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We’re taken backstage, where Sylar Drake is standing in front of a sink. He’s wearing jeans already, but is shirtless as he’s trying to wash the paint off from his body and face. Drying his face with a towel, he hears a familiar voice from behind of him.

Christum Furor: That was a telling performance you put on out there, Mr. Drake. And the fact that it came at Zack Lifer’s expense made it all the more entertaining.

The familiar voice is none other than the EXODUS World Champion who walks up to cover the threshold in that particular space and time. He stands staring at Sylar who looks into the mirror to gaze in the eyes of the man being reflected in the background.

Sylar Drake: What do you want Magnu- oh my mistake. You are calling yourself Furor nowadays right?

Christum laughs, seemingly amused by Drake’s sarcasm. Either due to being uncomfortable or knowing that this is not a man to let your guard down against, Sylar turns around to properly interact with the Michigan madman who is still chuckling at his response.

Christum Furor: The name is but a mere representation of the truth and the level of Godship I have ascended to. When one can master and harness the unstable power of dementia and use it at will, is he not a God of Madness?

Sylar furrows his brow while Furor continues to laugh and smile his devilish grin.

Sylar Drake: I won’t get into a philosophical conversation with you, Furor. I don’t have the time for it at the moment I have certain obligations I must meet, places I must get to. So, save me the trouble of asking and just tell me what you want?

The World Champion ponders for a bit, although the vindictive, mischievous smirk never vanishes from his countenance. Rather it grows more intense with it’s wickedness.

Christum Furor: What does a man in my position who is on the cusp of total superiority in this company want? I’ve never really given it a thought. I suppose it’s the same thing you want, Mr. Drake. Ah yes, my absolute intellect lends me the ability to see through the facades and masks people create to peer into the deepest, darkest depths of their minds where they hide their most intimate secrets. And I see Mr. Drake, I see it so clearly as it looks back at me with that baleful, malevolent gaze. It’s begging me to release it from those chains so that it can do what it has been created to do.

Sylar shakes his head, then tries to brush past the villain.

Sylar Drake: I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Christum Furor: Oh but you do, Mr. Drake. That paint you wear, that coating that you’ve dawned is but a minor manifestation of the monster that’s harboring inside your soul. I can see him, nothing goes unnoticed or unseen by my eyes Mr. Drake. You can’t hide him from me, you can’t hide that demon that claws at the surface of your cerebral, scratching at those walls you’ve confined him to. But they’re cracking, aren’t they? Yes, I can see those barriers being torn down Mr. Drake, I see that the demon inside you is pursuing freedom because it so desperately wants to carry out it’s purpose. The reason it exists is for power. Your demon has a thirst for power Mr. Drake, and I want to help you.

Sylar is visibly confused by all this, as he shakes his head in befuddlement, almost rejecting the premise in it of itself.

Sylar Drake: Help me? Help me do what?

Furor now steps forward, placing his hands on the edge of the sink as he stares into the mirror.

Christum Furor: I want to help you tame that beast, and use it’s powers to achieve things you never dreamed of. I intend to liberate your madness, and in doing so you’ll tap into a potential that will allow you to become more than just Sylar Drake. I will turn you into a GOD among men.

Sylar Drake: You’re crazy.

Furor’s eyes brighten with malevolence, and the twinkle of malice in his pupil’s augments the demonic aura that encompasses him. He continues to smile, baring his teeth now while Drake shakes his head in the background.

Christum Furor: Am I really, Mr. Drake? Am I crazy for freeing myself from society’s chains, circumventing their illusions and persecution to unlock my mind and see the truth. Am I crazy because I questioned everything I was told, that I questioned my existence in the fabric of humanity and in the grand scheme of things? No, no I’m not Mr. Drake. What I am is ahead of the curve and ahead of time. In fact, I transcend it. I transcend society and this entire cesspit, as my search for knowledge and understanding has led me to true and total enlightenment. Now that my eyes are opened I can see everything so clearly. I can see that GOD gave me the tools to be like him. He created me in his image, and all that was needed for me to become a deity was to not let ANYONE tell me how to think, and to carve out my own destiny. And now that I’ve achieved this status, now that I know the truth of the world and can see the corruption of the ideals we’ve been passed down, all I want is to create a better world. And here I am Mr. Drake, building the NEW AGE where WE are the architects of the future. I am no madman, I am a visionary. I am a man who is courageous enough to change the established order. What are you, Mr. Drake?

There’s logic, undeniable logic in his statements, yet Sylar shakes his head in disgust, refusing to believe any of the propaganda spewing out of Furor’s mouth.

Sylar Drake: I’m done listening to you.

The World Champion stares menacingly into the mirror, glaring at the Englishman who begins to make his way out of the bathroom, yet his progress is suddenly brought to a halt.

Christum Furor: You’re living in the shadow of Blake Jones. Your an afterthought to the legacy he’s attempting to carve out, a mere prisoner in the realm of obscurity he’s created for you as he selfishly pursues self-gratification, leaving you behind.

Sylar slowly turns around, his facial expression is one of self-doubt, and slight envy. His vision descends down to the floor, and it’s there where the master manipulator knows he has his prey right where he wants him. The World Champion takes a deep, vindicating breath before turning around.

Christum Furor: You’re weak Mr. Drake, because you hold onto a bond with your brother who does not hold you in the same regard. Instead he has ignored you, placed you in the rear view as he aspires to achieve goals and aspirations that will only pad his ego. He’s only looking out for himself. He could care less about you or your partnership. He sees you only as a sidekick, as someone beneath him. He does not view you as his equal. And he’s not wrong in that regard. You two are NOT equals. You have something he wishes he had. You possess a power feared by men like Jonathan Collins, a power unique to only those who are willing to sever these bonds and ascend to a stature that transcends everything they know. THAT power, that power is the reason the Sekigun wants to destroy Gods & Monsters, and prevent the New Age from realizing it’s full potential. They don’t understand our power, and they fear us because of it Mr. Drake, but I know you’re not like them. I know you’re not like Blake. You’re better than him. You can become MORE than what you are. All that is required of you is to sever THAT tie.

Sylar Drake: What do you know about friendship or brotherhood? You ended the career of a man you called your best friend, and for what?

The smile vanishes from his visage; Furor is now serious in his demeanor as he sighs heavily in response to what just invaded his eardrums.

Christum Furor: The evil of this business put us at odds. Jonathan’s manipulation pitted us against the other in a battle that could only end in a Shattered Dreams Deathmatch. However, looking back on everything that transpired, due to my absolute intellect I can now see that our battle was necessary. Destroying my brother, severing that tie was but a prerequisite for me to become ABSOLUTE. His demise caused me great pain and suffering, but it was through that misery that I was able to conquer my demons, discovering a power that was dormant in me, a power that I used to become EXODUS World Champion and kickstart the chain of events that has brought my NEW AGE into the twilight. That’s the same power, the same untapped potential boxed within your soul Mr. Drake, and the only way to unlock it is to destroy Blake Jones. You MUST open Pandora's Box! You MUST beat him, and prove to him that you are BETTER than he is for he is but an obstacle to you, someone holding you back. He and the Seikigun cling onto the past, accept corruption and fight for the sake of a crooked, misguided politician. Will you do the same, Sylar? Will you continue to be weak, and follow him down that path to oblivion for the sake of friendship, or will you break that bond by breaking him, and join Gods & Monsters as we rule the world?

The World Champion steps forward, placing a hand on Sylar’s shoulder, making him a bit uneasy.

Christum Furor: Think about it, Mr. Drake. Think hard and clear and take into account everything that I’ve told you. Once you do that, the truth will reveal itself and you’ll know that there’s only one logical choice and action you can take.

And with that Furor exits the premises, leaving Sylar to contemplate exactly that.

We switch to backstage. There is a blank white screen pinned up against the wall, blank except for the EXODUS Pro logo that is emblazoned upon it. Standing before it in a smart business suit is a nervous looking Tom Matheny.

Tom Matheny: I’m Tom Matheny, and I’m here backstage with one of the men that is now about to take part in the following No Disqualification match against ECWF’s Ashe Draven. He is none other than Andreas Lasiewicz.

From the left hand side of view, Andreas Lasiewicz walks up to Tom, dressed in his Morning Star ring gear. He is flanked by his lover, Sarah Hartley, dressed immaculately in a gorgeous barcode themed gown. She smiles to the camera, but merely stands back so Andreas can speak his mind. His look is anything but jolly.

Andreas Lasiewicz: I have been waiting for this moment for a very, very long time. I’ve been waiting for this chance for a very, very long time. I have stewed over this moment. I have dreamed of this moment. My every waking moment has been focused upon this… this one match. This one chance for vengeance against one of the men who cowardly cut down the woman who stands beside me…

He half turns to her as she rubs his shoulders, giving him a curt nod of her head.

Andreas Lasiewicz: Are you truly ready, Ashe? Are you truly ready to face what is coming for you? After all, you have never truly stepped away from your comfort zone to compete, have you? You have been competing in the ECWF for way over a decade now. In one place, mainly one arena with the same fans, the same faces, the same staff, the same friends to help you out when you are down and out. You have so much power in that place that you simply cannot fail even if you tried. One click of your fingers and a mindless legion will be there to aid you, to cheat for you, to fight your battles for you. You are now stepping into a completely different world. You are stepping into MY world!

His voice begins to heighten in fury and anger as he speaks.

Andreas Lasiewicz: I have succeeded the world over and the only thing I need in that ring Is myself. I don’t need interference. I don’t need anyone from the back coming out to fight my battles for me. And that is how this fight is going to be. Even against her own wishes, Sarah will be remaining backstage. The rest of the EXODUS locker room will be remaining backstage. And even if your friend Josh is around this arena, security knows who he is. He won’t get anywhere near the barricade, never mind the ring itself. You are going to find that you are very much alone in that ring…

As he carried on with his vitriolic speech, not spoken or shouted, but almost sung. Soulful, tuneful but its content as corrosive as acid itself.

Andreas Lasiewicz: I find it funny that you wasted your breathe in your last promo… Wasted your breathe talking about the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Telling me tall tales about how you represented Death. How you were the figure of Famine. How you were the embodiment of War. That you were the face of Conquest. You see, where I am from, there is another horsemen. A different one in the place of Conquest. And I think that represents you way, way more than the others. And his name is Pestilence. You see, Ashe. You are no God. Just like Kamigawa isn’t a God, just like Christum Furor isn’t a God, just like any other of that incestuous little group isn’t a God. You Ashe, are a disease, a cancer, a plague upon the industry that needs to be systemically wiped out. You’re venom that needs to be bled out from the industry. A virus that needs to be destroyed. Now… Now I could say that I am the chemotherapy to your cancer. But no… That is not the case. That would hint that I was coming at you with precision, that I was going to be gentle and not leave any damage in your absence. No… That is not the case.

Andreas lets out one mighty laugh as he begins to wrap things up.

Andreas Lasiewicz: I am going to burn you out with fire. I’m going to cut down and let napalm rain down upon you. Hellfire, brimstone, the entire fucking inferno! It’s not going to be classy, it’s not going to be dignified, it’s not going to be pretty. I am going to leave you in a heap in that ring, a charred mess of what you once were. Tonight is about vengeance… And vengeance will be had…

Andreas and Sarah then turn and exit the area, as Tom motions for the camera to return to ringside.

Seth Ericson: What a show so far! And now comes the especially violent part!

Dick Morosi: I’m afraid so! Next up we have the long awaited matchup between the Number One contender to the EXODUS Pro World Title, Andreas Lasiewicz going one on one with one of the East Coast Wrestling Federation’s biggest stars in Ashe Draven.

Seth Ericson: These inter-promotional matches always excite me, Dick!

Dick Morosi: This match goes a long way, a lot further than the tweets and insults they have hurled at each other in recent weeks. There has been bad blood between these two for a very long time. And it came to a head after a heinous and vicious attack on Lasiewicz’s partner, Sarah Hartley several weeks ago. ECWF management has given us permission to use this footage now. Be warned, it’s not for the weak of heart.

The scene at ringside then switches to the footage from a few weeks ago in Miami.

Sarah rolls out of the ring, sore and pissed off she heads over to the commentators desk before sticking a finger in the face of Shawn Nolen, her voice picking up over the headset as she barks at him with her Newcastle Accent spilling over into her words

SARAH HARTLEY: “What the hell was that!?... You fucking wankers ALLOW this shit to go on and THIS is the reason we’re losing ratings and superstars left and right!”

SHAWN NOLEN: “Whoa, Sarah… Easy, I don’t make the match rules. I’m not the commissioner.”

SARAH HARTLEY: “Fuck that Shawn! I want Mo Singh out here right now!”

SHAWN NOLEN: “We got a match starting, you’re gonna have to go out back and talk to him”

Before another word can be said Genocide rounds the corner with no warning and clobbers Sarah from behind forcing her forward and onto the table. Jillian and Shawn both jump up and back to the Barricade as Josh grabbed a hand full of her hair with his left hand before stunting her hard across the face over and over again with his right. Each blow coming with the full might of the Hardcore Icon with the impact of his fist smacking off her skull even coming through on the headsets

JILLIAN NOLEN: “Josh, stop!... Shawn DO SOMETHING”

Nolen steps forward and right into a sucker punch by Genocide that sends his Aviators off and the Elder Nolen to the floor mat… Jill’s eyes widen as Josh jumps up onto the table and pulls Sarah up setting her head between his legs… A sick grin crosses his face as he raises an arm into the air – still Jillian tries to reason

JILLIAN NOLEN: “JOSH!!! STOP THIS!”

He pulls her upright across his shoulder her legs dangling behind him as her head faces forward… Her eyes, now in a daze see the rafters above her before he jumps up, slides her forward and DRIVES her head first through the table with the Dreaded Rail Driver. Jillian shrieks as the table explodes in a mass of debris beneath the mighty force of the most dangerous move in the sport. Josh pills himself up out of the tangled mess of wires and grabs Sarah’s legs dragging her still body out of the mess before picking her up and rolling her into the ring as Ashe struts down the ramp with a very charred/dented/and battered steel chair marked with countless names taken as trophies by the weapon – held in high acclaim by his ex-wife and ECWF Matriarch Krystal.

JILLIAN NOLEN: “Ca- - Wh- - oing - - on”

Jillian’s headset cuts in and out after the destruction of her table as Shawn Nolen begins to pull himself up after getting knocked stupid with the sucker punch… Ashe ascends the ring steps and enters the ring through the middle ropes as Josh grabs Sarah pulling her upright onto her knees… Barely cognitive and in a clear haze she sits upright on her knees wobbling unsteady and unaware as Josh steps back… Ashe pulls something small out of his pocket and jams it into the wad of putty duck tapped to the chair before raising the weapon into the air and bringing it down a top of Sarah’s head with a thunderous explosion

“BOOM!”

The chair flies up out of Ashe’s arm and bounces to rest outside of the ring as Sarah slumps over – almost in an instant security floods the ring in force pushing both Ashe and Genocide away as the Medics follow them in frantically trying to attend to Sarah as Chief Nolen waves Dr. Tanner down…

We return to ringside.

Seth Ericson: Still hurts to watch that!

Dick Morosi: So this is what it boils down to. Ashe Draven called out Andreas for a match over here in EXODUS Pro, on the condition that he takes part in a ‘Extreme Aggressor’ match in ECWF against his tag partner, Josh ‘Genocide’ Elliot in a week or so in Miami. Andreas accepted the challenge and will now compete in these matches before squaring up against the winner of tonight’s World title match at ‘The Downfall of Us All’.

Seth Ericson: That’s if he makes it out of this match. I’ve read up on Ashe Draven. He’s a sick son of a biatch!


SINGLES MATCH
ANDREAS LASIEWICZ vs. ASHE DRAVEN

The lights go out….

The fans buzz anxiously knowing, watching… waiting for it to start… And as the opening guitar riffs from “Change (in the house of flies)” By the Deftones begins to play over the P.A system – they all stand in excitement. The lights in the gate area begin to flicker to life as a heavy fog rolls out blanketing the ramp as the arena’s frenzy grows even louder



Fireworks EXPLODE off the top of the platform as Ashe’s silhouette appears in the gate area sitting in a crouch as an audible rumble fills the arena overwhelming the fans in attendance with malice for the ECWF Legend



Ashe stands with his feet together and his arms outstretched in the shape of a crucifix. In one of his hands is the very same chair that he used to batter Sarah Hartley with several weeks ago. His head is lowered as a flash of light shoots from the heavens like a lightning bolt that land’s at his feet - erupting the ramp in a torrent of flames… Flames that bring forth the light as the fog quickly dissipates… Draven raises his gaze with a smirk before lowering his arms as the arena continues to stand pouring hatred towards the man who calls himself “God”

David Zinkus: Making his way to the ring from Tokyo Japan – ASHE DRAVEN!

He nods his head and heads down the ramp with all focus on the ring, once to ringside Draven ascends the ring steps and glides across the apron only to leap over the top ropes and into the ring. Once again he finds the spotlight upon him and with his trademark smirk he hops up on the turnbuckle than takes a seat on the top pad to await the start of his match.

Dick Morosi: And there he is. A man that surely knows no fear.

Seth Ericson: And here comes fear itself!

The lights in the arena begin to dim slightly as a faint yet beautiful piano piece begins to play out in the background. Several spotlights circle around the arena as the crowd looks around in awe. Swirling violins begin to play out a haunting rhythm as smoke emits from the entrance way. Barbarian Horns fire up along with a thunderous dub step beat and distorted guitars as the Instrumental Core Remix of Hans Zimmer’s ‘Time’ fully kicks in. A hooded silhouette appears in the thick grey smog; his head is bowed as he methodically makes his way to the ring. The shrouded figure of Andreas Lasiewicz steps out from the back, seemingly smoking a cigarette; his head lolled to one side as he surveys the crowd with a police baton resting on his shoulder. He pauses then points his baton towards the ring as he slowly paces there. Draven darts out of the ring and begins charging at Andreas, who quickly takes off his jacket and meets his charge!

Seth Ericson: He didn’t even get to finish his entrance!

Dick Morosi: And it has begun!


Lasiewicz and Draven start exchanging blows on the ramp as the referee leaves the ring and runs towards them. He warns them to return to the ring so he can officially start the match, but is greeted by a right Ashe Draven fist!

Dick Morosi: What the hell? This match hasn’t even started and a referee has already been taken out!

Seth Ericson: Like Ashe Draven is going to care. He is only here for one night and he can easily afford to pay any fine!

Lasiewicz and Draven are exchanging wild fists on the ramp, but it seems as if Draven is getting the upper hand after blocking one of Lasiewicz 's punches. Draven now just punches away at Lasiewicz 's head, backing him down the ramp. Ashe then charges with a vicious kick but suddenly Lasiewicz ducks it, goes under the leg and backdrops him onto the steel ramp.

Dick Morosi: What a thud! Welcome to the west coast, Ashe Draven!

Seth Ericson: The ECWF star’s back meets EXODUS steel!

Lasiewicz sends Draven rolling down the ramp with a series of football kicks to Draven 's ribs and kidney area. Ashe continues to roll as the pair finally reaches the ringside area. Lasiewicz is stalking Draven, his eyes glaring in anger, but as he charges for another boot, Draven suddenly grabs Lasiewicz by his tights and pulls him head first into the steel ring post.

Dick Morosi: And another vicious thud! Lasiewicz is dazed!

Seth Ericson: Wood meets steel!

Dick Morosi: I think he heard that…

Seth Ericson: EEP!

Draven is back up on his feet and grabs Lasiewicz by his long curls and rams him into the ring post once more. Finally, another referee runs down the ramp and slides into the ring, yelling at them to get inside so he can officially start the match. They both ignore him though, as Draven has grabbed Lasiewicz by his neck and is now walking him around the ring, before whipping up him and over the steel steps. The steps are falling over onto his braced knee with a loud thud, making him wince in pain. As Ashe Draven approaches Lasiewicz, however, The Polish Spirit counters with a low blow, then pushes Draven’s head first into the steel guardrail.

Dick Morosi: These two are using the entire ringside area as a weapon.

Seth Ericson: And Lasiewicz has used a very uncharacteristic low blow right there.

Dick Morosi: That’s a big word for you, Seth.

Seth Ericson: What? Lasiewicz? I say it all the time in his matches!

Finally, Lasiewicz grabs Draven and rolls him into the ring. He follows him and the referee calls for the bell, finally starting the match officially to the cheers of the EXODUS faithful. Lasiewicz just stomps away at Draven’s entire body, forcing him to stay on the mat. First the legs, then the arms, then the back and finally the head. Andreas Lasiewicz sprints to the ropes and goes for a jumping elbow drop, but Draven rolls out of the way. Lasiewicz is up first, but Draven used the missed elbow to regain his breath and get up as well. Ashe just grabs Lasiewicz by the throat and pushes him into the corner, choking the air out of him with both hands. The referee tries to step between them, but to no avail.

Dick Morosi: Somebody HAS to stop them before Ashe chokes him to death.

Seth Ericson: This match is much more than just a match, Dick! This could be about life and death here! And you REALLY think the ref will be able to split these two up?

Lasiewicz finally does what his opponent does and grabs his throat, choking the life out of him as well.

Dick Morosi: Now it boils down to who loses his strength OR his consciousness first.

Seth Ericson: Could it all end like this?

Draven releases the choke first and begins to nail Lasiewicz with a series of knees to the stomach, but Lasiewicz counters with several vile forearms to the head. Lasiewicz then climbs to the second turnbuckle, spins him around and hooks in a dragon sleeper!

Dick Morosi: He is using the turnbuckles to gain some leverage here!

Seth Ericson: Draven is trying to power out, but can the smaller man do it?

Draven suddenly locks his feet around the bottom ropes, then drops to the mat taking The Morning Star with him and hitting Lasiewicz with a power slam. Draven apparently has had enough of the brawling now and grabs the battered steel chair, the same one that did that sickening damage to Sarah Hartley. As Lasiewicz is on all fours, Draven takes a swing and nails The Morning Star right across the back.

Dick Morosi: Oh my God! We’ve seen footage of how lethal Ashe Draven is with a steel chair!

Seth Ericson: He’s started and he just won’t stop!

After a short break after the first chair shot, Draven repeatedly smashes the chair into Lasiewicz 's back, no emotion, just a cold stare in his eyes. He then takes the chair's edge and rams it into Lasiewicz’s kidney area, once, twice, three times. Draven now pulls Lasiewicz up and whips him into the ropes, As Lasiewicz runs towards him; Draven nails him with the chair right across the head, sending Lasiewicz down as if he got shot.

Dick Morosi: This is getting out of hand. Draven has come here to kill him!

Seth Ericson: And with what he has planned now, he might well succeed. He didn’t finish the job with Hartley, but he will to her boyfriend!

Blood is freely streaming down Lasiewicz 's face. Draven now wraps the chair around Andreas’ neck and is climbing up the ropes.

Dick Morosi: NO! NO! NO! Someone has to stop this!

Seth Ericson: This is what this match is all about, Dick!

Before Draven can jump off, however, the ref steps in the way and prevents him from doing so. Draven calmly climbs off the ropes again, but then grabs the referee by the head, lifts him up and suplexes him into the turnbuckle!

Dick Morosi: MY GOD! He just gave the referee the Impaler into the turnbuckle!

Seth Ericson: The ref just saved Lasiewicz’s life, but at the expense of his own health! He is out!

Dick Morosi: We might need security out here. Draven has no regard for EXODUS staff!

Draven turns around and SMASH! Lasiewicz has gotten up and nails him with the chair, right across the head. But Ashe doesn't go down, he only staggers back a few steps and over the ropes. But he doesn’t go fully over; instead his arms are trapped within the ropes! SMASH! A second chair shot to the head of the former ECWF World Champion! Now he is split open as well, but he doesn't go down. Blood is pouring down Draven 's nose and lips as he struggles a bit more. Lasiewicz then goes into the ropes and goes for a third chair shot, but Draven attempts to counter with a boot. Lasiewicz, however, dodges the big boot, turns around and SMASH! He nails Draven with a third chair shot to the head that finally sends The Nemesis out of the ring!

Dick Morosi: Now THAT is what I call payback!

Seth Ericson: You are actually cheering that on?

Dick Morosi: After what Draven did to Miss Hartley? To the referees? Damn right I do!

Seth Ericson: And you were calling for security a minute ago!

Lasiewicz rolls out of the ring, lifting the apron up and searching for some ‘toys’. He pulls out a trash can, much to the delight of the crowd. He puts it in the middle of the ring and then pulls Draven over it, positioning him with his back onto the trash can, leaving him in a position that looks scarily like a crucifix. Lasiewicz then climbs to the top rope.

Dick Morosi: What does he have planned here?

Seth Ericson: I have no idea. It’s rare, if ever, that Andreas climbs the top rope. This will be his second attempt of the match!

Andreas faces away from his opponent, taking a massive risk as he comes off with a perfectly-timed moonsault that leaves the trash can flattened.

Dick Morosi: UNBELIEVABLE!

Seth Ericson: A two hundred and fifty plus pound moonsault there!

Lasiewicz, obviously feeling the effect of that moonsault himself, now goes out of the ring and reaches underneath it. He pulls out a table, blood dripping down from his forehead onto the surface and slides it into the ring. In the meantime, a third referee is running down the ramp and into the ring. Lasiewicz is setting the table up in the middle of the ring, but as he goes to pull Draven back up, Ashe grabs him by the throat again, then nails him with the One-Inch Punch. Lasiewicz staggers backwards into the table just as Draven grabs him by the head…

Dick Morosi: Spirit Driver through the table! Jesus Christ! And splinters are lying everywhere in the ring now. Look at Lasiewicz 's back, it's bleeding from what the wood did to it.

Seth Ericson: The broken pieces of wood have ripped through Lasiewicz’s tree of life tattoo!

Both of them lay in the mess for a while as the crowd thunders on. Draven rolls out of the ring and searches underneath it. As Lasiewicz is slowly getting up, Draven rolls back in, looking groggy, but with a steel chain in his hands that is about four feet long. Draven wraps it around his fist and as Andreas is up on his feet, nails him with it in the back of the head, causing him to fall onto his stomach. Draven then unwraps the chain and starts whipping Lasiewicz 's back with it as if it were a leather whip.

Dick Morosi: Damn it, somebody needs to stop this! Look at the welts on Lasiewicz 's back! His skin is being torn apart!

Draven stops himself and then pulls Lasiewicz up by his hair and then tosses him over the top rope and out of the ring. Draven follows closely behind Lasiewicz. Now Draven is looking underneath the ring and he, too, pulls out a wooden table. He puts it up in front of the announce desk, and Dick and Seth get out of their chairs.

Dick Morosi: I have no idea what he is planning here…

Seth Ericson: … But I’m keeping my distance!

Draven gets on top of the table and pulls Lasiewicz with him. He sets him up over his shoulders, looking for the Rail Driver!

Seth Ericson: This is gonna hurt!

However, we never find out, because before Draven can put Lasiewicz through either table, the table below them collapses under their combined weight and both men land on the floor, Lasiewicz on top of Ashe.

Dick Morosi: There was just too much mass for that table to take! It’s a mess here at ringside!

Both men are slowly getting up again. Lasiewicz now leans against the guardrail, catching his breath while he waits for Draven to get up to his feet. As Draven does, Lasiewicz charges him and goes for a clothesline, but Draven ducks and Lasiewicz hits the timekeeper instead.

Dick Morosi: And the timekeeper takes a shot!

Seth Ericson: Nobody is safe here! Gotta get out of here!

Lasiewicz turns around and immediately ducks as Draven charges him now. Draven goes for a Yakuza Kick, but instead of Andreas, he hits David Zinkus, who had been attending to the timekeeper!

Dick Morosi: Zinkus is down! What did that kid do to deserve this! Someone get the medical team down here!

Seth Ericson: Two referees, the timekeeper and the ring announcer have gone down now!

Lasiewicz now charges Draven, but Ashe ducks again and Lasiewicz ALMOST hits Seth with a forearm, but Seth is able to duck. Finally, Draven connects with a malicious martial arts kick to Lasiewicz 's face and sends him down. He then turns his head and stares right at Seth, who just shrieks and runs away as fast as his legs can take him. He runs onto the ramp, looks around, and as he realizes that Draven is still at ringside, finally stops dead in his tracks.

Dick Morosi: Come back here and call this match, you coward! Don’t make me get the sock puppets out!

Seth is returning to ringside and keeps out of their way. Draven now redirects his attention towards Lasiewicz, but Lasiewicz grabs him by his pants and pulls him into the camera man. Before the camera signal goes out, we can see Draven’s blood-smeared head hitting right into the lens.

Dick Morosi: And now a camera man is down. Yes, that’s right Little Seth, that must have left a mark!

From another view, we can see that Dick has pulled out his sock puppet and began to nervously converse with it in the absence of his broadcast college. Lasiewicz pulls Draven up and goes to whip him into the other set of stairs, but Draven reverses and whips Lasiewicz right into a ringside photographer.

Dick Morosi: MY GAWD, LITTLE SETH! A ringside photographer just got taken out!

Draven now grabs Lasiewicz and whips him against the guardrail, sending Lasiewicz over it and into the first row of Section B! As Lasiewicz gets back up, Ashe follows him into the crowd.

Dick Morosi: And the battle rages on into Section B! Our diehard fans are going nuts… Yes, Little Seth. This shit is Bananas… B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

Morosi’s obvious mental breakdown caused by a lack of broadcast partner continues as Draven and Lasiewicz now brawl in the crowd and away from the ringside area. As Ashe takes a swing at Lasiewicz, Andreas ducks and Draven hits a Japanese male instead.

Dick Morosi: Tom is down! Tom is down! I have no idea who Tom is, but Little Seth seems to know who he is, don’t you Little Seth?

But Lasiewicz and Draven don't seem to care too much, as they keep exchanging lefts and rights. They brawl past several rows of fans and also the stage and then towards backstage area. There are numerous staff members, agents and roadies all in attendance, but they all sensibly stay way out of the way of these bloodied and bruised combatants. There they brawl along a long spiralling corridor, slamming each other into the concrete wall and the steel doors. Finally, Lasiewicz seems to get the upper hand as he repeatedly smashes Draven’s head into a door.

Dick Morosi: Blood is splattered across the walls. This isn’t a pretty sight, is it Little Seth… Oh no, it isn’t, is it?

A final face slam into the door causes the door to open and we find ourselves in some kind of locker room. Lasiewicz grabs a bag that is lying around and starts choking Draven with the strap, but Ashe is able to turn around and slam Lasiewicz back first into one of the steel lockers. Lasiewicz holds on to the bag, however, and keeps on choking, but Draven rams his back into Lasiewicz 's stomach and thus slams him into the locker again, causing his opponent to release the choke. Draven pushes Lasiewicz away, but he responds by charging Draven and spears him into the lockers, causing an entire wall of lockers to fall over!

Dick Morosi: Now the locker room area is getting destroyed! I hope that wasn’t your bag, Little Seth!

Seth Ericson: Will you stop this Little Seth nonsense? I’m back now, put the sock down okay?

Dick Morosi: Y-you came back?

Seth Ericson: Did you take your meds this morning? I don’t think you did! Put the puppet down and take them now before you get into trouble.

We can hear some fidgeting from the commentator’s booth as we witness Draven and Lasiewicz crawling out from the debris of the locker room.

Dick Morosi: I love you…

Seth Ericson: Just take your damn meds, Dick!

The two are up again and leave the locker room and return to the corridor, still exchanging fists, elbows, knees, forearms and the occasional throw against the corridor wall, until they arrive at the catering area not far removed from the stage entrance. Lasiewicz tries to slam Ashe into a table filled with food, but Draven counters with a knee to Lasiewicz 's midsection, doubling him over. Draven then grabs a glass can filled with boiling hot coffee, but Lasiewicz now kicks HIM in the midsection, grabs the glass can and smashes into thousands of pieces over Draven 's head!

Dick Morosi: OH MY GAWD, BIG SETH!

Seth Ericson: I know, I saw. Just keep quiet until your meds kick in, okay?

For the first time in this match, we get an emotion from Draven, as he holds his face and is letting out some pain-filled groans. Lasiewicz then grabs Draven by his long hair and pulls him towards the entrance curtain. The fans cheer loudly as they realize that Lasiewicz and Ashe are about to make their way back into the arena. Lasiewicz is now just punching away at Draven’s bloody head, staggering him against the set. He then takes a few steps back and just rams Draven into the set. Lasiewicz charges Ashe again, but The Nemesis gets his boot up and hits Lasiewicz’s face. Lasiewicz staggers back several steps, but as Ashe runs at him with a clothesline attempt, Lasiewicz sidesteps him and ALMOST throws him off the stage. But Draven is able to stop before being thrown off. He turns around and nails Lasiewicz with a slap that causes Lasiewicz to turn around. Draven then grabs Lasiewicz by his hair and pulls him backwards… Into The Rave-Effect DDT!

Dick Morosi: And an Evenflow DDT on the stage by Ashe Draven!

Seth Ericson: That had to be painful! And it seems like you’re back to normal now, Dick!

Dick Morosi: I didn’t say anything embarrassing, did I?

Seth Ericson: Oh… no… Not at all.

Draven wipes some of the blood off his face. Underneath all the blood it seems as if we can make out just a hint of a smile on his lips. He grabs Lasiewicz by the heels and begins to use all of his strength to pull his limp and lifeless body towards the ring as the crowd rain boos down upon him. He picks him up and rolls him into the ring. Draven follows, signalling for the end! He scoops him up over his shoulders, and then drops him down to the canvas with the Rail Driver! He staggers back up, taking a moment to bask in the moment as he lets out a cruel and callous bout of sickening laughter. The fans are jeering him at a deafening volume as he falls upon Lasiewicz to finally end the match.

ONE!

TWO!

THR- KICK OUT!


Seth Ericson: HE KICKED OUT! HOW THE HELL DID HE DO THAT?

Dick Morosi: What? No way!? That is impossible! These two are never going to give up!

Draven looks absolutely astonished by what he has just witnessed. He grabs the ref by the throat, screaming obscenities at him and claiming that it was a three count. The ref is having none of it, even when Ashe threatens him with the same fate that befell the previous referees. But as he is doing so, Lasiewicz begins crawling towards him. He is inching closer and closer by the second, squirming across the floor on his belly like a snake. Just as Draven seems to be about to punch the ref, Lasiewicz rolls him up in a cradle!

Dick Morosi: Lasiewicz with the pin?

Seth Ericson: No! Not a pin…

Dick Morosi: THE FOUR CARD TRICK!

Lasiewicz wraps his leg around Draven’s, finishing off his patented version of the Elevated Figure Four Leglock. The Nemesis screams in agony as the fans roar that he has the move applied. Draven is screaming in agony now as he lies back!

ONE!

TWO!

THR-- Draven fights himself up.

Dick Morosi: We rarely ever see this move in EXODUS Pro, but it is well known across the globe as the move that has delivered Andreas numerous World titles! It was his primary root to victory in GDW!

Seth Ericson: And if Draven keeps lying back, like he is forced to, he will be pinned! If he doesn’t, he will tap! He has to try and counter somehow!

Dick Morosi: The only way for Draven to escape now is to tap out or try and turn the move. I just don't think he has enough strength to do the latter. He's going to tap out!

Seth Ericson: Lasiewicz said on twitter he was going to tear his legs off!

ONE!

TWO!

THRE— Kick out!

With a loud roar, Ashe once again leans forward, forced to take more pressure from the submission or be pinned. The veins protrude from his neck as we can see him trying with all his might to not give in. It seems he'd sooner pass out from the pain than tap out.

ONE!

TWO!

THR—

Dick Morosi: Lasiewicz is using all that remains of his strength to keep this hold locked in! He’s had him locked in for well over a minute now, but Draven refuses to go out like this!

Seth Ericson: But Draven’s hand is hovering! He is damn sure thinking about it! He’s gonna give up!

But he doesn't… Lasiewicz gives out for just the briefest of moments, and with a last ditch effort, Draven uses all his strength and he turns the move. He readjusts his legs and locks in his Modified Texas Cloverleaf! Lasiewicz screams in pain.

Seth Ericson: HE REVERSED IT!

Dick Morosi: That was amazing! I can't believe this. Draven now has the Paralyzer locked in! He doesn't have much left, can he hold on?

Seth Ericson: His arm is up… he's ready to tap out!

Dick Morosi: I have never ever seen Andreas Lasiewicz tap out in his entire career! This is unprecedented! Could that record be broken tonight?

Seth Ericson: This is going to be it!

Dick Morosi: HE RELEASED THE HOLD! He's too exhausted to keep it applied! He didn't tap out!

The fans erupt as both men just lay there for several moments, exhausted and in intense pain. The crowd are on their feet right now, urging Andreas to get back up, but neither of them move a muscle.

Seth Ericson: This is too much! This is way too much!

Dick Morosi: The damage that these two men have done, not only to each other, but everyone around. We’ve had medical staff here at ringside tending to our fallen staff members for the past ten minutes, but these two seriously need medical attention right about now!

Seth Ericson: I think the referee has had enough. I think he is going to call it now.

The ref is shaking his head, and slowly paces towards the ropes to look over to the barely recovered Zinkus. He begins to motion his hands whilst shouting a few words of in direction to Zinkus. But as he does so he is suddenly pulled down to the mat with a bump. He is met by the ferocious gaze of Andreas Lasiewicz, mask of blood and all.

Andreas Lasiewicz: Don’t… you… fucking… dare…

His eyes are seemingly glazed as he glares at the prone referee, who is obviously shaking from seeing this sight. Andreas pushes off of him, then begins pulling himself up with a struggle, using the ropes for assistance. He stares off into the wild crowd for a moment or two, before turning his attention to Draven. Draven is just lying there at the moment, barely moving. Lasiewicz backs off into the opposite corner, crouching down as he eyes up his prey.

Dick Morosi: Lasiewicz refuses to let this end!

Seth Ericson: I think he is planning on ending it… But just a different way!

The crowd begin to suspect what he has planning, a part of Section B beginning to chant “Desai… Desai… Basara… Basara!” Andreas is rocking back and forth, almost frothing at the mouth as he screams for Ashe Draven to arise. Draven is clawing his way to the ropes now, desperately trying to get up.

Seth Ericson: You don’t wanna get up, Draven! You really don’t!

Dick Morosi: But does Lasiewicz have enough left in the tank to pull this off?

The Morning Star is snarling now, going into full beast mode as he readies himself to charge. He is pounding the mat furiously with his fists, almost like a drum that spurs him on. Ashe is beginning to get to his feet now with a wobble.

Dick Morosi: Look at his eyes, Seth! They are blood shot!

Seth Ericson: I can’t tell any feature of either man. They are drenched!

Dick Morosi: And here he comes!

Just as Draven turns towards his enemy, Lasiewicz charges! He is on all fours like a rabid animal before leaping in the air and tackling The Nemesis to the ground like a lion would to cattle. He begins pounding away at the defenceless Japanese warrior with evil forearms to the face. One unprotected shot after another. Over and over again he pounds away at Draven’s blood soaked face, receiving no reply.

Dick Morosi: Draven is out! He has to be!

Seth Ericson: I should hope he is. Nobody wants to feel this!

Lasiewicz does not relent. Continuously he attacks. The referee tries to check on Draven, but Lasiewicz pushes him away.

Dick Morosi: Lasiewicz isn’t even letting the referee check if Draven can continue or not!

Seth Ericson: This is more than a match, Dick. He wants to kill Draven right here and now!

The referee has clearly seen enough of the violence and begins to signal to David Zinkus at ringside…

Dick Morosi: And this is… NO! NO! DON’T DO IT!

Seth Ericson: Oh my God!

Upon seeing what the referee is about to do, Lasiewicz leaps off of Draven, scoops up the ref and plants him into the mat with The Unforgettable Fire!

Dick Morosi: Lasiewicz has lost it! He has completely snapped right here!

Seth Ericson: He’s out of control! And this is the man that could be facing Christum Furor or Blake Jones at the next Pay Per View?

Lasiewicz snarls at the fallen ref, before returning to Draven and driving more forearms into Draven’s face. He seems to be tiring though, the blood from his face growing darker and running slower. The crowd begin to look towards the back, were a large group of security guards and a few paramedics seem to be on their way.

Dick Morosi: What’s this from the back?

Seth Ericson: Oh it’s about damn time! Where were you guys thirty minutes ago?

Dick Morosi: And it looks as if Cleon Gray is leading the pack. Is he going to take over officiating for this match?

Seth Ericson: He’d be an official no one wants to mess with. But would he want to mess with these two?

Lasiewicz doesn’t even notice what is going on. In his blood rage he is far too preoccupied with beating the life out of The Nemesis. Cleon goes right over to Zinkus, whilst security begins to circle around the ringside area, being ordered around by Johnny Lee Richwine. Cleon begins to say a few inaudible things to Zinkus, who, still shaken by his earlier ordeal, nods his head. Cleon then grabs the time keeper’s bell and calls for the end of the match.

Dick Morosi: It’s over! Cleon Gray has ended this!

Seth Ericson: Christ, even I’ve had enough. I feel sick.

The security officers then charge into the ring, dragging the exhausted Andreas Lasiewicz off of Draven. He kicks and snarls at them, screaming “I’m not finished with him yet!” His efforts are to no avail, as he is too weak to put up much of a fight.

Dick Morosi: It’s taken half the security team to drag Lasiewicz off of him! This is madness!

Seth Ericson: And here is Zinkus with the verdict.

David Zinkus: Ladies and Gentlemen… Due to the violent nature of this contest, and the injuries sustained by both the competitors and the ringside staff, Cleon Gray has ordered this match to be halted and declared a No Contest!

Dick Morosi: Oh, Andreas isn’t gonna like this at all!

Seth Ericson: I might have to run again…

Dick Morosi: Don’t make me get Little Seth out!

Lasiewicz is obviously fuming from this decision, as he tries to squirm away from the security that is holding him back. Gray has entered the ring now, and he goes over and tries to talk some sense into Andreas, but to no avail. All he receives is a bloody red splat of spit in his face.

Seth Ericson: Ooooh. Mr Gray is not gonna like that at all!

Dick Morosi: Come on, Andreas! You don’t want to make any more enemies!

Sarah Hartley is then seen sprinting from the back bare foot, her heels left backstage as she dives into the ring to stand in-between her boyfriend and the obviously fuming Cleon Gray. She speaks a few words to Cleon, who nods his head and reluctantly backs off. At the other side of the ring, Ashe is visibly conscious now as he is attended to by paramedics and security. He begins to laugh maliciously, screaming out to Andreas “You couldn’t beat me! You can never beat me!” Andreas tries to get up for another round, but is so exhausted he collapses into Hartley’s arms.

Seth Ericson: I have never, ever seen anything like this.

Dick Morosi: This is just a mess. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are going to cut to a commercial break whilst everything is put in order. We’ll be right back.



WINNER: NO CONTEST

We come back from commercial break with a huge announcement! EXODUS Pro will be back in New York City on May 19th for our follow up iPPV to The Downfall of Us All, entitled "Absent Are the Saints!" It's a big announcement, it's here at the Hammerstein Ballroom, and we go back to Dick and Seth!

Dick Morosi: We're heading out east for the first time in our company's history, and we'll be going to New York City for Absent Are the Saints!

Seth Ericson: Bright lights, big city, EXODUS Pro is coming for you! That's right, YOU! Be ready, we're going to have a huge show for you guys on that huge night!

Dick Morosi: You might see a match just like the one coming up next here on that show! Former World Champion Adrien Cochrane gets set to meet Kira T. Zeppeli from Gods & Monsters, and it's next!

SINGLES MATCH
ADRIEN COCHRANE VS. KIRA T. ZEPPELI

The lights in the arena dim as smoke starts to fill up the entrance way and ramp as a piano begins to play. With the sign of smoke comes fire on the EXOScreen and then as the music stops, up on the giant video wall...



Suddenly, the music kicks back in for the remainder of the intro of "Through the Fire" by Day of Fire!



As the chorus begins, out from the back, standing amidst the smoke and simulated fire is "The Dropkick King" Adrien Cochrane!

David Zinkus: Coming down the aisle, from New Orleans, Louisiana...HE IS THE DROPKICK KING, ADRIENNNNNNNN COCHRANE!

I'll see you through the flood,
See you through the fire,
See you through the storms-a-raging...

Adrien surveys the crowd, nodding and he finally pumps his fist, looking like he's slamming it down toward the ground, eliciting huge sparks of pyro that ignite from the top of the entrance way in time with his gesture! Starting to walk down the ramp, he nods his head in time with the music as he reaches his hands out, starting to slap hands with the fans who are cheering for him. Getting to the ring, he instantly hops up and practically slides across the apron before climbing up to the top turnbuckle to raise his arms to the crowd!



As the second time through the chorus starts, Adrien steps into the ring and moves across from where he enters, coming over to salute the other side of the audience! Continuing to salute the audience, Adrien finally hops down and starts to remove his shirt, looking intensely at the other side of the ring as he starts to mentally prepare for the match.

Dick Morosi: Adrien looks fired up Seth. As a former World Champion I know he’s looking to get back to his winning ways. What better way to make an immediate splash then beating Kira T. Zeppeli here tonight.

Seth Ericson: You say that like it’s a walk in the park.

The lights dim at the sound of what seems to be machinery or something similar chugging away with more electronic distortions coming through, seemingly destroying the reception on the EXOTron before the it seems to give way to music and a hijacked reception of just a cold, emotionless face. The haunting same notes on a piano seem to repeat until drums and the remainder of the music kicks in for Akira Yamaoka's "Rain of Brass Petals (Three Voices Edit)" starts. The lights flash in unison with the piano as they pulse, when it just suddenly seems that in between pulses someone finally has the light reflect against them.

David Zinkus: Coming down the aisle...Kira T. Zeppeli!

A brief pause after vocals with more static and the haunting repetition of the piano chord before the drums pick back up and he begins to move again.



Reaching the ringside area, he examines the side of the ring facing the entrance before slowly lifting himself up and sitting on it. For a moment, he looks deep in thought before he closes his eyes and slowly rolls himself into the ring to sit in the corner as the lights keep pulsing. Removing the hooded sweatshirt he entered the arena with, he slowly sits and waits for the bell to ring. As the bell sounds both men circle the ring numerous times before meeting in the center of the ring, officially getting the bout underway.

Seth Ericson: Kira’s had issues with Zack Lifer for weeks. He looks like he wants to take his frustration out on Adrien, and I’d bet Cochrane has plenty despair for him to feast on.

Dick Morosi: As long as he doesn’t bite anyone again, I’ll live with his appetite.

The two men lock down, Adrien looking Kira right in the eyes as they stand at just about the same height until the former World Champion throws his head forward. The Southerner’s forehead smacks into Kira’s face before Zeppeli’s arms thrown to the side. Cochrane follows up with a quick chop to the chest, making the diabolical superstar stagger back slightly with a stinging pain in his chest. The former World Champion lifts his left leg and kicks forward, but the one time San Diego Bay Champion catches the boot and spins to the left. Both men spin three hundred and sixty degrees, Kira swinging his right leg up at the end of the revolution to connect with a vile shin to his foe’s midsection. Kira then quickly gets a handful of the blonde's hair then delivers a stiff forearm to the Louisianian face, then pulls Adrien in and wraps his arm around his foe’s head. The Californian grabs the waist of Cochrane’s tights and swiftly falls back, poppin his hips and snapping The Dropkick King overhead to slam him into the canvas with a thud.

Adrien winces in pain and takes a breath after the perfect Snap Suplex, but manages to get up rather quickly, and only a split-second after his nemesis. Kira looks to make up for loss time, and charges forward with a Clothesline attempt, but the agile, fleet of foot Cochrane ducks. The instant that Zeppeli passes over with his missed attack, Adrien turns around and reaches his arms out, grabbing the former San Diego Bay Champion around the waist. The Dropkick King then pulls Kira in, lifting his long-time rival up while falling back with a German suplex. Kira lands on his head and neck with a harsh thud before flipping over onto his chest, the crowd cheering in response to the pain that was just inflicted on the notorious member of Gods & Monsters.

Dick Morosi: Both men trade suplexes early on, and it was Adrien Cochrane who got the better of the exchange with that sick German. Kira is a technicalist in his own right, but he’s dealing with the former World Champion who is a jack of all trades.

Seth Ericson: Once Kira gets his offense going, he’ll get the upper hand. He’s been on tear recently, but until then I’ll have to agree with what you’ve said. The Dropkick King doesn’t appear to have any significant ring rust.

Cochrane rolls onto his front and climbs up to his feet, then bends down to grab Kira’s legs before kicking him in the gut repeatedly. Afterward he front flips over them, locking his opponent into a Jackknife pin, the first cover attempt of the match.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

Kira bucks the weight of Adrien off his frame then rolls out of the ring, staggering back toward the crowd barricade, straight into a barrage of insults and obscenities from the EXODUS faithful. Adrien rolls out of the ring in hot pursuit, and immediately lays into his foe with hammering blows and strikes. The onslaught forces Zeppel into the guardrail. The referee begins his ten count. “ONE!” The Louisianian grabs Kira’s hair and turns him around before violently smashing his head on the rail. “TWO!” Cochrane then turns his adversary toward the ring steps, dragging him there before slinging him in that direction. Kira charges toward the steps, but manages to halt his momentum in time to throw his arms forward and stop himself. Hearing Cochrane beginning to charge at him from behind, Kira looks back and tosses a back elbow. “THREE!” Cochrane can’t react in time to protect himself as his face smashes into the aforementioned protruding limb. Zeppeli turns around confidently as his opponent drops to all fours due to having his face smashed in, then proceeds to pull him up. “FOUR!” “FIVE!” Cochrane is pulled to where he stands straight up on his feet, and Kira quickly places a hand on the back of the former World Champ’s head. The G&M member then traps Adrien’s legs with his own, executing a Drop Toe Hold that sends the blond haired aerialist face first into the steel steps. “SIX!” The crowd gasps as Kira gets up, then pulls Adrien with him. “SEVEN!” Cochrane is rolled back into squared circle, as Zeppeli takes a moment to think his next plan of attack.

Seth Ericson: Kira turned this one around rather quickly. Adrien is getting beat like a stuffed pig.

Dick Morosi: And I think he might have been cut on the steps just now. That’s bad news.

Kira climbs into the ring and steps forward toward Cochrane - but before he can carry out his devilish plan Adrien quickly wraps his arm around Zeppeli’s leg, causing him to fall back into an inside cradle.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

Kira kicks out. Adrien has gotten back up, and he backs up a few steps, then charges at his opponent before sliding forward. His feet collide with Kira’s ribs and force him to roll out of the ring before landing on the floor with a dull thump. Adrien rests for a few seconds as he tries to gather himself and recuperate, then walks to the ropes and steps through them onto the apron. At that moment, Kira rolls under the apron like a mere cockroach when the kitchen lights are turned on. The count commences again. “ONE!” A confused Adrien hops down from his pinnacle and squats, then lifts up the ring cove to look under the ring. “TWO!” He suddenly backpedals, wincing whilst holding his eyes, both in pain but with nothing that can be proven. It’s however safe to speculate that Zeppeli had used some sort of underhanded tactic to regain the advantage. Kira, getting away with murder finds new life, as he rolls from under the ring and into plain sight. Back on his feet, the Californian grabs the former World Champion by the head and walks him toward the ring, then tosses him in. After re-entering himself, Zeppeli quickly pulls Adrien to his feet - only to drop him back down with a sickening DDT. He immediately follows that by going for a cover.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

Adrien gets a shoulder up.

Dick Morosi: Kira had to use a poke to the eye to turn the match into his favor. What a creepy bastard.

Seth Ericson: Did you see a finger, Dick? I don’t think so. Regardless, it’s not cheating if you don’t get caught! Heck, it’s not cheating if the ref is too stupid to do his job right.

Dick Morosi: I actually agree with you on that one!

Kira gets up with a wide smile on his face, standing over Adrien and raising his arms to garner jeers from the crowd. Zeppeli then drops his knees right on Cochrane’s face before getting up. The former World Champion rolls away in pain, but his discomfort will not end there; the former San Diego Bay Champion then commences to stomp every limb that’s sticking out at him - hands, ankles, head and neck, making his way around The Dropkick King’s entire frame before hopping onto his face with boot feet and sliding off. The abrasive and dirty move burns the Louisianian’s face and sends him rolling away until he lifts up onto all fours. Kira walks behind him and lifts him up by the tights. He hooks his arms behind those of Adrien, then unloads on him with a barrage of trapping headbutts. Cochrane is weakened by every single blow until he’s released and left standing on wobbly legs. From there Christum Furor’s hound of destruction turns Adrien around, trapping him in a front facelock before lifting him into the air to execute a Brainbuster. He drives his foe’s cranium straight into the canvas, then nonchalantly goes for a cover.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

Cochrane shoulders through. Kira keeps the pressure, lifting his dazed foe up to a seated position whilst climbing to a vertical base. He squats before attempting a headlock. Showing signs of fight, Adrien throws his upperbody back and tosses his left leg up to kick his fellow middleweight in the face. Zeppeli staggers away as Cochrane rolls away and gets up on spaghetti legs. Frustrated, Kira charges at Adrien Cochrane, only for The Dropkick King to throw a quick right hand that punishes the Californian. He follows up with a soccer kick to the midsection, then a leaping Enziguri to the side of the head. Kira doubles over, his head hanging awkwardly upon his brainpan absorbing the violent collision. Back on his feet, Cochrane uses the last bit of energy he has to push Kira’s head down, then wraps his left around around said skull before turning and leaping to the right. The Dropkick King brings him down with a Spinning Neckbreaker, as Zeppeli bounces off of the epicenter of impact and lands on the white mat. Adrien meanwhile sits up for a second before his upper body falls back, the heroic former World Champion weary but glad that he was able to take back control.

Dick Morosi: What a neckbreaker from Adrien. And he’s already back on his feet, this could be the end for Kira and his momentum.

On his belly, Cochrane coils like a viper, and waits for his victim. He surveys his target, Kira slowly and obliviously climbs to his feet. When he spins around he creates the window of opportunity Adrien needs as he moves into action, turning his back and reaching behind his body at Zeppeli’s head. The Adrien Cutter is not in the cards, as Kira seizes one of the Louisianian’s arms, then spins him around before plowing his knee into his solar plexus. Adrien doubles over, and Kira steps back a few feet before charging forward and taking his skull his shoulders with a raised knee. The Appetizer drops Cochrane like a bad habit, and puts an ominous look on Kira’s face as he salivates at the mouth at the prospect of consuming another despair filled dish.

Seth Ericson: WOO! What a Knee Trembler! The Appetizer is as deadly as it is delicious, and you know what’s next Dick!

Dick Morosi: Indeed I do. It’s a move that has put many a foe away… and here it comes…

Seth Ericson: FEEDING TIME! Game - Set - Match.

Adrien is pulled into an inverted facelock, then lifting into the air before being driven into the canvas via a sitout scoopslam piledriver. Kira merely lifts one of his foe’s lifeless legs up as the referee makes the count.

“ONE!”

“TWO!”

“THREE!”

WINNER: KIRA T. ZEPPELI

Dick Morosi: That's ANOTHER big name defeated by Zeppeli!

Seth Ericson: I...I don't know what to make of this. Is this the guy who could dethrone our World Champion, or is he Christum Furor's greatest ally?

Dick Morosi: Whoever he is, he may just be the biggest x-factor in EXODUS Pro. As he celebrates, let's head backstage.

The tron shuts on to show us a live feed of the backstage area. We see Mr. EXODUS Johnny Cannon sitting on a bench in the locker room. He finishes lacing up his boots as a self-possessed grin emerges on his face, almost stretching the length of his mug. The English brawler tosses a few quick shadow punches then stands up.

Johnny Cannon: Well, I’m as right as rain. What about you love, you ready for this Abby?

Abby Park: You kidding? I've never been as ready for anything as much as this. We're gonna bring this place down.

The camera pans to the right, where Abby Park sits down on the floor against the lockers. She’s lacing up her kicks as well, and when she finishes Cannon waltzes over to give her a helping hand as he pulls her up to her feet. Abby snickers and slaps the Brit on the shoulder.

Johnny Cannon: If looks could kill, they’re as good as dead. You look like you’re ready to kick ten bells out of these blokes. That’s what we need. We’ve got Fiona Collins on one side and seems to not have lost a step as she’s looking to get back into the World Title picture.

Abby Park: And let's not count out Payton James. She's getting a main roster call up tonight because she's the newest member of the Marauders. She's one of (R)Evolution Wrestling's brightest, and she's got something to prove...hell, Cannon, we're up against one of the Cibernetico Captains. It's going to be a fight, but do you see me sweating? But you know, I'm not worried. I know we're gonna do what we do best, mate.

Johnny Cannon: Yep. This is going to be a tough one indeed, but I’m bloody pumped. I’ve got the energy flowing, I’m feeling confident and I’m looking to knock the spots off these knuckle shufflers. I think we oughta wrestle circles around these chaps. Fancy we show EXODUS that the Short Change Heroes are the real gems here in this company and give San Fran a show they won’t forget? Let’s remind these blokes that we never lost the belts and that we’re here to let the world know we’re back and top notch.

Cannon begins walking toward the camera, which backs through a door and maneuvers into the hallway. Abby follows her comrade out of the room before the two teammates lean against the wall and continue.

Johnny Cannon: It’s time to party like it’s April 7, 2013, when we shocked the world at Invincible. Get the streamers and the strippers ready, Mr. EXODUS is looking forward to that #CannonParkCelebrationTour. That’s right. I expect part two to be just as live. The Short Change Heroes will not be one hit wonders and forgotten fixtures in EXODUS folklore. I can’t be buggered to fade into the background. Nope, not until my liver gives out from all this booze I’m chugging. So until that day comes to pass I’m goin hard, I’m giving it my best for my people. I think it’s time for us to take Tag Team Wrestling by storm again, Abby. I’ve got a damn good feeling this is going to be a big year for us and it starts tonight!

Abby Park: Tonight will be the day that heads turn, that cameras flash, that the world takes notice that the Short Change Heroes are here, and they're here to stay. To the top, Cannon, to the tag division, and to EXODUS! It'll be a climb, but you and I, we're experts at climbing to the top, eh? This time, ain't no one kicking us off!

Cannon smiles and nods his head, agreeing fully with his partner and friend’s sentiment. They were definitely on the same page. The Brit places his shades on, then clears his throat before tossing up the British ‘V’ two finger gesture.

Johnny Cannon: Marauders, you’re looking at the Short Change Heroes baby, and tonight when we take that ring you’re going to realize something -

Abby Park: You might get your heads kicked off… is that how we do it?

Park looks at Cannon in a playfully inquisitive manner, and the Brit merely smirks.

Johnny Cannon: Damn straight.

The Short Change Heroes exit stage left as the camera fades away to commercial.

Instead of the next match starting after we come back from commercial, the fans are greeted by the sounds of "The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme)" by John Williams. The fans are surprised as instead of getting a match, instead they get the appearance of Cleon Gray. Instead of walking down, Cleon arrives on a black segway, along with being flanked by four security men in black suits as he navigates the ride down to the ring.

Seth Ericson: ...this is Nicholas Gray's brother?

Dick Morosi: Can't say he's too different from Nicholas.

Cleon arrives and does a lap around the ring on the segway before stepping into the ring and taking the microphone from David Zinkus, who looks a little stunned as Cleon motions for him to leave the ring as his music dies down, leaving Cleon time to speak.

Cleon Gray: For those of you who aren't aware of who I am, my name is Cleon Gray. I am a minority owner of EXODUS Pro, thanks to a small investment I made when Nicholas was trying to regain control of the company when Edward Nair was attempting to take over this company. I am not here to disrupt the day to day operations of this company, but to provide parity and a little more logic to things my...outlandish brother does.

Cleon nods as he gestures to one of his security, who slides a chair into the ring for him. Cleon sits in the chair and crosses his legs as he begins to speak again.

Cleon Gray: You, my friends in this arena, were expecting Griffin Hawkins and Ryan Kidd in a semi-final match for the San Diego Bay Title. Neither man showed up for this match, a sure fire sign that neither of these particular men care about the hard earned money you spent on your ticket, or for any other thing you went through to get to this match tonight. Ryan Kidd has had a history of abandoning EXODUS Pro when he is to wrestle, and I can safely say that he has received a lifetime ban in this company. Kidd is now a marked man, and I have instructed Johnny Lee Richwine, our head of security, to shoot him on sight should he try to enter an EXODUS arena again. He will also be deep fried and served to the first 250 people to enter the arena that day.

The crowd has a mixed reaction for a rather harsh punishment.

Cleon Gray: As far as Mr. Hawkins goes...we shall see if he returns, though I can assure you that his return will be met with swift justice, furious anger, and a match with Prince Kamijo. With that in mind, I am declaring this tournament null, void, and over. Thank you, have a good day, and please know there will be cookies at the concession stand during commercial breaks. Everyone is entitled to one cookie and a juice box.

"The Imperial March" starts again and Cleon slowly leaves the ring and goes back to his segway, security starting to flank him again as he slowly starts returning to the backstage area with his entourage.

Dick Morosi: I...I don't know what the hell just happened.

Seth Ericson: I'll be right back, I'm gonna go get my cookie and juice box.

Dick Morosi: I...think I'm going to join you while we head backstage.

The camera fades into a dim, empty room. The only things in this room are the single lightbulb that hangs flickering in the middle of the room, a disused water heater in the corner, and a chair in the center in which a figure sits. For a moment there is silence, before the figure speaks, the voice being that of Kira T. Zeppeli, though it is...muffled, like it was the last time he was on screen, when he broke into the home of Zack Lifer.

Kira T. Zeppeli: What is my place, in the grand scheme of Christum Furor, as we Gods and we Monsters move towards the inevitable final goal of the New Age? My place is simple. Everyone in Gods and Monsters have their place, their own goals that, when achieved, contribute to the overall goal. Christum Furor holds the highest belt above his head so that all have to listen when he speaks, Jerry Matthews spreads the doctrine of Furor, DESTROY ALL HUMANS decimates the "heroes" in their path. And I?

Kira T. Zeppeli: Well, I see things differently. Christum Furor sees the big picture, the final goal, the New Age that will herald actual change in EXODUS. He imparts the knowledge of this big picture to all in G&M, and they work towards achieving that big picture, in their own ways. But I do not concern myself with the big picture. Not directly.

He shakes his head.

Kira T. Zeppeli: No, I can see the big picture, clear and shining above us all. But my eyes see what others can't. I see the threads. I see each individual thread that as they run along to eventually join together to form the world that the New Age seeks to change. I see these threads, and I find them lacking.

He pauses a moment to allow that to sink in before continuing to speak, but not truly picking up where he left off.

Kira T. Zeppeli: Do you know what a Doctor does, when confronted with a diseased body? He attempts to save the body as a whole, even if it means certain pieces that make up the body must be removed if they cannot be healed of what infects them. For the good of the whole, certain threads must be cut away, lest they spread their inflammation to other threads. Allowing these infectious threads to continue to thrive will only end one way, with the entire world reaching a terminal level of disease. At that stage, neither the old age or the New Age will be able to thrive. Both will be buried under a mass of infection. But don't worry, don't fret. I'll make sure that won't happy. Because my place is of the utmost importance in G&M.

He stands up, keeping his back to the camera as he continues to speak.

Kira T. Zeppeli: Christum Furor spreads the gospel of the New Age, Jerry Matthews enforces the doctrine with all the brutality that requires, DESTROY ALL HUMANS crushes all of your heroes who would dare try to stand against progress. And Kira T. Zeppeli? Why, I'm the one that will make sure all the diseases of EXODUS are cut away before they turn terminal, so the world can continue turning long into the New Age. Kira T. Zeppeli...

Kira turns, revealing a new addition to his wardrobe. He wears a mask, that looks to be inspired by the mask of a Plague Doctor but...different. Instead of a beak on the mask, there seems to be a massive, armored insect attached to the mask. This masked Kira stands for a moment to allow his new mask to be taken in.

Kira T. Zeppeli: Is the Scalpel that will save the world. And once I'm done removing the infection called Cochrane, I'll move onto my masterstroke. The chance to cut away multiple infections at once. At the Downfall of Us All, there will be a Cibernetico. Ten men and women in one ring, fighting. One side will be headed by Fiona Collins, while the other remains undecided. With one side headed by such a source of infection, how can I resist this chance? As such, I'm formally declaring my desire to captain the second team of the Cibernetico. I'm sure we'll hear of them agreeing soon enough. After all, how could they refuse?

From inside the mask, you get the feeling Kira is smiling.

Kira T. Zeppeli: Even if you can't admit it consciously, you want me to save you just as much as I want to save you.

We fade to black on this statement.

SINGLES MATCH
WILLIAM DARLINGTON vs. JUSTIN BROOKS

David Zinkus: The following is a singles match scheduled for one fall! Introducing first...

As the classical music hits, William saunters out onto the stage, one hand held behind his back, the other at his stomach, looking around at the audience. He smiles at his own music, briefly moving his front hand back and forth as though conducting a symphony, before returning to his proper stance and heading towards the ring. He slowly walks down the ramp, occasionally stopping to stare at a fan, shaking his head sadly. William climbs up onto the apron, and gently kneels on it for a moment. He crosses himself briefly before stepping between the ropes into the ring. Here, he stands, his arms held neatly behind his back, awaiting the beginning of the match.

David Zinkus: From London, England; weighing in at 250 pounds, he is WILLIAM DARLINGTON!

Dick Morosi: William Darlington was unsuccessful two weeks ago when he teamed alongside Kandi Sinclair.

Seth Ericson: Yes, but he wasn't the person who was pinned in that match. Now that it's a singles match? Whole different story.

You were my conscience, so solid, now you're like water
And we started drowning, not like we'd sink any further
But I let my heart go, it's somewhere down at the bottom
But I'll get a new one and come back for the hope that you've stolen

I'll stop the whole world, I'll stop the whole world
From turning into a monster eating us alive
Don't you ever wonder how we survive?
Well now that you're gone, the world is ours

David Zinkus: Now coming to the ring...hailing from Atlanta, Georgia...standing at 6'4" and 267 pounds, he is Justin Brooks!

I'm only human, I've got a skeleton in me
But I'm not the villain, despite what you're always preaching.
Call me a traitor, I'm just collecting your victims
And they're getting stronger
I hear them calling.

(Calling, Calling)

I'll stop the whole world, I'll stop the whole world
From turning into a monster eating us alive
Don't you ever wonder how we survive?
Well now that you're gone, the world is ours

A large chorus of cheers erupt from the E-Pro faithful as Justin Brooks appears from the curtain and stands there with a smile on his face as he places his hands on his waist. “Monster” by Paramore continues to blast through the PA system as he keeps his eyes on the middle of the squared circle as he slowly makes his way towards the ring, sliding underneath the bottom rope and quickly standing to his feet and looks amongst the crowd with a large smile on his face. Justin just leaps to the second turnbuckle and throws his hands in the air before leaping down from the turnbuckle.

Dick Morosi: Can Justin Brooks continue his winning ways tonight?

Seth Ericson: He better hope he can. Especially if he wants to still be known as Big Bad Brooks and not Big Mild Mannered Brooks.

Dick Morosi: How long did it take you to think of that?

Seth Ericson: ...3 hours.

Dick Morosi: Of course.

DING! DING! DING!

The two rather large men slowly circle the ring before making their way to the center of it and locking up. It seems like the two are having a struggle for power before Brooks manages to get Darlington into a headlock. William slowly uses his position to push Justin to the nearest ropes before Irish whipping him to the other ones, causing Justin to let go of that headlock. Big Bad Brooks bounces right off of the ropes and seems ready to run into the Englishman's hands. Darlington goes for a clothesline, but Brooks ducks it before grabbing Darlington by the waist from behind and throwing him over his head with a belly-to-back suplex. William slowly rolls out f the ring as the audience cheers.

Dick Morosi: Brooks taking early control here!

Seth Ericson: Don't count Darlington out just yet.

Justin notices the exit of his opponent from the ring and quickly follows him, rolling right underneath the bottom rope and out of the ring. Darlington is on all fours as Brooks walks over and grabs him by the head before getting him up to both feet...only for Darlington to turn it around on him and send the Atlanta native headfirst into the steel post. Brooks lies on the ground, holding his head in pain as Darlington has this smirk on his face. Darlington quickly grabs Brooks and gets him up to both feet before lifting him up and planting him right onto the ground with a piledriver! The audience boos as Brooks seems to be out cold. The London native grabs his opponent and rolls him right back into the ring before sliding in himself and going for the cover.

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

Darlington quickly gets to his feet, shaking his head, before grabbing his slightly larger foe by the head and getting him to his feet as well. William drills Brooks with a European uppercut that sends the big man reeling backwards...and he drills him with another one...and another one...and one final one to have him right up against the corner. Darlington grabs Brooks by the hand before Irish whipping the big man out of Georgia as hard as possible into the opposite corner. Brooks hits the corner hard, but bounces right back and charges forward to connect with a dropkick to the chest of Darlington! The London native seems to be caught off by surprise as he gets to his feet and is met with a kick to the gut before getting lifted up and planted with a powerbomb! The audience cheers as loud as they possibly can when Brooks goes for the cover, hooking the outside leg.

ONE!

TWO!

KICKOUT!

Dick Morosi: Close one there!

Seth Ericson: This has been a pretty good back and forth early on here.

Brooks quickly grabs Darlington by the head once more and goes to lift him up for a Brainbuster...only for Darlington to block the attempt twice. When Brooks goes for his third attempt, Darlington instead reverses it on him and hits him with a suplex. Justin groans out in pain as he gets to his feet, the audience booing as William runs forward and drills him with a knee to the face, seemingly knocking him out. But, Darlington isn't done as he grabs Brooks and lifts him on his shoulder, front facing the sky, before squeezing the Atlanta native as hard as possible with a Torture Rack! The audience boos as Brooks waves his hands around, trying not to tap out or give in to the pain that's running through his body.

Dick Morosi: Could Darlington do the unthinkable and make Brooks tap right here, right now?

Seth Ericson: S**t, I'd be scared of Darlington if he could.

The Torture Rack is locked in for almost a minute, but Justin Brooks does not succumb to the pain. After deciding he has had enough of this, Darlington lets go of Brooks, throwing him on the ground as if he were a piece of trash. William seems to "wipe his hands clean" as he looks down at Justin with a sneer. The Englishman begins to measure up his man and even leans up against the nearby ropes waiting for him to get to his feet. Once Brooks does, the Englishman runs forward and drill his Georgian opponent in the head with a running boot! The audience boos upon hearing the impact of Darlington's boot hitting Brooks's skull, and continues to keep that level of intensity with the booing as Darlington rolls his opponent over and hooks his legs, looking to go for a nice upset.

Dick Morosi: What a boot to the head by Darlington! Brooks may be out cold!

ONE!

TWO!

THR-KICKOUT!

Seth Ericson: Kickout by Brooks! I can't believe it!

Darlington seems to be shaking his head as he gets to his feet. Sighing, Darlington grabs Brooks by the head before getting him up to both feet. Darlington then Irish whips Brooks towards the nearest ropes and Brooks bounces right off of them before making his way to an awaiting Darlington....WHO RECEIVES A SPEAR FROM BROOKS! The audience has changed from booing to cheering as Brooks gets to his feet and tells the audience it's time to end this match. He grabs an obviously down and out Darlington, gets the Englishman to his feet, then lifts him up into a fireman's carry before transitioning it into an inverted piledriver! Brooks plants Darlington on his head as the audience explodes in cheers, knowing the match is more than likely running on its last few seconds.

Dick Morosi: The Third Alarm connects! Darlington is out cold!

Seth Ericson: This could be it!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

DING! DING! DING!

"Monster" by Paramore blares throughout the arena as Brooks gets to his feet and immediately has his arm raised to cheers from the audience.

David Zinkus: The winner of this match.....JUSTIN BROOKSSSSSSSS!

Brooks nods his head as Darlington slowly rolls out of the ring, allowing Brooks to celebrate as the scene fades out to him raising his hands high up in the air.


WINNER: JUSTIN BROOKS

Dick Morosi: Justin Brooks is back! It's another big win for Brooks, and he's starting to build that momentum!

Seth Ericson: Yeah, but is he for real this time, or is this the biggest tease of them all?

Dick Morosi: Only time will tell. For now, let's go backst--what's going on?!

The camera cuts to the parking lot where we find the World Champion, Christum Furor, along with Jerry Matthews and Ryuji Kamigawa dragging what appears to be Black Jones, a member of the Revolution Wrestling development roster and an official EPRO security member across the asphalt before finding a 04’ Mazda. Jones appears to be unconscious as the dastardly trio set him down beside the automobile, with Christum stepping back to shift his momentum in direction of the car. Black is whipped into the vehicle, hitting it with his lower back. Various exclamations of “You want war” and “I’ll give you war” escape the man in the burlap sack as he tosses the former college student onto the hood of the car. With his comrades looking on intently, Furor climbs onto the hood, quickly mounting the twenty something year old and firing down a series of stiff right hands on his unprotected face. The madman appears to have lost it (not that he had it to begin with), and looks to be exacting some measure of revenge against the Seikigun at the expense of one of the popular students at Revo Wrestling.

Seth Ericson: What are they doing with Jones, Dick. Furor is tearing that poor kid to pieces.

Dick Morosi: I don’t know, but Black Jones has absolutely nothing to do with that madman or even the war he’s waging against EXODUS. Someone has to get out there to help him.

Chest heaving, Christum stands up and pulls Black’s deadweight to a vertical base, then puts him in a front facelock before turning toward the windshield of the car. He backs up about two steps as Ryuji and Jerry look at one another, then direct their attention back to their respective co-leader and leader as the World Champ holds his victim right over the huge pane of glass. Furor puts all his strength into lifting Jones up before sitting down. Black’s head falls through the windshield of the car, and his shoulders soon follow as the audience groans in the background, becoming totally dejected and disheartened by what just occurred.

Dick Morosi: OH… MY… GOD… BUTTERFLY EFFECT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD! Seth, Seth…. I can’t-

The arena is totally shocked as Furor lies on the roof of the car - Jones face-down with his lower body on the hood and his upper hanging into the front of the vehicle itself. Matthews and Kamigawa are just about as paralyzed by what just transpired as everyone else in the Warfield Theatre. After a few moments to catch his breath, Furor looks up at his two stablemates, a crazed and demented look of bloodlust in his eyes.

Jerry Matthews: Master, what does this prove?! Even though they may not admit it, everyone knows you would lead this lamb to slaughter anytime at your convenience.

Furor continues panting, and hyperventilating. He looks right into Jerry’s eyes as he slowly slips down from the hood of the car. He marvels at the carnage he’s created by his own two hands, and tries to catch his breath and calm himself down whilst trying to muster up the energy to respond to the inquiry which was just posed to him. Finally, he seems to have collected his thoughts.

Christum Furor: This is war, Matthews. There are no sacred lambs, only sacrificial ones. The Seikigun has brought hatred and strife to my doorstep, and they taunt us with it. They throw their victories in my face, and they belittle and underestimate my almighty fury. THIS, is to remind them that they have EVERYTHING to lose! I’ll make examples out of ANYONE I want, Matthews.

Clearly sensing the sincerity in Furor’s voice, the holy man knows he needs to backtrack. It wasn’t the right time or place to question him, Black Jones’s mangled and twisted form was the only example he needed to know that.

Jerry Matthews: Forgive me, teacher. It was not right to speak out of turn. It’s been too long since I’ve been on this side of an educational relationship.

Furor steps forward toward Matthews now, removing the burlap sack from his face to reveal his scowling countenance. The World Champion tastes some of his own blood, as a few streaks of crimson journey from his forehead down to his lips due to his share of the fall through the glass windshield.

Christum Furor: Then if you regard me as your teacher, understand the right time to ask questions -

The madman grabs Jerry by the collar, directing his cold-blooded gaze toward the International Champion. The Michigander is seething with rage, not necessarily brought on by his stablemate’s lack of understanding of his current disposition, but it surely isn’t helping.

Christum Furor: This child is a member of the Seikigun. The fans who cheer on corruption and feed the machine, they’re part of the Seikigun. EVERYONE who stands against us and would rather cling onto antiquated principles due to their fear of change and their contentment with this broken system are apart of the SEIKIGUN. That means no one is off limits. That means they all deserve to drown in the impending flood. We’re the only ones who are allowed into the New Age. We will show no mercy, and no clemency for these mere human beings. They are beneath us - beneath GODS, and I WILL -

Ryuji places a hand on Furor’s shoulder, calming him down as he knows more than anyone how much of a handful the World Champion can become in his increased state of anger. Christum releases Matthews, and shrugs Kamigawa’s hand away before taking a deep breath to compose himself.

Christum Furor: Pick him up.

He directs the demand at Jerry who pulls Black Jones’ carcass from the wreckage, placing the young kid’s body on his shoulders as the three begin to head off through the backstage area, apparently on their way to ringside.

Dick Morosi: Magnus - erm Furor has lost his goddamn mind, Seth. That was a heinous, HEINOUS assault on Black Jones, an innocent bystander. What does he prove doing such a thing?

Seth Ericson: He proved that nobody is safe from his rampage. Hell, his own friends are finding it difficult to deal with him. He’s a loose cannon!

“Pulse of the Maggots” begins playing through the venue, followed by a pandemonium of boos. The three most prominent heads of G&M make their way through the curtain. Christum Furor stands ahead of the pack, while Ryuji walks through right behind him, followed by Matthews who holds Black Jones on his shoulders. They waste no time in acknowledging the angered and dejected crowd as they make their way to the ring. Furor and Kamigawa roll into the squared circle, then the International Champion who was hauling their latest victim slides the unconscious Jones inside as well before joining them. The leader of the terroristic group of misfits ducks through the ropes and demands to be handed microphones from Zinkus. David obliges, not wanting to join his former schoolmate in an ambulance, as he hands the titan the said microphones. Still fuming, Furor tosses a microphone to Jerry who stands beside his partners as the music stops playing. After some initial hesitation, Matthews raises his mic to his lips and begins to speak.

Jerry Matthews: ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!?!

The still jittery capacity crowd once again begin to boo the titanic trio immensely. Nevertheless, the good Reverend shakes them off.

Jerry Matthews: Behold the fate of all those who would oppose the impending NEW AGE of Christum Furor and the rest of Gods & Monsters. Anyone with even the faintest association with Jonathan Collins and his beloved Seikigun from here out aren’t safe. And, rest assured, Black Jones will not be the only student to exit on a stretcher tonight. Soon, Lexy Chapel will have plenty of time to keep him company.

The crowd perks up a bit at the mention of one of EXODUS’s hottest young up and coming prospects.

Jerry Matthews: Soon, your precious “Saint of Violence” will be worse off than Mother Hubbard, with nothing useful left in his cupboard of tricks. Then, and only then, may some of you finally begin to acknowledge that tyrant’s hypocrisy. What kind of man refuses to fight his own battles, leaving so many of those that look to him for guidance in peril? The answer is simple: a coward, a hypocrite, and a fraud.

A few “Saint of Violence” chants begin to break out, but the preacher man refuses to give them a chance to stick.

Jerry Matthews: It’s only a matter of time before you all see him cowering behind his throne, terrified of the majesty and chaos Gods & Monsters will continue to instill. It’s a miracle to be able to even stand before the power of ONE god, so imagine what happens to those who seek to stand before the power of even THREE!!

Matthews extends his arms out to form his body up into the shape of a cross. The fans begin to boo once again.

Jerry Matthews: Each of you must open your eyes, whether voluntarily or through forceful intimidation. It’s not easy to cast aside all of your beliefs simultaneously, but take it from me when I tell you that the grass is greener on the other side. Alongside Christum Furor, Ryuji Kamigawa and the rest of Gods & Monsters, the potential is limitless. And as your International Champion, I plan on proving that first-hand.

Matthews bows sarcastically and yucks it up once more for the seething crowd before stepping aside and yielding the rest of his time on the floor. Christum Furor steps forward, eliciting a loud chorus of boos from everyone in attendance. They do little to fluster the man, as he scowls coldly at the entire demographic, before raising the microphone.

Christum Furor: THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS-

Furor bends down to lift up the lifeless Jones’ head, then stares out at the entryway as the crowd continues to boo him.

Christum Furor: WHEN YOU FIND A STRANGER IN THE WOODS!

Furor pauses, then tosses Black’s body aside upon climbing back to his feet. He exhales frantically, as those in attendance are left nauseated by his actions.

Christum Furor: Jonathan, you and the Seikigun think you know pain, but you do not! You don’t have a CLUE what pain really is. But me - me, I KNOW PAIN! And I know that this business and this company must be changed, must be destroyed if we’re to move on to a state of peace and harmony. This business, it’s nothing but politics and corruption. All it does is feast on our insecurities. All it does it take away from our peace of mind, turning us into demons and former shells of ourselves where we lose control of our faculties and become the things we hate most. It destroyed Magnus Gunner’s life - NO, this business KILLED Magnus Gunner. But in his ashes rose the phoenix, rose CHRISTUM FUROR. From his death a GOD was born! And I am THAT God! I’m a GOD of MADNESS and a GOD of PAIN! And I will teach you my pain… I will make you all understand my agony, and when we are all together on the same plane of pain you will know what I’m doing MUST be done!

Furor leans over the ropes, glaring out at the teaming masses who begin to chant “You’re No GOD” as they’ve been known to do for the last few months. Their insolence only seems to intensify his hatred.

Christum Furor: THIS is necessary. THIS is just! What you saw is only a demonstration, a mere minor display of my righteous power! I have been given the task of purifying this business. I have taken all the responsibility, and have burdened all your hatred and ill wills on my shoulders because it is the price to pay in order for me to change this system… this broken system that Jonathan Collins adheres to. THIS is what awaits the Seikigun, what awaits EVERYONE who is too afraid to change, too afraid to think for themselves and see the writing on the wall. I will make you acknowledge reality! I CANNOT BE STOPPED! I will not be deterred from my mission, Jonathan. You and your disciples have waged war with ME, but you have no earthly idea what you’ve set yourselves up for. YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT I’M CAPABLE OF! And because of that, all of you are so predictable. Like the primitive creatures that you are you have all banded together to fend off your extinction, but you cannot ward off change! You cannot circumvent your fate! NO. Gods & Monsters will not disappear, we will not be defeated! It doesn’t matter if Blake Jones were to win here tonight, or Andreas two weeks from now… NONE OF IT MATTERS. TITLES, TROPHIES, SUPERFICIALITIES… THEY’RE ALL INCONSEQUENTIAL!

The madman rears back from the ropes, frantically running a hand through his hair follicles as the audience silences somewhat to try and come to grips with the magnitude of what’s being relayed to them.

Christum Furor: NO, as long as I BREATHE, as long as I have people WILLING to pursue a better world, men and women who are not content to be controlled by politicians, or have their lives DICTATED by outdated values and illogical philosophies like inherency, I WILL NOT STOP! I am here to break the cycle of hatred… to rebuild this establishment in MY IMAGE! You want to stop this war Jonathan, you want to put an end to Gods & Monsters? I’ll tell you what you have to do. I’ll tell you the sacrifice YOU must make. YES, if you’re the honorable man you claim to be, the one who puts his friends and family ahead of himself, a man who is NOT driven by ego… then YOU’LL DO WHAT IS NECESSARY!

A sinister grin manifests on Christum’s visage as he relishes at the mere thought of what he’s about to say.

Christum Furor: You want to save men like Black Jones? You want to prevent the casualties from piling up? You want to prevent me from destroying EVERYTHING you’ve built and EVERYTHING you love? FINE! You have one option Jonathan, one card in your hand that can stop me from purging this company in a FIRE! It’s simple… you come out here two weeks from now, you come out here and you tell ALL THESE PEOPLE that you are NOT noble, that you do NOT have their best interests at heart! You tell them that you have profited from the blood and tears of men like ME! You you tell them you have reaped the benefit of people’s insecurities and that you have used your friends to pursue your own self-gratification! YOU TELL EXODUS THAT YOU HAVE BUILT THIS COMPANY ON CORRUPTION AND THAT YOU WOULD GLADLY DESTROY MORE LIVES IF IT MEANS YOU CAN MAKE ANOTHER DOLLAR! You let these people know you’ve exploited hatred and heartbreak to pad your ego, to increase your bank account. You tell EVERYONE how many lives you’ve destroyed in this ring because it made you feel ALIVE! And when they see you for the fraud you are, for the slimy, heartless politician that I KNOW YOU TO BE… you hand it over. You hand this company over to ME and walk away! THAT IS IT! YOU give EXODUS to G&M and you LEAVE, never to be seen AGAIN!

The madman falls into a trance of horrendous and screeching cackles before he composes himself. The mischievous smirk remains in the aftermath as he surveys the crowd.

Christum Furor: If you really care about your friends, if you really care about their lives, then you’ll do as I say. You’ll make the greatest sacrifice in the history of mankind. You’ll sacrifice yourself, giving up your own life and dreams for the sake of pursuing true peace!

Furor drops the microphone, and poses in the crucifix as the camera cuts away.

Minoru Asano: HELLO FRIENDS! It is time for the main event of our first show, everyone take a drink for this occasion!

Darrin Stearns: You're gonna be saying that a lot, huh?

Minoru Asano: Pretty much! Say hi to your wife, Darrin!

Darrin Stearns: ...hi, honey, I'm on commentary now.

Minoru Asano: Take a drink for Darrin mentioning his wife!

Darrin Stearns: Seriously!?

Minoru Asano: Yes!

Darrin Stearns: ...so, our first main event is a historic one. All of the (R)Evolution Dojo teachers came together and chose the top four students. These four students received byes from the first round of the tournament, and meet here tonight in tag team action. Devan Whitmore teams up with Brando Martial to take on Shinji Uchikawa and Shozo, right now!

The bell rings, and it's Brando Martial starting out with Shinji Uchikawa. The two tie up, and Martial pushes Uchikawa back into a neutral corner. The referee steps in, but to the surprise of the fans in attendance, Brando gives a clean break, even taking a step back and offering Shinji a handshake! The KJPW student bristles and steps past Brando, offering another tie-up in the middle of the ring. Martial obliges, and this time Shinji slips behind with a rear waistlock. Brando struggles, but keeps his cool as he reverses into a waistlock of his own, pushing Shinji toward the ropes. The referee again steps in to break it up, and while Brando lets go of the hold, he paintbrushes the back of Shinji's head, to the dismay of both the fans and Uchikawa himself.

Darrin Stearns: Brando really should do something about his arrogance, that's only going to hurt him in the long run.

Minoru Asano: And no one knows that better than me! Friends, that actually reminds me of a story...

Darrin Stearns: Oh no.

Minoru Asano: Once upon a time, I was in my ancestral home of Wisconsin, but I had also been drinking for seventeen hours, and thus had gotten too big for my britches...literally, as I had no pants.

Darrin Stearns: Why would you.

Minoru Asano: Indeed! So, I thought I was the best around, and I made my thoughts very clear. The people of my town did not take too kindly to this, and so I found myself hanging from a tree and pelted with socks full of sand.

Darrin Stearns: Well, that's...vaguely related. Vaguely.

Minoru Asano: And one of the socks turned out to be full of money that I used to buy a winning lottery ticket, but that is a story for another day!

The two lock up for a third time, and it's Brando gaining the advantage with a wristlock, which he quickly turns into a hammerlock. Once he's got Shinji held securely, Brando begins laying in knees to the ribs of his foe! Shinji drops down to a knee before reversing into a hammerlock of his own, then spinning Brando around and taking him over with a fireman's carry takedown. He floats into a cover, but only gets one as Brando kicks out, and both men quickly rise to their feet...and retreat to their corners, where they tag out to Whitmore and Shozo.

Darrin Stearns: Now this is going to be an interesting matchup. Both of these guys definitely feel they have something to prove, Devan with her indy cred and Shozo with his extensive training under Papa.

Minoru Asano: I have much respect for Papa and for the roamings of an independent worker. Take a drink for two things you respect clashing!

The two newcomers to the ring don't have the feeling out process that their partners used; instead Devan charges Shozo, taking him down and diving on top for a one count. Both rise quickly, and Shozo gets an arm drag; Whitmore rolls through and comes back with a dropkick, which Shozo bats aside. When Devan rises, Shozo is already running at her and flattens the woman with a shoulderblock. After a short glare down at her, he takes off to the ropes again; coming back, she rolls over forcing him to hop over; when he returns, she's risen and jumping over him with a leapfrog. On another return, she hits him with the dropkick she tried earlier! Shozo scrambles back into the corner, with Whitmore coming right after him. She throws a few forearms, but the Papa Arino student shrugs them off before turning the tables, laying in a few of his own!

Darrin Stearns: It's never a good idea to get into a straight up fight with someone who's got a size advantage on you. It just never ends well.

Minoru Asano: I agree! One time, I tried to fight a bull in Italy! And then I spent seven months in intensive care as my organs had to be carefully placed back into my body!

Darrin Stearns: ...are you real?

Minoru Asano: Yes! If you're wondering at home if you're real, take a drink to confirm!

Shozo pulls Devan by the hair, dragging her over to his team's corner and tagging in Shinji. The two irish whip Whitmore across the ring, where as she bounces off, Brando tags himself in. They duck down for a double back body drop, but Devan puts on the proverbial brakes, kicking Shinji to send him reeling, as Brando comes right in with a kneelift to a bent over Shozo, who rolls to the floor! Devan remains in the ring as the pair grab Shinji, taking him down with a double vertical suplex!

Darrin Stearns: People were wondering how well Brando and Devan would work together given their differences but they are honestly working together beautifully. It's good to see that lessons about putting differences aside to win a match has gotten through to them.

Minoru Asano: Along with my lesson of always watching your cholesterol before a match!

Darrin Stearns: I...what?

Minoru Asano: Are you trying to say that a good check on your cholesterol is a bad thing? Does your wife know of your possible heart damage?

Darrin Stearns: What. Tiffani, ignore that.

With Shinji down, Brando wastes no time with a knee drop. He drags Shinji over to the ropes, pulling him up before dragging Shinji's head up through the ropes, using the top strand to choke his foe! The referee steps in, administering his count...which is broken at four.

Darrin Stearns: This is not the kind of thing that endears you to the rest of the roster.

Minoru Asano: To be fair friend, I don't think that's very high on his list of important things.

Darrin Stearns: You know, that's a good point Minoru.

Minoru Asano: Thank you, friend, take a drink for getting a compliment, as a compliment to me is a compliment to all of my friends!

Dragging Shinji back to his team's corner, Brando again makes the tag to Devan, who climbs to the second rope and drops an elbow on the fallen Uchikawa. A cover nets her a two count, and she locks in a reverse chinlock. The hold is wrenched in, trying to wear down the Fujita Dojo student, but he works his way to his feet. With the crowd egging him on, Shinji uses a beautiful backdrop suplex to break the hold, and begins crawling across the ring to his partner! Whitmore is much closer to her teammate, however, and makes the tag first! Brando comes into the ring...then pauses, smirking as he lets Shinji reach Shozo, and the fresh man is tagged in! Shozo charges into the ring, decking Martial with a lariat before knocking Devan off the apron!

Darrin Stearns: Shozo cleaning house!

Minoru Asano: It reminds me of the running of the bulls...and the horrible, horrible catheter feeling.

Darrin Stearns: I don't ever wanna know what you're talking about.

Shozo turns, and is met with an European uppercut by Brando's left arm, then an uppercut from his right hand! Stunned momentarily, Shozo lets out a roar and turns back toward Martial as the crowd cheers! Martial tries for a left, but his arm is caught! He tries for a right hand, but it's caught too! That's when Shozo lets a series of headbutts rip into the cranium of his opponent! Brando collapses to the mat, and as Shozo turns, he's caught with a springboard missile dropkick from Devan Whitmore! Devan rises, but this time it's a recovered Shinji Uchikawa who is already rolling into her with the Wide Awake! The referee begins forcing Shinji back to his corner as Shozo and Brando rise...and Martial, ever perceptive, blatantly kicks Shozo below the belt! Taking the opportunity given to him, Brando lifts Shozo up in the fireman's carry, before forcing him down into his knee with the Atlas Shrugged! The referee turns around, diving into position...

ONE...

TWO...

Shinji is almost there, but Devan cuts him off!

THREE!

Brando rises to his knees with a smirk on his face as the referee raises his hand. Devan joins alongside him, but the two know their team was only for the duration of the match, so there is no team celebration. Whitmore offers a handshake to her partner, but he defers, walking away almost as if he didn't see her.

Darrin Stearns: It might not have been meant to be anything beyond a one night thing, but Devan and Brando managed to work together like a true team, putting away Shinji and Shozo and making a huge statement as we go into our next show, and the second round of the tournament. I'm Darrin Stearns.

Minoru Asano: And I'm Minoru Asano!

Darrin Stearns: And join us in two weeks for another exciting showing of wrestling's future, at (R)Evolution Wrestling.

Minoru Asano: AND DON'T *BLEEP*ING GO TO MEXICO!

Darrin Stearns: Thereeeeee we go. Couldn't keep it in, could you?

Minoru Asano: Nope! Now that actually reminds me of a time in Peru....

We fade to black.

WINNER: BRANDO MARTIAL & DEVAN WHITMORE

What happens when you pit a small white girl against a black man double her weight? An unfair stereotype. Also, this match, as Sydney Christensen takes on the new EXODUS International Champion's right hand man, Deacon Jeremiah. It went about as you'd expect. Right from the get go, the Deacon abused his high weight advantage to throw Sydney around like a rag doll. Time after time he would pick her up as if she was nothing and then crush her with a body slam, or throw her into the turnbuckle, or splash his whole weight down onto her. However, time after time, the Deacon would soon become very confused. Because after he would splash her, crush her, throw her around, he would pin her, and each time Sydney kicked out. Getting angry, the Deacon lifted her to her feet again only for Sydney to surprise him with a kick to the back of his knee taking him down to one, where she nailed him with a boot to the face taking him down to his back! And from there she quickly mounted him and began to try to lock in the ALPHA-16!! She tried to get it locked in only to find the Deacon lifting her before she can get the arm to where it needs to be and slamming her down with a spinebuster and covering her...but only for a 2! This infuriated the Deacon who got to his feet and into the referee's face, demanding why he wasn't counting correctly. The referee only responded by moving out of the way as Sydney threw her whole body weight at the Deacon's back, shoving him into the ropes, from which Sydney used the momentum of him coming off the ropes to roll him up for the 1-2-3, to the roar of the crowd as she moves into the second round of the tournament! The Deacon took it well, by dismantling the announcer's table with his fists.

WINNER: SYDNEY CHRISTENSEN