Or Else..
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
In the office’s backstage, we focus on a door with the nametag Hydra. The office of Zeus. A large figure approaches the door and knocks it.
“Enter!” Shouts The Baron from within.
It’s George Cade who then opens the door and walks inside.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What’s he doing there?
MATT RUBY: Seeing an old friend, I’d guess.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Or… something more?
The camera then spins around to reveal CJ Thorpe, arms folded, leaning against a wall nearby. He’s watching the door with focus as Harold Attano, unaware that George is inside with Zeus, approaches.
That immediately draws CJ off the wall.
“I haven’t come to fight,” he warns with his hands up, a white flag waving clearly at his opponent for tonight. “I’ve come to ask you one last time for answers.”
Thorpe folds his arms. His eyes betray him. He wants to tell Harold what he knows, you can see that he does, but for some reason he shakes his head.
“Why?” Attano exasperatedly sighs. “I just don’t understand it. Why all the secrecy? Why won’t you tell me what I want to know? At first, you said she was dead. I’d come to terms with that. I was told Redgrave did it and I went after his blood; and then, and then, she’s not dead. It doesn’t make any sense. You need to tell me what you know… or else.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Just tell him God damnit.
The Chainbreaker scoffs. “Or else? I can’t help you, old man. I just can’t.”
Harold steps in, his voice lowered, and his brow furrowed.
“Or else it is then,” he gruffs, angrily walking off.
As he does, George exits the room with Zeus, meeting back up with his son. “Not tonight,” he says sternly to Thorpe, who nods. “You’ll have to do it the hard way.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What in the Sam hell is that supposed to mean?
MATT RUBY: Harold isn’t getting answers. What else can it mean?
Cut.
Blank Search
In an undisclosed location, darkened to only be lit by flickering candlelight, Malakai Midnight and Gravedigger stand amidst a gathering of Night Owls.
MATT RUBY: This looks like a place ladies would find romantic. Any idea where we are?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I’m not sure you want to go wandering into the heart of the Night Owls looking for romance, you dense plank of wood.
MATT RUBY: Maybe not, especially seeing as who else is here.
The Owls all but fade into the background as Midnight and Gravedigger approach the figure of Tombstone - stoically and imposingly standing before them.
“I need to speak with you.” Malakai begins, a voice that slithers softly, yet making his request almost a demand. Tombstone merely nods.
“I am concerned.” Midnight continues. “Mark Hayes has vanished. So far, any searches for him have turned up blank. I cannot find him.”
Tombstone remains stoic, mulling to himself. He tilts his head slightly.
“Fascinating. Send your owls to locate him. He can't have gotten far.”
There is something in Tombstone that is left unsaid, hanging in the air. Malakai reads the air, answering the unasked question almost as a reassurance.
“Hayes isn't someone who'd betray us. He will be found.”
Midnight casts an eye around the Night Owls gathered in the background. At once, they dissipate, seemingly disappearing into the shadows in all different directions.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Malakai Midnight’s reach is seemingly endless. If anybody can find out what has happened to Mark Hayes, it will be his Night Owls.
MATT RUBY: Has anybody considered that some people just may not want to be found?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We’re not you the morning after a night with one of your ladies. Something is going on here, and we all need to know what.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Mr. Sunshine takes on Klaus Way. But we aren't alone at ringside with the bearded lady, Ajax, Damien, and more here to watch!
MATT RUBY: Keep that bearded freak away from me.
The bell rings and Klaus circles the ring as Mr. Sunshine simply smiles at him! The Ringmaster tries to lock up with Sunshine who immediately whips him across the ring!
"CATCH ME!" SUNSHINE WITH THE FLYING CROSS BODY!
Cheery Charlie is right back to his feet and claps his hands excitedly as he peels Klaus up and goes for an overhead suplex! Klaus rolls through onto his feet and bounces into the ropes with a hand spring, coming back with a standing moonsault onto Sunshine!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Impressive acrobatics by Klaus Way!
MATT RUBY: You say impressive, I say freaky.
Klaus follows up the display with a standing shooting star press! He grabs Sunshine and forces him up before going for a snap suplex but Sunshine stops him short and counters with a swinging neckbreaker! Klaus is dazed and Mr. Sunshine picks him up before planting him with an energetic belly-to-belly!
MATT RUBY: I hate how touchy feely this bloke is, he's always hugging on people!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Bizarre offense is still offense, Ruby!
Sunshine stands up, arms outstretched as Klaus wearily gets to his feet!
"Does somebody need a hug?"
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: COVER HIM IN SUNSHINE! SUNSHINE LOCKS IN THE BEAR HUG!
MATT RUBY: NO! KLAUS SLIPS BEHIND! BIZARRO! THE MODIFIED UNPRETTIER!
Klaus hooks a leg!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
MATT RUBY: I'd avoid that huggy nitwit too, Klaus! Your winner is Klaus Way!
Positive Or Negative?
MATT RUBY: Klaus Way has shown that smiling idiot that you can’t smile your way through anything!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It was a hard fought battle, Matt. Mr. Sunshine should be happy with his performance.
MATT RUBY: That may be what you tell yourself after you dismount off your old lady, but…
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Watch yourself!
The moment the bell rang, the freak show performers flooded into the ring. Klaus Way stays in the corner as they surround Mr. Sunshine.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It’s decision time for these brave men and women.
The bearded lady reaches Mr. Sunshine first. She wraps him in a heartfelt hug, the tension in her shoulders easing as she murmurs, "Thank you, for showing us we can be more, that we can inspire..."
Mr. Sunshine opens his mouth to respond, glowing with joy, but she places a finger over his lips, silencing him gently.
"We need to love ourselves, true," she says, her voice carrying over the din. "And we do, Sunshine, we do. But we can't control everyone else."
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: LOW BLOW TO MR. SUNSHINE FROM… I THINK THAT ONE’S CALLED DAMIEN SOLUS!
MATT RUBY: That’s a real ray of sunshine, BB!
The freaks react instantly, startlingly unified; they shove Mr. Sunshine out of the ring. In the chaos, Ajax the Adonis lifts Klaus Way to his feet, his demeanor changed, no longer the defeated showman but a leader rallying his troops.
MATT RUBY: The greatest showman!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The greatest jackass!
Ajax the Adonis and Damien Solus step forward, standing as pillars on either side as the bearded lady steps into the background besides the contortionist.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That damn jezebel, she…
MATT RUBY: She took care of her own!
Klaus Way, energized, his voice booming with renewed vigor, addresses the crowd, his arms wide.
"Now that you’ve met my freak show, I’d like to roll up your perceptions. Those you see before you are not mere freaks—they are The Unnaturals!"
"Let us show you the Way!" Klaus roars to the crowd.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Unnaturals? That sounds about right.
MATT RUBY: Look who changed their tune!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I think Klaus Way just put OSW on notice, with Damien Solus and Ajax the Adonis stepping up by his side!
Wilted Rose
Behind the entrance curtain, Raven is seen waiting for his music to play.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: No sign of the Midnight Owls anywhere. You'd think he'd want them close by in case Aurora wants revenge.
MATT RUBY: After that private concert he gave her? She'd be insane to get anywhere near him again!
Just then, the 'insane' Aurora runs up to Raven with a chair, smacking him with it in the back of the head! Vengeance collapses with a thud, but the thrill seeker doesn't relent. She lifts the chair over her head before hitting him with it again!
And again!
And once more!
MATT RUBY: Oh my Zeus! The chick's gone mad! Someone needs to stop this before she kills him!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Aurora's definitely mad and she has every right to be. After that beatdown last week, she deserves some recompence.
"That was for the drum solo last week," Aurora growls. She then proceeds to throw the chair on Raven as he tries to get up. "And what follows is for your bandmates you sold out to the drug lord." She then proceeds to kick him in the head repeatedly, keeping him down.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Raven's getting his just desserts tonight, and their match hasn't even started yet!
MATT RUBY: Call security! Get the Midnight Owls! Do something, someone!
After a few more kicks to the face, Aurora picks up Raven by the hood before tossing him through the curtain, bringing the brawl to ringside!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Raven flies through the curtain! This match is startin' at ringside!
MATT RUBY: I like a fiery lass but this is too much!
Raven stumbles onto the entrance ramp and gets to his feet only to catch a chair shot to the skull! Blood begins to pour as the steel busts him open! Aurora peels him off of the ground and runs him down the ramp and head first into the steel steps!
MATT RUBY: This can't be legal! Where's the referee?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Mills Stanton likes a good fight, Ruby! Since the match ain't started yet, I guess he'll allow it!
Vengeance tries to get to his feet but Aurora slams him skull first off of the steel! She grabs him and lines them both up with the apron before she slams him into it with a devastating Northern Lights Suplex! Raven lands in a heap but the Thrillseeker isn't done as she forces him back to his feet and finally slides him into the ring! Mills calls for the bell!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: And the match has officially begun!
MATT RUBY: Not for long, you geezer! Aurora is getting to the top rope! Raven can't even stand!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: AND HE WON'T BE STANDING! NORTHERN LIGHTS OUT! THE TWISTED BLISS FROM UP HIGH BY AURORA!
The Breath of the Heavens lands the finish and angrily hooks the leg!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The match ends as quickly as it began! OSW better watch out, Aurora has just shown us what happens when you cross her.
To Steal A Raven..
Aurora leaves the ring and heads backstage, satisfied with her assault against Raven. The Death Walker has rolled over on his stomach, trying to push himself up to his feet.
While he does this, a number of masked individuals rush towards the ring from the crowd. A couple of them slide under the bottom rope and hoist Raven up to his feet. Without a word of warning, they force him out of the ring and onto the floor.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What in tarnation is happening here?
MATT RUBY: You think I have any idea? I know as much as you do, and you know nothing!
The two assailants slide out of the squared circle, meeting Vengeance on the outside. The rest of the masked group force him back up to his feet and proceed to drag him out of the arena.
MATT RUBY: Where are they taking him!? Let him go, damn it! He's been through enough today! Don't make me go up there and take him back from your hands!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You want to go up there and stop them, then be my guest. However, I have a feeling they'll make an example out of you much like Aurora did earlier.
MATT RUBY: They're lucky I'm a lover, not a fighter. Otherwise I would've beat those punks to Elysium for kidnapping him!
The crowd watches on in confusion as the kidnappers vanish behind the curtain along with Raven. Murmurs from the audience begin to surface as to where they might be taking him and who could be under the masks. However, they have no time to substantiate as "Strictly Business" blares from the speakers, signaling the arrival of the combatants for the next match!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: A tale of corruption and a story broken wide open. Candy Kane has unearthed quite the scandal involving Lionel Troy and Gino Carelli.
NICK RUBY: Gino who? That’s Tony Vincino. It’s everybody for themselves here, as that story went down like a two dollar hooker.
Kane watches on as Carelli’s eyes line up Lionel Troy. The Lion of Zion, sensing the danger, about turns to exit the ring, but the Don lines him up.
BOOM! BADDA BING!
NORTHERN LARIAT CLOBBERS TROY ACROSS THE BACK OF THE HEAD!
TROY’S FACE BOUNCES OFF THE TURNBUCKLE. HE’S SWEPT RIGHT BACK UP BY CARELLI!
FUGEDDABOUDIT! SPINNING FISHERMANS FACEBUSTER!
Candy Kane steps in to take the advantage. Before Carelli can so much as turn around, she’s grabbed him by the back of the head.
ONE HARD JAWBREAKER!
AND CANDY KANE IS THE ONLY ONE STANDING!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Don of Arcadia had eyes only for Lionel Troy. He neglected that there are three in this little tango.
MATT RUBY: Well, out of this little tango, I’ve only got eyes for one of them as well.
Kane pulls Gino to his feet, locking his head, but Carelli pushes her away. She bounces off the ropes and comes charging back at him.
DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE!
THEY’RE BOTH DOWN!
THEY’RE ALL DOWN!
Slowly, by pulling and clawing, the trio rise. Lionel Troy bumps into referee Cole Holt, pushing him into Candy Kane!
CLOTHESLIONEL FROM HELL! HE COMPLETELY FLATTENED CARELLI!
Candy Kane comes back at Troy, grabbing him around the scruff of the neck.
He gets a thumb to her eyes! Pissed off, she kicks out and catches him right in the balls!
Both are incapacitated… It’s Gino Carelli that rises.
STRICTLY BUSINESS!
THE SKY HIGH POWERBOMB DESTROYS LIONEL TROY!
CANDY KANE IS STILL BLINDED AS CARELLI PINS!
ONE!
TWO!
MATT RUBY: Kick out Candy! Kick out!
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It’s Gino Carelli that secures the victory tonight!
Party Pooper
The thumping sound of Insane Clown Posse blares throughout a small domicile, somewhere in the Slums. Hatchet stands in the middle of a party, a red party cup of Faygo in one hand, and leaning on Captain Arcadia’s shield in the other.
As The Gathering drink, celebrate and be merry, there’s a sudden crash through the front door that startles those inside. As everyone panics to look for the reason, they realize that a Juggalo has been sent through it… headfirst.
Captain Arcadia follows, delivering brutal right hands to any Juggalo in his path, knocking them out left and right as he storms through the hall into the main room where Hatchet resides.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Gathering has well and truly been interrupted.
MATT RUBY: Run ladies, run! Don’t you hurt those precious women, Arcadia!
“Who invited this party pooper!?” Hatchet arrogantly says, the Captain holding out his hand only for his shield to fly to it. The Juggalo almost falls over, stumbling at the force.
With the shield firmly in hand, Arcadia smirks. “You might be an asshole… who am I kidding? You’re definitely an asshole. But you’re not very bright. Did you really think I was that easy to beat down and take from, Hatchet?”
The Juggalo shrugs nonchalantly. He doesn’t give a shit.
“There was a tracker in my shield, and you fell for it. I wanted to know where you and your crew called home, because there’s a much bigger question in hand; who sent you after Destructo Boy and The Burned Man?” Arcadia asks, almost demanding answers.
Hatchet walks forward, chugging down his cup of Faygo and tossing it away.
“You’re gonna have to beat me to find out, fucker.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Challenge accepted!
MATT RUBY: He said The Juggalo isn’t very bright, but we don’t have a referee. This isn’t a match as much as it is a fight.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Then he better hope he’s the last man standing.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This has been a month coming, Captain Arcadia has come to beak-up the never-ending party of the Juggalo Hatchet!
MATT RUBY: Captain Arcadia the ultimate buzzkill!
This fight starts with no bell just Hatchet lobbing an Overhand Right at the Arcadian Hero which Cap ducks out of the way and lands a swift Looping Right to the kidney of the Juggalo. The report of which echos over the ICP music blaring in the background knocking Hatchet into a pile of garbage. Captain Arcadia presses the advantage when...
*CRACK!*
WIG SPLITTING HEADBUTT TO CAPTAIN ARCADIA SENDS CAP SPRAWLING!
The Clown reaches into his pocket and produces a set of brass knuckles slipping them onto his fist.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This doesn’t look good for ol’ Cap here!
MATT RUBY: You crash the party; you pay for the foul!
Hatchet rears back leaping into the air, H-Bomb!
DEATH POP INBOUND!
*KERRRRRACK!*
CAPTAIN ARCADIA DODGES AND HATCHET’S FIST GOES STRAIGHT THROUGH THE FUCKING FLOOR UP TO THE SHOULDER!
Captain Arcadia backs off waiting for The Wraith to get back to his feet blood dripping from his marred arm!
CRUSHING COILS!
REVERS FRANKENSTIENER – NO! HATCHET MANAGES TO SHIFT CAP’S WEIGHT ONTO HIS SHOULDERS AND SNAP OFF A TKO STUNNER!
SELF-TITLED!
Captain Arcadia’s jaw whiplashes off of Hatchet’s shoulder and his eyes roll into the back of his head, out cold! Hatchet gets up, spits on Arcadia, and walks out, escaping Captain Arcadia once more!
MATT RUBY: This party’s back on!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What’s going to happen to Cap now he’s unconscious in enemy territory!
Take Your Shot
The dust has barely settled after the battle between Hatchet and Captain Arcadia when we switch to Doom and Foley who appear in the entranceway of Olympus, Tag Team titles slung over their shoulders.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Last week, we uncovered the origin of the blaze that destroyed the Doom Factory.
MATT RUBY: Ha! Funny choice of words considering who set that fire.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I find nothing funny about arson. And judging by Doom’s demeanour, neither does he.
“To think that a man who I once trusted could betray my trust so severely…” He clenches his fist. “Burned Man, your actions are beyond redemption. To exact retribution, it must be administered with an icy vengeance."
Foley looks like he is struggling with the concept of vengeance, but eventually nods his approval. The Besties are on the same page.
“I feel for you, James. Your loyalty to such a man has ripped you from the only family you had worth a darn. But you too made your choice. I stand alongside my best buddy.”
The words attract the arrival of Burning Justice. They step into the entranceway, but it is Destructo Boy that speaks.
“You look at the man my father was. But everything he’s been through, look at the man he’s become.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Neither Foley nor Doom are listening to Destructo Boy’s pleads.
MATT RUBY: It’s like when you swoop in a steal a guy’s girl. This gets settled one way.
Doom eyeballs the pair from his place in the ring. He points a gauntleted finger.
“This is what happens now. You come here and fight. You take your shot and we will take ours.”
Burning Justice head towards the ring and slip inside. The tension looks to boil over, but there is one party we’ve forgotten.
Malakai Midnight and Gravedigger.
Before a punch can be swung, Six Feet Under appear, capturing the attention of all in the ring.
MATT RUBY: Felix Foley looks about ready to explode, and the Burned Man definitely looks like he hasn’t forgiven them for kidnapping him.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He won’t be held back from taking his shot either. This is going to boil over in the best of ways.
Malakai Midnight makes his presence known.
“Times are a-changing, the Night beckons. This is Six Feet Under’s time. You four can squabble amongst yourselves all you like.”
Doom doesn’t seem impressed.
“I have no patience for trivial diversions. Puny owls should find their refuge elsewhere."
Malakai smiles, wickedly.
“You were right on one point. That we take our shot.”
Gravedigger chimes in.
“Did you enjoy your beating at Ring of Dreams, little Foley… Because it’s time for round two.”
A thump echoes as both microphones are dropped and SFU make a beeline for the ring.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Get a referee out here fast. This is happening now!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Betrayal, family ties burned to the ground, it has all come to a boiling point right now.
MATT RUBY: River Moonfoot has arrived to sort out this mess and get a bit of order.
All six men are busy slinging handbags in the ring before the referee can get order. Doom, Midnight and Destructo Boy remain in the ring.
Both Destructo Boy and Malakai Midnight stalk Doom, but Doom holds out a hand.
BOOM! FORCE FROM HIS GAUNTLETED HAND STOPS BOTH MEN IN THEIR TRACKS!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Moonfoot doesn’t seem happy about Doom’s tactics.
MATT RUBY: He hasn’t broken any rules, has he?
Malakai Midnight staggers Doom with a shot. Doom teeters back towards the ropes.
MIDNIGHT PLEX! DOOM IS DOWN!
BUT DESTRUCTO BOY CLOBBERS MIDNIGHT FROM BEHIND!
Malakai sprawls forward into the turnbuckle, but manages to tag in a waiting Gravedigger. Gravedigger comes in hot.
DROP DEAD JAWBREAKER!
NO!
DB DUCKS UNDER! TRUE JUSTICE! BACKDROP DRIVER!
Destructo Boy reaches for his corner to tag in his father, and the pair hoist Doom to his feet.
TIP THE SCALES!
NO! DOOM DUCKS UNDER BLAZE’S MOVE!
BLACKENED SOUL! SPINNING URANAGE! DOOM DUCKED UNDER ONE RIGHT INTO ANOTHER!
The referee sends Destructo Boy on his way. Gravedigger slowly rises, but The Burned Man is waiting.
FLAMETONGUE! NO!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The dropkick narrowly misses and both men lock horns.
MATT RUBY: But here comes Doom as they trade blows.
Doom slowly pulls himself to his feet and Felix Foley gets the tag.
FOLEY CHARGES IN WHILE THE OTHERS ARE OCCUPIED!
THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING TAKES OUT GRAVEDIGGER!
HE SPINS TBM AROUND!
CUT THE STRINGS!
FELIX FOLEY GETS THE PIN!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Besties retain their Tag Team Championships, putting all the contenders away!
Why?
Ringside.
El Mariachi Muerte and Gemini have made their entrances and now stand opposite one another in the middle of the ring. Gemini has a microphone, a look of confusion on her face.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Poor Gemini has no idea what’s going on and you can hardly blame her. Something suspicious is afoot.
MATT RUBY: I don’t mind sitting down with her somewhere private and having a one on one chat to discuss it, Bronc.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I bet you would.
“Muerte,” her voice is soft and calm. “I don’t understand. I woke up in your home with no memory of what came before. You kept me safe. Why are we fighting?”
The Mariachi retrieves his own microphone, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“I don’t want to hurt you, old friend. This match isn’t my idea. It’s a test,” he admits to her, seemingly for the first time. She looks at him quizzically. “Zeus wants to know if you have a place by our side in Hydra. This is a test of our loyalty.”
Gemini looks convinced by that. “If that’s true, shouldn’t you put that on the line?” She asks, pointing at the Double Feature Championship with a cheeky wry smile.
Muerte takes it off his shoulder and smirks.
“You’ve got it,” El Mariachi agrees, handing the belt to the referee. “May the best person win.”
They both toss their microphones aside and shakes hands, getting ready to do battle.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Tonight, El Mariachi Muerte is testing his former Apokalypsis partner in Gemini. Let's see if she passes.
MATT RUBY: She certainly passes the eye test with flying colors.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Just keep your eyes on the match, boy. It starts now.
DING! DING!
The old friends shake hands and nod to start the match! They tie up and Gemini quickly snaps in a headlock! Muerte locks his hands around the waist and is going for a back suplex! Gemini backflips out of it and nails a dropkick to the back of Muerte!
MUERTE FALLS ONTO THE SECOND ROPE!
GEMINI RUNS THE ROPES AND SHE'S GOING FOR A TIGER FEINT KICK!
NO! NO AREA CODE NEEDED AS MUERTE SHOVES HER MID SWING!
GEMINI CRASHES TO THE FLOOR!
MUERTE ISN'T DONE! HE GETS UP AND SPRINGBOARDS OUT OF THE RING!
48 ROSES!
HE NAILS THE SPRINGBOARD DOUBLE FOOT STOMP!
Muerte didn't look like an old friend there as he rolls her back into the ring and covers!
ONE!
. . .
TWO!
. . .
NO! SHE GETS THE SHOULDER UP!
He smiles as he pulls her up and whips her into the corner! He charges at her but she gets the feet up! He's stunned and she grabs his hand! She's getting to the top rope still holding the hand!
THE LAST DANCE!
SHE WALKS THE ROPES AND HITS THE HURRICANRANA-NO!
MUERTE CATCHES HER AND POWERBOMBS HER INTO THE BUCKLE!
SHE REBOUNDS RIGHT INTO A WAITING MARIACHI!
FADE TO BLACK! HE NAILS THE PACKAGE PILEDRIVER!
HE GOT ALL OF IT AND COVERS!
ONE!
. . .
TWO!
. . .
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Well that was a test for sure as he definitely put her through the paces.
MATT RUBY: As I've said before, what boss wants, boss gets.
Shots To The Head
With the match over and the Championship successfully defended, El Mariachi Muerte and Gemini get back to their feet and embrace in the middle of the ring.
“There’s a place alongside us in Hydra, should you want it,” Muerte says congratulating her on the performance, despite the unfortunate loss. He knows that isn’t what this is really about, but she has no idea.
Gemini nods in agreement.
WHACK!
Suddenly, from behind and out of no-where, a steel chair thunders across the back of her head, knocking her to the floor.
Muerte immediately panics, but he catches a chair shot to the skull as well.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: THAT’S... THAT’S GRIZZLY ST. CLAIRE!!!
MATT RUBY: This is what he met Zeus over!? Hahaha! That’s ingenious!
He quickly slams the chair down on the canvas and grabs Gemini, laying her headfirst across it before sliding to the outside and grabbing another one.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Stop this, damnit!
MATT RUBY: He’s going to give her another whack, Bronc. This is Zeus’ orders!
WHACK!
WHACK!
WHACK!
CON-CHAIR-TOS TO GEMINI! MULTIPLE CHAIR SHOTS TO THE FUCKING HEAD!
He tosses the chair aside and rolls to the outside, watching as Muerte crawls over to check on his friend, looking at back at St. Claire who doesn’t even stop to look in his direction. He thunders his way backstage, ignoring the boos from the crowd.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Why has he done this!? What’s the meaning of it!? What does Gemini know that terrifies our Baron so much!?
MATT RUBY: Whatever it is, if she remembers anything after that brutal assault, I hope it’s that she’s fine and I’m available.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That poor woman is bleeding in the middle of the ring, Ruby!
Dear Diary, I
In a dim room, lit by a single light, Felix Foley sits down alone, a teacup on the table before him. As he reached for another sugar cube, his gaze falls on a book.
His father’s diary.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Felix hasn’t wanted to even think of looking at Fernicus’s diary.
MATT RUBY: He probably can’t read anyway.
With a resigned sigh, Felix sets his cup down and pulls the diary towards him. His father's handwriting is sprawled across the page, each letter a familiar echo of a man he both knew and didn't.
"Dear Diary,
My name is Fernicus.
Some know me as Foley, others as Lamplight. But this diary serves as my story, so that my sons may know who I truly was.
Albert. Felix. I hope you don’t judge me too harshly."
Felix's fingers tremble slightly as he traces the words, his heart heavy with a mix of dread and curiosity.
"I’ve done many bad things, boys. Albert, this is a side of me you may not know. Felix, it’s a side you know all too well.
Albert, you are my heir, the one I always longed for. This diary won’t mean much for you.
But for Felix…
I’m sorry son, I failed you. I tried, Lord knows I tried, to reach you, to break you, turn you into something more...manageable. But there are limits to what even I can achieve.
You were lost to me, lost to your puppets and the fanciful tales of your dear mother. I couldn’t burned you with reality, with the cruelties of the outside world. Or with the truth of your nature…
But you wouldn’t just die…”
A single tear rolls down Felix's cheek as he snaps the diary shut, the harsh words echoing in his mind. He takes a slow sip of his tea, the warmth doing little to soothe the chill settling in his chest.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Fernicus certainly was never father of the year.
MATT RUBY: I’d nominate him today if he could straighten out his idiot son.
"Please allow me to introduce myself...I'm a man of..."
The lyrics don't even get fully through before Jasper Redgrave is speared through the curtain by a furious Jackson Cade, Perseus pounding down on him with heavy lefts and rights before a thumb to the eye allows Jasper to get to his feet.
MATT RUBY: POLICE BRUTALITY! What has the Artist done to deserve such an attack by our so called sheriff?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: ....really Ruby? Do I have to spell it out for you?
Redgrave stumbles down the ramp, trying to get some distance but Jackson is quick on his heels, landing a hard forearm to the back of the head before trying to throw Redgrave into the turnbuckle post.
REVERSAL! Cade's skull bounces off the steel with a sickening thud! Redgrave stumbles away, rolling into the ring as Demi Sky calls for the bell to officially begin the contest.
Cade gets to his feet on the outside, eyes a little glazed over as he rolls in right into a series of hard stomps and kicks from the Artist. He pulls Jackson up to his feet, rocking him with a hard elbow before lifting him high up in the air.
MATT RUBY: Break that copper in half Jasper, VANISHING POINT INTO THE CORNER!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: JACKSON CATCHES THE ROPES! He kicks Jasper away before climbing up top, BURNING EAGLE! TOP ROPE SPINNING ELBOW TO THE JAW!
Jasper goes down as Jackson goes into the corner, stomping hard as he looks to down a Hostile. Jasper stumbles up to his feet as Jackson leaps
HOSTILE DOWN!
SUPERKICK!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Both men get nailed in the jaw with thunderous kicks, they stumble and fall...
MATT RUBY: Cade falls onto Redgrave. Boo, kick out Redgrave, you can't let that glorified rent a cop beat you like this
Demi Sky slides in, counting the fall
ONE
..........
TWO
...........
...........
THREE!!!
MATT RUBY: Sickening abuse of power here, Jackson Cade has just stolen the #1 contendership from it's rightful owner.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Could've been anyone's victory there Ruby, and now Cade's finally getting his chance to regain the World title he lost all those months ago
Never Ending Story
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Sherriff is the Number One Contender, folks!
MATT RUBY: Abuse of power!
The mat is splattered with blood, as both men, battered and bruised, slowly rise raise their heads up. They lock eyes, never relinquishing that gaze as they come to their knees.
MATT RUBY: Bleed him out, Jasper!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Yeah, he’s doing such a great job with Jackson right now.
Redgrave, wiping blood from his lip with the back of his hand, sneers with a mix of respect and disdain.
"Is the Little Eagle going to protect Little Joey?" he taunts, his voice echoing throughout Olympus.
Cade cracks a half-smile, his face a mask of pain and triumph.
"C.J.?" he scoffs. "He doesn’t need my help. He’s proven he can handle himself. You're gonna be sorry if you go after him." His tone is confident, almost casual, underlined by a deep, seething promise.
They rise to their feet, mere inches apart.
"We’ve got unfinished business, you and I," Jackson continues, his voice growing harder. "And if Joey leaves any of you left, I’ll be glad to put you behind bars. By the book."
With those final words, Cade turns his back on Redgrave, a sign of disrespect. He leaves the ring with a smirk on his face.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Jackson Cade’s got bigger fish to fry right now.
MATT RUBY: Never turn your back on an Artist like Jasper Redgrave!
In the ring, Jasper Redgrave has a smile of his own.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Sherriff said it best. It’ll never be over between these two. It’s a neverending story.
MATT RUBY: It’ll end alright, when Jackson Cade’s head is on a pike in the Gallery!
One More Thread
The Church of Zion.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The church is lookin' mighty empty, ain't it?
MATT RUBY: Emptier than Colt Ramsey's funeral.
The scene heads inside to find the pews suspiciously vacant, snaking through the inside past the curtains to Lionel Troy's personal back room, the likes of which sit in disarray. A lone man can be seen turning the entire place inside out! "Where the fuck are you!?" One Gino Carelli rifles through Troy's desk, finding it empty. He turns to the far wall to see an open safe, the contents gone.
"He did the smart thing and left, Gino." The voice of a woman intrudes on the scene. Gino turns around to find Candy Kane sitting in the door way, cigarette in hand. "Can't say where, can't say I care."
MATT RUBY: Look at the legs on her, she could search me any day.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Reckon she'll find your brain?
Gino instinctively reaches for his coat but Candy draws first, a revolver trained on Carelli. "I wouldn't if I were you, Gino."
"So this is where it ends? Clipped by a broad in some conman's church?"
"I'm not like you, Carelli. I want to put you away, and I'm going to do it the right way. Let's just say, I have my lead. We both know this goes deeper than credit laundering, don't we?"
There's a pregnant pause, Gino merely giving a wry smile. "Maybe we do. You better go after that loose thread, doll. Never know when it might get tied up."
Candy backs away slowly, leaving Gino in the room as she disappears, making distance between herself and the mobster.
MATT RUBY: The hell did we just see?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I ain't sure, Ruby. But it sounds to me like these two are far from finished.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: And here we are ladies and gentlemen, our main event of the evening for the OSW World Championship. What was meant to be a simple rematch between Narcissa Balenciaga and Harold Attano has turned into a brutal fatal four way.
MATT RUBY: Call it what it is Bronco, a travesty of justice. My queen had an easy layup of a defense turned into one where she can lose without being involved at all. Thorpe got put in through pure nepotism and Tombstone should be locked away six feet under for what he did to Narcissa.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I hate to agree with you Ruby but you're right. Both Thorpe and Tombstone forced their way into this match but if your queen is as good as you say she is, she should be able to win this no matter the odds.
CJ Thorpe and Harold Attano are outside the ring, pacing around as they stare daggers at one another.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Two men who have no lost love for one another but they have to put that hatred aside tonight because of the monster about to come out.
The horns of O'Death sound loudly into the arena.
Immediately, the arena is thrust into darkness as smoke fills the entrance ramp. Purple flashing lights adorn the entrance area as Tombstone slowly steps out into the mist.
"Now, what is this I can see, with ice cold hands, taking hold of me..."
The looming figure of the Ferryman now stands with smoke drifting around him. Thorpe and Attano look at one another, nod
AND RUSH UP THE RAMP AT TOMBSTONE!
Thorpe goes low right into a hard knee to the jaw as Attano leaps upwards
SOUL TAKER! NOBODY LEPT RIGHT INTO THAT BRUTAL HEART PUNCH!
Tombstone pulls Attano up by his hair, throwing him effortlessly down the ramp as Thorpe gets to his feet, delivering lefts and rights that barely seem to affect Tombstone who simply headbutts Thorpe and sends him tumbling head over heels down the ramp too
MATT RUBY: Well so much for that double team.
Thorpe and Attano slowly get up to their feet right into a goozle to the throat. Tombstone smiling viciously as he looks to throttle the life out of both men.
A paper cup bounces off the back of Tombstone's head.
The Ferryman stops throttling Thorpe and Attano, slowly turning around as an audience member is leaning over the barricade, shouting obscenities at Tombstone. The Ferryman looks almost...puzzled by the audacity but that curiosity turns to fury when he gets a full beer thrown into his face.
MATT RUBY: IS HE FUCKING INSANE? Why would anyone willingly do that to the Ferryman?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Security, anyone, we need everyone out here before Tombstone straight up murders one of our audience here.
Tombstone drops both Attano and Thorpe in a fury as he reaches over the guardrail
CHAMPIONSHIP BELT TO THE BACK OF THE SKULL!
Narcissa out of nowhere rocks Tombstone with the title, Thorpe and Attano slowly rising up to their feet as all three nod
AND BEGIN STOMPING OUT TOMBSTONE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: And here's the Queen for the triple team to try and even slow Tombstone enough for the others to have a chance of victory
Thorpe and Attano lift Tombstone up high, Narcissa delivering a low roundhouse to the skull before they plant him into the concrete with a Brainbuster. Attano and Narcissa keep stomping him out as Thorpe backs up, Tombstone getting pulled up to his knees.
SUPER..NO! Tombstone catches the kick, pulling him close in a powerbomb position
KICK TO THE DICK!
Narcissa kicks him low from behind, stunning the Ferryman as Attano leaps off Thorpe's back
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: ONE SHOT ONE KILL! Tombstone gets downed by the Diamond Cutter but will that hold him down for long?
Attano rolls through, signaling to Thorpe to lift him up high as Attano is on one side and Narcissa on the other as all three of them rush forward holding Tombstone up high.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: RUNNING TRIPLE POWERBOMB THROUGH THE BARRICADE! Even Tombstone has to be done from such brutality.
MATT RUBY: Hey when in doubt, bury a monster six feet under.
Tombstone is dazed on the concrete as the trio cover him with the barricade pieces and whatever plunder is nearby before both Attano and Thorpe turn their gazes to Narcissa. The World Champion gulps as she rushes to the ring, both men hot on her heels.
MATT RUBY: Hey no means no boys and Hera don't want none of either of you.
Hera rolls into the ring as Attano is first to slide in. She tries to stomp him out but he easily catches the heel throwing her away. She stumbles up, trying to get away but bumps right into Thorpe.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Narcissa about to get some much deserved karma here.
RIGHT HAND BY ATTANO!
RIGHT HAND BY THORPE!
HITS BOTH MEN AS NARCISSA JUST DUCKS UNDERNEATH!
Both men stagger back and in a fury, they forget all about Narcissa before pounding down on one another with heavy lefts and rights. Thorpe leaps up, nailing a brutal knee to the jaw before rushing to the ropes, springboarding off
RIGHT INTO A HEADSHOT!
Attano looks to finish off Thorpe here, sizing him up for One Shot
UPRISING! BICYCLE KNEE OUT OF NOWHERE ROCKS ATTANO!
MATT RUBY: THERE SHE IS! Bow to the queen asshole!
Nobody stumbles forward, right into a kick to the gut
THE RIGHT THING! PEDIGREE PLANTS ATTANO INTO THE MAT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That could be it there but all Thorpe sees is red and grey.
Thorpe rushes forward right into a Drop Toe Hold as Narcissa drops him throat first onto the bottom rope. Balenciaga sizes him up before running the catwalk.
TIGER FEINT...THORPE CATCHES HER MID KICK!
Thorpe pulls her out of the ropes, Narcissa trying to wriggle free but a hard elbow to the side of the head stuns her before he drops her onto it with an Emerald Flowsion. Thorpe doesn't let go of Narcissa, bridging back on the mat
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: LOCKING IN SOME POLICE BRUTALITY WITH THE RINGS OF SATURN!
MATT RUBY: NO NARCISSA! DON'T LOSE TO THIS SCRUB!
Narcissa tries to fight out of the submission but she's trapped in the middle of the ring and hurting, Mills Stanton kneeling down as he asks her if she taps, Narcissa looking on the verge of giving up
DIVING DOUBLE KNEES TO THE BACK OF CJ THORPE!
MATT RUBY: YES! I always said Nobody was a great man.
Attano rolls through, pulling a hurting Narcissa up to her feet and delivering a brutal brainbuster into the mat.
MATT RUBY: I always knew you were a piece of trash Attano.
Thorpe slowly rises to his feet, stumbling right into a leaping Attano
ONE
SHOT
ONE
KILL!
Attano drops to his knees, looking for the finish
BOW TO THE QUEEN! RUNNING METEORA TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!
MATT RUBY: YES! YES! YES! DO IT HERA! PIN THIS PIECE OF TRASH!
Narcissa looks exhausted but triumphant as she goes to drop down for the pinfall.
When a loud boom is heard at ringside.
Debris flies through the air.
And Tombstone sits up on the concrete.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Oh no, Tombstone is on his feet and he's furious.
Narcissa quickly drops down, hooking the leg as Mills goes to count
ONE
................
.....................
TOMBSTONE PULLS HIM OUT OF THE RING!
Mills gets to his feet, looking to reprimand Tombstone for a moment but a quick look at the fury in his eyes stops that instantly. The Ferryman rolls in as Narcissa bounces off the ropes
THE TRENDKILLER! HANDSPRING FOREARM RIGHT TO THE FACE OF A KNEELING TOMBSTONE!
DOES NOTHING!
Terrified, Narcissa rushes to the ropes, handspringing off once more
RIGHT INTO THE SOUL TAKER!
MATT RUBY: Oh no Oh no this can't be happening right now. Get up Narcissa.
Tombstone turns around right into a brutal chop block by CJ Thorpe that drops Tombstone down to one knee. Nobody stumbling up onto his feet as he looks at Thorpe, both men nodding before rushing to the ropes,
LEAPING SUPERKICK
HEADSHOT SUPERKICK TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!
Tombstone gets dropped by the sandwich superkick but as both men turn around, he immediately sits up.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: My Zeus in Christ, can anything put down The Ferryman?
Thorpe rushes at Tombstone who grabs him by the throat. Attano tries the same but gets goozled too as The Ferryman gets to his feet, both men in a death grip as he lifts them up high
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS TO BOTH MEN! DOUBLE CHOKESLAM!
Hammer Time
Static.
The tron suddenly flickers, showing Mark Hayes and Raven sat next to one another, tied to chairs with gags in their mouth.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Where are they!? Who has them?
Tombstone stands tall in the middle of the ring, watching as Zeus walks into frame with a sinister smile on his face, wearing a pair of dark blue overalls.
MATT RUBY: They’re in the company of the Baron!
“Welcome to the Killing Floor, Tombstone,” Zeus says, putting his hand out. Someone hands him a ball point hammer. The sinister look on his face spells danger. “I bet you’ve been here before, haven’t you? Lots of blood has been spilt on this very floor.”
Tombstone grimaces.
“You think you have all the power, is that it?” The Baron demands to know. He approaches Mark Hayes and places the hammer at his head. With the gag in his mouth, he pleads through muffled begs. “You do not become World Champion tonight. No. But if you’re quick, you might just save the lives of your men.”
Zeus raises the hammer.
Static.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What's he gonna do, Matt!? Those are members of Six Feet Under that Zeus has.
MATT RUBY: Former members, I think you'd agree. I suspect a certain Tombstone will be sending them on their way here tonight.
Tombstone stares at the screen in a fury before rolling out of the ring and slowly heading up the ramp
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Is Tombstone just leaving the match? He had this won but whatever has happened in the back has infuriated Tombstone enough to abandon his chance at becoming the world champion again.
MATT RUBY: He just knew Narcissa was going to comeback and beat his ass that's all.
Narcissa slowly staggers to her feet, seeing Harold Attano struggling to his knees as she rushes to the ropes
THE TRENDKILLER! FOREARM KNOCKS NOBODY OUT COLD
But before she can cover, she's spun around
KICK
WHAM
DO THE RIGHT THING!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Thorpe nails Narcissa with the pedigree, is the Coyote three seconds away from becoming the OSW World Champion here?
Thorpe flops over an arm, weakly hooking the leg as Mills begins to count
ONE
..........
...............
TWO
...............
MATT RUBY: NO NO NO! This can't be happening! Narcissa kick out, Attano break it up, somebody do something
..................
THREE!!! WE HAVE A NEW OSW WORLD CHAMPION!
MATT RUBY: That has to have been a fast count, foot on the ropes, something was wrong there. Narcissa was robbed out of her world title here tonight Bronco and we won't stand for it.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That was as clean a victory as you'll ever get one Ruby as like it or not, "your" queen has been dethroned and CJ Thorpe is the new OSW World Champion but one has to wonder if that'd be the outcome if Tombstone had
A Shine To Your Soul
CJ Thorpe immediately rolls to the outside, being handed his OSW World Championship to much fanfare from the delighted crowd. George and Jackson Cade storm out from the back to greet him, hugging him in celebration as he joins them atop the ramp.
Back inside the ring, Narcissa kneels in exhaustion. She gave everything but a month of mental torture was just too much to handle.
She gets back to her feet, her eyes fixated on the Cade’s. This isn’t over.
GAZUMP.
Suddenly the lights drop. We’re thrust into complete and utter darkness.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What’s this!? Don’t tell me…
MATT RUBY: Tombstone might not be finished with our precious Narcissa!
Smoke begins filling the entire area, eerily forming a thick smog that surrounds the ring.
A singular light now appears in the middle, revealing Narcissa stood in a panic, turning from side to side to see what approaches.
She’s terrified.
With her eyes flittering in every direction, she’s expectant.
Then the chanting begins.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: [At a whisper] This is so eerie…
MATT RUBY: [Shouting] This is terrifying! Someone turn back on the lights!
Click.
The lights come back on…
AND THERE SHE IS!
IN ALL HER FUCKING GLORY!
BLOOD RED MIST TO THE EYES OF NARCISSA BALENCIAGA! THE FORMER WORLD CHAMPION STUMBLES BACKWARDS!
She stumbles…
GRAVE MISFORTUNE!
DIVING BACKSTABBER! DOWN GOES NARCY!
The crowd are stunned into an eerie silence as the woman they despise is taken down before their eyes by a terrifying woman. She gets back to her feet and puts her hands out, chanting to the sky.
GAZUMP!
The lights go again, but they return within seconds.
And she’s gone.
Only left behind is her name, crawled in red on the canvas beside the downed Narcissa.
CALYPSO.
STATIC
CUT
A Stop ■ symbol appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen as a logo flashes up amongst static.