IN THE SHADOWS
On Ascension this week, strange happenings occur. We have two huge Main Events, including a Gas Chamber match between enemies Felix Foley and Nox, as well as a huge Steel Cell Match between the undefeated Slade Kincaid and Hatchet.
Seek No More, I
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play â–º symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
Jackson Cade wakes to the sting of cold steel against his wrists.
His arms are shackled to a rusted pole, body slumped in the center of a decaying warehouse. Light leaks through holes in the roof. The smell of mildew, piss, and desperation hangs thick in the air. Around him, broken bodies shuffle beneath moldy blankets, eyes darting, afraid.
Vagrants. Dozens. Maybe more. And they’re all staring at him.
A door creaks open. Heavy boots echo across concrete.
Ares.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: I don’t like this one bit.
MATT RUBY: Ares has it under control. BB.
The vagrants flinch, some crawling into corners. Others stare at the floor. No one speaks.
Jackson raises his head, blood dried on his chin.
“What the hell is this?”
Ares doesn’t answer at first. He walks slowly past the huddled bodies, the silence suffocating.
“You wanted to change the world,” Ares finally says. “You stirred hearts. Gave speeches. Promised better days.”
He stops in front of Cade, crouching to eye level.
“These are the ones who believed you. Seekers who didn’t have the luxury of Zeus’ golden ticket.”
Jackson looks around. He sees faces he vaguely remembers. Hollowed now. Starved.
“The war ended,” Ares continues. “You went home. They didn’t. They gave up everything for a man who lost nothing.”
Jackson strains against the chains.
“Why are they here?”
“Because Zeus requires this building demolished. And they refuse to leave.”
A pause. Heavy.
“They’ll die when the charges drop. Or... they can be repurposed. Forced labor. Quiet lives of obedience. Your trial, Cade... is to decide.”
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Double Feature Championship is on the line here tonight, with El Dragon Caido defending against Destructo.
MATT RUBY: That’s El Mariachi Grande to you, BB!
The bell rings and Destructo rockets across the ring, a human missile of fury, driving Caido spine-first into the turnbuckles! He unloads with fists, forearms, and headbutts, wild and unrelenting.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Destructo isn’t pacing himself, he wants the gold.
MATT RUBY: We’ll see how well that works out for him.
Caido absorbs the onslaught, then slips behind with veteran savvy—NECKBREAKER!
As the Anti-Hero rises, Caido springboards—CROSSBODY!
ONE...
...
...
TWO...
...
KICKOUT!!
Destructo kicks out hard, snarling. As they rise to their feet, Destructo grabs Caido—Spinning Uranage—BROKEN SCALES!
ONE...
...
...
TWO...
...
KICKOUT!!
Destructo wastes no time, lifting up Caido.
SEE NO EVIL—NO—CAIDO DUCKS AND COUNTERS WITH DANCE WITH DRAGONS! THE MEXICAN DESTROYER SPIKES DESTRUCTO’S SKULL!
Caido crawls toward the ropes and scales the turnbuckle…
FLIGHT OF THE FALLEN! NO! KNEES UP!!
Destructo writhes but rises—TAKES AIM—ALL MY RAGE! A FLURRY OF PUNCHES, BACKFLIP KICK, AND BRUTAL SHINING WIZARD!
ONE...
...
...
TWO...
...
KICKOUT!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: How is Caido still breathing?!
MATT RUBY: He’s more than a man, BB.
Destructo ascends to the top rope…
SHOOTING STAR KNEEDROP—BUT CAIDO SPRINGS UP—MEETS HIM MID-AIR—WINGBREAKER FROM THE FUCKING TOP!!
ONE...
...
...
TWO...
...
...
THREE!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Caido survives the destruction and retains the title!
MATT RUBY: Just like I knew he would!
Slowly & Painfully
The camera fades into darkness. A single swinging lantern creaks overhead, casting long, jagged shadows across walls lined with grotesque paintings—blood-stained canvases of screaming faces, frozen in eternal agony. The bowels of The Gallery.
In the center of the chamber sits Tombstone, bound to a heavy iron chair with thick chains wrapping around his chest, arms, and legs. His head hangs low.
Before him, a steel table cluttered with surgical tools. Behind it, humming to himself in a tone half-cheerful, half-deranged—Jasper Redgrave.
He lifts a scalpel and admires the reflection of the lantern flame along its blade.
"You really are a marvel, Tombstone," Jasper begins, voice smooth but dripping with menace. "An immortal freak. You die… and yet, you return. Again. And again. And again. Do you realize what that means?"
He turns, stepping toward his prisoner, eyes wide with fascination.
"It means you are the perfect subject." He crouches, eye level with Tombstone. "Most people I torture break eventually. Their bodies give out. They beg, they bargain, and then… they die. Boring. Predictable. But you? You can’t die, can you? Which means…" He grins. "I can hurt you forever."
Tombstone raises his head, the chains rattling as he struggles. His voice is low, rasping.
"You won’t hold me long. I’ll slip away. Back into the ether, like always."
Jasper chuckles. He gestures upward.
Tombstone’s eyes follow—and the camera tilts up. Across the ceiling, glowing faintly red in the lantern’s flicker, is a sigil. The markings are jagged, intricate, drawn in blood. His blood.
"You feel that?" Jasper asks, his voice soft, almost gleeful. "That heaviness in your bones? That weakness crawling under your skin? That’s because you’re not going anywhere."
Tombstone’s turns back toward him, fury simmering behind his stillness.
"Only a very few would know that mark," he growls. "Who told you?"
Jasper presses a finger to his lips.
"Shhh," he whispers. "The artist never reveals his secrets."
He leans in closer, scalpel gleaming just inches from Tombstone’s chest.
"But I’ll say this much—you’re not here to die, Ferryman. You’re here to suffer. And the best part is…" He tilts his head, smiling ear to ear. "You’ll always come back for more."
Tombstone jerks against the chains, his body straining, but the sigil above pulses faintly, holding him fast.
Jasper steadies the scalpel against his flesh.
"Now then… let’s make some art."
The camera zooms tight on Tombstone’s face as the scalpel pierces skin—his roar of pain echoing through the chamber as the screen cuts to black.
Cut.
Exorcised
The match of Klaus Way versus Captain Arcadia looms overhead, yet one man backstage seems hellbent on interfering! Harold Attano storms through the backstage, scattering OSW's staff. "Way! You don't get to decide for my daughter when she's done talking!" His voice booms, the pent up anger from last week's encounter pouring out of him.
WHAM!
ATTANO HAS JUST BEEN BLINDSIDED BY A MASKED MAN!
Harold hits the wall and immediately fights back, slamming his assailant face first against a nearby table! More masked men surround Attano, trying to overwhelm him with sheer numbers! Harold throws one assailant into another, clearing a path as he tries to make distance!
"You aren't freaks. Who the fuck are you!?" Attano's question lands on deaf ears as the men rush him down! One tries to grab him from behind, the Ghost retaliating with a brutal headbutt to the nose that floors him! One by one his attackers throw themselves at him, Harold fighting for his life!
ONE SHOT! ONE KILL! CUTTER!
KILL!
KILL!
KILL!
Harold throws out cutter after cutter, backing down the hall with every last one in an attempt to stay alive!
CRACK! KLAUS WAY WITH A STEEL CHAIR!
The steel chair slams against the back of Harold's skull, the Ghost dropping like a stone in the middle of the hallway. "I decide many things, Harold." Klaus chuckles, tossing the chair aside. "And I've decided that I'm going to let these men exorcise my little ghost problem. Always happy to see someone do my job for me."
Klaus turns on his heels, his music hitting as he walks towards the curtains.
Harold, meanwhile, is drug down the hall behind him, disappearing with the masked men.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Captain versus the Ringmaster, truly a battle of heart versus wit.
MATT RUBY: Is heart what we're calling it now, BB?
The bell rings and Klaus is on the offensive immediately! He lays into Arcadia with a slew of chops and slams that leave him disoriented! Klaus whips him into the ropes, catching him on return with a massive standing blockbuster! The Oddball hits the ropes, handspringing into them as Arcadia rises!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: RIGHT INTO THE GRASPS OF JUSTICE! INVERTED FRANKEINSTEINER!
MATT RUBY: Attacking from behind? What a hero he is!
Klaus hits the mat with a thunderous thud, leaving himself open for Cap to hit the ropes and come back with a picture perfect moonsault! Klaus stumbles to his feet, Arcadia building up momentum with an arm drag! Arcadia runs the ropes!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: KLAUS POPS UP WITH A STANDING SENTON TO ARCADIA!
MATT RUBY: TEABAGGED HIM AT HIGH SPEEDS!
All of Arcadia's momentum is stopped dead in its tracks as Klaus takes back control! The Ringmaster lays into Cap with rapid knees and kicks, pummeling him for daring to get back to his feet! Cap gets to a knee, battling through the assault with raw determination!
RIGHT HOOK BY CAP!
CHOP BY KLAUS!
BOTH TITANS TEE OFF ON ONE ANOTHER AS THEY TRADE BLOWS IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!
Klaus ducks a haymaker, grabbing Cap from behind and flipping him over! He runs for the ropes!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: BIZZZARO! THE SO MUCH UNPRETTIER UP THE TURNBUCKLE!
MATT RUBY: AND CAP ALREADY LOOKED BIZARRE BEFORE!
Klaus covers!
ONE!
...
...
TWO!
...
...
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Wit has trumped heart here tonight as Klaus Way wins in brutal fashion.
Where it Begins
A photo album lies on a table, in front of an agitated looking Destructo. He’s flipping through the pages, muttering to himself.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Destructo has kept moving on, despite at every turn in his life coming across more curveballs.
MATT RUBY: Some people don’t seem to know when the world just doesn’t want them around. He was a mistake, ultimately.
“All my life.” Destructo laments. “I’ve been lied to. Every moment in this book is tainted by the choices of others. My mother…”
He turns the page.
“My father, who wasn’t my father. That asshole, Nox…”
He turns the page.
“Doom…”
He slams the book shut, tears in his eyes.
“It’s come down to this.” He slams a fist onto the cover of the album. “I’m free, and it begins now. I take my fucking control back.”
A second figure approaches him, smiling sympathetically. Felix Foley greets him.
“How are you feeling, Kid?”
Destructo doesn’t answer, he stares at Foley for a long time.
“You came to my rescue, after everything, you think we’re friends somehow?” He scoffs.
Foley stammers, but Destructo cuts him off.
“What I’m trying to say, is… thank you, I guess.” He sighs. “But I can’t trust anybody any more, including you.”
MATT RUBY: Look out for number one and you cannot get burned again.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What else does Foley need to do to prove himself to Destructo. Without him, Destructo would have been melted last week.
Foley pats Destructo on the shoulder.
“We take the fight to Nox. He deserves every piece of vengeance you have built up for him.”
Destructo glares at the hand on his shoulder, then to the face of the man who placed it there.
He pushes Foley away.
“Nox is mine, and mine alone. There is no we.”
Foley backs off, but he doesn’t look angry. He knows that look in the eyes, how it feels to have your world crashing down around you. He starts back at Destructo with a stern warning.
“Nox will be ready for you. You need me, you need help. Support. You can’t do this alone.” He smiles at Destructo. “Trust or no trust, I’m every bit as angry with him as you are.”
Destructo pushes Foley again, up against the wall.
“I don’t care. It’s time for me to fight for everything. To fight for my lie of a life, and Nox is mine alone.”
With a frustrated growl, Destructo walks away.
We zoom away to find, watching on behind a screen, a figure with a wheezing laugh.
“Perfect.” The familiar voice of Nox laughs. “A little concoction of blind anger meeting desperation. It will make it all the easier to destroy you once and for all, pesky child.”
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Well, this one’s gonna be a doozy as El Mariachi Muerte does battle with Anton Savor.
MATT RUBY: Anton Savor has this in the bag; he’s a virtuoso, and EMM is just a man now.
We go to the ring where Cole Holt calls for the bell, and we are underway with Singing Death looking a bit hesitant, allowing The Chef to grab the upper hand by pushing Lucha Muerte against the ropes...
*CRACK!*
Knife-Edge Chop to the Chest of Muerte!
*CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!*
A series of rapid-fire Chops before leveling a spinning back Elbow – FLAMBE! - NO!
La Mariachi ducks the back elbow and manages to catch The Chef Supreme with an overhead Bell-To-Belly Suplex – WHISKEY LULLABY – sends Anton Savor crashing to the mat!
EMM rushes to the Top Rope, following up with the Double Foot Stop – 48 – CREME BRULEE – Savor kips up and catches EMM out of the sky with a devastating Superkick!
Causing EMM to bounce off the ropes and on the rebound up and into the GTS from Anton Savor – THE FINAL CRADLE – INSIDE CRADLE BY EMM!
El Mariachi Muerte rolls up The Chef Supreme tightly as Cole Holt makes the count!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
MATT RUBY: He’s not a Mariachi anymore, he’s a thief, he may be better at stealing victories than he ever was a Mariachi!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Way to kick a man when he’s down, Matt. El Mariachi Muerte is having a crisis of purpose, and you have to be a Blacksmith’s Hammer about it.
MATT RUBY: Blacksmith’s Hammer?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Yeah, a completely concussed tool.
Searching for Clues
Rummaging can be heard within one of the many locker rooms of Olympus. Clothes, towels, and miscellaneous accessories belonging to Narcissa have been thrown onto the floor in someone's hasty search for something specific.
The culprit behind this vandalism is Gemini, who continues to trash the room in the hopes of finding what she's looking for.
"Where the hell could it be!?" She yells to no one in particular. "I know she has footage of the Red Light District somewhere, I'm certain of it!"
The Rogue takes a break from ransacking Narcy's locker to run her hands through her hair. She inhales deeply before groaning out of frustration.
"It has to exist," she reassures herself. "How else could she have known about it and showed it to Night? Why else would she taunt me as if she knew what I did?"
Slowly, she walks towards one of the untouched lockers. Her fists and teeth clench tighter with every step she takes, almost as if she's about to explode upon reaching her destination.
"BUT WHERE THE FUCK IS IT!?" The former Seeker roars, slamming both fists into the door. The impact of which causes something from inside to fall onto the floor. Gemini notices the sound instantly, unlocking the locker and open the door to find exactly what she was looking for.
A video tape with the initials RLD.
With a smile, she stomps on the tape, causing it to break in half. Satisfied, she walks out of the room, confident that Narcy's hold over Night has been broken.
Just as she heads for the exit, however, Porcelain masked individuals grab her and stuff chloroform into her face, knocking her out. Without uttering a word, they carry her limp body through the backstage area, leaving only the remnants of her search in their wake.
Cut.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The Brothers in Christ, Nero and Ezekiel Graves take on the unlikely team of Narcissa and the Night.
MATT RUBY: There are going to be fireworks all over this one. Let’s get it on!
Narcissa and the Reverend Graves start in the ring, with Narcissa looking to get an early jump. She comes charging at Graves, looking to hit her with her patented knee, but Graves sees her coming.
MASSIVE LARIAT TURNS NARCISSA UPSIDE DOWN!
Graves hoists Narcissa up… PURGATORY PLUNGE!
NO!
NARCISSA GOUGES THE EYES…
BLINDED BY LOVE! THE STO DROPS GRAVES!
MATT RUBY: Narcissa shows us why she’s queen, turning the tables on the big guy.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: She’s always got something up her sleeve if that’s what you’re getting at.
Narcissa tags in Night and the Enigma comes in with a head full of steam. Graves is getting to his feet when Night flies at him.
NIGHT CAP!
NO!
GRAVES GRABS HIM BY THE THROAT AND TOSSES HIM INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!
He tags in Nero and the pair grab Night.
GRAVES HOLDS NIGHT IN HIS ELEVATED POWERBOMB POSITION!
FIREWALL FROM NERO WHILE GRAVES HAS HIM READY!
PURGATORY PLUNGE!
THE CHAMPS DESTROY NIGHT!
ONE!
TWO!
NO!
KICKOUT!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: There’s life in Night yet.
MATT RUBY: Some just don’t know when to quit, you mean.
Nero grabs Night by the scruff of the neck and pulls him to his feet. He pulls Night into a headlock, but Night fights back.
Quick strikes from Night break the hold and he dashes off at the corner. Nero heads off in hot pursuit.
NIGHTFALL! THE SOL SNATCHER HITS!
NIGHT COVERS!
ONE!
TWO!
NO! GRAVES COMES IN AND BREAKS THE PINFALL!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Graves saves things at the last minute, proving why they are the champions.
MATT RUBY: One has to do what one has to do to win!
Narcissa protests at Graves getting involved be entering the ring too, only for Demi Sky to turn and try to stop her. This leaves Night wide open for Graves.
FINAL JUDGEMENT!
THE CHOKESLAM DESTROYS NIGHT!
AND GRAVES PULLS A BATTERED NERO ON TOP OF NIGHT FOR THE PINFALL!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Night goes down and the team of Ezekiel Graves and Nero are your winners.
Watchers
MATT RUBY: I love tag team matches.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We’re actually in agreement on that one. So much action.
MATT RUBY: I take it back!
Nero leans against the corner, chest heaving. Graves stands center ring, microphone in hand, voice like thunder.
“Enough!” he roars. “You promised us answers. Where are they?”
Silence.
Then movement.
The robed Watcher from last week steps out from the crowd and climbs the steps, slipping between the ropes like a wraith. He joins Graves in the center, head bowed.
“The sermon must be given tonight,” he says calmly. “Only then will revelation find you.”
Graves glares, jaw tight. “The Lord’s message doesn’t work on your time. Speak.”
The Watcher turns to him, patient. “The altar must be prepared. The message delivered. Tonight, the curtain lifts.”
From the corner, Nero shakes his head.
“No more games.” He walks forward, eyes locked. “No more riddles. Just tell me where they are.”
The Watcher tilts his head. “Lucien,” he says, the name a knife between ribs. “Why the urgency now? Was abandoning them not enough?”
Nero’s fists clench.
“Say that again.”
“You left them. And now…”
Nero surges forward.
But the lights flicker.
Smoke bellows in from the floor. From the haze, masked figures swarm the ring.
Nero fights, swinging wildly, cracking one across the jaw, but two more take his arms. A third wraps around his neck.
Graves lunges too late.
They vanish into the smoke, dragging Nero with them, gone before Graves can even reach the ropes.
The lights return.
The Watcher is stunned. For once, silent.
Graves doesn’t look at him.
He drops from the ring, storming up the ramp.
“Then I’ll speak tonight,” he growls under his breath. “And God help whoever’s listening.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Looks like the Lord’s message has come to him.
MATT RUBY: Where is Nero!?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have what should be a very violent matchup here folks that we have seen many a time before. Mrs Foleys Baby Boy up against the sadistic Chemist but this time they're trapped in Nox's own creation the Gas Chamber.
MATT RUBY: That idiot Foley poked his nose where it didn't belong for the last time last week and now Nox is going to silence that fool once and for ruining his plans and keeping that world championship from him.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: All Felix did last week was the right thing was save someone he cares about from a sickening end and now I'm looking forward to Nox getting what he deserves here.
The bell sounds as Felix explodes out of the corner with a mammoth Lariat that turns Nox inside out. He staggers up into a flurry of lefts and rights before he's pulled up onto Felix's shoulders.
BUMPED HIS...NO!
Nox manages to slip out the back, grabbing Foley from behind in a Full Nelson before snapping back
PARALYTIC PLEX! SNAP DRAGON ON FOLEY
BUT FELIX IS IMMEDIATELY ON HIS FEET!
Nox turns around right into an sprinting Foley
MATT RUBY: Duck you beautiful bastard
WHO SHOWS NOX WHY HIS BOOTS ARE MADE FOR BOOTING WITH A MAMMOTH RUNNING BIG BOOT!
Nox takes it on the chin, completely rocked as he tumbles through the ropes to the floor below. Nox stumbles up, stumbling towards the ramp with Foley in hot pursuit
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: SPEAR! Foley sends both of them tumbling up the steel ramp but Felix isn't done as he pulls the hurting Nox up
AND BELLY TO BELLY OVERHEAD SUPLEXES HIM INTO THE WALL OF THE GAS CHAMBER!
Foley pulls Nox up, looking to finish him off
LOW BLOW!
Foley drops to his knees, eye level to Nox's chest which unleashes a brutal Poison Mister cloud to the face that blinds Felix as he's pulled up
GET OVER HERE! Short Arm Clothesline sends Felix tumbling into the Chamber. Nox going to close the door but Felix grabs him, pulling him closer
HEADBUTT
CUT THE STRINGS!
Double Arm DDT sends Nox headfirst into the metal floor with a thunk. Foley staggering to his feet as he slams the door shut and turns the nozzle!
MATT RUBY: NO! How did he do that? This is Nox's match!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: And that is Felix Freaking Foley. The man who overcomes the odds and with the gas filling the chamber, the man who has won this match.
Dead End
"You seem so certain of yourself, Captain." The chillingly calm voice of Mister Sunshine cuts through the cool night air. He cranes his head towards Captain Arcadia, his unlikely companion.
"I always am," Cap replies with a smirk. "And I'm certain that I found where Boswick went."
The duo descend deeper into Arcadia, far below into the Bleak. Once home to Arcadia's most downtrodden, now a hotspot for seedy dealings. Snaking through alleyways until they come across a decrepit old building. The sign hanging limply above the door is decayed, only the words 'pet shop' barely made legible.
"Records show that this store was owned by a shell corporation tied to the ACA. More importantly, paperwork shows it was signed for by Boswick himself."
"I see," Sunshine says dryly. "But why bring me, then?"
"Because I'm not sure Savor isn't working with Boswick." Arcadia speaks matter-of-factly, lips pulling into a frown. "I'll take my chances you want him as badly as I do now."
Sunshine stands still for a moment, thinking before nodding in agreement. "Well, then shall we go inside?"
Cap nods, twisting the knob and pushing into the store to reveal a familiar site. A single bulb swinging overhead, a long dead corpse sat in a chair, bag still on his head. Arcadia rushes up to the corpse, trembling with rage as he looks it over.
"Damn it," he hisses. "Always too late."
"Well," Sunshine begins. "Late as you may be, we may as well find out just who is under that mask, shouldn't we?"
There's a pregnant pause before the Captain nods, reaching out and grabbing hold of the bag, yanking it off in one quick motion!
Revealing Sebastian Boswick's lifeless face beneath.
"Boswick...?" Arcadia backs away, looking to Sunshine in confusion. Charlie tries to reply when a bag is forced over his head! Another goes over Captain Arcadia's head as both men are ambushed by masked assailants! Arcadia and Sunshine are dragged away before they can investigate further.
Dragged right into a dead end.
Cut.
Open Heaven
The chapel flickers in candlelight.
El Mariachi Muerte sits alone in the pews, head bowed beneath his hat, hands resting on trembling knees.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: El Mariachi Muerte is so broken, it’s led him to the halls of Ezekiel Graves church.
MATT RUBY: The Lord will heal him!
The echoes of Graves’ voice fill the air from the pulpit.
“We are but vessels,” Graves proclaims, “and vessels must be emptied. Sacrifice is the toll for the kingdom of heaven. Even our brother Nero was taken, because the path is narrow... and costly.”
A voice rises from the crowd.
“And are you counted among the sacrificed, Reverend?”
Graves pauses. His eyes scan the pews.
Another stands.
“How does it feel to preach to a congregation that never had a choice?”
Then comes the echo of boots.
Down the aisle struts El Dragon Caido, Muerte’s old guitar slung over his shoulder like a crown.
“These men,” Caido says, nodding to the altar, “were given a gift. The Watchers offered help. And now? Nero is gone. And you, preacher man, are about to lose everything.”
Graves’ voice roars through the chamber.
“Seize him!”
No one moves.
Caido chuckles.
“They won’t listen to you. Not anymore. They’re not your congregation, Ezekiel. They’re mine. The Watchers are everywhere, Reverend. Rose sends her regards.”
The pews erupt. Chaos unfolds.
Graves swings at the first, another takes him from behind. Muerte jumps up, fists flying as he goes after the Watchers, trying to carve a path to Caido.
But Graves can’t see that. The Revered slams Muerte him down, cracking a knee into his ribs.
Caido climbs onto the stage, arms outstretched, taking command of the altar—
CRASH!
The doors burst open.
Masked men pour in, tackling Caido, dragging him screaming into the night.
MATT RUBY: Not Caido!
Just as quickly, they’re gone.
The Watchers scatter in confusion, their leader gone.
Graves rises, bloodied and dazed, looking down at the groaning body of El Mariachi Muerte.
He kneels.
“You know that son of a bitch,” he growls. “You’re coming with me.”
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Looks like Graves is going to use Muerte to find out what Caido knows.
MATT RUBY: I’m not sure that’s going to help at all. What is going on here tonight?
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: We have a huge main event here tonight. The rising monster Slade Kincaid going head to head against the co Lambs survivor and the man we haven't seen since losing at Ring of Dreams, the sadistic clown Hatchet.
MATT RUBY: Hatchy was just hanging back after being screwed out of the world title. He's back and more dangerous then ever. Kincaid might be a monster but Hatchet is a killer and he's ready to make him a real ghost.
The bell sounds as both men slowly approach one another, sizing the other up as Kincaid is for once the man looking up at his opponent. Hatchet sneering down at the smaller Ghost before mockingly tapping him on the cheek and urging him forward.
Kincaid obliges with a brutal right hand that rocks and staggers Hatchet back, a small cut opening up on his forehead. He scowls slightly before swaggering back to Kincaid and slapping him again, harder this time.
Kincaid goes for another right but Hatchet ducks it this time before rocking his head forward
WIG SPLIT! Headbutt rocks Kincaid's head back before it instantly snaps back, slightly smiling as Hatchets swaggering smile turns sour.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Hatchet's finding out just how powerful the Major is first hand here.
Hatchet begins pounding down with lefts and rights that barely affect Kincaid, even seemingly bouncing off his frame of pure muscle. Hatchet backs up, running forward but Kincaid avoids a Lariat
RETURNING FIRE WITH A HUGE PALM STRIKE!
The blow dazes Hatchet as Kincaid unleashes a machine like flurry of palm strikes to the face and chest before backing up, swinging around
AND NAILING A BRUTAL SUPRESSED FIRE ELBOW STRIKE TO THE JAW!
Hatchet doesn't go down but he's groggy, out on his feet before he's lifted up with a single leg takedown, slammed into the mat
BEFORE KINCAID LOCKS IN THE CROSSFACE OF NO RETURN!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Hatchet is being absolutely dismantled here like we've never seen, I think he really underestimated Kincaid here.
MATT RUBY: Hey Hatchet is just warming up here. Kincaid might be stronger but Hatchet is way smarter then that single minded oaf.
Hatchet screams out in pain, Kincaid trying to rip his damn head off from the force of the crossface. The Juggalo slowly pulling himself forward, managing to grab the ropes but Demi Sky just shakes her head.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: The ropes don't mean anything here, the only way to win is by pinfall or submission and the only way to escape that crossface is for Hatchet to force his way out.
Hatchet curses as Kincaid pulls back even harder, his hands slipping over Hatchets mouth.
Who opens it and bites down on the hand.
MATT RUBY: Told ya BB, smart as a fox.
Kincaid recoils in pain, loosening the hold enough for Hatchet to slither his way out but as soon as he staggers to his feet, he's dropped to the mat by a hard right hook to the jaw, Hatchet rocked on his knees as Kincaid rushes to the ropes.
BOUNCING OFF WITH THE GHOST WALK RUNNING KNEE!
Hatchet is down as Kincaid hooks the leg, Demi Sky sliding in to count
ONE
..............
..................
TWO
................
....................
HATCHET MANAGES TO GET THE SHOULDER UP!
The Clown is dazed on the mat, trying to crawl to the corner as Kincaid grabs him by the foot, trying to drag him back. Hatchet manages a hard kick to the jaw, slipping out of the Ghost's grip before he reaches underneath the ring
Pulling out a bottle of Faygo.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: How the hell did he get that in there? And what the hell does he have planned with it?
MATT RUBY: Hey it's perfectly legal here, besides I'm sure he's just wanting to quench his thirst BB.
Hatchet opens the bottle, taking a big swig before Kincaid grabs him again. Hatchet turning around
AND SPITTING THE FAYGO RIGHT IN HIS EYES BLINDING KINCAID!
Slade staggers back, Hatchet swaggering to his feet holding the bottle. He takes another deep swig before flipping the bottle around
AND BREAKING IT OVER KINCAID'S SKULL!
The sheer impact of the glass bottle breaking finally damages Kincaid, dropping him down to the mat as Hatchet tosses the useless glass away, leaping up
AND DELIVERING A HARD DEATH POP LEAPING FOREARM!
Blood oozes down Kincaid from the impact, Hatchet rolling to his feet with a smile as he pulls Kincaid up, wrapping his arm around his throat
AND NEARLY BREAKS HIM IN HALF AS HE DOWNS THE PONY!
The Side Slam Backbreaker hits hard but Hatchet doesn't let go, delivering two, then three then a monsterous fourth that causes even Kincaid to call out in agony.
MATT RUBY: Told ya BB, only a matter of time. Kincaid might be strong but Hatchet is savagery personified and he's going to break that pathetic excuse for a God in two.
Hatchet drops Kincaid to the mat before slowly walking to the corner and climbing to the top rope. He looks down on Slade with that swaggering grin as he mockingly dances slightly before leaping off
KINCAID KIPS UP, CATCHING HIM IN MID-AIR!
Hatchet rains down heavy lefts and rights but Kincaid is furious, powering Hatchet up high
BEFORE THROWING HIM FORWARD BACK DOWN ONTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: ZEUS IN CHRIST! Hatchet may have just been broken in half there.
Kincaid calls for the end, lifting Hatchet up
JUGGA LOW! Hatchet uppercuts Kincaid right in the balls, fury in the Wraith's face as he double underhooks Kincaid immediately
BEFORE DELIVERING A POWERBOMB OF HIS OWN WITH SOME HOKUS POKUS!
Hatchet backs up, waiting for Kincaid to slowly get to his feet
CHUCK THE CHAINSAW...MISSES! Kincaid ducks underneath, grabbing Hatchet's arm as he does
PEACEKILLER! SHORT ARM LARIAT OUT OF NOWHERE!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: That has to be it, Kincaid has done it but he's not letting go of Hatchet.
Kincaid pulls the limp Hatchet up to his feet, delivering a second Peacekiller then a third before lifting him up onto his shoulders
AND SWINGS HIM DOWN INTO A SPINNING TOMBSTONE!
SECTOR NINE KILLS THE CLOWN WITH FIIIIIIRRREEE!
Kincaid drops down, hooking the leg on the broken Hatchet as Demi Sky slides down to count
ONE
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TWO
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....................
THREE!!!
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: Slade Kincaid picks up the huge victory here over a returning Hatchet. The Clown put up a huge fight but he couldn't exorcise this Ghost in the end.
In The Shadows
The lab hums with the eerie glow of green-lit vats, chemicals bubbling, machines churning in quiet menace. The metallic walls glisten under the fluorescent glare.
Up in the rafters, cloaked in darkness, sits The Night. His pale eyes pierce through the gloom, locked on the floor below. He waits, perched like a predator, silent and patient.
Below, Doom works. Sparks crackle from his gauntlets as he tightens the bolts on one of his machines. His breathing is heavy, mechanical mask hissing with each exhale. He mutters under his breath, focused, unaware.
Then—
A crash. The side doors blast open.
Figures pour into the lab—masked men, clad in black. Their boots pound against the steel floor as they swarm. Doom barely turns before the first strike hits—metal pipes slam into his chest, steel chains whip around his arms.
He fights back, roaring through his mask, launching one man across the lab with a wild swing of his gauntlet. But there are too many. Dozens. They descend like wolves, clubbing him, stomping him, pinning his arms and legs until even the Iron Monster can’t rise.
The clang of chains echoes as they bind him, dragging his massive frame across the floor. He bellows, straining, but they overpower him—forcing him toward the shadows.
Above, The Night crouches low, watching. His knuckles are white against the steel rafters. His jaw clenches, teeth grinding.
“They’re taking him,” he mutters, voice just audible in the quiet between Doom’s roars. His words tremble—not with fear, but with something deeper.
“I won’t lose this… Not my title match. Not my vengeance. Not… everything else.”
His hand tightens around the hilt of a a black baseball bat strapped to his back, but he doesn’t leap. Not yet.
Below, Doom is dragged through the side door, his voice echoing as it fades into the distance. The masked men vanish with him, the lab left in ruins.
From above, The Night drops down silently to the floor, landing amidst the wreckage. His eyes narrow, his face bathed in the glow of shattered machinery.
“I’ll follow,” he says, the words venomous, laced with obsession. “Wherever they take you… I’ll follow. I won’t lose this.”
He steps into the shadows, slipping after them.
Cut.
Seek No More, II
Continued.
“Death or slavery,” Jackson says, his voice low, cracking under the weight of it. “That’s not a decision. That’s cruelty.”
Ares stands at the threshold, arms folded like a statue carved from war itself.
“Call it what you like,” he replies coldly. “But they will not choose. You will.”
Jackson glares. “That’s not leadership. That’s playing god.”
Ares steps closer.
“This is the power Zeus wields. Not glory. Not mercy. Burden. Lives measured in consequence. And when Arcadia calls, there is no abstaining. There is no clean. Only blood.”
He kneels, unhooks the chains from Jackson’s wrists, and lets them fall with a clatter.
“You want the crown?” Ares says. “Then hold the weight. I’ll be outside.”
He turns and walks out, the door slamming behind him.
Jackson is free. But nothing about this moment feels like freedom.
He staggers to his feet, rubbing his wrists. The vagrants watch him with hollow hope in their eyes, waiting.
“I didn’t ask for this,” he begins, his voice quiet. “But neither did you. And maybe that’s the point.”
He steps forward.
“I wanted to change things. I wanted to fight for something better. But maybe I got soft. Maybe I forgot that real change… costs.”
He pauses, swallowing the guilt rising in his throat.
“I don’t know what the right call is. But I’ll make it. I won’t run.”
BOOM.
The back wall erupts. Brick and dust flood the air. Shouts pierce the haze as masked figures charge through the breach, grabbing Jackson.
“What the—!”
They drag him back through the smoke, disappearing into the hole.
BRONCO BLACKWOOD: What is going on here tonight, Ruby?
MATT RUBY: How many people have been taken by these guys?
Ares bursts in a second later, eyes wide with fury. He looks around.
No Jackson.
His roar rattles the rafters.
“WHO TOOK HIM?!”
But there is no answer.
Only the cold, crumbling silence.
Cut.