Cameras were flashing and small talk was being discussed inside the conference room. The room was full of different media outlets and wrestling news reporters. The media noticed that next to the stage mic, there were five podiums, each with a black box placed on it.
When Trell enters the room, everyone quiets down and takes their seats. Cameras flashes as he steps to the podium with the mic. After tapping & clearing his voice, he speaks.
Trell: "Ladies & gentlemen of the media, thank you all for coming." He says calmly. "Today marks a turning point for the International Championship Wrestling as we look towards Season 3. As time moves forward, we all begin to change. Nothing ever stays the same, and ICW must change with the times. Which brings me to this moment. For you see, in order to change with the times, we must first change how we appear." Trell motions to the five podiums to his right. "Under these boxes are the brand new designs of ICW's current championships. And I will now hand them over to each of our current champions to carry into the new season."
Trell walks over to the box farthest to the left. He removes it and reveals a slightly modified design to the ICW Demolition Championship: It was still modelled after the CZW Heavyweight Championship. However, the leather strap was now dark red.
Trell: "Please welcome the current ICW Demolition Champion: The New Shield's Furno Moxley."
Furno walks in and cameras start to flash. Ajax & Raptor follows behind as Moxley shakes Trell's hand. He takes the title before going to the podium.
Furno: "I'm going to make a few things clear: We are no longer The New Shield. As much as we see ourselves as the gatekeepers of ICW, that name is a product of a time that's long been dead. We're here to set shit straight. Me, Raptor, and….not Ajax, but now Aiden Black, we're now Re-Vengeance! And if anyone tries to step outta line, then-"
Furno never finished his sentence because from the back of the room, Chris Wolf of all people barges through the door! He tries to charge at Furno, but security held him back!
Wolf: "FIGHT ME, FURNO! I WANT THAT TITLE! SO FIGHT ME!"
Wolf keeps screaming at Moxley to fight him while trying to break free and rush to him. Moxley and the rest of Re-Vengeance just stands there, watching him with an unimpressed look. But once Chris was dragged out of the room, he went back to speaking.
Furno: "Anyone who steps outta line, then they're gonna be dealt with."
Moxley took his title, and Re-Vengeance walked out of the room. Trell stepped back to the podium and cleared his throat.
Trell: "Moving on, I would like to introduce the brand new tag team titles and bring out the new tag team champions: The Wayne Bros!"
The Wayne Bros walked into the room and shook Trell's hands. He reveals the altered tag championship designs, which were mottled after the ROH Tag Team Championships from '12 but with a black leather strap, gold plates, and the ICW logo on the front. Derrick & Devin walk over to the podium as cameras flashes.
Derrick: "Well...first, we wanna thank Trell for these sweet title designs! They look really awesome to us! And we're happy to carry these around for as long as we can!"
Devin: "It's like we said before: my bro and I are going to bring in a Tag Team Renaissance! So we encourage any team, old or new, to bring their A-Game every night, because we're not accepting anything less anymore! It's time to brighten up ICW & tag team wrestling!"
Derrick & Devin waves to the cameras before leaving. Trell steps back to the podium.
Trell: "Next, I will now introduce-"
Trell was suddenly interrupted by the door smashing open. He turns to see Chris Owen & the Kings of a New Age marching in the room red with anger.
Owens: "Enough with this whole press conference bollocks! There are more important matters to focus on! Because some yellowbelly ASSHOLE broke into my lads' luggages and stole their favorite cane and jacket! I'm going to collect my title, find whoever did this, and make sure they never take anything again when we RIP THEIR ARMS OFF!"
Before Trell could say anything, Owens went over to the box containing the brand new International Championship title. But when he removes the box….there was nothing underneath! Murmurs from the press filled the room as Owens just stared at the empty context of the box.
Owens: "...Trell. I'm going to ask you this only once." He tosses the box across the room, narrowly missing the photographers. "WHERE! IS! MY! TITLE?!"
Trell: "I...I don't know." he says in confusion and full of surprise. "These titles were heavily guarded, so they were supposed to be secured here. I don't know what happened, Chris."
Owens: "I dOn'T kNow WhAt HaPpEnEd!" he says in a mocking tone. "HOW THE HELL DO YOU NOT-"
Edward: "Hey Owens. Maybe what if it was the same bollocks who took our stuff?" He spoke up.
Owens turns to Edward before calming down and thinking. He backs away from Trell and turns to the media.
Owens: "LISTEN UP!" He yells. "THE LORDS OF WRESTLING ARE GONNA FIND WHO TOOK OUR STUFF! IF ANYONE HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH IT, THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY!"
With that, The Lords of Wrestling walked out of the room, slamming the door shut behind them. Trell straightened himself and returned to the podium. He manages to calm the press before speaking.
Trell: "This matter will be looked over, I can guarantee. As we move on, it is time to reveal the brand new ICW Women's Championship title. Here to claim this title is the new Women's Champion: Daria St. Leger, along with the Misfits."
Daria, Kirsi, & Alexandra of the Misfits walk in the room, with Daria eating a bag of chips. Trell lifts the box and breathes a little sigh of relief seeing the new women's title there. The title is modified after the OTT Women's Championship with a dark blue leather strap. Daria takes the title and leans forward on the podium. She doesn't say anything, but just continues to eat the chips while looking at everyone. Eventually, Alexandra turns to the champion.
Alexandra: "Daria." She says with a sharp, monotone voice.
Daria: "Hmmm?"
Alexandra: "Can you please put the chips away and address the media? You ARE a champion, now! And it's imperative that you speak on behalf of the women here!"
Daria swallows the chips in her mouth and hands the bag over to Kirsi. She starts to eat while the 6'1 woman wipes away the crumbs and clears her throat.
Daria: "...Sup." She says to the press. "I guess I should say something about the title and the other girls and stuff. But….it's whatever. I just plan on hanging out around here and looking for something fun to do."
Alexandra: She sighs and moves next to Daria. "What Daria MEANS to say is that she'll proudly represent the ICW Women's division as champion. The Misfits also encourages the other woman to rise up and show the world what you all are truly made of, and we look forward to the level of competition that will arrive."
Daria: "...Yeah, something like that." She said, giving a thumbs up.
When she grabs the bag from Kirsi, she sees that the bag is empty. Daria turns to Kirsi, who tries to play innocent.
Kirsi: "...What? I didn't do anything! It was probably those thieves!"
Daria chuckles and guides Kirsi towards the door.
Daria: "Well, you're gonna have to get me some more chips. Let's go, missy."
Alexandra watches the two leave the room, Daria leaving behind the title. She shakes her head, grabs the championship, and begrudgingly follows them. Trell stands there for a moment before going back to the podium.
Trell: "Well that was….something. But now we move on to the final championship. Last, but certainly not least, is the ICW Heavyweight Championship. And here to accept this is the current champion: Will Ralston!"
Will walks into the room, and Trell reveals the new ICW Heavyweight Championship design. The championship is modelled after the AEW World Championship with a black leather strap and the ICW logo instead. Will takes the title, shakes Trell's hand, and walks to the podium.
Will: "It doesn't matter what season it is. I am a fighting champion, so I will gladly defend my championship against anyone. Because I will beat them all and remain champion!"
With that, Will places the title over his shoulder and leaves the room. Trell returns to the podium and stands there for what seems like minutes. He takes a deep breath and looks across the media.
Trell: "Today, you all have witnessed the champions that will lead ICW into the next season. I am confident that they will help bring the changes that will help elevate ICW to heights never seen before. Not just them, but the current and new talents that will arrive will help this place flourish and deliver a product that the fans can look back on and be proud of. But they can't do it alone. They cannot make that change by themselves. Because change starts at the top. So, at the conclusion of this press conference….I will be stepping down as General Manager of International Championship Wrestling."
Loud gasps and murmurs came from the stunned media! Trell stood there calmly, letting them get their emotions out.
Trell: "People, people. Let me explain. These past two seasons have been such a joy to be a part of. ICW was like a second home, and this promotion is like a child to me. But after what went down in Season 2, I realized that I don't have the control I quite once had. I want nothing more than to see ICW shine brighter than ever before, and I am no longer the person qualified to do such a thing. Instead, I have found someone who is more than qualified to take ICW to places I didn't think was possible. Ladies & gentlemen of the press, please welcome the new General Manager of ICW-"
The door suddenly swings open causing everyone, including Trell, to see who it was. Everyone turns to see a 6ft tall, Olive-toned man strut into the room with a cocky smile. This man had cyan eyes, and long dark brown hair that's slicked back (with a little curl). He was also wearing a black Italian suit & tie with aviators. The press continues to murmur in surprise while Trell looks annoyed at the arrival…...of Evan Neal.
Trell: "...Mr. Neal." He says. "To what do I owe the unexpected arrival?"
Evan: "I am here to do what you have requested. I am here to take charge of ICW and elevate it. ICW needs someone like me. Someone that will make the tough decisions that are best for business. And I can guarantee you that there is no one, and I mean NO. ONE, that is more qualified than me. Heh heh heh heh heh…."
Trell: "...Riiiiight. Please explain what makes you more qualified than anyone else, Mr. Neal?"
Neal: "Well, Mr. Thomas. Unlike previous General Managers, I have no personal bias towards any of the performers anywhere. I merely judge based on talent and talent alone. In fact, I even have a unique proposition. People want to see a worthy world championship match, correct? So how about this: The ICW Heavyweight Champion, Will Ralston, will defend against…..the winner of the WFA Supernovas Cup: Asher Darma! How is that for credible management?
Trell: "Hmmmm…..not bad, Neal." He says. "Tell you what. You will be in charge of ICW-"
Neal: "Excellent decision, Trell. ICW will be in great hands. I promise you that "The Neal Deal" will do wonders for the popularity and growth of this promotion!" He shakes Trell's hand and has a huge smug grin on his face.
Trell: "...But you will only be in charge of fifty percent. Only half of the promotion."
Neal: "...Excuse me?" He says releasing the handshake.
Trell: "You and the ACTUAL person I was about to introduce will be co-general managers, each with the responsibilities of running ICW. And to make sure that you won't step out of line. I'm sure there won't be any issues, correct?"
Neal: "Th-this is preposterous!" He yells! "I'm the best fit to be General Manager! And whoever you bring in, that guy needs to understand that I, Evan Neal, will be in charge of the important decisions of ICW!"
A smile grew on Trell's face, which confused Evan.
Trell: "Mr. Neal, I think you're mistaken about a few things. But the important one is….who said your partner was a 'guy?'"
Evan: "...What?"
Trell: "Ladies and gentlemen….and Mr. Neal: allow me to FORMALLY introduce you to the new General Manager...er, co-General Manager of ICW….ALEXIS ESPINOZA!"
Alexis Espinoza struts out as Evan Neal's jaw drops at the bombshell. The 5'2 woman walks like she's seven feet, commanding the attention of the room. Alexis makes sure to step on Evan's foot, walking past him, before taking the microphone. She shakes Trell's hand as he leaves the room, before turning to the press.
Evan: This is-
Alexis: Callate!
Evan Neal hushes as Alexis begins to speak.
Alexis: First things first, I don't like you and I know the feeling is mutual. With that being said, we have equal power in this company and I have a feeling that you don't like that. Let me give you a warning, gringo. You come at me, I'll come right back at you and there isn't anything you can do that will match up to the wrath of the Queen. So take my advice and don't try. I'll keep you in check, boy .
Evan: Miss Espinoza, with all due respect, I have no intent on backstabbing you. I don't need to. I'm clearly the better choice between the two of us. Once again, I say that with all due respect. I have experience. I have an eye for talent. I know what the people really want. And I know what is best for ICW and the wrestling business. Although I would love to own ICW completely, I am a progressive person. I can give people chances. So I, Evan Neal wants the media to know that I have no problem running the company with a beautiful mamacita like Alexis Espinoza.
Alexis: Don't call me Mamacita.
Evan laughs as it's clear that Alexis Espinoza does not believe this man at all, especially with his condescending tone.
Evan: Funny. Now, even though we're going to be business partners, I suggest you follow my lead. I have experience in this field. I can show you the ropes on how to run a company and take it to the top.
Alexis: I don't think I need your help. In fact, I think I can book the show better than you. I heard that you named Asher Darma the number one contender to the ICW World Heavyweight Championship. And Asher deserves it. He won the Supernova's cup. Him versus Will Ralston will be a great match. But no one was clamoring for that…. So, let me give the people what they were clamoring for.
Evan: I'm sure this'll be great.
Evan rolls his eyes.
Alexis: Oh, it will. Because for the first time ever, we're going to have a Women's title match main event a ICW Pay-Per-View called New Horizon. Because for the first time in company history, the women will be the big draw. There has been hype behind one particular match and ICW would be called idiots if we didn't have it main event. So, Carson Michaels will FINALLY defend the WFA Women's Championship. Against who? Well everyone said "Let her in." And now that I have power. I'm going to give you what you want and let her in. The Main Event of New Horizon will be Carson Michaels versus Sofia Reynoso!
There's a large round of applause from everyone. Alexis marches past Evan, who tried to keep his composure but was not happy that he was upstaged.
Next time on ICW Episode 01:
-Sofia Reynoso will be live
-CJ Hawk speaks about his next move
-Revolution has a sit-down interview
-Who stole Chris Owens's International Title?
-New faces arrives to ICW
-How will Alexis & Evan co-exist in running ICW?
(A/N: Welcome to Season 3)