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Post by Laura Phoenix - HBIC on Oct 13, 2021 23:28:59 GMT -5
PWS:APEX PRESENTS: RIOT LIVE FROM CEDAR POINT: SANDUSKY, OHIO October 19th 2021
Singles Match
Alexis Makarios vs Devon Ryder
Deadline is 10/17/2021 11:59:59 PM EST Min 300 words Max 5000 words
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Post by Alexis Makarios on Oct 17, 2021 22:44:34 GMT -5
*The scene fades up showing Alexis Makarios leaving a local bowling alley. She had her bowling shoes in her hand as she and James waved at some one before getting in their car.*
James: That was fun… but are you sure it was the best idea to go bowling instead of going to Dishonored?
Alexis: They didn’t want us there, couldn’t be bothered to book either of us… so we took matters into our own hands. I guarantee they won’t make the same mistake come Crusade.
*James just softly nodded, realizing it wasn’t worth arguing with her over it, as she was insistent. The two drove off down the road with James driving. Alexis was scrolling on her phone and she just started laughing*
James: What?
Alexis: I have like a million texts from people letting me know what happened tonight. I guess there’s new Tag Team Champions.
James: You and Heather gonna try to get the belts back?
*Alexis smirked*
Alexis: Maybe. I’d like that, alot. Or maybe I could go after Cleo since she retained. Or even Sanders because he retained too.
James: I noticed one title that you didn’t mention… Does that mean?
*Alexis shook her head*
Alexis: Sadly, no. Sierra retained against Jenn. I bet she cheated and poor Jenn got screwed over. Such is the way, it seems.
James: Damn, that stinks. I just hope she doesn’t hold it against you for not being there to support her and cheer her on.
Alexis: Nah, she would get it. She’s been on this side of things too. She knows.
James: I hope so. You really haven’t heard from her or Gracie much lately.
Alexis: Well, Gracie is getting ready to welcome a baby into the world… so I totally get it. Jenn was focused on her World Title shot… and Jorge isn’t in the best of health. Their plates are full and the last thing they need is their crazy friend causing more drama and stress.
James: That’s right, Gracie’s baby is due soon.
Alexis: She could go at any time.
James: You should give em a call… check in on em. You know they love you and you love them. Who knows… they might need the support.
*The two continue to drive in silence for a moment. Alexis goes back to her phone. She then speaks without looking up*
Alexis: I wonder how Audrey is doing…
James: Huh?
*Alexis looked over at him*
Alexis: What? I can’t be concerned about some one after a big loss?
James: I thought… you know what… nevermind. I’m sure she’d love to hear from you.
Alexis: I’m not sure we’re “there” yet.
James: A quick text saying “hey, you ok?” could go a long way.
Alexis: Are you… trying to teach me how to make friends?
James: Well… you haven’t exactly been good at that lately.
*Alexis types something in her phone and hits send.*
James: Did… did you just take my advice?
Alexis: Shut up…
*She pushed a few more buttons and the speakers of the car began to sync up with her phone, and a voice computer was heard*
Voice: Calling… Jenn…
*It then began to ring… once… twice… three times… then you hear Jenn’s voice through the speakers.*
Jenn: hi, you’ve reached Jennifer Carpenter-Lopez. I can’t answer right now, leave a message. If I think you’re important enough, I’ll call ya back.
*It beeped and Alexis hit the button to end the call. She looked over at James, concerned.*
Alexis: That’s… worrisome… she always answers when it’s me.
James: Maybe she’s upset?
Alexis: I’ll try again in a little bit. Maybe she is being checked by the trainers and stuff after her match. I’ll try Gracie.
*She pushed a few buttons and the voice came up again.*
Voice: Calling… Gracie…
*And it rings once… twice… three times… Gracie’s voice was heard.*
Gracie: You reached Gracie Lopez… don’t bother leaving a message, I don’t listen to them.
*It beeped and Alexis hung up again.*
Alexis: Uhhhh … I hope everything is ok…
*Alexis looks concerned as the scene fades to black*
5 days later
*The scene fades up with Alexis in the gym. She was spending the afternoon working out and prepping for Riot when she decided to take a break to record the following video*
Alexis: Hey guys… so I thought I would take a moment to touch on a few things that have been bothering me alot lately. I’ll try to keep it short, because I have a match to prep for. But first things first… Sierra… You may have pulled a fast one and beat Jenn… but your days are numbered. Take that how you will.
*She shook her head*
Alexis: As you all know, myself and my pal Heather Haze were disrespected by management when we were BOTH left off of Dishonored. It was rude and uncalled for from them so we just did our own thing. Must have caught their attention because they were REAL QUICK to get us booked on the next Riot. Even if they had to pick two losers like Shawn Young and Devon Ryder. But whatever. A match is a match. Things may not have gone so great for me so far… even as low as to lose to that moron Miles Kasey… I could have given Cleo a run for her money… and could have actually succeeded where he failed. But whatever. I guess that just means that I get to make Devon my bitch this week. And that… well that sounds fun! Look, I don’t really know what else to say about the idiot. I saw the name Ryder and instantly thought it was that wanna be hollywood pretty boy dumbass… but he is probably still licking his wounds after Bella used his face to clean the mat. I’m gonna say this once, and only once. I’m Alexis FUCKING Makarios! First PWS:APEX World Champion! Former Tag Team Champion. Hall of Famer. I’m mounting a comeback… and no one is going to stop me. Especially not some numbnuts like Devon Ryder. See you at Cedar Point... hope you don't get so scared you shit your pants.
*She smiled as the scene faded to black*
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Post by Devon Ryder on Oct 17, 2021 22:45:53 GMT -5
*The PWS: Apex website is inundated with visitors in the two weeks leading up to the post-Dishonored showing of PWS: Apex Riot. Amongst the webpage's Halloween theming - in honour of the episode's subtitle, "Trick or Riot", there is the usual selection of articles and videos designed to hype the upcoming card. One odd bit of decor that seems somewhat out of place to a great many viewers, though, is the brilliant orange banner along the top reading "HAPPY THANKSGIVING!" Confused sitegoers who mouseover this link for any length of time will read its description as "A Message of Thankfulness from Your Hero". Those intrigues by this odd, cryptic caption - or even those who've figured it out and are eager to see the video - will click on it to be taken to a pop-out video player that reads "Thankful.mp3". When the video loads we're greeted with an interior shot of an apartment building, with none-other than PWS: Apex's resident "Canadian Hero" Devon Ryder seated on a black leather couch with the same beautiful black woman we saw in his previous promo. Ryder's phone is sitting on the glass table in front of him, and the proud Canadian wears a pair of blue jeans and a plain white t-shirt with a red maple leaf and the word "Canada" across the front. He gives his partner a brief kiss on the lips and then waves goodbye as she quickly saunters out of the the shot.*“Last week - Monday, the 11th of October, 2021, to be exact - was Thanksgiving in Canada. Many Americans seem to believe they ‘own’ this particular holiday, largely because it’s been steeped in patriotism to the point of becoming a part of what many consider to be their ‘cultural identity’ as a nation. But this is, of course, a mistake. The United States is only one of MANY countries with a harvest festival dedicated to celebration and giving thanks for the previous year, and yet the American myth of the ‘First Thanksgiving’ pervades media and pop culture even to this day. We’ve all seen it; the image of colonists peacefully breaking bread with the natives, sharing amicably in the bounty of their first successful harvest in the new world. It’s a powerful image...yet it’s almost entirely fictional.”*The Canadian Hero smirks as his blue eyes lock with the camera, raising one eyebrow as he speaks.*“I would love to claim that Canada - such as it was in those early days before confederation - was the nation to beat America to what has become its most beloved, overtly-nationalistic holiday. I would love to tell you that all of your traditions, from the feasting to the drinks to the togetherness and appreciation of friends and family, to even the concept of giving thanks ITSELF, could be traced back to us...but that’s simply not the case. Now, OUR inaugural Thanksgiving celebration DOES seem to predate the one most infamously referred to as ‘First Thanksgiving’ in the United States, but the truth - as ever - is far more nuanced and complicated than that. I’ll spare you a long story, but suffice to say this: the first incarnation of the festival WE now know as ‘Thanksgiving’ likely took place among Spanish explorers and First Nations peoples in the Americas sometime in the mid-16th century; however, in its earliest forms, it predates even them. What we call Thanksgiving is, in truth, a tradition that existed on this continent long before any European settlers ever set foot upon this soil; one that was stolen, as so much else on this continent would be throughout its history, from its indigenous peoples."*Devon allows himself to smirk briefly at the jab, but the expression quickly vanishes and becomes a good deal more serious for his next topic.*“Some of you are probably not keen to hear that. For those who grew up with their myths of the Puritans and the Wampanoag breaking bread as allies, you may get something of a violent, visceral reaction to learning the truth is so much darker than you’ve been led to believe. I know, because I did as well.”*Devon frowns now, more a sorrowful expression than an angry one.*“I have said before that Canada is not a utopia, and that remains true. For years of my life even I was misinformed about the origins of Thanksgiving, with our school system choosing to gloss over some of the more ‘unsavoury’ details of its origins - particularly with regard to how the first interracial celebration between First Nations and Samuel de Champlain, who would later go on to found much of French Canada, was headlined by a ‘morality play’ which showed the Greek ocean god Poseidon blessing the colonists’ voyage and granting them dominion over the allegedly ‘inferior’ natives. It’s a horrifying image, and it’s only the tip of the iceberg. When Canada declared Thanksgiving a national holiday, it was expressly done with the intention of spreading Christianity to the First Nations peoples, whom the government officially considered ‘savages’, and it was exactly this line of thinking that led to residential schools and the cultural genocide that we are STILL grappling with even today, and only NOW beginning to make ANY progress in atoning for.”*Ryder frowns softly, heaving a heavy sigh as he wrings his hands slowly through his deep brown hair. His blue eyes are conflicted as he gazes back into the camera.*“So celebrating Thanksgiving these days has become something of a...mixed bag for me. It stirs wonderful feelings of togetherness with the people I love, while also serving as a grim reminder of the dark past of the country I love so dearly. I, and many other like-minded Canadians, choose to use the day to remember and give thanks to the indigenous peoples our ancestors have wronged. To appreciate, laud and celebrate their rich cultural heritage upon which our nation was built. But it still feels rather...bittersweet, especially when I remember that so many other Canadians don’t feel that way, and the stark realities of just how far we still have to go. But that’s the POINT. We NEED these feelings to be complicated, so we’re forced to ENGAGE with them. We CAN’T keep sweeping these things under the rug, ignoring the issue and pretending that all is well...and it’s a difficult reality to struggle with. Acknowledging these problems, understanding how much is wrong and how far we still need to go to fix it, often makes me question whether we really ARE as superior to the United States as I like to believe. Whether I deserve to call myself a Hero. But then I read stories like this...”*Devon taps the screen on his mobile phone, holding it out so the camera an read it. It's a headline on CNN.com reading "Texas School Administrator Told Teachers to Include Holocaust Books with 'Opposing' Views When Explaining New State Law." Ryder frowns deeply, his expression one of disappointment and disgust as he lowers his phone and continues to speak.*“When I saw this headline, I was appalled. It instantly dispelled any doubt I had been feeling over whether Canada is truly superior culturally and socially to the USA. We are ABSOLUTELY your superiors, and this alone proves it. Because we may not be perfect, but at least we are working to RECOGNIZE our flaws. At least WE are taking active steps to move away from these backwards ideas, towards a more harmonious, inclusive mosaic of a society. We may have faults, a great many of them, but they are being ADDRESSED by our government as well as our people. Something like this would be unthinkable in Canada! It would be disgusting!"*Ryder's frown is gone now, replaced by an arrogant and condescending smirk.*"But then, I suppose embracing lies that would harm the disadvantaged is precisely what your nation does best. Nobody knows that better than Alexis Makarios.”*Ryder's smirk vanishes now, and it's replaced by a stern, serious expression.*“Alexis, you’ve been on the wrong end of MANY of America’s moral failings throughout your life. To come of age as a woman in a country so renowned for its institutionalized sexism, to live in a country that allows its state to dictate how you can use your body in the way that this horrible, backwards law enables them to do...and worse yet, to be mentally ill in a nation that still lives with a stigma attached to it, whose vehement fight against universal healthcare makes it all the more difficult for you to get the help and treatment that you need; I am so deeply, truly sorry for you. I understand why you let your condition go untreated for so long, why you feared the backlash from the friends who claimed to care about you if it got out that you were struggling with these thoughts and feelings. I know why you feel so angry, Alexis. So hurt and so betrayed by everyone around you. It’s because you’re living in a broken system, and you’re in one of the many, many demographics which directly feel the effects of its failure. But I can help you, Lexi. I promise you, there IS a better way.”*Ryder leans forward, clasping his hands in front of him as he speaks directly down the camera.* “When the COVID-19 pandemic started, the Canadian government KNEW that there would be adverse effects on citizens’ mental health if the lockdowns were to be as long and extensive as health experts predicted they would be. They knew those who already struggled with their mental health would get worse, and those who had NEVER struggled may begin to show symptoms they had never seen before. So they did what any reasonable government that cares about its people would do; they created a national database of free, available mental health services and made it readily accessible for all who should need it. Because we don’t TREAT the ill as if they’re crazy here, Alexis. We don’t DEMONIZE and DE-HUMANIZE them, or force them into isolation from the very loved ones and community that could help them cope with their condition! In Canada, we CARE about those in need...and you may not believe it, but I care about you, Lexi. I know how you’re struggling to find your footing after your outpatient stint in a mental health institution. I know how lost you must feel, how alone and how betrayed...and I know the one thing you want to do is just be treated like a wrestler again. To be the Alexis Makarios who won singles AND Tag Team gold in PWS: Apex. The Alexis Makarios who’s a veritable LEGEND in not only this company, but the whole damn wrestling INDUSTRY! I can help you do exactly that, Alexis. I can bring you back to that place, if only for one night. All I ask is that you bring me your best. Fight me like your very life depended on it, and I’ll remind EVERYONE in this building of what a great professional wrestler looks like. I’ll remind them why they should pay attention to Alexis Makarios. Teach them how to CARE about you again. I’ll show everybody in this building exactly why you and I should BOTH be considered legends in the sheer sport of professional wrestling, and once again demonstrate the superiority of treating people as equals...because a little respect can go a long, long way. And hey...maybe I’ll get to remind them why I deserve to call myself the Canadian Hero, too.”*Ryder smirks as he wraps his arm around his partner’s waist as she returns to frame, falling onto the arm of the couch beside him.*“See ya on Tuesday, Lexi.”*With that, Ryder’s finished, and the Guess Who’s “American Woman” starts up again as he winks into the camera, before standing up from the couch, sliding his phone back into his pocket and swaggering off through the apartment's balcony door. We hold on the skyline of Toronto for just a beat, and then we fade.*
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