AF33: Illapa vs. Frank Mortlock vs. Jimmy Wonder

[Ty Burna]

Deadline is Wednesday, March 12th at 11:59 PM CST.

 

[Randy Orton's Head Blood]

[YOUTUBE]cIZFq3VDeUY[/YOUTUBE]

*July 26th, 2008*

Voiceover: "Ladies and Gentlemen, get ready to be astounded! Prepare to let your jaw...hit the floor, as you sit on the edge of seat and bite your nails in anticipation for Las Vegas' greatest magician... The Magical, Jimmy Wonder!"

The music gets louder, through speakers above the stage. The stage is a spectacle. "Jimmy Wonder" is lit up at the back, with various items and objects strewn around, obviously there for tricks and stunts later in the night. Almost 10 years down the line, James Mountford is still putting on the same show that he has done since he began. Suddenly, a light shines up from the stage and a few seconds later up pops Jimmy Wonder. He stands, posing for the crowd but as he looks out to the audience, the look on his face says it all.

The crowd is no more than a quarter full. For a show that would sell out night after night, this is certainly a drop. A smattering of applause is all that can be heard as the magician starts to wonder if there's any point.

Jimmy: "Good evening and welcome to "A Night of Wonder!". For the next two hours, I'll be here to perform and amaze you, with some of the greatest stunts and tricks you have ever seen!"

Pause for gasp & applause. That's what the usual script would read. But tonight, Mr. Mountford wasn't feeling it at all. Neither were the crowd. Instead, he sighed and quickly moved on to a trick.

This would be the last time that "A Night of Wonder" was ever performed.

*January 4th, 2014*

Almost 6 years later & James Mountford has left Vegas, left the world of Magic & left his life behind. The first four years were hard, but in 2012, he found a new love. Being a fan of Wrestling all his life and using it as a way to relax after a show, he decided a new career was on the cards. Taking a look at training academy's all over the US, he finally picked out the place that was right for him. Now, two years on in 2014 he has built himself up. Fighting matches with other trainees and helping them out when he can, he's more a leader than a amateur anymore.

Jimmy: "That's good Rick! Don't snap back too quickly on that Suplex though! That way you're gonna hurt your back and your opponents head more than you'd like!

Jimmy smiles as his trainees try their suplex slowly, it working out perfectly.

"Nice job guys! Now, Ethan, you ready to fly?!"

Jimmy hears a young voice call out "Hey Coach...catch!" and as Jimmy turns around, a teenager, no older than 15 or 16 leaps from the top rope into a crossbody. Wonder falls back onto the mat as Ethan lands on him, with Jimmy counting a 1-2-3 to let the kid roll out the ring smiling.

?: "Hey Jimmy, I got something here for you!"

A lady steps out from what must be the office. She has a wedding ring on the usual finger as she walks up to Jimmy, kissing him on the cheek.

"This letter came today for you. I think it's from that guy who was here last week, I mean look, it's got this weird old "WZCW" stamp on the back. That's where he was from, right?"

"Thanks Emma. I guess you're right. Strange, I never expected to hear from him. After all, he was only here to check out the place."

Wonder goes out to the locker room, sitting down on one of the benches. He opens the letter and takes the paper out. There are two sheets in the envelope, as he unfolds them, they read as such;

Dear Mr Wonder;

After visiting the academy last week, we at WZCW noted something extremely interesting. The footage you allowed us to film, including one of your trainee matches with one of your colleagues made us realised that you, are extremely talented. When we heard you had only been wrestling for two years, it was a shock to the system, as your technical ability is up there with some of the best in our business.

Not only that, but with the credibility the "Jimmy Wonder" name has to it, we began thinking. What would happen if the former Magician, Jimmy Wonder, became WZCW's newest superstar? Obviously we cannot force you to sign a contract, but after a considerable amount of thought, we've decided that we would really like it if you did. If you're interested, get your gear read, bring yourself down to the location of this weeks filming of WZCW Television and we'll have you in a match instantly. Such a talented namesake as yourself shouldn't let such a huge opportunity blow by now, should you?

Hope to see you this weekend,

All at WZCW.

Jimmy folds up the paper and looks around. He opens it once more, quickly reading through it again to make sure that the words are actually real. At that moment, Emma comes into the room to join him.

"You're quiet Jimmy. What's up?"

"Take a look...no wait, I'll tell you. The guy who was here the other day, from WZCW? Well, he must've given some feedback when he got there because-

Well-

I've been offered a spot on the roster. All I have to do is turn up at the location they're at this weekend and I'm in. They want a big name to join them and well, what do I have to lose?"

"Oh my god, Jimmy, congratulations!"

He smiles and stands up, hugging his wife tightly.

"I guess...I'm off to fight a match. Let's do this".

 

[Thriller Ant]

Illapa is asleep in her hotel room, but Terrance Howe is far from sleeping. Instead, he finds himself sitting in a hotel hallway, where he’s been for nearly half an hour impatiently awaiting a call from Brother Mason Westhoff. Howe pulls up the text message from Brother Westhoff and reads it for the 15th time:

“Do not go to bed until we talk. I’ll call you shortly after 10, your time.”​

Howe couldn’t get rid of the sick feeling in his stomach every time pulled up the message. Maybe it was naïve, but both he and Brother Westhoff expected Illapa to dominate in WZCW. Could it be possible that her training wouldn’t translate as well as they had hoped? There was one other option, but…

The phone begins ringing, interrupting his thoughts. He answers, but before Howe can say anything, the very angry voice of Brother Westhoff comes through.

Please explain to me what has been going on the past couple weeks.

The tag match was out of our control. It was basically a handicap. The battle royal was disappointing, but that’s not a match that really allows her skills to shine.

I don’t want to hear excuses, Mr. Howe. I want to see results.

We are third in line for the Elite X Championship, Brother Westhoff. That gives us time to prepare.

I want to believe you, but I’m not sure that I can. If I may be blunt for a moment, I would have sent out a replacement for this job by now if I had anyone that I considered the least bit more capable than you.

The fear that had engulfed Howe was now replaced by anger. Not only due to Brother Westhoff’s anger, but from the fact that it seemed to be directed only at Howe and not at Illapa.

Forgive me, Brother Westhoff, but I’m not sure what more I could have done up to this point to change what’s happened. I didn’t lose to Eve Taylor. I didn’t attack Diabolos before the tag match. I didn’t get eliminated in the four way match. I’ve done what I can with her, but she’s not interested in my help and short of getting in the ring myself, I don’t know what else you want me to do.

The silence that followed Howe's rant allowed the fear to creep back into him. After nearly two minutes, Brother Westhoff speaks again.

I will assume that was little more than a momentary lapse of self-control, Mr. Howe. I sent you to WZCW with Illapa to not only ensure her success, but to keep her out of trouble. I'm aware that you cannot step into the ring for her, but you could have easily prevented the problem that's messing her up mentally.

I'm not sure I follow, Brother Westhoff...

That's the problem, Mr. Howe. You're job is to prevent things from interfering, and you don't even know what the interference is!

After a short pause, Brother Westhoff sighs and continues.

Eve Taylor, Mr. Howe. Eve Taylor is the distraction. Ever since she disrespected Illapa in the locker room a few weeks ago, Illapa has been focused on her. The loss just made it worse. That's how Daggershield eliminated her last week; she was focused on Eve. Now that you know what the problem is, do you have a solution or do I have to do that for you too?

I can try and get her to channel that frustration. Rather than letting it distract her, try and have her use it in her matches.

Seems to be as good an idea as any. She's facing two newcomers this week, which shows where she stands in the eyes of management. One is Frank Mortlock and the other is Jimmy Wonder. Just when I think that company can't get any more screwy, they bring in a boxing detective and a high flying magician.

The magician should crash and burn at some point, which will make him easy to take care of. As for the detective, Illapa should be able to dodge the punches and I know she can out strike him.

Make sure that she does as well. I want intense training this week, Mr. Howe. Get her nice and angry and let's see what she can do. Once this match is over, we'll begin planning on how to take care of Eve Taylor.

It will be done, Brother Westhoff.

One more thing, Mr. Howe.

Yes?

Don't make me have to do this again.

Brother Westhoff hangs up the phone, leaving Howe sitting in the hallway running his free hand through his hair as the scene fades to black.

 

[Dirk]

Becky Serra was tired. It was a busy day, filled with autograph signings, backstage interviews and social media. As she cocked her head to one side, she rummaged through her designer handbag and produced her keychain. She was about to enjoy a little slice of privacy in the frantic world of WZCW – her own, modest dressing room. She stepped inside and put down her handbag. That was when she realized she was not alone.

Hello, Becky.

Becky felt an invisible force chilling in the pit of her stomach. The man lounging in the recliner – HER recliner – looked familiar.

Frank Mortlock, right?

The man smiled, his mouth partly obfuscated by his facial hair.

Color me impressed, Miss Serra. Your handle on the company’s newest acquisition is a credit to the business.

After the initial shock wore off, Becky regained some of her fighting spirit.

How and why did you get in here?

Frank reached into his trench-coat and flashed his badge at the backstage worker.

It’s amazing what an authoritative voice and a piece of brass will do, Miss Serra. I think his name was Bob – unassuming little fellow with a mop and too eager to comply. And as for the why… let’s just call me a courteous man offering an introduction.

Not being one to pass up a story, Becky picked up a notepad and a ballpoint pen.

Alright, Mr. Courteous, who are you?

I am the long-awaited arm of the law.
I have come to WZCW.
I, Frank Mortlock, am heading into Gomorrah.

###

It was a normal day at Gloom Springs. I was spending most of the day in pencil-pushing limbo while outside the gale reminded me how lucky I was to be indoors. I grab a coffee and when I get back, Police Chief Brannigan and rests his meaty arms on my mahogany desk.

A large, balding policeman is seated across from Frank. His voice is gruff and his tone low.

Detective, we have reason to believe that there are illegal activities in WZCW and we’re sending you in.

Why me?

Frank, this is a priority case and we need a man with a cool head. Monitor the situation, bide your time. I want you to document your findings and gather evidence. You can wrestle, can’t you?

More of a boxer, sir.

We can work with that…

###

They hook me up with a trainer who strangles seven sorts of shit out of me, but I keep learning, soaking it up. He’s good, but he’s middle-aged and out of shape. Using all he taught me, I eventually gave him a good beating with his own limbs. It’s good to have an iron jaw.

Frank is standing over the motionless body of his trainer – man kitted out in headgear, singlet and signs of blunt trauma.

###

That’s the long and short of it. That’s how I became a wrestler. Not out of desire or ambition, but out of necessity. That’s how I find myself in my office, in a surreal state of mind, preparing for my first match. Everything was moving so fast and it would only pick up from there.

Otis, what’s the skinny on those other two?

It’s all here in the file, sir. Your match is on the show called Aftershock and it’s against Jimmy Wonder and Ilapa.

Constable Otis Freeman hands Frank a manila envelope, packed with action shots and basic stats.

Ilapa… why does that sound familiar?

I thought so too, sir. You remember that drug bust in Texarkana?

No… you’re shitting me!

It’s the same girl, the one we couldn’t pin anything on.

If those bumbling fools in Arkansas had only followed due process… But what can you expect from those hicks anyway?

I have an uncle in Arkansas, sir.

I won’t hold it against you, slick. But enough about her, what about the man?

Sir, his name is Jimmy Wonder.

Jimmy… Wonder? As in he’s blind?

No, sir. Jimmy can see just fine. He used to be a big-time Vegas magician.

I think “fraud” is the word you’re looking for, rookie. You know what I like about Vegas, Freeman?

Sir?

Fuck-all! What do you like better, Otis, the vast number of temporary weddings, the gambling addiction or the legal prostitution?

I did my research and it did not look good for WZCW. The lights, the crowds, the colorful merchandising… it all covered an ill-kept secret – the this company and the people in it are corrupt and I am going to put a stop to it all.

###

So here we are, Becky. I’d like to tell you some sop-story about first-time butterflies and sweaty palms, but when you’ve seen it all before like I have, nerves are for the birds.

Charming story…

Sarcasm doesn’t suit you, Becky. If you’ll excuse me, I have a fight to win.

He gets up and walks away.

If only that broad knew what I know – sooner or later everyone’s past crimes come to light, it’s how the American justice system works. Not a soul is exempt from it and neither are the wrestlers here. Sooner or later, the law will catch up to you.

I am its deserving champion.