6CW Proving Grounds - Thursday 14th November (Iron Man Tournament Week 3)

Our scene begins at the end of the previous Proving Grounds episode where we see Liam Wood leaving the arena, as he does he is quickly stopped by 6CW Interviewer Fleur Michaels. Wood runs his hands through his hair and lets out a deep sigh, clearly not in the mood but he motions for her to talk

FM:
Tonight Liam you got off the mark in the Iron Man Tournament by scoring your first win, are you happy with how you got it though?

Wood looks at her with a look of distain

Wood:
and why wouldn't I be?

FM:
Well some are saying you got lucky...

Wood attempts to compose himself but quickly loses the battle, snapping back at Fleur

Wood:
Seriously?!

I have been back in this goddamn place for two shows and I'm already getting sick of it...THAT is your question? You're going to come up to me and show me NO respect by telling me I got lucky?

I'm sick of idiots, I'm sick of idiots like you and the fans who don't even try to hide your bias towards me anymore. Last week I lost due to Scott Harris stealing a victory and getting lucky yet nobody was talking about that...no, people mocked me...people joked that it was MY fault that he got a fluke win! They told me how he 'outwrestled' me despite me dominating the match...if anyone got lucky, it was him.

Wood pauses for a moment, Fleur attempts to speak but is once again cut off

Wood:
Well tonight, I get my win...I do what it takes and yet again I'm picked apart by the fans and the morons who want to tell me why it just doesn't count. They say I don't deserve those points but is it my fault that Cerberus doesn't know how to count to ten?! How is it my fault that he got himself counted out? Am I meant to give him those points to make up for the fact that whatever raised him never taught him basic math?! f**k that!

You see, tonight not only did I get the points that should have been mine last week I also made sure that karma paid Scott Harris a visit and he got to feel what it was like to have a match stolen from him. You see, last week he stole what was mine and I couldn't let that go unpunished. If this tournament was fair I'd have two wins to my name but we all know that I'm being held back.

Wood seems calmer now as he continues his self indulged rant

Wood:
The sad truth is the bosses hold me back because when the fans look at me they see something unobtainable...they see success, they greatness and they see everything they aren't. They need someone pathetic to look up to like Uryu Ishida or some fat f**k like that Kramer guy who I handed a win to tonight. They can't have me win because it will break the fans hearts...but sorry guys, that isn't going to stop me.

I got my points tonight and next week, I'll do the same because I deserve it.

Wood goes to walk off but is stopped by Fleur who finally gets a second word in

FM:
Liam, aren't you worried that Scott Harris might be out for revenge after what you did?

Wood laughs before replying

Wood:
I've come to expect it at this point...people always try to hold me back so I'd be shocked if that idiot didn't try and get involved. It's not like anyone's going to stop him is it? I should be respected but the staff and the security cannot even be bothered to do their jobs...

...You know what? The ONLY reason I decided to get involved in his match was when I realised that it was deemed ok to do. You see, during my match I had to deal with that felon Vincent Costello coming out and making the ringside area smelling of stale pizza.

Nobody stopped him trying to distract me so I guess nobody was going to stop me doing the same for little old Scotty. The only difference is that I did what I set out to do while he just got to watch me win my match.

Wood smirks but Fleur's next question wipes the smile from his face

FM:
Talking of Costello, how do you feel about the return of your arch nemesis? You two have a long history together and at times he seemed to be your kryptonite.

Wood's grin becomes a scowl as he turns to the camera, snatching the mic from Fluer's hand who gives a disapproving look. Wood quickly focuses his eyes down the lens of the camera and speaks

Wood:
Listen up, to all the marks out there who are getting all hard in their panties about the idea of Liam Wood v Vincent Costello...get over it.

You see, Vincent Costello might be someone who has the ability to put ANYONE through hell, he might be a former world champion who's beaten the best and he might even be someone who at times I found had the better of me but in the end it doesn't matter...it never does.

It NEVER matters because Vincent can never be bothered to stick around to make it matter. He can never stick around once things go wrong to try and make things right...Vincent Costello is a quitter but for some reason, every single one of you marks still try to deep throat him whole the moment he decided he needs the attention.

He walks in and out of this place and still you eat it up like the idiots you are. You still act like he's a big deal despite the fact he's normally gone again within a week and somehow I have to sit back and take that?! HOW F***ING DARE YOU!

Wood's composure is completely gone at this point as he loses is, seething as his rant loses control

Wood:
Everyone always wonders why I turned my back on you fans in the first place and it's THIS very reason. I killed myself for you over and over again and you acted like I was done! You replaced me for idiot, after idiot, after idiot and treated me and everything I did like it was nothing!

I got no respect so I damn well took it!
I didn't get it handed to me like Vincent f***ing Costello!
I didn't get it handed to me like any of the idiots in the back...

I took what I wanted and I will continue to do so.

Wood throws the mic to the floor and storms off leaving a shocked Fluer Michaels as the scene ends

We go backstage to see Christy James standing there with a film crew. She starts to talk confidently into the camera.

CJ: My guest right now scored his first win in the Ironman tournament. If we didn’t know him already, we would guess he will be arriving for match 3 supremely confident. Please welcome, the Cannonball!

Karl Kramer walks into shot cheering. He wears his usual attire and his mohawk is now covered with bright colour splashes like fireworks going off. He approaches Christy, takes her hand and kisses it, before shaking the cameraman’s hand off camera.

KK: Oh my lord, the truth be out. Yes indeed! The Cannonball came away from match six with the W! How proud he is and how proud he will be! Time to celebrate like Kool, oh yeah!

He twirls on the spot and claps his hand. Christy laughs.

CJ: You are hard to control Cannonball.

Kramer sways from side to side.

KK: Like you can’t believe! Buddies been taking long time to cheer. Why not savour the flavour?! Every day is a new day and a last day. You got something to shout about, then make it heard! I walked out of that ring with cheers from the people. Beautiful feelin’, just beautiful! If y’all think the Cannonball is milking it then you are damn right. Let the cream spray!

Christy laughs again as Cannonball does some shooting motions with his hands.

CJ: But Cannonball, being serious what response do you give to those that say that you were only able to get the win because Liam Wood distracted Scott Harris?

Kramer laughs and shakes his head.

KK: No way, no how! Scotty has been in this business a lot longer than me. He knows the game! First rule is eyes on the prize not those you despise! He knows it, gets it and Cannonball can’t see him cryin’ about it. Was a good match, a hard match and one the Cannonball enjoyed. Don’t taint it by wailin’ you weren’t ready. Scotty is better than that.

CJ: And Wood…….?

Kramer pauses and smiles.

KK: Well what now? The Cannonball can get go all hulk sh*t and green but his energy would be wasted. Woody’s business is his business. Mine is mine. When the two meet, it don’t look pretty. But seems to me that is the road we are all goin’ down. The contest is wide open and Cannonball is always up for a fight. Don’t think I will cross swords with words though yeah? Woody ain’t gonna get to me, don’t matter how hard he tries. He thinks that a show of weakness? Well the Cannonball says it is a sign of respect. Woody and Cannonball have the same chance to get their arm raised at the end of this duel. Cannonball acknowledges that fact. Up to Woody whether or not he does the same. I ain’t his teacher or preacher, he is his own man. How he approaches it is up to him. Cannonball hopes he picks the right way but whose to say…….

Christy smiles.

CJ: But the payoff for beating Wood in a 1 on 1 match would be huge and send a clear message to the entire roster?

KK: Damn right Christy! This door is only ajar at the mo, but Cannonball aims to burst right through it. Cerby was first up and Cannonball came close than most. Cannonball made the beast look like a man. Sure, he got the points, but Cannonballs point was also made. Then we come to Scotty H and he was first to feel the Cannonball run. You ain’t get up from that right arm….

Cannonball kisses his right bicep before continuing.

KK: Now Woody is in the frame, this multi-belt winnin’ boy wonder. He got a lot to say every damn day, but he backs up his words with deeds. If Cannonball gets the win against him, then his initiation of 6CW is complete. Cannonball ain’t no rookie no more. Cannonball ain’t no easy lay. It’s all action and reaction, with the 6CW crew on notice. Cannonball isn’t lookin’ to be a bit part…no sir. The star of the show is where Cannonball is heading, flying high with flames shootin’ out his ass! The target will be met, don’t you doubt that. It’s whether you respect that and move out of Cannonball’s way.

He nods emphatically to emphasis his point. Christy pauses before speaking in a serious tone.

CJ: Finally, do you have any comment on the actions of Hero during the main event?

Kramer sighs and looks to the floor.

KK: Man, what can you say? Desperate men do desperate things. When a guy needs to go to those lengths, then his head is all wrong. All wrong! But like Cannonball says, business is business and Hero’s is his own. He may have sweet nothin’s being purred in his ear. He may be workin’ to his own tune. Cannonball just guessin’ like everyone here, and the tale will be told. But Cannonball says this yeah? 6CW history, hell wrestling in general, has been covered with the thick goo of drama. That’s what attracted the Cannonball to this place. But drama only stresses the masses. It ain’t got time for your life and your life ain’t got time for it. Rest assured Hero’s action will be hit head on by some meaty counter punches. If he ready and rocks to that beat, then he be in his happy place. If he ain’t ready for this showdown, then he better hope he got friends in high places. ‘Cos one man’s battle could soon turn into one hundred’s men war. He be wise on that, Cannonball has no doubt. But if not……this place could get too ugly to pick out the good from the bad.

Kramer stares into the camera.

KK: Cannonball ain’t no fool. He knows this tourney is ‘bout divide and conquer. You shift out the weak and double cross the strong. Last show showed that to be a fact. Now Cannonball stated he ain’t playing games. He ain’t no-ones mouthpiece or easy way out. But Cannonball had times in his life when he had to fight for it. Cannonball can do it again in a heartbeat. Wise men are mute men as far as the Cannonball is concerned. Let’s see how the next show goes down and then he will play on from there. Watch and learn against playing and missing. But when a home run needs to be scored, the Cannonball is the best guy to hold the bat.

Christy looks a bit taken aback.

CJ: It is the first time we have seen you so serious Cannonball….

Kramer holds his stare and then shakes his head; blinking wildly.

KK: Woah girl, Cannonball just messing. He must have been seriously tripping a storm there! No doubt! No doubt! You take no notice of the ramblings of a rolling man yeah? Wheels keep on turning like Tina, pray and relay…. pray and relay.

Kramer smiles.

KK: So pretty lady, are we done?

Christy nods her head and motions for the cameraman to stop recording. Kramer goes to leave, but Christy catches his arm.

CJ: Karl……

Kramer sees she is being serious so doesn’t do a usual response. Christy removes something from her pocket and shows it to Kramer.

CJ: I just thought you should know……the papers did their digging and uncovered this. They plan to run it next week….

Kramer looks down at what Christy is holding and we can see that it is a tattered photograph on a piece of A4 paper. The photo shows three people – a silver haired man and two children, barely teenagers. One of them is seriously overweight while the other is much thinner and with a baseball cap covering his face. The silver haired man is between the pair of them, with his arm wrapped round the bigger boys’ shoulders. Even though the thinner boy is smiling, he stands slightly away from the other two in the picture.

Kramer stares at it for a moment before speaking. He doesn’t look up.

KK: You say they printing this?

Christy pulls the picture away to get Kramer’s attention.

CJ: This is all they have so far, and they haven’t been able to get anything else. They think there is something but at the moment this is all they have. But……

Kramer stares at her.

KK: What?

CJ: I did my own digging Karl. It is easier from within 6CW than on the outside. Lots of records to look up……

Kramer looks at the ceiling and grits his teeth.

KK: Look, to hell with this. They got no story and it ain’t their damn business. You take that spade of yours and get rid of it. Ain’t no more diggin’, ain’t no more checkin’. You hear me?

Christy nods.

CJ: Look Karl, I am sorry….

Kramer shakes his head and walks away while shouting back.

KK: Don’t need no sorry’s girl, that sh*t got old long ago!

Kramer’s heavy footsteps can be heard marching away as the scene fades.

*Marty Helms is walking through the corridors of 6CW. He is followed by a cameraman. He turns and admonishes him

*Music can be heard as he walks along, getting louder as he gets towards a changing room. He stops and shakes his head, hearing All Time Low by Jon Bellion; the door has a sign for ‘Hero’ on it.

*Sobs can be heard coming from within. Helms bangs on the door

*Helms steps away as the shout rings out. Turning to the camera, he speaks more quietly

*He carries on and the song begins to fade away. As he turns a corner, he is greeted by Travis Sharp

*Sharp smiles and spreads his arms

*He offers a hand to shake and Helms looks at it with disdain

*Sharp is taken aback; Helms is in a hurry

*He smiles at his word play

*Sharp’s jaw almost hits the floor in shock

*Helms grabs him by the lapel and pushes him against the wall

*Sharp has no words, fear running through his veins. He tries to speak but no words come out

*Sharp shakes his head and then cries in pain as Helms grabs him by the hair and slams his head against the back wall before letting him drop to the floor. Helms stares down at him

*Helms walks away and towards the direction of the ring

A massive cannon fire goes off and "O Fortuna" starts to play as the fans cheer. The camera pans around to show some of the fans wearing "We are all Buddies!" t-shirts and smiling. We then hear Jeff Thadeus on commentary as we see Karl Kramer coming out onto the stage.

JT: Welcome fans, and it is good to see the Cannonball out here. Impressive in both his matches but still very much seen as a 6CW rookie. What do you think Jack?

JR: I agree, he still has a lot to prove against other established stars. It seems as if the fans have taken to him which, if you have believed the interviews, is all he is worried about.

Kramer walks down to the ring, slapping the fans hands as he goes. He is passed a microphone and the music dies down.

KK: BUDDIES!!!!

The crowd cheer and Kramer laughs.

KK: No doubt, what a welcome! Thank you! Well I am sure y'all want to know why I brought the fire down here. Burnin' and wheels turnin' like Tina. But yo, time for talk is over. Cannonball is nearin' the business end.....the one where that ball comes shootin' out and slams you in the face! Loads of guys messin' with the words like they are testifyin'. But the games too long to hit the high note from the first bars of the song. You got to hold it long and proud right til the final curtain. If they believed what they spew then each fight will be as hard as the next. Cannonball don't think they believe though. It's macho grande chitter chatter to the max!

Kramer paces the ring.

KK: And Cannonball gets that the usual response is I am bigger than you. I am badder than you. I am stronger than you. That's how this usual sh*t goes down right? We barb to and fro, pretendin' how sweet feelin's ain't hurt. They tell of history of scalps to get gold and parade that list like the 4th of July. You look down line by line by line and nod ya head as if it is a new chapter in the Lord's book.

Kramer yawns loudly and then winks to the audience.

KK: Oh sometimes it goes way past that! No doubt, there be talk of how you look, how you speak and how you love. Thinkin' they are better men because the skeletons in their closet still have meat on! Blowin' air with graces, thinkin' you goin to take the shame and knock them out! Waitin' for you to chomp on the bait so they can haul in the prize whale! Oh they reel it in and laugh coz' they think it scores points on humanities best men league table!

Kramer stops.

KK: Well Cannonball ain't interested in bait takin'. Or ping pong sing song ding dongs! I ain't got time in duets for duels. That may not be the done thing here but my thing never been right for lemmings. Boys speak when they are spoken too. Men give you the finger and knock you out at a time fittin' for them!

The crowd laugh and cheer, as Cannonball bangs his chest.

KK: Maybe Cannonball's face don't fit round here. Maybe his words ain't prime steak and fine wine. Maybe you choke on them. But what keeps happenin' is you order it all up again. Maybe hopin' the next time round it goes down as well as what you other guys are servin'. Maybe.....just maybe......you wait too long for that to happen. You nod your head and realise Cannonball ain't gonna play your way. A lot of flak can come hit this body but it will bounce right off. So why waste energy even tryin'?

Kramer shakes his head and smiles.

KK: So the time has come for those to either hear or bawl. I kinda guess which card is going to be flipped but miracles do happen. Let's hope your hand is as good as your bluff......

Kramer drops the microphone to his side.

As Karmer stands waiting in the ring the lights go out and Revival Mode by Every Time I Die begins to play through the speakers. The fans quickly begin to boo as the music continues to play but Wood doesn't show. Suddenly on the stage a single spot light appears but the figure clearly isn't Wood.

The figure sheepishly walks along the aisle and can be seen carrying a mystery box, he is quickly joined by various other figures who surround the ring. 20 maybe 25 different figures with various boxes and bags appear and when the lights come back on they are revealed a delivery guys, each with a different fast food item.

Kramer looks around confused as Wood appears on the titatron with a smug look on his face

Wood:
Sorry I can't be there in person Carly but I wanted you to feel at home in the ring so I got what I assume you eat most days to be as fat as you are. So you're welcome and don't worry, I know they don't pay you much so I've covered the cost.

Now you might be asking WHY I'm not there in person and it's simple really...firstly, the fans are poor and I'd rather not have to be around poor people that much so this video system helps but mostly it's about respect....

...and respect is important in this business.

Wood sits back in his chair as he continues to speak.

Wood:
Last time we had a little meeting you did your best to disrespect me, you came out and put on a show for these idiots and then ignored what I was said. Now I could forgive you for being excited and wanting to put an act on but you're not dealing with some local wrestling shmuck...I am Liam Wood.

I will not be disrespected by a guy who clearly has to wear a bra under his wrestling gear, I will not be disrespected by a guy who's blood type looks like it would be mostly gravy at this point! I am honouring you...a nobody in the business...with my time and I expect you to show some effort and respect or I pull the plug...just like they'll do with you once you have that first heart attack you've been training for.

Wood's smile widens and he leans forward in his seat and puts on a mock serious tone, looking down the lens as he speaks

Wood:
Now, your respect is not the only thing I want from you I need something else if this is going to happen. I need you to try your best to actually say something...anything really. You see I've heard you talk and I'm not sure what you're saying...at all.

You sound like Dusty Rhodes with autism and while the fans seem to love it, I'm a wrestler not a care assistant and I don't enjoy humouring ret**ds. So please Carly, speak like an adult and enough of the act. It got old in 80's and just because you have the heart of an 80 year old because of the steroids and the obesity doesn't mean you can't try and be a bit more modern.

So, where were we...proceed with whatever you wanted to say...feel free to stuff your face as well you fat f**k.

Wood sits back, faking interest as Karl remains stood in the ring. As he does though one of the pizza boys nervously gets in the ring and holds out a piece of pizza, visibly mouthing the words “I'm sorry” as he does.

Kramer takes a step forward and looks at the pizza slice. He takes his time to look over it from every angle. He then bends down and sniffs the slice. He scrunches up his face and looks confused. He then beckons the pizza boy to open the pizza box.

KK: WOAH BUDDY!!!! NO PEPPERONI???!!!

The pizza boy goes flying backward and drops the box on the canvas. Kramer stands laughing loudly before gently helping the boy back to his feet and slapping his back. Kramer then stares at the screen and smiles.

KK: No doubt you give these guys want they want Woody! It shows heart! It shows passion! It shows true motives! In fact.......

Kramer walks over to the ropes and exits the ring. He then beckons the assorted fast food boys to the crowd barrier. Kramer then starts to hand out all the food to the crowd who start cheering. Kramer starts shouting out "free food!" as the crowd scramble to get the assorted burgers, pizzas and other assorted fast food grub.

JR: I'm starting to feel really hungry. I hope the Cannonball comes over here!

The crowd still cheer as Kramer finishes handing out all the food. They turn to the screen and mockingly thank Wood. They lift up their fizzy drinks and toast him, while a "thank you Wood" chant starts. Kramer can't help laughing as he gets back into the ring. He picks up one of the dropped pieces of pizza and walks to the corner.

KK: Woah buddy! You truly are a man of the people!

He toasts Wood with the pizza slice before taking a massive bite. He stands there eating and looking at the screen

Wood watches as Kramer hands out his food with a scowl on his face but as Kramer steps back in to the ring and takes a bite Wood's scowl turns in a huge smile. Wood almost can't hold back the laughs as he speaks.

Wood:
Oh how generous of you but I'm really glad you did that and I knew you would. Roll the clip...

Suddenly a video plays showing the food brought out for Kramer with Wood stood with all of the delivery boys, he can be seen handing out money to each one and as he does they spit in to the take away food, it then cuts to Wood who looks in to the lens and sends a message to Kramer

Wood:
Hope you enjoy the meal you fat disgusting pig...enjoy the special sauce

Wood then spits in to a burger before putting it back in to the package and winking, the screen then goes black leaving Kramer stood alone in the ring, the fans all spitting out the food and looking disgusted. The delivery boys quickly sprint out of the arena, some of them looking bad for what they've done but some of them clearly finding it funny.

Kramer looks to the screen and back at the fans. He shakes his head.

KK: Woah buddy, that ain't good. That ain't good.....

He looks to the fans and apologises before shrugging his shoulders.

KK: Well, if you wanted Cannonball to call off sick 'coz you didn't want to face him, then this is the best way right. Desperate boys have desperate toys. Bawlin' and chuckin' them out the cot. Woody defo got some issues if he tryin' to give me food poisonin'......

He holds his stomach.

KK: Cannonball should be well enough to fight. But it be touch and go. Woody must be feelin' the heat, oh boy.....

He doubles over a bit and heaves.

KK: Truth is y'all knows what Woody has had to put in his mouth to get that gold he loves. How the hell else he got it???

He lifts himself up smiling as the crowd laughs.

KK: No Cannonball will be fine, no doubt.

He winks at the crowd as they chuck the food packaging over the barriers.

I mean Scott is a talented wrestler...

He knows more submissions then Liam Wood knows wrestling moves...

And when you know that many you're always a threat no matter how much punishment you've taken..

It doesn't matter how big or strong you are when you can't breathe... 

All it takes is a matter of seconds to lock a hold in and it's game over lights out goodnight...

It's going to be a hell of a fight but im confident of picking up a W tonight...

I made a stupid mistake last week against that "attention deprived virgin" Liam Wood...

I took my eye off the ball when Vincent Costello turned up and it cost me...

It won't be happening again Christy... 

Tonight im going to leave Scott imprinted on the mat...

Everyone proclaimed that we "Need More Harris"..

The only thing he's going to need is Medical Attention..

Anymore questions??

Anyone that's watched 6CW before this reboot knows the history...

We all know what kind of man Vincent is...

And what he'll do to get himself to the top...

Well this is one mountain he ain't going to climb...

So if he wants to get involved in my sh** again...

I will put him in a bodybag and throw it into the sewers where he belongs...

So consider it a warning Vincent..

You stay out of my business...

I won't kill you...