[Wrr.]

[Click.]

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

[ONE WEEK EARLIER.]

[Security footage crackles to life.]

[A sealed metal room is already half-filled with water. Ripples lap against the walls. The lighting is harsh and clinical.]

[Ziggy Robbins floats on his back, arms gently paddling, humming to himself.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Wow… this is actually kind of relaxing.”

[The water continues to rise.]

[Cut to the control corridor outside the chamber.]

[Edward Newton stands before a panel of switches and monitors, tense, calculating.]

[The gauge hits its limit.]

[Newton slams his palm onto a large red button.]

[Inside the chamber, massive drainage vents open.]

[Water ROARS out of the room in seconds, dragging Ziggy with it in a sudden wave.]

[Ziggy spills out onto the floor in a rush of water, coughing once… then laughing.]

[The chamber door unlocks with a heavy CLUNK.]

[The Riddler, opens it cautiously.]

[Ziggy pushes himself to his feet, completely soaked.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Okay! That was invigorating!”

[Edward Newton steps forward, staring at him like he’s just witnessed a paradox.]

Edward Newton: “You were supposed to be afraid.”

[Ziggy blinks.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Afraid?”

[A shrug.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Nah.”

[He wrings water from his sleeve.]

Ziggy Robbins: “I figured… if I was gonna be stuck, I might as well enjoy the moment.”

[Newton stares harder.]

Edward Newton: “You thought you were going to drown.”

Ziggy Robbins: “I thought I was going to learn something.”

[A beat.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Turns out? I love swimming.”

[He gives Newton a bright thumbs-up.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Thanks for checking in, by the way. Real team-player move.”

[Ziggy walks past him, leaving wet footprints down the corridor.]

Ziggy Robbins: “Oh! And if you ever need a morale boost— you know where to find me!”

[Newton remains still, watching him go.]

[A long silence.]

Edward Newton: “…Impressive.”

[The footage cuts to static.]

[Propaganda invites Nigel to a tie-up. Powers, however, points over his shoulder.]

Nigel Powers: “Look at that, baby!”

[The Voice of Obedience whips his head round–]

[RUSSIAN – uh, I mean, BRITISH LEG SWEEP by Nigel!]

Signal: “Hook, line, sinker!”

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[KICKOUT!]

Black Scar: “That line is about to get tapped.”

[The spy pounces on his foe, but Propaganda sweeps his legs…]

Signal: “He catapults Powers into the corner!”

[Propaganda launches a blistering combo – each strike scored by converted fans.]

Crowd: “BE-LIEVE, BE-LIEVE!”

Black Scar: “That’s the ECHO CHAMBER, Siggy!”

[Nigel stumbles forwards and falls to his knees…]

[Running knee strike – THE SIGNAL!]

[NO – ROLL-UP!]

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[SHOULDER UP!]

Signal: “The King of Swing almost stole it!”

[An incensed Propaganda beats him to his feet. Standing over Powers, he stomps a mudhole in him!]

Black Scar: “And now Nigel is going to OBEY, SUBMIT, BELIEVE!”

[Propaganda goes for the ACCOLADE hold!]

[Powers CRAWLS BACKWARDS through his legs!]

[SWINGING SIXTIES neckbreaker by Nigel!]

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[SHOULDER UP!]

[The crowd rally behind the Shagadellic Superstar, who cups a hand to his ear, then hits the ropes…]

[MAXIMUM POWERS!]

[NO!]

Signal: “Propaganda evades the big leg drop!”

Black Scar: “NIGEL RECEIVES THE SIGNAL!”

[The knockout knee strike lands true!]

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[THREE!]

[NO!]

[ROPE BREAK!]

[Big pop as Powers stays in this!]

[Propaganda signals that enough is enough. He hauls Nigel up…]

Signal: “Time to tune into THE BROADCAST!”

[Propaganda NAILS Powers with the V-TRIGGER!]

Black Scar: “End transmission!”

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[THREE!]

[Academius’s Classroom. In this room, the Professor sharpens young minds and disciplines bad behavior through corporal punishment.]

[At least, that’s what happens on a normal day.]

[Today, bodies of hoodless Propaganda followers are strewn about in a dried pool of blood. Desks and chairs have been tossed into piles in the corners of the room, leaving the dead plenty of room to lay down without issue.]

[The phrases “Death comes for us all” and “You can’t outrun the Reaper” are scratched onto the blackboard, acting as a calling card from the one responsible.]

[At the entrance doorway, Academius surveys the scene before him in complete shock. It soon turns into boiling rage towards the one who caused this catastrophe.]

Academius: “Grimm!”

[With that, the Scholar turns to storm out of his classroom and give the Pale Rider a piece of his mind. At the doorway, however, Darkwish stands before him, blocking his path.]

Darkwish: “I know you want to get revenge for what he did,” [Scarred Justice begins.] “But it’d be suicide to confront Grimm by yourself.”

Academius: “What are you trying to say? Are you trying to claim that I can’t fight my own battles?”

Darkwish: “I’m saying that Propaganda will have the same idea you do, and he’ll likely meet the same fate as his followers here. Neither the learned or the loud will be victorious. Only he who is willing to go into the darkness.”

[Academius scoffs.]

[However, he lets the silence hang for a while. With an exasperated sigh, the Professor silently acknowledges that Darkwish is right by nodding.]

Academius: “Then help me take the first step.”

[Cut.]

Signal: “A blast from the prehistoric past takes on The Temple’s very own guardian! David versus a big, scaly goliath.”

Black Scar: “I think when compared to this walking Sledgehammer most people are David, Sig.”

[The bell rings and Jurassic Colossus explodes across the ring! He nails a nasty shoulder check that sends Eclipse to the ground! Eclipse pops back up just to get downed by a massive axe handle!]

[The Tyranno Wrecks muscles Eclipse up!]

Signal: “WHEELBARROW FACEBUSTER!”

Black Scar: “HE CALLS THAT THE SHARPTOOTH SHATTER!”

[The Crimson Eclipse gets rolled over for the pin!]

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[KICKOUT BY THE GUARDIAN!]

Signal: “There’s still plenty left in his tank!”

[The Colossus forces Eclipse up again, nailing a sharp headbutt to the nose before whipping him across the ring!]

[Clothesline by The Berserk Tyranno!]

[Another clothesline!]

[Snap powerslam-]

Signal: “EL OCASO! THE SUNSET CUTTER OUTTA NOWHERE FROM CRIMSON ECLIPSE!“

Black Scar: “That’s what I wanna see! Give this crowd a fight!”

[The Guardian is quick to his feet, hitting the ropes as Jurassic gets to his feet and nailing a picture perfect springboard savate kick!]

[The Tyranno stumbles!]

[El Eclipse Carmesi lays into the prehistoric monster with a litany of strikes that drive him to the ropes!]

[AND SENDING HIM TO THE APRON WITH A MASSIVE SUPERKICK!]

Signal: “The Guardian has the advantage!”

Black Scar: “Not for long! Look at that haymaker!”

[Eclipse stumbles back from the blow and The Colossus frontflips over the ropes!]

Signal: “EXTINCTION’S LAMENT! BUCKSHOT HEADBUTT- NO! SMALL PACKAGE BY ECLIPSE!”

[The Ruleador drops to count!]

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[THREE!]

Signal: “Jurassic Colossus is a force to be reckoned with, but Crimson Eclipse still finds a way to persevere!”

Black Scar: “Your winner, your Gaurdian, is the Crimson Eclipse!”

[Ringside — the bell has just rung.]

[The Crimson Eclipse stands near the ropes, chest heaving, mask turned toward his fallen opponent.]

[The Jurassic Colossus pushes himself upright, shaking off the match like an inconvenience.]

[Crimson steps forward and extends his hand.]

Signal: “A sign of respect from the Crimson Eclipse.”

Black Scar: “Mistake.”

[Colossus looks at the hand.]

[He scoffs.]

[He suddenly lunges forward and SMASHES his head into Crimson’s face.]

Signal: “Oh come on!”

[Crimson stumbles back, stunned.]

[Colossus grabs a microphone.]

Jurassic Colossus: “I ain’t here to make friends.”

[He paces the ring, seething.]

Jurassic Colossus: “I’m here to conquer just like my Jurassic ancestors.”

[A beat.]

Jurassic Colossus: “And World Domination is next.”

[Crimson wipes blood from his mask.]

[His eyes narrow.]

[He CHARGES Colossus from behind, tackling him to the mat.]

Signal: “And Eclipse snaps!”

[The two trade wild punches, rolling toward the ropes.]

[Security floods the ring.]

[Among them: Big Fat Marvolo II, red-faced and wheezing… and Tiny Midget Marvolo Junior, sprinting with furious determination.]

Black Scar: “Oh no… not these two.”

[Colossus shoves Marvolo Junior aside like a ragdoll.]

[Crimson drops Marvolo II with a single strike.]

[Security scatters.]

[The brawl resumes.]

[Suddenly—]

[Marvolo himself steps onto the stage, livid.]

Marvolo: “ENOUGH!”

[The crowd roars.]

[Crimson and Colossus pause, still straining against security.]

Marvolo: “You two are clearly not finished.”

[A beat.]

Marvolo: “So next week at Turbo Violence…”

[He points to the ring.]

Marvolo: “You fight again.”

[The crowd buzzes.]

Marvolo: “Inside an INFERNO MATCH.”

Signal: “Inferno match?!”

Black Scar: “Fire solves everything.”

[Crimson strains forward, screaming silently through his mask.]

[Colossus roars back, pounding his chest.]

[Security drags them to opposite corners.]

[Flames erupt briefly from the ring posts.]

[The two men lock eyes, breathing hard, restrained but far from done.]

Signal: “This is far from over!”

Black Scar: “It’s just getting hot.”

[The camera holds on the furious stare-down as the segment fades.]

[Backstage — a narrow concrete corridor, lit by a single flickering strip light.]

[PixelShift backs up slowly… then stops.]

[There’s nowhere left to go.]

[Dr. Cube stands at the mouth of the corridor, calm and composed. Santiago Siniestro lingers just behind him, arms folded. Warlord Mars looms to the side, cracked knuckles and a scowl.]

Signal: “PixelShift’s trapped!”

Black Scar: “No— he’s cornered.”

[Dr. Cube raises a hand slightly.]

Dr. Cube: “Relax.”

[A beat.]

Dr. Cube: “I’m not here to hurt you.”

[Mars snorts.]

Warlord Mars: “Yet.”

[Cube ignores him.]

Dr. Cube: “I’m here to offer you something.”

[PixelShift straightens, cautious.]

Pixelshift: “If this is about joining your evil speedrun faction… hard pass.”

[Dr. Cube smiles faintly.]

Dr. Cube: “Edward Newton didn’t care if Ziggy Robbins lived or died.”

[A pause.]

Dr. Cube:  “That should tell you exactly what you are to him.”

[PixelShift shakes his head.]

Pixelshift: “No.”

[He points between Cube and the unseen Newton.]

Pixelshift: “This isn’t about me being a pawn. This is about you and Newton trying to prove who’s smarter.”

[A beat.]

Pixelshift: “I’m not interested.”

[Mars steps forward.]

Warlord Mars: “You already cost yourself the shiny belt, NERD.”

[PixelShift shrugs.]

Pixelshift: “No, you already cost me the world title at Wrestle Heroes.”

[A beat.]

Pixelshift: “So why would I join you now… when I owe you a whole new game plus at Turbo Violence?”

[Cube nods, considering.]

Dr. Cube: “That’s fair.”

[A pause.]

Dr. Cube: “Then let’s remove the pawn from the board.”

[PixelShift narrows his eyes.]

Dr. Cube: “If your team wins War Games at Turbo Violence…”

[A beat.]

Dr. Cube: “I will allow it to count as one of your five title defenses.”

[PixelShift freezes.]

Signal: “What?!”

Black Scar: “That’s… that’s playing some 3D chess.”

[Dr. Cube steps closer, voice measured.]

Dr. Cube: “After that… you’ll understand Edward Newton’s true colors.”

[A faint smile.]

Dr. Cube: “And then you’ll come to me.”

[Dr. Cube turns and walks away.]

[Siniestro follows, silent as a shadow.]

[They disappear around the corner.]

[Only Mars and PixelShift remain.]

[Mars rubs the back of his neck.]

Warlord Mars: “You’re a puke.”

[A pause.]

Warlord Mars: “My head still hurts from that codebreaker.”

[PixelShift blinks.]

Pixelshift: “Cool.“

[Mars grunts and stomps off.]

[PixelShift watches them go, thoughtful… conflicted… but standing.]

[Warlord Mars stomps through the doors into another room backstage.]

[Then he stops stomping.]

[Yet he keeps moving!]

Warlord Mars: “WOAH WOAH WOAH!”

[MARS SLIDES DOWN THE BACKSTAGE HALL ON A TRAIL OF LUBE!]

[RIGHT INTO A THESZ PRESS FROM GLITTER!]

Glitter: “Hey, big boy!”

[The Baron of Bukkake paints Mars with a flurry of right hands!]

Signal: “Is this… A match?”

Black Scar:“Legally?”

[Mars powers Glitter off of himself, fighting to his feet as both competitors drip with Pleasure Brand Lubricant™! The War Bringer looking like a newborn deer as he stands!]

Warlord Mars: “Who owns this much lube!?”

Glitter: “Me.”

[Glitter glides across the lube and leaps with a massive hip attack!]

[THAT GETS TURNED INTO A GERMAN SUPLEX!]

[The Sinful One goes sliding across the floor and Mars rushes after him, building up an ungodly amount of speed!]

Signal: “He doesn’t have any brakes!!”

Black Scar: “Does he ever?”

[FULL SPEED STINGER SPLASH CRUSHES GLITTER BETWEEN MARS AND THE WALL!]

Glitter (muffled): “So. Much. Man.”

[The Champ pulls Glitter from the wall and wraps both arms around their chest in a rib cracking bearhug!]

[He squeezes tighter!]

[Tighter!]

[TIGHTER- SQUELCH!]

Signal: “THAT LUBED UP PERVERT JUST WENT FLYING FROM MARS’ HANDS!”

Black Scar: “They landed behind him!”

[ORGASM BUTTON! BALLSPLEX BY GLITTER!]

[Mars lands in a heap and Glitter forces him up one more time!]

Signal: “DRIVER ‘69! TOMBSTONE- NO! GLITTER SLIPPED!”

Black Scar: “Their head hit the floor and Mars is laying on top! A Ruleador drops to count!”

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[THREE!]

Signal: “For the second week in a row we’ve got a letter from Osha… And Warlord Mars walks away STILL the 24/7 Champion!”

Signal:  Tonight folks we have a big time matchup as Lux Bellator looks to gain his first singles victory against the Psychadelic Ram himself.

Black Scar: Ram Jam got lucky last week thanks to Moretti’s goons but can he get a second victory against the son of a Preacher man?

[DING DING!]

[The bell sounds as Lux rushes to the ropes, leaping off for a a hard leaping head kick that stuns Ram Jam before Lux rolls through, leaping off the ropes again]

[PSYCHEDELIC HEADBUTT! RAM JAM JUST NAILS LUX RIGHT OUT OF THE AIR!]

[Lux stumbles up into a flurry of lefts and rights, Ram Jam dancing with every strike before he winds up]

[BIONIC…NO! Lux dodges the Bionic Elbow, leaping up and nailing Ram Jam with an enziguri to the back of the head. The Groove-ador stumbles down to one knee, Lux leaps up]

[TRIBULATION! Jumping Reverse STO hits flush but Lux doesn’t cover, instead heading up top as he looks down, slowly delivering the sign of the cross before diving off]

[ANGEL…SPLAT! The Splash hits only canvas as Ram Jam easily moves out of the way.]

Black Scar:Just cause an angel’s got wings doesn’t mean you’ve gotta fly you idjit

[Lux staggers up, holding his ribs as Ram Jam rushes at him, sprinting forward and lifting Lux up high for the SPINEBUSTAHHH!

Signal: SPINE ON THE PINE!

Black Scar: Ram Jam Slam may be all she wrote there.

[He covers…]

[One….]

[Two…]

[KICKOUT!]

[Ram Jam lifts Lux up but he pushes him away, leaping up again. ENZIGURI…NO!]

[ELECTRIC AVENUE! Ram Jam ducks the kick before nearly decapitating Lux with a huge clothesline from out of nowhere.]

Signal: The horns are out Scar, this may well be the end of the matchup here.

[Ram Jam pulls Lux up to his feet lifting him up high as he spins him around in the air]

[PURPLE HAZE! SPINNING POWERBOMB SLAM HITS FLUSH!]

[Ram Jam covers]

[One..]

[Two…]

[THREE!!!]

Signal: Big victory for Ram Jam here as he goes 2 and 0 in single matches so far.

[Countless multi-flavored scoops of ice cream layer a bright pink bowl, decadent waves of fudge, whip cream, cherries, and nuts cascading messily downwards as it gets ushered through the backstage.]

[Three spoons sit buried a top the heap, resting right beneath the smiling face of Dolly Daydream.]

Dolly Daydream: “I have so much ice cream, if only I could find some friends to share it with…”

[She smiles, practically skipping up to a backstage table and placing the sugary sweet monstronsity down in front of Ace Starshield and Benny.]

Benny: “Ice cream!”

Ace Starshield: “Benny…”

[His words fall on deaf ears as the young boy digs into the sundae, though his eyes are quick to shoot to Dolly as she herself enjoys an oversized spoonful.]

Ace Starshield: “I thought I made it clear, Dolly. There’s no time to play.”

[Ace pauses.]

Ace Starshield: “And too much sugar is liable to rot Benny’s teeth.”

Dolly Daydream: “Your head must be so loud… Is the voice inside always shouting?”

[Her spoon hangs from her lips as she speaks, grabbing the spare spoon left and offering Ace a bite.]

Dolly Daydream: “Sundae? A little sugar never hurt anybody.”

[Ace looks to Benny who’s still indulging and shakes his head.]

Ace Starshield: “And a little poison never hurt a mouse.”

[Dolly’s smile finally drops, head tilted to the side.]

Dolly Daydream: “Fine, Mr. Grumpyshield. How about I show you I can be as serious as you… At Turbo Violence. One match and you’ll see I can fight as hard as I play.”

[Benny looks up from the sundae, but Dolly merely leans down and smiles at him.]

Dolly Daydream: “It’s okay, Benny. I’m just going to prove I can be a hero too.”

[And with that she skips away, leaving the melting sundae behind, Ace scowling as the sundae continues to melt beside him.]

[Cut.]

Signal: “After an impressive debut win last week, Cometa IV will look to show what he can do against Blackhand Moretti.”

Black Scar: “It’s mano e mano in that ring. Whoever who can dish out the most pain.”

[Cometa IV comes straight at Moretti, but the Mobster stands firm and Cometa bounces off him. He grabs Cometa by the neck and hoists him high into the air.]

[CONCRETE SHOES! BRUTAL SIT-OUT CHOKESLAM!]

[Moretti walking over Cometa’s chest before pulling him to his feet. Cometa reverses, twisting his foe into an Arm Lock and walking him to the ropes.]

[SPRINGBOARD ARM DRAG! COMETA ISN’T DONE, WRAPPING HIM INTO A LA MAGISTRAL CRADLE!]

[ONE!]

[TWO- NO! MORETTI KICKS OUT]

Signal: “Cometa nearly took that right out from under Moretti’s nose.”

Black Scar: “No way. Moretti had that scouted all the way. He’s a touch nut to crack.”

[Both me lock up but Moretti shows his power, hoisting Cometa over his head. MILITARY PRESS DROP! COMETA BOUNCES OFF THE MAT AND LOOKS DAZED!]

[OMERTA! MORETTI HITS HIM RIGHT IN THE FACE WITH A BIG BOOT!]

[Cometa IV sails into the ropes and collapses to a heap. Moretti approaches, slitting his throat with his thumb, but Cometa rolls outside.]

Black Scar: “Escaping… Wise, but a little disappointing. I was wanting to see blood.”

Signal: “Cometa showed a lot of instincts there. That was not going to end well for him.”

[An impatient Moretti leans on the ring ropes. Cometa slips under his legs and runs off towards the opposite ropes.]

[SLEEP WIT’ THE FISHES! CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL!]

[Moretti covers for the pin.]

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[THREE!]

Signal: “Moretti wins in powerful fashion tonight, proving why he’s the Enforcer people fear him to be.”

[Reverend Blackheart casts judgment on a sign reading Nigel Powers in a swirly font.]

Reverend Blackheart: “The Lord sent me to collect-uh!”

[Noticing that the door to which it’s affixed is ajar, Jedidiah pushes it open…]

[The light cast by a floor lamp projects the shadow of a woman onto a changing screen.]

Woman: “You’re sure about this, Mr. Powers?”

[A male silhouette – with ruffles and frilly cuffs – joins her.]

Nigel Powers: “Yeah, baby! I need your help with the Reverend, Sister!”

[The woman – a nun, apparently – giggles.]

Nun: “Ok. Let’s do it!”

[Nigel turns around.]

Nigel Powers: “Here – reach inside!”

[!?]

[The nun obliges, cavity searching Nigel! She retrieves…]

[BEADS!?]

[Exiting one by one, they’re followed by a CROSS!]

[Righteous fury burns in Blackheart’s eyes.]

Nun: “Oh, wow!”

Nigel Powers: “Yes, they were a faff…”

Nun: “You should give me a sample!”

[The nun produces a glass vial, its shadow translucent.]

Nigel Powers: “Hold still!”

[A stream of liquid flows from Nigel’s shadow, filling the receptacle.]

[Jedidiah cracks his knuckles.]

Nigel Powers: “Don’t drink it!”

Nun: “I won’t. Uh-oh, I see something poking out!”

Nigel Powers: “Yes, I think it’s time…”

[Nigel’s silhouette bends its knees. He strains and groans—]

[A BOOK falls out of him!]

Nigel Powers: “Woops!”

Nun: “You must love reading!”

Nigel Powers: “Oh, yes. I’m a real bookworm, baby!”

[Blackheart storms inside and tears the screen down!]

Reverend Blackheart: “What in the LAWD’s name is this!?”

[A bewildered Nigel stands beside a shocked nun.]

[Between them sits an empty bag. Beside it, rosary beads, holy water, and the Bible!]

Nigel Powers: “You really should knock, man. That’s just rude!”

[The Reverend jabs a finger into Nigel’s chest.]

Reverend Blackheart: “I’ve had it with you, sinnah! Face me at Turbo Violence-ah, and I can expedite your meetin’ with the man upstairs-uh!”

[Nigel sighs.]

Nigel Powers: “I’m a lover, not a fighter! But if you insist… Run, Sister!”

[Powers stomps on Blackheart’s toes, then books it alongside the nun!]

[The bell sounds as Vinelli rushes forward at Ace, looking to immediately throw something in his face]

[OCCULAR ASSAULT! Ace dodges it just in time as the liquid splashes against the turnbuckles, slightly eroding the cover away with a sizzle]

Signal: JESUS CHRIST! The Doctor is not messing around tonight, he could well have disfigured poor Ace there

[Ace looked shocked, staring at the eroding cover before turning back to Vinelli who rushes at Ace]

[TO INFINITY! Starshield counters mid-run with a beautiful Exploder Suplex, driving Vinelli into the corner]

Black Scar: The Doc got rocked there, Ace getting lucky once again with that shot

[The Captain drops down, looking for an Anaconda Vice Beyond the stars but Vinelli quickly manages to scramble to the ropes, forcing the break]

[Ace cleanly breaks, getting to his feet as he tries to pull the Doctor up]

[LEG SWEEP! Vinelli sends Ace throat first onto the bottom rope, Starshield spluttering as he tries to catch his breath]

[Vinelli gets to his feet, backing up before rushing forward. DOUBLE KNEES TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD, CRUSHING ACE’S THROAT INTO THE ROPES]

[Ace stumbles back, barely able to stand as he holds his throat. Vinelli grabs him, looking to throw him into the corner but Ace slips out. Vinelli rushing at him]

[SINGULARITY! Snap Powerslam out of nowhere! Vinelli is down as he crawls to the corner, trying to pull himself up]

[Ace pulls him up from behind, Vinelli pulling the turnbuckle cover off as he tries to escape Ace’s grip. Starshield delivers a hard elbow to the back before turning him around and lifting him up]

[SET MATCH…VINELLI SLIPS OUT BEFORE PUSHING ACE FORWARD!]

Signal: JAW FIRST INTO THE EXPOSED BUCKLES! Ace may well be out cold]

[Vinelli quickly drops down, hooking Starshield into a schoolboy as the referee counts]

[ONE…]

[TWO….VINELLI HAS THE TIGHTS]

[THREE!!!]

Black Scar:The genius of the Dr shines through tonight Sig, Ace might be stronger but Vinelli was certainly smarter here tonight.

[Glitter’s Palace of Pleasure]

[Neon lights cast a bright hue around a room laden with cushions. Glitter is lounging about with a smattering of their toys – some clad in leather, others in next to nothing at all.]

[Pulsing music is abruptly cut off. El Ídolo Perdido steps through a haze of dry ice, a disgusted look on his face.]

El Idolo Perdido: “Cheap and tacky, this is not art. Kitsch… I should expect nothing less.”

[His eyes lock onto Glitter, lying on their back and smirking.]

El Idolo Perdido: “And you… are as artistic as a child’s cartoon. Pathetic.”

[Glitter is helped to their feet by a few of their toys.]

Glitter: “When all you see is art, you miss the other pleasures of life.”

[Glitter steps forward, running a fingernail down Ídolo’s chest.]

Glitter: “You need to open your mind a little. Don’t knock it till -”

[El Ídolo Perdido pushes Glitter, causing them to stumble backwards onto a daybed laden with pillows. Glitter bounces back up and grabs Idolo. The pair scuffle and a strike from Ídolo hits Glitter in the mouth, cutting their lip.]

[Glitter tastes blood, and a smile forms on their lips.]

Glitter: “Naughty…”

[Ídolo grabs Glitter by the scruff of his neck, and raises his hand to strike again, but is conflicted.]

[Several of Glitter’s toys are watching on. Perdido wants to make Glitter pay, but this is not the time nor the place for such a scene. He lets go reluctantly.]

El Idolo Perdido: “Always leave them wanting more. At Turbo Violence, you, Glitter will be shown what true art is.”

[Perdido dramatically turns on his heel and swoops away. Glitter smiles again as Ídolo leaves, before being swamped by half a dozen toys that drag them back onto the daybed.]

[Cut.]

Signal: The next contest is between our resident Big Game Huntress and The Matador of Souls.

Black Scar: I’m here for it, two competitors who essentially kill big game.  Aranza, a trophy huntress always looking for the next big game to hunt.  Then you have Santiago Del Toro, and all I have to say is matadors don’t often leave the bull alive if victorious.

[The bell sounds, and we’re underway with Aranza and Santiago Del Toro circling each other like hunters ready to pounce on their prey.] 

[Aranza is the first to strike literally, with a Headbutt.  Santiago slips the Headbutt and grabs Aranza’s head.  Snap DDT – SPECTRAL PASSADA!]  

Black Scar: Olé!

[THE MATADOR OF SOULS ROLLS INTO THE COVER!] 

[ONE! – KICKOUT!] 

[Del Toro pulls Aranza off the canvas looking to stay in control – INSIDE CRADLE!] 

Signal: The Huntress springs a clever trap!

[ONE! – KICKOUT!] 

[Both competitors spin to their feet Aranza gets there first.] 

[10 POINTER – STANDING DOUBLE FOOT STOMP TO A BENT OVER SANTIAGO DEL TORO CATCHING THE MATADOR OFF GUARD!] 

[Aranza drags El Matador de las Almas to the nearest corner and goes across the ring and watches silently as she mimics aiming down the crosshairs as Del Toro pulls himself up in the corner.] 

[CLEAN SHOT – NO!  DEL TORO DODGES AGAIN AND RUNS ACROSS THE RING!] 

Black Scar: Olé!

[Del Toro runs a circuit around the ring as Aranza pulls herself to her feet.] 

[Busaiku Knee – PHANTOM COR-NO – ARANZA CATCHES DEL TORO ON HER SHOULDER SNAPPING HIM INTO POSITION KNEELING ELECTRIC CHAIR DRIVER – THE CULL ARANZA HOLDS ONTO THE MATADOR OF SOUL’S ANKLES!] 

[ONE!] 

[…] 

[…] 

[TWO!] 

[…] 

[…] 

[THREE!] 

Signal: What a final sequence!  Aranza comes out on top!

Black Scar: That could’ve gone either way!

[Propaganda and a few of his followers stomp through the Temple’s backstage area. He’s received word about Grimm reaping members of his cult, and he wants revenge.]

[Just as they’re about to make a left turn, Academius and Darkwish appear in front of them. The Voice’s believers get ready to fight, but their leader raises a hand, cursing them to back off.]

Propaganda: “I’ll give you two minutes to explain why you’re in my way.” [He says, not wanting to unleash his anger just yet.] “My followers will be more than happy to deal with you if you’re planning to waste my time.”

[The Professor and Scarred Justice look at each other for a quick second. Academius looks incredibly annoyed already, but Darkwish gestures for him to speak first.]

Academius: “We want to strike a deal with you.” [The Scholar says through gritted teeth.] “Mr. Grimm must’ve heard our spat about whose message can outlast death. Now he wants us to go after him individually so he could dispatch us before our match.”

[Propaganda raises an eyebrow.]

Darkwish: “I know you think you have the numbers advantage right now,” [Darkwish continues for Academius.] “But the Pale Rider has the emotional one, and that’s all he needs to take you and your believers out of the running.”

Academius: “That’s why I’ve concocted a plan. One that has wit and intelligence that will slay the Reaper and just leave us to battle it out for the championship.”

Darkwish: “But we need your cooperation to make it work.”

[Propaganda ponders their words for a moment. He lets the silence hang in the air for what feels like an eternity before breaking it.]

Propaganda: “Alright. I’m listening.”

[The Scholar begins to explain what his plan is as we cut.]

Signal:Next on tap, we have The Virus taking on The Reaper in what should be a violent contest.

Black Scar: Violence is both of these men’s nature, and you know what?  I’m here for it.

[The bell sounds, and we’re underway, and Grimm lunges out of his corner looking for a Running Knee Strike.  Venganza sidesteps The Pale Rider.] 

[SUPERKICK!  BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA STAGGERS GRIMM INTO THE ROPES AND AS HE REBOUNDS…] 

[DEATH’S DOOR!  MASSIVE SKULL LADEN HEADBUTT DROPS BLACK HEART TO A KNEE.] 

Signal: Back and forth they go, trading massive blows out of the gate!

Black Scar: Symmetrical violence will only lead to both men having a bad day; something’s got to give.

[Grimm cinches Padre Del La Venganza and hits him with a Snap Suplex before heading to the top rope.] 

[DIVING HEADBUTT!  NATURAL CAUSES – NO!  THE VIRUS MOVES OUT OF THE WAY!] 

[VENGANZA GETS BACK TO HIS FEET, PULLING GRIMM TO HIS AS WELL.] 

[SISTER ABIGAIL STYLE SNAP DDT!  MIDNIGHT SHADOW LAYS OUT THE PALE RIDER AND VENGANZA CRAWLS INTO THE COVER!] 

[ONE!] 

[…] 

[…] 

[TWO!] 

[…] 

[…] 

[THRE-KICKOUT!] 

[Venganza pulls Grimm back to his feet – GOOZLE!  CHOKESLAM FROM HELL!  CRADLE TO THE – STUNNER OUT OF NOWHERE!  SHADOW CONTAGION!] 

[THE VIRUS CRAWLS INTO THE COVER AND HOOKS THE LEG!] 

 [ONE!] 

[…] 

[…] 

[TWO!] 

[…] 

[…] 

[THREE!] 

Signal: In a back-and-forth contest, Padre Del La Venganza has managed to come out on top!

Black Scar: The Virus managed to snatch victory right out of the jaws of defeat here tonight!

[The match has come to a close, Mr. Grimm has gone, and Padre calls for a microphone.]

Padre Del La Venganza: “Do you know what true darkness is?”

[Padre’s lips curl into a cruel smirk.]

Padre Del La Venganza: “It’s what’s to come. We have come to take, to smother, to grow.”

[Members of The Family begin to practically slither in from the crowd towards ringside, clinging to every last one of Padre’s words.]

Padre Del La Venganza: “We are giving anyone in the crowd a chance. Who here is wise enough to embrace the blackness… And who is so foolish as to look for light?”

[THE OPENING RIFF OF LIGHTKEEPER TEARS THROUGH THE ARENA! LUX BELLATOR IS STORMING THE RING WITH A CHAIR!]

[Lux burns with holy wrath as he clobbers the first family member with the chair!]

[More family rush Lux, Padre’s parasites sent sprawling one by one as Lux slides into the ring!]

[Yet Padre doesn’t even flinch. He simply looks on with a smile.]

Padre Del La Venganza: “We don’t suppose you’re here to embrace us?”

[Lux snatches the mic, staring blades through Padre.]

Lux Bellator: “The chapel.”

[He sneers.]

Lux Bellator: “Free the holy ground you infested before I dig you out with my own two hands.”

[Lux’s words are accompanied by more Family crowding ringside, a pool of black cloaks closing in on all sides as Lux stands resolute in the center, a light shining in the darkness. Padre takes back the mic, bringing it to his lips.]

Padre Del La Venganza: “Fine.”

[Padre chuckles as Lux looks on, confused.]

Padre Del La Venganza: “At Turbo Violence you can fight us for the freedom of your chapel. Us. In a Family Lumberjack match. If you win, you get your chapel back. When we win?”

[He leans in, mask to mask.]

Padre Del La Venganza: “We spread.”

[There’s a moment of silence, Lux finally nodding in silent agreement.]

[Padre and The Family recede from the ring, leaving Lux alone under the lights.]

[Cut.]

[Backstage — the parking lot.]

[It’s quiet. Too quiet.]

[Roughkut stalks between parked trucks, microphone in hand, eyes darting.]

Roughkut: “Last week… eggs. Everywhere.”

[He crouches, inspecting the ground.]

Roughkut: “And some idiot in a chicken suit thought he could scramble away from me.”

[He straightens.]

Roughkut: “Not this time.”

[He takes one more step—]

[TWANG.]

[A trip wire snaps.]

Roughkut: “Oh you’ve gotta be—”

[A net drops from above.]

[Dozens of eggs crash down on him, exploding on impact. Yolk. Shell. Slime.]

Roughkut: “UGHHHH— EGG JUICE!”

[Egg drips from his mask.]

[Roughkut flails, slipping.]

Signal: “Oh no— he walked right into it!”

Black Scar: “That’s what happens when you go poking around the henhouse.”

[Roughkut finally frees himself from the net, soaked.]

Roughkut: “Whoever’s doing this… you’re gonna crack under pressure!”

[Footsteps approach.]

[Marvolo steps into frame, arms folded, disgusted.]

Marvolo: “What are you doing?”

[Roughkut gestures wildly.]

Roughkut: “Investigative journalism!”

[Egg slides off his shoulder.]

Roughkut: “There’s foul play afoot!”

[Marvolo sighs.]

Marvolo: “Stop playing with eggs.”

[A beat.]

Marvolo: “And get back to work.”

[He turns to leave.]

[His foot comes down on a lone egg.]

[SPLAT.]

[Marvolo’s legs shoot out.]

[He hits the ground HARD.]

Marvolo: “SON OF A—!”

[He scrambles up, furious, pointing at Roughkut.]

Marvolo: “THIS IS YOUR FAULT!”

[Roughkut raises both hands.]

Roughkut: “I’m not responsible for this egg-sistential crisis!”

Signal: “Marvolo just wiped out!”

Black Scar: “That’s gotta bruise his shell.”

[Marvolo storms off, slipping slightly again but catching himself.]

[Roughkut watches him go, egg still dripping.]

Roughkut: “…I’m not done.”

[He looks directly into the camera.]

Roughkut: “Case is still sunny-side up.”

[Egg drips onto the lens.]

[Cut.]

[Blackheart chastises the fans for their sinful ways. He gets into it with a front-row member…]

Signal: “Perdido sends him over the ropes with a dropkick from behind!”

Black Scar: “The 6’10” preacher is livid!”

[He slaps the apron and goes to roll back in–]

[Baseball slide by Idolo!]

[Rev flies back into the barricade!]

[Perdido lets him up…]

[PLANCHA!]

[NO – BLACKHEART CATCHES HIM!]

[…]

[THUD!]

[HE RAMS HIM INTO THE STEEL RING POST!]

Black Scar: “Idolo is gonna need a freakin’ miracle just to walk after that!”

[With the Ruleador at a five-count, Rev rolls Perdido inside.]

Signal: “The preacher didn’t want to settle for a countout victory. He wants to punish his sinful opponent!”

[Idolo gets up–]

[Only to eat GOD’S FOOT!]

Black Scar: “Blackheart nearly sent the Silver Idol’s head into the nosebleeds with that big boot!”

[ONE!]

[The Root of All Evil breaks his pin.]

Reverend Blackheart: “The LAWD might have mercy, Nigel, but I ain’t gonn-ahh!”

Signal: “The Reverend is visualising Nigel Powers in Perdido’s place!”

[He lifts Idolo over his head by his underarms…]

[FALLEN CROSS!]

[Perdido wriggles free and ESCAPES the BORDER TOSS!]

[Blackheart spins round–]

[HARD CUT!]

Black Scar: “Idolo finally takes the big man down with the slingshot cutter!”

[Taking a bow, Perdido climbs the ropes…]

Signal: “He’s going to drive his elbow into the Heart of Darkness!”

[FADE TO BLACK!]

[Idolo hits a PICTURE-PERFECT top-rope elbow drop!]

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[THREE!]

[EXT. COMPOUND — MOLVANIA — NIGHT.]

[A rusted industrial compound squats beneath flickering floodlights. Snow drifts lazily. Guard towers loom, mostly abandoned.]

[Ram Jam creeps along a chain-link fence, masked, moving with exaggerated stealth.]

Ram Jam: “Easy now… smooth like soul.”

[He peeks through a broken window.]

[Inside the compound garage, his burnt-out motor sits proudly on display.]

[Nearby, Tony Knuckles and Frankie Fingers lounge against crates, laughing loudly. Music blares from a cheap speaker. Ram Jam’s girls dance, drinks in hand.]

Tony Knuckles: “I’m tellin’ you, this place is romantic.”

Frankie Fingers: “Yeah— real honeymoon vibes.”

[Ram Jam scowls.]

Ram Jam: “Uncool.”

[One of the girls notices him through the window.]

[She freezes for half a beat.]

[Then— she smiles.]

[She gives Ram Jam a subtle wink.]

[Ram Jam grins.]

Ram Jam: “Atta girl.”

[Inside, the girl casually swaps drinks with the two goons.]

[Knuckles takes a big gulp.]

Tony Knuckles: “Hey— this tastes kinda—”

[He collapses face-first.]

[Frankie Fingers blinks.]

Frankie Fingers: “Huh. Lightweight.”

[He sips.]

[He collapses too.]

[The music keeps playing.]

[Ram Jam kicks the door open.]

Ram Jam: “Ladies!”

[The girls cheer quietly.]

[Ram Jam hops onto his motor, firing it up. The engine roars to life.]

Ram Jam: “Miss me?”

[The girls pile on, laughing.]

[Ram Jam revs the engine.]

Ram Jam: “Told you I’d be back. Let’s get rollin'”

[He speeds out of the compound, tires screeching, leaving Knuckles and Fingers sprawled on the concrete.]

[The camera lingers on the empty garage.]

[Cut.]

[Backstage, Cometa IV walks alone, sweat from his match still clinging to his frame. His shoulders are tense, movements less buoyant.]

[Cometa turns a corner toward his locker then stops.]

[His gym bag sits on the bench.]

[Draped across it… is Santiago Del Toro’s crimson cape.]

[It lies there like a challenge. Like a warning.]

[As Cometa approaches the cape, the corridor darkens. The shadows almost give him horns as he stands over the sea of red.]

[The lights buzz, flicker.]

[The mist creeps in, thinner this time, slower.]

Santiago Del Toro (voice): “The stars will not shield you.”

[Cometa’s breath steadies.]

Santiago Del Toro (voice): “Not from the truth.”

[A pause. The air grows colder.]

Santiago Del Toro (voice): “You shine so brightly… it will make devouring you divine.”

[Cometa reaches down.]

[He grabs the cape in one hand, tightens his grip until the fabric crunches audibly between his fingers.]

[His knuckles go white.]

Cometa IV: “I’m done with your games! At Turbo Charged, I’m not reaching for the stars, I’m reaching for you, Santiago!”

[Then, with a sharp motion, he hurls it to the ground. Cometa grinds his boot down into the red cape, letting the debris from the concrete grind into it.]

[The lights snap back.]

[The mist is gone.]

[Cometa stands over the cape.]

[He doesn’t look down.]

[He doesn’t speak.]

[Cometa IV just walks away, faster this time.]

[He’s angry. It’s built up over weeks now.]

[But is that what Santiago Del Toro wants?]

[Lost Boy, Academius, and Pixelshift turn their collective gaze to Glitter…]

[They rush them!]

Signal: “Smart move to target the biggest competitor!”

Black Scar: “Please, Glitter has handled way more guys than this…”

[Indeed, they seem to enjoy the attention!]

Glitter: “More! More!”

[Academius and Pixelshift look at each other uncertainly.]

[They whip Glitter into Lost Boy–]

[HOOK’S HOOK!]

Signal: “SLINGBLADE by the Leader of the Lost!”

[ONE!]

[Academius breaks it up!]

Black Scar: “The Professor knew that punk kid would try and steal it!”

Signal: “It’s a fatal four-way, Scar!”

[Lost Boy shoves The Scholar…]

[BUTTERFLY SUPLEX – CHALK DUST!]

[Academius dusts his hands, then turns round–]

[A!]

[B!]

[DOWN!]

[UP!]

[8-BIT COMBO BY PIXELSHIFT!]

Signal: “Academius slumps down in the corner!”

[Pixelshift backs up. He charges…]

[BIG BOOT by Glitter, who steps on his visor after!]

Black Scar: “Pixelshift caught the BUKKAKE BULLET TRAIN!”

[Glitter makes a beeline for Academius–]

[BRONCO BUSTER – PONY SHOW!]

[The Sexual Messiah gropes themselves in ecstasy.]

Signal: “Wait – The Lost Boy has found his way back in!”

[ACID DROP – GLITTER IS OFF TO NEVERLAND!]

[Lost Boy, the last man standing, sizes up a recovering Academius…]

Black Scar: “Can the scrappy li’l bastard hit the BANGARANG BLAST for the win!?”

[SHINING ENZUI–HUH!?]

[The Temple is plunged into darkness.]

[A ship bell tolls ominously.]

[Groaning wood.]

[Crashing waves.]

[Scraping chains…]

[…]

[The lights come back!]

[An alarmed Lost Boy looks around, but his opponents and the Ruleador are all… As they were!?]

Signal: “Why did he freeze? Did something happen!?”

[Pixelshift takes advantage with a HARD RESET codebreaker, as his visor flashes GAME OVER!]

[ONE!]

[TWO!]

[THREE!]

Black Scar: “What was going on with the Lost Boy during the match?”

Signal: “He froze, Scar. I’m not sure I’ve seen anything like it. I know he’s a kid, but…”

[The Lost Boy doesn’t rise right away. He stays on one knee, chest heaving, fingers twitching against the canvas.]

[Something’s wrong.]

[He slowly stands, eyes scanning the ropes, the turnbuckles, the lights above.]

The Lost Boy: “That wasn’t normal…”

[He leans against the corner, sweat dripping from his brow, when he sees it.]

[The goblet.]

Signal: “What’s that, Scar?”

Black Scar: “He must’ve swiped it from somewhere.”

[Sitting neatly in his corner.]

The Lost Boy: “You’ve gotta be kidding me.”

[The lights dim. Fog rolls across the stage. A cold hush falls.]

[From the mist emerges Morcant Blacktide; tall, soaked in shadow, his coat trailing seawater, his eyes burning like green fire.]

[The crowd lowers to a hush, a mix of awe and fear.]

Morcant Blacktide: “Those who drink from my goblet invite the sea into their lungs.”

[The Lost Boy’s breath catches.]

The Lost Boy: “That was you… That’s why everything went weird—”

[Morcant steps closer to the ring.]

Morcant Blacktide: “You thought it treasure. Trinket. But it carries memory. Curse. Depth.”

The Lost Boy: “You’re not with the Jolly Roger Gang?”

Morcant Blacktide: “They steal flesh. I claim souls.”

The Lost Boy: “You cursed me.”

Morcant Blacktide: “You cursed yourself.”

[In a blink, Morcant is gone, swallowed by the fog. The crowd buzzes in confusion and dread.]

[The goblet remains in the ring. Still. Waiting.]

[The Lost Boy picks it up, leaving quickly.]

Black Scar: “Even I know that he probably should just go return that wherever he got it from.”

Signal: “We know where he got it from now, Scar. And I don’t think Morcant Blacktide is going to let him keep it.”

[Stupido confidently strides towards the curtains to ringside. We can just make out a smile underneath his paper bag mask as saunters to the entrance area.]

[As he’s mere feet away from the ringside entrance, he passes by Cleantake, who taps the King of Idiots on the shoulder as he approaches.]

Cleantake: “Excuse me, El Rey? May I talk to you before your match?”

[Stupido thinks on it for an uncomfortably long time before nodding.]

Cleantake: “I just have one question for you. Don’t you find it a little strange to be teaming with Tropico after he made such a weird stipulation for your upcoming match at Turbo Violence?”

El Rey Del Stupido: “Huh? Why would I find it strange? I just buy him a drink if he wins and he buys me dinner if I win. So all I have to do is win and I won’t have to buy anything. Sounds easy to me.”

Cleantake: “That’s not what he said though.”

[Stupido looks over to Cleantake with a dumbstruck look on his face. The interviewer clears his throat before speaking again.]

Cleantake: “What I mean is, he only said that he’d get you dinner. He never said that he’d pay for it.”

El Rey Del Stupido: “He didn’t? Are you sure? I thought that’s what he meant when he said he’d get dinner.”

Cleantake: “Shoot.” [He shuffles around uncomfortably, knowing that he said too much.] “Look, just forget it, okay?”

[Cleantake hurries off as the Royal Nonsense Overture begins to play. Stupido watches him run off for a moment before turning back towards the curtains.]

[The King rubs his head for a second before he stumbles through the curtains. Unbeknownst to him, a thought is beginning to form inside his head, which is the source of his headache.]

[Did Tropico just get one over on him?]

[Cut.]

Signal: “It’s Tag Team action folks. The unlikely team of El Tropico and Stupido against what’ll sure be a dominant force in War Machine.”

Black Scar: “And they ain’t waiting for the bell!”

[WHACK!]

[As Tropico and Stupido argue over who starts first, Siniestro nails Tropico in the back of the head with a Superkick.]

[He drags him away and whips him into his own corner before tagging in the big man.]

[Warlord Mars storms across the ring.]

[RUNNING LEAPING CORNER SPLASH!]

[NO-ONE’S HOME!]

[Tropico moved out of the way!]

[Mars angrily turns around and swings wildly with a Clothesline.]

[BANANA SPLIT!]

[EVASION DODGE! SPINNING WHEEL KICK!]

[Mars flies back into his corner and Tropico rushes over to make the tag. Stupido falls into the ring.]

[PANCAKE BODY SPLASH ACROSS THE HEAD]

Black Scar: “HE SQUASHED THAT STUPID BAG ON HIS HEAD!”

[Mars pulls him up and… WAR MACHINE!]

[TORTURE RACK INTO THE ARGENTINE BOMB!]

[Tropico rushes into the ring to make the save, but Siniestro flips over the top rope.]

[BUCKSHOT LARIAT TURNS HIM INSIDE OUT!]

[He heads back to the apron. Mars tags him and heads to the top rope.]

[WAR CRIME! MOONSAULT!]

Signal: “And there goes Siniestro from the other side!

[FROGSPLASH!]

[HEMOSO RUIDO!]

[Straight into the cover….]

[ONE…]

[TWO…]

[THREE!”]

Black Scar: “You know, I didn’t expect much from the team of Tropico and Stupido adn they delivered!”

Signal: “But how impressive and connected were War Machine? If Newton, Pixelshift and Ziggy were watching, they’ll be paying attention to how smooth they operated.”

[The camera suddenly cuts to someone at ringside, who sits wearing a very poor “luchador” mask, scowling with rage.]

Black Scar: “He looks impressed!”

Signal: “Ah geez, I know who that is…. The party pooper has arrived.”

[The camera cuts across and we see Jack Standard shouting and pointing at the ring. A coupe of security guards are trying to hold him back.]

Signal: “If we’re lucky, they’ll take this guy outside.”

Black Scar: “You really don’t like him, huh?”

Signal: “Trust me, neither will you, Scar.”

[Standard’s rage boils over and he shoves his way past security and grabs a mic. He stands in the centre of the ring and takes in the crowd around him. The grizzled veteran looks annoyed as he starts to speak.]

Jack Standard: “So this is OSW…”

Signal: “Wait for it…”

Jack Standard: “What a disappointment.”

[The crowd boo his words, they start chanting OSW! OSW! But Jack Standard just rolls his eyes and gestures for them to be quiet.]

Jack Standard: “My name is Jack Standard. I am a professional wrestler and I’ve been grappling since before half of you were even born. I have stepped inside the squared circle in every continent, I’ve wrestled for dozens of promotions in hundreds of cities. But never before I have I felt so embarrassed by a so-called wrestling show.”

[The crowd boo more aggressively, no one insults OSW in the temple!]

Jack Standard: “I sat in my chair, waiting to see if there was any man in this company who could match up to Standard. I expected to see strength and skill and resilience. And what was a I confronted with tonight? A man with a pineapple on his head?! An astronaut?! A freaking dinosaur?! Where are the men of brawn and steel? Where are all the fighters? It’s pathetic.”

[Some of the crowd start another OSW chant, some throw trash at Standard for his insult.]

Jack Standard: “It’s not wonder you all wear masks, you must be ashamed of what you’ve become. There are no real wrestlers here, just performers. You are a bunch of showgirls flashing for the applause. I am going to teach each and every one of you that this is not entertainment, this is serious wrestling.”

[As the crowd boos once more. Standard drops the mic, rolls out of the ring and stalks grimly out of the arena]

Black Scar: “Yeah, you’re right – he’s a bit of a prick.”

Signal: “Understatement of the century, Scar. Understatement of the century.”

[Aranza stands in place for a backstage interview. She looks fine at first very focused, composed, arms folded tight.]

[ A simple question is asked. Aranza starts to answer… then stops.]

[She blinks.]

[The lights feel harsher than they should. The noise behind the camera stretches and warps just slightly. Not enough for panic but she knows its enough to be wrong.]

[She shakes her head once, tries again.]

[Mid-sentence, her words trail off.]

[Her jaw tightens. She exhales through her nose like she’s trying to power through it.]

[The hallway from last week flashes in her head. Vinell’s voice. That pressure at her side.]

[She takes a step back.]

Aranza: “Hold on,”

[She mutters. Her vision dips. The floor feels farther away than it should be.]

[She reaches out instinctively and misses.]

[Her knees buckle. She goes down hard, catching herself on one hand before collapsing fully to the concrete.]

[She’s conscious. Breathing fast. Angry more than scared.]

[ Some OSW crew rush in. Someone calls for medical.]

[And then Vinell is there.]

[Not rushing. Not surprised.]

[Dr. E. Vinell steps into frame with two orderlies already behind him. Calm. Prepared. Like this was always on the schedule.]

[He kneels just enough to look at her clearly.]

Dr. E. Vinell: “Delayed response,”

[Vinell says quietly. Not to her — to them. Aranza tries to push herself up. Her arm gives out.]

[Vinell straightens as he directs his orderlies.]

Dr. E. Vinell: “She needs observation….NOW!!.”

[The orderlies move in as Aranza glares up at him, teeth clenched, body refusing to cooperate.]

[The orderlies move in and lift Aranza to her feet.Her legs don’t cooperate. She leans into them for half a second then shoves one away, forcing herself upright even as her vision swims.]

[Vinell watches closely as Aranza locks eyes with him.]

[Through clenched teeth Aranza lashes out]

Aranza: “This…..this…. isn’t over…….”

[Vinell steps closer, just enough for her to hear him.]

Dr. E. Vinell: “No,”

[He says calmly.]

Dr. E. Vinell: “It’s finally started.”

[The orderlies pull her away despite her resistance, guiding her down the hallway. She never looks back. She doesn’t need to.]

[Vinell remains where he is, hands clasped behind his back, watching until she’s gone.]

[He exhales once satisfied.]

[The camera lingers on the empty space she was standing in then cuts.]

Signal:Ladies and gentlemen we have a huge main event here tonight. As a preview for Turbo Violence, we see the OSW World Champion Dr Cube going against one of his possible opponents in Ziggy Roberts. But after what he went through last week, can Ziggy even fight tonight?

Black Scar:Not only that but that thief Edward Newton is the special guest referee. Will the Riddler be impartial or will he completely screw over our World Champion here?

Signal:I don’t doubt the Riddler has a plan tonight but it won’t be that straight forward. Either way, this match should be a violent, brutal affair

[The bell sounds as Ziggy moves forward, a little worse for wear but that beaming smile etched on his face as he walks to the middle of the ring and extends his hand out to Dr Cube]

Black Scar: Did this idiot get another screw loose last week? Why is he wanting to shake the hand of the man who tried to kill him?

Signal: Ziggy has never been all there but you’ve gotta admire the sportsmanship

[Ziggy stands there, his hand outstretched as Dr Cube just stares at it for a moment, puzzled. He slowly walks forward, the crowd roaring.]

SHAKE HIS HAND!

SHAKE HIS HAND!

[Dr Cube shakes Ziggy’s hand, Roberts beaming as the crowd roars. Ziggy goes to move backwards but Cube doesn’t let go of his hand. Ziggy turns back as Cube shakes his head before pulling him in]

[CHECKMATE! Brutal Spinning Elbow rocks Ziggy. He doesn’t go down but he’s out on his feet as Cube floats behind him, locking in a Cobra Clutch]

[Ziggy yells out in pain but refuses to tap. NO MATTER WHAT! Newton gets in his face, asking him if he gives up but he refuses, Newton’s hand brushing against Cube’s face, the hold slipping slightly]

[Which allows Ziggy to drop to the mat with a CHIN CRUSHER! Cube staggers back, holding his jaw as Ziggy gets to his feet, rushing to the ropes.]

[SLING…SUPERKICK! Ziggy runs right into a brutal kick to the jaw, dropping him down hard to the mat. Cube drops down into a lateral press for the cover]

[ONE…]

[TW...Ziggy gets the shoulder up]

[Dr Cube pulls Ziggy up, lifting him up with a few hard knees to the ribs before sending him to the ropes. Ziggy bounces off looking for a clothesline but Cube ducks underneath]

[SNAP GERMAN! Cube drops Ziggy down on the back of his head, pulling him back up before spinning him around and dropping him again with a bridging Dragon]

[ONE…]

[TWO….]

[THR…ZIGGY SOMEHOW JUST KICKS OUT!]

Black Scar: Marvolo damn it, how does this annoying idiota not put away yet?

Signal: Idiot or not, Ziggy has heart and far too much of it then the Dr gives him credit for

[Cube looks annoyed, pulling Ziggy up to his feet as he throws him into the corner. Cube goes to rush after him but he nearly runs into Newton, who accidentally gets in his path.]

Black Scar: Once is a coincidence, I’m beginning to think this may be on purpose Sig

[Cube looks furious as Newton begs off, smirking. Cube turning back to the corner. ]

[RUNNING CLOTHESLINE WIPES OUT CUBE! The Dr staggers up right into a flurry of rapid ear chops, Ziggy ROOTING FOR HIM before Roberts rushes to the ropes, bouncing off]

[TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND! Slingblade drops Cube to the mat as Ziggy quickly rushes to the ropes, leaping up to the top as he begins pumping up the crowd]

CLAP!

CLAP!

CLAP!

CLAP!

[USE THIS FOR…CANVAS! Ziggy took too long as Cube moves out of the way, Roberts hitting the mat hard]

Black Scar:Doesn’t matter how much heart you have if you’re an idjit

[Roberts staggers up, holding his gut in pain as he walks right into a huge knee before his arm is trapped behind his back]

[RUSSIAN ROULETTE! Brutal Hammerlock DDT drops Roberts into the mat, but Cube doesn’t cover, kicking Ziggy onto his chest before dropping down]

[PUZZLE LOCK! The Regal Stretch is applied, Ziggy crying out in pain as Cube wrenches back with all his strength. Newton drops down, getting in Roberts face asking if he taps but Ziggy Roberts has one belief above all]

[NO MATTER WHAT, HE WILL NEVER TAP!]

[Ziggy tries to pull himself to the ropes but Cube has too much weight on him as he slowly but surely begins to pass out. Newton grabs his arm, lifting it up before dropping it]

[ONCE]

[Newton picks it up again, dropping it from high]

[TWO]

[The Riddler shifts, grabbing Ziggy’s arm before dropping it at the same time he kicks Roberts leg onto the bottom rope]

[The arm goes down a third time, Cube drops the hold as he raises his arm in victory but Newton doesn’t lift it up, pointing out the foot on the rope as he waves off the time keeper]

Black Scar: I told you our world champ was going to get screwed here.

Signal: I mean…did you really expect anything different?

[Cube looks furious, getting in the face of Newton who smugly points at his referee shirt. Cube turns away for a moment before shoving Newton hard in the chest.]

[The Riddler just smirks, nodding to himself. LOW BLOW TO CUBE!]

[Newton kicks Dr Cube low, the world champion doubled over before he’s lifted up onto his shoulders. ENIGMA CODE! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER]

[Newton pulls Ziggy up off the mat, placing him onto Dr Cube before he drops down to count]

[ONE…]

[TW…NEWTON IS PULLED OUT OF THE RING BY SANTIAGO SINIESTRO!]

Black Scar: Thank Marvolo, Newton’s not getting away with his cheating ways tonight.

Signal:Of course Dr Cube wouldn’t do this alone, how damn long was Sinestro underneath that ring?

[Santiago begins pummeling Newton before trying for a Superkick but Newton catches it, spinning Santiago around]

[KICK WHAM NEVERMIND! Brutal DDT drives Santiago into the concrete floor but as Newton goes to climb back into the ring, the steel cage door flies through the air, narrowly avoiding his head]

Warlord Mars: THIS…IIIISSS….WARRRR!!!!!!

[Warlord Mars explodes into the cage, tearing the door off before storming into the ring. Newton scrambles in before him, delivering a hard kick to the jaw to the kneeling Mars before rushing to the ropes]

[Mars catches the foot, throwing him high into the air, RING SHAKING CHOKESLAM!]

[Mars pulls up the Dr. who shakes off the haze, looking down at the falling Newton before sneering and signalling to Mars with a slash across his throat.]

Signal:Oh god, what does the Dr have in store for our referee here?

[Mars pulls Newton up, punishing him with a few hard knees to the ribs before hoisting him up high, like an avalanche before rushing forward]

[AND LAWN DARTING HIM OVER THE ROPES RIGHT THROUGH THE CAGE WALL!]

HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!

Black Scar: I’m with the crowd, we may not have a referee anymore as Mars may have just murdered Newton.

Signal:I don’t think Cube cares, he just wants to make next week a handicap match and with poor Ziggy all alone, War Machine may well do just that.

[Santiago stumbles to his feet, rolling into the ring as Ziggy slowly begins to come too. War Machine surround him, Ziggy visibly gulping before backing up with his hands raised.]

Ziggy Robbins: Hey fellas, I’m sure we don’t have to resort to violence. We’re all friends here right?

[Dr Cube just smiles before snapping his fingers]

Dr. Cube: Kill him.

[BRUTAL CLOTHESLINE BY MARS TURNS ZIGGY INSIDE OUT! Mars pulls Ziggy up to his feet, holding him in place as Santiago rushes forward]

[PUMP KNEE MAY WELL HAVE BROKEN ZIGGY’S JAW! Roberts slumps down to his knees as he’s held in place, Dr Cube kneeling down as he pats his jaw]

Dr. Cube: Game Over.

[Dr Cube lifts Ziggy up, looking for the Package Piledriver when suddenly from the top of the cage, someone shouts down

Pixelshift: CONTINUE.

Pixelshift: PLAYER TWO HAS ENTERED THE GAME!

[SKY DIVER PRESS! Pixelshift leaps from the top of the cage with a Diving Senton Bomb wiping out War Machine!]

[The crowd roar as Pixelshift rolls to his feet, trying to lift up Ziggy to his feet but Warlord Mars roars as he pulls himself up. Mars rushing forward but Pixel dodges, Mars spearing himself through the ropes right through the hole he made in the cage.]

[Pixelshift leaps over after him, grabbing hold of the cage wall as he does before leaping down at the staggering Warlord]

[HARD RESET! Pixelshift wipes out Warlord Mars on the outside]

Black Scar: Absolute mayhem here but we’ve still got a match going on…hold on, how the hell is he on his feet?

[FROM THE BOTTOM TO THE TOP! ZIGGY WITH THE GREATEST MOONSAULT EVER OUT OF NOWHERE! He covers but there’s no one to count.]

Signal: Edward Newton slowly getting to his feet on the outside, staggering in as he begins the delayed count.

[ONE….]

[TWO….]

[THRE….SANTIAGO BREAKS UP THE FALL AGAIN!]

[El Frio begins kicking down at Ziggy, pulling him as he slashes his throat but Ziggy slips out of the Mexican Destroyer. He spins Santiago around, grabbing him in a headlock before leaping up to the ropes]

[TORNADO DDT!]

[Ziggy spikes Santiago down, rolling to his feet]

[CHECKMATE! Spinning Elbow hits flush as Dr Cube rocks Ziggy. He tries to lift him up for the Game Over but Ziggy drops to his knees. He tries to lift him up again but Ziggy collapses]

[Cube looks furious before deadlifting Ziggy up to his feet]

[GAME OVER! Package Piledriver crushes Ziggy into the mat. Cube hooking both legs as he stares daggers at Newton, The Riddle dropping down and slowly counting]

[ONE]

[TWO]

[THREE!!]

Signal: The World Champion beats Ziggy Roberts here tonight but he barely…just barely survived him

Black Scar:Hey, wins a win anyway you get it.

[Dr Cube gets to his feet, demanding Newton lift up his hand as the Riddler walks over]

[KICK WHAM NEVER…NO! Dr Cube slips out of the Nevermind attempt. He rattles the Riddle with a huge elbow to the jaw before lifting him up]

[GAME OV…NO! Newton slips out of the Piledriver, backing up as both men slightly nod at one another]

Signal: A measure of respect shown here tonight but that will all change one week from today. War Machine vs. Edward Newton, Pixelshift and Ziggy Roberts in WARRR GAMMMESS!

[On the outside, Pixelshift is brawling with Warlord Mars. Mars getting the better of him powerwise but Pixelshift keeps glitching, delivering hit and run attacks as both men vanish into the crowd]

Black Scar: Turbo Violence will be just that and if this match was any indication, there won’t be a winner next week but mere survivors.