PLANES, TRAINS, and HEARSES
Backstage. Specifically, outside the private office of PRIME President Lindsay Troy.
Angelica Brooks stands with a microphone at the ready just to the side of the door bearing the boss’ name. From the other side all we can hear are muted voices, the intensity of whatever conversation took place having finally died down.
Angelica Brooks: We’re here backstage, as earlier tonight Jared Sykes – who for the last year has been competing in PRIME as “King Blueberry” – was brought in for a private conversation with Lindsay Troy after a confrontation with former Universal Champion and PRIME Hall of Famer Brandon Youngblood. We don’t know what was said, but folks backstage have been unanimous in letting us know that they were able to overhear a rather heated exchange. I’ve been hoping to catch a word with… I think he’s coming out now.
The handle clicks and the door is pulled open. Stepping into the frame of the camera is King Blueberry, who almost crashes headlong into PRIME’s lead reporter while still adjusting the fasteners on his mask. At the sight of the camera, his hand immediately moves to his face as if making sure that it’s covered.
Angelica Brooks: Jared, I was wondering if I could get a word about the events that have transpired here tonight.
Content with the knowledge that his face remains hidden, the berry king nods an affirmative.
Angelica Brooks: Thank you. Given what you said in the ring earlier this evening, I was wondering if you might be able to tell us a little bit about the conversation you just had.
King Blueberry: I’m sure those details are going to come out eventually, but despite everything that’s gone on these last couple months I still respect the person behind that door.
He gestures over his shoulder to the room he just came from.
King Blueberry: So if it’s cool I’d rather not betray the trust of that exchange.
Angie nods, formulating her next question, but she doesn’t get a chance to ask it before the berry jumps back in.
King Blueberry: What I can say is that twice now Justine and I have been on the receiving end of some Love Convoy bullshit, and that’s all about to change. In two weeks they get their first bit of payback. Darin Zion and JCH drew themselves one hell of a punishment match in Youngblood and Colton. If there’s not a coroner’s report that lists cause of death as “suplex” in two weeks, then I’ll be damned surprised.
Angelica Brooks: Not to mention your partner, Justine Calvin, will be getting a measure of revenge against Tristan-Crispin Gladhappy.
King Blueberry: With all due respect to Brandon and Nate? I think Zion and JCH are getting off easy in comparison to what Gladhappy’s got to deal with. So far everyone’s seen Cal wrestle in tag matches, but don’t let that fool you. And don’t be surprised when someone has to scrape Mister Gladhappy into a bucket before that match is over. And if by some miracle that group survives ReVival 19? Well then when Colossus rolls around the Love Convoy is going to become a funeral procession.
Angelica Brooks: Does that mean we can assume that Darin Zion and Jonathan-Christopher Hall will be wrestling you and Justine at Colossus? Possibly for the PRIME Tag Team Championships?
The king nods, pulling his half of those championships up into view over his left shoulder.
King Blueberry: Assuming they survive long enough to get there.
Angelica Brooks: And what of the Paxton Ray situation? Earlier tonight you announced a trip to New Orleans, intimating that this fight is somehow inevitable, and then not long after we heard from Jonathan Rhine who said he doesn’t agree with your decision to go and wished this could take place in a PRIME ring. Wondering what your thoughts are on his statement.
He takes a long, slow breath and holds it for a moment.
King Blueberry: Like I said, there are some things I don’t want to comment on coming out of that meeting. But, on that note, I’m afraid I have to cut this a little short.
A wry grin pulls at the corners of his lips.
King Blueberry: There’s a flight I need to cancel.
With that he moves down the hall. Jaw slightly agape and visibly flustered, Angie’s eyes dart between the departing berry and the camera as she processes the truth of what she just heard.