The scene opens and cameras start to roll as “Above Average” Mark Brooks and “XWF’s Goddess” Miss Michelle opens somewhere in a hallway. They are standing beside each other as a camera man is talking to him from the background.

MARK BROOKS: In just a few short days, the “Above Average One” will step inside the ring for his second match since his return to compete for the opportunity to become the next Hart’s Championship number one contender. I get what everybody is thinking: I don’t deserve this shot. I’m not worthily of main eventing Warfare just yet. The fact of the matter is, just like everybody else in the semi-main event—I earned my shot to be in this fatal four way. I earned my way to wrestle for a shot at the Hart’s Championship. Unlike my opponents, I’m looking at this opportunity as my golden ticket. The only way I am going to screw it up is if one of my opponents literally pry it from my cold dead fingers.

He looks down at his wife who is smirking up at him.

MARK BROOKS: It’s about how I got here. I just returned last week. I was opening Warfare up against another noob by the name of Brian Storm and after the Mark of Excellence he was out cold! I had confident in my abilities. I knew I had the skills to beat him. I knew I was going to be one step closer when it was all said and done. I have the determination and motivation to be the best. I’m in the prime of my life, but it was odd. It was odd because as I got up after the three count and looked around at the arena. I couldn’t believe my eyes. As I looked around at each and every single member of the XWF’s audience, I saw the doubt filled in their facial expressions. I saw the look of disbelief on their faces. It was like I just finished killing off one of their beloved legends. It was certainly an eye opening experience to say the least, but I wanted to ask… why…”

He raises his left hand to his head and starts to scratch his scalp. Michelle is massaging the middle of his back as she shakes her head in disbelief.

MARK BROOKS: Aw, was there really any doubt I was going to win on Warfare? It was a clean sweep and I proved my opponent not only didn’t belong in the Hart’s Championship title picture, but he didn’t belong in the Xtreme Wrestling Federation either! We don’t need to keep talking about him or my “big” return match because it’s now a thing of the past. Speaking of the past, so are all my opponents this week. They are all a thing of the past. I was always taught to respect my elders, but when push comes to shove, I’m not going to hold anything back.

He holds his hands together and starts pushing his fingertips against each other.

MARK BROOKS: I love this match, yet I hate this match. You know, the cliché about being the best—you have to beat the best? well, this is that exact same scenario. I’m stepping inside the ring with three XWF’s legends and a washed up nobody. If I want to make my stance that I am the future of XWF—this is that match for me to engage in. I’m stepping into the ring with guys like Azrael Erebus, Scully, and Centurion. Of course, there’s Barney Green, but he’s hardly somebody we even have to acknowledge as a threat. The only thing he threatens is an all-you can eat buffet or hot dog eating contest. The name of the pay-per view where the new number one contender challenges for the Hart’s Championship is called Relentless and that’s exactly how I am going to be in this match. I am going to be relentless against my opponents. Bring all the legendary status you want. Bring your past accomplishments. Your little hall of fame trophies. Bring your wives and children. Bring your lucky old unwashed jock straps. Not any of you are going to display the relentlessness I will on Warfare. You better hope there’s enough officials around ringside to protect you guys from me because I’m more focused than I have ever been in my life!

Michelle pushes her red hair behind her ear and cocks her head to the camera.

MISS MICHELLE: My husband’s name will headline the Hart’s division such as my name headlined the bombshell’s. It will no longer be an issue of “Mark Brooks living in his wife’s shadows.” It will be Mark Brooks as finally broken ground into his XWF’s quest for greatness. As a good woman would do, I helped him study up on his opponents and he passed the exam with flying colors.

He leans down and places a kiss on her soft rosy red lips. She smirks.

I did my homework on my allegedly “legendary” oppositions.

Brooks lets out a yawn.

MARK BROOKS: …and guess what I found? I found I got bored easily while going through their history. Why haven’t any of these guys hung up their boots already? One of the biggest losers in XWF’s history must be Barney Green. I never understood why people were so mean to him until I researched his history here. Now I know and I’m not surprised. I wouldn’t want him anywhere near a match I was in. When Barney’s name is in the mix, you can forget about the main event caliber match up!

He reaches his hand over and he softly twitches his wife’s nose and tilts his chin up as they exchange a smile.

MARK BROOKS: Barney, let’s not look at your match as a worthily win. You did beat your opponent and that was all it took to land yourself in this match, but Barney—who you beat has a lot of bearing on why your win still doesn’t put you anywhere near the standard. You are still a cut below average, and you would make a horrible Hart’s Champion. How do you think past champions will like seeing your name finally being able to headline the division? The division would plummet faster than you can even pull your head out of your ass. Barney, people like to underestimate you because you’re overweight, older than most, and your vision isn’t nearly as good as others; however, I have learned never to underestimate any of my opponents: despite how badly they in the ring. All it takes Barney is one lucky match. One fluke victory and you can change your entire career. I’m not going to risk the chance and let this opportunity slip through my fingers because I underestimated a blind, fat, worthless slob like you.

He holds his left thumb out and slowly points it down to the floor. He shakes his head in shame as he stares intently at the camera.

MARK BROOKS: After this match is over Barney and you take that walk of shame back up the ramp, as you have done many times before, you will finally realize your days in XWF are numbered. It’s time to hang up those boots and quit embarrassing yourself for the desire of one day being somebody important. When are you going to realize, you are cut from the same cloth as the Brooklyn Brawler. You aren’t the legend you dream of being; you are the resident punching bag for new superstars and old legends to beat up on as a warm up. Just as Brian Storm couldn’t master the Mark of Excellence, you are going to find yourself in a similar position.. Your fat ass lying lifeless on the mat after the Mark of Excellence leaves you floored. I move on to Relentless and challenge for the Hart’s Championship. The Hart’s title is just the start of my climb to total stardom!

He lowers his hands to his low waistline and sets them there as Miss Michelle steps behind him. She slides her hands between his arms and start to circle his waist as they imagine the Hart’s title is already sitting around his waist. He holds his right hand up with three fingers up and a fist next to it as he says quietly, “3.0, bay-be!”

MARK BROOKS: Well, now that we have him out of the way—I can start diving into the big leagues. The big boys. The XWF’s legends. Or what do they call them, baby?

He rolls his head to the side and reaches his right hand to the back of his neck as he starts to pinch the top. He briefly closes his eyes and just grins as he’s holding his head downward. She leans over to his ear and cups hand around the front of his ear as she begins whispering something to him. He cocks his head up and smirks at the camera.

XWF Classic, eh?

MARK BROOKS: Scully and Azrael, but one hasn’t seen glory since 2014 and the other hasn’t been a champion since 2016! And please, if I’m wrong—by all means, correct me. I looked at the title history and you know, sometimes those things aren’t always updated promptly!

He shrugs his shoulders and smiles.

MARK BROOKS: Scully, the only titles I have seen your name under are the Universal and Xtreme titles. Don’t let me take anything away from you, but with your arrogance and attitude—I expected your name to be on every god damn list on the title history page! I expected to see Scully as the King of XWF multiple times! You think you are god’s gift to this business, but you only have two titles to your name. one can only imagine you didn’t truly earn the Universal Championship. Did you? Did you put in the hard work and determination? Or were you just a paper champion they used as a FILLER? I look at dates. You were what? Champion for 119 days? Decent. I’ve seen longer on the title history. Do you really want to say you were the greatest Universal Champion? I can bring up the fact fat boy Peter Gilmour wiped the floor with you just prior to taking your precious title.

He rubs his hands together and cups them together.

MARK BROOKS: Scully, even though you disagree, and you feel in your heart of hearts that you are the best thing in XWF—there is no evidence to prove you are the hottest commodity in this company. When it comes down to the truth Scully, you are just a cut above Barney Green and that’s not saying much. You might look at yourself as a cut above average, but dude—you’re just satisfactory when it comes to this industry. By all means, I look forward to seeing what you offer in this match; how well you manage your opponents; and even what trash you spew out. Just be careful Scully because anything you say can and will be used against you. Ignorance is not an excuse for stupidity!

He extends his arms up over his head and stretches. He arches his back and a loud cracking sound is heard as the back muscles pop.

MARK BROOKS: The biggest name in this match is Azrael, but I’m going to look forward taking him on. In my mind, to even be considered a threat in this business you have to beat the best. Azrael is a trendsetter. He has set the bar in XWF. The man was the first-ever Universal Champion when he won the title back on May 19th. That was back in 2014 Azrael, so don’t think for one-second I’m not going to point out the fact you’ve already allowed your legendary status to slip.

He holds both his fists up and slowly sticks up two thumbs, but quickly turns them upside down as he follows it up with a frown.

MARK BROOKS: Azrael, when I see your name on this title, on that title, and on nearly every single title the XWF has had over the course of their years as an active wrestling company. it’s hard to ignore the fact you were truly one of the greatest men in the company. Azrael despite seeing your name on so many titles, I never saw your name on the top all-time greats of XWF. I found Centurion’s name on it, but not yours. Hell, I didn’t even see Scully’s name on it. The way he gloats about himself, you think he would be at the top of the top fifty list! Azrael, it may sound like I’m patting you on the back and giving you credit of being a great in-ring superstar.

Miss Michelle bites down on her lower lip and twirls her hair around her index finger as she nervously watches her husband.

MARK BROOKS: I’ve always been one to give credit where credit is due; however, don’t let it fool you. I’m still looking forward to flooring you on Warfare. Come Wednesday night, I want to take you out! I want to put you down for the one, two, and three! Even though, you didn’t make the list of greats—you are still the greatest opponent in this match. When it comes to accomplishments, you’re engraved throughout the history books. So, if I beat you then I should be a shoe in for the Hart’s Championship. Azrael, your time has come and gone. There’s no getting it back. You should have left when you were on top because now, you’re just risking the reputation you worked hard to acquire for yourself. That’s the one bad thing about you legends. You never know when to throw in the towel and hang up the boots. You think you can evolve with the best of us, but you age. You get older. You get slower. You’re not half the man you used to be. Let’s just hope this defeat is an eye-opening experience for you. I sure hate for you to tarnish your good name any further!

He slides his hands through the top of his head and squint his eyes as he looks over to his wife. He says, “I think I’m done.” Miss Michelle sets her hand on his cheek and slowly shakes her head.

MISS MICHELLE: No, no, my dear husband.

She starts to wave her finger in front of his face.

There’s Centurion who thinks you’re some legendary golfer.

He rubs his chin and lets out a laugh as he looks over at her. He pats her on the bottom as he lunges up, blushing angelically.

MARK BROOKS: Oh, and we can’t forget about Centurion. Did you like how I forgot about you until the end? I did the same thing as you. They say ignorance is bliss, but in this case, it will be your biggest mistake yet. I would have hoped somebody with your pedigree and history in XWF, you wouldn’t be so stupidly foolish, but you trying to shade my name just goes to show you that you can’t teach a dog new trick. You are still the same old Centurion; you have always been. It’s really sad that you haven’t evolved along with this business. it’s sucks you are stuck in the past and living your own shadows. Centurion, with all the accomplishments you have managed to do in XWF—why are you just in the Hart’s title picture? Why aren’t you competing for the Universal Championship?

He chuckles.

I’ll tell you why.

MARK BROOKS: You no longer have it in you to be main event. You can’t hang with these newer guys and guess what? Our first match together, you’re going to realize I’m among those newer guys you can’t hang with in the ring. Centurion, I’m faster, better, and smarter than you. You might think I’m just a twenty-five-year-old punk kid with a talented wrestling veteran as a wife, but I’m like a sponge when it comes to this business. like a sponge, I absorb everything. I watch my opponents closely. I paid extra attention to your match. To Scully’s. To Azrael. Hell, I even paid attention to Barney’s! I wasn’t about to make the same mistake as you. I wasn’t about to google your name and see what came up or didn’t come up. I wasn’t about to mistake you for some over-the-hill golf player.

This is you and I are not in the same league. I’m always thinking about my next move and you’re just stuck in the past.

MARK BROOKS: Centurion, part of me wants to pin Azrael because I’ll say he’s led a much more successful career than you, but it wouldn’t hurt to punch you in the mouth. It’s going to be even sweeter to have my arm raised in victory while you’re helplessly looking on from outside the ring. Then, you have to give me the credit I deserve. You have to give me the respect I have earned. You have to look at me as a real threat. No matter how hard you try to deny it or lie to yourself, I’m the future of XWF. I’m just one of the newest, youngest, and hottest superstars to sign with the company. When you’re long gone, resting your broken body in some nursing home—you will be watching me as the NEW Face of not just professional wrestling, but XWF!

The above average era is on the rise and everything that isn’t up to par just falls below average!

The scene fades to black as Miss Michelle blows a kiss to the camera.