HE HAS THE WHOLE WORLD
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“I’m sorry, but housekeeping finished roughly thirty years ago,” [he mumbles.] “And this place just hasn’t been the same since.”
[Hysteria chuckles to himself.]“I’m glad that despite the awful hospitality, you decided to stay at Hotel Hysteria, ma’am.”
[Destiny grimaces.] “Just stop it, okay?” [She says beginning to weep.] “I did what you asked. I stayed, didn’t I? Now please, just stop this.” [Hysteria gasps.] “Stop? I’ve only just begun. I feel renewed. I feel invigorated. Do you know how long it has been since I experienced a moment such as this?” [There’s something different about him. He refuses to face her, keeping his back turned the entire time.]“I told Michael that I’d taken his past, his present and that I’d take his future. Are you sad that he thought you weren’t it?”
[Destiny’s tears now begin to flow.] “He doesn’t know, okay? He never knew.” [Hysteria slowly turns around.]“Well, that’s okay.”
[Cradled in his arms, nestled in a dirty brown rag is a tiny little baby. She’s sleeping, unaware of the horror that surrounds her.]“Because daddy’s here now.”
[He rocks her back and forth in his arms, a crib stood by his feet. Looking up with a sinister slant of his head, he chuckles hysterically at Destiny, who screams.] [Cut.]MUERTE VS. KING ROYAL VS. THUNK
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
THORN BUSH
BACKSTAGE
“Well?” [North spits.] [Last week, Viktor left Rose laying after issuing a challenge to her for a rubber match. They both hold one on one victories against the other, and it’s time to settle the score.] [For her part, Rose only smiles at North’s blunt question. She brushes a hair out of her field of vision before answering.]
“Golly Viktor,” [Rose begins, putting as much sweetness into her voice as possible.] “I’ve been trying to keep my dance card full, you know?”
[North’s expression turns even more sour, if that’s possible while Steph continues.]“I’m sure we’ll get an opportunity to fight again in Pandemonium.”
[Her sweet grin is enough to set off the Skull Splitter, who takes another step forward. Rose’s grin grows as she starts to step past him.] [ROSE GARDEN TO THE SKULL SPLITTER!] [Rose kneels down by the head of North, picking him up by his hair just as he did her a week ago. Except this time, Rose is using his beard.]“On second thought, I think I’ll have room to fit you in in a couple weeks. Maybe RetroACTIVE?”
[Her voice still dripping with sweetness, Rose rises up to look down at North.]“Don’t become so enamored with the scene of the Rose that you forget that she has thorns.”
[Stephanie Rose made a mighty statement here tonight on Showcase. She’s not going to be pushed around by Viktor North.] [And they’re going to meet in the middle of the ring at RetroACTIVE!] [What a war that will be!]MARVOLO VS. MIKE ROYCE
SINGLES MATCH
DEAD PREY
SOMEWHERE ELSE
“Bear warm. Bear strong.” [Thunk thinks out-loud, looking for a weakness] “Thunk careful……. Thunk quiet.”
[Practically silent, Thunk steps over to the bear. Moonlight shines over his prey. He inches closer; the bear has its back to him.] [He’s close.]“One………….”
[He’s closer]“More…….”
[He waits.]“Step.”
“………… THHUUUUUUUNNK SSMAAAAAAAAASS–”
“Wait, WHAT?!? Just as Thunk was about to wrestle the bear down, suddenly a large net scooped Thunk up from the ground! The thick ropes quickly bind him, wrapping around and hoisting him up into the tree! Thunk’s trapped! He snarls angrily……]
“Well, ain’t you a sight.” [A man emerges] “How’s it hangin’, big fella?”
[It’s Cody Greer. Outfitted in camouflage, and now night-vision googles, he pops open a cold one while stepping over to The King of The Jungle. Cody’s got a rifle. He drinks.]“It seems we once again had our eyes on the same prize, huh?” [Thunk’s seething] “Too bad I’d already put a bullet between Yogi’s eyes years ago….. Like my trophy?”
[It was stuffed. Thunk can’t believe it.] [Cody’s now directly under him, collecting his bear. Thunk growls. Greer turns his ATV on with a remote starter. The vehicle was concealed under more foliage.]“Thunk,” [Cody looks up, guzzling his beer] “you told me to come back when I was a better hunter. Well, from where I’m standin’…… I’d say my huntin’ skills are looking up.”
“You. Cut Thunk down. Now.”
“Slow down, man. You’re not going anywhere any time soon, so let’s have a little chat. I got this idea I wanted to toss by ya. Here have a beer.”
[Greer chucks a can to Thunk. The man raised by wolves just demolishes the tin with one bare hand.]“God, I hate seein’ good beer go to waste.” [He sighs] “You’re loss, man. Anyway, want I wanted to shoot by ya was……..”
[Cody stops. In mid-sentence, Greer’s caught off guard by the sudden dozens of piercing yellow eyes now staring at him from the darkness. Thunk chuckles.]“Family.”
“I see.” [Greer steps over to his ATV] “That’s a shame. ‘Guess we’ll chat later, huh?”
[But Thunk doesn’t respond. Cody gets in his vehicle, carefully peeling out as The King of Jungle Watches. Still stuck in the net, Thunk can’t help but wonder what Greer was getting at…….]FRANK HARRISON VS. BRUCE VAN CHAN
SINGLES MATCH
TREASON
RINGSIDE
“So, come to try and make me bow again, Nigel?” [Bruce’s lip curls as he looks towards his former ally.]
“Of course not, you’ve already proven you aren’t worthy of my kindness, Bruce. I’ve decided that you have committed treason against me and my people, and as such, you have to be punished.” [Royal eyes Bruce, The Real Frickin’ Deal shaking his head at Nigel.]
“I don’t recognize your kingdom, Nigel.”
“It’s KING Royal.” [Marvolo chips in.] “And I am to be referred to as Sir Marvolo, the Real Number One and slayer of bears, Esquire.”
[Royal looks towards Marvolo, confused.] “Esquire?”“Of course, Marvolo is of higher social class than the peasants.”
“That isn’t how that title-”
“What do you want from me!?” [Bruce shouts at Ocean’s One, infuriated with Marvolo’s antics already.] “Are you here to attack me once my back is turned? Or will you fight like the king you say you are?”
[Royal chuckles, signaling to the crowd, after which do multiple guards exit it and surround the ring.]“No no, I refuse to touch filthy criminals like you. I’m simply informing you that you will be sent to the dungeons. I hope you enjoy the stay, Van Chan.”
[Bruce watches as guards begin entering the ring, all while Marvolo and Royal are escorted out. Like a cornered animal, Bruce fights back, tearing away at the guards as they come, refusing to back down as he tears away at the advancing minions. Royal looks back once he reaches the top of the ramp, the scene fading out as he stares down Bruce Van Chan, Dr. Sleep himself having taken out every single guard in a flurry of anger.]HYDE VS. MIKE LANE
SINGLES MATCH
THE SHARKMAN
BACKSTAGE
“Ohh Sharkieee! Where are you, ‘Sharkman?’”
[Nothing. Quiet silence in the dimly lit hallways of the backstage area.]“Are you shy? Last week you seemed so bold so… justified in your pursuit. Yet this week, you’re quieter than a mouse!”
[A metallic clang rings through the halls as his crowbar makes connection with a steel box used for moving equipment.]“Shark! I have something for you that I think you’ll really like.”
[A twisted expression spreads across his already shredded face.] [A light pops out as Smiley’s smile seems to spread even more.]“Thereeee you are! Finally, I’ve been looking all over for you.”
[The crowbar is quickly set aside as Smiley spreads his arms as if welcoming him.] [The Sharkman emerges from the shadows as the cover of dark only enhances the horrific expression upon his new mask. The eyes seem hollow and his expression unmoving.]“Do you know my purpose, Smiley? Do you know why I seek you out?”
[His voice sounds muffled, almost as if disguised by the mask itself. Smiley’s expression switches to curiosity at hearing his words.]“I assume it’s because you’re feeling guilty about all of those lives you took. All that blood you shed.”
“In part. I want justice for those I have wronged. I want retribution for the countless hours, days, months that you took from me by giving me the Doctor’s tonics. I won’t rest until I have-”
“My blood on your hands?”
[The word is said softly as The Sharkman is silenced. A moment passes. Two. Three. Smiley’s smile returns in full fashion as he slowly withdraws a blade from his pants.]“You want it, don’t you?”
“No.”
“Don’t lie to me, Sharkie! I know when you’re lying. You. Want. My. Blood!”
[A pause.]“You think you can just put on a new mask and that thirst will leave you?! Go ahead, Sharkie! TAKE MY BLOOD!”
[Smiley brings the blade across his hand as the blood slowly begins to pour down the blade and drips to floor.] [The Sharkman’s hands begin to tremble. He’s losing focus. Something about the blood is speaking to him. A soft and reminiscent voice creeps back into sound.]“You know you want it. Just one… little… drop. It’s all you need, Axel.”
“No.” [The Sharkman says aloud, Smiley tilts his head as he approaches with the knife.]
“Let me out, Axel. Let me show him our power. LET ME FEED!”
“NO!”
[TINK!] [The remaining lights in the hallway disappear as The Sharkman vanishes, leaving the sight and smell of that blood. Leaving Smiley alone in the hallway with a smirk planted firmly across his face in the darkness.]“It seems I’ve found your Kryptonite, ‘Sharkman.’”
SMILEY VS. CODY GREER
DOUBLE FEATURE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
CONVERSATIONS
BACKSTAGE
“I can go there, I mean, they wouldn’t be expecting me, right?” [Rose suggest selfishly.] [Mike shakes his head vehemently.]
“Absolutely not. If I send you to the Asylum looking for them, they won’t be there and the chances are, we’ll never see you again,” [he sternly announces.] “I’m just going to have to do what I do best.”
[Stephanie looks at him.] “And that is?”“Kick his god damn head off.”
[Everything from his tone to his demeanour shocks her. He’s rarely so angry, and shortly after, he storms out, leaving her behind. Rose turns around, noticing Hawk.]“Oh golly, I didn’t see you there,” [she says surprised.] “But I’m glad I bumped into you, Tommy. I wanted to say thank you for doing the right thing last week. Have you spoken with Harrison yet?”
[Tommy shakes his head.]“I expected repercussions. I expected something, anything, other than silence.”
“Maybe that’s a good thing?” [She offers encouragingly, taking a seat next to him.] “After all, no news is good news, right?”
“Perhaps. I wanted to thank you, actually. Your words of encouragement were inspiring to me in a time when I had no friends, or belief in myself.”
[He offers her a handshake that she gladly accepts.]“I’m glad I could help. I just wish I could do the same for Mike Lane. Ever since Face/Off, we’ve become good friends. Hysteria has his daughter and…” [Rose abruptly pauses, looking down at the Invasion Briefcase.] “Perhaps I’ve said too much?”
[Tommy smiles, tucking the case back under the bench with his foot.]“I have other business to take care off, Miss Rose. I believe this contract may be of more use to me now, than it would be if I were to use it. Wish Mike Lane the best from me, if you would? For too long have the dangerous and insane ruled Old School Wrestling. It is time we took it back.”
[He stands up, grabbing the briefcase and slowly exiting the room. Rose thinks about what he’s said, taking a moment as if an idea just popped into her head.]SURPRISE REMINDER
BACKSTAGE
“Excuse me” [Royce mumbles through gritted teeth.] “I’m looking for someone!”
“You’re not going to find him!”
[Muerte snarls in response even before Royce can find his way passed. “Hollywood” comes to another abrupt halt; glancing back over his shoulder.]“Manson?” [Royce inquires.]
“That IS who you are looking for is it not?
“Where is he” [“Hollywood” mutters as he turns to give Muerte his full attention.]
“He’s… out of the way!”
[Royce glares at Muerte with a distorted look of concern, but Muerte shows no such emotion.]“Did you think I was bluffing Michael?” [Muerte says in a whispering tone as he slowly turns his head to Royce.] “I wasn’t. Your end IS near!”
[Mike squints as he shakes his head.]“What do you want?”
[Muerte’s eyes narrow through his face covering mask.]“Listen…”
[Suddenly, from down the hall comes a screaming voice as if in agony.]“HOLLYWOOD!!”
[The noise startles Royce and he turns back to look in the direction from which it comes only to see absolutely nothing and when he returns his attention Muerte…] [Nobody is there.] [Royce looks around in confusion as we fade to black with a harrowing laugh echoing through the darkness.]DOUBT VS. STEPHANIE ROSE
SHOWCASE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
HYDE AND SEEK
RINGSIDE
“So, you like playing hide and seek, huh?”
[A deep voice growls from the darkness, catching Doubt’s attention. The Emotion stands frozen, cocking its head to the side.] [It’s curious. It listens.]“Last week, you said there was a little voice inside me. You said you’d soon see what lies behind my mask. You spoke as if you knew me, but if that were really the case, you’d know what’s coming next……”
[Doubt hears this. Its pupiless eyeholes zero in on the voice’s origin just as the words cease. The Emotion peers into the unknown, second-guessing itself before instinctually stepping back and–] [RaarrrgggHhhhhHHHH!!] [HYDE] [The Horror rushes past the darkness, catching Doubt by the throat with both hands! He slams it into the wall, repeatedly bouncing its head off the cold concrete! Doubt struggles to free itself, only to get tossed back-first into a nearby glass pane! The glass just EXPLODES! Razor-sharp shards splintering everywhere!] [Doubt’s left lying in a bloody heap. Hyde then steps over, gripping The Emotion’s face in one hand while lifting Doubt up.]“Was that the little voice you were talking about?” [He almost smirks] “Now you listen to me, and you listen good, because unlike you….. I don’t think I can control my emotions.”
[Doubt can’t respond. Hyde stares directly into it.]“Now your life is my plaything. If you think I’ll just allow you to keep breathing after pulling your little stunt, you’re dead wrong. See, I don’t wear a mask. This is the face of Horror, and you’d be wise not to taunt it again.” [Doubt tries to free itself] “This week was just a warning……”
[Hyde then effortlessly chucks Doubt away. The Emotion struggles to stand, but The Horror’s already descending back into the darkness.]“When I see you again, there will be no doubt.”
“You’re it.”
HYSTERIA VS. THE SHARK
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
IN HIS HANDS
RINGSIDE
“Wait, just wait,” [he says breathlessly, tired from his match and the beating. He chuckles slightly, catching his breath.] “What’s the matter?”
[Mike furiously stomps over to the ropes, being handed a microphone himself.]“I want my daughter, Hysteria!” [He screams.] “I want my fucking daughter!”
[It’s rare that we hear Mike Lane scream, let alone use expletives. The rage is oozing off him as he paces back and forth inside the ring.]“When exactly was the last time you saw Destiny, Michael?” [Hysteria asks, shrugging his shoulders.] “July? Now let me do some math, okay? July, August, September, October, November, December, January, February, March…”
[Lane interrupts.] “Where is she?” [Hysteria tuts at him.]“Please don’t interrupt me, Michael. Now where was I? Oh yes, that’s nine months since you last saw your beloved ex, isn’t it? How long before that did you break up, a month, two? It all makes sense now, doesn’t it? Your two month old child, without a father, how could I possibly let that be?”
“She’s not your daughter, Hysteria! Your daughters died in a fire because you couldn’t stop it!”
[That upsets The World Champion.]“Watch your mouth!!” [He barks back with a serious tone.] “You’re hardly father of the year, yourself. I mean, you didn’t even know you had a daughter, did you? She deserves better than you, Michael. She deserves a father that will protect her. I’ve learnt from my mistakes. I can be a good daddy.”
[Lane kicks the ropes, his rage barely containable.]“Enough! What do you want? I’ll give you anything you want, just let her go. You were right, Hysteria. You were right when you said you had my future and we both know that you have it in the palm of your hand. That World Championship means nothing in comparison.”
[The Mad Mastermind shakes his head.] “Oh no, I suppose it doesn’t. But I don’t want that, Michael. You see, pesky little cockroaches like you don’t simply go away. No no, it’s never that easy. If I gave you your daughter back, you’d just come for me again and again until you received your justice, “[Hysteria scoffs.] “And I can’t have that.” [Mike runs his hand through his hair, soaking in every single word. His face is stricken with fear and panic, all rolled into an angry mesh of rage and disgust.]“What I want is for you to well and truly go away. I want you dead. At RetroACTIVE, I want a pardon for everything I’ve done. I want you to stop chasing me, and to hand yourself over. I want you to deliver that pardon to me, Michael. I want you to deliver yourself, to me,” [he suggests with a tilt of his head.] “And maybe, just maybe, I’ll let you hold your daughter before I turn out your lights.”
[There’s no discussion, no debate, no thought. Mike Lane just responds.]“We have a deal.”
[Hysteria gleefully claps his hands.] “That’s simply wonderful. But first, how about we play a game, huh? You have two weeks and I know that you’re not going to stop looking for them – so let’s play a game of cat and mouse, shall we? If you can find them before RetroACTIVE, the deal is off and I’ll leave them alone. But if you can’t, the deal is on and I expect you to fulfil your end of it, or else your little baby girl will have a permanent new father.” [Hysteria tosses his microphone down and backs away, never looking away from Mike Lane, who likewise backs off, exiting the ring.] [The deal is done.]TOMMY HAWK VS. VIKTOR NORTH
SINGLES MATCH
THE SOUND OF THE POLICE
RINGSIDE
“I warned you, didn’t I?” [Harrison rages at him.] “I warned you that if you didn’t follow my orders, I’d send you back to jail, ‘injun.”
[Tommy leans in.] “Living by the decree of another man, is no living at all.”“Let’s see how you prefer jail, shall we? Because if you think living under my rule was bad, you just wait and see what the warden has in store for you, pal.”
[Hawk simply smiles.]“You can take my land, you can lock me up and throw away the key, but you’ll never take my spirit, white man. I still have something you require, something you want. I will regain my freedom in time for Retroactive, and you will allow it.”
[The officers drag a smiling Hawk off out of the arena, leaving Harrison to soak in the boos of the angry Tap Room crowd.] [Monday Night Showcase goes off the air with Harrison left to contemplate what exactly Tommy meant by that. He has no intentions of letting him out of jail, and until he does, we won’t see Tommy Hawk again.] [Fade to black.]