NXT LEVEL #344
ANARCHY IN THE ARENA
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
Flash.
Last Week, Continued.
As the show went off the air last week, the brawl continued around ringside until a voice roared from the entrance ramp. It belonged to Scott Sterling.
“Halt! Halt at once!” He screams. Security rush around the ring trying to break up every fight, pulling brawling people apart. “This is not how we conduct ourselves, ladies and gentlemen!”
As the security struggle to get a handle on things, he continues.
“At Bad Company, El Mariachi Muerte, Gemini and Drewitt will take on Victor Doom, Roderick Pym and Dahlia Black in an Anarchy in the Arena Match! Anything goes! First pinfall wins! That’s how we settle this before Ring of Dreams!”
The fans roar.
Those brawling smile.
Flash.
This week.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Folks, I’m told we’re going immediately to Medical. There’s some kind of development.
NICK DIAMOND: This can’t be good.
As the show opens proper, it opens cold in Medical with John The Revelator connected to various machines. He’s in bad shape. As his heart beats, Grimskull, Drewitt, El Mariachi Muerte and Gemini stand bedside, looking down at their fallen leader and comrade.
“They don’t know if he’ll make it,” Drewitt says, folding his arms. “But he’s a fighter.”
“He took one hell of a beating, amigo,” Muerte slowly takes a seat backwards on a chair, looking over the John.
“What’s that?” Gemini suddenly interrupts.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
NICK DIAMOND: WHAT THE!?
The hospital room door suddenly flies off its hinges, surprising everyone inside who recoil from the impact. Green gas suddenly rolls in across the floor.
“Get out! Get Out!” Drewitt yells.
As Apokalypsis run to the door, they run straight into Victor Doom, Roderick Pym and Dahlia Black.
Citizens of Arcadia run in every direction as Victor Doom drops Grimskull with a big boot, Dahlia Black plants Grimskull with a steel chair and Roderick Pym nails Gemini with a Clothesline.
With three members of Apokalypsis down, it’s Drewitt that escapes.
“He’s gone,” Black mutters angrily. “That little fuck…”
“Tie these up,” Pym suggests to Doom and Black. “Take them to you know where. Drewitt will come.”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: When does this end? JTR might be dying. Lucky Landucci is dead.
NICK DIAMOND: And now The Uprising have captured three members of Apokalypsis ahead of Bad Company.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Will we even get Anarchy in the Arena?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Harold Attano is a born killer, but will he be able to escape the coils of this Python?
Yellow Python immediately runs across the ring! Attano goes for a clothesline but Python ducks under and leaps off the ropes with a flying roundhouse to the back of the skull! Harold is dazed on his feet and Python leaps up!
NICK DIAMOND: CRUSHING COILS! THE REVERSE FRANKENSTEINER!
The Serpent looks elated as he kicks Harold onto his back! He goes to the second rope but Attano kips up as he leaps!
NICK DIAMOND: HOLLOW FANGS!?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: NO! HEADSHOT! SUPERKICK TO THE SKULL DROPS PYTHON LIKE A TON OF BRICKS!
The Ghost mounts Python and fires away with a rain of blows before forcing him to his feet and running him shoulder first into the turnbuckle! The Python falls onto the apron and Harold waits for him to rise before rushing forwards with a leaping knee!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: PYTHON CATCHES HIM WITH A KICK TO THE JAW!
NICK DIAMOND: AND HITS A SPRINGBOARD BLOCKBUSTER! THAT HAD TO STING!
Nobody is quick to his feet and he ducks a haymaker! Python leaps over an attempted leg sweep! Harold blocks a roundhouse and Python ducks a clothesline! He hits a pele kick to the skull of Attano! Python leaps to the top rope as he stares at the downed Attano!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: SERPENT'S STRIKE! CORKSCREW SHOOTING STAR PRESS!
NICK DIAMOND: ATTANO GETS ALL OF IT! PYTHON WITH THE COVER!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: The Yellow Python gets a massive win here tonight as he puts down one of the two Invasion winners!
WINNER: THE YELLOW PYTHON
ONE OF YOURS?
After that gruelling match, The Yellow Python gets back to his feet. He’s been distracted ever since his friend The Black Panther turned on him at Invasion.
Things didn’t go as planned.
He’s about to exit the ring when the crowd’s cheering reaction suddenly turns to boos. The Serpent stops a moment, watching as The Black Panther steps out onto the stage, dragging the Blue Shark by his feet.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh my Zeus… that’s The Blue Shark and he’s… he’s…
NICK DIAMOND: He’s just unconscious, Johnny. Don’t worry, I can see him breathing.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Thank Zeus for that.
With The Blue Shark out cold, The Black Panther stands there with his arms folded.
“Why?” Python yells into a microphone now provided to him by the ringside team. “Why are you doing this?”
Panther doesn’t say a word.
“We used to be friends, dude,” he continues, realizing that wasn’t entirely true. “Well, maybe not friends but definitely not this.”
The Black Panther reaches down, pulling The Blue Shark to his dazed and weary feet by his throat. He holds him there, squeezing.
“Please,” TYP begs. “Please don’t!”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: He’s strangling the life outta that poor kid, Nicky.
NICK DIAMOMD: Somebody needs to stop this!
“A match?” Python blurts out, immediately grabbing the attention of his former friend. “Is that what you want? A match? You and I at Bad Company. How about that? Just don’t hurt him!”
Panther violently tosses Shark aside, releasing him.
He nods his head and then casually walks away.
NICK DIAMOND: What the heck is up with The Black Panther? Why does he wanna fight his friend so badly?
The Python drops his microphone and runs up the ramp to check on his friend.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: There you have it. The Yellow Python vs. The Black Panther at Bad Company. Perhaps we’ll get some answers, Nicky? Perhaps The Black Panther will explain his turning on The Kingdom?
SUBJECTED
We find ourselves in the Agora, with multitudes of people milling about. Staggering, looking paranoidly over his shoulder, we see Destructo Boy. He doesn’t look like he knows exactly where he is, or why he is here.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: The effects of that gas that Nox experimented on Destructo Boy with last week seems to be still affecting him.
NICK DIAMOND: Either that, or the kid has been hitting the Mary-Jane. The Kid looks stoned out of his brain.
In the eyes of Destructo Boy, each passer by that crosses paths with him has the same face. The face of his mother – glaring, angry eyes piercing through charred skin at James as he tries to escape. But she is everywhere he looks.
“James. It’s all your fault.”
“You let me die and you are responsible for what your father has become.”
“It should have been you that burned in that fire.”
The voice are relentless, James closes his eyes and pulls at his hair to try and make it stop. And before long, it does. Destructo Boy opens his eyes again, and the whole of Agora is looking at him. But now, instead of the face of his mother, he sees only the face of Nox.
Over, and over again, plastered on every onlooker’s face.
Destructo Boy charges at the very first Nox that he sees, tackling them to the ground and pummelling their head with wild, angry fists.
He stops suddenly, blinking, staring into the light illuminating the Agora. The gas is wearing off.
He looks back, not at the body of Nox before him but an elderly lady, now unconscious.
The rest of the onlookers look afraid, that they will be the next victim of this madman. But out of the crowd, the real Nox shows himself.
“Wow... You really have drawn quite the crowd.” He laughs a wheezing laugh. “This batch is particularly effective, and it turns out it even works on those who have gone through the Odyssey Pool. I find that... fascinating.”
He holds forth another cannister aiming it at Destructo Boy.
“Now, if you would be so kind as to hold still, I wouldn’t want to accidentally administer anything to innocent bystanders.”
But Destructo Boy doesn’t stand still. He charges. He lays Nox out flat and grabs the cannister from him, spraying it into Nox’s face. This only serves to draw another wheezing laugh.
“You foolish child. Do you think this mask is for show?”
Destructo Boy goes a different route instead, balling his fists and starting pummeling.
“I will not be your test-dummy. I will not be subjected to your false realities any more.”
But what he neglects to see is that the cannister he sprayed into Nox’s face is still spraying, all over the crowd before him. The screaming starts soon after, capturing Destructo Boy’s attention. Mass horror in the Agora takes over, and absolute chaos breaks out around them.
Destructo Boy backs away from Nox as the scene turns violent. Onlookers attack each other out of fear. Nox stands, simply chuckling.
"You’re but a rat in a maze, Kid. You run my race, and when I want it to... the trap will snap shut.”
With that, Nox is gone.
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Tonight, we have the enforcer of Zion, Colt Ramsey taking on the ever-respawning monster, Drewitt.
NICK DIAMOND: The Explorer taking on the Journo of Zion this is gonna be great.
Referee Demi Sky calls for the bell...
The Journo looks to be the first out of the gate hitting a Running Drop Kick that...
Doesn’t faze the Big Man and as Colt is getting back to his feet...
*WA-BAM!*
Discus Lariat!
NICK DIAMOND: THE WAR CRY NEARLY DECAPITATED RAMSEY!
Looking to stay on the attack Drewitt peels the Newshound off the mat and into a Vertical Suplex, holding him in the air looking to let the blood rush to Ramsey’s head...
But Colt floats over hooking Drewitt up and hitting the Rolling Cutter!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: THERE’S SOME B-ROLL FOR COLT RAMSEY LAYING DOWN THE EXPLORER!
Colt falls into the cover Demi makes the count...
ONE...
KICK-OUT WITH AUTHORITY AND DREWITT SNAPS TO HIS FEET!
Drewitt hits the ropes as Colt gets his footing...
*KA-RAK!*
Claymore!
DESOLATION LANDS FLUSH TURNING RAMSEY INSIDE OUT!
DREWITT INTO THE COVER AS DEMI COUNTS!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
NICK DIAMOND: And with a sudden violent strike Drewitt manages to capture victory for Apokalypsis!
WINNER: DREWITT
CHALLENGE...
We cut backstage, where Master Ken is making his way down the hall with a stern look on his face.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Here comes the Sensei, ready to teach Blaze a lesson in humility later tonight!
NICK DIAMOND: Seems to me that's not all that's on his mind, Johnny!
Ken has been looking around during his trip through the hall, clearly keeping an eye out for something when he finds a nearby stagehand...the one we saw last week talking to Spiros The Great!
"You there!" the Sensei calls out, catching the young woman by surprise as he approaches. "Have you seen Spiros?"
"I've not, sir," replies the stagehand, shaking her head. "But he's been looking for you. Said something about wanting to t-t-t-teach you a lesson after Invasion."
"Fret not," says Ken, resting his hand on her shoulder as if a sign of assurance. "If it's a lesson Spiros wants, it's a lesson he shall receive."
Ken looks around again as the stagehand looks the Sensei in the eye.
"He said you should confront him, sir," she states with a concerned look on her face. "That you should st-st-step up and go one on one with..."
The stagehand is interrupted by Ken raising his hand, a light smirk growing across his face.
"Is that so?" he asks. "Yet the so-called Great One isn't even here to confront me now! I shall track him down, and give him the answer he seeks before this round of competition is over."
With that, the Sensei pats the stagehand on the back before taking his leave.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Sounds like Spiros is about to face a wake up call from the Sensei!
Cut.
HOME
The burnt out, charred remains of what was once a loving family dwelling, in a respectable corner of Arcadia. Now, it is desolate and abandoned, having not been touched since life bruned to the ground here. Maxwell’s family dwelling is but a shell of what it once was.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: This is the family home of The Burned Man, where he earned those bandages he wore.
NICK DIAMOND: Sheesh, talk about your fix-er-uppa.
Here, among the ashes of his once life, Blaze is searching, muttering to himself.
“Here... The flames... Her...” He paces out across the room, then stops abruptly. “But then, black. I can’t see it. Justice needs to be done, but the pieces don’t fall into place yet.”
Blaze stops, crouching down. He runs his hand across the ashes on the floor for a moment, before pulling an item from the ground. The silver medallion from a necklace, missing its chain.
His eyes flicker.
Blaze lifts a trapdoor in the floor, leading to a basement area – lit with flourescent light that flickers into life as he steps down into the hidden space. The trapdoor closes above him as he descends.
The room is laid out with chalkboard, donned with scribblings of various theories. At the end of the room, he has a pinboard set up – photographs all over it.
The charred house, photos of the fire.
Narcissa’s face – with a string leading towards a question mark.
He places the small medallion against the board an hooks it up with a pin, slapping a note next to it that says ‘hers’.
Above him, footsteps scrape on the floor.
NICK DIAMOND: Blaze is not alone here Johnny.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Who else would come here? No way this can be a coincidence.
Blaze balls his fists and taps at a screen, seeing the presence of figure in what is left of his house.
“He’s disappeared, but he was definitely here. We tailed him long enough to know this is where he’s been going. Whatever is going on, Narcissa will want to know.”
Blaze watches upon the screen as the figures walk away, his fists balling as they go.
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Master Ken has the ability of a bronze medalist and the will of the warrior! But can he take on Blaze and his burning ferocity?
Ken starts the match off walking around Blaze, taking a moment to bow in front of him! Blaze immediately lashes out with a kick but The Sensei blocks it and retaliates with a flurry of well placed blows! The Burning Man is taken off guard and Ken capitalizes!
NICK DIAMOND: THE STREET SWEEPER! WHAT A LEG SWEEP!
Blaze hits the mat and Ken heel kicks him in the chest! The Master turns to the audience to bow and this allows Blaze to rise behind him! He grabs Master Ken and flings him with a German Suplex across the ring! Ken tries to rise and The Balancer flies across the ring!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: SHOTGUN DROPKICK! HE CALLS THAT FLAMETONGUE!
NICK DIAMOND: KEN GOT HIT RIGHT INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!
Karate Ken stumbles out of the corner right into a lariat that knocks him right back to the mat! Blaze peels him up and whips him across the ring into the other turnbuckle! Blaze chases but Ken whips around!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: ALONG THE WHITE PINE!
NICK DIAMOND: THAT CHOP TOOK BLAZE RIGHT OFF HIS FEET!
Even the Sensei looks surprised that hit flush as he looks to the crowd and bows! He gets in position, begging Blaze to get to his feet as he gets into crane position!
NICK DIAMOND: THE CRANE! CRANE KICK TO BLAZE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: NO! TIP THE SCALES! URANAGE BY BLAZE! HE COVERS!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Try as Ken might, not even the will of a warrior can extinguish the inferno that is Blaze!
WINNER: BLAZE
TEA TIME!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: That... is a lot of tea, Nicky.
NICK DIAMOND: He did say it was a party... Did you get an invite?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Did you?
Foley's Funhouse is teeming with tea! Tables are set up, cups are poured, and there are a plethora of puppets taking seats! In the center of the stage is Foley himself dressed in a suit, a big smile on his face as Doom sips from one of the many cups scattered through the room. "Oh this is going to be fun! It's been so long since I've had a party!" Foley is beaming, waiting patiently for their guests.
"Where did you even procure this much tea, Felix?"
"My tea guy!"
"Your what?"
The conversation is quickly derailed by the sound of a door opening, Lionel Troy and Colt Ramsey walking into the room. However, the Children of Zion are absent, something Foley notices immediately with a frown. "Oh... Where are the other guests?" He looks out at the tables, pouting for a moment before putting a smile back on his face. "More for us I suppose!"
"This meeting," Lionel says, taking a seat across from the Besties with Colt, "is simply to talk about my Troy-stiny! For you see, I had another great vision! One where the great and mighty Zion told unto me that it was not the land he wanted me to have. No no, it was what the land held! Beautiful gold laid atop black leather!" He sips his tea, waving a hand in front of his mouth as the heat stops his speech in its tracks.
"What Mr. Troy is saying," Colt says, "is Zion wants him to have those titles around your waists. Both him... and myself. So we're here to obtain them for the church where they belong."
There's a beat where Felix begins to giggle, Doom actually sharing a small chuckle as well! "You're fools. But I suppose I already knew that. The only way you're taking our titles is by force, and I don't think you and your acolyte have the guts to try that."
"Oh be kind, Doom! I'm sure they have the guts... But they'd need a match! But I'm not interested in fighting, they seem nice!" Felix sips his tea happily, clearly just enjoying the company.
"Hm," Troy grabs his cup of tea. "Then by Zion you shall have a reason to fight!"
JOHNNY GOMEZ: HE JUST SPLASHED HOT TEA IN FELIX'S FACE!
NICK DIAMOND: AND HE'S HIGH TAILING IT!
Lionel runs and just as Colt tries to join him Doom grabs him from behind! "Come back and apologize!"
DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! IMPENDING DOOM TO COLT THROUGH THE TABLE! TEA GOES EVERYWHERE!
When the dust settles Doom whips out a rag, offering it to Felix to clean his face. "Then he wants a fight... Felix, let the drones clean this mess. You and I have a 'Troy-stiny' to destroy."
Foley wipes his face clean, following Doom as he does. "He didn't apologize, but it's the thought that counts! Thanks, best buddy!"
Doom simply sighs. "You're welcome, Felix."
Cut.
ACCEPTED!
We are backstage once again, as Spiros The Great speaks to a pair of attractive women...staring them down from behind his shades.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Master Ken's been looking for Spiros The Great, who appears to be talking the ears off some hapless young women!
NICK DIAMOND: I dunno, looks to me like they're picking up what the Greatest is laying down!
"Alright, ladies," Spiros says, a smile on his face as he shows off his physique. "Which one of you wants to come home and learn a lesson from the Greatest?"
The smiles on the women's faces soon fades however as STG turns around...staring down a stern Master Ken.
"Oh, there you are," STG states, his smile not leaving his face. "I see you've finally decided to step up to the Greatest for your lesson."
Ken just stares his foe down, however, forcing Spiros to lose his smile before Ken finally chooses to respond.
"Listen, Spiros," he responds, the ladies quietly taking their leave as they want nothing to do with the confrontation going down. "You want a lesson so bad? I'll be more than happy to teach you."
This doesn't sit well with STG, who takes his shades off to show Ken the windows to his very soul.
"Let the Great One tell you this," retorts Spiros. "The only lesson will be the one you get when you sit down, shut up, and learn...from the Greatest."
"There is a time and place for all lessons, Spiros," states Ken, looking STG up and down. "Luckily for you, the time is at Bad Company...and the place is Olympus. Consider your challenge accepted."
With that, the Sensei takes his leave once more as Spiros continues to stare him down.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: With that, it looks like we have ourselves a match folks!
Cut.
NICK DIAMOND: Tonight, all eyes are on Destructo Boy as he tries to take down the dominant world champion Tombstone!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Can a boy do what men can't?
DING! DING!
Tombstone marches at Destructo Boy and Destructo Boy swings a low kick at the thigh of Tombstone! Another low kick and another! Tombstone catches the foot and pulls Destructo Boy into a strong clothesline! Tombstone simply shakes his head!
NICK DIAMOND: He's thinking what we all are Johnny!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Did Destructo Boy think that was going to work?
Tombstone lifts Destructo Boy up by the throat and shoves him into the corner! Destructo Boy rebounds and does a quick dropkick to the knee!
TOMBSTONE IS DOWN TO A KNEE!
SEE NO EVIL!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Destructo Boy nails the shining wizard!
NICK DIAMOND: Tombstone is still up like it's nothing!
DESTRUCTO BOY RUNS THE ROPES!
SEE NO EVIL!
SEE NO EVIL!
SEE NO EVIL!
NICK DIAMOND: Tombstone is finally down after three more shining wizards!
DESTRUCTO BOY COVERS!
ONE!
TWO!
THR-NO!
TOMBSTONE GETS HIS SHOULDER UP!
Destructo Boy can't believe it but he climbs to the top rope in desperation!
HE JUMPS!
BROKEN HEART!
NO!
TOMBSTONE GETS HIS KNEES UP!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: He countered that 630 senton!
NICK DIAMOND: More like broken back Johnny!
Destructo Boy's back is arching in pain! Tombstone sits up and quickly grabs Destructo Boy by the neck!
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: If his back wasn't destroyed before, it definitely is now by that chokeslam to the knee!
TOMBSTONE COVERS!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
NICK DIAMOND: Destructo Boy did what he could but Tombstone proves why he's the world champion!
WINNER: TOMBSTONE
NEVER ENDING
JOHNNY GOMEZ: With two Invasion briefcase holders, Tombstone and Igor have their necks on a swivel.
NICK DIAMOND: Not to mention Jasper Redgrave, the number one contender, Gomez.
Igor joins Tombstone in the center of the ring as Destructo Boy leaves ringside. Before the World Champ can take his leave, the video screen on the entrance stage changes to a very familiar setting.
The Mortuary.
Jasper Redgrave appears on the screen, his figure emerging from the shadows with a smirk that carries the weight of malice.
“Igor keeps very good records, you know,” The Artist's voice resonates through Olympus, smooth and taunting. He holds up an ancient, leather-bound ledger for the camera. “And Tombstone, you've ferried many of my victims across the river. An endless parade of souls, thanks to your...dedication.”
The camera zooms in on Jasper's face, his eyes glinting with a dark amusement. “How does it feel, Tombstone, to be so...incessantly occupied with your never-ending work? What compels you to do it? Is it devotion, fear, or something else?” He leans closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “And I wonder, is your name somewhere in Igor's records?”
NICK DIAMOND: I never thought about that.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Why would his name be there?
Without hesitation, Tombstone turns to Igor Mortis.
FLUTTER.
Now standing in the Mortuary, Tombstone and Igor Mortis find it empty.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: That son of a bitch, he pre-recorded that.
NICK DIAMOND: He’s playing mind games, Gomez.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: That’s a dangerous game to play with Tombstone.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: The war between OSW and The Uprising rages on as Jackson Cade faces Narcissa Balenciaga!
We start off with a flurry of offense from both competitors, eager to get the upper hand...until a dropkick from Narcissa sends Cade to the outside!
Jackson quickly gets to his feet however, ready to fend off an approaching Pym and Dahlia as Demi Sky tries to maintain order.
But here comes the leader of the Uprising now, diving through the ropes onto Cade!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Jackson Cade is down, and Narcissa's subordinates are at the ready!
Roderick and Black help Narcissa to her feet...unaware that Cade's managed to get back up as well, shoving Dahlia away before laying out Pym with a right hand!
The distraction is enough for Narcissa to blindside him with a jumping spin kick!
HIGH FASHION!
NICK DIAMOND: The match just swung heavily in favor of the Uprising leader!
Narcissa sends Cade back into the ring, grabbing him by the arm...and pulls him in for a bullhammer elbow!
INCENDIARY ROUND IS THE LATEST...NO!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Jackson Cade just dodged a bullet, ducking that elbow by Balenciaga!
Jackson hits the ropes for speed, catching Narcissa with a slingblade on the rebound!
BREACH AND CLEAR!
Dahlia hops on the apron to intervene...but gets sent flying by Cade, who turns his attention to Narcissa standing up!
HOSTILE DOWN!
Cade drops her with that leaping superkick and makes the cover as Demi Sky counts!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Jackson Cade picks up the win over Narcissa Balenciaga, in spite of The Uprising's involvement!
WINNER: JACKSON CADE
WE WANT ATTANO!
With that amazing match over, Jackson Cade gets back to his feet, only his attention is immediately turned to the entrance ramp.
“Blackest Hour” by Tombstone Three hits the speakers as smoke rises out of the entrance ramp. C.J. Thorpe emerges onto the stage, walking slowly down the aisle like the last remaining gunslinger. His head is bowed, the moment sinking into him.
He stops outside the ring, looking up at his brother. With a microphone in hand, he waits for the music to fade away.
“We’re not finished, brother,” Thorpe says calmly and cooly. “You might have sent your attack dog in your stead, but this war between you and I is not over.”
Jackson pulls Narcissa back to her feet, dragging her into a headlock in the middle of the ring.
That immediately focuses Thorpe’s attention.
“You don’t have the balls,” The Deathrow Champion reminds his older brother.
“No?” Cade yells back off microphone. “I could snap her neck and end this entire invasion right now.”
CLOTHESLINE TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: IT’S REDGRAVE! IT’S JASPER REDGRAVE!
Cade slams into the canvas, releasing Narcissa who rolls away. Thorpe immediately slides into the ring, both he and Redgrave going to town on Cade with stomps.
“WE WANT ATTANO!”
CLAP CLAP CLAP!
“WE WANT ATTANO!”
CLAP CLAP CLAP!
NICK DIAMOND: LISTEN TO THIS CROWD, JOHNNY! THEY WANT ATTANO!
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-
“YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: HERE HE COMES! HERE COMES NOBODY!
Harold runs down the entrance ramp like a bat out of hell, sliding beneath the bottom rope and chasing both Thorpe and Redgrave to the outside.
They smile as Harold checks on Jackson, getting back to his feet and demanding that either of them get in the ring and fight.
Neither accept the offer.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Harold Attano has evened the odds and neither of them want anything to do with him, Nicky.
NICK DIAMOND: Jasper Redgrave has a match up next against DOOM, but there’s no avoiding Attano for CJ Thorpe. They can stand there and smile all they want.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: But at Bad Company, they go one on one!
NICK DIAMOND: Harold needs to get Jackson out of there.
The Invasion winner slowly helps Cade out of the ring, both men heading towards the backstage as we gear up for our main event.
This one hits BIG at Bad Company!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: We have a huge main event for you tonight folks as DOOM faces off against the number one contender in Jasper Redgrave. Both men aren't a stranger to one another but how will they fare in a steel cage when the only way to gain victory is escape?
The bell sound as Jasper explodes out of his corner, nearly taking DOOM's head off with a mammoth Big Boot. DOOM staggers up to his feet into a heavy barrage of lefts and rights before a brutal knee rocks DOOM, stunning him on his feet as Jasper backs up
NICK DIAMOND: SUPERKICK! Right on the button there as DOOM stumbles into the ropes, setting himself up for the COLLAGE OF VIOLENCE! Beautifully violent spinning back elbow rocks DOOM even through that steel as Redgrave is all over DOOM in the early moments of this contest.
DOOM drops down to one knee, trying to shake off the cobwebs as Redgrave pulls him up, driving knee after knee into the midsection before gripping him in a headlock as he tries to drag him towards the ropes.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Redgrave looking to add Blood to the Canvas here Nick, looking for that brutal DDT but DOOM fights out of it, SNAPSHOT! Redgrave's neck gets slammed over the top rope as DOOM looks to fly, a little unorthadox from the scientist here Nick.
NICK DIAMOND: Jasper Redgrave isn't number one contender for nothing Johnny, you've gotta go big to put him down.
Jasper staggers back as DOOM lightens his gravity just enough to springboard forward
SANGUINE ABSURDISM! JASPER ANNIHILATES DOOM IN MID-AIR WITH A BRUTAL SPINNING LARIAT!
Jasper looks very pleased with his work here as DOOM may well be out cold from the brutal move. Jasper doesn't let up though, pulling a dazed DOOM up to his feet as he grips him by the back of the mask
JOHNNY GOMEZ: THROWING HIM RIGHT INTO THE STEEL CAGE! DOOM bounces off as Jasper doesn't let go, throwing him head first twice, three, four times into the unforgiving steel as that mask looks almost dented from the sheer force of the Artist's attack.
NICK DIAMOND: Redgrave is just loving every minute of it too the sick bastard.
Redgrave isn't done though as he lifts DOOM up high, the Scientist struggling in Redgrave's grip but Jasper is far too strong as he sizes up his canvas and rushes forward
NICK DIAMOND: YOU'VE GOTTA BE KIDDING ME! VANISHING POINT INTO THE GODDAMN CAGE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: That may well be all she wrote for DOOM there, Redgrave could've seriously injured DOOM there if the sickening impact is anything to go by. And now all the Artist has to do is climb the cage and he has this match won.
Jasper admires his fallen opponent for a moment before slowly walking to the cage wall and beginning to climb.
ONE FOOT
TWO FEET
THREE FEET
FOUR FEET
REDGRAVE IS NEARLY AT THE TOP
......................
REDGRAVE GETS SHOT IN THE BACK BY A DRONE BULLET!
A singular drone begins circling Redgrave, peppering him with beanbags and smoke bombs as they try and force Redgrave off the cage. The Artist has an iron grip on the mesh wall though, holding it with one hand before swatting at the drone with another.
NICK DIAMOND: Redgrave's so focused on fighting the drone he doesn't notice DOOM is back to his feet, he's climbing up...he's not going to do what I think he is, is he Johnny?
GERMAN
MOTHER
FUCKING
SUPLEX!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Payback is a son of a as DOOM just nearly murders Redgrave with that super German Suplex. Both men are out on the mat as the first man up may well be the man who wins here.
Both men slowly get to their feet, DOOM clutching his neck from the punishment he's endured in this match thus far as Redgrave doesn't look much better but the Artist welcomes the pain as he locks eyes with DOOM, and just beckons him forward.
As DOOM obliges with the SPLITTER!
DOOM nearly spears right through Redgrave, pounding down upon his prone body as Jasper just begs him for more. An almighty right hand knocks Redgrave loopy as DOOM gets off, backing up a few paces as he's looking for the kill shot here. Redgrave gets up to one knee
BREAKING THE...NO!
Jasper dodges the punt kick, getting to his feet as he kicks DOOM in the gut, trying to double underhook him but DOOM trips him up, grabbing his legs before slingshotting Jasper head first into the cage. Redgrave staggers back out from impact into
JOHNNY GOMEZ: IMPENDING DOOM! DOOM just nailed that deadly Death Valley Driver and that has to be it. All DOOM has to do is escape the cage and he's beaten the number one contender.
DOOM shakes off the cobwebs for a moment before slowly walking to the cage as electricity begins sparking in the air. DOOM nearly glowing with energy before he grabs the cage and begins transferring it.
NICK DIAMOND: Did DOOM just make the cage electrified? Why on earth would he do that Johnny?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: DOOM's insulated from his electricity Nick and unless Jasper has something hidden up his sleeve, he isn't.
DOOM slowly begins climbing up the cage, the electricity sparking off him as his suit barely blocks it out
ONE FOOT
TWO FEET
THREE FEET
FOUR FEET
REDGRAVE IS ON HIS FEET
AS HE BEGINS CLIMBING UP AFTER DOOM!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Jasper Redgrave is absolutely insane Nick or he just gets off on pain. Blood dripping down his mouth as he's clearly hurting every single second he grabs that cage but he's climbing faster then ever to catch up to DOOM.
DOOM gets up to the top just as Jasper reaches him. DOOM tries to kick Jasper off but Redgrave catches the foot before pulling it down as he forces DOOM to headbutt the top of the cage.
Both men are clinging to the top as they begin exchanging heavy lefts and rights. DOOM blocking a hard right before he grabs his temple, shocking him with a good thousand volts. Jasper screams out in pain as DOOM lets go for a moment only to grab him by the throat
BEFORE THROWING HIM DOWN OFF THE CAGE TO THE CANVAS!
NICK DIAMOND: JESUS ON HIGH, DOOM may well have just killed a man right there and that cocky bastard is loving every second of it.
DOOM looks down at his fallen foe for a moment before slowly climbing around and down the cage wall. The Scientist just reaches the floor before he collapses, completely spent
JOHNNY GOMEZ: And we have a winner of this brutal steel cage match folks but the Scientist may well not feel like it in the morning Nick.
NICK DIAMOND: Both men endured a ton of punishment tonight, Redgrave himself looks almost lifeless inside that ring...
Nick is cut off as the arena lights turn off and we fade into
Darkness.
FLUTTER.
When the lights come back up, Jasper Redgrave is gone!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Where'd he go, Nicky!?
NICK DIAMOND: This doesn't look good, Gomez.
WINNER: DOOM
ESCALATION
Sometime later.
Jasper Redgrave’s eyes flutter open, adjusting slowly to the pervasive gloom that envelopes him. As his vision clears, the imposing figure of Tombstone materializes from the shadows, standing over him with a presence that feels as inescapable as fate itself.
“You won't get away with this,” Redgrave rasps, his voice a blend of defiance and disorientation. “The Uprising will find me.”
From the darkness, another voice responds. “They'll try,” says Igor Mortis, stepping into the scant light, his features etched with an inscrutable expression.
Tombstone's gaze never wavers from Redgrave, the silent threat emanating from him more eloquent than words. “Perhaps it is time for your soul to be ferried, Artist” he muses, the statement hanging in the air like a guillotine blade poised to fall.
Igor Mortis intervenes calmly. “Not yet,” he declares. “Before the destruction of the Artist is written, there's a story to be told.”
Tombstone raises an eyebrow at this, the comment seemingly unexpected.
With deliberate movements, Igor turns towards an old VCR positioned on a table against the wall. He presses play, and the room is filled with the flickering light of the television screen.
“Perhaps, Jasper Redgrave, a little more knowledge of your foe will deter any further escalation.”
NICK DIAMOND: A little more knowledge? What the hell does that mean?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Something is off here, Nicky. What is Igor’s game? These two have a World Championship to fight for!
A Stop ■ symbol appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen.
Static.
Click.