SIT-IN
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
The lights dim in the arena as the opening of “For the Glory” play throughout the arena. A spotlight shines on the entrance as Jackson Cade slowly begins to rise from the floor on a platform.
He stands at attention for a moment before making his way to the ring.
Picking up a steel chair at ringside, he slides into the ring and positions it, taking a seat with a microphone in his hand.
“I’ve had enough,” he declares with anger in his voice.
The crowd cheer for him.
“Last week I lost the OSW World Heavyweight Championship and is it any surprise after what Harold Attano did to me backstage?” He asks with a real distaste about the situation.
The fans boo the mention of Attano’s name.
“Someone in Old School Wrestling blew up the Red Light District and murdered Blacktooth, Drexl, Aarman Fidel, TEC and so many more innocent victims. I’m not leaving this fucking ring until that person has the fortitude to come out here and set the record straight!”
“Jenseits der Phantasie” by Phantasialand suddenly and abruptly hits the speakers, turning all eyes from the crowd to the entrance in which Scott Sterling steps out. He’s wearing a brown sportscoat and trousers, his face a look of disgust as he touches his neck brace.
After a brief pause, he walks towards the steps and carefully makes his way up them and into the ring, grabbing a microphone.
“What’s this?” Sterling asks. “A sit-in?”
Cade nods.
“You know that I can’t let you disrupt the show, right?” The Authority says with a shrug of his shoulders. “I know you want answers, but I don’t have any for you and you’re not likely to get them out here.”
The Cop stands up, walking towards Sterling.
“Now hang on a minute, I’m not finished,” he suggests with a hand raised. “I’ve come out here tonight to set the record straight for Red Snow. Part of that includes you, Officer. I may not have the answers you seek but your best bet on seeking them will be in a Fatal Four Way Match at Red Snow against Narcissa Balenciaga, Harold Attano and Colt Ramsey.”
The fans cheer that statement.
Cade nods in agreement.
“Alright, and what about my rematch for the OSW World Heavyweight Championship?” He demands to know.
“One thing at a time, kid. One thing at a time,” Sterling retorts, showing Jackson towards the ropes. “Now if you don’t mind, I have some pressing matters to attend to.”
The Officer carefully and reluctantly exits the ring, heading to the backstage in the knowledge that at Red Snow, he’ll have an opportunity to get the answers he seeks. After all, who did blow up The Red Light District and why?
Sterling repositions himself centrally in the ring, looking out over the crowd.
“Let’s talk Red Snow, shall we?” He says to a cheer. “In the Main Event, your new OSW World Heavyweight Champion will defend his title against Drewitt – assuming the latter can make it.”
Tombstone and Drewitt chants duel amongst the crowd.
“Grimskull and Vision will fight in a location to be announced. Gemini will defend her Double Feature Championship against Albert Lamplight and the NXT Level Championship will be on the line.”
The crowd cheer.
“And two weeks’ time on Thunder; Presnow, The Arcadian Censorship Authority will defend their Tag Team Championships against The Burned Man and Destructo Boy in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match!”
He smirks.
“As we Snowplow our way to Red Snow, the official Snow Day ceremony will no longer take place on Agora, but at the behest of Zeus, it’ll happen here in Olympus instead. That’s right – on the same Thunder in which the Tag Team Championships will be defended, I will have the honour and privilege of starting our Christmas celebrations by bringing Snow to Arcadia.”
The fans are on their feet as “Jenseits der Phantasie” by Phantasialand hits and Scott Sterling makes his way out of the ring. For the first time, he’s cheered as he leaves.
Snow Day is coming to Olympus.
What an announcement.
Cut.
DESTINY
The Slums.
In the middle of no-where, Drewitt finds himself inside a room – only he isn’t being held captive. His restraints are gone and he sits behind a small wooden table, a warm drink before him.
As the steam rises, a figure takes a seat opposite him and out of view.
“You made the right choice in stayin’,” the accented man suggests with gratitude in his voice.
“You promised to tell me what’s goin’ on,” Drewitt replies, taking a sip of his warm drink.
The man behind the table can be heard shuffling in his seat.
“You’re a special man, Drewitt. You have a mighty large destiny before you and I want to help you fulfil it.”
The Explorer stops sipping and eyeballs the man before him.
“My destiny is the Old School Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship,” he says in declaration, putting the drink down with a thud.
“Your destiny is that and so much more,” he retorts. “You have no idea, do you? You’re going to change Arcadia, boy. Your immortality is no accident or mistake; it took some convincing, but I made sure Igor Mortis knew that.”
Drewitt scoffs, standing up abruptly. He walks towards the door and tries the handle only to find it locked. Angry, he snaps back to his captor.
“You said I wasn’t being held captive,” he reminds the man.
“You exist in a state of limbo,” he says back carefully. “You’re both captive and free.”
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean!?” Drewitt angrily yells back at him.
“Sit down, listen to what I have to say and you’ll be free.”
After a slight pause to consider it, Drewitt steps back into the room, pulls out his chair and takes a seat.
“It all begins with this,” the man says, sliding a leather backed book across the table.
Cut.
The ACA are waging war against a hacker, a visionary, and a supposed animal in 3-on-3 action tonight!
Jinx and Kleen sprint at each other— DDoS!! The discus elbow turned Kleen inside out and Jinx locks in a headlock, dragging Kleen to her corner and tags Vision in. He leapfrogs over the ropes as Jinx holds Kleen vulnerable— SPRINGBOARD DOUBLE KNEE FACEBUSTER!!! KLEEN WAS THIRD EYE BLINDED!!! Cover—
BOSWICK AND GOODE IMMEDIATELY BREAK THE PIN! They stomp away on Vision before the ref escorts them back to their corner. Meanwhile, Visions against the ropes and Miss Perrywinkle runs by on the outside— MEGAPHONE TO VISION’S HEAD!! HIS EARS ARE RINGING!! TYP reaches out for a tag…
MOP TO THE SKULL! PMS bludgeoned him and he drops off the apron to the outside— GOOZLE! PMS lifts TYP up—ONE-HANDED CHOKESLAM THROUGH THE SPANISH ANNOUNCE TABLE!!! SHE WANTS TO SPEAK TO TYP’S MANAGER!!!
Kleen tags in Boswick who sprints at Vision— BIG BOOT!! STAMP OF AUTHORITY MISSES!! Lightning fast punches, kicks, forearms and elbows drop Boswick— BLIND FURY BY VISION!! He tags in Jinx as Boswick tags in Goode— DOUBLE HOT TAG! Jinx and Goode collide— BOSSMAN SLAM!! PURITY RING!! Goode lifts Jinx up— BEAR HUG!!! THE CHASTITY CAGE!!! Perrywinkle holds Vision’s leg from the outside— JINX TAPS OUT!!!
The Yellow Python is being stretchered to the back, and the ACA stand tall over Jinx and Vision with a big victory!
WINNER: THE ACA
LIVE, LOVE, LIE
Previously Recorded.
The shadows. We could be on Agora; we could be anywhere – perhaps even The Slums? Wherever we are, Zeus, Harold Attano and Colt Ramsey are meeting shrouded in secrecy.
“He knows?” Colt asks Zeus of Attano, who stands silently with his arms folded.
The Baron nods.
“Why’d you let it get this far, Baron”? Colt further enquires. “Why is Hera in OSW? She held Championships.”
“I invited her to keep her close,” Zeus retorts. “I hoped that I’d eventually be able to save her, not kill her. I didn’t want to do that. She betrayed me and strayed, but I’d strayed plenty myself.”
Harold tilts his head.
“This is about your marriage?” The Reporter says in disbelief. “She betrayed you and you kicked her to the curb?”
Zeus nods.
“There’s a little more nuance to it, but inevitably, yes. I’m far from innocent in all of this, Ramsey. She created the Uprising because in learning of my frequent transgressions, she transgressed herself and I abandoned her as if I was the victim. There’s more, but you don’t need to know it.”
“What about him?” He asks of Harold, who hasn’t said a word. “He’s your attack dog?”
Harold steps forward, for the first time showing any kind of emotion.
“I’m here to finish this,” he growls low toned and angry. “And there will be a match at Red Snow. Authority Sterling is going to make a bout between you, I, Cade and Narcissa.”
That shocks Ramsey, who eyes widen.
“Why me?” He demands to know.
“Because someone blew up The Red Light District, Mr. Ramsey and you’re on the suspect list,” Zeus reminds him. “Now, I’ll be seeing you shortly with a very important task. Be available. Harold, come.”
Zeus and Attano walk away leaving Ramsey there alone to question what task Zeus has for him and why he’s still a suspect. As they all walk away, Narcissa Balenaciaga can be seen watching on in a cloaked hood and attire.
Cut.
Harold Attano, Albert Lamplight, and Luther Grim are three men looking for a crucial win in this three-way match!
Attano and Lamplight seem to come to an agreement early on, as both men go after Grim in the hopes of taking the Hunter out of the equation, eventually sending him to the outside before they turn their attention to each other…and Attano gets the upper hand on the Illuminator!
Nobody lays in some hard strikes on Lamplight, forcing him toward the corner become he comes rushing forward…only to barely stop himself when Albert evades the attack just in time! Attano turns around to face Lamplight…WHO SENDS HIM FLYING INTO THE CORNER WITH A SHOTGUN DROPKICK! SALE OF A LIFETIME!
The Illuminator pulls Attano toward the middle of the ring for a cover…but Grim slides in to break the pin up immediately! Grim brings Lamplight to his feet, sending him to the ropes for a big clothesline on the rebound…only to get caught by a superkick from a now-standing Attano!
HEADSHOT! Down goes Grim as Attano looks for revenge on Lamplight…WHO LOCKS IN A CHICKENWING CROSSFACE! WHOLESALE–NO! Nobody slips out of the hold, escaping the Illuminator…but not the Hunter, who catches Attano with a Spear! GREAT PURSUIT–but Albert sends him out of the ring to cover Attano! ONE! TWO! THREE!
The Illuminator shuts out his contemporaries as Albert Lamplight picks up the win over Harold Attano and Luther Grim!
WINNER: ALBERT LAMPLIGHT
A NEW METHOD
Deep within the Slums, in the heart of Burned Man’s shed, is the former hero himself and his son, home at last. They sit at a table, the Kingdomblade laying between them.
“Dad.”
“Faith.”
Destructo Boy takes a deep breath, looking his father in the eyes. “I’m sorry for how I acted last month. Once you came to help me against Doom I realized something. You did all you could to save me, you even helped me win. I know you want to help me, and I think we need to be on the same page.”
Maxwell scratches his chin, head tilted. “How do you mean?”
The Boy Wonder takes a deep breath. “In the past… Heroes like us would just arrest criminals. Investigate them, catch them in the act, then turn them into the APD. That’s what you did, that’s every other hero did. But… I think it’s not enough anymore. I tried it your way, you did too, but sometimes people are beyond help.”
“What are you implying?” The Burned Man leans in, his voice filled with a bit of hesitation as he questions Faith.
“I mean, dad, that it doesn’t work. People like Doom? They don’t know when to stop. You can’t just contain them, you have to end them.”
Maxwell’s eyes go wide as he speaks, “… Kill them? James, that isn’t how we-“
“I know! I know. But he’s doing terrible things, he used me as a guinea pig! What would make him stop if he doesn’t even care about innocent lives? He needs to die or no one will be safe.”
There’s a pregnant pause, Burned Man not responding for a moment before reluctantly nodding his head before reaching forwards, grabbing the Kingdomblade. “Okay.”
Cut.
With the return of Zeus, his ex-wife looks to prove to herself the Uprising still rides upon her shoulders while Gemini looks to display her might as the Goddess of Death and Double Feature Champion.
The bell rings and Narcissa lashes out at the Double Feature Champion only to have Gemini deftly sidestep the charging Hera while jumping into the air and hitting the Backstabber – YANG! Putting Nergal in the driver’s seat as she peels The Designer off the canvas only to have Narcissa jump…
Spin Kick to the temple – HIGH FASHION – surprises Pestilence dropping her to the mat. Hera nonchalantly flips her and begins Digging her Heels into the back of Nergal – WALKING THE CATWALK – as Nergal turns her head Spewing Insects – THE FALL OF MAN – causes Narcissa to stagger back swatting at the insects.
This allows Gemini to roll over kipping up and into a Code Breaker – YIN – causing the insects to disperse as The Designer goes down clutching her face. Gemini quickly rolls over and into the cover… ONE… TWO… SHOULDER UP! As Hera much like the Uprising will not go down easy.
Frustrated, the Goddess of the Underworld picks The Designer off the canvas. Gemini looks to send Narcy-Doll into the ropes but The Designer having other thoughts, reverses the Irish Whip sending Pestilence into the ropes. However, Gemini with great awareness Springboards off the middle rope attempting a Tornado DDT – UNLEASHED LANDS FLUSH DRIVING THE DESIGNER INTO THE MAT ON THE CROWN OF HER HEAD AND PESTILENCE HOLDS ONTO NARCY-DOLL WHILE ENTANGLING HER LEGS IN AN INSIDE CRADLE! ONE… TWO… THREE!
The Double Feature Champion proves that she is the force to be reckoned with after retaining over Sebastian and Albert at Hail to the King and now securing a victory over Narcissa Balenciaga.
WINNER: GEMINI
MK. II
The door to the Doom Factory is unsurprisingly quite sturdy, flanked by two robotic guards at the front, stun batons in their hands. They cross their weapons in front of the door, activating automatically as Friendly Felix Foley comes to the door! The show host has a visible tray of snacks in his hands.
“Oh! The guards usually let me in…” He lowers his head, looking up with hope as a voice comes from a speaker built into the guards.
“Who dares try to enter my lab! You better- Oh, it’s you.” The voice of Doom is unmistakable as he shouts at the supposed intruder. However, a smile is immediately on Felix’s face.
“Doom! Best friend! I know you said we weren’t friends anymore, but I think you were just hungry! I brought those snacks I kept trying to get you! Peanut butter and jelly crackers!” Foley holds the tray up to the guard, smiling as best he can.
“I see you’re still a blubbering fool, Felix. I already didn’t need you as a partner, but now I’ve created something even greater than you could ever be!”
Felix frowns, stepping back from the robotic guard. “Aw, don’t say that. A machine can’t replace a friend!” He tries to smile again but his face immediately drops.
“My MK. II drones are nearing completion. They can do everything you can do and better without getting in my way!”
A moment passes before Felix turns away, tears rolling down his cheeks. He looks back for a moment before sulking his way down the hall.
Meanwhile, back inside the Doom Factory, we see a wave of drones rising into the air.
Cut.
NXT LEVEL DEMANDS
We find Luther Grim backstage within the level of Olympus before his match. Reaching his destination, he knocks on the door to Zeus’s office, but it is not Zeus who answers. A figure stands, snarling before him and looking down his nose at Grim. Scott Sterling stands before him.
“Who do you think you are, knocking on my door, peasant?”
Grim is taken slightly aback.
“I thought this was Zeus’s office. I need to speak with him.”
Sterling’s snarl twists itself into a look of contempt.
“Did you not listen? I am the Authority around here now. Who do you think you are?”
Grim doesn’t back away, instead holding forth the cracked photo retrieved from his cabin.
“I need to see Zeus. He and I have some things to discuss. That doesn’t concern you. But while you’re here, I also need Jinx. I need her in that ring, and I need that title of hers. You can make that happen, you are the Authority after all.”
Contempt turns to anger with the curling of Sterling’s lips. But he draws a breath and speaks with cool authority.
“You are nothing to be making demands to me. An ant. If you want to speak to Zeus, you can get in line just like everybody else. I will pass your request for audience onto him, and if he wishes, he will speak with you in time.”
The Authority twitches his nose and his face resets to its resting scowl.
“I can respect a little backbone though. And I can see you want to sink your teeth into our NXT Level Champion. I will grant you your match, against Jinx at Red Snow for that Championship.”
Grim smiles, and the Authority moves to shut the door, but pauses. A scowl turns to a sinister smile.
“But you didn’t think I’d make it that easy for you? She is the Champion, so a bit of home field advantage seems fair. The match will not take place in Olympus, no… It will take place in the Hive.”
With that, Sterling slams the door in Grim’s face and heads back into what is now his office. Only then do we see the screen on his desk, flashing warnings of an attempted security breach on the OSW servers. He mutters to himself.
“Cretins. She got in and out in no time. But it appears she didn’t find whatever she was looking for.”
Cut.
In what promises to be a great tag match, we’ve got The Burned Man and Destructo Boy against Colt Ramsey and Jackson Cade!
The action starts with Burned Man and Colt Ramsey. They lock up in the center of the ring, and Ramsey quickly transitions TBM to a side headlock. The Burned Man backs into the ropes, and shoves Colt away. Ramsey bounces off the ropes! B-ROLL! THE ROLLING CUTTER! ONE… TWO… KICK OUT!!!
Ramsey drags TBM to his corner and makes the tag. Cade steps into the ring and starts stomping a mud hole into the Burned Man! He pulls TBM up to his feet, and chops him! AGAIN! TBM is against the turnbuckles! INCENDIARY ROUND!! TBM DROPS!!! JACKSON MAKES THE COVER!! ONE!!! TWO!!! THREEEEEEEEE!!!
NOOOOOOO!!!! TBM kicks out just in the nick of time! Jackson Cade pulls TBM to his feet — BACKDRAFT!!! SPINNING ELBOW DROPS CADE!!! THIS IS TBM’S CHANCE TO TAG!!! He slowly crawls towards his corner! Cade tags Ramsey! AND THE BURNED MAN TAGS IN DESTRUCTO BOY!!! HERE WE GO!!!
IMPACT BREAKER TO RAMSEY!!! DB runs towards Cade!!! IMPACT BREAKER TO CADE!!! DB leaps to the top rope!!! JUSTICE GRENADE!!! THE 630 DEGREE FUCKING SENTON!!! Destructo Boy jumps to his feet!!! Ramsey slowly crawls to his!!! FINAL SPIRIT!!! THE FLASH ROCK BOTTOM!!! NO!!! HE DIPS BEHIND DB!!! FIT TO PRINT!!!! HE COVERS!!! ONE!!! TWO!!! THREEEEEEE!!!!
Colt Ramsey and Jackson Cade pick up a big win over TBM and Destructo Boy!
WINNER: JACKSON CADE & COLT RAMSEY
A
Deep in the slums, we are an area now barely recognisable as the same place as it used to be. The last time we were here this used to be Grimskull’s preaching stage. Now, although the followers remain in good numbers, there is nothing left. Almost every bit of every structure that used to be here has disappeared.
Yet still, Grimskull rallies together those around him. With or without a stage he has something he wants to say to them.
“People of The Slums,” he begins, his voice carrying over the unnerving silence. “You may notice that I have been busy lately. Busy enough that it has kept me from keeping you informed. That was a mistake, and I apologise. But I wanted you to see how important this is, and how close we are.”
Grimskull looks out over the sea of faces and indifference stares him right back.
“I’ve always promised that I am just like all of you. No matter what others may imply, I have always considered myself one of the people, not some figure staring down from an ivory tower. And look…”
He gestures around him.
“My home has gone too. We all live and breathe this same cold, open air. I always have been one of you and I always will.”
He can see them starting to believe him again.
“And I promise you this, too. Come Red Snow, this will all become clear. And it will all be over.”
There is a loud rumble of approval from the crowd as Grimskull allows himself to breathe easier. For now at least.
Cut.
CATACOMBS OF DESPAIR
Earlier.
In the dimly lit catacombs of Anthesteria, El Mariachi Muerte and La Mariachi Vida huddle together, their eyes tracing the walls around them, horror in their eyes.
Countless guitars and keepsakes line the walls. Each instrument represents a fallen Mariachi, a life extinguished by the malevolent hands of Dr. Death.
Muerte’s hand trembles as he reaches out to touch a guitar with a tarnished nameplate.
“Another soul lost to the darkness,” he mutters, his voice thick with despair, his demeanor veiled in a cloak of melancholy.
La Mariachi Vida, having been on the receiving end of Dr. Death’s fury, nods in agreement.
“We can’t let Dr. Death continue his reign of terror, my love. We have to find a way out of here and put an end to this madness.”
As they examine the grim markers on the wall, their hearts sink at the two empty spaces reserved for their names and the date of their demise.
Red Snow.
The weight of their destiny presses down upon them like a crushing symphony of sorrow.
Muerte clenches his fists, his rage burning hotter than ever.
“No más, Vida. No more innocent lives shall be claimed by Dr. Death.”
With determination in his eyes, Muerte raises his guitar, the strings calling out to him like old friends. His fingers dance across the frets, plucking the strings with fervor.
A haunting melody emerges, echoing through the catacombs, as if the very essence of death itself is being challenged. El Mariachi Muerte’s body shakes with the effort of each plucked note.
“A requiem for those who have fallen and a battle anthem for those who still stand.”
As Muerte plays, visible music notes materialize from the strings, rising like spectral phantoms and ascending the stone stairs he descended one week ago.
Each note carries a piece of his soul, a plea for redemption and a vow of vengeance.
Cut.
Sad Felix Foley is going to the doctor’s office! Unfortunately for him. Dr. Death only subscribes pain!
Foley and Death circle around one another looking for an opportunity! Felix grabs for Death and forces him down before locking in a headlock! Death pushes forwards and forces Foley into the ropes before whipping him across the ring! Death springboards! CROSSBODY TO FELIX FOLEY- NO! FOLEY CATCHES HIM! THE FALL GUY!
DR. DEATH TAKES A TERRIFYING FALLAWAY SLAM! Friendly Felix grabs for the Doctor and tries to lock in a Boston Crab! The Luchadoc is fighting for his life to not let Felix lock it in! He kicks Felix and sends him away before rushing to the far turnbuckle!
HE KICKS OFF! SPINNING HEART PUNCH DOWNS FELIX! Foley is practically catatonic after that blow and the Luchadoc lays into him with a plethora of kicks and stomps! CHEST COMPRESSIONS! HE STOMPS A MUDHOLE IN FELIX TO ‘RESTART’ HIS HEART! Foley is in dire straights as Dr. Death forces him back up!
Foley is nearly out on his knees as Death fires off a haymaker- NO! BUMPED HIS HEAD! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Felix got a massive reversal and both men are down! They fight to stand up to their feet and Death is first! BY APPOINTMENT! DESTINO! He covers! One! Two! Three!
Felix is left laying in the ring as Dr. Death walks away with a well earned victory!
WINNER: DR. DEATH
THE CHALLENGE
His match with Felix Foley over, Dr. Death now stands in the center of the ring with a microphone.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he begins, his voice dripping with malice, “Tonight marks the beginning of the end for the Mariachi. Their days of haunting my ambitions are numbered. When their distraction is gone, I will reclaim MY World Championship.”
Deep inside the catacombs of Anthesteria, Dr. Death’s voice is being transmitted.
“El Mariachi Muerte, you have been a thorn in my side for far too long,” Dr. Death continues, “Our esteemed Authority, Scott Sterling Esquire, has given me leave to offer you a choice. A chance for one last showdown at Red Snow, the grandest stage of them all. But there’s a condition.”
The crowd falls into a hushed anticipation.
“You see,” Dr. Death sneers, “if you want that match at Red Snow, you’ll have to do something for me.”
He pauses, relishing in the tension.
“Sing the song of death to Nurse Frightengale. If you wish to fight me and end my crusade, you must end your love and kill the Mariachi of Life.”
The crowd erupts in a chorus of jeers while Dr. Death chuckles wickedly.
“Don’t make a hasty decision, Muerte. You will have plenty of time to think on it during your stay under my care.”
He looks around, taking in the landscape of boos.
“Oh yes, I know El Mariachi Muerte is to face my old friend Doom, tonight. I daresay you might be disappointed by his not showing up. I will be ringside tonight, to witness yet another defeat over the Mariachi. This time, by forfeit.”
The Luchadoc’s voice gets louder in the catacombs.
“See you soon.”
Cut.
ONE MORE BARGAIN I
Illumination Antiques.
A chaotic week for Albert Lamplight has finally concluded as he returns to his shop, holding in his hand the pen that Sebastian Boswick so graciously returned per their arrangement following Hail to the King. Lamplight has been quite looking forward to returning to a sense of normalcy…but that is quickly interrupted by the woman that awaits him at the front door.
Gemini.
“Why, I do believe our business was concluded last week, my dear,” states the Illuminator, pulling a key out of his coat pocket…but Nergal just laughs in his face before responding.
“Seems you never got a good look at what Boswick agreed to, did you?”
This forces Lamplight to raise an eyebrow as Gemini pulls a sheet of paper out…the contract she was handed by the ACA Chairman that night.
“Whatever do you mean by th–” Albert is quickly cut off as Gemini opens the paper up for him to read…and as he does, his face sinks to a heavy frown.
“No…there’s no way he’d have the power to do this could he?”
“What moves he might have made is of no concern of mine,” retorts Nergal with a wicked smile. “What does concern me, however, is that the fate of your little shop now rests in my hands…and oh, do I have plans.”
Lamplight’s face reflects the concern he has, quickly thinking of some way out of this mess…before glancing at the Double Feature Championship slung over Gemini’s shoulder, which makes him smile.
“Perhaps, Miss Gemini, we can arrange one more bargain?”
Cut.
A falls count anywhere match between Grimskull and Tombstone, promising to bring the fireworks!
Grimskull rushes Tombstone right out the gate— HEADBUTT! And another HEADBUTT rocks Tombstone into the ropes, and Grimskull darts off the opposite ropes and sprints full speed at Tombstone— WHO USES HIS MOMENTUM AGAINST HIM, TOSSING HIM OVER THE ROPES TO THE OUTSIDE! Tombstone follows, draping Grimskull across the crowd barrier…
FINGER TIP THRUST! UPPERCUT!! THE FERRYMAN’S KNOCK KNOCKS GRIMSKULL INTO THE CROWD!! The seas part and Tombstone lifts Grimskull high in the air— ELBOW TO THE FACE! Grimskull’s free but Tombstone pursues him— DROP TOE HOLD ONTO AN EMPTY CHAIR!! DEATH TO HELLIONS!! Grimskull covers— ONE! …T— TOMBSTONE LAUNCHES GRIMSKULL OFF HIM!
The crowd is raucous and Tombstone chases Grimskull through the stands— STEEL CHAIR SHOT TO TOMBSTONE… WHO NO-SELLS IT AND THE CHASE CONTINUES! They brawl through the crowd some more before Grimskull grabs another fan’s chair— CHAIR SHOT— NO! GOOZLE— FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS!!! Cover— ONE! …
BUT GRIMSKULL’S FOLLOWERS STARTED BEATING DOWN TOMBSTONE TO BREAK THE COUNT! Tombstone rocks one with a fingertip thrust, and socks another with a stiff uppercut to fight them off, but here comes Grimskull— NO! TOMBSTONE CAUGHT HIM… and he looks to the floor below— ELYSIUM FIELDS OFF THE STANDS!!! Cover— ONE! …TWO!! …THREEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
The World Champion overcame a lot of odds, including Grimskull’s followers, and picked up the win!
WINNER: TOMBSTONE
YOU CAN'T DENY US
Medical.
The Yellow Python sits in his mask and costume, in recovery, refusing to take even a single of item of clothing off. His secret identity must be retained at all costs.
Another week and another beat down.
It couldn’t get worse, could it?
Not until Sebastian Boswick and Mr. Kleen enter the room.
“You know Mr. Python, if that is your real name…”
“You can’t see it, but I’m rolling my eyes under here,” he retorts with a sneer.
Boswick goes to step forward, but Kleen stops him, eyeballing the medical staff. They don’t want to cause a problem here; a problem here is a problem with Zeus and Ares.
“You think you’re safe, don’t you?” Mr. Kleen asks somewhat aggressively. “You have no idea what you’re doing, kid.”
The Python shuffles in his seat.
“And you do?” He asks, looking at Boswick, who grimaces. “This Censorship shtick is a better path, is that it? Why do you want me to join you so badly? I’m nothing to a group like yours but I mean something to The Kingdom.”
Kleen and Boswick look at one another.
Kleen scoffs.
“I won’t let you deny us, Python. I know you. I know your hopes, your dreams, your ambitions, and beliefs. I know everything there is to know about you. The ACA is where you need to be and I’m going to make sure of it.”
The Yellow Python hobbles out of bed, holding his neck.
“I’m Kingdom, through and through,” he warns, slowly stepping away and towards the exit. “Leave me be.”
With Python exiting, Boswick taps Kleen on the shoulder.
“Are we letting him leave, Mr. Kleen?” He asks carefully.
Kleen nods.
Cut.
Muerte has heard this song play before, a melody that he used to dethrone the indestructible king so long ago but the chords have warped, his strings have frayed and his ability has diminshed from the stench of death that clings to him. Can El Mariachi even enter the venue to pluck the strings of that sweet symphony once more or has the final note of his sonata been played?
The bell sounds as DOOM stands in the middle of the ring, his newly found partner in crime Doctor Death beside him but no sign of El Mariachi Muerte anywhere, still clearly trapped deep within bowels of Anthesteria where he was left one week ago. The Deadly Alliance play up the confusion and shock for a moment before Death yells for a microphone, which a very terrified stage hand throws to him.
“I regret to inform the good Olympus audience that this main event is going to be far shorter then you’re used to. See, my old Mariachi friend still refuses to listen to reason so he won’t be appearing tonight. In fact referee, why don’t you start the count? I guarantee that’s the only one you’ll need tonight.”
The referee stares at Death with an annoyed look but not wanting to argue with two men who would most likely kill him if he refused, begrudgingly begins the count.
ONE
………………
………………….
TWO
………………….
………………………
The crowd is starting to boo heavily, very angry that this is how such a big main event is going to end.
THREE
…………………..
……………………..
FOUR
……………………….
…………………………..
Doom and Death are barely paying attention to the count, conversing amongst one another as if the victory is a foregone conclusion.
FIVE
………………..
………………………..
SIX
…………………………….
………………………………
SEVEN
……………………………..
……………………………………….
EIGHT
……………………………..
Death raises Doom’s hand, the pair celebrating the sure victory
NINE
……………………………………
“Strumming my pain with his fingers,
Singing my life with his words,
Killing me softly with his song, killing me softly…”
The crowd absolutely erupts as El Mariachi Muerte appears on the top of the stage. He’s hurt, completely battered with one eye closed over as dried blood covers his face as he stares daggers at Death and Doom in the ring, who look absolutely shocked that he’s here.
Muerte takes a few, staggered steps forward, as Mariachi Vida rushes behind him, trying to drag him back, stop him from fighting but Muerte’s determined to beat the shit out of Doom, beat the shit out of both men if he has to.
Death nods at Doom before rolling out of the ring and rushing up the steps but Muerte is there
LARIATING THE ABSOLUTE FUCK OUT OF DEATH!
Death goes down hard on the concrete as Mariachi mounts him, pounding down with heavy lefts and rights to the doctor he despises. Death reaches up and pokes him in the eye, giving him a moments of respite but only a moment as he tries to get to his feet, Muerte nearly caves his skull in with a sickening elbow before gripping him around the waist.
GERMAN SUPLEX INTO THE SPEAKERS!
Death looks like he’s not moving as Muerte sits up, eyes focused in pure rage at Doom. The Scientist almost looking scared as Muerte rushes into the ring, right into a flurry of kicks from Doom. The Doctor picks up Muerte, drilling him with a brutal knee to the injured ribs before whipping him across the ring but the clothesline attempt is ducked under, Muerte springboarding off the ropes
TORNADO DDT!
Doom gets spiked right onto his dome, the metallic frame barely protecting him from the sheer force as he staggers to his feet into a flurry of lefts and rights, Muerte unleashing everything he has onto Doom as the Doctor swings wild only to be nailed with a brutal Pele to the side of the head.
Doom crashes to the mat, stunned as Muerte slowly climbs up to the top rope. Trying to fight past the pain, he winces for a moment before pulling out that trusty rose from his jacket, placing it between his lips and leaping off.
48 ROSE…NO! Doom moves out of the way just in time. Muerte manages to land on his feet, turning around
AS HE GETS SPLIT IN FUCKING HALF!
GORE! GORE! GORE!
Muerte flips in mid-air from the sheer force, his cracked ribs maybe broken from the power of Doom as a trickle of blood pools down his lip. Muerte tries to stand through the pain, slowly rising but the moment he gets to his feet, he’s gripped by the back of the head by Doom
BIEL TOSS INTO THE CORNER!
Doom nearly throws Muerte through the damn buckles, the sickening sound of bone against steel echoes through the arena but Muerte refuses to stay down, slowly rising to his feet but Doom is there, gripping the ropes with both hands before driving his shoulder over and over into the brutalized ribs of Muerte, the Mariachi crying out in pain but his yelps soon turn to anger as if he’s daring the Doctor to keep trying that shit.
Doom obliges with both hands around the Mariachi’s throat as he tries to throw him across the ring
KICK TO THE DICK!
Muerte goes low, breaking the iron grip around his windpipe. Doom winces but is soon doubled over as Muerte nails him a second time and then a third, before gripping him around the waist
WHISKEY LULLABY COCKFACE!
Muerte throws Doom across the ring but that may have been a bad idea as he immediately drops to one knee in agony, one or several of his ribs clearly cracked if not completely broken at this point. Muerte is in a bad way as he has to finish this fast to have even a chance of winning at this point.
Muerte swallows hard, fighting past the pain as he slowly walks over to Doom, trying to pull him up
POISON TOXIN!
Doom unleashes that deadly toxin right into Muerte’s face, blinding him and wracking his body with unimaginable pain but he’s soon gasping for breath as well as Doom reaches up,
GRABBING HIM WITH THE HANDS OF DOOM!
Both metallic hands crushing into Muerte’s larynx, trying to crack and break it with almost inhuman like strength. Muerte tries to fight out but he’s barely clinging together as he can only manage a few punches to the ribs that barely budge Doom before he’s lifted up high
AS MUERTE FALLS BEFORE DOOM WITH A BRUTAL DOUBLE HANDED CHOKESLAM!
That very well could be it there but Doom doesn’t look ready to pin him, instead he backs up, looking to break Muerte’s jar permenently only to be stopped in his tracks
As El Mariachi Vida leaps onto his back.
Frightengale scratches and claws at Doom, trying to stop him doing permanent damage to Muerte, Doom regarding Vida like an annoying fly for a moment before reaching behind and flinging her off him with one hand. She flies into the corner, landing hard as she struggles to stand, Doom slowly advancing on her with a sneer
GUITAR STRING AROUND THE THROAT! DREAM A LITTLE DREAM!
Muerte is behind Doom, wrapping that enchanted string around his throat as he tries to choke out Doom. Muerte’s strength may be fading but that string is tight across Doom’s throat, the Doctor struggling to breath as Muerte twists it, turning his back to Doom and dropping to his knees as he tries to choke the life out of him.
Doom slowly begins to fade, the Doctor fighting but Muerte grips that string with everything he has.
SLICE
A metal blade pops out from Doom’s neck, slicing through the string as Muerte crashes to his knees. Doom collapses to his, barely able to pop that vital defense before it was too late. Both men slowly get to their feet, Muerte hurting badly but Doom isn’t fresh either. This may be the last chance Muerte has to emerge victorious here as he wastes no time
SUPERKICK FROM MARIACHI!
Doom’s eyes go glassy for a moment before he’s pulled into Muerte who quickly flows Doom up into the air and nearly drives him through the mat with a brutal Powerbomb. That drove an agonising streak of pain through Muerte’s injured ribs but the adrenaline flowing through him, La Musica echoing through his soul drive him forward as he slowly walks through the ropes onto the apron, begging for Doom to get to his feet.
The Doctor slowly does as Muerte leaps onto the top rope before springboarding forward
Right as Doctor Death slides into the ring
AND SHATTERS HIS CANE OVER THE SPRINGBOARDING MUERTE’S SKULL!
Muerte collapses to his knees, Death chuckling to himself as he picks up Doom, presenting the broken Muerte to him. Doom nods, before motioning Death to get out of the way.
As Doom begins to supercharge himself.
Electricity sparks off Doom as his armor turns a brilliant white. Doom knows exactly how dangerous Muerte can be, he knows even injured and broken, he needs to kill the Mariachi with fire.
Doom screams out in rage before rushing forward, PUNT KICK TO THE SKULL
BUT DOOM ISN’T DONE!
He springs off the ropes, but he misses the second punt as Muerte just ducks underneath before grabbing Doom in a sudden schoolboy out of nowhere. The referee sliding into position for the cover
ONE
……………..
…………………..
TWO
…………………………..
…………………………….
THREE!!!!
EMM does it, somehow surviving everything Doom and Death threw at him here tonight to pick up the surprise victory. Death looks shocked on the outside as EMM can barely sit up, staring daggers at the Doctor as if daring for him to try something. Death just backs up, sprinting up the stairs and the ramp, not wanting anything to do with El Mariachi here tonight.
WINNER: EL MARIACHI MUERTE
WHERE IS HE?
The Mortuary is no place of celebration. The OSW World Champion storms through the halls like a man on a mission. He drags the Championship alongside him as he bursts into the morgue, finding Igor Mortis working on the body of a recently deceased citizen.
“I see you did it,” Mortis says uncaringly, peering up over his glasses at Tombstone. “Congratulations, boy.”
“Where is he?” Tombstone demands to know.
He’s not happy.
“At Red Snow, Authority Sterling has made my first Championship defence against Drewitt; I can finally end this,” he says convincingly. “But rumours are that you took him captive.”
Mortis stops working for a moment.
“There’re more important things in life than your desires, boy. Our part in this is over, I’ve made sure of that,” he declares.
Tombstone tilts his head.
“What does that mean?” His voice a low and growling tone. “What about the balance? What about righting the wrong? Cerberus will not be happy, Igor.”
The Mortician scoffs.
“Look boy,” he gruffly says, walking around the table and standing before an angry looking Tombstone. “When Teddy O’Toole thrust this situation upon us, I believed it was our duty to resolve the problem. We tried and we failed. There’s nothing we could’ve done. There must be a reason for that, don’t you think?”
Tombstone folds his arms.
“I was made aware of circumstances beyond our control that may make sense of all this,” he says with a shrug. “I’ve given Drewitt to his destiny. You’re not it, boy.”
He turns and heads back to his table.
Cut.