The Autumn Effect

A brief flash of silence passes through the arena as the stage is shined on by red and white lights, the house lights dimming and filling the rest of 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 "Pulse of the Maggots" by Slipknot which rumbles onto the P.A. system. The aforementioned arena is quickly filled with boos and a few harsh audible obscenities as the curtains begin to sway ever so slightly. As most eyes feast themselves upon the said commotion at the entryway, the appearance of Zack Lifer from up in the cheap seats - wearing his famous Gods and Monsters T-shirt he wore when he took down Ulysses at No Church In The Wild just two months earlier underneath a signature black opened sweatshirt of his, his hands in the pockets in front of him as he took each step quickly down the stairs. A sudden increase in the crowd's negative uproar signaled the emergence of CHRISTUM FUROR and the other half of their negative attention was on the shoulders of the misunderstood genius Zack Lifer as he made his way through his normal routine.



The velvet curtains are ruffled from their suspension with the brushing of white hockey-tape covered hands. Magnus is revealed to the bitter masses of humanity with a pair of black knee pads and boots, along with a pair of denim shorts and a Screaming Trees T-shirt, half soaked with water that drips from his jet black hair which hangs over his shoulders. Gunner stands still and tall at the apex of the ramp while Lifer nears the barricade. Gunner runs his fingers through his hair while his head hangs askew whilst he poses in the crucifix. Finally, Christum Furor 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.

"...BUT COHESION IS POSSIBLE IF WE STRIVE
THERE'S NO REASON, THERE'S NO LESSON
NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT, TELLING YOU RIGHT NOW
WHAT HAVE YOU GOT TO LOSE, WHAT HAVE YOU GO TO LOSE
EXCEPT YOUR SOUL...."

"WHO'S WITH US!"

Lifer hops the leather barricade, a running jump that could only be considered impressive, a hint of arrogance in his actions that he would surely deny if questioned. He crosses paths with his partner who gives Zack a genuine smile underneath his thick hair, causing Zack to become more confident, more relaxed. 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 as Lifer slides underneath the ropes in a swift fashion, using the ropes to get to his feet as quick as he could. Gunner’s head is lowered, as his fists are planted into the top padding; as he sits on his perch atop 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 adversaries later on in the night. Zack seems to ignore this entirely, crossing his arms impatiently as he waits for his friend to hop down, mouthing something about Gunner being ‘way too slow,’ noting something almost silently against the jeers that it wouldn’t have taken him this long to think, pointing to his skull with his pointer finger with a childish smile across his face..



Magnus climbs down from the corner and drops down into the ring, his feet landing on the canvas with a slight thud as Zack nods his head. He slowly backs into the corner and crouches slightly, his cold-blooded eyes unblinking as he raises his left fist to the air as high as he could, expecting the crowd to finally realize his heroic nature but only shot down with more boos in his direction. Zack got to his own separate corner, far from Gunner, and raised his arm in triumph, pointing to a few fans with Lifer signs with a smile before hopping back into the ring silently as their song fades away mid-lyric before they each got microphones to raise to their lips.

Zack Lifer: To everyone in the audience who fell asleep during Gunner’s never ending entrance, I apologize. He has a thing for theatrics.

Zack smirks Gunner’s way, showing him he was only kidding.

Zack Lifer: I mean, seriously? You dumped water on your head? Why? It’s cool in this arena, dude. You trying to catch a cold?

He gestured at his black sweatshirt, playing with the bottom hem with a sly smile.

Zack Lifer: Whatever. Can we get to the good part now and keep this crowd awake, Gunner? Please? The Autumn Effect is sure to be a blast and I don’t think these guys wanna wait much longer.

Magnus Gunner: Patience is a virtue Lifer. The mark of a real hero, is that he doesn’t rush into things… he patiently waits, plots and plots… until he discovers the right moment to descend upon these villains and drop them with an iron fist of righteous justice.

Zack nods his head, agreeing with his speech.

Zack Lifer: Well, then drop the hammer. Tell this dark, dark world why we’re here in front of their eyes. Tell them why we decided to descend to the ring and speak our mind tonight on their TV sets.

The man known as Christum Furor looks around the arena, taking a moment to ponder the beginning of his spiel, his declamation and monologue. He hisses underneath his breath, before raising the microphone to address the crowd.

Magnus Gunner: The foundations of this company are fragile, and as your heroes, it is our duty, it is our burden to be the shepherds of our own civilization. We are the architects of our actions, and with these actions we accept the consequences, whether glorious or tragic. We accept that we will be hated, and vilified, but understand, that we do not operate under the guile of good Samaritans like these pretenders. And because of this, they try to undo all the good that we hope to accomplish. They try to disregard EVERYTHING that we’ve done, and tear down EVERYTHING that we’ve built. They feed you lies. They have you believe their falsehoods and their lies, as if it were truth. They create elaborate facades, and conspire against us for being ambitious, for dedicating our lives to liberating you from their deception. And their conspiracies go deep. Take a look.

Christum Furor motions to the tron which flickers to life.

The scene plays the very one that occurred in the main event two weeks ago. It displays Sally Talfourd pinning Zack Lifer before Wulf Erikssen pulls her off violently, a desperate need to win the match overcoming him. Wulf tosses her into Trouble's corner and tags in Steve Lenton if only so he can hit a barrage of strikes on the cornered Sally Talfourd with sheer intensity. Just as he looks like he’s about to deliver a finishing kick, he’s rolled up by Zack Lifer. Yet, the camera pans over suddenly towards the stage where Andras is seen pushing Gunner off the platform with a terrifying thud. As the camera finally pans back seconds later, Lenton is just now freeing himself from the roll up, the referee just taking notice just as the camera man did.

Zack Lifer: Did you see that? Did you see that, EXODUS?! I won that match! I won that match for Gods and Monsters and yet the world wants to pretend that it never happened!

A roar of boos is directed his way, causing his expression to be deeply aggravated by their response to the new developments.

Zack Lifer: Go on. Boo for EXODUS. Let me hear it! They’ve tarnished the match, the referee and the camera men. They tarnished what was supposed to be a fair match between nine people and it ended in a sham!

The boos continue, harsher now, causing him to have to raise his voice.

Zack Lifer: Don’t believe me? I have proof for you all, alright? First of all, can I get the referee that was assigned to that match out here? I wanna play a game with him, a fun game. I want him to show you all that he was wrong in his actions, that he was biased in the worst way. I want him to redeem himself as a hero, redeem his job as the prestigious referee he surely is. So c’mon, get out here. I need your help with something.

After a long pause and some gesturing by Zack Lifer, the referee that stood in the ring while the ExPro main event was going on slowly makes his way to the ring, the crowd almost silent as he does so, almost not sure how to respond to what is happening. As he slowly enters the ring, Lifer looks in Gunner’s direction with a wry smirk.

Zack Lifer: This guy might be even slower than you.

He let out a boyish chuckle as the man entered through the ropes, staying on the opposite side of where Gods and Monsters stood.

Zack Lifer: What’s your name?

Referee: Dan Arnouil.

Zack Lifer: Now, tell me… Are your waffles as good as Chris Dawson’s?

Gunner extends a hand, and chimes in.

Magnus Gunner: I have a better question. This year at Comic Con, instead of the Flash, did you go as a Doctor Doom? I have it on good authority, that you indeed, went as Doctor Doom, with a handmade mask. Is this true Dan? IS IT TRUE?

Dan Arnouil: Uh… Are those serious questions?

Zack Lifer: Just answer the f’n question, Dan!

Zack shoves the referee backwards a bit, his face turning from calm and childish to aggressive and uneasy.

Magnus Gunner: We’re not in the business of asking twice, Dan.

Dan Arnouil: Y-Yes. I did go as Doctor Doom. I made the mask out of-

Magnus Gunner: I don’t care what you made it out of. Just…

Zack Lifer: Wait! I wanna know.

Magnus shoots Lifer a mischievous quick smirk.

Zack Lifer: What the fuck did you make the mask out of?!

Sweat begins to cascade from Dan’s forehead as the pressure of answering to G&M begins to bother him.

Dan Arnouil: T-T-Tin foil. Tin foil and saran wrap.

Zack Lifer: Good. Now for something even trickier. Two weeks ago! ExPro 6! Did you think Lasie’s little stunt on my friend here, when he pushed him off the stage, was more important than when I beat Steve Lenton right behind you?!

Dan Arnouil: I- Y-You did?

Gunner shakes his head in frustration and disgust, then steps forward, prompting the terrified official to backpedal into the ropes.

Magnus Gunner: What obstructed your vision, and precluded you from carrying out your duties? Was it my pain Dan? Did the idea of me suffering bring you joy and exhilaration? Were you vindicated when that sadistic bastard Lasie threw me off the stage - so much that you couldn’t focus on what was going on INSIDE THE RING? Did you find it entertaining? Speak maggot!

Dan Arnouil: I-

Zack Lifer: He said speak, not stutter!

Dan Arnouil: No, it… It didn’t. I just-

Gunner waves his fist violently and frantically, causing Arnouil to cease his stuttering. Raising the microphone back to his face, he speaks with a more animated, grandiloquent tone of voice.

Magnus Gunner: IT ALL MAKES SENSE… THIS… THIS man is just like the rest of them. I mean, the facts have been laid out before your very eyes. By day, he wears THIS mask, the mask of a referee. Harmless. Weak. Pathetic. It’s all a charade, to misdirect you. I know this to be true, because at night, he shows his true FACE. I know who the REAL Dan Arnouil is! HE is the FACE of EVIL! THIS man doubles as a SUPERVILLAIN! As DOCTOR DOOM, terrorizing the innocent people of San Diego with a tin foil mask! And THESE are the people we’re supposed to trust? These are the people we’re supposed to trust to uphold to a righteous moral code, to call our matches down the middle? He is a VILLAIN, masquerading as a NOBLE HERO, just like EVERYONE else in that locker room.

Zack Lifer: And worst of all? I heard his waffles suck!

Magnus Gunner: This is your one opportunity to rectify the situation, and undo the injustice that YOU have done. This is your chance to redeem yourself Dan, to be forgiven by US, your heroes. This is your chance at repentance, your chance to finally do something right in your life. Your chance to be a hero. Roll the footage!

A second scene is shown on the tron, an angle where one camera man focused on the pin that occurred inside the ring rather than Lasie’s antics with Magnus Gunner on the stage like the others. Instead it shows the roll up Zack Lifer made on Steve Lenton, watching as Steve refused to kick out for quite some time.

Zack Lifer: You see that? You see that?! I pinned Steve Lenton in the middle of that ring and nobody but that guy even gave a shit! I won that match fair and square and yet Chris Strike got all the glory I rightfully deserved! It’s unjust. It’s unruly. It’s madness!

He shouted at the defenseless referee’s face, his body practically shaking. Maybe it was nerves from being out on live Pay Per View or maybe it was being interrogated by G&M. Probably the latter.

Zack Lifer: So, what we’re going to do to fix this is pretty simple, Dan. We’re going to replay that SAME EXACT CLIP, and I want you to get on the ground and count it for me! I want you and everyone else to see that I’m the one who deserves the credit, that I’m the one who deserves the glory. I want you to show the world that we’re the heroes of this story and show the world that the hero always wins fair and square and not by cheap tactics deployed by Lasie and the like to get whatever the hell he wants either!

The clip started to play on the tron again, Dan slowly getting to the floor. Lifer’s impatience caused him to push his face down against the mat in front of him, shouting at him to watch the tron and count over and over.

ONE!!


TWO!!!




THREE!!!!

The crowd was silent, in awe of the results the referee discovered, even with a slightly slow, nervous count. Zack Lifer officially pinned Steve Lenton two weeks ago at ExPro #6 fair and square and nobody saw it except for the very few at the time. Now however? Everyone knew the truth, the clear fact that Gods & Monsters came out victorious when nobody was watching.

Magnus Gunner: NOW RAISE HIS HAND!

Dan slowly gets to his feet, still shocked at what has been discovered along with everyone else around the world, before hesitantly raising raising Zack Lifer’s hand.

Magnus Gunner: Wait a minute, that’s not good enough. I don’t feel as GLORIFIED as Christopher Strike was two weeks ago. Come here, Dan.

Shaking in his boots, Arnouil advances to Christum Furor, who whispers something into his ear. Dan shakes his head in refusal, until Magnus shoots him a vindictive glare, prompting him to change his mind. He lowers his head in shame, before speaking into the microphone, much to his chagrin.

Dan Arnouil: Ladies and gentleman, the winners of the E-PRO 6 Main Event… your FUTURE Tag Team Champions… and the ONLY Heroes in EXODUS… Zack Lifer and Magnus Gunner… GODS AND MONSTERS!

Zack raises a triumphant fist as Magnus kneels in front of him, posing in the crucifix as the camera cuts to Dick & Seth.

Dick Morosi: That was unsettling.

Seth Ericson: No kidding, right? I thought they were going to eviscerate Dan Arnouil there.

Dick Morosi: While we try to recover from that, we've got our next match for you. After weeks of bullying the Young Guns, Sylar Drake attempts to get some revenge! He's facing Big Brother...and it's next!



Drums start to pound through the sound speakers with some synth noises. The drumming intro that starts the opening of "Anthem of the Lonely" by Nine Lashes starts to play as white and red colored lights start to flash around the entrance. Then suddenly...a huge flash of lights as standing at the entrance is Sylar Drake! The crowd erupts at the sight of the challenger before he starts making his way down the aisle, slapping a few hands!

A heart made of stone
Callous and bone
Fracture and tear it out
To let it go
And to think
I called it my own
And I would have never thought
The pain could grow...

David Zinkus: The following is a standard singles match scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Newcastle, England...weighing in at 185 pounds... SYLAR DRAKE!

Sylar starts to walk around ringside, slapping hands with some waiting fans as he looks up at his opponent in the ring as he finally hops up to the apron and then to the top turnbuckle as the crowd cheers! Drake hops down from the turnbuckle, looking straight on at the opponent as the lights come back on and we start preparing for this match.

Dick Morosi: Sylar Drake answered the challenge. Tonight, he will be going up against Big Brother and will looking to get some revenge.

Seth Ericson: But Big Brother is one big guy and I don’t think Sylar knows exactly the skill level of Big Brother.

Suddenly, a part of the back row in the crowd begins to boo as cameras catch up. Big Brother, dressed in a pair of black jeans and a grey hoodie with the black robber’s mask over his face, begins to make his way down the steps, trying to avoid any hands from touching him, even going as far as shoving a man in his 20s who tried to grab his right arm.

David Zinkus: And his opponent....BIG BROTHER!

Big Brother reaches the barricade and hops over it, landing right on his feet before beginning to circle the ring, keeping his eyes on Sylar the entire time before sliding into the ring and heading off to his corner.

Dick Morosi: The size difference is definitely there, but we don’t know anything about Big Brother.

Seth Ericson: That’s true. He may not know the difference between a powerbomb and a suplex.

Dick Morosi: Precisely.

As the two men stare at each other from across the ring, the ref calls for the bell, the audience cheering as the match has officially started.

DING! DING! DING!

Sylar quickly runs out of his corner and surprises Big Brother with a forearm to the face, causing BB to fall back up against his corner. Sylar then begins to drive repeated forearms to the face as the ref begins to count, threatening to disqualify the young superstar out of Newcastle, but the audience continues to cheer him on. When Sylar backs out of the corner after a four count, raising his arms high up in the air, only for Sylar to go back on the attack, kicking at Big Brother’s rib cage and his midsection, but to be pulled away once more by the ref.

Dick Morosi: Sylar Drake is relentless right now and can you blame him?!

Seth Ericson: Nobody told him to sit there and get his ass handed to him. He could have fought back earlier!

As Drake tries to go back on the attack, the much bigger Big Brother raises his right boot up to connect with the face of the former San Diego Bay champion. The audience boos as Big Brother mounts himself on top and begins to connect with a series of lefts and rights before grabbing Drake by the head and easily lifting up the smaller man to his feet. BB then tosses Drake into the corner before driving a punch to his midsection, then a headbutt that causes Drake to fall flat on his ass.

Dick Morosi: A real ground and pound meeting between these two here early on.

Seth Ericson: If Sylar Drake wants to stand a chance in this match, he needs to stop being a brawler and start being a high flyer. Take Big Brother off of his feet and he might just have a chance.

Dick Morosi: ...that actually sounded smart...

Seth Ericson: Shut the [BLEEP] up, Dick.

Dick Morosi: And we’re back.

Big Brother grabs Sylar by the neck once more and gets him to his feet before wrapping his arms around his waist and tossing him across the ring with a belly-to-belly suplex. Sylar holds his back in pain as Big Brother quickly makes his way over to the smaller man and begins stomping away at him, driving his boot into Sylar’s midsection, rib cage, and ending it with a stomp to the face.

Seth Ericson: Big Brother absolutely taking it to Sylar Drake!

Dick Morosi: And Sylar Drake needs to get out of this predicament fast.

Big Brother continues to not let Sylar breathe as he grabs him by the head once more and gets him up to both feet before placing him in a bear hug, squeezing as hard as possible. Sylar begins to yelp out in pain for a couple of seconds, but after regaining his composure, he begins to punch at Big Brother’s head. But the big man won’t let go as he continues to squeeze away, but Sylar then decides to change his attack as he goes ahead and tries to yank the mask off of Big Brother!

Dick Morosi: Smart move by Sylar Drake!

Big Brother lets go of Sylar Drake, but quickly goes for a clothesline, only for Sylar to dodge it. As BB turns around, Sylar connects with a Pele kick and knocks him out of the ring. Big Brother quickly gets to his feet, but Sylar quickly makes his way to the nearby top rope before flying off of it and connecting with a flying clothesline that knocks Big Brother down. Drake suddenly gets to his feet and begins to feed off of the audience, clapping his hands and having them clap along.

Seth Ericson: Well, I guess Big Brother may have gotten more than he bargained for here tonight.

Dick Morosi: And you know that when Sylar Drake is getting hyped up, there is almost no one that can stop him!

Seth Ericson: Except Kira T. Zeppeli.

Sylar attempts to use all of his strength as he gets Big Brother up and tries to roll him into the ring, successfully doing it before sliding in and going for the cover.

ONE!

KICKOUT!

Drake quickly gets to his feet as Big Brother gets to his knees, only for Drake to start delivering multiple stiff kicks on him, the audience letting out cheers from all the repeated kicks to the chest of the big man before finishing it off with a kick to the head. Drake quickly continues to go on the attack, grabbing Big Brother’s right arm and locking in a crossface, BB yelling out in pain as the ref asks him if he wants to give up.

Dick Morosi: Sylar Drake has locked in the crossface on Big Brother! Will he tap out?!

Big Brother quickly uses his weight advantage and drags the smaller Sylar as he gets to the bottom rope and gets a grip on it. The ref counts to 4 before Sylar releases the crossface and gets to his feet. Big Brother quickly rolls to the outside, clutching his right shoulder in pain as Sylar follows him. Sylar drives a kick to the back of Big Brother and as he goes for a second kick, has his leg caught by BB’s left arm before getting dragged in and getting clotheslined to the ground. BB quickly grabs him by the head and tosses him into the nearby steel steps before rolling him back into the ring, sliding in afterwards as he goes for the cover.

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

Seth Ericson: Big Brother almost picked up the win there!

Big Brother continues to go on the attack, grabbing Sylar’s legs and lifting him up before beginning to spin him around with a Big Swing! The audience can’t help but watch in amazement as Sylar is spun around repeatedly by his legs, arms flailing in the air as he can’t find his way out of this move.

Dick Morosi: What the hell?!

Seth Ericson: HOLY [BLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP]! BIG SWING FOR THE MOTHER[BLEEP]ING WIN!

Dick Morosi: Big Brother swinging Sylar Drake around like a rag doll!

Seth Ericson: ...10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20!

Big Brother releases Sylar after the 20th go around, Sylar hitting the mat with a thud as Big Brother falls to the knee, obviously somewhat dizzy as well. After a couple of seconds, Big Brother gets to his feet as Sylar dizzily crawls to the nearby corner. Once Sylar gets to his feet and lays up against the corner, Brett charges forward, but Sylar gets his knees up, connecting with Brett’s face and sending him reeling back. Drake then charges forward, leaps up, and connects with an enzuigiri, laying out the bigger superstar before going for the cover.

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

Dick Morosi: Sylar Drake was SO close!

Sylar does not let the kickout discourage him as he quickly goes at BB’s left ankle, locking it in with an ankle lock. The bigger man screams in pain as he tries to maneuver out of the move or get to the ropes, but fails to do both for half a minute until he turns his body around and uses his free right foot to kick off Sylar Drake. Big Brother quickly gets to his knees, but Sylar charges forward and connects with a shining wizard!

Dick Morosi: Shining wizard by Sylar Drake!

Seth Ericson: Why the hell isn’t he covering him?!

No, Sylar isn’t going for the cover. Instead, he walks over to the top corner and gets on the turnbuckle, looking to go for the Divinity Dive, but Big Brother has quickly shaken off the effects of the shining wizard as he has rolled up on all fours, changing Sylar’s plans as he adjusts himself on the top rope. As Big Brother gets to his feet, Sylar dives off, but BB quickly ducks underneath, causing Sylar to land on his feet, his right ankle taking an awkward landing, causing the young Brit to hold his ankle in pain as he hops on his good foot.

Dick Morosi: It looks like Sylar took an awkward landing there.

As Drake turns around, Big Brother runs forward and drills him with a spear! The audience boos as the big unknown wrestler goes for the cover.

ONE!

TWO!

TH-KICKOUT!

Big Brother shakes his head as he gets to his feet while looking at the ref, trying to make sure the ref said two instead of three. He makes his way over to Sylar’s hurt ankle and begins stomping away at it, Sylar screaming out in pain as the audience boos. BB then begins to drop three straight left knees on the ankle, Sylar trying to hold in and trying to numb out the pain. BB then grabs Sylar’s ankle and puts it in an ankle lock, giving Sylar a little revenge for that last ankle lock.

Seth Ericson: An ankle lock has been locked in! Sylar Drake has to tap!

Dick Morosi: I think we both know he has too much pride to do that, especially against someone as cowardly as Big Brother.

Seth Ericson: You mean “smart”.

Sylar continues to hold in as he holds in pain, the audience obviously behind him as the front row starts slapping the barricade, trying to hype up the young superstar as Big Brother continues to shout at Sylar to tap out. But, Sylar doesn’t as he quickly finds a way to reverse it, turning his body around and drilling BB in the head with his left foot three straight time before BB release the hold and falls to a knee as Sylar quickly rolls away from him and gets to a knee as well. The two both get up at the same time, but BB makes the first move, attempting a clothesline, only for Sylar to duck underneath it and quickly (bad ankle and all) makes his way to the ropes, bouncing off of them and running back to a defenseless BB (who had just turned around), leaping up and connecting with a left footed kick to the face, laying Big Brother out with the Infinity Kick! The audience cheers as Drake quickly goes for the pin.

Dick Morosi: INFITY KICK BY SYLAR DRAKE! He goes for the cover!

ONE!

TWO!

THR-KICKOUT!

Seth Ericson: And Big Brother kicks out!

Sylar looks absolutely frustrated as he gets to his feet and quickly limps off to the corner, going to the top for the Divinity Dive. As the audience cheers while he gets fully stood up on the top, Big Brother makes a last ditch effort and hits the nearby ropes, causing Sylar to fall on the turnbuckle. BB quickly makes his way over to Drake as he has failed to connect with his finisher once more and grabs his head, only for Drake to slap his hand away and headbutt him, causing him to reel backwards. Drake quickly tries to take advantage by placing his feet on the inside of the second turnbuckle and leaping off, only for Big Brother to catch him.

Seth Ericson: Uh oh...

Big Brother now has Sylar in a precarious position where he could powerbomb him and that he does, except he powerbombs him on the corner, causing Sylar’s head to hit the top turnbuckle and bounce right off the corner, giving BB the chance to do a 360 and connect with a spinning lariat that sends Sylar flipping in the air before landing on the mat face first. The audience lets out a unanimous “ooh” sound as BB goes for the cover.

Dick Morosi: Big Brother with a nasty powerbomb!

Seth Ericson: Did you see that [BLEEP]ing discus lariat?! He took Sylar’s head off!

ONE!

TWO!

THR-KICKOUT!

Seth Ericson: NO WAY!

Big Brother begins to shake his head as he seems to be losing his patience with Sylar, going right after that ankle once more, grabbing it and dragging Sylar to the nearby corner before slipping out of the ring. He grabs the ankle from the outside and after a bit of measuring, drives the bad right ankle onto the steel post once, twice, and thrice before letting Sylar’s ankle go and beginning to search under the ring. BB quickly finds a steel chair in there and pulls it out, sliding into the ring with it.

Dick Morosi: Oh, I have a bad feeling about this....

As Big Brother walks over to Sylar, he grabs the ankle and goes to wrap the steel chair around, only for the audience to start going nuts as the curtains at the top of the stage separate and Blake Jones starts making a beeline for the ring. Big Brother quikly takes the chair off the ground and gets ready for Blake to attack.

Seth Ericson: Just as things were about to get good!

Dick Morosi: Here comes Sylar Drake’s tag team partner, Blake Jones!

As Blake slides into the ring, Big Brother goes to swing the chair, only for Blake to duck underneath. As BB turns around, Blake dropkicks the chair in his hands and has it connect with BB’s face, causing him to drop to the ground and roll out of the ring as Blake gives him one last look before going to check on his tag team partner while the bell rings.

DING! DING! DING!

As Blake tells the ref to call for the medics while at Sylar’s side, Big Brother has somewhat recuperated and is stumbling towards David Zinkus before grabbing the mic out of his hands and circling back around to go towards the ramp side. He begins to speak into the microphone with his actual voice.

Big Brother: The winner of this match....via disqualification....

The crowd boos.

Big Brother: The former 2-time WCE tag team champion, 1-time WCE Asylum champion, 2-time WCE US champion, and the first ever and 1-time XWA Genesis Heavyweight champion....the “Shatterer of Sylar Drake’s right ankle”...the true justice fighter....and the future EXODUS Pro World champion...

Blake continues to look right at Big Brother as he takes his free left hand and pulls the mask off! Some members of the audience immediately begin to boo, realizing this man’s face. Blake stares at the man’s face for a second, jaw dropped. The closest camera is facing Big Brother’s back, but quickly turns to get a look at the man’s smirking face.

Big Brother: From Cincinnati, Ohio; weighing in at 256 pounds....BRETT SANDS.

Dick Morosi: NO!

Seth Ericson: Um, who is it?

Dick Morosi: Definitely not someone who is good news.

Brett now looks at Blake and begins to chuckle before taking a few steps back so as to go up the ramp.

Brett Sands: Surprise.

Brett drops the mic and turns around, heading up the ramp as the medics rush past him to take a look at Sylar Drake inside the ring as Blake continues to stay by his side.

WINNER: Brett "Big Brother" Sands

Seth Ericson: Well, at least we got a name.

Dick Morosi: Yeah, and it might have just cost the next few months of Sylar’s career.

As the medics check on Sylar, the scene fades out. Dick Morosi: Alright...let's head backstage, where Tom Matheny is standing by with the International Champion!

Indeed, backstage at the EXPRO interview area, Tom Matheny is standing next to Jimmy Riley. Riley's wearing a brand new “Risen Star” hoodie with his logo on the back, zipped up with a “J. Riley” embroidered on the left breast. The EXODUS Pro International Title is slung over his right shoulder, the one closest to the camera.

Tom Matheny: Thanks Dick! I'm joined right now by “The Risen Star,” the EXODUS Pro International Champion, Jimmy Riley. Tonight, Jimmy, it's your first defense of the belt as you step in the ring with the former champion, Johnny Cannon, as well as Abby Park.

Jimmy has the mic put in front of his face, and after contemplating it for a moment, instead reaches up and takes the microphone away from Tom, waving him away as he takes up the full frame of the camera. He continues to pause, as the boos of the fans filter in through the air.

Jimmy Riley: Tonight...is an important night. But I don't need to tell you that, Johnny Cannon...Abby Park...both of you know how important this night is. All those idiot fans, the ones who feel like they need to boo me to let me know how they feel...they know how important this night is.

On a night where Adrien Cochrane makes his first defense of the World Title, on a night where Chris Strike and Christian Kane end their year long rivalry, and on a night where Fiona Rourke gets her hands on Jerry Matthews, one on one...I put this title on the line, and stake my claim as one of the best wrestlers in the world.

Those are the things people want to talk about...but when we talk about my match, it's not about me. It's about Abby Park, who won the first EXODUS Pro match, who worked her way into the Winter Road and went all the way to the semi-finals. It's about Johnny Cannon, who “broke the curse” of the International Title by defending it once, who has been inches from the pinnacle of success multiple times.

Everyone wants to talk about those matches and those people, and nobody wants to talk about me! I did what Heather Halliwell and Zero McHannon couldn't by pinning Adrien Cochrane, I did what Fiona Rourke hasn't done yet and I pinned Jerry Matthews! I AM the uncrowned World Champion, I AM the centerpiece of EXODUS Pro Wrestling as we reach its anniversary, and there's nothing-

Nothing, nada, zero, zilch, not a damn thing that Abby Park and Johnny Cannon can do to stop me! I'm leaving this building tonight as I walked in it; the EXODUS Pro International Champion, and with a ticket punched to the Honor Cup. And before too long, everyone in this locker room, every little whining fan in that audience, and every disbeliever at home is going to have to learn what I already know.

I...

Am...

Better.

Jimmy looks off camera, beckoning Tom Matheny to re-enter the scene. As he does, Jimmy pushes the microphone back into Tom's chest and heads off screen in the opposite direction.

Tom Matheny: …....Jimmy Riley, everyone.

The live feed cuts backstage, where we see ashes flick off of a cigarette, leaving just a few smoldering cinders in front of a filter. The remnants of the cancerous object plummet to the ground and are stamped out into oblivion as the smoker of the aforementioned cigarette coughs repeatedly. The camera pans up, revealing the coughing to belong to CHRISTUM FUROR. G&M's leader has his side turned to the camera, with his burlap sack in his hand.

Christum Furor: There's so many things I could say right now that could perfectly sum up what's about to happen later on tonight. You see lately, whether I've been running around with Zack Lifer causing mischief and wreaking havoc, or out and about on my own, further enhancing my intellect, further liberating you zombies, I've had one thought standing out in my mind. Right here.

Gunner points at his temple before looking into the direction of the RIMAC arena, thinking for a moment. He begins walking for a moment, and the cameraman follows suit.

Christum Furor: I SHOULD'VE been in the War Games. I shouldn't have let my issues with Ulysses stop me from taking care of a problem. While the LEGION needed to die, the Seikigun's victory has caused a ripple effect in this company... MY COMPANY... the company I breathed life into. And tonight, I'm going to make four people's lives a living hell if that's the only thing that stops me for making up for THAT mistake. I'm going to rectify that even if it's the last thing that I do. And I understand your aversion toward me. I have been vilified, ridiculed, alienated and hated. I've been the victim of a lot of chicanery and ill wills lately... and I've made it a point to get vengeance for that. And I've shed a lot of blood and ended a few careers in the process.

The man known as "Christ Madness" stops mid-walk.

Christum Furor: Despite all THE transgressions I've had to endure in this company for upholding the truth and being its ONLY hero, there's something that STILL bothers me. Something that I haven't been able to shake off quite yet.

The EXODUS original lifts his right hand up to his neck, gingerly massaging it. He then shakes his head, beginning to reminisce. His muscles become tight and tense as the bad thought invades his psyche.

Christum Furor: Lately I've been on edge... even MORE than usual, so much that I've got this ridiculous tightness in my goddamn neck. And I feel like I'm being strangled. Feel like someone has put a noose around it, and the feeling of that rope, the thought of it snapping my neck... that feeling is regret. I regret not taking care of the Turks back at Desperate Times. And honestly, I know it doesn't really matter... that THEY don't really matter in the grand scheme of things, but they're STILL a fucking nuisance. They're wearing titles that don't belong to them, that I GAVE them, and it's like everyone here has forgotten about it. Maybe you're all too scared to see the truth, to put things into your own hands. I'm not. All I know is, Lasie and Sal Tal, they're the only people since Fiona Rourke, the only people I've wanted to legitimately maim. They're liars and frauds. And I want to rip their masks off SO BADLY... so much that it hurts. I have so many vindictive thoughts about them. I want to break her bones. I want her to squeal like a fucking pig before I gut her ... and I want Lasie to watch, just so he can get angry, get enraged... go to that dark place that we both know he LOVES to go to. And I want him to show you all that there's another MONSTER in this company... that I'm NOT the bad guy. And I'm not. I'm the hero of this story. While EVERYONE else is afraid to stand up for justice... to stand up against these masqueraders... these tormenters. I AM NOT. And tonight, it's about time someone lay justice down. It's time EXODUS see the Turks for who they REALLY are.

Magnus stops by a corridor, and reaches out of camera view. He retracts a steel chair, somewhat dented, and stained with dry blood. He speaks his final though as he backs down into the hall.

Christum Furor: God sent the angel of death to destroy Jerusalem... but he backed out of it at the last minute. Tonight, CHRISTUM FUROR won't make that same mistake. If you don't remember anything from what I've said, you remember that...

He places the burlap sack over his head, and places the chair over his shoulder before marching out of camera view, leaving us to cut back to Dick & Seth.

Dick Morosi: Magnus Gunner...or this Christum Furor...he seems to be dead set on crippling The Turks tonight on iPay Per View.

Seth Ericson: Well, that's going to be just great. When isn't Gunner out to kill someone?

Dick Morosi: Even so, Andreas Lasiewicz is probably more focused on what's about to happen in this ring momentarily. Jack Napier goes up against the possibly former Godfather of Wrestling, "The Conqueror" Gabriel Gambino, and it's next!



The arena goes dark as the crowd wait in anticipation. Then, through the silence, an air raid siren blares through the sound system, and the crowd comes to live as Cochise by Audioslave begins to play. The lights in the arena flicker blue and white, and on the stage entrance, Jack Napier appears smiling to the crowd, wearing a hoodie and wrestling tights.

David Zinkus: From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, weighing in at 223 pounds…The Wild Card…JACK NAPIER!!

He walks down to the ring, sliding under the bottom rope, before scaling the turnbuckle and posing to the crowd, taking off his hoodie and throwing it out.

[The house lights drop suddenly, leaving only a lone spotlight atop the entrance ramp. The big screen lights up to show a single warrior riding into battle. Just as the warrior gets to his enemies the picture fades, "THE CONQUEROR" in blood red replacing it. The opening beat to Linkin Park’s “Papercut” (instrumental version) begins to play over the PA system.]

David Zinkus: Ladies and Gentlemen… From Los Angeles, California, weighing in at 227 pounds… Accompanied to the ring by Ms. Katherine Grayson… “The Conqueror”… GABRIEL GAMBIIIIIIINO!

When the beat drops, the big screen begins to play clips of various Gambino matches. GABRIEL GAMBINO, in block letters, appears in between clips, alternating with “THE CONQUEROR”. By now, the crowd has jumped to its feet in anticipation of Gabe’s appearance. After what seems like an eternity, Gabriel steps out from behind the curtain and into the spotlight, arm in arm with the very beautiful Kat Grayson. He stands there motionless, staring out into the crowd, as red and white strobe lights begin to alternate around the arena. He is dressed in a white t-shirt, a black Spartan helmet with red feathers on top on the front, and "I Came, I Saw, I Conquered" in red writing on the back. A pair of black and red neoprene elbow sleeves adorn his elbows, and his wrists are both wrapped heavily with white tape. Black trunks with his Spartan helmet logo and "The Conqueror" in red on the back are accompanied by two black kneepads, and a pair of high black boots. His dark brown hair is slicked back, and his goatee his neatly trimmed. Gabriel begins a methodically slow walk towards the ring, turning around with his arms outstretched about halfway down the ramp as Grayson applauds him. He continues to walk backwards for a few more steps before turning around, continuing his march to the ring with a purpose. Gabriel marches up the steps and enters the ring. He moves to the far turnbuckle, climbing the second rope and carefully lifting his right foot to the top rope. He stands with his arms stretched to the sky.

As the bell rings, the pair of them begin to circle one another. The crowd has been waiting in anticipation for this one. At that moment, there is a loud commotion from the back as Edward Nair begins to walk down to the ring applauding his star signing.

Seth Ericson: Woo! Here comes the future owner of EXODUS Pro!

Dick Morosi: I somewhat doubt that… But what is he doing here?

Seth Ericson: He has a lot of investment in this match up, Dick. Gambino is his star signing, and this match is for bragging rights. You wouldn’t see Gray down here cheering on his man, would you?

Dick Morosi: Well, I’m sur—Whoa, Gabe takes advantage with the distraction!

Gambino catches Napier with a high knee, knocking him backwards and traps him in the corner. Gambino nails a couple more knees to Jack’s sternum before setting him up for a bulldog, but Napier fights back with some well-timed shots to the ribs. He manages to push Gabe off of him, and as he charges back, Napier hits a cool drop kick. Gambino goes right down to the canvas on his face. Napier sees the opportunity and immediately goes for the Ace in the Hole! He tries to lock it in, but he can’t get Gambino in it properly, so he simply begins to pound away on him instead. Napier hits the ropes and connects with a low drop kick to the face.

ONE…

TWO…

Seth Ericson: …

Dick Morosi: What are you doing?

Seth Ericson: Wha? Oh, sorry I was just distracted by Kat Grayson at ringside.

Dick Morosi: For everyone at home, that is Australia’s own, Katherine Grayson. She is most well-known for an extremely successful Television title reign over in GDW, and has been a known friend of both Gambino and the Godfathers of Wrestling for quite some time.

Nowhere near enough though Gabe is indeed showing some signs of ring rust. Napier picks Gambino up by the head and whips him to the ropes. But Gambino reverses it! Napier to the corner, but he runs up the ropes and flips onto his feet. But Gambino was lying in wait and nails him with a hammer like move!


Dick Morosi: That was familiar.

Seth Ericson: That was almost a Polish Hammer there.

Dick Morosi: I’d more liken it to the Harvard Hammer, GFC Champion Chandler Scott’s preferred finisher. Never known Gabriel use that before. Is he sending a message to the Godfathers?

With Napier down, he locks in a seated chin lock. He has it held in for a few moments but Napier begins to fight back to his feet. He begins to continuously elbow ‘The Conqueror’ in the stomach, one after another, faster and faster. Once he is free he sprints to the ropes and levels Gambino with the Punch Line! He goes for the pin…

ONE…

TWO…

THR--

Not enough though. Napier questions the count briefly, but the referee is adamant it was only a two. This gives Gambino a few precious moments to recover. And as Napier scoops him up, he fights back. Gambino begins peppering Jack Napier with open palm strikes, knocking him back into the ropes. He then whips him across the ring and nails a picture perfect Shining Wizard!

Dick Morosi: That was the Parallax Shock!

Seth Ericson: A leaf out of Jonathan Collins’ playbook. He’s really rubbing it in to the GoW now. And Nair is just loving this at ringside. He knows he has made a marque signing!

Napier is back up, though he is trying to work his jaw. That looked like it took a bit out of him. But Gambino has been lying in wait. He hooks both arms, is he going for the Fongul? No! He lifts Napier up and over and slams him down hard with a Butterfly Suplex!

Dick Morosi: A Lunatic High now?

Seth Ericson: Lasiewicz is gonna be pissed… Actually, when isn’t he?

Gambino takes the opportunity to ascend the top rope. He measures Napier up, who is still laid out on the mat. Gambino points down on him, then points to the heavens with both index fingers before delivering a vicious elbow drop from the top rope! He goes for the pin…

ONE…

TWO…

THR—

But a kickout from The Wildcard. Gabe doesn’t argue the count, instead signals for the end. As Napier is getting up he sets him up for the Fongul. This is it! No? Napier flips him back into a pinning combination.

ONE…

TWO…

Kickout from Gabe! Gambino is back up, Double Arm DDT from Napier! Gambino bounces up in a daze. Hurricanrana from the Wildcard into the turnbuckle! Gambino smacked his head hard there… And into a Northern Lights suplex with a bridge…

ONE…

TWO…

THR--

Dick Morosi: Napier is coming back now, but has the damage already been done?

Seth Ericson: He is a THW legend, he is known for major comebacks lik—What am I saying, he’s a Gray guy! Come on Gabe!

A close kick out there! Napier looks exhausted after that exchange; he came so close to getting the win right there! He catches his breath, as does Gabe. The two lock up again. Napier connects with a European uppercut that rocks Gambino back and looks for the Killing Joke… But Gabe blocks it! He moves quickly and boots Napier… FONGUL! FONGUL! Cover…

ONE…

TWO…

THREE!!

Dick Morosi: Dammit, Nair’s man wins the bragging rights!

Seth Ericson: What did you expect? Genius move by Edward Nair signing Gabriel Gambino! He isn’t a Two Time GFC Champion for nothing!

The post-match affairs are going on, and before Gambino can truly celebrate, the sounds of Slash’s version of “The Godfather Theme” starts to play, the crowd turning their heads as Jonathan Collins and Andreas Lasiewicz start to make their way to the ring. Gabe leans against the ropes, his typical smirk on his face as he holds the ropes, inviting his friends and fellow Godfathers in. Jonathan nods and allows Las to enter first, followed by him as the three men look at one another.

Gabriel Gambino: Gentlemen, gentlemen… I see you’ve come down to congratulate yours truly on taking out the trash that is Jack Napier. But I know said congratulations will come with questions… Questions that I may not be able to answer at this very moment. So truth be told, you both can save it. Keep your congratulations. I don’t need it. I don’t need friends who are only there in good times. I don’t need friends who only care about you when you’re the longest reigning Pro Wrestling FRONTIER champion in history. I don’t need friends who only care about you when it suits them. And I damn sure don’t need the two of you questioning every move I make like two whiny bitches!

Jonathan looks not so impressed with Gabe’s comments and asks for a mic before approaching Gambino.

Jonathan Collins: Gabe...Gabriel. For me to question where friends have been in time of need is hypocritical. I mean...while Las and I fought the good fight against LEGION and now Foghorn Leghorn over in your corner, you were off beating up the special education child known as Kevin Hardaway. Listen, these things happen. However...if you’re not in EXODUS to be a team player and get behind your friends? Well, Las can tell you where you’re sleeping tonight.

Jon hands the mic over to his GoW brother, Andreas, who gladly accepts it. He takes a very forceful step towards Gambino, who still has that same smirk upon his face.

Andreas Lasiewicz: We’ve known each other a long time, Gabriel… A very long time. It was you and me that formed the Godfathers of Wrestling, and when we created this group… We said that friendship is everything. Friendship is more than talent. It is more than the government. It is almost the equal of family.. We made the GoW a family, Gabriel. And when you were ruling over Pro Wrestling Frontier as the GFC World Heavyweight Champion, the entire roster was out for your blood… And who was it that stood by you? Who was it that stood by you through thick and thin against all the odds? And we overcame those odds. Don’t tell me now, after all we have been through that you would turn your back on the family? You would turn your back on me… On Jon… On Chandler Scott… I never took you as a fool, Gabriel.

By now, both Edward Nair and Katherine Grayson have joined the trio in the ring. Nair whispers something into Gambino’s ear, who cocks his head to the right slightly and smirks as he eyes Edward out of the corner of his eye.

Gabriel Gambino: It seems my… Associate… Mr. Edward Nair would like me to take out some more trash. [He motions towards Collins and Lasiewicz.] I’m sorry, brothers. I hope you know this was strictly business… Nothing personal.

Without warning, Gambino spins on his heels and kicks Edward Nair in the gut. He puts the hunched over Nairs’ head in between his legs, hooks both arms, and delivers a thunderous Fongul on his former ‘associate’! Gambino kneels over the downed Nair momentarily, that trademark smirk plastered across his face.

Gabriel Gambino: Edward, Edward, Edward… You really didn’t think I would turn my back on my brothers did you? You really didn’t think I would turn my back on my own flesh and blood, did you? My sincerest apologies if our communication got lost in translation, but I do thank you for that most generous contract you signed me to! You see… I AM a Godfather. I will ALWAYS be a Godfather. WE will ALWAYS be Godfathers. Until the very last breath leaves this body, I will bleed for these two guys. They are my brothers. They are my family. WE are the Godfathers of Wrestling!

Jonathan grins and takes the microphone from Gabe as he crouches down, patting Nair on the cheek.

Jonathan Collins: And we are change. So long and thanks for all the fish, Eddie.

“The Godfather Theme” starts up again, and the three men shake hands, Las and Collins standing on each side of Gambino and raising his hand in victory to help him celebrate.

WINNER: Gabriel Gambino

Seth Ericson: Holy crap, Dick...The Godfathers of Wrestling are finally in EXODUS!

Dick Morosi: And tonight, Edward Nair sleeps with the fishes!

Seth Ericson: Couldn't wait to use that one, could you?

Dick Morosi: Not a second later. Let's head see wha--wait, why's David Zinkus stepping into the ring?

With the EXODUS crowd preparing for yet another excellent contest at The Autumn Effect, it feels perhaps a bit odd that a significant lull seems to have occurred at the show. No EXODUS superstar is on his way to the ring, and even our intrepid commentary team seems to be filling airtime with a discussion of the evening's EXODUS Pro Championship Triple Threat Iron Man contest.

For longtime fans, though, of EXODUS or wrestling as a whole, it's a clear sign that Something is about to happen.

In this instance, Something comes in the form of a sudden, white flash that forces all in attendance to look away from the staging area.

When the lightning returns to something resembling normal, there is a newcomer standing atop the stage. Dressed down in an EXODUS Pro t-shirt and blue jeans, he is identifiable primarily by the shoulder-length shock of platinum-white hair that spills down his shoulders.

And for those who don't know? Well, David can fill you in.

David Zinkus: Please welcome at this time, the newest member of the EXODUS Pro roster, Seymour Almasy!

Dick Morosi: Wait a minute, we can't have a new roster member! There haven't been weeks of cryptic promos first!

Seth Ericsson: Not even a mask, you're right! This crowd is astonished, Dick, and so am I – it's not often that someone the caliber of Almasy just walks onto our pay-per-view broadcast. He has multiple world titles to his name over a decade plus career, accolades all over the world – and he's just come off of a year and a half terrorizing practically anyone in his path under the guise of a face-painted lunatic known as Orphan.

Dick Morosi: I'm sure you were hoping for Orphan, and not the Final Fantasy.

Seth Ericsson: Yeah, well, I think EXODUS will take what it can get. I'm sure Nair and company are thrilled they don't have a sociopath on their roster – at least, not ANOTHER sociopath. We're cornering the market on those, you know!

As the commentary team ponders just what this arrival means for EXODUS Pro and all who call it home, Almasy himself seems simply happy to be walking the aisle towards a ring again.

Giving a pleased smile to the crowd, some of which recognizes him and gives him a respectful ovation, the Final Fantasy slaps hands with a few younger fans on his way down to the squared circle, before sliding into the ring underneath the bottom rope. A moment later, he kips up to his feet, and extends a hand to David Zinkus. The ring announcer hands over the mic a few moments later, and takes his leave, leaving Seymour standing alone in the middle of the EXODUS Pro ring for the very first time.

Seymour Almasy: Good evening, RIMAC! I won't take up too much of your time, I promise, but I'm here tonight on business. On E-PRO on FX #7, I will be making my in-ring debut as an official member of this roster, but before we get to that, I asked management for some time tonight to address a few topics, and they were kind enough to give that to me. First thing's first: hi! My name is Seymour Almasy. I'm known as a lot of things, the Final Fantasy for one, Orphan by others, regrettably, but for the sake of my tenure here, let's just call me EXODUS Pro's Judge Magister.

There's a smile on his face, the easy sort of grin that comes with being in the spotlight in front of thousands of people and having missed it. Being able to command attention is an addictive feeling, and few get higher on that particular drug than Almasy.

Seymour Almasy: My name has come up here and there in EXODUS lore because one of my students is Ryuji Kamigawa, a man who disappeared from this company and indeed the shores of America a month or two back. My first order of business here is to tell you why. Kamigawa-san, I apologize, but these people deserve to know what happened to you.

The name of the Monster in White earns more than a smattering of boos, though some wonder just what the Hell might be going in EXODUS if the massive Kamigawa was standing alongside Gunner, Kira, and Zack Lifer in the reforged Gods & Monsters.

Seymour Almasy: Kamigawa-san owns a hostess club in Osaka. It was, unfortunately, burned to the ground the evening before he was set to take on Blake Jones. Ryuji is back home in Osaka dealing with having his club in ashes and, even more regrettably, several of his employees deceased. I will be honest – I do not know if EXODUS Pro will ever hear from him again.

A few moments of silence follow the proclamation, as the crowd appears uncertain of how to react – whether booing a man who had his life's work reduced to ashes and rubble was appropriate even if he had turned out to be something of an ass in the end.

Seymour Almasy: Which makes it all the more important that I am here.

Seymour's words come with conviction, as he shakes his head sadly.

Seymour Almasy: Ryuji Kamigawa wanted to change EXODUS Pro. I know this for a fact because he spoke to me about it often. He truly did want to stop the demigogues on all sides from taking this company over. In his desperation, he turned to a man with whom he thought he had a kinship. In doing so, he created Gods & Monsters. Again, I must apologize to my comrade, as I am here to carry out his true wish, not the wishes he cultivated with Magnus Gunner in moments of despair. I WILL protect EXODUS Pro. I will fight those who wish to do it harm, in the stead of my most prized student. And that battle can only begin one place – at the doorstep of the threat that Ryuji Kamigawa helped create.

Dick Morosi: Seymour's just...he declared war on Gods & Monsters, didn't he?

Seth Ericsson: No one's ever said Seymour Almasy was bright. Foolhardy, sure. Brave? Yeah, but bright? Never. This is sort of what he does.

Seymour Almasy: I am not here only for Gods & Monsters, though. My targets are many: be they preachers who use the word of God to mask their own evil actions, former World Champions cloaked in the veil of arrogance and superiority, or even those who champion the causes of justice while acting in manners not befitting such status, I have come to...judge EXODUS Pro Wrestling. The just will be spared. The wicked shall be smote. I will avenge Ryuji Kamigawa and my own past misdeeds on this battleground.

His face contorts, the images of Orphan's numerous crimes floating easily to the forefront of his mind's eye. Though he banishes them for the moment with a shake of the head, they remain at the corners of his vision as motivation for putting on the white hat one more time.

Seymour Almasy: This place drove my most prized student to the brink of madness and despair. I am here to find out why, and to make it a place that he can one day return to. I will carry out his vision – or so help me my career will end trying. And in the process, I'm going to show EXODUS Pro why I've been at the top of this sport for a decade plus.

Carefully, Seymour bends down, placing the microphone dead center on the EXODUS logo. With nothing further to say, the self-appointed “Judge Magister” takes his leave, rolling out of the ring and making his way up the aisle. The reaction remains largely positive, though there are a few who seem rather displeased with some of Almasy's more pointed comments.

Dick Morosi: I will say it's sort of refreshing to have someone come in here with the intention of helping EXODUS, and not trying to take it over or tear it down. Far as I'm concerned, Almasy's a welcome addition, and I'm looking forward to seeing him debut on E-PRO on FX #7.

Seth Ericsson: Yeah, but listen to his rhetoric – “those who champion the causes of justice while acting in manners not befitting such status.” I think he's here for more than just Magnus Gunner and Jerry Matthews, Dick. There's a little Kamigawa in this one – and more worryingly for us, maybe a little Orphan still, too. Time will tell, though.

By now, Almasy has reached the top of the entryway, taking a final look out at the RIMAC Arena before disappearing behind the curtain. A wry sort of smile rests on his face, practiced eyes easily picking out the dubious fans from those cheering his arrival.

He knows, perhaps more than most others in the sport of kings, the cost of being a hero.

After nearly two years, it seems, he's finally ready to pay the toll one more time. The cameras cut backstage, and we find one of the challengers to the International Championship, Johnny Cannon standing in front of the camera. Quinn Goodrich stands beside him as he holds a bottle of Belvedere.

Johnny Cannon: Don't worry, I'm not going to drink before the big match. This is just, you know for afterward, win or lose.

The man now calling himself "Mr. EXODUS", nods in approval of him own statement.

Johnny Cannon: Tonight, I'm pitting against an old friend, and old foe, well foe turned friend turned for, or friend turned foe turned friend, hell I confuse myself. The point is, Johnny Cannon is going TOE to TOE with Abby Park and that bloody cunt, Jimmy Riley for the International Championship that I never lost. But I'm not here to lament about that, no I'm not about to cry over spoiling milk. What I'm here to do right now, is prove something.

The Englishman leans down to show the camera a brace over his injured knee. He unstraps said brace, and throws it on the ground, revealing a considerable amount of swelling.

Johnny Cannon: I'm the man without fear, and yeah, this is probably the dumbest idea I've ever had, but hell, my own doctor told me not to compete tonight. But I'm going to. I'm not hiding ANYTHING, sprained MCL or not. When I step out into that ring, limping, whatever, I want there to be no doubt in ANYONE's mind, that Johnny Cannon is going to leave it all out in that ring! I love this bloody business. I love this company. I've been here since day one, and I'll always be here. This is my home. And that's my ring, and that's MY title. Tonight, I'm putting my health on the line. I'm putting my career in jeopardy to compete for the three things I love.

He nods again, beginning to get fired up as Goodrich rubs his shoulder.

Johnny Cannon: I'm laying it all out for this company, for that title, and MY people.

And with that, the former International Champion made his point.

The back of a man wearing an open dusty brown blazer patched at the elbows is seen as the camera cuts backstage. As he continues walking down the hallway, his whole body can be seen dressed in blue jeans from the waist down. He notices a door that piques his interest, almost walking past it before pivoting quickly to read the sign on the door. This was the divas locker room, a place he didn’t hesitate to creak the door open slightly to spy through the crack for just a few seconds before slipping back into the hallway, its contents hidden from the camera man. The scene pans to the front of him now, a straggly beard against his face and his long hair draped over his shoulders with a green shirt underneath the blazer. He smirked, spotting his true destination.

He knocked on the door several times as hard as he could, EXODUS Director slightly startled at the noise as his eyes peeked up. Before Jon could manage to tell him to come in, the man swings open the door and takes his place in front of the desk, his smirk turning into a serious expression.

Jonathan Collins: Ah, Alistair Slayde. I’m pleasantly surprised you were able to join me in my office tonight. How was the drive over?

Alistair Slayde: Shitty. Some guy in a hybrid kept going under the speed limit right in front of me. That bastard. They’re all out ta get me, I swear.

He let out a quick, hearty laugh.

Jonathan Collins: Believe me, I know how traffic can be. You couldn’t take a plane?

Slayde shook his head back and forth as he spoke, his hand trying to straighten his thrift shop blazer.

Alistair Slayde: Nah. Not enough money. I’m already a couple months late on my rent, so I thought I’d pass through here, see if I can get an extra paycheck. you dig?

Jonathan Collins: I dig it, I dig it. So, why don’t you tell me about yourself?

Alistair answered with no hesitation, his hubris showing through.

Alistair Slayde: What’s there ta tell? Former Corporal in the US Army specializing in CQC - close quarters combat - before they kicked me out. Mom and pops died before I can even remember. It’s all riveting stuff, I’m sure. But I figure I won’t tell you and EXODUS everything just yet. It’d ruin the mystique.

Jon nodded as Alistair let out another one of his signature quick laughs for only a second.

Alistair Slayde: So, whaddya say? Care to take a chance with an orphan from Texas walking ‘round these parts, or are ya just like everyone else in this pathetic world who doesn’t wanna even give me the time of day?

Jonathan thinks about it. His story is not as different as other people that he’s heard, but Jon has been notorious for being fair and giving opportunities to those who haven’t always had them. Nodding, Jonathan begins to speak again.

Jonathan Collins: I don’t really know what I can give you right off the top of my head immediately, but why don’t you give me a couple of weeks and we’ll see what we can come up with? I’m sure I can find something. Fair enough, Mr. Slayde?

Alistair Slayde: I’m game. The pleasure’s all yours, Mr. Collins.

Alistair spits on his hand and holds it out over the desk, leaving Jonathan to think about it for a moment before a small nod and returning the hand, shaking it.

Jonathan Collins: We may need to work a bit on your social skills, but we’ll figure it out.

Collins shakes his head and looks on at Slayde as we cut back to Dick and Seth.

Dick Morosi: Looks like the roster just got their introduction to Alistair Slayde.

Seth Ericson: Really? Hand spitting? Who does that anymore?

Dick Morosi: I couldn't tell you, but I can tell you this. I can tell you that our next match is a doozy! It's a triple threat match to determine the International Champion! Jimmy Riley meets Abby Park and Johnny Cannon...next!



The lights in the arena dim to just below total black as a soft, lilting tune from a traditional zither gently plays throughout the sound system. The figure of Abby Park stands in front of the entryway, her back facing the crowd. A light shines on the symbol emblazoned on the back of her attire. The zither fades as a roaring drum kicks in.



"Maw Maw Song" by The Joy Formidable blasts through the arena as the lights come up. Abby turns around and thrusts both fists into the air, her mouth open in a shout that is all but drowned out by the music.



Abby brings her fists down but looks at her right arm for a mere moment. After looking at the arm, she lightly slaps her cheeks three times and proceeds to walk down the ramp, her eyes focused intently on the ring. Though her eyes remain forward, she averts them as she slaps a few hands with the fans, grinning ear to ear.



David Zinkus: Introducing first, challenger number one...from Nashville, Tennessee...she is ABBY PARK!

Using the steps to get to the apron, Abby steps into the ring and stands in the center. Abby lifts her left palm in front of her chest. Quickly she hits her palm with her right fist. Once. Twice. Three times. After the third time she raises her right fist skyward, again her mouth letting out a yell.



Before dropping her fist, she points towards a random section of the crowd and gives a thumbs up, listening for the reaction. She drops her fist and walks towards a corner and waits, eyes towards her opponent, as the music dies down until the zither plays briefly before coming to an end.

Dick Morosi: Abby Park looking as excited and at the top of her game as ever tonight against Jimmy Riley and her longtime rival and tag team partner!

Seth Ericson: Hey, it's a Short Change Heroes reunion!

A few moments pass, before the blaring chords of "Supernaut" by Black Sabbath slams into its rhythmic bellow throughout the depths of the RIMAC arena, inciting an instant, deafening, vociferous reaction from the EXODUS faithful. Suddenly, the arena lights black out with the exception of the few stationed around the entrance tunnel, which begin to flash in unison and fill with sparks in reponse to the opening guitar riff. The crowd's ear-splitting roar of approval for their "hero" seems to grow louder, as the silhouette of the ravishing Englishman emerges behind the lights, prompting David Zinkus to tuck his cue cards in his shirt and begin his introduction.

David Zinkus: Making his way to the ring,



Cannon's form is seen from the shadowy depths from the entrance area, just behind the curtain. Eventually, the Brit makes his ascension onto the entrance stage, pushing his way through the curtain cloth at the top of the ramp, sending yet another shockwave of thundering cheers throughout the crowd. All eyes on the arena fixed on him, Johnny saunters across each side of the stage, while Quinton Goodrich plays to the crowd. The former begins to survey the venue, wearing his black boots, red knee pads, and 'Manchester United' inspired camo trunks, wrist tape on both wrists and his "#JohnnyCannonCelebrationTour" T-shirt. He also wears the face of a man at the peak of his physical prime and the apex of his confidence and conviction.

Making a belt motion with his hands, Cannon begins sauntering down the entrance ramp, slapping the hands of excited fans that shove their arms out in his direction. Coming down the middle of the ramp, he slows his pace to a stop, posing on location. He playfully points out a finger gun gesture at the crowd, playing to the patrons before removing his two hundred dollar sunglasses and handing them to one of the kids in the front row.

David Zinkus: And now challenger number two! Accompanied by Quinn Goodrich, he weighs in tonight at two hundred and forty pounds, and hails from London, England..... he is JOHNNYYYY CANNON!!!!

Cannon quickly runs up the ring steps and quickly leaps over the ropes with relative ease. Using the momentum from his jump, Johnny spins into the center of the ring before stopping on the drop of a dime, peering outside at the nearest ringside camera. Too cool for school, the world renowned actor and former cagefighter slowly unzips his track jacket, and slides out of it with suaveness before handing his entrance gear to the referee, who then hands it to the nearby ring attendant.



From there Johnny slowly backs into the ropes, hooking his arms back on them before bouncing several times, beginning his mental preparations and prerequisites as Quinn looks on from ringside. He was psyching himself up, hoping to prove to himself, and to the world, that he was the greatest wrestler on planet earth. Now in the corner, he stands, his head lightly resting against the pad as he awaits the start of the match.

Dick Morosi: Johnny Cannon is looking more determined than ever tonight.

Seth Ericson: He better be, because my boy is coming out next!

The horns break into the static noise of the crowd, and more than a fair share of the audience rises to their feet, boos beginning to sprinkle down in the arena. The lights have dimmed, but haven't gone completely out, as a single spotlight rests on the curtain. After mere seconds, Jay-Z's voice can be heard, heralding the Death of Auto-Tune;



Jimmy Riley bursts through the curtain, his steps driven, his hoodie half-zipped, and his face almost stoic. His arms shoot out to the sides as he soaks in the reaction for a moment on the stage before beginning a somewhat slow walk down the aisle.



Reaching ringside, Jimmy walks around to the far side of the ring, hoisting himself up to the apron. After looking out at the crowd, Riley nods at David Zinkus, then climbs up to the second rope, still on the outside of the ring.

David Zinkus: Now entering the ring, from Cleveland, Ohio...now residing in San Diego, California! Weighing in at two-hundred fourty-five pounds! This is your EXODUS Pro International Champion... “THE RISEN STAR”...JIMMY...RILEY!



Jimmy hops down into the ring, walking to each side while his mouth moves almost non-stop. As he reaches the final side of the ring, he removes his hoodie, tossing it to the floor and leaning into his corner.

Dick Morosi: This is starting to get ugly, the entire war between all three.

Seth Ericson: Don't hate Jimmy because he's better, Dick.

As the bell sounds, Abby quickly charges at Jimmy Riley, leaping into him with a forearm that sends the Risen Star backpedaling into the nearest corner. From there she begins to unload her frustrations on the defending champion, laying into him with a series of rights and lefts to the midsection. Before she can continue her assault, her former tag team partner steps forward and wraps an arm around her waist before tossing her to the canvas – only to take the reins so to speak and unleash his own fury on the Ohioan with a flurry of toe kicks to the breadbasket that eventually reduce the champion to a crumbled heap in the corner. Taking offense to being ‘one-upped’ by the multi-talented Englishman, Abigail scrambles back to her feet, and spins Johnny around before striking him in his injured knee. Wincing, Cannon doubles over to tend to his impaired limb, allowing Park to go to town on him with a combination of elbows and forearms to his vulnerable cranium. She attempts another forearm – only to have the protruding limb captured by her opponent who quickly steps over said arm and attempts his Crucifix Armbar. Having scouted the move and her adversary for that matter, Park rolls through once they transition to the canvas, effectively evading the submission.

Dick Morosi: It’s obvious that their mutual aversion for Jimmy Riley has put Cannon and Park at odds tonight. I doubt there will be much teaming between these two.

Seth Ericson: And that’s great news for the champion. If I’m Riley, I’ll be happy to let them exhaust one another, then pick up the pieces wherever they may fall.

The Short Change Heroes turned short term enemies return to a stand – with Cannon making the first move and charging straight at Park. He lunges forward, allowing himself to be sucked into an Arm Drag Takedown as Abby sends him somersaulting forward straight down into the canvas. The former International Champion springs back to his feet, and quickly returns the favor to the incoming Southern Brawler, taking her down with an Arm Drag of his own as she is slammed into the mat. She scurries back to her feet with ease, and from there their rivalry picks up right where it left off, as the EXODUS titans engage in a heated battle of fisticuffs. Abby connects with a right hand - Cannon with a European Uppercut -another right hand from Park –another Uppercut from Cannon. Johnny eventually gets the better of the exchange, having the size advantage and striking background, and levels her with a STIFF European Uppercut that sends the Korean American staggering into the ropes. The man proclaiming to be “Mr. EXODUS”, quickly grabs a hold of Park’s arm, and drags her off the ropes – only for Abby to spin and reverse the Irish Whip with an attempt of her own – only to have Cannon do the same, getting the better of the exchange of reversals. He sends Park flying into Jimmy Riley, and the collision knocks the champion through the ropes and out of the ring.

Staggering back, Park turns into a Clothesline attempt from her former partner, but she has enough wherewithal to duck. She captures the turning Cannon in a Headlock takedown, dragging him to the canvas. Keeping his cool, Johnny quickly counters, trapping her in a headscissors just as he hits the canvas. Forced to take evasive measures, Park slithers and maneuvers her body to the base of the Englishman’s lower extremities, before leaning onto her head. She then catapults forward – effectively escaping her captivity and landing onto his chest for the pinfall.

“ONE”

“TWO”

With his shoulders pinned down, Johnny encircles his arms around Park’s waist before bridging and forcing his body off the canvas to a vertical base. Following the impressive feat of strength, he spins inward twice, whilst transitioning his grip to Park’s arms in an attempt to bring her down with a Backslide. She blocks, hooking his leg with her foot, before sliding her arms free and turning into Cannon with a knee to the solarplexus. She then follows up with a STIFF forearm into the jaw, and then a second – however the third is blocked as Johnny captures the arm. Once again, he goes for the Cross Armbreaker, only to have Park counter once more. She rolls through, and somehow manages to stack him onto his own shoulders with an Inside Cradle.

“ONE”

“TWO”

Dick Morosi: That was close right there but Johnny Cannon powers out! These two seem to know each other like the back of their hands.

Seth Ericson: Meanwhile, Riley bides his time, like a snake in the bushes, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Both superstars begin to climb back to vertical bases respectively – with Park coming to a stand while Cannon ascends to a knee. Holding higher ground so to speak, Abby quickly charges forward, swinger her arm wildly in a Clothesline attempt. Johnny is having none of it, as he artfully circumvents the attack, and simultaneously grabs a hold of his foe’s arm. He quickly applies a Hammerlock, immobilizing the tenacious Tennessean, before swinging himself back around to apply a Front facelock with his free arm. Afterward, he strategically sweeps at her legs, coercing her off her feet and driving her momentum forward to plant her face first into the canvas with a thunderous DDT. Johnny takes a brief moment to recuperate, and regain his breath, while Park lies motionless with her face buried in the mat. Having gotten a much needed breather, the former champion comes back to a stand, and immediately surveys the landscape in desperate search for his other opponent. He ultimately finds what he’s looking for, though not in the fashion he desired, as Riley comes dashing into camera view, leveling the turning Cannon with a vicious Clothesline. As the only man standing, albeit tentatively, The Risen Star smiles a cocksure grin, and takes a bow, receiving a chorus of boos for his very heelish gesture.

Having finished his posturing, Riley quickly goes on the attack, focusing his assault on the first moving body he sees. Unfortunately for her, it’s Abby Park, and Jimmy immediately pounces on her with a clubbing blow to the upperback, just as she had climbed onto all fours. He then lifts her up to a vertical base, violently slamming a knee into her gut, before tossing her out of the ring. In another condescending display, he wipes his hands, intimating that he had ‘taken out the trash’, before focusing his attention on the man he won the International Championship from. However, before he can exert his will, Cannon climbs back to his feet and immediately strikes his adversary with a flesh wrenching chop. The Flairesque “WOO” chants quickly fill the RIMAC, as Riley winces and shrivels up from the blow to his bare chest. But there’s more where that came from – Johnny quickly follows up with another chop, sending Riley retreating into the ropes. From there, Cannon commences a rapid fire sequence of chops, reddening the defending champ’s chest with stinging strike after stinging strike which ignites the RIMAC arena. Taking a hold of JImmy’s arm, Cannon attempts an Irish Whip - Riley spins and pivots to counter with one of his own, launching the Brit across the ring. On the rebound, Johnny quickly ducks to avoid a Clothesline, before turning to lean into the second set of ropes. As he returns for the second time, he’s unable to avoid his foe’s return fire, as Riley takes him out with an impressive Spinning Heel Kick.

Seth Ericson: And now Riley is in completely control Dick. This is a man who hasn’t complained about things not going his way. He just takes care of business like a true professional.

Dick Morosi: What the hell are you talking about Seth? He’s complained countless times about having to defend his belt tonight, and that was after he tried to screw BOTH Cannon and Park out of a title match.

Seth Ericson: Well, I honestly believe he was acting in the best interest of the FX Network. What kind of message would it send having a raging alcoholic holding the International Championship? Think of the kids Dick!

Dick Morosi: Yes, because cheating the system and weaseling your way out of your obligations are the types of behavior we want our younger viewers to emulate.

Jimmy slowly climbs back to his feet, and grabs Cannon by the head before proceeding to drag him to a stand. Riley moves behind him, quickly placing his head under the Brit’s arm, while also encircling his arms around the former champ’s torso. He then drives his momentum backward to drop the London brawler on his back and shoulders with a textbook Backdrop Suplex. He quickly floats over to execute a lateral press for the pinfall.

“ONE”

“TWO”

Cannon manages to roll a shoulder over to break the count. His tenacity slightly dismays the Cleveland born veteran who climbs to his feet with a scowl on his face. Riley begins to drag his nemesis to his feet, only to have Johnny drive a fist into his belly, followed by a second and a third which leaves Riley wincing and staggering. “Mr. EXODUS” regains a vertical base and takes a deep breath, before formulating his next offensive maneuver. As he advances forward, Jimmy side steps and spins, scoring with a STIFF back elbow, plunging said bone into the chin of his incoming foe, neutralizing his target and sending him retreating into the corner. The Risen Star picks his hands through his hair, his eyes narrowed, his teeth gritted, his rage beginning to manifest before the eyes of the spectators. The indignant champion suddenly charges at the corner, allowing his fury to get the better of him. Johnny capitalizes off of Riley’s impulsiveness, swinging his boots level to his head and driving them into the Ohioan’s jaw. Having sent Riley stumbling back, the Brit charges out of the corner, only to have a Clothesline come his way. He circumvents the attack, maneuvering behind Riley whilst applying a Rear Waistlock. He pushes Riley forward back into the corner, and suddenly rolls back to attempt the Chaos Theory German Suplex. Jimmy blocks, instinctively grabbing onto the ropes on either side of him, sending Johnny rolling back empty handed. In the far side of the ring, Abby Park slides back inside the squared circle. She wastes no time in making her presence felt, as she charges straight at Cannon who burrows his head into the canvas like an armadillo. The spitfire Korean steps onto Johnny’s back, using him to springboard herself into the air, where she connects with a dropkick into a turning Jimmy’s chest - compressing him between the turnbuckle padding and the soles of her boots.

Dick Morosi: What a sequence of events! Abby Park has just turned the RIMAC on it’s head. Listen to the crowd Seth.

“ABBY PARK!”

*CLAP- CLAP- CLAP -CLAP- CLAP*

“ABBY PARK!”

*CLAP- CLAP- CLAP -CLAP- CLAP*

Seth Ericson: And that’s why we can’t trust these Koreans. They’ll come out of nowhere and drop a damn nuke on you!

As Riley slowly rolls under the bottom rope and onto the apron, an energized Park springs back to her feet. She dives at Cannon with a short arm Clothesline, taking him off his knees with authority before immediately following up with a cover.

“ONE”

“TWO”

Johnny rolls a shoulder over to avoid defeat. Maintaining her composure and adrenaline rush in spite of the unsuccessful pinfall, Park climbs back to a vertical base, and begins stomping the downed Brit like she were trying to put out a small fire. Desperately, Cannon rolls to the ropes to get some much needed breathing room. As he tries to pull himself up, Park refuses to let up, and starts clubbing and hammering him in the back with forearms. Cannon refuses to be pulverized into submission, as he scores with an elbow to the midsection that staggers his smaller foe. He comes to a stand, and follows up with a European Uppercut that sends both spit flying and Park’s head awkwardly snapping behind her. From there, he Irish Whips her into the ropes, only to miss the Clothesline upon her rebound. She bounces off the ropes a second time, and comes flying with a raised knee that lands flush, knocking the Englishman off his feet, dropping him like a bad habit.

Dick Morosi: SEOUL TRAIN! Abby is feeling it now! Could this be her night?

Seth Ericson: Where the hell is this coming from? She's like the energizer bunny Dick!

The crowd rallies behind her, as Abigail crouches behind a weary Cannon, beginning to size him up. Delirious and dazed, Johnny groggily comes back to a stand, prompting Park to strike. She leans forward, and attempts to put the much larger man on her shoulders for the Cropduster - and the crowd roars in approval in response to her valiant effort. Just when she begins to lift him off the canvas, Cannon manages to slip behind her and quickly wraps his arms around her waist. Before anything can transgress, Jimmy Riley leans up on the apron, and immediately climbs onto the top ring cable. Exploiting the elasticity of the cables, he launches himself toward his two targets - Park ducks in desperation, leaving the champion to reach around Cannon’s body, clasping his hands together upon them encircling the Brit’s torso. As he lands seated on the canvas, Riley drags Cannon down, whilst simultaneously, Johnny violently bridges his back, releasing Abby overhead. While she lands with a resounding thud, Cannon is caught with his shoulders pinned down, prompting the referee to make the count.

Seth Ericson: The Risen Star is shining here at the Autumn Effect! Jimmy Riley has stole the show tonight. He’s got it here!

“ONE”

“TWO”

Dick Morosi: Close but no cigar! Riley almost had it with that Sunset Flip… while Cannon took Park out with that German Suplex… OH MY GOD what a combination, what a turn of events, what a match!

After Cannon somehow kicks out, Jimmy sluggishly climbs back to his feet. He lifts Johnny to a vertical base, and leans him over before maliciously and repeatedly driving his knee into the Brit’s forehead. Having smashed in Cannon’s cranium, Riley applies a front facelock, and throws the Brit’s arm over his shoulder, seemingly attempting his Ego Check Brainbuster. Johnny has other plans however, as the pugnacious challenger fights out of the perilous predicament by repeatedly burying his fist into the Ohioan’s ribcage. Having been freed from the facelock, Cannon unloads on Riley with a series of open palm slaps to the face, followed by a SICKENING elbow strike to the cranium that bewilders the recipient of said strike. However, Jimmy ducks the Discus Forearm, breaking up Cannon’s signature Clockwork Orange combination by ducking and effectively maneuvering into a three point stance. When Johnny turns, Riley steps up onto his chest before swinging the same leg up and violently cracking the Brit in the back of the head with his foot, scoring with his All The Shine signature kick. Johnny is reduced to a knee, as his brains practically ooze out of his ears - meanwhile Riley scrambles back to his feet and heads for the ropes. Upon rebounding, Johnny shakes the cobwebs, and immediately comes back to a vertical base. He uses his foe's momentum to his advantage, launching the incoming Riley into the air, before sidestepping and connecting with an extremely VILE kick to the champion’s chest.

Dick Morosi: Cardiac Arrest! Johnny is feeling it! He’s feeding off of the crowd.

On a knee, an exhausted, winded Riley wheezes and coughs, while Johnny begs and pleads for him to get up. With buckling knees, the defending champion lethargically comes to a stand, prompting Cannon to go for his patented Roundhouse Kick. It fails to meet it’s mark as The Risen Star ducks. He quickly places the turning Cannon onto his shoulders in a Fireman’s Carry, but any hopes he had of transitioning his hold into his Light Em Up forearm strike were quickly thwarted as Johnny slithers himself free. He slides down Riley’s back, and immediately shoves him into the ropes into a waiting Abby Park who greets him with a forearm of her own. Johnny quickly charges forward, only for Riley to sidestep, causing the Short Change Heroes to inadvertently collide - the collision of which sends Abigail flying off the apron to the floor below.

Taking advantage of the window of opportunity presented to him, Riley charges forward and clocks Cannon in the head, then drags him from the ropes to the center of the ring. Afterward, he maliciously drives his forearm into the Brit’s cranium, again and again. As the strikes reverberate throughout the arena, Riley quickly places Cannon onto his shoulders in the Fireman’s Carry. He holds him there for a moment, smiling while Johnny lies lifelessly across his shoulders - before throwing him into the air. The Risen Star quickly bends his arm and swings his elbow up toward the freefalling Cannon - but “Mr. EXODUS” manages to counter, grabbing a hold of his foe’s arm, taking him off his feet with a well timed Arm Drag. A flustered Riley scrambles back to his feet in frustration, then hastily charges at the rising Cannon- however his impulsiveness spells his doom.

*CRACK*

Riley’s lights are immediately turned off as the former International Champion snaps his leg up to strike his incoming foe in the head with lightning quick Roundhouse Kick. Jimmy immediately drops to the canvas, unconscious from the knockout blow that just dented his cranium.

Dick Morosi: ROUNDHOUSE KICK! OUT OF NOWHERE!

Seth Ericson: Riley’s out cold! What a counter.

With the crowd on its feet, Cannon slowly rolls him over and hooks his legs for the count.

“ONE”

“TWO”

“THREE!”

"Supernaught" by Black Sabbath starts again, and the crowd erupts as once again, Johnny Cannon is the International Champion. The man gets his belt back and kisses the faceplate as the crowd erupts, cheering on their hero! Abby Park looks at her partner, rival, and friend, giving him a respectful nod and bow, before leaving the ring to let him celebrate!

WINNER and NEW International Champion: Johnny Cannon

Dick Morosi: Johnny Cannon made history tonight! He is the first two-time International Champion!

Seth Ericson: It could get real interesting, he's got some interesting people to face going into his chance to be in the Honor Cup!

Dick Morosi: While Cannon celebrates with all of San Diego, let's take this backstage!

We go backstage into the office of Edward Nair, who looks irate.

Edward Nair: DAMN THOSE GODFATHERS! DAMN THEM!!

The minority owner of EXODUS Pro, still nursing his neck with an ice pack storms into his office. He is followed closely by his son and attorney, Stephen Nair, as well as EXODUS Pro wrestler, Chris Marks. The San Diego native quickly offered his snarky comment.

Chris Marks: Well, you invited one of them here.

Stephen Nair just looks at Marks and gives him the “Not now, dude” look. Edward Nair ignores the comment and continues fuming as he sits down in his chair behind his desk.

Edward Nair: We need to hit them and hit them where it hurts.

Chris Marks: Then what’s the plan?

Edward Nair: Him!

Edward Nair points at his son.

Stephen Nair: Me?

Chris Marks: You know, he does have a name. The fact you keep referring to Stevie here by pronoun doesn’t exactly help the hazing he gets around here.

Stephen Nair: Shut up, Chris.

Chris Marks: Just trying to help, Stevie.

Edward Nair: Are you two done bullshitting?

Chris Marks: I don’t think I’m ever done bullshitting, sir.

Edward Nair: Then take a break for a moment. Stephen, I need you to win this match against Papa. We need to get control of this company.

The younger Nair nods.

Stephen Nair: Will do.

Edward Nair then points to Marks.

Edward Nair: You need to be on standby in case someone like Gray or Cochrane interfere.

Chris Marks: Can do.

Edward Nair: The moment I have full control of this, I’m getting rid of Gabriel Gambino. I’m getting rid of Andreas Lasiewicz. I’m getting rid of Jonathan Collins. They will be gone before I even think about going on to firing someone like Blake Jones or Adrien Cochrane. This company is going to change and it’s going to change now.

Nair scowls, looking incredibly upset as we cut elsewhere.

Inside of one of locker rooms in the RIMAC, sitting in a bench and already clad in his entire wrestling gear, the camera lens focuses on Chris Strike. Headphones around his ear, he’s slowly nodding to the beat of the music coursing through the Sony headsets, feet tapping the floor before him as if in a nervous shake while his fingers are shaking almost uncontrollably. After a few seconds, he finally looks up, brown eyes brimming with determination but his body language still showing signs of possibly being nervous in regards to his upcoming match and what may determine his future within EXODUS Pro.

“It’s not exactly like you to be nervous.”

While Strike can’t exactly hear those words, as the camera pans back to see where it came from, so does Strike’s eyes. Standing at the door of the locker room is a rather tall woman, golden blonde hair falling to her shoulders, icy blue eyes and dressed to the nines in a silk green dress going just past her knees with a green purse around her right arm, gold earrings in her ears, a gold Rolex sitting pretty on her left wrist and a pair of matching green heels to go along with her dress. Her arms are crossed and the smile on her face is a thin one, as the cameras pan back to Chris Strike, who has his headphones down and around his neck instead. The smile on his face is a thin one, as his hands are now joined together.

Chris Strike: Huh. I’m surprised you decided to show up, Vanessa.

The woman’s grin curves into something a little more…wicked.

Vanessa: Well, somebody out of this entire group of ours had to be here to witness the end of it all. Although Talon and my entourage are here as well.

Chris Strike: Huh. Well, I guess I should be glad to see a pair of familiar faces in the crowd.

Vanessa: …Dad’s here too.

Strike’s eyes widen.

Chris Strike: Wait, Bryan is here too?

Vanessa: Of course…

She takes a few steps forward, as Chris Strike stands to his feet.

Vanessa Cade: The Cades wouldn’t exactly miss what may be the God of Thunder’s finest moment. Also…maybe it’s been a long time for the rest of them, but I need to see how this ends. Between you and Christian. I need to see who exactly it is that deserves to win this war.

Strike steps forward, standing just a foot away from Vanessa before placing a hand on her shoulder. His hands are no longer shaking at this point.

Chris Strike: …Even if it’s the last thing I do…I’m going to end this one on my terms. I’m going to prove to him and everybody else just how alive professional wrestling still is, regardless of whatever Kane spews out.

Vanessa crosses her arms.

Vanessa Cade: Put an end to it, then. Claim your status on the top of the mountain once again.

Strike’s eyes narrow, before he shakes his head.

Chris Strike: …Thanks. Keep your eyes open. Way this one’s going to go…you blink, you’ll miss something special.

She nods in approval, as the cameras go elsewhere while they continue their conversation and we return to Seth and Dick.



Dick Morosi: Folks, at long last, the co-main event of the night is upon us…and man, this is going to be a very special match. A match between two rivals and two of the best athletes currently within EXODUS Pro…and they’re going to settle their year plus war in the purest of methods, bringing it back to where it all started…with the wrestling.

Seth Ericson: Lame introductions from my colleague aside, this is going to be one heck of a bout, with it being contested under Pure Wrestling Rules. Now, for those not familiar with the concept, it’s your standard one-on-one match where a pinfall or submission will win it. However, this is where it gets interesting. I’ll let expert pants over here explain.

Dick Morosi: Thanks, chief. Anyways, each wrestler has three rope breaks to stop submission holds and pinfalls during the match. After a wrestler exhausts his rope breaks, submission and pin attempts under the ropes by the opponent are considered legal. Count-outs are increased to a 20 count instead of 10 and most importantly…

Seth Ericson: No closed fists to the face – sans low blows, they’re allowed in every other part. First one of those gets you a warning, second one loses you a rope break and if you’re out of rope breaks? Welp, you’re disqualified. Also, we’re having a second referee keeping his eye on things outside the ring and a third one watching the footage from the back.

Dick Morosi: This match isn’t going to have any shenanigans, according to Director Jonathan Collins and majority owner Nicholas Grey and they made damn sure of it. Well, we’ve said what needed to be said…let’s send it over to Zinkus at ringside.

The bell rings as the shot moves over to David Zinkus at the center of the ring.

David Zinkus: The following contest…IS A NUMBER ONE CONTENDERSHIP MATCH FOR THE EXODUS PRO WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP…AND IT WILL BE CONTESTED UNDER PURE RULES!!!!

As the soft opening to ‘One Of Us Is The Killer’ plays Christian Kane almost obliviously to the fans steps into the aisle with his back to the ring. His face shrouded in darkness he holds his mask down by his side as two women step to either side of The Deformed Drifter, flanking him. With black tribal-like face paint running horizontally across each woman’s eyes they hold up a red and gold curtain, concealing Christian Kane. Just as the song becomes heavier the two women drop the curtain and kneel down in a worshiping stance, revealing a masked Christian Kane.

In the air we tried to be
But you shot your arrow through me
Now one of us must die
But the killer won't survive

Ignoring the fans reaction towards him in the sold out RIMAC, Christian Kane saunters down the aisle toward the ring, the two women behind him still locked in their stance beside the fallen curtain. Slowing his pace considerably as he reaches the ring The Deformed Drifter again slowly runs a hand over his mask, clenching his fist as it returns to his side.

David Zinkus: Introducing first…from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, weighing in tonight at two hundred and twenty-six pounds…HE IS THE ‘DEFORMED DRIFTER’…CHRIIIIISSSSTIAAAAANNNNNN…KAAAAAAAAAAAANEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!

Moving to the side of the ring Kane changes his pace and slides across the apron on his knee, taking a moment to stare out at the crowd after doing so. Entering the ring now Christian Kane walks across to the ropes closest to the entryway and slowly raises his arm with his hand out, motioning for the women to rise. They do so and watch The Deformed Drifter as he makes a swiping motion across his eyes with two of his fingers. The girls mimic the action, effectively following the paint across their face. Directly following this they leave, and Christian Kane turns his attentions to the ring again as the music fades.

Dick Morosi: There is one word that you can use to describe this man right now…focused!

Seth Ericson: It’s the final chapter of a long and storied rivalry, Dick…and Christian Kane intends to close the book on his own terms against that maniac Chris Strike.

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, some even pounding the guard rail to amplify the noise around the crowd, 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 and slapping the guard rail along with the song in full while white, yellow and blue spotlights swirl all across the RIMAC.

David Zinkus: And his opponent…from Denver, Colorado via São Paulo, Brazil…weighing in tonight at two hundred and fifteen pounds…HE IS CHRIIIIIIISSSSSS…STRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIKEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

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 while stretching his arms out as “March of Mephisto” fades…

Seth Ericson: Why do they cheer him, Seth? He’s as big of a scumbag as some of the people roaming this place.

Dick Morosi: Maybe it has something to do with the fact that he’s NOT a scumbag compared to the man in the mask across from him or some of the other guys roaming this locker room. Nevertheless, Strike looks just as focused as his counterpart on the other side of the ring.

The two hated enemies step up to each other in the middle of the ring, chest-to-chest...and soon enough, they begin staring each other down. Not saying a word, just standing there glaring at the other, trying the psyche out technique. Finally they begin badmouthing each other back and forth, until something Strike says seems to agitate Kane…who swiftly lifts his right arm up and smacks Chris across the left cheek. But Strike quickly responds in suit, by landing a right handed open palm chop against Kane’s chest. Then with angry glares on their faces, the two lunge forward at each other and come together in a collar-elbow tie-up. After struggling for a few moments, Chris is overpowered by Kane; who spins around Strike’s left out of the tie-up and ends up behind him. Grasping Strike's tights with both hands, he falls back to the mat and rolls Chris over into a pinning position; keeping a tight pull on Strike’s tights. The referee slides down, but he notices the grip on the tights right away and shakes his head, refusing to count the fall even as Kane yells him through the mask, eventually giving Strike enough time to kick out of it altogether.

Seth Ericson: IS THIS REFEREE SERIOUS RIGHT NOW, BRO!?

Dick Morosi: Pure rules, Seth. Get used to it, because these guys aren’t taking kindly to any shenanigans tonight.

Kane quickly rises from the pin attempt and steps away as he turns and faces Strike; backing up near the far ring ropes. Chris gets up angrily, and glares at the Deformed Drifter, whom is looking back at the former God of Thunder, his arms stretched out at his sides. The angered Strike charges towards Kane in an attempt to tackle him; but at the last moment possibly, Kane sidesteps and places his right hand on the back of Chris' head and uses his momentum to send him flying over the top rope and down to the arena floor below. Kane glances around the crowd, beginning to wipe his hands in a boisterous manner while standing in the same spot near the ropes and as Strike gets to his feet on the outside, he reaches both arms into the ring and grasps ahold of Kane’s ankles. Then he proceeds to pull in towards himself, and sweeps Christian off of his feet and face-first on the mat. Afterwards, Chris quickly slides under the bottom rope and back into the ring, then rises back to his feet and waits on Kane to get to his feet.

As soon as CK gets to his feet, he quickly has to brace himself as Chris comes back at him with another lock-up. Strike uses his superior speed to slip out of the lock-up, and quickly lifts his left arm up and around Kane’s head into a side headlock. Chris cinches the hold in as Kane grunts from the pressure being applied to his head; and Chris cinches the hold in a few more times in quick succession. To counter, Kane manages to position himself back behind Strike somewhat, and locks his arms around his nemesis’ waist. Christian then lifts his rival up off of the mat, readying himself to attempt a back body drop. But Strike slides free from CK’s grasp, flips backwards, and lands on his feet behind Kane. He charges against “The Deformed Drifter,” running him right into the ring ropes. There he locks his arms around his rival's waist, and attempts to German suplex him away from the ropes; but Kane counters the attempt by hooking his arms under the top ring rope. The force that Strike uses to try and execute the move, causes his grip to loosen, and he rolls backwards over his head. As Christian turns to retaliate, Strike has already risen to his feet and as Kane fully turns around, Strike hops up in the air and thrusts both legs out, landing a picture perfect dropkick against his face and chest, dropping Christian down to the mat.

As Kane rises back to his feet shortly after it, Strike grabs a hold of his head and places him in a headlock, before lifting him over and using a headlock takedown to bring “The Deformed Drifter” back down to the mat. He keeps the hold on tight for a few seconds, before Kane gradually rises up to his feet from the mat. He lands a pair of elbows to Strike’s gut in order to break Chris’ grip on him. Kane goes for Strike’s arm, grabbing it and bringing it into a hammerlock, applying the pressure on it until Strike tries to counter it with a back elbow. Kane is barely phased by the first elbow hitting the side of his mask and as Chris goes for a second one, Kane ducks under it and with Strike turning around to face him, Kane leans back and nails Strike with a Northern Lights Suplex, bridging it for the cover:

ONE!

TWO!

But Strike gets the shoulder up the moment the ref slaps the mat the second time. Kane keeps his grip on Strike, bringing him back to his feet and pushing him to the ropes before irish whipping him off of them. As Strike comes back, Kane lowers his upper body but Strike sees it coming, sliding onto right between Kane’s feet with a baseball slide and prior to CK turning around, CS grabs him by the ankles and yanks him down to the mat, where he falls mask-first before Strike gets back to his feet. As Christian recovers, Strike meets him with an arm drag, from which Kane immediately stands up after hitting the mat. As Chris rushes him, Kane hits Strike with an arm drag of his own. The two men are both back on their feet at their same time and assuming fighting positions, as the crowd in the RIMAC erupts from their seats in approval of the exchange they just witnessed.

Dick Morosi: What an exchange between these two!

Seth Ericson: …So this is what it looks like when they’re not trying to kill each other with weapons. Isn’t that something?

The two begin to move around the ring again, neither man keeping their eyes off the other but as they advance to the center of the ring, Chris Strike is thinking another lock-up…instead, he gets a kick to the stomach by Christian Kane followed by a set of forearms to the side of the face. Kane then grasps over to Strike’s head and hits him right in the side of the ear with a headbutt from the mask itself. The fans begin to boo as Kane begins to deliver a series of head butts to the side of Strike’s head before letting the dazed Strike stumble back, all prior to pulling him by his arm and drilling him with a short arm clothesline. The RIMAC’s booing grows louder as Kane glances at them and taps the side of his head with his index finger, indicating that he’s smarter than anybody else in attendance. Kane goes to work on Strike with another series of head butts to the exact same spot just above the ear before bringing Chris back to his feet, dropping Strike with a snapmare before following it with a dropkick to the back of the head. The camera does take the time to notice that there is a bit of a cut on the side of Strike’s head, some blood beginning to pour down from it as “The Deformed Drifter” drags the former Thunder God back to his feet by his hair, before getting a stern warning from the referee in the process about fighting cleanly.

Dick Morosi: And Kane’s in the driver’s seat with this one and you can owe an assist to that mask he’s wearing.

Seth Ericson: Which, to remind everybody at home, is completely legal!

As he brings Strike back to his feet, Kane mutters a couple of things before starting to slap Strike across the side of head onto the bloody spot a few times, toying with him as Chris stumbles back, but doesn’t leave his feet. Christian goes for another slap, but Strike blocks it out of instinct before beginning to fire back with knife-edged chops and forearms to Kane until they are near the ropes. He irish whips Kane off the ropes and as he returns, Strike brings him up in the air and drops him with a flapjack, leaving both men laid out on the mat for a few moments. Strike’s the first to gradually stir, left hand pressed against the side of the head, checking to see how deep the cut is before standing back to his feet. As Kane stirs back to his feet, Chris Strike steps forward and smacks Kane with a stiff Mongolian chop to his chest that actually leaves a mark on the overly tanned, distorted blonde. Forcing him into the nearest corner, Strike adds an extra pair of Mongolian chops to Kane’s chest to keep him at bay before breaking into a run and connecting with a rolling wheel kick to Christian Kane. As Kane sinks to a sitting position in the turnbuckle, Strike is right back on his feet and running the opposite ropes before returning towards the turnbuckle with a dropkick right to the chest of the “Deformed Drifter.” Chris finally pulls him out of the corner and covers him:

ONE!!!!

TWO!!!!!!!!!!

TH- Nope, Kane kicks out.

Seth Ericson: C’mon Kane, don’t let yourself get hurt by this reckless waste of a human being.

Dick Morosi: Sheesh, if anyone knows how to hold a grudge, it’s you, Seth. Nevertheless, Strike’s got Kane back on his feet, relentlessly going on the attack.

The cameras do show Kane in a Muay Thai clinch by Chris Strike, as Strike begins to knee away at Christian’s mask with knees, not letting “The Deformed Drifter” get anywhere out of his sights. Eventually hooking his arms after a series of knees, Strike brings him up and over with a double arm suplex. Glancing over at Kane again, he deals a series of forearms to the man’s masked self to keep him dazed before standing to his feet and running to the ropes, jumping on the second one and flipping over with a springboard moonsault…in which Chris’ chest ends up meeting both of Kane’s lifted knees, causing Strike to damn near throw up whatever it was he ate before crashing to the mat, holding on to his ribs. That gives Christian plenty of time to return to his feet again as Strike stumbles back to his feet, Kane runs the ropes, screaming the word “RIKIIIIII” at the top of his lungs while bouncing off the ropes and as Strike turns around, Kane leaps into the air and catches him with a STIFF lariat that causes a gasp to escape the entire RIMAC. Kane stands over Strike for a second, placing his foot on Strike’s head, grinding his boot against the open cut at the side of it, glancing down at Strike while shouting expletives at him before the referee comes and tells him off from the nonsense. Kane finally lets off and goes to the apron, climbing the top rope and before long, he takes off from it, connecting with a picture-perfect diving headbutt onto Strike’s ribs. Shortly after the impact, Christian immediately covers him:

ONE!!!!!!

TWOOOOOOO!!!!!!

THRE- NO! Strike gets the shoulder up.

Dick Morosi: Christian Kane may just found himself a new target outside of the obvious right knee, which hasn’t been targeted as of yet.

Seth Ericson: Strike took a risk with the springboard moonsault and it may have resulted in broken ribs. Which is awesome.

Kane pounds the mat, leering at the referee, who insists that it was a two count. Standing back on his feet, Kane begins to stomp Strike’s ribs a few times, alternating between those and then to the right knee in which he injured a year ago, kicking the back of it a few times for good measure before he stands over Strike and jumping over, nailing an elbow drop to the ribs. Christian follows suit with a series of elbow drops after it before covering Strike again:

ONE!!!!!!

TWOOOOOOO!!!!!!

THRE- NO! Strike gets the shoulder up again.

Kane doesn’t deter, pulling Strike’s face up and nailing him with a slap across the face before standing him back up to his feet and placing him in prime position to set-up a suplex of sorts. Strike tries to fight it by placing his right leg around Christian’s left, refusing to be taken up for the ride, but a solid closed-fist punch to the ribs from Kane is enough to get Chris Strike to stop fighting as he’s elevated off his feet. Kane takes a few steps back while holding Strike up…and he nails Chris with a brainbuster! But that isn’t the end of it, as Kane rolls over and eventually places Strike in a guillotine choke. The crowd is on their feet now, beckoning for the former Thunder God to make it to the ropes as he waves his arms around and stumbles around his vicinity but given their distance to the ropes, after a few moments, Chris finally gets his right foot onto the bottom rope, forcing the referee to step to break the hold. Christian Kane refuses to do so and in turn, he gets the count from the referee before breaking off the guillotine at ‘4.’

Seth Ericson: KANE TOLD ME ABOUT THIS EARLIER, IT’S CALLED THE VISARI CLUTCH! And finally, a rope break has to be exercised in this match.

Dick Morosi: The finishing maneuver of former UWL World Heavyweight champion Jerry McClean has left Strike with two more rope breaks to use, but you gotta believe the damage has been done all over the place rather than just one part.

Seth Ericson: Kane wants to break him from top to bottom, Dick. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize this…and Strike deserves it too.

Dick Morosi: Oh will you be serious?!

Christian glanced down at Strike, who is clutching on to the ropes with one hand while holding his ribs with the other before taking a few steps back. Kane glances down at his right knee, pulling down his knee pad in the process and patting the right knee, screaming at Strike to get up to his feet. Gradually and with the help of the ropes, Chris Strike is back up and as he lets go of the ropes, Christian comes running at him, jumping in the air with his right knee extended for his patented version of Busaiku Knee Kick, The Killer Inside [KTI]. Whether on sheet instinct or plain luck, Chris manages to get out of dodge, watching as Kane’s extended legs connect to the top turnbuckle and then he comes crashing down to the mat. Breathing heavily, Strike hangs on to the ropes and steps back, giving Kane ample time to get himself back to his feet before standing behind him and immediately placing his arm around him for a dragon sleeper, which he holds in as the crowd cheers in approval. Strike slowly drags Kane off the ropes, as the referee is on him, asking Christian if he wants to give up. Kane refuses…but instead of keeping the hold, in one smooth motion, Strike twists him around and nails Kane with a rolling cutter in the center of the ring, Kane’s masked face bouncing as if a goddamned Ping-Pong ball from the impact!

Dick Morosi: OH MY GOD, THAT’S THE NOBLE-NECKBREAKER!

Seth Ericson: NOT ONLY IS CHRIS STRIKE A VIOLENT MANIAC, HE’S ALSO A COPYCAT! PUT HIM IN JAIL!

Dick Morosi: THEN WHAT YOU CALL CHRISTIAN KANE USING JERRY MCCLEAN’S MOVE?!

Seth Ericson: TWO WORDS: PAYING HOMAGE!

Strike immediately places himself on top of Kane, hooking the right leg:

ONEEEEE!!!!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

THREE- NO! Kane gets the shoulder up just in time!

Now it is Strike’s turn to look a bit in the shock as he sits up, left hand holding on to ribs as he gradually stands to his feet and moves over to Kane’s legs. Immediately, he reaches out to grab on to them, attempting to turn him around into a Boston crab, but Kane begins to fight being turned around, reaching out far and moving his body across the mat in order to make it difficult for Strike to turn him. Eventually, Strike does manage to put in the Boston crab but before he can apply any semblance of pressure, Kane grabs on to the bottom rope nearest to him, forcing him to break the hold and exerting one of his three rope breaks.

Dick Morosi: And now Kane has to use a rope break.

Seth Ericson: Not that he needs to worry about it. He’s got two more, just like the poster child for blatant violence and stealing.

Nevertheless, while Chris lets go of Kane’s feet for a second, he doesn’t hesitate to grab on to his feet again and drag him back towards the center of the mat before Christian has to turn around and attempt to push him away with his free right foot. Kane eventually does push Strike off, causing him to crash on the turnbuckle. Rolling backward, Kane does return to his feet and goes off to the turnbuckle, opening up on Strike with continuous stomps to the ribs before he grabs him by the tights and drives him shoulder-first into the steel pole, the impact ringing across the entirety of the RIMAC from flesh meeting steel. As Strike stays doubled over by the steel post, Kane gives him a head butt right onto the kidneys for good measure before dragging him back and nailing him with an inverted Russian leg sweep. Kane grinds his forearm across Strike’s face for good measure while making the cover:

ONE!!!!!

TWOOOOO!!!!!!

THREE- Strike’s left foot is right on the bottom rope.

Dick Morosi: What a vicious set of maneuvers by Christian Kane but Strike’s in-ring awareness has to be praised here.

Seth Ericson: …Except for the fact he’s down to only one rope break now, genius.

Kane gets back on one knee and immediately places his legs around Strike’s ribs with a body scissors on it, applying the pressure to his ribs while using his physical strength to drag Strike away from the ropes in that position, placing them dead center in the ring as he applies pressure, adding in a few slaps to the back of the former Thunder God’s head to add insult to injury. The crowd at the RIMAC begins to clap furiously and in unison as Strike grits his teeth, hands turning fists as he gradually sits up. Initially, he tries to squirm his way out of the hold, but eventually, he throws a swift elbow right into Kane’s larynx that is enough to force “The Deformed Drifter” to break his hold over him. Coughing a few times, Chris Strike makes his way back to his feet slowly and just in enough time to dodge a clothesline attempt from Kane as he begins firing back with forearms to the side of Kane’s mask before he spins around, catching Christian with a kesagiri chop to the side of the neck. He adds an extra kesagiri for good measure, before he runs off the ropes and back, leaping in the air and taking Kane down with a jumping forearm to much crowd rejoicing.

As the two eventually return to their feet, Strike irish whips Kane into the ropes and then LAUNCHES him in the air with a high angle backdrop. “The Deformed Drifter” stumbles into the nearest turnbuckle and Strike follows suit, running across it and connecting with a Shotei to the side of the mask, which is enough to daze Christian Kane and leave him to fall to the mat before him. Strike drags him away from the turnbuckles and then proceeds to climb the top rope. As Kane is on one knee and doubled over, Strike leaps off the top rope with both feet together, attempting a mushroom stomp. However, Kane wisely rolls out of the way and Strike lands on both feet. Taking the opportunity, Christian springs up and nails Chris with a kick to the back of his right knee, taking him right at a weak spot before placing him in a full nelson. The crowd gasps in shock as Kane leaps up with both knees tucked in and forces Strike’s back to smash against them.

Dick Morosi: RELÂMPAGO!!!!

Seth Ericson: HAHAHAHA, HE’S GOING TO GET BEAT WITH HIS OWN MOVE!

The crowd, at this point, are booing ferociously as Kane turns his heated rival over after nailing Strike with his own move. Christian hooks the leg and covers him quite confidently:

ONE!!!!!!!!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-

STRIKE GETS THE SHOULDER UP AT THE LAST TENTH OF THE SECOND!

Dick Morosi: NO! This match is NOT over yet!

Seth Ericson: …How…the hell…did he kick out?! HOW?!

Dick Morosi: And Kane is beyond LIVID!

Seth Ericson: Number one contendership is on the line here. Hell, we may be very well seeing the next EXODUS Pro World champion in this match, depending on if they survive each other and whoever wins the title in that Ironman match…

Kane pounds the mat furiously, screaming at the referee that it was a three count, holding three fingers up in the process. The referee shakes his head, tells him that it was only a ‘2’ count and to not push with the abuse any further if he doesn’t want to risk a rope break being taken away. Christian glances over at Strike, who is still out on the mat. He slowly drags him to the center of the mat, before screaming at him to stay down and then moving over to the apron again, ascending the turnbuckle a second time.

Dick Morosi: Kane going to the high district again here, perhaps for another headbutt with that damned mask…

Seth Ericson: …which is completely legal! Add that to the fact that Strike’s ribs have taken a lot of punishment and this could be the coup de grâce he needs.

Kane stands up fully in the top rope, glancing at the fans of the RIMAC Arena booing fervently and he slowly moves his thumb across his neck, indicating that this is going to be it. But just as Christian Kane leaps off the ropes, the boos grow into exponential cheers and Kane realizes exactly what he’s leaping to, as he sees Chris Strike back on his feet, gritting his teeth and firing off with a swift kick that catches him right in the mask and sends “The Deformed Drifter” down to the mat like a sack of potatoes. Strike collapses back on the mat shortly after given the massive impact, which has the crowd at the RIMAC going absolutely BERSERK over what they just witnessed as both men are down and the referees both inside and outside of the ring are checking on the situation from their spots.

Dick Morosi: THE NOVOKANE SHOT! A KNOCK-OUT SHOT! CHRIS STRIKE JUST HIT CHRISTIAN KANE WITH A RECEIPT FOR THAT RELÂMPAGO FROM A MINUTE AGO!

Seth Ericson: HOLY CRAP, NOT ONLY DOES HE STEAL MOVES, HE KILLS PEOPLE WITH THEM! HE’S A MENACE! A MENACE, I TELL YOU!

It doesn’t take long for the fickle “HOLY SHIT” chants to begin echoing through the RIMAC Arena, as Strike is the first of the two to stir, as he crawls his way from his spot in the ring to placing himself right on top of Christian Kane, hooking his right leg and holding on for dear life as he covers him:

ONE!!!!!!!!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-

BUT NOW IT’S KANE WHO GETS THE SHOULDER UP AT THE NICK OF TIME!

Dick Morosi: And now Kane is showing his resiliency!

Seth Ericson: This…this is what a chance at a World championship will do, Dick. These two men, whether I like one and absolutely abhor the other, are going beyond the normal limits of a man for a chance at EXODUS Pro’s biggest prize.

It’s Strike’s turn to show his fair share of shock and frustration as he holds his hands up with three fingers, but the referee shakes his head and tells him that it was a two count. Regulating his breathing accordingly, Strike uses one hand to grab on to Kane’s blonde locks while the other holds on to his ribs. He stares Kane down, gritting his teeth and shaking his head as he smacks him with a forearm…which Kane then returns with an European uppercut. Strike comes back with a chop across Kane’s chest, but Kane steps forward again with another European uppercut. The sequence between the two goes back-and-forth another three times until Christian finally nails Strike with a head butt from the mask, sending the former Thunder God right back down to the mat. Christian sees his window of opportunity, as he rolls Strike onto his belly and places Chris’ right foot onto his left leg before positioning his own foot onto the back of Strike’s right knee and lying down on the mat, elevating Strike’s body up as he begins to apply pressure on it.

Seth Ericson: CANADIAN MAPLE LEAF!!!!

Dick Morosi: He’s got Chris Strike in the same move that put him on the shelf for the better part of eight months!

Strike is screaming in agony at this point from both the pressure on the surgically repaired knee and probably due to some collective bad memories from this movement itself. Although elevated, he’s still reaching with his arms out towards the ropes, using every bit of body strength possible to move himself inch by inch through the mat, as Christian continues to apply the pressure, beckoning Strike to tap out already if he knew what was good for him. But given the distance, with enough hustle put into it, Strike does have just enough to eventually place a pair of fingers on the bottom rope…and that is outright good enough for the referee to break it off. Then again, Christian Kane keeps at it until he nears another five count.

Seth Ericson: Yup, that’s the last of his rope breaks…and now, he’s at Christian Kane’s mercy.

Dick Morosi: And Kane’s not wasting any time either, dragging Strike away from the ropes.

Indeed, “The Deformed Drifter” has Strike back in the center of the ring and is looking to set him up for the Canadian Maple Leaf once again. But this time around, before he can turn Strike on his belly, Chris brings his arms up and catches Kane by surprise as he rolls him over with a small package:

ONE!!!!!!!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

THRE- Kane kicks out just in time!

Both men eventually return to their feet with Christian Kane being the first, as he fires off another European uppercut to Strike’s face, before irish whipping him off the ropes and catching him on the rebound with a dropkick to his right knee. He brings Strike back over to his feet, planting him with another kick to the right leg before grabbing on to the right leg and attempting to go for a shin breaker. But as Kane brings him mid-air, Strike manages to break away from Kane’s grasp once again and back flip over his back, landing on both feet – although he definitely feels it, as he stumbles back a step. But as Kane turns around, Chris Strike leaps into the air and catches him with a jumping Complete Shot maneuver, planting Kane’s masked face on the mat with it. But while on the mat with Christian right next to him, it’s this next set of actions that makes a few jaws drop.

Dick Morosi: What a reversal by Strike, but…wait just a minute!

Seth Ericson: …There is no way…

At this point, Strike brings his legs up and wraps the right leg around Kane with his hands come up, left arm above the right leg and right arm below it, his hands joining together at the back of Kane’s neck before he begins to pull back on it to the roar of the crowd, the transition finished and the recognition factor of what exactly this move is bringing the entire RIMAC Arena to his feet as the submission is applied.

Dick Morosi: IT’S THE OMEGA-16!!!!

Seth Ericson: NO! YOU DAMNED COPYCAT! THAT’S JONATHAN COLLINS’ MOVE!

Dick Morosi: Jonathan Collins was ambushed and beaten by Christian Kane two weeks ago before Zero McHannon jumped in for save! And how ironic would it be if Chris Strike made Kane tap out to the Director of EXODUS Pro’s move?!

Seth Ericson: Anything but that! That maniac is not allowed to win! Not allowed!

The color of Christian Kane’s skin starts turning into deeper shades altogether as Strike keeps the Omega-16 locked in for dear life at this point. Kane, at first, desperately gets himself into a position where he can use his hands and knees to crawl towards the ropes but as he gets closer, he seems to almost fade away near them, stopping his progress for a few seconds. The crowd roars in approval, beckoning for Christian Kane to tap out right there and then, as the camera focuses on the masked Kane, groaning and grunting as Chris Strike keeps a grip on the hold, grimacing when given his right leg is being used for the hold. Kane seems to make one final push before reaching out with his right hand and grabbing on the ropes, forcing the break. But Strike still keeps a grip on the hold until the referee reaches a count of three…

Dick Morosi: And Kane manages to make it to the rope.

Seth Ericson: Christian still has one more rope break to go, but that Omega-16…Dick, we’ve seen it done before. Normally, this gets anybody to tap out.

Dick Morosi: But it also shows the sacrifices that both guys are making to be the number one contender for the World title.

After letting go of the hold, Chris is the first to roll over on his back towards the opposite turnbuckle while Kane stays belly-first on the mat with his hand still holding on to the rope. The RIMAC Arena faithful roars in approval in regards to the entirety of this match, a “THIS IS AWESOME” chant breaking out from them as the referee begins to count them as they are on the mat:

ONE!

TWO!

Seth Ericson: …They wouldn’t count them BOTH out after all of this, would they?

THREE!

FOUR!

FIVE!

Dick Morosi: Part of the rules…but look at them! They’re trying to stand up.

SIX!

Strike is holding on to the middle rope and on his knees while Kane’s got his hands on the top rope, while on one knee, as the two gradually begin to stand with their assistance.

SEVEN!

EIGHT!

Before the count reaches nine, they’re back up to their feet, the RIMAC cheering accordingly for them as the two stare at one another from across the ring, breathing heavily. Strike has one hand lightly holding on to his ribs while Kane’s grabbing on to the back of his head. Strike’s the first one to let go of the ropes and soon enough, Christian follows suit, as the two meet in the center of the ring again, staring one another down. The cameras close in on them, as the two begin to trade words once again, their tones getting louder and more aggravated in the process before Strike does the somewhat unexpected after a certain jab from Kane by bringing his right hand up with his middle finger sticking out. Kane’s eyes seem to widen under the mask, as he winds back…and hits Strike with a closed fist right on the head.

Dick Morosi: OH! Our first closed-fist punch to the face and that…is going to cost him!

Seth Ericson: …What a disrespectful, violent cheater! CHRIS STRIKE ISN’T A PURE WRESTLER, WHERE’S HIS DISQUALIFICATION ALREADY?!

The referee steps up right in front of Kane, warning him of the consequences of what he just did, but Kane steps over him and nails a kneeling Chris Strike with another closed-fist punch. The referee, at that point, turns Kane around and screams at him, immediately telling him he just lost his last rope break. Kane and the referee go on a bit of a shouting match before Christian balls up his fist and threatens to punch the referee’s lights out with it, screaming about no longer giving a fuck. However, just before he can even do that, his hands are brought up rudely as Strike places him in a full nelson hold…in which Kane proceeds to twist and turn around, eventually loosening Strike’s grip on him as Christian tosses him off and back into the mat. As Strike stands back to his feet, Kane thrusts his right foot out…

Seth Ericson: NOVOKANE SHO-

Dick Morosi: NO! He caught it!

Chris Strike keeps holding on to Christian Kane’s foot in the air, shaking his head at him in the process. In pure defiance, Christian leaps up, his other foot going for an enziguri to the back of Strike’s head, but he ducks under it while letting go of his right foot and letting “The Deformed Drifter” crash right to the mat. Before Kane can move any further, Strike moves over to the drifter’s legs and he crosses Christian’s left leg over his right leg before kneeling down and pressing his right ankle against Christian’s left calf. Once in position, Strike reaches out with his arms and begins to pull Kane’s head back with his forearms, while pressing his own damaged ankle further against Kane’s calf for good measure, as Kane begins to scream under his mask.

Dick Morosi: Submission maneuver by Strike! He calls this one the “Luminaire Lock” and this one definitely isn’t a homage!

Seth Ericson: NONSENSE! HE MUST HAVE STOLEN IT FROM SOMEBODY! PROBABLY SOMEONE WHO MAKES IT RAIN!

Strike pulls back on the hold, screaming at Kane to submit but Christian refuses, attempting to crawl to the ropes…but Strike’s right ankle right on his calf is making it damn near impossible. The look on Strike’s eyes narrow as he begins to pull back further, the referee continuing to check on Kane’s condition, who is still shaking his head under the hold and refusing to quit. A camera shot focuses on Christian Kane’s masked face, who seems to yell something along the lines of “I’d rather fuck his wife’s corpse than submit.”

Dick Morosi: Well, that’s classy…

Seth Ericson: People say a lot of things under emotional distress, Dick! You should know this!

…Unfortunately, alongside the announcers, Chris Strike heard it. Enough to where he brings his forearms away from his face, moving his left hand over to grab Kane’s left forearm and using it to pull the Deformed Drifter’s upper body up further, just as his right arm comes up near the left side of Kane’s neck…AS HE THEN BEGINS TO ELBOW HIM CONTINUOUSLY ACROSS THE NECK, CHEST, SHOULDER AND ANYTHING IT DAMN WELL TOUCHES! The crowd roars in approval, as Strike’s face goes red on his own right as he keeps the elbows coming in a steady, continuous flow to Christian Kane! Kane screams in agony at each one, still trying to move his body further but Strike’s leg still trapping him in the spot. After a few more dozen elbows, at long last, Kane screams in frustration as he begins to tap the mat furiously, the bell immediately ringing as the crowd EXPLODES with cheering.

Dick Morosi: IT’S OVER!!!!!

Seth Ericson: NOOOOO!!!!!!!

Strike lets go of the hold at last, rolling off after the referee indicates it so…

David Zinkus: HERE’S YOUR WINNER AND THE NUMBER ONE CONTENDER TO THE EXODUS PRO WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP…CHRIIIIIIISSSSSS…STRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIKEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

“March of Mephisto” by Kamelot begins to play over the PA system again, as the referee raises Strike’s arm in the air before the former Thunder God stumbles near the ropes, having to hold to them for dear life but nodding in approval at being able to seize victory and willing himself to climb the top rope and overlook the entirety of the RIMAC Arena, slowly bringing his right arm up in the air, fist balled and enjoying his sweet, sweet victory before motioning for the belt with his hands.

Dick Morosi: What a brutal test it was for both of these men in so many ways…but at the end, it is Chris Strike who writes the final chapter of this storied rivalry…and with it, earns himself a chance at whoever gets out of Autumn Effect with the EXODUS Pro World Heavyweight title.

Seth Ericson: …

Dick Morosi: You alright there, Seth?

Seth Ericson: …There is no God!

Dick Morosi: You can mourn, but we're going backstage! I hear Tom Matheny is standing by with...Deacon Jeremiah?

WINNER and Number One Contender: Chris Strike

The scene picks up backstage where we see Tom Matheny standing by next to an ambulance. The sirens are blaring, and the camera picks up on a team of paramedics rolling a gurney towards the emergency vehicle’s back door. On the gurney, laid out in his ring attire is the Reverend Jerry Matthews, fresh from his match against Fiona Rourke. One of the paramedics is using a respirator on the fallen pastor. At the head of the gurney stands Deacon Jeremiah Robinson. Clearly concerned for his mentor’s condition, he barks orders at the top of his lungs as Matheny approaches him with caution.

Tom Matheny: Deacon, any word on the Reverend’s condition?

Jeremiah turns towards Matheny, and removes his sunglasses.

Deacon Jeremiah: That, Mr. Matheny is none of your concern. Tonight was merely another battle in the war. Rest assured, the Reverend will be back at the RIMAC Arena in two weeks time. And, not only will I be by his side, but we shall rain down sulfur on this entire company. This is hardly over, Mr. Matheny. Be sure to spread the good news.

By now, the paramedics have loaded the gurney into back of the ambulance. Jeremiah gives Matheny one last look of contempt and climbs into the ambulance. He slams both back doors shut and the ambulance blares its siren. Matheny is left shaking his head to himself.