MONDAY NIGHT DINNER
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
Jackson Cade enters the Cade family home with the look of a broken man. He closes the door behind him and heads towards the dining room where his mother and father are laughing with each other, almost canoodling. As soon as mom spots Jackson, she knows that something is wrong.
“What’s the matter Jacky?” She says, leaving her husband and going to his side.
George looks confused. He too stands.
“If you have bad news, let’s wait for your brother,” Pop suggests, putting his hands on his hips.
“Sit down,” Jackson says to his mom, ushering her to a seat. George follows, his eyes not leaving his son as he carefully sits between them.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Welcome to NXT Level, folks. If you've just joined us, Jackson Cade is sitting down with his parents...
NICK DIAMOND: And things are about to get emotional.
“It’s time I told you the truth about Joey,” he admits. “Joey hasn’t been away like you’d thought he’d been away. He was on Deathrow.”
Both parents look at each other in shock.
“And whilst he was there, he became entangled with a man called Jasper Redgrave; a serial killer. They broke out of Deathrow and Jasper has had his hooks in Joey ever since.”
“George…” Mary asks with a whimper. He grabs her hand in comfort.
Jackson closes his eyes.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Can you imagine how devestating this is for them?
NICK DIAMOND: For all they know, CJ Thorpe is dead.
“I’ve been trying to bring him back, ma. I swear it. I’ve been trying to make him realize but he’s just too pig-headed,” he says defeated. “But things have gotten worse.”
“How?” George demands to know.
“Jasper Redgrave killed Harold Attano’s daughter. Harold used to be a hitman for Zeus and he kidnapped Joey to try and force some sense into him.”
“Oh no!” Mary yells out, weeping.
“Which was one thing, but it didn’t work. Harold couldn’t fix him, so he handed him off to someone I don’t know and I’m afraid terrible things are happening to him.”
Mary is inconsolable, sobbing into the arms of her husband who comforts her. Jackson stands up and heads towards the door, looking back at his parents.
“You find your fucking brother, son,” George demands of him. “Go..”
Cade nods.
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: We kick off the in-ring action with the Sharpshooter taking aim at the Raja Roadman, as Mark Hayes faces Jash Khan!
Hayes is quick to evade the charge of Khan, throwing a kick that sends Jash reeling back.
Mark follows through, sending the Raja Roadman to the corner before rushing toward him for a clothesline...but Khan narrowly evades!
The impact sends Hayes right into the path of a clubbing forearm by Khan, who then tosses the Sharpshooter violently through the middle ropes to the outside!
TU REHVA DE!
NICK DIAMOND: Hayes just got sent flying out of the ring!
Jash leaves the ring, looking to cause more damage as Marks struggles back to his feet...catching the Raja Roadman by surprise with a right hand!
Hayes targets the right leg of Khan with some kicks before sending him back into the ring to continue the attack with some stomps.
Khan slowly fights his way back to a vertical base however, shoving the Sharpshooter away before hitting a series of punches to the stomach!
THE LOOSE--NO!
Hayes escapes on the third punch, sending the Raja Roadman into the corner facing away...giving Mark the opening to hit a Stinger Splash!
THE RATTLER CONNECTS!
Khan's still on his feet, but he looks wobbly as Hayes looks to sweep his leg out from under him!
STO--NO!
Jash breaks out, driving a powerful thumb spike to the throat of Hayes!
KHANT SPEAK!
Khan covers!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Jash Khan with a win over the Sharpshooter, taking Mark Hayes down for the count!
WHEN THE SCALES OF JUSTICE TIP II
The Dragon Warrior Dojo. Inside, young warriors are busy training and honing their skill. It is a pinnacle of honor and discipline, a hall of immersive learning in the craft of Ken-Do. The dojo stands stoically in amidst the backdrop of an Arcadia that is anything but honorable.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Last week, the scales of justice tipped towards Master Ken. With him now firmly, solely in the sights of Blaze, one would have to assume that Master Ken is in deep danger right now.
NICK DIAMOND: In all of Blaze’s investigating, in all of the evidence he’s gathered, for whatever reason… it is Ken who has shown up as his suspect. Did this man of honor set that fire that killed Blaze’s wife? The question has to be asked. Why?
JOHNNY GOMEZ: I don’t know, Nicky… Wait? Is that…
The voice of Johnny Gomez trails off as the unmistakable figure of Blaze emerges on the scene. He’s pouring a substance on the ground around the perimeter of the dojo from a large barrel. The line of liquid creates a trail that leads to a hidden location around the side of the dojo where a dozen more barrels are tucked away out of sight.
Blaze’s barrel runs dry and he drops it, kicking it towards the front door of the dojo. He stands, glaring at the dragon logo on the front wall.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: What the hell is Blaze doing here?
NICK DIAMOND: That look in his eye. It means only one thing. Justice is about to be served…
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Justice is a dish best served cold. But Blaze has intentions of serving this particular brand of justice on a hot plate. Only, Master Ken is not at his dojo. He's set to compete in Olympus.
Blaze raises his hand, in which he holds a lighter.
“Ken.” He shouts in the direction of the closed door. “The scales of justice never lie. My wife must be avenged, so you will die in the very same manner that you killed her.”
There is no remorse, not so much as a second thought as Blaze tosses the lighter towards the ground. Instantly, the trail of accelerant that he had created ignites. Flames erupt in orange and blue and race towards the hidden barrels.
BOOM!
Moments later, all of Arcadia seems to shake as the barrels ignite. The Dragon Warrior Dojo erupts into flame. Blaze continues to stand, looking at the dragon logo on the front wall as it melts, bubbles and ignites.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: No! Blaze just set fire to Master Ken’s Dojo!
NICK DIAMOND: I told you that Blaze is seeing nothing but his vengeance. A flame for a flame is harsh payment for the horrors of his past.
Only then does Blaze turn and walk away. He needs not look any further, for he knows that there is no saving the Dojo now. Screams erupt from within, souls desperately trying to get out of the burning dojo.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Ken's dojo is going up in flames, and there is nothing he can do to save it. He doesn't even know!
The dojo burns quickly, crumbling and collapsing as it succumbs to the flames. The camera pans out.
A figure watches from the distance. Unseen.
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Things could get downright messy here as Mud Mouth takes on Master Ken!
Mud Mouth gets the jump on the Sensei with some hard right hands, sending Ken to the ropes for a clothesline!
He then takes to the ropes for a running senton...but Ken escapes in the nick of time, forcing the Creek Water King to crash onto the canvas!
Ken gets into a stance as Mud Mouth rises to his feet, staring the Sensei down before taking a swing...but Ken blocks it, nailing him with a palm strike before connecting with a spinning legsweep!
NICK DIAMOND: STREET SWEEPER! Mud Mouth took a mighty tumble there as Ken goes for the cover!
ONE!
TW--NO!
Mud Mouth kicks out, rolling away from the Sensei to get back on his feet.
Ken steps closer, looking for a lunging roundhouse kick...but the Creek Water King dodges it!
He rushes at the Master, connecting with a Superman Punch!
BUCKSHOT BLASTER!
The Sensei gets sent reeling back, giving Mud Mouth the opening to use the ropes for a springboard tornado DDT!
CREEKWATER--NO!
Ken slips out of Mud Mouth's grip, sending the Creek Water King to the corner!
Mud Mouth charges toward the Sensei...only for Ken takes a swing at him with a spinning backfist!
HAND OF--NO!
Mud Mouth catches the Sensei by surprise, spinning him with a fisherman's driver into the canvas!
SPINNERBAIT DRIVER!
Mud Mouth makes the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Mud Mouth picks up the win over Master Ken, keeping the Sensei in check in the process!
PRESSURE
We cut backstage, where a frustrated Narcissa is walking down one of the halls of Olympus alongside Victor Doom and Roderick Pym.
NICK DIAMOND: Narcissa seems awful angry, Johnny.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Somehow I don't think it's about her match against Raven later!
We soon see at least one reason the Double Feature Champion may be peeved...as a pair of Jash Khan's cronies approaches, with the blond-haired Hollywood most notable.
"Where is your boss?" asks the Uprising leader, forcing Hollywood to raise his hands in defense.
"No dramas, missus," he replies, though the smirk on his face undercuts the tone. "The boss sends his regards, he opted to veg-out before we get out of this joint but wanted me to deliver the answer you seek."
"Good," Narcissa says, her face softening just slightly. "Hopefully your boss understands the importance of standing with the Uprising."
"He understands how important this is for you, alright," Hollywood states, immediately raising Narcissa's guard back up in the process. "A man of Khan's influence is always helpful in trying times such as these. He knows the pressure of making tough decisions...and he thinks you're under the cosh to make the right friends in your little fracas against Zeus."
Narcissa is nearly taken aback by the statement, but is stopped from responding by the Raja Roadman's right-hand man.
"The boss feels he's best suited to stay a neutral party in this matter," Hollywood continues. "But if you're looking to sway him toward your cause...he's gonna need something in return."
Narcissa looks confused by that statement, until she notices Hollywood eyeing the Double Feature Championship around her waist. She acknowledges this silently, prompting a wide grin from the crony.
"That belt you have holds a lot of respect to it, missus," Hollywood states. "The boss wants a crack at it, to see if you deserve to have that level of respect."
Narcissa nods with a smile of her own, accepting the challenge before Khan's men smile and walk away.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Jash Khan has just laid down the challenge for the Double Feature Championship!
NICK DIAMOND: Narcissa looks more than up for it, but now it's a matter of when this goes down!
Cut.
BY FORCE
"And I promise, by the words of Zion himself, that I will never lay hands upon that vile door!" We find ourselves in the Church of Zion, a plethora of followers sitting in their pews and listening fervently to Reverend Troy at the pulpit. "Nobody, and I mean nobody could ever convince me to step foot back in that land!" The crowd claps and cheers as Lionel Troy speaks.
Suddenly, however, the sounds of chirping and buzzing begin to fill the church, the inhabitants looking around in confusion. Meanwhile Troy nods to Ramsey, the former journo walking down the aisle of pews to the front door, creaking it open ever so slightly.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: LOCUSTS! RAMSEY JUST GOT SWARMED!
NICK DIAMOND: Disgusting!
The inside of the room spills over with a ravenous swarm! Lionel Troy ducks behind his podium only for the doors of the church to be kicked open!
GUITAR SHOT BY EL MARIACHI MUERTE TO COLT RAMSEY! RAMSEY HITS THE FLOOR IN A HEAP!
In the doorway stands Apokalypsis. Drewitt and Gemini, both lead into the room by El Mariachi Muerte. The Death Singer motions to Drewitt, directing him to lift the unconscious Colt onto his shoulders! The Children of Zion are forced down by Gemini's swarm and only Lionel Troy stands up enough to see the invaders. Muerte glances up to Troy, jutting a finger to the unconscious Ramsey.
"If you want him back," Muerte says with a surprisingly calm tone, "then you will meet us back in No Man's Land." He turns to the rest of Apokalypsis, the three of them marching away with a hostage in tow.
NICK DIAMOND: That was just vicious, Johnny!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: You said it, Nicky. Apokalypsis isn't playing games, they want Troy to touch that door.
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: We have a big debut here tonight Nick as Malakai Midnight makes his Olympic debut against the Burning Man.
NICK DIAMOND: The Midnight Man made a big impact last week with his Night Owls but can he make that same impact inside the squared circle?
The bell sounds as Malakai rushes forward, looking to end this immediately with the Big Boot but Blaze ducks underneath, bouncing off the ropes before nailing Midnight with a Leg Lariat. Malakai staggers up into a flurry of lefts and rights before Blaze spins around
KINGDOMFALLL...NO! Midnight ducks underneath before rocking Blaze back with a snap headbutt
JOHNNY GOMEZ: DEVIL'S ADVOCATE! Spinning forearm out of nowhere as Blaze looks out on his feet, leaving him vulnerable for the Midnight Plex!
Fishermans Suplex hits perfectly, Malakai bridging back for the pinfall as Cole Holt drops down to count
ONE
..............
.................
TWO
.............
.......................
BLAZE GETS THE SHOULDER UP!
Midnight pulls him up but Blaze pushes him away, nailing the Kingdomfall out of nowhere. Brutal spinning elbow staggers Malakai back before Blaze rushes to the ropes, bouncing off
NICK DIAMOND: FLAMETONGUE! John Woo Dropkick sends Malakai flying across the ring
Blaze rushes over, pulling Midnight up to his feet as he looks for the end but a big uppercut staggers Blaze back as Midnight backs up, rushing forward
CLOCK STRIKES MIDNIGHT! Brutal Big Boot knocks Blaze out cold as Midnight drops down for the cover,
ONE
...........
TWO
...............
THREE!!!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Malakai Midnight picks up the huge upset victory here tonight, putting down a former champion in Blaze as he makes a huge statement so close to Pandemonium.
UNDER SEIGE
Ringside.
Malakai Midnight stands victorious in the middle of the ring with a smile. The lights suddenly him and the tron flickers.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: What’s this? Not more of his parlour tricks I hope.
Backstage.
There’s a large kerfuffle in the backstage area, with noises of someone being brutally assaulted. As we arrive with a shaky handheld camera – not one of ours, we’re witness to a hooded man pummelling away at Mark Hayes.
He has him grounded on the floor and mounted, slamming powerful right hands into his face as blood splatters across the room with the ferocity of each blow.
Static.
Zap.
The footage switches, this time to recorded earlier, in which Mud Mouth is being watched sat on a bench drinking a couple of Mud-Weiser’s. Four hooded men suddenly attack him from behind, beating away at him.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: My Zeus! They’re attacking everyone!
NICK DIAMOND: I wouldn’t like to be in the way of Malakai Midnight, Johnny.
Cut.
The fans boo as Malakai Midnight retrieves a microphone.
“Welcome to the Midnight Hour, little owls,” he says with a sneer. There’s a brief and quiet sound of hooting coming from the audience. It’s clear he has followers here with him tonight.
The lights go dark and the sound of bird wings flapping sounds through building.
“CAW…CAW…CAW…CAW”
The guitar rift from the beginning of Something in the Way begins to play as Raven emerges from the back. He slowly walks down to the ring, eyes locked only on Midnight. He gets inside and stands opposite the man who had him beaten last week.
“It seems I’m missing from your little video montage,” he says with a growl. “I wonder why that is. Are you afraid, Malakai? You ought to be.”
Midnight chuckles.
“Of course not Raven. I just wanted to see your face..”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh this won’t be good.
Footage suddenly rolls. Again, it’s shaky hand held cam footage and this time it’s at the Mortuary. The footage walks up to the grave with a name on it; Sarah Windham – Raven’s now deceased fiancé.
NICK DIAMOND: That son of a…
Raven snaps, but Midnight has already escaped the ring.
“You don’t get it, do you little owl?” Malakai asks from the top of the ramp, now surrounded by bodyguards. “Lambs to the Slaughter will be mine. The devil is in the details and you’d better believe that no-one, and I mean no-one, is as meticulous as I when it comes to the details.”
Midnight heads to the back as Raven kicks the ropes in frustration.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Raven needs to find a way to compose himself. He’s up next against Narcissa.
NICK DIAMOND: First, I hear we’re headed to No Man’s Land.
THE HOUND
The scene opens for us to see Apokalypsis walking back into No Man's Land. Colt Ramsey rests upon Drewitt's shoulders, the Child of Zion now handcuffed and unable to fight back.
"Do you think Troy cares enough about Colt to come back out here?" Asks Drewitt, the horseman shifting Colt on his shoulders.
"Well," Muerte starts, "if he wants to appeal to his congregation, then he must. If he would not save someone as loyal as Ramsey, then his congregation may question him."
"A good plan. Where do you want me to put him?" Drewitt asks, motioning to Colt.
"In your cabin, if that's okay."
Nodding, Drewitt walks towards the small structure, stepping foot inside and finding himself stopped in the doorway, as though frozen in place.
His eyes glaze over.
Flash.
Frostbite.
Drewitt lays in bed, his head buried in a pillow, eyes red and sore.
The sound of growling erupts onto the scene .Drewitt sits bolt upright, his nose coming face to face with blood red eyes and the snarling familiar face.
It’s Colt.
Only not as you know him.
He’s as black as night, his eyes as red as blood and his snarling teeth roaring in the face of his former master.
A hell hound.
Drewitt blinks, backing away. Only now as he looks at Colt again, he's no longer a hellhound. No, he's just as he always was.
Flash.
We find ourselves once again looking at Drewitt, the explorer shaking his head in confusion before coming back to reality. He continues inside of his cabin, closing the door behind himself.
Cut.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Raven has been undefeated so far, but can the Death Walker overcome the leader of Deathrow?
The bell rings and Narcissa ducks past as Raven grabs at her, spinning and catching him in the back of the knee! He drops and Hera hits the ropes, coming back with a bicycle knee strike!
NICK DIAMOND: THE UPRISING! WHAT A KNEE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: RAVEN MIGHT ALREADY BE OUT!
The Designer forces Raven up, whipping him across the ring and going for another Uprising Knee!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: FINAL APPROACH! THE SPEAR!
NICK DIAMOND: HE JUST BROKE NARCISSA IN HALF!
Raven leaps to his feet and continues his assault as he suplexes Narcissa back to the mat! He rolls on top and lays into her with vicious lefts and rights! Vengeance stands back up and deadlifts Narcissa off of the mat before going for a German Suplex!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: NARCISSA BACKFLIPPED OVERHEAD!
NICK DIAMOND: DROPKICK TO THE BACK! HE SLAMS INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!
Hera rushes forwards and nails a leaping double knee to the spine! Raven stumbles out and Narcissa leaps up with a powerful hurricanrana that throws Raven into the middle of the ring! Narcissa stalks Raven as he slowly gets to his feet in the center of the ring! She grabs him from behind!
NICK DIAMOND: REVOLUTION! RIPCORD KNEE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: IT CATCHES RAVEN RIGHT IN THE JAW! THE DEATH WALKER GOES DOWN!
Narcissa covers!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Well that answers my question! Raven put up a hell of a fight but it'll take a lot more than that to put Hera down!
VIDEO ANALYSIS
In the DOOM Factory, DOOM is busy on a platform with many screens, chopping and changing between them as Felix Foley entertains The Yellow Python and The Blue Shark below with a tea party.
Something he clearly hadn’t thought through.
“I just didn’t take into account the masks,” he says shamefully, sipping on his tea. “I’m really really sorry.”
Python shrugs.
“It’s okay dude,” he says with a light chuckle. “We’re more intrigued about why you called us here.”
Foley looks up at Doom, who nods back at him.
The platform slowly lowers to the ground and turns to face the Kingdom and Foley.
On the screen is the footage from a few weeks ago in which The Red Falcon is being held hostage by The Black Panther.
“I wanted to check the footage to ensure that you two weren’t pulling a fast one,” Doom says grumpily.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Doom doesn’t trust The Kingdom.
NICK DIAMOND: He thinks they just want title shots. But the threat is real.
“I told him he didn’t need to do that…”
“But I did,” he growls. “And what I discovered is that you’re not. I ran some diagnostics on the footage and have managed to discover the location in which it was filmed.”
The Yellow Python and The Blue Shark look at one another. You can’t tell, but under those masks, they must be shocked.
“Can you take us there?” Shark desperately wants to know.
“We can, but it might be a trap,” Foley warns.
Shark stands up.
“We’re game if you are,” he says confidently. “We need to find our brother. We must.”
“Well, if you must…” Doom says.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh wow. The Besties are going with the Kingdom to try and find The Red Falcon!
NICK DIAMOND: Foley might have good intentions but you know Doom is only doing this so he won’t have to face them at Pandemonium.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: You’re probably right.
Cut.
Johnny Gomez: Up next, we have one of our resident Superheroes and Pool Boy, Destructo Boy taking on Number One Contender and Serial Killer Jasper Redgrave.
Referee Mill Stanton calls for the bell and our match is underway as Destructo Boy lashes out and Redgrave side steps him guiding him under the bottom rope.
*BAM!*
The Artist dumps The Kid on his head with a Hung Rope DDT!
Nick Diamond: BLOOD ON THE CANVAS BY JASPER REDGRAVE PUTS DESTRUCTO BOY FLAT ON HIS DOME!
Redgrave looks to carry momentum picks up The Black Heart who snaps to life kicking Jasper in the back of the leg, dropping him to a knee before hitting the ropes...
*KER-SMACK!*
The Kid drives his knee into the forehead of The Artist leveling him with the Shining Wizard!
Johnny Gomez: JAPER REDGRAVE WAS BLINDED AND WILL SEE... NO... EVIL!
Destructo Boy rushes to the top rope looking to capitalize on Redgrave’s state. Shooting Star Knee Drop directly to the throat of Jasper Redgrave!
Nick Diamond: AND HE FOLLOWS UP BY KNOCKING THE WIND OUT OF REDGRAVE WITH ONE... FINAL... BREATH!
Destructo Boy rolls into the cover as Stanton makes the count.
ONE!
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
Johnny Gomez: WHAT AN UPSET! DESTRUCTO BOY’S MANAGED TO DEFEAT THE NUMBER ONE CONTENDER FOR THE OSW CHAMPIONSHIP!
NOT YOUR FIGHT
The crowd is still buzzing from the match, when the arena goes oddly quiet.
FLUTTER.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Tombstone is here!
NICK DIAMOND: He is not in a playing mood here tonight.
Redgrave, still catching his breath from the fight, barely has time to react as Tombstone throws him into the turnbuckles.
“This is not your fight, Redgrave,” Tombstone booms. He towers over a smirking Redgrave. “My business with Lamplight has nothing to do with you.”
“As long as I’m penciled in against you at Pandemonium, all your business is my business,” he replies coyly. “Why should I make it easy for you?”
Frustration flashes across Tombstone’s face as he grabs Redgrave by the neck, lifting him off the mat.
NICK DIAMOND: Just like he did to Fernicus!
Redgrave struggles, his feet kicking at the air, but his voice comes out raspy yet defiant. “Kill me, and you'll never find Albert,” he manages to choke out.
Tombstone’s grip tightens for a moment, before he releases. Redgrave collapses to the mat, coughing and clutching his throat.
FLUTTER.
Backstage, Igor Mortis stands in a dark corner of Olympus. He doesn’t even turn as Tombstone appears behind him.
“I see direct methods didn’t work,” he comments dryly, observing Tombstone's agitated state.
“Fine,” Tombstone says, his voice low. “We do it your way.”
Igor smiles faintly
“Take care of Attano tonight,” he replies. “Then we’ll talk.”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: What’s Igor’s play here?
NICK DIAMOND: I don’t know that Jasper Redgrave wants to find out, Gomez.
Nick Diamond: Next up we’ve got a Triple Threat from hell as three riders from Apokalypsis do battle when Drewitt, Gemini, and El Mariachi Muerte face off in battle.
Referee Cole Holt calls for the bell and the match is underway as Nergal rushes Drewitt looking for a Head Scissors Takedown but gets countered into a Side Slam. Allowing EMM to Springboard in and nail Drewitt with Lungblower!
THE LAST CARNIVÀLE DRIVERS THE AIR OUT OF DREWITT!
The Mariachi now turns his attention to Gemini but as he lifts her off the mat – YIN! - NERGAL SNAPS TO LIFE HITTING THE MARIACHI WITH A CODEBREAKER!
Johnny Gomez: The heavy artillery is out in the early here in this contest!
Gemini turns her attention to the now recovering Drewitt who’s now up to one knee, Pestilence darts, Shining Wiz- NERGAL CAUGHT BY THE MASSIVE DREWITT WHO MANAGES TO WORK HER INTO POSITION AND SLAM HER DOWN WITH AN ALABAMA SLAM – THE SIGHTSEER – ON TOP OF SINGING DEATH!
War’s direction is straight ahead as he peels Pestilence off of EMM to her feet and slaps his hand around her throat...
*CRACK!*
Gemini’s foot to the groin of the big man doubles him over, Nergal darts to the ropes, Springboard – CAUGHT IN A MASSIVE FUCKING CHOKESLAM DREWITT DRIVES HER DOWN WITH THE ARDUOUS JOURNEY INTO THE COVER HOOKING THE LEG HOLT COUNTS!
ONE!
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
Nick Diamond: In this Apocalyptic battle of Apokalypsis War has led the charge!
MISPLACED
Later
The Dragon Warrior Dojo lies in burned tatters. Embers still burn amidst ash and charred remains of what once was the home of Ken-Do. Ken sits, legs crossed and head bowed among the charred rubble.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: This is tragic. All of this loss, and Master Ken sits amongst it.
NICK DIAMOND: Blaze gave him a taste of what he had lost himself.
Two figures approach. Destructo Boy and Nox slowly walk towards what remains of the dojo. Destructo Boy sees first hand the wreckage caused by his father. Nox breathes in the scene, coming close to Destructo Boy so that he can speak to the Kid without Ken overhearing.
“If you are sure that your father is on the wrong path with his vengeance towards Master Ken, then this is a tragedy.” He places a cannister into Destructo Boy’s hand. “If not, then this is justice served. Either your father has gained his clarity, or he requires chemical assistance to do so. Either way, I have created that which you wished me to.” Nox laughs a wheezing laugh through his mask. “Only, you will need to convince him to take it. It must be breathed in.”
The pair approach Master Ken, and he looks up. His eyes wet with tears.
“Why?” His voice is hollow with grief. Neither Destructo Boy nor Nox offer any form of consolidation. Ken stands to his feet.
“There is nothing but burnt memories for me here. They served with honor, and I will honor them by fighting for their memories. Alongside those that survived. I must be with my people now.”
Ken cuts a lonely figure as he walks away. Nox and Destructo Boy watch him as he goes, each wondering if this could be the man that caused the fire that killed Destructo Boy’s mother.
Nox kneels, digging in among the rubble for a moment. When he pulls his hand free, he holds a ripped and tattered banner, charred around the edges. But the dragon logo of Master Ken’s dojo is still clearly visible. He hands it to Destructo Boy.
“This could have been prevented. You can stop misplaced justice from spreading further. Ken must know who is responsible, and he must see that the honorable path is not the one of peace.” Nox leaves, and Destructo Boy is alone. He has much to ponder, much to decide.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Out of the ashes, what will rise. Justice? Vengeance?
NICK DIAMOND: What will Destructo Boy do? Does he agree with his father, or paint a target on his back for Ken's revenge?
Cut.
NOBODY OR SOMEBODY
The OSW World Heavyweight Champion stands in the middle of the ring.
In a matter of moments, he’ll go head to head with Harold Attano in our Main Event.
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-
And a spotlight is thrown on the center of the stage revealing Harold Attano light, “I’M A DEADMAN WALKING”!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Listen to that ovation!
NICK DIAMOND: This crowd are on their feet for Attano and it’s fair to say that Tombstone doesn’t look best pleased.
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 with a microphone and his invasion briefcase.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Looks like Attano has something to say.
“Are you ready for the fight of your life?” He asks Tombstone, stopping to hear cheers from the crowd. “Nobody is.”
He smirks.
“You have something I want, Tombstone,” he says pointing to the OSW World Championship. With the invasion briefcase in hand, he lifts it into the air. “And I have something that gets me a shot at it. I’m invading and I’m gonna fuck you up!”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: OH MY ZEUS! ARE YOU KIDDING ME!? HAROLD ATTANO IS INVADING! HE’S INVADING ON TOMBSTONE!
NICK DIAMOND: 5 CHAMPIONSHIP DEFENCES…
JOHNNY GOMEZ: ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY NINE DAYS AS CHAMPION AND COUNTING!
NICK DIAMOND: INVADE! INVADE! INVADE!
NICK DIAMOND: What a twist here tonight Johnny, Harold Attano has cashed in his Invasion briefcase as this main event is now for the OSW World Championship.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: It had to happen eventually Nick as so close to Pandemonium, Nobody could shake up the entire Heavyweight title scene. Although you have to think the #1 contender Jasper Redgrave is now watching this match very closely.
The bell sounds as Attano rushes forward, trying to Knee Cap Tombstone but The Ferryman dodges it as Attano just avoids crotching himself on the bottom rope. Nobody rolls to his feet, running forward
RIGHT INTO A BRUTAL BIG BOOT!
Attano staggers to his feet, eyes glazed over as he stumbles into a flurry of lefts and rights before he's gripped around the back of the head as Tombstone tries to Biel Toss him over the ropes to the floor but Attano lands on the apron. The Ferryman rushes forward
NICK DIAMOND: Attano pulls down the ropes as Tombstone flies over them to the floor below! Tombstone has been all over Attano so far as this is his chance to get some momentum back.
Tombstone quickly gets to his feet as Attano leans back on the ropes, placing his feet on the bottom before launching forward
SLINGSHOT SPEAR INTO THE BARRICADE!
The sheer impact nearly breaks the steel as Attano mounts the stunned Ferryman, pounding down with heavy lefts and rights before lifting him up as he tries to throw him into the steel steps. Tombstone reverses the whip but Attano slips out of his grasps, rolling backwards
JOHNNY GOMEZ: RUNNING DROPKICK SENDS TOMBSTONE HEAD FIRST INTO THE STEEL STEPS!
Tombstone is dazed on the steps as Attano pulls him up to his feet, lifting him up high with an impressive show of strength
BRAINBUSTER ONTO THE STEEL STEPS!
Tombstone gets spiked into the steel but Attano barely lets him fall before he rolls through, leaping onto the apron before running forward
NICK DIAMOND: RUNNING DOUBLE STOMP ONTO THE STEEL! Nobody is looking to murder our world champion here tonight.
Tombstone looks out cold as Attano muscles him up to his feet, somehow rolling his dead weight into the ring before rolling in himself, backing up into the corner as The Ferryman somehow, someway gets to his knees. Attano smirks, drawing a thumb across his throat before rushing forward
HEADSHOT! Superkick hits flush to the temple of the Ferryman as Tombstone crashes to the mat, Attano hooking both legs as Mills Lane drops down for the cover
ONE
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TWO
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DO WE HAVE A NEW OSW WORLD CHAMPION?
....................................
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TOMBSTONE KICKS OUT EMPHATICALLY, THROWING ATTANO ACROSS THE RING WITH SHEER FORCE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: It was never going to be that easy Nick, Tombstone is the world champion for a reason and Harold Attano is going to need to unleash everything he has to win the title tonight.
Attano rolls to his feet, rushing forward for another Headshot but Tombstone dodges the second Superkick, but gets clipped by a Venomous Scorpion Kick. Tombstone staggers back as Attano rushes at him
NICK DIAMOND: SOUL TAKER! Attano sprinted right into that brutal Heart Punch and that may be all she wrote for Nobody here
Nobody collapses to his knees, all the wind taken out of his lungs from that brutal heartpunch as Tombstone stands to his feet, shaking off the cobwebs before gripping a stunned Attano by the throat with both hands
AND BIEL TOSSING HIM INTO THE CORNER WITH EASE!
Attano is sent flying through the air, crashing down hard back first into the steel but he barely impacts before 250 plus pounds nearly drives him through the buckles with a brutal Avalanche Splash.
Tombstone pounds down with heavy lefts and rights, pounding Attano down into the corner as he stuns him with a looping right before backing up a few feet
JOHNNY GOMEZ: SHOTGUN BASEMENT DROPKICK RIGHT TO THE RIBS! Tombstone taking a page out of Nobody's book here but the sheer strength of the Ferryman may have made that a deadlier dropkick then Attano could ever deliver.
Tombstone barely lets Attano recover, lifting him up to his feet, rocking him with a stiff series of knees to the ribs before lifting him up and locking in that deadly Bearhug.
As The Ferryman Carrys Attano's Soul around the ring.
Nobody yells out in pain, his damaged ribs cracking and breaking under the sheer power of the World Champion but he refuses to give in, even as Tombstone begins to swing him around with the whiplash doing extra damage underneath the submission. Attano digs in deep, pulling with all his strength at the Ferryman's hands, trying to break the hold.
TOMBSTONE RUSHES FORWARD, SENDING ATTANO BACK FIRST INTO THE BUCKLES!
Attano screams out in pain as Tombstone slams him back first again and again, slowly taking the fight out of Attano who slumps down in Tombstone's arms for a moment.
NICK DIAMOND: KNEE TO THE FERRY BALLS! Attano in desperation goes low to break the hold.
Attano nails Tombstone with a second and third knee as the hold on his midsection loosens. Harold manages to slip out, catching his breath for a moment before running forward slowly, wincing in pain
HEADSH....TOMBSTONE CATCHES HIM MID-LEAP! Attano is trapped as Tombstone lifts him up high, running forward as he powerbombs him into the turnbuckles before turning around
ODE TO CHARON! JACKNIFE POWERBOMB!
Tombstone nearly plants Attano through the mat as he drops down for the cover, Mills Lane sliding in for the count
ONE
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TWO
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THR....
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ATTANO JUST GETS THE SHOULDER UP!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: This is the biggest match of Harold Attano's life, Tombstone may well have to take his living soul to beat him here tonight.
Tombstone pulls Attano up to his feet but Nobody was waiting for him as he leaps up, trying to lock in a guillotine chokehold onto the Ferryman. Tombstone manages to power out, throwing Attano off but Nobody rolls to his feet, nailing Tombstone with a picture perfect Headshot Superkick to the chin.
The Ferryman staggers on his feet, Attano rushing to the ropes as he leaps off, looking for that one shot
FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS!
NICK DIAMOND: Tombstone caught Attano in mid-air with that brutal Chokeslam and that may well be it there Johnny as Tombstone covers, Lane sliding in for the cover
ONE
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TWO
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THRE....
.............................
............................
FOOT ON THE ROPE!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Again Harold Attano just barely survives here Nick. This is all or nothing for Mr Nobody tonight, he needs to succeed in this cashin and become the new World Champion.
NICK DIAMOND: But exactly how much does he have left Johnny? His will may be strong but his flesh may not be for much longer and sooner or later, Tombstone will hit that shot Attano can't get up from.
Tombstone backs up, allowing Attano to slowly rise up to his knees before walking forward and goozling him around the throat. Attano looks like he has nothing left as Tombstone nods, lifting him up high
ATTANO STABS SOMETHING INTO TOMBSTONE'S SIDE!
Tombstone lets go of Attano, stumbling back as he pulls out the offending object
A pencil.
Tombstone tosses it aside, shaking his head as he walks back over to Attano, but he doesn't notice the assassin has something else in his hand as Nobody swings up
UNLEASHING A TAZER INTO TOMBSTONE'S STOMACH!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Christ almighty Nick, Attano just sent 40 thousand volts into an unsuspecting Tombstone. I know this is for the World Championship but this is sickening stuff here.
NICK DIAMOND: You've gotta win by any means necessary Johnny and if the Assassin has to go back to his deadly ways to get that world title, then by god Nobody will do it.
Tombstone shakes in agony from the electricity as he tries to throw Attano off him. A wild right staggers Attano back but The Ferryman is still wracked with pain as he swings wild
VENOM! Scorpion Kick hits flush as Tombstone drops to his knees, dazed and charred. Attano barely lets him breath out before wrapping his arms around his throat and taking him over
INTO THE CODE OF SILENCE! The Bulldog Choke is locked in tight and Tombstone has nowhere to go.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: The Ferryman has never tapped out but he's hurt and fading Nick, we may well see a first here tonight.
NICK DIAMOND: Attano is relentless with that bulldog choke Johnny and like you said, he's done the damage and trapped Tombstone in the middle of that ring. It may just be a matter of time before the inevitable.
Attano pulls back with all his strength, trying to squeeze all the air out of Tombstone's throat and force the submission. Tombstone refuses to tap though, even as we hear his bones creak from the pressure. The Ferryman tries to sit up but Attano slams his full body weight back down onto Tombstone who is struggling to breath let alone stay concious.
Tombstone begins to fade away, slipping under in Attano's grasp as Mills Lane picks up his arm, lifting it up high before letting it drop
ONCE.
Mills lifts it up once more, letting it drop
TWICE
Mills lifts it up one final time, if it falls now, Harold Attano is the new OSW World Champion.
THRE.....
NO!
Tombstone bursts to life, gritting his teeth as he slowly pulls himself to the ropes, despite the pain and the sufficating grip of Nobody, he manages to leap forward, grabbing the ropes and forcing the break.
Attano lets go for a moment, leaping up as he slams both knees into Tombstone's back before he pulls him back into the middle of the ring and pulls a thin wire from inside his pants.
The Garrotte Wire.
Attano wraps it around both hands before he locks back in the Bulldog Choke with the Wire around Tombstone's throat.
NICK DIAMOND: This has to be it here Johnny, we've seen Attano murder a man with that same wire before and now he's using it to become the new OSW World Champion.
Tombstone gasps out what may be his last breath before closing his eyes, collapsing in the hold. Mills Lane lifts up his arm, looking again to see if The Ferryman has any life left but as he lets it fall, the arm stops in mid-air.
As Tombstone opens his eyes
His pure white eyes.
The Ferry Man slowly rises to his feet, Attano trying to drag him back down but he's awoken something dark inside Tombstone. An unstoppable monster who simply reaches back and throws Nobody clean across the ring with ease.
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh no, we've seen this once more. Attano may well have woken up a sleeping demon here, this is Tombstone at his most dangerous. His most unstoppable. The King of Death has awoken.
Attano nearly flies through the ropes from the sheer force, just managing to stop himself going outside the ring as he rolls to his feet, rushing forward
RIGHT INTO A SKULL CRACKING BIG BOOT!
Attano staggers to his feet into a flurry of lefts and rights, each blow with bone cracking force before he's lifted up high, The King of Death looking to deliver the nod to Charon once more but Attano manages to grab onto the ropes, slipping out of the Jacknife as he leaps up high
ONE
SHOT
ONE
KILL!
NICK DIAMOND: BOOM! Attano nails the Cutter out of nowhere and that has to be it Johnny, no one gets up from the OSOK
Attano can't even attempt the cover though as Tombstone immediately sits up.
Attano visibly gulps, rushing forward but The King of Death catches the Superkick attempt, tossing Attano into the air
SOUL TAKER IN MID-AIR! TOMBSTONE JUST PUNCHED ATTANO OUT OF THE FUCKING SKY!
That has to be it there but Tombstone, Tombstone isn't done. The King of Death wants blood tonight as he peels Attano off the canvas and drags him towards the corner. The Ferryman rattles Attano with a brutal headbutt before lifting him up onto the top rope and goozling him around the neck
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Oh no Nick, this is the end here. Tombstone may well be looking to send Attano to Tartarus tonight, and if he hits this, he's still the world champion.
FALL TO....
ONE
SHOT
ONE
KILL!
NICK DIAMOND: YOU'VE GOTTA BE KIDDING ME! Attano nails the Cutter out of nowhere and both men are down
JOHNNY GOMEZ: All Harold Attano has to do is cover Tombstone and he's become the new World Champion
Both men are down and out on the canvas, Tombstone's eyes turning back to normal as Attano manages to flop an arm onto him. Mills Lane sliding in for the cover
ONE
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TWO
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THREEE!!!! WE HAVE A NEW OSW WORLD CHAMPION!
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Harold Attano has done it. One of the very few to ever beat Tombstone in the middle of an OSW ring, he has done the unthinkable and become the new OSW World Champion.
NICK DIAMOND: It took everything he had to do it but a very well deserved victory tonight for Mr Nobody. But he has a legion of challengers waiting for him, including a man who despises him in the number one contender Jasper Redgrave.
SEEK YOU OUT
Some time later.
Albert Lamplight lays, bound and helpless in a dimly lit room, shackled to a canvas. The chains clink softly as he shifts, trying in vain to find a more comfortable position.
The sound of footsteps echoes through the emptiness, growing steadily louder until Jasper Redgrave arrives. The Artist grins at Lamplight’s discomfort.
“Albert, my dear shopkeeper,” Jasper begins, his voice smooth and taunting. “It took me a few weeks to realize that Tombstone killed your father.” He chuckles softly, enjoying the discomfort his words cause. “Yes, it's all there, hidden between the lines for those clever enough to piece it together. I suppose your father made one of those deals with Igor Mortis?”
Albert's eyes burn with hatred, his jaw clenched. But he doesn’t dare to move.
Jasper crouches down to Albert's level, his face inches away.
“You want revenge, don't you?” He whispers. “And if all goes well, you’ll get it.”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: I don’t see how Albert Lamplight is getting any revenge from here.
Redgrave stands up. “I don’t care about you, Lamplight. You’re a means to an end. As long as you remain pliable, Tombstone will seek you out. When he does, I will strike. If you survive that, then and only then, can you have your revenge.”
Albert glares at Jasper, his resolve hardening.
“You don’t know what you’re doing.” Lamplight says, finally breaking his silence. “He will come, and you won’t be ready for him.”
“Perhaps you’re right.” Jasper lets a small chuckle escape as his fingers grasp a glimmering knife. “And perhaps we’ll have a little fun in the meantime.”
JOHNNY GOMEZ: Jasper Redgrave’s set a trap, Nicky.
NICK DIAMOND: I’m not sure who the trap is for, though.
A Stop ■ symbol appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen.
Static.
Click.