WARZONE #376
Choose
This week on Warzone, those offered a Golden Ticket into Invasion last week at Thunderstrike have choices to make. Meanwhile, there's still two tickets left. Who'll be invited to take part? The Main Event on the other hand see's Gravedigger and Mister Sunshine do battle in what should be an epic encounter.
The Breaker of Chains
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
A small log fire burns flickering and crackling before our eyes as we open inside the Study of the Mortuary. Gravedigger and Igor Mortis sit opposite one another, intensity locked between their eyes.
“How?” Gravedigger’s voice is a low rumble. His ire intense. His fury knowing no bounds.
Igor looks more dishevelled than usual. He removes his hat, brushing back the remnants of hair on his head.
“I don’t have the answer to that question, my boy,” he says with a sincere frustration. “This is equally as new to me. Tombstone was the first Ferryman I had been employed to deploy. I knew nothing of what would follow once I placed the chains around your hands.”
Gravedigger growls lowly. “I tried to meet with The Reaper and get answers, but he refused to acknowledge my existence. Do you know how embarrassing that was? I ferry the souls of the dead from here to their final destination and the Grim Reaper has no time for me?”
Igor stands up and walks over to sit beside Gravedigger.
“You have the chains now,” he reminds him. “However Tombstone was returned, it matters not. You’ll need to finish the job we started at Red Snow, Gravedigger.”
Their eyes lock once more.
“And how would I do that?” He asks with a frustrated shrug. “He’s immortal. How do you kill what’s Already Dead?”
There’s a pause. Both consider the question. “This is a question we asked with Drewitt, many times. We tried many things and nothing worked. For a time, I believed him to be Tombstone’s replacement. I know where to head for answers, leave it with me, son.”
Gravedigger nods in agreement.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Well holy crap, what a way to kick off Warzone! Folks, welcome to the show.
MATT RUBY: I hate to say it, but there’s a little fear involved here isn’t there?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Igor looks shaken to his very core, you’re right. We have no time to waste though folks, I hear we’re heading to The Slums next.
Cut.
Golden Shower
We cut to the Gathering, where Hatchet is kicking back with his crew. A loud booming interrupts the scene, echoing powerfully around the room.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Who would be visiting the Gathering and be polite enough to knock?
MATT RUBY: Polite? That knock just about took the door off the hinges.
They don’t have to worry about answering the door, for moments later it swings open, revealing the towering frame of Ares. He stoops down to step inside, finding that the Gathering are only too happy to give him their usual hostile welcome.
MATT RUBY: He doesn’t even wait to be asked to enter. How rude.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Well, it looks like the Gathering may agree with you.
Several Gathering members rush towards the door, but Ares plows through them with powerful fists that bring clowns down with a single blow each. Hatchet, behind his army, smirks and the entire room erupts into a frenzy. All of the Gathering members present swamp Ares.
But he is more than a match for them. Throwing bodies, slamming heads into walls, punching holes in skulls, Ares simply mows through the Gathering, never looking like stopping.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The numbers are really starting to mount against Ares now.
MATT RUBY: Not that he seems to mind, he’s having a great time.
Without so much of a how-de-doo, the numbers game turns squarely in Ares favour, as several figures join the brawl unannounced. Klaus Way and his Circus arrive on scene, taking the fight to the Gathering. A particularly Mighty-framed member is absent, but the Circus soon clear the room alongside Ares.
With the Gathering down, Hatchet is the only one left standing. He smiles, as Ares pulls from his person a golden ticket and thrusts it at the Juggalo.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Hatchet is being given a golden ticket!
MATT RUBY: Why the hell didn’t he just say so?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Like the Gathering would have treated him any different.
Hatchet grabs the ticket from the grasp of Ares, but as he does so, Ares grabs him by the throat and lists him off the ground to bring him to his own eye level.
“I am warning you, little clown. I don’t like being tested.”
With that, he drops Hatchet, who crumples to the ground, clutching the ticket.
Ares turns to leave, nodding to Klaus Way as he goes.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have a huge return here tonight folks as the man everyone thought had died at the hands of his former protege returned last week for vengeance and now comes back to the Olympic circle against the happiest man in Olympus, Mighty Mighty.
MATT RUBY: Ezra should've stayed dead, the Valkyrie's gonna come for him and I'm looking forward to Tombstone getting his ass kicked by that big chunk of funk tonight.
The bell sounds as Tombstone rushes forward, exploding with a running Lariat that staggers Mighty back. Tombstone backs up, delivering a second and a third before he rushes to the ropes, bouncing off
RIGHT INTO A CROSS BODY BLOCK! MIGHTY MIGHTY JUST BOWLED OVER TOMBSTONE WITH EASE!
Tombstone looks shocked as he crashes to the mat, stumbling up into two hands around the throat before he's Biel Tossed into the nearby corner. The Already Dead looks dazed and confused as Mighty does a little dance in the middle of the ring before rushing forward
CANNON BALL....NO! Tombstone just manages to move out of the way of the splash, causing Mighty to slam down hard into the steel. Tombstone staggers to his feet as Mighty stumbles out of the corner right into a Big Boot that Mighty shrugs off.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Tombstone having a hard time adjusting to the lack of Ferryman powers here, for once he's not invincible and he doesn't quite know how to deal with someone overpowering him.
Mighty delivers a hard headbutt that rocks Tombstone before he rushes to the ropes, bouncing off
BUT YOU CAN'T RUN AT WHAT'S ALLREADY DEAD! BOSSMAN SLAM PLANTS MIGHTY INTO THE MAT!
Tombstone winces in pain, taking a deep breath before he lifts up his right hand, calling for the end as Mighty stumbles to his feet
GOOZLE...NO! Mighty fights out of the Chokeslam, gripping Tombstone around the shoulder as he spins around
MIGHTY...SOUL TAKER! Tombstone delivers that brutal Heart Punch out of nowhere, Mighty collapsing to the canvas as Tombstonev drops down, hooking the leg as Demi Sky slides in to count
ONE
..............
TWO
..............
................
THREE!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Tombstone does it, picking up a huge return victory here but he had to fight for it more then he ever really did as the Ferryman.
MATT RUBY: Look at him, breathing hard, completely spent. Tombstone is now just a man and the Valkyrie, he's going to send him screaming on his way with ease.
Complications
Last Week.
After Thunderstrike.
We find ourselves outside of Olympus, Drewitt and Grimskull stepping through a back door together after their matches earlier in the night.
"Do you believe them?" Drewitt asks, not even looking at Grimskull.
"I want to," he responds. "He seemed genuine... And Gemini, too."
There's a silence, one interrupted by a commanding voice that could only belong to Narcissa. "Anyone can lie, you know." Hera approaches, flanked by Nox and a group of Preservationists. War and Conquest stance up only for Narcissa to wave them off, stopping her preservationists as well.
"Stand down. We've come to talk about your little decision you made earlier tonight."
"Then talk fast," Drewitt shoots back.
"Happily," Nox says. "You embody war, don't you? Conquest as well. Don't you both realize how this is all going to end? One side will crush the other, one side of this war will fall. Don't you think the winning side will be the one with the might of Zeus... And not the fragility of your former allegiances?"
"You turned on us too," Grimskull spits back. "And you expect us to simply take your word? Who's to say you won't dispose of us once the job is done?"
"Who's to say your former friends don't decide to sacrifice you again for their greater good?" Narcissa smirks, pulling an envelope from her pocket. "Zeus always makes sure that his men are taken care of. Once you've made the right decision I want you to follow the directions in that envelope. We'll keep in touch."
Neither man replies, soaking in the information in silence.
The scene then pans out into the shadows, revealing a fifth man watching from afar, a camera in hand.
The Night.
Cut.
Vial-able
The metal gates of Death Row creak open as Jackson Cade strides through, boots caked in dust from the latest raid. His shotgun rests easy in his grip, barrel still warm.
MATT RUBY: The usurper in the flesh!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He’s fighting a noble war in his eyes, Ruby.
The Uprising’s home is quiet—for now. A momentary calm in the heart of a brewing storm.
George Cade stands near a makeshift table, cleaning a revolver. He doesn’t look up.
“You’re pushing hard, son.”
Jackson scoffs, setting his shotgun down with a thud.
“You seen what’s happening out there? Redgrave thinks he’s untouchable. I showed him he’s not.”
MATT RUBY: Always using force! I liked him better when he was a coward.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Believing in the law didn’t make him a coward.
His father finally meets his eyes, his gaze steel. “Winning that belt’s viable for us. It puts power in our hands. But not if you’re too blinded by revenge to take it.”
Jackson wipes sweat from his brow, but before he can answer—A runner barrels through, out of breath.
“For you.”
Jackson takes the small package, tearing it open. Inside, a vial of dark blood dangles from a thin metal chain.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ah hell.
A note, beautifully penned, is tied around it.
“He definitely ain’t heavy, anymore.”
The weight in Jackson’s chest is instant.
MATT RUBY: What a thoughtful gift!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That bastard Redgrave’s sent Jackson Cade his own brother’s blood in a vial, that’s sadistic!
George tenses, waiting for his son’s reaction.
Jackson exhales slowly, then loops the chain around his neck.
“I’m not playing his mind games shit. Not this time.”
Then, without hesitation, he turns and storms out—leaving his shotgun behind.
George shakes his head, lifting the shotgun to clean it, knowing his son may need it.
If he returns.
MATT RUBY: Just as the Champ predicted, I’m sure!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Jasper Redgrave just called him out. And Jackson Cade is answering.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Apokolypsis may have returned last week but that doesn't end the possible conflict for Conquest as he faces off against the very unpredictable Hatchet here tonight.
MATT RUBY: All he had to do was beat down that two bit screech artist and join the real winners but now Grimskull's going to get downed by the clown and you love to see it.
The bell sounds as Grimskull rushes forward head first, trying to take Hatchet by surprise with a Kokeshi but the Juggalo manages to dodge the headbutt, gripping Grimskull by the back of the head and throwing him roughly to the mat with a slam. Hatchet begins laying in hard stomps to the prone Conquest before stepping back.
DEATH POP...NO! Grimskull avoids the H-Bomb forearm just in time, staggering back to his feet before running to the ropes. Hatchet getting back up holding his arm right into
ENLIGHTENMENT! RUNNING KOKESHI DOUBLES HATCHET OVER! Grimskull rolls back to his feet, leaping up for a LESSON!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Hard superkick takes down Hatchet as Grimskull quickly heads up top, looking to deliver a final Prayer for this victory here tonight.
Grimskull leaps off just as Hatchet kips up to his feet, catching Conquest in mid-air
MATT RUBY: PONY DOWN SUCKA! Hatchet breaks that fool in half with that massive backbreaker as Grimskull is about to get himself downed.
Grimskull's back nearly gets broken in half from that brutal backbreaker, Hatchet with that shit eating grin plastered on his face as he lifts Grimskull off the mat, lifting him up onto his shoulders but Grimskull manages to slide underneath
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: LOW BLOW! Conquest taking a page out of Hatchet's book as he rolls him up into a school boy, Cole Holt quickly sliding in to count
ONE
...............
TWO
................
...................
THREEE
MATT RUBY: ZEUSDAMNIT! Grimskull absolutely cheated there to beat Hatchet, where's the justice in all of this? Cole Holt just screwed the clown here.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Hey that wasn't anything Hatchet wouldn't have done, besides, it's like he always says, everyone gets downed sometimes, even the clown
Faith
We find Ezekiel Graves, flanked by his Disciples of Christ, walking with purpose through a residential level of Arcadia.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ezekiel Graves looks like he and his disciples are out door-knocking.
MATT RUBY: Well, BB, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal saviour?
He stops outside a particular dwelling and nods to his disciples.
“This is the one.”
He walks up to the door and knocks three times. After a small wait, the door swings open to show Destructo standing there.
“What the hell -”
He doesn’t even get a full sentence out of his mouth before Graves cuts him off.
“We want you to join the Disciples of Christ. It is a matter of faith.”
Destructo looks a touch confused, but mostly frustrated at the interruption.
“Now why in Arcadia would I do that?”
Graves smiles, pulling out his golden ticket.
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. My faith rewarded me with a golden ticket. Imagine what it could do for your… situation.”
Destructo steps forward, out of the threshold of his dwelling, causing Graves to step back slightly.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Oh, it looks like Destructo is ready to give his answer with a fist to the face.
MATT RUBY: Well, that would be a definitive no.
Destructo balls his fist, winds up… and reaches into his jacket pocket. He pulls out a golden ticket of his own.
“That’s funny. I don’t have faith, but I was rewarded too. Are you sure you’re reading that book correctly?”
With that, Destrcuto steps back into his dwelling, slamming the door shut behind him.
Graves turns to his Disciples, his face full of thunder.
“Sometimes the word falls on the stony ground. Let’s go.”
He doesn’t wait for the DOC to let him through, forcing his own path through his ranks in his frustration.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Well, I think that was as definitive a no as a punch to the face, but without the violence.
MATT RUBY: I don’t know about that, he just told him he had a ticket too. Maybe knocking him out would have been clearer.
Cut.
Delicacies
Recorded Earlier.
Elysium.
The hustle and bustle of Anton Savors restaurant seems to never slow down or stop. As guests sit at tables consuming their meals, Eclipse finds herself alone in a corner booth alongside a waiter.
After a moment, he steps away with a nod and leaves her to her own devices, only for Anton Savor to soon come marching out of the kitchen.
“You asked to speak to the chef?” He gruffs at her with disgust.
Eclipse smiles softly. “I wanted to ask about delicacies. Have you ever made a meal with… wolf?”
Savors eyebrows raise.
“Would you?” She enquires further.
Anton smiles – a sinister pearly white grin. “I think I understand what you mean, Mrs. Gravedigger. How about we discuss this further in private?”
She nods in agreement and exits the booth, allowing Savor to show her the way to the kitchen.
Static.
Present.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What the hell did we just watch?
MATT RUBY: A new menu item in the middle of creation, BB! How exciting.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Are you kidding me?
We zoom out of the screen to see the whole interaction being watched by Nero and Wolf Fang Ayame on a hacked CCTV recording.
“I hate to say it, but I believe you’re the wolf in question,” Nero concludes.
Ayame sighs. “And the hunter will soon become the hunted.”
Nero spins in his chair to face her.
“The constructions of alliances in Invasion will forever be a fragile one. You do not have to survive their hunting party alone,” he says with a friendly nod.
Wolf Fang thinks about it for a moment.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: She surely must take him up on the offer. If Eclipse has her way, Wolf Fang Ayame will be food!
MATT RUBY: She’s too stupid to do the smart thing, BB.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This match is sure to be nothing short of a classic! Can the Veteran Dragon take down OSW's own Warden of Weird?
As the bell rings Klaus immediately goes for the lock up! El Dragon gets the upper hand and runs the ropes for a springboard arm drag!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: KLAUS LANDS ON HIS FEET! ROLL UP! ROLL UP! GANNOSUKE CLUTCH!
MATT RUBY: Early pin! Get this over with!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
El DRAGON KICKS OUT!
He kips up only to immediately get hit with a leg sweep from Klaus! The Warden follows up with a massive standing moonsault! He peels Caido up, nailing him with a massive chop before whipping him to the turnbuckle and running at him with rolling thunder clothesline!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD:NO! BOOT TO THE FACE OF KLAUS! EL VETERANO CHASES THE DRAGON! SLICED BREAD #2!
MATT RUBY: Show off!
Caido holds onto Klaus, forcing him back to his feet and lifting him for a massive inverted suplex that sends Klaus crashing to the mat! El Dragon hits the ropes, springboarding with a nasty leg drop to the back of his neck! The Ringmaster is down but El Dragon refuses to let up his assault as he waits for Klaus to rise before going for a massive roundhouse kick!
Which Klaus ducks! He rolls behind El Dragon grabs him from behind!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: BIZZARO! HE RUNS UP THE ROPES FOR THE UNPRETTIER!
MATT RUBY: HE HIT THE MAT LIKE A TON OF BRICKS! PIN THAT MASKED MORON!
Klaus covers!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Klaus seemed to have an answer for everything Draco threw at him! Experienced as he may be, nothing prepares you for Klaus Way!
The Conversation Begins
Backstage, Captain Arcadia moves with purpose. His boots echo against the concrete as he turns a corner and there, waiting for him with that ever-present smirk, is Mister Sunshine. Arms crossed, relaxed as ever, but there’s something different. Something… off.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Arcadia looks like a man on a mission and Sunshine? That smirk ain’t foolin’ anyone.
MATT RUBY: Please. Sunshine’s got this handled. The man could talk his way out of a guillotine.
Arcadia steps forward, his voice cold and direct.
“ENOUGH. No more riddles, no more jokes. Just tell me who the Zookeeper is.”
Sunshine sighs, stretching like a man without a care.
“Oh, Cap! You think if I knew, I wouldn’t tell you? You think I want to keep secrets from my best pal?”
Arcadia doesn’t move, his stare unwavering. He sees through the act.
“You’re better than this, Sunshine. You’re the guy who puts smiles on kids’ faces. The guy people love.”
Sunshine’s smirk flickers just barely.
“You don’t want to be remembered as a liar. You don’t want them to think you’re the bad guy.”
For just a second, Sunshine hesitates.
“I… Cap, it’s not that simple.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It ain’t ever simple when you’re hiding somethin’.
Arcadia steps closer, voice firm.
“Yes, it is. Be the man they believe you are.”
Sunshine exhales, forcing a smirk, but it’s weaker now. He steps back, turns away. As he disappears, his smile is smaller than before.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He’s shaken. Question is, does Arcadia have him cracked?
MATT RUBY: Oh, he’s cracked, alright. But a broken man is the most dangerous of all.
Fade to black.
Reopening Negotiations
Red is walking towards the arena entrance, NXT Level title slung over his shoulder as he heads to the ramp. During his trek, however, he's blocked from his path by an all too familiar figure to him.
"I thought I made it clear I was through with you, Mighty," the Concierge says exasperatedly. "Get out of my way, or you'll be seeing the wrong kind of red."
Red attempts to sidestep the Chunk of Funk, but he matches the Man in the Hat's movements to block him from getting past.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You got to hand it to Mighty. The man is very persistent!
MATT RUBY: This fat oaf just doesn't know when to quit, does he? Fucking belt him already!
"Not until you get me out of this contract," Mighty says, crossing his arms. "We made a deal and I expect you to uphold your end of the bargain."
The Concierge rolls his eyes before attempting to sidestep his adversary again. Much like last time, Mighty matches his movements exactly. With a deep sigh, Red calms himself down before escalating the situation.
"You're so lucky that I have a match coming up soon," he growls. "I don't have the energy to spare to play games with you."
"Good thing I'm not playing games then." the Chunk of Fun responds, getting closer to the crime boss's face. "You're going to help me find a loophole in this agreement, or else."
"What're you gonna do?" Red asks with a smirk. "Eat me?"
"I'm going to make sure you never step foot in that ring again," the big man snarls. "Then, when Zeus fires your ass for not showing up, I'm going to destroy your club worse than Ezekiel ever could."
MATT RUBY: He can't be serious, he's just one guy! How can he hope to handle our current NXT Level champion and his security?
BROCNO BLACKWOOD: Stranger things have happened in Arcadia, Ruby. I wouldn't count him out just because he's by himself.
Red balls his fist before shaking his head.
"Fine," he says reluctantly. "I'll help you. I'll meet you at the circus to see how bad things really are and work with you then. Now get out of my way."
Red's music then hits as Mighty steps aside, allowing him to get to ringside. He watches the Concierge pass before heading deeper backstage.
Cut to ringside.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Tonight, it’s Champion versus Champion, as we have Chef Savor the Double Feature Champion taking on the Concierge of Crime, The NXT Level Champion... Red!
MATT RUBY: Red has had to live with Mighty Squared breathing down his neck and Savor’s had that Star-spangled fuckwit Captain Arcadia on his back for the last month. This is going to be a bitter contest between two frustrated Champions.
Senior Referee Mills Stanton is on the call tonight with this contest as the bell rings and The Concierge closes the distance with a Swift Right Hook that rocks the Chef. Red follows it up with a Left Jab just under the eye, and then a Swift Uppercut...
T.U.T.I.D.T.Y.F STAGGERS SAVOR INTO THE ROPES AND HE REBOUNDS BACK CREME FUCKING BRULEE! A DAMNING SUPERKICK TO THE JAW DROPS THE MAN IN THE HAT!
Red’s hand catches Stanton in the eye blinding the official on the way down as Savor stalks The Concierge of Crime when...
*CRUNCH!*
Red executes a bullseye of an Upkick to the testicles The Chef Supreme doubles him over and drops him to a knee sucking wind. Red quickly gets to his feet setting up the Chef for the Piledriver!
SILENT EXECUTION – NO – SAVOR LETS OUT A GUTTERAL SCREAM OF PAIN BEFORE LIFTING A PANICKING RED ONTO HIS SHOULDERS AND GIVING RED HIS FINAL FUCKING COURSE – GTS! SAVOR CLUTCHES HIS BALLS AND FALLS ON RED WHILE MILLS STAGGERS TO MAKE THE COUNT!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That was a painful win!
MATT RUBY: You take ‘em where you can get ‘em, BB but if I had to experience testicular torsion to get a win, I’d rather lose!
Broken Home
Foley Domicile.
The scent of home-cooked stew lingers in the air, the dim candlelight flickering across the worn wooden table. Felix Foley sits across from his mother, watching her hands tremble slightly as she lifts a spoon.
“I know what I have to do, Momma,” Felix says, his voice steady but laced with something deeper. “About Doom, I mean.”
Momma Foley sets her spoon down, eyes soft with understanding. “I trust you, Felix. Whatever it is… I know you'll do the right thing.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Felix knows he has to take the fight to Doom for his betrayal.
MATT RUBY: This guy has a death wish.
The warmth of her words settles over him, but then—
Click. Clack.
Click. Clack.
A faint, mechanical hum slithers through the silence. Felix tenses. It’s coming from his bedroom.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This doesn’t look good.
Foley rises from his chair, stepping cautiously down the short hall, the door already slightly ajar.
Inside, hovering just above his mattress, is a drone. Its single glowing eye locked onto him.
“Goodbye, Felix.”
Doom’s voice.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: No!
Felix’s breath hitches—
BOOM!
A violent explosion tears through the domicile, flames engulfing everything in a blinding flash. The force sends Felix hurtling through splintering wood and searing heat. The world distorts into ringing silence and choking smoke.
MATT RUBY: That’s a new red light for Felix to worry about!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You heartless, thoughtless bastard.
When Felix comes to, he is buried in ash and rubble, his skin raw from the heat. He claws his way out, coughing, eyes burning.
His home is gone. Burned to nothing.
And Momma Foley—she’s missing.
Solutions
Death Row.
Harold Attano, Gemini, and El Mariachi Muerte sit beneath a dim light looking over a map. It's clear they're in some kind of war room planning their next move. "So," Harold begins, "we have Apokalypsis at our backs, then? Because at the moment I only see two horsemen in front of me."
Muerte looks to Gemini who simply shakes her head. "We thought they did. But so far neither has spoken to us since Thunderstrike... I hope everything is okay."
"It will be, Gem," Muerte says hopefully. "They just need to take time. But I also have to wonder why they've pulled back."
Flicker.
The light goes out for a moment and suddenly a fourth man has joined the room. The Night stands stoically, a frown on his face. "I can answer that. It appears we've had... Complications." Vengeance reaches into his coat, producing a single photograph showing the meeting between Drewitt, Grimskull, and the Preservationists. He turns to Muerte and Gemini, tapping the picture.
"As I tailed Narcissa last week her and her hounds intercepted them. Gave them a counter offer." The Night's words drip with contempt as he speaks. "We need a solution."
Attano looks at the photograph with a sneer, turning his attention towards Gemini and Muerte as well. "Seek them out and try to make them see the light. As for myself... Night and I will find Narcissa and her chemist. If we can find out what she offered them, perhaps we can beat them to the punch. Everyone understand?"
Gemini nods in agreement, Muerte soon joining in. The Night tilts his head before finally nodding.
"Agreed. But know, if Drewitt and Grimskull refuse to see the light, then Vengeance will take them all the same."
The scene begins to fade out, all four preparing to head out of Death Row.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have a big non title matchup here as fresh off retaining his world championship against two incredible opponents, Jasper Redgrave goes one on one against a very angry and hungry Ezekial Graves.
MATT RUBY: Graves got screwed out of his NXT Level title last week but he got a golden ticket out of it. What better way to show you'll win Invasion by beating the crap out of the world champ?
The bell sounds as Graves rushes forward, nearly decapitating the Artist with a brutal Big Boot. The Harbringer barely lets Redgrave hit the mat before he lifts him up, pulverising him with heavy lefts and rights, palm strikes, elbows, knees, the works as a devestating knee to the jaw rocks Jasper before Graves backs up
HOLY WRATH! A sickening Lariat nearly turns Jasper inside out but again Graves doesn't cover, pulling Redgrave up to his feet. He delivers a few hard knees to the ribs, rocking him hard before he lifts him up high
PURGATORY...NO! Redgrave slips out of the Powerbomb attempt, spinning around behind
SANGUINE ABSURDISM! DISCUS LARIAT TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!
MATT RUBY: Our world champ showing his ring savvy here with a great counter to the stronger Graves.
Graves drops down to his knees as Redgrave floats over, gripping Graves by the head and planting him into the mat with a snap DDT. Jasper calls for the end, lifting Graves up before delivering a kick to the gut
KICK
WHAM
BACKDROP!
Graves backdrops his way out of the Symphony, spinning around as Jasper gets to his feet before nearly decapitating him with a Discus Lariat of his own. Redgrave slowly gets up as Graves lifts up his hand
GOOZLE
THE FINAL...KICK TO THE DICK!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Artist using his usual tactics, weaseling his way out of the Chokeslam here with a low blow.
Graves is doubled over in pain as Redgrave rakes the eyes before slipping behind
AND DELIVERS THE BRUSH STROKE! FORWARD RUSSIAN LEGSWEEP! Graves gets slammed into the mat as Redgrave hooks the leg, Demi Sky sliding in to count
ONE
............
TWO
...........
............
THREE!!!
MATT RUBY: And that's our champion BB, Graves was tough but the rightful Killer King is leagues above everyone else.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Graves had him there and you know it, if Jasper didn't resort to his usual trickery, he may well have lost here tonight.
Just a Prick
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Meaty men rubbing meat, that’s what we just saw with Redgrave and Graves, Ruby.
MATT RUBY: I figured that’s how you’d look at it, BB.
Jasper Redgrave stands in the center of the ring, microphone in hand, his smirk indulgent.
"The leader of the Uprising.” He gestures to the video screen, which begins to change. “The mighty Jackson Cade. Now invading my Gallery."
The video screen shows security footage from The Gallery. Jackson Cade, fists clenched, shoves open the heavy steel doors.
The Gallery has changed. The halls are darker, the exhibits more grotesque.
Jasper chuckles. "I have to say, I’m honored he wanted to visit. War is a beautiful thing. It’s great business for an Artist like me. And tonight, I’ve made something special. Something just for you, my Little Eagle."
Cade’s boots echo down the Gallery’s winding halls. Bodies—no, sculptures of twisted flesh—line the walls. The farther he goes, the more brutal, bloody, monstrous they become.
Jasper tilts his head, watching the screen, a glimmer of delight in his eye. "I do hope you find it."
Cade rounds a final corner—and stops cold.
In the center of the room, displayed like a priceless artifact—a single finger, heavily preserved, dripping blood into an endless black pool.
Jasper grins.
“I call it... Cade’s Failure.”
The crowd gasps.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This man is sick.
MATT RUBY: Sick of Jackson Cade.
Redgrave taps the mic against his palm. “Harold Attano took that finger off your little brother. The blood? Collected from C.J. and your dear mother, Mary. And all I needed to get what I wanted... was just a prick.”
Cade’s breath is ragged, hands shaking.
Jasper leans against the ropes, smirking.
“If you want to fight, you’ll have to wait until Invasion. But if you want to talk?” He spreads his arms. "I’ll be right here, center of the ring, next week. Waiting."
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Scott Sterling just let me know that he’s set aside time next week for Jasper Redgrave and Jackson Cade to go to face to face in the middle of the ring, but any attack by Jackson Cade will result in the match being cancelled.
The camera lingers on Jackson Cade’s fury.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have a huge main event here tonight as the Valkyrie faces off against the unhinged Sunshine. And with what happened last week, will Gravedigger be able to focus on this match knowing his past is coming for him?
MATT RUBY: We saw Tombstone earlier, man's mortal now, he's weak, he's broken. Gravedigger doesn't have to worry about him, he's gotta worry about this goodie two shoes that ruined our commentary last week. Hopefully he breaks more then just a smile or two tonight.
The bell sounds as both men rush forward, pounding down on one another with heavy lefts and rights. Sunshine's barely seem to hurt Gravedigger but Gravedigger's strikes cut through, a knee strike in particular nearly knocking Sunshine out cold with one blow as he's staggered backwards.
SHOVEL READY! That one may well have knocked him out as Sunshine collapses to the mat from the huge Bullhammer elbow, eyes glazed as the Valkyrie just grins sadistically. Mills tries to check Sunshine out but Gravedigger just pushes him out of the way before dropping down, gripping Sunshine by the throat
AND GRAVEL POUNDING HIM WITH VICIOUS FOREARMS!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Gravedigger is absolutely relentless here, decimating Sunshine with savagery we've rarely seen from him, he may well try and send Sunshine on his way if this match isn't stopped.
Gravedigger pounds down over and over onto Sunshine, nearly putting him through the canvas with the sheer power of the blows before Sunshine manages to slip past one forearm and kick with all his strength into Gravedigger's torso, pushing him away and managing to get to his feet.
Sunshine staggers up, holding his head in pain as he looks nearly out of it. Gravedigger smiling sadistically before rushing forward
RIGHT INTO A BIG BOOT!
It doesn't knock Gravedigger down but it stuns him just enough for Sunshine rush to the ropes, bouncing off
CATCH THIS JAWBREAKER! Sunshine leaps up high right into a leaping knee from Gravedigger and that has to be it. Sunshine is out but Gravedigger doesn't cover, he simply heads up top, looking for more punishment.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: This has to be a mistake here, Gravedigger has this won, but victories can easily be taken in an instant and going for more punishment may well cost him here.
Gravedigger sizes up Sunshine for a moment, before leaping off
LAST...CANVAS! The Elbow drop hits nothing but mat as Sunshine manages to roll away, staggering to his feet as he watches Gravedigger stumble up before rushing forward
CATCH ME! The Running Crossbody hits hard this time, taking down Gravedigger as Sunshine rolls to his feet, grabbing the Valkyrie's legs as with a giant smile on his face, he begins to swing and swing
SUNRISE, SUNSET! Sunshine rotates around and around before sending Gravedigger flying across the ring.
MATT RUBY: Come on Valkyrie, you can't let that grinning idiot beat on you like this.
Sunshine stumbles on his feet, still feeling the effects of the beating before but he quickly shrugs it off, putting a giant smile on his face before he goes to pull Gravedigger up to his feet
KICK TO THE GUT
NEVERMORE! EVENFLOW DDT OUT OF NOWHERE FROM GRAVEDIGGER! And just like that, Sunshine is down and out again.
Gravedigger doesn't look sadistic anymore, he just looks pissed off as he pulls Sunshine up to his feet, double underhooking him and raining down knee after knee to his unprotected skull. A leaping one leaves Sunshine out on his feet before Gravedigger lifts Sunshine up onto his shoulders
CRADLE TO THE....SUNSHINE SLIPS OUT!
Gravedigger turns around into a stunning slap to the jaw before he's lifted up into a firemans carry as Sunshine grins wide
AND BEGINS TO SPIN!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Sunshine still somehow in this as he spins Gravedigger around and around in the Dizzy Game. Sunshine finally dropping Gravedigger with that Samoan Drop but will that be it?
Sunshine drops down for a cover as Mills slides in to count
ONE
..................
..........GRAVEDIGGER EASILY KICKS OUT!
Gravedigger stumbles to his feet into a hard elbow to the back of the head as Sunshine hooks him in the Full Nelson, lifting him up high
WELCOME TO...NO! Gravedigger easily avoids the Flapjack, delivering a hard elbow to the jaw that stuns Sunshine before he rushes to the ropes, bouncing off
JOYFUL EMBRACE! SUNSHINE JUST SPEARED GRAVEDIGGER NEARLY OUT OF HIS BOOTS! Charlie pumps up the crowd before lifting Gravedigger up
GOOZLE!
The Valkyrie has Sunshine gripped tight around the throat, pulling him with a furious look on his face before lifting him up high
ODE
TO
TOMBSTONE!
Falling Chokeslam hits hard as Gravedigger plants one hand across his chest, Mills sliding in to count
ONE
.............
TWO
................
.....................
THREE!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Gravedigger picks up the victory here, putting Sunshine away with a nod to his former friend but he very nearly lost there by playing with his opponent.
MATT RUBY: Come on BB, you know Gravedigger was never going to lose to that idiot, he was just proving a point here.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Was the point his emotion overwhelms him? He might have the power of the Valkyrie but that vicious nature will doom him, especially if he goes against the man who knows that power better then anyone.
The Ferryman's Knock
As Gravedigger gets back to his feet in the middle of the ring, terrifying screams echo throughout the arena before the tron flickers.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What the hell is that!?
MATT RUBY: That’s Igor Mortis!
Footage on the screen shows Igor Mortis running panickily through the Mortuary, looking behind him in terror as he stumbles, crashes and bounces off walls in an attempt to escape.
He finally slams through the Mortuary doors into the Morgue, desperately looking for a weapon to use.
Knock.
Knock.
The Mortuary doors swing open and in walks Tombstone to raucous cheers from the crowd.
“Did you miss me?” Tombstone asks defiantly. “I sure as hell missed my home.”
Igor snatches a scalpel from the table and holds it up in defence. “This isn’t your home anymore, Ezra. You were released from your chains!”
Tombstone closes in.
“About that,” he snarls, grabbing Mortis by the throat.
WHAM!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: HE JUST DROVE THAT SCALPEL THROUGH HIS FUCKING HEAD!
MATT RUBY: T… T… TOMBSTONE HASN’T MOVED AN INCH!!
The Ferryman grabs the scalpel and pulls it slowly from his skull, tossing it aside.
“It won’t be that easy anymore,” he says to Mortis with a smirk. “The Grim Reaper has ensured that my immortality means no more trips aboard the boat before I return.”
Mortis gulps.
“P-Please!” Igor begs.
Tombstone shakes his head.
“You were like a father to me, just like I was to Gravedigger. You betrayed everything we had together, Igor. You watched as he murdered our friends and I in cold blood and you gave him the chains to my boat.”
The Ferryman squeezes the throat of his former father figure.
“I want my chains back,” he demands. “And I want your new Valkyrie to give them to me.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He’s gonna kill him!
MATT RUBY: Gravedigger… you’ve gotta go save Igor!
Back inside the ring, Gravediggers eyes widen.
Flutter.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: There’s gonna be hell to pay!!
To be continued..
Static.
A Stop ■ symbol appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen as we fade to black.
Cut.