CULT:TV S01E02

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE.



The arena is shrouded in darkness, with only the deafening roar of the crowd breaking through the silence. There is a flicker above the stage. A shadow. A haunting shadow that almost looms over the proceedings standing center stage. The symbol of man: sometimes simple, comparable, and some would even say relatable. But shadows - such as man could twist - and when the veil drops, they become vile.

Evil.

Another flicker.

Suddenly, the spotlight comes alive, illuminating the ring and revealing the ringmaster: Casanova English. His face is etched with cheshire scars, the results of having been sewn together from the savaged remains of what was once his own unflawed flesh. His eyes are hidden.

ENGLISH: As children, we're taught about the beauty of dreams. We're told to chase them, follow them, and never be afraid of them. However, what they often fail to mention is the length of time we should chase those dreams and the consequences that come when those very same dreams coming back to haunt us. That familiar feeling - what was once so right is suddenly so wrong and before you can remember you are reminded: nightmares are dreams too. And even though you can turn on the light-

With a flick of his wrist, the arena is awash with an eerie glow. And as the shadows recede, looming behind him is Bash Daddy, a colossus of a man with arms crossed over his chest. But he is not alone in his vigil. For in the darkness beyond, a bloodthirsty audience waits with bated breath for the carnage to begin.

ENGLISH: And those feelings fade, they never quite leave. They always linger. They’re there - watching. Waiting. Remnants of your own insecurities; fallout from your shattered dreams. Broken, battered, and abandoned and worse, betrayed. Not by some unfamiliar adversary, but their very creator - the person who once cared for them, nurtured them and then left them behind, just hoping that they’ll die.

He pauses, looking to the mat as he considers that. The Unprofessional smiles once again.

ENGLISH: Could the same then be said for those seeking salvation? If so - does that mean we are the ones forsaken? Abused. Abandoned. Forgot-

The thud of a bass drum shatters the air, followed by the wailing of a guitar playing the opening chords of ‘Take the Power Back’ by Rage Against the Machine. The Unprofessional halts in his tracks, shifting his attention to the ramp, which begins to pulse with energy. The bloodthirsty audience, already fueled with angst and a hunger for carnage, erupts in a frenzy of excitement. As the lyrics blast through the arena, a clean-cut, blond man steps out from behind the curtains, wearing a three-piece suit complete with a crisp, red tie, flashing a fake smile to the crowd. The audience, filled with disdain, unleashes a barrage of boos and jeers. He expertly dodges a Dr. Pepper can. Casanova steps back, watching the man as he ducks under the rope, unbuttoning his jacket.

HARKER: Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to interrupt your current proceedings momentarily. On behalf of Channel 13, I extend my sincerest gratitude to each and every one of you for gracing us with your esteemed presence here at the illustrious Thompson-Boiling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee!!

Quincy holds the microphone up, clearly expecting a much more positive response than is returned. The boos become more rhythmic and a chant begins -



HARKER: I get it! I get it! Razz the new guy - hey you all are great. Now, I hope…

Quincy stops himself, posting over to Casanova.

HARKER: No - I DREAM that one day you’ll welcome me as your new general manager just the same way you have my friends here.

Still smiling, the new GM places his hand on Casanova’s shoulder. Bash Daddy unfolds his arms.

HARKER: Without any fur-wha, what are you doing? Hey!

Bash Daddy's massive hand encircles Quincy Harker's throat, wiping the smile off his face as terror takes hold. Desperate to break free, Quincy claws towards Casanova, who looks on with sadistic amusement, relishing the frenzy of his devoted followers.



The audience chants in unison, their hunger for violence reaching a fever pitch. Despite his struggles, Harker remains trapped in Bash Daddy's grip, unable to escape. In a moment of brutal spectacle, Bash Daddy hoists Harker into the air and hurls him over the top rope. The crowd explodes with manic excitement as Harker slams into the Spanish announcer's table, which miraculously withstands the impact.

ENGLISH: Ladies and Gentlemen. May I present to you…these my forsaken dreams.

Air horns erupt and the sounds of the sea of sick, sadistic followers of the Unprofessional once against turn into a furious roar. The camera zooms in on the still unmoving Harker and the scene fades to black.



The camera zooms over the sold out Thompson. The stage is already set for a massive weekend and Cultists have come prepared to worship. Their hymnals - the howls only to see people hurt - echoes through the arena.



It scans over the crowd, landing on Stacey Sting, dressed in an all white pant suit, accented with a thin black tie. Her hair has been pulled into a loose bun. Hunched over the desk, and holding his coffee mug of mysteries, is her Bill Foote. The conservative co-host is dressed in a black button up - finished off with a sparkling white cow skull bolo tie. He leans in towards her as she screams over the crowd.

STING: Hello everyone, as you know my name is Stacey Sting and I am joined as always by the one, the only, the incomparable and often inarticulate, Bill “The Only Man in History To Fuck a Boot Not Once, But Twice” Foote.

FOOTE: Thank you Stacey - as always the pleasure is all yours.

STING: Indeed that’s true and this is a huge weekend, not only do we have not one, not two, but three title defenses here tonight - let’s talk about Heaven Sent.

FOOTE: That’s right - Heaven Sent. What may be the world’s first of it’s kind - an inferno Battle Royale. Twenty-six separate competitors all individually came together and with absolutely no coercion of any kind signed a waver that agreed that each and everyone one of them would on no uncertain terms sue Combat Unlimited Lethal Trials should one of them just so happen to catch on fire.

STING: Not just happen to - twenty-five of those entrants will be lit on fire and at the absolute mercy of these animals you see around me.

Stacey extends her hands out. The hand cam zooms out and they erupt, slapping palms with Stacey. Foote sneers and brushes an extended hand aside.

FOOTE: And why would anyone be willing to do this you may ask? The winner walks away with two things: one, an absolute guaranteed opportunity to take on the New World champion. And two? Unchared flesh.

STING: Speaking of the New World champion, Casanova promised Lissie a fair shot and she took it - all the way to the shot, but a what cost? The gift of the magi is often a curse and so now in order to keep that championship she has to crucify her beloved boyfriend, Johnny Bacchus.

FOOTE: The Heartkillers look to take a second shot at the Double Homicide titles, but the Walkers are always ready to meet their neighbors. Let’s just hope they’ve set enough for some surprise guests as Strike2Kill looks to make their mark.

STING: And speaking of marks - if you want to leave one here in Combat Unlimited - there’s one way to do it. Call out the man beast himself - JD Driftwood. That’s exactly what JJ Slayer did and let’s just hope he’s ready. Bill, I don’t know about you but I’m ready to get this weekend started.

Smiling, Bill Foote raises his mug before taking a deep sip, ending with a satisfied lip smack.

FOOTE: Don’t mind if I do.

STING: Keep the reigns on it there cowboy.

The scene cuts to the back.

The Thompson-Boiling Arena of Knoxville, Tennessee, has been sold out for the second episode of CU: LT TV. Tonight's main event features the reigning CU: LT Television Champion, Serenity Holmes, against Craig Cogan. Both competitors have given their testimonies, insults, and other slurs, but only one tonight will be walking out of Knoxville, the champion; The camera broadcast from the arena's interior shows the backstage area setup to compliment the CU: LT TV aesthetic. No other than Karl Childers, the resident interview personnel of CU: LT, stands in front of the camera in a nerdy suit with a cheeky smile. His eye twitches when hearing the audience boo him. He remains composed and calm, but there are obvious signs of distress.

CHILDERS: Ladies and gentlemen, fighting in the main event tonight, joining us is the current and reigning CU: LT Television Championship, Serenity Holmes!

Serenity steps into the camera's view, already in her in-ring gear, with her black leather jacket, studded black hat, and the television championship belt hanging over her right shoulder. Her hand grasped firm on the belt, and she stands next to Karl rolling her eyes at his usual pathetic attempts to woo her. Then, finally, she looks at him and gestures for him to continue with the segment.

CHILDERS: Serenity Holmes, we all saw and watched the mockery you made of Craig Cogan, but tonight, he has the opportunity to possibly defeat you and take away the CU: LT Television Championship! How do you feel about this?

Serenity shakes her head.

HOLMES: How do I feel? I meant everything I said about Craig Cogan. I don't respect the guy, and I damn sure ain't losing the championship CU: LT created for me to represent the face of their television series, CU: LT TV. This championship means everything to me; I'm the first to prove what I can do, and with already two defenses under my belt, a third means I'm one step closer to regaining my shot at the CU: LT NEW World Championship!

The audience inside the arena explodes at the confidence of Serenity Holmes. Serenity smiles and continues from where she left off.

HOLMES: The pain of Craig Cogan will be exhilarating, but it's for his benefit of him. Craig needs to understand that the wrestling industry is no joke. The wrestling industry is in my blood, and I've proven I can be at the top of the mountain even when another lion is there. At nineteen years old, I fought to be the most decorated wrestler in CU: LT history. Karl, no one on the roster can outweigh my resume, and he even comes close to re-creating the fastest rise in professional wrestling history. I'm a former and teenage world champion, and I have transcended beyond a league no one can touch me in! The television championship stays with me!

Serenity nods as the audience breaks into a rhythmic chant of her name. She looks towards the camera with a wink and then back to Karl.

CHILDERS: There's also the issue of last week's show ending. Jaclyn Pierrot made a statement regarding you from your social media interactions even been rumors that she may have influenced Craig Cogan against you. What is your reaction to Jaclyn Pierrot's mind games?

Serenity looks away for a mere moment and purses her lips. She looks back at Karl and then sighs before holding the television championship in her right hand. Serenity stares at her reflection in the belt before smiling at Karl Childers.

HOLMES: She can do whatever she can to try and scare me. I don't care about her mind games, her little theatrics or her smoke and mirrors, she's absolutely nothing but a girl who puts on terrible make up and pretends it's Halloween. Jaclyn can do all the jumpscares and warnings but she's forgetting one thing, I'm the face of CU:LT and I am the certified star of CU:LT TV! I may be a rookie but I'm THE rookie! I'm the rookie who changed professional wrestling by being the youngest fastest rising star in professional wrestling history! Jaclyn's afraid of me, she's afraid that a rookie will upset her crazy ass and put her in a position no one will take her seriously. News flash, I am her worst nightmare!

Serenity nods her head again to the crowd's appreciate cheers. She looks at Karl one more time and shakes her head as he goes for a hug before walking off with the television championship.





Tom Garcia, the match referee, raises the Classic Championship high in the air, a title with a rich history in Combat Unlimited. Seven champions have held it yet there have been only ten attempts towards the title. Some even say it's the most difficult one to keep. JJ Slayer learned this the hard way last week when Jennie Fenix managed to pry it from his almost iron grip. Tom hands over the belt, signaling for the bell to start the match as the two competitors meet in the center of the ring.

STING: You can tell there’s something special about this belt. It’s not about brutality - it’s about the honor.

FOOTE: Something tells me that’s not the first time you’ve said that.

Datura strikes first, bridging the gap with two swift calf-kicks to feel her way in. She locks up with the champion, pulling her headfirst onto her knee, but is blocked before she can connect with a second. Jennie returns fire with an elbow, trying to shake off the her opponent. Undaunted, Datura continues to press forward, punishing Jennie's leg with another brutal knee strike but Fenix retaliates once more, unleashing a vicious uppercut to the challenger’s jaw, sending her reeling. Sensing an opportunity, Fenix rushes forward, but a leaping knee puts the champion once more on the defensive as she scrambles backwards, her vision suddenly spinning. Datura rushes forward, drilling her thigh into Fenix midsection before seizing her arms. Datura wrenches them tightly across Fenix chest before driving her face-first into the canvas with a sickening straight-jacket DDT.

STING: What an impact!

Datura stalks around the downed Fenix sister, catching her foot. Jennie falls face first as her body is bent and Datura locks the ankle.

FOOTE: It could be over!

Jennie screams, the curse that was the Classic Champion slowly starting to settle in. She reaches for the ropes - too far. Gritting her teeth, she begins to crawl - inch by excruciating inch - she reaches. Too far.

STING: There’s just too much distance.

And then it begins. The hum of the crowd - calling, beckoning her forth. She shoves the pain down, battling deep she fires forward. Her fingertips graze the rope. Jennie lunges, but Datura senses the movement and manages to tug her back, causing her chin to connect with the mat once more. She screams in pain as the challenger puts more pressure on her ankle.

FOOTE: Sometimes you just have to give up. Give up! GIVE UP!



The battle begins once more. Jennie starts to crawl - despite the pain, more determined than before. As if willed by the siren song echoing through the stadium she ignores everything except he escape. Datura shakes her head, not believing it to be possible as she pulls, doing her best to prevent her prey from finding her freedom. Sensing the burst about to happen again, Datura starts to pull - but rather than leap forward, Fenix rolls through. Datura stumbles, letting loose the champions foot. As she tries to regain her balance, Jennie seizes the opportunity and dives forward, driving her shoulder into the back of Datura's bad leg.

STING: Smart move by the Jennie - she used the momentum to her advantage.

Favoring her knee, Datura scoots away but the lightning quick Fenix rushes in to help hurry her along the way. A series of stomps force Datura to find her feet and a calf kick helps her find the floor. She pulls herself into the corner, using one arm to try and fend off the blows raining down on her. She shoves Jennie back but only for a moment, and a monkey flip sends her flying. As the air is driven from Datura’s lungs, the current Classic Champion mounts the second rope - throwing a peace sign and winking towards the audience before setting sail. Her elbow drops anchor right on target and she goes for the cover.



FOOTE: Kickout!

Jennie looks up to Tom, certain she had it.

STING: Taking her eyes off her opponent for just a second was all Datura needed as she cinches in an arm bar.

Familiar with the move, Jennie leans into her trapped arm, planting Datura’s shoulders on the mat. Garcia goes for the count but before his hand can connect, the challenger scrambles loose, letting go of the arm before once again catching hold of the ankle. She rises to her feet and Fenix begins to fight for the rope but finds herself again released as Datura runs past. Rebounding off the rope, a Shining Wizard casts a star spell on the champion. Datura crawls over her, this time locking the ankle under her arm, sitting down in into a single-leg boston crab.

FOOTE: It’s locked in - time to give it up! GIVE IT UP! GIVE IT UP!

STING: Sit down.

Garcia calls for the break. In her haste, she had lost sight of her position in the ring. Jennie’s heel hooks the rope. Letting go, Datura works to calm herself - focusing instead on the next moments. She pulls Jennie towards the center. The champions hand grabs Datura’s ankle, causing her full weight to come down awkwardly on her bad leg as she tumbles backwards. Able to catch herself, she stands just in time see the Fenix come flying. Datura screams in pain, not from the impact as she is whipped to the ground, but because Jennie now has her surgically repaired leg locked in a knee bar.

FOOTE: The referee needs to break this up!

Sheer desperation sets in - Datura drives the heel of her feet foot down hard, connecting with the champion’s stomach. With her leg out of the lock, she crawls under the rope and staggers to the outside, tenderly testing the leg. Undaunted, Jennie keeps the momentum going. She hits the opposite rope, flipping over once in a front handspring before taking flight over the top rope with a moonsault.

FOOTE: Datura manages to move out of the way!!

STING: I think she may have fallen!

Both competitors down, Tom Garcia begins his count.



Datura manages to make it to her feet, she looks over at Fenix, her body still pressed against the barricade, which bounces as the ravenous fans hammer against it from every angle.



She makes it to the ring. Fenix starts to stir is far from finding her feet. Datura, still favoring her leg slides back out stopping the count.

FOOTE: She almost had it, what is she doing?

STING: There’s more things here than the glory. This is about the gold. This is about greatness!

The challenger manages to shove the champion back into the ring, rolling in after her. Unsteadily, the Fenix rises once more - she throws a punch, but it’s blocked and Datura unloads with an uppercut of her own. Reeling, Jennie makes for the corner, but instead is wrapped up and delivered via air mail with a high impact belly-to-belly that leaves the entire ropes shaking. Sensing the end is near, the sharks - held at bay by only a waist high barricade begin to frenzy, demanding their pound of flesh.

STING: It’s not looking good for the champion!

FOOTE: Datura going for the pin now.

.

.

.

2

.

.

Kickout. Holding her back, Jennie stands, leaving her head open. A bicycle kick connects but Jennie rolls back through, leaping high in the air. She catches the incoming Datura around the neck, looking for a hurricanrana, but the challenger pushes her back. Jennie manages to land on her feet, but a thunderous thigh drives the air from her lungs and she doubles over. Datura shoves Fenix head between her legs.

FOOTE: Is she going for the Thorn-Apple Driver?

STING: It looks like it, but she seems to be having trouble putting pressure on that leg.

As she starts to lift, her leg does in fact begin to give. She tries again and once again the pain is too much for her to bear. Jennie pushes away, throwing a fist that barely connects. Datura grabs Jennie by the hair, lunging forward - drilling her again in the stomach. She shoves the champions head into place once more, pushing with all her might. As the champion’s feet begin to lift from the ground, so do the cultist as the roar with approval. Wobbling, Datura manages to just get her up before her leg gives way, planting Fenix down directly onto her head. Datura stretches an arm out and Garcia goes for the count.

FOOTE: Do we have a new champion?!

.

.

.

2

.

.

.

3!!!

STING: She did it! She over came the odds!

FOOTE: The Vegas odds at least, looks like I’m having more than just Vienna sausages and crackers tonight!

Datura, her face now covered in sweat starts to rise only to tumble back to the ground. She won - but at what cost? Garcia drops down to check on her - she shakes her head and he holds his arms in the air in an X, signaling the medical staff to head towards the ring. Jennie, recovering looks around at the scene. She looks towards the belt - now lain aside by Garcia as he tries to help her towards the rope, but quickly moves towards her opponent. In an amazing display of sportsmanship, she drops down and helps Garcia move her towards ringside.

The audience begins to chant as she is helped towards the back, Garcia on once side and Fenix on the other. The camera pans over towards the ring and the championship and the scene crossfades to the back.

We cut to Gorilla where Alice Gemini is stretching out and pumping herself up for her match against Acy Sky. The crowd boos in the background followed by some pops from a bunch of weird freaks in the audience as Alice Walker appears in frame, a big smile spread across her face for Gemini. The former world champ leans up and raises a confused/annoyed brow towards the matriarch.

GEMINI: Can I help you?

WALKER: Hello.

GEMINI: …Hi.

WALKER: Hello.

GEMINI: Are you good? Do we have a problem here?

WALKER: Hello.

The smile remains stiff and unwavering while Gemini looks around a bit, unsure what to make of the situation.

GEMINI: Is something wrong?

WALKER: I-.....no, I’m just…..Hello.




‘Widdershins’ by King 810 blasts throughout the arena and Bright Green lights flash quickly as the fans get to their feet as Alice walks out onto the stage. She soaks in the reaction for a moment before throwing up her middle fingers at the crowd while biting her bottom lip. She makes her way down the ramp and stops at different fans and makes them flinch and then laughs it off as she walks away from them. She hops up onto the apron and onto a single knee, looks up at the camera and screams at the top of her lungs. She slides into the ring and walks into the nearest corner and starts to kick the bottom rope to get fired up. She puts both of her hands in the form of dual-wielding pistols and points them at the camera.

STING: I’m not quite sure what we just saw backstage, Foote.

FOOTE: Neither am I Stacey - I went to get a refill for my drink and you wouldn’t believe the line back there for Swedish meatballs.

STING: Did you put them in your pocket, Bill?

FOOTE: They were out of plates.

A firework drops from the bottom of the screen to the stage and there is a countdown voice over from 5 which fans count down to the pod door opens Ace Sky walks out in an aviator jacket and his usual in ring attire. He salutes a peace sign and jogs down the aisle way high-fiving as many fans as possible on both sides then he dashes forward leaps upon the apron and flings himself in with a front flip followed by a series of three front handsprings and a rolling savate kick.

JJ Huffman signals for the bell. Ace extends his hand, looking for the handshake but instead is met with a stinging slap to start things off. Before he has a chance to react, Alice lashes out - leaving him breathless with a kick straight to his guts. She steps back, before rushing forward to send him straight to the mat with a soccer kick to the side of his head.

FOOTE: Hit him baby!

Despite her actions, the audience can’t help but applaud her as she helps feed their addiction. She takes a moment to soak in their admiration before turning back to Ace. He manages to respond, shooting out to secure a single leg takedown. He releases the hold and circles around, picking her up before planting her down with a bridging German Suplex.

JJ drops down.

.

.

.

2

.

Kickout.

FOOTE: I think he surprised her more than he stunned her.

STING: As she moves to retaliate, Ace expertly evades and sings her sprawling with an arm drag takedown. He holds tight, wrenching at the arm

Before he can lock it in, Alice places her nails directly into his eyes at rapid speed, receiving a warning from Huffman. She brushes him off, much to the delight of the more deviant of fans. As Ace runs away at his eyes, trying to massage the tears clouding his vision away, he turns and is met with a second stinging slap. Blindly, he swings his fist - but Alice ducks. Diving forward, she catches his shoulder and drops backwards - both knees stabbing directly into his spine. She spreads herself around him, wrapping his head up.

STING: Coquina clutch, locked into place!

Ace fights back, doing his best to break the grip that was slowly suffocating him. Able to get enough space, Sky works legs free and begins to rise. Before he can fully get upright, however, Gemini sinks her hips, flipping him over where he lands hard on his side. She snuggles in behind him, her sinister smile inches from his face. Fighting back once more, he able to break free - rocking back and forth. With a final effort, rolls his body back wards - both cutting off his breath while simultaneously pinning Alice shoulders to the mat. Huffman moves to make the count.



STING: Alice forced to break the hold!

FOOTE: I think she should have just kept strangling him.

STING: Is that your dream?

FOOTE: More like a wet nightmare.

Another headlock takedown - this time Ace hangs on as Alice fights to her feet. He shifts positions, pushing one arm between her legs before lifting her up - sitting down hard with a ring-shaking half-nelson pumphandle driver.

.

.

.

2

.

.

.

Kickout.

Moving back to his feet Ace takes to the Sky, jumping high before driving the soles of his shoes down hard into the riding Gemini's back. She is able to roll over, catching his leg before pulling him down into a school boy roll up. She barely gets the one and receives a second stomp for her troubles. This time - he uses his momentum, runs towards the ropes then ricochets backwards in a springboard moonsault. He hooks the legs.



Concerned with the counting, Ace confronts Huffman who advises him to focus on the fight. Sky starts to whip Alice towards the corner, but she turns it around - running full force forward before feeding him an elbow. Reeling, Ace manages to make his way across the ring only to turn and take a second straight to the jaw. A ripcord lariat lands Ace in hot water and he scrambles to escape the ring. Hot on his heels, Alice hits him with a stiff right before picking him up onto her shoulders.

FOOTE: I can’t watch!

STING: Death Valley Driver on the stairs!

With a sickening thud, Ace tumbles to the floor and Huffman continues the count.

.

.

5

.

.

Alice stops the count before taking her time to return to ringside. Ace fights back - a series of punches manages to push Alice away. She leans against the railing, hungry hands reaching out just for the opportunity to touch for former New World champion. Ace picks up the pace, sliding into the ring, hitting his stride, then soaring over the top rope. Both knees connect, driving her once more into the barricade. A northern lights suplex onto the railing sets Alice up as Ace pulls onto the apron. Measuring her up, he takes two steps before leaping, somersaulting across the aisle before connecting with a flipping ax kick. The two competitors land in a heap, the steel bouncing from the fencing as fans fight to force their way forward. JJ’s voice is drowned out as the audience begins to chant.

CLAP! CLAP! CLAP - CLAP - CLAP.

LE-THAL TRI-ALS!

Ace is up first he manages to beat the count.

.

.

7

.

.

Alice is back in the ring. The audience is on their feet. They exchange rights - lefts, Sky powers through and manages to get her in position.

STING: HE'S LOOKING FOR THE END OF LIFE!



FOOTE: ALICE WIGGLES FREE.

A quick kick to the midsection, Alice tucks his before lifting him into the air…

FOOTE: KILLER GEMINI!!!

.

.

.

2

.

.

.

3!!

FOOTE: ALICE DID IT! ALICE DID IT!

JJ moves to raise her hand, but she shoves past him, yelling for a microphone. Alice takes no time to get a hold of a microphone from the ring announcer. With haste, she slides back into the ring and observes the reactions of the Knoxville crowd. She moves her head slowly back and forth with a smirk on her face.

GEMINI: You’re all gonna have to listen to what I have to say.

She’s met with an explosion of mixed reactions. Heavy boos with a strong positive presence in the audience as well.

GEMINI: What I’ve done here tonight means absolutely nothing to me just as it means nothing to any of you. You had to witness this man be embarrassed for a consecutive show in a row and not one of you give a damn. You all love and crave violence so you have no issue seeing blood be drawn, bones be broken, or even souls be crushed.

She paces back and forth with an evil grin that grows alongside the reactions she receives.

GEMINI: I hope you all enjoy your crucifixion match at Heaven Sent because it’s going to be such a tragedy that you have to watch two former lovers condemn one another to hell. Boo hoo, I can’t believe that I have to do this to the person I love. Oh, get the fuck real! All of you just eat into that crap too! Everywhere Johnny goes there’s something new with him, there’s a new girl tugging on his dick, there’s a new cult he’s trying to fuck over, there’s another Ash B- excuse me, I’m getting out of line. The point is, I’m wasting MY world title spot just so you can all witness Lissie Hope finally tie up her loose end… literally.

Alice enjoys the now louder rain of boos that were directed her way. Her smile grows to her now showing her white teeth. Such an evil smile from an evil woman.

GEMINI: But don’t get it mixed up! I don’t care who wins! When your little Romeo and Juliet cock tugging contest is over…

She stares directly into the hard cam with an uncomfortably blank expression.

GEMINI: Mommy’s belt is coming back to where it belongs. No matter the cost. That better be understood or your blind arrogance will be what leads to your death. I have nothing to lose and I have everything perfectly aligned for me to explode your very foundation. So enjoy your little date with Lissie Christ, Johnny because you’re gonna realize that you should always cut the head off the snake before it’s too late.

She slowly moves her tongue across her teeth while her eyes turn wild.

GEMINI: I guess it’s especially difficult to tell which snake though, isn’t it?



She twirls around the ring in a circle with the biggest smile still plastered across her face. Her music begins playing and all the lights cut out to black while still being able to see Alice twirl around from the lights of the phones. While she continues to twirl, a video on the screen begins to play.

We are backstage where Veronica is getting ready for her Taipei Death Match. She finishes taping her hands as Brooklyn Foxe walks into the private room that Strader found to get ready in. She smiles brightly seeing Miss Foxe who walks up to her, getting in her personal space, and Strader wraps her arms around Brooklyn’s waist, the right side of her face against her abdomen. Brooklyn runs her fingers through Veronica’s flowing hair, which she loves to do as Strader’s hair is normally in a pulled tight ponytail.

FOXE: How are you feeling?

STRADER: I am ok, just getting myself in a violent mindset.

FOXE: You can bet Chester is doing the same right about now.

STRADER: A lot of us are.

FOXE: Are you worried about your dad?

“Veronica” lets go of the embrace and leans back on the palms of her hands. Her brow moves up as she gently shrugs her shoulders in unison.

STRADER: Yes and no. He’s no stranger to violence but he let “The Raven” out… and that’s not good for anyone.

FOXE: Is that like the Affliction?

Some people might know what Brooklyn meant. Almost everyone of Rivers descent suffers from a split personality. Initially Victoria thought Veronica was the Affliction but after OCWs PORTAL POTTY they both learned Veronica was being manipulated by the true Affliction named Valerie. Victoria destroyed Val, but the damage was done. Both Victoria and Veronica while permanently split of body AND mind, the influence of Valerie was left in their hearts. It’s how the two of them can reach down and let the ultra violence out. Just like how their father Matthew Knox can let the Raven out to play.

STRADER: I am a bit concerned. One of the last times I saw the Raven was in Uprising when Ver— when *I* suggested the use of kerosene to set our cousin Supreme Machine ablaze as it burns hotter and faster.

Brooklyn looks uneasy but pushes it aside. Sitting down beside Strader, she places a hand on her knee.

FOXE: Please be careful and come back to me in one piece.

Strader nods as the Sneer creeps across her face, her lip twitching, and fire dancing behind the glazs eyes that have turned from green to steel blue.



STRADER: It’s Chester that should be careful.






STING: Strong words from Strader. Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a special treat for this next match. Joining us on commentary is the brand new general manager of Combat Unlimited Lethal Trials - Quincy Harker.

HARKER: Thank you Stacy, and thank you Bill - both for allowing me the honor of being seated to legends such as yourself and also for such a warm introduction.

FOOTE: I half expected you were dead after being thrown from the ring.

HARKER: Yeah, haha. Well, it takes more than that to keep ol’ Quincy down. And I know, they were just giving me the business.

STING: Speaking of business, it looks like business is about to pick up!

The big screen goes blank and the lights drop in the arena. There’s a confusion amongst the fans as “The Wild One” by Suzi Quatro begins to play. The lights begin to flicker purple, pink and silver when the beat gets harder. ~

CHILDERS: Introducing first…

All my life I wanted to be somebody and here I am!

I know what I've got and there ain't nobody gonna take it away from me! So let me tell you what I am!

I'm a red hot fox, I can take the knocks

I'm a hammer from hell, honey can't you tell?

The name Veronica Strader in large font starts to flash in pink and purple, with shots of her holding up the TransAtlantic title getting a definite happy reaction from the crowd.

CHILDERS: Weighing in at One Hundred and Forty-Five pounds, hailing from Key West, Florida by way of London, Ontario Canada…VERONICA STRADERRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vee steps out on stage, walking to the edge of the stage to the right looking out at the fans, half booing but half cheering. She flashes her fists, wrapped up and speckled with shards of glass. She walks to the other side doing the same thing before returning to the centre where the ramp begins. She begins making her way towards the ring. Veronica does a quick step up the steel steps and wipes her boots on the apron before stepping through the second and top rope like a normal human being. She steps to her corner.

CHILDERS: And her opponent, the current COMBAT UNLIMITED LETHAL TRIALS SNUFF CHAMPIOOOOOON. HE IS ONE THIRD OF THE FORCE KNOWN AS THREE RING BARNEY, WEIGHING IN AT 225 POUNDS: CHESTER ROOOOOOOOSEVELLLLLLJ!

The lights cut, a pair of spotlights landing on the ring and the incensed as the opening chords to the Arctic Monkeys The View from the Afternoon begins. First out is Luna, slinking out. She stops, doing a small box step before spinning to present her partners, Chester Roosevelt and Royston Popplewell. She skips around them, waving her arms in front of the SNUFF Championship that adorns Chests waist. A crowd favorite, and frequent champions slowly pace down the ring, slapping aside any wanting fanatics.

They stop at the edge of the ring, staring up at Strader. Luna helps remove chests overcoat to reveal the taped up hands already coated with glass. He slides into the ring, holding them up to allow the championship to be removed from around his waist. Huffman holds it high into the air. Handing it off, he calls for the bell.

HARKER: I’m not sure about you two, but I’m really excited.

STING: I think everyone is. Chester starting off strong, wasting no time in taking it to his opponent.

A gore grounds Strader, immediately setting her on the defensive as she struggles to stave off his strikes. She manages to get ahold of his arm, moving from the full mount position to half guard. An elbow to her face exposes her ribs to a full fist and blood immediately begins spring to the surface. A bridge allows her back beneath him, but this time in a full guard, but the leverage is more than she needs to retaliate. She connects with a straight right, but rather than beat the man back, it brings something out inside of him.

CHESTER: Come on!

She hits him again and as the blood starts to drip from his head and onto her face, the two begin exchanging unprotected blows.

HARKER: Oh my.

STING: Wisely, Strader plants her heels into his hip, pushing him back before bringing the fight back to their feet.

As the two take a second two try and wipe the blood away from their face, the crowd begins their call once more.



Strader steps in, ready to bring the fight fully to his doorstep. Luna Baby pulls herself onto the apron, posting towards Veronica. JJ warns Luna, but is unable to do anything. Without fear, Veronica marches forward only to get a sudden face full of glitter. Chester immediately begins his onslaught, rushing forward with a barrage of blows. She lifts her arms even her best defense becomes a decent offense as her arms begin to shred. She shrieks in pain. A flailing hook causes her to catch another punch to the midsection and a double axe handle leaves her back bloodied.

STING: Strader needs to find a way to get some space.

HARKER: That’s a lot of blood…

Another miss means more pain as he punches her square in the sternum. She swings, this time connecting flush with an uppercut. Chester stumbles away. A clanging can be heard as someone in the audience has picked up their chair, using it to bang against the guard rail. Blood pouring from freely now from both contestants, the audience drives themselves towards the ring. Strader manages to get the rest of the glitter from her eyes, focusing in on the champion. A second uppercut calls for a third and the bottom portion of Chester’s chin starts to resemble a block of partially shredded cheese.



More fans have followed suit, taking their chairs up as sounding sticks, the monotonous clank becoming louder and louder, driving the two combatants forward.

STING: Luna on the apron once more, and she’s got something in her hand.

FOOTE: Holy shit, she just threw an entire bag of broken glass right into Straders face! Marry me!

HARKER: Is that legal?

Veronica manages to close her eyes, but the distraction is just enough for Roosevelt. He steps behind her, hoisting her high onto his shoulders before dropping down into the puddle of shattered glass. The arena erupts and a small cloud of particles overs just above them. JJ Huffman pulls his shirt to cover his mouth, waving his other hand in front of his eyes.

FOOTE: Talk about leaving everything on the table!

His back bleeding, Chester crawls to mount Veronica. Wrapping his hand through her hair, he pushes the side of her face into glass before dragging it back and forth. Her hands flail, fighting to find a way free, but he easily outweights her. One of the more generous portions of glass slips into her skin before tearing out the other side, leaving the edge of her left eyebrow to dangle. Confident of his imminent victory, Chester stands tall, still holding her tightly by the wrist. He plucks a long, narrow shard from the ground, gripping it tightly in his wrist. He motions dragging it across her throat, signaling the end as he measures her up.

STING: This doesn’t look good…

The audience goes suddenly silent. With the makeshift shiv still in his hand, Chester swings hard - looking for the Yankee Doodle Dandy.

STING: SHE DUCKED! SHE DUCKED!

Like never before, the audience becomes alive. His back to her, she sees her opportunity - grabbing his pants before yanking them downward. He reaches for his pants as she slides into position - her hand connects just between his legs and he immediately hits the canvas. Veronica rolls over, locking his leg with her, driving her fist once more into his groin. Silence sets in. Another dull wet thud.

Then another.

Chester goes limp, but she doesn’t notice. She starts to swing, but someone stops her. The bell is ringing - the match is over. She won. In a daze, she stands - Luna and Royston solemnly move to check on the Chester who has yet to move, wrapped tightly up in a fetal position. She’s handed a belt and it all comes back like a blur. She won - she did it.

Veronica Strader is the brand new Combat.

Or what was left of her. She lifts the belt into the air and like a switch the screaming begins anew. There’s a new champion - born by blood. The ravenous crowd begins to chant her name. Was it her name or what she’d become?



FOOTE: Hey!

Quincy Harker has abandoned the announcers desk, taking Bill Foote’s coffee mug with him. He slides into the ring, making a beeline towards the still fallen leader. The brand new general manager leans in to check on him, holding the cup beneath the wounds. As Chester finally starts to stir, Quincy sits back, looking down into the mug. He appears mesmerized.

FOOTE: What the hell is he doing?

Without a second thought, Quincy puts the cup to his mouth and begins to drink, his eyes rolling into the back of his head. The scene cuts to commercial - still focused in on the blond man, his lips stained with Chester’s blood.



Backstage.

The scene opens up to Craig Cogan’s locker room. The Peoples Champion stares at the concrete in front of him. He has a black eye and looks like he hasn’t slept in days - not since the clown came to town. There’s a knock on the door, but before he can even answer the Big Man known as Bugs pushes his way into the room. He steps aside, allowing Thumper and Jaclyn Pierrot to enter.

PIERROT: You ready?

Craig sighs.

COGAN: Do I have a choice?

The clown chuckles.

PIERROT: Relax, kid. It’s just violence - everyone’s doing it these days.

COGAN: It just doesn’t seem fair. Serenity will be trapped like a shitting duck.

PIERROT: A shitting duck?

COGAN: Yeah.

She stares at him, unblinking for what feels like a minute before bursting into laughter. Her two goons follow suit, Thumpers sounding more like a wet sucking noise than a laugh.

PIERROT: This guys funny. Real funny - you two look after him, make sure nothing happens.

The large men nod, now standing menacingly close to the People’s champion. Jaclyn turns to leave, stopping at the door.

PIERROT: And Craig…

He squeezes his head past the two men’s girth.

PIERROT: Get out there and fight like your life depends on it.

Jaclyn smiles at him, before opening the door, waving her fingers, and stepping outside. Craig Cogan sighs once more.

BUGS: Because it does!

The large man guffaws loudly at his own joke as the Big Bad Brony glares up at him. The scene fades to black.




CHILDERS: Introducing first, the challenger - standing 6’2 and weighing 242 pounds, he is the one half of the former Double Homicide Champions. The Big Bad Brony himself, Craig ‘The People’s Champion’ Coooooooooogaaaaan.

Craig by Stephen Lynch begins to play and Craig steps from backstage. He has a serious expression on his face.

FOOTE: This is something you don’t see every day.

With lightning focus, he makes his way to the ring, adjusting the tape wrapped around his wrists. He slides under the bottom rope and removes his green coat.

STING: You’re right Bill, something isn’t right with Craig. Probably something to do with this woman right here.

Synthetic Sympathy by Trash Boat immediately explodes from the arena's surrounding systems, sparking a positive reaction from the audience. The bass and repeated opening lyrics synchronize with the lights flashing around the venue's interior, leading to Serenity Holmes sprinting from the backstage area to center stage. She holds there before taking off her hat and throwing it into the fans for amusement until looking down the entrance path, where she takes off into a run for the mere moment of interactions on her fast-paced run to the ring.

CHILDERS: Introducing on her way to the ring! Hailing from Houston, Texas! At 5’7” tall, weighing in at 127 pounds. She is 22nd Century Girl and the current Combat Unlimited Lethal Trials Television Champiooooooooooon. Serenity Holmes!

Serenity slides under the bottom rope before unloading onto her feet, where she quickly hops onto the middle turnbuckle of an unoccupied corner to greet the fans at ringside. She flips her hair and throws up a peace sign with her tongue hanging out while winking at the camera. Serenity hops down and lands on her feet before running around the ring to show love to every possible fan in the atmosphere. She unstraps the belt, handing it over to JJ Huffman who holds it into the air.

STING: I don’t like Craig’s chances here.

FOOTE: Wait, what’s this?

Lights out.

The first chords of 'Kill of the Night' rip access the arena. After the second screech, Jaclyn Pierrot struts from backstage, so smug, a smile plastered across her face. She pauses at the top of the ramp, surveying her terrain. Thumper and Bugs step out behind her.

My cold desire

To hear the boom, boom, boom of your heart

She mimes firing a gun with the lyrics her hand aimed at Serenity, who watches the clown. Jacky has an almost bouncing motion to her movements as she prowls towards the ring. Fans reach for her and yell at her, but they are shoved aside but the two burly men that flank her. She stops, staring up at Serenity just as JJ calls for the bell.

FOOTE: Cogan going for a quick roll up!

Not even getting a one count, Serenity kicks out. Craig holds up his hands, doing his best to reason with her, but if she wasn’t already in a mood to fight, she was now. Serenity blasts past his hands with a series of quick strikes, sending him on his heels and back towards the corner. Thumper and Bugs look on as Jacky moves towards the commentator table.

STING: It looks like we’re being joined once again, do you need a hand?

PIERROT: Testes - one, two.

FOOTE: I think you’ve got it.

PIERROT: Why do you smell like gin and wet noodles?

Holding his hands up for defense, Craig is able to weather Twentieth-Century storm. With a sudden burst of energy, he sidesteps her punch, pushing her into what was once his place before getting a piece of his own. After landing a set of hammer fists, Craig realizes what he’s doing and steps back, apologizing.

FOOTE: I think he’s trying to negotiate with her?

The negotiations fail as she surges forward. Craig retreats behind JJ, holding him by the shirt as a hostage as he continues to bargain. She moves left, then moves right, both times being blocked has he hangs on. Huffman finally is able to free himself, stepping aside and Cogan lunges forward, but Serenity is ready. A barrage of elbows brings the bigger man down to his knees.

PIERROT: I think he’s doing well.

FOOTE: He’s getting his ass beat.

Dazed, the People’s Champion tries to pull himself away, using the rope to hold him upright, but a stiff kick from Serenity brings him down hard. She starts to drive her fist into his skull, but he manages to wriggle free, slipping from the ring. Serenity starts to follow, but the clowns two friends step between them. JJ moves to warn them to stay out of the way as Cogan slides back into the ring. Before he can rise to his fee, he is met with a thunderous knee - instantly causing his already swollen eye to split. Serenity moves to make the pin.

.

.

.

2

.

.

STING: Kickout! Looks like Craig stills has something in the tank.

Serenity sits him up, stunning him once more with a pair of bionic elbows, followed up by a bone-crunching ax kick that causes the crowd to to immediately descend into chaos. She hooks his leg and…

.

.

.

2

.

.

Craig kicks out!

FOOTE: What does she have to do?!

PIERROT: Win, duh.

STING: Cogan may be hard headed, but it seems to be serving him well as he escapes to the outside once more.

Bugs and Thumper step in to intervene, but this time it doesn’t stop the champion as she hits the rope, gaining speed. She throws herself through the rope like a heat seeking missile, slamming directly into the challenger. He his shoved back, but the big men catch him, keeping him upright. Serenity, shocked, slips back into the ring. Hesitantly, Craig climbs onto the apron begging once more for her to lay down and end the match. She shakes her head, beckoning him to enter the ring, before holding her hands up and at the ready. Craig gets one leg in before she moves and he quickly pulls back, jumping down onto the floor. JJ begins his count as the People’ champions wipes the sweat from his face.

.

.

3

.

.

4

.

Craig slides back in and before he can rise she brings her boots down. He manages to power through, picking her up easily in the process. Undaunted, she continues to strike, splitting his eye open further. With a desperate roar, he throws her backwards where she tumbles to her back. Once again he tries to apologize, extend a hand to help her up only to be rolled up himself.

1

.

.

.

2

Craig escapes and Bugs pulls himself onto the apron. JJ starts to move towards him, but Holmes is a step and a super kick quicker. She connects square, sending the big man sailing backwards where he crashes into Thumper. The two men land in a heavyweight heap against the barricade, the Cultists grabbing and pulling them towards the crowd. As the pair struggles, Cogan tries to take the opportunity to connect with a clothesline, but she is able to sidestep then throw weight into a spinning back kick. Craig crashes into the turnbuckle.



PIERROT: This bitch, HEY!

There is the sound of a microphone concrete and Jacky mounts the announcers table.

FOOTE: Why are you crazy ass women always getting up there?

Jaclyn yells up at the ring and Serenity points her way, letting her know that her turn’s next. Her attention back on Cogan, she hits not a single, not a double, but a triple knee combo. With Craig on the ground, she pulls herself onto the top rope. The bloodthirsty crowd calls for her to jump.

STING: GHETTO STOMP! That’s gotta be it!

.

.

.

2

.

.

.

STING: THR- NO!!! COGAN’S FOOT IS ON THE ROPE!

Huffman points to the foot and the champion can’t believe it. She pounds the mat, now more determined than ever to take him down. She starts towards the far rope, but suddenly, he’s up and hot on her heels. She hits the rope and turn and Craig catches her.

FOOTE: THE MOST DIFFICULT MOVE IN WRESTLING! THE MOST DIFFICULT MOVE IN WRESTLING! THE MOST DIFFICULT MOVE IN WRESTLING!

An explosion of applause, Craig Cogan is just as surprised as the audience. A chant begins. This time - it’s his name. The pulse, the hum, the pounding - it seems to blast life back into the People’s Champion. He stands over her.

FOOTE: What’s he reaching for?

He lifts his shirt, pulling the adult-sized My Little Pony Mask - a gift from Gram Gram - from inside his pants. A different chant begins as he lowers the rubber mask down onto his face.



STING: THE BIG BAD BRONY IS HERE!

He does an elaborate series of gestures, the audiences absolutely howling along as he hits the rope. Just as he turns, he finds himself face-to-face with the Ragdoll herself, Jaclyn Pierrot. Before he can react, her black Timberland connects hard with his stomach before she catches his head. He rebounds off her shoulder as she connects with the Punchline and JJ calls for the bell.

STING: This doesn’t look good…

Serenity begins to recover as the bell continues to ring, but the sound doesn’t stop Bugs or Thumper as the step into the ring.

CHILDERS: The winner of this match by disqualification, Craig Cooooooooogan.

There is no celebration as he in unceremoniously dumped out of the ring. Thumper helps Serenity to her feet - she manages to mount a defense, firing backwards with her own skull. Though it connects, Thumper holds tight. Jacky calls for a microphone, smiling at the still Television champion.

PIERROT: Serenity, Serenity - why the long face? Were you expecting a scare?

Serenity stands defiant, her fierce eyes boring a hole into the clown. The crowd cheers on their champion.

PIERROT: Sorry. Something tells me you didn’t listen to what I said. See - there’s no games. There’s no gimmick. No smoke, no mirrors.

She gets within inches from Holmes.

PIERROT: Just you and me. So, rather than run your mouth - shouldn’t you be saying thank you?

Serenity spits into Jaclyn’s face, which is less than she needs to go off. The microphone tumbles to the floor and the clown furiously fires right after right down onto the trapped champions face. Defenseless, she starts to slump down, but Jacky calls for Bugs to help hold her upright so she can continue, splitting open both Serenity’s skull and her own knuckle.

ISSSSSSSSSSSSABELLLLLLLLE……

Jacky stops, looking for the source of the sound.

FOOTE: Where’s that coming from?

The bell continues to ring and the personnel begins to pour from the back, led by Quincy Harker. Bugs breaks away to intercept and Serenity goes limp, held up as Thumper hangs on to her arm. As the staff starts to surround the ring, Thumper pushes Serenity down onto her knees. He holds her head in place with a massive paw as the clown steps back, preparing to punt.

ISSSSSSSSSSSSABELLLLLLLLE!

The voice is suddenly closer, a deep breathing fills the arena. The lights flicker. As Jacky sets herself to deliver one more strike, the sound of the staff screaming for her to stop is suddenly drown out, engulfed by that of the crowd when the arena goes pitch.

Just as before, they explode to life. Standing between Serenity and Jaclyn Pierrot stands the Voice of the Victim herself, Jane Doe. Her shoulders heave and Jaclyn smiles, reaching for her waistband. She removes the gun, holding it between the two just as Jane starts to advance. She stops in her steps - and then she screams.

The sound is deafening - maddening - painful. A unified groan as thirty-thousand fans cover their ears. The sound system hums - then pops. Silence - but still she screams. Bugs and Thumper hold their heads and the camera drops to the ground, tumbling to a stop to show the operator, ears bleeding. His eye roll into his head as he scratches at his ears, searching for a sound that will never return.

On the ramp, Quincy crawls towards the closest member of the security team. He’s holding his ears, his mouth searching. He tongue begins to lap at the blood and he starts to cry. The lens shatters.

The scene cuts to black.