10/13/2025
TOP PROSPECT – SEASON TWO, EPISODE EIGHT – "THE TRUST GAUNTLET"
This program contains violent content, strong language, and sexual situations which may be too intense for some viewers.
Viewer discretion is advised.
PREVIOUSLY ON TOP PROSPECT…
INT. TRUE NORTH WRESTLING CENTER – NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Quick flashes: sweat, tears, and the sound of a mat slamming.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
"After ZayDay’s shocking departure… the mansion fell silent."
INT. MANSION – MORNING
The camera glides through the empty halls. ZayDay’s chair sits empty at the breakfast table. Halo raises a glass.
HALO:
"He’s family. Wherever he is right now, he’s fighting through it. So we toast to resilience."
Glasses clink softly. The camera lingers on the empty seat.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
"In his absence, grief turned to purpose… but the game pressed on."
INT. MANSION – LIVING ROOM – DAY
Miller’s team sits somber. Sutton wipes her eyes.
SUTTON:
"He gave the house its heartbeat. Without him… it’s quiet."
INT. WEIGHT ROOM – TEAM SHADOWS
Keiarna tapes her fists tight.
KEIARNA:
"Zay wouldn’t want us sittin’ around feelin’ sorry. We make this house remember his name every time that bell rings."
Camera push-in on her firelit eyes.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
"And as the storm cleared… the mentors returned with new tests — and new consequences."
INT. MANSION – AFTERNOON
The door opens. Parks, Miller, and Shadows step inside. The air shifts.
TJ SHADOWS:
"This week’s challenge is about evolution. We’re testing what you’ve learned since day one."
MILLER:
"Every score counts. High performers stay safe. The lowest-ranking teams face elimination."
The room stiffens. A slow zoom on Sevyn, Sai, Ainsley, and Janelle.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
"It would be the most grueling week yet — a test of growth, grit, and survival."
EXT. TRUE NORTH WRESTLING CENTER – DAWN
Competitors jog through mist and rain. The whistle blows. Boots hit concrete.
ANTONIO PARKS:
"You think you’re tired? Tired gets you buried. Move!"
MONTAGE — TRAINING CHAOS
Ropes slam. Sweat drips. Sutton collapses mid-drill. Summer and Ainsley trade verbal jabs.
SUMMER:
"You think too much!"
AINSLEY:
"And you don’t think enough!"
Miller steps between them, furious.
MILLER:
"You sound like week-one rookies!"
INT. TRAINING FLOOR – LATER
Antonio storms into the ring, clipboard snapping shut.
ANTONIO PARKS:
"You call that growth? ZayDay’s at home burying his brother, and you’re jogging through drills like you’ve already made it. He fought through pain you can’t spell. What’s your excuse?"
Silence. Halo looks down. Sevyn blinks hard. The words hit like a blade.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
"As the drills pushed them to breaking point, the mentors judged every movement, every misstep, every moment of truth."
MONTAGE:
Sai’s promo shaking with emotion.
Keiarna’s fire igniting the room.
Ainsley landing flawless transitions.
Janelle posing — picture-perfect, but uncertain.
TJ SHADOWS (V.O.):
"They’re breaking and blooming at the same time."
MILLER (V.O.):
"That’s how you find the real ones."
INT. TRUE NORTH WRESTLING CENTER – NIGHT
The teams line up. Rankings are revealed on the massive LED screen.
NARRATOR (V.O.):
"And when the scores came in… there was nowhere left to hide."
TJ SHADOWS:
"Number one — Sutton. Number two — Keiarna. Number three — Sai…"
Faces tighten as the list continues.
MILLER:
"Fourth — Summer. Fifth — Ainsley. Sixth — Sevyn. And last… Janelle."
Janelle doesn’t flinch. The camera zooms on her expression — all pride, no panic.
NARRATOR (V.O.):
"The rankings sealed their fate — and the lowest teams were sent into elimination."
TJ SHADOWS:
"Team Parks… and Team Miller."
INT. MANSION – NIGHT
Thunder cracks. The mentors step through the door.
HALO (confessional):
"Every time they show up like that, someone’s dream dies."
INT. TEAM PARKS ROOM
ANTONIO PARKS:
"Janelle, your presentation’s flawless. But your ring work? It hasn’t moved since week one. You’re up for elimination."
Janelle’s tight smile barely hides the burn.
JANELLE:
"He wants fire? I’ll give him a wildfire."
INT. TEAM MILLER ROOM
MILLER:
"Ainsley, your skill is perfect — but you’re disconnected. You rely on your past, not your growth. Tonight, you prove you belong here."
AINSLEY (confessional):
"My work speaks louder than personality ever will."
INT. TRUE NORTH WRESTLING CENTER – NIGHT (ELIMINATION)
Rain slams the roof. The ring glows white. The house watches in silence.
COMMENTATOR (V.O.):
"Two competitors. Two styles. One last chance."
Janelle and Ainsley lock up. Power meets precision. Janelle hits an elbow strike. Ainsley counters — clean, brutal, efficient.
REFEREE:
"One! Two! Three!"
Bell rings. Silence.
COMMENTATOR (V.O.):
"And that’s it. Ainsley survives. Janelle’s journey… ends tonight."
INT. RING – MOMENTS LATER
TJ SHADOWS:
"Janelle, you’re polished, but polish doesn’t equal progress. This is where your journey ends."
Janelle nods, proud, tearful but unbroken.
JANELLE:
"Maybe I wasn’t what you wanted. But I’m still a star — just not your kind."
She exits. Rain outside. The camera follows her down the hallway — a single spotlight chasing her until she disappears.
NARRATOR (V.O.):
"Another dream ended beneath the lights — and the mansion grew quieter once more."
Cut to Ainsley returning home to celebration. Team Miller lifts her up. Team Parks watches, silent.
ANTONIO PARKS (to his team):
"Don’t worry. We’re stronger because of this."
The World Championship gleams under the hallway lights as he walks away.
OPENING CREDITS.
INT. TRUE NORTH MANSION – WEIGHT ROOM – MORNING
It’s early, around 7:15 a.m. The sky outside is still gray, light barely filtering through the tall glass windows that line the mansion’s private gym. The faint hum of the treadmill mixes with the metallic rhythm of weights hitting steel.
CAIRO is center frame — sweat slick on his shoulders, veins raised, earbuds in, head nodding to a bass-heavy track. The camera tracks him from behind as he finishes his final rep on the bench press, the bar slamming back into place with a satisfying *clang*.
He sits up, chest heaving, smirking at his reflection in the mirror across from him. There’s confidence in his posture — earned, not faked.
CAIRO (to himself, under his breath)
"Number two, huh? Not bad for the dude they said wouldn’t last three weeks."
He grabs a towel, wipes his face, and stares into the mirror for a long beat. The camera slowly zooms in — his reflection and his real self, side by side.
CAIRO (CONT’D)
"But two ain’t it. I didn’t come here to be the runner-up. Zayd might be top dog now, but that number one spot? It’s got my name written all over it."
He stands, tossing the towel aside, grabbing a kettlebell. Each motion is deliberate — no wasted movement, no wasted breath. The cinematography mirrors a war documentary: close-ups on muscles tensing, sweat rolling, the sound of iron echoing like distant artillery.
MONTAGE – CAIRO TRAINING
— Pull-ups, veins straining, camera circling him in slow motion.
— Battle ropes slamming against the mat, sweat spraying in arcs.
— Running suicides across the floor, each footfall like a heartbeat.
— A final push-up sequence — raw, aggressive, desperate.
He finishes, collapsing onto the mat, chest rising and falling. The camera holds on his face — half exhaustion, half satisfaction.
CAIRO (breathing hard, to himself)
"They don’t get it. Every time I step in that ring, it’s survival. Parks thinks we’re weak, Shadows is barely walking, Miller’s team’s playin’ lucky — but me?"
(he sits up, looks dead into camera)
"I’m built for this. Ain’t nobody gonna hand me number one. I’m gonna take it."
He stands, pacing, hands on hips, the confidence radiating off him now.
CAIRO (CONT’D)
"Top two? Nah. I’m not the backup story. I *am* the story."
The camera follows him as he heads to the mirror again, grabbing his water bottle. He pauses mid-sip, his eyes flicking toward the reflection of the Team Shadows banner hanging in the far corner — three names, one team.
CAIRO (quietly)
"Smallest team in the house. But the loudest legacy."
He smirks, shaking his head.
CAIRO (CONT'D)
"Let’s see if Parks still calls us weak when we’re the ones left standing."
CUT TO CONFESSIONAL – CAIRO
Cairo sits back in the chair, towel over his shoulders, confidence sharp but grounded.
CAIRO
"Last week’s ranking told me everything I needed to know. I’m right there at the top — breathing down Zayd’s neck. That’s motivation. But I’m not satisfied. I want that number one spot because that’s what leaders do — they set the standard."
He pauses, cracking his neck before leaning forward.
CAIRO (CONT’D)
"And look, I know what people say about me — loud, cocky, too sure of myself. But here’s the truth: confidence ain’t arrogance when you can back it up. I don’t need validation from Parks, or Miller, or anyone. I’m proving it every time I step through those ropes."
He stares into the lens, eyes burning.
CAIRO (CONT'D)
"You can’t coach hunger. And I’m starving for that top spot."
END CONFESSIONAL.
CUT BACK TO – WEIGHT ROOM
Cairo finishes a final set of squats. The door opens behind him — Keiarna and Miles step in, laughing softly from whatever private joke carried over from breakfast. They stop when they see Cairo.
Cairo drops the barbell and flashes a grin.
CAIRO
"Look who decided to join the grind."
KEIARNA
"We like to eat breakfast before starting the grind."
CAIRO
"Please. You’re talkin’ to Top Two. You better start stretching now, ‘cause I’m taking number one next week."
Miles smirks.
MILES
"You keep talkin’ about it, and maybe it’ll happen."
Cairo steps forward, playful but dead serious beneath the charm.
CAIRO
"It’s already happening. The others can play catch-up if they want — I’m done chasing. Now I’m leading. I’m taking Team Shadows to the finals."
He throws his towel over his shoulder and walks past them toward the door, leaving the camera on Keiarna and Miles, both exchanging a glance — part amused, part concerned.
KEIARNA (quietly)
"He’s gonna make enemies with that attitude."
MILES
"Yeah. But that’s Cairo. He’d rather be hated at the top than forgotten in the middle."
The camera pans back to the mirror. Cairo’s reflection lingers for a second longer before fading into black.
FADE OUT.
INT. MANSION – TEAM MILLER’S COMMON ROOM – MORNING
The camera pans across the quiet morning light pouring through the mansion’s high windows. The rain from the night before has stopped, leaving streaks on the glass. The faint hum of the coffee maker fills the silence.
Team Miller — Sutton, Ainsley, Summer, Izaak, and Hunter — gather around the long wooden dining table. There’s no coach, no production staff, just them. For the first time in weeks, the air isn’t tense. It’s cautious, reflective, but calm.
Sutton flips through her journal. Izaak leans back, stretching. Summer stares into her coffee. Hunter scrolls on his phone, eyes tired. Ainsley sits near the end of the table, posture straight, eyes focused on nothing in particular.
A beat of silence.
SUTTON
(looking around)
"You realize we’re the only team that has only lost one member since week one?"
Summer looks up, eyebrows raised.
SUMMER
"Wait… for real?"
IZAAK
(counting on his fingers)
"Team Shadows lost Demetrius, Shannade, Chantel. Team Parks lost ZayDay and now Janelle. We lost Thad."
HUNTER (Chiming in)
“No great loss there.”
IZAAK glances around the table.
"We’re five strong. All still here."
HUNTER
(smirks faintly)
"Guess we’re the cockroaches of this thing."
Sutton snorts.
SUTTON
"Not the cockroaches."
HUNTER
"I’m just sayin’ — since week one everybody kept calling us the weakest team, but we’re still standing while the so-called powerhouses are bleeding out."
Summer sets down her mug, her tone half-proud, half-cautious.
SUMMER
"Because they’ve been too busy trying to kill each other. Parks and Shadows can’t stop taking shots at each other. Miller? He’s been quiet. He let them fight it out while we stayed focused."
IZAAK
(nods)
"They’ve been playing chess, we’ve been playing survivor."
SUTTON
"And right now, it’s working."
Camera pans across the table subtle grins breaking through the exhaustion. A sense of pride settles in. Not the loud kind. The earned kind.
Then Ainsley speaks, voice measured.
AINSLEY
"Last week I thought being put up for elimination was an insult."
(beat)
"But now I get it. It was a wake-up call. Miller’s been hard on me, but… he’s right. I’ve been coasting. Wrestling like I had something to prove, but not someone to be."
The others listen quietly. Her tone is calm, but her words carry weight.
AINSLEY (CONT'D)
"I spent years mastering the mat. Every hold, every counter, every angle. I thought that was enough. But when I stepped in that elimination ring against Janelle… I realized it’s not about control anymore. It’s about connection. I can’t win this by outwrestling everyone — I have to outgrow them."
She exhales slowly, shoulders dropping — a rare crack in her otherwise unshakable composure.
SUTTON
(softly)
"So what now?"
AINSLEY
(looks up)
"Now I stop hiding behind perfection. I’ve been waiting for permission to evolve. I don’t need it anymore."
A quiet beat. The team exchanges glances — respect, understanding, and maybe a touch of newfound unity.
Hunter claps his hands once, breaking the tension.
HUNTER
"Guess that means the weakest team’s about to stop playing nice, huh?"
Summer smirks, finishing her coffee.
SUMMER
"About time."
The group laughs — low, tired, but genuine. For the first time, Team Miller feels like a *team* instead of a collection of survivors.
The camera lingers on Ainsley, silent, staring out the window.
CONFESSIONAL – AINSLEY**
Ainsley sits in the interview chair, hair still damp, no makeup — the most stripped-down she’s looked all season. Her tone is reflective but firm.
AINSLEY
"When Miller put me up for elimination, I was angry. I thought he was questioning my skill — my worth. But standing in that ring, knowing one mistake could send me home, it changed something in me. I realized how badly I want this. Not for validation. Not for image. For *me.*"
She pauses, eyes shifting down for a moment before meeting the camera again.
AINSLEY (CONT'D)
"I used to think emotion made you weak. But now I see — emotion’s what makes the crowd feel you. It’s what separates the athlete from the artist. I’ve spent my whole life wrestling to prove I belonged. Now I’m wrestling to show who I am."
Her voice tightens, determination replacing reflection.
AINSLEY (CONT'D)
"I survived elimination once. That won’t happen again. I’m not flying under the radar anymore. They’ll see me coming this time."
The camera holds on her expression — calm, steady, eyes burning with new intent.
FADE OUT.
INT. MANSION – TEAM SHADOWS’ ROOM – MOMENTS LATER.
The mansion is quiet — that eerie kind of silence that comes after weeks of chaos.
KEIARNA and MILES lie close in the center of the bed. It’s not sexual. It’s comfort. His arm is draped around her waist, her head resting just under his chin. The sound of rain tapping lightly against the window fills the room.
For a long moment, neither speaks. Then Miles breaks the silence.
MILES (quietly)
"Crazy, huh? Week ten, and it’s just us and Cairo. Three left standing for Team Shadows."
Keiarna exhales, her voice muffled against his chest.
KEIARNA
"Smallest team in the house right now. Weakest, if you ask Parks. Feels like we’ve been fighting uphill since day one."
Miles shifts slightly, tightening his arm around her.
MILES
"Yeah, but we’re still here. Every time they count us out, we keep breathing. That’s something."
KEIARNA
"Barely."
A pause. Her breathing quickens a little. She keeps her eyes closed.
KEIARNA (CONT'D)
"You know what nobody talks about? The nights. When everything’s quiet, and it hits you how bad you want this. How scared you are to lose it. I wake up gasping sometimes. Like… like I can’t breathe."
Miles looks down at her, concern in his eyes.
MILES
"Hey. You’re okay."
She shakes her head, eyes still closed.
KEIARNA
"No, I’m not. Before challenges, my chest gets tight. Hands shake. Feels like the walls are closing in. I keep telling myself to be strong, to keep it together, but it’s like my body doesn’t listen. It’s embarrassing."
MILES
"That’s not embarrassing, Kei. That’s being human."
She opens her eyes finally, looking up at him.
KEIARNA
"You don’t get scared?"
Miles hesitates, then nods.
MILE
"Every damn day. I just got good at hiding it. You think I don’t feel it when Parks looks at us like we’re wasting his time? When Cairo’s carrying the team and I’m tryna keep up? Yeah, I feel it. But then I look at you, and I remember why I’m still swinging."
That makes her smile — small, tired, but real.
KEIARNA
"You always know what to say."
MILES
"That’s ‘cause I mean it."
A beat. The silence stretches again, soft and full. Keiarna leans up slightly, resting her forehead against his.
KEIARNA
"Sometimes I think about walking out. Packing up and leaving before I break down in front of everyone. But then… I remember you’re here. And it’s easier to breathe again."
Her voice cracks near the end, but she doesn’t cry. She just sinks back into him, and he holds her tighter.
The rain outside gets heavier. Miles presses a kiss to the top of her head.
MILES
"We’re not going anywhere. You hear me? Three or not, we’re still Team Shadows. We’ve been fighting from behind since week one, and somehow, we’re still in the frame. That’s not weakness. That’s survival."
Keiarna closes her eyes again, her breathing finally slowing.
KEIARNA
"Then we keep fighting."
MILES
"Always."
The camera lingers on them for a while — two competitors caught between exhaustion and affection, clinging to something real in a place built on competition.
FADE OUT.
CONFESSIONAL – KEIARNA
Keiarna sits forward in the chair, hoodie pulled tight around her. Her voice is calm but shaky in spots.
KEIARNA
"I don’t talk about it much, but this competition’s been rough on me. The anxiety… it’s real. The panic before the challenges, the sleepless nights, the pressure to carry TJ’s legacy — it’s a lot. Some days, I don’t know how I get through it."
She takes a breath, fingers tapping against her thigh.
KEIARNA (CONT'D)
"But Miles… he’s been my rock. He doesn’t judge me. He listens. When everything feels like it’s falling apart, he reminds me why I started. That’s rare. In a place like this? That’s everything."
Her eyes soften.
KEIARNA (CONT'D)
"I don’t know where this ends, but if I’m still standing, it’s ‘cause he never let me fall."
CONFESSIONAL – MILES
Miles sits back in his chair, hoodie off, hair messy, eyes heavy. He smiles faintly before speaking.
MILES
"Keiarna’s strong. Stronger than she knows. Everybody sees the fighter, the leader, the redemption story. But behind all that, she’s human. She breaks, she doubts, she hurts — and she still shows up. Every damn day."
He pauses, the smile fading into something softer.
MILES (CONT'D)
"I came here to prove I belonged in this business. But somewhere along the line, it stopped being about that. I look at her, and I see something real — something worth fighting for outside the ring. I don’t know what that means yet, but I know one thing."
He leans forward slightly.
MILES (CONT'D)
"I’m falling for her. And if that’s a distraction… then it’s one I’m willing to risk everything for."
The camera holds on his face for a few seconds longer — quiet, conflicted, but certain.
FADE OUT.
EXT. TOP PROSPECT MANSION – POOL AREA – AFTERNOON
The afternoon sun glints off the surface of the pool like shards of glass. The air hums with that mix of chlorine, laughter, and relief — a rare calm between training days.
ZAYD lounges poolside, sunglasses low on his nose, feet dipping lazily in the water. SAI sits beside him, legs crossed, oversized shades on, sipping from a cold drink. The mood is light, the kind of easy warmth that hasn’t existed in weeks.
HALO swims slow laps around the pool, his head dipping under and resurfacing with each stroke, silent but observant.
Sai laughs at something Zayd says — the kind of laugh that’s unguarded, almost musical. Zayd grins, proud of himself.
SAI
"You know, for someone who swore he couldn’t swim, you sure figured out how to float real quick."
ZAYD
"Hey, when you’re ranked number one, you pick things up fast."
Sai rolls her eyes, smirking.
SAI
"Right. The number one thing you picked up is your ego."
Zayd laughs, leaning closer, voice low.
ZAYD
"You like it though."
Sai’s smile falters for half a second before she playfully nudges him.
SAI
"Keep talkin’ like that and I might push you in."
ZAYD
"I dare you."
Their banter lingers in the air, easy and charged. Halo glances over from the water, smirking to himself before he disappears under the surface. A moment later —
SPLASH!
A sudden wave crashes over them. Sai squeals, Zayd jerks back, nearly dropping his drink. They both turn as Halo surfaces, smirking, holding a bright green WATER GUN like it’s a championship belt.
HALO
(laughing)
"Man, y’all out here flirtin’ like this is Love Island! Break it up!"
SAI
"Boy, what is wrong with you?!"
HALO
"Nothin’. Just hydrating the lovebirds!"
Zayd grabs a towel and throws it at him, missing completely.
ZAYD
"You’re a menace, bro."
HALO
"Maybe. But at least I ain’t boring. Anyway…"
(aiming the water gun again)
"How’s it feel, champ? Number one spot. No experience, no background. You shocked the system this week."
Zayd wipes the water from his face, laughing, but his tone turns more reflective.
ZAYD
"You know, it’s crazy, man. I used to watch wrestling on TV with my cousins — never thought I’d actually be *in* it. I came here with zero training. I was just tryna survive week to week, not embarrass myself. And now… number one? It still doesn’t feel real."
Halo floats on his back, nodding, quiet for a beat.
HALO
"Yeah, well, you earned it. Ain’t no fluke rankings around here."
Zayd smiles, appreciative.
ZAYD
"Appreciate that, bro. But I’m not done yet. I want to stay there."
SAI
"And you will. Both of you killed it last week."
(she raises her glass)
"To growth — and surviving another week in the circus."
Zayd grabs his bottle, Halo paddles over with his water gun still in hand.
ZAYD
"To growth."
HALO
"And chaos."
They clink glasses — plastic and water gun together.
SAI
(laughing)
"You two are ridiculous."
HALO
"Maybe, but I’m also the third wheel here, so I get to be annoying."
Zayd raises an eyebrow.
ZAYD
"Third wheel? Ain’t nothin’ goin’ on here."
SAI
(quickly)
"Exactly. Nothing at all."
Halo grins wide, the kind of grin that promises trouble.
HALO
"Ohhh, that sounded guilty. That was a *guilty tone.*"
SAI
"Stop."
HALO
(mock singing, splashing the water)
"Zayd and Sai sittin’ by the pool… K-I-S—"
SAI
"HALO!"
She grabs the nearest water gun from the poolside bar — bright pink — and fires back at him. Halo yells, diving under as water sprays across the deck.
ZAYD
"Yo, yo, y’all gon’ drown each other!"
Halo surfaces, still laughing, now dual-wielding a second water gun he’s found floating nearby.
HALO
"It’s war now!"
MONTAGE – WATER WAR ENSUES
— Halo dodges behind a pool float, firing wildly.
— Sai screams, laughing as she chases him around the deck.
— Zayd joins in, grabbing a Super Soaker and cornering Halo near the shallow end.
— The three slip, slide, and shout — laughter echoing off the mansion walls.
SAI
(yelling through laughter)
"This is payback for earlier!"
HALO
"Y’all can’t take a joke!"
ZAYD
"Ain’t a joke when you start it!"
Sai blasts him point-blank. Halo stumbles backward into the pool, arms flailing before splashing down.
SPLASH!
Zayd and Sai cheer in victory, dripping wet and breathless. Halo resurfaces, wiping water from his eyes, still laughing.
HALO
"Alright, alright! Y’all win! Truce!"
SAI
"You sure?"
HALO
"Yeah, I surrender!"
She smirks — then sprays him one more time.
HALO
"See? No mercy. That’s why y’all perfect for each other!"
Zayd and Sai both laugh awkwardly, exchanging a quick glance they try to play off.
ZAYD
"Man, get out the pool."
HALO
(laughing)
"Never."
The camera pulls back — the sound of their laughter filling the air, sunlight glimmering off the water as the three splash around like kids on summer break.
CONFESSIONAL – HALO
Halo sits in the confessional chair, hair still wet, a towel draped around his neck. He’s smiling, but his tone is thoughtful.
HALO
"You know, I used to think Zayd was just vibes — good energy, easy to talk to, but not built for the grind. Then he went out there and ranked number one. No experience, no training, and he still outperformed almost everyone. That’s wild."
He pauses, nodding.
HALO (CONT’D)
"Now I see him as real competition. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be tight. Outside of ZayDay, he’s my closest friend in this place. Competition or not, that’s family. I’m proud of him."
He smiles wider, shaking his head.
HALO (CONT’D)
"Still not letting him and Sai off the hook, though. That pool chemistry? Yeah, we all saw it."
FADE OUT.
INT. TOP PROSPECT MANSION – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
It’s a warm, humid night in the mansion. The air is buzzing with energy — a mix of laughter, music, and tension buried just beneath the surface. The competitors are sprawled around the living room in a circle: pillows, half-empty bottles, shot glasses, and neon lights flickering in the background.
The game is Truth or Drink.
Everyone looks loose — laughter louder, jokes sharper, the line between teammates and rivals blurred by alcohol and exhaustion.
SUTTON twirls an empty shot glass in her hand.
SUTTON
"Alright, Cairo, you’re up. Summer’s asking the question, so good luck."
CAIRO leans back, smug, flashing that easy smirk.
CAIRO
"Bring it on. Ain’t no truth I can’t handle."
SUMMER
(sly grin)
"Okay then… out of all the guys here — Halo, Zayd, Hunter, Izaak, Miles, yourself — who do you think has the *least* chance of making it in the business?"
A beat. The room perks up. The mood shifts — playful curiosity turning into anticipation. Cairo laughs under his breath, rubbing his jaw like he’s thinking it over, but everyone knows he isn’t.
CAIRO
"That’s easy. Halo."
The laughter dies instantly. Halo’s head tilts up from his drink, eyes narrowing.
HALO
"What?"
CAIRO
"Yeah, bro. I said what I said."
HALO
"You *serious?* I’m right behind you in the rankings."
CAIRO
(shrugging)
"Rankings don’t mean anything long-term. You’re a smaller guy, no experience, and this business? It eats people like you alive. You got heart, but heart don’t mean much when you’re surrounded by sharks."
HALO
(leaning forward)
"Sharks like you, right?"
CAIRO
"Damn right. I was bred for this. You’re still figuring out if you even *like* this. Be real — you’re here for the cameras, the clout, the come up. Not the grind."
The tone in the room changes completely. Everyone’s still — the kind of stillness that means something’s about to break.
HALO
"You think you know me like that? You been here the same number of weeks as me, Cairo. You don’t know where I came from. You don’t know what I’ve fought through."
CAIRO
"And I don’t need to. All I see is a dude tryna play wrestler when the rest of us are fighting to *become* one."
HALO
(laughs bitterly)
"You really think you’re the future, huh? Bro, you ain’t been humbled yet. That’s your problem. You think being loud and cocky makes you top tier when it really just screams insecure."
The air thickens. Cairo’s smirk fades. His jaw flexes.
CAIRO
"Watch your mouth."
HALO
"Or what? You gonna flex at me again? I get it — without the attitude, you’re just a dude with muscles and a bad temper. Big. White and Dumb!"
Cairo’s chair scrapes against the floor as he stands. The others tense.
ZAYD
"Yo, chill. It’s a game, man—"
CAIRO
(ignoring him, stepping forward)
"Say that again, Halo. I dare you."
Halo rises too, standing chest-to-chest with him. The tension is unbearable now — both men breathing heavy, staring each other down.
HALO
"You wanna know what I see when I look at you? Someone trying too hard to prove he’s not scared."
Cairo’s eyes flash.
CAIRO
"You keep talkin’ and I’ll show you scared."
HALO
"Then do it."
IZAAK and HUNTER jump up, stepping between them.
IZAAK
"Not tonight. Not like this!"
HUNTER
"Come on, man, sit down!"
Cairo tries to push past, but Izaak keeps a hand on his chest. Halo’s still glaring, shoulders squared.
HALO
"Big talk for someone who’s been living off his white privileged ego since week one."
Cairo lunges. Izaak and Hunter grab him, trying to pull him back.
MILES (CONFESSIONAL)
Miles leans forward, arms crossed, voice flat.
"Mannn, Cairo said what needed to be said. Halo’s cocky for no reason. He hides behind jokes, acts like he’s everybody’s friend, but deep down he wants the spotlight. Cairo’s my brother — I hope he knocks Halo out cold."
BACK TO SCENE – LIVING ROOM
Cairo’s still being restrained. Halo smirks, shaking his head.
HALO
"Figures. All bark. No—"
Before he can finish, Halo suddenly throws his drink — liquor splashing across Cairo’s face.
Gasps fill the room. Cairo freezes for half a second — eyes wide, dripping — then snaps.
CAIRO
"That’s it!"
He tackles Halo to the floor. Chaos erupts.
Everyone shouts at once — chairs crash, bottles spill, the camera whips back and forth trying to catch the chaos.
ZAYD
"Yo, yo, stop it!"
IZAAK and HUNTER grab Cairo’s shoulders, trying to drag him off. Halo’s throwing wild punches back. A producer’s voice is heard off-camera shouting, “Cut it out! Security!”
The two men crash against the coffee table, breaking it in half. The sound echoes through the mansion.
SUMMER screams.
SUTTON and SAI pull her back.
KEIARNA stands behind MILES. She's frozen, eyes wide.
Cairo gets one more punch in before Zayd and two producers finally yank him off Halo.
HALO wipes his mouth, glaring up at him. Halo spits blood to the side. A blurred producer wipes blood from the scratch on Cairo’s eye brow as he is shouting through gritted teeth.
CAIRO
"Keep talkin’ that fake humility, see where it gets you!"
HALO
"At least I don’t gotta act tough to be relevant!"
Producers swarm the scene, separating them fully. The room’s a mess — broken glass, overturned chairs, heavy breathing.
CONFESSIONAL – SUTTON
Sutton’s eyes are wide, voice low and serious.
"I thought they were gonna kill each other. One minute we’re laughing, next thing I know Halo’s throwing a drink. That went from zero to nuclear fast."
CONFESSIONAL – SEVYN
Sevyn rubs her temples, exhausted.
"This house is a powder keg. You mix alcohol, pride, and ego — this is what happens. I get it. Pressure’s breaking everyone. But tonight? That wasn’t competition. That was personal."
CONFESSIONAL – KEIARNA
She shakes her head.
"Cairo lost control, but Halo knew what he was doing. You don’t throw a drink unless you want war. Now the question is — who pays for it tomorrow?"
INT. TOP PROSPECT MANSION – HALLWAY – LATER THAT NIGHT
The chaos has died down. The camera follows as producers es**rt Cairo down the hall to one wing of the mansion. His shirt’s torn, jaw bruised. He’s still breathing hard, adrenaline radiating off him.
In the opposite direction, Halo walks flanked by crew members, lip split, towel pressed to his face. Neither looks back.
MILES (V.O.): "That’s the thing about Top Prospect. You can’t fake who you are forever. Eventually, the real you fights its way out."
The camera pans across the wrecked living room — silent now, bottles tipped, the game forgotten.
CONFESSIONAL – HUNTER.
HUNTER (quietly)
"I don’t know what tomorrow’s gonna look like. But I know one thing — it’s not gonna be pretty."
FADE OUT.
INT. TOP PROSPECT MANSION – MORNING AFTER THE FIGHT
The mansion is quiet, but not peaceful.
The light creeping through the curtains feels colder than usual, the kind that makes hangovers worse and guilt heavier. The camera drifts through the wreckage from last night — broken glass swept into a pile, a coffee table cracked down the middle, water rings and liquor stains marking the floor like a crime scene.
SLOW PAN: discarded red cups, a half-empty tequila bottle on its side, a single shoe floating in the pool outside.
CUT TO:
The kitchen. Sutton and Sai sit at the counter, bleary-eyed, barely speaking. Sutton sips black coffee, staring into space. Sai’s fingernail taps against her mug — nervous, rhythmic, like she’s counting seconds.
SUTTON
(quiet)
"You hear them last night after it happened?"
SAI
(nods)
"Producers were running up and down the halls till three. Cairo broke the table. Halo split his lip. Whole place sounded like a brawl."
Sutton sighs, shaking her head slowly.
SUTTON
"They’ve both been walking around here like ticking bombs since rankings. This just lit the fuse."
Sai
(softly)
"And now it’s about to blow back on everyone."
INT. HALLWAY – SAME TIME
Halo walks down the hall shirtless, towel slung over his shoulder, bruised lip, and a swollen cheekbone. His expression is tired but uneasy. The sound of murmuring follows him — whispers from closed bedroom doors.
SEVYN opens her door slightly as he passes.
SEVYN
"You alright?"
HALO
(weak smile)
"I’ve been better."
SEVYN
"They’re calling everyone to the living room in fifteen."
HALO
"Guess we’re getting our punishment."
SEVYN
"You think they’ll kick you out?"
He hesitates.
HALO
"I don’t know. But if Parks is the one deciding? It’s gonna hurt more if he doesn’t."
He keeps walking.
CUT TO:
CAIRO, standing by the back patio door, watching rain drip down the glass. His knuckles are raw. Miles leans against the counter beside him, eating cereal, acting casual but clearly tense.
MILES
"You think they’re gonna send you home?"
CAIRO
"Their Number One Ranked? No chance. They know I’m good. And I didn’t start it — dude threw a drink in my face."
MILES
(smiling slightly)
"Yeah, but you tackled him through a table."
CAIRO
(shrugging)
"Occupational hazard."
Miles chuckles but his tone shifts.
MILES
"Shadows ain’t gonna love that. You know how he is about image. And Halo? He’s Parks’ golden boy. This is about to get messy."
CAIRO
"Good. Let it. I’m not here to play friends. I’m here to win."
He walks off. Miles watches him go, uneasy.
INT. TOP PROSPECT MANSION – LIVING ROOM – 10:00 A.M.
All twelve remaining competitors sit in silence. The tension is suffocating. The sound of the rain outside bleeds into the room. Cameras roll from three angles.
Then — the door opens.
Two producers enter first, clipboards in hand, followed by World Champion Antonio Parks, Instant Classic Champion Christopher Miller, and TJ Shadows.
Three mentors. Three different expressions: Parks, cold and unreadable. Miller, disappointed. Shadows, grave.
Everyone straightens up immediately.
PRODUCER #1
"Good morning, everyone. As you know, last night there was an incident involving two of your fellow competitors — Halo from Team Parks and Cairo from Team Shadows."
Halo stares straight ahead. Cairo leans back, jaw tight, feigning calm.
PRODUCER #2
"Physical altercations are taken seriously in this environment. After speaking with both competitors, reviewing footage, and consulting the mentors, we’ve decided disciplinary action will be taken."
Whispers ripple through the room.
PRODUCER #1
"However, the decision regarding what that punishment looks like… will be left to your coaches."
All eyes shift immediately — first to Parks, then to Shadows.
Halo (confessional)
The camera cuts to Halo in a black hoodie, speaking low, jaw tight.
"When they said punishment was up to the mentors, my stomach dropped. Parks doesn’t yell — he *breaks* you. If he’s mad enough, he’ll make me wish I got sent home instead."
CAIRO (confessional)
Cairo leans back in the chair, a smirk pulling at his lip.
"They want the mentors to handle it? Perfect. Shadows knows I’m fire under pressure. He’s not gonna punish me — he’s gonna tell me to channel it. The problem’s not me. It’s the guy who couldn’t take the heat."
BACK TO SCENE – LIVING ROOM
The producers step back, giving the floor to the mentors.
TJ SHADOWS
"Fights happen. This business breeds ego and testosterone. But this house? This was supposed to be a proving ground. And last night, two of you turned it into a street fight."
His eyes flick between Cairo and Halo.
TJ SHADOWS (CONT’D)
"That’s not leadership. That’s not discipline. And it sure as hell isn’t what Top Prospect stands for."
Miller nods slightly, arms crossed.
CHRISTOPHER MILLER
"You’re all fighting for a dream. Some of you treat that dream like it’s guaranteed. Newsflash — it’s not. You lose your temper, you lose your spot. Simple as that."
Parks hasn’t said a word yet. He stands by the mantle, one hand on the World Championship slung over his shoulder. His gaze hasn’t left Halo once.
ANTONIO PARKS
(quiet, cutting through the silence)
"Stand up, Halo."
The room freezes. Halo stands. His bruise catches the light.
ANTONIO PARKS (CONT’D)
"You know what pi**es me off the most? It’s not that you fought. It’s that you *lost control.* And you’re one of *mine.* That means when you act out, it reflects on me. On my name. On my legacy."
Halo swallows hard.
ANTONIO PARKS (CONT’D)
"I don’t train men who throw drinks when they’re emotional. I train champions who can turn emotion into dominance."
(beat)
"So here’s your punishment. Next challenge — you start with a five mile sprint and if you make it to the next week, it’ll be four and if you somehow continue to make it past each week, the miles will lessen to one until you’re at zero. And trust me when I say that I expect you to show up and show out for every test, every drill, every match. You’ll have to earn your way back to even. No excuses. No breaks. You fall short once, and you’re done."
Halo nods, eyes down.
ANTONIO PARKS (low, almost personal)
"Make me proud again. Or make me forget you ever wore my colors."
He sits back down. The silence is absolute.
TJ SHADOWS turns to Cairo.
TJ SHADOWS
"You’re not off the hook either. You’re a fighter, Cairo. You’ve got every tool to be great. But last night you weren’t a competitor — you were a liability. You don’t represent me like that."
Cairo nods once, jaw still locked.
TJ SHADOWS (CONT’D)
"You’ll be benched for the next exhibition match. No ring time. You’ll train, but you won’t perform until I decide you’ve learned control. You got it?"
CAIRO
(quietly)
"Got it."
TJ SHADOWS
"Good. Then prove me right about you."
CONFESSIONAL - CAIRO
Cairo sits pi**ed.
“That five mile crap that Halo got was easy. I could do that every morning for the rest of this competition but not getting my exhibition match? That f*cked me up, not only is that valuable ring time that I’m missing out on but it’s also a chance to connect with the fans.”
Miller steps forward, his tone final.
CHRISTOPHER MILLER
"This is your warning — to EVERYONE in this house. You want to fight? Fight in the ring. You want to throw hands? Throw them where they count. But if this happens again, no mentor will save you. You’ll be gone before the next bell rings."
The room stays silent. The rain outside has stopped — only the hum of the camera equipment fills the air.
PRODUCER #1
"Meeting adjourned."
The mentors leave first. Cairo watches Shadows walk away without looking back. Halo sinks back onto the couch, face unreadable.
The tension lingers long after the door closes.
CONFESSIONAL – HALO
Halo sits forward, elbows on his knees. His voice trembles slightly — not from fear, but from pressure.
"Parks said he’d forget me. That’s worse than being sent home. You can’t fight back when your coach stops believing you exist. So, yeah… I’m worried. But I’m not done. I’ll earn his trust back. Every drop of it."
CONFESSIONAL – CAIRO
Cairo looks calm again, but his eyes are distant.
"Benched? Fine. I’ll sit this one out. But the second they let me back in that ring — Halo better stay clear. Because next time? It won’t be a game."
INT. MANSION – HALLWAY – LATER
Halo walks past the window overlooking the pool, bruised but determined. Outside, Cairo’s shadow passes through the reflection heading in the opposite direction. Neither looks at the other, but the tension between them hangs in the air like a storm waiting to break again.
FADE OUT.
INT. TOP PROSPECT MANSION – AFTERNOON
Three days have passed since the brawl. The mansion is still uneasy — conversations are shorter, laughter quieter. But the tension begins to shift when the sound of tires crunching gravel echoes from outside.
CAMERA TRACKS: Competitors moving toward the front windows. The black TNW SUV pulls up. Out step the three mentors — WORLD CHAMPION ANTONIO PARKS, INSTANT CLASSIC CHAMPION CHRISTOPHER MILLER, and TJ SHADOWS — all in athletic jackets, no clipboards, no belts. They’re dressed more like trainers than icons today.
A door opens. The mentors stride in. Everyone gathers in the living room, forming a semicircle.
The air feels lighter, but the uncertainty remains.
TJ SHADOWS
(steady, controlled)
"You’ve all had a heavy week — tempers, mistakes, apologies. That’s part of the journey. But this week, we’re changing gears. No drills. No promos. No wrestling ring."
A few surprised looks ripple through the group.
ANTONIO PARKS
"Because before we test your bodies again, we’re going to test something that’s just as important — *trust.* And maybe even harder — *release.*"
SUTTON
(raising an eyebrow)
"Trust and release?"
CHRISTOPHER MILLER
"Two words that every wrestler has to understand if they want to make it in this business. You trust your opponent to protect you. You release control when the story calls for it. You give the audience what they need, not what your ego wants."
He walks slowly around the room, meeting their eyes one by one.
CHRISTOPHER MILLER (CONT'D)
"This week’s challenge isn’t about who’s the strongest. It’s about who can let go and who can rely on the people around them — even when it’s uncomfortable."
TJ SHADOWS
"We’re calling this challenge — The Trust Gauntlet."
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL: KEIARNA
Keiarna leans forward, expression wary.
"When he said ‘Trust Gauntlet,’ I thought we were doing some corporate team-building thing. Then I remembered — this is Top Prospect. They don’t do anything soft."
EXT. REMOTE TRAINING FIELD – LATE AFTERNOON
The cast rides out in two vans, the sun dipping behind pine trees. They step out to find a massive outdoor setup: harnesses, wooden towers, balance beams, crash mats, and a zipline that stretches across the field.
The sound of wind whipping through the trees underscores the tension.
ANTONIO PARKS
"Welcome to the Gauntlet. Each of you will face a series of physical and mental tasks built around one thing — trust. Whether that means trusting your teammates, or learning to release your own control."
CHRISTOPHER MILLER
"You’ll complete three stages. Each one will test how well you can depend on the people you share that ring with."
He points toward the first station: a blindfolded obstacle course lined with ropes and cones.
CHRISTOPHER MILLER (CONT'D)
"Stage One — Blind Control. One teammate wears a blindfold and must navigate this course guided only by another teammate’s voice. You can’t touch them. You can’t lead them. You *must* trust them."
Sai glances nervously at Zayd. Sevyn rolls her eyes slightly at the thought of anyone giving her directions.
TJ SHADOWS
"Stage Two — The Leap of Faith. You’ll climb the twenty-foot tower, harness up, and fall backward into your teammates’ arms. You’ve got one chance. If they hesitate, you fail. If you flinch, you fail."
The competitors crane their necks to look up at the height. A beat of silence.
MILES
(quiet)
"That’s higher than I thought it’d be."
CAIRO
(smirk)
"Good thing I don’t plan on falling."
ANTONIO PARKS
"And finally — Stage Three: The Let Go. This is a test of emotional control. You’ll be paired with someone you’ve clashed with. You’ll each be tethered to the same zipline, launching together. To win, you have to jump *at the same time.* No hesitation. No fear. If one of you hesitates, you both go down in ranking."
Cairo’s smirk fades when his eyes meet Halo’s. The producers already know what the pairing will be.
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL: HALO
Halo sits forward, his tone tight.
"Of course they’d pair me with Cairo. They said ‘trust and release,’ and I said, ‘Cool, with anyone but him.’ Guess life’s got jokes. But if this is what it takes to get Parks’ respect back, I’ll do it — even if I have to fall next to someone who’d rather see me fail."
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL: CAIRO
Cairo leans back, shaking his head.
"They want me to trust the dude who threw liquor in my face? Alright. I’ll jump. But if I go down, I’m takin’ him with me."
BACK TO SCENE – FIELD
The competitors test their gear, adjusting straps, lacing gloves. There’s nervous laughter in the air, but the weight of what’s at stake hangs heavier.
ANTONIO PARKS
"This isn’t about who wins the fastest or looks the best. It’s about who you can depend on when there’s no crowd, no lights, and no control. Wrestling isn’t just about dominance — it’s about surrender when the moment calls for it."
CHRISTOPHER MILLER
"By the end of this challenge, we’ll know who can trust… and who’s still holding back."
The mentors step aside, giving the floor to the competitors. The camera pans over them — nervous faces, twitching hands, quiet exhalations.
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL MONTAGE:
SAI
"I hate the idea of not being in control. But I get what they’re saying — if you can’t trust your partner, you’ll never make it past your first storyline."
SUTTON
"I actually love this challenge. It’s not about power, it’s about connection. And that’s what I’ve been trying to show all season."
IZAAK
"Letting go ain’t easy. Especially when the guy catching you is someone you’re competing against. This’ll show who’s real and who’s just pretending to be a team player."
SEVYN
"Trust and release? Please. The only thing I trust around here is my instinct. And it hasn’t failed me yet."
KEIARNA
"I get what they’re trying to do. For me, ‘release’ means letting go of the anxiety. Of the fear. Of thinking one bad week means the end. So maybe this challenge… hits harder than they realize."
FADE OUT:
The camera lingers on the twenty-foot tower silhouetted against the setting sun. The wind howls, ropes swaying slightly.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
"This week, it’s not about who hits the hardest… it’s about who can fall and still rise together."
FADE TO BLACK.
EXT. TRUST FIELD – MORNING
A pale fog settles across the open training ground. Harnesses hang from wooden beams, crash mats line the dirt, and the sharp cry of a hawk cuts through the cold air. The Top Prospects stand assembled in two uneven rows, faces tense and unreadable.
ANTONIO PARKS, CHRISTOPHER MILLER, and TJ SHADOWS pace before them.
CHRISTOPHER MILLER
"Pairings are locked in. Remember — this challenge isn’t about strength. It’s about surrender. You’ll either learn to trust, or the ground will teach you what happens when you don’t."
He looks up at the first tower. The fog makes it seem twice as tall.
TJ SHADOWS
"Let’s start the Blind Control stage. One partner blindfolded. One guiding them only by voice. No touching. No shortcuts. Fail to communicate — you’re both penalized."
The competitors grab their blindfolds. The air is thick with unease.
STAGE ONE — BLIND CONTROL
PAIR 1: SUMMER & AINSLEY
Summer ties the blindfold tight. Ainsley crosses her arms, already frustrated.
AINSLEY
"Step left. No, your other left."
SUMMER
"I *am* going left!"
Summer trips over a rope. The other competitors stifle laughter.
AINSLEY
(exasperated)
"Listen to my voice, not your attitude."
**SUMMER**
(snarling)
"Maybe if your directions didn’t sound like GPS from hell!"
The mentors exchange looks.
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL: SUMMER
"She talks to me like I’m her student or something. This isn’t a classroom — it’s survival."
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL: AINSLEY
"Summer’s chaotic. She doesn’t listen, and when she doesn’t succeed, she blames you. That’s not trust — that’s delusion."
PAIR 2: HALO & CAIRO*
Halo adjusts his blindfold. Cairo exhales sharply, his tone measured.
CAIRO
"Alright. Three steps forward. Slow. Don’t overthink it."
HALO
"You sure you got me?"
CAIRO
(gritting teeth)
"Yeah, man. Trust the process."
Halo moves carefully, feeling his way through the rope path. He hesitates halfway, hearing Cairo’s voice closer now.
CAIRO
"Right here. Take one step right, duck low… good. See? You’re not bad when you actually listen."
Halo laughs under his breath, tension breaking for a second.
HALO
"Guess you’re useful for something after all."
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL: HALO
"I hate that he’s good at this. I hate that it’s *working.* But if we can get through this without swinging at each other again… maybe that’s progress."
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL: CAIRO
"Didn’t expect to trust him today. But I did. Kinda crazy what this competition makes you do."
PAIR 3: ZAYD & HUNTER
Hunter leads with quiet authority.
HUNTER
"Easy steps. You’re good. Two forward. One right. Watch your footing."
Zayd finishes the course flawlessly, removing the blindfold with a grin.
ZAYD
"Not bad for a duo of opposites."
HUNTER
"You listen well. You’ll go far if you keep that up."
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL: ZAYD
"I’ve been ranked number one, but this kind of challenge humbles you. The physical part’s easy — it’s the mental part that tests who you really are."
PAIR 4: IZZAAK & MILES
Izaak’s calm demeanor contrasts with Miles’ energy.
IZAAK
"Walk straight. Trust me."
MILES
"Trusting, trusting…" *Trips over a cone.* "Still trusting!"
They both burst out laughing.
IZAAK
"At least you’re committed."
MILES
"I’m committed to not busting my ass again."
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL: MILES
"Izaak’s chill. Keeps me balanced. That’s what I like about our team — no egos, just drive."
PAIR 5: SUTTON & KEIARNA
Sutton, guiding.
SUTTON
"Okay, babe, one more step. You’re almost there. Don’t second-guess it."
Keiarna reaches the end, blindfold off, breathing heavy but proud.
KEIARNA
"You might be my favorite person here, Sutton."
SUTTON
(grinning)
"I get that a lot."
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL: KEIARNA
"I’ve had anxiety all season, but Sutton’s energy is grounding. She makes you feel safe in chaos."
PAIR 6: SAI & SEVYN
Sevyn rolls her eyes as Sai hesitates near the first cone.
SEVYN
"Just move. I said *left!*"
SAI
"That *is* left!"
Sai turns the wrong way, nearly walking into a tree. Sevyn sighs dramatically.
SEVYN
"This is painful."
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL: SAI
"I’m trying to listen, but Sevyn’s voice makes me want to stop trusting humanity altogether."
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL: SEVYN
"Some people aren’t built for teamwork. And I’m okay being the reason they find that out."
STAGE TWO — THE LEAP OF FAITH
The tower looms above them. Harnesses creak in the wind.
TJ SHADOWS
"Climb up. Look down. And fall. If your team doesn’t catch you, your trust was misplaced. But if you freeze, it means you never had it in the first place."
Sai, Summer, Ainsley, Izaak, and Sevyn all show hesitation.
Sai breathes hard, eyes darting.
SAI (V.O.)
"I’ve never trusted anyone to catch me — not in the ring, not in life. But today, I have to."
She takes a shaky breath… and falls. Her team catches her. The relief on her face is real.
Ainsley, however, freezes on the ledge.
AINSLEY
"I can’t—"
MILLER
(sharply)
"Ainsley. You can. You *need* to."
After several seconds of trembling silence, she finally lets go — but lands awkwardly. The team staggers to catch her.
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL: AINSLEY
"That fall broke me open a little. I’ve been holding too tight to what I already know. This challenge made me realize… I don’t know everything. And that’s okay."
STAGE THREE — THE LET GO
Pairs are clipped into the dual zipline rig.
TJ SHADOWS
"You jump when you both feel ready. Together. One hesitation, you both fail. Trust your timing — and each other."
Halo & Cairo stand at the top platform, silent. The air crackles.
CAIRO
"You ready?"
HALO
"Guess we’ll find out."
Beat. They jump. Perfectly synchronized.
The mentors exchange approving looks as the two soar through the air, tension finally breaking in mid-flight.
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL: HALO
"For once, it wasn’t about rivalry. It was about trust. And maybe… that’s something I needed to learn the hard way."
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL: CAIRO
"I’m man enough to admit — I respect him now. He’s got guts. That’s rare."
FINAL MOMENTS
The sun dips below the horizon. Competitors are mud-streaked, exhausted, and breathing hard.
CHRISTOPHER MILLER
"Some of you proved today that trust can build strength. Others showed that letting go is still your biggest weakness."
ANTONIO PARKS
"We saw hesitation. We saw growth. And we saw moments that define real potential."
TJ SHADOWS
"The results of this challenge will shape next week’s eliminations. But for tonight — take a breath. You’ve earned it."
The camera pans across the field — faces smeared with dirt, some proud, some introspective.
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL MONTAGE:
SAI
"I didn’t think I could fall. But I did. And maybe I’m stronger for it."
AINSLEY
"This week changed something in me. I stopped chasing perfection and started chasing purpose."
KEIARNA
"I finally let go of fear for a second. I want to hold onto that feeling."
ZAYD
"Trust and release. Sounds easy. But it’s the hardest thing we’ve done yet."
FADE OUT:
Wind howls over the empty tower, ropes swaying as night falls.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
"They came to fight for themselves… but this week, they learned to fall for each other."
INT. TOP PROSPECTS – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT
Rain pelts the massive windows, lightning briefly illuminating the tense faces of the *Top Prospects*. Everyone sits shoulder to shoulder on the long sectional, steam rising from untouched mugs of tea. The air hums with anxiety.
The mentors stand before them — WORLD CHAMPION ANTONIO PARKS, INSTANT CLASSIC CHAMPION CHRISTOPHER MILLER, and TJ SHADOWS — each with folded arms and unreadable expressions.
The camera drifts between the competitors’ faces — Zayd’s leg bouncing, Sai biting her lip, Ainsley staring hard at the floor, Summer rubbing her palms together.
A long silence.
TJ SHADOWS
"This week tested something different. Not your strength. Not your flash. It tested whether you could trust. Whether you could let go when every part of you wanted control."
CHRISTOPHER MILLER
"And before we reveal your rankings, we need you all to understand something —"
He glances toward Parks, who gives a single nod.
CHRISTOPHER MILLER (CONT'D)
"This week isn’t a normal week. We’re making history tonight. For the first time this season..."
He pauses. The room collectively holds its breath.
ANTONIO PARKS
"...It’s a *double elimination.* One man. One woman. And this time, it’s not about teams. It’s about individual growth — who trusted, who released, and who didn’t."
The reaction hits like a shockwave.
Keiarna exhales hard, clutching Miles’ hand. Halo mutters, “Damn.” Ainsley’s jaw tightens.
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL: KEIARNA
"I knew eliminations were coming, but two people? That changes everything. You could’ve done everything right one week and still end up on the chopping block the next."
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL: HALO
"A double elimination means no safety net. Not your coach, not your team, not your alliances. You either grew… or you didn’t."
BACK TO SCENE
TJ SHADOWS
"Here are the results of this week’s Trust & Release Challenge."
He unfolds the paper. The faint thunder outside punctuates each ranking as he reads them aloud.
TJ SHADOWS (CONT'D)
"First place — Cairo and Halo."
Both men exchange a respectful nod. The room gives a polite round of applause.
ANTONIO PARKS
"That’s what leadership looks like. Two men who went from tension to trust — that’s growth."
TJ SHADOWS
"Second — Zayd and Hunter."
Zayd bumps fists with Hunter.
ZAYD
(grinning)
"Teamwork makes the rankings work, huh?"
HUNTER
"Guess we’re learning."
TJ SHADOWS
"Third — Sutton and Keiarna."
The two women smile proudly, exchanging a nod of quiet solidarity.
TJ SHADOWS
"Fourth — Sai and Sevyn. Fifth — Izaak and Miles. Sixth — Ainsley and Summer."
Murmurs fill the room. Summer’s eyes drop instantly, her fingers fidgeting with her sleeve. Izaak presses his lips together, emotion tightening his features.
CHRISTOPHER MILLER
(somber, pacing slowly)
"We saw some great moments this week. Cairo and Halo finally learned to trust each other. Zayd proved he could lead. Keiarna pushed through her fear. But we also saw something else — hesitation. Fear. Ego."
He looks directly at Izaak, Sevyn, Ainsley, and Summer.
CHRISTOPHER MILLER (CONT'D)
"You four underperformed. All of you held back when it mattered most."
The camera pans to their faces — Sevyn’s stoic, Izaak blinking rapidly, Ainsley swallowing hard, Summer’s eyes glassy but defiant.
TJ SHADOWS
"Let’s start with the men. Between Izaak and Miles, one of you didn’t rise to the challenge. This week wasn’t about strength — it was about release. And Izaak… you couldn’t let go."
The silence hangs thick.
TJ SHADOWS
"Your body language said it all. You didn’t trust yourself, your partner, or the process. That’s why… you’re the man leaving Top Prospect tonight."
Izaak lowers his head. Keiarna presses a hand to her chest, whispering, “Damn.” Miles clasps the back of Izaak’s neck, pulling him into a hug.
MILES
"You did your thing, bro. Hold your head high."
IZAAK
(nodding)
"I came here quiet. I’ll leave proud. I grew more here than I thought I would."
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL: IZAAK
"It hurts, yeah. But I can walk away knowing I learned to open up a little. That’s what this was about. I’ll miss these people… even the ones I didn’t think I would. Miles and I never spoke too much in the house but this challenge gave us the start of something new."
BACK TO SCENE
CHRISTOPHER MILLER
"Now, the women."
The camera cuts between Ainsley, Summer, and Sevyn — their eyes locked on the mentors, tension vibrating in the air.
CHRISTOPHER MILLER (CONT'D)
"All three of you struggled in your own way. Sevyn — your ego kept you from trusting your teammate. Ainsley — your fear held you back. Summer — you’ve had moments of brilliance, but too many valleys between your peaks."
Summer’s lip trembles, but she straightens her posture, defiant.
CHRISTOPHER MILLER (CONT'D)
"This wasn’t an easy choice. But after long discussion, we’ve decided that the woman leaving Top Prospect tonight is..."
He pauses. A heartbeat passes.
CHRISTOPHER MILLER (CONT'D)
"...*Summer.*"
The room goes silent. Sutton’s eyes widen, whispering, “No way.” Hunter shakes his head slowly.
CHRISTOPHER MILLER (CONT'D)
"You’ve had passion since day one, but the mentors feel you’ve plateaued. We’ve seen your fire — but not your evolution."
Summer breathes out sharply, nodding once.
SUMMER
"I came in here with a lot to prove, and I guess I proved most of it to myself. So… thank you."
She rises to hug her teammates. Sutton squeezes her tightly, whispering, “You were the heart of this team.”
Izaak joins her. The two eliminated competitors stand together near the center of the room — both from Team Miller.
TJ SHADOWS
"Two from the same team in one night. That’s heavy."
Shadows places a comforting hand on Miller’s back.
ANTONIO PARKS
"Sometimes growth comes from losing pieces that mean the most."
CHRISTOPHER MILLER
(firm, emotional)
"I’m proud of both of you. You represented what the Iron Standard stands for — fight, resilience, and respect. Hold your heads high."
They nod, collecting their bags. As the door opens, the sound of rain fills the silence.
Summer glances back one last time.
SUMMER
(to the group)
"Don’t waste your second chances."
The door closes behind them.
CUT TO – CONFESSIONAL MONTAGE:
SUTTON
"We’re down two now. The smallest we’ve ever been. People counted us out before, but this time… we might have to fight harder than we ever have."
AINSLEY
"Summer was my teammate, my rival, and my wake-up call. If I don’t evolve now, I’ll be the next one walking out that door."
MILES
"Seeing Izaak go hit different. That challenge opened the door for a friendship I never expected and I can’t wait to pursue that after show. But this game’s about survival — and it’s only getting uglier."
HALO
"Double eliminations change everything. Every bond gets tested. Every glance feels heavier."
CAIRO
“Team Miller is down to three team members now, just like Team Shadows, if we ever had a fighting chance it would be right f*cking now!”
KEIARNA
"Nobody’s safe anymore. Not after tonight."
FINAL SHOT:
The mentors walk out the front door into the rain, their reflections warping in puddles on the driveway. Inside, the mansion sits quiet — the tension thick, the walls echoing with everything unsaid.
NARRATOR (V.O.)
"Two gone. Ten remain. And with every fall, the trust they built starts to fracture."
FADE OUT.
“NEXT WEEK ON TOP PROSPECTS…”
*Quick flashes of the next episode tease — Sai crying in the hallway, The mentors reveal the weekly’s challenge will have them working with CHILDREN! The casts’ jaws drop while some seem happy to be working with children.
FADE OUT.
