WARZONE #382
Faith
The road to Pandemonium XI begins. Almost one year after CJ Thorpe won a record 45 person match, we're heading back to Pande for Lambs to the Slaughter. But first, the war between the Seekers and The Preservationists ramps up. Who'd they send? Ezekiel Graves.
Answers
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
The screen faded in from black—no commentary, no music. Just the distant rumble of fire, the moan of the damned, and the slow, creeping sound of chains dragging across stone.
A flutter of darkness and ash swept across the screen— And suddenly, Tombstone and Gravedigger appeared, materializing before the Gates of Hell.
They stood, backs hunched in exhaustion, blood staining their clothes from the brutal match they had waged at Kaos. But their war wasn't over.
Not even close.
With a roar, Gravedigger surged forward, grabbing Tombstone by the head and slamming it against the blackened iron gate with a sickening clang. Sparks flew. Bone crunched. The flames of Hell crackled just beyond the metal.
“YOU’LL NEVER HAVE THEM BACK!” Gravedigger hissed.
He dragged Tombstone’s face across the gate, the scorching heat searing into his skin, leaving behind red, blistering trails. Tombstone let out a grunt of pain, staggering as Gravedigger hurled him to the jagged rocky floor.
Dust and ash burst up around him.
Gravedigger looked down on him with fury in his eyes, reaching for a boulder nearby—massive, ancient, and jagged. He hoisted it over his head, ready to crush Tombstone's skull.
But then—the gates creaked....
....open.
A chilling wind swept across the Underworld, snuffing out nearby flames as a figure emerged from the darkness behind the gates.
The Grim Reaper.
Tall. Gaunt. Pale. Wrapped not in tattered robes, but in a perfectly pressed black suit. His face, skeletal and sunken, bore no emotion.
Tombstone knew him. He had met him before—when he was sent back from hell.
The Reaper spoke, his voice calm, otherworldly. “Put it down.”
Gravedigger’s arms trembled, resisting.
“I said… put it down," he demanded. With a mere flick of his fingers, the boulder ripped itself from Gravedigger’s grip and slammed to the ground with a quake.
Gravedigger hissed, furious. “You shouldn’t be here.”
“And yet,” the Reaper said, stepping closer, “neither should you. You’re an anomaly, Gravedigger. A crack in the veil of what’s allowed.”
Gravedigger scoffed. “I have the chains. Whether you like it or not, I’m the new Valkyrie.”
From the ground, Tombstone slowly rose, clutching his head, breathing heavy. But his eyes stayed on the Reaper.
The Reaper turned to him.
“There are no Valkyries in Arcadia. There is only one Ferryman. And his name is… Tombstone.”
Gravedigger growled. “Then come and take them.” He spread his arms wide, the Chains of the Ferryman appearing now wrapped around his torso like a trophy.
The Reaper’s eyes narrowed.
But he didn’t move.
And that said everything.
Gravedigger’s expression changed—just slightly—as realization hit him. “...You can’t. Can you?”
The Reaper’s jaw clenched.
“I’m not the custodian of the chains. I am Death’s envoy—not its administrator. There are layers and levels, red tape and politics... even in death.”
Tombstone’s eyes widened.
He knew. He finally knew.
“Igor Mortis.” The name rolled off his tongue like a curse.
The Reaper offered a single nod.
With nothing more than a look between them, Tombstone and Gravedigger vanished, swept away in a flutter of shadow and flame.
And the screen cut to black.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Next, we have the Red Reboot, Nero taking on Wolf Fang Ayame.
MATT RUBY: I’m not sure what to call this new masked version of Ayame.
Referee River Moonfoot on the call for this match as the bell rings and Ayame rushes out of her corner...
Running Somersault Heel-Kick domes the Rogue Code, causing him to crumble to a single knee. Ayame looks to stay on the advantage as she springboards off the middle rope...
HEAVEN’S HOWL!
Kneeling Meteora drives the Knees of The Wolf into the Canvas as The Red Reboot rolls out of the way!
She went onto her knees, stunned as Nero rolled to his feet.
FIREWALL!
FUCKING JAW VIOLATING SUPERKICK UNDER THE EAR OF AYAME!
The Red Reboot looks at The Wolf on her back on the canvas and rushes to the corner
CRASH OVERRIDE!
BME Style Moonsault but the pool is fucking empty as Ayame does a reverse somersault back to her feet and she jumps out to the ring apron as a dazed Nero struggles to his feet!
SPRINGBOARD DRAGONRANA - IMPALER DDT! NERO CATCHES AYAME MID-ROTATION AND DROPS HER ON HER SKULL WITH THE RED REBOOT AND ROLLS INTO THE COVER AS MOONFOOT COUNTS!
ONE!
...
...
...
TWO!
...
...
...
THREE!
MATT RUBY: Where the hell did that move come from, Bronco?!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: From the Lucha Council, I would assume Matt, and that’s why it’s high risk, sometimes the price you may pay is the match itself!
Unfinished Business
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Hell of a match between Nero and Wolf Fang Ayame.
MATT RUBY: Ayame’s already hightailed it from the ring. I’d love to see her come, but I definitely love to see her go.
Nero stands alone.
Then the arena’s tone shifts shifts.
The murmuring stops, every waits with bated breath.
Reverend Ezekiel Graves is here.
MATT RUBY: The newest Preservationist isn’t done with Nero!
He moves fast—LARIAT! IT FOLDS NERO CLEAN IN HALF!
Graves drops beside him, grabbing Nero’s wrist, fingers digging around the gauntlet’s edge.
“The Lord’s wrath always comes, boy.” Graves sneers.
The gauntlet hisses, its lights flaring as Graves yanks at it.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: He’s going to get it this time! No fakes!
HOSTILE DOWN!
JACKSON CADE IS HERE AND HE JUST TOOK EZEKIEL GRAVES HEAD OFF!
MATT RUBY: He always ruins everything!
Graves spills through the ropes, rolling to the outside. He lands on one knee, his mouth bloodied—but smiling.
“That gold of yours belongs to the Lord, Jackson Cade. He will have his pound of flesh.”
Cade grins, and holds open the ropes, but Graves backs up the aisle with a grin.
MATT RUBY: Tactical retreat there from the Reverend!
Cade turns to Nero, reaching down—
But Nero slaps the hand away and climbs to his feet.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Cade just saved Nero, but does this mean Nero is a Seeker?
The two men stare at each other for a moment before Nero backs up, steps through the ropes, and disappears into the crowd without saying a word.
MATT RUBY: It doesn’t look like it, BB. Maybe Nero’s smarter than I thought.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Klaus Way and Anton Savor are in tag team action tonight against Captain Arcadia and Destructo, a duo targeted by those figures in balaclavas at Kaos.
MATT RUBY: They got their ass handed to them, and I hope to see that again tonight.
Klaus Way begins the action against Destructo, coming out of the gates hot and hitting the former hero with a stiff elbow strike that sends him reeling back into his own turnbuckle. Destructo bounces off the steel and comes back at Way.
CIRQUE DOULEUR!
DESTRUCTO STEPPED RIGHT INTO THE STORMBREAKER!
Klaus is quick to pull Destructo to his feet. He moves to twist him around…
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: BIZARRO! NO!
MATT RUBY: That would have been and early lights out for Destructo but he kicks his way free.
Destructo takes off into the ropes and comes back at Way.
BOOM! CONNECTS WITH A SHINING WIZARD!
SEE NO EVIL!
And here comes the tag to Captain Arcadia!
Cap comes in with a head of steam, clobbering Klaus as he makes his feet.
THE LAST LINE!
RIPCORD LARIAT!
Klaus stays on his feet but reels backwards across the ring, right into a tag from Anton Savor.
Savor and Arcadia meet face to face in the centre of the ring, trading blows.
A right from Cap, a right from Savor.
Again. Again. Again.
Captain Arcadia gets the upper hand, drilling Savor with a solid elbow strike.
PUNCH OF THE BROTHERS!
SPINNING SUPERMAN PUNCH TAKES DOWN SAVOR!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Captain Arcadia came to fight!
MATT RUBY: But Savor is pulling himself to his feet using the ropes.
Savor makes a vertical base before Cap expects him…
CRÈME BRÛLÉE!
THE SUPERKICK HITS CAP RIGHT IN THE JAW!
Savor closes the gap between him and a groggy Captain Arcadia…
THE FINAL COURSE!
GTS HITS!
Klaus way heads off Destructo from the save!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Anton Savor and Klaus Way stand victorious tonight!
Where the Fire Still Burns
Previously Recorded!
The wind howls beyond the ancient walls. Inside, it’s quiet. Sacred. Only the soft crackle of fire breaks the silence. A thin layer of dust covers the altar where El Mariachi Muerte lies. Wrapped in bandages and barely breathing.
His eyes flutter open. El Mariachi Muerte winces as he moves a hand. His throat tenses as he tries to speak. Nothing comes. A shadow shifts. El Dragón Caído steps forward from the dark. No ceremony. No smile. Just presence.
“Save your voice. You’ll need it again soon.”
Muerte tries to sit up. Can’t. He looks around, confused.
“You made it back and that’s all that matters.”
A pause. Footsteps echo through the chamber. Gemini enters and she kneels beside Muerte. Her voice is low.
“They tried to bury us. They thought no one would notice if we disappeared but now OSW has chosen sides. The odds are even and we no longer need to fear being in the ring.”
She looks up at Caído, then back to Muerte.
“Pandemonium’s open. Chemical X invited Arcadia to an open invitational, so we’re accepting.”
Muerte clenches a fist. Every tendon in his forearm flexes and then a sound. Not footsteps. A presence. Ayame steps into the chamber. Her silhouette framed in a firelight. The Dragon Mask gleams gold. Her bare feet touch the temple floor like she belongs to it. She walks past them all. Stops beside Muerte.
“I’m not here for belts. I’m here for Eclipse and as long as she is a Preservatonist, I'll be a Seeker. I have unfinished business. We'll be accepting the invitation too.”
She looks to Caído. Then to Gemini. No words. Only fire behind her eyes. Caído nods once.
“The world left us to rot. They should have burned the bones.”
He extends a hand to Muerte. Muerte takes it. The Seekers rise. The storm keeps coming.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We’ve got Seeker verses Preservationist here as The Night takes on Mr. Sunshine.
MATT RUBY: They’re as different as night and day.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Really?
The bell rings and Mr. Sunshine beams across the ring, arms wide open.
“DOES SOMEBODY NEED A HUG?” he asks cheerfully.
The Night responds with a leaping forearm to the jaw.
Sunshine stumbles back, startled but still smiling.
“That’s okay, friend!” he shouts before charging forward with—
CATCH ME! THE RUNNING CROSSBODY TAKES THE NIGHT DOWN!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Will he ever drop the damn wholesome act?
MATT RUBY: I think he’s an inspiration!
Sunshine grabs The Night and puts him on his shoulders, starting to spin around!
MATT RUBY: We’re playing the Dizzy Game!
Round and round they go until both men collapse in a heap, dizzy beyond reason. Sunshine, unable to get to the Samoan Drop, lands on top by accident.
ONE…
…
…
TWO…
KICKOUT!
The Night rolls away, using the ropes to recover. Sunshine goes in hard, but The Night dodges—
NIGHT CAP!
GOODNIGHT VIENNA!
ONE…
…
…
TWO…
…
…
SUNSHINE POWERS OUT!
The Night snarls, springboarding off the ropes—
NOBODY’S HOME! SUNSHINE SIDESTEPS, WAGGING HIS FINGER AT THE NIGHT!
Sunshine grabs The Night from behind—
(WELCOME TO) THE SUNSHINE CLUB! The Full Nelson Flapjack plants The Night hard into the canvas!
ONE…
…
…
TWO…
…
…
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Night brought all he had, but Cheery Charlie had an answer for everything.
MATT RUBY: This is what happens when the Preservationists take on the Seekers, BB. There's always an answer for whatever they pull out.
J'Accuse!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The match is over but it looks like the action isn't finished! Olympus security is marching out to the ring and Narcissa's leading the charge!
MATT RUBY: Look at the presence, BB. Now that's a woman!
Hera produces a mic, her men getting onto the apron and leaving The Night trapped in the ring! Narcissa walks up the steps, pulling the mic to her lips. "Night." Her words are cold, venomous as she speaks. "I've been wracking my brain about which of you treasonous seeker bastards could have intruded on our domain and left it in ashes..."
She pauses, glaring a hole through The Night as her guards hold the ropes open for her. "And it hit me. Harold knew how to get in, but you were the one who made ambushing us possible. Which means you were the only one who could get in and out to plant those bombs."
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: She thinks The Night set off those bombs?
MATT RUBY: She's smart enough to put two and two together, you geezer! It's having good head.
The Night sneers, immediately posturing to fight. "I would never set off an explosion. As much as I despise you, as much as I loathe you, I would never resort to something so disgusting."
There's a pause, Narcissa shaking her head. "Detain him."
THE PRESERVATIONISTS STORM THE RING!
The Night tees off with haymakers to the oncoming preservationists taking them down one by one until they overwhelm him! Narcissa flies forwards with a well placed kick that puts Night down! The guards grab the vigilante, hauling him up. "Take him away." Narcissa commands, her followers dragging The Night away up the ramp.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: By God, what's going to happen to Night?
MATT RUBY: With any luck, BB? Retribution.
Cut.
Hard Choices
The backstage area is quiet. The hallway hums with low, buzzing light.
Nero is headed for the exit of Olympus, when a slow clap echoes from the far wall.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Nero was bailed out earlier by Jackson Cade, but it looks like he doesn’t want anything to do with the Civil War, Matt.
MATT RUBY: He’d be a fool to join the Seekers.
Jasper Redgrave steps out of the darkness, composed, smiling like he’s been waiting all night.
"You're hard to catch, Red Reboot."
Nero doesn’t stop. “You lost something in the ring, Jasper. Go find it.”
Redgrave holds up a hand, casual. “I’m not here to fight. I’m here to offer something.”
Nero pauses, barely.
Redgrave smiles wider. “You’ve seen what the Preservationists have done around here, around Arcadia. What we’ve built. Control. Power. Protection. You could be part of that.”
Nero scoffs. “You want me to stand beside Ezekiel Graves?”
“It’s not about Graves,” Redgrave says. “It’s about all of us. People who see the bigger picture.” He takes a step closer. “I know Graves wants that Gauntlet because you ripped him off. I’m not blind. But even open wounds stop bleeding when the body's working together.”
Nero tenses.
MATT RUBY: What an amazing offer from Jasper Redgrave!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Is he even able to make this offer?
“I’m saying if you join us, I’ll make sure the heat cools down,” Redgrave says. “You keep your toy. You get our protection. Graves moves on to Jackson Cade. You become part of something real. Something that isn’t about to fall apart.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Fall apart?
Nero doesn’t answer.
Redgrave tilts his head. “I’m not asking you to kneel. Just to think. You’re clever enough to know this isn’t about sides anymore. It’s about survival.”
He steps back, already turning. “It’s a hard choice. But you’ve got time.”
A pause.
“Until you don’t.”
Redgrave vanishes into the corridor, leaving Nero alone beneath the flickering lights, his head turning to the exit and back into Olympus.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Nero’s actually considering this offer, I think.
MATT RUBY: Screw considering it, he needs to TAKE IT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The match is set to begin but one has to wonder if Gravedigger and Tombstone can even coexist!
MATT RUBY: I just wonder if Caido can carry that deadweight Foley!
The bell rings and Foley starts off against Tombstone! The Already Dead bum rushes Foley and clobbers him with a massive right hook! Foley stumbles and Tombstone pushes the offensive!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: FERRYMAN'S KNOCK! LOOK AT THOSE UPPERCUTS!
MATT RUBY: Knock his teeth out!
Each uppercut drops Foley who fights to his feet only to get knocked right back down! Tombstone peels Foley up and whips him to the ropes!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING! BIG BOOT ON THE REBOUND BY FOLEY!
MATT RUBY: Tombstone stumbles back into his corner and Gravedigger tags himself in! Look at the ring knowledge!
Gravedigger leaps into the ring with the Shovel Ready! Bullhammer turns Foley inside out! He forces Felix to his feet but Foley nails him with a desperate headbutt! The puppeteer leaps to his corner and tags in Caido!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: SPRINGBOARD MEXICAN DESTROYER! DANCE WITH DRAGONS!
The Valkyrie hits the ground hard and wearily stumbles to his feet as Caido nails him with clothesline! The Dragon ascends to the top turnbuckle!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: FLIGHT OF THE FALLEN! TOP ROPE FROGSPLASH- NO! KNEE TO THE SKULL BY GRAVEDIGGER!
MATT RUBY: GTS'D HIM OUT OF THE AIR! CRADLE MEET GRAVE!
Gravedigger covers!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: They may not have coexisted but these forces of nature have still found a way to stand tall! Your winners is the team of Gravedigger and Tombstone!
Tensions Rising
Deep within the House of Sovereigns, Ares stands in front of the room Zeus is kept with his arms crossed. Just before him stand Chemical X alongside Drewitt and Grimskull.
All of them are at attention as they face their commander, who unfurls his arms and fixes his gaze toward the tag team champions.
"This invitational will give you four ample opportunity to punish any Seeker that takes up the challenge," he says with a booming voice. "Crush them. Make them regret the day they decided to start a war they can't win."
The four wrestlers nod. Ares then shifts his focus over to the Pilgrim, who stiffens at the God of War's cold stare.
"I still need you to track down El Mariachi Muerte and finish the job we started. Hopefully you'll find the idiot that kept him alive and eliminate them as well."
"You sure I can't do that instead?" Grimskull queries. Everyone else snaps their head towards the former Preacher, not expecting that he'd callously suggest such a thing. "Gemini was able to escape him once. Who's to say that Muerte wouldn't amble away from him too?"
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Woah. Do my ears deceive me, or are more cracks forming within the Preservationists?
MATT RUBY: I hope not. After the debacle that was the KAOS match, I don't think the winning side can afford to infight again.
Everyone shuffles their feet for a minute in silence. Eventually, the awkward tension is broken by Nox, who clears his throat before asking a poignant question.
"You two are on the same page, I hope?"
"Of course we are," Drewitt quickly responds. Grimskull doesn't reply, opting to instead remain quiet and fold his arms. Everyone else proceeds to leave the area. With Chemical X walking towards the exit of the House while Ares chooses to walk inside the room he stood in front of.
The Fabled turns to his partner with a furrowed brow, who doesn't seem all that intimidated.
"We have a problem?" Drewitt asks his compatriot. Grimskull responds with a scoff before replying.
"I don't know, do we?" Conquest then walks off as well, leaving Drewitt by himself.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I wonder what caused this sudden attitude change towards his former horseman?
MATT RUBY: I don't know, but I hope they work out their differences soon.
Cut.
Kingdom Come
Backstage, behind the glow and chaos of the Warzone arena, the camera slowly faded in on Mister Sunshine, his suit as sharp as his grin, standing beside the ever-theatrical Klaus Way, whose cane tapped gently against the floor with each idle swing.
The dim hallway buzzed with tension as Sunshine leaned in, his voice low and almost sing-song in tone, yet layered with something darker.
“Last week, Klaus,” he said, “The Kingdom 2.0 made their presence known at Kaos.”
Klaus arched a brow, tilting his head slightly.
“Where the Kingdom goes…” Sunshine paused, his grin widening unnaturally, “the Zookeeper can’t be too far behind.”
Klaus scoffed lightly, a chuckle bubbling up from deep in his chest. “The Zookeeper? Please. Urban legend. Myth.”
Sunshine’s grin dropped—just a little. His tone sharpened.
“No. He’s anything but.”
There was a long, uncomfortable pause.
Sunshine looked off down the hallway, eyes glinting. “Destructo… Arcadia… they’ll be hunted men now. Tracked. Caged. Just like the others.” He turned his eyes back to Klaus. “That’s good news for the Preservationists. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Klaus nodded slowly, though warily. “Two problems removed. That’s cause for celebration.”
Sunshine smiled again—but it wasn’t joy.
It was purpose.
“But while those two problems are being taken care of…” he leaned in, whispering just above a hush, “…one more still exists.”
Klaus stiffened, tapping his cane to the ground. “And that is?”
“Anton Savor.” Sunshine said the name like venom. “He's reckless. Undisciplined. Unpredictable. You teamed with him tonight, you can surely see how dangerous is he to our cause. If there’s one thing I hate more than unpredictable danger…” he chuckled, “...it’s a cook who doesn’t follow the recipe.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I'm telling you now, Ruby, no-one realizes it but there's a viper in the henhouse with this one.
MATT RUBY: What's he even playing at? The Preservationists don't need in-fighting. They need to be the same side.
Klaus' demeanor shifted subtly—less theatrical, more measured.
“Be careful,” he warned, his voice tight. “We’re on the same side.”
Sunshine's grin widened once more, but it didn't reach his eyes.
“For now.”
And with that, he turned on his heel and disappeared down the corridor, leaving Klaus alone… and thinking.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Mister Sunshine is the real danger.
MATT RUBY: I hate to agree with you... ever... but you're right.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have an interesting matchup here tonight folks. Kaos didn't go exactly the way the Preservationists planned, Jackson Cade is still the OSW World Champion and many point that it may well have been the Artists fault for letting his obsession with Cade get the better of him.
MATT RUBY: Our Queen had it done, she would have pinned him and then they all could have gone at it but no, that sadistic prick just had to not be a team player like usual so now he's going to get some divine wrath up his artistic backside.
The bell sounds as Narcissa rushes forward, fury in her eyes as she rushes at him, Redgrave taking a surprise Fast Fashion Superkick that drops him on his ass. He stumbles up into a flurry of kicks and strikes before she grabs his arm, spinning him around
REVOLU...NO! Redgrave catches the kick, lifting Narcissa up into the air with a modified Powerbomb before rushing forward and launching her high into the air
SENDING HER CRASHING BACKFIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!
Hera staggers out, barely able to stand from the pain in her back as Redgrave spins around. SANGUINE ABSURDISM AND TAKES HER HEAD OFF WITH A DISCUS LARIAT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: And just like that Redgrave is in control. And the sick bastard continues by trying to choke the life out of Narcissa.
Redgrave has mounted Narcissa, both hands around her throat as he begins to squeeze hard. He gestures for Demi Sky to come closer, letting go just a little so Narcissa can speak.
"I....I...."
KNEE TO THE DICK! A SECOND! A THIRD! Narcissa is teeing off at the little Redgraves as the grip loosens enough for her to throw him off her, getting up to her feet choking in pain as he stumbles up woozy.
TRENDKILLER! Narcissa nails the Handspring Forearm out of nowhere, dropping Redgrave to his knees as she rushes to the ropes behind
BOW TO THE QUEEN! METORA TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD but she's not done. Redgrave down on all fours groggy as she slowly climbs to the top rope, sizing him up for a moment
COUP D'ETAT! Double Stomp to the back of the head may well have knocked out Redgrave but Narcissa isn't done. She reaches down to one of her heels, ripping off the stilletto heel and kicks the groggy Jasper over. She kneels down, stilletto in hand and slowly moves it down, intent on driving it into his eye.
"I QUIT!"
Demi Sky quickly calls for the bell as Narcissa throws the stilletto away in disgust.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Brutal end for a brutal match. Narcissa managing to get even the Artist to quit but if they fight this hard against their allies, what will they do when they next fight the Seekers?
Expired
We find Anton Savor backstage, a lavish table set out before him awaiting a meal. One of his chefs enters, plate in hand and places it before Savor.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Looks like Anton Savor is sampling new menu items.
MATT RUBY: The Preservationists seem to get quite the set-up. How come I don’t get my own personal chef?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Could be because you’re a horrible person to be around…
Savor skewers a little of the food onto his fork, placing it in his mouth. He promptly spits it back out again, a look of disgust on his face.
“You complete imbecile. Did you not check the freshness of the ingredients before cooking this tripe?” The chef bumbles a muttered, embarrassed response that goes unheard. “This tastes horrible. I’d wager that the meat is expired. Are you trying to poison me?”
The chef looks horrified.
“Of course not, chef!” He stammers. “I swear everything seemed within date when it was checked this morning.”
Savor rises, turning to his chef and shoving the plate in his face.
“Then you eat it, burger flipper.”
MATT RUBY: He’s not the nicest to his staff. I love it!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Chef Savor seems a little extra salty tonight.
“It’d be a shame to poison you before you’ve had a chance to be properly humiliated…” A voice sounds from seemingly out of nowhere. Harold Attano steps into the room. “This meal seems about as good as any other courses of crap you’ve been serving lately.”
Attano draws the ire of Savor, who slams the plate down on the table and turns to face his foe.
“What do you know of serving food, cretin?”
Attano laughs, picking up a slither of fish that has a slightly green tinge to it.
“I know to check that nobody’s been tampering with your food supplies before serving them.” He slaps the fish across Savor’s cheek. “Look at what you cooked up for Jackson Cade. You served him up on a golden fucking platter, and still couldn’t get the job done when it mattered.”
Savor bubbles with rage but Attano cuts him off.
“I’m coming for you, asshole. You’ve shown just how weak you are, and we’re not going to take it anymore.”
Attano slips away, leaving Savor seething at his chef.
“Don’t just stand there, you blithering idiot. Go after him!”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Attano has put Savor on notice, and Savor looks none too happy about it.
Cut.
Seeking Sanctuary
Deep beneath the crumbling exterior of Deathrow, the flickering lights of the Uprising’s base barely cut through the stale air. Walls tagged with rebellion, weapons strewn across tables, whispers of war in every corner — this was the beating heart of the Seekers.
Inside the central chamber, Hatchet leaned against a cracked concrete pillar, arms crossed, ever the watchful skeptic. At his side, Felix Foley, ever calm and contemplative, adjusted his arms and eyed the two men standing before them.
Captain Arcadia and Destructo.
Once symbols of hope. Now… something else.
Arcadia stepped forward, his voice steady, if a little weary. “After what happened at Kaos with the Kingdom, we’ve realized something.” His eyes moved from Foley to Hatchet. “We need to choose a side before the numbers crush us.”
He looked around. “We want in. We want to join the Seekers.”
MATT RUBY: It's a wonder it took this long.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I don't know about that, Matt. With Destructo it could've gone either way.
Foley raised an eyebrow, his hand gently resting atop one of his puppets perched nearby. “That’s… curious,” he said thoughtfully. “Considering you’re a self-appointed protector of Arcadia, Cap, and Destructo here — well, you’ve been hating everything lately.”
Destructo gave a dry chuckle. “I still do. But I’ve realized something else too.” He stepped up beside Arcadia, his tone cold, but honest. “Being a hero didn’t save my father. It didn’t save my mother and it hasn’t done much for him either.”
Arcadia nodded in agreement, the weight of his past etched in every line of his face.
Destructo continued, “But that doesn’t make us bad men. Just… not blinded by heroism anymore.” He looked Foley dead in the eye. “I want to know what’s beyond the door, Felix. Because whatever’s out there — it might be better than the hell we’ve all come to know.”
Hatchet scoffed, stepping forward. “I still don’t trust the little squirt.” He jabbed a finger toward Destructo. “Not after our history.”
Destructo didn’t flinch. “My father and I saved your life at TowerCorp. It cost my dad his. You think I forgot that? You clearl have but you owe me, Hatchet.”
Hatchet clenched his fists. “I don’t owe anyone a fuckin' thing.”
Foley stepped between them, holding up a hand.
“It doesn’t matter,” he said gently. “What does matter… is that Nox killed The Burned Man. And that can’t go unanswered.”
He looked to Destructo.
“As long as Nox is a Preservationist, then by all logic…” he nodded, “…you’re a Seeker.”
There was a beat of silence.
Then Foley stepped forward and extended a hand.
“Welcome to the Seekers.”
Destructo shook it. Arcadia followed, placing a firm hand on Foley’s shoulder in a silent vow.
But as Foley turned, Arcadia’s face turned grim.
“There’s something else,” he said quietly.
Foley looked back.
“A greater threat is coming.” Arcadia glanced between them. “The Zookeeper.”
Hatchet’s smirk vanished.
Foley’s brow furrowed.
Destructo just whispered, “Then it’s already begun.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Who the bloody hell is everyone so afraid of?
MATT RUBY: A man that creates heroes who become villains, doing his bidding, Bronco. The Zookeeper is an idol of mine, if I'm honest.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Why does that not surprise me?
Cut.
MATT RUBY: Main event time BB and what a main event it is. The man of the hour, the great Reverend Ezekial Graves gets to put that washed up, out of shape, has been Harold Attano out to pasture on route to becoming the next OSW World Champion. I can't wait to see it.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Bit too hasty there Ruby. You're talking about the man like he allready has the belt when not only does he have a huge test in front of him with how unstoppable Jackson Cade is as of late, but you never count out Harold Attano. One of the very few to ever beat Tombstone let alone do it for the world championship. Graves has his work cut out for him if he wants to win here tonight.
The bell sounds, Mills Stanton calling for the bell as Graves rushes forward, the bigger man trying to take Attano by surprise with a Big Boot but Nobody was ready as he ducks underneath, kicking Graves other leg out from underneath him before dropping down
As Attano tries to lock in the Code of Silence!
Graves manages to slip out of the choke, rocking Attano with a big right hand before nailing a big knee to the gut as the pair stumble to their feet. Another one doubles Attano over as Graves grabs him by the arm, throwing him to the ropes as he looks for a Lariat. Attano manages to duck underneath, spinning around on his feet before rushing forward
KNEE CAP! SHOTGUN DROPKICK TO THE KNEE OF GRAVES!
Graves drops down as Attano slips down to the mat with him, trying to lock in a kneebar onto the Reverend but he gets a boot to the jaw and kicked away. Graves stumbles up, Nobody urging him on as he rushes for a Lariat that Attano ducks underneath again
VENOMOUS HEADSHOT! Scorpion Kick/Superkick combination knocks Graves down as Attano drops down for the cover, Stanton sliding in to count
ONE
...............
TW....
...................
GRAVES POWERS OUT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Attano all over Graves in the early going, the Reverend might have power but Attano absolutely has the experience edge here
Attano gets to his feet, rushing to the ropes once more
RIGHT INTO AN ALMIGHTY LARIAT THAT TURNS HIM INSIDE OUT!
MATT RUBY: Only a matter of time BB, like I said. Attano's about to get sacrificed for the greater good now.
Nobody staggers up to his feet right into a flurry of strikes, palm slaps, elbows, knees before another huge decapitating Lariat finishes off some HOLY WRATH for Nobody but Graves isn't done. Barely letting Attano hit the mat before lifting him up and nearly breaking him in half with a spine shattering backbreaker.
Graves pulls Attano up, spinning him around and gripping him in a waist lock before nearly throwing him into the turnbuckles with a huge release German Suplex.
The Reverend smiles wickedly, his hands cupped in prayer for a moment before he slowly walks over, lifting the dazed Attano up onto his shoulders as he runs forward
RUNNING POWER...NO! Attano manages to slip out. He's groggy on his feet as Graves turns around, rushing forward
ATTANO TRIPS HIM UP, ROLLING THROUGH AND LOCKING IN A SINGLE LEG CRAB!
Graves is screaming in pain, Attano using every bit of his strength to rip and tear into that damaged knee as the Reverend tries to get to the ropes, mere fingertips away but Attano manages to pull him back into the middle of the ring, torquing the hold on higher and deeper as he's trying to make Graves tap out.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Reverend in a bad situation here, Attano knows a thousand ways to make someone suffer and he may well need to tap or Nobody will make sure that knee is permanently broken.
Graves looks like he's close to tapping but shakes his head, he breaths deeply, clasping his hands in prayer before summoning all his strength
AND PUSHING ATTANO OFF HIM WITH RAW POWER!
MATT RUBY: Ha! I told you BB, nothing Nobody will do can affect this holy man and stop his mission to cleanse Arcadia of the Seekers forever.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Look at him Ruby, Graves is basically on one leg now, your holy man isn't as strong as you think he is.
Graves stumbles to his feet, his right leg struggling to stay upright but he manages to fight through the pain. Attano getting up right into a huge right hand before he's thrown into the ropes.
BIG BOOT! He didn't get all of it though, staggering on his feet slightly but it still hurt Nobody, Attano staggering up to his feet into a knee to the gut before he's placed between Graves's legs.
PURGATORY...NO! Graves can't lift Attano fully up, his knee giving out half way as Attano slips behind
DIDN'T SEE IT COMING! HIDDEN BLADE TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!
Graves is out on his feet as Harold stalks him, looking for that one last shot.
Attano rushes right into a Goozle, fury in Graves eyes as he powers Attano upwards, somehow getting to his feet
THE FINAL JUDGEMENT! He somehow, someway managed to Chokeslam the absolute hell out of Attano, collapsing on impact as he manages to throw a hand across Nobody's chest. Mills sliding in to count
ONE
.................
TWO
...................
.........................
THREE!!!
MATT RUBY: YES! I told you BB, only a stepping stone to greatness.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: You say that Ruby but even though he lost, Attano may well have given Jackson a weakness he can exploit now. Either way big win for Graves here tonight.
Red Line
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Ezekiel Graves has attacked Harold Attano after the bell. I guess he isn’t done tonight!
MATT RUBY: Doing the Lord’s work!
Harold Attano writhes on the mat, chest heaving. Graves stands over him, unmoved. Then he grabs the old Seeker by the collar and drives a forearm into his jaw.
Another. And another.
The crowd is pelting Graves with jeers until the lights shift. They prepare to pop until—
MATT RUBY: Anton Savor is here!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We saw he and Attano have issue earlier.
No words. No hesitation. Savor slides into the ring and joins in, stomping down on Attano’s ribs.
Two-on-one.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Somebody get out here to help Attano!
MATT RUBY: Nobody’d be that stupid!
"For the Glory" by All Good Things hits.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: It’s Jackson Cade!
The World Champion charges the ring, slides in under the ropes.
Right hand to Savor, sending him crashing to the outside.
Graves turns. Cade lines him up—
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Son of a bitch!
MATT RUBY: It’s Redgrave!
Appearing like smoke behind Cade, Jasper Redgrave strikes, grabbing the World Champ and tossing him into Graves’ arms—
GRAVES LOCKS IN THE CONFESSION!
MATT RUBY: Make him humble, for the Lord!
Cade thrashes, but Graves pulls back hard, wrenching his spine.
Redgrave kneels in front of him.
"Tell them about the footprint."
Cade snarls through the pain. “Fuck you.”
Redgrave chuckles. “Always in denial. These people, your fellow Seekers, they need to know there’s a wolf in the hen house. And at Pandemonium, I’m exposing it, whether you want me to or not.”
Cade tries to fight free, but Graves pulls tighter.
Redgrave rises, turning to the crowd.
“Are these the men you cheer for?” He gestures to Attano and Cade. “Are the Seekers even who they say they are?”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We’re out of time, folks. The Preservationists have decimated the Seekers yet again.
MATT RUBY: This is top notch television, BB.
Graves throws down Cade with a grin, eyeballing the World Championship. He and Redgrave bathe in the jeers of the crowd.
But before the screen cuts out, our image goes to the rafters where a figure stands watching. Silent. Still.
Nero.
Static.
A Stop ■ symbol appears in the bottom right hand corner of the screen as we fade to black.