DAUGHTERS
RECORDED EARLIER
“Oh my little baby Eva, you’re so pretty now that you’ve grown up,” [he psychotically mumbles, patting the Showcase Championship.] “And you, baby Gracie, my how you’ve grown.”
[The chair keeps rocking back and forth.]“I’m so happy to be reunited with my children. I never thought I’d see you Gracie,” [Hysteria says holding onto the World Championship.] “I thought that nasty Mike Lane would take you away from me but here we are, together at last.”
[In the background, the sound of someone weeping can faintly be heard. It isn’t entirely clear, but as the camera spins around, we soon wished it remained that way.] [Smoke seeps off of what appears to be human remains – Hysteria sat only twenty yards away, stroking his title belts and watching.] [But behind that, behind the smoke and bones, is a kneeling Agent Dufrene, crying into his hands.]“What have you done?” [he weeps.] “What have you done!?”
[Hysteria simply remains rocking in his chair, lording over his ‘daughters’.]“Hush little baby, don’t say a word, Daddy’s going to buy you a mocking bird. If that mocking bird don’t sing, Daddy’s going to set fire to everything.”
[His laughter fills the air once more.] [Cut.]DAVID MANSON VS. CASANOVA ENGLISH
SINGLES MATCH
A BULL BY THE HORNS I
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“Cigarette?” [Corvin offers as Lane approaches, looking confused. The Shadow shakes his head ‘no’ and frowns.] “Rough night?”
“They took my badge,” [Lane groans.] “But they won’t take my vengeance.”
[Corvin and Lane turn towards the bottom of the steps and start walking.]“I’m suspended without pay pending an official investigation. They need to look into Dufrene and confirm he was dirty before they can clear me of my assault on those officers. When he comes back dirty, those officers will drop their complaint once they realize they were following incorrect orders.”
[Hannibal sighs.] “That alone will take months. What about Hysteria?” [Mike turns to him, his eyes like laser beams.]“Officially? I can’t touch him. Unofficially? I’m going to bury him up to his neck in it. All of it.”
[They reach the bottom of the steps before The Reaper gets down to business.]“I came here today for a purpose, Mike,” [Hannibal admits.] “A purpose that will see you upon a different path ahead of Face/Off.”
[Lane interrupts.] “You want me to join your team?” [Corvin nods.] [Suddenly, a large white van pulls up alongside both men. Eight people jump out, six from the back, two from the front and attack. They throw bags over both of their heads and bundle them into the back of the van, slamming the doors behind them.] [The tyres screech as the van squeals off into the distance at high speed, leaving Corvin’s cigarette to burn out on the pavement.]DRINKS
BACKSTAGE
“Another, barkeep.” [Greer requests, pushing the glass across the bar top.] [Greer turns around to look out over the Tap Room. His music hasn’t hit, so he doesn’t bother heading away, but he’s ready for when it does. The glass slides back into frame, and Greer goes to put back the shot before spitting it out and turning around.]
“What the hell was that?” [He asks, enraged.]
“That was the bitter taste American defeat, infidel.”
[Greer’s lip curls up in a sneer as The Elder stands across the bar from him. Maaz Azim Salah’s imposing form shadows his manager.]“Last I recall,” [Greer begins, wiping the remaining liquid from the corner of his mouth.] “I was the winner.”
[He’s referring to Casino Royal, where Greer emerged victorious in a triple threat match.]“You will also recall then, that it was not the Messenger of Allah who was defeated.” [The Elder coolly responds.] [Greer looks up to Salah, nodding his head in challenge.]
“You want to go, then?”
[Salah seems to grow in power as Greer stands up. Almost as if in response, the music of Greer hits the loudspeakers.]“I believe you have a different fight to worry about.” [Elder replies.] “But we’ll be watching. This isn’t over.”
[Greer takes a moment to scoff at Salah, ignoring the Elder, before he turns to head for the ring. Elder looks up at Maaz Azim Salah, whose eyes do not leave Greer.]“Soon.”
[With that hanging over his head, Cody Greer heads down to the ring to take on Henri De Gaucourt tonight.]HGD VS. CODY GREER
SINGLES MATCH
WHO WILL STOP THE HORROR?
BACKSTAGE
“C-Come in,” [he beckons.] [Equally as panicked, into the room walks three orderlies. They’ve been assaulted, each of them carrying some kind of wound.]
“Doctor Panax, you must come quickly. We’ve searched for The Horror, but he has ripped our team apart. We barely managed to escape his wrath.”
“Where did this happen?” [Panax asks.]
“We located him in the boiler room, but he was too strong. The things he did to our colleagues, Doctor. I’ve never seen a patient this destructive. I don’t think we can bring him in alone.”
[Panax rubs his face.] “I see. I thought I may have sent a large enough force to detain him. My deepest apologies, gentlemen. It would appear that getting The Horror back to the Asylum is going to be a formidable task.” [One of the orderlies, holding a cloth to a wound on his head, steps forward.]“Can I offer you a personal suggestion, Doctor?” [He says. Panax nods, giving him the go ahead.] “Run.”
[That takes the Doc by surprise.]“You brought us here to detain a man who needs psychiatric help. You brought ten trained men to this building, and only three of us remain. You made us aware of the threat, but you have no control over subduing it. If he wants you, he’s going to have you. So, if you want my advice, you need to run.”
[The Doctor places a hand on his shoulder, removing his glasses and looking the orderly in the eye.]“I wish I could, son,” [he says with great sorrow.] “But this patient of mine, he’s hurt people I care about. He won’t stop until I’m in the ground with them. I wish I could run away, I do. But if that happens, who’s going to stop The Horror?”
[All three men look at him with a great deal of respect, watching as he places his glasses down on the table and sighs, knowing that he’s climbing a formidable mountain.]DOCTOR PANAX VS. DOUBT
SINGLES MATCH
FIGHT ROSE, FIGHT
BACKSTAGE
“Don’t scream, it’s just me,” [The Emotion pleads.] “We need to talk.”
[He carefully releases his hand, allowing her to speak. Rose turns and hits him on the chest, pushing him backwards slightly.]“What are you doing? Don’t scare me like that,” [She complains.] “I thought we settled this at Casino Royal?”
[Doubt shakes his head.] “It isn’t about us. You cannot go through with this match tonight. Hysteria isn’t the same man he was a week ago. When he won that World Championship, a switch flicked inside his head and he changed.” [Stephanie folds her arms.]“What are you saying? Did he send you to make me forfeit?” [She accuses with folded arms.] “Because I’m not scared, okay?”
“You should be,” [Doubt suggests.] “You really should be. Hysteria thinks of those Championships as his daughters. If you succeed in taking one way, he’ll burn this entire building to the ground.”
[Rose gulps, not quite sure how to react.]“Look Doubt, I appreciate you warning me but I can’t be afraid. I can’t back down. This opportunity is like a dream come true for me. Do you know what this means? If I can become the Showcase Champion, I establish myself as the leader of this brand. I have to go out there and give it my all tonight. I have to try and win.”
[Doubt shakes his head, disappointed.] “I can’t protect you tonight. I’m sorry, but I can’t.” [The Emotion walks off into the darkness, leaving Rose behind to contemplate what kind of match she’s in for tonight. Is Hysteria really as dangerous as Doubt thinks he is, or did Hysteria send Doubt to scare Stephanie away?]BLOOD IN THE WATER
BACKSTAGE
“The claim that snakes are more dangerous than sharks is simply a mirage. A ploy of smoke and mirrors used to deter the tourist friendlies from traveling long distances to visit the shorelines. Especially here. In Miami, Florida.”
[His voice goes silent and by now we know who the voice belongs to. Old School Wrestling’s own, The Shark.]“I think you’re all set to go now, big man.”
[A middle aged female nurse exclaims from the middle of the hall in a playful tone. Her shoulder wedged against the frame of one of the concealed rooms.] [Only seconds later out steps Thunk. His face is still swollen from the venomous attack he sustained last week. Still reddened by the effects of the poison that circulated through his blood.]“Thunk happy for all you did for him!”
[The monster of a man says as he places his hand on the nurses shoulder. She returns a smile.]“It was our pleasure. You stay away from those snakes!”
[And with that, Thunk turns to make his way down the hall in the opposite direction of our position.]“Snakes kill fifty thousand people every year. Sharks, only ten. What those numbers don’t tell you is that a snake bites you out of self defense. Out of fear. A shark bites you because they’re hungry. Because they want to. A snake hides. A shark hunts.”
[As Thunk disappears behind the corner we begin to move closer to his exit. Rapidly zooming towards the other end of the hall and when we get there to our immediate left is a man we all recognize. The Shark.]“And now there’s blood in the water.”
[The scene cuts away on the devious grin of The Shark.]TOMMY HAWK VS. THE HORROR
SINGLES MATCH
A BULL BY THE HORNS II
BACKSTAGE
“Hysteria, you son of a bitch, I may not have my badge but I will end your miserable freedom,” [Lane spews with disgust into the black.]
“I bring you hither for an audience with The King.”
[Candles suddenly brighten the room from all corners, revealing Hannibal Corvin and Mike Lane tied to chairs in the middle of what looks to be a boiler room. There’s men all around them, Knights in armour, standing guard. In front, looking smug in his crown and cape, is Nigel Royal.]“Why does one wish to besmirch the King with such rotten verbiage?” [Royal says, stood before him disgusted.]
“What do you want, Nigel?” [Hannibal demands to know.] [A chainmail hand punches violently across Hannibal’s jaw. Corvin spits blood at the ground, contorting his face in pain.]
“You will address the King appropriately.” [A voice bellows.] [King Royal closes in, grabbing a handkerchief and wiping the dribbled blood from Hannibal Corvin’s mouth.]
“Like I said, I have brought you hither because in two weeks, we must go to war with a rival Kingdom for supremacy. I wanted to assure you that this Kingdom, it is mine and as it’s King I will valiantly defend it; as will my men.”
[Suddenly, there’s a rather loud bang at the door. It immediately flies open and in walks Neville Sheldon and Bruce Van Chan. The Tag Team Champions are quickly met with drawn swords by Royal’s army, who keep them located in the door way.] [That’s when Corvin and Mike Lane, almost in stereo, use the distraction to break themselves free of their restraints too.]“Now gentlemen,” [Royal begs.] “Please remember what side of the war we’re on.”
[A fight suddenly breaks out, with Bruce Van Chan, Neville Sheldon, Hannibal Corvin and Mike Lane fighting off the Knights. As they battle, King Royal cowardly escapes through the melee, exiting the room and vanishing.] [When the guards are taken care of, Lane turns to Hannibal.]“You’re going to need all the help you can get,” [Lane admits.] “I’m in… but on one condition.”
[Before we can hear what the condition is, Bruce and Neville have exited into the hall in search for King Nigel, and our cameras follow them before fading out.]MAS VS. KING ROYAL
SINGLES MATCH
DÉFI OUVERT
BACKSTAGE
“Mon ami, back away…..” [He turns off the water, addressing the camera] “L’Aristocrate has been besmirched every stinking night in this repulsive wrestling organization, ever since he first graced you with such unmatched sophistication.”
[He steps forward, reaching for his sequenced robe.]“Last week, two men with impotent cigarettes hanging limp from their smug lips, had the umidigated gall to put their dirty hands on moi? Preposterous! That grizzly bear with bad skin may have bested the twerp in tweed, but Henri is not finished!”
[He quickly sips from a glass of sparkling Perrie, swishing the water in his cheeks.]“Imbecile.” [Lifts his nose to the air] “Casanova, for a man dressed so decently, you have no class. Au revoir!”
[He steps forward.]“So what happens tonight? I go from a bounty hunter in a cowboy hat to a redneck in a camouflage? Ce qui la baise? Is this some kind of joke? Fashion fopaux aside, these men are simply not fit to share the same air with L’Aristocrate! My hands, this face….. All pristine. They have sullied for the last time. Je ne vais plus supporter ça!”
[He stops, pointing into the camera.]“Next week, Henri is– how do you say, ‘issuing an open challenge.’ I am through, trifling with ratty riff-raff, so if there is any man alive in this repugnant lockeroom that has the taste, style and above all, basic bodily hygiene, worthy of Monsieur De Gaucourt’s presence….. You will find me more than willing to — as you Americans put it so bluntly — beat your ass at your own game!”
[With that Henri dismisses the camera away like a pesky fly. He walks past, continuing to mutter in French.] [Sacré bleu! What’s going to happen next week?]MIKE LANE VS. THUNK
[The winner of this match will go on to challenge Hysteria for the World Championship. Two giants in terms of size and stature. A true David versus Goliath in experience of mixing it up at the top level though. Will Mike Lane get a shot at his fourth world title reign? Will Thunk become the new number one contender? We will know for sure after this one.]
[The importance of this match is shown in the fast and furious start we have. The two trade punches back and forth. A real spectacle to watch as the blows seemingly get harder and with each passing blow. Thunk blocks a blow and throws Rough Justice off the ropes. THUNK GOES FOR THUNK SMASH ON MIKE’S RETURN. LANE MANAGES TO DUCK AND CARRY ON RUNNING THROUGH. LANE RETURNS WITH A SHADOW KICK!! ALSO MISSES, THUNK GETTING OUT THE WAY AT THE LAST SECOND! The two in the middle of the ring share a stare-down as the fans sound of their appreciation.]
[Locking up, Thunk manages to over-power his opponent. Thunk throws in some repeated headbutts to really start getting the upper hand. Thunk begins to sink his teeth into Lane’s forehead. The referee is forced to get involved and Thunk releases the hold. Lane props himself up in the corner, checking his head to see if any blood has been drawn. With no blood in sight Lane turns around to face his opponent only all he see’s is the six foot eleven Thunk charging toward him, SPEAR!!! SHOULDER FULL OF STEEL RING POST FOR THUNK! LANE ROLLS HIM UP!!
A DAY IN MY FATHERS COURT
RECORDED EARLIER
“All rise for the honourable Judge Michael Harrison.”
[Those words echo throughout the court room as the Judge exits his chamber and takes a seat at his bench. He’s an elderly man, in his late seventies, and the years of experience have taken a toll and etched upon the contours of his face.]“Good morning ladies and gentlemen. Calling the case of the people of the state of Miami versus Thomas Hawk. Are both sides ready?”
[Both sides explain that they are.] [Sat at the desks in front of the Judge, Tommy Hawk sits with a public defender, looking extremely sombre. Across the table from him, Frank Harrison somehow sits with the prosecution. Tommy can’t take his eyes off of him.]“Your honor, if myself and the defence may approach the bench?” [The prosecution queries.]
“You may.”
[They both walk towards the bench.]“We would like to take this to chambers, Judge. We’ve come to an agreement that we’ll hope you’ll sign off on.”
[The Judge bangs his gavel, says his words and takes all parties to his chambers. Once there, he takes a seat behind a large oak desk, Frank Harrison seated across, and Tommy Hawk further back – trying to stay out of the way.]“Judge Harrison,” [Frank starts.] “As you may be aware, being my father, I have landed a rather large project in Wyoming, which will begin as early as next month. Myself and the prosecution have come to an agreement that Tommy could be of some use during these negotiations to move his people.”
[Tommy steps forward.] “Why are you here, Harrison? This has nothing to do with you.” [Frank laughs, a sinister chuckle.]“You assaulted officers in my jurisdiction, Mr. Hawk. I’ve decided to bring my political clout here today, to ensure that you don’t spend years behind bars.”
[The Judge rings his hands together.] “That’s my boy, always looking out for the minorities. I’m proud of you, son.”“Are you kidding me?” [Tommy reacts.] “This is a set up. How did you manage to have your father preside over my case? Why are we inside this room? Have you bought him as well,” [he says pointing to the public defender, who meekly presses back his glasses.] “Is everyone here on your payroll?”
[Frank looks at them all, shrugs his shoulder and nods.]“Of course they are,” [he beams excitedly.] “And guess what, Tommy? As now are you.”
[The Judge agrees.]“Instead of serving a prison sentence, I’m willing to accept the agreement turned in by your public defender and the prosecution. You’ll serve six months?” [The Judge says, looking at his son who nods higher.] “One year under the employ of Mr. Frank Harrison. If at any point you do not do as you’re told, or you fail to appear, you’ll be taken back into custody and will serve the rest of your sentence in the county jail. Do we understand each other?”
[Tommy can’t believe it. He just stands there, shocked.]“I think I speak for the injun’ when I say everyone is agreement, pop.”
[Frank and his father shake hands, as does the prosecution and defence, a deal having been struck that renders poor Tommy Hawk employed by the man who schemed to take his tribes land.]THE SHEEP
BACKSTAGE
“The sheep truly have their eyes closed, putting Jack in prison, silencing him. They have no right, man.”
[HAtE nods in agreement, gritting his rotted teeth as he stares out of the alleyway.]“The public will be lead to believe him a terrorist. And now, we have to move on and try to preach the truth on our own.”
[Manson takes a puff of his cigarette before dropping it and stomping it out.]“Of course. And if that means I must lead the awakening and show the flock the way, then so be it.”
[Manson walks towards the exit of the alleyway only for HAtE to stop him and pull him back.] “What do you mean you’re going to be leading the awakening?” [Manson raises an eyebrow.] “I’ve always been the one to lead, haven’t I? I preach, you just give muscle. The flock cannot be lead by a nihilist.” [HAtE stares Manson in the eye and shakes his head.] “You’re the reason Jack is locked up you know. Your eyes are more closed then you think, but I guess with the wool pulled over your eyes you’ll never see that. [HAtE pushes Manson to the side and exits into the streets, Manson staring at him as he leaves, shaking his head, obviously thinking the same about his fellow Awakening member. With a shrug he too exits the alley, going the opposite way of HAtE.]SMILEY (C) VS. THE SHARK
DOUBLE FEATURE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
BROTHER
RINGSIDE
“Doubt, brother, I need you out here now!”
[A moment passes as Smiley watches the entrance ramp, expectantly. Growing impatient, he leans against the ropes and grits his teeth.]“JONATHAN! Get your ass out here, NOW!”
[“This Pain Feels Real” by The Voicians begins to play over the speakers. His gritted teeth grow into a wide smile as he watches the entrance ramp.] [Smiley begins beckoning on him to come on when the crowd begins to buzz!] [MOONSAULT! Doubt managed to sneak through the crowd and nail Smiley with a moonsault!] [Smiley staggers to his feet as Doubt kicks him square in the gut. It hits the ropes and… THE END OF WISDOM! The axe kick flattens him as Doubt stands over its former brother. It grabs the microphone as it leans down.]“Referring to my vessel’s name will only result in more pain, Lee. You brought this upon yourself the moment you broke your promise to me, brother.”
[The Masked Emotion stands high above him.]“This is it, brother. I’m not wasting a moment more on you. If you were uncertain before, allow me to ease your doubt.”
[Doubt drops the microphone on its partner and exits the ring. It begins moving up the ramp and as it does, a cackle of laughter fills the arena.]“Hehe, you think you can QUIT ME?! You can’t leave MY family. No one leaves my family… alive.”
[Doubt stops momentarily but continues on as the Smiley sits in the ring.] [Watching, waiting, and planning.]HYSTERIA (C) VS. STEPHANIE ROSE
SHOWCASE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
DADDY’S GIRLS
RINGSIDE
“Eva, I’ll never let you go, not again,” [he cries.] “Never again!”
[In a furious rage, Hysteria slides to the outside and flips up the ring apron. He goes underneath and grabs something, dragging it out; oh no, it’s a gas can. Hysteria slides back into the ring and starts pouring gasoline around it, trapping Stephanie in the centre of the squared circle. He drops back to the outside, grabbing a pack of matches and SETTING THE RING ALIGHT! HOLY FUCKING SHIT!] [WHOOSH!] [The flames reach high, burning the ropes slowly as they begin to spread around the ring. Stephanie gets back to her feet, absolutely petrified.] [She needs help. She’s trapped inside that burning inferno! Jesus Christ, Stephanie Rose is going to be burned alive!] [The fans gasp.]“SHOT THROUGH THE HEART, AND YOU’RE TO BLAME, DARLIN’… YOU GIVE LOVE, A BAD NAME!”
[No-one can quite believe it as Bruce Van Chan and Neville Sheldon make a b-line for the ring. Bruce chases after Hysteria, running him through the Tap Room crowd with his Championships to the backstage, in hot pursuit.] [Neville Sheldon meanwhile searches for a way into the ring. He panics, checking every inch of the canvas but there’s simply no way through. Hysteria has set the whole damn thing alight. The ropes fall down, burned to a crisp and joining the flames. He knows he has to act fast and runs straight up the ring steps and like a bat out of hell, flies through the flames and leaps straight through it to Stephane Rose.] [The fans gasp in shock. Sheldon quickly rolls, arriving at Rose’s feet. He turns to her, his voice barely audible.]“Are you ready?”
[She shakes her head, but Sheldon doesn’t listen. He grabs her and they both run, DIVING THROUGH THE FUCKING FLAMES TO THE HARD-WOODEN FLOOR ON THE OUTSIDE! HOLY FUCKING SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY FUCK!] [There’s a rapturous applause as they both land, Sheldon immediately checking to see if Rose is alright. She wraps her arms around him giving him the biggest hug imaginable.] [With the ring burning inside the middle of the Tap Room, members of staff finally come in to put out the blaze.] [We focus on Stephanie Rose and Neville Sheldon, both of whom sit on the wooden floor of the Tap Room, watching the flames slowly get taken down before their eyes.] [Through the smoke, we fade out.]