Sweet Dreams
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
Cold open.
With the fans booing, Old School Wrestling NXT Level 348 opens with The Authority, Scott Sterling Esquire, stood with a microphone in the middle of the squared circle.
The atmosphere is tense as he turns his nose up at the booing crowd, displeased to be here as usual.
“If I could have your attention for a moment,” he says to hissing and jeers. “I said…”
The crowd noise is just too much. He lowers the microphone, grimacing all the while.
“Tonight,” he tries again, stopping.
“Tonight, The Uprising has a baptism by fire; a preview of what awaits them at Ring of Dreams. Remember, Narcissa will need to assemble a team of four Uprising participants to do battle with my selection of four.”
The crowd suddenly stop booing. It appears they hate the Uprising more than they do Scott Sterling. How about that?
“Should they lose, the Uprising will leave OSW and go back to Deathrow or be shot on sight,” he says with a big toothy smile. “So, without further ado, allow me to introduce to you, the first member of Team OSW…”
The image of the Third Eye appears on the screen as the bass riff of Aerials by System of a Down begins to play.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh my Zeus! It’s Vision! Vision is back…
NICK DIAMOND: And he’s the first member of Team OSW for Ring of Dreams!
Red lights pulse with the music as the arena explodes into sound with the heavy guitar that accompanies the figure of V1sion himself stepping out of the smoke atop the entrance stage.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: What an announcement!
Vision stands atop the stage like a prized pony, soaking in the adulation of the crowd as Scott Sterling claps from inside the ring.
As the music dies down, Sterling continues.
“At Ring of Dreams, the four on four match will be a Sweet Dreams match. Anything goes. You’re finished when you’re incapacitated! It won’t take place in this very ring, and not even on this very level…”
NICK DIAMOND: What?
“It’ll take place on DEATHROW!”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Holy crap! Can you believe it!? Vision is going back to Deathrow on behalf of OSW!
NICK DIAMOND: This in unbelievable! Welcome to NXT Level, folks! What a way to start the show.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: And up next, we see the debuts of Jash Khan and Hoax!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Tonight we bring you two of the newest competitors in OSW!
NICK DIAMOND: That's right Johnny as Jash Khan faces Hoax! Will the Zero Day Zodiac feel the wrath? We find out now!
DING! DING! They both tie up and Jash Khan has the power advantage! Khan violently throws Hoax through the middle rope! TU REVHA DE! Hoax hits the floor with a hard thud and Khan follows to the outside! GANTO TORO to the ring post!
NICK DIAMOND: Khan is destroying Hoax right now with that powerbomb to the ring post capping off that sequence of moves!
Khan rolls Hoax into the ring and makes a cover! ONE! TWO! THR-NO! Hoax Gets the shoulder up! Khan backs up into the corner and waits for Hoax to get up! Hoax is getting up and Khan charges! CODEBREAKER!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Hoax nails the double knee facebuster on a running Khan!
Khan is down and Hoax goes to the top rope! Khan pulls himself up and Hoax leaps! Hoax nails a missile dropkick! Khan is down and Hoax starts stomping away at him! Khan catches the foot and stands up with it in hand! He pulls Hoax in and nails a lariat!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Hoax is turned inside out and Khan is waiting for him to get up!
Hoax pulls himself up with the ropes but Khan doesn't even wait for him to turn around! THE WRATH OF KHAN! No! Hoax dodges the front flip and Khan crashes into the corner! Hoax capitalizes and locks in the D'arce choke! DENIAL OF SERVICE! Hoax elevates Khan and drops him with the neckbreaker! He covers! ONE! TWO! THREE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: He's done it Nick! Hoax has won his first match in OSW!
Ransomware, Part II
With the match over, Hoax stands in the middle of the ring. He pulls out his cell phone and presses a button, transforming the tron into a backstage security camera.
The footage shows the office of Bartholomew Finkle and his team of nerds working through the night to try and access his hacked laptop.
With an audible chuckle, Hoax tilts his head. He asks for a microphone and promptly receives one.
“It’s amusing that a man of your so-called intelligence continues to test the parameters of our arrangement,” he says with an audible static and altered voice. “The deal is simple, Bart. Pay, or else.”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: This guy is serious business, Nicky. I wouldn’t want to be in his crosshairs.
NICK DIAMOND: Finkle should just pay up.
Suddenly, "For the Love of Money" by the O'Jays blares over the arena speakers and Bartholomew Finkle appears at the top of the ramp way. He takes a deep breath and pulls a microphone from his waistband.
“I suppose I should be terrified,” he says with a shrug of the shoulders. Hoax walks to the ropes, leaning on them. “But this isn’t the first time a man of my wealth has been extorted.”
He starts pacing back and forth.
“Do you know why I’m here, Hoax?” He asks with a smile of his own. “It’s because I want to experience the adrenaline of wrestling. I want to fight. Don’t you?”
Hoax continues leaning on the ropes.
“Do I sense a proposal?” The Hacker questions intensely.
“You do,” Bartholomew agrees. “At Attitude next week, why don’t we fight for it? If you win, I’ll pay up. If I win, you’ll release your hold on my systems.”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: That seems like a good deal. I’m not sure why Hoax would take it though. He’s in a prime position to get what he needs.
NICK DIAMOND: I repeat; Finkle should just pay up.
Hoax thinks about it for a moment. He doesn’t need to do it.
“You need to sweeten the deal,” he suggests, stepping back from the ropes. He understands his position of power in this situation. “If I win, not only do I get the credits, but you willingly work for me. That means, Mr. Economist, that you turn my small fortune into a treasure trove.”
Finkle thinks about it for a moment.
“Deal!” He says swiftly.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: It looks like we’re getting a match, folks! Next week at Attitude, Hoax versus Bartholomew Finkle!
NICK DIAMOND: This may not end well.
Funeral For A Friend
The Mortuary.
In the middle of the cemetery portion of the Mortuary, The Yellow Python stands in front of three recently filled graves. The mounds of dirt are risen above the ground, fresh.
Unable to see or feel his emotions, we watch as The Yellow Python kneels and touches the dirt.
“I’m sorry…” he mutters solemnly, his voice cracking.
KNEE TO THE FACE!
Suddenly, The Black Panther appears, rushing forward with a thunderous knee to his face. He recoils backwards, flying across the ground from the impact.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Hasn’t this son of a bitch done enough!?
The Panther stalks him, still having not said a word. He hasn’t spoken since he was shot by the Arcadian Censorship Authority. That’s where this all began.
“Please,” Python begs off, backing away across the ground. “You’ve taken everything.”
NICK DIAMOND: Leave the poor kid alone, damnit!
Python reaches down and grabs him by the throat, pulling him up to his feet aggressively.
He grabs him by the head, threatening to snap his neck.
WHAM!
SPEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAARRR!!
WHERE THE FUCK DID THAT COME FROM!?
NICK DIAMOND: NO WAY! THAT’S THE BLUE SHARK! WHAT THE HECK!?
The Blue Shark spears Panther to the ground with a thud. He’s quickly kicked away only to see The Red Falcon leaping at him, claws showing.
HE RIPS HIS SUIT, DRAWING BLOOD!
THEY’RE ALIVE!
THEY’RE ALIVE!
As Panther recoils, he backs away carefully holding his mid-section as The Blue Shark and The Red Falcon help The Yellow Python back to his feet.
By the time they turn back to him, he’s gone.
“He’s getting away,” Python grumbles.
“It’s okay,” Falcon assures him. “We’ll be ready for him at Attitude.”
“For The White Bear,” The Blue Shark says sadly. “Who sacrificed his life for ours.”
“For The White Bear,” they agree in unison.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: It looks like The White Bear didn’t make it out alive.
NICK DIAMOND: It could’ve been worse. I thought they all perished.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: As I understand it, The Yellow Python vs. The Black Panther II is set for Attitude and at least this time, the kid has back-up.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Tonight, it’s Master Ken taking on the man who’s taken up residence roosting in Olympus’s Rafters, Raven.
Referee Cole Holt calls for the bell and Raven bolts at Ken...
Spear!
NO!
KEN DUCKS, SPINNING LEG SWEEP!
THE STREET SWEEPER SENDS VENGEANCE SLAMMING TO THE CANVAS FACE FIRST!
NICK DIAMOND: MASTER KEN’S AGILITY IS LIMITLESS!
Raven pushes himself up off the canvas and...
*KA-RAK!*
ALONG THE WHITE PINE!
CHOP TO THE FUCKING CANVAS AS RAVEN DODGES THE BLOW AND THE SENSEI COMES UP CLUTCHING HIS HAND!
The Death Walker rushes the Karate Master and...
SPEAR!
THE FINAL APPROACH NEARLY TAKES KEN OUT OF HIS KARATE KICKIN’ SHOES!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Newcomer to OSW, Raven will not go quietly into that good night!
Raven grabs the legs of the Sensei...
Sharpshooter...
DEATH’S...
DROP...
TOE...
HOLD COUNTER BY MASTER KEN WHO SCURRIES TO HIS FEET SETTING UP RAVEN WHO ATTEMPTS TO GET TO HIS OWN FEET!
NICK DIAMOND: Sensei Ken thinking on his feet while off his feet there Johnny!
Ken stalks The Death Walker as Raven rises to his feet!
Karate Pump Kick!
THE CRANE...
IS SIDESTEPPED BY RAVEN WHO WINDS UP BEHIND KEN AND IN A SPLIT SECOND KEN IS FALLING TO THE CANVAS!
SCORPION DEATH DROP!
THE LAST ROSE AND COLE HOLT MAKES THE COUNT AS RAVEN HOOKS THE LEG!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: In this seesaw contest Raven manages to pick up a victory over Master Ken!
The Cure For Madness
Lionel Troy stomps his way through the backstage of Olympus, clearly on the prowl for someone in particular. "I saw you come back here, you can't hide from me," Troy says with a sneer.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Troy looks terrifying, Nicky.
NICK DIAMOND: Are you surprised? Nox told him he killed his god!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: I'm just glad we're far away from what's about to go down.
As Troy stalks the backstage we spot a member of OSW's faculty stumbling out of a back room hacking and coughing! He claws at his face, yelling and whimpering with a plume of smoke rising from the room behind him! Lionel pushes callously past the man, immediately staring into the back room to see a singular cannister sitting upon a desk. Lionel walks into the room to inspect it only to hear a voice from behind.
"That isn't quite Lion Tamer, but I'd say it's close. Just doesn't last as long." The insidious voice of Nox is impossible to forget and Troy soon finds the mad chemist standing in the doorway!
"The cure. Give me the cure for their madness and I won't have to to anything drastic, Nox. My Children are unable to pay their tithes if they can't even think straight."
Nox merely chuckles. "Only worried about your credits, Lionel? I suppose I didn't even need Liontamer to kill a god like yours. I'm not here to cure them, and now that I know it lasts so long... Well, what's to stop me from ending your little religion right here?"
"Well," Lionel starts, a small smile spreading on his lips. "You better start believing in Zion, son! Because I found something out when I gave my sermon. My Children still believe in Zion, Nox. Oh, they believe in him, and they sure believe in me."
Nox tilts his head to the side, watching as Troy brings his fingers to his lips and whistles! "I FOUND THE DEVIL! ZION HAS LEAD ME TO THE BLASPHEMER!"
THE CRAZED CHILDREN OF ZION SWARM ONTO NOX!
They tear at the chemist and viciously attack him from every angle and Nox pulls a cannister from his clothing! He opens it and a plume of smoke disorients the Children enough for him to run away! Lionel, meanwhile, takes a seat on the desk behind him. "Follow him, my children! Follow him to your salvation... And to the gold that he owes us."
NICK DIAMOND: The Children of Zion are chasing after Nox, Johnny!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Lionel is as devious as they come, Nicky. But manipulating his followers like this? I think I'm going to be sick.
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Up next we have the Sparta Cup winner Jasper Redgrave taking on Destructo Boy in a submission match!
Destructo charges at the Artist, blindsiding him with a tackle to the canvas before mounting up for a flurry of punches!
Redgrave manages to break free, nailing some hard kicks to wear the Black Heart down.
Jasper hits the ropes for speed, looking for a big punt kick...but Destructo Boy narrowly evades disaster!
DB fights back with a flurry of quick kicks before heading to the ropes...but the Artist is just as quick to intercept!
He's got the Kid hung up on the middle rope...and the Artist drives his head into the canvas with a DDT!
BLOOD ON THE CANVAS!
Jasper grabs the arm of Destructo for an armbar...but the Kid slips out in the nick of time.
Slowly rising to his feet, DB goads the Artist to come after him again...only to take Redgrave down with a low dropkick instead!
He goes after Jasper's legs once again, leaning into the back of the Artist for the Haas of Pain!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: NO INNOCENCE! Destructo Boy's got that hold in tight!
But the Artist takes a swing at the Kid, forcing the break instead!
Redgrave's got it turned around on the Black Heart, cinching in a rear naked choke!
Destructo struggles to break loose...but the Artist only squeezes the throat tighter!
DESTRUCTO BOY PASSES OUT!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: The ref's got no choice but to call it here as Jasper Redgrave picks up the win over Destructo Boy!
My Daughter, Michaela
In the middle of no-where, Harold Attano sits before CJ Thorpe. Thorpe’s bloodied hand is wrapped from where he’s missing a finger, and he looks exhausted. His face is bruised and bloodied.
Harold Attano has really taken it out of The Chainbreaker.
“Let me tell you about my daughter, Michaela,” he says carefully. He’s measured. “Your best friend, your mentor, he murdered her in cold blood. She was innocent, CJ.”
“What about you?” Thorpe groggily asks. “How innocent are you?”
Harold lowers his head shamefully.
“I’ve done bad things, kid,” he admits. “But never to women or children. Never for fun.”
Thorpe chuckles to himself.
“Every man you’ve killed is someone’s child, Attano. You can measure it however you want, however gets you to sleep at night, but you and he are hardly different.”
That enrages Attano who stands up and furiously punches Thorpe. Blood splatters from his mouth as he goes limp, coughing up and spitting blood.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: I don’t see this having a happy ending. Thorpe is basically indoctrinated by a monster.
NICK DIAMOND: He makes good points though, Johnny. Harold wouldn’t be losing his cool if he didn’t.
Suddenly, footsteps approach from behind, lurking in the shadows.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Who’s that?
Their voice is familiar, but not entirely known. We can’t see their face as they lurk behind Harold.
“Enough!” They say in a demanding, yet somehow fed up tone. “The boy has had enough.”
NICK DIAMOND: Is that Redgrave?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: It doesn’t sound like it.
“Redgrave has agreed to your match at Attitude,” the voice says with a sigh. “And it doesn’t seem like you’re making much headway here.”
Harold steps backwards, wiping the blood from his knuckles.
“Consider this a professional courtesy,” the voice suggests. “I’ll take it from here. I'll get what you need.”
Harold nods as the figure brushes past him and undoes the restraints on CJ’s chair. We don’t see who it is but watch Harold’s face as The Chainbreaker groans in agony whilst moved.
NICK DIAMOND: Who is that?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: I think things are about to go from bad to worse for CJ Thorpe. Attano can’t break him, so he’s passed him off to someone else. Someone who might just be worse.
NICK DIAMOND: And Redgrave has shown no sign of coming for him, Johnny. None.
The Fire, I
The Mortuary.
“Very well, then,” the voice of Igor Mortis cuts through the eerie silence of the room. “I will speak with Scott Sterling and ensure the match is set up. Tombstone will defend the World Championship at Attitude against you.”
Across the table stands El Mariachi Muerte, with a grin on his face.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: The Horsemen of Death gets his crack at the Ferryman!?
NICK DIAMOND: Now there’s an explosive match!
“I didn’t expect it to be so easy, amigo,” Death admits. “What’s your game?”
“The reason remains my own.” Mortis says, his voice in a steel tone that dissuades any further question.
Mariachi nods, a smirk playing on his lips. “I'm not just after the title, Mortis,” he reveals, his voice steady and sure. “I looked into his eyes, into his soul. I see what’s been obscured there. A lighter. A fire. A…”
“You tread on dangerous ground, Mariachi,” Mortis warns. “While I cannot stop you from revealing the truth, be cautious. To reveal the fire to Tombstone is to play with the flames yourself. It doesn't take much to reignite a flame, especially one that has never truly been extinguished.”
Mariachi's smile widens, his eyes glinting with determination and a hint of recklessness. “I'm well aware of the risks.”
Mortis leans back. “So be it,” he says after a moment. “May the truth bring whatever end it will.”
Muerte turns and leaves the Mortuary, leaving a Igor Mortis to contemplate alone, with a small smile playing on his lips.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: El Mariachi Muerte is playing with fire, Nicky.
NICK DIAMOND: Knowledge may be power, but whose power will it end up being?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: A wild show is about to get even crazier in this Tag Team Tornado match pitting Gemini and Yellow Python against the Uprising's Haywire and Nox!
All four competitors go at it, with Nox and Gemini trading blows while Haywire sends Python out of the ring!
As the Madness pummels away at the Serpent on the floor outside, Gemini turns things around on the Chemist with a high kick!
Nox lands in the corner as Nergal charges at full speed for a cross body...but the Chemist narrowly escapes!
Back outside, Haywire brings Python to his feet...but gets sent hurtling toward the steps courtesy of the Serpent!
In the ring, Nox hits a suplex on Gemini before turning his attention to the arrival of the Serpent...who ducks a gas blast from the Chemist!
Python hits the ropes for speed, launching himself at Nox...who catches the Serpent in mid-air for a power slam!
But as he gets to his feet, Nox is intercepted with a Codebreaker!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: YIN! Gemini driving her knees into the mask of the Chemist!
Nox is stunned on his back as Python makes the cover...but Haywire breaks it up!
Haywire brings Python to the ropes for an Acid Drop!
BOOBY--NO!
Python slips out, jumping off the ropes for a reverse Frankensteiner instead!
CRUSHING COILS!
Haywire lands headfirst onto the canvas as Gemini avoids a short-arm clothesline, using the ropes for a springboard tornado DDT that drops Nox hard!
UNLEASHED!
Gemini with the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: What a win for Gemini and Yellow Python over The Uprising!
Lights, Camera, Mouth
Back with another cold open in the middle of the ring and Scott Sterling is stood alongside Old School Wrestling’s newest hire, Mud Mouth.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,” Sterling says through boo’s. “Please allow me to introduce to you, OSW’s latest signing, Mud Mouth!”
Pitch Black.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: What’s happened to the lights?
NICK DIAMOND: Can you hear that?
The sound of a bird fluttering can be heard and when the lights return, Raven is now stood opposite Mud Mouth in the middle of the ring.
With a microphone in hand, Vengeance doesn’t look best pleased.
“Why were you observing me?” He asks with a gruff growl, looking Mud right in the eyes. “Last week at Rise of the Spartan, as I watched from the rafters, you were watching me. Why?”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: That’s who was observing!?
“I didn’t mean to scare you, dawg,” The Cybernetic Creek King says with a shrug. “But I don’t go anywhere without checking above.”
That confuses Raven and everyone else.
“But look, if we gotta problem, then it is what it is, dude,” he says getting in his face.
Raven suddenly strikes, slamming a fist into the face of Mud Mouth that stumbles him backwards. Both men immediately begin brawling as Sterling exits the ring.
Mouth grabs him…
SPINNERBAIT DRIVER!
DARKNESS!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Again!? Did he hit the Fisherman’s Driver!?
NICK DIAMOND: I can’t see a thing.
When the lights come back on, Raven is gone.
The Ol’ Boy picks up his dropped microphone and smirks.
“Attitude then?” He asks, tossing it aside.
"Ain't a Damn Thing Changed" by Cowboy Killer hits and Mud Mouth takes his leave, checking in with Sterling who confirms the match for Attitude.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: The challenge has been set! Mud Mouth versus Raven at Attitude – if the latter shows up.
NICK DIAMOND: Oh, he’ll show up. But let me ask you something Johnny, why does Mud Mouth always check above?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: I think in due time, we might find out.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Another newcomer here tonight but one has to wonder how he'll measure up the Uprising's Tycoon in Roderick Pym!
The match begins and Pym immediately gets onto Cathaiorleach! He slams him into the turnbuckle and assaults him with lefts and rights before dragging him out of the turnbuckle in a double underhook!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: PERRYWINK! DOUBLE ARM DDT PLANTS THE NEWCOMER!
NICK DIAMOND: By Zeus that looked painful!
The Pym Reaper rolls through and forces Cathaiorleach up for a double underhook suplex that plants him in the center of the ring! The newcomer tries to get to his feet but a boot to the skull keeps him down! Pym looks out in the distance, nodding his head to someone or something before he hits the ropes!
NICK DIAMOND: LEOSAULT! SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT TO CATHAIORLEACH!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: His opponent can't even get a word in edgewise here! Roderick is completely dismantling him!
The newcomer is barely stirring and Roderick continues his assault by forcing him to his feet and nailing him with a chop to the chest! Cathaiorleach nearly falls to the mat but Roderick catches him and pulls him up onto his shoulders!
NICK DIAMOND: POWERBOMB! AND HE'S HAULING HIM BACK UP!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: FOR ANOTHER POWERBOMB! HE CALLS THAT TWIN PEAKS
Mr. Pym peels his opponent up one more time and looks out into the distance once more before locking in the Tazzmission!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: THE OVERDOSE! CATHAIORLEACH IS ALREADY TAPPING!
The referee calls for the bell but Pym doesn't drop the hold until Cathaiorleach goes unconscious in his arms!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: A terrifying display of dominance for Roderick Pym and the whole of the Uprising. I don't think the newcomer is even moving!
Point of No Return
We cut backstage, where Master Ken is preparing to make his exit from Olympus following the bout against Raven...but he quickly realizes he's being followed. The Sensei turns around, where he sees the group of men that previously entered his Dojo...only this time, standing among them is the man they call boss, Jash Khan.
"Such a fine looking fellow, innit," Jash remarks, much to the amusement of his employees. "This is the man that calls himself Sensei, as if there isn't someone new runnin' things around here."
"I'm assuming you're here to accept my offer," Ken states, scowling at the Raja Roadman. "Otherwise, I'm heading back to my Dojo to teach my students."
This draws a laugh from Khan and his cronies.
"Bruddah, I'm offering you a chance to stand down," Jash replies, sizing up the Sensei all the while. "Trying to go against me is the biggest cock-up you could pull. This little challenge of yours is fine and dandy, but if you won't accept the money..."
"This is not about money," the Sensei retorts, standing his ground. "This is about honor, and I have no problem teaching you a lesson about that."
Jash turns to his men with a smirk, shaking his head.
"That's on you then, bruddah," Khan replies with a chuckle. "I want you to remember this moment, 'cause it'll be a point of no return at Attitude. Consider your challenge accepted, but I'm not afraid to take what I want by force...and you will feel the wrath of Khan."
With this, the group shoves past the Sensei, who is left to stare them down in frustration ahead of the tall task ahead of Master Ken.
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: The first match for Professor Finkle is looking to be a tough one here tonight as he takes on the terrifying Praying Mantis, Dahlia Black!
Finkle plays it smart as he sticks to his corner and forces Dahlia to come to him! He ducks a haymaker and catches a kick that he counters with a dragon screw! Bartholomew holds onto the leg and lays into it with powerful kicks before dragging her to the middle of the ring!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Volatility! He locks in the Figure Four!
NICK DIAMOND: Right in the center of the ring, too!
Dahlia yells in agony as Finkle locks in the hold in tight! He tries to bridge for extra pressure but Dahlia claws at his legs! She draws blood and Finkle is forced to let go! He get to his feet just to receive a barrage of strikes that back him into the ropes! Dahlia whips him across the ring!
NICK DIAMOND: CRIME OF PASSION!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: THE THEZ PRESS LANDS AND SHE'S JUST PUMMELING HIM WITH BLOWS NICKY!
Miss Murder leaps to her feet and goes to attack again but gets hit by a leg sweep to her injured leg! Professor Finkle is back to his feet and tries to stomp the knee but Dahlia rolls out of the way and leaps to her feet! Finkle hits the ropes!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: SUPPLY & DEMAND! SPINNING HOOK KICK!
NICK DIAMOND: NO! DAHLIA GRABS HIM FOR A KISS! SHE DROPS HIM WITH THE SPINNING REVERSE STO! KISS OF DEATH!
Dahlia covers!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: An impressive showing by Finkle, but it'll take more than that to take down OSW's Black Rose!
Burning Point
The match comes to a close, but the action in the ring is far from over. As Finkle makes his leave, he is interrupted by the sound of hooves.
NICK DIAMOND: Oh, we've heard this before. Apokalypsis is here, and they're riding their steeds.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Dahliah Black is isolated right now, vulnerable. An opportunity strike perhaps?
Two horses ride past Finkle towards the ring. Riders dismount, Drewitt and Gemini slip inside, and corner Black. But before they can even lay a finger on her, members of the Uprising appear from within the crowd, climbing the barricades and as ending upon the ring.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Aster Gray and Haywire hold Drewitt back while Roderick Pym, Escher and Dahliah Black assault Gemini.
NICK DIAMOND: They're beating the daylights out of her, a three on one onslaught and Drewitt can only watch!
Gemini is dropped to the canvas and the group take to stomping all over her, before the crowd pop… The Pool Boys are here!
Doom, Foley, Destructo Boy and Blaze charge the ring and we descend into an all out brawl.
It's Apokalypsis, Pool Boys and The Uprising. All hell breaks loose, with the three sides not backing down. Uprising members are tossed from the ring by the Pool Boys until only Roderick Pym and Harvey Escher remain. Drewitt manages to pull Gemini to her feet and they stand back to back, ready to face any and all comers.
NICK DIAMOND: It's chaos in the ring! Things have really come to a burning point tonight.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Something has to give, they'll tear this place apart.
And something does give, in the form of a voice penetrating through the air, booming in its amplification.
“Cut this out, all of you. Right now.”
Scott Sterling is making his way to the ring, and he is pissed.
“Twice tonight now, I've had the displeasure of coming out here to address the unwashed masses.You want to sling handbags at each other and cause a scene in my ring, you force me to come and settle things.”
He eyeballs each of the remaining members in the ring.
“This is going to be done my way. Next week, at Attitude… You're going to be fighting officially. And the OSW Tag Team Championships are on the line.”
Sterling addresses Roderick Pym and Harvey Escher.
“You two will represent the Uprising.”
Then Gemini and Drewitt
“You two will represent Apokalypsis.”
Then he turns to the Pool Boys.
“Doom and Foley will defend their titles, but Burning Justice will also be competing… against them.”
He steps back, snarling.
“It's a four way tag match for those belts, now…” he points at every person within his vicinity. “Get the Underworld out of my ring.”
The Uprising slink away, followed by Apokalypsis riding into the night, leaving the Pool Boys alone in the ring, now clearly divided into two teams.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Well, Sterling set it up. And the Pool Boys will find themselves competing against each other.
NICK DIAMOND: And two other teams Johnny. This is going to be chaos. How will the Best Friends hold onto their titles?
From the look on Felix Foley's face, he's wondering the same thing.
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Tonight is all about the Uprising vs. OSW but here we have the Uprising fighting itself as the leader, Narcissa goes one on one against one of her loyal henchmen in Aster Gray.
The bell sounds as Gray looks apprehensive, not sure about fighting his boss as Narcissa just scowls, urging Aster to come at her. Gray obliges, rushing forward with a lariat that Narcissa bridges underneath, stunning Gray with a forearm to the back before she rushes to the ropes, bouncing off
WRAP AROUND HEADSCISSORS! OPRESSIVE LIBERTY!
Aster stumbles to his feet into a flurry of blows from Hera before she rushes to the ropes once more, bouncing off
Into a LIFE ending SPINNING SPINEBUSTAH!
NICK DIAMOND: And just like that, Gray may well have given his leader a loss here Johnny.
Gray pulls Narcissa up, pounding down on her with powerful forearms before lifting her up high into the air, before driving her down onto his knee with a brutal Brainbuster.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Just like he showed Narcissa Life, he shows her Death there Nick.
Gray doesn't cover, instead pulls Narcissa up as he rocks her with a brutal rib crushing knee before lifting her up high into the air, looking for that Malicious Crucifix Powerbomb but Narcissa slips out at the last second, clipping Aster's knee before rushing to the ropes as she bounces off
CALL TO ARMS! RUNNING METEORA TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!
Narcissa doesn't cover, instead pulling Aster up, looking to irish whip him but pulling him back
REVOLUTION...NO! Aster catches the kick, spinning Narcissa around before gripping her around the throat
JOHNNY GOMEZ: ALL GRAY! Brutal Chokeslam by the Gray Man there as he covers, Mills Lane beginning the count
BUT NO! WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT!?
VISION PULLS THE REFEREE TO THE OUTSIDE! HE SLIDES INTO THE RING AS THE REFEREE CALLS FOR THE BELL, NAILING ASTER WITH A STEEL CHAIR!
STEEL CHAIR FOR NARCISSA TOO! THE REFEREE HAS HAD ENOUGH! HE'S CALLED IT!
NICK DIAMOND: Aster Grey was on the precipice of beating the leader of the Uprising until Vision interjected! The referee has called this off. It's a draw! Look how proud of himself Vision is.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Vision was announced for their match at Ring of Dreams, Nicky. You can bet that Aster will want on that team now.
Strange Bedfellows
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Narcissa isn’t done out here, Nicky. She’s got a microphone!
NICK DIAMOND: I think we all know what she’s going to say.
Brushing off her clothes from her match with Aster Gray, Hera’s gaze pierces through the sea of faces until it finds the camera, making sure all of Arcadia can hear her.
“I know you're watching, Colt Ramsey,” she begins, her voice accusatory. “I know you were behind the sneak smoke attack last week. Let's settle this.”
Moments later, without any ado, Ramsey walks out onto the stage.
“Sneak?” he scoffs, his voice echoing through the arena. “It wasn't supposed to be a sneak attack, Narcy doll. You sent Nox to attack the Church of Zion. You made this personal. Now, I'm coming for you. For the Children.”
But before Colt can continue, the atmosphere shifts.
NICK DIAMOND: Hostile Down to Colt Ramsey!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: It’s Jackson freakin’ Cade!
NICK DIAMOND: He was caught up in that attack last week!
The crowd explodes as Ramsey crawls up the ramp, shaken but not down. He’s between a Cade and a Hera. Cade grabs the microphone Ramsey had used.
“You screwed up, Ramsey,” he declares, his voice cutting through the noise. “By including me in your little attack, you made this personal. The three of us aren’t strangers, so let’s not bullshit here. Let's not pretend we're anything but what we are. Enemies.”
He pauses, letting his words sink in. “Let's forgo the pleasantries,” Cade continues, looking up towards Narcissa. “Let's settle this in the middle of the ring at Attitude. You, me, and Narcissa.”
Ramsey glares towards both his foes, nodding his approval, mouthing out ‘For Zion’ as he does so.
“Of course.” Narcissa answers coldly, not taking her eyes off of Ramsey. “For the Children.”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: It’s settled! Jackson Cade verses Colt Ramsey verses Narcissa Balenciaga at Attitude! What a match!
NICK DIAMOND: With all the bad blood between those three, it’s going to be an absolute warzone!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: We have a big time main event here folks as the seemingly undefeatable Tombstone faces off against a sadistic psychopath in the Diorama Killer. This is Harvey Escher's biggest test yet thou Nick, very few people can say they took our World Champion to the limit let alone beat him.
NICK DIAMOND: This may not be about beating him thou Johnny, with little over a month to Pandemonium, Narcissa may be just looking to soften up and hurt Tombstone. Give him a few scars the Artist can use to bring that title to the Uprising.
The bell sounds as Escher rushes forward, delivering a running clothesline to Tombstone...
That does absolutely nothing.
Escher damn near bounces off the Ferryman who just glares down at Escher with disdain in his eyes. Escher looks undeterred, as he rushes forward once more, trying to pound down lefts and rights onto Tombstone that seem to barely do any damage before he rushes to the ropes once more
BUT YOU CAN'T RUN AT THE FERRYMAN! BOSSMAN SLAAAMMM!
Escher nearly gets put through the mat with the sheer force of that side slam, stumbling up to his feet into a hard thrust to the throat that stumbles Escher back, before a second rocks him and a third sends him flying back in the air
NICK DIAMOND: You can't ignore the Ferryman knocking Johnny as Tombstone just busts down the door of Escher's resistance.
The Diorama Killer is sent back first into the buckles, steel crumpling flesh as Tombstone rushes forward but Escher just avoids an Avalanche Splash. Tombstone hits the steel but it barely affects him as he turns around, sneering at a backpeddling Escher before rushing forward
BETTER THEN CHLOROFORM! DROP TOE HOLD ONTO THE BOTTOM ROPE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Escher gets the momentary advantage, stunning the Ferryman before running forward as he delivers a Basement Dropkick to the back of the head, sending Tombstone face first into the steel cage
Tombstone is stunned by the cage shot, Escher delivering a hard elbow that sends him back into the cage before getting onto the apron. Escher pulls up Tombstone to his knees, wrapping his arms around his neck
MODIFIED RUSSIAN LEGSWEEP INTO THE CAGE!
The Ferryman is rocked and in trouble here as Escher climbs up the nearby ropes, getting onto the top turnbuckle as he pulls the groggy Tombstone up
THE POSING! Escher tries to lock in the Hanging Dragon Sleeper but he can't quite get the hold fully on as Tombstone is fighting as he reaches above, grabbing onto Escher
AND THROWS HIM HALF WAY ACROSS THE RING WITH PURE POWER!
Escher flies so far forward he nearly rolls into the cage, barely able to stop himself with the ropes. The Diorama Killer slowly stumbles to his feet, completely shaken by the inhuman power of Tombstone as the Ferryman rushes forward
JAW BREAKING BIG BOOT!
Escher nearly gets knocked out cold there as he stumbles to his feet into a mammoth headbutt before he's lifted up high
JOHNNY GOMEZ: ODE TO CHARON! Back Breaking Jackknife Powerbomb and Escher has to be in trouble here Nick.
Tombstone isn't done as he lifts Escher up once more, delivering a second Jackknife and a third before powering him up once more as he rushes forward
INTO THE STEEL CAGE...NO! Escher just manages to slip out the back before grabbing hold of Tombstone as he falls in a Sleeper Hold. Tombstone tries to fight out but he begins to stumble and fade...almost far too quickly.
NICK DIAMOND: I'd bet you anything Johnny that one of Escher's favorite tools are being used here. Tombstone might be the toughest bastard around but if you can't breath, you can't fight
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Indeed, Escher now has that cloth wrapped around Tombstone's face, as Demi Sky can't do anything about it.
NICK DIAMOND: No rules in a Steel Cage match Johnny. Only way to win is to escape and it doesn't matter if your opponent is concious or not.
Tombstone begins to slowly fade away, seemingly going limp in Escher's arms but Harvey doesn't let go, instead pulling him over to the corner. The Diorama Killer looking for one of his famous setpieces here as he manages to prop Tombstone up on the ropes. Harvey backs up, posing his hands as he captures the image of Tombstone before running forward
JOHNNY GOMEZ: DIORAMA! The knee hits hard and that has to be it there as all Harvey Escher has to do is climb the cage and he has beaten the world champion.
Escher doesn't step towards the ropes thou. Instead, he looks down at the fallen Tombstone, pulling him up to his knees with a wicked smile on his face.
NICK DIAMOND: I don't think he wants to just beat him Johnny, I think he's been told to make him hurt.
Harvey reaches into his jacket and with that same wicked smile etched onto his face, he pulls out a razor sharp knife.
All the better to cut the Ferryman with.
Harvey holds the blade up high for a moment, admiring it before he plunges it down
JOHNNY GOMEZ: TOMBSTONE CATCHES THE BLADE!
Blood pools down Tombstone's hand but he doesn't notice the pain through the raw fury in his eyes. Escher tries to cut deeper with all his strength but Tombstone easily pulls the knife away, rocking Escher with a headbutt before tossing the blade aside.
BLOOD RED LARIAT! DISCUS LARIAT OUT OF NOWHERE TAKES TOMBSTONE DOWN
BUT THE FERRYMAN IMMEDIATELY SITS UP!
NICK DIAMOND: Oh Escher has messed up now, as he sprints to the ropes, trying to climb out but the Ferryman is hot on his heels.
Escher quickly climbs up, kicking away the hand of Tombstone that tries to drag him back down but he's barely able to get to the top before the cage shake with fury. Escher clinging to the top for dear life as he doesn't want to fall that far down to the concrete floor.
Tombstone gets to the top of the cage, gripping Escher by the throat
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Escher's bell is about to be tolled as he's lifted up high...FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS DOWN TO THE CANVAS!
Harvey Escher falls ten, fifteen feet down onto the canvas, as Tombstone casually climbs down the other side of the cage, dropping down on the floor as Demi Sky calls for the bell,
NICK DIAMOND: Tombstone picks up the emphatic victory here Johnny, absolutely brutalizing Escher in these ending moments.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: It's what happens when you take Tombstone lightly Nick, you may get one chance to avoid the Ferryman but he'll always get his man.
The Fire, II
Tombstone stands in the ring, the glow of his match fading.
But a music note floats in from the crowd, tinged with energy that can only come from one.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: El Mariachi Muerte!
NICK DIAMOND: Is he going to reveal the fire now, Gomez?
As it hits Tombstone, the World Champion seems to wobble before falling to the ground as a voice sings out.
“Open your mind to the truth within.”
It’s El Mariachi Muerte.
But Tombstone’s vision is no longer of Olympus. It’s of the past. Of night air thick with tension.
An enraged Tombstone, still fresh from his terminal disease, strides towards Illumination Antiques, a fire of vengeance burning in his eyes.
Fernicus Lamplight, the owner, and his young son Albert are tidying up for the night when the door crashes open. Tombstone, a menacing silhouette against the moonlit entryway, storms in. Fernicus, recognizing the danger, stands protectively in front of Albert, but his stance is no deterrent to Tombstone's wrath.
“How can I he…” Without a word, Tombstone lunges at Fernicus, knocking aside any semblance of peace. A right hand staggers Lamplight, before Tombstone pulls him in closely to stare directly in his eyes.
“You can take what you took from me. You can die.” Tombstone says as he unleashes his pent-up anger on Fernicus. The screaming of little Albert is no salve to the rage burning in the Ferryman.
In the chaos, Tombstone pulls out a lighter, given to him by Igor Mortis. As he flicks it, the flames reflect his inner turmoil settling into rage.
With malice in his eyes, he sets the first table he sees alight.
Then another.
Then another.
Until the whole shop is ablaze.
Fernicus, desperate and fearing for his life and his son's, stumbles into the basement, pleading with Tombstone to spare them.
"You took the boat willingly!" he cries out, hoping to ignite some sense of reason in his assailant. But Tombstone, consumed by his vendetta, grabs Fernicus by the neck, lifting him with a terrifying ease, empowered by his newfound curse.
With his last breath, Fernicus remains defiant, "My son will avenge me." The words hang in the air, a futile curse, before Tombstone’s fingers lock together.
SNAP!
“No!” The high-pitched voice of the preteen Albert roars as he now holds a table fragment. But even a child cannot escape the wrath of the terminal man. The fire intensifying around them, Tombstone turns his wrathful gaze on Albert, intent on erasing any trace of Fernicus from the world.
But fate intervenes.
A piece of the burning ceiling collapses, separating them and setting Tombstone ablaze.
He rushes out into the night, the flames engulfing him, but then, something miraculous happens—his skin begins to heal at an extraordinary pace, the fire leaving no mark.
For the Ferryman cannot die.
As Illumination Antiques burns to a crisp before him, Tombstone allows himself a smile.
FLUTTER.
In the center of Olympus, Tombstone is gone. A Stop ■ symbol appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: What in the blazes just happened!? What did Tombstone see!?
NICK DIAMOND: I have a feeling El Mariachi Muerte’s going to regret whatever he just showed the World Champion come Attitude.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: It’s going to be a war!
Static.
Click.