WARZONE #392
BONES
The coronation is here. The King takes his rightful place atop his throne but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Doom is forced to lay down for Nox in the Main Event and so much more as Ascension returns for its 392nd episode.
Coronation
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play â–º symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
Cold open.
The lights dim. A low toll of a bell echoes through the arena. Black carpet covers the canvas, and at its center sits a throne of bones, grotesque and gothic, every skull and rib fused into a twisted monument to power.
Upon it, dressed in dark regalia, sits The Night. A crown of jagged iron rests upon his head.
Standing at his side, proud but solemn, is Zeus.
The Baron raises a microphone, his voice commanding. “Welcome… to Ascension. And welcome… to your new sovereign. The King of Bones… The Night!”
The crowd erupts in a mix of awe and unease as Zeus gestures toward the throne.
The Night rises slowly, adjusting his crown, the shadows of the bones seeming to bend toward him. His voice is steady, resolute.
“My rule will not mirror that of the Killer King. I will not hunt for pleasure. I will not spill blood for sport.” He pauses, the silence thick. “My hunt is for vengeance. For the one who murdered my mother. For the one who destroyed the Red Light District. Gemini.”
The name hits like thunder. The crowd gasps. Zeus’s head turns sharply, his eyes narrowing—stunned. “You… never told me this, no-one ever confirmed such news,” Zeus mutters, shock breaking through his stoic expression.
But before the tension can unravel—
A metallic, mechanized voice cuts through the PA.
Doom.
He strides onto the stage, no music, no theatrics—just cold purpose. A microphone in his gauntleted hand, the World Championship slung across his shoulder.
“Congratulations, Night,” Doom says, his voice distorted through his mask. “I understand vengeance. Zeus wants it against Nox. I want it against Nox. You… want it against Gemini. That, I get.”
He adjusts the title on his shoulder, gaze locked on the throne.
“But first, there’s a little matter of the World Championship.”
The Night smirks darkly, tilting his crown. “And what makes you think you’ll still be Champion? Nox has promised to make you lay down tonight… to give him the gold.”
The tension spikes. The camera cuts to Zeus, who slowly raises his microphone, his presence silencing the arena.
“Such matters,” Zeus says carefully, “are in hand.”
He steps forward, eyes darting between Doom and The Night.
“And at the next special event, Doom will defend his World Championship… against The King of Bones.”
The crowd roars, confused and chaotic. Doom stands frozen, visor gleaming in the lights. The Night lowers himself back into his throne, smirk never fading.
All eyes turn to Zeus. His expression is unreadable, his words lingering like a storm cloud over Arcadia.
What does he mean, it's all in hand?
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Anton Savor is hoping to cook up a victory against the behemoth Slade Kincaid tonight.
MATT RUBY: Well, Slade Kincaid is not going to be an easy meal. Tough as old boots BB, he’ll definitely give Savor indigestion.
Savor starts things off quickly, trying to get in early and catch Kincaid off-guard.
SUPERKICK!
CRÈME BRÛLÉE - NO! KINCAID CATCHES THE FOOT AND TWISTS!
SAVOR COMES A-TUMBLING DOWN!
GHOST WALK!
KINCAID BOUNCES OFF THE ROPES AND DRIVES THE KNEE INTO SAVOR’S SKULL WITH THE RUNNING KNEE STRIKE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Well, that didn’t quite go as planned for Anton Savor.
MATT RUBY: Just got a big ol’ helping of lights out there BB!
Kincaid pulls Savor to his feet, flinging him across the ring and into the turnbuckle. He starts softening him up with strikes to the body, before moving into his patented open palm strikes.
SUPPRESSING FIRE!
BAM, BAM, BAM!
STRIKE AFTER STRIKE TO THE CHEST AND FACE…
BUT SAVOR GETS A FINGER TO THE EYE!
FLAMBÉ!
SAVOR HITS BACK WITH HIS PATENTED RAPIDFIRE CHOPS!
HE FIGHTS HIS WAY OUT OF THE CORNER, CHOP BY CHOP ACROSS THE RING!
THE ELBOW DROPS KINCAID!
Savor has Slade right where he wants him in the center of the ring, wasting no time in locking Kincaid up into his clutches.
GASTRONOMY GUILLOTINE!
THE CHOKE IS LOCKED IN!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Savor fights his way back into this out of sheer grit.
MATT RUBY: You sure don’t want any of that grit in your dishes, but in the ring it’s top of the menu right now. And Kincaid has no answer BB.
Slade Kincaid pulls and claws his way towards the ropes. Using the ropes to assist, he pulls himself slowly back to a vertical base.
NO RETURN!
HE TAKES DOWN SAVOR AND LOCKS IN THE CROSSFACE!
Savor screams in pain but eventually takes his turn to pull himself to his feet using the ropes. Both men reach their feet together, trading blows.
FIST BY KINCAID!
A SHOT FROM SAVOR!
The fight hits the center of the ring.
THEN SAVOR HURLS KINCAID UP ONTO HIS SHOULDERS!
THE FINAL COURSE!
NO!
SLADE KINCAID SLIPS OUT THE BACK DOOR!
PEACEKILLLLLLLERRRRRR!
THE SHORT ARMED LARIAT HITS!
SLADE KINCAID COVERS FOR THE PIN!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Stick a fork in him, this turkey is done. Slade Kincaid picks up the big win against Anton Savor.
Choices Made
The Circus.
Despite being painted in a menagerie of bright colors and exotic patterns the grounds themselves are drained of joy. A hanging sense of fear seeping into the air itself. A pair of boots come down on gravel, kicking rocks out of the way as the owner marches into this den of despair.
"Klaus!" The weary voice of Harold Attano sounds off like a gunshot, an undeniable demand.
"Harold." The Ringmaster himself steps out of a tent, Michaela following closely at his side like a puppy and its owner. "I wish I was surprised to see you here. May I help you find the exit?"
Attano scoffs, eyes darting to his daughter then back to Klaus. "I just came to see Michaela."
A wry smirk spreads across Klaus' lips as he turns to Michaela, silently urging her to speak for herself.
"... I made my choice at Ring King," Michaela says, a slight quiver in her voice. "You may hate it, but it was mine to make."
"I know," Harold says with a sigh. "I made a choice at Ring King too, Michaela. I just wanted to come here to do what I think is right. I came to apologize. Even if you don't forgive me, even if you want me to leave right after. This was your choice... Can you find it in your heart to hear me out?"
There's an uncomfortable pause, Michaela's face faltering for a fleeting moment before Klaus snaps his fingers. "Enough," he says. "Back in the tent. And you, Harold," he points at Attano with a sneer. "Get out of my circus."
Michaela obediently walks into the tent, Klaus gripping her wrist tightly as he follows behind her.
But Attano stands in front of the tent a moment longer, a scowl forming on his lips.
Ending the conversation wasn't Michaela's choice.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have the Reverend Ezekiel Graves taking on a game Gemini tonight.
MATT RUBY: I’d love to take on a game Gemini. Maybe she’ll give me a go later?
Gemini comes out of the gates quickly, looking to get an early advantage but runs straight into a massive LARIAT FROM GRAVES that sends her upside down and inside out.
PURGATORY PLUNGE!
BRUTAL POWERBOMB THAT DESTROYS GEMINI!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Well, there might not be much left of Gemini after that.
MATT RUBY: You may be right BB, but at least she won’t be able to get away if she’s unconscious.
Graves pulls Gemini back up to her feet, pushing her into the corner back first. Towering over her, he grabs her by the throat.
THE FINAL - NO!
GEMINI KICKS GRAVES RIGHT IN THE BALLS AND HE DROPS TO HIS KNEES!
She holds onto the wrist of Graves, leaping up onto the turnbuckle and walking the ropes.
THE LAST DANCE!
ROPEWALK… AND THE HURRICANRANA TAKES DOWN GRAVES!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Well, there’s life in Gemini yet. Don’t count her out. In fact, Ruby, just don’t go anywhere near her.
MATT RUBY: I can’t promise that. Let’s just see if she can take the big man down for good.
Gemini goes straight for the chokeslamming arm of Graves, wrenching it awkwardly and wrapping herself around him.
CHIBA’S TOUCH! THE KIMURA!
GEMINI HAS IT LOCKED IN AND GRAVES IS IN A WORLD OF PAIN!
But Graves manages to push through the pain, powering himself to his feet with Gemini still attached to him as a backpack.
He swings her around…
SPINEBUSTER! SPINE ON THE PINE!
Graves staggers back into the corner, tending to his shoulder. Eventually, Gemini slowly begins to stir. Graves moves in for the kill, pulling her to her feet.
THE FINAL JUDGEMENT!
CHOKESLAM DEVASTATES GEMINI!
GRAVES COVERS FOR THE PIN!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ezekiel Graves overpowers Gemini tonight and picks up the victory!
Just A Man
The room is dim.
The walls are bare, concrete bleeding with water stains, a single cracked mirror nailed above a rusted sink.
El Mariachi Muerte paces, muttering to himself. His paint still clings to his face like a mask, but it looks hollow now. Like it’s wearing him.
He clutches a folded piece of cloth to his chest: La Mariachi Vida’s sash. Faded, bloodstained, fragile. He holds it like it’s all that’s left.
“I know, Vida,” he says aloud, voice unsteady. “I know I was supposed to be stronger than this.”
There’s no answer, but he talks as if she’s still here. Still listening.
“I should’ve seen it. I should’ve known what Caído was doing. But I didn’t. I let him take everything.”
He opens his mouth.
Silence.
He tries again, harder this time. Nothing.
“I can’t even sing anymore,” he whispers. “Not even to you.”
His gaze drifts to the mirror. He walks to it slowly.
“Who… who am I?”
He stares. Not at his reflection, but through it.
“I don’t even have a name. Just a title. A legacy. One that’s been torn from me.”
His hands press to the glass. Desperation clawing at his throat.
“El Mariachi Muerte… Death’s Mariachi.”
He shakes his head.
“But I’m not that anymore.”
Behind him, a beam of golden light breaks through the boarded window, casting his face in sharp relief. The painted mask catches it, burns in it.
In the distance, a bell tolls.
He doesn’t move. He just stares ahead, voice barely a whisper.
“If I can’t remember who I am…”
He swallows hard.
“…then I’m just a man.”
Cut.
Road to Redemption
Narcissa walks through the backstage area with a confident stride. Her attention is fully on the upcoming match and nothing else, not even any incoming people heading her way.
This proves to be to her detriment, as she ends up bumping her shoulder into Gemini as the Rogue is walking out of the Olympus. The former Seeker spins her heels and begins to follow an unfazed Hera toward the entrance curtain.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Oh dear, this could get real nasty, real fast.
MATT RUBY: What are you talking about, BB!? We could be getting our first cat fight in a while! You can't tell me that doesn't excite you like it does me!
"You!" Gemini yells out as she approaches her foe. "I know you have your claws in Night's head! Either pull them out now, or I'll pry them loose for you!"
"What makes you think that?" Narcy asks, a smirk forming on her face as she continues to walk. "He attacked me at Ring of Dreams too, remember?"
"He's not on your ass anymore, is he!?" The Rogue shouts back.
MATT RUBY: I'd pay a fortune's worth of credits to hop on either of their asses.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Will you stop!?
"No," Arcadia's Queen says, "I suppose he isn't. Then again, I'm not the one that set off a bomb in the Red Light District, am I?" This comment nearly causes Gemini to throw a punch, but she holds herself back at the last second.
"I'm going to fix this," the Rogue says after taking a deep breath. "I'm going to mend the bridge you helped burn and make sure Night enters Red Snow ready to forgive me, not kill me."
"Just how do you plan on doing that?" Narcissa chuckles, coming to a stop near the curtain. "I don't think you can do anything that will stop him from wanting his revenge, unless you plan on saving him the effort and killing yourself."
"There's another way," Gemini says with confidence. "I'm going to destroy whatever footage you might have of the incident and make sure he enters Red Snow as champion. That way, whatever pull you have over him is gone."
Gemini storms off, leaving Narcissa to smile and shake her head, amused.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: A lofty goal laid out by the Rogue, but I don't know if Narcissa has any footage or anything like that.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: El Dragon Caido is about to go toe to toe with Narcissa and Captain Arcadia, two unpredictable foes, for the Double Feature Championship! This match was originally a four way, but Destructo is unable to compete tonight.
MATT RUBY: The little cunt's too tied up with Nox at the moment. Not like he would've won with my queen in the match!
The bell sounds and Arcadia and Narcissa pounce on Caido. They club him with forearms and fists, forcing the masked man to take a defensive stance to block all the blows.
After a few seconds of wailing on the champion, El Dragon manages to deflect an oncoming punch from Hera to Cap. This disorients her long enough for El Veterano to Biel toss the Narcy into the Hero!
With both challengers down, the Dragon climbs up to the top rope and attempts FLIGHT OF THE FALLEN. However, both competitors manage to roll out of the way! Arcadia attempts to capitalize, but Narcissa has other plans!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: UPRISING to The Captain! What a short lived alliance these two had!
MATT RUBY: It's on that dipshit of a superhero for forgetting it's a triple threat, BB! There was no "alliance", only opportunities!
Cap is rocked as he stumbles into a corner. Narcy proceeds to punish him further by setting him up for CAUGHT UP! However, he manages to slip out just as Narcissa gets on the apron!
She uses her core strength to pull herself back into the ring, but she's met with a PUNCH OF THE BROTHERS that knocks her down to the mat! The Hero turns to see the Fallen Dragon back on his feet. He runs towards him and ducks a wild clothesline attempt from Caido before drilling him down with the GRASPS OF JUSTICE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Arcadia's on fire right now! This match might just be his to win!
MATT RUBY: Fuck that! I'd literally take anyone else over his dumbass!
Arcadia wastes no time and leaps up to the top rope. He leaps for the STAR SPANGLED SPLASH, but Caido stands up and grabs him in the Iron Claw! Narcissa rushes in to break it up, but gets one applied as well!
DOUBLE WINGBREAKER! Both of them hit the canvas hard as the champion covers them both!
ONE!
...
TWO!
...
THREE!!
MATT RUBY: Thank Zeus, my prayers were answered!
Preparations
The camera cuts to a dimly lit backstage area, moments before Klaus Way's match, walls draped with tattered curtains of crimson and black. A long wooden table stretches through the center of the room, lit only by candlelight. Around it sit shadowy men in suits, their faces hidden by porcelain masks—each sculpted with grotesque grins, frowns, or blank stares.
At the head of the table stands Klaus Way, his hands spread wide, the Ringmaster in full command of his audience.
He smiles, but it’s not joy—it’s hunger.
"Gentlemen," Klaus begins, his voice rich and theatrical, echoing through the cavernous chamber. "The circus is nearly ready for its greatest spectacle. In just a few short weeks, the preparation will be complete. The curtains will rise… and Arcadia will never forget the extravaganza we deliver."
The masked men sit silently, some nodding, others twitching with nervous excitement. Klaus paces slowly along the table, his cane tapping against the floor with each step.
"But," he continues, his voice tightening, "from here on out, there can be no hesitation. No mistakes. Every piece must be in place, every role performed perfectly. If we falter, the show dies before it begins. And I," he slams the cane down, making the candles tremble, "will not tolerate failure."
A masked figure at the far end shifts uncomfortably. Klaus notices, smirking.
"Next week," he says, lowering his voice to a hiss, "we begin. The world thinks they’ve seen the Way & Co. at its most twisted, its most dazzling… but they are wrong. What comes now will eclipse every act before it. The freaks, the fire, the fear… all of it. A crescendo of chaos!"
He leans forward, both palms on the table, staring directly into the blank masks that surround him.
"From next week forward, the circus isn’t just entertainment." His smile widens, manic and cruel. "It’s domination."
The camera lingers on the flicker of the candlelight reflecting across the eerie masks, the silent men watching Klaus with devotion—or perhaps dread.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Up next, we have one-half of the OSW Tag Team Champions taking on the NXT Level Champion Klaus Way.
MATT RUBY: Klaus Way’s the only one in this match who knows how to keep a woman in this contest, my money’s on – GET ‘EM KLAUS!
Before the bell sounds, Klaus jumps Nero, slamming him back-first into the corner, driving boot after boot into Red Reboot’s gut as Demi Sky calls for the bell to start the match.
Way attempts to capitalize by stomping a mudhole into The Cyberhound, but Nero proves elusive, slipping out of the corner before nailing a Springboard Cutter!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: PACKET STORM ON THE RINGMASTER GENERAL!
Nero kips up, rushing to the corner, springing off the middle rope, then the top, Moonsault – BME Style – CRASH OVERRIDE!
Emphasis on the Crash part of that as Klaus manages to roll out of the way quickly, dragging Nero back to his feet.
The Ringmaster General hooks the arms of The Rogue Code running at the corner and up the middle rope and off the top for So Much Unprettier – BIZARR-NO! The Cyberhound shrugs off The Oddball Extraordinaire while in mid-air...
FIREWALL!
Pop-up Superkick to the base of Klaus Way’s skull!
The Cyberhound rolls Way over quickly, hooking the leg as Demi makes the count!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That was the damnedest Superkick I’ve ever seen, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat there for Nero!
MATT RUBY: How the hell did that hack hacker manage that!?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He’s one half of the Tag Team Champions and Ring King Runner-Up for a reason, Ruby, give him some credit!
El Mariachi Grande
Anestheria.
It glows beneath twilight, its walkways lined with crimson banners marked by the sigil of the Watchers. Candles flicker on windowsills. Fire dancers spin in reverence. A crowd gathers beneath the a balcony.
And there—above them all—stands El Dragon Caido.
MATT RUBY: Now there’s a life returning to the way it should be.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What he did to Muerte, it…
MATT RUBY: He took what was his.
The people murmur, caught between awe and silence.
“My beloved Anestheria,” he begins, his voice rolling like a hymn, “The song has returned.”
A cheer rises. The Watchers posted along the rooftop begin to clap, beckoning the people to follow. Most do. All but a few.
“I have taken the broken chords of a dying order and strung them anew. The Lucha Temple and the Mariachi legacy are now one. Not scattered. Not silent. Whole.”
He lifts his hand, gesturing to the tower being erected behind him, engraved with both temple symbols and Mariachi motifs, skulls and strings entwined.
“I will give you protection. I will give you beauty. I will give you peace. You need only do one thing in return…”
He leans forward, voice a whisper.
“Worship.”
The crowd is still.
Then a voice cuts through.
“You’re no god!”
Gasps. A man steps forward. Not afraid.
“You killed the Mariachi. You butchered what they stood for!”
Caido sighs.
“I didn’t kill the Mariachi,” he replies softly. “I created them.”
He lifts something from the altar beside him.
A guitar.
MATT RUBY: I’ve seen that before.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That’s El Mariachi Muerte’s guitar! Caido destroyed it, but it looks like he’s rebuilt it.
Caido strums.
One single, clean note.
The man drops. Lifeless.
The crowd erupts in screams, scrambling then stilling. Watchers begin kneeling. One by one, the citizens follow.
First in fear.
Then in reverence.
A tidal wave of submission.
Caido looks down at the sea of bowed heads and smiles.
“El Mariachi Grande has returned.”
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Old foes fight against one another tonight as Friendly faces off against the Artist to try and gain back some momentum from a less then stellar Ring King for either man.
MATT RUBY: Say what you mean BB, both men were losers at Ring King but while Foley lost to a better man in DOOM, Jasper just made a simple mistake and underestimated a lesser opponent, and he's going to prove it by making short work of Fluke Foley here.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That lesser opponent is a King now. Maybe if Redgrave spent more time focusing on his opponents and not messing with families, he wouldn't have lost his crown.
The bell sounds as Felix rushes forward, trying to show Redgrave exactly what his Boots are made for but Jasper dodges the Big Boot, rushing to the ropes and rebounding off
WITH SOME SANGUINE ABSURDISM! Brutal discus clothesline turns Foley inside out.
Felix staggers slowly up into a hard headbutt before he's lifted up high into the air, Redgrave rushing forward
VANISHING...FOLEY SLIPS OUT LANDING ON HIS FEET!
BUT HE TURNS AROUND RIGHT INTO A SUPERKICK
MATT RUBY: Told ya BB, Jasper Redgrave proving his loss was a mere fluke tonight.
Foley staggers back as Jasper spins around
BUT FOLEY BIG BOOTS RIGHT THROUGH THE ELBOW!
THESE BOOTS WERE MADE TO SEND THE ARTIST INTO THE CORNER!
Redgrave slams hard into the buckles, barely hitting them before he's squashed by a massive clothesline, slumping down as Foley grips the ropes
AND SHOWS JASPER REDGRAVE WHY THIS IS FELIX FOLEY'S CORNER BY STOMPING A MUDHOLE INTO HIM!
The crowd roar in approval, Foley pumped up as he sizes the rising Redgrave up
KICK
DOUBLE UNDERHOOK
CUT THE STRINGS! Double Underhook DDT drives Redgrave into the mat, Foley dropping down, hooking both legs as Cole Holt slides in to count
ONE
..........
..............
TWO
...........
...............
THREE!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: And once again my commentating partner is wrong and Felix Foley wins against Jasper Redgrave. Hope you didn't bet on the bastard again Ruby.
MATT RUBY: Pfft as if I'd be stupid enough to do that. On a side note you wouldn't happen to have 500 credits I could borrow would you?
The Hunt is On
After Ring King.
The streets of Arcadia are empty, all except for three figures standing at beneath the dim level lights. Their shadows stretch across the ground, making them appear as giants in the night. Captain Arcadia, Anton Savor, and Mister Sunshine.
"Ayame had no affiliation, my last lead turned to dust in my hands," Arcadia begins. "If any of us are to find out who the Zoo Keeper is... We'll have to work together."
"With you?" Savor looks insulted by the thought. "Someone so incompetent wouldn't be fit to use my dish pit."
"How can I be sure you aren't working with the Zoo Keeper, Captain?" Sunshine's cold smile radiates a chill as he tilts his head. "If a dog keeps making mistakes, maybe look at who trained them."
"Me!?" Cap is incredulous, pointing at Sunshine and spitting venom in his words. "You were closer to him than I ever was. Maybe you like having that parasite in your head."
Snap.
Sunshine is on Cap in an instant, fingers digging into the hero's shoulders. Arcadia doesn't flinch, staring Sunshine down. "You wouldn't even begin to know what this feels like, Captain. The dreaded emptiness inside..."
He chuckles, letting go of Cap and snapping his head towards Anton. "Or maybe you. Maybe Boswick made you an offer you couldn't refuse. You never would turn down a free lunch, would you?"
"I think you're both morons. If I want a meal prepped correctly, I prep it myself. I'll do the same with finding Boswick. Please, eat each other alive. As far as I'm concerned, the hunt is on."
Savor takes his leave, the darkness enveloping as he disappears into the night.
Followed by Sunshine.
Lastly, Captain Arcadia. He stands beneath the light for a moment more, shaking his head as the scene slowly fades to black.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The brand new King of Bones competes here tonight against the possible future ruler of Arcadia. Can The Night continue his incredible run or will Jackson Cade prove why he should've been King?
The bell sounds as both men rush forward, The Night ducking underneath a clothesline attempt before leaping off the ropes. He grabs Cade in a headlock but Jackson manages to throw him off a Tornado DDT attempt, The Night rolling to his feet
RIGHT INTO A BREACH AND CLEAR! SLINNNGBBBLLLADDEE!
Jackson rolls to his feet, looking for another to a staggering Night but The Night avoids it, rushing to the ropes before leaping off
NIGHT CAP! Leaping Shoulder Tackle takes down Cade.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Very back and forth here so far, neither man has the clear advantage.
The Night watches Cade stagger up, rushing to the ropes as he springboards off
RIGHT INTO AN INCENDIARY ROUND! Bullhammer Elbow smashes The Night right in the jaw, The King out on his feet as he's lifted up in the air
AND DRIVEN INTO THE MAT WITH THE MASTER KEY BRAINBUSTER!
MATT RUBY: You know what happens next BB? It's about time for a demi god to fly.
Cade scrambles to the ropes, climbing up to the top rope as the crowd roars, sizing up the fallen Night before diving off
SCREAMING EAGLE!
DIVING ELBOW DROP HITS RIGHT INTO THE NIGHT'S HEART!
Cade rolls to his feet, pulling the Night up to his feet
KICK
WHAM
THE RIGHT THING!
Pedigree plants The Night into the mat, rolling him over as he hooks the leg for the pinfall, Demi Sky sliding in to count
ONE
............
...............
TWO
..............
...............
THREE!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Jackson Cade overwhelming The Night here tonight, putting him down with a brutal Pedigree and a fairly dominating victory over the new Ring King.
By Any Means Necessary
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Jackson Cade and the Night laid it out here tonight. You can tell they’ll be feeling it in the morning.
MATT RUBY: In the morning? They’re feeling it right now!
Jackson Cade grips the bottom rope and pushes to his feet, body trembling, eyes glassy.
A tremor ripples through the crowd.
Then impact.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What the hell!?
MATT RUBY: It’s Ares!
Ares crashes into Cade from behind like the monster he is. Jackson is launched forward, his skull bouncing off the turnbuckle with a sickening thud. The crowd gasps then falls eerily silent.
Ares doesn’t stop.
He rips Jackson up by the neck and drives a forearm into his face. Another. And another. Blood spatters the mat.
“Did you think this was over?” Ares growls, his voice a furnace. “You will be what your father has made you.”
He hoists Jackson up again—SPINEBUSTER—NO!
JACKSON CADE SLIDE OUT, THROWING A PUNCH.
CAUGHT. ARES HEADBUTTS CADE, SENDING PERSEUS TO THE GROUND.
“You don’t lead by protecting the weak,” Ares snarls. “You lead by reminding them what power feels like.”
Jackson’s lip is split, but he forces himself to speak.
“I’m not gonna be like him.”
Ares kneels beside him, close enough for Jackson to feel the heat of his breath.
“No, you’re going to be better. In fact, you already are,” he whispers. “You just haven’t bled enough to see it.”
He slings Jackson’s limp body over his shoulder and turns toward the ramp.
“No more games,” Ares says. “Next week, you don’t fight. You survive.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ares has taken Jackson Cade.
MATT RUBY: He’s gonna make a man out of him. Remember BB, Zeus said to do it by any means necessary!
Watch Tower
Ezekiel Graves and Nero descend the stairs from Olympus, tag gold glittering, heading for another of Arcadia’s many levels. Throngs of people are doing the same.
“This level’s tapped,” Nero mutters. “Nothing. Not a whisper of Rose. Not a trace of Ned.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: As much of an issue I’ve had with Ezekiel Graves, at least he’s doing the right thing now, Matt.
MATT RUBY: Whoever took the woman and boy is in for a rough time when these two find them.
Graves doesn't respond. His eyes scan the masses like a hound at war. Every soul a suspect. Every breath a lie.
A sudden shift in the crowd halts them.
A figure steps forward: robed, face veiled in shadow. The people part without question.
“The Watchers have seen your pain,” the figure says, voice hushed but piercing. “We will find them.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Watchers? Why are they getting involved?
MATT RUBY: El Dragon Caido brings families together, BB, didn’t you know?
Graves steps forward, jaw clenched. “What do you know of my sister?”
“The children of blood are never truly lost,” the Watcher replies. “But tread your path as if nothing has changed. Let the wolves believe you’ve stopped hunting. Come Sunday, the heavens will open.”
“What the hell does that mean?” Nero asks, fists balled.
“He means God is going to reveal the truth during next week’s service,” Ezekiel says quietly.
“Why not now?” Nero retorts.
The figure smirks.
“All eyes will be watching then.”
And just like that, the figure vanishes into the mass. Gone like smoke.
Graves and Nero stand still, the tide of Olympus moving around them.
“You believe that?” Nero asks.
“I believe men hide truth in shadows. Whether it’s for good or evil,” Graves says, turning. “Go. Keep searching. Let me prepare the pulpit.”
“You think they’ll show?”
“If they don’t…” Graves tightens his grip on the belt over his shoulder. “We’ll tear this world apart until they do.”
They nod once.
The Brothers in Christ part ways.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Something smells fishy here, Matt.
MATT RUBY: I had some bad Anestherian food earlier.
Bereft
With Doom and Nox stood in the middle of the ring, the tron flickers.
We are greeted once again by the sinister green glow of Nox’s laboratory. There, chained in place, Destructo still hangs above the bubbling acidic liquid. He's bedraggled, weary and weakened.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Destructo looks like he’s seen better days. He's nothing more than a pawn in Nox's sick games.
MATT RUBY: Smart move by Nox. He's got the champion backed into a corner and that championship is as good as his.
The silence and isolation seems all the more sinister now, with Nox leaving Destructo hanging literally, his life in his balance. Destructo is distraught, looking upon the bubbling green liquid in horror.
“So this is it? It’s only a matter of time now.” He laments. “I’ve got nobody. Nothing. There's no way he's letting me go, win or lose. Surely Doom can see that. I'm as good as gone.”
Destructo struggles vainly against his chains holding him, muffled grunts and cries telling of his protest.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This is Destructo’s rock bottom. He's been left completely bereft. That Nox is something else. How… dastardly.
MATT RUBY: He’s just ballsy enough to take what he wants. Nothing will stop him from getting the OSW World Championship.
BAM!
HERE COMES FELIX FOLEY!
KICKING DOWN THE DOOR AND BURSTING INTO THE LAB!
Foley comes in, winding the crank to remove the chains from Destructo’s arms, allowing him to grab hold of a support beam. Foley then lowers him to safety, pulling him away from the acidic liquid.
“Let's get you outta here kid.”
Destructo is weary, walking on shaky legs, and has an untrusting look about him.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Destructo's lost everything he's ever cared for. How’s he supposed to know who to trust in this mess?
MATT RUBY: Look out for number one. Trust nobody.
Destructo looks like he’s about to collapse, but Foley needs to get this show on the road.
“What are you lolligagging around for?” He states with a sympathetic smile. “They need to know you're free, so Doom can defend his title in a fair contest.”
He directs Destructo toward the door, and helps Destructo to escape, leaving the lab and the bubbling pit of acid behind him.
Free.
And nobody's bargaining chip.
Cut.
Meanwhile, back in the ring...
PUNCH OF DOOM! Doom nails Nox with a brutal Superman Punch right as the bell rings, rocking the Chemist immediately.
MATT RUBY: And of course this match starts with a cheap shot by our so called world champion. Sucker punching Nox before he can even get his bearings and I thought Doom was supposed to be the good guy here.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Doom cheap shot? Nox threatened the life of an innocent man to force DOOM to lay down for him. That bastard is the king of cheap tactics and I'm so looking forward to him getting his ass handed to him tonight.
MATT RUBY: Hey Nox doesn't do cheap tactics, he comits moves of calculated genius. If Stubbins wasn't so blinded by his failure of a bastard, he'd be doing the exact same thing.
Doom follows up with a flurry of heavy lefts and rights before throwing Nox across the ring
But The Chemist manages to stop himself, rolling to the outside to grab a breather.
A breather that Doom will not allow as he immediately rushes through the ropes in a fury.
Nox begins to run around the ring, Stubbins in hot pursuit as the pair circle around and around, Nox finally sliding back inside as Nox is right on his tail. Nox managing to get to his feet quick enough to begin trying to stomp out Doom.
But he barely manages a pair of stomps before Doom grabs it, tripping Nox to the mat and mounting him before raining down steel focused left and right forearms.
Doom nails a brutal right to the underside of the jaw, rocking Nox as he pulls him up to his feet. Trapping him in a double underhook before beginning to rain up knee after knee to the jaw of the Chemist.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Doom is losing himself to the anger here, he's not even looking to win a match, he just wants to punish Nox and I don't blame him.
A leaping knee rocks Nox before DOOM tries to grab him but a sneaky thumb to the eye blinds Stubbins for a moment. The Chemist quickly rolling out of the ring, trying to get some space away from the rageful Doctor.
But DOOM isn't done with him.
Nox turning around
INTO A TOPE SUICIDA BY DOOM
MATT RUBY: Did Doom just do a fucking plancha?
DOOM lands hard on Nox, immediately throwing heavy rights and lefts before lifting him up by the back of the head, rushing forward
AND THROWING HIM SO HARD INTO THE BARRICADE THAT IT CRACKS UPON IMPACT
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You still think it's calculated genius now Ruby? Doom may well murder Nox here tonight and I don't think a damn person could stop him.
Doom backs up, his mask unreadable but the way he's shaking, you can tell he's absolutely furious. Stubbins backs up into the other barricade before sprinting forward as Nox slowly pulls himself up
THE SPLITTER
SENDS DOOM THROUGH THE BARRICADE AS NOX MOVES OUT OF THE WAY JUST IN TIME!
The Barricade damn near explodes from impact, steel and wood flying through the air as Nox sits back, holding his back in pain but sadistic laughter coming from him all the same.
MATT RUBY: You were saying BB? A furious Doom might be dangerous but he's also foolish and Nox played him like a fiddle.
Nox slowly stands up, cracking his back for a moment before walking over and pulling Doom out of the wreckage. Stubbins is almost limp in his arms, Nox dragging him towards the ring, slowly lifting him up into it before rolling in himself as he drops down for the cover. Mills Stanton sliding in to count
ONE
................
.....................
TWO
.................
....................
.......................
THR....
DOOM JUST GETS THE SHOULDER UP!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Wasn't going to be that easy you sadistic bastard.
Nox shrugs, chuckling to himself as he stands up. He pulls Doom to his feet, rocking the world champion with a few hard lefts and rights before lifting him
AND SNAPPING HIM OVER HIS KNEE WITH THE BACKBREAKER
MATT RUBY: It's my favorite game BB, will Doom's spine break before Nox can count to ten?
Doom cries out in pain as Nox delivers a second, then a third
A FOURTH
A FIFTH
A SIXTH
A SEVENTH
AN EIGHTH
A NINTH
TEN BACKBREAKERS! SCHRODINGERS SPINE IS TRULY IN EFFECT HERE as Nox doesn't drop Doom but spins him around
PARALYTIC PLEX! Driving him back down to the canvas with a sickening Snap Dragon, Nox bridging back for the pinfall as Mills count
ONE
.................
...................
TWO
..................
......................
MATT RUBY: We're about to have a new OSW World Champion BB.
...................
THRE....
DOOM SOMEHOW KICKS OUT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Gonna take a lot more to beat Doom, even after the punishment he's taken.
Nox gets to his feet, as Doom somehow staggers up slowly, swinging a wild right that Nox ducks under, grabbing his arm as he does
GET OVER HERE! Brutal Short-Arm clothesline drops Doom down to his knees. Nox backs up, sizing the dazed Doom up for a moment before rushing to the ropes, bouncing off
And nailing Doom with a Shining Wizard.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Did that bastard just do what I think he did?
MATT RUBY: Ha I love it Ruby, he's gonna beat Doom with his own bastard's move.
The crowd begin to heavily boo, Nox turns to the corner, revelling in the jeers for a moment before he grabs a gas canister, opening it slightly as he's preparing for something sinister.
Not noticing Doom is up on his feet.
And fucking pissed.
Nox turns around
RIGHT INTO THE SPLITTER! Massive Gore nearly tears Nox in half but he's not done as he pulls Nox up to his feet from behind, spinning him upside down as he shows him why
DOOM
IS
ETERNAL
OMEGA DRIVER!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Doom doesn't cover, he's backing up with murderous intent here. Nox may well have pissed off the wrong person.
Doom backs up into the corner, shaking with rage once more as Nox slowly stumbles up to his knees, Stubbins sprinting forward
AND BREAKING THE CHEMISTS JAR! Brutal Punt Kick may well have knocked Nox out cold. Doom dropping down in a lateral press as Mills Stanton drops down to count
ONE
..............
...................
TWO
...............
.................
................
.....................
THRE.....
DOOM PULLS NOX UP
MATT RUBY: What the hell is this psychopath doing? Doom has Nox beaten, just take the w and the title retention and leave.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I don't think Doom sees anything but red right now. Not only did Nox try and murder him but he tried to murder his son, Nox may not leave here alive if Doom has anything to say about it.
Doom backs up once more, shaking the ropes in rage as electricity sparks all around him, overflowing Stubbins with pure energy. Lightning flows through the air as Stubbins roars in rage, rushing forward
Just as Nox manages to push the open gas canister right in front of his path.
THE LIGHTNING AROUND DOOM IGNITE THE GAS AS A GIANT BOOM FILLS THE RING WITH A FIRERY CLOUD
MATT RUBY: Zeus in Christ, that idiot could've taken everyone out. What the hell was Doom thinking?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What were they both thinking? Gas and electricity don't mix at all, it'll be a miracle if they're alive, let alone concious.
The red cloud disperses as both men are out on the mat, Doom somehow has his hand flopped across Nox. Mills Stanton struggles to his feet, dropping down as he slowly counts
ONE
..............
.................
TWO
................
..................
....................
THREE!!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: DOOM RETAINS! Somehow Doom won against Nox here but that could've been really bad for everyone. Doom's anger very nearly cost him everything here.
MATT RUBY: It still might. He may have won the battle but against someone like Nox, he may very well lose the war.
The Gallery of Death
The camera pans through a macabre museum of horror. The walls of The Gallery drip with crimson paint and worse, canvases of distorted faces screaming silently from their frames. Chains hang from the ceiling, and in the center, sprawled across the floor, lies Jasper Redgrave.
The Artist rests his head against the cold wall, bathed in shadow. His breathing is steady, his posture unnerving—as though he is both resting and waiting.
Suddenly—
A flutter.
The lights flicker, and when they stabilize, Tombstone stands in the room, looming like a specter in the dark.
Redgrave doesn’t flinch. Slowly, his lips curl into a grin. “Well, well… the Ferryman himself. What could you possibly want in my gallery?”
Tombstone’s voice is deep, rattling like stone dragged across stone.
“Evil men like you, Redgrave… they know evil things. I want your help. I’m searching for someone.”
Jasper rises to his feet, his laughter rolling through the chamber like an echo from the abyss. “You think I’d help you? Why in Arcadia would I waste my time aiding a walking corpse?”
Tombstone takes a step forward, eyes cold.
“There is an end for everyone, even you. And where you go when it’s over depends on the choices you make here. You are bound for the Underworld, Redgrave—I know it. This is your chance to earn your way into paradise.”
Jasper tilts his head, chuckling, shaking it slowly. His laughter grows until it curdles into something unhinged.
“Paradise? No, Ferryman. I don’t want your heaven. I don’t want your mercy. And as for you-”
With sudden, shocking violence, Redgrave swings an axe from behind his back—
CRACK!
The blade slams into Tombstone’s head. The Ferryman staggers, collapsing to the ground with a sickening thud.
Jasper stands over him, panting, smiling wickedly. He leans down, his voice low and venomous.
“It’s a shame, really. You can’t die, can you? Immortal. Eternal. Untouchable. That just means…”
He grips Tombstone’s boot and begins dragging his limp, heavy frame across the blood-stained floor.
“…our fun will last forever.”
The camera pulls back as Redgrave hauls Tombstone deeper into the shadows of The Gallery, the Ferryman’s body scraping loudly against the floor, echoing like the toll of a distant bell.
Cut.