OOWF MidWeek Mayem (01/11) Live! From Bedlam Corne

[BookerShark]

Aina is WALKING~ with Noelani down the Hallway of Random Encounters, his World Tag Team Championship belt slung over one shoulder, the Trios belt slung over his other. They are come upon by a SFJ (let's call her Amy).

SFJA: Aina, this week you and Kai defend your Tag Team Championships against not one, but two teams. Any thoughts?

Noe: I got this.

Noelani takes the Tag Team Championship belt off Aina's shoulder.

Noe: This is what LD Williams, Stank, El Lobo Sangriento, and "Dynamite" Danny Taylor are challenging for. Take a good look boys. This is as close as you're gonna get to these belts. When my boys are done with you they'll...

Aina gently moves Noelani aside and takes the belt from her.

Aina: Ya know, let's save the normal promo stuff for later. Me and my bruddah are the OOWF Tag Team Champions. Three times now, we've held these belts. We've defeated all comers, including the so-called measuring sticks. We beat them in a best of seven series. In their own match. This week, two legends of the OOWF, along two of the future stars of this business get to take their best shots at the best tag team in the world. And what do they have to say about it?

Nothing.

LD, you'll "save something meaningless for us later"? Well, that's what I have come to expect around here. No respect. No regard. Take a look at this...

Aina holds the belt towards the camera.

Aina: THIS is a championship belt gentlemen. THIS is something worth fighting for in this business. I'm sorry that WE are not worth your time and effort to even mention in passing for what seems to be a never ending soap opera in this place. Maybe we need to start kicking a few more haole asses around here to get some damn attention. When you do bother to mention us, it's questioning a past action we dared to show some balls and go against the status quo. Or it's questioning me and my bruddah's motivations. Don't you worry about our motivations. Worry about your own motivations, which should be THIS RIGHT HERE.

Aina once again holds the belt close to the camera.

Aina: Go ahead and enjoy my bruddah's promos. He's a funny dude. But don;t take for one second that he won;t break you in half to keep these belts. And don't you forget for one second that my calm demeanor means I won't do the same. We fight for honor. We fight for ohana. And we fight for the Hawai'ian Nation. None of you are apart of that, so we will destroy any of you that stand in our way, friend or foe, none of you are beyond a haole ass kicking like only boys from the streets of Hilo are capable of.

Aina takes a step back and stands beside Noelani.

Aina: There's your promo. a belated Mele Kalikimaka to all of you. If you smell. What AINA. Is. Surfin'. Aloha.

Aina puts his arm around Noelani and walks off.

[BookerShark]

*The camera cuts to Stank with a slight smile on his face having just concluded watching Aina's promo on a nearby monitor. He turns briefly toward the camera increasing the smile ever so slightly then continues past and walks out of a frame. The camera fades to commercial break.*

[BookerShark]

Firewoman walks into the DEA Luxury Suites, which has been mostly set up to look the same way it does every other place they go. There's a few things out of place. Lucky is sitting on the sofa, and starts to get up. He looks better, but is still recovering from Ghosthead's attack. Fire sees the condition he's and scowls.

L: Oh, hey, boss...sorry, I'm a little behind schedule of getting things ready, I was just taking a break--

FW: It's okay. Stay where you are. How are you feeling?

L: A little sore still, but mostly okay....I just kept Alexis's stuff in the boxes...how is she?

FW: 'Bout the same.

L: Oh....Alex?

FW: He's in Canada still, he'll be here. I needed to come back and cut a promo and stuff. Feel up to it?

L: Sure.

Lucky slowly gets up off the sofa. The OOWF Banner appears behind them, and Lucky produces a microphone.

L: I'm here with--

FW: Save it. I have things to do. First, to the New Guard. Yes, that's right. Your heavyweight champ, Stan Fulton, thinks I'm too wrapped up in my own story to comment on the New Guard. Which is hilarious really. I mean, first of all, your big deal is that us veterans should step aside and let you have your day, right? So I do that, and suddenly, that's not right either. Okay. Fine. It's not like they've bothered to acknowledge my existence. When they go through their litany of wrestlers that have paved the way before them, Firewoman is always conspicuously absent. I COULD take that as a complement. They disrespect those who they list, and since I"m not on the list? No, I don't believe for a minute that means that they respect me. I mean, the only time they have mentioned me is to completely dismiss and complain about my reign as Commissioner.

Well, boys, things have changed. For one, I'm no longer commissioner, so you'll have to find someone else upon which to blame your imagined slights. That also means I don't exactly have to try and be neutral either. I have plenty on my plate right now, so you might want to count your blessings that the New Guard is not something with which I've concerned myself. Maybe ask Ghosthead what happens when you suddenly move to the top of my to do list.

L: You should probably address your match this week too.

FW: *sigh*.....I should....the thing is.....I knew that sooner or later, Eco and I would meet in the ring again......I was hoping it would be later, but sometimes you don't get to choose your battles. I will do my best to prepare for this match....but I don't mean physically. No, this is match that the physical is just an afterthought. This is a match that will be fought mentally, psychologically....and spiritually. Is it set up?

L: Your shrine room? Yes.

FW: Good. *back to the camera* I've never invited cameras in there, although you all have caught glimpses, and I don't intend to start today. But....maybe soon.

Junichiro Ecosystem Muyo possessed my heart and soul, and controlled my every thought. He no longer does that...but the scars have not healed....These next few months contain several anniversaries of memorable events...things he made me do...things I let him make me do.......

L: Purging the seven deadly sins.

FW: Yes. Attacking my family and friends, and then using my guilt and shame to control me further. And now, I believe he does that to another. I got rid of Genius IQ for his manipulations, and while he pales in comparison to Muyo, I consider it a practice run.

The fact is Juni can take as many medications as he wants. They don't change who he truly is, deep down inside. Just like all mine don't change me. So may the true Juni and the true Firewoman meet in the ring. That will sparkle with me.

Firewoman shuts the door to the shrine room, Lucky nods as the OOWF banner disappears.

[BookerShark]

<Moose walks into a room and sits down, SFJ 13 is there, Moose looks annoyed by being there>

MHJ: You know I am only doing this because I am contractually obligated, right?

SFJ13: Like you would be doing anything else today

MHJ: Right now there is a certain QB in Denver I would like to take HDB to…….

SFJ13: Anyway, let’s get started, it’s been awhile since you did one of these sit down interviews, so I suppose we should start with the obvious. It appears that you and Alexander Darling are heading to war again, but this time it seems different, this time, it seems it is less about who can murder the other one, and more about who can hurt the other

MHJ: The last time Alex and I faced off, we both spent the better part of a month in the hospital. I have no doubt that this will end the same way, only this time, I want to make his stay in the hospital a permanent one. This time, its all about what we have taken from one another, this is a reckoning, this is revenge, this is pointing out that he is a hypocrite.

SFJ13: Many have said that this is one of the most intense, personal feuds in professional wrestling history, right on par with Tommy Dreamer and Raven, and Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels. How do you keep up the intensity?

MHJ: It’s not just Moosehead Jack that hates Alexander Darling. You want to break kayfabe for a minute, Jack Quinn hates Alexander Darling. When I say I want him out of wrestling, when I say I hate him with every fiber of my being, that is not promoing. That is not furthering a story. I have had a lot of things I have hated in my life…..my mother, my father, a lot of the people I went to school with, but I have never had more hatred for a person than I do Alexander Darling. When I say that Alex could die tomorrow and I would not shed a tear, I am not kidding about that.

SFJ13: Doesn’t that scare you?

MHJ: Why would it?

SFJ13: He is a human being

MHJ: You sound like the shrink. And I will tell you the same thing I told him. No, I don’t care if he is a human being. I hate him. I would not shed a tear for his stupid family, his stupid sister, or his stupid wife if he were to die tomorrow. It would not have the slightest bearing on my life

SFJ13: That is disturbing. Are you afraid that that attitude will keep the Board from sanctioning matches between you two? I could see where Alex might not want to go into a match against someone with that mindset

MHJ: The board can do what they want, they can try. One way or another, this has to get settled between us. Alex himself said it, the OOWF is not big enough for the two of us, and I am not going anywhere. And, for the record, don’t let him fool you either, he feels the same way about me. If I were die tomorrow, he might feel sorry for his stupid wife, but he would not care one bit that I am gone. Not one bit.

SFJ13: How did it get so personal between the two of you?

MHJ: Because he is a liar and a hypocrite. What he did to me………had I done what he did, I would deservedly be booed for the rest of my career. He does it, offers some stupid half assed apology that is about as insincere as it gets, and the idiot fans just let it go. The powers that be let it go. If I had done that to him, I would have been fined and suspended. And, I am not asking for him to be fined or suspended, I am asking people to wake the fuck up and stop being fooled by that piece of shit Alexander Darling.

SFJ13: Alex seems to be going to a darker place lately, wearing a hood and being more aggressive in the ring. He broke Eric O’Mac’s ankle, a man that was formerly his friend. Does that concern you at all?

MHJ: You really think breaking Eric’s ankle scares me? I just tried to kill his sister. Look, I get that Alex is being more aggressive, good. I want that. Alex, I want you as mad as you can possibly be. I want you to focus every single bit of rage you have EVER felt in your life on me. I want you to bring ever bit of anger. I want your 100% focus, I want you to bring everything you have ever had in that wrestling ring, and then more. I want you to do everything in your power to eliminate me.

SFJ13: Why?

MHJ: Because then, when he fails – and he will – there are no excuses. He can say nothing except what I already know – he is not as good as me.

SFJ13: Some think you are underestimating Alexander Darling

MHJ: I am not underestimating him, I know what he can do in the ring, he is a good competitor, he is determined and vicious. He will hurt me and make me bleed. Its just, I will make him hurt and bleed more.

SFJ13: A good competitor? The man is one tag team title from winning the Six Pack. In four years, he has been one of the most dominant competitors in the OOWF. And you are only willing to go as far as “good”?

MHJ: Fine. Good, and lucky. He is good, I am better. It’s that simple.

SFJ13: <rolling her eyes> Moving on. Last week your sister Firewoman resigned her position as Commissioner to participate in a tag team cage match saving her husband from a beating from you and Ecosystem. What are your thoughts on that?

MHJ: It was simply the final betrayal by Lisa.

SFJ13: Firewoman

MHJ: No, my sister was Firewoman. Lisa Darling is not my sister. She just couldn’t stay out of it. I love how she claims she is going to remain impartial and fair, then the first chance she gets to stick her nose into something, she does. So much for being impartial.

SFJ13: She was saving her husband from a certain beating in a handicap match……a handicap match that came because of what you did to Alexis

MHJ: In a match that SHE agreed to and knew the potential consequences. And Alex made the decision to accept the match as a handicap match. He knew the consequences, but Lisa could not sit back and let things happen as they should, no, she had to get involved. Well let me let you in on a little secret Lisa, I knew you couldn’t stay out of it. When Alexis was out, and Selena told him to find a new partner, I knew he wouldn’t. I knew he wouldn’t drag someone else into this. And I knew that you couldn’t sit back and mind your own business. There was no way for you to get involved and remain commissioner either, so in the end, Alex cost you your position as Commissioner. His stupidity in keeping the match, his ignorance forced your hand, and he cost you the job you loved. I knew you would go down that road Lisa……

You want to know why it was so fucking easy for Eco to manipulate you? Because you are fucking predictable Lisa. You like to think that you are mysterious and secretive, but you’re not. You are no more mysterious than I am. Given the choice, you will do the stupid thing. You will do the “heroic” thing, you will do what will end up costing you the most in the end. It’s why you married Alex, it’s why you were so easily manipulated by Eco, and it’s why you are no longer Commissioner. And Fire, I told you, your decisions would have consequences, this is just the tip of the fucking iceberg.

SFJ13: She is your sister……..

MHJ: WAS. She WAS my sister. Do you know what it was like dealing with her in the Five? Miss Prima Fucking Donna, everything had to be HER way. We had a damn good thing going with that group, she was the WORLD FUCKING CHAMPION, but do you think she could let things go with Poe? Do you think she could put HER fucking ego aside for the group? No. It had to be all about her. When we didn’t jump to her defense fast enough after she did something stupid AGAIN, all she did was bitch. Yeah, I am a bad fucking brother because I didn’t jump to her rescue every time SHE did something stupid. Well you know what Lisa? Fuck you. The world does not revolve around you. Even growing up, it was always about poor Lisa. Poor Lisa has nothing, poor Lisa has abusive parents. Jackie, make sure you take care of your poor sister Lisa. Well you know what? Fuck you, you are the cause of your own problems because you are a selfish bitch who can’t think five fucking seconds ahead of yourself. It’s all about you Lisa, fuck what anyone else wants as long as you get what you want. Well let me tell you something Lisa, you are going to be very disappointed in the future because you are not getting your way. What you are going to get is a beating because you are no different than any of the rest of the fucking Darlings. You. Are. Dead. To. Me.

SFJ13: Moving on to other things…….

MHJ: You know what? No

<Moose is clearly very agitated now, he gets up and tears off his mic, grabs HDB and storms out of the room. SFJ13 looks around then shakes her head and gives the signal to cut to black>

[BookerShark]

We are in the Destroyatorium, and DVD, DDT and ELS (lots of acronyms in this group) are sitting watching OOWFTV. Aina's promo finishes, and Danny lets out a sigh and removes the mask he was wearing.

El Lobo: Again complaining about being overlooked while holding the gold. It seems there is no pleasing the New Guard.

Danny nods in agreement.

DVD: I'm telling you it's that harpy on his arm. Me, Danny and Jack showed them nothing but respect and friendship for months, and they threw it all away. And let's not forget, they were more then willing to jump us again just last month.

El Lobo: It does seem to be say one thing and do another with the New Guard.

At this point Ashley bursts into the room cradling a whimpering Shotglass in her arms. Danny sees this and jumps up rushing over. Lobo and Vic follow closely behind.

DVD: What happened to the pup?

Ashley: He got out of the bar and wandered into the interview area and that jerk Evans punted him across the room.

Danny's eyes narrow and a sneer begins to form on his face.

DVD: What a tool, who the hell kicks puppies? That's some weaksauce right there.

El Lobo hands Danny the mask he was wearing earlier.

EL Lobo: If you want to confront him, I'm with you all the way.

Danny pauses and takes a deep breath, and seems to focus. He slowly shakes his head no. He points to Shotglass and holds up one finger, he then makes the outline of a square and holds up two fingers.

DVD: Yeah, we take care of our friends first, we will take care of the New Guard in the ring. Aina wants attention, well thanks to his buddy Evans, him and Kai are getting the full attention of El Lobo and Danny Taylor. Drink and Destroy rides again, and this time we aren't slowing down for anyone.

El Lobo: Wolfpac out.

Danny mouths the word boom, then pushes the INC away as it

FADES

[BookerShark]

*Darling Estates*

Fade in to the following image

An INC zooms in on one of the balconies and we see the black-hooded Alexander Darling.

Alexander: This is the home I grew up in, but it is not the home where I became the person I am. Later this week, I will be traveling to that home for the final time and I will give the OOWF fans who watch our shows a history lesson to die for. But for now, I'm back in this home because it is the best place for my sister to recover.

The yin to my yang was almost brutally taken from me because of some perceived injustices I've committed. That my actions have not been done because of his actions, but he can live in his land of denial. I live in reality. Whether here in Miami, where I was born in New Jersey, or wherever my career has taken me I exist in a world of facts. I understand that my actions would have consequences, but I also thought there was a line.

Jack Quinn wants to talk about his legitimate hatred for me and there's nothing I can do about that, but he's wrong. I don't hate him. Maybe at one point I did, but hatred and vengeance can only take a person so far. The truth is I feel sorry for the man and my current course of action is not being done for myself but for him. It's clear that he has no interest in living a long life so I'm just going to hurry that along for him.

See, the thing is Jack wants this to escalate. He makes my life a living hell no matter where I show up, I do unspeakable things to him. He goes after my family, I went after his. I try to stay away from him and go after other goals, he sticks his nose in my business. I finally say enough is enough and he tries to kill my sister. I know he wants to bring me down to his level because he believes that will be a win for him. He's done it in the past with Gryfon, but Jack forgets the simple fact that I have never claimed to be above this. If Jack believes I have no interest in getting dirty, he's wrong.

But here's the thing Jack refuses to accept. I am better than him. In every fucking sense of the word, I am better. A better wrestler. A better human being. And I am better at being bad. That's the thing that really drives Jackie boy nuts...if I really wanted to push things, I could make HIM forget all about Jack and come home to Alex. But I'm better at being my own man than he is and I can ignore the voices in my head. I could show up at Mayhem and I could make every single fan in that arena scream for my blood and they'd want Jack to do it. And that just eats at his very core. That I can be better than him at EVERYTHING.

But Jack, you don't have to worry. I'm not going to make the fans love you while you're alive. Maybe in death, they'll respect...yes, respect, what you've accomplished but as long as we both shall live, I will own you. In every sense of the word. You think this is all your work based on what HE has told you. Jack, you're sad and pathetic if you believe that. Jack...the end is near and your time is coming. And when all is said and done, always remember the simplest fact...I am Alexander Darling, and well, you, you're just my bitch.

*Fade*

[BookerShark]

*Ghosthead turns toward the camera. His face is shrouded in darkness underneath his gray hood. His white dreadlocks fall out from the darkness of the hood as do his words.*

GH - I will get to Usagi-san in a second. First I will address Lisa Quinn Darling. Is this what it means to be at the top of your meaningless list...? An attempted strangulation, a subpar effort in our match, a passing mention in a promo meant to send a message to the New Guard? Do not pretend that anything you have done to me amounts to much. Far more skilled adversaries have impressed me. You do not. You are fortunate the last time we met in these halls my brother showed up to save you. Next time I'll give you a real reason to mention my name. It's "Ghosthead" to you by the way, Lisa.

Now on to other matters. Rabbit Mask... we did not run in the same circles in Japan. Unfortunately I did not have the pleasure of meeting you in combat while I was there. I have heard of you however and I look forward to besting you in our upcoming match. There you will face your peril. There I will snatch victory. There you will learn just like everyone else, I am the Ghosthead Killer, The Death Knell, devourer of your will and the architect of your defeat.

Fade

[BookerShark]

~~~ Chad Madison stands alone in front of the OOWF Interview Banner. ~~~

Chad: So. Suddenly EVERYONE wants a Campeonas match? Well get in the back of the line fellas, Zane and I made our intentions clear about the Campeonas de Trios weeks ago. We helped pioneer them years ago. Yes, we did it with Davin. Run DLP's name is all over the record books.

But Zane and I have won them without him before, and we WILL do it again. Davin, good luck finding 2 people who can stand to be in the ring with you and put up with your grandstanding.

And Champ, as much fun as it might be to watch you, Evans & Folz fight your own stablemates, your challenge rings hollow. "We don't want to share our toys with anyone" You only want them because you're scared that we will HAVE them.

And that fear is REAL. Kai, Aina & Alex have different paths these days. And as much as they might be "Bruddahs" there's no way it doesn't effect them in the ring. Trust Me.

Believe me, there are no shortage of people willing to step up and help us put that first dent in the armor of the New Guard. We'll be on the same page. And Texpress will win the Campeonas de Trios for the Seventh time. Don't believe us? Pay attention this Wednesday, LIVE from Bedlam Corner Connecticut (LOUD Cheap Pop) When we take down J-P Sparxx & Matt Folz and prove that No one else Measures Up to The Texpress.

[BookerShark]

Ricky Soaring Eagle is sitting in gm Selenas office. She walks in, surrounded by a half dozen security guards.

“Thank you for coming Mr. Eagle”

“You summoned me. I don’t think the rent-a-cops are necessary. I have promised not to hurt you.”

“First things first. I am putting you on probation and fining you one month’s salary for the repeated attacks on that female reporter. If it happens again, you are done. “

“That’s bullshit”

The guards surrounding her close ranks

“I thought you’d see it that way. I have her full report right here. I’ve read it and I’ve verified her sources. I know exactly what happened to Amanda Collins”

At the sound of that name Ricky lunges out of his chair, but before he can even get up, the security guards have him pinned to his chair.

“You scare me. I know what you did in Reno. I know why. Mr. Eagle.”

“You know NOTHING”

“I know you killed the owner of a casino and a Nevada state trooper. I know Miss Collins was a dancer at the club you started bouncing at. I know they got drunk. I know they raped her and left her for dead. I know a week later she confided in you. I know she paid you $10,000. I know she bribed several political connections to make the records disappear. “

“SHUT UP YOU BITCH”

“You killed 2 men.”

“YOU CAN’T PROVE THAT”

“I don’t need to. I don’t want to.”

“WHY! WHY CAN’T YOU LEAVE THE PAST IN THE FUCKING PAST!”

“You can’t hide from this forever.”

“BULLSHIT! This has nothing to do with me as a wrestler!”

“You’re right, it doesn’t. It has to do with your criminal record, your failure to disclose that to us when you signed on, and the liability we carry with you on the roster.”

“So fucking FIRE me then. “

“You think you’re the only nutcase I have to deal with here? Take a number pal. I know they fired you in Portland when the truth came out. If I was to do that, you would likely never work again. You’re good. We need young talent like you here. But you need to control that rage.”

“Someone is going to pay for this.”

“You may leave. Good luck Wednesday.”

The security guards walk him out the door and square off with him in the hallway. Eagle screams as loud as humanly possible. He charges down the hallway tossing everything in sight around and against the walls. A production assistant pops his head out a door to hear what the ruckus is and has a storage trunk thrown at his head. He slams the door JUST in time for it to crash into. Eagle reaches the dining hall and spots Moosehead Jack and Ecosystem walking out the door. Wordlessly, he charges in and SPEARS Ecosystem through the wall. As they tumble through the hole in the wall, Eagle is on his feet and picks up a table leg and goes right at a charging Moosehead Jack. The first swing connects and moosehead is bleeding. This seems to infuriate him further, and the fight meanders up around the dinning hall. Moosehead grabs a coffee pot and cracks it over Ricky’s head, drawing blood. Eagle stumbles, and is tackled through a serving table. It doesn’t take long before moosehead has him pinned to the rubble of the table and is pounding away at Ricky’s face. Eagle reaches back and finds a serving fork and jabs it into the cheek of Jack. That makes moosehead pause long enough for Ricky to gain the advantage and have Jack pinned to the ground. Ricky begins to choke moosehead with an electrical cord until Ecosystem arrives and pulls him off. Finally, security swarms in and pulls all three men apart.

Moosehead Jack wipes blood from his lips and laughs his evil laugh

“You’re a dead man”

“You think I’m scared of you, You freak? You, Darling, and Psykle have NO IDEA what’s in store for you this week. There is no length I won’t go to to make EVERY ONE OF YOU SUFFER LIKE NEVER BEFORE. You won’t just FEEL my pain. You will BE IN PAIN!”

[BookerShark]

*Fade in to the Bedlam Corner Sportscomplexatorium, where we find El Lobo Sangriento WALKING~! toward the New Guard locker room, CARRYING~! a package. Once he arrives at his destination, he begins KNOCKING~! on the door, then WAITING~! for someone to open it. That someone turns out to be Matt Folz…

MF: What the hell do you want?

ELS: Evans. Go get him.

MF: No. Who the hell do you think you are? You don’t give me orders.

ELS: Looks like I just did, chief. Go get Evans.

MF: No chance. You want to talk to Evans, you can make an app–

*Lobo has apparently heard enough from Folz, as he shoulder-bumps his way past him and into the room. He makes a beeline for Evans…

CE: You know, the last time someone from Drink and Destroy barged in here, it didn’t turn out so well for him. Are you looking to repeat history?

ELS: No, I came with a gift. It’s something you’ve truly earned. Here.

*Lobo hands Evans the package. Evans is suspicious, so he shakes it and weighs it in his hands, trying to figure out what’s inside. Eventually, curiosity and the fact that Lobo’s an über-face get the best of him, and he opens the package. He pulls out…an Atlanta Falcons Michael Vick jersey.

ELS: Enjoy it, you sick fuck. Next time I see you in the ring, I’ll make you regret kicking that dog. Wolfpack out.

*Lobo exits the room as we *FADE*

[BookerShark]

*We open to one of the tables near Ric's. Davin, Stank, and LD are all sitting around eating and whatnot. Davin catches Texpress' promo. He beckons an INC.*

*Davin smiles (broadly) into the camera, and holds one finger up - then pointing it at Stank. He holds 2 fingers up, and points at LD. He again puts one finger up, points to the camera, and shrugs. He gives the camera the cut sign. Dynamite Danny Taylor, who was watching the display from the hallway, smiles.*

DM: *gets up and walks over* So Danny, how was that?

DDT: ...*thumbs up*

*fade*

[BookerShark]

*LD Williams is watching the last few promos on a flatscreen monitor while shaking his head.*

LDW - Our Federation is chock full of murderers and wannabe felons.

Stank - Yeah they should rename this show Prison Break.

LDW - Wasn't that already a show?

Stank - Was it?

LDW - ... I don't know.

Stank - Then why did you bring it up?

LDW - I've already lost my train of thought.

Stank - Not important. Moving on. You sure you think this is a good idea?

LDW - What? Moving on?

Stank - No. Davin.

LDW - Oh. Of course.

Stank -

LDW - Look you've never been a Campeonas de Trios Champion. We beat The Hawaiian's for the Tag Team belts then go on to defeat them and Alex for the Trios belts with Davin on our side. Woo hoo! Gnarliest double champs ever and you finally become a 6 Pac Champion!

Stank -

LDW - Davin gives us our BEST chance at becoming Campeonas de Trios Champions... C'mon it makes sense.

Stank -

LDW - You two are getting along aren't you?

*Stank shrugs his shoulders*

Stank - Sure.

LDW - It would strike a pretty big blow against the New Guard.

Stank -

LDW - So what's the problem. Why are you hesitant? ... You sure you and Davin are cool?

Stank - I don't have any issues with Davin. The three of us together would be unstoppable. That ain't it.

LDW - Then what?

Stank - Alex.

LDW - What about him.

Stank - You've been keeping up with all the shit going down between him and Moose.

LDW - ... yes.

Stank - Anytime I'm in the ring with Alex, I can't help myself. I want to kill him. Point is... I can't stand the motherfucker.

LDW - Okay...

Stank - I'm not exactly down with what our friend Moose has been doing lately. Teaming up with Juni for fuck's sake. Damn near killing Alexis. Shutting out his sister. I'm concerned about him. He might die. He's spiraling out of control.

LDW -

Stank - I know we haven't talked about this... and that was for a reason.

LDW - We don't want to get involved.

Stank - Exactly. I get in a match with Alex and it could, sort of, force the issue.

LDW - That might be unavoidable regardless.

Stank - A fact that is becoming painfully obvious with Jared running off at the mouth against Fire. I was content with sorting through the rubble after the Darling/Quinn/Muyo war settled. Now I can feel elements of it pulling me in.

LDW - Just divorce yourself from the situation. We go into the match and that's all it is. A match for the Trios Championships.

Stank - I can't... not with Alex involved.

LDW -

Stank - I've tried. Hell after he legitimately beat me I tried to be the bigger man. I gave him his props. I went out to that ring and congratulated him. For me, I intended for that to mark a change in the way I dealt with Alexander Darling. Maybe even perhaps... one day... in the distant future we could actually be... well... I tried. But I can't help but be reminded of how much he has fucked up the lives of people I care about and then all that spite comes right back and I want to kill the motherfucker.

LDW - Fire is married to him. She's happy.

Stank - Happy? Open your eyes Billy Dee. There's a difference between convincing yourself you're happy and actually being happy. You think Fire is happy her brother has gone batshit insane and declared her persona non grata? Only one person to blame for that. No Alex married Fire for one reason and one only... to piss off Moose.

LDW - If you truly believe that then why do you think she went along with it.

Stank - There are a whole host of reasons I imagine, none of them healthy, and not one of them to do with love. Their marriage began in deceit.

LDW - Are we really having this conversation again?

Stank - I know you think regardless of how it started their marriage has become more legit, but that's only because you are in a stable relationship with your wife.

LDW - Which means I know a little more about being married than you my eternally single friend.

Stank - No. It only means you know more about stable relationships than me. You and the Quinns aren't cut from the same cloth.

LDW - I have a shady past and my fair share of inner demons.

Stank - That's not what I mean. Forget the marriage what about what it has done to Moose? Alex kidnapped and tortured Moose. Marked the man for life. If Alex had done that to me... *hmmph* then married my fucking sister...??Fuck a match. I'd be in prison. I don't blame Moose for reacting the way he has but it did not need to be like this.

LDW - Look... be that as it may, this is all beside the point Lucas. We're only talking about taking gold away from the New Guard pure and simple.

Stank - I'm all for that.

LDW - So...?

Stank -

LDW - How about this. Let Davin and I handle Alex. We won't tag you in if he is in the ring. Then you can just focus on whenever The Hawaiians are in the ring.

Stank - That won't work and you know it.

LDW - I'm trying here.

Stank - Fuck it. Let's just do it. Consequences be damned.

LDW - Okay. I'll call Davin.

Stank - I'll go talk to Selena.

*LD Williams pulls out his phone.*

Stank - You know... I was actually considering helping those Texas retards.

LDW - You and Texpress? Wow. That would have been something.

Stank - Yeah don't mention that to Davin when you reach him. He'll throw a fit.

LDW - You might have thought of that yourself before mentioning it in front of the ninjacams.

Stank - DOH!

Fade

[BookerShark]

<Stank walks a few steps away and nearly runs into Moose>

MHJ: You’ll be a pariah

Sta: What now?

MHJ: You actually agreed with me……around here, that seems to be off limits

Sta: Yes, well, one, I don’t give a shit what others thing, and two, you were right. Like I said, had Alex done to me what he did to you……

MHJ: He did

Sta: Moose, I think I would remember being kidnapped, tortured and carved.

MHJ: <laughing> Yeah, that’s how he did it to me. He took a different road with you

<Stank just glares at Moose>

MHJ: When he did what he did to me, it did something to me…….that was the way he got his point across. Violence begets violence, that is why he did that to me. Though, he scarred you just as bad Stank, he took something from you as well. It wasn’t kidnap or torture, but it was something nonetheless, and he still walks around here like he is above reproach.

Sta: I fucking hate that little motherfucker

MHJ: Who do you hate more, Alex or Eco?

Sta: Can I not hate them both equally? That bastard Eco did some SERIOUSLY fucked up shit to me…..

MHJ: He did, yeah. He took your title. But he never beat you in the ring. He never tried to take a piece of your legacy and make it his own. Sure, he took the belt, but the record book still says you are one of the most dominant champions in OOWF history

Sta: Moose, I am not buying the sell, you are trying to burn down the OOWF, the very place where I make my existence. You are trying to destroy what has been good to all of us for years

MHJ: The same OOWF that suspended you for defending yourself? The same OOWF that took away your chance to compete for a title? A chance that was reinstated partly because they know they can’t control Alex and I? Because Selena finally realizes that when the OOWF is not soft, when it is not all peace and love and feelings and hugs, that she is in over her head? See Stank, THAT is the OOWF I want to destroy, the happy hippie peaceful bullshit place. This is a violent place. We are violent men. I want THAT OOWF back. The New Guard, they are the ones who want to destroy it all

Sta: You have been really quiet about the New Guard, have you HEARD some of the shit those bastards are spewing?

MHJ: Let them spew it. No matter what they say, it is not going to change who we are. You can bitch about a mountain, it doesn’t make it less of a fucking mountain. They have been around, what, two months now? Fuck, Run DEA lasted longer than that, The Five sure as fuck lasted longer than that

Sta: I don’t know if you have noticed, but they have all the titles

MHJ: So?

Sta: Those who have the gold, make the rules

MHJ: What rules have they made so far? None. Look, they want to try and make a name for themselves, go right ahead. Holding the titles is great, it puts your name in the record books. You want to cement a legacy? DO something. DEA, as fucking moronic as they were, were the first to hold all the gold. The Five, we were around longer than anyone else, we struck FEAR in the OOWF. The New Guard? It’s a good story, I get why they are doing it. But if they think just beating up on some veterans is going to give them the cred they want, they are wrong. It takes more than that. They all have the potential, but don’t just sit around with your thumbs up your asses, DO something, PROVE that you are going to be remembered.

Sta: Why does it sound like you just gave them a pep talk?

MHJ: Are they really any different than those who have come before them and tried to take power? It’s a natural thing Stank. If we wanted, me you and LD could rise up and take power. They grabbed it, now the key is maintaining it. Beside, its not them that we should be worrying about, it’s Darling. Rich boy thinks he is above the law, thinks he can do whatever he wants to whomever he wants. All I am going to say is this, if you need me, I am there

<Moose walks away, Stank lingers for a moment, then walks off to find LD, Moose doesn’t get far when SFJ13 stops him again>

MHJ: Good, just who I was looking for. I am going to make this short, Alex, I would LOVE to hear what exactly you think you are better than me at. Wrestling? I have won more titles than you have. Better than me? I beat you in the biggest match of your career, I won. Better at me at what? Being a husband? Well, I am not married, but I am guessing if my wife were kidnapped by some psychotic svengali I wouldn’t sit back with my thumb up my ass and let things play out. I am pretty sure someone would have died. A better brother? Yeah, when Alexis can talk again, ask her about that. Face it Alex, you like to talk shit, but you are not better than me, no matter how you slice it. You’re right, I am not Alexander Darling, I am better

As for Mr. Soaring Eagle and Psykle, my deepest apologies for not mentioning you. He brought it to my attention today. Gentlemen, I have no fight with you. You know where my issue lies, and that is with Little Alex. I guarantee this, Alex is not winning that match, and almost certainly, I am not winning that match. You two leave Little Alex to me, and you are free to wrestle the match as you please. Perhaps our paths will cross again when circumstances are a bit different.

<Moose turns and walks away, but can be heard arguing with Him>

[BookerShark]

Cut to Mai Muyo walking down a hallway, suddenly taken down with a singapore cane shot to the back. The camera panning up to see Matt Folz standing there.

MF: You were warned what was going to happen if you got involved in an Intercontinental title match. For what it's worth, I take no pleasure at all in what I'm about to do.

Folz takes two huge swings with the cane, soildly connecting with each right to Mai's ankle. Folz then picks up a steel chair and sets up Mai to be Pilmanized. Folz is just about to do SERIOUS damage when LD Williams, Stank, Texpress, Outback Jack and Danny Taylor come racing down the hallway. Deciding not to fight when he's clearly outnumbered, Folz just smirks and walks away as The Old Guard (plus Danny) help Mai up.

[BookerShark]

**SFJ#47 tracks down L.D. Williams, who’s talking on his cell phone, in the Hallway of Random Encounters.**

LDW: “Gotta go Dav, I’m about to get grumbled at.”

SFJ#47: “You still owe me an interview.”

LDW: “I do.”

SFJ#47: “So, what are your feelings on your match this week?”

LDW: “Well it’s a Texas Tornado match, which means the Hawai’ians, as good as they are, lose their only advantage. All the tag team skill in the world doesn’t help when there aren’t any tags. Wednesday night is going to be about the better individual wrestlers. Kai and Aina lack the experience working on their own. Danny and Lobo are future legends, but Danny’s still getting his sea legs as a single, and Lobo’s still working his way up. Stank and I, on the other hand, are two of the most successful wrestlers ever to set foot in an OOWF ring. A case could be made that we’re also two of the best. On top of that, Stank and I have been going to war together since before any of those guys were even here - in the Five, in Drink & Destroy, and before that on opposite sides of the ring. We have a combination of individual ability and familiarity that neither Danny and Lobo or the Hawai‘ians can match. I’m not about to guarantee victory, but I like our chances.”

SFJ#47: “Aina had some things to say about your lack of respect for him and his brother. Any response?”

LDW: “Aina also promised to successfully defend the titles in a non-title match, so I get the feeling Noelani has him a little…distracted. Aina, I used the word meaningless in response to some of your allies’ comments. You really need to pay more attention to them. While you and Kai are fighting for the Hawai’ian nation, your allies are kicking puppies and throwing insults at people you have to get in the ring with.

And don’t think that having words for your allies means I’m not paying attention to you or Wednesday’s match. You and Kai have my attention, believe me. Respect, that you need to earn.”

SFJ#47: “Finally, you Stank and Davin Moreland are preparing to challenge for the Campeonas de Trios. That’s a lot of…um…”

LDW: “Talent? Ability? Awesome?”

SFJ#47: “Ego”

LDW: “That too.”

SFJ#47: “For one team.”

LDW: “Stank, Davin and I like to talk about what we’ve done, and what we’re capable of, it’s true. I won’t pretend we don’t have egos - some bigger than others - but when the bell rings it’s not about talking the talk. It’s not about past accomplishments. When it comes to in-the-moment, we let our actions speak for themselves. If we get a shot at the Campeonas de Trios, those titles are ours.”

<fade>

[BookerShark]

As Folz continues to walk away, LD leans over towards Stank.

LD: See, this is why we take the trios championships from them, take some of that swagger out of them.

Chad overhears this, and heads over to them.

Chad: If you want a shot at the Trios championships, you need to get in line.

Stank: No one, especially you gets to tell me that.

Chad: I think I just did.

Stank and Chad start to get eye to eye, but before it can escalate, Danny pops up between them and puts a hand on each mans chest and pushes them back.

Stank: Move that hand unless you want to lose it.

Danny complies but points down to were OBJ is helping Mai up who is shaken, but not seriously hurt. He then points to both Chad and Stank and motions down the hall. Zane walks over and puts a hand on Chads shoulder.

Zane: Danny's right, this isn't the time for pointless fights amongst ourselves. We have a match to prep for lets just let it go.

Stank: Whatever, I don't have time for this.

With that Stank turns and walks away. LD looks back at Danny and shrugs.

LD: He's trying, but he's still who he is.

Danny nods in understanding. LD follows Stank away, and the Texans head down a separate way. Danny heads over to where OBJ has Mai on her feet.

Mai: Thank you. (She rubs her ankle) This could have been much worse.

Danny motions that away, then points at her and then himself and then holds his hand flat.

Mai: Ahh, so we are even now?

Danny nods. He then the symbol of a cross with his fingers.

Mai: (her face brightening up) You want to discuss religion with me?

OBJ: (BELCHES) That's Australian for he wants you to go to medical and get that ankle looked at.

Mai: (Her smile diminishing only slightly) Oh, well, I will. Thanks again.

With that Mai heads off, and El Lobo comes around the corner joining her.

OBJ: Were you been mate?

El Lobo: Delivering a gift to Evans.

Danny raises an eyebrow.

El Lobo: Nothing like that my friend, but I'm pretty sure he got the message, now let's go to the bar, I could use a drink.

FADE

[BookerShark]

Alex Darling is walking down the hallway of Random Encounters when a lead pipe comes flying by, missing his head by mere inches.

Alex: What the fu…

Voice: I haven’t forgotten, Alex.

Psykle steps out from an adjacent hallway.

Psykle: But there’s a difference between you and me. You decided that you would attack me while I was trying to let my rage out alone and not impact other people. That’s how I operate, shielding innocents, and even the not so innocent, from my rage outside of the ring. You obviously decide to let loose all control of your rage at any time and any place, regardless of those it affects.

Alex: You were running your mouth about my wife.

Psykle: Maybe, but that’s still no excuse. A real man handles his business in the ring, or at the very least face-to-face, not with underhanded sneak attacks. That’s why I threw the lead pipe to miss your head. To show you that you’re not much of a man the way you act.

Alex: What do you know about the way I act? You aren’t dealing with a lunatic who tried to kill your sister!

Psykle: This week at Mayhem, I’m dealing with the both of you, and with Ricky Soaring Eagle.

Alex: Like Moose said, you two stay out of our business, and you can wrestle your match however you see fit, get involved, and there’s no guarantees, other than that you will pay the price.

Psykle: Stop being foolish, Alex. Just like Ricky, just like Moose, just like I used to, you’re letting your rage control you. Stop it. If you let your rage take control, your mind can’t focus, and you’ll wind up doing something you will regret.

Alex: If I have to, I’ll do whatever it takes.

Psykle: That may be what you think right now, but I’ve been there. You saw the truth that Fire forced to be revealed. It’s one thing to put someone in the hospital. It’s another thing completely to put them in the morgue. I’ve done both. One you can live with, the other, not so much. It’s haunted me for…

Alex: Just stop. I don’t care about your history, or what you’ve done. I’ve seen it, I’ve heard it, it doesn’t matter. Moose will pay. That’s all.

Alex storms off, angrier than he was before as Psykle stands and looks after him.

Psykle: Another one makes a big mistake.

Psykle shakes his head and walks off as we fade.

[BookerShark]

Alexander Darling walks in to the Darling Luxury Suites to find Firewoman sitting at the table, calendars scattered upon it, all open to the month of January. She appears to be really frustrated.

AD: Um...what's wrong....wait....why are you looking at calendars?

FW: Huh? No...not THAT....I'm trying to find the holiday.

AD: Uh...what holiday?

FW: For January.

AD: Oh, that's easy. He points Martin Luther King Day.

FW: Junior.

AD: Huh?

FW: Junior. It's Martin Luther King, JUNIOR.

AD: Yeah, well--

FW: Yeah, well, I'm sure his dad was a great guy and all, but the day's not named after his dad, now is it?

AD: No...I guess you're right--

FW: Besides, there's no decorations, really for that, and it's the wrong time of the month.

AD: What?

FW: Alex....*sigh*.....Thanksgiving was like November 24 and 25, right?

AD: Yeah?

FW: And Christmas was like December 24 and 25....

AD: Every year, yes.

FW: So I'm looking to see what to do for January 24 and 25 and these calendars are all defective and don't have it listed.

AD: Uh...

FW: As it stands, I'm barely going to have to get the place decorated. I'm getting a late start, what with Alexis's injury and all and.....what?

AD: So.....you're looking for a holiday on the 24th of January because there was one on the 24th of November and the 24th of December........look, hon, I hate to--

Lucky comes in and interrupts him.

L: I ordered different calendars. They should be at our next stop, but that's not really going to fix anything, Fire....

FW: Right...it'll be too late to get the really good decorations. Oh well....

Alex opens his mouth to say something but Lucky holds up his hand behind Fire's back, and shakes his head no.

AD: Well...good luck, and really, we don't need decorations...we'll have a good....uh....January holiday regardless....

FW: True. Okay, I'm off to the gym.

Fire takes off, seemingly pleased and happy, and Alex looks at Lucky.

AD: We aren't going to let this go on for long, are we?

L: Not sure, but bad session with Dr. Freedman. This just gives her something else to focus on.

AD: Right....*pulls emo-hoodie up*.....not too long, though, okay?

FADE

[BookerShark]

*There is a meeting of the "New Guard" going on. Eventually, Matt Folz excuses himself (let's say, to go to the bathroom - or, maybe freshen up for Evans...who knows?). He's about 4 steps into the hallway when he is absolutely BLASTED with a STEEL CHAIR in the face! Folz is not unconscious, but his equilibrium is completely thrown off by the hit. He starts swinging wildly at his attacker, trying to fight back against what he clearly can't see; when he's blasted in the temple with A CLANGY POLE! Now Folz is bordering on unconsciousness, but he's still trying to crawl toward the attacker. However, the attacker isn't finished yet. He wraps the chair around Folz' ankle, and begins to simply SMASHES the Clangy Pole into the chair. 3 times. 5 times. 10 times. 25 times.

At this point, Folz appears to have passed out from the pain of his hopelessly shattered (let's say) ankle, and the attacker hasn't stopped yet. Finally we hear a woman's voice from down the hallway.*

WVFDTH: Dude, I'm like, totally super-sure it's broken, man.

A: Super-sure?

SFJ420: *appearing in the frame* Yeah. You hit it like 50 times or something, Davin.

DM: Good.

*For good measure, he WALLOPS Folz in the head again with the Clangy Pole - and a gusher of blood erupts as a result*

DM: Too big of a pussy to take ME on, so you take on a girl? Here you are - the henchman. The talentless one. That's what you've become. Now? No one gives a shit about you. You think Fulton cares if you win a match? Hawai'ians? Fuck no, they don't. Thankfully now, they don't ever have to worry about you...*he stomps right on the gash on his head*...do they?....So you got the lock on?

*Moonbeam and Davin are finished with Folz...he looks finished anyway...and they walk past the New Guard meeting room - now complete with a chain lock wrapped around the double doors, followed with lots of unpleasant yelling from the inside*

DM: Moony, will you go tell Selena that we need a locksmith? It appears that one of the roadies, uh, "accidentally" locked these poor people in.

SFJ420: But *I* lock-

*Davin just looks*

SFJ420: OH oh oh oh. Yeah, man. On it. Want me to call an ambulance for Matty Suck over there?

DM: No. Fuck that guy. Is Sam here? I want to bring her and the baby to check on Mai.

SFJ420: I think so.

DM: K. Later kiddo.

*fade*

[BookerShark]

Iron-Stevie is “flying” (aka running while making a “whooshing” noise) through the Hallway of Random Encounters. Suddenly, he spies a cardboard cutout standing nearby. He pulls out his JLAP communicator (aka a cell phone).

Iron-Stevie: This is Iron-Stevie to the Just-Us League of Avenging People, is anyone there?

Voice on Communicator: This is the Watchtower, go ahead Iron-Stevie.

Iron-Stevie: I believe I’ve spotted that nefarious evil doer, #HEEL Cowboy Johnny Adrenaline, I’m going to attempt to subdue him.

Watchtower: Negative, Iron-Stevie, do not attempt to do it alone. The rest of the Just-Us League are on their way to your location.

Iron-Stevie: No time, Watchtower, he’s making a run for it.

Iron-Stevie “flies” into the cardboard cutout, tackling it to the ground. Unfortunately, it is a cardboard cutout of Moosehead Jack (available on OOWFShop.com), and not the DDT Iron Man Heavy Metal Champion #HEEL Cowboy Johnny Adrenaline. As Iron-Stevie fights with the cutout, he suddenly realizes that it is just an ordinary cutout of Moose, and picks it up dusting it off.

Iron-Stevie: My apologies, Citizen Jack. Wait, you’re not Citizen Jack, you’re just a cardboard cutout. Drat! Foiled again!

Iron-Stevie picks up the cutout, and carries it under his arm on his way to Psykle’s locker room. As he enters the locker room, we find Psykle once again studying videos.

Iron-Stevie: Hello there Citizen Psykle! I trust all goes well with your plans for Mayhem?

Psykle: Ugh, do I really have to deal with you now? Can’t you see I’m studying more tapes?

Iron-Stevie: I thought you’d be ought trying to talk to Citizen Jack about controlling his rage like you did Citizen Eagle and Citizen Darling.

Psykle: Some people are beyond help or hope.

Iron-Stevie: Meaning?

Psykle: Meaning I’d have more luck convincing the cardboard cut-out to control its rage than trying to convince Moosehead Jack to control his.

Iron-Stevie: Certainly you haven’t given up on Citizen Jack?

Psykle: Given up? No. Just realized where my efforts can better be served.

Iron-Stevie: Interesting.

Psykle: How goes your hunt for the nefarious evil doers?

Iron-Stevie: The evil mastermind got past me again. It will not stand though. The rest of the Just-Us League are on their way.

Psykle: Oh no. You didn’t seriously…

Iron-Stevie: Yes, they are on their way, and once they arrive, there will be no hiding place safe for evil.

Psykle shakes his head as Iron-Stevie strikes a heroic pose and we fade to black.

[BookerShark]

*fade-in to the New Guard locker room*

Stan: Man, where the hell did Folz go? He’s supposed to have our backs.

Evans: Folz is a pretty tough guy. He’s probably fine. They’re working on getting us out of here, anyway.

The locksmiths have finished getting the lock and chains off the doors and the New Guard smashes through the doors.

SF: Finally, about time you got us ou....wait, is..is that...blood?

E: Yeah, and it’s coming from down the hall.

The New Guard head down the hall and see Folz, still unconscious in a pool of his own blood, his ankle grotesquely swollen as a result of Davin’s assault. He is being looked at by medical staff.

E: Oh shit, Folz! Folz? You hear me, man?

JP: Shit, he’s out cold, son.

Evans grabs one of the medical staff.

E: Who the hell did this to him?

Staff Worker: Sir, I’m sorry, but you need to step...

E: No, the only thing I need to do is to find out who did this, and to beat them within an inch of their fucking life! Now tell me who did this...

S: Sir, I...

E: WHO THE FUCK DID THIS?!!!!

Evans grabs the medical staff worker and holds them up against the wall, his forearm against their throat.

E: I swear to God, you better start telling me who did this, or I will fucking END you!

The New Guard have to restrain Evans from doing anything that he may regret.

E: Get the fuck off me! Whoever did this is a dead man.

S: Chris, just calm down. I know you’re pissed, but just think about it: there’s only two guys who could have done this, and since Danny doesn't use weapons, that leaves only one.

E: What are you talk....oh I get it. Davin, right?

Fulton nods.

E: Okay...okay, I’m calm for right now.

Evans looks at the medical staff-person.

E: I guess I would owe you an apology, if I actually cared about what you think of me, that is. Just make sure he gets the best medical care he can get, you got it?

Evans looks into an INC

E: So, you think that this is gonna get into my head, Davin? You have no idea what you’ve done here. You attacked a member of my group, one of the only guys that I actually give a damn about in this festering shithole.

Now a lesser man would be too emotionally-broken over seeing a close friend of his taken out, but for a man such as myself, it only makes me stronger. Folz will be back soon, I know it. But don’t think that Folz getting taken out means that our group is weakened. Face the facts, Davin: we still hold all the titles, we’re still the most-talented group of wrestlers in OOWF history, and after this Wednesday, none of that will change.

*fade to black*

[BookerShark]

Cut to a hospital room in Bedlam Corner, Matt Folz begining to wake. His head and ankle both heavily bandaged. A nearby doctor walking up to him.

D: Relax Mr Folz, you have a severe concussion and a dislocated ankle, don't try to move. What's the last thing you remember?

MF: I was coming out of our suite, going to grab something from catering, then I was jumped from behind.

D: Yes, we're big OOWF fans here at the hospital, we saw it.

MF: I never got a look at the guy, who was it?

D: Davin Moreland.

Folz just stares at the doctor before laughing hysterically.

D: Are you alright?

MF (Still laughing): Moreland, really?

D: Um, yes?

MF: Doctor, you say you're all OOWF fans here, do you have it on a DVR?

D: Yes

MF: Kindly rewind it to my attack please.

The Doctor does so and Folz watches with an amused look.

MF: Go get my relase papers please.

D: Mr Folz, I highly recommend you stay here at least for a few days for observation...

MF: Fuck that, I have a match tomorrow.

D: Match?? You can't be serious, you are clearly in no condition to wrestle. It would be a serious breach of medical ethics to allow you into a ring.

MF: I will sign a waiver absolving you, your family, everyone you've ever met, every single member of this hospital staff, their families and everyone they've ever met of any legal responsibility. What I will NOT do is let that smug asshole make me miss a match.

D: Mr Folz...

MF: How cute, you think you have a choice. Go fucking discharge me now.

The doctor shakes his head and leaves the room, as Folz waves over the not so invisible cameraman.

MF: Well, I'd be a hypocrite to complain about being attacked backstage, wouldn't I? But exactly what the fuck do you think you proved here Davin? You know the reason I haven't gone after you? Because you aren't a fucking threat asshole. Because you're a goddamn joke. Chris, Stan, JP and myself have all beat you, multiple times. There's not a chance in hell you take the Intercontinental Championship away from Chris tomorrow. I just hope he leaves a little piece of you left so I can someday embarrass you in the middle of the ring again.

Fade

[BookerShark]

Firewoman is SITTING~! in meditation in her shrine room (picture forthcoming). The camera picks up her words.

FW: I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain

Firewoman opens her eyes and sees the camera. She stands and exits the room, the INC following her.

FW: Yes, I know it's from Dune. That doesn't make it any less potent or any less powerful. I have little time for Ghosthead's delusions of importance. "Subpar effort." That subpar effort was enough that security had to intervene. I will step up my game when the threat warrants it. I have little time for the New Guard's shenanigans as well.

Tonight...tonight is about exorcising old demons and facing old fears. Ecosystem thrives on fear but he forgets that while it can be the mind killer, once I've conquered it, it becomes a powerful weapon. So I will face Ecosystem. And only *I* will remain.

*FADE*

[BookerShark]

Davin, carrying Mickie, and Sam walk in to another part of Medical to run into Mai Muyo...with Ecosystem checking her ankle.

Eco: (turning to Davin) You pre-empted me on Matt.

Sam: Get. Out.

Eco stands up and faces Davin. He looks over to Mickie.

Mai: Junichiro. Leave.

Ecosystem looks to his sister, nods, and exits.

Mai: I'm so sorry. I didn't know you were coming. I know you wouldn't want him around, especially not near Mickie.

Sam: Not your fault. Someone should have checked.

Davin: How's the ankle, kiddo? You ready to go in a couple hours?

Mai: Totally. Junichiro was being over-concerned.

Sam: Maybe he just feels guilty about breaking your ankle the last time and being a heartless monster generally?

Mai: Um, maybe?

Sam: Davin, if she's fine, we're going to go.

Sam exits with Mickie, who waves her little baby-arm at Mai, who waves back.

Mai: I don't blame her. Besides what he's done to you two before...I don't know what the fuck my brother was doing in the hospital. I want to believe he was just watching Moose when he walks in on an injured sleeping woman holding a scalpel...but who knows.

Davin: Your brother likes his mind games a great deal. I was waiting to see if he pulled anything on Fire this week, but it seems his game of choice has been Silent Jericho.

Mai: Would have been more ominous and effective if he hadn't been speared through the wall by Ricky. (laughs) Stan's kind of right.

Davin: What?

Mai: We do kind of work in a shithole. Now let's go out there, and one of us can go kick the other one's ass.

Cross-FADE to Fire's shrine room, which she exits. The light flickers (or is blown out, if candles) as she leaves.

A shadow is visible, sitting in the corner. He walks forward, Ecosystem. He picks up a lit candle, smiles...and blows it out.

FADE

[BookerShark]

Stank - Tonight the OOWF Tag Team Champions face, Drink & Destroy, and the two greatest Champions this company has ever produced. I'm of course referring to LD Williams and myself. Any one of these teams has a shot at winning tonight but only one team has the best shot, and you're looking at em. Tell em LD.

LD - Gentlemen... tonight looks to be a bad night to be on the opposite side of that ring... my ring... from either one of us. This man standing by my side is a tag team specialist. He has been a tag team champion more than anyone else here. Eight times gentlemen. Three different partners. And now he has me, someone who is no stranger to tag team gold in KZ and Fear Us... It's not only that we've won gold before. It's not only that the two of us have won more championships than anyone else here. It's not only that you are looking at THE best tag team specialists the OOWF has ever seen. It's not how we won the tag team championships. No, no.

It's how we reigned as tag team champions.

Stank - You see fellas it's like this. KZ, Fear Us, Drink & Destroy CLASSIC, Me & Poe, Me and Moose... look em up... google them... read a book. Those teams were the most vicious, violent, impactful, feared, and dominate tag-teams to ever lace up a pair of boots.

And the common demoninator there... are the two men you're looking at now.

Don't believe me? Then you haven't been paying attention.

LD - I suggest you do so tonight.

Fade