PRIME IS AGAINST ANIMAL CRUELTY
ReVival 8 fades in from black with the ever intrepid voice of PRIME, Angelica Brooks, standing by backstage doorway entrance to the MGM Grand Arena. Posting up near the double doors with the microphone in her hand, we see a chyron scroll on the bottom left of the screen states ‘Earlier Tonight’. Facing the camera, her expression is sedated, sober, focused.
Angelica Brooks: I’ve received word that PRIME Universal Champion, Brandon Youngblood, is about to make his first appearance since the events that closed ReVival 7. ‘COOL’ Cancer Jiles made his intentions clear after the Finals of the Almasy Invitational; he would cash in the ‘Golden Ticket’ he claimed after defeating Nova in the second round of the tournament, challenging Universal Champion Brandon Youngblood on ReVival 8.
The visual transitions to footage from ReVival 7, the chyron now brandishing the date of the event, May 6, 2022. In the ring, Youngblood holds the Universal Championship belt up high, moving to the corner and climbing to the second rope, having just verbally dashed the COOLYMPIAN, Cancer Jiles. In the periphery, we see Jiles explode from the seat he was in during the mock face to face showdown between the two, dancing across the table, only to chop block the back of Youngblood’s left knee, causing the Last Diamond to topple downward onto the diving COOLYMPIAN. We hear Angelica’s voice over the rolling footage.
Angelica Brooks: The war of words between the two has made an intense situation even worse. With pride and championship gold on the line, and neither man giving an inch to the other, tensions boiled over with Cancer Jiles attacking Brandon Youngblood’s knee, the same one he had injured and focused on in their first contest in the main event of Culture Shock. Things turned violent in a hurry.
The footage flashes forward, focusing on the attack. Pulling at the knee. Twisting it. Kicking it. Stomping it into oblivion. Dragging Brandon and propping his left ankle onto the bottom rope before launching upward and driving himself fiercely into his victim’s knee. Sliding out of the ring and slamming the knee into the ring post. There is malice behind every movement.
Angelica Brooks: Thankfully, before more damage could be done, Universal Championship Number One Contender, Impulse, would make the save before things escalated even further.
We see Jiles close his steel chair, ready to strike. Impulse charges from the back, causing the COOLYMPIAN to bail. We have another flash forward, with the Marathon Man helping Youngblood back to his feet, helping him into the corner.
Angelica Brooks: But escalate they did. Before signing off, the terms of tonight’s main event were revealed. Given the gruesome and violent nature of what transpired in that segment, we will not be showing it as a statement for PRIME management’s denouncement of animal cruelty.
All we get from the final bit of ReVival 7 is a close up shot of the wall and what it read.
Ferst Blud
5/20/2022
BIIIIIIIIIIIIIE
The footage ends, cutting back to Brooks and to the present day.
Angelica Brooks: Despite intense internal conversations to possibly void Cancer Jiles ‘Golden Ticket’ as a result of the full breadth of his actions on ReVival 7, not to mention Brandon Youngblood being medically cleared mere days ago, PRIME President and Chief Executive Officer has announced that not only will tonight’s scheduled Universal Championship match take place, but that, despite her reservations, that the contest will be fought under First Blood Rules. We also–
As she is about to continue, the doors behind are pushed open, causing her to pause. As she turns around, she sees that it is Brandon Youngblood, walking in with street clothes, a travel bag slung over his shoulder. There is a ginger shuffle to his walking that is clear for all to see. She doesn’t go to him, rather, waits for him to make a few steps into the hall. Despite their personal relationship, she has a job to do, flagging the Tower of Babel down as he just keeps walking past her.
Angelica Brooks: –Brandon…Brandon…can you give us an update on the severity of your injury? Would you be able to wrestle tonight if it wasn’t a Universal Championship defense?
The Last Diamond gives no acknowledgement, merely walking down the hallway. Angelica keeps up, the cameraman doing his best to keep track as the two move past him, his lens now tailing them.
Angelica Brooks: Is there anything you’d like to say to Bobby Dean? Doozer? Any thoughts you would like to give on Cancer Jiles?
Still nothing. Down a hallway of locker room doors, he arrives at his destination, turning the knob. Angie knows the game. She’s been a pro at this for too long not to. If he was going to be like this, then two could play at that game.
Angelica Brooks: Sources state you were involved in a heated argument with Lindsay Troy over the fact that none of the Bandits were fined or suspended for their actions. A ‘screaming match’ was how it was described. Would you–
Finally, after he opens the door, he turns to face her.
Brandon Youngblood: Angelica…I’ll answer any question you got. But not now. Not until after. Okay?
There is a sternness in his voice, but no threat or caution to be discerned. Interviewer and subject, both having been here before, with each other, know the truth. They nod their heads at each other in understanding before he disappears into his locker room. She turns to the camera, squaring up as she does so.
Angelica Brooks: A focused Champion. Nick and Richard, take us away with our opening contest for the evening, Larry Tact taking on the ‘Hardcore Harlot’ Ria Nightshade…