LUKE STORM
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
Previously Recorded.
Click.
Static covers the screen as a Play ► symbol appears in the bottom right-hand corner.
We’re on the set of Luke Storm’s new Hollywood movie; Blockbuster. The director has not long shouted cut and Luke is off to the prop department to prepare for his next scene.
They prepare him with the right clothing, making sure he’s ready to shoot the scene – only he isn’t using a stunt double, no, he’s doing the stunts himself.
One of the writing team approaches with the script.
“So, you leap over those two vehicles – which will explode as you do, but if you remain central, the explosions will happen behind you and you’ll barely even feel the heat.”
Luke nods.
“Then you jump, leap, turn and shoot the pistol back towards the camera,” he says with a knowing nod. “We’ll capture all that and that’s a wrap for the day. We’ll get the rest of the final scene tomorrow.”
The prop department hands him a pistol – a 9MM. Storm looks it up and down, feeling it in the palm of his hand.
“This feels a little weighty,” he says curiously.
A member of the prop department approaches, taking the weapon and having a feel.
“Yeah, they wanted us to use a real gun for the scene. Don’t worry though, the magazine is empty, look,” he says, popping out the empty magazine to show him.
Storm nods with a smirk.
“We’re going to fire test it anyway; fancy helping out?”
“What do you need?” Storm offers.
“Well, you can either fire the gun, or be behind the camera. You’ve not directed before, have you? It could be good practice.”
The Double Feature Champion debates it.
“Nah, I’ll fire the weapon – see how it feels in my hand.”
Luke takes the gun as everyone gets into position. He stands opposite the camera, positioning himself near the mat so that he can make his leap, turn and shoot.
With an exchange of nods, he makes his move.
BOOM!
Like a pin drop, the sound of the BOOM brings silence to the set. Luke Storm rolls back to his feet and tosses the gun aside in horror; the fucking thing shot – it fucking shot.
Then panic sets in.
Everyone rushes into the department as Luke angrily gets back to his feet.
“What the fuck was that!?” He roars. “The gun should’ve been fucking empty!”
But no-one is listening.
Because behind the camera, the man directing the practice, has taken a bullet through the camera, right into his head.
Luke Storm has killed a man.
With a look of horror on his face as members of the crew attend to the poor guy from the prop department that lost his life, Storm looks down at the gun.
It should’ve been empty.
There was nothing in the magazine.
But somehow, there was one in the chamber.
Cut.
CXDY & KAINE KNIGHTLORD
At ringside, the opening beats of ‘No One Will Save You’ begin. A hot flame lights up on the stage and forms a ring. Kaine slowly rises from inside it as red lights glow across the arena. The dark detective steps through the flames and begins his walk to the ring.
He looks determined and focused.
But that focus is misplaced, as CXDY runs from behind and takes him by surprise, knocking him over and stomping a mudhole into him. CXDY picks Kaine up and rams him headfirst into the barriers before stomping him again. Kaine is now on the ground face down.
“You think you can do this to my wife and get away with it?!” CXDY shouts.
“And then you think that you can offer your services and I’ll thank you so kindly for your help. That’s just to throw me off the scent.”
He broods over the fallen HellBat. Suddenly, his face changes. It becomes angry in a much calmer way. And from his pocket CXDY produces a sharpened piece of wood.
“But you shouldn’t be so flippant, Knightlord. You see, there is truly a lot at stake.”
A smirk tries to pull at the corner of CXDY’s mouth but he’s far too angry. Knightlord is back to his feet now but facing away from CXDY. As he turns CXDY swings the stake towards Knightlord’s heart, but just as it is about to hit him Knightlord grabs CXDY by the wrist and wrestles the hand away from him inch by inch.
And he kicks him in the gut!
CXDY doubles over, and Knightlord throws the stake all the way up the ramp out of his reach. Knightlord rolls CXDY into the ring and follows him in, ready for the match to start, a new fire stoked inside him after that sneak attack!
CXDY vs. KAINE KNIGHTLORD
The mysterious figure stalking his wife has seen CXDY slowly slip into darkness and Kaine Knightlord is the latest target of his misguided rage. Will CXDY bury the vampire with purest anger or will the detective be able to help Cody find the man deserving of wrath?
The bell doesn’t even get to sound as CXDY pounds down on Kaine on the outside, delivering heavy lefts and rights to the unsuspecting Detective before gripping him by the back of the cloak and rushing forward
HEADFIRST INTO THE STEEL POST!
Skull meets steel and steel wins out as a small cut opens up on Kaine’s forehead, CXDY quickly tossing him into the ring before sliding in himself as the referee calls for the bell to finally begin this contest.
CXDY delivers a hard kick to the side of the rising Kaine’s head before backing up
ROLLING KNEE DROP!
CXDY drops down for the lateral press cover
ONE
……..
TW…Kaine easily gets the shoulder up!
CXDY drops down for a moment, pulling Kaine up into a headlock as he cranks down on the hold.
Knightlord slowly gets to his feet with a flurry of elbows to the gut as CXDY quickly lets go of the headlock, spinning Kaine around
GERMAN SUPLEX…KAINE LANDS ON HIS FEET!
He spins CXDY around, gripping him around the wrist before landing a huge Ripcord Clothesline. Kaine swivels around a rising CXDY, waiting for the Gods Gift to slowly get to his feet
BLOODY STREAM! The Northern Lariat hits flush as Kaine drops down for the cover
ONE
…….
TWO
……..
CXDY GETS THE SHOULDER UP!
Kaine pulls CXDY to his feet, drilling him with a stiff forearm across the jaw before gripping both arms and spinning him around
NIGHT RAID….
NO! CXDY slips out, LEAPING KNEE TO THE SKULL!
That bionic knee crashes into the open wound of Kaine, stunning him before CXDY leaps up into the air
YOUR
FORETOLD
DESTINY!
The 540 Roundhouse hits its mark but CXDY isn’t done as he pulls Kaine up to his feet
SLAP, SLAP, SPINNING CHOP, ROUNDHOUSE! Kaine is out on his feet as CXDY rushes to the ropes
PERFECT RU…KAINE DUCKS UNDER THE DROPKICK!
CXDY gets to his feet into a kick to the gut
BLOOD DRIVER! CXDY gets driven into the mat as Kaine hooks the leg for the cover
ONE
……..
……….
TWO
……….
………….
THR…KICKOUT!
Kaine pulls CXDY up to his feet but gets a european uppercut to the jaw before he gets lifted up high
PERFECT ENDING! THE BRAINBUSTER HITS HARD! But CXDY isn’t done.
CXDY backs up, pulling down the knee pad on his titanium knee as he sizes up the slowly rising Kaine before rushing forward
PERFEXEC…KAINE DUCKS THE KNEE! SCHOOL BOY OUT OF NOWHERE
ONE
……..
……….
TWO
……….
………….
THREE!!!
Kaine picks up the victory out of near defeat here tonight as CXDY’s rage costs him dearly.
CXDY
As CXDY gets back to his feet in the middle of the ring, he’s still enraged. He’s convinced that Kaine Knightlord is the one responsible for the stalking of his wife.
Just then…
Static.
Shaky cam footage.
We’re inside a room, looking at a wall that just so happens to be decorated with pictures of Sasha and Cody Junior. Their obsession has clearly grown because there’s hundreds of photographs.
A familiar voice begins speaking.
“I love them,” the voice says calmly – softly, almost carefully.
A gloved hand carefully picks up a picture of CJ and looks at it.
“My son; isn’t he amazing? He has all the potential in the world. We love playing catch and going for walks. He has a temper like his daddy but we’re working on it.”
The hand puts the picture back and picks up one of Sasha.
“And my darling wife; how beautiful is she? I adore her. We make passionate love by candlelight every single night. I spend as much time as I can around her beauty. She’s mesmerizing.”
An eerie sigh echoes throughout the recording as we flip back to CXDY, who stands in the middle of the ring in utter shock.
The delusion of this stalker has gotten worse; they’ve created a life for themselves with CXDY’s family that doesn’t exist.
“I love my family,” the person says. “I just love them so much.”
Static.
Cut.
With the footage gone, CXDY has stumbled back into the ropes. His entire world is being turned upside down. His mind flickers between protecting his family and finding the stalker responsible for making his life miserable.
However, Kaine Knightlord is not responsible.
So, who is?
Cut.
SANCTUS BELLATOR & SIR RENAULT
It’s a serene night and Sanctus Bellator and Sir Renault are talking about what happened last week. Sir Renault is still as inquisitive as always.
“Do you really think giving that man life will bring us closer to Yahweh’s return?”
Sanctus responds.
“I do, do you not?”
Renault replies.
“I don’t think so and even if I did, there’s an easier way.”
Sanctus’ eyes open a bit.
“How?”
Renault smiles.
“My way.”
Almost by prompt, a blood curdling scream breaks the calmness of the night.
Renault grins with knowledge.
A few blocks away, a young man is dead with four words carved into his chest.
NO GODS
NO LAWS
Sanctus looks at Renault with fear and confusion. He mutters.
“What did you do?”
Renault shrugs and speaks.
“Follow me and find out.”
They walk until they see the woman on the phone with the police. She’s frantic and barely making sense.
“I don’t know what happened, I was walking home and I found him here, he isn’t breathing, please send someone here.”
As she hangs up the phone, both men come to her. Renault speaks, acting confused.
“Miss, what happened?”
She hesitantly points to the body. Both men make the same expression. For Sanctus, it is actual shock.
Sir Renault shakes his head acting disappointed and speaks.
“I hate what the world has come to, don’t you miss? We lost the gods and it now seems like we’re losing everything.”
She slowly nods her head crying.
Renault continues to speak.
“Some of us think there is a way to make things better. This world is a dark place but we are trying to lighten it up. We have church on Sundays. We try to keep some traditions alive. You’re welcome to join us if you’d like.”
She nods her head and Renault continues.
“This is our address.”
He writes it in the notes section of a Bible he has on him.
“Here you go miss, the address is the least important part of that book, we hope to see you.”
Renault and Bellator walk away from her.
Once she’s out of earshot, Sanctus goes off on Renault.
“What is wrong with you!? You killed a man to get one follower and you think your way is easier than mine!?”
Renault replies.
“Easier than giving life to make one man sound crazy and drive everyone away. I didn’t even kill him, he overdosed and I found him in the alley, all I did was carve the words in his chest.”
Sanctus responds.
“That’s better but how is traumatizing a poor woman better than what we did?”
Renault answers.
“I didn’t say it was better, I said it was easier. The news is much likelier to show the bad of the world and when others see what I wrote, they’ll be so desperate for order, Yahweh will receive prayers again. After all, in the dark, the light shines brightest.”
Sanctus shakes his head and replies.
“As much as I hate to say it, you remind me of my uncle in some ways.”
Renault replies.
“Is that bad?”
Sanctus answers.
“No, it just means I have to be like my father and show you why light triumphs over darkness. Face me in that ring and let’s let the victor decide the direction of the templars.”
Renault is surprised by this and shakes Bellator’s hand.
Cut.
SANCTUS BELLATOR vs. SIR RENAULT
Both competitors share the same core faith, but their methodology is different – including in the ring.
Sanctus weaves round Renault. He hops up onto his shoulders, then spins round—
HURRICANRANA INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!
The Last Crusader stumbles back, seeing stars…
SANCTUS DARTS PAST HIM—
SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY!
ONE!
…
TWO!!
…
…
KICKOUT!
The ageless knight isn’t ready to fall on his sword yet.
Sanctus pulls him to his feet. He whips him into the corner, then charges in after him…
RUNNING DROPKICK!
Renault staggers forwards. Bellator hops up onto his shoulders once more—
BUT RENAULT FORCES HIM DOWN INTO A SINGLE-LEG CRAB!
The Chosen One thrashes on the mat, as Renault squats down and ups the ante! Will he tap!?
…
ROPE BREAK!
Sanctus claws his way to salvation. Renault releases the hold immediately; temperance is but one of twelve virtues of the Code of Chivalry.
He allows Bellator to drag himself up…
GERMAN SUPLEX!
Popping his hips, he keeps hold of him—
HALF-NELSON SUPLEX!
Looking for the trilogy—
DRAGON SUPLEX!
SANCTUS JUST GOT REACQUAINTED WITH THE HOLY TRINITY!
ONE!
…
TWO!!
…
…
SHOULDER UP!
The luchador’s light isn’t yet extinguished.
Having grounded the aerialist, Renault sinks down…
CRUCIFIX SUBMISSION!
Which variation of his signature move will he opt for!?
THE ARM LOCK – PENTANGLE LOCKED IN!
How fitting that Renault should choose the hold which represents friendship, as he wrenches Bellator’s arm off!
Sanctus clutches at straws, too far from the ropes this time…
HE ROLLS BACKWARDS!
RENAULT’S SHOULDERS ARE DOWN!
ONE!
…
TWO!!
…
…
THR—SHOULDER UP!!!
The Fallen Holy Knight rises once more.
Sanctus swings for him, but his shoulder gives out! Renault clubs the joint, then sends him into the ropes by the same arm…
HEADSCISSORS BY BELLATOR!
LA MISTICA!?
YES – HE TRANSITIONS INTO AN ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!
WAIT… HIS ARM FAILS HIM!
THE ARM OF GOD IS TOO SHORT TO BOX WITH SIR RENAULT!
Sanctus hits the mat, clutching his limb. Renault, though, hauls him up onto his shoulders—
HE’S GOT HIM IN THE CRUCIFIX!
RENAULT GETS READY TO DROP THE ‘BOMB…
BUT BELLATOR ESCAPES THE LAST CRUSADE!
Sanctus deftly steps from Renault’s shoulders onto the nearest top turnbuckle. Before he can take to the skies, however, he feels the after-effects of the single-leg crab.
Renault hammers him in the knee, further subduing him. He isn’t a risk-taker, but he knows he can beat Bellator, so he climbs up after him, slinging his wounded arm round his neck!
TOP-ROPE SUPER—
Sanctus drills him in the gut over and over again! Renault coughs and splutters…
BELLATOR DROPS HIM WITH A FRONT SUPLEX!
Using his good arm to carry the load, Sanctus makes Renault eat mat.
Still perched atop the rope, Bellator shakily stands up.
Renault has targeted his arm and leg, but Sanctus needs one or the other if he’s to hit his signature or finishing manoeuvres!
Looking to the heavens above, he crosses his chest…
DIVING DOUBLE FOOT STOMP!
TERRA TREMUIT!
BELLATOR CAVES IN RENAULT’S CHEST CAVITY!
ONE!
…
TWO!!
…
…
TH—TWO-POINT-NINE!
Bravely bold Sir Renault ain’t afraid to carry on.
Sanctus hobbles to his feet, then pulls Renault up. He grabs him in a uranage but heads to the corner, where he scales the ropes.
Will his arm—and leg, for that matter—hold out!?
…
IMPERTIO!
BELLATOR HITS THE TOP-ROPE SPANISH FLY!
ONE!
…
TWO!!
…
…
THREEE!!!
Sanctus illuminates Renault!
IMPALER
Previously Recorded
We open to an old wood building, the lettering on the building is Japanese. As we enter we see Impaler sitting cross-legged at a table on the floor. Across from him is an older, Japanese man. Impaler lowers his head in respect as he picks up a glass of sake.
“Thank you, Kitamiya-san. Your help with the Odawara has proved invaluable to me.”
The older man bows in return as they both toss back their drink.
“Knowing that a member of the Odawara clan, and especially the legendary Tenchu, is still out there makes this old man’s heart proud.”
Impaler smiles at this.
“Kitamiya-san, I need some more information. It seems like Grimwolf knows more than he is letting on. I want to make sure that everything goes smoothly at Warped.”
Kitamiya sits back a moment in thought. He stands to his feet and goes to a shelf with some old scrolls. He pulls some out and hands them to Impaler.
“These are records of raids by the Wokou abroad. Brought back by the scoundrels and bragged about in the brothels here. Some kept record.”
Impaler smiles as he looks over them seeing names and dates.
A day before Warped
We see Impaler now in New York. He is in a darkened alley as he keeps watch over the street. A shady, youthful, Japanese man with a dragon on his jacket approaches. He is missing a pinky finger and hands Impaler a stack of paper.
“This everything?”
The young man nods his head.
“We forged the documents as you asked, making sure to keep to the dialect and writing style. Not even the best historians would be able to distinguish the alterations we made.”
“It’s not historians I’m worried about.”
Impaler hands the man a wad of cash and they go their separate ways.
Cut
THE HACKER & ZERO
A darkened room.
With monitors stationed in their number across a wall with only their presence adorning it, we arrive inside a top-secret location.
A location we’ve not seen since Up in Smoke.
Sat behind a desk, a young white man sits furiously tapping away at a keyboard. His eyes don’t leave the monitors as he slaps away at keys, making his magic happen.
Just then, the door opens and in walks a darkened figure – of which we only get to see their silhouette.
“You’ve had plenty of time,” a stern voice points out. “Is it ready?”
The hacker looks furious. He’s a young man, early twenties, wearing glasses and lacking any real social awareness.
“If I say no?” He queries bravely.
“Then I’m going to kill you where you sit, bury your body where no-where will ever find it and find someone else to do your job,” is the unnerving response. “So, I’ll ask you one more time; is it ready?”
There’s a gulp.
“It’s ready,” he mutters, taking off his glasses and rubbing his eyes. “Once I press this button, you’ll be in complete control of the weapon. You can activate and deactivate it at will. It’s undetectable by anyone without the source code – even he’ll be unaware of it, at first.”
“At first?” The silhouette replies curiously.
“He’ll catch on eventually,” the hacker assures him. “It’s a matter of time.”
“Very well,” is the reply. “Press the button.”
Click.
Suddenly we switch our dynamic entirely to backstage at Warped. Zero stands with Pyre, laughing and joking – until that switch is flicked and he goes dead silent.
“Z?” Pyre queries in surprise at his weird and abrupt silence. “You good, man?”
Just then, like the switch was flicked back, he returns.
“Yeah, why the fuck wouldn’t I be? How about we go fuck some British bitches, huh?” He says with a wry toothy smile.
Pyre smiles back.
Cut.
PIRATE GOLD vs. TENCHU & THE IMPALER
The issues between Pirate Gold and the alliance between Tenchu and The Impaler have come to a boiling point here tonight!
We start things off with Gable and Tenchu, as the machine looks to wear down the Olympian with some heavy strikes, particularly focused on Gable’s legs.
Tenchu’s mastery of martial arts does well for him as he sends Gable into the corner, the force actually sending Gable back toward the Metal Shadow in the process!
ROUNDHOUSE KICK–BUT GABLE JUST DUCKS IT!
Quick tag to Greywolf, who looks for a bit of revenge at the expense of Tenchu!
The captain unleashes his fury, looking to overwhelm the machine with a multitude of punches in the hopes of finding just the right one to send Tenchu flying…but it is Greywolf who goes flying instead, sent to the corner with a hard kick by Tenchu!
Tenchu opts to tag in The Impaler here, if only to gain a bit of advantage as the two start to double-team Greywolf…only for Gable to come rushing in!
Chaos ensues as all four competitors end up laying into each other, with Greywolf and The Impaler on the outside!
As the two legal men of the bout continue to brawl out on the floor, Tenchu leaves the ring to continue the tip the odds in their favor…until Gable pulls off something unusual!
HE DIVES TO THE OUTSIDE, DROPPING RIGHT ON TOP OF THE OTHER THREE!
HOLY SHIT!
With all four men down on the outside, the ref is beside himself waiting for someone…anyone…to get back in the ring and continue this match.
Eventually, we see Greywolf get to his feet, as does The Impaler…and Tenchu, as the pair send Greywolf crashing into the steel steps. Impaler brings the captain back inside as Tenchu lays in a kick to the fallen Gable for good measure.
Back in the ring, Impaler goes to work on the legs of Greywolf, sensing an opportunity to exploit a bit of weakness. Legion eventually locks in a single leg crab, wrenching back as the captain yells in agony.
Greywolf working to build toward a vertical base here, trying to maneuver himself in such a way as to escape…and he does, kicking Impaler back as he gets to his feet.
Cael’s made it back onto the apron, and he’s reaching out for the captain!
Here comes the tag!
NO!
ADAM SMASHER!
IMPALER JUST LAID OUT THE CAPTAIN WITH A RUNNING LARIAT!
Cael tries to rush in but is now stopped by the ref, the two arguing as Impaler focuses on dismantling Greywolf some more as he stomps the leg he’s been attacking.
Satisfied with the damage, Impaler tags in Tenchu and the two once again go on a double-team attack, this time sending the captain to the ropes looking for a double clothesline on the rebound!
ISRAEL DUCKS UNDER!
HOT TAG TO CAEL GABLE!
Gable is a man possessed as he rushes into the ring, laying in some lefts and rights on Tenchu before turning his attention to The Impaler!
GOLD RUSH!
GABLE JUST TOOK THE IMPALER DOWN HARD WITH THAT SPEAR!
Impaler rolls out of the ring as Gable turns his attention to Tenchu.
HIDDEN BLADE!
TENCHU JUST ROCKED CAEL GABLE’S WORLD WITH THAT KNEE TO THE HEAD!
The machine looks ready to put this fight to an end as he sets Gable up!
ODOWARA–
NO! KEELHAULED BY GRIMWOLF!
The elbow strike dazed Tenchu just enough for Gable to get his bearings!
Impaler tries to get back into the ring but is cut off by Greywolf!
ANOTHER KEELHAULED, THIS TIME KEEPING THE IMPALER OUT FOR GOOD!
PUGHPLEX!
OH MY GOD!
GABLE DROPS TENCHU WITH THE SUPLEX CUTTER! GABLE WITH THE COVER!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Cael Gable and his Captain have taken Tenchu and Impaler down a peg or two!
THE SANDMAN & MORDECAI
Long, long ago – upon the dawn of humanity.
White.
Nothing but pure, bright, dazzling white. It’s everywhere. Stood within this brightness is a multitude of spirits – seen only in the form of a darkened smoke.
Flash.
Mordecai appears.
“We are the Gods of humanity,” a voice booms. “And we are your creator.”
The Gatekeeper nods stoically.
“It is your duty to serve humanity within their dreams; protect them, comfort them and keep them safe whilst they rest.”
He stands deathly still.
“Do not alert them to your presence, do not show yourself or guide them; simply stand at the gate of their dreams and ensure that no evil succeeds in destroying them. Should they have a nightmare, you must wake them up.”
That makes him curious.
“Evil?” He questions. “Why would there be evil?”
“Balance,” a different God replies. “There must be balance in everything. For life, there is death. For good, there is evil. For dreams, there must be nightmares. Where there is a Ying, there must be a Yang.”
Flash.
The Sandman suddenly appears, shocking Mordecai.
“This is The Sandman. He’s a Dream Demon; a terrifying creature that lives in opposition of you, Mordecai.”
They both approach one another, standing opposite.
“You’ve created something that could kill your humans inside their own minds and you’ve created me to stop that from happening?” He questions. “For balance? Why?”
“Yours is not to reason why, Mordecai,” another God intervenes. “Why we do what we do is none of your concern. You’ve been created together, equal in power – brothers.”
Brothers!?
The Sandman and Mordecai are fucking brothers!?
They both tilt their heads.
“Now, it’s time to get to work.”
The Gods snap their fingers, and they vanish.
Cut.
VOYNICH & LUKE STORM
Recorded Previously.
A movie theatre is where the scene calls home. The sounds of arguing can be heard as someone enters the darkened room.
Luke Storm.
The Tempest is once again on his cell phone, arguing with someone on the other end of the line.
“What do you mean review some scenes? Are you people so fucking incompetent that we already need to look for reshoots?”
It’s impossible to slam a smart phone, but with how Luke ends the call he may as well have. The A-lister takes a seat amongst the rows of chairs, staring up at the screen.
“Come on! We ain’t got all day. Where the fuck is the producer? I was told he’d be here.”
As he complains loudly to seemingly no one, a reel flickers to life. But this is no modern reel, no, the film is grainy and yellowed with age. Luke goes to yell again until he sees… himself.
At least, what he looked like as a child. Before his very eyes plays a super cut of old home movies of the Newton family. Luke, Edward, both of them on vacations, having birthdays, legitimate happiness showing on their faces.
Meanwhile, in the projector room, we see Voynich, the Best Kept Secret, handing a handful of cash to the employee up there before he takes his leave.
As for Luke, the Badass Mother Fucker isn’t looking quite like his name would imply. With every scene the memories flood back in full force, the champ seemingly unable to move from his chair.
“That mother fucker…”
Storm sneers, gripping the edges of his chair.
“He thinks he’s fucking funny. I don’t need this shit. That secretary is fucking FIRED!”
He forces himself to his feet, taking his leave from the room, ignoring the film as it goes on behind him. However he stops as he hears his mother’s voice.
“Who’s your best friend?”
“Eddie!”
Luke’s own young voice pipes in to answer his mother’s question.
Luke shakes his head, continuing on his way out. But, for just a moment, one could swear a single tear rolled down from behind Luke’s glasses.
Cut.
LEIF HELVIG, DARKLORD & BANZAN vs. FACES OF REASON & VIPER ROBERTS ©
CHOP TO THE HEAD BY BANZAN AND TWO-FACE DROPS!
Banzan lifts the former politician off of the ground and whips him across the ring, catching him on the return with a massive headbutt that grounds him once more! Two-Face wearily gets to his feet-
LOW BLOW! SIMON SLIPPED INTO THE RING AND GAVE A MASSIVE LOW BLOW TO BANZAN! TWO-FACE HITS THE OVERDRIVE NECKBREAKER! FLIP THE COIN!
Two-Face covers!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE-
NO!
BANZAN BARELY KICKS OUT!
THE REFEREE WITH THE QUICKEST COUNT WE’VE EVER SEEN!
Viper smirks at ringside as he joins Faces of Reason in the ring and begins raining down boots upon Banzan! Why isn’t the ref stopping this!?
THE REF IS A SNAKE! VIPER PLANNED AHEAD!
Banzan gets lifted to his feet and shoved into Viper’s arms!
ODE TO THE SNAKE! DDT DROPS BANZAN!
Two-Face goes to cover again!
BUT DARKLORD HAS SEEN ENOUGH! THE GOD KING COMES RUSHING IN!
KNEEL TO VIPER ROBERTS!
NO!
THE REFREE PUSHES VIPER OUT OF THE WAY AND EATS THE SPARTAN KICK! HIS CHEST MUST BE CAVED IN!
As the referee rolls to the outside Darklord wraps a massive hand around Viper’s throat!
NO! SIMON WITH THE EQUALIZER! STEEL CHAIR TO THE BACK OF DAKLORD! BRASS KNUCKLES TO THE JAW BY TWO-FACE!
Banzan and Darklord are both down and Viper is directing traffic as him and Faces of Reason lay down kicks and chair shots all while the two massive warriors beneath them fight to stand!
Viper takes that belt off of his waist as Simon and Two-Face grab either of Banzan’s arms! He’s about to get whipped into next week!
Someday I would buy”
VIPER DROPS THE BELT! HE’S GETTING OUT OF HERE!
Sail to distant shores.”
BECAUSE LEIF HELVIG HAS ARRIVED! THE BEAST OF SLAUGHTER MAKES A B-LINE FOR THE RING!
FRIGORA! MASSIVE SPEAR DEMOLISHES SIMON!
BIG BOOT DOWNS TWO-FACE!
FACES OF REASON ARE OUT ON THE GROUND!
Viper has made it to the edge of the ring but he can’t escape! Why? Because Hati and Skoll are down there to greet him! The newly crowned OSW champ turns around and sees.
Not one.
Not two.
But three massive warriors ready to greet him.
HAYMAKER BY DARKLORD! HEADBUTT BY BANZAN! AXE HANDLE BY HELVIG!
Viper isn’t slithering out of this one!
THEY HEAVE HIM UP! DARKLORD HAS HIM ON HIS SHOULDERS! POWERBOMB!
THREE MAN POWERBOMB TO VIPER! ROBERTS IS FUCKING IMPLANTED INTO THE GROUND!
The ring is a wasteland as Banzan, Darklord, and Helvig stand tall!
Amidst the pandemonium a group of snakes rushes to ringside! Hati and Skoll set upon them and begin tearing and biting at all of them! But they grab Viper!
ROBERTS IS DRAGGED TO RINGSIDE! HIS SNAKES ARE CARRYING HIM TO SAFETY!
Helvig lets out a yell of frustration as he slides out of the ring and gives chase! He bowls through the snakes, laying into them with lefts and rights!
Darklord slides out on his side and drags Simon with him! As all this goes on a referee runs down to the ring to try and restore order to this match!
Banzan and Two-Face are still the legal men in this match! No tags were ever made!
The Mountain stands, waiting for Two-Face to get to his feet!
MAGGA! RUNNING KNEE STRIKE TO THE TEMPLE DOWNS TWO-FACE! BANZAN COVERS!
ONE!
…
…
TWO!
…
…
THREE!
Banzan rolls out of the ring as the bell rings looking up towards the ramp at the bloodshed caused by Helvig and his wolves, Viper seemingly escaping to the backstage.
BANZAN, LEIF HELVIG & DARKLORD
JESSIE WILLIAMS, SEESAW & CORVUS
The Night Before.
A dimly-lit bedroom has been torn asunder, and the noise from another room indicates that whoever caused it is far from finished.
Thud.
Thud.
THUD.
The noise gets louder, a sign of the chaos looming ever closer…until we see what’s causing the ruckus.
SeeSaw.
“Where are you, Jessiepoo? I want to play!”
Before he can cause any more mayhem, however, a dagger zips by him, stabbing the wall right behind him…which brings a smile to the face of the Toybox King.
“You’ll do.”
He turns around to face the one responsible for that near-miss…Corvus.
“I take it you’ve come to join my little playdate, Corvy?”
The remark gets no response from Corvus, who only gives a cold stare. The look of joy on SeeSaw’s face is quickly washed away, as the Hidden Blade’s refusal to answer is the last thing he expected…or wanted.
“You’re no fun, buddy. If you’re not gonna play, then I’ll have to make you…”
Mr. Make Believe is cut off once again, this time by a loud yell from downstairs. We turn our attention there, to discover Joanna Williams has arrived at the scene with a mixture of worry and anger over the state of her place.
“Oh, lovely!”
SeeSaw chuckles as he looks to take advantage of the situation, but as he heads toward his new target he is met with a huge punch to the face, sending him reeling toward the wall with a thud!
“You keep away from her, you prick.”
Jessie Williams, anger in his eyes and violence coursing through his veins, steps in front of Joanna.
“I told you I wasn’t interested in your little delusions of playtime.”
He looks up, noticing Corvus watching from the shadows.
“You shouldn’t be here, either. I’ve made my intentions clear, and since you two won’t stop harassing me, I’ll have to put an end to this myself.”
Jessie turns his attention to Joanna, handing her a set of keys.
“Get back to the car, I’ll deal with this and meet you there.”
Joanna takes the keys with a nod, rushing away as Jessie turns back to deal with SeeSaw…who has disappeared.
“Where the hell…?”
He looks around, but to no avail. As he takes another look up the stairs, he notices that Corvus has now vanished as well.
“Son of a…”
His remark is cut off by the sight of SeeSaw lunging at him…only to wake up, draped in sweat, in his bed. As he realizes what’s just occurred, he looks to the window and mutters to himself in frustration.
“Goddammit all.”
He’s only now starting to realize the gravity of the situation he’s in, with SeeSaw and Corvus both trying to grab his attention…but why?
And where the hell is Mordecai? Has he abandoned Jessie after being pushed away, or will he provide aid when the time comes?
Cut.
TWO-FACE, SIMON & VIPER ROBERTS
Sat in his locker room, we find the OSW World Champion admiring his title belt. A brief frown crosses his visage just as the Faces of Reason enter the room, the three of them looking very serious.
“Yes?” Roberts begins.
“You told us if we trusted you, you’d help us with something we desire.” Two-Face growls, barely restrained.
The calmer Simon lets his gaze fall on the OSW Championship, something not lost on Roberts.
“Congratulations on the big win last week.” The Head Snake offers. “This dangling carrot should give you new purpose, should it not?”
He stands up, reaching out a hand to Simon.
“Perhaps we can work something out?” Roberts queries.
The Taskmaster doesn’t even try to extend a hand.
“I’m not taking a deal.” Simon says flatly. “My purpose is winning that Championship.”
Never losing his confidence, Roberts looks at Two-Face with a raised eyebrow.
“And you?”
The former politician doesn’t even try to smile.
“Don’t try to play coy with us.” They begin. “We know your purpose in coming to us to begin with. Don’t think we haven’t noticed that every time it came time to fight our enemies, you placed us in their way first.”
Two-Face gets up in Viper’s face.
“But you of all people should know that if there’s one thing we know how to do, it’s survive.”
The Champ nods.
“Your estranged wife, of course?” He asks, knowing the answer. “That’s your purpose now, is it?”
The Head Snake produces a slip of paper that he hands to Two-Face.
“Be careful.” Roberts cautions. “When you stick your hand down a snake hole, you risk losing it.”
“We’ll take our chances.” Two-Face responds.
The Faces of Reason walk off, their alliance with Viper Roberts seemingly finished.
But they are far from done with one another.
Cut.
HER MAJESTY’S PLEASURE vs. BAD MOTHER FUCKERS ©
Has there ever been a more formidable OSW tag team than the Bad Mother Fuckers? In a minute they have established themselves as one of the biggest targets in the company. Legacy awaits for any team that can knock them off their perch. This time it’s the turn of a former OSW World Champion and a Bloodline to Greatness?
All four competitors are in the ring. The referee is finishing the formalities, bMf seize their opportunity with a simultaneous championship belt cheap shot to their challengers. Royal rolls to a corner clutching his head, Shaw is quickly to his feet.
PUNK CITY KILLER-
REVERSED!!!
Shaw sends Zero into the ropes.
DANCING FLAMES!!!
COUNTERED!!!
GBH!!!!
MID-AIR CLAYMORE KICK TO THE QUEEN OF FLAMES!!!
The impact sends Pyre rolling under the ropes and out of the ring.
The Guv’nor gets to his feet and thumps his chest. The crowd is lit. There are very few good guys in The Slaughterhouse and Shaw certainly isn’t one, but he’s straight up and that’s what the fans can at least respect.
But Zero respects no-one and he doesn’t give a damn about the crowd’s emotions.
FIREWALL!!!
He clobbers the former OSW champion from behind and dives over his fallen body, hooking the legs…
ONE!
.
.
.
TWO!
.
.
.
SAVED!!!
Nigel Royal breaks the fall.
The Bloodline to Greatness begins pounding at the double champion but the official intervenes. He wants some damn order in this contest. He sends Royal back to his corner. The aristocrat is protesting and that just gives Zero a chance to lay a cheap beatdown on Shaw – gouging the eyes of the corner convict.
Eventually Royal relents but by then Zero has Shaw in the bMf corner and he tags in his recovered opponent. The Flame Bitch into the ring, she extends her leg so that her foot compresses Shaw’s throat. A four count from the official and she releases, running charging in with a running knee.
Zero is tagged back in. He lifts Shaw back to a vertical base with a bionic hand wrapped around the throat.
BIONIC CHOKESLAM!!!
NO!!!
Shaw with a straight kick to derail the Big Black Train.
FINGER POKE TO THE EYE!!!
THREE MORE!!!
THEN A BIG THUMB WEDGED INTO ZERO’S EYE!!!!
FIVE FINGER DISCOUNT!!!
AND A ROARING ELBOW FLATTENS THE CYBORG!!!!
Nigel Royal is screaming for the hot tag. Shaw gives it to him, but at the same time Zero tags in Pyre.
ROYAL AND PYRE CHARGE AT EACH OTHER!!!
Royal tries to run Pyre down with a clothesline from hell but the Queen of Flames flips forward and catches The Bloodline with a hurricanrana. Royal is quickly to his feet but Pyre launches into the air
AND LAYS HIM DOWN WITH A CHUN-LI STYLE SPINNING BIRD KICK!!!
Royal spills through the ropes and outside the ring. He’s pleading that he wants no more. Pyre leaps over the top rope…
HEADSHOT!!!
BUT ROYAL OBLITERATES HER WITH A BRUTAL SHOT FROM A HIDDEN MACE!!!!
Pyre is left in a heap on the floor. Zero charges around from his corner.
SHAW FROM THE APRON!!!
BRASS KNUX PUNCH TO THE HEAD!!!!
ZERO AND PYRE ARE FLAT OUT!!!!
THE BAD MOTHER FUCKERS HAVE BEEN DESTROYED BY HER MAJESTY’S PLEASURE!!!
Royal is rubbing salt into the wounds, laughing and screaming at his fallen foes “you peasant cunts!” Shaw just wants to get on with it. He heaves Pyre into the ring and tells Royal to get in and finish the job.
Slowly The Bloodline to Greatness ascends to the top rope. Pyre is prone inside the ring; Zero is as broken on the concrete outside. Royal points to the skies and leaps into The Slaughterhouse air…
SPITFIRE!!!!!!
A BIG FUCKING ENGLISH BOMB LANDS ALL OVER PYRE!!!!
ROYAL HOOKS THE LEGS!!!!
ONE!
.
.
.
TWO!
.
.
.
NEW CHAMPIONS-
.
.
.
NO!!!!
SHOULDER UP!!!!
Nigel Royal took too long. He’s furious. He grabs a handful of Pyre’s hair and tries to drag her back to a vertical base.
BUT SHE HAS HIM BY THE CROWN JEWELS!!!!
AND IGNITES A FLAME!!!!
THE BLOODLINE’S GREATNESS IS BEING SCORCHED!!!!
Shaw tries to intervene…
BUT ZERO GRABS HIM FROM BEHIND!!!
ABSOLUTE ZERO!!!
ON THE CONCRETE!!!!
As Zero rolls back into the ring, Pyre releases Royal. The referee starts up but Pyre flicks out a flame to distract him.
FIREARM!!!!
BIONIC CLOTHESLINE TO ROYAL!!!!
AND NOW REPEATED PUNCHES WITH THE BIONIC FIST!!!!!
IT’S NOT LONG BEFORE ROYAL BLOOD IS FLOWING!!!
Zero taps Pyre on the shoulder and she releases the ref from her bewitchment as Zero exits.
Royal is a bloody mess and all that remains now is him and The Fire Witch.
DRAGON SLEEPER!!!
PYRE LOCKS IN AWAKENING!!!!
NIGEL IS ROYALLY FUCKED!!!!
HE HAS TO TAP OUT!!!
BUT WAIT!!!!
SHAW INTO THE ACTION AGAIN WITH A KNEE DROP!!!
HERE COMES ZERO!!!!
HE EATS AN ELBOW STRIKE!!!!
AND ANOTHER!!!
AND SEVERAL MORE!!!!
SNITCHES
GET
STITCHES!!!!
Shaw turns his attention to a rising Pyre.
HEADBUTT!!!
INTO ROYAL!!!
FOUR CONSECUTIVE GERMAN SUPLEXES!!!!
IT’S A ROYAL FLUSH!!!!
Royal bridges the last one…
ONE!
.
.
.
TWO!
.
.
.
.
HAS TO BE OVER!!!
THREE-
.
.
.
IT’S NOT!!!
ZERO DRAGS THE REF OUT OF THE RING!!!
Albert Shaw has had enough. He drops down off the ring apron.
HE’S ABANDONING ROYAL ON THE OUTSIDE!
LOOK AT THE SMIRK ON HIS FACE!
ROYAL CAN’T BELIEVE IT!
Inside the ring Pyre uses the distraction to roll-up Royal from behind…
THE REF SLIDES IN!!!
ONE!
.
.
.
TWO!!!
.
.
.
.
HANDFUL OF TIGHTS!!!
.
.
.
THREE!!!!!
Pyre steals the victory for the Bad Mother Fuckers and they retain their tag team titles yet again!
BAD MOTHER FUCKERS
ALBERT SHAW & NIGEL ROYAL
The match is over and one can cut the tension in the air with a knife. One Albert Shaw stands at ringside, clapping slowly as Nigel Royal struggles to his feet. Blood slowly drips down the end of Nigel’s nose, leaving crimson spots on the mat as bMf take their leave.
Nigel glares his foes back up the entrance ramp, until his eyes fall on the man who was supposed to have his back. Shaw looks smugly back up at his partner, climbing into the ring across from Royal and tosses him a handkerchief.
“Wipe yourself off mate… You’re bleeding.”
Nigel Royal is furious. His face, reddened not from blood but from his own rage that sees him near foaming at the mouth. Barking through a clenched jaw, he points one finger of accusation at Albert Shaw.
“I warned you.”
Shaw holds his arms up in mock surrender, but Nigel isn’t done yet.
“I fucking warned you, you little shitstain. I tried asking nicely. I told you that you were going to work for me, by choice… Or by force.”
His accusation pointer balls into a fist.
“Now, you’ve made your decision haven’t you? You made it very clearly. Get your phone, Alby…”
Confused, Albert Shaw reaches for his phone and pulls it out. He checks the phone and his eyes widen. His jaw drops. Nigel Royal begins to laugh. A laugh that starts at a chuckle and turns into heinous laughter.
“Your days of choice are over.”
Nigel Royal beckons for Albert Shaw to open the ropes for him. Shaw thinks about his predicament, whatever he must have seen on that phone. With a face as white as a ghost, he obliges. He parts the ropes and allows Nigel Royal to exit. An action that speaks louder than words.
Albert Shaw now works for Nigel Royal.
Cut.
BAD MOTHER FUCKERS
Pyre; one half of the Tag Team Champions was successful in yet another defence tonight – their fourth since winning the belts at Double Tap.
She’s now walking calmly down a corridor when abruptly approached by a man in a suit.
“Pamela Hart?” He enquires sternly.
She nods.
“I’m investigating complaints of murder and arson,” he says whilst looking through a notebook. “However, it seems that the bodies were disposed of before police could get involved.”
Pyre looks at him rather quizzically. He shakes his head, offering a hand and an explanation.
“My name is Chase Monroe,” he announces. “I’m an arson investigator for New York Fire Department.”
“What’s any of that got to do with me?” She says, disregarding his handshake offer.
“Someone filed a complaint anonymously with us, suggesting that people had been murdered in arson attacks here at The Slaughterhouse. They noted that the police weren’t interested due to lack of evidence and supplied your name.”
“I don’t know what the fuck you’re talkin’ about?” The Fire Witch scoffs.
Just then, Luke Storm enters the fray – frowning.
“Problems?” He queries.
It’s not long after that Zero joins them, Bad Mother Fuckers now surrounding Chase Monroe.
“This prick this accusing me of setting people on fire!” She growls.
Zero laughs.
“I didn’t say that Ms Hart,” Monroe retorts.
“I know what he’s talking about,” Hollywood admits. “I didn’t say anything because I knew you had nothing to do with it.”
Pyre looks at Luke in equal measures disgust and confusion. Even Zero seems surprised.
“We shouldn’t talk about this here,” Zero chimes in.
Luke nods.
“No comment,” he says to Chase, nodding at Zero and Pyre to walk away with him.
They oblige.
Monroe meanwhile looks on quizzically – the flame officially fanned here tonight.
Cut.
MORDECAI vs. JESSIE WILLIAMS vs. SEESAW vs. CORVUS ©
Mordecai takes a giant stride towards The Prince, hand outstretched, though his body language doesn’t seem aggressive—
“Get your own playmate!”
SUPERFINE TURBINE BLAST!
WELL, HALF OF ONE!
SeeSaw cuts him off with a gore, but the lanky daydreamer can’t lift the 335-pounder for the spinebuster!
Mordecai grabs SeeSaw, who hangs on to his midriff. The two jockey back and forth, ploughing right into Jessie and knocking him over.
The Gatekeeper of Dreams and Mr. Make Believe wind up next to the ropes…
CORVUS SENDS THEM BOTH FLYING WITH A RUNNING DROPKICK!
The reigning Rewind Champion offers a Black Hand to Jessie, who groans.
“I told you: I’m not interested.”
“I know. But maybe you’ll let me show you your true potential?”
Williams weighs up the proposal.
“Shake on it.”
He takes Corvus’ hand… But sandbags him!?
WOOSH!
BOOYAH!
THE GAUNTLET WHIZZES PAST CORVUS’ HEAD, NARROWLY MISSING HIM!
Having suckered the contract-killer in, Jessie smirks. To his surprise, however, so does Corvus.
“Have it your way.”
THE HIDDEN BLADE UNSHEATHES… WELL, A HIDDEN BLADE!
BOOMERANG BOOYAH!
THE GAUNTLET COMES HURTLING BACK!
THE AIRBORNE STEEL FIST CLATTERS INTO CORVUS’ DAGGER, DISARMING HIM!
It clicks back into place over Williams’ hand. He stands up, staring down his competition.
Corvus springs to his feet; SeeSaw rolls back in; Mordecai steps over the ropes.
ALL FOUR COMBATANTS MEET IN A MELEE!
SLAPSTICK CLAPTRAP TO CORVUS!
SeeSaw drops The Crow with dual forearms to the temples.
COBRA CLUTCH TO THE TOYBOX KING!
MORDECAI RAGDOLLS HIM – SWEET DREAMS, SEESAW!
Before he can tap out or pass out, however…
UPPERCUT BY JESSIE!
Dropping the 6’10” dream-shepherd to his knees, Williams hits the ropes like they owe him money—
TORPEDO DROPKICK!
THAT’S THE GROOVY ECLIPSE COMBO!
ONE!
…
TWO!!
…
…
CORVUS DRAGS JESSIE OFF!
He hesitates for a split second—
BOOMSTICK!
CORVUS DUCKS!
He wheels round to face the Michigander—
THROAT THRUST, PALM STRIKE…
JUMPING ELBOW!
MURDER OF BLOWS!
The Rewind Champion leaps onto Jessie’s shoulders.
HE LOOKS TO SPIKE HIM WITH A ‘RANA – CUTTHROAT DRIVER!
WILLIAMS KEEPS HOLD OF HIM, THOUGH!
THE PRINCE PRESSES HIM OFF OF HIS SHOULDERS—
MORDECAI KNOCKS HIS BLOCK OFF WITH AN IMPROVISED POP-UP EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!
CORVUS JUST GOT A REALITY CHECK!
ONE!
…
TWO!!
…
NEW CHAMPION!?
…
SEESAW BREAKS UP PLAYTIME!
The Cackling Madcap pulls Mordecai up, slapping a headlock on him. He runs into the ropes—
CATASTROPHIC COLLIDER CACOPHONY!
DENIED!
MORDECAI PUSHES HIM OFF – INTO THE PATH OF JESSIE!
BOOMSTICK!
NO!
SEESAW SLIDES UNDER THE KNOCKOUT BLOW!
WILLIAMS LEANS IN TO GRAB HIM—
UPPERCUT – SURPRISE, YOU’RE DEAD!
Jessie staggers back, dazed and confused…
MORDECAI SCOOPS HIM ONTO HIS SHOULDERS—
SPINNING BACKBREAKER RACK!
MORDECAI GOES HANDS-FREE, AND WILLIAMS IS SUFFERING A LITTLE NEUROSIS!
SeeSaw moves to end the submission, but before he can close the distance…
CORVUS KICK TO MORDECAI!
THE BLACK HAND DOMES HIM WITH THE OVERHEAD KICK!
Mordecai drops Jessie like a bad habit. Dropping all pretense, Corvus looks to SeeSaw, who nods. They both hit the far ropes together—
TWO-MAN SUPERFINE TURBINE BLAST!
TOGETHER, THEY LIFT MORDECAI UP INTO A SPINEBUSTER!
SeeSaw lands atop The Gatekeeper of Dreams.
ONE!
…
TWO!!
…
HE’S GOING TO STEAL THE VICTORY – AND REWIND TITLE!
…
CORVUS MAKES THE SAVE!
Shoving SeeSaw off, he makes the cover himself.
ONE!
…
TWO!!
…
CORVUS TO RETAIN!
…
JESSIE GETS THERE IN THE NICK OF TIME!
The son of Ash drags Corvus off of Mordecai.
He heaves him up into the Gotch piledriver, and puts his own spin on it—
HAIL TO THE KING!
WAIT—CORVUS WITH THE STOMACH CRUNCH!
HE SITS UP ON JESSIE’S SHOULDERS…
CUT-THROAT DRIVER INTO MORDECAI!
HE STICKS HIM WITH THE ‘RANA!
Jessie takes a powder, and Mordecai rolls over, still down.
Corvus catches his breath…
ONLY FOR SEESAW TO PULL HIS ARMS BACK AND STOMP ON HIS BACK!
THE STRETCH ARMSTRONG IS LOCKED IN!
CORVUS GRITS HIS TEETH AGAINST THE PAIN, AS SEESAW BENDS HIS WILL – AND HIS SPINE!
HE’S GOING TO TAP!
HE HAS TO TAP!
NEW CHAMPION!?
BOOO-FUCKIN’-YAHHH!
JESSIE’S GAUNTLET COLD-COCKS SEESAW, WHO SLUMPS TO THE MAT, RELEASING CORVUS!
WILLIAMS STANDS BY – PERCHED IN THE EAGLE’S NEST!
HE LEAPS INTO THE SWANTON BOMB!
CALL OF THE CHOSEN!
MORDECAI SNATCHES HIM OUT OF MID-AIR!
HE SHIFTS HIM INTO THE CRADLE BACK-TO-BELLY PILEDRIVER—
HYPNOGOGIAAA!
Mordecai hooks the legs on impact.
ONE!
…
TWO!!
…
NEW CHAMPION, NEW CHAMPION!
…
THR—BLACK HAND’S BLADE!
CORVUS JUST BARELY MAKES IT!
HE PULLS MORDECAI DOWN INTO THE RKO!
THIS ONE IS OVER, IT’S—
BIG WHEEL!
SEESAW IS BACK ON HIS FEET, AND HE HAS CORVUS UP IN THE SPINNING RACK!
HERE COMES THE CUTTER…
CORVUS ESCAPES!
REAR NAKED CHOKE!
HE WRAPS THE GARROTTE ROUND THE THROAT OF SEESAW!
JESSIE IS DOWN, MORDECAI IS DOWN, AND SEESAW…
SEESAW IS OUT LIKE A LIGHT!
CORVUS HAS SUBMITTED HIM!
CORVUS
CAEL GABLE & ISRAEL GRIMWOLF
Breathless running.
Panting, almost.
Israel Grimwolf is running for his life. He rushes across the backstage area, looking behind and over his shoulder in a frantic panic. After sliding around a corner and slamming up against the wall, he peers out in fear, seeing that he’s no longer being chased.
He quickly rushes down that corridor towards his locker, the same one he shares with Cael Gable – storming inside and slamming it shut, startling Cael. As The Olympian looks on in shock, Grimwolf begins barricading the door.
“What the heck is going on?” Gable says, trying to intervene, to no avail. Grimwolf isn’t satisfied until he’s sat down against the unit he’s placed blockading the door.
“He followed me,” Grimwolf stammers.
Gable doesn’t understand.
“Look me hearty, I didn’t want to scare you, but somethin’ has followed us back from the deep,” he says with his eyes closed.
“Are you kidding me?” Gable asks earnestly. “This is some kind of joke, right?”
“I wish it was,” Grimwolf says looking at him. “But when you escaped the red water, he went after you – he tried to pull you back in, didn’t ye feel it?”
Cael thinks about it – his eyes wandering.
“Something wanted me to stay in the water,” he admits. “I remember feeling like I was being drug down beneath the waves.”
Israel nods erratically.
“When he did that, I did somethin’ cowardly,” The Captain says shamefully, unable to meet Gable’s eyes. “I used it as me chance to escape.”
That should upset Cael, but it doesn’t. He gets it. In that moment, he also saved himself.
“Now he’s fuckin’ pissed and he wants us back,” he gulps. “The monster is comin’.”
With one last look shared between the pair, we cut.
Cut.
DEATHNOTE, SIGIL & THE SANDMAN
Somewhere Else
It has been a trial of twisted realities at every turn for Deathnote. Unsure who to trust, or what to trust, he resides himself to the only logical conclusion.
Trust nothing and no one.
As he watches the world go by, notebook in hand to observe the names within, a flash of purple light from behind him gives the telltale arrival of one soul who he really doesn’t want to see right about now.
“Fuck off. I’m not falling for your manipulations. You and Sandman are the vessels in which the God of the New World will rise tonight.”
Deathnote addresses Sigil without so much as turning around.
“You fool Deathnote.”
To this, Deathnote does turn. Lo and behold, he stares at the face of Sigil, but Sigil looks just about as pissed off as he does.
“Do you not see how this whole time, you’ve been working for something that has just been pulled out from under you. He’s been manipulating you right from the start. All of these realities, all of it… It’s been his doing.
And you are playing right into what he wants.”
Deathnote tilts his head to the side, not quite following Sigil’s logic.
“You were so blinded by the gold that he placed before you, that it was all you could see. What the mirror reflected for you, he used to fuel your anger.
You feel it inside you, don’t you. That rage. It was enough to have you considering writing my name in that little book of yours, wasn’t it?”
Sigil reaches for Deathnote’s notebook, but the Shinigami pulls it away and clutches it to his chest. Sigil merely chuckles.
“Rest assured, writing my name in that book would be a grave mistake. For I can see what you cannot. I can see the sand that clouds your judgement. Don’t fall into his trap again…”
“What trap?”
Sigil slaps Deathnote right across the cheek without warning.
“Wake up… You’re dreaming right now.”
…
Back at the Slaughterhouse
Deathnote wakes up, blinking as the light pierces his eyes. He is alone.
But he feels the presence of somebody, or something.
Clutching his notebook and balling his fist he knows deep in his heart that nothing has changed.
This is his chance. Win at all costs. Destroy the pair of them.
Deathnote’s time has come.
Cut.
VOYNICH vs. HOLLYWOOD LUKE STORM ©
A rivalry renewed with a whole new Hollywood spin but Voynich knows the old Luke Storm is in there somewhere. Has tales of the past unnerved Hollywood or will tearing at fresh wounds be the Best Kept Secrets undoing?
Hollywood Luke Storm slides into the ring, feigning heading up to the top turnbuckle while one hand unfastens the belt from around his waist
BEFORE HE SPINS AROUND, NAILING AN UNSUSPECTING VOYNICH WITH A TITLE SHOT TO THE DOME!
The gold slams into Voynich’s skull, opening up a small cut on his forehead and the referee can’t do a damn thing as the bell hasn’t rung yet.
He quickly signals to the timekeeper as the match officially begins, Storm mounting Voynich as he pounds down with lefts and rights, his white gloves soon staining red as the cut grows into a river of blood staining Voynich’s hair before he’s pulled up to his feet
AND TOSSED HEAD FIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!
Voynich stumbles out of the corner, a bloodied mess as Storm just grins
TAKING HIS HEAD OFF WITH A VICIOUS LIGHTNING STRIKE!
Voynich collapses to the mat as Storm covers for what could already be a victory here
ONE
………….
………..
TWO
…………
…..VOYNICH GETS THE SHOULDER UP!!
Storm just nods as he pulls the Best Kept Secret to his feet, hooking him underneath the head in a Muay Thai clutch before beginning to rain down knee after knee to the open wound.
Five, Ten, Fifteen, Twenty. Storm drills Voynich with a brutal assault before leaping up and drilling both knees into the wound, dropping Voynich to the mat in a kneeling position before rushing to the ropes
ROLLING KNEE TO THE FACE!
Voynich’s eyes roll back into his head, looking anything but lucid but Storm isn’t done as he peels Voynich up off the mat, spinning him around
BACKDROP SUPLEX!
Voynich lands right on his head but Storm isn’t done, keeping hold of the Best Kept Secret before delivering a second Backdrop Suplex, and a third before lifting Voynich up once more
BACKDROP DRIVER!
Voynich is folded up on the mat, the back of his head and neck nearly snapping from impact as he turtles up in pain.
Storm just looks down at him in disdain, pulling him up by the hair and delivering a trio of stiff soccer kicks to the forehead before flipping him over
AND LOCKING IN A MODIFIED CROSSFACE
Voynich is screaming in pain as Storm cranks back on the hold, blood flowing down his forehead as his neck gets cranked back as far as Hollywood can get it.
Voynich tries to grit past the agony, pulling himself slowly to the ropes as he reaches closer and closer, getting fingertips away.
BEFORE STORM PULLS HIM BACK INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!
Hollywood wrenches back on the crossface, Voynich barely able to see through the pain and blood, his hand wavering on the canvas
COULD HE TAP OUT..?
HE PUSHES OFF INSTEAD, LEVERAGING STORM’S SHOULDERS BACKWARDS ONTO THE MAT!
ONE
……….
……….
TW…STORM BREAKS THE HOLD!
Hollywood gets back up to his feet, trying to pull up the struggling Voynich but he’s pushed off
ISHTAR’S GATE OUT OF NOWHERE!
Voynich nails Storm with that massive Lariat but that may well have been all the energy he had as he immediately collapses to the mat.
Both men slowly get to their feet, Hollywood landing a hard punch that staggers back Voynich a few feet before he retaliates with a hard roundhouse that stuns Storm
SNAP SUPLEX!
Storm stumbles to his feet into a flurry of lefts and rights before a leaping knee drops him down to one knee as Voynich rushes to the ropes
BASEMENT DROPKICK TO THE FACE!
The Best Kept Secret is all fired up as he pulls Storm up to his feet, hooking him up as he tries for the Monolith
RAKE OF THE EYES!
Storm just gets out of that Brainbuster, blinding Voynich momentarily before quickly climbing up to the top rope as Voynich turns around
BLOCKBUSTER!
Voynich crashes to the mat as Storm backs up, tuning up the band to make that Lightning Strike twice, eyeing down the Best Kept Secret before rushing forward as he gets to his feet
LIGHTNING…VOYNICH CATCHES THE SUPERKICK!
He spins him around, kicking him in the gut
NEVERM…NO! Storm spins out, that cocky smile quickly turning into a furious scowl as he delivers a sickening lightning fast headbutt
DOWNPOUR!
The Codebreaker doesn’t put Voynich down but Storm doesn’t hesitate, drilling Voynich with a very low kick
GALE FORCE! STORM HIT THAT STUNNER WITH A TON OF STANK ON IT!
Hollywood ain’t done, fury still in his eyes as he heads to the top rope, looking to finish Voynich off for good as he turns around
MODIFIED THUNDER! STORM LANDED KNEE FIRST INTO VOYNICH’S HEAD AS HE SHOULD BE OUT COLD!
Storm mercifully drops down for the cover as the referee quickly counts
ONE
…………..
……………..
TWO
………..
……………
…………..
THREE!!!
Hollywood retains his Double Feature Championship here but the absolute decimation of Voynich for daring to invoke Newton’s name could well cost him in the future
HOLLYWOOD LUKE STORM
DARKLORD, BANZAN, & LEIF HELVIG
CRUUUNCH!
A door goes flying, courtesy of a kick from one Leif Helvig.
CRAAACK!
The door beside is ripped off the hinges by the giant Darklord.
Banzan walks between them, through the now open doorway. The three behemoths are standing in a dreary warehouse. Strange runes are on the wall, giving off an odd glow.
“This is it.” Helvig growls. “This is where my search for my captor has taken me.”
“These runes do look familiar.” Banzan replies.
“So we find this mysterious earthling,” Darklord begins. “Then what?”
“He is mine.” Helvig says, but he is quickly stopped by a meaty Banzan hand to the chest.
“He does not die until we learn what we did to you. We need answers, right now.” He orders, looking at both of his bloodthirsty brethren. “Kill anything else that moves.”
They split off down separate hallways, each of them ready for war.
But the halls are empty.
At an intersection, Banzan and Darklord come face to face.
“I don’t like this.” The Carthian declares. “If this is meant to be a trap, then bring on the trapper so I may smite him where he stands.”
He pauses.
“Unless the trapper is our quarry, of course.” He adds, remembering their mission.
If Banzan ever rolled his eyes, he probably would do it now.
“NOOOO!”
The voice of Leif Helvig echoes throughout the halls, and the other two take off running towards the sound. As they round the corner, they find a broken door and Leif Helvig within it.
The Beast of Slaughter stands in a barren room, but he is not alone. He is stood over a body.
The body of the very man who imprisoned him. The man Banzan made his dark deal with months ago.
“You fool.” Banzan snorts, rage in his eyes. “You killed him! You ruined everything! His devices, his power, it’s all gone.”
Helvig snarls at Banzan, squaring off with the Indestructible Mountain.
“I claim my kills, monk.” He growls. “I did not kill this man.”
“We are the only ones here.” Darklord snorts. “If not you, then who?”
The three beasts stare at one another through gritted teeth, each one filled with adrenaline and rage.
Cut.
JESSIE WILLIAMS
Jessie Williams heads to the backstage area, not long after another gruelling match and defeat. He’s looking for Joanna, who he hasn’t seen in a little while.
Things haven’t been going so well for Williams since she showed up and tried to teach him ‘the way’.
He storms into a locker room, blasting open the door.
“JOANNA!?” He yells. “Where the fuck are you?”
Jessie looks around the room, finding it empty.
What he does instead find is a note, left on the side. He opens it up and reads it aloud.
“Dear Daddies blue eyed baby boy, shit hasn’t quite been working out, has it?”
He almost growls.
“You can’t fight to save your life and the world still needs saving. It says something when dad gets in touch and tells me to go take care of some nasties, cause he can’t trust you to do it.”
His eyes narrow and his brows furrow.
“I’ve gone huntin’, kiddo. I’ll be back when I’ve taken care of business. Try not to fuck up and die whilst I’m gone.”
Jessie angrily screws the note up and throws it to one side, folding his arms in fury.
“What an absolute cunt,” he growls.
Cut.
DEATHNOTE vs. SIGIL vs. THE SANDMAN
It has been a month of mindgames and manipulations. Both Sigil and Sandman have used their otherworldy powers to try and get inside the head of Deathnote, but has it worked? Deathnote has seemed to remain in control of himself, vowing to take his frustrations out on both men tonight and use Sigil and Deathnote as massive fucking stepping stones.
Who will walk away sending their message tonight?
It is Deathnote who opens the assault, eager to send a message early with this one. He charges at Sigil, believing the Collector to be the one manipulating him. Deathnote unwinds a massive Clothesline that looks to take Sigil off-guard, but the Collecter ducks the Clothesline at the last second, Matrix-style.
With Deathnote then off balance, Sigil is able to score the first hit, as a ROUNDHOUSE KICK KNOCKS DEATHNOTE INTO THE CORNER TURNBUCKLE!
BUT THE CELEBRATION IS SHORTLIVED… HERE COMES THE SANDMAN!
TO SAND!
HE JUST PLANTED SIGIL RIGHT OUT OF THE GATES!
Sandman then draws his attention to Deathnote, but a moment too late as Deathnote DROPKICKS SANDMAN and sends him staggering backwards into the ropes.
CLOTHESLINE FROM DEATHNOTE HITS THIS TIME!
BOTH HE AND THE SANDMAN TUMBLE FROM THE RING!
Groggily, both beings pull themselves to their feet. At ringside their battle continues. Sandman is first to clobber Deathnote with a clubbing blow, and Deathnote retaliates with a stiff right hand.
THEY’RE TRADING BLOWS NOW!
SANDMAN AND DEATHNOTE ARE THROWING CAUTION TO THE WIND
PUMELLING BLOWS, EACH ONE ROCKS THE OTHER!
Their barrage continues until Sandman had Deathnote pushed up against the crowd barricade. But a pop from the crowd suggests further action is afoot…
SIGIL CLIMBS THE TURNBUCKLE!
HE LEAPS FROM THE RING TO THE OUTSIDE! FROGSPLASH!
SOARING THROUGH THE AIR, THE COLLECTOR HAS BOTH MEN IN HIS SIGHTS!
NO! CRASH AND FUCKING BURN!
DEATHNOTE AND SANDMAN BOTH MOVE OUT OF THE WAY AND SIGIL COMES CRASHING DOWN HEAD FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE!
With Sigil down and out, Deathnote is able to turn the tables on Sandman. The Author of Death lays into the monster with a flurry of shots that send Sandman reeling backwards against the ring. Deathnote grabs Sandman by the head.
DDT! ONTO THE STEEL STEPS!
SANDMAN’S SKULL MEETS THE STEEL AND THE ECHO IS SICKENING!
Deathnote picks the monster up off the canvas and rolls him into the ring. He doesn’t let up, not tonight. Deathnote slides in after his foe, wrapping Sandman up into a SEATED HALF NELSON CHOKE!
DEATHNOTE IS TRYING TO CHOKE OUT THE FORMER CHAMP!
CAN DEATHNOTE MAKE SANDMAN TAP OUT HERE?!
WHAT A MESSAGE THAT WOULD SEND!
The hold is applied with all the force Deathnote can muster. Sandman’s grunts soon fade, and the referee slides into position to see if he’s out…
COSMIC LEAP! SIGIL APPEARS FROM NOWHERE!
FINITE TO A SEATED DEATHNOTE!
HE CAUGHT ALL OF DEATHNOTE’S JAW, BREAKING THE HOLD AND POTENTITALLY BREAKING HIS DAMNED FACE!
But Sandman is still slumbering, so Sigil is quick to wrap Deathnote up for the pinfall.
The referee is right there to make the call…
ONE…. NO!
NOT EVEN A DAMNED ONE COUNT!
DEATHNOTE KICKS OUT WITH FORCE!
HE’S NOT GOING TO BE EASY TO PUT AWAY!
Both men rise as one, pulling and clawing at each other. Deathnote doesn’t trust Sigil as far as he can throw him, and the pair lay into each other with lefts and rights. That is until Sigil gets a THUMB TO DEATHNOTE’S EYE… It’s the small opening that Sigil needed.
LONG ROAD AHEAD!
HE’S BARRAGING DEATHNOTE WITH VICIOUS ELBOWS THAT WOULD MAKE MIKE TYSON CRY!
When Sigil stands, he discards Deathnote’s battered carcass. Though there is one soul that should not ever be forgotten.
DEEP SLEEP!
SANDMAN JUST OBLITERATED SIGIL!
Sandman lays a foot on Sigil’s chest for the power pinfall!
ONE…
…
…
…
TWO!
…
…
NO SIGN OF LIFE FROM SIGIL AT ALL!
…
…
THR-NO!
DEATHNOTE JUST BLINDSIDED SANDMAN TO BREAK UP THE PINFALL!
THERE’S NO QUIT IN DEATHNOTE TONIGHT! HE WANTS THIS!
KICKOUT! WAIT, WHAT, IS THAT CRIMSON DUST?! [/b]
Sandman staggers backwards from the Shoulder Charge, back first into the turnbuckle. Deathnote closes in on him…
A PUFF!
RED SAND WAFTS ACROSS DEATHNOTE’S FACE!
Deathnote’s eyes narrow and he turns not to Sandman but to the battered body of Sigil.
SANDMAN IS USING THE RAGE OF DEATHNOTE AND IS TURNING HIM INTO A WALKING WEAPON!
Deathnote picks up Sigil with a strength that we don’t normally see from the Shinigami.
A BRUTAL HEADBUTT!
THAT HAD TO HURT BOTH MEN!
ANOTHER!
ANOTHER!
ANOTHER!
ANOTHER!
DEATHNOTE’S SKULL CRACKS INTO SIGIL’S HEAD OVER AND OVER!
That has to be hurting Deathnote more than Sigil thanks to Sigil’s mask, but Deathnote doesn’t seem to care. The Red Sand has blinded him and he sees only rage! But enough headbutts soon see even Sigil somewhat groggy.
Deathnote tosses the now nearly limp Sigil onto his shoulders hitting the GTS.
GATHER THY SOUL!
Deathnote just punctuated his destruction of a former champion…
BAM!
BUT HE JUST CAN’T CATCH A BREAK AS HE TURNS DIRECTLY INTO A CHOKESLAM BY SANDMAN!
THE DREAM DEMON JUST COMMITED THE GOD OF THE NEW WORLD… TO THE SAND!
COVER BY SANDMAN!
ONE…
…
…
…
TWO…
…
…
…
SURELY THIS IS IT!
…
…
THREE!
NO! SHOULDER UP! SHOULDER UP!
HOW THE ACTUAL HELL DID DEATHNOTE KICK OUT OF THAT?!
BY MERE INSTINCT AND STUBBORNNESS ALONE!
Sandman looks frustrated and goes to pick up Deathnote, but is met at his feet by Sigil who reaches a vertical base at the same time. Both lock horns, but here comes Deathnote too! It’s a three way brawl now!
Blows are exchanged in every direction and spit flies freely!
MERCIFUL!
SIGIL HIT DEATHNOTE WITH THE SUPER CHOP OUT OF FUCKING NOWHERE WHILE HIS BACK WAS TURNED!
DEATHNOTE GOES DOWN LIKE A TWO DOLLAR HOOKER!
NO MATTER WHAT HE TRIES, DEATHNOTE JUST CAN’T SEEM TO ONE UP THE COMPETITION TONIGHT!
Then there were two! Sigil and Sandman lock horns once more. Both to-ing and fro-ing to gain the advantage when…
POP!
BOTH SANDMAN AND SIGIL DISAPPEAR IN A PURPLE FLASH!
SIGIL HAS COSMIC LEAPED TO THE DAMNED RAFTERS!
AND WHAT GOES UP MUST COME DOWN!
As they both plummet to the canvas and make a heavy loud impact as they both land on their backs. The ring sags, and the corner posts buckle inward.
KINNIKU BUSTER! FROM THE FUCKING RAFTERS OF THE SLAUGHTERHOUSE!
KILLING IT WITH FUCKING FIRE!
SLEEP PARALYSIS?!? NO!!! REALM KINNUKU BUSTER?!!
A REALM KUNNUKU SLEEP PARALYSIS BUSTER????
WHO GOT THE ADVANTAGE IN THAT CAR CRASH?!
SIGIL AND THE SANDMAN JUST KILLED EACH OTHER WITH FIRE!
The referee slides into position and assesses the situation. With both men in a heap, he calls the pinfall.
ONE…
TWO…
THREE!
It’s over… But who won?!
The referee points out Sigil’s arm draped over Sandman’s chest. Sigil wins!
Sigil takes the victory over Deathnote and Sandman, but holy hell did he have to walk through hell to get it. He proves why he’s a former champion and makes the roster stand up and take notice tonight!
THE TERRORS
The Hall of Skulls.
The Black Skull stands at the head of his large oak table with a skull carved into the centre. Sat around the table are The Darkness and The Warped, both with their eyes focused firmly on our terrifying leader.
Flash.
Lightning.
Bang!
Thunder.
Send me on my way
Release me to this earth
Within this shallow grave.” ♫
We’re no longer in the Hall of Skulls, we’re now transported in the pitch black to a graveyard, somewhere in the pouring rain as thunder and lightning crash down all around us.
A hand suddenly thrusts from within the dirt, clawing its way out of a grave and to the surface.
As the ground crumbles around it, a terrifying figure pulls himself from a grave, covered in rags, gaunt and zombified.
He crawls terrifyingly towards the camera, growling as he does.
Bring me to my knee
Forget what I have done
Forgive me if you please
Save me if you can
The time for me has come
Let me be the one that got away.” ♫
Flash.
Lightning.
And we’re back inside the Hall of Skulls.
As The Black Skull completes his spell, The Warped and The Darkness have risen to their feet in excitement.
The ground suddenly begins to shake.
It’s close to midnight and something evil’s lurking in the dark.
We’re back outside, only the ground is shaking violently.
We flash between graveyards, watching as the dirt shakes and hands break through violently.
So many graves, in so many places…
Slowly fill my grave
Whisper to your God
Allow me to be saved.” ♫
Just then, in another flicker of lightning, we’re back inside The Hall of Skulls and this time, we’re joined by the third Terror.
He stands at the door, a flash of lightning behind him; scarabs run up and down his body.
“Brother!” The Warped roars in excitement.
Both he and The Darkness rush towards him, wrapping their arms around him.
The Black Skull folds his arms.
“The Returned,” he says walking slowly towards them. “Welcome back.”
The Returned leaves his brothers and walks towards The Skull. There’s a tension in the air – an atmosphere, almost. It’s as if these two have history. They stop before one another, staring.
“They’re coming, sire,” he says with a hoarse growl.
Take what I have left
Give it to the lost
Upon my dying breath
Save me if you can
The time for me has come
Let me be the one that got away
Let me be the one that got away
Let me be the one that got away.” ♫
“They’re coming.”
Cut.