AS 45: Showtime Cougar vs. Steven Kurtesy (Non Title)

[Ty Burna]

The main event of Ascension 45 brings you the World Heavyweight Champion Steven Kurtesy going up against a man who almost became his opponent for Kingdom Come IV "Showtime" Cougar in a non-title contest. These two have had limited experience with each other in the past but considering Kurtesy holds the richest prize in WZCW, Cougar will be looking to take down the champion and get himself another title shot. Will he be able to achieve his dream or can the Professor overcome the student?

Deadline is Tuesday, March 20th at 11:59 PM Central Time.​

 

[Showtime]

Scene opens at Lethal Lottery IV. We are down to the final four competitors, Ty Burna, Steven Holmes, Big Dave, and Showtime David Cougar. All four men continue to attack each other until Big Dave sends Holmes flying over the top rope at the same moment Ty Burna gets the upper hand on Showtime and eliminates him from the match as well. Showtime lands on the floor below the ring and slowly gets to his knees. Trent Stonewall suddenly appears beside Showtime. The crowds noise is electric as the match is down to the final two men, so loud they are that they do not notice or hear Showtime interacting with his imaginary agent.

Stonewall: What was that?... We were supposed to win.

Showtime gets to his feet and starts to walk away from Trent. Trent reaches out to grab Showtime's arm.

Get back here I'm not done talking to you. How do you explain what just happened there? How are we...

Showtime spins around as Trent reaches out to grab him. He yells at the spot where he sees Trent standing, but no one is there.

Cougar: Firstly, there is no 'we.' There was only me in that ring. Not you... you mean nothing to me.

A few refs see Showtime freaking out beside the ring and go to try and calm him down and escort him up the ramp.

Yea... you're right. There is only you... and you failed. There was no way that you could possibly beat Ty Burna. As he's proven time and time again, he is better than you will ever be.

Showtime turns around and goes to attack the imaginary Trent Stonewall. The officials think Showtime is trying to get back into the match and they collectively try to get Showtime to cool down and return to the back. Showtime makes his way up the ramp and walks through the curtain. Trent Stonewall appears there waiting for him and follows him back to the dressing room.

So you know what needs to be done now right? You don’t exactly have the greatest reputation with any of the boys in the back. They’ll eat you alive the first chance they get and none of them will ever work alongside you. Bateman is preoccupied with his war against Ty Burna for control of WZCW.

Showtime enters his dressing room and closes the door on Trent. Little good it does as Trent simply reappears in the room standing next to a TV that is playing the last minute of Lethal Lottery where Ty Burna eliminates Big Dave to win.

Ty Burna controls half of WZCW and now he’s just won Lethal Lottery and will face the WZCW Heavyweight Champion at Kingdom Come. Ty holds all the cards, including the most important card, your career. We need to align ourselves with Ty Burna before he destroys your career, before Showtime gets wiped off the airwaves forever. You know what needs to be done.

Showtime stands at his bar table and pours himself a glass of rum. He takes a sip and stands at the table pondering.

You’re right... I should’ve done this a long time ago.

Ahh there finally. You’re starting to understand what’s at stake here and... hey... what are you doing?

Trent looks at Showtime who has grabbed a white pill bottle off the table. It is Showtime’s prescriptions to help combat his schizophrenic behaviour. In an instant Trent Stonewall is beside Showtime and has his hands on the bottle.

Now let’s not think things too hastily. You need me.

I have not needed you for a second in my career. All you’ve done is drawn me off the path towards my real goal, the WZCW Heavyweight Championship. I won’t make that mistake again.

The two wrestle over the bottle. Showtime has the lid off, but is unable to keep the bottle still as Trent moves and shakes it, preventing Showtime from grabbing any of the pills. Allen Lewicki enters the room and, while Showtime believes he is wrestling the bottle away from Trent Stonewall, Allen simply sees Showtime fighting with just himself.

You take these pills and you become just another middle card supporting talent. You do the right thing and side with Ty, you will become champion again.

You are not... the boss... of me.

Showtime kicks at Trent who suddenly disappears. Showtime wrenches the bottle free and swings it around, losing most of pills. Allen grabs the bottle from Showtime and tries to calm him down.

Mr. Showtime... it’s me Allen. Relax... everything is okay.

Allen... I... I think I may have...

You don’t have to say anything to me. Mr. Bateman has made me well aware of your condition. Since I am about the only one you let near you on a semi regular basis, he asked me to watch you and report back to him if I ever saw any erratic behaviour from you. Mr. Showtime I have not said anything to him because you are my friend and I would never turn my back on you.

Showtime looks up at Allen, away from the pills that are on the floor, and smiles.

Well thank you Allen. It means a lot to me that someone here is looking out for me.

Listen anytime... here let me get you some water for those pills.

I don’t think I’ll be needing any.

Are you sure? Showtime I know you may not see these pills as the best cure, but you do need help with this, and I’m not properly trained to help you.

I think I have things under control for the moment, but you’re right... *I do need some form of help with this. Somedays I’m better at controlling it than others. I need professional help, someone who deals with a lot of wrestlers in this company and knows a lot about the human mind. I think I know just the guy.

Showtime pulls out his phone from his bag and dials a number.

Operator: The number you have reached is not inservice.

Strange... his phone number has been disconnected. I wonder if he moved his practice?

What’s the name of the guy?

Showtime shows Allen the screen of his phone. Allen looks up at Showtime.

I know where to find him, but he’s no longer licensed to do those sorts of things.

Well it’s not like he fell off the bike and can’t remember how to ride it again. Tell him I’m in urgent need of his help or something.

I’ll try to book you an appointment with him.

Allen goes to leave. Before he does he turns back and speaks to Showtime.

You do realize who he is right?

I do Allen.

Allen leaves as Showtime slowly begins to remove his ring gear as the scene fades.

----------

Scene opens in a small office. Book shelves occupy some of the walls, while hanging plants cover much of the ceiling. A wooden table sits near the back and an large swivel chair has its back turned to the camera. We then see Showtime David Cougar lying on a couch staring up at the wall as he continues to speak.

Cougar: And so far you are the first person that I’ve told this to. That since I stopped taking my meds, my schizophrenic illusions have slowly begun to return. I’m aware that they are not real, but there are times when I just want to listen to them and it seems like it’s only a matter of time until I completely give in to them.

The person on the other side of his chair taps his pen and clears his throat.

???: Well this is certainly a peculiar situation that you find yourself in David. To dust off an old chestnut...... How does that make you feel?

The chair turns around and Prof Steven Kurtesy is seated in the chair. The camera pans out to reveal Kurtesy’s small office, complete with a psychiatrist couch filling up most of the free space.

Kurtesy: My next question will be how did you fit this massive couch into my office, but please elaborate on my first inquiry.

Well... I don’t like it, but... I don’t see how ‘how I feel’ will help.

Well quite the contrary David, it will most certainly help. I’ve been able to get to the direct root of peoples problems and inner demons with that very statement. I know I am not professionally licensed anymore and may be a half key off in my approaches, but I understand the human mind very fell, and I also understand that you are not the type to seek help unless absolutely needed. So here I am... ready to help, and when you tell me what it is that’s most bothering you I will be glad to try and relieve you of your worries.

Showtime smirks. He is good.

Well... the main dilemma that I am dealing with has been Trent Stonewall’s stubborn persistence of late that I should join up with Ty Burna and his Apostles.

So why do you feel that you should do that?

Hey I don’t think it’s a good idea at all. Tell that to my crazy vision.

Yes David, but this is where you are failing to distinguish reality from fantasy, as you warned me you feared you would lose. Trent isn’t telling you to join the Apostles of Chaos. Some part of your subconscious is telling you to do that and you are hesitant because of other feelings.

Well... why would I want to join Ty Burna. Become a pawn in his army of wimpy apostles. To stand beside, or more likely kneel behind Ty as he hogs all the spotlight. That’s something I can never live with.

And yet... you also contemplate joining him. Possibly because he represents what you want. Power. Like the television star sucks up to the station and television executives, you fear that if you remain on the bad side of someone with power than you will lose your spotlight and will be cast off to the side.

First of all... the spotlight follows me everywhere. Management can try to bury me, but they would just be burying themselves as my spotlight would shine through the rubble and then the fans would care less about what else there was on the rest of the card because they just seen the biggest star do what he does best in that ring... win.

I think the more accurate words would be perform exceptionally... or valiantly.

Showtime sits up from the couch. He smirks at Kurtesy’s remark and then speaks.

Second, there is only one thing I want in this whole world and Ty Burna isn’t stopping me from getting it... it’s you.

Showtime looks up behind Kurtesy. A glass display case hung on the wall holds Kurtesy’s WZCW Heavyweight Championship.

That’s just a replica belt, but I can understand your jealousy. I have been with the company for less time than you have. So has Ty Burna, so has Barbosa, and we’ve all achieved something you’ve haven’t yet. I would offer you a title shot, but you didn’t earn it, Ty Burna beat you to it and I have to prepare for him at Kingdom Come.

Well that’s okay with me for the moment. I’ve talked with Batemen and since he wants the biggest matches on the show this one was easy to book. Kurtesy vs Showtime. Non Title. A chance to get out of the rut that I’m in and get back into the main event picture and prove a point to the critics in the back that Showtime ain’t washed up, dead, or buried.

An excellent plan indeed. I just hope you don’t give in to your inner thoughts and demons when you are defeated on Ascension.

Defended his title once, against a paper champion no less, and the professor thinks he is the doctor of wrestling 101.

All it takes is one win, isn’t that right David. Now tell me, has this all been a way for you to came and taunt me at my workplace, fill up my office, and drag me back into a profession I left almost a year ago. Do you really suffer from the mental illness you have described to me, or perhaps maybe you are jealous about what I, Barbosa, and Ty Burna, have achieved?

Showtime gets up off the couch and paces around in the small open area of the office.

I am not jealous of what you have accomplished. You may be the only one I can respect and relate to. While I can question the random or fluke ways you have attained your title opportunities, the fact is you had them and suffered defeat like me. That can eat away at a weaker man and through it all you remained relatively strong. And with persistence and patience you finally won the big title.

I have one goal in mind as well and it’s not to join Ty Burna. It’s to becomes the champion that you currently are. And Ascension is my first step back onto that path. Kurtesy you may have successfully defended your championship, but your title reign hasn’t really begun until this week on Ascension when you face a star in this company and a legend in the making. I am still one of the few people to have ever defeated Ty Burna in a match, I am still a 4 time champion, I am still Showtime David Cougar, the best damn wrestler on TV, and at Ascension I am still going to steal the show from you, mental illness or not.

Showtime walks towards the door and goes to leave.

Why do you always feel you must list off your accomplishments like you’re applying for a job. To me that shows doubt, that you need to constantly convince yourself that you are the best there is in WZCW. While I don’t doubt that you are an amazing performer and terrific wrestler in this company, there are people in WZCW who have beaten you and there are a few who many consider better than you. I currently believe that I am one of those people, and until you accept your limits and know that nothing you did before has any effect on what you will do now, you will always remain a shadow of your former self.

Showtime stands at the door. The words hit Showtime hard as maybe he begins to ponder if he has already peaked.

David I may no longer be a doctor, but I still recommend that you continue taking your pills to help cope with the symptoms you are dealing with.

You would like that wouldn’t you champ. For me to be drugged up and slower so you can take advantage of me in the ring.

Well David like I said I would really hate for you to sink further into this thing once I hand you over a defeat. The last thing the Apostles of Chaos need is another ringer like yourself..... but I guess this is the part where we say good luck to each other and leave it at that.

Showtime smiles and chuckles to himself.

Well good luck then champ. I know you’ll be needing it.

And thank you.

Showtime turns back and shakes Kurtesy hand before he exits the room. Kurtesy surveys the couch sitting in his office.

Looks like another one I get to sell on ebay.

Outside the office Showtime walks down the hall towards the exit door. The exit doors swing open and Leon Kensworth appers and runs over to Showtime.

Leon: Showtime, Leon Kensworth, word backstage is running rampant that you saw your Ascension opponent, Steven Kurtesy, to help evaluate your mental state. Do you have anything to comment.

Please Leon, respect the doctor patient privacy.

But Kurtesy is no longer a doctor.

Well in that case I’ll elaborate a little. What you see is what you get. And Kurtesy called it right on the money at times. Since that first Hell in a Cell match at Unscripted two years ago I have been a fractured self. I built that moment up to be the culmination of all my hard work, to be my careers biggest glory. Instead Ty Burna won and enjoyed the year long reign that was destined for me. Since then I have tried to justify my place at the top of the ladder and reassure myself that I was ready to take it. While I have continuously shown that I am among the best in this company, I have been unable to gain traction beyond the middle card accomplishments. Kurtesy has shown light on my mental illness that I have created, that I am responsible for. No one has held me back... only I have held myself back. I’ve created excuses for my short comings and people to blame them on. Well no more of that going forward. The past is there forever, for everybody to see. They know what I am capable of and it’s time they all see what I am truly able to do. The professor better bring that pen and paper to Ascension because The Show is about to begin and he’ll need to take down all the notes he can if he ever wants to beat Ty Burna, or me for that matter.

Showtime walks by Leon and out the building as the scene fades.

 

[Viola Moonlight]

We transition back to Kurtesy who is trying to figure out a way to remove the couch from his office that Showtime left. He goes off to the side and looks at the couch like he used to look at his patients with his hand stroking his goatee. Leon comes bursting into the room, checking on Kurtesy to see if he is okay. Physically, he is fine but from Leon's perspective, seeing Kurtesy converse with the couch may be a little on the insane side.

... so then I could tip you on your side and remove you from this office. How would that make you feel?

Leon does not know how to react.

Uh... Kurtesy?

He looks up with a smile.

Hey Leon? How's things? You came just in time: I need a little help here trying to convince the couch to leave the office so it would be easier for me to get rid of it once someone purchases this.

Leon is very confused from this statement.

Okay... sure. How do you want to move it? Do you want me to lift it up from this side or... wait, hold on: I saw Showtime exiting the building a minute ago. He told me that you should take some notes because he's going to explain himself on the Show or something.

Kurtesy's smile turns into intrigue and begins to ponder for a moment.

I think I should pay him a little visit then. He's got a show on later, doesn't he?

Yes but...

Great. I'd better get ready then. Can't look bad for the camera. You're right to take care of this Leon, right? See you later.

And with that, Kurtesy walks out of the office quick enough before Leon can respond. Kensworth turns arounda and tries figuring out how to move the couch before he hears a lock at the front door. He realises that Kurtesy has just locked him in the building by accident.

--------------------------------------------------------------

We are on the set of the Show just as the commercial breaks have ended and transitioning back into the viewer's regularly scheduled programming (i.e. the Show). The band plays the Show back in and a sign lights up to signal the audience to applaud, which they do with loud volume. Showtime is sitting at his desk talking with someone off-stage, letting out a small laugh before the audience quiets down and the Show resumes. Showtime looks straight at the camera with a smile on his face.

Welcome back everyone to the Show...

Suddenly, we switch to the backstage area where Showtime's voice can be heard in the background but the words are inaudible. A back door into the lot opens and Steven Kurtesy walks into the premises without anyone noticing. He is wearing a much more casual attire than before with the WZCW World Heavyweight title draped across his shoulder. He passes catering and the dressing rooms before being pulled up by security as he makes his way close to the stage. The security guards have serious looks on their faces as Kurtesy looks at all three of them before giving a big smile. We cut back to Showtime talking to the audience.

... and not to mention he was a complete lunatic. This guy... D.K. Wilton, was so up himself it was not funny. Am I right, Allen?

Definitely but coming from you, it's a little hypocritical.

Laughter comes from the audience as Showtime blows the comment off.

That was HI-larious, Allen. I'd suggest stand-up comedy for you but you're too lazy to attempt being vertical.

The laughs continues from the audience.

Alright, alright... who else wouldn't we have seen at this year's Lethal Lottery Allen... Allen?

Allen has spotted someone off-stage and points towards him. Steven Kurtesy walks out on stage and the crowd erupts in cheers and applause with the band playing music to welcome his arrival. The only people more surprised than the audience members are Showtime & Allen. Kurtesy waves to the fans before making a bow. He proceeds over to Showtime who manages to get up, shake his hand and offer him a seat. He lays his championship belt on the couch as Steven takes a seat in the chair with the crowd dying down.

Long time no see Professor.

Like-wise. It's been what: four or five hours since we last met?

The crowd chuckles at the response whilst a couple of members are still cheering for Kurtesy.

I know: that's why I went for the more subtle approach. Whatever happened to the doctor-patient confidentiality?

You and I both know that the concept flew out the window when I went from "doctor" to "professor."

So if you don't conceal your secrets anymore, tell me: how did you get past my security guards? Unless there was some last minute change that I wasn't aware about you weren't even going to be mentioned tonight let alone be a guest. What did you use: your psychobabble techniques?

I did indeed.

The crowd chuckles at the comment as well as Showtime but Kurtesy has a serious look on his face, suggesting he did actually use psychobabble.

... Okay then. However you got in, you're lucky you're not being thrown out. You appearing is going to send this show high in the ratings.

You know me Mr. Reynolds.

Steven winks at Showtime who looks a little agitated from the comment. The crowd does a small ooo in the background.

Well at least I know that I am confident enough to defeat my opponents. When was the last time you defeated Ty Burna, the man who you're facing at Kingdom Come for my future championship? I don't seem to recall... oh that's right, you haven't beat him.

The crowd's ooo's become bigger.

This may be true but at least I know I'm undefeated against the guy who I'm facing on Ascension this week.

Again: bigger.

Touche Professor. You're good at this smack talk and it helps, gets the crowd going but I'm going to have to stop you there. It's honestly pointless bickering between the two of us. Look at us: we are two of the greatest wrestlers in the business right now. I've held every championship that this company has to offer except for the title that is making you the very best in the world currently. Mark my words Professor: I will find a path to that title and I'm going to finally win the big one. It doesn't matter if its Ty Burna or a one trick pony who snatched the title during a hot potato contest.

Kurtesy smiles as the crowd ooo's very softly.

I hope you have those intentions Showtime because if I'm still champion when you find yourself as the number one contender, I want you to bring your "A" game so we can show these fans what two great competitors can accomplish in the middle of the squared circle.

The crowd applauds the words of Kurtesy as Showtime nods in acknowledgment.

I may not be as accomplished as you by holding every title but the championships I've held were considered the best in the business. I was a two time World tag team champion: a man of expertise when it comes to wrestling in pairs; and I'm also the man who is holding the World title, signalling that I am the best singles wrestler across the globe. I may not of had the most talked about feuds like you have but the ones I've had, I've made those victories count. I took down Steven Holmes when he attacked me; I've been a driving force in taking down the Chaos, being one of three men who drove one of the first stakes into Ty's blackened heart. Whilst I may not be as good as you on paper, my mental and spiritual attributes cannot be matched by no man. I go out there in that ring and deliver every single week: I may lose some and I will win others but I never give up. So when you and I clash for this championship belt you will be in for the fight of your life. The only way you will ever get this belt off me is when I am no longer able to physically compete to the point where breathing is a chore... and you are someone that I've never had a problem a huge problem with. Can you imagine the limits I'd be setting when I meet Ty at Kingdom Come IV, someone who has been haunting me for the last two years?

So what you are trying to say basically is that because our match this week isn't for the title, you're going to pull up a chair and read the newspaper whilst having a nice cold Fosters lager.

The crowd chuckles from the response.

You got two out of the three right. Fosters beer tastes terrible. Do not drink this beer.

The crowd laughs as Kurtesy grabs the can and chucks it off stage with a smile. Showtime has a smirk on his face as it happens.

But in all seriousness: I am definitely looking forward to our match this week. Considering Ty Burna owns half the company and can manipulate my matches any way he wants, starting off against you is a great way to kick off my road to Kingdom Come. It's going to be a tough contest with you as my opponent and I'll be enjoying the Chaos-free competition for the most part. You will test my limits and I'm looking to give the fans at Ascension a main event to be proud of. Just promise me this one thing Show: when the inevitable ambush of myself at the hands of the Chaos ensues, please Show... will you walk away?

Showtime looks confused at Steven's request.

I do not want you to interfere: whether it be join the Chaos or to aid me in the attacks. All I want is for you to stay away from the Chaos. Your war with Ty Burna does need another battle. I want to be the one who takes down Ty once and for all.

What about Celeste?

The two of us have come towards an agreement on the subject but all I want is this. Will you accept?

Show doesn't answer for a while.

I'll leave you with your decision on Ascension. Until then Show...

Kurtesy gets up and puts out his hand. Show accepts and shakes back.

... good luck. I want you to be at your peak.

Don't worry, Professor... I always am.

Kurtesy walks off the stage with the music and the crowd applause coming a little later than normal. Kurtesy proceeds to walk towards the back door as Showtime shakes his head and continues his Show as per schedule.

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Kurtesy returns back to his offices late at night, unlocking the building and entering inside. He goes to grab something from the secretaries desk when he hears something coming from the office. He goes over and sees Leon sleeping on the couch he was supposed to move. Kurtesy pokes him a couple of times as Leon jumps up, scared from being woken up. He sees Kurtesy and adjusts his glasses.

What are you doing here? It's very early in the morning.

A little tired, it takes Leon a bit to respond.

Well you told me to move the couch and then you locked me inside.

Kurtesy looks confused.

I did? Oops, my bad.

Leon is stunned but doesn't make a scene.

Anyway, how was your talk with Showtime?

Kurtesy smiles at Leon.

We've come to an accord... I hope. However, it was nice to finally sit down and chat with an opponent in a friendly manner for once. The last few guys I've faced have been for the World title or a member of the Chaos: very serious or dangerous conversations if you ask me. It was also a great way to scout my opponent. We observed each other in our own home territories: myself inside this office and Cougar hosting his show... I'm can't wait when the two of us clash at something the both of us excel at.

His smiles turns into a smirk as Kurtesy helps Leon up and escorts him out of the building, grabbing the package he needs before locking up the offices once more.