Strange Bedfellows.(Collab with Damage and Devlin Knight)
Dec 23, 2023 17:44:01 GMT -5
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Post by Chris Page on Dec 23, 2023 17:44:01 GMT -5
“But why did you elect to stand with me?”
Devlin Knight’s voice opens our scene as the scene fades in.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: I never approached you.
The camera pans back to reveal Devlin is speaking with Chris Page. The two are dressed down, more on the casual side.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: Don’t get me wrong, I’m pleased that someone finally stepped up with me.
Chris nods his head before he states.
CHRIS PAGE: It’s simple, I can respect that you were the first to clap back at J Mont and his minions, and truthfully, seeing the responses you got is what forced my hand. I know better than anyone else what it’s like to have your motives questioned. Somebody had to give you a chance to prove yourself, and I think we both know what will happen if you stick a knife in my back.
There’s a cheeky smile that cracks Devlin’s face before he responds.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: If there is anyone who understands that people can change, it’s you.
Chris sarcastically responds.
CHRIS PAGE: Depends on who you ask, I suppose, or perhaps in my chase… it’s been proven my haters have been wrong about who they think I am. It’s a beautiful thing.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: Well, not everyone is Chris Page.
CHRIS PAGE: Very true.
Chris then states.
CHRIS PAGE: It’s not like you and I haven’t been down this road before. Collectively we are undefeated as a team, and ultimately I feel like if I stepped up and stood beside you maybe some of the others you approached will too. Consider my presence as a means to an end.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: I appreciate you for stepping to the plate and having my back… but uh… why are we here?
The camera pans back revealing….
CHRIS PAGE: What better way to build comradery than partaking in a team-building exercise? I mean, I know you but I haven’t ever teamed with The Untamed Demon, Damage.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: And with all your wisdom you thought now would be the right time to test that line? An escape room seems kind of…
CHRIS PAGE: Kind of what?
Devlin lets a deep sigh.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: Childish.
CHRIS PAGE: Have you seen anyone else taking a vested interest in punking the Fortunate Ones other than Damage? More importantly, how the hell do you deal with children if you can’t put yourself in their mindset?
DEVLIN KNIGHT: Good point.
CHRIS PAGE: You spoke about change, well it’s clear to me that Damage has made some changes of his own. Since we split the brands he’s shown me that he WANTS to get in the mix, which I can appreciate and respect.
The Fortunate Ones have shown the world they can do ONE thing, talk. It’s interesting that when push comes to shove you guys end up on the losing end of the battles that matter. Take this one as an example, J Mont has tried me and failed. He knows deep down in the pit of his stomach that he’s bitten off more than he can chew, again. It’s the same song and dance federation after federation after federation.
Shows up acting like a badass.
Get’s embarrassed.
Forms a faction.
Tries to pull a general manager.
Oh, can’t forget to buy watches as a way to show appreciation for being carried.
Fails again.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly while expecting a different result. Here in the WGWF, you know… Where shit matters… J Mont couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a fucking boat, and now he’s found himself people dumber than him to co-sign. I wonder how right those waters are? I couldn't care less because my involvement is nothing more than that means to an end. I want the roster to see that sometimes things are worth the risk even if it means you must have a little bit of faith.
CHRIS PAGE: Sometimes it isn’t drawing in big names to wage war because sometimes it boils down to who is showing me they WANT it, and make no mistake about it when I say that I can see that Damage wants nothing more than to rip the heads from the shoulders of everyone involved with The Fortunate Ones.
Chris looks down at the Rolex on his right wrist.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: What’s the matter?
Devlin asks.
CHRIS PAGE: He should have been here by now.
Chris glances down both sides of the street looking for The Untamed Demon.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: Have you called him?
Chris turns his attention toward Devlin.
CHRIS PAGE: Oh, he’ll come.
Chris motions toward the door with his head before reaching out and pulling on the handle opening the door for Devlin to enter. Chris follows and the door automatically closes behind them. We fade inside a smaller establishment where we find a gentleman behind a counter.
“Good afternoon, you must be the party of three?”
The clerk asks a little confused while looking past Devlin and Page for the mysterious third.
“Did we have a no-show?”
CHRIS PAGE: That’s yet to be determined.
Devlin mutters under his breath.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: We can’t count on him.
Chris looks past Devlin’s words as he continues to address the clerk.
CHRIS PAGE: Were you able to set up the rooms as I asked?
“Yes sir, but my owner did ask what the obsession was. I mean, it is a little weird.”
CHRIS PAGE: Tell him I said you don’t ask questions that are above your pay grade.
“Let me see if everything is ready.”
He leaves Page and Devlin at the front counter and now Chris addresses Devlin’s statements.
CHRIS PAGE: You can pout or throw shade all you want when it comes to Damage. Why don’t you show me anyone else who has done anything but TALK about it? Talking about shit has ended.
People might throw their noses up in the air at The Untamed One, good. That’s exactly what I want you to do. I want you to sleep on him, I want to lure you further into that false sense of security so I can watch him snap any of you like a bunch of twigs for nothing more than my own amusement. You can pretend he’s a weak link, but the truth is he’s hungry. He’s focused… and you’re goddamn right you should be trembling in fear.
There’s a reason you pricks don’t want any part of him, or you wouldn’t run.
CHRIS PAGE: He didn’t have to show up in that parking lot on Smash… but he did. I’ve got a good feeling about this; as a matter of fact, it’s the same feeling I have about you. Everyone needs someone to believe in them, I can do that with both of you. If it bites me in the ass, it bites me in the ass.
The clerk comes back to the front counter.
“Everything is ready. Are you sure you don’t want to wait for the third in your party?”
Loud screeching of tires can be heard outside before the front entry doors shatter into thousands of pieces from a car that crashes through it causing both Devlin and Page to jump backward in separate directions with each narrowly avoiding being hit but it doesn’t save the front desk or the clerk for that matter as the car plows into them pinning the clerk between the car and the wall. The driver’s side door swings open and out steps the big bastard that is Damage.
___________________
Damage: (menacingly) Well, well, well... Mr. Clyde Newton, Ms. Amber Mansly, and the puppet master himself, Mr. Joe Montuori. Look at the three fortunate souls that destiny has chosen to step into the ring with The Untamed Demon and his partners. Mr. Clyde Newton, oh how the mighty have fallen! Once a respected adversary, now a mere lapdog of Mr. Joe Montuori. We've danced before. I respect your abilities, your in-ring prowess, but what happened to the fire, the untamed spirit that once burned within you? Mr. Clyde was once a force to be reckoned with. A man I once respected for his in-ring prowess. But respect is a fleeting sentiment. You've traded your wild spirit for a leash held by Mr.Montuori. You've become domesticated, a mere shadow of the man you used to be. And that, my friend, is why I am superior and I will prove it soon. Mr.Clyde, you have become weak. In our Six-Person Tag-Team Match, I'll show the world who truly stands above the rest.
Damage: Mr. Clyde Newton, you are a true meaning of being lackey, a minion, a shadow of your former self. You strut around with the so-called "Fortunate Ones," but let me make one thing crystal clear – there's no fortune in being a lapdog. You've sacrificed your untamed spirit for a taste of power, and that, my friend, is where we differ. Mr.Clyde, you may be fortunate to have allies like Ms.Amber Mansly and Mr.Joe Montuori, but I am untamed, unchained, and unyielding. While you play your games, I revel in the chaos. This Six-Person Tag-Team Match is not just a clash of bodies; it's a collision of ideologies. The Fortunate Ones may have their alliance, but we – Devlin Knight, Chris Page, and I – have something more potent: the untamed spirit that refuses to be shackled.
Damage: And You Ms.Amber Mansly...what can I say bout you?... If Mr. Clyde is a Lapdoh, you are nothing but a well-behaved kitten in the wrestling world, You think you can stand tall against the Untamed Demon? Oh, how naive! Ms. Amber, I repeat, you are nothing but a mere kitten, who imagines herself to be a big cat. This Six Person Tag team match will give you some reality, that winning sonme matches cannot make you come to the bigger league where bigger men play. I offer my pities to you, that this week, the kitten as her neck is destined to be twisted and contorted by the end of our clash. Ms. Amber, you may have played nice with others, but in the ring with Damage, you're about to learn that kittens don't stand a chance against demons. I can smell the Fear in you Ms. Amber, I can see the Uncertainty in your mind, I advice you have some Idea of second career, as thiis week your wrestling career may come to an end.
Damage: And then there's the puppet master himself, Mr. Joe Montuori. I can see through your schemes, Mr. Montuori, and I am ready to dismantle the web you've woven. No amount of manipulation can save you from the chaos that's about to be unleashed upon you. Prepare for the reckoning, for the Untamed Demon is coming for your very soul! You think you can control the chaos, but in reality, you're just orchestrating your own demise. You've surrounded yourself with lapdogs and kittens, but in the end, it's the untamed that will prevail. You pull the strings, but I'm here to cut them. You think you can control the uncontrollable? Think again. Your precious Fortunate ones will crumble at the hands of the Untamed Demon, and there's nothing you can do to stop it.
Damage: In the Six-Person Tag-Team Match, we will be the architects of destruction, leaving a trail of broken bodies in their wake. The Fortunate ones may have thought they had luck on their side, but against the Untamed Demon and his partners, luck is a fleeting illusion. Get ready to witness the mayhem, the carnage, and the absolute annihilation as I assert my dominance over Mr. Clyde Newton, twists Ms. Amber Mansly's fate, and drags Mr. Joe Montuori into the abyss! The Fortunate ones will soon learn that their luck has run out, and in the ring with myself, there's no escaping. Hear Me! Fortunate One!.. or do I call you Unfortunate ones!
(Damage Laughs loudly like a Devil himself, but he stops laughing, he looks at the camera with cold eyes, and starts to speak. Damage's voice becomes a low, threatening growl.)
Damage: Prepare yourselves for a descent into darkness, where the untamed shall reign supreme, and The Fortunate Ones will become unfortunate souls at our mercy. This, my friends, is your reckoning. Brace for the damage. Mr.Clyde Newton, Ms. Amber Mansly, Mr. Joe Montuori – you're just pawns in my game. I revel in the chaos, and your demise is imminent. Prepare yourselves for the darkness, for the untamed fury that will consume you all. This Six-Person Tag-Team Match will be a symphony of suffering, and I will be the conductor orchestrating your downfall. While you bask in your so-called fortune, we'll revel in the damage we inflict. Six souls will enter the ring, but mark my words – only the untamed will emerge victorious. Welcome to the realm of chaos, where Damage reigns supreme.
___________________
Page and Knight look on in shock at the body hanging over the front of the car as we hear Devlin frantically ask.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: What’d you do?!
But before Damage can answer we hear coming from behind the trio.
“HANDS UP! DON’T MOVE!”
All three comply as they spin around slowly to find two police officers with guns drawn in their direction. One of the officers slowly makes his way around the backside of the car and toward the front end where he checks for a pulse.
“He’s gone.”
The second officer states toward the first one which garners a response directed at Damage, Devlin, and Chris Page.
“Which one of you were driving?”
Suddenly Damage reaches out snatching the officer by the throat and hoists him up in the air with his legs dangling above the ground choking the life out of him. His partner screams out.
“Put him down or I will shoot!”
Damage continues to choke the life out of the police officer as the sounds of sirens approaching from the distance can be heard. The officer’s partner squeezes off a round firing at Damage!
CHRIS PAGE: NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Chris leaps in front of Damage knocking him out of the way and sacrificing himself for Damage taking the shot square in the chest. Chris lands hard on the floor while Damage turns and with the strength of the Demon throws the Police officer over the car and collides with his partner knocking them down. Devlin drops down to his knees applying pressure to the wound.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: DO SOMETHING!
Devlin screams at Damage. The sirens are closer. Knight looks down at Chris.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: STAY WITH ME!
Chris tried to speak but couldn’t get words out. Devlin leans closer and can make out what Chris is saying.
CHRIS PAGE: Don’t… lose… to… J Mont.
And just like that, Chris fades in Devlin’s arms. Before anything can be said a Swat Team in full tactical gear floods in through the opening left by the car driven by Damage. Guns are down and we see Damage and Devlin surrounded.
___________________
DEVLIN KNIGHT: So it's all come down to this eh? All this provocation by Joseph and The Fortunate Ones, trying to goad me into pulling on J Mont’s little fishing line and this is what it gets us…
The beginning of the end for TFO.
Just remember Joseph, you've brought this on yourself.
You talk as if Fred Debonair is dead, you talk as if he's been possessed by some entity named Devlin Knight but the truth is we both know damn well I'm the very same person.
I'm just better for it… And you're in trouble.
You guys actually thought running around town with some stupid ass, childish prop was gonna have me what? Becoming my old self? Acting the fool like you?
I'm better than that, I'm better than you. All three of you and to coin a known phrase… “And you know it.”
Amber Mansley you don't know me but please allow me to introduce myself. Of course you'd have heard the stories from J Mont and Clyde Newton’s mouths but don't believe everything those two poor excuses for men tell you because they'll only have you mistakenly believing you have a chance against Devlin Knight… Now I'm not sure if you actually believe you can make a difference specifically or if you're hanging on Joe, Enigma and Clyde's nutsacks for “other reasons” and to be honest I don't give a shit. The old me would have been that crass, but Devlin Knight will assume especially given your previous, you wanna handle yourself and give something to TFO.
But what?
It can't be your charm, your wit or your personality…
Looks? Perhaps but c'mon we've all got those. Except Enigma of course.
Perhaps it's your in-ring ability because admittedly it's the one thing with you I can agree is top notch, just a shame about your attitude though…
And, Influencer? I've influenced more women into bed and men into their career goals with a wink and a smile.
Ahh Clyde Newton, how goes it buddy? How did I know that the minute you showed your face here in the WGWF, you were gonna be straight back on the bootstraps of Joseph Montuori?? Oh, he's your best friend, right? Until he's done getting what he needs and then it's Adieu, Sayanora, Bon Voyage, and see ya later, Ali-freakin-gator… So I wasn't here when it all began? You're right I wasn't and I'd have told you not to do it but… I know you weren't insinuating I'm the two-faced one, Clyde.
We don't need to go too far into the past, do we, Clyde? How you were treated by J Mont elsewhere, but you came crawling back right? People like you are the reason I'm able to step back and see Joseph for the weak-minded, coward he truly is…
And you guys…?
Just his lost boys. Puppy dogs. Sheep…
And then there's the man himself. Joseph Montuori, manipulator extraordinaire? More like an expert whingebag. J Mont is that kid who takes his ball and goes home if things don't go his way… Ask him about Hostile Takeover, the little faction he formed when Shaun Hart said he and Thad Duke shouldn't go for the IIW Tag belts. He formed that group with Kim Pain and Mac Bane and in the grand scheme of things where are they now Joe?
Exactly…
That was around the time I began to work out who J Mont truly was, he starts questioning our friendship when I returned to the ring when in truth, it was this exact moment when he threw me under the bus because he was pissed off at Shaun’s decision.
And then J Mont wanted to continue the influx when I arrived in the WGWF a year ago. He knew his best option was to side with Devlin for “business reasons” and acted like his prior indiscretions never happened, but what's that saying?
Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.
Of course I was also a sick, twisted individual at this stage so part of me didn't really give a rats ass what Joseph did until once again he began to show his true colors. I think he hated that in my second match I ate good when I defeated him along with John Cable and Mac Bane, but can't be sure that was the moment if I'm honest, there were many times I made J Mont feel the fool we all know he is.
And then he went and dropped me on my face with a damn JKO.
And that Joseph is when I realised you actually had a death wish and absolutely no regard for the safety of your family. You snuck into the ring in my match against Artemis and laid me out, costing me the match… But that's okay because you had to be quick, but on Smash…
Me…
Page…
Damage…
It's going to be fully legal to take hold of you, Newton and Mansley, to beat you into oblivion, run you into the ground and pound you like butchers meat to within an inch of your life where you're begging us to stop.
But we’ll keep going.
And going…
And going until the begging us to stop turns into begging us to put you out of your misery because it doesn't matter how good you think you are…
We're better.
It doesn't matter how ruthless you think you can be…
We're more so.
And it doesn't matter what arsenal you think you're bringing to the table…
We're bringing more.
You see, you've walked in and out of Brawl constantly, talking about how it's the “B show” and you don't wanna be there yet you turn up weekly. But no longer and this week we come to shut Smash down. And you know what that means J Mont? It means that The Fortunate Ones won't have a home for the holidays, in fact it means they won't have a home at all…
That's..
Unfortunate…
___________________
A member of the Swat team steps forward as Devlin rises back up to his feet, his hands covered in Page’s blood.
“Well now, what do we have here?”
The two police officers are shown rising up on the other side of the car in the lobby.
SWAT LEADER: Check on them.
One of the Swat team members comes around the backside of the car and escorts the two street patrols out of the building.
SWAT LEADER: Looks like we’ve got ourselves two dead bodies, shame. It doesn’t look like it’s going to be a great Christmas for either of you.
He then states.
SWAT LEADER: How… unfortunate.
Devlin speaks up.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: Just take me away, I don’t have anything else to say until I have my lawyer present.
The Swat leader nods his head under his helmet and directs his attention toward Damage.
SWAT LEADER: Aren’t you a tall drink of water? You won’t have any problems locked up…
The Swat Leader points at Devlin while then saying.
SWAT LEADER: He’ll be someone’s boyfriend by noon.
Laughter from the rest of the Swat Team is heard.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: I can’t believe this is how it all ends.
Damage glances over at Devlin where he speaks for the first time in a very unapologetic tone.
DAMAGE: Sorry.
The Swat Leader then states.
SWAT LEADER: Thankfully….
The Swat Leader throws his helmet off just as a flood of cameras rush into the front office through the opening in the front of the establishment and from the back escape room area to reveal…
ASHTON: YOU JUST GOT PUNK’D!
Devlin shockingly responds.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: What the hell?!?!
Devlin looks down at Page whose eyes are closed. Chris slowly opens them as he faints like he’s come back from the dead.
CHRIS PAGE: Wha… what happened?
Ashton is heard explaining.
ASHTON: Devlin Knight, your boys Chris Page and Damage put this together because they think you need to lighten up…
Devlin spouts out.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: Asshole!
Knight stomps on Chris’s chest before shifting his attention to Damage.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: And you!
DAMAGE: What?
DEVLIN KNIGHT: Nothing!
Chris is helped up by Ashton. The two shake hands.
CHRIS PAGE: Thank you, sir.
Ashton turns and motions for his crew and they leave the shop but before they do Ashton spins around and looks past Chris, Devlin, and Damage.
ASHTON: Come on Jack!
The clerk, apparently named Jack, crawls out from the wall over the hood and rolls off on the driver’s side. He joins the rest of the crew as they leave the three men by themselves on the set.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: You are both pricks!
Chris giggles under his breath.
CHRIS PAGE: Listen, it was just a little fun because we all need to lighten up a little bit. We are walking into a situation in which we can control the narrative. People might look at the three of us as an odd couple, a strange pairing… but what I see when I look at Damage is a big bastard that’s more motivated to leave a trail of broken bodies in his wake than I’ve ever seen…
Chris takes his gaze from Damage and drifts over toward Devlin.
CHRIS PAGE: When I look at you I see one of the best pure wrestlers on the face of the planet, and a guy that just needed someone to believe in him and his cause.
Chris looks over at Damage and then back at Devlin while he states.
CHRIS PAGE: I think you’ve found a couple.
Chris then states.
CHRIS PAGE: If an unhinged madman like Damage and one of the best pure wrestlers in the world wasn’t bad enough… add in the 2023 Denzel Porter Invitation Winner; a guy that sliced through the competition like a hot knife through butter while guys like J Mont couldn’t make it out of the first fucking round. At fifty-four years old I continue to outwork the industry because unlike most… I’m not a poser. I’ve beaten the village idiot before and I’ll be doing it again. The three of us have the chance right here, right now to burst the bubble of the fortunate ones.
Devlin chimes in.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: Didn’t Grado already do that?
Without hesitation, Chris responds.
CHRIS PAGE: Correct, so let’s further cement that fact.
Chris puts his right fist out toward both Devlin and Damage. Damage bumps his right fist up to Chris’s as they collectively look over at Devlin. There is a nod of the head and Devlin bumps his fist with his partners for what will be a Christmas that J Mont and his minions will never forget.
Devlin Knight’s voice opens our scene as the scene fades in.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: I never approached you.
The camera pans back to reveal Devlin is speaking with Chris Page. The two are dressed down, more on the casual side.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: Don’t get me wrong, I’m pleased that someone finally stepped up with me.
Chris nods his head before he states.
CHRIS PAGE: It’s simple, I can respect that you were the first to clap back at J Mont and his minions, and truthfully, seeing the responses you got is what forced my hand. I know better than anyone else what it’s like to have your motives questioned. Somebody had to give you a chance to prove yourself, and I think we both know what will happen if you stick a knife in my back.
There’s a cheeky smile that cracks Devlin’s face before he responds.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: If there is anyone who understands that people can change, it’s you.
Chris sarcastically responds.
CHRIS PAGE: Depends on who you ask, I suppose, or perhaps in my chase… it’s been proven my haters have been wrong about who they think I am. It’s a beautiful thing.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: Well, not everyone is Chris Page.
CHRIS PAGE: Very true.
Chris then states.
CHRIS PAGE: It’s not like you and I haven’t been down this road before. Collectively we are undefeated as a team, and ultimately I feel like if I stepped up and stood beside you maybe some of the others you approached will too. Consider my presence as a means to an end.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: I appreciate you for stepping to the plate and having my back… but uh… why are we here?
The camera pans back revealing….
CHRIS PAGE: What better way to build comradery than partaking in a team-building exercise? I mean, I know you but I haven’t ever teamed with The Untamed Demon, Damage.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: And with all your wisdom you thought now would be the right time to test that line? An escape room seems kind of…
CHRIS PAGE: Kind of what?
Devlin lets a deep sigh.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: Childish.
CHRIS PAGE: Have you seen anyone else taking a vested interest in punking the Fortunate Ones other than Damage? More importantly, how the hell do you deal with children if you can’t put yourself in their mindset?
DEVLIN KNIGHT: Good point.
CHRIS PAGE: You spoke about change, well it’s clear to me that Damage has made some changes of his own. Since we split the brands he’s shown me that he WANTS to get in the mix, which I can appreciate and respect.
The Fortunate Ones have shown the world they can do ONE thing, talk. It’s interesting that when push comes to shove you guys end up on the losing end of the battles that matter. Take this one as an example, J Mont has tried me and failed. He knows deep down in the pit of his stomach that he’s bitten off more than he can chew, again. It’s the same song and dance federation after federation after federation.
Shows up acting like a badass.
Get’s embarrassed.
Forms a faction.
Tries to pull a general manager.
Oh, can’t forget to buy watches as a way to show appreciation for being carried.
Fails again.
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly while expecting a different result. Here in the WGWF, you know… Where shit matters… J Mont couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a fucking boat, and now he’s found himself people dumber than him to co-sign. I wonder how right those waters are? I couldn't care less because my involvement is nothing more than that means to an end. I want the roster to see that sometimes things are worth the risk even if it means you must have a little bit of faith.
CHRIS PAGE: Sometimes it isn’t drawing in big names to wage war because sometimes it boils down to who is showing me they WANT it, and make no mistake about it when I say that I can see that Damage wants nothing more than to rip the heads from the shoulders of everyone involved with The Fortunate Ones.
Chris looks down at the Rolex on his right wrist.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: What’s the matter?
Devlin asks.
CHRIS PAGE: He should have been here by now.
Chris glances down both sides of the street looking for The Untamed Demon.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: Have you called him?
Chris turns his attention toward Devlin.
CHRIS PAGE: Oh, he’ll come.
Chris motions toward the door with his head before reaching out and pulling on the handle opening the door for Devlin to enter. Chris follows and the door automatically closes behind them. We fade inside a smaller establishment where we find a gentleman behind a counter.
“Good afternoon, you must be the party of three?”
The clerk asks a little confused while looking past Devlin and Page for the mysterious third.
“Did we have a no-show?”
CHRIS PAGE: That’s yet to be determined.
Devlin mutters under his breath.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: We can’t count on him.
Chris looks past Devlin’s words as he continues to address the clerk.
CHRIS PAGE: Were you able to set up the rooms as I asked?
“Yes sir, but my owner did ask what the obsession was. I mean, it is a little weird.”
CHRIS PAGE: Tell him I said you don’t ask questions that are above your pay grade.
“Let me see if everything is ready.”
He leaves Page and Devlin at the front counter and now Chris addresses Devlin’s statements.
CHRIS PAGE: You can pout or throw shade all you want when it comes to Damage. Why don’t you show me anyone else who has done anything but TALK about it? Talking about shit has ended.
People might throw their noses up in the air at The Untamed One, good. That’s exactly what I want you to do. I want you to sleep on him, I want to lure you further into that false sense of security so I can watch him snap any of you like a bunch of twigs for nothing more than my own amusement. You can pretend he’s a weak link, but the truth is he’s hungry. He’s focused… and you’re goddamn right you should be trembling in fear.
There’s a reason you pricks don’t want any part of him, or you wouldn’t run.
CHRIS PAGE: He didn’t have to show up in that parking lot on Smash… but he did. I’ve got a good feeling about this; as a matter of fact, it’s the same feeling I have about you. Everyone needs someone to believe in them, I can do that with both of you. If it bites me in the ass, it bites me in the ass.
The clerk comes back to the front counter.
“Everything is ready. Are you sure you don’t want to wait for the third in your party?”
Loud screeching of tires can be heard outside before the front entry doors shatter into thousands of pieces from a car that crashes through it causing both Devlin and Page to jump backward in separate directions with each narrowly avoiding being hit but it doesn’t save the front desk or the clerk for that matter as the car plows into them pinning the clerk between the car and the wall. The driver’s side door swings open and out steps the big bastard that is Damage.
___________________
Damage: (menacingly) Well, well, well... Mr. Clyde Newton, Ms. Amber Mansly, and the puppet master himself, Mr. Joe Montuori. Look at the three fortunate souls that destiny has chosen to step into the ring with The Untamed Demon and his partners. Mr. Clyde Newton, oh how the mighty have fallen! Once a respected adversary, now a mere lapdog of Mr. Joe Montuori. We've danced before. I respect your abilities, your in-ring prowess, but what happened to the fire, the untamed spirit that once burned within you? Mr. Clyde was once a force to be reckoned with. A man I once respected for his in-ring prowess. But respect is a fleeting sentiment. You've traded your wild spirit for a leash held by Mr.Montuori. You've become domesticated, a mere shadow of the man you used to be. And that, my friend, is why I am superior and I will prove it soon. Mr.Clyde, you have become weak. In our Six-Person Tag-Team Match, I'll show the world who truly stands above the rest.
Damage: Mr. Clyde Newton, you are a true meaning of being lackey, a minion, a shadow of your former self. You strut around with the so-called "Fortunate Ones," but let me make one thing crystal clear – there's no fortune in being a lapdog. You've sacrificed your untamed spirit for a taste of power, and that, my friend, is where we differ. Mr.Clyde, you may be fortunate to have allies like Ms.Amber Mansly and Mr.Joe Montuori, but I am untamed, unchained, and unyielding. While you play your games, I revel in the chaos. This Six-Person Tag-Team Match is not just a clash of bodies; it's a collision of ideologies. The Fortunate Ones may have their alliance, but we – Devlin Knight, Chris Page, and I – have something more potent: the untamed spirit that refuses to be shackled.
Damage: And You Ms.Amber Mansly...what can I say bout you?... If Mr. Clyde is a Lapdoh, you are nothing but a well-behaved kitten in the wrestling world, You think you can stand tall against the Untamed Demon? Oh, how naive! Ms. Amber, I repeat, you are nothing but a mere kitten, who imagines herself to be a big cat. This Six Person Tag team match will give you some reality, that winning sonme matches cannot make you come to the bigger league where bigger men play. I offer my pities to you, that this week, the kitten as her neck is destined to be twisted and contorted by the end of our clash. Ms. Amber, you may have played nice with others, but in the ring with Damage, you're about to learn that kittens don't stand a chance against demons. I can smell the Fear in you Ms. Amber, I can see the Uncertainty in your mind, I advice you have some Idea of second career, as thiis week your wrestling career may come to an end.
Damage: And then there's the puppet master himself, Mr. Joe Montuori. I can see through your schemes, Mr. Montuori, and I am ready to dismantle the web you've woven. No amount of manipulation can save you from the chaos that's about to be unleashed upon you. Prepare for the reckoning, for the Untamed Demon is coming for your very soul! You think you can control the chaos, but in reality, you're just orchestrating your own demise. You've surrounded yourself with lapdogs and kittens, but in the end, it's the untamed that will prevail. You pull the strings, but I'm here to cut them. You think you can control the uncontrollable? Think again. Your precious Fortunate ones will crumble at the hands of the Untamed Demon, and there's nothing you can do to stop it.
Damage: In the Six-Person Tag-Team Match, we will be the architects of destruction, leaving a trail of broken bodies in their wake. The Fortunate ones may have thought they had luck on their side, but against the Untamed Demon and his partners, luck is a fleeting illusion. Get ready to witness the mayhem, the carnage, and the absolute annihilation as I assert my dominance over Mr. Clyde Newton, twists Ms. Amber Mansly's fate, and drags Mr. Joe Montuori into the abyss! The Fortunate ones will soon learn that their luck has run out, and in the ring with myself, there's no escaping. Hear Me! Fortunate One!.. or do I call you Unfortunate ones!
(Damage Laughs loudly like a Devil himself, but he stops laughing, he looks at the camera with cold eyes, and starts to speak. Damage's voice becomes a low, threatening growl.)
Damage: Prepare yourselves for a descent into darkness, where the untamed shall reign supreme, and The Fortunate Ones will become unfortunate souls at our mercy. This, my friends, is your reckoning. Brace for the damage. Mr.Clyde Newton, Ms. Amber Mansly, Mr. Joe Montuori – you're just pawns in my game. I revel in the chaos, and your demise is imminent. Prepare yourselves for the darkness, for the untamed fury that will consume you all. This Six-Person Tag-Team Match will be a symphony of suffering, and I will be the conductor orchestrating your downfall. While you bask in your so-called fortune, we'll revel in the damage we inflict. Six souls will enter the ring, but mark my words – only the untamed will emerge victorious. Welcome to the realm of chaos, where Damage reigns supreme.
___________________
Page and Knight look on in shock at the body hanging over the front of the car as we hear Devlin frantically ask.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: What’d you do?!
But before Damage can answer we hear coming from behind the trio.
“HANDS UP! DON’T MOVE!”
All three comply as they spin around slowly to find two police officers with guns drawn in their direction. One of the officers slowly makes his way around the backside of the car and toward the front end where he checks for a pulse.
“He’s gone.”
The second officer states toward the first one which garners a response directed at Damage, Devlin, and Chris Page.
“Which one of you were driving?”
Suddenly Damage reaches out snatching the officer by the throat and hoists him up in the air with his legs dangling above the ground choking the life out of him. His partner screams out.
“Put him down or I will shoot!”
Damage continues to choke the life out of the police officer as the sounds of sirens approaching from the distance can be heard. The officer’s partner squeezes off a round firing at Damage!
CHRIS PAGE: NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Chris leaps in front of Damage knocking him out of the way and sacrificing himself for Damage taking the shot square in the chest. Chris lands hard on the floor while Damage turns and with the strength of the Demon throws the Police officer over the car and collides with his partner knocking them down. Devlin drops down to his knees applying pressure to the wound.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: DO SOMETHING!
Devlin screams at Damage. The sirens are closer. Knight looks down at Chris.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: STAY WITH ME!
Chris tried to speak but couldn’t get words out. Devlin leans closer and can make out what Chris is saying.
CHRIS PAGE: Don’t… lose… to… J Mont.
And just like that, Chris fades in Devlin’s arms. Before anything can be said a Swat Team in full tactical gear floods in through the opening left by the car driven by Damage. Guns are down and we see Damage and Devlin surrounded.
___________________
DEVLIN KNIGHT: So it's all come down to this eh? All this provocation by Joseph and The Fortunate Ones, trying to goad me into pulling on J Mont’s little fishing line and this is what it gets us…
The beginning of the end for TFO.
Just remember Joseph, you've brought this on yourself.
You talk as if Fred Debonair is dead, you talk as if he's been possessed by some entity named Devlin Knight but the truth is we both know damn well I'm the very same person.
I'm just better for it… And you're in trouble.
You guys actually thought running around town with some stupid ass, childish prop was gonna have me what? Becoming my old self? Acting the fool like you?
I'm better than that, I'm better than you. All three of you and to coin a known phrase… “And you know it.”
Amber Mansley you don't know me but please allow me to introduce myself. Of course you'd have heard the stories from J Mont and Clyde Newton’s mouths but don't believe everything those two poor excuses for men tell you because they'll only have you mistakenly believing you have a chance against Devlin Knight… Now I'm not sure if you actually believe you can make a difference specifically or if you're hanging on Joe, Enigma and Clyde's nutsacks for “other reasons” and to be honest I don't give a shit. The old me would have been that crass, but Devlin Knight will assume especially given your previous, you wanna handle yourself and give something to TFO.
But what?
It can't be your charm, your wit or your personality…
Looks? Perhaps but c'mon we've all got those. Except Enigma of course.
Perhaps it's your in-ring ability because admittedly it's the one thing with you I can agree is top notch, just a shame about your attitude though…
And, Influencer? I've influenced more women into bed and men into their career goals with a wink and a smile.
Ahh Clyde Newton, how goes it buddy? How did I know that the minute you showed your face here in the WGWF, you were gonna be straight back on the bootstraps of Joseph Montuori?? Oh, he's your best friend, right? Until he's done getting what he needs and then it's Adieu, Sayanora, Bon Voyage, and see ya later, Ali-freakin-gator… So I wasn't here when it all began? You're right I wasn't and I'd have told you not to do it but… I know you weren't insinuating I'm the two-faced one, Clyde.
We don't need to go too far into the past, do we, Clyde? How you were treated by J Mont elsewhere, but you came crawling back right? People like you are the reason I'm able to step back and see Joseph for the weak-minded, coward he truly is…
And you guys…?
Just his lost boys. Puppy dogs. Sheep…
And then there's the man himself. Joseph Montuori, manipulator extraordinaire? More like an expert whingebag. J Mont is that kid who takes his ball and goes home if things don't go his way… Ask him about Hostile Takeover, the little faction he formed when Shaun Hart said he and Thad Duke shouldn't go for the IIW Tag belts. He formed that group with Kim Pain and Mac Bane and in the grand scheme of things where are they now Joe?
Exactly…
That was around the time I began to work out who J Mont truly was, he starts questioning our friendship when I returned to the ring when in truth, it was this exact moment when he threw me under the bus because he was pissed off at Shaun’s decision.
And then J Mont wanted to continue the influx when I arrived in the WGWF a year ago. He knew his best option was to side with Devlin for “business reasons” and acted like his prior indiscretions never happened, but what's that saying?
Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.
Of course I was also a sick, twisted individual at this stage so part of me didn't really give a rats ass what Joseph did until once again he began to show his true colors. I think he hated that in my second match I ate good when I defeated him along with John Cable and Mac Bane, but can't be sure that was the moment if I'm honest, there were many times I made J Mont feel the fool we all know he is.
And then he went and dropped me on my face with a damn JKO.
And that Joseph is when I realised you actually had a death wish and absolutely no regard for the safety of your family. You snuck into the ring in my match against Artemis and laid me out, costing me the match… But that's okay because you had to be quick, but on Smash…
Me…
Page…
Damage…
It's going to be fully legal to take hold of you, Newton and Mansley, to beat you into oblivion, run you into the ground and pound you like butchers meat to within an inch of your life where you're begging us to stop.
But we’ll keep going.
And going…
And going until the begging us to stop turns into begging us to put you out of your misery because it doesn't matter how good you think you are…
We're better.
It doesn't matter how ruthless you think you can be…
We're more so.
And it doesn't matter what arsenal you think you're bringing to the table…
We're bringing more.
You see, you've walked in and out of Brawl constantly, talking about how it's the “B show” and you don't wanna be there yet you turn up weekly. But no longer and this week we come to shut Smash down. And you know what that means J Mont? It means that The Fortunate Ones won't have a home for the holidays, in fact it means they won't have a home at all…
That's..
Unfortunate…
___________________
A member of the Swat team steps forward as Devlin rises back up to his feet, his hands covered in Page’s blood.
“Well now, what do we have here?”
The two police officers are shown rising up on the other side of the car in the lobby.
SWAT LEADER: Check on them.
One of the Swat team members comes around the backside of the car and escorts the two street patrols out of the building.
SWAT LEADER: Looks like we’ve got ourselves two dead bodies, shame. It doesn’t look like it’s going to be a great Christmas for either of you.
He then states.
SWAT LEADER: How… unfortunate.
Devlin speaks up.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: Just take me away, I don’t have anything else to say until I have my lawyer present.
The Swat leader nods his head under his helmet and directs his attention toward Damage.
SWAT LEADER: Aren’t you a tall drink of water? You won’t have any problems locked up…
The Swat Leader points at Devlin while then saying.
SWAT LEADER: He’ll be someone’s boyfriend by noon.
Laughter from the rest of the Swat Team is heard.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: I can’t believe this is how it all ends.
Damage glances over at Devlin where he speaks for the first time in a very unapologetic tone.
DAMAGE: Sorry.
The Swat Leader then states.
SWAT LEADER: Thankfully….
The Swat Leader throws his helmet off just as a flood of cameras rush into the front office through the opening in the front of the establishment and from the back escape room area to reveal…
ASHTON: YOU JUST GOT PUNK’D!
Devlin shockingly responds.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: What the hell?!?!
Devlin looks down at Page whose eyes are closed. Chris slowly opens them as he faints like he’s come back from the dead.
CHRIS PAGE: Wha… what happened?
Ashton is heard explaining.
ASHTON: Devlin Knight, your boys Chris Page and Damage put this together because they think you need to lighten up…
Devlin spouts out.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: Asshole!
Knight stomps on Chris’s chest before shifting his attention to Damage.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: And you!
DAMAGE: What?
DEVLIN KNIGHT: Nothing!
Chris is helped up by Ashton. The two shake hands.
CHRIS PAGE: Thank you, sir.
Ashton turns and motions for his crew and they leave the shop but before they do Ashton spins around and looks past Chris, Devlin, and Damage.
ASHTON: Come on Jack!
The clerk, apparently named Jack, crawls out from the wall over the hood and rolls off on the driver’s side. He joins the rest of the crew as they leave the three men by themselves on the set.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: You are both pricks!
Chris giggles under his breath.
CHRIS PAGE: Listen, it was just a little fun because we all need to lighten up a little bit. We are walking into a situation in which we can control the narrative. People might look at the three of us as an odd couple, a strange pairing… but what I see when I look at Damage is a big bastard that’s more motivated to leave a trail of broken bodies in his wake than I’ve ever seen…
Chris takes his gaze from Damage and drifts over toward Devlin.
CHRIS PAGE: When I look at you I see one of the best pure wrestlers on the face of the planet, and a guy that just needed someone to believe in him and his cause.
Chris looks over at Damage and then back at Devlin while he states.
CHRIS PAGE: I think you’ve found a couple.
Chris then states.
CHRIS PAGE: If an unhinged madman like Damage and one of the best pure wrestlers in the world wasn’t bad enough… add in the 2023 Denzel Porter Invitation Winner; a guy that sliced through the competition like a hot knife through butter while guys like J Mont couldn’t make it out of the first fucking round. At fifty-four years old I continue to outwork the industry because unlike most… I’m not a poser. I’ve beaten the village idiot before and I’ll be doing it again. The three of us have the chance right here, right now to burst the bubble of the fortunate ones.
Devlin chimes in.
DEVLIN KNIGHT: Didn’t Grado already do that?
Without hesitation, Chris responds.
CHRIS PAGE: Correct, so let’s further cement that fact.
Chris puts his right fist out toward both Devlin and Damage. Damage bumps his right fist up to Chris’s as they collectively look over at Devlin. There is a nod of the head and Devlin bumps his fist with his partners for what will be a Christmas that J Mont and his minions will never forget.