IMMINENT

Backstage, we see a large Culture Shock banner with the PRIME Universal Championship belt in the exact middle of the scene. On the left is Brandon Youngblood, on the right is Cancer Jiles, and encompassing the entirety of the banner is a translucent overlay of Seymour Almasy.

It’s a nice aesthetic, but the more important detail is Angelica Brooks, standing in front with a microphone in her hand.

Angelica Brooks: We are moments away from the showdown between the Anglo Luchador and Balaam, the Mask of Justice here at Culture Shock 2022, but–

“GO ANGELO GO!”

Looking momentarily stunned, but not annoyed at being interrupted, Angie looks to her left as Impulse and Calico Rose join her, both ready for the ring. Cally is eating from a bag of popcorn.

Angelica Brooks: –joining me now, along with Calico Rose herself, is one of the participants in the number one contenders’ four way match a little later tonight, it’s the Marathon Man, Impulse! 

Impulse: Good to be with you, Angie. 

Angelica Brooks: One fall, three opponents, and a shot at the PRIME Universal Champion up for grabs. Really the only question I have for you, Impulse – can you win this match? And if so, can you win the next? 

Impulse: Can I win? We can all win, Angie. But that’s part of the paradox, is that it’s not up to me, not completely. Ask me – ask any of us two weeks ago, four weeks ago – if we would be in the main event tonight? We’d all say yes. 

He shrugs.

Impulse: Sometimes things don’t work out the way you plan them. But the beauty of this sport is that we almost always get another day. Another match. Another shot at grabbing our goal. Can I win this match? Of course I can. Will I?

Smirk.

Impulse: We’ll just have to wait and see.

Angelica Brooks: Cally, you’ll be on the outside of the ring tonight along with Violence Jack, a man we did not see when Impulse and Julian Bathory faced off in the quarterfinals of the Almasy Invitational. How does this affect you? 

Calico Rose: Not an itty bitty bit, luv. The match takes place between the ropes, the winner is determined by the three men and a little lady that are hitting each other. What, Jackson wants to hit me so he can distract RK so Julian can hit him? Then Anna Daniels hits Julian and we’re right back to square one. Trying to distract only one of Julie’s three opponents doesn’t give him a tactical advantage, so all it would be is a personal vendetta. And how does a personal vendetta help the cult achieve its communal goal? It doesn’t. 

Impulse: She makes a sound logical argument.

Calico Rose: So maybe he takes a shot, but don’t cry for me, Argentina. I’m not nearly as easy to fleece as the Messiah’s sheeps. 

Angelica Brooks: Strong words from Impulse and Calico Rose, who appear to be ready for action! Any final thoughts? 

Impulse: Good luck, Brandon… can’t wait for round two.

Calico Rose: LET’S GO ANGELO! 

Angelica Brooks: Can’t say better than that, so let’s get back to ringside!