A TOUGH NEW JOURNEY

The scene shifts to backstage where Darin Zion is shown about to exit his locker room for his upcoming Alias Championship tournament match. Once he finishes applying tape to his left wrist, he walks into the hallway but bumps right into Vickie Hall.

Vickie is basically chest-high on Zion. Initially, DZ didn’t see her because she’s so short. Standing behind Pretty Pink, however, is her Amazing Life Partner, Jonathan-Christopher Hall and it was JC who caught Zion’s attention or he may have otherwise run Vickie over. Jonathan-Christopher has concern over his face but when Zion looks down at Vickie, she conveys a sense of confidence.

Vickie Hall: Zion.

Her voice is stern.

Darin Zion: I’m ready to go, Vickie.

She tilts her head.

Vickie Hall: Are you, though? That was quite the spat on live television last week.

Vickie lowers her head like she’s going to cry.

Vickie Hall: I was only trying to celebrate our championships…

Zion was calm. Was. Now he looks up into the ceiling and takes a breath to calm himself down.

Darin Zion: But we didn’t win, Vickie. We aren’t the Tag Team Champions.

Before the Woman of Wonder can stress out further, or perhaps before Jonathan-Christopher can develop a severe meltdown, Zion continues.

Darin Zion: I’ll tell you what. Tonight I’m going to defeat Ned Reform. I AM going to become the Alias Champion!

Zion’s eyes meet his tag team partner.

Darin Zion: And you’re going to capture gold, too. We all are. Last week JC won, so did TC. Now it’s Zion’s chance. TOUGH LOVE is coming for Ned Reform.

Vickie slowly glances up to her APL’s “best friend”. She crinkles her face to show intensity.

Vickie Hall: It better be. It’s the Hallmark way.

Zion nods and walks off, as Vickie spins around, almost robotically to watch TOUGH LOVE leave.

Vickie Hall: It’s do-or-die for Zion tonight, dear.

Jonathan-Christopher almost begrudgingly nods in reply as the scene fades.