Nobodies Home
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
The Observatory looms above Felix Foley as he steps through its iron-clad gates.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Welcome to Vendetta! We’re glad to have you back after Ring King, where we learned that Doom and Nox are leaders of something called The Corporation.
MATT RUBY: No pair finer!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Felix Foley seems to no longer be seeing muppets everywhere, and it looks like he’s now on a revenge tour against his Bestie.
MATT RUBY: My sources tell me Doom hasn’t been seen since Ring King.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: For once, I think I agree with you. That’s what I’ve been hearing.
Felix’s eyes narrow, scanning the cold, metallic surroundings. The laboratory buzzes with eerie life—vials bubbling in corners, charts littering the walls, dense with ominous figures and formulas.
“Doom!” His voice rings through the hollow, empty spaces, echoing back to him. But only silence answers.
He paces back and forth, fists clenching at his sides. He can almost feel the weight of Doom’s betrayal seeping from every shadowed corner, reminders of the friend he once trusted.
“Typical,” he mutters, bitterness dripping from his voice. "Always hiding behind your toys and tricks. Just once, show me your face."
Felix turns and steps back toward the door, the echoes of his footsteps swallowed by the empty room.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Felix loved Doom. They were best friends.
MATT RUBY: D.T.D., BB. Don’t Trust Doom.
Outside, Felix stops, as if he feels a chill running along his spine. Slowly, he glances around, scanning the buildings lining the Observatory.
No movement, just the thick quiet pressing on his back as he walks away.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Where is Doom? And what will happen when Felix gets his hands on him?
Home Help
The Cade Residence.
CJ Thorpe sits in a lounger chair at his parent’s house, his eyes fluttering as they try to stay awake. His dalliance with rest is being held away by his desire to fight it. George and Jackson stand in the doorway, watching him with concern.
“Something isn’t right, pop,” Jackson warns, shaking his head. “He said he’s not going back.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This doesn't make any sense. CJ Thorpe is done with OSW?
MATT RUBY: What kind of Champion is he, then? That's ridiculous. What a coward!
That confuses George, who raises an eyebrow. “He’s not? He’s the bloody OSW World Champion.”
Cade shrugs, completely in the dark. They both walk over to Thorpe, who prepares himself for his arrival by sitting forward.
“Your brother tells me that you’re not going back to OSW,” George abruptly states with disdain.
Thorpe shakes his head. “I’m staying here,” he confirms stoically – confident and decisive. “And nursing mom back to health. She needs someone looking after her whilst you two are gallivanting.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Something isn't right. CJ Thorpe is not a coward. There's no way in hell that he's running scared of Jasper Redgrave, not after all he's been through.
MATT RUBY: The Killer King needs more credit; wouldn't you run scared?
Jackson and George look at each other. Nothing makes sense. This isn’t adding up.
Thorpe stands.
“I don’t know what the fuck is wrong with you, but I’m gonna find out,” Jackson says defiantly. CJ shrugs his shoulders, walking away towards his mother’s bedroom. Jackson turns to his father, shaking his head. “I’ll start with Jasper Redgrave. Whatever was in that fucking box has CJ running scared.”
George nods in agreement. “Be careful, son. I won’t be around to have your back. Someone was in touch through contact channels reserved for black ops. It’s been a long time since I was wired a message that way and they want me to meet them. Something tells me I have to go.”
Cade folds his arms.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Black ops?
MATT RUBY: There's more to George Cade than meets the eye on a regular basis, isn't there?
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Up next we have The Gunslinger Roland Gray taking on Moriarty Junior in what could very well be a one-sided affair.
MATT RUBY: I know nothing about this Moriarty Junior, to be frank, I hope Roland knocks his block off.
Demi Sky calls for the bell and Moriarty Junior busts out of his corner rushing Gray at full force when...
*KER-FUCKING-RACK!*
Big Right Hand, Moriarty runs directly into the WMD!
THE DEAD MAN’S HAND DROPS MORIARTY AS THE GUNSLINGER STALKS HIS PREY!
MATT RUBY: Damn! Moriarty just got knocked the hell out seconds into this match!
Gray picks Moriarty off the canvas and sends the groggy man into the ropes and on the return hits the Truck Stop Slam!
THE SIX SHOOTER LAYS JUNIOR OUT AS HE GOES FOR THE COVER AND DEMI DROPS TO MAKE THE COUNT!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
BULLET PULLS MORIARTY’S LIMP SHOULDERS OFF THE CANVAS!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It’s like an apex predator playing with its food Matt!
MATT RUBY: Mr. Gray is out there having fun!
Roland picks Moriarty from the canvas once more and holds fingers in the shape of a gun at the forehead of Moriarty and mocks pulling the trigger before hitting a hellacious Discus Lariat turning Junior inside out!
QUICKDRAW TURNS MORIARTY JUNIOR INSIDE OUT AND INTO THE PIN AS SKY MAKES THE COUNT!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Well, that was a beating!
MATT RUBY: I would put that on the cover of OSW’s Most One-sided Ass Kickings BB, just damn!
It's A Good Day For A...
The Mortuary.
Gravedigger moves with steady, deliberate purpose. Rows of withered flowers line a makeshift altar he has prepared, each petal carefully plucked and laid out in a macabre arrangement, their colors drained as if touched by death itself.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I don’t like the looks of this, Ruby. Gravedigger kidnapped Aurora at Ring King.
MATT RUBY: She’s been in safe hands. He wouldn’t harm a hair on her pretty little head.
A hollow, aged wedding dress hangs from a wrought iron hook, a ghostly silhouette in the shadows.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Oh for Zeus’s sake. He’s going to marry her!
MATT RUBY: No finer husband! I hope they’re into upside down pineapples, if you know what I mean!
Aurora’s heart thrashes against her ribs, her wrists raw against the ropes binding her to the splintered wooden chair.
Every sound—the dripping of water, the scrape of Gravedigger’s boots—sends a jolt through her veins.
She meets his eyes with defiance, though every instinct screams at her to run.
But she waits, biding her time, eyes locked on him as he leans down with a twisted, loving smile.
“We’ll be one soon,” he murmurs, running a hand along her cheek, mistaking her silence for submission. “Life and death, Aurora. Just us.”
But he doesn’t know her, not like he thinks he does. He doesn’t see her hands working, twisting, pulling at the ropes, even as she keeps his gaze, daring him to believe his sick fantasy.
And then—a single thread snaps.
In one explosive move, Aurora jerks her wrist free and bolts from the chair.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Get out of there, Aurora!
Her footfalls echo as she dashes through the darkened hallways.
She can hear him behind her, his heavy boots pounding, his voice cracking through the air like a whip. “Aurora!”
But she doesn’t stop. She rushes out of the Mortuary, tasting the night air, feeling freedom on her skin.
Behind her, Gravedigger’s calm shatters. His hands clench, fury roiling in his eyes as she slips beyond his reach, her figure swallowed by the darkness outside.
"You’re mine, Aurora! You can’t run forever!”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Aurora may have escaped a fate worse than death.
MATT RUBY: I’m going to have to return this damn toaster now, aren’t I?
Rise Of The Disciples
A large crowd sits in the pews of the Church. They murmur amongst themselves while waiting for the arrival of their leader.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This level sure has a lot of Christian symbols adorning it. Do you think it all used to be here, or was it recently added in?
MATT RUBY: Who knows and who cares? The only thing I'm interested in is the word of God, BB!
The murmuring comes to a halt as Reverend Ezekiel Graves takes the podium. He looks out to the masses before clearing his throat, hushing the remaining talkers.
"Brothers and sisters," he begins with a booming voice. "You have all been brought here for a common purpose. To rid Arcadia of sin and smite those that dare oppose us."
As the Harbinger delivers his speech, we turn our attention to the entrance of the Church, revealing Captain Arcadia peeking through an opening in the doorway. He listens in on Ezekiel's message, eyeing the gathering of people that make up the pews.
"Seeing such a great number of you that are willing to spread God's reach is a pleasant sight," The Apostle continues. "But for every person in this room, there are hundreds more that are attempting to stop us. That is why we must band together and punish those that try to get in the way of our mission."
Mumblings of agreement can be heard, with their volume slowly increasing.
"From now on, you will no longer just be known as followers. Instead, you are now Disciples of Christ. As his Disciples, you are to head out and deliver his judgement to the sinners across all of Arcadia!"
Rancorous cheering ensues from the crowd as the Captain closes the door.
"I better keep an eye on these Disciples," Arcadia says. "Who knows just how far they'll go to spread the word of God."
The hero runs off as we cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Mighty Mighty takes on Lutherian Locke here tonight in a battle between two very promising newcomers.
MATT RUBY: Promising newcomers, my ass. We’ve got a bonafide stud in front of us tonight, BB.
Lutherian Locke rushes in with relentless fury, aiming for a quick clothesline from hell.
SPIRITUAL AWAK—
NO!
Mighty sidesteps just in time, landing a heavy forearm to Locke’s jaw. The impact staggers Locke briefly, but he rallies, circling Mighty, both sizing each other up for the next strike.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Sizing each other up!
Locke lunges in again, locking Mighty into a collar and elbow. They jockey for position, but Mighty Mighty gets the advantage, sliding Locke into the uranage position.
MIGHTY CAROUS— NO! LOCKE SLIPS OUT!
HITS THE ROPES!
SPIRITUAL AWAKENING ROCKS MIGHTY BACK INTO THE CORNER!
Locke rushes in with a brutal knee to Mighty’s chest, but Mighty absorbs the blow, roaring in defiance and shoving him off.
MATT RUBY: It’s like a kaiju!
Mighty seizes momentum, whipping Locke across the ring and catching him in mid-stride with a fierce shoulder block. The impact shakes the ring as Locke stumbles. Mighty follows up, gripping Locke and launching him overhead—
MASSIVE BACKDROP RELEASE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: HIGH AND MIGHTY FROM THE BIG MAN!
Locke writhes on the mat as Mighty Mighty signals for the end. The Big Chunk of Funk waits for Locke to try to get up.
MIGHTY CAROUS—NO! LOCKE GETS OUT YET AGAIN!
Just like before, Locke hits the ropes. Mighty braces for the clothesline, but Locke runs past him, rebounding…
SUPERMAN PUNCH!
MATT RUBY: That’s step one!
Mighty is still on his feet as Locke hits the ropes.
SPEAR TO MIGHTY! THE BIG MAN CRUMPLES!
GODSMACK!
Locke hooks the leg.
ONE…
…
…
TWO…
…
…
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: These two went all guns blazing tonight, but the Light Bringer was just one step ahead.
Search & Rescue
Back at the Mortuary.
Gravedigger seethes, his fingers curled so tight that his knuckles are white, a storm raging behind his eyes.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I wouldn’t want to be the man who finds Gravedigger like this.
MATT RUBY: He was left at the altar, BB. How can he not be furious!
He breathes heavily, each inhale and exhale a growl of simmering rage.
“Gravedigger,” a voice says calmly, startling Gravedigger.
It’s Malakai Midnight, his eyes gleaming with quiet intensity as he surveys the scene.
“We have business in Olympus,” Malakai’s voice cuts through the tension, smooth and unnerving, “Tombstone doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”
MATT RUBY: A little business should perk him right up!
Gravedigger spits to the side, his jaw clenching. “I had her here, Malakai. Right here. She was mine—bound, the vows prepared.” He drags his hands down his face, trying to regain control. “And then she ran. Right through these walls, like a damn ghost.”
Midnight tilts his head, eyes narrowing with dark amusement.
“The wild ones always slip away if you’re not careful. But don’t worry.” He steps closer, his voice lowering to a hushed, sinister promise. “Tonight, once I’ve dealt with Nox, I’ll handle this little… complication for you. I’ll bring her back, whole and… unspoilt.”
Gravedigger’s tense stance loosens slightly, his rage shifting into something darker, more calculating. “If you harm her, no bond between you and I will stop me from what I will do.”
Midnight gives a slight nod, a cold smile flickering across his face. “I’d expect nothing less. Nox first… then, Aurora.” He lets the last words hang, heavy and chilling, before both men turn to leave the Mortuary.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Aurora had better get eyes in the back of her head if Malakai and his Owls are coming for her.
MATT RUBY: Just a man retrieving his friend’s property!
I'm Looking For Her
Not long after his match, we find Lutherian Locke walking through the backstage area. His face is contorting between his normal self and an angrier version of himself.
"You're going to seek Ayame again, aren't you?" Locke asks himself in a low, gravelly voice. "After what you said to her last week, she won't take kindly to you intruding on her land once more."
"Shut up!" He snaps at himself, his voice more human sounding. "You're the one that made her drive us away! You made that promise to kill her if she helped me!"
"As far as she knows, we're one and the same. Pinning the blame on me is the same as blaming yourself."
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This split personality issue of Locke's is really creeping me out.
MATT RUBY: No kidding, BB. I wish the demonic side would win out though. It seems the most rational of the two.
"Well I'll see to it we don't stay that way for long," Luther says to his inner demon. "I'm going to get her to kill you, and nothing you can do will stop me from making sure that happens!"
Lutherian rounds the corner, walking out of our sight. As he does this, a much larger looking man steps into frame with a look of concern plastered on his face.
"Sounds like a party's about to start without me! I better get to the Groves and warn Ayame before he gets to her!"
MATT RUBY: Oh no, not that Mighty lard ass! Doesn't he know Wolf Fang doesn't want him around either!?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Chunk of Funk has been trying to make a name for himself in OSW, Ruby. Getting involved in their business might just help him do that.
Mighty Mighty hustles towards Locke's direction, presumably hoping to beat him to the stairwell. We cut as he vanishes from our sight.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Up next we have the Rogue Gemini taking on the inventor of the Deep-Dish Delight Anton Savor.
MATT RUBY: Savor is a wonderful chef who can cater any event I have, but Gemini has the only Deep-Dish Delight I want.
Cole Holt calls for the bell and Gemini gets us off to a fast-paced start running and Springboard Tornado DD – Superkick!
CREME BRULEE CATCHES NATURE’S DELIGHT UNDER THE CHIN AND KNOCKS HER OUT OF THE AIR! FALLING INTO A COVER AND HOLT MAKES THE COUNT!
ONE!
KICK-OUT!
Gemini manages to isolate the Arm and roll into a Kimura Lock.
CHIBA’S TOUCH IS CINCHED UP TIGHT AS SAVOR YELLS OUT IN PAIN!
Anton however manages to grit his teeth and push himself to grab the bottom rope drawing Cole Holt to break the hold. Moondancer manages to snag Anton wrist again dragging him back to his feet as she scales the ropes!
MATT RUBY: Gemini showing off those lovely legs of Her's as she walks the top rope!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: She’s agile and a helluva athlete Ruby, don’t reduce her to an object!
Gemini launches herself at Savor, Hurricanrana!
THE LAST DA – NO! THE CHEF COUNTERS LANDING GEMINI ACROSS HIS SHOULDERS! G.T.S!
THE FINAL COURSE IS HIT FULL FORCE A SAVOR DRIVES HIS KNEE INTO THE JAW OF GEMINI! AS SAVOR FALLS INTO THE COVER, HOLT SLIDES IN FOR THE COUNT!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
MATT RUBY: I think Gemini may need mouth-to-mouth Bronco!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Sit your ass down Matt, she’s tough she can weather a loss.
A Pinch of Salt
The match comes to an end and Gemini makes her way out to ringside. Before Anton Savor can follow her, a glint catches in his eye. Not enough to blind him, just enough to stop the Chef in his tracks momentarily.
BANG!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That’s gunfire, by Zeus, we’re under attack!
MATT RUBY: Calm down, you pillock. Nobody’s down, it was only one shot.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: A gun, fired from where? And at what?
Anton Savor knows the answer. The ring directly in front of his feet has a bullet shaped hole in it, the canvas slowly smouldering around the edges.
“I can put it between your eyes at a hundred paces. If I wanted to shoot you, you’d already be dead.”
Standing at the entranceway is Roland Gray. He has his revolver raised, lifting it higher so that it is in line with Savor’s head.
“Talk.”
The statement is simple, and he keeps the gun trained on Anton as he draws nearer. Savor backs away into the corner turnbuckle but has nowhere else to go. Roland Gray has him cornered. Savor looks somewhat puzzled.
“I don’t know what you are referring to. Perhaps you could… elaborate a little?”
Gray by now is mere feet away, and Savor stares into the barrel of the revolver.
“You know more than you’re letting on, asshole. Either you own the contract on my head, or you know who fucking does.”
Savor doesn’t look scared, reaching up to put a hand on the gun, lowering it.
“You look desperate, Roland. Clutching at straws and shooting whatever moves.”
“I’m going to find out…”
Roland Gray swings the gun, smacking Savor across the side of the head! Savor goes down, falling between the ropes and tumbling out of the ring!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ouch! That packed a punch!
MATT RUBY: Not as much as a bullet would have.
Anton Savor smirks as he slinks away from ringside, keeping his eyes on the ring. Roland Gray watches him go, lining up his revolver and pulling the trigger
CLICK!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: There weren’t any more rounds in the gun anyway. But Anton Savor didn’t deny the accusations.
MATT RUBY: Neither did he confirm them. He’s right in Roland Gray’s head, and he loves it. Genius at work.
Cut.
The Truth
After ringside has been cleared, we find ourselves staring down nonother than El Mariachi Muerte. Singing Death stands in the center of the ring, a microphone in hand.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Muerte looks furious, Ruby! And with what Paragon said last week, who could blame him?
MATT RUBY: No one to blame but himself, you geezer. Arcadia has one rule, don't get in Zeus' way. He broke it.
"ZEUS!" Muerte's voice carries through the arena as he speaks into the mic. "Come down here, come down here and admit what you tried to do to me and mi amor!" EMM looks up at the ramp impatiently for a moment, a sneer on his lips as Zeus eventually arrives at the top of the ramp, Narcissa by his side. The Baron looks down at Muerte, frowning.
"Muerte," he starts. "You've been lied to by Paragon."
"¡Mierda!" Shouts Muerte. "We both heard what he said. We both know... We both know he spoke the truth about me, Zeus. So what does that say about you?"
There's a pause, Zeus shaking his head. "You know, Grizzly was a fool. It was a mistake to rely on him. But, thankfully, I've invested in people with more competence since then."
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What does Zeus mean by that?
Darkness.
MATT RUBY: Who turned out the lights!?
When the lights come up Muerte is surrounded by Six Feet Under! Tombstone, Gravedigger, and Calypso have all appeared in the middle of the ring! Muerte doesn't even have time to react!
BLOOD RITUAL! BLOOD SPIT INTO HIS EYES FROM CALYPSO!
SHOVEL READY! BULLHAMMER BY GRAVEDIGGER!
Six Feet Under beat the holy hell out of Muerte! Singing Death can't defend himself as they rain down blows until Tombstone wraps a hand around Muerte's throat!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: CHOKESLAM BY TOMBSTONE! BACKSTABBER BY CALYPSO! THEY CALL THAT THE EARLY GRAVE!
The Mariachi lays in a heap in the ring, Zeus smirking. "The House no longer needs your services, Muerte. But at Forces of Darkness I'll allow you a chance at revenge. You may form a team. You and whoever you can convince must take on Tombstone, Gravedigger, Calypso, and my lovely queen Narcissa. Good luck."
Zeus turns his back on Muerte, leaning towards Narcissa. "Find his whore. No loose ends, dear."
Narcissa nods with a smile, making her way backstage.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have a big fatal fourway matchup tonight folks as four of the very best Olympians duke it out here for absolute supremecy.
MATT RUBY: Not the type of fourway I'm usually into but anytime I get to see some gorgeous dames is my kinda night BB.
The bell sounds as Cade explodes forward, taking down Arcadia with the Breach and Clear. The Captain staggers up to his feet from the Slingblade as Cade rushes forward, trying to clothesline him over the top but Arcadia ducks, sending Cade to the outside instead. The Hero sizes him up for a moment as Perseus gets up on the floor.
PESCADO OVER THE ROPES WIPING OUT THE SHERIFF!
Aurora and Calypso meanwhile are going at it, Aurora peppering the supernatural one with hard kicks and strikes that barely seem to faze her before she rushes to the ropes, bouncing off
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: BLOOD RITUAL! Calypso spits that blood right into Aurora's eyes blinding her.
Calypso rushes to the ropes, springboarding off with the GRAVE MISFORTUNE! Leaping Backstabber nails Aurora as Calypso looks for the end, sizing up the slowly rising Thrillseeker.
DIVING STANDING MOONSAULT! Arcadia out of nowhere wipes out Calypso, rolling to his feet
HOSTILE DOWN! Superkick from Jackson Cade knocks Arcadia out but before he can cover, he turns to see a sprinting Aurora
MATT RUBY: SOLAR STORM! That lucky sumbitch sheriff gets a face full of a delicious borealis.
Aurora pulls back the legs staying down on Jackson as Colt Holt slides in to count
ONE
...........
TWO
...........
..............
THREE!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Aurora picks up the big victory here tonight in a very hard fought matchup.
Touchpaper I
Outside The Circus, Harold Attano stands amongst the crowd, hoping to evade detection as he gains entry. As the crowd slowly enter the tent, Harold becomes clear – his face almost a beacon of fury in a sea of excitement.
Before he can step across the threshold, a giant figure stops him. Attano bangs abruptly into his chest, stepping backwards to look up at Ajax.
“I have no quarrel with you,” Attano says firmly. “But if you want one, big boy, I’ll take you from ten foot to three foot in a matter of seconds.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It's great to see Harold Attano back to his old self.
MATT RUBY: How this old bastard is still walking is beyond me. He should be buried six feet deep. I can't believe George Cade failed us all so horribly.
Ajax laughs, folding his arms. “No entry!” He sternly replies.
As the crowd disperse around him into the circus, Damien Solus appears behind Attano.
“Tell your buddy that if he makes a move, it’ll be the last move he ever makes,” Harold warns Ajax to warn Solus. “My daughter is trapped inside your Circus. Tell me where Klaus Way is, or...”
“You’re looking for me?” Klaus says earnestly, appearing from behind Ajax with a shit-eating grin. “What have I done but provide your daughter protection from the likes of you?”
Attano growls. “Let me see my girl.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This is tense. It could go wrong at any moment, Ruby.
MATT RUBY: When will this deadbeat dad realize that he's not wanted?
Way aggressively shakes his head. “She’s not your girl anymore, Harold. She’s mine. She belongs to Klaus Way & Co. When I took over this wonderful enterprise, she became a protected employee of The Ringmaster. I won’t be allowing the likes of you to do her harm.”
Nobody looks behind him, over his shoulder, as Damien Solus approaches. Klaus puts a hand up to stop him from getting any closer, realizing what’ll happen if he does.
“You’re lighting the touch-paper, Klaus,” Nobody warns him. “I tried doing this the easy way. You took the hard route.”
Harold turns around and walks away, leaving Klaus to watch as Solus and Ajax stand by his side. “He’s going to be a problem,” Ajax The Adonis suggests with a gruff tone.
Klaus nods in agreement. “I’ll call in a favor with Zeus and we’ll handle that problem at Forces of Darkness. Get yourselves match-ready gentlemen, you’re going to need to be.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That sounds ominous. I think Attano might find his back against the wall once again.
MATT RUBY: Maybe they can do what The Cade's couldn't.
Cut.
Our Killers
The Rijen Family home is still in a state of disrepair, but in what’s quite the surprise, The Burned Man stands inside it, sweeping away debris. He’s looking to rebuild what was taken from him.
Destructo Boy meanwhile sits on the wooden stairs, looking furious.
“FUCK THIS!” He angrily blurts out, storming down the stairs towards the door. His father, equally as angry, but simmering, grabs the boy by the throat and slams him up against a wall. “LET ME FUCKING GO!!!”
The language coming out of him is deep, visceral and furious.
The Burned Man holds him tight. “No,” he says sternly, but with depth of passion and emotion.
BRONO BLACKWOOD: I couldn't imagine being in either of their shoes.
MATT RUBY: For once, I'd agree. I don't think being hunted by Nox and Doom is a preference for anyone.
BRONO BLACKWOOD: That's not what I mean.
“THEY KILLED HER, DAD!!” He screams in his face, spittle furiously flying out of his mouth as he does.
Maxwell nods.
“THEN LET’S GO FUCKING KILL THEM. DOOM DID THIS! NOX DID THIS. THAT SON OF A BITCH IS IN A CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH! HE’S FIGHTING FOR FUCKING TITLES AND WE’RE TRYING TO REPAIR THE HOUSE THEY FUCKING DESTROYED!?” James roars back at his father, who tries his best to restrain him.
“Listen to me son,” The Burned Man demands firmly. “These two monsters aren’t adjacent to anything we’ve fought before. Do you think the Doom that killed our beloved is the same that has gone into hiding? If you do, you’re naive. He wants us to come and find him. Nox is visible because they want him to be. Don’t you understand, son? If we go half-cocked into a war they’re expecting, we’ll die just like your mother. They were her killers, but I refuse to let them be ours.”
Destructo Boy stops struggling, tears now streaming down his angered face. His father pulls him close, embracing him with a hug.
“For the first time in our lives, we’re going to do things the right way,” Maxwell declares, cradling his crying son. “We’re gonna get our house in order, and then burn theirs to the ground.”
BRONO BLACKWOOD: Burning Justice are putting the pieces together, finally. Instead of running in there half cocked and getting themselves killed, they're approaching this whole thing with a little more thought.
MATT RUBY: I don't think it'l matter. There's no defeating The Corporation, BB.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Wolf Fang Ayame is hoping to sink her teeth into the NXT Level Championship here tonight, if she can get past the Reverend Ezekiel Graves.
MATT RUBY: I’d like to sink my teeth into her.
The Harbinger waits as Ayame comes out of the gates fast. She charges at Graves, flying with a CROSS BODY, but merely bounces off the Reverend’s chest.
Landing in a three point stance, Ayame springs back at Graves, shoulder charging him and driving him into the turnbuckle. She backs away a few steps before charging again.
ENZIGURI! ON THE HUNT!
NO!
GRAVES CATCHES HER AND SLAMS HER TO THE MAT WITH A SPINEBUSTER!
SPINE ON THE PINE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: By Zeus! What impact!
MATT RUBY: Sickening… Now spank her while she’s down.
Graves pulls Ayame to her feet, lifting her above his head.
PURGATORY PLUNGE! NO!
AYAME KNEES HIM IN THE FACE AND HE DROPS HER!
Again, she lands on her feet. And again, she comes right at Graves. A KNEE STRIKE staggers Graves, and a second sends him reeling into the ropes. He bounces off, but Ayame is already flying at him…
CROSS BODY!
AYAME TAKES OUT GRAVES AND THEY BOTH TUMBLE OUT OF THE RING!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Graves has the clear size advantage. But Ayame just won’t quit.
MATT RUBY: You’ve gotta love a feisty one.
Ayame is first to her feet, pulling Graves to his as best she can. She flings him into the steel steps, climbing up onto the ring apron and charging at him.
HEAVEN’S HOWL! THE DIVING KNEE DROP!
She manages to push Graves back into the ring and leaps in after him, but he’s getting back to his feet by the time she gets inside.
AYAME RUNS THE ROPES!
CRESCENT MOON KICK!
NO!
GRAVES TOSSES HER INTO THE AIR!
FINAL JUDGMENT!
THE CHOKESLAM DESTROYS HER!
GRAVES PINS!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ezekiel Graves outlasts the onslaught and is STILLL your NXT Level Champion!
A Helping Hand
We cut backstage to find Six Feet Under raising hell! Gravedigger and Calypso tear through the halls, Tombstone and Narcissa not far behind as they rip Olympus apart!
"Keep looking," Narcissa shouts. "She can't have gotten far!" She glances to Tombstone, the Ferryman crossing his arms.
"We'll keep searching up here. You should go block off the exits." He shares a nod with Narcissa, the Queen strutting further into the backstage.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: One could only hope Gemini got out of here! Who knows what they'll do if they find her!
MATT RUBY: Speak for yourself! I hope Narcy or Calypso find her first! I love a good cat fight!
Meanwhile, as they continue their search, the scene shifts to Gemini. The Rogue runs through the halls, already well aware of Zeus' intentions after what happened earlier tonight. She rounds a corner, spotting Calypso before ducking back behind the wall. She looks around for a place to hide when a quiet voice gets her attention.
"Pssst!" The voice calls, a familiar giddiness to it. "Psst! Over here!"
Gemini turns around, her eyes landing on a door reminiscent of an elementary school classroom. A smiling sun sits on the front, the one and only Mister Sunshine peaking out from behind it!
MATT RUBY: Oh god, not this freak again! Anything but this smiling ninny!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He may be strange, Ruby. But it looks like he might be just who Gemini needs!
"I heard some mean people are trying to do some not very nice things! But you can hide in here, I promise!" He opens the door larger, gesturing towards himself. Gemini hesitates for a moment before rushing into the room, spurred on by the sound of approaching footsteps. Sunshine closes the door behind her, an audible lock heard as it shuts.
Cut.
A Pinch of Spice
Roland Gray is in an undisclosed location. An unkempt storage facility, where he is busy toiling away through boxes upon boxes of papers.
Papers in files, dossiers that have gathered dust over the years.
Long lost files from a lifetime ago.
MATT RUBY: Talk about your fix-er-upper. Looks like Roland Gray could use a maid. Maybe one with shapely legs and a voluptuous figure…
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: These must be case files from his time in the Wolves of Arcadia, or the jobs he’s taken since. He has to keep a paper trail somewhere.
MATT RUBY: Why? Why would one need a paper trail of gunslingering?
Gray is searching for something. Perhaps not something in particular, as he seems to flit from box to box without much of a pattern or system.
“Something, somewhere.” He mutters to himself. “There’s got to be a clue. A link. Anything... a little pinch.”
As he speaks, a box from further back in the storage locker falls to the ground with a crash. Papers, folders and files spill out across the floor.
“Shit.” He curses under his breath as the mess results in a mass avalanche that seems to destroy any sense of order or organisation his files had in the first place.
“Somewhere in this pile of crap lies the answer.” He grunts. “Better get some more whisky, I’m gonna be here for a while.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Roland Gray is convinced that somewhere in his past life lies the clue as to who has hired the contract on his head.
MATT RUBY: Well, when you live by the sword… Surely he has any number of enemies. Somebody wants him dead.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have a big double feature championship match tonight as Malakai Midnight defends the title against the newest Deity in Arcadia, Nox.
MATT RUBY: The Corporate Chemist about to bring gold back to the Pantheon and I can't wait to see it happen.
The bell sounds, Malakai and Nox circling the ring, each man looking for an opening. Nox is the first to rush forward with an attempted Big Boot that Midnight ducks underneath before spinning around.
DEVILS ADVOCATE! The Spinning Forearm strikes Nox in the lower jaw, staggering him back as Midnight begins to pounce with heavy lefts and rights. He sends him across the ring, ducking down a little too early as Nox bounces off the ropes.
The Chemist delivers a kick to the jaw before gripping Midnight's arm,
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: GET OVER HERE! A single mistake may well cost Midnight here as Nox now has him by the throat.
BACKBREAKER! Nox drives Midnight over his knee but he's not done, doing it twice, three times. Over and over again until Midnight's back is nearly broken in half from SCHRODINGERS SPINE!
Nox spins Malakai around, looking for the Paralytic-Plex but Midnight manages to slip out, delivering a headbutt before gripping Nox
INTO THE MIDNIGHT PLEX! Midnight drops Nox on the back of his head!
Malakai doesn't bridge back, getting to his feet as he backs up, signaling for the end. Nox staggers up as he rushes forward
CLOCK STRIKES...POISON! Midnight rushes right into that mist to the eyes, blinding him as Nox grips him by the throat
NOX OUT! Full Nelson Bomb plants Malakai to the mat as Nox covers, Demi Sky sliding in to count.
ONE
...........
TWO
...............
...............
THREE!!!
MATT RUBY: New Champeen baby. Told ya the Pantheon would take the gold BB.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Malakai fought valiantly but he couldn't overcome the Chemist as Nox is the new Double Feature Champion
Colour Wheel I
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That bastard Nox has become the new Double Feature Champion!
MATT RUBY: He’s the Corporate Champ, BB!
Nox cradles the championship as he surveys the crowd who are booing the absolute shit out of him.
A small chant starts in a corner of Olympus. Muted.
Then another section joins.
And another.
And another.
“FOLEY. FOLEY. FOLEY.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: These people hate what Nox and Doom did to poor Felix.
MATT RUBY: Poor Felix, my ass.
Olympus goes absolutely BANANA as Felix Foley bolts down the ramp, a storm of fury in his step, never slowing as he hits the ring with force, sliding under the ropes. He's on his feet, eyes blazing as he confronts Nox without hesitation.
“Where’s Doom?” The words spit out like bullets, sharp, demanding.
Nox doesn’t flinch. Instead, he breaks into a chilling laugh, the sound cutting through the air, his head tilting back with twisted delight.
“Oh, Felix,” he sneers, drawing out each word, letting it slither across the ring. “You’ve got way more pressing things to worry about.”
In one swift motion, Nox reaches to his side, yanking out a canister. With a flick, the canister hisses, spewing a cloud of thick, purple gas.
MATT RUBY: Get my N95!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Felix has had enough!
Felix barely has time to react before Nox blows the gas straight into his face, the haze enveloping him. His fists loosen, eyes widening as the fumes seep in.
“Not again,” Felix chokes, the words heavy and desperate. His legs buckle, and in a breath, he’s down, collapsing to the mat in a lifeless sprawl.
Nox crouches, gripping Felix, hauling his limp body with ease. He drags Felix out of the ring, the purple mist lingering like a poisonous shroud, a haunting reminder of the ambush, as they vanish behind the curtain.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Nox is playing a dangerous game here. Felix has been beat down over and over in recent times.
MATT RUBY: He’s playing with his food, BB. Like someone of his station should!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: And here we are ladies and gentlemen, the main event for the evening as the Killer King faces off against Singing Death himself in what should be a brutal matchup.
MATT RUBY: Muerte fumbled a beautiful simple babe at Ring King, can't wait to see him fumble another victory here tonight.
The bell sounds as Redgrave rushes forward, rocking an unsuspecting Muerte with a skull rattling headbutt before grabbing him by the throat and trying to biel toss him into the corner. EMM manages to grab hold of the ropes, leaping upwards as he springboards off
HIGH ANGLE CROSSBODY TAKES REDGRAVE DOWN!
EMM rolls to his feet, delivering a hard kick to a rising Redgrave's skull before springboarding off the ropes
SECOND ROPE ELBOW DROP TO THE STERNUM!
EMM nailed Redgrave hard but he doesn't cover, instead rolling through as he gets on the apron, slowly waiting for Jasper to get to his feet before springboarding up high and forward.
RIGHT INTO A BRUTAL BIG BOOT!
MATT RUBY: That's the fault with high flying moves BB, one mistake rips the wings out of you and Redgrave wants to put Muerte six feet under here.
EMM collapses to the canvas, Redgrave smiling that sadistic grin as he peels EMM up, double underhooking him before teeing off with hard knee after knee to the skull of Muerte. A brutal leaping one rocks Muerte as he staggers back into a SUPERKICK!
The kick hits EMM right on the button as he stumbles into the ropes, Redgrave spinning around
COLLAGE OF...NO! EMM ducks underneath the elbow, flipping up and landing a hard Pele Kick to the back of Jasper's head, rocking the King before he leaps off the ropes.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: THE LAST CARNIVALE! SPRINGBOARD LUNGBLOWER NEARLY BREAKS JASPER IN HALF!
Muerte doesn't cover, instead rolling through as he leaps to the top rope, pulling out a black rose from his tights before throwing it down onto the Killer King and leaping off.
ROSES FOR THE...Redgrave rolls out of the way just in time as Muerte stomps down on canvas. He manages to roll through, turning back around
INTO THE COLLAGE OF VIOLENCE! Spinning Black Elbow strikes hard as Muerte crumples to the mat. Redgrave doesn't cover, instead peeling Muerte up off the mat with a facelock and dragging him towards the ropes.
MATT RUBY: We know exactly what happens next BB. Redgrave about to make his newest masterpiece.
BLOOD ON THE CANVAS! Redgrave spikes Muerte down into the mat with a brutal rope hung DDT. That well could be it as Redgrave hooks the leg, Demi Sky sliding in to count
ONE
...................
TWO
...................
.............................
EMM GETS THE SHOULDER UP!
Redgrave still smirks, peeling EMM up off the canvas as he punishes him with heavy lefts and rights before lifting him up into a Back Suplex
NIGHTMARE PENDULE...NO! EMM counters with a crossbody block out of nowhere, staying down onto the stunned Redgrave as Demi slides in to count
ONE
....................
.....................
TW....REDGRAVE POWERS OUT OF THE COVER!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: EMM nearly caught Redgrave there, the King looking cocky before but now he just looks pissed.
Redgrave gets to his feet, rocking EMM back with a sharp headbutt before he spins around
SANGUINE ABSUR...EMM DUCKS THE LARIAT! He rushes to the ropes, bouncing off as he grabs Redgrave before spiking him into the mat with a stiff Tornado DDT. Muerte rolls through, quickly rushing to the ropes before leaping off
ROSES FOR THE DEAD! RIB SHATTERING DOUBLE FOOT STOMP!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That very well could be it there Ruby as EMM hooks both legs for the cover
ONE
................
....................
TWO
....................
.........................
............................
THR......
...........................
THE KILLER KING JUST GETS THE SHOULDER UP!
EMM slices his thumb across his throat, signalling for the end as he pulls Redgrave up to his feet but Jasper quickly lifts EMM up
NIGHTMARE PENDULEM! BACK SUPLEX INTO A ROCK BOTTOM! Redgrave plants EMM into the mat.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That very well could be it but Redgrave isn't covering...he's going up to the top. What is that arrogant prick doing now?
MATT RUBY: Tit for tat Ruby, EMM thinks he's the only one who can fly high, well the King's gonna show him he can do it much better.
Redgrave steadies himself for a moment, sizing up the fallen EMM before diving off.
KIP UP, TORNADO ROUNDHOUSE TO THE FACE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Shades of a former friend there Ruby as EMM kicks Redgrave right out of the sky. He's not done though as he lifts up the King.
IN THE END! Pumphandle Half Nelson Driver spikes Redgrave into the mat. That very well could be it but EMM doesn't cover, instead heading out onto the apron.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Do you hear that music playing Ruby? The death march is about to begin for the Killer King.
MATT RUBY: Wake up your highness, no one wants to hear this ear screeching melody.
Redgrave slowly staggers to his feet as EMM springboards up to the top rope and dives off
MALICIOUS SONATA!
SPRINGBOARD STUNNNNNAAHHHH!
Redgrave looks out but EMM wants to make sure as he pulls the King close, the rose planted within his teeth as he lifts him up and plants him
WITH THE FADE TO BLACK! PACKAGE PILEDRIVER!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That is it. Redgrave is done and buried as EMM plants the rose onto his chest before covering
ONE
...............
TWO
...................
...........................
THREE!!!
MATT RUBY: NOO! The King can't be dethroned by a mere musical peasant. That dastardly death had to cheat somehow.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You forget EMM is a multi time world champion Ruby and has beaten the very best. Jasper Redgrave simply couldn't overcome death tonight and you have to think this victory may well get EMM back into the title fold very soon.
What Was In The Box?
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.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: HERE COMES CADE!
MATT RUBY: You’re way too excited by that.
He stands at attention for a moment before making his way to the ring. He stops at the ring steps, producing a microphone before rolling under the bottom rope.
Jasper Redgrave has by now gotten back to his feet; his Ring King crown passed to him by the referee.
“We need to talk,” Cade demands, suggesting he obtain a microphone. Jasper does so, reluctantly.
“You demand a lot of your King,” Jasper says with a grimace that turns into a wry smirk. “But I will do anything for my royal subjects.”
His sinister tone makes Cade snarl slightly. “You can start by telling me why my brother isn’t coming back to Old School Wrestling any time soon?”
Redgrave shrugs.
“What was in the box, Jasper?” Jackson demands to know.
“Let’s call it obedience,” The Killer King retorts. “Your brother used to be my pet. When I realized he was related to you, I sunk my claws into him and tried to mould him in my image.”
Jackson looks furious. “And we stopped you.”
Jasper begins walking around the ring.
“You did,” he admits with a shrug of his own. “And now I’ve taken him back. Your brother has been told to stay away from OSW until I give him permission to return. At Red Snow, I’ll be taking that OSW World Heavyweight Championship from around his waist.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This is ridiculous. Redgrave can’t be serious.
MATT RUBY: He doesn’t joke around, BB.
Jackson doesn’t get it. What could he possibly have on his brother that’s forcing him away?
“I won’t stand for it,” Cade defiantly warns him. “And at Forces of Darkness, I’ll solve this problem for him, your majesty.”
Redgrave chuckles. “The funny thing about brothers is that the problem of one is often shared by the other. You might wanna consider that, Jacky-boy.”
Redgrave rolls to the outside, backing up the entrance ramp as Cade thinks on it inside the ring.
“As for what’s in the box…. I’d concern yourself less with what’s inside the one he has and more with what’ll be inside the next one for your insolence,” The Killer King warns with a smirk. “Tell your brother to be expecting a package from The King.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What the hell are in those packages and why do they have CJ so terrified?
MATT RUBY: Obedient. They have him obedient, BB.
Both men stare each other down.
Static.
A Stop ■ symbol appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen as we fade to black.
Cut.