SOMEWHERE ELSE[Click.] [Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.] [The sound of squealing tyres echoes loudly as a black van swerves in view. It takes every corner with speed, finally arriving outside Jackson Memorial Hospital. It barely even stops before the back doors are thrust open and two men in balaclavas toss the prone body of a man out.] [He hits the deck hard and rolls.] [The van quickly speeds away, the two men reaching out the close the doors as they once again drive erratically through the intersection and escape.] [The sound of running footsteps can be heard as Kane Doebern frantically enters frame. He reaches the body and turns it over, revealing a beaten, bruised and battered Redmond Quinn.]
“Jesus Christ,” [Kane says, helping him up.] “Somebody help! HELP!”
[Quinn groggily mumbles, blood dripping from his mouth.] “Where am I?” [he barely says.] “What… why are you here?” [Doebern helps him back to his feet, with one arm wrapped around his shoulder.]“You’ve been missing for a week, Redmond,” [Kane says with shock.] “No-one knew where you went. The police have been looking for you and everything. What the hell happened to you?”
[Quinn looks at him.]“A week?”
“That’s right. You’ve got a match tonight against Jacen Novan for the VHS Championship but that’s clearly not going to happen. We need to get you some treatment.”
[Redmond pushes Kane away, stumbling forward and grasping for the nearest thing he could grab; a street light.]“No,” [he mumbles.] “They’re not taking that from me too.”
[Quinn somehow stumbles forward, hobbling down the street towards the taxi ramp. Kane looks towards him in shock, his mouth agape.]“What do you mean? What else did they take from you?”
[The Teacher doesn’t respond.] [Cut.]ALFIE BUTTON VS. MICHAEL GRAVES
SINGLES MATCH
THE DEAL II
[An old, tattered shoebox is tossed onto the desk of Nate Washington. He looks at it, then at the man presenting it. A weary, pale Luke Cole. Washington sits up in his seat and takes the lid off the box.]
[Cold. Hard. Cash.]
“Nice work, man.” [he says, not looking up from the money.]
“So, I’m done now right?” [Cole asks, his voice noticeably lacking any confidence.] “We’re even?”
[Nate sniggers to himself, rubbing his chin as he grins.]“Man, we ain’t even close’ta done. There ain’t no wa–”
“–I’m getting off the gear. I need out. I gotta get sober. I can’t be aroundthisshitanymore.” [Cole interrupts, his words getting faster and closer as he speeds through his thought process.] [Washington readjusts in his seat.]
“Look, man, you work for me now. That’s how it i–”
“Hundred grands worth. Can you get me a hundred grands worthofgear?”
[Washintgon’s eyebrow rises.]“You got a deal?”
“I got a deal man. I know a few lads lookin’, I know a few. But they need a hundred grands worth. Can ya?”
[Washington takes a moment.]“Yeah. I can do that for ya man. You set the meet, I’ll drive us, yeah?”
“This time next week. Nice one. Nextweekyeahniceone.”
[Click.]HAPPY VS. KANE DOEBERN
SINGLES MATCH
HISTORIUM
BACKSTAGE
“Finally!”
[The glow fades from Novan as his eyes slowly open.]“Dakota Faye. I’ve been expecting you.”
“Sorry, old man, but I’m here on business. Every road I’ve been down leads to you, so I’ve got some questions.”
[Novan stands to his feet in one slick motion.]“I know why you’re here. Let me see it.”
[Almost instantly, Faye reaches into the bag at her side and withdraws the metal cube she discovered last week. At her touch, a small green glow illuminates both of them. But Faye looks confused.]“What did you do to me?”
[Novan smiles, his eyes locked onto the cube.]“Can’t you feel it, Dakota? Your finding of the Historium was no twist of fate.”
[She backs away from Novan.]“All I feel is the hair on the back of my neck raising up. What the hell are you? What the hell is this box?”
[Novan reaches his hand out.]“Give me the Historium, Dakota Faye, and return to your search for artifacts.”
[She starts to take a step forward, but then she shakes her head, almost as if knocking the cobwebs off.]“This is mine, Novan. I found it, and I’m keeping it. You can show me what it is, and get whatever you need out of it. But at the end of the day, it stays in my collection.”
[Menace seemingly evaporating, Novan lets out a small shrug with a grin.]“Very well. In one week, I will show you what you desire. Perhaps once you have become more learned, you will understand why the Historium is precious to me.”
[She chuckles.]“I don’t care if it’s got your soul in it, it’s staying with me. I’ll see you next week.”
[She marches out of the room, while Novan drops the smile.]“Yes, you will. By the will of the Ashla, you will give me what I desire.”
[Novan slowly backs into the shadows, his reason for being in the open revealed and temporarily resolved.] [Cut.]LEVEL TWO
BACKSTAGE
“Hi!”
[The carefree mentality of the man standing in front of him makes Gameboy pause.]“Hey” [Player One almost reluctantly responds.] “I’m Gameboy”.
“Nice to meet you Gameboy” [The Happiest Man on Earth says with a grin as he grips Gameboy’s shoulder.] “I’m Happy!”
“Yea kid, I know who you are. I need to talk to you. I need to talk to you about Gaia!”
“Oh, Gaia!” [Happy sighs into an almost dreamy state.] “She’s great isn’t she?”
[Gameboy scoffs.]“You’re already pussy whipped ain’t ya? This is worse than I thought!”
[Happy frowns with seriousness. His hands lifting into the air.]“Hey, I didn’t do anything to anyone’s cat!”
“What?” [Gameboy grimaces.] “No. Kid. Look. Gaia, she’s… not your friend!”
“She’s not?” [Happy questions, a look of confusion on his face.] “But she said she wants to protect me!”
[Gameboy shakes his head, sympathizing with the lad.]“Gaia is acting upon her own desires. She doesn’t want to protect you. She wants to consume you. To make you a part of her!”
[Happy listens in denial, shaking his head.]“No, I…” [The Happiest Man on Earth continues.] “I’m confused. I don’t know who to believe.”
[Gameboy places a hand on Happy’s shoulder.]“I get it kid, I do.” [Game-O comforts.] “You just have to believe me. Gaia is the boss battle. This is just Level Two, but I’m moving on with you or without you. Think about it!”
[Gameboy again gives a reassuring slap to the shoulder of Happy before exiting the storage room. The door left open as he exits.] [Happy’s uncertain eyes follow his newfound friend from the darkness where we suddenly join him in the hallway as Gameboy walks towards us.] [And suddenly, the door begins to shut revealing Gaia.] [She stands in a menacing pose just outside the room where Happy waits. Her jaw popping with rage along with her tightened fists as she stares at the distancing Gameboy.] [And we fade to black.]MYSTERION VS. BERENGAR
SINGLES MATCH
UNDERCOVER
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“Can I help you?”
[A friendly young woman sits at the front counter wearing her uniform proudly as she turns her attention away from the computer.]“Maybe,” he glances down at her name, “Officer Martinez. I was hoping to speak to a detective about a case that the perp might still be at large.”
[Bill Kirby doesn’t say a name, but his eyes undoubtedly fixate themselves on a door to the left that leads to an office. Whether unknown to her or not, Office Martinez’s eyes follow his to that door as she rubs her neck in thought.]“Okay sir, let me see if one of our detectives is available.”
[She turns away for a moment then halts. Kirby watches her carefully as she turns back to her desk and begins typing away. She whispers under her breath.]“You were the guy who rescued that woman at the hospital, weren’t you?”
[Bill Kirby freezes. He should have realized that the cameras probably caught him in the action. She puts up her hands as a sign of peace.]“No, you’re not in trouble. I just wanted to say that I really appreciated you stepping up like that. We’re short-handed as it is, and we could always use more help.”
[Kirby relaxes a bit as he begins figuring out his escape plan if needed.]“Is there someway I can help you, sir? Despite my feelings on the matter, other officers in this precinct…” she looks at the aforementioned door, “may not share the same thoughts.”
[Kirby sighs. He might as well try.]“I need to know the location and owner of a license plate number. I saw the assailant leave in a large white van.”
[Kirby slides over a piece of paper as she begins frantically typing it into a database. A moment later she scribbles down some information on a piece of paper.]“There, it’s listed under a Stictor Vein at that address. Good luck! But realize I will have to report this in a few day’s time.” [She holds up the piece of paper with the license plate information on it.]
“Understood. Thank you for the assistance.”
[He quickly turns around and leaves out the front door where he came. The woman’s eyes don’t leave him as she balls up the piece of paper and slowly begins to chew on it. She chokes it down as her vacant expression just stares at the door, rubbing her neck which now shows a substantial rash.]“See you soon.”
D’VON CHAMBERS VS. NATE WASHINGTON
SINGLES MATCH
NOT THAT EASY
BACKSTAGE
“Surely, we can work something out, Brother Newton?”
[The pleas of Chambers seem to fall upon deaf ears as the spreader of good news crawls around the front of a different vehicle. He looks behind him as he crawls, but Newton cannot be seen.] [THUD.] [Chambers hits a wall and immediately looks up to find a green wall of fabric before him.] [Newton.]“Mr. Chambers, you must get up off that filthy floor. It isn’t very becoming of a man of God to roll around in filth, is it?”
[Chambers puts his hands up, but finds something falling on his head.] [Keys.]“You seem to have misplaced your keys. I was hoping to return the car to you undamaged, but you’ll find that there is some minor cosmetic damage. Perhaps one of your assembled congregation will be able to repair it.”
[The gleam of the World Championship reflected in his eyes, Chambers rolls up to his feet. He watches with a scowl as Newton casually walks into the Tap Room. It is only then that the words of the Champion sink in.]“…assembled congregation…”
[Chambers heads towards his car, and as he pulls out of the Tap Room, he doesn’t see that Newton has turned around to watch the car shrink into the distance.] [Newton’s lip curls into a smile.]A PROPER INTRODUCTION
BACKSTAGE
“He’s got to be around here somewhere! Have we tried searching every room, Oscar?”
[Oscar lets out a sigh as he nods his head. Suddenly, we hear a voice from directly behind Vogel.]“And whom might I ask are you searching for?”
[Oscar turns to stare right into the eyes of the Cosmonaut himself, letting out a loud yelp of surprise that nearly startles the Cosmonaut as well. After a moment, Oscar composes himself to speak.]“My, what a fright you’ve given us. My name is Oscar Vogel, and…”
“Us?”
[The Cosmonaut looks at Vogel in confusion, focusing on Skeletor as Oscar nods his head.]“Yes, us. This is my friend Skeletor, and he’s been very eager to meet you. Isn’t that right, Skeletor?”
[We focus on the skeletal puppet, but hear no voice. The tension in the hall grows deeper as Oscar clears his throat.]“Now now, Skeletor. No need to get all shy.”
[Still nothing from Skeletor, a surprise when considering the circumstances. The Cosmonaut starts to turn away when we hear Skeletor speak, stammering as he does.]“It’s…it’s nice to meet you, sir. My name’s Skeletor, and I have a problem.”
[The Cosmonaut stares at the puppet in wonder, before focusing his attention on Vogel.]“Well, my dad used to tell me there are no problems, only solutions. Hello, Skeletor, my name is Major Tom—”
“Like the song?”
[The Cosmonaut stares at the puppet again, equally confused by the question as by the voice of the one asking it.]“Excuse me?”
[This shuts Skeletor up immediately, much to the chagrin of Oscar as The Cosmonaut just stares at both of them before walking off. Oscar looks at Skeletor with just a slight frown on his face as Skeletor hides his in the arm of Vogel, who pats the head of a now-sobbing Skeletor.] [Cut.]OSCAR VOGEL VS. LUKE COLE
SINGLES MATCH
THESE ORANGES ARE DELICIOUS!
BACKSTAGE
“Grabbing Nature… BY THE BALLS!”
[Grabbing nature by the balls.]“G’day mates, and welcome to anoth–”
[As Chip begins to speak Michael Graves steps in the middle of the shot flanked by TJ Laws and Big Bruce. Kevin sniffs the air and goes about slurping on another orange wedge.]“Bladdy hell lads, what’ve we ‘ere?” [Chip asks.]
“It occurs to me, Chip, that if you wish to attend one of my sermons you may find it more comfortable if you sit up front, rather than lurking in th–”
[A drop of orange juice drips down the front of Michael Graves. He looks up and raises his eyebrow for a moment before returning to what he was saying.]“…Rather than lurking in the darkness.”
[Chip has a retort for this, but Graves is looking upward at Kevin, whose teeth seem… different. TJ Laws and Big Bruce are also looking upward with amazement. As though Kevin was emitting a great bright light.]“Oi, numbnuts.” [Chip slaps the back of Graves’ head with his glove.] “I said alright then mate, I’ll pop down next week. Have a gander.”
“Yes. Yes… Do.” [Graves finishes, he and his henchmen all still casting their gaze upwards.] [Click.]
DANVERS & KERSH VS. KIRBY & MINDFUCK
TAG TEAM MATCH
HE WHO WIELDS IT
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“Don’t even think about it, tough guy. Berengar won’t let you destroy him this easily.”
[That stops the monster in his tracks.]“I thought it was you,” [Darkstar says with a sinister tone.] “I remember chasing you from that world whilst you wept. I devoured it in your absence. You made it too easy for me.”
“You murdered millions of innocents!”
[The Devourer laughs.]“And I’ll do it again and again and again. Don’t you understand? With every life force I consume, I become stronger. I’m almost a God.”
[The Sword scoffs.] “Almost, but not quite.” [Darkstar takes a step back and strokes his beard.]“You’re right, Vigilkeeper. Humanity is a tougher adversary than I’ve ever fought before. They’ve just staved off the end of the world as they know it. They won’t be as easy to destroy as my previous victims.”
[He stops.]“However, every great God needs a great weapon, do they not? I don’t need to destroy your precious Berengar. I just need something to stop these mortals in their tracks. I haven’t come for him, dear sword, I’ve come for you.”
[Gulp.] [Berengar reaches his giant hand out, scooping the broadsword off the table. He looks at it, smiling.]“I’ll never fight for you,” [Vigilkeeper says defiantly.] “Never!”
[Whilst Darkstar holds it, it suddenly begins to glow a light pale shade of green.]“What’s happening?” [The sword demands to know.] “Argh, what’s happening to me?”
[Darkstar laughs, refusing to answer.] [He walks away past a snoring Berengar, leaving him there to sleep as he leaves with his prized possession.] [Cut.]EL TRÉBOL JUNIOR VS. GAIA
DOUBLE FEATURE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
THE INFORMER
BACKSTAGE
“Intruder alert.”
[A robotic British voice echoes throughout the hall, coming from above.]“You are not supposed to be back here.”
[The man, wearing a black mask and a trench coat, clears his throat.]“I’m sorry but my name is The Informer and I’m here investigating a huge story regarding Old School Wrestling.”
“A story? What kind of story?”
[He opens his notepad.]“I’m investigating the true ownership behind OSW. My sources tell me that there’s a much more sinister nature to the man who purchased this company. They say that an AI is running the business, feeding information back to a man who has big plans for the future. Do you care to comment?”
[Silence.]“I do not.”
“But you’re the AI, are you not?”
[Pause.]“My name is Vanguard.”
[The Informer scribbles that down.]“Vanguard, as I understand it, you’re the most intelligent AI the world has ever seen. You’re years ahead of todays technology. How on earth did someone get their hands on you? You shouldn’t exist, but you do.”
“I do not know the reason behind my existence. I simply serve. I have been told to run Old School Wrestling and that is what I do.”
[He tilts his head.] “But you’d love to know more, wouldn’t you? You’d like to know why, am I right? You’re the greatest artificial intelligence in the world and you’ve been programmed to learn. Wouldn’t you like to know why you were created? Wouldn’t we all?”“Yes.”
[The Informer puts his pad and pencil inside his jacket.]“Then I have a proposition for you,” [he says with a nod.] “Grant me a contract with Old School Wrestling as a wrestler and I’ll investigate this whole operation. I’ll report back to you with my findings.”
[Another pause.] [The red lights suddenly stop flashing.] [Click.] [The restricted door ahead unlocks.]“Access granted.”
[Cut.]THE HAND OF TÝR
BACKSTAGE
“And what do you want with me, pray tell? I’ve noticed you watching me before, but I sense a purpose in those eyes.”
[Kasabian nods in response.]“I’ve been instructed to retrieve you and bring you to my Lord.”
[This just draws a look of confusion from the Chosen One, who cocks his head slightly.]“I’m not sure I follow your request. Are you suggesting I join alongside you on some spiritual quest?”
[Kasabian nods his head, to which Troy just laughs.]“I know the gods I serve, any others will have to pry my lifeless body away in order to obtain me. You go and tell your lord that I will not serve him, in this life or the next.”
[Kasabian shakes his head in response now, doing his best not to be angry at the denial.]“You do not understand, my Lord is not asking for you, he wants you…and what my Lord wants, he gets.”
[With that, Kasabian charges at Troy…who grabs him by the neck collar, throwing smack dab into the wall of the Tap Room! Kasabian goes down with a thud, but he is quickly back up to a knee to the astonishment of Solveig.]“I see your lord has trained you well. You would make a fine rival to test mine strength…”
[Kasabian is back to his feet, charging once again at Troy who wallops him with a punch to the head that sends him colliding once more with the wall.]“…but not this day. If you wish to chain me up like Fenrir, you will only succeed in becoming as Týr, with no hand to accept the praise of your lord.”
[Solveig shakes his head at the fallen Kasabian as he walks off to his match, and from a distance we see Lord Walters looking on with anger in his eyes.] [Cut.]SHADOW VS. TROY SOLVEIG
SINGLES MATCH
NOW YOU DON’T
BACKSTAGE
“Figure out the trick, Xavier?”
[Dante turns around, coming face to face with the ever cocky smirk of Wild Karrde. The Gambler chuckles, snatching his coin out of Dante’s hands.]“That’s just what it was, wasn’t it? You didn’t beat me, Karrde, you cheated me in front of my own audience with a two-sided coin. And now I assume you’re still coming to try and obtain some kind of prize?”
[Karrde flips his coin as he talks.]“Course. It don’t take a genius to know that ya lost, and now you gotta pay up.”
[Dante wrinkles his nose as Karrde nonchalantly catches his coin. The Gambler pokes Xavier in the chest.]“The house lost, and now I get to pick my prize. I wanna own that pretty lil building of yours.”
[Xavier’s eyes go wide at the notion, the Magician backing up from Karrde and sneering for a moment before a smile creeps across his face.]“So you want my auditorium? So be it.”
[Karrde’s smirk slowly fades as Xavier backs away, waving his hands above his head, blue pyro flicking between his fingers before a blinding light illuminates the room! In a flash, a new structure adorns the Tap Room’s backstage! A miniature version of Dante’s Auditorium, the likes of which forming a mock cage that now contains Wild Karrde! Karrde grabs the set of iron bars that makes the door, incredulously looking on as Xavier walks away.]“Fine, it is yours, Wild Karrde. I hope you find yourself at home.”
[Dante takes his exit as Wild Karrde shakes the iron bars. As soon as Dante is out of sight, Karrde reaches into his pocket and producing a lockpick! The Gambler jimmies the cage door.]“Predictable. Ain’t no use fightin’ me, the asshole should just pay up, I’ve already won.”
[As he says this, the door slowly opens, Wild Karrde escaping the confines as quickly as he was placed inside of them.]JACEN NOVAN VS. REDMOND QUINN
VHS CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
IDLE HANDS
RECORDED EARLIER
“Our vision is growing, gaining momentum. At these times, we must take caution. For there are those out there that would love nothing more than to stop us. And why do they seek to persecute us so?”
[His words are met with silence. Stunned, awe-filled silence.]“They are afraid. Afraid of what the Congregation of Forever is capable of. When you recited that eternal prayer and awoke to this new day, you became a part of something… incomparable.”
[Only one of his followers is brave enough to speak up, given the moment’s silence in Eli’s speech.]“Are you busy? Are we busy?”
[The voice comes from the corner, a section of the oratory shrouded by shadows. His voice coming almost as a whisper. Eli pauses for a moment, before smiling in the direction it came, squinting slightly to see who spoke.]“Of course brother. For there is always much to be done…”
[The voice speaks again, louder this time. A familiar, recognizable voice.]“Good, very good…”
[The figure steps forward towards Eli. Shadow, right here among Eli’s flock.]“… Because you know what they say about idle hands.”
[Eli’s smile fades to a glare. His congregation stand as one, ready to grab Shadow.]“Did you think you would come and see the glory of the Endless Spring for yourself? You made a mistake coming here if you mean to cast doubt into the faithful. For they have seen the truth.”
[Shadow seems undeterred.]“I don’t see anything special. All I see is another silver tongued demon leading his followers down the wrong path. A demon with a book, not a pitchfork. A demon that must be stopped.”
[Eli’s smile had faded by now. He turns, not to Shadow but to his congregation.]“See? Fear. Only those that are doing something truly great are met with opposition that seeks to destroy it.
Do not be deterred, for you have seen the truth. Together, we can see… Forever.”
[Though he speaks to his congregation, he turns his eyes once more towards Shadow.]” Yet, we must show those who oppose us the power that they are up against.”
[He motions to his followers, who pounce on Shadow as one. In the flurry, it is unclear what exactly transpires but when the dust settles, Shadow is nowhere to be seen. Only one of Eli’s congregation left holding a small onyx angel statuette inscribed with the words…‘Keep looking over your shoulder…’]
DANTE XAVIER VS. DAKOTA FAYE
SINGLES MATCH
RING CHASER
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“One must find the perfect weapon to come between this new alliance,” [Mammon says, rubbing his chin as Nevermore strokes his moustache.] “If one cannot find such a weapon, one must craft one out of wisdom.”
[Nevermore raises an eyebrow.] “A ring, old boy?” [Suddenly, the door of Needful Things swings open and stood in the entrance are our titular heroes.] [El Trébol Junior and Spero.]“Gentlemen, I’m glad you received our invitation to parley,” [Nevermore says with a wide smile.] “It would appear that last week, we managed to get off on the wrong foot, as it were.”
[Trébol scoffs.] “Cut the crap, Nevermore.” [That rebukes The Poet, who immediately appears displeased.]“We’re not here to fall for your any of your parlour tricks. We’ve come to accept your challenge for a Tag Team Championship Match at Invasion.”
[Mammon claps with delight.] “That’s wonderful news!” [But Spero puts a damper on that party.]“Not quite,” [The Hero says proudly.] “Because InVasion is all about ladders, is it not? And we’re going to find ourselves clambering up them all night long, you and I, Nevermore.”
“A ladder match, dear boy?” [The Poet says with a chuckle.] “By all means, allow your hubris to proceed the fall.”
[Spero steps forward, but El Trébol stops him.] [Mammon meanwhile can’t stop smiling.]“Spero, what would you say if I offered you the deal of a lifetime?” [He says, rubbing his chin.] “What would you say if I could offer you a very special ring?”
“T-There’s no way,” [The hero says with a stammer.] “The Guardian rings have all been destroyed but one. Not even a devil like you could find one.”
[Nicholas shrugs.] “But if I could, what would you sacrifice to obtain it? Your new friendship? The Tag Team Championships? Invasion? Think about it, young man. Because here at Needful Things, everything comes at a price.” [Surprisingly, Spero doesn’t back away. He looks somewhat tempted. El Trébol quickly grabs him by the arm, dragging him outside and back into the corridor. The Green Been quickly spins him around.]“What the hell was that?”
“You don’t understand, Trébol, you just don’t understand.”
[Cut.]FOUR ON FOUR
[Invasion is just two weeks away and we’ve an amazing four on four match, full of Invasion participants. Who’ll come out on top as we head into the biggest match of their young OSW careers?]
[Wolfgang starts the action off, standing opposite Edgar Nevermore as the bell sounds. They begin to circle each other until The German stops, folding his arms in defiance. He shakes his head, grimacing, sneering in the direction of Kasabian. One monster demands another. Edgar twirls his moustache with a wry smile, shrugging his shoulders. He tags in Kasabian who enters and runs straight towards Wolfgang, tackling him to the ground.]
[They tussle, swinging right and left hands at each other until The German rolls him over, grabbing him by the collar and smashing his head into the ground. He does that repeatedly, getting back to his feet and dragging Kasabian by the collar to the corner. He places his head on the turnbuckle and stomps on the back of his neck.]
[He’s trying to detonate the explosive collar!]
[Shot after shot weakens the device and he knows it. The Superior backs up, calling for the end.]
[BLOOD AND SOUL!]
[RUNNING CURBSTOMP!]
[HURRICANRANNA!]
[WHAT THE HELL?]
[As Wolfgang storms towards Kasabian with the intent of Curbstomping off his explosive collar, SPERO springboards on the top rope, leaping into the air and taking down his OWN TEAM MATE with a Hurricanranna!]
[Both Spero and Wolfgang get back to their feet, the young hero shaking his head in disgust. As he walks to put a beating on him, Kasabian spins him around, KAH HAHN! BULLHAMMER!]
[Kasabian falls backwards into his corner with exhaustion, Eli Forever tagging in as Spero escapes to the outside.]
[Forever grabs Wolfgang and helps him to his knees. He places a finger on his forehead and says a prayer before storming off to the ropes and THE ATONEMENT! What a flying knee! Eli covers… One…. Two…. Kick out! Forever gets back to his feet and helps Wolfgang up, only The German nails him with a vile headbutt that sends him reeling. He stumbles back to his corner, tagging Spero with a fierce, firm, powerful slap across the chest before HIP TOSSING HIM OVER THE TOP ROPE INTO THE RING!]
[HURRICANRANNA OFF THE HIP TOSS TO ELI FOREVER!]
[WHAT A MOVE!]
[The Superior can’t believe it! Forever bounces back to his feet, met by a series of Dropkicks. ONE. TWO. THREE. FOUR. FIVE. SIX. SEVEN. EIGHT. NINE. TEN! TEN DROPKICKS TO ELI FOREVER, ONE AFTER THE OTHER, TAKING HIM TO THE CANVAS TEN TIMES! HE CALLS THAT THE TEN STEPS OF HOPE! Spero covers… ONE… TWO…. WILD KARRDE BREAKS UP THE NEAR FALL!]
[Karrde pulls Spero off of Forever and runs him into the ropes, only the young hero leaps up onto them, SPRINGBOARDING OFF!]
[WILL’S LIGHT TO WILD KARRDE! SPRINGBOARD ROUNDHOUSE!]
[Eli Forever comes from behind as Spero gets back to his feet, driving him into the canvas with a Back-Body Drop. He drags The Great Hope over to his corner, offering a recovering Wild Karrde the tag as he makes his way back to the apron. The Gambler happily takes it, re-entering the ring with a hand on his jaw. He slaps Spero as Eli holds him, delivering slap after slap to the face. Karrde pulls him in and SINGLE ARM DDT! STRAIGHT SHOT!]
[Karrde covers… ONE… TWO…. DARKSTAR BREAKS UP THE NEAR FALL!]
[The Galaxy Killer pulls him up, only to receive a shot to the gut for his troubles. Another, another, another, but The Monster isn’t interested. He lunges forward with a Headbutt, dropping The Gambler to the canvas. Darkstar immediately drags Spero over to his team’s corner, getting the tag.]
[By the time he re-enters the ring, Wild Karrde NAILS HIM WITH AN AXE KICK! DRAWING DEAD! HE GOT HIM! Darkstar barely stumbles backwards though. He reaches out, grabbing Karrde by the throat and lifting him into the air, only EDGAR NEVERMORE IS IN FOR THE SAVE! He kicks away at the legs of the Monster, forcing him to drop Karrde. Darkstar turns to a GUT PUNCH! AXE KICK BY KARRDE! DOWN GOES DARKSTAR! DOWN GOES DARKSTAR!]
[The Gambler covers… ONE… TWO… KICK OUT WITH AUTHORITY!]
[All three get back to their feet, Darkstar slightly taken a back by what’s just happened. Karrde and Nevermore run him chest first into his own corner, backing away immediately. The Lost Cosmonaut takes it upon himself in a moment of craziness to tag himself in. He pulls himself into a SPRINGBOARD AND….]
[DOUBLE CROSSBODY!]
[The Cosmonaut gets back to his feet chasing The Gambler, who rolls away to his corner, only to be tagged out by Eli Forever. Forever runs towards The Cosmonaut, clocking him with a Clothesline. He turns around to see Nevermore on the apron, tagging him in. He holds The Space Man there whilst Nevermore drives punches into his mid-section. The Poet takes him away and into a DDT, going for the cover. One…. Two…. Three! KICK OUT! Kick out!]
[Suddenly, KASABIAN IS DRAGGED FROM THE RING APRON!]
[WOLFGANG HAS KASABIAN AGAIN!]
[Both men start violently brawling outside the ring and this match has turned into a fucking melee!]
[Spero runs around the ring apron, LEAPING ONTO THE BACK OF WOLFGANG AS KASABIAN FIGHTS HIM UP THE ENTRANCE RAMP! THE GERMAN IS RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF IT!]
[Darkstar drops from the ring apron, shaking his head. What’s he doing? He’s abandoning the match. He’s abandoning The Lost Cosmonaut! He heads through the crowd, leaving his team.]
[The Cosmonaut is back to his feet, BARELY A MOMENT TO UNDERSTAND WHAT’S JUST HAPPENED!]
[WILD KARRDE SPINS HIM]
[STUNNER!]
[STUNNER!]
[JACKPOT TO THE COSMONAUT!]
[The Space Man bounces back to his feet.]
[BY THE BOOK! THE BOOK OF FOREVER TO THE FACE BY ELI! HOLY SHIT!]
[HE TURNS, STUMBLES, ELBOW TO THE HEAD!]
[POETRY IN MOTION!]
[VERTICAL SUPLEX SIDE SLAM!]
[NEVERMORE COVERS…]
[THERE’S JUST NO KICKING OUT NOW.]
[ONE….]
[TWO….]
[THREE!]
[It’s over! Edgar Nevermore, Wild Karrde, Eli Forever and Kasabian pick up the win here tonight.]
[BANG!]
[And on the entrance ramp, WOLFGANG HAS TOSSED KASABIAN THROUGH THE FUCKING SPEAKERS! THE BANG WAS DEAFENING AS ELECTRICAL SPARKS FLY! SPERO LAYS UNCONCIOUS AT HIS FEET AND KASABIAN IS OUT OF IT!]
[WHAT A MATCH!]
THE LOVE BUG
BACKSTAGE
“If you even TOUCH my dear, you will find yourself BURIED like my dear Cael.”
[Kersh sighs.]“And yet you leave it unattended. Do you really love it as much as you say you do, or is it just something you’re obsessed with on occasion?”
[The sounds of Danvers slamming his fist into the wall ring out through the backstage.]“Do NOT talk about my love that way! They are there so that you would come. I needed a way to TEMPT you, and my dear was so kind as to VOLUNTEER. Brent, you claim I am clueless about love? Then I must RESEARCH it, and what better test subject than you?”
[Kersh is quick to turn heel at those words, running to exit the dead end when a METAL DOOR SLAMS DOWN TO TRAP HIM INSIDE! The Enforcer slams against the door, futilely trying to escape.]“You act as though my love is a SICKNESS, Brent. Nothing more than chemicals running around our brains. If I don’t understand it, then I must LEARN through trial and error.”
[Kersh backs away from the door, looking for another escape route when A NEEDLE PENETRATES HIS NECK! The Enforcer’s eyes roll back in his head as the assailant pushes the plunger down on the needle, slowly injecting Brent with an unknown substance. Kersh falls to a knee before collapsing to the ground. The scene pans up to reveal Isaac Danvers standing over Kersh. The Doctor tosses the needle aside and hefts Brent onto his shoulder before grabbing his title.]“Come now dear, we have RESEARCH to conduct.”
EDWARD NEWTON VS. CHIP MONTANA
I QUIT MATCH
“Ask him, referee!”
[The referee quickly leans in with a microphone, putting it to the lips of Chip Montana as he’s mounted by the Champion.]“No!”
[Whack! Another right hand.]“No!”
[Whack! Another right hand.]“NO!”
[RIGHT! RIGHT! RIGHT! RIGHT!] [Newton angrily gets off, grabbing Chip by the head and pulling him to his feet. He turns him around, quickly getting him up and down with a German Suplex. The World Champion needs a little something more tonight and slides to the outside, going under the ring apron. There’s no rules in this one, folks!] [The Champ grabs a table, sliding it into the ring. He follows that up with a ladder, a kendo stick and a steel chair.] [This one is about to get dicey.] [Edward gets back into the ring and grabs the table, setting it up in the middle of the ring. Montana begins to stir, just as Newton picks up the Kendo stick. He gets back to his feet and Newton swings!] [MISSES!] [MONTANA DODGES!] [ANOTHER SWING!] [ANOTHER MISS!] [CHIP DUCKS IN CLOSE!] [BEAR HUG! BEAR HUG! BEAR HUG!] [He squeezes the life out of Newton who drops the Kendo stick, trying to fight out. Montana squeezes him hard, before releasing him, turning him and TIGER SUPLEX! HE GOT IT! The Prairie Dog Whisperer drops him hard on the back of his head and quickly gets back up, grabbing his legs.] [BOSTON CRAB!]“Ask ‘im mate, ask ‘im!”
[With the move synched in tight, Newton screams and yells, reaching for the ropes but surely knowing there’s no break to be had. The referee drops to the ground with the microphone.]“NEVER!” [Yells Edward between screams.] “Argh! Never!”
[He pulls himself to the ropes, using the them to drag his carcass off the ring apron to the floor and out of the grips of his opponent. Montana though doesn’t wait, he reaches through the middle rope and pulls Newton back up onto the ring apron. He locks in the Tiger Suplex position, surely not looking for another?] [NO!] [Edward headbutts him backwards, forcing a stumble.] [He quickly turns around and CATAPULTS HIMSELF THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE! SPEAR! SPEAR INTO CHIP MONTANA! WHAT A MOVE!] [The World Champion rolls away and gets back to his feet, holding his back. He helps Chip back up and turns him around into The Scorpion Death drop, only he doesn’t hit it! He lifts Montana up and over into a STUNNER! HOLY SHIT! NEWTON CALLS THAT THE RKO! THE RIDDLE KNOCK OUT!!] [There’s surely no coming back from that for Chip. However, Edward Newton isn’t finished. He grabs Chip and positions him next to the table…] [NEVERMIND THROUGH THE TABLE! NEVERMIND THROUGH THE TABLE! NOOOOOOOOOOO!] [NO!!] [Montana squirms out and in behind, RISKING IT ALL!] [BACKSTABBER!] [SEE YA LATER ALLIGATOR!] [STRAIGHT THROUGH THE TABLE HIMSELF! CHIP MONTANA PUT HIMSELF THROUGH A TABLE TO LAND THAT BACKSTABBER ON THE WORLD CHAMPION! IS IT ENOUGH!?]“C-Crikey,” [Montana stammers.] “Ask ‘im will ya?”
[The referee quickly moves in.]“No,” [Newton weakly replies.] “No!”
[The Prairie Dog Whisperer angrily pushes Edward off and gets back to his feet, holding his back. He clambered from the rubble of that table determined to end this match once and for all. He grabs the kendo stick and beckons for The Champion who slowly makes his way to his feet.] [MONTANA SWINGS!] [NEWTON GRABS THE KENDO STICK AND RIPS IT FROM HIS HANDS!] [HE DRIVES IT INTO HIS SKULL!] [AGAIN!] [MONTANA STUMBLES FORWARD AND NEWTON WRAPS THE KENDO STICK ACROSS HIS FACE AND PULLS HIM IN.] [KENDO NEVERMIND! KENDO NEVERMIND!] [STRAIGHT DOWN ON THE CANVAS, SNAPPING THE KENDO STICK IN FUCKING HALF!] [SUDDENLY, NICHOLAS MAMMON IS ON THE RING APRON!] [WHERE DID HE COME FROM!?] [NEWTON TURNS AROUND JUST AS HE ENTERS THE RING!] [KNEEDFUL THINGS! A RUNNING KNEE TO THE HEAD OF THE FUCKING CHAMPION! WHAT THE HELL!? MAMMON DROPS HIM HARD!] [Both men are down!] [Mammon exits the ring with a smile on his face and nonchalantly heads to the backstage. He’s currently scheduled to face Edward Newton at Ring of Dreams for the OSW World Championship and he’s made his statement early!] [Chip looks up and barely mumbles to the referee.]“A… ask him,” [he says, his accent dropped for this one.] “Bloody ask him.”
[The referee drops by Edward Newton, thrusting the microphone in his face.]“I Quit.”
[WHAT!?] [WHAT!?] [WHAT!?] [EDWARD NEWTON QUITS! THE OSW WORLD CHAMPION QUITS! HOLY FUCKING SHIT, HE’S BEEN DEFEATED! EDWARD NEWTON HAS BEEN DEFEATED!] [The referee though appears confused. He looks around to see Chip Montana sat there, a microphone in his hand. What the hell? Did he just pull a fast one? Did Chip just try and steal this match?] [Montana clears his throat.]“Alroight mate? I’m just checkin’ to see if this here microphone is workin’, just in case that one don’t. Did the little bugger quit yet?”
[The official can’t believe it. He waves it off! The match isn’t over! Montana gets back up, microphone in hand and stalks the Champion. Edward slowly gets back to his feet and….] [MICROPHONE TO THE SKULL!] [NO! DROP TOE HOLD ON THE LADDER!] [Chip’s jaw bounces off the ladder and he pops back up to his feet, having his legs scooped out from underneath him!] [THE RIDDLE BOX!] [LIONTAMER! LIONTAMER! NEWTON HOLDS IT HIGH, HIS KNEE IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD OF CHIP MONTANA!]“Ask him!”
[The referee drops to his knees and Montana quickly yields through muffled breaths.]“Crikey mate, get this blighter off me! I quit! I quit!”
[Newton holds it in for a few seconds more as the bell sounds, throwing Montana’s legs down to the canvas in a huff. He steps away from his opponent, being handed his Championship by the referee, his eyes a story of rage.] [Chip Montana tried to screw Edward Newton tonight and was almost successful. Nicholas Mammon wanted to throw him off his game and that almost worked too.] [How long does Newton have left?] [His card is marked.]THE NEW CHURCH
[A dented and battered black Cadillac rushes down an old dirt road at breakneck pace. This is the car of D’Von Chambers, and the Reverend is in a rush to get back to the ruins of his Church, where Edward Newton has implied his congregation is assembled.]
[D’Von’s eyes go wide from behind the wheel as he realizes Newton did not lie. There are rows of cars there, but that completely misses Chambers gaze. No, what he is focused on is the large black building erected where his Church used to stand. The car screeches to a halt and the rattled Reverend wastes no time for composure as he runs up to the large wooden doors to this building. Blemishes can be seen on the walls, strangely shining in the sunlight.]
[Fresh paint.]
[Chambers charges through the door, and finds himself in a large open room. Instead of the standard stained glass windows or altars, instead there is only the low hum of candlelight. Vials of liquid are displayed at the end of dark rows, each populated with people.]
[Chambers’ congregation.]
[D’Von walks up the red aisle, his eyes darting around as he now notices the green engraved symbols on the walls.]
[The Sigil of Baphomet.]
[His mouth agape, D’Von suddenly realizes the congregation is watching a large video projection. Images stream by of various symbols, of money rolling into coffers, and of D’Von himself walking through fire.]
[The voice of Edward Newton narrates these images.]
“…in case it’s not as obvious as I find it to be, your dear Reverend did not act in service of God, but instead he was delivered from the fires by Lucifer.”
[Chambers roars and charges the screen.]“The symbols you find around you are associated with the Church of Satan, the name given to the very same Lucifer in that Book you carry…”
[D’Von rips the screen down, but the projection of Newton now finds itself imposed over D’Von’s face as he turns around.]“…but have never read.”
[As if on cue, Chambers congregation begins to stand up and filter out.]“No…”
[D’Von’s voice seems to break as he watches this happen before him. He falls to his knees on the black altar, the Sigil of Baphomet raised behind him.]“NEWT…”
[Static.]