THE FINAL OPPONENT

ReVival 20 has come and gone.

We’ve seen The Anglo Luchador get revenge on Tony Gamble.

We’ve seen Cancer Jiles try to coerce Hayes Hanlon into joining the eGG Bandits.

We saw Melvin Beauregard return, even though none of us asked for that.

We saw Anna Daniels try to sell blood-covered items.

We saw Paxton Ray destroy King Blueberry.

We saw our main event come and go.

And, we saw the first member of the PRIME Hall of Fame class of 2022 get inducted.

Yet, in the deepest recesses of the MGM Grand Garden Arena, for the final time ever, we see Lindsay Troy in her arena office. Most of the roster have gone home, their final two week break before Colossus in Madison Square Garden beginning now. 

Wade Elliott is sitting on the edge of her desk, facing her. There seems to be an exhausted look on Lindsay’s face, probably from having to deal with Sonny Silver AND Melvin all on the same night.

We can definitely say Lindsay Troy is NOT the problem.

A sigh escapes her lips as she sits back in her chair. 

KNOCK-KNOCK

Lindsay Troy: If it’s Jiles, you have my permission to maim him.

Wade Elliott: No offense, but don’t need yer permission fer that.

Wade stands up and makes his way to the office door, opens it, and pauses as he looks at the man on the other side of the door. 

Wade Elliott: Well, shit. Think this one’s all you, Lindsay.

He steps aside and standing there is The Lost Soul, fresh off his final ReVival match. Lindsay looks up and nods her head.

Lindsay Troy: Yeah, this one makes sense. Come on in, Mister Hall of Famer.

Dusk, dressed in a pair of dark blue jeans and white linen button-up shirt, enters the office and sits down in the chair next to the ‘Bama Bruiser. Wade takes a seat in a chair next to him.

Wade Elliott: Helluva fight t’night, Craig, an’ congrats on the Hall. Sure you still wanna hang ‘em up?

Dusk: More serious than a night of drinking with you.

Wade Elliott: Say no more.

Dusk then looks over at Lindsay and smiles.

Dusk: Hey LT.

Over the past year, the two have exchanged very few words with one another. Once, when she had to separate him from Larry Tact before Great American Nightmare and the second a few days later when she offered him his final tour with PRIME.

Those conversations were rather short, much like this one will be.

Lindsay Troy: Alright, here’s the deal. I gave you three names on a list for your ReVival matches. But for the grand finale…

The Queen of the Ring opens up the desk’s top left draw and takes out a folded piece of stationary. She hands it to Craig with a smirk.

Lindsay Troy: …I’m gonna let you pick who you want. They’ve all agreed ahead of time, it’s just up to you now.

Craig looks at the piece of paper and his brow furrows slightly. 

Dusk: #3 on this list, are they really going to do it?

Lindsay nods her head.

Dusk: Interesting. Very interesting.

He looks through the list a bit further and tilts his head to the side.

Dusk: I’ve got to say, this is an impressive list. But…

Lindsay Troy: But? But what?

Dusk: Well, these names are great, but if I get to pick, then the name that I want at Colossus isn’t on this list. I appreciate the effort you’ve put into this though, seriously. These are all phenomenal names.

An incredulous look crosses Troy’s face, and she can’t help but laugh in bewilderment.

Lindsay Troy: Look, if you want Rayne, I’ll give you his number and you can make that call yourself. Otherwise, I’m at a loss as to who else you could possibly want to face that isn’t on that list.

Dusk: Not interested in Tyler either. 

Lindsay Troy: Well, then, I give up. Who is it so I can start making some phone calls.

Dusk: Well, it will be the easiest phone call of your life.

He then looks over at Wade.

Dusk: Though, it would be easier if you call.

Lindsay Troy: Oh for Christ’s sake, Red Eyez, out with it already.

He looks back over at LT and smiles.

Dusk: There’s only one person that I would want to close my career out on. You.

Both Wade’s and Lindsay’s eyes widen, and the Queen does a little double-take.

Lindsay Troy: Wait, what? Why?

Dusk: Because, there is no name more synonymous with PRIME. There is no one around that I’ve been around more than you, across PRIME and TEAM and LoC. There’s been few constants in my life, Lindsay, and that’s you. 

Lindsay Troy: I mean…

It’s rare that she’s at a loss for words.

Lindsay Troy: …Craig, I’m flattered, really, but I can’t–

Dusk: I get it. You’re the boss here. How would it look for the boss to be stepping into the ring at the biggest show of the year? It’s just that you gave me a choice, and I figured I would tell you that you’re the only person I would want to truly close my career out. If we can’t, then we can’t. 

He then rises from his chair.

Dusk: I guess my career is done, then. Closing it out on Nova is pretty amazing. Not as amazing as it could have been. I’ve got no regrets though. This was… surreal. 

Lindsay Troy: …Are you seriously trying to guilt trip me right now?

He then smiles and shakes his head. 

Dusk: We both know that would never work on you. I really appreciate you doing this for me, Lindsay. It’s probably the nicest thing you’ve ever done for me, outside of not bringing up that Cozen thing ad nauseam. 

He looks over at Wade.

Dusk: Take care, brother. Happy to see how well you’re doing now.

He then looks back at LT.

Dusk: Take it easy. You’re doing a great job. 

He then walks to the door, exits, and closes it behind him. Wade watches him walk out and when he looks back at Lindsay, she’s looking down at the desk with her forehead in her hands.

Wade Elliott: Well, didn’t see that comin’. What’re ya thinkin’? 

Lindsay shakes her head and is silent for a time. A few moments pass before she leans back in her chair and looks up at the ceiling.

Lindsay Troy: I pitched the final run to him. I gave him the choice for Colossus. 

She sighs, then locks eyes with Wade, her expression softening.

Lindsay Troy: How am I gonna say no now?