EP.: 214
DATE: 09.02.2024
ARENA: THE EPICENTER
UNHOLY CYBER ARMY VS. THE EMPIRE
Tag Team Match
BACKSTAGE
THE BEST INTENTIONS
Cut to Stevie Saint walking backstage, talking on the phone.
Stevie: Hey DJ!…yeah I’m dropping it off now. Just looking for the Coltons’ locker…
Stevie holds up a bluish-purple semi-transparent jewel case with a CD labeled ‘Colton – B – 2.3.8’ in black marker.
Stevie: …You think everything is corny. The folks we talked to had a lot of nice things to say about the Coltons, and you put it to music! Very ‘Fluffy Little Clouds.’ They’ve had a tough week, I think they’ll appreciate it.
He finds their locker and tapes the CD to it with a post reading ‘With Love, The Saints.’
Stevie: Damn. We are such good people. See you in a bit.
He hangs up.
We cut to DJ, his equipment set up at a backstage table. He’s frantically digging through their bags looking for something.
Stevie: DeeeJ! Mission: Colton accomplished! Didja lose something?
DJ: Yeah, it’s a demo I was working on. Did you see a bluish-purple jewel case in our stuff?
Stevie: Same color as the Coltons’ case?
DJ: What?
Stevie: Yeah, you said you put the Coltons’ gift in the bluish-purple jewel case.
DJ: No, I said it was in the purplish-blue jewel case.
He pulls a purplish-blue jewel case out of a bag containing a CD labeled ‘Colton – Corny – v1.2.5 ‘ DJ looks at it with dawning horror.
DJ: …oh no…
He starts pacing in a panic.
Stevie: Are you okay? If I accidentally gave them your demos I can just get them ba-
DJ: Stevie, was the CD labeled Colton – B?
Stevie: Yeah, ‘cause it was your second version after A but better than C…oh…
Horror springs into Stevie’s eyes as he realizes that is not what B means.
Stevie: DJ, I need you to swear on the soul of Kraftwerk, that you did not sample Blake Colton’s injury in a song.
DJ: (loud silence)
Stevie: (panic rising) Okay…so if the CD I was supposed to give them is on the table….what did I just give to the Coltons ‘with love, from the Saints???’
DJ: I SAID PUPLISH-BLUE!
Stevie: OH FUCK!
Stevie puts his head in hands.
DJ: It’s not my fault I’m a good Dj and it’s not my fault their brother’s scream makes a great hook-pitched up with a liquid bassline.
STEVIE: WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU???
DJ: It’s very catchy without context…
Now it’s Stevie pacing.
Stevie: How obvious is it that it’s Blake?
DJ: By the time they get to the slowed-down + reverbed version…pretty obvious.
Stevie: We just gave The Coltons a track of their brother’s trauma IN MULTIPLE REMIXES????
DJ: Only six….it’s an EP.
Stevie stops pacing, picks up a chair and folds it.
DJ: Maybe they’ll appreciate the layered production?
Stevie tests the weight of the chair.
DJ: It’s some of my best work; the beat has a real crunch to it and-
Stevie swings the chair at DJ, but it cuts before contact.
GALLUS OSWALD VS. BARRY BATES
Singles Match
PREVIOUSLY RECORDED
LESSONS
SHOOT Sec Officer #1: Visitor inbound!
SHOOT Sec Officer #2: Open the door!
SHOOT Sec Officer #3: Opening the door now!
The fourth SHOOT Sec guard says nothing as he opens the large metal door that separates the outside world from the state-of-the-art, prison engineered inside the Epicenter. It’s a medium-sized soace— designed specifically for one prisoner.
Through the door, Arthur Pleasant limps along. He holds both straps of the SHOOT World Tag Team Titles with one hand, letting them drag along the arena floor. Clutching his ribs, Pleasant looks like the victim of a runaway train.
Arthur Pleasant: JEFFREEEEEEEY!
He yells as loud as he can through the puffed out, bruised, and just all around fucked up left side of his face.
Unphased by the grisly sight of his tag team partner’s physical state, Jeffrey greets Arthur as if it were just another day in the life of Jeffrey James Roberts and Arthur Pleasant.
Jeffrey James Roberts: Hello, Arthur. Always good to see you!
Arthur Pleasant(struggling): Look at… (winces)… look at what they did to me.
Jeffrey analyzes Arthur’s physical appearance from head to toe. Sucking his teeth, Jeffrey nods.
Jeffrey James Roberts: Mm. I see. Decent work, I suppose.
He pauses, looking at the SHOOT Sec officers.
Jeffrey James Roberts: Wouldn’t you agree? I couldn’t have done a better job myself.
He smiles.
Jeffrey James Roberts: On second thought, a bit sloppy. You are still breathing, after all.
Pleasant seethes. Still holding the tag team titles, he stops struggling and simply drops them to the floor. Arthur slow claps. Almost deliriously.
Arthur Pleasant: I knew there was a reason I liked teaming with you. You never shy away from staying true to yourself. Even at the expense of your own partner.
Jeffrey nods.
Jeffrey James Roberts: If one were not true to oneself, then who would actually be true to—
Arthur Pleasant: ENOUGH WITH YOUR GODDAMN RIDDLES AND BULLSHIT!
SHOOT Sec begin to crowd Arthur due to the animalistic tone in his voice.
Arthur Pleasant: This isn’t the first time I’ve taken the brunt of the damage from someone for you. Or even from you. I’m sure it won’t be the last time, either, but at least shut the fuck up now. Those assholes… those FUCKING gigantic, empty-headed ASSHOLES… need to be taught a lesson. You don’t do what they did to me and get away with it. We work in the retaliation business, Jeffrey. And right now, we’re on the fucking clock.
Jeffrey James Roberts: (stifling a laugh) You think they are the ones who need a lesson? Oh, Arthur. My poor, delusional, yet exceptionally gilded tag team partner. I’m sorry you have been so misled.
Arthur struggles to stand, nevermind navigate through Jeffrey’s words.
Arthur Pleasant: I haven’t been misled. Just mistreated. And I’ll see to it that I have my pound of flesh before the Hunt begins. I promise you that… partner.
Pleasant’s hand shakes as it gently touches the swollen and bruised areas of his face. Withdrawing immediately as if he touched a flame, Arthur winces. Bending down, he groans in pain as he picks up both title belts.
Jeffrey James Roberts: (calm as ever) But, Arthur! Judging from your physical appearance, The Hunt has already begun!
Pleasant says nothing and shakes his head. Limping away, Jeffrey can be heard laughing, unable to stifle it back any longer.
Arthur Pleasant: We’re done here. Open the fucking door.
SHOOT Sec Officer #1: Visitor outbound!
SHOOT Sec Officer #2: Open the door!
SHOOT Sec Officer #3: Opening the door now!
Just like before, the fourth SHOOT Sec Officer says nothing and opens the large metal door.
The door thuds behind Arthur’s exit and the multiple hard post locks engage. All four SHOOT Sec officers leave Jeffrey alone in the room. The camera, however, pans away from one half of the Tag Team Champions… to the corner of the room. Where a figure stands in a black suit.
His gray hands, fingers stained ebony black, are grasping a clipboard. His head is hidden in the darkness.
From the shadows, a pair of yellow, goatlike eyes open.
haruspex: Мѓ. Јамэѕ Яоъэѓтѕ. Shall we begin?
Jeffrey tilts his head in curiosity, a wry smile forming on his face.
Black.
Backstage
HERE FOR THAT REMINDED
We cut backstage to the main hallway of talent changing rooms to see Josh Kaine walking slowly, engrossed in a conversation on his phone.
Kaine: What do you mean you can’t find her? You said weeks ago that you know where she hangs out and shit.
He pauses, his brows furrowing in frustrated disappointment as he listens to the response.
Kaine: Marjorie, I don’t care what kinda feelers you have to put out. All her social media went quiet more’n a week ago. I don’t care what it costs or who you gotta bribe, you need to find Jessie. You said you would help me and I’ve held up my end. I gotta find her, or what happened to her.
The response is apparently a solemn one and as he’s so invested with the conversation, Josh doesn’t look back–and crumples forward as he gets absolutely blindsided by a cheap shot elbow from Golden Burkhalter that sends the phone flying!!
Burkhalter: Hey fuckboy. Here for that reminder you threatened me with.
Josh quickly gets to his feet, rolling with the strike and turning, but it’s clear from his unsteady legs that taking an unprotected elbow to the back of the skull has wobbled him a bit. He rushes Joey, shooting high as a feint before going low and trying to hook both the legs–but Burkhalter scouts it! He angles both his legs backwards and headlocks Kaine, killing the momentum before spinning both of their bodies and roughly shoving Josh into a wall! Josh Kaine doesn’t give him a moment to pick his next move, though, and pops forward fast, clubbing The New Aeon across his ear with a stiff forearm shot!!
Burkhalter: Motherfucker!
The lanky representative from The Empire steps backwards, shaking his head–it’s obvious that the shot messed with his equilibrium. Josh seizes on the opportunity to rush Joey…but Burkhalter shifts his body to the left and ALMOST DECAPITATES JOSH KAINE WITH AN UNPROTECTED UPPERCUT!! Kaine’s head SNAPS backwards, the momentum of his legs bringing him slightly forward before he crumples into a heap!! Golden Burkhalter shakes his head some more, blinking his eyes. It’s clear his uppercut was a split reaction to being charged, but what happens next is pure calculation: Joey spits on the reeling form of Josh Kaine , then raises up one foot and drops a VICIOUS looking axe kick stomp to Joshs’ face!! Security rushes the scene at this point, at least three fully grown men corralling Joey and pushing him away, but Burkhalter continues to fight them, his face red with rage.
Burkhalter: Whadda you got to say now, huh?! Can’t think of any slick shit to throw at me?! I’m all ears!! Let go of me!!
As another member of security convenses on the phalanx to help in shoving back six and a half feet of highly trained murderous intent, medics arrive to look over Josh. Kaine, to his credit, is trying to sit up on his own, even if his bell has been so thoroughly rung. His eyes meet Joey’s, and Joey’s mask of hatred drops to a placid expression. He smirks, his eyes narrowing, as Security begins to drag him.
Burkhalter: Hey, Josh! Thanks for your kind offer of help!!
As medical staff attend to Josh and security do their best to drag Joey from the scene, the scene cuts away…
REGASHI VS. IZZY SIA
Singles Match
IN THE RING
BIG GAME HUNTING
REGASHI has his hand raised in victory, but before his theme can even hit the Epicenter’s speakers, “Plowed” by Sponge hits instead.
Eryk Masters: Oh? What’s this?
Jason Johnson: Looks to me that Josh Conway is making his way out?
Eryk Masters: Not entirely sure what this is all about, but color me curious.
Jason Johnson: Well, I dunno the hex code for that but I’ll try to find it!
REGASHI’s arm raised in the air– his eyes staring at Josh Conway’s looming presence from behind the intricately designed mask. Remarkable blue shades of ultramarine and actual sapphires glint under the Epicenter’s lights.
Conway stands on the ramp, his face still bruised and bandaged from the absolute mauling from CICADA. He makes his way down the ramp with a smile on his face, clapping for REGASHI and nodding respectfully. He steps through the middle rope and retrieves a microphone from the ringside staff.
Eryk Masters: Well, I’m not sure why Conway is here, but The North Star looks like he has something important to say!
Jason Johnson: Do these men have history or is this just- you know what, I’ll stop asking questions and just go along for the ride!
Josh Conway: You know, I’ve been around this professional wrestling business for a long… long time. It’s not easy to impress me or make me take notice–I’ve seen it all twice over. But you?
Conway points at REGASHI and laughs warmly.
Josh Conway: You, my friend, you’ve impressed me. I really admire your skills in the ring–I’ve been watching every match intently. The way you’ve been handling your opponents here in SHOOT has been something to see. You’re looking like a predator out here.
Conway’s attitude shifts slightly from his usual jovial manner, albeit briefly.
Josh Conway: We all know that I haven’t exactly been living up to my reputation around here the last few weeks.
He points to his damaged face and smiles once more.
Josh Conway: It seems to me that what I really need is a chance to make a statement. To show the SHOOT Project that North Star can still go. And that got me thinking: how can I do that? How can I earn my spot back here? I’m hunting for that match that will show everyone what I’m all about and, REGASHI, you are big game.
Eryk Masters: I think I see where this is going!
Josh Conway: So what do you say? Do the old man a favor and let’s say you and I square off at The Hunt!
REGASHI says nothing. He stands there, still as a monument, looking at Conway. His breathing is fast after the technical war he just had with Izzy Sia. But just as Conway goes to walk away, REGASHI places his hand on The North Star’s chest to stop him in his tracks.
Jason Johnson: I don’t know. This doesn’t look–
Conway looks down at REGASHI’s hand. Turning his head and letting him have a few inaudible words, REGASHI seemingly thinks about it for a moment.
Jason Johnson: Ohhh!
REGASHI then removes his hand from Conway’s chest… and extends his other hand to Conway, who looks even more surprised.
Eryk Masters: Wow. Do we have a match happening at The Hunt that ISN’T rooted in evil and blood and treachery?!
Conway accepts it, and the Epicenter actually pops for BOTH men and their incredible display of respect towards one another.
Jason Johnson: That answers your question, Eryk. I believe we do!
REGASHI departs the ring between the ropes, landing on the red wraps of his bare feet on the outside mat. Conway meanwhile, nods his head, smiling in appreciation for REGASHI’s acceptance to his challenge.
Eryk Masters: I wish there was more of that in SHOOT these days.
Jason Johnson: Brings me back to the days of Tokyo, to be honest!
This time, “Warrior Part 2” by Lloyd Banks (feat. Eminem & Nate Dogg), hits the Epicenter speakers and REGASHI makes his way down the aisle rolling his shoulders and neck after his competitive match with Izzy Sia.
PREVIOUSLY RECORDED
CHASING DOWN AN OLD FRIEND
Previously Recorded:
Camera cuts to the backstage area where Pandora is seen walking quickly toward an exit. Abigail Chase lives up to her name, trailing Pandora while trying to grab her attention.
Abigail Chase: Pandora! What do you have to say for Anna Daniels before Ultimo Muerte’s match tonight?
Pandora has made it to the exit. She slowly places her hand on the bar to open the door, and turns back toward Chase.
Pandora: Ultimo Muerte has inhabited many different forms in his centuries long quest for redemption. He’s never met someone who is many different entities in one form before.
Pandora pauses.
Pandora: In my many years here in SHOOT Project, we have dealt with those who should be institutionalized, both due to violent tendencies and sheer ridiculousness. But, we have never dealt with an Anna Daniels. Ultimo Muerte has stood toe-to-toe with some of the strangest in SHOOT Project history. Anna Daniels may take that cake.
Pandora takes a deep breath, and exhales slowly.
Pandora: We know that what they bring to the table is very…unusual. It’s intriguing to Ultimo Muerte. He wants to know how Anna Daniels works.
Pandora looks at Abigail Chase, then down at her watch, then back to Abigail Chase.
Pandora: Tonight, Ultimo Muerte hopes to meet all of Anna Daniels. He thinks it’s the only way they will have any fun.
Abigail notices Pandora looking very nervously at her watch.
Abigail Chase: I’m sorry, Pandora, I have to ask. What’s behind this door that has you so spooked?
Pandora looks at Chase and slowly smiles.
Pandora: Just a meeting with an old friend.
As she walks through the door, the camera catches a glimpse of the scene. There are three men present, but none are recognizable. Pandora takes a big, deep breath in as the door shuts behind her. The last thing you hear is one of the men who shouts out, greeting her.
“Paaaaandorrrrraaaaaa!!! So lovely to see you!!! Bet you didn’t think you’d be seeing us here!!!”
Fade.
ULTIMO MUERTE VS. ANNA DANIELS
Singles Match
Backstage
LIBERTY INCARNATE
Backstage, the camera cuts to the locker room where Red, White, and Bruise storm in, still heated from the chaotic brawl the night before. Ryan Samuels is breathing heavy, pacing the room like a caged animal, while Johnny Patriot adjusts his flag-themed mask, clearly fuming. The tension is palpable as they stand side by side, eyes blazing with fury.
Ryan Samuels: [fiery, his voice low but seething with intensity] This ain’t over. Not by a long shot. Harv and Rick wanna run their mouths? Wanna act tough? Fine. They wanna brawl? Then let’s brawl. But this time, we do it my way. [he pauses, a wicked grin forming on his face] A Texas Tornado match. All four of us in the ring at the same damn time—no tags, no rules, just fists flyin’, bodies droppin’. That’s where I do my best work. And I’m gonna enjoy every second of it.
Samuels turns to face the camera fully now, his eyes gleaming with a mix of fury and relish.
Ryan Samuels: [growling] The Punch Line think they can outfight us? I love beatin’ on Harv. Love it! But this time, I ain’t just beatin’ on him. I’m gonna take that whole damn Punch Line and knock ‘em all down—at once. Let’s see how tough they are when they’re laid out flat, starin’ up at the lights.
He steps forward, glaring into the camera as if he’s addressing The Punch Line directly. His fists are clenched, the veins on his neck bulging as he speaks with raw emotion.
Ryan Samuels: [with intensity] Harv, Rick, I’ll see you in that ring, and when that bell rings, there’s no runnin’, no hidin’. We’re gonna tear that ring apart—and each other with it. I’m done talkin’. Now we fight.
Johnny Patriot steps forward, brimming with his usual over-the-top patriotic energy, his voice booming as he throws a fist in the air.
Johnny Patriot: [with dramatic flair] That’s right! Because when you step into the ring with Red, White, and Bruise, you’re stepping into the heart of America’s finest! We are the spirit of this country, the unbreakable resolve of freedom! Harv, Rick, Punch Line—you think you can beat us? Think again! We are liberty incarnate, and we will never—NEVER—back down! For every punch you throw, we’ll throw two! For every move you make, we’ll make three! This is the land of the free, home of the brave, and Red, White, and Bruise will stand victorious because we fight with the power of freedom, justice, and the American way! [he salutes] God bless America!
Johnny’s eyes gleam as he finishes his speech, full of fire and patriotism. The energy in the room is electric. Ryan, his blood boiling, turns toward the lockers, picks up a chair, and hurls it across the room with a furious grunt. The chair slams into the wall with a loud crash.
Ryan Samuels: [snarling as he storms toward the door] I’m done with this. Let’s settle it. Texas Tornado—fists flyin’, bodies droppin’. That’s how we end this.
He shoves a table over on his way out, the sound echoing in the room. As the table crashes to the floor, Samuels slams the locker room door open and storms out, his steps heavy and full of purpose.
Johnny Patriot: [pointing to the camera, his voice still full of patriotic conviction] Punch Line, this is your final warning. Red, White, and Bruise are comin’ for you—and we’re bringin’ the fight of your lives! For liberty! For justice! For America!
The camera fades as Johnny stands tall, his chest puffed out in pride while the sound of Ryan’s footsteps echoes down the hallway.
Backstage
PASSION
The view was from behind her. Standing in but a bra and black pants, her left shoulder blade showcasing her relatively new wolf triad tattoo. She held the same shirt on her hands as she had months ago.
Revolution 200. Azraith DeMitri vs. X-Calibur. The 2023 Match of The Year.
Refereed by Laura Seton.
The view spins from behind to front as Laura slips on her referee shirt, readying for the Revolution main event.
The winner of that getting the right to face her for the SHOOT World Heavyweight Championship at The Hunt. As she made herself comfortable within the shirt and had a toss of her hair, a figure came into the screen beside her.
???: Hey there, champ!
The figure in question is one of the competitors in the match; the Psychoberry herself, RIA. The smirk on her face is of the playful variety. She leans against the wall, crossing her arms on her on her chest.
RIA: You look good in stripes. Might wanna incorporate a few shirts like that in your wardrobe. Different color, though. Don’t want ya lookin’ like a ref in your personal life!
Laura grins at the former Premier Champion, her eyes taking in all of RIA’s colors, from hair to ink.
Laura Seton: May as well… not easy keeping peace between twin six year olds.
She chuckles
Laura Seton: Do want to wish you luck later. Glad you’ve picked up where you left off when you left.
RIA pushes up off the wall, arms dropping at her sides. She whips her head left and right, cracking her neck.
RIA: I dunno, I’d argue I’m doing even better than I was then. But that’s a matter of opinion. I’m curious…
The Psychoberry inches a tad closer to the SHOOT World Champion.
RIA: You got a preference of opponent? You and LT have had plenty of battles. LOCUST is right on the verge of breaking out. Ayumi can go ahead and trip into the nearest open manhole for all I care. But…
Closer still, RIA is right on the edge of Laura’s personal space.
RIA: Then there’s me. Not gonna lie, I’m real interested in getting a shot at you one on one. I wanna win the world title, but you’re a unique talent. I crave matchups like that!
Laura gives a smirk. She was willing to tolerate RIA being this close because she had so much respect for her.
Laura Seton: I’d love to make Ayumi go pound sand. I’d love to crush LOCUST out. The fans would love to see Seton/LT part whatever it would be. And yet?
Every fan cheering every single move pulled out. A colorful, literally and figuratively, blend of skill and charisma pulling everything together and putting on a supreme showcase should I be lucky enough to face that person at The Hunt.
Yeah, RIA. I have someone I want to see win.
I crave…
to face YOU.
The smirk on RIA’s face grows into the dangerous grin she’s become known for. She runs her tongue across her bottom lip.
RIA: Careful with your words, Laura. You’re gonna get me excited. I tend to get a bit reckless when I’m excited. But maybe…
Over the line. Though not pressed up against the elder Seton, RIA is unmistakably in her personal bubble now.
RIA: that’s what you want? You want reckless. You want passion. You want a brand of crazy that just has that alluring appeal to it? If I’m reading you right, if your words are true, then I can promise I’m capable of giving that to you!
The Psychoberry looks up at the taller woman, locking eyes with her.
RIA: Fair warning, though; you wanna dance on the wild side, there’s a price to be paid. How much are you willing to sacrifice, honey? A pittance ain’t gonna go far with me. If you don’t give enough, I will take from you. And you know exactly what my prize would be.
Laura nods and smiles, loving every single word RIA says.
Laura Seton: You and I have a five-star match somewhere in the future, whenever it happens. You thrive on crazy. I thrive on a passionate opponent. That’s how I made my name in LEGACY against Loco Martinez. Beat Judy Punchinello here. Beat Azraith DeMitri for that first World Heavyweight Championship here. Outlasted Vito Valentino to regain it. Because no matter how much YOU give??
Laura smiles.
Laura Seton: I give just enough more. And I want to give more than you so badly…
But ya gotta earn it.
I’m not giving you a free win just because I hate HEXXX as much as the next person. Or whatever other reason is out there to see you steal a win.
RIA: Oh, sweetie… I’m used to having to fight for what I want. Very rarely do I get much of anything handed to me. And quite frankly, I’d be pissed if you did show any favoritism towards me in the match. Now if you wanted to show me something after the match?
RIA playfully winks at Laura.
RIA: You’re totally welcome to!
She starts walking backwards, keeping herself facing Laura. RIA twinkles her fingers, a sultry smile having crept onto her face before finally turning and walking off.
THE NEON SAINTS VS. THE COLTONS
Tag Team Match
ENTRANCE
PARDON THE INTERRUPTIONS
The lights in the Epicenter arena go dark and the video feed begins to glitch and cut back and forth from static to a blue screen of death.
Some fans begin to cheer in anticipation of some “spooky shit” but instead they are met with the unmistakable riff of “chase” by batta but it’s chopped and reverbed.
Butsukeau kokoro wa utsukushii
Dokomademo chase you
Itsumo chase you
On the screens we see footage from Ayumi Seppuku’s return debut match, but it’s upside down and caught on a loop in time with the music that is now glitching out.
Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch aaaaaaaaSE YOU YOU YOU
Static hits the screens as the glitchiness of “chase” morphs into a section from Against Me!’s “Thrash Unreal.”
You’re getting mixed up with the wrong guys!
You’re getting messed up on the wrong drugs!
We see a montage of clips in quick succession: Ayumi and RIA sharing a smile; Ayumi holding back RAIKO and Judy Punchinello from fighting Sarah King; Ayumi kneeling over an injured Teddy Palmer tending to his wounds; Ayumi and Lindsay Troy laughing together…
Sometimes the party takes you places
That you didn’t really plan on goin’
Suddenly, the song takes on a slowed down, haunting tone, like a vinyl record being played at half speed.
They don’t knoow noooothiiiiiiing abooooooout reeeeeeeedemptiooooooooooon
On the screens the feed of photos stops like a paused VHS on a shot of Ayumi as a member of Lux Aeterna reaching for the tag titles on top of the ladder with Luis de Leon’s hands ready to push her off. The shot – and audio – lingers for just long enough to hear a completely silent arena. Then the feed shuttles backwards and speeds up, matching the music which is in double time and skipping.
Redemption Redemption Redemption Redemption Redemption
Silence. The video speeds all the way back to the very first clip and then hits black before fading up to a single shot of Lennox Ferguson holding Daihm Ferguson’s dragon mask in one hand and a piece of paper in the other with cutout letters that simply reads “Sins of the Fathers”
Then the image is replaced by a montage of shots showing Ayumi Seppuku putting on her gloves, lacing her boots, and then grabbing her white demon mask as a chopped remix of “Blinding Lights” by the Weeknd plays over the sequence.
Yeah. I’ve been tryna call. I’ve been on my own. On my o-w-w-w-wn.
Withdrawals.
You don’t don’t don’t … even have to do too much. I look around and around and around.
Sin City’s cold and empty (oh). No one’s around.
I c-c-c- see clearly when you’re gone. I said, ooh, I’m blinded by the lights.
I can’t sleep sleep sleep. I said, ooh, I’m drowning…
Oh, when I’m like this like this like this like this
Cold and empty (oh). Cold and empty (oh)
Walking by to let you know (by to let you know)
Will never let you go this time OOOOOOOOHHHHHH SCREEEEEEEEEEE
Holding on the Weeknd’s high-register sound, it quickly morphs into broadcast bars and tone before the screens return to life and “HEX” by Dance With the Dead hits the speakers.
As soon as Ayumi Seppuku steps out from behind the curtain, arms crossed, the fans in the arena absolutely lose it. And while we can’t see behind the mask, there is no question her grinning smile matches the one carved into porcelain.
She calmly walks down to the ring as deafening boos follow her every step before she grabs a hold of a nearby microphone, ripping it from the fingers of time keeper Dennis Heflin.
Ayumi steps through the ring ropes and stands proudly in the middle of the ring and holds up the microphone, extending it outward to the crowd as if to amplify the boos even further and the crowd obliges her.
FUCK YOU SEPPU-KU
FUCK YOU SEPPU-KU
FUCK YOU SEPPU-KU
She gestures to her wrist, tapping it with a free finger which just riles up the crowd even further, but either because they are already losing their voices or because they know they are being goaded, the buzz dies down and as it does, Ayumi raises the microphone to begin to say something.
Ayumi: Tonight is-
IT’S ASTOUNDING…
Clearly having not lost their voice, the crowd erupts as “Time Warp” from the Rocky Horror Picture Show hits the speakers and a very annoyed, very eager RIA steps out onto the entrance platform with her own microphone in hand.
RIA: TONIGHT IS… the night, honey! Tonight, all your bullshit comes back on you!
Ayumi reaches up, removing her mask so she can look at her former friend eye to eye. She scoffs and shakes her head.
Ayumi: My bullshit? That’s fuckin’ rich. How much did SHOOT offer you to “recenter yourself” and kill off the one thing that made you interesting just so you wouldn’t offend the woke mob? Fuck you. All I see in front of me is bullshit. An Asian manic pixie dream girl virtue signaling with a trans-flag dye job and a busted mug I’m going to enjoy grinding into the mat on my way to a Heavyweight title.
Before either woman can say another word, the ominous chords of a doom piano begin their disconcerting symphony.
dunnn dunnn dunnn. dunnn dunnn dunnn. dunnn dunnn dunnn. dunnn dunnn dunnn.
Thunderous drum beats soon follow. A haunting voice wails through the gloom before lyrics creep through the Epicenter’s speakers.
STRANGER FRUIT
HOW IT GROWS AND GROWS
WE ALL SAW THE SHOOT
BUT WE TEND TO THE ROSE
“Stranger Fruit” by Zeal and Ardor heralds the arrival of Lindsay Troy. She strides slowly onto the stage, microphone in hand and a stony, determined expression on her face.
STRANGER FRUIT
IS A PLANT OF THE WELL
FLESH SO BITTER
IT PICK ITSELF
She stops next to RIA on the stage and holds out a fist for her to bump. RIA wastes no time in returning the gesture. “Stranger Fruit” dies out as Lindsay turns her head towards Ayumi now.
Lindsay Troy: I think I speak for everyone here when I say I’m getting real sick of your shit, Ayumi.
The crowd cheers in response.
Ayumi Seppuku: I could say the same for you, Lindz.
Lindsay Troy and RIA look at each other and then back down at Ayumi. Lindsay chuckles, derisively.
Lindsay Troy: You’re the only one who has a problem with me, which is why we’re going to make this short and sweet. What happened to your so-called “bestie” NC-17, and what’s gonna happen tonight, is only a preview of what’s gonna happen to you once you and I are finally in the ring together one on one.
Lindsay and RIA crack their knuckles and begin to walk down the rampway, picking up speed as they do. Ayumi braces herself.
Lindsay Troy: This petulant, bitchmade behavior is gonna be put to bed once and for all, and it starts right here, right now!
The Queen throws her microphone off to the side of the ring as she and RIA slide to the ring.
LINDSAY TROY VS. AYUMI SEPPUKU VS. RIA VS. LOCUST
#1 CONTENDERSHIP
Singles Match
