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As we return from the commercial break, we are treated to a flashback video from Battle Without Honor or Humanity. All color is drained from the selected footage, as the ferociousness of Dir En Grey rages out in the background.

吊るした紅月　今宵で幾つ　

Lasiewicz uses his experience to dodge Lifer’s next blow and follows up with a European Uppercut that causes Lifer to stumble back. Lasiewicz rubs his hands together before raising one hand high in the air and bringing it across Lifer’s chest in a chop heard around the world. The crowd gasps in unison and barely has time to exhale as Lasiewicz follows up with another… And another… and another. The crowd cheers louder with each chop, counting each blow until Lasiewicz has Lifer trapped in the corner.

合わない肌と肌を食して深みのどこへ沈む
開けた布をかき分けながら蛇は胎内へ深く

Lasiewicz begins circling Lifer, stomping him strategically as he goes. Lifer yells in pain with each stomp, attempting to roll away. Lasiewicz is quick to catch him and locks him into a camel clutch. Lifer struggles desperately to escape.

ひらりひらりと悲しげに舞う染井吉野には成れる
汚れは満ちた糜爛の月と嘔吐の夜抉り取れ

He sneers hatefully down at Lifer, stomping repeatedly at his midsection. He suddenly stops and backs away slightly, looking down and just watching as Lifer writhes with pain. Slowly, Lifer begins to climb back to his feet as Lasiewicz just watches him. Before Lifer can gain his ground completely, Lasiewicz picks him up and delivers a devastating chokeslam!

覚えているのでしょう

He attempts to toss Lasiewicz face first into the exposed turnbuckle, but Lasiewicz counters and sling shots Lifer face first into the turnbuckle instead! Lifer’s face bounces off the exposed steel as blood begins to pour from his forehead. As he stumbles away from the turnbuckle, Lifer turns groggily, right into The Silent Symphony!

目眩色…　夜が始まり人が犇めく
柘榴色…　棘を刺して彼方は消える

He climbs back out and grabs Lasiewicz by the hair. He attempts to position him to send Lasiewicz’s head into the steel steps, but Lasiewicz counters by scooping Lifer up onto his shoulders and powerbombing him onto the steel stairs!

秘め事隠す未熟児の吊るした紅月　今宵で幾つ　

He drives his knees into Lifer’s ribs and begins pummelling him out of frustration. “The Morning Star” is now in full mode as Lifer attempts to fight back feebly, but the onslaught goes on onto the ref begins the five count. Lasiewicz stops at four and backs away for only a moment before beginning his assault once more. Lifer continues his attempts to fight back weakly, but is getting visibly worn down from the assault. Lasiewicz suddenly stops the attack and traps Lifer in the Crisis Core Crossface. Lifer yells out in pain as blood runs down his face from the wounds sustained earlier on. Lasiewicz continues to apply pressure.

Bloody Baby & Sacrifice

He gets to his feet slowly, looking down at Lifer with nothing but hatred and rage. The look on his face is terrifying as his fists ball up. He looks up towards the lights and lets out an animalistic scream of fury before falling onto all fours and charging Lifer, signalling the Deshi Basara! Lasiewicz continues to scream with rage as the forearms and elbows to Lifer’s head switch to Polish Hammers. The fight quickly goes out of Lifer, but Lasiewicz continues the assault.

覚えているのでしょう

These vivid repeats from the infamous match between Zack Lifer and Andreas Lasiewicz at the Battle Without Honor or Humanity finally end, instead replaced with the heavens. The sky itself was a blank canvas of black. There were zero clouds in the sky, not even a hint of the bright stars that normally illuminated the sky. No pretty patterns, no views of the zodiac, nothing. Nothing but a singular item in the sky; the moon, rich and full of wonder as its radiance dimly broke through the endless black. As the view began to descend from the near nothingness of it all it was obvious that the streets were empty. Not a soul was about at this late hour, no cars speeding down the roads and the traffic lights seemed routed on the dreaded colour of crimson. Further along there was a large hospital building soaring up into the atmosphere and piercing the sky itself. Only a select few windows were lit up at this hour, while most lights were switched off. The double glass doors of the entrance way parted as a lone figure stepped out from the building, clad in a rich tailor made suit of light grey. He adjusted his pencil thin tie, loosening it as his day was now done. Pushing his dark aviator sunglasses up onto his head, he peered up to the sky, his cold piercing blue eyes locked upon the sight of the faintly shining moon. A sly grin appeared on his handsome yet grizzled features as he stroked the rich stubble upon on his face. He stared forward, giving a little wave to the camera in front of him.

Andreas Lasiewicz: Brief… all must be kept brief. What I have shown you here is simply a repetition, a repetition of the hatred that was poured out into the ring we both called home. Hatred through blood. Hatred through sweat. Hatred through your tears. Soon all we repeat again. Blood. Sweat. Your tears. Such a fitting name for an event.

He produced a thin Marlboro Red cigarette from his blazer pocket before lighting it with a handily concealed zippo. He inhaled deeply as he savoured every last taste of the intoxicating fumes, before letting it all blast out of his nostrils in a bluey-grey haze of mist. Also from his pocket, he produces a white document, littered with words that cannot be focused upon.

Andreas Lasiewicz: What I have in my very hands is a contract. A contract that will allow the scenes I just showed you to be repeated once more. A contract, signed by EXODUS management that will allow Zack Lifer to return to an EXODUS ring for a single performance, a performance that will be his swansong into oblivion. It will be sent for review by the senior doctors of Blackthorn Asylum, to see if Lifer is mentally fit for such a contest. And then… only then… May Zack Lifer make his decision. Is he ready to answer for his crimes? Is he ready to face justice? Is he ready to face Andreas Lasiewicz once more? And is he ready to suffer the very same fate that he decided to inflict upon the innocent? And be carried here, to a hospital… on a stretcher?

He throws the cigarette to the floor, and returns to the hospital building. As the focus switches to the tarmacked flooring in front of the hospital. The ground is aflame, and as the view spirals skyward, we find the inferno in the shape of an eagle.

黄金色…　棘の生えた蜘蛛に成りたい
涙色…　 　記憶を巡らせて
目眩色…　夜が始まり人が犇めく
柘榴色…　棘を刺して彼方は消える

And with that, the scene fades away, returning to ringside for the next eagerly awaited contest.

SINGLES MATCH
GRENDEL vs. SAVANNAH TAYLOR

The lights in the arena slowly dim to a subdued level. Smoke starts erupting from the entranceway. After a few moments, drums begin to beat out an intro. Then:



On the word "you", bright lights snap up on the entranceway, as GRENDEL emerges through the cloud. He stops at the top of the ramp as he surveys the ring and the crowd before him. Darius Reed emerges behind him, yelling to the crowd to psych them up, wearing a simple black REVOLUTION t-shirt.



He sets off down the ramp, ignoring the boos and jeers of the crowd, occasionally responding with a snarl, or a threatened backhand. Darius keeps two or three steps behind, raising his hands energetically, all the while roaring, trying to get the crowd hyped.



He approaches the ring, and climbs the apron, before stepping over the top rope, pushing it down slightly to do so. Meanwhile, Darius skirts around the ring to GRENDEL's corner, shouting in the faces of some of the front row as he goes. In the ring, he stops once more, and surveys the scene before him.



GRENDEL stands in the centre of the ring, and slowly raises his hands out besides him, looking down at the mat.



GRENDEL's head snaps up.



GRENDEL brings his hands down hard, prompting explosive pyros to trigger at the top of all four ring posts. Darius lets out an audible "Woooooo" just after the pyros, followed by a hearty chuckle. As the smoke and debris clears, GRENDEL stands, in the centre of the ring, waiting, the hate palpable as it emanates from him.

The fans in the RIMAC are in their seats, anxiously awaiting the start of the match. Before they have a chance to say anything, the lights suddenly fade to black. The noise of the crowd is replaced by a loud whistle emanating from the sound system. The whistle repeats, only this time it is accompanied by a few riffs from a synthesizer. As the synth pulses on for a few seconds, red strobe lights around the stage begin to pulse in perfect synch with the music. The heavy guitar and drum tandem that follows truly signals the beginning of “Engel” by Rammstein. The black of the arena has been replaced by a vivid crimson as the song plays on. The fans immediately leap to their feet and show their displeasure at the arrival of the woman dubbed the she-wolf, Savannah Taylor. The blonde steps out onto the stage, decked out in a sharp black military-style jacket that falls to around the mid-thigh level her blonde hair falling over her shoulders. In her right hand she carries a solid black leather riding crop. She glances to either side of her before walking purposefully down the aisle, tapping the end of the riding crop in her left hand. She climbs the steps and stands on the apron, scanning the crowd before raising the riding crop towards the kids in Section B and dragging it across her throat. Stepping into the ring, she stands in the center and raises her hands above her head, seeming to soak in the boos. She then removes her coat and hands that to a stagehand before setting her riding crop down in the corner. She then rests her back against the turnbuckle and waits for the lights to return to normal and the music to fade out.

The bell sounds Savannah runs at GRENDEL nailing him with a running forearm strike. She steps back running back off the ropes nailing GRENDEL with a dropkick. Quickly, Savannah goes into the corner making her way up to the top rope hoping to use her speed to keep the much bigger GRENDEL off his game. Savannah leaps off landing down onto GRENDEL with a moonsault hard as Savannah rolls over grabbing her stomach from the impact only to slowly return to her feet. Savannah runs back off the ropes running at GRENDEL for a clothesline, but he ducks under the clothesline attempt. Savannah turns, only to find GRENDEL with a standing clothesline of his own Returning Taylor to her feet. GRENDEL takes Savannah over with a hip toss. She stumbles back to her feet as GRENDEL grabs Savannah throwing her roughly heaving her over with an overhead belly to belly suplex. GRENDEL turns, as Savannah is getting up slowly off the mat. GRENDEL lunges at her nailing her with a nasty clothesline, which turns her inside and out! GRENDEL goes out to the ring apron making his way up to the top rope. GRENDEL leaps off for a elbow drop, but Savannah rolls out of the way GRENDEL crashes into the mat! GRENDEL rolls around clutching to his elbow grimacing in pain.

Dick Morosi: GRENDEL took a chance and it backfired!

Seth Ericson: That is why they are called high risk moves!

Savannah kicks GRENDEL in his injured arm as she brings him to his feet and sends him into the corner. Savannah runs in at him nailing him with a dropkick in the corner, GRENDEL falls to a seated position in the corner grimacing in pain. Savannah steps back running at GRENDEL nailing him with a front dropkick to the face as GRENDEL sits on the mat on dream street. Savannah steps back pulling GRENDEL up off the mat and she jumps up taking him over with a hurricanrana. They both return to their feet, she nails him with an enziguri as the impact echoes throughout the arena! Savannah goes into the corner and she moves up to the top rope for a split legged moonsault. Savannah comes back off, GRENDEL rolls out of the way as the former San Diego Bay Champion lays face down on the mat. GRENDEL pulls her up off the mat and he grabs her around her arm sending her down with a side Russian leg sweep. GRENDEL pushes her over covering her.

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

GRENDEL pulls Savannah to her feet once again and he grabs her around her waist into a rear waist lock. GRENDEL throws Savannah overhead with a release German suplex. GRENDEL turns as Savannah stumbles back to her feet and he delivers a kick in the stomach doubling her over. GRENDEL grabs her around her head lifting her up and down with a snap suplex before returning to his feet making his way back out to the ring apron. GRENDEL makes his way up to the top rope once again, sizing Savannah up as he leaps off landing down onto Savannah with a diving elbow drop.

Seth Ericson: GRENDEL finally lands it!

GRENDEL steps back, picking her up to her feet. GRENDEL runs at her for a running clothesline, but Savannah ducks under the clothesline attempt at the last possible second. GRENDEL doubles around only for Savannah nails him with a superkick flush to the chin! She moves into the corner making her way up to the top rope. Savannah leaps off landing down onto him with a frog splash! She lands hard but Savannah scrambles to covers him.

ONE!

TWO!

.. KICKOUT!!

Dick Morosi: That was close!

Seth Ericson: Close but not close enough!

Savannah rises to her feet as does GRENDEL. She runs back off the ropes running back at GRENDEL nailing him with a leg lariat. She returns to her feet quickly. Savannah goes back into the corner. She runs out of the corner back at GRENDEL, he manages to get a knee up she flips over onto the mat. GRENDEL nails Savannah with a pair of elbow strikes, which stun Savannah. He sends her off into the ropes. Savannah runs off the ropes, GRENDEL nails her with a jumping lariat, which turns her up and over. GRENDEL covers her.

ONE!

TWO!

.. KICKOUT!!

Dick Morosi: GRENDEL with a near fall!

They turn to their feet slowly, each competitor finding whatever reserve they have got left. GRENDEL nails Savannah with a pair of elbow strikes, which stuns her. He locks his arms around her throwing Savannah with an overhead belly to belly suplex. Savannah lands hard but rolls through and stumbles to her feet. GRENDEL runs at her for a clothesline, but she ducks under the clothesline attempt. GRENDEL turns after missing, only for Savannah kicks him in his stomach for his efforts. She runs back off the ropes for a running knee lift, GRENDEL dodges out of the way. Savannah turns, GRENDEL kicks her in the stomach instead, doubling her over. Grabbing Savannah and planting her into the canvas with the Extinction Level Event! GRENDEL drops to his knees, covering her.

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

WINNER: GRENDEL


The cameras cut to what should be a familiar scene. It's of one of the hallways in the backstage area of the (R)Evolution Dojo. But something is wrong. The walls are all stained with splashes of wet red. And we see a figure walking down this hallway, passing the stains. He is obscured in shadows even as the lights shine on him, keeping us from knowing his face. But we can hear his voice, as he sings to us, a guitar beginning to kick in.



He turns a corner into a different hallway, and we see bodies. Crumpled, broken bodies lay across the hall, scattered like children's toys. He steps over them carelessly, continuing to sing.



We realize that that part was directed at someone, as we see another figure following in his footsteps. Stumbling, head down to obscure their identity, he shakily follows the first figure as he leads them to the entrance ramp to the ring.



They step through the curtain and into a massacre. It was a packed house apparently, each seat filled with an unmoving former human. Some had tried to run, but did not make it far before being struck down, littering the aisles. The commentators have departed this world, as has the ring announcer. Red stains everything. The first figure leads the second to the ring as he continues to sing.



The two enter the ring, the first figure kicking a lifeless body from the ring as the second enters. The second then seems to lose what's left of his strength, as he falls to his knees.

A sudden cut, showing only a shaky hand reaching out to something.
A woman's voice, crying out in agony.
A cut back to the ring, as the first figure looks over his shoulder at the second. For a moment it seems there's a hint of color on the shadowy face, but it disappears too fast to be certain.


He turns fully, and approaches the other figure. He kneels down, putting a hand on the others cheek. A quick flash of a cut occurs, for a brief moment showing someone standing over a writhing body that can't be identified, a bloodied hand dropping something that lands with a metallic thud on the ground before it turns to run away, cutting back to the two figures.


The second figure starts to rise up, the first leading it, and when they both stand, the second figure bows to the first. Something finally shows on the shadowy figure, as a smile is suddenly illuminated, stretching from ear to ear in joy at this. The requisite guitar solo begins, as the camera cuts back to retrace the steps taken before, allowing anyone still watching to take in the sights of a Dojo massacred. Finally his voice begins to sing again over these sights.


It abruptly cuts back to the figure, focusing in on his obscured face as he aggressively sings out the next bars, suddenly deviating from the lyrics to deliver a personal message to all.


He starts to raise his hands almost ceremoniously as he continues to sing.


And suddenly the shadows fall away from his eyes, and they can be seen. Suddenly anyone watching now finds themselves being stared at by a pair of eyes that glow a bright and shining yellow. Despite it being just a video, just an image on a screen...they seem to burn like the real thing.


And finally time for the finale.

And with a final sweep of his arms that seems to signify including everyone in his final words, he belts them out with a yell.


The backing music fades away, and for a moment the figure just stares at them with his glowing eyes. One hand comes up, and he waves goodbye. And thankfully, it begins to fade away, ready to become nothing but a bad dream, another disturbing video in a sea of them.

But as the figure fades away, it's replaced by something. A view of a nearly empty night sky, almost all stars are missing from the skies. Except for a few that still shine brightly. The ones that make up a particular constellation.


The feed cuts to commercial.

The arena lights fade down to black, and a hush draws over the crowd. Over the PA, slowly fading in, is the sound of a snare drum, playing out something like a military tattoo. The beat continues, repeating over and over, slowly increasing in volume, as if getting closer. As it grows louder, a white spot starts to fade up over the entrance way, gradually getting brighter in intensity. Suddenly, singing in almost a whisper, just louder than the drums, a voice joins the beat.

??: Do you hear the people sing?
Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people,
Who will not be slaves again.

A man has stepped out from the back, as the words are sung. He wears a plain black hoodie, hood pulled low, with white trunks and black boots. As he finishes the last line, he jerks his head back, causing the hood to fall, and revealing himself as Shozo Arino, leader of REVOLUTION, to a chorus of jeers from the crowd.

Shozo Arino: When the beating of your heart,
Echoes the beating of the drums,
There’s a light about to start,
When tomorrow comes!

As he sings these words, more figures slowly walk in behind him, in beat to the tattoo, 12 figures in total joining Shozo on the stage. They all wear the same plain black hooded sweatshirts, their hoods pulled low over their face. Some have bandanas, or other masks, helping to obscure their features. The tallest of the group, standing next to him, wearing black trunks, and black boots, jerks his head back, revealing the painted visage of GRENDEL.

GRENDEL: Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?

A shorter figure next to GRENDEL, a feminine figure, with black and purple shorts and black boots, sharply pulls her head back, revealing Devan Whitmore. GRENDEL looks down at her and smiles as she sings.

Devan Whitmore: Beyond the barricade,
Is there a world you long to see?

The figure on the other side of Shozo steps up, red and black trunks completing his ensemble, and violently pulls his head back, revealing the ever punchable face of Aries Reed.

Aries Reed Then join in the fight,
That will give you the right,
To be free!

With this, all of the other members, who had held back. Several pull down their hoods, revealing the faces of Elizabeth Lannister, Damon Alexander, Kiriko Miura, Darius Reed and Sue, as well as our figures who remain hooded and masked interspersed amongst the group. They all begin singing in unison.

REVOLUTION: Do you hear the people sing?
Singing the song of angry men?
It is the music of a people,
Who will not be slaves again,
When the beating of your hearts,
Echoes the beating of the drums,
There is a life about to start,
When tomorrow comes!

They begin to head down to the ring, Kiriko Miura darting to the front, unfurling a simple black flag on a banner pole as she leads, the rest of the group pairing up as they follow her, Shozo with Aries, GRENDEL and Devan, Elizabeth and Damon, Darius and one of the masked individuals, two of the other masked men, and finally Sue with the final masked person.

Kiriko Miura: Will you give all you can give?
So that our banner may advance?

Damon and Elizabeth: Some will fall and some will live,
Will you stand up and take your chance?

Darius Reed: The blood of the martyrs will fuel
Our victory march!

As the group reach the ring, the flank out, and surround it, all turning out the face the crowd. As they do so, Shozo, Aries, GRENDEL and Devan each climb up onto a different edge of the apron, staring out to the crowd as they do so.

REVOLUTION: Do you hear the people sing?
Singing the song of angry men?
It is the music of a people,
Who will not be slaves again,
When the beating of your hearts,
Echoes the beating of the drums,
There is a life about to start,
When tomorrow comes!

With this final refrain, there is a round of applause from the audience, unable to help themselves in spite of whom they’re applauding. Shozo, Aries and Devan all enter the ring, whilst GRENDEL signals to David Zinkus that he should remain seated, and pass him the mic. Breathing an almost silent sigh of relief, he tosses the giant the microphone, which he deftly snatches out of the air with a single hand. He signals to Damon that he should join the others in the ring. Alexander nods, and removes his hoodie, revealing an EXODUS referee shirt beneath, before sliding into the ring. GRENDEL climbs the outside of one of the turnbuckle, and brings the mic to his mouth, heralding a chorus of boos.

Seth Ericson: REVOLUTION are here in force, Dick, accompanied by some unfamiliar faces. I had no idea there were so many of them.

Dick Morosi: That’s the thing about diseases Seth, they spread.

Ignoring the crowd, GRENDEL speaks on.

TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
DEVAN WHITMORE vs. ARIES REED vs. SHOZO ARINO

GRENDEL: Ladies and Gentlemen. What you see before you is not for your amusement. This is not an article we are providing for your entertainment. Tonight, brother will face sister, in a crucible of fire that will be for the benefit of us all, not just the victor. Tonight, we show that our tenets are applicable to all, especially ourselves. So, without further ado...

He takes a deep breath.

GRENDEL: Ladies and Gentleman, the following match is a three way dance scheduled for one fall. Introducing first, from Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan, weighing in at 205lbs... he is SHOZO... ARINOOOO!

Shozo nods in acknowledgement of the introduction, before slowly shaking his head as the crowd begin to boo him. He removes his hoodie, throwing it out of the ring over his shoulder.

GRENDEL: And his opponent. Hailing from Townsend, Delaware, USA and weighing in at 130lbs, she is the Mistress of the Sith... DEVAN... WHITMOOORRRE!

She taunts the crowd as they boo her, before throwing her hoodie up to GRENDEL, who catches it with his free hand, draping it over his shoulder.

GRENDEL: And finally, their opponent. Fighting out of Atlanta, Georgia, USA, and clocking the scales at 235lbs, he is the Blackest Sun... ARIES... REEEEED!

Aries positively tears his hoodie off, raring to go, before balling it up and tossing it out of the ring.

GRENDEL: Brothers, sister, give them hell.

Dick Morosi: I don’t care what he said Seth, I think this promises to be a very entertaining match.

Seth Ericson: Hey, they may go too far and take themselves all out of the running. That’s not good!

GRENDEL climbs off the turnbuckle to the outside, throwing the mic back to Zinkus besides the announce desk, as Damon Alexander moves to the centre of the ring, between the three eager members of REVOLUTION. With a nod, he calls for the bell, and steps back, out of the firing line. The three contenders just stand there a moment, taking stock of each other, waiting for someone to make the first move.

Dick Morosi: It’s always the way in these three way matches Seth, whoever makes the first move places themselves at a massive disadvantage.

Slowly, carefully, they each make their own way to the centre, tentatively, wearily eyeing up both of their opponents as they go. It’s Aries who makes the first move, suddenly going for a grab on Devan, but she sees it coming and cuts him off with a stiff kick to the inner thigh. She quickly turns, ducking the following grab from Shozo, and pivots on the spot, almost pirouetting as he spins and lands a hard kick to Shozo’s thigh from behind.

Seth Ericson: Devan quickly putting her speed and agility advantage to use here, keeping herself one step ahead of her physically stronger stablemates.

As Shozo staggers out of the way, she lands a kick to Aries’ midsection, doubling him up, before belting out a Sidekick into the gut of Shozo, causing him to do the same. She quickly heads to the ropes, coming back and hitting a split legged Running Front Dropkick to the faces of both men, sending them reeling.

Dick Morosi: Devan taking on both men at once here. Normally, you tend to see an alliance form to take out one of the contenders first, but that doesn’t seem to be what’s going down tonight.

Devan goes for the quick cover on Aries, trying to capitalise on the element of surprise as Damon hits the mat.

ON-

Kickout! Devan is straight back on her feet, and making a beeline for Shozo as Aries tries to get his head around the situation. She quickly backs Arino into the corner with a flurry of elbows and kicks, and as he gets trapped starts laying into him with forearms, causing him to drop to a half sitting position on the middle turnbuckle. She’s unable to capitalise, however, as Aries comes from behind with a Running High Knee to the small of her back. As she arches her back in pain, he grabs a handful each of hair and tights before spinning her round and out of the ring between the middle and top ropes, right at the feet of Elizabeth Lannister.

Seth Ericson: Smart play by Reed here Dick, separating his opponents, so he can’t get blindsided like Devan just did.

Aries quickly turns on Shozo, letting loose with a hard kick to the midsection, causing Arino to drop to a seated position, where Aries quickly applies a choke with his boot, using the ropes for leverage. Damon runs over, and rather than admonishing Aries, just starts the count, with Reed releasing at 3.

Dick Morosi: I can see why REVOLUTION wanted their own official in the ring tonight Seth. Damon’s not going to try and get involved, he’s just going to play it down the line.

Seth Ericson: And you can see why GRENDEL picked Damon, too. I mean he’s the only one to not really have any personal connection to any of the three people currently in the ring.

Aries silently takes a handful of Shozo’s hair, and draws him up to standing, before letting loose with a hard punch upside Arino’s head. Surprisingly, Arino just rattles back one of his own, a lightning fast straight to Aries’ chin, taking him by surprise. Shozo quickly follows up with another, and another, and a third, forcing Aries further back across the ring with each blow, before Aries suddenly lets rip with a hard knee to the gut of Shozo, breaking the Japanese man’s flow. On the outside, Elizabeth is still helping Devan to her feet, and helping her regain her senses.

Dick Morosi: The external REVOLUTION members acting as moral support tonight, more than lumberjacks.

Seth Ericson: That, and ringside security Dick. You know they’ve got to know they’re exposed in this ring, and have done everything they can to counteract that.

In the ring, Aries has grabbed Shozo by the back of the head, and with some force driven Arino face first into the top turnbuckle, dazing him. Aries backs up, before charging in, nailing Shozo with a Running Elbow Strike right across his face. Devan chooses this as the moment to climb up onto the apron, only for her to catch Aries’ eye. He quickly charges at her, but she drops off the apron, letting him hit nothing but air as he swings. Using the rebound from the ropes, he turns, straight into a Crash Love from Shozo.

Dick Morosi: Shozo bringing that Spinning Sitout Sleeper Slam out of nowhere there, and placing Aries firmly on the mat.

Devan slides in under the bottom rope, and as Shozo begins to stand takes him down with a Kessel Run!

Seth Ericson: And Devan, seemingly out of nowhere, with that Running Step-Up Knee Strike, right to the jaw of Shozo Arino. She’s right back in this match up now.

Devan gets up and looks out to her fellow REVOLUTION members at ringside. As she does so, though, Aries Reed quickly rolls over on top of Shozo for the pin. Damon starts the count!

ONE

TW-

Devan breaks up the pin with a stiff soccer kick straight to Aries’ ribs, kicking him off of Shozo! She follows up with a second, and a third, chasing him across the ring, only stopping when Shozo surprises her from behind with a Chop Block, taking her legs out from under her. He quickly continues on to Aries, pulling him upright, only for Aries to shove him off as he gets up to standing. Aries quickly lets loose a Right Jab, only for Shozo to sidestep it, hooking his arm as he does so. Aries tries responding with a left, only for Shozo to repeat the manoeuvre, getting Aries in Double Underhook. Quickly, Shozo brings his head down on Aries’ forehead, over and over again with The Concussion.

Dick Morosi: Shozo letting loose those sick headbutts straight into the face of the man he calls brother. These people are twisted Seth.

Shozo’s beginning to slow, and getting both arms secured, looks to follow through with an Overhead Double Underhook Suplex. Just as he starts the move, though, Devan rears up behind him, and locking in a Waist Lock uses his momentum to send both men over her head, simultaneously hitting Shozo with a German Suplex as he hits Aries with the Double Underhook. The crowd are stunned, as all three REVOLUTION members are laid out on the mat.

Seth Ericson: Impeccable timing from Devan there, letting Shozo’s momentum do the work for her. That was a big move though, and has taken it out of her. Out of all of them, to be fair.

All of the REVOLUTION members on the outside step forward, checking for signs of life amongst the three. Slowly, they start to stir. Aries shaking his head, trying to reach out to the ropes. Shozo, in the centre of the ring, desperately trying to regain his senses. Devan tries rolling onto her front, and pushing herself upright. Shozo, however, starts to get vertical first, shakily sitting up, before turning onto his knees as he starts to right himself. Aries has rolled out of the ring, to buy himself some recuperation time, as Devan pushes herself up onto her knees. Both getting upright at roughly the same time, they turn to face each other, each simultaneously landing a punch, knocking the other back and giddy again. Without relenting, they bother turn again, charging in, and knocking each other back with Elbow Strikes, Devan collapsing to the mat as Shozo reels into the ropes. Devan gets to her feet, and Shozo charges forward, only to be taken down with a Drop Toe Hold! She spins on his back, hooking the arms, and locking in It’s A Trap!

Seth Ericson: It’s a TWAP!

Dick Morosi: Yes Admiral Ackbar, it is! And Devan looks like she’s got that Full Nelson Camel Clutch locked in. I don’t think Shozo has anywhere to go! This could be it!

Damon slides down besides Shozo to check on him as Devan wrenches him back by his shoulders. As Damon talks to him, Shozo fiercely shakes his head, grimacing in pain as he refuses to submit. His refusals merely spur Devan on, as she leans back further, placing more pressure on the small of Arino’s back. Just as it looks as though he’s about to nod his head in defeat, out of nowhere comes Aries Reed with a Side Kick right to back of Devan’s head, launching her forward as Shozo’s torso slumps down to the mat. Aries kicks Shozo over, and drops for the pin.

ONE

TWO

THRE-

At the last possible moment, Arino gets the shoulder up. Aries can’t believe it, as he falls back to the mat, still hurting from the big suplex. Devan’s seeing stars on the mat, as Shozo is in obvious discomfort from his back. All three slowly start moving again, Devan rolling over, as Shozo starts crawling to the turnbuckle, and Aries slowly starts pulling himself up by his elbows. Devan reaches for the ropes, but can’t quite reach them, as Shozo makes the ringpost, and slowly starts pulling himself up the turnbuckles. Aries, groggy, locks eyes on Shozo as he climbs upright, and starts pushing himself up harder. Devan finally grabs the rope, and uses them to pull herself upright, quicker than Shozo. No sooner is she up, however, than Aries staggers forward and Clotheslines her over the top. He turns, and eyeing up Shozo in the corner charges forward, only for Arino to burst out of the corner with the Future’s Arrival, taking Aries off his feet. He falls on top for the cover.

ONE

TWO

THR-

Shoulder up! Shozo sits bolt upright, in a state of disbelief. Shaking his head, he begins to stand upright, and taking a hold of Aries’ wrist drags him up with him. Holding Aries’ hand above his head in a Wrist Lock, he unleashes a huge slap across Reed’s chest, lighting it up as it echoes about the arena. Shozo signals the end, drawing his free hand across his throat, before pulling Aries in, hooking him up for a suplex. With some effort, he lifts Aries up, looking for the End Of Your Story, but Aries wriggles free, turning as he drops behind Shozo, taking a hold of his head as he falls and pulling Shozo into the mat with a Rear Mat Slam, and covering for the pin.

ONE

TWO

Kickout!

Dick Mosori: I have to hand it to these REVOLUTION members. They’re not giving any quarter here tonight.

Devan climbs back onto the apron, surveying the pair in the ring. Aries spots her, and marches over to head her off, only to get a Pele Kick over the top rope for his trouble, Devan grabbing hold of the ropes to keep herself up as she does so. Aries drops back to the mat, falling like a tree, as Devan slowly makes her way along the apron, and to the ringpost. Slowly, slowly, she climbs the outside, as Aries lays back seeing stars.

Seth Ericson: I think Devan’s looking to finish this now, and in a big way Dick.

She gets up on top, just in time to see Aries standing, and connecting with a Forearm, knocking her down to a seated position. Shozo charges forward, as Devan begins to get herself upright once more. Shozo goes for the Evolving Times, but Aries rolls out of its path, leaving Shozo sliding on the mat on his back, straight into a Jedi Mind Trick from Devan!

Dick Morosi: 450! The Jedi Mind Trick, Shozo never saw it coming.

Devan is unable to capitalise, ricocheting off of Shozo clutching her ribs. Aries turns, and seeing the situation quickly dives on Shozo, locking in his Dragon Sleeper/Bodyscissors combo! Shozo has no fight left, and taps out almost immediately! Damon calls for the bell!

David Zinkus: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner of this match, by way of submission, ARIES REED!

WINNER: Aries Reed

Tech N9ne’s Blackened The Sun starts playing as GRENDEL, Darius and Kiriko all slide into the ring. They each go straight to their respective person of interest, Darius checking on Aries, whilst GRENDEL checks on Devan and Kiriko sees to Shozo. The crowd, whilst not liking the competitors, are applauding the contest they’ve just witnessed. Outside the ring, Elizabeth angrily takes the mic from David Zinkus.

Elizabeth Lannister: Stop it! Stop the music!

After a moment or two, Blackened The Sun cuts out.

Elizabeth Lannister: That’s better. This is not one person’s victory, tonight. This is all of our victory. As such, there’s better music to play.

She hands the mic back to Zinkus, as The Hanging Tree by James Newton Taylor with Jennifer Lawrence starts to play over the PA system. Kiriko is helping Shozo slowly upright, as Darius bodily lifts Aries to his feet. GRENDEL has scooped Devan up off the mat, and is holding her up in his arms, as the rest of REVOLUTION make their way into the ring to congratulate their comrades.

Dick Morosi: Well, it was an odd match Seth, but no-one can accuse the REVOLUTION members of not giving it there all tonight.

Seth Ericson: Yeah, they proved tonight that their Evolve Or Die motto applies to themselves as much as anybody else. Let’s see if they can keep this energy alive later tonight, when GRENDEL takes on Savannah Taylor. Let's go backstage.

The camera fades in on the tech booth, where Ginny Gerrard and Jennifer Smith are sitting together, looking at Ginny’s laptop.

Jennifer Smith: So what did you want to show me?

Ginny Gerrard: Oh! I reconfigured the wifi hotspot I’ve been using here in Japan so now it’s working faster than ever. I figured you’d want to check it out, see if it might be something you’d want for yourself. It’d increase your upload speeds and make it easier for you to get your… er, work up in a timely manner.

Jennifer Smith: Yes!

Ginny Gerrard: The internet is really really great…

Jennifer Smith: For porn!

Ginny Gerrard: I’ve got a fast connection so I don’t have to wait…

Jennifer Smith: For porn!

Ginny Gerrard: Huh? There’s always some new site…

Jennifer Smith: For porn!

Ginny Gerrard: I can browse all day and night…

Jennifer Smith: For porn!

Ginny Gerrard: It’s like I’m surfing at the speed of light…

Jennifer Smith: FOR PORN!

Ginny Gerrard: JENNY!

Jennifer Smith: The internet is for porn!

Ginny Gerrard: Jenny…

Jennifer Smith: The internet is for porn!

Ginny Gerrard: What are you doing?

Jennifer Smith: Why you think the net was born? Porn, porn, PORN!

Ginny Gerrard: Jennifer!

Jennifer Smith: What’s wrong, Ginny?

Ginny Gerrard: You’re ruining my song!

Jennifer Smith: Oh, I’m sorry! I don’t mean to!

Ginny Gerrard: Well if you wouldn’t mind please be quiet for a minute so I can finish?

Jennifer Smith: Okay okay…

Ginny Gerrard: Good! I’m glad we have this new technology…

Jennifer Smith: For porn!

Ginny Gerrard: Which gives us untold opportunity…

Jennifer Smith: For --- oops, sorry!

Ginny Gerrard: Right from your own desktop!

Jennifer Smith: For --- eep!

Ginny Gerrard: You can research, browse, and shop! Until you’ve had enough and you’re ready to stop…

Jennifer Smith: FOR PORN!

Ginny Gerrard: JENNY!

Jennifer Smith: The internet is for porn!

Ginny Gerrard: Nooooo!

Jennifer Smith: The internet is for porn!

Ginny Gerrard: Jenny!

Jennifer Smith: I’m up all night writing along for porn, porn, porn!

Ginny Gerrard: That’s gross! You’re a pervert.

Jennifer Smith: Have you read my stuff, Ginny?

Ginny Gerrard: No really, you’re a pervert! Normal people don’t sit at home reading porn on the internet!

Jennifer Smith: Oh?

Ginny Gerrard: What?

Jennifer Smith: You have NO. IDEA. Ready normal people?

Destiny, Starfish, and Betsy burst through the door on cue, grinning widely.

Destiny Starshine: Ready!

Starfish Carson: Ready!

Betsy Granger: Ready!

Jennifer Smith: Let me hear it!

Section B: The Internet is for porn!

Destiny Starshine: Sorry mate!

Section B: The Internet is for porn!

Betsy Granger: I masturbate!

Jennifer Smith: All these guys unzip their flies for porn, porn, porn!

Ginny Gerrard: The Internet is not for porn!

Section B:Porn, porn!

Ginny Gerrard: Hold on a second! Now I happen to know for a fact that you, Destiny, check your Instagram and post pics online.

Destiny Starshine: That's correct!

Ginny Gerrard: And Betsy, you buy things on Amazon.com!

Betsy Granger: Sure!

Ginny Gerrard: And Starfish, you keep making deals with Carey Dean on Twitter!

Starfish Carson: Yes I do!

Ginny Gerrard: And Jenny, you sent me that sweet online anniversary card!

Jennifer Smith: True! But Ginny, what do you think we did after, hmm?

Section B: Yeah...

Ginny Gerrard: Eew!

Section B: The Internet is for porn!

Ginny Gerrard: Gross!

Section B: The Internet is for porn!

Ginny Gerrard: I hate porn!

Jennifer Smith: Grab your dick and double click, for porn, porn, porn!

Ginny Gerrard: I hate you all!

Section B: For porn, porn, porn!

Ginny Gerrard: I'm leaving!

Section B: Porn, porn, porn!

Ginny Gerrard: I hate the Internet!

Section B: Porn, porn, porn! The Internet is for...The Internet is for...The Internet is for porn! Yeah!

Shaking her head in disgust, Ginny ushers Jennifer and the rest of the Section B kids out of her booth and slams the door shut, rolling her eyes as they erupt into laughter and head back to their seats while they go to commercial.

We come backstage after commercial, and coming back from the ringside area happen to be Savannah Taylor and Ruby Tyler with a very sore and angry Fiona Collins, clutching her ribs as she looks a whole new level of angry than anyone in EXODUS has ever seen from The Stardust Seraph. Of course, to make matters worse (or just slightly more irritating) is Tom Matheny, who comes by with his microphone, looking like he's nervous about approaching her.

Tom Matheny: Fiona, about what just happened out there.....

Fiona glares daggers over at Tom as she limps her way backstage, flanked by Savannah and Ruby holding onto her arms to keep her upright. She sneers, shaking her head at him.

Fiona Collins: What the hell do you think just happened out there, Tom? Huh? Did it look like I was making cookies or something?

Tom Matheny: You have to think that this situation with you and the Family has gone too far at this point.

Fiona stands up straight suddenly, forgetting about her injuries, as she grabs the microphone out of Tom's hand.

Fiona Collins: Of course it's gone too far! It's been going too far since mara decided to make her presence known around here. It's a damn mess! But I love messes and if mara wants to come out here and violent, then I'm going to get just as violent - if not more. I'm going to get violent, crazy, but most importantly I'm going to show mara just exactly what it means to push me too far over the edge. In two weeks, I'm going to bring of these women with me to the ring--

She points to either side of her with her thumb, gesturing to Savannah and Ruby, before continuing.

Fiona Collins: --so mara better step up her game and send two of her family to meet us in that ring because I plan on showing mara and her little family just what it means to be a Soul Reaper and send them back to Hell. Where they belong.

Sneering again at Tom, she shoves the microphone into his chest and hands.

Tom Matheny: And....what about the possibility of facing her one more time on her own?

Fiona Collins: I'm more than ready. When she decides to woman up and face me again? I'll be ready.

Fiona stares down Tom and shakes her head, holding her ribs again as Ruby and Savannah help her off and we go back to Dick and Seth.

Dick Morosi: Fiona Collins has had it, Seth...and by the looks of it, Fiona no longer runs alone!

Seth Ericson: Well she can only hope that she's got her challenge answered, though I have a feeling mara and the Family won't leave those three hanging.

Dick Morosi: We'll find out in two weeks, but now it's time for our Main Event! Aries Reed meets Abby Park in a non-title match! The stipulation is simple though, Aries Reed has to refrain from breaking the rules! If he can do that, he'll get a World Title match, but first he's got to overcome Abby Park...next!

SINGLES MATCH
ARIES REED vs. ABBY PARK (EXODUS Pro World Champion)



David Zinkus: “Now making his way to the ring…hailing from Atlanta, Georgia…he is ARIES REED”



[Bursting from the curtain, Aries stands in the middle of the aisle with a large smile on his face as he places his hands on his waist, nodding his head to the music. Slowly he makes his way down the aisle, smirking at the fans with their hands outstretched as he shakes his head slowly.]

Hold up, hold my phone
Motherfuckers never loved us
Fucker never loved us
Now you want to roll one
Motherfucker never loved us
So everywhere we go now, full cup
Always hated the boy, but now the boy is the man
Motherfucker, I done grown up
You know me, you know me
I'm liable to do anything when it comes to that you owe me
You owe me, you owe me
Bitch you better have my money when I come for the shit like O.D.B.

[/center]


[Approaching the ring, he climbs up the ring steps and climbs into the middle of the ring and slowly spins around with outstretched hands before stopping to face the crowd and throws his hands in the air letting his presence fill the ring.]

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.



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.


The bell rings loud and the crowd is on the edge of their seats with anticipation. Reed and Park circle each other in the ring for several moments. Reed shows early signs of confidence, throwing in some fancy footwork to show off to Park. Park rolls her eyes and motions for Reed to come at her. Reed holds his hand out for the strength contest, but immediately pulls it back mockingly, laughing at Park. Park looks slightly vexed, but ignores the gesture. She continues to circle Reed slowly, staring at him intently. Reed finally stops rushes towards Park, locking her up quickly. Reeds strength prevails and he’s able to trap Park by the arm, wrenching it around and forcing it behind her. Park sweeps the leg and catches Reed off guard, forcing his grip to loosen. Park takes advantage by reversing the hold, now trapping Reed’s arm behind him and wrenching it as hard as she can. Park finally releases the grip and grabbing Reed by the shoulder, spins him around. A swift kick to the gut forces Reed to double over and Park attempts a side headlock. Reed is able to free himself of this, but Park recaptures the arm and begins working it, forcing Reed to his feet. Reed reverses the hold, forcing the pressure back onto Park. Park goes down to one knee as Reed tightens his grip and twists hard. Park makes it to her feet and attempts to free herself, but Reed now has her bent over, arm behind her back, twisting harder than ever. Park is able to reverse this and wrenches Reed’s arm tightly. She goes for the side headlock again, but Reed fights it for all he’s worth. Her grip tightens and she attempts to toss Reed forward. Reed lands on his feet and turns, facing Park. The two standoff for a few moments, just staring each other down.

Dick Morosi: A beautiful display of classic chain wrestling from the Champion and the Challenger! The crowd is absolutely eating it up!

Seth Ericson: No funny business from Aries Reed early on, either. This young man is determined to win this one on his own, without the aide of his family members of REVOLUTION.

Dick Morosi: Still, you can be sure that his twisted family is waiting in the wings, ready to strike as they tend to do when things begin to go sour.

Park rushes forward, attempting to take Reed’s head off. Reed catches her by the foot and attempts to hold on, but using her momentum, Park bounces off the hands of Reed and with a neat flip, lands on her feet. She turns to Reed with a smirk. She wastes no time going in again, going for another kick. Again, Reed catches her. This time, Park hops from her other foot and delivers a clean kick to the temple of Reed. Reed releases Park, stumbling as Park does a somersault and lands on her feet once more. Reed backs away, holding onto his temple and staring at Park in momentary wonder. Park bounces from one foot to the other, waiting for Reed to make a move. Reed shakes his head one more time, rubbing at the side of his face. The look of surprise fades quickly into frustration. He and Park begin to circle each other once more.

Once again, Reed holds out his hands, wiggling his fingers inviting Park in for a contest of strength. This time when Park holds out her hands, Reed doesn’t back away. The two lock up and begin to struggle for a moment, each trying to outpower the other. Reed suddenly kicks out, catching Park with a boot to the gut. As she doubles over, Reed keeps a hold of her hands and uses a shoulder to knock her down to the mat. He crouches over her, not breaking the hold for several moments until he takes a hold of the arm he’d’ been previously working. He twists it around to an odd angle and puts his weight on it. Park struggles at this, rolling herself enough to get on her knees, holding herself up with her free arm. Reed gets to his feet, still holding onto Park’s arm, wrenching it as tightly as possible. Park also gets to her feet, but Reed still has his grip on tight. He forces Park into the corner. Pausing for a moment, he gets a sinister grin on his face. He rubs his hands together and holding the right one up high, brings it down across Park’s chest in a chop heard round the world. The crowd boos loudly as Reed begins to rain down chop after chop. He soon starts switching between chops and strikes to the face, Park barely able to catch her breath. Reed finally grabs her by the arm and whips her out of the corner. Park is able to reverse and sends Reed crashing into the corner meant for her. She capitalizes quickly, nearly crushing Reed’s throat with an full speed elbow.

Seth Ericson: Sweet mother of… Park is trying to decimate Aries Reed!

Dick Morosi: Park has been waiting for the opportunity to get her hands on Reed for weeks now! I think it’s safe to say that Abby Park has had quite enough of Aries Reed at this point!

Reed clutches his elbow in pain. Park backs away and as she darts forward, Reed is able to dodge the oncoming assault. He sends her crashing to the mat with an forearm and attempts to capture her legs for a boston crab, but Park is able to reverse with the momentum of her body. She’s on her feet quickly and catches Reed off guard with the sudden appearence of the Seoul Train! She doesn’t have time to follow up on this though, as Reed rolls his way out of the ring. As he attempts to collect himself, Park bounces herself off the ropes. Reed sees this and bolts out of the way. Park is able to stop herself and bounces off the ropes, backing up slightly.

Reed walks around to rubs his hands over his head a few times, walking over to Darius. Darius is there and taking a small towel out of his back pocket, begins wiping down Reed’s face. Reed says a few things, pointing in Park’s direction that causes Darius to laugh. Park puts her hands on her hips and glares at Reed as the ref reaches the five count. Reed smirks and slides back into the ring, getting slowly to his feet as Park circles him. She holds out her hand and invites him to come at her. They start to lock up, but Reed takes advantage with a kick to the gut. He’s able to act on this with a snap suplex, sending Park to the mat. He goes for the first cover.

One…

Two...

NO! Park kicks out at two. Reed gets to his feet, dragging Park up with him. He sends her crashing to the mat with another snap suplex and follows it up quickly, wrapping his legs around the neck of Park and choking. As he tightens the hold, he thrust his pelvis in obscene gestures, one arm helping to lock the hold, the other arm out wide as he grins broadly. Darius laughs and claps from his spot by the ring as the crowd rains boos down on Reed. Reed responds by grinning. The crowd begins cheering for Park even louder than they were booing Reed. This seems to spur Park, as she slowly begins to shift her body, slowly reversing the hold. A look of panic crosses the face of Reed as Park fully reverses the move and applies pressure to Reed. She is able to capture his legs and crossing them at the ankles, puts her full weight down, forcing his toes into his own back.

Dick Morosi: A beautiful counter by Park!

Reed yells out in pain as Park shifts her balance, driving her own legs into Reed’s. She reaches out carefully and is able to capture his arms and forces them behind Reed’s back. Reed’s yells get even louder, though barely heard by the screaming crowd. The ref waits for Reed to tap, but he shakes his head desperately. Park adjusts her hold, turning her body sideways and falling backwards, still holding Reed. Reed is quickly able to squirm his way out of it and rolls away quickly, twitching in pain. Park is quickly to her feet and delivers several stomps to the body of Reed. She seems unable to stop, but when she does, she’s immediately back on Reed, mounting him, putting all her weight down on his ribs and delivering fist after fist to his face. Reed attempts to push her off, but Park is seemingly a woman gone mad. The ref begins counting for Park to remove herself, which she does at the count of four.

She backs away for half a moment before going in again, but Reed catches her by the foot and trips her up. This gives him enough time to roll away and spring to his feet. He rushes forward, but Park uses his own momentum against him and takes him down with an arm drag. Both are back to their feet quickly and begin circling each other once more.

Dick Morosi: Both competitors are pulling tricks out of their sleeves that we haven’t seen before. This match has been an absolute pleasure to witness thus far!

Seth Ericson: Each one thought they had the other figured out. They seem to be surprising each other tonight!

Reed and Park circle, getting closer and closer. Reed strikes first with a standing dropkick to Park, sending her to the mat. She rolls around for a moment, avoiding a curb stomp from the boot of Reed. She gets to her feet and darts forward with a shoulder to the midsection. Reed doubles over in pain. Park feels her momentum growing and rushes forward, bouncing off the ropes. As she returns Reed’s way, he sees the move coming and is able to leap frog over Park. Park bounces off the opposite rope. Sensing it, Reed ducks and kicks his knees up, but Park scouts it beautifully and is able to leap gracefully into the air over Reed. Reed somersaults out of it and gets to his feet as Park is bouncing off the ropes again. As Park comes flying back towards Reed, he holds his arm out and sends Park back to the mat like a bag of rocks. Park is stunned and out of breath. Reed takes a moment and stumbles back into the corner, sitting on the middle rope to catch his breath. Darius climbs the apron and begins squirting him with spray bottle of water.

Reed, never taking his eyes off of Park, gets to his feet and walks over to where Park is still recovering from the clothesline. Reed leans down and grabs Park by her face, dragging her to her feet. He positions her and throws her behind him with a belly to back suplex and bridges for the cover.

One…

Two….

NO!! Park gets the shoulder up at two!

Dick Morosi: An admittedly clever move by the challenger on the champion just now!

Seth Ericson: Reed is determined to bring this title home to his family!

Dick Morosi: Unfortunately for him, Park is just as determined to hold on to the belt for a bit longer!

Reed has gotten to his feet and wastes no time taking advantage of the fallen Park. He forces her to her feet again and pushes her off the ropes. She bounces off them and straight into the opposite ropes. Gaining her momentum, she comes off and nails Reed with a spinning heel kick! Reed goes crashing onto his back and both competitors need a moment to regain their senses. Park is first to her feet, Reed not far behind. Park attacks quickly with another spinning heel kick. She gets to her feet quickly and drags Reed with her. With a snapmare, she forces him down again and follows this up with a standing leg drop. She goes for the cover.

One…

Two...

NO! Reed kicks out aggressively, but Park has his outer arm trapped and begins to wrench it. The ref keeps his eyes glued to Reed’s shoulders, ready to count. Park holds onto the arm with all her might, but Reed is fighting desperately. He’s moving them both with his squirming, making it hard for Park to hang on. She finally switches up, trapping him quickly in an armbar. Reed attempts to kick his leg up to flip them over, but Park kicks her own leg out and traps Reed in. Reed breaks free and tries again. This time, he is able to trap Park’s leg in between his own and shift the pressure some. With his free hand, he begins working at the hands of Park, before poking her straight in the eye! Park releases the hold with a shriek. The ref tells off Reed as he gets to his feet, but Reed just smirks and struts around the ring proudly. Darius applauds from the outside as the crowd boos.

Park is barely on her feet again when Reed attacks with blows to the face. As she doubles over, Reed positions her and hoists her up for a powerbomb, but Park is able to counter, grabbing Reed by the arm and rolling out with an armdrag! Reed gets to his feet quickly, twirling around to face Park. She comes in quickly, but Reed cuts her off with ANOTHER vicious clothesline! Reed walks around as Park shakes her head from the mat, the ref coming over to check on her. Reed saunters back over and forces Park to her feet by the hair. Throwing her arm over his shoulders, he hoists her into the air and throws her, ribs first, onto the top rope. Park bounces off of it painfully, rolling around in pain.

Park rolls under the ropes for a moment, catching her breath. Reed watches her like a hawk, backing away at the ref’s behest. This lasts about a fraction of a second, as Reed finally walks right past the ref and grabs Park by the hair again as she’s getting to a knee. He hangs her over the top rope and begins attacking her with strikes and uppercuts. The ref begins to count, forcing Reed to knock it off for a moment. But its only for a moment, as he goes right back on the attack. The ref begins to count again, and this time when Reed backs up, he bounces himself off the ropes and sends both himself and Park flying out of the ring with a killer spear!

Dick Morosi: Unbelievable! For all his absurdity, Aries Reed is certainly proving his worth here tonight! This young man is undeniably talented, not to mention young and hungry to win the big one!

Seth Ericson: Like him or not, this young man is here to stay!

Reed is quick to his feet while Park lies in pain, stunned. Reed gets back into the ring and holds out his arms victoriously, peacocking away as Darius applauds and the crowd boos. He puts his hands on his hips and looks down at Park, who still hasn’t gotten to her feet. Reed leans over the ropes and looks to cross them to get to Park, but the ref forces him back. Park begins to move, rolling around in an attempt to get to her feet. She does and slides slowly back into the ring. Reed is quick to strike, coming up behind her and trapping her arms in the air as he locks in a full nelson. Park leans down, attempting to counter, but Reed overpowers and keeping Park trapped, suplexes her back and goes for the bridge cover.

One…

Two…

Thre-NO!!!

NO! PARK IS ABLE TO ROLL OUT! Reed looks absolutely stunned as he looks up at Park, who is rolling away. He looks up at the ref and holds up three fingers, but the ref shakes his head and holds up two. Reed punches the mat and gets to his feet, staring daggers at Park now. He begins stomping her viciously, leaving no part of her body without his boot print. He rushes over to the ropes and climbs them. Darius looks a bit nervous, but Reed looks confident. Leaping off, he lands a hard elbow right onto the chest of Park. He goes for the cover.

One…

Two....

NO! Park kicks out. Reed sits before her for a moment, hands on his thighs, catching his breath. He looks down at her and grabs her by the face, forcing her to her feet. He lifts her high into the air and sends her crashing down with a powerbomb, which he turns into a cover.

One…

Two…

Thre-NO!!!

NO! Park kicks out again, much to the disappointment of Reed! He looks down at her, a look of total focus suddenly crossing his face.

Dick Morosi: Aries Reed is getting frustrated. He must be wondering what it’s going to take to keep Abby Park down!

Seth Ericson: Indeed, everytime he thinks he has her, Park always comes back with more fuel in the tank!

Reed gets to his feet, dragging Park up with him. He lifts her up and throws her back down like a ragdoll. Grabbing her by the legs, he locks in the Texas cloverleaf. Park shrieks in pain, grabbing her head. The ref kneels, asking but Park screams no. Reed keeps it locked in tight, bouncing slightly to spread the pain out. Park refuses to tap out. Reed eventually grows frustrated and releases Park. He turns and waits for Park to get to her feet before grabbing her by the face and decking her. He pushes her into the ropes and with the momentum, lifts her into the air and nails her with backbreaker! He goes for the cover.

One…

Two…

ThreNO!!!

The crowd goes nuts as Darius screams at the ref, demanding the three count. Reed looks absolutely stunned and crawls away, backing into the ropes by Darius. He looks at Park with wide eyes as Darius yells words of encouragement. Park is still lying in the middle of the ring, catching her breath in a daze. Reed slowly gets to his feet and walks over to Park. He forces her up and pushes her into the ropes. Park is about to bounce off, but senses the oncoming dropkick from Reed and hangs on. Reed lands on his back in front of Park. Now Reed is on his back as Park frees herself from the ropes. She stares out at the crowd and holds her arms out. The crowd response is absolutely insane, nearly taking the roof off the building.

She forces Reed to his feet and pushes him into the ropes. He comes back, ducking her clothesline as he does. Both bounce off the ropes from opposite sides. Park is able to gain the advantage with a lovely tornado ddt! Reed rolls around and gets to his feet as Park turns back his way. Park goes in for the kills, but Reed is able to block and traps her into yet another snap suplex! He covers.

One…

Two…

NO! Park rolls her body out of the bridge. The crowd is going absolutely nuts at this point for the two competitors in the ring.

THIS IS AWESOME!
THIS IS AWESOME!
THIS IS AWESOME!

Seth Ericson: I’m inclined to agree with the fans on this one. This match has been nothing short of stellar!

Dick Morosi: Right you are, friend! Park and Reed are both showing a lot of heart out there tonight.

Reed gets to his feet, forcing Park up with him. He attempts to lift her up again, but she pushes him off and counters with a hurricanrana! She attempts to roll Reed up from this, but he rolls right through it and pins down Park!

One…

Two…

Thre-NO!!

Park thrusts her legs out, forcing Reed off of her. Reed looks down on her as she slowly gets to her feet. He grabs her by the arm and whips her into the corner. Park bounces right out and climbing the opposite side ropes, springs off from the middle rope and nails Reed with a crossbody! Reed is quick to his feet and Park is just as quick to greet him with a roundhouse kick to the skull! Reed rolls right out of the ring and stumbles over to the guard rail. The fans boo him loudly from ringside. Darius hurries over and begins spraying him again with the water bottle.

Park is on her feet and she looks out at Reed and Darius. Shaking her head, she bounces off the ropes and with a pretty back flip, she vaults into the air over the rope and lands square on Reed and Darius! The crowd reaches fever pitch as Darius hits the guardrail and crumples to the ground. Reed rolls around in pain as Park rolls away clutching her ribs.

Dick Morosi: You have to wonder how much fuel is left in the tank for either one of these two combatants.

Park is back in the ring first, breaking up the ref’s count. Reed rolls in not far behind, though neither one has noticed the other quite yet. Park is first to her feet and walks back over to Reed, who is still on his knees. Park looks down at him for a moment before forcing him to his feet. With a swift kick to the gut, she throws Reed for a loop by paying him in kind for all his suplexes with a snap suplex of her own!

One…

Two…

Thre-NO!!

Reed bucks out of the cover, tossing Park off of him. Park is quick to her feet, watching and waiting for Reed. She decides she’s had enough and shocks him again with another surprising feat of strength and another snap suplex!

One…

Two…

NO!!! Reed kicks out AGAIN. Park is quick to her feet once more, looking down at Reed and shaking her head. Staring intensely at him, she slowly motions for the Cropduster.

Seth Ericson: Abby Park signalling for the Cropduster! She’s ready for this one to be over now!

Dick Morosi: And who can blame her? Both she and Reed have taken a beaten tonight, courtesy of each other! I can’t imagine either one of them wants this battle to last much longer!

Park waits for Reed to get to his feet, which he eventually does. As he turns, Park rushes in to hit her finisher, but Reed counters and nails her with the T-Bone Suplex!

One…

Two…

NO! Park kicks out! Reed slams on the mat with his palms, his frustration reaching its peak. He gets to his feet and signals for his finisher. Park gets to her feet and just as Reed darts forward to hit her with the dragon sleeper/body scissors combo finisher, Park is able to dodge around him and roll him up quickly.

One…

Two….

THREE!!!

The bell sounds as the fans go absolutely insane.

David Zinkus: YOUR WINNER AND STILL EXODUS WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION…. ABBY PARK!

WINNER: Abby Park

Dick Morosi: Just like that, this match is over! Reed going for his finisher, but Park was able to outsmart him just enough to get the three count on him!

Seth Ericson: A great moment for Park, but Reed isn’t going to be too happy when he realizes what just happened.

Reed looks absolutely stunned as the ref hands the title belt over to Park. He watches Park like a hawk as she gets to her feet and holds the belt high over her head victoriously. He sits up and stares as Darius comes to and walks over to the ropes where Reed is sitting. He whispers something to Reed, who nods and slowly rolls out of the ring. Park watches them go, anticipating anything. But the Reed boys just back away up the ramp, disappearing behind the curtain. Park continues to celebrate her victory as the camera fades out.

As we cut to the backstage area, we find two figures strolling through the wide open production area. The pair pace past production crates, spare cameras and a purpose made interview area before halting near the entrance curtain. One of them, a tall imposing male with short espresso hair, is clad in a fine tailor made suit, his head bowed as he stares at the mobile phone in his hand. The other by his side, a smaller framed man with shaggy hair and a rough stubbly goatee, is styled in an Adidas tracksuit top and a pair of murky looking jeans. The younger man stares up to the other.

Jackie Fowler: What’s the score, mate?

The taller man puts the phone in his inside pocket, staring longingly at the picture he used as a background. He turns to his younger pupil, nodding his head as an answer.

Andreas Lasiewicz: It seems everything is in order, though I can neither confirm or deny it. A move must be made, and made quite soon. If anything is known, it is that your presence was felt the other week.

Jackie in his frustration kicks a nearby bucket, the water that once filled it spilling out onto the floor. At this point, a small childlike figure in a purple turban skips past, slipping on the water and falling down to the ground whilst giving a high pitched scream. The pair of Jackie and Andreas doesn’t seem to notice.

Jackie Fowler: Didn’t think I’d left a trace, man. S(BLEEP)t, sorry man.

Lasiewicz pauses, resting a hand on the young Englishman’s shoulder.

Andreas Lasiewicz: I do not believe that is your fault. Somehow, I believe they were tipped off. You did everything right.

Jackie Fowler: So… what’s the next step? Me plate is pretty full at the mo, yanno. Got two painted up f(BLEEP)k nuggets followin’ me around everywhere, man. Quite ‘ard givin’ em the slip half the time.

Lasiewicz leans against one of the production crates, knocking one of the cables on top of it loose and it falls into the pool of water below. There is a loud buzzing noise, closely followed by another high pitched yelp.

Andreas Lasiewicz: Once I know, you will. Keep your phone on your person.

Jackie Fowler: Aye, aye I will. What about you, eh?

Lasiewicz stared out into the distance, his eyes scanning here, there and everywhere. His eyes are all seeing, witnessing every single movement and every single person. Apart from the same small male figure wearing a smouldering #BirdIsTheWord t-shirt and a bucket on his head bumping into a nearby wall and falling over.

Andreas Lasiewicz: I’ll continue to patrol the building. Zack Lifer has foolishly made it quite clear what his plans are, and there is no way in hell I’m letting him have his way. He’s gone too far this time in his delusion. He won’t get into the building, that much is obvious.

Jackie Fowler: I think you should just brick him one.

At this point, a brick falls off one of the production crates, landing directly on top of the bucket wearing midgets head with a clang.

Andreas Lasiewicz: I have every intention once I get the opportunity. But it seems, for now, that he is keeping outside of the arenas. He is only using worthless words and empty promises on social media, and his feed hack is evidence of that. As for you, keep your eyes peeled. And be ready for anything and everything. And… you never know, there may be a reward on the horizon. One you would have earned.

He shakes the Bowland Brawler’s hand, who bears a rich grin on his face. The Lancashire Lad turns and walks away, accidently stepping on the midget’s chest as he walks away, the small person squeaking like a mouse as he does so. Andreas stares out into the distance, yet his nose twitches ever so slightly. His eyes scan the area, and once he realizes there is no one in front of him, he turns to see another figure.

Andreas Lasiewicz: What do you want?

He turns to see a small framed yet curvaceous beauty dressed in a bright floral dress in yellow. Her youthful and pretty oval face is beautifully framed by unnaturally straight golden blond locks. Her lips are ruby red, her skin of pure porcelain and her mouth curls into a tiny little smile. Her doe eyes are bright and shining, looking up to the towering figure of Andreas Lasiewicz with a look of hop and admiration.

Gabriella Fleurette: Hello!

Gabriella, the mysterious figure who recently appeared over social media, shuffles over and hugs Andreas tightly, pressing the side of her face against his chest as a look of peace washes over her.

Andreas Lasiewicz: Get your hands off of me.

The Morning Star pushes the smaller figure away from him, and she stumbles slightly over something as we hear another high pitched cry. The look upon her face does not go away, however.

Gabriella Fleurette: Isn’t this a socially acceptable greeting? Have I been misinformed?

Her voice is emotionless and monotone, her eyes hardly ever blinking. Out of seemingly nowhere she produces a tiny flower pot filled with soil, a beautiful yellow rose growing from it.

Gabriella Fleurette: I bought you a flower.

Andreas Lasiewicz: And what am I supposed to do with this?

Gabriella Fleurette: Talk to him. His name is Lothar and he was born in a garden in Sacramento. He has many a story to tell.

She hands it over to him, but he does not take it and it plummets downwards. We hear a loud ‘OW’ from below, and the flower pot seems to hover in mid-air, though it is obviously supported by whoever is stood below.

Andreas Lasiewicz: No.

Gabriella Fleurette: Speak to me, Andreas. I come bearing an important message.

Andreas Lasiewicz: I have a message for you as well…

Gabby’s smile broadens, a rare sign of emotion from the mysterious blond.

Gabriella Fleurette: You do?

Lasiewicz nods as she asks this question.

Andreas Lasiewicz: F(BLEEP)k off…

He turns to walk away, yet Gabriella chases after him, placing a pitch of folded parchment in his hands with a look of eagerness upon her face.

Gabriella Fleurette: That is very different from the message I have for you.

Lasiewicz unfolds the parchment, shaking his head, a look of anger and distain growing upon his face. This is expressed further with the violent tone in his voice as he grips the voluptuous blond by the shoulder.

Andreas Lasiewicz: And why would I need this?

Gabriella Fleurette: You will know when the time is right. Do not forget your past.

Lasiewicz pushes her away once more, but does take the parchment with him. Fleurette watches on as he walks away, until he is completely out of view. She then turns to leave in the opposite direction, halting to see two figures staring out at her. Two brunette women, both in old fashioned sky blue dresses and the pair are holding hands.

Daughters of Janus: Fear. Pain. He smiles. They smile. They sing. They laugh. They clap. They flap. He comes. They frown. They fight. They cheer.

Athena and Minerva tilt their heads as they stare out with clouded eyes at the blond before them.

Daughters of Janus: We saw his smile. We hid but we felt it. Memories. Memories from another day. Laughter. Tears. Smiles. Frowns. Blood. Blood.

Their voices tremble as they speak, index fingers pointing out into the distance, their hands shaking in fear.

Daughters of Janus: They cry. They scream. He is blank. His face is blank. No eyes. No nose. No ears. No mouth. No senses. Senseless.

Both their heads bow, their every movement mimicking the others.

Daughters of Janus: A room. Tubes. Wires. Blood. All coated in white. A wrist is slit. A door is bolted. Wings of red and gold and silver and white.

Their heads raise once more, tears streaming down their faces, black tears from their heavily applied eyeliner. They both draw their hands across their throats.

Daughters of Janus: By the end of this cycle... Someone is going to die.

Gabby smiles at them, giving them a curt nod, before turning away once more and leaving.

Gabriella Fleurette: They are right.

It is at this point that we return to ringside.

Seth Ericson: There's the Lasiewicz charm we know and love!

Dick Morosi: But you have to know he's not in any mood to deal with a lot of things, especially with Zack Lifer on the loose somewhere in the building. Another person who is probably VERY interested in that, but has a match up next is Chris Strike! Strike is going through a self imposed two match gauntlet! In two weeks, he'll face Simon Raines, but tonight he meets the debuting member of New Eden, Silk!

SINGLES MATCH
CHRIS STRIKE vs. SILK

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 “Pull Me Under” by Dream Theater blares out of the PA system. The shot zooms into the temple, as the crowd begins to clap along with the beat of the song, watching as a man rises from the throne inside of the temple and makes his way down the steps. Once he nears the camera, he looks up at the sky and makes his way over towards a pool of water. The man looks down into the water, and once he does…a shot of lightning hits the water!

Lost in the sky
Clouds roll by and I roll with them
Arrows fly, seas increase
And then fall again…

As the lightning hits the water in the video, streams of smoke shoot up from the ramp way area and high above, covering the entrance ramp as the song kicks into full motion, the fans clapping along with the song in full while white, yellow and blue spotlights swirl all across the arena.

This world is spinning around me…
The whole world keeps spinning around me…
All life is future to past…
Every breath leaves me one less to my last!

David Zinkus: Introducing first…from Denver, Colorado via São Paulo, Brazil; weighing in tonight at two hundred and fifteen pounds...HE IS “THE WAR MACHINE,” HE IS...CHRIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSS…STRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

Chris Strike emerges from the curtains and steps out into the limelight, drawing a loud reaction from the EXODUS faithful as he stops in front of the entrance ramp and slowly raises a fist up to the heavens. 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, keeping his eyes solely focused on the ring with the title held high as the fans begin to sing along with the chorus.

Pull me under! Pull me under!
Pull me under I'm not afraid!
All that I feel is honor and spite,
All I can do is set it right!

Dick Morosi: The crowd going nuts for the former EXODUS World Champion, Seth!

Seth Ericson: I gotta say, it's weird seeing him without the title again. But Abby Park beat him fair and square, and honestly? I can't believe I'm even saying those words!

Chris 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 makes his way towards the nearest turnbuckle, ascending it and slowly raising his arm in the air again, basking in the reaction before stepping down from the turnbuckle. He looks around at the crowd and walks up to the nearest corner, leaning against the ropes and disposing of his tactical vest and t-shirt while stretching his arms out as “Pull Me Under” fades…

The crowd stands as the tune of “Oriental Horror” begins to ring throughout the arena…..

The lights dim only one spotlight shines in the entrance way as smoke begins form…..

Out of the smoke walks out a young female dressed in a black Quipao with a white painted face throwing Lotus Flowers on the ramp way…..

Suddenly behind her a female figure dressed in a black Qipao dress with a Golden dragon imprinted on it, gloves to her elbows and black heeled boots holding a black and red fan, wearing a matching black Conical Chinese Hat walks out with an Eerie Tattooed man name Mogui…..

The fans ooh and aaah ……

Dick Morosi: Strike better get his mind off Abby Park and be ready for this challenger tonight. She's definitely not to be taken lightly, debut match or not.

Her long dark brown hair is tied in a bun under the hat as Aiken along with Red Rayne and Mika Kozlov walk out behind her. Silk twirls the fan back and forth as she slowly makes her way to the ring walking on the Lotus leaves and makes her way into the ring as Mogui holds the ropes for her……

The mysterious Asian woman removes her robe and unzips her boots, removing them and reveals her taped feet. Silk then unclips her hair as it drops over her shoulders and hands the fan over to the young woman assisting her…..

The young woman then wipes Silk's hands and feet……

Aiken smiles and grabs the mic…..

Aiken: “Your sanctuary will be left in ashes as my Black Dragon’s fires will burn it to the ground and in its wake the rise of NEW EDEN! I introduce to you…..SILK!

Silk starts to perform martial arts moves in the ring and then bows at Aiken as Red Rayne, Mika and Mogui surround the ring on the outside with Aiken while Silk warms up for her match …..

As the bell rings, Strike wastes no time rushing towards his opponent, nearly landing an enziguri across her face. In one quick movement, the black dragon backed up and ducked without a second thought, the quick move almost shocking the former world champion. He hoped for another enziguri, yet that too was narrowly avoided. With a twist, The War Machine landed a roundhouse kick that finally took the martial arts specialist down, not stopping for even a second to wait for her to get up, instead giving her the gift of a dropkick to the chest just as she sat back up. Strike's face was still confident in his abilities,he rose to the top rope and jumped for a diving knee drop, the one year rookie writhing in pain!

Dick Morosi: Strike dominating in the early goings of this contest, showing his years of experience to the rest of the New Eden surrounding the ring.

Seth Ericson: He's not letting Silk get a move on him! That's as good of a strategy as I can come up with.

Chris Strike rolls up Silk for the pin, expecting an easy win tonight.

ONE—

And an early kickout at one, the devious black dragon obviously pleasing the rest of New Eden watching at ringside. In no time, she was on her feet once more, ready to finally take an offensive position in this match, sweat dripping down her flawless skin. Knife edge chops landed towards Strike's chest, the war machine responding by landing a European between her chops. The two exchanged like this back and forth, the booing and cheering, back and forth, before Strike finally fell to a massive hurricanrana that transitioned into a powerful DDT, the crowd in awe. Lifting the champion by the hair, she made sure he was standing once more before gaining a stance that intimidated even the bravest in the building.

Seth Ericson: THE DRAGON'S WHIP!

A palm to the forehead of the taller man stunned the former champion, his eyes glazing over for a time. Before he could regain his senses, he was hit by a Russian leg sweep from the Chinese warrior. As her opponent began to sit up from his dazed state, she landed a powerful Flashing Elbow, Strike's back slamming down to the mat once again.

ONE!



TWO—


Dick Morosi: You can't beat Strike's massive heart that easily!

Seth Ericson: Heart? He got lucky he didn't get a concussion right there. He should've just stayed down and let the new blood have their time to shine.

Once Chris got to his feet, his face was furious, his eyes ablaze with an intensity not unlike the emotions he showed towards Christum Furor in their epic contest. In the blink of an eye, Strike landing the Shotei - a palm to the face of the black dragon herself! It left her stunned, opening it up for a Narukami before—

Seth Ericson: Silk shoved him away!

Dick Morosi: Curse of the Dragon!!

Silk lands the powerful complete shot, followed by mounting the war machine in one swift move and gripping at Strike's shoulder with everything she had - Jau-Jin-Chu-Na! Strike fought to break himself free, tried to scratch and push and elbow his way free, but it was no use. He didn't submit, however, his shoulders fell to the mat once he gave up.

ONE!



TWO!



THREE!!!

WINNER: Silk

Seth Ericson: HOLY CRAP, THIS IS GREAT! CHRIS STRIKE MUST HAVE EGG ALL OVER HIS FACE!

Dick Morosi: Silk came out of nowhere and pulls off what has to be an upset! It's a victory over the former World Champion!

Seth Ericson: Strike can't be happy over this, so you have to wonder where his head will be in two weeks.

Dick Morosi: Hopefully he'll recover soon. For now, let's head backstage.

We come backstage and Tom Matheny is already standing by with Aries Reed.

Tom Matheny: Aries, no index cards tonight? I must admit, it’s actually pretty interesting game me and you have.

Aries turns to look at Tom as he crosses his arms over his chest, slowly arching a brow. The awkward tension in room is broke as Aries is the first to speak up.

Aries Reed: You think that this is just some sort of game, Tom?

Tom Matheny: No, I don’t, I just thought…

Quickly Aries grabs the microphone wrapping his gloved hand around Tom’s hand, keeping him stayed put as the microphone is parked in front of Aries’ mouth. Aries doesn’t falter, he simply lets the silence hang in the air for a moment as his nostrils flare with each breath.

Aries Reed: That’s the goddamn problem Tom, you starting thinking...you started using that brain in your head for more than it’s used for which is nothing more but a goddamn paperweight. Everyone wants to talk behind my back about what I have to say...everyone wants to write a goddamn complaint about me then I have to have Collins climb down from his golden throne and ‘threaten’ to fire me but he’s not going to pull the trigger…

...because he know what it means, he understands the circumstances and the legal battle and the financial headlock that comes with it. I bend the rules but I don’t break ‘em, Tom, and it’s not because I’m sort of anarchist that gets off on the destruction and the devastation around me, I leave that for GRENDEL. But Aries Reed is smarter than your average bear and if you think that I’m not playing every single angle...then you got another thing coming.

I’m EXODUS' worst nightmare...I’m the best of Johnny Cannon, I’m the best of Magnus Gunner...I’m the best of Chuck Matthews...and I have a winning complexation to boot.

Aries smiles as he reaches up and taps his cheek.

Aries Reed: People like you don’t want to see me win because you don’t want to admit that Aries Reed is everything that he says he is...Aries Reed is the BEST GODDAMN WRESTLER in Exodus. You don’t have to love me, you don’t have to like me...I could give a [CENSORED] if you hate me or boo me. Burn my shirts, rip up my posters...scream at me until you’re blue in the face and your vocal cords go raw. But I will continue to stand here and DEFY YOU ALL…

A chuckle escapes his lips as he takes a moment to reign himself in, breaking the strong gaze from Matheny.

Aries Reed: ...and I do it out of pure spite. Because people like you said that I couldn’t do it. Because people like you said that I wouldn’t do it.

I beat Abby Park once before...and I’ll do it again on their terms and let’s see them deny me again, Tom! Let them put up those pearly gates and deny me what’s mine. Tonight, I beat the brakes off of Abby Park because that’s what the Powers To Be deemed necessary.

Beating their World Champion isn’t good enough.

Defeating their World Champion isn’t good enough.

I’m going to hurt their World Champion.

...and then you’ll be the first line to see Aries Reed become THEIR WORLD CHAMPION.

Aries looks into the eyes of Tom Matheny with a smirk and turns and walks off, storming towards the stage to await his match.

Seth Ericson: I don’t think I’ve ever seen Aries so determined in my life.

Dick Morosi: And a determined Aries Reed is a more dangerous Aries Reed. We'll be back after this.

We come back from commercial, and sitting in a dark room, a black lantern being the only thing lighting the room, is the one and only entity herself...mara.

mara: Monday's child is full of face, Tuesday's child is full of grace. Wednesday's child is full of woe, Thursday's child has far to go! Friday's child is loving and giving, and Saturday's child works hard for a living! But the child born on the Sabbath day is fair and wise and good in every way...

...so does this mean you are a Sabbath child, Seraph?

Fiona, they talk about how you have managed to beat the system...how you have survived everything and then some! They say that you are the one, Fiona. How you're the Ace of EXODUS!

Well...perhaps it's time to introduce the Joker into the deck.

Fiona, are you listening? ARE YOU LISTENING? STOP NUZZLING MY BROTHER, STOP GUSSYING YOURSELF UP TO LOOK PRETTY, AND PUT YOUR EAR TO THE SCREAMS OF THE WORLD! YOU AND I ARE NOT DONE BY A COUNTRY MILE, YOU BIG CHESTED TROLLOP! YOU AND I HAVE MILES TO GO, FIONA! MILES TO GO BEFORE I LET YOU ROT IN YOUR GRAVE, JUST ONE OF THE MANY PEOPLE NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO BEAR OUR NAME!

You're weak, Fiona. You're weak and you know it. You can't be strong enough to hold the weight of our name in this industry. The trollop that took my brother for a ride couldn't hold the weight when he first got into the business. Madison's mother was too weak to be a Collins. The redhead with the baggy pants couldn't be strong enough, and NEITHER. ARE. YOU.

The Allmother closes her eyes and looks up at the ceiling as she takes a deep breath, trying to collect herself as she turns her head down and looks at the camera.

mara: It's coming. My family is all around you, Fiona. Whether it's my lovely daughters, my precious Supernova...or my newest son, Kevin Hardaway. We're coming, and your walls are closing in. Some of us were destined to be outlived, Fiona...and I'm here to help you meet your destiny.

You think you're strong enough to destroy me? Fiona, I am the strongest monster you've ever been in the ring with. Not by sheer brute strength, but I am a force of nature. I am destruction. I AM THE REASON MAGIC IS DEAD IN THIS WORLD, AND YOU CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT IT!

And I will end your miserable existence just like you tried to do that weak trollop who thought she was strong enough for my brother. And when you realize you were only slightly stronger than Sally Talfourd, you'll do anything to reach for something...anything.

Reach for his hand, Fiona.

Reach for the help you beg to come from my brother mine.

Reach for a lifeline.

REACH FOR THE DEAD!

And we instantly cut back to Dick and Seth.

Dick Morosi: Haunting words from mara.

Seth Ericson: Dick, we've seen mara before. We know what she's capable of, but this deranged and violent streak she's displayed since coming to EXODUS has been nothing short of disturbing. At some point, The Stardust Seraph and The Allmother are going to collide, and they may just destroy whatever city they're in.

Dick Morosi: When that day comes, we'll know. But for now, we've got another huge match coming up. Shinji Uchikawa is returning to EXODUS Pro tonight, and he's meeting Christian Kane in non-title action...next!

SINGLES MATCH
CHRISTIAN KANE (EXODUS Pro International Champion) vs. SHINJI UCHIKAWA

David Zinkus: The following contest is scheduled for one fall with a twenty minute time limit.

The lights in the arena dim once the opening acoustic strums of "Waiting On a War" by 36 Crazyfists starts...



The lights go bright as soon as the heavy riff starts, Shinji Uchikawa stepping out from the back! As soon as the drums reach a steady beat, Uchikawa pumps his fist and starts making his way down the ramp.

David Zinkus: Coming down the aisle, from Hiroshima, Japan, weighing in at 221 pounds...he is UCHIKAWAAAAA....SHINJIIIIIIII!!!!



As the chorus kicks in, Shinji reaches the bottom of the ramp, having spent time slapping the hands of a few fans the whole time. Looking up at the ring to size up what's ahead of him, Uchikawa nods and hops up onto the apron, stepping into the ring before hopping up on the turnbuckles, raising his hands up to salute the crowd and get them behind him.

Dick Morosi: This is a huge match for Shinji Uchikawa. He’s had to deal with Revolution, and his own aspirations to become (R)evolution Champion. Tonight, he’s got to focus on Christian Kane, where a win could boost his career.

Seth Ericson: And a loss doesn’t do him any harm either. He’s essentially playing with house money. But I doubt his opponent will be accepting that currency.



The guitars and drums of the timeless Bon Jovi classic kick in throughout the arena as Christian Kane makes his way through the curtain and onto the stage. Red and white lights focus on the Canadian Sensation and flash rapidly, drawing attention to him whilst smoke pours across the entranceway. Holding his arms out in a ‘T’, the lights begin to illuminate his silhouette as David Zinkus speaks.

David Zinkus: And his opponent! From Toronto, Ontario, Canada, weighing in at two hundred and fifteen pounds. He is the EXODUS International Champion. Ladies and Gentleman, this is Christian! KANE!

With a grin Kane proceeds down the ramp, acknowledging certain fans with his merch, a few who wield signs, even going as far as to slap their hands before slowly coming to a stop at ringside. Christian stares at the ring, a stoic, focused expression that eventually turns into a smirk as Kane makes his way up the steps, the crowd cheering for him all the while over his music.

From the apron The Handsome Drifter climbs the turnbuckle, his left foot standing on the second rope while his right is on the top rope. He then lowers his jacket, allowing his jacket to slide off his body to the floor before holding his arms out to his side again and tensing his muscles, inciting an extremely loud reaction from the audience in attendance once more.

After hopping into the ring Kane runs across to the diagonally opposite turnbuckle before blowing a kiss into the crowd as high pitched cheers rain out from the female contingent of the die-hard EXODUS Pro faithful (mostly). As the music slowly fades, Kane jumps down backwards into the ring and walks to his corner, preparing for the match ahead.

Dick Morosi: Kane looks game tonight. He’s looking to make a statement tonight and quiet his detractors who claim he’s lost his edge since claiming the International Title.

Seth Ericson: I’d disagree, but then again I’m not an expert. I’m just here to call the action.

Dick Morosi: Seth, that does make you an expert.

Seth Ericson: Look you said it, not me. That’s the bell, Dick. Let’s do this.

*DING DING DING*

Kane creeps toward Uchikawa as the sounds thrice. The contest is officially underway as the two competitors come closer to the heart of the squared circle. The International Champion lifts up his leg and thrusts a quick front kick at Shinji, but the (R)evolution Wrestling star reacts in time to catch the foot under his left arm. Christian hops on one foot a couple times before finally swinging his whole left leg level to his head, managing to score with an Enziguri as the top of his foot connects with “The Sentinel’s” cranium. Uchikawa is spun around about one hundred and eighty degrees from the point of impact before he collapses onto all fours. Seeing his adversary facing the ring cables, Kane runs to the ropes before leaping onto the middle one. The high-flying Canadian then leaps back from the spring whilst flipping backward when airborne, bending his knees as he pancakes onto his foe’s back with his full two hundred and fifteen pound frame. The Lionsault drives the Japanese native into the canvas, until Kane quickly rolls him over to execute a lateral press.

”ONE!”

“TWO!” - KICKOUT!

Dick Morosi: Shinji is able to break the fall before three. Christian Kane is coming out red hot tonight, Seth.

Seth Ericson: He might want to see a doctor about that then, because that’s not supposed to happen.

Dick Morosi: That’s not what I meant, Seth. I was talking about his offense.

Seth Ericson: Oh. Well, try to be a little more clearer next time, Dick.

Kane grabs Shinji around the head, the two combatants glaring at one another while the former picks up the latter. Halfway up, Uchikawa quickly jabs CK in the solarplexus, then pushes him back against the ropes with a textbook Irish Whip, then launches him towards the opposite side. Christian makes his return trip toward Shinji, who bends forward to perform a Back Body Drop, but The Canadian Sensation is able to counter. He stops at the last moment to halt his momentum, then raises a leg to drive his shin into his foe’s right shoulder, sending him staggering back with a grimace. Afterward, Kane steps forward and drives a forearm into the side of Shinji’s head, sending him back even further against the ropes. CK grabs a hold of Uchikawa’s arm and whips across the ring. The Sentinel rebounds and returns to Kane, who greets him with a picture perfect Dropkick. With the (R)evolution standout lying supinely, the International Champion makes his way toward the corner closest to him and his opponent, gesturing to the crowd his intent to perform a high risk maneuver. Quickly, Kane ascends up the top turnbuckle and sneers down at his adversary, a confident smile growing on his face as his eyes widen with readiness and determination.

Dick Morosi: It’s been all Kane thus far. The International Champion could put this one away early if he scores with this next maneuver.

Seth Ericson: That’s a big if. My guess is he misses.

Dick Morosi: And here he goes…

Seth Ericson: Shinji with the counter! Look at that, I guess I’m psychic.

Indeed, Kane jumps off the top, and stretches out his body for a splash attempt, only for Uchikawa to get his knees up at the last moment - Christian fails to bail from the move and lands on the aforementioned exposed knees as a consequence. The Canadian drops to the canvas with his hands holding his abdominal region, as the pain sets in from his failed aerial move. Shinji lifts his upper body up and brings himself to a seated position, looking over at his foe who writhes in pain. As Kane attempts to recuperate and begins to pull himself up in the corner, Uchikawa regains his bearings and plots his next move. Thinking quickly, The Sentinel scrambles to his feet and makes a beeline at the corner, quickly raising a knee to drive it into Christian’s gut. Before CK’s brainpan can even assimilate the damage, Shinji stays on the attack with repeated shoulder thrusts, refusing to give the veteran any chance to catch his breath or protect himself. With the air driven out of his lungs, the International Champion is helpless, and goes quietly without the slightest bit of protest as Shinji drags him away from the corner. Uchikawa kicks him in the mid-section, forcing the Canadian to bend over before applying a double armhook. From there, the (R)evolution prospect hoists Christian into the air before slamming him down with a Butterfly Suplex. Kane hits the canvas with an audible thud as Shinji turns over to cover him, hooking the leg for the pin as referee Chris Dawson slides into position to count the pinfall.

”ONE!”

“TWO!” - KICKOUT

Kane sits up, heaving bucked off his foe, whilst Shinji immediately weaves an arm through the air and places it underneath Christian’s chin. With the Chinlock applied, Uchikawa cranks up the pressure. Christian turns his body to the right, not having an easy way to get up from his seated position. Kane manages manages to get knee under himself and pushes up, Kawa being forced to get up as a result. CK throws an elbow back into his foe’s ribs, loosening the submission hold. another elbow is driven into the Japanese native’s ribs, this time hitting him in the breadbasket and somewhat moving his lunch around. Refusing to give up his advantage, Shinji quickly turns into Kane with a raised knee in retaliation, driving it right into his gut. Aftward, Kawa turns around so that he stands back-to-back with the International Champion, before dropping down to score with a Hangman’s Neckbreaker. Christian convulses as a shockwave of pain is sent throughout his spinal column. As his body flinches from the aftershocks, The Sentinel rolls over to hook his leg for the count.

”ONE!”

“TWO!” - KICKOUT!

Dick Morosi: Couple near falls from Shinji right there, but Kane remains afloat.

Seth Ericson: Yeah, but at this rate he’ll be waterboarding unless he finds a way to turn this thing around.

Dick Morosi: I see what you did there, Seth. That was actually witty.

Seth Ericson: I hired a different comedian for my material this show. Glad it was a worthwhile investment.

Shinji quickly turns Kane over onto his chest, then immediately sits up to drive a forearm into the back of his head, and then another, and finally a third. From there Shinji climbs to his feet and steps back, a few feet away from his foe’s face-down body. Kawa then runs forward and jumps before leaning back, making himself land back-first on Kane’s spine with a Senton. The Sentinel leans up, one leg on each side of CK’s left arm. The (R)evolution Student then proceeds to grab the International Champion’s wrist and leans back, rolling Kane over and locking him into an Armbar. The Canadian Sensation squirms in pain from the discomfort in his captured appendage, as his elbows comes dangerously close to being snapped in two like a twig under the pressure being applied on it. After a few long seconds, Kane puts his free right arm right under Shinji’s left leg and pushes it over his head. CK then slides out from under his foe’s legs before deftly rolling to the right. Kane, left arm bent and the pressure alleviated, hooks his arm around the back of Uchikawa’s head, pulling him into a Cradle Pin.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THR - NO!”

Kawa lifts a shoulder to break the count. Focusing his strength, Christian slides his left arm out of opponent’s grasp and slides it under him. The Canadian then switches from a kneeling positioned to a squatting one, then proceeds to stand up with his legs, demonstrating his deceptive strength as the Middleweight cleans two hundred and twenty-two pounds of Shinji Uchikawa up to a full vertical base. The well traveled technician, currently playing the power game, quickly swings Shinji’s body to the side before slamming him down back first across his bent knee. Kane watches as his opponent convulses in pain due to the effect of The Danger Zone, but opts not to go for the cover. Instead, the crowd-favorite springs up to his feet, before leaping into the air with a Standing Shooting Star Press. He lands across Shinji’s chest with a splash, then quickly hooks both legs for the pinfall, looking to gain the victory following the devastating Backbreaker/Shooting Star combo.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THR - KICKOUT!”

Dick Morosi: Kane has fought his way back into this contest after enduring a lot of punishment for a lot of minutes. Now he has Uchikawa reeling. His veteran instincts and championship pedigree are on full display right now.

Seth Ericson: He was wrestling like he had somewhere to be earlier but he couldn’t put the young lion away. He’s had to fight his way back from the brink, and now he’s looking to put this away, Dick.

Dick Morosi: Shockingly good analysis there, Seth. Is it safe to say you’re turning over a new leaf?

Seth Ericson: I don’t smoke anymore, Dick. I’m straight edge.

Kane remains on the attack like a dog off its leash, or a shark smelling blood in the water as he quickly grabs Shinji around the head before pulling him to a stand. Christian quickly bends Kawa over, before lifting him back upright with a stiff European Uppercut. Shinji staggers into the corner from the point of impact, his eyes glazed from the blistering shot as he awaits more punishment. He doesn’t have to wait long, as Kane steps forward to strike him in the chest with a knife-edge chop, and then a second, and a third, as The Canadian Sensation practically removes the flesh from Kawa’s sternum with his hand. Having pressed the issue, Kane takes a hold of his foe’s arm - both upper and lower, and quickly pulls him forward with an Irish Whip attempt. However, The Sentinel counters, turning the whip on the veteran as he launches him across the ring to the diagonal corner. As soon as Kane’s back collides with the turnbuckle padding, Shinji takes off running in pursuit - but only receives a pair of expensive ring boots to the face, as the former Handsome Drifter counters. Shinji backpedals and turns away from the corner, giving Kane the opportunity to follow up. Seizing said opportunity, Christian charges out of the corner - however, Shinji suddenly lifts up and spins around to intercept him. The Japanese native cocks his arm and bends it, before blasting CK right in his money maker.

Dick Morosi: Wide Awake!

Seth Ericson: While Kane ironically enough, is on dream street. We could be moments away from an upset folks!

”ONE!

TWO!”

Dick Morosi: I think he’s got him, Seth!

”THR- KICKOUT!”

Seth Ericson: But you’re wrong, and that’s why I’m the psychic, and you’re not! Stick to your day job, Dick. This match is still on, and still anyone’s game.

Somewhat frustrated and flummoxed, Shinji stares up at referee Chris Dawson. The zebra clad official holds up two fingers, further leaving The Sentinel in dismay. Having to swallow his pride and come to grips with reality, the (R)evo star slowly climbs to his feet before peering over at Kane’s lifeless body, and then the turnbuckle. With an idea brewing in his mind, Shinji plods over toward the ropes, and exits via ducking through the middle and top before stepping onto the apron. Slowly, and with a noticeable grimace, Kawa makes his way over to the corner befores gradually ascending it. It’s no doubt the high rent district is uncharted, and unfamiliar territory for the rookie, but due to the high profile opponent, and the high level of desperation he has no other option but to risk it all. However, the time it takes for him to reach the top gives his adversary enough time to convalesce. As if he senses something terrible is afoot, Kane springs to his feet, quickly eying his elevated prey, before making a mad dash for the ring ropes. Christian quickly leaps onto the second cable with one foot, using it to launch him into the air before swinging that same leg up with a vicious Roundhouse that lands right between the ears. CK lands his feet and collapses onto the ropes as his victim somersaults forward from the mountain to crash down to the canvas like a shooting star to the earth. With a sense of urgency, Kane rushes forward and drops down hook Kawa’s leg for the cover.

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THR - KICKOUT!

Dick Morosi: Kane can’t believe it! That kicked had all but sealed Shinji’s fate.

Seth Ericson: The Young Lion’s got the heart of well, a lion. The (R)evo kids are a tough bunch, Dick. Besides, Shinji’s been here on the main roster before. We’ve seen what he can do.

Dick Morosi: Be that as it may, he’s in there with the International Champion. No one could have expected such a performance. Uchikawa has done more than hold his own tonight.

Seth Ericson: Yeah, he’s also got Christian Kane preparing for the sexiest move in professional wrestling.

Indeed, Christian Kane is up in the corner, tuning up the band so to speak. Again and again he stomps his foot on the mat, getting the crowd to rally behind him as the commotion causes Shinji Uchikawa to stir. Visibly punch-drunk from the Roundhouse, and his awkward landing thereafter, The Sentinel struggles to get to a vertical base. Meanwhile, The International Champion continues to plant his boot in the canvas, his teeth gritting tighter and tighter with each repetitive motion. Finally, Shinji finds his way to a stand, spurring Kane into action as soon as he begins to turn around. Side-skipping out of the corner, Christian thrusts his leg out into the air - but gets nothing but air. Having scouted, or sensed the SSK coming, Shinji is able to circumvent the maneuver, avoiding getting his face rearranged by just an inch. Pivoting on his heels, Uchikawa turns with a Clothesline attempt - but misses. Kane ducks, then pushes forward with a run for the ropes. He bounces off with a head of steam, only his momentum is exploited as Shinji catches him on the rebound, placing one hand underneath both his foe’s arms before tossing him into the air. Once Christian kisses the sky for the maximum height level required for the move, Shinji rips him from the sky, and drops down to slam with tremendous force back first into the canvas with a Rydeen Bomb.

Dick Morosi: Saint Walker Bomb! He countered. He connected. He got ALL of it!

Seth Ericson: He shook the ring with that, and rung Kane’s bell in the process. Jackknife Pin! I think it’s over!

”ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THR - KICKOUT!”

Kane convulses his body to get a shoulder off, shoving Shinji off his chest to break the count. Uchikawa doesn’t even protest, simply rolling off of Christian’s body and onto the canvas where he lies down face first in obvious exhaustion. Both competitors remain down and inert, with neither one looking like they’ll be getting up anytime soon. The International Champion’s chest rises and descends rapidly, whilst he stares up at the ceiling lights in a slight daze. A few feet beside him is The Sentinel, whose face remains buried in the white linen mat to hide the pain and fatigue written on his visage. Referee Chris Dawson steps between both battered men to check on their respective physical conditions, not sure whether to call the match or not. Luckily for him he doesn’t have to, as the bell suddenly chimes thrice.

*DING! DING! DING!*

David Zinkus: Ladies and gentleman, the clock has run out on this contest as we’ve reached the twenty-minute time limit.

WINNER: DRAW (Time Limit)

Dick Morosi: Seth, can you believe it?! Shinji Uchikawa in his EXODUS return, has battled Christian Kane to a draw!

Seth Ericson: Kane has been on fire over the past several months, you have to respect not just Kane for showing what he had tonight, but how far Uchikawa's come in his time in America!

Dick Morosi: And those two will almost certainly meet again! For now, let's...oh wait, I hear something!

"Voodoo People (Pendulum Remix)" by The Prodigy starts to play, as the arena is plunged into blackout. After a few moments, white lights starts scanning the crowd, mimicking spotlights, searching for something. Suddenly, after about half a minute, as the electronic beat starts, they all snap to a single position, as the rear of one of the lower banks of seating, where a lone man stands, black hood pulled over his head, holding a pool cue high up in the air. As the music continues, he drops down into the crowd, making his way through the throng of people, ignoring the slaps on the back he’s receiving as he goes, before finally reaching the barrier. Placing one chain wrapped fist on the metal barricade, he vaults it with ease, before sliding straight into the ring under the bottom rope. He quickly trots to the opposite rope, and stands up on the bottom rope, again raising the pool cue high above his head as he salutes crowd. Dropping off the ropes, he moves to the ropes adjacent to the right, and repeats the procedure again, doing it twice more until all sides of the ring have been covered. After jumping off the last set, he returns to the centre of the ring, and jerks his head back, revealing his ginger beard and mohican. He hoists the pool cue aloft one last time, as the crowd roar in response. He pulls a microphone out of one of his pockets, as the music dies down.

Dick Morosi: Wulf Erikssen is here again, Seth. I wonder if he’s got any information on those mysterious Ninjas we saw last time.

Seth Ericson: F***ing Ninjas.

Beowulf: Two weeks ago, I stood in this very ring, and made a promise to you all. I made a promise that this company now stands under my protection. I made a promise that a Storm was coming. To wash away all the scum and detritus from our scene. But one man does not make a Storm. One man fighting a war alone will be overrun. So, I’m proud to say, I ain’t fighting this battle alone.

The opening riffs of ‘Maw Maw Song’ blare out to the fanfare of the crowd and with a slight flair for the dramatic, Abby Park makes her appearance with both fists extended in the air. Securely fastened to her waist is the Exodus Pro World Championship. She stands on the ramp, proudly,, wearing a smile, waiting until the lyrics kick in before beginning her approach to the ring, all the while soaking up the reactions from those gathered. Abby enters the ring and gives a quick turn to acknowledge those in attendance with a knowing nod of ‘Yes, this means what you think it means’ behind it. She extends her hand to Beowulf for a handshake cementing their alliance, before she asks for the mic he held as her music dies down.

Abby Park: You know, lately I’ve been making a small fuss about my place in the Exodus hierarchy. Notably about my own thoughts on my shortcomings and how generally complacent I’ve been in the past. As I think we’ve all seen, that Abby Park is in the past, where she belongs. But I’m not here to talk about that, not exactly. See, over the years I’ve noticed that Exodus has a penchant for attracting a certain...element that enjoys pushing others around - and that’s me putting it as nicely as I can. I’ve had my run-ins with the sort in the past and I guarantee that if left unchecked, it will happen again. And again. And again. Where does it stop? Ideally before it even starts. There’s only one thing I hate more than betrayal...and that’s a bully. Back in the day, I fancied myself as something of a...defender, a person who would strike against those who enjoyed tormenting others. And that hasn’t changed. What Exodus needs isn’t some band of loyals who raise the banner and fight back after nearly being wiped out. No. What Exodus needs is people who can and will ensure the protection of its members.

So when Wulf came to my aid two weeks ago, came to me with the idea...how could I say no? And what better way to make sure that our cause is just and legitimate than by having the World Champion part of the ranks? No more playing passive. No more standing in the back and saying “Hey, stop that”. No...now is the time for action, and I, Abby Park, will produly fight these battles when they arise; and anyone out there who wants to get their kicks at the misfortune of others...had best be prepared to face a Stor-

Suddenly, five figures, dressed head to toe in black emerge from the back, all making a beeline for the ring.

Dick Morosi: What the hell?

Seth Ericson: More ninjas? What’s up with these guys?

The element of surprise is on the side of the ninjas, who enter the ring from three sides, using the element of numbers to get the first blow on Beowulf and Abby, who is forced to drop the mic in order to defend herself. One of the ninjas gets Abby in a hold, but she fights back by delivering a few quick punches, breaking the hold. Another rushes towards her looking to bring her down to the mat, but quick thinking and quicker moving makes the black-attired figure miss the mark and careen into the ropes. Abby seems more willing to play reactive instead of proactive, letting two of the ninjas back her into a corner where they deliver body blows to the Tennessean.

On the opposite side of the ring, Beowulf is swinging his pool cue wildly, bellowing for any of the three remaining ninjas to dare come and get some. He also has himself backed into a corner, in an attemtpt to thwart any counter attack.

Abby, however, doesn’t let the assault on her last long, and strikes back after weathering the blows to the stomach with a swift punch to the head of the ninja to her right. He relents just long enough for Abby to follow up with a blow to the one remaining. With her attackers backing off, briefly, Abby wastes little time in rushing towards a black figure to show him exactly how hard the Seoul Train hits, causing one to drop down; the second she gives a series of blows to the head until he is sprawled out against the ropes. With this, she turns to see Beowulf backed into the corner. He gives an almost imperceptible nod, and she charges, taking out the the central ninja by surprise with a Gourd-Head to the back of the skull. The two remaining ninjas are distracted by the surprise attack, with that number dropping to one as Beowulf unleashes a Falcon Punch with his chain wrapped fist to the ninja on his left. Scouting his two remaining opponents the last ninja decides to charge the unarmed Abby, only to receive a Roundhouse Kick for his trouble, sending him reeling toward Beowulf, and straight into a strike between the eyes from the pool cue, knocking him out cold. With a roar, Beowulf takes Abby by the wrist, and holds her hand aloft, as the pair stand tall over the mysterious ninjas.

Dick Morosi: Well, it seems like the Storm has arrived Dick, promising to clean the company from the bottom up.

Seth Ericson: I don’t care about that Dick. No-one does. I just want to know where all these f***ing Ninjas are coming from!

As Abby and Beowulf stand tall, we cut to commercial![/b][/b]

We return from commercial to find Tom Matheny in the hallway leading to the entrance-ramp, waiting. He nods to the camera.

Tom Matheny: Hello, fans! We're just moments away from seeing what was already a big match-up, the Masked Salaryman taking on Shozo Arino, but after what happened at the start of the show it's taken a new turn. And I want to get the opinion of one man on that.

As he finishes saying that, two people walk past him. Tom perks up, turning and waving his arms at them. The camera pans as their attention is caught and they turn back to face Tom, revealing themselves to be Shozo Arino and Kiriko Miura of the REVOLUTION. Shozo seems mildly surprised to see Tom.

Shozo Arino: Ahhh, Matheny. Aries let you get away for this long?

Tom Matheny: ...I'm not always needed for flash cards, Mr. Arino.

Shozo nods.

Shozo Arino: I suppose. So, what do you want? I have a match to get to.

Tom Matheny: That's exactly it! I want to talk to you about this match. Or, rather, your opponent.

Shozo Arino: I see where this is going. Get on with it.

Tom nods.

Tom Matheny: Well, as we saw at the start of the broadcast, the Masked Salaryman unmasked to reveal himself as Ryuji Kamigawa! How does this make you feel?

He starts to place the microphone in front of Shozo's face, only for him to yank it from his hand. Tom steps back, already not wanting any of this, as Shozo steps forward to the camera, forcing it to look only at his face as he speaks one word.

Shozo Arino: Hypocrisy.

He lets it stain the air for a moment.

Shozo Arino: All this talk of heroism, all this talk of saving the company from the REVOLUTION. All of it now revealed to be nothing but hypocrisy. You dared to tell these people that you'd never let someone like me and my allies do what we want with this company when all we want to do is save it, when you, YOU! were one of the men who FOUNDED the god damned GODS & MONSTERS! You tried to kill this company! You tried to drive a stake through the heart of this company! You have it's cursed name tattooed on your *BLEEP*ing body forever! And yet you have the audacity, the gall to declare yourself a hero to these people! How dare you.

He pauses a moment only to let him catch his breath.

Shozo Arino: And I hate Black Jones with a passion but you helped to hospitalize him. Then, you put a mask on and declared yourself to be a friend and hero to him. You lied to the man's face, after trying to end his career and life. So, I may hate Black Jones, but I hope he gives you even just a fraction of the suffering you and the rest of your G&M put him through.

Another pause, as Shozo stares into the camera.

Shozo Arino: So, you want to know how I feel? I feel disgusted. Not only for me, not only for Black Jones, but for each and every single person in that crowd that bought into your garbage. You lied to each and every single one of them, tricked them into thinking you were a hero when you're nothing but. The Masked Salaryman was suppose to be part of the solution...but that was never going to be the case when Ryuji Kamigawa was under the mask. Because you are, and always will be, part of the problem. And in just a few minutes, I'm going to solve the problem.

Shozo Arino: Because for Black Jones...and for each and every person out there that you lied to and deceived...I'm going to break your jaw.

He turns to Tom and thrusts the microphone into his chest and stalks off to gorilla. Tom watches him go, then looks at Kiriko, who remains.

Tom Matheny: So...what do you think about all this?

Kiriko stares at him, her face an emotionless mask, before she shrugs her shoulders with what seems to be great difficulty. And then she turns and follows Shozo, leaving Tom alone. He watches the departing two uncertainly as we come back to the ring...

Dick Morosi: Very strong words from Shozo Arino there. He does not seem to have taken the unmasking of the Masked Salaryman well.

Seth Ericson: Can you blame him? Hell, NONE of us are taking this well! I'm so disgusted by Kamigawa and what he's done, I HOPE Shozo breaks his jaw!

Dick Morosi: Well he's getting his chance right now! Shozo Arino is stepping into the ring with RYUJI KAMIGAWA...and it's next!

SINGLES MATCH
THE MASKED SALARYMAN RYUJI KAMIGAWA vs. SHOZO ARINO

David Zinkus: Ladies and gentlemen, the following match is scheduled for one fall. Introducing first...

The crowd falls into booing as "Anti-Gravity" by Lindsey Sterling hits and the leader of the REVOLUTION steps out onto the stage. He first looks out at the crowd, and their negative reaction to him, shaking his head in disappointment. He then looks up at the ceiling and beyond, looking up for a few moments before nodding and setting off down the ramp.

David Zinkus: From Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan, weighing in tonight at 205lbs..., representing REVOLUTION... SHOZOOOOOOOOOOO ARINOOOOOOOOOO!

He steps onto the ring apron and looks up at the sky again for a moment before stepping into the ring, rapidly turning to face the entire crowd before coming to a stop in the corner. He slowly undoes the hoodie he was wearing and ditches it, ready for his match to begin.

David Zinkus: And now, introducing his opponent...

“Hot in Herre” by Nelly somewhat awkwardly begins to play over the PA system in KBS Hall, heralding the arrival of a now somewhat less heroic and unmasked Salaryman. Ryuji Kamigawa looks somewhat mortified as he walks down to the ring, his half of the tag team championships draped over his shoulder. He clutches the Call Your Shot attache case in his free hand, taking in the reaction of the crowd

David Zinkus: From Osaka, Japan, and weighing in at 289lbs... He is one half of the EXODUS Pro Tag Team Champions…

The introduction cuts off there, as Zinkus can’t decide exactly what to call the now unmasked Masked Salaryman. There’s some laughter in the crowd, but Kamigawa looks deadly serious behind his obvious discomfort as he places his attache case on the ring apron, alongside his tag team championship.

Dick Morosi: The Masked Salaryman formed what he calls the EXODUS Vanguard, Seth, hoping to protect the company from threats like this man before him, Shozo Arino, the leader of REVOLUTION. This is somewhat more ironic now, given that he’s, well, ONE OF THE COFOUNDERS OF GODS & MONSTERS.

Seth Ericson: Protect the company from what, Dick? REVOLUTION have stated time and time again that they want the industry to change, not be destroyed. And really, even if EXODUS NEEDS a savior, it’s going to take a Hell of a lot to convince me that savior is Christum Furor’s bosom buddy.

Chris Dawson gathers the Japanese superstars in the centre of the ring, explaining the rules. Kamigawa nods, whilst Shozo just waves for him to get on with it. The leader of REVOLUTION wears a bemused look on his face, gesturing to Kamigawa as if astounded at the hypocrisy on display. After a few moments, Dawson steps back, and calls for the bell.

Dick Morosi: And this match is under way, folks. The Masked Salaryman helped deal REVOLUTION a massive blow last week, when they took the tag team championship from the fledgling stable. Can the now UNMASKED...I guess we’re calling him Ryuji Kamigawa again... compound that with a win over the faction’s leader, a man whose own form has been inconsistent of late?

Seth Ericson: How about you just shut up and call the match, eh?

The two men start circling each other, wearily. Shozo runs to the ropes, but slams on before he comes into contact with Ryuji, checking him for flinching. The former Salaryman steps up, and Shozo goes for the collar and elbow with him, the bigger man using his advantage to power out of the hold, and spin Arino around, locking him in a waistlock. Wrenching at the smaller man’s gut, Kamigawa lifts him up, and turning, drops him onto the mat face first, keeping a lock on the waist as he does. Ryuji’s grip loosens, however, and Shozo uses the extra purchase the mat grants to slip out of the lock, grabbing hold of one of the arms and pulling it up behind the big man in a Hammerlock. Kamigawa quickly powers up to his feet, to try and stop his foe gaining the advantage, but Arino keeps the Hammerlock locked in. The tag team champion starts reaching with his free hand, over his shoulder, searching for his opponents, and finally grabs Shozo about the neck, and with a huge display of strength wrenches him off of his arm and over his shoulder in one fluid move in a Snapmare, quickly locking in a Sleeper Hold to try and wear Arino down.

Dick Morosi: Back and forth right now, neither man really able to secure the advantage.

In a huge display of strength, Kamigawa stands upright, wrenching Arino up and to his feet, focusing more pressure on his neck. Shozo starts firing back elbows into the big man’s ribs, only for Ryuji to counter by running him into the ropes, before sending him running across the ring. Shozo comes back, only to be stopped by a Shoulder Block from the former Man in White. Arino is rattled, but stays upright, just staring at Kamigawa. The masked office worker invites him to have another go, and in response Shozo runs to the ropes. Ryuji quickly drops to the mat, forcing Arino to step over him. The big man quickly gets up right, and jumps high, pushing off of Shozo’s shoulders to vault over him. Shozo comes back once more , face full of frustration, straight into a Dropkick from the fat man. Kamigawa gets up, turns, and bows to the crowd, who give him what could charitably be called a VERY mixed reaction as Shozo hastily crawls into one of the corners to gather himself. Ryuji turns, and sees Arino climbing upright using the ropes, and charges. Arino turns around, just in time to see Ryuji leap into the air, going for the Salaryman’s Sandwich, only for Shozo to instinctively roll forward out of the way, letting the superhero drive his sternum into the top turnbuckle.

Seth Ericson: Kamigawa going for that big Body Avalanche, but Shozo cleared out of the way in plenty of time. He looks out of sorts tonight, folks, and honestly? I don’t think that’s a surprise.

Shozo charges in, but Kamigawa sees him coming, sending him up in the air with a Back Body Drop. He seems to play into Shozo’s plans though, as Shozo twists in the air, taking a hold of the once-purveyor of GLORIOUS NIPPONESE VALUES(™) around the neck, and as soon as his feet make contact with the top turnbuckle he pushes himself forward, taking Ryuji down with a Diamond Dust!

Seth Ericson: Shozo showing the kind of agility he hopes will consistently give him an advantage over the Masked Idiot. Wait, he’s unmasked now. Goddamnit all, my notes for this match are useless. You suck, Kamigawa.

Shozo gets straight up, calling for the former G&M co-founder to stand, which he slowly, groggily, does. Shozo charges, going for a Lariat, but Ryuji ducks, slipping behind him locking on a waist hold. Shozo immediately breaks out the elbows, sending strike after strike into the side of the masked man’s head. Kamigawa’s grip gradually lessens, and Shozo breaks free, charging into the ropes. As he comes back, though, he’s caught as Ryuji hits him with a Thesz Press, crushing him down into the mat. He stays on top for a pinfall!

ONE


TW-


Shozo get’s a shoulder up. Without missing a beat, Kamigawa gets up, hauling Arino up with him as he does. As he gets him upright, he locks in a Double Underhook, wrenching on the shoulders to ensure the hold is locked in, before lifting him up, and eventually over, with the Salaryman’s Suplex!

Dick Morosi: The strength of this man, Kamigawa or Salaryman, is considerable, Seth, as he seemingly effortlessly lifts Shozo up and over in that huge Delayed Double Underhook Suplex! And he’s going for another pinfall.


ONE


TWO

Kickout! Kamigawa, shaking his head slightly, grabs Arino by the head, and hauls him back upright. Taking a handful of waistband, he hoists Arino up and over his head in a Military Press! Shozo, however, starts kicking wildly, and manages to wriggle out of the once Salaryman’s grip, landing on his feet behind him. He starts spinning as the big man turns, taking him down with the Future’s Arrival.

Seth Ericson: The Future is here Dick, as Shozo takes the big man off his feet with that big Discus European Uppercut.

Shozo drops down for the pinfall.

ONE

T-

Kamigawa presses Arino up and off of him. Slamming the mat with his fist, Shozo gets to his feet, keeping his eyes of the still rising erstwhile leader of the EXODUS Vanguard. He waves off the boos of the crowd, as he drives Kamigawa into the corner, hitting him with a sequence of forearms and elbow strikes, disorienting the big man, before running to the opposite corner, using the opposite turnbuckle as a launch pad, and charging back, hitting Ryuji with a huge Dropkick, square to his chest. As the big man staggers forward, Shozo charges in, taking him down with the Crash Love!

Seth Ericson: CRASH LOVE! Spinning Sitout Sleeper Slam to Kamigawa, driving him hard into the mat.

Shozo goes for the cover!


ONE


TWO


T-

Kamigawa kicks out! Shozo rolls up onto his haunches, trying to work out what he needs to do to put the big man away. He starts calling for the big man to stand up, stamping on the mat, as Ryuji slowly climbs to his feet. With a roar, he charges forward, going for the Evolving Times, only for Salaryman to pull back, evading the kick. Shozo quickly gets up, and turns around, only to be met by a kick to the gut from the big man! The wind driven out of him, he’s quickly hoisted up across Kamigawa’s shoulders, as the crowd roars, mixed with joy at the prospect of Arino falling, and distaste at their purveyor of GLORIOUS NIPPONESE VALUES(™) being Ryuji Kamigawa all along.

Dick Morosi: Shozo missed his opportunity to end this, and now Kamigawa is looking to capitalise on that mistake!

With a triumphant cry, the once Salaryman goes for the S5. Shozo manages to wiggle free as Ryuji throws him out in front of him, landing on his feet as the big man goes crashing backwards into the mat. Shaking his head, he starts to sit up, only to be greeted by a boot to the face as Shozo hits the Evolving Times!

Dick Morosi: The Evolving Times! Big Single Leg Dropkick, straight into Kamigawa’s jaw! He’s got to be out.

Shozo rolls him up!


ONE



TWO



THREE!

David Zinkus: Ladies and Gentleman, your winner in this bout by way of pinfall... SHOZO ARINO!

Shozo stands, raising a single fist high in the air as the crowd erupt in a chorus of boos. He just sadly shakes his head at their reaction, then looks down at Kamigawa, a look of bemusement at the crowd’s reaction on his face. On the mat, Ryuji Kamigawa shakes his head, not sure of what had just happened.

Dick Morosi: Shozo picks up a big win for REVOLUTION here, Seth, getting a victory over one half of the tag team champions - if we can even assume the tag team champions are a unit, which is no easy assumption at this point!

Seth Ericson: The best thing is, I don’t even think Ryuji realises the match is over! Hah!

Shozo casts a glance to the fallen Kamigawa, and with a derisory sneer just drops to the mat, and rolls out of the ring, heading to the back.

Dick Morosi: If he didn’t, he will now, as Chris Dawson is checking in on him.

Kamigawa just starts shaking his head, as Dawson explains to him what has happened.

Seth Ericson: There it is! HAH!

Dick Morosi: A long road for Ryuji Kamigawa has started with a large speedbump, and Shozo Arino has picked up a big win, both for REVOLUTION and for himself.

WINNER: Shozo Arino

Dick Morosi: Shozo Arino took advantage of a clearly distracted Masked Salar--Ryuji Kamigawa, and picks up a huge win!

Seth Ericson: He's going to have to get himself together, Dick. No matter who he is, he needs to be at his best, otherwise he's going to keep suffering losses like that.

Dick Morosi: And it's clear that in this state, things are going to get more difficult for him from here. While he recovers, let's head backstage.

We cut backstage, and we see the mysterious stranger with no name that has always been seen with "The Allmother" mara backstage, wandering by herself. With an almost aimless look, she finally approaches a door and touches it gently.

The Nameless Stranger: Reach for the dead.

And with that, she walks off...as we realize the door is for the San Diego Bay Champion, Chandler Scott. On that, we fade to commercial.

“Hot in Herre” by Nelly begins to play, heralding the arrival of one-half of the EXODUS Pro World Tag Team Champions. There is, however, no hop in the Masked Salaryman’s step tonight. Nor is there the Pimp Cup O’Noodles. Nor, even, is there the bright orange tuxedo that the Salaryman debuted two weeks ago with Hot Sauce & Ramen.

Instead, the Masked Salaryman is clad in a black tuxedo. He carries with him the Call Your Shot attache case, his contract safely tucked inside. The EXODUS Pro World Tag Team Championship belt he holds is draped over his right shoulder, and he walks with the look of a man on his way to the gallows.

David Zinkus: Please welcome at this time, the Masked Salaryman!

Dick Morosi: That is the least happy looking champion I’ve ever seen.

Seth Ericson: Can you blame him, Dick? He’s got to reveal his identity by Repetition of Hatred, or he’s not getting re-signed! Full marks for coming out here to rip the bandage off, but what’s under that goofy mask can’t be good.

Dick Morosi: The rumors are myriad, folks - I’m sure many of you have heard them already. But in the interest of fairness, I’m willing to hear the masked man out.

Slowly, the Salaryman pushes his briefcase into the ring, then rolls in after it. He nods at David ZInkus, who hands over his microphone to the purveyor of GLORIOUS NIPPONESE VALUES(™). Salaryman thanks Zinkus with a clap on the back, and then looks skyward for a moment or two. He takes a deep, deep breath, holding it for several seconds, before blowing it out.

Seth Ericson: I don’t like this. Not one little bit.

Masked Salaryman: GREETINGS, CITIZENS OF THE EXODUS MEGAOPOLIS! IT IS I, YOUR CHAMPION OF ALL THING GLORIOUS AND NIPPON, THE MASKED SALARYMAN!

The reaction he gets is mixed - a cheap pop for being a countryman, mixed with skepticism from the EXODUS fans who seem to sense that a jig is mere moments away from being up.

Masked Salaryman: Sorry, everyone. I wanted to say that at least one last time. So, we all know why I’m out here. I could say everything I have to say and then make the big reveal, but you know what? I’m tired of living a lie. I can’t be the Masked Salaryman until I show the world something. I don’t have the right to be.

Slowly, with his free hand, the Masked Salaryman reached up, fingers beginning to work at the laces of his mask.

Dick Morosi: Here we go, folks! The Masked Salaryman unmas--

Morosi’s voice dies in his throat as he looks at a man he doesn’t recognize. The face of the Masked Salaryman, finally bared to the world, is utterly unfamiliar.

Seth Ericson: Wait, what in the -- why would Almasy make an edict that he had to reveal his identity, if that’s what we see?

Murmurs of confusion are heard everywhere in the crowd, as the unfamiliar man pauses, as if remembering something.

(Un)Masked Salaryman: There I am, world. Though, that’s not particularly helpful, is it? I’ve spoken about my attempted suicides before. The last of them went slightly worse for me than the others. Gunpowder burns and other unpleasantness meant that I had to take a trip under a knife for some plastic surgery. Not too bad, huh? A slight improvement on how I used to look. But really, if you want to know who I am...the mask isn’t the secret. The tux is.

Casually, the formerly masked man begins to unbutton his tuxedo. Once the coat is open, fingers begin to work on the dress shirt beneath. That takes more buttons, and more dexterity, but once the shirt is undone, the Masked Salaryman shrugs out of both coat and shirt, to reveal his body to the world.

Dick Morosi: I...oh my God, Seth, that…

Seth Ericson: ...those tattoos...

The Masked Salaryman’s torso and arms are almost covered in tattoos. Most of the tattoos are dragons, intertwined and warring with one another, but it’s the tattoo on the center of his torso that reveals his identity to the entire world. Two letters and a symbol form an image that EXODUS fans likely hoped to never have to see again.

G&M

Dick Morosi: Which means that the Masked Salaryman is…!

(Un)Masked Salaryman: My name is Ryuji Kamigawa. I spent the vast majority of my EXODUS tenure trying to bring it to its knees alongside a madman that I knew as Magnus Gunner. And I came back under a ridiculous mask to start the long, arduous process of cleaning up the mess that I helped create.

The crowd, roughly 50-50 before the announcement, largely turn on the unmasked Salaryman. Kamigawa nods at the boos, standing stoically in the middle of the ring.

Ryuji Kamigawa: But Chris Strike, Andreas Lasiewicz, and, Hell, the entire EXODUS roster dealt with that problem for me. I had a few skirmishes with HATE, and sure, I beat up some of Chuck Matthews’ security, but once the Autumn Effect 2 was over, a battle that I thought would wage on for years was over...and EXODUS had won. There was no need for a Masked Salaryman any longer, and thus no need for me. I almost left, and yet…? I knew that something would rise again. Gods & Monsters was dead, but something would replace it. That’s why I stayed - because I’d made a Hell of a mess and I hadn’t put in but a thimbleful of the cleanup work.

The jeering continues, though at a lower volume, as the crowd in KBS Hall listens to the words of one of the more hated men to step foot in an EXODUS ring.

Ryuji Kamigawa: I’ve done a lot of shit here. A lot. There are people backstage right now who hate my guts, and I can’t say that I blame them. There are people who’ll want me gone, and I don’t blame them, either. When I got this edict from my mentor, Seymour Almasy, I knew damn well who it actually came through - Jonathan Collins. A man with whom I have a checkered past, to say the very least.

Dick Morosi: A gigantic understatement.

Seth Ericson: To be sure, but if Collins knew...why was he even here? I can’t imagine Jonathan Collins allowing Kamigawa back in, mask or no mask!

Ryuji Kamigawa: He gave me, in all practicality, a choice. He told me that I could either keep this mask on and get out of his company, or I could take it off and take the beatings that I have coming to me for the sins of Gods & Monsters. Christum’s buried six feet under. Zack Lifer is...Zack Lifer. Everyone who came after me is either gone from EXODUS or reformed. I’m the last link to the group that most terrorized this company.

Dick Morosi: He’s right - Sally Talfourd is gone. Savannah Taylor is reformed. Even Emi Watanabe, Kamigawa’s former tag partner, is in (R)W as the close confidant of the Great GOTHRA.

Ryuji Kamigawa: All those months ago, Collins told me to find something to fight for. It took me a long damn time, but I finally found the two things I wanted to fight for. One is EXODUS. The second is my own self-respect. And if I want to fight for those two things? You all have to know who I am. I can’t put this mask on and fight for GLORIOUS NIPPONESE VALUES(™) under false pretenses. Your cheers can’t ring true in my ears unless you know just who’s putting the mask on.

And then, as if on cue, cheers DO come up from the capacity crowd. They aren’t for the Masked Salaryman/Ryuji Kamigawa, though.

Seth Ericson: That’s...oh God, Black Jones, he…

Dick Morosi: I almost forgot! Black Jones was VICTIMIZED by Gods & Monsters in one of the most heinous acts the group ever committed!

The OTHER half of the tag team champions slowly walks up the aisle, his face a kaleidoscope of emotion as Kamigawa continues on, not even having noticed the Hot Sauce of Hot Sauce & Ramen yet.

Ryuji Kamigawa: To everyone in this company that I’ve hurt - I’m sorry, and I’m done running. I will step into the ring with anyone and everyone who wants their chance at revenge against the last vestige of Gods & Monsters. I will take the measure of those who wish me crippled, or worse. Then, and only then, will this mask go back on. Until then? Call me the Unmasked Salaryman. Call me Ryuji Kamigawa. I do not honestly care what I am known as. But I will earn the right to be this company’s Masked Salaryman again. That much I promise you.

Seth Ericson: He may well have a taker, folks, on that revenge bit.

It is only then that Kamigawa realizes that he’s not alone - that his very tag team partner, the man Gods & Monsters once bludgeoned in a moment that the EXODUS Seikigun rallied around, is standing there. Jones stoops down, picking up the Call Your Shot attache case. Black Jones paces, back and forth, case in his hands, poised to swing.

Dick Morosi: What could possibly be going through Black Jones’ mind? Ryuji Kamigawa was the second in command of a group that laid him to waste while he was still a (R)evo student!

Seth Ericson: The fact that he’s got that attache case in his hands speaks volumes about his mindset, I think!

The cheers of the crowd, which Kamigawa knows surely can’t be for him, cause Ryuji to turn around, seeing his tag partner there, poised and able to take his head off with a single swing. Kamigawa nods, raising the microphone to his lips.

Ryuji Kamigawa: Go ahead, Black. I deserve it. But before I do, just let me say a few things to you, first. After that? Swing for the fences.

Jones doesn’t put the case down, but he does glare daggers at his partner. Anger is there, mixed with hurt and confusion.

Ryuji Kamigawa: I’ve owed you an apology for over a year, because what Gods & Monsters did to you was bullshit. I should have told you who I was before we ever formed Hot Sauce & Ramen. I didn’t because I was afraid. I didn’t because I knew what you’d say if I told you I was the co-founder of the group that tried to end you. The EXODUS Vanguard needed you - because you ARE the future of EXODUS. Not me. You’ll be here long after my time is done and gone. I promise you that I have your back, from here on out. This isn’t some bullshit attempt to resurrect what is dead. I am here to atone, to make up for what I’ve done. And if that involves you taking my head off, Black? Go ahead. Please.

The man once known as the God in White turns off the microphone, and drops it to the floor. His arms remain at his side, as if inviting the blow to come. Kamigawa and Black Jones remain locked, eyes on one another. For moment after moment, nothing happens, until Black Jones shakes his head, and flips the case in Kamigawa’s direction. Ryuji catches it, but by the time he does, his tag team partner has stepped through the ropes, and is on his way to the back, head held low.

Dick Morosi: Jones didn’t take the free shot! Kamigawa offered it, but --

Seth Ericson: But he’s on his way to the back, Dick. This...I think this might well be the end of Hot Sauce & Ramen, and if it is? I don’t think I can blame Black Jones one little bit.

Ryuji Kamigawa watches Jones go, his own shoulders slumped. Once his fellow tag team champion is out of side, Kamigawa stoops down, to pick up his tag team title belt. He glances at his mask, on the mat, before stepping out of the ring, leaving it there as he solemnly walks to the back.

The camera zooms in, focusing on the mask of the Masked Salaryman, before the show goes back to Dick & Seth.

Dick Morosi: Folks, I...I'm just stunned by the development that we've seen unfold before our very eyes tonight. The Masked Salaryman is co-founder of Gods & Monsters, Ryuji Kamigawa!

Seth Ericson: And at this point, Kamigawa has a lot of soul searching to do, Dick. There's a laundry list of enemies still left here and a lot of people that would enjoy making him feel some of that pain he made them feel. We'll take a commercial break, and we'll be right back with our opening match, Devan Whitmore against Ruby Tyler!