On Your WaY I
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ladies and gentlemen, last week we went off the air with Jackson Cade facing a firing squad.
MATT RUBY: Serves him right.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We hope to get an update on the Sheriff here tonight.
Darkness.
A dream… or is it?
Jackson Cade opens his eyes.
He’s on a boat.
Not just any boat.
Tombstone’s boat.
“Am I dead?” Cade asks, his voice swallowed by void.
There’s no answer.
But he isn’t alone on the boat.
Tombstone sits at the helm, rowing the ferry through the endless black. Jackson rushes forward, swinging at Tombstone, but his hands go through the Ferryman.
Whatever’s happening, it’s not real.
He’s not real.
But Cade’s heart stutters as he sees something else—a second figure.
One of his officers, slumped, broken.
Tombstone’s voice cuts through the silence.
“Was it worth it? You took a bullet for your Sheriff. Why? To die, so your corrupt commander could live?”
The officer doesn’t look up, his voice trembling but bitter.
“I was just doing the right thing. All we can do is follow orders... Nobody asked for Jackson Cade to be Sheriff. The kid used to have the book stuck up his ass, now he’s turned into a psychopath. He’s dragged us—regular stiffs, just drawing a check—into a war with monsters. Like you.”
The ferry rocks gently as Tombstone leans closer to the officer.
“And this... this is the fate of all who follow him.”
Tombstone slowly turns, his eyes locking onto Cade.
“Let me send you on your way.”
His grin deepens.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Tonight we see the larger than life Mighty Mighty take on the culinary genius that is Anton Savor.
MATT RUBY: Finally, that oversized mountain of double-named cringe is going to be exposed to a bit of culture.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Let Mighty Mighty hear you say that.
Mighty approaches Savor with a grin, which is instantly wiped off his face with a backhand slap. The chef sets to the body of the big man.
FLAMBÉ!
SAVOR CHOPS AT MIGHTY MIGHTY WITH A RAPID FLOURISH!
Mighty staggers but does not go down. Savor bounds into the ropes and comes back at him.
BA-BOOM!
HIGH AND MIGHTY!
THE RELEASE BACKDROP SENDS SAVOR SOARING!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He just about flew out of Olympus with that one.
MATT RUBY: Did you see those chops from Savor? Mighty’s manboobs are still jiggling!
Mighty Mighty runs at the downed Chef. He leaps, flattening Savor with a MIGHTY SPLASH!
300 POUNDS OF MANMEAT PRESSES DOWN ON SAVOR!
FLATTENING HIM LIKE A PANCAKE!
Mighty pulls Savor to his feet, but Savor attacks without warning.
CRÈME BRÛLÉE!
SUPERKICK TO THE JAW OUT OF NOWHWERE!
Mighty falls backwards into the ropes and Anton hurtles after him.
SPINNING ELBOW STRIKE!
MIGHTY TEETERS ON THE ROPES BUT STAYS UPRIGHT!
KNEE STRIKE TO THE GUTS!
MIGHTY TOPPLES INTO THE ROPES!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Anton Savor has really got Mighty Mighty in a bad way, but the big man is a lot to get down.
MATT RUBY: Look at that jelly wobble, it’s hypnotic!
Savor hoists Mighty Mighty up onto the top of the turnbuckle. He hoists Mighty onto his shoulders.
THE FINAL COURSE! GTS!
THE RING SHAKES AS THE BIG MAN COMES CRASHING DOWN!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It is Anton Savor that takes down Mighty Mighty tonight!
Breaking & Entering
Recorded Earlier.
It’s the middle of the night and we’re focused on a golden door handle that belongs to a beautifully pristine white door. There’re a few careful clicks before the sound of it unlocking faintly occurs.
The door handle slowly turns and in walks CJ Thorpe and George Cade.
“This is as far as I go,” George says with a stern grimace. “Be careful, son. You’re about to wake the beast.”
CJ nods, heading into the house and creeping down the hall. He arrives at a room, pushing the door open carefully. It creeks as it lets the hallway light shine in. Thorpe creeps into the room, looming over the bed.
He reaches down, placing his hand over the face of the person sleeping. She gasps, audible, feminine, shocked.
It’s Narcissa Balenciaga.
“Do you know why I’m here?” He asks, watching as she nods her head slowly in reply. He looks over to Zeus who sleeps beside her, waiting to see if he wakes – but he doesn’t. “You set a trap for me and my pop and we walked right into it.”
He releases her, stepping backwards.
“But I don’t need to set traps, Narcissa. I want you to know that it doesn’t matter where you are, or who you sleep next to, if I want to get to you then I will,” he growls deep and grumbling.
Narcissa’s eyes are widened with shock. “Are you finished?” She arrogantly retorts.
He steps forward angrily, only Zeus stirs, and he stops.
“Message received,” she says with a shrug. “Now unless you’re gonna kill me, I’m going back to bed – I have a busy couple of weeks, you know, taking your precious World Championship.”
CJ scoffs. “Night, bitch.”
The Chainbreaker carefully creeps out of the room, leaving Narcissa to look at the bedroom door as he shuts it with a devilish smile.
Game on.
Cut.
Squeal
A scene once more coated in a familiar black and white. However, we don't hear Candy Kane narrating. No, instead our ears are filled with the voice of Gino Carelli.
"Stupid. Back in the day, when you had a made man, you were able to put your faith in them to put a bullet between someone's eyes."
We find ourselves in front of a shallow grave, one dug in a level far from Olympus. Gino, flanked by his men, stand in front of his enforcer. He's been roughed up, yelling unheard words, clearly begging for forgiveness.
"You give a man the world and all he throws it back in your face. He went to Candy to dispense lead and left a squealer. Said she was persuasive, that she was a hell of a Jaw Breaker."
Gino reaches into his jacket, pulling out a gun and leveling it at his former hit man. His lips move, Gino shaking his head in disappointment.
"I told him, if he just kept his lips shut then we would never have been here. But Carelli doesn't do loose ends, especially when it's so obvious that thread is just begging to come undone."
A silent gunshot, smoke spills forth from the barrel as the enforcer's bright red blood adds color to the scene. He collapses back into the grave, Carelli turning away without a second thought.
"But I guess it just goes to show. If you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself."
We hear the sound of a gun cocking.
"See you at Ring King, Candy."
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Tonight, we have Wolf Fang Ayame vs Roland Gray! Which hunter will come out on top?
MATT RUBY: I know which one I want on top!
DING! DING!
They're both circling the ring like the natural hunters they are and they lock up! Roland Gray has the strength advantage and shoves her hard into the corner! She rebounds quick and throws some rapid fire elbow strikes! He throws a quick knee to the gut to slow her down!
HE FOLLOWS IT WITH A MASSIVE WMD!
DEAD MAN'S HAND!
Roland drops Ayame hard with that massive straight! He doesn't stop and stomps all over her before pulling her back up and whipping her into the ropes! He pops her up but she counters!
HEAVEN'S HOWL!
SHE COUNTERS WITH THE DIVING KNEES TO A PRONE ROLAND!
Both competitors are on one knee and staring daggers at each other! They charge at each other and throw rapid strikes! Right after right from both! Roland shoves Ayame away and levels her hard with a big boot!
ROLAND BACKS INTO THE CORNER WAITING FOR AYAME TO GET UP!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: HERE SHE COMES!
SHE GETS UP AND HE SPRINTS!
DISCUS LARIAT!
NO! SHE COUNTERS WITH A SPEAR!
She pulls Roland up and drags him into the corner! She's ready to end this!
SHE CHARGES AT HIM!
ON THE HUNT!
SHE NAILS THE CORNER ENZUIGIRI!
ROLAND BARELY REACTS AND INSTANTLY NAILS THE DISCUS LARIAT!
QUICKDRAW!
BRILLIANT REACTION BY ROLAND AND HE COVERS!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Roland takes the shot and gets a new trophy in the form of a wolf skin.
MATT RUBY: Wish I had the weapon he does when I took my shot at her.
Contract: Make Him Suffer
Roland Gray gets back to his feet after that tremendous victory. He stumbles into the ropes, just as the tron flickers.
A masked person appears, their arms folded.
“Roland Gray,” their altered voice states matter of factly. “The newest acquisition of Old School Wrestling. You may not remember me yet, but you will.”
Roland looks confused. “Who are you?” He mutters from inside the ring.
“I’ve taken multiple contracts out on your head. The first one begins now,” the person says confidently. “Make Him Suffer.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It looks like Roland Gray has an admirer of sorts.
MATT RUBY: He’s taken a contract out on his head, Bronco.
Suddenly, Wolf Fang Ayame attacks him from behind with a forearm, sending him sprawling into the ropes. She quickly grabs him, pulling him in close…
BLOOD MOON SACRIFICE! AVALANCHE LIGHTNING SPIRAL!
DOWN GOES ROLAND GRAY!
Ayame mounts him immediately, pounding and clawing away at him.
Just then, Mighty Mighty slides into the ring.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Where did he come from!?
MATT RUBY: He’s hardly invisible, but he came out of no-where!
Mighty rushes towards a rising Ayame, clapping straight into her with a running Body Splash that crumples her where she stands. He immediately pulls her to her feet and…
HIGH AND MIGHTY!
BACKDROP RELEASE!
The Chunk of Funk then turns his attention to Roland Gray, who’s slowly rising in the corner. He runs across the ring, slamming into him with all his might with a corner splash.
As Mighty turns around…
CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!
SPIRITUAL AWAKENING!
LUTHERIAN LOCKE JUST TOOK DOWN THE BIG MAN!
Locke demands that Gray stumble out of the corner and he does…
THE GODSMACK!
SUPERMAN PUNCH! SUPERMAN PUNCH!
DOWN GOES THE GUNSLINGER!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Poor Gray is being punished!
MATT RUBY: He needs to get out of there!
The person on the tron chuckles with joy, watching as these newest OSW acquisitions try and undertake his contract.
Lutherian Locke gets back to his feet…
CRÉME BRÚLÉE!!!
IT’S ANTON SAVOR! THE CHEF! THE CHEF!
SUPERKICK! SUPERKICK TO THE FUCKING JAW! Locke stumbles backwards, being immediately scooped up…
GO TO SLEEP!
THE FINAL COURSE TO LUTHERIAN LOCKE!
Jesus fucking Christ! Anton turns around, looking down at Locke with a sinister smile. He’s about to finish this contract on the head of Roland Gray.
QUICKDRAW! DISCUSS LARIAT! OUT OF FUCKING NO-WHERE!
THE GUNSLINGER JUST DREW HARD ON SAVOR!
He stumbles out of the ring, falling through the ropes to the floor with a thud. Gray somehow stumbles back to his feet, looking up at the tron in exhaustion as the man who put a contract on his head watches on.
“Don’t worry, Roland. There’s more where that came from,” he says.
Static.
The tron cuts.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Who is that!?
MATT RUBY: I wonder if Gray knows?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Hang on… I’m getting word from Scott Sterling..
MATT RUBY: Exciting!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He’s booked all five of these talents into a fatal five way match at Ring King! Roland Gray will get a chance at revenge, Ruby!
MATT RUBY: That’s gonna be an amazing match!
Final Girl
Aurora's home.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I don't like the look of this already. Can Aurora not even feel safe in her own home?
MATT RUBY: You're such a buzzkill, you geezer. Be optimistic! Maybe this is a topless scene?
We get a shot of the front door from the inside, the likes of which is quickly splintered apart as an axe slams into the wood! Jasper Redgrave peers through the broken door with a demented grin on his face.
"Here's Jasper!" He shouts with glee, smashing the door inwards! "Where oh where is my Little Star? Hiding from the cameras?"
Redgrave stalks through the home, axe at the ready as he walks next to a closet door, examining every direction.
WHAM! THE DOOR GETS KNOCKED OPEN! AURORA WAS WAITING FOR HIM!
The Thrillseeker totes a baseball bat, a look of pure anger on her face as she swings wildly at Jasper! Redgrave takes the blows to his back before ducking a wide swing and cracking her with a headbutt! He swings the axe towards Aurora who blocks with her bat!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: HE'S TRYING TO KILL HER! HE'S TRYING TO END HIS SICK LITTLE FILM!
MATT RUBY: WITHOUT A TOPLESS SCENE!?
Aurora pushes Redgrave back towards her living room, running at him in a dead sprint before leaping with a massive front dropkick!
THAT SENDS REDGRAVE SMASHING THROUGH HER WINDOW!
She hits the ground, scrambling to her feet and checking the window only to find Redgrave nowhere to be found. She looks every direction, but as quickly as he arrived, Redgrave was gone.
"Come out and fight!" Aurora shouts to seemingly no one, frustration showing on her face. "What are you waiting for, huh!? What are you waiting for!?"
But no one responds. Leaving Aurora alone with the aftermath of what just occured.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have a newcomer here tonight in Lutherian Locke! How will the Light Bringer fair against Arcadia's best detective?
The bell rings and Locke rushes Candy Kane with a leaping knee! Candy narrowly dodges it and plants Locke with a nasty leaping neckbreaker! The Light Bringer tries to leap to his feet immediately but Candy is waiting for him!
BRONOCO BLACKWOOD: ONE HARD JAWBREAKER! REVERSE BULLDOG TO LOCKE!
MATT RUBY: Oh something's hard when Candy is around, I'll say that.
The detective forces Locke back to his feet, nailing a hard headbutt before whipping him to the ropes! Lutherian comes back-
AND NAILS CANDY WITH A MASSIVE CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: THE SPRITUAL AWAKENING! HE JUST TURNED CANDY INSIDE OUT!
MATT RUBY: She doesn't look awake to me, Bronco!
Locke peels Kane to her feet, laying into her with powerful body blows before forcing her up onto his shoulders and running towards the far turnbuckle!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: THE DIVINE INTERVENTION? BUCKLE BOMB!
MATT RUBY: CANDY PUTS HER LEGS TO WORK! SHE REVERSES WITH A HURRICANRANA!
Candy sends Locke headfirst into the turnbuckle! He stumbles out of the corner as Candy rises to her feet and leaps with a devastating knee to the jaw that drops her before he collapses to the ground! Both competitors are down and fighting to get to their feet!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: LOCKE IS UP FIRST! HE LEAPS WITH A SUPERMAN PUNCH-
MATT RUBY: CANDY CANE CRUSH! KANE WITH THE MANDIBLE CLAW!
The Gumshoe takes Locke to the ground with the claw! With nowhere to go, he taps!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He had an impressive first showing tonight, but Candy Kane has still claimed victory over Lutherian Locke!
Good Intentions II
Backstage, Reverend Ezekiel is seen hiding behind a cart with his knife in hand. He peeks around the side, seemingly waiting for someone in particular.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We haven't seen the Apostle this scared before. That brawl with Old Nick must've really shook him up.
MATT RUBY: No shit, Sherlock? Wonder what gave you that idea?
With a deep sigh, Graves closes his eyes and pulls his head back behind the cart, pressing the knife flat against his chest in a praying position.
"O God," Ezekiel begins, not hearing the footsteps that approach him. "Give me the strength I need to defeat this evil and cast it back to the fires of Hell-"
"From whence it came?"
Ezekiel is startled from his prayer by Nick Morningstar, who stands over and in front of him. The Day Star puts a chokehold on the Harbinger, hoisting him up to his feet. Old Nick smiles as he watches Graves struggle against his grip.
"I've heard that one countless times before," Morningstar says, forcing the knife out of the Reverend's hands. "Usually from people who realize exactly what I'm capable of." Nick proceeds to release his grasp on Ezekiel, allowing him to catch his breath.
"I don't know if you are what you claim," the Purifier starts, tossing the weapon behind him. "But you're definitely a challenge that I need the Lord's strength for." This elicits a chuckle from the Day Star.
"And you're not worth a fraction of mine, yet we're destined to meet at Ring King for my championship." This response makes Graves ball his fists again. Morningstar notices this and smiles wider. "Fight me with the full power of your God, and I'll show you just what I'm really capable of."
"The Lord's champion will take back his divine relic!" Ezekiel yells before slowly walking towards his discarded blade. Morningstar watches him walk away as we cut.
Against Doctors Orders
Medical.
Harold Attano can barely stand. He holds onto the bars, his legs hardly steady beneath him. His physio looks less than encouraged as he once again flops back into his wheelchair.
“There’s just no way,” she says with a grimace, looking equally as disappointed as Harold. “You’re not ready, Mr. Attano. I told you that you should never get back inside the ring, but this match at Ring King is a huge mistake.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Someone needs to stop him for his own good.
MATT RUBY: You know how much I hate Attano, right?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You’ve mentioned it.
MATT RUBY: Then let him go. Let him fight and get crippled. If he wants the match so badly then let him have it.
Harold shakes his head, breathless from the effort. “I don’t have a choice.”
“You’re in recovery and things are going well. If you get hurt out there, you may set your recovery back months, if not permanently,” she reminds him.
Nobody angrily pulls himself back to a standstill, forcing his feet forward and walking towards the end of the bar.
As he makes it, he falls, gasping in agony and reaching around for his back.
“I can’t sign off on you leaving here,” she says as she bends down to help him in a panic. “I can’t release you, I’m sorry.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Thank Zeus! At least someone here is using some common sense.
MATT RUBY: Disappointing, isn’t it?
Harold yanks his arm away.
Orderlies rush into the room to help him back to his feet and into his wheelchair. He’s wincing in pain, recoiling as his physiotherapist takes a clipboard and begins writing notes upon it.
“You’re not cleared to compete,” the therapist says gruffly. “It’s for your own good, Mr. Attano.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It looks like Harold Attano vs. George Cade for Ring King has officially been cancelled, Matt.
MATT RUBY: She’s not Zeus, BB. She can’t make that decision. Zeus made this match and he's the only one who can cancel it.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have quite a match up tonight with-
MATT RUBY: Can it, Bronco! We're here to see two of the hottest women in Olympus, not listen to you prattle on!
As the match begins Aurora is immediately on the offensive! She drops Narcissa with a running elbow to the jaw! The Queen drops to the ground and Aurora immediately forces her up!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX! AURORA IS ON A WAR PATH!
MATT RUBY: Come on! Pull her hair! Give me something here!
Hera is rocked as Aurora lays into her with angry, frantic stomps! The Thrillseeker is relentless as she forces Narcissa up once more-
MATT RUBY: NAILS TO THE FACE! NOW THIS IS A CAT FIGHT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: NARCISSA FOLLOWS UP WITH THE UPRISING! BICYCLE KNEE!
Aurora is still standing but a Russian leg sweep downs her! Narcissa rolls through and hits the ropes, coming back with a springboard moonsault! She covers!
ONE- QUICK KICKOUT BY AURORA!
The Northern Light kips up to her feet and lashes out with a jumping DDT! Narcissa hits the mat and Aurora begs for her to get to her feet as she backs towards the corner! Hera slowly rises to her feet!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: SOLAR STORM! MASSIVE METEORA TO NARCISSA!
MATT RUBY: THE LATEST TREND! SOLAR STORM FROM NARCISSA!
Both women collide in the center of the ring! Neither get to their feet as Aurora flops an arm over Narcissa!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Fueled by rage, Aurora has taken the fight to the Queen and won!
Evidence
The Observatory
Felix Foley lies on a reclining doctor’s chair. Doom stands over him, scanning his head. Foley sits still, his eyes closed as drones work to keep him sedated while the scan completes.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Doom is still trying to get inside the head of Felix Foley and work out what on earth has been going on there lately. Foley’s behaviour has been erratic, but he’s put his trust in his friend.
MATT RUBY: He’s always been a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic, but I’m not sure there’s even a brain in there to scan.
He doesn’t see Destructo Boy approach, but Doom does.
“You have a lot of nerve…”
Doom readies himself for a fight, but Destructo Boy doesn’t seem to be here to start anything.
He tosses a video tape at Doom.
“Just watch it.”
Doom picks up the tape from where it had fallen to the floor. He examines it reluctantly.
“Why should I bend to your pitiful demands?”
“Call it scientific curiosity, asshole.”
Doom clenches his fist, looking to crush the tape in his gauntleted hand, but then stops. Grunting, he places the tape into his laboratory’s player.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What exactly does Destructo Boy have on this tape that he’s so sure Doom needs to see?
MATT RUBY: Maybe it’s got boobies on it?
It’s a video from two weeks ago. From outside the Observatory, a higher quality video taken from a different angle than the grainy footage Doom’s cameras showed.
Destructo Boy and The Burned Man are lurking outside, putting in place barrels of gasoline.
Only, when Destructo Boy looks up, it’s not him at all. It’s a face we’ve never seen before. On his hand, the Night Owl’s symbol tattooed.
The Burned Man is also a fake. His 'bandages' unravel slightly as he alerts his counterpart to movement just off screen. The pair escape as moments later, Doom appears outside.
Clicking the video off, Doom mutters to himself aloud.
“Night Owls…” He turns to Destructo Boy. “Malakai Midnight set all of this up?”
Destructo Boy nods, but he isn’t smiling.
“That’s evidence, but it doesn’t change a thing between us. We are still coming for you. You’re not going to keep us from what we need to know.”
Destructo Boy exits, leaving Doom fuming.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Six Feet Under are going to have hell to pay.
Muppets
“Doom…”
The voice of his friend catches Doom’s attention, causing him to turn around. He takes the security tape, now crushing it in his gauntleted hand as he looks over at Felix Foley.
The drones sit idly by now, the screen flashing behind Foley’s head reading - ‘Inconclusive’.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Whatever Doom was hoping to find inside Felix Foley’s head, it looks like he failed once again to help him.
MATT RUBY: It’s looking more and more likely that there’s nothing between those ears BB. I keep saying it… he’s bonkers.
With the effects of the sedative wearing off, he attempts to stand and walk over to Doom.
“I’m scared…”
Felix Foley is terrified, blinking all around him. He stumbles as he gets down from the chair, falling to the ground. Foley clutches at his head, his eyes closed tightly.
“Argh! Make it stop!”
Doom instinctively moves to check on his friend, but as Felix Foley opens his eyes, he screams.
“Get away from me! You’re a muppet, a damn muppet! Get away!”
Doom backs away, his body language showing how equipped he is to deal with the situation at hand. He pauses, collecting himself as he watches Felix stand to his feet. Terrified rage takes over Foley now.
“Get away, muppet!”
Doom holds his hands up.
“Felix. It’s me, you know me. You’re not thinking straight and you need to trust me. We’ve got business to tend to together.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Felix Foley is seeing people as muppets?!
MATT RUBY: I told you he was bonkers.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That you did…
Cut.
MATT RUBY: It's about time we get to this one BB, where one idiot goes down to the redeeming light of our holy reverend.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Mr Sunshine might be simple in your eyes Ruby but he's a great competitor and if Graves underestimates him for a moment, he'll be out of Ring King and Sunshine will advance again.
The bell sounds as Mr Sunshine walks forward, arm outstretched as he tries to start this contest with a warm and friendly handshake. Graves takes it for a moment before scowling
AS HE PULLS SUNSHINE INTO A BRUTAL LARIAT!
Sunshine staggers back up into a hard series of powerful and rapid strikes but as Graves steps back, looking for another brutal Lariat, Sunshine ducks underneath, rushing to the ropes and bouncing off
CATCH ME! RUNNING CROSS BODY BOWLS GRAVES OVER!
Sunshine gets up, lifting Graves onto his shoulders with a big smile as he begins to play the Dizzy Game. Sunshine spins around and around in the Airplane Spin but Graves manages to slip his way out before spinning Sunshine around.
HARD HEADBUTT! Sunshine is dazed as he's lifted up high into the air and nearly driven through the mat with the Purgatory Plunge Powerbomb
MATT RUBY: YES! Judge that hippy dippy moron Reverend and send him back to the looney bin where he belongs.
Graves looks for the end, holding up his hand as Sunshine staggers to his feet, THE FINAL...NO! Sunshine slips out, tripping Graves upas he tries to roll him up, pinning him down Superman Style. Cole Holt slides in to count as Graves struggles underneath Sunshine's weight.
ONE
..............
TWO
.............
.................
THREE!!!
MATT RUBY: ZEUS DAMNIT AGAIN! This idiot beat two of the best by a fluke and he's the one who advances to the semi finals? I knew Holt was shady but what sort of officiating is this that screws the Reverend here?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That was as clean a pinfall as you could get Ruby as like it or not, Mr Sunshine is one of the final four in Ring King 2024.
I am The Tag Team Champions!
Backstage at Olympus, Malakai Midnight and Gravedigger lurk in the shadows.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Malakai Midnight orchestrated making it appear that Burning Justice were attempting to burn down the Observatory.
MATT RUBY: He’s pulling strings, is this his way of showing Gravedigger how words work over action?
The pair are waiting when two other figures approach in the shadows.
“The birds will be flying high tomorrow.” Malakai utters, his voice almost at a whisper.
“At dusk, owl wings know the shadows best.” Comes the reply from the shadows.
“You have been busy, my Owls. Report in.”
The two figures step out of the shadows with hoods shielding their identity.
“Well, all is going according to plan.” The voice is low, almost a whisper. “The Pool Boys are destroying each other.”
Malaki smirks.
“You have done well. Gravedigger and myself shall take their place at Ring King in the Tag Team Championship match.”
“Like hell you will…”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Those aren’t Night Owls. It’s Burning Justice!
MATT RUBY: Well, words failed. Now it seems like it’s time for action.
Destructo Boy throws off his hood. Him and The Burned Man advance on Malakai and Gravedigger.
BAM!
Malakai and Gravedigger are blindsided.
BAM!
So too are Burning Justice.
Klaus Way and Damien Solus attack, going after both teams at once.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Punches are being thrown in all different directions. This is getting out of hand!
While all three teams are slinging handbags, Doom emerges from the gathering crowd, a steel chair in hand.
BAM!
HE TAKES OUT MALAKAI MIDNIGHT!
BAM!
DOWN GOES DESTRUCTO BOY!
Felix Foley follows him into the scene, his eyes wild with a terrified look. He swings a matching chair at anything that moves.
“Get away from me, muppets! All of you!”
BAM! BAM! BAM!
Everybody else that hadn’t been floored by Doom is taken out by Felix Foley.
The Besties stand amid a pile of groaning bodies. Doom addresses his fallen foes.
“You want the Championships? Come get them. At Ring King, you all get a shot.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That’s one hell of a Champion’s challenge.
MATT RUBY: But look at what Doom has alongside him. A raving lunatic.
Felix Foley is still ranting as Doom moves to console him, being quick to remove the steel chair from his hands.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have a huge quarter final Ring King matchup here folks as The Voodoo Child goes against the Artist all in the hopes of advancing to the Semi-Finals.
The bell sounds as Redgrave rushes forward, looking for a Superkick but Calypso slides underneath the kick, crawling on all fours for a moment before she flips up and delivers a hard kick to Jasper's jaw. The Artist staggers back as Calypso leaps off the ropes, looking for the Backstabber.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: GRAVE...NO! The Artist catches Calypso mid-leap, muscling her up into the air.
PORTRAIT OF A KILLER! The Nightmare Pendulum nearly plants Calypso through the mat but Redgrave doesn't cover, slowly getting off Calypso before waiting for her to slowly get up to her feet.
SUPERKICK! Calypso staggers back into the ropes but as Redgrave readies the elbow, she lunges forward with the BLOOD RITUAL
MATT RUBY: I always do like to see if they spit or swallow BB. But not surprised Redgrave likes it to the face either.
Redgrave staggers back as Calypso thrusts her hands forward as a Black Magic Missile of Fire flies out and strikes Redgrave's chest. The Artist flies back into the ropes but he doesn't go down, instead spinning around
AND TAKING CALYPSO'S HEAD OFF WITH THE DISCUS LARIAT! SANGUINE ABSURDISM!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Both competitors are down, you have to think the first one up is going to advance here.
Both competitors slowly get to their feet as Calypso rushes forward, but Redgrave catches the double chop attempt, delivering a brutal headbutt
KICK
WHAM
SYMPHONY OF SYMMETRY! The Pedigree plants Calypso into the mat as Redgrave slides over, hooking Calypso's leg as Demi Sky slides in to count the fall
ONE
...........
TWO
............
...............
THREE!!!
MATT RUBY: Damnit BB, now Ring King's a giant sausage fest. I probably should go and console my black magic kitten after her loss.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: She'd eat you alive Ruby and you know it. But either way, you're right as Jasper Redgrave advances to the Ring King King Semi-Finals here tonight.
On Your Way II
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We’re headed to the APD Infirmary now.
MATT RUBY: Hopefully for some last rites.
Laying in a bed hooked up to all kinds of monitors, Jackson Cade lays.
His eyes snap open, the harsh lights flooding his vision. He grits his teeth and forces himself upright.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He’s awake!
MATT RUBY: A travesty!
“Sheriff,” one of his officers says, stepping forward, a mix of relief and concern etched into his face. “You’ve been out for damn near a week.”
Cade doesn’t respond right away, his mind already racing.
“Blankenship…” the officer continues. “He took the bullet for you, but he didn—”
“I know.” Cade cuts him off, his voice cold and flat.
MATT RUBY: Some Sheriff he is, letting someone else take the bullets meant for him.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: For Tombstone, you mean?
Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, Cade stands, his muscles protesting with every movement.
His officers murmur as he walks out of the infirmary in a gown, but he ignores them.
He finds his Lieutenant waiting outside, a mixture of concern and confusion on his face. Cade doesn’t waste any time.
“New orders,” Cade says, his voice sharp. “You and the rest of the boys are to stand down. Go back to regular patrols.”
The lieutenant hesitates, brow furrowed. “But Sheriff, what about—”
“No.” Cade’s tone is ironclad, his gaze hard. “I’m not dragging you into my messes anymore. This is between me and that big son of a bitch.”
MATT RUBY: I’ll believe it when I see it.
“I’m going on my way. Into the Boiler Room,” he growls, voice low and dangerous. “And I’m getting my pound of flesh. Alone.”
Without another word, Cade walks off.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It’s going to be a war at Ring King, folks!
MATT RUBY: More like a massacre!
MATT RUBY: Tonight, we have two Champions doing battle with each other the deliriously daft dunce. Who’s been staggering around here the last couple of weeks Felix Foley taking on the new NXT Level Champion Old Nick Morningstar.
Referee Mills Stanton calls for the bell and Morningstar takes advantage of Foley’s recent medical issues Bell Clapping Foley’s ears staggering The Puppeteer and dropping him to a knee.
The Day Star looks to set up the Puppet Master for a Piledriver looking to continue the damage to the head of the Tag Champ...
COUNTERED! DESPERATION DEATH VALLEY DRIVER BY FOLEY! THE DEVIL HIMSELF JUST BUMPED HIS HEAD!
FOLEY DRAPES AN ARM OVER MORNINGSTAR AND STANTON SLIDES INTO MAKE THE COUNT...
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
SHOULDER UP BY THE FATHER OF LIES!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That wasn’t enough to keep the NXT Level Champion down!
Morningstar rolls through singling out Foley’s leg locking in the Stretch Muffler and putting his foot across The Puppeteer’s Chin!
TEMPTATION HAS BEEN LOCKED IN ON THE PUPPET MASTER!
FOLEY STRUGGLES MANAGING TO GET HIS HEAD OUT FROM UNDER THE DEVIL’S FOOT AND ROLL OUT OF THE HOLD SENDING NICK INTO THE ROPES CHEST FIRST!
As Nick stumbles back around he catches a boot to the gut and
*WA-BAM!*
DOUBLE ARM DDT! FELIX FOLEY JUST CUT THE STRINGS OF THE LORD OF THE FLIES!
FOLEY AGAIN MANAGES TO COLLAPSE ON TOP OF NICK AND STANTON IS THERE AGAIN!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Even with a Medical Handicap Felix Foley has managed to pull it out!
MATT RUBY: Even a concussed squirrel can find a nut on occasion.
Northern Light
Static.
Shaky camera footage plays, once more outside of Aurora's home, the broken shards of her living room window still scattered throughout the street. The cameraperson slowly sneaks closer towards the home, zooming in from a distance.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Oh, leave the poor girl alone, damn it! This is just inhumane.
MATT RUBY: It is! I've lost any hope of seeing Aurora in her lingerie again at this rate.
The Thrillseeker herself sits on her couch, exhausted mentally and emotionally as she clutches her baseball bat closely. Her eyes glance over to her broken window for a moment, shaking her head in disgust. "He's sick in his fucking head..." She speaks quietly to herself, her voice barely picked up by the camera.
We see a gloved hand reach out towards Aurora, heavy breathing heard from behind the camera.
The stalker moves ever closer towards Aurora's home, watching as she buries her head in her hands. However, we soon hear a muffled, frustrated scream! The camera shakes as the stalker pulls back, clearly trying to keep distance.
Crack.
MATT RUBY: What was that?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Sounded like... Glass?
The camera glances down, revealing a piece of window under foot.
"Who's there?" Aurora's voice calls out. "Who the fuck is there!?"
The cameraperson immediately takes off down the street! They turn the device towards Aurora's home as the Thrillseeker steps outside, bat in hand! However, she doesn't see her stalker, missing them by mere moments.
Just who is behind the camera?
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have a huge main event here tonight as our last Ring King Quarter Finals is between two heavy favorites to win the crown this year. The former World Champion and Ring King Finalist DOOM and the protégé of the last Ring King Gravedigger.
MATT RUBY: This is gonna be a blood bath here tonight BB in what really should be the finals but hey, I'm just looking forward to a preview of King DOOMsie.
The sound of dirt being moved from grave to grave echoes throughout the arena. As the beginning tones of 'Diggin My Own Grave' kicks in and the lights dim, Gravedigger steps out from behind the curtain. His arms spread, his head lowered and a shovel in his right hand but as he takes a few steps forward, the lights not only dim but go completely black.
And as they turn back on, DOOM is behind him with drones floating all around him.
As he stares bloody murder at Gravedigger.
MATT RUBY: Hell hath no fury like a Scientist angered and DOOM, he never forgets a transgression.
The Shovel barely gets to turn around before the drones begin firing upon him. Gravedigger manages to use the Shovel to deflect most of the attack, swatting the flying drones away with heavy smacks but soon the entranceway is covered in thick smoke and debris.
AS OUT OF THE SMOKE COMES DOOM SPRINTING FORWARD HOLDING GRAVEDIGGER IN THE AIR
DOOM powers Gravedigger forward, the Shovel landing elbow after elbow to the back of the head but DOOM ignores them all as he sprints forward down the ramp, slamming the Shovel backfirst into the apron before spinning around
SPINEBUSTER ONTO THE CONCRETE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: DOOM nearly breaking Gravedigger in half there as the World Ender looks absolutely incensed here.
MATT RUBY: Guilt by association BB. Tombstone nearly ended his best friend's life not once but multiple times and anyone in Six Feet Under is on sight for the Scientist.
Gravedigger slowly gets up, holding his back in pain as he rests on the turnbuckle post
HOVER, NO BOTHER! DOOM KICKS GRAVEDIGGER'S SKULL INTO THE STEEL!
Gravedigger slumps down to his knees, eyes glazed over as DOOM grips him by the back of the shirt and throws him into the ring. The bell finally rings as DOOM steps through the ropes, eyes laser focused as Gravedigger slowly gets to one knee
THE SCRAMBLER! SPRINTING KNEE RIGHT TO THE SKULL!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That has to be it. Gravedigger's limp on the canvas as DOOM hooks the leg. Mills sliding in to count the fall
ONE
...............
TWO
.....................
.................................
GRAVEDIGGER SOMEHOW KICKS OUT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Shovel showing that tremendous resilience here but that may well have been a mistake looking at DOOM's face here.
The Scientist smiles wickedly, backing up as Gravedigger slowly rises up again before sprinting forward
RIGHT INTO THE SHOVEL! Gravedigger counters another Scrambler with that devestating jaw breaking Bullhammer elbow. DOOM doesn't go down, instead staggering back into the corner as Gravedigger rushes forward
CANNONBALL SPLASH! Gravedigger uses his considerably heavier body to squash DOOM into the corner before delivering a brutal DROP DEAD JAWBREAKER as DOOM stumbles out of the corner. DOOM is down as Gravedigger quickly leaps up to the top, sizing the Scientist up for a moment before diving off.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: SPLITTER! SPLITTER! DOOM out of nowhere nearly Gores right through Gravedigger in mid-air and that may well be all she wrote for the Shovel's Ring King aspirations Ruby.
DOOM doesn't waste time, lifting Gravedigger up to his feet as he hoists him up onto his shoulders,
IMPENDING...NO! Gravedigger slips out, grabbing DOOM by the head as he drops down
NEVERMORE! IMPLANT DDT spikes DOOM into the mat. DOOM staggers up, dazed as he walks right into another leaping knee before Gravedigger lifts him up onto his shoulders.
CRADLE TO THE GRAVE! GTS HITS FLUSH!
MATT RUBY: HAH YES! DOOM slides to the outside as Gravedigger can't capitalize. DOOMSIE is certainly the smartest man in Olympus BB.
Gravedigger is kicking himself as that may well have been it. DOOM looks dazed and confused, slowly getting to his feet as Gravedigger scowls, rushing to the ropes, rebounding off before flying through the ropes
RIGHT INTO AN EXPLOSIVE BALL TO THE FACE! DOOM WAS PLAYING POSSUM!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That had to be illegal there, DOOM just threw a goddamn explosive at Gravedigger.
MATT RUBY: Mills is allowing it though, as DOOM's wonderful toys are just part of him at this point BB.
Gravedigger slumps forward on the ropes, yelling out in pain from the sudden agony as DOOM pulls him out onto his shoulders
IMPENDING DOOM! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER ON THE CONCRETE!
DOOM quickly lifts Gravedigger up, throwing him back into the ring before rolling back inside. The Scientist nails Gravedigger with a skull crushing knee before lifting him up
MATT RUBY: DOOM IS ETERNAL! OMEGA DRIVER! That's it, Gravedigger is done as DOOM moves one step closer to rewriting the wrong from last year and becoming the new King.
DOOM slides in, covering the out of it Gravedigger as Stanton slides in, beginning to count the fall.
ONE
.................
....................
TWO
.......................
.............................
.....................................
THR.....
.........................
DOOM PULLS GRAVEDIGGER UP!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What in the hell is DOOM doing here? He has this match won but he's looking for more punishment instead? Gravedigger wasn't even the person who hurt Felix.
MATT RUBY: I'm in agreement with you here for once BB, this is very unusual for DOOM but rational thoughts kinda go away when it comes to DOOM and his best friend.
Stanton yells at DOOM, telling him to finish this but DOOM just pushes Mills away, backing up into the corner as he begins to spark with electrical energy.
MATT RUBY: Oh no, this is too much. DOOM's about to annihilate the shovel's jar for good here.
DOOM is covered in electricity, sparks flying through the air as he roars in anger before rushing forward
ANNIHILATING...NO! Gravedigger dodges the kick somehow, getting to his feet as he grabs DOOM, spinning him around into
ASHES TO ASHES! RIPCORD BICYCLE KICK hits hard as DOOM is dazed, Gravedigger lifting him up into the air
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: DUST TO DUST! EMERALD FLOWSION HITS AS DOOM IS SPIKED INTO THE MAT! That may be it as Gravedigger just has enough to cover.
ONE
................
TWO
....................
...........................
......................
THREE!!!
MATT RUBY: GODAMNIT DOOM! He had it won here but you just had to try and take out Gravedigger didn't you? That's the last time I bet on a sure thing.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Anger comes before the fall Ruby as Gravedigger takes advantage of the usually calm and collected DOOM making a rare mistake and moves onto the Ring King semi finals and possibly taking the crown just like his mentor did.
Guess Who?
CJ Thorpe sleeps comfortably in his childhood bed. It’s been a long time since he stayed here but his mom felt more comfortable having come out of hospital, if those she loved were around her.
He turns over, somewhat uncomfortable, only to met by the terrifying face of Calypso.
Thorpe jumps out of his skin, sitting up immediately. He stares out into the darkness, trying to make out if what he just saw was an illusion, or the terrifying reality.
He gets out of the bed and heads across the room, switching on the light.
Turning around, he sees the full picture.
Narcissa sits in a chair at a desk with her feet up. Calypso lingers in the corner, her head tilted.
“Guess who?” Narcissa says, twiddling a sharpened knife in her hand. “Do you know what’s funny? Your little show of force the other night.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This isn’t good.
MATT RUBY: I don’t know about that, BB. I think any time you’ve a woman in your bedroom, there’s an opportunity.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Not this time.
Thorpe growls. “That wasn’t a show.”
“No?” She asks, standing up. “Because I’m standing in your room, probably the only girl you’ve ever had in here, huh? Well, lucky you, there’s two.”
She looks to Calypso.
Glitch.
The Witch is suddenly behind him, grabbing him forcibly by the throat. He tries to struggle but her strength is ridiculous. He’s bound by her, with no way to escape.
Narcissa closes in, smiling, still twirling the knife.
“Do you know the mistake heroes like you make, CJ? You're like Batman - you leave your enemies alive,” she remarks, standing right before his face. “You did something incredible, when you think about it. You broke into the House of Sovereigns - Zeus' palace. That's a feat. I'm guessing your father, a man of many talents, was responsible. But none the less, you didn't finish the job.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Oh no… you don’t think?
MATT RUBY: I do! I do think! CJ Thorpe is about to learn a valuable lesson, I’d say!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Not like this…
She places a hand on his face, almost lovingly.
“I'm no hero, Thorpe,” Narcissa places the knife at his cheek. “But I do want that title and if you're not there at Ring King... I can't take it.”
The Fashionista draws the knife down his cheek, leaving a feint cut with the sharpness of the blade. She puts it at his shoulder, and smiles.
“Then again, it's not like you need to be there in one healthy piece,” she remarks, pushing the knife agonizingly into his shoulder. Calypso covers his mouth as he screams, helpless to watch as Narcissa stabs him slowly. “Save your strength, kiddo. This is gonna hurt…”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Listen to him scream, Ruby! CJ Thorpe is being tortured by Calypso and Narcissa ahead of Ring King!
MATT RUBY: Who knows how many pieces he’ll be missing by then!
Cut.
Static.
A Stop ■ symbol appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen as we fade to black.