RING OF DREAMS VI

BROTHERS
FLASHBACK

Click.

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

Many years ago.

A young teenage boy sits on a large brick wall, reading what appears to be a very old and ragged book. The leather backing is falling apart, almost hanging within his hands as he eagerly turns the next page.

Just then, three older teens approach, smiling amongst themselves – they find this scene humorous.

“You’re always reading,” the leader says in a mocking tone. “You’ve always got your head in that stupid book.”

His accompanier to his right quickly snatches it from the poor boy’s hands, walking away with it. The boy jumps up to chase but is quickly blocked off by the other two.

“The tales he told were read as legend,” the thief mocks, reading it aloud as he paces behind his protectors. The boy doesn’t stop coming; he keeps trying to get around them to get it back. “And he enamoured every soul with his powerful and explosive penis.”

Everyone laughs.

Everyone except the poor boy trying to get his book back.

Finally, the final teen chimes in.

“C’mon, let’s leave this loser alone!” He says confidently. “He’s not worth it.”

The Leader snatches the book back from his friend and slams it into the chest of the younger boy, pushing him over in the process.

“Your brother is pathetic,” he growls at the friend who told them to leave it be.

Two of them walk off, leaving the two brothers alone.

He reaches down, pulling his younger brother back to his feet.

“Why do you have to do that?” He asks. “You’ve always got your head stuck in these fantasy books; you need to come back to reality.”

The boy looks like he’s holding back tears as he retakes his seat on the brick wall.

“There’s going to be a day when none of you can push me around anymore,” he barks at his older brother, hissing almost. “It’ll be my time then.”

His brother shakes his head, taking a seat next to him.

“Stop sitting out here reading your book, alright?” He warns. “The next time they see you, I won’t be able to stop them from beating you up.”

Standing up, he shakes his head.

“C’mon, mom is expecting us back for dinner.”

The young teen boy hops off the wall and follows his brother off down the long winding path, heading home.

Cut.

THE WRONG POWER MOVE
SOMEWHERE ELSE

The night of Ring of Dreams.

Enigma Towers.

As Edward Newton walks through the front door of his home base, he’s confronted by Sigil.

The World Champion appears to have come alone.

The Riddler approaches, shaking his head with disgust.

“That was the wrong power move,” he growls, taking his hat off. “Where is she?”

The Collector chuckles to himself.

“She’s in her bedroom upstairs,” he acknowledges. “I just wanted to get your attention. I don’t think you’ve been taking me seriously as Champion, Edward. Your focus has been drawn so much to Luke Storm that I feel underwhelmed in your challenge for my title.”

“Is that so?” Newton says with a scoff. “I’m sure I can find a way to change that.”

Both men step towards one another.

“I saw the blood you drew on my neck. I know what you were tempted to do, Sigil. Tonight, we fight for your title but in the long term, you and I have business that cannot and must not be challenged.”

The Riddler suddenly grabs Sigil, running him backwards – however, the Collector zaps them both through a portal, landing inside the ring.

They both get to their feet, Newton grinning.

“That’s a clever parlour trick, but you’re going to need more than that to retain your Championship.”

Sigil laughs back.

“You’re off your game, Riddler. Your mind is focused on the wrong thing,” he growls angrily. “It should be focused on me.”

Both men close in, fists raised – ready for their title match.

EDWARD NEWTON VS. SIGIL ©
OSW CHAMPIONSHIP

Oh baby!

We’re kicking off Ring of Dreams in fucking style tonight!

He is what some consider the greatest wrestler to enter OSW halls, a single loss blemishing a perfect record but as Edward Newton enters his dream of regaining the world championship, a controller of time itself stands in his way. Can The Riddler do the impossible and break the curse once and for all or will even the Riddler fall at the hands of the Realm Walker?

The bell sounds as Newton rushes forward with a speed and ferocity that is usually unknown to the Riddler, surprising Sigil with a vicious knee to the jaw before flinging him into the corner with all his strength as the Realm Walker tumbles head over heels, his boot getting wedged in the top rope as he finds himself in a tree of woe. Newton doesn’t hesitate, drilling Sigil with heavy boots to the stomach over and over again before backing up to the other side of the ring and running forward.

BEFORE LEAPING UP AND DELIVERING A STIFF BASEMENT DROPKICK TO A TRAPPED SIGIL!

Sigil slumps down, his leg finally getting free as he crashes to the mat but the Riddler barely lets him fall before he’s on him, mounting Sigil as he rains down savage, angry blows down, Sigil barely able to cover up

COSMIC LEAP!

Newton stops his assault but cocks his right hand, trying to be ready for Sigil’s reappearance when he gets spun down to the mat into a sudden Crucifix

ONE

….

TW…Newton easily kicks out but as he scrambles to his feet, he gets a stiff boot to his jaw before he’s Biel Tossed into the corner. Newton hits hard but he’s barely dazed as Sigil runs forward right into a hard elbow but manages to slip out of a Suplex attempt as he leaps up high

INFIN….LOW BLOW!

Newton countered the Roundhouse with a brilliantly timed low blow as he tries to go for the kill but Sigil manages to roll himself to the outside, just saving himself for the moment. Sigil pulls himself up with the steps, shaking out the cobwebs as Newton sizes him up for a moment, backing up against the ropes

BEFORE LAUNCHING HIMSELF CLEAN OVER THE ROPES IN A PLANCHA ONTO SIGIL! Newton drives the Planeswalker down as he rains down fist after fist that even the mask of Sigil can barely protect him from as he manages to push the Riddler away but Sigil barely gets up to his knees

DOUBLE KNEES TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD! Sigil crashes down face first onto the steel before he’s pulled up by his arms

AND CURBSTOMPED BACK DOWN ON THE STEEL!

A sickening crack is heard as that mask may have protected Sigil from the brunt of it but judging from the trickles of blood pooling down the base of it, Newton did enough damage as the Riddler throws Sigil back into the ring before dropping down for the cover

ONE

….

TWO

…..

THRE….SIGIL JUST GETS THE SHOULDER UP!

Undettered, Newton pulls the dazed Sigil up to his feet, delivering a stiff knee to the gut before pulling his head in between his arms, the Riddler looking to end this curse once and for all.

NEVER…

COSMIC LEAP!

Newton this time barely gets to register the Leap before a stiff elbow to the back stuns the Riddler

FINITE!

The Roundhouse Kick hits flush this time as Newton is dazed and out on his feet before Sigil thrusts him between his arm and snaps down with a stiff DDT of his own, spiking the Riddler into the mat. Sigil doesn’t cover, instead rolling outside of the ring as he grabs a steel chair right from underneath the time keeper before rolling back in. Newton is on his knees as Sigil raises the steel high.

SMOKE PIECE!

Newton throws the smoke bomb right into Sigil’s face, who drops the steel chair as he tries to catch his breath. The Riddler quickly takes advantage, delivering a stiff right hook to the jaw before lifting Sigil up onto his shoulders

ENIGMA THEOREM!

The Death Valley Driver hits hard but Newton isn’t done as he picks up the fallen steel chair and goes to swing it down onto Sigil but the Planeswalker once again vanishes. Newton stands ready, hearing Sigil’s feet hit the mat as he swings left just as Sigil appears behind.

FINITE…DUCKED! Newton swings the chair once more but Sigil disappears once more. Newton stands ready, steel in hand as Sigil once again hits the mat, Newton swings right

NO HE FEINTED AS NEWTON NAILS SIGIL WITH THE CHAIR JUST AS HE APPEARS TO THE LEFT!

Sigil goes down hard as Newton brings the chair down upon him over and over, rendering the damn thing a twisted mess, Sigil trying to take most of the brunt to his armored back as Newton kicks the downed Sigil over, standing menacingly over the world champion as he readies another swing.

Newton brings the chair down as Sigil just shakes his head and clicks his fingers. The chair stops mid-air, Newton begins jerking and gyrating, his body flinging around, as his head jerks to the side, a bright glob of blood spat out onto the mat before the Riddler crashes to the mat, a bruised and bloodied mess out of nowhere.

Sigil gets to his feet, worse for wear but his victory in hand as he drops down for the cover on the time beaten Riddler

ONE

…..

TWO

…..

THR….IT WON’T BE THAT DAMN EASY AS THE RIDDLER KICKS OUT!

Sigil’s looks furious as he pulls a bloodied Newton up to his feet, drilling him with vicious knees that lift the Riddler higher and higher up into the air with each subsequent blow before spinning him around

AND DELIVERING A MERCIFUL END!

BUT NEWTON WON’T FULLY GO DOWN! The chop drops him down to one knee but through the blood and pain, the defiance still shines through. A hard kick to the side of his head drops Newton though but Sigil quickly pulls him up, throwing him hard across the ring as steel delivers wracking pain down the spine of the Riddler, his legs on auto pilot as he stumbles forward

The Realm Walker sizing up Newton for one last blow as he runs at full sprint.

PLANESWALK….NEWTON LEAPS OVER THE DROPKICK! Sigil nearly slams into the turnbuckles but just stops himself as he turns around into

KICK

NEVERMIND!

Newton hits it, that legendary DDT but that may well have been all Newton had left as he collapses to the mat alongside Sigil, both men completely still for several moments before the Riddler finds the strength to drape an arm around Sigil

ONE

…..

TWO

…..

THREE…?

DID HE DO IT?

……

……

FOOT ON THE ROPES! SIGIL SURVIVES!

Newton can’t believe it, that DDT took everything out of him and Sigil still someone survived it. He struggles to one knee but can’t summon the strength to rise higher as Sigil vanishes once more,

PLANESWALKER OUTTA NOWHERE!

SIGIL HITS THE DROPKICK FLUSH AS NEWTON GOES FLYING INTO THE CORNER!

Blood is pouring down the Riddler’s face as Sigil drops down to one knee, looking to go for the cover but stops himself

He knows that he needs to do more, that Edward Fucking Newton won’t be downed with anything but fire

Bruised and bloodied himself, Sigil finds the strength to pull Newton up to his feet as he begins to Leap

Five Feet

Ten Feet

Fifteen

Twenty

Eventually, the pair crash down upon the scaffolding high above the Slaughterhouse, a familiar stage to Sigil as he hoists Newton up onto his shoulders

Summoning every bit of strength he has left, Sigil lifts the Riddler up onto his shoulders before leaping off the scaffolding

REALM

…..

KINNIKU

………NEWTON SLIPS OUT!

NEWTON HAS SIGIL BY THE HEAD, COULD THIS BE IT….

COSMIC LEAP! SIGIL HAS NEWTON BY THE WAIST!

JOURNEY’S END!

THE AVALANCHE GERMAN SUPLEX HITS FLUSH AS SIGIL JUST HOLDS ON FOR THE BRIDGE

ONE

……

TWO

……

…….
WILL A KILL IT WITH FIRE END NEWTON?

IS THE CURSE STILL ACTIVE?

THREE…..

THREE!!!!

SIGIL RETAINS!

The Realm Walker does it, doing the damn impossible as he becomes the second person in history to defeat Edward Newton, retain the OSW World Championship and continue the Pandemonium curse here tonight.

OPERATION SWEET PT 3
BACKSTAGE

Mefisto is walking backstage getting ready for Sweet Dreams. Smoke forms around him. Is he about to disappear?

No! He’s coughing! This isn’t his smoke! It’s tinted yellow!

“I can’t breathe!”

“You shouldn’t be able to.”

Bishop is in the smoke cloud with a gas mask! He kicks Mefisto right in the gut!

“You see, we’ve noticed something with you. You have to concentrate to teleport yourself. I’ve never met a being that can concentrate amid mustard gas.”

“How did you get your hands on this? It’s supposed to be illegal!”

Major Thom strolls by and punts him in the jaw!

“It’s not illegal. It was deemed unsuitable for war during the Geneva convention. We’re not in the middle of war… yet.”

“Are you committing war crimes for a championship?”

Malice comes in and curb stomps Mefisto! He’s out cold!

“No, we’re committing war crimes for the only thing that matters, power.”

Malice picks him up and hoists him on his shoulders! Major Thom opens a nearby door!

Bishop and Thom take their places!

Triple powerbomb into the room!

“That should take care of him but just in case it doesn’t, throw everything we have at him, boys.”

Malice and Thom grab multiple canisters and toss them in the room!

Mustard gas fills the air until we can’t see Mefisto anymore!

They close the door and walk towards the ring.

“Let’s see if he’s everywhere now.”

“He’ll choke before he goes anywhere else.”

Cut.

SWEET DREAMS
Tonight, we are in No Man’s Land! We have all three men of War Machine facing off against Mefisto, Sweet Alice, and The Plague Rat. It is everyone for themselves in war’s most dangerous theater. Barbed wire is wrapped around the barricades and forget the ropes, they are barbed wire as well! Flags representing each person are in each corner on the outside and the first person to grab four of them will receive a title at the VHS championship. The arena looks like a nightmare but it is Sweet Dreams! Who am I to disagree?

DING! DING!

War Machine, The Plague Rat, and Sweet Alice are all in the ring but Mefisto is nowhere to be found and Bishop is smirking! He snaps his fingers! Malice rushes The Plague Rat into the corner and wraps his arms around the barbed wire ropes! Major Thom does the same to Sweet Alice! Bishop charges into The Plague Rat with a big boot in the corner! He follows with another to Sweet Alice! Helluva kick by Bishop to The Plague Rat! Another to Sweet Alice! The War Machine is in full control!

ALL THREE MEMBERS OF WAR MACHINE ROLL OUT OF THE RING!

THEY EACH GRAB THE CLOSEST FLAG REPRESENTING THEM!

MALICE HAS ONE!

THOM HAS ONE!

BISHOP HAS ONE!

THEY START MARCHING TO ANOTHER CORNER TO GRAB MORE!

THE PLAGUE RAT RIPS THE BARBED WIRE OFF HIS ARMS AND SMILES!

HE DIVES THROUGH THE BARBED WIRE!

SUICIDE DIVE TO MALICE!

ALICE WINCES AND PULLS THE BARBED WIRE OUT OF HER ARMS TOO!

SHE DIVES OVER THE ROPES!

TOPE CON HILO TO THOM AND BISHOP!

WAR MACHINE IS DOWN!

PLAGUE RAT GRABS A FLAG!

SWEET ALICE GRABS A FLAG!

EVERYBODY HAS ONE!

The Plague Rat is wailing on Malice with the flag! Whack! Whack! Whack! He keeps whacking until the flag breaks on the big man’s back! He picks the flag up and tries to stab Malice! Malice catches it! He laughs and says, “Do I look like a fucking vampire?” Malice pulls in The Plague Rat!

HE HAS A HOLD OF HIM!

RELEASE CAPTURE SUPLEX INTO THE BARBED WIRE BARRICADE!

THE PLAGUE RAT IS ALL TIED UP!

Sweet Alice has her flag herself, but she is using it differently! She is using it as a staff as Bishop and Thom are trying to swing at her! Bishop throws a left hook, but she blocks it with the flag and clocks him in the jaw with the tail end of it! Thom tries to rush her, but she shows the flag and covers his face with the cloth! She backs up! She charges!

SHOTGUN DROPKICK INTO THE BARRICADE!

THOM IS CAUGHT IN THE BARBED WIRE!

SHE PICKS UP THE FLAG AND STARTS WAILING HIM IN THE STOMACH!

SHOT TO THE GUT AFTER SHOT TO THE GUT!

MALICE SNEAKS UP BEHIND HER AND LOCKS IN THE KATAHAJIME!

HE IS CHOKING HER OUT!

HE IS HOLDING HER UNTIL THOM RIPS HIMSELF OUT OF THE BARRICADES!

MALICE SHOVES HER INTO BISHOP AND THOM!

THEY HOLD HER UP AND MALICE GETS HER ON HIS SHOULDERS!

TRIPLE POWERBOMB ON THE APRON!

MALICE HOLDS ONTO HER AND ROARS “OTHER WAY!”

HE PICKS HER UP, TURNS AROUND AND THE WAR MACHINE PLANT HER AGAIN!

TRIPLE POWERBOMB ON THE BARBED WIRE BARRICADE!

The War Machine are happy with their handiwork and they start marching to another corner! The Plague Rat has untied himself and he has a chair! He swings it right into Bishop’s face! He throws it right at Major Thom! He picks it back up! He holds it high and smashes Malice on top of the head! It does nothing! He does it again! Still no reaction! He hits it one more time! Malice starts laughing and superkicks the chair right into The Plague Rat’s face!

THE PLAGUE RAT LOOKS OUT OF IT!

MALICE THROWS HIM TOWARDS MAJOR THOM!

THOM LIFTS THE PLAGUE RAT ON HIS SHOULDERS!

HE TOSSES HIM UP IN THE AIR AND HITS THE F5 ON THE BARRICADE!

CODE RED!

MALICE GRABS ALL OF WAR MACHINE’S FLAGS!

HE TOSSES THOM AND BISHOP THEIRS!

ALL OF WAR MACHINE HAS TWO WHILE THE PLAGUE RAT AND ALICE ONLY HAVE ONE!

The Plague Rat and Alice while caught look at each other and nod! They know they must work together! They pull themselves out of the barbed wire and charge at The War Machine! Their lacerated backs leave a sanguine trail on the floor! Bishop swings his flag at Alice! She rolls under it, pops back up, and hits a double dropkick to Major Thom and Malice! She backward somersaults and hits a mule kick to send Bishop into The Plague Rat!

THE PLAGUE RAT POPS BISHOP UP!

SWEET ALICE CATCHES HIM ON THE WAY DOWN WITH THE X-FACTOR!

SUGAR AND SPICE!

THE UNLIKELY DUO CREATED A MOVE AND BISHOP’S FACE IS BUSTED WIDE OPEN!

MALICE RUNS AT ALICE BUT THE PLAGUE RAT INTERCEPTS HIM WITH A CHAIR THROW!

IT STOPS MALICE FOR A QUICK SECOND BUT HE QUICKLY SWINGS AT THE PLAGUE RAT!

THE PLAGUE RAT POKES IN THE EYES AND ALICE LEAPFROGS OVER THE PLAGUE RAT!

PEEKABOO!

SHE HITS A HURRICANRANA AND SENDS MALICE INTO MAJOR THOM!

ALICE AND THE PLAGUE RAT QUICKLY SPRINT TO THE CORNER AND GRAB THEIR FLAGS!

EVERYONE HAS TWO NOW!

Malice is quickly back up and charges at Alice with a clothesline! She bridges to dodge it! She quickly gets up and jumps on him! She has him trapped in a sleeper hold! The Plague Rat charges at Malice but Major Thom intercepts him with a kick straight to the junk! The Plague Rat hunches over and he gets spiked with a DDT! Alice is still choking Malice! Thom gets behind them and jumps! He grabs Alice’s shoulders and falls backward!

BEFORE YOU CAN SAY KNIFE!

HE HITS THE ELEVATED BACKSTABBER!

HE TELLS MALICE TO LIFT HER UP!

MALICE HAS HER LIFTED IN THE ELECTRIC CHAIR POSITION!

THOM HOPS UP ON THE APRON, RUNS, AND HITS THE CLOTHESLINE!

D-DAY DEVICE!

SWEET ALICE IS FLIPPED INSIDE OUT!

MAJOR THOM AND MALICE HELP BISHOP UP AND THEY ALL GRAB THEIR FLAGS!

THE WAR MACHINE EACH HAVE THREE AND THEY NOD AT EACH OTHER!

THEY SLIDE IN THE RING AS CAREFULLY AS POSSIBLE AND FACE OFF!

IT’S TIME TO FIND OUT WHO DESERVES IT BETWEEN THEM!

All three men of War Machine fist bump and back off to their respective corners! Malice charges at Bishop with a clothesline! Bishop catches the arm! He locks his legs around Malice’s giant torso and twists Malice’s arm with the Kimura!

LAST GASP!

BISHOP HAS THE KIMURA LOCKED IN TIGHT!

MAJOR THOM HITS A SENTON TO BREAK IT UP!

THOM IS WAITING FOR MALICE TO GET UP!

SABOTAGE!

HE HITS THE BICYCLE KICK!

MALICE IS SENT TO THE BARBED WIRE!

THE MOMENTUM BREAKS THE WIRE AND HE LANDS ON THE PLAGUE RAT!

BISHOP SNEAKS UP IN FRONT OF THOM AND TURNS HIM UPSIDE DOWN!

HE HAS HIM IN TOMBSTONE POSITION!

HE MARCHES TO THE APRON JUMPS AND HITS THE TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER ON THE FLOOR!!!

HOLY SHIT!

HE HIT THE LAST RITES!

He is almost freaking himself out, but he sits up! He stands and he is marching to grab that last flag! Sweet Alice tries to grab at his leg, but he knees her in the face for her trouble! The Plague Rat throws a chair at him, but he catches it and throws it right back! Malice tries to stop him but salutes to the man who won in the ring!

BISHOP IS AT HIS LAST FLAG!

HE HAS HIS HANDS ON IT!

CRASH!

A GIANT HAND BREAKS THROUGH THE CEILING AND GRABS BISHOP!

IT’S MEFISTO!

HE HAS BISHOP LIFTED HIGH AND DROPS HIM!

BISHOP FALLS FIFTY FEET AND LANDS ON MALICE!

BISHOP IS OUT COLD BUT HE MIGHT BE DEAD IF IT WASN’T FOR MALICE!

MEFISTO’S GIANT HAND GRABS FIVE FLAGS!

THREE FOR HIM AND ONE EACH FOR ALICE AND THE PLAGUE RAT!

EVERYONE HAS THREE FLAGS NOW!

IT’S EVEN AND ANYONE CAN WIN THIS!

Major Thom yells, “How are you here?! We had you trapped in that room! No being can concentrate in that gas!”

“I don’t need to concentrate to take a pill.”

Mefisto used the pills Alice gave him to break out of the room! Backstage must be a disaster zone! He takes another one to get back to normal!

“I’m not like you, I want to win this the fair way!”

Mefisto enters the ring and charges at Major Thom! He levels him with a big boot! He follows it with a leg drop! Malice jumps into the ring! He tries to clothesline Mefisto from behind! Mefisto ducks it and grabs Malice from behind himself! Release German suplex! Malice gets thrown out of the ring! The Plague Rat tries to sneak and grab his flag!

MEFISTO NOTICES AND TELEPORTS BEHIND HIM!

HE LOCKS IN THE SLEEPER HOLD AND WRAPS HIS LEGS AROUND THE PLAGUE RAT!

HE LEVITATES!

TORTURE CHAMBER!

THE PLAGUE RAT IS STRUGGLING AND HE PASSES OUT!

MEFISTO DROPS HIM!

HE FALLS HARD INTO A FLAGPOLE!

HE SHOULD BE GLAD IT DOESN’T HAVE A POINT!

MEFISTO DESCENDS AND MALICE HITS HIM WITH THE GORE!

MALICE PICKS HIM OFF THE GROUND AND PUTS MEFISTO IN HIS SHOULDERS!

HE FALLS TO HIS SIDE!

HE HITS THE TORTURE RACK PILEDRIVER INTO THE FLAGS!

MALICIOUS INTENT!

HE PICKS HIS FLAG OFF THE GROUND!

MALICE HAS HIS FOURTH FLAG!

Malice has done it! The muscle of War Machine muscled his way to a shot at the VHS title!

THE DOTTED LINE
BACKSTAGE

“My fellow Americans…”

Alton Whitlock has just gone live from the backstage corridors of The Slaughterhouse. Instantly, his followers join to watch and listen.

“We stand high upon a mountain,” Alton says. “Behind us, the grotesque and gaudy palaces of the greedy aristocrats burn.”

“But in front of us? A new day dawns. A day free of tyranny.”

“Only one obstacle stands in our way.”

“One last monster, skulking along the precipice. Clinging desperately to the world we’re leaving behind. Against this treacherous thing, words will not be enough to win our safe passage.”

“We must not be frightened.”

“We must rise, climb that last stretch of the mountain undeterred, seize our destiny. And pull it down—”

It’s precisely then that Berkshire Ellison Green forces his way into the frame. The look in his eyes tells you one thing: he believes with every fiber of his morally bankrupt being that tonight is his night.

“ALTON!” Green roars, his tone absolutely belligerent with mock excitement, “On the behalf of myself and every other American who has something to show for their pathetic lives… Shut the fuck up!”

Alton stares at the camera for an instant–but before he can do anything, BEG slaps the phone out of his hand. It, and the livestream, die abruptly as they contact the concrete floor.

“Save your breath, Berkshire,” Whitlock says, barely holding back his anger. “You can’t control me.”

“When will you learn?” BEG asks. He’s smirking. “I can do whatever I want.”

“Not any more.”

“See what you say when you’re sitting in the Oval Office, firmly under my thumb. Oh, how the history books remember your name!”

This is the moment where something snaps in Whitlock’s brain. Months of torture and abuse coalesce. He sees red. And then his fist comes roaring forward, with every last molecule of his long-stewing hatred fueling it.

But BEG’s ready. He leaps backward; Whitlock hits only thin air. Then BEG bursts out laughing.

“Where’s your decorum, Whitlock?” he taunts. “The match hasn’t even begun.”

Nonchalantly, BEG turns to walk away.

For a moment, Whitlock considers a final retort; one last word.

But men like BEG never listen.

It’s time to let his fists speak.

Cut.

THE REAPER VS. THE JUDGE
SINGLES MATCH

The Judge. The Reaper. What has the Observatory not been able to see The Reaper’s actions? Who is responsible for the death of Reaper’s family. There is so much bad blood and emotion boiling over. The quest for answers has brought them here. And The Reaper stands across the ring with a smirk on his face, and the Judges own axe in his hands.

The Judge stares across the ring, not at his opponent, but at his axe which The Reaper holds firmly onto. The match itself begins with a bang as both men lock horns and go hammer and tong for possession of the axe, but it is Reaper who gets the upper hand, kicking The Judge away. He swings the axe and NARROWLY MISSES THE AXE TAKING ITS OWN OWNER’S HEAD OFF!

THE JUDGE GOES TO WRENCH THE AXE FREE!

BUT THE REAPER CLUBS HIM IN THE STERNUM WITH THE END OF THE AXE HANDLE, TAKING THE WIND OUT OF THE JUDGE’S SAILS!

The Judge double over for a moment, but that is all Reaper needs.

BOOM!

SWIFT REVENGE! THE DDT PLANTS JUDGE RIGHT IN THE CENTRE OF THE RING!

Much like an executioner, The Reaper raises the axe above his head and swings it once more, right where The Judge’s neck is… only, it’s not there!

JUDGE HAS ROLLED OUT OF THE RING AND AWAY FROM THE AXE!

Reaper grunts in frustration before heading out after the one he holds responsible for his family’s death. He catches the Judge by leaping from the ring apron.

SWINGING AXE STRIKE!

HE CATCHES THE JUDGE! THE AXE GETS HIM RIGHT IN THE SHOULDERBLADE!

OH MY GOD!

THE JUDGE FALLS TO THE GROUND WITH THE AXE IMBEDDED IN HIS SHOULDER!

Reaper starts another wave of assault, laying into The Judge with lefts and rights, throwing wild haymakers that each hit home, as the axe dislodges itself with a growl of agony from the Judge.

The Reaper is not letting up, with his brutal assault taking every bit of rage it can out on his foe. And THE JUDGE HAS NO ANSWER TO IT! HE JUST WEATHERS EVERY BLOW!

After wearing thirty or so shots to the skull, finally, The Judge pushes Reaper away with his good arm to create a moment’s space. Reaper comes charging right back at him, looking to SPEAR TACKLE HIM INTO THE CROWD BARRICADE!

NO!

THE VERDICT!

OUIT OF FUCKING NOWHERE ON THE REAPER RUNNING FULL SPEED!

THE VERDICT SENDS REAPER FLYING BACKWARDS INTO THE SIDE OF THE RING!

Neither being is interested in merely the match at this point, and the Judge is not interested in rolling The Reaper back into the ring for a pinfall. Instead, he picks up his axe and comes lumbering towards his foe.

AXE HANDLE TO THE GUTS!

THAT CAUGHT THE REAPER’S ATTENTION!

THE BACK OF THE AXE ACROSS THE BACK OF THE SKULL OF REAPER AND HE’S DOWN AGAIN!

BOTH ARE BLEEDING! JUDGE FROM HIS SHOULDER AND REAPER FROM THE BACK OF HIS HEAD!

But Reaper can take a shot or two and he still stirs and pulls himself to his feet. Too late though, as the Judge is upon him once more in an instant.

YOUR PAST MAY BITE YOU!

THE JUDGE BITES HIM RIGHT IN THE HEAD!

HERE COMES THE CUTTER!

NO!

REAPER KICKS HIM AWAY!

The Judge staggers backwards a few steps before catching his footing. He raises his axe again, the blade turning to aim towards Reaper.

BUT REAPER CHARGES!

SHOTGUN BLAST!

HE NAILS THE JUDGE WHO FALLS TO THE GROUND, DROPPING THE AXE IN THE PROCESS!

BUT REAPER IS NOT GOING FOR THE PIN!

HE’S NOT DONE YET!

Picking up The Judge’s axe, he holds it in both hands. Shaking slightly, with the overboiling of emotion and rage, you can see the hurt in the man’s eyes.

He wants to destroy The Judge.

But he waits.

He waits for the Judge to stir.

When the Judge pulls himself groggily to his feet, Reaper swoops in..

HE RAISES THE AXE…

CHOKESLAM TO REAPER!

OUT OF NOWHERE!

THE JUDGE DROPS REAPER AND THE REAPER LANDS HARD ON THE GROUND, AWKWARDLY ON THE SHOULDER!

Judge enters the ring and heads straight toward the turnbuckle. He tears at the padding, pulling it free to expose the steel, preparing bad news for the Reaper. When The Reaper comes to, he’s holding his shoulder in agony. He pushes aside the pain to follow The Judge back into the ring. They lock horns, each trying to gain possession of one object… The Axe.

The Reaper wrenches the axe free.

HE HITS THE JUDGE WITH THE HANDLE OF THE AXE IN THE STOMACH!

JUDGE IS WINDED AND PULLING FOR AIR!

A GLINT IN THE EYE OF REAPER!

DEATH FUCKING SENTENCE!

THE BRAINBUSTER NAILS HIM!

THE REAPER COVERS FOR THE PIN!

ONE!

…

…

TWO!

…

…

THERE’S NO KICKING OUT HERE!

…

…

THREE!

The Reaper fought to the very end, never giving an inch. HE stands victorious over The Judge… That is until an explosion of light engulfs them both!

BOOM!

When the light fades, both The Reaper and the Judge have disappeared!

FINAL DESTINATION
FLASHFORWARD

Boom!

A flash of white light and an explosion. Reaper is on the ground in the dirt of an undisclosed deserted location and The Judge is standing above him, his axe in hand. Slowly shaking his head.

“You cannot stop this, Reaper. Revenge is not going to bring your family back. The only thing that can bring closure for you is answers.”

Reaper kicks The Judge in the chest, sending him staggering backwards. It gives Reaper enough of a chance to claw his way back to his feet. His chest is heaving, nose bleeding and he’s holding his shoulder which hangs almost limply. The Judge holds his axe out in front of him so that it is perfectly level.

“The balance has been upset. When someone cheats death, that balance is thrown. It must be restored.”

Reaper rushes at him despite the injuries, but Judge easily kicks him back to the ground. His mighty axe swings and lands in the dirt between his legs, as a message to him. Reaper looks up, rage and defiance in his eyes.

“Are you saying that they died… to restore that balance?”

Judge does not respond. He does not have to. A long silence falls between them both until the Judge responds slowly.

“What I have learnt is that your family may indeed have died as a result of this balance being tipped. They paid the price because another escaped death. Somebody else is to blame for their deaths, not the Observatory.”

Reaper scrambles to his feet and grabs The Judge by the scruff of his neck with surprising speed given his condition.

“Who?”

The Judge backs away.

“I do not know.”

Then, with a flare of light, The Judge is gone.

Cut.

MICROPHONE
SOMEWHERE ELSE

The Junkyard.

Junkrat sits in the middle of his Junkyard with what feels like hundreds of pieces. He’s putting together what appears to be a jigsaw puzzle of an item.

As every piece slots into the next, it fuses together, becoming one larger piece.

Until it’s finished.

A giant white light emanates from the item, exploding around Junkrat as he falls backwards, dropping it.

It’s a microphone.

And a familiar hand reaches down to pick it up.

Monty Straight.

“I wondered if you had it in you,” he muses as he looks at the microphone. “This microphone of mine has been here the whole time, but it took a great loss for you to even take interest.”

Junkrat stands up.

“You!?” He yells. “What the fuck are you doin’ here, you sweaty ballbag?” Junkrat says with a ‘get the fuck outta here’ expression. “Didn’t I destroy you once already?”

Straight scoffs.

“There’s no destroying something like me, kid.”

“Oh yeah?” Junk says, accepting the challenge. “Welcome to the Junkyard, where the trash keeps going and Monty Straight keeps blowing. I reckon there’s a way here to compact you into a small fleshy icecube I can decorate my pinnocolada with.”

“It’s welcome to the show that never ends, where the fun keeps going-“

Suddenly, Junkrat throws a trash can lid at his head, stumbling him backwards.

“I’m sorry dickhead, were you saying somethin’?” He says with a head tilt. “All I heard was gobble cock sucker gobble gobble like you had a mouth full of dicks.”

Straight angrily checks his head for blood.

“Now, you little cocksucker, there’s probably a million cocks out there you need to suck but are we gonna blow some shit up here first, or what?”

The Television Host grins, his eyes narrowing.

Looks like there’s a fight.

JUNKRAT VS. MONTY STRAIGHT
SINGLES MATCH

Amidst this pile of rubble, will either of these men find what they want – or realise what they need?

Junkrat’s already-short fuse runs out. The pyromaniac charges at the returning Monty Straight across the Junkyard. The emcee, however, waits until he can see the food between Junkrat’s teeth before stepping aside.

BANG!

The Mayor of Gary runs HEAD-FIRST into the side of a rusted CAR!

His skull dents the door and he slides down into the dust.

Monty helps his contestant to his feet – only to SLAM him onto a stack of splintered PALLETS!

At that moment, a referee conveniently appears. Rather, he emerges from the teetering piles of debris. He dusts himself off, looking confused.

“Ah, wonderful! What is a game without rules?” Straight muses.

He covers Junkrat and the official dutifully slides into action – tearing his pants on a rusty nail.

ONE!

…

…

TWO!

…

JUNKRAT KICKS OUT!

Monty’s smile doesn’t falter as he picks him up again. He whips him spine-first into a metal dumpster!

CLANG!

Junkrat yells out and wiggles his fingers to test his extremities.

The Straight Shooter takes a moment to play to the crowd in the empty setting. He runs at Junkrat—

BIG BACK BODY DROP INTO THE DUMPSTER!

SQUELCH!

OH GOD, THAT THING WASN’T EMPTY!

Junkrat turns and stands on tiptoes to peek inside.

“OI, YOU’RE SITTING IN MY DINNER, YA BASTARD!” He screams at Monty, his voice reverberating inside the receptacle.

He snatches the gameshow host by his lapels and pulls him up.

Straight is covered in fast food wrappers, banana skins, orange peels – a grocery stores’ worth of scraps. He maintains his classy demeanour long enough to ram a FISH SKELETON down Junkrat’s THROAT!

The wildcard gags and stumbles towards a filthy, thrown-out couch.

Monty climbs out of the dumpster and grabs a discarded broom.

SNAP!

HE BREAKS IT IN HALF OVER JUNKRAT’S BACK!

Junkrat falls to his knees in a Platoon-like pose.

Straight heaves him up onto his shoulders—

ARE WE GOING TO COMMERCIAL BREAK!?

NOT YET, AS JUNKRAT ESCAPES THE EMERAL FLOWSION POWERSLAM…

INSTEAD TURNING IT INTO A TILT-A-WHIRL DDT!

THE CONCUSSION MINE, ONTO THE SOILED SOFA!

The impact breaks the furniture frame and activates the reclinable footrest—

BOIIING!

The spring-loaded footrest JACKS Monty in the jaw, knocking him onto his back!

ONE!

…

…

TWO!

…

…

SHOULDER UP BY THE DEAL MAKER!

Junkrat pulls at his clumps of hair in frustration.

… Until a lightbulb shines above his head.

There is nothing more terrifying thank a Junkrat with an idea!

He rummages around a big pile of electricals and spare parts.

HE PRODUCES A CAR BATTERY!

What in the world is he thinking…

AND HERE COMES THE JUMPER CABLES!

Whoo, boy!

Junkrat sits the battery on top of a rotten apple crate. He attaches one end of the jumper cables to Monty himself, then goes to hook him up—

BUT STRAIGHT YANKS THE CABLES, PULLING JUNKRAT BACK INTO HIM!

Thankfully avoiding a shocking outcome, Monty slaps a headlock on him.

He spins round with a JUMPER-CABLE CLOTHESLINE into a BACKBREAKER – THE DEAL BREAKER!

ONE!

…

…

TWO!

…

…

TWO-POINT-NINE!

Junkrat barely hangs in there!

Straight dusts himself off. He grabs a POOL CUE and rolls Junkrat over. Threading his own leg through Junkrat’s, he twists him onto his front in a SHARPSHOOTER!

He cranks that sumbitch in and, forgoing the knee, instead PRESSES THE CUE INTO JUNKRAT’S NECK!

THAT’S STRAIGHT SHOOTING!

The referee slides into view—bloody knees and all—to ask Junkrat if he quits. The anarchist shakes his head furiously, defiant to the end.

“THE ONLY THING I TAP IS LOTS OF ARSE!”

He suddenly snatches the cue—

THUNK!

And smacks Monty with it – breaking his grip!

Straight falls to the ground and scrambles in the dirt. Junkrat pounces, trapping him in THE STEEL TRAP STF WITH THE POOL CUE!

Monty struggles and looks for a way out, but this is one scenario he can’t talk or charm ehis way out of! Knowing both doors are closed to him, he is left with no choice but to tap out!

Junkrat wins The Game That Never Stops!

THOSE DAYS ARE DEAD
BACKSTAGE

Mark Gouldern, in his usual garb, ranges across the backstage area.

The Revenant follows.

Both are aware that this apparent game of cat and mouse has become far more. Neither are predator.

Neither are prey.

Gouldern grins, knowing full well who tracks him through the halls of the Slaughterhouse.

“Can we not return to the days where you believe I was looking out for your best interests?” Gouldern asks, never turning his head to address his pursuer directly.

“Those days are dead, Gouldern,” Revenant replies. “And my best interests no longer match your own. Perhaps they never did.”

“We had some good times though, did we not?” Gouldern asks, needling Revenant.

“Where do you lead me?” Revenant demands.

“My naive creation,” Gouldern laments, turning a corner. Revenant turns that corner as well. “The only place to lead a being like you is back into the ether from which I retrieved you. You see, even God made mistakes. He sent a flood to wipe them out. But I lack the means of omnipotence, although, I’m quite close aren’t I?”

“Enough of your bullshit,” Revenant says. “Let’s end this. Here, now. Turn around, face your creation, look him in the eye, and bring the flood.”

Gouldern chuckles, “Nah.”

He opens a door. Revenant follows him into the room.

And there, before them, stands the Mech that Gouldern created.

He turns, winks at Revenant.

“Prepare to meet your maker.”

Cut.

BANZAN VS. GABRIEL DRAKE
REWIND CHAMPIONSHIP

The Mountain challenges the Lord of Darkness for not only his Rewind Championship but seeks justice for his former Co-Tag Team Champion Aesop!

DING! DING! Banzan jumps into SNAKE STANCE as Drake approaches allowing for multiple VIPER PALMS! Drake stumbles backwards into the corner, Banzan slips to DRAGON STANCE and dodges two huge crosses from Drake trying to make up ground but he stumbles straight into… WHEEL KICK!

The kick knocks a thick wad of blackened blood out of Dracula’s mouth!

Banzan, out of TIGER STANCE tossing Drake across the ring! HIP TOSS!

Drake stumbles back up, right into DUKKHA!! THE SAITO SUPLEX! He covers!

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

Banzan unleashes a flurry of kicks upon a shaken Gabriel Drake, The Indestructible Mountain’s kicks a tad stiffer than usual, convinced his opponent is responsible for what happened to Aesop!

He looks for a force-up, THE LORD’S SHADOW!! A WHIP OF THE CAPE KNOCKS BANZAN OFF HIS FEET!

The Lord of Darkness wipes the blood from his lip, face grimacing at the taste of his. He sinks his claws into Banzan! BLOOD DRIVE!!

Drake’s demeanor instantly changes, he seems eager to wash the taste out of his mouth!!

FANGS OF DRAKE!!!

NO!!!

BANZAN FLIPPED TO HORSE STANCE! HE COUNTERS!

Just as Drake goes in for the kill… SAMUDAYA!!! SHINING TRIANGLE SUBMISSION!!

Banzan has it locked in! He wrenches away as The Hunter claws and scratches his way towards a break!

The Indestructible Mountain is beginning to wither! He is leaking blood from multiple gashes to his mid section!

A tad slower to his feet, Drake beats him and stomps his head! Drake unleashes a series of boot stomps!

Drake picks the Mountain up to his feet and sends him into opposing ropes, ducks the clothesline!

SPRING BOARD ELBOW SMASH!

Both competitors hit the canvas! Drake covers!

ONE!

.

.

.

TWO!

.

.

.

THRE-NO!

Banzan remains in contention for the Rewind Championship with a close kick but he is thriving in pain!!

Drake is unhappy, he stomps away at a face down Mountain!

Again!

Again!

Again!

COBRA CLUTCH by Gabriel Drake!!

BANZAN IS CHARGING UP!

HE’S IN MOUNTAIN STACE!

Drake knows it! He summons all the strength in Transylvania behind his submission but Banzan is slowly filling up on life force!

Banzan makes it all the way back to his feet! Drake holding on for dear life!

BANZAN IS FULLY CHARGED!

BACK BODY DROP!

ALL OF NEARLY 350 POUNDS FALLS ONTOP OF THE REWIND CHAMPION!

THE IMPACT OF A COMBINED 600 POUNDS NEARLY PUT A HOLE IN THE CANVAS!

ONE!

.

.

.

TWO!

.

.

.

THREE!?

.

.

.

NO!!!!

BANZAN KICKS!

Both men are gassed!

The crowd has erupted in O-S-W chant!

O-S-DUB! O-S-DUB! O-S-DUB!

Both men get to their feet at the same time, it feels like we’ve got a tie game! Banzan has transitioned to CRANE STANCE but Drake stays out of his radius with DROPKICK TO THE KNEE!

Drake applies a headlock immediately and nails high impact BULLDOG!

The Rewind Champion takes to the ropes again looking to keep applying the pressure!

BUT BANZAN HAS RETURNED TO HIS FEET!

BANZAN CONNECTS WITH ROUND HOUSE KICK TO THE JAW!

MORE VAMPIRE BLOOD SHOOTS FROM DRAKE’S MOUTH!

Banzon, now in full control transitions himself into the Tiger Stance and syncs Drake’s full return to his feet with TIGER CLAW!! THE FIVE POINT PALM STRIKE!!

Drake goes flying! He hits the mat face down but tries getting up!

THE MOUNTAN HAS OTHER PLANS!!!

MAGGA!!

MAGGA!!

MAGGA!!

THE RUNNING KNEE STRIKE LANDS SQUARE IN THE TEMPLE OF GABRIEL DRAKE!!!

BANZAN PINS!

ONE!

.

.

.

TWO!

.

.

.

THREE!

.

.

.

YES!!!

Ladies and gentleman you have A NEW OLD SCHOOL WRESTLING REWIND CHAMPION!

BODY COUNT
RINGSIDE

Banzan rises to his feet.

He reaches down, grabbing a weary and exhausted Drake by the jaw.

“Tell me!” He demands angrily. “Why’d you kill him?”

Drake shakes his head.

“You vile creature! I know you had a hand in it, I know you did it. I’ve debated the circumstances of his murder at great length and you’re the only suspect that makes sense.”

Darkness.

There’s a black out that thrusts the entire arena into darkness.

Nothing can be seen.

The lights abruptly come back on, accompanied by static.

That’s when we see it.

Banzan is covered in blood.

But that’s hardly the most shocking thing.

Across the ring from him is the most grizzly and vile sight you’ve likely ever seen in an Old School Wrestling ring.

Gabriel Drake’s head on a pike, stabbed directly in the centre of the ring for all to see.

His eyes are open and there’s blood everywhere, dripping from his now fangless mouth.

The Mountain looks at himself in shock, his blood-soaked visage only compounded by the headless body of Gabriel Drake strewn about the canvas before him.

He stumbles backwards, his eyes wide.

Did Banzan just do this?

Did The Mountain just rip Gabriel Drake’s head from his body and pike it in the middle of this ring?

He slowly backs away, retrieving his Rewind Championship as the crowd look on in utter shock.

Gabriel Drake has just been murdered.

The only real way a Vampire can die.

But who did it?

The body count rises.

JESSIE WILLIAMS VS. MR. SANDMAN
SINGLES MATCH

This is the moment Jessie Williams has been waiting for…a chance to face his nightmare, and put an end to Mr. Sandman. Will the Prince succeed, or will the Night Terror be too much for him?

Jessie wastes no time going after the Night Terror, who easily avoids the initial attack by the so-called Prince. Using sheer strength, Mr. Sandman wallops Jessie with a haymaker that rocks his world before dropping him with a nasty lariat!

“Boy, you’ve done it now.”

A snickering, snarling Sandman continues the attack on the much smaller Williams, laying into him with some heavy punches before picking the lad up.

“You wanted to face your nightmare? Here’s your chance.”

THUD!

Sandman drops Jessie with a big body slam, knocking the wind right out of him before following suit with some hard stomps…but Jessie manages to roll away in the nick of time, giving himself some much needed breathing room!

Sandman can’t help but chuckle as he watches the Prince slowly rise to his feet, still feeling the effects of that first wave of offense. Sandman charges at Jessie, who manages to dodge it with a drop toe hold that sends Sandman crashing down hard!

Jessie knows not to face this challenge head-on…at least, not without his trusty Boomstick. Taunting his tormentor, Jessie works on powering up the gauntlet as Sandman gets back to his feet.

“Welcome to the party…”

BOOM!

Mr. Sandman is greeted with the rocket-propelled Boomstick to the back of the head, sending him right back down courtesy of Jessie Williams. The gauntlet returns to its owner, who is compelled to finish a one-liner like his old man.

“…hope you enjoy the punch.”

Much to his surprise, however, Jessie watches as the Night Terror gets back to his feet once more, the anger evident as he turns his attention to his nemesis.

“Haven’t you learned your lesson yet, boy?”

Sandman lunges at Jessie, who tries to fight back using his Boomstick…but the Bump in the Night grabs hold, throwing Jessie down hard before raining down on him with punches!

“Why…won’t…you…learn!”

He lifts Jessie to his feet once more, looking to hit the fatal blow…but the Prince manages to fight back with everything he’s got! He’s unloading a series of punches, primarily using the Boomstick to wear Sandman down.

“This is for my father!”

BOOM!

“This is for my uncle!”

BOOM! BOOM!

“And this is for me, you son of a…”

SANDMAN SHUTS JESSIE UP QUICK DAMN QUICK AS HE GOUGES THE EYE! 40 WINKS! Jessie is screaming in pain as Sandman digs in deep…until Jessie screams no more, knocked out cold.

Mr. Sandman has put Jessie Williams to sleep, but the nightmare has only begun for the son of the Chosen One!

THE ENGAGEMENT OF WAR
SOMEWHERE ELSE

After an extremely successful night, The War Machine head back to their barracks to celebrate.

Once inside, the beers start flowing.

“I have an announcement,” Malice says, standing up with a beer in his hand. Thom and Bishop look surprised. They just went from laughing and joking to this abrupt moment.

Their eyes remain fixed on his.

“As you know, I’ve been dating Wynona for a few months now and things have been going very well.”

Immediately, Bishop looks towards Thom.

“It makes me fucking happy to announce that we’re engaged to be married.”

Silence.

Utter silence.

“Well, don’t all congratulate me at once, assholes!”

Bishop is the first to stand, offering a handshake that Malice accepts, pulling him in forcibly for a hug.

Thom though, he isn’t as polite.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” He says with a growl. “You’ve only known this woman for a few months. How are you possibly this sprung?”

“Thom!” Bishop interrupts with a loud interjection.

“No, let’s be realistic here. You’re a monster, Malice. You’re a fucking beast. You’ve never loved anything more than you do hurting people. Now you’re in love?”

Malice walks over to his team mate

There’s an eerie silence in the room now as these two behemoths stand face to face.

“What’re you trying to say?” Malice quietly questions, sinister in his approach.

“I’m trying to say it’s bullshit, kid,” He continues bravely. “I don’t know what’s happening to you but this isn’t right. I’ve read your dossier, I know you, there’s just no way you’re in love with that woman.”

The Monster shakes his head, absolutely furious. He backs away carefully and puts his beer down on the table, heading towards the door.

“Mal, wait,” Bishop tries to calm him down. “Let’s talk about this.”

“I’m going home to the love of my life,” he says looking only at Thom. “I’ll catch you boys later.”

As Malice storms out, Bishop turns to Thom, shaking his head.

“What the fuck was that, man?” He demands to know.

“You know this isn’t right,” he says pulling a cigar out of his pocket. “Something’s happening to him and we’ve gotta get to the bottom of it.”

Cut.

MARK GOULDERN VS. REVENANT
SINGLES MATCH

A match between creator and creation here tonight, as Mark Gouldern, in a fucking mech suit, takes on Revenant, a technologically-reincarnated X.

DING! DING!

Revenant charges across the ring, but he’s sideswiped by the gigantic right arm of Gouldern’s mech. He slams into the turnbuckle! Gouldern charges Revenant in the corner!

BIG SPLASH IN THE MECH SUIT!

He whips Revenant into the opposite turnbuckle!

ANOTHER BIG SPLASH!

Revenant stumbles out of the corner and falls to the ground. It’s become abundantly clear already that the mech suit is more than an equalizer.

Gouldern reaches down in that suit and lifts Revenant up to his feet. HE THROWS HIM OUT OF THE RING!

Revenant quickly reaches his feet. He turns around, and there’s Gouldern CHARGING TOWARDS HIM!

DROP TOE HOLD! Gouldern and the mech goes down!

And there, on the back of the suit, a massive, shielded battery.

Revenant jumps on Gouldern’s back and starts to pry the shield away from the battery. Using all his strength, he manages to rip it halfway off when Gouldern’s suit begins to HUM…

It grows louder…

WHOOSH! Jets stream out of the feet of the suit and Gouldern and Revenant are soaring around the Slaughterhouse boosted by rocket fire! Revenant hammers away at the battery shield as Gouldern flies in all directions, jerking around, trying to shake Revenant away!

But Revenant holds on, a more than capable, perhaps too capable creation. He roars and rips the shield from the battery.

“Fuck you,” Revenant screams as they soar towards the ceiling! He RIPS the battery out of the suit.

The rocket boosters immediately shut down, as does the rest of the suit’s functionality! BOTH MEN twirl and hurtle towards the mat!

CRASH! GOOD GOD! THE IMPACT!

AND GOULDERN’S USELESS MECH PINS REVENANT TO THE MAT!

ONE!!!

…

…

TWO!!!

…

…

NO!

Revenant, with his extra-human strength, manages to pry his way out from underneath the suit and get his shoulder up! Revenant climbs to his feet, while Mark Gouldern appears trapped in the suit.

Revenant has no problem helping him.

CRASH! HE PUNCHES A HOLE STRAIGHT THROUGH THE FIBER GLASS HEAD ARMOR OF THE SUIT!

He starts PUNCHING ANOTHER HOLE through Gouldern’s face! Right hand after vicious right hand after vicious right hand!

The suit UNFOLDS and leaves Gouldern’s entire body exposed.

Revenant pulls Gouldern out and– THE DISRUPTION!!! He still has that TeleGauntlet, and it’s enough to drop Revenant to the fucking ground!

Gouldern makes the cover! Hooks both legs!

ONE!!!

…

…

…

TWO!!!

…

…

…

…

…

NO!!! REVENANT KICKS OUT ONCE AGAIN!

Mark Gouldern grabs Revenant by the arm and pulls him up to his feet! UPPERCUT by Revenant! Left jab, left jab, right hook! Revenant kicks Gouldern in the shin, and follows with a heel kick to the jaw! He absolutely lights Gouldern up with fists and kicks! Gouldern drops to his knees!

TONGAN DEATH GRIP!!! REVENANT LOCKS IT IN THE FANS GO BAT SHIT, REMEMBERING THE MAN HE ONCE WAS!

Gouldern tries to pull free, but it’s no use, Revenant’s grip is just way too fucking strong! Gouldern has nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, it’s just Revenant and his Tongan Death Grip! That’s his reality now! That’s his–

PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE!!! HE COUNTERS WITH AN AWKWARDLY DELIVERED ELEVATED DDT!!!

THE CROWD IS STUNNED!!!

How the fuck did Gouldern pull that off!?!

He begins delivering boot after boot to Revenant’s body! He knows what it’s time for. He waits for Revenant to slowly climb to his feet. When he does so?

THE DISRUPTION!!! AND HE FUCKING NAILS IT!!!

The crowd showers Gouldern with jeers as he makes the cover!!!

ONE!!!

…

…

…

TWO!!!

…

…

…

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

It took a mech suit, dirty tactics, and two Disruptions to defeat Revenant, but Gouldern made it happen. He stands to his feet and celebrates his well-earned victory.

TO SAVE A LIFE
SOMEWHERE ELSE

Darkness.

There’s a feint sound of buzzing and crickets in the background as we appear before a beautiful family home.

A recognisable home.

The Kersh ranch.

The front porch is wide and it needs to be, because sitting on two large white wooden chairs are Brent Kersh and Mike Lane. The Cryptkeeper recently brought these two men back together in a different form, shaping the future in the present – but truth be told, they never really grew apart.

They’ve a couple of beers on the go and a cooler beside them with a lot more inside.

“We’ve been doing this for how long now?” Lane says, supping from his ice-cold beer.

Kersh doesn’t say anything at first, he just looks straight ahead.

“Once a weekend for almost a year,” he muses quietly.

Lane puts his empty bottle down and grabs another.

“Is that you done, kid?” Kersh continues, this time turning his head to face Mike.

He laughs it off.

“Not a chance,” he cackles. “I told you I’d keep watch, didn’t I? Besides, I’m too drunk to find my way home.”

They both chuckle together.

“I know it’s stupid; you know? Every weekend we sit in these two chairs, drink a couple of cases of beer and reminisce about old times. Times we never want to repeat, but still speak of fondly. We helped save the world, you and I.”

“Old School Wrestling always manages to find a way to pull us back in, doesn’t it?” Lane says, looking carefully back towards the house. “But those kids in there, Tank and Michaela, they deserve a better life.”

The Enforcer doesn’t say anything at first.

“That’s the problem, isn’t it?” Kersh says solemnly. “I’ve stood in the ring across from my son. I know that whatever happens, he ends up there. I want to sit here, drink beer and reminisce, but I know that every minute I sit here, he’s in danger.”

Lane looks at him in confusion.

“You can’t stop the inevitable,” he suggests. “As heart-breaking as it is.”

Kersh stands up.

“I’m going to try,” he announces. “ I’m going back to Old School Wrestling to save my son. I don’t see any other way.”

The Shadow doesn’t say anything, drinking another sip of his beer.

Brent sits back down, joining him once again.

“Make sure you come back, Kersh,” Lane says with a wry smile. “I’ll take care of the kids.”

Cut.

RED DEATH VS. BLOOD RED SHARK
SINGLES MATCH

The Red Death killed the Sharkman, but the Blood Red Shark that rose out of the former hero is hellbent on destroying the Red Death. Will either of these evil men be able to rise above the other tonight?

These two psychopaths don’t rush in to fight one another as you’d expect. Instead, they circle one another, each one sizing the other up.

“You lied about my family.” Death states, his rage glowing from his eyes.

“Depends on your point of view.” Shark retorts. “Perhaps you can ask them about it…”

He reaches up to his mask, going for the red mist, but Red Death rushes in.

Headbutt to Shark.

The Finned Revenger shakes it off, returning the favor.

Headbutt from Shark!

Headbutt from Death!

Both men step back, Red Justice sliding in for a collar and elbow tie up, but Shark slips behind to drive his shoulder into the back of Death. He grabs the crimson cape and wraps it around Death’s head, pummeling him to his knees. As the Dark Reaper tries to untangle himself, the Blood Red Shark stands above him with evil intentions.

“You couldn’t get the job done, could you?” Shark yells. “Pathetic!”

He kicks at the struggling Death.

Again.

Again.

Again?

No!

RED DEATH POWERS OFF THE GROUND WITH SHARK’S LEG IN HAND, RAISING HIM AND BRINGING HIM DOWN WITH A THUNDEROUS SPINEBUSTER!

Showcasing his strength, Death picks Shark up by the neck, and throws him into the opposite corner.

LARIAT IN THE CORNER!

The Blood Red Shark staggers out of it, Death stalking him.

KILLING JOKE!!

NO!

SHARK DUCKED IT!

DEATH TURNS AROUND TO FIGHT!

RED MIST TO THE FACE! SHARK HAS UNLEASHED THE RED HAZE ON HIS FOE!

Death falls to his knees as the mist begins to spread through the Slaughterhouse, causing the fans in attendance to cough and sputter as well. As Death tries to shake it off, the whole world changes.

The walls begin to melt into seaweed.

The fans turn into piranhas.

The ring fades into an endless ocean of red.

Of blood.

And the Red Death is stood in the middle of it all.

The Dark Reaper looks around, his senses trying to make sense of everything.

Out of the water rises a figure.

Sarah Kirby.

“First comes the hysteria.” Sarah says. “The inability to let go.”

She rushes in at Death, kneeing him in the junk.

Refusing to fight, the Dark Reaper looks up at her, trying to understand.

“Then comes the painted on smile.” A voice adds, rising out of the water. “A man who desperately wants a family.”

Jason Kirby.

The son approaches the father…

…AND SLAPS HIM ACROSS THE FACE!

A dark shadow crawls across the water towards Death.

“Then comes the doubt.” The shadow says as it forms into Darkwish. “It flows through your veins, takes control of your mind.”

Darkwish lifts Death’s head by his chin, glaring down at him.

“It all leads to the creeping death.” They say in eerie unison. “To an insatiable bloodlust.”

Behind Kirby, a fin raises out of the water.

“That’s when the doctor brings out the Shark.” The voice of the Blood Red Shark echoes through the entire ocean floor.

Just as it has previously, a giant shark rises out of the water, looking to swallow the Red Death whole.

BUT DEATH GRABS IT BY ITS JAWS, THROWING IT BACKWARDS!

“No!” Death roars, turning his head from side to side.

“This is your illusion, Shark…”

He looks down on where the shark had been, but only sees still water. Jason, Sarah, and Darkwish remain behind him.

“…but it’s my mind. My truth.”

Death turns to face his past, ignoring the turbulent waters behind him.

“I’ve become so consumed with vengeance that I barely remember what I’m seeking it for. All I see is red.”

He looks down at his crimson armor.

“This ocean of blood is my creation, the blood of all those I’ve killed trying to make up for just two.” He looks his wife in the eye. “I failed you then, and I fail you now.”

The waters stir around Death’s feet but he ignores them.

“Sarah, you’re dead. I’m sorry, but I can’t bring you back. I’ve become so consumed that I forgot why I put on this mask to begin with. It’s no longer a symbol of justice, it’s become a harbinger of doom.”

The Red Death reaches up to grasp at his cowl.

No.

Bill Kirby reaches up…

…AND RIPS THE COWL OFF.

“I will not allow the Red Death to be just another inmate of the asylum. Today, the Red Death drowns in an ocean of his own making. There will be no more death. No more doubt. No more false smiles.”

As the trio before him fade back into the ocean, the blood also turns to clear water.

As the Blood Red Shark is revealed.

“No more hysteria.” Bill Kirby finishes.

And the Shark strikes.

BLOODY MARY! THE SHINING WIZARD HITS FLUSH!

KIRBY GOES DOWN, FALLING INTO THE CLEAR BLUE OCEAN! THE BLOOD RED SHARK DIVES IN AFTER HIM!

Bill Kirby has thrown off the shackles of the Red Death, but the Blood Red Shark has still emerged victorious here tonight.

As the fans begin to shake off the red haze, the Slaughterhouse begins to turn back to normal.

But both Bill Kirby and the Blood Red Shark are gone.

All that remains is the ripped up cowl of Red Death.

WAKE UP
LATER…

Later tonight.

Flash.

Once again, we return to the dream world, where Jessie Williams runs through a forest. No longer looking like a scared child, the Prince has learned to control his fear as he runs from the rotting corpse of his uncle Matthew Cories.

As he darts between trees, we can see that Williams has complete control. No matter what happened earlier, he knows he has to finish this dream.

Lightning!

“I killed your Uncle.”

In the flash of lightning, Cories is revealed as Mr. Sandman. Then, in the darkness, is back to the corpse of Cories.

Jessie dashes through the forest, leaps over the lake, and rushes inside the log cabin. He doesn’t even check the loose board. He knows there’s nothing there.

Jessie turns around to see Mr. Sandman, now fully revealed in all his demented glory. Jessie lifts his crowbar up, but Sandman knocks it away, lifting the boy up by his neck, and staring him in the eye.

“I KILLED HIM.”

This is it.

This is where the dream has always ended, either by Jessie’s doing or by Sandman’s.

But not tonight.

Tonight, Jessie Williams stands firm, refusing to relinquish eye contact from Sandman. A voice echoes through the dream.

“You have learned control, young one.”

Mr. Sandman throws Jessie on the ground, towering over him. He raises his fist up in the air, and Jessie instinctively covers up.

Nothing.

Jessie looks up, but Sandman is gone. In his place stands the last person he expected to see.

Ash Williams.

His father.

“Get up, kid.” Ash commands quickly. “Rise up. You have to wake up. You’re not ready for this fight.”

Lightning!

Sandman returns, ready to strike down at Jessie, but Ash’s voice echoes.

“Wake up!”

Flash.

Jessie snaps awake, laid out on his bed. His eyes swell with tears as he sits up. He knows what this means. He knows what he has to do.

But will he be able to do it.

Cut.

BEG VS. ALTON WHITLOCK
LADDER MATCH

Will the 1% be vanquished, or will the elite groom their next puppet?

Mickey McGuinness flanks his boss to ringside, as always. BEG, however, instructs him to leave.

This is something he has to do alone.

Alton eyes his former Imperium stablemate warily. BEG lowers his shades. He isn’t even looking at his opponent; reflected in his eyes is the silver briefcase hanging above the ring.

Remembering all the Imperium propaganda and manipulation, Whitlock traces his index finger along his facial scar…

Time to play snakes and ladders!

DING! DING! DING!

BEG, not usually one to charge into a fight, makes an unexpected dash at Whitlock. The potential Presidential candidate throws a punch at him, but the billionaire hits a baseball slide through his legs and under the bottom rope. BEG quickly reaches back in and trips Alton face-first into the canvas! He drags him outside. Grabbing his perfectly-manicured hair, he runs him HEAD-FIRST INTO THE STEEL CORNER POST!

The crowd groan as Whitlock bounces off the post and lands in a heap.

The former World Champion grabs a nearby erected ladder and snaps it shut—

CLACK!

He shoots it under the ropes and slides in after it. He hurriedly sets it up and starts to climb! This could be over quicker than a one-term Presidency. The briefcase sways ever so slightly as his fingertips brush it!

Is he about to buy the Oval Office!?

ALTON IS BACK IN THE RING!

He shakes off the cobwebs, then PUSHES THE LADDER OVER—

BUT BEG HOPS OFF JUST IN TIME!

CLATTER!

The sadist lands on his feet safely, as the ladder hits the mat. Whitlock pushes him into the corner and lays his boots—well, Oxford shoes—into him. He whips him into the ropes and propels him into the air with a BIG back body drop!

BEG claws his way onto his knees, nursing his back. Alton advances on him with a clenched fist. BEG, uh, begs off! Whitlock shakes his head in disgust and lunges—

DROP TOE-HOLD INTO THE LADDER!

CRACK!

ALTON CRACKS HIS SKULL INTO THE STEEL!

The audience winces at the vile impact. BEG climbs to his feet shakily. He gazes down at his old friend—if he was even truly worth that—and cackles at his handiwork. Evil machinations run through his depraved mind. He opens the fallen ladder, then KICKS WHITLOCK IN THE FACE! The man of the people rolls inside the ladder. Oh no…

SMACK!

SMACK!

SMACK!

BEG OPENS THEN SLAMS THE LADDER SHUT, CRUSHING ALTON!

The fans gasp at the display of brutality.

After what must be a dozen strikes, the ladder hinges are busted. BEG steps over the steel-and-flesh sandwich without a second glance. He retrieves a second, taller ladder from ringside. Slotting it under the ropes, he rolls in and meticulously sets it up.

He ascends the rungs as Whitlock stirs below. Cresting the summit, he looks up at the silver briefcase… then down at Alton, who crawls out of his metallic coffin.

No…

Surely not!?

BEG takes his eyes off the prize and doubles down on punishment!

NO WAY!?

HE… HE—

FLIPS OFF THE FANS!?

“FUCK YOU!” He yells at thousands of incensed spectators, then laughs.

He was never going to jump!

He takes calculated risks – not stupid ones.

Done taunting those beneath him, BEG reaches for the briefcase…

A WOUNDED WHITLOCK BREAKS OFF ONE SIDE OF THE GROUNDED LADDER!

HE HURLS IT LIKE A FUCKING JAVELIN AT BEG – HOLY SHIT!

CRACK!

It doesn’t hit BEG, but it does KNOCK HIS LADDER OFF-BALANCE—

BEG TUMBLES SIXTEEN FEET INTO THE ROPES – THROAT-FUCKING-FIRST!

HE COULD HAVE CRUSHED HIS WINDPIPE!

The crowd collectively stand and look on in horror. They despise him, but unlike him, they have empathy!

The referee checks BEG, who appears to have avoided any grave injuries.

With the green light, Alton snatches his old friend up. That word meant something to him, at least.

He sure as shit doesn’t want this sham Presidency forced on him, but he can’t fight back the lone tear which runs along his facial scar.

He drapes his leg over BEG’s neck…

PARTY POLITICS NECKBREAKER INTO THE GODDAMN LADDER!

THUD!

BEG may have an inhuman pain threshold, but even he can’t stop his body from CONVULSING as he lies on top of the ladder!

What more can these men put their bodies through!?

Still seeing stars, Whitlock fetches a third ladder from ringside. He sets it up and scales it slowly.

This battle has taken its toll.

The fans are amplified as he conquers each rung…

HE REACHES OUT FOR THE BRIEFCASE—

AND LOSES HIS BALANCE!

Those in attendance cover their eyes – but he SAVES himself!

Mopping his brow, Alton reaches out again—

HE ACCIDENTALLY BATS THE BRIEFCASE!

His constituents groan as BEG slowly crawls onto all fours below…

THE BRIEFCASE SWINGS BACK AND WHITLOCK GRABS IT!

BEG IS CLIMBING UP AFTER HIM!

ALTON WRESTLES WITH THE RELEASE MECHANISM—

BEG GRABS HIS ARM…

HE WRAPS HIMSELF AROUND HIS SHOULDERS – WHAT THE HELL IS HE DOING!?

WHAT THE – NO! NO WAY!

FINANCIAL CRISIS ON TOP OF THE FUCKING LADDER!

BEG HAS A CROSSFACE LOCKED IN!

ALTON SCREAMS THROUGH THE CLASPED HANDS OF BEG, WHO THRASHES BACK AND FORTH AS HE TRIES TO RIP HIS HEAD OFF!

THE LADDER TEETERS PRECARIOUSLY!

WHITLOCK STILL HAS THE CASE IN ONE HAND!

THUMP!

HE BASHES THE CASE OFF OF BEG’S SKULL!

CRACK!

A SECOND SHOT TO THE DOME!

SMACK!

BEG BREAKS HIS GRIP AND PLUMMETS TO THE CANVAS!

WITH ONE HAND, ALTON UNFASTENS THE BRIEFCASE!

The fans ROAR with glee as their representative holds the case aloft!

HE HAS BANISHED THAT BASTARD BEG FROM OSW!

IN DEEP
SOMEWHERE ELSE

Somewhere else.

Cough.

Cough.

The groggy eyes of Bill Kirby open as he coughs and sputters. He is soaked from head to toe. Each cough spits up vile water. Kirby can barely hold his head up he’s so waterlogged. But he does so nonetheless, looking around him.

Darkness.

Kirby cannot move, his body feeling as though it’s been through war.

It has been through war. Both mental and physical.

But that’s no why he can’t move.

He can’t move because he’s been tied to a chair. Kirby struggles against the thick rope being used to hold him. He tries to maneuver his arms to his belt, to grab his Redblades.

But his belt is no longer around his waist.

Realizing his predicament, Kirby tries to take stock of the situation.

He’s bound to a chair in the middle of a dark room. Water is up to his ankles in this room. There’s only one logical conclusion as to how he got here.

“Shark!” Kirby calls. “I know you’re around here.”

“Such a smart man, Bill.” A voice echoes.

Echoes from all around him. The Blood Red Shark is all around him.

“Only now, in the end, will you understand.” Shark mocks.

CRASH! KIRBY’S CHAIR IS TIPPED OVER. HE HAS TO HOLD HIS HEAD UP TO KEEP IT OUT OF THE WATER.

The Blood Red Shark now towers over him.

“The Red Death is dead. You took that joy from me.”

Kirby spits water out, trying to keep his nose out of it.

“Don’t worry about drowning, Bill.” Shark taunts. “You’ll be dead long before then.”

Shark leaps into the air, his foot out to deliver the curb stomp.

Cut.

SEESAW VS. MEZ
It is time for the brotherly bonding time that SeeSaw has needed for decades. All the old play partners in the world could not replace what he was missing. It is SeeSaw versus Mez in the toybox and the time for fun and games has only just begun!

DING!

DING!

SeeSaw opens his arms wide! He wants to hug his brother before they fight! Mez nods and marches to SeeSaw. SeeSaw is smiling wide! He has never been so happy to have someone in the toybox before! Mez opens his arms wide now! SeeSaw lunges for the hug!

HEAD CHECK!

MEZ HITS A MASSIVE HEADBUTT OUT OF NOWHERE!

SEESAW IS BUSTED OPEN AND MEZ MAKES THE COVER!

ONE!

. . .

TWO!

. . .

. . .

THR-NO!

SEESAW GETS THE SHOULDER UP AND GRABS MEZ BY THE THROAT!

SeeSaw is choking Mez out and stands up with him! He’s got both of his hands wrapped around Mez’s throat now! SeeSaw laughs and says, “You like to play rough? So, do I!” He lifts Mez by the throat and falls back! He spikes Mez on the head! “I didn’t want it to be this way brother. I wanted it to be it should have been. Look at what I got for us to play with.” SeeSaw rolls out of the ring and grabs a normal football? “I thought we could just toss it around. When I was younger, I was forced to throw this instead.”

HE HAS A BOOMERANG!

IT’S COVERED WITH SPIKES!

“YOU CAN SEE, I CHANGED IT A BIT THOUGH.”

SEESAW THROWS THE BOOMERANG!

IT SHOULD COME BACK TO HIM BUT MEZ IS RIGHT IN THE WAY!

IT PIERCES MEZ’S BACK!

MEZ IS TRYING TO PULL IT OUT OF HIS BUT SEESAW SLIDES BACK INTO THE RING!

RUNNING DROPKICK!

MEZ FALLS ON HIS BACK HARD!

THE BOOMERANG DIGS MORE INTO HIS BACK!

IT’S ALSO STUCK IN THE MAT!

“Sorry big brother, I just wanted to make sure you stuck around this time!” SeeSaw stands on Mez’s chest! The spikes are fully in! SeeSaw starts jumping on Mez! Bounce! Bounce! Bounce! “Big brother, you’re the best trampoline! Can I do a big jump?” Mez is trying to lift his head to say no but it just looks like he is nodding! “You’re the best! I just knew you’d say yes!”

SEESAW CLIMBS TO THE TOP ROPE!

HE FLAPS HIS ARMS AND JUMP!

FLIGHT OF THE ORNITHOPTER!

HE HITS THE BIG BODY SPLASH TO A PRONE MEZ!

“SORRY BIG BRO, I SHOULDN’T HAVE TRAPPED YOU LIKE DADDY DID!”

HE PULLS THE BOOMERANG OUT AND COVERS MEZ!

ONE!

. . .

TWO!

. . .

. . .

THR-NO!

MEZ GETS THE SHOULDER UP!

“You want to play more? Why didn’t you say so? I brought all the toys Daddy bought me so we could do what we never had the chance to.” Mez sits up at those words and instantly stands up! His back is covered in blood, but he is done being reminded of what his father did for SeeSaw and not him! He levels SeeSaw with a clothesline! Another one! Another one! A big boot! Mez is not playing anymore!

HE KEEPS UP THE MOMENTUM AND HITS SEESAW WITH A RUNNING KNEE!

SKULL CRACKER!

SEESAW IS DAZED AND MEZ FOLLOWS UP WITH A SPEAR!

GUT CHECK!

HIS HEAD HITS SEESAW’S ABDOMEN AND HE COVERS!

ONE!

. . .

TWO!

. . .

. . .

THR-NO!

SEESAW GETS HIS FOOT ON THE ROPES!

Mez grabs SeeSaw by the hair and pulls him up! Mez lifts SeeSaw over his head and throws him towards the giant wooden wall of the toybox! SeeSaw goes through it! SeeSaw’s smile is gone! He quickly gets up and screams like a banshee! “Daddy said you did things like this. You ruined it! You ruined it like you ruined our family, our sister. If all you are good at is breaking things, I’m going to break you! He runs back through the hole Mez made and they meet each other right outside the ring!

FISTS ARE FLYING BACK AND FORTH!

MEZ GETS THE UPPER HAND!

HE REARS BACK FOR ANOTHER HEADBUTT!

SUPERFINE TURBINE BLAST!

SEESAW SURPRISES HIM WITH THE GORE!

SEESAW PICKS MEZ AND ROLLS HIM BACK IN THE RING!

HE STAYS OUTSIDE TO TALK THOUGH!

“I thought we could really play together big brother. I did not want to hurt you like I have hurt the others. I did not bring a lot of my toys. I brought the ones Daddy brought from his old home, your home. I wanted to give you what you didn’t get to keep.” SeeSaw lifts a plastic tote and tosses it into the ring! He slides back in and dumps the contents of it on the mat. There’s Mez’s Legos, his G.I. Joes, his little toy soldiers, their sister’s Barbies. “Don’t you see? The reason I love toys, the reason I am the way I am is because of you. I’ve been hated my entire life because of you! Playtime is over. Say hello to sister for me.”

SEESAW SLIDES IN THE RING AND PICKS MEZ UP!

HE CARRIES HIM ON HIS SHOULDERS AND HE CLIMBS THE TURNBUCKLES WITH MEZ ON HIS BACK!

HE’S ON THE TOP ROPE!

HE JUMPS!

THE WORLD’S TALLEST TEETER-TOTTER!

HE HITS THE REVERSE DEATH VALLEY DRIVER ONTO THE TOYS!

HE COVERS!

ONE!

. . .

TWO!

. . .

. . .

THREE!

SeeSaw has done it! Mez played well but this is SeeSaw’s toybox!

SINS OF THE FATHER
SOMEWHERE ELSE

The Toybox is over…

And we all know what that means.

SeeSaw looks down at his brother, trying to make sense of it all.

That’s when the door opens and in walks Doctor D’Ville.

“It’s time,” D’Ville says with a smile. “It’s time for you to finish this, son.”

There’s clearly a confliction within Mr. Make Believe who shakes his head, standing up and walking away. He walks to a corner, folding his arms.

“I’ve been bad, papa,” he says solemnly. “I’m putting myself in a time out.”

D’Ville rushes over.

“No!” He exclaims loudly. “You must do this. This is your destiny.”

Suddenly, The Doctor is dragged away.

It’s Mez and he has his father around the throat. He’s strangling him, pulling him away as SeeSaw turns around.

The life is quickly being drained out of D’Ville.

“What’re you doing!?” SeeSaw says panicked. “Leave our daddy alone!”

“I’m gonna fucking kill him,” Mez growls. “And then I’m going to kill you, little brother.”

“Why?”

Mez stops for a moment, releasing his grip ever so slightly.

“You’re a child, aren’t you?” He scoffs. “That’s what he did to you, Andy. His piss poor fathering created a child in a man’s body. That’s awful, but do you know what he did to me? He ruined my entire life.”

He rips off his metal helmet with one hand, revealing his grizzled bald-headed face.

“He abandoned my family. I raped and killed my own sister because he couldn’t love me enough to stay in our life. Do you know what that’s like? Do you?”

SeeSaw shakes his head.

“He has to die,” Mez continues. “He has plans for you too, do you know that? Oh I know all of his plans.”

Mr. Make Believe suddenly storms across, tackling both Mez and D’Ville to the floor. They roll around, each trying to gain the upper hand.

“Please, stop it!” SeeSaw begs. “Please, I don’t want to…. Please….”

Mez clambers atop SeeSaw, pushing his thumbs into his eyes.

“Please….”

Crunch.

Mez stops.

Stops dead.

As his hands slowly fall off of SeeSaw’s face, we see tears dreaming down his pale exterior.

He’s crying.

That crying turns into blubbering as he scoots out from beneath his brother, panicked, terrified and utterly inconsolable.

Sticking out of the chest of Mez is a toy lightsabre, dripping in blood.

Somehow, some way, he thrust that through the chest of his brother.

Michael falls down in a slump, bleeding out on the floor as SeeSaw sits there in utter horror.

Clap.

Clap.

Clap.

That’s the sound of Doctor D’Ville, clapping after one of his sons murdered the other.

That’s right, clapping.

“I knew you could do it, my son. I knew you had it in you. He was right in that I have big plans for you and our Emporium. Come, join me, meet your destiny.”

He holds a hand out that SeeSaw reluctantly takes, being pulled back to his feet.

They both walk away, though Mr. Make Believe can’t help but take a look back.

This Toybox has proved fatal for so many people.

Kenny Freeman.

Freight Train Ferguson.

Marvolo II.

But this time, he didn’t want this.

GOODBYE
BACKSTAGE

There’s a very big commotion going on backstage.

When we arrive, we’re immediately witness to Berkshire Ellison Green being dragged kicking and screaming from the arena.

Security have him not only in handcuffs, but are forcibly dragging him down the corridor towards the exit as Alton Whitlock follows with a gym bag in hand.

“You can’t do this!” BEG screams. “Do you know who I am!?”

“Yes, they all know exactly who you are,” Alton says for the umpteenth time. “They just don’t care. I have in my possession a legally binding agreement that says you’re out of here, chum.”

“Let’s make a deal,” Green pleads. “Come on, Alton, Alt, Whitty, buddy, pal, friend, come on, let’s make a deal.”

Alton puts his hand up, stopping the guards.

“Thank the almighty dollar itself, I knew you’d see sense.”

“I have a deal for you. Here’s what’s going to happen, okay?”

Green nods enthusiastically.

“I’m going to become President of the United States of America, just like you wanted,” Whitlock says whilst straightening out BEG’s suit. “And you’re going to watch that happen from somewhere that isn’t Old School Wrestling.”

“You fucking bastard!” He yells.

“Go on, take him away,” Whitlock motions with a hand. “Feel free to drop him on his head, if you’d like.”

The security officers drag Green outside, dumping him on the floor and slamming the door.

As Whitlock smiles, we notice something odd.

Static.

Then a figure, dressed in a black cloak and hood, wearing a white mask.

Anonymous.

Cut.

SIGIL VS. THE CRYPTKEEPER
SINGLES MATCH

A war over time itself has been waged for several months between the man who stumbled into its possession and the being who originally controlled it. Sigil has gathered an army, purest control and absolute power in his quest to overpower Viridi and as the two clash once more, who will be the ultimate ruler of the time crystal when the dust settles?

The bell sounds as both men rush forward, attacking one another with a wild flurry of blows that’s hard to keep track of. Cryptkeeper hits a hard right, Sigil nails a stiff knee, Keeper a headbutt, Sigil a left hook before the superior strength of the Keeper takes over. He grabs Sigil by the neck, throwing him into the corner with a hard choke toss before rushing forward and nearly taking his head off with a massive running clothesline before the Realm Walker can even blink.

Sigil staggers out of the corner as he’s lifted up high into the air

SNAKE EYES!

Sigil bounces off the steel as The Keeper rushes to the ropes, bouncing off

WITH A MONSTEROUS END! The Big Boot hits hard as Sigil crashes to the canvas, Keeper hooking the leg for the quick cover

ONE

….

TWO

….

KICKOUT!

Sigil staggers to his feet, right into a massive clothesline that takes him over the ropes onto the apron. Dazed, Sigil tries to shake out the cobwebs and get back into the ring but the Keeper snaps his neck over the top rope before backing up

ANOTHER END! This Big Boot sends Sigil flying off the apron into the barricade as he damn nearly collapses the damn thing. Sigil is slow to rise to his feet as The Keeper quickly rushes forward

SUICIDE DIV…INFINITE!

The Keeper dived right into that Roundhouse Kick, Sigil possibly playing a little possum as the Keeper collapses to the arena floor. Sigil quickly pulls the Keeper up, rushing forward as he throws him head first into the steel steps, Viridi hitting hard against the steel before Sigil pulls him up and tosses him back into the ring.

Sigil rolls back into the ring, getting up onto the middle rope as he waits for the Keeper to get up to his feet before leaping off with a hard dropkick to the chest that sends the Keeper crashing back down to the mat. Sigil rolls through on impact before leaping up with a hard pair of knees to the chest that seem to crack a few ribs upon impact before hooking the leg for the cover

ONE

…..

TWO

…..

CRYPTKEEPER KICKS OUT!

Sigil is unrelenting as he pulls Viridi up to his feet, nailing a few hard knees to the ribs before trying to force him down over his knee. The Keeper manages to slip out of Sigil’s grasp, nailing a hard knee of his own before gripping him by the head and running forward

BEFORE DRIVING SIGIL HEAD FIRST INTO THE STEEL TURNBUCKLE!

Sigil’s dome bounces off, the mask diminishing the damage but still dazing him as he’s lifted up into a Tree of Woe, tied up and nowhere to go as The Cryptkeeper backs up before running forward.

WITH THE TALE OF WOE! The Baseball Slide is delivered with ferocity as Sigil collapses to the mat but the Keeper isn’t done as he lifts Sigil up once more, turning him upside down as for a possible match ender Piledriver here

BUMPED HIS…

COSMIC LEAP

FINITE!

Sigil just manages to avoid what could have been certain doom there as he drops Viridi with a stiff as hell Roundhouse that may well have knocked the Keeper out cold but he doesn’t cover, instead reaching one hand inside his satchel, rummaging around for a short moment before pulling out a very familiar weapon.

A blood red crowbar.

Sigil twirls the weapon in mid-air, relishing the very feel of it as The Keeper slowly rises up to his knees before slowly being driven back down onto the mat with a hard kick to the ribs. Keeper is on his back as Sigil stands over him, raising the crowbar high before trying to bring it down

But he can’t quite drive it into Viridi before he’s grabbed around the throat. The right hand of the Keeper is trapped around the throat of Sigil as the left stops him bringing the crowbar down. Sigil is struggling under the strength of Viridi as he rises to his feet, lifting Sigil high up into the air

CHOKESLAM! A massive one that bounces Sigil off the fucking mat high into the air once more

BEFORE A CROWBAR SHOT TO THE SKULL SENDS HIM CRASHING DOWN TO THE MAT!

Sigil looks out cold as The Cryptkeeper drops down for the cover

ONE

…..

TWO

……

THRE….SIGIL JUST GETS THE SHOULDER UP!

The Keeper slowly waits for Sigil to get to his feet, raising one arm in the air signalling for the end as the Realm Walker slowly stumbles to his feet

CURSE OF THE….

SIGIL DUCKS UNDER BEFORE SPINNING KEEPER AROUND

And throwing ash in his face?

Sigil has a lit cigarette in his hand, the ash blinding the Keeper before a pair of knees to the jaw drop him down to one knee as he raises the Keeper’s head up, eye to eye

BEFORE PUTTING THE DAMN CIGARETTE OUT IN HIS RIGHT EYE!

Viridi screams in pain, a liquid not quite blood oozing down his injured eye as Sigil laughs sadistically at his pain. Sigil delivers a few stiff dickhead kicks to the damaged ocular nerve before lifting his head up with the sole of his boot

AND TAKING HIS HEAD OFF WITH ANOTHER INFINITE ROUNDHOUSE!

The Cryptkeeper could be out as Sigil rolls down for the cover

ONE

…..

TWO

…..

THREE……?

……

NO! THE CRYPTKEEPER GETS THE SHOULDER UP!

Sigil is beside himself as he backs up, waiting for Viridi to get to his feet, the Cryptkeeper slowly rising as Sigil rushes forward

PLANES…OF THE CRYPTKEEPER!

The Keeper hit the European Uppercut out of nowhere, possibly knocking Sigil out cold but that took everything out of the Keeper as well who collapses to the canvas. It takes a few moments but slowly both men rise to their feet, Sigil trying for a knee but Keeper ducks under, delivering a brutal headbutt before a hard clothesline sends Sigil crashing to the canvas.

The Keeper doesn’t follow up but in an unlikely move, he slowly climbs up to the top rope, going all out to put down Sigil here tonight. The Keeper waits for Sigil to rise to his feet

COSMIC LEAP

PLANESWALKER! SIGIL HITS THE DROPKICK OUT OF NOWHERE AS HE KICKS THE KEEPER RIGHT INTO THE FUCKING STANDS!

Viridi goes flying, landing ten, fifteen feet away from the ring right into the crowd, landing hard on the concrete floor but Sigil isn’t waiting as he Cosmic Leaps once more, appearing with a broken and battered Cryptkeeper that he tosses to the canvas.

The Realm Walker backs up, waiting for the slowly rising Cryptkeeper as he doesn’t hesitate for a second, rushing forward

PLANES

FUCKING

WALKER!

The dropkick hits flush, possibly the biggest of his career as the Cryptkeeper collapses to the canvas, Sigil hooking both legs for the cover

ONE

…..

TWO

…..

…..

…..

THREE….

THREE!!!!

Sigil wins this battle of time here tonight, putting every bit of his strength and rage to put down the original holder of the time crystal but is this is the end of this war tonight?

TIME
RINGSIDE

The Cryptkeeper is down.

Viridi is down.

Sigil is absolutely exhausted as he rises to stand over the fallen time master. Legacy slide into the ring to join him, all of them united against this powerful enemy.

The Cryptkeeper slowly gets back to his feet.

“This is it?” He growls. “This is the end of the story?”

Sigil grabs him by the throat.

“With you dead, I become the one and only,” The Collector says angrily. “The connection between myself and the time crystal will be more powerful than ever.”

The Collector kicks out Cryptkeeper’s legs so that he’s kneeling before them. Legacy join him, circling him as they all hold hands.

As they do, a connection between them erupts – it’s like a shield.

Sigil takes his time piece and holds it above Crypt, dangling it there.

The force surrounding them is so powerful that the essence of time tapped within The Story Tellers body starts exiting him in a fierce green glow that travels immediately to the timepiece in Sigil’s hand.

When it’s finished, The Cryptkeeper falls backward – a husk.

The Collector taps him with his foot and he crumbles to dust before his very eyes.

Legacy release the shield, breaking the bond that allowed the transfer.

They fall backwards, each of them stumbling in different manners, their energy exhausted by Sigil and his mission.

Suddenly, he’s teleported away.

Cut.

REALITY
Inanis.

In the middle of the empty, Flavo stands on ceremony as Sigil arrives unencumbered by Legacy.

He’s applauding.

“Congratulations, you did it,” he announces with sheer pride. “You’re now one of us.”

Sigil nods in agreement.

“My spot in the Skull Order has been secured?” He asks.

Flavo reaches into his robe and pulls out a Green mask, offering it to The Collector.

As Sigil takes it, Flavo clicks his fingers and we switch settings.

The Hall of Skulls.

Sat around the table in applause are the Red and White Skulls. They’re both wearing masks of their respective colour.

Though we’re unsure of what they mean.

Suddenly, Sigil freezes time.

And within seconds, unfreezes it.

Flavo turns around, realizing what’s just occurred – Legacy are here.

“How did you do that?” He demands to know, almost yelling at Sigil.

“You could once move through time unobstructed because your brother allowed you to,” Sigil admits, shrugging his shoulders. “I have not gifted you in such a way.”

That shocks Flavo.

As that was happening, Legacy had gotten themselves into position.

Their shield force pings, erupting from them just as The Red Skull and White Skull realize what’s going on.

They quickly escape, leaving Sigil stood in the middle of his shield with Flavo.

Click.

Click.

Click.

He clicks his fingers and nothing happens.

“All this time you’ve wrongly thought I was only focused on Viridi,” he says with a menace. “But the reality is that my focus was always split.”

The Yellow Skull begins to panic, looking for a way out.

There isn’t one.

“I’ve listened to your lies for long enough. I’ve heard what you’ve had to say and I’ve been to see the truth for myself,” Sigil announces, pacing back and forth. “I know exactly why this Skull Order exists. I know who created it and why.”

“What do you think you’re going to get out of this?” Flavo bellows angrily. “You can’t kill me, Sigil. You can’t stop me. You don’t have the crystal.”

Sigil nods knowingly.

“You’re right,” he says solemnly. “I had to consider that. I’ve spent countless hours wandering time, looking for the right moment.”

Flavo shakes his head.

“No, you couldn’t have!? “He argues in shock.

Sigil cuts him off.

“Oh, but I did,” he says with a laugh.

He clicks his fingers and vanishes.

When he returns, he’s holding a yellow crystal.

Flavo immediately pats himself down, realizing it’s gone.

“No,” he begs. “Please, no.”

Sigil holds it over him, watching as he falls to his knees.

The shield begins doing its job, pulling the force of reality from Flavo and into the yellow crystal.

Flavo growls and screams.

The Collector steps forward just as The Yellow Skull becomes a husk, turning to dust.

With the power of reality now in his control, Sigil watches as Legacy once again break their shield.

Flavo is dead before them.

“What’s next?” Jeckel asks, grabbing his chest with exhaustion, doubled over.

“Two down, two to go,” Sigil says, patting Jay on the back as he walks away.

Cut.

EDWARD NEWTON VS. LUKE STORM
SINGLES MATCH

Finally.

The moment has arrived.

The grudge match to end all grudge matches.

No more bargaining; no more bullshit.

It was at Red Snow—six months ago—that Edward Newton returned to OSW.

He revealed himself to be the puppet-master behind Luke Storm’s suffering. He orchestrated the kidnapping of Luke’s young daughter, Scarlett. He wormed his way into her heart, winning her affections. With Sigil’s help, he corrupted Redwing, rechristening him The Red Death and brainwashing him into believing that Luke was the killer of his family!

It’s because of Newton’s actions that Luke Storm was shot at Grave Consequences.

After all that, you’d better believe it’s time for the consequences to catch up to The Mastermind!

Luke cricks his neck. He grips the ropes in his corner and bounces back and forth. He is raring to go. He is going to make this no-good son-of-a-bitch pay for everything he’s done. He’s going to take more than a few shots for himself, of course – but this is for Scarlett.

Edward stands in his corner. He’s pulling double-duty – but he won’t be getting overtime! Sigil posted a career-defining, 30-minute defence of his World Championship. Newton must now weather the Storm.

He must avoid Lightning, as so many have failed to do.

DING-DING-DING!

Luke explodes out of his corner like a runaway freight train! He guns it for Edward, who is just a half-step behind. Storm pushes him into the ropes and blasts him with the meanest fucking shots he can muster! He digs deep into the reservoir of pent-up frustration and anger, wanting nothing more than to put Newton through everything that he’s had to endure.

Is that even possible!?

The referee tries to post himself between the two men to break up the mugging, but Luke shoves him aside.

“He has to pay for what he’s done!” He bellows.

Were it any other match between anyone else, that would be a DQ on the spot – but even the official gets it and lets it slide.

Newton covers up, but his guard is loose and he eats a lot of hits. Sigil has already taken it out of him.

CRACK!

Good lord – was that the sound of a rib breaking!?

It certainly seems so, as Edward howls and inadvertently lowers his defences to nurse his abdomen.

With a possible injury on his hands, black-and-white stripes forcibly intervenes – ordering Luke to ease up. Storm steps back and runs his hands through his hair. He’s jonesing for more!

Newton nods at the referee, who gives Luke an uneasy green light.

Edward staggers out – right into a NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX!

Stormborn doesn’t give him an inch, however, as he instantly hauls him back to his feet. He sends him packing into the ropes and cuts him down with a spinning heel kick! Newton stumbles to a vertical stance, where he walks into a deep arm drag! He rolls onto all fours and scrambles back up – into another deep arm drag! The Riddler shakily rises once more, propping himself up on the ropes—

A BIG CLOTHESLINE TAKES HIM DOWN TO THE FLOOR!

THUD!

HE HITS THE UNFORGIVING CONCRETE!

Luke punches himself in the temples and screams, getting the crowd jazzed up!

He darts through the ropes and pursues the emerald-clad Newton…

STORM GORES HIM INTO THE RING APRON!

The referee gave Luke a little leeway earlier, but he can’t let this descend into lawlessness. He starts a ten-count.

ONE!

Edward doesn’t even have time to process the pain—

LUKE SMASHES HIS HEAD INTO THE CROWD BARRICADE!

TWO!

Before Newton can even sink to the ground, Storm grabs his wrist.

“Mind your step!” He advises…

HE HURLS HIM WITH PREJUDICE INTO THE STEEL STAIRS!

CRASH!

THREE!

The stairs separate on impact as Edward plows into them.

He hasn’t landed a single offensive move yet!

FOUR!

The Real Deal extracts him from between the stairs and leads him around the ring…

HE LOBS HIM HEAD-FIRST INTO THE COMMENTARY BOOTHS!

Newton splats across the tabletops and slides off into the mess of cables behind them – taking out our commentary team!

FIVE!

The crowd are whipped into a frenzy, cheering Storm finally getting his hands on his tormentor – indulging months of revenge fantasies!

SIX!

The Hollywood resident looks over his shoulder and heads back to the ring. He quickly rolls in and out to break the count. Zebra-stripes holds his hands up, but there’s nothing he can do about it.

Luke heads back over to Edward. He reaches over the broadcast desks to drag him out—

PHWOOF!

WHAT THE FUCK!?

A FUCKING FIREBALL JUST LIT UP IN STORM’S FACE!

THE AUDIENCE GASP AND RECOIL AT THE SUDDEN WAVE OF HEAT!

SHIELDING HIMSELF, LUKE TRIPS BACKWARDS ONTO THE FLOOR!

The official races to the scene, wondering what the hell happened!? He goes to check on Luke, but the MMA fighter swings for him – it looks like he may be blinded! Two more referees appear at ringside, as does an EMT.

With considerable effort, they manage to calm Storm down to administer help.

From behind the dishevelled tables, Edward Newton emerges.

He is battered. He is bruised. His shirt is unbuttoned, untucked, and his tie is loosened. His suit is torn – as is his flesh.

This man has had seven shades of SHIT knocked out of him tonight.

Yet through it all, here he stands…

LAUGHING!

THE SON OF A BITCH IS LAUGHING AS HE LOOKS DOWN AT A WOUNDED LUKE STORM!

He tosses something onto his arch nemesis.

A coin!?

No.

A JIGSAW PIECE!

THAT BASTARD HAS MOLOTOV JIGSAWS NOW!?

The referee cautiously picks up the discarded jigsaw piece. He rounds on Newton, interrogating him as to its significance. Edward, however, merely shrugs – with a SHIT-EATING GRIN plastered across his black-and-blue face.

Try as he might, the official can’t get the jigsaw piece to function. Unable to prove its use, he can only watch helplessly as Storm is tended to.

The EMT shakes her head dismissively.

IS THE MATCH OFF!?

WILL LUKE STORM BE DENIED HIS REVENGE BECAUSE OF A NO-FUCKING-CONTEST!?

The referee raises his arms in that familiar, dreaded X-shape—

BUT LUKE WON’T HAVE IT!

The medic and three referees try to restrain him for his own good, but they scatter as Storm TEARS HIMSELF AWAY!

DETERMINED, HE SETS HIS IMPAIRED SIGHTS ON NEWTON!

HE THROWS A JAB AT HIM—

BUT EDWARD SIDE-STEPS IT AND BLINDSIDES HIM!

LUKE GOES FOR A HOOK…

AGAIN NEWTON EVADES IT, BEFORE SUCKER-PUNCHING HIM!

The Enigma proceeds to quite literally run circles around the injured action-star. Mocking Luke’s movie career, he takes exaggerated dives to avoid punches which would likely have missed their mark anyway.

GOD FUCKING DAMN YOU, NEWTON!

THIS IS JUST A SICK GAME TO HIM!

The crowd give him both barrels, but he couldn’t care less.

This is where Edward Newton is at his most dangerous. This is how he amassed a 75-0 win-streak. He only needs one small opening, and from there, he will pick your bones clean.

Landing a particularly cheap shot, Edward grabs Luke by his hair and shoves him back inside the ring.

Storm fights onto his knees, but the bright lights combined with his impeded vision leave him vulnerable—

SHINING WIZARD BY NEWTON!

Spit flies from Luke’s mouth as his head snaps to the side, and he goes down. Edward slowly circles his prey. He kicks him in the ribs, savouring the sound of his suffering. A second kick to the ribs LIFTS him off the canvas! Newton cradles his side and grimaces – then kicks Luke in the ribcage a third time!

CRACK!

IT SOUNDS LIKE HE GAVE HIM A RECEIPT!

Storm rolls around in agony, having possibly broken his rib. Edward swoops down like a vulture, plucking him off the mat. He slaps a headlock on and pulls him over to the corner…

HE’S DRAGGING HIS EYE ACROSS THE TOP ROPE!

LUKE YELPS IN AGONY!

HE’S GOING TO NEED A GUIDE DOG AFTER THIS ONE!

The official commands Newton to stop. He grudgingly obliges, instead shotputting Storm sternum-first into the opposite turnbuckles! The whole ring trembles from the impact. Not missing a beat, Edward bops his head into the top turnbuckle.

He turns Luke round and straddles the middle rope…

NEWTON RAINS DOWN WITH THUNDEROUS LEFTS AND RIGHTS!

HE’S TARGETING THE EYES AND TRYING TO SPLIT THE BROW!

Despite their disdain for him, the fans seem compelled to count along with each strike—

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

FOUR!

FIVE!

SIX!

SEVEN!

EIGHT!

NI—LUKE GRABS HIS FIST!

THERE’S FIGHT LEFT IN HIM!

BIG POP FROM THE AUDIENCE!

EDWARD STRUGGLES TO LAND THE HIT…

STORM THROWS HIM OFF!

Newton lands on his back halfway across the ring. He scrambles back to his feet to see Luke Storm shuffling out of the corner with his hands outstretched, groping the air. Edward sneers at the mighty Storm King being reduced to this. He dusts himself off and approaches—

FUCKING LIGHTNING STRIKE!?

LUKE MISSES BY A CUNT HAIR!

NEWTON CAME THIS CLOSE TO HAVING HIS HEAD KICKED OFF!

Edward will never not be calculating, but the near-miss superkick rattles his cool demeanour. He instantly moves in to take Luke Storm the fuck down—

HE SCOOPS HIM UP ONTO HIS SHOULDERS…

DEATH VALLEY DRIVER – THE ENIGMA THEOREM!

NEWTON DROPS HIM LIKE A BAD HABIT!

HE HOOKS THE LEG!

ONE!

…

…

TWO!

…

WILL LUKE LET LITTLE SCARLETT DOWN!?

…

NO – NOT TONIGHT!

KICK OUT!

The spectators EXPLODE as their hero defies Newton. That move has put away many mortal men!

Edward sits up. He’s always one step ahead, but it seems he may be skipping a couple of steps to stay ahead!

He marches round to Storm’s legs. He takes them into his hands and lifts them off the mat, twisting Luke onto his front while stepping over his waist—

THE RIDDLE BOX!

HE’S GOT STORM LOCKED INTO THE LION-TAMER!

Luke screams and paws the air in desperation. He can’t even SEE the ropes, much less GRAB the damn things! Pain courses through his body, washing over him like waves of agony – eroding his will to continue!

The official slides into view.

“What do ya say, Storm!? Are you done!?”

Here’s the part where the fairytale hero screams “Nooo!” and somehow overpowers the bad guy, right?

Except that doesn’t happen here.

For the first time not just in his career, but in his life, Luke Storm doesn’t immediately shake his head or refuse to give in. As he lies there, almost bent in half in the lion-tamer, doubt sets in.

Maybe it would be easier to throw in the towel?

He’s half-blind. He still has a bullet lodged somewhere inside of him. He has had a target on his back for months now, and is in constant pain. He’s always looking over his shoulder. He sleeps with one eye open.

Darkness creeps in all around him…

All he has to do is utter two little words—“I quit!”—and it all goes away.

No more Newton, no more Enigma, none of it. He could just walk away, never to come back. Live happily in obscurity like everybody else…

Hell, he doesn’t even have to say it – he can just tap out and be done. Quick, painless, instant relief…

His body is becoming weightless…

His hand twitches. Newton contorts him some more, edging closer and closer to victory. He can taste it—

LUKE STORM RAISES HIS HAND!

IS HE GOING TO TAP OUT FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!?

Wait – what about her?

She didn’t ask to be involved in any of this. Everything that has happened to him these last few months, had to happen – so that they wouldn’t happen to her.

She’s the reason he’s doing this.

She’s his reason.

Scarlett.

Luke Storm CRASHES back into his own body.

Where is he? Where was he!?

“Well, do ya quit!?” The referee asks, coming back into focus.

Luke shakes the cobwebs loose and blinks at him.

Edward Newton’s cold, nasal voice joins the fray. “Tap out, Luke! You can’t beat me!”

The Riddler has been upping the pressure this entire time, and Luke is bent at an angle which would make a contortionist blush. He’ll be in a damn WHEELCHAIR if he doesn’t tap soon!

“Last chance, Storm: do you quit!?” The referee demands.

…

…

…

“… No.” Luke says through clenched teeth.

The fans ERUPT!

He wavered and came damn close, but Luke doubles down. He’s doing this for her!

Edward Newton releases the hold and shakes his head. What will it take!?

The Mastermind has one more trick up his sleeve; one more ace.

He picks up Storm and buries his head in the crook of his arm—

NO FUCKING WAY!

NEVERMIND IMPLANT DDT!

WAIT – LUKE SHOVES EDWARD OFF…

LIGHTNING STRIKES!

LIGHTNING FUCKING STRIKES!

THE SUPERKICK SENDS NEWTON REELING INTO THE ROPES!

HE BOUNCES BACK—

DOWNPOUR!?

STORM HITS THE CODEBREAKER!

EDWARD SNAPS BACK ONTO THE CANVAS!

THE CROWD ARE LOSING THEIR MINDS!

Storm slooowly crawls over to Newton…

He drapes one arm across his chest!

ONE!

…

HAS HE SOLVED THE RIDDLE!?

…

TWO!

…

HAS HE CRACKED THE ENIGMA CODE!?

…

TWO-POINT-NINE!

EDWARD KICKS OUT!

A groan passes through the stands as Storm comes this close to a 3-count.

He digs his fingernails into the mat and claws his way up. He can barely stand, his legs still bowed from The Riddle Box. Nevertheless, Luke Storm LIMPS TOWARDS THE TURNBUCKLES!

WHAT THE HELL IS HE THINKING!?

NEWTON JUST FOLDED HIM IN HALF, AND NOW LUKE IS CLIMBING THE ROPES!?

The fans rise with him every step of the way. An excited murmur grows in volume until it is deafening!

LUKE STANDS ON THE TOP ROPE WITH HIS BACK TO NEWTON!

HE CROSSES HIS CHEST AND LOOKS UP…

LUKE, YOU CRAZY BASTARD, YOUR RIB—

BUT IT WOULDN’T BE LIGHTNING WITHOUT A LITTLE…

THUUUNDEEERRR!

LUKE STORM HITS THE FUCKING MOONSAULT!

EDWARD NEWTON RECEIVES THE HOLY TRINITY OF FINISHERS!

THE CROWD GOES INTO A MELTDOWN!

COVER HIM, LUKE!

COVER HIM!

…

…

HE SUCKS AIR THROUGH HIS TEETH, CLUTCHING HIS RIBCAGE!

HE COVERS HIM!

ONE!

…

THIS IS IT!

…

TWO!

…

THIS HAS TO BE IT!

…

THREE!

NO!

GOD DAMN IT, SHOULDER UP!

HOW IN THE HELL DID NEWTON GET HIS SHOULDER UP!?

Luke runs his hands through his hair once more.

“Come on, baby-girl!” He pleads.

He props himself up on his elbow and takes in the sea of spectators around him. He just gave Newton his absolute all – yet it still wasn’t enough. But they don’t care about that. They’re still screaming Luke’s name. They still believe in him. They’re clamouring to see him get what’s rightfully his.

Slowly buy surely, running on fumes, Storm drags his broken ass up – as does Edward Newton.

Luke stalks him, flexing his leg like an old gunslinger flexing his fingers over his holstered revolver. The audience collectively leans forwards in anticipation…

EDWARD TURNS ROUND—

LIGHTNING STRIKE!

NEWTON GRABS THE FOOT!

HE SPINS LUKE ROUND!

KICK TO THE GUT…

NEVER-GODDAMN-MIND!

THE LEAPING IMPLANT DDT!

FORGET THE FIREBALL, NOW HE’S KILLING IT WITH FIRE!

HE GOES FOR THE COVER—

BUT LUKE STORM BOUNCES UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE!

HOLY SHIT, WAS THAT INSTINCT OR JUST PLAIN PHYSICS!?

EDWARD NEWTON CANNOT BELIEVE IT AS HE GRABS NOTHING BUT AIR!

Storm hits the floor. He’s out cold.

Make no mistake about it: if he had stayed in the ring, this thing would be over.

Newton can’t even bring himself to chase after him. 30 minutes with Sigil, and fast approaching 30 minutes against Luke Storm. He has been through the most gruelling 60 minutes imaginable, and he is spent. He has gone the same distance as if he’d entered at #1 in the Lambs To The Slaughter match, and made it to the final 2!

ONE!

The referee is counting Luke out!

Edward nods to himself. A win is a win. He’ll take this!

The fans hate what they’re seeing, and they make it known – but rules are rules!

TWO!

Storm is barely moving, but there are signs of life!

THREE!

FOUR!

Somehow, some way, he lifts his head off the ground.

FIVE!

Newton gets to his feet. His cold, calculating eyes pierce the body of Luke Storm.

SIX!

The Perfect Storm rolls onto all fours…

SEVEN!

HE STANDS—

EIGHT!

—AND FALLS!?

EDWARD SMIRKS AS HIS FOE HITS THE DECK!

THE CROWD GASP, THE FRONT ROW REACHING OUT TO PULL HIS ASS UP IF THEY HAVE TO!

NINE!

LUKE SHOOTS BACK UP – AND IN!

HE THROWS HIMSELF UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE!

EDWARD NEWTON SINKS TO HIS KNEES AND SLAPS THE MAT!

He’s always calm and collected. He always has a battle plan. He always has a Plan B – and C, and D. But for just one second, the mask slipped. For just one second, he showed his hand.

He knows he needs to put Luke Storm away now – and preferably, 10 minutes ago!

The Mastermind rubs his hands together as Luke once again struggles onto his feet, on auto-pilot!

NEWTON SPINS HIM ROUND…

HE LIFTS HIM UP—

DEATH. VALLEY. DRIVER!

THE ENIGMA THEOREM!

LUKE SQUIRMS FREE!

HE DROPS DOWN BEHIND HIM!

EDWARD TURNS ROUND—

LIGHTNING STRIKES!

THE SUPERKICK CATCHES HIM ON THE CHIN!

BUT NEWTON IS STILL STANDING!

LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE!

A SECOND SUPERKICK!

NEWTON FALLS BACK – INTO THE ROPES!

THEY SLINGSHOT HIM TOWARDS LUKE—

LIGHTNING STRIKES A THIRD FUCKING TIME!

JESUS CHRIST, EDWARD IS ON ONE KNEE!

JUST FUCKING GO DOWN!

THE FANS ARE AT A FEVER PITCH AS LUKE STORM SQUARES HIM UP…

“THIS ONE’S FOR SCARLETT!” HE ROARS—

LIGHTNING STRIKES FOR THE 4th—YES, FOURTH—MOTHERFUCKING TIME!

LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE – TWICE!

EDWARD NEWTON… GOES… DOWN!

LUKE INTO THE COVER!

ONE!

…

MERCIFUL CHRIST, LET THAT BE IT!

…

TWO!

…

THERE IS NO WAY IN HELL…

…

THREE!?

…

THREEEEEEE!

LUKE STORM DOES IT!

STORMBORN HAS PUT NEWTON AWAY!

IT TOOK FOUR CONSECUTIVE LIGHTNING STRIKES, BUT HE GETS HIS REVENGE!

Months and months of hardship, of setbacks, of being forced to eat plates of shit – and finally, Luke Storm is left standing tall!

LUCAS
RINGSIDE

Both of these men are absolutely exhausted.

As they slowly get back to their feet, Edward Newton slumps back against the ropes, shaking his head.

“It’s always worked out for you, hasn’t it?” He growls angrily, his eyes burrowed into the skull of his nemesis.

Luke looks up at him, almost shamefully.

“Everyone looks at you and see’s an action hero, a father – but that’s not what I see, Luke. That’s never what I see.”

“You’re finally ready to do this?” Storm asks, his eyebrow raised. “Is that it? You’re finally ready to lay all your cards on the table for the millions of people around the world to see?”

Newton suddenly runs across the ring with a vicious Clothesline, dropping Luke to the canvas. He stomps away at him, stamping on his head and walking it dry.

He’s enraged.

Dropping to his knees in the middle of the ring, this façade of emotionless monster is dropping before our very eyes as he punches into the face of Luke Storm with a ferocious animosity.

FLASHBACK.
“You’re always reading,” the leader says in a mocking tone. “You’ve always got your head in that stupid book.”

“You left me there.”

More right hands follow until The Storm King is busted wide open.

“I’m sorry,” he pleads through mouthfuls of gurgled blood.

FLASHBACK.
“There’s going to be a day when none of you can push me around anymore,” he barks at his older brother, hissing almost. “It’ll be my time then.”

Edward finally gets back to his feet, his knuckles bloodied and cut. He backs away, putting his hands on his hips as Luke Storm crawls towards the corner, slumping back first against the bottom turnbuckle.

“You people think you know it all, but you know nothing. You know this man by his stage name as Luke Storm but I know him as Lucas Newton.”

An eerie silence suddenly falls across the entire building.

“My older brother,” he groans.

Storm grimaces in the corner.

“He could’ve told you that from the start but he was too ashamed, isn’t that right brother?” Newton yells back at him, shaking his head. “I was a child, bullied by every asshole in that Podunk town. You met the girl and escaped. You left me there to rot whilst you became Luke Storm, the rising star of action film.”

He carefully walks over to Luke, kneeling before him.

They share a look.

“I told Scarlett who I was,” he admits. “That’s why she loves me.”

That brings a grimace out of the Storm King.

“I wanted to punish you for leaving me behind. I never wanted you dead. I haven’t once tried to kill you; I’ve saved you from that. Yet once again, everything comes up roses for Luke Storm.”

The Riddler gets back to his feet and walks towards the ropes, planning to leave the ring.

He turns back.

Static.

Darkness.

When the lights return, they’re no longer alone.

Surrounding the ring is what appears to be an army of men wearing white.

And in the middle of the ring, between Edward Newton and Luke Storm, stands none other than Doctor D’Ville – accompanied by SeeSaw.

“That was heart-warming, it sincerely was, gentlemen,” he says with a wry smile. “But I’m afraid that your night isn’t quite over.”

SeeSaw suddenly attacks Newton with clubbing blows, beating him into the opposite corner. He slams away across his back violently as Luke Storm struggles to get up.

“Are you tempted to help your brother?” D’Ville queries, clearly intrigued by the human condition. “That is interesting indeed.”

Before he can move, the orderlies outside the ring grab him, pulling him out towards them.

Newton looks back as he’s scooped up into the air.

THE TEETER TOTTER!

REVERSE DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!

SEESAW DRIVES NEWTON INTO THE CANVAS!

D’Ville smiles as the orderlies drag Storm away, barely able to kick and scream. They inject something into his neck, making him entirely docile.

SeeSaw pops back to his feet with a childlike smile.

“Oh boy daddy, this is going to be fun!”

The Riddler looks up at the entrance ramp grogilly from the canvas, watching as his brother is carted away by The Emporium.

What the hell is going on?

Cut.