Chapter One
Changing of the Guard
“How long have I got?” Carlos Duquesne finally plucks up the courage to ask. “I’m afraid it’s terminal..” Doctor Navarro regretfully answers back. The sound of his heart pumping is all he could hear. The doctor continues to talk but all Carlos could hear is his heart and the sudden realisation that this is it.
Carlos Duquesne came from humble beginnings. Born to loving parents, gained a good education, got a good work ethos from his father and uncles in the family business. Carlos never wanted to follow his father into the motor industry. He had big dreams of becoming a professional wrestler ever since the All Star Wrestling show appeared in the city. The first golden years of professional wrestling. The venue filled with adults and children celebrating, cheering men in skimpy trunks, booing and berating the bad guys with matches that were long. Everyone was on tenterhooks. This was the beginning of professional wrestling’s mainstream popularity.
One of the men who appeared on that show came to Duquesne Auto’s a few weeks after. Carlos was torquing the engine when he spotted the man he watched in the ring, the man was booed by the crowd that night as the infamous ‘Red Baron, his uncle was booking the car in when Carlos tentatively walked up to him when the red baron was leaving. Asking him how he could become a professional wrestler. The Red Baron took it upon himself to teach Carlos how to become a professional wrestler. Learning and wrestling around North America alongside his mentor. Unfortunately the red baron was killed in a freak plane accident that shook Carlos to the core. Vowing to be the best he could be at The Red Barons’ funeral.
Carlos did what he could in the territories of that time winning championships along the way. Learning the business from multiple promoters across the country, wrestlers from all different backgrounds, soaking all the knowledge up like a sponge and writing all he could in his journals during downtime. He may not have been the headline act like the wrestlers of the time but Carlos Duquesne was respected and dependable. Thus when the time came to hang his boots up from active competition, he had the respect within the wrestling community to continue in the business he loved in different capacities. Road Agent. Talent Scout. Trainer. Promoter. The role he loved the most was being the manager and agent to other wrestlers.
This was the birth of Duquesne Sports Agency.
The umbrella of the business was professional wrestling with branches into other sporting worlds. However this soon changed to the core being all other sports with professional wrestlers being few and far between. The D.S.A had become an established and profitable business. A multi-million dollar business empire that Carlos Duquesne created and built. Carlos did venture back in the early 2000’s to the world of professional wrestling once more, taking it upon himself to represent them personally instead of his hired agents, enjoying the time on the road and travelling like he used to do. Even venturing into producing matches and being a promoter for a short while. A life Carlos loved and enjoyed beyond anything else.
Carlos reflects on all he has achieved in his life as he sits in the back of his Rolls-Royce Spectre. Staring out of the window as the chauffeur drives Carlos back to his office. The car pulls up next to Duquesne Sports Agency and the chauffeur steps out of the car and walks around to where Carlos is sitting and opens it for him. Carlos hadn’t initially noticed this before being snapped back to reality. Unbuckling his seat belt and stepping out of the car too. Carlos adjusts his custom tailored suit jacket before heading into his office building, gazing at the photos of people they represent on the walls, nodding his head towards the receptionist before pressing the button to call for the elevator. Carlos cracks his neck to the side as the door opens and he walks into his office and sits down at the large oak desk. Picking his desk phone up and begins to dial a number, holding the receiver up to his ear and glances out of the window that overlooks the city, finally a voice on the other end answers and it takes a few moments for Carlos to realise this. “Christopher..” Carlos says tentatively. “..We need to talk”.
★ ★ ★
“Excellent!” Christopher Duquesne leans back on his leather office chair, fidgeting with his custom made Monteblanc fountain pen, holding his cellular phone up to his ear with a beaming smile upon his face. “I’ll email you the conditional offer and get the media officer to start writing the press release.” Christopher nods his head agreeing along with the person on the other end of the phone. “Absolutely. We at Duquesne Sports Agency are thrilled to have this opportunity..” The person on the other end interrupts him mid sentence. “..Of course. Once everything has been finalised then we can start the transformation. From being just your regular player to superstar! Adding more zeros to that paycheck. Brands will be begging you to be the face of their company! This is your first step in doing that!” Christopher stops leaning in his chair, placing the Monteblanc tip onto a nearby bit of paper and signing it then puts the pen down next to his keyboard, grabbing the mouse with his free hand to move the cursor on the screen to hover over the send button. “You should receive the email shortly.” Christopher clicks the mouse and the email is sent. “..You’ve got it. Fantastic. Let's get the ball rolling and start making money!” Christopher nods along to what the person is saying on the other end. “..You have got my personal number now. Any questions please feel free to text or call. Any time of the day. I’m here for you! Speak to you soon!” Christopher clicks to end the call and the smile immediately leaves his face. Dropping the phone onto his oak desk and gazing over the inbox on his computer screen. With nothing standing out he looks at the picture on his desk. A photo of a very young boy next to a much younger Carlos Duquesne. The one and only family holiday he took with his father.
Christopher was the only son of Isabella Martinez & Carlos Duquesne. He always believed his homelife was normal, as most children do when they live in that scenario, where it was just his mother and him at home. Carlos was so busy with travelling and wrestling that Christopher never truly knew his father. When Carlos was at home he would be arguing and fighting with Isabella or out in the garage at his homemade gym. Christopher would watch the other kids in the neighbourhood have their parents together, fathers or father figures playing with the children, families heading out to either the bus stop or in their cars for family trips out. Christopher’s father was never there. When Carlos finished being an active wrestler and began to create his sports agency business, Christopher believed he would see his father more but he was wrong. He saw him less.
Isabella understood that what Carlos was doing was supporting her and Christopher financially, having a roof over their heads and food on the table, never struggling and whatever Christopher needed he got so he didn’t miss out. However Christopher didn’t see that and began to resent Carlos. Carlos took them for their only vacation as a family to Europe. Christopher later found out that the vacation wasn’t for the family, Carlos needed to finalise the deals for soccer players in Spain and Germany, looking back at the photo album to realise the only day of that entire week was all Carlos spent with him and his mother. The rest of the holiday was Isabella & Christopher on their own. The one photo taken of the two of them together now sits on Christopher’s desk as a reminder. Don’t be like Carlos Duquesne, Be Better.
Christopher places the photograph back on the desk and doesn’t give it a second thought. An email pops up on his screen from one of his talent scouts, clicking on the message and begins to skim through it, he sees that his scout is highlighting the fact she is a professional wrestler and immediately he stopped reading it. Clicking the reply icon and types quickly on the keyboard and using the edit bar to highlight the words specifically.
‘I don’t represent professional wrestlers.’
Christopher Duquesne clicks the send button with force and lets out a stress relieving exhale of breath. Christopher didn’t really set out to become a Sports Agent, let alone one with the man he resented, he went through schooling and law school to progress in the legal system. He learnt he could retain a lot of details through studying, being active on the student councils and local politics, at such a young age Christopher’s future was bright before him. Isabella convinced Carlos to take his son on for work between schooling but Christopher declined. He didn’t need his fathers help and chose to work elsewhere to support himself through school, Carlos offered to cover the finances but Christopher declined, he wasn’t there for him during his childhood and doesn’t need his ‘charity’ now. Everything looked promising for Christopher until a fateful letter arrived at his place of residents.
University Withdrawal Letter
Christopher’s world changed with that one letter. His father offered him the opportunity to work his way up within his company, starting from the bottom and working his way up, reluctantly he accepted this proposition and for the next few years he worked his way up his fathers company. Finally becoming a Sports Agent. Christopher’s phone begins to ring and he is surprised to see ‘Carlos Duquesne’ appear on the screen. Hesitant to answer at first but he finally answers it. “Yes?” No answer but Christopher could hear his breathing. “Hello?” again nothing. Christopher is about to hang the phone up when he hears his father voice say his name, he doesn’t sound like his normal self, a feeling of dread fills his body as he becomes hesitant to answer before his father speaks again. “...we need to talk.”
★ ★ ★
Bogdan Popescu had been given the arduous task of travelling around the UK looking for talented wrestlers. Unlike the US where each town or state had a wrestling promotion. The United Kingdom’s wrestling scene is underwhelming. Going up and down the country following different promotions, scouring the social media for posts and pictures, looking around different towns for advertising posters on abandoned shop windows or advertisements in local shops. The task given to him was to find the diamond in the rough. Someone who has the ability to be huge within the professional wrestling industry or shows exciting potential to be just that. Bogdan has earmarked ten names in his notepad with pages of notes about each of them. The one person he keeps reviewing his notes about and in the forefront of his mind is a methodical blonde haired woman. Pressing the tip of his pen against some of the words.
Technical.
Submission Specialist.
Powerhouse.
High Flyer.
All Rounder **
Egotistical
Confident **
Photogenic **
Money ****
Bogdan closes his notepad and places his pen into his shirt pocket, looking around the auditorium of today's wrestling event, not many seats could fit into the small community centre. Bogdan sits on the end of the front row and looks at the programme for tonight's event. Several tag team matches involving people he had watched at other shows but didn’t leave a lasting impression. A battle royale involving the academy students for this promotion. The match that peaks his interest is the second to last match involving two females. Bogdan looks at the photo they’ve selected, pulling his pen out and circling it a few times, he believes that he has found the one.
As for British wrestling shows go, this one seemed mediocre to say the least, the wrestlers Bogdan highlighted proved to be ones to watch. However the match he had just watched between two female wrestlers did not disappoint. Getting his notepad out and writing down notes throughout. There was no question that this is someone of interest, getting out of his seat before the match end and leaving the venue, taking his iphone out of his pocket to access his emails. Bogdan has already pre-wrote a long email and didn’t hesitate to send it to Carlos Duquesne himself. The evening has a slight chill in the air as he slides his phone back into his pocket and looks for the taxi rank nearby. Climbing into the hackney carriage taxi and instructing the driver where he wanted to go. Bogdan gazes out of the window but his phone vibrates, pulling out to see Carlos had responded, unlocking the phone to read the message. He looks slightly confused but did as he was told and resent the email to his son, Christopher.
Bogdan is one of Christopher’s exclusive talent scouts but his loyalty is with his father, Carlos. Carlos was the man who gave his parents a job in the United States when they emigrated from his native Romania. Bogdan’s father proved to be a vital asset in the early days of the Duquesne Sports Agency. When Bogdan came of age and needed a job, Carlos didn’t hesitate to hire him, but it was done under false pretences. Bogdan was given the role during a family dinner however Carlos stipulation was he needed to go for an interview with his son, Christopher, to make him be the one who hired Bogdan and become his scout. A bit confused by this request but did so without hesitation. Christopher was impressed and ‘hired’ Bogdan as his talent scout. Bogdan had not needed to correspond or speak with Carlos during his working life until recently. Carlos needed a special wrestling talent and knowing his son’s stance of professional wrestling, Carlos asked Bogdan to this this whilst he scouted the English Premier League for potential soccer stars, Bogdan took the arduous task on and believed he had found the one. Carlos’ request to send the report to Christopher was odd. Bogdan's phone vibrated again to see Christopher's response.
‘I don’t represent professional wrestlers.’
Not unexpected as Bogdan screenshotted the email and sent the screen shot to Carlos. Carlos responded instantaneously.
‘Sign her. I’ll send you the relevant documents to print and get her to sign. I’ll deal with Christopher. Thank you, Bogdan. You took a great risk in doing this. You will see my appreciation in your next wage slip.’
The taxi pulls up next to a hotel, Bogdan slides his phone into his pocket, he leans up against the taxi window. “Can you please wait for me and return back to where we had just left”. The Taxi driver nods as Bogdan quickly heads into the hotel to grab his laptop and portable printer before heading back to the venue.
★ ★ ★
It had felt like a lifetime since his father had spoken to him personally. Most of their correspondence has been via email since Christopher had joined Carlos' company. To receive a phone call was out of character then requesting to meet too. Something must be wrong was Christophers initial thought. Having jumped into his Bugatti Divo to head to Carlos’ home in the Hollywood Hills, slowly pulling up on the gravel drive as the stones crunch under the wheels, slowly coming to a standstill and switching the engine off. Christopher opens the door and adjusts his custom suit, gazing at his fathers property as he shuts the door of the car, pressing the button on the key to lock it before heading to the front door and ringing the bell. Amelia opens the door, Carlos’ housekeeper, she smiles and opens the door symbolising entry.
“How are you doing, Amelia?” Christopher asks respectfully. Amelia is about to answer but he interjects. “Where is the old man?”
“Mister Duquesne is in his office” Amelia replies whilst shutting the door.
“Fantastic” Christopher says sarcastically. He is about to head towards his fathers office but stops mid step and pivots towards her. “Send my regards to Bogdan and your parents, Amelia.” Amelia smiles and bows her head in kind.
Christopher walks up the staircase to the second floor landing. The door that leads to his fathers office begins to open, a suited man leaves with a briefcase in hand, he gives a courteous smile towards Christopher as he heads down the stairs. Christopher looks confused as he recognizes the man but cannot place where from. Christopher barges into the office and shuts the door forcefully.
“Come on in,” Carlos says ironically. He is sitting behind his desk with a fountain pen in hand. “Sit down, Christopher” He indicates for him to sit in the chair adjacent to him.
“That man,” Christopher says abruptly. “Wasn’t that your lawyer?” Finally figuring out where he recognised him from. Christopher had seen him a few times leaving the office building or his fathers office.
“Please” Carlos reiterates for him to sit down. “I need to talk to you”
Reluctantly Christopher accepts his request, yanking the chair out and unbuttoning his suit jacket, slumping down into the chair whilst letting out a long exhale of breath. Carlos places the fountain pen onto the document and interlocks his fingers together. “Thank you for coming to see me..”
“Really?” Christopher interrupts. “I was under the impression that this wasn’t business related.” He sighs adversely. “You never could talk to me like a son or treat me like one. Sure you’d throw your money around but I’m pretty sure there is more to being a father than being lavish”
Carlos is slightly taken aback by this. “Chris..”
“It’s Christopher” He retorts sternly.
“Yes, sorry. Christopher” Carlos says apologetically. “You’re right. I was never the conventional father, was I?” Carlos see’s Christopher shake his head whilst looking away from him. “Some people are meant to be parents and I failed” A realisation hits him as he admits it outloud. “I could have worked with my father and uncles at the garage but I chose to follow my dream. I never once regretted that decision. I told you to follow your dreams and unfortunately that never happened.” Christopher continues to look to the side and not acknowledging his father. “I did try to help that. I heard a saying a long time ago, ‘Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth’, I tried to help you but you declined anything from me. Except when you had nothing else and needed a job”
“You offered me the job!” Christopher snapped back.
“So you are listening to me” Carlos smiles towards his son but he just glares. “You didn’t get the chance to live the dream you wanted. I did. I sacrificed everything and got everything. That sacrifice meant I lost a son. I lost a partner. I devoted everything into the professional wrestling world and built a successful business from that!” Carlos unclasps his fingers and picks up the fountain pen again. “A business that has become a global empire! Representing some of the best names in sport. A company I am proud of and this is my legacy when I go..” Carlos points towards his son. “..You are also my legacy. You worked your way up to the position you hold now by your ethics, your intelligence, hard work and determination. Nothing was handed to you and you didn’t once abuse your name to get where you are today. I am very proud of the person you are. That is why when I sign this bit of paper..” Carlos folds the paper up by the corner trying to find the appropriate page. Finding the dotted line he presses the fountain pen onto it but nothing else. “..You, Christopher Duquesne, become the director of Duquesne Sports Agency”
Christopher is taken back by what his father just said. “So I'll run the D.S.A?”
“I had an emergency meeting with the board of directors regarding this and the majority agreed. You have the backing of the board. You have my backing. Before I make it official” Carlos lifts the nib of the pen up. “Do you have any objections?”
Christopher leans forward in the chair. “Why are you doing this?” His mind is filled with thoughts and scenarios. “This is your company and you’ve never allowed anyone to run the business. Even when you went to run wrestling promotions or spent time coaching, producing and managing on the road. You didn’t once give the reins to anyone yet here you are about to make me the director of your company!” Christopher is trying to get his head around it but the question that keeps repeating in his head and he asks aloud is “Why?”
Carlos reluctantly sighs. “For the past few months I’ve been undergoing treatment” He sees the reaction on his son's face. “Doesn’t matter what it is. Unfortunately I need to take time away and I need someone to run the sports agency. I could have chosen more experienced people, sure, could have sourced someone external from the business or chose someone from the board or stakeholders. My first and only choice is you. Please accept this position and continue to make the business thrive.”
Christopher doesn’t know how to react as his head is filled with so many thoughts and questions. He finally nods his head and Carlos signs on the dotted line.
“Congratulations, Christopher. Director of Duquesne Sports Agency” Carlos says proudly.
Christopher leans back in the chair in utter shock. Carlos looks down at the paper and folds the bits of paper back over and shuts the cardboard file. “Oh” Carlos suddenly says.
“Oh?” Christopher stares at his father. “You’ve done something haven’t you”
Carlos smirks “The story of Duquesne Sports Agency began when I became a professional wrestler and transitioning from active competitor to being a manager”
“Oh no” Christopher realises where he is going with this.
“The clause in this directorship is that you’ll follow in my footsteps and become a..”
“I am too old to be a professional wrestler!” Christopher interjected. “I have had no professional training and I have no desire to do so!”
“I’m not an idiot,” Carlos replies. “You have brains! You are brilliant! You are going to be an excellent manager!”
Christopher cannot believe what he is hearing. “And supposedly who am I going to ‘manage’?”
“You received an email from your scout, Bogdan Popescu, earlier today. Did you not?” Carlos asks knowing full well the answer to this question.
“I did but I responded that I am not interested” Christopher retorts.
“Well I went ahead and got the young lady to sign an exclusive deal with Duquesne Sports Agency. With it I said you’ll be represented by the best manager the D.S.A has” Carlos points at Christopher. “You!”
“You do realise I need to send that document to my legal team and..” Christopher stops mid sentence before realising “..That is why your lawyer was here”
Carlos nods “You can get your legal team to glance over it. By all means. However you signed it already and the deal is done with my signature just now”
Christopher remembers back in his office that he signed a document whilst finalising his latest client. Closing his eyes in instant regret.
“I have instructed the young woman to travel to Las Vegas. Specifically the Neon Graveyard where she will find the wrestling complex known as The Crows Nest” Carlos opens the top drawer of his desk and pulls out another file and slides it across towards Christopher. “You’ll find the information about it in this. About the history of the promotion. You’ll also find that I’ve signed you to the promotion too.”
“I don’t know the first thing about wrestling!” Christopher blurts out.
“You can learn a lot from this dossier. It is like a memoir of what I experienced during my tenure in the business, tips and tricks, you’ll read it and study it as that is who you are. However..” Carlos smiles. “You just have to be you. Nothing more. Nothing less.”
Christopher picks the file up and flicks through it briefly. Shutting the file and immediately sliding the chair back to stand up. Carlos watches his son trying to read him. Christopher buttons his suit jacket back up. “So i’m the director of Duquesne Sports Agency and representing a female wrestler.”
Carlos nods in agreement.
“You’re right. I have resented you for so long” Christopher takes his sunglasses out of his inner jacket pocket. “Deep down I have always wanted to make you proud of me. I guess this vindicates that” He nods. “I’ll take this professional athlete and do what I do for all my clients. Make her the hottest commodity. Take her to the top and carry on the Duquesne legacy within the sport” Christopher pivots on the spot and begins to leave but stops just before the door. Glancing over his shoulder. “Changing of the guard, huh?”
★ ★ ★
Kayleigh stepped back through the curtain after being victorious against one of her closest rivals. The promoter for the show was there to greet Kayleigh with a smile but Kayleigh simply blanked him, walking passed without acknowledging him or anyone else nearby, she went back to the area she had left her bags and sat down on a hard all-in-one red plastic chair. Kayleigh begins to use her nails to get the end of the wrist tape before grabbing hold to pull it off in one motion. A knock is heard nearby but Kayleigh ignores it. An Eastern European gentleman stands nearby Kayleigh holding a file.
“Good Evening, Kayleigh. My name is Bogdan Popescu” Bogdan says in his hybrid Romanian/American accent.
“Look, babes” Kayleigh responds whilst attempting to take the wrist tape off her other wrist. “I am not signing anything! I am not going to pose for anything! I am not going to answer questions for your stupid podcast or youtube channel! Just leave me alone!”
Bogdan subtly laughs. “No, Miss Kayleigh”
“Bit presumptuous there” Kayleigh snaps
“I mean no offence,” Bogdan said sincerely. “I am here on behalf of the Duquesne Sports Agency. As I said my name is Bogdan Popescu. Talent Scout.” Bogdan awaits a response or reaction but receives nothing. “I was originally sent here to the UK to see about representing footballers from the Premier League.”
“You’ve truly missed the ball on this one” Kayleigh snorts. “This isn’t football!”
“You’re right,” Bogdan retorts. “My employer asked me to scout the professional wrestling scene here in the UK, also. Don’t see too many men multitasking, huh?” Bogdan broadly smiles but Kayliegh finishes pulling her wrist tape off and begins to pull her elbow pads down. Bogdan clears his throat. “For months I have compiled a list of names of wrestlers I’ve seen and your name is on that list.”
“Do you have a point, boggy?” Kayleigh replies.
“It’s Bogdan. And yes I do” Bogdan holds the file up in front of him. “I have seen multiple shows over the last few weeks trying to narrow down the right person. I believe I have just done that this evening” Bogdan taps the file. “I have sent my findings, reports, and videos to my employer who would like to formally make an offer to represent you!” Bogdan smiles. “Congratulations”
Kayleigh doesn’t hesitate with her answer, “No.”
Bogdan tilts his head to the side. “I don’t think you understand the magnitude of this offer.”
Kayleigh stands up and looks at Bogdan for the first time. “I don’t think you understand the magnitude of my no!” She looks down at the file and back at him. “I left a world filled with chauvinistic pigs, Boggy. I changed everything to become a professional wrestler. I did this all by myself!”
“Yes you did!” Bogdan agreed. “We are not here to stifle or undermine you. My employer has assured me that he has a manager that’ll transform you!” Kayleigh looks at him with a menacing look and Bogdan responds by raising his hands up. “Not in a bad way, Kayleigh. He isn’t going to repackage or change who you are, why change something that already works! No, The manager he has in mind will take you from where you are” Bogdan indicates it with his hands holding it at one height. “And take you to superstardom!” he raises that hand up above his own head. “My employer has already got a promotion over the pond that he’d like you to compete in”
“America?” Kayleigh questions.
“Las Vegas to be more precise” Bogdan says opening the file up. “The promotion is called Asylum Wrestling Society, the AWS, you would be classed as a lunatic rather than superstar or wrestler” Bogdan flicks the paper over one by one trying to find the appropriate page. “The goddess of the dead, Necra Octavian Kane is currently there, and she is a well known wrestler that's competed all over the world!” Bogdan finds the page and pulls a pen out of his jacket pocket. “Duquesne Sports Agency will give you this opportunity. You’ll have the very best manager to elevate you as a person. You’ll get to wrestle some of the best wrestlers in the world when you come over stateside. We can give you this as you deserve it! You are too good to be just based here on this little island!” Bogdan holds the pen out and contracts. “All that is yours by one signature! I can contact anyone legal if needed to go over the details of the contract. But I can assure you that everything is above board as the Duquesne Sports Agency looks out for their clients.”
Kayleigh snatches the pen from Bogdan’s hand. “What is the top title for the women in the AWS?”
“The Goddess Championship” Bogdan replies without hesitation.
“I want that!” Kayleigh assertively says.
Bogdan smiles “I’m sure we can arrange for you to compete for that championship”
Kayleigh nods. “If you don’t then I’ll find you, Boggy, and shove this pen somewhere you’d have to pay extra for in the red light district!”
Bogdan nods. “Duly noted.”
Kayleigh signs the contract in Bogdan’s hand. “I’m keeping the pen,” she says, looking him square in the eyes. Bogdan accepts this before getting his phone out to send confirmation to Carlos.
“Welcome to the DSA & Welcome to the AWS!”
★ ★ ★
Several weeks have passed since the encounter between Christopher and his father Carlos. Christopher is now the director of the D.S.A and has thrived in the position. Carlos has taken a step back from the day to day running of the business. Christopher never thought he would see the day that he’d be sitting in his fathers old office, the figurative king upon the throne overseeing the kingdom, yet he hasn’t stepped foot into the office to feel this in person.
Christopher went directly to Las Vegas to meet the representatives of the wrestling promotion his father signed him to. Asylum Wrestling Society. Had a tour of the arena, the dojo, training facility as well as spending some time within the office to see the day to day running of the AWS. Christopher found it interesting which annoyed him beyond belief. He had wanted to hate everything about it but the crows nest is an impressive complex.
Christopher was given his own Rolls-Royce Spectre and chauffeur from his father. Being driven to the Harry Reid International Airport and waiting in the terminal for his newest client. Kayleigh. He had read the dossier compiled by Bogdan and the notes by his father. Watching the videos his talent scout emailed throughout the time he has spent in Las Vegas. A very talented athlete. Christopher is wearing an all black tailored suit with a deep red dress shirt. He watched eagle eyes as the passengers made their way through. Christopher thought he might have missed her. That thought left his mind as he spotted his client. Wearing all pink attire of velvet trousers and jacket, outlandish coloured suit & carry cases, platinum blonde hair tied in a bun with designer sunglasses on.
Christopher walks over towards her. “Kayleigh?” He asks knowing the answer already.
“You must be my representative,” Kayleigh assumed. “Start by taking my bags” She thrusts the handles towards Christopher, who reluctantly grabs them, she takes her designer handbag off and flings the strap over her shoulder. Kayleigh continues to walk on whilst Christopher pulls the luggage through the terminal. Kayleigh exits the building with Christopher tailing behind. She glances at taxis nearby and old style cars in the pick up areas. “Please tell me these aren’t the cars we’re going in?”
Christopher walks over to the Rolls-Royce Spectre “This way” raising his voice to be heard.
Kayleigh looks over to where the voice was and she lowers her sunglasses to get a better view of the car. An approving smile appears. “That is very me!”
The chauffeur collects the bags from Christopher and places them into the trunk, Christopher opens the door for Kayleigh, she steps into the car and Christopher closes it behind her, the chauffeur moves the cases two or three times to make sure it closes properly. Christopher gets into the seat next to Kayleigh.
“We will be going straight to the complex” Christopher begins “It is called the crows nest after the passing of Scotty Paine.”
“Who?” Kayleigh responds back nonchalantly.
“He has been inducted into the hall of fame of five different wrestling promotions” Christopher remembers reading from the dossier. “In honor of him they changed the name of the complex from the boneyard to the crows nest.” Christopher glances at Kayleigh. “It has the Dojo, which is where we will be for the majority of the time before Monday Night Ward, it's a state of the art facility where we will get you used to the AWS rings.”
Kayleigh shrugs. “If that is what you think”
“I do. I am not questioning your ability or skills, completely the opposite, this is your chance to acclimatise to America and time difference. Training and wrestling the AWS students will be perfect for your debut on Monday Night Ward!” Christopher nods. “There are not many people in the AWS world who can say they’re going to debut in one of the biggest matches of the night! Sure it isn’t the Asylum Heavyweight title but the women have the chance to be Goddess Champion. And you’re going to be in a triple threat ladder match for that title!” He smiles. “One of the other competitors will be the daughter of Scotty Paine, Carlotta. The other is a member of ‘the order’ and one half of the daughters of darkness, Denise De’Vil. The deathbringer!”
Kayleigh takes her sunglasses off and places them on the top of her head. “Necra Octavian Kane is someone I used to enjoy watching in the bombshell division” She mentions the promotion's name.
“Well for nearly a year she held the AWS Goddess Championship, Kayleigh” Christopher looks at his client. “Also held the Asylum Championship. Her tag team partner will be looking to replicate that I’m sure. As is Carlotta who is looking to step out of her fathers shadow. The person no one will be taking seriously or even consider in this equation is you!” He smiles confidently “And that is the beauty of it. Carlotta Paine needs to be the ‘Queen Paine’ after the promotion named the complex after her father PLUS she lost her debut match. Denise needs to prove to Necra that she is worthy of being the angel of death. Will anyone be focused on ‘The Sovereignty’? Will anyone take Kayleigh as a serious threat to the Goddess Championship? The answer will be no. no one would know or heard of you! And that is where everyone in the asylum will be shown up. Kayleigh WILL be the next Goddess Champion! Kayleigh WILL destroy Necra’s reign as champion! It’s ALL ABOUT YOU!”
“It will be femininomenon!” Kayleigh places her shades back on. “I am femininomenon!”
“Exactly!” Christopher agrees. He peers out of the window to see where they are. “Alright we’ll be seeing the complex soon enough. It is state of the art. They’ve invested wisely this promotion.” He points to it as it comes into view. “That is the Wolfe Russo Office complex, over there is the Dojo and the crows nest arena is self explanatory by the size, the site where you become a goddess!”
“I already am!” Kayleigh snaps back.
The car pulls up outside of the dojo.
“Alright, grab your training stuff” Christopher says as the engine switches off.
“Excuse me?” Kayleigh responds.
“We are going to have a small training session now then I’ll show you to your new place of residence” Christopher pulls out his phone and flicks through the gallery until he finds what he is looking for. He leans over and shows Kayleigh the photo. “It is a beautiful property that I think will cater to everything you need”
Kayleigh glances at the photo then at the dojo. “Fine.” she snaps. “But I'm tired from the long ass flight!”
★ ★ ★
Since arriving at the crows nest facility, Kayleigh has been put through her paces by the trainers and trainees of the dojo, enjoying the feel of an AWS ring and matching her skills against north american talent. Christopher Duquesne has not left her side since taking on the position as Manager for Kayleigh. Despite the reluctance and dislike to the sport initially. Professional wrestling is growing on the Director of Duquesne Sports Agency. After finishing off another hard training session, getting showered and into her designer pink clothing, Kayleigh steps out of the locker room to find Christopher Duquesne standing before her in a tailored suit. He smiles.
“I have spoken to the staff and they’re setting up cameras at the coaching area where they practise talking” Christopher points over to the promo coaching area. “They’re going to send the video to AWS socials and the official website so people can get a glimpse of the next Goddess Champion!”
“Uh..Fine!” Kayleigh strides passed Christopher towards the allocated area. AWS staff making sure the cameras and microphones are working, lighting being adjusted behind the camera, the Asylum Wrestling Society symbol on the wall that’ll be behind them. Kayleigh wearing an all pink velvet trouser and sports jacket combination, a matching handbag and designer sunglasses, steps near the symbol whilst Christopher Duquesne casually walks behind her.
“We’re rolling in three, two..” the cameraman signals to go with his hand.
Christopher Duquesne overdramatically laughs before speaking. “I guess you’ve all been wondering about who is ‘Kayleigh’. The announcement of the triple threat match for the AWS Goddess Championship proved no surprises with Denise De’Vil & Carlotta Paine but Kayleigh? No word or mention of this woman in previous AWS shows and now she has been thrusted into the limelight of the goddess championship match! Well I am here to tell you just who Kayleigh is!”
Christopher clears his throat with a small cough. “Standing before you is one of the most gifted professional wrestlers in recent times. Someone who isn’t just associated with one genre, she can do anything within the squared circle, plus she isn’t afraid of competing in outrageous or standard wrestling matches. From the famous area of London, Soho, this is the ultimate fashionista. Beauty. Brains and brawn! The Rose Gold Queen! The Model of Perfection! She is THE SOVEREIGNTY.. THIS.. IS.. KAYLEIGH!”
“Hanging above the ring will be the Asylum Wrestling Society’s Goddess Championship. The pinnacle of the women’s division. It will be decided by the formiddle odd’s killer, the ladder match. Three competitors trying to battle it out to climb the ladder first. It doesn’t require skill to win or talent so I guess that is why Carlotta Paine is in this match.” Kayleigh ponders what she said. “No, wait. It’s because daddy dearest died and the AWS wants to help you get to where he got. The top. But you’ll be where you belong, at the bottom, looking at everyone else being better than you! That starts at Monday Night Ward when you can watch as I climb that ladder, unclasp the leather strap, and watch me hold it aloft as your new Goddess Champion!”
“Denise De’Vil, you have the woman who made the championship worthwhile by your side, Necra Octavian Kane. A tag duo formidable but as you’re the death bringer you still lurk in the foreboding shadow of the queen of death herself. She held the title for nearly a year! Defending the goddess title over 20 times! Winning countless titles around the world! You may have won some during your time but is your name remembered like Necras? You want to capture the title she made worthwhile to make her proud or to disappoint? I mean how do you explain to the queen of death herself that you let the model of perfection capture the goddess championship? Someone who is very much alive and someone who's making their AWS debut!”
“It doesn’t matter if you had the entire women's division in this match the outcome will always be the same. You all doubt my ability and think I’m nothing special. Guess what. I will be the one who you all call the new AWS Goddess Champion! Biker Bytch tried to be like Necra but only defended it a handful of times. The other champions aren’t really worth mentioning. The only one worth a damn will be the newest Goddess Champion. Me. I will make the title worth something again! I will add that extra bit of quality to it! Carpe Diem”
Christopher smiles as Kayleigh glances away with a smirk on her face. “Denise has Nectra. Carlotta has Dakota. Kayleigh has me. Christopher Duquesne. Our names meant nothing to anyone prior to Monday Night Ward but by the end of it you will all know them. Christopher Duquesne, manager of the new AWS Goddess Champion. Kayleigh!”
Kayleigh flicks her hair back and walks off camera. Christopher mimics a championship belt with his hands whilst smiling before following his client. The cameraman stops recording and begins to reward the footage. Christopher steps beside Kayleigh to try and catch her eye but Kayleigh completely ignores her manager. Despite her demeanour all she is thinking of is the ladder match for the vacant championship and what it would mean to her to win it. Christopher may not have liked the idea of being a manager but he is now engrossed in the role and is looking forward to representing the top women in a wrestling promotion.
Executive Producer:
Kayleigh
Produced by
Christopher Duquesne
Directed by
Carlos Duquesne
This production was brought to you by
Duquesne Sports Agency
In association with
Asylum Wrestling Society