DEMANDS
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
Sirens.
Zeus forsaken fucking sirens.
As the entire entrance ramp lights up with red censor symbols, the arena is thrust into a foray of boos as The Arcadian Censorship Authority step out onto the stage to kick off the show.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to a very special edition of NXT Level: Into the Labyrinth. I apologize for the deafening sirens but we’re kicking things off with a very angry looking ACA tonight. Believe me, if we could have it any other way, we would.
NICK DIAMOND: Last week both Sebastian and Tucker had their titles stolen, folks. Anarchy Rulez is one week away and you bet your behind that they’d want em back.
By now, The ACA are situated in the middle of the ring with microphones.
Tucker Goode looking understandably nervous.
“A travesty has occurred,” Boswick says, his monotonous voice drowned out by boos. “I said… a travesty has occurred!”
The boos just get louder.
“You people disgust me!” He yells, lowering his microphone.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: These people are not fond of the ACA.
NICK DIAMOND: I think that’s an understatement, Johnny. I can barely hear you.
“Last week, The Kingdom and Apokalypsis stole our Tag Team Championship title belts. It was theft!” He says with tears welling up in his eyes. “Now, we have a good mind to file a police report with the Arcadia Police Department, but before we do that, we’re going to give them the opportunity to return our property.”
The fans boos increase once more.
The arena goes dark, only to be illuminated by crisp red lighting. A falcon’s cry is heard for a moment before the beginning bars of Zyuden Sentai Kyoryguer begin to play through Olympus.
NICK DIAMOND: Ask and you shall receive! Here comes The White Bear and The Red Falcon!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: The future Tag Team Champions, perhaps?
NICK DIAMOND: Red Falcon has Tucker’s belt proudly over his shoulder, Johnny.
The Kingdom members enter the ring, standing opposite the ACA.
“Are you sure this is what you want, big fella?” Red asks Tucker specifically, much to the confusion of everyone else. Goode shy’s away, his face going beetroot red. “Because if it is, we’ll expose you right… now.”
“Expose him?” Boswick asks, demanding answers. “What is that supposed to mean, you ruffian?”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh no, I think Tucker Goode’s sexual proclivities are about to be shared with the world.
NICK DIAMOND: He already shared them with that gimp he was seen straddling. Why not his wife?
“We haven’t demanded your presence to debate exposure, you cretinous little irk,” Sebastian continues. “We demanded your presence so that you’d give us back our half of the Tag Team Championships. They don’t belong to you. You haven’t earned it!”
Wind blows through Olympus, foretelling Conquest. Red light fills the arena as smoke rises.
Rotting Christ’s “Dies Irae” explodes into the crowd’s ears as Grimskull appears on the stage alongside Drewitt, The Preacher holding one half of the tag titles.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: This is turning into quite the orgy.
NICK DIAMOND: Don’t tell Tucker, he’ll try and have sex with it.
With the sounds of heavy chanting filling him with prophetic purpose, Grimskull grins. His purple eyes glow, an eternal fire burning within them. Both he and Drewitt walk down the ramp and enter the ring, joining the fray with microphones of their own.
“Do you know what’s humorous?” Grimskull asks Boswick who shakes his head no. “When you happened upon No Man’s Land, it wasn’t an accident, was it?”
Sebastian looks perturbed. He turns to face Mr. Kleen, PMS and Tucker Goode – they look speechless.
“You received an anonymous tip, did you not?” Drewitt interrupts. “A tip that came from… well… us.”
NICK DIAMOND: Wait a minute. Apokalypsis brought the ACA to No Man’s Land?
Grimskull continues.
“We’re searching for something and unfortunately, you two aren’t what we’re looking for. Whilst being able to rule you out is a positive, you have something we want. That, for you, is a negative.”
He raises the Tag Team Championship into the air.
“That’s mine!” Sebastian screams at him. “Give it back or… or…”
Suddenly, it explodes.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: BOSWICK JUST NAILED GRIMSKULL WITH HIS MICROPHONE!
NICK DIAMOND: PMS WITH A CLOTHESLINE TO THE WHITE BEAR! THAT’S TWO BEHOMOTHS COLLIDING!
Tucker Goode drives The Red Falcon to the canvas, slamming away at him with right hands. He’s furious, as you’d expect. Drewitt tries to pull Boswick away from Grimskull but the numbers game is in the ACA’s favour and Mr. Kleen drives him into the canvas with a Hurricanranna!
As the brawl continues, the sound of someone clearing his throat can be heard.
NICK DIAMOND: Scott Sterling! Scott Sterling is on the entrance ramp!
“ENOUGH!” He roars. Those fighting in the ring begin to reluctantly separate. “It’s clear what we require here, isn’t it?”
The fans cheer.
“At Anarchy Rulez, the Arcadian Censorship Authority – Sebastian Boswick and Tucker Goode, will defend their OSW Tag Team Championships against Apokalypsis and The Kingdom in a Triple Threat,” he says to cheers from the crowd. “Tables… Ladders…. And Chairs Match!”
The fans roar in approval, whilst Apokalypsis smile rabidly.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh my Zeus! What an announcement! Sebastian Boswick looks utterly disgusted. If he wants his titles back, he’s going to have stoop to the level of violence that TLC requires!
NICK DIAMOND: The ACA are going to put up or shut up.
Scott smiles from the entrance ramp as the ACA escape to the outside, our cameras closing in on the disgusted face of Sebastian Boswick, who looks utterly mortified and furious at the same time.
Cut.
NICK DIAMOND: I’m not a big fan of snakes Johnny but luckily they’re not here for me! Yellow Python and Harold Attano are trying to throw each other into the snake pit!
The bell sounds and Python is hot out of the gates!
He goes for a hurricanrana but Attano catches him!
Jackknife powerbomb!
NICK DIAMOND: The Yellow Python was trying to go for a quick bite but Attano had an antidote!
Attano mounts Python and starts raining down some rapid fire elbow strikes!
He pulls Python up on his shoulders and starts marching towards the pit!
The Yellow Python slips out from behind!
CRUSHING COILS!
HE NAILS THE REVERSE FRANKENSTEINER!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: There’s the bite The Yellow Python was going for!
NICK DIAMOND: That won’t be the worst bite tonight Johnny!
The Yellow Python pulls Attano up and tosses him to the outside of the ring!
He runs the ropes and nails a suicide dive to Attano!
Python rolls Attano back into the ring and climbs the top rope!
Shooting star press-NO!
HEADSHOT!
NICK DIAMOND: He nailed that superkick Johnny!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Indeed! I would be surprised if he has any fangs left.
The Yellow Python is rocked!
Harold Attano pulls him up and The Yellow Python surprises him with a jumping knee strike!
Attano is down and The Yellow Python climbs to the top rope!
SERPENT’S STRIKE!
HE NAILS THE CORKSCREW SHOOTING STAR PRESS!
PYTHON YANKS ATTANO UP AND THROWS HIM OVER THE TOP ROPE INTO THE PIT!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: The Yellow Python wins! He had a little more venom in him folks!
WINNER: THE YELLOW PYTHON
SLICE
Recorded Last Week.
Tombstone, fighting a sedative, groans as Dr. Death looms over him..
“Stubbins Doom may be a genius” Luchadoc says, “but there are some things even he cannot foresee.”
Nurse Nikki places a long scalpel in his hand. “You’ll see.”
Tombstone’s eyes wide as Death leans in.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: We kept the tapes rolling last week! What happened to Tombstone!?
NICK DIAMOND: Gemini may be getting a free win later!
Dr. Death brushes the scalpel across Tombstone’s throat, a fresh scar formed there.
“The Uprising did a number on you, didn’t they?” Death taunts.
The scar, an ugly, jagged line, seems almost alive under the harsh light. Dr. Death leans closer, his gloved fingers tracing the scar with a morbid curiosity.
“Fascinating,” he murmurs, his voice a chilling whisper. “I understand how Drewitt still stands, but you? Are you also so cursed to walk forever, and if so, how did that happen?”
Nurse Nikki prepares a syringe with a sinister-looking liquid, but before Dr. Death can proceed, a cold chill spreads through the Clinic.
Igor Mortis strides in, the very air around him crackling with urgency. Tombstone’s eyes flicker with power as he approaches.
“Igor Mortis,” Dr. Death greets. “To what do I owe the displeasure?”
“Release Tombstone,” he demands.
Dr. Death chuckles. “And why would I do that?”
Igor reaches into his coat, producing a handful of credits. “This, and let’s not forget what happened in the Mortuary when my friend here couldn’t fulfill his duties. We wouldn’t want a repeat of that… incident.”
Death eyes the envelope, then Tombstone. “You know the path to my heart,” he finally says. “I will release Tombstone, but this slice alone will not buy the redemption I desire.”
Mortis raises an eyebrow.
Cut.
NICK DIAMOND: Where’s the rest of the tape? Come on!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Whatever Dr. Death wanted, it can’t be good.
THE ELDERS, PART II
Many Years Ago…
The House of Sovereigns feels different. It feels like a home. Cronus is a slender powerful looking man, with a grey goatee beard. He sits down on a pale white sofa, beside a young looking Zeus; he’s twenty, beardless, and clean cut.
He places his hand on his shoulder, providing comfort.
“Arcadia is a measured and giving environment, son,” he says carefully, choosing his words.
Zeus doesn’t speak.
“These people – many of whom look to us for leadership and guidance, need to feel our love and compassion. What you did today goes against the very fabric of that. I love you, but you must not give into your dangerous desire for vengeance. It’ll consume you.”
The look on young Zeus’ face is that of disgust. He isn’t happy and can barely contain his emotions.
“They called you weak, patéras,” Zeus says angrily. “They said you’re a pathetic and weak leader. I wouldn’t stand for them badmouthing you, but what if they’re right? What if you are everything they say you are?”
Cronus removes his hand from his son’s shoulder. He takes a moment, bowing his head to think.
“You may never understand this, my boy, but leadership comes in many forms. Sometimes you must be the motivator. Sometimes you must take the decisions alone, against council and against the view of others. Sometimes you must do what is hard and sometimes, you must be understanding. A real leader is pragmatic but knows when the need arises for a firm and undeniable hand.”
He smiles, his pearly whites glistening.
“Your friends may think of me as weak, Zeus. That’s fine. But Arcadia is held together by the glue that I and my council provide. If weakness is any of the things I’ve mentioned, then consider me guilty as charged and proud to stand accused.”
Before Zeus can reply, a man rushes into the room – panicked.
It’s Hyperion, and he’s flustered, breathless and desperate. He’s a slender elder man, bald, but with a chiselled physique.
“Cronus, you must come,” he blurts out. “There’s a problem.”
Cronus nods and stands up, rising to tower above his son, who looks on with concern.
“I’ll see you for supper,” he says, heading out the door alongside a frazzled Hyperion.
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Up next, Vision takes on Narcissa Balenciaga in a tables match…but the Awoken One’s looking rough after his encounter with Gemini last week!
The bell rings as Narcissa charges full-speed at Vision, taking advantage of the state he’s in with a flurry of offense!
Vision tries to turn it around by sending the Uprising leader to the ropes…but she catches him with a cross body on the rebound!
The impact from crashing to the canvas causes him to start coughing up black bile, something that both Narcissa and Mills Stanton look to avoid.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: What a dangerous reaction from Vision as he turns over to his stomach!
NICK DIAMOND: Good Zeus, is that steam coming off the canvas!?
As he gets back to his feet, Narcissa rolls out of the ring to retrieve a table from the outside.
She slides it into the ring…but gets caught with a DDT as she comes back in!
Vision looks to be in control now as he sets up the table…but starts retching due to whatever’s ailing him!
This gives Narcissa an opening, standing back up before rattling the Awoken One with a jumping spin kick!
HIGH FASHION!
She looks to follow that with a clothesline, but Vision ducks…
…nailing the Uprising leader with a back elbow!
IRON STRIKE!
Narcissa’s reeling now as Vision looks to take her out with the Double Knee Facebuster!
THIRD EYE–NO!
She grabs Vision’s feet, lifting him up just enough to send him flying back-first through the table!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh my! Narcissa caught Vision by surprise, picking up the win!
WINNER: NARCISSA
ANYTHING YOU LIKE
The Arcadia Police Department has cleared out. It’s a ghost town. As Jasper Redgrave walks through it, he finds himself ultimately surprised by how there’s no officers waiting for him.
He walks through the desks to the office at the back, knocking before entering. Sat inside are Zeus and Sheriff Gordon – both of whom stand up to greet him.
“Mr. Redgrave,” Gordon says whilst offering a handshake. “Thanks for coming.”
Jasper looks towards Zeus, who says nothing.
“We’d like to apologize for your unlawful capture and subsequent admittance to Deathrow,” The Sheriff says carefully. “Things shouldn’t have happened the way they did.”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Has everyone forgotten that Redgrave is a sadistic serial killer?
NICK DIAMOND: He has so many victims. I can’t believe Zeus and Gordon are apologizing to him. If Jackson Cade finds out about this…
JOHNNY GOMEZ: He’ll be furious.
“What we’d like to do is give you something to make up for it,” Zeus finally intervenes. “Anything you’d like.”
Jasper thinks about it, a wry smile forming upon his face.
“Harold Attano vs. Jackson Cade inside a Hell in a Cell at Anarchy Rulez,” he announces abruptly. “And one other thing…”
He leans in to Zeus and whispers in his ear. The Baron steps back, frowning quizzically.
“Okay, you’ve got it,” he agrees.
NICK DIAMOND: What did he just agree to, Johnny? He did say anything.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: That can’t be good. But Harold Attano versus Jackson Cade is happening next week at Anarchy Rulez, courtesy of Jasper Redgrave!
“Now listen,” Zeus continues, his hands upon his hips. “What do you know about the missing NXT Level Championship?”
Redgrave smirks.
“I know that invitations are contractual obligations to join the roster of Old School Wrestling, if accepted,” Jasper says with a shrug.
“What does that have to do with anything?” Gordon queries.
Zeus shakes his head.
“He’s telling us that whoever has the title also has an invitation to enter Old School Wrestling,” Zeus connects the dots. “That provides them certain protections.”
The Artist nods.
NICK DIAMOND: Wait a minute…
JOHNNY GOMEZ: A member of the Uprising has a ticket to legally and safely enter OSW?
NICK DIAMOND: And Zeus has to let them?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: It’s his invitation, Nicky. I’m of the understanding that if you’re invited to the show and you accept, you follow and abide a different set of rules and enforced laws that are appropriate for the violent nature of OSW. Much like thrashball.
Cut.
WET FLOOR
NICK DIAMOND: Does this room look cleaner than most to you, Johnny?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: I’d say so, look who’s cleaning it.
We find ourselves in the locker rooms of Olympus, Mr. Kleen is feverishly scrubbing the tile floors, seemingly unable to help himself. “Filthy, every last bit of this place is filthy!” The cleanly one is visibly stressed, throwing a dirty sponge into his bucket before following up with a rag to dry it off.
“For someone so clean, you like to play dirty, you know.” The voice of the Yellow Python interrupts the scene, Mr. Kleen’s head snapping towards the entrance of the room where Python is standing, a box under his arm. “Now, I’ve been thinking these past few weeks. Now, clearly you aren’t lying about knowing The Zookeeper, right? I mean, you knew where the Sanctuary was.”
Python is weirdly calm, speaking nonchalantly as he Mr. Kleen begins to stand. “So, it got me thinking,” Python continues, “If you know so much, why don’t you tell me why you stopped being the Python? I mean, you’re so sure of how evil he is, so spill it.”
Kleen narrows his eyes, tightening his fist. “I don’t need to tell you why, you walking garbage bin. You fought back against us and since you want to be stubborn then that means I’ll just have to wash you away.”
“I figured you’d say something like that. Far as I see it, you can’t give me a reason. But, speaking of, let me give you a real reason to come after me.”
YELLOW PYTHON FLINGS THE BOX AT MR. KLEEN! IT EXPLODES INTO A PILE OF DIRT ALL OVER THE ONCE CLEAN ROOM!
The Janitor’s eyes go wide as he screams, panicked as he wipes the dirt from his clothes, immediately throwing himself onto the floor to try and clean up the new mess coating his once clean floors. The Yellow Python, meanwhile, shakes his head, placing a wet floor sign down in front of the open door and leaving Mr. Kleen to attend to the mess he made.
NICK DIAMOND: Oh that’s just underhanded! And Python calls himself a hero!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: What’s wrong, Nick? I thought you liked it when people play dirty?
Cut.
Johnny Gomez: We have a brutal contest with a twist up next Johnny. Dr Death facing off against the disgraced journalist Colt where the only way to win is to beat your opponent with their own finishing maneuver.
NEGATIVE EXPOSURE! Colt right out of the gate nearly breaks that beaked mask of Death’s with a brutal pump kick. Death staggering to his feet as Colt bounces off the ropes for another but finds his foot entangled by a slender, red nailed hand.
Nick Diamond: Colt’s taking his eyes off the ball here Johnny, beautiful blonde or not, you don’t take your eyes off a competitor like Dr Death for a moment.
Johnny Gomez: LETHAL INJECTION! Death nails that deadly cutter with perfection thanks to the assistance by Nurse Nikki but can Death use this momentum to gain victory?
Death pulls Colt up, nailing him with several right hands before trying to spin him around and lock in that Full Nelson but Colt slips out, grabbing Death by the head. B-ROLL!
Colt gets to his feet, distracted by Nurse Nikki again as she’s trying to seductively distract Colt. Ramsey walks over, seemingly interested as Nikki’s face turns to a scowl, delivering a hard slap that staggers Colt back
Johnny Gomez: Colt getting nailed by Nurse Nikki there, staggering back into a brutal knee to the jaw before he’s spun around
Nick Diamond: FIT TO PRINT! Death nails Colt with his own finisher and that has to be it Johnny as Death drops down for the pinfall attempt
Death hooks the leg, Mills counting the pinfall attempt
ONE
…………..
TWO
………………
THREE!!!
Johnny Gomez: The Good Doctor picks up the victory here Nicky, and all thanks to his brand new Nurse.
WINNER: DR. DEATH
EASY WAY OR HARD WAY
The ring clears of bodies as we prepare for further action. Without announcement, the guitar strums “Nemesis” by Audiomachine through the speakers.
NICK DIAMOND: Here comes The Burned Man, has he lost his son again?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: He looks as though he’s definitely got something to say. I can see that look in the eyes a mile away.
NICK DIAMOND: He’s covered in so many bandages, the eyes are about the only part of him you CAN see.
There is no bravado as TBM makes his way to the ring. He wastes no time in addressing the reason why he is here.
“I…” Burned Man starts, stopping and stammering slightly. “I- want to save my son.”
Saying the sentence out loud seems to hit TBM hard.
“I need to save Faith. But before I can, I need… Just to talk to you. Please, come and speak to me.”
An eternity draws out.
NICK DIAMOND: Looks like Destructo Boy has got better things to do.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: It’s a tough feeling being stood up by your own –
The lights turn out as heavy chords are heard. ‘All Black’ by Good Charlotte begins to play and Destructo Boy is there, glaring at his father.
“Hello, father. Listen to you, blubbering out here. I think I preferred you as the stubborn absentee hero figure. At least he had balls.”
Destructo Boy makes his way to the ring and steps inside to face The Burned Man. TBM is ready, and greets him with the stern words of tough love.
“Faith. You are going to get in that Odyssey Pool. If you will not get in willingly, I will have to throw you in myself, for your own good. Easy way, or hard way. You choose how.”
Destructo Boy laughs in the face of his father.
“You can try, but it’s your turn next week, I’ll make sure of it. Next we meet, it’s you and me in that Factory and it only ends with one of us in that pool. You’re wasting your time thinking that you can save me, pathetic old man.”
Destructo Boy shakes his head, disappointed with the man before him and takes his leave. TBM looks distraught, but then the same look we saw in his eyes returns… A vacant expression, followed by a look of fear. He weakly whispers out a single stammer.
“Fire.”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Things have gone from bad to worse in the relationship between father and son. And what’s with that look?
NICK DIAMOND: He’s afraid, Johnny. He doesn’t want to go swimming.
Blinking away the fear, The Burned Man picks up the pieces of what has transpired and proceeds to give himself somewhat of a pep-talk.
“If he goes in that pool, he’ll revert back. It’s happened before. I just have to get him in there.”
Cut.
BUSCA Y ENCONTRARÁS
We go backstage, where our attention is immediately grabbed by some sort of commotion…a loud thud and a great deal of shouting.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: What is going on back there? It sounds like someone’s struggling!
NICK DIAMOND: Hang on a second, is that…is that a snare trap!?
Nick’s observation is astute, as we see a stagehand trapped by his ankles, yelling as we see Luther Grim step into view, glaring the young man down.
“What a waste,” the Hunter states gruffly, loosening the rope from around the man’s ankles. “Where is the Uprising? They have something that belongs to me.”
“Everyone’s been on high alert since Red Snow,” the stagehand responds, a look of fear on his face. “But aside from those who have been competing, the Uprising has remained hidden!”
Luther grunts at the response, but El Mariachi Muerte steps in to intervene.
“Mi amigo,” the Singing Death says with a calm tone. “Surely you’ve at least heard something about the situation, no? Perhaps murmurs from the likes of Narcissa?”
“Not one word,” replies the man, a bead of sweat forming over his brow over the line of questioning. “But if there’s anywhere they might have run off to, it might be one of the levels that has been…vacated, as of late.”
Grim and Muerte look at each other, realizing their search has come up short as they eventually agree on the next stop on their search before walking off.
NICK DIAMOND: Where could they be off to next?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: No clue Nick, but this chase for the NXT Level Championship could take a nasty turn soon!
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: That pretty ambulance on the entrance ramp isn’t here for show, folks. Albert Lamplight and Lionel Troy are looking to send one another to the hospital!
The bell sounds and Troy surprises everyone by dropping to his knees, spreading his arms out in some kind of prayer. Albert rushes in…
LOW BLOW!
He pops back up, immediately tossing Lamplight over the top rope to the outside and following.
NICK DIAMOND: Irish Whip straight into the ring steps! That might’ve dimmed his light, Johnny!
As Lamplight reels, Troy bounces his skull one more time off the steps… but NO! ELBOW! ELBOW! ELBOW!
The Double Feature Champion fights back! He stumbles Troy away and walks around the steps…
JOHNNY GOMEZ: OH MY ZEUS! RUNNING JUMPING SHOTGUN DROPKICK!
NICK DIAMOND: SALE OF A TIMETIME! HE USED THE STAIRS FOR HEIGHT!
Albert grabs the Lion of Zion by the hair and begins dragging him up the entrance ramp to the ambulance, bouncing him face first off the door!
He pulls him back and opens both doors, turning around…
7 CREDITS A MONTH!
STEEL PLATED ZIONIC TEXT TO THE SKULL!
NICK DIAMOND: Where the hell did that come from?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: I have no idea, Nicky… but I know where it went!
Lionel grabs The Champion and tosses him inside the Ambulance!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: All he must do is close the doors!
NICK DIAMOND: BUT NO JOHNNY! Albert kicks them back in his face!
Albert stumbles Troy backwards and is about to escape when Lionel rushes forward, SLAMMING THE DOORS ON HIS FACE!
THEY’RE CLOSED!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: The Lion of Zion wins! That’s a huge victory over the Double Feature Champion, folks!
WINNER: LIONEL TROY
SICKNESS
The halls of Olympus are a mess with black ichor, the sticky bile coating various walls and covering tables, the camera moving past all of them to find V1sion at the end of the hall, collapsed on his knees. He wheezes, heaving until he vomits up more of that disgusting bile onto the floor.
NICK DIAMOND: What’s V1sion still doing here? His match was at the start of the night!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: From the looks of it, I don’t think he has the energy to leave, Nick.
“Ironic, isn’t it,” the sickeningly sweet voice of Nergul breaks the silence as the living infection walks through the halls. “A near death experience made you want peace, but all that got you is a slower demise. Should’ve listened, V1sion.” Gemini practically skips towards her victim, going right past him and stopping in front of him.
“I… Would rather die than bring agony like this upon anyone else.” V1sion’s voice is weak, the Third Eye wearily moving his head to face Gemini, lips stained black as the walls around him. “Nothing you can do to me would make me force this upon Arcadia. My eye has been opened and not even a demon like you could hope to force it closed.”
Gemini frowns, bearing her teeth as she leans in, placing a hand on V1sion’s head, hooking her thumb beneath his blindfold into his empty eye socket, forcing him to stay still. “Stubborn. But I figured you would be unwilling so I requested a match for us at Anarchy Rulez. You, me, and a steel cage. If you’re still alive by then… Well, there’s no walking away.”
Pestilence laughs, pushing V1sion over, letting him slump into a pile on the floor before walking away, unbothered as ever.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: There’s no way she can expect him to compete next week! The man can barely stand!
NICK DIAMOND: It may be gross, Johnny, but all’s fair in peace and pestilence.
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Well Nick, it looks like Cole Holt has the easiest job in Arcadia tonight as Jackson Cade and Luther Grim lock horns in a First Blood contest.
NICK DIAMOND: Right, you are Johnny, this contest will only end when one man bleeds their own blood.
Holt calls for the bell and Right Hand to the face of Cade from Grim!
Jackson stands steadfast returning fire with one of his own!
Followed by a Right by Grim!
Devolving into a Hockey Fight both men grab the other’s neck and start laying in Fists to the side of their opponent’s skull!
NICK DAMOND: They’re going hell for leather here Johnny!
Grim shoves Cade into the ropes and…
*WA-BAM!* Pop-up Falling Powerbomb…
JOHNNY GOMEZ: CADE’S BEEN LAID OUT WITH THE TROPHY HUNT AND THE HUNTER’S NOW STALKING HIS PREY!
Luther shouts and stomps to get Cade to get to his feet.
As The Officer reaches his feet…
Brogue Kick…
BLOOD SPORT!
DUCKED!
CADE PIVOTS!
BULL-FUCKING-HAMMER!
INCENDIARY ROUND LEVELS THE TROPHY HUNTER!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Helluva a counter by Officer Cade!
Cade rushes the downed Luther Grim…
Punt Kick…
.50 CALIBER SHOT…
*KA-FUCKING-RAK!* BLOOD CASCADES FROM LUTHER GRIM’S MOUTH!
JACKSON CADE JUST…
KILLED…
IT…
WITH…
FIRE!
WHILE COLE HOLT IMMEDIATELY CALLS FOR THE BELL!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: It looks like Officer Cade just shattered the jaw of Luther Grim!
NICK DIAMOND: And Jackson Cade has just laid out The Trophy Hunter and laid down The Law!
WINNER: JACKSON CADE
SHOCK AND AWE
At Illumination Antiques, Albert Lamplight sits in a chair opposite the door. It’s hard to know how long he’s been waiting like this, but in his hand is the black remote from last week.
When the bell above the door sounds, it’s no surprise to see Narcissa Balenciaga and Lucky Landucci storm in.
“Remove it!” Narcissa comes in yelling furiously. Lucky rubs his neck nervously, uncomfortable.
Albert just smiles.
“Do you hear me?” She demands to know, hands on hips.
The Double Feature Champion stands, revealing the belt strapped around his waist.
“There’s a pattern of behavior I find quite antagonising, young Narcissa,” he says, pacing back and forth before them. “It would seem that the people of Old School Wrestling believe that I’m a man to be leveraged.”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: That’s true. Albert has been on the wrong end of leveraging recently. Gemini most recently, for example.
NICK DIAMOND: He can only take so much.
“And I think that perhaps it’s my turn, no?” He confidently proclaims with a smile. “At Anarchy Rulez, you’ve stated that we’re facing for the Double Feature Championship. I’d like to even the playing field, which is where your young compatriot comes in.”
Narcissa chuckles to herself, impressed.
“You put the shock collar on Lucky so that I’d obey your rules at an event where Anarchy is the only rule?” She queries with a shrug. “And then what?”
“It’s simple, my dear. Our match is fair. It’s just you and I, fighting for this beautiful Championship,” he says with a tap of the belt. “No Uprising. No Lucky Landucci. No shock and awe. Once the match is over, I’ll remove the collar.”
NICK DIAMOND: That seems like a fair deal.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: It certainly evens the odds.
Balenciaga nods.
“And if it isn’t fair?” She questions.
Albert smiles, holding up the controller. He looks at it for a moment and then presses the button, sending shockwaves through Lucky Landucci. Lucky falls to the floor in agony, shaking and shivering as electric current courses through his body. Narcissa quickly drops down to check on him, looking up at Lamplight.
“Understood,” she announces. “Understood.”
NICK DIAMOND: Albert Lamplight has done the unthinkable. He’s managed to keep the Uprising at bay.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Perhaps Zeus could use his services? Perhaps we all could!
Cut.
SECOND COMING
Lionel Troy is at his pulpit once more, looking out over the sea of faces looking up at him, adoringly. Only one face lacks that same sense of fervour, and though there is nothing particularly offensive about Colt Ramsey is the odd one out in this room.
“Now folks, I’ve got a special sermon for you here today. We’re talking all about the second coming,” Lionel starts, a little wink on the last word. “I know y’all remember the book of Frelse, and within it at Chapter 3 Verses 21-23 our big Daddy Zion talks about His coming to us.”
“And the Lord Zion spoketh: ‘unto you I shine, and unto you I cometh. And once I come, I shall never leave you.’, and with those words those who followed Him were soothed, and spent, overjoyed with the wisdom of their Lord.”
Troy gestures at the crowd with one hand.
“Now, Zion himself does not need a second coming. He never left us. He only came once, and yet he’s also forever coming,” Troy continues, another wink.
NICK DIAMOND: Is he doing this on purpose?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: If you ask me a man like Lionel Troy has everything planned down to perfection.
“But just because he doesn’t need a second coming, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want that for you. For his loyal servants. You know he loves you right?”
“YES”
“Y’all know that he would do anything for you, right?”
“YES”
“Well, folks, listen up, because our Lord, big daddy Zion, if you are good and pure and loyal to Him, he wants to give you a second coming. That’s right! And a third if you need it. He will let you come as many times as it takes for you to reach that ultimate climax. To reach everlasting life with Him after this life is done. Some people need more chances than others, but don’t ever think you’ll never make it into His wondrous embrace. Oh no! He’d big spoon each and every ONE of you, on Zion I swear it!”
Troy leaves the pulpit and motions for Ramsey to follow him behind the velvet curtains.
“Well, Mr Ramsey, can I count on your support at the church? Do you want to be saved by Zion?” he asks, then mumbles the rest of the sentence. “For the low price of only 7 credits per month?”
“I must say, Reverend, that what you have here is impressive. I have been down on my luck recently and I feel like hearing of this place has come at just the right time. But I am yet to be 100% convinced. I don’t just need words, Reverend. I want you to show me. Face me in the ring at Anarchy Rulez, and then I’ll let you know my decision.”
Colt Ramsey leaves, and Lionel Troy looks bemused. He doesn’t usually have to work this hard…
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Gemini is all too acquainted with Death, but how will she fare against a Ferryman?
The Living Infection is quick to leap at Tombstone, nailing him with a flying dropkick! The Ferryman doesn’t go down and she goes to run up the turnbuckle but gets grabbed and flung across the ring! Tombstone rushes at her!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: CODEBREAKER BY GEMINI!
NICK DIAMOND: SHE HIT THAT YIN OUT OF NOWHERE!
Tombstone staggers back and Gemini follows up by leaping over with a sunset flip powerbomb! She rolls quickly to her feet but before she can hit the ropes Tombstone grabs her leg! He yanks her into a massive exploder suplex! Gemini howls in pain as she pulls herself to her feet at the ropes! Tombstone approaches again!
NICK DIAMOND: BUGS! DISGUSTING BUGS! THE FALL OF MAN!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: FERRYMAN’S KNOCK! TOMBSTONE JUST UPPERCUT HER THROUGH THE SWARM!
The uppercut sends Gemini into corner and Tombstone lifts her up, dropping her with a snake eyes onto the turnbuckle! He hits the far ropes and comes back with a big boot that Gemini narrowly ducks under! She goes for a punch that Tombstone blocks before wrapping a hand around her throat! Gemini hits his elbow and knocks him away before hitting the ropes!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: THIS HAS TO BE IT! UNLEASHED! SPRINGBOARD TORNADO DDT!
NICK DIAMOND: TOMBSTONE NAILS THE MAT HEADFIRST! SHE PLANTED HIM!
Tombstone slumps over and Gemini covers!
ONE!
…
…
TWO!
…
…
THREE!
NICK DIAMOND: Doesn’t matter if Gemini knows Death or not, Johnny, because not even the Ferryman can put her down!
WINNER: GEMINI
ALWAYS WATCHING
After the match, Gemini is leaving the ring, but Igor Mortis climbs in the ring…
…with a microphone?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: What does Igor Mortis have to say here tonight?
NICK DIAMOND: Maybe he’ll tell us what deal he made with Dr. Death?
“It should have been simple.” Mortis says, looking at Tombstone. “With your power and might, your task should have been enough to sate your desires.”
The World Champion recovers his Championship, and stands to his feet, slightly oppositional to Igor Mortis.
“But no, you had to search for something more in your existence, some kind of definition beyond that which you’ve been given,” Igor sneers. “Even the immortality you’ve been granted to perform your duties, immortality that kept you alive despite the attack in this very ring several weeks ago, is not enough. It’s made you weak, and I…”
The Champ snatches the microphone away.
“Is that what you think?” Tombstone angrily says. “You think me weak? I have weathered attacks from all sides for months, have been the only person to seek to balance the scales with Drewitt, and yet I have still come to perform my duty. You are always watching, Igor, tell me that is weakness?”
Mortis steps in close, to where we can hear him clearly.
“Then perform your duty here.” He says, stopping Tombstone in his tracks. “If you wish to be the World Champion, to dominate OSW, then dominate it. Don’t allow men like Dr. Death or Doom to treat you like a fool. You’re a god among insects, boy, and it’s about damn time you started acting like it.”
NICK DIAMOND: Umm… If Tombstone isn’t dominating OSW now, then what they hell will it look like if he does?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: I don’t think the roster wants to find out.
Tombstone paces back and forth for a moment, before dropping the microphone with a thud. He walks out to ringside, and plants his feet outside the ring.
Igor Mortis smiles as music begins to play.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: This is a powder keg, old buddy. Is Tombstone staying to watch the main event?
NICK DIAMOND: I don’t think anybody’s safe, Gomez.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Well Nick, it’s time for the main event.
NICK DIAMOND: Elimination triple tag team action, Johnny! Apocalypsis, in the form of Drewitt, Grimskull, and El Mariachi Muerte taking on Destructo Boy, Felix Foley, and Doom, also known as the Pool Guys!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Not only that, but TOMBSTONE AND IGOR MORTIS are sitting at ringside!
NICK DIAMOND: Not gonna lie. Tombstone’s a big, creepy son of a gun Johnny.
The bell rings and the match kicks off with Grimskull and Foley. They lock up dead in the center, and Grimskull immediately moves for a side headlock! He WRENCHES on Foley’s neck, until Foley lifts him up and…
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Atomic Drop!
NICK DIAMOND: Knee bone connects with the ass bone!
Foley lifts Grimskull up again! ANOTHER atomic drop! Grimskull staggers away, turns around, INVERTED ATOMIC DROP!
NICK DIAMOND: Phantom pains, Johnny.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Really?
NICK DIAMOND: Yep. In my butt.
Foley can feel it! He backs into a corner and waits for the perfect opportunity.
THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKIN’!!! THE RUNNING BIG BOOT!
BUT GRIMSKULL DUCKS IT!!!
LESSON!!!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: BOOM! The superkick LEVELS Foley!
NICK DIAMOND: Grimskull is making the cover!!!
ONE!!!
TWO!!!
TH — NO!!!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: A close call there, and notice Tombstone Nick. Just sitting there. Watching.
NICK DIAMOND: I’ve been trying not to notice him, Johnny. Freaks me out.
Foley slowly climbs to his feet. But Grimskull is waiting! CLOTHESLINE!!! NO!!! Foley ducks and DIVES towards his corner!
HE TAGS IN DESTRUCTO BOY!!!
AND DB WASTES NO TIME!!!
SPRINGBOARD DROPKICK!!!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: That’s one way to make an entrance.
NICK DIAMOND: Keep your eye on that little bastard, Gomez. He’s sneaky.
Before Grimskull can reach his feet…
SENTON BOMB by Destructo Boy!!!
AND ANOTHER!!!
AND ANOTHER!!!
AND ANOTHER!!!
Destructo Boy leaps to the top rope!
BROKEN HEART!!! THE 630 SENTON!!!
IT CONNECTS!!!
DESTRUCTO BOY MAKES THE COVER!!!
ONE!!!
…
TWO!!!
…
WILL GRIMSKULL BE ELIMINATED???
…
THREE!!!!
…
…
JOHNNY GOMEZ: NOOOOOOO!!! Grimskull wisely gets his foot on the rope!
But Destructo Boy is wise to the game. He grabs Grimskull by the ankle and drags him over to his corner, and makes the tag back into Foley.
Foley steps in the ring and lays a few boots into Grimskull’s chest! He pulls Grimskull up to his feet and whips him into the ropes!
Clothesline!
No!!! Grimskull ducks it.
He bounces off the other side!!!
HEAD FIRST SPEAR DIRECTLY INTO FOLEY’S FACE!!!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh what a maneuver!!!
NICK DIAMOND: Foley’s face is gonna look completely fucked up tomorrow, Johnny.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: But can Grimskull take advantage and make the tag here?
Slowly, Grimskull starts to crawl towards his corner.
Foley does the same.
Both men strain their arms, clamoring for a tag when–
JOHNNY GOMEZ: DOUBLE TAG!
And into the ring steps…
El Mariachi Muerte…
…
and Doom.
These two have a bit of history.
And Doom SLAPS THE FUCKING SHIT out of EMM’s mouth!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh. My. God.
El Mariachi touches his lip.
Kind of chuckles to himself.
AND HE SLAPS THE SHIT OUT OF DOOM!
SLAP TO EMM!
SLAP TO DOOM!
SLAP TO EMM!!!
SLAP TO DOOM!!!
SLAP, SLAP, SLAP, SLAP, SLAP–
NO!!! DOOM BLOCKS!!!
HE SHOVES EMM AWAY!!!
THE SPLITTER!!!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Doom just wiped Muerte out!!
NICK DIAMOND: Is this going to be our first elimination?
ONE!!!
…
TWO!!!
…
THREEEEEEE!!!
…
JOHNNY GOMEZ: IS EL MARIACHI MUERTE ELIMINATED?
…
NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
A foot on the rope saves El Mariachi Muerte from elimination!
Doom is furious. He reaches his feet and grabs Demi Sky by her hair, demanding she counts faster!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Now that is absolutely uncalled for from Doom! Abusing Demi Sky!
NICK DIAMOND: Keep your hands off the lady, Doom! She’s a rookie!
Doom turns his head towards Nick Diamond.
NICK DIAMOND: Uh… Oh no…
Doom picks up EMM and throws him out of the ring through the ropes.
He drags EMM over to the announce table.
BOOM! Slams EMM’s head into it.
AGAIN!!!
AND AGAIN!!!
AND AGAIN!!!
Meanwhile, Demi Sky is so shook up in the ring, she hasn’t even started a count out.
DOOM SCOOPS EMM UP!!!
IMPENDING DOOM THROUGH THE FUCKING ANNOUNCE TABLE!!!
NOOOOOOOO!!!!
A RUNNING BOOT TO DOOM FROM DREWITT!!!
HE DROPS EMM!!!
DREWITT WRAPS HIS HAND AROUND DOOM’S THROAT!!!
ARDUOUS!!!
FUCKING!!!
JOURNEY!!!
STRAIGHT THROUGH THE FUCKING ANNOUNCE TABLE TO DOOM!!!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Drewitt finally makes his presence felt tonight!
NICK DIAMOND: And right in front of Tombstone!
Meanwhile, in the ring, chaos has completely broken out!!!
Destructo Boy and Felix Foley are attacking Grimskull two on one!!!
They pound him with fists, and kicks, but Grimskull holds his own, throwing wild fists of his own until —
BANG!!! HEADBUTT TO FOLEY!!!
BANG!!! HEADBUTT TO DESTRUCTO BOY!!!
BANG!!! HEADBUTT TO FOLEY!!!
BANG!!! HEADBUTT TO DES– NO, DESTRUCTO BOY DROPPED TO A KNEE!!!
LOW BLOW TO GRIMSKULL!!!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: RIGHT!
NICK DIAMOND: IN!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: THE!
NICK DIAMOND: TESTICLES!!!
Drewitt STAMPEDES into the ring.
Destructo Boy STORMS towards him.
Bad move.
SIGHTSEER!!!
THE IMPACT DDT!!!
El Mariachi Muerte rolls Doom into the ring.
EMM follows in behind him–
BUT FELIX MEETS HIM AS HE REACHES HIS FEET!!!
THE PUPPET SHOW!!! MANDIBLE CLAW!!!
NO!!! BIG BOOT FROM DREWITT DROPS FOLEY!!!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Poor Demi Sky has completely lost control of this match!
NICK DIAMOND: It’s absolute chaos, Johnny, and I love it!
Doom reaches his feet.
WHISKEY LULLABY FROM EMM!!!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: It looks like Apocalypsis might pick up the win here!
Doom writhes on the ground, trying to reach his feet!
PRAYER!!! FLYING HEADBUTT TO DOOM!!!
NO!!! DOOM ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY!!!
Felix pulls himself up to his feet with the ropes!
THE FINAL VERSE!!! MUERTE’S GUITAR CRACKS OVER FOLEY’S HEAD!!!
NO!!! FELIX DODGES!!!
HE KICKS MUERTE IN THE GUT!!!
CUT THE STRINGS!!! DOUBLE ARM DDT!!!
Meanwhile, Doom scoops up Grimskull!!!
IMPENDING DOOM!!! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!!!
Destructo Boy stumbles up to his feet!!
ARDUOUS JOURNEY TO DESTRUCTO BOY!!!
NO!!! DESTRUCTO BOY SLIPS OUT!!! SMALL PACKAGE PIN FROM DESTRUCTO BOY!!!
FELIX AND DOOM MAKE PIN FALL ATTEMPTS SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH DESTRUCTO BOY!!!
DEMI SKY HAS GIVEN UP ON RESTORING ORDER!!! SHE DROPS TO MAKE THE THREE COUNT FOR A TRIPLE ELIMINATION!!!
ONE!!!
…
TWO!!!
…
…
…
IS THIS REALLY IT?
…
…
…
…
…
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: The Pool Guys have won this bout!!!
NICK DIAMOND: What a match, Johnny! That’s the kind of action that Old School Wrestling is all about!
WINNERS: THE POOL GUYS
BOOKED
The arena pulsates with the aftermath of that six man tag. The crowd roars as Apokalpsis stares down Doom, Foley, and Destructo Boy.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Here we go!
The Horsemen quickly bolt from the ring however, quickly replaced by just one man.
But not any man.
Tombstone.
“Told you we’d get him!” Felix Foley cheerily nods to Doom.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Tombstone lunges. Destructo Boy is up first.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: You can’t run from the Ferryman!
BOSSMAN SLAM TO DESTRUCTO BOY!
Foley is in next.
NICK DIAMOND: Soul Taker!
HEARTPUNCH TO FOLEY!
NO!
DOOM PULLED HIM BACK FROM IT!
The best friends go from either side, but Tombstone is not to be denied tonight.
GOOZLE TO BOTH MEN!
“Stop this right now,” a voice roars through the arena.
NICK DIAMOND: Thank Zeus!
Quite stiffly walking out onto the stage is none other than The Authority, Scott Sterling, Esquire. Tombstone rotates around to face the entrance. He releases Foley and Doom once he sees who is confidently striding out behind Sterling.
Dr. Death, with Nurse Nikki in tow.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: That bastard, I guess we know what he wanted from Igor Mortis.
“There won’t be any unsanctioned chaos on my watch,” Sterling declares, his tone stern and unyielding. “Drones. Kidnapping. And now this? If you want to go to war, then you’ll do it in this bloody ring, when I say you can.”
Igor Mortis joins Tombstone, patting him on the back.
“At Anarchy Rulez, Tombstone you’ll defend that World Championship in a hardcore match, falls count anywhere, no holds barred, against Dr. Death, Doom, and Felix Foley!”
Everyone looks at each other, a stalemate as they’re ready to go to war for the biggest prize in OSW.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: With those four in the ring, I’m not sure we’re not going to need another new arena.
NICK DIAMOND: Bring your helmet, Gomez, it’s going to explosive!
WE NEED TO TALK
Jackson Cade lays in his bed, snoring.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: He’s had it rough as of late. Imagine knowing your brother is under the tutelage of a serial killer.
NICK DIAMOND: And that the serial killer in question is free to roam the halls of Old School Wrestling. He must know by now that next week he’s forced into a Hell in the Cell against Harold Attano. All at the behest of Jasper Redgrave.
Suddenly, he abruptly awakes, finding Harold Attano sat in a chair across from him. He reaches for his gun on the table, but it isn’t there.
Attano instead has it in hand and has it pointed directly at him.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh no…
NICK DIAMOND: Don’t do it, Harold!
“We need to talk,” Attano says with a grimace.
Cade looks at him, his eyes focused on the gun. They change with his expression and he lunges.
BANG!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: NO! NO!
NICK DIAMOND: WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED JOHNNY!?
A Stop ■ symbol appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen.
Static.
Click.