Line of Succession

When the President of the United States is deemed ineligible to rule - through the president's removal, death, resignation, or inability - the Vice President takes over as the United States President.

This leads to ask, who becomes the Vice President? Are they chosen by the new President or are they picked from a line? There is in fact a line of succession in leadership and upon removal, all members in the line move up. Those who choose not the move up allow those below them to move ahead of them.

President pro tempore of the Senate

The president pro tempore of the United States Senate (often shortened to president pro tem) is the second-highest-ranking official of the United States Senate. Article One, Section Three of the United States Constitution provides that the vice president of the United States is the president of the Senate (despite not being a senator), and mandates that the Senate must choose a president pro tempore to act in the vice president's absence. Unlike the vice president, the president pro tempore is an elected member of the Senate, able to speak or vote on any issue. Selected by the Senate at large, usually by a resolution which is adopted by unanimous consent without a formal vote, the president pro tempore has enjoyed many privileges and some limited powers. During the vice president's absence, the president pro tempore is empowered to preside over Senate sessions. Except when necessary or to highlight important votes, the vice president and the president pro tempore rarely preside; instead, the duty of presiding officer is rotated among junior U.S. senators of the majority party to give them experience in parliamentary procedure.

Current President pro tempore of the Senate: Patrick Leahy



A member of the Democratic Party, Leahy is now in his eighth term of office. He is the most senior member of the Senate, and the last of the Senate's "Watergate Babies"—Democrats first elected to Congress in 1974, following President Richard Nixon's 1974 resignation over the Watergate scandal. Leahy is also the only sitting senator to have served during Gerald Ford's presidency, and one of just two to have served during Jimmy Carter's term.

Speaker of the United States House of Representatives

The speaker of the United States House of Representatives, commonly known as the speaker of the House, is the presiding officer of the United States House of Representatives. The office was established in 1789 by Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. The speaker is the political and parliamentary leader of the House of Representatives, and is simultaneously the House's presiding officer, de facto leader of the body's majority party, and the institution's administrative head. Speakers also perform various other administrative and procedural functions. Given these several roles and responsibilities, the speaker usually does not personally preside over debates. That duty is instead delegated to members of the House from the majority party. Neither does the speaker regularly participate in floor debates.

Current Speaker of the United States House of Representatives: Nancy Pelosi



Pelosi was first elected to Congress in 1987, following her father, Thomas D'Alesandro Jr., who served as a U.S. representative from Maryland and Mayor of Baltimore, into politics. She is the dean of California's congressional delegation, having begun her 18th term in 2021. Pelosi represents California's 12th congressional district, which comprises four-fifths of the city and county of San Francisco. She initially represented the 5th district (1987–1993), and then, when district boundaries were redrawn after the 1990 Census, the 8th district (1993–2013). Pelosi has led the House Democrats since 2003—the first woman to lead a party in Congress—serving twice each as House Minority Leader (2003–2007 and 2011–2019) and as Speaker (2007–2011 and since 2019).

Vice President of the United States

The vice president of the United States (VPOTUS) is the second-highest officer in the executive branch of the U.S. federal government, after the president of the United States, and ranks first in the presidential line of succession. The vice president is also an officer in the legislative branch, as the president of the Senate. In this capacity, the vice president is empowered to preside over Senate deliberations, but may not vote except to cast a tie-breaking vote. The vice president is indirectly elected together with the president to a four-year term of office by the people of the United States through the Electoral College.

The modern vice presidency is a position of significant power and is widely seen as an integral part of a president's administration. While the exact nature of the role varies in each administration, most modern vice presidents serve as a key presidential advisor, governing partner, and representative of the president. The vice president is also a statutory member of the National Security Council and thus plays a significant role in national security matters. As the vice president's role within the executive branch has expanded, the legislative branch role has contracted; for example, vice presidents now preside over the Senate only infrequently.

Current Vice President of the United States: Kamala Harris



Born in Oakland, California, Harris graduated from Howard University and the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. She began her career in the Alameda County District Attorney's Office, before being recruited to the San Francisco District Attorney's Office and later the City Attorney of San Francisco's office. In 2003, she was elected district attorney of San Francisco. She was elected Attorney General of California in 2010 and re-elected in 2014. Harris served as the junior United States senator from California from 2017 to 2021. Harris defeated Loretta Sanchez in the 2016 Senate election to become the second African American woman and the first South Asian American to serve in the United States Senate. As a senator, she advocated for healthcare reform, federal de-scheduling of cannabis, a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, the DREAM Act, a ban on assault weapons, and progressive tax reform. She gained a national profile for her pointed questioning of Trump administration officials during Senate hearings, including Trump's second Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, who was accused of sexual assault.

President of the United States

The president of the United States (POTUS) is the head of state and head of government of the United States of America. The president directs the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces.

The power of the presidency has grown substantially since its formation, as has the power of the federal government as a whole. While presidential power has ebbed and flowed over time, the presidency has played an increasingly strong role in American political life since the beginning of the 20th century, with a notable expansion during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. In contemporary times, the president is also looked upon as one of the world's most powerful political figures as the leader of the only remaining global superpower. As the leader of the nation with the largest economy by nominal GDP, the president possesses significant domestic and international hard and soft power.

Current President of the United States: Joe Budden



Joseph Anthony Budden II is an American broadcaster, cultural critic, media personality, and former rapper. He first gained recognition as a rapper, best known for his 2003 top 40 single "Pump It Up" and as a member of the hip hop supergroup Slaughterhouse. In November 2020, he won the United States Election against Donald Trump becoming the second even African American President and the second ever United States President to not have a political background.

We come in to Capital Hall where we see Senator Shay Hoxton speaking with Head Senator Patrick Leahy after the latest meeting.

I gotta say, Mr. Hoxton, I am pleasantly surprised at the fact that you managed to get Capital Hill rented out for Showdown at the Senate! Like, extremely surprised. I honestly have no idea how you got permission to turn this building into a wrestling arena for the week.

Shay smiles and simply shrugs.

What can I say, if I have one skill, it’s knowing the right people. Don’t be worried, we may lose the Senate house for a week, but I spoke to Dashing DJ Urie before he was unjustly fired, and I managed to get him to promise me ninety nine free tickets… one for every single Senator in America!

Except myself of course, I’ll be busy wrestling.

Leahy’s jaw drops.

Well that’s wonderful news! You’ve always been so good to everybody, Mr. Hoxton, you really do have a bright future in this world, and I assure you, I will personally make sure of that!

I’m glad to hear you say that, it’s greatly appreciated. Oh? Who are they over there?

Shay and Leahy turn around and notice two people approaching them: a middle aged woman and an early 20s Latino man.

Oh! That's my daughter! And also… I don’t quite know. Alicia, it’s good to see you! Who is your friend?

The man smiles and reaches out his hand.

Hello sir, my name is Jose.

_______________________________________________________

Jose was always a person who had only himself. Growing up on the streets of San Diego, he was kicked out of his house at the age of 15. After three years of less than honorable work, Jose decided to only associate himself with good hearted people and do only good work. At 18 years old, he was hired by the extremely good hearted Shay Hoxton to take one of his matches instead against a psychotic Canadian who carried a shotgun wherever he went. At 18 years old, he made his appearance as Jose Hoxton in 2015. Being his first time ever in the ring, he was quickly brutalized by Justin Harlin, only making $20 for the beating.

Feeling upset and ripped off, Jose broke into the home of Shay Hoxton with the hope of robbing him enough for a fair pay. This shocked and impressed Hoxton, both for Jose’s fire and for his ability to track him down. Hoxton officially employed Jose Hoxton to work with him. He gave Jose light wrestling training during his sessions, gave Jose shelter allowing him to live in his workout room, and used Jose to gain information whenever he needed.

Whenever Jason Spade walked the streets, Jose was one of the people in the background. When Shay needed back alley surgery, it was Jose watching and making sure he wasn’t walking into a trap. When Cameron Kray and Shay Hoxton made a partnership, it was Jose playing the role of the janitor making sure Kray wasn’t conspiring against his boss. As Shay’s eyes and ears, Jose Hoxton quickly became Shay’s most trusted ally.

With the reintroduction of Doug Fister - Shay Hoxton’s wrestling coach - back into the Hoxton family, Jose Hoxton was taught advanced skills in both lucha, boxing, and technical wrestling.

Despite it all, Jose was a good man who never did anything wrong outside of direct orders from Shay Hoxton himself. He was a well respected member of the Reno community, helping at local homeless shelters and fighting for the better futures of the youths of Nevada.

This was until the Winterfest of in January 2020. Taking place in Canada, Jose came with Shay Hoxton. There, he met with an old acquaintance of his - Chris Proudfoot - and obtained the contact information of Justin Harlin. While Shay Hoxton celebrated his victory over Bob Luger, Jose started his first ever scheme, finding the address of Harlin, blocking his doors and windows with snow, and cutting the heat, power, and telephone lines. This gave Harlin a severe case of frostbite, in which he survived, but it is still in question if he will ever wrestle again. Little will Harlin expect this natural disaster to ever be the fault of the jobber he brutalized five years prior.

With this scheme, Jose Hoxton earned a new level of respect from Shay Hoxton. With this he has earned a role in Shay Hoxton’s greatest plan to date.

_______________________________________________________

Patrick Leahy shakes Jose’s hand.

It’s nice to meet you, Jose. So, uh, how do you know Alica?

Alicia smiles, unable to hold her excitement.

Dad, Jose and I have been working together for a while now, and… oh I can’t hide it anymore, Jose and I are engaged!

Patrick’s jaw drops to the floor.

What?!

Shay stands in the back with a large smile on his face.

Hey! That’s wonderful news! Congratulations Alicia! And congratulations, Jose Leahy.

Jose laughs.

That’s me! It’s nice to meet you, Senator Hoxton, right?

As Jose and Shay trade pleasantries, Patrick interrupts.

Wait just a moment, you’re engaged?! How have I never even met this man?!

Alica Leahy looks towards her father caringly, but then after a glance from Jose, she turns aggressive.

Well maybe if you actually cared enough to pay attention to my life, you would! Jose is right, you’re so busy with your job that you don’t even have the time for your own family anymore!

Patrick is extremely confused.

It’s never been a problem before, why is it a problem now?

Alicia simply turns away.

You’ve been a Senator for over 40 years. You’ve lived a good life, you’ve made money, staying the Head Senator is nothing but selfish and self destructive. We hoped you could see that, but clearly you can’t. That’s why… that’s why…

Jose comforts his fiancé.

It’s okay, babe, you can say it.

Alicia turns back towards her dad.

If you keep your job, then it shows us you care more about your job than your family! Jose and I are getting married in two weeks, and Senator Leahy is not invited! Please, Dad, make the right choice.

She and Jose begin to walk away.

Wait, Alicia! Do you really feel like this?

Alicia stops and simply nods.

Then okay. I’ll resign from my position.

Alicia turns around brimming. She runs over and hugs her father.

Oh thank you Dad! I knew you loved us!

Patrick hugs his daughter for a few seconds. Jose casually approaches Senator Hoxton and the two men share a smile, and a fist bump.

I knew you could do it.

Patrick and Alicia stop hugging and he turns towards Hoxton.

Well, Mr. Hoxton, this was… quite unexpected. I suppose I need to announce my resignation tomorrow. We will need to vote on a replacement Head of Senate, but that could be difficult since you’re doing construction here.

Well, Mr. Leahy, what if we hold the election at Showdown at the Senate itself? All the Senators will be together anyways! And don’t worry sir, even though you’re no longer a Senator, I will personally purchase the tickets for your entire family to view the event, including you Jose!

That’s appreciated, amigo. You’re a good man, truly.

Patrick simply nods.

Yes, you are. I’m a bit disappointed though, now that I’m resigned, I can’t really help your career. Well, unless….

Unless?

N- no, it’s nothing… unless… forget about it for now. I’m sorry to leave early, but I think the three of us need to go get dinner. I would love to learn about you, Jose, and I’d love to catch up with you, Alicia.

Shay Hoxton smiles at his now former boss.

You do that, I’ll continue my work here. Have a great night, you three.

Shay addresses the three, but looks specifically at Jose.

I’ll see you all later.

As the Leahy family exits the Senate building, Shay simply stands there unable to hold in his joy. The scene fades to black.

The camera comes in to the United States Senate house at the end of a meeting. The camera pans up to see the President Pro Tempore - Shay Hoxton - watching over everybody. As the Head Senator, Hoxton presides over everything, making him to most powerful Senator there. However, that does not make him the leader of the Senate. The title goes to the woman sitting right next to him, the Vice President of the United States of America: Kamala Harris. With everybody packing up and leaving, Kamala starts conversing with Shay.

So, I watched Cyberslam.

Shay’s eyebrow raises, caught off guard.

Oh?

Yeah, it was a great night for your team, a clean sweep.

Shay slightly pauses before answering, still slightly stunned.

Yes, we trained hard, strategized a lot together, I’m glad everything paid off.

Another awkward pause.

You know, there was something I was wondering.

Shay’s heart rate goes up. Is she about to catch him in his lie?

At Ascendance 7, you said you looked up to Brett Angel when you just started being a wrestler. How did you even know about him though, when Angel debuted in CMV months after you debuted in NGCW?

Hoxton cocks his head, completely dumbstruck. Does Kamala Harris… know wrestling?

Oh, uh, well Xander Slate had a special contract. He was able to work in both NGCW and CMV, and I heard him bragging about his work. I looked up a few shows - you know, to make fun of him - and saw a newly debuted Brett Angel. Despite having less experience than me, he had some strengths where I had weaknesses, and seeing those strengths helped me overcome my problems.

Harris nods, listening to every word.

Interesting, and was this bragging like, when Slate was in development with you?

Uh… no, it’d be around Assault. That was a big show for him, since he-

He fought Liam Amber in a loser leaves NGCW match, yeah.

Shay is just wide eyed at her interruption. This lady absolutely knows wrestling.

So, I see you’re a wrestling fan. I’m surprised nobody’s ever told me before.

Well, truth be told, I’ve not really been vocal about it. When you’re in a position like mine, you can’t really give people things they can use against you. Once upon a time I wanted to be a pro wrestler, but my political career is more important.

But being a wrestler is cooler though, isn’t it?

Harris chuckles.

I guess it is. Oh well, I wouldn’t even know where to start.

Well, funnily enough, the man who trained me lives near my home in Reno. Maybe if you ever find yourself free, you could come to my gym. It wouldn’t be anything serious of course, but it’s always great to put your foot into the door of your dreams. Hell, if everything goes well, maybe Ascendance 9 could have Team USA, Senator Shay and VP Harris vs. the King of the Hill and Amber Reed! Maybe it won’t be that crazy, but I still think it could be neat.

Harris looks down with a smile on her face.

I won’t make any promises, but I’ll keep the offer in mind. I have to go for today, but I’ll keep in touch.

The vice president stands up and gets ready to leave.

Oh, and have fun dealing with Pierre Thompson, Head Senator Hoxton.

Shay Hoxton sits there and watches as she leaves. He never expected the next part of his plan to fall together so perfectly. He may not be a gambler anymore, but it seems Lady Luck is still on his side.

The camera comes in to Head Senator Shay Hoxton and his personal wrestling coach Doug Fister stretching in Shay’s personal gym in Reno, Nevada.

So, you said you have someone new for me to train?

That’s right, I have a friend who’s super into wrestling, and while it won’t be anything serious, I think you can teach her enough to satisfy her curiosity. Since she won’t be in the ring or anything, you don’t need to focus too much on the basics, we can just go over things like strikes, light chain wrestling, the flashy things.

Coach Doug raises up to his feet, wearing a USA jersey and sweats.

So, who is this friend of yours? Where’d you meet? Is she single?

Shay lays down on the ground and kips up to his feet. He’s wearing his wrestling tights with sneakers, a right knee brace, and a matching USA jersey.

She’s the current Vice President of the United States of America: Kamala Harris.

Doug’s eyes go wide and he looks directly at Shay, his voice falling to a serious tone.

You mean it’s finally time?

Shay simply nods.

Okay… we can do this, Shay. I’ll admit this was always my least favorite part of the plan, but…

Coach Doug rests his hand on Hoxton’s shoulder, looking up at him.

But let’s get you one step closer to your dream!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The scene cuts to Kamala Harris entering the gym in typical gym clothing. There she says hello to Shay Hoxton and introduces herself to Coach Doug. After, we get a montage of the team training and learning to wrestle.

The three warm up, stretching and jogging for a few minutes. Once ready, the three get into the ring to practice chain wrestling.

Alright Kamala, I’m going to teach you how to turn a lockup into a headlock! First, we’ll do it blind, then I’ll teach you how to do it. After, I’ll do the transition a few more times, with you now knowing what to look for! After that, you do some practicing on me!

Okay!

Coach Doug and Kamala Harris lock up. He then windmills his arm around the back of her shoulder and wraps it around her neck, leaning his weight down and putting her into a headlock. We cut to them doing it again, and again, and again. Now we look at Harris trying to put a headlock onto Doug and failing. She tries it again, no dice. One more time, and she gets it! Three tries for her first headlock, very impressive!

Now we cut to Doug and Harris practicing strikes on a punching bag. Shay is holding it still to allow for maximum reality.

This is my specialty, I started out as a boxer before I became a wrestler in my youth! Let me show you how to punch, and most importantly, how to transfer momentum from your legs all the way to your fists! Lesson one, don’t punch the bag, punch through the bag! That’s the difference between a sore nose and a knocked out sucker!

We get a quick montage of the two training their strikes on the bag, hitting faster and harder. After a few minutes of training, Doug looks over and mouths to Shay, ‘It’s time’. Doug walks up to Kamala.

That’s good for now! Alright, your technique is good, but the power is lacking right now. Usually the answer is training, but you don’t really have time for that, so I’m going to teach you the secret: yelling! If you yell something when you strike, your body naturally lets out more energy and it lets you punch harder! Here, I’ll let you try it on me so I can personally tell you the difference!

Shay’s eyes glow.

Wait, you’re taking a few punches? Hoho, I have to film this! I’m going to share it with all your students!

Hey woah woah now, whippersnapper, I don’t know about-

Too late!

Shay runs over to the closet where he pulls out what looks like an old security camera on a tripod. He sets it up in front of the pair.

Okay Kamala, I want you to punch me right in the face, no yelling!

Kamala nods and strikes Coach Doug as hard as she can. Doug shakes his head after, not being punched in the face in a while, but nothing he can’t handle.

See, not that great. Now, try yelling something violent though, like, “I’m gonna kill you!” You might not feel the difference, but I will!

Kamala takes a deep breath and yells out.

I’m gonna kill you!

She throws a strike straight at Doug’s face. He lean forward and lets out a yelp, but he’s still on his feet. Shay can’t help but to laugh.

Damn, that was stiff! I could feel that, but you can do better! One second though… Shay, can you get me a wet towel for a second, my cheek stings a bit after that hit!

Shay laughs again and tosses a wet towel to Doug, who rests it against his face.

That was a great hit, but let’s see what can make it better… maybe if you were angry as well...

Shay snaps his fingers.

I have an idea!

Hoxton starts whispering in Doug’s ear, who nods.

Okay, are you ready? You filming Shay?

I am.

Good, when you’re ready, aim for my eye. Let’s see if you can black me up!

Kamala nods, ready to start.

Listen Kamala, we’ve been training for a few hours now, and I’m sorry. You just aren’t good enough to be a wrestler, and you never will be. Truth be told, I haven’t seen someone this sloppy in-

Kamala, upon hearing this insult towards her skill and an attempt to crush her dream of learning how to wrestle, Kamala runs forwards and yells out:

Shut up! I’m gonna kill you!

She brutalizes Doug with a right hook to the eye, instantly dropping him to the ground. As he falls, he lets go of his towel and accidentally throws it into the air. Seeing her target on the ground, Kamala instinctively leans over him and raises her fist, going for the killing blow. At that moment, the towel hits the camera lens and blocks out the recording.

Die!

And cut!

Kamala looks over to Shay who is clapping.

That was wonderful! I know some wrestlers who can’t hit that good! Bravo!

Shay helps Doug to his feet and the two congratulate Kamala on her technique. Minutes pass as the team cools down and ends their training.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We now cut to the three in street clothes, resting in the gym.

Hey Kamala, before you go, do you want to see my wrestling trophy room?

Kamala’s eyes sparkle for less than a second, keeping her cool.

Oh yeah, I think that would be awesome.

Shay smiles at her.

Alright, let’s go!

Shay leads Kamala and Doug to his trophy room near the back of the gym. There, tons of trinkets from Shay’s career dating all the way back to 2015 are mounted on walls and placed on tables. Shay walks up to a white leather jacket that only has one arm with a single red shoulder pad.

Oh man, this is-

Your original wrestling jacket?! I thought you ended up giving it away to a homeless man right before you became an alcoholic!

Doug walks up, laughing.

He did, me! That’s actually how we reunited! Speaking of which, here’s his actual flask from his two year stunt in Canada back in 2016!

Kamala Harris is super into it, but something else catches her eye.

Is that… you’re Superior Talent Division armband?!

Shay walks up and lifts up an armband the goes from his wrist to his elbow. On in is in bright white and vertically, “S T D”.

That’s right! The Superior Talent Division was my first ever tag team! Me and my partner, Noah Black, won tag team gold in Canada, America, and competed in Japan! Together we spread our STD Pride world wide!

Do you have anything from your stint in Australia?

Just wait a moment. Hey Doug, look, it’s our gloves!

Shay and Doug walk up to two pairs of black gloves.

These are gloves I wore in 2018, including for my debut in CMV! You can actually find my gold gauntlets in here too! Doug has a matching pair, but he never made it to CMV, so he can only be seen wearing these in Canada. What do you say Doug, for old time’s sake?

Shay and Doug put on their gloves.

So, Kamala, you wanted to see something from Australia? Check this out!

Shay walks over a black painted military grade knife still in its sheath.

In Australia, we had this guy named Mark Williams. He was an ex-military Aussie hitman, and this was his weapon of choice. He dubbed it his Phantom Blade, and it’s the sharpest thing I’ve ever seen, so of course I had to ste- obtain it.

Shay, with his gloved hands, picks it up and unsheaths it, showing it off.

Pretty neat, huh? Why don’t you try it? Don’t touch the blade, though!

Shay sheaths the knife and hands it to Kamala’s bare hands. She touches the hilt, grabs the sheath, and exposes the knife. She checks it out, touching everything around the knife, except the razor sharp edge. After a while she goes to put it away.

Actually, could I see it?

Kamala nods and hands the knife to Doug’s gloved hands.

Hey Shay, I’m going to go clean up real quick, okay? Might use this to open some boxes.

Sounds good Doug. This tour may take a while, anyways.

Doug leaves with the knife, leaving Shay and Kamala alone in the trophy room. The two continue the tour, talking for about another half an hour.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This was a lot of fun, Shay, I’m glad I came by.

I agree, it’s not every day I get to show off my stuff. It really was a fun time.

Kamala smiles at the Head Senator.

Who knows, maybe I can come by another time and we can have a second lesson?

If we train you well enough, maybe you and I could do a fun mixed tag team match at Ascendance! Imagine like, you and me vs Jordan and May Nicholson, or Paul and Jade Divine!

That would be awesome!

The two’s conversation is interrupted by a blood curdling scream. Shay and Kamala run into the main gym where they see Coach Doug stabbed with the Phantom Blade. Kamala runs over to Doug, trying to prop him up into a safer position.

Ow ow ow ow ow!

Doug, what happened?!

Someone broke in and tried to kill me! Ow! Shay, call the cops!

Kamala checks his wounds, getting blood on her in the process. Meanwhile Shay calls the police, telling them Doug has been attacked.

They say they’ll be here in less than two minutes! Reno police are the world’s greatest! Kamala, in the meantime, get some painkillers!

Okay Shay! Where can I get some?

Doug looks up, speaking weakly

In my car... The keys are in my pocket... The passenger side doesn’t work, use the driver side…

Kamala grabs Doug’s keys and runs out of the gym. Shay looks down at his trainer.

You okay?

Yeah, hurts like a bitch, but I didn’t hit anything vital.

Thank you, Uncle Doug, I’ll always remember this.

Anything for you, kid.

On que, the police and ambulance arrive. They run into the gym and help Doug. Coach Doug looks to the police.

She’s still here! The attacker is still here! She’s in the parking lot! She tried to steal my keys and run, but she took my gym keys, not my car keys!

The police, hearing this, run out to the parking lot where they see a bloody, panicked Kamala Harris desperately trying to get into Doug’s car. The police point their guns at her and demand her surrender. Panicked, she raises her hand to the sky, where she is arrested.

What are you doing?! Let me go! Is Doug okay?! Let me go! Do you know who I am?! Let me go!

With Coach Doug being put in an ambulance and Kamala Harris being put in a police cruiser, we can see Shay with a large smile on his face. The scene fades to black.

The camera comes in to the Reno, Nevada court of law. We see United States Vice President Kamala Harris sitting behind a desk in handcuffs. We see Coach Doug sitting behind a separate desk in a light hospital-approved outfit, and Head Senator Shay Hoxton sitting in the witness booth next to two officers. In the crowd is a suited individual with a American flag pin. He’s watching with great attention. The prosecutor is addressing the court.

Murmurs echo in the court as Doug makes his way up. After taking his position, the lawyer continues.

Doug responds, weakly.

Doug lifts up his arm and points his finger straight at Kamala Harris, the courthouse audience gasping. Kamala looks incredibly confused and betrayed.

Doug fragiley nods.

We zoom on to his right eye, swollen from Kamala’s iron fist.

Kamala’s lawyer jumps up.

The judge nods, fascinated.

Officer Bernadino stands up from the witness section and approaches the stand.

Kamala’s lawyer smirks.

Officer Bernardino continues.

Harris’s lawyer looks shocked and stares down at Kamala before embarrassingly sitting back down.

The prosecutor speaks up once more.

A blonde woman stands up from the witness section and takes a seat at the stand.

Kamala jumps up and shouts out.

The audience starts murmuring, appalled as the judge slams down his gavel.

Kamala sits, a small look of defeat on her face.

The prosecutor nods.

As the prosecutor and the deputy return to their seats, Kamala and her lawyer start whispering to each other.

The defendant stands tall and points to the judge, determination in every movement.

Shay stands up and makes his way to the stand.

The crowd ooh and ahs, this is the holder of the prestigious CMV Undisputed Championship! He can be trusted.

Kamala squints her eyes and tilts her head. This isn’t true…

Shay points towards the courtroom tv, the bailiff presses play. We see security cam footage of Doug and Kamala speaking in front of the ring.

The crowd murmurs, this is damning evidence and proof that Coach Doug is speaking the truth! He shot her down, she snapped, and she took him out! Kamala’s mouth drops. Betrayal! Did Senator Shay, the man she trusted, set her up? She stands straight up and shouts as loud as he can.

Shay looks at her, afraid, but then flashes her a quick smirk with a wink. This insult sets Kamala off once and for all and runs around the desk. The crowd starts to yell out and the Judge starts slamming his gavel.

Kamala runs at Shay, but she’s tackled down by the bailiff.

Kamala is dragged away kicking and screaming, still proclaiming her innocence. The crowd claps as she’s pulled away. Afterwards, the man with the American flag pin approaches Shay.

Shay looks up, glorious glorious progress.

The man sticks out his hand.

The camera zooms in as Shay reaches out and shakes his hand.

That camera comes in to a press conference in Washington DC. Nobody is on stage, but we pan over to the side of the stage where the Speaker of the House - Shay Hoxton - stands in a fine black suit. A generic man approached him.

Shay nods, responding but not looking at the man while doing so, glaring at someone off screen.

The man can’t hold back his smile.

Shay continues his glare, completely deadpan.

Shay snaps out of it and finally looks down at the man.

Shay chuckles.

Shay now looks away again, glaring at the person off screen again.

The camera now pans over to look at the one Representative Hoxton is glaring at: the Vice President of the United States of America: Nancy Pelosi. Nancy is dressed in a nice red suit, talking with suited people around her. She takes a deep breath and walks on stage, taking the stand. The press all jump up to get her attention, but she quickly silences them.

While Pelosi is calm with her speak, her eyes quickly dart over to someone sitting in the crowd. There sits a tall bearded man in a suit: Stan Kast. This man was the head of Shay Hoxton’s drug organization back in late 2020, where he was arrested by Senator Shay Hoxton in order to clean the streets of Reno. Now Kast sits here in the heart of America with a briefcase sitting on his lap. Kast is staring daggers straight into the soul of Nancy Pelosi as he pats the briefcase. A small bead of sweat appears on Pelosi’s face as she looks back to the general audience.

The press jump up and start asking for attention, but Pelosi speaks over them.

Pelosi looks over at Stan Kast, who’s glare has loosened. He calmly puts the briefcase down on the ground. Nancy lets out a sigh of relief and steps off stage. Taking the stand now is Representative Shay Hoxton.

Shay takes the stand and looks around the conference room at all the roaring press. He begins to speak.

As if on cue, the camera pans into Shay Hoxton’s eye - into Shay Hoxton’s mind.

Around him is nothing, as if he’s floating in space around the podium. Above him is a bright white sky, a glorious sight to see. We can hear an echoed version of Hoxton’s voice: his mind.

The spirit of Shay Hoxton instinctively tries to reach towards the bright white sky, but he feels resistance in his arm and stops. A small venomous whisper can be heard.

Shay Hoxton tries to reach towards the sky once more, and despite the heavy resistance, he does so.

Shay stretches out his arm as far as he can and pushes off from the podium, ascending to the glory above. After years of trial and tribulation, Shay is so close to being recognized for everything. He’s so close to glory, close enough to taste, close enough to touch…

That’s when he feels a jerking at his throat. Instinctively he grabs his neck and feels the cold touch of steel. Around his neck is a collar with a chain attached, a chain going down into the dark abyss below. The venomous voice is louder than before.

Shay is so close to glory. He reaches his hand out, just a single touch will be enough to satisfy his soul. This is when another chain latches on his wrist and pulls Shay down, further from glory.  

Shay Hoxton begins to struggle and more chains lash out at him. Around his other hand, around his ankles, around his waist, and around his heart. He is quickly and harshly pulled down into the shadowy depths below where his sight of the light quickly fades.

With that, Shay’s vision completely turns to black.

We cut back to the real world where Shay Hoxton stands at the podium with his eyes closed, just saying the last line to the public. He opens his eyes.

The crowd cheers.

Another cheer, this time louder.

One more great cheer echoes through the room.

With this the crowd cheers even louder as Shay reaches his hand towards the sky. The scene fades to black.

The camera comes in to the Vice President of America - Shay Hoxton - walking up a set of white stairs outdoors. He's muttering to himself. 

President Joe Budden, we need to talk.

The President of the United States - famous Rapper Joe Budden - turns to his new Vice President. Unlike all of the politicians Shay has met prior, Budden doesn't have a smile on his face in his first meeting.

Hoxton. I was wondering when you'd show up.

Shay cocks his head, a smile on his face.

Whatever do you mean, Mr. President?

Joe slams his hands on his desk.

Cut the crap. A guy with no political experience becomes a Senator in Nevada; that I can believe. I've been to Nevada, they'd elect a fucking hot man in a Kiss outfit if they wanted to. Then, Patrick Leahy mysteriously steps down and put you - a guy he just met - in charge? Yeah, alright man, sure. Then, Kamala Harris, my Vice President, the woman I trusted to run with, is arrested for attempted murder. The man she tried to kill? Shay Hoxton's trainer at Shay Hoxton's gym.

Now, my Vice President is Nancy Pelosi. I don't know this woman, I don't like this woman, and I'm pissed. Hell not the mention, the very first things she says to me? "Don't expect me to step down as Vice President because of my age!" Great, I'm stuck with her I think to myself. Then, one month later, a month where you disappear from the world, she steps down because of her age.

And now you're here, one on one with me.

Joe Budden stares Shay directly in the eyes. Shay stares back, his smile unwavering.

Please Mr. Budden, a simple series of unfortunate events and coincidences. Leahy's daughter got married, and he was too busy to even meet the groom. He felt bad! Ms. Harris, she was a wrestling fan and I'm a wrestler, of course I brought her to my gym! It was too bad my coach went a little hard on her and she snapped! And Pelosi, I bet she doesn't even remember what she had for breakfast today, let alone what she said to you a month ago!

Joe Budden doesn't react to this story in any way.

Everyone else may be blind to you, these old bats are so stuck in their old world trying to find loopholes and twist the laws they your chaos was completely invisible to them. Not me, Hoxton. I was born and raised by the streets, and I know a hustler when I see one. You're a slimy little shit, Shay Hoxton, and you won't be playing these games with me!

Shay's composure finally breaks and he steps forward, his eyes burning bright with hate and his smile completely gone. He stands face to face with the President.

Good. I'm tired of acting, I'm tired of playing nice with a bunch of gullible idiots. If you've had me figured this whole time, then you know why I'm here. Right? I've held a lot of titles in my life, Joe Budden. CMV Undisputed Champion, CMV International Champion, CMV Tag Team Champion, CMV Anarchy Champion, WWC World Champion, WWC Tag Team Champion, IWE World Champion, IWE Tag Team Champion, NGCW Champion, NGCW Twitch Champion, NGCW Extreme Champion...

But right here, right now, I want your title, Mr. President.

I know you want my job, Shay. You want to be the President of the United States so badly. Why? I don't know, and I couldn't imagine. All I know is that this isn't your end goal, it's a tool. You want to be the President for a reason, and if it's you it's a bad reason. I don't give a shit what you want, I want you out of politics and out of my life!

Shay smirks, his golden opportunity finally being presented.

Good, our hands are fully exposed. Before I was a politician, Joe, I was a gambler. How would you like to play a little game?

Joe Budden squints as Shay.

A best of three contest. A game of blackjack, a car race, and if there's a tie, a rap battle. Whoever wins this contest is the President of the United States, and whoever loses must leave the political world forever.

Joe laughs at this proposition.

I'm already the President! Give me one reason I should accept.

Shay grabs Budden by the tie and pulls him in close.

Because if you don't, I'll still need you out of my way. A bullet to the brain should suffice.

President Joe Budden returns to his serious demeaner.

And how can I know you'll be true to your word?

Shay scoffs and lets the President go.

I suppose you can't know per say. However, this entire project of mine, it's all because I want to stay true to a promise I made three years ago. To keep that promise, I need to sit where you are now, but you can't stay true to something on a bed of lies... that's why if you accept my challenge, I promise your safety, both during and after. Do we have a deal.

President Budden takes a moment to weigh his options, but ultimately nods his head.

Deal.

The camera comes in to the Vice President: Shay Hoxton. He’s walking down a dark alley, thinking to himself.

The camera cuts to Joe Budden racing through the streets, when his engine suddenly starts sputtering before outright dying. Joe’s car stops just feet away from the finish line as Shay races past in a yellow hummer for the victory.

We cut to Joe Budden receiving his two cards, a 19. He doesn’t even look at them.

The dealer looks up, confused.

The dealer draws a card. An ace.

The dealer jumps back.

Joe Budden sits in silence for five painfully long seconds.

A twisted smile appears on Shay’s face. Unexpected, but he’s won!

Shay’s smile stays glued on his face, but his eyes grow wide with panic. Joe Budden begins to celebrate as we cut back to present time.

Shay stops walking and takes a deep breath.

Shay walks forward more and the camera pans out to reveal him stepping up on a makeshift stage in the middle of a street in DC. Waiting for him is Joe Budden, microphone in hand.

The crowd erupts with cheers.

The crowd roar out for Budden as Shay can do nothing but stand there, royally served. He’s never rapped before, and his freedom depends on this one final battle. He takes the mic from Budden and thinks of what to say.

The audience boos out at Shay Hoxton, huge Proudi fans the DC crowd. (Album now available on Spotify!) A woman steps up on stage and takes the microphone.

The crowd boos and hisses at the Vice President.

The crowd erupts for Joe.

Everyone cheers and Budden poses to them before taking the microphone. Shay Hoxton’s breathing starts picking up, he can’t afford to fail anymore.

The crowd stays loud for Budden but kind of quiets near the end. His rhymes started getting veeery liberal there. Shay takes the mic back, he can’t screw up.

Shay tosses the microphone to the woman. His verse was short but sweet, but was it sweet enough? A large bead of sweat runs down his forehead.

The crowd cheer loudly, too loudly, it’s over.

The crowd light up, they’re loud, they’re louder! The crowd is actually louder!

Shay lets out a huge breath, he still has a chance! His journey isn’t over just yet though… Joe Budden takes the mic.

The crowd shout out louder than Shay has heard them yet tonight, that’s it, he knows he can’t beat President Joe at his own game. The woman walks up to Shay.

Shay thinks for a moment, but shakes his head.

Shay Hoxton turns towards Joe Budden with a handgun in his hand. He shoots the President right in the gut! The crowd screams out and scatters, even the woman on stage runs off. All that stays on stage is a crazed Shay Hoxton and a wounded Joe Budden.

Shay drops to a knee and places his gun to Joe Budden’s skull. He hands him the microphone.

Shay Hoxton closes his eyes and smiles, that means he wins the rap battle, that means he win the contest, and that means…