“SERUM”
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“Finally, we have the opportunity to talk truthfully,” [he says with a nod, confusing Shadow.] “I’m truly sorry to have to pick you up in such a crude and unfortunate manner but we have things to discuss before our match tonight.] [Shadow blinks, the light blinding him.]
“Now, I’m sure that you feel rather different, am I right? [Karrde asks knowingly.] “You should. You were injected with a serum and mild sedative that made your capture less challenging. I’m going to ask you some important questions and you’re going to answer me honestly,” [he chuckles.] “After all, you have no choice.”
[The Fallen Angel lowers his head with shame.]“Did you murder D’von Chambers?”
[He looks up, shaking his head.] “No.” [Karrde seems surprised by that.]“Hm, alright. Now, did you steal my briefcase?”
[The Angel smiles a beaming pearly white smile.]“No.”
[Karrde’s own smile turns to a grimace as he backs away, shocked and surprised. He didn’t see that coming. He was confident that Shadow had taken it but this mystery man, unsurprisingly, has led him on another wild goose chase.]“All this has been for naught?” [The Magician says, clutching at his head.] “If you don’t have it, who does?”
“I don’t know Karrde, but you have something that belongs to me,” [Shadow says, nodding at the Rewind Championship sat on the table behind him.] “I would ordinarily ask for it back, but since I’m compelled to tell the truth, I’d rather kick your ass for it instead.”
[The Fallen Angel laughs as Wild Karrde shakes his head.] [Cut.]RAIN VS. OSCAR VOGEL
SINGLES MATCH
“ALL THE WAY HOME”
BACKSTAGE
“Watch out, old chaps! Royalty coming through!”
[A group of backstage workers step out of the way as Edgar Nevermore comes into picture with Happy being pushed forward in a wheelchair. Happy’s eyes look weary and tired. As people move out of the way, a large protective boot is shown on the foot of Happy. Nicolas Mammon steps into picture with a nod to both of them.]“What did the medics have to say?”
[Nevermore just smiles and pats Happy on the shoulder, startling him a little bit.]“They said our Prince is going to make a full recovery. He lost quite a bit of blood after those savages took his toe, but his mission was a successful one. The last piece of the plan has been put into place. We won’t soon forget your sacrifice, Prince Happy.”
[Nevermore pats him on the shoulder softly as they make their way backstage. Mammon steps ahead and opens the door to The Gentleman’s Club where renovations are currently underway. The Ring King pushes Happy ahead before noticing a box upon the table.]“What is this?” [Nevermore asks a nearby attendant.]
“It arrived only an hour or so ago. The messenger told us that it was for you to open only.” [The attendant goes back about his work as Nevermore looks at the small package hesitantly before opening it slowly.] [Nevermore gasps as he slowly pulls out a note and hands the box to Happy whose eyes grow wide with looking at the contents.]
“What does the note say?” [asks Mammon as he looks on with Nevermore.] [The Ring King unfolds the note which has some blood on the back to which he avoids touching. He squints at the paper.]
“They have such terrible penmanship and grammar, but here’s what I discern from it.”
[Nevermore clears his throat.]“’We held up our end of the bargain. Now it’s time for you to do your part. If we do not receive our titles tonight, Happy will lose a lot more than just a toe. But feel free to evaluate your decision with this token as incentive.”
[Happy reaches into the box and holds up something as Nevermore sighs.] [Happy’s outermost toe.] [How will Happy manage to fight with only nine toes, and how will they handle two blood-thirsty foes in The Awakening?]HEATH SOLMAN VS. NATE WASHINGTON
SINGLES MATCH
One…
Two…
[Washington kicks out, much to the surprise of Solman! Nate slowly gets back to his feet as Heath goes back to work with some rights and lefts, but we soon realize Washington is using the old rope-a-dope technique as Solman starts to tire, allowing the business to take advantage before hitting a drop toe hold on the Eternal Witness!] [Nate is on a roll now as he stomps at the head of Solman, setting him up for Respect Ta—SHOTGUN WEDDING! HEATH JUST GOT UP AND HIT A HARD FRONT DROPKICK THAT SENDS NATE CAREENING TOWARD THE CORNER! Heath pulls Nate away from the ropes as a precaution and goes for the cover again!]One…
Two…
Three—NO!
[Washington’s foot is on the bottom rope, a last-ditch effort to stay in this match after that devastating dropkick by the Eternal Witness! Solman is beside himself, uncertain what to do now as Washington slowly gets back to his feet. Solman goes once more to the well with some punches to the head—TAKEOVER! FROM OUT OF NOWHERE, NATE’S HIT THAT BOOKEND THAT SENDS SOLMAN DOWN HARD! Both men are down and out as the ref begins the count:]One…
Two…
Three…
Four…
[Solman is first to his feet as he pulls Washington up, throwing him into the corner. He stares at the prone businessman, when he comes to…a sudden realization. He steps through the ropes, pulling Nate up to the top turnbuckle. He looks set to take Washington on a one-way ride to the floor…but NATE DROPS HIM DOWN INSTEAD, HITTING A DDT ONTO THE FLOOR! Both men are once again down as the ref begins to count, getting to the count of five as Nate slowly crawls to the apron, pulling himself up to slide into the ring!] [Heath is back to his feet at the count of seven, but the ref is soon distracted by the presence of Rain trying to enter the ring from the other direction! Heath cocks his head at the sight of the newcomer before turning his attention to Nate, who practically begs Solman not to inflict any further damage. Solman is just distracted enough by this for Washington to try to deliver a low blow…but Solman grabs his arm! Heath lifts up the businessman—PERMANENT SOLUTION! Rain’s backed off as the Eternal Witness makes the cover!]One!
Two!
Three!
[Heath Solman has gained a measure of revenge in this match over Nate Washington, but the celebration is cut short as Heath looks over at Rain…]“GHOSTS”
RINGSIDE
“I need to speak with you.”
[Rain nods.]“I’ve always been a social outcast, a leper,” [Mysterion admits to cheers from the crowd that make him scowl with rage.] “It goes back to when my brother and I…”
[Rain cuts him off.] “Is that why’re you here, Mysterion? I know your brother, I can see him standing behind you; he isn’t happy.” [The Villain turns around quickly, realizing that nothings there.]“Good joke,” [he stutters in reply.] “You almost had me there.”
[Rain shakes his head.]“I could recount the tale but I have a feeling you’d rather keep that a secret. Caleb says that he’s ashamed of you, by the way. He thought you’d amount to more than this after what you did.”
[Mysterion looks like he’s seen a ghost. He quickly becomes paranoid before striking abruptly, driving his fist into the head of Rain.] [Solman quickly attacks him, only Mysterion fends him off, pushing him backwards into the ropes with right and left hands before turning around, running and leaping!] [THE PUNCH OF DOOM!] [The Cloaked Conundrum gets back to his feet in a hurry to see Rain has scooted out of the ring and is helping gather Solman up on the outside.]“I’ll get you for this,” [Mysterion yells at him.] “No-one embarrasses me! No-one shares my secrets with the world!”
[Rain and Solman back up the entrance ramp, leaving the fuming villain to pace the ring, kicking the bottom rope in rage.] [He came out here to try and join The Outcasts, however, it appears he’s no longer looking for membership.] [But to destroy them.]“GOLD”
RINGSIDE
“Ladies and germs… By the end of this night, you will all see who the better champion is – who deserves to wear the gold. I must apologise…”
[He draws a deep breath, looking almost remorseful.]“I must apologise for the alcoholic atrocity that calls himself Champion, my foe. For never was there a more pathetic…”
“FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK…” [Explosion of cannons.] “… WE SALUTE YOU.”
[Zander Zane punctuates his entry to the Tap Room with cannon fire and enters with a swagger, hurling insults at Mysterion as he walks.]“A pathetic what now? A pathetic excuse for a Super-Villain?”
[He climbs up to the ring apron and hoists his ‘ZZ’ title above his head.]“Welcome to the Zander Zane Experience… You’re welcome!”
[Zander enters the ring and marches right over to Mysterion. Only when he is close enough, does Zander seem to turn his nose up in disgust.]“What’s that smell?”
[Mysterion does not look amused. He quietly stews with a glare that could fire lasers while Zander parades about in front of him.]“It must have been one hell of a party last week, because I woke up and couldn’t remember a damned thing. But I had the strangest dream. And you were there…”
[He casts a wild finger around the fans in the Tap Room.]“… And you were there…” [He points directly at Mysterion.]
“But that smell. It reminds me of the craziest part of my dream. I wonder…”
[He leans forward, right up to Mysterion’s shoulder where the Double Feature Championship is held. He takes a deep sniff in. His nose once more upturns in disgust.]“Shit! It smells like piss! A piss-covered belt for a piss poor champion. The only gold you deserve is a golden shower.”
[Mysterion does not bite at the quip. Instead he smiles, a dastardly smile of a man with a plan. He clicks his fingers and a figure appears from the barside. A police officer. He takes the steps to the ring and stands with authority. Mysterion addresses Zander directly.]“I hereby demand that Zander Zane be stripped of his title for actions unbecoming of a champion. He has made a laughing stock of the VHS Championship and everything it stands for. And now he stands, ready to compete… inebriated. A field sobriety test will prove it.”
[He motions for the police officer to begin. The police officer stands before Zander and waves a flashlight in front of his face. Giving no reaction, he turns to the second test, asking Zander to walk heel-to-toe in a straight line. Though seemingly wobbly, Zander does so effectively. Finally, Zander is asked to stand on one leg and balance – a feat which he performs easily. The officer turns back to Mysterion with a knowing look and whispers in his ear. Mysterion’s frustration quickly turns to rage.]“What do you mean, he passed the test?! He’s a drunkard… He’s an embarrassment. Test him again!”
[Zander steps forward, getting in Mysterion’s face once more.]“A little dutch courage never hurt anybody. But you didn’t really think I would come to the ring plastered, did you? What kind of trash do you take me for sir? We party after the show.”
[Mysterion snaps. He’s had enough of Zander fucking Zane.]“Let’s get this party started then.”
[Mysterion darts at the rope as quick as a hiccup. Springboard… PUNCH OF DOOM KNOCKS ZANDER ZANE ALMOST OUT OF HIS BOOTS! ZANDER ZANE IS OUT COLD!] [This match may be over before it’s begun…]MYSTERION © VS. ZANDER ZANE ©
SINGLES MATCH
“RUNNING EXECUTABLE”
BACKSTAGE
“Vanguard, I have set the groundwork for you, are you ready to serve?”
[The android takes a moment to reply.]“I am here to be your servant, Mr. Knot. What must I do?”
[Mr. Knot smiles.]“You have been left to rest, be left in pristine condition. You must find the Vindicators, and you must execute them. They must not be allowed to leave the Tap Room alive. Understood?”
[Vanguard once again takes a moment before walking towards the door.]“Running Executable.”
[Vanguard moves his limbs, seemingly getting used to its body once more before slamming a fist into the wall, cracking the concrete beneath his hand. It exits the room, the camera slowly fading to black.]“Vindicator Termination Imminent.”
KING ARTHUR VS. KNIGHTWATCH
SINGLES MATCH
“THE DECISION”
RINGSIDE
“So, as I hath said before, your ally is within my clutches. And as all canaries do, when pressured enough he certainly did sing.”
[Knightwatch whips towards him, rushing forward as to grab him. But a snap of skeletal figures, and two of the aides eyes suddenly glow and latch onto him, holding him back. A third comes from back behind the stage, dragging a man with a bag over his head and giving it to Arthur.]“Oh, I found of your betrayal. Of all the tests I hath given, they were to test who you were. To see if you were loyal enough to join my side as I retake what is rightfully mine. And then I find you working with these traitors.”
[He rips off the bag, revealing a beaten and bloodied Father Dominic. Knightwatch tries to pull himself free, but still held tight by the supernaturally enhanced aides.]“But I am not a king without kindness. I shall leave you one last choice. Choose to follow by my side, and your meager friend shall see another sunrise. Choose to oppose me, and I shall end your life as I have all that stand in my way.”
[Knightwatch locks eyes with the lich,“I’ll never serve you! I am a Templar, not a monster’s tool!”
[Arthur’s gaze seems to get even colder, unnerving both the Templar held back and the audience. In a voice that sounds less human than before, the once King responds.]“A pity then. You shall pay for your choices Knightwatch, starting tonight.”
[With a quick motion, he reaches for an unseen knife, and slits the throat of Dominic. He drops him, turning and walking up the ramp and off stage. As he leaves, the aides enthralled suddenly let go and drop to the floor.] [Knightwatch simply rushes forward to his friend, holding him in his arms. As paramedics rush in to look at both Dominic and the once enthralled staff, Knightwatch simply talks to his dying friend.]“It’s going to be okay Dominic. It’s going to be fine. Help will be here soon.”
[He continues as Dominic tries to gurgle something, grasping the Dark Knight’s hand briefly before going slack. He sticks with the paramedics, rushing out of the room instead of choosing vengeance.]THE AWAKENING © VS. THE GENTLEMEN CLUB
TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
“WOKE”
RINGSIDE
“I’m done with you, Brandon.”
[David Manson lifts up Hate over his head in a gorilla press position as the blood of Hate begins pouring down his arm and hand. Manson bellows out in anger.]“The Nightmare has finally…”
[Manson turns towards the ropes and just CHUNKS him over the ropes and to the floor! Hate’s body slumps onto the hard floor as Manson looks up with strands of hair covering his face and soaking themselves in the blood.]“…Woke.”
SHADOW © VS. WILD KARRDE
REWIND CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
“FOUND FOOTAGE”
RINGSIDE
“How long did you think you could treat a brother this way,” [a muffled voice says loudly.] “How long did you think any of us would stand for it?”
[Flash.] [Flicker.] [Pitch Black.] [The lights suddenly return to see the shocked face of Wolfgang as more than fifty black men surround the ring. Redmond scoots back into the corner, looking equally as shocked.]“I told you if you rose, I wouldn’t let you fall. I told you that if you showed me Redmond Quinn, I would show you salvation.”
[Redmond slowly stands, the fans going ballistic in support.] [The men outside the ring slam their hands down on the ring apron, rallying the entire audience.] [There’s cheers.] [There’s applause.] [There’s chanting.]“Let’s go Redmond!” [Shout one section of the fans.] [Followed by the other.] “Kick his ass!”
[The Superior turns around to see his sklave, stood on both feet, sneering with rage and venom. He gulps, but quickly reminds him of his leverage.]“I have that footage, just you remember that!”
[The mystery voice suddenly interrupts.]“This footage?” [He asks, the camera panning out to reveal him standing in the middle of Wolfgang’s bunker, broken supremacists led injured around him. He snaps the disc.] “Yeah, that’s no longer yours.”
[He whips off his mask.] [LUTHER CREED!]“Get him, Quinn!”
REDMOND QUINN VS. WOLFGANG
SINGLES MATCH
“FORGONE CONCLUSION”
BACKSTAGE
“Why do you need that?” [Harper asks.] “You get to make the rules up.”
[Newton shuts the book and stands up.]“Nonsense. I intend on following the rules to the letter. I don’t want there to be any doubt about the outcome of tonight’s match. We’ve worked too hard for people to question what they will see.”
[Harper frowns, ceasing her warm up.]“But this is my first match. My brother knows how to fight. I am ju…”
[Newton cuts her off with a grin.]“My dear, what’s going to happen out there is a foregone conclusion. From the moment I met you, I knew that you needed tonight. We’re going to see your quality proven against your brother.”
[She leans in to hug the World Champion.]“Thank you for having faith in me.”
[The Riddler returns the embrace, his grin tightening.]“Recognizing that one is being manipulated is incredibly difficult. The faith I have in you in that regard is well earned. Tonight, you must learn that sacrifice is not just word, but also action. This is the pinnacle of what I started when I stepped foot onto the Hill.”
[Harper pulls away and winks at Newton. She goes back to her stretching as Newton grabs the referee’s shirt. She raises an eyebrow at him as he throws it over his shoulder.]“I’ve got to step away and handle some personal business. I’ll see you out there.”
[The couple part ways, leaving Harper confidently warming up to take on her own brother in a fight that they both desperately want to win.] [Cut.]NIGHTSTICK VS. LUTHER CREED
NO DISQUALIFICATION MATCH
“TABLES! TABLES! TABLES!”
[Nightstick pulls out the hard wood and kicks out the legs to set it up. He turns around just in time to see Luther Creed standing on the barricade! He leaps off for a crossbody, but Nighstick catches him! He turns towards the table and lifts him up high!] [But Creed slips out the back and cracks Nightstick with the trash can lid! Creed nails him once more with the lid before rolling Nightstick into the ring. Creed looks at the corner where Nightstick put his baton and lifts it up with a grin. He slides into the ring with the baton twirling.] [He stalks Nightstick with his own baton as he is smiling from ear-to-ear. Nightstick gets to his knees as Creed rushes forward.] [TAZER!] [Creed’s body convulses as the stick shocks him to the floor! The Law isn’t breaking any regulations in this match with no rules. Nightstick kicks Creed right in the side before picking up Creed between his legs. He pulls him up before slamming him into the mat with a huge powerbomb!] [911!] [Nightstick rolls into a cover.] [One…] [Two…] [KICKOUT!] [Nightstick seemed almost as if prepared for that result as he quickly grabs the hair of Creed and slams him back into the mat quickly with a head slam. He gets to his feet and begins patting his elbows as if locking and loading them for what comes next. He alternates patting them as the crowd is clapping in tune with him. Creed staggers to his feet before Nightstick rushes him!] [SMITH AND- LOW BLOW!] [Creed fell to a knee and drove an uppercut right into the terms and conditions of The Law! Nightstick staggers backwards before Creed grabs the baton and CRACKS Nightstick with an uppercut of that! The Cop is staggered as Creed lowers a shoulder and LIFTS Nightstick onto his back! Death valley driver that drives him right into the mat!] [CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE!] [Creed quickly rolls him up grabbing both legs!] [ONE…] [TWO…] [TH-KICKOUT!] [Creed doesn’t stop there as he quickly lifts up Nightstick quickly and nails a spinning knee strike directly followed by a German suplex!] [BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!] [Creed covers him as Nightstick seems out of it!] [ONE…] [TWO…] [THREE!] [NO! Nightstick got a foot on the bottom rope!] [The Voice of the Voiceless looks at Nightstick in disgust.] [Creed rolls away from him and slides out of the ring. He reaches underneath the ring and stops. He looks up over the apron at Nightstick with a devilish grin before standing with a weapon in his hands.] [A baseball bat.] [Creed rolls into the ring with the bat in his hand as he grins at Nightstick. The Five-O finally comes back to conscious just in time to see Creed standing over him with his bat aimed at his head.] [Nightstick’s face contorts into anger at just seeing a baseball bat after what happened to his son, David, only a few weeks ago. Creed spits at him.]“Looks like it’s going to be Pig like Piglet here tonight!”
[Luther Creed raises the baseball bat over his head and swings down!] [BUT NIGHTSTICK CATCHES IT!] [Nightstick is gripping the bat as he shakily stands to his feet.] [HEADBUTT!] [Creed releases his hold on the baseball bat as he staggers backwards.] [CRACK!] [Nightstick breaks the bat over his knee before throwing the splintering pieces away! He nails a big boot that knocks Creed over the top rope and onto the apron. Creed manages to catch himself there. He brings himself back to a standing position as Nightstick is running towards him!] [SPEAR THROUGH THE ROPES AND THROUGH THE TABLE SET-UP AT RINGSIDE!] [Creed managed to side step his suicidal spear as The Law is laid out in the wreckage of the table as The Voice of the Voiceless just smirks at his fortune. Creed quickly grabs Nightstick and rolls him into the ring before grabbing that baton and WEARING HIM OUT!] [Five shots in, and Creed lifts up Nightstick before spitting RIGHT in his face!] [A running spinning knee strike followed directly by another German suplex!] [BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!] [Creed covers him!] [ONE…] [TWO…] [THREEE!] [Luther Creed wins this one as he proves that his cause is more powerful than The Law.]“SIGN ON THE DOTTED LINE”
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“I understand you seek something, young man…something sinister.”
[Nate nervously nods his head in agreement.]“I’ve got some troubles I need fixing, and fast. I’ve tried to reason with him, tried to get him to sign on the dotted line…but he’s too powerful for me to tackle alone.”
[The figure pulls out a strange vial of liquid from a large bag nearby, handing it to the businessman.]“If it’s power you seek, it’s power you shall have. Consume this, and let the power flow through you.”
[Nate just stares at the vial, looking less than thrilled at what it contains when he hears Jamal from the distance.]“Yo boss, we’ve got company!”
[In a panic, Nate opens the vial and downs the liquid within. Soon he feels rather groggy, staring at the figure standing before him…who seemingly vanishes into thin air! Nate shakes his head trying to get rid of the woozy feeling as he runs the opposite direction, before we see Heath Solman standing at the other end of the alley.]“Nate, we need to ta—“
[Heath cuts himself off when he realizes that Nate is nowhere to be found. He turns back to Jamal, who simply laughs in the face of the Eternal Witness.]“You done fucked up, kid. Should’ve taken the deal…now the boss is gonna make you sign with your own blood.”
[The angry look on Heath’s face is replaced with one of confusion, as we hear a guttural scream from the distance. Something is different.] [Cut.]BRENT KERSH VS. JON DAVENPORT
SINGLES MATCH
“PARLEY”
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“You gotta tell me what the fuck your problem is, kid?”
[Creed sneers at him.]“White cops, that’s my fucking problem. You simply have no idea what it’s like to be black, man. You have no idea.”
[Nightstick grimaces.] “Try me.” [Luther leans forward, about to speak when suddenly flashing lights and sirens appear outside the window of the diner. He turns to Nightstick with a look of horror, realizing that something has gone terribly awry.] [Cops suddenly burst in the door, guns pointed, screaming at Luther to get down on the ground.] [He drops quickly, hands out in front of him, knowing the drill.] [They haul him back to his feet and cuff him, placing him under arrest as Nightstick stands, looking on with genuine shock and concern. He doesn’t know what to make of it as Creed turns, hissing and spitting at him with venom and rage.]“You fucking set me up, you mother fucker?!” [He yells.] “You fucking step me up!?”
[Nightstick protests.] “No!” [He yells back.] “I had nothing to do with this!” [They drag Luther Creed out as Nightstick’s cop friend enters the scene, smiling, proud of himself and what he’s achieved. He walks over to his buddy, patting him on the shoulder.]“He’s going away for assault,” [he says with a happy and satisfied smile.] “And I have it on good authority that the case will stick this time.”
[Nightstick turns to him, enraged.]“What the fuck have you done?” [He bellows.] “We were dealing with it! You followed us here? You arrested him? Do you know what the fuck you’ve done?”
“I thought you’d be pleased.”
[The look on our very own Nightstick’s face says it all as he turns to watch outside the window. Luther gets bundled into a squad car, his eyes telling as he stares a hole through Nightstick.] [If this was nearly over, it isn’t now.] [Cut.]HARPER VS. ELI FOREVER
#1 CONTENDERSHIP MATCH, SPECIAL GUEST REFEREE: EDWARD NEWTON
“Where is he?”
[Harper is confused as well, but her eyes widen as she looks past her brother to the aisle. Forever turns, and almost explodes with anger.] [Edward Newton is walking down the aisle, striped shirt now under his green coat.] [But he’s not alone.] [The Forever congregation is here.] [The Riddler leads them to ringside, and they circle up around the ring. Eli is beside himself as Newton gets in the ring.]“Why are they here?” [Forever questions.] [Newton winks at Harper before answering Eli.]
“Your people need to see what happens here tonight.”
[Forever walks to his corner to shake his head as The Riddler motions to the time keeper at ringside.] [Ding. Ding.] [THWACK!] [HARPER NAILS ELI FOREVER FROM BEHIND!] [With a roar, Harper unleashes all of the rage inside of her. All of the memories. All of the pain. All of the betrayal. She grabs Eli by the hair, and throws him towards the middle of the ring. Forever rolls through, coming to a knee.] [HARPER KICKS HIM SQUARE IN THE NOSE!] [The dazed Eli is quickly grabbed into a front facelock by his sister.] [DDT! ELI IS PLANTED!] [Harper hooks his far leg in a cover as Newton drops down to make the count.] [ONE!] [ELI FOREVER KICKS OUT WITH FORCE!] [Harper sits back to her knees as Eli Forever looks up at her, the conflict growing in him. He holds out his hand to her.]“Please, sister. Come…”
[Harper drops to the mat, grabbing her brother’s head and bashing it back into the mat. She roars wordless pain as she continues to bash his head in. She mounts the Heir Eternal and lays in with rights, lefts, and knees as she tries to destroy the one who turned her life upside down. Meanwhile, Edward Newton is standing behind her, yelling out as he administers the five count.] [One.] [Two.] [Three.] [Four.] [Harper breaks off her assault, looking back at Newton with her hands up. The fog in Forever’s eyes seems to lift as Harper rushes in to continue her attack. This time, he forcefully grabs her by the wrist. Harper’s eyes exude fear as she realizes she can’t break free.] [Her brother had refused to fight her.] [But he will refuse no more.] [KNEE TO THE GUT! ELI THROWS HARPER SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!] [Harper is rocked by the blow, falling to her knees as she turns around. The Heir Eternal continues the assault, lifting his sister up like a child and throwing her into the corner. He rushes in, rocking Harper’s skull with a fierce uppercut. She stumbles out of the corner, trying to find her footing.] [THE ATONEMENT! FOREVER PLANTS HIS KNEE INTO HARPER’S FACE!] [Harper drops to the mat, looking like she is down and out. Forever drops into a cover, looking to finish this quickly. Newton slides in for the count.] [ONE!] [TWO!] [THR… NO! HARPER’S SHOULDER BARELY MOVED, BUT IT WAS ENOUGH!] [Forever looks up at the rising Newton as the Riddler smiles in return. The Heir Eternal is up to his feet, pacing around as he tries to get a grip on what is happening. Newton leans back into the corner, his eyebrow raised at Forever in a silent challenge. But Eli can only roar with rage as his followers look on in disgust. The Heir Eternal doesn’t even notice them as he grabs Harper by the hair to pull her up.] [She tries to fight him off, but Forever shrugs off her weak blows. She’s not a fighter like he is.] [And it’s time for her to know it.] [LEFT.] [RIGHT!] [ANOTHER LEFT! HARPER’S BUSTED OPEN AT HER BROTHER’S HAND!] [Blood spilling from her mouth, nose, and head, Harper crawls away from Forever towards Newton, holding out a hand for help.] [But the Riddler doesn’t budge.] [Newton grins as Forever grabs her by the legs and picks her up from the ground into a powerbomb position.] [MODIFIED ETERNAL RIVER PLUNGE! HARPER’S HEAD BOUNCED OFF THE MAT!] [Eli Forever doesn’t make a cover, instead crawling to his corner, looking for something.] [The Book of Eli.] [Rising with the Book in his hand, Forever rushes at his unconscious sister.] [THWACK!]“You should have listened to me!”
[THWACK!]“I protected you!”
[THWACK!]“I loved you!”
[THWACK!] [The blood is gushing now from Harper’s facial region. Where the blood is coming from no longer matters at this point. But Edward Newton merely stands in the corner, calmly watching the assault. His earlier boasts of following the rule book have proven false.] [THWACK!] [The Book of Eli is now covered in the blood of Harper. The Heir Eternal roars out as he places it over her face, his knee driving into her chest.] [But now Newton moves…] [… to count.] [ONE!] [TWO!] [THREE!] [Newton vanishes from view as Forever kneels over his brutally battered sister. He finally snapped, but he’s earned what he was after.] [It will be Eli Forever challenging Edward Newton at Red Snow for the World Championship.] [Eli stands to his feet, cradling the Book of Eli, as the bloodlust fades from his eyes. He looks out at his disgusted followers. Their Heir Eternal just nearly killed one of the Forever Family. Much to Eli’s confusion, his Congregation begin to walk away from him.]“Get back here! I’m your savior, not her!”
[They continue to file out as Eli roars at them. As they disappear up the aisle, one man is left.] [Edward Newton.] [This is what Newton wanted. Everything played directly into the Riddler’s plan. Harper was just another foil for the Riddler to strip Eli Forever of everything.] [Now the Heir Eternal is all alone.] [Just where Newton wants him.] [Cut.]“FACE TO FACE”
BACKSTAGE
“He’s here somewhere!”
“He has been. Hiding. Waiting for the right moment.”
“That moment comes tonight!”
[Spero, Gameboy, and Redwing all speak up respectively; pondering their next move.]“We better find him” [Solveig warns.] “Soon!”
[Suddenly, red lights begin to pattern The Vindicators. Bouncing back and forth between them, stopping them in their tracks. All of them glancing at their torsos as if being spotted by snipers.]“We don’t have to find him” [Berengar says in a grave tone.] “He’s found us!”
[The sound of a mechanical buzz rings out through the darkness as Vanguard steps into view.]“Lifeforms detected. Targets identified. Begin termination process!”
[The Vindicators all ready themselves in defensive positions as Vanguard prepares for battle, or annihilation.]“Ready!”
[Gameboy proclaims.]“Finally” [Redwing states.] “Vanguard and the Vindicators come Face to Face!”
“Until the end gentlemen” [Spero says as he glances around.] “do not allow darkness to discourage or resolve. Hope Always Shines Through!”
[Vanguard moves forward; his intentions clear even as a being of artificial intelligence.] [And Volsungr matches his forward movement.]“Death comes for us all Vanguard. Tonight, you must be destroyed for what you have done!”
[Berengar nods in anxious approval of Solveig’s judgement.]“Destiny Awaits!”
[The Vindicators moving together towards Vanguard as the five prepare to clash with the one.] [Static.] [Cut.]VANGUARD VS. THE VINDICATORS
ELIMINATION MATCH
“Step aside,” [he says to his team, looking at them with a nod.] “Valhalla awaits.”
[He rushes forward, swinging mightily with his hammer. Vanguard ducks under it and then blocks the next swing with a left forearm. The Vindicators watch as Solveig, arguably their toughest warrior, is violently kicked away.] [Solveig launches the hammer at him, watching as it parries him back into the wall, leaving a gaping hole behind them as it does. Vanguard drops to a knee, his chest dented with the impact. Troy demands his hammer return to him and it does.] [He quickly raises it high, thrusting it down onto the head of Vanguard.] [The AI crumbles beneath the weight of it, collapsing backward.] [Solveig takes a deep breath, turning to face his fellow Vindicators. They look absolutely enamoured with him. He’s about to walk away when Vanguard rises once more, grabbing him by the hair.] [Berengar immediately rushes to the nearest wall and retrieves Vigilkeeper.] [Troy Solveig is in danger.] [Gameboy and Redwing rush at him too.] [Redwing slides beneath his legs as Gameboy leaps over Solveig, rolling over the back of Vanguard to join Redwing behind him.] [Berengar lunges through the smallest of gaps between Solveig’s arms with Vigilkeeper, piercing through side of Vanguard.] [The AI releases Solveig and falls backwards into the waiting arms of Redwing and Gameboy who drag him backwards into the wall. They hold him there as sparks fly.]“Detonation sequence in t-minus one minute.”
[What?] [All four of them look at each other, then at the red eye of Vanguard that has suddenly changed into a countdown clock.] [They panic.] [Vanguard isn’t done fighting either.] [He pushes Gameboy off in one direction, thrusting Redwing in the other.] [Solveig calls for Volsungr but Vanguard snatches it out of mid-air, much to the surprise of everyone. He slams it down across Vigilkeeper, snapping the blade off within him.] [Berengar screams in agony.] [Vanguard grabs Troy by the throat and backs him away from the fight, lifting him into the air and strangling him. He uses the hammer and PUNCHES IT INTO THE CHEST OF THE VIKING, SENDING BOTH HIM AND IT FLYING ACROSS THE ROOM AND THROUGH A GLASS WINDOW AND WALL!] [OH MY FUCKING GOD!] [THERE’S GLASS AND DEBRIS EVERYWHERE!] [The clock is fast running out as Berengar grabs his sword, slamming it back into the broken end that’s currently stuck inside Vanguard.] [The sword reunites!] [The Knight pulls it from him and swings at his head, but again, Vanguard uses both hands to block it. He snatches the sword and drives it through THE UPPER CHEST OF BERENGAR!] [HOLY SHIT!] [HE RUNS BERENGAR BACK INTO THE FUCKING WALL, PINNING HIM TO IT BEFORE LETTING GO OF THE SWORD!] [HE’S DEAD!] [BERENGAR IS FUCKING DEAD!] [Redwing and Gameboy gulp, looking at the carnage around them.] [Spero is down.] [Troy Solveig is down.] [Berengar is down.] [And there’s ten seconds left.] [10] [9] [8] [7] [6] [5] [Gameboy and Redwing back away…] [4] [3] [2] [A BLUE LIGHT!] [A BLUE LIGHT EMENATES FROM WHAT APPEARS TO BE NO-WHERE.] [ONLY IT BELONGS TO A KNEELING, DAMN NEAR UNCONCIOUS SPERO!] [The blue light stops the countdown, it stops Vanguard, and it stops Gameboy and Redwing. No-one can move. They’re frozen in time.] [Suddenly, a blue blast explodes from the ring, frying the circuitry of Vanguard and releasing time back into the world.] [The countdown stops.] [Vanguard falls to his knees, sparks flying from him.] [Then he collapses.] [Gameboy and Redwing rush over to Spero, checking on him as he collapses too.]“You did it,” [Gameboy says, panting breathlessly.] “You finished it.”
“But the consequences,” [Spero mumbles in reply.] “What about… the consequences?”
[The Vindicators don’t understand. Troy Solveig pulls himself from the rubble behind them, stumbling over with Volsungr in hand. He’s bleeding, battered and bruised after being put through that wall.] [Troy immediately notices Berengar and rushes over to him, pulling Vigilkeeper from his chest and dropping it to the floor. He catches him in his arms, laying him down right there and then on the concrete next to his trusty sword.] [Gasp.] [Suddenly, Berengar awakes.] [The Vindicators don’t understand it. Each one looks perplexed, only it suddenly becomes apparent.] [Spero’s ring glows blue, as do the eyes of Berengar.] [Hope conquers all.] [And their collective hope has brought Berengar back to life.] [But what of the consequences?] [Troy Solveig pulls Spero up, carrying him over shoulder as Redwing and Gameboy help Berengar back to their feet.] [Whatever the consequences are, The Vindicators have saved the Tap Room from another threat.]“RED SNOW”
LATER…
“You’ve made great progress,” [the old man says, almost in surprise.] “I wasn’t sure this plan of ours would come to fruition but you’ve successfully achieved our goals.”
“Spero used the ring to defeat Vanguard. His attachment to his fellow allies will prove more costly than even he could imagine.”
[They both share a smile, but the elderly man strokes his beard.]“Now, what are your findings?”
[Knot shuffles in his seat.] “Well, as expected, The Vindicators aren’t strong enough to deal with a major threat and won’t be a concern once our takeover begins. We’ve put them in play to test their ability, first with the Historium and now with Vanguard; their victories, whilst impressive, will be no match for E.F. I was concerned once they defeated Jacen Novan but Spero using his ring, as we expected, proves their flaw.”“How can you be certain?” [The man asks, raising an eyebrow.] “How are you assured of phase three’s success?”
[Mr. Knot smiles and adjusts his tie.]“Because phrase three is by and large the easiest part of my plan. By Red Snow, we’ll be ready.”
[The Old Man smiles back.] “Good,” [He says with a nod.] “And the consequences?”“They’ll be felt next year, sir.”
[Another nod.]“When I’m finished, the only question will be…”
[Pause.]“With no heroes, who could stop us taking over Old School Wrestling?”
[Cut.]“THE DEATH OF BRENT KERSH”
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“You son of a bitch.” [Kersh growls.] [Davenport grins, walking over to a table full of weapons.]
“You burnt down my house, and I knew you wasn’t a Real American.” [Davenport casually states.] “You didn’t go after my bunker. I was ready for when the government came for me. Never thought it’d be you. You got guts, Kersh.”
[He picks up a knife.]“For now.”
[As his nemesis approaches, Kersh fights against his restraints.]“You can be a Real American, but you’re not a real man.” [Kersh taunts.] “I’d kill you hand to hand.”
[Davenport chuckles.]“It’s a new world, Brent. Battles aren’t fought man to man anymore. This is Trump’s America, and people are going to care less about you than they did that sand nigger reporter.”
[Jon Davenport grins at Kersh, who refuses to break eye contact. Brent Kersh won’t look away from his fate. The Hound Dog grabs Kersh by the neck, and jams the knife in.] [Blood.] [Guts.] [Death.] [Brent Kersh falls to the ground, his face covered in blood as JON DAVENPORT’S HEAD ROLLS NEXT TO HIM!] [JON DAVENPORT IS DEAD!] [Brent Kersh finds his bonds have been cut, and he slowly rolls to his knees, the life coming back into his face. He looks with horror at the fat body of Davenport, several holes through his chest and stomach. Not to mention the blood running out of his now open neck.]“Hello, Brent.”
[Kersh tears his eyes away from the corpse to his rescuer, a gasp escaping his lips.]“I’m not finished with you yet.”
[Isaac Danvers.] [Brent Kersh can’t even respond before Danvers nails him with his bloody shovel.] [Cut.]