TWO TO A CELL
Click.
Lightning.
A crack of thunder.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
Arcadia Police Department.
There’s absolute chaos. Officers are running around left and right, taking statements and notes. The noise is deafening until Harold Attano and Jackson Cade are marched through the front door.
Upon their arrival, everything falls silent.
They’re both marched into a holding cell and locked inside. Sheriff Gordon approaches, shaking his head.
“Benjamin Pegg,” he says with a sigh. “That’s the name of the man you shot.”
Cade looks at Attano.
Attano looks at Cade.
“Jackson, what the fuck has gotten into you, boy?” Gordon demands to know. “Look, I’d try and sweep this under the carpet, but there’s eyes everywhere. With Zeus missing, we face a riot if we aren’t seen to handle this properly.”
“What a surprise,” Harold scoffs. “The APD protecting one of their own.”
Gordon looks at him.
“You can shut the fuck up too,” he growls angrily. “I’m under orders to protect you as well.”
That surprises Mr. Nobody.
“You fucked with the wrong one, Jax. This guy has protection orders from Zeus and Ares themselves,” he insists. “He has less chance of an arrest sticking than the Baron.”
Gordon unlocks the cell and with a nod, motions for Harold to exit. Attano does so carefully, looking back at Cade.
“We’re not finished,” Jackson reminds him.
“You right,” Gordon interrupts. “You’re not finished. Ares has demanded that you both fight at Odyssey.”
Harold chuckles, grabbing onto the cell bars and looking at Cade.
“If after what you showed me, you thought we’d be done, you’re fucking stupid,” Mr. Nobody reminds Cade. “You’ll be lucky to leave Odyssey breathing.”
He walks away, leaving Cade and Gordon to converse alone.
“You’re on your own, kid,” The Sheriff warns. “And I need your badge.”
Jackson can’t believe it.
He slowly reaches down and removes his badge, passing it through the cell to his superior.
“You’re suspended pending a full investigation and, most likely, a date with a judge,” he announces honestly. “I’d be surprised if your career survives this, kid. As a matter of fact, if Benjamin Pegg dies, you may find yourself in a cell across from your brother.”
Gordon walks away, leaving Jackson Cade alone to think about it.
Things have gone off the rails.
He may have lost his career and if not careful, his freedom.
Cut.
PLAGUED
‘Fear and Delight’ hits the arena but there is no normal crowd of people hoisting Aarman Fidel to the ring. He staggers into Olympus looking decidedly worse for wear. He’s coughing up black bile as he barely crawls up the steps towards the ring. Fidel can barely summon the strength to enter the ring, collapsing into the corner.
He doesn’t have to wait long as the driving beat of Cannibal Corpse’s “Evisceration Plague” soon kicks in, and Gemini appears on the stage.
Experimental pathogens, a devils design
The dark side of science breeds a weapon of war
Contagious killing and internal distress
Homicide or suicide will be the cause of death
She sneers at the crowd, creepily gliding towards the ring, rage burning in her eyes towards all who behold her.
Internal organs altered by the disease
Your brain disabled by the constant pain
Erratic actions lead my thoughts to the blade
I’ve lost control, I’ve lost control
She climbs into the ring and instantly locks onto her foe. She smiles as she sees the state Fidel is in, tongue flickering as she glides towards him.
“Oh, so you’re still alive I see.” Nergal sneers. “But by the looks of things, you don’t have long. I think I have made my point. The Red District shall be mine to control. Your contacts could prove useful, it makes me wonder if you would prove yourself better alive than dead.”
She ponders his demise, seemingly as casually as somebody deciding between brands of apples. Nergal draws a deep breath, before spitting out a cloud of leeches upon Fidel. What is left of his strength screams in horror, but as the leeches take hold, they do not suck the remaining life from him.
Soon, Aarman finds himself feeling strong enough to wearily push himself to his feet. Nergal laughs a cackle at the sight.
“I want the underbelly of Arcadia, and you are going to hand me the keys. Even as I speak, the leeches suck the pestilence from your body. They will heal you. You will be spared…”
Aarman looks at Nergal as she speaks, each second gaining strength. The more strength he gains, the more resolve is seen in his eyes. He pulls leeches from his skin and tosses them aside, glaring at Gemini.
“I will never serve you. You want Eden, you’re going to have to take it the hard way.”
With that, Fidel pushes Gemini. She falls backwards, giving him time to strip his body of the remaining leeches and bring himself into a fighting stance. This war is about to go down, right now.
Fidel looks furious as he stands across from Nergal. The only thing this Duke Desires is revenge!
Fidel starts the match off as he lunges at Gemini! He nails the Plaguebringer with a massive right hook, angrily wailing away at her with wild haymakers before slamming her back first into the turnbuckle! He whips her across the ring!
LAY THEE DOWWWWWWWN!
SPINNING SPINEBUSTER IMPLANTS NERGAL INTO THE MAT!
The Duke of Desire doesn’t let up as he rains down blow after blow onto Gemini! Until The Pestilence catches a hand! Then the other! Gemini is fucking smiling!
THE FALL OF MAN! INSECTS SPEW FROM HER MOUTH AND BITE RAVENOUSLY AT AARMAN!
Gemini shoves the screaming Fidel off of her before hitting the ropes and flying back with a springboard roundhouse kick to the skull! He stumbles and gets caught with a massive bulldog right after! Gemini laughs maniacally as her bugs keep eating at Aarman! The Duke fights to his feet-
AND HITS THE ROPES! ARROW OF GREED AND DESIRE!
MASSIVE GORING SPEAR GOES RIGHT THROUGH GEMINI!
Fidel is quick to his feet but the bugs keep swarming him endlessly! He tries to slap them away but Gemini hits the ropes!
UNLEASHED! SPRINGBOARD TORNADO DDT TO FIDEL! AARMAN LOOKS OUT AS GEMINI COVERS!
ONE!
…
…
TWO!
…
…
THREE!
Gemini’s swarm returns to her as she rises to her feet, claiming victory here tonight.
WINNER: GEMINI
DEFAULT
Backstage, we hear heavy footsteps signaling the arrival of Drexl, looking frustrated as all get out, his hand clenching tightly a sheet of paper. He is not one to be outplayed or outmaneuvered, but something has made the Real Shark searching for blood…something he won’t be getting tonight, as a stoic TEC steps into view.
“You!” Drexl snaps at the Automaton, raising the paper as he points at the target of his ire. “I received a summons to appear here in Olympus, and I want to know why.”
This only draws a cold, unemotional stare from TEC before it responds as appropriate for its nature.
“Drexl, your withdrawal from the arrangement you made does not compute. The payment you sought from your debtors was collected as instructed, and your failure to comply accordingly has placed you in debt…a debt that is now in default.”
Drexl is taken aback by the response, a snarl forming on his face as he comes to terms with what TEC has brought before him…but TEC does not afford him a chance to respond, before issuing one final statement.
“As such, the Arcadia Police Department has given authority to collect what is necessary…in the right and proper method suitable.”
The warning, while lacking in any normal sense of emotion, still packs a powerful punch against the Real Shark as he snaps at the Automaton once more.
“We’ll see just who has to pay their debts, you pile of bolts.”
With that, Drexl storms off toward the entrance area, leaving TEC to begin its own preparations for the upcoming in-ring confronation…and a chance to get the answers it has been seeking.
Cut.
Drexl has taken advantage of TEC outside of the ring, but can he survive going one on one with him in it?
Drexl circles TEC looking for an opening before going low and dropkicking TEC’s knee! The Automaton kneels and gets caught in the face by a powerful boot! TEC tries to rise but gets caught with kick after kick!
HE CATCHES A LEG!
RED HERRING! DRAGON SCREW FLINGS THE SHARK TO THE MAT!
Big Slim tries to crawl away but TEC grabs him from behind and hits a massive German Suplex that throws the kingpin across the ring! He tries to rise to his feet-
AND GETS NAILED WITH A NASTY CLOTHESLINE!
The Detective looks like he has this in the bag!
BZZZZZZZZZZZZ!
TASER TO TEC! DREXL SHOCKS THE MACHINE AND LEAVES HIM LOCKED UP!
The Shark pushes TEC over and hits the ropes!
HIPPIE FLIP! RUNNING SENTON TO THE DOWNED DETECTIVE!
Drexl goes for the pin!
ONE-
INSTANT KICKOUT BY TEC!
The robot is functioning again as he rises to his feet! Drexl knows he needs to end this quick!
IOU! SUPERKICK!
TEC CATCHES IT ALL TO THE HEAD! BUT HE’S STILL STANDING!?
SUPERKICK! A SECOND IOU SENDS TEC TO THE MAT!
Drexl leaps into a cover on the machine!
ONE!
…
…
TWO!
…
…
THREE!
Drexl has outwitted and outplayed one of Arcadia’s finest as he claims victory here tonight!
WINNER: DREXL
THE ODDYSEY BEGINS..
The Doom Factory.
Stubbins Doom stands beside a vat of green liquid, fumes looming in the air above. He smiles, turning around to abruptly see none other than Scissors.
“I’ve done it,” he muses proudly. “I’ve created the Odyssey Pool.”
Scissors walks around in, running a hand across its firm circular frame.
“I promised you that you could find dominance within yourself and if you step into the Odyssey Pool, you will. It’ll find the dominant part of your personality, however hidden it may be and bring it to the fore.”
There’s an eerie silence.
“Are you going in?” Scissors hisses. “Go on, take a dip.”
“Me?” Doom queries quickly, shaking his head.
“I’m not going in, Scissors. I’ve designed and made this for you.”
Scissors suddenly runs at him, lunging atop him wildly. With Doom struggling beneath him, he laughs evilly.
“Oh you silly goose,” he mutters, swiping at him with forceful right slaps. “You didn’t make it for me, partner. I helped you make it for you.”
And with that, the fight is on.
The match is already underway!
Scissors rains down powerful blows that Doom can’t seem to defend himself from! The monstrous puppeteer cracks Stubbins across the nose with blood gushing out of the Doctor’s face!
TO DRONE ON! A DRONE FLIES FORWARDS AND CLOBBER SCISSORS OFF OF DOOM!
The device flies around firing small rockets but Scissors grabs it out of the air and breaks it in two! He turns around only to catch a massive boot to the head that sends him reeling backwards! Doom lays into him with lefts and rights before shoving him back and rushing him with a clothesline!
NO!
QUICK SNIP! POWER SLAM FROM SCISSORS THROUGH A NEARBY TABLE!
A plethora of chemicals splatter on the ground and Scissors catches Doom with a deadly knee to the jaw! Doom is reeling as he reaches for a half full flask!
AND THROWS IT INTO SCISSORS’ FACE! IT’S ACID! ACID TO SCISSORS!
HOVER! NO BOTHER! DOOM LEVITATES AND CATCHES SCISSORS IN THE FACE!
The Doctor keeps in the air and flies at Scissors again! Another kick! Another!
HE FLIES FORWARDS FULL SPEED! AERIAL PUNT KICK- NO! SCISSORS CATCHES THE LEG AND DRAGS HIM DOWN!
CUT THE STRINGS! FULL NELSON SNAP SUPLEX PUTS DOOM IN THE FUCKING DIRT! HE’S DOWN!
Scissors chuckles dementedly as he looms over his fallen partner, taking Doom down with authority.
WINNER: SCISSORS
AND BEGIN IT SHALL...
With the fight over, Stubbins Doom is unconscious. Scissors drags him up the steps towards the balcony above, banging his head with every forceful pull.
Bang.
Clang.
Bang.
Until they’re finally at the top.
“I admire you,” Scissors announces. “Look at what you’ve built. They claim you’re mad, but we know better, don’t we?”
He pulls Stubbins up, resting him on the barrier itself.
“I like em mad, but I’d rather em crazy,” Scissors says, patting his partner on the back. “We can’t be Champions together unless you’re just as capable as I am, Stubbins.”
Carefully he begins lifting at the legs of the Mad Scientist, slowly but surely pushing him over the barrier.
“That’s why I had you built this,” he admits. “So that finally, you could see the real you.”
With that said, he drops Doom over the barrier above into the vat below.
Splash!
Chemicals fly in every which direction as Scissors looks over, laughing maniacally to himself.
“Show me the real you, Dr.”
But nothing happens.
“C’mon, show me the real Doom.”
As the hissing, bubbling and fizzing dies down, nothing happens. Stubbins Doom cannot be seen through the green liquid, nor are there any remnants of him atop it.
If he’s in there, he’s submerged.
And quite possibly… dead.
Scissors shrugs his shoulders, begins whistling and walks away. Meanwhile, the vat remains stood in place – as green as ever, and completely lifeless.
Cut.
GOTCHA
Earlier Today.
Jinx is confidently walking into Olympus, knowing that she has a match here later tonight.
Something about her gait is just a little too loose. Her body projects a relaxed state, but the way her eyes are darting around tell another story.
Has Luther Grim gotten in her head?
Or is it the other way around?
Either way, Jinx knows he’s lurking. She’s evaded him at every step, picking her moments to attack. Whatever their history is, she’s remained in complete control.
Until now.
THWACK!
The butt end of a spear knocks her off her feet, sending her flat on her back.
Out like a light.
Luther Grim stands over her fallen form, a large grin on his face.
“Gotcha.”
…
Now.
Jinx comes to, shaking the cobwebs out of her head. There’s a roar in her ears, and it takes a moment for her to realize it’s the roar of a crowd.
She’s in the middle of the ring.
Luther Grim stands across from her.
“No more running.” He says. “It’s time to fight.”
Jinx makes sure she’s in optimal working order then nods.
“No shit.” She returns. “But I haven’t been running.”
“Could have fooled me,” he scoffs.
“Not that hard.” She says. “You still haven’t figured it out, yet? I guess we’ll keep doing this over and over again until you do. Just another reset, I guess.”
Luther Grim is still confused.
But it’s time for these two to fight.
For the first time, but probably not the last.
The game of cat and mouse, and tonight’s match will prove who’s the cat and who’s the mouse as Jinx does battle with Luther Grim.
The bell rings and Jinx rushes out of the gate aiming to SCRAMBLE THE SIGNAL with the Kinshasa, but the Glitch is caught and lifted by Grim into the Falling Powerbomb, the TROPHY HUNT! The Hunter crawls into the cover…
ONE…
TWO…
THR – JINX GET HER SHOULDER UP!
Luther lifts Jinx off the canvas.
The Glitch, however, staggers the Trophy Hunter off guard raking his eyes and following it up with a Discus Elbow…
A DDOS ATTACK rocks Grim sending falling through the ropes, and out of the ring. The Glitch seeing her opening looks for a Springboard Black Arrow it’s RANSOMWARE, but Luther moves, and Jinx collides with the floor!
Grim quickly peels the Black Hat off the ground. Luther rolls The Glitch back in the ring and follows behind her hitting the ropes. As the Fatal Error pulls herself to her feet only to be nailed with the Brogue Kick, vicious display of BLOOD SPORT sends her back to the canvas!
The Trophy Hunter steps into the corner and begins stomping alternating left foot to right calling Jinx to her feet, as The Glitch stands, Luther darts from the corner, Spear, NO, Leap Frogged by Jinx! Who pivots on her heel and SCRAMBLES THE SIGNAL with a Kinshasa to back of a downed Grim’s skull. Rolling him over into the cover…
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!
On this night a Fatal Error has befallen Luther Grim, as Jinx has managed to claim victory.
WINNER: JINX
LA MUSICA
Many Years Ago…
The echoes of gentle strumming of a guitar wafts through the air as a Mariachi stands playing his guitar in an empty room.
But it doesn’t stay empty for long. Children begin to file in, little boys and girls shuffling to sit down in front of this Mariachi.
Ten to fifteen in total.
“Welcome,” the Mariachi says in flamboyant Spanish. “Today is a special day for this is the day you learn about The Music.”
As he melodically said “la musica,” the children all sat just a little straight, paying a little more attention.
“In the olden days, there was He who would become the Great Mariachi,” the speaker begins. “He was saddened by the silence. So he began to sing. But this was not enough.”
Another guitar joins the sound, playing harmony, plucked by another Mariachi coming out of the shadows.
“Through his knowledge, he created all of the Mariachi.”
Many guitars join in a symphony as many other Mariachi walk out of those same shadows. All but one of them are playing.
“Each Mariachi has their own duty, their own power if you will. Joy. Despair. Life. Even death. All those, and others, are represented by Mariachi, who disperse around Arcadia to do their duty.”
He pauses as the music reaches a crescendo.
“To keep The Music alive.”
Suddenly, all of the Mariachi stop playing.
Silence.
Utter silence.
“Because if The Music is broken, if a single harmony is lost, then the world will be lost. The fabric of the very world we live in is woven with The Music. Without it…”
He trails off, letting the children feel the power of this moment.
“But we are mere mortals,” the Mariachi continues. “So one day, each of us will reach the end of our song. We will pass our guitars, powered by The Music itself, to a new generation.”
The children know what this means.
“Your generation.”
Silence fills the air again. A young boy raises his hand.
“Why didn’t he play with you all?” He says, pointing at the lone Mariachi in the back that did not play earlier.
The Mariachi smiles.
“That is El Mariachi Muerte,” he says. “His song is the song of death, and is reserved for only those who must be guided to their end.”
“And who are you?” A young girl asks.
The Mariachi walks over and ruffles her hair.
“I am El Mariachi Alegría, and my song is the song of joy.”
El Mariachi Muerte steps forward, and we clearly see this is not the EMM we know.
This is his predecessor.
He takes in all the youngsters, who all recoil in fear of this bringer of death.
“My friends,” he begins. “One of you will one day sing the song of joy, just as one of you will one day sing the song of life.”
The old EMM pauses, making eye contact with one particular boy.
“And one of you will sing the song of death.”
The boy wrinkles his nose.
“And what if you don’t choose someone before you die?”
EMM’s response is swift.
“Then The Music will be broken.”
El Mariachi Alegría steps in.
“But that has not happened since time began, young one!” He says with a smile. “Continue your studies, learn the ways of the Mariachi, and one day you will be chosen for the song you will sing.”
The children begin to disperse, with the old EMM turning to EMA.
“Keep an eye on that one,” he says, pointing to the questioning boy. “There’s something about him.”
“Someone once said that about you,” a Mariachi from the crowd says with a laugh.
Cut.
Hidden memories confused for love, Colt Ramsey is on the cusp of the greatest story of his life but can he unearth the truth about his Nancy Doll or will the Mother of Gods succeed in concealing the narrative?
The bell sounds as Colt rushes forward, taking Narcissa by surprise with a running Lariat that turns her inside out. Ramsey peels Narcissa off the mat, pummeling her with lefts and rights before hooking her up for some B-Roll but Narcissa manages to swing herself out and drag her nails across Colt’s face before slamming him down to the canvas with a split second
EYE OF THE BEHOLDER!
Colt stumbles to his feet into a flurry of blows of his own as Narcissa unleashes a bevy of kicks into the Journo before a beautiful Fast Fashion Superkick knocks him out on his feet. Balenciaga backs up, rushing forward as she shows Colt some Silk Perfection with the Wraparound Headscissors, sending Ramsey right onto the middle rope.
Colt is slumped down dazed as Narcissa rushes forward, running up his back before flipping through the ropes on the Catwalk, Tiger Feint style sending Colt flying back into the ring.
Balenciaga doesn’t cover, instead heading to the apron as she patiently waits for Colt to get to his feet before leaping up to the top rope and diving off with a deadly Tornado DDT, spiking the journalist into the mat in brutal fashion. That very well could be it but Narcissa wants to prove a point to the Journo as she lifts him up to his feet,
**CAMERA FLASH**
Colt pulls out a hidden camera out of nowhere, blinding Narcissa before he moves behind and does what he couldn’t at Thunder and nails her with the FIT TO PRINT! Brutal Facebuster has to be it here as Colt hooks both legs for the cover and the
One…
Two…
Three!!!
Colt once again picks up the victory over Narcissa but can he follow up with the biggest scoop or will the truth continue to be buried?
WINNER: COLT RAMSEY
REVEALING SECRETS
The match is over, the latest chapter in the saga between Colt Ramsey and Narcissa Balenciaga reaching its conclusion. But for Narcissa, the desperation is far from over. The very thing she fought to stop looms over her even as the dust settles on their war.
Colt Ramsey smirks, across the ring from her. He watches as she squirms, knowing he holds the upper hand. For despite their battle, he’s still breathing. And a man with breath who knows secrets about her… can reveal those secrets to all of Arcadia.
“Narcy. We’ve danced this dance long enough. I’m going to give the people what they want. What they need…”
Narcissa pleads with him one final time.
“Colt. You’re a fool. Please don’t do this. You have no idea what your speculations…”
Colt silences her with a hand, a finger to her lips.
“I’ve heard it all. But I’m not speculating, not any more. The people deserve the truth and I’m going to give the people exactly what they deserve.”
Narcissa tries to swipe the microphone away from Colt, but the Journo pushes her and she falls backwards. He turns to the crowd.
“People of Old School Wrestling. You deserve, nay, you need to hear the truth. And I, as the Voice of the People am here to provide for your needs. You see…”
Colt pauses for a moment. He looks to Narcissa, then back over the sea of Old School Wrestling fans. A smirk fills his face again and he lifts the microphone back to his mouth.
“No.”
He doesn’t say anything else, gives no explanation of his sudden mind-change but merely drops the mike and steps out of the ring. Colt takes one more glance back at a bewildered looking Narcissa before walking back down the steps away from the ring.
Cut.
The bell sounds as both men rush forward, pummeling one another with heavy lefts and rights. Jackson has the clear strength advantage but Attano is used to fighting dirty as he dips low, delivering several rabbit punches to the liver that make Cade wince in pain before Attano tries going for the eyes. Cade manages to flip him overhead, Attano rolling to his feet before delivering a sickening Knee Cap Shotgun Dropkick style that causes Cade to scream out in pain.
This could be over allready as Attano backs up, looking to Silence Perseus but Cade gets to his feet, swinging with an elbow of his own as Attano gets an Incendiary Round right to the jaw. Attano is out on his feet as Cade rushes forward,
SLINGBLADE
SLINGBLADE
SLINGBLADE!
A trifecta of Breach and Clears plant Attano to the mat as he slowly stumbles up to his feet, dazed and confused.
A perfect target for Cade as he rushes forward, ready to down this Hostile but Attano ducks underneath the Superkick, nailing Cade with some vile and Venom and a perfectly placed Scorpion Kick before gripping him around the neck and trying for the Code of Silence. Cade manages to slip out, stunning Attano with a headbutt before lifting him up high and nearly breaking his neck with the Master Key Brainbuster.
Cade backs up, venom in his eyes as Attano slowly rises up, scowl planted across Mr Nobody’s as both men rush forward
HEADSHOT…HOSTILE DOWN!
Both Superkicks connect on the chin as Attano falls first with Cade falling on top of him for the pinfall and the
One…
Two…
Three!
Jackson Cade survives this war against a master assassin but can he get the information he needs from Mr Nobody?
WINNER: JACKSON CADE
FINDING TUGA
Deep in Deathrow, CJ Thorpe carefully ambles through the halls, searching for someone or something that hasn’t been seen in quite some time.
He searches cell by cell, finally coming across a large confined room, guarded by two officers.
Thorpe stops short of going any further, turning back to find Jasper Redgrave having followed.
“What’re you doing here?” CJ demands to know. “Did you follow me?”
Redgrave nods.
“You’re looking for the one they call Amataga Tuga?” Jasper asks, peering around him to the confined cell.
Thorpe turns back to look as well.
“Max Meadows had him placed in solitary confinement,” he shares. “I just needed to know where.”
“You want to break him out?” Jasper asks, looking a little confused. “From what I heard, he’s just as likely to kill you as he is to thank you.”
“What’s it to you?” CJ says with a shrug. “He’s gonna be important.”
Jasper nods.
“Whatever you’re planning, let me help. I can help you get to Tuga,” he says confidently, as if he knows a way.
“Look, Meadows is a monster. We can’t stay here under these conditions,” Thorpe suggests. “Deathrow needs an Uprising.”
Jasper grabs him, pulling him to one side away from anyone’s line of sight. Thorpe is surprised by how quickly he was moved and pushes back.
“That kind of talk will get us both killed,” The Serial Killer suggests, releasing him. He smiles. “I’m in and thinking about it, I might not be the only one. Come with me.”
Thorpe and Redgrave walk away together… united.
Cut.
A father’s frantic quest for his son has led him to the same cannibal that haunted them months ago. Does Blacktooth have anything to do with James’s disappearance or has the former hero been hunting the wrong wolf all along?
The bell sounds as TBM rushes forward, taking Blacktooth by surprise with a stiff Backdraft running elbow, busting open the Devil’s lip and sending blood spilling onto the canvas. TBM delivers a hard knee to the jaw that sends Blacktooth down to the canvas before he begins to mount him, rocking the Devil with hard lefts and rights but Blacktooth just smiles through the pain
BEFORE PAINTING THE WHITE BANDAGES RED WITH THE IRON PERFUME!
Burned Man staggers back, blinded by the blood as Blacktooth just smiles, kicking him low before implanting him into the mat with a stiff DDT. Blacktooth snaps down to the canvas, not to cover but to drive his forearm into the eyes of TBM, sending that diseased blood further through the bandages. TBM manages to power him off, slowly getting to his feet as Blacktooth rushes him again but TBM manages to duck underneath the clothesline
ASHES!
Snap Half Nelson drops Blacktooth on his head as TBM rolls through, looking for the second but before he can throw the Devil, Blacktooth bites down on his forearm, chowing down on some wrapped Fresh Meat as TBM screams in pain, dropping the hold as Blacktooth swallows the meat, bandages and all.
The Devil rushes forward at the kneeling TBM, looking to make him take a Dirt Nap but TBM manages to dodge it, delivering a stiff headbutt to a turning Blacktooth before lifting him up onto his shoulders.
THE THIRD DEGREE!
TBM plants Blacktooth, quickly hooking the right leg with his good arm….
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!
TBM becomes the new Double Feature Champion here tonight but if Blacktooth truly knows nothing about Faith’s kidnapping, it may well be a hollow victory for the grieving father.
WINNER AND NEW DOUBLE FEATURE CHAMPION: THE BURNED MAN
TRADE OFF
Their match has come to a close, and as the dust settles The Burned Man rolls out of the ring, reaching under the ring and grabbing a bag as Blacktooth goes up the ramp. Both men meet near the entrance, a horde of Blood Runners meeting him at the entrance, a recognizable hostage in their midst.
“You got what I’m lookin’ for in that bag, Burnie?” Blacktooth eyes The Sole Survivor as he looks up the ramp, walking slowly towards the horde, bag in one hand, Kingdomblade in the other.
“Stop!” Blacktooth shouts at Burned Man, the former hero stopping in his tracks as the Devil pulls a knife from his boot. “Stay right there, hero. You want the veal back, you gonna listen.” He glances back at his men, snapping his fingers and having the hostage shoved into his hand, Blacktooth holding him in front of himself.
“Count of three, you toss me the bag, I toss you the boy.”
“And I’m just supposed to trust you’ll do that? I know your type, Blacktooth. Boy first, then the bag. I don’t have anywhere to run, do I?” The Burned Man takes a fighting stance, ready for Blacktooth to reject his offer when the Devil simply chuckles.
“Fine.” He kicks the hostage in the back sending him rolling down the ramp! Burned Man throws the bag to Blacktooth, the Blood Runner catching it and checking the part before moving to leave with his men.
Meanwhile, Burned Man quickly catches the hostage, pulling him in close, turning the Kingdomblade into a knife and cutting off the restraints.
“Faith! Are you okay? Did they hurt you?” He’s quick to remove the bag from the boy’s head.
Only the person staring back isn’t Destructo Boy.
No, the man beneath the bag is a poor boy snatched from the Slums. His eyes fill with tears as he looks up at The Burned Man, clearly still fearing for his life. You could tell Maxwell wants to be angry about the deception! But… he simply hugs the terrified boy close, comforting him as he helps him to his feet.
“You’re safe. Let’s get you home.”
He watches to make sure the Blood Runners are gone before escorting the former hostage away from Olympus.
Cut.
Finally, Grimskull takes on Vision in what is bound to be a brutal match! Will Grimskull get his head taken off by force or by choice? We find out now!
DING! DING! Vision is hot out of the gates charging towards Grimskull!
BLIND FURY!
He nails some rapid strikes! Punch! Punch! Kick to the gut! Hard 12-6 elbow strike! What a flurry of strikes! Grimskull is down and reeling from those strikes! Vision charges at him! DEATH TO HELLIONS! Grimskull catches him with the drop toe hold and Vision eats the bottom turnbuckle!
Vision is rocked and sitting in the corner! Grimwolf follows it with a running cannonball!
MARTYR! Grimskull is feeling it and he goes to the top rope! He dives! PRAYER! No! Vision kips up and counters the diving headbutt with a double knee facebuster!
THIRD EYE BLINDED! He got all of it but Grimskull rolls to the outside!
Vision runs the ropes and he dives through the ropes! Suicide do-No! LESSON! Grimskull catches him mid-dive with the superkick! Grimskull pulls Vision up and Irish whips him hard into the steel steps! Vision is rocked and is stuck sitting against the steps! Grimskull charges! MARTYR! No! Vision jumps out of the way last second and Grimskull crashes hard!
Vision pulls Grimskull up and throws him back into the ring! Vision leaps for the double knee facebuster again! No! Grimskull catches it and nails Vision with a spinebuster! Grimskull goes to the top rope! He jumps! He nails a massive headbutt! PRAYER! Grimskull makes the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
He has done it! Grimskull has seen his way to victory over a very tough Vision!
WINNER: GRIMSKULL
WORLD OF PAIN
After a hard fought match, Grimskull and Vision stand slowly in the centre of the ring, exhausted. Angry.
Vision, especially, has found it hard to come to terms with what he deems to be the betrayal that Grimskull played on him.
Grimskull though, has a microphone.
“You thought it would be as simple as slicing me open, like you did last week?” he starts. “You thought that what happened here in this ring tonight would be the end of it, too?”
Vision balls his fist.
“For someone who claims The Third Eye gives him superior knowledge, you really haven’t got a clue,” Grimskull continues.
Vision has a microphone now.
“What is it you want from me?” he asks.
“I want you to hurt like I hurt,” Grimskull replies, a venom in his voice. “I want you to feel every last ounce of pain that convulsed through my body as the molten liquid consumed my head. As I thought I was dying.”
Vision turns away.
“You thought this was the closing chapter in our story, Vincent, but this is just the prelude,” The Preacher continues. “I have made it my life’s mission to understand pain in all its forms and in all its glory. My followers came to me because I was so devoted to the art of pain. I’ve always said that pain is freedom, and that is true. But it’s so much more. I won’t only gain freedom through the pain that I feel, I will gain freedom through the pain you will feel.”
Grimskull grabs the arm of Vision, leaning in close.
“You may think you know pain, Vincent, but what you have felt so far is just a little speck of pain. A whole world of pain is heading your way, a world you never knew existed. But what will make it even sweeter is that only I know when your suffering will start, continue and end, Vincent. Your time is not today. Your time is whenever I say it is. But it is guaranteed.”
Grimskull drops and rolls out of the ring, heading towards the steps down to the back.
“I’d tell you to watch your back…” he mocks, a sick smirk forming on his bony face.
He drops the mic and heads into the back, leaving Vision with much to think about.
Cut.
THE START OF SOMETHING
Elsewhere inside Deathrow, CJ Thorpe and Jasper Redgrave have made their way to a secluded section of the prison.
Sat there are Nox and Haywire.
The latter is giggling to himself maniacally, as Nox plays chess from carved pieces of wood.
“What can I do for you two gentlemen?” Nox asks, moving a piece on the board.
“We’re not fans of the way things are being run down here,” Thorpe says bluntly.
“Oh, so you’ve analysed the process and concluded that it will not resolve in your favour?” Nox queries.
Redgrave kicks his opponent out of his seat and takes one opposite.
“Things need to change down here. You either want them to change so that you can survive, or you’re a victim,” Jasper says, moving a piece on the board.
Nox breathes in deeply.
“I want…”
Haywire chuckles, walking over.
“I want to see how you play chess, Mr. Redgrave.”
The Killer laughs to himself.
“Very well,” he agrees.
The two play a game, of which Jasper is close to winning. Before that can happen, Nox stops the game.
He doesn’t like to lose.
“I like to be on the winning side,” he announces, standing up. “And if you manage a revolt as well as you play chess, that side appears to be yours.”
“So, you’re in?” Thorpe asks.
Nox nods.
“What about him?” Redgrave asks, pointing at Haywire.
He just laughs, stumbling around like a loon.
“I have no idea,” Nox says with a shrug.
Cut.
Will Drewitt’s immortality prove to be the downfall of the Ferryman or will The Courier of the Dead send the Explore’s soul on its way? It’s the answer to that question that will determine the Rewind Champion tonight!
The bell tolls and the match begins with Tombstone and Drewitt going hell for leather exchanging right hands back and forth. The Pilgrim breaks the exchange with a boot to the gut followed by a huge Implant DDT – THE SIGHTSEER – dropping Tombstone but he stands straight up unaffected by the impact!
The Ferryman lets loose with a series of Fingertip Uppercuts –
THE FERRYMAN’S KNOCK!
Staggering the Journeyman back into the ropes his weight causing him to rebound into the Bossman Slam –
DREWITT SLIPS FREE! –
The Lone Wander getting the Dead’s Courier up and driving him down with the Burning Hammer –
TRAVELER’S GAMBIT!
The Fabled into the pin, hooks the leg…
ON – KICK-OUT BY TOMBSTONE! The Wander attempts to pick The Ferryman up off the canvas only to get a shoulder to the gut by Tombstone who follows up with a massive Jackknife Powerbomb – ODE TO CHARON!
Pin by Tombstone…
KICK-OUT BY DREWITT BEFORE THE COUNT!
Tombstone backs up allowing Drewitt to get back to his feet. The Ferryman lashes out looking to wrap a hand around the neck of The Explorer but Drewitt ducks spinning Tombstone around, Goozle leaves Drewitt’s chest exposed, Tombstone nails a Heart Stopping Heart Punch – SOUL TAKER!
Into the cover…
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!
Tombstone sees an opening and takes it to retain the Rewind Championship while reaping the soul of the Explorer.
WINNER AND STILL REWIND CHAMPION: TOMBSTONE
CUT-THROAT
With the match over, both men slowly get back to their feet. Drewitt pulls for his pistol, aiming it directly at Tombstone.
“Who ferries you, ferryman?” He questions, cocking the weapon.
Tombstone grimaces.
Darkness.
Flutter.
When the lights come back on, Tombstone is behind Drewitt. He grabs him by the throat and into a chokehold from behind, disarming him with a powerful arm to knock the weapon out of the ring.
“This goes against every grain and fibre of my being,” he says angrily, squeezing the life out of Drewitt.
“Then let it go,” the breathless Explorer retorts. “Let me go.”
“I cannot.”
Tombstone pulls a large knife from within his jacket and draws it slowly across the throat of Drewitt.
Blood spurts out everywhere, even in the face of the Ferryman.
Drewitt’s eyes widen as he gargles and spits, choking as blood flows from him like rats from a sinking ship.
Carefully, Tombstone lowers his body down to the canvas and stands up, watching him bleed out.
The Ferryman angrily closes his eyes, pushing his own head back as if to face upwards.
Gasp.
And Drewitt is back.
There’s a scar across his throat from the knife that Tombstone just drew across it. He coughs, sputters, and rolls over, trying to catch his breath.
“I’m sorry,” Tombstone says honestly, meaning it. “But I must do what must be done.”
Flutter.
And he’s gone.
What the fuck is Tombstone talking about?
Cut.
It’s a clash of Titans quite some time in the making: the winner of Invasion and former OSW World Champion, El Mariachi Muerte…and the Luchadoc who destroyed just about everything the Singing Death stood for just to take the title away at Ring of Dreams, Dr. Death!
A single spotlight illuminates a single figure who appears, holding a guitar. Head bowed and his face covered by a large sombrero, he begins to play, a flowing Mariachi song.
“Hoy, que alguien cantaba una buena canción,
una muchacha dulce, un angel dije yo,
que estilo aquel que suerte,
pude reconocerme…”
El Mariachi Muerte’s gruff voice sounds out in Spanish, singing the lyrics to “Killing me Softly” by Pitingo and slowly walking the path to the ring as the chorus rings out.
“Strumming my pain with his fingers,
Singing my life with his words,
Killing me softly with his words,
Killing me softly… With his words.”
The former champion lowers his guitar, lifting his head to lock eyes with the ring. He ascends the steps to the ring, leaping over the top rope to enter as he stares down the entrance area waiting for his rival…
…when suddenly, red light floods the arena.
“Time of Dying” by Three Days Grace blasts from the speakers as none other than Dr. Death walks through the entrance, flanked by his twitching valet Nurse Frightengale and the OSW World Championship slung over his shoulder.
He stops atop the stage and holds out his hand. Frightengale places his cane in hand as if she were passing a surgical instrument, and then he commences down the stage and turns to the steps with her hissing at the fans as she follows close behind.
Dr. Death walks up the steps using his cane, and turns, sliding into the ring as Frightengale follows suit. He gets to his feet, twirls his cane around under a red floodlight in the middle of the ring, and points it straight at the hard cam whilst Frightengale cackles in delight at his side!
The Luchadoc hands his title to the referee, staring down his challenger with a sense of glee as the ref raises the OSW World Championship in the air reminding those watching what this main event is all about…and moments later, calls for the bell to get things underway!
A match with such a big fight feel to it, with as heated a rivalry as this, does NOT start with any sort of feeling-out process…no, it starts with an enraged Muerte nearly launching himself at Death, unleashing a flurry of offense fueled by his anger!
Muerte starts walloping the champ with lefts and rights, getting just a taste of the revenge he seeks before sending Death to the ropes…but the Luchadoc has a sense of what’s coming and ducks the spinning heel kick on the rebound!
Death uses his momentum to head right back to the ropes, this time launching himself for a springboard crossbody that plants the Singing Death to the canvas…and stays on top of him, only for Muerte to kick out right away before even the count of one!
But the champ doesn’t seem so fussed about that, going right back on the attack with some mounted punches on his old compadre…until the Singing Death manages to fight his way out, and back to his feet!
Only for the Luchadoc to meet him right back up at a standing position as well, sending Muerte to the ropes this time before dropping him with an arm drag!
Muerte’s right back on his feet as he charges at the champion, only to be met with ANOTHER arm drag…but this time, Muerte slides out of the ring to get a little extra space.
The challenger does not get that space for long however, as Death takes to the ropes…LEAPING OVER THE TOP FOR A PLANCHA ONTO THE SINGING DEATH!
The crowd are thrilled by the aerial attack as both men are down…but still stirring!
And it’s the champion who slowly makes it back to his feet first, eager to keep on the offense with some stomps to the back of Muerte before standing the Singing Death up…only to pull him by the arm toward the steel steps!
NO! Muerte turns it around on the champ, sending Death colliding with the steps instead, leaving the Luchadoc sprawled across the top of the steps as Muerte hops onto the apron.
He makes his way to the top turnbuckle, looking to take drastic measures as he pulls out a rose and tosses it onto the champion…but Death has rolled off the steps, avoiding certain disaster in the process!
Seems the Luchadoc will NOT be accepting any roses from the Singing Death just yet as he steps away, staring down his challenger…WHO LEAPS OFF THE TOP TURNBUCKLE, SENDING BOTH MEN BACK DOWN ON THE FLOOR OUTSIDE!
Muerte just paid the champ back for that earlier plancha, and the crowd inside Olympus are here for every bit of it!
But the champ is NOT thrilled, not by a long shot as he slowly crawls toward the ring to pull himself back up to his feet…with Muerte doing the same.
Both men are slowly being worn down as the match goes on, but their hatred for one another drives them to a standoff at ringside.
A standoff that doesn’t last long, as the two start trading blows…until the champ finally manages to make good on his earlier plan, sending the Singing Death into the steps!
This time it’s the challenger laying on top of the steps, much to Death’s amusement as the Luchadoc makes a trip of his own up to the top turnbuckle…not noticing that Muerte has recovered enough to intercept him!
But that doesn’t go according to plan, as the two trade punches on the turnbuckle before Death sends his foe falling toward the canvas with a headbutt!
The champ adjusts his positioning as Muerte slowly rises to a vertical base…but just as quickly as he’s up, the challenger finds himself crashing back down courtesy of a poison hurricanrana by the Luchadoc!
PAINKILLER!
Death crawls over as quick as he can to make the cover!
ONE!
…
TWO
…
NO!
Perhaps on another night the Doctor could kill the pain here…but he cannot kill the Singing Death.
Not when Muerte is catching a second wind, fueled by his passion in putting down the man that took his title, killed his fellow Mariachi, BROKE La Musica.
The challenger is far too focused on exacting his revenge now, as he kips up to his feet…something that, curiously, does NOT surprise the champion.
Instead, the Luchadoc simply hoists himself back up, eager to finish what he started…eager to put the Singing Death down once and for all, to destroy Muerte’s perceived destiny, and above all else…retain the championship.
And so, the two come to blows once more…so evenly matched that neither man seems to get an advantage, until the challenger catches Death by surprise with an overhead belly to belly toss, sending the champ to the canvas hard!
WHISKEY LULLABY!
But the Singing Death isn’t through just yet!
Muerte pulls out another rose as he heads to the top turnbuckle, tossing it onto the champion before launching himself for the double foot stomp!
ROSES FOR…NOBODY!
Death rolls out of harm’s way as the challenger lands on his feet…but Muerte doesn’t see the champ take to the ropes, nor does he see the handspring cutter that follows!
LETHAL INJECTION!
Muerte just got planted onto the canvas…but the Luchadoc hasn’t filled the prescription just yet!
Instead, the champ brings Muerte to a standing position…but the Singing Death blindsides him with a jawbreaker, sending Death reeling toward the ropes behind him.
Death hits the ropes, the momentum sending the champ back toward the challenger as Muerte pulls a rose out to bite upon its stem, ready to kick the Luchadoc in the gut and set him up for a package piledriver!
But Death fights out of it…NO!
Muerte persists, and this time connects with the package piledriver!
FADE TO BLACK!
The champ just got driven headfirst into the canvas…something that gives Muerte a sense of relief as he lays the rose across the body of the fallen champion!
Muerte stares down his foe as he makes the cover!
ONE!
…
TWO!
…
THREE!
Dr. Death did everything he could to El Mariachi Muerte leading up to this main event…but in the end, the Singing Death prevails, gets his revenge on the Luchadoc, AND becomes OSW World Champion once again!
WINNER AND NEW OSW WORLD CHAMPION: EL MARIACHI MUERTE
LA MARIACHI ALEGRIA
Several Months Ago.
The Clinic.
Nurse Frightengale walks through the Clinic, carrying a slew of hospital-grade towels.
Because on the operating table is a woman, covered in blood, her body opened from stem to stern. It’s a wonder she’s alive, at all.
“No, no, please.” She cries out. Terrified. “You don’t know what you’re doing. I have to choose another.”
Her face, it’s painted.
It’s the face of a Mariachi.
Dr. Death is knelt above her, a bloody knife in his hands.
“I’m afraid you’re going to die.” He says.
An understatement.
“But all the credits I gave you?” She cries. “He said you were… You’re supposed to be…”
“I have done what I can.” He retorts, coldly. “What was your name again?”
Confused, and with the light fading from her face, the Mariachi shakes her head.
“If The Music is broken…” She trails off.
“WHAT IS YOUR NAME?” Dr. Death roars.
“La Mariachi Alegría.” She whispers.
“Joy?” Dr. Death says. “Fitting, for there is no greater joy for me than seeing you die.”
“But…” she’s fading. “La musica…”
“You’re only the first,” Dr. Death says. “Soon, The Music will be nothing more than memory.”
She reaches out, vainly stretching her fingers in the direction of her guitar. Nurse Frightengale picks it up to hold it out of her range.
For an agonizing minute, she tries to breathe and move, but there was never any hope for her.
As she takes her last breath, Dr. Death turns to Frightengale. He nods, and she brings him the guitar.
“I hate these things.” He says, unconcerned with the dead woman on the table. “I wonder if this one is like my partner’s.”
Looking over the guitar, Dr. Death pauses, tracing his finger down the wood until he finds it.
A crack.
“It is true.” He whispers. “That retired Mariachi spoke true, Frightengale. The death of an active Mariachi will destroy the power they wield.”
He walks away to a desk, removing his bloody smock.
“This is just the beginning. The Mariachi are scattered throughout Arcadia. We’ve taken their Joy, but there is so much more to take.”
Luchadoc looks back towards the dead Mariachi.
“Her death will not be noticed for some time. We must not waste time. It’s time to take Muerte’s joy from him. By the time he notices the Music is broken, it will draw out the other Mariachi.”
Frightengale smiles.
“I’ll reach out to our contacts to find other Mariachi.”
She walks away, while Dr. Death monologues to himself.
“It’s only fitting,” he replies. “El Mariachi Muerte sings others to death, but it’s only through me that he will meet it himself.”
He slams his fist on the desk.
“The final song destroyed will be El Mariachi Muerte.”
Cut.