EXPRO On FX #4

The camera opens on Heather Halliwell prancing around backstage with Exodus World title draped over her shoulder. She’s dressed for battle except her trench coat. She stops in front of Edward Nair’s office and knocks loudly before letting herself in. Nair is behind his desk and seems pleased to see Heather enter his office.

Heather Halliwell: Knock knock, you’re money maker is here.

Edward Nair removes his reading glasses and sets them down on the desk to greet the champion.

Edward Nair: Hello, dear! What brings you to my office tonight?

Heather beams at Nair and sits on the edge of his desk, fingering her name on the title nameplate.

Heather Halliwell: I came to talk a little business with you, actually. Involving uh…

Heather pats the belt over her shoulder for emphasis.

Edward Nair: Yes. I know what’s going on. Do you really think this could be a problem?

Heather Halliwell: Not on my end… But there is ALWAYS someone who will have his back enough to make trouble for you and I.

Nair looks up as if he was in deep thought.

Edward Nair: I had a plan in case I would ever need to make sure that hack ever gets close to your belt. I guess it is time to pull the trigger on that plan. Because the last thing I ever want to see in this company is HIM as the champion.

Heather nods thoughtfully and looks Nair straight in the eye.

Heather Halliwell: A plan, you say? Would this involve a certain mutual acquaintance of ours?

Edward Nair: Didn’t know you thought of him as that, but yes. It is.

Heather chuckles and shakes her head.

Heather Halliwell: Acquaintance, not friend. I’m sure you’ll pay him handsomely for his job tonight, but just to add some incentive…

Heather leans over and reaches into the top of her boot. She pulls out a wad of large bills and tosses them onto the desk in front of Nair.

Heather Halliwell: Tell him he gets a fat bonus if he does the job right.

Edward Nair: Consider it done. Break a leg, dear. And make it his.

Heather grins and winks down at Nair as she hops off the desk.

Heather Halliwell: Legs are easily healed. I’m going to break his spirit completely.

Dick Morosi: That's not worrisome or anything...

Seth Ericson: Hey, that's what you do when you're HBIC, you break men.

Dick Morosi: I'm not even talking to you. It's time for the return of Zack Lifer against Chris Marks!

Seth Ericson: I don't know why, but I don't see this going particularly well for Marks...

Dick Morosi: Me neither. But there's 1,000 dollars in it for Lifer!

"Lowlife" by Theory of a Deadman starts playing on the PA as Chris "The Filth" Marks appears on the ramp, revelling in the spotlight that shines on him.

David Zinkus: From Oakland, California, weighing in at 260 pounds...CHRIS "THE FILTH" MARKS!

Marks swaggers down to the ring, enjoying each and every step onto the apron and into the ring before raising his arms on each turnbuckle.

From the beginning, I knew I was different.
I embraced it, but you didn't.
Your normal life, 9-5, it's just not for me.
I need to feel alive!

The words of "Alive in the Lights" by Memphis May Fire boom through the speakers signifying one man and one man only. The lights are pitch black except for a few golden lights beaming down and search the crowd. Suddenly, a figure is seen moving towards the ring, down the stairs from the audience. As the camera zooms in, the figure is revealed to be none other than Zack Lifer. He hops the barricade, a twisted grin a mile wide on his face as the crowd continues to rain down boos. He glances at the crowd in confusion, clearly not understanding why they chose to boo instead of cheer him.

David Zinkus: And his opponent, of Gods and Monsters....ZACK! LIFER!

Don't you see the minds that have changed?
Do you see the lives that have been saved?
Don't you care to see the difference I've made?
Listen closely, the highways call my name.
Don't you see this is my everything?

Lifer sprints towards the ring, walking up the steel steps while keeping his eyes on the entrance ramp. As he gets to the top of the steps, his eyes dart across the the arena, stunned by the crowd reaction. The audience gets louder, several signs directed at Lifer in the crowd.

Don't you care to see the difference I've made?

The camera zooms out from the crowd signs and watches Zack as he quickly hops the top rope effortlessly and raises his fist to the sky with a livid expression on his face which quickly turned into a smirk. The sounds fade mid-lyric as he rests in his corner, looking anxiously at the referee and back at the entrance ramp for the match to finally make some progress.

Singles Match
Chris Marks vs. Zack Lifer

The bell rings, and Marks confidently strolls up to Lifer, smirking.

Dick Morosi: Got a bad feeling about this.

Marks quickly swings his arm, slapping Lifer full-force in the face.

Dick Morosi: Not again.

Seth Ericson: Welp.

Lifer stares him down, before lashing out, grabbing Marks by the head and rapidly throwing his head down, smashing his knee into it. Before Marks can even react to that, he's thrown him to the ground, wrenching his arm in an armbar while spinning Marks around.

Dick Morosi: Oh my god! That's a brutal lock on the arm, but the referee can't keep up with how Lifer's moving Marks around, he can't see him tapping!

Seth Ericson: Cochrane is getting his money's worth!

Finally, after holding it for some time, Lifer stops spinning Marks around, letting the referee see him tapping out, ringing the bell.

Dick Morosi: Well. Did he earn his money?

Seth Ericson: I think Chris Marks mighta learned something important about the consequences of bad manners, yeah.

Dick Morosi: Good for him. We'll be right back.

Winner: Zack Lifer

Backstage we find ourselves looking upon an unusual yet familiar figure. Dressed in a pink tutu is a towering figure seemingly dressed up like a gigantic badger! The figure in fancy dress shakes his head as he holds a large phallic instrument in front of his face, possibly a microphone though it is shaped like… you get the picture. He is stood next to a cream white door with the label ‘Zero McHannon’ written upon the door. Underneath it, written out in crude red marker pen is the term ‘#Zerijo’ with a love heart hastily drawn next to it.

Badgerface: I hate my life…

Whilst the badger mourns his predicament, a large squeaky voice echoes in the background.

Voice: JUST READ THE AUTOCUE!

Badgerface composes himself and begins to speak, even though tears seemingly pour from the eye holes of his mask.

Badgerface: This is Badgerface reporting backstage at the RIMAC outside of Zero McHannon’s locker room. I have been requested to appear here for the chance to interview the former Number 1 contender at the behest of someone whose name I am not fit to mention. Though he has not returned to his locker room, I am hoping to ask him questions on the current title situation, what he likes for dinner, his sexual preferences and his opinions on penis moulding…

Badgerface slaps himself in the face, truly upset at what he has been forced into.

Badgerface: What the fudge happened to my career?

Badgerface turns in surprise as Zero’s locker room door spills open and a figure emerges. It is not the one he is expecting. Rather than the ‘Chosen One’ it is a devilishly beauuutiful figure that we have all become accustomed to, dressed in the upmost finery to a colour scheme of snow white. His hair is immaculately styled and his silk covered hands are adorned with fabulous jewels. In his hand is a simple bag with ‘SWAG’ written upon it. Out of the bag spills various garments, all seemingly those worn on the lower regions.

Prince Kamijo: These are not the underpants you are looking for…

The supreme Prince of EXODUS motions his hand in front of the badger as if he is trying to play some form of mind trick upon Badgerface. He slinks off out of view sheepishly as there is a small outbreak of laughter off camera. Badgerface composes himself as he continues on.

Badgerface: Hopefully we will be able to catch him before the end of the show. But tune into my supreme overlord’s post show hand party for tantalising news on Christian Kane’s casting as the Elephant Man, Heather Halliwell’s amazing peaches covered in cream and the recent findings that Blake Jones has a mangina. Back to you legitimate broadcasting bastards at ringside…

On that note, we cut back to ring side. Specifically to a view of a four hundred pound woman covered in mustard stains attempting to seductively eat a banana.

Backstage, Tom Matheny's set up in front of the EXPRO on FX interview set.

Tom Matheny: Right now, my guest is one of the challengers for the International Title...Jimmy Ri-

He's cut off as Jimmy Riley steps into frame. His hoodie of choice for tonight is rather extravagant; the shimmering metallic gold shines in the lights of the set. The hood is up, but it's still easy to see Jimmy's face as he looks at Tom.

Jimmy Riley: You...you forgot the nickname.

Tom Matheny: My mistake - “The Risen Star,” Jimmy Riley.

Jimmy Riley: That's more like it. Now then, Tom...I'm sure you're asking the same thing everyone else is asking – how, exactly, did Jimmy Riley end up in the International Title match?

Matheny looks a tad confused.

Tom Matheny: That...That's not the question I-

Jimmy Riley: I'm gonna tell you straight up. I didn't want this match, Tom. I didn't want my first night back to be such an utter and complete destruction of not one but two! Two, Tom! Two excellent EXODUS Pro competitors.

Jimmy turns, looking at the camera instead of at Matheny.

Jimmy Riley: But I got a call. A call from Edward Nair, a man who believes in me far more than Rufus Frost ever did, far more than these people ever did-

One (one being Jimmy Riley) can hear the fans booing that statement.

Jimmy Riley: He called and said; I need a winner. I don't have one in Jerry Matthews, because he's already proven that he can't get the job done...and worse yet, he's had his help banned from ringside. I don't have one, he said, in Johnny Cannon, because Cannon needs a goal in his sobriety.

He looks again at Tom.

Jimmy Riley: We can speak openly about that, right? He did, I do, we can all talk about how Johnny Cannon's “sobriety” is just a tool for him to focus on the task at hand, so he's not out cavorting around with prostitutes like he's...I don't know, Dan Stein.

A few fans familiar with Stein's run in with Jerry Matthews from months ago cheer for the name drop. Jimmy looks back at the camera.

Jimmy Riley: Edward Nair called me because he needed a winner. And like Thor coming down from Asgard to save the day...I'm here. I'm here to save the International Title, to save the city of San Diego that I so lovingly call home-

...The fans don't even like that. Tough crowd.

Jimmy Riley: And to save EXODUS Pro. Because EXODUS, much like Edward Nair, much like the women sleeping with Johnny Cannon, and much like the man who makes Jerry Matthews' suits...deserves better.

Riley smirks.

Jimmy Riley: And I. Am. Better.

Tom Matheny looks over Jimmy's shoulder and motions for the camera to move...which it does...to reveal Jonathan Collins! He taps Riley on the shoulder, and “The Risen Star” turns to find himself face-to-face with The Director! Neither man looks upset, but there's still a little bit of tension in the air between the two friends. Jon motions and Matheny scrambles away, but the camera stays. Not every word is picked up by the camera's microphone, but a few are made out.

Jonathan Collins: ...you...soon...talk...attitude.

Jimmy Riley: Me?...one...started...finish.

Collins turns to the camera and puts a hand up, leading to cutting back to ringside.

Dick Morosi: I feel like right now, Seth, that's the most uncomfortable six feet in the RIMAC.

Seth Ericson: You're telling me!

Dick Morosi: Coming up next, while we decompress from that, is a huge number one contender's match! It's Chris Strike meeting Magnus Gunner and Zero McHannon...next!

"Nobody likes me. No one likes me, but I don't like them. Uh uh, I don't nah uh.

Nobody likes me. No one likes me, why? Cause I don't like them. Uh uh, I don't nah uh."

"All this hate you gave me, it turned me to rage,

now I'm burning in flames, all the things that you said,

they've been stuck in my head, now I'm at it again,

an addict, welcome to hell bitch you can't do nothin' about it,"

David Zinkus: The following is a triple threat match to determine the number one contender to the EXODUS Pro World Heavyweight championship! Introducing first, from Miami, Florida; weighing in at 235 pounds, ZERO MCHANNON!

Seth Ericson: This is Zero's chance to recuperate and get another shot at that title. Let's hope he doesn't screw it up.

Dick Morosi: Zero seems to have been very quiet ever since that loss at No Church in the Wild though.

Seth Ericson: Guy's just had no words to speak. Stuff happens.

A brief flash of silence passes through the arena as the stage is shined on by red light, the house lights dimming and filling the arena with darkness. The crimson hues float over the entryway and ramp, absorbed by the somewhat blank canvas of the squared circle. Suddenly the tranquil and quiet ambiance in the arena is poisoned by the sound of "The Quiet Place" by In Flames which rumbles onto the P.A. system. The aforementioned arena is quickly filled with boos and waves of hatred filled jeers as the curtains begin to sway ever so slightly; all eyes feast themselves upon the said commotion at the entryway, followed by a sudden increase in the crowd's negative uproar which signals the emergence of the Loaded Pistol.

David Zinkus: And his opponent, fighting out of Detroit Michigan, he stands at six foot-four inches tall, and weighs in tonight at two-hundred and forty pounds... he is "The Loaded Pistol" MAGNUS GUNNER!

Dick Morosi: Another superstar who wants to get his name back into the World title picture is Magnus Gunner, who last fought for the title against former champion Fiona Rourke.

Seth Ericson: I'd be very careful and I'd watch my back for a crazy Zack Lifer may appear out of nowhere. Unwelcome and unwanted, like gonorrhea.



As his name echoes through the venue, the velvet curtains are ruffled from their suspension with the brushing of white hockey-tape covered hands. Magnus is revealed to the teaming masses of humanity with a pair of black knee pads and boots, along with a pair of denim shorts and a Stone Temple Pilots T-shirt, half soaked with water that drips from his jet black locks. Gunner stands still and tall at the apex of the ramp, his face black, his wavy hair covering his face as his head hangs askew whilst he poses in the crucifix. Magnus begins to march down the aisle, removing his shirt and carelessly tossing it to the floor in the process as he proceeds to walk with a slow, methodical, fatigued-appearing amble, with his shoulders relaxed and arms dangling loosely, his weight shifting from foot to foot to cause him to somewhat sway - idiosyncrasies that go unmatched yet unnoticed to the untrained eye.

"Judge me now
Used to be afraid to let it show, bow down
A king in my own mind
Everything's in place so much brighter from today"

Gunner knees up onto the apron, slowly pulling himself up with the aid of the ropes. He turns to look at the camera, his eyes staring directly into the lens which captures his smoldering soul, and then into the outskirts of the arena, the jeers and boos of the patrons merely deflecting off of his aura. He slowly marches along the apron before climbing the turnbuckle. His head is lowered, as his fists are planted into the top padding; as he sits on his perch a top the ring he takes a deep breath, thought after thought rushing to the surface of his cerebral, twisted, demented thoughts and plans he intends to carry out to torment his adversary.



Magnus climbs down from the corner and drops down into the ring, his feet landing on the canvas with a slight thud. He slowly backs into the corner and crouches slightly, his cold-blooded eyes unblinking as his theme fades away.

Dick Morosi: Can you say that Magnus Gunner would be a favorite in a match that didn't involve the two opponents he has here tonight?

Seth Ericson: Oh, most definitely. Magnus Gunner can go toe-to-toe in the ring with anyone, so I guess this match can prov just that.

The house lights in the arena go out completely, thunder and rain can be heard from a distance, all while the image of a large mountain complete with a temple atop the peak is seen on the LCD screen while the beginning of “March of Mephisto” by Kamelot blares out of the PA system. The shot zooms into the temple, as the crowd begins to clap along with the beat of the song, watching as a man rises from the throne inside of the temple and makes his way down the steps. Once he nears the camera, he looks up at the sky and makes his way over towards a pool of water. The man looks down into the water, and once he does…a shot of lightning hits the water! As the lightning hits the water in the video, streams of smoke shoot up from the ramp way area and high above, covering the entrance ramp as the song kicks into full motion, the fans clapping along with the song in full while white, yellow and blue spotlights swirl all across the arena.

David Zinkus: And their opponent, from Sao Paulo, Brazil; weighing in at 215 pounds, CHRIS STRIKE!

Seth Ericson: Ugh, I hate this guy.

Dick Morosi: I'm sure he isn't your biggest fan either....

Chris Strike emerges from the curtains and steps out into the limelight, drawing a loud reaction from the faithful as he stops in front of the entrance ramp and slowly raises his right arm up, hand open. Strike is showered by gold, white and black streamers and smoke appearing from each side of the ramp before he makes his way down, having the occasional fans reaching out towards him from the rail, all while keeping his eyes solely focused on the ring. Chris then makes his way up the ring stairs, using the steel pole for support, putting his right foot over the middle rope and as he is about to get inside, Strike suddenly turns around and finds himself with both elbows locked around the top rope, his entire upper body exposed to the crowd’s sight. Strike just gives the fans a sly smirk and a nod as flashes of light go off, before going under the middle rope and into the ring. He looks around at the crowd and walks up to the nearest corner, leaning against the ropes and disposing of his tactical vest and t-shirt while stretching his arms out as “March of Mephisto” fades…

Seth Ericson: How dare does this man even show his face after what he did to Christian Kane?!

Dick Morosi: Chill, Seth. You haven't been this angry since Kanye interrupted Taylor Swift.

Seth Ericson: DON'T MENTION KANYE AROUND ME!

Dick Morosi: Okay, I'll just talk about the match then. Lots of talent in all three men. Let's see who pulls off the victory.

DING! DING! DING!

Number 1 Contenders to the EXODUS World Championship Match
Chris Strike vs. Magnus Gunner vs. Zero McHannon

All three men begin to look at one another, daring the others to step forward and attempt something. It takes a few seconds, but as Strike focuses on Gunner, McHannon charges in and hits Strike from behind, causing him to fall to the mat. Magnus takes advantage of this and charges towards Zero McHannon, bringing him down with a lariat. As Strike manages to make it up to both feet, he is dropped back down to the mat with a lariat that almost takes his head off by Magnus Gunner, inciting boos from the audience and a few "ooh" noises. Zero seems to be getting back up to a vertical base, but Magnus Gunner does not allow the Floridian to get much breathing in as he runs forward, grabs Zero's neck and brings him down with a swinging neckbreaker.

Dick Morosi: Magnus Gunner taking early control here.

Seth Ericson: Can he keep it up though?

Magnus looks down at his two opponents with a look of confidence before grabbing Strike's head, pulling him up by pulling slightly at his hair, getting Gunner a warning from the referee. Once Gunner gets Strike to both feet, he looks to go for a German suplex, but Strike blocks it with a punch to the midsection. And another one. And one final one that gets Gunner to release the hold, only for Gunner to grab Strike's head and plant him down with a headbutt to boos from the audience. Gunner seems to be all in control until Zero McHannon sneaks up from behind and rolls him up, the referee quickly going to the mat to make the count!

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

Dick Morosi: Close call there!

Magnus just manages to kick out and get to his knees as he looks over and sees that Zero was the man who tried to get the early pin. Unfortunately for Gunner, he has left himself open for McHannon to plant a boot right on his face and knock him down. McHannon rubs his neck for a few seconds as he looks down at Magnus in disgust, absolutely angered at the fact that Magnus caught him with that swinging neckbreaker. Zero begins to stomp away at Magnus, the audience neither booing or cheering as they share no good feelings towards these two men. After a couple of stomps, Zero looks over at Strike, who has his back turned to the Miami native. Zero grabs Strike by the back of the head, but Strike throws out an elbow that catches Zero in the jaw before he turns around and launches a European uppercut that sends Zero falling to the mat and gets the audience back into a cheering mode.

Seth Ericson: Man, fuck European uppercuts. So overused. Almost as bad as the Superkick.

Dick Morosi: Well, regardless of that, Chris Strike now seems to be in control.

As Magnus seems to be getting to his feet, Chris runs forward and jumps up, sending out a forearm that smashes into the face of Magnus Gunner and sends Magnus falling out of the ring and landing hard on the floor. The audience continues to cheer on Strike as he turns around and sees Zero slowly getting to his feet. As soon as Zero turns around, Strike runs forward and attempts the same move, his right forearm connecting with Zero's face.

Dick Morosi: Chris Strike in full control here!

Seth Ericson: BOOOOOOOO!

Dick Morosi: You are more biased than Kirk Herbstreit with Ohio State.

Seth Ericson: Shit, I'm that bad?

Strike quickly gets to his feet and goes back on the attack, dropping a knee that connects with Zero's face, forcing Zero to roll around the ring in pain. Chris then grabs Zero by the head and slowly gets him up to both feet before planting him with a DDT onto the mat. Strike quickly rolls over Zero and hooks both legs as he tries to get an early pin.

ONE!

TWO!

BROKEN UP BY GUNNER!

Seth Ericson: Thank you, Magnus Gunner!

Magnus manages to just break up the pin, stomping at Strike's chest and causing Strike to release the pin attempt. Magnus quickly grabs Strike and tosses him out of the ring before following him. He grabs Strike and tosses him right up against the barricade, Strike letting out a growl of pain. Gunner then grabs Strike and tosses him right into the steel steps, knocking the steps out of place as Strike lies on the ground, clutching at his ribs and shoulder in pain. Gunner, happy with his work that happened outside, rolls back into the ring. As he gets to both feet, he is met with a dropkick that knocks him back down from Zero McHannon. The audience remains quiet as Zero takes control.

Dick Morosi: And now Zero McHannon picks up on the opportunity and lands a beautiful dropkick on Magnus Gunner!

Seth Ericson: Attaboy, Zero!

Zero quickly grabs Magnus and slowly picks him up, the slight weight difference not helping him out. Once he gets Gunner to both feet, Zero kicks Gunner in the midsection before hooking his head and quickly planting Gunner's head onto the mat before rolling him over and attempting a pinfall.

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

Zero just shakes his head as he gets up to both feet again, this time not attempting to pick up Gunner. Instead, Zero begins to stalk his opponent, waiting for him to get up to both feet before running forward and leaping upwards, grabbing at Gunner's neck before lifting his knees up, bringing Gunner down upon them with a double knee facebreaker. Gunner just clutches at his stomach as Zero goes for the attempt, only to stop at the last second.

Seth Ericson: What the hell is he doing? PIN HIM!

Dick Morosi: Looks like Zero has other plans...

Zero rolls out of the ring to the same side where Strike is slowly recovering, and begins to move the apron upwards so he can look underneath for a weapon. After a few seconds, Zero pulls out a steel chair and lets the apron drop. He picks up the steel chair and sets his sight on Strike first, walking forward and planting a chair shot right onto the back of Strike, causing Strike to fall back down to the ground in pain as Zero just smirks at his work.

Dick Morosi: Zero McHannon with a steel chair shot to the back of Chris Strike! Come on!

Seth Ericson: That's fair in triple threat rules. Deal with it, Dick!

Zero then slides back in the ring, looking to go over and attack Gunner, only for Gunner to see it coming and drive a fist right into the midsection of Zero, causing Zero to let go of the chair as Gunner grabs both of his arms, lifts him up, and brings him down with a Sideout sitout powerslam. Magnus then hooks the outside leg as the ref begins a pinfall count once more.

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

Seth Ericson: And Zero stays alive!

Gunner quickly goes back on the attack, grabbing Zero by the head as he helps him up before lifting him up and keeping him up for a couple of seconds before dropping him back down onto the mat headfirst with a Brainbuster. Gunner quickly gets up to both feet and looks down at Zero with a sick smirk before picking up once more. He lifts up Zero into the powerbomb position and aims for a corner as he holds Zero up there before launching Zero right into the corner, Zero's head bouncing off the top turnbuckle as he drops to his knees, then falls down onto the mat as Gunner drops to his knees and rolls Zero over before pinning him, the audience praying that Zero somehow kicks out.

ONE!

TWO!

TH-STRIKE BREAKS IT UP!

Dick Morosi: Strike breaks up the pin!

Seth Ericson: ....DAMMIT.

Strike manages to just dive forward and hit Gunner on the head with both fists clenched together, breaking up the pinfall. Strike quickly gets to his feet as Gunner also rolls up to both feet and runs forward, only for Strike to go 360, raising his right leg to connect with a round house kick that stuns Gunner as he stumbles backwards before turning his back to Strike. Strike then runs forward, grabs Gunner's head, and plants him onto the mat with a one handed bulldog before going for the cover.

ONE!

TWO!

BROKEN UP BY ZERO MCHANNON!

Dick Morosi: Close one by Chris Strike. He had the match there.

Seth Ericson: Yeah, okay.

After Zero breaks up the count, he grabs Strike by the head, only for Strike to slap his hands and connect with an open palm strike to the face, sending Zero to the ground as the audience cheers.

Dick Morosi: Shotei connects!

Strike then goes to grab Gunner, but Gunner reverses into an inverted headlock before spinning around and driving an elbow to the face of Strike, knocking him down to the ground as the audience boos.

Seth Ericson: Brain Aneurysm!

Gunner walks over to Zero and looks to get rid of the young superstar, but Zero connects with a low blow before rolling up to both feet, hooking Gunner's neck, and twisting him around for a Moonlight Drive, the move not only taking out Magnus Gunner, but leaving Zero on the mat as he tries to catch his breath.

Dick Morosi: And a Moonlight Drive by Zero McHannon!

Seth Ericson: All three men down right now!

Zero starts to look out to the crowd, looking like he's absolutely feeling it as he slowly starts sizing up Gunner for...he picks him up...ZERO TOLERANCE! The crowd surprisingly pops for McHannon hitting his go-to finisher, and he seems almost stunned! He starts to get up, looking to the crowd as he looks prepared to go up---STRIKE IS UP AND AS MCHANNON IS PERCHED ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE...SPRINGBOARD NARUKAMI! MCHANNON IS DOWN AND STRIKE GOES TO HOOK THE LEG!

ONE...










TWO...



Gunner is up, and he tries to make the le---THREE! "March of Mephisto" starts again, and the crowd is on their feet as Chris Strike brings it home!

David Zinkus: Here is your winner...AND THE NEW NUMBER ONE CONTENDER TO THE EXODUS PRO WORLD TITLE...CHRISSSSSSSS STRIIIIIIIIIKE!

Dick Morosi: Heather Halliwell and Adrien Cochrane have to be very concerned at the moment, because this is a dangerous looking Chris Strike coming up on them.

Seth Ericson: Yeah, well Heather's got just the remedy for a guy like Strike.

Winner and Number 1 Contender to the EXODUS World Title: Chris Strike

Within a few moments, Chris has the microphone in his right hand as he leans off the ropes and makes his way back to the center of the ring, his heavy breathing being heard for a brief moment as he brings it near his lips, glancing at the crowd and basking in on another roar of approval from the RIMAC.

Chris Strike: …My journey to conquer the world once again…it starts here tonight.

Strike’s smile widened as the crowd is off their seats, applauding him accordingly and in approval of the hard fought victory he managed to seize on this night.

Chris Strike: Whether it’s against Heather Halliwell or Adrien Cochrane…whether it happens two weeks from now, at Autumn Effect or beyond that…when my name is the one listed as the “challenger” for the EXODUS Pro World Heavyweight championship? I plan on seizing that opportunity and becoming World Heavyweight champion again!

His eyes narrow, his breathing still heavy but the look of determination continues to earn him the love and support of the fans, even with some of his actions as of late being slightly more questionable.

Chris Strike: But until that time? Whether it’s Christian Kane, Gods & Monsters or anybody else in that locker room…you keep lining ‘em up and I will knock them down! And there isn’t a damned thing…

The cameras close up on Strike and the wide smile on his face.

Chris Strike: …that you’ll be able to do about it!

We cut to backstage, outside of the RIMAC to be precise. The sky itself is beginning to darken and the clouds themselves seemingly turning to a rich purple in the moonlight. A solitary figure steps out from the emergency exit, clad in a dazzling yellow gold and crimson outfit. His head is bowed, thick espresso curls forming a mop upon his head. His eyes are closed tightly as if in deep contemplation of what is to come as he lights a cigarette that he had been carrying in his right hand with a silver plated zippo lighter he was concealing in his left. There is a low ring of a telephone, a familiar battle tune that the figure instantly recognises. The figure, who has a glistening golden belt strapped around his waist lifts the phone to his ear as he answers it. Andreas Lasiewicz grins as he responds to the other line.

Andreas Lasiewicz: Dzień dobry… I haven’t gone far. I’m simply having a smoke… What else is good for you? Hmmm… You know this is my pre match ritual… Everything will be fine, just keep your head in the game… Oh, I know… I know…

As he speaks there is seemingly a shadow moving in the background. Even though there are plenty of spotlights illuminating the area, the identity of this ‘shadow’ is shrouded in secrecy. Andreas obviously notices this presence, but it only raises a smile to his face.

Andreas Lasiewicz: We’ve beaten them twice, Sally. We are the rightful champions and tonight will be no different… It may well be tougher, yes… Just be ready and don’t let anything distract you… What do I mean? Oh… nothing really. Just the usual. I’ll see you soon enough… Dobranoc…

Andreas puts down the phone as he finishes off his cigarette, flickering it at the wall as the embers danced a waltz to the floor. Lasiewicz stares off into the shadows, a Cheshire cat grin upon his face.

Andreas Lasiewicz: Keep an eye on the situation for me. Both that, and the other situation that we spoke of. I know 'he' is here. I expect something to happen. Do not interfere though; I merely need you to keep me informed of proceedings.

The shadow seemingly responded, though nothing could be heard on camera.

Andreas Lasiewicz: Playing with fire… I understand that. What was that phrase you once said… ‘Comprendre, c'est pardoner.’ Take care, Little Bird…

The shadow seemingly slinks off in silence. Andreas grins maliciously as he turns abruptly and reenters the RIMAC just as we cut back to the commentary booth.

We return from commercials to Tom Matheny standing in front of an ‘EX-PRO on FX’ banner.

Tom Matheny: Ladies and gentlemen you’re watching EXODUS Pro on FX Episode 4 and standing beside me right now is someone who must be happy, bouncing back with a win against Abby Park after No Church In The Wild, Christian Kane. Christian, thanks for joining me.

Slowly walking into the shot, Christian Kane adjust his mask before speaking.

Christian Kane: Happy is the last thing I’m feeling, Tom. Happy is when I’m at home with my wife and our little puppy. Happy is when I’m given the keys to a new Lamborghini. Being inside of that ring is a constant, humiliating reminder of what happened at No Church In The Wild, and today is just the start of the pain I will make everyone else feel.

Tom Matheny: Well, I can’t say I completely underst-

Christian Kane: No one understands, Matheny. And that’s okay with me. That’s fine, because you don’t have to pretend to know what it feels like, I will MAKE you feel what it feels like. I will do to anyone who gets in my way what I did to Joshua Sullivan. That weak, pathetic little man who tried to ride my coattails to the top, dragging me down as he did so.

Tom Matheny: Is that who you blame for the loss to Strike at No Church In The Wild?

Christian stops and stares at the interviewer for a moment in his mask.

Christian Kane: The loss? Are you implying I lost, Matheny? I was brutalised. Brutalised to the point where Chris Strike should have been arrested. Brutalised to the point where I have to wear a mask to hide my face. The only thing I’ve lost is my face, and Chris Strike is to blame for that, no one else.

Tom Matheny: So Sullivan was...?

Christian Kane: A weak link who was disposed of. Now I can do Edward Nair’s bidding in peace without that idiot interrupting me every five minutes.

Tom Matheny: And what is Edward Nair’s bidding?

Christian Kane: I’d stop asking questions you already know the answer to. We’ve made our intentions very clear, and I’ll state my own for you right now, I’m ending Chris Strike and then I’m winning a world title. This interview is ov-

Christian turns to leave but is stopped by Matheny.

Tom Matheny: Christian! Wait! It’s funny you should say that because just a few moments ago I received exclusive news on your opponent for EXPRO on FX Episode 5! Our World Heavyweight Champion, Heather Halliwell in a non-title match, providing of course she defends against Adrien Cochrane later on tonight in our main event. But you against Heather is huge, what are your thoughts on that one?

Christian Kane: My thoughts will become abundantly clear over the course of the next 2 weeks, Tom. It’s a big match, one I’ve always wanted and one I’ve always deserved. I’m glad I’m finally being taken seriously...

With that Kane does turn and leaves as the feed cuts back to ringside.

Dick Morosi: I hate to say it, but I think Christian Kane has gone off the deep end.

Seth Ericson: Just lovely. Between that and Heather Halliwell going fruit loops, we may want to start calling the RIMAC the looney bin.

Dick Morosi: If you think it's been crazy before, it's gonna get crazier in a moment for our next match! In what may be possibly their final encounter, The Turks will make their V2 defense of the Tag Team Titles against the team of Wulf Erikssen and Steve Lenton, aka Trouble...NEXT!



Dick Morosi: And now it's time for our rematch from No Church In The Wild, and it's for the Tag Team Championships.

Seth Ericson: And Trouble will try to prove they can be a cohesive unit, and a "real" tag team as Sally Talfourd has eluded to. They'll need to do that if they hope to pry the belts away from the Turks.

The arena lights fade to black. For a few moments, there’s nothing but the noise of the crowd and the occasional flash of a camera. Suddenly, at full volume, Can You Dig It (Iron Man 3 Main Titles) kicks in, with the entrance lights alternating between Royal Blue, and Red and White as the first 8 stings of the track play. On the final sting, pyros fire from either side of the entrance way explode, columns of sparks, as Steve Lenton, Wulf Erikssen and Stacey-X enter the arena. A Tron for the pair begins to play, short bursts of action punctuated by stills of the pair in various situations. Steve moves to the right of the entrance way, Wulf to the left, with Stacey remaining in the middle. Each man raises a solitary arm in salute to the crowd, as Stacey raises both arms to indicate both performers.

David Zinkus: Introducing, weighing in at a combined weight of 481lbs, “Big L” Steve Lenton... “Barroom Hero” Wulf Erikssen... they are TROUBLE!

Both men head down the ramp, Steve with his trademark strut, Wulf giving high fives to the crowd as he passes. As they reach the ring, Stephen stops for a moment, reaching out to the sides to allow the fans to reach in and touch him, whilst Wulf slides into the ring under the bottom rope. Steve quickly climbs onto the apron, and straight up the turnbuckle, whilst Wulf runs up to the diagonally opposite corner, both men lifting their arms in salute to the crowd again. Meanwhile, Stacey walks around the ring to the teams corner. The pair then drop down into the ring, meeting in the centre where they greet each other with a chest bump, before peeling off back to their corner.

Seth Ericson: They look focused tonight, well for consecutive losers. They're 0-2 against the champs.

Dick Morosi: But they've gotten better every time, and ALMOST got the job done both times. The third time COULD be the charm.

The crowd is buzzing, the excitement taking over as the anticipation builds for the coming champs. Quickly, the lights die down, darkness sweeping over the arena. Two lights come to shine on the stage, waiting for the wrestlers to make thier entrance. The music kicks in, and the crowd goes wild.

"This is a fight to the death,
Our holy war,
A new romance,
A trojan whore"

David Zinkus: And their opponents, at a combined weight of 402 pounds, they are the EXODUS Pro Tag Team Champions! “The Last Magician” Sally Talfourd and “The Morning Star” Andreas Lasiewicz…THE TURKS!!

The crowd continues to cheer, as Trouble wait in the ring, pumped up and raring to go. But their is no commotion at the entryway, no ruffling of the curtains, and as the time continues to tick and the suspense continues to build, the crowd grows restless. The lights suddenly shut back on, prompting the trim to flicker to life.

Dick Morosi: What the hell is going on? Folks we seem to be experiencing technical difficulties.

Seth Ericson: No we're not look!

As Seth eludes to, the feed cuts backstage to show Zack Lifer and Magnus Gunner attacking The Turks, seemingly as they were making their entrances. The tag titles are strewn on the floor as Gunner tosses Sally Talfourd into a wall with utter maliciousness. He sneers down at her as her body goes limp and lifeless, then looks up down the hall at his new partner who is exchanging rights and lefts with Lasie as they battle down the aisle.

Gunner quickly catches up to them, and immediately joins Lifer in a two on one assault on the "Morning Star", and the numbers game is too much for Andreas to handle, and despite a valiant effort, they eventually beat him down as well. After pinning him up onto a wall, Gunner holds the battered Turk, keeping him subdued as Zack Lifer back pedals to size him up. With a sick smile on his face, Lifer suddenly charges forward with a knee - slamming into into Lasie's temple and compressing it between his kneebone and the unforgiving wall . Andreas simply slumps down to the floor, holding his skull as the two deranged sociopaths celebrate their heinous assault. But the gloating is short lived, as they seem to be making their way to ringside.

Seth Ericson: G&M has taken out The Turks! Gunner promised they'd address the tag team titles tonight, and what a statement they just made.

Dick Morosi: And they're on their way out here. Trouble isn't going to go down quietly either they're spoiling for a fight -

The lights suddenly go out once again, leaving the crowd buzzing apprehensively due to the uncertainty of the fate of their heroes.

They don't have to wait long as the lights return to their normal fixture, revealing Gunner and Lifer to be inhabiting the ring, unbeknownst to their targets. By the time Trouble realizes, Zack and Magnus descend on them like rabid dogs, dropping them from behind and clubbing them with relentless, furious lefts and rights. Lifer quickly tosses Wulf into the corner, sending him crashing shoulder first into the steel post. Meanwhile, Gunner has Steve pinned down in the adjacent corner, but the Big L fights back. He sends Magnus back with lefts and rights, until he is suddenly blindsided by a STIFF Clothesline from Lifer that flattens him, much like an unaccounted for edge-blitzer when sacking a QB.

Dick Morosi: This is a heinous, cowardly assault. They claim to be heroes, but there is nothing heroic about what they've done tonight.

Wulf tries to climb back to his feet, but he's prevented thanks to a sickening kick to the head from CHRISTUM FUROR. Erikssen remains on his knees, dizzied and begging to be out out of his misery. Lifer grants his wish, charging forward with an elbow that smashes in the Barroom Heroes cranium.

Dick Morosi: FOFCED SUICIDE! That's enough. That's enough Gunner. This is barbaric.

Seth Ericson: G&M just let everyone know who REALLY owns the Tag Team Titles. Gunner screwed Kliff which allowed The Turks to get the titles. This is a direct message to the tag division.

Dick Morosi: And EXODUS. Gunner promised their was a coming storm. Could this be the beginning?

Gunner grabs Lifer by the head, and they bump foreheads and psyche one another up before CHRISTUM FUROR looks over the carnage, and finally poses in his crucifix.

Tom Matheny: Hello everyone, Tom Matheny here. I’m got a very special person here to talk with me. Everyone, please welcome the number one contender to the World Heavyweight Title tonight, Mr. Adrien Cochrane!

The camera pans out to reveal the Dropkick King standing next to Tom Matheny. The fans go wild at the sight of the fan favorite.

Tom Matheny: Adrien, you get your match tonight. It will just be you and Heather Halliwell for the biggest title in EXODUS Pro. So I have to ask, what do you believe gives you the best chance at winning this match?

All smiles across the face of Adrien Cochrane as he fans cheer again. He leans into Tom’s microphone to respond.

Adrien Cochrane: One of the hardest things to beat someone who refuses to give up. And that’s what I bring to the table in a one on one match, something I’ve never lost since I got back into wrestling. And there’s a reason for that. I go out to that ring and fight with every fiber of my being. Not a single wrestler not named Zero or Heather would deny that I fight with more heart than most of this roster.

Tom Matheny: I certainly wouldn’t deny it. And you’ve been preparing for it?

Adrien Cochrane: Ever since the match was announced. I have a good feel for Heather’s strengths and weaknesses in the ring. And I’ve been making sure I’ve been working on how to neutralize her strengths and expose her weaknesses.

Edward Nair: But it won’t be enough…

The minority owner of the company walks on-screen. He has his son, Stephen Nair, standing right behind him.

Edward Nair: Because the fact of the matter is, you won’t win. And that’s because you are not World Champion material. And you will not win that belt no matter how much heart or preparation you have. No matter how much you don’t give up, you won’t be good enough either.

The Dropkick King approaches Nair, getting about two inches from his face.

Adrien Cochrane: Every time you’ve told me that, I’ve proven you wrong. Every time you doubt me, I show you and everyone else why I AM good enough to be a World Champ. And I will do that once again. I WILL win the World Title. I don’t care how much you don’t want me to lose or what little scheme you’re going to try to prevent me. It’s not going to happen. So why don’t you quit being so uptight and angry and slip into something a little more comfortable. Like a coma. Maybe then, Stevie here could get more attention from you when he visits you. Meanwhile, I’m going to get ready for my match. Good day, sir.

Edward Nair: Why you little…

Adrien Cochrane: I SAID GOOD DAY, SIR!