amanda Johnson: Well, it’s just that this is apparently a career reset for her, and she hasn’t been around FGA for very long, and the level of competition here is second to none.

Savannah Taylor: Are….are you questioning me? Are you questioning my logic and reasoning for picking Heather as my tag team partner? Let me settle this non issue right here and now. Heather Lasiewicz and I have more in common than people think. We are both former World champions. We both have that same drive to essentially shut up the haters and the doubting Thomas’ of the world. Besides, I’ve been in the ring with her and it is very safe to say that there is no one else I would rather team with than Heather.

Heather puts a hand over her heart before hugging Savannah over the shoulders and planting a big kiss on her cheek. She looks up from this position as Amanda starts to sit.

Heather Lasiewicz: By the way, little miss. If you did your history homework, you would find that I once competed here in FGA. It was brief, I admit, due to scheduling conflicts at the time. But upon my return and choosing FGA for my new stomping grounds, I was no stranger to the promotion. Has it changed? Considerably. Plenty of new faces, plenty of ones I remember, and loads I’d competed with or against from federations before. If you were paying attention to the here and now, you’d have noticed that I’ve been on a bit of a tear since returning. Do I look like I lost my touch? And what do you mean by “career reset”? Who said I’m resetting anything? I’m picking up where I left off, you misinformed, little-

Savannah quickly puts a hand over her partners mouth and shakes her head. Heather’s eyes narrow slightly and she nods. Savannah removes her hand and Heather leans back into the mic.

Heather Lasiewicz: My apologies… But I do believe it’s time for the next question.

Spencer Burke rises from his seat once again. Heather nods his way.

Spencer Burke: My question is for Heather. You and Savannah both competed for EXODUS before it’s inevitable fall from grace. You spent a brief period as their World Champion, but lost it rather quickly to Adrien Cochrane. Ever since then, it seems to have been difficult for you to pick up steam. I was wondering if you had lost your confidence with that loss. And if that was the case, what has brought it back so much that you find yourself where you are now?

Heather looks over at Savannah with a bewildered expression. She looks back towards Spencer and taps the microphone.

Heather Lasiewicz: Hello, can you hear me? Is this thing on? Let’s make one thing very clear, here and now. My decision to leave EXODUS when I did had nothing to do with losing the title or a loss of confidence. At that point in my private life, I was going through a very serious medical issue, non-wrestling related, and it had to be addressed outside of the business entirely. By all rights, this illness should have kept me out permanently. However, as you can see, NOT ONLY have I made my return to the ring, I’ve had a rather successful run in doing so. I’ve not only brushed off any ring rust I might have picked up, I’m performing at levels I never had before. If I really wanted to, I could run after any title I wanted out of any company and win it. But as I’ve stated previously, I’m not back to win titles and break records. The opportunist in me won’t say no if the chance happens to fall upon me. But I’m focusing on having fun with what will very likely be the last run I have… For real this time, I won’t pull a Bret Favre again. This tournament is admittedly mostly fun and games for me… But at the same time, the competitive spirit lives on. I’m in this to win it. Savannah is in this to win it. I want to see my girl decked out in even more gold and let’s be honest: Gold has always been a good color on me, as well.

Heather purses her lips and crosses her arms over her chest, indicating very clearly that she was finished with that particular topic. Spencer nods as he jots down his notes before turning his attention back to Savannah.

Spencer Burke: Savannah, I have one more question for you. We all know the depth of the talent pool here in the Dynamic Duos tournament. Is there any team in particular that jumps out at you as a potential threat to victory?

Savannah bites the tip of her tongue slightly and just looks at Spencer for a moment before speaking.

Savannah Taylor: Yeah. DRAGONZORD.

She says with a roll of her eyes, earning a chuckle out of Heather.

Savannah Taylor: Look, as far as I am concerned, everyone is a threat to victory. Every team up on this stage stands in our way. What are we going to do to each and every one of them?

She brings her thumb up to her throat and makes a slashing motion.

Savannah Taylor: That is what is going to happen.

Spencer Burke: So when you say everyone, you especially mean a pair of Godfathers up on the stage?

Savannah’s blue eyes narrow as she stares down Spencer, clearly not even bothering to glance down to the other end of the table where the gentlemen in question sit. After a few moments of silence, Spencer nervously clears his throat. Heather leans in.

Heather Lasiewicz: The situation between us and the Godfathers is obviously an interesting one. For Andreas and I, should we meet in this tournament, it'll be nothing short of foreplay.

Heather shoots Andreas a sly grin and blows him a kiss. A ghost of a smirk crosses his face. Heather turns back to the Spencer.

Heather Lasiewicz: But make no mistake, should it come to a bout between Blonde Ambition versus the Godfathers of Wrestling, Savannah and I will both do whatever we must to see that our team advances. Just as Andreas and Chandler will do.

Savannah Taylor: Whatever happens….happens. This is business, and Heather and I are in the business of winning.

She says as she clears her throat.

Savannah Taylor: Any more questions?

She pauses while she waits for some semblance of movement from the press pool. When she sees none, she simply nods.

Savannah Taylor: Then we’re done here.

She steps back from the microphone as she and Heather both go back to their seats. Once seated, they softly talk among themselves as they wait for the next people to go up.

[pete]

There's a murmur from the crowd of journalists as the pairing of Holly Chainsaw and Kenzie Rowe approach the stand. Both have bottles of beer in their hand, and their recently vacated seats have more than a few empty bottles littered around them. As Holly approaches the mic, Spencer Burke stands. Holly, before he even gets the opportunity to speak extends to him the middle finger.

Holly Chainsaw: Nah mate. Fuck you. Sit the fuck back down.

Confused, Spencer takes his seat once more.

Holly Chainsaw: Fuck you. Fuck all of you, in fact. Fuck your questions. Fuck these pricks...

As if to punctuate Holly's statement, Kenzie turns to face the assembled participants, and dual wields middle fingers, sweeping them slowly up and down the line.

Holly Chainsaw: And fuck this piss you wankers call beer.

Holly reaches her hand lazily over the edge of the podium, and allows her beer to fall free of her fingers, plummeting to the ground and shattering. Turning back around, Kenzie steps up to the mic, Holly taking a step back and pointing to Spencer out in the crowd, gesturing with her hand that she feels he's a man particularly fond of masturbation.

Kenzie Rowe: Truth is, there's no point in questions, because we'll give you the answers straight off. Yeah, we're pretty sure we can win this whole thing. No, there's nobody we're particularly worried about facing. Yeah, we think our standing as two thirds of SSWA's Trios Champions might give us a bit of a leg up on some people. And no, we really, really don't give a fuck what you, or any of these assholes, think about it. It starts tonight with "Hereditary Beerage", whatever the fuck they are, and will continue through the whole thing. Team after team...

Holly leans in, joining Kenzie at the mic to deliver the Canadian Chainsaw Massacre's catchphrase...

Chainsaw & Rowe: MASSACRED.

With that, the pair step off the mic, Kenzie giving middle finger salutes to all assembled whilst Holly goes with the decidedly more British V-Signs, making their way back to their seats laughing between themselves, ignoring the stares of their fellow competitors, Holly even going so far as to suggest that those with problems could "SUCK ME CLIT", before collapsing into their seats in stereo fits of laughter.

[Silver Eagle]

The reporter's eyes scan the field, taking notes as they recall all of the answers, speeches, rants and so forth that the competitors have spewed prior to the opening round of the third annual Dynamic Duos tournament. There attention is diverted to someone else though, not make a sound but simply loitering at the eastern corner of the stage. There is an eerie silence as the suited figure, sharply dressed with piercing eyes like razor sharp icicles jab and stab each and every person upon the stage. Step by step they go, quiet as death and moving slowly and purposefully. Their head lolls to one side, stroking their rich, greying stubble upon their chin, looking like it was chiselled out of granite. No one dares speak a word as they approach the front of the stage, step by step they move across, every movement meaning something and every footstep not making a single noise. They pause in front of every single person, a silent look that brings some foolhardy looks of defiance, in others fear, in more still they could not hold his gaze. For his wife, a smirk, for her partner it went, and soon he reached the podium. The people waited for him to speak, waiting for this moment anxiously, nervously, excitedly like it was their final Christmas Day. But yet his response was more silence. He paced the stage once more, repeating the exact same routine. Stop. Stare. Move on to the next.

Andreas Lasiewicz: …

He turned again, “The Morning Star”, the thirteen time World Champion, a man no stranger to the squared circle of Frontier Grappling Arts. He paced again, a third time he gave chance to each of the throng to say something, a third time he gave the press the chance to say something, but they were silent as a mouse, each and everyone of them. He began to whisper, soothingly, hauntingly, loudly, the sound completely terminating the frightening silence that followed. The tune was the theme of the Godfather, the theme he and his tag team partner were known for using on those rare and fabled occasions they worked together. He pauses in front of the podium, a sly grin appearing upon his face before vanishing once more.

Andreas Lasiewicz: Remember us when the world comes to take you…

And with that, the Krakow Native paces away, not wanting or needing to say another word, eyes watching always until he vanishes from sight and away.

[Chandler Scott]

Chandler Scott scoots back in his chair before rising from his seat. He readjusts his tie as he makes his way down the steps and walks over towards the mic. After readjusting the positioning of the mic, he looks our at the reporters in front of him and gives a confident smile.

Chandler Scott: Hello everyone. You know... I look around right now and I see a great collection of talent. Some are signed to FGA. Others are signed elsewhere. As I take a look around, I see various athletes in various stages of their careers. I look to my left and I see some of the stars of tomorrow. I look to my right and I see some of the best talent in the wrestling business today. Behind me are champions, both past and present, as well as Hall of Famers. But there's one thing that's brought all these different talents - husbands, wives, best friends, Godfathers - together here today. And that is a love for tag team wrestling.

"They" say tag team wrestling is dead. Can you believe that? They say it's "boring". It's "not marketable". Oh really? Then explain this collection of talent on the stage? Explain why each and every one of us have come here from far and wide to be here today? Explain why Dynamic Duos is THEE premier tag team tournament in all of wrestling? If you're a cynic, if you're a non-believer... all I ask of you is to watch. All I ask of you is to watch this very tournament. Because over the course of the next several weeks, all 24 of these teams are going to prove to you that tag team wrestling is very much alive and well.

Let's get back to these teams, shall we? Take a look around at the teams on this stage. Some are here, some aren't. I know. But take a good, long look. Some of these people will be teaming up for the first time. Some of these people are renown teams in our sport. Some of these combinations are even too good to be true. But there's only one team that sent a shockwave throughout our industry. There's one one team that sent a chill down the spines of several wrestlers in our profession. Only one team sent fans and fellow wrestlers into a frenzy. And that team... is the Godfathers of Wrestling.

"I knew the chills down my back were for something."

"omg this is a cheat code team"

"This is unfortunate."

"WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK. I WANT IN. NOW NOW NOW."

"this is like if you create two my career mode wrestlers on a wrestling game then max them out to 99 overalls"

"Well that's a thing that is now happening. Wow."

"...well shit."

Those are just some of the real time reactions to the announcement of GoW being entered into this very tournament. And if these were the comments that people were brave enough to make publicly, then I can only imagine what was being said offline and behind closed doors. The tantrums that were being had... the objects that were being thrown across the room... the expletives that were probably being shouted at the sky. Hilarious, really, that two men could elicit that type of reaction. But what else would you expect when you look up and see myself and Andreas Lasiewicz on the same team? Andreas is a man that instills fear into the hearts of many men with an ellipses. A damn ellipses. I've never seen anything like it. And I haven't even gotten to his physical ability. The man is still in tip top shape. He's still as strong as an ox. Even at his "advanced age", he could still give your favorite promotion's top champion a run for their money, if not beat them altogether. And then there's me.

Chandler shrugs.

Chandler Scott: Nothing else really even needs to be said. While I'm a firm believer that matches aren't won on paper, they're won in the ring... I'm also a firm believer that matches can be lost up here...

Chandler points to is temple.

Chandler Scott: ... long before the bell even rings. So if a simple announcement has some of you feeling some type of way? If a picture on a screen has you rattled, then you're going to be in for a world of trouble when you look across the ring and you see myself and Andreas staring back at you.

While the whole "wow" factor was great, I didn't enter this tournament just to see the look of surprise on the faces of many of my peers. I'm not one of these guys that's "just happy to be here". I entered this tournament with the sole intention of winning and challenging the World Tag Team Champions. And that's a mission than I plan on seeing to the very end. I wish The Renjas and all the other competitors in this tournament the best of luck. This is going to be a good one. Questions?

Spencer Burke: Spencer Burke here. Chandler, why Andreas?

Chandler Scott: Why not? When you open up the iMessage and the man gives you the "dot dot dot", what other choice do you really have.

Chandler smirks as there's a few chuckles heard throughout the crowd.

Chandler Scott: In all seriousness, this is something that I've been looking forward to for a while now. To my recollection, we've never teamed before. And I know to some people, the buzzer is going off in their heads because that signals to them that we have a weakness. Despite the reputation that he and I carry as wrestlers, we're far from perfect. The two of us, as well as every other duo up here, have their flaws. We're not as seasoned as a team as some of these other teams. That's just a fact. But we're not the only "all-star" team that's coming together for the first time in this tournament. We're not the only duo up here that lacks experience as a team. But what we might in experience as a tag team, we more than make up for in championship pedigree. We know how to win titles. We know how to win when the pressure is on, when the crowd is at their most vocal and those lights are shining at their brightest. No matter how great you are as an athlete, when the pressure is on, you're either clutch or you're not. And you'd be hard-pressed to find another pair of individuals on this stage that is as clutch as we are.

Dave Scriven: Dave Scriven here. In last week's Observer, I wrote about your match with Felicity Banks and gave it 5 stars. is there any pressure on you to live up to the hype of a match like that?

Chandler Scott: Well with all due respect, Dave, as I clearly said in the aftermath of that match, I didn't care what you or any of the other tastemakers rated the match. The only thing that I cared about, besides winning, was giving the fans a great main event. I wanted to give them something to remember and, judging by the reaction, Felicity and I did just that. As far as pressure? There's always pressure. But not in the sense that "oh, well, my last match was 5 stars, so I've got to make sure I live up to that expectation." No. I understand what my name brings. It brings a lot of fanfare. But it also brings a lot of hate. I know that no matter who I'm standing across the ring against, they want to knock me off. They want to break me down. They want to show me up. So because I know that most of my opponents are going to give me their very best, I can't slack. I can't ease up off the gas. I've got to consistently perform at a high level so that I can be better than my opponent. That's where the pressure comes in. Next?

Amanda Johnson: Hey Chandler. If I remember correctly, there was some talk about you and Heather Lasiewicz potentially teaming up when rumors were swirling regarding her return to the ring. Why are the two of you not teaming up in this tournament?

Chandler Scott: Well, that's something you would have to ask her. I think that "Heather Chandler" could have given any team in this tournament a run for their money. I respect Heather as a competitor and I consider her a friend. With that being said, I'm a bit disappointed in her recent actions as of late. I'm equally disappointed in her choice of partner for this tournament. But if you've been a fan of Heather's, then you would know that she's always had a poor taste in partners.

Chandler smirks from the play on words. There's a few low "ooohs" and stifled snickers heard.

Jason Kirkland: Going into this tournament, there are quite a few publications that have viewed you and Andreas as major threats. Who do you feel are the major threats? Who are you most looking forward to crossing paths with?

Chandler Scott: Who are the major threats? Everyone.

Jessie Pederson: You have to give me something better than that, Chandler.

Chandler Scott: Do I? I feel like if I starting zeroing in on this team or that team, then I'm doing myself a disservice. I can't concentrate strictly on Team A or Team B when Team C is the one that we're facing next. I can't have blinders on, Jessie. I know that's not the sexy answer. I know that's not the juicy answer you and your fellow media members can run with. And for that, I'm sorry. I know you guys have a job to do and you need something that will create headlines and get some of these other guys up here riled up. But I'm not going to compromise myself or my partner's game by solely focusing on one target. Now, as far as who I'm looking forward to facing? Well, I'll just say this. Some people have taken it upon themselves to get real slick with their mouth on the subject of Chandler Scott recently. Be it on social media or pre-recorded video packages, some people have had quite a lot to say about yours truly. But I wonder, will they keep that same energy should our paths cross in this tournament? Spoiler alert: they won't.

Tiffany Jay: Why are you entering the Dynamic Duos now?

Chandler Scott: Well in the past, I never really felt like I had a partner that I could enter this tournament with. Either that or I simply wasn't in the company when the tournament was being held. But right now, I feel like I have the perfect partner that will have my back in this tournament, just like I'll have his. You know, everyone sees me as this big time singles star or whatever. But as I've said countless times over the past five years or so, I've always viewed myself as a tag team wrestler. It's what I came into this business as. It's still my first love. When I came into this business, I never saw myself as a singles guy. The only World Title that I ever wanted was the World Tag Team Titles. But hey, plans change. Things happen that are beyond your control and you're forced into situations where you have to sink or swim. Suffice to say, I never drowned. I still have aspirations and goals as a singles competitor. But right now, it's time to give tag teaming another go and see what myself and my partner make of it. Thank you.

[styg]

Holding onto each other for balance, Lord Wolfgang Erikstone and Lady Lorelei Annabelle Hargreaves - the partnership known as Hereditary Beerage - lurch in the general direction of the podium. As they stumble onward they bash into a few of the assembled wrestlers, journalists and other press conference attendees, but the anarchic nobles pay the peasantry no mind, blanking the annoyed grunts and muttered threats. Lord Wolfgang is swigging from a bottle of the well known premium gin, Thumblestank’s Finester Reserve, having just polished off a few ales. Lady Lorelei has a large G&T in her right hand, and in the left a half-full bottle of wine with… things... floating in it.

They pause for a moment, conferring about what they’re actually supposed to be doing. Then they remember they’re meant to be addressing this crowd, and they shuffle behind the table from which the entrants in Dynamic Duos have been speaking. Lord Wolfgang starts to sit down, but he pauses for a moment, swaying, and sets his bottle of gin down carefully. He measures it, blinking at it, making sure it’s not about to randomly topple over before he plonks himself down on his chair.

Lady Lorelei is not so successful. Only one of her buttocks makes the seat, and she collapses sideways off it, disappearing out of view along with the chair as it flips over and half the stuff on the table as she almost tips that over too. Lord Wolfgang, with his limbs flailing madly, only just rescues his bottle in time. A moment later a voice rises up:

Lady Lorelei Annabelle Hargreaves: Here now! What galloping blasted Mountebank spilled their drink on me?

Lord Wolfgang reaches down and tries to help Lady Lorelei.

Lord Wolfgang Erikstone: You…

He pauses and his eyes cross momentarily, and he lets out a loud belch.

Lord Wolfgang Erikstone: Ooh. One too many rounds of betreacled mutton, I fear. My friends, you shall have to pardon us if we’re not entirely up to top Dick.

As she hauls herself back up using Lord Wolfgang’s arm and the table for support in equal measure, Lady Lorelei adds:

Lady Lorelei Annabelle Hargreaves: We’ve been enjoying a touch of the Devil’s lightning. In honour of Saint Procopius of Ceasarea, naturally.

Lord Wolfgang Erikstone: Indeed. We’ve been carousing since…

Lord Wolfgang extracts his pocket-watch, and after a couple of attempts, succeeds at opening it. He peers at it, moving it closer to and then further from his squinting eyes.

Lord Wolfgang Erikstone: Gracious me, it’s July.

After taking her seat, Lady Lorelei pours what’s left of her gin and tonic into her wine bottle, swishes it all around, then takes a belt. Then she frowns, and asks:

Lady Lorelei Annabelle Hargreaves: Well now, what in the blazes happened to April?

Lord Wolfgang Erikstone: A conundrum worthy of Baker Street’s best, I fear, Lady Lorelei.

Lady Lorelei Annabelle Hargreaves: Well, no matter, Lord Wolfgang, I’m sure. No matter. I’m sure if we trampled another urchin , we’ll learn of it in due course.

Lord Wolfgang Erikstone: Indubitably, Lady Lorelei.

Lady Lorelei Annabelle Hargreaves: And no doubt they’ll come to us with their caps and bonnets in hand, in their mistaken folly that restitution will bring conclusion.

Lord Wolfgang Erikstone: Mm, quite. There’s little so aggrieving as the grieving.

Spencer Burke clears his throat. Both of the… wrestlers? at the table instantly fix him with death glares.

Lord Wolfgang Erikstone: Well now, out with it, man! Don’t stand there like a stupefacted night-peeler! We haven’t all day!

Spencer Burke: Lau- uh, I mean, Lorelei and Wolfgang...

Instantly both of Hereditary Beerage gasp in abject horror.

Lady Lorelei Annabelle Hargreaves: Father above, sir! Are you pilfering the blessed shit?

Lord Wolfgang Erikstone: I should have you over my knee for such incivility! Especially to such a refined lady!

Lorelei burps and scratches her posterior.

Spencer Burke: I… I’m sorry?

Lord Wolfgang Erikstone: Did your father raise you to be so informal with your betters? Or was that particular deficiency one of your mother’s?

Spencer Burke: I-

Lady Lorelei Annabelle Hargreaves: I didn’t spend six years at Mistress Fugelblatch’s Reform School for Malefactorily Wayward Fillies for the likes of you not to address me so demotically!

Lord Wolfgang Erikstone: I’m quite discountenanced now.

Spencer takes a moment to compose himself in the face of their barrage.

Spencer Burke: Lord Wolfgang. Lady Lorelei.

Lady Lorelei Annabelle Hargreaves: There now, young man, was that so hard?

Spencer Burke: Your first round opponents are Holly Chainsaw and Kenzie Rowe, Canadian Chainsaw Massacre, two thirds of the SSWA Trios Champions along with our own Undisputed Champion, Izzy Anders.

Lady Lorelei Annabelle Hargreaves: Ah, indeed. I understand young Holly has shown some skill in the gentlewomanly art of daddles-i-throwery, particular for a humble flower girl.

Lord Wolfgang Erikstone: Her compeer, I gather, emanates from the colonies, and so one can only ween that she is a burly, richly-bearded Brobdingnagian girl, of the sort their salted capelin turnovers and bear-jousting contests are wont to produce.

Lady Lorelei Annabelle Hargreaves: There is something singularly vivifying about seeing those born to lesser circumstance raise their lot up through hard work and temperance.

Lord Wolfgang Erikstone: Their boasts of massacres may prove most untimely, though.

Lady Lorelei Annabelle Hargreaves: Well, a massacre there may indeed be, but I fear it might not be of the nature the young cockney flower girl and her savage colonial associate hope for. My good friend Lord Wolfgang, you see, is one of the finest guns in Her Majesty’s service. I assure you, you may name any land of the Lord’s Earth from Wurtemberg to The Tranvsaal Province to the Qing Empire; thereupon he has hunted the most dangerous game.

Lord Wolfgang Erikstone: And you, Lady Lorelei, had the thing with all those agreeable young ladies in Whitechapel…

Lady Lorelei Annabelle Hargreaves: Indeed.

Spencer’s about to ask something else, but the belligerent Beerage don’t give him a moment to get word in edgewise.

Lord Wolfgang Erikstone: As for the rest of these venereal lampreys...

Lady Lorelei Annabelle Hargreaves: This pack of ninny-livered milk-spawn assembled before us...

Lord Wolfgang Erikstone: They hardly look the minatory types, Lady Lorelei.

Lady Lorelei Annabelle Hargreaves: Frenchmen, I’ll wager, Lord Wolfgang. Nothing but jaundiced Frenchmen. And as such, to these continental swine, we offer the simplest of provocations:

Lord Wolfgang stands, and he clears his throat before bellowing:

Lord Wolfgang Erikstone: ADVANCE FORTH AND ATTEMPT TO ENGAGE US IN FISTICUFFS, SHOULD YOU BELIEVE YOURSELF APPROPRIATELY OBSTREPEROUS!

Lady Lorelei stands too, smooths out her skirts, then downs the last of her drink. Lord Wolfgang does the same.

Lady Lorelei Annabelle Hargreaves: Let us tarry no more, Lord Wolfgang. I’ve the most commanding appetite for a side of that donnered meat the Arabs cook so well.

Lord Wolfgang Erikstone: Ooh, now you bring it up, Lady Lorelei, I find myself rather peckish as well… come! Let us find a banquet upon which to impose.

And, their piece said, the aristocratic hooligans stumble and barge their way out of the conference room.

[Aurora]

In through the door comes a petite Japanese woman dressed professionally in a short skirt with a long jacket, though in deference to the heat the jacket is unbuttoned revealing the raw silk sleeveless shirt beneath. She hustles herself up to the podium and smiles at the gathered reporters before she takes up a microphone and gives them all a wave.

Kiko Hirayama: Hello Frontierists and well-traveled competitors! I’m Kiko Hirayama, backstage interviewer for Phoenix Wrestling and I’m here tonight to introduce to you all, officially, right here and now the team of Tommy and the Guns!

She pauses for a moment then lets out a light ‘oh!’ sound and pulls a small iPod and dock out of her jacket pocket, setting it precariously on the podium and messing with it for a second. Suddenly the unmistakable voice of Rihanna blares out loud and proud:

Bitch better have my money!
Y'all should know me well enough
Bitch better have my money!

Kiko Hirayama: Ohshiiii….

She messes with it some more, almost drops it and then the song is replaced by a mash up of ‘Sober’ by Childish Gambino and ‘Cold’ by Static X. It’s hypnotic and more than mildly unsettling but she smiles wide as Tommy and Aurora come into the room. Tommy is wearing jeans and one of his signature brand shirts, Aurora is wearing custom cut lowrider jeans with her own special Nikes and what appears to be a borrowed Domino’s delivery driver shirt, tied up under her legendary breasts and in both hands she has the straps of several large black pizza delivery bags. Tommy rolls up on Kiko and grins as she holds up the microphone.

Tommy Evans: …’sup.

Aurora steps out and sets the bags down and starts unzipping them before she pulls out a pizza and pretends to read the label before simply placing the delicious smelling food on the table.

Aurora: Since by luck of the draw we don’t get to fight in the first round, we decided to crash this party.

Tommy Evans: With pizza.

Kiko Hirayama: If you’re a vegetarian this is not for you.

Aurora grins cheekily before picking up a slice and taking a bite, chewing it thoughtfully and swallowing before she talks again.

Aurora: In case you thought we were going to poison you all and thin out the herd a little more. But seriously, free pizza. We may be hanging around and checking out the competition. Really… we could be anywhere.

Tommy Evans: With pizza.

Tommy’s grin was just as cheeky as he reached into the bag and drew out a pizza box for himself. He paused as he straightened up and leaned closer to Kiko’s microphone.

Tommy Evans: We’ve seen what you guys have sat through and well, we decided to bring this bounty of goodness, cheese and pepperoni from the damn Domino’s, because nobody deserves to sit through it without some sustenance. We’re ...shit, what’s that word?

Aurora: Magnanimous? Kind? Charitable?

Kiko Hirayama: Misunderstood?

Tommy and Aurora snickered in unison and shook their heads.

Tommy Evans: Oh nah, I’m pretty sure everyone in here understands us just fine.

Aurora: We’ll be seeing you next round.

The pair obnoxiously high five each other and leave the room, Aurora winking at Heather as they exit.

[Stephen]

Announcer: “Next up we will hear from former FGA World Tag Team Champions, Elon and Emery Elysian, The Elysian Empire!”

The crowd bursts into loud cheers as Elon and Emery walk through the door lead by their sister, Effie. The former champs are in surprisingly good spirits having only just lost their FGA World Tag Team Championships two weeks ago. Emery waves to the crowd while Elon simply smiles and nods in acknowledgement of the respect shown to him. The siblings take their seats at the front of the room. Members of the crowd continue to clap and cheer causing Elon to stand up and take a bow. Effie and Emery shake their heads at him, but the crowd eats up his pandering and start chanting: “E-LY-SIAN! E-LY-SIAN! E-LY-SIAN!” Elon begins to fist pump in tandem with the chanting before Effie pulls him down to a seated position. She holds up a hand asking for calm and the crowd reluctantly obliges.

Effie Elysian: Wow! Thank you all for that ovation! It’s still strange to hear us being introduced as ‘former’ champions, but you guys make us feel like we’re still on top.

Elon Elysian: What are you talking about, Fi? We’re still the team to beat. Sure, Dan Herrera and Peaches may be the champs, but they’re not in the tournament. Being the former champs makes us the team to beat in my mind.

Emery Elysian: I don’t think anyone here wants to know what goes on in your mind, Lonnie.

The crowd erupts in laughter and Elon simply grins at his brother before shrugging.

Elon Elysian: Fair point.

Effie smiles as she looks from Elon to Emery.

Effie Elysian: Would you two like to get started?

The brothers nod and so does Effie. Spencer Burke is the first to shoot his hand into the air.

Spencer Burke: Guys, that was a tough loss at All-Star Showdown VI a couple of weeks ago. You guys gave it your all and proved why you were the champs to begin with. I know you were probably looking forward to sitting back and watching this tournament unfold as opposed to participating in it. Do-

Emery Elysian: On the contrary Spencer. I was a little disappointed that we weren’t going to be allowed to participate in such an event. I’ve been in this sport a long time and I’ve never competed in anything like this. No tournament I’ve been in has had a field this varied, this accomplished. This is exactly why I love what I do. Tournaments like this are why I lace up my boots, why I train so hard. There are multiple ways to show the world that you’re the best, and being champ is only one of them. A tournament like this, whether it results in a championship reign or not, is an accolade that no one can take away from you. So, no, Spencer, I’m not disappointed.

Elon Elysian: I’d be lying if I said I weren’t a little disappointed, Spence. I mean, no disrespect, Em, but being champion meant a lot to me. If that meant that I couldn’t compete in this tournament this time around then so be it. I’d still be champ. Now we must fight our way back to the titles. For me, the accolade of winning the tournament is secondary to winning those belts back. This tournament is just a means to an end.

Emery and Elon stare at each other before shrugging at one another, silently agreeing to disagree.

Spencer Burke: With respect, Emery, I know that you must be excited to be participating in this from round one, but there are those out there that feel that Elysian Empire deserve a bye.

Elon Elysian: You know, I said that at first too.

Spencer Burke: Excuse me, Elon, I was speaking to-

Elon Elysian: Then I thought about it. I doubt that the committee that put this tournament together had a seeding system for the match ups. They want match ups that garners ratings, and Empire garner ratings.

Elon shrugs.

Elon Elysian: Therefore, we have to fight in the first round. If that’s the price of being successful then it is what it is.

Effie shakes her head.

Effie Elysian: I probably would have worded it better, but you’re not wrong, Lonnie.

Emery Elysian: To answer your question, Spencer, I am very excited to be participating tonight. Blond Ambition is a team that represents exactly why I wanted to participate in this tournament. The experience and accolades between Savannah Taylor and Heather Lasiewicz make them probably the most formidable team we’ve faced since coming to FGA. That’s not to say that The Usual Suspects, The Keisters, and Polychromatic Lion Attack Squad aren’t formidable, but these two are on another level. Savannah has had a hell of a year as a singles competitor and Heather is essentially royalty in this sport. I’d love nothing more than to compete with them.

Emery smirks.

Emery Elysian: Well, that’s not entirely true. I’d love to beat them.

A devilish grin comes upon Elon’s face as he and Emery knowingly look at one another.

Spencer Burke: Final question. Emery and Elon, you both seem to finally be on the same page. You seem more confident in one another, more trusting. You’ve said in the past that once you two were same page, you were probably the toughest team to beat. How’d you get to this point?

Elon and Emery both are taken aback by the question. The look at each other searching for an answer, but they can’t find one.


Effie Elysian: I can answer this one.

Elon and Emery stare at their sister with a mixture of shock and relief.

Effie Elysian: Emery and Elon are from two different eras. They are separated in age by twenty years and did not grow up together. When we first got here, people assumed that because they were brothers then they would just click. It wasn’t like that. It’s essentially the same as taking two singles competitors who have never tagged together, just like you see a lot in this tournament, and throwing them together in a tag team. They’d never trained together, never bled together, barely even had meals together because Emery was always on the road. Emery could go through growing pains on his own. Elon was more sheltered. What changed? They began to train together. They began to shed blood together. They broke bread together. They failed together. The succeeded together. They got to know one another for the first time in their entire lives. They grew together. We didn’t just get together, slap a name on ourselves, and call ourselves a tag team. No, we worked to become an actual team. That’s the difference between us and the rest of the field. We’ve been through struggles together and we know we can get through it together.

Elon and Emery nod at Effie who stands from her chair.

Effie Elysian: That’s why we are Elysian.

Crowd: E-LY-SIAN! E-LY-SIAN! E-LY-SIAN!