Masquerade III

[vastrix]

There is - at long, long last - a new Riot Star Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion. Three warriors gave it everything they had, but one walked away with the biggest prize in the sport. But who? This was a night of change and revelation in Riot Star Wrestling, and for Garmr and Rob Riot, nothing will ever be the same again. Some big names appear to have finished their run. Others have surfaced in an RSW ring for the first time - and all at the biggest Pay Per View that happened anywhere in the world this week. It all went down in Hong Kong - forget the New Orleans shitshow, this is Riot Star Wrestling!



What are you waiting for? Check out the event, right now!

[vastrix]

We open with a white text overlaid on a black background.

"HONG KONG".

Images of the busy streets of the nation's capital, the imaginatively titled "Central", flash by. People on their phones, in sharp business suits, walking past each other whilst chattering excitedly into their phones. Cars racing down busy roads. Brightly lit shopping centers. That sort of thing. We go back to the text.

"GIVEN BACK TO THE CHINESE, BY THE BRITISH, IN 1997"

More images. Chris Patten, the final British Governor of Hong Kong, handing over the ceremonial documentation - and therefore the province itself - to Chinese diplomats in 1997. British flags being taken down from Government buildings. Chinese flags going up in their place. And back to the text.

"AND THEN, FOR TWENTY ONE YEARS, NOTHING HAPPENED.

UNTIL NOW.

WELCOME TO MASQUERADE III!"

BOOM! We're into the arena, with a pyro crash and a lightning flash. The capacity crowd pops hugely, as the camera spins around, taking them all in. The natives are excited. RSW are in town for one of the biggest shows of the year!

The stage set for this one is huge, with the two masks of drama side by side, and the gap between them servicing as an entrance point for wrestlers. "MASQUERADE III" is spelt out in huge letters across the rampway, and the big screen arcs from floor to ceiling above it.

We go to Joseph Greer and 'Sweet' Tommy Onions, who are at ringside on their specially decorated event specific commentary table.

TOMMY ONIONS: Hey, you! How you doin'? Welcome to Masquerade III, I'm 'Sweet' Tommy Onions, and this man next to me isn't my grandpa. He's Joey Greer!

JOSEPH GREER: That's Joseph Greer, Tommy. And I'm not sure I'm comfortable with that intro package we just aired. Did we basically just suggest that the only interesting thing that's happened since Western influences left Hong Kong in 1997 is us coming to town?

TOMMY ONIONS: Yeah, we did. Problem?

JOSEPH GREER: So the only interesting thing since the withdrawal of Western influence...is the return of Western influence? I dunno. That doesn't sit right with me.

TOMMY ONIONS: Are you being a snowflake, Greer? OK, get on your soapbox. Tell me one interesting thing that's happened in Hong Kong since 1997.

JOSEPH GREER: (uncomfortable) Well...I wouldn't pretend to be an expert. I mean I'm sure all kinds of things have happened. Just because I'm not familiar with them doesn't mean....

TOMMY ONIONS: (interrupting) You can't, can you?

JOSEPH GREER: Well you've put me on the spot, I wasn't expecting to be interrogated!

TOMMY ONIONS: Nothing interesting ever happens here Joey. Ever. We're the best thing to happen to this place in a generation.

JOSEPH GREER: I don't think you can say....

TOMMY ONIONS: (interrupting again) Let's take a look at some of the signs our fans have brought along tonight!

JOSEPH GREER: You're changing the subject!

TOMMY ONIONS: You don't have any examples. I'm saving you from embarrassing yourself. Let's check out the signs brought along by these fans. They should be great, they've had 21 years of nothing happening here to come up with some good ones!

The camera takes a pan around the arena. It doesn't settle on any of the signs for long, but the most unconventional one catch the eye.

Someone's drawn a rather erotic cartoon of Ruby 'Slaughter' Walsh, with vastly out of proportion breasts, and a tagline that reads "MARRY ME RUBY".

Another one, all text, reads "THE BRITISH STILL OWNED THIS PLACE WHEN THE WORLD TITLE TOURNAMENT STARTED"

Seemingly in agreement with this, the sign next to that one reads "WE DON'T CARE WHO WINS, WE'RE JUST GLAD IT'S OVER"

Taking a turn for the macabre, there's a picture of Garmr decapitating Rob Riot, under which "RIOT IS A DEAD MAN" is scrawled in blood red lettering.

Someone in a full party frock, with a Victorian style face mask - the kind that would be suitable for, say, a masked ball, has a sign that reads "MASQUERADE BRAWL SURPRISE ENTRANT".

Rather more worryingly, a man in a black suit, white shirt and black tie, wearing rayban sunglasses, holds up his sign. It reads, "WE'VE FOUND YOU, ZEPP"

The camera cuts back to ringside.

TOMMY ONIONS: That last sign didn't look like good news for Isaiah Zepp, Greer. It looks like the people he's been running from may b in attendance tonight. Although I often wonder why they struggle to find him, seeing as we advertise him on our shows weeks in advance, so they should known where he's going to be, and when he's going to be there?

JOSEPH GREER: It's pro wrestling Tommy, try not to question it. Speaking of pro wrestling, welcome to THE BIGGEST show in this sport anywhere in the calendar year outside of Christmas!

TOMMY ONIONS: Are you sure?

JOSEPH GREER: What?

TOMMY ONIONS: That it's the biggest pro wrestling show of the year. I mean, I'm pretty sure a fairly major one just happened in New Orleans this weekend.

JOSEPH GREER: Tommy, that show was by another promotion. We don't really talk about...

TOMMY ONIONS: Like, really major. I heard there were nearly 80,000 people there. People flew in from all over the word. Even Ronda Rousey was on that show. It was massive! I just feel like we should be honest about what we do. Masquerade is a big show, sure, but compared to that this is nothing.

Joseph Greer silently gives Onions the death stare. Onions is entirely unfased.

TOMMY ONIONS: What, cat got your tongue now? Fine, I'll do your job. Folks, we have the final to the longest tournament in human history tonight, as Dylan Erickson, Nocturnal and 'D' square off to crown a new Riot Star Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion! That's our Main Event, and it's something called a Stairway to Hell match. I have no idea what that means but it sounds violent, so stick around for it. Just before that, Rob Riot has decided to fight Garmr in a Last Man Standing Match, so he's probably going to die, and that'll be good for entertainment, too. Isaiah Zepp is fighting Ragnar Magnusson for the Legacy Championship, if he doesn't get shot by special agents first, and there's a bunch of other shit happening. But before all that, here's some people in masks!

JOSEPH GREER: That's how you're introducing the first match of the evening? "Here's some people in masks"? Wow.

TOMMY ONIONS: Well you introduce it, then!

JOSEPH GREER: Ladies and Gentlemen, it is our honour and privilege to bring you the third annual Masquerade Masked Brawl, and that's starting now.

TOMMY ONIONS: That's what I said.

JOSEPH GREER: No it isn't.

The camera cuts away from the squabbling duo, and focuses on Bob Mooney in the ring.

[vastrix]

BOB MOONEY: This opening bout is a battle royal! The only way to eliminate your opponent if to throw them over the top rope and have both of their feet touch the floor. Featuring the following wrestlers: Dave, Soothsayer, Chris Storm, Jason Kross, Danny Parsons, Marcus Anderson, and Chris Gibson!





The following wrestlers from the list will not be attending due to injury: Camdyn Cross, Nitro Kyx, and Dan Rosen! The winner of this match gets the opportunity to choose a tag team partner and go after the tag team titles!



The participants stand about in the ring in ceremonial robes and masks, but the masks only cover the eyes so we know who they are.



TOMMY ONIONS: So, we’re missing at least three people in this match. Why is that?



JOSEPH GREER: I heard that Camdyn Cross was injured when he was attacked by Caleb and Havok. I heard that Nitro Kyx was attacked by Soothsayer. As for Dan Rosen...I have no idea why he’s not here.



The bell rings to start the match and the ring becomes a chaos of fists and elbows. Marcus throws Storm into the ropes and drills him with a spinning elbow at the ropes that nearly sends Storm over the ropes right of the bat.



Dave begins wailing on Jason Kross with lefts and rights to back him into the corner before sniffing at him.



DAVE: I don’t want to sound queer or nuthin’, but you kinda smell nice.



Danny Parsons and Chris Gibson exchange punches until Danny pulls Gibson up into a suplex position. Soothsayer leaps up to hit a clothesline to Gibson to turn the suplex into a spiked version.



Jason Kross explodes out of the corner, knocking Dave to the mat with a shoulder before moving on to grab Soothsayer from behind for a bulldog.



Marcus pulls Chris Storm down with a double leg takedown and begins the motion for a giant swing. He’s almost ready to hurl Storm from the ring when Storm connects with Dave to send them both down to the mat. Marcus turns around to catch a spear from Chris Gibson.



Jason Kross nails Soothsayer with a quick knee drop before pulling him up and trying to get him over the top rope. Chris Gibson nails Kross from behind in a blow that sends Soothsayer over the ropes as he pulls Kross into a back suplex! Soothsayer hits the ring apron and rolls back into the ring!



TOMMY ONIONS: I couldn’t tell you what’s going on in the ring if my life depended on it!



JOSEPH GREER: You know what? It does. We can make that happen. Focus on your job, or you're going in the ring with Garmr instead of Riot later on.



TOMMY ONIONS: The fuck? You don't have the power to make that call!



Soothsayer pulls Chris Storm up and sends him hurling from the ring where he impacts the floor. Soothsayer turns around, catches a fist thrown from Jason Kross, and delivers a belly to belly suplex over the top rope!



On the other side of the ring, Dave body slams Danny Parsons to the mat. He stands over Danny’s head, forms a teapot with his hands, and then grabs the rope for support as he drops down into a squat to smash his crotch into Danny’s face! He roars in a “I’m a death metal singer” type of way as he stands up and drops into a high impact teabagging over and over again. After a few times, he stops and clutches at the dented golden codpiece in pain. Danny lays on the mat, blood pouring from his nose.



Dave takes a couple of steps away from Danny, looking crosseyed, and falls over the top rope to the floor below.



JOSEPH GREER: I don’t know what Dave was thinking, but it doesn’t look like that it worked.



TOMMY ONIONS: I think.....I think he drove his own codpiece into his nuts. As men we all know that pain, Greer. That kicked-in-the-balls pain. That's gonna stay with him for a while, and he needs to find a new codpiece. Maybe something a bit tougher than gold…



Marcus Anderson and Chris Gibson exchange fisticuffs as Soothsayer drops the knocked out Danny Parsons over the top rope.



Soothsayer brings both Marcus and Chris down with a double clothesline, sending both to the mat. Soothsayer pulls Chris Gibson up and begins pressing him over the top rope.



This stops when Marcus kicks Soothsayer in the back of the knee to stop the motion. Chris catches Soothsayer in the side of the head with an elbow strike as Marcus grabs him for an atomic drop. Gibson works to raise Soothsayer so that Marcus and him can fling him from the ring, but Marcus turns and slams Soothsayer’s legs into the side of Gibson’s head to send him over the top rope!



Soothsayer backflips to behind Marcus and drills him with a neckbreaker.



JOSEPH GREER: Think you can follow the action now? Or do you want to go ahead and start training to face Garmr in the ring later instead of Rob Riot?



TOMMY ONIONS: You know? I think I’m ready. You see what I have written here?



JOSEPH GREER: Is it your Last Will and Testament? Have you written it in crayon?



TOMMY ONIONS: Well….yeah. I stole some crayons from Ruby’s locker room earlier when I was sniffing her pan-sss. She cooks some weird stuff!



JOSEPH GREER: That’s the oddest save I have ever heard.



Soothsayer pulls Marcus up, but is pulled down into a small package that only is held for a few seconds before Marcus remembers that he can’t win by pinfall.



Both men stand up, Soothsayer shaking his head before drilling Marcus with a knee to the gut and then applying the-



JOSEPH GREER: The Sleep of Ignorance! He isn’t going to win that way though.



TOMMY ONIONS: If Marcus is sleeping, he’d be easier to toss over the top rope.



As Marcus starts to go, Soothsayer easily tosses him over the top rope.



DING DING DING!



SOOTHSAYER WINS!



BOB MOONEY: Winner of the match and eligible to select a tag team partner and contend for the tag team championship currently held by Eddie Havok and Caleb Koresh!



Soothsayer celebrates in the middle of the ring as Marcus makes his way to the back, shaking his head.



JOSEPH GREER: Soothsayer pulls off the victory here, and he gets himself a shot at the World Tag Team Championship! All he has to do now is find himself a dance partner.



TOMMY ONIONS: Why doesn't he just go into the crowd and pick a random kid?



JOSEPH GREER: Because that would be dumb as Hell, insulting to our audience, and detrimental to the lineage of the tag team titles.



TOMMY ONIONS: Yeah but at that big show this weekend in New Orleans....



JOSEPH GREER: STOP TALKING ABOUT THAT!



TOMMY ONIONS: Bigger show than ours. That's all I'm saying. Bigger show, and they did that, so....it may be something Soothsayer wants to think about. I'm just spitballing. I'm just throwing ideas out there. It's up to him to pick them up



JOSEPH GREER: Let's hope he doesn't. Soothsayer adds another 'W' to his bag, and it'll be interesting to find out from him who his intended tag team partner will be. What a way to start the show. Now sit back and enjoy these commercials, and we'll be right back with you!



TOMMY ONIONS: Nobody enjoys commercials, Greer.



JOSEPH GREER: Shut up.



RSW goes to commercial.

[vastrix]

An interruption to our scheduled transmission.



The wind is heard sliding through as the video begins. For a few seconds, that sound is alone, as the image slowly fades in. The scenery is obscured, as there is fog everywhere. Then, a new sound. Leaves crunching under footsteps that drew louder over time. A shape began to appear in the fog.



Woman: I’ve wondered for a few weeks now, what I would do with my time.



The shape in the fog is drawing all the more closer to the camera, but the fog is so dense that it is almost impenetrable by the light.



Woman: After the silliness I was forced to withstand, I contemplated walking away all together. After all, I’d tried and failed twice. And then, I thought about it.



The figure of a woman emerged from the fog. Her face was cast in shadows, as was most of her form.



Woman: I realized I didn’t fail. I was failed in one place, and in another, I gave up. I’ve had a short time in this industry. I’ve had to learn about the bad and the ugly rather early on. Perhaps I aimed too high, too early. All I know is...I’m not ready to totally walk away. So, I’m going back home. And for me...home is RSW. I’m coming back. And this time, I’m committed to reaching for the stars. Last time, I squandered an opportunity. This time...I’m going to work harder, and climb higher. See you soon, RSW.



The scene fades to black as the woman is heard walking away.

[vastrix]

RSW returns from that interlude, and we're at ringside.



JOSEPH GREER: Welcome back folks, and what a performance by Soothsayer! He now can challenge for the RSW World Tag Team Championships with the partner of his choice!



TOMMY ONIONS: You just said that, right before we went to commercial. Is that dementia kicking in again? Did you go to the doctor like I suggested?



JOSEPH GREER: I'm welcoming people back to the show, Tommy, including people who might just be tuning in. They might have missed it. So shut up, and let me try again. Folks, Soothsayer won our last match, and he can pick a tag team partner of his own choosing for a shot at the RSW World Tag Team Championships.



TOMMY ONIONS: And if he’s smart, I wouldn’t tell anyone but my partner. Keep that shit secret until the last possible moment.



JOSEPH GREER: I’m sure we’ll find out more at Anarchy Thirty Six, but back to tonight. Tonight, we’ll crown a new RSW World Heavyweight Champion. And in honour of the long road we’ve taken to get here…



TOMMY ONIONS: We’re drawing it out with interviews!



JOSEPH GREER: Yes! I mean no…the months long tournament has been absolutely incredible in retrospect. We have a final no one could have predicted, and with that, tonight each man sits down with Alyssa Lucchi before entering in the match known as ‘The Stairway to Hell’.



TOMMY ONIONS: Bad ass name, I can’t wait for this car wreck! Someone might die, it’s been a few months since that’s happened!



JOSEPH GREER: All of which Riot Star Wrestling and its parent corporation have been investigated for at length, and been cleared of all wrongdoing…



TOMMY ONIONS: Rehearsed answer?



JOSEPH GREER: Yup, moving on…we have Alyssa standing by with the man who has arguably had the roughest path to tonight’s final…



TOMMY ONIONS: And her boyfriend…



JOSEPH GREER: …we don’t have any proof of that Tommy. But yes, ‘D’ is up first.



TOMMY ONIONS: I’d bet, have you seen Alyssa? Lucky bastard…



Transitioning backstage, the Masquerade banner dominates the backdrop. Standing center screen is RSW resident brunette beauty, Alyssa Lucchi.



Popping against the backdrop, Alyssa’s gone all out on the theme of the evening. A form fitting red gown is slit on one side exposing her left leg. Red sequins give her a shimmer from the production lighting.


ALYSSA LUCCHI: Good evening everyone and welcome to Masquerade. Tonight is a very special occasion; the long road to a new RSW World Heavyweight Champion ends with one of three men standing tall. Former Anarchy Champion, Dylan Erickson, former two time Champion and RSW Hall of Famer, Nocturnal…and this man…the current RSW Anarchy Champion…



Stepping back, Alyssa sits, crossing her legs as the camera shifts to reveal ‘D’. Dressed for his match minus his usual paint, he’s got a look of grim determination on his face.

ALYSSA LUCCHI: Welcome and thanks for taking the time to talk to me.



Coyly playing his part, he spoke to her everyday. The only difference tonight was that a camera was present.



‘D’: No problem Alyssa, according to some people this might be our last chance to talk, how could I refuse?



Looking at him, she’s unsure even after their long association on if he’s kidding or not.



ALYSSA LUCCHI: Well I think I speak for the RSW fans when I say I certainly hope not. Though that does bring me to one of my questions. Anarchy Thirty Five was a tough night for you, let’s not sugar coat this, are you at one hundred percent?



He took a deep breath and could feel the damage still. His head showed the cost he had paid to be in this chair tonight, there was no point in hiding it.



‘D’: No, but both Nocturnal and Dylan know this. How could I be? But what I am, is ready. Ready to do the impossible…one more time.



Flat and honest, he should look like a man headed to the gallows, but he doesn’t. He sounds like a man stumbling into his purpose.



ALYSSA LUCCHI: Then why compete? After the beating you received in victory this past Anarchy, no one would have thought any less of you.



Looking first down the camera lens, his eyes lack the hope they’d had just days ago, now acceptance held his state steady. Next looking to Alyssa he speaks from the heart.



‘D’: Because it has to be me. If not me, then who? Someone has to wear the white hat. Someone has to do the right thing, I’ve tried to avoid it. Tried to stop myself, but I see it now. There’s no one else, Riot has too much anger, Mitchell has his own demons, there’s no one else Alyssa.



Taking a breath, Alyssa knew better than to interrupt. Letting him vent would produce something better if it was left to come organically.



‘D’: I have to go out there because it’s the only way I can prove to all of them that I’m more than just a name back from the past to bury the young guys or a nostalgia run. I need to show everyone that everything I’ve sacrificed wasn’t in vain. I need to go out there and throw my heart and soul into this match, claim my respect and show the roster that I really am one of the best in, not just RSW, but the entire world. I might not ever get a chance like this again, I can’t afford to think about consequences. It’s now or never regardless of if I’m banged up for not.



Giving her a half answer he’d effectively drawn out his answer to force her to move on due to the time constraints of pay per view. If she was showing no mercy by asking about his condition, he’d apparently respond in kind.



ALYSSA LUCCHI: We’re going to have to put a pin in that for later. Many are calling your wins at Anarchy to advance a fluke. Do you have anything to say to that?



‘D’: Like I said before, I am back for one reason. I will prove to the fans and myself that I belong amongst the top of this promotion. Each time I step inside an RSW ring, I have to give it my all. I recently learned that life is short, too short to not do things the right way…



Trailing off, she saw that his pain was on full display. The loss of his former friend came just as they were beginning to mend the bridge he’d once thought burned to ashes.



ALYSSA LUCCHI: I apologize but we’re running a little long, so I’m going to ask my last question. What do you have to say to the thousands in attendance and the potential millions around the world?



‘D’: Dylan Erickson and Nocturnal are bigger than me, stronger, probably fresher, but look at them. They don’t want this like I do. No one does. I’m heading into that cage to win or be stopped, that’s it. I’m either walking away RSW World Heavyweight Champion, or one of those men will have to find a way to physically stop me, as long as I can move…I’ll be looking to grab that belt. Tonight we see if desire and determination are enough.



Defiant to the end, he stares down the lens a final time before the camera shifts back to Alyssa to wrap things up.



ALYSSA LUCCHI: On that note, we’re going to send it back to ringside and Tommy Onions and Joseph Greer. Later tonight it’s going to be ‘desire and determination’ against ‘size and strength’ as current Anarchy Champion ‘D’ looks to give everything he has in pursuit of his first RSW World Championship.



Back to ringside, Tommy and Joseph are ready for what should be another violent affair as Apathy faced Kevin Rouser.



JOSEPH GREER: Desire and determination…we’ll certainly see later tonight. But up next we have what could be the oddest match of the night as ‘the baddest bitch in the building’, The woman known to many as Apathy faces off with the strange veteran; Kevin Rouser! It’s live and next here at Masquerade!!

[vastrix]

BOB MOONEY: The following contest is for one fall….



CROWD: ONE FALL!!!



BOB MOONEY: ....you guys are jerks, you know that? Introducing first, from Atlanta, Georgia, The Femme Icon… APATHY!!!



JOSEPH GREER: An insightful, striking interview there from 'D', and he seems to have a lot on his mind before our main event this evening. But for our next match, we go from RSW to New Edge Wrestling as…



TOMMY ONIONS: Who gives a fuck about New Edge Wrestling?



JOSEPH GREER: Look Tommy, I’m just pointing out that our next match sees two former New Edge Wrestling veterans go head to head. Kevin Rouser and Apathy.



TOMMY ONIONS: Oh right, I suppose you just needed a tenuous link to make the fans care about a filler match.



JOSEPH GREER: Yes, Apathy has been referring to this match as “filler fluff” but I think it has the potential to be a very solid match.



TOMMY ONIONS: Apathy? I'd like to filer fluff. Fill her fluff! Do you get it? "Fill her" as in have sex with her, and "fluff" as in pub...



JOSEPH GREER: Yes, yes, Tommy. I get it.



The screen shows a vintage picture as it reels, clicks and pops. The screen counts down like a picture show.



5...4....3....2....1.... I Miss The Misery by Halestorm hits the speakers as the fans take their cue to hurry back from the toilets. On the screen, a barrage of action shots from Apathy's career appear like an old film in black and white, centered and fixated.



JOSEPH GREER: At least Apathy has made it the ring tonight.



TOMMY ONIONS: Yeah, The Devoted have been fucking with her head.



Red and white lights shine upon the entrance way as Apathy appears. She gets a mixed reaction from the crowd, mostly boos. She poses arms held high with a smirk on her face. She takes her time as she makes her way down the ramp. Apathy cracks half a smile as an Old Lady on the front row sticks up a finger at her.



##I miss the bad things,

##The way you hate me,

##I miss the screaming,

##The way that you blame me!



CUT!!!



Apathy’s music and video cut abruptly as Kevin Rouser appears on screen. The fans are confused. Apathy looks confused as she halts and turns around at the screen to a video of Kevin Rouser standing at the top of a mountain with stars and a moon lingering behind him.



'PURE' KEVIN ROUSER: Welcome to your main event. The Pure One versus the Apathetic One. Oh Elizabeth, it is a misery to see you full of apathy. You see Kevin Rouser was full of apathy, until I reconnected with his personage and became PURE. Oh, Elizabeth Deveraux we will soon meet… but first, Kevin Rouser must face Apathy in a game of New Edge Wrestling! The master of a thousand ethnicities and Styles will be pleased.



“I Miss The Misery” by Halestorm returns as Apathy completes her ascent to the ring. She runs the ropes before jumping onto the middle turnbuckle. She throws her fists into the air and receives a chorus of boos.



JOSEPH GREER: What just happened? Did Kevin Rouser just call himself 'pure'?



TOMMY ONIONS: I have no idea but he’s about as pure as my vodka and coke mixes.



JOSEPH GREER: Maybe Rouser is taking a leaf out of The Devoted’s book and playing pre-match mind games. He’s clearly had her watched.



TOMMY ONIONS: Durrrr! Rouser loves watching whores!



JOSEPH GREET: Tommy!



BOB MOONEY: And her opponent, from the Land of the Angles… KEVIN ROUSER!!!



The arena lights turn black as the fans wait for Rouser’s arrival.



A flash of light as the orchestral sounds of “Immortal Battle” by Joseph William Morgan hits the arena as Kevin Rouser appears at the entrance way. He looks confused at the change in music, the camera pans to a close up at his eyes, which look drugged up. The fans give him a mixture of laughter and mocking cheers as he walks down the ramp. He takes a moment to ask Bob Mooney what his announcement and music is all about, before he slides under the ring.



The referee Shawna Savante gets ready to start the match and pats Rouser down, he seems to enjoy the patting and asks if he can exchange phone numbers. Apathy mouths “What the fuck? as Rouser shrugs his shoulders in reply.



DING! DING! DING!



Apathy and Rouser circle the ring, both using their experience to analyse each other, both cautious to make the first move. Apathy raises her hands for a test of strength.



JOSEPH GREER: So here we have it, the Femme Icon versus err… the Pure One as Apathy challenges Rouser to a test of strength.



Rouser accepts Apathy’s challenge and goes to lock hands. But Apathy changes her mind and kicks him in the balls. Referee Shawna Savante gives Apathy a stern talking to.



JOSEPH GREER: There was no need for that. Apathy should get disqualified.



TOMMY ONIONS: Would it have the same effect if Rouser kicked her vagina? Do women feel the same amount of pain down there?



JOSEPH GREER: I don’t think so. But not having a vagina, I wouldn't know.



TOMMY ONIONS: You heard him, folks. Joey Greer has no vagina. And it's been that way for years!



JOSEPH GREER: Will you grow up!?



Rouser reels in agony as he uses the middle rope to pull himself up as Apathy goes back to work. She whips Rouser into the corner and hits him with an elbow smash. Rouser slumps down to middle turnbuckle as Apathy walks away. She races back up and spears him with a diving shoulder.



JOSEPH GREER: Wow, Apathy is having all the early offence here. Maybe she’s put her recent troubles behind her?



TOMMY ONIONS: I dunno man, Rouser doesn’t seem right.



Rouser falls to the bottom turnbuckle as Apathy follows it up with a kick to the face. This seems to awaken Rouser as his eyes light up as Apathy takes a few steps back and goes for a low dropkick but Rouser rolls out of the ring as Apathy thuds the turnbuckle. Rouser paces around the ring like a man possessed. He gets in the ring as Apathy gets to her feet, he Irish Whips her into the ropes. She cannons back as Rouser hits her with a powerslam followed by a knee drop. He paces up and down the ring.



JOSEPH GREER: Wow! What a comeback by Rouser. That blow to the head from Apathy seems to have woken him.



TOMMY ONIONS: Maybe it knocked some sense into him. He watches some weird porn, the kind of porn, I checked it out once. It fucked with my mind. Mermaids and shit.



JOSEPH GREER: I’m sure our audience didn’t need to know that, Tommy.



Apathy gets to her feet and examines Rouser pacing up and down the ring. Rouser comes to an abrupt halt and looks around confused. He spots Apathy racing towards him but it’s too late as she hits him with a spear. Before Rouser can up, she stomps a mudhole all over him. She screams and yells out in anger.



APATHY: I'll kill you, Ruby Walsh. I'll kill you!



TOMMY ONIONS: O......K......is she tripping balls in there?



JOSEPH GREER: I was speaking to Dave Meltzer in the urinals earlier, and he says the attack at Anarchy 35 has lit a fire in Apathy, and she’s been lashing out. He was warning people to avoid her at all costs.



TOMMY ONIONS: Is that where you get all your information?



JOSEPH GREER: Pretty much.



As Rouser staggers up, Apathy is all over him like a cheap suit hitting with a series of punches to the kidneys. Rouser is winded as Apathy whips him into the corner tucklebuckle. Rouser hits it and staggers back as Apathy hits him with a lungblower. A s Rouser leans up, she screams and hits him with a Sliding Forearm Smash. She hooks his leg for the pin.



One…





Two…



Rouser kicks out!



JOSEPH GREER: Apathy was a second away from picking up first victory since XHF Supremacy.



TOMMY ONIONS: When was her last RSW win?



JOSEPH GREER: AnarChristmas against Nob Kerfuffle, I believe.



TOMMY ONIONS: Holy shit! Apathy hasn’t won since Christmas? What the fuck happened to Nob Kerfuffle anyway?



JOSEPH GREER: Gamr almost killed him. At the moment, Kevin Rouser looks set to be killed as apart from a brief flurry earlier, Apathy has been destroying him.



Apathy climbs the middle turnbuckle and waits as a groggy Rouser gets to his feet, she hits him with an axe handle. Rouser slumps straight back down as Apathy stamps on his face. She goes for an elbow drop but Rouser rolls out of the way and staggers to his feet. He swings wild punches like a drunk man but Apathy dodges all of them.



TOMMY ONIONS: Is Rouser intoxicated?



JOSEPH GREER: You mean like high or something?



TOMMY ONIONS: I might drunk but high is a possibility. Whatever the problem is, he’s not landing any of his blows.



Apathy swings Rouser into the ropes, she goes for a clotheslines but Rouser trips over before he makes to it to the middle of the ring.



TOMMY ONIONS: Clever move by Rouser to get out of the way of that clothesline.



JOSEPH GREER: Are you serious? Even I know he tripped over.



Apathy immediately goes for a knee drop but she misses as Rouser rolls out of harms away. Apathy is in some pain as she clutches her knee. Rouser spots the weakness and hits her with a stiff kick to the injured knee. He sends her down with a Russian leg sweep and locks in the figure four. Apathy is some pain here as the referee Shawna Savante asks her if she wants to quit. However, Apathy manages to crawl to the bottom rope as Shawna Savante forces Rouser to let go.



JOSEPH GREER: Rouser using his experience to work on Apathy’s knee. This could be a turning point.



TOMMY ONIONS: Fair play to Rouser, after the damage he’s taken, I’d have already called it a day and cheered myself up with his fetish porn.



JOSEPH GREER: Rouser sure is resilient. Some say he's past it, but he's still got some resolve.



As Apathy pulls herself back up, Rouser continues to work on the injured knee. As he goes for dropkick to the knee. However, Apathy has other ideas and uses the turnbuckle to levitate out of the way of it. She comes back down and hits Rouser with a dropkick of her own… to the face!



JOSEPH GREER: Ouch! Holy shit! Not his face, it's bad enough as it is!



TOMMY ONIONS: So far, Apathy has had an answer to almost everything Rouser has thrown at her and she is on the attack.



Rouser tries to crawl away but Apathy hits Rouser with a curb stomp to the back. With Rouser grounded, she follows it up with some more stomps of the Garvin variety. Rouser is reeling in agony and is unable to get to his feet. Apathy climbs to the top turnbuckle and… nails him with a FROG SPLASH!!!



JOSEPH GREER: Frog Splash! This has got to be it…



Apathy drapes her arm round Rouser’s shoulders as the referee Shawna Savante counts…



One…



Two…



Thr… No!



JOSEPH GREER: NO!!! Rouser kicks out.



TOMMY ONIONS: What a lunatic! Here’s my advice Rouser, pick up your paycheck and leave before you do any more damage.



JOSEPH GREER: Rouser must be desperate for win tonight. He hasn’t tasted victory too many times since he made his return to RSW.



Apathy argues with the referee as Rouser use the ropes to clamour up to his feet. He tries to regain his composure but Apathy is sees him and is relentless as she hits Rouser with a forearm smash. Rouser staggers back as she hits him with the KISS OF DEATH.



JOSEPH GREER: Kiss of Death! Goodnight Rouser.



She puts her foot on his chest and goes for the pin.



One… Rouser lifts his shoulder.



Apathy is pissed off. She hooks his legs more securely and goes for a school boy roll up!



One



Two



Th- Rouser kicks out, attempting to lock in the omoplata crossface just like last week. However, he doesn’t quite manage it. Apathy gets up and stamps the canvas in frustration.



TOMMY ONIONS: What the fuck? This guy is going to kill himself.



JOSEPH GREER: Impressive endurance from Rouser, he is hanging on in there but you’ve got to wonder how long he can keep going for. He’s taken a lot of damage.



Rouser, again, tries to use the ring ropes to climb to his feet but he is struggling as Apathy waits for him with a furious expression on her face. She goes to the corner and removes the top turnbuckle pad.



JOSEPH GREER: Apathy is risking a disqualification here. Shawna Savante wants that turnbuckle pad.



TOMMY ONIONS: That’s her plan gone out of the window. Or has it?



Shawna Savante snatches the turnbuckle pad and tries to put it back on with. Her back is turned as Rouser finally gets back to his feet. Apathy kicks Rouser in the balls, winding him. Rouser bends down in agony as Apathy tries to lift him. She yells in pain as she lifts Rouser and executes… a PILEDRIVER!!!



JOSEPH GREER: Piledriver!!!



TOMMY ONIONS: They're banned in Louisiana, but not here!



Shawna Savante is oblivious to the illegal maneuver as Rouser is out cold. Apathy looks down and laughs at Rouser’s limp body. She kicks it but there is no reaction. Rouser is gone. The fans boo, really pissed off as Shawna Savante seems confused at what the commotion is about. Apathy taunts the fans and climbs the top turnbuckle. She faces them and raises her arms in the air.



JOSEPH GREER: This is disgusting. Somebody tell the referee, she should be disqualified. Rouser’s neck and head could be BROKEN!!!



TOMMY ONIONS: Rouser ain’t moving. He is sleeping with the fishes, gone with the fairies, if he’s alive he’ll be dreaming about fetish porn.



JOSEPH GREER: Remember, Rouser has only just come back form a serious head and neck injury… somebody call the paramedics. He is clearly BROKEN.



TOMMY ONIONS: I think we get it, Greer.



Rouser’s eyes open wide. Apathy is oblivious as she continues to taunt the fans with her back turned. Rouser jolts up as the fans go wild.



Apathy is confused and glances to the entrance way for any interruption. Rouser gets to his feet as Apathy slowly turns to face him.



Rouser: Oh Elizabeth, welcome to our filler match where I shall fill you with purity!



Apathy is shocked as Rouser paces around the ring like a lunatic like a man possessed. Rouser stops and cackles as Apathy races up to him. She goes for a right hand but Rouser dodges and hits her with a European Uppercut. Apathy staggers back – she takes a moment and screams. Rouser arrrrghhhhs and smiles.



JOSEPH GREER: ...what?



TOMMY ONIONS: Is this a mating ritual or some shit?



Apathy goes for another strike, but this too is dodged and returned with a European Uppercut. She tries a third time, but the same happens a third time. This time stuns Apathy and Rouser hits a neck lock suplex. He shoves her face over with an elbow as he goes for the pinfall.





One





Two





Thre-No! Apathy kicks out!



Rouser kneels up, palm striking Apathy as she tries to get up, and going for the pinfall once again.



One





Two





Thre-No! Apathy kicks out!



Rouser kneels up again, Apathy rolls away to get some distance between her and Rouser so that she can stand up.



JOSEPH GREER: Apathy isn’t going to take that punishment laying down!



TOMMY ONIONS: Let me tell you what she will take laying down.



JOSEPH GREER: Tommy!



TOMMY ONIONS: My dick.



JOSEPH GREER: For crying out loud!



Rouser nears Apathy, but is grabbed by the arm, and pulled into an irish whip into the corner. Elizabeth runs at him, impacting him right in the jaw with a yakuza kick that sends Rouser bouncing to the mat.



She reaches to begin the motion of a clasped hands reverse sto when he catches her up in a scoop slam and follows it up with a cross armbreaker.



The ref checks to see if Elizabeth will submit. She responds by stretching a leg to get her foot onto the bottom rope to get the hold broken.



Rouser breaks the hold, but pulls Elizabeth into the center of the ring with a quick jerk and applies the Omoplata crossface!



JOSEPH GREER: Rouser with the Yorkshire Terrier. This one could be all over!



TOMMY ONIONS: Someone’s coming down to the ring!



Indeed, the red robed Devoted swarm down to the ring and surround it as Elizabeth taps out to the Yorkshire Terrier.



DING DING DING!



KEVIN ROUSER WINS!



Rouser is delighted, but all the focus is on our red-robed intruders.



JOSEPH GREER: What are they after?



TOMMY ONIONS: At a guess, Apathy.



Kevin Rouser celebrates his win in the ring and quickly leaves, the Devoted making room for him to do so. Elizabeth stands up and looks around to see the many figures around her.



Kevin Rouser looks back from the entrance stage almost in concern, but says nothing. He is nearly run over by Eoin O’Rourke, who storms down to the ring with a steel chair in hand. He breaks the wall of red with a swing of the chair to get to Elizabeth.

EOIN O’ROURKE: Come on ya fookers. Come get some!



After a brief stand off, the Devoted head to the back. Eoin rolls out of the ring and sets up the chair next to Tommy Onions.



EOIN O’ROURKE: So my lady can be on hand in case those scum come back during my match.



Elizabeth steps through the ropes and sits down at the offered chair, putting on a headset.



APATHY: Why hello, Tommy. Hello, Joseph. I’ll be joining you for the next match. Objections? Verbal diarrhea that I should crack a skull over?



JOSEPH GREER: Nope.



TOMMY ONIONS: If I say that you have a beautiful body, would you hold it against me?



Elizabeth nods and cuffs Tommy in the back of the head.



APATHY: You keep on speaking like that, I’ll keep on smacking ya.



TOMMY ONIONS: Let’s get on with the show then. Shall we?

[vastrix]

BOB MOONEY: This next contest is scheduled for one fall! Featuring first the challenger...Jakie Wentzel!



The arena goes dark as the RioTron cuts to static.The video monitor displays Intercourse, PA in shambles as “The Crowing” by Coheed and Cambria blares from the PA system. Burnt out buildings. Screams to God for mercy. Fields of slaughtered Amish citizens with blood soaked quilts on them. Vicious clowns sit on porches with smoking pipes in their mouths. Intermittent through the imagery are video clips of Jakie in a black v-neck t-shirt and torn designer blue jeans. The video ends with Jakie putting on a pair of brass knuckles as the video package ends with Jakie stepping through the curtain.



TOMMY ONIONS: You would think that he would want to change that entrance. It’s just so-



JOSEPH GREER: Honest?



TOMMY ONIONS: No one cares that Intercourse is gone anymore. It’s old news.



JOSEPH GREER: Good Lord, how insensitive!



APATHY: It’s just so trashy to try to drum up support like that. He's a basic bitch.



BOB MOONEY: And his opponent, who is already in this corner, Eoin O’Rourke!



“Whiskey and Ritalin” by Fair to Midland plays for a short time as Eoin raises his arms to the cheering crowd.



TOMMY ONIONS: You know that the guy that the both of you have been trash talking of late is the same one who orchestrated that scene of Intercourse?



JOSEPH GREER: It’s unproven of course or else he would have been arrested.



APATHY: Those are Armand’s clowns being depicted? What a monster! The Amish boy still has to go down though.



The bell rings to start the match and Jakie crosses the ring to pound Eoin down with hammering blows with his fists. Eoin drops down to his knees quickly enough and grabs Jakie for a double leg takedown. A quick kick to the hamstrings puts the hurting to Jakie.



Eoin backs away to give Jakie enough breathing room to stand up and goes back in on the offensive. A Lou Thez press followed by a series of lefts and rights with a headbutt to polish things off.



JOSEPH GREER: Eoin working things with a Warrior’s Charge!



TOMMY ONIONS: Didn’t I hear that Jakie was reunited with the last remaining member of Intercourse? He should be fighting a bit happier. Shouldn’t he?



JOSEPH GREER: I don’t know about happier since all of the people that he grew up with are gone.



TOMMY ONIONS: Fewer mouths to feed at Christmas…



Eoin jumps off of Jakie at the request of the referee, waiting for him to get up again. As Eoin goes for the attack again, he’s caught by a big boot to the upper chest that sends him flipping backwards over the top rope!



APATHY: Eoin!



JOSEPH GREER: That was a heck of a kick.



TOMMY ONIONS: If Eoin was a cow, consider him tipped!



Jakie rolls out of the ring grabbing Eoin up for a gorilla press slam, but Eoin slips to the behind, and throws Jakie into the ring apron once before hitting a full nelson bomb. He rolls Jakie into the ring and follows up. He hits an Evenflow DDT and goes for the pinfall.



The crowd begin to make some noise as a mammoth of a man walks down the aisle from the back. Nearly eight foot tall and at least five hundred pounds, this man is several skin colors stitched together. A man of patchwork colors.



One





Two





Thre-Eoin kneels up, seeing the man walking down the aisle, and mouths “WTF”.



TOMMY ONIONS: What the fuck is this patchwork man?



JOSEPH GREER: I have no idea.



“Circus Apocalypse” by Vermillion Lies begins playing as Armand von Krauss walks out onto the entrance stage.


ARMAND VON KRAUSS: You’ve been very outspoken against me, Eoin and Elizabeth. Do you think I care that one of the Devoted drugged Elizabeth? Do you think I care if you people are safe? My Patchwork Butcher will pass along my displeasure.



The ref begins to yell at the man that steps into the ring, but is swatted aside like a fly from hands that look the size of hubcaps. Eoin stands up to the man, looking up high to him.



EOIN O’ROURKE: You don’t scare me.



PATCHWORK BUTCHER: It’s not my job to scare you.



APATHY: No!



The Patchwork Butcher grabs the top of Eoin’s head with one hand and punches him in the gut hard enough to send Eoin several feet into the air.



Apathy rolls into the ring, delivering several quick strikes to the ribcage that do not make the beast flinch. The giant swings back to knock Apathy from the ring with a hard elbow. He lifts Eoin up into the air with one hand on the top of his head so that he can begin hammering the midsection with several blows. Jakie starts to rise, but the giant slams Eoin into him.



Marcus Anderson and Chris Parsons rush down to the ring. Marcus drills the beast with a low blow as Parsons throws salt into his eyes.


The giant begins backpedalling as Elizabeth drags over a table and Marcus pulls down the top rope to see the giant topple over the top rope and through the table!



MARCUS ANDERSON: No more, Armand! We draw the line here!



CHRIS PARSONS: We will be taking RSW back!



Armand hrumphs, lighting up an Egyptian cigarette.



ARMAND VON KRAUSS: You people can’t stop me. No one can stop me.



“Circus Apocalypse” by Vermillion Lies begins again as Armand von Krauss walks away. The Pathwork Butcher stands up to see that Apathy, Eoin, Marcus, Chris, and Jakie are all standing in the ring. He snorts and begins to head to the back.



TOMMY ONIONS: Why do I think that this Patchwork Butcher could have taken the lot of those in the ring if he really tried?



JOSEPH GREER: I think that he was just sending a message and that was done.



TOMMY ONIONS: So...who won the match?



JOSEPH GREER: Oh right? Mooney?



BOB MOONEY: Winner of the match via disqualification...Eoin O’Rourke!



After Mooney announces Eoin was victorious Eoin himself takes a microphone from Marcus and stares at him for a moment with heated tension, Eoin, though, walks away before saying anything to Marcus.



TOMMY ONIONS: Oh man I don’t think Anderson appreciated Eoin just taking his mic.



JOSEPH GREER: The guy helped save your ass! At least be grateful!



Eoin looks at everyone standing in the ring with him, lastly looking at Apathy. He beckons her forward into an emotional embrace.



TOMMY ONIONS: Heh, some Celtic Warrior he is.



Without a moment's notice, Eoin then charges Wentzel with a Warriors Charge punching Jakie relentlessly with both his fists and the microphone in hand yelling as loud as he could from each punch.



TOMMY ONIONS: What the hell!? Why is he attacking Jakie for?!



It takes the strength of Parsons, Anderson and Apathy to force O’Rourke off of Wentzel whose bleeding from his head from the microphone shots.



After getting Eoin on his feet he begins to shout.



EOIN O’ROURKE: Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!! No more! No more! No more of this shit!!!



Everyone backs away from Eoin as he stomps around the ring and looks at Chris and Marcus



EOIN O’ROURKE: I am done! I am done playing games! I am done being a pawn! You! Both of you! You both came out here not because of me, but because of that scummy rat who's done nothing give us pain and suffering and no compensation! And I know from the both of you, you want nothing more than to have his head at the stake for what he has done to you and to you.



Eoin turns to Apathy who he hugs



EOIN O’ROURKE: And he has mentally and emotionally tortured my wife. Now you both, you may not care for either of us. That’s fine. However we are human and we sympathize. And I can see, that all us mates have one true common enemy.



Eoin walks in front of Chris and Marcus looking at them with his hand pointing at them



EOIN O’ROURKE: You want Armand Von Krauss, you want revenge for what he did to your father, I want his head… And I say, that makes us friends. Cut the head off, and the body dies. In fact you two, I will gladly be your enforcer, to bring order back to this world of ours. You will have your vengeance. But only if we work together, we will all have our just deserts. What say you?



Eoin puts his hand in the middle between both of them. Apathy from behind puts her hand on Eoin’s. Marcus puts his hand in next. Chris though thinks about it for a moment. Debating if he should trust O’Rourke, Anderson and Apathy all in a conglomerate before ultimately deciding that he is in the group as well, putting his hand in the middle



JOSEPH GREER: Oh my word; those four people are going to stand up to the owner of RSW?! Armand Von Krauss?! Even after what the Patchwork Butcher did to Apathy, Eoin and Jakie tonight?!



TOMMY ONIONS: A jobber alliance. I bet Armand's wetting himself. With laughter, I mean. Not fear. Obviously.



“Whiskey and Ritalin” by Fair to Midland plays on the PA system and the four of them break their hand tower. Eoin holds the middle rope up so Apathy can get through easier and exits through the south part of the ring and Marcus and Chris leave on the west side and walk up the ramp together, leaving Wentzel a bloody mess in the ring.



JOSEPH GREER: Hey uh… Is anyone going to get Jakie?



RSW goes to commercial.

[vastrix]

RSW returns from commercial.



JOSEPH GREER: Ladies and gentlemen, get ready. If tonight hasn’t been crazy enough, up next we have…



TOMMY ONIONS: Shhhhh Greer, no one wants to hear you. This is Tommy Time! Someone’s getting lit on fire, motherfuckers!



The excitement in Tommy’s voice doesn’t need explanation. ‘Sweet’ Tommy is all about the chaos, and the next contest was exactly his type of match.



BOB MOONEY: The following contest is scheduled for one....erm.....fire, and is an Inferno Match! The only way to win this match is to light your opponent on fire!



The crowd cheers at Bob’s announcement, showing their collective bloodlust. Any moment now they’d watch two human beings try to burn each other, Wrestling truly is the sport of kings.



TOMMY ONIONS: See?! I fucking told ya! This is gonna be awesome!



JOSEPH GREER: Spoken like a true gentleman Tommy. Either way, I’m excited to see what should be a contest full of urgency. Losing a match is one thing, being set on fire is quite another! We’re about to get this one underway!



BOB MOONEY: Introducing first; from Shanghai, China…weighing in at one hundred and ninety five pounds…he is ’The Dragon King’…Omar Azure!



The Chinese crowd cheers for one of their own as the lights dim and ‘Catch Your Breath’ by CFO$ plays.



While the stage fills with smoke, we get our first glimpse at the alter ego of Omar Azure. A thick wall of smoke engulfs the entrance stage as a form can be seen weaving in and out in an almost serpentine fashion through the smoke.



As the beat kicks in, the stage and ring lights flash, and the smoke begins to fade revealing the “Dragon King”. holding his arms up high, deep blue bat like membraned wings stretch and run down to his side.



A putrid black slime seems to ooze perpetually from the mouth of the Dragon King.



TOMMY ONIONS: Look at that! What the fuck is that?! If he fucking starts to fly, I’m outta here!



JOSEPH GREER: The Dragon King is here Tommy! I think Havok is in trouble!



TOMMY ONIONS: I’m looking at this and I don’t know what to think other than I think I put the wrong mushrooms on that pizza earlier…



Azure’s usual gear is gone, in it’s place; the garb of the dragon. Black underneath, but most of it is hidden behind scales of gold and blue.



JOSEPH GREER: This isn’t a hallucination Tommy. This is Azure’s answer to the challenge before him, rising up to become the Dragon King.



TOMMY ONIONS: Oh thank fuck! In that case me and this hot ass tinklerbell here are gonna chill and watch the match.



JOSEPH GREER: Ummm…what?



The camera comes close as Azure stares into it, cocking his head to each side and making odd motions with his hands. He then stares to the sky, As the beat kicks in, the stage and ring lights flash again. He raises his winged arms out again before slowly looking down towards the ring, putting his hands together like a prayer, and walking briskly down the ramp.



JOSEPH GREER: Look at Azure! He’s like a completely different animal out there!



Once at the ring, he hops on the apron and then rolls through the top and middle ropes. He stands in the center of the ring for a while, staring into the camera as it zooms in. He then takes off his head gear to reveal his painted face.



TOMMY ONIONS: It’s a guy! Thank god! But why is the facepaint melting? Is it hot in here?



Flashes fill the arena as Azure allows a moment to pass with his countrymen. The Dragon King jumps to his feet and runs and climbs onto a corner post, as the beat kicks in, the stage and ring lights brightens, he stands tall on the corner post with his winged arms and hands held high towards the sky, and spits out fire into the air. He then climbs back down the ring post, and stands ready, waiting for the bell and the flames.



JOSEPH GREER: Forgive Tommy folks, always remember that he tries hard, but he’s just an idiot.



TOMMY ONIONS: Awww thanks Greer…hey, wait!



Before Tommy can protest further, "Psychosocial " By Slipknot suddenly hits and the lights begin to flash violently to the beat.



The ramp starts to once again flood with smoke as red lasers begin to strobe around the arena. Boos rain down from the clearly biased crowd.



BOB MOONEY: ....introducing his opponent; from Harlow, Essex, England...weighing in at two hundred and twenty four pounds...he is the self proclaimed 'Future of RSW'...Havok!!!



Eddie Havok emerges from the back, an apparent chip on his shoulder. Pacing the stage, the fans pelt him with boos and Chinese insults. Tonight he wouldn’t find a single fan in attendance.



JOSEPH GREER: Listen to the crowd! Havok is definitely in enemy territory tonight!



TOMMY ONIONS: Tinkerbell thinks a fire surrounded ring might be a bit of an advantage for the dragon dude.



Walking the entrance ramp, he comes to the end he looks around before he begins circle the ring.



JOSEPH GREER: Tinkerbell thinks that? You know what? Screw it, Tinkerbell’s right. This sort of stipulation does seem to favour The Dragon King.



TOMMY ONIONS: Tink knows her wrasslin’ Joey!



He slowly climbs up the steel steps before stepping through the ropes. Shawna checks Havok for any possible foreign weapons before letting him go about his routine.



JOSEPH GREER: Shawna doing that purely out of habit since this match is pretty much no holds barred.



TOMMY ONIONS: Light a motherfucker on fire baby! All matches should end this way!



DING! DING!! DING!!!



As the bell sounds, flames ignite surrounding the ring apron. The fan cheer in anticipation as the fires flicker.



JOSEPH GREER: Agree or not, here we go! Someone is going to be set ablaze!



Circling the center of the ring, they lock up in a collar and elbow tie up. Both men struggle for position.



JOSEPH GREER: Lock up, these men have similar high risk styles that the flames could limit here Tommy. Havok snatches a headlock…



TOMMY ONIONS: Tink says she thinks they’re gonna have to break out the catch as catch can skills to wear the other out and get them to the fire.



JOSEPH GREER: Wow Tommy, that might be the single most relevant answer you’ve ever given me during a match.



TOMMY ONIONS: Like I said Greer, Tink knows her shit.



Wrenching on the headlock, Azure forces Havok back to the ropes causing the flames to rise to the bottom rope.



With the flames licking at their heels, Azure sends Havok to the opposite ropes only to take a shoulder tackle that send Azure to the mat and the flames burst high drawing a gasp from those in attendance.



JOSEPH GREER: Shoulder block sends The Dragon King to the canvas, Havok hops over and rebounds off the far ropes…



As Azure gets to his feet, Havok leaps delivering a tilt-a-whirl headscissor takeover that sends Azure cascading towards the leaping flames.



TOMMY ONIONS: Guess there’s our answer. Manage the flames, jump when they’re low. I’m telling you man, this fairy is a fucking genius!



Sliding to a stop mere inches from the flames, the crowd gasps, yet the Dragon King appears unaffected.



JOSEPH GREER: Did you see that Tommy?! Azure doesn’t fear the flames!



TOMMY ONIONS: Probably has a lot to do with not actually getting burned Greer!



JOSEPH GREER: Tinkerbell probably thinks she’s pretty smart huh?



TOMMY ONIONS: No, that one was me.



Getting back to his feet, he’s met with a stiff left that staggers Azure.



JOSEPH GREER: Havok is really taking the fight to Azure! Another hard punch has Azure reeling…



Sending The Dragon King into the ropes, Havok attempts a belly to belly overhead suplex, launching Azure through the air.



Landing on his feet, The Dragon King sees an opportunity and throws a wild kick…



JOSEPH GREER: Oh! What a kick from Azure! Eddie is down and The Dragon King gets that moment to catch his breath.



TOMMY ONIONS: Like the song! Tink is on fire Greer! Not like that though…



The flames and cheers rise together as the crowd favourite drops to a knee, Azure quickly gets his wits back about him.



Dragging Havok to his feet, The Dragon King locks up and snaps off a lightning quick suplex.



Rolling through, The Dragon King quickly gains a mounted position.



JOSEPH GREER: Snap suplex from Azure, float over…Omar Azure is raining down punches on Havok!



The flames hover just below the second rope as Azure finally stands up, the fans are on their feet.



TOMMY ONIONS: Whew…getting warm Greer…



JOSEPH GREER: Absolutely Tommy, we can feel the heat from the flames surrounding the ring folks. The stakes don’t get much higher than this when it comes to physicality!



Backing into the far corner, The Dragon King raises his arms above his head, gesturing to the crowd before ending with his hands set in prayer.



JOSEPH GREER: Listen to that crowd! Azure is looking for a Dragon Stomp here Tommy!



Rushing forward, Azure steps off the back of an attempting to stand Havok leaping into the air…



JOSEPH GREER: OH MY GOD!



Havok senses the move, springing to his feet dodging the move to drop Omar with a perfectly timed Pele kick!



TOMMY ONIONS: Holy shit!



The crowd cheers the inventive counter if not Havok himself as the flames shoot beyond the third rope creating a wall of fire completely surrounding the ring.



JOSEPH GREER: What a counter by Havok! Incredible athleticism on display!



Havok gets to his feet, gestures to the crowd that the end is near. A wall of sound erupts from the Chinese fans as boos echo from all angles.



TOMMY ONIONS: Havok ain’t making any friends here tonight Greer. He pulls this off and we could have a riot on our hands! A riot at Riot Star Wrestling…ha!



Stomps, kicks, punches; Eddie begins picking apart The Dragon King before grabbing him by the head and rights to throw him through the wall of flames head first, he hits the floor.



JOSEPH GREER: Oh! Azure hits the floor with a thud! He’s on fire! Azure’s on fire Tommy!



TOMMY ONIONS: Dragon Bar-b-que!



Ringside referees immediately douse Azure with fire extinguishers coating him in white.



JOSEPH GREER: He’s done it! Havok has slayed the Dragon!



DING! DING!! DING!!!



BOB MOONEY: The winner of this match…



Before Bob can finish and make the result official, a familiar, but disembodied voice echoes throughout the arena.



?: Stop right there…


The collective gaze of the crowd shifts with the camera to the entrance stage.



JOSEPH GREER: Nocturnal! What is he doing out here?



TOMMY ONIONS: He sort of does whatever he wants Joey. That’s kinda his thing as far as I can tell.



Perhaps out of fear, perhaps common sense, Bob stays silent as a confused Havok stares down the head of ‘The Family’.



NOCTURNAL: I am not impressed…you can do better Edward. In fact; you will do better!



JOSEPH GREER: What is Nocturnal talking about? Havok just won this match, Azure was on fire. How much better can you do than that?



TOMMY ONIONS: This is Nocturnal Greer, he probably expected a charred body.



Stroking his beard, the RSW Hall of Famer points to the ring, and more specifically, Havok.



NOCTURNAL: Which is why I will use my final wish…to restart this match…impress me Havok. Dance puppet!



Shawna is beside herself but Nocturnal’s wish had now been made official she calls for the bell.



DING! DING!! DING!!!



JOSEPH GREER: Wow! Nocturnal has used his third and final wish to maybe send a message to Havok!



TOMMY ONIONS: What a fucking waste Greer, Noc could have had anything. Anything he wanted! He restarts a match he’s not in?



As soon as the bell rings, Havok is blasted from behind with a charging double foot dropkick between the shoulders!



JOSEPH GREER: Azure is back in this match and just sent Havok into the corner head first!



KNACK!



TOMMY ONIONS: Oh shit!



The flames jump back to life as Havok smashes into the second turnbuckle head first stunning the former Legacy Champion.



Following close behind, The Dragon King connect with a stiff kick to the back of Havok’s neck sending a sickening echo through the arena and causing Nocturnal to smile.



Dragging the nearly lifeless Eddie Havok back to his feet, the Dragon King looks to the crowd letting their cheers reach a fever pitch before grabbing Havok by the head and smashing him with a simple bit extremely effective Muay Thai knee to head.



JOSEPH GREER: Eddie’s out! Azure pushes him through the flames! Havok’s on fire now!



For the second time, officials rush to extinguish a competitor, the difference being that this time the fans are on their feet cheering their hero. Albeit with an unexpected assist from the ‘Sadistic Bastard’.



DING! DING!! DING!!!



THE DRAGON KING WINS!



TOMMY ONIONS: Can we do two out of three?!



JOSEPH GREER: This one was crazy Tommy, but the take away is Omar Azure, The Dragon King is your official winner.



The fans cheer the end result as Nocturnal walks back through the curtain to await his spot in the main event and The Dragon King climbs the corner. Perched on the second rope with fire surrounding the ring, Azure looks down on Havok.



JOSEPH GREER: But look at this! Azure hasn’t taken his eyes off Havok. I don’t think this is over between these two!



TOMMY ONIONS: Well, according to Tink, like him or not Havok got screwed here!



‘Catch Your Breath’ by CFO$ begins as the Dragon King raises his arms for the Home crowd.



BOB MOONEY: The winner of this match…The Dragon King, Omar Azure!!



JOSEPH GREER: I have to agree with ‘Tink’ Tommy, Nocturnal came out here and used the final of his three wishes seemingly just to punish Havok for costing him his spot within the tournament.



TOMMY ONIONS: I mean yeah, Nocturnal was pissed that Eddie tripped the wrong guy but think of the…anything else he could have done with that wish. He could have restarted tonight’s main event. He could have named himself Champion. Instead he teaches Havok that you do not simply cost the Sadistic Bastard a match and expect no consequences.



JOSEPH GREER: Never thought I’d say this but exactly my thoughts Tommy. Nocturnal must have some other plan if he’s discarded his ace in the hole. In the process I think the sadistic Hall of Famer may have started something between Havok and Azure based on the outcome of this match.



Attendants are checking Havok to ensure he has no serious injuries and have him flattened out face down on a stretcher to treat his burn.



JOSEPH GREER: Well folks through no fault of his own, Azure gets a shady win here thanks to, of all people, Nocturnal. Does this mean that perhaps Havok has fallen out with the family? Maybe The Dragon King is a more suitable partner for the massive Caleb Koresh? Hopefully we here more from the Hall of Fame star about his motivations as the night goes on. We still have lots of action here at Masquerade, up next…we hear from the second of our three finalists Dylan Erickson as he prepares for his shot at immortality and becoming RSW World Heavyweight Champion…after this!



Azure exits the ring to the roaring cheers of his countrymen as Masquerade cuts to a promo for Anarchy.

[vastrix]

The promo ends, and we return to ringside.



JOSEPH GREER: What a night, ladies and gentlemen. We're still looking forward to the Stairway To Hell match to decide the vacant RSW Title, but next up we have an interview with....hold on, I'm getting word of a disturbance somewhere in the building.



TOMMY ONIONS: Oh crap, is it my bookie? I need to stop betting on those midget hobo fights...



JOSEPH GREER: Quiet, Tommy, we're getting a camera back there ASAP. Cherry?




The feed switches to backstage as Cherry Merciless races down a hallway with her cameraman behind her.



CHERRY MERCILESS: Yes, I'm almost to the front entrance of the arena. There's apparently a group of armed men trying to force their way into our backstage area.



TOMMY ONIONS: Man... I wish I could force my way into her backstage area.



JOSEPH GREER: Jesus, Tommy, shut up! She can hear you!



Cherry approaches the gates as Big Ass Hank and his security team are standing in the way of men in mercenary flak jackets. Hank points to them and the door, but they point their guns at Hank. A suited man steps to the front of the group and pats the arms down of the mercs. Cherry exclaims in shock.



CHERRY MERCILESS: That's... Senator Peterson!



TOMMY ONIONS: Oh my God, it's Senator Peterson! Wait... who's Senator Peterson and why should I care?



JOSEPH GREER: There's been a lot of noise in the States about this guy. He set up the BSE, a task force against athletes who make political statements, and he's been speaking against RSW for months, basically calling us all terrorists.



Peterson calms the situation before addressing Hank and showing him a stack of documents. He speaks with a seeming gentleness that hides his scorn within.



SENATOR PETERSON: The name is Montgomery Peterson, my silent friend. We have official business here, as approved by the United States and Chinese governments.



Hank takes half a glance at the hundreds of papers, but still vehemently gestures to the assault weapons.



SENATOR PETERSON: The guns? Fine, we won't need those anyway.



The BSE disarm themselves, and one of their agents removes the firepower from the building. Hank finally waves his team to stand down, albeit annoyed. Cherry shoves a mic into the senator's face.



CHERRY MERCILESS: What exactly are you doing here? Some sort of foreign relations mission?



SENATOR PETERSON: How rude of you, sweetie. No, this is purely a domestic affair.



CHERRY MERCILESS: What do you mean by that?



SENATOR PETERSON: This pathetic company is harboring Isaiah Zepp, one of the worst threats to American freedom. By proxy, you're all a danger to the peace.



CHERRY MERCILESS: You call this peace? A combat squad armed to the teeth?



SENATOR PETERSON: I suppose someone of your standing has trouble understanding the severity of this issue. I could explain it in my private quarters later if you'd like, but is there anyone of a smarter gender I could talk to now?



CHERRY MERCILESS You're just as bad as Isaiah said, you piece of sh-



Before Cherry can curse him out, Peterson nods to one of his agents to confiscate her microphone, and another places a riot shield in front of her as the Senator walks down the hallway.



TOMMY ONIONS: So he's after Zepp... Maybe he's not so bad after all?



JOSEPH GREER: I'm sure some will agree with you. Others, not so much.



Peterson points to a door, and one of his agents kick it open. A group of RSW employees are startled as the BSE search the room, but all they find is the catering tables. One of the agents decides to grab a referee to frisk him, and then hits him with a taser. The referee is then tossed into the tables, sending food all over the floor.



JOSEPH GREER: C'mon now this is ludicrous! That poor referee.



TOMMY ONIONS: You can hurt all the refs but please leave the food alone!



The BSE continues down the hallway. The cameraman is threatened by the taser but he still follows behind. The next door busted open reveals a team mainly wearing headphones in front of a electronic equipment.



JOSEPH GREER: That's our sound team. Get out of there guys!



The senator yells "Where's Zepp!?" to them, but before they can answer, the BSE pounces on them. Many are beaten in their seats, and one agent starts smashing their equipment and pulling wires.



TOMMY ONIONS: Hey that's not c... I can't hear my-... people can't enjoy the show without my awesome voice and they...



The announcing goes silent. Peterson grows impatient and barks at his team to keep moving. He comes across a sign that reads "Women's Lockeroom" and a sinister smile grows on his face.



SENATOR PETERSON: Oh, perhaps he's in here. I think I'll check this one out myself, boys.



The squad chuckles, but as his hand touches the doorknob, a familiar German voice yells "NEIN!", and Armand Von Kraus hurriedly walks into view.


ARMAND VON KRAUSS: What is this all about?



SENATOR PETERSON: Oh, just the man I wanted to see. Mr. Von Krauss, I am Montgomery Peterson. I believe you can help me apprehend a fugitive in your midst. I trust you've read my correspondence.



The senator extends a handshake, but Armand eyes it warily and also surveys the BSE team.



ARMAND VON KRAUSS: I'm sorry, I haven't received a notice from any official bodies of government.



SENATOR PETERSON: Come now. We work for similar... benefactors, if you will. Surely turning over Zepp would benefit you as much as I.



Peterson places a hand on Armand's shoulder, but he backs away and brushes off his tailored suit.



ARMAND VON KRAUSS: I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about. As for Mr. Zepp, he's a valued employee who sells many, many items from our merchandise tables. It would be a shame to lose that income. What he or you do outside of my arenas is none of my concern. But you are being a nuisance, Mr. Peterson, and must ask you to leave.



Monty's smiling visage now fades into a glower.



SENATOR PETERSON: Listen, dammit! You're going to give me Zepp or I'm going to put this whole company into the ground!



Von Krauss folds his arms and thinks it over, before nodding and gesturing to the BSE that he's nearby. They approach a door at the end of the hallway.



ARMAND VON KRAUSS: He is right through there.



SENATOR PETERSON: You are making a great decision, my friend. Perhaps I misjudged your character!



Peterson and his team of six BSE mercenaries rush through the double doors, only to realize they are now outside the arena. Armand casually closes both doors and smirks. He raises a walkie talkie.



ARMAND VON KRAUSS: Secure all the exits. No one is to get in or out until the end of the show.



As the doors are pounded on unsuccessfully, Isaiah Zepp drops from the ceiling, brandishing his custom billiard cue. Armand is not completely surprised at his arrival.

ISAIAH ZEPP: You didn't have to do that. I would have handled them.



ARMAND VON KRAUSS: With what, your stick? The last thing I need is another dead man on my roster. You should learn to be thankful, and to accept help.



ISAIAH ZEPP: It's my war to fight.



ARMAND VON KRAUSS: By the sound of it, it's close to being all of ours. Good luck in your title match, Mr. Zepp...



Isaiah has already vanished. Armand is not completely surprised by that, either. We return to ringside, where Joseph and Tommy are fiddling with their headsets.



JOSEPH GREER: I think we're back, folks. With any luck Tommy's mic will stay broken all night.



TOMMY ONIONS: You shut your cake hole, Greer!



JOSEPH GREER: It was worth a hope.



TOMMY ONIONS: So what the hell was that about anyway!? Zepp's gonna get us all killed, I knew it from the day he showed up!



JOSEPH GREER: Isaiah's political attitude certainly attracts a lot of ire. Now, before we were so rudely interrupted, I believe Alyssa Lucchi was standing by with Dylan Erickson!

[vastrix]

Standing at center screen, Alyssa Lucchi has apparently taken the Masquerade theme literally as she stuns the male viewers (and likely a fair portion of the female ones) in her red sequinned ball gown.



She can't help but smile after her first interview. He'd all but said 'it'. She was on top of the world, but still had a job to do.



ALYSSA LUCCHI: Good evening RSW fans here in Hong Kong! Alyssa Lucchi here for our second of three interviews with tonight's finalists. For months now RSW's top prize has been vacant following the injury to Morcant Davis at the hands of the beast, Garmr...



Pausing a moment to show respect to the most decorated champion in RSW history, she presses on.



ALYSSA LUCCHI: ...since then a massive tournament has taken place as the majority of the roster was split into four groups. Each attempting to win their block and advance into the final four.



The tournament had been long and grueling, had seen ups and downs, some of the participants even dropped out, but there was a sense of hope is Alyssa's voice as she continued.



ALYSSA LUCCHI: The long wait is almost over, tonight RSW will have a World Heavyweight Champion once again!



Panning out slightly, Alyssa's position slowly transitions to camera left as she introduces her guest.



ALYSSA LUCCHI: One of the three men involved in tonight's main event is the man to my left, 'The Massacre Maker' and possibly the next RSW World Heavyweight Champion, Dylan Erickson. Thanks for talking to me Dylan.




Dylan Erickson, the dark horse of the tournament thus far. Talented, but often standing in the shadow of a certain former champion, many said he had the talent to be the 'top guy'. Mere hours would reveal the answer.



DYLAN ERICKSON: You're welcome. It's great to be here, and for people to finally start to see what I'm all about.



The past year or so had not been kind to Erickson, he lost a friend and mentor and a spiral began. Though still a formidable force based on his size alone, he'd begun the process of undoing the damage he'd done.



ALYSSA LUCCHI: How does that sound? World Heavyweight Champion and your name? This has to be the single biggest opportunity you've had in RSW, where are you right now in terms of mindset?



Later this very night he'd face off to determine the new RSW World Heavyweight Champion, but you would never know it from his calm demeanor. Erickson sounds like a man who's ready as he replies.



DYLAN ERICKSON: I'm feeling good right now, but I'm still playing catch-up. I honestly let myself go a little while back. I had a rough go of things for a while, and this past month or so has really let me try and get back to where I want to be, mentally and physically.



Saying it aloud to the RSW audience for the first time, the determination from moments ago is back. Could he do it?



ALYSSA LUCCHI: It's been a long road for all three of you, but perhaps for you most of all. You had ups and downs both inside and outside the ring. From the death of your close associate PT Merciless to winning and losing the Anarchy Championship, 2017 was a roller coaster for you. Now you're competing for the vacant RSW World Championship, you mentioned getting back to where you need to be, are you ready to be the top guy?



He's effectively dodged this question in a different form earlier, but undeterred Alyssa gives it another attempt.



DYLAN ERICKSON: If I'm not ready to be "the top guy" now, I never will be. I could be in better shape, sure, but this might be the last time I'll ever get a chance like this. I have to be ready.



The self awareness of Dylan gives his words a finality that many wouldn't understand. He'd won championships all over the world, including RSW, but chances at the RSW World Heavyweight Championship hadn't been plentiful for the big man.



ALYSSA LUCCHI: Both 'D' and Nocturnal will likely bring the same sort of hard hitting intensity that dominated their Anarchy Thirty Five encounter, what do you think the key to winning tonight is for you?



His opponents had waged a brutal war upon each other, as intimidating as that could be to a normal person. Both men had to be less than one hundred percent.



DYLAN ERICKSON: If they're coming into this planning to be hard hitting and intense, they're going to lose. I hit harder than almost anyone here, and "D" knows that. Nocturnal's going to find out too, don't worry about that.



ALYSSA LUCCHI: Before we let you get back to preparing for tonight's main event, do you have any words for the RSW fans, or your opponents?



Looking down the camera lens, Erickson takes a breath, his eyes are like steel. The moment he'd waited so long for was almost upon him. Tonight would be his chance, could he get the job done?



DYLAN ERICKSON: This is my time. I've been wrestling for a long time, and I've waited my whole career to write my name in history. I've been to the top of the mountain before. I'm going there again. And no-one is going to take that from me.



Raising her eyebrows, Alyssa seems impressed by the confidence and grit of the massive 'Massacre Maker' and closes up her second piece of the night. Next and last would be Nocturnal.



ALYSSA LUCCHI: Thank you Dylan, best of luck later tonight. Stay tuned for more great RSW action and I'll see you later tonight as we talk to each of the three finalists before their dance with destiny in tonight's main event! Back to you Joey and Tommy.

[vastrix]

BOB MOONEY: This next contest is scheduled for one fall! Featuring first the challenger...Ruby “Slaughter” Walsh!



“Goliath” by Karnivool begins playing as several of the Devoted walk out from the back to the boos from the crowd. They pay no mind to the crowd, flanking Ruby Walsh as she walks out from the back and down to the ring.



TOMMY ONIONS: Do you think my murderous maiden will get to have a decent opponent tonight, instead of the slugs that she has had to face the past few weeks?



JOSEPH GREER: I certainly hope so. I would think that the Reverend will not fall to underhanded tactics from the Devoted, like Elizabeth did.



BOB MOONEY: And her opponent...Reverend Shane Mitchell!



“In the Name of the Father” by Reverend Black Grape begins playing as the Reverend walks out from the back to the cheering of the fans. He makes his way down to the ring, keeping a watchful eye on the Devoted as he passes them by on his way into the ring.



TOMMY ONIONS: Mitchell looks rather wary of the Devoted.



JOSEPH GREER: He knows that the Devoted have interfered in matches before. Just like he has had done with his Mopolytes before. He might be worried that he may be getting a dosage of his own medicine.



As the bell rings to start the match, the Reverend slugs Ruby in the side of the jaw hard enough to nearly send her down to the mat, except for the fact that he grabs her by the shoulder. He pulls her into a short arm clothesline, sending Ruby down to the mat.



The Reverend goes in for a knee drop, but only finds empty mat as Ruby rolls out of the way. She jumps to her feet, quickly striking Shane in the side of the head with a big boot that sends him crashing to the mat.



Ruby runs at the Reverend as he rises, catching him up, turning, and landing a powerslam! She hooks the leg for the pinfall.





One







Tw-the Reverend kicks out!





Ruby kneels up, but the Reverend rolls to the side to smash her in the gut with a fist to knock her to the side. He rises to his feet, bringing her with him. He bodily throws her across the ring into the ropes, smashing into her on the rebound. He keeps hold of her and hits a backbreaker before going for the pinfall himself.



One





Tw-Ruby kicks out!



Shane jumps to his feet, dropping an elbow that connects. The Reverend gets back up, pulls Ruby up, and tosses her into the corner.



TOMMY ONIONS: The Reverend is just manhandling my heinous hussy! That’s just not right!



JOSEPH GREER: The Reverend has a little over a hundred pounds on Ruby. Of course he’s going to manhandle her.



The Reverend comes rushing to the corner to put a shoulder to Ruby, but she moves out of the way to allow Shane to smash his shoulder all the way through the turnbuckles to the ring post!



Ruby steps back from the corner, but then rushes at the Reverend to hit a drop kick against Shane’s butt to drive him into the cornerpost again! She pulls him out of the corner, spins him around, shoves him back into the corner, hits an uppercut, and then a belly to belly suplex. A knee across the face helps to hold the Reverend into place as Ruby goes for the pinfall.



One





Two





Thr-the Reverend kicks out!



Ruby jumps to her feet, running to the ropes, and hits a drop kick on the rebound as the Reverend starts to rise to his feet. She starts to go for the mandible claw, but the Reverend rolls away from her to under the ropes. When Ruby starts to go after him, the ref stands in the way.



At ringside, one of the Devoted slams a fist into the side of the Reverend’s head to give him cause to regret rolling to the side of the ring. The Devoted drapes the Reverend’s head over the side of the ring apron and drops an elbow to underneath the chin! By the time the referee turns around to check on him, the Devoted has fled.



JOSEPH GREER: Is Ruby even aware that these people are interfering upon her behalf?



TOMMY ONIONS: I don’t think so. My friendly fiend would never stoop to such tactics on her own.



JOSEPH GREER: You just keep grasping further and further with the weird names.



TOMMY ONIONS: I’m unoriginal. We can’t all name people with lovely nicknames different each time off of the top of the head each time now can we?



JOSEPH GREER: No one said you had to!



Ruby watches intently with her head curiously tilted to one side as the Reverend gets back to his feet. She runs and aims another drop kick at him when he catches her by both ankles and begins the motion of a giant swing. He flings her from the ring to where she crashes into the ring barrier. The Devoted flock to her side, helping her up, and back into the ring.



Ruby stands up in the ring, her mask cracked and seeping blood as she looks across the ring at the Reverend.



He crosses the ring to her, aiming to smash her in the head with his fists. She ducks under his wailing arm, seizes him by the body, and lifts him up into the air. She tosses him down for a military press slam.



She drops down for the cover, but is met by a laying uppercut to the jaw that sends her backwards to the mat. He rolls across her to grabs her by the head so that he can slam the back of her into the mat a few times before going for the cover!



One





Two





Thre-Ruby kicks out!



JOSEPH GREER: I thought that the Reverend had the win that time.



TOMMY ONIONS: My malicious minx will not be stopped by such a small offensive. The Reverend will have to do much better than that.



The Reverend kneels up, slapping the mat in anger. He stands up, picking Ruby up, and tossing her to the ropes. He comes at her on the rebound for a running knee to the stomach, but is caught by a diving clothesline instead. She clamps on a clawhold, slamming the back of Shane’s head against the mat!



The ref checks to see if the Reverend will submit, but then sees that his shoulders are down for the cover.



One





Two





Thre-the Reverend kicks out!



Ruby breaks the hold and goes for the mandible claw again, but the Reverend rolls away to his feet. Ruby doesn’t let up, hitting a scoop powerslam. She places a knee to the side of the Reverend’s face while going for the cover.



One





Two





Thr-the Reverend kicks out!



Ruby kneels up and goes for the mandible claw. This time she nails it!



JOSEPH GREER: This time Ruby hits the Malevolence!



TOMMY ONIONS: My heinous honey is going to get the win!



Suddenly, one of the Devoted jumps onto the ring apron. The referee ignores the tapping Reverend to yell at the Devoted to get down. Another Devoted comes into the ring and pulls back a hood to reveal-




JOSEPH GREER: Elizabeth Devereaux-O’Rourke?



TOMMY ONIONS: Then the other must be.





The Devoted on the ring apron has a hood fall away to reveal Eoin O’Rourke!



Elizabeth pulls Ruby away from the Reverend, breaking the hold.



APATHY: You should have left well enough alone, bitch!



She hits the Affliction, dropping Ruby to the mat, and rolls out of the ring. Eoin drops from the ring apron as the Reverend goes for the pinfall.



Elizabeth and Eoin knock down a few of the Devoted before making a break for it as the Devoted give chase. The ref gets into position.



One





Two





Three!



DING DING DING!



SHANE MITCHELL WINS!





BOB MOONEY: The winner of the match via pinfall….Reverend Shane Mitchell!



Shane looks, correctly, wary of the scene at ringside, and gives the O'Rourkes a wide berth as he celebrates in a far corner of the ring, 'In the Name of the Father' playing again.



Saluting the fans, The Reverend heads to the back as Ruby sits up, looking around in some confusion at the lack of the Devoted at ringside.



JOSEPH GREER: Does she even know that her Devoted people had drugged Apathy, and that she got her vengeance for that just now?



TOMMY ONIONS: I don’t think that she does. I don't think there's an evil bone in her body. But she can have one if she wants.



JOSEPH GREER: Tommy, for Christ's sake...



Shane Mitchell, noting Greer taking the Lord's name in vain, shoots Greer with a glare.



JOSEPH GREER: No offence intended, Reverend. Oh, hold on, what's this....?

[vastrix]

JOSEPH GREER: Somethings going on Tommy. We need to get backstage.



TOMMY ONIONS: What? Why do I not get any of these updates? Is it Frank?



JOSEPH GREER: When did you last hear anything from Frank? Frank's gone, Tommy. Let him go!



The camera cuts to backstage. EMT’s and security are running down a corridor. They push through a door labelled “The Family”



They are in the locker room of the Family. EMT’s are checking on a downed Caleb Koresh who seems to have been badly beaten. He is unconscious. Leaning against one of the doors is a bloodied Havok; he has one of the RSW Tag Championship belts clasped to his chest.




HAVOK: I……….They…….



Armand walks in and looks at them.



ARMAND VON KRAUSS: Get Caleb to a hospital. Havok, what happened?



He gets down to Havok’s level and looks him in the face.



ARMAND VON KRAUSS: Havok? What the hell happened? Who did this? Come on man?



HAVOK: I……..Too many……….Pag…….



Nocturnal stomps into the room and looks at his Family. Armand stands and looks at him.



ARMAND VON KRAUSS: Don’t worry Nocturnal; we’ll get to the bottom of this. Don’t let it bother you till after the main event.



NOCTURNAL: What? Do you think I cannot do both?



ARMAND VON KRAUSS: This show is important Nocturnal; we need to have you focussed for the title match. There is a lot at stake.



NOCTURNAL: I will get to the bottom of this myself; the coward will pay for it.



The camera cuts back to the announce table.



TOMMY ONIONS: Caleb looked pretty beat up there.



JOSEPH GREER: How could you tell?



TOMMY ONIONS: His scales looked worse than usual.



JOSEPH GREER: Let’s get on with the show. Whoever was responsible for that assault will have to answer to Nocturnal personally; you can't help but feel they've made a terrible mistake.

[vastrix]

TOMMY ONIONS: No, wait, it's my turn to get you a backstage exclusive. Something's going on with Riot. Let's go and take a look....



Backstage, Rob Riot waits to be called down to the ring. It’s a darkened hallway that hasn’t been used by the owners of the arena in years and is normally considered off-limits. Rob Riot isn't an 'off limits' sort of guy....and he's been keen to avoid contact with the rest of the roster before his match. Despite that, someone seems to be determined to find him.




Riot isn’t a bit surprised when he sees a flash of light from a lit match that shines upon an Egyptian cigarette, when Armand von Krauss steps out of the shadows.


ROB RIOT: Now I know you're not here to offer me words of encouragement. So what do you want, 'partner'?



Armand takes a long drag from his cigarette, blowing smoke into the air.



ARMAND VON KRAUSS: I hate you.



Rob Riot smirks, shaking his head.



ROB RIOT: Don't waste my time with trivialities I'm already aware of.



ARMAND VON KRAUSS: I hate the fact that after everything you have done, you still feel guilt over your past actions. You are still...human.



ROB RIOT: All of us are human, Armand. We were born that way, and we'll go out that way. I avoided my guilt for a long time. I can't avoid it forever. But nor can you. That thought will keep you awake at night one day.



Armand taps the end of the cigarette, depositing ashes onto the floor.



ARMAND VON KRAUSS: Perhaps it takes someone human to defeat Garmr. You...can do it. We....by which I mean RSW. We need you to do it.



Riot looks at Armand, properly, perhaps for the first time ever. He raises an eyebrow.



ROB RIOT: You want me to walk into a battle to save your neck. To save everyone's neck. And I will. Don't mistake that for me doing you a favour. You want to support me? Give me one of those smokes.



Armand pulls a cigarette out, handing it to Rob.



ARMAND VON KRAUSS: Crush the böse Kuh.



Armand walks away, leaving Rob to light the cigarette and collect his thoughts on his own. He mutters to himself as he takes a drag.



ROB RIOT: Böse Kuh, eh? Well....I wouldn't like to milk him.

[vastrix]

The camera returns to ringside.



TOMMY ONIONS: Busker? Why would you milk a busker?



JOSEPH GREER: He said “böse Kuh”, Tommy. It’s German. It translates as ‘bad cow’. It’s a German insult.



TOMMY ONIONS: Oh, right. I went to Germany once. I know a few of those.



JOSEPH GREER: Now’s not the time. Armand, in his own way, was trying to be supportive to Rob Riot there, I think. He knows what’s at stake if Riot loses. But we need to put that aside for a moment, because we’ve got a Legacy Championship match on our hands! It’s one of the biggest matches of the evening!



Bob Mooney is in the ring ready to do the honours, whilst Shawna Savante braces herself for another chaotic contest.



BOB MOONEY: Ladies and Gentlemen; the next contest is for one fallanddon’tyoudareinterruptmewithyourbullshit…..introducing first the challenger, from San Diego, California. He is the world’s most wanted man….Isaiah Zepp!



A short guitar screech leads to the thrashing of At The Drive-In's "Governed By Contagions". A blinding white light shines chaotically around the arena as Isaiah Zepp steps foot onto the entrance stage. A scattering of fans in the crowd shine their cellphone lights back to him as he walks down the aisle. Isaiah climbs into the ring and removes his black hooded sweatshirt before throwing a fist in the air.



JOSEPH GREER: It’s amazing that Zepp can even concentrate with everything going on around him. We saw von Krauss seal his pursuers out of the building a little earlier on this evening. You have to wonder how he’s even going to get out of the building and to the airport safely.



TOMMY ONIONS: It’s American law enforcement who are after him, Greer. It took them years to find bin Laden in a cave. He’ll probably put a fake beard on and walk right past them.



JOSEPH GREER: Good point. Zepp has been on a solidly upward career trajectory in the ring recently; a title victory tonight would go some way to cementing his legacy. But in his way stands a monster.



TOMMY ONIONS: Zepp’s losing this one. Only Garmr can stop Ragnar. And that’s bad news for Rob Riot later. Not that I don’t love the boss, but….he’s screwed.



BOB MOONEY: And his opponent, from somewhere unpronounceable by the human tongue in Iceland, and accompanied to the ring by his manager Hild Olafsdottir, he is the reigning Riot Star Wrestling Legacy Champion…. “The Modern Day Viking” Ragnar Magnusson!



A horn blows somewhere in the arena.



The Big Screen comes to life with just static. The static seems to zoom back, revealing water. The picture switches again. A figure in fur stands upon a shore, its face shrouded. It points accusingly, not towards the screen, but at something unseen off to one side.



On the screen is a close up of an eye. The eye blinks once, twice. Suddenly the lights go out. Suddenly the screen seems to clear, what looks like the moon appears on it. Chanting begins from what seems nowhere.



It's not the moon at all, they realize. The shape is round like a full moon, but it seems to be made up of thin ribbons of cloud streaking against a night sky. And there's a face, we see, a face hidden in shadows, looking down from above. The picture has a grainy look to it as it changes. The scene is of a couple of wolves running through some woodland; behind them is the same figure. The figure stood to the left of the wolves suddenly changes position from the left part of the picture, to the right. Almost instantly the figure returns to its original position, but in that one moment in its changed location we see a huge man with a shadow covering his face. The wolves turn towards where that figure stood, and howl.



The screen next becomes a twitching, undulating impenetrable sea of the runes used in the Icelandic language.



The arena drops into darkness as this weird movie is playing out on the big screen. Suddenly pyros explode in front of the big screen, as the fans literally jump from the shock. The roving arm of the overhead camera picks out people in the crowd. As they realize there on the screen they hold the signs higher. Blue strobes cut around the arena as red smoke billows from underneath the grating on the ramp way.



Stood at the top of the ramp way is a monster criss-crossed from head to toe with the scars of a thousand battles. Upon his head is a helmet. He is covered in fur and armour. He raises his massive arms above his head in an age-old gesture of defiance and supremacy as phosphorus flames blast in twin columns to the heavens behind him. "If I had a Heart" by Fever Ray starts blaring out.



Ragnar is joined by Hild, his associate. They slowly walk towards the ring ignoring the cheers from the crowd. Ragnar passes a camera and stops and looks directly into the lens. He takes off his helmet and hands it to Hild but leaves the fur hood up.



Ragnar then slowly steps up the ring steps; step after step, walking with such a purpose. As he places his foot on the ring apron he immediately follows up by thrusting his opposite leg through the ropes, as he lunges into the ring.



Looking around momentarily, Ragnar mounts the turnbuckle adjacent to the stairs, resting his left foot on the top rope. With a brief look from side to side, he lowers his fur hood and gazes around the facility, soaking in the numerous reactions from the crowd. Upon listening to their calls he hops down into the ring and takes off his fur cloak and armour and then hands it to ring crew.



JOSEPH GREER: I think only Nocturnal himself can really rival Ragnar for the drama of his entrance.



TOMMY ONIONS: Yeah. Funny, that.



JOSEPH GREER: What do you mean?



TOMMY ONIONS: Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Do you really think it bothers a guy like Zepp, though? Zepp is a guy who could be shot the moment he steps outside. I don’t think a load of old Viking hoodoo is going to bother him.



JOSEPH GREER: That’s a valid point. Was that Tinkerbell again?



TOMMY ONIONS: She’s gone now, Joey. All the beautiful ones leave in the end.



DING DING DING!



The bell rings to start the match. Ragnar stands, imposingly, with Hild looking on approvingly from ringside. Zepp steps from foot to foot, weighing up his approach to such a massive opponent.



Deciding speed is his friend, Zepp runs the ropes, looking to test Ragnar with a shoulderblock. Ragnar beckons him on. Zepp launches himself into the Viking….and staggers away as Ragnar stands his ground.



Undeterred, Zepp runs the ropes again, with another shoulder block, with the same result. Ragnar stands solid, and Zepp bounces off him. Magnusson sneers at Zepp and beckons him to try again.



Frustrated, Zepp gears himself up, runs the ropes a third time with renewed vigour, and goes for a flying shoulder tackle, launching himself through the air. Ragnar thows his hands up defensively, and deflects Zepp, sending Isaiah tumbling through the air to the mat, and skidding under the bottom rope to the outside, where he lands in a heap. Hild laughs at him, as Zepp picks himself back up, slapping the mat in frustration.



JOSEPH GREER: No dice here for Isaiah in the early going, he’s going to have to try a different approach.



TOMMY ONIONS: There’s no dice anywhere in this damn country, Greer. Did you know Communists don’t allow gambling? I can’t find a single casino anywhere in Hong Kong.



JOSEPH GREER: There’s literally one in our hotel, Tommy.



TOMMY ONIONS: Yeah, but they won’t let me bring prostitutes to the table, so that doesn’t count.



JOSEPH GREER: I can’t help but think you’re looking for something other than a casino…



Rolling back under the bottom rope, Zepp stands up again and is face to face with Ragnar. Ragnar, mockingly, holds his hands behind his back and points his chin out, inviting Isaiah to strike at him. Seizing the opportunity, Isaiah responds with an ear clap, sending the surprised Viking reeling backwards, and following up with a discus lariat which nearly takes Magnusson off his feet. Pushing the momentum, Zepp grabs Ragnar’s arm and wrenches it, before blasting him in the face with a crescent kick. Ragnar, stunned, falls backwards…



…but rebounds off the ropes, uses them to spring himself forward, and cuts Zepp down with a brutal clothesline. Zepp spins 180, almost landing on his head, and Ragnar makes a nonchalant cover.



One….



Zepp kicks out!



JOSEPH GREER: Ragnar got cocky there, and found out that Zepp’s packing some offence that could hurt him.



TOMMY ONIONS: Hurt him? That was like being stabbed with a pen and coming back with a sledgehammer. All Zepp did was piss him off!



JOSEPH GREER: That’s as maybe, but if he fights with his hands behind his back again he might come to regret it.



Ragnar plucks Zepp off the mat, snares his leg, and snaps him backwards and overhead with an exploder suplex, sending Isaiah flying towards the corner. Zepp, winded, pulls himself up using the ropes, but makes the mistake of doing so in the corner, where he’s crushed by a charging Ragnar who comes roaring in with a splash. Zepp plunges forward onto his face, and Ragnar goes for the cover again.



One….



Two…..



Zepp kicks out!



Irritated, Ragnar picks Zepp up with one hand and snaps him across the next with a throat thrust, sending the challenger down, choking.



JOSEPH GREER: Ragnar is taking him piece by piece here. That first cover was just showboating, the second one was intentional. Zepp put himself in harm’s way there.



TOMMY ONIONS: Everywhere in the ring is harm’s way when Ragnar’s out here. I bet even Hild is scared of him. She’d be so much happier sat over here with me.



JOSEPH GREER: Well I’m not, so why would she be?



TOMMY ONIONS: You’d be happier in there with Ragnar? Go be a hero, Greer. I ain’t stopping you.



Sending that he’s beginning to knock the stuffing out of Isaiah, Ragnar looks for an ending to the match. He lifts Zepp up with a fireman’s carry, and then spins into a kind of sit-out slam, sending Zepp’s face and upper torso messily into the mat, hard.



JOSEPH GREER: ODIN’S WRATH!



TOMMY ONIONS: GOD’S COCK!



JOSEPH GREER: What?



TOMMY ONIONS: I thought we were doing religious swears. I was just joining in.



JOSEPH GREER: Well don’t. That was one of Ragnar’s major offensive moves, and this one might be over!



Ragnar, nodding to himself with satisfaction, rolls Zepp over and hooks the leg.



One….



Two….



Zepp kicks out!



Ragnar glares at Shawna, who holds out her fingers indicating that he only got a two. The crowd comes to life, roaring for Zepp.



JOSEPH GREER: Zepp kicks out again, and this capacity crowd is beginning to believe in him! We’ve seen men beaten by Ragnar by less offense than he’s already handed out tonight. What’s keeping Isaiah in this fight?



TOMMY ONIONS: Well, he’s fighting for the honour of his murdered parents. That’s got to be a Hell of an incentive.



JOSEPH GREER: He’s what?



TOMMY ONIONS: Fighting for his murdered parents. That’s why he started all this, isn’t it? The fighting, and the butler, and the cave.



JOSEPH GREER: I think you’re confusing Isaiah Zepp with Batman.



TOMMY ONIONS: Like there’s a difference.



Ragnar looks to pin Zepp to the mat, perhaps setting up for the Blood Eagle, but Zepp escapes from underneath him, smashing his forearm into the back of the champion, and then following up by straining as he tries to lift him.



JOSEPH GREER: Surely not…the size difference has to be too much.



TOMMY ONIONS: Gravity is lower in Iceland, he probably weighs less than he looks like he does!



JOSEPH GREER: That’s nonsense. That’s complete and total nonsense.



With an almighty effort, Zepp lifts Ragnar up with a reverse suplex and drops him down hard into the mat. Ragnar’s limbs are splayed. He’s never been dropped like that before! The challenger looks for a cover.



One…



Two….



Ragnar kicks out!



The crowd comes alive again, and thunderous applause rolls through the stadium like a nest of drummers.



JOSEPH GREER: Isaiah Zepp is feeling it! He’s beginning to believe!



TOMMY ONIONS: He better stop believing and start fighting, Ragnar is already back to his feet!



Ragnar, shaking off the cobwebs quickly, is indeed already back up. Reacting with quick thinking, Zepp boots him in the gut, doubling him over, and runs to the ropes, perhaps looking for his signature axe kick to the back of the neck…..



…and falls flat on his face when Hild trips him. The crowd boos the interference.



JOSEPH GREER: Oh, come on! Zepp had him exactly where he wanted him, get Hild out of here!



TOMMY ONIONS: I’m in full agreement Greer, she needs to be sent away from ringside to a place she can’t do any harm. In fact, there’s a room backstage with a sign on the door reading ‘T. ONIONS’. Send her there, and make sure she stays there until after the show!



An angry Zepp gets to his feet and focuses his attention on Hild on the outside, who shrugs, protesting her innocence to both Isaiah and Shawna Savante, who’s less than pleased. Zepp says something that Hild takes a dislike to, and Hild pulls her hand back, looking to take a swing…



…but Zepp intercepts, grabbing her wrist and hauling her up onto the apron!



TOMMY ONIONS: He’s assaulting a woman! What a disgrace! Let her go!



JOSEPH GREER: Assaulting her? She interfered in the match, and she was about to slap him! She got herself involved in this, Shawna ought to get her out of here before something unfortunate happens!



Shawna Savante interjects herself, forcing her body between Isaiah and Hild, and getting in Hild’s face, pointing to the entrance ramp. The order is clear. It’s time for Hild to go. Hild protests furiously.



Behind all this, though, Ragnar Magnusson has picked himself back up off the mat, and has been biding his time. He stomps his boot on the mat, and lines up his aim. He’s going to put his foot straight through the back of Zepp’s head!



He runs forward…



…but the roar of the crowd alerts Zepp to the danger, and he dives right, out of the way, pulling Shawna with him



Ragnar boots Hild straight in the face, sending her flying off the apron, crashing heavily against the ringside barrier, and down to the floor, unresponsive!



TOMMY ONIONS: OH MY GOD! HER FACE! HE HIT HER RIGHT IN HER BEAUTIFUL FACE!



JOSEPH GREER: That was an accident. Anyone can see that was an accident, he was aiming for Zepp, but I just said Hild had no business getting involved in this match, and that was the reason why. She could be seriously hurt here, and even a warrior like Ragnar must have compassion for those close to him. Look at him, he’s shocked!



In the ring, Ragnar stares down in disbelief, his face a blend of surprise and concern as ringside doctors rush to the sprawled form of Hild. He puts his hands to his head, in disbelief at what’s just occurred.



And so he never saw the ‘Tao of Now’ roundhouse kick from Zepp coming when it connected brutally with the back of his skull.



Ragnar, knocked stupid, falls forward against the ropes. Zepp catches him rebounding the other way and rolls him up with a schoolboy.



One…



Two….



THREE!



DING DING DING!



ISAIAH ZEPP WINS!



ISAIAH ZEPP IS THE NEW RIOT STAR WRESTLING LEGACY CHAMPION!





TOMMY ONIONS: CHEAT! FUCKING CHEAT! He attacked Ragnar whilst he was looking at his old lady!



JOSEPH GREER: The match never stopped, Tommy, Ragnar took his eye off the ball and got nailed! What an upset! What a result for Isaiah Zepp! The title changes his hands, and if there are legal gambling outlets in this country, they may just have been taken to the cleaners by Isaiah’s fans!



Shawna is handed the title belt by ringside officials, but barely has hold of it for a second before Isaiah snatches it out of her hands and bails out of the ring, waiting until he’s halfway down the aisle to raise it high above his head, belt in one hand, fist in the air with the other. Bob Mooney makes it official.



BOB MOONEY: Ladies and Gentlemen; the winner of this match, and NEW Riot Star Wrestling Legacy Champion….Isaiah Zepp!



’Governed by Contagions’ plays again as Isaiah shows his new hardware to the fans in the aisle seats. In the ring, Ragnar sits upright, blinking, completely in shock. He never saw what hit him. Hild is conscious on the floor, gently being helped up by the ringside doctors.



TOMMY ONIONS: No wonder the authorities want to speak to Isaiah Zepp, the man’s a thief, he’s stolen the Legacy Championship!



JOSEPH GREER: He stole nothing Tommy, he outmanoeuvred Ragnar, and capitalised on the opportunity. What a shocker here at Masquerade!

[vastrix]

The crowd cheers for Isaiah and his accomplishment. Suddenly, there is an odd shrieking from one side of the arena. The agents of the Bureau Of Sports And Entertainment storm through the crowd and surround ringside.



JOSEPH GREER: It's the BSE again! How did they get back in!?



TOMMY ONIONS: Oh God, hide me! If I'm gonna die, I'm going to look up those pictures of Scarlet Johansson one last time!



Zepp's eyes go wide as the death squad approaches. He clutches his aching body and heads back for ringside. diving under the ring by the steel steps. Securing a device of some sort, he looks up and aims above him before firing a trigger. A moment before the BSE can hit him with a taser, a grappling hook shoots up and latches onto the Cell that's ready for the main event, and Zepp flies into the air toward the structure!



TOMMY ONIONS: Holy shit, where's he going?!



The BSE aim their weapons up at him, but before they can fire, the RSW security team, led by Big Ass Hank suddenly rushes to ringside. The RSW crew is able to keep them subdued momentarily.



JOSEPH GREER: Dear Lord, Isaiah is 40 feet in the sky and we have a chaotic scene in front of us.



Isaiah surveys as the battle drags into the backstage, neither side gaining an advantage. Zepp, with the Legacy Title wrapped over his shoulder, takes one more look around the shocked crowd and fires another grapple into the rafters, and then he disappears from view.



TOMMY ONIONS: I want one of those grapple thingies! You think there's another one under the ring?



JOSEPH GREER: I sincerely hope not. Well, fans, even after all of that, we still have two matches to go. And boy, are the stakes high.