Kayfabe

**Kayfabe** is the first episode of the first season of the Starz original wrestling drama *Heels*.

## Synopsis

While the owner of the Duffy Wrestling League has full control of whatever happens to transpire inside the ring, he struggles to enjoy the same levels of freedom and power as he tries to balance his professional and personal lives.

## Plot

As Jack and Big Jim wrestle in the ring, Staci and Thomas watch from ring side, along with the rest of the crowd. Staci cheers Jack on as he picks up the victory. However, she's the only one cheering, as the crowd collectively boos the champ. After picking up the victory, Jack grabs his title belt, and he launches the referee out of the ring and into the cameraman before grabbing a microphone to insult the crowd. However, his celebratory rant is cut short by Ace, who clotheslines Jack out of the ring before embracing Crystal with a kiss. Ace then picks up the mic and challenges Jack to a match for the championship. Jack agrees to wrestle him next week in the main event. As Jack heads backstage, Ace replies "Hey Jack, fuck you," which sends the crowd into a frenzy.

Backstage, Jack and the guys celebrate a successful night, though not without a few bumps, as Willie tells Jack about the broken lights. Jack then warns Ace against breaking off from the script and swearing, as kids attend the show. However, Ace is only concerned with the overwhelming chants from the crowd in his favor.

The next day, Staci awakens Thomas for church, who wonders if his dad will be joining them, but Stacie informs him that it is unlikely, as he's busy. Meanwhile, Willie enters the arena to discover a leak in the ceiling.

Jack returns home from his morning run and updates the website as Staci and Thomas prepare to leave for church. Staci pushes Jack to join them after missing the previous week, especially since Thomas heard them arguing last night. The subject then shifts to the four expensive fog machines Jack purchased without consulting Staci, who could've possibly purchased the same machines for less, as they're supposed to be saving and making the most of the money they have. When Staci suggests the possibility of her getting a job, Jack turns her down, as his mother never had to have a job when he was growing up. Before jumping in the shower, Jack reveals to Staci that he hasn't finished the script for the match between himself and Ace. He asks who should win. Stacie simply replies "Us."

Jack, Staci, and Thomas arrive at church, where they're greeted by Jack's mother, Carol, who embraces Thomas before asking about Ace, who lied and said he was sleeping over at Jack's.

Big Jim and his pregnant wife, Melanie, catch Ace on the other end of the church peeing on a tree for anyone to see. The three of them then head inside.

Staci performs with the church band as Ace enters with Big Jim and Melanie. Thomas notices him enter and motions towards his uncle, though Jack redirects his attention to Staci and her performance.

Afterwards, Ace and Big Jim join Carol across the street, where they reconvene with Staci and Melanie. Carol instructs Ace to be good to his brother, but as he reminds his mother, it is Jack who writes the scripts. They are joined by Thomas, who rushes into Ace's arms. Ace tells Thomas that he's going to need him in the crowd tonight, cheering him on as his biggest fan. Melanie then asks about Jack, who Staci explains is in his Jeep, as he doesn't like to be seen in public, especially during the day of a match, as they have to keep up the illusion of their rivalry, despite the fact that the townsfolk all know that it's fake, a concept that admittedly confuses Melanie. Jack then pulls up to pick up Staci and Thomas.

The guys are preparing for their first sold out show in a while. Apocalypse informs Bobby Pin that they used to sell out all the time back in the day, but it dried up. Jack bringing Ace on seems to have revitalized the company. Rooster joins them and reveals that he's been wrestling since he was 18 years old and has torn every ligament in his body. In every show, he puts on a five-star match, meanwhile Ace hasn't gotten a scratch on him and is already performing in main events. A bit envious, Rooster begins to train with Bobby Pin, who is new to the DWL and laughs when Rooster performs a move, which annoys Rooster, as Bobby was supposed to sell the move and pretend it hurt, even if there's no crowd. He then instructs Bobby Pin to deliver an elbow from the top rope so that he can show the newbie how to properly sell a move. However, when Bobby Pin lands on Rooster, he actually hurts him. Crystal explains to Bobby Pin exactly where he went wrong and advises him on how to better perform the move.

Willie watches a promotional ad from the Florida Wrestling Dystopia, a rival wrestling league, which visibly upsets her. She then joins Jack and asks about the script, which remains unfinished, as Jack isn't sure who should win. Willie suggests that Ace win the belt, as he's the main attraction, however, Jack argues that may not be in the best interest of the narrative. Willie then informs him that they're going to need a new ref, as Danny hurt his ankle when Jack threw him out of the ring. She then takes the time to inform him about Charlie Gully and his latest video, in which he takes aim at them. If they don't do something soon, it won't be long before his promotion runs them out of business, as they're packing places out all along north Florida. While Jack isn't too concerned with Charlie Gully and the FWD, Willie is very worried, and not just about the FWD. The dome also needs fixing due to the leaks, and the guys are going to move on if they don't begin being paid better. Not to mention, she wonders how they're going to convince people to come back after the battle between Jack and Ace finally happens. However, Jack believes that they already have the talent to maintain the audience, they simply need nicer equipment. Before exiting Jack's office, Willie asks who Jack thinks his dad would have win. Jack replies that it doesn't matter, as his father's dead.

Ace and Big Jim stop by the local concern store, where Ace shares his problems with Big Jim, though he seems certain everything will turn around when he becomes champion after defeating Jack. The cashier, Helen, catches Ace stealing gum and tells him to put it back. He often comes in stealing, and the only reason she doesn't call the cops is because Ace's dad was good to her family. When she remarks that Tom would be ashamed, Ace brings up a memory from when they were kids and how his dad once made an offensive joke regarding her and a stray dog she found.

Jack continues to struggle to come up with an end to his match with Ace. He then gets a call from Mr. Cooper.

Apocalypse continues his teachings with Bobby Pin. He explains that it isn't about winning or losing, rather getting over with the crowd. Whatever the outcome, his job is to either make the crowd love him or love to hate him. Diego started out as the "Venice Menace," but the fans didn't buy into his persona, and then one night, King Spade approached Diego and handed him a mask, and tells him that he's a Mexican luchador, and that was the beginning of Diego Cottonmouth and the fan's hatred for him.

Crystal asks Willie if there is an available locker in the guys' locker room, but Willie reminds Crystal that the locker room is strictly for wrestlers.

Jack and Willie runs through the night's events with the guys. When Bobby Pin attempts to offer his own ideas, Willie shuts him down and reminds him that Jack writes the scripts. Ace and Big Jim arrive late but in time for Jack to informs everyone that Big Jim will be winning the battle royal, making him the star of the night. Jack then reveals that for the main event, Ace will be pinned, which comes as a surprise to the guys, who were all under the assumption that Ace would be crowned champion.

Ace confronts Jack in the parking lot over his decision to have him lose the match. Jack reveals that's Charlie Gully is breathing down their necks, so he has to raise expectations and keep their fan base engaged. Jack worries what would keep the fans coming if Ace were to win. He believes that Ace losing and having to fight his way back to the top is an angel they can play on, but Ace simply wants to be champion, which isn't a concern to Jack, who then confronts Ace over his comments to Helen Cooper earlier. Jack reminds Ace that people need to believe that he's a good guy.

Ace storms into the locker room, where Big Jim doesn't seem too concerned with his problems. He simply leaves as Crystal enters. She reminds him that it's just a belt and explains to him how the match between him and Jack is going to unfold. Crystal reveals that she has been watching Ace's matches since she was little and says that sometimes losing is the best way to win over the crowd. She was at his last football game. She was 15 years old at the time. And even though she already knew who he was because he was King Spade's kid, there was something about seeing him alone on the field crying that made her feel for him. She then jokes that that's when she knew that one day she was going to put on a spandex leotard and hit someone with a steel chair for him. Ace and Crystal then begin to have sex in the locker room until being interrupted by Diego, who was using the restroom.

Jack pulls off on to the bridge, where he tests out his new cameras. On his way home, he comes to a stop, where he menacingly stares down a couple kids, remaining in character, as they take off running.

Jack arrives at the arena to discover that they have a visit from Wild Bill Hancock, Tom's old wrestling partner. The ladder matches they had is what led to Bill being discovered and becoming a superstar.

Jack and Wild Bill go to his office for a drink. There's a bit of tension between the two, as Jack believes Bill could've done more to help the company after he made it big time. Bill then reveals that he was sent back to Duffy to scout for Ace, as the executives believe he's a potential star. However, Jack isn't so sure. Bill asks what exactly it is Jack is looking to accomplish by running the DWL. Jack believes that he can bring life back into the business and reminds Bill that he's no better than them just because he went on to superstardom. However, Bill isn't convinced that the DWL will ever make it big league, informing Jack that his dad only started the business as a pastime and hobby. To Bill, the best Jack can hope for is that someone like Ace gets founded and escorted to better things. Upset with his take, Jack tells Bill to exit his office. Not long after, Jack looks out his window to see Bill giving Ace and Crystal the good news, which only seems to anger Jack further.

Ace has come up with his own ending to the match with Jack and shares it with him, Crystal, Big Jim, and Willie. The match ends with Ace as the victor, which Willie admits isn't a bad idea. Crystal adds that it'll also put Jack over more with the fans, which no one would expect. Big Jim remarks that it feels like the end of an era, to which Jack agrees. He is insistent that he retain the title and declares that the script remain as is.

Crystal suggests that they go celebrate after the match because even though Ace is set to lose, it will still be his big break with Wild Bill, who just so happens to pull up in the parking lot and drive off with Ace after first stopping to pick up his old 2x4.

Bill hands Ace a prescription of oxy and asks about his relationship with Crystal, who Ace claims is simply his valet. Bill believes they can find him someone better, but for tonight, Bill just needs to see Ace in action. They also discuss Jack and the business, and his unwillingness to adapt, which has caused a strain. Bill believes that Jack is holding Ace back and attempting to keep him from claiming what he rightfully deserves. He advises Ace to send Jack a message. Back in the day, he and Tom would make sure a few punches landed for real.

The wrestlers take photos and give their autograph with fans in the parking lot of the DWL leading up to tonight's matches, though Ace is nowhere in sight, and Staci and Thomas are at the front of the line, waiting to see him.

Jack climbs the old water tower, where he finds Big Jim and tells him about his plan to turn him heel. This'll allow for them to continue the story after Ace leaves. However, Big Jim likes being a face and being seen as a good man around town. More importantly, he's retiring after tonight's match. His baby is coming with Melanie, who is in constant fear for his life and wants him to work a safer job. That said, Jim is still willing to turn heel in tonight's match if that's what Jack needs, but he has a change of heart. Big Jim also asks Jack not to tell Ace, as it'll mess up his head.

Ace enters Jack's office and tells him that he wants to win, as he wants his picture on the wall along with Jack and their father. And after he makes it big, he could come back and help the DWL, but Jack is certain that if Ace makes it big, he'll never return to Duffy. Ace questions why Jack can't just be happy for him. Jack claims that he is happy and tells Ace to leave if that's what he truly desires. However, Ace doesn't want to leave without first holding the title, though Jack turns him down yet again and encourages Ace to head downstairs and to greet his fans.

Ace joins Crystal in the parking lot, bypassing her and greeting his fans, evening picking Thomas up on his shoulders as they chant his name.

Crystal sneaks into the locker room, though she is caught by Willie, who once again reminds her that the locker room is for wrestlers, not valets. However, Crystal isn't just a valet. She claims that she can wrestle, though Willie isn't interested in hearing her out.

Jack heads into the parking lot, where he takes some oxy and joins Bill, who awaits him with the 2x4.

Willie enters Jack's office and tells him to get dressed. He makes note of the fog machines before asking Willie what she would be doing if not working for the DWL. She swiftly replies tournament bask fishing and then tells Jack to address the guys, but by the time they make it to the locker room, Wild Bill has already given the guys a pep talk.

Staci, Thomas, and Melanie are in attendance. In the opening match, Rooster goes up against Bobby Pin. Then Diego takes on an opponent. Later that night, the battle royal takes place.

Staci joins Jack backstage to wish him good luck and discuss Ace's opportunity. She then confronts him about the go-pros he bought without consulting her again, which he apologizes for. She then kisses him goodbye and tells him to be safe. On her way back to ring side, she asks what he decided for the finish. Jack replies "it don't matter. It ain't real."

After Big Jim wins the battle royal, Ace waits by the tunnel for his cue to enter. Crystal asks if he's taking her with him when he leaves Duffy, but Ace doesn't respond, though his silence speaks volume. They are interrupted by Jack. who Ace informs that he no longer cares about the belt or winning. All he has to do is get through this match, and he gets to leave Duffy and Jack has to stay until he ends up killing himself like their dad. This remark angers Jack so much so that he aggressively grabs Ace by the throat, and Ace does the same until Apocalypse breaks them up. High off his win, Big Jim embraces them all after winning the battle royal.

Jack enters the arena first. Ace follows shortly after with a 2x4 in his hand and Crystal at his side. In a fit of rage, Jack breaks from the scripts and attacks Ace from behind, placing him in an arm bar, forcing the referee to call the match in order to prevent Jack from breaking Ace's arm. Ace pleads with Jack to stop as the referee calls for the bell. Wild Bill, Willie, Staci, and the others watch in complete disbelief at what just unfolded. In retaliation, Ace, with a sore arm, punches Jack out of the ring. The crowd then erupts with anger and begins throwing their food and drinks in protest after being cheated out of a match. Ace stands center ring as the crowd unleashes their anger. Crystal, Staci, and Thomas watch helplessly. Meanwhile, Wild Bill appears amused and Jack simply leaves.

## Cast

* Alexander Ludwig as Ace Spade
* Alison Luff as Staci Spade
* Mary McCormack as Willie Day
* Kelli Berglund as Crystal Tyler
* Allen Maldonado as Rooster Robbins
* James Harrison as Apocalypse
* Roxton Garcia as Thomas Spade
* Chris Bauer as Wild Bill Hancock
* Robby Ramos as Diego Cottonmouth
* Duke Davis Roberts as Big Jim Kitchen
* Alice Barrett-Mitchell as Carol Spade
* Erica Pappas as Melanie Kitchen
* Marcia DeBonis as Debbie
* Mike O'Malley as Charlie Gully

Co-Starring* Travis Cottle as Church Musician
* Tatom Pender as Helen
* Tracy Goode as Farmer
* Elliott Dixon as Tony
* Perry Hawx as Denny the Ref

## Trivia

* In professional wrestling, Kayfabe is a shorthand term for the portrayal of staged events within the industry as real.

## Gallery

### Videos

'Spade Brothers Feud' Ep.1 Clip - Heels - STARZ‘Wrestling Training’ Ep 1. Clip - Heels - STARZThe Cast Discusses Ep. 1 - Heels - STARZ‘Brothers in the Ring’ Ep 1. Clip - Heels - STARZHeels Free Full Episode 1 - 'Kayfabe' - Season 1