First Steps to a Better Future

The camera opens up to show Killian Redd and Vance Vintage waiting in a nice room. They're dressed in tank tops and jeans, Vance wearing an American bandana to top it off. The door opens and in walks Shay Hoxton in a black suit with a red dress shirt and a rose pin. Shay flashes a smile to Killian.

Killian, my man! Thank you for coming out here today!

Shay shakes Killian's hand and goes in for a friendly hug. which is returned.

Of course, man. You told me there was an issue on American streets.

There is. I don't know if you've heard, but crime in Reno has skyrocketed. Here, watch this.

Shay walks over to a television in the room and moves to the recordings. He plays the most recent news cast.

The camera comes in to Kristen Remington and Ryan Canaday of Reno News Network. RNN seems to be more serious than usual for this report.

...in other news, crime rates here in Reno have skyrocketed in recent days. Kristen?

That’s right Ryan, police report that not only has the selling of illegal drugs gone up, but also has crimes committed by those under the influence. Robberies, assault, grand theft auto, and much more.

It is advised to walk the streets in no less than groups of three when downtown, but do not, I repeat do not carry weapons with you. Violence is not the answer to violence.

We will now go to Police Chief Jason Soto and what his plans are to combat this spike in crime.

Shay looks over at Killian and Vance.

Since you two have been cleaning the streets as of late, I was hoping you could help and old friend with his little problem here. I'd do it myself, but now that I'm one half of the CMV Tag Team Champions, I'm afraid I just don't have the time to spare. I can pay you both well, and I'm in close with a local casino, so I can provide free rooms for your time here.

Killian looks over at Vance and raises his eyebrows.

I don't know, kid. We handle small problems, y'know?

Yes yes, I know, this is quite a bit bigger then Giggles the Clown, who'll tickle your pickle for a nickel, but that's exactly why I need you two. This is bigger than what I can handle on my own, this is organized. I need professionals, I need patriots! Redd blooded Americans who can stand up against injustice!

Shay walks up to Vance.

I need you two.

I know, but we aren't Superheroes. We can't just start fighting crime it is illegal. You may be in good graces of the local police, but what about federal? Kil-

I can deal with that. The Alfred to your Batman, keeping you out of the eyes above, but you do have a point. It was rude of me to ask for such a dangerous task, and for that, I do apologize.

Shay coughs into his sleeve.

Pussies.

Vance, it was me who helped you come back. You trusted me then, you gotta trust me now. This can be the first of many great steps on our path to save America.

Killian approaches Vance and place his hand on his shoulder.

Kid, I really don't thi-

Too bad, you're too old to remember a decision. We are doing this Vance. Trust me and trust Shay. He's been nothing, but a great friend.

Killian drops his hand.

He was literally your first enemy.

So was the British to us, but they saw our light. Shay, we're in. Let's save Reno, then America.
 
Shay gives Killian a short round of applause.

That's my man! I'll text you everything I know about these operations, as well as the address to the El Morado casino - where you'll be staying. I also have something I'd like to give you.

Shay reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out two small rose pins. They appear to be metal.

I'd like you two to have these. Wear them, carry them, stick them in your pocket, it doesn't matter much to me. Inside these roses are GPS trackers, that way, I can always make sure you're safe.

This still doesn't sound bad to you?

That doesn't sound like trust. Shay has 0 reason to harm us. Stop being jumpy.

You're stressed out Vance I get it, but here...
 
Shay walks over to the fridge and pulls out a large bottle of Fireball Whiskey.

Let's calm those nerves a little bit. Let's celebrate this new partnership!

To us! To America!
 
They all salute their shots and take them before the camera goes dark.

The camera comes in to a local Reno casino, the Snap Dragon. There we see Killian Redd and Vance Vintage, visually tired from their investigation. So far, they've found absolutely nothing.

I don't know man. I don't think I should gamble with the luck I've been having.

Listen, Kid. If I knew you was going to cry about the shit, I wouldn't have dug into you. You're a man. Go do what you know will help you get outta this funk. While you do that, I'll be at the blackjack table.

Killian leaves the casino and texts Vance, "Lmk when to pick you up. Imma be at the bar by the hotel." Killian gets into the car and leaves. Vance is is sitting at the blackjack table and he is joking amongst the others. He notices three men in all black suits with the rose pendant that Shay had given to Killian and himself.

The three men go into a back room. Vance put his chips in his pockets and makes his way over. He attempts to open the door, but it's been locked. He takes a moment to think, and knocks on the door. After a few seconds, the door unlocks and one of the suited men opens it just a crack.

Who are you?

Vance shows his rose and the guard checks him up and down.

You the man Shay sent?

Yeah. He told me there'd be no questions too, but obviously you didn't get that message either.

The guard nods and opens the door. He directs Vance down a hallway full of offices, all completely normal. At the end, there's another office door, but this one is completely windowless. The guard knocks and a second guard allows the two to enter. Once in, he pats Vance down.

No wire.

Vance turns and stares in awe: a small factory filled with workers - and filled with drugs. The workers are making crack cocaine, filling it into high value poker chips. Vance walks forward, taking it all in.

Suddenly, he hears a familiar voice.

You aren't supposed to be here.

Before Vance turn around, the first guard covers his head in a black bag and the second punches him in the gut.

The camera slowly pans to show the man behind it all: Shay Hoxton.

I thought I told you two to go to the El Morado, Vance. I set you up to bust a fake ring, to trick everyone into thinking we already lost, but no, you just had to come here, didn't you?

Shay shakes his head and sighs.

I always like you two, Vance, I really did.

Shay walks over and removes the rose tracking device from Vance's tank top.

But I suppose it's time to cut off my loose ends.

Shay snaps his fingers and the first guard begins to choke out Vance. Hoxton walks away, rose pendant in hand, as the camera fades to black.

The camera comes in to Killian Redd's apartment, after the previous adventure to the bar. He has two women sleeping peacefully on either side of him. He rolls out of the bed and puts on a robe. He goes into the kitchen to grab a beer. He notices that Vance's boots aren't by the door. Killian knocks on a door

Hey old man, I don't give a fuck about a lot, but take your dirty ass boots off coming into the apartment.

Killian waits to hear a quick come back, but he hears nothing. He checks his phone for the time and notices it's almost noon. Killian - realizing that Vance is normally awake - opens the door and notices Vance isn't around.

What the fuck?

Killian tries calling Vance to no answer, so he calls Shay Hoxton. Shay answers the phone.

Killian? Hey man, what's up?

Hey man, have you heard from Vance? I haven't seen or heard from him since last night.

Hmm... Nope, I haven't. I've been a bit busy recently. When did you last see him?

Last night, at the Snap Dragon casino.

Shay laughs.

Yeah that makes sense. The Snap Dragon is infamous for their stiff drinks! Vance probably got black out last night. Here, lemme get the location from his Rose Tracker, and I'll send it to you. Make sure to bring a tower though, he'll need one! That's not a bet, that's a guarantee!

Alright man, I appreciate it.

They hang up the phone and after a minute Shay texts Killian the location. Killian makes the women leave and gets dressed. He grabs a towel and leaves to Vance's location.





The scene changes to Shay Hoxton, hanging up his phone. He has a smile on his face.

Well, I didn't lie, did I bud?

We pan over to reveal Vance Vintage, tied to the chair across from Shay with a gag in his mouth. Shay snaps his finger and a black suited man pours him a glass of champagne.

I gotta say Vance, for such an old soul, you haven't learned a lot, have you? Don't you know curiosity killed the cat? I set up a case for you, open and shut! You were supposed to discover a fake drug ring, and the team of Vance, Killian, and Shay Hoxton would become heroes in Reno!

Shay sighs and takes a long drink.

But no, you had to go just a bit too deep, didn't you? Come on Vance, what do you have to say for yourself?

Another suited man walks up and unties Vance's gag. Vance takes a large breath, finally free to breath.

When Redd finds out he going to rip your goddamn head off. It's a shame I won't get to see the look on your face when he destroys all of this. You think that animal in Redd is gone? All I did was tame it. Killian is going to be off the leash and he is going for you.

Shay reaches over and playfully slaps Vance repeatedly.

That's the hope, Vance! Killian is big and dumb, but he isn't that dumb. He'll be able to put two and two together soon enough, so hiding and pretending won't get me anywhere.

Shay takes another long drink.

So I need to take him out too. No loose ends, no witnesses! That's how a leader works!

So that's it? The big brained Hoxton walks out admired by the people? Redd isn't going to rest till he finds me!

Shay shakes his head.

Admiration isn't the goal, Vance, it's an asset. My goal...

Shay stands up and walks towards the front of the plane. He snaps his fingers, and an American Flag drops from to sky. Shay smiles and poses in front of the flag.

Is to become the President of the United States of America!

Vance looks on, shocked and dumbfounded.

This drug ring, all it it is a front to simultaneously increase crime and my own money! I've been using that money to bribe the Nevada governor, and have guaranteed myself a seat in the Nevada senate!

That's right, Vance, Shay Hoxton is just days away from becoming the first ever active wrestler Senator!

Shay approaches Vance.

Why do you think Nevada has been so slow this year with elections? It's because my men are rigging it from the inside out! After I become Senator, I'll expose the drug ring, ran by my second in command!

I'll make sure his life in prison is more like a castle, and he'll make me look amazing. With the people eating out of my hand and the Senate listening to my every word, the Presidency will be mine by 2024!.. or if things really go well, even sooner than that...

This is my greatest scheme of all time!

Shay begins to laugh like a mad man.





The scene switches to Killian arriving to Vance's location. He's at a parking lot and see's a black SUV  where Vance's location is supposed to be. Killian approaches the SUV to see Vance's rose sitting on the hood, with blood on it. Killian immediately calls Vance to once again get no answer. He calls Shay, but no one answers. Killian looks up to see an airplane flying over and watches something fall out.





Shay see his phone vibrating and looks down at his watch. A devious smile forms on his face.

Ooh, looks like Killian has finally made it. Well Vance, it was very nice talking to you, but I'm afraid this is where we say goodbye...

Shay grabs Vance and pulls him off the seat, hands still tied behind his back. One of the suited men opens the plane door.

You'll never get away with this, Hoxton! Killian will find you, and he will end you! That's a guarantee!

Shay pushes Vance, who flies out of the plane and plummets to the Earth beneath him.





Killian looks up, but by the time he realizes it's a person falling the body smashes on top of SUV. Killian immediately checks the body. Horror is cemented on Killian's face when he sees it's Vance, barely breathing after the landing. Killian calls 911 and breaks down holding his friend's hand, knowing there's nothing that can be done. The camera fades to black.

The camera comes on to show Killian Redd sitting in the hospital room of Vance Vintage. Vance is still in a full body cast, but his condition is stable.

I'm going all in against Shay. I can hear you hollering at me already, but I'm gonna make this right, or I'm going to die trying. I ain't running from Shay.

A loud buzzing sound is heard, only getting louder by the second. Killian looks out of the window, seeing a helicopter fly by the hospital. Coming dangerously close, the window inside Vance's room shatters. The helicopter hovers just away from the building. The helicopter door slides open, Shay Hoxton himself standing by, his suit blowing wildly in the wind. He grabs a megaphone phone and looks at Redd White and Blue.

Killian Redd! Killian Redd! Come out here!

Killian looks out at Shay Hoxton, pure rage filling him.

You know Vance forced my hand, Killian! You know none of this is my fault! This is all on him, he started this, and I ended it! You don't have to keep fighting!

Killian doesn't say anything. He just simply gives Shay his middle finger. Shay looks upset, but shrugs it off, hiding anything he's feeling.

So that's how it is, huh? Tomorrow night, Ascendance VIII, you really want to step into that ring with me, don't you? You won't just let this go, will you?

Well then if you won't be the bigger man, I have to be. As a proud Senator of Nevada, I will lead by example!

Tomorrow night, I will not show up!

I may be fined or suspended, but I won't allow you to live a life of destruction, Killian! You're welcome!

Shay turns to the helicopter pilot, but continues to stare straight at Killian with a cocky smirk on his face.

It looks like we're done here, let's go!

Hey Dickhead! I’ll talk to the news, to the police! I’ll ruin your life for what you did to Vance! When I’m done, you won’t be senator of shit!

Shay laughs at Killian.

Please, nobody would believe a thing! I'm beloved by all of Nevada, the hero who's been taking steps towards a better future! A future with drug free streets! A future without corruption! A future with Shay Hoxton in charge! And if you keep trying to play these games...

Shay points straight at Killian, his suit jacket blowing in the wind.

A future without Killian Redd.

FINE! I'll play a game with a better stake. I'm giving you a bet. I bet my career I will destroy you tomorrow. If I don't, Shay Hoxton will not only own America, but also the fact that you killed The Louisianimal!

Shay's smirk turns into an evil grin.

Oh Killian... My dear friend Killian...

Shay points at Killian with malice intent.

But I know that you're nothing more than a liar and a thief! You gambled your career three times before, Louisianimal, and you've never followed through! You robbed me of Championships, match slots, opportunities, histories, and so much more! Did you really think I could ever forgive you for all the crap you took from me with your false promises?

I should've killed your career in 2016... I should've killed your career in 2018... and yet here you are, still standing! You've run from your promises for too long, Redd, and it's time to collect on your debt!

I won't fight you ever again, period! Not at Ascendance VIII, not in the streets, nowhere! I'll walk everywhere with security! I'll have people tracking you at all times! I'll take every precaution to make sure you never get to lay a finger on me!

Unless you give up your career right here, right now! If you really want to avenge Vance, if you really want to hit me... Then prove you're serious, or run, run like the coward you really are!

Killian stands and thinks. He turns and looks at Vance. He nods his head at Vance and looks at Shay knowing what needs to be done.

Fine! I'm done! You face me and that's it! Killian Redd will be a memory.

Shay smiles. Not a cocky smirk or an evil grin, a genuine smile.

So that's it? After all this time, all these years, you'd really give it all up for a man you barely know?

Shay turns to Vance Vintage, completely covered in a full body cast. Killian stares straight at Hoxton, fire burning in his eyes, and nods.

So be it. Then the deal was made, Killian Redd. Tomorrow night, you and I will step into that ring: Ascendance VII. No disqualifications, no count outs, we'll just see who falls first. Then, you're gone. No resigning with CMV, no signing with other companies, you're gone!

I can't wait to finally end you... to do the thing I've wanted from the moment I set eyes on you! You, the man who's been haunting me since your debut! I will enjoy it, Killian.

Just know, luck will not be on your side. This can only end one way, with you in the hospital bed right next to Vance.

Killian smirk Comes across Killian's face

Says the man who just accepted a fight with a Beast with nothing to lose! Shay, save the super villain speech, you're only wasting your time to come up with a scheme to cheat your way to victory. Fuck you!

Shay looks into Killian's eyes, waving his hand towards the pilot. The helicopter begins to rise, but Shay doesn't close the door. The two continue to stare off as the helicopter flies away. The camera fades to black as Killian sits down next to Vance.