ring king
RING KING 2025
The big night is finally here! Four of the best will step into the Ring King Semi Finals, looking to make OSW history. Who'll become King? Meanwhile, a huge fatal four way for the OSW World Championship is sure to steal the show.
By Any Means
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play â–º symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
The camera cuts through smoke and dust. Broken stone pillars. Shattered glass. The ruined chamber of the old War Room—once the heart of the Pantheon, now a graveyard of memories.
Amidst the rubble, Zeus sits on a fractured slab of marble. His golden robe is dulled, ash-streaked. His chest rises and falls with laboured breath, the weight of immortality finally cracking.
Into frame steps Ares. The God of War. His boots crunch on debris as he approaches, brow furrowed in confusion.
“You shouldn’t be here,” Ares says, his voice tense. “This place is cursed. You almost died here.”
Zeus exhales, shaking his head. “There’s a lot to do, Ares,” he says, tone grave. “And so little time to do it.”
Ares’ eyes narrow. “I don’t understand.”
Zeus finally looks up, the firelight reflecting in weary eyes. “I need you to ready Cade,” he says. “For leadership. By any means necessary. Support him—just as you have supported me, all these years.”
Ares stiffens.
“The boy is stubborn,” he mutters. “Not easily trained. He questions everything. He isn’t you. He can’t be you.”
Zeus grips the edge of the stone, his voice dropping like a thunderclap.
“When I say ‘by any means necessary’… I mean it. Arcadia depends on it.”
Ares stares. The weight of the command sinks in. And then Zeus speaks the words that freeze him to the core.
“I’m dying.”
Ares stumbles back, as though struck. He drops to his knees at Zeus’ side, eyes wide with disbelief.
“No… no, my Baron. You can’t—”
“The explosion,” Zeus interrupts. He looks around the ruined chamber, scarred walls bearing silent witness. “It was the beginning of my end. My body is failing. The doctors… they’ve given me months.”
A long silence.
Zeus places a hand on Ares’ shoulder, firm, final. “My son must be ready.”
Ares bows his head, jaw clenched, the loyal soldier kneeling before the only man he has ever served.
“Then I will ready him,” Ares vows, voice trembling with fury and devotion. “Or I’ll die trying.”
The camera lingers on the image—Zeus, weakened but regal, and Ares kneeling in the ashes of the past.
Cut
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have a big Ring King Semi-Finals matchup folks. Last years Killer King defends his crown against an unlikely contender in the Enigmatic Night. The man who may well be the sentimental favorite for the crowd but he has a hell of a task ahead of him here.
MATT RUBY: It's a no contest here BB. Jasper Redgrave has won several tournaments including Ring King and not only was the person to dethrone CJ Thorpe to become World Champion, but the man to end his life in the same night. The Night may have gotten Arcadia's favor because he spilled the beans on Gemini but he ain't got a chance in hell against the soon to be two time King.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Jasper Redgrave may be incredibly accomplished but he has a habit of losing focus at the worst of times. The man is stretched tonight with not only a possible Ring King finals but defending his tag team championship. If he slips up, even for a moment against of the calibre of the Night, he'll lose that crown once and for all.
The bell sounds as Redgrave rushes forward, looking to nearly decapitate the smaller Night with a brutal Lariat. Night ducks underneath, baseball sliding under Jaspers legs before rolling forward as he bounces off the ropes.
NIGHT CAP....DAMN NEAR BOUNCES OFF REDGRAVE!
The Night unleashes a Leaping Shoulder Tackle that barely staggers back Redgrave let alone put him down but The Night isn't deterred. Rushing to the ropes again
SECOND NIGHT CAP!
THEN A THIRD!
Each Shoulder Tackle sending the bigger monster back a few more paces
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Night has Redgrave teetering on his feet here, trying to knock down the big man but it's much easier said then done.
The Enigma rushes to the ropes once more, springboarding off the ropes for more leverage as he leaps at Redgrave
WHO MOVES AS THE NIGHT ZOOMS THROUGH THE ROPES TO THE CONCRETE FLOOR WITH A SELF INFLICTED SUICIDE DIVE!
Jasper smiles that sadistic smile as we hear the thunk of skull against concrete, The Night's impacting into the unforgiving floor.
MATT RUBY: You were saying BB? Our Killer King is just too smart as The Night's allready finished himself off here.
Redgrave just stands there, watching the Night slowly pull himself up as Cole Holt begins to count him down.
ONE
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TWO
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THREE
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FOU...REDGRAVE BREAKS THE HOLD AS THE NIGHT GETS TO HIS FEET
BIG BOOT TO THE JAW!
The Night stumbles back first into the ring apron, Jasper driving the full 240+ pound force into him with a body check before pulling him up onto the apron. He lifts his feet onto the ring ropes before jumping down and grabbing The Nights head in one fluid motion.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: BLOOD ON THE CONCRETE! ROPE HUNG DDT SENDING THE NIGHT'S SKULL BACK INTO THE CONCRETE FLOOR! And Jasper loves every bit of it like the sick bastard he is.
Redgrave chuckles, that sadistic smile a mile wide as he pulls the groggy Night up to his feet, and tosses him back into the ring before rolling back in himself.
The Night stumbles up his feet bloodied and dazed as he swings wild at The Artist who dodges the strike almost effortlessly before delivering a hard Superkick right on the jaw that sends The Night stumbling back into the ropes.
The Night bounces back as Jasper spins
BUT THE ENIGMA DUCKS UNDERNEATH THE ELBOW!
SPRINGBOARDING OFF THE ROPES, NAILING A CROSSBODY BLOCK THAT TAKES DOWN REDGRAVE!
HE NAILS ANOTHER!
A hard kick to the gut stuns Jasper as The Night grips him in a headlock before rushing to the ropes, spinning around
AND PLANTING HIM WITH A TORNADO SPIKE DDT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Night is somehow coming back, refusing to die here as he's got the Killer King on the ropes.
The Night rushes to the ropes once more, standing on the middle rope as he begs for Redgrave to stagger up to his feet, leaping off
RIGHT INTO A DECAPITATING DISCUS CLOTHESLINE! SANGUINE ABSURRDISSSMMM!
MATT RUBY: You were saying BB?
The Night stumbles to his feet right into a brutal knee to the sternum as he's lifted up high, Redgrave using his superior strength to effortlessly hoist the Shadow into the air before yeeting him forward
VANISHING POINT! CRUCIFIX POWERBOMB RIGHT INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!
The Night screams out in pain, holding his back in agony but he doesn't go down. Stumbling right into a
GOOZLE
SPLATTERED EXPRESSIONISM!
POP
UP
CHOKESLAM!
MATT RUBY: That's it. The Night is done and dusted. Get that crown ready for our Killer King BB.
Redgrave smiles, placing one foot on the downed Night as Cole Holt slides in to count
ONE
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TWO
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THR.....
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ANKLE LOCK!
The Night swings the foot off his midsection, twisting it into a submission out of nowhere as Redgrave starts screaming in pain. Trying to kick The Night off him but the Enigma refuses to let go, slowly standing up as Redgrave is left on one leg
BEFORE HE ANKLE PICKS HIM DOWN THROAT FIRST ONTO THE MIDDLE ROPE!
Redgrave is stunned on the ropes as The Night kips to his feet, rushing to the ropes and diving forward
DELIVERING A RUNNING SENTON DRIVING JASPER'S THROAT FURTHER INTO THE ROPES!
Redgrave staggers to his feet, gagging and sputtering as The Night urges him forward. Redgrave scowls, rushing at The Night
Who sidesteps, sending Redgrave rushing through the middle ropes to the floor below.
Redgrave lands on his feet but he can barely turn around before The Night dives over the ropes
WITH SOME NIGHT AND DAY! SPRINGBOARDING SENTON PLANCHA CRUSHING REDGRAVE ONTO THE CONCRETE!
The crowd are on their feet, chanting the Night's name as the Enigma pulls up the groggy Redgrave, tossing him back into the ring before getting onto the apron
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Come on kid, go for it. End this pompous asshole once and for all
Redgrave stumbles to his feet as The Night springboards off the top rope
DARKNESS FALLS! SEAN-TON BOMB TO A STANDING REDGRAVE!
Redgrave collapses to the mat, The Night looking for the killing blow as he waits for the Artist to slowly stand to his feet before he leaps up the ropes
AND DELIVERS THE KILLER KING INTO THE NIGHT WITH THE SOL SNATCHER!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: YES! That has to be it, come on Night, beat this prick once and for all.
The Night collapses, the pure adrenaline fading as he droops one arm over the fallen Redgrave, Cole Holt sliding in to count
ONE
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TWO
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THREE!!!
MATT RUBY: ZEUS DAMNIT! Jasper was supposed to win, he was my bet to win it all once again and somehow this scrub managed the upset of the century here.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That "scrub" is the man one victory away from becoming the next Ring King. The man who's on the absolute top of his game as he just beat the former Ring King and OSW World Champion clean in the ring.
MATT RUBY: Well he's also put me 5000 credits in the whole thanks to beating Redgrave. Sure victory my ass.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Either way, The Night picks up an incredible victory here tonight and may well be the King of Bones by the end of tonight but he has a hell of a night left ahead for him.
Patience
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have one finalist now! We’ll soon decide the second!
MATT RUBY: It’s about to pop off here right now.
Jasper Redgrave stands alone in the ring now. Well, not alone. He’s been joined by another.
Nero.
Redgrave doesn’t flinch.
“Easy now,” Jasper says, raising a hand, mock concern in his voice. “Patience is a virtue, Lucien.”
He gestures to the stage where the video screen fires up.
Somewhere backstage, we see a giant cage, covered by a drape. Through the fabric, shapes writhe. The outlines unmistakable.
A woman. A boy. Their silhouettes chained, separated by the bars, desperate and still.
Nero takes a step forward, but Redgrave blocks him with a finger in the air.
“Tonight,” Redgrave says with a grin, “after the tag title match… they’re yours. You’ve danced enough. God’s wrath can wait. I’m a man of my word.”
MATT RUBY: A man of his word, BB!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Jasper Redgrave is a lot of things, Ruby, but virtuous isn’t one of them.
Before Nero can respond, a third man walks out onto the stage.
Jackson Cade.
The second Ring King semi-finalist strides down the ramp, eyes flicking between Redgrave and Nero. He steps through the ropes, shoulders squared, as he approaches Redgrave.
“You better not be lying,” Cade says, voice low but sharp. “If you are… I’ll tear you apart, one lie at a time.”
Redgrave laughs. “Look at you. Little Zeus—already taking after daddy.”
That lands hard. Cade’s jaw tightens, but Redgrave just smirks and steps through the ropes, hopping down to the floor.
He waves cheerfully as he backs up the ramp. “Go win, kid. You’ve got that dictator-blood in you now. Time to prove it.”
Cade stares after him, unsettled.
Nero turns, stepping closer.
“I’ve been looking forward to this,” he mutters. “This is your fault too.”
Cade doesn’t reply. He just steps into his corner.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The emotionally charged match between these two men is next!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Welcome ladies and gentlemen to Ring King and the very first of our two Semi-Final matches tonight. Four competitors will duke it out tonight as two victories will be all they need to become the Ring King for 2025. And this first matchup, it is an absolute doozy.
MATT RUBY: We've got the digital pervert versus the bastard nepo child here BB. Both men are linked to much greater wrestlers as of late and both are goody two shoe suckers who can't hold a candle to the soon to be two time King. I'm just hoping these two beat the crap out of eachother so badly that whoever manages to survive can't even get to the finals.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Either way one of these two men will have to not only fight but survive through three matches tonight but if anyone can do it, it's these two.
The bell sounds as Jackson explodes out of the corner, leaping high into the air as he looks for an extremly early Hostile Down that Nero is easily able to avoid. He ducks underneath, leaping off the middle rope before wrapping himself around Cade's head and sending him flying. Cade stumbles up
ARM DRAG
ANOTHER ARMDRAG
Cade stumbles up as Nero rushes to the corner, leaping up to the top
CRASH OVERRIDE! TOP ROPE STANDING MOONSAULT!
Nero stays down for the cover, River Moonfoot sliding in to count as Cade struggles on the mat
ONE
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TW.... CADE MANAGES TO KICK OUT!
Jackson stumbles to his feet as Nero rolls backwards, leaping up
FIREW....NO! Cade sees the Superkick coming, managing to roll to the outside and give himself a breather.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Cyberhound all over Cade in the early goings, Cade may well be out of his depths here.
Jackson breathes here on the apron, trying to get his bearings but Nero rushes forward
SUICIDE DIVE THROUGH THE ROPES SENDING JACKSON INTO THE BARRICADE!
The crowd roars as Nero delivers a few hard kicks and punches to the prone Cade before grabbing him by the scruff of the neck and tossing him back into the ring. Nero stays on the apron though, sizing up a rising Cade before rolling through the ropes
RIGHT INTO AN INCENDIARY ROUND! BULLHAMMER NAILS NERO RIGHT ON THE BUTTON!
Nero is rocked but not off his feet as he stumbles into the corner. Cade shaking the cobwebs off before rushing forward
BUT THE SPLASH HITS NOTHING BUT STEEL!
Nero is right behind Jackson, sliding him down to the mat in a modified cradle. Moonfoot sliding down to count once more as Cade struggles to get out
ONE
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TWO
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THR...CADE JUST MANAGES TO KICK OUT!
MATT RUBY: The would be ruler getting his ass handed to him here, shame his daddies can't help him here.
Cade rolls to his knees, Nero signalling that it was 'this close' to a scowl from Perseus who scrambles up to his feet. He rushes at Nero, surprising him with a few hard lefts and rights but the Reboot ducks underneath another Bullhammer, rocking Cade with an Enziguri before rushing to the ropes and leaping off
PACKET...NO!
Cade ducks underneath the Cutter, Nero managing to roll to his feet, rushing forward
RIGHT INTO A DROP TOE HOLD!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Cade using his superior in ring technique to sucker in Nero there, dropping him not throat first but shoulder first onto the middle rope.
Nero stumbles up, holding his arm right into a hard uppercut before Cade leaps up
KIMURA LOCK!
Cade bends the arm backwards, trying to take Nero down to the mat but the Reboot is fighting with hard punches and elbows with the good arm. A good kick to the abdomen manages to loosen the hold enough for Nero to get out as he rushes to the ropes, leaping off
RIGHT INTO A POWERBOMB! Cade showing off his power advantage here as he plants Nero into the canvas but he doesn't cover, instead flipping Nero onto his back as he traps his good arm in between his legs before pulling the bad arm back with all his strength
LOCKING IN SOME POLICE BRUTALITY WITH THE RINGS OF SATURN!
Nero screams out in pain, River sliding down right into his face asking if he taps but Nero refuses. Gritting his teeth as he tries to drag himself backwards to get to the ropes, Cade pulling back with all his strength.
Nero's head shudders, almost looking like he's about to give in
BUT HE MANAGES TO SWING ONE OF HIS LEGS ONTO THE BOTTOM ROPE, FORCING THE BREAK!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Nero still somehow in this but he has to be almost done now. That right arm looks almost limp from the sheer amount of punishment Jackson had inflicted upon it.
Cade gets to his feet, slowly pulling Nero up as he lifts him up high, looking for a Brainbuster
Nero slips out
POISON RANA OUT OF NOWHERE!
Cade gets dropped on the back of his head, stumbling up as he swings wild
Nero ducking under
FIREWALL! SUPERKICK RIGHT ON THE BUTTON DROPS CADE DOWN TO HIS KNEES!
Nero rushes to the ropes, bouncing off
SHINING WIZARD!
Nero isn't done, rushing to the other side before Cade can fall
SHINING WIZARD TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He calls that the 64 Gigs of Ram! That brutal combination strike may well be it, Nero flopping back for the cover
River slides in, counting the lateral press cover
ONE
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TWO
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THRE....
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FOOT ON THE ROPES!
MATT RUBY: Zeus Damnit! Cade once again gets a fluke save. Can't this digital pervert do anything right?
Nero slowly gets up, trying to psyche himself up as he looks for the end. Managing to pull Cade up to his feet but as he tries to lift him up into the air, his right arm gives out.
Cade dropping back onto his feet
HEADBUTT
Cade lifts Nero up
SPIKING HIM DOWN TO THE MAT WITH THE MASTER KEY BRAINBUSTER!
Cade is breathing hard but he's not done as he slowly, but surely climbs up to the top rope. Stalling for a moment as he catches his breath before diving forward
SOARING LIKE A SCREAMING EAGLE AS HE DRIVES HIS ELBOW INTO THE HEART OF NERO!
The crowd roars for Perseus, the former multi time world champion slowly stumbling into the corner as he begins to stamp
ONCE
TWICE
THRICE
Each stamp reverberating with the roar of the crowd, Nero slowly staggering to his feet as Jackson sprints forward
NERO LEAPS OVER JACKSON, WRAPPING HIS LEGS AROUND HIS HEAD AS HE DOES
DROPPING HIM ONTO HIS HEAD WITH ANOTHER POISON RANA!
Nero doesn't waste time, quickly rushing to the corner as he leaps up to the top rope before diving backwards
PACKET FAILURE! SUPER LEAPING CUTTER!
Jackson gets driven down into the mat, Nero just having enough energy to flip him over before collapsing an arm over in a cover. Moonfoot sliding down to count
ONE
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TWO
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THREE!!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Nero has done it! The Red Reboot has beaten Jackson Cade as he moves onto the Ring King Finals and one step closer to becoming the Rogue King.
MATT RUBY: But what's going to be left of this idiot after this match? Not only does he have another match to gain that crown, but he's gotta go through a tag team championship match too. Can he even make it to the finals in his state?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He's just gotta hope that it's somehow Redgrave facing him otherwise it'll be an incredible uphill battle come the main event time.
Game Over
The screen fades in to pitch black. A single dangling bulb hums to life, its light weak and sickly.
In the middle of the room, a man sits tied to a chair. A burlap bag covers his head, his chest heaving with quick, panicked breaths. Sweat stains his shirt.
From somewhere in the shadows, a voice echoes—smooth, calm, but razor sharp.
“Tell me… do you feel like you accomplished what we set out to do? Our plan?”
The man nods furiously under the bag. The chair creaks with the motion.
There’s a pause. Then the voice answers, colder.
“I would agree. I think you played your role to perfection. Sometimes, a role to play is but a role to play and nothing more. Sometimes… sometimes, the bigger role is to play dead.”
The man’s head stills. His breathing grows frantic. A muffled plea squeaks through the burlap, but it’s cut short by the metallic click of a gun hammer being drawn back.
BANG!
A single shot. The bulb swings violently with the sound. Blood sprays against the bag as the man’s body slumps lifeless in the chair.
The voice exhales, measured. Almost bored.
“Either way… your part in this little charade is over.”
The bulb flickers. The screen cuts to black.
Cut
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The tension is thick enough tonight to cut with a knife. Ayame has just been trying to help and is sick of Cap’s attacks on her.
MATT RUBY: And in true Captain Arcadia fashion, his paranoia has gotten the better of him. He’s expecting the Kingdom to jump him at any moment, no matter how many times she can protest her innocence.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It’s mutual distrust Ruby that can only end one way.
The match begins with both competitors circling one another. Ayame sniffing out the weaknesses of her foe and Arcadia biding time until he can make his break. Ayame’s body tenses ready to pounce, but Arcadia senses the danger and grabs her by the wrist.
THE LAST LINE!
RIPCORD LARIAT TURNS WOLF FANG AYAME INSIDE OUT!
Ayame tries to pull herself up using the ring ropes for support, but Cap comes in hot, kicking her in the midsection hard enough to send her soaring into the air. She rolls onto her back, and Arcadia is on her in an instant.
He moves to clobber Ayame with mounted strikes…
BUT AYAME GRABS HIM INTO A TRIANGLE HOLD, DIGGING HER CLAW-LIKE NAILS INTO ARCADIA’S NECK!
CAP STRUGGLES FREE, BUT THE SCRATCHES MAKE THEIR MARK!
AND THIS TIME AYAME POUNCES!
TAIL STRIKE SENDS CAPTAIN ARCADIA REELING INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!
MATT RUBY: I’ve had many a night out with the ladies of the night that have ended this way. I’m no stranger to the claws of lust.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I’m pretty sure there’s no lust here, and I’d say those claws hurt one hell of a lot more than anything you’ve ever experienced.
Ayame wastes no time charging off across the ring at Cap, giving him no time to recover out of the corner.
BOOM!
ON THE HUNT!
CORNER ENZIGUIRI NAILS HER FOE AND HE FLOPS TO THE CANVAS!
Ayame looks towards the skies, climbing the turnbuckle and lining Cap up.
HEAVEN’S HOW- NO!
GRASPS OF JUSTICE!
CAPTAIN ARCADIA PLUCKS HER OFF THE TOP ROPE WITH THE REVERSE FRANKENSTEINER!
HE SLAMS HER INTO THE MAT!
Wolf Fang Ayame is down, giving Arcadia a moment’s reprise from her onslaught. Taking the time to recover, he creates enough distance between them to lay in wait.
As soon as Ayame stirs, he’s ready for her.
PUNCH OF THE BROTHERS!
SUUUPERMAN PUNCH KNOCKS HER CLEAN OVER THE TOP ROPE AND DOWN TO THE RINGSIDE FLOOR!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What a punch from Captain Arcadia. He put all he had behind that one and knocked her clean out of the ring.
MATT RUBY: Foolishness. How can he pin her if she’s outside the ring?
But Captain Arcadia has no intention of pinning Ayame. He climbs the turnbuckle.
STAR SPANGLED SPLASH TO THE OUTSIDE!
HE LEAPS… HE SOARS… HE HITS NOTHING BUT FUCKING CONCRETE!
AYAME SCAMPERS OUT OF THE WAY AND CAP CRASHES AND BURNS!
But she doesn’t give him any time to reflect on his errors. She flings him back into the ring and slides in after him. He stirs as she enters, trying to force himself to a vertical base.
CRESCENT MOON KICK!
SHE NAILS IT AND CAP IS FLAT ON HIS BACK!
Ayame covers for the pin!
ONE!
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TWO!
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…
…
THRE-NO!
Kick out in the nick of time!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I thought she had it there!
MATT RUBY: As close as close gets. But now Cap has to dig deep to stop the inevitable from happening.
He may still be in this, but Cap is on dream street. Ayame pulls him to his feet. Instinctively, he lashes out, catching her with a strike that staggers her.
THE LAST LINE!
RIPCORD LARIAT HITS AND CAP CLIMBS THE TURNBUCKLE!
STAR SPANGLED SPLASH HITS THIS TIME!
CAP PINS!
ONE!
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TWO!
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THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That’s it. It’s all over. Captain Arcadia survives out of instinct and takes down Wolf Fang Ayame.
The Cooldown
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: These two pushed each other to the absolute limit here tonight!
MATT RUBY: Yeah, but given that dipshit Arcadia's paranoia and Ayame's boiling rage, something tells me that limit's going to be tested.
The Captain and the Wolf push themselves back to their feet, both pairs of eyes staring a hole through one another as they do. Upon standing, they unsteadily walk towards one another with gritted teeth, waiting for the other to make the first move.
Ultimately, neither of them do. Instead, Ayame takes a deep sigh before attempting to calm her foe down.
"Listen," she sternly begins "I've told you multiple times now that I'm not a part of the Kingdom. The 'Wolf' in my name wasn't given to me by some lunatic that wants to cleanse Arcadia." Cap sneers in response before piping up.
"Even if that's true, who's to say that Sebastian hadn't recruited you in secret!? How am I supposed to trust you when you could be tricking me right now!?" Ayame rubs her temples in frustration.
MATT RUBY: Think, dumbass! If she were in the Kingdom, she'd be mauling you to shreds right now! Hell, I'm surprised she hasn't done that already!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I reckon she's trying to deescalate the situation, Ruby. While she's definitely agitated, she's at least trying to make sure fists don't start flying after their match.
"What can I do to prove to you I'm not with them?" The Wolf asks, agitated. "Just say what I have to do, and I'll do it."
"I'll tell ya what you can do," Arcadia begins. "You can walk out of this ring right now, and maybe then I'll believe you about not being a part of the Kingdom."
The two of them stare at one another, with the Captain smirking cockily as Ayame contemplates her options. Eventually, she nods and takes her leave from the ring, much to Cap's shock.
"If this will get you to understand that I'm not one of them," she shouts to her former opponent, "then so be it. However, if I catch you trying to attack me outside of a match again, I'll make you realize the truth through my claws!"
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Wolf Fang has made her point here against Arcadia here tonight! Hopefully that quells his anxieties at least a little now.
Cut.
No More Curtains
Mr. Sunshine stands by the curtain, gently adjusting his cuffs. Humming something soft. Off-key. The same three notes. Over and over.
His smile is back on his face. But it’s…wrong. Forced. Painted on with too much pressure.
Narcissa approaches. She is dressed to kill her arms folded and chin held high.She watches him hum for a moment.
“You really think there’s still a show after this?”
He keeps humming.
“There’s not. After tonight, the Sunshine Club is cancelled. FOR GOOD!!!.”
His hand stops mid-adjustment.The humming dies. He doesn’t move. Doesn’t breathe.
“Cancelled…?”
Slowly, he turns to her. Smile twitching. One eye wide. The other glassy.
“No…No, no, no. You don’t get to say that.This is mine. This is all I have.”
“Not anymore.”
“They laughed. They clapped. I made them happy.”
Sunshine steps toward Narcissa.
“Why would you take that from me?”
“Because you turned it into a crime scene.”
The smile fades. Now Sunshine begins breathing hard.
“Then I guess this isn’t the final episode…It’s the series finale.”
A voice shouts from down the hall:
“You’re up!”
They walk to the curtain. He’s still smiling. But something behind his eyes is gone.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You can’t help but feel for Mr. Sunshine recently, his world has been turned upside down, his mind seemingly warped by the Saga of the Kingdom, his feud with fellow entertainer Felix Foley, and now seeing his show, his stage, his set built in an image he wholly doesn’t know. It’s broken poor Charlie Boye, and some would say Narcissa’s lack of empathy is what’s led us here tonight.
MATT RUBY: Oh, blow it out of your old hat, BB. If I had Narcissa as an image consultant, well, let’s say I wouldn’t be sitting next to you.
Referee River Moonfoot calls for the bell, and we’re underway as Charlie launches himself out of his corner, instability in his eyes. Running Crossbody Block – CATCH – UPRISING! Bicycle Knee Strike measured and delivered to the unprotected cheek of Cheery Charlie, sending Mr. Sunshine sprawling!
Narcissa pauses for a moment to blow the dust off her cuticles as Positivity Personified attempts to push himself back to his feet. Narcissa turns to Charlie, rushing at Mr. Sunshine as he’s on his knees, Running Knee – No! Charlie ducks out of the way, sweeping the leg of Hera and putting her back on the canvas as Mr. Sunshine quickly stands up.
Charlie immediately latches onto Hera’s ankles and begins spinning the Designer with the Big Swing – SUNRISE, SUNSET!
AS THE CROWD COUNTS THE ROTATIONS!
“ONE!”
“TWO!”
“THREE!”
“FOUR!”
“FIVE!”
“SIX!”
“SEVEN!”
“EIGHT!”
“NINE!”
“TEN!”
The crowd erupts as Sunshine releases Narcissa, sending her flying into the corner as Sunshine staggers around, having made himself dizzy, as Hera pulls herself to her feet. Charlie sees his target and locks in going in for the Giant Bear Hug – COVER ME IN – LOVE – BLINDED BY LOVE!
Hera lunges at the eyes of Cheery Charlie, thumbs first, and hits the STO with her thumbs dug in deep.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I hate this move; it’s always gross to see someone’s eyes dug into!
MATT RUBY: Whatever gets you the advantage, Bronco!
As Charlie writhes in pain on the canvas, Narcissa wipes her thumbs of the tears from Charlie before grabbing him by his hair and pulling him to his feet! Narcissa hits the ropes coming up behind Mr. Sunshine – BACK IN FASHION – NO! - Sunshine sidesteps the Natural Selection, causing Narcissa to land flat on her ass in a seated position.
Charlie hits the ropes. CATCH ME! Running Cross Body Block to the seated Hera! Sunshine collides hard with Narcissa, knocking the wind out of her and going for the pin as Moonfoot makes the count!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE?
...
...
NO! NARCISSA MANAGES TO SLIP HER SHOULDER OFF THE CANVAS!
Sunshine looks to stay on the advantage, pulling Narcissa off the mat...
*CRUNCH!*
Narcissa slips a sly knee to the groin of Sunshine, doubling over Positivity Personified!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: How did Moonfoot miss that?!
MATT RUBY: Miss what, Bronco? All I saw was a swift knee to the gut, perfectly legal.
Narcy Doll manages to snatch the arm of Cheery Charlie, pulling the Ripcord and Hitting the Spinning Heel Kick – REVOLUTION – NO SUNSHINE PIROUETTES OUT OF IT – WELCOME TO THE SUNSHIE CLUB – LAYING OUT NARCY WITH FULL NELSON FLAPJACK! Mr. Sunshine manages to roll Hera over while clutching his testicles, covering Narcissa as River makes the count!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE?
...
...
MOONFOOT’S HAND COMES DOWN FOR THE THREE COUNT!
MATT RUBY: That cheater, you saw he raked Narcissa’s eyes at the end there and had a handful of tights.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You’re so full of pig excrement, your eyes are starting to turn brown, there, Ruby. The man had one hand over Narcissa and the other nursing his *eh-hem* happy place, no way he could’ve logically had a handful of tights!
MATT RUBY: How dare you bring logic into this, BB!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Death takes on the Survivor as Tombstone goes to battle with Slade Kincaid in our next contest.
MATT RUBY: Slade’s got this one in the bag. No one can put Major Kincaid six feet under.
Mills Stanton calls for the bell, and we read the Major’s lips, “You want me, Ferryman, come get all of me!” As he taunts Tombstone to bring it and a massive right hand from The Already Dead rocks Kincaid’s shit, but Slade, ever present, manages to catch Tombstone with an enormous left!
Right by The King of Damnation!
Left by The Walking War!
Right by The Ferryman!
Left by The Peacekiller!
MATT RUBY: It’s like marching orders out here tonight, Bronco! Left, Right, Left, Right, neither man is giving an inch!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: When two bulls butt heads, you’ll only find violence, Ruby!
Right from the Ferryman – SLIPPED by Kincaid!
Slade shoots in for a Single-Leg Takedown, driving through the hips of The Already Dead with military precision before transitioning into the Crossface and pushing Tombstone to the point of NO RETURN! As Kincaid locks in the S-Grip and rolls his hips back to crank on the neck of Tombstone!
MATT RUBY: Give it up, Ferryman, the Peacekiller’s always one step ahead of you!
Tombstone pushes back, rolling into the pressure and lifting The Major up under his arm before The Already Dead tosses The Major upside-down and as The Ferryman drops to his knees for the Tombstone Piledriver...
Kincaid slips...
And is sickeningly spiked on his head as he’s forced to walk THE ELYSIUM FIELDS!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: By Zeus! Slade Kincaid may have just had his neck broken!
Tombstone crawls into the cover, and Stanton makes the count!
ONE!
...
KINCAID'S CHEST DOESN’T RISE!
...
TWO!
...
KINCAID IS MOTIONLESS!
...
...
THREE – NO! KINCAID BREATHS IN AND KICKS OUT AT THE SAME TIME!
MATT RUBY: NOT TODAY! FERRYMAN! SLADE KINCAID LIVES!
Tombstone looks visibly irritated as he goes to lift Slade off the canvas...
*CRACK!*
Open-handed Palm Strike catches The Already Dead off guard!
*CRACK!*
*CRACK!*
*CRACK!*
*CRACK!*
Rapid-fire series of Palm Strikes straight upside the head and chest of Tombstone, followed by a Bullhammer Style Elbow to the Jaw of the King of Damnation as The Major lays down SUPPRESSING FIRE!
Dropping Tombstone to one knee – GHOST WALK – Running Knee to the Temp – BOSSMAN SLAM – SLADE KINCAID CANNOT RUN FROM THE FERRYMAN!
Tombstone looks to stay in control, pulling Kincaid off the canvas and staring down The Ghost, rage in his eyes. The Ferryman slaps his hand around the throat of Kincaid. Chokeslam! - FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS – NO! KINCAID SLIPS OUT, GRABBING THE ARM OF TOMBSTONE – RIPCORD LARIAT! - PEACE-FUCKING-KILLER!
Kincaid falls into the cover, and Mills makes the count!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
TOMBSTONE KICKS OUT WITH AUTHORITY!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You can’t kill the Already Dead, but by Zeus that round was chambered and had Tombstone’s name written on it!
Kincaid gets back to his feet and coaxes Tombstone to get back to his, as The Ferryman sits up staring Kincaid dead in the eyes!
Both men start going hell for leather again, lefts and rights back and forth.
MATT RUBY: We’re back to where we started, two monsters battering and brawling with each other!
Tombstone manages to unleash a series of Fingertip Uppercuts, striking The Major with the FERRYMAN’S KNOCK! Staggering, The Peacekiller, as a seething Tombstone wraps his hand around the throat of Kincaid! Before hoisting him high into the – NOPE! KINCAID BARELY SLIPS THE HAND OF THE FERRYMAN BEFORE HOISTING HIM INTO A FIREMAN’S CARRY AND SPINNING HIM OUT INTO A SPINNING TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER DROPPING TOMBSTONE ON HIS HEAD WITH SECTOR NINE!
KINCAID JUST...
KILLED
HIM
WITH
FIRE!
Slade doesn’t move after delivering the move, instead collapsing his body draped over Tombstone, exhausted, spent, as Mills Stanton makes the count!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Zeus be damned, that was a fight! Both these men are spent!
MATT RUBY: Not today! The Major has dodged the Ferryman once more!
These Old Hands
The match comes to a close. The battleground still spans before both behemoths, but Slade Kincaid rises with a smile. Battered, weathered… but still alive.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This is it. The moment that Tombstone vowed. He said he wasn’t leaving Slade’s life to fate any more.
MATT RUBY: He’s here to finish the job that destiny started. He’s got a soul to ferry and he’s on the clock. No matter -
Flutter.
Blackout.
When the lights return, Tombstone has Kincaid by the throat, ready to end him.
“These old hands have seen enough.” Tombstone utters, looking into the light fading from Slade’s eyes. “You forget that these weathered hands have more responsibility than manning the tiller.”
Slade is fading fast. You can see the life fading before our very eyes.
“Now, these old hands will be the last thing you see.”
Kincaid blinks, a slow blink. But when they open again, there is life in them eyes.
“No.”
He states simply, fighting back.
“You… can’t… have… me.”
He forces Tombstone off him…
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: PEACEKILLER! SLADE KINCAID JUST LAID OUT TOMBSTONE!
MATT RUBY: That’s a shot heard all around Arcadia if ever I heard one. Now he’s going for the kill. Can Tombstone ferry himself?
Slade moves in for the kill. From within his leg holster, he draws his combat knife. Grabbing the Ferryman by the scruff of the neck, he draws him close.
Just close enough to see into his eyes.
Eyes that glare back, without emotion. Without fear. Tombstone’s eyes close, not out of desperation or consciousness fading, but out of power and control.
Blackout.
Flutter.
Lights return, and Slade Kincaid is left, knife at the ready and arms empty. Tombstone has gone before Slade can seal the deal.
Slade smirks, standing and holstering his weapon. His mission, for now, accomplished.
“Still alive.”
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: A title is on the line, yet Destructo doesn't have defense on his mind. It isn't a question of if Klaus can win, but can he survive?
MATT RUBY: All for that Michaela chained up at ringside... I'd fight hard too. Very hard.
The bell rings and Destructo explodes across the ring in a whirlwind of fists and boots that collides with Klaus in a cacophony of battered flesh! The Ringmaster tries to block and dodge but every attempt at defense is met with a wayward strike that backs him right into the corner! Destructo lashes out with a knee to the jaw right into a bulldog to the middle of the ring! He goes for a springboard!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: KLAUS LEAPS ONTO THE ROPES BEHIND DESTRUCTO! SECOND ROPE GERMAN SUPLEX!
MATT RUBY: With a bridge! A man shouldn't be that flexible, Bronco!
Demi slides in for the count!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!- KICK OUT WITH MOXIE FROM DESTRUCTO!
The Kamikaze kid is quick to get back to his feet but Klaus is ready for him! The Freak bounces off of the ropes and baseball slides between Destructo's legs! The Anti-Hero looks down only for Klaus to leap with a famouser that puts Destructo in the dirt! He tries to force himself up only to catch a kick to the ribs that keeps him grounded!
Klaus peels Destructo up by his hair, slapping him across the face before whipping him to the ropes!
BUT DESTRUCTO FOLLOWS THROUGH! KLAUS HITS THE ROPES!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: CACTUS CLOTHESLINE! DESTRUCTO JUST SENT BOTH OF THEM TUMBLING OVER THE TOP ROPE!
MATT RUBY: That muppet needs to stay between the ropes where he belongs!
Both men land in a heap outside, Destructo first to his feet and nails Klaus with a massive knee to the side of the head as he tries to rise beside him! The Anti-Hero assaults him with a plethora of kicks to the sternum, each one landing with a rib cracking crack!
CRACK!
CRACK!
CRACK!
CRACK!
CRACK!
Destructo backs away, fire in his eyes as he rushes Klaus down!
SHINING WIZARD!
SEE!
NO!
EVIL!
THE KNEE CONNECTS AND BLOOD ARCS FROM KLAUS' MOUTH RIGHT ACROSS THE BARRICADE!
The crowd cheers Destruct on, urging him to finish this fight while he can! But The Kamikaze stops in his tracks, head shooting towards Michaela chained up ringside! He walks up to her, tentatively reaching out to Michaela, the poor girl still shaking with fear, cowering away from any touch.
"Michaela-"
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: BIZARRO! FRONT FLIP UNPRETTIER TO DESTRUCTO!
MATT RUBY: That's what he gets for being distracted! No bird is worth that kind of pain.
Destructo's head connects with the floor in brutal fashion and blood pours from his forehead in a terrifying crimson mask! Mr. Way forces him up by his hair, shoving him towards Michaela, yelling at her as he does.
"Look at him!"
He smacks Destructo across the face, forcing him towards Michaela again.
"He thinks he's a hero? He thinks he can save you? He's nothing!"
Spit flies from Klaus' mouth as he yells, blood dripping from his words!
ELBOW TO THE GUT BY DESTRUCTO!
Klaus stumbles away and Destructo whips around, laying into him with a combination of ferocious lefts and rights that force Klaus backwards towards the apron! He throws out a haymaker that Destructo ducks beneath!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: BROKEN SCALES! SPINNING URANAGE PLANTS KLAUS BACK FIRST AGAINST THE APRON!
MATT RUBY: Manhandled by a child, Klaus? A child!?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That's a man, Ruby. One violent, pissed off man!
The uranage knocks the wind out of Klaus and Destructo finishes his assault by whipping the Ringmaster back into the ring! Destructo leaps onto the apron and begs Klaus to stand before spring boarding with deadly intent!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: KLAUS CATCHES DESTRUCTO! CIRQUE DOULEUR! STORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRMBREAKER! DESTRUCTO HAS JUST BEEN BROKEN IN TWO!
MATT RUBY: Hook that leg!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!- NO! DESTRUCTO POWERS OUT WITH ALL HE HAS LEFT!
Klaus slams the ground in frustration, getting up in Demi's face and screaming at her for her count! The poor referee tries to tell him it was only two but Klaus is having none of it! He raises his hand to strike!
SHATTERED JUSTICE! BACKDROP DRIVER BY DESTRUCTO! KLAUS LANDS RIGHT ON TOP OF HIS HEAD!
The Freak rolls to his knees, dazed and confused as Destructo lets out a battle cry! He lays into Klaus with everything he has, a blur of rage and agony connecting from a thousand angles!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: ALL! HIS! RAGE! DESTRUCTO HITS THE ROPES AND COMES BACK WITH THE SHINING WIZARD- NO! UNPRETTIER! THE BIZARRO HIT!
MATT RUBY: Now let's hope Demi counts correctly this time!
Klaus collapses on top and Demi begins to count!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: All the fighting, all the rage, and in the end Klaus way didn't just put down Destructo, but has become your new NXT Level Champion!
Never Enough
The match is over. Michaela has been bound at ringside, bearing witness to the destruction that has taken place. All in her name.
All to free her.
In the aftermath, we see Destructo turn himself towards Michaela. There’s still a longing in his eyes. As much as he wants to walk away… he can’t bring himself to.
His vision is blocked as the figure of Klaus Way stands between him and Michaela. Way and Destructo stand face to face, eyeballing each other in seething silence.
MATT RUBY: Destructo wants just one thing, to see Michalea freed. But Klaus is not about to let that happen.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Has anybody asked in any of this what Michaela wants?
Then, Klaus breaks the stare. He smiles as he turns his face away, leaving Destructo glaring at air.
Grabbing Michaela’s chain, Klaus pulls her into the ring like a slave. She’s crying, and can barely look at Destructo. He cannot take it any more.
“Let her..” He lashes out, punching Klaus right in the kisser. “...Go!”
Strike after strike after strike from Destructo backs Klaus up into the corner. He’s lashing him with wild strikes without care. Klaus takes a hell of a pummelling and it teetering on the edge of consciousness, slumped against the turnbuckle.
“No!” The words cut through the air, piercing in a cry from Michaela’s lips, burst out of her with fury. “Stop it!”
Destructo pauses, fist still hanging in the air. Klaus is battered and bleeding, but still conscious enough so witness what happens next.
Michaela slaps Destructo right across the cheek.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What?! She chose Klaus?!
MATT RUBY: I bet he’s got some bedroom tricks. They don’t call him the ringmaster for nothing.
“I tried to tell you, but you won’t listen.” Her words are coughed out through tears. “Just like him, my father. You think I’m some damsel to be rescued.”
Destructo is shocked, he’s speechless as he sees the look in her eyes.
The hatred.
“Everything you could ever do to save me is never enough. I made my choice. For better or worse… I made my choice.”
She helps Klaus to her feet, and they leave together, her supporting him as he limps away, leaving a stunned Destructo in her wake.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Every song must find its end, ladies and gentleman. And tonight may be the night the music fades for one of these two men!
MATT RUBY: If we're lucky Muerte's going to have his strings snapped.
The bell tolls and both men stand at opposite ends of the ring, circling around one another with malicious intent. The crowd begins to rumble as they close in on one another, reaching a crescendo as they lock up in the middle of the ring! Caido overpowers Muerte, nailing him with a brutal headbutt across the bridge of his nose! Muerte legs go of the hold and Caido chops him in the chest with a sickening crack!
Muerte fires back with his own chop that echoes through the arena! Caido fires back and both men begin trading chops with a brutal rhythm!
CRACK!
SMACK!
CRACK!
SMACK!
CRACK!
SMACK!
Both chests are left red hot and welting as Caido ends with exchange by cracking a haymaker across Muerte's jaw! He wraps both hands around the Mariachi's throat and forces him into the air!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: FIRE BREATH! DOUBLE HANDED CHOKESLAM SHAKES THE GOD DAMN RING!
MATT RUBY: Put that tosser on mute with that!
El Mariachi Grande lives up to his name as he forces Muerte back to his feet, whipping him to a corner and colliding with a stinger splash that crushes Muerte into the turnbuckle! Muerte stumbles out in a daze into an arm drag that plants him in the center of the ring! EMM is in dire straits as Caido ascends to the top rope!
MATT RUBY: He's getting ready to take flight! FLIGHT OF THE FALLEN! FROG SPLASH!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: NO! MUERTE GETS THE KNEES UP!
El Dragon lands stomach first and bounces off of Muerte in agony! He clutches his ribs as he rolls to his feet and Muerte bounces off of the middle rope!
THE LAST CARNIVÀLE! SPRINGBOARD LUNGBLOWER SENDS SHOCKWAVES THROUGH CAIDO'S SPINE!
Muerte is slow to get back to his feet, stalking Caido as he crawls to the ropes and running him down with a clothesline- No! Caido ducks and sends Muerte tumbling onto the apron! El Dragon follows him to the apron with a leaping headbutt that rocks him! Muerte is stumbling on his feet and Caido wraps a hand around the Mariachi's face!
NO! THROAT THRUST BY MUERTE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: HE PULLS HIM IN! WHISKEY LULLABY! OVERHEAD BELLY TO BELLY TOSS OFF OF THE APRON AND RIGHT ONTO THE DAMN BARRICADE!
MATT RUBY: Did you hear that thud!?
Muerte clings to the ropes, slowly pulling himself back to his feet and looking down at the carnage at ringside as Caido rolls onto his stomach, hanging off of the barricade unmoving! El Mariachi finds his footing and plays the crowd like a guitar as he uses his thumbs to point towards himself!
E!
M!
M!
CORKSCREW LEGDROP TO THE DRAGON! MUERTE COLLIDES WITH CAIDO AT MACH NINE!
The ringside is a mess of battered bodies and bruised flesh as both men lay at ringside in a heap! Mills Stanton gives both men a moment before beginning his count!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
Muerte is up!
FIVE!
SIX!
SEVEN!
Caido crawls to his feet!
EIGHT!
NINE!
BOTH MEN ROLL UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE!
With not a second to spare Mills declares this match is still ongoing! Muerte is first to his feet but Caido is close behind as he gets to a knee! Muerte rushes him with a dropkick but Caido rolls out of the way! As soon as EMM gets back to his feet he turns around to El Mariachi Grande barreling at him like a raging bull!
DANCE!
WITH!
DRAGONS!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: MEXICAN DESTROYER JUST BURIED MUERTE HEAD FIRST INTO THE CANVAS!
MATT RUBY: Silenced that nitwit with authority!
The crowd goes silent as Caido slowly stands back on his feet, hand raised in the air as he begs for Muerte to get to his feet! Singing Death is on wobbly legs as he finally gets the energy to stand only to get knocked on his ass with a powerful clothesline! Muerte tries to stand again only for a big boot to send him sprawling! EMM just refuses to stay down as he rises for a third time!
AND CAIDO SLAPS A MASSIVE CLAW HOLD ON TO MUERTE'S FACE!
El Veterano's fingers dig into the Mariachi's skull, squeezing sadistically as Muerte tries to fight back! He swings with a hook to Caido's gut! Then another! And another! But El Dragon refuses to let go! He lifts Muerte up by his face!
MATT RUBY: WING BREAKER! SPINNING CLAW SLAM!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: MUERTE LANDS IN A HEAP! BUT CAIDO LIFTS HIM ONE MORE TIME! WING BREAKER! A SECOND WINGBREAKER!
Muerte lands on the mat lifelessly and Caido collapses on top for the pin!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The song has reached it's conclusion, and it's El Dragon Caido who's plucked the strings as he claims victory here tonight!
Dia de los Muertos
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It looks like this Mariachi war isn’t over yet, Ruby.
The match is over, but the air hasn't cleared.
Both men remain in the ring.
El Mariachi Muerte crawls toward the corner, fingertips brushing the polished wood of his guitar. He lifts it in trembling hands, the weight suddenly unbearable.
He turns to Caido, who kneels across from him.
“I told you,” Muerte breathes, “Death… is a gift. And you’ve evaded it for far too long.”
He raises the guitar.
MATT RUBY: He’s going to kill Caido!?
One final chord. One final mercy.
Muerte strums.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This is for all the Mariachi Caido let die!
MATT RUBY: He made them all!
Nothing.
No sound. No echo. No note.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What?
Muerte’s hand falters. He tries again, strums harder.
Silence.
Confusion floods his face. His head turns in disbelief, eyes wide beneath the mask.
And then—
CAIDO LUNGES—
VICIOUS ELBOW INTO MUERTE’S JAW! CAIDO RIPS THE GUITAR FROM HIS ARMS LIKE A WOLF TEARING PREY FROM THE BONE.
CRACK! THE GUITAR SHATTERS ACROSS MUERTE’S SKULL, SPLINTERS FLYING IN ALL DIRECTIONS.
The sacred instrument lies broken, lifeless as its owner.
Muerte collapses.
Caido kneels beside him. Not mocking. Not gloating.
“This was always a futility,” he says softly. “I took the power from you when I brought you back to life months ago. But tonight, compadre, we fought. We bled. You reminded me why I made you what you are. And for that…”
Caido’s voice dips lower.
“…you’ve earned my respect.”
He rises to his fee, and like a thief in the night, he lifts something unseen from the air.
“The last note. The final thread. The last of what made the Mariachi divine… is mine again.”
He looks down on Muerte, not with cruelty, but with finality.
“El Mariachi Muerte… is just a man now.”
He turns and leaves.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Just a man? What does that mean?
In the ring, Muerte stirs. Slowly. Weakly. Fingers scrape at the mat like a man digging for something lost.
His voice, hoarse and hollow, cracks through the silence.
“…Vida…”
He drags himself to the wreckage of the guitar. Hands shaking.
“I’m sorry…”
He looks up, his voice rising with anguish.
“I failed you.”
He screams it now, eyes to the rafters, to the void.
“I FAILED YOU!”
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Redemption is a word that hangs heavy with Night. After the tragedy of the Red Light District destruction, he’s been on a path of revenge.
MATT RUBY: And that has set Harold Attano and Gemini straight in his sights, but Gemini has vowed to no longer run. Redemption comes tonight, and it’s going to be brutal.
The bell sounds and Night instantly goes on the offensive, stalking out Gemini. He charges, head full of vengeance.
NIGHT CAP - NO!
HE NEVER GETS THERE!
HEADSHOT FROM HAROLD ATTANO TAKES DOWN THE NIGHT!
THE SUPERKICK NEARLY TAKES NIGHT’S HEAD OFF!
Night goes down, leaving Attano and Gemini eyeballing each other. Gemini holds he arms out at her sides, as if signalling that she doesn’t want or need his help. Attano reaches down to pick Night up off the canvas, and Gemini strikes.
THE CURE!
SPRINGBOARD TORNADO DDT DRILLS ATTANO!
THAT WAS A MESSAGE FROM GEMINI, AND ATTANO HEARD IT LOUD AND CLEAR!
She pulls him back to his feet and tosses him out of the ring, unceremoniously. Gemini then turns her attention back to Night, but he’s waiting for her…
KICK TO THE GUTS FROM NIGHT STOPS GEMINI!
GOODNIGHT VIENNA! THE SOMERSAULT INVERTED SIDE WALK SLAM FACEBUSTER!
MATT RUBY: Night gets the upper hand! He’s got Gemini right where he wants her BB.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He promised redemption, and that’s exactly what he had in mind.
Night pulls Gemini to her feet and slams her into the corner turnbuckle. He backs up across the ring, before charging at her.
NIGHT CAP!
HE DRIVES THE SHOULDER WITH THE LEAPING TACKLE, DRIVING HER INTO THE STEEL!
Gemini crumples to a heap in the corner, and Night goes to work.
HE STARTS STOMPING!
EVERY BIT OF ANGER AND REVENGE IS COMING OUT THROUGH THOSE BOOTS RIGHT NOW!
Shot after angry shot hits home, Night screaming as he takes his pain out on the one responsible.
BOOM!
NIGHT IS HIT FROM BEHIND WITH THE FORCE OF A TRUCK!
DIDN’T SEE IT COMING!
THE HIDDEN BLADE ELBOW HITS AND HE FALLS RIGHT ON TOP OF GEMINI!
Nobody drags Night out of the corner, towards the center of the ring.
CODE OF SILENCE!
THE BULLDOG CHOKE IS LOCKED IN!
NIGHT HAS NOWHERE TO GO AND HE’S FADING FAST!
The Enigma reaches out towards the ropes, fingers falling sadly short. Desperation in his eyes gives way as the light begins to fade.
BOOM!
GEMINI KICKS ATTANO IN THE RIBS!
HE BREAKS THE HOLD AND SCREAMS OUT IN PAIN!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Gemini in the nick of time breaks the hold. I don’t know how much more of that Night could take.
MATT RUBY: There’s plenty of unfinished business between her and Attano. I think we’re about to see a bit of conflict resolution.
She pulls him to his feet, but Attano unloads a right hand and staggers her. She hits back, staggering him with an equally as brutal blow. Right hands are exchanged, each one hitting harder than the one before. Neither gets the upper hand, until Attano parries a shot from Gemini.
ONE SHOT ONE KILL!
THE DIAMOND CUTTER OUT OF NOWHERE!
GEMINI IS DOWN AND ATTANO COVERS FOR THE PIN!
ONE!
…
…
..
TWO!
…
…
…
NIGHT BREAKS UP THE PIN WITH A DIVING ELBOW!
Attano is quick to his feet, charging across the ring at an escaping Night. Night leaps up the turnbuckle to get out of Nobody’s clutches.
NIGHTFALL!
SOL SNATCHER… NIGHT DRILLS ATTANO WITH A CUTTER OF HIS OWN!
NOW IT’S HIS TURN TO COVER FOR THE PIN!
ONE!
…
…
…
TWO!
…
…
…
ATTANO WITH THE FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE!
Demi Sky stops the count, and Attano slips out of the ring to the outside before collapsing to his knees.
But Night is eager to follow him.
He leaps onto the top rope…
DARKNESS FALLS!
THE SEAN-TON BOMB NAILS HAROLD ATTANO!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: High risk equals high reward and Night threw caution to the wind there.
MATT RUBY: Attano may have escaped the pin, but Night made him pay.
Night staggers to his feet, rolling himself back into the ring as Gemini reaches her own vertical base.
Finally, Night has her in his sights.
He stalks her, grabbing her by the hair and pulling her into his clutches. Pushing her into the corner. Night unloads all his rage on her, barraging her with wild strikes. Lefts and rights hit home with reckless fury.
He hits out so fast that Gemini cannot even defend herself, just weathers the storm. Night eventually backs away, grabbing for his bat.
He’s got one thing in mind, his eyes narrowing on her as he approaches her again.
NIGHT RAISES THE BAT TO STRIKE FOR THE KILL!
SLAP!
GEMINI WITH A SLAP RIGHT ACROSS THE FACE!
NIGHT DROPS THE BAT!
SNAPSHOT FROM GEMINI!
THE CODEREAKER HITS HARD!
SHE COVERS FOR THE PIN!
ONE!
…
…
…
TWO!
…
…
…
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Gemini turned the tables on Night’s revenge, taking the victory out from under his nose.
Earned
The bell has rung, the match has ended, and all that remains is three competitors standing wearily in the ring. The Night stares daggers through Gemini and Attano, face seemingly stuck in a terrible scowl as he produces a microphone.
"Do you think this is it?" He huffs, teeth bared. "This doesn't end at the bell's toll!"
Night looks ready to pounce, eyes crazed as he bares his fist and advances on Gemini like a spectre of death itself!
"You want your revenge!?" Gemini's voice drips with anger, with tired disdain. "Then come and take it!"
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: These Titans are about to collide again!
MATT RUBY: Wait, what's that geezer Attano doing?
Harold steps between the two, grabbing the mic from Night's hands and making himself a wall. "No." He looks back towards Gemini, lip quivering. "You were right. You can't run, you can't hide. Can't even fight for redemption... You need to earn it."
He looks back towards Night, chest heaving as he speaks. "Night... I'm sorry I failed you. You were my friend, I should have listened to you, I should have helped you see the light..."
A single tear rolls down his cheek, locking eyes with his former friend. "You deserved a better friend than I could have ever been. I can't change the past, but we can change the future."
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Tears? From the Ghost?
MATT RUBY: Please, he's faking!
Gemini stands beside Attano, placing an apologetic hand on his shoulder as he trembles. "Can you find it in your heart to forgive me, Peter? Please?"
Night recoils hearing his former name come from Attano's lips. He looks on, his mind conflicted. He backs away like a cornered animal, lips sealed tight.
Flicker.
Darkness takes the ring, and when the light returns Night is gone, leaving only Attano and Gemini in the ring, Harold's question left unanswered.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The air in Olympus is razor-thin as the Tag Team Championships hang in the balance.
Jasper Redgrave leans cocky in the corner. Jackson Cade paces like a coiled spring. On the other side of the ring, Nero glares lasers through Redgrave, fingers flexing like he’s ready to rip the smirk off his face. Reverend Ezekiel Graves stands calmly behind him, whispering scripture under his breath.
MATT RUBY: I think the titles may be the last thing on any of these men’s minds.
It’s Cade and Nero to start.
They tie up, and Cade instantly overpowers him into a corner. Clean break? No chance. Cade fires a stiff elbow to Nero’s jaw, then whips him hard across the ring—
NERO SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE SECOND ROPE—PACKET STORM! THE CUTTER CONNECTS FLUSH!
MATT RUBY: Nero’s not just here to fight, he’s here to break Jasper by proxy.
Nero tags Graves. Cade rushes, only to be lifted and hurled with an Overhead Belly-to-Belly Suplex. Graves follows with a big boot that sends Cade tumbling into his own corner.
Tag to Redgrave.
Redgrave steps in, his posture dripping disdain.
Graves, unbothered, watches him like a man dissecting a serpent.
Jasper rushes—GRAVES DUCKS—PENDULUM BACKBREAKER!
The Reverend lifts Jasper into a powerbomb position—REDGRAVE WRIGGLES FREE MID-AIR AND LANDS BEHIND HIM—SUPERKICK!
GRAVES GOES BACK INTO THE ROPES—SPINNING BACK ELBOW!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Collage of Violence hits flush, and Redgrave is into the cover!
ONE...
...
...
TWO...
...
...
KICKOUT!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It’s not going to be that easy!
Redgrave mounts Graves with wild elbows. He gets up and tags Cade without even looking at him, and rolls out of the ring to jaw with the crowd.
Cade hits the ropes—INCENDIARY ROUND! THE BULLHAMMER ELBOW NEARLY DECAPITATES GRAVES!
ONE...
...
...
TWO...
...
...
KICKOUT!!
Cade stays on him, grabs the arm—THREAT CONTAINMENT! THE KIMURA LOCK WITH BODYSCISSORS IS LOCKED IN DEEP!
But Graves… doesn’t tap.
MATT RUBY: This is a man of God, BB. He’s not going to tap!
He claws toward the ropes. Inch by inch. Finally—HIS BOOT LANDS ON THE BOTTOM ROPE!
The ref breaks the hold. Cade pounds the mat in frustration before going to tag Redgrave, but Jasper slaps his chest dismissively in response.
MATT RUBY: That was a tag, but it wasn’t respectful and Cade knows it.
Redgrave smirks and re-enters, dragging Graves up for an Rope Hung DDT—LOW BLOW FROM GRAVES!!
The Reverend scrambles—HOT TAG TO NERO!
NERO FLIES IN—SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE WIPES JASPER OUT!
SUPERKICK TO CADE!
Nero explodes up the ropes—CRASH OVERRIDE! THE MOONSAULT CRUSHES REDGRAVE!
ONE...
...
...
TWO...
...
...
KICKOUT!!
Nero’s laser focused. He stalks Redgrave, going for The Red Reboot but CADE YANKS NERO’S ANKLE FROM OUTSIDE!
Jasper capitalizes—DDT! PLANTS NERO HARD!
Tag to Cade.
Cade lifts Nero—MASTERKEY! THE BRAINBUSTER LANDS!
ONE...
...
...
TWO...
...
...
KICKOUT!!
Cade signals for Hostile Down—BUT JASPER TAGS HIMSELF IN MID-SIGNAL!
Cade stares a hole through him.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That’s the second time! These two are falling apart.
Jasper shrugs, steps over Nero, mocking him. Redgrave rips off the helmet Nero is wearing, revealing the face beneath.
“You wanted me, Lucien?”
He slaps Lucien across the face—BUT NERO GRABS THE WRIST, ROLLS THROUGH—ZERO-DAY LOCK! OMOPLATA CROSSFACE!
Redgrave claws, desperate, but he’s got help. Cade reaches under the ropes and shoves Redgrave just enough to break the angle!
MATT RUBY: There’s some team work.
Nero drags himself up—TAG TO GRAVES!
AND GRAVES IS A GOD DAMN FREIGHT TRAIN.
LARIAT TO REDGRAVE! LARIAT TO CADE! OVERHEAD BELLY-TO-BELLY TO REDGRAVE! BIG BOOT TO CADE!
He signals Nero to climb to the top rope.
Graves hoists Jasper—PURGATORY PLUNGE—AND NERO FOLLOWS MID-AIR WITH CRASH OVERRIDE! THE DOUBLE TEAM SHAKES THE RING!
ONE...
...
...
TWO...
...
...
CADE BREAKS IT UP!!
MATT RUBY: That would've been it! Graves and Nero nearly had new gold around their waists!
Graves storms toward Cade, but the ref holds him back. Cade throws Jasper to the corner and tags himself in.
He wants to finish it himself.
MATT RUBY: Jackson Cade wants to be the hero tonight.
He lifts Nero—MASTERKEY?! NO! NERO WRIGGLES FREE—CRUCIFIX PIN!
ONE...
...
...
TWO...
...
...
KICKOUT!!
Cade springs up—HOSTILE DOWN—NO NERO DUCKS! GRAVES BLIND TAGS IN!
Cade turns into—BIG BOOT! GRAVES SCOOPS HIM UP—PURGATORY PLUNGE!
Graves looks at Nero and screams, “FINISH HIM!” as Lucien vaults to the top.
CRASH OVERRIDE!!
ONE...
...
...
TWO...
...
...
THREE!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: NEW CHAMPIONS! Nero and Graves, somehow someway, just dethroned the champs!
MATT RUBY: And look at Nero. Look at him. This wasn’t just a victory. This was vengeance.
Family Matters
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: All four of these men put everything on the line for these Tag Team Championships.
The bell has barely stopped echoing when Nero storms to his feet, still unmasked from earlier. Ezekiel Graves follows, righteous fury burning in his eyes. They converge on Jasper Redgrave, who’s already calling for a microphone, smug and unfazed.
Graves cuts him off.
“Bring them out. Now.”
Nero steps forward. “You heard the man.”
Redgrave opens his mouth to reply, but Jackson Cade steps between them.
“I’m done with this,” he growls. “Whatever sick game you’ve got Redgrave, I’m not part of it.”
Cade climbs through the ropes, drops to the floor, and walks up the ramp without looking back.
Redgrave watches him go, expression unreadable. Then he snaps his fingers.
The covered cage is wheeled onto the stage.
Jasper grins, striding over like a showman. “And now, as promised—”
With a flourish, he rips the cover off.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Maybe I underestimated Jasper Redgrave...
The cage is empty.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That bastard!
MATT RUBY: No, BB, look! Something’s screwy.
The steel bars have been crudely sawed open, sharp edges still jagged. Beneath them, smears of blood. Not enough for death.
Just enough to say: they fought.
Nero stiffens. Graves blinks, stunned.
Redgrave stares in disbelief. “This—this wasn’t me!”
But Nero and Graves are already stepping forward, rage rekindled.
Redgrave throws up his hands, backing away. “I swear to you—it wasn’t me!”
They pause.
On the floor of the cage, a message is scrawled in blood:
“FALSE PROPHET,
ROSE GRAVES LIVES”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Who the hell is Rose Graves?
The name lingers in the air like a curse. The Reverend paces back and forth, infuriated.
“She foreswore that name. She gave it up when she married a fool!” Graves roars into the air. “My sister has been dead to the Lord for years!”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: SISTER?
Nero squares up with Graves.
“That fool was me, you son of a bitch.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: NERO WAS MARRIED TO GRAVES’ SISTER!?
MATT RUBY: And he gave her and his son up to follow the path of the Lord!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I don’t know where to start with this.
Graves is quiet a long moment. He looks down at the words. Rose Graves.
Finally, he nods once. Slow. Controlled.
“We’ll find them. Together.”
Nero looks over, startled. Graves' eyes are clear. Honest.
“Together.”
Cut.
A Life of Lies
The night is quiet. A thin mist coils between weathered headstones. Moonlight spills across rows of names etched in stone.
Kneeling at one grave, hands resting on the cool earth, is Destructo. His mask glints faintly in the pale light, shoulders heavy with grief.
He places a hand on the headstone—his father’s. His voice cracks as he speaks.
“I just want to know… did you know?” he asks the stone. “Did you know about Mom? About her indiscretions and betrayal? Or were you just as in the dark as me?”
He lowers his head, his voice bitter.
“My whole life has been a fucking lie. From the day they killed her, to the day I thought I lost you, to finding out even you weren’t really my father. Lie after lie after lie.”
His fist clenches in the dirt. His breath comes hard and ragged.
“I don’t know who I am anymore. I don’t know if I ever did.”
The silence stretches, only the whisper of wind through the trees answering him.
Then—suddenly—a black bag is thrust over his head.
Destructo thrashes, muffled shouts ripping from his throat, but strong arms seize him from behind. He’s yanked off his knees, dragged backward across the cemetery. His boots scrape against gravel as he struggles, helpless.
The camera lingers on the lonely grave, untouched and silent, as Destructo is pulled into the shadows.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have a huge OSW World Championship matchup here tonight. What was originally meant to be Anton Savor versus Felix Foley has morphed and evolved through surprise championship changes and the actions and inactions of both Ares and Jackson Cade. Now DOOM defends his newly won championship not only against Anton Savor and the last champion Felix Foley but that manipulate, opportunistic mass murder Nox.
MATT RUBY: Don't hate just because he's the smartest man in Arcadia BB. The man went from a near death experience to getting a chance to become OSW World Champion in only a matter of minutes. It's not like DOOM manipulating the idiot Foley to get a title match, you know Nox had this all planned out to the nines and it's ending with him becoming the new World Heavyweight Champion.
The bell sounds
THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING!
Felix nails Savor with a brutal Big Boot, nearly knocking the teeth out of his jaw from the sheer force. The usually happy go lucky Foley in a foul mood as he pounds down on the fallen Savor before picking him up
AND FALL GUYING HIM CLEAN OUT OF THE RING WITH A BRUTAL FALLAWAY SLAM! SAVOR GOES CLEAN OVER THE ROPES, CRASHING DOWN ON THE CONCRETE FLOOR BELOW!
Foley turns around, DOOM and Nox just watching on at the very unlike Felix fury as Nox just smirks,
Before rolling out of the ring and leaving DOOM to the wrath of Foley.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Oh that bastard.
MATT RUBY: Smart bastard BB, smart bastard.
DOOM tries to beg off, but Foley rushes him all the same, nearly decapitating him with a brutal clothesline before pulling Stubbins up by the throat and Biel Tossing him into the corner. Foley rushes forward but DOOM manages to slip out as Felix slams himself hard into the steel.
HOVER, NO BOTHER! Levitating Kick to the jaw out of nowhere but it only manages to stumble Felix on his feet. He spits out a tiny glob of blood, fury still in his eyes before he lifts DOOM up onto his shoulders
AND BUMPS HIS HEAD WITH THE DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!
CHOPBLOCK BY ANTON SAVOR!
The Chef sneaks in out of nowhere, driving the full weight of his elbow directly into Felix's knee, buckling the bigger man. Felix refuses to stay down though, staggering up to his feet as he tries to rush at Savor but he's grabbed from behind
PARALYTIC-PLEX! Nox out of nowhere with the Snap Dragon.
Felix somehow staggers up again but he's finally put down with the CREME BRULEE SUPERKICK!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: And now these two bastards are teaming up. Can they work together though is the question?
MATT RUBY: It ain't working together BB, it's putting down two threats so you can improve your odds of winning. Strategy BB, you wouldn't know anything about it though.
Both Felix and DOOM are down, DOOM getting a hard kick to the jaw by Nox as Savor drops down to Foleys lower body
AND LOCKS IN A TEXAS CLOVERLEAF!
Nox doesn't notice as he bends down, pulling DOOM upwards and locking him in the OXYGEN DEPRIVATION CHAMBER STEINER RECLINER!
Both Foley and DOOM are screaming out in pain, refusing to tap out with the dual submissions locked in as Nox and Savor lock eyes. Both men cranking back harder, both trying to force their other victim to tap out first, refusing to be the first one to try and break up the other hold.
Savor lets go, leaping forward as he breaks up the ODC with a forearm to the back of the head!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Well so much for that team up.
Savor pulls the dazed Nox to his feet, peppering him with hard lefts and rights before trying to lift him up into a Brainbuster. Nox manages to land on his feet, twisting Savor's arm
AND TELLING HIM TO GET OVER HERE WITH THE SHORT ARM CLOTHESLINE!
Nox pulls Savor up, wrapping both hands around his throat
BUT SUDDENLY BOTH MEN GET PULLED BACKWARDS INTO A DOUBLE SCHOOLBOY!
DOOM HAS SAVOR
FOLEY HAS NOX
Demi Sky slides down, counting the fall as both Savor and Nox struggle
ONE
................
.....................
TWO
......................
.........................
NOX AND SAVOR MANAGE TO KICK OUT!
Savor gets to his feet only to be tackled by Foley. The pair roll on the mat exchanging lefts and rights before rolling through the ropes to the outside, leaving just Nox and DOOM inside the ring.
DOOM stumbles up, landing a huge right hand to Nox that staggers him but as he lifts him up onto his shoulders, Nox slips out
PARALYTIC PLEX to DOOM!
Nox chuckles, lifting DOOM up before slamming him down hard onto his knee with a brutal backbreaker, and delivering a second, and then a third.
MATT RUBY: DOOM about to have no spine in a moment when Nox is done with him.
Nox lifts him up for a fourth but sparks fly from DOOM, forcing Nox to drop him to the mat. Stubbins manages to scramble away, Nox furious as he rushes forward
BUT HE WASN'T WATCHING THE RIGHT HAND AS A SUPERMAN PUNCH NAILS NOX RIGHT ON THE BUTTON!
Nox stumbles into the ropes, bouncing off as DOOM lifts him up into a flapjack
FOLEY IS THERE WITH THE CUTTER OUT OF NOWHERE
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: DOOM FACTORY DEATH DEVICE! 33333DDDDDD!
DOOM looks a little shocked as he turns right into a hard elbow to the jaw from Savor that rocks him backwards. Foley tries to go after Savor but he's kicked in the gut, and lifted up high
BEFORE HE'S DRIVEN INTO THE MAT WITH A MAMMOTH BRAINBUSTER!
Savor sizes up the fallen Foley, looking for the end as Felix gets up onto all fours
GIVING DOOM A LAUNCHING PAD TO LEAP OFF HIS BACK AND DELIVER THE SPLITTER TO ANTON SAVOR!
The crowd are roaring in approval at this mini-reunion here, DOOM reaching out his hand to try and lift Foley up. Felix just shaking his head as he pulls himself up but both men notice Nox and Savor slowly pulling themselves up in two different corners.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Are we about to see the return of The Besties corner here?
DOOM heads over to where Nox is.
Foley walks over to where Savor is.
Both men gripping hold of the ropes as they look at one another
AND BEGIN STOMPING A MUDHOLE AS THEY SHOW BOTH MEN
THAT THIS IS FELIX FOLEY AND STUBBINS DOOMS CORNER!
Both Nox and Savor are driven down into the mat, the crowd roaring even harder as DOOM and Foley look to finish this. DOOM backing up as Nox is on his knees, Foley pulling Savor up as he kicks him in the gut, double underhooking him.
DOOM rushes forward, electricity sparking over his body
Savor pushes his way out of Foley's grasp as Nox manages to trip Felix up right into DOOM's path
AND IMPLODES THE JAR THAT IS NOX'S SKULL WITH THE RUNNING PUNT!
CUT THE STRINGS! Foley nails Savor with the Double Arm DDT as it is down to two men.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: A rematch in the making here, DOOM returned from the dead and took the title that Felix Foley risked everything to gain. Can Felix regain the gold or will his former best buddy keep it held close?
DOOM and Foley begin to exchange heavy lefts and rights, Foley managing to get the better with a huge headbutt before he goes low, kicking DOOM in the gut
AND LOCKING HIM IN THE PUPPET SHOW!
The Mandible Claw is locked in, DOOM is fighting out of it as he grabs hold of Foley
AND BEGINS TO FLOW ELECTRICITY THROUGH HIM!
Foley screams out in pain, slowly letting go of the hold as he's lifted up onto DOOM's shoulders
IMPENDING DOOM! The Death Valley Driver hits hard
Foley is down as DOOM collapses onto him, hooking the leg as Demi Sky slides in to count
ONE
..............
................
TWO
................
.................
.....................
THREE!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: DOOM retains his world championship here tonight in a brutal non stop fatal four way but that may have come with a heavy cost.
MATT RUBY: That idiot isn't going to be happy that his former best buddy knocked him out cold here. I think whatever Besties reunion we may have seen here is going to be very short lived.
The High Price of Being Human
The match is over. The crowd is buzzing, but the atmosphere turns to dread as the screens above the arena suddenly flicker to life. Static crackles.
The feed steadies—revealing the sinister green glow of Nox’s laboratory. As Foley and Doom rise, their eyes immediately focus on the tron.
There, shackled and struggling, is Destructo. Suspended by chains, he hangs over a massive vat of swirling, bubbling liquid—acidic, toxic, lethal. His muffled cries echo through the speakers.
Nox steps into the eyeline of Doom and Foley, standing at a safe distance, his mask gleaming, his voice sharp and cold.
“He can hear us. This feed is two-way. This is live.”
He snaps his fingers, and two masked henchmen turn a massive crank. The chains creak, lowering Destructo slowly—inch by inch—toward the deadly vat below.
“In a matter of minutes,” Nox hisses, “Destructo will die. Unless…”
The camera cuts to Felix Foley and Doom who stand stand side by side, watching the horror unfold.
“…unless his real father pays the price.”
Foley looks at Doom in confusion. Doom’s masked head turns, almost imperceptibly.
Nox’s voice cuts like a knife. “Tell him, Doom. Tell him the truth.”
The arena goes silent.
“Destructo is your son.”
Gasps erupt from the crowd. Foley’s eyes widen.
“You had an affair with Sarah,” Nox continues. “And that truth… that betrayal… was part of the reason we murdered her. You were a terrible father to Victor. Will you be a terrible father to James too?”
Destructo thrashes, the chains clanking as he’s lowered closer to the vat – the information that Doom is his real father, causing him to panic more.
“The price,” Nox declares, “is the OSW World Championship. The price of being human… finally.”
Doom doesn’t hesitate. He rips the championship from his shoulder and hurls it at Nox’ feet. It lands with a metallic clatter.
“Take it,” Doom growls.
Nox chuckles darkly. He raises a hand. “Stop the crank.”
The henchmen freeze. Destructo dangles, inches from death.
Nox leans into Doom, his eyes glowing with a dastardly green light.
“This isn’t enough. This won’t do.” He tilts his head. “No… Doom. You will fight me. On the next Ascension. And you will lay down. You will allow me to become Champion… or your son dies screaming in acid.”
The feed cuts to black. Nox backs away carefully, slowly but certainly exiting the ring.
Foley meanwhile stares at Doom, horrified and in disbelief. Doom stands frozen, fists clenched, his mask unreadable but his silence deafening.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Folks, this is what it all comes down to! Two of the most enigmatic, polarizing forces in OSW history collide tonight under the brightest lights Arcadia has to offer. It’s the Ring King Finak. An opportunity to immortalize yourself in OSW history. The Night. Nero. Darkness against the machine. Flesh and blood against code and steel.
MATT RUBY: And don’t forget the stakes, Bronco. These two will be desperate to be crowned King.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Night says darkness comes before the dawn… but Nero’s promising a permanent reboot. Something’s gotta give, Ruby.
The arena lights plummet into pitch-black silence. A faint whisper echoes:
"Darkness comes before the dawn… and I am the Night."
Purple spotlights cut through the void as The Night emerges through a wall of smoke, hood draped low, baseball bat in hand. The crowd erupts in a mix of cheers and unease — he is unpredictable, untrustworthy, and unstoppable. He slides into the ring, climbing a corner post before perching like a shadow.
Suddenly, the titantron glitches violently — static, red code flashing. A digitized howl pierces the air. The lights pulse blood-red as Nero vaults from the stage, his gauntlet sparking with neon light.
Shrouded in swirling fog, he strides forward with measured intent, his jacket glowing with neon red circuitry and his gauntlet pulsing like a glitching hologram.
Entering the ring, Nero ascends the turnbuckle with fluid confidence. Standing tall, he cups his hands around his mouth and unleashes a primal howl, igniting the crowd into a thunderous frenzy.
MATT RUBY: And here’s the Cyberhound! Sleek, sharp, precise. If The Night is chaos, Nero is calculation. I don't like either of these guys, but this should be a slobberknocker.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: They're two sides of the same coin, Matt. We’re about to see whether darkness or data reigns supreme.
The referee signals. The bell rings.
DING DING DING.
The two circle cautiously, the crowd already rumbling. Nero feints a lunge. The Night flinches with a bat swing — the ref yells, and The Night discards it with a smirk.
Collar-and-elbow tie-up. Nero leverages his weight advantage, muscling Night back, but Night ducks under and whips around — Night Cap! Quick leaping shoulder tackle that floors Nero!
The crowd pops! Night kips up immediately, taunting.
Nero nods, getting back to his feet. He springs forward, ducks another Night Cap, rebounds off the ropes — Firewall! Superkick flush on the jaw! The Enigma collapses!
MATT RUBY: Firewall already?! Nero’s not wasting time! These two are starting hot and heavy!
He scrambles for a cover!
ONE…
TWO—
The Night kicks out, rolling to the apron.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Little early for that to end it, Ruby. But it sends a message: Nero’s here to become Ring King.
Nero pursues, pulling Night through the ropes — but Night catches him with a forearm! Then another! He grabs Nero’s head — THROAT FIRST ACROSS THE TOP ROPE! The Cyberhound slams backwards hard as Night hits the floor with his feet.
He slides straight back in…
Cover from The Night!
ONE…
TWO…
Kickout!
The match pace quickens. Both men get back to their feet. Night whips Nero to the corner, charging with a lariat. Nero ducks, vaults over the top rope onto the apron and leaps immediately back the other way as Night spins — Leaping Cutter! A variation of the Packet Storm!
The crowd explodes! Nero covers…
ONE…
TWO…
Night kicks out again! The Cyberhound gets back to his feet, a plan in mind.
He drags Night up, slamming him hard across the neck with a forearm. He grabs his arm, spinning him short..
NECKBREAKER! Nero quickly transitions…
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Nero’s looking for the Zero-Day Lock! He’s got the arm—WAIT A MINUTE! The Night rolls through!
MATT RUBY: No, no, no! He’s got it locked!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Your Worst Nightmare! Crossface cinched in tight, right in the middle of the ring!
The Night rips back with every ounce of strength, teeth gritted, eyes wild. Nero’s masks twists with agony as the Enigma wrenches at his jaw. The ref drops to his knees, asking if Nero wants to quit.
MATT RUBY: He might tap here, Bronco! That’s dead center, nowhere to go!
Nero claws at the mat, dragging himself inch by inch. The crowd is on their feet, half screaming for him to tap, half rallying for him to fight. He stretches an arm out, fingertips just away from the rope—
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He’s close! He’s close!
Suddenly, Nero shifts his weight, rolling sideways, stacking The Night’s shoulders flat!
ONE! …
TWO!—
The Night has to release the hold to kick out! Both men scramble to their feet in a flash.
The Night swings with a wild lariat—Nero ducks under, springs to the ropes, comes flying back—
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Caught him! Goodnight Vienna!!
MATT RUBY: That flipping facebuster, right into the canvas! Nero’s out cold!
The Night hooks the leg!
ONE! …
TWO! …
THR—NO!
The Cyberhound kicks free at the last possible heartbeat.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: How did he survive that?!
The Night pounds the mat in frustration, stalking Nero as he crawls toward the corner. The Enigma grabs a fistful of mask, dragging him up, and hurls him chest-first into the turnbuckles.
He backs up, rushes forward—flying forearm into the corner! Nero slumps. The Night doesn’t stop—he mounts the ropes, raining down right hands as the crowd counts along.
ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT!—
Nero suddenly surges forward, staggering out from the corner, carrying Night on his shoulders—
MATT RUBY: GET HIM!
Nero stumbles—then drops back! OVERHEAD POWERBOMB!! THE NIGHT CRASHES INTO THE CANVAS FACE FIRST!
Both men lie motionless, gasping. The referee begins a ten-count.
ONE… TWO… THREE…
The fans stomp their feet, clapping in rhythm. Both men stir.
FOUR… FIVE…. SIX…
Nero rolls to his side, crawling for the ropes. The Night grabs the opposite side, dragging himself vertical. They lock eyes across the ring. The crowd explodes.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Listen to this place! They know they’re seeing something special tonight!
They charge! Double clothesline—and both crash down again!
The crowd chants..
“THIS IS AWESOME! THIS IS AWESOME!”
MATT RUBY: Only one of these two men can be King. They’re gonna have to take it to another level!
The ref’s count resets. The crowd’s clapping, stomping, screaming. At four, both men crawl in opposite directions. Nero grabs the middle rope, The Night clutches a corner. They drag themselves vertical almost in sync.
They meet mid-ring again.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Here we go! Trading bombs!
Right hand by The Night—crowd cheers.
Chop by Nero—crowd cheers!
Right by Night!
Chop by Nero!
Right!
Chop!
Forearm!
Superkick—blocked!
The Night catches the leg, spins Nero around—Night Cap! Leaping shoulder tackle connects, takes Nero down!
The Night paces the ring, wiping blood from his lip. He points to the turnbuckles, then to Nero’s body. The crowd roars with anticipation.
He climbs high—back to the ring—LEAPS!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Darkness Falls!
But Nero rolls away!! The Night crashes spine-first onto the canvas, bouncing in pain.
MATT RUBY: Nobody home!
Nero pops up, hits the ropes—springboard—Cutter to the seated Night!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Packet Storm! Out of nowhere! HE FOLDED HIM LIKE A BLOODY STEEL CHAIR!
Nero covers!
ONE!
…
…
…
TWO! …
…
…
THR—NO!!
The Night kicks out, just barely. Nero buries his face in his hands, shaking his head. He gets to his feet, signalling—it’s time. He drags The Night up, hooks the guillotine choke. The crowd explodes.
MATT RUBY: He’s going for the Red Reboot! This is it!
He lifts—The Night kicks his legs, fighting, wriggling free! He lands on his feet behind Nero—snatches him! Backstabber!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Dead of Night MINUS THE BAT!! He nailed him! He didn’t kill it with fire but by god it was close…
Nero writhes in agony, choking. The Night yanks him over into a cover!
ONE! …
…
…
TWO! …
…
…
THR—NO!!
MATT RUBY: I don’t believe it! Nero stays alive! Imagine if he’d had the bat!?
The Night’s eyes bulge with fury. He scrambles to the corner, climbing. He wants it—he wants Nightfall.
Nero gets up… NIGHT LEAPS!
SUPERKICK! SUPERKICK TO THE FUCKING HEAD!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: HE MISSED! HE MISSED!
Nero wastes no time—he climbs the ropes, crowd on their feet—MOONSAULT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Crash Override! He got all of it!
Cover!
ONE! …
…
…
TWO! …
…
…
THR—NO!!
The arena erupts into chaos. Fans are screaming, half disbelief, half jubilation.
MATT RUBY: What the hell’s it gonna take?!
Nero, clutching his ribs, crawls to the ropes. He resets his gauntlet, the neon glow flickering. He holds up his fist, pointing at The Night. The crowd roars in anticipation.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He’s calling for it—Now You See Me, Now You Don’t!
The arena flickers with holographic mirages—three, four, five versions of Nero circling The Night. The Enigma swings wildly, trying to hit something—
BAM!
MATT RUBY: Superman Punch! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: LEAPING ARMBREAKER! NIGHT SNATCHED HIM OUT OF THIN AIR INTO AN ARMBREAKER!! HE MIGHT’VE BROKEN HIS GOD DANG ARM!
Nero writhes in agony… he’s pained. The Ring King crown is on the line and his arm may have just been snatched out of its socket. He’s dazed. Weary. Confused.
Where’s The Night?
He gets back to his feet…
Where is he!?
SOL SNATCHER!
NIGHTFALL! NIGHTFALL! NIGHTFALL!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: HE GOT IT! HE GOT EVERY OUNCE OF IT!!
Night covers…
ONE…
…
…
…
TWO….
…
…
…
…
THREE!!
DING DING DING!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: IT’S OVER! IT’S OVER! THE NIGHT IS YOUR KING OF BONES! THE NIGHT HAS WON RING KING!
MATT RUBY: WHAT A MATCH!
The fans roar with excitement as The Night remains kneeling in the middle of the ring, soaking in the atmosphere. He’s done it! He’s won Ring King and by God, he’s placed himself into the OSW history books in the process.
Confetti falls from the ceiling as The Night gets back to his feet and has his arm raised by the referee.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ladies and Gentlemen… your Ring King… The King of Bones… The Night!
You Shouldn't Be Here
Ares Domicile.
Cold open.
A door creaks open.
Ares steps inside, shoulders sagging, the weight of Zeus’ revelation still dragging him down. His knuckles are raw, his face lined with exhaustion. He flicks the light switch, wishing the day away.
The room hums to life.
And there—seated calmly in a worn leather chair—is Slade Kincaid. Arms folded. Eyes sharp. His posture screams control.
“I wondered how long it’d be,” Kincaid says, his voice low, steady. “How long before you finally came for me. Guess I decided to beat you to the punch.”
Ares exhales slowly, dragging a hand across his face. No surprise. No panic. Just inevitability.
“You were on my to-do list,” Ares mutters, stepping further into the room.
Kincaid chuckles darkly, shaking his head. “Always the planner.”
Ares finally looks him dead in the eyes, his voice dropping to a growl.
“You shouldn’t be here.” He takes a step closer, fists clenching. “Not now… little brother.”
The camera lingers on Kincaid’s smirk—knowing, dangerous.
Cut.
Hades
The flames roar high, licking at the blackened sky. The Gates of Hell loom tall, jagged iron twisted into the shapes of screaming faces. Shadows writhe along the rocky ground as the air burns with brimstone.
Tombstone stands before it, looming and silent, his cloak fluttering against the infernal wind. He waits. Patient. Unmoving.
A flutter of ash. A ripple through the air.
From the other side of the gates, a Reaper steps forward—gaunt, pale, dressed in black, his face obscured beneath a hood.
“Thank you for coming,” the Reaper intones, his voice like a funeral bell.
“I don’t deal in thanks,” Tombstone rumbles. “Only debts. I owed you one.”
The Reaper bows his head slightly. “Then hear me well. I bring bad news.”
He takes a long breath, as though the truth itself is poison.
“For years, we thought everything was as it should be. For years, we believed balance remained. We were wrong.”
Tombstone’s eyes narrow. “Speak plain.”
The Reaper’s voice cracks the silence like thunder.
“Hades has escaped The Underworld. He has been topside… for a very long time.” The words hang heavy. Even the flames seem to recoil.
“Impossible,” Tombstone growls.
“Not impossible,” the Reaper replies grimly. “He has worn many names. Taken many incarnations. Each time, reborn into a vessel with the breaking of the seven seals. He was powerful then… but he is not what he once was now. The seals were not broken this time. His escape was measured by different means.”
Tombstone stares into the endless fire, the weight of realization pressing down. “I never knew Arcadia suffered this. I was unaware.”
The Reaper shakes his head. “No more.” His tone sharpens, final. “Already I have said too much. Already I have risked the order of death.”
He steps closer, his shadow crawling over Tombstone like a shroud.
“But hear me, Ferryman. You must return Hades to the Underworld. You must reap him. Before the seals break again and he becomes powerful.”
The Gates groan as The Reaper heads back inside the Underworld. They close behind him as he fades back into the abyss.
Tombstone remains, the fire reflecting in his eyes.
Silent. Immovable. Knowing.
Cut.