The cameras open in on a dark corner somewhere in the arena. Pacing back and forth before his match is the man known as The Queen City Hitman. Black looks up at the camera for a moment.

TMB: Focus is one Hell of a thing, fans. It’s a fucking double edge sword. When you have it…it can make things seem clearer. It helps you find…order. But do you know what else it does? It gives you a one track mind. And when you have a one track mind, blinders keep you from seeing what is going on around you. My focus on Corey Lazarus made me miss a lot of things that could of helped me out. And then when it was all said and done, I had nothing left. The focus was gone and I took a step back.

Black turns towards the camera.

TMB: I went and lost a match that I should of won. A match that could of made me a champion for the first time here in SHOOT. I was too focused and paid the price for it. So maybe the focus is a little overrated. You see in my match with Corazon it was the focus. It was the chaos. And that is something that needs to be brought back to this company. And there is only one way to do that. 

 

He pushes back his head. His unshaven face piercing the view of the camera. 

TMB: Come the Rumble there will be no redemption for anyone…

TMB: Just chaos…MY CHAOS!!!!

Thomas starts to make his way towards the go area as the scene begins to fade.

A golden fuse on the blacktop of the Las Vegas Strip lights up the screen.  It races towards the SHOOT Project Epicenter, which the camera pans up to reveal.  “The Crazy Ones” by Stellar Revival kicks in as the fuse ignites the SHOOT Project Helmet. We are the new-school, no rules Needle in a haystack The first image is Donovan King, standing at the entrance to the arena with the SHOOT Project World Heavyweight Championship on his shoulder, his hood pulled tight over his face.  It cuts to Isaac Entragian with his arm around Liz Gaunt, laughing maniacally. We are the outsiders, all nighters Scream if you’re a badass! It shows Jonas Coleman marching down to the ring as Lunatikk Crippler is shown getting in someone’s face.  The scene cuts to Charles Brandon Magnus and Buck Dresden with their titles held high in the air for a moment before we catch a brief view of El Asso Wipo breaking every back in existence. We are the wheels that keep turning Edmund Augustus Shan puts the Sin City Championship in the air before we see Laura Seton locking up against Tanya Black, which quickly cuts to Chance Ryan glaring at the camera, Cade Sydal behind him with a smirk on his face. We are the heart breakers, risk takers Anything but boring Piper Fury slaps hands with Kevin Stone as we cut to Jester Smiles with his arm draped over Sammy Rochester’s shoulders, whispering into the giant’s ear. ‘Cause we are the crazy ones The mavericks, the dreamers, the forgotten sons Project:SCAR stands united, in a stare down with Lunatikk Crippler, Jaime Alejandro, Jonas Coleman, the Bad Ass Brotherhood, Thomas Manchester Black, Donovan King, and Maya Nakashima. We color outside the lines for fun We are the crazy ones Johnny Napalm is covered in blood, staggering around with a gigantic grin on his face.  Dan Stein lords over the fallen body of his foe. ‘Cause we are the crazy ones The badass, outcast, son of a guns Mason Pierce takes a harsh pile driver through the flaming table from Kenji Yamada.  Thomas Manchester Black trades hits against Corey Lazarus. We march to the beat of a different drum We are the crazy ones We are the crazy ones Henry Gordon stands tall in the ring, severely winded, as it cuts to Crazy Boy glaring at the camera. One of a kind, believe it So stand up and make ’em see it YEAH! The guitar solo brings us to Donovan King hitting the Dealbreaker on Mason Pierce, then Corazon hitting the Act of Inhumanity on Trey Willett, then Jester Smiles connecting with the Virginia Sidekick on Lunatikk Crippler, then Jaime Alejandro wailing away at Obsidian, backing the monster against the ropes.  We see Tanya Black and Chance Ryan double teaming the Bad Ass Brotherhood before we catch the Bad Ass Brotherhood hitting the ELE on Tanya Black. ‘Cause we are the crazy ones The mavericks, the dreamers, the forgotten sons Isaac Entragian lights Jaime Alejandro’s uniform on fire cuts to Laura Seton hitting a flying crossbody to Dan Stein. We color outside the lines for fun We are the crazy ones Mason Pierce forces Cronos Diamante to submit cuts to Adrian Corazon sauntering down to the ring slowly, deliberately. ‘Cause we are the crazy ones The badass, outcast, son of a guns Lunatikk Crippler throws his head back, his silken, ebony locks flowing back in slow motion gets quickly cut to those same ebony locks being thrown from the ring by Jonas Coleman. We march to the beat of a different drum We are the crazy ones The SHOOT Project Helmet reappears on screen, in golden flame against a black background. WE ARE THE CRAZY ONES REVOLUTION.

Backstage, Mason Pierce and Leona have arrived at the Epicenter, even though Mason’s not scheduled to appear on tonight’s edition of the show. He doesn’t have his wrestling gear with him, meaning he’s obviously not here for a wrestling match with anyone. He’s got a black leather glove on his left hand, and he’s smacking his right hand into it repeatedly. Leona seems to be in a particularly foul mood as well, and neither one of them seems keen on being disturbed. However, Abigail Chase is backstage and more than willing to try and get a comment from the duo.

Abigail Chase: Mason, Leona, I was wondering if I could-

Leona: No.

Abigail Chase: Everyone saw what happened at the last edition of Revo-

Leona steps forward and gets into Chase’s face.

Leona: What part of NO is unclear to you? We do have something to say, and we are going to say it, but not here, not now. Listen, Abby, we’ve never had a beef with you. We still don’t. Don’t give us a reason to. You want a comment? Keep an eye on the ring.

Leona rejoins Mason and the two of them start to make their way toward the curtain, bullrushing their way through and onto the stage. “Mislead” echoes through the arena as they head down the aisle, not stopping to acknowledge the fans tonight. Leona stops at the ringside area and grabs a pair of microphones. She tosses one to Mason, who is already in the ring, and follows right behind.

Eryk Masters: Something tells me there’s about to be one hell of a bombshell dropped. Mason and Leona do not look to be in a very pleasurable mood tonight.

Other Guy: Gee, ya think? I’d be awfully wary of Mason Pierce right now. I’ve seen those gloves before that he’s got on that left hand. That’s a freakin’ sap glove. He might not have come to wrestle, but he damn sure looks ready for a fight.

Leona: If you don’t mind, please keep the volume down for a minute or so. Not that we don’t appreciate you all giving us your cheers, but right now this ain’t a very cheery moment. We’ve got some business to attend to. And something tells me there’s going to be some people who aren’t going to be too happy about it. Thank you. Much appreciated.

Eryk Masters: Wait a second… Leona’s being polite? Something’s not right.

Mason Pierce: I’m sure all of you saw what happened at the last Revolution. Once again, yours truly comes out on the wrong side of a decision, and once again, sure enough, it’s the same damn way- someone taking a shot at the ol’ family jewels. They know damn well they can’t best me fair and square, so they resort to the cheap shot. And speaking of… there’s someone I’d like to bring out and have a couple of words with. Maya, I know you’re back there. Come on out, if you don’t mind.

The crowd’s murmur turns to a roar as Maya Nakashima emerges on the ramp, his eyes staring straight ahead to meet the gaze of the one who has just called him out. He makes his way to the ring, pausing to interact with a few of the fans as he ascends the stairs and climbs through the ropes. He looks at Mason, his eyes slowly darting between Mason and Leona. Mason shakes his head.

Mason Pierce: Easy. I’m not here to rip you or rag on you or anything like that. Our intentions are nothing but peaceful. I asked you come down here because the last time we were in this ring together, I know a lot of people were wondering if we’d be able to co-exist together given our history. All I asked was that you watch my back, and I’d watch yours. And you did exactly that. Not gonna deny, we got screwed, plain and simple. They pulled a fast one on us. I just wanted to bring you out and tell you in front of all these people that I appreciate you having my back that night. You could have very easily told me to go to hell, and you would have had that right. But you didn’t. And I’m going to put this right out there, in front of the world- anytime you need someone to watch your six, I want to be one of the first numbers you call.

Mason extends his hand. After a couple of moments, Maya nods his head and accepts the handshake. Mason raises Maya’s arm and points to him. The two of them exchange a couple of words out of microphone range before Maya excuses himself and exits the ring.

Mason Pierce: You see that, SCAR? THIS is what unity is all about. After everything you tried to do, all the crap you pulled, it still wasn’t enough to break us. Not like you didn’t try, though. I’ll give you an A for effort, and an F for results. Well, maybe a C, seeing as how you did manage to walk away with the W. But as for breaking us down like you boys seem to get your jollies off doing, you failed miserably. Because guess what? WE’RE STILL HERE. Now I ain’t gonna speak for Maya, because God only knows he’s got his own demons to deal with. However, I AM gonna speak for me. Mason Pierce. I’ve got a bone to pick with a certain someone who seems to have a hankerin’ for putting yours truly out of SHOOT Project. And I’m guessing you people out here know who I’m talking about. Adrian Corazon.

The sound of this gets the crowd into a frenzy. Pierce raises his hand.

Mason Pierce: Congratulations, Adrian. Ya got me. You and your SCAR family did the job. You did what you set out to do. Well, at least partially. You had someone else do the job you didn’t have the stones to do yourself. And when it seemed like that wasn’t even gonna be enough, you had that little Goth chickie get her hands dirty. You let your walking freakshow buddy Entragian do all the dirty work, then you came in and cleaned up the scraps. And I bet you’re all smiles inside. I bet that just warms the ol’ cockles, don’t it? Enjoy it. I want you to. Because it ain’t gonna last. You see, you made one little mistake. One that’s gonna come back and bite you square in the balls.

You left me breathing. You didn’t finish me off when you had the chance. You picked on the wrong pitbull, pal. And now guess what? I’m gonna make you pay for it. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but there’s a reckoning on the way. Redemption’s coming up. You and me, Corazon. One on one. You keep harping on about how you want to get rid of me? Step your ass up to the plate. I dare you.. to TRY. Johnson, I know damn well you’re back there. Draw up the contract. I’ll have my John Hancock on it before the ink’s dry. And Corazon, if you know what’s good for you, you will too.

The soft tones of a grand piano emerge onto the PA system as the crowd continues to maintain its silence. The piece is recognized now, it is Frederic Chopin’s “Nocturne in b minor,” and with that realization comes a purple glow, seemingly underneath the Revolution set. That glow becomes a focused line, and then expands into a purple spotlight, when finally… the video wall… the only source of luminescence in the arena… shows this image:

And then… as he appears, the crowd showers him with pure hatred. Pure, violent hatred.

The lights in the arena begin to come up, showing his face, and with that look comes a known, recognized look. That smirk, and of course… he’s got a microphone.

Corazon: God, honestly… it’s like you’ve never even actually been in a professional wrestling match before. Mace… these things happen. People get involved, cheap shots get done, and the world goes round and round… now you have the people salivating for you to ‘get your hands on that wily, rascally Corazon’ and you know what?

Corazon smirks.

Corazon: That’s mission accomplished. You sir… you are welcome. You want to talk about true unity and then deride Project: SCAR for showing that VERY SAME UNITY in handling our business. Are you aware how much good I’ve… we’ve… actually done for you? By making you a target, we’ve also made you relevant, and before you go getting all upset or whatever, I’m not going to suggest that you wouldn’t have been able to do so on your own, but… with Project: SCAR’s help, that goal was accomplished with an expedient fervor.

He smirks again, and the crowd boos at the insinuation.

Corazon: You see… before I took interest in you, you were the guy who made a gimmick out of coming to work, and now that you’ve been targeted… you’re the guy who Project: SCAR "wants out." This is good for me, too, because as I go through the motions and do my work it becomes evident to everyone around you… and this isn’t too much like the evil villain revealing his plan, is it… anyway… it becomes evident to everyone around you that you’re NOT just the guy who made a gimmick out of coming to work.

Corazon pauses again, staring straight down the ring at Mason and Leona.

Corazon: But to be honest, if you’re going to make this work for me and for you… you’re going to have to drop the Diamond Del Mason Pierce act because that’s absurdly boring. If you start calling yourself the sheriff… let’s just say I’ll be very very sad, because while I do think you’re somewhat of a stain on the armpit of the SHOOT Project… I thought so much more of you than that. The one thing that interests me about you Mason, versus other people on the roster, is that you’re very clearly a business man. You recognize trends and how the market is changing and so you’re doing your very best to evolve and keep up with how that change is rolling on. So, I’m going to put this to you in terms you can relate to.

Corazon pulls a piece of paper from his coat that’s emblazoned with the corporate SHOOT Project logo.

Corazon: This is the contract that you so desperately crave. It’s for Redemption. It’s signed by Jason Johnson… and it’s signed by Adrian Corazon. The terms and stipulations remain open and subject to change, should you decide you want to dance on a stage a bit more interesting than your standard match fare, but… well… I have a penchant for putting on exceptionally intense matches at Redemption, and I just… I just don’t know if you have the heart for that. I’m… I’m just going to leave this with Jason, unless you’d like to visit the Project: SCAR locker room and sign it yourself.

Corazon doesn’t want for a response.

Corazon: No? Didn’t think so.

He smiles, as Chopin’s Nocturne starts back up and he begins to walk backwards towards the curtain.

Corazon: I’m looking forward to this, Mason. I just really hope you keep striving to be better than you were the last time I saw you. Goodbye!

He drops the microphone behind the emerging crescendo of the piano music, the loud boos of the Las Vegas crowd, turns, and walks behind the curtain. Gone.

In the ring, Mason smiles and nods. He taps his wristwatch and then the duo exit the ring, making their way back up the ramp.

Eryk Masters: Is he nuts? He’s about to get in the ring with Adrian Corazon at Redemption, and the man’s smiling?

Other Guy: Guess he knows something we don’t. Some sort of master plan that’s just been set in motion. We won’t know until Redemption- but man, this is gonna be one for the ages.

"The Sound of Madness" by Shinedown kicks in, and the fans collectively rise to their feet, cheering wildly for the man about to make his entrance. Lunatikk Crippler comes through the curtain to start Revolution off with the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Championship!

Samantha Coil: Ladies and gentlemen, our first contest of the evening is set for one fall! Introducing first, weighing in at 238 pounds, the former Sin City Champion, Lunatikk Crippler!

Crippler is showing a lot of energy coming down the ramp, interacting with the fans and getting them pumped up for the show that’s about to begin.

Other Guy: That right there is the man who will go toe to toe with Donovan King in a few weeks at Redemption!

Eryk Masters: That’s right. They will meet for the richest prize in the industry, the SHOOT Project World title!

Other Guy: And tonight, both men involved in that title contest, they’ve had the liberty to select each other’s opponents, with Lunatikk Crippler kicking us off with a hot opener against the rising Corey Lazarus!

Eryk Masters: And the Champ himself will close out the night, facing off against Crippler’s surprise choice, none other than Kenji Yamada, representing Project: SCAR. I still can’t believe he would choose a member of SCAR to face King here tonight.

Other Guy: I’m sure he’s had his reasons, but it’s time to take it to the ring, The Crippler is ready for war!

We see Crippler entering the ring, turning his full attention to the entrance way, awaiting his oppnenent for this evening.

The lights in the arena die, and the VideoWall shows nothing but a black and white film countdown, the film flickering and a beep heard after every digit.

A trio of drumrolls cue up Slayer’s "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida," and the song skips right to the beginning of the first verse as Corey Lazarus and Gregory Price emerge from the entrance curtain, Price chomping away on a stick of gum in his mouth as Corey sips on a bottle of Fiji water. Laz’s eyes, as usual, stay hidden behind his trademark pair of silver-rimmed Ray Bans, and he hangs his arms at his sides after he runs his fingers over his beard.

~=In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, baby!=~

Samantha Coil: Introducing at this time, accompanied by Gregory Price…

Lazarus steps further onto the stage, turning around slowly to take a quick look at the VideoWall before stopping at the end of the stage, his back to the ramp and the ring before turning around. Price pats his client on the shoulder, and then looks at the VideoWall with him as Corey cracks his neck to either side, stretching out and jogging in place.

~=Don’t you know that I love you?!=~

Samantha Coil: He weighs in tonight at 230 pounds…

~=In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, honey!=~

~=Don’t you know that I’ll ALWAYS be true?!=~

Samantha Coil: And standing at 6-foot-1…

Lazarus continues to jog in place at the end of the stage as the guitars duel into the start of the first chorus, shaking out his limbs, and then throws a few shadow punches and kicks into the air.

~=Oh, won’t you come with me?=~

~=And take my hand?=~

Price points up at the VideoWall, focusing everybody’s attention to more clips of Laz’s glory: dropping Thunderwolf down with the Box Office Bomb to claim the first fall in their classic 2/3 Falls match at PWA Genesis X; nailing Jay Skylar with a knife-edge chop to the face and mocking Ray Valjean for stealing his move and using it on his own partner; random backstage footage from the filming of On the Downside and The Black Circle; dropping Thomas Manchester Black with the Mercury Driver at Revolution 100.

~=Oh, won’t you come with me?!=~

~=And walk this land?!=~

The guitars divebomb, and Laz starts making his way down the ramp, looking out around the arena, spying on every bit of the crowd in front of him.

~=PLEASE, TAKE MY HAND!!=~

The drums beat along as Corey bangs his head with them and the main melody of the song returns, Lazarus taking a sip from his Fiji water as he stops halfway down the ramp.

~=In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, baby!=~

~=Don’t you know that I love you?!=~

Samantha Coil: Hailing from Hollywood, California…

Laz jaws with some fans in the front row before turning back around to watch himself on the [TRON EQUIVALENT], his trademark devilish grin on his face as he walks backwards down the ramp.

Samantha Coil: He is "The Premier Attraction"…

~=In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, honey!=~

~=Don’t you know that I’ll ALWAYS be true?!=~

Corey turns around to face the ring as they reach the bottom of the ramp, the guitars dueling before the chorus, and then pulls himself up onto the apron, placing one foot in the ring between the top and middle ropes, using one hand to hold the top rope for balance and the other to cover his eyes as he scans the crowd again. Price walks over to the ring steps, scaling them with a cocky swagger as he walks onto the apron next to Laz.

Samantha Coil: …CORRRRREEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYY LAAAAAAAAAZZZZZZZZZAAAAAAAARRRRRRUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!

~=Oh, won’t you come with me?!=~

~=And take my hand?!=~

Lazarus steps into the ring and then walks to the middle of the ring, his hands on his hips and his trademark devilish grin on his face. Price steps in afterwards, pointing the entire time to his client, applauding him. The music keeps pounding away as Corey drops to a knee, his head bowed and a single fist placed on the mat, his other hand resting on his knee.

~=Oh, won’t you come with me?!=~

~=And walk this land?!=~

The guitars divebomb again as Lazarus bobs his head to the beat of the drums, breathing heavier and heavier as he does so.

~=PLEASE, TAKE MY HAND!!=~

Corey leaps to his feet as the main riff returns at the end of the chorus, his arms spread out to his side after he rips his Ray Bans off, turning his body around to all sides of the arena as flashbulbs go off everywhere. "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" fades into silence as Corey backs up to his corner, removing his Ray Bans and handing them off to Price. He adjusts the tape on his hands and then stretches his legs out, using the middle ropes, before shadow-boxing. Gregory steps out onto the apron and walks down the steps, taking his place at ringside in Laz’s corner.

Eryk Masters: Corey Lazarus, ladies and gentlemen. He could very well be one half of the next SHOOT Project Tag Team Champions.

Other Guy: He’s coming off a huge win at Revolution 100, and he’s looking to keep the momentum going tonight!

Eryk Masters: His poor attitude aside, Lazarus is a tremendous wrestler. But what will be his strategy against a man such as Lunatikk Crippler, who is widely known as one of the, if not THE best technical wrestler on the SHOOT Project roster?

Other Guy: Kick him in the face repeatedly until he falls unconscious?

Eryk Masters: That……might not work so well! This match is underway!

The bell rings, and we see Crippler has charged Lazarus! He’s raining down blow after blow, right hand after right hand, all targeting the face and movie star looks of the Hollywood Kid! Lazarus is trying to protect himself, and at one point, tried to throw a forearm, but he’s caught off guard by the sudden burst of agression from Lunatikk Crippler!

Eryk Masters: Crippler now, grabbing Lazarus by the back of the head, pushing him face first into a very nasty European uppercut!

Other Guy: The Crippler wants the advantage early, and I don’t think he’s looking to let it go.

Lazarus stumbles backward into the corner, but Crippler keeps on him. He drives his shoulder into Laz’s guts, and then uses the momentum of force to lift Laz into a seated position on the top turnbuckles! Laz fires a quick elbow that is able to find his mark, and Crippler backs up. Laz stands on the middle turnbuckle and leaps at Crippler, who is able to leap from a standing position, and drive his feet into the chest of Corey Lazarus.

Eryk Masters: A standing dropkick from Crippler! Laz is backing up now, clutching the point of impact on his chest!

Lazarus pushes with his feet, propelling him back into the corner, in a seated position. Crippler rubs his temple where he found the point of Laz’s elbow making impact with his head. Corey brings himself up, and now he and Crippler stare at each other from across the ring. They begin to to circle, Lazarus wary of another rush like the one that started this contest.

Other Guy: Lazarus careful to keep an eye on Crippler. He doesn’t want to end up on the receiving end of too many of those types of attacks.

They continue to circle one another. Crippler tries to move in, but Lazarus throws a quick jab. Crippler backs up to avoid it, and the circling continues. Crippler moves in again, and Lazarus throws a leg kick that connects with the inside of Crippler’s right leg. Crippler shakes the leg out, and it gives Corey the opportunity to move in with an axehandle to the shoulder of Lunatikk Crippler. Crippler tries to strike back, but Laz backs off, putting more distance in between the two.

Eryk Masters: Stick and move, a good strategy, but how long will Lazarus be able to keep it up?

Crippler charges, but Laz sidesteps, and is able to take Crippler down with a drop toe hold. Laz quickly rotates his body, and paintbrushes the back of Crippler’s head a couple times, before getting to his feet, a grin on his face.

Other Guy: Lazarus is being slow and deliberate with his strikes, trying to keep Crippler from getting his hands on him.

Eryk Masters: He’s not doing a whole lot of damage yet. All he’s succeeding in doing is making Lunatikk Crippler angry!

Crippler slaps the mat in frustration, and now he gets back to his feet. He’s blindsided by Lazarus, throwing a quick forearm to he side of the face that rocks Crippler. Crippler falls to a knee, and now Lazarus hooks him for a snap suplex that is executed with precision! Crippler clutches at his back, and Lazarus gets back to his feet, knowing that the advantage is his.

Crippler gets to his feet, just in time to catch a dropkick from his opponent. Crippler staggers, and falls throught he middle rope, but hangs on so not to fall to the floor. Lazarus has his bearings and bounces off the ropes on the opposite side of the ring, and leaps OVER the top rope, grabbing Crippler’s head and bouncing it off the apron!

Eryk Masters: Almost a literal face buster from Lazarus! That impact was SICK!

Crippler is sprawled on the ground to the outside, and Laz is to his feet, raising his arms to the crowd. They respond as expected, showering the Premier Attraction with a cascade of boos and jeers. Lazarus picks Crippler up and rolls him underneath the bottom rope back into the ring. Laz follows, and hooks the leg and head in a pinning combination!

One!

Two!

Crippler gets out of it in time. Lazarus brings himself and Crippler to his feet. Crippler tries to swing wildly, but Lazarus sidesteps the blow, and brings himself behind Crippler, locking his hands around his waist. Lazarus lifts Crippler and nails a beautiful release German Suplex! Crippler crashes down on his shoulders and neck, and the momentum causes him to roll onto his face. Laz gets to his feet, and nudges Crippler with his foot, checking for movement. He decides to try and end it again, rolling Crippler to his back and hooking both legs.

One!

Two!

Crippler is able to get his shoulder up before the three!

Eryk Masters: Lazarus still has control, but Crippler is showing the tenacity that has gotten him this far in SHOOT!

Other Guy: Is it just me, or is Corey Lazarus out wrestling Lunatikk Crippler right now?

Lazarus nudges Crippler with his foot again, and says something inaudible to Crippler with a grin on his face.

Eryk Masters: And here comes the trash talk. Laz should be keeping on Crippler right now. He can’t afford for Crippler to make a comeback, no matter how early it is in this match.

Lazarus drops an elbow right in the heart of Crippler, and Crip rolls over in pain, clutching his chest. Lazarus grabs a good handful of hair and yanks Crippler’s head back. He then starts clawing at Crippler’s face, hooking his mouth. It’s ugly, and it’s painful, so that means it’s effective. And illegal. Austin Linam is warning Lazarus to release this hold, but we hear Laz yelling "I can’t hear you! LALALALA!"

Other Guy: By any means necessary, I guess, but I wouldn’t put my hands in someone else’s mouth. You don’t know the kind of germs that can be in anybody’s saliva!

Linam again warns Lazarus to release Crippler, but Corey’s not listening. Linam begins his count.

One!

Two!

Lazarus starts to count along as well!

Linam and Lazarus: Three! Four!

Laz lets go, causing Crippler’s face to hit the canvas once again. Linam is telling Laz off, and Lazarus just waves it away. He drops a quick knee, landing it between Crippler’s shoulder blades, before slapping on a side headlock. Crippler’s arm shoots out as Lazarus begins to put more pressure on the head of Lunatikk Crippler. Corey is laughing openly in the ring, and his lips are moving, undoubtedly more trash talk from the Hollywood Kid.

Crippler somehow is able to get to his knee, and then both knees. His arm is in the air, fist clenched, and he’s shaking it as the fans in the SHOOT Epicenter are clapping and stomping their feet in unison to cheer him on. Corey’s smile is lost now, as he’s trying to focus his strength in keeping Crippler grounded, but it’s to no avail, as Crippler is now to his feet! Lazarus still has the hold locked in, but Crippler lifts Lazarus up in position for a back suplex! Laz, however, thinks twice, and releases the headlock in order to flip behind Crippler, and Laz lands on his feet! Crippler, however, also thought this through, and reaches back and grabs Lazarus’ neck, bringing him over Crippler’s own shoulder with a snap mare! The crowd is alive as Crippler is trying to mount some offense, but Lazarus is quick to his feet. He turns to face Crippler, and charges, but Crippler grabs Corey around the waist and uses Laz’s own momentum against him, turning the charge into a lightning quick belly to belly suplex! The crowd pops loud! Lazarus is able to use the momentum to get to his feet, but it’s obvious that move hurt him. He turns around and tries to throw a lariat at an incoming Crippler, but Crippler ducks and lifts Laz back into a back suplex position, but before dropping him, he turns and digs his elbow into Corey’s chest, driving it down into him with the suplex for double impact!

Eryk Masters: This is the opening Crippler needed! Lazarus got a little too cocky, and now Crippler is taking over!

Crippler pulls Lazarus away from the ropes, and covers him.

One!

Two!

Lazarus rolls his shoulder up! Crippler grabs Laz by the head to bring him to his feet. Laz throws a quick jab to try and create distance between him and the Crippler, but it doesn’t work. Instead, Crippler whips Lazarus into the ropes, and catches him coming back with a high impact spinebuster! Crippler gets the leg hooked this time as he covers for the pin!

One!

Two!

Lazarus kick out yet again! Crippler is building momentum, and he looks to continue. He picks Laz up again, but Lazarus is able to bury a knee lift into the guts of Crippler. Crippler doubles over and moves towards the ropes. Laz runs in the opposite direction, and he rebounds off the ropes. Crippler comes alive and meets Lazarus in the center of the ring.

Eryk Masters: Blood Drive! That spear found its mark right in the ribs of Corey Lazarus!

Crippler hooks the leg again, as Corey tries to roll out of it, but with no luck!

One!

Two!

Corey BARELY gets his shoulder up this time! That spear seemed to have knocked the wind out of him! Crippler hooks Lazarus’ leg backwars, and also folds his arm back under his arm, in a bow and arrow position! He’s got the submission locked in on Lazarus, and the look on Corey’s face says it all: OUCH. Before Lazarus could even think about submitting, Crippler transitions to a high angle armbar, pulling back on the shoulder joints of Lazarus while simultaneously grinding Corey’s face into the mat!

Other Guy: And that’s the technical skill of Lunatikk Crippler, able to float into submission after submission seamlessly!

Before Other Guy can finish his sentence, Crippler has floated to the legs of Lazarus, and has him hooked in a Texas Cloverleaf! Crippler pulls back on the legs until all that is left on the mat of Lazarus is his neck and head. Corey Lazarus is literally heels over head right now, and Crippler is still pulling back on the legs of Lazarus! Corey is gritting his teeth in extreme pain right now, but he’s absolutely refusing to surrender!

Eryk Masters: It seems Crippler has made up his mind on this submission, the elevated Cloverleaf is very effective! Laz needs to find a way to escape before it’s too late!

Laz is doing just that. He sees the rope is nearby, but it’s just out of his reach! He’s trying desperately to crawl and claw his way to that bottom rope, but Crippler keeps the hold locked in, and does his best to keep Lazarus still in the ring. However, it wasn’t enough, as Laz is able to bring himself to the bottom rope, and now the hold has to be broken! Linam warns Crippler to release it, and Crippler isn’t listening!

One!

Two!

Three!

Fo-Crippler releases the hold, finally, giving Lazarus some relief.

Eryk Masters: Crippler needs to capitalize now that he has Lazarus literally on the ropes.

Other Guy: I guess we’re going to gloss over the fact that Crippler wouldn’t release the hold. I guess it’s only cheating if you don’t like the guy.

Crippler moves in on Lazarus, but Corey drives his foot into the kneecap of Crippler, causing him to fall to the mat on that very knee, doubling the discomfort. Laz is still trying to catch his breath, but has enough in him to loose a face chop, right to the cheek of Lunatikk Crippler. The force of it sends Crippler backwards, and gives Lazarus time to recover.

Other Guy: Lazarus creates an opening, now lets see how he can take advantage!

Laz gets up, and dropkicks Crippler right in the elbow! Crippler goes backward, clutching his arm, but Laz keeps on him. He gets up and begins stomping the arm relentlessly, Crippler gasping and crying out in pain. Laz holds the arm still, and drops a knee right into the elbow joint.

Eryk Masters: Lazarus delivering a vicious assault to the arm of Crippler. He’s gotta know that if Crippler can’t use his arm to lock in his deadly Crossface, that’s an advantage for Lazarus.

Laz hooks in an arm triangle now, putting pressure on both the shoulder and the neck of Lunatikk Crippler. Lazarus squeezes hard, and we can see the pain etched on Crippler’s face, as it begins to turn a shade of red.

Other Guy: Lazarus going for the submission again. And this is a good one! Crippler’s air is cutoff, not to mention the pressure this puts on his arm. It could be lights out!

Lazarus tries to squeeze harder on the neck and arm of Crippler, and Crippler is turning darker. He is somehow able to roll to his side, on top of Lazarus! Laz isn’t releasing the hold, and Crippler is starting to look more worse for wear, but he’s leveraging himself on top of Lazarus, and is pushing towards Laz’s head. This puts even more pressure on Crippler’s own neck, but it pushes Lazarus’ shoulders down to the mat! Linam sees this and gets in position for the count!

One!

Two!

Lazarus gets out of it!

Other Guy: Lazarus escapes the pin, but is forced to release his submission hold to do it!

Eryk Masters: It wouldn’t surprise me if that were Crippler’s plan all along to escape. He knows a lot about submission wrestling, and he may have forced Corey Lazarus to break the hold for him!

Laz gets to his feet while Crippler is still just to his knees, trying to shake some feeling into his arm. Laz moves in closer and Crippler tries to trap the arm of Lazarus.

Eryk Masters: Bitchified! Crippler trying to lock on his Crossface and Bitchify Corey Lazarus!

Lazarus pounds on the arm of Lunatikk Crippler, and fights away, however. Crippler grabs his arm and moves into the corner. Laz gets back to his feet, but in the opposite corner. He then runs full force towards Crippler.

Other Guy: Reel to Reel!

Eryk Masters: No! Crippler ducks out of the way! Lazarus’ knee strikes the top turnbuckle!

Laz clutches at his knee, and Crippler gets up. He brings Laz to his feet, but Lazarus quickly grabs the hair, and uses it to execute a jawbreaker on Lunatikk Crippler! Crippler falls into the corner, and Laz takes full advantage. He powers Crippler to the top buckle, Crippler dazed a bit and looking out into the crowd. Laz follows him up, hooking Crippler around the waist. He lifts Crippler off the turnbuckle, but rotates Crippler mid air, executing the Blue Thunder powerbomb, but with Crippler’s head bouncing off the turnbuckles!

Other Guy: That’s it! That’s the Digital Transfer! This match is OVER!

Lazarus pulls Crippler out of the corner while Crippler still clutches at his head and neck. Laz hooks both legs, nearly folding Crippler in half with the pin!

One!

Two!

Three!! No!! Crippler BARELY gets a shoulder up, and Laz is incensed! He’s arguing the three count to Austin Linam, but Linam insists that Crippler got his shoulder up before the three!

Other Guy: Dear lord, what is it going to take to put Lunatikk Crippler away?

Lazarus is not happy, but he signals to the crowd that things are about to end. He picks Crippler up by his long hair, and drives a vicious knee into the gut. Crippler’s wind seems to leave him, but Lazarus buries another knee in the midsection of Lunatikk Crippler. He then ducks under Crippler’s arm, and picks him up on his shoulders.

Other Guy: This is it. The Mercury Driver! This is the move that helped Lazarus finish of TMB!

Lazarus goes to swing Crippler in front of him, but Crippler slips off the shoulders of Lazarus, and whips him around, trapping Corey’s arm and neck, driving him face first into the canvas to an enormous pop!

Eryk Masters: Lunatikk Sweet!! He nailed it!

Crippler rolls Lazarus over, and collapses across Corey’s chest. Laz’s shoulders are flat on the canvas, and that’s good enough for Linam!

One!!

Two!!

THREE!!!

The bell rings, and this one is over! "The Sound of Madness" begins to play again, and Crippler rolls off of Laz.

Samantha Coil: Here is your winner, the number one contender, Luuuuuuunatiiiiiikkkk Crrrrrrriiiiiiippleeeeerrrrrrr!

Eryk Masters: I can’t believe it! Lazarus tried for the end game, but Crippler was able to escape before that Mercury Driver could be applied! What a huge win for the number one contender!

Other Guy: Don’t count Lazarus out of this one! He had a tremendous night here tonight, even if Crippler was the one to pick up the win! This is going to count for something in the career of Corey Lazarus, for sure!

We look inside the Sinister Syndicate locker room. Sitting in a chair and lacing up his boots, Chance Ryan looks upset and impatient as Tanya checks something on her smart phone. Standing up she stretches before walking over to Chance. Leaning down their foreheads touch as she stares into his eyes.

Tanya: I know you don’t want to have this match. It seems like a silly singles match. But it’s all about our goal. Thomas has been coddled and talked up for too long. Every time he is given an opportunity “for old time’s sake” he wastes it. He Is A Waste. The Sinister Syndicate does not need people like him in our SHOOT Project.

Chance: I know. I’ll beat him Tanya.

Tanya: Don’t beat him. HURT HIM. Make him suffer so everyone is put on notice. I’ve got it confirmed. We have a tag match next week.

Chance: Who?

Tanya: Two punks who want to drift back into SHOOT after washing out. A team who wants to steal our glory, our titles, our spot.

Chance: Then they will fall. It’s our titles.

Tanya: Yes Chance. We will make everyone believe.

Placing her hands on Chance Ryan’s shoulders Tanya crawls into his lap stunning Chance for a moment. Looking at the larger man Tanya smiles as her hair falls down around her face.

Tanya: Redemption is our PPV. Jason Johnson wants Corey Lazarus to find a tag team partner so they can take our gold. I say we give him a title shot, partner or not. He is not at our level, he is not useful as a pawn. We Bury The L-A-Z then the Rumble.

Chance: We’ll work together Tanya. I won’t let anyone touch you.

Tanya: That’s what I want to hear. We will be the final two. One of us will get that title opportunity. Tag Team Champions, not even the rest of SHOOT together can stop us. Our Glory is lining up perfectly. Let’s do it Chance. You know I can’t do it without you. Only You Chance.

Chance blushes for a moment before Tanya slides off him and places Chance’s title belt across his lap. Grabbing her own belt Tanya smirks as Chance jumps up and heads out the door, motivated and ready to fight.

Chance: TMB Dies Tonight!

With that the two head out the hall and towards the ring, as the camera focuses in on Tanya’s smart phone. The screen showing a wrestling news site and the top story “Brooks and Bryce Seen In Sin City.”

In the back, we see the possibly not-so-familiar face of SHOOT interviewer Dutch Harris.  To his right stands, in her ring gear and hair down, Laura Seton.  Upon seeing the two-time former Sin City Champion, like last show, there is a smattering of cheers and boos.  While she doesn’t look too angry, it’s apparent Laura isn’t extremely happy with being pulled aside for these words before her match.

Dutch Harris: Laura, thanks for the time.  Now, first off what everyone wants to know is—why did you call the fans ‘stupid’ last week?

Laura: I don’t know what you’re talking about.  I don’t know what you’re talking about…

The quick, curt words take Dutch by surprise.

Dutch Harris: What you said at 101—

Laura: I never said they were “stupid.”

Dutch Harris: Well, what you said; why did you say it?

Laura: I said what I did because I meant it.  It’s a sad state of affairs this place has become the past couple months.

Dutch Harris: I don’t understand.  We have a strong champion in Donovan King, a strong all-around roster, we have terrific new talent like Minxy Jones and we finally have someone strong enough inside to try taking it to SCAR.

Laura: I’m all for freedom of thought, Dutch but with that being said… everyone is basing their thoughts on cherry-picking.  You don’t want to see Jaime as the bad guy.  You’re all blind to the idiotic cheering of senseless violence.  People’s opinions here are stupid and uninformed.  You all think you’ve come to understand Jaime.  You don’t.  You don’t know the first thing about him.

Dutch Harris: What should we know about him, then?

Laura: He is the most wicked evil in SHOOT, I cannot stress that enough.  SCAR are angels in comparison—

A round of fans’ booing can be heard in the background.  Laura has a frustrated grin hearing them as she turns to the camera.

Laura: This is what I’m talking about.  Fans are supposed to help create superstars?  Well, you created something horrific.  Jaime is an evil of your own creation.  YOU CREATED HIM!  He won’t stop at SCAR.  He’ll take their defeat and fans’ approval and feed off it.  He’ll look for that next target and the next, continuing a unique rage unforeseen to man.  SHOOT… WILL… DIE!  How you donkeys don’t understand is way beyond me.

As the fans boo louder she glares towards Dutch.

Dutch Harris: Laura, you can’t be further off.

Laura: Are we watching the same product here, Dutch?  Maybe not since I didn’t even know you still worked here until you approached me for this.  Every Revolution things devolve worse and worse; both Jaime and the fans.  Every week there’s an all new circumstance and every week the fans eat it up with a spoon.  It’s the worst thing to hear their cheers for some of the most blood-filled moments.

Dutch Harris: So… are you against them?

Laura: This isn’t about being “for” or “against.”  People who see my side I’m in favor of.  They get it.  They want Jaime put to a stop before this whole place goes to a place worse than heck.  Everyone else is on a much lower level.

Dutch Harris: Your overall stance then…

Laura is visibly agitated, both from the boos and Dutch’s questioning, and it shows in her voice.

Laura: I’m just saying the fans have hit a NEW LOW… I don’t KNOW—

Dutch Harris: Laura, “yes” or “no.”

Laura again turns to the camera.

Laura: Did you all like what Isaac and Jaime did last week?  Did you enjoy seeing a lead pipe SMACK AGAINST A MAN’S JAW!?

The fans begin cheering at the action taken against Isaac.

Laura: Did you enjoy watching a man’s head get SMASHED THROUGH A TV!?

The fans cheer even louder at the next big shot the albino suffered as Laura now screams near the top of her lungs.

Laura: DID YOU LIKE SEEING A TV BE BROKEN IN HALF AGAINST AN OLD MAN!!??  WAS THAT ENTERTAINING ENOUGH FOR YOU!!??

The crowd again cheers, even if it was something against their favorite Jaime.  Laura gets a distraught expression and shakes her head as she looks to Dutch.  She waits for the crowd to stop before speaking.

Laura: You sickos that are cheering are the filth of the Earth and it DISGUSTS me I have to wrestle in front of you.

The crowd erupts in another massive round of booing as Laura simply sighs and walks away.

We cut to ringside as the large neon red and gold "Zeitgeist" sign is slowly being lowered down from the ceiling. The fans at the Epicenter immediately start booing as SHOOT stagehands begin to set up Azrael Goeren’s interview set.

Other Guy: Well that’s not very nice. I can’t believe our fans are booing SHOOT employees like this! Sure that one guy totally screwed up placing that Persian rug, but that’s no reason to boo him.

Eryk Masters: I worry about you sometimes. I truly do.

Other Guy: Well they can’t possibly be booing our Megastar. He’s brought joy to the lives of millions of common people. You know that twinkle in the eye of children? That’s because of Azrael Goeren.

Eryk Masters: Either that or he’s drugged them. Mescaline is a hell of a drug.

Other Guy:  You would know. Sinner.

The last SHOOT official places two microphones on each of the hideously uncomfortable set chairs and leaves the ring. Immediately, "Sieben" by Subway to Sally starts to play over the Epicenter’s loudspeakers. Coming out from behind the curtain is Azrael Goeren, but unlike his standard clothing choice of obnoxious glittering suits, he’s dressed very mundanely in a dark navy three button ensemble. Goeren looks focused on the ring and makes a quick walk down the ramp, not even bothering to pander to the crowd.

Eryk Masters: Azrael doesn’t seem to be his normal self tonight, where’s all the glitter coming down from the ceiling? The big pyro explosions? The pictures of himself plastered all over his interview set? Not that I’m complaining, mind you.

Other Guy: Isn’t in obvious? He’s trying to "behave" himself in order to be reinstated later tonight. You remember what Jason Johnson told him last week.

Eryk Masters: You know what, OG? I’m totally in favor of Azrael being reinstated now.

Other Guy: I knew you’d see the light.

Eryk Masters: Mainly because that means he’d be forced to stop doing these ridiculous shows every Revolution. That alone will add years to my life.

Other Guy: You sir, are worse than Satan.

The fans’ booing continues to rain down on the ring as Azrael looks completely unfazed by it all. He nods his head ever-so-slightly before grabbing a microphone off one of his chairs.

Goeren: I know mein freunds, I know. You all deserve so much more from yours truly. You deserve pageantry. You deserve spectacles that’ll make your nether regions quiver with excitement. You deserve the best of the best that only Azrael Goeren can deliver!

More boos.

Goeren: Unfortunately for you, I’ve been somewhat neutered this week by Jason Johnson. Not that I blame him though. He’s a man who I’ve always loved and respected and is in no way a founding member of NAMBLA as I once erroneously claimed in my weekly newsletter. I’m sure Herr Johnson will do the right thing and reinstate me before the night is over. I’m sure he will. I know he will.

Azrael begins frantically pacing around the ring, running a nervous hand through his slicked back blond hair. He quickly smiles out at the audience and exhales loudly into the microphone.

Goeren: Let’s not worry about that though. Let’s focus on tonight. I promise there shall be no shenanigans on my show, unlike the last two episodes. Nobody will be sneak attacking anyone, no SHOOT equipment will be destroyed, we’ll simply be having ourselves a friendly discussion between peers without the need for physical violence. So ladies and gentlemen, without further ado let me introduce this week’s guest on Zeitgeist…

Other Guy: Who’s it gonna be? Is it me? I hope it’s me.

Goeren: He’s known as The Whole Fucked Up Show…

The crowd instantly pops to their feet and lets out a HUGE cheer.

Goeren: …and he’s currently the number one contender to the SHOOT Project World Heavyweight Championship. Please welcome…Lunatikk Cripppppppllleeerrrr!

"The Sound of Madness" by Shinedown kicks in, and the fans pop once again. Lunatikk Crippler wastes little time making his appearance, and he actually has a bit of a grin on his face. He makes his way down the ramp a little gingerly, feeling the effects of his earlier contest with Corey Lazarus. He slaps a few hands while Goeren looks on, nearly bored to tears. Crippler locks eyes with the Megastar and walks up the ring stairs, and into the ring.

Before Lunatikk can grab a microphone off one of the chairs, Azrael holds up a hand to interrupt him.

Goeren: Mein freund, before we begin…there is something I feel like I need to ask of you.

Crippler: Oh, this is going to be good. What, pray tell, do you have to ask me, and please, choose your words carefully. I wouldn’t want things to get….physical in here.

Azrael looks like he’s trying extremely hard to keep himself under control as he adjusts his tie and continues.

Goeren: I feel like you owe me an apology for eliminating me from the Redemption Rumble last year.

The fans groan in unison, and Crippler, has a look of mock incredulousness upon his face. It changes quickly to a grin once again. He switches the mic to his right hand, and throws his left arm around the neck of Goeren.

Crippler: Look, Azzy….May I call you Azzy?

Goeren: Absolutely not.

Crippler: Azzy, the thing is this. The Redemption Rumble is every man for himself. If it wasn’t me, it would have been Jonas Coleman.

The fans pop at the mention of Jonas’ name.

Crippler: Or maybe your good friend, and mine, Mr. Donovan King.

The fans pop LOUD at the mention of the World Heavyweight Champion. Crippler pulls Goeren in close.

Crippler: So no, I can’t apologize. It would sound cheap, even if I meant it. But I understand you have some questions for me. You are looking to have a conversation, right? Let’s chat, Azzy.

Azrael delicately reaches back and removes Crippler’s arm from around his neck. He gives Crippler a condescending pat on the shoulder before he lets out a chuckle.

Goeren: A chat. Yes. Let’s have a chat then. Funny that you should mention that pig Donovan King…the man you’re going to be facing for the World Heavyweight Championship at Redemption. Later tonight, King has to fight that lunatic Kenji Yamada…a man you hand-picked for him tonight…tell us your thoughts on that match considering what King did to you at Revolution 101.

Crippler: You know, the fact is, what happened at 101 has been weighing on my mind for the past two weeks. When this opportunity came up, to choose King’s opponent for tonight? You’re damn right I jumped at it. That Dealbreaker was fresh in my mind, and you, of all people, know how that feels. Am I right?

Goeren: I ask the questions here.

Crippler: Regardless, it wasn’t no love tap. I was hurt, physically, and pissed off. So yeah, I chose Kenji Yamada. The Sociopath Pioneer of Project: SCAR. Would I have made the same choice today that I made two weeks ago, a Dealbreaker and what I saw as an act of disrespect fresh in my mind? Maybe. But more than likely, not.

Goeren: Well that’s all fine and dandy…but be honest here. Wouldn’t it be in your best interests if Project: SCAR leaves King a battered, bloodied mess? If I were in your shoes I would be positively joygasmic over the idea that King would be a shell of himself at Redemption. Easy pickings, hmm?

Crippler: You would enjoy a situation like that, wouldn’t you, you sick fuck?

The fans pop, and Goeren doesn’t look all too pleased with how the conversation is now going.

Crippler: That’s my biggest regret about choosing Kenji Yamada to face Donovan King here tonight. I don’t WANT a shell of a man holding the World Heavyweight Championship at Redemption when I step into the ring with him. I want a Donovan King who is at the top of his game. A man who will give a hundred percent, and then some, to try and stop me from becoming the SHOOT Project’s standard bearer. I’m not out here for cheap wins and paper titles, I’m out here to earn respect, which, I’m sure, is something you know very little about.

Azrael leans back in his chair a bit, shaking his head in disbelief.

Goeren: And here I thought you and I had finally found some common ground over our mutual dislike of King. It’s funny, you talked quite a bit at Revolution 101 about respect…who in SHOOT does Lunatikk Crippler respect? Who has earned your lofty admiration?

Crippler: I respect people who step into the ring with me and leave everything right in the center of it. People who don’t quit, people who don’t resort to cheap tricks and mind games. To name one? How about your buddy Isaac’s good friend, Jaime Alejandro?

The crowd pops for Alejandro. Goeren listens and a smile creeps back onto his face.

Goeren: You should be commended for the type of people you honor. Either that or institutionalized. Now…let’s move onto the officially licensed Zeitgeist! questionnaire. Two simple questions that I ask all of my guests, so I’ll make sure to read them nice and slow to you.

Crippler: Good. If I wanted to hear someone ask me questions rapid fire with a thick accent, I’d call customer service.

Azrael, looking somewhat annoyed at Crippler’s retort, continues with his questions.

Goeren: EIN, if you could fight one person currently on the SHOOT roster that you have never faced before, who would it be?

Crippler: That’s easy: the man I am going toe to toe with at Redemption, Donovan King. If you don’t want to be in the ring with the very best in the business, namely the World Heavyweight Champion, you’re in the wrong business.

Goeren: ZWEI, the same question but just broaden it to include anyone who has ever competed in a wrestling ring at ANY time.

Crippler: That’s easy, too. It would be someone of a European descent.

Goeren nods.

Crippler: Someone who has an overinflated ego. This guy would be talented, sure, but seriously, they put up a much bigger facade than what they are actually worth.

Goeren nods more, mouthing the words, "True, True."

Crippler: Someone who thinks they are bigger than any star in this industry.

Goeren: I hate that guy!

Crippler stands up, and walks over to Azrael, and places his hand on his shoulder.

Crippler: Like, a Megastar, perhaps?

Goeren nods in agreement, before realizing Crippler’s meaning. He breaks out a quick grin, and slyly brushes Crippler’s hand off his shoulder before meeting Crippler eye to eye.

Goeren: Now then Herr Crippler, no need for thinly veiled threats. This is a friendly conversation after all! I’ve only got one more question for you. It’s a hypothetical question, would you like me to explain what that means to you before we begin?

Crippler: Go ahead, but if you talk down to me again, I won’t be hypothetically making you tap.

The two pause as the crowd cheers loud for that.

Goeren: Let’s just say, for arguments sake that you do beat Donovan King at Redemption. Let’s say you become the new World Heavyweight champion of the SHOOT Project and all of your goofy man-tarded fans clap for joy at seeing you finally win the big one.

Crippler: Get to the point, Siegfried.

Goeren: The point, Herr Crippler, is how are you going to deal with the disappointment of dropping that World Title to me after I win the Redemption Rumble?

Heavy booing from the packed Epicenter.

Goeren: How are you going to deal with the horrible reality that you will always be second best in this promotion? How are you going to deal with knowing you are destined to let everyone who ever rooted for you down?

Crippler: That’s a great question, really. I mean, after all, you won’t have me to throw you out of the ring this time, so hell, you probably have a good shot. So I guess, my answer would be…

Crippler spikes his microphone atop Goeren’s head, much to the delight of the crowd. He then snares Azrael’s arm and yanks him down to the mat, locking in his signature submission hold.

Eryk Masters: BITCHIFIED! Azzy Goeren’s being Bitchified in the center of the ring! I can’t take this! My heart!

Other Guy: You can’t do that to The Megastar! Not on his show, dammit!

Crippler yanks back on Goeren’s neck, and The Sensation Not From This Nation is tapping like Vin Diesel: Fast and Furious.

Other Guy: This is an unprovoked attack! Jason Johnson cannot stand for this!

Eryk Masters: Please, Azrael totally provoked him. Goeren’s lucky if Crippler doesn’t break his arm here!

Crippler releases Goeren and stands above him as the German Megastar clutches at his shoulder. "Sound of Madness" kicks back in, and the fans continue to cheer for Lunatikk Crippler. Goeren rolls around in pain on his set floor as Crippler exits the ring and backs up the ramp. Crippler gives Azrael a big smile from the stage and waves goodbye to him before heading backstage. Azrael stumbles to his feet and angrily kicks over his interview set pieces, his face a deep shade of red and German obscenities flowing freely from his mouth.

Eryk Masters: If these shows end with Goeren getting his ass kicked every week, I’m totally in favor of them continuing.

Other Guy: Lunatikk Crippler should be ashamed of himself! I’ve got half a mind to walk out right now in protest for this unwarranted attack on our Megastar!

Eryk Masters: You won’t get paid then.

Other Guy: Aaaaaaaaand I’m back.

Azrael gingerly steps through the ropes after destroying his own set and hears it from the fans at ringside. He slowly makes his way up the ramp, taking time to scream at the jeering fans closest to him before we slowly fade out.

In the backstage area, Dan Stein stands with his back turn to the camera perched just inside the doorway. Stein mumbles something to himself, loud enough to be audible yet soft enough to be unclear. He tilts his head back, wiggling it back and forth tightly while moving his hands over his chest as though he’s beating it.

Minxy Jones: What the hell kind of dancing is that?"

The woman leaning against the doorframe asks. Startled, Stein turns around, RIPPING the white iPhone earphones from his phone revealing to BOOMING song of Toybox’s mid-90s EuroDancePopWhatever hit, “Tarzan and Jane”. Stein rips the earbuds from his ear as he looks down to try and turn off the music, obviously an embarrassed smile on his face.

Dan Stein: Oh, sorry. You scared me. I thought you were someone important…like a man.

Minxy Jones: I’ll ignore that little taste of sexism for now. I’m here for the apology.

Minxy crosses her arms over the purple and teal heart on her chest, staring him down, which is difficult for someone half a foot shorter than their intended victim to do. Stein’s music, sufficiently turned off and stowed on the table in his room.

Dan Stein: Oh, I guess I didn’t finish that. Like a man who is going to try to rip my throat out tonight while you sit back here reading bondage magazines!

Stein huffs.

Dan Stein: But that’s fine. I’m here for an apology, too, so… let’s hear it.

Minxy’s jaw drops, and it takes her a few confused seconds to retort. 

Minxy Jones: Are you kidding me? You threw a chair at me! What in the hell do have to apologize for? Good luck in your match and all, but if you get your ass handed to you, well, I can’t exactly find myself being too sad.

Stein looks back at her just as stunned.

Dan Stein: OH MY GOD, you’re still on about that chair mishap? That happened, like, two weeks ago. For the love of Pete. That’s old news, water under the bridge, really. What should really be apologized for are those ugly leather boots… not lying next to your clothes… at the foot of my bed.

Minxy marches up to him, ugly leather boots thumping on the ground with the weight of her furious steps. 

Minxy Jones: You. Are. An. Asshole. And you know what? If you want the slightest fucking chance at me forgiving you, you’re GOING to wrestle me at Redemption, and you’re NOT going to cheat, and you’re going to see just how much of a mistake you made when you ran in and "saved" me. 

Minxy places her hands on her hips, staring up at him with narrow purple eyes. 

Minxy Jones: And when you do find out how much of a beating I can give you, you apologize like a man, and I bring you dinner to your hospital room.

Stein can’t be bothered to do anything but smirk at this point.

Dan Stein: Wrestling match? Mud wrestling?

Minxy Jones: Are you insane!? No!

Dan Stein: Jello wrestling?

Minxy Jones: No! A real wrestling match! 

The fists on her hips shake slightly, knuckles white. Stein snaps his fingers as if a light bulb flashes before his eyes.

Dan Stein: Ohhh, you want a good, old fashioned oil wrestling match. That’s fine, I think I can get Jason to set it up for us. I don’t really do that sort of thing on camera – it’s really in poor taste. Who do I look like? Tommy Lee? But for my little Minxy MILF? I wouldn’t turn it down.

Minxy Jones: You are being willfully obtuse! No matter how much I may want to punch you right now, I don’t do that sort of thing outside the ring. A regular, clean, 3 count match where I finally get the chance to beat the ever-loving PISS out of you!

Stein puts his hands up as if to slow her down, a disgusted look crossing his face.

Dan Stein: Whoa, you are into kinky shit, aren’t you? I thought the leather was a fashion statement. I like you and all, but piss…really isn’t my thing. But I know someone that might be into that kind of thing – he’s German, full of himself and likes to drug up Asian hookers. Sounds like your kind of guy?

Minxy Jones: Arrrrrgh! 

With a growl of frustration, Minxy closes her eyes and after 5 seconds of silence, she opens them again. 

Minxy Jones: None of that was a real answer, Dan. What do you say? Will you give me a good, clean, fair match? Or are you a chicken-shit coward?

Stein puts his hand on her shoulder, realizing the sincerity in her anger.

Dan Stein: C’mon, Biff. Do I really look like Marty McFly? You’re not going to pull that trick on me.

Stein smirks.

Dan Stein:Honey. I really really would much rather put all my eggs into a match befitting a first ballot SHOOT Project Hall of Famer. That match is the Redemption Rumble. It has nothing to do with cowardice. It’s just good business. I’d love to go one-on-one with the grape one, believe me, dear…

But you’re just not that important to me right now. Listen. All this piss talk has made me have to go. Wish me luck, Minxy. You’ll find a proto-beard to have a match with, I’m sure! I hear Henry Gordon has nothing going on for himself. Literally.

Stein leans in and kisses her cheek sweetly before turning and dashing out of the room towards the restroom. The camera fades out on Minxy, crossing her arms over her chest as though never leaving Stein’s locker room until she gets her answer.

Eryk Masters: This is going to be harsh. Two large men who know how to hurt people and enjoy it. Expect hard moves and no mercy. This won’t be a respectful lucha libre match.

Other Guy: That’s true. Thomas Manchester Black is ready to make a statement going into the Redemption Rumble and Chance Ryan wants to put the exclamation mark on his tag team title win from Revolution 100.

Samantha Coil: Ladies and Gentlemen, the following singles match is scheduled for one fall!

“No Rest For The Wicked” by Cage The Elephant starts up over the PA system, as the crowd explodes for the man known as “The Queen City Hitman”.  

Samantha Coil: Now introducing from Tokyo, Japan by the way of his hometown, The Queen City…Charlotte , North Carolina…  

TMB comes out from behind the curtains wearing Black and White MMA shorts and boots. He tops that off by wearing a Grey North Carolina Tar Heels Hoodie with a towel over his head & his forearms and fists taped up. On his fist and forearm tape you see the words “Dark Sinner”. Black hardly looks out from the hoodie as he walks toward the ring. He stops and cracks his knuckles before raising his hands in the air.  

Samantha Coil: He is “The Queen City Hitman”…  

TMB continues to make his way down the ramp way, soaking up the reaction from the crowd that are tossed his way. TMB makes his way up the steel steps and steps over the top rope and doesn’t even look at the ref as he makes his way to the middle of the ring. He folds his arms as Carolina Blue and White streamers flood the ring, Japanese style. TMB bows to the fans and goes to the corner as Ring Hands start to clean the streamers from the ring. 

Samantha Coil: This is THOMAS MANCHESTER BLACK!  

Once the ref is finished, TMB takes off his hoodie and tosses it to a ring hand, before slinking down into a sitting position in the corner. Black eyes remain focused as he waits for the match to begin.

Samantha Coil: His opponent, representing the Sinister Syndicate he is escorted to the ring by his tag team partner Tanya Black, one half of the NEW SHOOT Project Tag Team Champions! CHANCE RYAN!

“Let The Madness Begins” by Fozzy plays as Chance Ryan emerges from the ring amidst boos. Holding the Tag Team Championship above his head he lets the crowd drink in the sight as Tanya emerges from behind him. Smiling she lifts her shirt a few inches and we see she is wearing the tag team championship under her shirt and inside out. Chance smirks as the fans boo louder as they head to the ring.

Eryk Masters: Those two are proud champions. They want everyone to know that before the fight begins.

Other Guy: Tanya is crazy. She has that face plate rubbing right against her stomach. Chance though might be even happier. He wants to keep the momentum going and make the world forget the Flying Avengers. Even if he has to end the careers of everyone in SHOOT to do it.

Eryk Masters: We heard from Buck Dresden on the last Revolution but it’s clear he is trying hard not to think about getting pinned at 100. Chance and Tanya ruined the Bad Ass Brotherhood. Maybe forever. Tonight is Thomas Manchester Black’s turn to go to war.

Tanya jumps up on the apron and holds the ropes open for Chance before sliding down and taking a seat next to the commentators as Chance hands over his championship while stretching his limbs. Once the referee is ready, he calls for the bell. TMB and Chance move to the center of the ring, taking the measure of each other before Chance hits a right cross. TMB takes it and answers back with a rabbit punch to the face. Chance staggers back for a moment before hitting a hard forearm shot to the jaw. TMB answers back with a chest chop and soon the fans are chanting BOO and YAY as TMB and Chance begin exchanging chops over and over. Finally TMB hits a series of quick chops and finishes them off with an elbow to the face. With Chance stunned TMB hits a belly-to-belly suplex.

Other Guy: An explosive move! TMB is on the prowl!

Eryk Masters: Chance is on his back and is being hunted!

Pulling himself up Chance hits a desperation knee to the gut of TMB. Seeing it work Chance continues to assault the gut of TMB with knees and fists before hitting a running boot to the head of the bent-over TMB. Dropping a knee to the prone TMB’s head Chance yells at him before lifting TMB up and hitting a hard gutbuster. Grabbing TMB and hauling him to his feet, Chance goes to Irish Whip TMB only to get countered into an exploder suplex into the corner causing Chance to crumple to in a pile as the fans go nuts. TMB smiles and begins stomping away at Chance before dragging Chance away from the ropes and locking on the Fujiwara armbar.

Eryk Masters: Armbar! Chance Ryan is stuck in the middle of the ring and locked in a submission move perfectly applied by Thomas Manchester Black!

Other Guy: Here we go. Chance has to find a way out if he wants to win this match. Escape or Break.

After a few agonizing moments Chance plants his free hand on the ground. With a grunt of pure strength he rolls through and escapes the move. Grabbing his hurt arm, Chance backs up and he stands up. TMB scowls as he sees Chance make it back to his feet. Charging TMB is caught by Chance hitting a big boot to save himself. With both men needing a breather, Chance tries to restore feeling to his arm as he escapes to the outside. TMB follows and the two are caught by each other on the apron. Exchanging shots for a few moments TMB gets the advantage and DDTs Chance onto the ring apron causing Chance to fall to the outside, out of it as TMB waves to the fans in the front row chanting his name back at him.

Eryk Masters: I love it! Chance Ryan is getting his skull cracked!

Other Guy: Yeah but TMB doesn’t want to win it by count-out. He’s already heading for Chance.

As Chance Ryan tries to stand up, TMB hits a series of elbows to Chance’s temple. Watching Chance stagger back, TMB feels cocky and begins a slow stalk. Suddenly Chance grabs TMB and rams his head into the corner post before hitting a German Suplex that causes TMB to hit the security wall, his neck twisting at an awkward angle. Chance takes a moment to compose himself and yell at the referee whose count has reached six. Tossing TMB into the ring, Chance rolls in and spits on TMB’s back before picking the large man up and hitting a vertical suplex. Taking several steps back Chance waits for TMB to stand up and charges with the Hammer of Justice laying TMB out again as the fans boo. As Chance waits for TMB to rise he waves to Tanya who has gotten out of her seat for a better view. Grabbing TMB he goes for a gutwrench powerbomb but TMB shifts his weight in mid-air and counters into a triangle choke. Chance panics and quickly locks his feet around the bottom rope forcing the rope break at the count of four.

Eryk Masters: What a counter! TMB might have won if he was a little farther from the ropes.

Other Guy: These two have both slammed and pounded each other. This is not going to be an easy win for anyone.

TMB and Chance both make it to their feet. Chance goes for another Hammer of Justice but TMB ducks and whips Chance into the ropes catching him on the return with the Wake 2 Nightmare in the middle of the ring. Fighting it for a long moment Chance reluctantly taps out as Tanya storms the ring, the bell ringing as she screams in anger.

Eryk Masters: Thomas Manchester Black wins! Tap Out Victory! Man I’d love to see these two fight soon in the future.

Other Guy: That’s right and he’s leaving the ring to avoid Tanya’s wrath. He can’t have much gas left in the tank for a second fight tonight.

Samantha Coil: Your Winner By Submission THOMAS MANCHESTER BLACK!

As No Rest For The Wicked plays TMB walks up the ramp laughing and smiling as the tag team champions fume in the ring, Tanya swearing vengeance.

The cameras cut to the backstage area as we find a plethora of SHOOT Soldiers walking about. Some of them are talking to each other in a friendly manner and others, still, give each other glares so intense that you’d expect heads to explode at any given second, just like in Scanners. Corey Lazarus and Gregory Price walk into the view of the camera, Lazarus changed out of his ring gear and into a nice designer three-piece white and black thin lapel suit.

Gregory Price: How’s your shoulder?

Laz rotates his arm a bit, rubbing his shoulder through his sportscoat.

Corey Lazarus: It’s going to hurt for the rest of the night, that’s for sure. Luna did a number on me.

Gregory Price: I think I’ll be filing a complaint with Johnson about Austin Linam’s officiating.

Corey Lazarus: For incompetence?

Gregory Price: Precisely. We can’t afford to have referees, especially tenures ones like Austin, who aren’t willing to do their job to near perfection. There’s too much riding on the line.

Corey Lazarus: Not even just for us, either. Hammerin’ Hank over there’s got a shot at the Sin City title in a few minutes, and Austin’s his ref.

Gregory Price: Perhaps we should warn him?

Corey Lazarus: Nah, fuck it. It’s part of learning in this sport, dig? You’ve got to know which refs are blind, which ones actually do their job, and, of course…

Tony Lorenzo walks by with a cup of coffee in hand, nodding politely as he passes the Hollywood Kid and his agent.

Corey Lazarus: …which ones have the most shallow checking accounts that can be padded out a bit.

Gregory Price: Are you telling me that you pa…?!

Corey Lazarus: I’m not telling you anything. I just happened to make a statement as somebody was walking by, Gregory. Now, onto business?

Gregory Price: Right.

Price clears his throat, and tries to get everybody’s attention.

Gregory Price: Excuse me? Hello? Guys, if I could get everybody’s attention…helloooooo…

Corey sighs and grabs a chair, folding it in half, and then throws it against the catering table, knocking over a pair of lasagna platters and their Sterno burners. Most of the talking ends as all eyes, not many friendly ones, turn to Corey and Gregory.

Gregory Price: Right…anyway, ladies and gentlemen, if I could get your attention for a moment, I’d like to make a formal announcement. Just two weeks ago, President Jason Johnson notified the two of us that Corey and a partner of his choosing are to receive a shot at the World Tag Team titles, currently held by Tanya Black and Chase Ryan.

Corey Lazarus:Chance Ryan.

Gregory Price: My apologies.

Some laughter, but mostly disdainful silence.

Gregory Price: Anyway, we’d just like to announce that the benefits of teaming with Mr. Lazarus are many, including full medical coverage, full dental coverage, proxy service by one of the best lawyers in California in the form of my brother, Timothy Price, and a full quarter bonus of your SHOOT paycheck. Hopefully, this will help change some minds, as this offer is open to any contracted talent on the SHOOT roster as well as those working in other companies.

Corey Lazarus: With the obvious exception of Thomas Manchester Black, of course, because he’s already proven himself to be untrustworthy and, above all, a steaming pile of shit.

Beat. The SHOOT Soldiers present turn back to their conversations, with many making unkind hand gestures in the direction of Corey and Price. Lazarus shakes his head and pulls out his cigarette case, turning to Price.

Corey Lazarus: It looks like we may have to make a phone call or two.

The camera feed opens Minxy Jones, pacing, the Epicenter arena just out of view. She’s mouthing words quickly, a last minute rehearsal for what she wants to tell the world once she gets out to the ring. The purple contact lenses behind the black and purple mask are focused on the exit, ready to run out as soon as she has the chance. Just as her music is about to play, a voice from behind is heard.

Voice From Behind: Come on man, it’s not your time slot! You can’t go on now!

Jester Smiles appears on camera, Sammy Rochester directly behind. He goes to push past Minxy, barely acknowledging she is there.

Jester Smiles: Just cue my damn music.

Minxy turns and gives Jester Smiles an angry glare. 

Minxy Jones: Are you serious, man? Wait your turn like an adult. Jesus. You never used to be so rude.

Jester stops and looks down at Minxy.

Jester Smiles: Who the hell are you?

Sammy glares down at Minxy, starting to breath heavy.

Minxy Jones: Just someone with-  

Minxy looks up at Sammy, and then back to Jester. A lot of the bravado is lost, and her posture shrinks slightly. If the beginning of the sentence was annoyance, the end is pure fear. 

Minxy Jones: -decent manners. Maybe just ask next time, huh?

Jester notices the fear. He grins brightly.

Jester Smiles: Hear that Sammy. She’s a funny one, isn’t she? Listen, I don’t ask for things. I am a former SHOOT Project World Heavyweight Champion. I am the 2008 Master of the Mat. Some…rookie like you…I don’t ASK you anything. But, I can give you advice. So, here you go.

Jester leans right down in Minxy’s face.

Jester Smiles: Move, or I tell him kill.

Jester motions towards an increasingly angrier looking Sammy Rochester. Minxy Jones appears to consider for a moment, and thinks the best of it. With a ridiculous flourish, she bows and motions to the exit. 

Minxy Jones: Catch you later, Monster. You too, Smiles.

As Minxy is moving past them, Sammy growls and makes a go at her, but Jester grabs his shoulders and redirects him.

Jester Smiles: Calm down, Sammy. We have more important things to deal with then this purple nuisance.

"And Your World Will Burn" hits over the PA system. The fans begin to hail boos down as Jester Smiles emerges from the back, Sammy Rochester in tow. Jester eats up the boos, grinning from ear to ear and motioning for the fans to bring it on. Sammy just looks pissed, an unlimited rage hiding underneath the surface.  

 

Eryk Masters: So, we just saw Jester and Sammy interrupt Minxy Jones’ attempt to come out here and talk. I guess they feel they have something more important to say. 

 

Other Guy: It’s getting harder and harder to call that man Jester Smiles, Eryk. I once really believed in that guy. Four years ago, I had every shred of hope and belief in that man. I don’t even know who this guy is anymore. 

 

Jester Smiles walks around the ring and goes to Samantha Coil, winking at her and asking for her microphone. She gives it up, seeing that Sammy is following very closely behind. Both Jester and Sammy quickly make their way to the ring, the crowd still booing the team aggressively. 

 

Jester Smiles: SHOOT Project, make some fucking noise, yeah?! 

 

The crowd boos viciously. Jester just grins. 

 

Jester Smiles: It’s crazy to think how you reacted four years ago. It’s crazy to think where I was on this day, four years ago. Loved ones in arms, SHOOT Project World Heavyweight Championship in my possession, and all of you WONDERFUL people creaming yourselves about how I had, finally, dethroned Jonny Johnson. 

 

It was all SOOO great, wasn’t it? 

 

So, what changed? You didn’t change. SHOOT Project didn’t change. The guys in the back didn’t change. 

 

No, the only thing that changed was me. I changed. I became a very different person. I realized the world was a very different place. I started seeing the world through a different perspective. 

 

Even when I fought with Donovan King and Azrael Goeren, I was still thinking about YOU people. I was still thinking about how much I LOVED what SHOOT Project could be. I knew you’d hate me for it, but it was okay, but it would be for the right reasons. Everything would be okay after some time. 

 

And then I realized something. X-Calibur held the World Heavyweight Championship for what felt like decades. Azrael Goeren, with very few wins, was regarded as one of the most dangerous men in this company. Project: SCAR had real power and real respect, with or without titles.  

 

And now, Donovan King, is the World Heavyweight Champion. The most DESERVING World Heavyweight Champion this company has ever seen. And, please, Donny, don’t take this as me comparing you to X-Calibur. You are the most deserving World Heavyweight Champion this company has ever seen, and I support everything you do. 

 

There is, oddly enough, a small pop in the crowd. 

 

Other Guy: I…almost agree with Jester? 

 

Jester Smiles: Don’t you cheer for me. I don’t want your cheers, I don’t want your adoration. The people you boo are the successful ones. The people you hate are the winners. The people in this company who do whatever they can to take what they want, regardless of what the rules may dictate or what common decency may suggest, and they win. They take what they deserve. They are champions. 

 

And that’s what I want. I want my spot back. I want my respect back. I want my power back. 

 

And I’ll take it. I don’t care what you people think of my methods. I don’t care how much what I do makes you people hate me. I will do, what I have to do, to take back what I want. 

 

And my monster here, my beautiful friend here, will help me do that. The Sinister Syndicate what be able to stop us, and most CERTAINLY, we cannot be stopped by Long Island Hard- 

 

Suddenly, Jester’s microphone dies. He taps it, tries to speak into it, but it’s dead. The crowd pops loudly to hear Jester’s mic fail. They pop even louder when "Bad Reputation" hits over the PA. CJ Nelson, Jared Walsh, and Ryan Cuddihy saunter out, microphones in Jared and CJ’s hands. Jared smiles, cutting the music, and talking as he walks toward the ring.

Jared Walsh: Somebody call us?

The crowd pops, and Jester is up against the ropes, trying to talk back, but his mic is still cut off.

CJ Nelson: Yeah, that thing doesn’t work anymore. Might as well just toss it.

Jared: And a big thank you to the sound crew on that one, I might add.

Jester tosses the mic away, seething.

CJ: Looks like someone doesn’t like being interrupted, I guess, Jared.

Jared: I guess not.

Jared slides into the ring, CJ stepping up onto the apron, with Jester just barely containing Sammy, who appears to be overflowing with rage against the three.

CJ: You know, I remember a time when Jester Smiles didn’t need a monster to get what he wanted.

Jared: Yeah, you know, it’s like he was just talking about this time he finally dethroned Jonny Johnson. Remember that?

CJ: I do. Don’t seem to remember Sammy Rochester there.

Jared: No, Sammy didn’t share Jester’s World Title. Didn’t share his 2008 Master of the Mat, either, that he’s so fond of reminding us about.

CJ: Usually in the same breath he’s discounting our successes in 2008 as being ancient history.

Jared: I guess it’s true, then. Jester Smiles has changed. He’s become a coward. Too weak to do things on his own, he enlists a beast to do his dirty work.

CJ: Well, he did say he’d do anything he needed to.

CJ, Jared, and Ryan circle around the pair to the other side of the ring, looking over the ropes at the crowd. Jester and Sammy keep their eyes on them, once more with Jester keeping a hand in front of Sammy to keep him from overflowing. Every word seems to make Jester rethink that decision.

Jared: You may not care what we think of your methods, Jester. I’m glad you don’t, because you wouldn’t be happy to hear what we have to say on that. But the point of those methods is to get results, right?

CJ: Like the results you got last Revolution, when you had to save your beautiful friend there from getting his ass kicked by us?

Jared: How did he feel about that, by the way? Losing the match by DQ because you weren’t confident enough in his ability to stop us?

CJ goes toe to toe with Smiles, getting in his face.

CJ: You killed the match before we could prove your friend was just as much a man as any of us. Because you were scared that, maybe, just maybe, we were right.

Jester swipes the microphone out of his hand, and CJ just cross his arms, smiling.

Eryk Masters: Who’s that coming out, OG?

Other Guy: It’s Minxy!

The crowd pops, and before Jester can react, she nails Sammy in the back of the head with a springboard dropkick! Sammy stumbles, and Minxy pops back to her feet, throwing the double deuce in Jester’s face, and sliding back under the bottom rope!

Other Guy: She’s riled the beast, and there he goes!

Eryk Masters: Sammy Rochester has fled the ring, chasing after Minxy! Jester is all alone!

Sure enough, Sammy charges backstage, and Jester’s eyes go wide! Jared and Ryan get between him and the ropes, and he backs up– straight into CJ!

Jared: Surprise!

CJ slams Jester in the face with a huge right hand, and Jester clutches his face, stumbling straight into Ryan! Ryan shoves him back, and CJ whips him to the ropes! Jared comes off the ropes as well, and CJ swings Jester up, and drops him into Jared’s waiting arms!

Other Guy: The Deer Park Death Drop! Jester is out!

Ryan grabs Jester by the hair, dragging him to his feet, and wrapping a hand around his throat! Jester wakes up quick now, shaking his head, trying to avoid it, but to no avail! Ryan lifts him up, over the top rope, and chokeslams him out of the ring to a GIANT crowd pop!

Jared: The moral of this story, Jester, is that we’ve got friends, too. The difference being that our friends have IQs with more than two digits. You think nobody can stop you, Slimes?

CJ: We can, and we will. End of fucking story.

CJ throws his microphone out of the ring, seemingly at Jester, although he misses. Jester starts to back away from the ring toward the entrance, holding his face, and screaming insults back at the ring.

"Give Me Back My Bullets" by Lynyrd Skynyrd kicks on, and Henry Gordon begins his walk to the ring.

Samantha Coil: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is a Triple Threat Match for the SHOOT Project Sin City Championship! Introducing first, one of the challengers! Weighing in at three hundred and twenty pounds, he is Henry Goooooooordon!

Gordon slaps a few hands as the fans cheer him on his way to the ring.

Eryk Masters: This isn’t Henry Gordon’s first shot at the Sin City Championship, but he’s hoping tonight is the night he changes his luck in Sin City title matches.

Other Guy: But he has to go through Edmund Augustus Shan, who has turned down all challengers thus far. Not to mention a changed woman in Laura Seton, a former two time Sin City Champion.

Gordon steps between the ropes and into the ring, and the music suddenly changes. "Whatever Gets You Through The Day" starts up, and a surreal situation is happening. Some of the fans in the arena continue to cheer as Laura Seton makes her way through the curtain, but there are a lot of boos coming from the SHOOT Project Epicenter.

Eryk Masters: I never thought I would see the day that Laura Seton would come to this ring and hear….this.

Other Guy: You can’t blame Laura completely. She wants what is best for SHOOT, even if the people themselves don’t know what that is!

Samantha Coil: Introducing next, the second challenger, she is a former two time Sin City Champion, she is Lauraaaaaaaaa Seton!

Laura slides into the ring, keeping her eyes on Gordon as they both await the champion’s entrance. Gordon turns and looks toward the ramp, waiting on Shan, but Laura jumps him from behind!

Eryk Masters: Wait, what?

Other Guy: Laura can’t be bothered to wait for the champion, she’s taking the advantage before the bell even rings!

Gordon collapses to a knee under Seton’s assault. She clobbers Hank in the back with forearms, and now he begins to rise to his feet under her blows. She continues to fire away, until he turns around and begins to fight back! A right hand sends Laura to her butt in the middle of the ring, and the fans, for the majority, begin to cheer! Laura gets up and plants a kick to Gordon’s gut, and another forearm, right to the chest, but Gordon pie faces her to stop the assault, and with his power, Seton rolls backward and is only stopped by the ropes. Laura regains her footing and charges the much larger Gordon, and dropkicks him right in the knee! Gordon falls to the ground, clutching his knee, and Seton looks to end this quickly!

As Laura ascends the turnbuckles, to no music, Edmund Augustus Shan comes out, looking at what’s going on in the ring, Sin City Championship in hand. Laura pays him no attention as she stands straight on the top rope, and then leaps, landing a perfect body splash onto Henry Gordon! He hooks his leg as Shan realizes what’s happening and runs to the ring!

One!

Two!

Gordon kicks out, but barely, and now Shan is in the ring.

Eryk Masters: This match is started? The champ just got here!

Other Guy: You know as well as I do, E, that the champion does not need to be involved for the title to change hands in a triple threat!

Shan shoves Laura to the mat as the referee hands off the Sin City title to the timekeeper. Laura looks up at Edmund as Gordon begins to recover from the early assault and gets to his feet. Laura is backed into a corner as both Gordon and the champion look in her direction. They then look to each other and Gordon charges, but Seton pulls herself out of harms way! Shan takes advantage, coming up from behind Gordon with a double axe handle! Gordon bounces off the turnbuckle with the impact, and Shan charges again. As Gordon turns, Shan catches him with a dropkick that sends him tumbling through the ropes and to the outside! Laura moves away quickly, trying to wait for a better spot to pick, and Shan steps through the ropes, after Gordon. Shan leaps from the ring apron, bringing the point of his elbow down across the back of Gordon, who cringes in pain. He battles through it, burying an elbow of his own into the gut of Edmund Shan! Laura slides back into the ring unnoticed as the two continue to brawl on the outside. She bounces off the ropes opposite to the brawling men, and then runs full force at them, diving through the ropes and knocking them both into the guardrail!

Eryk Masters: Buzzer Beater! Shan and Gordon are down, and Laura Seton stands tall!

Several fans applaud Laura for that spot, but a fan in the front holds up a homemade sign that reads "SETON SUX ROFL". Laura notices it, looking at it in disgust. She pushes the sign back with some force that both sign, and fan topple backwards.

Eryk Masters: What on Earth has gotten into Laura Seton? She just pushed that fan!

Other Guy: That was an accident! Don’t blame Laura because there’s a bad apple in the Epicenter!

Laura turns back to her opposition, just in time to catch a desperation spear from Edmund Shan! The fans pop as the Sin City Champion looks to take back control! He picks Laura up and rolls her into the ring, giving Henry Gordon a stomp to the head for good measure. He follows Seton in and she leads him to the corner, where he tries to move in on her, but she uses the ropes for leverage and lifts her legs off the ground, spinning Shan around with a hurriconrana! Gordon is picking himself off the ground as Laura hooks the leg of the Sin City champ!

One!

Two!

Shan kicks out right after two! Gordon pulls himself back into the ring, but Seton is right there to welcome him with a couple quick stomps to the head of Hammerin’ Hank! She pauses to think, and then grabs the top rope and lifts her whole body off the ground, bringing her entire body weight down with her foot first to the skull of Gordon. She does this again, and finds that the crowd is starting to cheer her a bit, due to her near dominance in the matchup thus far.

Eryk Masters: Well, there’s still a lot of supporters for Milk and Cookies in the crowd, no matter her recent actions.

Laura looks out to the crowd, a small bit of confusion on her face. She yells out to the audience.

Laura Seton: YOU ALL LIKE THAT?

The crowd cheers.

Laura Seton: SHUT YOUR MOUTHS!

Aaaaaand it’s gone. The crowd begins to boo. It seems they don’t like to be told to shut up. She kicks Gordon in the head again, and turns back to Shan, who LEVELS Seton with a big clothesline. The crowd cheers at that, and Seton falls to ringside! Gordon claws at Shan’s legs, trying to get up, but Shan picks Gordon up and helps him to his feet, just to boot him in the stomach! Shan sets up for a suplex, and draws his thumb across his throat.

Eryk Masters: Don’t tell me….He’s going for the Shanhammer??

He tries, but Gordon won’t leave his feet! He tries a second time, and Shan releases Gordon, clutching at his back. Gordon takes the opportunity to lift Shan up with ease, and powerslams him to the canvas! He hooks the leg!

One!

Two!

Shan rolls the shoulder up! Gordon gets up and bounces off the ropes, and lands with a big splash on Shan! Shan is flattened, and Gordon hooks the leg again!

One!

Two!

Shan barely shoulders out! Gordon stands up and looks to the crowd. He then points to the top turnbuckle, and the crowd pops!

Other Guy: Don’t tell me…He’s going UP?

He is! Gordon begins to climb backwards up the turnbuckles, but he is seated on the top, when Laura Seton comes in from out of nowhere and delivers a springboard kick to the face of Henry Gordon! Gordon is dazed, but is able to keep his balance and not fall backwards out of the ring! Laura gets to her feet and ascends the same turnbuckles as Gordon, and she gets behind him, hooking in a half nelson!

Eryk Masters: Is she thinking what I think she’s thinking?!

Laura uses the ropes and Gordon’s grogginess to her advantage, bringing him down with a version of the Cookie Cutter from the middle rope…..Right on top of Edmund Augustus Shan! Shan rolls away, clutching his ribs and howling in pain, and Laura wastes no time in hooking both of Gordon’s legs!

One!

Two!

THREE!!

Samantha Coil: Your winner, at a time of 14 minutes and 37 seconds… and NEW SIN CITY CHAMPION… LAURA SETON

Other Guy: The new and… improved? Laura Seton coming away with a pretty nice win and capturing another Sin City Championship belt to add to her collection!

Eryk Masters: I gotta say… I like this new Laura Seton. I hope she doesn’t change, and I REALLY hope it’s not some weird ruse.

The lights go off in the arena which means only one thing.

Perhaps you better start from the beginning

Eryk Masters: Here we go again!

Perhaps you better start from the beginning

Perhaps you better start from the beginning

OG: Finally someone that can speak some sense

Perhaps you better start from the beginning

Eryk: What have you been on Recently?

Perhaps you better start from the beginning

"Electric Head Pt.1" Kicks in but no one is coming out to the ring as most are booing up a storm waiting for the

presence of Johnny Napalm, no one comes out which confuses everyone there then the screen lights up in one of the locker rooms in the Epicenter as we see Napalm quietly standing there with sledgehammer in hand as the boo’s wake up again.

Napalm: Soldiers, you have stayed silent again it seems that no one wants to take me on afraid I am going to do what I did to El Asso Wipo. You have it all wrong, I am here to make a point I am looking for a match to get me

going for Redemption it may look a ways off but Rev 103 is the last Revolution before Redemption. So let me switch gears on you people, I am reaching out to the head office of SHOOT, to give me a match at Rev 103. I do not care who it is against, I am here to do one thing and that is hurt people. But, I do warn you guys if I have no match at Rev 103, Someone will not be making it to the Redemption Rumble.

There is so many who are so sick and tired of my constant rambling, and honestly they have done NOTHING to try and stop me. To this end I wonder if I am the master of there reality? Or should they bow at my feet!

The booing in the arena is almost deafening

No matter what everyone thinks, the only person who has been screwed out of title shots is me. So I expect the head office to try and give me someone who can shut me up, but let me explain this to you guys.

Napalm points down to the camera and on the floor is an unconsious El Asso Wipo who looks like he went 10 rounds in a boxing ring as we even see a little blood coming out from the mask.

This, will happen to anyone who fucks with me! See you guys at Rev 103.

Napalm walks away from the camera and out the door about thrity seconds later, medical staff comes pouring in attending to EAW.

The scene fades in. Jester is in the backstage area, pacing back and forth, holding a bag of ice over his rapidly swelling eye. Sammy just sits in a chair, rocking back and forth, clearly fuming.

Jester Smiles: 3 on fucking 1. Of course, of fucking course that happened. Damnit, this shit is going to be swollen shut by tomorrow.

Sammy Rochester: I’ll kill that bitch. I’m gonna kill that bitch. I’m gonna fucking kill that bitch.

Jester Smiles: Oh believe me, Sammy, we’re gonna get them. All of them. Making fools of us like that. We’ll show them, REAL soon.

Just behind Jester and Sammy walks Dan Stein and Molly, his assistant, on their way to the stage. Stein is talking to Molly, obviously upset about something.

Dan Stein: How is this match even legal? Jaime Alejandro can’t possibly be medically cleared to wrestle this match. You saw how he turned from Dr. Jekyll into Mr. Hyde! NO!

Molly looks at Stein, rolling her eyes at him happily. The sound of Stein yelling catches Jester’s ear. Jester turns, ice still on his eye, and grins.

Jester Smiles: Well well well, look Sammy. It’s THE LIGHTS himself.

Sammy just keeps muttering “kill the bitch”  under his breath.

Jester Smiles: Hey Dan. What’s going on buddy?

Stein turns to the familiar voice as Jester speaks, then realizing Sammy was in the room. Stein grabs on to Molly’s arm and she to his, both obviously a bit horrified. Stein looks at Jester as Smiles finishes speaking, and gulps before speaking himself.

Dan Stein: Oh, y’know. Just a match…one that doesn’t affect Mr. Rochester, right Molly?

Molly the Assitant: N-not to my kn-knowledge, no Sir.

Stein looks to Jester with an awkward smirk. Jester notices the fear and, despite everything that has happened, smiles a bit brighter.

Jester Smiles: Now now, come on Dan, no need for that. We are old friends, right?

Dan looks at Jester, letting go of Molly and rolling his neck. Stein smirks, as though he believes every word he’s about to say.

Dan Stein: No need for what? I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I certainly seem to remember a deep, close friendship between the two of us. I mean, while you were waging WAR with Jonny, YOU asked me to fill in for you in the Sons of Liberty match, right? So, I mean, we were close enough for that, right?

And if I do say so myself, Eric, you were the best Champion I’ve had the privilege of calling MY champion.

Stein smirks again before gulping once more as he looks over Jester’s shoulder to Sammy. Molly stands close to Stein, placing her hand on his shoulder and leaning close to it. Jester sneers for a second.

Jester Smiles: A lot of that had to be the biggest load of bullshit I’ve ever heard.

Molly looks nervous. Stein keeps his composure. Jester removes the sneer and grins again.

Jester Smiles: But it was still nice to hear. So, here’s the thing Dan. You’ve got your match with Jaime Alejandro, one I’m sure you will fair very well in. Seriously, rooting for ya buddy. But, you know, I got this problem. Your, uhhh, what do you want to call her? New girlfriend? The one with the mask? Prolly burned by acid or something as a kid. But, yeah, she was giving me some shit fits earlier. Got a real nasty shiner working as a result.

Sammy Rochester: KILL THE BITCH!

Jester, Stein and Molly all jump a little and lose their composure slightly. Sammy, however, stays seated, still fuming. The three of them seem to come back down after Sammy makes no movement.

Jester Smiles: Yeah, uhhh, so…anyway. I’ve requested a match next week. Long Island Hardcore and Minxy Jones are going to have to deal with one VERY angry over seven foot tall man, and they’ll also have to deal with, you know, two of the most painfully precise hands in the business. I was thinking, hell, let’s make their lives worse. I think that they should have to deal with one of the most technically proficient wrestlers SHOOT Project has ever seen.

What do you say, Dan?

Stein looks at Jester, then Sammy, and then Molly. As he looks at Molly, his eyes widen briefly, before moving back to Jester. Stein unloads his trademark smirk.

Dan Stein: Well thank you. Finally someone other than myself and my Twitterbaters recognize my immense talent in the ring. And I would absolutely loveto help you, Eric, but…

Stein looks over at Sammy quickly, before moving his hand behind his body to his back, wincing in pain.

Dan Stein: I’ve got this back problem, and I’m not sure I’ll be in any shape to wrestle after my victory tonight.

Jester frowns.

Jester Smiles: Hey man, I get that. I really do. What with this bum knee I got, I totally get having to turn down matches. I mean, really, I get it.

Stein lets out a relieved sigh, Molly almost tugs at his bicep to get him to move towards the ring.

Dan Stein:I’m so glad to hear that, Easy E. Good luck out there, though.  I’m sure you’ll find a capable partner – one that’s not injured, of course.

Stein places his hand on Jester’s shoulder as they walk by, continuing on the stage. Jester’s voice stops them dead in their tracks, panic crossing their face.

Jester Smiles: It’s just…Sammy.

Jester gets that twisted smile back. Sammy looks up. He looks at Stein and Molly.

Jester Smiles: He was so looking forward to working with you.

Sammy Rochester: No help?

Jester looks at Sammy.

Jester Smiles: Yeah, Sammy, he’s not gonna be able to help. Hey, I think it’s because he’s so friendly with that masked girl.

Sammy Rochester: That…THAT BITCH…that’s his friend?

Sammy stands up. His seven foot three frame is incredibly apparent now.

Jester Smiles: Yeah. I guess she is. I think that’s, like, his girlfriend or something.

Sammy Rochester: That…that…that BITCH…THAT BITCH…THAT FUCKING BITCH!

Stein and Molly, still past Jester and turned the opposite way, grab each other’s hands. Stein’s eyes are wide…and he closes them in defeat. Stein sighs, before turning with a smirk to Sammy.

Dan Stein:Girlfriend? No no, you must have that confused. I don’t like her one bit. In fact. Now that you mention it…

Stein turns to Jester, twisting his lower back with a happy smile.

Dan Stein: My back doesn’t hurt any more! So, if it means Sammy not rearranging my face like an Etch-a-Sketch, I’ll be your partner at Revolution 103, Pal.

Stein puts his hand out for Eric to shake. Sammy calms down, sitting back down, but he is still glaring at Stein and Molly. Eric smiles a grin that can only signify that he won, and he takes Dan Stein’s hand.

Jester Smiles: That’s wonderful, Dan. It really is. We’ll see you at Revolution 103. Now, go out there and, you know, put down Jaime Alejandro. You know, like Old Yeller. All those shots to the head, all those bullets being shot at him, things like that, I think someone really needs to retire that guy. You know, before he hurts someone. And it was good catching up with you. We should hang or something.

Jester winks at Molly.

Jester Smiles: Have fun out there!

Jester smacks Stein’s back, causing a nervous twitch to send Stein and Molly hurriedly out of the room.

The Tron comes to life, displaying a slow-mo shot of wheat swaying in the breeze against a blue sky.

Some gentle strings and woodwind instruments, in some inoffensive background music.

A warm voice-over, calm and reassuring:

Voice-over Guy: We remember a time when things were simpler. When you turned on the TV to be entertained, not disheartened.

The picture cuts to an American flag, flapping in the wind – again in slow motion.

When there were heroes to look up to and faith that they would prevail.

The next scene is an eagle soaring through the sky. Really?

When the wrestling world showcased feats of athleticism – not crimes against humanity.

A sun setting over a seashore. With seagulls in the sky. God this is cheesy.

A time when SHOOT Project was … fun.

The strings fade away and the picture slowly dissolves to a head-and-shoulders shot of Alex Brooks and Dina Bryce. Both of them are wearing serious business suits, Dina in burgundy and Brooks in navy blue, and Alex’s hair is slicked back.

With measured sincerity Brooks starts talking, taking a few steps towards the camera as he does so.

Alex Brooks: Hello, SHOOT Project faithful. I’m Alex Brooks, and this is Dina Bryce. We’ve noticed that in the past year or two, SHOOT Project has become a scary place. A place of terrible events and unspeakable acts. A place where the brightest lights have been dulled.

A quick montage of faces, each only appearing for less than a second – Trey Willett, Jun Kenshin, Diamond Del Carver, Diego Reyes, Patrick Kidd.

Dina start speaking, stepping up next to Brooks as she does so.

Dina Bryce: It’s become a place that has been home to the kind of villains that shouldn’t exist outside of horror movies.

Another quick-fire montage – all five members of Project: SCAR, followed by X-Calibur, Azrael Goeren, then Jester Smiles.

Bryce: We remember what it used to be like, watching wrestling to cheer and to be elated. To lose yourself in the excitement of following the stars.

Brooks: When this world – our world – was a place you wanted to escape to. Not escape from.

Bryce: We remember the fun. We remember the hope. We remember the joy.

Brooks: And we want to bring it back.

The shot gradually zooms out as Brooks keeps talking…

Brooks: We’re not the biggest or baddest or scariest guys on the roster.

… to reveal Alex is wearing boardshorts beneath his suit jacket and tie. And flip-flops. Ye gods. Dina has the whole suit on, but has affixed a giant foam finger to her hand while Brooks was talking.

Bryce: We aren’t promising to bring a new order or change your world forever.

A half-dozen kids with Nerf guns and super soakers run in and start pelting our heroes with water and foam darts. The young stars don’t miss a beat.

Bryce: What we will promise is that we’ll make you want to cheer. And laugh. And we’ll be the antidote to the scary and dark and serious that’s dominated SHOOT so long.

Kids run off, leaving Bryce and Brooks in wringing wet suit jackets. Bryce seems to have a Nerf dart stuck in her hair. She points her giant foam finger at Alex.

Bryce: He’s the man who defied the odds, and won a title against legends.

Another rapid-fire montage of the four men Brooks defeated for the Rules of Surrender Championship, followed by a few seconds of Brooks hoisting the Rules of Surrender belt high above his head, a huge grin on his face.

Back to Alex, who cocks his head in Dina’s direction.

Brooks: She’s the woman who dares to take on any challenge, jump off any surface, bite off more than she can chew.

More quick cuts, mostly suicide dives and big-time planchas by Bryce. Then the image goes back to the same head and shoulders frame that started the clip.

Brooks: And when you mix daring, and defiance?

Bryce: You get Audacity.

Bryce and Brooks splatter each other with pies at the same moment. The picture fades to a bold graphic proclaiming

AUDACITY: The Right Team For SHOOT Project

Cut back to both of them, faces covered in banana cream, as Bryce bursts out in giggles and Brooks barely contains his own laughter, finishing with:

Brooks: We’re Audacity, and we approve this ad.

The lights cut out quickly, sending the crowd into a hushed frenzy.  The silence holds for a few seconds, and then Stein’s voice booms out over the loudspeakers.

“SHOT THROUGH THE HEART, AND YOU’RE TO BLAME. DARLIN’, YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME.”

“The Rocky Song Remix” by Ronald Jenkees start to play throughout the Epicenter, causing the fans to explode with a chorus of boos. The top of the stage lights up a cool baby blue, and Stein struts out from behind the curtains with Molly the Assistant rubbing his shoulders and priming him for the match.

Stein has a towel draped over his head, and he’s shadow boxing like a prized fighter just before he enters into the fight of his life. He pauses for a moment to stare out at the fans, and then he starts strutting down the ramp, pausing here and there to throw off a few more shadow jabs.

Samantha Coil: Introducing first, hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada…he weighs in at 215lbs…THE LIGHTS, DAN STEIN!!!

Eryk Masters: Not much love for Stein here tonight in his hometown of Las Vegas. Doesn’t surprise me, they all know what a conniving sleazeball he is…

Other Guy: Is that how you talk about a former 2-Time Iron Fist Champion? Give the man some respect, Eryk. The Lights is going places in SHOOT Project. You better watch it when it comes to what you say about this man too…he almost slapped you silly at Revolution 100.

Stein slides into the ring under the bottom rope and begins to jump from foot to foot a few times to limber up his legs, and then he removes his towel and teases throwing it into the crowd….before finally throwing it over to Molly on the outside, much to the chagrin of the fanbase. Dan adjusts his plexiglass face-mask, looking up towards the top of the ramp while continuing to shadow box.

Other Guy: Smart move on Dan’s part to utilize his mask tonight. No need to risk that money maker…handsome features like his are worth protecting!

Eryk Masters: Really? It might be good if this womanizer got a few bruises on that mug of his. It might change his bratty attitude. We all saw him throw that chair at newcomer Minxy Jones and almost take the young woman’s head off with it…that’s like something a toddler would do during a temper tantrum!

Other Guy: Did you not see him give her roses first? AND help her win her match? He behaved like a perfect gentleman…and Minxy was so ungrateful that he got a little frustrated. I would too if I was in that position!

“Bullet The Blue Sky” by U2 starts to play over the loudspeakers, and the fans unleash with a monumental roar of support. Jaime Alejandro steps out from the back wearing his camouflage ring gear, and the cheering only intensifies

Jaime cracks his knuckles at the top of the ramp, and then he makes a beeline straight for the ring, stomping down the ramp and wasting no time at all.

Samantha Coil: Introducing second, hailing from San Antonio, Texas…he weighs in at 275lbs…THE SAINT, JAIME ALEJANDRO!!!

Eryk Masters: Look up the word badass in the dictionary, and you’ll see Jaime’s picture. This man has survived the monster known as Entragian, and at Redemption he’s looking to put that monster down for good.

Other Guy: Good luck with that. Isaac’s beaten Jaime so many times that I’ve literally lost count. Look up Isaac’s whipping boy in the dictionary, and you’ll see Jaime’s picture.

Jaime steps into the ring between the middle rope, and he stands in his corner while glaring over at Stein. Stein bites his bottom lip, a little nervous, but still managing to hold his ground.

Eryk Masters: I don’t think Stein’s ready for this. This is a near 300lb man that’s been pushed to his mental breaking point by a sociopath…and I can only imagine that Jaime wants to vent some of his frustrations here tonight.

Other Guy: He’s gotta get that release somehow. Even ole’ horseface Milk & Cookies won’t give the poor guy a little enjoyment between the sheets. That must be like being in a relationship with an 80 year old nun that has a vajayjay made out of cardboard…

Eryk Masters: Way too descriptive. Ew…

Jamie and Stein slowly begin to circle each other in the ring, preparing for the contest….when suddenly the lights go out.

“Red Pyramids” by Akira Yamaoka starts to play, and a wave of arena-shaking boos travel through the Epicenter.

Isaac Entragian steps out through the curtains, a wicked grin plastered across his lips. He wears dark tattered jeans, brown buckled motorcycle boots, and a plain black tee. On both shoulders he sports championship gold: Iron Fist & Rules of Surrender. Elizabeth Gaunt stands at his side, dolled up in a super short red plaid skirt with black fishnets and a baby band tee with the word “Puscifer” written across the chest. Liz twirls one of her pigtails, smirking, and then the two members of SCAR begin to stalk down to the ring.

Eryk Masters: What in the bloody hell is this repulsive human being doing out here? He and that hellcat of his have no business getting involved in this match.

Other Guy: Uhoh. It looks like he’s coming this way, Eryk…

Jaime watches Isaac from inside of the ring, his fists clenching at his sides. Stein’s eyes are practically bugged out of his head as he stares out at Isaac, and it’s obvious that he’s scared shitless by the presence of this pallid fiend.

Entragian & Liz walk around the apron, and Isaac pauses to smile at Jaime. He points to his eyes, and then he points to The Saint inside of the ring.

Entragian: Always got eyes for you, buttercup!

The Ivory Terror stalks his way past Molly the Assistant, who is frozen up against the apron in stark horror. Liz skips along behind her man, and she pauses in front of Molly, smirking at the fear in her eyes.

Liz leans close to Molly, chewing obnoxiously on her bubble gum…and then she blows a bubble inches away from Molly’s face…and once the bubble pops, Liz takes the gum from out of her mouth and flicks it into Molly’s hair.

Molly claws at the gum in her hair, horrified and embarrassed, and Gaunt just chuckles in amusement before running along to catch up with Isaac.

Entragian & Liz reach the announce table….and Isaac slowly leans over, placing his palms atop the table. His strange green eyes are locked directly on Eryk Masters.

Entragian: Get the fuck up…and give me your headset.

Eryk Masters stares up at the colossal form standing in front of him, stammering to get words out. Fresh, fat beads of sweat can be seen dripping down his cheeks…and for the first time in his announcing career, Eryk is almost at a loss for words.

Eryk Masters: Isaac…th….this…this is my job, I can’t just leave…

Entragian SLAMS both of his fists down on top of the table, his mouth opening to display his razor-sharp teeth. Eryk Masters literally looks like he’s about to wet himself.

Entragian: Eryk…listen to me very carefully. You’re going to give me your headset and your seat. And…since you wanna be difficult….you’re gonna give me your lunch money too. If you don’t…I’m gonna pull you out that chair…and I’m gonna put you through your own fucking announce table. Understood, shit-talker?

Other Guy: Might wanna do what he says, Eryk…

Eryk scrubs a hand across his mouth, obviously flustered. Finally he stands and removes his headset, and just for good measure he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a few crisp bills, placing them on the table beside the headset.

Entragian: Clever boy! Now go sit in that corner over there and face the security railing until this match is over. OG, Liz, and myself can handle this. Right, OG?

Other Guy: You got it, champ!

Eryk Masters hangs his head, and then he looks like he might be gathering up his courage to protest some more…but ultimately he thinks better of it and slinks over to an empty steel chair near Samantha Coil. Isaac hunkers down into his seat, proceeding to place Eryk’s headset over his own ears. Isaac then swings his big legs up and rests them across the announce table, leaning back and getting comfortable. Liz takes a seat next to him, pausing to place an extra headset over her ears.

Entragian: Honor to be here, OG. Big fan! I’ll hook you up with an autograph before I leave. Might even write it in Alejandro’s blood if I’m feeling frisky…

Other Guy: The honor is mine, Isaac. Proud to be sitting here with a groundbreaking SHOOT Project competitor like yourself. The Iron Fist AND the Rules of Surrender champion, ladies and gentlemen! And, from what I gather…not a big supporter of Eryk Masters?

Entragian: Eryk Masters loves to talk shit, OG. Especially about me, and some of the other fine wrestlers on this roster. He ran his mouth about that Magic Mike wannabe we see in the ring right now too.

Liz chuckles, and Jaime gets closer to the ropes while glaring out at Entragian.

Entragian: The next time I hear Eryk Masters talking shit about yours truly, I’m gonna come out here…reach into my asshole…pull out a big, fat turd…and make him EAT it. Because the way I figure it, OG…a man who earns a living talking shit must really like shit, so we’ll see if he likes a literal mouthful of it. See the logic in that?

Other Guy: Makes perfect sense. It would probably improve his breath!

Entragian: Well I’m comfy now…don’t wanna derail things here since we have a match to call. My burrito-eating bum of a nemesis is already giving me the “mad face” so can somebody ring that fucking bell?

On cue, the bell rings with a loud clang, and this match is officially underway.

Stein moves towards Jaime, and he puts both hands up, baiting Jaime in for a test of strength. Jaime moves forward, raising up both his hands to meet Stein’s own…but Stein immediately lashes forward with a surprise attack and SLAMS a boot into Jaime’s kneecap. Jaime falls to both knees with a cry of pain, and Stein pauses in the center of the ring to smirk and show off his guns to the crowd for a moment.

Other Guy: Stein loves to showboat, but that was one hell of a kick to Jaime’s knee. Ideally, what would you like to see happen in this match, Isaac?

Entragian: I wanna see Stein wreck Jaime. Bonus points of he can break his legs so that he has to crawl to Redemption.

Gaunt: We totally should have brought a Minxy Jones mask to put on Jaime’s head, babe. You know Stein is more comfortable hitting women…

Entragian: You always think of the best ideas when it’s already too late.

With Jaime still on his knees, Stein begins to unload with an onslaught of brutal-looking chest chops. Jaime is about to fall, but Stein grabs him by the hair and pulls him back…only to RAKE the hell out of Jaime’s eyes.

Jaime’s hands float up to cover his eyes, and Stein takes that moment to hit the ropes and PISTON a perfect dropkick into Jaime’s face. Jaime goes down hard, and Stein pops right back up, showing off a winning smile behind his protective mask. He struts over to one corner of the ring, pointing out at Eryk Masters in the corner to yell out “HA, HA!”

Other Guy: Textbook dropkick finds its mark, just about caved Jaime’s face in. So with Redemption drawing closer, Isaac…have you formulated a plan for the PPV event?

Entragian: Mhm. # 1- Flay Jaime Alejandro alive inside of Hell In A Cell and beat him for the millionth time to retain my Iron Fist Championship. # 2- Throw everyone with a pulse out of the Redemption Rumble, win it, and go on to become the World Heavyweight Champion at Reckoning Day. Probably gonna get my teeth whitened before the show, too. Busy night…

Gaunt: Plus I have to get my nails done. You PROMISED!

Entragian: We’ll try and fit that in between destroying Alejandro and winning the Redemption Rumble, sugar tits.

Jaime is starting to get up, and Stein dances over to him, hopping from foot to foot while shadow boxing. Stein starts to slap Jaime’s face, one disrespectful slap over another, continuing to bounce from foot to foot….

But suddenly, Jaime rises up to his feet, his black eyes blazing. Stein instantly cowers down, throwing up both hands and begging off while he begins to back peddle. Jaime lashes out a hand and GOOZLES Stein around the throat, and then he begins to just CRUSH headbutts into Stein’s face. Each time Jaime hits a headbutt; Stein’s mask picks up a few tiny cracks in the plexiglass.

Other Guy: DAMN! Jaime must have a head like a rock to be willing to throw headbutts into Stein’s protective mask.

Entragian: He likes to self-mutilate. I’d smash my head into hard surfaces too if I was dating Laura Seton. Imagine lying in bed each night with a horse-headed puritan who has no earthly idea what a cunt is used for besides pissing.

Other Guy: Sounds horrible. I see your point…

Gaunt: He’s desperate enough to go after Tanya Black now. No amount of hand sanitizer in the world will save you after you travel down that dark, mossy road…

Entragian: Tanya “Yeast Infection” Black. A note to these shitbag fans…if she ever high fives you….wash your hands with battery acid.

Gaunt: SHOOT Project: The More You Know.

Jaime leans way back, and he SOCKS Stein right in the mouth with a hard discus punch. Stein stumbles and almost falls, but Jaime doesn’t let him….he lifts The Lights up crushes him into the canvas with a gutwrench suplex!

Stein gets back up, holding his back…and Jaime puts him right back down with a nasty looking dragon suplex! Stein snaps down hard, and he doesn’t move an inch on the canvas.

Jaime then turns to stare out the albino, his teeth gritted together with rage.

Entragian: Is he giving me the stink eye?

Gaunt: Sure looks like it.

Entragian: Nobody gives ME the stink eye.

Gaunt: Uhoh…OG….you might wanna…you might wanna lean back a little…

Entragian rises up to his feet at he announce table, and he rips the headset off.

The Ivory Terror makes a beeline for the ring, and Liz rises up from the announce table as well and removes her headset to stand on the outside.

Isaac jumps up on the apron, and Jaime goes to punch him…but suddenly Stein is up and he BLASTS Jaime in the back with a surprise dropkick! Isaac gets knocked off the apron by the force of Jaime’s body hitting him, and he lands on his feet with fury dancing in his eyes.

Stein takes quick advantage, with Jaime distracted and staggering….The Lights moves in….grabs Jaime up….and PLANTS him against the canvas with Twitterbation!!

Other Guy: Twitterbation!!! Stein got all of that maneuver!!

Stein throws himself on top of Jaime and pulls back a quick leg.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

Samantha Coil: HERE IS YOUR WINNER, THE LIGHTS, DAN STEIN!!!

Stein rises up with a huge smirk on his face, one hand thrust towards the sky…but then stark terror appears on his face as he notices Entragian climbing up into the ring with a steel chair in hand.

Stein literally LEAPS out of the ring and grabs Molly, and he races up the ramp as fast as he can while holding a fist up in triumph.

Meanwhile on the outside Eryk Masters is returning to his seat and replacing his headset while Isaac stalks Jaime with a steel chair in one hand and a microphone in the other.

Other Guy: You’re back….are you sure your time out is up? He might punish you more severely, Eryk.

Eryk Masters: I’m doing my job, OG. I have a right to be out here….and that THING that masquerades as a human being has the attention span of a rabid dog. All he’s interested in is Jaime right now…and it’s a damn shame that he had to get involved and cost Jaime Alejandro this match.

Isaac leans down and lies on the canvas next to Jaime, propping himself up with one elbow as he brings the mic up to his lips.

Entragian: Tough break, guy. Losing to a sissyboy who was leaving skidmarks in his Calvin Klein panties just thinking about facing you…that’s gotta be hard on the ego. I can tell that you’re pretty down about it. Like….literally…DOWN.

Isaac lifts up Jaime’s hand, and then he lets it drop and watches it flop back down to the canvas.

Entragian: Let’s do something FUN. It’ll lift your spirits a bit. How about….we play a roleplaying game? Sound fun?

Isaac reaches over and grabs a handful of Jaime’s hair, and he wobbles Jaime’s head a bit so that it appears like he’s nodding.

Entragian: I knew you’d agree! So….I’m going to be…Hurricane Sandy. And you…you’re going to be….Atlantic City! And Liz, get your sweet ass on in here…you’re gonna have a starring role as the weathergirl!

Liz lights up, clapping her hands with glee….and Isaac hands her the mic as he rises up to his feet and takes up the steel chair in both hands.

With the total LACK of sanity blazing in Entragian’s eyes, he slowly lifts the chair up over his head….and begins to SMASH it down against Jaime’s prone body as hard as he possibly can.

Liz drops down close to Jaime’s face, proceeding to give the fans her “forecast.”

Gaunt: Atlantic City is being….obliterated here tonight, folks…and the damage appears to be getting worse and worse. Streets are cracking…

Isaac SLAMS the chair down against Jaime’s ribs.

Gaunt: Rain is pouring…

Isaac smashes the chair up against the side of Jaime’s face, and splatters of blood fly out of his mouth and nose.

Gaunt: It’s mayhem everywhere you look. Hurricane Sandy is….a force of nature. A superstorm. Purely unstoppable. Amazingly destructive. And….strangely sexy.

Isaac smirks, offering Liz a final wink….before he BLASTS the steel chair down against the back of Jaime’s skull one last time, leaving the seat of the chair a dented, blood-smeared ruin.

Eryk Masters: When is ever going to be enough for these two? You’ve broken the man’s body…he’s bleeding and hurt…isn’t that enough?

Other Guy: Keep it up….if you want a turd in your mouth.

Eryk Masters: WHAT???

Other Guy: Nevermind.

Isaac tosses the steel chair to the side, and he unsnaps both of his championship belts from around his chest. He plants a boot on the side of Jaime’s head, and he lifts up the Iron Fist Title & The Rules of Surrender Title while grinning malevolently out at the crowd. Liz simply drinks her man in with her eyes, practically swooning.

We fade out on the black-hearted albino gloating over Jaime’s unconscious body.

The cameras cut to the private dressing room of Corey Lazarus and Gregory Price. Well, the door to it, anyway. The door’s open just a crack, luckily, allowing the camera to peak in and spy Price on his iPhone, pacing back and forth.

Gregory Price: I know you’re not medically cleared now, Jon, but…okay, right…fine. We’ll be sure to keep you in mind should we need somebody once you’re given the green light to return.

The cameraman pushes the door open a little more, revealing Corey sitting down on a black leather armchair with his feet up on a glass coffee table, his BlueTooth receiver in his ear as he taps about on the screen.

Corey Lazarus: …I know that you’re basically retired, Dustin, but…hey, I’ll call you back, dig? Cliff’s calling me on the other line…yeah, he’s probably going to tell me the same thing you just did, but I’ll try. Ciao. Hey, Cliff, babe, how’s it…no, you’re retired…yeah, I know about your neck, and you promised Tina…okay, cool, later.

Laz rips his BlueTooth out and throws it across the room. Price slides his phone away, shaking his head.

Gregory Price: That’s everybody who isn’t crippled or busier than expected. Simon, Riona, Jonathon…

Corey Lazarus: …Viktor, Kage, Jamie, Dustin, Cliff…

Gregory Price: So what are we going to do? Convince Hiro to come back?

Corey Lazarus: We could do that, or we could…hey, hold on, I’m getting a call…

Corey slides his finger across and goes to answer, rising up out of the armchair to get his BlueTooth from across the room.

Corey Lazarus: HEY, IF YOU CAN HEAR ME, JUST HOLD ON ONE SECOND, MY BLUETOOTH IS ACROSS THE ROOM, OKAY? HOLD ON, HOLD ON…

Laz picks his BlueTooth up and turns, noticing the camera.

Corey Lazarus: Uh, Gregory…

Corey motions to the door, and Price marches over, slamming it shut.

We cut backstage to reveal Jason Johnson and a stagehand standing in front of some audio equipment. Jason is holding a clipboard and pointing out something to the technician on the sheets before Azrael Goeren steps into the shot. Azrael is still clearly favoring his shoulder from Crippler’s attack earlier in the show as he gives the technician a dirty look before addressing Johnson.

Goeren: Herr Johnson. A word if I may?

Johnson glances up from the clipboard and gives the SHOOT employee a pat on the back and sends him on his way.

Johnson: Yes?

Goeren: Well?

Johnson: Well what?

Goeren: You know damn well what! My reinstatement! We’re closing in on the end of the show here tonight and I’ve been nothing but a perfect angel since Revolution 101…just as you said.

Johnson lets out a curt laugh.

Johnson: You’re kidding me, right? That telethon catastrophe you hosted here over the weekend got over a hundred complaints sent to our media affiliates.

Goeren: For what?!

Johnson: You told people over the air that if they didn’t donate money to your causes you would find out where they live and "drive-by rape" their daughters. Whatever that means.

Goeren: I was clearly misquoted.

Johnson: It’s on video tape Azrael. You even provided a crude illustration on how you’d do it.

Goeren: I was speaking metaphorically then.

Johnson: How about when you showed up to the Epicenter tonight and crashed your Escalade into the casino lobby?

Goeren: I was trying to show people that gambling is a sin! I am a role model for these people and sometimes I have to bring the pimp hand down. They all know it’s out of love.

Johnson closes his eyes tightly and shakes his head in frustration. Azrael, sensing that he’s losing him, quickly springs into another loud tirade.

Goeren: Alright then, how about my composure out there earlier with Crippler? You saw what that knuckle-dragger did to me…and yet I held back! I could have broken that bastard in half for what he did, but I didn’t throw a single punch because YOU told me to stay under control! I did everything that you asked of me and more! You’re only keeping me out of active competition because I’m white! This whole organization is racist!

Johnson: Azrael?

Goeren: What?

Johnson: I reinstated you to active competition this morning.

Azrael’s shoulders momentarily sink.

Goeren: What?

Johnson: It must have slipped my mind.

Goeren: Slipped your…you mean I could have fought back…and you…

Jason gives a stunned Azrael a pat on the back before he starts to walk away.

Johnson: Welcome back.

Azrael stands silently as he watches Jason Johnson walk off-camera. After a few seconds of not moving, Azrael raises his head and glares angrily in Johnson’s direction. A smile slowly curls across his lips as he nods his head slightly.

Goeren:  Let the games begin.

Maya Nakashima is seen walking down a backstage corridor towards his locker room, the young Soldier seemingly caught up in his own thoughts. He rounds a corner, his locker room at the end of the hall…and immediately he notices something strange. Something that wasn’t there before when he came down this way…

The lights are flickering along the entire length of the hallway….some of the bulbs shattered. But the thing that really unsettles Maya…there’s a cardboard box lying in the very middle of the floor leading towards Maya’s locker room.

Maya stares at this for a moment, cocking his head in bewilderment.

He takes a step forward….and the box twitches with movement. Maya takes a wary step backwards, unsure of what the hell is going on here. The illumination overhead darkens again, and in those moments of darkness…the cardboard box JUMPS towards him, sliding across the floor a few inches.

At this point Maya is incredibly cautious and a little freaked….but he gathers up his courage and he moves towards the box….reaching out a hand to slowly…ever so slowly…lift the flaps. He leans over, peering inside…and then he takes a quick step back, a look of disgust passing over his face.

Elizabeth Gaunt’s body is contorted inside of the box, her limbs folded up in a variety of strange, unnatural positions. Lunacy burns in her eyes, and much to Maya’s amazement….she starts to rise up out of the box, her limbs moving with jerky, shiver-inducing fluidity.

Maya gets ready to defend himself….and Liz wastes no time, she practically FLIES out of the box, cartwheeling across the floor towards Maya…then running forward a few more steps and performing a perfect front flip, and the very moment that she sticks the landing Liz LASHES out with a surprise right cross that cracks Maya against the jaw and knocks him back against the concrete wall.

Gaunt: What are you doing in these dreary hallways all by yourself, little boy? Where’s your parent or guardian? This is a super DANGEROUS place…so many shady characters around…all of them willing to take advantage of a little sweetie pie like YOU!

A deranged smile passes across Liz’s ruby-painted lips…and she boxes Maya in against the wall. Maya throws up his forearms to guard his face, so Liz begins to SLAM open-handed palm strikes into Maya’s torso. Maya slinks down against the wall, and Liz drags him back up by the hair, burying her nostrils into Maya’s feathered locks.

Gaunt: What shampoo do you use? Smells kinda like…cotton candy. We should totally go shopping together sometime. Queer eye for the straight girl, ya know?

All the while Liz is carrying on this bizarre casual conversation with Maya, she’s driving a flurry of fists into his stomach. She finally lets up for a minute, and Maya braces himself against the wall, breathing hard while holding a hand against his abdomen.

Elizabeth goes over to a steel chair, picking it up from the floor and folding it up carefully. She takes her time, seeming to size Maya up. Her face scrunches up into “gotta do it, kiddo” type of expression…her nose wrinkling to the point where it would almost be cute…if she wasn’t such a nutjob.

Gaunt: You’ve got such a pretty face, Maya. I envy your cheekbones. It’s a REAL shame…that I have to cave it in…

Liz grins, and then SWINGS the chair towards Maya’s face as hard as she possibly can….but Maya ducks out of the way! The chair slams up against the concrete wall, and as the shockwave travels through Liz’s hands she loses her grip on the steel, dropping it to the floor.

She spins around, backed up against the wall…and she sees Maya rising back up to his feet with fire in his eyes. Liz bites her bottom lip, her eyes flitting from side to side for a possible escape route…

Gaunt: Time out, kay?

Maya doesn’t take his eyes off Gaunt for a second, he notes the hesitation as her eyes scatter looking for a way out.

Maya: Funny, I thought I was the one that was supposed to be scared.

Maya plants his back foot on the concrete and explodes forward, even for someone as light on their feet as Gaunt there is no time to react. Maya drives his knee into the midsection of Gaunt, her eyes bulge and her tongue almost flies out of her mouth as her upper body bends over Maya’s knee. Gaunt stumbles backwards, gripping at her midsection, it doesn’t even take Maya a second to close the gap between them. Maya thrusts his forearm forward, pinning it against Gaunt’s throat, and pinning her against a hard white brick wall. Maya looks into Gaunt’s eyes, looks at her face…

Gaunt’s eyes roll back towards the whites for a moment, her tongue flitting against her upper lip.

Gaunt: More, Maya. Choke me. Hurt me. Make me bleed…just a little bit, okay? Pretty please…with a cherry on top….

Maya’s face twists in disgusts.

She’s enjoying this.

Maya immediately lets Gaunt go, watches her slide down the wall until she’s sitting on the ground. Her eyes almost rolling in the back of her head, like a bitch in heat.

Maya: Is this the best SCAR can do, to break me?

Maya turns his back completely on Gaunt.

Maya: Tell your brothers to send someone else.

Liz cranes her neck to the side, spitting up a wad of saliva while she rubs a black-nail polish painted hand against her throat. She stares after Maya with an incredulous look.

Gaunt: Wait…you can’t just…walk away from me! You don’t get to DO that! I’m the best you’re EVER going to get, Maya!

Liz wipes the saliva from her mouth, screaming out at Maya as he walks away and ignores her completely.

Gaunt: NOT FAIR!!! NO FAIR!! COME BACK HERE AND MAKE ME BLEED, YOU LITTLE BITCH!!!

Liz starts to sob for a moment, and then she begins to chuckle. Her moods continue to dart back and forth between amusement and sorrow…one moment she’s crying, the next she’s laughing.

She drives her fist into the wall as hard as she can, relishing the pain that shoots up through her knuckles. She does this again and again as she watches Maya vanish down the hallway, her knuckles starting to drip with blood. Her expression is that of a bratty girl that didn’t get her way…

She whispers to herself while balling her bloody hand into a fist.

Gaunt: He’s not….playing…fair…

We fade to black.

Samantha Coil: The following contest is our MAIN EVENT of the evening!

"DIM Scene" by the GazettE starts playing, and the Tron comes to life. It’s a black and white video, and not for the weak at heart. An ice pick slowly sinks into the flesh of an unknown, visibly obese man. We see the man is struggling, but there’s no use. The pick drags across his flabby belly, a dark, thick, oily looking liquid that we know to be blood is spilling out from the wounds, and the pick is lifted. Two words adorn the man’s flesh, and I think we know what those words are.

PROJECT: SCAR

The fans immediately boo as Project: SCAR’s Sociopath Pioneer, Kenji Yamada steps out from the back.  He stands at the entrance, completely oblivious to the jeers of the crowd.  This time, however, he doesn’t stare dead ahead.  Instead, he looks down at the ground, his mind somewhat disconnected from what’s going on in front of him and around him.

Samantha Coil: Introducing first, weighing in at 220 pounds, representing Project: SCAR, he is Kenji YAMAAAADAAAAA!

Other Guy:  So…clearly Kenji Yamada’s…can’t believe I’m gonna say this with a straight face…not all there tonight.

Eryk Masters:  Who knows…maybe the words he exchanged with the World Champion clicked something in his head.

Kenji enters the ring by rolling under the bottom rope, another unusual step for the architect of SCAR.  He slides to his corner, sits down, and stares at the entrance as “DIM Scene”  dies down.  He stares at the entrance as green and gold spotlights shine down on the entrance, bringing the fans to their feet!  “Gladiator” by Bun B kicks in, bringing the fans to their feet.  The entrance fills with smoke.  Stepping through the white fog, DONOVAN KING steps out from the back, the SHOOT Project World Heavyweight Championship on his shoulder.

They thought it was over, they thought that I was done

They said I wouldn’t last, I’m the last one

I’m “Still Standing” like the Goodie to the Mo-B

In a black hoodie, it’s the O.G., you know me

Samantha Coil:  And his opponent…weighing in at 235 pounds, he is the SHOOT PROJECT WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION…Donovan…KIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!!!!

He wears his black KING hoodie unzipped, the hood pulled tight over his head with the new “ALL HAIL” t-shirt on underneath.

Never bow to no feet or kiss no rings

Hold my own ground, never doin’ hoe things

Just to get accepted, just to be included

Nigga I am from the South, that ain’t how we do it

He marches down to the ring quickly, paying no attention to the fans as they cheer and focused completely on Kenji.  He rolls underneath the bottom rope and gets up to one knee, looking at the fans as the chorus hits.

I’m a GLADIATOR greater than the rest

Bring whoever wanna battle; you’ll never be the best

King ascends the ropes and looks over the fans, the SHOOT Project World Heavyweight Championship dangling from his left hand while a microphone is firmly gripped in his right.

Got a chest made of metal, a jaw made of steel

When I put the hands of God on ya, tell me how it feels

King turns his head as “Gladiator” dies down.  He removes his hoodie and drops it down for Samantha Coil to take a hold of.  He also hands her the SHOOT Project World Heavyweight Championship before he drops down from the turnbuckle and stares at Kenji, who has yet to rise.  He removes his shirt and throws it into the crowd as the referee calls for the bell.

Other Guy:  And our main event is LIVE!

King wastes NO time and charges Kenji, SPLASHING him in the corner!  Kenji is stunned as King follows it up with a HARD elbow strike to the side of the head, then three body blows, then an arm drag to bring Kenji down to the mat, then a cross armbreaker that King quickly releases, SLAMMING his heel into Kenji’s face!  The fans pop BIG as Kenji is completely taken off guard by King’s ferocity!

Eryk Masters:  Kenji doesn’t seem to have it together and when you’re in the ring with a guy as dangerous as the World Champion…that’s a problem.

Other Guy:  Are you kiddin’ me?  Any excuse to see SCAR get what’s coming to them.  ANY excuse.

King picks Kenji up, but Kenji rallies with a STIFF European uppercut that staggers King against the ropes.  Kenji stands up and is FLATTENED with a HARD King Lariat!  King wastes no time picking Kenji back up and whips him into the ropes!  King ducks down and Kenji leapfrogs him, but King is ready when Kenji comes back around and catches him with a hip toss!  Kenji rolls to knees, but King QUICKLY hits him with a dropkick STRAIGHT to the face!

Eryk Masters:  You just know that Donovan King is out to make sure Lunatikk Crippler is watching this after his performance earlier tonight!

King ignores the possible pin attempt and immediately picks Kenji up off of the mat and whips him to the ropes.  He bounces off of the opposite ropes and charges Kenji for what looks like a spear but Kenji counters with a single arm DDT!  Kenji tries to shake off the cobwebs, the look on his face is not one of fatigue but of disgust at how easily King assumed control of the match.  He takes a hold of King’s arm and twists it, driving his knee into King’s elbow.  King cries out in pain as Kenji quickly spins his leg around arm, drags King down to his stomach, and hooks King’s leg in a Tequila Sunrise!  King reaches out for the ropes, but they are nowhere to be found!

Other Guy:  I haven’t seen that move since Konnan!  Viva la Raza, Yamada!

Kenji squats down on King’s twisted arm, causing harder and more painful torque causing King to clench his teeth in agony!  Suddenly, the fans start to…chant at Kenji.

Eryk Masters:  What are they saying?

Other Guy:  Kenji looks seriously messed up about it, whatever it…OHHH.

SCAR IS DEAD

SCAR IS DEAD

SCAR IS DEAD

Kenji releases the Sunrise and starts to argue with the fans?!  Completely out of character for Kenji as he threatens to exit the ring and attack the specific fan he’s arguing with when all of a sudden King rolls him up in a schoolboy!

ONE!

TWO!

KICK OUT!

Kenji looks stunned as King sprawls over him and begins to wail away on him, but Kenji quickly rolls over, punching at King violently!  He picks King up and SNAPS him down with a snap suplex!

SCAR IS DEAD!

SCAR IS DEAD!

SCAR IS DEAD!

Kenji LEAVES the ring, charging at the fans!  The fans boo LOUDLY as security gets in between Kenji and the fans! 

ONE!

Kenji attacks one of the security guards and swings at one of the fans as the referee continues his count!

TWO!

Kenji turns around…RIGHT into a Donovan King baseball slide!  Kenji SLAMS against the guardrail from the impact!  The fans pop HUGE as King picks Kenji up and SLAMS Kenji down to the ground with a HARD slam! 

THREE!

Kenji cringes as King picks him up and rolls him back into the ring, ready to continue the assault.

Eryk Masters:  I can’t believe that Kenji is being…well…psyched out by everything being chanted and by King.  That’s not like him at all.

Other Guy:  He’s a shell, just like his pathetic batch of pals he runs with.

Eryk Masters:  Tough talk when they’re not here, OG.

King rallies the fans as he picks Kenji up one more time and SLAMS him back down to the mat with a HARD Spinebuster!

Other Guy:  Blood is in the water!

The fans immediately begin to boo, however, when ELIZABETH GAUNT appears at the entrance!  She prances out, a grin on her face.  King stops and stares at her as she puts her arms behind her back, pushing her breasts out even further and licking her teeth.  King stands there, looking at her and holds his arms out, ready for her to come down to the ring.

Eryk Masters:  Uh…oh.

Without warning, Tony Lorenzo is LEVELLED with an Act of Inhumanity from CORAZON, who has appeared out of nowhere!  The fans boo HARD as King immediately gets himself ready for Corazon, since this is clearly becoming more of a fight than a wrestling match.  Kenji looks up at Corazon and grins a deathly grin at his brother in arms.  Meanwhile, Gaunt saunters down the ramp as King prepares himself.

Other Guy:  Oh man…now it’s possibly THREE on one!

King looks at Gaunt, then to Corazon, then to Kenji when the boos grow…and OBSIDIAN appears.  Obsidian slides into the ring behind King and King immediately clenches his teeth, the dread apparent on his face.  He makes a single, solitary motion to Obsidian in the hopes of stopping what is coming, but even he knows it’s pointless.

Eryk Masters:  Guys…we’re gonna need…some serious help out here!

King sighs…and NAILS Obsidian RIGHT in the face with an elbow strike!  He charges at Corazon, but Kenji catches him with the beginnings of VAST SCARS!  He finishes VAST SCARS on King and FLATTENS him on the mat!  Corazon grins as he slinks from the ring.  Gaunt enters the ring and bends over King’s body, slapping him lightly on the face as out from the back saunters ISAAC ENTRAGIAN.

Other Guy:  Oh damn…Project:SCAR is here!

Eryk Masters:  I’m going to assume you’re not gonna have a lot to say, huh?

Other Guy:  SHUT UP.

Isaac enters the ring as Kenji lifts King up and hands him off to Obsidian, who takes a firm grasp of King’s throat and drags him over to the ropes…and he HOISTS him high…and CHOKESLAMS HIM OVER THE ROPES TO THE FLOOR BELOW with a HARD THUD.  The fans let out a LOUD OOOH as Gaunt slowly unbuckles her belt and slides from the ring.  She wraps the belt around King’s throat and picks him up, the fans booing even louder as she starts to try to drag him around!  Corazon helps her pick him up and rolls him back into the ring.

Other Guy:  CAN SOMEBODY STOP THIS?!  THIS IS THE WORLD CHAMPION!

Gaunt hands her belt to Obsidian, who chokes King into a kneeling position and braces himself behind King’s body, tightly keeping him up in a kneeling position for SCAR.  Kenji stands there for a long moment before he SNAPS off a SHINING WIZARD to King’s HEAD.  Obsidian tightens the choke hold on King, keeping him from falling and FORCES him to feel the ENTIRE effect of the Shining Wizard.  Isaac holds his finger up, his sharp teeth grinning as he pinches King’s cheeks…AND HE BITES INTO KING’S FOREHEAD!!!

Eryk Masters:  OH GOD!

Isaac throws his head up in ecstasy, his chin and teeth red with blood!  King’s face is quickly pumping blood from the bite on his forehead as he tries to maintain some level of consciousness when the fans RIP into cheers!

Other Guy:  YES!  YES!  YEEEEEEESSSS!!!!

MAYA NAKASHIMA SPRINTS down to the ring and jumps to the ring apron and SAILS over the top rope into Isaac and Gaunt!  He attacks Isaac and then turns to Gaunt, but Obsidian drops King to the mat and charges at Maya, ready to level him, but Maya hits him HARD in the face, trying to rock him back!  Gaunt leaps up onto Maya’s back, wrapping her legs around him, clawing at his face violently, and bringing Maya to his knees!

Eryk Masters:  Can they be stopped?!

Kenji and Corazon look on as Isaac gets ready to attack Maya when the fans RIP into cheers again…FOR LUNATIKK CRIPPLER.  Crippler SPRINTS to the ring, steel pipe in hand!  Isaac sees Crippler and grins.  He slides from the ring, as does the rest of Project:SCAR.  The fans boo loudly as the damage has been done.  Crippler stands there, watching the lot of them as Maya slowly picks himself up, staring them down as well.  King is stirring on the mat as Crippler turns to look at his rival.

Crippler bends down to help King sit up.  King looks around in a daze before he touches his forehead and feels the hot sticky blood.  He looks up at Crippler and shoves Crippler away, dragging himself to the other side of the ring.  The members of Project:SCAR are laughing, their work finished.  Maya stares them down as Crippler tries to offer his hand to King, but King merely glares Crippler down with murderous intent, keeping himself up by holding onto the top rope.

The last thing seen before the scene fades…is Project:SCAR standing triumphant…Maya standing vigilant…and King and Crippler locked in a deathly stare.

Black