PSW 2030 Draft V - Shrinking Space

Montani and Olwagen's drafting to the Fight Pit (and the former's subsequent securing of the No. 1 contendership to Dominion) has ended Round 1 of the draft, with each brand having 4 picks out of a total 8. 

Round 2 sees the Madhouse acquiring the hard-hitting, foul-tempered Scotsman, Ethan Stewart, the "Dark Talon" Athiambo and the former speedskating champions, Elsa and Eeva, the Track Queens. Meanwhile, the Fight Pit snatches up the Tectonic Champion, Kraken Khan, Dennis Zázrak, from the already fractured team, His Excellencies, and Seth. Campbell even went as far as to announce that both Zázrak and Seth will fight Khan for Tecton at Ascension in a  Triple Threat Match.

With each pick, the large locker room where the undrafted wrestlers wait slowly empties, and the newly drafted stars go to their designated rooms. It is in the Madhouse's room, in the front row of chairs, where Sarah Esposito, the no. 1 overall pick, sits. To her left, about 4 seats apart, is Ngozi - Empress of the Sqared Circle, the no. 3 overall pick. Esposito shoots her several nervous glances.

The Empress, for her part, sits up in her chair, eyes glued to the large TV screen behind her visor. 

Ngozi: Is there something I can help you with?

Esposito: Uh... me?

Ngozi (looks directly at her): Yes. You've been eyeing me all night. I'd like to know your intentions.

She doesn't shout, so to speak, but she does speak loudly enough to fill the room and draw everyone's attention. Therefore, putting the young fighter on the spot.

Esposito: Uh...

She looks around the room. Chen, three rows back, keeps her closed, but raises her head slightly. The three Polynesian psychos of the Madness cluster together, grinning like hyenas. Stewart, in a wife-beater and jeans, stands in the back with his Madhouse shirt on his shoulder, strokes his beard. Athiambo, clad in a long black cloak and round sunglasses that blend into her already dark skin, stands in a dark corner of the room, scans the room like the bird-of-prey she is. The roller skaters, wearing complementary dresses and ponytails, just stare back, having stopped their own conversation.

Ngozi: Well?

Esposito: I... I'm just... a really big fan of yours. Seeing you up close like this is... It's just crazy.

Ngozi (Takes off visor): Is that right?

Esposito: Yeah, and uh, look, the whole "number 1 pick" thing? I swear to God, I had no idea the GM was going to do that, and if-

Ngozi (laughs poshly): So that's it? You needn't worry (puts visor back on), such matters are of no concern.

Esposito: Really?

Ngozi (smiles while looking at the screen): Really.

Esposito breathes a sigh of relief while clutching her chest. In doing so, all interest in this exchange from the rest of the room is lost. All except for Chen, who now has her eyes open, studying Esposito.

Shabani (On the TV): My next pick is a dangerous and cunning individual with 18 years in this business, and 4 Women's World Championships to her name.

Ngozi's smile disappears. 

Shabani: With the 15th overall pick in the draft, the Madhouse selects... the "Outlaw" JESSIE MOORE!

The crowd's reaction is a mix of boos, cheers and loud gasps.

SDS: Oh no!

DS: OH YES!

All eyes in the room turn back to Ngozi, who is clenching her jaw and her fist.

Campbell: Uh, ya sure ya didn' wanna let me have that one, Nalah? That's a real powda keg.

Shabani (sounding annoyed, almost like it wasn't really her choice): I'm... aware, Jeffrey.

Campbell: Well, since we're revisitin' old rivalries, maybe I should pick one with a little more weight. And by a little, I mean A LOT. Ladies and gentlemen, the Fight Pit selects ISHIMORI!

The crowd roars in approval.

SDS: The 600-pound former Sumo Champion and old nemesis of OUR champion, Paul Grizzly. 

DS: Get Montani out of there! Give this match right now. I can already feel the ground shaking, Darryl. 

SDS: Dammit, Diogo, that's gas!

Ngozi abruptly stands up and heads for the door. The door swings open, and she comes face-to-face with a large ginger-haired woman clad in leather and denim, a red bandana over her mouth and nose, and a big black hat that casts a shadow over her eyes. The temperature in the room defies the air conditioning by rising exponentially. 

Moore: Howdy do... Empress?

Ngozi: Moore, you are in my way.

Moore: Story awf yo-wr life. Idnit?

The AC gives up and dies.

Security Chief Brendan Steele grabs Moore by the shoulder and pulls her back.

Steele: That's enough o' that! Ngozi, get back tae yer seat.

Ngozi: My business here is concluded. Good night, Brendan.

The Empress walks past him with no resistance.

Steele (sighs): Behave yourself, Moore. 

Moore (shoves his hand off): Fix thuh damn AC. (Steps inside while taking off her hat and fanning herself) Ah'm boilin' in hair.

Steele (Gives the entire room a warning glare): A'll send somebody.

He leaves the door open and leaves.