A HELPFUL HAND
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
We open inside a dimly-lit hallway, though where precisely is unclear. What is clear, however, is the sight of Narcissa Balenciaga entering the hall, wearing a hooded robe to travel incognito.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Hello folks and welcome to a special edition of NXT Level! OSW presents Bottom Line, and I gotta ask…what’d you think the bottom line is here, Nick?
NICK DIAMOND: Seems the Uprising leader has something up her sleeve, wherever she’s at…but she’s not alone!
Indeed, Narcissa enters what appears to be the darkest part of the hallway, where we spot a figure obscured by the shadows. This seems to be of great benefit to the Designer, who just smirks as the figure speaks in a hushed tone…audible enough to pick up on what is being said, but not by whom.
“I have been keeping my eye on you, Narcissa…you and your Uprising,” the figure remarks, its tone becoming more sarcastic as it continues. “You all have done a real bang-up job invading OSW, haven’t you?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” asks Narcissa, her smile quickly dropping into a scowl.
“Your group’s caused a lot of damage across Arcadia,” the figure replies. “If you’re going to finish what you started, things will need some cleaning up. You do want to finish this, don’t you?”
Narcissa simply nods in acceptance, prompting the figure to turn away…but the Uprising leader is not finished with it yet.
“Does this mean you’ll be joining our cause?” she asks, her smirk slowly fading back into view.
“No, there’s far too much damage for me to be a part of,” it replies, stopping Narcissa’s smirk dead in its tracks. “I’m just offering to be a helpful hand.”
With that, the figure takes its leave from a frustrated Narcissa.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Whoa! Who did Narcissa just accept help from?
NICK DIAMOND: Whoever it is knows the target they’d be painting on their back, I can’t blame them for not wanting to actually join!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Folks, I hope we get to the bottom of this soon…but tonight, all eyes are on a tremendous lineup! Welcome…to OSW Bottom Line!
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: We have a surprise last addition matchup here folks. The Horseman of War Drewitt facing off against the former Double Feature Champion Albert Lamplight in a submission match. You have to give Lamplight the advantage here Nick.
NICK DIAMOND: I mean Lamplight does have the grappling advantage but you can still quit to an ass whooping and Drewitt hits harder then nearly any man in Arcadia, especially now with all that Tombstone juice up in him.
The bell sounds and Drewitt nearly turns Lamplight inside out with a brutal Big Boot. Lamplight staggers up into a pair of brutal rights, staggering him back into the corner as Drewitt rushes forward but the Avalanche Splash just misses as Drewitt lands skull first into the steel buckle.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Drewitt a little quick with the splash there, Lamplight able to counter as he may be looking for that Sale of a Lifetime. MAMMOTH RUNNING DROPKICK RIGHT INTO THE CHEST OF DREWITT…WHO FUCKING TANKS IT!
Lamplight damn near bounces off War who staggers back a few paces before beating his chest and urging Lamplight forward. Albert does, sprinting forward once more but Drewitt catches him in mid leap before throwing him head over heels with a Capture Suplex.
Lamplight staggers up to his feet, eyes glazed over
NICK DIAMOND: WAR CRY! Lamplight nearly gets his head taken off with a brutal discus clothesline and in any other match, this one would be over Johnny.
Drewitt pulls Lamplight up to his feet, gripping him around the throat as he lifts him up for the Chokeslam but Lamplight slips out, landing behind as he tries to lock in the Wholesale Stretch.
Drewitt fights out thou, staggering back as he squashes Lamplight into the corner. Drewitt slams Lamplight over and over into the steel, forcing the break of the hold before spinning around as Lamplight staggers out, holding his back in pain
JOHNNY GOMEZ: SIGHTSEER! Brutal Spinbuster nearly plants Lamplight through the mat and Drewitt raises that hand high once more, looking for the Chokeslam. You might be right Nick, he may well be looking to brutalize Lamplight into submission here.
Lamplight gets to his knees and sweeps the leg forward, forcing Drewitt throat first onto the top rope. Lamplight slides underneath the ropes, grabbing Drewitt and slamming his throat onto the rope once again before leaping over and grabbing him in an elevated neckbreaker.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: ILLUMINATION THEORY! Lamplight nails that modified neckbreaker out of nowhere
Lamplight floats over as Drewitt crashes to the mat stunned, locking in a cravate like sleeper. War tries to fight out but he’s dazed and losing breath as he’s forced to tap out!
NICK DIAMOND: And there we have it Johnny. Drewitt was the stronger man but Lamplight’s holds are so dangerous, one slip up and he’ll tap you right out.
WINNER: ALBERT LAMPLIGHT
A REDGRAVE MISTAKE
The Door.
In the desolate expanse of No Man’s Land, stand El Mariachi Muerte and Grimskull. They’re engaged in a spirited debate.
“We should bring Jasper Redgrave here, test his hand at The Door.” Conquest states, seemingly retreading old ground. “Then we can make an example of him here.”
Muerte, cloaked in the shadows of his own resolve, shakes his head. “My mission is clear. This is to be a public battle. One on one, amigo. I am to strike at the Uprising, to show them that Apokalypsis will not take their provocations lightly. Testing Redgrave here can come after. Until then, it is a distraction I cannot afford.”
Snap.
Both Horsemen whirl around at the sound of a snapped stick.
And suddenly their debate is abruptly cut short.
Jasper Redgrave is here. With a smirk playing on his lips, he places his hand upon The Door. It remains unresponsive to his presence.
NICK DIAMOND: See Grimskull, you should have listened to Mariachi!
“Random explosion, eh?” Redgrave says confidently. “Curious door you have here.”
Redgrave’s smirk widens as he withdraws his hand, his gaze meeting Muerte’s. There’s a challenge in his eyes.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Did Apokalypsis want Redgrave to know about the Door yet?
Grimskull moves forward, a growl of frustration escaping him, but Muerte raises a hand to stop him. “No,” he says, his voice firm, the command within it undeniable. “I will take care of this at Invasion. Our focus must remain. Let him think he has won this round.”
Redgrave’s laughter echoes through No Man’s Land as he walks off, leaving behind a palpable tension. Muerte and Grimskull watch him go, their resolve hardening.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Well, it’s not Redgrave, we know that now.
NICK DIAMOND: I don’t think that’s going to help Jasper at Invasion, Gomez.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Would you look at this structure for our next match Nick, a ten-foot-high cage, with a scaffolded platform around it, and at the bottom in the center a solid mat.
NICK DIAMOND: That’s right Johnny, victory is only achieved by knock-out or submission inside The Pit. Cade and Grim will enter from the platform, but the match must end in The Pit. Cole Holt will be the official for this match, the poor bastard.
Cade is waiting for Grim who seems a bit tentative as he approaches the structure. However, when he sees Jackson, Luther lashes out driving The Officer into the metal rails which surround the pit, and Cole calls for the bell.
Jackson lashes out in response with a hook to the jaw of Grim sending him…
T-T-T-T-T-T-T-T-TEETERING ON THE EDGE OF SCAFFOLDING…
AND ALL IT TAKES IS…
ONE…
SMALL…
PUSH!
WHICH SENDS LUTHER GRIM PLUMMETING INTO THE PIT!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: That was a helluva fall there, Luther Grim took the hard way into the Pit.
NICK DIAMOND: And it looks like Jackson Cade’s gonna follow suit!
Officer Cade launches himself off the scaffold Flying Elbow!
SCREAMING!
EAGLE!
INCOMING!
GRIM ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY AND CADE CRASHES TO THE CANVAS!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: And the Pit was empty!
Grim pulls himself up, coming face-to-face with Cole Holt before grabbing Holt by the lapels screaming at him!
“WHO SENT YOU!? WHY ARE YOU HERE!?”
NICK DIAMOND: Something’s got Luther teetering on the deep end.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: It’s Nox Gas, Nick, it’s driven Luther around the bend.
With Grim distracted, Cade immerges behind Luther shoving him into the cage before pulling Grim back…
*WAM!*
Ripcord Bullhammer…
INCENDARY ROUND!
Luther Grim crumbles and Cade steps back as a shaken Holt begins to count…
ONE…
TWO…
THREE…
FOUR…
FIVE…
SIX…
GRIM STRUGGLES TO HIS FEET BREAKING THE COUNT!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Luther still has fight left in him!
NICK DIAMOND: But Cade is ready to knock that fight out of him!
Perseus, Super Kick!
HOSTILE!
DOWN!
NO!
DUCKED BY GRIM WHO SIEZES THE OPENING LOCKING IN THE KATA HA JIME!
WAIT!
CADE REVERSES IT WITH A DROP TOE HOLD…
INTO AN STFU!
CADE HAS GRIM ON LOCKDOWN!
COLE HOLT RUSHES IN CHECKING ON GRIM…
WHO’S FORCED TO TAP OUT WITH NOWHERE TO GO!
THE BELL SOUNDS TO END THE CONTEST!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Luther Grim is forced to concede this contest, but you must think Nox’s Gas had something to do with this too as Jackson Cade earns himself a victory.
WINNER: JACKSON CADE
UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Luther Grim is looking decidedly worse for wear, and not only because of the battle he’s just been through. There’s a look in his eye, a wildness mixed with fear and paranoia. Staggering around the ring, he takes a wild swing at Cade, who easily dodges the strike.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: The match is over here, but it doesn’t look like Luther Grim got the message. He’s still going after Jackson Cade.
NICK DIAMOND: The guy looks petrified out of his mind. Something’s not right in his head Johnny.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Whatever concoction Nox gave him last week sure is having an effect on him. Goodness only knows what is going on in his mind.
Cade takes his leave, not keen on being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, as Grim stumbles into the corner turnbuckle. He falls, sitting back first up against the steel, pulling at his hair.
“Make it stop… Make it stop.” Grim mumbles over and over to himself, before falling silent.
He looks up in horror, as an OSW trainer approaches him, looking to calm him down.
“What are you?” Luther Grim utters in shock at the approaching trainer. “Monster!”
“I’m not going to hurt you, Luther. Just let me help.”
But the Hunter shakes his head violently.
“No, lies. They all tell me lies. You all do. You want to hurt me. That’s what the voices say. Make them stop!”
The trainer closes in, trying to subdue Grim, but Grim grabs him by the neck and tosses him out of the ring, where he crashes unconscious on the ringside floor. He then proceeds to slam his own skull into the turnbuckle, over and over and over again.
Only stopping when he staggers himself down to one knee.
Weakened, he is in no shape to fight the smoke that billows from above, targeted directly into the ring. As he collapses, mumbling incoherent paranoid babble and swatting away invisible monsters, the smoke reaches him.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Well, folks… I think we need some help out here.
NICK DIAMOND: I guess that is what a guy losing his mind looks like.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Don’t do drugs kids. At least, not the kind forced upon you by a chemical mastermind member of the Uprising.
Luther Grim slips into a troubled sleep, the training staff carting him hurriedly away.
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Huge debut tonight here Nick, as Spiros the Great enters Olympus. Very little known about this competitor other then he is an incredibly cocky young man.
NICK DIAMOND: And looking at him Johnny he’s got every right to. The physical specimen of perfection with the real largest arms in the world, the man looks like an actual God Johnny and he’s going to murder Colt Ramsey here tonight.
The bell sounds as Colt walks forward, beaming smile as he offers a hand in respect to Spiros who stares down Colt before slapping the hand and Colt away with an open hand palm to the jaw. Colt staggers back, nodding his head before he rushes forward and field goal kicks Spiros right in the balls. The Great One doubles over as Colt quickly grabs him in a Full Nelson.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: FIT TO PRINT! Colt hits that deadly Full Nelson Facebuster allready and this may be all he needs for the first fall. ONE…TWO…THREEE!!!
Colt Ramsey is up 1-0
Colt keeps hold of the pinfall, trying to get another but the referee doesn’t even get his hand down for one before Spiros powers out. Colt rolls to his feet, trying for another punt but Spiros catches it this time, lifting Colt high up into the air before planting him through the mat with the PINE ON THE SPINE! Spiros rolls through with the move, hooking the leg of the stunned Colt as the referee counts
ONE
…………
TWO
……………..
……………….
THREE!!!
Colt Ramsey and Spiros The Great are tied 1-1
NICK DIAMOND: And just like that it’s all tied up Johnny.
Spiros lifts Colt up, drilling him with hard lefts and rights before throwing Colt across the ring with a powerful Irish Whip. Colt bounces off one side and Spiros sidesteps, Colt bounces off the other side and Spiros shows his surprising agility and leaps over him. Colt runs to the ropes a third time as Spiros leaps into the air but Colt clings to the ropes before rushing forward
JOHNNY GOMEZ: BLUE STEEL! Beautiful meteora to the back of the head and that may be all she wrote as Colt lifts up the groggy Spiros for another Fit to Print…NO! Spiros counters with a stiff Lariat, turning Colt inside out there Nick.
Spiros doesn’t cover, instead heading up top as the crowd roars, the Great extending his arms as he dives off…
RIGHT INTO NEGATIVE EXPOSURE! The Pump Kick is nailed perfectly as Colt quickly pulls up the groggy Spiros, wrapping him in a headlock
NICK DIAMOND: B-ROLL! Colt spikes Spiros into the mat with that one but can he cover before the final bell sounds Johnny?
Colt quickly covers, Mills sliding in to count the
ONE
……….
TWO
……………..
THREE!!!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: And Colt Ramsey picks up the victory just in the nick of time, going 2 to 1 over Spiros The Great tonight but a great debut showing by Spiros here tonight regardless.
WINNER: COLT RAMSEY
BIG MOUTH
With the match over, Spiros gets back to his feet and beckons Colt Ramsey to do the same.
Colt turns around, unsure of what awaits him.
THE GREAT BEYOND!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: THE SIDE EFFECT TO COLT RAMSEY! SPIROS ISN’T FINISHED!
NICK DIAMOND: Hang on a second, Johnny! Here comes Troy!
Lionel Troy slides into the ring, chasing Spiros off, who immediately ducks between the ropes and exits on the other side.
Backing away with a smile, he heads up the entrance ramp, looking back at Lionel who now has a microphone.
“Who do you think you are!?” Troy screams at him angrily from the middle of the ring, pacing back and forth. “Do you know what the wrath of Zion is, boy?”
Spiros shakes his head.
“Then ya’ll about to find out!” He roars. “At Invasion, if you want to fight so bad then you can fight me, as HE watches from above. I’ll deliver vengeance using my hands, but HE lives through me, Spiros! The wrath of Zion is comin’ for you, boy!”
The Great One raises an eyebrow and smirks, yelling at a technician to get him a microphone. One quickly rushes off and grabs one, running back to Spiros. He hands it over, only The Great One snatches it away, threatening to hit him.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: I really don’t like this kid.
NICK DIAMOND: He’s got… spunk?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: He’s got an attitude problem.
“Shut… your damn… mouth!” Spiros yells back, his voice deep and powerful. Lionel almost loses his mind in the middle of the ring. “What makes you think any of these monkey ass fans wanna listen to you whinge about your God? No-one cares what he puts in you, through you or on you, asshole.”
The fans are muted. They don’t want to cheer for Spiros OR Lionel Troy.
“But if you wanna fight The Great One, then come get some. Invasion was lookin’ a little light from Spiros’ point of view, so get on your knees little Troy and open wide. It’s time to bow before the Greek God!”
He tosses the microphone aside, accepting the challenge of The Lion of Zion for Invasion.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Well, this should be good.
NICK DIAMOND: How so?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Two of the mouthiest wrestlers in OSW are going to beat the heck out of one another, Nicky. How could it be any better?
NICK DIAMOND: Puppies?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: It’s been a wild night so far folks, as we gear up for high-paced action between El Mariachi and Mr. Kleen!
NICK DIAMOND: Will the custodian hit a Kleen Finish…or will Singing Death make him Fade to Black?
Demi Sky watches as the two men circle the canvas, looking for an opening…and it’s Kleen who strikes first with a forearm!
He hits the ropes for momentum, but Muerte ducks as Kleen crosses the ring…rolling back on the rebound for a headscissors takedown!
Muerte is quick to his feet, catching the custodian with an arm drag…but Kleen responds with one of his own for good measure!
The crowd is loving this as Kleen charges toward Muerte…who sidesteps the custodian on his path to the ropes!
Kleen makes his return toward Singing Death, who connects with a dropkick forcing him to roll out of the ring!
This gives the custodian a chance to take a breather as he slowly stands back up…but Muerte gets the drop on him with a plancha over the top rope!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh my Zeus, Kleen just got laid out!
The crowd shows their appreciation for the battle these two have shown as they slowly rise back to their feet.
They just can’t help themselves now, trading lefts and rights until Muerte sends Kleen toward the steel steps!
NO!
Kleen jumps up onto the steps as Muerte rushes toward him…but the custodian leaps off the steps, spinning around for a tornado DDT that sends Singing Death crashing headfirst onto the floor!
This gets the crowd on their feet much quicker than the two men recovering on the outside, with Kleen making his way onto the apron as Muerte stands up.
Kleen runs toward him, leaping off the apron and onto the shoulders of Muerte…who stops him in his tracks before driving him back on the apron the hard way with a powerbomb!
The custodian is laid out on the apron as Muerte slides in, eager to finish things as he pulls Kleen up for the package piledriver!
FADE TO–NO!
Kleen fights out, rebounding with a dropkick that sends the Mariachi into the ropes…and the gloves come on for the tiger feint kick!
KLEEN SWEEP!
Kleen follows up with a jump from the ropes, catching Muerte by surprise with the springboard hurricanrana!
KLEEN FINISH!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Demi Sky calls for the bell, ’cause it’s all over after that Kleen Finish!
NICK DIAMOND: Big win for Mr. Kleen over a very determined El Mariachi Muerte!
WINNER: MR. KLEEN
REPARATIONS
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh boy, here comes trouble, Nicky.
NICK DIAMOND: Yeah, all five feet of it.
Destructo Boy stalks the halls of Olympus, Black Heart grasping his Kingdomblade tightly, clearly on the hunt. The staff in the back are quick to get out of his way when he comes across exactly who he’s looking for. Colt Ramsey, the Journo, stands in front of the exit. He looks at Destructo Boy with a frown, camera in hand.
“Oh, there you are.” Colt speaks calmly, seemingly unsurprised by Destructo Boy’s appearance. “I assume you’re here to besmirch the wonderful name of Zion like you did last week?”
James cocks his head at Colt’s words, merely chuckling as he raises his Kingdomblade, the edge turning menacingly sharp. He drags it against the wall, leaving a visible scratch. “I’m here because you’ve become the very thing you would have tried to destroy. Like my father says, there has to be balance. A man of truth becoming the servant for a king of lies? It makes the whole world go to hell.”
Colt sneers. “You take that back. Reverend Troy is a man of faith, a man of honor. You and your father can’t see it, but he’s a savior. For just seven credits he can give you salvation. I’ve seen truth, and Troy is truth! You fought back, and now you must pay. Be it credits, or otherwise.”
“Otherwise?” Destructo Boy chuckles, approaching Colt with killing intent.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: BY GOD! THE CONGREGATION JUST STORMED THE HALLS! THEY’VE SWARMED DESTRUCTO BOY!
NICK DIAMOND: For godly men that is a hell of a beatdown!
Destructo Boy can’t fight back, being slammed to the floor and receiving stomp after stomp from the very men he brutalized a week prior. “Get your credits’ worth! Lionel promised reparations, so take your taste of salvation!” Colt raises his camera, snapping a photo of the beating before taking his leave. The congregation are quick to follow after him, leaving Destructo Boy in a heap, the anger filled former hero slowly rising to his feet, more pissed than ever before.
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Our next match is a Last Man Standing Match with Referee Mills Stanton drawing the honors.
NICK DIAMOND: That’s right Johnny, The Python taking on the Ferryman. You can only lose by failing to answer a ten count.
Referee Stanton calls for the bell and this match is under way Python rushes in Dropkick…
CAUGHT!
BOSSMAN SLAM BY TOMBSTONE!
PYTHON…
CAN’T…
RUN…
FROM…
THE…
FERRYMAN!
MILLS BEGINS HIS COUNT AS TOMBSTONE ROLLS OUTSIDE THE RING!
ONE!
TOMBSTONE LOCATES A TABLE UNDER THE RING!
TWO!
THE FERRYMAN SETS IT UP!
THREE!
THE KING OF DESTINATION PULLS OUT ANOTHER TABLE SETTING IT UP NEXT TO THE OTHER BEFORE HE REALIZES STANTON’S STOPPED COUNTING!
TOMBSTONE LOOKS UP ONLY TO SEE THE YELLOW PYTHON FLYING AT HIM
SUICIDE DIVE!
STAGGERS TOMBSTONE AND ALLOWS PYTHON TO ROLL HIM BACK INTO THE RING AND TOSSES A COUPLE OF CHAIRS AFTER HIM!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: An intense opening exchange where The Ferryman took his eye off the ball momentarily and paid for it.
The Yellow Python slides into the ring but Tombstone’s already up with Steel Chair in hand.
*KA-FUCKING-RAK!*
STEEL TO SKULL!
NICK DIAMOND: You talk about taking your eye off the ball Johnny, The Yellow Python stunned Tombstone, he didn’t kill him.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Can you kill Tombstone, Nick?
The Ferryman peels Python off the canvas with one hand while running his thumbs across his throat with the other before…
Goozle-NO!
DICK!
KICK!
CITY!
The Yellow Python kicks the Ferryman in his groin!
Which stops the Ferryman but doesn’t take him off his feet!
NICK DIAMOND: Kill him, Nick, you can’t even take him off his feet with a kick to the undertaking jewels!
The Serpent goes to shoot Tombstone into the ropes…
Reversed…
Tombstone, Knee Lift, catches Python flush staggering the Kingdom member.
The Ferryman sets up Python…
PEDIGREE ON TO THE STEEL CHAIR!
MILLS BEGINS HIS COUNT WHILE THE CROW CHANTS!
“HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: THE SERPENT JUST HIT A DEAD END!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
FOUR!
FIVE!
SIX!
SEVEN!
EIGHT!
NINE!
THE SERPENT BEGINS TO STIR ROLLING OVER ONTO HIS BACK AND WE SEE HIS HELMET… CRACKED!
BUT THE EFFORT ISN’T ENOUGH!
TEN!
NICK DIAMOND: Holy shit! Indeed Johnny, that was unexpected, I’ve never seen that move from Tombstone!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Nick, in these matches the competitors are bound to pull out all the stops and that one move was what it took to keep the Python down!
WINNER: TOMBSTONE
THE SEARCH
The Grove.
FLUTTER.
Tombstone is here, and he moves with a purpose fueled by raw, unbridled fury.
“Gemini!” He roars, a pack of matches in his hands.
NICK DIAMOND: He’s gonna burn the Grove to the ground, Gomez!
As if on cue, the dry leaves around crackle as insects crawl out of the trees to herald the entrance of Pestilence herself. Gemini materializes from the shadows, as if woven from the very air of the Grove.
In her hand, she curiously holds a lighter.
“Igor Mortis sends his regards,” Gemini says, her voice a serenade of malice, as she extends the lighter towards Tombstone.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Don’t take it, Tombstone!
Sensing a trap, the Ferryman nonetheless takes the lighter, knowing she wouldn’t be facing him if he could attack her.
She steps closer. “Igor wants me to win, you know,” she whispers, her words laced with poison. “He wants you to return to your work, to leave behind OSW and all its distractions. It’s for the best, he says.”
Gemini’s smile is cryptic and revealing all at once. “I will release Igor at Invasion,” she promises, a vow wrapped in thorns. “So, when I take your OSW World Championship, the last shred of your humanity, there will be no excuses. No chains holding you back.”
Tombstone’s thumb dances on the lighter, ready to burn the Grove to the ground.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Burn the whole Zeus-damned thing!
But he stops. His anger simmers, no less hot yet more controlled.
The lighter goes into his pocket.
“I do not need excuses to face you, Gemini,” Tombstone growls. “At Invasion, I will show you who I am. The OSW World Champion. And nothing—not Igor, not you—will stand in my way.”
FLUTTER.
Left alone, Gemini smiles.
NICK DIAMOND: Tombstone won’t be manipulated by anyone, Gomez.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: I don’t know, Nicky. What’s Gemini’s play here?
NICK DIAMOND: And was she lying about Igor?
NICK DIAMOND: It’s time for a double dog collar match here folks as Destructo Boy and Blaze face Jasper Redgrave and CJ Thorpe!
DING! DING!
Both Redgrave and Thorpe yank their chains when the bell sounds and level Destructo Boy and Blaze with clotheslines in stereo!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Redgrave and Thorpe are used to chains on them but this is all new to the pool boys!
Redgrave starts stomping away on Blaze as Thorpe nails a penalty kick to the arm of Destructo Boy as he tries to get up!
Redgrave pulls up Blaze who starts nailing some gut punches to get some space between them.
FLAMETONGUE!
NICK DIAMOND: John Woo dropkick out of nowhere from Blaze!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: That was like something in a movie Nick!
Redgrave gets launched into CJ Thorpe. Two for the price of one!
Destructo Boy capitalizes on Thorpe being hit!
SEE NO EVIL!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Destructo Boy nails the shining wizard! Thorpe is rocked hard!
NICK DIAMOND: He can’t let dad have all the fun!
Destructo Boy climbs to the top rope with evil intentions!
Redgrave rushes him and shoves him off the top rope!
Thorpe grips the chain tight and Destructo Boy is getting hung over the ropes!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh no, that dog collar is acting like a noose here!
Blaze rushes Thorpe and throws him over the top rope!
Destructo Boy and Thorpe land hard on the outside!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Father instincts kicked in there!
Jasper Redgrave capitalizes on a distracted Blaze and nails a superkick!
Blaze gets launched into the ropes, bounces back and Redgrave levels him with a spinning back elbow!
COLLAGE OF VIOLENCE!
NICK DIAMOND: Another brutal display to be put in Redgrave’s gallery!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: One of the more tame ones I’d say Nick.
He goes for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THR-NO!
Blaze gets a shoulder up!
Redgrave pulls Blaze up but he gets nailed by a chair thrown into the ring!
Destructo Boy launched that as hard as he could!
Redgrave is stunned and Blaze capitalizes!
TIP THE SCALES!
NICK DIAMOND: He nails the spinning uranage Johnny!
Blaze covers!
ONE!
TWO!
THR-NO!
Thorpe slides in and breaks up the fall!
Destructo Boy slides in as well!
They stare at each other and Destructo Boy charges in for a spear!
No!
THE RIGHT THING!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Thorpe hits a pedigree out of nowhere!
Thorpe covers!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
NICK DIAMOND: Thorpe wins it for his team! Being locked up prepared him for this!
WINNER: CJ THORPE & JASPER REDGRAVE
THE DOOR REWARDS...
In No Man’s Land, in the remnants of what used to be the Pussy Cat Club, John The Revelator stands before Gemini, Drewitt, Grimskull and El Mariachi Muerte.
Apokalypsis. His creation.
“We have a list of those we’ve ruled out,” he starts by saying. “Vision, Boswick, Goode…”
“It isn’t enough,” Grimskull angrily says. He’s mad that they’ve not done more.
“Patience Walther,” JTR says with a knowing nod. “Someone on the Old School Wrestling roster is our final key. We just have to locate them.”
“Mi amigo, this door….”
John cuts him off.
“The door rewards, El Mariachi. Once we unleash the Underworld on Arcadia, things will never be the same,” he promises.
Muerte folds his arms.
“Your beloved will be returned to you,” John says powerfully.
“My precious Vida,” Muerte mumbles solemnly.
“And Gemini, I promised you an end to your sickness. You became Nergal – it was your destiny, so we could open this door. Once it is opened, Pestilence will be truly unleashed upon Arcadia, and you will no longer need to inhabit it.”
She grins, black bile filling her mouth, oozing down her chin.
“Not to forget you, my boy,” he says turning to Drewitt. “A cure for your immortality awaits.”
War nods. That’s all he’s wanted.
“The door will reward you all with the things you desire most,” he promises. “We just need the key. Now go, hunt, devour, persist.”
Muerte, Gemini and Drewitt leave together. Grimskull stays behind, his head lowered.
“I’m sorry Walther,” JTR says, placing a hand on his spikes. “It’s a curse worse than immortality. I wish I could return your form, but even the Underworld cannot change that.”
The Preacher nods.
“I understand.”
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Lionel Troy is praying in his corner as he should be! Because Narcissa looks ready to show him just why she leads the inmates of Deathrow.
Narcissa struts towards Lionel who still prays to the sky and goes for a rising knee!
NICK DIAMOND: HALLELUJAH! LEG SWEEP!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: AND NOW HE’S ROLLED OUT OF THE RING!
Troy grabs a kendo stick from beneath the ring! Narcissa follows him out and catches a smack to the face from Troy! The Lion of Zion fires away with blows until the stick splinters across Narcissa’s back! He grabs Hera and goes to fling her into the steps!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: DROP TOE HOLD! LIONEL’S FACE MEETS STEEL!
Lionel tries to shake the cobwebs but Narcissa has a steel chair!
NICK DIAMOND: CONCHAIRTO ONTO THE STEPS!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: THAT’S JUST VILE!
Troy is out like a light against the steps and the Designer goes to roll him into the ring but gets grabbed from the crowd! A member of the Church has Narcissa! Troy is finally able to get back to his feet and he pulls brass knuckles from his jacket!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: BRASS KNUCKLES TO NARCISSA’S JAW!
NICK DIAMOND: NOW THAT’S VILE, JOHNNY!
Mama Troy’s Baby Boy is teeing off with thunderous strikes to Narcissa! He winds up and flies forward with a haymaker but Narcissa ducks and Lionel takes out his congregate! Troy reels back and Narcissa catches him in the side of the skull!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: HIGH FASHION! DEVESTATING SPINKICK!
Hera forces Troy up and rolls him back into the ring before searching under the ring for a table! She slides it in and sets it up before dragging Lionel to his feet and whipping him chest first into it! Troy narrowly ducks a dropkick and he scurries under the table to the turnbuckle! Hera follows him to the top and both competitors trade blows!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: They’re in a precarious spot here, Nicky!
NICK DIAMOND: I’ll say! Right! Left! Right! Left!
Narcissa reaches into her dress and pulls out a can of mace! She knocks Lionel’s glasses out of the way and sprays him in the eyes! Troy screams in pain as Narcissa grabs him!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: THE LATEST TREND! DDT THROUGH THE GOD DAMN TABLE! SHE STOLE LIONEL’S FINISHER!
NICK DIAMOND: AND SHE COVERS!
ONE!
…
…
TWO!
…
…
THREE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: This match was quick and brutal but Narcissa somehow came out on top!
NICK DIAMOND: She won but she doesn’t look much better than Lionel! Just a brutal match, Johnny.
WINNER: NARCISSA
CADE FAMILY DINNER, PT III
Another Sunday Night Dinner.
Last week, their family dinner led to some shocking revelations for the family of Cade. This week, they sit around the dinner table in a muted fashion – no-one daring to break the silence.
“Boys…” Dad finally speaks up.
Both look at him reluctantly.
“I could cut the tension in this room with a knife,” he says, frustrated. He takes a sip from his cup and nods at his wife. “Mary, leave us, will you?”
She smiles at her husband, picks up the plates and exits the room. When his wife is out of frame, he abruptly stands up and heads into the living room, taking a seat and grabbing a cigar.
“Fix it!” He growls, clipping the edge of his cigar.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: It looks like their father has had enough.
NICK DIAMOND: He’s inviting them to unravel. That can’t be wise, surely?
The boys look at one another.
“You’ve aligned yourself with a fucking serial killer,” Jackson blurts out, yelling at his brother. “I’ve spent years looking for you, Joey. Why do you wanna fight me?”
“We both grew up in the streets, don’t act all high and fucking mighty, brother. Mom and dad did their best, but you know what it was like in the Slums,” he barks back. “Don’t think for a fuckin’ second that you’re above me.”
Jackson scoffs.
“Above you?” He says as if that isn’t impossible. “You could’ve become a member of the APD. You deserted. You fucking quit!”
Thorpe throws down a napkin and storms around the table.
“They’re fucking corrupt, you idiot!” Joey yells back at him. “All of it is. Why do you think I’m with The Uprising? Zeus must be stopped. All his pathetic army must be.”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh dear. Look at Jackson’s face.
NICK DIAMOND: He’s furious.
His eyes widen as he says that, indicating that Jackson is one of them he’s referring to.
“Me?” Jackson questions angrily. “You want to stop me?”
Thorpe gets in his face.
“You’re one of the corrupt fucks, aren’t you?” He groans.
HEADBUTT!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: That didn’t take long!
Jackson suddenly Headbutts his brother, stumbling him across the room. Thorpe touches his bloodied nose before storming back at him, slamming him into a nearby bookcase.
As the brother’s punch, slap and kick one another, they tussle across the room.
Until suddenly, Jackson has his legs swept out from beneath him. He hits the deck with a thud, looking up to see his pop with CJ in a headlock.
It seems that Daddy Cade isn’t fucking around.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Whoa…
NICK DIAMOND: Did he just take down both of them?
“Don’t forget where the fuck you are!” Dad yells at them both. “Settle this at Invasion.”
“You know about that?” Jackson asks from the floor.
“I know everything,” he says back with a growl. “The secrets of this family are a river that runs deep. But at the bottom of it are mine…”
“George,” a voice suddenly but softly comes from the doorway. It belongs to Mary, who has her hands on her hips.
George releases Thorpe, allowing him to escape, before heading back to his seat and picking up his dropped cigar.
“Family Dinner Night is over,” he growls. “Get the fuck outta my house, boys.”
Joey looks at Jackson.
Mary steps aside.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: The Cade Family is an enigma, but one thing is for sure…
NICK DIAMOND: At Invasion, Jackson Cade and CJ Thorpe go one on one!
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: We’re delving into the Boiler Room here tonight! Can Felix Foley escape, or will his best friend’s creation lock him inside?
Foley immediately runs away from Victor, rushing straight towards the door of the Boiler Room! But The Unwanted grabs Foley from behind and flings him head first into the nearby wall! Felix is staggered and Doom grabs his head and rams him face first into the concrete leaving a bloody print!
NICK DIAMOND: He’s gonna kill him, Johnny!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: NOT SO FAST! FOLEY CLOCKS HIM WITH A BRICK FROM THE WALL!
Victor is dazed and Foley grabs a nearby valve! He turns it and releases boiling steam into Victor’s face before hitting an STO that slams him into the boiler! Foley takes the chance to flee but Doom is already to his feet and grabs a wrench! He clocks Felix across the back!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: NOT THE FACE!
NICK DIAMOND: LOOK AT THAT BLOOD ARC!
The mammoth hit takes Felix off of his feet and Fractured Doom deadlifts the puppeteer to his feet! He nails him with a thunderous headbutt before biel tossing him across the room into one of the boilers causing steam to fill the room! He can’t see Foley! Friendly Felix flies out of the smoke towards Doom!
NICK DIAMOND: THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR BOOTIN’!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: GLASS SHATTER! BIG BOOTS FROM BOTH MEN! THEY’RE BOTH LAID OUT!
Both competitors lay motionless on the concrete for a moment before Victor begins to stir! The monster refuses to stay down and he forces Foley to his feet before whipping him into a nearby tool bench! Tools go flying and Doom grabs him from behind!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: TORN ASUNDER! FULL NELSON!
Foley is mercilessly ragdolled through the boiler room! Victor slams him into anything he can find just causing pure pandemonium! Foley looks like he’s fading!
BZZZT!
NICK DIAMOND: FOLEY HAS ONE OF HIS BEST FRIEND’S INVENTIONS! A DRONE JUST TAZED VICTOR!
Foley grabs the nearest 2×4 and swings it into Doom’s jaw! Victor is teetering and Foley pours a box of nails all over the floor! He leaps onto Doom!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: NO! NOT THIS!
NICK DIAMOND: CUT THE STRINGS!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: NO! KNEEL BEFORE DOOM! VICTOR JUST POWERBOMBED FELIX ONTO THE NAILS!
Victor looks down at Felix for a moment, kicking him to the side before finding the boiler room door and exiting, slamming it shut behind himself!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Tried as he might, Felix has been made to kneel before Doom’s Unwanted monster.
WINNER: VICTOR DOOM
HELD TO RANSOM
Cold Open.
Doom stands in the middle of the ring with a microphone. He’s pacing back and forth, clearly dissatisfied.
“Harold… Attano…” he mutters angrily.
The lights drop in Olympus, and we hear the rattling of chains and on then…
“I will stay and fight
As long as I’m alive”
-Silence-
“And Kill ‘Till I Die”
-Beat-
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Ask and you shall receive! Here comes Attano.
NICK DIAMOND: This should be good. Do you think he can explain himself after last week?
And a spotlight is thrown on the center of the stage revealing Harold Attano light, “I’M A DEADMAN WALKING”!
Dead Man Walking by WarHall picks up as The Arcadian Ghost begins to make his way to the ring as the song continues to blare in the background, his gait is deliberate, eyes filled with purpose, as the only man in the spotlight is Nobody himself.
As Attano walks up the ring steps, he retrieves a microphone and enters the ring.
“I know what you’re going to say,” Harold immediately quips. “You want to know why I stood by and watched The Pool Boys get decimated, right?”
Doom nods.
“I was told to know my place,” he says with a smirk. “And I’m just a nobody; a ghost.”
“You know very well that isn’t what we meant,” Doom argues in reply, pointing a finger. “We had an alliance that you’ve now ruined, Mr. Attano. You did nothing that was asked of you.”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: I think this alliance might be dead in the water.
NICK DIAMOND: Narcissa will definitely be pleased.
Suddenly, the sound of someone clearing their throat can be heard.
It’s Narcissa and she’s not alone. With a beaten Felix Foley, who lost to Victor Doom earlier tonight, she now stands on the entrance ramp, he at her feet kneeling.
In her hand, a knife.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: OH MY ZEUS! WE’VE SEEN THIS BEFORE!
NICK DIAMOND: SHE WON’T, WILL SHE!?
“Gentlemen,” she beckons as she places the knife to Foley’s throat. “I hate to interrupt your conspiring, but there may be more pressing matters to attend to.”
“Don’t you dare!” Doom yells at her. “I will scorch Arcadia if you harm him, Narcissa.”
She smiles.
“Do you know what I wanna see, boys?” She asks with a shrug. “I wanna see a fight. That’s what I wanna see. I wanna see Harold Attano vs. Doom in an I Quit Match.”
Harold and Doom look at one another.
“Or else…” she says, pressing the knife in tighter.
With the gauntlet led down, both men nod.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Well, it looks like we have a mammoth main event here for you ladies and gentlemen as one half of the tag team champions DOOM faces off against Harold Attano, at the behest of Narcissa.
NICK DIAMOND: They need to work together and fight, or Foley gets it..
The bell doesn’t even get to start before DOOM rushes forward, trying to Splitter Attano in half but Mr Nobody simply steps out of the way as DOOM nearly runs shoulder first into the turnbuckle posts. DOOM stops himself at the last second, turning to Attano who’s mocking DOOM with an imaginary bullfighters cape.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Interesting tactic by Attano here as he’s intentionally antagonizing DOOM, not sure if that’s a smart move though Nick.
DOOM scowls before rushing forward again, Attano dodging the Spear a second and a third time before a hard spartan kick to the ribs staggers Attano back and drops him to one knee. DOOM smirks, rushing forward once more
SPLITT…NO! Attano moves at the last second, driving DOOM down to the mat with an Armbar takedown. DOOM quickly slips out of the hold, rolling to his knees as Attano just taps his head with that shit eating grin just etched upon his face, further trying to piss DOOM off but DOOM slowly calms himself before smiling back.
As he clicks his wrists and the Drone Mk2.0’s appear above the ring.
NICK DIAMOND: This is exactly what Attano was trying to avoid as a calm and calculating DOOM is near unstoppable.
The Drones begin peppering the ring with rounds as Attano ducks, weaves and dodges his way out of the fire, slowly but surely being driven to the ropes as DOOM clicks his fingers once more, the Drones stopping their fire before DOOM rushes forward
DELIVERING A MAMMOTH SPLITTER THAT SENDS ATTANO FLYING THROUGH THE ROPES INTO THE BARRICADE!
DOOM DOESN”T LET HIM REST THOUGH, RUSHING THROUGH THE ROPES WITH A SUICIDE DIVE THAT NEARLY DRIVES ATTANO THROUGH THE STEEL!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: DOOM letting Attano have it here, both men go down but DOOM just keeps laying into Attano with heavy lefts and rights, those enhanced gauntlets busting open Mr Nobody as he may well cave in his skull if he doesn’t stop soon.
DOOM pulls back for a moment, yelling at the referee to give him a microphone. Demi yelps before throwing DOOM one, who thrusts it in the face of a bleeding Attano before demanding
‘QUIT’
Attano just laughs before spitting blood into his face.
DOOM staggers back, scowling as he wipes the blood from his mask, not noticing Attano pull a thin wire from his sleeve,
BEFORE WRAPPING IT AROUND DOOM’S THROAT!
The Scientist struggles under the garrotte wire, Attano pulling back with all his might as DOOM reaches back, his hand sparking with electricity as he tries to send 4000 volts through the Assassin. Attano slips back, loosening the wire just enough for DOOM to slip out but not without considerable damage.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: And that’s exactly what DOOM doesn’t want. Harold Attano has a multitude of tricks up his sleeve just like DOOM
DOOM staggers away, holding his neck in pain as Attano wraps the wire around his fist, urging DOOM forward. DOOM tries to rush him but Attano ducks underneath,
VENOM! The Scorpion Kick hits flush as Attano tries to leap upwards but DOOM pushes his way out of the cutter, quickly rolling back into the ring out of harms way.
NICK DIAMOND: That One Shot, One Kill is lethal and DOOM knows it.
Attano just smirks, rushing back into the ring as DOOM tries to meet him with a hard kick to the jaw. Attano dodges it as the two begin to exchange heavy lefts and rights, the skilled martial artist Attano getting the better of the exchange as a flip kick to the jaw staggers DOOM back into the corner. Attano rushes forward as DOOM swings forward
WATCH MY RIGHT HAND…
HEADSHOT! ATTANO KICKS THE METAL HAND RIGHT BACK INTO DOOM’S FACE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: ONE SHOT, ONE KILL! Attano hits the cutter out of nowhere!
DOOM is groggy on the mat but not for long as Attano floats over, locking in the CODE OF SILENCE! DOOM is struggling on the mat, refusing to submit as Attano yells at Demi Sky to ask him as she meekly drops down,
“Doom…do you quit?”
DOOM doesn’t even respond, trying to fight to his feet but Attano’s grip is tenacious as he forces him back down to the mat.
NICK DIAMOND: Attano has to make DOOM quit here, passing out doesn’t count under official rules but will a proud man like DOOM ever quit?
DOOM looks like he’s slowly fading away, struggling to move he reaches towards his wrist and slides down something
As he and Attano begin floating in the air.
It’s only slightly, maybe a few inches above the mat but it startles Mr Nobody enough to loosen his grip, allowing DOOM to land a brutal elbow to the jaw and get out of the hold. He slides his hand back down his wrist, turning gravity back to normal as Attano stumbles up, trying a wild swing that DOOM ducks underneath.
CUT THE STRINGS! SNAP FULL NELSON SUPLEX JUST LIKE HIS BEST BUDDY!
Attano stumbles up as DOOM scoops him upside down
JOHNNY GOMEZ: DOOM IS ETERNAL! Attano just got brained by that brutal Omega Driver but DOOM isn’t done, he knows he needs to break Attano in half to make him quit.
DOOM pushes a button on his gauntlets once more as electricity begins sparking all over, the Scientist is going into overload here as he reaches down, electricity arcing the air and cutting into the mat before rushing forward
DECIMATING THE JAR! ELECTRICALLY CHARGED PUNT KICK!
DOOM quickly transitions into the HANDS OF DOOM, wrapping both hands still sparking electricty around Attano’s throat, wide eyed fury in his eyes as he may well murder Mr Nobody tonight. Demi Sky with the microphone as she almost pleading with him.
“Do you Quit?”
Attano can barely talk through the pain but he’s able to utter one single word
“Yes”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: A brutal match here tonight, both men nearly killed one another just to make the other submit and they still have to go through Invasion next week.
NICK DIAMOND: Either way, DOOM with the symbolic victory tonight and he may well take that momentum into gaining that briefcase and a possible second world title run. But now his attention must turn to Felix…
WINNER: DOOM
ALL OUT WAR
With the match over, Doom immediately looks towards the entrance ramp.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: HERE’S THE YELLOW PYTHON!
NICK DIAMOND: AND BLAZE! AND BLAZE!
Both men attack Narcissa, dragging her away from Foley who falls flat on his face.
GOOOOOREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: PMS! PMS! PMS! GORE TO BLAZE! GORE TO BLAZE!
NICK DIAMOND: THERE’S MR. KLEEN!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: THAT MEANS…
NICK DIAMOND: AND BOSWICK! AND GOODE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: That’s who she was talking to earlier!? The ACA made a deal to assist Narcissa!?
The ACA rush out into action. PMS punches away at Blaze. Mr. Kleen is brawling with The Yellow Python and that leaves the former tag team Champions who go after Doom and Attano respectively!
There’s brawling across ringside!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: This is it, folks! Invasion is just next week and things have broken down!
NICK DIAMOND: Look at Narcissa though. She stands tall away from the mess she’s created.
The Double Feature Champion laughs maniacally as The Arcadian Censorship Authority beat the holy hell out of her competition for Invasion.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: That’s all we’ve got time for folks…
NICK DIAMOND: Join us for Invasion! It’s gonna be a Slobberknocker!
A Stop ■ symbol appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen.
Static.
Click.