[Wrr.]

[Click.]

[Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.]

[Static.]

[Cold open.]

[The camera cuts straight to the ring.]

[Edward Newton stands at the centre, masked and composed, microphone in hand. Beside him stands PixelShift, the Gift of the Gods Champion, arms folded, shifting his weight like he’s buffering between realities.]

Signal: “Welcome to the show, everyone. We’re starting right in the middle of it tonight.”

Black Scar: “And I gotta say… Newton’s either brave or stupid standing out there after what he pulled last week.”

[Newton slowly scans the crowd.]

Signal: “Notably absent, Scar — that World Title Newton stole from Dr. Cube.”

Black Scar: “Smart man doesn’t bring stolen property back to the scene of the crime.”

[Newton raises the microphone.]

Edward Newton: “Before anyone asks…”

[A pause.]

Edward Newton: “Roll the footage.”

[The tron flickers to life.]

[Marvolo appears on-screen, masked, framed in shadow.]

Marvolo: “Edward Newton. PixelShift.”

[The crowd murmurs.]

Marvolo: “At Turbo Violence, you will team together to face War Machine… inside War Games.”

[Cheers.]

Marvolo: “However… I was unable to secure you a third partner.”

[A beat.]

Marvolo: “If you want one… you’ll have to find them yourselves.”

[The screen goes black.]

[The fans rain down boos.]

Signal: “That’s a massive disadvantage!”

Black Scar: “That’s a death sentence.”

[Newton nods calmly.]

Edward Newton: “All week long, we asked.”

[He gestures to the back.]

Edward Newton: “And all week long, we were met with silence.”

[A slow smile.]

Edward Newton: “The roster is afraid of War Machine.”

[He turns slightly toward PixelShift.]

Edward Newton: “I don’t blame them.”

[A beat.]

Edward Newton: “But if no one here has the fortitude to stand with us… then we’ll fight them on our own.”

[Suddenly— Ziggy’s music plays to get the energy up before Ziggy Robbins bursts onto the stage, masked, beaming, clapping his hands enthusiastically.]

Signal: “Oh no…”

Black Scar: “Absolutely not.”

[Ziggy points to the ring.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Hey! Hey! C’mon now!”

[He jogs down the ramp.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Let’s turn that frown upside down!”

[He slides into the ring.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Fear isn’t bad, guys. Fear is useful when you use it productively!”

[Newton stares at him, unmoved.]

Ziggy Robbins: “I’m scared of War Machine too!”

[A shrug.]

Ziggy Robbins: “But I’m not afraid to use that fear for good!”

[Ziggy extends a hand toward Newton.]

Ziggy Robbins: “I’ll be your partner.”

[Newton looks at the hand. Does not take it.]

Edward Newton: “No.”

[Ziggy blinks.]

[PixelShift steps in.]

Pixelshift: “Hang on. Let him talk.”

[Newton exhales.]

Edward Newton: “Your positivity isn’t an asset.”

[A step closer.]

Edward Newton: “It’s a liability. You’d be crushed under the weight of that war.”

[Ziggy nods thoughtfully.]

Ziggy Robbins: “I respect your opinion.”

[A smile.]

Ziggy Robbins: “But if you looked on the brighter side of life, you’d see how great it is that someone actually wants to stand with you.”

[Newton considers him.]

Edward Newton:“Fine.”

[A pause.]

Edward Newton:  “You want a place in War Games?”

[Ziggy lights up.]

Edward Newton: “You earn it. You face me tonight. Show me that you can handle a war and I’ll let you join our team.”

[Ziggy nearly vibrates.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Oh my gosh. Yes!”

[PixelShift nods.]

Pixelshift: “Cool.”

Signal: “It’s official! Ziggy Robbins gets his chance!”

Black Scar: “That guy’s optimism makes me sick.”

Signal: “Tonight decides whether Newton and PixelShift have a third!”

Black Scar: “Or whether Ziggy learns what fear really feels like.”

Signal: “Slam debuts tonight as El Rey Del Stúpido takes on The Huntress of Masks.”

Black Scar: “That poor fool won’t know what’s hit him.”

[Stúpido eagerly looks for a lock-up. The Huntress steps back. Stúpido topples, colliding into the turnbuckle.]

[CATCH AND RELEASE! EL RAY FLIPS AND LAYS SPRAWLED ON THE MAT!]

[Aranza climbs the turnbuckle, lining up her prey as he rolls onto his knees.]

[10 POINTER! SHE SOARS… BUT STÚPIDO LETS OUT AN ALMIGHTY SNEEZE AND LEANS UPRIGHT. ARANZA CRASHES TO THE MAT AT HIS KNEES!]

Signal: “Aranza had him lined up for the kill!”

Black Scar: “What the hell? He should be flat like a pancake and missing several teeth by now!”

[Stúpido stands, pulling Aranza up with him. He swings a fist, misses and wildly over swings. He accidentally catches her with his other elbow and Aranza is sent staggering into the ropes.]

[A Clothesline sends Aranza out of the ring. Stúpido trips, falling over the top rope… LANDING RIGHT ON TOP OF HER IN A PERFECT LEG DROP!]

[El Ray stands, confused, until Aranza trips him from underneath. His head slams into the ground and Aranza rolls him back into the ring.]

Signal: “Aranza looks like she’s had enough of this now, she’s looking to end it.”

Black Scar: “I don’t blame her. She expects her skills to be tested, not… whatever this is.”

[El Ray staggers to his feet as Aranza slides in. She grabs him unawares into a grapple.]

[THE CULL! KNEELING ELECTRIC CHAIR DRIVER!]

[SHE COVERS!]

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[THREE!]

Signal: “Aranza picks up her first victory tonight, and we’ve had quite the… debut showcase.”

[Andy’s Toybox.]

[Inside of the wonderous store are shelves upon shelves of toys in every shape and size. Pirate swords, princess gowns, pogo-sticks, bikes, and board games galore!]

[At the middle of it all is Dolly Daydream, a smile on her face as she skips around from shelf to shelf. Close behind her are Benny and Ace Starshield.]

Dolly Daydream: “When thoughts are too loud, try being someone else!”

Benny: “Could I be… A cowboy?”

[Dolly stops, tossing a hat and plastic revolver to him.]

Dolly Daydream: “Anything you want to be! The power of imagination is endless when you have toys!”

[Ace flinches at the word. A small scowl developing on his face as he watches Dolly and Benny play in front of him.]

[Benny chases Dolly throughout the store, cap guns blazing in all four hands!]

[Pop!]

[Pop!]

[Pop!]

[All backed by a symphony of innocent giggles and playful banter.]

[Then Dolly stops, standing before Ace and offering him a toy gun handle first.]

Dolly Daydream: “Are you going to stay grumpy? Or are you going to have fun with Benny too?

Ace Starshield: “I told you.”

[Ace begins, grabbing the gun and tossing it aside in one swift motion.]

Ace Starshield: “Heroes don’t have fun. The galaxy is a dangerous place, Molvania is a dangerous place. There’s no time to  play.”

[The word is all but spat from Ace’s lips as he reaches out, taking Benny gently by the hand.]

Ace Starshield: “Let’s go, Benny.”

[Benny looks at Ace for a moment before bowing his head, walking beside the astronaut towards the exit as Dolly looks on, head tilted glumly to the side.]

Dolly Daydream: “Well okay…”

[She puts back on a small smile.]

Dolly Daydream: “Goodbye, Benny! Goodbye Mr. Shield!”

[Ace looks back, thinking to correct her only to shake his head as Dolly enthusiastically waves goodbye.]

[Cut.]

[Morcant Blacktide parts onlookers as he walks backstage…]

[BATTLE CRY!]

[Warlord Mars BARRELS into him, sending them both through a WALL!]

Black Scar: “He came in like a wrecking ball!”

[Sifting through rubble, the Ruleador finds Mars pinning the Hardcore Champion!]

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[SHOULDER UP!]

[Morcant crawls away as Warlord pursues – CRACK!]

[Blacktide wraps a STEEL CHAIR round his SKULL!]

[He tosses it, then charges Mars into a bin filled with metal pipes!]

[CLATTER!]

Signal: “Why does our crew always store random objects together!?”

[The Dead Tide rolls a nearby roadie case towards his foe…]

[THUD!]

[He CRUSHES Warlord’s cranium against the wall!]

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[SHOULDER UP!]

Black Scar: “Warlord is suicidal; he still has a main event match tonight!”

[Morcant keel-hauls his big ass up – FOGBOUND!]

[The European uppercut staggers Mars through an open roller door into a loading area.]

[DEAD RECKONING!?]

[NO!]

[Warlord blocks the clothesline from hell–]

[WARHEAD!]

[The knockout headbutt merely stuns Morcant!]

Signal: “How is the Hardcore Champion still standing!?”

[Mars whips him without looking–]

[Into a FORKLIFT!]

[Blacktide sprawls across the controls, inadvertently raising the loaded forks.]

[Warlord pulls him away.]

[The cogs whir in his irradiated brain…]

[Morcant looks up as Mars squeezes himself into the cabin.]

Warlord Mars: “Hey, SQUIDFACE!”

[He mashes buttons randomly.]

Black Scar: “Doesn’t look like Warlord got his FLT licence!”

[… Nothing happens.]

[Mars screams and hammers the dash.]

Warlord Mars: “Stupid piece o’SHIT!”

[The forklift suddenly ACCELERATES – but Blacktide BOARDS the vessel!]

[He wraps his hand around Warlord’s throat!]

[The wheel gets jerked… THE FORKLIFT TIPS OVER!]

[CRASH!]

Signal: “OSHA is going to have a field day!”

[The pallet splits and heavy boxes bury both competitors!]

[Mars emerges from the wreckage!]

[The Ruleador can’t find Morcant…]

[He decrees that Blacktide is unable to answer a count, therefore, MARS WINS!]

[The camera opens on Cometa IV lacing his boots in a quiet locker room. The hum of the arena surrounds him like static. His silver-and-blue mask hangs beside him, reflecting the flickering light.]

[The door creaks open.]

[Cometa doesn’t look up.]

Cometa IV: “You don’t need the theatrics this time?”

[Footsteps, slow and even. The rustle of fabric. Santiago Del Toro enters the frame; full matador regalia, crimson and black, his cape draped over one shoulder like a shroud.]

Santiago Del Toro: “I am the theatre.”

[Cometa finally looks up.]

Signal: “Del Toro is one intense guy, isn’t he?”

Black Scar: “The best.”

[Their eyes lock.]

Santiago Del Toro: “And tonight… I chose the front row.”

[He gently unfurls his cape and lets it sway.]

[Cometa’s gaze shifts, caught, just for a second, by the hypnotic movement of the fabric.]

Santiago Del Toro: “You reach for stars.”

[He circles slowly.]

Santiago Del Toro: “But stars are just fires long dead. Beautiful lies. Echoes of power.”

[He stops behind Cometa.]

Santiago Del Toro: “What you call hope… I call hunger.”

[Cometa rises, face to face with him now.]

Cometa IV: “If you want my soul—try taking it now.”

[He steps forward, unflinching.]

[The cape drops between them like a curtain.]

Santiago Del Toro: “A proper matador waits.”

[A pause.]

Santiago Del Toro: “He waits for the charge.”

[He leans close.]

Santiago Del Toro: “And you will charge.”

[Cometa stares at the fallen cape, jaw tight.]

Cometa IV: “Then I hope you’re fast enough.”

[Del Toro turns without a word, collecting the cape as he exits—dragging it behind him like a trail of blood.]

[Cometa watches him leave.]

[His fingers twitch.]

[Cut.]

Signal: “The fourth iteration of Cometa is in action tonight against the enigmatic Lost Boy. This looks set to be a high flying extravaganza.”

Black Scar: “That all sounds so horribly lovely. I’m here for the blood, not the gymnastics.”

[The bell sounds and Cometa IV looks for a quick handshake. But The Lost Boy has no such intentions, charging forward. An Elbow Strike sends Cometa reeling.]

[HOOK’S HOOK! THE SLINGBLADE!]

[Cometa IV springs up to his feet groggily out of instincts. Lost Boy grabs him by the neck and dashes up the turnbuckle with him.]

[OFF TO NEVERLAN- NO! COMETA IV PUSHES LOST BOY OFF THE TOP ROPE AND OUT OF THE RING!]

Signal: “The Lost Boy started this with a hiss and a roar but Cometa may just have turned the tables.”

Black Scar: “Tables? Now we’re getting somewhere!”

[Cometa runs the ropes, launching himself into the air. SPACEMAN PLANCHA!]

[Cometa leaps up onto the apron. He comes charging again as the Lost Boy stands.]

[METEORA FROM THE RING APRON NAILS THE LOST BOY!]

[Cometa drags The Lost Boy to his feet once more and pushes him into the ring.]

[Cometa IV covers!]

[ONE!]

[TW-NO! KICKOUT]

Black Scar: “You’re going to have to hurt him more than that.”

Signal: “This match continues, but who can take the advantage?”

[Both men meet eye to eye, locking horns. The Lost Boy boots Cometa in the ribs and runs off towards the ropes.]

[BANGARANG BLAST… NO! COMETA ARM DRAGS HIM DOWN!]

[He climbs the turnbuckle, signalling for the spiral.]

[SPIRAL GALAXY! COMETA HITS IT AND COVERS!]

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[THREE!]

Signal: “That did it. Cometa IV picks up the win here tonight.”

[Backstage — the parking lot outside The Temple.]

[A burnt-out motor rolls in, its chrome and paintwork glowing under the floodlights like a moving disco ball. Music thumps from the speakers as it comes to a smooth stop.]

[Laughter spills out with it.]

[Ram Jam steps out first, masked, smooth, dripping charisma. A small group of masked ladies follow, giggling, clinging to his arms.]

Ram Jam: “Alright now… behave yourselves.”

[He blows a kiss.]

Ram Jam:: “I’ll see you real soon.”

[The girls laugh as Ram Jam turns—]

[—and stops dead.]

[Blackhand Moretti stands inches away, arms folded, unmoving.]

Signal: “I think the party might be over.”

Black Scar: “Shame, I would’ve tagged along at the end of the show.”

[Tony Knuckles and Frankie Fingers flank him like statues.]

[The music cuts abruptly.]

Blackhand Moretti: “Ram Jam.”

[A beat.]

Blackhand Moretti: “You owe me.”

[Ram Jam forces a grin.]

Ram Jam: “Hey now, Big Hand… c’mon. We talked about this.”

[He gestures vaguely.]

Ram Jam: “I’m good for it. I just need a little time.”

[Moretti tilts his head, unimpressed.]

Blackhand Moretti:: “Time’s expensive.”

[He glances toward the car.]

Blackhand Moretti: “You’re late on your payments and time ain’t something you’ve got a lot of left.”

[Ram Jam swallows.]

Ram Jam: “I’ll get you the money. Promise. I just need a little more time, brother.”

[Moretti doesn’t answer.]

[He simply nods once.]

Blackhand Moretti: “Take the car.”

[Tony Knuckles and Frankie Fingers move immediately.]

Ram Jam: “Whoa— hey—!”

[The goons grab the motor, rolling it away without resistance.]

Ram Jam: “That’s my ride!”

[Moretti steps closer, voice low.]

Blackhand Moretti: “Collateral. You can have the car… and the girls back when you make a payment. Either you pay us, or they’ll start payin’ your debt.”

[A faint smirk.]

Blackhand Moretti: “Everybody pays… one way or another.”

[Moretti turns and walks off, his men following with the car.]

[Silence settles.]

[Ram Jam watches them go, shoulders slumping.]

[He turns back to the girls, trying to smile.]

Ram Jam: “Hey… don’t worry.”

[He forces a wink.]

Ram Jam: “I’ll be back for you.”

[The girls hesitate, then slowly drift away.]

Signal: “I think ol’ Ram Jam finds himself in a world of trouble.”

Black Scar: “He better pay up then. The party may never stop but it’s moved locations.”

[Ram Jam stands alone in the parking lot, staring at the empty space where his car once was.]

Signal: This should be a fun match up between Ace Starshield and El Tropico Del Frio.

Black Scar: Depends on how much effort one of them gives, I suppose.

[Ace Starshield offers a salute.]

[Tropico responds with an exaggerated shrug.]

[They circle.]

[Lock-up.]

[Ace overpowers instantly, muscling Tropico into the corner.]

[Tropico flops out dramatically, lying on the mat.]

El Tropico de Frio: “Hey man, we good?”

[Ace reaches down—TROPICO SNATCHES A ROLL-UP!]

[ONE!]

[TW—KICKOUT!]

Signal: “That was slick!”

Black Scar: “He nearly coasted to a win in thirty seconds!”

[Ace scrambles upright—RIGHT INTO A CITRUS SMACK.]

[A palm strike rocks the jaw.]

[Tropico dances back with a grin.]

[ACE FIRES BACK.]

[THRUSTERS ENGAGED.]

[Uppercut nearly takes Tropico off his feet.]

[Crash Landing!]

[Fireman’s carry—DRIVEN DOWN.]

[Tropico bounces off the canvas.]

[Ace covers—only a one count.]

[He grabs Tropico again—BUT A SPLIT EVASION!]

[BANANA SPLIT!]

[Wheel kick catches Ace square.]

[Tropico rolls backward onto his shoulders, pops to his feet.]

[Thumbs up.]

[Thumbs down.]

[He points to the corner.]

[ACE STUMBLES INTO PLACE.]

[PINEAPPLE EXPRESS!]

[Double knees land flush.]

[Tropico backs up, wipes imaginary sweat.]

El Tropico de Frio: “Ultraaaa…”

[He climbs.]

[TOP ROPE—ULTRA TROPICANRANA—NO!]

[ACE HOLDS HIM.]

[POWERBOMB POSITION.]

[SET MATCH TO VICTORY!]

[SIT OUT. IMPACT.]

[ACE SITS UP.]

[He doesn’t cover.]

[He SALUTES.]

[Then leans in.]

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[THREE!]

Signal: “The Captain makes landfall. That was lights out for the Tropi-King.”

Black Scar: “Tropico tried to chill his way to a win, but Starshield stayed locked on target.”

[Aranza is stopped near the hallway wall, crouched slightly, taking a quick photo with a kid and his parents. Her gear is loosened, wrist tape half off. Match already done. Just a moment before she heads out.]

[She hands the phone back, gives the kid a nod, and turns]

[Dr. E. Vinell is coming down the hall toward the curtain his match is coming up. The two lock eyes for a split second.]

[Aranza steps aside to let him pass.]

Aranza: “You’re still watching, I thought I told you I’m the hunter.”

[Vinell slows just enough to look at her. Calm. Unbothered.]

Dr. E. Vinell: “I know,”

[They pass shoulder to shoulder. She takes two steps. Something brushes her side. Not a jab. Not pain, just swift contact.]

[She keeps moving.]

[Then the hallway tilts.]

[Sound dulls. Lights smear just enough to make her blink hard. Her step stutters.]

[She reaches for the wall.]

Aranza: “What the…..”

[Behind her, Vinell doesn’t turn around.]

Dr. E. Vinell: “Hunters,” 

[He says evenly, already walking toward the curtain,] 

Dr. E. Vinell: “Come in different forms.”

[Aranza tries to steady herself. Her balance isn’t there. One knee hits the floor. Then she’s down, breathing hard, fully awake and pissed off.]

[Down the hall, Vinell tightens his wrist tape as a referee waves him forward. He disappears around the corner.]

[The camera stays on Aranza, jaw set, fist clenched against the concrete, forcing herself to stay upright as the noise of the building swells back in.]

[Vinell lunges at Del Toro, who side-steps him with a flutter of his cape–]

[Savate kick to the jaw!]

[CURSED CHARGE OUT THE GATE!]

[Doc slumps against the ropes. Santiago sends him packing with a dropkick over the top!]

Signal: “It looks like the Matador of Souls has had his apple today!”

[Del Toro pursues him, but Vinell throws an unknown substance into his eyes!]

[OCULAR ASSAULT!]

Black Scar: “Do you think Santiago can sue him for malpractice!?”

[Having blinded his test subject, Vinell chokes him with the bottom ring rope!]

[The Ruleador chastises The Good Doctor, who rolls Del Toro in.]

[Yanking the matador’s cape, Vinell whips the back of his head into the canvas!]

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[KICKOUT!]

[Vinell lets Santiago up and charges…]

[Del Toro dodges–]

[Snap DDT – SPECTRAL PASSADA!]

Signal: “Santiago just skewered the bull!”

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[SHOULDER UP!]

Black Scar: “Vinell must’ve had an adrenaline shot!”

[The matador heads to the top rope.]

Signal: “He’s going for the FALLING SHADOWS headbutt!”

[Vinell, however, feigns tripping into the Ruleador – who falls into the ropes!]

[Del Toro gets crotched on the turnbuckle!]

[The Good Doctor shrugs off the Ruleador and grabs Santiago…]

[PATIENT ZERO!]

[NO!]

[Del Toro slips behind him–]

[COBRA CLUTCH – ETERNAL SILENCE!]

Black Scar: “It’s like Santiago is in a trance; he’s looking up at the lights while he chokes out Dr. Vinell!”

[As Vinell fades, Del Toro releases his grip. With the doctor on his knees, Santiago hits the ropes…]

[Busaiku Knee – PHANTOM CORNADA!]

[The matador gives Vinell his last rites.]

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[THREE!]

Signal: “Del Toro wins!”

[We cut backstage to find a frustrated looking El Ídolo Perdido. He paces back and forth, agitated.]

El Idolo Perdido: “Foolish.”

[He mutters to himself, a broken VHS tape in his hand.]

El Idolo Perdido: “I let emotion get in the way of art. There was no tact, no poise. I let that… talentless dilettante into my head.”

[El Ídolo Perdido tosses the VHS onto the ground and stomps it under his boot.]

El Idolo Perdido: “Beauty reduced to worthless rubbish. However could…”

[His voice trails off into a long exhale. He steadies himself, breathing in deeply and out again, arms moving in flow. Slowly, he grounds himself.]

El Idolo Perdido: “No. The true beauty of cinematic art is restraint. I must find it where Glitter is concerned. Art over emotion, art over emotion…”

[He is interrupted by a knock on the dressing room door. A courier stands on the doorway, wearing an altogether too tight, shiny PVC looking courier outfit. El Ídolo Perdido looks perplexed.]

Courier: “Sign here please.”

[El Ídolo Perdido takes the box the courier offers after signing dramatically. He closes the door and turns the package over in his hands.]

El Idolo Perdido: “Perhaps a well-wishing fellow aficionado has acquired another copy?”

[He takes to the package with a ballpoint pen snatched from his dresser, breaking the seal.]

[BOOMPH!]

[The package explodes right in his hands. Glitter explodes everywhere, coating the entire dressing room in a thick layer of the shimmering stuff.]

[From outside the room, a smattering of giggles can be heard from a certain voyeuristic onlooker.]

[Soon, the glitter slowly settles and El Ídolo Perdido is left standing, covered from head to foot in glitter, seething with anger. All restraint in his eyes erased.]

[Cut.]

Signal:  “You know, it hasn’t been a good night for Morcant. First, he loses the Hardcore Championship and now he’s facing Ram Jam, who has one or two problems of his own.”

Black Scar: Yeah, it’s a cluster…

[DING DING!]

[The bell sounds and Morcant storms across the ring with a Clothesline attempt, enraged.]

[DUCKED BY RAM JAM!]

[SHAKE! RATTLE! ROLL!]

[JIMI JAMMIN’]

[RIGHT HAND! LEFT HAND! BIONIC ELBOW!]

[BLACKTIDE STUMBLES!]

Signal: “That caught him.”

[Ram Jam runs at him, scooping him into the air and straight down with a HUGE SPINEBUSTER!]

Signal: “Spine on the Pine!”

Black Scar: “Ram Jam Slam, baby.”

[He covers..]

[ONE…]

[TWO..]

[KICK OUT WITH AUTHORITY!]

[Morcant swivels back to his feet as Ram Jam does. Lunging Headbutt rattles the Ram!]

Signal:“Wait-“

Black Scar: “Freddy Fingers and Tony Knuckles! Where’d those mooks come from?”

[From either side of the arena crowd, Blackhand’s goons get on the apron. Ram Jam runs at Tony, knocking him off. Morcant runs at Freddy.]

[DEAD RECKONING!]

[CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL ON THE RING APRON!]

[Ram Jam turns around…]

[BLACK SOULWAKE!]

[SPINNING SIT-OUT POWERBOMB!]

[ONE…]

[TWO…]

[TONY KNUCKLES KICKS MORCANT IN THE HEAD!]

[The Rulador calls for the bell!]

Miss Marquee: “Your winner, by Disqualification… Ram Jam!”

Signal: “Tony Knuckles has lost his head!”

Black Scar: “They just gifted Ram Jam the win. He saw his buddy get wiped out and lost it. Moretti is gonna be pissed!”

[Ram Jam escapes to the outside and through the crowd as Tony Knuckles gets back to his feet and watches on enraged.]

[That did not go to plan.]

[UNKNOWN LOCATION. OFF CAMERA]

[Banks of monitors glow in the darkness. Data scrolls endlessly across the screens: biometric readings, footage stills, tactical overlays.]

[At the center, Dr. Cube sits perfectly still, fingers steepled, eyes locked on one screen.]

[Text flashes repeatedly: SUBJECT: EDWARD NEWTON.]

Dr. Cube: “I’ve analyzed every variable.”

[He gestures toward the screens.]

Dr. Cube: “Psychological pressure. Fear response. Ego. Control impulses.”

[A pause.]

Dr. Cube: “There is no viable weakness.”

[The hum of machinery fills the silence.]

[Heavy footsteps approach.]

[Warlord Mars storms into frame, armor clanking, radiating impatience.]

[Santiago Siniestro follows, calm, measured, eyes always scanning.]

Warlord Mars: “HEY, MEATBAGS!”

[He slams a fist into a metal console, sparks jumping.]

Warlord Mars: “You keep starin’ at screens like answers are gonna crawl outta ’em!”

[He snorts.]

Warlord Mars: “These puny freaks don’t need games.”

[He leans in, teeth bared.]

Warlord Mars: “They need crushin’.”

[Spits.]

Warlord Mars: “Sometimes war don’t make sense!”

[Siniestro steps forward, voice low, precise.]

Santiago Siniestro: “He’s not wrong.”

[A slight shrug.]

Santiago Siniestro: “Planning has its place.”

[A beat.]

Santiago Siniestro: “But sometimes… quick and abrupt violence ends things cleaner.”

[He looks toward the screen showing Newton.]

Santiago Siniestro: “Fear works best when it arrives without warning.”

[Dr. Cube slowly turns his chair to face them.]

Dr. Cube: “War is not singular.”

[A finger taps the screen.]

Dr. Cube: “It is layered.”

[A pause.]

Dr. Cube: “Thinkers.”

[Another tap.]

Dr. Cube: “Fighters.”

[Another.]

Dr. Cube: “Executioners.”

[He looks between Mars and Siniestro.]

Dr. Cube: “War Machine requires all facets.”

[Mars grins.]

Warlord Mars: “Now you’re speakin’ my language.”

[Cube stands.]

Dr. Cube: “Tonight, the objective is simple.”

[The screens change — footage of the OSW World Championship.]

Dr. Cube: “We locate the title.”

[A beat.]

Dr. Cube:  “Retrieval will not be subtle.”

[Mars cracks his neck.]

Warlord Mars: “Good.”

[Siniestro nods once.]

Santiago Siniestro: “Then the hunt begins.”

[Dr. Cube’s mask reflects the scrolling data.]

Dr. Cube:  “The Game Master’s design will remain.”

[The monitors continue to glow as the screen fades to black.]

Signal: Ladies and Gentlemen, we welcome you to a big time tag team matchup here tonight. The Professor teams up with up with Proganda against the Black Hand of Justice themselves.

[The bell sounds, Academius and Moretti starting off. Black Hand rushes forward, closing the gap as he allready tries to make the Professor Sleep Wit’ The Fishes…]

[DROP TOE HOLD! Academius suckered Moretti in, slamming him face first down to the mat, floating over onto the mat as he does]

[LOCKING IN THE LECTURE LOCK]

Signal: Crossface attempt here but Moretti manages to scamper his way to the ropes, breaking the hold

[Moretti quickly gets to his feet right into a paint brush like slap to the jaw, The Black Hand staggering back a little, smirking slightly to himself]

[BEFORE HE NEARLY TAKES THE PROFESSOR’S HEAD OFF WITH A MAMMOTH OMERTA BIG BOOT!]

[Academius staggers back to his feet into his corner as Propaganda tags himself in.]

Black Scar: And here comes this creepy bastard. Something about this guy rubs me the wrong way.

[Moretti rushes forward, taking Propaganda by surprise with a flurry of blows but every strike, the Voice just simply takes. Unflinching, unmoving, like he’s suckering the Black Hand in.]

[As they get close to the corner, Propaganda flips him around, before beginning to drive Moretti down to the canvas with hard strikes.]

[Each blow echoed by a chorus of ‘BE-LIEVE’]

[Propaganda spins in the ring, his arms wide open to this followers as he spins]

[RIGHT INTO DARKNESS FALLS! Superkick hits flush from Darkwish out of nowhere, Proganda staggering back as Academius blind tags himself in]

[SLEEP WIT’ THE FISHES! Clothesline From Absolute Hell ruins Propaganda but as Moretti goes to cover, the referee won’t count because he’s not the legal man]

[CLASS DISMISSED! Diving Knee Drop to the back of the head. Academius rocks Moretti, delivering a hard enziguri to Darkwish in the corner before covering]

[ONE]

[……….]

[TWO]

[……….]

[………….]

[THREE!!!]

Black Scar: The smarter team won here  Siggy, doesn’t matter how hard you hit if you don’t pay attention to your surroundings and Moretti and Darkwish both were given a teachable moment here tonight.

[Not long after the bell has rung, Propaganda’s followers immediately block the exit to the back. The man himself gets back to his feet and marches toward the center of the ring.]

Propaganda: “No one is allowed to leave ringside until you hear my message.”

[Academius and Darkwish look over at the Voice of Obedience with scorn as he says this. Unfazed, he clears his throat before making his speech.]

Propaganda: “What you’ve just witnessed tonight was an example of how this message can outlast all things, even death itself.”

[He gestures towards his former partner and opponent.]

Propaganda: “Darkwish tried to silence my voice, but he only made it stronger. Academius also attempted to sabotage the Broadcast by being useless, forcing me to pick up the pieces for him.”

[Academius looks offended by Propaganda’s insinuation. He marches over to Propaganda before spinning him around and getting in his face.]

Academius: “Useless!? I have half a mind to teach you a lesson, you loudmouthed ingrate! And from now on, you will introduce me as SIR, or MISSSSSTER Academius!”

[The Voice can’t help but smile callously at the Professor, which just makes him angrier.]

Academius:  “You really think that drivel you call a message will outlast death? My teachings will last longer than any nonsense that you can spew. And I will prove it!”

[Academius leaves the ring and makes an exit through the crowd. Darkwish, meanwhile, slides out of the ring and begins to attack Propaganda’s followers. One by one, the true believers drop to the floor as Sacred Justice attacks the hooded figures. Propaganda tries to go after him, but Mister Academius stops him with a few tuts.]

Academius: “You can’t outsmart the smartest man in OSW! And if I have to beat that lesson into you, I will!”

[The Professor and Darkwish make their leave, leaving Propaganda clenching his fist in the ring.]

[Meanwhile, Mr. Grimm is seen somewhere deep within the crowd, having watched all of this unfold.]

[Cut.]

Signal: “El Frio takes on the Dreamer in a match of an interesting mix of styles.”

Black Scar: “Cold violence meets daydreamy playtime violence. I’m all for it.”

[Siniestro and Dolly clash in the center of the ring, El Frio overpowering her easily. He holds her arm in a chicken wing and unloads a series of strikes right to her nose, forcing her back into the turnbuckle.]

[Dolly ducks under a strike, spitting out blood. She grabs an incoming strike, bending Siniestro’s finger back awkwardly. He yelps in pain as she marches him by the finger across the ring.]

[OFF WITH IT! RIPCORD RUNNING KNEE TAKES SANTIAGO DOWN!]

Signal: “That had to hurt. I hope it wasn’t El Frio’s trigger finger.”

Black Scar: “We have blood early in this one, but Dolly is tougher than she looks.”

[Dolly pulls Siniestro to his feet, whipping him across the ring. El Frio reverses into a Short Armed Clothesline, flipping her upside down.]

[Siniestro pounces, grabbing Dolly by the leg and pulling him into a modified Cloverleaf.]

[TEQUILA SUNRISE! HE HAS IT LOCKED IN!]

Signal: “Dolly Daydream is in a world of hurt now.”

Black Scar: “Siniestro is used to pushing people to breaking point. You’ve gotta love the screams of agony.”

[Eventually, Dolly grabs the ring ropes and uses them to break the hold. She staggers to her feet as Santiago charges back at her again. She drives a shoulder into his guts to stop him in his tracks.]

[PERFECTION! CODEBREAKER!]

[Santiago is pulled to his feet, grabbed by the head. PORCELAIN SHATTER! DDT DESTROYS SINIESTRO!]

[SHE COVERS!]

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[THREE!]

Signal: “Dolly Daydream picks up a big debut victory here tonight!”

[Backstage, we find El Tropico de Frio leaning against the wall of the temple, chilling with a Whiskey Shredder in hand.]

[Just as he’s about to take a sip, El Rey del Stupido slips on a nearby wet floor and tumbles into the Cool Dude, knocking the drink out of his hand in the process.]

[They and the glass hit the floor hard, the drink shattering into tiny pieces as it lands. Slightly annoyed, Tropico pushes Stupido off before getting up.]

El Tropico de Frio: “What the heck, man?” [The Cool Dude asks as Stupido gets back to his feet.] “That wasn’t very Tropi-cool of you.”

El Rey Del Stupido: “Sorry.” [The Stupid King responds, wiping off some of Tropico’s drink from his person.] “I must’ve slipped on something.”

[Tropico was about to point out the wet floor sign, but he stops himself as he remembers who he’s talking to.]

El Tropico de Frio: “Just go buy another Shredder.”

[Stupido’s eyes widened at the Cool Dude’s request.]

El Rey Del Stupido: “A shredder? No! I can’t buy that! It’s too big and costs too much!”

[Tropico can’t help but let out a scoff.]

El Tropico de Frio: “A Whiskey Shredder. It’s a drink, not an actual shredder.”

El Rey Del Stupido: “Oh.” [Stupido says, just now understanding what Tropico meant.] “Well I still can’t. I can barely afford the masks at Molv-Mart.”

[El Rey points to the paper bag over his face. The Cool Dude chooses not to question this.]

El Tropico de Frio: “Tell you what.” [He begins, a scheme forming inside his head.] “Let’s skip all the drama and settle this with a match at Turbo Violence. If I win, you buy me another Whiskey Shredder. If you win, you get dinner at your favorite place. Okay?”

El Rey Del Stupido: “Okay!”

[They shake on it as we fade to ringside.]

Signal: “Alright, folks: strap in. We’ve got a theological bar fight.”

Black Scar: “You’ve got the Holy, the Heretic, and the Hypocrite… against a failed spy, a fallen star, and whatever Glitter is.”

Signal: “Sex, cinema, and seagull espionage versus fire, fury, and faith. Only in OSW.”

[The bell rings.]

[Blackheart marches forward like judgment day.]

[Nigel steps up, hand extended.]

Nigel Powers: “The name’s Powers—Nigel Powers.”

[BLACKHEART BLASTS HIM WITH GOD’S FOOT.]

[Nigel backflips into a heap.]

[Glitter tags themself in.]

Black Scar: “We’ve moved from Saturday mass to Saturday night.”

[Glitter blows a kiss.]

Glitter: “You look like you haven’t been touched in years.”

[Blackheart grabs them by the throat.]

Glitter: “Harder, Daddy.”

[BLACKHOLE SLAM—NO! GLITTER WRIGGLES FREE.]

[They spin behind and deliver ASS TO MOUTH.]

[Stinkface in the corner.]

Signal: “Somewhere, a nun just fainted.”

[Padre tags in. So does Ídolo.]

[The tone shifts.]

[Two silhouettes stand tall. Class and cult.]

[Ídolo adjusts his mask.]

El Idolo Perdido: “Action.”

[They COLLIDE.]

[Forearms echo. No wasted motion.]

[Padre swings—MIDNIGHT SHADOW!]

[Ídolo crumples but rolls free.]

[He tags in Nigel.]

[Padre tags in Lux.]

[Nigel throws a wink.]

Nigel Powers: “Oh behave—”

[LUX FLIES IN—TRIBULATION PLANTS HIM.]

[He lifts Nigel.]

[DISCIPLE MAKER!]

[NIGEL SPIKES.]

[ONE…]

[TWO…]

[KICKOUT!!]

Signal: “How did he kick out!?”

Black Scar: “British resilience or divine confusion.”

[LUX TAGS BLACKHEART.]

[REVEREND pulls Nigel upright.]

[NIGEL LOW BLOWS HIM.]

Nigel Powers: “Do I make you horny?”

[BASEBALL SLIDE! THE NIGE!]

[BLACKHEART COLLAPSES.]

[Glitter tags in. They blow a kiss.]

Glitter: “Let’s end this with a bang, darling.”

[Blackheart staggers.]

[Glitter scoops him—DRIVER ’69!]

[They sit deep in the pin.]

[ONE…]

[TWO…]

[THREE!]

[The Temple erupts.]

Signal: “They did it! The unlikely trio just stole it from the hands of heaven and hell!”

Black Scar: “Glitter grinds the gospel into glitter dust, Nigel slips through damnation, and Ídolo filmed the perfect finale.”

[The fog rolls thick over the harbor, swallowing the dock in ghostly silence. At its far end looms the Black Soulwake—Morcant Blacktide’s dreaded vessel—tethered to the pier like a beast at rest. Its masts creak, sails torn and limp, though no wind dares stir. The deck is slick with salt and shadow.]

Signal: “Well this isn’t what I expected to see in the docks.”

[The Lost Boy crouches, peering through the darkness like a kid playing hide and seek. But this is no game. His eyes narrow, scanning for movement. No crew. No lanterns. Just the ominous groan of ancient wood and the faint stench of brine-soaked death.]

Black Scar: “This isn’t the wisest move for this kid.”

[He pads across the deck, keeping low, every step calculated. He passes a pile of chains, thick as tree trunks, and what looks like a barnacle-encrusted helm. The door to the captain’s quarters looms ahead—twisted iron framing rotten oak. He slips inside.]

[The room is a tomb.]

[Books written in languages long forgotten. Maps stitched into human skin. A mirror that reflects nothing. And on a pedestal near the back, glimmering in pale green light—an ornate silver goblet, encrusted with black pearls.]

The Lost Boy: “Bingo.”

[He snatches it.]

[And the ship groans.]

[The shadows deepen.]

[Lost Boy freezes. He looks around, clutching the goblet tight.]

The Lost Boy: “You’re not with them… right? Not with the Jolly Roger Gang. Not with them.”

[Silence.]

[He backs toward the door, slow and quiet, hugging the prize to his chest.]

The Lost Boy: “Just making sure.”

[Then he’s gone—slipping overboard with a practiced flip, disappearing into the mist as the Black Soulwake begins to stir once more, like it knows something’s been taken.]

Signal: “Uh oh, I don’t think this is going to be simple for the Lost Boy.”

Signal: Scar, this is a match with big implications.

Black Scar: It sure is, Sig, and it looks like they’re ready to go.

[Ziggy Robbins offers a handshake.]

[Newton eyes it like a loaded gun.]

[He taps his temple.]

Edward Newton: “Every handshake hides intent.”

[Ziggy shrugs.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Or just hope.”

[They lock up.]

[NEWTON WRENCHES AN ARM.]

[Ziggy flips, cartwheels—ROLLS THROUGH!]

[Dropkick!]

[ZIGGY CLAPS FOR EDWARD.]

Ziggy Robbins: “You’re doing great!”

[Newton doesn’t flinch.]

[He grabs Ziggy—SNAP POWERSLAM.]

[He mounts with precision and rains down elbows.]

Signal: “This is about War Games. Ziggy wants in—Newton says he has to earn it.”

Black Scar: “He’s got more courage than mass. You can’t deadlift belief.”

[Newton yanks Ziggy up.]

[NEVERMIND—NO!]

[Ziggy slips out—SLINGBLADE!]

[TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND!]

[Ziggy races to the top rope.]

[USE THIS FOR MOTIVATION!]

[Missile dropkick connects.]

[He covers—]

[ONE…]

[TWO…]

[KICKOUT!!]

[Newton traps the arm.]

[CHECKMATE ROLL—INTO ANKLE LOCK.]

[Ziggy screams.]

[He claws for ropes.]

[NO MATTER WHAT, DON’T TAP!]

[He flips through!]

[ALWAYS A CHANCE!]

[SMALL PACKAGE!]

[ONE…]

[TWO…]

[KICKOUT!!]

[Ziggy pops up.]

[ROOTING FOR YOU!]

[Three rapid ear claps stun Newton.]

[Ziggy rallies the crowd.]

[Climbs again.]

[FROM THE BOTTOM TO THE TOP!]

[THE GREATEST MOONSAULT EVER—MISSES!]

[Newton sidesteps.]

[NEVERMIND.]

[JUMPING IMPLANT DDT SPIKES HIM.]

[Newton covers.]

[ONE…]

[TWO…]

[THREE!!]

[Ziggy lies flat, chest heaving.]

[Newton sits up slowly, adjusts his wrist tape.]

[He doesn’t gloat.]

[He stands.]

[He stares.]

[Then, he taps his temple.]

Edward Newton: “You held your own.”

[Ringside — the aftermath of a hard-fought match.]

[Edward Newton and Ziggy Robbins stand in the ring, both exhausted. Ziggy is on one knee, breathing hard. Newton steadies himself with the ropes before turning back to him.]

Signal: “What a fight. Ziggy Robbins took Edward Newton to the limit tonight.”

Black Scar: “Ah great, he’s gonna give him a shot ain’t he?”

[Newton extends his hand.]

[Ziggy looks up, surprised.]

Edward Newton: “You lost.”

[A beat.]

Edward Newton: “But you didn’t break.”

[The crowd murmurs.]

Edward Newton: “You held your own.”

[Newton nods once.]

Edward Newton: “You’re in.”

[Ziggy’s face lights up.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Really?!”

[He scrambles to his feet and shakes Newton’s hand enthusiastically.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Oh man— thank you! I promise you won’t regret—”

[The lights go out.]

Signal: “Wait—!”

[Total darkness.]

[The crowd erupts.]

[After several long seconds, the lights snap back on.]

[Edward Newton lies unconscious in the center of the ring.]

[Ziggy Robbins is gone.]

Signal: “Newton’s down!”

Black Scar: “And Ziggy’s vanished. At last, some good news”

[Newton stirs, clutching his head as he slowly rolls onto his side.]

[The tron flickers to life.]

[Dr. Cube appears on-screen, seated calmly, hands folded..]

Dr. Cube: “Edward.”

[Newton looks up at the screen, fury and confusion mixing.]

Dr. Cube: “You took something that wasn’t yours.”

[A pause.]

Dr. Cube:“Games have consequences.”

[The image cuts to static for a moment—]

[—then to Ziggy Robbins, bound to a chair in a dim room, eyes wide but defiant.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Hey! Okay! So— not ideal!”

Signal: “Oh my god…”*

Black Scar: “I told you optimism gets people hurt.”

[The feed snaps back to Dr. Cube.]

Dr. Cube: “Post main event.”

[He taps the championship.]

Dr. Cube: “You return my title.”

[A slight tilt of the head.]

Dr. Cube: “Or Ziggy Robbins plays a game.”

[A beat.]

Dr. Cube: “Make your decision.”

[The screen goes black.]

[Newton pushes himself to his knees, staring at the dark tron.]

Signal: “Dr. Cube has kidnapped Ziggy Robbins!”

Black Scar: “This isn’t a threat. It’s leverage.”

[Newton clenches his fists, jaw tight.]

Signal: “And now Edward Newton has a choice to make…”*

[The camera zooms in on Newton’s face as the crowd buzzes with panic and fury.]

[A bemused Nigel Powers observes a wooden confessional.]

Nigel Powers: “Well, we are in The Temple, I suppose…”

[The hedonistic spy ducks inside.]

Nigel Powers: “Um, hello?”

[A deep voice responds from behind the lattice.]

Priest: “Cross yourself-uhhh.”

[Nigel crosses his legs.]

Priest: “No, with your arms-ahhh!”

[A flustered Powers folds his arms.]

Priest: “Forget it! Do you wish-ah me to bless you, brother?”

Nigel Powers: “But I didn’t sneeze!”

[The exasperated priest sighs.]

Priest: “You’re supposed to ask for my blessing and confess-uh your sins! When was your last confession?”

[Nigel counts on his fingers, carrying the one.]

Nigel Powers: “… Never.”

[The priest scoffs.]

Priest: “I know what’s eatin’ atchoo: your decadent lifestyle-ah!”

Nigel Powers: “Oh, no – I’m quite happy with that.”

[The frustrated priest growls…]

Priest: “Surely you regret indulging-uh in pleasures of the flesh?”

[Nigel giggles.]

Nigel Powers: “Oh, behave! Why would I feel bad about that!?”

[The priest snaps.]

Priest: “ENOUGH!”

[Powers gulps.]

Nigel Powers: “Sorry, Father. I want to confess, uh… Not donating to church. There was this brutish fellow with a collection plate, and I only had 50 pence on me, what with austerity and all. I’m not sure if I would’ve given more… I don’t know if I believe–”

[CRUNCH!]

[Nigel screams as two fists smash through the wood partition!]

[Reverend Blackheart emerges, grabbing Powers by the collar and throwing him out.]

[The Heart of Darkness picks Powers up by his bell-bottom ankle, dangling him upside-down!]

[He shakes him, emptying his pockets…]

[Finding only a banana skin, a BIC Biro, and a sealed condom.]

[Blackheart drops him and advances.]

Reverend Blackheart: “You’ve repented short-changin’ the Lawd-uh, but he demands payment for your non-belief-ah!”

[Nigel squirts him in the face with his lapel flower!]

[The mystery liquid burns, as the Rev covers his eyes and yelps.]

[Powers gets the hell out of there!]

[Backstage, a flaming barrel grabs our attention. Mr. Grimm stands behind it, watching the flames rise up to his level wordlessly.]

[Inside the barrel, we find books that belong to Academius and the bloody hoods of Propaganda’s followers. Beside the Pale Rider, we see more books and hoods that he’s ready to throw into the fire.]

Mr Grimm: “I’ve witnessed what occurred in the ring earlier tonight.”

[He pauses for a moment as he tosses another hood into the bonfire.]

Mr Grimm: “Three men believing that what they have to say, teach, and attack can last longer than death itself. An amusing thought, but one that is ultimately incorrect.”

[Another short pause.]

Mr Grimm: “Death lasts longer than mere beliefs. Those die often due to people changing their minds constantly. If they don’t, they’re altered beyond recognition to the point where they might as well be dead.”

[Grimm tosses a book into the fire next.]

Mr Grimm:“Death will outlast literacy. There’s a literacy crisis amongst the children, with percentages dropping every day. There will be no one left to read the material you’re trying to teach.”

[He then tosses one more hood into the barrel.]

Mr Grimm: “Death will also surpass the concept of justice. Death does not care about what’s right or wrong, only about what must be done.”

[The fire begins to die down, having consumed just about all of what Grimm had to feed it.]

Mr Grimm: “At Turbo Violence, I will put this belt on the line. Next week, however, I will show you that death comes for and will outlast you all.”

[The fire is then snuffed out, leaving us in pitch blackness before we cut.]

[The OSW World & Ultraviolent Champions butt heads, their noses touching.]

[Cube darts behind Grimm and cinches in a waistlock. 50 pounds heavier, Grimm walks them back into the corner – just like Cube wanted!]

[The tactician wraps back around Grimm and rams his shoulder into the biker’s gut over and over again.]

Signal: “Dr. Cube was one step ahead of Mr. Grimm there!”

Black Scar: “Maybe, but one step is nothing compared to the last ride Grimm wants to take him on.”

[Cube pulls Grimm into a gut wrench suplex!]

[He quickly goes for the Regal Stretch – aka the PUZZLE LOCK!]

[Elbows to the face of Cube by Grimm!]

[Cube rolls onto his feet. He charges at Grimm—]

Signal: “Grimm almost decapitated him with that big boot!”

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[KICKOUT!]

[Grimm pulls Cube up. He delivers a beautiful MEMORIAL SERVICE – the German suplex!]

[The Pale Rider scales the turnbuckle. He leaps off into a diving headbutt!]

Black Scar: “NATURAL CAUSES – but it ain’t Dr. Cube’s death certificate!”

Signal: “The mastermind played possum. Mr. Grimm dug his own grave!”

[Cube bides his time as Grimm recovers…]

[Spinning back elbow – CHECKMATE!]

[GOOZLE!?]

[Grimm blocked the strike and grips Cube for a chokeslam…]

[TO THE GRAVE—NO, TO THE FLOOR!]

Signal: “Cube threw himself and Grimm over the top rope!”

Black Scar: “I love the sound of flesh smacking into concrete…”

[They duke it out at ringside as the Ruleador counts them out…]

[Cube motions for Grimm to bring it–]

[DEATH’S DOOR – CUBE DUCKS!]

[GRIMM’S SKULL CRACKS OFF THE STEEL POST!]

[He crumples as Cube rolls back in before the 10-count!]

[GRIMM IS COUNTED OUT!]

[A lone chapel sits upon a hill, an ancient cross hanging high above its entrance.]

[Inside, Lux Bellator bows his head respectfully to a pastor.]

Lux Bellator: “Thank you for your generosity, father. You and your parish have been so welcoming.”

Pastor: “Nonsense.”

[He smiles kindly.]

Pastor: “We are honored to house the great Lux Bellator beneath our roof.”

[The smile is quickly wiped away as the lights hanging overhead begin to shake.]

[The sounds of a thousand feet moving in sync.]

Lux Bellator: “Father, get the others and-“

[CRASH!]

[Lux’s words are silenced by the chapel’s door being all but knocked from its hinges! The sound of glass shattering joins the chorus as the Family swarms the room! They force their way in from every entrance, crawling over one another like vermin spotting their next meal.]

[Bellator lashes out defensively, taking down members of the family with precise blows, futilely trying to fight off the infection before him.]

Padre Del La Venganza: “We take what is ours.”

[BLUNT! FORCE! TRAUMA! PADRE DEL LA VENGANZA WITH THE MURDEROUS SIDE KICK!]

[The strike came from nowhere, Lux dropping limply to the floor as Padre’s Family tears the clergy apart around him. He attempts to push himself off of the ground only for a flurry of stomps to snuff out his light.]

Padre Del La Venganza: “Remove the unwelcome guest in our new home.”

[Ravenous hands claw at Lux, dragging him to the door and flinging him haphazardly into the streets! The door slams shut behind him.]

[The massive cross hanging overhead clatters to the ground.]

[Yet Lux still persists, pushing his bloody, bruised form off of the cobblestone street.]

[Cut.]

[The ring sits surrounded by weaponry of all kinds as this arena gets ready for war! Warlord Mars and Pixelshift stand in their corners as they wait for the bell to ring.]

Signal: “Mars says that he came to warn us about doom… But I’m beginning to think he’s the doom we’re being warned about!”

Black Scar: “I hope so. I’m already tired of seeing Pixelshift have lives left to spare.

[The bell rings and Mars explodes out of his corner like a missile towards Pixelshift! He leaps forwards, crashing all 464 pounds of his unforgiving humanity into Pixelshift with a stinger splash!]

[Player One stumbles out of the corner into a massive belly-to-belly that sends him careening across the ring! Pixel staggers to his feet against the ropes!]

Signal: “BIG BOOT TO THE JAW SENDS PIXELSHIFT RIGHT TO THE OUTSIDE!”

Black Scar: “Finally! Someone get the janitors, it’s gonna get messy!”

[Mars heaves himself over the top rope, dropping to the outside and picking up a steel chair! The Warlord stalks Pixelshift, begging for him to rise before bringing that chair down across his back!]

[WHACK!]

[WHACK!]

[WHACK!]

[The Living Glitch collapses and Mars throws down the chair, dragging Pixelshift and propping him up against the steel steps! The War Dog starts pounding his chest violently, letting out a wicked war cry!]

[CANNONBALL SENTON TO PIXELSHIFT]

[PIXELSHIFT ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY! MARS JUST DENTED THE GOD DAMNED STEEL!]

Signal: “This man is a walking nuke!

Black Scar: “At least a nuke can’t hate you specifically like Mars hates Pixelshift.”

[Player One drags himself up to his feet, reaching under the ring for an advantage as Mars already begins to stir! Mars yells out in anger again before running towards Pixelshift!]

[CLANG!]

[STOP SIGN RIGHT ACROSS THE DOME!]

[The blow stops Mars right in his tracks and leaves him staggered! Pixelshift follows up with an upswing to the jaw that leaves him collapsed against the barricade! The 1UP Wonder grabs Mars and tries to lift!]

“ONE MORE QUAR-TER!”

[The crowd’s chants fuel the Glitch as he lifts again!]

“ONE MORE QUAR-TER!”

[Another!]

“ONE MORE QUAR-TER!”

[POWER-UP PLEX! FISHERMAN SUPLEX SENDS MARS CRASHING THROUGH THE BARRICADE!]

Signal: “LOOK AT THAT POWER UP!”

[Pixelshift tries to drag Mars to his feet to no avail! He drags the quarter ton menace as far as he can only for Mars to begin to stir in his arms! Pixelshift fires off with right hands but Mars refuses to stay down!]

[HEADBUTT AGAINST THE SKULL OF PIXELSHIFT!]

Black Scar: “WARRRRHEAD! NOW THAT’S POWER!“

[The blow rocks him and Mars follows up, grabbing Pixelshift by his skull and dragging him head first across the apron!]

[BEFORE SENDING HIM HEAD FIRST OFF OF THE RING POST!]

[Pixelshift looks worse for wear as Mars rolls him into the ring. The Warlord throws a plethora of weaponry inside the ring before sliding in behind! He grabs a bag, pouring out thumbtacks into the center of the ring!]

Signal: “Oh not this! You’re trying to pin him, not kill him!”

Black Scar: “War never changes, Sig. You best get used to it, this is our future!”

[Mars heaves Pixelshift up and begins to spin at high speed!]

[SIDEWALK SLAM! SPINNING SIDEWALK SLAM BURIES A THOUSAND SHARP TACKS IN PIXELSHIFT’S BACK!]

[The crowd lets out a sympathetic gasp as Mars forces Pixelshift to his feet again, the Save Point Savior looking like he’s barely able to stand! But Mars carries on, grabbing him from behind!]

[GERMAN SUPLEX ONTO THE TACKS!]

[ANOTHER!]

[ANOTHER!]

[PIXELSHIFT IS BECOMING A PIN CUSHION BEFORE OUR VERY EYES!]

Signal: “He’s turning him into ground beef! We have to stop this!”

Black Scar: “You’re gonna get your wish, Sig. Mars is getting the tables!”

[Pixelshift finds himself rolled onto the table as Mars ascends to the top rope! He looks out to the crowd, flexing his muscles as he lets out a howl.]

Warlord Mars: “THIS! IS! WARRRRRRRR!“

[WAR CRIME! TOP ROPE MOONSAULT]

[MARS FREEZES MIDAIR ABOVE PIXELSHIFT! BOTH MEN ARE FROZEN]

[CUTTER BY PIXELSHIFT! LAG SPIKE! LAG SPIKE THROUGH THE TABLE!]

[Broken wood goes flying as Pixelshift kips up! His visor flashes 1UP and vigor fills his veins as he lays into Mars!]

“UP UP!”

[Punch! Punch!]

“DOWN DOWN!”

[Kick! Kick!]

“B! A!”

[Chop! Chop!]

“START!”

[SUPERKICK! THE 8-BIT COMBO! KONAMI CODE ACTIVATED!]

[Mars is down and out as Pixelshift grabs barbed wire from the collection of weapons and begins to wrap it around his knee! He looks to the crowd and thrusts a finger towards the sky!]

Pixelshift: “Player One! Ready!

[HE LEAPS AT THE RISING MARS!]

[HARD RESET WITH THE BARBED WIRE KNEE! MASSIVE LEAPING CODEBREAKER!]

Signal: “Mars just went limp! But wait, Pixelshift just knocked himself out cold.. didn’t he? We need to see a replay of that.”

Black Scar: “Holy crap. As he hit the Codebreaker, Mars slammed him into the canvas with a modified powerbomb. That cheat code abusing glitch just knocked both of em out.”

Signal: “The ruleador has no choice but to count.”

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[THREE!]

[FOUR!]

Signal: “Come on someone. No-one wants to see it end like this!”

Black Scar: “They ain’t movin’, Sig..”

[FIVE!]

[SIX!]

[SEVEN!]

[EIGHT!]

Signal: “Game Over flashes on Pixelshift’s visor!”

Black Scar: “And Mars ain’t waking up. Stick a fork in it.”

[NINE!]

[TEN!]

Signal: “Unbelievable! We have… a draw?”

Black Scar: “That ain’t how anyone wanted the first main event of Slam to go but these two just couldn’t be separated.”

[Ringside — the aftermath of the main event.]

[PixelShift and Warlord Mars lie motionless after a brutal double knockout.]

[The bell has already rung. Officials hesitate, unsure.]

[PixelShift suddenly rolls out of the ring, clutching his ribs.]

[From the entranceway, Dr. Cube emerges, microphone in one hand… a small button device in the other.]

[Beside him walks Santiago Siniestro, calm and deliberate.]

[They enter the ring.]

[Siniestro kneels, hauling Warlord Mars back to his feet, propping him upright like a weapon waiting to be used.]

Signal: “This doesn’t feel like it’s over.”

Black Scar: “It never is when Cube’s around.”

[Dr. Cube raises the microphone.]

Dr. Cube: “Edward Newton.”

[He lifts the button slightly.]

Dr. Cube: “The time is now.”

[A pause.]

Dr. Cube: “Return my championship… or I press this button and the game begins.”

[The tron flickers on.]

[Edward Newton appears on-screen, seated comfortably, composed, almost amused.]

Edward Newton: “An elegant plan, Doctor.”

[A faint smile.]

Edward Newton: “However… leverage requires something of value.”

[He tilts his head.]

Edward Newton: “You used a man I explicitly did not want.”

[A beat.]

Edward Newton: “I didn’t care about him yesterday.”

[A beat.]

Edward Newton: “I don’t care about him now.”

[The crowd gasps.]

Edward Newton: “So press the button.”

[A pause.]

Edward Newton:  “Tonight, you’re not retrieving what I took.”

[Dr. Cube nods slowly.]

Dr. Cube: “Very well.”

[He looks down at the button.]

Dr. Cube: “Choice acknowledged.”

[He presses it.]

[The tron snaps to a split screen.]

[On one side: Edward Newton, still calm.]

[On the other: Ziggy Robbins, bound inside a metal room.]

[Water begins pouring in from vents along the walls.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Okay! Okay… deep breaths!”

[The water reaches his ankles.]

Ziggy Robbins: “This is just… aggressive swimming!”

Signal: “Oh my god— this is real!”

Black Scar: “This is incredible.”

[The water rises to Ziggy’s knees.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Remember! You can’t have a rainbow without the rain!”

[Dr. Cube turns back to the hard camera.]

Dr. Cube: “With Ziggy Robbins out of the picture…”

[A pause.]

Dr. Cube: “You are back to square one, Edward.”

[Suddenly—]

[PixelShift slides back into the ring, steel chair in hand.]

Signal: “PixelShift!”

[He swings wildly.]

[The chair cracks across Santiago Siniestro’s back.]

[Mars turns—another chair shot drops him to one knee.

[PixelShift raises the chair again—]

[Dr. Cube spins him around.]

[Cube lifts PixelShift.]

Black Scar: “Oh boy—”

[Dr. Cube plants him with a brutal Package Piledriver.]

[PixelShift crumples.]

Dr. Cube: “Game over.”

[Dr. Cube stands over PixelShift’s body.]

[He looks up at the tron.]

Dr. Cube: “As Ziggy Robbins plays the game of his life…”

[A pause.]

Dr. Cube: “And PixelShift hits game over…”

[A beat.]

Dr. Cube: “There is no one left to watch your back.”

[On the tron, Edward Newton smiles.]

[In the ring, Dr. Cube stands tall amid fallen bodies.]

Signal: “This has gone too far!”

Black Scar: “Newton wanted a game. Cube just raised the stakes.”

[The split screen lingers — flooding room, fallen heroes, smiling mastermind.]

[Fade to black.]