Post by Adam Dante on Jul 21, 2020 8:34:09 GMT -5
July 20th, 2020
Live From: Pechanga Arena, San Diego, California
Seating capacity: 16,100
Exclusive to NETFLIX
"IT'S TIME TO REALIZE I THINK THAT WE NEED GOD MORE THAN HE NEEDS US"
At the end of President Reagan's words, the loud drums of Metallica's "Don't Tread On Me" blare. The lights turn white and begin to dance around before the first line cuts through the arena.
“DON’T TREAD ON ME”
Out from the back walks Mr. Carter, without his APW World Title. Right behind him is America Jackson, clutching his newly won North American title on his shoulders while the Troops file behind him.
Clearwater: Well folks as you all know we’ve got a pair of new champions, including a new World Champion in Zaigon Carter but where...where’s the title?
Remi: Mikey you dumbass, look up!
Just then, Prosperity the eagle flies overhead carrying the World title in its talons. The crew gets into the ring, and as Mr. Carter stands at the center with a microphone Prosperity gently lays the title across his shoulder.
Clearwater: I didn’t know eagles could do that.
Remi: What you don’t know could fill up the Library of Congress. Now hush.
Mr. Carter: Ladies, gentlemen, sinners of all ages. Welcome to the new era of Alpha Pro Wrestling. Welcome to a new beginning, the new Eden in professional wrestling. At Bulletproof, when I defeated those before me to assume the mantle of your leader and champion things changed. In that moment, it all began again. This place became under my protection, all of you are now my subjects. You all sit before me, your new leader. Your new King.
The fans boo loudly, but Mr. Carter doesn’t acknowledge them. Instead he turns to America Jackson, who is beaming proudly with his belt shining brightly.
Mr. Carter: It wasn’t just me though. My protege, my...friend America Jackson defeated that filthy rat Steven Osbourne to bring that title to a true American. A real God fearing, red blooded American. That’s why I’m glad to announce tonight, that title is no longer the NORTH American Championship. So long as it is held by America Jackson, it is simply known as the American Championship. Because a man like America Jackson doesn’t have time for socialist hell holes and crime infested ghettos. He only knows one place: The shining beacon of freedom that is the United States of America.
The fans boo even louder, and a couple of cups make their way into the ring as well. America smiles even larger, showing off the belt above his head.
Clearwater: Can he do that?
Remi: He’s the world champion Mikey, he does anything he wants. He got your money for not calling his move right didn’t he? All hail the American Champion!
Mr. Carter: When I knew this day was coming, I envisioned much more like a coronation. Much more like constant adulation from those I now lead. From those who have no choice but to worship my every move. And yet...there’s a problem.
See, I didn’t want a three way at Bulletproof. I got a man’s word it would be a singles, but then it was changed. That’s not how things work for me, a man’s word is his bond. At the time though, I wasn’t the world champion. I didn’t have the power and authority to make changes. I do now though.
Again more boos, more throwing things as an “Asshole” chant goes up. Mr. Carter ignores them however.
Mr. Carter: I have the power, but I think I need to get things straight with someone about just how that power is gonna go. So, Irina Ivanova, get your ass out here. We need to have a discussion.
All at once, the lights dim and “Sgori (Burn)” by Stvore hits the speakers. Carter and Jackson halt mid-stride on the ramp, while the Bloodline look on in hostile curiosity. Strobes cut through the semi-darkness as a feminine figure in an olive green jumpsuit steps onto the stage. At her signal, the music stops and the lights come back up as Irina Ivanova heads to the ring.
Clearwater: As a legend once said, business is about to pick up.
Remi: Mr. Carter is about to lay down the law around here, make sure everyone knows who is whose boss.
Clearwater: I’m sure that’s how it will go.
Ivanova steps through the ropes, already holding a microphone. She walks right up to Mr. Carter, unflinching in her stride.
Ivanova: First of all, before we have this discussion as you call it, I wanted to congratulate you on becoming World Champion in such a short time frame. You defeated two of the company’s best to claim that prize, and that deserves to go on record.
Booing comes again, and this time Mr. Carter shoots a look of anger out amongst the fans who are antagonising him.
Ivanova: That said, it sounds like you might have a problem with me.
Mr. Carter: I do as a matter of fact. What the Hell were you thinking making my match at Bulletproof a triple threat match? That moron Jason Ryan agreed to my terms, gave me what I wanted, and didn’t even know the terrible deal his dumbass made. It was all perfectly laid out until YOU ruined it. Not that it mattered, but what the Hell lady?
An “oooooooh” goes over the crowd as Ivanova’s expression changes some upon hearing that term.
Ivanova: Well first off, I’m not lady to you champ. I’m the general manager of this company. I’m your boss, and I demand respect.
Mr. Carter: I don’t give a damn what you demand sweetheart, what you want doesn’t matter anymore. I am the champion now, I control the top titles and soon once you get off your ass and give America and I our tag title match that we CLEARLY deserve since none of these other sad sacks of shit can beat them, I will have every bit of power in this company. And I need YOU to understand that is how it will be. That is the new order.
Clearwater: Some harsh language from the champion but he has made his intentions quite clear.
Remi: Yeah get her champ. She needs to see the way things are now!
Ivanova: Well Zaigon…
Mr. Carter: That’s Mr. Carter to you, and I advise you to not make that mistake again.
The tensions rises in the building, as the expression changes on the face of Irina Ivanova.
Ivanova: Well then MR. CARTER...let me tell you who I am. Not only am I the general manager of this company, but I make the matches and I decide what gets done. As a matter of fact if I wanted to, I could strip you and America Jackson of those belts and fire you right here on the spot!
The crowd cheers loudly for that idea, as Mr. Carter’s face continues to be a tempest of anger.
Ivanova: I don’t intend to do that though.
More boos come from the audience.
Ivanova: No, what I intend to do is take this impasse and make the best of it. See we have a pay per view coming up called Showdown. You weren’t here for it last year Mr. Carter, so let me explain how it’s going to work. In 2019, the main event winner earned the number one contendership for that world title on your shoulder. Now in 2020, why don’t we cut out the middle man some?
The crowd cheers at that, as suddenly Mr. Carter looks dismayed while America and the Troops get riled up.
Ivanova: This is how it’s gonna go. In the main event of Showdown you Mr. Carter will defend your newly won World Championship against five people in a one fall to a finish match. How will we determine which five though? Well that’s simple. Because this year at Showdown, every title in APW will be on the line!
More cheers from the crowd, as the people around Mr. Carter are getting angrier by the second.
Ivanova: That means the newly won American Champion as you call him will defend his title, Man Made Gods will defend their tag team titles, Giggles puts up the Light Heavyweight Crown, and Sarah Lacklan will risk her Hardcore title all on the undercard against challengers to be determined. The winner of all those matches will face YOU in the main event for your world title.
The crowd explodes cheers, as Mr. Carter takes a couple steps away dropping his head while his entourage yells loudly at her.
Clearwater: What a bombshell dropped by our general manager! Every title is on the line, and the winners face Zaigon Carter for the World Title in the main event!
Remi: No this is awful, what is that dumb broad thinking!?
Ivanova: I hope this discussion was productive about just who runs things around here Mr. Carter. Take care, and good luck against Corey Black later tonight.
She drops her microphone and turns to leave.
Mr. Carter: Ivanova…
Irina turns her head and before she knows it Mr. Carter is right on top of her nose to nose staring at her with intense dark eyes.
Mr. Carter: You better hope one of your pets takes this title off my shoulder and puts me in the hospital, because if they don’t do either I can assure you this decision will go down as the worst you’ve ever made. Now get out of MY ring.
Boos pour in for Mr. Carter, as Ivanova doesn’t back down from the threat before exiting the ring and heading back up the ramp. America and the Troops are still yelling things at the general manager as she goes to the back.
Clearwater: Certainly not the start of a title reign that Zaigon Carter wanted, as he’s in the Showdown main event against five people he doesn’t even know yet!
Remi: This is a miscarriage of justice! I can’t believe Irina Ivanova would treat our champion so poorly when he just wanted to talk about the future.
Clearwater: Well I doubt that’s how he intended to use that time but folks don’t go away, we’ve got a great show coming tonight starting with Victoria Sabin vs Phoenix LeStrange!
