A Small Victory (Cynthia Rose)

(The camera opens in a corridor backstage at Chapter: 19 just as Cynthia exits the locker room in street clothes with her gear bag slung over her shoulder.  She smiles at the sight of Percy hovering just a few feet away from the door, looking down at his cell phone stoically.  Smiling with eyes full of playful mischief, Cynthia quietly walks up beside him and leans her head on his shoulder, causing Percy to nearly jump out of his skin and drop his cell phone.)

Cynthia Rose: What'cha watchin'?

Percy: JESUS CHRIST GIRL!

Cynthia Rose: Sorry, couldn't help myself.  You looked like you were in another world.

Percy: Funny you should say that, because playing back that match made me feel like I was in bizarro land.

Cynthia Rose: That good, huh?

Percy: That's not what I meant, and I feel like you know that already.

(Cynthia raises her head off of Percy's shoulder, her face filled with genuine confusion as she looks up at her mentor.)

Cynthia Rose: ...but I won...

(Percy shakes his head in clear disgust, as if smelling something that didn't agree with him.  He plants a hand on Cynthia's shoulder and guides her down the hallway has he carefully considers his words.)

Percy: You were lucky to do so. Kira was stuffing every telegraphed double leg you attempted.  At one point Robbie V called your offense stupid.  This is not a good look for me.

Cynthia Rose:...but...but I won...

Percy: Barely.  You won barely, and I'd be surprised if they brought you back after that embarrassing display.  I'd be equally as shocked if they brought back Kira Izumi since the dude lost to ya.  They might even kick me off the island for training you.  Just when I was starting to get some clout and pull around here without Andrew or the Underworld hangin' around my neck like an albatross...

Cynthia Rose: ...Percy...

Percy: Don't get me wrong, the German was pretty.  The suplex is always pretty, but you gotta start doing two things: hitting and hitting hard.  This ain't Seton Hall, and you ain't in the amateurs anymore girl.  You didn't have to take that much damage out there.  I'm sure the snap on that suplex would've been all the more brutal if you hadn't let Izumi tear up your lower back for half the match.  That's your only tool out there, and you left it wide open with those...

(Percy glances up from his tirade to find that Cynthia is no longer beside him.  He turns to look over his shoulder and finds Cynthia standing in the middle of the hallway, her head hung in shame as she holds her hands out to her side meekly.)

Cynthia Rose: ...I won...

(Percy's tough expression softens a little as he approaches with his hand on his chin in thought.)

Percy: You won tonight.  What about next time?

Cynthia Rose: Next time is next time. Let me celebrate my first victory just a little bit.  You should too.  You helped me get it.

Percy: I want to be proud of your performances.  I want to walk away feeling like you didn't lose by the skin of your teeth.  I've seen enough of that for one lifetime.  It shouldn't have to be life or death out there every time you step through the ropes.

Cynthia Rose: And it wasn't.  Sure, my back feels like a tenderized steak but it'll pass.  I'm not that banged up.

Percy: He deadass punched you in the face.

Cynthia Rose: ...language...

Percy: Either learn to defend it or retaliate.

Cynthia Rose: I'll defend better next time.

Percy: I'd much rather you retaliated.

Cynthia Rose: Noted and dismissed.  

Percy: Why wont you hit somebody? They're going to hit you.  It's inevitable.  

Cynthia Rose: I don't want to hurt anybody.

Percy: Then why the hell are you in pro wrestling?

Cynthia Rose: Because I'm good at it!

Percy: Not from what I saw out there tonight.

Cynthia Rose: I. WON. PERCY!

Percy: BUT WHAT ABOUT NEXT TIME!?!

(Cynthia sighs and lowers her gaze as Percy continues staring her down, unrelenting.)

Cynthia Rose: I'll worry about next time when it comes.

Percy: Yeah, if it comes.

Cynthia Rose: ...when..

Percy: IF!

(Cynthia turns to avoid her trainer's intense stare.  As she does so, she spots a piece of paper tacked to a bulletin board with the number "20" typed in bold faced at the top.  She turns back to Percy and nods toward the board.  The two straighten up their posture once more and find themselves in yet another staring contest as they both try to maintain their cool.  Cynthia's eyes break gaze first, cutting toward the run sheet for Chapter 20.  Percy's stiff upper lip curls into a smile.  Cynthia smiles back and the two quickly rush the call sheet and search down it with their index finger.  Cynthia plants her finger on her name with a conquering smile as the color drains from Percy's cheeks.)

Cynthia Rose: Hah! See? I'm booked next week.

Percy: Yeah, but against the tag champs in an opener in a non-title match.  Did you even read past your name?

Cynthia Rose: So? They must like me to put me in such a lucrative position already.

Percy: Against the tag champs..

(Cynthia continues smiling as Percy shakes his head in frustration, sensing his pupil isn't picking up on what this means.)

Percy: In the opener...? Titles aren't on the line, do you not understand what this means?

Cynthia Rose: It means I could be a contender.

Percy: It means they think you're a scrub!  This is a warm up.  You're a tomato.  This is a squash match.

Cynthia Rose: Why are you listing off produce?

Percy: They think you're an easy win, kid.  To them, a victory over you is a gimme.  This is just an exhibition for the champions to show off what they can do and let people know why they have the titles.

Cynthia Rose: Yeah, but what if I win?

Percy: IF you win, IF! ,you've got a tag title shot with Kira Izumi as your partner.  How do you think that pairing will go, huh? The guy hates your guts.  This is a setup, don't you see that? You've got one person in this whole place who knows who you are and they hate you, and now they're teaming the two of you up against the tag champs.  You've been set up for failure.

(Cynthia's energy melts from her body as she looks from the run sheet to her dejected trainer.  As she studies Percy's dismissive demeanor, her body begins to tighten with frustration.)

Cynthia Rose: So that's it? You're just going to write me off because they're running me through my trials and think I'm not good enough after one match?

Percy: Ya ain't ready for the champions.

Cynthia Rose: You really think that, huh?

Percy: I know it and they know it.

Cynthia Rose: So I was just some big waste of your time...some...some greenhorn who shouldn't have even gotten booked in the first place?

Percy: You have potential but you ain't there yet.

Cynthia Rose: So I'm supposed to roll over and take my licks and be fine with it?  I'm not supposed to try when I'm handed some grand opportunity to get my name out there against two champions in my second match?

Percy: I didn't say you shouldn't try.

Cynthia Rose: But you don't believe in my ability to succeed.  My match was twenty minutes ago, Percy.  I hung around here watching you replay it over and over and wince every time Robbie V criticized me and groan at every misstep I took in my first match, and then I did the polite thing and recused myself to the locker room to bathe and change clothes, and what do I come back to? more judgment, more criticism, more snarling and mad dogging.  

Percy: I'm your trainer!

Cynthia Rose: Not once, not even ONCE in any of your long-winded tirades did you say 'congratulations Cynthia' or 'good effort out there, say how's your back holding up sporto?' or anything remotely encouraging or motivational.

Percy: I just don't want you to become complacent.

Cynthia Rose: I'm anything but complacent.  You can run me through the drills tomorrow, dissect every mistake I made in this match, and prep me for the next one.  All I wanted was to suffer through tonight's pats on the back with a smile on my face as my lower lumbar region screams bloody murder.  Is that so much to ask?

Percy: What do you want from me? You want me to take you out drinking so you can lose sight of the game? Learn from this pain.

Cynthia Rose: I dunno, maybe an 'atta girl is at least in order here?

Percy: I am NOT giving you an "'atta girl".

(Cynthia tilts her head with confusion as Percy seems to stress over something.)

Cynthia Rose: What do you think I mean by an 'atta girl?

Percy: Look, whatever you meant-

Cynthia Rose: You thought I meant like...what?

(Percy glares at Cynthia, and then shakes his head dismissively, as if trying to erase the thought like it's an etch a sketch drawing.)

Cyntha Rose: Ohmigosh, you thought I meant a pat on the butt didn't you?

(Percy's eyes grow large with a mixture of anger and fear at the prospect.  Cynthia, sensing her trainer's discomfort lifts a mischievous eyebrow.)

Cynthia Rose: C'mooon coach, gimme an 'atta girl.

Percy: I don't play like that.

(Cynthia pops her hips toward Percy tauntingly.)

Percy: Quit it.

Cynthia Rose: Come ooooon.  One pat on the butt, like I'm one of the guys.

Percy: Just because you have a flat ass like most of the guys, doesn't mean you're one of'em.

Cynthia Rose: Rude dude.  Also, language.

Percy: Well you seem like you're pleased enough in your victory for the both of us.  How about you put some of that confidence into a promo?

Cynthia Rose: ooooh, my first promo? Sure, I'll give it a shot...once you give these cheeks a shot!

(Cynthia backs her butt up onto Percy's arm, causing Percy to yank away and shove her playfully as Cynthia laughs at his frustration.)

Percy: Better get 'cho white girl ass in that promo booth...

(The camera fades to black, only to fade to life once more on Cynthia standing alone inside a lime green promo booth with a retro Wrestleworld logo on the wall behind her.  She looks around the booth with childlike wonder, before catching a whiff of something and pinching her nose.  A buzz is heard, and then the click of an intercom.)

Percy: We're rolling kid, give us the thunder.

Cynthia Rose:...smells like a Myrtle Beach seafood buffet in here...

Percy: Just block it out and stare down the lens.

(Cynthia's eyes grow wider as she looks into the lens.  The red light of the live camera reflects in her doe eyes like car headlights in a frozen dear's iris.)

Cynthia Rose: Ohmigosh, we're rolling?  O-okay. So, like, I've got this tag match this week against The Bear and the Jag Connection.  They seem like cool dudes.  Percy told me all about Teddy, how he's in it for his family and be a good example and role model for the kids.  That's so sweet, and I just can't help but admire the fact that he took a risk on his dream just so he could make his family proud.  I relate to that in a lot of ways.  Pro wrestling wasn't really in the cards for me, but I do love it and I am in this to make the people back home proud as well.  You have a daughter I hear, and that's just so cool.  I get wanting to show her that she can be anything she wants to be.  Maybe I can help with that too and be a role model of sorts.  I know there are a lot of other accomplished women around here, some of which are coming for that title as well so I'm in good company.  Ohmigosh have you seen Hana Nakajima? so talented, and so cute and wholesome.

(The buzzer rings through the promo booth. Cynthia's smile fades as she looks off camera at Percy in the booth with confusion)

Percy: You gonna put over the whole roster or yourself?

Cynthia Rose: Sorry, sorry, I just like his story is all.  He seems like a swell guy.

buzz

Percy: A swell guy whose going to kick your head off at the first opportunity.

Cynthia Rose: Right...right...I don't think I have it in me to talk down to you, Teddy.  I could say that you're friends with Nobi, and that my trainer has a vendetta against him (despite the fact that I don't and have seen all of his movies), but that's insincere.  I honestly hope you and Izumi can have a word during this match.  He seems to have a problem with trying to be a positive role model for his children.  I mean, his parents didn't leave him much to look up to so I understand that-

buzz

Percy: You're not here to bury your tag partner, you're here to talk up the match.

Cynthia Rose: I wasn't trying to bury him, I just think he could use the guidance and Teddy seems up to the task of being a role model.

BUZZ

Percy: Quit meddling! Move on to Jungle Jaguar.

Cynthia Rose: Right, right...so you're a luchador? That seems cool.  I always liked the whole lucha aesthetic.  Uncle Tony never takes off his mask, it's like he's a superhero.  Ohmigosh, would that be considered cultural appropriation?  Percy! Is Uncle Tony going to get cancelled?!

BUZZ

Percy: Don't worry about that.  He's a disfigured man. I'm sure fans will let it slide.  Lay the hooks into Jungle Jaguar.

Cynthia Rose: Why? Do you think he's going to get cancelled? Ohmigosh, is that mask made of real jungle cat?!

BUZZ!!!!

Percy:...

Cynthia Rose: Is it?

Percy: ..maybe.

Cynthia Rose: Oh now you're just trying to get me to be mean.

BUZZ

Percy: THAT'S THE POINT!

Cynthia Rose: They seem like good guys to me-

BUZZ

Cynthia Rose:-I mean Teddy Mac is-

BUZZ

Cynthia Rose: Would you please stop the-

BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ!!!!!!!

Cynthia Rose:...

Percy: Have I gotten your attention?

Cynthia Rose: Yeah bu-

(Cynthia cringes at the sound of the last buzz, hangs her arms at her side in defeat, and stares ahead in exhausted annoyance at her mentor in the booth.)

Percy: Say something that ISN'T a glowing review of your opponents or I'm going to start composing trap music with this intercom button.

Cynthia Rose: Okay okay...

(Cynthia clutches her forehead, composing her thoughts as the intercom clicks off.  After a moment of fighting off a headache and putting her mind in order, she drops her hand and looks into the camera with a sad sincerity.)

Cynthia Rose: Look, I'm sure you guys understand what it feels like to be treated like a doormat, a non-threat, or a flat out joke.  I don't say this to infer anything negatively, but you seem like nice guys.  You have to understand the place I'm coming from heading into this match.  People have pegged me as a black sheep in a wrestling dynasty filled with winners after one match.  My only reputation coming into Wrestleworld is being someone's distant relative and having a amateur wrestling burnout.  My credentials don't exactly read like those of a blue chip prospect whose got the world ahead of them, but neither did yours at one point.  I'm not here to be overlooked, and I didn't come here to be a failure.  I came here so that I could hold my head up high and show my face on the mainland and be known as the hometown hero, or at least not be known as the girl whose knee buckled carrying a small town's hopes and dreams on her back.  Wrestleworld might have put this match together just to give you two a chance to show your stuff in the ring, but I'm done being someone else's billboard.  I'm not here to eat your offense and make you look good.  I'm here to stake a claim for your titles, even if it's with a tag partner who could care less if I lived or died.  I admire what you two have accomplished here in Wrestleworld and elsewhere.  You came into this locker room being yourselves and succeeded when everyone else wrote you off as two fun loving goofs without a hint of edge or malice in your nature, and now you're champions.  Someone underestimated you once and you proved them wrong, so don't come into this match underestimating me just because I don't want to throw you off of a building or punch your faces in.  Men like you are the reason I refuse to be overly violent, Teddy Mac.  You have a daughter, a family, somewhere to hang your hat once you hang up your boots and I'm not going to be the reason you can't give that little girl piggyback rides.  I have no ill will toward either of you, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to try and pin you.  Don't make the same mistake that other's made when it came to you two: don't write me off, because if you do history will repeat itself and some other sweetheart with a chip on their shoulder and a dream in their heart will be the next to hold those championships.  Good luck out there boys.  You're going to need it.

(Cynthia gives the camera a sincere smile and wink as she freezes in place awkward, waiting for the camera light to turn off.)


buzz

Percy: Weak...

Cynthia Rose: Oh c'mon!

(Cut to black.)