EXODUS PRO WRESTLING presents;
SEASON ONE | EPISODE TWO - “Reprisal” live at the EPW/CP.
Static takes over the airways as Exodus Pro Wrestling's logo slowly comes into the picture. There are five words written below. “DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!!” A shot of cult leader and competitor in the inaugural episode of EPW's #ANTECEDENT, Samael Samhain can be seen swinging a baseball bat toward the camera. Setting the tone of the evening. Whilst the aforementioned static begins to fade, bringing the cautionary image closer into focus. As the graphic dissipates, 'Mantra' by Bring Me The Horizon kicks off with a chaotic percussive assault accompanied by aggressive post-nu-metal riffs. Meanwhile, the camera's within Los Angeles' newest
Epw warning - don't try this at home
architectural marvel captures its first ever footage of the live Exodus Pro Wrestling, capacity crowd. The shot pans rapidly around the EPW/CP. Pyrotechnics explode throughout the LA complex, thick red smoke bellows from beneath the ring, the ramp-way and around the excitable crowd as lasers pierce through the thick clouds like a hot knife does butter. The sold-out horde of wrestling and 'sports entertainment' (what a heinous term, right?) fans in attendance scream, frantically waving signs with their favorite competitors name and catchphrases, desperately trying to catch the camera's attention in an effort to get themselves over, rather than those who they're there to support. The commentary duo of Ron Way and CJ Clarke now center the frame as introductions to the inaugural episode of EPW ascend in the grandest of fashions!
CJ CLARKE //
“HELLO – And welcome to from what we'll refer to from here out is: REPRISAL.”
RON WAY //
“And we are-”
CJ CLARKE & RON WAY //
“EXODUS!”
CJ CLARKE //
“What a momentous occasion it was last time we were on air, and tonight will be no different!”
RON WAY //
“'Cause the LADIES are in the main event!"
exodus pro wrestling/conflict precinct
CJ CLARKE //
“It looks like I'm in for a long night folks, but despite being in such 'excitable' company here at the commentary table, it's going to quite the night!”
RON WAY //
“SIX WOMAN GAUNTLET! SIX-WOMAN GAUNTLET . . . SI-”
CJ CLARKE //
“Indeed, our main event of the evening will see the #FIRSTEVER Exodus Womens Champion crowned, but let's not forget last weeks finale. What condition is Jakob DeLion in after the mauling at the hands of his opponent in what was already a vicious contest fought under bull rope rules – but to then be attacked by Samael Samhain and members of his cult!”
RON WAY //
“But things went from bad, to worse . . .”
CJ CLARKE //
“Mark Jernigan, the stone-cold killer arrived!”
RON WAY //
“And how!”
CJ CLARKE //
“Shocking the sold-out crowd, history was made. Donning a shirt that simply said “JERNIGAN IS EXODUS” he let not just his attire do the speaking, but his fists as well.”
RON WAY //
“Wh-why do you have to tell the people at home it was sold out? They saw. Hell, some of them read the show's results. Could you imagine that? Reading results, rather than just watching the show? That's absolute insanity . . . But before we go too far down that rabbit hole Alice, we've got two debutants up first here tonight.”
CJ CLARKE //
“Despite the way Ron views the world and those that reside within it, we're very thankful for your overwhelming support so early into our voyage in professional wrestling - #WEARE!”
“Fight You For No Reason” by M80 ( https://youtu.be/Wkp8mmNmlyU ) plays throughout the EPW/CP at a near-deafening volume. The toppy punk guitar shrilling, yet beautifully chaotic as all punk should be. The lighting in the arena suddenly changes to a 'money green' as an 'X' appears on the Eee-Pee-Dubya-Tron in bold red, when Roy 'X' Blythe emerges from gorilla position and is seen for the very first time by the Exodus faithful, whilst the voice of British wrestling encyclopedia come Exodus commentator, CJ Clarke.
CJ CLARKE //
“As the son of billionaire Wallace Blythe, a famous wrestling promoter in his own right, X had a golden bed from the beginning-
Destined to join his father in the company he'd built, Roy rebelled against that as all teenagers do, preferring to go to parties and punk rock festivals instead. However, blood crawls where it does, so his love for wrestling eventually got the better of him. He started touring the indy circuit, not wanting to ride his father's wealth or name, eager to make a name for himself. Going by the name X, he tries hard to stay away from the Blythe fortune. In short, he's here to see if he can compete with some of the best in the business!”
RON WAY //
“God. Talk much? You're like, a wrestler encyclopedia or something?”
CJ CLARKE //
“It's called doing your homework, Ron.”
RON WAY //
“Oh – I DID my homework.”
CJ CLARKE //
“Well – how did this match come to be then?”
-
CJ CLARKE //
“Only silent in times where volume is required, ey Ron? Not all secrets are well kept, and star acquisition Roy 'X' Blythe who'd put pen to paper days before EPW's debut episode was filmed, behind closed doors caught wind that another rising star, Marc Esposito had also signed a contract for the duration of Exodus' premiere season. Blythe, a man of sophistication and somewhat of a throwback took to cyber waves virtually immediately, throwing out a challenge to the 'Wild Lion' and within moments, HE ACCEPTED! It's a battle of debutants, Who will come out on top? Only time will tell!
The electronic groove of "Family Affair" by Nitro begins to build, and the crowd begins to stir until ten seconds in. White pyrotechnics on both sides explode, then they switch to green on the left side and red on the right side. Once Nitro begins rapping, Marc enters and stops on the ramp, his head down. Then, he looks at the crowd rapping along to the song, with a look of utter confidence. Before he walks down any further, he points at the two symbols on his white and golden sleeveless leather jacket: "081" on the left and the Italian flag on the right. Marc turns around, showing off "Wild Lion" written in gold on the back. Walking down the ramp cocky and determined, he reacts to the audience, hyping up his looks.
marc esposito has arrived at exodus!
Casually he takes a selfie, but only with a female fan. Before entering the ring, he removes his jacket, gives it to the referee, and proudly shows off his body, winking at the audience. He then gets inside the ring, goes to the corner, waiting for the contest to begin.
CJ CLARKE //
“Okay, tell us a bit about young Marc Esposito-”
RON WAY //
“He's ripped! Sweet baby Jesus. You could rack a line between each and every ab and have the night of your life.”
CJ CLARKE //
“You've gone off the program again, haven't you Ron?”
RON WAY //
“NOT ON AIR YOU F-”
The bell sounds three times, sparing both commentatory members blushes and the two circle each other between the white ropes of the black canvas EPW branded ring, whilst announcer, Austin Wayne stands in the farthest corner of the ring, microphone in hand.
AUSTIN WAYNE //
“This battle of the debutants is scheduled for one fall . . .”
CROWD //
“ONE FALL!”
AUSTIN WAYNE //
“First, weighing in at one hundred and ninety-eight pounds, standing at six foot tall from Long Island, New York but proudly representing Naples, Italy . . . MARRRRRRRRRC ESSSSSSSSSSSPOSITOOOOOOOOOO!! And his opponent, weighing in at two hundred and twenty-one pounds, standing at six foot three and hailing from Beulah, Oregon ROOOOOOOY 'EEEEEEX' BLYYYYYYYYYTHE!!”
The two debutantes circle one another in the ring, whilst an exceptionally confident Roy 'X' Blythe stands with his hands on hips, laughing in the general direction of his opponent, Marc Esposito. Presumably, because he doesn't think Esposito will pose much of a challenge. The two lock up, but Blythe is quick to put Esposito into a headlock. Marc tries backing into the ropes to shove X off of him but Roy Blythe has the hold in tight. Quickly dropping Marc Esposito to a knee, albeit temporarily, as Blythe drags Marc to the corner. Beautiful technique from Roy Blythe applying a wrist lock on Esposito, but Marc breaks free and whips Blythe to the opposite corner of the ring, but when he arrives, places both hands on either side of the turnbuckle, throws his back legs in the air and jumps backward over Esposito who is lunging rapidly toward him. Esposito stops before colliding with the turnbuckle and drops his opponent to the ground after delivering a picture-perfect European uppercut.
The adrenaline rush being experienced by the 'Lion' – Marc Esposito is like no other. Absorbing every ounce of atmosphere and energy, as if a plant thirsty for sunlight. He throws his arms out to his side, and turns on the spot, almost directing the crowd's applause inward like a self-absorbed orchestral chief baton waver. Chalk it up to inexperience, but what Marc has done is left his back exposed!
RON WAY //
“X FROM BEHIND!-”
CJ CLARKE //
“Marc Esposito is alert to the danger, drops to the ground and rolls out of the ring.”
RON WAY //
“Look at him though. Pacing frantically.”
CJ CLARKE //
“Almost as if he's frustrated with himself. I doubt he'll think showmanship should come first against such a dangerous opponent again.”
RON WAY //
“Learn from your mistakes? Impossible!”
CJ CLARKE //
“For you, yes.”
Within the confines of the squared circle, referee John Rammage stands in front of Roy 'X' Blythe. Allowing Marc Esposito to enter the ring safely. Once again, the two men stare at one another merely meters apart before finally approaching each other and engaging in a test of strength. The two exchange a flurry of quick submission counters on the canvas, showcasing their broad array of maneuvers on offer before Esposito manages to get to his feet. X isn't far behind, but as he is just getting to a knee finds himself on the receiving end of a dropkick that lands in his midsection, forcing him between the ropes and out of the ring. Not wanting to waste an inch of momentum, Esposito jumps over the top rope, landing on the outside of the ring, on the edge of the canvas then quickly runs at Roy and delivers a fierce running thrust dropkick. Roy looks winded, sucking for air whilst Esposito lets out a mighty roar, chops X firmly across the chest which was met with almost obligatory “whoooo's” by those in attendance and quickly rolls Blythe back into the ring, rolls in after him and hooks a leg. Referee John Rammage slides into position-
epw's commentator CJ CLARKE looks on
JOHN RAMMAGE //
“One-”
Marc Esposito, agitated at such a quick kick-out picks up his opponent and hits a wicked northern lights suplex, pins one of Roy's arms to the canvas whilst hooking a single leg and again Rammage is on the job.
JOHN RAMMAGE //
“One-”
RON WAY //
“Looks like these one counts are giving the Iti' the shi-”
CJ CLARKE //
“Every time Roy Blythe has to kick out of a pinning predicament, he's exerting energy that could have been used as offense. Rather than defense.”
RON WAY //
“Oh, trust me. I know how hard it is being kept down.”
CJ CLARKE //
“Oh give me a break!”
Esposito picks up Blythe by and with a firm grip on his wrist, looking to Irish-whip-NO-X blocks the attempt. Roy 'X' Blythe, with what seemed to be relative ease, picks Esposito up on his shoulders looking for a powerbomb when suddenly, he throws his own body backward causing Marc Esposito to fall from an awkward height to land throat first over the top rope. Almost a powerbomb meets the reverse electric chair. Esposito clasping at his throat. The ball now seemingly in Blythe's court. X stomps on Esposito twice, before then cranking Espo's head at a horrible angle, putting additional pressure onto Marc's head neck that moments ago ricochetted off the top rope. The crowd starts to get behind Esposito at this point, clapping/stomping as one - creating a scintillating atmosphere within the EPW/CP. Marc now to his feet escapes the grasp of X and attempts a belly to belly overhead slam, but in a feat of remarkable athleticism from the powerhouse, Blythe flips over the top of Marc mid-move and starts throwing down.
RON WAY //
“Multiple punches and kicks! It looks like he's in the middle of a mosh pit!”
CJ CLARKE //
“He calls this, 'The Pitwalk!' it may look unusual, but it looks effective. Esposito is down!”|
It's now all Roy 'X' Blythe. How quickly the tides can change in a professional wrestling bout. Blythe stomps on the leg of his downed foe, seemingly focussing on the knee. With his vast experience in the world of mixed martial arts, Blythe really knows how to wear down multiple areas simultaneously. Not wanting to waste much more energy keeping the fighting Esposito down, X quickly grabs Marc by the foot and lifts his body into the air, in a horizontal plank position before driving him hard knee first into the apron, quickly rolls over his limp body and covers. A look of agony is ever present on Esposito, whose shoulders are currently flush on the canvas.
JOHN RAMMAGE //
“ONE . . .
TWO-”
X now quickly slides behind Esposito who's trying to sit upright but fails, as Roy Blythe manages to slow the tempo down again, with a reverse headlock. Esposito is still fighting, gets an arm around Marc Esposito's neck, to his feet and hits a quick fallback suplex. X to his feet first though, stomps on Esposito, then stands on his head in the corner of the ring, before grabbing him by the beard and jaw – taunting the what was confident Marc Esposito before finding himself having to fight as he's once more in a pinning predicament.
JOHN RAMMAGE //
“ONE . . .
TWO-”
Esposito powers out but it doesn't rock Blythe's confidence as a smirk washes over his face and he almost looks to be stalking the Italian ex-pat as he tries to get to his feet. Marc tries shoving him away, but X isn't having a bar of it, picks him up in the corner and chops him firmly across the chest before grabbing him by the wrist and whipping him to the opposite corner of the ring. FULL COUNTER! Marc Esposito reverses the Irish-whip with a little bit extra force. X's spine now collides with the turnbuckle making some members in the crowd wince. Lesser blows have ended the careers of several stars in years gone by. As Roy staggers forward the two come to blows in the center of the ring, that is until X gets a knee into Esposito's midsection – looking for a powerbomb but somehow Marc manages to float over X' back, get an arm between his legs whilst flipping through the air like a trash bag in the littered skyline of LA on a windy night and manages to pin Roy Blythe in magnificent fashion.
JOHN RAMMAGE //
“ONE . . .
TWO . . .
TH-”
Both men back to their feet! X gets a handful of Marc's on fleek chin pubes. Visibly agitated at having his powerbomb attempt thwarted. Marc goes on the attack. Who knew people didn't like having their beards tugged on!? Spinning elbow. Kick to the thigh. Jumping enziguiri! Roy staggers back into the corner, collapsing momentarily against the ropes. RUNNING BOOT TO THE FACE! The camera catches X' head snapping at a horrible angle to the rest of his body before it collapses to the canvas. Marc rapidly gets to the ground and hooks a leg.
JOHN RAMMAGE //
“ONE . . .
TWO-”
Marc Esposito attempted to pick Roy Blythe up by the scruff of his neck which did nothing but agitate Blythe further shoving Marc away but seemingly out of nowhere, Marc Esposito hits a northern lights suplex complete with a bridging pin.
JOHN RAMMAGE //
“ONE . . .
TWO-”
Marc to his feet, kicking X in the chest and jaw as he tries to get to his feet. Roy with a shot of his own, followed by another - both to their feet. Marc runs at the ropes, but as he returns X hits a dropkick, Esposito drops to his back. “ENOUGH!” shouted Roy 'X' Blythe, seemingly at the end of his tether. Blythe lifts Esposito, Esposito now essentially sitting on Blythe's shoulders and is slammed back-first down to the mat. The powerbomb finally connects! But X isn't done, and picks Marc back up and slams him down fiercely for a second consecutive 'bomb. With his legs pinned behind his own head, Roy puts his weight down on top of Marc Esposito looking to end it right here, right now-
JOHN RAMMAGE //
“ONE . . .
TWO-”
CJ CLARKE //
“X exerted so much energy on the second powerbomb that he couldn't put enough force on Esposito's thick legs. Both these men have left it all out there. At this stage – it really doesn't matter who wins. What a match!”
Blythe now throwing left and rights. Preferring to fight with his fists than to grapple a lot of the time. Marc using his speed managed to catch Roy off guard with a step up enziguiri. As Roy Blythe falls to the ground below, Marc quickly leaped to the top turnbuckle, turns facing the crowd and performs a flawless moonsault. NOBODY HOME! Marc crashes and burns, Roy out of the way just in time! X picks Esposito up, signals for the end. Esposito shimmies free, switches his hips and locks around the back of his opponent and hits a German suplex, X' head crashing hard on the bottom turnbuckle. Marc now feeling confident, throws his arms in the air as the crowd roar in appreciation. X ISN'T DONE YET! Gets to his feet, charges at the unsuspecting Esposito and delivers a haymaker of a lariat turning Esposito inside out.
RON WAY //
“See! You can't learn from mistakes! As soon as Marc began to showboat, he was compromised. Roy 'X' Blythe is a weapon, you can't give him an inch!”
CJ CLARKE //
“Not going for a pin this time! He calls this 'I'm Not Deaf' and the irony is, he's posing with a hand to his ear. When really, he doesn't care what the crowd has to say in this exact moment because all of his attention is in his this waist headlock submission!”
RON WAY //
“He's fading! This is it! Trying desperately to get to the bottom rope to break the count. You can wiggle all you want on that hook little worm, but the fish has already swallowed you whole. It's over.”
CJ CLARKE //
“He's fading. What a match. Marc Esposito, despite being rendered unconscious here tonight, has put on quite the showing. I'll be frank, he's surprised me-”
RON WAY //
“He's out cold is what he is. OH! HE'S BEEN DRAGGED BACK INTO THE CENTRE OF THE RING! WILL MARC TAP!? IS THIS IT!? ROY BLYTHE WINS ON DEBUT!”
CJ CLARKE //
“NO! - Esposito's rolled Blythe onto his shoulders, I don't think he's aware! He's not releasing the hold! Marc's going to tap though! HE'S GOING TO TAP!”
RON WAY //
“This is it . . .”
JOHN RAMMAGE //
“ONE
TWO
THR(tap)EE!”
Marc Esposito taps the matt frantically and as the bell sounds Roy releases the submission immediately, gets to his feet and throws his arms in the air . . .
AUSTIN WAYNE //
“And your winner . . . MARRRRRRRC ESSSSSSSSSSSPOSITOOOOOOOOOO!”
X confronts the referee immediately. Marc gets outta dodge, walks back up the ramp waving his finger with a wry smile knowing he was lucky to get the win. “HE TAPPED OUT!” barked an agitated Roy Blythe as the scene transitions from the middle of the ring to commentary, momentarily.
CJ CLARKE //
“What an opening contest! I don't think it necessarily ended the way X would have desired, but an exceptional showing from thi-”
RON WAY //
“Love it or loathe it-in a battle of the debutants, there can only be one winner, and one loser. What a moment for Esposito! How dare you ruin this moment!”
CJ CLARKE //
“I-I was complimenting both athletes, Ron. What an opening to this week two of Exodus Pro Wrestling! This is #REPRISAL and we are, #EXODUS!”
"i'm not dead yet" - flickers on the screen
The cameras transition once again, this time to that of Fin Banks office. A corporate theme meets punk culture. A combination of all things odd and beautiful where CEO of Exodus Pro Wrestling owner sat, with an Asian gentleman standing opposite him separated by a stunning jarrah block table.
FIN BANKS //
"Ok, Mr. Samuda...thanks for coming in. My people will call your people."
The corporate mogul smiles as he gets up from his seat and shakes the hand of the unidentified man hand in-front of him. Fin then gestures to the door. "Oh and send in the next person," Fin said with one last smile, but as soon as the door closed he exhaled sharply and slumped back down into his chair. "You've gotta be kidding me with these applications. This is absolutely egregious." Fin throws his head back in frustration.
Throughout the week, the company had put out an advertisement looking for a new senior manager, somebody who'd report directly to himself alongside a director of talent relations. Fin had been going through the thousands of applications he'd received. His desk was littered with resumes. A knock on the door caused him to sit up and regain his composure. "Come in." As the door slowly creaked open, a familiar face stepped inside. "Mr. Banks...so good to see you again." The unseen voice said. The clacking of heels against tiles was heard next as off-camera individual walked up to Fin and took a seat in front of him.
FIN BANKS //
"Ah, I remember you...Image Consultant to the stars, Liberty Marie." Fin smiled "How's life been treating you?"
LIBERTY MARIE //
"Good."
FIN BANKS //
"It's quite unfortunate our last meeting didn't work out."
LIBERTY MARIE //
"Isn't it? But my client, Christopher J Miller is insistent on taking some time away from the business, but can you blame him? He's been around for some time and recently had a pretty grueling run at-"
FIN BANKS //
"I'm aware of his credentials, that's how he was offered a contract, Ms. Marie. But, indeed … I can respect the need for a break. Let the body, the mind, the spirit recover – this isn't an easy industry, it's not for everybody. You know he doesn't deserve you, somebody of your ah-talents-"
LIBERTY MARIE //
"A statement I've heard many times before. But, today we're not here to talk about Christopher. We're here to talk about me. I saw Exodus' advertisement and I am here to put my name in the proverbial hat."
Fin smirked.
FIN BANKS //
"Really...what position are you looking to fill?"
LIBERTY MARIE //
"Well, I am an image consultant. I have an eye for seeing the potential in those that regular people might not see and if you want Exodus Pro Wrestling to the BEST in the business with the brightest stars, then look no further, for you have found your 'Director Of Talent Relations.'"
FIN BANKS //
"Hmmm..." Fin scratches his chin "If you can turn a nobody like CJM into a World Champion elsewhere then I can't imagine what you can get out of the roster we already have, let alone out there on the, for lack of a better term, indies. Be warned – some of the talents here, they're ah – unstable? So, do you think you can handle yourself out there?”
a business arangement has been made!
Liberty wears a blank expression, staring at Fin. Not uttering a word.
LIBERTY MARIE //
“Ms. Marie … I think you just got yourself a job! Welcome aboard!"
Fin stands up and extends his hand, as Liberty gets up, receives the handshake and the two make eye contact, a little longer than they should.
FIN BANKS //
"I'll be in contact with you."
LIBERTY MARIE //
"Great."
Liberty flashes a smile, before turning on her heel and exits Fin's office as quick as she entered. Fin sits perplexed, rubbing his temple before pulling the phone from his jacket pocket and immediately began to make a call. But to who? The camera shot transitions back to ringside to our commentary duo of the voice of British wrestling, CJ Clarke and well traveled, notorious sex pest and wrestling enthusiast, Ron Way.
RON WAY //
“Wise, wise man!”
CJ CLARKE //
“What was that all about?”
RON WAY //
“Who cares. We'll be seeing a lot more of Liberty and that's just great!”
CJ CLARKE //
“While we try and lower Ron's blood pressure, let's have a look back to some of the action from last week – featuring both Neo Styles and Eddie Case because these two men are up-”
RON WAY //
“NEXT! Know this people, always get the last word in. ALWAYS!”
Sampled vocals alongside a hard synth and a floor tom/kick drum combo blare through the Exodus in house system. Despite whose entrance music it was, it was undeniable that “Can You Feel My Heart” by Bring Me The Horizon was an absolute fan favorite as it kicks into full swing. Pins of yellow laser lights pop in the venue as the self-proclaimed 'Sinful One,' Neo Styles emerges from behind the curtain, a look of absolute determination in his eye as the referee for this match-up, Andrew 'Andie' Matheison gets himself prepared between the ropes whilst Exodus' ring announcer, Austin Wayne stands in the centre of the ring, microphone in hand also preparing. As Styles slowly paces ringward he eventually
neo styles makes his in ring debut!
climbs up the rings three steps, beneath the middle rope and into the center of the squared circle. His words with Jaxon Pollard of The Elitist during the inaugural Exodus; #ANTECEDENT now nothing more than a haunting memory, and to Eddie Case - a warning.
AUSTIN WAYNE //
“IN THE RING, STANDING AT SIX FOOT TWO, WEIGHING TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE POUNDS AND HAILING FROM ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI . . . THE SINFUL ONE . . . NEOOOOOOO STYLES!”
As 'Can You Feel My Heart' by Bring Me The Horizon comes to an abrupt halt when a creepy, almost circus-esque tune begins to play over the more than adequate in house PA system, that has once again exceeded expectations of the EPW/CP crowd tonight. There'll almost definitely be ringing of thousands of fans ears in the morning. 'Johnny Ringo' by Crown The Empire gets into full swing, as Eddie Case comes out to flashing red and black lights, many people quieting down as the arena had become a scary place in that instance, only the theme song of Eddie Case would play out, causing many of them to boo as he had come in a straitjacket, his eyes, cold, and his smirk, arrogant. However, select members of the crowd applaud loudly in appreciation of his huge victory on EPW's inaugural episode; Antecedent. He would enter the ring with the assistance of his carer, Constance Oriena. She had watched him with a calming smile as ring announcer, Austin Wayne would re-introduce the industry to the one man that had become a beacon in many forms, only now? He was going to become something different, perhaps, a monster, or maybe, just maybe, they would see the return of the wrestler that he once was. As Constance, his carer loosens his restraints and allows him into the ring, she begins pacing anxiously on the outside.
AUSTIN WAYNE //
“ANNND NOW; FROM THE ST. MARY'S CLINIC OF BOSTON … HAILING FROM LONDON, ENGLAND . . . WEIGHTING TWO HUNDRED AND FOURTEEN POUNDS AND STANDING AT SIX FOOT TWO . . . THEEEEE CLINICAL, EDDDDDDWARRRRRRRRRD CAAAAAAASE!”
still shot from eddie case's tron video
Neo and Eddie stood across from one another, an unwavering gaze between the two as the Exodus crowd leaned in, ready for the spectacle that was about to unfold. Eddie smirked a little and takes a few steps forward, stomping his foot in the middle of the ring, and drawing a 'line in the sand' with his foot. Eddie then takes a step back and motions for Neo to cross the line. Neo looks to the crowd to his left, and then to his right and cracks a smile, shaking his head. Neo points to Eddie "is he serious?" As a few fans jeer Neo, egging him on to cross the line. Neo looks back to Eddie and eventually crosses the 'line' as Eddie swings wildly with a right hand, Causing Neo to duck his head back and dodge the
blow. Neo Styles glared at Edward Case and shook his head. Eddie swung again. Miss. A third time, miss. Neo goads Eddie a bit, taunting him. Eddie goes for a fourth strike, but stops and pokes Neo in the eyes, causing referee Andrew 'Andie' Matheison to step in and scold Eddie for what he had done. Neo retaliates quickly by rushing and shoving the ref' out of the way, landing a blow to the liver, followed by a second strike to the chest, low kick to the quad of Eddie. Neo was fired up, causing Eddie to stagger backward. Styles continues with the pressure, throwing a precise left to the shoulder blade of Styles. This caused Eddie to reel back and light Neo up with a chop to the chest-
CROWD //
“WOOOOO!”
Neo reels back and throws a hard right hook, connecting with Eddie's cheek. Eddie responds with a chop, punch, chop, punch, cho-No! Neo Styles catches the hand of Eddie Case and applies a quick wrist lock, twisting his arm around before taking Eddie to the ground. Neo keeps hold of the wrist before he measures Eddie - in one quick motion, Styles let's go of Case's hand and goes for a stomp, but Eddie moves and grabs Neo by the leg, ice picking him down to the mat and locking in an ankle lock. The crowd 'ooo's' as Neo struggles for a few moments, trying to work his way back to his feet. Neo does and rolls out of the hold, before using his momentum to rebound off
the ropes. Neo charges Eddie but Eddie goes to move out of the way, only Neo stops seemingly calculating Eddie's move as he delivers a hard kick to the front of Eddie's knee. Eddie falls to knee and yells in pain before Neo locks his arms behind his back, Butterfly Suplex to Eddie! Neo slides over to Eddie and presses his forearm into his face!
ANDREW 'ANDIE' MATHEISON //
“ONE!”
CJ CLARKE //
“An early pinning predicament here only gets the one count!”
Neo smirks a little once more and looks at Eddie with a vindictive look in his eyes-"what's the matter, Eddie. I thought your monster wanted to play?" Styles chuckles and mounts Case delivering a strong elbow to the temple of his opponent, ringing his metaphorical bell. Neo then holds Eddie's head with one hand and drives his elbow to his temple a second time, then gets off of Eddie and moves Eddie's arm - delivering a stomp to the wrist of the unstable Eddie Case. Neo then grabs Eddie's arm and rolls him onto his stomach before landing a double foot stomp on his elbow, causing Eddie to writhe in pain. Neo then locks in a Fujiwara Armbar as he laughs vindictively, seemingly enjoying his work. "Come on Eddie! Where is that monster of yours? Sin, Eddie-SIN!"
Eddie shakes his head as his opponent wrenches the move tighter, all whilst Eddie tried desperately to crawl to the ropes. Agony and pain were all Eddie felt as Constance cheered Eddie on, giving him hope and something to cling onto as the pain became almost overbearing. Eddie reached for the ropes, mere inches away before Neo pulls Eddie back to the center of the ring by the arm. Neo then kicks Eddie hard in the head a few times before locking the move back in. "Come out! I want to defeat you at your best, Eddie!" Neo jeers at him before grabbing his wrist and pulling back on it as well, applying even more torque and pressure to the movie. Eddie's arm was on fire, his blood boiling from the pain. But he couldn't quit, Eddie began to muster himself to his feet, slowly but surely, the crowd now seemingly getting behind him. The self-proclaimed 'Sinfull One,' Neo Styles continues to smirk as Eddie slowly tries to stand, Neo then releases the move and plants his feet firmly on the ground. Eddie turns as Neo goes for a forearm smash, but Eddie ducks under it! Throat chop by Eddie, followed by an elbow of his own. Eddie then lights up Neo with a hard chop before letting out a yell and connecting with a second elbow. Neo staggers as Eddie grabs him and lifts him onto his shoulders, Samoan Drop! Eddie turns around quickly and leaps into the air, double foot stomp to the chest of Neo Styles! Eddie doesn't stop there though, he quickly lifts Neo up, and with ease connects a Pumphandle Neck breaker! Eddie grabs his face and slaps his head a few times before turning around and measuring Neo. "Alright asshole, Get up!" Eddie mutters to himself incoherently as Neo begins to stand, albeit much slower than before. Eddie now with the momentum, runs at Neo and connects with a strong running knee strike! Eddie then lays over Neo's body, hooking both legs as the referee counts.
ANDREW 'ANDIE' MATHEISON //
“ONE!”
RON WAY //
“Another quick kick out! How the tables have turned, tell me though – what's Constance's deal? I always got into the whole 'nurse' thing.”
CJ CLARKE //
“We are watching a top tier class professional wrestling contest, and you're thinking about sexy nurses?”
RON WAY //
“I never said she was sexy! CLARKE YOU SLY DOG!”
CJ CLARKE //
“You-Just call the damn action, Ron!”
Eddie shakes his head as Neo slowly crawls back to his feet. Eddie goes for another backhand chop, but Eddie grabs his hand once more and this time bends his finger back as Eddie falls to a knee. Neo bends the finger in an unorthodox manner before he lands a kick to the side of Eddie's head. He then grabs Eddie and hooks one of his legs for a T-Bone Suplex with a bridge, not releasing the leg upon landing.
ANDREW 'ANDIE' MATHEISON //
“ONE!”
Constance, Eddie's 'personal assistant/minder' paces nervously on the outside, Eddie's straitjacket still in hand. Neo smirks and rolls to his feet - as does Eddie. Eddie turns around and is blasted by a Superkick from Neo Styles! Neo looks over his shoulder at Eddie grounded and poses for a brief moment, before nodding to himself in satisfaction. Neo turns to Eddie and looks down, staring deeply into his eyes - "I want the monster Eddie, and yet you disappoint me. Not that I should be surprised from a disappointment like yours-" CRACK! Suddenly Eddie kicks up his leg and cracks Neo in the temple. Neo back up a bit, clutching his head. He then walks back toward Eddie, who was quick to drop Neo with a leg lock takedown. Eddie then locks in a crossface onto Neo, with an unhinged look in his eye. Neo began to struggle, his face and neck burning from the hold. However, Neo knew he was close to the ropes, and not dead center of the ring. Eddie wrenches the move as Neo lifts his hand up like he is about to tap. Eddie wrenches, even more, adding more torque to the move as Neo clasps the bottom rope letting out a yell of pain. The referee then begins to count the rope break-
ANDREW 'ANDIE' MATHEISON //
“ONE-
TWO-
THREE-
FOUR!”
Eddie breaks the hold at four and the referee walks over to check on Neo, who swears he is fine. A look of concern washing over Constance on the outside, she'd spent enough time beside Eddie to know when he was for lack of a better word, 'changing.' Eddie Case rushes over toward the downed opponent but a vigilant referee separates him from Neo, telling Eddie to back off. The referee checks on Neo once more, but is cut off as Eddie lifts Neo to his feet and tosses him into the corner. Neo tries to block his face but Eddie is quick with a right, then a left, then an elbow! Right! Left! Elbow! Right! Right! Left Elbow! The assault doesn't end as the referee begins to pull Eddie off of Neo, who is smirking in the corner. Eddie doesn't relent though, pressing forward once more and landing another set of blows to Neo as the referee begins to count again, for the break
ANDREW 'ANDIE' MATHEISON //
“ONE!” -Right, Left Right- “TWO!” -Left , Elbow, Left- “THREE!” - Right, Elbow, Right - “FOUR!”
RON WAY //
“CASE HAS SNAPPED!”
CJ CLARKE //
“You poke the bear long enough, eventually it's going to attack!”
Eddie takes a couple of steps backward and begins to smack himself in the face, trying to regain his head, rather than allow the monster within full control over his vessel. It was then that Neo took a step towards Eddie and with the referee forcefully turned away, The Sinful One taking advantage and quickly spits in the eye of Eddie. Safe to say, Eddie, lost his shit in that moment. Eddie pushes past the referee and lets out a roar as he blasts Neo back into the corner with a double chest chop. Neo's chest was lit up like a tree during Christmas before Eddie winds back and connects with a second chop. Eddie runs to the opposite corner, across from Neo, and then rushes towards him. Neo however seemingly one step ahead and kicked Eddie in the gut! Neo then grabs Eddie an- EXPLODER SUPLEX! Right into the corner of the ring! Eddie writhes and grabs his back in pain, as Neo laughs a bit and cracks his neck. Neo waits a moment, as Eddie stirs and then takes his shot. Neo lifts Eddie to his feet before delivering a spinning back kick to the gut to double Eddie over! SINdicator! (XPlex) SINdicator by Neo Styles!! Neo is quick to cover, hooking both of Eddie's legs aggressively!
ANDREW 'ANDIE' MATHEISON //
“ONE-
TWO . . .
THR-”
RON WAY //
“It doesn't get any closer than that!”
CJ CLARKE //
“It quite literally does, Ron. If it were closer, the bell would have rung, the music would have hit and we'd be halfway into introducing our next match of the evening-but it's not! This match goes on!”
RON WAY //
“No need to be a dick about it-”
CJ CLARKE //
“For such an angry little man, Ron, you're quite the delicate snowflake.”
Neo runs his fingers through his hair, how much more would it take to put this monster out? Eddie was already stirring, and Neo knew if he got any momentum the match would begin to quicken once again, something he wasn't prepared for. Neo Styles slowly stands to his feet and backs up into a corner as he waits for Eddie to get to his. Slowly, Eddie rises up, Neo measuring him from the corner. Neo rushes towards Eddie, but Eddie rolls out of the way!! Neo collides with a running knee to the referee! Eddie then delivers a low blow to Neo Styles as the crowd begins to boo heavily as Eddie laughs manically, becoming completely unhinged. Constance looked on in shock from the outside. Eddie walks over to a corner of the ring and takes off the turnbuckle padding. The referee is still laid out, with no sign of movement. Is it really breaking the law if no governing official sees you do it? Neo rolls in pain in the ring, holding onto his family jewels as he regains his breath. During this time, however, Eddie has already gotten out of the ring, and returned with a steel chair! Eddie waits on the apron, as Neo slowly gets to his feet. As Neo turns to Eddie, Eddie throws the chair at Neo, straight for his head. Neo catches it with two hands, but as he does Eddie springboards off of the top rope, Vandaminator! Springboard-Vandaminator to Neo Styles!! Neo lands on all fours, with the chair below his head. Eddie doesn't miss a beat though and rolls through the Vandaminator, rebounding off of the ropes... Fact of Life! Fact of Life onto the steel chair! It's busted Neo wide open, blood freely flowing down the face of Neo! Eddie kicks the chair out of the ring and collapses on top of Neo, however, the referee still has yet to move a muscle! Eddie doesn't notice it though and holds the pin-
CROWD //
“ONE-
TWO-
THREEEEEEE!”
Eddie let's out a sigh of relief and looks over at the timekeeper and yells to ring the bell, but it was then he noticed the referee still down and let out a loud hell of a sigh. Was it frustration? Anguish? Who knows! Luckily, a second official, John Rammage-the man who'd just officiated Roy 'X' Blythe versus Marc Esposito, had run down the ramp and slid into the ring ready to continue calling the action. Eddie goes for a cover on Neo Styles!
JOHN RAMMAGE //
“ONE-
… TWO!”
Kickout by Neo, just before the referee's hand lands for the three count. Eddie looked as if he was going to explode. "WHAT!?" He yells to the referee "You have to be SHITTING me!" Eddie gets in the referee's face, eyes mad, blood boiling, face beet red! The referee backs up and explains it was a two count, and that Eddie needs to calm down. Eddie then looks over to Neo, to Constance, to Neo, to Constance and then back to the referee - "How's this for calm!?" Eddie ran over and without warning, Double Foot Stomp to Neo Styles! Neo grabs his ribs in pain as Eddie goes for another cover, this time driving his forearm in the face of his opponent who hails from St. Louis.
JOHN RAMMAGE //
“ONE-
… TWO!
NO! SHOULDER IS UP! THAT'S TWO!”
Eddie jolts up and slams his hands against the canvas a few times before he looks back to the top rope and begins to have a sickening smile crawl across his face. Clearly no longer in control, Eddie lifts up Neo and tosses him into the exposed turnbuckle, before delivering a hard chop to Styles, however, Neo catches his hand, and snaps back one of his fingers, dropping Eddie to a knee. Neo then pulls back another one of his fingers before he delivers three hard knee strikes to the temple of Eddie. Neo then, without hesitation, grabs Eddie once more... A second Exploder Suplex, this time to the exposed turnbuckle! Eddie grabs his back in pain, but Neo doesn't stop. "It's over," Neo says as he delivers a strong soccer ball kick to Eddie's ribs. Neo then picks Eddie back up and hits his patented, ZERO HOUR! A brutal pump-handle lift into a reverse STO! Neo then transitions straight into a Koji Klutch as he applies massive torque! Eddie was in the dead center of the ring, the crowd was electric at this point. Dare I say electrifying enough to power the entirety of Los Angeles! Eddie's eyes darted around in horror, realizing he had nowhere to go, no place to turn! Neo wrenches the move even tighter, as Eddie slowly begins to fade out. Eddie's vision blurs, his eyes begin to close. The voice of CJ Clarke resonates in the distance, “It seems like Eddie is fading to the Koji Klutch!!” The referee checks his arm, raising it once, as it falls straight down. A second time, straight down. The final check and Eddie's arm falls flat onto the mat. Referee, John Rammage then signals for the bell to call the contest, as a bloodied, beaten, Neo Styles stands victorious in the ring, his hand being held high above his head by the referee.
CJ CLARKE //
“What a match between these two competitors! Neo Styles with the win, but after emerging victorious in last weeks fatal-four-way, and victory again today narrowly escaping Eddie Case, you've got to think this isn't the end-merely a bump in the road.”
RON WAY //
“Constance helping Eddie to the back, her allegiance to him is pure. I haven't a chance-”
“YES! YOU REALLY EARNED THAT!!! REALLY YOU DID!!!” Is heard over the loudspeaker, spoken through a microphone, but where? The camera is really struggling to figure out where it is coming from and the crowd is seemingly confused “No really! Really! Neo Styles - You, you are the MAN! I mean Davzer would give that ALL THE STARS… You, sir, are the MAN! But I think it’s time you get out of MY RING!” And the camera finally finds him, CHRISTIAN RAINEY! Just sitting with his feet up in the crowd, smoking a cigarette in the EPW/CP arena as the camera pans on him, he seems genuinely surprised just like the crowd, and the crowd pops for him, one hundred percent pops for him. He just stands up with the microphone in his hand and begins speaking as he makes his way down the steps to the ring-
CHRISTIAN RAINEY //
“YOU! OUT OF MY RING, LADIES, AND GENTLEMEN… BOYS AND GIRLS…. KIIIIIDSSS!!!! OF ALL AGES…. WELCOME TO THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE SHOW… THE EX…..O….DUS…. IF YOU WILL… OF CHRISTIAN RAINEY!”
He puts out his arms and spins around to take in the moment as he leaps over the barricade and rolls into the ring.
CHRISTIAN RAINEY //
“So why, why am I here? Why wouldn’t I just STAY GONE…? You see I have never been a slave to the dollar, but baby girl, god damn I truly couldn’t say no.” A smirk just comes over his face. “So what am I going to do here? What am I planning to do? I will be honest, I have one goal in mind, ONE GOAL…. It isn’t to make the most money, no, I’VE DONE THAT!!! Now is it to have the best “matches”? NO! I DO THAT ON A NIGHTLY BASIS…. I‘VE ALREADY DONE THAT! I do it EVERY DAMN NIGHT I AM OUT THERE…. Now is it for the Exodus Championship?” he pauses to himself and nods to himself as he finds himself chuckling. “I won’t lie to you, it has my curiosity, it has my attention..” He moves forward to continue his point. “But babe that’s NOT WHY I AM HERE, I AM HERE TO-”
CRACK!!!
Abruptly Christian Rainey is cut off and seemingly falls victim to gravity as he faceplants into the canvas. The crowd gives a collective “OHHHHH!” as a ringside security guard has come out of nowhere with a steel chair and promptly, forcefully and violently introduced the cold unforgiving steel to the back of Rainey’s head. The security guard’s highlighter yellow colored jacket is stripped and tossed aside, his black hat with “SECURITY” emblazoned across the front is tossed into the crowd this metamorphosis inside the Exodus ring brings about a beautiful, vibrant and beaming…
CJ CLARKE/RON WAY //
“JAMES KNIGHT!!!”
The crowd’s noise level jumps as he pulls off his Exodus staff t-shirt to expose his physique that shows that he hasn’t been just “showing up” to the gym every day. He’s been working while enjoying a rather light schedule in Japan. Knight wears a sick smile on his face as he takes two handfuls of Rainey’s curly hair, for the first time in lord who knows James Knight has his hands on his former boss, business partner, and FORMER best friend. Jimmy pulls a limp Rainey up by his hair and screams into his face.
JAMES KNIGHT //
“CHRISTIAN!!!!! CHRIIIIIISSSSTTTIIIIAAAN!!!!! CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?!?! CAN YOU HEAR ME NOOOOOOOW??!?!?!?”
James drives a hard forearm into the face of Rainey before once again pulling him up to his feet and thrusting “The Kid’s” head between his legs.“The Cancer’s” smiles never fades as he pauses and looks back at the chair on the canvas, he uses his foot to slide it into position right behind his heels before he lifts Rainey up. He slowly hooks his arm through Christian’s legs, looking for the Gotch-Style Piledriver onto
james knight jumps former friend, rainey!
the chair! James Knight is looking to end Christian Rainey’s career -maybe even his life!
The bell begins to toll frantically and a legion of security comes sprinting down the ramp, the musclebound security guards all carrying batons slide into the ring trying to save Rainey’s life and it seems at this time, they have! Knight releases Rainey and scuttles out of the ring. He takes a course right past the timekeeper’s table before jumping the rail and quickly disappearing into the Exodus fans. The security guards circle the ring as Rainey peels himself from the canvas, gripping the back of his head. He’s angry -no, that’s not the word- he’s fucking livid. He didn’t see who it was, but there’s only one person that would be such a coward. There’s only one person that would do this… he knows who it was that tried to crack his skull with a chair. When he hears the voice over the speakers, he winces -his bell is rung. The voice is a voice that at one time filled his home with laughter. The voice was one of the first on the phone when his daughter was born. The voice was one of reassurance when Christian’s life was falling apart when his marriage was ending and his wrestling company was gone.
THAT. VOICE.
“CHRIIIIIIIIIISTIIIIAAAAAN”
Rainey looks around the arena as do the security guards all prepared to beat the living hell out of the renegade that is James Knight.
JAMES KNIGHT //
“You can have ALLLLLLL of the goals in the world! You can strive for whatever will fill the voids in that miserable life of yours… but know this -and know it good and hard….”
Rainey scales the corner, looking around the Exodus arena for the slithering snake bastard, James Knight. He spots him and points him out! The Exodus production crew catch on quick and get a spotlight on Knight. He’s in the highest point of the arena seating, standing on a rail arm spread wide and microphone in hand.
JAMES KNIGHT //
“I WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE A LIVING HELL!!! I AM HERE FOR YOU CHRISTIAN! I AM HERE TO ENNNNNNND YOU!”
Knight throws the microphone over his head before hopping down off of the rail and disappearing into the ether just as he appeared to assault his former friend.
"i'm not dead yet" - flickers on the screen
We transition to a slowly zooming in shot on what appears to be a brand new championship belt. Black leather, with a gold plate, an ornate eagle etched in black on top of a globe with a star nestles either side of it, encrusted in precious stones with the words 'EXODUS PRO WRESTLING – CHAMPION” meticulously carved onto its surface, with a blank nameplate below. The championship belt rests on a series of red cushions and as the shot broadens, it appears we are once again in the office of Exodus owner, Fin Banks. A grin so broad it's near on indescribable is spread over the companies owners face when there's a ratta-tat-tat at his door. “It's unlocked, come in” requests Banks. “Is that, is that a new
championship? Oh-shiny. That's, that's actually really good timing, I have something I want to speak to you about.”
FIN BANKS //
“Ms. Massaro-”
LIBERTY MASSARO //
“Liberty is fine.”
FIN BANKS //
“Ms. Massaro, I again have to congratulate you on becoming the new Exodus Pro Wrestling, Director Of Talent Relations, but let's pick up tomorrow. I have got a certain 'Christian Rainey' situation to attend to.”
LIBERTY MASSARO //
“Well- that championship belt, I'm guessing you have a match in mind for it? I just happe-”
FIN BANKS //
“Tomorrow, Ms. Massaro. Relax, enjoy the night.”
LIBERTY MASSARO //
“I just happen to have the answers to questions you didn't even think of asking. Listen . . . I know I just got the job, but I know of a certain somebody. He has the build, the experience, the charisma, he's-he's who you'd want as the face of your company. The billboards, the posters, the talk shows-”
FIN BANKS //
“I have a few people in mind. This title will be prestigious, only the most inspiring, admirable, highly regarded competitor will permit somebody to compete for it. Let's just say, pending a few results tonight, my opinion may change. Let's wait and see, shall we?”
With a flutter in her eyes, she looks toward Fin.
LIBERTY MASSARO //
“Would you be mad if I said he's waiting in the foyer?”
FIN BANKS //
“You do know this is MY company right? We may be Exodus, but I AM Exodus.”
The door to EPW Commander & Chief, Fin Banks office is knocked on firmly twice before it slowly creaked open. Fin's jaw dropped, as only the silhouette of the man entering can be made out at this time.
FIN BANKS //
“Is th-”
LIBERTY MASSARO //
“You'll learn to trust me.”
a new championship unveiled!
Liberty walks toward the figure masked by a convenient combination of lighting and shadows, as the camera shot transitions to an unknown location where a freshly signed competitor is set to make his on-screen debut. Introducing, Exodus Pro Wrestling's latest marquee signing, Shin Gekido.
Shin Gekido is a unique man. He has been dubbed the real-life version of 'wrath' by many, due to his almost berserk like presence. He has never been one to stray from a fight. No matter who it is, or where it is. If he wants smoke, you better damn well give it to him. His goal is always searching for the next big bad to conquer. But at the same time-he wants an equal. Because a battle isn't as fun when it's one-sided. If he feels that you aren't motivated enough to fight him, he'll tell ya. But he has a heart. Because he always wants to know what lies in the heart of battle for his opponents. Because his greatest form of communication is through fists. Which is why he is the way he is.
The scene finds Shin in the special EXODUS training area. He has his "MESSATSU FOREVER" shirt on with shorts. He is barefoot, practicing his Karate kata. Next to him is an MMA style ring where a young man by the name of Shaun Jones is training for another MMA bout. He looks over to Shin and sees hin practicing Karate. He scoffs-
SHAUN JONES //
“Hey, Sonny Chiba. Why don't you give that stuff up and train in real fighting? You'd probably do okay”
Shin ignores him and keeps training. Shaun comes out of the cage and stares him down. Shin continues to ignore him. So he throws a punch. Shin doesn't flinch, but he stops and looks him in the eye.
SHIN GEKIDO //
“What?”
SHAUN JONES //
“I know you heard all that stuff I said earlier. Whaddya say?”
SHIN GEKIDO //
“Not interested in fighting clubs-”
Shaun immediately gets pissed off-
SHAUN JONES //
“Excuse me? Do you know who the hell I am?”
SHIN GEKIDO //
“I don't need to know you.”
SHAUN JONES //
“But I know who you are, Shin! But I think... You're nothing but talk.”
SHIN GEKIDO //
“Oh am I?”
SHAUN JONES //
“Yeah! Come see me in that cage!”
Shin smirks.
SHIN GEKIDO //
“Okay. If you say so.”
They both step into the cage. Shaun moves around, showing off his agility. Shin just stands there, staring him down. Shaun throws a punch and kick. Shin blocks the punch and throws a counter elbow at the same time. Shaun is surprised at the power thrown behind it. So he throws punches that Shin easily weaves through. Shaun gets frustrated and throws a wild haymaker. Shin catches his arm and twists it behind him. He throws another elbow with his free hand. This rocks Shaun badly. Shin pushes him into the cage and turns him around. He can see the panic in his eyes. Shin puts his forearm into his throat.
SHIN GEKIDO //
“You talk about this being real combat, but have no idea what to do against someone like me? You'd die on those streets the moment you tried any of this glorified nonsense.”
SHAUN JONES //
“SHUT UP!”
Shaun is angry, almost embarrassed and tries to fight out of it. He tries to clinch Shin, but Shin ends up taking him to the ground and locks him in a modified rear naked choke.
SHIN GEKIDO //
“Oh no, you're trapped. You better tap before ya pass out.”
Shaun starts to panic again. Shin releases the hold. Shaun looks at Shin in fear. He gets up and leaves the ring and goes back to his karate. His coach looks at him in shock.
COACH McGIRK //
“Son. You got real lucky. He showed you mercy. He could have ended your MMA career, but he thought otherwise. That man is wrath incarnate.”
The scene fades to black as a graphic appears on the screen which reads the following: SHIN GEKIDO: COMING SOON! #EXODUS #EPWS1E3 #CULMINATION.
CJ CLARKE //
“Where do we begin!? A new championship belt!? What does this mean for the locker room? Who will be MR. EXODUS?”
RON WAY //
“Before we see who takes the strap, we have another beautiful championship belt going around the waist of at least one very fine woman tonight, Clarke! Oh to be the cow that was slaughtered to be just come back as a utensil to hold up pants-”
CJ CLARKE //
“Ooooookay! And Shin Gekido has signed with Exodus! Chris Paradise has signed! And it looks like our new director of talent relations, Liberty Massaro, a well-known image consultant come savvy entrepreneur and manager has brought what looks to be a behemoth of a man to the dance!”
RON WAY //
“I'd shower Liberty in ones for a dance!”
CJ CLARKE //
“This is a formal request, to have Ron suspended from active commentary duties-”
RON WAY //
“My contract is rock solid! Wanna kno-”
CJ CLARKE //
“NO!”
RON WAY //“For goodness sake, Clarke. Show some professionalism. Up next we've
"i'm not dead yet" - flickers on the screen
got a contest. A first time ever, and a last time ever! Sasco Moss goes one on one with Sphinx Payne for the FIRST TIME ever – in what should be a very physical, ultra-personal battle – in the 'Egyptian Destroyer,' Sphinx Payne's last ever professional match-”
CJ CLARKE //
“IT'S NO HOLDS BARRED – FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE – AND IT'S, NEXT!”
enter : sasco moss !
As the restless voices of the voiceless come to a whimper, tension can be felt around the arena. An anxiousness that causes a weakened stomach to churn and the hairs on your arms to stand on end is ever present. [Or was that the concession stands hot-dogs?] Like clockwork, the venue fades to black. A thick blue-ish smoke begins to cascade from behind the curtain, followed by a harsh burst of strobe lighting that would hospitalize an epileptic within an instant. [There are warnings on the tickets. READ THE FINE PRINT.] A distorted piano roars through the PA, accompanied by an onslaught of glitching percussiveness...the music begins to grow more intense and 'Make Believe Me's'
'Show Them What You're Good For' EXPLODES all throughout the complex. Melodic hardcore perfected - a tangled mess of heaviness wrought with emotion. As the roars of every plebeian in attendance reach fever pitch the exo-tron shows the eyes of a man who's seen some things...The eyes of a man who's seen some stuff. ENTER SASCO MOSS!! From behind the material designed to disguise each entertainer before they appear emerges the six foot one Englishmen. His head hung low, eyes not locking contact with a single person during the tedious walk to the squared circle. Even the women who reek of yeast waving their favorite pair of soiled panties can't seem to grasp the British phenoms attention. Once crawling up the rings steps and lankly maneuvering himself over the top rope Sasco Moss begins to show first signs of life. Hopping from one foot to the next, Moss leans over the top rope looking down the very same catwalk he contractually is forced into walking down week in, week out. A smirk eerily emerges on his face. It's time. He's ready. Or is he just really high? Only time will tell... A crew member carefully slides a microphone beneath the bottom rope. Sasco routinely picks it up and begins pacing around the ring, furiously. It's been quite some time since the Nottingham native had stepped in front of a live crowd, and nobody could ever truly know what to expect when his assault on the English language began. But before uttering a single word the crowd roared in approval. A polarising figure, but one who had garnered the respect of the broader wrestling community, regardless of what he'd been up to away from the limelight.
​
SASCO MOSS //
“END OF AN ERA! This shouldn't be celebrated. I'm merely doing what needs to be done. The old guard, we don't appreciate those that came after us. They had the world at their feet and what did they do with it? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Entitled. ENTITLED! Sphinx, you're no different to these tyranical needy losers who spend the entirity of their day buried in their phone, claiming to be the best; but have yet to truly accomplish anything in life. For everything Sphinx Payne has accomplished in his career, what has he really? Let's look back. Antecedent. What a word. You were scheduled to go one on one with 'The Cancer,' James Knight . . . scheduled to take the fall. I have ZERO doubt about that. What happened? Jimmy, he had better things to do. You were not worth his time, but Sphinx. You were worth mine. You're my play thing-but like all toys, you're about to be tossed aside and forgotten about forever. Think of me as Andy, and you: a depressed Woody. Heh-woody. Anyway – James Knight is finally here! Whoopidy-doo-da-he'll-leave-again-soon-cause-he's-a-bitch-ahhhhhh! And Rainey!? CHRISTIAN FUCKING RAINEY; HERE IN EXODUS!? OH! #IKNOW IT WON'T BE LONG UNTIL WE ARE EYE TO EYE BAY-BAY!”
Moss pulls a cigarrette from behind is ear and lights it, pausing briefly to exhale a thick bloom of smoke before continuing.
SASCO MOSS //
“We may as well ring the bell now, because let's face it. We ALL know what the outcome is going to be here. ANNNNND YOU'RE WINNER! NOT SPHINX PAYYYYYNE! I've done some heinous things in my life, Sphinx – but it all pales in comparison to what I'm about to do to you. Let's dance, bitch!”
Once again, Moss takes a casual drag of his cigarrette before wrapping up with one of the most bizarre catchphrases in all of professional wrestling;
SASCO MOSS //
“It's time . . . time to inhale the future, and exhale – the past!”
“Do You Call My Name” by Ra began to fade into the sound speakers, Sasco Moss begins to turn his full attention to the stage; the Exodus crowd gets a glimpse to see none other than Sphinx Payne coming out onto the stage. The proclaim named 'Egyptian Destroyer' begins to walk on down the ramp, Sphinx Payne wearing a blank expression as he heads down the cold steel rampway Sasco Moss still glaring at Sphinx Payne. He makes it to the ring steps, and into the ring. With Sasco staring at Sphinx, the brit watches Sphinx walk past him. He motions for a microphone, once he retrieves such; Sphinx turns around glaring at the English phenom'. An almost picture perfect
sphinx payne - last time ever!
replay of last weeks confrontation between the two of them . . .
SPHINX PAYNE //
“The time for talking is over. It's time for you to feel the wrath of the Egyptian and fade to obscurity!”
SASCO MOSS //
“Oh, YAWN! Shut your flaps before I kick your nipples into the third row. Ring the damn bell!”
AUSTIN WAYNE //
“Laaaaaaadies and gentlemen, this is a no disqualification, falls count anywhere match!”
The crowd begin to rumble, there's a tension in the air that could be cut by a knife.
AUSTIN WAYNE //
Hailing from Nottingham, England, weighing in at one hundred and sixty-three pounds, standing at six foot one – SASSSSSSSSSSSSCO MOSSSSSSS! And his opponent, in his last ever professional wrestling match -”
CROWD //
“THANK YOU, SPHINX! THANK YOU, SPHINX! THANK YOU, SPHINX!”
AUSTIN WAYNE //
“Standing at six foot one, weighing at two hundred and fifty-six pounds . . . frrrrrrrrroooom Egypt! THHHHHHE SOVEREIGN SAVAGE . . . SPHINX-PAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYE!”
As is tradition, the bell sounds three times. Before the third strike of the brass cup, Sphinx Payne lunges toward Sasco. He'd heard enough and if he was going to go out, it would be all guns blazing. Sphinx throws three big right hands to start the match but Sasco being the narcissistic weasel that he manages to catch them to his body and retaliates with jabs of his own. A flurry of forearm blows and punches forces Sphinx into the corner when Sasco climbs the turnbuckles in front of him and begins laying fists into his forehead. The crowd count to ten enthusiastically -
CROWD //
“ONE-TWO-THREE-FOUR-FIVE-SIX-SEVEN-EIGHT-NINE-TEN!”
BIG EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! Sphinx is rumbled early. Sasco tries to Irish-whip the heavier of the two men but Sphinx counters it throwing Moss into the turnbuckle BUT the Brit explodes out of the corner with a hellacious clothesline which absolutely floors the retiring Egyptian. So early in the match, Sphinx has the wherewithal to slide out of the ring. Sasco follows, Sphinx foolish to think he could create separation so early in the contest. Spinx goes on the attack though, Moss' thick musk giving him away. Sphinx driving elbows into Moss jawline but Nottingham's finest export snaps grabs a fist full of hair and slams Payne's face against the edge of the apron. Without releasing the fist full of hair, he then tosses him into the ring steps, hitting heavy-shoulder first. The crowd gasps. Moss screaches at referee Richard Stewart to come toward them, making the most of the falls count anywhere rule.
RICHARD STEWART //
“ONE...
TWO-”
Sasco gets a fist full of hair again, climbs up the ring steps, slamming Sphinx' face into the top step and hunches over his fallen foe, with spit flying from his mouth - “It's all over!” and proceeds to stomp on the back of Payne's skull, pushing it hard against the top of the steel steps. WHACK! Sphinx Payne collapses in a heap on the outside and without a moment hesitation Sasco scoops a single leg and props up his own on the ring steps for leverage as the official begins his count. Only a one! “THAT WAS THREE!” screamed Sasco at the official, “ONE!” was all he got back from a strict, Stewart. Well, as strict as you could be in a no disqualification, falls count anywhere match. If you ever feel useless in life, just think . . . there are pro referees out there. They live among us. AND BACK TO THE ACTION! Sasco now, on all fours resting upon his forearms and knees looks Sphinx dead in the eye daring him to get to his feet. With a little encouragement, Sphinx does just that, albeit being dragged by his beard when Sasco, surprising everyone in attendance calls for his patented double underhook facebuster, which he calls 'Coming Down.' Sphinx escapes and shoves the thinner of the two individuals into the ring post – the fight on the outside goes on.
CJ CLARKE //
“Sphinx Payne with a great counter, Sasco Moss clutching his ankle, Sphinx Payne grabbing the back of his head . . . this no holds barred falls count anywhere match has started exactly the way we'd hoped!”
RON WAY //
“I was hoping for big ole tiddies an-”
CJ CLARKE //
“RON!”
RON WAY //
-grumbling- “not the way I hoped it'd go down.”
CJ CLARKE //
“Both men in the ring now! Let's talk about this for a second, Ron. During the premiere of Exodus, #ANTECEDENT, Sphinx Payne thought he was going to be standing toe to toe with James Knight, who effectively stood him up, just to have a, well-”
RON WAY //
“A bong exploded over his back? You can say bong, Clarke. It's fine. Try it-”
CJ CLARKE //
“I'd rather not. Both men now back into the ring, Sphinx Payne on top of Sasco with heavy blows!”
RON WAY //
“Sasco's nose has exploded! There's blood everywhere! Is-is he licking it!? That's, that's disgusting!”
'The Sovereign Savage' picks Moss up to his feet, shoves him face first into the turnbuckle and starts stomping a metaphorical 'mudhole' (wink-wink) through him in the corner and goes for a lacksidaisiel cover, the blood pouring over Moss' face and drying in his facial scruff. The cover, seemingly more to rub the salt in the wounds than an effective way to win the match, only drawing the count of one. Before the Nottinghamshire native could mount any form of defense, Sasco found himself throat first over the middle rope-being choked. Sphinx eventually releases his hold and begins to drop his boots into Moss' midsection leaving him little to no choice but roll out of the ring clenching his ribs. His throat already tender from peculiar sneeze-related injuries earlier in the week, the rings ropes absolutely caused immense discomfort making breathing difficult. Sphinx now with the upper hand, and in a big way and drops a knee into Moss' ribs before hooking a free leg forcing referee Richard Stewart to spring into action.
RICHARD STEWARD //
“ONE . . .
TWO . . .
TH-”
This does nothing but agitate the already motivated Egyptian, and he drags Moss by his unkempt locks to his feet and slams him face first into the apron then wraps his arms around the Brit's waist and drives Sasco into the rings apron again. It's an all-out assault but Sasco starts fighting back with several blows but Payne is quick to put an end to his mini-comeback by shoving him to ring barrier once again before rolling him into the ring and once again putting Sasco Moss into a pinning predicament.
RICHARD STEWART //
“ONE -
TWO”
RON WAY //
“If Sasco keeps taking abuse like this, who will Blaze Freya have with her tonight? I won-”
CJ CLARKE //
“RON!”
RON WAY //
“I WANT WHAT I WANT, CLARKE!”
CJ CLARKE //
“Well, you might want to choose your words carefully. Sasco is back to his feet!”
Sasco fights to the corner after staggering backward after being on the receiving end of several heavy blows. Moss fights back with several fists of his own and manages to get a grip on Sphinx' wrist and whips him to the ropes and upon Sasco's return is on the receiving end of a big boot to the chin. Once again Sphinx hooks the outside leg but again is met with the count of two. Moss now punch drunk at his feet, hurls an arm toward Sphinx' face but wraps it around his neck and rapidly runs to Payne's back applying a headlock, desperate to turn the tide and momentum back in his favor. With the general public knowing this is Sphinx Payne's last televised match, they begin to get behind him with a slow clap and cheers for him to get to his feet. The crowd the only helping hand he needed as he works his way free, runs at the ropes but Sasco lunges at Payne, using his forehead as a weapon striking Sphinx Payne between the eyes. The “CLACK” of skulls causing some in attendance to shudder. Moss finally has a chance to wipe some excess blood from his face and in a disgusting act flicks it at Payne. Moss, with adrenaline coursing through his veins with more ease then any drug that had once intruded them clambers to the middle rope, crotch chopping in Sphinx' general direction before hitting a very low diving Swanton Bomb. Sasco landing back first on Sphinx and is exhausted-unmoved. The referee notices Sphinx Payne is currently covered, albeit unintentionally and gets to work slappin' dat canvas.
RICHARD STEWART //
“ONE . . .
TWO-”
Now it's Sasco Moss with a headlock, headlock city! Sphinx looking a little more fatigued. Sasco doesn't want to release the hold despite Sphinx now being on his feet but eventually has no choice. Sasco goes for a clothesline, Sphinx ducks it and kicks Moss in the midsection, dropping him a second time. Sasco gets to his feet, goes for a move unfamiliar with the EPW universe thus far, but he affectionately calls “Dipsomania” - a sunset powerbomb. SPHINX PAYNE COUNTERS! Sphinx managing to keep his feet chops Sasco to the canvas but he springs back to his feet, Sphinx continues chopping Moss senseless and whips him to the ropes. Sasco throws a clothesline, but Sphinx ducks it and catches his opponent off guard with a surprise Snap DDT. The Wiley decade-plus veteran in Sasco Moss rolls out of the ring but Sphinx sees this as an opportunity and runs to the ropes, looking as if he's going for a suicide dive but Moss is out of there, running around the ring nearest the commentary duo of Ron Way and CJ Clarke. Sphinx quickly exits the ring and is in hot pursuit. Ron manages to catch Moss' eye and ends up in a back and forth argument with Sasco over god knows what; Ron covering his microphone during the confrontation. The distraction, albeit somewhat unintentional costs Sasco as Sphinx attacks him from behind, throwing him over the commentary table, on top of Ron.
CJ CLARKE //
“Not so great when it's a male competitor landing on you, is it Ron!?”
RON WAY //
“UGH! HE'S BLEEDING ON ME! GET HIM OFF! FWAR-”
The crowd goes ballistic watching a bloodied Moss land on top of color commentator and notorious pervert, Ron Way but Sphinx isn't done as he throws Sasco Moss into the crowd. Sasco tries to dodge the barrage of fists flying at the back of his unprotected skull and the two quickly go from fighting amongst the fans to a corridor which leads to a hallway at the back of the EPW/CP. As they pass through the black curtains, it reveals several tables that look to have catering platters setup, nothing overly fancy, so likely for the event crew to enjoy between all the action. Sasco puts Sphinx straight through said tables, rugby tackling him on top of it without a moment's hesitation. A barrage of fists, Sasco now in control. This environment was his domain. Sasco tries to throw Sphinx into a road case but the Egyptian blocks it, instead forcing Moss into it facefirst. As the road case shifts, a plethora of steel rods and light construction tools (brooms, levels, rigging equipment) collapse on top of Sasco, the sound of clattering steel on concrete adding to the chaos. Sphinx picks Sasco up to his feet and the two continue brawling up the hallway. An elevator door opens and Sasco tries to run inside it, rapidly hitting the button to get the doors closed behind him. Moss is frantic, but Sphinx chases and tears half a dozen people dressed in suits from their 'lazy-boy stare case' and continues with a flurry of punches on Sasco as the doors close. trapping the two within it. “I'LL BITE YOUR FUCKING FACE OFF!” can be heard, screamed by Sasco as the two go to work on one another inside the lift.
RON WAY //
“ELEVATOR BRAWL! SPINX IS GOING TO DEVOUR THAT BRITISH SCUM!”
CJ CLARKE //
“I'm British Ron! And Sphinx threw Moss into you, he hardly lunged at you at his own free will-”
RON WAY //
“I BEG TO DIFFER! I have to get tested. God knows what that man has!”
CJ CLARKE //
“That-that may be wise.”
A shot opens up inside the elevator, Sphinx is hammering Sasco's skull off the walls, one after the next before Sasco collapses, but Payne doesn't let up, continuing a barrage of punches on a downed Sasco Moss. Meanwhile, the shot quickly changes to that of an out of breath camera man sprinting up the hallway, desperately trying to get to the elevator doors to watch the brawl spill out once they opened. The two fight down a corridor and push through a door that reads “EMERGENCY EXIT – DO NOT BREACH” but an incensed Spinx Payne doesn't give a flying f*ck, uses Sasco as a battering ram and then, the unthinkable happens . . . Merely meters from the emergency exit, are three flights of stairs, and Sphinx seems to be doing everything he possibly can to throw Sasco down them, but Moss with a poke to the eye distracts the 'Egyptian Savage' long enough to toss him down the stairs, his body contorting at angles even the most advanced mathematician would have a hard time explaining. Sasco walks halfway down the stairs to check to see if Payne is alive – but instead, shrugs his shoulders and takes a seat. Rummaging through his sock, Moss pulls out a little bag and some rolling papers, forms a perfect joynt, strikes a match against the concrete and begins to smoke. By this stage, referee Richard Stewart had caught up to the action, looks down the stairwell and screams “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!?” . . . “Cleansing” Moss says whilst exhaling a thick, mosh-pit smelling cloud of smoke. The Blackpool Bombshell, Blaze Freya who must have been watching the match in her locker-room before the open invitational women's championship gauntlet match which is headlining the program suddenly arrives on the scene, clearly shaken.
BLAZE FREYA //
“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!? That was my brother …”
SASCO MOSS //
“Was - and half brother ….”
BLAZE FREYA //
“He was my blood-”
SASCO MOSS //
“I'M BLEEDING TOO! Well, he's definitely bleeding now too, bleeding that 'half blood-'”
BLAZE FREYA //
“He's family-”
SASCO MOSS //
“He's finished.”
BLAZE FREYA //
“SOMEBODY GET SOME F-CKING HELP!”
SASCO MOSS //
“WHERE THE F-CK IS THE REFEREE!?”
RICHARD STEWART //
“GET A MEDIC!”
Moss slides down the handrail and lands in almost a superman pose as he stands over the crumbled body of Sphinx Payne. A medical crew begin to gather at the top of the stairs but by this point Moss has already started to try and pick up Sphinx, a heavier man than he up, and drags him towards the lip of the next set of stairs that leads to the venues underground carpark, Sphinx' head now between Moss' legs. Moss looks down at Sphinx' heavily tattooed back and utters but two words . . . “R E M E M B E R M E . . .”
CJ CLARKE //
“OH NO! I know what this is – the most fierce thing you can watch any addict go through. It's-”
“COMING DOWN!”
'Coming Down' is a double underhook facebuster, more commonly known as either the “Pedigree,” or when from heights, the 'Pepsi Plunge' Moss hits the latter, an airborne pedigree, landing halfway down the stairs, Sphinx now busted wide open. Despite laying on almost a forty-degree angle on the concrete stairs, Moss screams “REFEREEEEEEE” and stands with his foot in the middle of Payne's unconscious face.
RICHARD STEWART //
“ONE-
TWO -
THREEEEEE!-RING THE DAMN BELL! MEDICS!”
Inside the EPW/CP the bell frantically sounds as the crowd sits in stunned silence watching on the giant Tron screen nestled above the active arenas rampway. Meanwhile, Sasco Moss proceeds to drag Sphinx Payne through the emergency exit doors, dumping his body outside, and casually walks back in, sirens blaring. Medics in hot pursuit. The self-locking door closes behind him, the crew struggles to get it open again, as if it'd locked itself somehow. Moss slaps his hands together as if he'd just taken out the trash.
CJ CLARKE //
“We can't take away what Sphinx Payne has done for this sport. He's been through it all, championships, the travel, the highs, and the lows . . .”
CROWD //
“THANK YOU SPHINX PAYNE” clap-clap clap-clap-clap “THANK YOU SPHINX PAYNE” clap-clap clap-clap-clap “THANK YOU SPHINX PAYNE”
CJ CLARKE //
“Thank you indeed!”
some refer to exodus as paradise-
The scene opens in a park on a bright and sunny day, the park is packed with families having fun, barbequing and simply enjoying the day. We then see a semi-familiar figure strolling through the park clad in a maroon suit and straw hat before they sit down on a nearby park bench revealing themselves to be none other than Chris Paradise who flashes a wide smile. "Hello everyone my name is Chris Paradise and I couldn't be happier to announce that I'm making my way to Exodus Pro Wrestling! Now a lot of you may know me from my days as a Villain but those days have come to an end and I've been getting the help that I need." The screen warps and distorts as "Remember
To Smile" flashes across the screen as the smile never leaves Chris' face, however after a few minutes the screen returns to normal.
CHRIS PARADISE //
"Now then I know that most if not all of you wouldn't believe me as far as you can throw me and for that, I don't blame you…after all I did some truly awful things…”
The screen distorts again showing various clips of Chris' evil deeds as The Villain complete with the chilling trademark evil cackle mixing seamlessly in the revolting actions on the screen before it all fades away as Paradise quickly shakes his head.
CHRIS PARADISE //
"However I assure you that that man is dead and buried! Now all I want to do is bring joy and good vibes to the lovely fans of Exodus Pro, however, I can't do it alone so I brought along some very special friends of mine."
Chris stands up from the park bench and makes his way to the recreational area of the park passing all the families and couples having fun grilling, playing catch and generally just having a good time. He approaches a pavilion where two people are setting up a grill, the woman dressed in more punk-esque clothing with wild green hair and an older man dressed in slacks and a tennis sweater. Chris approaches them both putting his arms around the pair.
CHRIS PARADISE //
"Well everyone I'd like to introduce you to Mercury Laforet!"
The woman cracks a wide smile and waves towards the camera.
CHRIS PARADISE //
"And this is Igor!"
Chris motions to the older gentleman who bows with only the slightest smile.
CHRIS PARADISE //
"These two have been my best friends and closest allies through thick and thin! They helped me through my darkest times and now they're here to help me spread the good times to each and every one of you and to prove that this isn't just a sham I've invited you all to join us for a BBQ! Igor, please prepare the grill if you would?"
Igor nods and heads over to the grill and after a few minutes, the flame roars to life.
CHRIS PARADISE //
"Excellent! Now we need something to grill...and I happen to have the perfect choice!"
Mercury hands Chris a slender cloth wrapped package which he opens to reveal a very ornate looking umbrella.
CHRIS PARADISE //
"Well everyone...this is a memento of the dark times in my life, times that I'm none too eager to return to. So in order to ensure that I never have the urge to walk down that road again, it's time to burn down the house!"
Chris chucks the umbrella onto the grill and laughed cheerfully as the cloth and plastic melted into a gooey and twisted orb.
CHRIS PARADISE //
"See now wasn't that fun? Ding Dong The Villain is dead and in his place is me good old Chris Paradise, Your Best Friend! The good times have only just begun Exodus, and just remember you're doing a great job, stay hydrated and Smile Like You Mean It!"
Chris begins to happily laugh once more waving with Mercury and Igor as the scene fades to black.
RON WAY //
“Wh-what was that!?”
CJ CLARKE //
“It looks like we've got another newcomer who's signed the dotted line with Exodus, Ron – and he's a changed man!”
RON WAY //
“Ch-Chris Paradise is here? And do you REALLY think a man like that is capable of change? I personally don't believe in such a thing-”
CJ CLARKE //
“So you keep saying-”
Ain't No Grave by Johnny Cash begins to play throughout the Exodus Pro Wrestling/Conflict Precinct, however the classic tune made world famous by the gone, but not forgotten 'man in black' has had a slight reboot, with funeral toll bells ringing from the offset ( https://youtu.be/i6wvjaL3O30 ) As the beginning of the song hit the arenas lights cut as smoke begins to fill the state of the art complex. The sound of chains clanging rings out in the arena followed by a harsher toll of a bell, as the floor by the stage opens up. Pulsating strobe lights of red and black begin to flash in time to the music whilst deep midnight blue lights begin to dimly
light the arena. The floor begins to slowly rise back up as Samael Samhain appears before the crowd, just as the line "Raise Up OuttaThe Ground" is spoken in Cash's sing-songy brooding voice. As Samael appears before the crowd they fall deathly silent, almost as if they were under a trance. Samhain was dressed in his patent long black trench coat, a black t-shirt, with 'Cult of Samhain' written stylistically on it in a striking red font. As was tradition, Samael was also wielding his trusty cane, which he used as a bat frequently. Samael shows very little emotion as he makes his way through the fog, walking down the ramp stretching out his shoulders. As he approaches the ring he runs and slides on his knee on the apron of the squared circle. Samael then cracks his neck twice, before entering the ring. Once in the ring, Samael raises his cane slowly from the ground as the house lights slowly fade in. Samael then looks at the crowd and extends his arms outward as the crowd yells in unison; "JOIN THE CULT OF SAMHAIN!"
samael samhain enters the epw/cp
AUSTIN WAYNE //
“INTRODUCING FIRST . . . HAILING FROM BLACKPOOL, ENGLAND, STANDING AT SIX FOOT FOUR AND WEIGHING TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FIVE POUNDS . . . HE IS THE LEEEEEADER OF THE CULT OF SAMHAIN! SAMMMMMMMMAELLLLLL SAMMMMMHAIIN!!”
RON WAY //
“I've got chills, Clarke. Hold me!”
CJ CLARKE //
“You said the exact same thing last week, Ron. Absolutely not!”
CJ CLARKE //
“I've been hyped up for this all week, Ron! Mark has a tendency to ground his opponents, looking to grind out a hard victory. But I'm just sure how long that'll last! This is gonna be a fight for the ages- ohhhh, here we go!”
AUSTIN WAYNE //
“AND INTRODUCING-HIS OPPONEN-”
The lights go out in the building, bringing the audience to their feet with an uneasy roar. Many fans still reeling, undoubtedly angry after Mark Jernigan's vicious assault on Jakob DeLion last week. An iconic drum beat kicks out over the speakers, followed by the legendary wail of the one and only,
a live video stream appears !
Mick Jagger. The lyrics open, unfolding a story like only a legend can. A spotlight hits the crowd in the process- revealing nothing?!?! No one at all?!
​
RON WAY //
“Well… that's deflating… I feel like I just got touched by Tom Brady…”
CJ CLARKE //
“Will you stop?!?! Something is-”
The music stops abruptly, the sound of a record scratching to a halt echoing out over the speakers, startling the audience. A familiar voice finds us from the titantron...the audience rumbling with confusion and applause…
MARK JERNIGAN //
“Hey! Yeah, you, jackass. I'm up here! *Cracking a devious smile, Mark props “Marilyn” up on his right shoulder- the barbs of his trademark Barbed Wire Baseball Bat stained in Jakob DeLion’s blood…* And I've got some breaking fucking news, so ya might just wanna listen closely… “
Twisting her around like a Charlie Chaplin routine, propping “Marilyn” up on his left shoulder; Mark's legendary dangerous confidence is on full display, as he swaggers back and forth, carelessly pacing the floor for a moment before coming to a stop- his burning, wildfire green eyes fixed on the camera, looking through the lens down at Samael.
MARK JERNIGAN //
“Now I know you all were so ‘eagerly’ waiting for me to grace you- to bless you with my presence. I know you were all so ‘eagerly’ anticipating the moment I walked that aisle, like only I can. And I KNOW- (chuckling softly- his confidence unwavering)- I know you all were ‘dying’ to see me hit that ring and lay a beating on the man standing in it; A beating SO bad he would look up from his knees, call me “Daddy”, and beg me to quit kicking his ass into oblivion! I know… (Clicking his tongue, bordering on hostile arrogance.) But there's been a slight change in plans…”
The audience is rumbling; Samael is not amused by Mark's show, not in the slightest.
MARK JERNIGAN //
“See, because I'm the smartest man in this business. When I see a profitable opportunity, I seize it. Carpe fucking diem, you understand? Foot on your throat type shit, you follow me? I keep my ear to the ground, and unlike the maturity of the arrogant, self indulgent pricks in this business; I. Fucking. Listen. And I heard rumblings...but tonight, our very own boss confirmed what I'd been hearing all week long… Seems now we've got ourselves a prize in the mix. More money on the table, if you will… So, Sammie, darling. I'm gonna do ya one favor- something more meaningful than anyone has ever done for ya… Instead of stomping your psycho looking, pseudo religious, Charles Manson-David Koresh acting ass tonight, we're gonna wait… (Chucking) Yeah, we gon’ wait. Wait until our boss has the common sense to put the gold on the line. That's right, son. I'm gonna make ya famous...for the motherfucking World Championship! So long- (Holding “Marilyn” up like a shotgun)- and goodnight.”
Pulling the trigger as if he were right in front of Samael. Mark steps back...moving his way slowly out of the shot, a twinkle in his eyes. The audience is stunned. Samael is furious- he isn't showing it, but his eyes tell the whole story. 'Money,' a song once brought to immense popularity by rock 'n roll legends Pink Floyd took a 'metalcore' twist in twenty-eighteen when Of Mice & Men put their trademark spin on it to critical acclaim. The sounds of cash dropping to the ground is quickly engulfed by a bass and snare build when suddenly, the classic riff takes on a new, thick detuned form as bright green and gold lights rapidly begin to dart around the arena. Dollar bills tastefully grace the enormous screen, but to those with an eagle eye, observe that Washington's face has been replaced with none other than philanthropist, billionaire and now pro-wrestling owner Fin Bank's. Not one to waste time, Fin makes his way from Gorilla, and now stands atop the ramp as the venues light dim and a greenish spotlight now pulls him into focus. As Fin brings a microphone to his lips he struggles to get a single word out as the chants around the venue become deafening. The new 'Exodus Pro Wrestling – Championship' belt draped over his shoulder.
CROWD //
“EEE-PEE-DUB … EEE-PEE-DUB … EEE-PEE-DUB”
FIN BANKS //
“Let's cut to the chase. There WILL be a championship match! And I know both Samael Samhain AND Mark Jernigan are more than qualified to be 'THAT GUY' but this? This isn't the way we do things here in Exodus! . . . You know what - this gives me an idea. I've had a very enthusisastic voice in my ear all evening. But before I just 'give away' title opportunities . . . I have some breaking news. I personally assembled a team to find out WHO has been tagging Los Angeles abroad – if I could have your attention to the Exo-tron now-”
The tenor rock tones belting interprative lyrics sung by 'Sixx: A.M from their track 'Deadlihood' ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIRqlQXHR6c ) echos throughout the EPW/CP monstrous in-house PA system. “The sun is shinin' and everythings dying. Your star is burnt out for good, somewhere in hollywood.” A huge guitar riff accompanied by rawkus drums spring into gear and two words appear on the Exo-tron. “JAY BLAZE.” Jay Blaze, jogs down the ramp, nodding his head toward Fin Banks as he passes him toward the ring, slides under the bottom rope and within moments, is standing opposite Samael Samhain in the centre of the squared circle.
RON WAY //
"He's one of those beautiful hybrid future looking people. Some kind of Puerto Rican meets filipino, meets -"
CJ CLARKE //
"You can't profile somebody like that, Ron! THAT'S STRAIGHT UP RACIST!"
RON WAY //
"You're racist!"
CJ Clarke //
"What!?"
RON WAY //
“Who!?”
CJ CLARKE //
“It's Jay Blaze! At 35 years old and already having two major surgeries performed on his knees, Jay Blaze is reeling the end of his twelve year career but wants to prove he can still hang with the best professional wrestlers in the world today. And the best? Where else, but Exodus!?”
AUSTIN WAYNE //
“NOW COMPETING AGAINST SAMAEL SAMHAIN . . . HAILING FROM LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS, STANDING AT FIVE FOOT ELEVEN, WEIGHING TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY POUNDS . . . JAYYYYYY BLAAAAAAZE!”
CJ CLARKE //
“There'll be a huge championship match next week, who's going to wear this company on their sleeve!?”
RON WAY //
“That's for next week, Clarke! We've got a debutant against Samhain here, I fear for the worst-”
The bell sounds three times. Ding-ding-ding. Samael wasting absolutely no time, hitting 'Beelzebubs' Callin' holding his opponent in the fireman's carry position, tosses opponent up into the air, almost like the GTS, but as the opponent comes down, Samael hits his opponent with a Pele-Kick and immediately covers. The referee left with nonchoice but to quickly count to three and Samael is rapidly back to his feet, looks to Banks who's still standing on the ramp and simply shakes his head, exits the ring and walks right by him, refusing to look him in the eye.
RON WAY //
“My god! That was quick!”
CJ CLARKE //
“A sign of intent!”
RON WAY //
“WHO'S THE FOURTH MAN THOUGH! JERNIGAN, DeLION, SAMHAIN . . . AND WHO!? WAIT A MINUTE! LOOK AT THE TRON! I THINK WE HAVE OUR ANSWER CLARKE!”
The song starts with gunshots sounding off, making various members in attendance at the EPW/CP duck for cover. When realizing it was just the intro to Machine Gun Kelly's song, 'Warning Shot' the crowd, at least those familiar with the song begin to sing along. To those of you unaware, this was the theme song of 'The Black Dahlia,' Adrianna Davison. The lights go off in the arena as the spotlight appears on the ramp. The Black Dahlia walks out with both her fingers in the air, dressed in her ring gear, spins around showing off her America's Most Wanted jacket, which is all black with rhinestones imprinted on it. She then flips her short hair back and starts to walk down the ramp, sticking her tongue out to the fans in attendance. She goes towards the ring steps and steps into the ring as she
taunts the fans with her middle fingers up into the air and smiles toward ring announcer, Austin Wayne. She then takes her coat off and throws it towards the commentary table and walks towards the corner and waits for her opponent.
AUSTIN WAYNE //
“Introducing first, the woman who drew number one in this open invitational gauntlet match . . . Weighing in at one hundred and ten pounds, standing at five foot four, hailing from New Orleans, Lousiana . . . THE BLACK DAHLIA; ADRIANNNNNNA DAVIDSOOOOOOOOOON!”
CJ CLARKE //
“Drawing the number one position, in a gauntlet match-it's going to be tough for Adrianna Davidson here. A newcomer to Exodus. Let's see what she's got-”
RON WAY //
“BRING OUT TAMARA MASTERSON!”
CJ CLARKE //
“Do you think she has what it takes to run the gauntlet?”
RON WAY //
“Yeah-sure. Why not?”
CJ CLARKE //
“Ladies and gentlemen! I've just been informed that Jaxon Pollard of The Elitist and a representative of Exodus Pro Wrestling is standing by with the woman who drew number two! Who's it going to be!? Let's find out!”
RON WAY //
“Tamara! Come on baby-girl!”
The shot transitions from Adrianna Davidson warming up in the center of the ring to the gorilla position, where as promised, Jaxon Pollard is standing by.
JAXON POLLARD //
“Thanks, Ron, thanks, Clarke! Here with me now-drawing number two for the women's championship gauntlet match . . . Eli Prescott! Eli, you were a guest on The Elitist's hot seat not so long ago, and at the time, you said you had what it takes, regardless of where you enter the match – do you think you can still get the job done? In a matter of minutes, you'll be going one on one with a relative unknown, Adrianna Davidson-”
ELI PRESCOTT //
“I have what it takes! Like I said on the hot seat, Jaxon - if those five other women are considered ‘fierce competition’ then we’ll have to see about that because I, Eli Prescott, am what this company needs . . . I don’t care whether they’re a veteran or a fresh face like me, I’m going to show them EXACTLY why I deserve the Exodus Women’s Championship and you know when I say something, then I mean it- Time to get it don-”
CRRRRRRACK!!! The sounds of a steel chair cracking across the back of Eli Prescott's skull sends the crowd in stunned silence as they collectively look on, on the exo-tron. A dark-haired silhouette comes into focus, her tattoos almost an instant giveaway. The very same woman who was attacked backstage during EPW's maiden episode, #ANTECEDENT preventing her from going one on one against Tamara Masterson – Victoria Sky!
RON WAY //
“OH! ELI! But Victoria though. Day-”
CJ CLARKE //
“Victoria Sky clearly taking advantage of the open invitational terms in this women's championship gauntlet encounter. I think we just found out who's coming in at number two, Ron!”
RON WAY //
“Oh, my!”
​
“I'm stronger than you know, I won't shatter, I won't shatter,” sung by Ashley Costello of 'New Years Day' resonates throughout the airwaves at a frequency that is almost soothing, when the sultry tones of the alternative rock queen meet a chuggy detuned guitar and tight rhythm section as New Years Day hit, “Unbreakable” blares through the EPW/CP at volumes that are only comparable to a rock concert. Whilst the song built, the arenas lights slowly dimmed, smoke appears on the stage. The lights go out momentarily and quickly return, brighter than ever. Victoria Sky, the heavily tattooed, raven-haired beauty walks out through the smoke with a smile on her face, a clump of Eli Prescott's hair between her fingertips. She nods her head to the beat of the drum, pulling at her unzipped black hoodie, walking down the ramp fist-bumping some of the more enthusiastic crowd members in the first row before jumping on top of the apron, walking over to the turnbuckles and climbing up getting on top of them. Victoria Sky holds up half a heart with her hand before throwing off her hoodie and jumping down from the top turnbuckle, rolling and getting to her feet.
AUSTIN WAYNE //
“Annnnnd her opponent, in the first round of this open-invitational gauntlet match to crown the #FIRSTEVER women's champion, standing at five foot two, weighing in at one hundred and thirty pounds and hailing from Davenport, Iowa – VIIIIIIIIIIICTORIA SKYYYYYYYY!”
A ring hand passes Austin a black bag, in which the Exodus Womens Championship currently resides and hands it to the official of this contest, Holly Elrick. Holly removes the white and gold prize from its bag and holds it high in the air. The sparkle in both women's eyes shining bright, their hearts full of desire. Who will become the FIRST EVER Exodus women's champion? The bell sounds three times, and it's time to find out the answer to such a question. Without hesitation, Victoria lunges toward Adrianna. Adrianna swings a forearm at Victoria, but Vic' manages to duck it, wrap her hands around Adrianna's waist and the first move of this match is a brutal kneeling reverse piledriver and seamlessly transitions into a version of the Fujiwara armbar she affectionately refers to as “Lucky Thirteen.” Official, Holly Elrick doesn't miss a beat and gets to the canvas quickly checking on Adrianna-
CJ CLARKE //
“Victoria Sky is here, and she means business! Can she put away Adrianna Davidson in just TWO MOVES!?”
RON WAY //
“Let's hope so. Bring out, Tamara!”
CJ CLARKE //
“What is it you love so much about Masterson, Ron?”
RON WAY //
“Ass-”
CJ CLARKE //
“I saw her father backstage, Ron. You'd probably want to hold your tongue. He's huge!”
RON WAY //
“THIS IS HUGE! THE BLACK DAHLIA, ADRIANNA DAVIDSON IS GOING TO TAP!
“Do you give up!?” pleads referee Elrick, and eventually is given no choice as Davidson begins frantically tapping the canvas. Ref' Holly quickly tears the two apart and Adrianna Davidson, with her head, hung low and a tear in her eye rolls out of the ring and toward the back. All the hype, all the hopes, all the dreams – shattered. Victoria Sky is back to her feet, making half a heart with her hand whilst staring blankly up the rampway to see who's next. “You Can't Phase Me Out” by Pyrotechnica blares throughout the EPW/CP as Austin Wayne, now standing ringside brings the mic' to his lips-
rebecca dawn is ready for exodus!
AUSTIN WAYNE //
“NOW ENTERING THE GAUNTLET – Standing at five foot eleven, weighing in at two hundred and fifty pounds, hailing from Aberdeen, Scotland- REBECCCCCCA DAWWWWWWN!”
The bubbly Rebecca Dawn who's now climbing the rings steps by this point seems unphased by Victoria's quick victory and looks determined to progress further in this contest than Adrianna Davidson did. Rebecca, now in the ring extends her hand – in a gesture of good sportsmanship and Victoria gladly accepts it, before finding herself placed in a headlock and being driven to the corner-
CROWD //
“LADIES WRESTLING!” /clap-clap clap-clap-clap/ “LADIES WRESTLING!” /clap-clap clap-clap-clap/
CJ CLARKE //
“If you were to believe the tale of the tape, the advantage in this contest has to go to Rebecca Dawn- I can see her going far in Exodus, Ron!”
RON WAY //
“As can I, Clarke. But not tonight. Do you honestly think this relatively unknown is going to get through Victoria Sky, Kitten, Tamara Masterson, AND Blaze Freya? Do you!?”
CJ CLARKE //
“She's my new pick, Ron!”
RON WAY //
“Foolish old man.”
CJ CLARKE //
“I'm-Im younger than you!?”
Back to the action within the confines of the squared circle, Rebecca is working Victoria over in the corner, using her weight advantage to keep Victoria where she wants her. A flurry of offense but Victoria ducks her head under the top rope forcing referee Holly Elrick to execute a five count - “ONE-TWO-THREE-FOUR!” Rebecca Dawn throws her arms in the air whilst stepping backward allowing the official to get between them and Victoria only then re-enters the ring and the two circle one another in the center of the ring. IMMEDIATE SILENCE! Rebecca Dawn throws a wicked Discus Elbow which drops Victoria to the canvas below! Rebecca Dawn now clambering to the top turnbuckle from the inside, turns around and throws her arms in the air, letting out a Scottish roar.
​
CJ CLARKE //
“HUSKY BOMB! Rebecca Dawn looking to end this in quick fashion – much like the first fall! Will, she hit this frog splash?”
RON WAY //
“Victoria Sky hasn't moved since being on the receiving end of that vicious discuss elbow!”
AIRBORNE! Rebecca takes the skies, a near picture perfect frog splash. NOBODY HOME! Rebecca lands face first into the canvas with an almighty 'THUD' as the crowd gasps in shock. Victoria now to her feet, and decides it's her time to clamber to the top rope. High risk, high reward, IF it pays off. Victoria Sky signaling for Rebecca to get to her feet, almost begging for it and eventually, Rebecca stirs, feeling the effects of the miscued diving maneuver. As Rebecca gets to a knee, Victoria dives through the air and delivers a devastating diving corkscrew stunner, which she affectionately calls the “Sky Is Victory.”
CJ CLARKE //
“I've seen this before! SKY IS VICTORY!”
RON WAY //
“We've got another cover! Victoria could be two for two, three if you count poor Eli. SHE DID NOTHING WRONG DAMMIT!”
CJ CLARKE //
“The world's not fair, and it wasn't made for just us. We just get to live in it.”
RON WAY //
“COVER!”
CJ CLARKE //
“Holly Elrick is in position. What a seasoned vet' of a referee we have for this event tonight!”
HOLLY ELRICK //
“ONE-
TWO . . .
THREE!”
CJ CLARKE //
“SHE'S DONE IT! VICTORIA SKY SURVIVES AGAIN!”
Suddenly a voice booms throughout the in-house system, in an electronic stuttering manor - “and still, it's all about me.” Tamara Masterson's name shows on the exo-tron as a spotlight appears on stage. She steps out into the light and turns her back to the fans. Her black ring jacket has 'The Raging Cajun' written on the back. She turns around slowly giving everyone the 'Loser' taunt as she steps off the stage and walks down the ramp, still ignoring the fans. She goes up the ring steps and stops, flipping her hair before stepping under the bottom rope and goes up the turnbuckle and sits on it and crosses her legs. Then she hops down and spins around and finds herself face to face with the woman who was supposed to be her opponent on day one of EPW!
RON WAY //
“Hnnnnng!”
CJ CLARKE //
“She doesn't care about anybody, Ron! So why do you care about her?”
RON WAY //
“LOOK AT HER!”
CJ CLARKE //
“It seems Victoria still has plenty in the tank – we're more or less seeing a fresh Victoria Sky go toe to toe with Tamara Masterson here! This is what we were all wanting to see last week – but Ravynn Ryder interjected costing Victoria her spot.
tamara masterson enters the fold!
Tonight, Victoria did exactly the same thing … wiping out Eli Prescott before the bell.”
RON WAY //
“All's fair in love and war – especially when there's a brand new championship on the line!”
The two women circle one another, referee Holly Elrick stands between them asserting her authority early on after having a relatively tame evening thus far, for a pro-wrestling official at least. Victoria Sky is the first to go on the attack, lunging forward and locking up Tamara in a basic grappling hold, before wrapping her arm around the back of Ms. Masterson's neck forcing her toward the ropes. Tamara tries to break free, but at this stage, Victoria manages to maintain control until eventually, is forced to break the hold after some sultry shimmying by the blonde contingency in this match. QUICK SNAP SUPLEX! Tamara manages to turn the tide and the early momentum in the match and quickly scampers to the corner. Seemingly trying to rethink strategy at this early point in the match.
CJ CLARKE //
“Tamara Masterson would be FOOLISH to think Victoria Sky will simply roll over. This is going to be a fight!”
RON WAY //
“She knows exactly what she's doing. Never doubt the 'Raging Cajun.'
CJ CLARKE //
“You're a raging horn bag”
RON WAY //
“What's that trendy hashtag the kids use nowadays? #IKNOW?”
As Tamara takes time to ponder her next move, she does so with her back turned, facing out to the crowd. Victoria Sky gets to her feet. The previous two matches albeit short, still exhausting. Victoria grabs Tamara by the wrist and turns her around by the wrist, the two women now face to face as Victoria screams; “YOU WILL TAKE ME SERIOUSLY!” SLAP! Victoria's right hand collides with the right cheek of Masterson, which does nothing by agitating the wild Cajun. Tamara gets a fist full of hair, and tosses her opponent to the ground with a savage hair pull matt slam, as Victoria hits the canvas below, Tamara quickly follows her down, applying a headlock. Victoria's legs kick wildly, like a beast trapped within the jaws of an alligator, and after struggling for thirty seconds manages to escape. Tamara, the wilier of the two competitors, however, releases the hold just in time and gets to her feet, stomping on Victoria's chest twice over, keeping her grounded.
Tamara Masterson, without any hesitation or concern for her own well being quickly scampers up the ring post and perches herself on top of the highest turnbuckle, and turns around, facing out to the crowd with her arms outstretched, soaking in the adulation and staring eyes, none wider than that of colour commentator, Ron Way. Tamara hits a backflip splash, an incredible feat of athleticism! Beautiful moonsault! As Tamara's body crashed on top of the raven-haired opposition, Victoria's legs kicked into the air as the wind was driven out of her body and Masterson quickly hooks a flailing leg, forcing the match official into action.
HOLLY ELRICK //
“ONE-
TWO-”
KICKOUT!
RON WAY //
“Beautiful!”
CJ CLARKE //
“What a moonsault, indeed!”
RON WAY //
“What!? No! Tamara!”
Tamara Masterson with a dropkick connecting with the head and neck of Victoria Sky as she tried getting to her feet. Tamara, rather than capitalizing with another pinfall attempt kisses her hand and blows a kiss to the commentary booth, before slapping her ass.
RON WAY //
“SHE KNOWS I EXIST! OHHHHHH LORD HAVE MERCY! THERE'S A CHANCE!”
CJ CLARKE //
“You've got no chance, Ron”
RON WAY //
“No chance in hell?”
CJ CLARKE //
“Careful.”
Picking Victoria up from the canvas once more, Tamara tosses her between the ropes sending her tumbling to the outside and is quickly in pursuit! SWITCHBLADE KICK! Victoria connects with Tamara, rocking her world. The raging Cajun's eyes roll around her skull and quickly tosses Masterson's carcass back into the ring. Victoria Sy on the hunt now. A series of ferocious chops across the chest dropping Masterson to one knee. GUT KICK! Tamara splutters, a tear in her eye. If she were pregnant, it was the kind of punt that would terminate it. Holly Elrick quickly drops to a knee to check on Tamara to see if she could continue, but with so much up for grabs, the answer was always going to be a firm yes. Three more kicks by Victoria Sky-NO! Tamara catches the third swing of the leg and hits a dragon corkscrew on the lower limb, doesn't release the leg and quickly turns Victoria on to her belly. Vic' Sky finding herself on the receiving end of an awkward looking ankle lock. Tamara Masterson not well versed in the art of Brazilian jiujitsu but determined to make Victoria tap nonetheless. The woman who's been referred to as a 'tough cupcake' on the independents, Victoria Sky manages to get to the bottom rope, referee Holly Elrick having no choice but to break the two apart. Hopping to her feet, on one leg, Victoria screams! “IS THAT ALL YOU'VE GOT!?” Victoria quickly props up on to the second turnbuckle and as Tamara rushes toward her incensed, finds herself on the receiving end of a patented Victoria Sky signature move, the 'Blackwings' – a tremendous swinging neckbreaker from height! Victoria Sky now, looking to advance to the next round of this gauntlet match to decide who will become the first ever women's champion and gets a quick cover.
HOLLY ELRICK //
“ONE-
TWO-
TH-”
The first competitor to her feet is naturally Victori Sky at this stage in the contest, picking the ever-confident Masterson up by hair locks. It's meant with massive resistance though in the form of a step-up enziguiri. Both women now on the canvas, slow to their feet. The crowd begins to rise, their applause building. WHOAH! HUGE BRAINBUSTER BY TAMARA MASTERSON! This one could be over-
HOLLY ELRICK //
“ONE-
TWO-
TH-”
Masterson continues in her attacking ways, a big right hand sending Victoria to the corner. A series of lefts and rights raining down on the championship contender. It almost looks as if Tamara Masterson is looking for a big move of sorts but we'll never find out what, as Victoria Sky does the unthinkable and suplexes Tamara out of the ring, however, doesn't lose grip of Tamara's neck and tumbles to the outside with her. What an incredible act of athleticism.
CROWD //
“HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!”
Suddenly, it happens. Blackness. Complete and utter unadulterated nothing. There's almost a chill in the air.
RON WAY //
“I CAN'T SEE! HOLD ME!”
CJ CLARKE //
“I'm sure they'll be back in just a moment Ron. Hopefully just a minor fault.”
Suddenly, the lights return, but at what cost? Standing in the center of the ring, tall over a bloodied Victoria Sky wearing a red and black ensemble that could be comparable to that of a Mortal Kombat character – Ravynn Ryder!
CJ CLARKE //
“WHAT THE HELL IS SHE DOING HERE!? LAST WEEK!? AND NOW, AGAIN!?”
The lights flicker off again, this time much briefer than before. When they return, Ravynn is absolutely nowhere to be seen. Tamara Masterson rolls back into the ring, beneath the bottom rope and her jaw drops agape. How? What? And why is she busted open, unconscious in the middle of the ring? Tamara, not one to squander an opportunity, quickly performs a lackadaisical cover. With rubber gloves now on, trying to check on Victoria's wounds, referee Holly Elrick doesn't have a choice and has to perform her duty, that being slapping the canvas.
CROWD/HOLLY ELRICK //
“ONE . . .
TWO . . .
. . .
. .
.
THREEEEE!”
CJ CLARKE //
“Victoria Sky has been eliminated! What just happened!? I'm so confused!”
RON WAY //
“I'm rock hard!”
CJ CLARKE //
“Who's next!? There are only two possibilities left-”
RON WAY //
“KITTEN! No-no! BLAZE FREYA! NO! KITTEN! I DON'T KNOW WHO I WANT TO COME OUT NEXT. TAMARA MASTERSON FOR CHAMP!”
the blackpool bombshell returns!
'Zenith' by Make Believe Me cuts through Exodus' PA like a knife, lifting the fans from their seats within an instant. Small clips of the Blackpool native, Blaze Freya in action light up the titantron like a New Years Eve pyrotechnic show as lights throughout the Exodus Conflict Precinct begin to strobe, suddenly smoke begins to filter from beneath the curtain. The words “THE WORST CASE SCENARIO” violently flicker across the 'Tron and it's at this moment Blaze Freya makes her way from behind the drapery, wearing cheeky satin booty shorts and a fishnet tee exposing her lace bra beneath. She stands atop the ramp, posing. Looking left, looking right she
seems unimpressed rolling her eyes and slowly, but eventually makes her way down the rampway, ignoring countless screaming fans and children along the way. She climbs the steps one by one, looks to Tamara who's standing in the ring with a snide look on her face, and steps back down, pacing around the unprotected surface surrounding the ring as her music begins to dissipate-
CJ CLARKE //
“IT'S BLAAAAAAAAZE FREEEEEEEEEYA!”
AUSTIN WAYNE //
“NOW ENTERING THE GAUNTLET – Standing at five foot five, weighing in at one hundred and fourteen pounds, hailing from Blackpool, England- She is the Blackpool Bombshell! BLAAAAAAAAAAAZE FREYA!”
The bout between both women and seemingly contenders of Sasco Moss' heart was a beautiful sight. Both women gave everything they had, a show for the fans, Sasco, and set the foundation for the EPW Women's Division. Throughout the match, Amberley's experience came in pretty handily, the "Blackpool Bombshell" had to dig down deep to prove herself. In an intense up and down match-up, Blaze took advantage of her own mistake: she botched her finisher, gets pinned, Hilliard fools herself into thinking she had won, Blazebuster . . . One-two-three and done. Luck is part of the game, no doubt about that. I doubt we've seen the last of Amberley, but tonight, it's all about Blaze Freya! Can she carry the momentum onwards and be crowned the first ever women's champion!?”
RON WAY //
“She has an immaculate booty. My money is still on Tamara-”
CJ CLARKE //
“Both women now circling one another, let's get it on!”
As has happened so many times throughout tonight's program, the two competitors circle one another. Collar and elbow tie up but with relative ease, Blaze Freya manages to get Tamara to the corner and applies a choke hold forcing referee Holly Elrick to break the two apart. Tamara shoves Blaze away and a wry grin washes over her face, her icy blue eyes staring back at the 'Raging Cajun,' not a word between the two was spoken, nor did it need to be as Blaze raises a single middle finger, letting sign language speak louder than any human voice could. Blaze jumps from one foot to the other, clearly mentally prepared for this encounter and determined to walk away the first ever women's champion as the two lock up in the middle of the ring once more. Whipping around behind Blaze, Tamara locks her hands around the Blackpool Bombshell's waist, but Blaze isn't having a bar of it, throwing her arm backward and wrapping it around the head of Tamara Masterson. Blaze now slapping at the flawless cheek of Tamara, mocking her in the middle of the ring before tossing her over the top rope and out of the ring and throwing her arms out to her side . . . “EASY! REALLY EASY! IS THAT ALL YOU'VE GOT!? HUH!?” With a wicked grin, rage seems to wash over the face of Masterson, and who can blame her.
RON WAY //
“Oh, how sweet the humble pie will taste when Tamara gets herself into this contest-”
CJ CLARKE //
“Tamara Masterson is a multiple time champion, she has every right to feel insulted at this point in the contest. But let's not forget, Blaze Freya is notorious for her mind games. She's in deep, and Tamara has bitten the bait.”
RON WAY //
“Hook-line-and-sinker!”
Sliding under the bottom rope, Tamara Masterson re-enters the combat zone. Massive elbow smashes to Freya, followed by a forearm smash. NO! Blaze catches the arm as it swings toward her, gets a firm grip on the wrist and Irish-whips Tamara to the ropes but gives chase, clotheslining her out to the other side of the ring! It seems Masterson is spending more time outside of the ring than in it, all part of Freya's master plan. Frustrate. Agitate. Conquer. Tamara slaps the edge of the canvas from the outside but quickly finds herself back in the thick of the action on the inside. Blaze rapidly approaches Tamara who is quick to throw a flurry of fists in Freya's general direction but AGAIN, Freya catches an arm and whips Tamara to the corner of the ring. Tamara with cat-like agility jumps, landing on the middle rope and springs to the top turnbuckle, turns in one motion and throws her body at Blaze Freya. WHAT A SPLASH! NO! BLAZE CAUGHT HER! BLAZE BUSTER! BLAZE BUSTER!!! Blaze stands over Masterson, with a foot on Tamara Masterson's chest and screams toward the referee; “COUNT!”
HOLLY ELRICK //
“ONE-
TWO-
THREEEEEE!”
CJ CLARKE //
“NO BOTCH TONIGHT, RON! THAT BLAZEBUSTER WAS SEAMLESS! FREYA MAKING LIGHT WORK OF TAMARA MASTERSON!”
RON WAY //
“TAMARRRAAAAAA – NOOOOOOOO!”
The arena lights go out as 'Hey Trouble' by Louisahhh begins to fade in through the speakers. Pink and blue strobe lights begin to flash as pink and blue fog begins to creep in and fill the entrance way, emerging from the fog is a silhouette of a woman causing the crowd to erupt with a mixture cheers and whistles. The Silhouette poses for a second until the song says "Easy Does it". The silhouette now seductively makes her way into the light and as the light hits her, it is revealed to be Kitten causing some of the audience to switch from cheers to boos. Kitten smirks and twirls a strand of her beautiful blonde hair between her fingers as she seductively continues to make her way down the ramp ignoring the
meow! kitten arrives in exodus!
fans along the way. Kitten stops in front of the ring to remove her pink and blue tutu train, tossing it into the crowd. Kitten begins to skip to the right of the ring, hopping onto the apron where she blows a kiss to the hard camera before using the ropes to aid her as she backflips into the ring, once she lands, she does a standing back handspring that sends her to the center of the ring where she slowly and seductively takes a seat, smiling, looking up at her opponent, Blaze Freya.
AUSTIN WAYNE //
“This is the final round of the open invitational gauntlet match to decide who will be the FIRST EVER Exodus Womens Champion! Facing, Blaze Freya . . . Standing at five foot one, weighing one hundred and twenty pounds, hailing from Brampton in the United Kingdom – IT'S KITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTEN!”
RON WAY //
“Tamara is gone. But, Kitten is here!”
CJ CLARKE //
“A legend in professional wrestling, almost single handly increasing the notoriety of women's combat sports. Kitten is here, she's arrived!”
RON WAY //
“Blaze Freya versus Kitten. A match we thought we'd never see, not in this lifetime, and after some minor complications with her contract terms, Kitten is here-Blaze already has a win under her belt disposing of Tamara Masterson and here-we-GO!”
LOCK UP! Kitten straight into it with a cheeky kick to the midsection doubling Blaze Freya over before getting a fistful of her dark hair and dragging her towards the ropes, and eventually throat first over the second rope. Kitten vindictively places her shin over the back of Blaze's neck, choking the 'Worst Case Scenario' using the ring as a weapon. The referee begins to count and gets to three before Kitten throws her arms in the air and claims vehemently that she's done nothing wrong. Referee Elrick points to the logo on her shirt, reinforcing that she's the authority in this title match-up. This does nothing but agitates the veteran, Kitten as she goes for Freya's hair once again, this time fiercely dragging her to the canvas. Freya's neck snaps back at a heinous angle and quickly finds herself with one hundred and twenty pounds of mass laying on top of her whilst hooking a free leg.
HOLLY ELRICK //
“ONE
. . .
TWO!”
Slow count and Kitten know it! She slaps her hands together three times and pleas for the referee to count more efficiently from here on. Kitten still on the attack and again goes for the hair, but as Blaze gets to a knee she pokes her championship opponent directly in the eye. A blinded Kitten staggers clutching at her face, leaving the official no choice but to scold Freya, rather than go for the bell so early in this contest because of a minor law break. Blaze now on the attack, placing a side headlock on her shorter opposition and runs toward the turnbuckle executing a flawless bulldog, HOWEVER, Blaze manages to dive through the middle ropes and manages to drive Kitten's face HARD into the second turnbuckle. Kitten collapses in the ring but opts to roll out to catch her breath but little does she know she's not alone. Blaze Freya already on the outside sprints toward Kitten and jumps into the air, a thrusting dropkick forcing Kitten back first into the barrier. All smiles now from the Blackpool bombshell knowing she has Kitten just where she wants her before approaching the downed five foot one pro-wrestler and driving her ferociously into the unforgiving steel ring steps. CRACK! Kitten crawls away on all fours, like a literal cat and Blaze gives chase, but wisely Kitten rolls under the ropes and back to the 'safety' of the squared circle, despite favoring her shoulder that collided with the steps outside moments ago.
CJ CLARKE //
“Blaze Freya now in the ring! It looks like she's looking for a move referred to throughout the world as 'TORN.' A high impact spear that quite often sets up the end in a lot of Freya's matches in the past!”
RON WAY //
“TIME OUT! Kitten needs ice, that shoulder looks bad!”
CJ CLARKE //
“There are NO time outs in pro wrestling!”
RON WAY //
“SPEAR! NO! COUNTER! MeOW (sunset flip-double knee backbreaker!!)”
CJ CLARKE //
“COVER! THIS IS IT! NEW CHAMPION!”
HOLLY ELRICK //
“ONE-
TWO-
THR-”
CJ CLARKE //
“And a kick out, for the title! So much up for grabs! If you go back through the annals of time, you will only ever find ONE first ever champion. Will it be Blaze, or will it be Kitten!?”
Kitten wearing down Blaze on the canvas. Blaze makes it to the bottom rope and tries pulling herself up using the padding of the turnbuckles, but Kitten is straight back to the action, doing what she can to keep Blaze F'N Freya grounded. GROUND AND POUND! It's like an octagon contest now, Freya looks defenseless, blood starting to trickle from her left nostril as the referee tears Kitten off the larger of the two competitors. Kitten is seeing red and won't let the momentum go to waste, picking Blaze to her feet before driving her straight back from whence she came with a suplex and seamlessly transitions into a version of the Kimura Lock she fondly calls 'Klutch.' “IT'S OVER! TAP OUT!” screams Kitten, but Blaze is fighting, her legs flailing like a plastic bag in the breeze until eventually, she manages to shift her weight just enough to force Kitten's shoulders on the matt.
HOLLY ELRICK //
“ONE-
TWO!”
CJ CLARKE //
“Kitten has finished off so many competitors with that move! Yet, Blaze Freya manages to stay in this!”
Finding herself in the corner Blaze tries to regain her composure and spots Kitten running toward her, but Blaze ducks out of the way, Kitten's forward momentum causing her to crash into the corner of the ring, Kitten bounces back very quickly though and runs at Freya. The two begin teeing off on each other. Lefts and rights, it's an all-out brawl! Blaze gets the upper hand hitting a facebuster. Kitten gets up alarmingly quickly despite what going through earlier in the match but it's all for nothing as Blaze hits a BlazeBuster, followed by a pinning predicament.
HOLLY ELRICK //
“ONE-
TWO -
THR-
RON WAY //
“YUSSSS! Kitten out at two and a half!!”
CJ CLARKE //
“OUT OF THE BLAZEBUSTER!?”
The two slowly get to their feet, fatigue starting to set in but before The Blackpool native can get completely up to a vertical base, Kitten kicks at Blaze's knee, hits a rapid DDT and gets a two count of her own. The crowd begin to go ballistic, there's an electricity in the air like no other. The prospect of a champion being crowned too much for some fans in attendance. Kitten picks Blaze up by the foot, Blaze hopping in place and jumps in the air for an enziguiri, however, Kitten uses her 'height' to her advantage and ducks beneath it. Blaze lands awkwardly on the canvas. Kitten snaps, grabs Blaze by the throat, followed by the hair and drags her to the ground below and runs the ropes. Blaze Freya kips up and hits a good old fashioned Lou Thesz Press and begins stomping metaphorical 'mudholes.' Blaze climbs the top turnbuckle and signals for a big move, but Kitten now to her feet grabs Blaze by the foot and wrenches it wildly forcing Blaze to crash to the canvas from great heights. Kitten goes for a finisher! CONNECTS!
HOLLY ELRICK //
“ONE-TWO-THR!”
CJ CLARKE //
“WHAT THE!?”
RON WAY //
“WHO IN THE HELL IS THAT!?”
CROWD //
“HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!”
Before the final count of three, which some might say would have declared Kitten the new Exodus Womens Champion, pending Blaze Freya having enough left to get a shoulder off of the canvas, referee Holly Elrick's body was mercilessly dragged out of the ring. The camera crew quickly get a shot of the individual responsible, but his face is covered by a crude mask, nothing more than a beanie pulled over their face with two eye holes cut out to allow them vision, when the masked person slid into the ring. Kitten now, springing to her feet quickly rushes toward the unknown entity, and before being able to say a single word, finds herself on the receiving end of a GTS/Codebreaker Combo. The crowd gasp in shock -
CJ CLARKE //
“Wait a minute! I RECOGNISE THAT MOVE! THAT'S NO WOMAN INTERFERING IN THIS CHAMPIONSHIP AFFAIR! THAT'S... THAT'S-”
RON WAY //
“KITTEN! NO! First Tamara, now this!? WHO THE HELL!? WHAT THE HELL!?”
The masked assailants' attack turns from the fallen Kitten to Freya who's trying to get out of the ring, but it's too little too late! Pulling Blaze to her feet, the hooded interference begins to peel up his mask, only to his nose turning it into a Batman-esque cowl and splutters; “Talk shit, get hit” before hitting a Modified DDT! The crowd begin to boo heavily, the heat is real.
CJ CLARKE //
“THAT CONFIRMS IT! THAT'S NO DDT! THAT'S 'BEAUTIFUL DISMAY!” IT CAN'T BE!? WHY HIM!? WHY HERE!? WHY NOW!?”
Peeling the face cover off and throwing it into the face of a downed Blackpool Bombshell reveals the 'heel god supreme.' Sebastian Morningstar!
RON WAY //
“SEBBY!? MORNINGSTAR!? HERE!? IN EXODUS!?”
CJ CLARKE //
“This wasn't a damn intergender match! He has no beef here! WE WERE SUPPOSED TO SEE THE FIRST EVER EXODUS WOMEN'S CHAMPION CROWNED; GOD DAMMIT!”
'Show Them What You're Good For' by Make Believe Me begins belting out of the EPW/CP professional audio system and Sasco Moss, wearing nothing more than black jeans, boots and a black singlet sprints down the rampway faster than he makes a line disappear, and the crowd goes absolutely spastic. “FUCK HIM UP! FUCK HIM UP! FUCK HIM UP!” in unison scream the thousands of members in attendance which quickly transitions into the ole-wrasslin-chant-classic as the British phenom, Sasco Moss approaches the ring, still at great speed; “SASCO'S GONNA KILL YOU! SASCO'S GONNA KILL YOU! SASCO'S GONNA KILL YOU!” Kitten begins to stir, as does Blaze but neither woman really knows what's happened at this stage. Still trying to gather their bearings. It's absolute pandemonium as Sasco and Sebby are face to face, for the first time ever. Any other day it'd be quite the moment but on this day the timing absolutely horrible. The two stand toe to toe, saliva falling from Moss' face like a rabid dog as he spews absolute venom towards Morningstar when “MONEYYYYYY” screams through the PA system.
Money, the keyword to Exodus Pro Wrestling owner, Fin Banks intro music - 'Money' by Of Mice & Men. Two dozen security guards wearing all black begin sprinting down the rampway in distinctly uniform lines. Meanwhile, outside of the ring, Sasco Moss and Sebastian Morningstar are absolutely tearing one another apart. With blood drying over her lip, Blaze Freya is now standing behind Sasco wanting to tear Morningstar's flesh from his face but security have now stepped between the most dominant couple in professional wrestling and placed Morningstar in cuffs. There are roughly six individuals manhandling Sebastian who cackles like a madman, absolutely proud of what he's accomplished as they begin to walk him out of the venue. Suddenly, Fink Banks and newly appointed Director Of Talent Relations, Liberty Massaro make their way down the ramp, both with a microphone in hand. A look of utter disappointment evident on the EPW owners face.
FIN BANKS //
“Sebastian Morningstar! Let me introduce myself. My name is Fin Banks and not only do I own Exodus Pro Wrestling, but I own the very building you intruded, I own the company whose main event you just ruined, and a man you've just now made a mortal enemy out of! What kind of man commits such a deplorable act!? WHY!? GET HIM OUT OF MY BUILDING!”
Sasco Moss manages to escape the security guard holding both Brits back, and lunges toward Morningstar getting a few cheap shots of his own in, striking the unprotected nose and eye socket of EPW's intruder-
FIN BANKS //
“BREAK THEM UP!”
Meanwhile, Kitten has exited the competitive area of the arena and is now walking toward the administrative team of Exodus and with an absolutely justified pissy tone, hisses; “What about MY championship? I had it in the bag! FIX THIS!”
FIN BANKS //
“Wh-”
LIBERTY MASSARO //
“If you don't mind, boss. I got this . . . . No one gets in. No one gets out. Zero interference. A maximum championship exhibition. It will be Kitten versus Blaze Freya, one on one, in a steel cage ladder match! The championship gold will be suspended above the ring, but unlike regular cage matches, escape, submission or pinfall will not determine the winner. The only way the championship can be won is by climbing one of two ladders that will be in the ring and unclasping the belt from its lofty heights-”
Kitten hisses at Liberty as she walks by her, through the curtains and to the back, assumingly to lick her wounds. Sasco and Blaze in the center of the ring incandescent with rage all whilst Sebastian Morningstar is being led up the rampway toward Fin Banks & Liberty Massaro.
FIN BANKS //
“AND YOU! MORNINGSTAR!”
The Nottinghamshire exports distinctive accent cuts through the EPW/CP like a knife;
SASCO MOSS //
“FEED ME MORNINGSTAR!”
FIN BANKS //
“If you don't get the job done you're indefinitely suspended, Sasco. You understand this right?”
SASCO MOSS //
“OH, I UNDERSTAND. BUT UNDERSTAND THIS BOSS BABY, IT'LL BE ON MY TERMS – A BARBED WIRE MASSACRE MATCH!”
A wry grin washes over the founding father of Exodus Pro Wrestling hearing such a truly nasty cluster of words. Sebby spits at Fin and simply utters; “Give him what he wants.” Not another word was uttered before Sebastian was escorted to the back. Fin looked to the ring and simply nodded toward Moss, sometimes a picture paints more than a thousand words. 'Money' begins to play throughout the EPW/CP for the final time of the evening as Fin Banks and Liberty Massaro takes a bow as the final camera transition of the night focusses on the commentary table comprising of Ron Way and CJ Clarke.
RON WAY //
“What the hell is a barbed wire massacre!?”
CJ CLARKE //
“A barbed wire massacre is a match where the ring ropes are replaced with barbed wire and the weapons themselves are wrapped in barbed wire as well. Let's just say this - there will be blood, and it seems Sasco Moss is out for retribution, defending not just his partner in crime, Blaze Freya but Exodus Pro Wrestling as a whole!”
RON WAY //
“It's a bold move Clarke, let's see how it pans out!”
CJ CLARKE //
“We are out of time here, for Exodus' #REPRISAL! Stay tuned, we'll have more action and news coming soon. Thank you, and good night - see you for Episode Three; #LUSTROUS and from us to you . . . WE ARE-
​
[FIN]
