Blow it Up!

Cut backstage and a wide shot of the full brackets for the Almasy Invitational, focused on the Rolo Bracket and half the first round matches filled out with their winners. Pan down a bit onto Simon Tillier, tuxedo-clad, overly excited and no worse for wear after his run-in with Cyrus O’Haire, holding a microphone with the PRIME logo on the nameplate.

Simon Tillier: Thanks, Nick! We’re halfway through the first round of the Rolo bracket to crown the first Champion of PRIME’s new era, and we’ve already seen so much! Newcomers like Cecilia Ryan! Legends like Garbage Bag Johnny! But I’m being joined now by an athlete who fits into both categories, as well as neither!

His eyes dart left and right.

Simon Tillier: While he found his fame as a three-time World Champion elsewhere, he’s also making his return to PRIME after participating in Dual Halo over a dozen years ago, I’m standing here with the Marathon Man himself, Impulse!

Impulse steps into frame on Simon’s right, while Calico Rose does the same on his left. With his trademark white tape already wrapped around his hands, Impulse cracks both sets of knuckles as he settles in.

Simon Tiller: Thanks for joining me tonight, Impulse! What’s your impression of PRIME’s return so far? Is it everything you hoped it would be?

Impulse: Absolutely. You know, it’s always a trip when you step into a Las Vegas ring, because you never know what you’re gonna get. The people in the crowd, they’re not necessarily there to see you because Vegas itself is the draw. But tonight?

He looks around, as if he can hear the crowd – and they respond by getting louder.

Impulse: PRIMEates everywhere! This company did itself proud, and more importantly – they did it the right way. This isn’t a nostalgia tour, this is the real deal.

Simon nods his approval, and turns towards Calico Rose.

Simon Tillier: You having a good time here, Calico?

She tilts her purple tinted sunglasses low, looking at him over the top rim.

Calico Rose: Call me Rose, I says to Simon. Or Cally. Calico’s my mom, except not really.

There’s a half second of awkward silence, before she play-punches him in the arm.

Calico Rose: Ease up before you sprain something, Tillierman! These fans are awesome, and they’ve really gone out’a their way to welcome us old fogies into the family.

She pulls the microphone closer to herself and looks straight into the camera.

Calico Rose: We ‘bout to blow it up.

Another roar can be heard from the crowd as Simon nods his approval and turns his attention back to Impulse.

Simon Tillier: There was an interesting take put forth earlier by your opponent tonight, Darin Zion, in which he accused you of false humility – amongst other things. Any response before you meet him in the ring tonight?

At this, Impulse smirks, and looks down for a moment.

Impulse: Right now, I don’t know if Darin Zion really believes what he’s saying, or if he’s gunning for Best Supporting Actor in an Inspirational Tournament nomination. Standing here right now, I can’t tell you if he’s happy that I don’t know him well enough to underestimate him, or angry that I haven’t given him enough of an Inspirational Underdog Story going into the first round.

He shrugs.

Impulse: It might be hard to believe, Darin – but I really am Not That Interested in the abstract. I can watch the tape, I can see the moves, I can listen to the scuttlebutt. What sort’a picture does that paint for us, Rosie?

Calico Rose: The Abyss. Worse than a black cat blinking.

Impulse: Exactly. None of it matters until the first bell rings, and none of it has any consequence until the last bell rings. You spent a long time trying to convince me of who you really are beyond the rumors I ignored, Darin…

Another smirk.

Impulse: Something tells me we’re about an hour away from actually introducing Darin Zion to Darin Zion. I hope you can live with what you see.

He steps away, leaving the camera view. Simon watches him go, oblivious to Calico Rose sneaking his microphone away.

Calico Rose: Bet on red. Tip your server. Pants stay on in the Champagne Room. Hasta la Pasta!

And she follows behind Impulse, out of frame.

Simon Tillier: Well… Impulse seems like he’s ready for action! Let’s take it to Matt Mills, standing by with JC Hall!