Still Birth
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
Tracking lines go up and down the screen, which along with the muted colors indicates this is a flashback of some kind.
A hospital room.
Screams echo off the walls, each one sharp and primal, the sound of a woman teetering on the edge of her endurance. The woman’s knuckles turn white as they grip the sheets beneath her. Her face, twisted in agony, glistens with tears and perspiration.
“Push! You must push!” The midwife’s voice is firm but laced with urgency, but even she looks pale tonight. Outside the room, the shadow of a man pacing cast an odd pallor over the room.
The woman screams again, her voice cracking. The veins in her neck strain as she bears down. The midwife kneels at the foot of the bed, her hands poised, her breaths shallow and quick. "That’s it. Almost there. You’re so close!"
The moments stretch, thick and viscous, until a sudden, wet gasp announces the child’s arrival. A sharp cry follows, piercing the silence like a blade.
“It’s a boy,” the midwife whispers, her voice faltering as she lifts the newborn. She freezes. The baby looks normal, but there’s no mistaking the eyes, which already open, gleam with a cold light.
“What’s wrong?” The new mother’s voice is hoarse, barely audible. She tries to sit up, but her strength fails.
The midwife’s breath catches in her throat. The baby’s mouth stretches into a grotesque smile. Its tiny hand reaches out, brushing against her cheek. For a fleeting moment, her face slackens, her eyes wide with terror.
The door swings open, the shadow growing as the midwife falls to the grown, being torn apart by the baby.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What the hell was that?
Cut.
Home Is Where The Heart Is
They’ve done it. They’ve rebuilt their family home. Destructo Boy and The Burned Man stand in the middle of a fully refurbished domicile in the Homesteads. Both men look proud of themselves, if not completely exhausted.
“You were right dad,” James says, wiping his brow. He looks in awe at what they’ve accomplished. “This was the right thing to do.”
Maxwell nods in agreement. “I’ve had some friends out looking for Doom whilst we’ve been busy. They’ve put their ear to the ground and found nothing. Understanding what happened to your mother won’t be easy, kiddo.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I can’t imagine what they’re going through; knowing that their former best friend and tormentor was the man who killed someone so dear to them.
MATT RUBY: He played them for years, BB. If they think Doom is just gonna waltz on out to his music and face it, they’ve another thing coming.
“Nox is there tonight, isn’t he?” James makes note with a shrug. “We could pay him a visit.”
The Burned Man shakes his head. He walks over to the front door and locks it, keeping them both inside.
“If we take a run at Nox and miss, we may as well dig our graves next to your mothers. No, we must be smarter. We’ve gotten our house in order and home is where the heart is. First, we get our hands on what belongs to Doom,” The Burned Man says with a sinister grin.
“The Tag Team Championships?” Destructo Boy asks.
Max nods. “The Tag Team Championships, my boy. If Doom doesn’t show up to defend them then we take them from Foley. Zeus will make him come out of hiding to hand his back, or else.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That sounds like a plan and folks, I’m being told right now by Scott Sterling that next weeks Vendetta Main Event is The Besties vs. Burning Justice for the Tag Team Championships!
MATT RUBY: Or.. as it’ll surely be known… a two on one match!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I’m not sure what’s best for Foley – a two on one match or if Doom actually shows up.
The father and son combination both nod and smile, the first phase of their plan set for next week at Vendetta.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Roland Gray has been fighting for his life these past few months thanks to this mysterious contract out on him but the Gunslinger may well be close to answers.
MATT RUBY: Gray's got two things, jack and shit and Jack left Arcadia months ago BB. Some little folder isn't going to prove anything.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: By the look on Savor's face, you may well be wrong Ruby. The Chef looks pissed at the very sight of it.
The bell sounds as both men slowly walk forward, screaming at one another. Savor demanding to know where he found it, Gray screaming back that he knows everything now. That he's got Savor dead to rights.
The Lord High Emperor scowls, backing up for a moment.
CREME BRULEE! SUPPPAAKKKICK OUT OF NOWHERE DROPS GRAY!
The folder falls to the canvas as Roland staggers up into a flurry of rights and lefts before Savor lets out a rapid fire series of chops before spinning around.
FLAMBE! The back elbow hits flush, rocking Gray as Anton leaps up, locking in the Gastronomy Guillotine! The Choke is locked in tight as Gray tries to fight out, the breath slowly being sapped away before he just manages to fling Anton off him.
The Gunslinger backs up, breathing hard before rushing forward.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: QUICK...NO! Savor ducks underneath, grabbing Gray and dropping him on the back of his head with a Snap German Suplex.
Savor pulls Gray up to his feet, rocking him with a knee to the gut before lifting him up onto his shoulders.
MATT RUBY: THE FINAL COURSE! Gray's going to be calling for the check here as this has to be it.
Savor drops down, hooking both legs for the cover as Moonfoot slides in to count
ONE
..............
TWO
...............
..................
THREE!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Anton Savor picks up the big victory here but what exactly is in that folder he's standing over right now?
MATT RUBY: It's probably nothing but the Chef may want to 86 it just in case.
Stir The Pot
Anton Savor stands victorious over Roland Gray. He makes sure that Gray is down, planting a series of kicks to the ribs for good measure. The dossier containing whatever link Roland Gray thinks he found to connect him to his past lies on the mat. Desperately, grunting with each movement, The Gunslinger reaches for the file.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: There’s some kind of secret in that file that only Roland Gray knows.
MATT RUBY: Savor just decimated him. He holds all of the power, but there’s still one thing that he doesn’t know.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What’s in the file?
Savor smirks as he sees his foe desperately reaching for the file. He allows Roland to come within a finger’s reach of the dossier, before stomping down on Gray’s hand. He then stoops down over Gray to pick the file up himself.
He opens it, his eyes narrow.
“What does all of this mean?”
Roland Gray’s lips are shut, defiantly. Anton Savor picks him up by the scruff of the neck and plants him into the turnbuckle.
“Speak…”
Roland Gray refuses. Anton Savor cracks him across the face with the back of his hand.
“Perhaps a little delicacy may help to loosen your tongue?”
Savor reaches his equipment at ringside and retrieves a small container. He reaches inside and pulls out something small enough to fit into the palm of his hand. He then shoves that something into the mouth of Roland Gray.
Almost instantly, Gray begins frothing at the mouth.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What the hell was that?!
MATT RUBY: He explained that, you buffoon. Something to loosen his lips. He’s a professional chef after all. Roland Gray should count himself lucky getting a free tasting.
“You don’t look too good.” Anton Savor utters, matter of factly, drawing nearer to him. “I have just the thing to help you.”
As he speaks, he unfastens Roland Gray’s revolver from its holster.
“One last meal”
He places the barrel into Gray’s mouth.
BANG!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Oh my Zeus! He killed him! He killed Roland Gray in cold blood.
MATT RUBY: His last meal was a lead bullet. I don’t know, but that blood looks warm to me.
The sound of the revolver echoes around Olympus. Blood stains the canvas. Blood spatters the pages of the dossier, leaving it unreadable.
Whatever was inside, Roland Gray took it to his grave.
Cut.
Get Out Of My Way
Continued from last week...
Mighty Mighty runs into the Groves with Wolf Fang Ayame, his hand grasped around her wrist tightly. The Wolf is trying to pry herself free of the Chunk of Fun's iron grip, but to no avail. Eventually, the big man comes to a halt somewhere deep within.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He took her back to the Groves? Isn't he afraid that Locke would be looking for them there?
MATT RUBY: That would've been the first thought not related to food or parties he's had in a long time.
"We should be safe here," Mighty says, letting go of Ayame. "Good thing I came when I did, otherwise that creepy dude would've had his way with you again!"
"I don't remember asking for your help," Wolf Fang growls. "I could've taken that two faced freak without you butting in. Why'd you think that I needed saving, anyway!?" Mighty shuffles his feet into the ground upon being asked.
"Well... I was thinking that you'd be fun to hang around, you know? You looked like you could use someone like me to start a party in your life, and I thought I could be the one to do just that."
MATT RUBY: Oh Zeus, please don't tell me slab of flab is drawn to her! Doesn't he know that she's mine?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Not a single woman that competes in OSW is in love with you, Matt. You should know this by now.
Ayame snarls at Mighty as he looks down at the ground, embarrassed.
"I don't know what gave you that idea," she begins, "but you need to get rid of it unless you want it to be the last thing you ever think. Get out of my way. Now."
The larger man throws his hands up as she walks past him back towards Olympus. A few seconds of awkward silence pass us by before Mighty shouts after her.
"See you in the ring, Ayame! We're going to have one hell of a party when we take out Locke!"
The Wolf doesn't respond. The Chunk of Fun proceeds to walk out of the forest as we spot Lutherian Locke sinisterly watching from behind a tree.
"If it's a party he wants," he begins, smiling a toothy grin. "Then I'll give him a party that he'll never forget."
Cut to the present.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This triple threat match has a lot of tension inside of it.
MATT RUBY: More like a handicap match, BB. You saw Mighty carry Ayame out last week.
As soon as the bell rings, Lutherian Locke charges right at Wolf Fang Ayame, wildly swinging his arm.
CLOTHESLINE FROM HE—
NO! MIGHTY MIGHTY STEPS IN, ABSORBING THE BLOW IN HIS CHEST!
Ayame leaps in, delivering rapid-fire kicks to Locke’s legs. Mighty nods to Ayame, and together, they toss Locke into the ropes…
HIP ATTACK—NO! LOCKE DUCKS AND HITS THE ROPES!
CLOTHESLINE FROM MIGHTY KNOCKS LOCKE OVER THE TOP AND TO THE OUTSIDE!
MATT RUBY: Told you, Blackwood.
Mighty turns to invite Ayame to leap out, but Wolf Fang doesn’t have her sights on Locke right now.
HIP ATTACK TO MIGHTY! IT CAUGHT HIM BY SURPRISE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Tail Strike to the Big Chunk of Funk! So much for your handicap match idea. Everyone wants a win here.
Before Mighty can respond, Locke pulls Ayame outside the ring. He growls as he slams her into the barricade before sliding back into the ring and going full bore at Mighty Mighty.
RIGHTS AND LEFTS ARE FLYING!
Mighty throws Locke back into the ropes, catching him on the rebound in the uranage position.
SWINGING ROCK BOTTOM—NO! LOCKE SLIDES OUT.
HE LEAPS!
SUPERMAN PUNCH TO MIGHTY MIGHTY!
The big man is down to his knee as Locke hits the ropes.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Here comes the spear!
MATT RUBY: Here comes Ayame!
Wolf Fang Ayame is up top, she leaps off—
DIVING KNEES TO THE SPEARING LUTHERIAN LOCKE!
SHE GOES TO COVER, BUT MIGHTY PICKS HER UP!
SWINGING ROCK BOTTOM!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Mighty Carousell, that has to be it!
ONE…
…
…
TWO…
…
…
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Mighty Mighty survived this one, Ruby.
MATT RUBY: If you say so, BB.
Everything Changes
George Cade’s disgruntled and grizzled face marches through the backstage area of Olympus, his eyes focused and his face stern. He has important news and he’s looking for his son. Barging into a locker room, he finds Jackson preparing for his match and wrapping his wrists in black tape.
“Where’s your brother!?” George demands to know, aggressive in his tone.
Cade jumps to attention, the Sheriff a son before law. “He’s at home taking care of mom. He hasn’t left her side since you left for your black ops.”
George looks less than pleased. He puts his hands on his hips and looks upwards, something deeply troubling him.
“What is it, pop?” Jackson questions, putting a hand on his shoulder.
His father slowly lowers his head to look at him, putting both hands around his face and gripping tightly.
“We need to get your brother and your mother together for a family meeting. Everything changes, kid. Everything.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Who the hell did he meet with?
MATT RUBY: Zeus? I’m not sure. Something has the elder Cade spooked and I’ve not seen much of that.
That perturbs Jackson, as you’d expect. He looks a little shocked and his match is yet to come. There’s no going anywhere for the Sheriff. Not yet.
“I have to take care of Jasper Redgrave first. He has something over CJ that threatens to take his title. He’s demanding that he stay away, or else,” Jackson says firmly. “There’s these boxes and…”
George squeezes his face tighter, kissing him on the forehead. That rare show of affection shocks his son, who eyes wide, looks shocked.
“Do what you have to do,” George tells him. “But your focus won’t be Jasper Redgrave – no matter what. Narcissa Balenciaga is coming for you, son. She’s coming and it means everything that we’re ready.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I don’t think I’ve ever seen George Cade rattled but right here, if that isn’t rattled, then what is?
MATT RUBY: And now Jackson has to turn his focus to Jasper Redgrave.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I’m not sure how he can do that.
Cade taps his son on the face, turns tail and exits, leaving him alone in the locker room. Whatever he’s learned, he’s a man on a mission and that mission belongs, whether he likes it or not, to Jackson Cade.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have a big matchup here as Harold Attano faces off against the Circus in a Gauntlet match. He has to go through both of the Unnaturals to get to Klaus Way here so can he do it or will Nobody's revenge be thwarted yet again?
MATT RUBY: Attano ain't got a chance here, Ajax and Damien are gonna squash this has been like a bug and then Klaus is gonna show his daughter who her real daddy is.
The bell sounds as Damien Solus is the first to face off against Attano, Solus rocking Attano with a running enziguri to the back of the head before rushing to the ropes, leaping off
ONE SHOT ONE KILL! Solus lept right into that beautiful out of nowhere Diamond Cutter, Attano immediately hooking the leg as Demi Sky slides in to count
ONE
..............
TWO
...................
..............
THREE!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: And just like that Three come down to Two but Attano has the strongest man in Arcadia up next.
Attano gets to his feet as he's absolutely flattened by a running crossbody block from Ajax. A good 500+ pounds nearly crushing him in half before he's lifted up with one hand.
ARCADIA'S STRONGEST THROW! Attano gets flung through the air, nearly flying right through the turnbuckles. He stands up slowly
MATT RUBY: WOOOOO! Attano getting crushed by a big time splash, come on Ajax break him in half and finish the job.
Attano staggers out as he's hoisted up in the air, Ajax looking for the Gorilla Press but Attano manages to slip out the back.
KNEECAP! A loud shotgun dropkick drops Ajax down to one knee as Attano leaps up
ONE SHOT....AJAX THROWS HIM OFF!
Attano rolls to his feet right into a mammoth headbutt before he's lifted up.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: GIANT'S GRASP! Ajax locks in that spine breaking bear hug and that may be all she wrote for Attano here. He's fighting but he's slowly fading from the pure strength of the Adonis....who lets him go? What the hell?
MATT RUBY: Look at Klaus BB, he's wanting Ajax to punish the cripple even more.
Ajax drops Attano before trying to lift him up but Attano falls to the mat. Ajax tries to power him up but he's limp in his arms before suddenly rolling Ajax to the mat in a surprise small package. Demi Sky counting the struggling Ajax down.
ONE
..............
TWO
..........
SOLUS BREAKS IT UP!
Demi Sky scolds Solus, telling him to get out of the ring but Solus ignores Sky as Ajax pulls Attano up, locking him in a Full Nelson while Klaus slides a steel chair into the ring
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Oh god this won't end well at all.
Solus rushes forward, steel chair in hand. Attano rears back, kicking Ajax in the groin, loosening the grip enough to slip out before delivering a drop toe hold.
CAUSING SOLUS TO SLAM THE CHAIR INTO AJAX!
Solus turns around right into a Headshot that sends the chair back into his face. Attano is furious though as he picks up the chair, turning to the rising Ajax.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Oh No, don't do it Attano.
STEEL CHAIR TO AJAX AS DEMI SKY CALLS FOR THE BELL! The Circus wins by Disqualification
MATT RUBY: HA! What a dumbass. Nobody gets himself disqualified here and Klaus Way didn't even have to lift a finger. I don't do it often BB but I take back what I said, Way is a genius.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Klaus knew how Attano's short temper would react and he played him just like a fiddle here tonight.
Overkill
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Mortuary. There's no amount of credits you could pay me to step foot in her voluntarily.
MATT RUBY: You're so old if you just give it a few minutes you might end up there anyway.
Inside of the darkened depths of Tombstone's domain do we find the Ferryman himself. He stands before Gravedigger, Calypso, and Narcissa, a scowl upon his face as he speaks. "Tonight, we ferry the soul of Singing Death to his final resting place... Or, I should say, the three of you will ferry him on my behalf."
"Excuse me?" Says Narcissa, tilting her head. "On your behalf? I don't know if you remember what Zeus said, but he has to take on all four of us, Tombstone."
"Zeus did say that, yes." Tombstone chuckles a bit, turning towards Gravedigger. "But I've decided that my inclusion is unnecessary. Muerte is without a single ally and now he'll be forced to take the three of you on by himself. Gravedigger, I expect you to ensure he leaves that ring in pieces."
Gravedigger nods his head obediently. "Understood."
"I suppose we'll make do," Calypso chimes in. "After all, the three of us are more than overkill, aren't we?" The Voodoo Child smirks, looking to Narcissa reassuringly. "Let's go silence this singer, shall we?"
Hera purses her lips for a moment before smirking back. "Let's."
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Well, it looks as though Tombstone won't be appearing for his match later tonight! But I'm not sure the odds are even remotely in Muerte's favor regardless.
MATT RUBY: Of course they aren't, you geezer. The only difference now is there might be a body left to bury.
And with that, the scene fades out.
Cut.
Putting The Plan In Action
A few days ago...
A hooded man adorned in a Disciples of Christ member's robe enters the Church. We can't see his face, but we can hear him breathing rapidly.
"Reverend Graves!" the stranger yells out. Ezekiel rushes toward his follower as fast as he can.
"What is it, my disciple?" the Apostle asks, placing a hand on the hooded one's shoulder to try and calm him down. "Everything is going to plan in the Slums, is it not?"
"No! Captain Arcadia got involved in our plans! He's meddling in our affairs and getting in the way of our message!" The Harbinger's eyes widen at the mention of the hero getting involved. He sharply averts his gaze from the Disciple to silently curse.
"If that meddling hero wants to stop the word of God from being spread, then I'll have to handle him myself at Forces of Darkness. Find him and bring him to Olympus on the day of the event. I'll make sure to bring God's wrath upon him on when the time comes."
The hooded figure nods before turning away. Ezekiel proceeds to do the same, missing the cloaked disciple turn back around and leap in the air.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: SPINNING SUPERMAN PUNCH! GRAVES JUST GOT COLD COCKED!
MATT RUBY: That's no Disciple of Christ! I knew something was off the moment he entered the Church!
Sure enough, the man tears off his robes to reveal himself as Captain Arcadia. The Reverend is rubbing his jaw as he looks up at his adversary with fire in his eyes.
"Message received," the Hero says with conviction. "Now let me give you one of my own. If you or your zealots are to launch another attack on the Slums before or after our match, I will personally hunt you down and bring you to justice."
The Captain proceeds to penalty kick the Purifier across the face, knocking him out. With a nod, Cap then heads out the door, leaving the Reverend laid out on the aisle.
MATT RUBY: What a bitch! His plan was to dress up like a Disciple of Christ and attack Graves in his home level? That's cowardly!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: With what the rest of his followers are capable of, I'd say he was being smart. Anyhow, that match is coming up next here at Forces of Darkness!
Cut to ringside.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have an NXT Championship match as The Reverend Ezekiel Graves looks hell bent to continue his stranglehold over that belt.
MATT RUBY: Captain Arcadia has other ideas. He’d love to leave with a shiny belt to match his shield.
Both men begin by circling each other, sizing the other out.
The larger Graves moves to overpower Arcadia and pull him into his clutches, but Cap kicks him in the guts and pulls Graves by the wrist.
THE LAST LINE! RIPCORD LARIAT!
CAPTAIN ARCADIA TURNS EZEKIEL GRAVES INSIDE OUT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Arcadia strikes first and doesn’t look like he’s letting up any time soon.
MATT RUBY: Graves just ate that lariat like a communion wafer.
Cap runs the ropes, coming back at his foe at pace.
SHINING WIZARD! NO!
THE REVEREND PUSHES HIM AWAY INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!
Captain Arcadia crashes spine first into the steel, staggering back into the ring.
SPINEBUSTER FROM GRAVES!
SPINE ON THE PINE! THAT HAD TO HURT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Graves is going after the spine of Cap, trying to slow him down.
MATT RUBY: He keeps that up, the champ is going to cut Captain Arcadia in half.
Ezekiel stands over Captain Arcadia, pulling him back into a modified Camel Clutch.
HE WRENCHES BACK ON THE NECK AND WHISPERS INTO CAP’S EAR!
THE CONFESSION! GRAVES HAS IT LOCKED IN!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Reverend again targets the spine, looking to get Arcadia to tap out!
MATT RUBY: Tap out? He’s trying to get him to confess his sins. Confess! Confess!
Captain Arcadia grabs the ropes and the referee breaks the hold. Both men square up against each other again.
Cap charges at Graves, but is met with a BIG BOOT to the face for his troubles. He picks himself back up and comes charging again.
MATT RUBY: Both men are trading blows.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Who can get the upper hand here?
RIGHT HAND FROM ARCADIA!
A STRIKE FROM GRAVES!
ARCADIA STAGGERS HIM!
GRAVES HITS BACK!
AND AGAIN! AGAIN!
THREE STRIKES IN A ROW STAGGER CAPTAIN ARCADIA!
HE GRABS CAP AROUND THE THROAT!
THE FINAL JUDGMENT! CHOKESLAM!
GRAVES COVERS CAP FOR THE PINFALL!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: And STILLLLL your NXT LEVEL CHAMPION, Ezekiel Graves!
All Alone
We find ourselves ringside, the ring already home to Narcissa and her teammates as they await their opponent.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I couldn't imagine being Muerte. This is like walking into a lion's den with a steak hanging from your neck!
MATT RUBY: It is, and just like watching a ninny walk into a lion's den it's going to be hilarious, Bronco.
A single spotlight illuminates the stage as the arena falls into darkness. A single repeated note played over the eerie silence is followed by the voice of El Mariachi Muerte.
“Remember me...” As Singing Death enters the spotlight, lights hued with purple and teal illuminate his entranceway. He plays as he walks, stepping into the spotlight. However, as quickly as the song began, does he bring it to an end. The spotlight still on him, he brings a mic to his lips.
"Remember me not as a man who is helpless, but as a man who fought until he could not stand. No one has joined my side, so I shall face you... All alone." Muerte drops the mic, beginning his walk down the ramp only for the sound of surprisingly cheery music to interrupt him! The crowd erupts in cheers as The Sunshine Club Theme blares through the speakers!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I don't believe it! It's Mister Sunshine!
MATT RUBY: Screw Sunshine, look at that fine piece of ass next to him! It's Gemini!
Sunshine steps onto the stage with a gleaming smile, Gemini standing right beside him. The Rogue looks at Muerte with a scowl, turning her attention towards the ring. She speaks no words, but she's here.
"Be sure to smile, friends!" Sunshine says, following Muerte to the ring. "Because you are alone no more!"
Muerte slides into the ring and takes his place in the corner. This match is set to begin!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This match has had a massive shake up tonight! What was a one versus four has become three on three!
MATT RUBY: It doesn't matter, Bronco. Either way Muerte and his friends are ending up six feet under!
Muerte starts the match off against Gravedigger! The Shovel flies forwards across the ring!
DROP DEAD JAWBREAKER! LEAPING KNEE TO THE JAW OF MUERTE!
EMM stumbles forwards and Gravedigger hauls him up onto his shoulders!
MATT RUBY: CRADLE TO THE GRAVE! HE'S GOING FOR THE EARLY END!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: NO! THE LAST CARNIVALE! MUERTE SLIPS BEHIND WITH A LUNGBLOWER!
Muerte is dazed as he gets to his feet only for an enraged Gravedigger to immediately get to his feet! He whips Muerte across the ring to his corner where he tags in Calypso! The Voodoo Child leaps over the top rope with an axe handle to the skull! Before she can continue her assault however yellow blur flies towards her!
CATCH ME!
MISTER SUNSHINE WITH THE FLYING CROSSBODY! HE BLIND TAGGED MUERTE!
Sunshine forces Calypso back to her feet before dropping her with a massive butterfly suplex! He peels her back up to her feet and goes for an uppercut-
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: BLOOD RITUAL! CALYPSO SPITS RED MIST IN SUNSHINE'S FACE!
MATT RUBY: ME NEXT!
Calypso nails a roundhouse to Sunshine before tagging in Narcissa! Sunshine crawls towards his corner and leaps, landing a tag to Gemini! Both women springboard!
AND THEY COLLIDE MID-AIR IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!
A double springboard clothesline leaves both Titans in a heap on the mat! Slowly Narcissa begins to stir, begging for Gemini to rise as she handsprings across the ring!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: HANDSPRING FOREARM! TRENDKILLERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR- NO! SNAPSHOT! THE CODEBREAKER BY GEMINI!
MATT RUBY: TALK ABOUT GIRL ON GIRL ACTION!
Gemini throws an arm over Narcissa and the referee drops for the count!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This match was fast paced and chaotic, but Muerte's team seems to have thrived on it as Gemini scores them a massive win tonight!
Last Chance
As "Mykinnacoma (Not Your Kind)" by Hoity-Toity hits, a laser light show fires from the back of the entrance way towards the roof of Olympus.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Aurora has been chased by Malakai Midnight’s Owls for weeks now.
MATT RUBY: She just needs to go back to her betrothed!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You’re disgusting.
Aurora dashes down the ramp, sliding into the ring, but before she can get warmed up, Owls surround the ring. Malakai materializes out of the crowd.
MATT RUBY: Come on, baby. Just embrace the Shovel.
Aurora’s stance is unyielding, her fists clenched, her chest heaving with defiance. Malakai’s gaze is locked on her like a predator savoring the hunt.
“You’ve run long enough, Aurora,” Malakai says. “Before this begins, I’ll give you one last chance. Come willingly. Be the bride Gravedigger has chosen. Spare yourself the pain.”
Aurora narrows her eyes, her lips curling in disgust.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Don’t do it!
Without hesitation, she spits directly into Malakai’s face.
MATT RUBY: Hawk tuah, girl!
Malakai chuckles, a sound that chills the air. “Quite the spitfire,” he says, his voice laced with amusement and malice. “Gravedigger wasn’t wrong about you. But no matter how brightly you burn, Aurora, your flame will be snuffed out.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I don’t think it’ll be that easy, Midnight.
“I shall enjoy watching Gravedigger humble you,” Midnight murmurs, his tone soft but dripping with menace. “But first, I’m afraid I’ll have to break my promise not to hurt you. You’ve left me no choice. When I’m done, Gravedigger will have you as he desires. You will be his. Bruised, broken, and humbled.”
Aurora’s glare doesn’t waver, her body trembling not with fear, but with fury.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Let’s settle this in the ring, shall we?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It’s been a twisted saga that’s led us to this match tonight Aurora versus Malakai Midnight.
MATT RUBY: I can’t blame Gravedigger for falling Aurora after that moment seeing her in lingerie who wouldn’t be entranced by that body.
BRONCO: Midnight for one, who must be doing this tonight in an effort to bring Aurora back to his friend.
Referee River Moonfoot calls for the bell as Aurora launches herself at Midnight, Meteora...
SOLAR STOR – DEVIL’S GODAMN ADVOCATE!
The Spinning Forearm knocks Aurora out of the sky! Midnight quickly grabs the Thrillseeker’s arm quickly stepping over her head, spinning into, and locking in The Hell’s Gate!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: SIX-SIX-SIX! It’s the mark of the beast that is Malakai Midnight!
The Thrillseeker struggles against the hold managing to get to the ropes and River to call for the break. Mr. Midnight uses his feet to push The Breath of the Heavens off breaking the hold and sending her colliding head-to-head with Referee Moonfoot!
MATT RUBY: And down goes Moonfoot!
Aurora staggers, dazed, as The Lord of Darkness gets back to his feet and hooks Aurora up, Fisherman’s Suplex!
MIDNIGHT – INSIDE CRADLE BY AURORA MILLS STANTON SLIDE INTO THE RING REPLACING MOONFOOT, MAKING THE COUNT!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Hell yeah, by the skin of her teeth Aurora escapes again!
MATT RUBY: Damnit BB, I’m out ten grand tonight but getting to see Aurora’s backside running away with the victory may help make up for the loss.
Touchpaper II
Harold Attano.
Nobody can be seen inside what looks like The Circus – only there’s no lighting, no fanfare, no people and no Klaus Way. It’s empty; closed for the night.
Harold is walking through it, the sound of sloshing echoing against the empty backdrop.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What’s he doing?
MATT RUBY: I think he’s making the biggest mistake of his life.
He steps back, revealing a gas canister in his hands. He tosses that aside and reaches into his famed leather jacket for what is soon revealed to be a lighter.
“Dad,” a voice suddenly echoes through the darkness. He turns around, startled, but there she is – Michaela. “What’re you doing?”
Harold doesn’t know what to say at first. Is she real? Is she a mirage? This is the first time he’s seen his daughter since she was a little girl.
Before he can say a word, Klaus Way appears beside her – they’re both at the entrance, blocking his exit.
“Oh Mister Attano,” Klaus says enthusiastically. “Are you having yourself a little bonfire and didn’t think to invite us?”
Harold grimaces. “Give me my daughter and this will be over, you have my word.”
Klaus looks at Michaela and puts his hand forward, signalling that she can go if she wishes. She, however, doesn’t move an inch.
“It doesn’t look as if she’d like to go with you, Harold,” Way says with a smirk, as if he knew that all along. “So, what now?”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: They’ve got him all ends up. He’ll have to surrender.
MATT RUBY: Or he could set it alight and kill himself. That’d be great.
Nobody looks at her with hurt in his eyes. Has she chosen to stay, or is he forcing her? He just doesn’t know. He flicks the lighter up, setting a flame.
“Drop that and you’ll burn to death,” The Ringmaster warns him. He steps backwards with Michaela to the tent exit, closing the flap behind him.
Harold rushes over as the sound of something large is being moved to block the exit. He tries pushing past it but can’t.
“The choice is yours, Mister Attano,” Klaus yells from outside. “Burn my Circus to the ground and perish, or…”
WHOOSH!
Flames suddenly erupt from inside. The sound of coughing is all that can be heard as we flip to the outside, to where Klaus stands by in shock. He didn’t expect it.
“I told you I’d burn it to the ground,” Attano screams from inside, coughing between words. “I fucking told you.”
As the sounds of his coughing deteriorate into silence, Klaus looks at Michaela with a grimace.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I can’t believe he did that. Did Harold Attano just sacrifice his life to burn down the Circus?
MATT RUBY: That cockroach? I wouldn’t bet on it, but we can hope.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Jackson Cade is here to fight for his family like every big brother should!
MATT RUBY: CJ Thorpe should fight his own battles, he's the champ after all.
DING! DING!
Jackson Cade is going right after Redgrave! No technique here, just raw anger and fists! Right after right backing Redgrave into the corner! Drop toe hold from Redgrave at the last second and Cade falls face first unto the middle turnbuckle.
CADE PULLS HIMSELF UP AND REDGRAVE NAILS A SUPERKICK SENDING CADE BACK TO THE ROPES!
COLLAGE OF VIOLENCE!
HE FOLLOWS WITH THE BACK ELBOW!
MATT RUBY: Do big brothers also get beat up for their family Bronco?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We both know that Cade can come back from this.
Redgrave pulls up Cade and shoves him into the corner! Redgrave charges at him but Cade gets the feet up! Redgrave staggers and Cade follows with a running knee straight to the jaw!
CADE BACKS INTO THE CORNER AND YELLS AT REDGRAVE TO GET UP!
REDGRAVE HAS TO COMPLY AND PULLS HIMSELF UP!
INCENDIARY ROUND!
CADE NAILS THE BULLHAMMER ELBOW!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What did I tell you?
MATT RUBY: It still should be Thorpe out here instead of being scared at home.
Cade pulls Redgrave up and slaps him so hard some blood falls on the canvas! Redgrave laughs at the irony and slaps him with equal force! It looks like a Rorschach test on the mat and they trade slaps back and forth until a kick to the gut by Redgrave!
CLOTHESLINE BY CADE! OUT OF NO-WHERE! Jackson backs up into the ropes, preparing to end this as soon as Redgrave rises.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: WAIT A MINUTE! THERE'S CJ! CJ IS HERE!
MATT RUBY: HE GRABS CADE'S LEG! WHAT THE HELL! HAHAHAHA!
Jackson tries to shrug him off, finally kicking him away and asking him what the fuck he's doing. He turns around...
KICK TO THE GUT!
REDGRAVE NAILS THE PEDIGREE!
SYMPHONY OF SYMMETRY!
REDGRAVE COVERS!
ONE!
. . .
TWO!
. . .
THREE!
MATT RUBY: What did you expect? When bloods hits the canvas, we're in Redgrave’s world. So much for doing what's best for the family. CJ Thorpe just turned on his brother.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Doing what's right doesn't always mean winning Ruby and I wouldn't bank on that. CJ was in no doubt forced to do this. I'm certain of it.
What's In The Box III
The Killer King rises with a huge smile on his face, looking towards CJ Thorpe on the outside who looks furious. He slides into the ring to check on his brother, who angrily pushes him away.
Jasper quickly retrieves a microphone, standing over the fallen brothers.
“See, your brother can do as he’s told. I wouldn’t want you to think this happened because of him, oh no, it happened because I made it happen,” Redgrave says between laughing chuckles.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I told you, Ruby!
Cade frowns. Thorpe scowls.
“I suppose all that remains is the million credit question, huh?” The Ring King winner and number one contender asks. “What’s in the fucking box?”
Jasper waves to the outside, watching as a member of the ringside team brings a small box into the ring, pushing it under the bottom rope. He walks over and picks it up, tossing it to Jackson this time, not CJ.
Jackson looks at his brother, who begs him not to open it. “Please,” he begs. “Please don’t.”
The Sheriff though isn’t interested. He’s desperate to know what could be so important that his brother would what this killer wants.
He opens the box, his eyes widening at what he sees inside.
Later – Post Forces of Darkness.
It’s after the show. There’s panic. Jackson Cade is running through the housing district. He’s sweating. He’s panting. There’re tears streaming down is face.
CJ Thorpe is trying to keep up, but he can’t.
He just can’t.
Jackson bursts through the front door of their home, bumping into their father who looks as white as a sheet.
“Where the fuck is your mom?” He demands of CJ, who appears momentarily behind his brother.
Cade reaches into his pocket, pulling out a finger with a wedding ring on it. George immediately realizes.
Jasper Redgrave has been sending CJ Thorpe pieces of his mother. He wasn’t really staying behind to look after her. She wasn’t ever there.
Presently – Back Inside The Ring
“I’ll pass on your regards,” Jasper says sinisterly. “Because for now, your mother is still alive. You have your brother to thank for that.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Oh my God! No! Jasper Redgrave has… he has their mom!
MATT RUBY: Oh wow. That’s something else! He’s been sending CJ pieces of his mom!?
Thorpe closes his eyes. Jackson immediately rolls out of the ring and begins heading towards the backstage.
CJ Thorpe rolls out too, exiting in chase.
Meanwhile, Jasper Redgrave soaks in the boo’s of the crowd.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: God help Mrs Cade. God help her!
MATT RUBY: We've got a treat here tonight BB, we're about to see a God rip apart a broken old fool.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Nox might have brought his way into the Pantheon Ruby but he's not a God. He is an incredibly dangerous man though and with the hell poor Felix has gone through these past few weeks, it may well be the end for Mrs Foleys Baby Boy here.
The bell sounds as Felix rushes forward, taking Nox by surprise with a brutal Lariat that turns the smaller man inside out. Nox slowly stumbles up to his feet right into a grip around the throat
BIEL TOSS INTO THE CORNER!
Nox slams headfirst into the steel, barely able to pull himself up before Felix comes rushing forward
AVALANCHE SPLASH TO THE BACK SQUASHING NOX'S SKULL INTO THE STEEL AGAIN!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Felix all over Nox here in the early going, it may well have been a bad idea to piss off Felix like he did last week.
MATT RUBY: Slow and steady wins the race BB, Foley's an emotional bugger, you pull at that string and wait for the right moment, he's putty in Nox's hands.
Foley turns Nox around, trying to lift him up for the Tree of Woe but Nox manages to poke him in the eye, blinding Foley as the Mind escapes to the outside for a breather. He shakes the cobwebs off, backing into the guardrail before looking up
INTO A FLYING PUPPETEER! SUICIDE DIVE BY FELIX FOLEY WIPES NOX OUT!
The crowd roar as Felix rolls to his feet, pulling Nox up as he drags him towards the steps and slams him headfirst into the steel over and over again. The crowd chanting with each blow
ONE
TWO
THREE
FOUR
FIVE
SIX
SEVEN
EIGHT
NINE
TEN!
Foley slams Nox's head into the steel once more for good measure before throwing the groggy Nox back into the ring and rolling back inside himself. Felix backs into the corner, breathing heavily as he measures Nox up, looking to show him exactly what his boots are made for.
Nox gets to his feet, THESE BOOTS WERE...NO! Nox manages to dodge the running Boot, grabbing Foley as he rushes past
PARALYTIC PLEX! SNAP DRAGON OUT OF NOWHERE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Nox finally gets some offense in here as he drives Felix onto the back of his head with that vicious suplex. Will he be able to follow up though or has the Chemist allready taken too much damage?
Nox pulls Felix up to his feet, wringing the arm before trying to pull him in.
But Felix doesn't move. Nox tries to pull him forward again but Foley just snarls, pulling Nox forward instead
MAMMOTH HEADBUTT! Nox is rocked as Foley backs up
AND SHOWS NOX THAT THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING! Jaw Breaking Big Boot nearly knocks Nox out cold but Foley isn't done as he lifts Nox onto his shoulders.
DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! FOLEY BUMPS NOX'S HEAD!
MATT RUBY: Zeus Damnit, Nox may have pissed the big guy off a little too much here.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You think Ruby? There's two things that you don't want to do to Felix Foley, hurt his best...well former best buddy and mess with his family and Nox invoking his daddy's journal may well be an action that haunts Nox.
Foley's calling for the end here as he slowly waits for Nox to get to his feet, arm raised high, looking for the Puppetshow. Nox slowly staggers up
POISON MISTER OUT OF NOWHERE! A blue mist shoots out of Nox's chest, hitting Felix square between the eyes.
MATT RUBY: HA! Told you BB, Nox had him scouted here. And now those wonderful and deadly mists of his are going to get to work.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Well we know Green is poison, purple is knockout, Black is somehow healing but what does Blue do?
The mist dissipates as Felix shakes his head, before trying to walk forward. He manages to only take one step though before he freezes on the spot, completely and utterly paralyzed.
And Nox...Nox is loving this shit.
He slowly walks over, slapping the helpless Foley on the cheek a few times before spinning him around
SNAP BACKBREAKER!
Nox drives Foley over his knee but he doesn't stop, lifting him up again and again as he drives him over his back a second time, then a third
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
SCHRODINGER'S SPINE! TEN CONSECUTIVE BACKBREAKERS TO A DEFENSLESS FELIX FOLEY!
Nox isn't done though as he lifts Felix up high,
CHEMICAL REACTION! Nox spikes Foley into the mat with that brutal Fishermans Brainbuster, Foley in a heap on the canvas as Nox drops down for the casual cover as Demi Sky slides in to count.
ONE
.................
.......................
TWO
.......................
................................
.......................................
NOX PULLS THE SHOULDER UP!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Nox playing with his food here Ruby, the sick bastard is clearly enjoying picking poor Felix apart piece by piece and Foley can't do anything about it.
MATT RUBY: Hey the man could've walked away but he chose to fight against a clearly superior man. Nox is just doing him a favor and ending him before his former best buddy does something even worse.
Nox kicks over the helpless Foley onto his stomach, taking in the anger from the crowd before pulling up the arms around his own and locking in the Oxygen Deprivation Chamber Camel Clutch.
Felix is still concious but not able to fight out through his paralysed body, Nox pulling back with all his strength as he knows Foley still feels every ounce of pain. Felix refusing to give in but his body is slowly fading away as his arm droops down. Demi Sky lifting it up
IT DROPS DOWN ONCE
DEMI LIFTS IT UP AGAIN
THE CROWD BEGIN TO CALL FOLEY'S NAME
IT DROPS.....NO!
FOLEY SHOOTS IT BACK UP SKY HIGH
MATT RUBY: This idiot just doesn't know when to die does he?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Felix Foley has more heart then any man I know and as long as he's got people behind him, he won't fall to dirty tricks like paralysis.
Foley begins to power up, feeling the energy from the crowd as Nox tries to lock the clutch in tighter but Foley slowly manages to get to his feet with Nox on his back. Foley struggling with Nox clutching to his back, trying to drag him back down but Felix bursts forward
SLAMMING NOX BACK FIRST INTO THE STEEL TURNBUCKLES BREAKING THE HOLD!
The crowd roar as Foley drops down to one knee, fatigue setting in but he can't stop just yet. He slowly rises to his feet, watching Nox stagger forward with a running clothesline.
Foley ducks it, gripping Nox from behind in a Full Nelson
CLIPPED THE STRINGS! FULL NELSON SUPLEX!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This may well be it here, Felix looking for the end as he raises that hand high once more looking for the Puppetshow.
Nox stumbles to his feet, Felix rearing forward for the Mandible Claw.
KICK TO THE DICK! Foley takes on to the little Felix's, doubling him over as Nox rolls through, rolling Foley up in a sudden small package.
ONE
................
.........................
TWO
..........................
..............................
NOX HAS THE TIGHTS
................................
THREE!!!!
MATT RUBY: Total domination BB, I told ya, Nox had a plan for everything here.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Oh that's bullshit, Nox only won by the cheapest way possible as he barely escaped Felix Foley's wrath here tonight.
MATT RUBY: Hey you don't get into the Pantheon by playing it straight BB. It's like I always say, win if you can, lose if you must but always, always cheat.
Color Wheel V
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: After a hell of a battle, neither Felix Foley nor Nox seem to be done.
MATT RUBY: It’s Felix’s funeral!
Felix Foley’s eyes are locked on Nox, who leans casually against the ropes.
“Where’s Doom?” Felix demands.
Nox tilts his head. “Oh, Felix,” he begins, almost sympathetically. Almost. “You may have bigger issues than your old pal Doom.”
Felix steps forward, fists clenched, but Nox raises a hand, stopping him. “I’ve gone to great lengths to prepare this moment. Your father’s diary was… enlightening.” His voice drips with malice. “I’ve crafted something special for you. The final gas on my color wheel.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What devilry does Nox have planned this time?
Suddenly, a red gas begins seeping through the vents, cascading down like a sinister fog across the arena.
MATT RUBY: Umm… BB… do you smell that?
Felix coughs, his vision blurring as he stumbles forward. Around him, the crowd reacts, confusion and dread spreading as the gas infiltrates their lungs. Felix’s movements become sluggish, and his surroundings dissolve into an eerie dreamscape.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Nox has brought all of Olympus on this trip.
MATT RUBY: This isn’t my kind of trip, BB.
Felix staggers forward, towards a table, a single red apple resting between a younger version of his parents.
Fernicus turns to Momma Foley. “This apple,” Fernicus says, his voice deep and deliberate, “will give us our boy, my heir.”
They eat.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We’ve heard about this apple before. It gave them Felix?
The vision shifts to a familiar scene. The hospital from before.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That baby was Felix?!
Fernicus, no longer a shadow bends down, reaching for an infant Felix lying on the floor. His face twists in disgust as the scene reveals the midwife’s lifeless body, her neck twisted grotesquely.
MATT RUBY: I want off this trip, Blackwood.
Another flash. Fernicus beats a young Felix, his fists relentless.
“You’re evil!” he yells. “I’ll beat it out of you!”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I don’t think this is for our eyes to see.
MATT RUBY: I wish they weren’t.
Flash to the final vision. Fernicus and Momma Foley sit at their table, a little older.
“He’s rotten to the core,” Fernicus says coldly. “No heir of mine.”
Red lights flash across Olympus as the gas begins to recede from the arena.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I have no words, Ruby. What is going on here?
As the last of the red gas fades, Nox is gone. Felix He falls to his knees, staring into nothingness as the truth settles over him.
“I…” Felix begins. “I’m…”
Gazump.
Darkness.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What now?
MATT RUBY: I think we all know.
When they return, Felix is not alone in the ring.
Tombstone stands behind him. He grabs Felix by the shoulder, leaning in to whisper…
“It’s time.”
The lights flash once more, and when they return, both Felix and Tombstone are gone.
Static.
A Stop ■ symbol appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen as we fade to black.