It's not yet showtime at the DEFIANCE Wrestle-Plex, but the ever-keen Christie Zane is standing by at the Interview Stage, ready for her next scoop.

A young-looking chubby luchador in a red mask and singlet passes through, engrossed in the papers he clutches.

Christie usually approaches these guys the same way one approaches the lion enclosure at the zoo, but this kid only poses a danger to cheeseburgers. She tails him, clutching her trusty microphone.

Christie Zane:
Excuse me, are you a new DEFIANT?

The distracted or hard-of-hearing or just-plain-rude luchador keeps on walking?

Zane:
Hey, look out!

And steps right off the stage.

THUD!

Christie gasps and runs to the edge of the stage. The chubby luchador writhes and groans on the concrete floor below.

Zane:
Are you okay!?

Chubby Luchador: [getting up gingerly]
Ugh? I think so.

Christie hops down next to him. Noticing the papers he dropped on the floor, she bends over to pick them up. Spotting the camera, the luchador quickly averts his gaze - his whole body blushing. Christie straightens up and steals a glance of the paperwork before handing it back to him.

Luchador: [rubbing back]
Thank you, ma'am.

Zane:
Oh, it's Christie.

Luchador:
Thank you, Kirsty.

He goes to leave but Christie persists.

Zane:
Christie. So, just filling out an application, huh?

Luchador:
Trying to...

Zane:
I saw your name - Ultimo Phoenix. How'd you choose that?

Ultimo Phoenix: [looking down sheepishly]
It's uh, a tribute to my wrestling idol...

Zane:
Well, you know what'll really impress management?

Phoenix: [looking up]
What's that?

Zane:
Show 'em what you're made of! They want to see proof that you have what it takes. If you want a contract, then look into this camera right here and tell them why DEFIANCE needs you.

Phoenix: [nodding]
You're right!

He wets his lips and looks into the aforementioned camera.

Phoenix: [voice cracking]
DEFIANCE? oh man, that sounded bad.

He clears his throat and puts on his big-boy voice.

Phoenix:
DEFIANCE! My name is Ultimo Phoenix, and uh, I'm the newest - no wait, I'm the hottest new star! Yeah. I'm sure that you all know the legendary original Phoenix, and uh, no, I'm not his son. I also wasn't trained by him. I just really, really like him and have done ever since I was a boy. I mean, I still am a boy? well, a man?

He glances sideways at Christie, who bites her lip uncertainly.

Phoenix:
But you can choose to be whoever you want, it's all cool. Anyway, I thought I would uh, borrow Phoenix's name and c-continue his legacy. All you other DEFIANTS watch out because I'm gonna throw every ... every move I ... every move I know, I'm ... I've been practicing, I've been trying really hard, and uh... The fire ... this fire burns always. The Phoenix has been reborn!

Phoenix looks at Christie, eager for her approval. Her eyes scream that was a car crash but she feins a smile.

Zane:
Now that's how you make an impact! They'll have to hire you when they see that!

Phoenix:
Wow, thanks! Hopefully, I'll see you around, Kirsty!

Reinvigorated, he leaves.

Zane: [frowning]
It's Christie.

She lowers her microphone and signals to the cameraperson to stop recording.

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