Moving Forward

[Jay Phillips is in an interview area.]

Jay Phillips: My guest at this time is Jax Rivers.

[Jax steps into view next to Jay.]

Jay Phillips: Jax, you recently have had a series of run ins with Paul Priest and Jade. At the last event, you and Mandy were in a mixed tag team match with Paul and Jade. During that match, you and Jade had an altercation where you struck her, causing a disqualification. We know you tried to apologize to Jade but in the process, well, something happened.

[Jax looks up at the lights and takes a deep breath.]

Jax Rivers: I made a horrible mistake in that match. You can make a mistake and lose a match any day of the week. Afterward, you learn from it and go out the next night stronger for it. This is different. I did something I.. Jay, I don't know why I did what I did. It happened. I tried to correct it the only way I knew how. Somehow, in trying to correct my mistake, I made things even worse. Jade made it look like we were somehow involved with each other, Mandy saw it, got upset, and left. In a matter of days, I cost myself and my girlfriend a match, I lost the respect of those around me because of my actions, and now I have even lost my girlfriend. I came to the NRWL to better myself. Somehow, I have to move forward. I have to prove to myself, and everyone else, that I am the future of this company.

Jay Phillips: Well, I certainly believe that --- hey! What are you doing here?

[Storm Harrison walks into the interview with his bodyguard, Caleb, at his side. Storm has on a pair of sunglasses and takes them off to look over Jax Rivers.]

Storm Harrison: Jay, don't you have better things to do than interview this clown? You should be spending your time interviewing real stars like me, not these new guys. What has [makes quotes with his hands] Jax Rivers ever done noteworthy in this business?

Jay Phillips: You didn't need to quote his name. It's his actual name.  And he was a world champion before coming to NR ---

Storm Harrison: What wrestling company other than NRWL even matters? Please. World Champion.

[Storm takes a step toward Jax and pokes a finger in his chest.]

Storm Harrison: You may have come here thinking you could be a star but now you are standing next to a true superstar. Take a good look because this is the closest you will ever get to greatness.

Jax Rivers: I know you love to hear yourself talk but if you keep going I'm going to break your jaw.

[Caleb steps forward and puts a hand on Jax's shoulder. Jax throws it off.]

Jax Rivers: I'm not afraid of your monster! I've slayed giants before. If I have to do it again, I will, but it's you I want in the ring. I'll show you why I deserve to be here.

[Storm nods his head and then looks to Caleb. They trade some kind of silent communication. Storm looks back at Jax.]

Storm Harrison: Then I'll see you in the ring.

[Storm and Caleb walk off. Jax stares at them as they leave.]

The New Deathdealers?

[Storm Harrison is standing in the middle of the ring with his bodyguard Caleb at his side. He has a smile on his face and looks very excited.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Well WarHead, it was announced on the NRWL website that Storm Harrison had a major announcement concerning Season Six and we are about to hear it. What do you think he has to say?

WarHead: With Storm Harrison you never can tell. One thing I do know is that he is a showman, tried and true. Whatever he's got brewing is going to make headlines.

[Storm reaches up to whisper something to Caleb. He shakes one of his suit sleeves, straightens his tie, and then begins to speak into the microphone in his hand.]

Storm Harrison: Thank you all for being here tonight for this monumental announcement. As you know, this new season is bringing many changes. There are some new faces on the roster. We've got an entire development league starting up to find the next Storm Harrison... not that they will find him, but hey, doesn't hurt to try!

[Storm laughs off mic and jabs Caleb on the arm to join in. Caleb attempts a smile but it looks awkward and appears to hurt his face to even try. Storm shrugs and continues.]

Storm Harrison: Big C here isn't big on the laughs but that's ok. Tonight is his night. He can do whatever he wants. Yes, tonight's announcement is for him! Ten years ago, in the autumn months of 2003, NRWL launched its first season and this man debuting for the first time. Caleb was a member of The Death Dealers, a legendary faction led by Hall of Famer, The Druid.

[The crowd cheers at the mention of The Druid.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: The Death Dealers was a powerful trio. Easily one of the most fearful groups in wrestling history.

WarHead: I remember them well, Amp. And who could forget The Druid? One of the most iconic wrestlers in Masters of Wrestling and NRWL history. 

Storm Harrison: The Druid helped breed Caleb into the powerful beast he is today. Now, ten years later, Caleb is going to be that mentor to the next generation. He will lead The New Death Dealers to NRWL dominance. The NRWL will be forever changed. A new dark era is upon us.... and it's all thanks to me!

[The crowd reacts, surprisingly, with cheers.]

WarHead: The New Death Dealers? I never saw this one coming. Well done, Stormy. Well done.

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Of course he's taking full credit for this! More importantly, who, exactly, is Caleb going to mentor?

WarHead: That may be the scariest part of this whole thing. It could be anyone.

[Storm puffs out his chest and smiles.]

Storm Harrison: It gets better. The reason for the success of The Death Dealers was because of the immense talent of the group as a whole. I spent good money to get the right talent for this. Tonight, I am proud to be the one to announce Caleb's new partner.

[Storm looks at Caleb and winks. Caleb nods and stands triumphant.]

WarHead: Here we go.

Storm Harrison: I knew exactly who we needed. I watched his matches. I saw how dominant he was in the ring. Caleb and I agreed. This was the man who was going to help take the New Death Dealers to the very top of the NRWL. He's a second generation wrestler. He's got his father's talent and intimidation factor. The new member of the New Death Dealers is so appropriate because he brings this whole thing full circle. The Death Dealers started with The Druid and now it continues.. with his son.

[The crowd begins to react with excitement.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Oh my... The Druid's son! WarHead, can you believe this?!?

WarHead: I said it before and I'll say it again. Storm Harrison is making headlines tonight. This is huge, Amp!

[Storm waits a moment for the crowd to settle a little.]

Storm Harrison: So, without further delay. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome... WARLOCK!!!!

[A haunting,powerful, Hollywood blockbuster-style entrance theme begins to play throughout the arena as the lights blink out. A pale purple lighting illuminates the entire stage floor and the ramp to the ring. The effect is otherworldly. A flame ignites on each of the ring posts. Storm Harrison and Caleb are bathed in purple light shining from above. They appear to be pleased. Creepy videos play on the giant screen above the stage. After about a minute, Storm and Caleb look at each other with some concern.]

WarHead: I think something is wrong. Ol' Stormy and "Big C" look a little confused.

[The music stops, the flames on the ring posts die out, the illuminated stage returns to it's normal metal color. The lights come back on. Storm leans outside the ring ropes, visibly upset at someone working the production crew outside the ring. After they speak for a few moments, Storm nods and steps back to the middle of the ring. Jim "The Amp" Johnson and WarHead can be heard trying to hold back laughter at the announcer's table.]

Storm Harrison: Well, Ok. Let's try this again. Ladies and gentlemen. Warlock!!!

[The lights go dark in the arena again. Suddenly, the big screen above the stage turns on showing a view of an alley entrance outside the arena. It's too dark to see in the ring but Storm Harrison can be heard yelling "What are you idiots doing?!?" to someone.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Fans, I -- I'm not sure what is happening here. We are just as confused as you ----

WarHead: Something is happening on the screen!

[A black 1938 Rolls Royce Wraith comes barreling around the corner and down the alley. It comes to a halt just in front of a large service door behind the arena. It sits there idling. The sound system in the arena begins to make some pounding bass noise. As the driver's side door of the Wraith opens, a child's voice comes over the sound system.]

Child's Voice: When I grow up I want to be a rock star!

[Rob Zombie's cover of "We're an American Band" begins to blast throughout the arena as the lights come back on. A man steps out of the Wraith, dressed in black, with long white dreadlocks, black face paint and lipstick, and a big smile on his face. His teeth are pointed. Back in the ring, Storm Harrison is fuming. He is screaming at the screen. Caleb looks angrier than he has ever looked before. The crowd is cheering madly.]

WarHead: Is this Warlock? Amp, I don't think this is what Stormy had in mind.

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: The joke's on Storm Harrison and Caleb, I think! Things are getting interesting here at the NRWL Arena. I can barely hear myself. This crowd is making some serious noise!

[Warlock walks into the backstage area and screams "Cooommeee ooonn!!!!" while pumping up people working backstage. The energy is electric. He struts through the hallways toward the stage slapping hands with people along the way. He reaches the back of the stage, grabs a microphone off of a table, and steps out into the arena. The crowd, already cheering loudly, gets even louder as he appears for the first time in person. He stands at the top of the ramp, extends his arms out, throws his head back, and tosses his dreads back and forth behind him while fireworks blow up all over the stage. He looks toward the ring, smirks, and then walks down the ramp.]

Warlock: COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!

[The crowd reacts with more cheers. He walks up the ring steps, grabs the ring post, and hangs off it while pumping his free hand in the air. Warlock steps on the ring apron and quickly climbs through the ropes. He stands there in the ring looking at the fans with a huge smile on his face.]

Storm Harrison: Stop it! Turn off the stupid music! STOP!

[The music stops abruptly. Warlock's smile disappears and he stares at Storm.]

Storm Harrison: What is this? What are you doing? This isn't what we talked about at all! What happened to the mask you were wearing in tribute to your father? The elaborate entrance we had planned? I spent a fortune on the production for your entrance music alone!!! What is the matter with you!

[Warlock smiles and in a loud, gravelly voice, responds]

Warlock: Sorry to disappoint you, Friend-O, but being a brooding, shadowy individual isn't a family trait! That's what people wanted me to be but that's just a bore! But if there is something that runs in the family it's being an opportunist. See, I wanted to get to the NRWL and you provided me a way in. I just wasn't at all interested in doing it the way you wanted! You and your big buddy here can get going. The fans and I have some business to attend to! COME ON!!!!!!

[The crowd begins to cheer again and Warlock walks around the ring pumping up the fans. Caleb steps toward him but Storm quickly puts a hand on his chest and stops him.]

WarHead: This might be the greatest thing I've ever seen. Talk about one of your all time backfires. 

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Not for the NRWL, though! Warlock is here and he's already causing the fans to go into a frenzy!

[Storm Harrison says something to Caleb and then, looking at Warlock, smiles.]

Storm Harrison: Warlock. Warlock!

[Warlock suddenly stops cheering with the fans and looks at Storm with an overly dramatic surprised look.]

Storm Harrison: Ok, so I might have overreacted. You want to go about this your own way. I understand. It's just that I want you to understand something first.

[Storm walks up to Warlock, puts an arm around his shoulder and faces the both of them toward the audience.]

Storm Harrison: You don't want to get engaged with these, uh, people. They have no loyalty. They will give you nothing in return. If you want to be successful, you need to stick with the plan. Let me get you the opportunities, let Caleb give you the guidance. It's all for the best.

[Warlock steps away from Storm, looks out at the crowd with a sneer. Then, he smiles and throws a hand at the crowd in a "just kidding!" gesture.]

Warlock: You know, the problem with you, Storm, is that you don't know how to feed off of the energy! Here, give it a try. COME---- [Warlock quickly dodges a boot to the head from Caleb. He hits Caleb with several quick kicks to the chest but is caught from behind in a full nelson by Storm Harrison. Caleb recovers and delivers a body blow punch to Warlock’s midsection. Warlock falls to the mat and Caleb stomps him. Storm joins in.]

Jim “The Amp” Johnson: Warlock is in trouble!

[Caleb picks Warlock up and holds him while Storm slaps his face and yells at him. Storm backs up and prepares for a super kick. As he begins to kick, Warlock slips out of Caleb’s arms and the kick hits Caleb right in the throat. The big man falls to the mat. Storm stares at his bodyguard, stunned. Warlock quickly grabs Storm and DDTs him to the mat. He kicks Storm under the ropes to the floor. Caleb begins to get up and Warlock grabs him by the shoulders and tosses him through the ropes to the outside as well. Warlock’s music begins to play once again and he gets up on the ropes and cheers with the fans.]

WarHead: Well, Warlock got out of trouble on this one but I think he picked the wrong people to piss off.

Jim ”The Amp” Johnson: I’d have to agree with you there, WarHead. Storm Harrison cannot be happy about this turn of events.

[Storm Harrison and Caleb stand on the outside of the ring watching Warlock interact with the fans. Caleb looks at Storm, points to the ring and jabs a thumb into his own chest, signaling that he wanted to get revenge. Harrison nods and looks back to the ring. He begins to smile.]

The Hunter Becomes The Hunted

*Johnny Young is in the NRWL Arena parking lot looking for signs of Storm Harrison and his new bodyguard, Caleb. NRWL Reporter Jay Phillips runs up behind Johnny.*

Jay Phillips: Johnny! Johnny, where are you going?

*Johnny turns around and grabs Jay by the collar.*

Johnny Young: Back off, Jay. You know where I'm going. I don't rest until I find that punk, Storm Harrison. I hope his heavy is with him, too. Caleb may think he's intimidating but he doesn't scare me. The only thing he can do is make me mad. Putting me through that wooden desk was enough to get my attention. I don't know where he's been all these years but I'm going to send him right on back there.

*A Lincoln Towncar drives toward Johnny and Jay. It stops. Both men stare at the car as it idles, headlights still blinding them from seeing the driver. After a moment, Johnny gently pushes Jay aside and tells him to get back. The driver's side rear door opens and Storm Harrison steps out wearing an expensive suit.*

Storm Harrison: I thought the NRWL kept this parking lot clean of trash. Mind getting out of the way?

*Johnny immediately runs toward Storm, who stands his ground. As Johnny approaches the car, the driver's door swings open and knocks Johnny down. Caleb steps out from behind the wheel and grabs Johnny off the pavement. He sneers at Johnny and then proceeds to chokeslam him on the hood of the car. Storm runs over to his stunned rival and gets in a couple of cheap punches.*

SH: Oh Johnny, you are so blinded with rage. This is too easy. You assaulted the band leader of my show, you've been destroying everything in your path to find me. Well, old pal, here I am. You know, the moment I entered the NRWL, I always resented you. I always wanted to rip that smug look off of your face. You put me out of action for a long time. Well, it's time to return the favor. Caleb put you through my talk show desk and I liked it so much, I want to see it again. Caleb will be waiting in the ring at the next event to face you in a tables match!!! Caleb, get this bug off of my car and let's go.

*Caleb rolls Johnny off onto the ground. Caleb waits for Storm to get in the back of the car and then closes the door. Just as he is about to step into the driver's seat, he sneers at Jay Phillips who is standing off to the side. Caleb sits in the car, slams the door, and peels out. Jay runs over to Johnny Young to check on his condition.*

JP: Johnny! Johnny, are you alright? Johnny?!

*Johnny rolls onto his side and shakes his head. He finds the bumper of a nearby car and uses it to pull himself up to his knees. He is breathing heavy. After a moment to collect himself, he stands and looks in the direction of Storm's departed car.*

JY: I'll meet your monster in that ring, Storm. *panting* And then... I'm coming right for you.

*Medical staff arrives and begins to check out Johnny. Jay Phillips stands there in shock, unable to sign off for the camera as he usually does.*

Storm Watch With Johnny Young - The Apology Episode

*Tony Raine and the Tornadoes are finishing up a song while Storm Harrison sits at his desk listening. The band finishes and Storm turns to the camera while tapping a pencil on the desk.*

Storm Harrison: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest tonight is someone whom I have had a long standing feud with. It was last season when this man attacked me, unprovoked, and put me out of action for some time. Now, it is time to bury that hatchet and move on. Please welcome, Johnny Young!

*The Tornadoes begin to play something but it is suddenly muted out by Johnny Young's music blaring through the arena. The band stops and looks around. Tony Raine is clearly annoyed. Johnny Young steps out to the stage and the fans start cheering. He walks over to Storm Harrison who greets him in front of his desk. Storm looks agitated but does his best to grin and bear it. Johnny has a wide smile and gives Storm an overly enthusiastic handshake. Storm motions his hand to the chair next to Storm's desk and Johnny takes a seat. Storm walks back behind the desk and sits down.*

Johnny Young: Storm. I gotta say, it's a nice set you've got here. Great looking desk. Ikea?

SH: You son of a -- No. It is not Ikea. This is a very expensive desk! It has handcrafted by master craftsmen and... and you know what? It doesn't matter. I really don't appreciate you disrespecting my band by playing your music over them and I don't appreciate you making wise cracks about my fantastic talk show. That being said, you are Johnny Young and I shouldn't expect any less.

JY: Really, I do like the desk.

SH: Ok, ok. So the reason you are here is because you attacked me, injured me so badly that a lesser man would not have recovered. I think we'd both like to move on and you have graciously offered to apologize to me.

JY: I have agreed to make an apology.

SH: And right here, on my show!

JY: I have agreed to make an apology here, on your show.

SH: Well, anytime you are ready to apologize to me, you go ahead.

*Storm adjusts his tie and smiles with a look of victory on his face.*

JY: Well Storm, I said I would apologize but I never said I wanted to apologize to you.

*Storm looks puzzled.*

SH: What?

JY: I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to the NRWL fans. Fans, I am truly sorry that I shoved Storm Harrison down the stairs. If I had known that he would have become this annoying I would never, ever have done it. Please, I beg of you to find it in your hearts to forgive me for what I've done. It's all my fault that you have to deal with this obnoxious talking head.

SH: How dare you!!!

*Storm dives over the desk and tackles Johnny Young. Both men roll over the couch to the floor. Johnny gets the upper hand and throws Storm over the back of the couch. Storm gets up and raises his hands to Johnny, who is approaching from the other side of the couch.*

SH: Johnny, Stop! Stop Johnny! Don't do this! I'm serious. Don't do this. You don't know how big of a mistake this is. Johnny, if you don't back down right now it will be the biggest mistake of your life.

*Johnny jumps over the couch and grabs Storm by the tie. He looks over at Storm's desk and then looks to the crowd, pointing to the desk. The crowd cheers loudly. Johnny smiles, and throws Storm down to the floor behind the desk. He then sets Storm up for a power bomb through the desk. Just as he starts to pick Storm up, Johnny is hit from behind by a huge man in a leather jacket. Storm quickly crawls away. The huge man slams Johnny's head into the desk several times. He spins Johnny around and punches him in the face several times before a hard punch to the gut. The man delivers a gutwrench powerbomb to Johnny Young through the heavy desk. As the crowd boos loudly, the man stands over Johnny Young's motionless body, staring down at him. Storm Harrison stands up slowly and cautiously walks over to the destroyed desk. He finds a microphone among the wreckage.*

SH: *Speaking slowly* I told you, Johnny. You didn't listen to me. All you had to do was apologize. It's all I wanted and we could have moved on. You couldn't even give me that.You are a vicious, dangerous man and I haven't forgotten what you did to me. I wasn't going to be stupid enough to let it happen again. I knew I needed protection if things turned sour. So, I found one of the dangerous men to ever wrestle in the NRWL and I hired him to be my bodyguard.

*The man standing over Johnny Young's battered body lifts his head, revealing an angry face with cold, white eyes.*

SH: Johnny, meet my new bodyguard. Caleb!!!

*Storm tosses the microphone onto Johnny's chest and kicks him in the shoulder once. Johnny doesn't move. The fans boo Storm as he walks away. Caleb follows close behind his new employer as they walk backstage.*