We Can Rebuild It
[Months Earlier.]
[The ruins of the Temple stand beneath the grey Molvanian sky. Much of the building remains blackened from the explosions at Ring of Dreams, with entire sections of its ancient stonework reduced to mountains of rubble. The arena that once housed thousands is exposed to the elements, its twisted steel framework jutting from the wreckage.]
[The sound of construction gradually replaces the silence.]
[A montage begins as dozens of workers descend upon the site. Cranes lift enormous steel supports into position whilst excavators clear the remnants of collapsed corridors. Scaffolding slowly envelopes the exterior, sparks rain from welding torches, and truck after truck arrives carrying everything needed to resurrect Old School Wrestling's home.]
[Standing amongst the chaos is Marvolo.]
[Wearing a hard hat and carrying rolled-up blueprints beneath one arm, he directs the operation personally. He argues with contractors, points cranes towards damaged sections of the building and repeatedly checks the plans as the Temple begins to rise from the devastation.]
[Days become weeks.]
[Weeks become months.]
[Stone walls are rebuilt. The roof is restored. New seats fill the arena. Fresh lighting rigs are raised above a reconstructed ring, whilst the scars of Ring of Dreams gradually disappear beneath new concrete and steel.]
[Eventually, the scaffolding comes down.]
[Marvolo stands outside the completed Temple with his hard hat tucked beneath one arm, staring proudly at the building he refused to allow to die.]
[His phone rings.]
[Marvolo checks the caller before answering.]
Marvolo: "Sharkman."
[There is no greeting from the other end.]
The Sharkman: "The Custodians know you've rebuilt it."
[Marvolo's satisfaction immediately fades.]
Marvolo: "Then they also know I didn't have much of a choice."
The Sharkman: "They disagree. After what happened at Ring of Dreams, the Custodians believe rebuilding the Temple is a mistake."
[Marvolo turns back towards the building. Workers are carrying the final pieces of equipment through its doors as the OSW insignia is secured above the entrance.]
Marvolo: "What would they have me do, Sharkman? Tear it down myself and pretend none of this happened? OSW still exists. The people inside it still exist. Closing the doors doesn't make any of our problems disappear."
[There is a brief silence on the line.]
The Sharkman: "Opening them again might make those problems considerably worse."
[Marvolo considers the warning, but his decision was clearly made long before the phone rang.]
Marvolo: "We have no choice. If the Custodians think they know better, then let them send you and at Red Snow, I'll remind you just why Marvolo es number wahn."
[He ends the call before Sharkman can respond.]
[Marvolo slips the phone into his pocket, places the hard hat back onto his head and walks towards the newly rebuilt Temple.]
[The enormous doors open before him.]
[Marvolo steps inside.]
[Cut.]
Image
Gods and Men
[COLD OPEN]
[The broadcast opens to a deafening wall of noise.]
[Three months after explosions tore it apart, the Temple lives again. Thousands of fans are packed into the rebuilt arena, roaring from their feet as spotlights sweep across the crowd and illuminate a sea of OSW signs. The scars of Ring of Dreams have been repaired, the rubble has been cleared away and the ring sits proudly beneath the lights once more. After three long months of silence, Old School Wrestling is back.]
Signal: "Listen to this place! Three months we've waited for this moment, and tonight the Temple is alive again! Welcome back to Old School Wrestling!"
Black Scar: "They rebuilt the walls, they rebuilt the ring and somehow they even rebuilt our commentary desk. I hope they reinforced the damn thing this time."
[The camera circles towards the centre of the ring, where Marvolo stands with a microphone in hand. He allows the thunderous reception to wash over him for a moment, visibly moved by the sight of the Temple restored around him.]
Marvolo: "Welcome back... to OLD SCHOOL WRESTLING!"
[The response is enormous. Marvolo smiles as the crowd erupts into an OSW chant that reverberates throughout the rebuilt Temple.]
Marvolo: "I owe every single one of you an apology for the wait. Three long months have passed since Ring of Dreams, but rebuilding this place wasn't something we were prepared to rush. This is our home, and after everything that happened here, we were going to make damn sure that when these doors opened again, the Temple was ready."
[Marvolo's expression changes as the celebration gives way to business.]
Marvolo: "Unfortunately, before we can start looking towards the future, there's something from our past that needs dealing with."
[He turns towards the entrance.]
Marvolo: "Padre Venganza, bring your Family out here. Now."
[The crowd immediately begins to boo.]
[There is no entrance music.]
[There are no lights.]
[There is no grand performance.]
[Padre Venganza simply walks through the curtain.]
[Behind him comes Smiley, the yellow grin of his mask somehow even more unsettling beneath the arena lights as his bloodied crowbar rests across one shoulder. Doubt follows in his cracked white mask and long red coat, whilst Dr. Eric Vinell walks alongside a disturbingly no longer cheerful Ziggy Robbins. Together, the five members of The Family descend towards the ring without acknowledging the hatred pouring down upon them.]
Signal: "That's the sight I hoped we'd never have to see again. These are the people who destroyed the Temple three months ago."
Black Scar: "And look at them, Signal. They aren't sorry. If anything, they look like they're coming home."
[The Family enter the ring and spread out behind their leader. Marvolo refuses to give ground as Padre Venganza steps directly before him, the OSW World Championship resting proudly around his waist.]
Marvolo: "For months, I've been trying to understand what's happening here. I've been looking at individual pieces and trying to figure out how they fit together."
[Marvolo looks around at The Family before returning his attention to Padre.]
Marvolo: "Ring of Dreams made something very clear to me. You aren't looking at the pieces, are you? You can see the whole picture."
[Padre slowly tilts his head.]
Padre Venganza: "I can."
[Marvolo's concern deepens.]
Padre Venganza: "And unlike you, Marvolo... I want it to succeed."
[The atmosphere inside the Temple immediately changes.]
Signal: "What does that mean?"
Black Scar: "Whatever it means, I don't like the sound of it."
[Marvolo takes a moment to compose himself.]
Marvolo: "Then you're even more dangerous than I thought."
[He studies the man behind the mask.]
Marvolo: "Haven't you lost enough to this place over the years?"
[Padre laughs softly.]
Padre Venganza: "How brave of you to presume that you know who stands beneath this mask, Marvolo. How arrogant of you to believe you understand what I've endured simply because you've watched from the other side of it."
[Padre steps closer, leaving barely any space between them.]
Padre Venganza: "The Family has existed before. We had a purpose then. Under the stewardship of DTR, we sought to become a conduit through which Lucifer could enter this world."
[His eyes narrow behind the mask.]
Padre Venganza: "And we succeeded."
[Marvolo glances towards the four people standing behind Padre.]
Marvolo: "And now?"
[Padre's posture changes. His arms slowly spread as he looks around at the Temple, taking in the thousands surrounding him.]
Padre Venganza: "Now, this has nothing to do with Lucifer."
[A sinister smile forms.]
Padre Venganza: "My power isn't at its peak yet. It isn't even close. What you witnessed at Ring of Dreams was merely the beginning of what this virus can become."
[Smiley begins quietly tapping the crowbar against his palm. Doubt remains completely motionless beside him, whilst Vinell watches Padre with fascination and Ziggy looms ominiously]
Padre Venganza: "But my power will grow. The Family will grow with it, and when the day finally comes that nothing remains beyond my reach, I won't need to serve Lucifer, DTR or anyone else."
[Padre places both hands upon the OSW World Championship.]
Padre Venganza: "I will be a God."
[The crowd reacts with a mixture of boos and stunned disbelief.]
Padre Venganza: "And when that happens, I will reshape this world in my image. I will reshape Old School Wrestling in my image."
[He raises the World Championship between himself and Marvolo.]
Padre Venganza: "As OSW World Champion... it begins."
[Marvolo stares at the championship before slowly raising his eyes towards Padre.]
Marvolo: "No."
[The response is immediate and absolute.]
Marvolo: "You will never be a God. Not here. Not in OSW. Not while I'm standing between you and whatever the hell you think you're becoming."
[Marvolo backs towards the ropes without ever taking his eyes off The Family.]
Marvolo: "You said it begins with you becoming World Champion?"
[He steps through the ropes and drops to the floor.]
Marvolo: "Then my watch begins now."
[Marvolo turns and marches towards the entrance, leaving Padre surrounded by The Family in the centre of the ring. Padre makes no attempt to stop him. Instead, he watches Marvolo leave with the unsettling confidence of a man who believes time itself is on his side.]
Signal: "Three months ago, these people nearly destroyed the Temple - they killed many. Now Padre Venganza is telling us that was only the beginning and that he intends to become some kind of God."
Black Scar: "Marvolo just drew a line in the sand, Signal, but look at what's standing on the other side of it. Smiley, Doubt, Vinell, Ziggy Robbins and the OSW World Champion, Padre Venganza. If Marvolo intends to stop The Family, he'd better be ready for a war."
Signal: "That's exactly what I'm afraid of. The Temple has only just been rebuilt, and after what we've heard tonight, I can't shake the feeling that the war for Old School Wrestling has already begun."
[Padre raises the OSW World Championship above his head as Smiley, Doubt, Vinell and Ziggy gather around him. The deafening celebration that welcomed OSW back only minutes ago has been replaced by an unmistakable sense of dread.]
[The Family has returned.]
[And this time, Padre Venganza doesn't intend to summon a God.]
[He intends to become one.]
Image
Signal: We have a big time Ring King qualifier and a huge debut match to boot. Cadilas Callejero has been a cult fan favorite in the independent scene and now wants to make his mark in the big leagues in OSW but he has a huge task ahead of him here tonight.
Black Scar: Dr Vinel was a dangerous psychopath before but now he's got the Virus's influence in him? This kid is gonna be lucky to live tonight let alone win.
[The bell sounds as Cadilas rushes forward, taking Vinel by surprise with a flurry of lefts and rights, the youngster landing a series of blows before a hard enziguri to the back of the head staggers Vinell back into the corner.]
[Callejero doesn't hesitate, rushing forward with a a hard splash in the corner before rolling onto the apron and springboarding up to the top rope]
[HIGH FLY CROSSBODY! Callejero leaps up high, taking down Vinel with a big time high flying move. Cadilac rolls to his feet, raising his hand as the Temple responds in cheers.]
Signal: Good start kid but you gotta lose the grandstanding and stay on someone like VInel before it's too late.
[Cadilac reaches down, trying to pull Vinel up but the Doctor was ready with some OCCULAR ASSAULT! A vile, black ooze being thrown into the eyes of Cadilac.]
Black Scar: Like so. Rookie mistake there.
[Cadilac staggers back, blinded and in agony from the caustic liquid as he rushes forward]
[RIGHT INTO A DROP TOE HOLD! Cadilac's skull bounces off the turnbuckles, dropping down to the canvas for a moment as Vinel backs up]
[DOUBLE KNEES DRIVING CALLEJERO'S SKULL RIGHT BACK INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!]
[The Doctor begins to laugh sadistically, pulling back his gloves tight as he looks to finish off the newcomer. He reaches down, pulling Cadilac up to his feet]
[BEFORE DRIVING HIM INTO THE CANVAS WITH PATIENT ZERO! Brutal Omega Driver knocks Callejero out cold as Vinel covers, the ruleador sliding in to count]
[ONE]
[............]
[TWO]
[...........]
[............]
[THREE!!!]
Signal: A big victory for Dr Vinel here. Cadilac tried but the Doctor prevails as he moves onto the Ring King Quarter Finals.
Winner & Advancing: Dr. Vinell
Image
Cut Them Off
[INT. THE TEMPLE – BACKSTAGE.]
[Marvolo stands over a table covered in photographs.]
[The Family.]
[Deadeye stands across from him, casually checking the cylinder of his revolver.]
[Santiago Siniestro leans against the wall beside him, cleaning beneath one fingernail with the tip of a knife.]
Marvolo: "Before Ring of Dreams, there were a number of separate threats."
[He taps the photographs.]
Marvolo: "Now they're a Family."
[Deadeye snaps the cylinder shut.]
Deadeye: "Families bleed."
[Siniestro glances over.]
Siniestro: "Eventually."
[Deadeye looks at him.]
Deadeye: "Eventually?"
Siniestro: "An assassin knows patience."
Deadeye: "I don't get paid for patience."
Siniestro: "No. You get paid because someone like me didn't get there first."
[Deadeye raises an eyebrow.]
Deadeye: "Keep telling yourself that."
[Marvolo clears his throat.]
[Neither man looks at him.]
Siniestro: "How many men have you killed for money?"
Deadeye: "Enough that I stopped counting."
Siniestro: "Convenient."
Deadeye: "How many you got?"
Siniestro: "Enough that other people count for me."
[A beat.]
Marvolo: "Gentlemen."
[Their attention finally returns to him.]
Marvolo: "Padre didn't bring those men together by accident. Whatever infected them, whatever he's done to them, they're stronger."
[He gathers the photographs.]
Marvolo: "And if we wait until they realize exactly how strong?"
[Marvolo shakes his head.]
Marvolo: "We're already too late. Just like we were at Ring of Dreams."
[Marvolo shoves a dossier between them.]
Marvolo: "You're going to need help."
[Both men look down.]
[Marvolo opens the dossier.]
[Two names.]
[The camera can't see either.]
Deadeye: "You’ve got to be shitting me."
Marvolo: "Can you recruit them?"
[Deadeye and Siniestro exchange a look.]
Deadeye: "Recruit?"
Siniestro: "Boss..."
[He closes the dossier.]
Siniestro: "We could convince the Devil to buy fire."
Deadeye: "Speak for yourself."
[Deadeye takes the dossier from him.]
Deadeye: "I'd make him pay double."
[Siniestro smirks.]
Siniestro: "Then let's see who closes the deal."
[Deadeye starts toward the door.]
Siniestro: "Try not shooting anyone before we get there."
[Deadeye looks back.]
Deadeye: "No promises."
[They disappear down the corridor together.]
[Marvolo watches them go.]
[Cut.]
Image
Signal: “It’s the round of sixteen for the Ring King Crown, and we’re getting back to it in a rebuilt Temple, as Dr. Cube looks to start a path back to the OSW World Championship.”
Black Scar: “After what happened when we saw the temple and Dr. Cube fall to the Family, and tonight, Nox Bellator looks to keep Dr. Cube down by knocking him out in the Round of Sixteen.”
[The bell sounds, and we’re underway. Cube’s thirst for vengeance drives him forward, CHECKMATE!]
[RUNNING SPINNING BACK ELBOW CATCHES NOX BELLATOR FLUSH CAUSING THE WARRIOR OF DARKNESS TO TAKE THE HIT AND BACK SOMERSAULT ONTO A KNEELING POSITION!]
[TRIBULATION – FROM A KNEELING POSITION, JUMPING REVERSE STO PULLS THE GAME MASTER DOWN ONTO HIS FACE!]
[Nox and Cube both down, Nox is the first to his feet and he hits the ropes as El Maestro del Juego struggles to his feet.]
[Bellator is getting a head of steam and locks in on Cube.]
[DISCIPLE FUCKING – GAME OVER!]
[DR. CUBE MANAGES TO STOP THE MOMENTUM OF NOX AND SLING HIM FORWARD INTO THE PACKAGE PILEDRIVER, ROLLING NOX OVER INTO THE PIN!]
[THE RULEADOR COUNTS.]
[ONE!]
...
...
[TWO!]
...
...
[THREE!]
Signal: “What a hell of a fast-paced match these men came out swinging for the fences to move to Round Two of Ring King.”
Black Scar: “Dr. Cube has managed to stave off one of the members of the Family. There are still several in the round of sixteen; what are we going to do if one of the Family wins Ring King Sig?”
Winner & Advancing: Dr. Cube
Image
Gift of the Gods
[PRESS START.]
[The arena explodes in a cascade of neon colour as cyan, magenta, yellow and purple zig-zag across every screen in wild 8-bit Memphis patterns straight out of Saved by the Bell. The titantron flashes “PRESS START” in enormous blocky arcade lettering as “Skydiver” by meganeko kicks in, its opening beat perfectly synchronised with bursts of pixel-shaped pyro and pulsing neon strobes.]
[PixelShift bursts through the curtain with the Gift of the Gods Championship proudly fastened around his waist. After three months away, he wastes absolutely no time enjoying his return. He moves down the ramp like the hero of a side-scrolling beat-'em-up, hopping over imaginary obstacles, firing finger-guns towards the crowd and throwing an exaggerated combo-punch sequence perfectly in time with the music.]
[Fans reach across the barricade as PixelShift makes his way towards ringside, slapping as many hands as possible. Every connection triggers “NEW PLAYER CONNECTED” across his visor, prompting him to excitedly point at individual fans as though welcoming them into the game.]
Signal: "PixelShift is back, and listen to this reception! Three months ago, he survived Ring of Dreams with his fifth successful Gift of the Gods Championship defence, and that means something very important tonight."
Black Scar: "Five defences means he completed the objective. PixelShift has earned the right to trade that Championship for a shot at the biggest prize in Old School Wrestling."
[PixelShift dives beneath the bottom rope, rolls smoothly across the canvas and sharply kips back to his feet as the final explosion of pixelated pyro erupts behind him. He unfastens the Gift of the Gods Championship and raises it proudly above his head, soaking in the enormous ovation before eventually asking for a microphone.]
[His music fades, but the excitement inside the rebuilt Temple doesn't.]
Pixelshift: "Okay... I really missed that."
[The crowd roars its approval. PixelShift looks around the Temple with a huge smile, taking a moment to appreciate finally being back inside an OSW ring.]
Pixelshift: "At Ring of Dreams, I defended the Gift of the Gods Championship for the fifth time."
[He looks down at the title in his hands.]
Pixelshift: "Five boss fights. Five successful defences. Objective complete."
[The crowd begins to realise exactly where this is going.]
Pixelshift: "I've had three months to think about this moment. Three months waiting for the Temple to reopen so I could finally come out here, stand in this ring and tell all of you that I'm ready to trade this Championship for—"
[CRACK!]
[A crowbar crashes violently across the back of PixelShift's skull.]
[The microphone flies from his hand as he collapses face-first onto the canvas. The Gift of the Gods Championship tumbles beside him as the shocked excitement of the crowd instantly becomes a deafening chorus of boos.]
Signal: "SMILEY! THAT'S SMILEY!"
[The yellow smiley-face mask stares down at PixelShift as Smiley adjusts his grip on the crowbar. Beside him stands Doubt, his cracked white mask emerging from beneath the hood of his long red coat.]
[PixelShift tries desperately to push himself up, but Smiley swings the crowbar into his ribs and sends him rolling onto his back. Doubt immediately descends upon him, stomping relentlessly across his chest whilst Smiley circles his victim with disturbing patience.]
Black Scar: "PixelShift never even got to finish the challenge! The Family knew exactly what he was about to do!"
[Smiley raises the crowbar overhead and brings it crashing down across PixelShift's body again. PixelShift curls instinctively into a ball, desperately trying to protect himself, but Doubt grabs him by the arms and drags him back into the centre of the ring.]
[Smiley continues the assault until PixelShift can no longer defend himself.]
Signal: "That's enough! He's unconscious! Somebody needs to get these psychopaths out of here!"
[Smiley finally lowers the crowbar. PixelShift lies motionless beneath him, his Gift of the Gods Championship resting only inches from his outstretched hand.]
[Doubt retrieves the discarded microphone and slowly kneels beside PixelShift. He looks down at the unconscious champion for several seconds before turning his cracked white mask towards the camera.]
Doubt: "Nobody challenges the one true God without consequence."
[The crowd continues to shower The Family with abuse, but Doubt remains completely unmoved.]
Doubt: "You thought five successful defences entitled you to stand before our unholy father and demand his throne. You were mistaken."
[Doubt rises, allowing Smiley to place the bloodied crowbar across his shoulder.]
Doubt: "The Family will see you again tonight, PixelShift. You have been chosen for the Main Event, and should you survive what we have prepared for you, Padre Venganza will speak with you personally when it's over."
[Doubt drops the microphone beside PixelShift's head.]
[Smiley and Doubt calmly leave the ring together, showing absolutely no urgency as officials and medical personnel sprint past them towards their fallen victim.]
Signal: "PixelShift waited three months to exercise the opportunity he earned, and The Family just beat him unconscious before he could even make it official."
Black Scar: "Marvolo declared war on The Family earlier tonight, and now PixelShift was seconds away from challenging their World Champion. Padre Venganza clearly isn't interested in waiting around to see who comes for his throne."
[The camera closes in on PixelShift as medical personnel surround him, the Gift of the Gods Championship still lying beside his battered body.]
[Five defences earned him the right to challenge for the World Championship.]
[He never got the chance to finish the sentence.]
Image
Signal: We have another Ring King round of 16 matchup and a very interesting one as the newly happy Silas goes on one on against the leader of DeMasq Academius.
Black Scar: Silas may have gotten the girl and guy at Ring of Dreams but Academius proved he's the good guy I always said he was and proved who the true villain was in Darkwish. I'm pulling for my favorite professor here.
[The bell sounds as Silas rushes forward, trying to nail a running dropkick but Academius dodges it, using the momentum to send Silas through the ropes. The Sorrow doesn't fall through to the outside though, grabbing hold of the ropes and using them to slingshot himself back in.]
[ONE ARMED SCISSOR! Slingshot Turn Around Lariat to the back of Academius's head. The Professor drops down to one knee as Silas rushes to the ropes, leaping up to the top before springboarding off.
[SUCH GREAT...CHOKE! Academius counters the Trust Fall Plancha into a Rear Naked Choke, Silas struggling underneath the hold as he manages to slightly slip out. A hard forearm to the back of the neck rocks him before he's rolled down to the mat.]
Black Scar: Lecture time Sorrow, about time to tap out to the soon to be rightful King.
[Academius cranks back on the Crossface, Silas struggling in the pain but he manages to swing his legs around, locking them onto the bottom rope, forcing the break. Academius breaks after a few moments before pulling Silas up.]
[CHALK DUST! DEADLIFT BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Academius dusts his hands before backing up as Silas pulls himself up by the ropes.]
[EXPUL...KNEE! Academius rushes right into a knee before Silas leaps up and puts Academius FACE DOWN on the canvas with the X-Factor.]
Signal: Silas looking for the end here, backing up as Academius pulls himself up by the ropes.
[HELLUVA...NO! Academius catches the kick, flipping both of them around before bridging back in one fluid motion]
[A PLUS! Academius lands the Regal Plex, bridging back as the ruleador slides in to count]
[ONE]
[............]
[TWO]
[...........]
[............]
[THREE!!!]
Black Scar: I told you Siggie, Academius unmasked a true villain at Ring of Dreams and now he's one step closer to becoming the King of Knowledge.
Winner & Advancing: Academius
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Person of Interest
[EXT. EAST LOS ANGELES - NIGHT]
[The sound of smooth jazz plays over the scene accompanied by the very low rumble of a car engine. A sleek black Mini Cooper rolls onto the scene, Dick Johnson sat behind the wheel, Ms. Fannybottom at his side.]
Dick Johnson: "You know, Ms. Fannybottom. They say to defeat your enemy, you must become your enemy. When C.L.I.T. HQ told me of this..."
[Dick looks down at his hand, eyes straining to read smudged marker on his skin.]
Dick Johnson: "Cognac Coochie? That can't be right."
Ms. Fannybottom: "Cadillac Callejero, sir."
Dick Johnson: "The very same, Ms. Fannybottom!"
[Dick drives his Mini down the street, slowly gliding into place at the red light beside a familiar candy-painted Impala. Cadillac Callejero looks over at Dick Johnson, looking the agent's ride up and down, eyebrow raised.]
Ms. Fannybottom: "Sir, I believe-"
Dick Johnson: "As I was saying. You must become your enemy, Ms. Fannybottom. Which means I requested G-Spot at HQ to outfit my ride with all the very same hydraulics and speakers that someone like this... Cajun Cornbread might very well be using himself."
Ms. Fannybottom: "Well yes but sir-"
[Dick presses a button, his Mini Cooper beginning to bounce up and down in tune with the jazz on the radio. Cadillac looks on for a moment before turning forward and driving away.]
[Agent 69, meanwhile, holds onto the steering wheel for dear life as the Mini begins to bounce into the air!]
[POP!]
[CRASH!]
[The Mini Cooper lands haphazardly on top of a nearby apartment complex, the wheels breaking off on impact. Dick looks out the window, shrugging.]
Dick Johnson: "Note this down, Fannybottom! Much like myself, the vehicle driven by our target can become dangerously erect at a moment's notice... This mission might just be sexy yet."
[Ms. Fannybottom sighs, phoning HQ for a new car as we watch Cadillac Callejero drive into the distance, seemingly none the wiser of the agent's antics.]
[Cut.]
Image
Signal: "We've got an interesting match up for this first round match, Scar."
Black Scar: "I'll say, Sig. Warlord Mars taking on... A devilishly motivated Ziggy Robbins. I'm not sure who I feel more sorry for."
[The bell rings and Ziggy Robbins explodes across the ring! He leaps onto Warlord Mars like a spider monkey, raining down hammer fists and forearms with ill repute!]
[Mars grabs onto Ziggy, flinging crushing him in a bear hug before throwing him to the ground!]
Ziggy Robbins: "KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!"
Signal: "Massive dropdown kick to the skull of Mars!"
Black Scar: "Now that's motivation to win, Sig!"
[Mars stumbles away, Ziggy leaping to his feet and onto Mars' back! ]
[GOT YOUR BACK REAR NAKED CHOKE!]
[The Harbinger runs forward, slamming back first and crushing Ziggy Robbins against the turnbuckle! Robbins lets go and Mars flings around with a jaw shattering lariat that sends Ziggy to the apron!]
Signal: "By God! Did you see the post bend?"
Black Scar: "Like a Mack truck hitting a chihuahua!
[Mars stands on the middle rope, reaching over and grabbing hold of Ziggy!]
Warlord Mars: "You're motivating me... TO KICK YOUR ASS!"
[MASSIVE MIDDLE ROPE SUPLEX! THE RING SHAKES ON IMPACT AS ZIGGY AND MARS COME CRASHING DOWN!]
[Warlord Mars slowly rolls to his feet only to see Ziggy Robbins clinging to the ropes! Surviving like a cockroach, Ziggy slowly pulls himself to his feet as Mars begins stomping the ground! He points at Ziggy, giving him a thumbs down before rushing towards him!]
Signal: "ZIGGY SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE ROPES! FROM THE BOTTOM TO THE TOP! MOONSAULT!"
Black Scar: "NO! MARS CATCHES HIM! WAR MACHINE! WAR MACHINE POWERBOMB PLANTS ZIGGY!"
[Mars drops on top of Ziggy with an elbow, going for the cover!]
[ONE!]
[...]
[...]
[TWO!]
[...]
[...]
[THREE!]
Signal: "Ziggy was vicious, yet nothing could come between Warlord Mars and victory here tonight as he advances to the next round!"
Winner & Advancing: Warlord Mars
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Warlord Motivation
[Warlord Mars stands near the ropes, breathing heavily.]
[Across the ring, Ziggy Robbins remains on his knees.]
[His hands tremble against the canvas.]
[Ziggy squeezes his eyes shut, jaw clenched, before forcing himself back to his feet.]
Signal: "Ziggy Robbins looks completely out of sorts."
[Mars notices and smiles.]
[He reaches through the ropes and demands a microphone.]
Warlord Mars: "COME ON, ZIGGY! YOU CAN DO IT!"
[Ziggy slowly looks up.]
[Mars begins clapping enthusiastically.]
Warlord Mars: "BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! DIG DEEP! FIND THAT SPECIAL LITTLE SPARK INSIDE!"
[He laughs.]
Warlord Mars: "ISN'T THAT WHAT YOU USED TO TELL EVERYBODY!?"
[Mars crouches toward Ziggy.]
Warlord Mars: "COME ON, BUDDY! GIVE US A SMILE!"
[Ziggy's head jerks upward.]
[For just a moment, something flashes across his face.]
Signal: "Mars might want to be careful."
Black Scar: "Why? Robbins can barely stand."
[Mars spreads his arms.]
Warlord Mars: "THERE”S MY LITTLE ZIG-SHIT!"
Black Scar: “Looks like the cavalry is here!
[Vinell rushes down the aisle.]
[Mars turns.]
Signal: "VINELL!"
[The Good Doctor stops at ringside, shouting up at Mars, and Mars steps toward the ropes roaring out a challenge.]
[Exactly what Vinell wanted.]
[Nox Bellator slides beneath the bottom rope behind Mars.]
[Smiley follows.]
[Doubt comes from the opposite side.]
Black Scar: "MARS! BEHIND YOU!"
[Too late.]
[NOX CRASHES INTO MARS FROM BEHIND.]
[SMILEY'S CROWBAR SLAMS INTO HIS RIBS.]
[DOUBT TACKLES HIM TO THE CANVAS.]
[The three descend.]
[Mars tries to rise.]
[Smiley caves another shot into his back.]
Signal: "THIS IS FOUR ON ONE!"
Black Scar: "This is an execution!"
[Vinell calmly climbs into the ring.]
[He kneels beside Mars, watching with clinical fascination as the beating continues.]
[The The Family stops. Just as abruptly as they began.]
[Mars lies motionless.]
[Ziggy has backed into the corner.]
[He's staring at them.]
[Breathing hard.]
[Nox turns toward him.]
[Ziggy immediately straightens.]
[He forces a grin.]
Ziggy Robbins: "See?"
[His voice cracks.]
Ziggy Robbins: "I was just..."
[His hand trembles.]
[He quickly hides it behind his back.]
Ziggy Robbins: "...luring him in."
[Silence.]
[Smiley tilts his head.]
[Vinell stares at Ziggy.]
[Ziggy keeps smiling.]
Signal: "Was he?"
Black Scar: "I don't think Ziggy even believes that."
Image
Open Season
[A single bullbell echoes through the Temple. From the smoke steps the Ultraviolent Champion, Santiago Del Toro.]
Signal: “Three months ago, Santiago Del Toro stood tall and gave the middle finger to death himself. Those captured souls remain in his possession.”
Black Scar: “As does the Ultraviolent Championship. Now he’s got his sights set on the Ring King crown, and tonight… Darkwish.”
[Del Toro makes his way to the ring, but he’s not looking like he’s ready to fight just yet.]
Santiago Del Toro: “Tonight marks the beginning of the quest for the crown, but it also marks the next stage in my dominance. Tonight, I establish my dominion.”
[Del Toro looks out over the crowd, the presence of the stolen souls noticeably absent.]
Santiago Del Toro: “I have spent three months securing the sanctuary of my souls, ensuring that prying hands will not touch them. All so that I can turn my attention to my dominion without… distraction.”
[Del Toro turns to face the entranceway, addressing the roster as a whole.]
Santiago Del Toro: “Consider this an open invitation. Take up my challenge for this title, but be warned. The very souls who take up my challenge may be at risk, for should you take your shot and fail… you could well end up joining my collection.”
[Del Toro smirks but doesn’t have to wait long. Soon, the hulking frame of Rambro answers the call.]
Signal: “Rambro has a shiny new signet ring, looks like he’s ready to add a title to that collection.”
Rambro: “You talk of dominion. Well, this little challenge of yours is the perfect opportunity to spread my power.”
[He holds Moretti’s ring up, but his moment doesn’t last long. A chord is strum on a guitar, and the world plunges into black and white.]
Silas: “You seek to show dominance over dominance? Suffering over more suffering?”
[Silas steps forward, positioning himself so he can address both Rambro and Del Toro.]
Silas: “Stolen souls devoid of afterlife? A dead man’s ring held up like it’s a trophy? I see the suffering you have put others through…”
[But Silas is interrupted by a soft chuckling, growing into a breathy giggle.]
Glitter:“Oh he does have a penchant for the dramatic. Don’t you, Sy?”
[Silas looks taken aback, not expecting his new stablemate to steal his thunder.]
Silas: “What are you-”
Glitter: “Oh, I like an all-in orgy as much as the rest of you. I couldn’t let you have all the fun.”
[Glitter smiles, but there’s an air of tension between them and Silas.]
Signal: “Well, it seems like we have three challengers eager to take up the mantle…”
Black Scar: “So far. That’s all in five minutes. I wonder if Del Toro really knows what he’s getting himself in for?”
Signal: “Time will tell. But for now, he’s got to get past Darkwish first.”
[Cut.]
Image
Signal: “More Ring King bracketology action next, folks, as Scarred Justice comes for The Matador of Souls!”
Black Scar: “That sounds like a damn '40s noir movie, Sig!”
[Darkwish lunges forwards, but Del Toro dodges him.]
Signal: “The vigilante has 30 pounds on the Spaniard…”
Black Scar: “Santiago needs to stay on his toes to avoid that Night Terror fisherman buster!”
[Del Toro peppers Darkwish with lightning-fast strikes, before backing away.]
Signal: “Darkwish can’t be on top of his game after Ring of Dreams; Academius has the world convinced that he’s a murderer!”
Black Scar: “What do you mean, convinced!? He is the murderer!”
[Darkwish grabs at Del Toro, but he escapes his clutches and pops off more shots.]
Signal: “Frustration is setting in for the Floridian!”
[Indeed, Darkwish swats the turnbuckle and kicks the ropes.]
[Santiago beckons him forth - bring it! Darkwish obliges–]
[DEL TORO STRAFES HIM!]
[KICK TO THE HEAD!]
Black Scar: “He suckered him into the CURSED CHARGE!”
[The matador goes for the COBRA CLUTCH!]
Signal: “He looks up at the lights in ETERNAL SILENCE!”
Black Scar: “Wait up, it’s not locked in yet - Darkwish is FIGHTING IT!”
[...]
[Darkwish slips through Del Toro’s guard, jamming his middle and ring fingers into the latter’s MOUTH!]
Signal: “He’s got the MANDIBLE CLAW! Santiago is feeling the SCARS OF JUSTICE!”
[The Ruleador asks Del Toro if he quits, but the Spaniard shakes his head furiously!]
[Darkwish overpowers him with his 30-pound advantage. Santiago is fading…]
[HE FLINGS HIS CAPE INTO THE FACE OF DARKWISH!]
[The vigilante snatches it away, inadvertently relinquishing his hold…]
[Del Toro grabs his head–]
Signal: “SPECTRAL PASSADA!?”
Black Scar: “NO - DARKWISH GRABS THE TOP ROPE TO SANDBAG THE SNAP DDT!”
[They break, then clash once more–]
[SUPERKI–BLOCKED BY SANTIAGO!]
Signal: “DARKNESS DOESN’T FALL OVER SEVILLE, SPAIN!”
[He spins Darkwish round–]
[BUSAIKUUU KNEEEEE!]
Black Scar: “PHANTOM CORNADA - SAY GOODNIGHT!”
[Del Toro collapses into the cover…]
[ONE!]
[TWO!!]
[!?]
[THREEE!!!]
Signal: “The Matador looks to collect more souls as he advances to the next stage of Ring King!”
Winner & Advancing: Santiago Del Toro
Image
With Friends Like These...
[The sweet-and-sour Candy Man shuffles through the corridors of the rebuilt Temple with a grimace–]
[Giggle]
[Intrigued by the noise, Candy rounds the corner…]
[Finding Dolly Daydream sitting cross-legged on the floor, playing with toys.]
[Sensing Candy’s presence, Dolly looks up at him. She smiles.]
Dolly Daydream: “Hi, Candy!”
Candy Man: [taken aback] “You know my name?”
Dolly Daydream: “Of course I do, silly!”
[Dolly’s eyes light up.]
Dolly Daydream: “Hey - wanna play?”
[She offers Candy a unicorn.]
Candy Man: “I-I’m not sure how…”
Dolly Daydream: “It’s easy. There aren’t any rules, so you can’t lose.”
[Dolly pats the floor beside her. Candy takes a seat.]
[The unicorn tentatively trots up to Dolly’s princess doll.]
[The princess strokes its mane, then climbs onto its back. The unicorn canters, then gallops!]
Dolly Daydream: [laughing] “You’re good at this!”
Candy Man: [excited] “Really!?”
[Dolly nods, and they continue playing.]
[...]
Dolly Daydream: “I think we have something in common.”
Candy Man: [absent-minded] “What?”
[Dolly pauses play. She makes Candy meet her inquisitive gaze.]
Dolly Daydream: “We’re different from most people. They don’t always understand us. Sometimes, they’re scared of us.”
[Candy breaks eye contact and resumes play silently.]
Dolly Daydream: [unsure] “… What do you think?”
[His lip trembles.]
Candy Man: “I d-dunno…”
[Dolly takes Candy’s hands into hers.]
Dolly Daydream: “Wanna be friends?”
[Candy looks down at their hands.]
Candy Man: “I… I have to go now.”
[He stands up abruptly. Dolly is crestfallen.]
Dolly Daydream: “Why!?”
[Sniffling, Candy walks past her.]
Candy Man: “Mommy says playtime is over.”
[Dolly frowns, turning to look at him.]
Dolly Daydream: “I didn’t hear anyone…”
[Keeping his back to her, Candy swallows.]
Candy Man: “I’m s-sorry, Dolly. Mommy says we can’t be friends.”
[Eyes swimming, Dolly rubs her forearm.]
Dolly Daydream: “Oh… Okay. I–I’m sorry if I upset your Mommy.”
[Stony silence follows.]
Candy Man: “Goodbye.”
[Candy shuffles round the corner, out of sight.]
Dolly Daydream: “Bye…”
[Dolly pulls her knees to her chest and rocks quietly…]
Image
Signal: “Up next in this game of thrones, Deadeye takes aim at the returning Smiley in a Ring King qualifier!”
Black Scar: “Imagine that sick, demented freak wearing a crown! Kings are sane and normal - like us!”
[Deadeye fires his finger guns at Smiley, who tilts his head…]
[THEN CHARGES AT THE GUNSLINGER WITH A SPEAR!]
Signal: “Holy cow - SHOCK THERAPY OUTTA THE GATE!”
Black Scar: “DEADEYE DIVES OUT OF HARM’S WAY!”
[THUD!]
[SMILEY RAMS HIS SHOULDER INTO THE STEEL RING POST!]
[He turns round–]
Signal: “Smiley has DISLOCATED his shoulder!”
Black Scar: “His arm is just hanging there!”
[Deadeye frowns and looks at the Ruleador, who shrugs.]
[CLICK!]
[SMILEY POPS IT BACK IN!]
Black Scar: “That is one sick puppy!”
[The Ruleador goes green around the gills. Deadeye whistles–]
[SMILEY UNLEASHES A BROGUE KICK!]
Signal: “Deadeye narrowly avoids a BLOODY GRIN!”
[The Last Desperado BLASTS him with a SUPERMAN PUNCH!]
Black Scar: “That is his BOOMSTICK!”
[Smiley goes down. Deadeye covers him.]
[ONE!]
[TWO!!]
[...]
[KICKOUT!]
Signal: “We’re not ready to coronate King Deadeye just yet!”
Black Scar: “Neither of these guys are monarch material!”
[Deadeye backs up as Mr. Crowley recovers…]
[HE LINES HIM UP FOR THE CURB STOMP!]
Signal: “There’ll be no REVELRY for Smiley, who rolls under the ropes!”
[Deadeye leans through the ropes and grabs him by the hair–]
[CRACK!]
[SMILEY BRAINS HIM WITH HIS CROWBAR, SMILEY JR.!]
Signal: “HOLY… DEADEYE COULD HAVE SUFFERED A TBI!”
Black Scar: “But how would we know the difference!?”
[The Ruleador didn’t see the international object, which Smiley tosses under the ring.]
[He climbs the apron and ascends the turnbuckle…]
[DIIIVIIING LEG DROOOP!]
Signal: “SMILEY TRAUMA-DUMPS DEADEYE!”
[He covers him.]
[ONE!]
[TWO!!]
[...]
[SHOULDER UP!]
Signal: “Thank heavens - no King Smiley yet!”
[Smiley hauls Deadeye up–]
Signal: “STUNNER OUTTA NOWHERE!?”
Black Scar: “NO - SMILEY COUNTERS THE DEADSHOT!”
[Smiley FISH-HOOKS Deadeye, then hits the BACKSTABBER!]
Signal: “HIDEOUS LAUGHTER ECHOES THROUGH THE TEMPLE ONCE MORE!”
[He falls across him.]
[ONE!]
[TWO!!]
[!?]
[THREEE!!!]
Signal: “Smiley is one step closer to having the Ring King crown be part of The Family jewels!”
Winner & Advancing: Smiley
Image
The Hatchet
[INT. THE TEMPLE – BACKSTAGE - CORRIDOR]
[Dr. Cube rounds a corner.]
[Deadeye is waiting against one wall.]
[Santiago Siniestro stands opposite him.]
Signal: "Oh, this could get ugly."
[Cube stops.]
Dr. Cube: "If this is an ambush, gentlemen, your positioning lacks imagination."
Deadeye: "If it was an ambush, you'd already be dead."
Siniestro: "He means he'd already be dead. I'd have done it properly."
Dr. Cube: "Charming. What do you want?"
[Siniestro folds his arms.]
Siniestro: "The boss thinks you're a good fit for something we're putting together."
Deadeye: "We're cutting Padre's little Family down before they own the damn place."
[A long pause.]
Dr. Cube: "I'm in."
[Deadeye blinks.]
Signal: "Wait, what?"
[Siniestro raises an eyebrow.]
Deadeye: "That's it?"
Dr. Cube: "Padre Venganza took something from me."
[Cube steps closer.]
Dr. Cube: "I intend to collect."
[His head tilts.]
Dr. Cube: "Besides, while the Newton brothers tear one another apart, I suddenly find myself with an opening in my schedule."
[Deadeye looks at Siniestro.]
[Siniestro exhales.]
Siniestro: "Well."
Deadeye: "That was easy."
[They both take a breath.]
Siniestro: "Unfortunately..."
[Deadeye produces the dossier.]
Deadeye: "...that was the easy part."
[Cube looks down.]
Siniestro: "Marvolo gave us one more name."
Deadeye: "And apparently, you're the one who's gotta help us by burying the hatchet."
[Cube takes the dossier.]
[Opens it.]
[His body immediately stiffens.]
[WARLORD MARS.]
[Cube snaps it shut.]
Dr. Cube: "No."
Deadeye: "Figured you'd say that."
Dr. Cube: "Find someone else."
[Cube shoves the dossier back into Deadeye's chest.]
Deadeye: "There ain't someone else."
Siniestro: "You hate Mars. Mars hates you."
Deadeye: "But Padre gets that Family dug in deep enough?"
[Deadeye steps forward.]
Deadeye: "Neither one of you gets the luxury of hating each other."
[Cube stares at him.]
Siniestro: "Swallow your pride. Find common cause. Then, once Padre's dealt with..."
[He shrugs.]
Siniestro: "Go back to trying to murder each other."
[A beat.]
[Cube snatches the dossier.]
Dr. Cube: "I'll consider it."
[He storms away.]
Signal: "That's not exactly a yes."
Black Scar: "Wasn't a no either."
[Deadeye watches Cube disappear.]
Deadeye: "That could have went way worse."
Siniestro: "I feel like you say that a lot."
[Deadeye slowly turns toward him.]
Deadeye: "You wanna take a shot at me?"
[Siniestro smiles.]
Siniestro: "Don't flatter yourself, cowboy."
[Cut.]
Image
Black Scar: We've got a helluva match here. Two psychopaths going head to head, the twisted Candy Man who nearly murdered a dino at Ring of Dreams and the man who turned on his own flesh and blood for a reason we still don't know.
Signal: Edward Newton is always a dangerous competitor but the unpredictability of his psyche lately maybe makes him the most dangerous man alive. That being said, Candy Man ain't no slouch when it comes to violence so this could well be a tossup here.
[The bell sounds as Candy Man rushes forward, trying to squash Newton like a bug with a huge running splash but Newton manages to duck underneath, sending Candy Man to the outside, the bigger man nearly spiking himself into the concrete.]
[Candy Man leaps to his feet, trying to get back in but he's stopped by a hard baseball slide to the jaw, sending him staggering back into the apron. Newton slides out, grabbing the dazed Candy Man by the skull before beginning to bounce his skull off the barricade.]
[Slam RIDDLE slam ME slam THAT! Candy Man doesn't go down but he's stunned as Newton quickly kicks him in the gut before gripping him in a headlock.]
[SNAP DDT ON THE CONCRETE!]
Signal: That wasn't a Nevermind but it was damn sure effective.
[Newton sneers before picking Candy Man up and rolling his stunned body into the ring. Newton slides in himself, backing up as Candy Man stumbles to his feet before rushing forward.]
[TEMPEST...NO! Candy Man catches the Superkick, roaring in anger before nearly taking the Riddler's head off with a HARD CANDY Short Arm Lariatto.]
[Newton stumbles up into a hard flurry of blows. Right, Left, Forearm, Headbutt before he's lifted up into the air]
[THE BIG WHIRLY! A big time Tilt A Whirl Slam drives Newton into the mat as the Candy Man calls for the end, slowly climbing up to the top.]
Black Scar: NEWTON BOOT TO THE ROPES! The Riddler crotches The Candy Man just in time as he quickly leaps up to the top,
[Candy Man is fighting though, HEADBUTT! HEADBUTT! HEADBUTT! A triefcta of headbutts sends Newton crashing to the mat as Candy Man quickly follows]
[GLASS JAR! Brutal Top Rope Diving Splash squashes Newton into the mat, Candy Man staying down for the cover as the ruleador slides in to count]
[ONE]
[............]
[TWO]
[...........]
[............]
[THREE!!!]
Black Scar: What a huge upset here, Edward Newton has been eliminated as the Candy Man advances to the Ring King Quarter Finals.
Winner: The Candy Man
Image
SOS
[Backstage.]
[Marvolo sits alone behind the desk in his newly rebuilt office. Unlike the pristine room that existed before Ring of Dreams, this one still feels unfamiliar. Fresh timber surrounds the doorway, newly fitted shelves stand mostly empty and the faint smell of paint lingers in the air. Three months may have been enough to rebuild the Temple, but it hasn't been enough to make it feel like home again.]
[Marvolo stares at the mobile phone resting in his hand. A number is already displayed on the screen, waiting for him to make the call.]
[He hesitates.]
[For a man who has spent his life manipulating situations to his advantage, the reluctance on his face says everything about the person whose number he has.]
[Eventually, Marvolo presses the button and raises the phone to his ear.]
[Someone answers.]
Marvolo: "It's me."
[Whatever response comes from the other end causes Marvolo to grimace. He leans back in his chair and runs a hand across his face before continuing.]
Marvolo: "Believe me, I know. I didn't think you'd ever hear from me either, but things have changed."
[He listens carefully, allowing the unseen person to speak.]
Marvolo: "There's a war beginning in Old School Wrestling, and unfortunately, it's one we're both all too familiar with."
[Marvolo's eyes drift towards the rebuilt walls surrounding him. The explosions at Ring of Dreams may have been repaired, but the people responsible are now stronger than ever.]
Marvolo: "The Family is back."
[There is a lengthy silence on the other end.]
[Marvolo waits.]
Marvolo: "Yes."
[His expression hardens.]
Marvolo: "They're different this time, but you know what they're capable of. You've seen what happens when they're allowed to grow, and I can't let that happen again."
[Marvolo stands from behind his desk and walks towards the window overlooking the backstage corridors.]
Marvolo: "I need help."
[Those words clearly aren't easy for him to say.]
Marvolo: "I can't believe I'm reaching out to you for it, and I can only imagine how much you're enjoying hearing me ask, but I don't have a choice. I don't know who else I can go to."
[He listens again, his expression impossible to read.]
Marvolo: "Can you help me?"
[A long silence follows.]
[Marvolo waits anxiously for an answer.]
[Then his eyebrows rise.]
Marvolo: "Ring King?"
[Another response comes through the phone.]
[For the first time since making the call, some of the tension leaves Marvolo's face.]
Marvolo: "Thank you."
[He pauses, listening to a final few words.]
Marvolo: "I'll see you there."
[The call ends.]
[Marvolo slowly lowers the phone and stares at the screen for a moment before placing it back onto his desk.]
[Whoever he just called, Marvolo clearly never imagined himself asking them for help.]
Raquel: "Are you sure about this?"
[But with The Family preparing for war, desperation has forced him to turn towards someone from another one.]
[Cut.]
Image
Black Scar: It's Ring King time Scar and you know what that means.
Signal: 16 competitors fight it out tonight to advance to the quarter finals and one more step closer to the crown and getting a one on one shot against the World Champion, whoever that may be at the time. First up here we have two incredible competitors coming off huge victories at Ring of Dreams. The refocused Rambro and the hitman of the bossman himself, Santiago Siniestro. Will Cold Steel prevail or will his bullets bounce off the Last Survivor?
[The bell rings as Santiago rushes forward, looking for a Spinning Wheel Kick that Rambro manages to duck underneath. Santiago kicks off the ropes, leaping over Rambro and spiking him down to the mat with a hard Float Over DDT.]
[Siniestro drops down, trying to immediately lock in the Sunrise but Rambro manages a stiff elbow to the jaw that rocks him, staggering him back as Rambro leaps forward, tackling low as he rolls with Siniestro on the mat before lifting him up.]
Signal: DEAD ZONE OUTTA NOWHERE! Rambro outmuscling the smaller luchadore there, nearly snapping him in half from the sheer force of that Back Suplex.
[Rambro rolls to his feet, rushing forward as Santiago staggers to his feet, AMBU...NO! Siniestro catches the knee, using it to pull Rambro up and into the air. FISHERMANS DRIVER! ]
[Siniestro drives Rambro into the mat, rolling to his feet as he rushes to the ropes, leaping up top before diving off.]
[HERMOSA...KNEES! The Frog Splash is met with a double pair to the sternum, Santiago's chest nearly caving in from the force. Staggering up]
[RIGHT INTO THE NAPALM ELBOW! Santiago is out on his feet as he's locked into a sleeper hold from behind.]
[LAST EXTRACTION! Rambro lifts Santiago up and nearly snaps him in half with the backbreaker/spinebuster combination. Rambro floats over, hooking the leg as the ruleador drops down to count]
[ONE]
[............]
[TWO]
[............]
[.............]
[THREE!!!]
[NO!!! THE REFEREE IS PULLED OUT OF THE RING AND DECKED WITH A RIGHT HAND!]
[A masked figure slides under the bottom rope with a steel chair!]
[CHAIRSHOT TO RAMBRO!]
[Santiago rises...]
[CHAIRSHOT TO SINIESTRO!]
[The Ruleadoor angrily calls for the bell!]
Signal: What the hell is going on!? Who the hell was that!? The referee has called for a bell... this one is... a... uh... tie? Both men advance!
Winner & Advancing: Draw
Image
Hidden
[Previously Recorded]
[INT. UNKNOWN LOCATION]
[Dim light peeking through boarded up windows. Darkwish sits in hiding, eyes widening as a thumping sound echoes through the small cabin.]
[They’ve found him.]
[Banging on doors, windows, whatever they can find. It won’t be long before they find a way in.]
Voices: “We know you’re in there. There’s nowhere you can hide.”
[Darkwish blows out the last remaining light from his candle, plunging the scene momentarily into darkness.]
[But before long, light floods into the cabin as the door is breached.]
[The thumping of fists against wooden boards soon turns to the sound of thundering footsteps as countless figures burst into the cabin.]
[Darkwish doesn’t hide. He knows that would be pointless. He stands in plain sight, arms crossed and eyes narrowed on the entrance.]
[An angry mob with one purpose in mind, to see him hang for what he did to their families. And among them, Academius stands.]
[As one, they move for him, clawing at him. Scratching, grabbing, tearing away at whatever they can touch. They want blood, and they’re going to get it.]
[One can see rare fear in the whites of Darkwish’s eyes as the crowd consume him.]
Academius: “Stop. Leave him be.”
[The voice of Academius pierces through the angry crowd. Reluctantly, the crowd obliges. Backing away, they form a circle that Academius stands inside. Standing over a battered and bleeding Darkwish.]
Academius: “Restraint is the beginning of civilisation. Demonstrate that you possess some. You cannot tear him apart simply because your primitive minds have mistaken fury for justice.”
[But Academius does not help Darkwish up. He points at him instead.]
Academius: “Do not become the monster you came here to punish.”
[Academius turns to the crowd.]
Academius: “His day of justice will come in the public forum of the rebuilt temple. You came here simply to… escort our friend to his proper lodgings. Take him home, there he will face his consequences before too long...”
[Academius clicks his fingers and the crowd seize Darkwish. The air fills with his cries of protest slowly fading as they drag him away.]
Academius: “I will see to that personally.”
[The temple awaits.]
[Cut.]
Image
Signal: “It’s now time for our Main Event, as Glitter and Dolly of the Sex Dolls take on Venganza and Pixelshift!”
Black Scar: “We’ve seen how far each of these four competitors are willing to push their bodies in order to win. This promises to be a gruesome match, and I’m all here for it.”
[Glitter and Pixelshift start the match for their teams as the Ruleador calls for the bell.]
[The Sinful One and Neon Player One circle each other for a few seconds before locking up.]
[As they do, the Sexual Messiah moans in pleasure, causing the Glitch to lose focus for a second.]
[That gives Glitter enough time to go behind Pixel for a rear waistlock, grabbing the Glitch by the balls!]
Black Scar: “The ORGASM BUTTON has been pressed! The 1UP Wonder just got ballsplexed into his corner!”
[Padre takes this opportunity to tag himself in, slapping Player One on the back before stepping inside.]
[Venganza stares down the Sinful One with disdain as their opponent rubs themselves seductively.]
[The Virus suddenly rushes at the Sexual Messiah!]
Signal: “BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA! The superkick knocks Glitter into the ropes!”
[Padre proceeds to Irish whip his opponent off the ropes.]
[Venganza attempts a clothesline at the rebound, but the Sovereign of Sex ducks it.]
[Dolly makes a blind tag as Glitter bounces off the ropes again, looking to strike with a big boot!]
Black Scar: “The BUKKAKE BULLET TRAIN is ducked! But catches the Black Heart with the SLEEPWALKER SPIRAL corkscrew neckbreaker as they pass by!”
[The Ruleador forces the Sinful One out of the ring as Dolly starts skipping around Padre.]
[The Daydreamer waits until he gets to a knee before going on the attack, wailing on him with kicks and clubbing blows.]
[She attempts to go for a CHESHIRE SNAP, but Venganza pushes her off before the snapmare driver can be executed.]
[Just as she turns back towards her opponent, The Virus spits a black, tar-like substance into Dolly’s face!]
Signal: “Padre just spread his VIRAL INFECTION to Daydream!”
[A battered Venganza tags himself out to Pixelshift, who leaps over the top rope and dashes towards the Daydreamer!]
[The Glitch proceeds to launch some offense on a blinded Dolly with a few knife edge chops to the chest, backing her up into a corner!]]
[He backs up and gets ready to run at her, but he freezes mid run!]
[Dolly attempts to capitalize on this, but she gets dropped with a cutter the moment she gets close!]
Black Scar: “The Glitch nailed the LAG SPIKE! Pixelshift is straight gaming after that ballsplex from earlier!”
[Pixelshift calls for the end by flashing ‘game over’ on his visor.]
[Unbeknownst to him, Dolly rolled over to Glitter to make the tag, making him legal!]
[As the Glitch turns around, he gets nailed with the BUKKAKE BULLET TRAIN!]
[The Sinful One grinds their boot into Player One’s face, moaning with pleasure as they do so.]
[Padre reenters the ring and slips behind the Sexual Messiah while they aren’t looking!]
Signal: “LIFE FLASHER! Venganza nails the German, Dragon, and murder backdrop suplex on a distracted Glitter!”
[Dolly attempts to save their downed partner from further punishment, nailing the Virus with a kick to the gut before setting him up for a PORCELAIN SHATTER!]
[But she can’t lift Padre up due to Pixelshift holding onto his partner’s ankle!]
[Venganza slips out of the front headlock, delivering a headbutt to Dolly after the fact!]
[Pixelshift kips up to his feet and meets a rising Glitter in the center of the ring.]
Black Scar: “Simultaneous SHADOW CONTAGION stunner and HARD RESET codebreaker to Dolly and Glitter!”
[Both cover their opponents!]
[ONE!]
[TWO!!]
[THREE!!!]
Signal: “The Sex Dolls gave it all they had, but couldn’t quite keep up with the world champion and contender tonight!”
Winners: Pixelshift & Padre Venganza
Image
An Affront
[Post-Main Event.]
[The bell rings as the Temple erupts. Dolly Daydream and Glitter have been defeated, leaving the unlikely combination of Padre Venganza and PixelShift standing victorious in the centre of the ring. Both men are exhausted, but for very different reasons. Padre looks composed after the battle, the OSW World Championship resting proudly over his shoulder, whilst PixelShift looks like a man who has survived two wars in a single night. The Gift of the Gods Championship now hangs from his hands.]
[The evidence of Smiley and Doubt's attack earlier is still written across PixelShift's body.]
Signal: "What a return for Old School Wrestling! PixelShift was beaten unconscious earlier tonight, somehow recovered in time for the Main Event, and together with the man whose Championship he intends to challenge for, he's just defeated the Sex Dolls!"
Black Scar: "The Family tried to take him out before he could make that challenge, Signal. If they wanted to discourage him, I don't think it worked."
[Padre watches Dolly and Glitter retreat from ringside before turning his attention towards his partner. PixelShift retrieves the Gift of the Gods Championship and places it over his shoulder, leaving the two champions standing opposite one another.]
[Padre asks for a microphone.]
Padre Venganza: "There is something deeply offensive about that Championship."
[PixelShift glances towards the title on his shoulder.]
Padre Venganza: "A Gift... of the Gods."
[Padre laughs quietly at the very notion.]
Padre Venganza: "You carry an artefact that promises the favour of divinity, yet you stand before the one true God and believe it entitles you to challenge him. That Championship isn't a gift, PixelShift. It is an affront to everything I am becoming."
[PixelShift suddenly snatches the microphone straight from Padre's hand.]
[The crowd reacts immediately as the smile disappears from Padre's face.]
Pixelshift: "God?"
[PixelShift looks genuinely bemused.]
Pixelshift: "Gods don't exist where I come from. And if they did, they'd be programmed just like everything else."
[Padre's head tilts slightly as PixelShift steps closer.]
Pixelshift: "You know something I've learned since I got stuck here? Your world and mine really aren't that different. You call something impossible, I call it code. You call something supernatural, I call it programming. Either way, there are rules underneath it all."
[PixelShift taps the Gift of the Gods Championship.]
Pixelshift: "So I don't care about your plan to become a God, and I don't care how big your Family gets. Smiley and Doubt beat the holy crap out of me tonight, and what happened?"
[He spreads his arms.]
Pixelshift: "I found a 1UP."
[The crowd roars.]
Pixelshift: "I resurrected, came back for the Main Event and helped you beat the Sex Dolls."
[Padre's smile slowly returns.]
Pixelshift: "That's the thing about powers, Padre. You might have yours, but you're not the only one around here who can do things that shouldn't be possible."
[PixelShift removes the Gift of the Gods Championship from his shoulder and holds it between them.]
Pixelshift: "Five successful defences."
[He looks down at the Championship that has brought him this far before raising his eyes to Padre.]
Pixelshift: "Objective complete."
[The Temple comes alive as PixelShift extends the Championship towards Padre.]
Pixelshift: "At Ring King, I'm officially trading this affront for the opportunity it earned me. You and me, one-on-one, for the OSW World Championship."
[PixelShift pushes the Gift of the Gods Championship into Padre's chest, forcing him to take it.]
Pixelshift: "Let's find out what happens when the future God meets Player One."
[PixelShift tosses the microphone aside and steps through the ropes.]
Signal: "There it is! It's official! PixelShift is cashing in the Gift of the Gods Championship, and at Ring King he wants Padre Venganza for the OSW World Championship!"
Black Scar: "PixelShift just told a man infected with supernatural power that everything he can do is nothing but programming. Either that kid has the biggest set in OSW, or Smiley hit him with that crowbar a few too many times."
[PixelShift backs up the entrance ramp, never taking his eyes off the ring. Padre remains exactly where PixelShift left him, holding the surrendered Gift of the Gods Championship in one hand and his OSW World Championship in the other.]
[There is no anger on Padre's face.]
[There is no outrage.]
[Instead, Padre Venganza begins to smile.]
[PixelShift notices.]
[He smiles back.]
[Ring King has its World Championship match.]
Signal: "Folks, that's all for us.... but wait... we're being told to go backstage.."
Black Scar: "What the hell?"
[Cut]
Image
[Dolly Daydream has made her way backstage after that enthralling Main Event and sits resting on a roadie case, Hardcore title in her lap, chewing bubblegum. She blows a pink bubble, which gets bigger and bigger, eclipsing her head…]
[Pop!]
[Giggling, she wipes the deflated gum out of her eyes–]
[Only to find Warlord Mars’s face an inch away from her own!]
[She smiles.]
Dolly Daydream: “Hi!”
[Warlord snarls.]
Warlord Mars: “GIMME THAT HARDCORE TITLE!”
[Dolly frowns.]
Signal: "Oh no...."
Black Scar: "Looks like we're having a little impromtu show ender, folks!"
Dolly Daydream: “You had your turn with it. Now it’s my turn.”
[Mars sighs.]
Warlord Mars: “FINE, I’LL JUST PLAY YOUR SPINAL CORD LIKE A FUCKIN’ XYLOPHONE!”
[Daydream hops down and takes her bubblegum out.]
Dolly Daydream: “There’s no need for that potty mouth. You want it?”
[She drapes the Hardcore title on the floor between them.]
Dolly Daydream: “Come get it!”
[Mars blinks… Then–]
Warlord Mars: “RRRRAAAARRRGGGHHHHH!!!!!”
[HE CHARGES AT DOLLY…]
[WARHEAD!?]
[THE CHAMP STICKS HER FOOT OUT—]
[KRRRUUUNCH!]
[WARLORD SMASHES HEADFIRST INTO A VENDING MACHINE!]
[Glass, soda cans, and candy rain down onto the floor. Mars pulls himself free, cuts and scrapes littering his neck and shoulders.]
[He groggily turns round—]
[FWOOOOOOOSH!]
[DOLLY SQUIRTS A FIRE EXTINGUISHER IN HIS FACE!]
[Sporting a white foam beard, looking like a bad Santa, Mars rubs the clogged eyes of his mask…]
[DAYDREAM SWINGS THE EMPTY EXTINGUISHER UPWARDS—]
[THUD!]
[LOW BLOW!]
Warlord Mars: “YYYAAARRRRGGGHHHH!”
[The Bringer of War doubles over, clutching his irradiated nards.]
[Dolly grabs his arm–]
[RIPCORD KNEE - OFF WITH… NO!]
[MARS PICKS HER UP WITH ONE ARM, ONTO HIS BACK!]
[HE TRAPS HER IN THE TORTURE RACK!]
[DOLLY YELPS IN PAIN AS MARS CRANKS IT UP!]
[Spotting a nearby table laden with refreshments, he builds up a head of steam…]
[ARGENTINE POWERB–DAYDREAM COUNTERS!?]
[CRUNCH!]
[IMPLANT D-D-FUCKIN’-T THROUGH THE TABLE!]
[MARS GETS PORCELAIN SHATTER’D!]
[Dolly pins him.]
[ONE!]
[TWO!!]
[...]
[THREEE!!!]
[Dolly Daydream retains her Hardcore Championship!]
Signal: "What a way to end Slam! What a night! What an ending, folks. Dolly Daydream retains her Hardcore 24/7 Championship in epic fashion."
Black Scar: Until next time!"
Winner & Still Hardcore Champion: Dolly Daydream
[Months Earlier.]
[The ruins of the Temple stand beneath the grey Molvanian sky. Much of the building remains blackened from the explosions at Ring of Dreams, with entire sections of its ancient stonework reduced to mountains of rubble. The arena that once housed thousands is exposed to the elements, its twisted steel framework jutting from the wreckage.]
[The sound of construction gradually replaces the silence.]
[A montage begins as dozens of workers descend upon the site. Cranes lift enormous steel supports into position whilst excavators clear the remnants of collapsed corridors. Scaffolding slowly envelopes the exterior, sparks rain from welding torches, and truck after truck arrives carrying everything needed to resurrect Old School Wrestling's home.]
[Standing amongst the chaos is Marvolo.]
[Wearing a hard hat and carrying rolled-up blueprints beneath one arm, he directs the operation personally. He argues with contractors, points cranes towards damaged sections of the building and repeatedly checks the plans as the Temple begins to rise from the devastation.]
[Days become weeks.]
[Weeks become months.]
[Stone walls are rebuilt. The roof is restored. New seats fill the arena. Fresh lighting rigs are raised above a reconstructed ring, whilst the scars of Ring of Dreams gradually disappear beneath new concrete and steel.]
[Eventually, the scaffolding comes down.]
[Marvolo stands outside the completed Temple with his hard hat tucked beneath one arm, staring proudly at the building he refused to allow to die.]
[His phone rings.]
[Marvolo checks the caller before answering.]
Marvolo: "Sharkman."
[There is no greeting from the other end.]
The Sharkman: "The Custodians know you've rebuilt it."
[Marvolo's satisfaction immediately fades.]
Marvolo: "Then they also know I didn't have much of a choice."
The Sharkman: "They disagree. After what happened at Ring of Dreams, the Custodians believe rebuilding the Temple is a mistake."
[Marvolo turns back towards the building. Workers are carrying the final pieces of equipment through its doors as the OSW insignia is secured above the entrance.]
Marvolo: "What would they have me do, Sharkman? Tear it down myself and pretend none of this happened? OSW still exists. The people inside it still exist. Closing the doors doesn't make any of our problems disappear."
[There is a brief silence on the line.]
The Sharkman: "Opening them again might make those problems considerably worse."
[Marvolo considers the warning, but his decision was clearly made long before the phone rang.]
Marvolo: "We have no choice. If the Custodians think they know better, then let them send you and at Red Snow, I'll remind you just why Marvolo es number wahn."
[He ends the call before Sharkman can respond.]
[Marvolo slips the phone into his pocket, places the hard hat back onto his head and walks towards the newly rebuilt Temple.]
[The enormous doors open before him.]
[Marvolo steps inside.]
[Cut.]
Image
Gods and Men
[COLD OPEN]
[The broadcast opens to a deafening wall of noise.]
[Three months after explosions tore it apart, the Temple lives again. Thousands of fans are packed into the rebuilt arena, roaring from their feet as spotlights sweep across the crowd and illuminate a sea of OSW signs. The scars of Ring of Dreams have been repaired, the rubble has been cleared away and the ring sits proudly beneath the lights once more. After three long months of silence, Old School Wrestling is back.]
Signal: "Listen to this place! Three months we've waited for this moment, and tonight the Temple is alive again! Welcome back to Old School Wrestling!"
Black Scar: "They rebuilt the walls, they rebuilt the ring and somehow they even rebuilt our commentary desk. I hope they reinforced the damn thing this time."
[The camera circles towards the centre of the ring, where Marvolo stands with a microphone in hand. He allows the thunderous reception to wash over him for a moment, visibly moved by the sight of the Temple restored around him.]
Marvolo: "Welcome back... to OLD SCHOOL WRESTLING!"
[The response is enormous. Marvolo smiles as the crowd erupts into an OSW chant that reverberates throughout the rebuilt Temple.]
Marvolo: "I owe every single one of you an apology for the wait. Three long months have passed since Ring of Dreams, but rebuilding this place wasn't something we were prepared to rush. This is our home, and after everything that happened here, we were going to make damn sure that when these doors opened again, the Temple was ready."
[Marvolo's expression changes as the celebration gives way to business.]
Marvolo: "Unfortunately, before we can start looking towards the future, there's something from our past that needs dealing with."
[He turns towards the entrance.]
Marvolo: "Padre Venganza, bring your Family out here. Now."
[The crowd immediately begins to boo.]
[There is no entrance music.]
[There are no lights.]
[There is no grand performance.]
[Padre Venganza simply walks through the curtain.]
[Behind him comes Smiley, the yellow grin of his mask somehow even more unsettling beneath the arena lights as his bloodied crowbar rests across one shoulder. Doubt follows in his cracked white mask and long red coat, whilst Dr. Eric Vinell walks alongside a disturbingly no longer cheerful Ziggy Robbins. Together, the five members of The Family descend towards the ring without acknowledging the hatred pouring down upon them.]
Signal: "That's the sight I hoped we'd never have to see again. These are the people who destroyed the Temple three months ago."
Black Scar: "And look at them, Signal. They aren't sorry. If anything, they look like they're coming home."
[The Family enter the ring and spread out behind their leader. Marvolo refuses to give ground as Padre Venganza steps directly before him, the OSW World Championship resting proudly around his waist.]
Marvolo: "For months, I've been trying to understand what's happening here. I've been looking at individual pieces and trying to figure out how they fit together."
[Marvolo looks around at The Family before returning his attention to Padre.]
Marvolo: "Ring of Dreams made something very clear to me. You aren't looking at the pieces, are you? You can see the whole picture."
[Padre slowly tilts his head.]
Padre Venganza: "I can."
[Marvolo's concern deepens.]
Padre Venganza: "And unlike you, Marvolo... I want it to succeed."
[The atmosphere inside the Temple immediately changes.]
Signal: "What does that mean?"
Black Scar: "Whatever it means, I don't like the sound of it."
[Marvolo takes a moment to compose himself.]
Marvolo: "Then you're even more dangerous than I thought."
[He studies the man behind the mask.]
Marvolo: "Haven't you lost enough to this place over the years?"
[Padre laughs softly.]
Padre Venganza: "How brave of you to presume that you know who stands beneath this mask, Marvolo. How arrogant of you to believe you understand what I've endured simply because you've watched from the other side of it."
[Padre steps closer, leaving barely any space between them.]
Padre Venganza: "The Family has existed before. We had a purpose then. Under the stewardship of DTR, we sought to become a conduit through which Lucifer could enter this world."
[His eyes narrow behind the mask.]
Padre Venganza: "And we succeeded."
[Marvolo glances towards the four people standing behind Padre.]
Marvolo: "And now?"
[Padre's posture changes. His arms slowly spread as he looks around at the Temple, taking in the thousands surrounding him.]
Padre Venganza: "Now, this has nothing to do with Lucifer."
[A sinister smile forms.]
Padre Venganza: "My power isn't at its peak yet. It isn't even close. What you witnessed at Ring of Dreams was merely the beginning of what this virus can become."
[Smiley begins quietly tapping the crowbar against his palm. Doubt remains completely motionless beside him, whilst Vinell watches Padre with fascination and Ziggy looms ominiously]
Padre Venganza: "But my power will grow. The Family will grow with it, and when the day finally comes that nothing remains beyond my reach, I won't need to serve Lucifer, DTR or anyone else."
[Padre places both hands upon the OSW World Championship.]
Padre Venganza: "I will be a God."
[The crowd reacts with a mixture of boos and stunned disbelief.]
Padre Venganza: "And when that happens, I will reshape this world in my image. I will reshape Old School Wrestling in my image."
[He raises the World Championship between himself and Marvolo.]
Padre Venganza: "As OSW World Champion... it begins."
[Marvolo stares at the championship before slowly raising his eyes towards Padre.]
Marvolo: "No."
[The response is immediate and absolute.]
Marvolo: "You will never be a God. Not here. Not in OSW. Not while I'm standing between you and whatever the hell you think you're becoming."
[Marvolo backs towards the ropes without ever taking his eyes off The Family.]
Marvolo: "You said it begins with you becoming World Champion?"
[He steps through the ropes and drops to the floor.]
Marvolo: "Then my watch begins now."
[Marvolo turns and marches towards the entrance, leaving Padre surrounded by The Family in the centre of the ring. Padre makes no attempt to stop him. Instead, he watches Marvolo leave with the unsettling confidence of a man who believes time itself is on his side.]
Signal: "Three months ago, these people nearly destroyed the Temple - they killed many. Now Padre Venganza is telling us that was only the beginning and that he intends to become some kind of God."
Black Scar: "Marvolo just drew a line in the sand, Signal, but look at what's standing on the other side of it. Smiley, Doubt, Vinell, Ziggy Robbins and the OSW World Champion, Padre Venganza. If Marvolo intends to stop The Family, he'd better be ready for a war."
Signal: "That's exactly what I'm afraid of. The Temple has only just been rebuilt, and after what we've heard tonight, I can't shake the feeling that the war for Old School Wrestling has already begun."
[Padre raises the OSW World Championship above his head as Smiley, Doubt, Vinell and Ziggy gather around him. The deafening celebration that welcomed OSW back only minutes ago has been replaced by an unmistakable sense of dread.]
[The Family has returned.]
[And this time, Padre Venganza doesn't intend to summon a God.]
[He intends to become one.]
Image
Signal: We have a big time Ring King qualifier and a huge debut match to boot. Cadilas Callejero has been a cult fan favorite in the independent scene and now wants to make his mark in the big leagues in OSW but he has a huge task ahead of him here tonight.
Black Scar: Dr Vinel was a dangerous psychopath before but now he's got the Virus's influence in him? This kid is gonna be lucky to live tonight let alone win.
[The bell sounds as Cadilas rushes forward, taking Vinel by surprise with a flurry of lefts and rights, the youngster landing a series of blows before a hard enziguri to the back of the head staggers Vinell back into the corner.]
[Callejero doesn't hesitate, rushing forward with a a hard splash in the corner before rolling onto the apron and springboarding up to the top rope]
[HIGH FLY CROSSBODY! Callejero leaps up high, taking down Vinel with a big time high flying move. Cadilac rolls to his feet, raising his hand as the Temple responds in cheers.]
Signal: Good start kid but you gotta lose the grandstanding and stay on someone like VInel before it's too late.
[Cadilac reaches down, trying to pull Vinel up but the Doctor was ready with some OCCULAR ASSAULT! A vile, black ooze being thrown into the eyes of Cadilac.]
Black Scar: Like so. Rookie mistake there.
[Cadilac staggers back, blinded and in agony from the caustic liquid as he rushes forward]
[RIGHT INTO A DROP TOE HOLD! Cadilac's skull bounces off the turnbuckles, dropping down to the canvas for a moment as Vinel backs up]
[DOUBLE KNEES DRIVING CALLEJERO'S SKULL RIGHT BACK INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!]
[The Doctor begins to laugh sadistically, pulling back his gloves tight as he looks to finish off the newcomer. He reaches down, pulling Cadilac up to his feet]
[BEFORE DRIVING HIM INTO THE CANVAS WITH PATIENT ZERO! Brutal Omega Driver knocks Callejero out cold as Vinel covers, the ruleador sliding in to count]
[ONE]
[............]
[TWO]
[...........]
[............]
[THREE!!!]
Signal: A big victory for Dr Vinel here. Cadilac tried but the Doctor prevails as he moves onto the Ring King Quarter Finals.
Winner & Advancing: Dr. Vinell
Image
Cut Them Off
[INT. THE TEMPLE – BACKSTAGE.]
[Marvolo stands over a table covered in photographs.]
[The Family.]
[Deadeye stands across from him, casually checking the cylinder of his revolver.]
[Santiago Siniestro leans against the wall beside him, cleaning beneath one fingernail with the tip of a knife.]
Marvolo: "Before Ring of Dreams, there were a number of separate threats."
[He taps the photographs.]
Marvolo: "Now they're a Family."
[Deadeye snaps the cylinder shut.]
Deadeye: "Families bleed."
[Siniestro glances over.]
Siniestro: "Eventually."
[Deadeye looks at him.]
Deadeye: "Eventually?"
Siniestro: "An assassin knows patience."
Deadeye: "I don't get paid for patience."
Siniestro: "No. You get paid because someone like me didn't get there first."
[Deadeye raises an eyebrow.]
Deadeye: "Keep telling yourself that."
[Marvolo clears his throat.]
[Neither man looks at him.]
Siniestro: "How many men have you killed for money?"
Deadeye: "Enough that I stopped counting."
Siniestro: "Convenient."
Deadeye: "How many you got?"
Siniestro: "Enough that other people count for me."
[A beat.]
Marvolo: "Gentlemen."
[Their attention finally returns to him.]
Marvolo: "Padre didn't bring those men together by accident. Whatever infected them, whatever he's done to them, they're stronger."
[He gathers the photographs.]
Marvolo: "And if we wait until they realize exactly how strong?"
[Marvolo shakes his head.]
Marvolo: "We're already too late. Just like we were at Ring of Dreams."
[Marvolo shoves a dossier between them.]
Marvolo: "You're going to need help."
[Both men look down.]
[Marvolo opens the dossier.]
[Two names.]
[The camera can't see either.]
Deadeye: "You’ve got to be shitting me."
Marvolo: "Can you recruit them?"
[Deadeye and Siniestro exchange a look.]
Deadeye: "Recruit?"
Siniestro: "Boss..."
[He closes the dossier.]
Siniestro: "We could convince the Devil to buy fire."
Deadeye: "Speak for yourself."
[Deadeye takes the dossier from him.]
Deadeye: "I'd make him pay double."
[Siniestro smirks.]
Siniestro: "Then let's see who closes the deal."
[Deadeye starts toward the door.]
Siniestro: "Try not shooting anyone before we get there."
[Deadeye looks back.]
Deadeye: "No promises."
[They disappear down the corridor together.]
[Marvolo watches them go.]
[Cut.]
Image
Signal: “It’s the round of sixteen for the Ring King Crown, and we’re getting back to it in a rebuilt Temple, as Dr. Cube looks to start a path back to the OSW World Championship.”
Black Scar: “After what happened when we saw the temple and Dr. Cube fall to the Family, and tonight, Nox Bellator looks to keep Dr. Cube down by knocking him out in the Round of Sixteen.”
[The bell sounds, and we’re underway. Cube’s thirst for vengeance drives him forward, CHECKMATE!]
[RUNNING SPINNING BACK ELBOW CATCHES NOX BELLATOR FLUSH CAUSING THE WARRIOR OF DARKNESS TO TAKE THE HIT AND BACK SOMERSAULT ONTO A KNEELING POSITION!]
[TRIBULATION – FROM A KNEELING POSITION, JUMPING REVERSE STO PULLS THE GAME MASTER DOWN ONTO HIS FACE!]
[Nox and Cube both down, Nox is the first to his feet and he hits the ropes as El Maestro del Juego struggles to his feet.]
[Bellator is getting a head of steam and locks in on Cube.]
[DISCIPLE FUCKING – GAME OVER!]
[DR. CUBE MANAGES TO STOP THE MOMENTUM OF NOX AND SLING HIM FORWARD INTO THE PACKAGE PILEDRIVER, ROLLING NOX OVER INTO THE PIN!]
[THE RULEADOR COUNTS.]
[ONE!]
...
...
[TWO!]
...
...
[THREE!]
Signal: “What a hell of a fast-paced match these men came out swinging for the fences to move to Round Two of Ring King.”
Black Scar: “Dr. Cube has managed to stave off one of the members of the Family. There are still several in the round of sixteen; what are we going to do if one of the Family wins Ring King Sig?”
Winner & Advancing: Dr. Cube
Image
Gift of the Gods
[PRESS START.]
[The arena explodes in a cascade of neon colour as cyan, magenta, yellow and purple zig-zag across every screen in wild 8-bit Memphis patterns straight out of Saved by the Bell. The titantron flashes “PRESS START” in enormous blocky arcade lettering as “Skydiver” by meganeko kicks in, its opening beat perfectly synchronised with bursts of pixel-shaped pyro and pulsing neon strobes.]
[PixelShift bursts through the curtain with the Gift of the Gods Championship proudly fastened around his waist. After three months away, he wastes absolutely no time enjoying his return. He moves down the ramp like the hero of a side-scrolling beat-'em-up, hopping over imaginary obstacles, firing finger-guns towards the crowd and throwing an exaggerated combo-punch sequence perfectly in time with the music.]
[Fans reach across the barricade as PixelShift makes his way towards ringside, slapping as many hands as possible. Every connection triggers “NEW PLAYER CONNECTED” across his visor, prompting him to excitedly point at individual fans as though welcoming them into the game.]
Signal: "PixelShift is back, and listen to this reception! Three months ago, he survived Ring of Dreams with his fifth successful Gift of the Gods Championship defence, and that means something very important tonight."
Black Scar: "Five defences means he completed the objective. PixelShift has earned the right to trade that Championship for a shot at the biggest prize in Old School Wrestling."
[PixelShift dives beneath the bottom rope, rolls smoothly across the canvas and sharply kips back to his feet as the final explosion of pixelated pyro erupts behind him. He unfastens the Gift of the Gods Championship and raises it proudly above his head, soaking in the enormous ovation before eventually asking for a microphone.]
[His music fades, but the excitement inside the rebuilt Temple doesn't.]
Pixelshift: "Okay... I really missed that."
[The crowd roars its approval. PixelShift looks around the Temple with a huge smile, taking a moment to appreciate finally being back inside an OSW ring.]
Pixelshift: "At Ring of Dreams, I defended the Gift of the Gods Championship for the fifth time."
[He looks down at the title in his hands.]
Pixelshift: "Five boss fights. Five successful defences. Objective complete."
[The crowd begins to realise exactly where this is going.]
Pixelshift: "I've had three months to think about this moment. Three months waiting for the Temple to reopen so I could finally come out here, stand in this ring and tell all of you that I'm ready to trade this Championship for—"
[CRACK!]
[A crowbar crashes violently across the back of PixelShift's skull.]
[The microphone flies from his hand as he collapses face-first onto the canvas. The Gift of the Gods Championship tumbles beside him as the shocked excitement of the crowd instantly becomes a deafening chorus of boos.]
Signal: "SMILEY! THAT'S SMILEY!"
[The yellow smiley-face mask stares down at PixelShift as Smiley adjusts his grip on the crowbar. Beside him stands Doubt, his cracked white mask emerging from beneath the hood of his long red coat.]
[PixelShift tries desperately to push himself up, but Smiley swings the crowbar into his ribs and sends him rolling onto his back. Doubt immediately descends upon him, stomping relentlessly across his chest whilst Smiley circles his victim with disturbing patience.]
Black Scar: "PixelShift never even got to finish the challenge! The Family knew exactly what he was about to do!"
[Smiley raises the crowbar overhead and brings it crashing down across PixelShift's body again. PixelShift curls instinctively into a ball, desperately trying to protect himself, but Doubt grabs him by the arms and drags him back into the centre of the ring.]
[Smiley continues the assault until PixelShift can no longer defend himself.]
Signal: "That's enough! He's unconscious! Somebody needs to get these psychopaths out of here!"
[Smiley finally lowers the crowbar. PixelShift lies motionless beneath him, his Gift of the Gods Championship resting only inches from his outstretched hand.]
[Doubt retrieves the discarded microphone and slowly kneels beside PixelShift. He looks down at the unconscious champion for several seconds before turning his cracked white mask towards the camera.]
Doubt: "Nobody challenges the one true God without consequence."
[The crowd continues to shower The Family with abuse, but Doubt remains completely unmoved.]
Doubt: "You thought five successful defences entitled you to stand before our unholy father and demand his throne. You were mistaken."
[Doubt rises, allowing Smiley to place the bloodied crowbar across his shoulder.]
Doubt: "The Family will see you again tonight, PixelShift. You have been chosen for the Main Event, and should you survive what we have prepared for you, Padre Venganza will speak with you personally when it's over."
[Doubt drops the microphone beside PixelShift's head.]
[Smiley and Doubt calmly leave the ring together, showing absolutely no urgency as officials and medical personnel sprint past them towards their fallen victim.]
Signal: "PixelShift waited three months to exercise the opportunity he earned, and The Family just beat him unconscious before he could even make it official."
Black Scar: "Marvolo declared war on The Family earlier tonight, and now PixelShift was seconds away from challenging their World Champion. Padre Venganza clearly isn't interested in waiting around to see who comes for his throne."
[The camera closes in on PixelShift as medical personnel surround him, the Gift of the Gods Championship still lying beside his battered body.]
[Five defences earned him the right to challenge for the World Championship.]
[He never got the chance to finish the sentence.]
Image
Signal: We have another Ring King round of 16 matchup and a very interesting one as the newly happy Silas goes on one on against the leader of DeMasq Academius.
Black Scar: Silas may have gotten the girl and guy at Ring of Dreams but Academius proved he's the good guy I always said he was and proved who the true villain was in Darkwish. I'm pulling for my favorite professor here.
[The bell sounds as Silas rushes forward, trying to nail a running dropkick but Academius dodges it, using the momentum to send Silas through the ropes. The Sorrow doesn't fall through to the outside though, grabbing hold of the ropes and using them to slingshot himself back in.]
[ONE ARMED SCISSOR! Slingshot Turn Around Lariat to the back of Academius's head. The Professor drops down to one knee as Silas rushes to the ropes, leaping up to the top before springboarding off.
[SUCH GREAT...CHOKE! Academius counters the Trust Fall Plancha into a Rear Naked Choke, Silas struggling underneath the hold as he manages to slightly slip out. A hard forearm to the back of the neck rocks him before he's rolled down to the mat.]
Black Scar: Lecture time Sorrow, about time to tap out to the soon to be rightful King.
[Academius cranks back on the Crossface, Silas struggling in the pain but he manages to swing his legs around, locking them onto the bottom rope, forcing the break. Academius breaks after a few moments before pulling Silas up.]
[CHALK DUST! DEADLIFT BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Academius dusts his hands before backing up as Silas pulls himself up by the ropes.]
[EXPUL...KNEE! Academius rushes right into a knee before Silas leaps up and puts Academius FACE DOWN on the canvas with the X-Factor.]
Signal: Silas looking for the end here, backing up as Academius pulls himself up by the ropes.
[HELLUVA...NO! Academius catches the kick, flipping both of them around before bridging back in one fluid motion]
[A PLUS! Academius lands the Regal Plex, bridging back as the ruleador slides in to count]
[ONE]
[............]
[TWO]
[...........]
[............]
[THREE!!!]
Black Scar: I told you Siggie, Academius unmasked a true villain at Ring of Dreams and now he's one step closer to becoming the King of Knowledge.
Winner & Advancing: Academius
Image
Person of Interest
[EXT. EAST LOS ANGELES - NIGHT]
[The sound of smooth jazz plays over the scene accompanied by the very low rumble of a car engine. A sleek black Mini Cooper rolls onto the scene, Dick Johnson sat behind the wheel, Ms. Fannybottom at his side.]
Dick Johnson: "You know, Ms. Fannybottom. They say to defeat your enemy, you must become your enemy. When C.L.I.T. HQ told me of this..."
[Dick looks down at his hand, eyes straining to read smudged marker on his skin.]
Dick Johnson: "Cognac Coochie? That can't be right."
Ms. Fannybottom: "Cadillac Callejero, sir."
Dick Johnson: "The very same, Ms. Fannybottom!"
[Dick drives his Mini down the street, slowly gliding into place at the red light beside a familiar candy-painted Impala. Cadillac Callejero looks over at Dick Johnson, looking the agent's ride up and down, eyebrow raised.]
Ms. Fannybottom: "Sir, I believe-"
Dick Johnson: "As I was saying. You must become your enemy, Ms. Fannybottom. Which means I requested G-Spot at HQ to outfit my ride with all the very same hydraulics and speakers that someone like this... Cajun Cornbread might very well be using himself."
Ms. Fannybottom: "Well yes but sir-"
[Dick presses a button, his Mini Cooper beginning to bounce up and down in tune with the jazz on the radio. Cadillac looks on for a moment before turning forward and driving away.]
[Agent 69, meanwhile, holds onto the steering wheel for dear life as the Mini begins to bounce into the air!]
[POP!]
[CRASH!]
[The Mini Cooper lands haphazardly on top of a nearby apartment complex, the wheels breaking off on impact. Dick looks out the window, shrugging.]
Dick Johnson: "Note this down, Fannybottom! Much like myself, the vehicle driven by our target can become dangerously erect at a moment's notice... This mission might just be sexy yet."
[Ms. Fannybottom sighs, phoning HQ for a new car as we watch Cadillac Callejero drive into the distance, seemingly none the wiser of the agent's antics.]
[Cut.]
Image
Signal: "We've got an interesting match up for this first round match, Scar."
Black Scar: "I'll say, Sig. Warlord Mars taking on... A devilishly motivated Ziggy Robbins. I'm not sure who I feel more sorry for."
[The bell rings and Ziggy Robbins explodes across the ring! He leaps onto Warlord Mars like a spider monkey, raining down hammer fists and forearms with ill repute!]
[Mars grabs onto Ziggy, flinging crushing him in a bear hug before throwing him to the ground!]
Ziggy Robbins: "KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!"
Signal: "Massive dropdown kick to the skull of Mars!"
Black Scar: "Now that's motivation to win, Sig!"
[Mars stumbles away, Ziggy leaping to his feet and onto Mars' back! ]
[GOT YOUR BACK REAR NAKED CHOKE!]
[The Harbinger runs forward, slamming back first and crushing Ziggy Robbins against the turnbuckle! Robbins lets go and Mars flings around with a jaw shattering lariat that sends Ziggy to the apron!]
Signal: "By God! Did you see the post bend?"
Black Scar: "Like a Mack truck hitting a chihuahua!
[Mars stands on the middle rope, reaching over and grabbing hold of Ziggy!]
Warlord Mars: "You're motivating me... TO KICK YOUR ASS!"
[MASSIVE MIDDLE ROPE SUPLEX! THE RING SHAKES ON IMPACT AS ZIGGY AND MARS COME CRASHING DOWN!]
[Warlord Mars slowly rolls to his feet only to see Ziggy Robbins clinging to the ropes! Surviving like a cockroach, Ziggy slowly pulls himself to his feet as Mars begins stomping the ground! He points at Ziggy, giving him a thumbs down before rushing towards him!]
Signal: "ZIGGY SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE ROPES! FROM THE BOTTOM TO THE TOP! MOONSAULT!"
Black Scar: "NO! MARS CATCHES HIM! WAR MACHINE! WAR MACHINE POWERBOMB PLANTS ZIGGY!"
[Mars drops on top of Ziggy with an elbow, going for the cover!]
[ONE!]
[...]
[...]
[TWO!]
[...]
[...]
[THREE!]
Signal: "Ziggy was vicious, yet nothing could come between Warlord Mars and victory here tonight as he advances to the next round!"
Winner & Advancing: Warlord Mars
Image
Warlord Motivation
[Warlord Mars stands near the ropes, breathing heavily.]
[Across the ring, Ziggy Robbins remains on his knees.]
[His hands tremble against the canvas.]
[Ziggy squeezes his eyes shut, jaw clenched, before forcing himself back to his feet.]
Signal: "Ziggy Robbins looks completely out of sorts."
[Mars notices and smiles.]
[He reaches through the ropes and demands a microphone.]
Warlord Mars: "COME ON, ZIGGY! YOU CAN DO IT!"
[Ziggy slowly looks up.]
[Mars begins clapping enthusiastically.]
Warlord Mars: "BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! DIG DEEP! FIND THAT SPECIAL LITTLE SPARK INSIDE!"
[He laughs.]
Warlord Mars: "ISN'T THAT WHAT YOU USED TO TELL EVERYBODY!?"
[Mars crouches toward Ziggy.]
Warlord Mars: "COME ON, BUDDY! GIVE US A SMILE!"
[Ziggy's head jerks upward.]
[For just a moment, something flashes across his face.]
Signal: "Mars might want to be careful."
Black Scar: "Why? Robbins can barely stand."
[Mars spreads his arms.]
Warlord Mars: "THERE”S MY LITTLE ZIG-SHIT!"
Black Scar: “Looks like the cavalry is here!
[Vinell rushes down the aisle.]
[Mars turns.]
Signal: "VINELL!"
[The Good Doctor stops at ringside, shouting up at Mars, and Mars steps toward the ropes roaring out a challenge.]
[Exactly what Vinell wanted.]
[Nox Bellator slides beneath the bottom rope behind Mars.]
[Smiley follows.]
[Doubt comes from the opposite side.]
Black Scar: "MARS! BEHIND YOU!"
[Too late.]
[NOX CRASHES INTO MARS FROM BEHIND.]
[SMILEY'S CROWBAR SLAMS INTO HIS RIBS.]
[DOUBT TACKLES HIM TO THE CANVAS.]
[The three descend.]
[Mars tries to rise.]
[Smiley caves another shot into his back.]
Signal: "THIS IS FOUR ON ONE!"
Black Scar: "This is an execution!"
[Vinell calmly climbs into the ring.]
[He kneels beside Mars, watching with clinical fascination as the beating continues.]
[The The Family stops. Just as abruptly as they began.]
[Mars lies motionless.]
[Ziggy has backed into the corner.]
[He's staring at them.]
[Breathing hard.]
[Nox turns toward him.]
[Ziggy immediately straightens.]
[He forces a grin.]
Ziggy Robbins: "See?"
[His voice cracks.]
Ziggy Robbins: "I was just..."
[His hand trembles.]
[He quickly hides it behind his back.]
Ziggy Robbins: "...luring him in."
[Silence.]
[Smiley tilts his head.]
[Vinell stares at Ziggy.]
[Ziggy keeps smiling.]
Signal: "Was he?"
Black Scar: "I don't think Ziggy even believes that."
Image
Open Season
[A single bullbell echoes through the Temple. From the smoke steps the Ultraviolent Champion, Santiago Del Toro.]
Signal: “Three months ago, Santiago Del Toro stood tall and gave the middle finger to death himself. Those captured souls remain in his possession.”
Black Scar: “As does the Ultraviolent Championship. Now he’s got his sights set on the Ring King crown, and tonight… Darkwish.”
[Del Toro makes his way to the ring, but he’s not looking like he’s ready to fight just yet.]
Santiago Del Toro: “Tonight marks the beginning of the quest for the crown, but it also marks the next stage in my dominance. Tonight, I establish my dominion.”
[Del Toro looks out over the crowd, the presence of the stolen souls noticeably absent.]
Santiago Del Toro: “I have spent three months securing the sanctuary of my souls, ensuring that prying hands will not touch them. All so that I can turn my attention to my dominion without… distraction.”
[Del Toro turns to face the entranceway, addressing the roster as a whole.]
Santiago Del Toro: “Consider this an open invitation. Take up my challenge for this title, but be warned. The very souls who take up my challenge may be at risk, for should you take your shot and fail… you could well end up joining my collection.”
[Del Toro smirks but doesn’t have to wait long. Soon, the hulking frame of Rambro answers the call.]
Signal: “Rambro has a shiny new signet ring, looks like he’s ready to add a title to that collection.”
Rambro: “You talk of dominion. Well, this little challenge of yours is the perfect opportunity to spread my power.”
[He holds Moretti’s ring up, but his moment doesn’t last long. A chord is strum on a guitar, and the world plunges into black and white.]
Silas: “You seek to show dominance over dominance? Suffering over more suffering?”
[Silas steps forward, positioning himself so he can address both Rambro and Del Toro.]
Silas: “Stolen souls devoid of afterlife? A dead man’s ring held up like it’s a trophy? I see the suffering you have put others through…”
[But Silas is interrupted by a soft chuckling, growing into a breathy giggle.]
Glitter:“Oh he does have a penchant for the dramatic. Don’t you, Sy?”
[Silas looks taken aback, not expecting his new stablemate to steal his thunder.]
Silas: “What are you-”
Glitter: “Oh, I like an all-in orgy as much as the rest of you. I couldn’t let you have all the fun.”
[Glitter smiles, but there’s an air of tension between them and Silas.]
Signal: “Well, it seems like we have three challengers eager to take up the mantle…”
Black Scar: “So far. That’s all in five minutes. I wonder if Del Toro really knows what he’s getting himself in for?”
Signal: “Time will tell. But for now, he’s got to get past Darkwish first.”
[Cut.]
Image
Signal: “More Ring King bracketology action next, folks, as Scarred Justice comes for The Matador of Souls!”
Black Scar: “That sounds like a damn '40s noir movie, Sig!”
[Darkwish lunges forwards, but Del Toro dodges him.]
Signal: “The vigilante has 30 pounds on the Spaniard…”
Black Scar: “Santiago needs to stay on his toes to avoid that Night Terror fisherman buster!”
[Del Toro peppers Darkwish with lightning-fast strikes, before backing away.]
Signal: “Darkwish can’t be on top of his game after Ring of Dreams; Academius has the world convinced that he’s a murderer!”
Black Scar: “What do you mean, convinced!? He is the murderer!”
[Darkwish grabs at Del Toro, but he escapes his clutches and pops off more shots.]
Signal: “Frustration is setting in for the Floridian!”
[Indeed, Darkwish swats the turnbuckle and kicks the ropes.]
[Santiago beckons him forth - bring it! Darkwish obliges–]
[DEL TORO STRAFES HIM!]
[KICK TO THE HEAD!]
Black Scar: “He suckered him into the CURSED CHARGE!”
[The matador goes for the COBRA CLUTCH!]
Signal: “He looks up at the lights in ETERNAL SILENCE!”
Black Scar: “Wait up, it’s not locked in yet - Darkwish is FIGHTING IT!”
[...]
[Darkwish slips through Del Toro’s guard, jamming his middle and ring fingers into the latter’s MOUTH!]
Signal: “He’s got the MANDIBLE CLAW! Santiago is feeling the SCARS OF JUSTICE!”
[The Ruleador asks Del Toro if he quits, but the Spaniard shakes his head furiously!]
[Darkwish overpowers him with his 30-pound advantage. Santiago is fading…]
[HE FLINGS HIS CAPE INTO THE FACE OF DARKWISH!]
[The vigilante snatches it away, inadvertently relinquishing his hold…]
[Del Toro grabs his head–]
Signal: “SPECTRAL PASSADA!?”
Black Scar: “NO - DARKWISH GRABS THE TOP ROPE TO SANDBAG THE SNAP DDT!”
[They break, then clash once more–]
[SUPERKI–BLOCKED BY SANTIAGO!]
Signal: “DARKNESS DOESN’T FALL OVER SEVILLE, SPAIN!”
[He spins Darkwish round–]
[BUSAIKUUU KNEEEEE!]
Black Scar: “PHANTOM CORNADA - SAY GOODNIGHT!”
[Del Toro collapses into the cover…]
[ONE!]
[TWO!!]
[!?]
[THREEE!!!]
Signal: “The Matador looks to collect more souls as he advances to the next stage of Ring King!”
Winner & Advancing: Santiago Del Toro
Image
With Friends Like These...
[The sweet-and-sour Candy Man shuffles through the corridors of the rebuilt Temple with a grimace–]
[Giggle]
[Intrigued by the noise, Candy rounds the corner…]
[Finding Dolly Daydream sitting cross-legged on the floor, playing with toys.]
[Sensing Candy’s presence, Dolly looks up at him. She smiles.]
Dolly Daydream: “Hi, Candy!”
Candy Man: [taken aback] “You know my name?”
Dolly Daydream: “Of course I do, silly!”
[Dolly’s eyes light up.]
Dolly Daydream: “Hey - wanna play?”
[She offers Candy a unicorn.]
Candy Man: “I-I’m not sure how…”
Dolly Daydream: “It’s easy. There aren’t any rules, so you can’t lose.”
[Dolly pats the floor beside her. Candy takes a seat.]
[The unicorn tentatively trots up to Dolly’s princess doll.]
[The princess strokes its mane, then climbs onto its back. The unicorn canters, then gallops!]
Dolly Daydream: [laughing] “You’re good at this!”
Candy Man: [excited] “Really!?”
[Dolly nods, and they continue playing.]
[...]
Dolly Daydream: “I think we have something in common.”
Candy Man: [absent-minded] “What?”
[Dolly pauses play. She makes Candy meet her inquisitive gaze.]
Dolly Daydream: “We’re different from most people. They don’t always understand us. Sometimes, they’re scared of us.”
[Candy breaks eye contact and resumes play silently.]
Dolly Daydream: [unsure] “… What do you think?”
[His lip trembles.]
Candy Man: “I d-dunno…”
[Dolly takes Candy’s hands into hers.]
Dolly Daydream: “Wanna be friends?”
[Candy looks down at their hands.]
Candy Man: “I… I have to go now.”
[He stands up abruptly. Dolly is crestfallen.]
Dolly Daydream: “Why!?”
[Sniffling, Candy walks past her.]
Candy Man: “Mommy says playtime is over.”
[Dolly frowns, turning to look at him.]
Dolly Daydream: “I didn’t hear anyone…”
[Keeping his back to her, Candy swallows.]
Candy Man: “I’m s-sorry, Dolly. Mommy says we can’t be friends.”
[Eyes swimming, Dolly rubs her forearm.]
Dolly Daydream: “Oh… Okay. I–I’m sorry if I upset your Mommy.”
[Stony silence follows.]
Candy Man: “Goodbye.”
[Candy shuffles round the corner, out of sight.]
Dolly Daydream: “Bye…”
[Dolly pulls her knees to her chest and rocks quietly…]
Image
Signal: “Up next in this game of thrones, Deadeye takes aim at the returning Smiley in a Ring King qualifier!”
Black Scar: “Imagine that sick, demented freak wearing a crown! Kings are sane and normal - like us!”
[Deadeye fires his finger guns at Smiley, who tilts his head…]
[THEN CHARGES AT THE GUNSLINGER WITH A SPEAR!]
Signal: “Holy cow - SHOCK THERAPY OUTTA THE GATE!”
Black Scar: “DEADEYE DIVES OUT OF HARM’S WAY!”
[THUD!]
[SMILEY RAMS HIS SHOULDER INTO THE STEEL RING POST!]
[He turns round–]
Signal: “Smiley has DISLOCATED his shoulder!”
Black Scar: “His arm is just hanging there!”
[Deadeye frowns and looks at the Ruleador, who shrugs.]
[CLICK!]
[SMILEY POPS IT BACK IN!]
Black Scar: “That is one sick puppy!”
[The Ruleador goes green around the gills. Deadeye whistles–]
[SMILEY UNLEASHES A BROGUE KICK!]
Signal: “Deadeye narrowly avoids a BLOODY GRIN!”
[The Last Desperado BLASTS him with a SUPERMAN PUNCH!]
Black Scar: “That is his BOOMSTICK!”
[Smiley goes down. Deadeye covers him.]
[ONE!]
[TWO!!]
[...]
[KICKOUT!]
Signal: “We’re not ready to coronate King Deadeye just yet!”
Black Scar: “Neither of these guys are monarch material!”
[Deadeye backs up as Mr. Crowley recovers…]
[HE LINES HIM UP FOR THE CURB STOMP!]
Signal: “There’ll be no REVELRY for Smiley, who rolls under the ropes!”
[Deadeye leans through the ropes and grabs him by the hair–]
[CRACK!]
[SMILEY BRAINS HIM WITH HIS CROWBAR, SMILEY JR.!]
Signal: “HOLY… DEADEYE COULD HAVE SUFFERED A TBI!”
Black Scar: “But how would we know the difference!?”
[The Ruleador didn’t see the international object, which Smiley tosses under the ring.]
[He climbs the apron and ascends the turnbuckle…]
[DIIIVIIING LEG DROOOP!]
Signal: “SMILEY TRAUMA-DUMPS DEADEYE!”
[He covers him.]
[ONE!]
[TWO!!]
[...]
[SHOULDER UP!]
Signal: “Thank heavens - no King Smiley yet!”
[Smiley hauls Deadeye up–]
Signal: “STUNNER OUTTA NOWHERE!?”
Black Scar: “NO - SMILEY COUNTERS THE DEADSHOT!”
[Smiley FISH-HOOKS Deadeye, then hits the BACKSTABBER!]
Signal: “HIDEOUS LAUGHTER ECHOES THROUGH THE TEMPLE ONCE MORE!”
[He falls across him.]
[ONE!]
[TWO!!]
[!?]
[THREEE!!!]
Signal: “Smiley is one step closer to having the Ring King crown be part of The Family jewels!”
Winner & Advancing: Smiley
Image
The Hatchet
[INT. THE TEMPLE – BACKSTAGE - CORRIDOR]
[Dr. Cube rounds a corner.]
[Deadeye is waiting against one wall.]
[Santiago Siniestro stands opposite him.]
Signal: "Oh, this could get ugly."
[Cube stops.]
Dr. Cube: "If this is an ambush, gentlemen, your positioning lacks imagination."
Deadeye: "If it was an ambush, you'd already be dead."
Siniestro: "He means he'd already be dead. I'd have done it properly."
Dr. Cube: "Charming. What do you want?"
[Siniestro folds his arms.]
Siniestro: "The boss thinks you're a good fit for something we're putting together."
Deadeye: "We're cutting Padre's little Family down before they own the damn place."
[A long pause.]
Dr. Cube: "I'm in."
[Deadeye blinks.]
Signal: "Wait, what?"
[Siniestro raises an eyebrow.]
Deadeye: "That's it?"
Dr. Cube: "Padre Venganza took something from me."
[Cube steps closer.]
Dr. Cube: "I intend to collect."
[His head tilts.]
Dr. Cube: "Besides, while the Newton brothers tear one another apart, I suddenly find myself with an opening in my schedule."
[Deadeye looks at Siniestro.]
[Siniestro exhales.]
Siniestro: "Well."
Deadeye: "That was easy."
[They both take a breath.]
Siniestro: "Unfortunately..."
[Deadeye produces the dossier.]
Deadeye: "...that was the easy part."
[Cube looks down.]
Siniestro: "Marvolo gave us one more name."
Deadeye: "And apparently, you're the one who's gotta help us by burying the hatchet."
[Cube takes the dossier.]
[Opens it.]
[His body immediately stiffens.]
[WARLORD MARS.]
[Cube snaps it shut.]
Dr. Cube: "No."
Deadeye: "Figured you'd say that."
Dr. Cube: "Find someone else."
[Cube shoves the dossier back into Deadeye's chest.]
Deadeye: "There ain't someone else."
Siniestro: "You hate Mars. Mars hates you."
Deadeye: "But Padre gets that Family dug in deep enough?"
[Deadeye steps forward.]
Deadeye: "Neither one of you gets the luxury of hating each other."
[Cube stares at him.]
Siniestro: "Swallow your pride. Find common cause. Then, once Padre's dealt with..."
[He shrugs.]
Siniestro: "Go back to trying to murder each other."
[A beat.]
[Cube snatches the dossier.]
Dr. Cube: "I'll consider it."
[He storms away.]
Signal: "That's not exactly a yes."
Black Scar: "Wasn't a no either."
[Deadeye watches Cube disappear.]
Deadeye: "That could have went way worse."
Siniestro: "I feel like you say that a lot."
[Deadeye slowly turns toward him.]
Deadeye: "You wanna take a shot at me?"
[Siniestro smiles.]
Siniestro: "Don't flatter yourself, cowboy."
[Cut.]
Image
Black Scar: We've got a helluva match here. Two psychopaths going head to head, the twisted Candy Man who nearly murdered a dino at Ring of Dreams and the man who turned on his own flesh and blood for a reason we still don't know.
Signal: Edward Newton is always a dangerous competitor but the unpredictability of his psyche lately maybe makes him the most dangerous man alive. That being said, Candy Man ain't no slouch when it comes to violence so this could well be a tossup here.
[The bell sounds as Candy Man rushes forward, trying to squash Newton like a bug with a huge running splash but Newton manages to duck underneath, sending Candy Man to the outside, the bigger man nearly spiking himself into the concrete.]
[Candy Man leaps to his feet, trying to get back in but he's stopped by a hard baseball slide to the jaw, sending him staggering back into the apron. Newton slides out, grabbing the dazed Candy Man by the skull before beginning to bounce his skull off the barricade.]
[Slam RIDDLE slam ME slam THAT! Candy Man doesn't go down but he's stunned as Newton quickly kicks him in the gut before gripping him in a headlock.]
[SNAP DDT ON THE CONCRETE!]
Signal: That wasn't a Nevermind but it was damn sure effective.
[Newton sneers before picking Candy Man up and rolling his stunned body into the ring. Newton slides in himself, backing up as Candy Man stumbles to his feet before rushing forward.]
[TEMPEST...NO! Candy Man catches the Superkick, roaring in anger before nearly taking the Riddler's head off with a HARD CANDY Short Arm Lariatto.]
[Newton stumbles up into a hard flurry of blows. Right, Left, Forearm, Headbutt before he's lifted up into the air]
[THE BIG WHIRLY! A big time Tilt A Whirl Slam drives Newton into the mat as the Candy Man calls for the end, slowly climbing up to the top.]
Black Scar: NEWTON BOOT TO THE ROPES! The Riddler crotches The Candy Man just in time as he quickly leaps up to the top,
[Candy Man is fighting though, HEADBUTT! HEADBUTT! HEADBUTT! A triefcta of headbutts sends Newton crashing to the mat as Candy Man quickly follows]
[GLASS JAR! Brutal Top Rope Diving Splash squashes Newton into the mat, Candy Man staying down for the cover as the ruleador slides in to count]
[ONE]
[............]
[TWO]
[...........]
[............]
[THREE!!!]
Black Scar: What a huge upset here, Edward Newton has been eliminated as the Candy Man advances to the Ring King Quarter Finals.
Winner: The Candy Man
Image
SOS
[Backstage.]
[Marvolo sits alone behind the desk in his newly rebuilt office. Unlike the pristine room that existed before Ring of Dreams, this one still feels unfamiliar. Fresh timber surrounds the doorway, newly fitted shelves stand mostly empty and the faint smell of paint lingers in the air. Three months may have been enough to rebuild the Temple, but it hasn't been enough to make it feel like home again.]
[Marvolo stares at the mobile phone resting in his hand. A number is already displayed on the screen, waiting for him to make the call.]
[He hesitates.]
[For a man who has spent his life manipulating situations to his advantage, the reluctance on his face says everything about the person whose number he has.]
[Eventually, Marvolo presses the button and raises the phone to his ear.]
[Someone answers.]
Marvolo: "It's me."
[Whatever response comes from the other end causes Marvolo to grimace. He leans back in his chair and runs a hand across his face before continuing.]
Marvolo: "Believe me, I know. I didn't think you'd ever hear from me either, but things have changed."
[He listens carefully, allowing the unseen person to speak.]
Marvolo: "There's a war beginning in Old School Wrestling, and unfortunately, it's one we're both all too familiar with."
[Marvolo's eyes drift towards the rebuilt walls surrounding him. The explosions at Ring of Dreams may have been repaired, but the people responsible are now stronger than ever.]
Marvolo: "The Family is back."
[There is a lengthy silence on the other end.]
[Marvolo waits.]
Marvolo: "Yes."
[His expression hardens.]
Marvolo: "They're different this time, but you know what they're capable of. You've seen what happens when they're allowed to grow, and I can't let that happen again."
[Marvolo stands from behind his desk and walks towards the window overlooking the backstage corridors.]
Marvolo: "I need help."
[Those words clearly aren't easy for him to say.]
Marvolo: "I can't believe I'm reaching out to you for it, and I can only imagine how much you're enjoying hearing me ask, but I don't have a choice. I don't know who else I can go to."
[He listens again, his expression impossible to read.]
Marvolo: "Can you help me?"
[A long silence follows.]
[Marvolo waits anxiously for an answer.]
[Then his eyebrows rise.]
Marvolo: "Ring King?"
[Another response comes through the phone.]
[For the first time since making the call, some of the tension leaves Marvolo's face.]
Marvolo: "Thank you."
[He pauses, listening to a final few words.]
Marvolo: "I'll see you there."
[The call ends.]
[Marvolo slowly lowers the phone and stares at the screen for a moment before placing it back onto his desk.]
[Whoever he just called, Marvolo clearly never imagined himself asking them for help.]
Raquel: "Are you sure about this?"
[But with The Family preparing for war, desperation has forced him to turn towards someone from another one.]
[Cut.]
Image
Black Scar: It's Ring King time Scar and you know what that means.
Signal: 16 competitors fight it out tonight to advance to the quarter finals and one more step closer to the crown and getting a one on one shot against the World Champion, whoever that may be at the time. First up here we have two incredible competitors coming off huge victories at Ring of Dreams. The refocused Rambro and the hitman of the bossman himself, Santiago Siniestro. Will Cold Steel prevail or will his bullets bounce off the Last Survivor?
[The bell rings as Santiago rushes forward, looking for a Spinning Wheel Kick that Rambro manages to duck underneath. Santiago kicks off the ropes, leaping over Rambro and spiking him down to the mat with a hard Float Over DDT.]
[Siniestro drops down, trying to immediately lock in the Sunrise but Rambro manages a stiff elbow to the jaw that rocks him, staggering him back as Rambro leaps forward, tackling low as he rolls with Siniestro on the mat before lifting him up.]
Signal: DEAD ZONE OUTTA NOWHERE! Rambro outmuscling the smaller luchadore there, nearly snapping him in half from the sheer force of that Back Suplex.
[Rambro rolls to his feet, rushing forward as Santiago staggers to his feet, AMBU...NO! Siniestro catches the knee, using it to pull Rambro up and into the air. FISHERMANS DRIVER! ]
[Siniestro drives Rambro into the mat, rolling to his feet as he rushes to the ropes, leaping up top before diving off.]
[HERMOSA...KNEES! The Frog Splash is met with a double pair to the sternum, Santiago's chest nearly caving in from the force. Staggering up]
[RIGHT INTO THE NAPALM ELBOW! Santiago is out on his feet as he's locked into a sleeper hold from behind.]
[LAST EXTRACTION! Rambro lifts Santiago up and nearly snaps him in half with the backbreaker/spinebuster combination. Rambro floats over, hooking the leg as the ruleador drops down to count]
[ONE]
[............]
[TWO]
[............]
[.............]
[THREE!!!]
[NO!!! THE REFEREE IS PULLED OUT OF THE RING AND DECKED WITH A RIGHT HAND!]
[A masked figure slides under the bottom rope with a steel chair!]
[CHAIRSHOT TO RAMBRO!]
[Santiago rises...]
[CHAIRSHOT TO SINIESTRO!]
[The Ruleadoor angrily calls for the bell!]
Signal: What the hell is going on!? Who the hell was that!? The referee has called for a bell... this one is... a... uh... tie? Both men advance!
Winner & Advancing: Draw
Image
Hidden
[Previously Recorded]
[INT. UNKNOWN LOCATION]
[Dim light peeking through boarded up windows. Darkwish sits in hiding, eyes widening as a thumping sound echoes through the small cabin.]
[They’ve found him.]
[Banging on doors, windows, whatever they can find. It won’t be long before they find a way in.]
Voices: “We know you’re in there. There’s nowhere you can hide.”
[Darkwish blows out the last remaining light from his candle, plunging the scene momentarily into darkness.]
[But before long, light floods into the cabin as the door is breached.]
[The thumping of fists against wooden boards soon turns to the sound of thundering footsteps as countless figures burst into the cabin.]
[Darkwish doesn’t hide. He knows that would be pointless. He stands in plain sight, arms crossed and eyes narrowed on the entrance.]
[An angry mob with one purpose in mind, to see him hang for what he did to their families. And among them, Academius stands.]
[As one, they move for him, clawing at him. Scratching, grabbing, tearing away at whatever they can touch. They want blood, and they’re going to get it.]
[One can see rare fear in the whites of Darkwish’s eyes as the crowd consume him.]
Academius: “Stop. Leave him be.”
[The voice of Academius pierces through the angry crowd. Reluctantly, the crowd obliges. Backing away, they form a circle that Academius stands inside. Standing over a battered and bleeding Darkwish.]
Academius: “Restraint is the beginning of civilisation. Demonstrate that you possess some. You cannot tear him apart simply because your primitive minds have mistaken fury for justice.”
[But Academius does not help Darkwish up. He points at him instead.]
Academius: “Do not become the monster you came here to punish.”
[Academius turns to the crowd.]
Academius: “His day of justice will come in the public forum of the rebuilt temple. You came here simply to… escort our friend to his proper lodgings. Take him home, there he will face his consequences before too long...”
[Academius clicks his fingers and the crowd seize Darkwish. The air fills with his cries of protest slowly fading as they drag him away.]
Academius: “I will see to that personally.”
[The temple awaits.]
[Cut.]
Image
Signal: “It’s now time for our Main Event, as Glitter and Dolly of the Sex Dolls take on Venganza and Pixelshift!”
Black Scar: “We’ve seen how far each of these four competitors are willing to push their bodies in order to win. This promises to be a gruesome match, and I’m all here for it.”
[Glitter and Pixelshift start the match for their teams as the Ruleador calls for the bell.]
[The Sinful One and Neon Player One circle each other for a few seconds before locking up.]
[As they do, the Sexual Messiah moans in pleasure, causing the Glitch to lose focus for a second.]
[That gives Glitter enough time to go behind Pixel for a rear waistlock, grabbing the Glitch by the balls!]
Black Scar: “The ORGASM BUTTON has been pressed! The 1UP Wonder just got ballsplexed into his corner!”
[Padre takes this opportunity to tag himself in, slapping Player One on the back before stepping inside.]
[Venganza stares down the Sinful One with disdain as their opponent rubs themselves seductively.]
[The Virus suddenly rushes at the Sexual Messiah!]
Signal: “BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA! The superkick knocks Glitter into the ropes!”
[Padre proceeds to Irish whip his opponent off the ropes.]
[Venganza attempts a clothesline at the rebound, but the Sovereign of Sex ducks it.]
[Dolly makes a blind tag as Glitter bounces off the ropes again, looking to strike with a big boot!]
Black Scar: “The BUKKAKE BULLET TRAIN is ducked! But catches the Black Heart with the SLEEPWALKER SPIRAL corkscrew neckbreaker as they pass by!”
[The Ruleador forces the Sinful One out of the ring as Dolly starts skipping around Padre.]
[The Daydreamer waits until he gets to a knee before going on the attack, wailing on him with kicks and clubbing blows.]
[She attempts to go for a CHESHIRE SNAP, but Venganza pushes her off before the snapmare driver can be executed.]
[Just as she turns back towards her opponent, The Virus spits a black, tar-like substance into Dolly’s face!]
Signal: “Padre just spread his VIRAL INFECTION to Daydream!”
[A battered Venganza tags himself out to Pixelshift, who leaps over the top rope and dashes towards the Daydreamer!]
[The Glitch proceeds to launch some offense on a blinded Dolly with a few knife edge chops to the chest, backing her up into a corner!]]
[He backs up and gets ready to run at her, but he freezes mid run!]
[Dolly attempts to capitalize on this, but she gets dropped with a cutter the moment she gets close!]
Black Scar: “The Glitch nailed the LAG SPIKE! Pixelshift is straight gaming after that ballsplex from earlier!”
[Pixelshift calls for the end by flashing ‘game over’ on his visor.]
[Unbeknownst to him, Dolly rolled over to Glitter to make the tag, making him legal!]
[As the Glitch turns around, he gets nailed with the BUKKAKE BULLET TRAIN!]
[The Sinful One grinds their boot into Player One’s face, moaning with pleasure as they do so.]
[Padre reenters the ring and slips behind the Sexual Messiah while they aren’t looking!]
Signal: “LIFE FLASHER! Venganza nails the German, Dragon, and murder backdrop suplex on a distracted Glitter!”
[Dolly attempts to save their downed partner from further punishment, nailing the Virus with a kick to the gut before setting him up for a PORCELAIN SHATTER!]
[But she can’t lift Padre up due to Pixelshift holding onto his partner’s ankle!]
[Venganza slips out of the front headlock, delivering a headbutt to Dolly after the fact!]
[Pixelshift kips up to his feet and meets a rising Glitter in the center of the ring.]
Black Scar: “Simultaneous SHADOW CONTAGION stunner and HARD RESET codebreaker to Dolly and Glitter!”
[Both cover their opponents!]
[ONE!]
[TWO!!]
[THREE!!!]
Signal: “The Sex Dolls gave it all they had, but couldn’t quite keep up with the world champion and contender tonight!”
Winners: Pixelshift & Padre Venganza
Image
An Affront
[Post-Main Event.]
[The bell rings as the Temple erupts. Dolly Daydream and Glitter have been defeated, leaving the unlikely combination of Padre Venganza and PixelShift standing victorious in the centre of the ring. Both men are exhausted, but for very different reasons. Padre looks composed after the battle, the OSW World Championship resting proudly over his shoulder, whilst PixelShift looks like a man who has survived two wars in a single night. The Gift of the Gods Championship now hangs from his hands.]
[The evidence of Smiley and Doubt's attack earlier is still written across PixelShift's body.]
Signal: "What a return for Old School Wrestling! PixelShift was beaten unconscious earlier tonight, somehow recovered in time for the Main Event, and together with the man whose Championship he intends to challenge for, he's just defeated the Sex Dolls!"
Black Scar: "The Family tried to take him out before he could make that challenge, Signal. If they wanted to discourage him, I don't think it worked."
[Padre watches Dolly and Glitter retreat from ringside before turning his attention towards his partner. PixelShift retrieves the Gift of the Gods Championship and places it over his shoulder, leaving the two champions standing opposite one another.]
[Padre asks for a microphone.]
Padre Venganza: "There is something deeply offensive about that Championship."
[PixelShift glances towards the title on his shoulder.]
Padre Venganza: "A Gift... of the Gods."
[Padre laughs quietly at the very notion.]
Padre Venganza: "You carry an artefact that promises the favour of divinity, yet you stand before the one true God and believe it entitles you to challenge him. That Championship isn't a gift, PixelShift. It is an affront to everything I am becoming."
[PixelShift suddenly snatches the microphone straight from Padre's hand.]
[The crowd reacts immediately as the smile disappears from Padre's face.]
Pixelshift: "God?"
[PixelShift looks genuinely bemused.]
Pixelshift: "Gods don't exist where I come from. And if they did, they'd be programmed just like everything else."
[Padre's head tilts slightly as PixelShift steps closer.]
Pixelshift: "You know something I've learned since I got stuck here? Your world and mine really aren't that different. You call something impossible, I call it code. You call something supernatural, I call it programming. Either way, there are rules underneath it all."
[PixelShift taps the Gift of the Gods Championship.]
Pixelshift: "So I don't care about your plan to become a God, and I don't care how big your Family gets. Smiley and Doubt beat the holy crap out of me tonight, and what happened?"
[He spreads his arms.]
Pixelshift: "I found a 1UP."
[The crowd roars.]
Pixelshift: "I resurrected, came back for the Main Event and helped you beat the Sex Dolls."
[Padre's smile slowly returns.]
Pixelshift: "That's the thing about powers, Padre. You might have yours, but you're not the only one around here who can do things that shouldn't be possible."
[PixelShift removes the Gift of the Gods Championship from his shoulder and holds it between them.]
Pixelshift: "Five successful defences."
[He looks down at the Championship that has brought him this far before raising his eyes to Padre.]
Pixelshift: "Objective complete."
[The Temple comes alive as PixelShift extends the Championship towards Padre.]
Pixelshift: "At Ring King, I'm officially trading this affront for the opportunity it earned me. You and me, one-on-one, for the OSW World Championship."
[PixelShift pushes the Gift of the Gods Championship into Padre's chest, forcing him to take it.]
Pixelshift: "Let's find out what happens when the future God meets Player One."
[PixelShift tosses the microphone aside and steps through the ropes.]
Signal: "There it is! It's official! PixelShift is cashing in the Gift of the Gods Championship, and at Ring King he wants Padre Venganza for the OSW World Championship!"
Black Scar: "PixelShift just told a man infected with supernatural power that everything he can do is nothing but programming. Either that kid has the biggest set in OSW, or Smiley hit him with that crowbar a few too many times."
[PixelShift backs up the entrance ramp, never taking his eyes off the ring. Padre remains exactly where PixelShift left him, holding the surrendered Gift of the Gods Championship in one hand and his OSW World Championship in the other.]
[There is no anger on Padre's face.]
[There is no outrage.]
[Instead, Padre Venganza begins to smile.]
[PixelShift notices.]
[He smiles back.]
[Ring King has its World Championship match.]
Signal: "Folks, that's all for us.... but wait... we're being told to go backstage.."
Black Scar: "What the hell?"
[Cut]
Image
[Dolly Daydream has made her way backstage after that enthralling Main Event and sits resting on a roadie case, Hardcore title in her lap, chewing bubblegum. She blows a pink bubble, which gets bigger and bigger, eclipsing her head…]
[Pop!]
[Giggling, she wipes the deflated gum out of her eyes–]
[Only to find Warlord Mars’s face an inch away from her own!]
[She smiles.]
Dolly Daydream: “Hi!”
[Warlord snarls.]
Warlord Mars: “GIMME THAT HARDCORE TITLE!”
[Dolly frowns.]
Signal: "Oh no...."
Black Scar: "Looks like we're having a little impromtu show ender, folks!"
Dolly Daydream: “You had your turn with it. Now it’s my turn.”
[Mars sighs.]
Warlord Mars: “FINE, I’LL JUST PLAY YOUR SPINAL CORD LIKE A FUCKIN’ XYLOPHONE!”
[Daydream hops down and takes her bubblegum out.]
Dolly Daydream: “There’s no need for that potty mouth. You want it?”
[She drapes the Hardcore title on the floor between them.]
Dolly Daydream: “Come get it!”
[Mars blinks… Then–]
Warlord Mars: “RRRRAAAARRRGGGHHHHH!!!!!”
[HE CHARGES AT DOLLY…]
[WARHEAD!?]
[THE CHAMP STICKS HER FOOT OUT—]
[KRRRUUUNCH!]
[WARLORD SMASHES HEADFIRST INTO A VENDING MACHINE!]
[Glass, soda cans, and candy rain down onto the floor. Mars pulls himself free, cuts and scrapes littering his neck and shoulders.]
[He groggily turns round—]
[FWOOOOOOOSH!]
[DOLLY SQUIRTS A FIRE EXTINGUISHER IN HIS FACE!]
[Sporting a white foam beard, looking like a bad Santa, Mars rubs the clogged eyes of his mask…]
[DAYDREAM SWINGS THE EMPTY EXTINGUISHER UPWARDS—]
[THUD!]
[LOW BLOW!]
Warlord Mars: “YYYAAARRRRGGGHHHH!”
[The Bringer of War doubles over, clutching his irradiated nards.]
[Dolly grabs his arm–]
[RIPCORD KNEE - OFF WITH… NO!]
[MARS PICKS HER UP WITH ONE ARM, ONTO HIS BACK!]
[HE TRAPS HER IN THE TORTURE RACK!]
[DOLLY YELPS IN PAIN AS MARS CRANKS IT UP!]
[Spotting a nearby table laden with refreshments, he builds up a head of steam…]
[ARGENTINE POWERB–DAYDREAM COUNTERS!?]
[CRUNCH!]
[IMPLANT D-D-FUCKIN’-T THROUGH THE TABLE!]
[MARS GETS PORCELAIN SHATTER’D!]
[Dolly pins him.]
[ONE!]
[TWO!!]
[...]
[THREEE!!!]
[Dolly Daydream retains her Hardcore Championship!]
Signal: "What a way to end Slam! What a night! What an ending, folks. Dolly Daydream retains her Hardcore 24/7 Championship in epic fashion."
Black Scar: Until next time!"
Winner & Still Hardcore Champion: Dolly Daydream