Glory 18 - March 15, 2022

[Legal Department]

1WM GLORY XVIII
LIVE FROM HARD ROCK LIVE IN ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY

The opening notes from a single guitar of “Dark Horse” by Our Last Night begin to waft their way throughout the arena as lights flash along in varying hues of pale purple and icy blue.

LET’S RAGE!

The moment the drums hit, the beat becomes heavy and picks up its pace, a very familiar pair of hypnotic blue eyes come onto the tron and the fans know exactly who’s coming out. After a few brief moments, Astrid Samson waltzes out from behind the black curtain and onto the stage with a confident swagger in her step and wearing her signature black crown. She walks towards the ramp, stopping just at the top before she spreads her legs about and uses her hands to fluff her hair as the twisted smirk we all know starts to make its way onto her face. Astrid remains standing there for a few moments, soaking it all the energy from the crowd.

As the lyrics begin to play, Astrid begins to make her way down towards the ring, emitting a tremendous amount of confidence. She reaches out to slap the hands of fans at ringside, but at the very last minute, she jerks her hand away, holding it up as she continues towards the ring laughing and twirling her hair around her finger. At the bottom of the ramp, Astrid scowls and smirks at the same time towards the ring before heading off to the right-hand side. She continues to smirk as she makes her way to the commentary desk, taking a pair of headphones from the surface and placing them over her ears as she takes a seat.

Astrid: Good evening ladies and gentlemen… boys and girls… theys and thems… welcome to another edition of 1WM's Glory! For those who don’t know me I am Astrid Samson, and if you don’t want rock are you living under Patrick?

The sound of violins starts to flow through before being quickly joined by the soft sounds of a drum and bagpipes, all while emerald green and sapphire blue lights alternately flash.

Astrid: And here comes the other half of the NEW AND IMPROVED Glory commentary team… the other Mrs. Samson… Catriona Mackenzie!

Catriona MacKenzie comes out from the backstage area, a smug smile on her face with her arms swinging freely at her side. As Catriona makes her way to the top of the ramp, she throws her hands up in the air, smiling from ear to ear as the fans erupt into a sea of mixed reactions for the usually quite vicious Scottish lass. Catriona stands at the top of the ramp for a few moments, soaking in the fans' reactions before turning her attention to the ring, looking past it to the blonde Astrid who’s remained seated thus far. Catriona smirks a bit before making her way down the ramp. Unlike Astrid, she heads off to the left, waving a bit at ringside fans before making her way to the commentary desk and sitting down before putting the headphones on.

Catriona: And that’s how you make an entrance.

Astrid: Are you saying that mine, the one that I’ve spent time to fine tune and is perfected, isn’t as good as the one you haven’t done in a dog’s age?

Catriona: You know that isn’t what I meant Mrs. Samson. Do you need a Starbucks latte before we get started?

Astrid: Did you bring one Mrs. Samson?

Catriona: No… but I’m pretty sure Mr. Samson is backstage rolling his eyes and in the process of getting one delivered to you.

Astrid: You two know me so well.

Catriona: Aye, that we do. Now… Can we get to doing what it is we’re supposed to be doing?

Astrid begrudgingly nods her head as both women shuffle some papers around on the desk.

Astrid: Who in the fuc… who arranged this desk? I can’t find the sheet with the matches!

Catriona: We’re going to be starting off Glory 18 with a double debut match as “The Prodigy” Daniel Wolf will be going up against “Your Hero And Mine” Mark Storm.

Astrid: He’s most certainly NOT my hero. He looks nothing like my grandfather.

Catriona: Can you not be so overly critical? It’s just a nickname.

Astrid: Well he needs to come up with another one. This kid was in IPW back in the day and he was gone before you can chug a beer.

Catriona: And I chug pretty fast.

Astrid: So yeah… if he sticks around… maybe I’ll change my mind. But that is something I highly doubt. This seems to be a show that is full of debuts anyway. Isn’t the one after that also a debut match?

Catriona: Right you are there. Alex Reeves will be taking on McKena Hardy. Both will be making their in ring debuts tonight, but the 1WM faithful already know McKena thanks to her brief appearance on Legendary late last month.

Astrid: I watch that show but even I don’t know her… and I’m the one always stirring the shit pot.

Catriona: I think you just like getting on the nerves of…

Astrid: Do not even bother saying their names. They’re not worth the breath to utter the syllables.

Catriona: Then maybe we should stay on track.

Astrid: I can’t help it. My caffeine levels are depleting.

Catriona: Now on Legendary, Lochlan “Phoenix” Rivers and Nina Stokes both participated in battle royals with championship opportunities as the prize awarded to the winners.

Astrid: And clearly neither of them won or else they’d not be facing each other. Battle royals are tough… but singles matches are tougher because there’s a lot more to prove. I just want to see if they’ll be let downs or have promising 1WM runs.

Catriona: I am as well, especially from Nina Stokes who I know through the grapevine as quite a veteran presence.

Astrid: Wasn’t Blake Belladonna in that match too? She was the only name I ever recall hearing. Though I might’ve heard Nina’s name too… just didn’t care to remember it.

Catriona: Aye she was. And tonight she’s facing Solomon Graham who was in the other battle royal.

Astrid: So this is a show of battle royal losers? What a let down for our official 1WM Glory debut. Why couldn’t we have had a better card?

Catriona: Perhaps we can talk to Cedric Southern after the show.

Astrid: Ooh… I can bribe him with cognac and cigars… it works for Josh.

Catriona: Not all the time. You should know that better than anyone.

Astrid: I will tell you this, I am looking forward to the main event only because it’s perhaps the only one on the card that perks up my feelers. I do love a match full of brutality.

Catriona: Is that a been there done that kind of thing?

Astrid: Abso-fuckin-lutely! I’ve gone further than I ever thought I could in those types of matches, showing me a side of myself I wasn’t sure existed. With nicknames such as “Mean Machine” and “Bakersfield Butcher” I have high, high hopes that this is going to get particularly nasty.

Catriona: I can see that you’re itching to get to that point… so let’s get started with the show!

Appearing on the screen is Your Hero and Mine, Mark Storm, dressed in his ring gear with a smirk etching onto his face. He cracks his knuckles as he paces the hall-ways of the backstage area, his mind racing erratically as he suddenly comes to a pause, turning towards the camera.

Mark Storm: Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls... Your Hero, and Mine, has arrived. The stage is set and the night has come, it's time to put things in motion. I do, because I can, you don't because you suck - and the sooner you come to terms with those facts, the better. There's a long list of names here I have to get through to get to where I want. You know exactly where that is. Right at the tippy top of the food chain, where the World Heavyweight title lingers, that's where I want to be - but I know that the journey, it's gonna have it's hardships. But that doesn't matter because no matter what, I'm getting there doing whatever it takes. Glory 18, tonight we get things rolling!

A smiles, clasping his hands together.

Mark Storm: The Prodigy, Daniel Wolf is the man that lies before me as my first obstacle and I've got to admit, I'm looking forward to it. You've got the ability, Daniel. You're young, you're hungry, you're tenacious, you're passionate. You remind me of myself in a way, and I admire that. But whilst you proclaim yourself as the Prodigy, you're still a long way away from being the finished article, and until you get to that point - you won't be able to stand in the same ring as me. Me? I'm a multiple time world champion. Me? I've main evented international stadiums all over the globe. Me? I'm one of the most coveted professional wrestlers in the industry, and tonight I'll show you why. You may be "The Prodigy" but I'm the "Reckoning", Daniel... don't get it twisted kid, if needs be, I'll turn up the ante and kick you into another dimension. From Your Hero, and Mine.

Storm smirks as the scene gradually cuts.

We move to another backstage area to McKena Hardy, who’s already dressed down into her ring gear and has her trusty skateboard in her hand. She smirks at the camera before she finally begins to speak.

McKena Hardy: Alex Reeves! You took me up on my offer for a match and now the time has come. You and me. One on one.

She holds up a finger from each hand and smiles.

McKena Hardy: Some people might think this would be an odd way to start up a friendship and partnership but is it really? Can you really get chemistry with somebody unless you go toe to toe with each other? Because for me to really figure a person like Alex out? I have to fight her. And I know it’ll be legit because I know she’s like me and wants to give this match everything. It’s going to be a magnificent debut tonight, win or lose.

McKena walks up to the camera and smiles warmly.

McKena Hardy: Loser buys drinks though, alright Alex? See you out there, friendo!

She gives the camera a wink before waving and disappearing out of the frame.

DEBUT MATCH
Daniel Wolf vs. Mark Storm

Storm and Wolf stand in their respective corners as the fans applaud in anticipation. The noise quietens down and the two men begin to circle the ring, eyeing each other up as they approach the centre-point. Storm offers a handshake to Wolf, who doesn't really know what to do as he stands there with his hands on his hips. He looks to the crowd, who encourage him to accept it, and as he goes in for the shake - Storm pulls out, takes a step backwards and makes his hand into a gun, pointing it and pulling the trigger at an annoyed looking Daniel Wolf.

Astrid: Someone looks a little cocky right about now.

Catriona: All that’s going to do is piss Wolf off. And he’s already starting to look like that.

The fans cheer and applaud for the showmanship shown by Storm but Wolf isn't impressed at all, going in for an assault on Storm as he connects with a flurry of strikes all over the body of the veteran. Wolf has Storm by the corner of the ring, continuing to alternate between both hands, as the referee begins a count to warn him. Wolf stops, holding his hands up as he backs away a little, getting a cheeky slap to the face of Storm as he does so. The fans jeer as Wolf smirks arrogantly, turning away and flaunting to the audience for a few moments, as Storm stands still in the corner, nodding his head as he playfully applauds Wolf for his antics.

The two men circle the ring again and once they reach the center of the ring, they engage in a collar to elbow tie-up, with Storm using his strength and power to his advantage, immediately locking Wolf into a side headlock. Storm then quickly takes him down with a side slam with the hold still intact, bringing him back up to his feet afterwards. Wolf pushes Storm back into the corner and grabs the ropes to force the break, the referee begins to count and Storm gradually begins to loosen the hold. Wolf breaks away but before he does, Storm returns a thunderous slap to Wolf that awakens the crowd and frustrates the young up and comer. Wolf tries to go at Storm but the referee gets in-between them as Storm still has his hands on the ropes, leaning back into the turnbuckle with a grin on his face.

Astrid: This Storm guy really looked like he was overcompensating there at the beginning.

Catriona: While I will admit Storm started off cocky, I think he was just trying to get a rise out of Wolf.

Astrid: I would just like either of them to actually do something rather than shoving each other around like two Karens on Black Friday fighting over a TV.

The two men then engage in a battle of strikes, a series of forearms is followed by a test of elbows, as both men try to grind each other down with their strong-style abilities. Wolf connects with a wicked palm strike that leaves Storm stunned. He heads to the ropes, bouncing off of them before skipping over a grounded Storm who attempts the trip. He bounces off the opposite ropes, this time ducking under a leapfrogging Storm. Again, he bounces off of the ropes but is met with a picture perfect dropkick by Storm. Storm gets to his feet and poses for the crowd as Wolf rolls out to the apron to recover.

Storm heads over to Wolf and grabs him, picking him up as he tries to straighten him up. Wolf manages to barge his shoulders into the mid section of Storm, before delivering a sick enziguri from the apron. Storm staggers back, holding onto the side of his head as Wolf prepares himself on the apron, gripping onto the ropes as he slingshots his way over, and delivers a buckshot lariat to Storm! The fans are left with some impression, in awe and shocked, Wolf takes no time in going for the cover.

One...
Two...
T…Storm kicks out!

Wolf holds his head in disbelief as the fans applaud for Storm. Wolf mounts himself on top of the veteran and starts unloading a flurry of stiff strikes, each one connecting harder than the last. He grabs Storm by his hair and brings him back up to his feet, throwing him into the ropes before bouncing back into the ropes himself, looking for his signature Golden Touch discus elbow strike - but Storm evades, sliding underneath his arm and heading into the ropes himself. Storm bounces off of them and drops a stagnant Wolf down to the canvas with a lariat. Wolf is back up on his feet but not for too long, as Storm connects with another. Wolf groggily makes his way back to his feet, Storm lights him up with a flurry high intensity combination open palm strikes, following this with a spinning back kick to the mid section. Storm then follows this up with a Rolling Kesagiri Chop to the neck of Wolf who buckles after the shot, before Storm finishes the sequence with a Bridging Dragon Suplex!

One...
Two...
Wolf kicks out!

Storm goes back on the offense, kicking a grounded Wolf repeatedly as he struggles to get back up to his feet. Storm toys with him, shouting obscenities as the youngest as he lays the boots into him methodically, with Wolf appearing to show some fighting spirit after each kick. Wolf bursts back up to his feet and delivers a thrust kick to Storm. Storm then grabs Wolf by the head and delivers an uppercut. Wolf staggers back, leans into the ropes and comes back with another thrust kick, a bicycle toe kick before completing the set with a savate for the Wolf Pac Combo!

Astrid: Finally they’re actually doing something. Is it impressive… eh I’ll have to think about that one.

Catriona: Both are making their 1WM debuts tonight so they want to make an impression on everyone.

Astrid: As of right now, they’re sure as hell not making a memorable impression on me.

Catriona: Just keep watching and please stop being so cynical. You must need a Snickers too.

Storm rolls to the outside of the ring before Wolf can do anything about it. Wolf follows him to the outside, dragging him by his hair and rolling him back into the ring. Storm rolls from one side of the ring to the other, rolling to the outside, which only frustrates Wolf as he follows in pursuit. Wolf goes to grab Storm but Storm surprises him with a poke in the eye. He smashes his forearms into the back of Wolf, lifting him up and performing a backdrop suplex on the outside!

Wolf arches his back and winces in pain as Storm grabs him, rolling him back into the ring before jumping onto the apron and making his way to the top rope. Storm readies himself as Wolf slowly makes his way back to his feet, arching his back as he turns around - Storm propels himself off, connecting with his signature Missile Kick! Wolf hauls backwards after the contact, as Storm kips himself back up onto his feet, waving his arms in the air as the fans get behind him.

Storm picks Wolf up by his hair and lifts him up onto his shoulder, looking for Heroes End but Wolf slides down the back of him, leaning back into the ropes, and connecting with his signature Golden Touch discus elbow! Storm is holding onto the ropes, shaken by the Golden Touch elbow that came out of nowhere. Wolf has a smile on his face as he eyes up his opportunity, standing across from Storm, he waits for a few moments. Suddenly he bursts into action, sprinting towards Storm and hitting The Howling knee strike to the head of Storm. Wolf then goes for the cover!

One...
Two...
THR…Storm kicks out!

Astrid: What the… that was a three count ref!

Catriona: I for a second thought that this match was over. But it looks like Mark Storm was able to get his shoulder up just in time.

Astrid: That weasel was lucky as all… He was lucky. But he’s going to need to gather something together if he wants to have a chance at winning.

Catriona: Anything could happen on any given Sunday.

Astrid: But it’s Tuesday.

The fans cheer as Storm manages to remain in the match. Wolf holds his head in disbelief, so close. Wolf gets to his feet and prepares himself in the corner of the ring, waiting as Storm gradually makes his way back up. Once he is, Wolf is off again in full sprint - this time he's looking for his finishing maneuver - God's Faith, but Storm gets out of the way just in time. Wolf turns around and is met with a hard shoot kick to the thigh by Storm, forcing him to drop to a knee. Storm grabs Wolf by the back of his head, delivering three consecutive knee strikes to the face before bringing him back up and Irish whip into the turnbuckle. He runs at Wolf, connecting with a hard back elbow to the head, with his back against his Wolf - he drives each elbow back into Wolf several times as the fans count along, taking a step forward as Wolf stumbles out of the corner, before culminating the sequence with a sweet overhead kick for Rage of Glory!

Storm sizes Wolf up, lifting him up onto his shoulders - but once again, Wolf rolls down the back of him! Wolf has him in a wrist lock from behind, and delivers his finishing move - Temptation! He goes for the pin.

One...
Two...
Three…

Torres: Here is your winner… Daniel Wolf!

Astrid: I could say that I’m shocked… but let’s face it… not really. While Mark Storm looked promising at spots, I don’t think he really had it.

Catriona: There’s always the next match. We both said that they wanted to make impacts… just looks like Daniel Wolf’s veteran-ness was a bit much for Mark Storm.

Astrid: I will admit this though… It was a good match to start off the show.

Catriona: Much like they’re debut was impressive, let’s get on with the rest of the show so that ours can be as well.

Opening backstage, Alex Reeves is taping her wrists while talking to a member of the training staff. She notices the camera and offers a small smile.

Alex Reeves: It was destiny, right?

The trainer steps aside, out of shot.

Alex Reeves: McKena and I share so much in common. We’re both the least known members of our respective wrestling families. We’re similar in age, similar in mindset and similar in our ambitions. Now we’re both right here in 1WM, having joined at the same time. So it’s fate, then, that we debut on the same show and thanks to her challenge, we face each other in doing so. I had hoped to team up, you know? But this isn’t the worst way to start things off.

The younger Reeves hops up onto her feet and rolls her now taped wrist.

Alex Reeves: Obviously this is going to be a really tough battle and there will be a bit of bragging rights on the line between us, but I think it’s going to be a fair spirited contest. MCH is my friend, and I’m proud to say that, but in the ring we will be adversaries.

She shrugs.

Alex Reeves: That doesn’t mean it’ll be bitter though. Once the match is over, we’ll be right back to our usual ways. I’m actually looking forward to taking her on, that’s the truth. I hope to win, of course, but if I don’t then I guess that’s just the way it’s going to go.

A nod.

Alex Reeves: So, McKena, I wanted to say I get why you asked for this. Loser buys drinks tonight, okay?

With a cheeky wink, Alex steps away from the shot too. She picks up her conversation with the trainer, as the camera pans to watch them walk away.

DEBUT MATCH
Alex Reeves vs. McKena Hardy

The match starts off with both ladies glaring at each other from opposite sides of the ring until the ref signals for the bell and the match officially gets underway. Alex and McKena start clashing in the ring, trading blows back and forth until McKena fires off a spinning wheel kick that rocks Alex, causing to stumble back a few steps. McKena instantly tries to capitalize on this, looking to hit a sitdown jawbreaker… but Alex counters, driving her knee up into the chin of McKena. Alex leaps up and hits a knee drop before she yanks McKena back up to her feet. She then whips McKena off into the corner, closely following behind her and hitting her with a corner dropkick. Alex doesn’t stop there, pulling McKena up once again and hitting her with a judo throw that sends her across the ring. McKena scrambles towards the ropes but Alex is able to grab her ankle, pulling her back towards the middle of the ring. As Alex bends down to pull McKena up again, she’s caught off guard as McKena rolls her up tight.

ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT!

Astrid: Starting off strong there. McKena was smart going for the ropes… there might be hope for this one.

Catriona: McKena needs to start mounting an offense though. This has been the Alex Reeves show so far… save for that kick at the beginning from McKena.

Alex doesn’t look too pleased as both women get back up to their feet. She charges forward, poised as though she’s ready to hit a forearm strike, but McKena is able to duck underneath it just in time, turning around and quickly hitting Alex with a tornado DDT. She takes a brief moment to gather her breath and composure before getting back up to her feet, waiting for Alex to do the same. But she only allows Alex to get to her knees before charging forward and hitting Jaded (buzzsaw kick). McKena quickly goes for a cover.

ONE…
TWO…
TH-- KICKOUT!

McKena argues briefly with the referee that it was three. After relenting that yeah it was a two count… she pulls Alex back up to her feet. But the moment Alex is vertical again, she grabs McKena by the wrist and whips her off into the ropes, hitting her with a drop toe hold as she comes rebounding back. And before McKena has a chance to react, Alex quickly locks in a Fujiwara armbar. McKena screams out in pain, trying to wriggle free and crawl closer to the ropes.

Catriona: Uh oh… I think time is running out.

Astrid: And McKena shows no signs of tapping.

Catriona: Not to mention she’s also dangerously close to the ropes.

Alex keeps the armbar locked in. It looks like McKena is about to tap when the referee calls for the bell.

Torres: The time limit has expired… therefore the referee has declared that this match is a DRAW!

Astrid: Well that most certainly is an unexpected finish. I’m just thankful the boring match is over.

Catriona: Can someone please get my wife a latte and a Snickers? She’s becoming a bit bitchy.

Astrid: I’m merely speaking the truth. It’s not my fault these softies can’t handle it.

Catriona: Whatever you say Colonel Jessup.

The picture takes a few moments to become clear. The audience is introduced to a wide shot of another humongous vanity mirror. The cracks and patterns in the floor’s black marble tiling are visible in the mirror’s reflection. Once more, there is a director’s chair positioned in the center of the mirror. However, things are a bit different this time. The woman’s face isn’t obstructed this way around. Her brown eyes peer into the camera’s lens.

Nina Stokes: Good evening.

A small smirk crosses her face as she speaks. There’s a slight look of joy on her face.

Nina Stokes: Aye, I see. Were you expecting me to be furious and irate over the outcome of the Glory Championship contenders match?

She shakes her head.

Nina Stokes: If so, then let disappointment eat you alive. It takes a little bit more than that to rile me up these days. Far much more.

She raises up her right hand and waves it nonchalantly.

Nina Stokes: I’m not too pressed about the whole situation. Why, you might ask? It’s because my success is inevitable. The simple truth of the matter is, there are very few people in this world that can prevent me from getting to where I want to go. Some may provide petty hindrances, but they, along with those roadblocks will crumble.

She pauses for a moment.

Nina Stokes: My words are not intended to intimidate or scare. They are simply what is and what will be.

Nina snaps her fingers.

Nina Stokes: Though, I’m sure that doesn’t give you too much confidence, Lochlan.

There’s a short pause.

Nina Stokes: This is your fateful debut match. This is your time to shine. This is your time to showcase yourself to the One Wrestle Movement audience― And yet, luck wasn’t on your side. You are tasked with facing me.

She shakes her head.

Nina Stokes: Lochlan? Here is the severity of the matter. I’m not entering into the ring to make you look good. And I damn sure aren’t going to help you endure yourself to those fans out there. No, no, no. The only purpose for me being in this match is to destroy you. Get that through your skull; commit it to memory.

That smirk of hers returns just before the camera fades to black.

DEBUT MATCH
Nina Stokes vs. Lochlan Rivers

Both competitors start off the match by locking up in typical fashion in the center of the ring, shoving each other around until Nina is able to trip Lochlan up by putting her foot behind him. Lochlan quickly rebounds to his feet, popping up and quickly firing off a discus forearm that rocks Nina. She clutches at the side of her face where Lochlan’s forearm made contact and you can see the rage radiating off her face. She charges forward and the two start trading blows back and forth. Nina takes a few steps back, heading for a bicycle knee, but Lochlan ducks underneath it and instead wraps her up and hits her with a belly to belly suplex. And he doesn’t stop there, quickly getting back up to his feet and pulling Nina along with him just to send her to the mat again with a German suplex that’s preceded by a lariat.

ONE…
TWO…
KICKOUT!

Astrid: OK… I will admit that these two are impressive so far. They seem to have an answer for whatever the other one has in store.

Catriona: If they keep going like this, I have a feeling they’re going to have to come up with something big to get the win. Especially since they’re both wanting to rebound after losing on Legendary.

Frustrated by Nina kicking out, Lochlan pops back up to his feet, dragging her up with him. Nina looks groggy, but that all proves to be a play when she swats him away before firing off a series of boxing forearm strikes. Lochlan grabs her arms in an attempt to stop her, only to have Nina nail him with a headbutt, causing him to release her arms. This then allows Nina to capitalize on the staggering Lochlan, hitting a high roundhouse kick before firing off A Slice of Grace (throat punch). Nina smirks a bit before hitting a delayed knee drop on Lochlan and then following it up into a kneebar. Lochlan struggles to reach for the bottom rope as he screams out in pain. Once he does, Nina is forced to release the hold and then she drags him towards the center of the ring. She hits him with a delayed knee drop once again, this time locking in Quietus Redux (grounded crossface chickenwing). After a few moments of intense struggle and nowhere to go, Lochlan is forced to tap out.

Torres: Here is your winner… NINA STOKES!

Astrid: Nina sure as hell has the fans stoked.

Catriona: Was that a play off her name?

Astrid: Yes… yes it was. And I have no shame about it either.

Catriona: If Nina can get a victory like that, I can’t wait to see what else she has instore for 1WM going forward.

The cameras cut to the back. The cheers of the crowd echo in the background. We see a hallway filled with the many talents behind the 1WM team. Production staff, wrestlers, On air personalities. All of the components compiled together in one hallway. There were too many sounds and people to be able to focus on one specific group. That is, until one sound cracks into the setting.

Click.

Click.

Click.

The sounds of heels clicking echoes throughout the halls, as a female dressed in black walks in front of the camera. Her back is the only thing visible, along with her silky brown hair resting on her tender shoulders. Though hard to see, it can be told that she was holding something against her palms, but it wasn’t visible enough to figure out what exactly it was. Her steps kept the same pace, the sounds of the halls seemed to be completely drowned out besides the constant clicking of her heels. That is, until she stops. Her eyes glare up at the door in front of her, before slowly turning the knob and pushing the door open, revealing a sight that is pleasant to any eye.

It was a completely different sight than one is used to. The marble walls completely contrasting with the arena's aesthetic, almost like the room was completely out of place. The floors and furniture wooden, the mirrors completely reflecting the entire room. The female closed the door behind her, the pubescent light now being able to truly light everything inside. A man sat on the massage table. His toned body reflected perfectly, his blonde strands of hair looked wet and rested on most of his face. Behind him, was another man, rubbing his tender shoulders. Each rub the tension in the blonde man’s back released and caused his poise to straighten. The man decides to slowly lift his hair over his visage, and with his details being exposed, it was the Prodigy himself, Daniel Wolf. One of the newest signees to 1WM, and who had already made a huge impact in his match earlier tonight. The crowd seemed to have a mixed reaction to Wolf, some cheers and jeers were heard slightly in the distance. The Prodigy seemed relaxed as his shoulders were rubbed, sitting up straight as his eyes glared sideways at the female who just entered. He holds his hand out, not saying more as she locates herself next to Wolf. She held out what she had on her palm, a black tray that held a singular wine glass filled to the brim with champagne. He holds the glass and nods at the female, dismissing her and watching as she exits the room. Wolf takes a sip of the liquid, exhaling as the rich taste swirls in his mouth. After a few seconds, he finally realizes the camera that’s pointed directly at him and his locker room. A small snicker escaped his lips, as his eyes focused on the lens in front of him.

Daniel Wolf: Wow. No sorry for interrupting? I thought the staff was much kinder around here.

He snickered once again. Wolf snapped his fingers, the man massaging him instantly stops and walks out the room. Daniel rolls his shoulders, bringing his attention back to the camera.

Daniel Wolf: What? Did you all expect something different? Did you expect a man like me to have an ordinary locker room?

He chuckled quietly.

Daniel Wolf: You must be sorely mistaken. The Prodigy lives with style. He lives with purpose. He lives with class. But enough about my lifestyle, huh? I’m sure there’s far more relevant things to speak about, such as what happened earlier tonight?

The man stood up from the table, grabbing his glass with him. Wolf grabs the towel set at the edge of the massage table, wiping any sweat remaining on his forehead before letting the towel sit on the back of his neck. He took another sip of the drink, before he walked towards the mirror set near the edge of the room. The Prodigy was fixing his hair as he continued speaking.

Daniel Wolf: I promised that I was going to deliver tonight and give a performance that no one would forget? And I did just that. I stood my ground and gave a performance everyone in that audience will remember. Mark definitely made a "mark" tonight, but I made an impact. I made a statement. I made.. my promise. A promise to not only all those attending tonight and watching at home, but to every single member on the 1-W-M roster. Whenever I step inside that ring, I’m a force to be reckon with. I’m going to be the one stepping out that ring being the topic of conversation. Win or lose, I will be the star. I will be the future. No, I AM the future.

The man takes a step back, his head clocking sideways as his eyes stare deep into the camera. His orbs hold a different purpose towards them, his stare never being broken as he removes the towel from his hands and places it gently onto the sink counter.

Daniel Wolf: So before you all go back to watching whatever is next or later on tonight, I want you to remember one simple thing. Two words that you shall forever engrave into your brains. Daniel. Wolf. Remember that name, because it’ll be the name that will be talked about for years and years to come. It will be the name that is talked about as the face of One Wrestle Movement. The name of the man who rose to the top in a short amount of time. The man who is the one that catches everyone’s attention. The man who is the future of this entire business. The man who made the movement, the Prodigy’s movement. So this isn’t a statement, it’s a promise. Tonight was just the beginning. The beginning.. of the Prodigy’s rise.

Daniel Wolf stands tall, his stance giving a sense of danger and warning, as the camera begins to slowly fade to black.

SINGLES MATCH
Blake Belladonna vs. Solomon Graham

Solomon starts off the match by hitting Blake with an open hand slap before yanking her to the center of the ring by the hair, quickly lifting her up for a spinebuster. He shows no signs of relenting, going around her body and stomping on each limb. But right as he’s about to stomp on Blake’s only un-stomped arm (her left), he’s caught off guard as Blake wraps her legs around his and pulls him backwards, attempting to roll him up in a way but he kicks out before the referee has a chance to count one. Both competitors get back up to their feet, with Solomon being just a little bit quicker and allowing him to hit Blake with a stiff kick to her hip area before he hits with with a spinning backfist. Blake slumps into a corner, causing Solomon to have to lift her to her feet before he puts his foot to her throat for a corner foot choke. After a few moments of this, he’s forced to break it up at the referee’s insistence, not wanting to get counted out.

Astrid: Geez what is with this guy? He’s acting like one of those toxic masculinity types.

Catriona: Just because you’ve dealt with something similar to what Blake is right now, doesn’t mean all guys who take the fight to the woman have toxic masculinity.

Astrid: And I didn’t say that he was… just that he’s acting like one.

Catriona: Ooh! Well OK I don’t agree with you there. But I do think that Blake is going to need a miracle if he keeps this up.

Solomon argues with the referee, allowing Blake to gather some strength together before firing off a roundhouse kick to the back of the neck. Solomon spins around, his face full of anger, only to be met with a series of knife edge chops, causing him to take a few steps back. This space allows Blake to quickly come up with a game plan so when Solomon comes running towards her, she ducks underneath his lariat attempt, leaping up and driving her knees into his back with a backstabber. Getting back up to her feet, Blake waits for Solomon to do the same before booting him in the stomach before she hits him with a stunner.

ONE…
TWO…
THREE!

Torres: Here is your winner… BLAKE BELLADONNA!

Astrid: OK. I will admit that Blake deserves that. Solomon Monster took a lot out of her at the beginning of the match.

Catriona: Wrong Solomon there dear… this is Solomon Graham.

Astrid: Jesus flipping… you know what, I thought Solomon was a unique name. This is going to be confusing going forward.

“Left Behind” by Slipknot plays as American Carnage, composed of John Bannon, Evan Conway, and Jason Miller, march down to the ring.

Astrid: I will start off by saying that I enjoyed these guys beating down that sniveling little weasel Mickey. But they’re not doing anything new. So far they all seem to be nothing but talk.

Catriona: They’re telling everyone that they’re here to…

Astrid: Please don’t say “make a name for themselves” because honestly, that can only be done in the ring.

The trio walk up to the ring attendant to grab three microphones. The ring attendant, who is in charge of handing the microphones to the wrestlers, runs away and cowers in the corner of the guardrail. The three men smirk as they grab the mics themselves and head into the ring. The music stops and the men pace around the ring as they cut their promo.

Bannon: We don’t believe anybody that says they’re doing anything for the good of anybody. Everybody in the world is out for one person: themselves. Any candidate that tells you they want to be president because they want to do right by all Americans is full of shit. Any clergyman that says that there is a god that’s up in the sky that’s looking out for you is full of shit. Anyone that claims to be fighting for the downtrodden is full of shit. And when it comes to pro wrestling, there is no shortage of people that are completely full of shit.

Conway: You talk about good guys and bad guys. You talk about fan favorites and villains. We’re here to break it to you. There are no fan favorites, just villains. That’s fine. We’ve got no problem with people who have bad intentions. We’ve got no problem with people that look out for themselves. What we have a problem with are the people who don’t own up to it. We have a problem with the people who claim they do what they do for the fans or for the good of their promotion.

Miller: Erick St. John, when we think of bullshit artists in this sport, you’re numero uno. You do this whole smoke and mirrors deal, where you put on a mask and call yourself Primus. You lurk in the shadows. You’re a mystery to everyone. And you wait, and you wait, and you wait until the biggest show of the year. You wait until the show that gets the most attention, and THAT’S when you decide to take off the silly mask and reveal yourself to be Erick St. John. Then you come out here and claim that you did what you did to bring attention back to 1WM. Bullshit! You did it to bring attention to you! You did it to up your own value. You did it to boost your own ego and your own brand.

Bannon: You did it so that when your contract runs out here in 1WM, you can go to another promotion and tell them “Look at the publicity that I brought to 1WM. Look at the money that I made by dressing up in a costume. Think of the publicity and money I can bring to your promotion by being here. Now, pay me what I want.” That’s why you’re doing what you’re doing. You don’t care about One Wrestle Movement. When the time comes, you can hightail out of here and make more money somewhere else and claim to do all your great deeds for them.

Astrid: Wake me up when this is over. I’d rather watch a historical documentary on the evolution of pond scum. They say that people are full of shit… but I’m seeing three men so full of shit their hair is various hues of brown.

Catriona: Calm down a bit Asti. I thought you hated Greer and liked seeing him attacked.

Astrid: While yes that is true, I don’t like people who talk but don’t live up to their own hype.

Conway: And it’s the same thing with this whole Renaissance bullshit you’ve got going on. It’s not about the renaissance of 1WM. It’s not even about your two little buddies you’ve got blindly following you into this whole scheme. It’s all about you. You don’t care about the fans, the guys in the locker room, or this company. When Jacob Striker comes out here and says that you want to be the champion to turn this place into the Erick St. John Federation, he’s right on the money, and believe us, we don’t have any allegiance to Jacob Striker. What we have an allegiance to is the truth. We believe in telling it like it is and calling people out on their bullshit. We don’t doubt that when you tire of being Mr. Renaissance, Mr. Hero, Mr. Good Guy, that your true intentions are going to come out, and everything we’ve been saying for the last month will come to fruition.

Miller: That’s why we’re trying to get rid of you now. We don’t want to live in a world where bullshit artists like you con people. There’s enough of that in this world, let alone this business. Everything that exists in this world is built on lies. Every institution you see is a house of lies, and we’re going to set fire to those houses. We’re going to break the foundations of those houses. We’re the ones that are going to tear those houses down brick by brick, including the house of lies that you and your teammates live in, St. John.

Bannon: And when we’re done with you, we’ll move on to the next con artist and the next bullshit artist until we’ve eliminated all of them.

Conway: But until the time where we can completely eliminate you forever, we’re going to focus on whoever 1WM puts in front of us, including Strike 2 Kill, who are making their grand return to 1WM in two weeks at Legendary 26. Strike 2 Kill, you can call our match at Legendary your reincarnation, your reintroduction, your rebirth, your re-whatever. Listen: there is no “re-”. You two just haven’t been put out of your misery yet.

Miller: You boys came back at the wrong time, which is a shame because you’re really talented, but you had to have seen what we did to Mickey Greer and The Renaissance on our first night here in 1WM. You want Legendary to be your hero’s welcome? Well, we’re not going to be very welcoming to you. You know what our welcoming looks like? It looks like a boot to the face, a broken neck, a spine split in two, a smashed-up nose. It looks like blood, it FEELS like pain.

Conway: When you step into the ring with us, you’re going to wonder why you did. Just as soon as you return, you’re going to run out of this place, if you have use of your legs by the time we’re done with you. You’re going to know that the tag division has changed in the last few months. The three of us are going to run wild through 1WM until everything is destroyed.

Miler: There is no quarter. There is no shelter. There is no safe space. People are going to be hurt. If you want to step into the ring with us, Strike 2 Kill, we admire your courage. We’ll also admire your courage after we put you two in wheelchairs and you’ll have to go through months of physical therapy, learning how to walk and talk again.

Conway: You want to call yourselves Strike 2 Kill? You’re looking at the real Strike 2 Kill right now! We strike to kill, maim, injure, whatever verb you want to use, we do it! We strike to cause chaos, panic, and disorder!

Miller: At Legendary 26, you’re not going to Strike 2 Kill, you’re going to strike out. When it’s all said and done, and you end up on stretchers, we want you to stop at the dressing room of The Renaissance and tell them to walk away from 1WM. Tell them not to pursue American Carnage. Tell them to walk away while they can, because when we get our hands on them, they’re going to be in the hospital beds…RIGHT NEXT TO YOURS!

They drop their microphones. “Left Behind” plays and the three men go to leave the ring.

Astrid: Yes thank you… now please get the hell our and stop wasting our time if you’re not going to do something.

Catriona: Be careful what you wish for.

The frightened ring attendant gets in the ring to collect the microphones. Bannon sees this and stops Conway and Miller. They all look at the ring attendant like hungry wolves and slowly surround him. The music stops. The ring attendant is frightened with fear. He drops the mics and holds his hands together.

Ring Attendant: [meekly] Please, don’t.

Bannon walks up to the man and puts a hand on his shoulder.

Bannon: [reassuringly] Hey, we’re just messing with you, man. Take it easy.

The man is relieved. Bannon pats him on the shoulder and backs away. Suddenly, he nods to Miller and Conway. The three of them swarm the poor man, laying boots and fists to his body. Miller and Conway hit him with Light the Fuse. Bannon drops him with the Seat of Carnage. Then, Bannon lifts him on his shoulders and Miller comes off the top rope with the Doomsday Device.

Astrid: THIS IS BULL SHIT!

Astrid rips off her headset and stands up.

Catriona: ASTRID RONA SAMSON! SIT YOUR ASS DOWN!

Catriona yanks her back down to her seat by the arm.

Catriona: Yes, that guy is innocent, but that doesn’t mean you charge in guns blazing. There’s three of them and only one of you.

Astrid: I’ve dealt with bigger and badder.

Conway grabs the man and throws him out of the ring through the ropes. The ring doctor immediately checks on the man while American Carnage looks down at their handy work. Bannon grabs a microphone and points down to the man.

Bannon: Strike 2 Kill, you two aren’t returning to One Wrestle Movement. At Legendary 26, you’re going to do what this poor bastard on the floor just did- you’re joining OUR movement!

“Left Behind” plays again. American Carnage leaves the ring and heads up the aisle.

MAIN EVENT
GLORY CHAMPIONSHIP
HARDCORE MATCH
Jay Agero vs. Jack Riggs

Catriona: This next match could get VERY ugly…

Astrid: Honestly, I think that's a bit of an understatement, considering the two men involved...

Torres: The following is the GLORY MAIN EVENT and it is HARDCORE MATCH scheduled for ONE FALL or SUBMISSION for the GLORY CHAMPIONSHIP!

“As I Am” by Dream Theater hits the arena sound system as Jay Aguero slowly makes his way down to the ring. He ignores the boos of the fans—instead, focusing his attention on the excitement of his upcoming match.

Torres: Introducing first hailing from Chicao, Illinois….weighing in at two hundred and seventy pounds….standing at a height of six feet even….he is the challenger….Mean Machine...JAAAAAYYYYYY AGUERRRRRRROOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Catriona: He actually looks like he's looking forward to this.

Astrid: Well, of course he is!

The lights go out and the crowd murmurs in anticipation. ”Born For One Thing” by Gojira erupts from the sound system. Jack Riggs slowly walks from behind the curtain, pausing to allow the negative reaction to wash over him. He taps the Glory Championship belt around his waist and marches forward to the ring, determination building inside of him as he goes. He slides into the ring and looks around, taking in the scene before going to the nearest corner and raising his arms triumphantly.

Torres: And coming to the ring next from Bakersfield, California….weighing in at two hundred and thirty-nine pounds….standing at a height of five feet eleven inches….he represents Kali Kartel….he is the current reigning and defending 1WM Glory Champion...he is the Bakersfield Butcher…..JACCCCCKKKKK RIGGGGGGGGGSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Catriona: I'm surprised that these two aren't fighting right now.

Astrid: Don't worry. Just a few more seconds.

Sure enough, as soon as Jack hops off of the turnbuckle, Jay charges from behind and absolutely CRUSHES Jack against the turnbuckle. Riggs stumbles from the impact, but somehow stays on his feet. Jay grabs the Glory Champion and spins him around. He hits Jack with a throat thrust that sends him stumbling back into the ropes. Riggs remains on his feet and staggers toward Jay, who lifts Riggs high into the air. He holds him in a gorilla press position for a few seconds before walking over to the ropes and casually dumping Riggs out to the floor. Riggs lands with a THUD! The fans immediately try to boo Jay out of the arena, but he ignores them as he slowly steps out to the floor.

Catriona: It's amazing how as SOON as you get rid of the rules, Jay begins to thrive.

Astrid: Jack may be the Glory Champion, but there's no denying that Jay is in his element right now!

Riggs crawls over to the guard rail in an effort to make it back up to his feet more quickly than he would otherwise. When Jay is on the floor, he grabs hold of Riggs and speeds the process up even more. Jay nails Riggs with a big right hand to send him stumbling before pulling Jack in toward him. Jay lifts him into the air and charges forward, slamming Riggs' back into the ring post! The Mean Machine lets Riggs drop down to the floor. Riggs slowly tries to reach his feet. Jay then turns around and immediately begins to search for some kind of weapon to use.

Catriona: Jay has been in complete control of this match...

Jay rummages around under the ring for a few seconds before emerging with a steel chair. Jay shakes his head, almost like he's disappointed. Nonetheless, he turns around and prepares to go after Jack with the piece of steel. As soon as he can refocus on the champion, Jack gets a running start and hops onto the steel steps. He then throws himself at Jay and manages to get the big man down to the floor! The fans are on their feet as Jack pounds away on Jay's head with hard right hands. Jack is absolutely relentless with his right hands for a few seconds before pulling himself away and trying to recover. By now, the fans are worked up into an absolute frenzy.

Catriona: I'm not sure that Jack did any damage to Jay, but Jack DID just give himself a chance to recover.

Astrid: I'm not sure that there's ANYTHING you can do to damage Jay. Butters Jr. said it best a few months ago, Cat...

Catriona: “You don't beat Jay. You survive him.”

Perhaps sensing exactly what the announcers are talking about, Jack grabs hold of the chair that Jay had previously tried to use. He waits until Jay is halfway up to his feet before BLASTING Jay with a vicious chairshot to the head! Jay hesitates for a moment before looking up at Jack and practically begging him to do it again. Jack pauses for a moment as he tries to figure out what Jay is playing at. He then brings the chair down onto Jay's head a second time---this shot even harder than the first! It successfully draws some blood from the Mean Machine, but unfortunately for Jack, Jay begins to laugh.

Catriona: It doesn't even look like those chair shots hurt him!

Astrid: That's because they didn't!

Riggs tries to send Jay to the floor with a third chair shot. This time, however, Jay catches the chair in the air. He rips it away from Jack and throws the chair to the side. There's a brief look of panic on Jack's face. Nonetheless, he steps toward Jay and starts firing hard right hands at him once again. They briefly look like they're working to his advantage, though Jay eventually fights back with a big right hand of his own. He then pulls Riggs in and puts two hands around his throat. Jay smiles as he lifts Jack in the air and walks a few steps with him. He then drops Riggs HARD onto the steel steps with a big choke bomb! Riggs rolls onto the floor as Jay calmly puts a foot on his chest and covers.

One…

Two…

THRE----Riggs gets the shoulder up!

Catriona: I'm not surprised that Jack feels the need to get his shoulder up to keep fighting. That's pretty expected. But, man...

Astrid: It's easy to forget just how scary Jay can be when he's in there with someone he can throw around, isn't it?

Riggs desperately tries to create a bit of space between himself and Jay while crawling back up to his feet. He ends up going over toward the guard rail to try and speed the process up a bit. Jay looks at him with a look of sheer amusement on his face. Once Jack is back on his feet---using the guard rail to help with the process---Jay suddenly shows surprisingly agility as he charges at the Glory Champion! Jay throws his entire body at the champ for a huge spear, but Riggs just barely ducks out of the way in time! Jay's momentum sends him crashing THROUGH the guard rail! Jay lays in the wreckage on the floor, fans cheering Jack on loudly as they attempt to will him to victory.

Catriona: That would've been IT had Jay connected, but somehow, someway Jack moved out of the way in time!

Astrid: It figures that the only thing that would be able to slow Jay down is himself and dumb look on Jack's behalf!

Within seconds, Jay starts to pull himself back up to his feet once again. The fans seem absolutely SHOCKED by the fact as does Riggs. Nonetheless, Jack walks over to the ring with a smirk on his face. Riggs rolls back into the ring and heads over to a turnbuckle, playing around with it in an effort to remove the padding. Within seconds, he does just that. Once Jay is back on his feet, he glares at Jack for even CONSIDERING bringing the match back within the confines of the ring.

Catriona: Jack Riggs looks like he has SOMETHING planned right now!

Astrid: Which is good for him, because you aren't going to beat Jay without a plan!

Jay nonetheless slides into the ring, lumbering toward Riggs with hate in his eyes. Riggs is aggressive once again, running at Jay and hitting him in the mouth with a hard right hand, and then another, and then another! The blows barely annoy Jay, who shoves Riggs away. He charges at him while Riggs is staggering and attempts to kick him in the head with a big boot! Riggs ducks the kick and picks up speed, bouncing off of the ropes and hitting Jay with a chop block! Before Jay can reach his feet, Jack bounces off of the ropes again---this time planting Jay on the mat with a bulldog! Jay rolls over to the nearest corner (with the exposed turnbuckle) and begins to pull himself back up to his feet.

Catriona: Do you think Jay realizes that he's walking into Jack's trap right now?

Astrid: I don't particularly think he cares, to be completely honest with you, babe.

Jay continues to try and reach his feet. Riggs continues to watch him. Once Jay is standing, Riggs charges forward and leaps into the air, attempting a big splash to send Jay into the steel! Jay ducks out of the way just in time, causing Riggs' head to bounce off of the steel. The contact busts Riggs open. He slowly crawls back up to his feet as Jay runs at him and kicks Riggs out to the floor with a big punt!

Catriona: That could've ended better for Jack...

Riggs crawls back up to his feet on the floor, noticing a few drops of blood in the process. He begins to fish around under the ring as Jay steps out to meet him. Once Jay is on the floor, he grabs hold of Riggs to drag him up to his feet---only to double over in pain!

Catriona: Jack's got a bat! Jack has a bat!

Sure enough, the Glory Champion AGAIN slams the baseball bat into Jay's ribs. Jay stumbles back, finally showing some signs of pain. Riggs pulls himself back up to his feet and jams the bat into the side of Jay's head. Jay somehow stays upright, but is clearly groggy from the impact. Jack silently glares at the big man before charging forward and BLASTING Jay in the head once again! The Mean Machine finally collapses to the floor, the fans going absolutely nuts as Jack covers him.

One…

Two…

TH---Jay throws Jack off of him!

Catriona: I know Jay just kicked out with authority, but damn!

Astrid: Jack finally hurt him!

Jack continues to glare at Jay angrily. The Mean Machine slowly drags himself back up to his feet. Once Jay is halfway up, Jack winds up and swings for the fences---only to have the bat grabbed in the air. Jay shoves Jack away and yanks the bat into his own hands. Jay tosses the bat aside and grunts. Jack tries to get a running start once again, but Jay steps forward and delivers a black hole slam onto the ring apron! Jack lies on it, clearly in pain. Jay shakes his head and reaches under the ring, emerging just seconds later with a bag.

Catriona: What's that?

The question is answered just seconds later, when Jay dumps a countless number of thumb tacks onto the floor. He smiles with cruel intentions.

Astrid: Someone's about to become a pin cushion!

Jay grabs hold of Jack and hoists the champ onto his shoulders. He gets ready to deliver The Breakout (over the shoulder running powerbomb) onto the tacks. Before he can drop Jack onto the floor and the tacks, Riggs reaches out and grabs hold of the ropes. He uses it to pull himself onto the ring apron. The fans cheer the instincts of Riggs. Jack kicks Jay hard in the jaw and sends him staggering. Jay regains his balance, but not before Riggs can run across the ring apron and leap off at Jay for a Superman punch! Jay catches him and spins into a bodyslam sending both men falling to the floor---Jack landing on the thumb tacks!

Crowd: HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!

Catriona and Astrid: HOLY SHIT!

The fans are on their feet as Jay is on top of Jack for the cover.

One…

Two…

THREE!

Torres: The winner of this match...AND NEW Glory Champion….Jay Aguero!!!

Jay crawls away from Jack and uses the guard rail to reach his feet. The fans are clearly enjoying what they've just witnessed. It is only seconds later that Jack begins to pull himself back up to his feet in spite of the hundreds of thumbtacks in his back. Jay celebrates on his way to the back to the boos of the crowd. Jack watches him leave with rage in his eyes. Once Jay is out of sight, Jack turns and nearly boots one of the cameraman's heads clear off his body in frustration! The fans boo loudly as the Bakersfield Butcher slowly makes his way to the back.

Catriona: Well we have a new 1WM Glory champion. Thanks for tuning in ladies and gentlemen. We'll see you next time and I'll make sure my wife has a latte with her for the show.

Astrid: Yeah... see you next time, Starbucks in hand.