Post by Savannah Sunshine. on Feb 6, 2022 16:05:30 GMT -5
OPENING
The scene begins to fade in as the fans who fill the 2300 Arena begin to stir with excitement. A black SUV pulls into the backstage parking lot before coming to a halt. The driver strolls around briskly to the passenger side in the back, promptly pulling open the back door. Standing to the side to allow the passenger to exit, a pair of butterfly heels come into view. There’s some slight grumbling of complaints from the person who is blocked by the door, until they finally come into view. Dressed in a black Hermès long sleeve dress, Savannah Sunshine steps out onto the scene. The fans inside of the arena give a mixed reaction, but it’s still all love from her hometown.SAVANNAH SUNSHINE: Come on, Billy! We’ve got people to meet and places to be. I know this isn’t ideal for you, but you’ll have a good time. I promise.
Behind her, Billy Bennett slides out of the SUV with a small grimace. She looks less than pleased to be here, dressed in nothing more than a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. She hasn’t bothered getting all dressed up like Savannah, who is more than thrilled to be here. As the driver moves to get back into the drivers seat and peels off. Billy glances at Savannah with a tilt of her head.
BILLY BENNETT: Y’know, this place ain’t so bad. At least, I got some good company. Now, what are we supposed to be doing again?
Billy crinkles her brows, stares a hole into the door ahead of them before Savannah shakes her head with a laugh. Motioning with her hand for Billy to follow, Savannah steps into the building with Billy following close behind. Backstage, there’s a few roster members lingering around. They immediately step aside as soon as Savannah enters, though she doesn’t notice at all.
SAVANNAH SUNSHINE: I have to corral everyone else, which means I’m dragging you with me. I need someone to keep these other people in line and nobody ever listens to me, so. I bought my pet girlfriend.
Savannah blinks, stops at the door of a conference room, and steps inside with Billy following swiftly behind. Without another word, Savannah clears her throat as she steps into the room. Situated in different places among the large table are a few of the trainers. Brandon Hendrix from Proving Ground, Mr. Wright from Fallout, and a few other familiar faces to boot. There were a few faces missing, but she hoped they would show up soon. Standing at the foot of the table, Savannah clears her throat loudly as the conversations slowly die down.
SAVANNAH SUNSHINE: Tonight, every single trainer in this room will have their choice at a talent pool of epic proport-
She cuts herself off, looking towards the door where two familiar faces enter noisily. It’s Giovanni, accompanied by Calliope, from Proving Ground. He’s blabbering into the phone pressed to his ear, which he promptly hangs up as he eyes Savannah. There’s a scoff from the male, who brushes past her to take a seat at the table. His feet propped up onto the table as he leans back into the chair.
SAVANNAH SUNSHINE: As I was saying, before I was so rudely interrupted. All of you are here tonight to have your choice at a talentpool of epic proportions. There are a vast majority of rookies who absolutely could use all the help they can get… some more than others. But, with the help of their trusted mentors, they will be shaped into some of the best wrestlers around.
SAVANNAH SUNSHINE: These rookies are not to be taken lightly. Some of them have already made waves around here. Others very desperately need the help. Right now, I have composed a list of available rookies to take your pick from. Later on in the night, each of us, myself ncluded, will meet our rookies. Any questions?
Brandon Hendrix slowly raises his hand, Savannah pretends not to see it, painting a smile on her face. With his hand still raised, Savannah promptly claps her hands together.
SAVANNAH SUNSHINE: No? Great! On with the show.
The scene fades out as Brandon Hendrix is left grimacing, arms folding over his chest as he’s left grumbling as we head to the ring.
SEGMENT
As we fade in, the camera pans over the crowd packed into the 2300 Arena. They are going absolutely wild as the sounds of “Enemy” by Imagine Dragons featuring JID plays through the arena. The camera pans until it reaches the commentary team who wear matching grins. With the crowd roaring loudly, they have to talk over them in loud voices.AARYA SINGH: Ladies, gents, and non-binary friends! Welcome to another edition of Project: Underground. Tonight, we introduce our rookies properly as well as some other exciting news!
SAMAR SINGH: Not to mention, we get to see our Fallout and Proving Ground familiar faces! But, right now, let’s head to the ring with our interviewer, Luisa Mendez!
The camera pans over to Luisa Mendez who stands inside of the ring. There’s a small smile on her lips as she holds a microphone in both hands. The set up around her is different, there are a few chairs inside and outside of the ring.
LUISA MENDEZ: Thanks, Aarya and Samar. Right now, as you can see, this set up is a little different. In just a moment, the rookies will be making their entrance to the ring! First up is newcomer, Nathan O’Connor!
“Art Of War” by Jasiah ft. Denzel Curry & Rico Nasty begins to play through the arena. Nathan makes his way onto the stage as he stops at the top of the ramp, the fans cheer for him as he wears a grin on his lips. Showing off perfect pearly whites before making his way to the ring. Leather jacket clings to his body, paired with some jeans and a white t-shirt. He slaps hands with some fans along the way, climbing the steel steps to enter the ring.
LUISA MENDEZ: Up next, we have another newcomers introduction. They come as a package deal and together, they are brothers! Introducing, Tyler and Justin Cage!
Tyler and Justin come bounding onto the stage as “Tyler Herro” by Jack Harlow plays through the arena. Fans give a mixed reaction as the pair make a rowdy entrance. They taunt the fans at ringside, who shower them with reactions of pure venom. The brothers climb the steel steps, stepping into the ring as Luisa grimaces slightly, before a smile crosses her lips.
LUISA MENDEZ: Up next is Andrea Cross, newcomer Viktor Bannon, the seemingly permanently angry Kurtis Slayne, and Joseph Blaze!
One by one, each rookie makes their way towards the ring. Stepping inside of it as Luisa prepares for the final group of rookies.
LUISA MENDEZ: And rounding out the rookies is Jupiter, Virgil Barrick, Christopher Graves, and M.A.N.!
The crowd cheers and applauds as the final group makes their way to the ring. Luisa nods firmly, taking in the sight of the rookies as she waves a hand in their direction.
LUISA MENDEZ: As you can see, we have quite-
The lights in the arena go out, leaving everyone confused. The fans murmuring as well as everyone inside of the ring. There is nothing but confusion as everyone waits for the lights to return. Strobe lights begin to flash at the top of the ramp, before the sounds of “Run For Your Life” by The Siege begins to play throughout the arena. Those same strobe lights begin to flash in tune with the beat of the song. As the lights finally turn back on, strobe lights are shut off and a familiar face is seen at the top of the ramp.
LUISA MENDEZ: Ladies and gentlemen, what a treat! The return of rookie, Scar!
Scar stalks towards the ring, ignoring the fans completely and seemingly a bit bored. He climbs up the steel steps, much to Luisa’s fangirly chagrin. Scar steps into the ring and stands to one side, away from everyone else as he finds his own little corner.
LUISA MENDEZ: Here before us are all of the current P:U rookies. Each of them will be shaped and molded and designed to move on to the main roster. Well, not all of them, of course. But, that’s what’s so fun about competition. Just after our commercial break, we will meet the mentors who will pick the rookies they wish to mold into their own image.
The fans cheer loudly as one by one the camera pans over each rookie. Slowly, we fade out into the commercial break.
COMMERCIAL
SEGMENT
As we fade in from commercial break, all of our pros are now inside of the ring. The rookies are now outside of the ring, standing around it as they wait in anticipation to see who their mentor will be. The camera pans over each of the mentors, each of them is a familiar face from Fallout and Proving Ground.LUISA MENDEZ: Alright, well let’s get right into it! Up first is none other than Giovanni from Proving Ground!
As the camera shifted towards Giovanni sitting on his lounge chair, the dirty glare from him and Calliope made it clear neither were happy that they were being disturbed in their lounging and grape-eating. But like the professional he was, Giovanni would slowly rise out of the lounge chair and take the microphone, but not without giving the poor production assistant giving it to him another dirty glare.
GIOVANNI: I'm sure everyone wants to know who I am, right? Well, you're idiots if your TikTok attention spans don't remember further than watching the only brand that matters, Proving Ground. And I am the artistic cyclone that is making that brand into something more respectable, more dedicated to the true tenets of beauty and creativity, rather than fill it with more losers that doing a good 'wrestling' makes them worth a damn.
Giovanni would quickly trail off, as he spoke a few nice things to Calliope off-camera who was doing her best to tell him what he had to do on Project Underground.
GIOVANNI: The fact that I'm here on Project Underground should be a blessing to all of you, the people in this arena, the people watching this forsaken show from the confines of their drab domiciles, and all those forgettable rookies who have nothing to offer in this business, who are just more gauche 'wrestlers' who have zero desire to bring beauty to this competition. And I'm not talking about physical beauty either, I don't care if you have rock hard abs or a backside that can sink the titanic, I have those and I don't coast on that, I always continue to keep striving to bring my artistic best, using my infinite creative knowledge to make this pathetic sport a little more colourful, because Gogh forbid nobody else bothers...
The crowd would grow tired and started to boo Giovanni and yelling at him to get on with it, and eventually the same production assistant as earlier was given the ignominuous task to walk up to Giovanni and directly tell him that he was there to pick a rookie, and not to continue his rant on his issues with the wrestling industry.
GIOVANNI: Rookies? You expect me to pick any of these forgettable losers?
Giovanni would inspect the rookies that were still waiting to be picked by one of the coaches, and Giovanni sneered at all of them until he stopped at the final one, the presence of Gin Kuromiya's wildly coloured presence giving the Artiste a split second of pause as he let out a deep sigh.
GIOVANNI: Whatever, you look like your idea of 'creativity' is snorting glitterbbombs, but I guess of all options I'm forced to pick from, you're the least terrible...
Giving a half-hearted gesture towards Kuromiya to indicate his pick, that would be enough motivation for the production assistant to quickly offer the man a microphone in the hope that he'd keep it short and would bring the show's runtime back into balance.
GIN KUROMIYA: I am not impressed. I already have a sensei, and I do my research on this company well. I know this man is no true warrior; simply a member of a midcard comedy act! Do not test my patience with this foolishness, Savannah Sunshine.
That warning given, Gin bows slightly - ever a slave to tradition and respect, even in this cursed place - before offering the microphone back to the nearest crew member.
Savannah’s eyes roll slightly from her own chair where she sits, mumbling something to Billy, who lets out loud laughter in response. Savannah can’t help the little grin she gets.
LUISA MENDEZ: Up next, we have Savannah Sunshine!
Savannah smiles brightly as she stands to her feet in front of her own chair, the crowd gives a mixed reaction, though Savannah’s smile never falters. As she surveys the rookies, she walks back and forth in front of them. Smile ever present as some of them sneer at her.
SAVANNAH SUNSHINE: Most of you know who I am, after all, this is kind of my thing. Former Noble Champion and a Fallout mainstay, also True Society member. But, who’s really keeping track? While I’m not exactly where I want to be yet, I’m working hard to get to where I need to be. With pure determination and a fighting spirit, you can achieve anything your heart desires.
Savannah stops in front of Andrea Cross, a look of inspection as she looks the woman up and down.
SAVANNAH SUNSHINE: I’ve seen what you can do at the last show. It was pretty impressive, and as someone with lingering previous knee injury, I know what it’s like. What do you say?
Savannah holds one of her hands out, which Andrea graciously shakes, sealing the deal before Savannah takes her seat to allow Andrea a chance to speak.
ANDREA CROSS: A year ago, I wasn't even sure if I was able to stand here. But after stepping into the ring two weeks ago and winning my first match, I felt everything I have worked for vindicated. To be able to work with a former Noble Champion in Savannah Sunshine, whose own determination is an inspiration, it feels like it will help me become an even better wrestler than I am today.
Andrea would awkwardly smile at her coach and focus back to saying her piece.
ANDREA CROSS: I'm here not just because it might be my only chance, but because since I was a young girl there was nowhere else I wanted to be than in that ring over there to give my best and to perform for everyone watching. And I hope that with Savannah's help, I can cash in this lottery ticket and prove that I am here to stay!
The crowd would let out a cheer for the young star as she gave a courteous little bow, a final thanks to her coach for picking her, and proceeded to return to her spot next to the other rookies.
LUISA MENDEZ: Next up, Brandon Hendrix!
Brandon steps up, garnering cheers from the crowd, some of the females squeal with pure delight as he waves a hand in greeting. Holding the microphone in his hand, he looks out at the crowd before speaking.
BRANDON HENDRIX: I recently made my return to the ring not too long ago. Most of you know me from Proving Ground. In fact, I’m still finding my footing again around there. But, it’ll happen in no time.
Brandon sizes up the rookies that remain, takes his time walking past them one by one. Stopping in front of Christopher Graves, a hand is held out, to which Graves shakes firmly.
BRANDON HENDRIX: Welcome to the team.
Brandon takes his seat, while Christopher Graves takes a moment to introduce himself.
CHRISTOPHER GRAVES: I’m Christopher Graves, I’m thirty one years old and I’ve got a lot on the line here. I grew up struggling, my family was pretty poor. I was a wrestling fan since a young age, which started my love for all of this. I want to make my family proud by doing whatever it takes to make it big.
Christopher hands Luisa the microphone, who in turn, hands it over to Mister Wright.
LUISA MENDEZ: Mister Wright, the floor is yours, good sir.
Mister Wright receives some cheers as the fans know what he’s all about. ? Championship is slung over his shoulder with great pride.
MISTER WRIGHT: Yowza! It sure feels great to be here on Project Underground! There are just so many new friends to be had around here. As your ? Champion, it’s only fair that I make a very tough decision here.
Mister Wright has already started inspecting each rookie that remains, adjusting some of their clothing and patting their heads as he goes by. Until he stops in front of Meatball!
MISTER WRIGHT: Now, you look like a GREAT addition to The Promised Land Playhouse! What do you say, pal?
Meatball gives a weird look, before shaking Mister Wright’s extended hand. Mister Wright lets out some affectionate laughter before returning to his seat. Meatball speaks up as he holds the microphone in his grip.
MEATBALL: Ain’t much to know about the Big Bad Meatball, but I’ll share a bit about myself. I grew up rooting for the bad guys, but those bad guys ended up being all smoke an’ mirrors. Me? Well, I am a real bad guy. I want to fight and I want to fight good and hard. So, that’s exactly what I will do here.
He roughly hands the microphone back to Luisa, who rolls her eyes before handing it to Michael Bishop with a smile. The fans break out into raucous cheers as Bishop settles them with gentle shushing.
MICHAEL BISHOP: As most of you know me, I’m Michael Bishop. I got my footing here in Fallout. Though, haven’t had the best of luck lately. Either way, that’s all bound to change real soon.
Michael Bishop paces in front of the rookies, a look of pure thought on his face as he sizes them up. Stopping in front of Viktor Bannon, the two men lock eyes, before they clap hands in a firm shake. Bishop pulls the man into a hug before he releases him and moves to his seat.
VIKTOR BANNON: My name is Viktor Bannon, I am a twenty five year old immigrant from Volograd, Russia. This opportunity is important to me. Anyone who knows me knows how determined I am and how hard I fight for opportunities, just as I have been doing my entire life. I served six years in the Russian Army, I take care of my sick mother, and my girlfriend. Being here is a big risk, but the reward is greater.
Viktor politely hands the microphone to The Entity, who wears a slight smirk. Luisa backs away a bit, giving the man the floor as he twirls the microphone, before speaking. He has the Ascension Championship over one shoulder, which he pats slightly.
JASON LONG: Well, well, well. Looks like you people can really use all the help you can get. As a triple crown champion around here, it’s only right that I step up to the challenge. Though, it won’t be easy for whichever one of you I choose.
He paces back and forth, finger pointing at Kurtis Slayne. Kurtis seems unbothered, barely flinching as he doesn’t even bother introducing himself. He knows his actions thus far have already spoken enough for him. Luisa takes the microphone hesitantly from Jason Long, clearing her throat.
LUISA MENDEZ: The rest of the mentors have already chosen their rookies! Savannah Sunshine has taken on the addition of Tyler and Justin Cage. Michael Bishop has taken on the addition of Nathan O’Connor. The Savior has chosen none other than Joseph Blaze! While not everyone has been paired up with a mentor, that will happen as the next few days go by. We will keep you all updated on the Project: Underground website! For now, we head to our final commercial break before an announcement! Stick around, you do not want to miss this.
Each mentor and rookie now stands with one another, camera slowly panning over them all as we head into our last commercial of the night.
COMMERCIAL
SEGMENT
As we return from commercial break, Savannah Sunshine is standing inside the ring. There is a velvet sheet covering something standing on a podium to her right a bit as the scene fades in. The fans cheer loudly as she clears her throat for a moment. The crowd settling down as she smiles softly.SAVANNAH SUNSHINE: So many talented rookies have already shown exactly what they are capable of here in Project Underground. From the likes of Virgil Barrick to Joseph Blaze to even newcomer, my rookie, Andrea Cross. There is not one rookie like the other, each of them has a unique personality all their own.
She takes a moment to wave a hand slightly as the fans clap in response.
SAVANNAH SUNSHINE: The one thing we haven’t discussed thus far is a championship. One of the challenges recently was for our rookies to share with us what it means to them to be a champion. Well, they won’t have to wait much longer for a chance at such an amazing opportunity.
Savannah steps towards the podium, one hand falling to the velvet sheet, before she pulls it away to reveal a championship. There are several medallions taking place within the championship and the crowd goes absolutely wild. Waiting for them to calm down, Savannah laughs softly as she lifts the heavy championship onto her shoulder.
SAVANNAH SUNSHINE: This right here is the Underground Championship. At each Pay Per View, the chosen rookies will fight for a medallion on this baby. As you can see, there are seven medallions total on this championship. The goal is for one rookie to collect all seven medallions.
Shifting the heavy championship on her shoulder a bit, Savannah takes a moment to adjust as she sits cross legged in the center of the ring.
SAVANNAH SUNSHINE: Depending on the circumstances, these medallions may be competed for on bi-weekly shows as well. Once someone has collected all seven medallions, they will have the chance to compete for a spot on the main roster. On a brand of their choosing, regardless of where their mentor resides. The rookie who collects all seven medallions will have their choice in who to face on said roster of their choosing. They will then compete against their chosen opponent for a potential spot on their chosen roster. If they should lose, it’s right back to Project Underground for them. If they succeed, they will head to the main roster as soon as possible.
The crowd cheers loudly as Savannah Sunshine smiles brightly. The crowd is going absolutely wild as she settles the championship in front of her flat. Showcasing all seven medallions, she gazes into the camera.
SAVANNAH SUNSHINE: The first of seven medallions will be competed for at Project Underground’s first ever Pay-Per-View! This will give the roster motivation to really prove themselves from here on out, not to say they haven’t been doing so already. I can’t wait to see what everyone has in store for us in the coming weeks. For now, I leave you all with a word of advice.
Savannah wears a serious expression as she stares into the camera once more.
SAVANNAH SUNSHINE: Give it your all, don’t give up no matter how many times you get knocked down. The more you get knocked down, the more determined you will be to succeed around here. There is so much on the line for each and every single one of you. But, some of you just might crack under all of the pressure.
Savannah stands to her feet, leaving the championship in its spot.
SAVANNAH SUNSHINE: Well, that’s all the time we have this week! Next show, we begin preparations for our first ever Pay-Per-View! Everyone drive home safely and stay warm!
Savannah blows kisses out to the crowd as her theme song plays through the arena. She exits to the backstage area. The final view is a shot of the championship and all the medallions, as the show comes to a final close.
