PREVIOUSLY, ON CLASSIC WRESTLING: EPISODE 7…
Howley: Papa Wild Thing is not getting up from this. Maybe ever.
Shujiin again gets back to his feet, this time looking down at the shell of what once was the proud “Feral” Freddy Kilgore. Abe Lincoln begins to try to pull him away as a horde of Classic officials begin to rush toward the ring. Shujin is still staring holes through the fallen Kilgore as the ring fills with referees who bravely stand in between Yama and Kilgore. As some order is attempted to be restored, Kat rolls into the ring. With tears streaming down her face, she cups her man’s head in her hands and tries to look for signs of life. He’s barely conscious.
Howley: Look at this crowd. Nobody is moving.
Indeed, an eerie silence has fallen over the arena as the seriousness of the situation begins to set in. We get some shots of people looking concerned and even a little kid in the front who is crying. The referees are waving for a stretcher that is brought down to the ring. Shujin Yama hasn’t moved, still staring daggers into Kilgore’s crumpled mass.
Moss: This isn’t good, folks…
Kilgore is getting loaded on the stretcher and the last image we see is Lincoln waving the Japanese flag as the show goes off the air.
Freddy Kilgore hasn’t been seen since.
The worry is written all over Otto Price’s face. As Kilgore’s go-to stick man, Price and Papa Wild Thang have formed quite the unusual bond over the months. And while he’s decked out in his usual formal best and standing in his usual spot behind the “CLASSIC” banner, Otto’s demeanor, which is generally quite professional, can’t hide the worry.
Otto Price: Ladies and gentlemen, several weeks ago, the former Premier American Championship Freddy Kilgore was brutally attacked following a title defense against Shujiin Yama. Yama, our new champion, has shown an absolute lack of remorse or basic human compassion in regards to his actions. At this time, I’ve been granted an interview with the only person qualified to give us an update on Kilgore’s condition… his right hand lady, “Wild” Kat Diamond.
Price gestures to his right and Wild Kat enters the frame. She’s dressed in her bright spandex, her hair is glammed up, and her face is painted… but the usual fire is not in her eyes.
Wild Kat: Hi, Otto. I wish I had better news to give you and the Classic fans.
Kat sighs.
Wild Kat: Freddy is in rough shape. The doctors have said he’s lucky the damage to his ribs doesn’t appear to be permanent, but they are advising him against any physical activity at this time. I’ve never…
Kat seems about to tear up, and then she composes herself.
Wild Kat: I’ve never seen him like this. This is a man who I’ve watched wrestle live alligators into submission. This is a man who has always prided himself on sprinting up the tallest mountain. Wading the most furious river. This is a man who I thought… could do anything. Could overcome any challenge.
Her face turns hard.
Wild Kat: But Shujin Yama is no mountain. Or animal. Or man. Shujiin Yama… is a monster.
Otto’s face reads sympathetic, but he knows he has to ask the questions the people want to know.
Otto Price: Which brings us to the matter: Classic Wrestling has announced that Freddy Kilgore is booked in this Sunday’s main event. He’s supposed to team with King Kong Frank against Gordy Lovett and… Yama himself. The fans are looking forward to the match, and…
Kat’s face hardens and she cuts Price off.
Wild Kat: Freddy Kilgore LOVES his Wild Hearts, Otto. He breathes for them. I bet he’d even die for them. That’s… that’s what I’m afraid of.
With one last look of concern, Kat suddenly darts away, leaving the stunned Otto Price by himself. He shakes his head before looking back into the camera.
Otto Price: Well folks, I’m afraid we’re left with more questions than answers. By the sound of it, Freddy Kilgore is in no condition for this tag team match. Will he do something foolish? Will Frank have to gut it out solo? Will the Classic brass have to find a last minute substitution? We’ll find out… this Sunday.
See you there.