Project: Wrestling Episode 3: The Vanishing Luchador

Project: Wrestling Ep.2 Friend and Foe

The show starts in a hotel room. The camera pans a gorgeous suite. Luna Monroe sashays into frame carrying two bottles and two glasses. She sets the glasses down and fills one with wine and the other with soda.

(Luna) “Our first show in the bag.”

(Jonathan) “I know I can finally sleep like a normal person again.”

(Luna) “Not going to admit your worries were unfounded?”

Jonathan smiles and picks up the soda.

(Jonathan) “Luna darling I’ve spent so many years telling you you were right surely the novelty has worn off by now.”

Luna smiles and picks up the glass.

(Luna) “To continued success.”

The two cheer and drink. Then the hotel phone rings surprising both of them. Jonathan goes and answers it.

(Jonathan) “Hello? What? Um sir, not to…not to be…sir…sir”

The other party hangs up abruptly and Jonathan stares at the phone for a moment before hanging it.

(Luna)”Wrong number?”

(Jonathan) “I hope so.”

It cuts to the introduction and then to the commentators to officially start episode two. Martin O’Ryan and Spencer Barker begin to speak as Kaijus theme plays in the background.

O’Ryan: Welcome back to Project: Wrestling. Apparently, we’re getting started right away tonight. The monster movie come to life Kaiju vs. Shawn Mulligan.

Barker: Mulligan is just a few inches or so shorter than Kaiju but also smaller in weight by a significant amount. Kaiju, three hundred twenty pounds, Shawn Mulligan, two hundred and ten.

The bell rings and Mulligan comes out of the corner aggressively with a running elbow strike that doesn’t even faze the big man. Mulligan throws two more elbows before getting thrown to the side by Kaiju. He’s quickly back to his feet and puts his hands up like a boxer and begins to jump from side to side. Kaiju stares at him in disbelief.

Kaiju: Are you stupid or something?

Mulligan does some shadow boxing and Kaiju shrugs before connecting with a kick to the body that crumbles Mulligan. Mulligan rolls out of the ring, holding onto his side and cursing under his breath.

Barker: Well that didn’t work.

O’Ryan: Shawn knows what he’s doing…

Barker: Really? You’re doing this again? I get you have some kind of relationship with Frank Clover and Shawn Mulligan but Mr. Mulligan just got his liver kicked from one side of his rib cage to the other, whatever plan he had is up in flames.

The ref begins to count Mulligan out. Mulligan slowly pulls himself to his feet still nursing his hip. The ref goes out to check on Mulligan who brushes him off and rolls into the ring.

Kaiju: Fool…

Mulligan approaches the big man but is again floored by a body kick. Kaiju cover him but Mulligan kicks out at two. Kaiju immediately switches into a mounted position and lays into Frank with two right hands and a left. He covers him again but Mulligan kicks out again.

Kaiju stands up this time and grabs Mulligan by the hair. He pulls him to his feet but Mulligan immediately crumbles to his knees. The ref backs Kaiju off.

Barker: The ref is concerned about Shawn Mulligan's well bein-wait a second…

O’Ryan: Told you!

Mulligan stands up, holding his hand against his hip. He insists on the ref letting the match continue. The ref turns to wave off the bell ringer and Mulligan springs forward, driving some sort of object into Kaijus's eye.

The crowd boo and Mulligan tosses the object out of the ring. Kaiju sinks to one knee and Mulligan backs up. He runs forward and knocks Kaiju out of the ring with a Knee Trembler. Mulligan begins to strut around as the ref starts to count Kaiju out.

O’Ryan: I told you, I told you Shawn always knows what he’s doing.

Barker: I hope you’re right…I have a bad feeling about this.

At seven Kaiju stands up and stares into the ring. A smug grin falls from Mulligan's face as the big man rolls into the ring. He takes action and begins to stomp on Kaiju to no avail. Kaiju stands and Mulligan throws some right hands that continue to do nothing. The color fades from his face as Kaiju grabs him by the throat and Taue-style Chokeslams him.

He holds onto the throat and stands back up pulling Mulligan with him. He Chokeslams him again and immediately pulls him back up. He drives his knee into the midsection of Mulligan twice and then thrusts him between his legs. He picks him up and nails him with a brutal Powerbomb. Kaiju takes a knee at Mulligan's side and puts his hand on his chest for the three count.

Barker: Sooo…

O’Ryan: Shut up!

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The screen faded to black and then comes back on a dilapidated shed in the middle of an empty field. It cuts inside the shed where a man with long hair covering half his face is working out. Inter spliced are clips of the man throwing people around a makeshift ring and hitting them with Clotheslines and various other strikes. It ends with a weight crashing to the ground and a zoom-in on the mans scowling face then it cuts to a commercial.

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It comes back on a young woman in a black and purple dress standing next to Lightspeed Larry and holding a microphone.

Madison Rose: Ladies no gentlemen, my name is Madison Rose and so I’m honored to be on the ground floor of Project: Wrestling. Speaking of which, standing here with me is a man that was in the first match in Project: Wrestling history Lightspeed Larry. Larry, suffice to say last week didn’t go quite like you hoped…

Larry: To put it mildly. But I’m back tonight, I’m going against Tommy Preston and we’re closer in size and our backgrounds are similar, so I’m hoping tonight goes better for me even if I don’t win.

He gives the camera a thumbs-up. His music begins to play in the background and he walks out the curtain…

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Barker: An optimist if nothing else.

Larry plays to the crowd as he walks down the ramp and gets in the ring. He shakes hands with the ref and heads to a corner. Different music begins playing and the crowd starts booing as Tommy Preston is led out from the back by The Duchess.

Barker: Front and center is the X factor of every match Tommy has. Manager, friend, confidant, strategist, possibly lover The Duchess.

O’Ryan: Shes certainly a…crafty young woman. No doubt she has collected anything she could find about Larry’s in-ring game and has a bulletproof plan mapped out.

The bell rings. True to his nickname Larry is out of the corner in no time and quickly moves back and forth in a circle around Tommy. Larry shoots for his opponent's legs but Tommy brings his knee up into Larry’s jaw. The crowd ooh in response.

Barker: Jeez…

O’Ryan: Optimism shattered, teeth shattered, quit while you’re ahead Larry.

Tommy pulls Larry to his feet by what’s left of his hair. To the surprise of everyone, Larry breaks his grip and slaps Tommy. A stunned Tommy walks into the corner. He stares at Larry who stands with a small smirk on his face.

Tommy slowly walks out of the corner and shoots for a Double Leg Takedown but Larry counters and almost takes the back but Tommy crawls through his legs and locks his arms around Larry’s waist. He tries for a Suplex but Larry holds his ground, slips out of the waist lock, and takes Tommy to the mat with a Fujiwara Arm Bar but Tommy quickly rolls out and takes a powder on the outside of the ring.

Barker: Well…damn. I feel like I owe Larry money now or at least an apology.

Tommy renewers the ring and him and Larry facedown both waiting for the other to make a move. The two lock up and Larry tries to push Tommy down to the mat but Tommy remains grounded. Tommy shifts his weight and takes Larry to the mat. He pins his shoulders to the mat but doesnt even get a one count. He pins them down again to the same result.

Both slowly rise to their feet, still holding the lock-up. Tommy backs Larry up against the ropes and the ref gets in between the two. The two break slowly and as he backs up, Tommy gestures for Duchess to move to the other side of the ring away from Larry.

Larry looks at him in surprise but nods and backs away from the ropes. The two circle each other before going for a lockup again. This time, however, Tommy goes low with a leg takedown. He tries to lock in a submission but Larry breaks away from his grip and rolls to his feet. Tommy is right back on him as the two lock up again. They wrestle for control and end up spilling through the middle rope and to the floor.

Both men lay on the floor, grimacing in minor pain. Tommy is first to his feet but Larry isn’t far behind. The two stare each other down as the ref begins his count. Larry rolls into the ring, and Tommy walks around to the other side before sliding in.

The two continue their stare down briefly. They both move suddenly and nail the other with a punch. Both men stagger backward. They shake it off and both try for a punch again. Larry’s has not I ally less impact this time, however. Tommy follows up with three quick jabs and a Belly-to-Belly Suplex Slam.

He kneels for a second to catch his breath. He stands up and pulls Larry up with him. He picks Larry up on his shoulders and moves toward the center of the ring. Larry slides out however, locks in a Full Nelson, pulls Tommy up, and turns it into a Wheelbarrow Facebuster. He rolls over into a pin but only gets a two-count.

He swears under his breath and stands up. He turns Tommy just a little and points to the ropes. The crowd cheer as he begins his ascent to the top. He stands straight up and tries for a Phoenix Splash but Tommy rolls out of the way. The crowd oohs as Larry face-plants on the mat.

Larry slowly starts to stand up though his legs are shaky. Tommy runs forward and hits him in the side of the head with a knee. The crowd boo but Tommy disregards them. He picks the dazed Larry up in a Torture Rack but pushes him into the air and out into a Sitout Powerbomb for the three count.

The crowd boo as he’s announced as the winner. He stands up slowly and the ref raises his hand. He pulls it away and goes over to Larry.

Tommy: Hell of an effort mate…

He stretches out his hand and the still-dazed Larry shakes it slowly.

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The camera cuts to the commentators crows nest. Both men remove their headphones. Martin O’Ryan stretches but then notices Jonathan standing behind him. He motions for Marty to follow him.

Barker: Busted.

O’Ryan: Can it.

He stands up and follows Jonathan out of the room.

O’Ryan: Am I being sent to the principal's office?

Jonathan: Whether your commentary is biased or not is no concern of Miss Monroe.

O’Ryan: So what’s this about?

The pair exit another door and walk towards the parking lot.

Jonathan: Kaiju made pretty quick work of your friend earlier today.

O’Ryan: So what? crap like that happens sometimes in sports.

Jonathan: Interes-

Kaiju: MotherXXXXXX!

Marty backs up as the bloodied and angry big man approaches him barely being held back by a group of EMTs.

O’Ryan: The hells his problem?

Jonathan: Well it seems, Tigre found Mr. Kaiju outside swarmed by at least six people…one of them dropped this.

He pulls a wallet out of his jacket pocket and hands it to Marty.

O’Ryan: It’s a wallet from my dads gym…are you accusing of orchestrating this? Are you fu***** mental, look at him and look at me. Even indirectly I wouldn’t do anything that might piss him off.

Before Jonathan can respond, Kaiju breaks free and takes out a cameraman as he tries to fight Marty. The show goes to commercial as the sounds of a fracas can be heard as the feed fades away.

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It comes back on the ring and Spencer Barker begins speaking in the background.

Barker: Quick update before we move on, Martin is fine, the camera guy is fine, and everyone’s fine. The situation was quelled, Kaiju is on his way to a hospital to get checked out, and Jonathan is investigating the situation. I’ve never envied the poor bastard less. Nonetheless, we have one more match tonight.

Rei Igarashis music begins to play and the crowd cheer. He comes out in the purple and orange gear again and a big grin on his face. After Rei enters the ring, Tigre Jrs. music begins to play and the luchador walks out wearing matching purple and orange gear.

Barker: Tonight is not just any match for these two. Rei was the first friend Tigre made when he began wrestling in Japan. These two have been friends for years, almost like brothers. They’ve wrestled in countless multi-man matches around the world but tonight is the first singles match ever held between these two junior heavyweights.

The two men chest s little with smiles before each going to a corner. The bell rings and they meet in the middle of the ring. Tigre extends his hand. Rei looks around before giving Tigre a quick hug instead.

Barker: Don't be afraid to hug your homies.

Tigre shrugs and the two begin to circle each other. Rei leaps forward but Tigre sidesteps him. Rei rolls to his feet and charges at Tigre only to be caught with a Drop Toe Hold. Rei slams the mat and is right back on his feet and running off the ropes. Tigre tries for a Back Body Drop but Rei lands on his feet behind Tigre. Rei locks in a Sleeper Hold only for Tigre to slip out and go behind Rei. Tigre rolls Rei up with a School Boy for a one count.

Both men roll back to their feet. They lock up, break apart, then lock up again. Tigre tries for an Arm Drag but Rei blocks it. Rei tries for an Arm Drag of his own but Tigre blocks it. Rei pulls his arm away and retaliates with a flurry of chops that have the Luchador retreat to higher ground. The ref intercepts as a Tigre climbs onto the top rope.

Tigre stands, jumps over the ref, and spikes Rei with a Tornado DDT. He tried for a pin but only gets a two-count. He stands and brings Rei to his feet simultaneously. He picks Rei up, lifts him up briefly before bringing him back down onto his knee with three Backbreakers in a row.

After the third, he lets Rei drop to the mat and runs the ropes. As he attempts to leap over Rei, Rei grabs his foot and sends the masked man's throat first into the second rope. Tigre rolls out of the ring, grasping his throat.

Rei sits up and catches his before rolling out of the ring. He pulls Tigre, still coughing, up to his feet. He picks him up for a Suplex but drops Tigre down in front of him instead of falling back. Tigre rolls around, grimacing in pain. Tigre slowly gets himself up on all four and Rei charges and drives his foot into Tigre’s midsection.

Barker: While known for his high-flying acumen and his speed, Rei Igarashi supposedly has a second side to him. Yōshanai Mono, Relentless One, is a man willing to throw everything at his opponent one move after another after another after another. It’s a side of him that carried him to the longest reign of any title in WILD, an Indy promotion in his native Japan.

Rei goes under the ring and pulls out a chair. The ref tries to wrestle it from his grasp but Rei easily wins out and opens the chair.

Rei: No problem?

Tigre pulls himself to his feet with the aid of the guardrail. Rei immediately knocks him over said guardrail with a nasty Superkick. He continues to ignore the ref as he walks over to the apron and lies in wait. Tigre slowly rolls up to his feet. Rei takes off, jumps off the chair, and crashes into Tigre with a one-man Poetry in Motion to a big pop.

He immediately rolls up and yells out to the crowd. He yells at the ref as he counts both men out. Rei ignores the count and begins to rub his boot over the eye holes of Tigre's mask to a round of boos. The ref exits the ring and hops over the guardrail to try and restore order. Rei instead picks the ref up with his feet sticking straight out. He begins to follow a dazed Tigre as he stumbles through the crowd. Once Tigre gives him an opening, he charges forward and throws the ref feet first into Tigre’s chest, sending both to the floor.

Barker: …is that a DQ? Does a human count as a foreign object? What if said human is a local, then is the human a native object?

The ref rolls onto his side and admonishes Rei from the ground. Rei once again brushes the ref off and picks Tigre up by the mask. He throws him over the guardrail. He climbs onto the guardrail with a sly smile and plays to the crowd.

Rei watches as Tigre slowly gets up to his feet and rolls into the ring. The ref follows Tigre in and Rei slowly climbs onto the apron and gets in the ring. He advances on Tigre only for Tigre to get up and Dropkick his knee out from under him. Both men lay on the mat with Tigre catching his breath and Rei holding his knee in agony.

Tigre is up first and moves toward Rei. Rei kicks wildly hoping to stave off the Luchador to no avail. After a quick kick to the side of the damaged leg, Tigre grabs Reis's foot. Rei flails around and manages to reach the ropes. He pulls himself up with Tigre holding his foot.

Tigre doesn’t hesitate and pulls Rei into an Exploder Suplex. Both men are up relatively quickly only for Rei to be thrown overhead with another Exploder. This time only Tigre stands up. He repositions Rei and heads to the top rope. He plays to the crowd briefly before landing a Phoenix Splash.

Tigre situates himself on his knees, knowing that’s not enough to put Rei away for good. He stands up, grabs Reis's wrist, and locks in a Tequila Sunrise. Rei gets in to flail and crawl forward trying desperately to reach the ropes. Once he gets within inches, Tigre releases his arm, pulls him away from the ropes, and locks in an STF instead.

After a few seconds, Rei manages to break the grip of Tigre enough to worm his way out of the hold. Rei rolls away and gets up slowly. With Rei bent over Tigre runs forward, and hits a Modified Neckbreaker. Tigre continues forward and springs up to his feet. He jumps onto the second rope and lands a Twisting Senton.

Tigre sits for a moment and pumps himself up. He stands up and grabs Rei by the head. He begins to pull him up, but Rei thrusts both palms into Trigres mid-section. He rolls away from Tigre and to his feet. He throws a haymaker but Tigre ducks it and goes behind Rei.

He hops onto his shoulders and tries for a Poisonrana, but Rei blocks it. Tigre comes back up and Rei pushes him off. He catches him with a waist lock but as he parades around, Tigre manages to fight his way out. He thrust kicks Rei in the midsection and hits the ropes. Rei immediately follows and connects with an elbow.

Rei holds Tigre against the ropes and clubs him across the chest. Tigre turns slightly and Rei tries for a Saito Suplex but Tigre grabs the ropes. Rei gets desperate and digs his heel into Tigre’s foot. Tigre releases his grip and gets picked up. However, he slides out and rolls Rei into a two-count. Both men are right back to their feet and Tigre stuns Rei with a Superkick followed by another one and another one.

Rei falls to one knee as Tigre catches his breath. Tigre quickly grabs Rei, thrusts him in between his legs, picks him up, and nails a Sit-Out Powerbomb.

Ref: 1…2…

Rei kicks out and the crowd pop. Tigre slams his fist on the mat. Both men recover on the mat before slowly standing up. Rei, still dazed, tries for a chop but Tigre easily dodges and counters with a Release German Suplex. Rei rolls to his feet and Tigre stands up. He points a finger gun at Rei. He runs forward but Rei scoops him up on his shoulder and immediately falls backward.

Both men breathe heavily as they lay on the mat. Rei stands up first and screams out “Desukikkukonbo”. He picks Tigre up and begins to kick his side and legs over and over again. He ends the flurry with a Sabot kick to the midsection. With Tigre bent over, Rei hits the ropes and hits him with a Scissors Kick. After a brief moment of respite, Rei covers Tigre for the win.

Post-match, the two friends embrace and Tigre raises Reis's hand,

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Backstage, Jonathan stands around just having gotten off a phone call. He’s joined shortly after by Luna.

Luna: Trouble Jonathan?

Jonathan: Maybe but after the day I’ve had I don’t even care. Come whatever may.

Luna: Sounds like someone needs a good meal and a stiff drink. C’mon…

The two walk down the hallway toward Luna's office. They suddenly stop.

Jonathan: Yeah…we might have trouble.

The camera pans to show a blood-covered and torn Tigre mask nailed to the door of their office. The show fades to black.