CHAIN REACTION II

THE LONG NIGHT III
RECORDED EARLIER

Click.

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

Continued.

The Butcher doesn’t even respond, walking away into the alley of which he came. By the time he rounds the corner at the top, a second vehicle appears to be waiting for him.

This one he knows all too well.

This one made him stop dead in his tracks.

Without hesitation, he gets straight inside.

This time we don’t see who sits opposite, we just know that The Butcher’s face has gone a shade of ghostly pale.

“I can’t believe its actually you,” he says with a stutter and a stammer.

“When I created the Skull Order, I did it to prevent what so many people are trying to accomplish,” a booming voice angrily states. “And now there’s a faction war brewing for the very thing I’ve tried to avoid.”

The Butcher gulps.

“The Guild, The Skull Order, The IWF and Sigil,” he confirms. “People want to get their grubby hands on something their tiny minds could never comprehend.”

“Is that why you’re here?” Colin asks with a terrified stammer.

There’s a pause.

“There may be a time for my interjection and it isn’t yet,” the voice says with careful consideration. “After this conversation, I will return to my duties and I will not return unless required.”

“What do you need from me? I gave everything I had to the Skull Order. I sacrificed for your plans.”

His sudden bravery is accompanied by a shuffle in his seat.

“You did,” he admits. “But you’re in this, now. You paid a steep price for your knowledge; knowledge that very few have. When this story is written, your name will be registered within the annals of history with it.”

He sighs.

“However, I need you to make an important decision and choose a side. I know you’re working for The Guild. I know you’re at war with the IWF. I know that you’ve aligned with Sigil, feigning ignorance. Things will get worse before they get better. The rainclouds have only just begun to form and the skies are soon to open. Choose to work with The Skull Order and protect the world; decline and assist another faction, and if I must return, you will be the first.”

The Butcher gulps.

Cut.

TRAIL GOES COLD
BACKSTAGE

In the past week, Kane has been “burning the midnight oil” going through her evidence. In her mind, she rationalizes that the prospects of Monty Straight being a serial killer are pretty slim.

“It’s true the guy is a little on the strange side, but does he have it in him to commit multiple murders,” Kane questions to herself, speaking into her recorder while looking over the crime photos.

Kane glances up towards her suspects board and her eyes land upon the Reaper.

“The suspected weapons used in these killings fit the Reaper’s style and arsenal. However, what would be the motive? Each one of his killings have had a calling card, each victim had extensive criminal records,” she stated into the recorder.

Suddenly, the lights flicker within the sleuth’s office before turning to complete darkness. She hears a rustling of papers coming from the corner. In one instance, she believes she sees a flash of yellow like that of Straight’s jacket. In the next moment, her eyes pick up the glare from Reaper’s vest.

“Who’s there? Show yourself,” Kane demands.

The lights immediately come back on and there’s a letter lying in front of her. She opens and her eyes follow the message made from cut out letters from a magazine.

Greetings Ms. Kane,

I admire your crusade for the truth. But I feel you’re on the wrong track, dear sleuth.

Pinning these crimes on the game show host and vigilante was bold. But the truth of the matter is your trail’s gone cold.

See you soon,

A friend

Cut.

TYLER BROOKS VS. CHORT
SINGLES MATCH

The arena goes into complete darkness, as Brand New Odyssey begins to play. a single ray of red light is shown on the ramp, and reveals Chort, his head bows down. Soon enough he raise his head up and his dead eyes target the ring. he walks slowly as the all arena is now in red lightnings. Chort enters the ring from beneath the lower rope. He gets up in the ring as the lightning in the ring goes into holy-yellow. chort raises his hands up as if he prays.

“What you got, what you want, what you need.. GONNA BE YOUR SAVIOR!” As the lights dim, the thousands of fans in attendance began to roar. “Savior” by Skillet blares over the P.A. system as Tyler Brooks emerges through the curtains under pulsating stage lights. At the top of the ramp, The Savior of the Wrestling Industry would stop, throwing his arms out to strike a pose for the crowd. The roars becoming deafening, Brooks shot down the ramp in a full sprint, sliding into the ring. Without missing a beat, he rushed the corner he would make his own for the night, leaping up onto the middle rope to throw his arms out to his sides once more.

Brooks shoots in for a collar and elbow tie up, Chort drops to a knee and grabs a waist lock. He slips behind the back with a rear waist lock as Tyler tries to find a way out. He sits back, pressing down on Chort’s wrists.

Tyler grabs a headlock as they back into the ropes.

Chort pushes him off and Tyler comes running back with a shoulder block that drops him to the mat. He hits the ropes once again, Chort drops down, Brooks up and over.

Brooks comes back swinging for the fences with a clothesline…

NO!

Chort blocks the attempt with the crook of his elbow, and uses his other elbow to bring Brooks down to the mat.

FUJIWARA ARMBAR!!!

Brooks writhing in pain. He scrambles trying to find a way out while at the same time looking for the ring ropes. He gets to the ropes, the toe of his boot touching the bottom rope.

The referee peels Chort off of The Savior, as he clutches his right arm, trying to shake it out. Chort grabs Brooks and pulls him up to his feet. Brooks hits him in the midsection with a couple of straight punches followed by a knee to the gut.

Brooks is about to hit the ropes but Chort kicks him in his injured arm and locks in a chicken wing crossface! Brooks sways side to side in an attempt to escape. He gets close to the turnbuckle and starts climbing them while still locked into the submission. He leaps backwards and lands on top of Chort while still in the chicken wing.

ONE!

…

TWO!

…

TH-

NO! KICKOUT!!!

Chort immediately pops up and kicks Brooks in his injured arm. Brooks fires up and starts wailing on Chort with chops, kicks, elbows, anything that he can throw at him. He hits the ropes, runs past Chort, comes back behind him, he hits the ropes once more with a head full of steam —

EYE OF THE SAVIOR!!!

NO!!!

SUUUUUPERKICK!!!

Brooks stumbles backwards into the ropes…

EYE OF THE SAVIOOOOORRRRRR!!!

Both men lay on the mat motionless.

Brooks is first to his feet. He picks up Chort, but his arm fails him and he immediately clutches it.

ROLLING ARMBAR!!!

NO!!!

Brooks pushes Chort off before he can roll through. Chort turns around —

YOUR!

FORETOLD!

DESTINYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!

Tyler Brooks’ shin connects square on Chort’s Jaw causing his body to stiffen, falling down like a cut tree in the woods. His head bounces off of the canvas and his arms and legs lock up in the air. Tyler Brooks drops to his knees, clutching at his left arm and hooks Chort’s far leg.

ONE!

…

TWO!

…

THREE!!!

Tyler Brooks picks up the hard fought victory to go 2-0.

LUCID FALLS
SOMEWHERE ELSE

Darkness has fallen on Lucid Falls.

Except this isn’t the Lucid Falls we know.

Instead of idyllic landscapes and neighborhoods, it’s almost as if it’s been turned upside down. Broken down shacks line the broken streets. Instead of smiling citizens, all we can see are children running around, playing happily while the world falls down around them.

Then an adult enters the frame.

And she is running with all she has.

It’s Mia Allen, the girl Jessie Williams and Brent Kersh have been searching for. The one who they’ve identified as Mrs. Ducksworth, as improbable as it is.

But she’s not old here. She looks exactly as she did in the picture Jessie found.

Dodging through the throngs of playing children, Mia runs up the stairs to a building at the end of the cul-de-sac, where Sandy Rogers place should be.

But instead it’s a prison.

She runs past several cells, filled with the downtrodden, until she comes to a cell with only a small peep hole letting light in. She peeks in, then smiles.

“I’ve got to get you out of here.” She pants. “He’s coming.”

“And then what?” A voice calls out of the cell. “I’ve fought him with all that I have. Look where it’s gotten me.”

She seems confused.

“You’re the only one that can stop him.” She pleads. “I can’t win without you.”

“You don’t get it.” The mysterious man says. “As long as you’re here, fighting on his turf, then you’ll never win. You have to wake up. Your body will be weak, frail. Old. I’m sure he’s sapped all he can from you.”

Mia shakes her head.

“What are you talking about?” She asks. “How do I fight him, then?”

“You don’t.” He responds quickly. “He’ll know you’ve broken free. You won’t have much time.”

He hands her a piece of… something. In blood, there appears to be writing on it.

“Memorize these numbers. On top’s a phone number. Call it. Give the man that answers the coordinates written below. Tell him everything he needs will be there.”

She stares at the numbers for a moment, a roar growing in the background.

Foot steps approach.

“Please,” she calls. “Let me get you…”

“Now!” He screams. “Wake up!”

Tears in her eyes, Mia Allen looks down at the piece of paper and closes her eyes.

And when she opens them, the world has changed.

No longer is she in the destroyed Lucid Falls, she is in the idyllic paradise we are familiar with. She is sat in a wheelchair, out on her front lawn, in the now-familiar form of Mrs. Ducksworth. Panic fills her eyes as the truth washes over her.

How long has she been asleep?

Where the children played among destroyed buildings, she only sees smiling adults going about their chores.

Living their perfect lives.

Slowly digging into the pocket of her sweater, she pulls out a cell phone.

She has a call to make.

Cut.

WHAT MAY COME
SOMEWHERE ELSE

The Citadel.

Sigil’s home and vault, placed inside of the realm of Inanis, a place consisting of nothingness as far as the eye can see, it is impossible to enter for anyone but Sigil himself..

Unless you were welcomed inside, that is.

Standing around a table in the center of the structure is Sigil, Voynich, Banzan, and Sweet Alice. The unlikely team are talking amongst one another, Banzan speaking first.

“This place is impressive, but I do not see why we had to come here to speak.”

Sigil shakes his head, placing both hands on the table.

“This is the safest place in any universe I can think of, Banzan. We are here because there is no way any of the mortal men of IWF or even the more mythical beings of OSW could be here. ”

Voynich is quick to chip in, nodding his head.

“Yeah! And that point aside, Sigil and I were already going to come here so that I could see some of the artifacts he has here.”

Banzan nods his head, putting up a hand to show he understands. However Sweet Alice is quick to try and get things back on track.

“So, Sigil. Can you get to the point, then? Just so we’re all on the same page?”

The Void Walker nods his head, waving his hand over the table, a spectral board appearing with the likeness of the entire OSW and IWF rosters scrawled across it.

“I have before you a list of all who we are facing going into Chain Reaction. Now, I want it to be known that despite how I may come across, I have nothing but faith that we will walk out of that match the victors. That being said, you must know the stakes are undeniably high.”

Banzan looks at the board, sneering as he reaches out, picking up one of the spectral pieces, the likes of Hayden HardKore. He crushes it in his hand, the piece turning to wisps.

“I know what will happen if we fail, Sigil. We will crush the IWF even if it means another of OSW walks out victorious.”

Alice nods in agreement, Voynich looking to Sigil for his reaction, the Planeswalker nodding.

“Agreed, Banzan. And that being said, I have a few things to attend to. You’re free to go, I will see you in the match.”

A portal opens in the room and Banzan takes his leave, Alice joining behind him quickly. As they leave, Sigil places a hand on Voynich’s shoulder and speaks into his ear.

“Follow Alice. After last week… I feel we need to keep an eye on her.”

“Of course, Sigil.”

The Archeologist follows through the portal, looking back at the collection once more before it closes behind him, leaving us with Sigil as the scene fades out.

Cut.

CANDY KANE VS. REAPER VS. MONTY STRAIGHT
VHS CHAMPIONSHIP

The murder case of a lifetime fell onto The Canary’s desk as she comes down to two likely suspects. The Straight Shooter had the motive and The Reaper’s left a trail of bodies in his wake but will Candy Kane find the right man or has she been tricked into a dead lead once again?

The bell starts as the Reaper rushes forward, dropping both smaller opponents to the mat with a double clothesline. Straight staggers to his feet first as the Reaper grabs him by the back of the head, rushing forward before throwing him head first into the nearby turnbuckles as Straight stumbles out into

SWIFT REVENGE! The Single Arm DDT spikes Straight into the mat but Kane is up on her feet as she leaps up, bridging the Reaper back to the mat with a crucifix pin

ONE

…..

TW

….

REAPER KICKS OUT!

Reaper leaps to his feet, trying for a right that Kane ducks under, delivering a stiff kick to the side of the head that Reaper tries to shake off before another wild strike is ducked under and Kane disrupts Reaper’s equilibrium with a bell strike to the ears before taking the Reaper

DOWN A BLIND ALLEY!

The Forward Russian Legsweep hits hard but Straight is up on his feet behind Kane as he grabs her from behind before delivering a hard German Suplex onto the back of Kane’s head as she’s lifted up into the air

IS IT TIME FOR A COMMERCIAL BREAK…NO! Kane slips out of the Emerald Flowsion, swinging around before driving Monty down a Blind Alley with a Forward Russian of his own. Kane backs up, sizing up the slowly rising Straight as she looks to finish him off her.

BIG GAMB….SHOTGUN BLAST! The Reaper comes out of nowhere, disrupting the running knee as he knocks Candy Kane’s teeth down her throat with a thunderous Superman Punch. The Reaper can’t capitalize though as Monty is on him now, bridging him back with a Russian Legsweep of his own before rolling through into a crossface

READING REAPER THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS! Monty cranks back as much as he can with the crossface but the Reaper is too close to the ropes, leaping forward as he breaks the hold. Monty pulls the Reaper up, delivering a stiff knee to the jaw before rushing to the ropes right into

JUSTICE BROUGHT! The Samoan Drop out of nowhere drills Monty into the mat as the Reaper backs up, cocking his arm as he reloads his shotgun

SHOTGUN BLA…Monty ducks under, DEAL BREAKER! The inverted headlock backbreaker hits hard as Monty rolls through, grabbing the Reaper’s legs

LOCKING IN THE STRAIGHT SHOOTER!

Monty has the hold locked in tight as the Reaper is trapped in the middle of the ring, his hand wavering as he looks seconds away from tapping out

YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE! CANDY KANE OUT OF NOWHERE WITH THE SWANTON BOMB TO SAVE THE MATCH!

All three competitors are wiped out after the Swanton Bomb as they slowly get to their feet and start going at it with lefts and rights. Kane ducking under a strike from both Reaper and Straight as they nail eachother with a solid straight to the face, staggering both back as a hard enziguri leaves Straight out on his feet before the Reaper rushes forward

SHOTGUN BLAST! That knocks Straight loopy, sending him stumbling out of the ring as the Reaper turns around into the BIG GAMBLE! The hard running knee hits hard as Kane swings around onto Reaper’s back

DELIVERING PAYMENT DEFERRED!

Kane doesn’t go for the pinfall, going for the coupe de grace once more as she heads to the top rope, steeling herself for one moment and that’s all Straight needs as he pulls down on the ropes, crotching Kane on the top. Monty climbs up behind her, gripping her by the waist before swinging back

THE BIG DEAL INTO THE TURNBUCKLES! AVALANCHE GERMAN INTO THE STEEL! Kane looks done as she slumps onto the mat, Monty quickly covering her

ONE

….

TWO

….

….

THREE!!!

The Straight Shooter pulls out all the stops to make another stunning show for his audience tonight but is he the prime suspect or is it just another coincidence?

ART OF WAR I
BACKSTAGE

A black SUV rolls up The Slaughterhouse. Gravel crunches under its tires.

The vehicle comes to a halt, and out steps Alton Whitlock.

He looks out at the darkened city sky for a moment, then straightens his tie. He produces a cell phone from his pocket. The glow from the screen illuminates his scarred face. He sighs. Then presses a few buttons. There’s a chime.

A robotic voice says, “You’ve gone live.”

Alton Whitlock looks at the camera. Around the world, news stations, political journalists, fans, and enemies alike are tuning into hear what the man has to say.

When he speaks, his voice is grim and serious.

“My campaign–no, my life–is built on two things,” he says, pausing for effect. “Honesty and truth.”

“Without those, we’re nothing.”

“And the question I have for you, today, world, is this.”

“Do you know the truth?”

“Are you being honest with yourself?”

“I know who I am. That’s what makes me so sure I’ll be the next president of this great nation.”

“I don’t need to lie.”

“I don’t need to pull stunts.”

“I don’t need to spill blood.”

“And I don’t need to hide anything behind a mask.”

“I’m just a man trying to do right in the world, and as your presid—”

BZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

BZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

On his phone, Whitlock sees that his stream has been overcome by static, then gone blank.

A Telegon logo fades in–followed by the appearance of Mark Gouldern, hijacking the broadcast.

His eyes are obscured by his dark glasses, but the smile on his face says it all.

“Are you, Alton?” he asks. “Are you who you say you are?”

“Or are you just a petty and vile man?”

“One that’s out for revenge, but too cowardly to take it?”

“Hungry for payback, and willing to attack an unexpecting man twice to get it? You’re a coward, Alton, a weakling, and…”

For an instant, Whitlock looks shocked and perplexed.

“Twice?” he asks, trying to interrupt, but Gouldern is too infuriated to notice.

“You’re a backstabbing, disloyal snake, Whitlock…” Gouldern continues.

“But tonight, you’ll be the one getting bit.”

Gouldern disappears abruptly; Whitlock’s cell phone powers down immediately, the battery completely drained.

Alton is left staring at the reflection in his phone’s darkened screen.

Cut.

TORN
BACKSTAGE

Two men. Each the hero OSW needs in their own right, in their own mind.

Each with a fire that burns within them so strongly.

Because this has become so much more personal than just business.

Redwing. On some unexplainable level, he still feels Like Storm is responsible for his family’s death.

Luke Storm. On some unexplainable level, knows Redwing put his family through hell.

Now, as they come face to face one more time, there is no love in the look between them. No compassion.

Words failed, peaceful measures could not be reached.

Every shred of humanity and goodwill these two men still had for another now torn.

Leaving but one path… War.

“My family deserves justice. I’ll bring them that tonight Luke.”

Redwing’s voice is confident yet still carries the pain of loss.

“I know you’ll never understand, but I didn’t do anything to them. Unlike you, Redwing, you actually laid your hands on my daughter. You’re going to pay…”

Redwing snaps, lining up a wild strike aimed directly at Storm’s face. But Luke holds up his title belt, so that Redwing catches nothing but gold. Reeling his hand back, Redwing’s eyes seeth with rage. Luke cracks a grin at the sight.

“Not while I’ve still got this. You’re going to have to drag it off my cold, dead hands.”

Before Redwing can retaliate, Luke passes him by, walking off into the distance. Redwing is left rubbing his hand.

“If that’s what it comes to, Luke Storm, then that’s what it comes to.”

Cut.

MALICE & BISHOP VS. MAJOR THOM
TWO V ONE MATCH

He betrayed them and beat them half to death. He’s fucked with their heads for three weeks, staying one step ahead the entire time.

But now he comes face to face with his former band of brothers.

And boy, are they pissed.

This should be a violent one! It’s the War Machine, reunited in a handicap match. Malice and Bishop versus Major Thom!

DING! DING!

Malice starts things off with Major Thom. They step into the middle of the ring, and though Malice gives nearly half a foot of height to Thom, the two stand toe to toe. They talk a lot of trash in each others’ faces, the crowd’s lust for blood pour out as cheers! Malice suddenly catches Thom right across the jaw with a right hand! Another! Another! Thom with his own right hand to Malice! The two start trading blows left and right!

But it’s Thom with a KICK TO THE GENITALS!!!

Malice falls to his knees and the crowd jeers with disapproval. Thom laughs and sends a sharp kick across Malice’s chest! Thom charges towards Malice and Bishop’s corner and catches Bishop with a running knee! Bishop drops to the ground!

He runs back to Malice, ELBOW DROP to the small of his back!

Thom flips Malice over, makes the cover! Hooks the leg!

ONE!!!

.

.

.

TWO!!!

.

.

.

THRE — NO!! Bishop slid in the ring just far enough to yank Thom’s leg and pull him off!

He pulls him all the way out of the ring for good measure!!!

Bishop starts laying BOOT

AFTER BOOT

AFTER BOOT into Thom! Bishop’s taking out a month’s worth of frustration all at once, and it’s not pretty for Thom! Bishop grabs Thom by the hair and drags him to his feet!

This is it! The payback has started!

NO!!! SABOTAGE!!! VERY APROPOS! THE BICYCLE KICK SENDS BISHOP TO THE GROUND LIKE A BAG OF WET CEMENT!!!

Major Thom sends an extra kick into Bishop’s head for good measure, then turns around to enter the ring.

CROSSBODY BLOCK FROM THE TOP FUCKING ROPE BY MALICE!!! HE TAKES MAJOR THOM DOWN AND OUT!!! JESUS FUCKING CHRIST!!!

HOW BAD DOES HE WANT THIS!?!

Malice stands up and roars! The FANS are on their feet! He picks Major Thom up, lifts him onto his shoulders!

NO!! NO FUCKING WAY!!!

MALICIOUS INTENT ONTO THE FUCKING FLOOR!!! THE TORTURE RACK PILEDRIVER!!!

Malice has taken Thom completely out! The only problem is, Thom’s outside the ring.

Malice drags Thom up to his knees, shoves him under the bottom rope and into the squared circle. Bishop climbs back up to the apron. Malice slides in the ring.

MAKES. THE. COVER.

ONE!!!

.

.

.

TWO!!!

.

.

.

THREEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

.

.

.

NO!!!!! GOD DAMN IT!!! THOM KICKS OUT!

You can’t help but feel like had Malice managed to hit the Malicious Intent inside the ring, this match would be over!

He pounds the ground in frustration. Major Thom starts slowly making his way to his feet. Malice tags Bishop!

Bishop steps over the top rope and into the ring. Malice quickly runs across the ring and HOLY SHIT!!!

HE PUNT KICKS THOM ACROSS THE JAW!!! JESUS FUCKING CHRIST, WAS THAT A TOOTH!?!

Malice finally steps out onto the apron!!!

Bishop waits for a brief moment in the corner, beckoning Major Thom to start climbing to his feet. And Major Thom may be a treacherous asshole, but he’s never in his life been a quitter. He gives Bishop exactly what he wants.

DEADEYE!!! THE SPEAR!!!

THOM CRASHES TO THE MAT.

BISHOP PICKS THOM UP! ROLLS UP ROLL UP!!

ONE!!!

.

.

.

TWO!!!

.

.

.

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

Bishop and Malice have done it. They’ve beaten their former best friend and current major nemesis, Major Thom!

UNFORGIVABLE ALLIANCE
RINGSIDE

Moments after that incredible match and both Bishop and Thom have sprung away from the roll up that ended it.

They both get back to their feet, Thom lunging forward with a devastating Big Boot that cleans the clock of Bishop.

Malice is in from behind, spinning Thom around, only the Major scoops him up and runs him into the corner.

Shoulder barges follow before he drags him out.

CODE RED!

F-5 TO MALICE!

Bishop has a steel chair now and as Thom is up, swings for him.

NO!

THE MAJOR DUCKS!

LOW BLOW!!

Bishop drops the chair and Thom picks it up, slamming it across his back.

THEN A SHOT TO HIS FUCKING HEAD FOR GOOD MEASURE!

THOM IS VILE!

He turns, grabbing Malice and putting the chair under his throat.

WHAM!

THOM SLAMS MALICE AND CHAIR STRAIGHT INTO THE FUCKING CANVAS, GOD DAMN NEAR CHOKING HIM WITH IT! JESUS CHRIST!

Malice is rolling around on the canvas in agony, holding his throat and by all means, it doesn’t look like The Major is finished.

He approaches.

BUT WAIT!

HERE COMES WYNONA! MALICE’ FIANCEE IS HERE!

SHE STORMS INTO THE RING AND SLIDES IN, COVERING MALICE WITH HER OWN BODY! SHE LOOKS UP AT THOM, BEGGING HIM TO STOP!

“Please don’t,” she cries. “PLEASE!”

Thom stops.

“Why are you doing this? These are your brothers. I didn’t mean to come between you, I swear it.”

The Major laughs.

“You don’t get it, do you?” He says softly, crouching somewhat. “He hasn’t told you the full story, has he?”

She frowns.

“This man is a killer; a vile, sadistic, brutal murderer – yet you somehow found the softer side of him. You turned him into a teddy bear.”

Wynona doesn’t say a word.

“But you weren’t supposed to,” Thom announces. “You were our target, Wynona. Miles hasn’t told you that, has he? When our General put us together, our first mission was to get close to you and we decided that he was the only option we had to do it.”

Jesus Christ.

All this time?

Wynona looks stunned.

“And now he’s marrying you – the very fucking person we were ordered to get close to. That’s a little too close, don’t you think?”

“That’s why you did this?” She asks. “Because he broke the rules and fell in love with me?”

“No,” Thom replies, standing up. “That isn’t why I turned my back on War Machine.”

Just then…

“I don’t know what you had in mind, but here we stand on opposing sides.”

As the sound of ‘Go to War’ by Nothing More blares into the arena, The Butcher’s office door swings open and out he steps, his bloodied apron covered in muck, handprints and viscera.

He carefully surveys the audience, grimacing as the music slowly dies down and he trundles towards the ring.

Getting inside, he shakes the hand of Thom.

“The Guild hired me to rescue this man and protect him from harm,” Thom announces proudly. “That’s why I turned my back on your weak future husband.”

The Butcher offers Wynona a hand and she takes it, helping her back to her feet.

“You should be more careful who you align with,” he says menacingly. “Now, if you still want your wedding at Heartbreaker, you can have it; but I’d suggest you take some time to think it over.”

Wynona nods, carefully exiting the ring as Thom stands tall over Bishop and Malice.

Poor Wynona has been a ploy this entire time; a mission that Malice took too far. Can she ever trust him again?

As for Thom, that son of a bitch just spilled the beans.

Not only was he the one to save The Butcher from his captivity, but he’s been hired by The Guild.

This is far from over.

Cut.

EXPLOSIVE ALLIANCE
BACKSTAGE

In the locker room of Team Kersh, we find three of the competitors preparing in their own way.

Jessie Williams is sat in deep thought.

Junkrat is right next to him, fiddling with a small bomb.

While Brent Kersh does calisthenics, warming up old muscles.

A small blue dot appears in the corner of the room, expanding to become a portal. A portal that the Judge steps through. Junkrat stands up to greet him.

“Still playing solitaire, axe man?” Junky says.

The Judge regards him silently.

“Still disrupting rituals, anarchist?” He returns.

Kersh and Williams exchange a look before the tension dissipates with a Junkrat smile. Judge nods to the Mayor.

“I have to say, I appreciate your disruption of the ritual about to happen at the grave site last week.”

Kersh nods in agreement, and Junkrat grins widely.

“If there’s something to blow, you bet your ass I’ll be there!” Junkrat calls out.

Then he offers a Junkrat Salute.

The Judge shakes his head, and turns to Kersh.

“What’s the game plan, tonight?”

The Enforcer lets a tight grin form on his face.

“We win.”

Jessie interjects, his arms up in confusion.

“No speech?” He queries. “No grand strategy?”

The Enforcer shakes his head in the negative.

“All the pieces are here, aren’t they? By all rights, we should get our asses kicked. An old man, a green kid, an insane pyromaniac, and whatever the Judge is. But we’re all combustible elements, brought together into one tight formation. And when all the pieces are put together…”

He walks over and picks up Junkrat’s bomb.

“We blow shit up!” Junkrat finishes.

Cut.

WHITLOCK VS. GOULDERN
SINGLES MATCH

Anonymity itself has carved a scar through two former allies, Whitlock driven damn near insane with his rage as the Herald finds himself in the cross hairs. Can the former world champion survive or has Anonymous stoked a fire that even his genius cannot put out?

The single cerulean blue spotlight shines down on the entrance ramp, Mark Gouldern stepping out as a still shadow staring out at the crowd, as the drums drop and he’s speared off the entrance ramp by an enraged Alton Whitlock!

Gouldern hits the concrete hard as Whitlock pounds down on him with furious lefts and rights, Gouldern reaching up and driving a hard thumb into Whitlock’s left eye that allows him the chance to get back to his feet but Gouldern barely gets the opportunity to breath before he’s rushed at by Whitlock once more, who delivers a hard knee to the jaw before swinging his leg around the prone Herald’s head

PARTY POLITICS ON THE GODDAMN CONCRETE!

Gouldern tries to catch his breath on the floor, dazed with a possible concussion but Whitlock is relentless, pulling Gouldern up by the head, slamming him down face first into the concrete multiple times as blood begins to coat the floor. Whitlock lifts Mark up by the back of his suit jacket, leading him down to ringside with the Herald l0oking out on his feet before he gets Biel Tossed into one of the barriers. Gouldern pulls himself up to his feet, his face the proverbial crimson mask as Alton backs up before rushing forward like a freight train

DROP TOE HOLD ON THE STEEL STEPS!

Gouldern counters out of pure instinct, giving himself a bit of time to regroup and get into the ring for a breather but he can barely get onto the apron before Whitlock is up again, rage itself fuelling the politician as he grips onto Gouldern’s pant leg, pulling him down

SLINGSHOTTING HIM THROAT FIRST DOWN ONTO THE TOP ROPE!

The Herald can barely breath from the thick rope crushing his throat as he finds himself lifted up onto Alton’s shoulders, Whitlock with a sadistic smile on his face as he rushes forward,

SNAP ELECTION ON THE FUCKING STEEL STEPS! JOKER DRIVER ONTO THE GODDAMN STEEL!

Gouldern looks completely out of it, as he’s pulled to his feet and thrown into the ring. Whitlock follows after as the referee calls for the bell, finally officially starting this match.

Gouldern’s a bloodied mess, barely conscious as Whitlock watches him use the ropes to pull himself up to his feet. Alton grips Gouldern by the lapel, pounding down on him with hard right hands. A stiff right hook glazes over Gouldern’s eyes as he droops down

BEFORE LOW BLOWING WHITLOCK OUT OF NOWHERE!

The crowd roars as Gouldern slowly gets to his feet, wiping the blood out of his eyes as he begins firing up against the rising Whitlock, pounding down on him with lefts and rights, before rushing to the ropes and bouncing off

INTO A DECAPITATING LARIAT!

Alton shakes his jaw in pain before beginning to stomp down viciously on Gouldern. Whitlock leaps up, delivering a hard knee to the prone Gouldern’s head before lifting the Herald up off the mat and onto his shoulders

FOR A BETTER WORLD!

That should be it but Whitlock is still furious, shaking his head as he rolls out of the ring, grabbing a steel chair. Whitlock drives the steel into the ribs of Gouldern a few times bringing out a few cries in pain from the Herald before setting it up into a seated position in the middle of the ring. Whitlock pulls Gouldern up to his feet, taking the wind out of him with a huge knee to the gut before lifting him up onto his shoulders and rushing forward

SNAP….OBSELENCE! Gouldern just swings down, driving Alton down into the steel with the Elevated DDT.

Alton cracks down onto the steel, his face bloodied as well now, Gouldern on him with a furious assault of punches and knees, Whitlock trying to cover up but a few hard shots get through leaving Whitlock loopy. He’s pulled to his feet as Gouldern wraps Whitlock’s tie around his left hand before pinballing Alton’s head off his right fist with shot after shot before a hard right hook sends Whitlock down to his knees.

Mark backs up, fury now filling his face as he urges the fallen Whitlock to get to his feet before rushing forward

AND NEARLY TAKING HIS HEAD OFF WITH A LITTLE RUTHLESS INSPIRATION!

Whitlock looks done but Gouldern isn’t, as he uncharacteristically climbs to the top rope, begging Whitlock to get to his feet as Alton does, gripping the fallen steel chair as Gouldern leaps.

SUPER DISRUPTION…INTO THE STEEL CHAIR! The Chair bounces off Whitlock’s skull empowered by the Superman Punch as Gouldern falls down onto the cover on the unconcious Whitlock

ONE

….

TWO

….

….

THREE!!!

The Herald picks up the victory in this brutal match here tonight but did both men just play right into the hands of Anonymous with their actions against one another?

ART OF WAR II
RINGSIDE

Suddenly, the arena lights cut out.

In the darkness, red three-dimensional letters start to glow. They hover over the ring, floating in midair. Holograms.

“THE SUPREME ART OF WAR…,” they read.

“….IS TO SUBDUE THE ENEMY WITHOUT FIGHTING.”

“ – Sun Tzu.”

They letters are replaced by the towering figure of Anonymous, rendered in a sinister black and white.

His voice is impossibly loud.

“Look at them,” he says, peering down. Spotlights appear on Whitlock and Gouldern. “Two of the most powerful men in the world.”

“Reduced to pathetic tantrums and childlike arguments.”

“This is who we allow to lead the world forward?”

“This is who we trust?”

“Because you see, world, when I fanned the flames of dissent between these evil fools…”

“I distracted them.”

“When strange connections appeared on their most private of IT networks, they didn’t notice.”

“When their terrified staffers were divulging sworn secrets to distorted, threatening voices on the phone, these two had no idea.”

“While I traced their entire lineage of sin,” Anonymous continues, “they were too busy fighting each other to notice my inquiries and investigations.”

“You see, when Whitlock, Gouldern, and Berkshire Ellison Green were still called Imperium–they had a plan.”

“A plan to rig the election and ensure that Alton Whitlock became the president of the United States of America. ”

In the ring, Alton Whitlock is screaming. Anonymous’s voice is so loud that no one can hear him.

Mark Gouldern stands motionless, staring up at the hologram.

“In pursuit of this scheme to control the election…”

“Innocent men died. Two of them. Don’t you remember, Mark? Alton?”

“X?”

A hologram image of the supersoldier appears briefly.

“Scrimshaw?”

The grizzled sea captain appears.

Then Anonymous returns, huge and imposing.

“Both of you are bathed in their blood,” Anonymous continues.

Scrambling around, Whitlock has finally found a microphone.

“I LEFT!” he roars into it, “WHEN I FOUND OUT WHO THESE MEN ARE!”

“BEG, Gouldern…” Alton continues with raw passion in his voice. “I’m not like them!”

“Everyone needs to know, Alton…” Anonymous replies.

“You’re exactly like them.”

“What’s that you said earlier? Honesty and truth?”

“More like murder and lies.”

“WE ARE LEGION. WE ARE ANONYMOUS.”

“WE DO NOT FORGIVE. WE DO NOT FORGET.”

Suddenly, the lights flick back on. The hologram disappears. The crowd roars to life, bursting with disgust.

In the ring, Mark Gouldern and Alton Whitlock stand still and shell-shocked.

Cut.

THE SACRIFICE
BACKSTAGE

The lights go out in the arena!

An eerie laugh is heard as the crowd hears what sounds like furniture being shuffled around.

The lights go back on and Pyre is in the center of the ring!

Beside her, Korra’s mother is tied up in a chair!

“Korra, it’s time to make your decision!”

“Don’t make me do it instead!”

Pyre puts a blade against the throat of Korra’s mother!

Guerilla Radio starts to blast throughout the Slaughterhouse and Korra doesn’t waste a second getting into the ring to stop this!

She shoves Pyre away and stands between Pyre and Korra’s own mother!

“Stop this! Let her go!”

“I’ll stop it but I won’t let her go. You still need to make the sacrifice, you still need to kill her to get your village back. If not, why are we even here? Here, you’re going to need this, you worthless savage.”

Pyre hands the knife to Korra who quickly goes to her mother!

“I’m sorry, I love you. If this is how the village has to survive, I guess I have to do this.”

“You must dearest one, just make it quick please.”

Korra simply nods, bends down and puts the blade against her mother! She’s cutting the ropes instead!”

“I can’t do it! She means too much to me!

“Fine, you keep your family, I keep the village!”

“Now, cut her free and live your cowardly lives together.”

Korra nods and starts cutting the ropes.

She gets to the chest and starts cutting the ropes very carefully to make sure she doesn’t cut anything important.

Push kick by Pyre!

Pyre kicks the back of Korra forcing her to fall into Korra’s mother!

What timing! The blade is driven into Korra’s mother’s heart!

Korra’s mother is dead!

Korra collapses to her knees and begs her to wake up.

“Mom, wake up, please mom, mom… mom…ahhhh!”

Tears are rushing and Korra is screaming in agony.

“Well she’s dead, do we at least get the village back!?”

“You still think I was telling the truth about that? You should know by now I’m not a good person.”

Pyre laughs and jumps! Curbstomp! Korra is out cold!

Pyre bends over Korra’s unconscious body.

“I was never going to give you the village back. I was always going to make you kill her. Now, you get to be like me. Now, you’re going to wake up and see the destruction around you and know you’re the cause of it. I could kill you but that would be the best case scenario for you right now. No, I don’t want to kill you, I want to make you suffer and always live with what you’ve done. Welcome to the nightmare that is my life.”

Cut.

LUKE STORM VS. REDWING
OSW CHAMPIONSHIP

Oh, boy…

This has been a long time coming.

At Red Snow V, Edward Newton introduced the world to The Red Death.

The former Redwing was brainwashed into believing that Luke Storm was the man who killed his wife and child.

Seeking vengeance, he abducted Luke’s daughter, Scarlett, and shot her father at Grave Consequences.

Bill Kirby has since learned the truth.

Returning to the mantle of Redwing, he braved the Funhouse – earning an OSW Championship match.

Who should hold that title, but the man he wanted dead.

Luke wants justice for Scarlett.

Despite knowing Storm’s innocence, his guilt is burned into the mind of Redwing…

Dancing in between them, of course, is that gold-and-leather OSW title!

As the beginning of Hall of Justice begins to play, fans are looking all over for any sign of the Caped Crusader. A few fans look up and see a figure make his way along the catwalks high above the Slaughterhouse. Suddenly that figure jumps over the rail, quickly blasting a grappling hook into the roof. As the music swells, so does the batwings-like cape. Redwing is unveiled as he reaches the centre of the ring and looks around the ring as he readies himself for the match.

The lights begin to flash like a paparazzi’s camera as Deep Purple’s “Stormbringer” hits the Slaughterhouse. Smoke fills the entrance tube as the lyrics kick in.

Comin’ out of nowhere
Drivin’ like rain

There he is. Luke Storm walks through the clouds like a lightning bolt to stand at the head of the ramp. He removes his sunglasses as he takes in the crowd, his eyes full of confidence. With a nod and smile, the Real Deal marches down to the ring, ready for war. He slides in, going to the opposite turnbuckle to soak in the people that came to see him.

Ride the rainbow

Crack the sky

Stormbringer coming

Time to die

It’s time for war as he drops down to face his opponent, unbuckling his title.

Both men burn a hole through each other.

Luke touches the scar on his collarbone. A bullet fragment resides within his old gunshot wound; a permanent reminder of what Red Death did to him.

Red Death, Redwing – both alter egos of Bill Kirby. The man behind the cowl knows that Storm didn’t kill his family, but the vivid visions linger.

The referee presents the OSW Championship.

This is what it’s all about…

DING, DING, DING!

Redwing cracks. He charges into the eye of the Storm, lighting him up with brutal forearms! He sends him into the ropes… Back elbow to the jaw! He mounts him and looses a volley of punches, each one punctuated with tears and fury!

The referee calls for a break, but Redwing pummels away—

ONE!

…

TWO!

…

THREE!

…

FOUR!

Redwing stops short of a disqualification. He knows Luke is innocent, but he wants him to pay regardless!

Storm pulls himself up. Redwing catapults him into the corner. He repeatedly rams his shoulder into his ribcage, then drags him out… Northern lights suplex!

Neglecting a pin, he peels Luke off the mat—

The cagefighter slugs Redwing in the mouth! He ducks down into a double-leg takedown. Now it’s his turn to pulverise Redwing! The official steps in again…

ONE!

…

TWO!

…

THREE!

…

FOUR!

Storm contains himself.

Redwing recovers. Luke tosses him over the ropes, to the unforgiving concrete!

Splat!

The actor pursues him. He yanks him to his feet and sends him careening into the steel steps!

Crash!

The stairs split as Redwing plows into them. Storm hauls him up and flings him over the barricade, into the concrete bleachers! Fans disperse and cheer as Luke hops the railing. He clubs Redwing in the back – forcing him further up the stands!

Remember – no count-outs in The Slaughterhouse!

Storm pursues him. Redwing, however, decks him with a spinning backfist! Luke sprawls over the wooden seating, knocking into the crowd and sending their refreshments flying. Crimson Justice drags him out…

CLANG!

HE BOUNCES HIS SKULL OFF THE METAL HANDRAIL!

Storm hangs off it by one hand. Redwing pries it off and heaves Luke to his feet—

AN UPPERCUT SENDS STORM TUMBLING DOWN THE STEPS!

HE CRASHES INTO A MEMBER OF SECURITY ON THE WAY!

Luke lands in a heap at the base of the bleachers. He forces his aching body onto all fours, where he crawls around the corner into the mouth of a tunnel.

No sooner does he right himself against the wall, however, than he looks up…

REDWING DIVES FROM THE TOP OF THE TUNNEL ENTRANCE!

THUD!

BOTH MEN HIT THE FLOOR HARD!

JESUS CHRIST, THEY’RE GOING TO KILL EACH OTHER!

The audience are whipped into a frenzy as Storm and Redwing slowly recover. Luke crawls between the barriers to return to ringside – Redwing hot on his trail!

In the shadow of The Butcher’s office, Storm soldiers to his feet. He rests against the barricade…

REDWING POPS UP BEHIND HIM!

He subdues him with a headlock. Luke, however, elbows him in the gut. Redwing breaks his grip, and Storm wheels round. He grabs his head and runs towards the office—

“ARBITRATE THIS, ASSHOLE!” Luke roars.

CRACK!

STORM DUNKS REDWING’S SKULL INTO THE OFFICE WALL!

I wonder if The Butcher heard that?

Luke drags Redwing’s carcass over the barrier and rolls him back in the ring, sliding in afterwards. He turns him over and covers him—

ONE!

…

…

TWO!

…

…

WILL THE CHAMPION RETAIN!?

…

…

SHOULDER UP!

Redwing just stays in this!

Storm shakes his head and stands on uneasy legs. He backs into the corner and stomps the mat…

You know what that means – the weather forecast speaks of a Lightning Strike!

Redwing gets up – only to fall to his knees. That shot to the head may have concussed him…

“GET UP!” Luke screams. “You’ll pay for what you put her through!”

Redwing rises groggily and turns round—

LIGHTNING STRIIIIIKE!

NO!

REDWING BLOCKS THE SUPERKICK!

HE SWINGS HIS FOOT DOWN AND LEAPS UP—

GODWATCH!

RED KNIGHT HITS THE RIPCORD KNEE!

STORM’S BELL IS RUNG AS HE GOES DOWN!

ONE!

…

…

WILL THAT BE IT!?

…

…

TWO!

…

…

WE COULD HAVE A NEW OSW CHAMPION—

…

…

NO!

SHOULDER UP!

Luke holds onto the title – for now…

Redwing pulls him up. He grabs a headlock and turns to face the corner…

HE RUNS INTO THE TURNBUCKLE—

THE KILLIIING JOOOKE BULLDOG!

STORM SHOVES HIM OFF!

REDWING HITS THE TURNBUCKLE STERNUM-FIRST!

The impact jolts him, putting him on his back.

Luke looks down at his aggressor and scowls. He points to the ropes, and The Slaughterhouse fanbase pops!

He scales the turnbuckle…

WE MAY NOT HAVE SEEN THE LIGHTNING, BUT WE CAN HEAR THE THUNDEEERRRRR!

STORM LEAPS BACK INTO THE MOONSAULT…

BUT REDWING GETS HIS KNEES UP!

LUKE’S RIBS SPLINTER AS HE LANDS!

He rolls off and draws his knees up to his gut, rolling on the canvas in agony.

Redwing gives him no reprieve, punching him into submission and covering him—

ONE!

…

…

SURELY THAT’S IT!?

…

…

TWO!

…

…

NEW CHAMPION!

…

…

…

TWO-POINT-NINE!

THE STORM ISN’T OVER YET!

Redwing can’t believe it; he came this close to capturing the title!

He backs into the corner. The Watchful Protector grinds his boot into the mat, like a bull kicking up dust.

The light is fading…

Coughing and wheezing, Luke crawls onto all fours—

REDWING CHARGES, GOLD GLEAMING IN HIS EYES…

HE LEAPS UP INTO THE CURB STOMP!

DAAARRRRKNESSS FAAALLS—

BUT LIGHTNIIING STRIIIIKES FIRST!

HOLY SHIT!

STORM HITS THE SUPERKICK!

REDWING FALLS FROM THE SKY!

LUKE POUNCES INTO THE COVER!

ONE!

…

…

WILL LUKE AVENGE SCARLETT!?

…

…

TWO!

…

…

CAN HE HOLD ONTO THE TITLE!?

…

…

…

THREEE!

NOOOOO!

REDWING KICKS OUT!

JESUS CHRIST, WHAT WILL IT TAKE!?

Storm runs his hands through his hair. So close…

He gets to his feet and motions for Redwing to do the same.

This ends now.

Bill Kirby slaps himself in the head, trying to shake the cobwebs off. He scratches and claws his way up. He turns round…

LUKE JUMPS…

HE SNATCHES REDWING INTO THE CODEBREAKER—

DOWWWNPOOOUUURRR!

BUT REDWING HITS A PALM STRIKE – INTO STORM’S COLLARBONE!

THAT’S WHERE REDWING PUT A BULLET INTO HIM!

STORM HOWLS IN PAIN!

HE DROPS TO THE MAT!

REDWING SEES HIS OPPORTUNITY DANCING BEFORE HIM…

HE HITS THE ROPES—

DAAAAARKNESSSS FAAALLLLSSSSSS!

NOOO!

LUKE SPRINGS UP—

ONE-ARMED DOOWWWNPOOOOUUUURR!

STORM HITS THE CODEBREAKER!

HE COVERS…

ONE!

…

…

THAT HAS TO BE IT!

…

…

TWO!

…

…

LUKE TO RETAIN!

…

…

…

…

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

THE STORM RAGES ON!

HE IS STILL YOUR OSW CHAMPION!

Storm avenges his daughter, Scarlett, against the man once known as The Red Death. He has given him a taste of that hot lead in his shoulder!

Stormbringer rains inside The Slaughterhouse, and it punctuates the continued reign of Luke Storm!

TIPTOE THROUGH THE TULIPS
RINGSIDE

Luke Storm gets back to his feet, being handed his OSW Championship.

He slumps back into the ropes, gasping for breath.

This saga between he and Redwing has finally met its conclusion, after almost a year of warring, it’s safe to say that Redwing knows Storm didn’t kill his family.

Static.

Pitch Black.

“Tiptoe through the window

By the window, that is where I’ll be

Come tiptoe through the tulips with me.”

We can’t see a damn thing as the sound of a little girl sings loudly into the arena.

“Oh, tiptoe from the garden

By the garden of the willow tree

And tiptoe through the tulips with me.”

There’s suddenly a vile scream from inside the ring and the lights shortly come back on after.

What we see is nothing short of incredible.

There’s a hole in the middle of the canvas – a mass of destruction therein. Wood is splintered, the canvas is broken and there’s blood splattered around the edges.

Luke Storm meanwhile has vanished.

He’s gone.

Redwing gets back to his feet and inspects the hole, looking into its abyss as the crowd murmur in shock and awe at what they’ve just witnessed, or as it goes, didn’t witness.

Where the hell is Luke Storm?

CHAIN REACTION
THE MAIN EVENT

Four teams of four will wage war in The Slaughterhouse.

The winning foursome will then battle each other at a later date…

Whoever wins that encounter will earn him—or her—self an OSW Championship match!

As if the stakes aren’t high enough, the waters are muddied this year…

Having infiltrated OSW at last month’s InVasion, who’s to say an IWF alumni won’t get that shot?

Could we see OSW’s crown-jewel be taken—and rebranded—by IWF!?

Will The Butcher’s Lambs survive the slaughter by Lance Norman’s invading forces!?

The ring heaves under the mass of humanity occupying it, each team having made their entrances.

Fifteen men stand in their respective squads in the four corners.

Wait – fifteen men?

That’s right; The Sandman is unfazed by Nygma’s absence, but The Blood Shark and SeeSaw turn the ringside upside-down searching for him. He laid his captors out with a bat, and they want to tear him limb from limb!

Where is Nygma, and why isn’t he here? Surely he values OSW more than his grudge with Emporium!?

Sigil, Voynich, and Sweet Alice are framed by the Indestructible Mountain, Banzan. The archaeologist and The Dreamer are hurting, having been slammed through a concrete wall and thrown through a window, respectively, by Rain. Can they all dig deep, realise dreams, and cross realms to get to the promised land?

Brent Kersh grips the tag-rope, his weary eyes having surveyed countless battlefields before. The imposing Judge stands to his left; the resourceful Jessie Williams flanking his right. The firecracker, Junkrat, fizzes with excitement at the impending destruction. They copped the brunt of it at Octane, but they’re ready for a fight!

Team IWF—comprising of Sartyr, HardKore, Jenkins, and Goodchild—stand shoulder-to-shoulder – Cowboy coming up a little short. They have their own personal histories with each other, but tonight, they must present a united front.

THIS.

IS.

CHAIN REACTION!

Hayden HardKore, Jessie Williams, Voynich, and Blood Shark step forwards. They all sport their various wounds and bruises from the melee at Octane.

DING, DING, DING!

The latter three all look sideways at one another – before their eyes come to rest on HardKore!

Settling on a mutual enemy, they advance—

BOOMSTICK!

HAYDEN DUCKS IT…

CORKSCREW ATTACK TO VOYNICH AND SHARK!

The hardcore high-flyer springs back to his feet. He sends Jessie into IWF’s corner with a dropkick. Williams is restrained by multiple pairs of hands, in a scene mirroring Ash battling Deadites! The Kiwi Battler runs up his chest and backflips off – kicking him in the chin as he does! Jessie stumbles forwards…

HARDKORE HITS A HURRICANRANA, FLINGING WILLIAMS INTO SHARK AND VOYNICH!

All three OSW alumni land in a heap. Hayden looks around The Slaughterhouse and holds up his arms, asking “Is this all you got!?”. His teammates gloat and cheer him on. The crowd, however, give it to them with both barrels.

HardKore picks up Voynich, but the archaeologist slugs him in the ribs! He stuns him with a jawbreaker, then weaves behind him—

GERMAN SUPLEX!

The crowd pop as Voynich buries Hayden. He picks him up, hurls him into his team’s corner, then charges in after him…

BASEBALL SLIDE OUTSIDE!

HE SWEEPS HARDKORE’S LEGS!

HAYDEN EATS CANVAS!

Best Kept Secret rolls back in as HardKore groggily gets up…

A BULLDOG PUTS HIM BACK DOWN!

Voynich waits on his haunches. Hayden sits up—

SEATED DROPKICK TO THE TEMPLE!

The Austrian is on a roll! He hits the ropes and comes back with a knee drop right to HardKore’s orbital bone!

Voynich moves in for the cover—

THE SHARK WAYLAYS HIM WITH A LEAPING HEADBUTT!

The audience grill Shark, who snaps his jaws at them.

Having recovered, Jessie confronts The Maneater.

“What are you doing!? They’re the enemy!” He gestures to Hayden and IWF.

SHARK RESPONDS WITH A KICK TO THE GUT!

Lobbing Williams into the ropes, he floors him with a discus elbow!

Remember: Blood Shark and SeeSaw merely watched as IWF beat down OSW on Octane. They are agents of chaos!

Shark peels Voynich off the mat. He hurls him into the ropes—

SEESAW KNEES VOYNICH IN THE BACK!

HE STAGGERS FORWARDS—

POWERSLAM BY SHARK!

Voynich nurses his back, still feeling the effects of being put through that wall!

Shark sizes him up. He can smell blood in the water…

BLOODYYY MARRRYYY—

NOOO!

JESSIE CUTS OFF THE SHINING WIZARD WITH A SPINEBUSTER!

The fans roar as The Prince points a finger at Shark and mouths off. He turns round—

RIGHT INTO HAYDEN HARDKORE!

THE MAORI WARRIOR SCOOPS HIM UP IN A FIREMAN’S CARRY!

HE GOES FOR THE ROLL…

MAORIII ROLLLL—

WILLIAMS JUMPS DOWN!

Hayden spins round—

UPPERCUT!

HardKore falls to his knees…

JESSIE HITS A TORPEDO DROPKICK!

THAT’S THE GROOVY ECLIPSE!

Williams pops back up. Unseen hands grab his shoulder—

HE UNLOADS WITH A BOOOOMSTICK!

Only after pulling the trigger, however, does Jessie realise that he hit VOYNICH! They may not be partners, but theirs was the only other team that seemed to be on the same page.

The Michigander looks across to Voynich’s team apologetically. Banzan, in particular, somehow stays zen!

SHARK TAGS IN SEESAW!

HAYDEN TAGS IN COWBOY JIM JENKINS!

Williams puts up his dukes as the two fresh competitors enter the ring.

Jenkins—black and blue from Nygma’s bat-attack—immediately covers the downed Voynich!

ONE!

…

…

TWO!

…

…

AXE HANDLE BY JESSIE!

The son of S-Mart’s Employee of the Month refuses to let Jim capitalise on his mistake!

COWBOY BOOTS HIM IN THE SHIN!

Jessie hobbles to the nearest corner—

INTO THE CLUTCHES OF THE SANDMAN!

The Night Terror traps him, ready for his tormentors!

JENKINS HEADBUTTS JESSIE IN THE GUT!

Williams slumps down, and Jim backs up.

“AMERRIIIICAAAAAAAA!” He screams as he sprints—well, okay, jogs—across the ring…

CANNONBAAAALLLL!

He struggles back to his feet. He pulls Jessie into the middle of the ring and waddles into the ropes—

“FUCK YEEAAHHH!” He sings…

SENTON BOMB!

Jenkins’ unabashed patriotism splits the crowd.

Williams coughs and splutters. He crawls over to his corner, but Cowboy – Cowboy…

COWBOY RIDES HIM LIKE A DONKEY!

HE HOLDS HIS STETSON IN THE BREEZE AND KICKS JESSIE WITH HIS SPURS!

“YA, YA – MUSH!”

JENKINS SPANKS HIS OWN ASS—

HE JUMPS CROTCH-FIRST ON THE BACK OF WILLIAMS’ NECK – PLANTING HIM FACE-FIRST!

“Come on, quit hogging him! It’s my turn to play!” The demented SeeSaw whines.

The Tranquility Lane resident shoves past Jim and grabs hold of Jessie’s arms. He stomps his back—

STRETCHHH ARRRMSTROOONG!

WILLIAMS SCREAMS IN PAIN!

HIS TEAM LEAN IN FOR THE TAG, BUT HE’S TOO FAR AWAY!

“Don’t give up, kid!” Brent pleads. “Fight through the pain!”

Jessie groans in agony, clawing the air desperately… Were this any other hold, he could use his gauntlet to propel himself into the ropes – but SeeSaw has his arms trapped!

“Listen ‘ere, you child moh-lesterer!”

Cowboy jabs his sausage of a finger into SeeSaw’s chest, moustache aquiver.

“Ain’t nobody stealin’ this here bronco from me! ‘Specially not some It-lookin’ creep like yewww!”

Mr. Make Believe releases Williams and looks down his long, pointy nose at Jenkins. His lips twist into a sinister smile.

“Gee, I’m sorry. I’d never steal your toy-horsey…”

He turns his back on Jim.

“I always preferred bulls.”

SEESAW CHARGES COWBOY—

BULL-RUSH GOOOORE!

HE LIFTS HIM UP…

SPINEBUSSSTEEERRR!

THAT’S THE SUUUPERFINE TUUURBINE BLAST!

WAIT – VOYNICH COMES TO, TAGGING IN BANZAN!

BIG POP!

The smile on SeeSaw’s ghoulish face flickers; Alice laughs, and Sigil nods matter-of-factly.

The 6-8, 343-pound Banzan steps over the top rope with ease. He enters HORSE STANCE – a solid all-rounder which should accomodate most of his opponents.

SeeSaw runs headlong into him! Banzan uses his momentum against him, floating him over into a hip toss! SeeSaw pulls himself up in Emporium’s corner. Banzan fears no evil, however, as he pushes forwards. He shotputs SeeSaw into the opposite corner—

WHERE JUNKRAT SETS ON HIM!

The Junkertown local swings for his nemesis and tears at his hair, frothing at the mouth. His teammates manage to pry him off of him, and SeeSaw blunders out…

HIIIIIGH BACK BODY DROP BY BANZAN!

SEESAW FALLS OFF A MOUNTAINTOP!

The spiritualist, Banzan, wheels round, coming face-to-face with Jessie – who has yet to tag out. Williams points to Voynich and punches his palm, trying to explain the stray Boomstick earlier. Banzan deliberates, before patting him on the shoulder and nodding…

BANZAN SPINS HIM ROUND—

DUKKHAAAA – SUFFERING EXISTS, THE SAITO SUPLEX!

JESSIE IS FOLDED IN HALF!

Banzan sits up, and, shaking his head, laments. “Fail to contain a fire, and it will burn everything around it.”

OVER HIS SHOULDER, COWBOY CRAWLS INTO A TAG TO ANNA GOODCHILD!

The Child of God floats into the ring with grace, masking her terrible wrath. Banzan gets to his feet and they have a standoff!

OH, BOY, HERE WE GO!

IT WAS ANNA WHO SPEARED BANZAN INTO A LADDER AT INVASION!

THESE TWO WILL FACE EACH OTHER AT WARZONE ON OCTOBER 10TH!

They circle each other like two outlaws, their trigger-fingers itching—

ANNA KICKS OUT BANZAN’S KNEE!

SPINNING BACKFIST TO THE JAW; SPIT FLIES OUT OF THE GIANT’S MOUTH!

GOODCHILD BACKS UP…

SUPERKICK!

THE PROPHET FELLS THE MONK!

She dives into a pin—

ONE!

…

…

WILL THE MULTI-TIME WORLD CHAMP BE ELIMINATED FIRST!?

…

…

TWO!

…

…

…

KICKOUT!

Anna looks up to the heavens for inspiration – or intervention.

Unable to lift Banzan, she lies in wait… Before dropping him with the TWIST OF FATE!

Thanking the almighty, she heads up top—

JESSIE TAGS IN JUNKRAT!

The Slaughterhouse faithful go WILD!

“OI, SHEILA, COME DOWN!” The Ticking Timebomb yells at Anna. “I CAN SEE RIGHT UP THAT SKIRT, AND YOU AIN’T GOT NO KNICKERS ON!”

Goodchild turns to face Junkrat, disgusted.

“DON’T WORRY, I’LL CATCH YA!” The Scrapyard Scavenger offers, holding his arms out.

“Who says chivalry is dead?” Anna muses—

SHE JUMPS OFF…

INTO A FRICKIN’ MOOOONSAULT!

THAT’S THE ONLY SAVING GRACE ABOUT JUNKRAT!

Goodchild takes out Junkie…

BUT THE MOUNTAIN LOOMS ON THE HORIZON!

She turns round as Banzan’s shadow envelops her—

ONE!

TWO!

FIVE-POINT—

THREE!

FOUR!

PALM STRIKE!

FIVE!

TIIIGEEERRR CLAAAWWWW!

Anna clutches her chest, the colour drained from her face. She slumps against the ring ropes. Banzan advances—

SEESAW POPS UP BEHIND HIM!

HE WRAPS BANZAN’S ARMS AROUND HIS THICK NECK…

THE TOY-COLLECTOR YANKS HIM BACK—

BANZAN’S SKULL CRACKS OFF THE RING!

WOODY’S ROOUUNDUP!

His malicious gaze falls on the weakened Goodchild…

THESZ PRESS BY JUNKRAT!

THE ANARCHIST TACKLES THE CLOWN!

HE LAYS INTO HIM WITH EXPLOSIVE LEFTS AND RIGHTS!

SeeSaw throws him aside and shakes off the cobwebs…

ONLY TO ENTER THE CONCUSSION MIIINE, VIA THE TILT-A-WHIRL DDT!

JUNKRAT TURNS HIM OVER…

HE BENDS HIS LEG AND WRAPS HIS ARMS ROUND SEESAW’S FACE!

SEESAW IS CAUGHT IN THE STEEEEL TRAP STF!

The homicidal entertainer screeches and laughs in agony as Junkrat contorts him.

“I WILL N—NEVER… FORGIVE YOU… F—FOR TAKING HIM FROM MEEE!” Junkrat spits out through exertion and pure emotion.

SeeSaw horrifically killed Junkrat’s best friend, Marvolo II, at Grave Consequences!

A lightbulb blinks above Blood Shark’s head. He hops up on the middle rope and cranes his neck into the ring.

“SEESAW IS NUMBER ONE!” He taunts, appropriating the late Marvolo II’s catchphrase.

JUNKRAT SCREAMS IN RAGE, RELEASING THE STF AND SHOOTING TO HIS FEET!

HE BOOKS IT OVER TO SHARK—

THE BOMBSHELL DRIVES HIS SHOULDER THROUGH THE ROPES AND INTO SHARK’S GUT!

HE FLIES FROM THE APRON…

THUD!

BLOOD SHARK SMACKS INTO THE CONCRETE BLEACHERS SPINE-FIRST!

“I LAUGHED WHEN THE SEAMINES BLEW UP THE SHARKS IN FINDING NEMO!” Junkrat screams at his downed tormentor.

GOOOOZLE!

SANDMAN HAS HIS HAND WRAPPED AROUND THE THROAT OF JUNKRAT FROM THE APRON!

HE HOISTS HIM UP…

CHOKESLAAAAM!

JUNKRAT WRITHES ON THE MAT!

Shark foams at the mouth, patting Sandman on the back as he returns to the apron.

ANNA TAGS IN JIMMY SARTYR!

BANZAN TAGS IN SWEET ALICE!

Jimmy front-flips over the ropes!

Alice sits on the top rope like a bar stool, swinging her legs over to get in. Her Wonderland psychosis numbs her to the pain she must feel!

She and Sartyr size each other up…

“Can I play, too?” SEESAW CLIMBS TO HIS FEET UNSTEADILY, GIGGLING MISCHIEVOUSLY!

THE MÉNAGE À TROIS SQUARES TRIANGLES OFF!

The Dreamer bolts over to Jimmy, who braces himself…

WHEELBARROW BULLDOG—

ALICE VAULTS OFF OF SEESAW’S CHEST TO PUT SARTYR DOWN!

She scrambles to her feet. SeeSaw heads right for her, evil intentions in mind…

DROP TOE-HOLD INTO THE MIDDLE ROPE!

A stranded SeeSaw clutches his windpipe and coughs up spittle. Alice hits the far ropes—

DIAL IT UP – TIGER KICK BY ALICE!

SeeSaw is sent tumbling backwards. Alice waits for him to claw his way back up…

SHE SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE TOP ROPE—

THE SON OF DOCTOR D’VILLE CATCHES HER!

HE’S GOT HER UP IN THE REVERSE DEATH VALLEY DRIVER…

TEEETER-TOTTERRRR!

BUT AS HE FLIPS HER, SHE SNAGS HER FEET ON JIMMY’S SHOULDERS!

HEADSCISSORS TAKEDOWN ON SARTYR!

SeeSaw double-takes. He growls and lunges—

DOOOWN THE RABBIT HOLE!

ALICE SPIKES HIM WITH THE SIT-OUT FACEBUSTER!

JUNKRAT TAGS IN THE JUDGE!

THE 6-9, 380-POUND JUDGE IS HERE TO LAY DOWN THE LAW!

Alice doesn’t shy away, though. She is in Wonderland, after all!

THE DREAMER RUNS AT JUDGE—

WHO FLATTENS HER WITH A SPINNING SIDE SLAM!

Order pulls her up and whips her into the ropes…

BEFORE LIFTING HER INTO A MILITARY PRESS!

HE REPS HER UP AND DOWN… THEN THROWS HER DOWN!

Alice clutches the small of her back as she squirms in pain. She drags herself up in her team’s corner—

BIIIG SPLASH BY JUDGE!

The Axeman catches her limp body. Turning her around, he stoops down and picks her up on his shoulders. He ascends the top-rope with her in tow…

HE ATTAINS PEEERRFECT BAALAAANCE!

TOP-ROOOOPE ELECTRIC CHAAAIIIR DROP!

Judge stands tall—

UNTIL A DROPKICK TO THE BACK SENDS HIM INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!

HE SPINS ROUND TO FACE HIS ATTACKER—

JIMMY SARTYR!

The former IWF Champion clubs his chest and sprints full-tilt at Judge…

MONKEY FLIP!?

JUDGE SANDBAGS HIM!

LAW & ORDER TURNS, SEATING SARTYR ON THE TOP-ROPE – LIKE HE DID TO ALICE!

JIMMY DUCKS A RIGHT HOOK!

HE BOOTS JUDGE IN THE FACE, KNOCKING HIM BACK…

TOP-ROPE CROSSSSBODYYY!

SARTYR FLOORS THE GIANT!

ONE!

…

…

WILL IWF LAND THE FIRST BLOW!?

…

…

TWOOO!

…

…

JUDGE POWERS OUT, SENDING JIMMY FLYING!

Like a cat, however, Sartyr lands on his feet! He hops and down as he waits for Judge to recover – which doesn’t take long. Jimmy races up to him—

JUDGE KICKS HIM IN THE GUT!

HE PULLS HIM LOW AND HOISTS HIM UP…

RESTORRAATIOON POWERBOMB—

NO!

SARTYR FLIPS OUT OF IT!

JUDGE LOOKS DOWN – JIMMY IS HOLDING HIS WRISTS!

THE INNOVATOR IN OVATION SPRINGS UP INTO A DROPKICK—

CHIIIIN CHECK!

The Judge falls back in slow-motion. The ring ropes tremble as he hits the canvas! Sartyr doesn’t have long to celebrate, however…

SEESAW TAGS THE SANDMAN!

ACROSS THE RING, ALICE TAGS SIGIL!

The Dream Demon and The Realm Walker enter the battlegrounds!

Sigil hauls ass over to Sandman…

COSMIC FUCKING LEAP RIGHT OUT OF THE GATE!

The former Champion emerges from a portal—

FIIIINIIIIIITE!

HE TAKES SANDMAN’S FUCKING HEAD OFF WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK!

Sandman flies back into the corner!

JUDGE TAGS JESSIE WILLIAMS!

Jimmy sneaks up behind Sigil, but The Collector senses him and wheels round—

CLAW-LIKE BLOWS TO THE EYES, NOSE, AND THROAT – FOORRR THE COLLECTIONNN!

Sartyr falls to his knees and gasps for air.

Jessie storms the ring. He takes a swing at Sigil, but the former Champion side-steps it and kicks him—

SIGIL SNAPS HIM OVER HIS KNEE WITH A BACKBREAKER!

HE HOLDS HIM IN PLACE, POUNDING HIS FACE WITH ELBOWS!

IT’S A LONG ROAD AHEAD, ALRIGHT!

He dumps Williams like a bad habit, then turns round—

SANDMAN PLUCKS HIM OFF THE MAT WITH A DOUBLE-HANDED CHOKE!

HE THROTTLES SIGIL UNTIL HE GOES LIMP, THEN HURLS HIM INTO THE CORNER!

JIMMY FELLS SANDMAN WITH A CHOPBLOCK!

The Night Terror swipes at Sartyr, but the veteran sees it coming and jumps back. He runs into the ropes—

HE SPIKES HIM WITH A KNEELING HURRICANRANA!

Sandman stumbles back to his feet…

JESSIE KICKS HIM IN THE RIBS!

HE PULLS HIM IN FOR THE PILEDRIVER – BUT HE CAN’T LIFT HIM!

SANDMAN IS FIGHTING HIM—

“Help me, Jimmy – please!” Williams implores.

Sartyr glances back at his team uncertainly…

HE RUSHES TO JESSIE’S AID!

Working together, Sartyr and Williams LIFT THE 360-POUNDER UP—

SPINNING GOTCH PILEDRIVER – HAAAIIIL TO THE KIIIING!

THEY HIGH-FIVE EACH OTHER!

Their teams murmur among themselves.

SIGIL TAKES THEM BOTH DOWN WITH A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE!

“How heartwarming.” He says sarcastically. “Pity it won’t last.”

He kneels down—

HEADBUTTING SARTYR WITH HIS METAL MASK!

Sigil backs up into the corner, eyeing Sandman across the ring. He grips the top rope either side of him and leans forwards eagerly…

HE ERUPTS FROM THE CORNER—

PLAAANESWAAA—DEEEEP FUCKING SLEEEEP!

SANDMAN COUNTERS THE RUNNING DROPKICK WITH THE END OF DAYS!

HE PUT SIGIL TO BED WITH THAT ONE!

The Sandman isn’t done, though. He kneels down over Sigil—

FORTY WI—WAIT…

HE CAN’T GOUGE SIGIL’S EYES THROUGH HIS MASK!

The Night Terror considers his options. He checks his mouth, where Sigil’s roundhouse kick connected…

HE RIPS A DECAYING TOOTH OUT OF HIS HEAD!

That thing was coming out anyway, but Sigil likely expedited the process!

Sandman tosses the tooth at Sigil and reaches inside his attire.

THE AMATEUR DENTIST TAKES OUT HIS DREADED PLIERS!

HE’S GOING TO RETURN THE FAVOUR!

The referee has let a lot slide in this match, but he won’t stand for this!

THE OFFICIAL SNATCHES SANDMAN’S PLIERS FROM HIM!

SANDMAN TOWERS OVER THE DIMINUTIVE PEACEKEEPER!

HE RAISES HIS THUMBS MENACINGLY—

JESSIE TAGS BRENT KERSH!

POP OF THE NIGHT!

THE ENFORCER CHARGES INTO THE RING!

The ovation causes Sandman to turn round—

SPEEEAAAARRRR!

KERSH TAKES OUT SANDMAN WITH A MONUMENTAL SPEAR!

EVERY PARTICIPANT IN THIS MATCH HAS NOW ENTERED!

Well, all except Nygma…

It doesn’t look like The Riddler is coming.

The Emporium & The Sandman may as well have forfeited the match!

Brent stands back, gives the rabid spectators a quick nod of appreciation, then looks at his wrist as though checking the time…

SANDMAN SITS UP ALMOST INSTANTLY!

Brent smiles. This ain’t his first rodeo with a monster!

THE SANDMAN COMETH—

Sigil gets up in a daze…

KERSH GRABS THE COLLECTOR!

GERMAN SUPLEX INTO THE SANDMAN!

They land in a tangled mess. Brent dusts his hands and turns round—

JUST BARELY BLOCKING A KICK FROM JIMMY!

SARTYR SHRUGS AND SWINGS WITH AN ENZUIGIR!

KERSH DUCKS IT!

Jimmy rolls onto his back, his legs still in Brent’s hands—

KERSH TWIRLS ROUND HIM…

FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK!

THAT’S THE LONE STAAARRR!

The Texan has Sartyr right where he wants him – will he tap!?

HAYDEN HARDKORE OUTTA NOWHERE!

HE TAKES A LEAP OF FAITH – CRUSHING BRENT!

The official orders Hayden back out, but the damage is done.

SIGIL TAGS SWEET ALICE BACK IN!

Alice returns to the fray, her wounds having reopened. Blood trickles from her hairline and down her china face.

JIMMY TAGS OUT TO COWBOY JIM JENKINS!

The portly jingoist pulls up his pants as he re-enters.

ALICE HOPS LIKE A BUNNY IN JIM’S DIRECTION—

GOOOOZLE!

SANDMAN CATCHES HER BY THE THROAT – KNOCKING INTO THE REFEREE!

HE’S GOING FOR ANOTHER CHOKESLAM…

WITH THE OFFICIAL BLINDSIDED, ALICE REACHES INTO HER GEAR—

SHE PRODUCES HER WHITE STORYBOOK!

THUD!

WELCOME TO WOONDEERRLAAAND, MOTHERFUCKER!

SANDMAN GOES DOWN!

“Hey there, Missy!” Cowboy calls over. “Put down that there bedtime story. I got a different kinda pop-up fer yew to look at!”

Alice spins round.

JENKINS SPINS THE LASSO OF TRUTHINESS IN THE AIR!

ALICE BRANDISHES HER BOOK AT HIM—

SANDMAN TAGS SEESAW!

JIM FLINGS THE ROPE…

AND RETRIEVES THE TOME!

He guffaws to himself, leafing through its pages—

“Wow, I always wanted a real lasso!” A childlike voice pines.

COWBOY’S EYES DART TO THE SIDE—

SEESAW SNATCHES THE LASSO!

MR. MAKE BELIEVE WRAPS IT AROUND HIS THROAT…

HE YANKS HIM BACKWARDS, DRIVING HIS HEAD INTO THE MAT!

WOODY’S ROUNDUP – FOR REAL!

SeeSaw claps his hands in delight. The official returns to action, confused by the weapons present in the ring.

BRENT TAGS OUT TO JUDGE!

“Give me my book – now!” Alice demands.

SHE CHARGES AT SEESAW…

BUT A WALL OF FIRE SUDDENLY IGNITES IN FRONT OF HER!

WHAT THE FUCK!?

ALICE THROWS HERSELF TO THE MAT!

The immense heat exuded by the flame makes everybody turn away and shield themselves.

ALICE’S HAIR SMOULDERS, AND WISPS OF SMOKE RISE FROM HER CLOTHING!

AS QUICKLY AS IT APPEARED, IT VANISHES!

Where the hell did that come from!?

Alice pats herself down and shakily gets to her feet—

VEEERRRRDIIIICT SPARTA KICK BY JUDGE!

ONE!

…

…

DID SOMEBODY CAUSE THAT FIREBALL!?

…

…

TWO!

…

…

WAS IT TARGETED AT ALICE!?

…

…

THREEEE!

SWEET ALICE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

Sigil, Voynich, and Banzan groan on the apron; they’re down to 3 members!

VOYNICH takes it on himself to put things right! He takes the fight to Judge, the two of them exchanging blows in the corner.

SeeSaw, meanwhile, works over Jenkins. He drags him over to the corner—

TAG TO SANDMAN!

The spectre punishes Cowboy with a fallaway slam!

JUDGE GOES TO SINK HIS TEETH INTO THE HEAD OF VOYNICH!

YOUR PAST MAY COME BACK TO BI—

VOYNICH HITS AN UPPERCUT!

FACE-LOCK…

HE RUNS UP THE ROPES—

THE EIGHTH WONDERRR – SLICED BREAD #2!

He drops Judge—

BUT SANDMAN DECAPITATES HIM WITH A BIG BOOT!

COWBOY TAGS OUT TO ANNA GOODCHILD!

It’s the second coming!

SHE LEAPS ON SANDMAN’S BACK!

JUDGE TAGS OUT TO BRENT KERSH!

Sandman snapmares Anna to the mat.

THE ENFORCER GUNS IT OVER TO HIM—

SANDMAN LOOKS UP…

THE LIGHTS FLICKER!

What the…!?

BRENT FREEZES IN HIS TRACKS!

HE FALLS TO HIS KNEES!

SANDMAN HASN’T EVEN TOUCHED HIM!

THE LIGHTS FADE AS KERSH FROWNS, HIS EYES WELLING UP—

WHAT IS GOING ON!?

Sandman slowly approaches him… Is he doing this!?

BRENT BALLS HIS FISTS INTO HIS TEMPLES AND CLAMPS HIS EYES SHUT!

He must see something that we can’t…

The Slaughterhouse grows darker as Sandman draws closer to Kersh. What nightmarish torture is he subjecting him to!?

VOYNICH SHINES A DAZZLING LIGHT IN SANDMAN’S FACE!

THE DREAM DEMON RECOILS; THE LIGHTS COME BACK; THE SPELL IS BROKEN!

Voynich’s canvas duffle bag lies open in the corner.

Did he knowingly save Brent, or was he ensuring the same fate wouldn’t befall himself – and others?

With Sandman decommissioned, VOYNICH TAGS SIGIL!

Likewise, having experienced god-knows-what, Kersh TAGS JUDGE!

The two stand across the ring from each other…

COSMIC LEAP – SIGIL OPENS A PORTAL!

THE JUDGE, HOWEVER, OPENS HIS OWN PORTAL!

BOTH ENTER—

THEIR PORTALS OVERLAP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!

WHAT THE SHIT!?

THESE GUYS ARE GOING TO OPEN A BLACK HOLE OR SOMETHING!

FISTS FLY THROUGH THE PORTALS, EACH COMBATANT BREACHING THE SPACE AND TIME OF THE OTHER!

INTER-DIMENSIONAL FUCKING WARFARE HERE AT CHAIN REACTION!

WAIT…

THEY JUST CROSSED OVER INTO EACH OTHER’S PORTALS!

JUDGE APPEARS – FLYING BACKWARDS!

SIGIL FOLLOWS HIM, HIS FEET BURIED IN HIS CHEST!

THEY CYCLE THROUGH BOTH PORTALS IN AN ENDLESS LOOP!

INFIIINIIIIITE PLAAAAAANESWAAAALKER!

ONE PORTAL CLOSES, AND THEY BOTH FALL FROM THE OTHER!

Neither one of them is moving.

Everyone stands in awe of the phenomenon they just witnessed.

Everyone but Anna Goodchild – who stands on the top rope! She looks over her shoulder…

SAAAVIING GRAAACE MOONSAULT TO JUDGE’S PRONE BODY!

ONE!

…

…

THIS WOULD TAKE EVERY OSW TEAM TO A HEADCOUNT OF 3!

…

…

TWO!

…

…

THREEEE!

THE JUDGE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

Anna clutches her abdomen in the corner.

Junkrat, Brent Kersh, and Jessie Williams hold their heads in dismay; 3 remain!

SANDMAN TAGS SEESAW!

Before his teammates can stop him, JUNKRAT hops back in!

Demolition Man aims for SeeSaw—

WHO PICKS HIM UP ON HIS SHOULDERS!

REVERSE DEATH VALLEY DRIVER – THE TEETER-TOTT—

JUNKRAT HOPS DOWN!

HE SPINS SEESAW ROUND!

ONE!

TWO!

WAIT A MINUTE…

THREE!

FOUR!

THAT’S—

FIVE!

JUNKRAT JUST HIT THE FIVE-POINT PALM EXPLODING HEART TECHNIQUE!

The crowd gasp in disbelief!

SeeSaw stops dead. He blinks repeatedly, then looks down at his chest.

HE’S… FINE!?

DID JUNKRAT DO IT RIGHT!?

Cackling, SeeSaw steps towards Junkrat—

AND COLLAPSES!

IT WORKED!

DID MARVOLO II TEACH HIM PAI MEI’S SECRET BEFORE HIS UNTIMELY DEATH!?

JUNKRAT COVERS HIM—

ONE!

…

…

EMPORIUM & SANDMAN CAN’T AFFORD TO LOSE PEOPLE!

…

…

TWO!

…

…

THREEEE!

SEESAW HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

Shark spits blood, while Sandman cracks his neck; with Nygma MIA, it’s just the 2 of them!

Junkrat gets to his feet. A tear rolls down his cheek as he looks up. Somewhere, Marvolo II is looking down on his Number Two…

GOODCHILD TAGS HAYDEN HARDKORE!

BLOOD SHARK dives back in—

PLAAAAANESWAAAAAAALKERRRR!

BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Nuclear heat rains down on Sigil, as he shits all over Junkrat’s moment.

Blood Shark—and Hayden—laugh as they watch.

ONE!

…

…

NO, NOT LIKE THIS!

…

…

TWO!

…

…

KICK OUT, JUNKRAT!

…

…

THREEEEEEE!

JUNKRAT HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

Brent Kersh and Jessie Williams are gutted on Junkrat’s behalf; they’re the only 2 on their team.

The Prince elects to throw down again.

“Ok, which one of you knuckleheads wants some!?” He asks, cocking his Boomstick.

HardKore steps forwards…

HIS FIST IS WRAPPED IN CHAINS!

Jessie smiles.

The official goes to protest, before looking at Williams’ gauntlet and deciding turnabout is fair play.

Blood Shark and Sigil stick around; they’ve got front-row tickets to this fight!

The Maori Warrior and the heir to The Chosen One bloodline circle each other, their trigger-fingers itching…

Both look for some kind of tell on their opponent, as each man dares the other to make the first move—

POWERRR OF THE SOOUTHPAWWW!

HAYDEN WINDS IT UP—

BOOOMSTIIIIIICK!

THE FISTS OF FURY CLASH IN A SHOWER OF SPARKS!

SCREECHING STEEL MAKES THE OTHERS COVER THEIR EARS!

THEY BREAK, ONLY TO MEET AGAIN!

The Boomstick and The Southpaw are locked in a fencing competition, their owners swinging and parrying like the swashbucklers of old!

“I’ll end this…” Sigil says to Shark.

COSMIC LEAP!

Sigil’s portal distracts both men – but Jessie is quicker on the draw!

HE JACKS HARDKORE IN THE JAW WITH HIS BARE FIST, FLOORING HIM…

THEN AIMS THE BOOMSTICK AT THE OPEN PORTAL—

BOOOOOYAAAAAHHHH!

SIGIL REAPPEARS, READY FOR THE ROUNDHOUSE—

BUT THE AIRBORNE BOOMSTICK SOARS OUT OF HIS OWN PORTAL, COLD-COCKING HIM!

HE FALLS TO THE MAT!

HAYDEN TAGS JIMMY SARTYR!

Goodchild has been resurrected.

SIGIL CRAWLS INTO A TAG TO VOYNICH!

Was that intentional?

Jessie hesitates; Voynich saved Brent from The Sandman.

Voynich remembers the stray Boomstick he ate earlier – but he prides himself in his professionalism…

BLOOD SHARK SHOVES VOYNICH—

ANNA PUSHES JESSIE!

EACH MAN THINKS THE OTHER IS ATTACKING…

ISHTAAAR GA—

BOOOOOMSTICK SUPERMAN PUNCH!

WILLIAMS HEADS OFF THE LARIAT!

Closing the Gate, Jessie covers—

ONE!

…

…

THIS WOULD TIE THE OSW-ALIGNED TEAMS!

…

…

TWO!

…

…

THREEEE!

VOYNICH HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

Sigil snaps the tag-rope in frustration; Banzan merely breathes deeply. The 2 of them are all that’s left…

The son of Ash looks up from Voynich, to see Blood Shark and Anna Goodchild either side of him. He puts two-and-two together. He’ll make sure they both pay, but he has to choose one target for now…

BANZAN STEPS OVER THE ROPES…

“I’m gonna make me a nice li’l shark-tooth necklace!” Williams quips, as he buffs his gauntlet.

HE RUNS AT SHARK…

BOOOOMST—

CHOMP!

HOLY SHIT!

BLOOD SHARK CATCHES THE BOOMSTICK – IN HIS FUCKING MOUTH!

HE’S TAKING A BITE OUT OF THE METALLIC GLOVE!

Jessie stares at the black-eyed Shark in shock—

HE PULLS HIS HAND OUT OF THE GAUNTLET, FALLING ON HIS ASS!

BANZAN TREADS THE ENLIGHTENED PATH—

KINSHAAASAAAAA!

HE ENDS HIS SUFFERING WITH THE MAGGA!

ONE!

…

…

BRENT RALLIES THE FANS BEHIND JESSIE—

…

…

TWO!

…

…

“KICK OUT, KID!” HE YELLS—

…

…

THREEEEE!

JESSIE WILLIAMS HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

Brent Kersh sighs deeply – Jessie is gone, and he’s the sole survivor of his team!

BRENT KERSH prepares to endure, as his good friend would say…

Banzan caresses Jessie’s cheek. “The fire has been contained.” He states calmly.

BLOOD SHARK RUSHES HIM!

He hacks at The Indestructible Mountain with savage elbows and knees, but they have no effect! The monk remains seated, making no attempt to protect himself.

HE HAS ENTERED THE MOUNTAIN STANCE!

Brent tries to intervene. He’s all too familiar with this spooky-power stuff…

Banzan’s lack of reaction further enrages Shark, who headbutts him. You know what they say about getting blood from a stone…

Goodchild tries to stop Shark from waking a dormant volcano. He barges past her, however—

SHARK BITES BANZAN’S BALD HEAD!

A purple haze glows faintly…

“STOP!” Anna demands, but Shark smells blood—

BLOODYYY MARRYYY!

SHINING WIZARD BY BLOOD SHARK!

THE AURA GLOWS MORE INTENSELY…

Kersh himself is mesmerised by what’s occurring.

Goodchild, however, stares at Banzan in horror as the energy coils around him—

“B-black magic…” She stammers.

SHARK GETS HIM IN A HAMMERLOCK…

HE FALLS BACK INTO A DDT—

BLOOODMONEEEYY!

BUT BANZAN DIDN’T MOVE AN INCH!

HE’S DRAWING FROM THE WELLSPRING!

Anna slips her hand inside her dress. She withdraws her blessed weighted crucifix and holds it to her lips.

“NO!” The Enforcer pleads, holding his hand out.

HAS BANZAN CHARGED HIS ENERGY FULLY!?

The referee is preoccupied arguing with Shark as to the legality of what the monk is doing.

Goodchild whispers a prayer and palms the crucifix….

“MAY GOD SMITE YOU DOWN, DEVIL-WORSHIPPER!” She roars—

SHE CRACKS BANZAN IN THE TEMPLE!

THE LORD’S JUDGEMENT SHINES DOWN ON THE SLAUGHTERHOUSE!

THE PURPLE HAZE DISSIPATES!

HOLY SHIT – SHE STOPPED IT!

Was it her – or some divine intervention!?

Banzan must not have gotten enough juice. He did not achieve full Enlightenment.

Regardless, the experience has exhausted Anna. She slumps into the ropes.

Brent steps towards her, but Shark clubs him from behind! He hits the ropes like they owe him money, rebounding into Kersh—

THE ENFORCER GETS HIM UP ON HIS SHOULDER…

HE DUNKS HIM INTO A SHOULDER BREAKER!

SHARK IS ABOUT TO GET A NICE, TALL GLASS OF SOUTHERN DISCOMFORT—

BUT HE ESCAPES THE TOMBSTONE!

HE TAGS IN SANDMAN – JUST AS GOODCHILD TAGS HAYDEN HARDKORE!

The Flying Kiwi spins Brent round—

HE HOISTS HIM UP WITH A FIREMAN’S CARRY!

HAYDEN ROLLS FORWARDS INTO A SLAM – THE MAORIIIII DROP!

Planting Kersh, he jumps back to his feet to face The Sandman-

FOOORRTYYY WINKSSS!

SANDMAN PLUNGES HIS SCABBY THUMBS INTO HARDKORE’S EYES!

THE BRAWLER WAILS AS HIS EYEBALLS ARE SQUASHED IN THEIR SOCKETS!

SANDMAN FORCES HIM ONTO HIS BACK AND PRESSES DOWN!

HAYDEN CHOOSES SIGHT OVER PRIDE—

HE TAPS OUT!

HAYDEN HARDKORE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

Jimmy Sartyr, Cowboy Jim Jenkins, and Anna Goodchild bleed as one; IWF, however, still has 3 members!

COWBOY JIM JENKINS takes the reins.

Holding his hat to his head, he bravely waddles over to Sandman—

AMERICA’S GAAAME!

HE BASEBALL SLIDES THROUGH HIS LEGS!

Jenkins emerges behind Sandman and shoves him forwards—

SANDMAN GOES HEADFIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!

Jim backs it up. He winds his arms and brings his legs up to his chest—well, as close as he can—with big strides…

“Chugga, chugga, chugga, chugga, chugga – CHOO-CHOOOOOOOOOO BIIITCHEEESSSS!”

HE CHARGES FULL STEAM AHEEEAD—

LITTLE BIG SPLASH TO SANDMAN!

The boogieman staggers out…

JENKINS KICKS HIM IN THE NETHERS, THEN DROPS HIM WITH A STUNNER!

SANDMAN JUST BOARDED THE TRAIN TO GO-FUCK-YOURSELF TOWN!

Jim goes to cover him, but a landmark catches his eye.

“Whoo, mama – I always wanted to climb a Mountain!” He says, spotting Banzan’s prone form.

Cowboy climbs the ropes, which sag under his concentrated mass. From atop the turnbuckle, he holds his arms out to the sides—

“I’M THE KING O’ THE WOOORRRLD!” He cries…

SANDMAN TAGS SHARK!

SENTONNN BOMB!

HIROSHIIIIMAAAA!

BANZAN ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY!

JENKINS COLLIDES WITH THE CANVAS!

Jim cusses up a storm and forces himself onto all fours…

BLOOODMONNEEYY HAMMERLOCK DDT!

SHARK COVERS HIM—

ONE!

…

…

IWF STILL HAVE THE ADVANTAGE BY ONE!

…

…

TWO!

…

…

WILL THEY EVEN THE ODDS!?

…

…

THREEEEE!

COWBOY JIM JENKINS HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

Jimmy Sartyr and Anna Goodchild look concerned; IWF is relying on just the 2 of them!

JIMMY SARTYR RETURNS TO THE FRONTLINE!

BRENT KERSH REAPPEARS!

BANZAN TAGS SIGIL!

Shark licks his lips and rubs his hands together. So much fresh meat – who to chow down on first!?

HE HONES IN ON SIGIL—

BUT HE’S MOVING ON WOOUUUNDED LEGSSS!

SIGIL LOCKS IN THE CALF-CRUSHER!

With Shark stranded, Kersh heads up top…

DIIIVIIING HEADBUTT TO BLOOD SHARK!

Sigil releases the submission, and Shark limps back into the corner…

INTO A WAITING JIMMY SARTYR!

HE GRABS SHARK’S ARMS FINS FROM BEHIND, THEN DRIVES HIS KNEE INTO THE BACK OF HIS HEAD…

HE PUSHES OFF FROM THE TOP ROPE—

THRIIIIILLRIIIIIDEEE!

ONE!

…

…

LOSING SHARK WILL LEAVE SANDMAN ALL ALONE!

…

…

TWO!

…

…

THREEEEE!

BLOOD SHARK HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

Speak of the Devil, and he shall appear – ENTER SANDMAN!

RIDING THE MOMENTUM, JIMMY BARRELS TOWARDS HIM—

DEEEEP SLEEEEP – THE END OF DAYS!

SANDMAN LAYS SARTYR OUT!

BRENT, HOWEVER, ROCKS SANDMAN WITH A DISCUS ELBOW!

Sigil sees Brent’s elbow, and raises him one FOR THE COLLECTION!

HE STRIKES LIKE A COBRA AT ANYTHING NOT COVERED IN FUCKING TEETH!

SIGIL PUSHES SANDMAN BACK INTO THE CORNER, WHERE KERSH HITS A STINGER SPLASH!

The Realm Walker and The Enforcer lock eyes…

KERSH SWEEPS THE LEGS!

HE SPINS ROUND—

FIGURE FOUR!

LOOONE STA—

NO!

SIGIL COUNTERS WITH ANOTHER CALF-CRUSHER!

THE OLD WARHORSE IS ON WOOUUNDED LEEEGS!

HE SCREAMS IN PAIN, REACHING FOR THE ROPES!

JIMMY TAGS ANNA GOODCHILD!

The Child of God descends from the heavens once more into Hell’s Kitchen!

Training her sights on the Dream Demon, she palms her crucifix once more.

BRENT GETS A ROPE BREAK!

SANDMAN STUMBLES OUT AND ANNA REARS BACK—

THE LOOORD’S JUU—

THE DEEEEPEST OF SLEEEEP!

SANDMAN DRIVES HER INTO THE MAT!

ONE!

…

…

YOUR GOD CAN’T SAVE YOU NOW!

…

…

TWO!

…

…

YOU’RE FLYING SOLO, JIMMY!

…

…

THREEEEE!

ANNA GOODCHILD HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

Jimmy Sartyr is all that remains for IWF!

He sits in the corner, closing his eyes and running his hand through his hair…

The Sandman pushes forwards—

PLAAANESWAAALKEEERRRR BY SIGIL!

THE SPRINTING DROPKICK KNOCKS SANDMAN FOR SIX!

HE TURNS AROUND…

BRENT KERSH SHOULDERS THE BURDEN – EVEN ON WOUNDED LEGS!

HE LIMPS CARRYING THE SANDMAN—

SHOULDER-BREAKER!

…

TOOOMBSTOONE – SOUTHERN DISCOMFOORRRT!

ONE!

…

…

THE SANDMAN HAS NEVER BEEN PINNED!

…

…

TWO!

…

…

IF KERSH GETS THE 3, SANDMAN’S TEAM IS OUT!

…

…

…

…

THREEEEEEEEE!

THE SANDMAN HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

THE NIGHT TERROR AND THE EMPORIUM ARE OUT OF THIS MATCH!

IT’S DOWN TO 3 TEAMS!

For the first time in this contest, IWF finds itself at a disadvantage!

SIGIL TAGS BANZAN!

They wisely share the workload.

SARTYR, KERSH, AND BANZAN FACE-OFF…

“AAALLLLLL AABOOOAAAARRRRD!

HaHahAHAHAHAHAHahaha!”

NO WAY!

NO FUCKING WAY!

THE SLAUGHTERHOUSE EXPLOOOODES!

THE GUITAR RIFF TO OZZY OSBOURNE’S CRAZY TRAIN KICKS IN—

“Mental wounds not healing

Life’s a bitter shame

I’m going off the rails on a crazy train!”

IT’S NYYYYYGMAAAAAAAA!

HE WHO LAUGHS HAS ARRIIIIIVEEED!

HIS TEAM AREN’T DONE, AFTER ALL!

NYGMA RUNS TO THE RING, A STREAK OF GREEN!

THE THREE MEN IN THE RING LOOK AT EACH OTHER IN CONCERN!

THEY ALL TURN TO FACE NYGMA AS HE SLIDES IN – NO FEAR, NO HESITATION!

JIMMY TAKES HIM ON—

NEEVEERRMIIIIND – JUMPING IMPLANT DDT!

Nygma bursts back onto his feet—

BRENT LOOKS TO SERVE UP ANOTHER SOUTHERN DISCOMFORT!

NYGMA JUMPS OFF…

KERSH SPINS ROUND AS NYGMA DROPS ONTO HIS BACK—

UPPEEERCUT – JOKE’S ON YOU, BUDDY!

BRENT SLUMPS INTO THE ROPES, WHICH PROPEL HIM BACK INTO NYGMA—

WHO GETS HIM UP FOR THE DEATH VALLEY DRIVER…

THE ENIGMAAA THEOREEEM!

NYGMA IS A MAN POSSESSED!

He gets to his feet, coming face-to-face with BANZAN!

NYGMA IS UNFAZED!

HE HOLDS UP A PEACE SIGN AND SMILES – “PEACE, BROTHER!”

“HaHahAHAHAHAHAHahaha!” HE LAUGHS AS HE MOCKS BANZAN’S BELIEFS!

THE SPIRITUALIST SHAKES HIS HEAD GRIMLY!

HE WANTS TO END NYGMA’S SUFFERING—

MAGGAAAA!

NYGMA CHARGES INTO IT!?

AIN’T NO LAUGHIING MATTEERRRR!

SHINING WIZARD VERSUS KINSHASA!

…

…

THE SHINING WIZARD DROPS BANZAN!

Nyma covers—

ONE!

…

…

THREE MINUTES INTO ENTERING, NYGMA HAS RAISED HELL!

…

…

TWO!

…

…

…

…

THREEEEEEE!

BANZAN HAS BEEN ELIMINATED!

WE’VE ARRIVED AT OUR FINAL FOUR!

JIMMY SARTYR; BRENT KERSH; SIGIL; NYGMA!

The Riddler gets to his feet and holds his dukes up.

“WHO’S READY FOR THE PUNCHLINE!?” He challenges, laughing.

WHOOOOOSH – COSMIC LEAP!

PLAAAAANESWAAAALKER TO NYGMA!

SIGIL HITS HIM SO DAMN HARD THAT HE FOLLOWS HIM OVER THE ROPES, TO THE OUTSIDE!

Nygma laughs at the series of events. Everything is a joke to him. Where he once felt bitterness or anger, he now sees the funny side of things!

He and Sigil get to their feet—

BRENT KERSH USES SIGIL TO GORE NYGMA INTO THE METAL BARRICADE!

HE THEN THROWS THE COLLECTOR BACK-FIRST INTO THE RING APRON!

ALL THREE MEN ENGAGE IN A MELEE!

FISTS AND TEETH ARE FLYING…

“Hey, ladies!” A voice calls from the ring. They look up—

JIMMY SARTYR IS UP HIGH ON THE TOP ROPE!

“Let me know when you’re done hitting each other with your handbags, yeah?”

THEY BRACE THEMSELVES—

BACKWARDS SWAAAANTONNN BY SARTYR!

TUCK ‘N’ COOVEEERRR ONTO THE CONCRETE!

BODIES LAY STREWN AT RINGSIDE!

It’s just as well there are no count-outs in OSW, because we’d be looking at a four-way tie!

They slowly recover. Nygma pulls himself up on a table covered in production equipment. Cracking his back—having once been run over—Jimmy makes his way over to him. Sartyr leathers him with a chop!

WOOOO! The Slaughterhouse crowd pay homage.

WOOOOO! Another chop.

Nygma’s tattered garb falls apart as Jimmy tans him with chop after chop!

WOOOOOOOOO!

Sartyr cooks up another one…

NYGMA DUCKS DOWN AND SCOOPS HIM UP—

DEATH VALLEY DRIVER – ENIGMA THEEEOOREM THROUGH THE FUCKING TABLE!

SPLINTERED WOOD, CABLES, AND DEBRIS BURIES JIMMY!

“I’m sorry…” Nygma says. “I have such bad table manners!”

The Riddler cackles—

BRENT KERSH GRABS HOLD OF HIM!

CRASH!

THE ENFORCER THROWS HIM HEADFIRST INTO THE STEEL STAIRS!

Nygma goes through the steps with an almighty rumble.

Brent goes to pick him up…

BUT SIGIL VAULTS OFF THE SEPERATED STAIRS—

PLAAAAANESWAAAAALKER TO KERSH!

BRENT FLIES THROUGH THE CROWD BARRIERS, DISAPPEARING INTO A SEA OF PEOPLE!

Security hurriedly close the barricades and manually hold them shut.

Sigil rolls Nygma back into the ring.

Unable to stifle an almost compulsive laughter, Nygma holds up his hand in the shape of an E—

Or, from Sigil’s perspective, an Ǝ!

The Realm Walker looks into the emerald eyes of his former Ǝnigma ally.

“What you had me do to him…” Sigil says, “They’ve now done to you.”

Nygma simply… LAUGHS!

Sigil shakes his head.

HE GRABS NYGMA—

BACKBREAKER!

BENDING HIM OVER HIS KNEE, SIGIL UNLOADS WITH ELBOWS TO THE FACE!

SURELY THIS ROAD CAN’T GET ANY FUCKING LONGER!?

UPPERCUT OUTTA NOWHERE!

JOKE’S ON YOU, BUDDYYY!

SIGIL DROPS NYGMA AND STUMBLES BACK, HOLDING HIS THROAT!

NYGMA TRIPS HIM UP AND, HOLDING HIS LEGS, TURNS HIM OVER…

LION TAMER – THAT’S THE RIDDLE BOX!

Sigil screams through his mask as Nygma locks in the submission!

CAN HE CRACK THE RIDDLE!?

The Collector reaches for the ropes – but they’re too far away!

Wait a minute…

JIMMY SARTYR SLOWLY SCALES THE TURNBUCKLE!

SAWDUST STICKS TO HIS SWEATY SKIN, BUT IF A CAR CAN’T STOP THIS MAN, A TABLE SURE AS HELL WON’T!

He could let Nygma tap Sigil out, but this might be their only chance to take him down!

JIMMY LEAPS ACROSS THE RING!

HE DRIVES HIS KNEE INTO THE BACK OF NYGMA’S HEAD…

AND GRABS HIS ARMS ON THE WAY DOWN—

THRIIIIIILLLRIIIIIIIIIDE!

SARTYR COVERS HIM—

ONE!

…

…

WILL THAT SILENCE THE LAUGHING MAN!?

…

…

TWO!

…

…

…

CAN JIMMY TAKE IT DOWN TO A TRIPLE THREAT!?

…

…

…

TWO-POINT-NINE!

NYGMA KICKS OUT!

GODDAMMIT, THAT WAS CLOSE!

Sartyr cradles his head – something brushes past him…

BRENT KERSH FINDS HIS WAY BACK!

His skin has been branded by the iron bars of the railings, and he walks with a limp, but this old dog still has fight left in him!

Walking past Jimmy, Brent stoops down—

HE PICKS NYGMA UP…

SHOULDER FUCKING BREAKER!

CAN HE COMPLETE THE ONE-TWO COMBO!?

YES – TOMBSTONE!

DRINK UP, NYGMA – SOUTHERN DISCOMFORT!

ONE!

…

…

THAT’S IT; GOODBYE NYGMA!

…

…

TWO!

…

…

…

LAUGH THAT ONE OFF!

…

…

…

…

THREEEEEEEE!

NOOOOO!

SHOULDER UP! NYGMA GETS A SHOULDER UP!

BRENT CAN’T BELIEVE IT!

WHAT DO THEY HAVE TO DO!?

He stands with his hands on his hips, shaking his head.

Turning to face Jimmy, he looks like he has a plan…

“Listen, kid—”

LOW BLOOOWWW!

WHAT THE…!?

THAT DIDN’T COME FROM SARTYR!

IT WASN’T JUST ANY LOW BLOW—

IT WAS A J.U.G.G.A.L.O. BLOOOOWWWWW!

JAY FUCKING JECKEL IS HERE!

BRENT TURNS TO FACE HIS ATTACKER!

HE MOUTHS “Why?”—

JAY LIFTS HIM UP…

AND GIVES HIM THE RAAAWW DEAALLL!

GO TO SLEEP, BRENT KERSH!

WHAT IS JAY DOING!?

Wait a minute… Brent’s son, Tank, is on the outs with his old man, and is friends with Jay…

Jay’s father, Jake Jeckel, was synonymous with IWF for the first half of his career!

Does any of that relate to this!?

Sartyr doesn’t quite know what to do, but Jay Jeckel has already slid out of the ring and is high-tailing it out of The Slaughterhouse to a symphony of boos!

Sigil gets to his feet, worse for wear after enduring the Riddle Box. He turns to see Nygma and Kersh both down, and looks at Jimmy.

Sartyr meets his gaze…

SIGIL PREPARES TO LAUNCH HIMSELF!

“Oh, boy—” JIMMY PULLS HIMSELF UP AND CHARGES!

…

THEY COLLIDE IN A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE!

BOTH MEN ARE DOWN!

SCRATCH THAT – EVERYBODY IS DOWN!

NYGMA, BRENT KERSH, SIGIL, JIMMY SARTYR – THEY’VE KNOCKED SEVEN SHADES OF SHIT OUT OF EACH OTHER!

SOMEBODY HAS TO WIN!

WHO WILL SURVIVE!?

All four are down!

This could go in any direction.

Nygma is first back to his feet, followed shortly by Sigil. They begin slugging it out, Sigil getting the upper hand and beating The Riddler back into the corner.

BIG RIGHT HOOK!

“Hahahahahaha!”

ANOTHER RIGHT HOOK!

“Hahahahahahahahaha!”

ANOTHER!

ANOTHER!

ANOTHER!

FOR THE COLLECTION!

“COME ON PRINCESS, HIT ME, DON’T TICKLE ME!” Nygma bellows, laughing loudly as blood drips from his lips.

Sigil is getting pissed and rightfully so.

Suddenly, Jimmy Sartyr rolls him up.

ONE…

…..

TWO….

….

KICK OUT!

Both spring away from the near fall, only here comes NYGMA!

AIN’T NO LAUGHING MATTER TO SARTYR! HE FUCKING NAILED HIM!

NYGMA COVERS…

ONE…

…..

TWO….

….

THREE!!

TEAM IWF HAVE BEEN ELIMINATED!

Sigil meanwhile grabs The Riddler and pulls him back to his feet

FINITE!

LEAPING ROUNDHOUSE TO NYGMA!

Brent Kersh though is back to his feet. He scoops Sigil as he gets back to his feet.

SOUTHERN DISCOMFORT!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! SIGIL REVERSES!

TOMBSTONE TO BRENT KERSH!

TOMBSTONE!

TOMBSTONE!

The Planeswalker reverses, only here comes NYGMA!

AIN’T NO LAUGHING MATTER

SHINING WIZZZZAAARRDDDDDD TO SIGIL! JESUS CHRIST!

The Riddler grabs an exhausted and damn near unconscious Brent Kersh, popping him up top.

THE ENIGMA THEOREM!

DEATH…

VALLEY…

DRIVER!

BUT WAIT, THIS FUCKING LUNATIC ISN’T COVERING. HE LOOKS AT SIGIL, THEN BACK AT KERSH – WHAT THE HELL IS HE THINKING?

HE HAS SOMETHING UP HIS SLEEVE.

HE GRABS SIGIL VIOLENTLY, PULLING HIM TO HIS FEET…

SOMEHOW, HE GRABS KERSH, ROUSING HIM AS WELL.

WHAT THE HELL IS HE DOING!?

BOTH MEN ARE GROGGY, BARELY ABLE TO STAND, BUT HE PULLS THEM UP AND CLOSER, INTO POSITION.

NEVERMIND!

DOUBLE NEVERMIND!

DOUBLE IMPLANT DDT!!

JESUS FUCKING CHRIST!

He Who Laughs Last gets back to his feet with a raucous laugh, grabbing Sigil one last time.

THE ENIGMA THEOREM!

DEATH…

VALLEY…

DRIVER!

STRAIGHT ONTO THE PRONE UNCONCIOUS BODY OF BRENT KERSH!

Nygma pulls Sigil so that he’s led across Kersh, his shoulders down on the mat and then covers them both.

ONE…

….

….

TWO….

….

….

THREE!!

THE MONSTER FORMERLY KNOWN AS EDWARD NEWTON HAS DONE IT!

HE’S TAKEN EMPORIUM TO A CHAIN REACTION VICTORY!

NYGMA.

THE BLOOD RED SHARK.

THE SANDMAN.

SEESAW.

ONE OF THESE FOUR EARN THEMSELVES AN OSW CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH WITH LUKE STORM!

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE MATCH!

FOR WE ARE
SOMEWHERE ELSE

It looks like a dungeon.

Our camera is shaky and full of static.

The walls are covered in grime and gunk as we seemingly march into the depths of a very rancid and terrifying place.

Inside, there’s a mixture of sounds among us.

Laughter.

Weeping.

Screaming, even.

Slowly we approach the bottom of said Dungeon, where Luke Storm has been stripped near naked and now lays bloodied and beaten amongst the rubble of the floor.

This is all too familiar for the World Champion.

Suddenly, a small voice emanates for the darkness. We can’t see where it comes from but it sounds young.

“It killed them; didn’t you know?” She says. “Every single one of them died on that day.”

Luke looks up, trembling almost; something has him utterly terrified; something unlike anything he’s ever seen.

Suddenly, she lunges forward at him, her pale young white face directly in his. He jumps almost out of his skin, scrambling backwards as she giggles innocently.

“Synn, that’s enough,” a voice growls from the opposite side of the darkness.

A large pale figure walks forward, ginormous in size – an absolutely horrifying beast of a creature, or man, if you dare.

Legion.

“You didn’t think there would be an invasion without me, did you?” Legion asks, folding his arms.

Luke gulps.

“Look, I have no idea who you are,” he says honestly. “I don’t know what’s going on.”

“My name is Legion, for we are many,” he grumbles. “And at Red Snow, many moons ago, my vessel was destroyed by Old School Wrestling.”

Storm just stares.

“I have changed vessels many times since then, allowing the demons within me to gather strength and return.”

The Beast walks forward and pulls Storm to his feet, holding him against the wall, at least a foot off the ground.

“And now I come for vengeance,” he angrily snarls. “Of which, I’m going to start by killing you.”

BOOOOOOOOMMM!!

SUDDENLY AN EXPLOSION ROCKS THE ENTIRE DUNGEON!

A MASSIVE HOLE HAS BEEN BLOWN INTO THE WALL, KNOCKING LEGION, STORM AND SYNN FLYING ACROSS THE ROOM!

AS THE DUST CLEARS, A FIGURE EMERGES!

REDWING!

He pulls Luke back to his feet, dragging him from the carnage.

The Red Detective must’ve used his investigatory skills to track Luke Storm here.

He looks back at Legion, who sits up like the fucking horror that he is and grapples immediately away, swinging out into the darkness with Luke Storm in hand.

Synn meanwhile appears alongside her Beast.

“We’ll get him, don’t you worry.”

He smiles.

Cut.