"THE LAKE HOUSE ULTIMATUM"

The sun is setting over the pristine lake behind the Sensation estate. Expensive boats bob gently at the dock while waves lap against the shoreline. Inside the massive lakefront home, floor to ceiling windows overlook the water.

Mr. Sensation sits comfortably in a leather recliner, casually reading the New York news paper. Across the room, Mrs. Sensation paces furiously with the CCW Championship slung over her shoulder.

EMP: This is ridiculous.

Mr. Sensation doesn't look up.

JCS: And a good evening to you too, Boo.

EMP: Don't start with me.

She throws her hands in the air.

EMP: I spent years building this company. YEARS. I carried entire divisions on my back. I represented this place with class, dignity, and excellence!

EMP: And what do I get? Stripped of my position as General Manager because I was able to do something those idiots couldn’t. All by myself mind you!

She points toward the championship belt.

EMP: And now apparently I'm supposed to defend MY championship against whoever walks through the curtain and raises their hand?

EMP: Absolutely not. This reeks of DUPREE! 

Mr. Sensation calmly flips a page.

JCS: That's generally how championships work, Boo..

EMP: NO! Not THIS championship.

She places the title on the coffee table.

EMP: This isn't some participation trophy. This is the CCW Championship. MY championship. I shouldn't have to defend it against every wannabe contender that thinks they deserve a shot because they won one match or yelled loudly enough backstage or cried on social media.

She leans forward.

EMP: I should choose my challengers.

JCS: The locker room may disagree, Boo.

EMP: The locker room can form a committee and write a strongly worded letter. For me to spit on.

Mr. Sensation suppresses a laugh.

EMP: This isn't funny. You need to do something.

JCS: About what exactly?

EMP: About all of it…have you not been listening to me!?

Silence.

EMP:  I'm serious. Whoever thought removing me as General Manager was a good idea clearly hasn't seen the state of things lately. I've watched people make terrible decisions week after week.

EMP: Bad matches. Bad rulings. Bad management. And somehow I'M the problem?

Mr. Sensation finally lowers the papers.

JCS: You don't think there might be a conflict of interest between being General Manager and champion….Boo?

EMP: No.

EMP: None whatsoever?

EMP: Absolutely none.

Pause.

JCS: You once booked yourself in a triple threat match where the other two competitors were already injured.

EMP: That was strategic leadership!

JCS: You fined a referee for counting too slowly during one of your matches.

EMP: He WAS counting slowly!

JCS: You suspended a challenger the day before a title defense.

EMP: For disciplinary reasons!

Mr. Sensation simply stares at her.

EMP: ...Which may have been discovered shortly before the match.

Another pause.

JCS: You see my point, Boo?

EMP: No, I really don't.

She crosses her arms.

EMP: Look, I'm not asking for special treatment.I'm asking for the treatment I deserve.I am Mrs. Sensation. I am the CCW Champion. I am one of the biggest names this company has ever had. And I refuse to sit back while people decide my future for me!

She grabs the title and places it over her shoulder.

EMP: If management won't restore my authority, maybe I need to remind everyone exactly why I had it in the first place.

EMP: Maybe I need to remind the entire roster who they're dealing with……..

Mr. Sensation slowly stands and walks toward the window overlooking the lake.

JCS: You know...Every time someone tells you "no," you somehow become twice as determined.

EMP: That's because I'm usually right.

JCS: Debatable.

She smirks slightly.

EMP: So what are you going to do?

JCS: About your GM position?

EMP: Yes.

JCS: Nothing.

Mrs. Sensation's jaw drops.

EMP: Nothing?!

JCS: Not today.

He turns to face her.

JCS: If you want your power back...it’s really quite simple. Earn it, Boo!.

JCS: If you want respect...Take it.

JCS: If you want everyone to remember who you are...Then remind them.

Emp stares at him for a moment. A slow smile begins to form.

The kind of smile that has historically led to problems for the OCWFED roster.

EMP: Fine. I'll do it myself.

Mr. Sensation sighs.

JCS: That response concerns me more than you know, Boo.

EMP heads for the door, championship over her shoulder.

EMP: Good. Tell the roster to be concerned too.

The door slams shut behind her. Mr. Sensation looks out across the lake.

JCS: ...This is going to be an expensive month.

Fade to black.