Salvation 153 (05.16.21)

[Donnie]

Preshow

Cash Money vs Skylark & Titus
Skylark and Titus looked good early on, but in the end, Clay Cash hits Cash Out to win the match for his team.

Arley Kirk vs Agony
Arley Kirk was loved by the fans and easily won this match in a squash after hitting the AK-95

Anthony Cross vs Izzy High
Cross toyed with Izzy for a bit before hitting him DeathPenalty for the win.

The Climb Begins

The show opens, a familiar voice is heard shouting over the public address sytem.

Rosie Sinn: Hello, Nebraska!! Are you ready for your hometown girl?! The Queen of Punk, and your NEW TELEVISION CHAMPION!!

The crowd starts to blow the roof off the place. “It’s My Life” by the Plasmatics queues up and Rosie Sinn tears through the curtain, full of energy. She runs to one side of the ramp, holds the title up with one arm, devil horns with the other. Then she runs to the other side and does the same. She then stands in the center of the stage, raises the title and let’s her tongue hang out as a barrage of pyro explodes all over the ramp. She sprints down to the ring, rolling under the bottom rope and goes to the far corner. She jumps to the second rope, holds the belt out and listens to the roar of the crowd as they chant -

Crowd: Queen of Punk (over and over)

Rosie hops from the corner and takes a microphone from the ground. She holds it and listens to the crowd, smiling. Then she finally lifts the microphone to speak and the crowd noise dies down.

Rosie Sinn: Should I do it?

The crowd roars and shouts “yes” back at her.

Rosie Sinn: Hello, Montreal, I love you!

The crowd cheers at her gimmicked intro.

Rosie Sinn: God it feels good to be home to celebrate with my hometown people! My journey in this business began twelve years ago, about an hour down the road. I was a girl with big dreams and the lack of well-being to do anything. I didn’t train, I learned my craft fighting in the back yards, and in littered, busted open concrete basketball courts with rings made from scraps from the junkyard. I was raw, but I was willing to go to any lengths. That’s why before I was known as the Queen of Punk, I was known as the Hardcore Queen. Eventually, I got noticed and travelled a bit, living out of my van, while Iggy, Flip, and I travelled the world. One day, a promotor in Pittsburgh saw a potential in us as a trio. They pushed Iggy as the singles star and paired me and Flip together as a tag team. Together, we were collectively known as Omaha Hardcore.

The crowd chants “Omaha Hardcore”, a throwback to the faction they once were.

Rosie Sinn: It wasn’t long until we blew up and became the hot commodity. We travelled the world; Japan, Mexico, the UK, Germany, all over the US. Everywhere we went, Flip and I won tag team gold while Iggy dominated the singles scene. We became THE trio on the circuit when Redemption offshoot, 3xW picked us up, where we became THE tag team in the world. That’s where the run ended, after Flip had a career ending injury and Iggy chose to retire, leaving your girl on her own. For a while, I travelled the world again, but never could find someone to take me seriously as a singles wrestler. Everyone wanted to put me in make-shift tag teams, or hardcore matches, but I knew I had what it takes and more. That’s why when Redemption came calling, I answered the call. Then last week...well....

She holds the belt up and the crowd roars.

Rosie Sinn: I showed I’m more than just a Hardcore Queen and a tag team specialist. I took perhaps the most dominant Television Champion in history, Lyric, and I beat her cleanly to become you’re new Television Champion.

The crowd roars yet again.

Rosie Sinn: Now some may say, it’s just the Television Championship. It’s a title secondary to the main title. In most companies, that would be true, but look at the lineage of this belt. Listen to these names; Ram, Slade, Bree Van der Lew, Samantha Van Ravyn, Jeff Wylde, Eva Broussard, Christian Dement, Jason Sandman, Scarlett Payne, Noah Field, and Destiny Starr. I’m the twenty-third person to hold this belt; of the twenty-two before me, eleven have went on to become World Champion. So, Nebraska, this is just the beginning of the journey.

The crowd chants “You Deserve It”.

Rosie Sinn: Now, this brings up something else. Next week, at Mile High Brawl, I face off against Scarlett Payne. The contract is signed and in the books. I could take the coward’s route and not put this title on the line, but if anyone deserves a title shot in this company, it’s Scarlett Payne. So I want to formally announce that at Mile High Brawl, I WILL put the title on the line against Scarlett Payne. You know why?

The crowd says right along with her. “Cause that’s Punk!!”

Rosie drops the microphone and “It’s My Life” plays again. Rosie goes to ringside and slaps hands with fans, takes pictures, and signs autographs as she walks back up the ramp while the camera pulls away.

Twists and Turns

Anthony Cross is walking through a hallway backstage, still in his wrestling gear as he is ripping the tape from around his wrists.


“Enforcer” Anthony Cross: It has been an interesting first month here in Redemption, to say the least. I debuted in Redemption as one of the four wrestlers to compete for the then vacant Dominion title, only to be triple powerbombed through tables, and then to return the next week to rectify wrongs that were done to me. Then when I had all of Redemption ready to kick my ass, I am entered into the Redemption World Tag team title battle royal with , of all people, Trixie Decker. Considering recent events, I must admit I am a bit surprised, but as I told her earlier this week, I can appreciate her ruthlessness. So, if you look at all the belligerent recalcitrants entering this battle royal you’ve got to wonder who will win it. Especially with such an esteemed prize that goes to the winners. But the winners of this upcoming battle royal will be the ones that are the most pragmatic and can subdue their emotions. Which is why I am confident Trixie and I will win because we have been able to get past recent events, at least enough for us to enter this match up. That is even without sitting down and having a face to face conversation. Once we sit down over a couple beers in a bar watching people beat the hell out of each other, we just might be able to find some common ground at the very least for that night. Who knows? We might just come out of that bar best friends.

Anthony shrugs his shoulders and continues his walk down the hallway.

Karen

The feed cuts to outside the Commissioner's office. Stephen Rawlings walks up. The secretary sighs heavily.

Secretary: I don’t know why they don’t just replace me full out with Security. You are getting nowhere near that office, Stephen.

Stephen Rawlings: Ooh… I must really be in trouble… She used my first name. Maybe you should send me to the principal's office.

Secretary: I’m warning you Stephen. Go away now, or I will call Trevor!

Stephen Rawlings: The buffoon with a Pikachu fetish? Nah… There’s no need to get him involved.

Stephen pulls a stack of bills out and slams it down onto the desk.

Stephen Rawlings: That’s a thousand dollars. Turn your head and cough for a moment…. Possibly not see me sneak by… The money is yours… That way you’re not breaking any rules, and I finally get what I want.

She grabs the stack and hands it back to him.

Secretary: No thank you! Now leave!

Stephen’s smile disappears.

Stephen Rawlings: Now listen here, Karen!

Secretary: That’s not my name!

Stephen Rawlings: I don’t give a shit if your name is Lequisha! Right now it’s fucking Karen!

He gets into her face.

Stephen Rawlings: I am an employee at Redemption, just like you and everyone else here, and Teresa is Derek’s representative for the company, so let me fucking in and talk to her like it is my American fucking right , or you will feel the wrath of these championship winning hands around your scrawny neck, making you beg for what was behind door number one of this very limited edition of “Lets Make a Deal.” Now, what’s it going to be Karen? Door one or door 2?

Secretary: You don’t scare me. I’ve seen you piss yourself.

Stephen Rawlings: Have you ever been shot by a taser before? No, then shut the fuck up!

The secretary quickly reaches over and hits the seven on her phone.

Stephen Rawlings: See? You are afraid. Who are you calling, Karen? Huh? The big, bad, boogie woogie bodyguard of Redemption?

Trevor: Yes!

Stephen turns around to see the guard who previously tased Stephen, Trevor Jordan, the head of Redemption Security.

Stephen Rawlings: TREVOR!

Trevor: Step away from the desk!

Stephen turns back to the secretary.

Stephen Rawlings: See, this guy knows how to do it… He doesn’t even use a name… He just exudes so much control you, just know he’s talking to you!

He turns back to the guard.

Stephen Rawlings: What are you going to do if I don’t? Shoot me with your little electric gun again?

Trevor: If I have to... But I really don’t want to wipe up your pee again… By the way… It smelled really stringent. You should get that checked.

Stephen moves closer to Trevor.

Stephen Rawlings: I triple dog dare you!

Trevor pulls out his handheld Taser and tases Stephen in the side. Stephen convulses and falls to the floor, pissing his pants, and passing out.

Trevor: Goddamnit! He pissed again!

Trevor turns to the secretary

Trevor: You clean it up this time!

He picks Stephen up by the arms and starts dragging him down the hall..

Trevor: Come on, little man… Let’s go take a nap in the nurse's office.

He starts dragging Stephen down the hallway as the feed cuts.

Emily Simms vs Tiffany Dixie

The camera fades in on the Redemption production studios, which fades out and leaves us with the image inside the main room. Standing in front of one of the many production booths is the smartly-dressed longtime host of Salvation, Adam Lowe. He flashes his megawatt smile to the viewers at home as the stagehand gives him the 'hi' sign that he's officially on the air.

Adam Lowe: Welcome, everyone to the 153rd episode of Redemption Wrestling's flagship broadcast, Salvation! As always, I'm your host, Adam Lowe, and have we got a hard-hitting and action-packed evening of wrestling action for you tonight! Our first contest of the night is between two very promising talents in Tiffany Dixie and Emiy Simms. Dixie arrived at ringside with her manager, Jackson Bronson, and was riding high after her debut win last week...even IF she needed a helping hand from her escort. Emily Simms, however, was still feeling the effects of the chair shot to the head she got last week, courtesy of Anthony Cross--the person she helped eliminate from the Dominion match after teaming up with Trixie and Arley Kirk. The poor woman was clearly nowhere near ready to compete, but nobody was going to hold her back. So let's get right down to it and dive into the contest, which we pick up underway! Here are your ringside announcers, Johnson McConnell and Jayden Skiles!

The image changes to in-ring action, with the team commentating on the action.

--------

Emily Simms pushes Tiffany Dixie into the corner, then she hits a roundhouse kick, grabs her by the head, and bulldogs her out of the corner.

Jayden Skiles: I'm going to just say this: there is NO reason this match should be taking place.

Johnson McConnell: These ladies have all rights to be on the broadcast, regardless of how you feel about them. I would think that, of all people, Jayden, you'd be in favor of equal time.

Emily then goes to the top rope, but her equilibrium leaves her and she stumbles. When she does, Tiffany Dixie is able to catch her with a facebuster as she does. Emily gets back up dizzy, only to have Tiffany hit her with a forearm smash, then a snapmare driver.

Jayden Skiles: See? Danger to herself, and danger to her opponent. Emily Simms is gonna get herself hurt.

Johnson McConnell: We'll see, Skiles. You've gotta admire her guts.

Tiffany goes for the cover and the referee counts.

...1
...2
..Simms kicks out.

Simms gets back to her feet and stumbles toward Dixie. Dixie just watches and laughs, before hitting a standing dropkick on Simms. Thens he walks over to Simms and places her foot in the middle of her chest as she laughs, pinning her from a standing position.

...1
...2
.Emily slaps her foot away.

Johnson McConnell: What an insult! Who does something like that to their opponent?

Jayden Skiles: That one's easy. One superior athlete, asserting her dominance on a lesser caliber opponent. Simms needs to learn her place in the pecking order here.

Tiffany taunts the struggling Simms, slapping her while she’s down. Finally Emily reaches up and pulls her down, rolling her up with an inside cradle.

Johnson McConnell: Inside cradle! The most devastating move in professional wrestling today!

The referee counts.

...1
...2
..Dixie kicks out.

Jayden Skiles: No way that was going to work. You know, and I know, that Dixie is too good for something like that to work.

Emily gets to her feet with a renewed energy. She hits a spinning wheel kick. As soon as Tiffany gets back up, she goes to the ropes to springboard off with what looks like a back elbow, but again she seems off and comes off the ropes awkwardly and misses.

Jayden Skiles: See? Dangerous, unsafe, you name it.

Emily stumbles for her footing. Dixie moves in with a ripcord forearm.

Jayden Skiles: That's the Nashville Sound! Right on time!

Johnson McConnell: Emily is going to need a miracle at this point...

...1
...2
...3!

The referee calls for the bell as Dixie wins the match.

Trinity Nicole: Here is your winner, Tiffany Dixie!!!

Instead of Dixie’s music playing in victory as she raises her arms in victory, “Radio Gaga” plays in its stead.

Johnson McConnell: That's not Dixie's music... that's Azurine Vebbins!

Jayden Skiles: Might be a receipt coming for our resident Southern Belle. Hope not, though.

Dixie looks to the ramp, anger seething. Vebbins never shows, just a laugh is heard over the music, echoing throughout the arena.

[Donnie]

Keep Moving Forward

The scene fades in on the area set aside for Redemption Hall of Famer--and newest acquisition--Slade. The camera stays tight on the nameplate, before the door cracks open. Just outside the door, trusty backstage reporter Toby Keller waits, discussing things with the camera man before knocking.

Toby Keller: Look... you're new here, so I'm going to break it down for you: the man you're about to meet is about the orneriest son of a...well, you know what I mean...you'll ever meet in this business. Like, seriously. And doing what we're doing? Cardinal sin. He won't like this at all.

Roxanne Spaulding: Who won't like what, Toby?

Keller turns around quickly, having the decency to look embarrassed. Standing behind him, holding a pair of chilled Gatorade bottles, is former Redemption talent Roxanne Spaulding.

Toby Keller: Roxy! I didn't expect to see you here...wh-what are you doing here?

Roxy smirks and taps Toby on the chest with the Gatorade bottle in her right hand.

Roxanne Spaulding: Well, Toby, I'm certainly not here to see YOU... I mean, weren't you working here 4 years ago? What, the local McDonald's turned you down? But seriously, how the hell have you been?

Toby Keller: Well, I--

Roxanne Spaulding: Just kidding, I don't give a fuck.

Slade chuckles, and the camera view snaps over to him. Toby whips around again, looking more sheepish than before.

Toby Keller: Oh come ON...

The big Texan laughs fully this time.

Slade: Toby Keller! How the hell are you, man?

Keller looks surprised by the question. Not sure if this is a trick, like last time, he opens his mouth to reply, only to...

Slade: Just kidding, guy, we don't give a fuck.

Toby claps his jaw shut while Roxy sidles up to her man and hands him the drink.

Roxanne Spaulding: I've missed this.

Slade: We've only just begun, babe.

He takes a long drink and stares at Toby.

Slade: All joking aside, you've shown up at my dressing room, darkening my doorstep And on Fight Night, of ALL times... Didn't you learn ANYTHING from the countless encounters we had last time? Do NOT show up unannounced.

Slade puts his arm around Roxy and guides her back into the dressing room, leaving Toby stammering. As the door starts to close, it opens right back up with Slade standing there.

Slade: Come on, Toby... You didn't think I'd leave you hanging my first night back, did you? I'm not THAT much of a dick...

Toby lets out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

Toby Keller: Oh thank goodness. I thought this was going to be like last time.

Slade: Oh, it is. Just... in about 30 seconds. Because, when I keep that firebrand waiting in the locker room for too long, she gets antsy. And if she gets antsy, I get angry. And you've NEVER liked me when I'm angry, huh, Toby?

Keller just shakes his head in the negative, knowing it's not a good time to speak.

Slade: NOW, to answer the question that you've most likely been sent here to ask: Why come back now, to Redemption? That's easy. I like hurting people. Here, I can get paid, and handsomely, to do so. Plus, I heard the Danger Man, Jason Sandman was champ here. Wanted to see it for myself. As for anything else... your 30 seconds is up.

Toby Keller: But--

Slade: I said... Time's up. Bye, Toby. Good seeing you again.

With that, the big man heads back to his dressing area. The camera begins to fade out.Toby looks into the camera.

Toby Keller: Told you.

--------

Not Feeling So Hot

The camera pans out to the infirmary for Redemption Wrestling. Eric and Emily are arguing as they wait to see someone. Emily is pacing, while Eric is trying to get her to at least sit down.

Eric: You were dizzy out there! I could see it Emily! Just sit down and humor me, okay?

Eric throws his hands up in frustration as he looks at Emily, the two have been friends since high school and they know each other extremely well.

Emily looks up at Eric and shrugs her shoulders.

Emily: I did what I needed to do, Eric, to make sure I keep my job!

Eric: Emily! You have money, you really don’t even need to work!

Emily: So what? I do this because I love the sport! I’m not going to let anyone stop me!

Eric: I’m taking you right home after this.

Someone pokes their head into the room and hushes them.

Emily: I have every right to be here Eric, I thought you of all people would understand.

Eric: I do understand but you don’t have to do it at the risk of your health and well being.

The pair continue to argue, albeit quietly as they continue to wait.

Deep Thought and Grunts

The feed transitions fluidly to the polar opposite duo of Scarlett Payne and Seven, otherwise known as Seven Levels of Payne. The bubbly Huntington Beach native is wearing her newly minted, emerald green half shirt that reads “Seven Star Adrenaline Rush” in a metallic gold script and a pair of frayed, cut-off jean shorts - her flip flops clacking furiously as she tries to keep up with Seven’s extremely long strides. The over seven foot tall, silent wall of muscle has opted for a multi-colored, vintage “Paynes Anonymous” t-shirt and faded jeans.

Scarlett nudges his arm to get his full attention and looks up at him smiling mischievously.

Scarlett Payne: C’mon, bro! Slow down a bit! You’re like a foot and a half taller than me and ya know my stubby little legs can’t keep up with yours. If ya don’t wanna slow down, ya could always give me a piggy back ride…

Seven gives her a sidelong glance, then he stops, bending his knees slightly.

Seven: *grunt*.

Scarlett smiles brilliantly and then leapfrogs onto his back. Seven hooks his arms under her legs and takes off again.

Scarlett Payne: See? Isn’t this much faster, bro?

Seven’s chest rumbles with silent laughter, nodding his head.

Seven: *grunt*

Scarlett Payne: I think this should be our normal mode of travel from now on. Whatcha think, big guy? You game?

Seven pretends to drop her, catching her just in time, his chest rumbling with silent laughter.

Seven: *grunt*

Scarlett Payne: Alright, alright, I won’t push it! But ya gotta at least wear our awesome new merch! I even had them make it in green instead of pink, like I wanted. Ya know, just for you. And why the “Paynes Anonymous” throwback? Ya thinkin’ of trading me in for Johnny, huh bro?

Seven gives her a sour look then turns his attention forward.

Seven: *grunt*

Scarlett hugs his neck tightly for a moment.

Scarlett Payne: I know we’re buds now and ya’d never abandon me, like ever. But don’t ya miss J? I know I do. (Sighs heavily) I’m worried about him, Seven. I can see how all these matches are bringing him down, and ya know as well as I do that he won’t ask me for anything.

Seven: *grunt*

Scarlett Payne: I know, bro, he needs to prove it to himself. I just wish he could see himself the way I do, ya know?

Seven nods his head in agreement, He pauses for a moment, giving her a look that only she understands.

Scarlett Payne: I know, I know, I need to get focused on my tag match with a partner I’m not sure I can trust and facing a tag team of brother/sister/lovers. I mean, ewww dude. I get skevved out just thinking about it.

Seven: *grunt*

Scarlett Payne (laughing) You’re probably right, bro. He’s gotta be suffering from micropenis syndrome and he’s probably the only one that can stand the smell of rotten fish she gives off - not to mention they don’t have to worry about outbreaks, right?

Seven’s chest rumbles with laughter, only this time it comes with a rich, deep and pleasant sound. Scarlett grips his shoulders tightly.

Scarlett Payne: Ya been holdin’ out on me, bro!!!

She turns serious, at least by her standards.

Scarlett Payne: Ya know what the best part of this is gonna be?

Seven: *grunt*

Scarlett Payne: When I take back the Television title again. It’s my big chance, Seven. Time to show Redemption that I’m still the same Scarlett Payne that took that World Championship off the Crown Douche himself, Noah Fucking Field.

Seven pats her hand that’s still resting on his shoulder, encouragingly.

Seven: *grunt*

Scarlett briefly hugs his neck as they continue down the hall as the scene fades out.

Dalmons Are Better

The camera cuts backstage to the private dressing room of Landon and Lizzy Dalmon. They are both dressed to compete in matching wrestling gear. The siblings are all smiles as they prepare to make their Redemption debut.

Landon: I know you were all expecting to see us last week, but we couldn't be bothered. You see, we're not coming to places like Lincoln, Nebraska without a reason.

Lizzy: Even then we almost canceled. This definitely isn't Dalmon country.

Landon: But sis, we finally get to get our hands dirty. I know how much you love that.

Lizzy: You're right, I do love punishing people. Our first victims are Rosie Sinn and Lyric.

Landon: Gross…

Lizzy: I agree, sweet brother. They probably check some boxes on a fetish list or something.

Landon looks at his sister with a confused look on his face.

Landon: Are you saying there are people in this world that would look at those two and find them...attractive?

Lizzy: I'm afraid so…

Landon: That makes no sense! Why would anyone choose them when there are visions of perfection, such as yourself?

Lizzy: Not everyone has the taste you do.

She gives her brother a smile.

Landon: Not everyone has the taste you do…

He smiles back.

Lizzy: But...we already know that we're more visually appealing than those two. Tonight, we get to show them exactly what we can do in the ring.

Landon: That's right, my dear sister. A couple weeks ago, we told everyone what we were about. It seems actions are going to have to speak louder than words.

Lizzy stares into the camera with a smirk on her face.

Lizzy: We aren't your average spoiled, rich kids. We aren't your average anything. Us Dalmons have a close bond. We are unbeatable!

Landon: After we throw out the trash that is Sinn and Lyric, it's time to head to Mile High Brawl.

Lizzy: Where we will obviously become the tag team champions!

The two smile at each other.

Landon: Why's that, sister of mine?

Lizzy: Because we're Beautiful…

Landon: Rich…

Lizzy: Athletic…

Landon: Talented…

Landon and Lizzy: Superstars!

Lizzy gives her brother a kiss on the cheek as the camera cuts away.

Best Buds vs Draco Dragotta & Kip Kobold

The image switches from the BRATS to Adam Lowe, in the control room, standing next to the ever-present monitor. He flashes his smile again and gives an almost imperceptible nod to the camera as he speaks.

Adam Lowe: Welcome back to Salvation, and our second match of the night! This next contest is a grudge match of sorts, with Johnny Payne hoping to exact revenge on his Salvation 150 opponent, Draco Dragotta. Johnny knocked off Drago's son, Kit Kobold, last week to earn a return matchup at Mile High Brawl next week. We'll see if Draco can maintain his undefeated streak! Here we go, with our commentary team, JJ Adams Adams, Johnson McConnell, and Jayden Skiles!

--------

Johnny Payne has Kit Kobold near his corner. He grabs the top rope and kicks him in the chest, then he follows that with a series of backhand chops before tagging in Johnny “JP” Paradise.

JP hops over the top rope, then he and Johnny double DDT Kit to the mat. With Kit down on the mat he runs to the ropes, then hits a big leg drop across the throat of Kobold. Then he does a standing moonsault before sending him back to the corner and again tagging in Johnny Payne.

JJ Adams: The Best Friends executing very skilled teamwork in this contest so far!

Johnson McConnell: That's my guys right there!

Jayden Skiles: I can't believe you cheer for these mamalukes. It's clear Johnny's on the downside of his career...

Johnny comes into the ring, and together the two of them lift Kit to the top rope, then hit a double avalanche suplex from the top rope. Johnny goes for the pin.

...1
...2
..Draco breaks the pin up.

JJ Adams: Draco wisely saves this match--and his winning streak--by thinking quickly.

Jayden Skiles: That's why Draco is still undefeated here in Redemption; he's smarter than the likes of Payne and his trained chimp partner.

Johnson McConnell: That's slander, Skiles, and you know it!

Jayden Skiles: Okay. I'm sorry... to any champs listening to this broadcast tonight.

Draco looks like his temper is boiling over from watching his son get double teamed. JP runs at Draco, but he bridges him out over the top rope and to the outside. Then a running DDT on Johnny.

JJ Adams: A running DDT puts Payne on the canvas!

Jayden Skiles: Looks like Draco's seen enough of his son's mistakes, and is taking matters into his own hands.

Johnson McConnell: Easier to do if you don't follow any real rules, Skiles.

Draco drags his son to his corner, then tags himself in. He comes into the ring and runs at Johnny, who is up and goes at him with an attempted clothesline. Draco ducks under it and then hits a neckbreaker from behind.

Draco mounts Johnny and starts to throw punches, close fists, as Johnny tries to cover up, but it doesn’t slow down Draco at all as he busts Johnny open. Finally Draco gets up just shy of being DQ’d as Johnny grabs the ropes.

Johnny waits for Draco to come at him in the corner, then he leaps over him using the top rope, then drop kicks him into the corner. Johnny takes the head and goes for a tornado DDT, only to have Draco push him off, then kick him in the gut and hit him with a stunner.

JJ Adams: The Dragon Stunner!

Jayden Skiles: Turn out the lights, punks. Game over!

Johnson McConnell: Look, Johnny is too close to the ropes! If he can get his foot up, he might be able to break away!

Draco goes for the pin. As he does, Johnny starts to lift the foot, but Kit, from the outside, slaps it off and the referee misses it.

...1
...2
...3!

Draco rolls away from Johnny as the bell rings for the end of the match.

Trinity Nicole: Here are your winners... the team of Kit Kobold, and Draco, Dragotta!!!

Draco and Kit slide out of the ring as Johnny stays in the ring arguing with the official over his foot being slapped away.

JJ Adams: Another unfortunate loss for Johnny Payne here tonight.

Johnson McConnell: Unfortunate??? He got hosed!

Jayden Skiles: Ref can't call what he doesn't see, Johnson. You know that.

[Donnie]

Pals

The camera opens up on what appears to be an abandoned warehouse. A bloody hook on a chain slowly waves in an unseen breeze. Boarded up windows push back the sunlight. A rotted wooden door hangs - barely - off hinges.

An Unseen, Deep Voice: “I tried to be good. I tried to play by your rules. But some people won’t accept defeat. Some people can’t leave well enough alone. Well… soon… you will see. You will all see the price for desrespect--

A barrage of coughing sounds out and Trixie Decker stumbles into camera view. She is in her usual ring gear - a black two piece and next shirt - all spattered with red. Red, dripping splotches are on her case as well. Trixie bends over and braces herself on her knees, still coughing.

Trixie Decker: “ -COUGH- Wow! I do not know how Christian Bale did that for three average movies. Wow.” [Trixie straightens up and swallows] “Okay, now where was--” [Trixie looks off camera at the camera man] “Huh?” [She points at her face] My what?”

Trixie rubs her finger through the red and looks at it, then laughs as she licks the finger clean.

Trixie Decker: “Oh, it’s just ketchup. That’s all. Had a ketchup mishap. Y’know how when you hit the bottom of the bottle too--” [Trixie looks off camera as someone interrupts her and frowns] “Well, not all of use a ‘squeeze bottle’ fancy you, jerk!”

Trixie straightens up and looks back into the camera.

Trixie Decker: “Now, there’s a lot I’d love to talk about here at Redemption but, unfortunately, last week’s events force me to address an unacceptable incident. But, I wanna start off with…” [Trixie’s face scrunches up sourly, ripe with disgust] “...Arley Kirk.” [Trixie glares at the camera, then suddenly sports a big, goofy grin as she waves excitedly towards the camera] “Arl-Arl, I really enjoyed tangling with you and all our chatter on Twitter. You’re totes a sweetheart. Now I know I may not seem like I like you in the ring, but attempting to make someone’s insides outside is just how I show respect! You are awesome and I think we deserve a real, uninterrupted match and soon! Hell, maybe even fighting side-by-side! You have nothing but my utmost respect, cutie-patootie!”

Trixie’s face loses some of the excitement, taken over by concern.

Trixie Decker: “And Emily Simms… Em… you know I love you. Like, from the second I met you in Triple-W, I adored you. I still do. But… why? That’s not like you, doll. I dunno what’s up ‘tween you and Arl, but I really hope we can all work it out, because you know I’m your fan. Hell, if you aren’t the one to forcefully rip that belt from my carcas, I’ll be disappointed. Just.. remember, Cross ain’t your ally. At all. Okay?”

Still obviously worried, Trixie blows a kiss. Then a look of annoyance takes over.

Trixie Decker: “And Anthony Cross. I’ve already gone on about the fragility of you getting beat by three smaller women. And I had a long tirade planned out for you, but it seems like now we’re… partners.” [Trixie smiles and shrugs] “Look, don’t get it twisted. I know the second it benefits you, you’re gonna try to take me out, but that doesn’t mean I’m not gonna watch your back when we’re in the ring together. Our little history goes on hold as we knock all those other meatheads out of our ring. But just know, until the end of this tag stuff and we have gold hugging our waists, I’m gonna be on you like a tick on a hemophiliac dog. So get used to this face!”

Trixie steps closer to the camera, something a little more sinister about her smile.

Trixie Decker: “You and me, Cross. We’re gonna be… pals. Like blood brothers.”

As if on cue, the door behind Trixie falls off its hinges and reveals a figure tied to a chair with a burlap sack over their head. The figure struggles and whimpers.

Trixie Decker: [looking nonplussed] “Okay, I know this looks bad but that’s just… the ketchup repairman. Look, I don’t know how to do his job so I’m not gonna tell him not to tie himself to a--” [Trixie points at the camera] “WASP! There’s a wasp! Don’t worry, I got it!”

Trixie grabs a bat from off camera and swings it at the camera and the feed goes black.

The Roast

The scene shifts away from Trixie Decker, to the now former Television Champion, Lyric. The off kilter blonde is dressed in her blue half shirt with “My Demons Needs A Snack” written in metallic silver script along with matching metallic blue running shorts. As the camera pulls closer, it becomes obvious that she’s in deep conversation.

Lyric: I know Abby, I shoulda summoned you sooner but give me a break. You have no idea how loud and obnoxious you two are together!

She tilts her head to the side for a moment, listening. Lyric rolls her eyes in frustration.

Lyric: No, she’s not gonna invite more! I’m in charge, damn it!!

She’s so engrossed in her conversation that when she rounds the corner, she walks into Stephen Rawlings. She makes a sound of disgust and steps back.

Lyric: Seriously? You’re blocking traffic again, Rawlings, and I was in the middle of a very intense conversation.

A huge grin appears on Stephen’s face.

Stephen Rawlings: Look… I’m just coming from the nurse… And seeing you right now was EXACTLY what I needed to feel better…. You have no idea…. I have waited a week for this…..

He rubs his hands together.

Stephen Rawlings: YOU LOST YOUR TITLE!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!

He starts to jump around her and get in her face.

Stephen Rawlings: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH.
He stops and keels over out of breath, but takes another one, and continues.

Stephen Rawlings: LOSER LOSER! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA!

Lyric sighs heavily and speaks to her voices.

Lyric: I know, I know, he’s not exactly wrong. Just a huge tool about it. (she pauses listening) You do have a point, Xaxis.

She shifts her gaze to Rawlings, smirking.

Lyric: So I gotta know, how many volts did they shoot into you this time? I mean, a few more sessions with the taser and you might actually resemble a human being. I may have lost my title but there’s no one that can come close to my record.

She shifts slightly, placing her hands on her hips.

Lyric: How do you deal with the rejection? You’re not WAN - TED here. Our boss can’t stand you, so why?

Stephen Rawlings: Wrong… Teresa isn’t the boss… She’s just a bitch on a power trip. Derek is the boss… And I’m dealing with the bitch… But until I do, I stand it by writing hilarious jokes about you losing…

He pulls out a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket.

Stephen Rawlings: I heard Redemption doesn’t have any more jobs to hire for…. It turns out it’s because YOU took all the JOBS!!!! HAHAHAHA OOh… this is a good one…. Why do the British never lose at Chess? Because their name’s not Lyric. What happens when you lose all your senses? You become Lyric flopping around in the middle of the ring losing her title…..

This causes Stephen to break down laughing hysterically.

Stephen Rawlings: HAHAHAHHAHAAHHAH That one really gets me……. Last one…. What do get when you cross a chicken and an alligator? I don’t know… I’m too busy over here watching Lyric lose!!!!!

He breaks down laughing again.

Lyric shakes her head, her gaze to the floor.

Lyric: Actually I’m not too far away from letting you two go to town. Wait, I’ll have to go back to my room for your barbecue sauce. Surely, he’ll still be here. I mean, what else does he have to do?

She pinched the bridge of her nose and closes her eyes.

Lyric: C’mon Abbadon, Xaxis is willing to compromise. Why can’t you? I’m offering up a (takes her gaze over him) well - about 185 pounds of dick in a bag. He looks a little stringy too - probably gamey to boot. Ya might have a point, Abby. He’s gonna need some serious marinating to make that edible.

She finally looks back at Rawlings, a slightly manic grin on her lips.

Lyric: Since they can’t agree, I’ve got a pretty fun idea. How about you actually show up for a real, sanctioned match with little ol’ me? Anytime you want, Steviekins. Sound good?

She punctuates her statement by tapping the end of his nose playfully.

Stephen Rawlings: Pfft… Why would I want to wrestle you? You’re a loser! I want to wrestle winners to prove I can beat the best. Beating you proves nothing…. Naw… I’ll stick to winners…. And Trevor… I will make him pay…. Now let me finish my last joke and I’ll get out of your hair…. Who has the longest losing streak in Redemption? Lyric because she lost her mind years ago! HAHAHAHAAHHAH!

He pushes his way past Lyric and continues down the hallway.

Lyric scrunches up her nose and presses her lips together.

Lyric: No, he’s not right, you assholes! My mind is just fine - a little more crowded, but fine.

She begins to head the other way as the scene fades out.

Competitive Balance

“The One True Heir Changes the Course of History in…”

A countdown appears on the Tron.

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

An explosion goes off on the ramp and the words “New Real Deal” appear on the Tron as 30/30-150 by Stone Sour plays. The fans start to boo and chant.

“Baby Carrot”
“Baby Carrot”
“Baby Carrot”

Chance Field steps out on the ramp with his friend and muscle, Ares Bones, with him. Both men are dressed in what looks to be insanely expensive designer suits; Ares is black, while Chance’s is a combination of a pale gold and green.

Chance glares at the crowd as the chants grow louder. He walks down the ramp, steps up the stairs, wipes his feet on the apron before stepping into the ring. He doesn’t do any playful taunting of the crowd, he just picks up the microphone from the ring floor.

The crowd continues chant at Chance.

“Baby Carrot”
“Baby Carrot”
“Baby Carrot”

Chance Field: This, this is exactly why I came out here tonight. You all are shameless. First of all, if this is because of my hair, then that’s colorism, no different than racism, sexism, or any other bad ism there is. Don’t believe I’m not above calling my lawyers, having them contact the ACLU, and getting a hold of Amazon Prime about this. And if it’s not about my hair, then it’s simply not true.

The crowd chants start back up.

“Baby Carrot”
“Baby Carrot”
“Baby Carrot”

Chance Field: Yeah, I’ve read the stuff online, saying baby carrot is referring to my...lack...of manhood. You know what they call that? They call that slander. I could hold each and every one of you liable for that, and own your shitty little trailers and RV’s you call a home.

The crowd grows louder.

“Baby Carrot”
“Baby Carrot”
“Baby Carrot”

Chance Field: Fine, you want proof, I’ll give you proof.

Chance reaches down and starts to unbutton his button fly pants, when Ares grabs his wrist and says close enough to mic that all can hear.

Ares Bones: I don’t think you can do that on a live wrestling show in Nebraska. You’ll have a criminal record.

Chance Field: You’re right, you’re right, Ares. Besides, I know what this is now. They are baiting me. I mean, I am a Field, I am one of the sexiest people under twenty-five alive, they just want a look at what I’m packing. The men will be envious; the women will lust after it. Truth is, they don’t deserve it, and they don’t deserve me.

Who's Hungry?

The booming voice of Hungry Jack sends the crowd into a frenzy. It also has Chance Field looking everywhere for him. As All You Can Eat by The Fat Boys plays, Jack makes his way out with a microphone in his hand.

Hungry Jack: Chance, I've been looking for you for quite awhile. Seems like you've been ducking Hungry Jack. Don't worry, you don't have to hide behind your boyfriend. We all know there's no way I'm getting to the ring before you would be halfway across the state, Red.

“Baby Carrot”
“Baby Carrot”
“Baby Carrot”

Just the mention of Field's red locks has the crowd changing again.

Hungry Jack: We all knew you were a Baby Carrot, I just didn't expect you to be a coward. The chase ends here, Field. I said I would do whatever it takes to get my hands on you, but I want to hit you where it hurts most...inside that ring!

The fans cheer their approval

Hungry Jack: So why don't we give these fans what they and I want, Hungry Jack versus Chance Field part two?

Chance laughs as he stares out over Jacek.

Chance Field: Why would I wrestle you again? You’ve got what? Two ton on me? That’s not what you call a fair fight at all. I mean, we all know I’m the superior athlete here, but if I can't even see around you, how the hell am I supposed to beat you in a wrestling match. Besides, I value my career. Last thing I want to do is injure my back on the likes of you.

Hungry Jack: The likes of me? I've already proven myself the better competitor when I beat you. I was only suggesting a match to give you a shot. This isn't about beating you, it's about beating your ass!.

Chance Field: Tell you what, between me and Ares, I figure we might weigh close to you. You want a match, how about we make it a handicap match next week at Mile High Brawl? To, you know, balance the scales competitively.

Hungry Jack: Hungry Jack against the two of you? Ares has payback coming his way as well. At Mile High Brawl, the two of you are biting off more than you can chew. You're on!

The crowd roars and cheer for Hungry Jack as he stares in the ring at Chance before the scene cuts away.

Main Event Hour 1
B.R.A.T.S. vs Rosie Sinn & Scarlett Payne

Adam Lowe: Welcome back, ladies and gentlemen, to the Redemption control center; the heart of our Salvation broadcast, and the brains of the operation. We've made it to the main event of hour number one, and it's a doozy: the in-ring debut of BRATS, the brother-sister team of Lizzy and Landon Dalmon, and the superteam of Rosie Sinn and Scarlett Payne. Friends turned enemies turned temporary allies this week, and opponents for the TV title next week at Mile High Brawl, the pair seemed to be treating the contest as a handicap match instead of a team up, avoiding any continuity to speak of. The Dalmons, however, treated this contest like the teamwork affair it really was. But let's get back to the action, instead of hearing me talk... even if I do appreciate you letting me into your homes every week like this.

He shakes his head and smiles his megawatt smile.

Adam Lowe: Anyway, here are your announcers, JJ Adams, Johnson McConnell, and Jayden Skiles!

----------

Scarlett shoots Lizzy into the ropes. Then she runs to the opposite rope, only to have Rosie tag herself in. Scarlett manages to hit a clothesline before turning to glare at Rosie, who slides between the ropes and runs at Lizzy, landing a headscissors takedown just as she gets up.

Rosie goes to the corner, and climbs to the top rope, but again, Scarlett tags herself in.

JJ Adams: Scarlett Payne enters the match, much to the chagrin of the Lincoln crowd.

Johnson McConnell: It's not like they're anti-Scarlett, as much as they're pro-Rosie here.

Jayden Skiles: They're corn-shucking bugeaters in this town. What would they know about good things here?

Rosie hops down on to the apron and says something to Scarlett, who in turn, says something back to her. Meanwhile, Lizzy tags in her brother. Landon comes barrelling across the ring and hits a forearm to the back of the head of Scarlett while her attention is turned away. Meanwhile, Lizzy runs around the outside of the ring, and grabs the legs of Rosie, pulling her off the apron and watching as Rosie slams her face on the apron.

JJ Adams: Lizzy Dalmon smartly takes advantage of the chaos in the ring!

Jayden Skiles: Atta girl. That's a seasoned veteran move right there.

Johnson McConnell: It's dirty pool, and you'll never convince me otherwise.

Landon bulldogs Scarlett, taking her across the ring toward his corner. Then he lifts her up, tosses her in his corner, grabs the top rope and starts to kick her repeatedly, knocking her down to the canvas. Then he tags his sister back in.

Lizzy comes between the ropes. The two of them lift Scarlett up, pull her away from the corner, turn, then hit a painful looking double suplex into the corner, Scarlett's body ricocheting off the top.

JJ Adams: What a huge move by the BRATS!

Johnson McConnell: Scarlett Payne's in big trouble here.

Jayden Skiles: She's been in trouble ever since she signed up to be a wrestler.

Rosie, looking concerned, watches as Lizzy walks up to her and begins taunting her. Rosie tries to come in the ring, but the referee separates the two. Meanwhile, with this distraction, Landon starts to choke Scarlett in the corner, as she claws at her throat, gasping for air.

Just as Lizzy walks away, Landon stops. With Scarlett seated in the corner, Lizzy runs at her and hits a double knee strike to the head, driving Scarlett’s head into the corner. Then she tags in her brother.

JJ Adams: Very smooth teamwork being displayed by the brother-sister team tonight.

Johnson McConnell: A little too smooth, if you ask me.

Jayden Skiles: Are you implying there's something untoward with the Dalmons' relationship?

Johnson McConnell: If the weirdo shoe fits...

Lizzy hits a front flip kick on Scarlett, as she falls forward, Landon catches her in a float over DDT. Then he goes for the pin.

...1
...2
..Rosie breaks up the pin attempt.

Johnson McConnell: Thank goodness for the save!

Jayden Skiles: It's delaying the inevitable, Johnson. The Dalmons are a well-oiled machine, and it shows.

Rosie starts to throw wild punches at Landon. The referee comes over to try to send her back in the corner. With the referee occupied with that, Lizzy pulls a small, unknown foreign object out of her boot, slams it into the head of Scarlett, then shoves it down her cleavage.

JJ Adams: That was a foreign object, folks.

Johnson McConnell: Dirty pool!

Jayden Skiles: I've said it before, and I'll say it again: if you're not cheating, you're not trying.

Landon finally turns away from Rosie, and tags in Lizzy. Then he runs back at Rosie, clotheslines her off the apron, his momentum taking himself with her. Back in the ring, Lizzy goes to the top rope, and comes flying off with a 630 splash.

JJ Adams: Trust Fund Flip by Lizzy!

Jayden Skiles: Good night, ladies!

Johnson McConnell: I don't like the Dalmons at all. No class.

She covers.

...1
...2
...3!!

The Dalmons win the match. The referee calls for the bell.

Trinity Nicole: Here are your winners... the B.R.A.T.S.!!!

Scarlett holds her head on the outside while Rosie rolls into the ring to check her partner. But as she does, Lizzy hits her with a curbstomp type move. Then Landon lifts her up, and puts her back down with a snapmare driver.

JJ Adams: Silver Spoon by Landon!

Johnson McConnell: The match is over: Why go through all this trouble?

Jayden Skiles: They're putting the tag division on notice. To not screw around with the BRATS.

“Don’t Stop” by Innerpartysystem plays as the B.R.A.T.S. back up the ramp, mocking Rosie and Scarlett while the crowd reigns down on them with thunderous boos.

[Donnie]

Misery

The show cuts backstage to a random room. The room is well lit, with a few folding chairs, a water cooler, and two suitcases lying on the ground. The walls are plain. Seated on one of the folding chairs is Zeus, who looks to be slapping himself in the face and talking to himself, one could only assume to psyche himself up for his upcoming tag team match. His partner, Jupiter, is standing and looking intently at the camera in front of him.

Jupiter: Tonight is the night. I don’t care who we have across the ring from us. I don’t care who is standing at ringside. There’s one certainty to what is about to happen, that’s the pain we bring. Milton said “To be weak is miserable / doing or suffering”. Before us, all are weak. Thus, you all are miserable. No one yet understands what’s about to happen in Redemption. The tides of what masses see as tag team wrestling is about to evolve into something more, something more primal, yet more refined. Something more chaotic, but also more artistic. Simply stated, no one has ever seen anything like what we can do. It’s not just about winning. We are not just about the “dog in the fight”. We bring a certain balance. The ruthless aggression and psychotic tendencies of Zeus along with my precision power and mind to match. This isn’t ego or arrogance. Arrogance is wasted, pride is a downfall. This is all, put simply enough, fact. The sooner the masses open their eyes to what is front of them, the sooner they can begin to adjust. Tonight, is the beginning of that time. Tonight is the beginning of our time.

The shot starts to pull in and gradually fade out.

The Arrival of the Hurricane

The feed cuts away from Rykers Demolition Squad to the sold out crowd in the Pinnacle Bank Arena. Suddenly, the lights go low as the Tron flares to life.

A new video vignette begins as “Apex Predator” plays in the background. Disturbing images of the raging wildfires decimating California are shown. Then it transitions to a silhouette executing a cross face chicken wing, locking the body scissors around them in the middle of a wrestling ring.

Images of Hurricane Sandy ravaging the Eastern seaboard are displayed next. It then switches to the same silhouette hitting a curbstomp on an opponent inside the octagon. The silhouette then picks up their limp form, raises it high with ease and nails a devastating GTS.

The scene changes one last time to a lone, robed figure, the hood pulled over their head. They keep their back to the camera and when it zooms in closer, the viewer can make out the black MMA style robe. There are two words written in a blood red script - “The Hurricane”.

A countdown appears: 7 Days, 2 Hours, 32 minutes. An ominous warning bleeds onto the screen:

“The Eye of the Storm has Their Eyes Cast Upon Mile High Brawl. When The Hurricane Arrives - Expect No Mercy”.

The scene fades to black as Apex Predator’s heavy drum beats echo throughout the arena.

Make Our Day

The view opens in the locker room area of the Pinnacle Bank arena in Lincoln, Nebraska with a decidedly unsettling “calm before the storm” feeling as we see the two men who from Henhouse Slaughter milling about, preparing for their enforcer-duties in the match between Rykers Demolition Squad and the arch-rivals of the englishmen, 2X. The bigger of the two, Eddie Penbrook, is seated on a bench, taping up his wrist in a slow, measured manner with steely determination in his eyes.

Eddie: So. X-men, you gotta be wondering, why in the blazes did I pipe up on Twitter about a couple of English blokes evening up the score? It’s simple. Since our first encounter on Salvation 151, you’ve shown a very particular trait. You can’t do shit without resorting to shenanigans. And since we got a new player in the mix, the Rykers, we, that being me ‘n young master Fox, figured we’d be there to make sure you won’t try to pull one over on them. An’ before the boys from the slammer get all giddy about me trying to sell them short, I’m not. But the X-men are a pair of sneaky tosspots. Having two extra pairs of eyes on the ringside will make your life a lot easier.

While Penbrook laid out his own view of things, we’ve see Rupert. E. Fox pacing back and forth in the locker room, when Eddie shuts up, the smaller of the duo sees a chance to get a word in edgewise, hiding his eyes behind those familiar aviator sunglasses, dressed up in a pinstripe suit and slacks. On the outside, he may look cooler but on the inside, young master Fox was anything but.

Rupert: Lord X, you know full well what happens when I am around and you can’t have your way. Mr. X might be there by your side, but this time, you two will have your hands full with the Rykers, while myself and Slaughter’s sizeable son Edward here, will make sure that you two abide by the rules of the match. Now while we are true and honest Englishmen and do not believe in shenanigans and cheats, which you two seem to swear by, I have to be honest with you Lord X, I hope and pray that you and your pal do step out of line. You are on thin fucking ice as it is with us my pedigree chums, and if you as much as look at me sideways, I may just have to smack some sense into ya. So take that into consideration when you bounce your thick skulls together trying to come up with a gameplan. Cheat, cut corners and act like the scummy sods everyone knows you to be, but if we catch you up to any of that nonsense, the Rykers may have their work done for them.

Penbrook has been watching Fox’s tirade with his usual wariness, knowing how the young master had a habit of overdoing it in his righteous zeal. Feeling a sense of relief as there was no need to interfere this time, Penbrook stands up and stretches his arms and cracks his knuckles, sending a fairly obvious message.

Eddie: Young master Fox is speaking the truth, chaps. The two of us have no beef with the Rykers boys, but if or rather when the X-men decide it’s time to find an unfair advantage… Both of us would appreciate it if you didn’t get your noggins involved. But then again, I bet that the slammer taught you guys to stay out of beefs that don’t concern you. See, the thing is guys, back home in Slaughter, we don’t suffer cheats and frauds. A man is only worth as much as his actions and words are. And you two X-men are basically worth nothing. So please, I dare you. Try to pull some stunts so me and Young Master Fox can make our presence felt. Last weeks encounter was quite cathartic to me, but I can assure you… You don’t want to push your luck. See, the thing is X-men, Mile High Brawl is coming. And there is more than just your pride at stake there. Henhouse Slaughter didn’t come to Redemption JUST to play with a pair of puffed up ponces, but if that’s what it takes to get to our goal, then so be it. Right, Rupert?

Fox pockets his shades and flashes a toothy smirk.

Rupert: Too bloody right, mate. No one ever made a career for themselves beating off a bunch of uphill gardeners for chump change, except Mr. X maybe. All silliness aside lads, what you do outside the ring, amongst yourselves and your cohorts could not be a lesser interest for me or Edward here. However, when you bring your disgraceful and unruly behaviour into the ring and meddle with something that is none of your concern, we will make it our business to put you two down with extreme prejudice and for the better of not just ourselves, but Redemption as a whole. This company does not need to showcase such champions of chicanery as yourselves. So take what happens tonight as a sign of things to come, we’ll be watching over you and all we really need for you to do is slip up, once. Fuck up and get caught, once..just one time gents, will be enough to release some serious redemption and relentless karma on yourselves. So while we naturally wish that the Rykers lads get a fair and honest match with you two and we’ll just observe calmly, I will not be holding my breath for that to happen. Do prove me wrong if you can chaps, that would be the first delightful surprise in this country so far.

With Fox getting his piece in, Penbrook walks over to the camera and gives a sinister grin.

Eddie: X-men, go on. Make our day…

And with that, the view cuts to black.

Fork in the Road

Suzy Donnelly catches up to Johnny Payne after his loss in his tag team match earlier. Johnny has his bags over his shoulders. His normal entourage isn’t around him, only his wife, Mia. Suzy approaches Johnny, who has a look of frustration on his face.

Suzy Donnelly: You wanted some air time?

Johnny Payne: I did. Look, this isn’t working and something needs fixed.

Suzy Donnelly: What do you mean?

Johnny Payne: My merchandise is a top mover. Best Buds has become a hit success. I have more money that I know what to do with, so what am I doing?

Suzy Donnelly: I don’t follow. That’s sounds like a solid career you have going.

Johnny Payne: Is it? For a decade, I’ve come out here and I’ve entertained the fans. I’ve made them love me no matter what antics I come up with. I’ve drove the numbers; I’ve had great match after great match after great match. While I’ve done all this, Scarlett has won World Championships. My cousin Mercy’s been a headliner. Even Izzy has held a single’s title. Now I don’t want to take anything away from my sister, my cousin, or my friend, because they earned that. But in ten years, you know how many titles I’ve held? None. You know how many title shots I’ve had? One, and that was against my sister. You know how many headlining matches I’ve had where I wasn’t tagging up or facing my sister? None. The only titles I’ve ever held weren’t even stateside. I was in Mexico wearing a mask pretending to be fucking Amazing Juanito!

Suzy Donnelly: I..I didn’t realize.

Johnny Payne: No one does but Scarlett. Everyone else just watches what I do and eats it up. Then to cap it off, I was fired from that other place Casey Holliday come from because God forbid, I want to do something creative and different. Then I show up here, and I get squashed in my debut. I beat Agony...Suzy, you know how many matches Agony has won in his career?

Suzy Donnelly: I...cant say I do.

Johnny Payne: None! He’s got a twenty-year career, and in twenty years, he’s never won a match. He only has a career because Tony Field and Ashton Crowley made a running of joke of him that’s never went away. Then, I barely beat a rookie last week. Since then? Beaten on a house show, and beaten here tonight in a tag team match. It’s frustrating as hell.

Suzy Donnelly: So, what are you going to do?

Johnny Payne: Next week, I face Draco Dragotta in a rematch...and if I lose...I’m taking a self-imposed sabbatical. Mia and I are leaving Redemption for a while if I lose, heading down to Mexico, where I’m going to try to find my center and see if this is a path I want to continue to pursue or not.

He takes Mia’s hand.

Johnny Payne: C’mon Mia, it’s time to go...

An uncharacteristic Johnny walks off holding his wifes hand.

2X vs. Rykers Demolition Squad with Guest Enforcers Henhouse Slaughter

The in-screen image shifts from Johnny Payne back to Adam Lowe, in the control room, standing next to the ever-present monitor. He flashes his smile again and gives an almost imperceptible nod to the camera as he speaks.

Adam Lowe: Welcome back, my friends, to the show that never ends, and welcome to the next chapter in Salvation! Our fourth contest of the evening is a tag team contest, featuring the debuting Rikers Demolition Squad squaring off against 2X, with the team of Henhouse Slaughter as the special guest enforcers. This contest evolved out of a Twitter confrontation between the two teams, and with Mile High Battle right around the corner, anything could--and will most likely--happen. Between 2X winning over Henhouse Slaughter a few weeks ago via grabbing the tights and Maxwell defeating Fox in a singles contest last week, and with all three teams in the battle royal, the tensions are spilling over tonight! Now, without further ado, let's drop you in on the action with our team, JJ Adams, Johnson McConnell, and Jayden Skiles!

--------

The image changes to in-ring action, already in progress.

Jupiter hits a cobra clutch backbreaker on Xander Maxwell. Then he goes to the middle rope and waits to come off with a double axe handle, but Xavier runs on the apron to the corner and clotheslines him off.

JJ Adams:Slick move by Xavier at this point.

Jayden Skiles: That's because they know what they're doing.

Johnson McConnell: I imagine it's probably because they're wrestlers, instead of ex-cons, but what do I know, right?

Xavier Cross goes at Jupiter on the outside, but Eddie Penbrook and Ruper E Fox step in between them and point Xavier back in the way. Cross stares them down, then relents. Jupiter gets back up and rolls back in the ring, When he does Maxwell charges at him, only to be tackled by Jupiter, who mounts him and then starts to throw right hands.

Eventually Jupiter climbs off of him and tosses him by the neck into the corner. Then he runs into the corner and lands a bicycle kick before tagging in Zeus comes into the ring and goes right for the corner body splash thrashing the body of Maxwell into the corner. Zeus follows it up with a belly to belly overhead suplex.

JJ Adams: BIG move by Zeus!

Johnson McConnell: Might be enough to keep momentum on their side!

Jayden Skiles: Come on, Johnson... this match is far from over.

Zeus goes for the pin.

...1
...2
..Cross breaks up the pin.

Jayden Skiles: See? Told ya.

JJ Adams: Looks like 2X is determined to stay alive in this fight!

Johnson McConnell: Sun shine, dog's behind... you know the saying, Skiles.

Cross starts to unload fists on Zeus, left and rights in succession. Then he takes the massive man and hits a sitout powerbomb.

The referee gets involved, sending Cross back to his corner, but Cross argues with him. Maxwell uses this distraction to hit a low blow on Zeus and then rolls him up, holding the tights. Cross takes notice and points to the pinfall.

JJ Adams: That was uncalled for, and the ref sees nothing thanks to the distraction!

Johnson McConnell: What ever happened to a good ol' clean fight?

Jayden Skiles: If you're not cheating, you're not trying...

...1
...2
Fox shouts that the tights are being held, and the referee takes notice and stops the count.

An angry Maxwell glares at Fox. As he does, Zeus tags in Jupiter. Jupiter immediately runs across the ring and hits a bicycle kick over the top rope, taking Cross off the apron. Then he runs at Maxwell and dives at him, hitting a jumping headbutt.

JJ Adams: That's an incredible move!

Johnson McConnell: What the hell would you even call that?

Jayden Skiles: Effective. But wildly reckless.

Zeus grabs Maxwell with ease, hits him with a huge backbreaker and holds him there. Meanwhile Jupiter jumps from the middle rope with a leg drop across the neck of Maxwell, driving him from the knee of Zeus to the ground.

JJ Adams: Lethal Injection!

Johnson McConnell: Big time maneuver by the new guys!

Jayden Skiles: Sun shine, dog's ass... you know the phrase, Johnson.

The referee counts.

...1
...2
...3!

The referee calls for the bell as Rikers stand tall.

Trinity Nicole: Here are your winners... The Rikers Demolition Squad!

Jayden Skiles: This means nothing.

Johnson McConnell: This means that we've got even more intrigue for the tag team battle royale next week, Skiles.

JJ Adams:We'll be back after this, folks! Don't go anywhere!

“In The Ashes They Shall Reap” plays. Meanwhile Henhouse Slaughter stands outside the ring looking satisfied with the job they just did as the show cuts away to a commercial for the upcoming touring schedule.

[Donnie]

Deep Thought

Knowing that he has to be in the corner of Casey Holliday in a matter of minutes, Jason Sandman finds himself in the basement of Pinnacle Bank Arena. Pacing back and forth in deep thought, Jason starts to vocalize his thoughts.

Jason Sandman: If there was ever a moment that you realize you’re not in the right state of mind, it is this moment. Ever since Christian Dement decided that he was the rightful champion, I haven’t thought clearly. Is he right? Should I just give him the belt and prove myself over again? It’s what I have done for the better part of my career. Why should it be any different now? Why should I not be the predator and you be the prey, Dement. It’s what you want though, isn’t it? You seem to enjoy the fact that you are the top dog. You have the belt and I need to come and prove that I’m worthy of having it. It’s a dangerous game you play. A game that could bite you in the ass. Literally. You’ve already discussed how I am violent. I will stab you with my spike. I will beat you with a chair. What you haven’t talked about is an example of what happened last week. Jake Mason had his advantage. He was beating me down and in one move, A Spin Around Hell, he was planted into the mat. If not for your bitching, I would have won the match in a single move. You could have saved your new found partner from having to Kiss The Demon. You could have saved his neck. I don’t know a lot about Jake Mason, but I have a feeling he’s not a forgiving kind of guy. He will stand at ringside and watch as I backhand the bitch out of you. He will allow me to drop you on your neck. Hell, he will probably ask me to do it again, and I will. Not because he asked me to do it. Just because I need you to understand where you are in this world. Where you stand in the pecking order. Why you should have just kept your ass at home. I need you to understand, Christian. I need you to understand that you have made a lot of bad decisions in your life. Walking away because you weren’t the top paid mutt , being the first one. Not coming back after you couldn’t make it anywhere else. That was two. The third and final mistake you made was trying to take down the beast who doesn’t give a shit if you live or even if he does. I am going to put you down like the bad mongrel that you are. The world will be a better place, and will never have to deal with you again, Bitch.

Jason Sandman stops pacing right in front of the exit. He kicks the door open and starts heading towards human life, and the ringside area.

You’re Welcome

The scene cuts to Casey Holliday in her locker room and oddly, the room is dimmer than usual. She’s got a determined look on her face, but at the same time, she’s definitely showing signs of increased frustration. Still, she’s very much focused as she needs to be as she begins to express her thoughts.

Casey Holliday: Last week, I managed to prevent Jake Mason from stealing a win from Jason Sandman and yeah, that’s great and everything. I managed to contribute to the greater good and that’s great. I sure as hell wasn’t going to let Jason get screwed over like that and I’m highly glad that I didn’t. But tonight, it’s about me. I don’t say that to be selfish, narcissistic or condescending. I say that because since I’ve been here, it’s been one frustration after another. My debut against Sandman himself was ruined by Jake Mason. That eight person tag a while back was absolute garbage and this whole year, for whatever reason, I seem to have developed a case of “Everything Goes Wrong” Syndrome. Yeah, I know that my sister told me that I had to get over what happened and that will be happening. But that’s going to take time. That’s never going to be an overnight thing. But something that IS going to help is tonight and all I’ve got to do is beat Christian Dement and really move up the ladder here and boy, he’s catching me at an incredibly bad time.

Casey starts to show even more frustration on her face as she’s definitely showing that she’s not playing around tonight.

Casey Holliday: You’ve been more of Jason Sandman’s problem, naturally. But in a roundabout way, you’ve sort of been a pain in my ass too. Still, I already know how you’re going to see me. You’re going to look at me and you’re going to see me as just a stepping stone to Sandman. You’re going to look at me and you’re going to think that I’m some sort of gatekeeper or someone that you can use as a launching pad to use as a last minute momentum boost before you face him. You’re going to be treating me as if I’m nothing, as if I’m not important, as if I’m just going to step aside and let you walk all over me. That’s how people like you think when it comes to matches like this and I’m going to tell you something, Dement. If that’s the way you’re going to treat me, I am going to know it. More than anything else, I’ve dealt with more than enough of that crap. All year long, I’ve been treated as such. I’ve been treated as that gatekeeper, that launching pad and so on and so forth and I’ve just about had it.

Casey Holliday was never, ever raised in this business to be pushed around and knocked around for as long as she has and tonight is the beginning of the end of that shit! I know that I’ve got to have eyes in the back of my head as far as Jake Mason is concerned, but I’m not going to worry about that. The only thing I’m focused on Christian, is completely denting your ego and completely destroying your momentum Yeah, Mr. Ego is going to be come Mr. Stepping Stone! I fucking said it and I don’t give a damn about what other people have to say about that. Tonight’s the night that I begin to turn the tables around here and show the world what I’m really about and to show what others have clearly missed out on. So brace yourself, Dement. You’ll see what a true prodigy is all about. I’m not going to be a victim of bullshit from before anymore and you’re going to be just the right person I’m about to take out MONTHS of frustration on.

And Sandman…. Just to let you know… you’re welcome for how I’m about to soften up that son of a bitch for you…

Casey storms out of the locker room, turning off the light on her way out, showing just how fed up and frustrated with so much that she is as the scene fades out.

There Goes My Hero

Backstage the crowd is treated to the shot of a new talent. She has bright green hair hanging down past her shoulders. Her t-shirt is the same bright green with the name Pandora Ravencraft on it and the quotation “There Can Be Only One”. Pandora wanders the halls, her expression almost giddy. Eventually she comes into catering. She does a sudden stop, locking her eyes in on someone, looking like a deer in headlights.

Slade sets down the bottle of water he had picked up from a nearby table, feeling the laser hot burning sensation of someone staring a hole through him. His time in prison making him very averse to people staring at him, he walks toward the young woman.

Slade: Somethin' I can help you with, ma'am?

Pandora Ravencraft: You’re…you’re Slade aren’t you?

Slade: For 50-plus years so far, yes I am. So, are...you lost? Because backstage is for employees only, and if you're lost, maybe I can help you find your way...

Pandora looks like she’s doing all she can to not make a fool of herself.

Pandora Ravencraft: Like THE Slade? John David Smith III? From Odessa, Texas? Former World Champion, two time TV champ, four time Tag Team, one time International. The 2013 Sole Survivor winner and 2017 Hall of Fame inductee Slade? That Slade?

Slade: You've read my bio... Roxy warned me about these guys. Oh-kay. So, did you want an autograph, or a picture or somethin'? Because I have a match coming up soon.

She can’t help herself. She moves in and almost mauls him as she hugs him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

Pandora Ravencraft: Dude, I’ve been watching you since I was a kid. You’re the whole reason I became a wrestler. This is the greatest first day of work ever!

Slade looks down at the woman now wrapped around his waist like a brand new belt.

Slade: Funny. Most fans just ask about Trinity when they first meet me... Hold up. You say you WORK here? And you're a wrestler? Well, that'd explain the hair and shirt, at least...

He tries to pry her away from around him, purposefully yet gently.

Slade: I--appreciate the attention, but if you're really a fan, you know Roxy's floating around here somewhere, and we'd both not appreciate kicking that hornet's nest, Miss...?

Pandora releases her grip on him and steps back, trying to compose herself.

Pandora Ravencraft: Names Pandora Ravencraft, but my friends all call me Pan or Penny. And Roxy need not worry. I mean you’re my wrestling hero and all, but you're old enough to be my dad.

Pandora chews her lip a second.

Pandora Ravencraft: And why would I ask about Trinity? I mean you’re like Han and she’s like Leia, and everyone knows Han is much cooler than Leia. Leia was little more than a prop.

Slade looks at Pandora...really looking at the young talent for the first time.

Slade: You're right. You don't look a day older than JD. And thank you for the kind words. Even if I only understood half of that.

He chuckles.

Slade: As for Roxy? I'd say I know her a little better than you do, Miss Pandora. I'll make sure she understands there ain't nothing untoward about this once she sees it.

The big Texan offers a smile.

Slade: So I'm really your wrestling hero, huh?

She shakes her head.

Pandora Ravencraft: Am I ever. My first ever live event was Killing Fields, where you beat Nighthawk to win the PWA World Heavyweight Championship. I cheered until I lost my voice. It was so epic!!

Slade: C'mon... you were at Killing Fields? What were you, 7 or something? Fuck, I'm old.

Pandora Ravencraft: I was eleven. And as soon as I got home I created a new character on World of Warcraft. Named him Slade! Now here I am meeting you and…wait…we work together now!

Slade: I'm being ribbed. This is a rib. A good one, but...

He then searches Pandora's face, looking for any hint to not trust her words or actions. Finding none, he sighs.

Slade: You... remind me a lot of my kid. Or, at least how it used to be. Before the dark times.

Pandora Ravencraft: Dude, we’ll talk later. Your big match is coming up. I’m gonna grab some popcorn and go watch you from the Green Room.

She slaps him in the arm.

Pandora Ravencraft: Go get em tonight big man.

Pandora walks away happy and whistling.

Slade watches her go and chuckles.

Slade: The fuck just happened here?

Casey Holliday w/ Jason Sandman
vs
Christian Dement w/ Jake Mason

The scene cuts from a confused Slade to an enthusiastic Adam Lowe who stands beyond his desk. The screens light up behind him showing the action from the previous week, and then the images of the combatants in the next match. As the camera zooms in Adam Lowe begins.

Adam Lowe: Welcome back ladies and gentlemen. Next up for you we have a continuation of a match from last week. Last week Jason Sandman faced off against Jake Mason in what proved to be an exciting match. Towards the end of it though Christian Dement tried to interfere in the match, but Casey Holiday ran through the ring and dove through the ropes causing the two of them to fall to the ground and be removed from ring side. The logical answer was for the two of them to face off this week as we get a week closer to Mile High Brawl. With Jason Sandman in Casey Holliday's corner, and Jake Mason in Christian Dement’s we go the match and see how it went down,

—-

JJ Adams: Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen. The referee has called for the bell and Casey Holliday is quick out the gate running in at Christian Dement with a flying forearm trying to catch the larger competitor off guard.

Jayden Skiles: You watch how you speak about our World Champion. He deserves respect in every breath we take.

Johnson McConnell: He’s not the World Champion. The Champion is the man who is standing in Casey Holliday's corner looking ready to kill someone.

Casey Holliday again goes for a flying forearm, but Dement doesn’t seem to be moved. A third attempt results in Dement ducking the shot and back body dropping Holliday over the ropes. Holiday is able to break her fall by coming down on Jake Mason and hurricanranaing him. The referee moves to check out the damage that move may have caused to which Jason Sandman takes the time to climb into the ring, and get the attention of Christian Dement.

JJ Adams: This is the moment we have been waiting for folks. Jason Sandman and Christian Dement going face to face.

Jayden Skiles: That moment ruined by stupid Casey Holliday who just came off the top ropes and with a flying crossbody to the back of Dement, and look Sandman leaves the ring just as the referee turns around.

Johnson McConnel: Holliday just dropped your hero down on his face, Jayden. What do you think Sandman’s gonna do to him?

Christian Dement tries to get up to his feet, but Casey is able to string off the ropes and hit him with a face buster. Jake Mason gets up on the apron pissed off that he was just attacked, and starts to climb into the ring. Mason sticks his foot into the ring and then just decides to step back out. Casey Holliday watches as Jake Mason jumps off the apron and heads up the ramp. Casey Holliday turns back around, and gets planted with a closeline by Christian Dement. Dement pulls Holliday up by her hair, and lifts her in the air with a choke that Holliday is able to twist out of and turn it into the rolling pin.

1…
2…

JJ Adams: Christian Dement is able to kick out at the very last second and pushes Casey Holliday away. Christian Dement then rolls out of the ring and starts heading up the ramp grabbing the World Title on the way out. Casey Holliday looks ready to give chase but Sandman tells her to just wait.

Jayden Skiles: Dement doesn’t need this garbage moment. He learned what he needed to find out.

Johnson McConnell: He learned that maybe he’s not the biggest or the baddest. Mile High Brawl just got even more interesting.

The referee finishes his count of ten before calling for the bell and awarding the match to Casey Holliday.

[Donnie]

Strawberry Sherbert

Cutting to the dressing room that belongs to 2X, Xander Maxwell is pacing the room that’s surrounded with expensive furniture that was sure to have been brought in by Xander, rather than Redemption, along with a bar and a small steel fridge. Water can be heard running off camera, then it comes to an abrupt stop. Xavier Cross soon steps into the picture with a towel wrapped around his waist. He goes to the small steel fridge, cracks the door, and then pulls out a protein shake. He gives it a shake, then takes a massive gulp.

Xander Maxwell: How can you be so nonchalant?

Xavier Cross: What are you talking about? You’ve seen me in far less than a towel, and you know I’m not shy about cameras.

Xander Maxwell: Not that. I mean, we just lost out there, thanks to Henhouse Slaughter, and you just come back here and act like nothing is wrong, hop in the shower, down your protein shake. Doesn’t it bother you?

Xavier Cross: It does. I mean, we just fought two ex-cons and I can smell the prison sex on me. It bothers me big time, that’s why I took a shower.

Xander Maxwell: NO, not that, Xavier, the way we lost the match. Doesn’t that bother you?

Xavier is reading the side of his protein shake and doesn’t answer at first. Then he locks eyes with Xavier and shrugs his shoulders.

Xavier Cross: Did you say something? I was reading.

Xander Maxwell: Losing because of those two Brits, doesn’t that just make your bones seethe?

Xavier Cross: Xander, dear, I don’t think bones can seethe. I think the word you’re looking for is angry, and hell yeah, I’m angry. I just can’t show it.

Xander Maxwell: Why can’t you show it?

Xavier Cross: Look at me. I’m built like fucking Hercules. When you have a body like this, and you get angry, people say it’s ‘roid rage. I can’t have people think I’m juicing, so I choose to hold my anger in. It’s simple, you take a deep breath and you say Strawberry Sherbert all the time.

Xander looks at him oddly.

Xander Maxwell: Seriously?!

Xavier Cross: Yes, seriously. It works.

Xander Maxwell: No, not that. You honestly use our safeword as your anger mantra?! That's fucked up.

Xavier Cross: It is not, it makes it easier to remember. Besides, I’m not the one with a vein poking out of my forehead.

Xander Maxwell: Because you don’t get it, we were undefeated. We were the team to beat. Now, because of those asshats, Rykers just became the team to beat.

Xavier Cross: Look, breathe in, breathe out and repeat after me....Strawberry Sherbert....

What Lies Ahead

We cut away from 2X to the arena of the Pinnacle Bank Arena, where the fans are raucous with all the stellar entertainment that has come before now. The only thing left is the Main Event of the night, where Lucky Keenan will face off against the Redemption Hall of Farmer and Grand Slam Champion, Slade.

The crowd suddenly goes silent as the lights go out and “Cry Little Sister” by Marilyn Manson begins to play over the PA system. The fans are almost reverently silent, familiar now with the elaborate entrance of the White Reaper, Jinx, and her followers.The lights slowly come up along the ramp, illuminating the seven Nameless that are lined along each side. The fog begins to roll across the stage, but for once neither Bael, nor Jinx, emerge.

That’s when all the lights go completely dark. No lights illuminate the arena for several moments. Suddenly, there’s a loud clap of thunder and four simultaneous streaks of bright white electricity strike the four corners of the ring, allowing the audience to briefly see two figures standing inside the ring. The low lights begin to rise in blood red tones, making it clear that the Nameless are no longer standing along the ramp.The rest of the lights come back fully as “Cry Little Sister” comes to an end. Jinx is standing in the middle of the ring, dressed in a white dress with a tight bodice, her waist encircled by a silver girdle, the skirt flowing loosely with it’s gossamer overlay decorated with silver sigils and stars. Next to her stands the 6’ 9” Bael, dressed in black leather pants and a matching hooded vest, only this time, he’s left the hood down, allowing the Redemption fans to get a clear view of his warrior-braided hair and intimidating countenance.

The audience begins to murmur, their voices never raising above a whisper. That’s when they notice that the masked Nameless have encircled the outside of the ring, each standing at attention, awaiting their High Priestess’s orders. Bael steps ahead and gives a silent order, only his hands move in an almost imperceptible gesture. The Nameless immediately bow their heads and drop to their knees. An awed wave passes through the crowd, showing their amazement at the complete control that Bael and Jinx hold over them.

Bael reaches down and retrieves a microphone from a skittish stagehand and hands it over to Jinx. She places her gloved hand on his cheek in gratitude and waits for him to step back behind her before she brings the mic to her ebony, heart-painted lips.

Jinx: For the past few weeks, you have beared witness to the extent of my powers, my absolute control over my servants, and most of all, my complete disdain for one, Lucky Keenan.

She begins to move silently around the ring as she continues to speak.

Jinx: He had the audacity to refuse my offer of mercy. I have seen what agony awaits him and offered him a reprieve but he foolishly slapped my hand away. He thinks that by aligning himself with a woman just as crazy as he is will serve him well in this war, but all he has done is offered up a willing sacrifice in exchange for his cowardice.

She returns to Bael’s side and runs her hand down his bulging bicep.

Jinx: He had the audacity to call me a coward. That misstep is what brings me out here tonight. He thought to attack my Bael with no thought of what I could’ve had my Nameless do to him before he ever reached us. Think about it, my child. I could’ve had you torn to pieces before you came within a yard of Bael. But all it took was a single, imperceptible gesture from me and they all stood down. You need to understand exactly what you eagerly agreed to.

Jinx walks a small circle around Bael.

Jinx: That small taste you received will be nothing compared to what you will experience at Mile High Brawl.

She turns to one of the Nameless.

Jinx: Wrath! Now!

The Nameless known as Wrath quickly enters the ring and waits for Jinx to move to the corner before he attacks Bael with everything he’s got. Bael swats him away easily. Bael allows Wrath to advance again, only to lift him up, positioning Wrath over his shoulders and decimating him with the crucifix powerbomb that he calls Damnation. Wrath lies motionless on the mat and Bael places his enormous foot across his throat. Jinx kneels down next to Wrath, watching as he begins to struggle for air. She leans in, a look of pure satisfaction on her face.

Jinx: Have you had enough or should I let Bael finish the job?

She stands back up and gives Bael a slight nod. He immediately removes his foot and steps back.

Jinx: This was just a small glimpse of what my Bael is capable of, Lucky. And unfortunately for you, I’ll not be granting you a reprieve.

She waves her hand to dismiss Wrath, then raises her arms to the sky, immediately drenching the arena in darkness once again. When the lights come back up, the ring is completely empty. “Cry Little Sister” ques back up, the scene fades to black.

Suicide

The lights go down in the arena as the sounds of electricity can be heard through the speakers. Jake Mason begins to speak as it seems to get darker.

Jake Mason: Suicide has always been the answer. The easiest answer to the question that everyone asks from time to time. What happens when we die? Is there a heaven? Am I going to hell? The answer to both of those questions is simply yes. There is a heaven, but you are never going to get there. You are part of the damned. You are part of the unwanted. Fret not though, for you are in good company. If I’m honest, you are in the company of everyone you ever thought existed or ever existed in general. God is a prick who decided shortly after creation that humans just aren’t worth getting to know better. Can’t blame him for that. We’ve had a good run, but humans are a failure. I am a failure. I am not worthy of where I am. This thought process needs to change. I need to change. Casey Holliday, I haven’t been fair when it comes to you. You are looking for that piece of the puzzle to make your career worth living again. I am that piece that’s going to lead you to your early ending. I have seen it. It has been foretold. Mile High Brawl seems like a good place to begin the end. It’s a good place to end the dreams. I am coming Casey. I am the end.

With that, Jake Mason goes quiet and the lights come up.

Trevor

The feed cuts back to Stephen Rawlings arriving outside of the Commissioner's office. This time however, he is wielding a bad attitude, and what is more important… A wooden bat.

Stephen Rawlings: Let me in!

The secretary huddles against the wall under her seat.

Secretary: No Stephen! Didn’t you learn your lesson earlier? Security will be here any moment.

Stephen looks at the bat.

Stephen Rawlings: I did learn a lesson. To bring a fucking weapon to the party.

Trevor Jordan steps out.

Trevor: I am tired of having this conversation with you, Stephen.

Stephen Rawlings: So am I! That's why I brought a friend along to do the talking for me!

Stephen swings hitting Trevor in the hand as Trevor tries to pull his taser. He then swings again, hitting Trevor in the gut. Trevor keels over in pain, and Stephen hits him in the back of the ribs with the bat. Trevor falls to the floor.

Stephen Rawlings: I normally don’t do this, because you're a nobody, but you pissed me right the fuck off… So I am going to barge into that office right now and demand a match against little ol' you! I’m going to suggest we hang a taser on a pole, and the person that gets the taser first gets to taser the other one… It’s going to be so much fun! Let’s see what your boss says.

He hits the security guard one more time for good measure, and then walks into Teresa’s office. He slams the door closed, locks it, and turns to see Teresa sitting at her desk.

Teresa takes off her reading glasses and sets them on her desk. She assesses the situation then glares at Rawlings.

Teresa LaChance: What do you think you’re doing, Stephen, aside from making a joke of my show?

Stephen Rawlings: You made a joke of your show the second you didn’t book me! I’m here to make your show better, you twat! I’ve been trying for weeks, but you’ve been too afraid to talk to me face to face.

He takes a step forward.

Stephen Rawlings: But now, here we are…. Just you…. And me…. And we are going to finally work this out.

He walks to a chair across the desk from her and sits.

Teresa LaChance: Why would I talk to you willingly? To be called a twat? Here’s the thing, had you showed up, not run your male chauvinist BS down everyone’s throat, and accepted the fact that some of our best talents are women, maybe you'd have gotten a match by now. And maybe, had you tried to schedule a meeting rather than barging in here every week or pulling fire alarms, we could’ve gotten somewhere.

Stephen Rawlings: Well maybe, if you had scheduled me on the first show, your dark chocolate bodyguard wouldn’t be laying in the hallway in his own blood. But whatever… we both know what they say about maybes… All it does is make for some well pollinated flowers in June. What the fuck do I care about flowers…. I care about the here and now… And the here and now of it is that you have a Rawlings problem… And I have a Rawlings solution.

Teresa let’s out a frustrated sigh.

Teresa LaChance: Fine. Let’s hear it, in all your elegance, what this Rawlings solution is.

Stephen looks at his bat.

Stephen Rawlings: Ratings! That’s what… Pure ratings! Next week at Mile High Brawl, Stephen Rawlings makes his... What is this? 4th or 5th return to Redemption in the ring…. Against Trevor Jordan, your Head of Security… And we put his precious little taser on a pole…. And the man who gets to it first gets to taze the other. Think about how many people will tune in and get another chance to see me, the man they all mistakenly hate, get tazed again.

He smirks.

Stephen Rawlings: But more importantly… Think about the amount of people that will tune in to see the greatest wrestler to ever step into the ring wrestle again….

Teresa LaChance: So let me see if I have this right. You beat up my head of security with a ball bat. Left him lying in God knows what condition. Now you want him in a match where he may not even be at full capacity to compete. Do I have it right?

Stephen Rawlings: Well, he’s a big guy… He’ll be fine… I didn’t hit him that hard. But otherwise… Yes of course! That is exactly what I want. And to make it more enticing, I can add a stipulation that you may find appealing.

He drops the bat to the floor.

Stephen Rawlings: Book the match and I will never come to your office again…. Under any circumstance.

Teresa LaChance: You know l, you could’ve led with that and saved us both a lot of time. You got your match next week at Mile High Brawl.

Stephen smirks.

Stephen Rawlings: Fantastic! Pleasure doing business with you!

He picks his bat up and walks to the door. He opens it up and walks out… Standing there is Trevor with his taser gun pointed at him. He shoots it right at Stephen’s chest.

Stephen Rawlings: Son of a-

Stephen starts to convulse and falls to the floor. The feed fades.

Main Event
Lucky Keenan vs Slade

Adam Lowe: It’s time for our main event, and this is one all of the Redemption fans have been waiting on. After four years of retirement, Slade returns to the ring in Redemption. This has been the big buzz all week long. Lucky Keenan came out first, and he was escorted to the ring by Lyric, who he officially formed the team of The Madness with a few weeks ago. Then Slade came out and the Nebraska crowd blew the roof off the place and gave Slade a standing ovation upon his return. As the bell rang, Slade used that energy of the crowd to get off to a strong start, hitting Lucky with a big boot and then a Final Trip to open the match, but Lucky rolled out of the ring to gather himself. Once Lucky climbed back in the ring, the fight turned into an all-out brawl between two of the best brawlers in the business, neither man giving any ground or even the slightest edge. A few times the match spilled outside the ring, but the referee let it go, knowing the fans wanted to see this Lucky and Slade match. As the match wore on though, it became a little more traditional, with both men jockeying for position. Let’s see how this one ended as we go to the fourteen-minute point in the match.

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Slade has Lucky on the top turnbuckle seated. He climbs to the second rope and starts to punch while the fans count off to ten. As he gets to nine he pauses and looks to the crowd for dramatic effect, only to have Lucky bite him on the head and knock him off. Then Lucky leaps off with a crossbody, but Slade catches him, steps to face the hard camera, and slams him with a side slam.

Slade pulls Lucky up, whips him into the ropes, then hits a bicycle kick.

JJ Adams: Big F'n Boot by the Hall of Famer!

Johnson McConnell: Vintage Slade!

Jayden Skiles: You mean, 'same old John Smith', right? He's been doing this same crap for two decades now...

Slade stalks to the fallen Lucky and grabs him by the hair and tucks his head for the Final Trip. As he lifts him up, Lucky starts to let the fists fly, and again bites Slade. Slade falls backward and Lucky is in a pinning position.

ONE.....
TWO.....
THR-Slade kicks out.

Lucky starts talking to himself while he waits for Slade. Slade turns toward him, when he does, Lucky kicks him in the gut and goes for the stunner.

JJ Adams: And Lucky Keenan goes for a well-timed Lucky Draw!

Johnson McConnell: Slade's seen this before. Gotta be a bit of ring rust though after so long on the shelf.

Jayden Skiles: He's passed his sell-by date. He should have stayed on the shelf.

Slade pushes him off, then grabs Lucky by the throat and lifts him for Chokebomb, but Lucky manages to elbow Slade in the temple and he drops him. Both men run the ropes and come back at each other, nailing each other with a big clothesline at the same time as both men are out in the ring.

The referee starts the ten count. The crowd has rival cheers for Slade and Lucky. Lyric on the outside slaps the apron trying to get Lucky up.

JJ Adams: This match has been everything the fans could have hoped for!

Jayden Skiles: We hoped for this?

Johnson McConnell: Give the guy a break, Skiles. He's doing his job!

At eight Lucky manages to get up. Slade pulls himself up with the ropes. With his back turned to Lucky, Keenan hits him with a backcracker. Then he pulls Slade to him and hits him with a back to back underhook piledriver.

JJ Adams: Mind Breaker! Slade is down, and he might be out!

Johnson McConnell: If it ends here, the fans will have gotten one hell of a show.

Jayden Skiles: One where nobody wants to watch the sequel to "Cocoon" again, Old Man Smith is washed up.

Lucky collapses on top of Slade as the count begins.

ONE.....
TWO.....
THREE!!

The referee calls for the bell ending the match. Lucky rolls off of Slade while Lyric comes into the to check on him.

Trinity Nicole: Winner of the match by pinfall, LUCKY KEENAN!

“They’re Coming to Take Me Away, Ah-Ha" queues up. Slade rolls out of the ring holding his head giving Lucky his moment. Suddenly the lights start flickering. Then they go out all over the arena for a few seconds. They come back on for a count of two, to show Jinx and Bael standing in the ring behind Lucky. Then they go back out again. Finally, when they come back on, Lucky is lying in the ring out cold with a confused Lyric standing over her friend while the show fades to black.

[Donnie]

Credits:
The Climb Begins - Mikey
Twists and Turns - Carlos
Karen - Turner
Emily Simms vs Tiffany Dixie - Donnie and Drew
Keep Moving Forward - Drew
Not Feeling So Hot - April
Deep Thought and Grunts - Sunshine
Dalmons Are Better - Brian
Best Buds vs Dragotta and Kobold - Donnie and Drew
Pals - Sam
The Roast - Sunshine and Turner
Competitive Balance - Donnie and Brian
BRATS vs Sinn and Payne - Donnie and Drew
Misery - Tony
The Arrival of the Hurricane - Sunshine
Make Our Day - T & J
Fork in the Road - Donnie
2X vs Rikers Demolition Squad - Donnie and Drew
Deep Thought - Paul
You’re Welcome - Casey
There Goes My Hero - Donnie and Drew
Casey Holliday vs Christian Dement - Paul
Strawberry Sherbert - Tommy
What Lies Ahead - Sunshine
Suicide - Paul
Trevor - Turner
Lucky Keenan vs Slade - Mikey and Drew

Technical
Show Composition, Graphics, Booking - Donnie
Show Composition - Paul
Show Composition, Editing - Sunshine