Character Development Promo


The camera opens on a dingy back alley in Philadelphia around dusk.  A delivery boy appears at the mouth of the near empty building gap.  He takes in his sparse surroundings and then back down at his cell phone.  All that lies between the two infrastructures is two side by side dumpsters and a singular doorway.  Nodding to himself nervously as his eyes meet the singular reason any human being would ever enter this barren void, the delivery boy urgently jogs toward the door.  Darting his head form one side of the alley to the other, he gives the door a gentle wrap of the knuckles.

"Why are you here?"

The delivery boy's eyes widen at the sound of the disembodied voice echoing off of the alleyway walls.

Delivery Boy: I-I'm here to deliver some food.


"Chinese?"

Delivery Boy: N-no, I'm of Scots Irish descent I-I think.


The delivery boy senses something rising up behind him from between the two dumpsters, but he dares not turn around as he searches for anywhere else in the world for his eyes to look.


"I don't mean your nationality, I mean the food.  Chinese? Japanese? Italian?"


The delivery boy laughs nervously with a wet quivery of being on the verge of weeping in his snicker.

Delivery Boy: Ah...I see.  I'm with Tuber Eats.  I got this text on my phone while I was on the subway from this address saying they wanted a hoagie.


"Heh..Ironic, no?"

Delivery Boy: What do you mean?


"I mean you're part of a food delivery service that delivers via subway.  I meant that it was ironic the person ordering didn't want a sub."

Delivery Boy: Oh...yeah.  


The delivery boy stands frozen, unsure of what will happen next.  Suddenly he shoots a fist out and knocks harder and faster on the door than before.  From behind a giant hand shoots past his head and plants it's massive palm on the door.  Instinctively the delivery boy snaps around, but almost immediately winces in regret when he finds himself looking up at his conversational partner.


Derelict: You seem lost.

Delivery Boy: Funny, I was going to say the same about you.


The delivery boy quickly clasps his mouth with both hands as a cold sweat breaks out on his forehead.  The Derelict shrugs and nods his head, as if acknowledging the curt honesty of the delivery boy.


Derelict: Aren't we all?

Delivery Boy: Um...you wouldn't happen to know who lives here?


Derelict: Me.

Delivery Boy:  I-I didn't mean the alley way, I mean in this building.


As if sensing the delivery boy's next move, the Derelict thoughtlessly plants his other hand on the other side of the delivery boy's head and peers around the alley way coldly.


Derelict: I'm the only one here.  I guess that means that sandwich is for me.


The delivery boy cowers between the bulging arms of the Derelict.  Nervously he reaches into his messenger bag and pulls out the hoagie.  Before he can make an earnest decision to offer it to the Derelict, Derelict shoots his hand down and rabidly snatches it from the delivery boy.  Savagely he bites the paper wrapping away and spits it out in the trapped delivery boy's face.  He peels the bread back like a banana and greedily buries his bearded face into the floppy deli meat and vegetable. Still frozen against the door, chest heaving, the delivery boy watches as the beastly man devours the content of the sub.  With a hearty burp, the Derelict runs his fingers through his beard to find extra morsels that might've stowed away during his gorging.  He licks his fingers and tosses the hoagie remains over his shoulder and meets eyes with the delivery boy's bag once again.

Derelict: What else you got in there for me?

Delivery Boy: P-p-please...that was my only delivery for today.


Derelict's hollow eyes size the delivery boy up.


Derelict: Now that ain't what I asked.  What else is in the bag?

Delivery Boy: Just some school books.  I swear!


Without letting the delivery  boy finish his sentence, the Derelict yanks the bag off of his shoulder and slowly backs into his hideaway between the dumpsters.  Lowering to a squat, he effortlessly rips the bag in half, letting it's contents spill to the alley floor as the delivery boy stands trembling, trying to fight back the tears.  Out falls a few notebooks and a Kindle.  Before it even hits the ground the lifeless reptilian eyes of the Derelict are back on the hopeless delivery boy.


Derelict: Did your parents buy this for you?

Delivery Boy: I'm sorry...I wasn't really lying, all of my text books are-


The Derelict shoots to his feet, pinning the delivery boy against the door with a wooden thud

Derelict: Did your parents buy this for you?

Delivery Boy: Yehes

Derelict: I suppose they paid for your schoolin' too?


The delivery boy, now in tears, shakes his head as snot and salt water run down his chin.  The derelict rolls his eyes.


Derelict: I don't care for this game of pete and repeat we're playin'.  Yes or no?

Delivery Boy: NO!

Derelict: No?


The delivery boy grits his teeth and slaps the derelict's hands away as he slams his fists to his side.

Delivery Boy: NO! I-I worked hard-I worked hard to get in school!  I spent hours, weekends, days juggling four part time jobs just to get tuition for the school I wanted! And I'm not going to stand idly by while you bully me because you can't do the same you...you stinky, low life, bum!


The delivery boy swallows hard after the surprising barrage leaves his lips.  The Derelict's posture loosens as he looks down shamefully and backs away from the half-pint millennial with a mouth.

Delivery Boy: Look, I-I'm sorry.  I'll pay for the sandwich, and I'll even throw you some cash if you'd like.


Derelict: No...no...

Delivery Boy: Listen, I don't know your situation.  It was wrong of me to assume-


Derelict: Assume what?

Delivery Boy: That you're some aimless bum by choice.  I get that life can be unfair.  I mean just look at whose in office and you can tell that-


The Derelict's eyes flicker back to life as a calm smile spreads beneath his scraggly beard.  Sensing danger the delivery boy stops talking.


Derelict: I am.

Delivery Boy: W-what? what do you mean?


Derelict: ..and it is.


The derelict snaps around and effortlessly stomps down and shatters the Kindle into a million tiny pieces.  The delivery boy collapses to his knees.  Anguished, he crawls over and clasps the remains of his Kindle in his hands and cries over the debris.


Derelict: Could've been worse...could've been your head.  I don't think it would've hurt you as much though.

Derelict sighs and bends down and places a firm hand on the delivery boy's shoulder.  Foolishly sensing sympathy from a man who has none, the delivery boy looks up just in time to see the derelict use him as a railing to steady himself as he bends down and reaches over the hunched delivery boy to grab the two previously discarded pieces of bread.    Now squatting, the derelict gets into the crying face of the delivery boy and shoves one of the loaves greedily into his mouth.


Derelict: Thanks for the sandwich kid.


The derelict mouths the word awe before snapping the remaining loaf in half.  Derelict dabs the poor crying kid's cheeks with the exposed wheat before throwing it back on the ground, stepping over the delivery boy, and exiting the alley  into the dark of night.

What happened at Final Destination wasn’t an excuse. I failed to win The Battle Royal but I had to accepted the outcome of the match. It was just a sign that I need to work harder for my next steps. I’m angry, Reginald Dampshaw III but not because you won the battle royal but because I wasn’t able to win that match. You have proven it to me that you have beaten me in both one on one match and a Battle Royal match but I don’t think I have to surrender to you. As long as I work harder I believe I’ll get my chance to prove that I can beat you. I’m going to prove that I can beat you even if I’m not the one who pinned you or you aren’t the one who’d get pinned.

Fuck you Carlos Rosso for calling me a Star Stan knock-off. Yes, he won the Olympic Gold Medal and joined the professional wrestling long before me but that’s not many people who can do it, you know what I mean? You’re a veteran in this business and I respect that, but I’m still going to kick your old ass in the ring when I get the chance to do it. Let’s see if you still have it, old man.

Don’t worry if you think I can lifted you up, Maggall. I have lifted someone much bigger than you are without breaking sweats and that’s why I know I can lifted you and make you tap-out. I’m more than willing to train you to get rid of your belly and I’m going to do it in this Draft show.

Moongoose McQueen, I have beaten you once but I don’t think it would be easy to kick your ass again. With that being said though, I know you’ll bring your best this week but please keep in mind that I never give up and never surrender so easily as well, therefore, I want to repeat your lose story once again.

I know how great Jeff X and Layne Kurobane are and Christopher Sabbertooth isn’t any different. They all are great wrestlers and they are nice guys. Do you guys know what nice guys will do? That nice guys will kick bad guys’ assess. That’s what we are going to do.

Oh it’s true! It’s damn true!

 
 
Natalie Cage and Azumi Goto walk through the curtain after their epic battle at Final Destination. They are welcomed to a standing ovation. Natalie falls to her knees and clutches her newly won belt tightly, as Azumi shares a knowing look with her.
 
Azumi: This is your house now. Don’t let me down.
 
Natalie nods and makes her way to her feet. After sharing a hug with Viola DeMarco and Aria Jaxon, she walks past Dulce Torres, who won the Goddesses Title just the night before. They have a brief staredown, before the exhausted Natalie thinks better of it and makes her way to the locker room.
 
Natalie: Not today.
 
It’s a few days later, Natalie is sitting at the desk in the office of her bar, responding to fan mail. Viola is standing behind her, an arm on her shoulder.
 
Viola: I love how you respond to all this by hand. You really hate technology, huh?
 
Natalie: You know I like to keep my hands busy…
 
Viola: Oh, of course. You know, I had an idea.
 
Natalie: If you’re about to propose, I might vomit.
 
Viola: Ha! Oh no, this is about business. We’ve got the big Kingdom draft show coming up and we need a big-time Odyssey match to kick off Season 2.
 
Natalie: I’ll defend my title against anyone, anywhere. You know that.
 
Viola: I was thinking something a little more…historic. Maybe a Champion vs. Champion match?
 
Natalie drops her pen and looks up at Viola.
 
Natalie: You want me to fight Jeff X?
 
Viola: You’ve always got a snarky answer to everything, haven’t you? No, I was thinking you have a rematch with Dulce. Odyssey’s brand leaders showing everyone why we’re the most exciting show in wrestling!
 
Natalie: Me vs. Dulce 2, eh? You know what? I like it. Book it.
 
Viola: Already have.
 
Viola leans in and kisses Natalie on the cheek, before walking out. Natalie goes back to responding to fan mail as we fade out and come back in on the present day. Natalie is at her desk, feet up and the OWA Women’s World Title over her shoulder.
 
Natalie: To use an old cliché, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Plenty changed at Final Destination. Every champ lost their crown. But there was one notable exception to the theme of new top dogs being coronated. Dulce Torres, the woman who has become synonymous with the Goddesses Title. You held that thing for what felt like forever, and after a mere month without it, you had the gold back around your waist at the biggest show of the year. Nikita LaShae’s star burned so brightly, but you didn’t let that bother you, did you? Oh no, the raw potential of Odyssey’s biggest breakout star didn’t scare the standard bearer. Dulce Torres is back on top, at least on top of her own mountain.
 
You did it, #Dulce2Reigns is now a thing. The first ever two-time champ in OWA history. A round of applause for the trail blazer!
 
Natalie mockingly claps.
 
No. No, no, no, no, no. You are not the story of Final Destination. Despite your unique accolade, nobody is particularly concerned with you winning the second-place trophy yet again. As pretty and as prestigious as your title is, it’s not a world championship, is it? It’s not one of the three most important titles in the company. And with all due respect to Nikita and everyone else in that multi-woman match, none of them were on the level of Azumi Goto. Azumi was a fucking world beater. We all agreed that she was the best of the best. I straight up said it before we clashed, nobody could hang with her when it came to pure in-ring ability. And yet, who is sitting at their desk with the belt slung across her shoulder? It ain’t Azumi. Right now, she’s sitting in her office in Japan with nothing but trophies and reminders of past accolades surrounding her. I came in and demonstrated that I am more than just potential. I am more than a future investment; I am the present of this industry. The proof rests right here with me, a physical representation of just who runs this place.
 
Dulce, you reclaimed something that you were comfortable with getting. But you never took that next step. Usually, when a long reigning champion drops their little workhorse title, they make the jump to world title glory. But it wasn’t to be. You had your shot at the Clash and I stopped you. You’ve had to watch as a woman in her rookie year with no prior championship success has jumped ahead of you in the line and pried the top prize for herself. The name “Dulce Torres” has always been associated with the second-best. The second-highest in the pecking order. You’ve never been the man, have you? You’ve never converted your lengthy run into being on top. And now, now you get your shot. It’s the biggest episode of Kingdom of the year, the draft show. Odyssey have to represent, and Viola’s booked the biggest match that she could. Of course, there is another layer to all of this, it’s a rematch…a rematch of a contest that I lost.
 
I made a point of my third title opportunity being the one I had to win. Because as much as losing my first one stung, the second was all the more gut wrenching. I’ll put my hands up and admit that I wasn’t ready for that first title shot, I had no business challenging for this in my third match. But when I faced you? I knew I could win. I knew that I was capable of putting an end to your reign before it had truly got going. But we were robbed of a fair contest due to forces that neither of us could control. I don’t blame you for Diantha and Roni involving themselves in our business. I don’t blame you for capitalising and being the first woman who ever pinned me. But what has eaten away it me this whole time is that I was confident in my abilities to put you down. I’d got the better of you at every turn before that match. I did everything right and had my momentum cut out from underneath me.
 
So, I went back the drawing board, I reassessed my situation. I wasn’t content with the lot I’d been given. I took out the women of Wolvesden single-fucking-handedly. And the moment they were out of my way? I went on a run that has already gone down in history. First ever Clash of the Goddesses winner, check. First ever winner of the OWA Women’s World Championship at Final Destination, check. And now, the first ever Odyssey Champion vs. Champion match. You know what isn’t gonna happen this time? Outside bullshit standing between me and what I want. Because if there’s one thing we’ve learned this year, it’s that once I set my mind to something, there is NOTHING that can stop me. 19 other woman couldn’t do it. Azumi Goto couldn’t do it. Do you think I’m worried about a woman I had soundly beat before the ghosts of my past came back to haunt me?
 
I’m not making excuses; I’m simply laying out the facts. You faced a version of me that was still learning on the go. You faced a Natalie Cage who was yet to put together all the tools and create the legacy that the world is witnessing right now. And you STILL got your arse kicked. Because when I step into that ring, it doesn’t matter if you’re better than me on paper, I will always find a way to outclass you. Ask Azumi, ask Eris, ask the former champ herself, Roxy, and how she needed four other people to keep me down. Ask Diantha, whose loss to me was so crushing that she sunk into a hole she’s yet to crawl out of.
 
Dulce, you’re no longer facing a rookie with a chip on her shoulder, you’re facing the star of the show. Everything you’ve accrued in your time here hasn’t been enough to propel you to the top. And I’m feeling good, real good. You know how much I live for the big time. The spotlight is something I cope VERY well with. I know how to play this game and get my way. I told the world that Goddesses should be called Alphas, and I got that. And now…now it falls to me to destroy the last remnant of the Goddesses era. I’m an Alpha, and as long as you proudly carry a championship that bears the Goddesses branding, you’re in direct contention with what I’ve set out to do. 

I don’t dislike you, Dulce, never have. I say a lot of harsh things and talk a lot of shit, but I will always respect those who work hard and do it the right way. Fact of the matter is that you’ve peaked far too early. You hit your ceiling with that belt and that’s why you’ve wound up with it once more. I moved on and nabbed greatness. I knocked off Odyssey’s gold standard to become the new basis on which this division is built. The target on my back is a big one, and I’m always looking over my shoulder. You’ve been given the unfortunate distinction of the first one who falls in the Natalie Cage incumbency. That’s the closest you’ll be getting to this belt for quite some time.
 
You’re at the exact same point you were the last time we faced off. I’ve soared and become something greater. You’re gonna be punching up at a giant whose only concern is defending their territory. And while giants can be slain, my pride isn’t gonna let the one loss that truly pissed me off repeat itself. What you have to consider now is picking out another upstart to take out for your next title defence. Once I’ve got you in the rear view mirror, I’ll be keeping my eye out for real competition. Ta ta for now.
 
Natalie looks at her belt and back to the camera, before cracking a smug smile as we fade to black.

 
Voice of Maggall in the shadows: Some people talk about being king of TV. Some claim to love this championship. But ain’t none of them must see TV, ain’t none of them the whole fucking show. See I don’t respect OWA’s past champions, roster, nor legends. Don’t care if it’s Jacob, Jon McAdams, some host like Jaywalker, Carlos, whoever, I don’t respect em. But I do respect TV. And just like Marlo’s name was his name, my title is my title! So I rep this shit. So starting today, and as long as I’m champion, every time I’m going to be on TV, I’ll be showing love to TV history with my series, Short Tributes to Television.
 
And if you think I only picked this first show because I love the song Hard Piano, and Rick Ross said he’d debate his case vs a Nancy Grace, shut the fuck up and just enjoy some magic motherfucker!
 
(The video begins with a young lady with a pearl necklace and an angry looking look on her face in a studio. She’s supposed to be parodying Nancy Grace, but you know Maggall, of course she’s much younger and hotter.)
 
Blancy Face: Back to Blancy Face, and the subject for today is the decaying influence professional wrestling has on the society at large. Tonight I speak with one of these purveyors of violence and irresponsibility, he is what they call a “champion” in wrestling land. Standing by is the professional wrestler known as Maggall.
 
(The screen splits to show Maggall on one view and Blanchy on the other.)
 
Blancy Face: Welcome Maggall, and before we get started I’d like to first make sure you answer to these people if you put in the extra due diligence to ask Nancy Grace if you could do this little video before you had me come on here with a show?
 
Maggall: Hell nah! Be it for a tribute, parody, or whatever for wrestling video, why would I need to ask for permission? Fuck outta here!
 
Blancy Face: Now I would ask you not to swear on my show, thank you. Now you may think you’re Three Chains, but I once cross examined a lady known as Melinda Eubank, and less than 24 hours later her cute little non compliant ass committed suicide. So don’t mess with me Maggall, you don’t want it! What we all want is for you to fess up to what you wrestlers have done to the global culture of the world!
 
Maggall: What we’ve done?
 
Blancy Face: The corruption of the youth! Let me show the types of things that you do.
 
(The video shows Maggall’s rampage throughout Olympus since his arrival. Tossing people around, hitting the Marra Driver on Carlos, overall beat downs on people including his confrontation with Nolan.)
 
Blancy Face: And now let me show you videos of kids, KIDS MAGGALL, doing acts of violence.
 
(Video is shown of teens beating up on smaller kids barely in their preteens, some hitting wrestling moves and applying wrestling holds.)
 
Blancy Face: Are you okay with what you see?
 
Maggall: Since the dawn of time, bigger and stronger individuals have always imposed themselves on the meek. They didn’t need professional wrestling for that.
 
Blancy Face: But you augment the problem. How are parents and teachers meant to show that it isn’t right for the older bigger kids to bully the smaller ones, if the media they consume glorifies the problem? You can’t have it be shown that one sided beat downs are within the acceptable range of showcases in life. How are mere men like Jeff X, Sabertooth, Layne, and Hans meant to fight on even grounds with a leviathan?  
 
Maggall: The fact of the matter is that they can’t! And that’s not my problem! If they don’t want to step into the ring, they ain’t gotta!
 
Blancy Face: Oh that’s real mature! I must say these are far cries of the days where Gareth was a culturally enriching champion! Such a moral man!
 
Maggall: Moral man? You do know that guy walks around having people call him “Legit Dangerous”, right? Not that I take people, who have to tell people they’re dangerous, seriously.
 
Blancy Face: But the slippery slope all started with Carlos, that’s when TV champions in OWA changed culture, and you’re even worse than he is! Again with parody consent, did you even ask Carlos if you could use his likeness in your entrance at Final Destination?
 
(Maggall laughs at this.)
 
Blancy Face: Oh it’s funny? What about the relations with your other tag partners for your night at the OWA draft? You have a partner that I’m told is a “time lizard”, what is that? What does it mean?
 
Maggall: I don’t care about that, and I don’t care about them. All they need to do is show up and not hold me back. I had to try rallying the remnants of the Phantom Troupe last season, and it was a total waste of my time. I don’t rally people anymore, I do my thing, I crush, and I destroy.
 
Blancy Face: And what is magnanimous about that?
 
Maggall: I allow them to be in my spotlight during their destruction. Nobody would know about Mothra if it wasn’t put in Godzilla’s movie.
 
See these people in the ring with me at the draft? Most of them are season one champions, season one hyped future stars, and season one beloved underground names that broke into the industry. Here’s the thing about season ones, season ones are the pilots for future greats, they are the low budget productions that need to thrive through character, dialogue, and intrigue. I ain’t none of that, I’m not a story and I’m not some bit player. I sure as hell don’t like talking! It’s season two and onward when the special effects really start coming in, when you can really hire some big names, and put people in awe at what they see! That’s me! I move like people think a big man like me shouldn’t, I hurt people with brutality like stay at home moms use to say shouldn’t be allowed on TV, and I have all eyes on me. Season one was just the hatching of the dragon eggs like the hit show Game of Thrones, from now on in the season that is, and the seasons to come, you’ll be seeing breathed fire, dragon scales, and beasts flying through the air! Most of my opponents are no longer what are necessary or effective to the big new audience. Sabertooth is just the guy who didn’t have the fortitude to defend this championship when I debuted and beat his ass in the middle of the ring. Sabertooth began the Final Destination for that belt, he the one that set into motion that the inevitable would become more devasting and surreal because OWA cheated death, cheated giving up the belt to me! Layne’s such a start up member of a cast of characters, the fodder that dies to make everyone’s heart strings be pulled. Layne’s a master of none, but good at a lot, and tries hard for his dead mentor! Whatever Judeau, it’s time for the eclipse, and you’re just a sacrifice for the tone shift of the OWA series! Hans is just Layne with more college and Olympic acclaim, neither of these mat technicians can do shit to me! Not in my weight class! Can’t suplex me, I’ll punch you in the face. Can’t get me on the mat, try to get on my back and I’ll just stand up with you on me lifted the skies like you are as weightless as your impact on season two!
 
And then there’s Jeff X, the only name that matters with me in season two, the Spartan champion!! I don’t see Sparta anywhere in OWA. Blancy, you see any Spartans?
 
Blancy Face: No, I have no idea why you even dressed up like one at Final Destination.
 
Maggall: I just did that to mess with Carlos. That’s the thing about tv, which I do see, some bored producer thinks about it and damn right there it is, some spartan tv show is made. Just like some bored person came up with the Spartan championship and we got a lineage of people thinking they all that. You’re allowed on tv, but never forget you operate on the platform my championship represents, Jeff! You just a show for show, someone OWA can put on display and be done with when you’ve sold what you’ve needed to. I got the whole catalog, I am a collection of shows for people of all shapes, sizes, and denominations. You change the channel and all you see is still me! I am animation, because I am the unreal athlete that brings your imaginations to life. I am the horror because I break more bodies than you’ll find on Dexter or American Horror Story. I am the documentary, because my tale of championships, body of work, and legend are becoming well documented!
 
Blancy Face: Well that’s all the time we have for you today, on Blancy Face.
 
(End.)

"For many this world can be a happy, happy, place."

[The camera flickers the image of a busy inner city sidewalk moving in slow motion]

"They're allowed to follow their hearts, expand their minds, and feed their souls."

[The camera zooms in close on the business suit wearing masses hustling and bustling adjacent to one another]

"They fill their coffers, they buy that dream home, they have a dream wife, and live a dream life."


[The sight of a man sitting slumped over on the sidewalk amidst the shuffling feet, looking haggard and weather beaten, and wrapped in a soiled American flag comes into focus]

"They've never been sick.  They've never questioned their reality.  They've never felt pain.  They've never lost anything, at least, not anything of any importance."


[He slowly lifts his head.  His calloused face and blank stare meet the camera's gaze]

"Their bellies have never ached with hunger.  Their vacations up state have never been preceded by a cramped bus ride stacked on top of a pile of stinking humanity.  Their spa treatments didn't include a delousing."

[The figure looks down somberly as any remaining light in his eyes fades away]

"I think that's a pity.  I think that's a disservice to their lifestyle.  In order to appreciate the American dream...and I mean really appreciate it, you have to wake up! and realize that it's all an illusion that can be taken from you at any moment."

[Suddenly and without warning, the homeless man kips up to his feet and charges into the crowd in slow motion]

"Maybe I can give that to them.  Maybe I can make them...'appreciate' what they have by taking it away.  I've begged for change loooong enough.  Maybe it's time I start inciting it?"


[The camera speed snaps back to stock standard motion just as the Derelict double clotheslines a pack of businessmen just as the camera cuts to black as a tired, raspy, world weary chuckle echos through the void]

"Heh heh heh..."

The Derelict Is Coming To Omega Wrestling Alliance

 
 
 

James and Donny are sitting on their bunks, packing for the long journey. Nate has already left ahead of them, needing to clear his head for taking the Spartan Title.
 
Donny: Ground Zero was formed to dominate, to take over. This weekend’s just gonna be another W for the only group that matters. Look at this sorry state of a tag division. The last time those belts had any stability whatsoever, you know who the man was that was holding them? Nate goddamn Cage! What kind of a reality would it be where The Wild Boys or…God forbid, The Dollhouse are champs? Do you really wanna live in that reality? That’s a world that is plagued with horrific possibilities, God no. The titles needs holders who know what they’re doing. Who know how to steer a currently rudderless ship to dry land and do something with those titles.
 
James: We’re in the opposite position to Nate. He’s fighting for a title with prestige, that’s held by a dominant force. We’re trying to claim gold that once had prestige, but lost it long ago. And who are we facing? A pair of brothers who think superkicks are a personality trait, and the Tethered version of the Plastics. Jesus, how did this division even survive before we came along?
 
Donny: That’s a GREAT question, James, and one that not even the Earth greatest thinkers could possibly answer. It’s cool though, because we get to do something we’re really good at.
 
James: Play Battleship?
 
Donny: Well, we can do that after, I guess. But I was referring to beating the crap out of clowns.
 
James: Oh yeah! We do get to do that, don’t we? And better yet, we’ve got a whole new playground to do it in!
 
Donny: For whatever reason, Roxy and DiVa get to have this match in their own structure. They can put any kind of fancy name and paint job they want on it, a cage is a cage. I mean, the Dollhouse match is actually tailor made for me and James here. Why? Because we like to hurt people, and now we’re being put in a big ass metal structure in which such behaviour is encouraged. It sounds like a dream, honestly. Weapons hanging from above, thick, steel bars to throw people into. Where exactly is the downside here? Hell, if you just painted the dome green, it’d be a Ground Zero match!
 
James: And we don’t even have to pin or submit these assholes to win! Can you believe it? Nope, all we have to do is climb out a little hole in the top. Who the hell designed this thing? The guy who made the Death Star? You’re telling me that one of us, not even both of us, has to climb up a glorified jungle gym and pop our head out to be tag champ? Who the hell came up with that idea? Thing 1 or Thing 2? Sorry, I can’t tell those two girls apart, no matter how hard I try.
 
Donny: I mean, do any of you four even HAVE core strength? You look like the last ab crunch you did was back when Pogs were still a thing. Me and James are up at 5AM every morning to workout and make sure our rock solid abs can deflect bullets. We climb shit EVERY DAY here. You’re just handing us an advantage, you goddamn morons. What next? Are you gonna blindfold yourself? Tie your hands behind your backs? Bring back Aphrodite Marie? Is there anything else you can do to swing this match more in our favour? You’ve not thought this one through, have you guys? I mean, I can tell that you’re not too bright just by looking at you, but this honestly takes the cake.
 
James: The goal of Final Destination is to make sure Ground Zero are dripping with gold by the time it’s over. That’s all that matters, that’s all we care about. A belt each to usher in our era, to make sure we’re undisputed. But pulling up an ailing tag division by the bootstraps is a task in and of itself. You guys are about to enter a tomb of your own construction. Billy, Jimmy, you stumbled into those titles by beating a team who could barely function, and you’ve done nothing of note since then. Donny pinned, uhh, which one was it?
 
Donny: The shit one?
 
James: Donny pinned one of you in a triple threat so we could have this shot, and now, we don’t even have to do that. We just have to climb a damn fence to get what’s coming to us. Jesus, you two don’t have a hope in hell of retaining. You might as well give up the titles now and save yourself the embarrassment of losing on the biggest possible stage. And Dollhouse? You two continue to amuse us, really. I mean, you’re funny because of how utterly lacking in self-awareness you are, but you’re no champions. I get that the standard is low here with who can hold the gold, but you guys? You’re about to let this division slip into the damn dark ages! This is WRESTLING, not selfies and hairspray. You even took a respectable match concept and ruined it by making it pink because…why? Because you like the colour pink? Are the crowd even gonna be able to SEE the ass kicking we hand you two?
 
Donny: In the pantheon of ill-conceived ideas, it’s certainly up there. It’s fine though, because we only have to deal with these jokers for a couple more days. Because Lord knows that once we have the belts, neither of you are even looking at them. We’ll keep them locked away until someone who actually takes this seriously comes along. Until then, you can both look at what real tag team champs look like. Wild Boys, you can go back to whatever group home you grew up in. Dollhouse, you can just admire your fake belts for the rest of your careers, because you’re never getting your hands on the real ones.
 
James: Over.
 
Donny: And out.

FINAL DESTINATION: THE LAST STOP
We’re back in Arizona, the land of incredibly hot suns and a place I’d consider a home when I was younger.  I’ve had some fantastic matches here but it all will be eclipsed at the Wells Fargo Arena. This is the first time I’ve been at such a big event since 2016 and it feels great that this journey has stopped in a good place.  My first appearance in such an event was in a Battle Royal, losing early on. Now, in 2019, I get to shine against good talents in their biggest event of the year, where the winner could change the entire atmosphere in OWA.  I looked at the scope of this arena, feeling the amount of energy the OWA fans are going to demonstrate tomorrow night. With that thought, it makes me realize that this is the biggest opportunity I’ve received in OWA. Knowing that I want to make sure I seize the moment and defy all odds in order to make history.  That’s enough about me; I’m excited to talk about the vast expanse of opponents I have in this crazy ladder match.

I’m coming for everyone.  My fire consumes all and never discriminates; it holds no mercy for those who don’t recognize the reality that comes from the noise...The Chicago Noise.  Gareth, Persephone, Diantha, Sabertooth, and Moongoose are all stepping up their game to their best tomorrow night, but the key question is: Is it enough to win?  The simple answer is no, so stay tuned as to why they shouldn’t put someone as talented as me in a match like this. All of my opponents are good, no doubt about that, but none of them are GREAT.  What entails greatness? Losing matches and not losing any sort of momentum. Being praised every time you are in the ring. Putting matches of the night even when you’re not at peak form. The greatest of all time swim against the current unfazed, never hesitating to pushing themselves forward, even with they seem to be sinking into the unknown.  Each person here has some of these qualities, but no one has all of them, except for her. Miranda was a great, who put her mind, life, and soul into that squared circle. Her world could’ve been falling apart right in front of her, but she’d tell me about this new move she came up with. She won titles in times where nobody seemed to be there for her, as I was an idiot and was fooling around in parties.  Greatness comes only once in a lifetime and I want to at least try to capture that greatness Miranda displayed whenever she entered the ring. Her spirit lives in me, pushing me to reach that greatness she contained by just being herself. That’s the Fiora Fire, one that will pass on and live inside one’s soul. It currently lives in mine and desires the ultimate reward of greatness; a world title. I can only feed the beast inside by ascending to the heavens and cashing in that opportunity in the future.  That’s held me back in my career; I could always go for and win the TV and or Spartan titles, but that’s not what I want right now. I want a world title in my hands so I can show Miranda what she helped me win at her grave.

Goose, I’m gonna roast you twice in a row because you really don’t value my presence in this match.  I could screw you over and that dumb grin is going to turn into a 9-year-old’s rage when you don’t get your way.  Underestimating your competition is one of the most ridiculous things you could ever do. While I don’t believe anyone else will win, I understand what each person is capable of and how they could be an issue for my mission.  Meanwhile, you’re just emo’ing up and have some high-school budget Joker getup, expecting people to take you seriously. This is why you lose so frequently because you’re not that focused. You wanted to goof around in your match with Oasis and guess what?  You lost. You came here originally as some comedy schtick, expecting it to stick and get you a world title. Guess what happened with that? You took another L. Let me pull up the book and look at all those pages! Your whole career could be posted as the very definition of what a failure looks like in wrestling.  Are you and Persephone the same person? Because you two are changing up your personalities, trying to fix issues that can’t be fixed. Do you want me to be real honest with you? In reality, you both suck and can’t get the job done. Goose, you’re living a lie and can’t accept the fact that you will never hold a world title in your life.  Give up again and watch the -1 people paying attention to what you’re doing...was that too far? No, I don’t think so. Yeah, the gloves have officially gone off and I’m ready to say some of the grimiest things you will ever hear someone say about you, you birthday party clown; cheap, given up on life, and not really that good either. Revy, how about you call me up when this mans is crying again about not getting what he wants again?  Then you’ll actually be around a winner; the man who is going to utterly destroy this roster starting tomorrow night. Don’t consider this a threat because this is a promise that will be written in history. This is the words from Miranda, who told me these exact words every time before she accomplished something great.

Diantha and Persephone, where are you?  Why are you wasting such a tremendous opportunity here?  I’m looking around and it’s just so disappointing that both of you lived up to your expectations this week.  Sapersephone is nowhere to be seen, once again proving why she shouldn’t be in this match-up in the first place.  No wonder this match lacks hunger; they don’t care enough to say something, so don’t be surprised when they don’t win this match...Oh wait, your response was absolutely dreadful, Diantha.  Diantha is a woman who I genuinely don’t care about and don’t understand why she’s in this match. There are way more talented women in the OWA roster that could take both her and Sav’s places.  If you put as much effort in making your last name, you’d actually have a solid match here. It’s obvious to me that you didn’t care to really analyze the opponents and called me some sort of meathead.  The difference between Carlos and I is that I’m not some has-been who is probably losing this weekend. I’m at the prime of my life while Carlos’ seems to have gone by after losing his last world title, what a shame.  That old geezer just needs to retire for good and should take you with him, since you’re obviously going to fail again. I’d recommend you to just tuck your tail and let the adults talk over who’s going to win. You obviously have some insecurity issues, so why do you spend your FD paycheck to get some help.  Do you hate the fact that your brother is more successful than you? Well, snap back to reality little girl; you’re inferior. You haven’t won the same amount of titles as him, are way less relevant than him and will prove your inferiority complex when you lose again. Just take the train with Persephone and talk through whatever you two are going through, and might as well have Goose along too.  You guys need my friend Preacher Jamal, who can give you some therapy for your deep issues. He definitely guided me when life was bad, so here’s his card. He’s over at Olympus so don’t worry about your accessibility to him.

Gareth, it’s nice to see that you’ve replied and now I’m ready to lay out more truths to you.  You pretend like my experience in this area of competition is an afterthought but I’m truly dangerous as well.  Do you not think I’ll try to kill you in the ring with whatever I find around me? I have a lot of versatility with weapons so the ways I can torture you and take you out are plentiful.  Give me congrats now so it won’t the pill of you being wrong won’t be that hard to swallow. Of course, my words influence others; reality speaks to the heart even if you want it to be wrong.  You probably believe what I’m telling you since I do notice your respectful tone in what you’re saying here. I obviously hold a lot of respect for you too, but respect doesn’t win titles and it doesn’t give you success.  However, you’re wrong about that statement of yours. I do believe you have some experience in hardcore matches but the reality of the situation is that I’m the most experienced in this match. I’ve been in several matches that included ladders so I know what I can do with one.  Whenever I look at a ladder, I think of 20 things I could do with it every second. Like you said though, we’ll find out what you’re capable of at Final Destination. Don’t forget, you’re going to get a dose of hardcore when I bash your head in repeatedly. If you really want to win, you’re going to do whatever it takes to win, so that’s why I don’t view you as hardcore.  You used to work with predictability in your fights and I assume you do the same before you face anyone in a regular match. However, you have to remember there are 5 other people who could attack you whenever. I like the randomness because it’s an environment where I absolutely thrive. I am human, but you are too. I will crush you with everything in my power and ensure you don’t win this match.  People are saying you will win and doubt I’ll do anything significant but hey, I love upsetting non-believers. We’re gonna be both be sore but all I know is that you’ll feel the pain of failure once I win.

Sabertooth, do you want to know the reason why I came back to wrestling in the first place?  I came to continue my sister’s legacy by shutting up punks like you. You don’t know what I’m about and it’s very obvious from listening to your response.  Haha, very original; making fun of my music is like a new trend or something. I’ll give you a mic and let you empty out crowds of thousands, because you can’t even compare to my talent.  I’m a multifaceted individual who thinks outside the box; I’m an innovator in a world that needs more variation. However, my love for the wrestling business brought me back and sucked me into what is the Kingdom roster.  Yes, I disappeared for a whole year because I needed a change of scene after being disgraced in front of the entire world. I had some personal issues with the leaders up on top and would use any opportunity to spite and disrespect everything I had done for them.  The firing was the final straw, so I left and made an outlet for me to express my anger and hatred for this cruel world. My voice spoke and sung reality while I had to fight a few legal battles in order to restore faith in my name. OWA did call me when it opened its doors but I didn’t accept the offers.  They really wanted me to be one of the main people on the roster, carrying this company with my wild antics and charismatic mannerisms. I wanted to figure out another passion of mine in music but my sister called my name from the distance. She would’ve been in OWA if she was still around today, putting on matches of the night.  She’d be absolutely enthralled about the idea of competing in front of tens of thousands of people. I would’ve loved to be right there next to her, celebrating her accomplishments as she became one of the GOATs, carrying me around for the ride. However, the reality of that is that she’s not around and it’s my responsibility to keep the dream alive.  You and I both want the same thing, but the better man ends up prevailing at the end of time. Many will view this match and see both of us putting in the performances of our lives, but they will only care about the man who wins. This match can redefine everything that’s going on for you and could open the opportunity of stardom. You can’t have that and I will do everything in my power to prevent you or anyone else from winning.  My unorthodox methods will throw you off and I will show you the fire in my eyes, Chris. You’re going to fear everything in my spirit because it shows no mercy to those who don’t face reality’s kiss. She’ll put you to sleep and end your career for good because I don’t see that you want this enough.

You say you need to win this, Saber, but...the man who wins needs to be me.  It’s been incredibly easy to get back into gear and I only have a few matches back in my belt.  The rust has dusted off and I’m feeling oh so ready to be at my best again. Some may doubt this statement but my colleagues were in a state of shock when they saw me wrestle just last night, asking me how I was able to get back into peak shape.  I’ve been in the gym and wrestling ring every day all day, only taking breaks to eat and rest. I’m a madman, I know, and while my body may be incredibly sore, I feel pretty damn ready to throw myself off ladders. I’m ready to have shattered glass cover my back with blood pouring down every hole in my body.  Are you going to choke up facing the heights Saber? Where will that fire be in you? It’s gonna cool down because no sane man will be willing to sacrifice their own health to gain everything. Well, I’m lying because I could die for all I care if it means that I win that match. Shank me, throw me off the titantron; do whatever you need to do to take me out, but just know that nothing will hold me down.  The Grim Reaper can pull up and I’ll beat him down with this guitar here; hell, I’ll use that staff of his to rearrange that Carlos Rosso-looking fool so he’ll have to bow down to me. Then he’ll see me flying back into my body to take that W, shocking everyone, including death.

Ascending is about keeping your focus on what’s at the end and not looking back.  Arizona is pretty damn bright but that isn’t going to stop me from grabbing the golden ticket to salvation and cashing it on what my career will be remembered with; the very first cash in of the ATTH briefcase.  The sun brings light to all things and I will as well when I continue to expose the darkness of everyone’s realities. These are my last words before you see me come in one of the greatest entrances in OWA history!  Look at the sky; that’ll be your answer. Skies aren’t the limit; eternity is.

 
 
Driver, you must go faster. Time is of the essence, and you appear to be wasting mine.
 
 
Try not to crash, that’d really put a damper on my day. I say that as if my opponents for Final Destination haven’t already tried to do that. It really is quite amusing, this little game that we play. You two are so fixated on destroying me, it’s a jolly old time. I don’t know if I can ever recall two individuals gunning for me on such a level. We have the unstoppable champion on one side and the common champion on the other, such excitement! Layne, the fact I’ve had to endure your meandering rants three times now is exhausting. Hopefully, after my third rebuttal, you’ll get the picture that your voice is like fucking nails on a chalk board.
 
What can I even say to you? That you’re delusional beyond belief? That you’ve “seen through” the façade of Nate Cage? Good sir, you see nothing. You only continue to reaffirm my belief that you’re simple. Fuck, I think Jeff might be smarter than you at this point. You’ve mastered the art of talking forever yet saying absolutely nothing. It’s quite impressive. You and Jeff just parroting each other because neither of you have ever had an original thought in your lives.
 
“Oh, Ground Zero? They’re just a fake Wolvesden! Nate just surrounds himself with people he doesn’t care about and would abandon at the drop of a hat!”
 
Been there, done that, got the fucking t-shirt, lads. Come up with a different angle and then we’ll talk shop. Layne, you’re obsessed with me, almost as obsessed as I am with that title. Keep on flapping your gums about how I lied, cheated and stole my way to this point. Because it doesn’t matter to me. The three of us are all here, are we not? The ends must justify the means, not the other way around. I’ve committed acts that are less than admirable to get here, you’re at least right about that. I stabbed my closest ally in the back, I capitalised on the reputation of Wolvesden for my own gain, I surround myself with people who have my best interests at heart…
 
So fucking what? You’re telling me that that matters at this point? We can’t turn back the clocks, Layne. I forged my path and turned it into an opportunity. All you’ve done is brag about your sleep inducing title reign. There’s not going to BE a next challenger to forget who I am, Layne. Why can’t you get that through your thick skull? It’s not that I’m playing chess and you’re playing checkers, it’s that you’ve thrown the board on the floor and refuse to play anymore. Every time you open your mouth, it’s another sanctimonious tale of how tough little Layne is, how godly your reign is. Do you not get tired of just…being you? Oh, but well done, you were able to win that belt from Monolith. After your second try. And then where did Monolith go? The man took off and ever since he came back, he’s done sweet fuck all of note. I know what you’re thinking, that I’m just proving your point about the people you beat being lost to the past? No, dickhead, I’m saying that the people you beat were never any good to begin with.
 
You’re about to step into the ring with a cruel, violent, vindictive man. I’m a man who has destroyed the people I actually love and care for, what do you think I’m going to do to people who have actively made an effort to piss me off? I’ll tell you this, Layne: out there, in that ring, it doesn’t matter to me what you intend on doing. Any thought you can conjure up, any offence you can muster, it will never be enough. Why would you even begin to think that your little brand of flashy flips and kicks would bring down the single most driven man you’ve ever encountered? Your problem is that everyone you’ve faced wasn’t focused on the right thing. They allowed themselves to be bamboozled by your nonsense chatter and became so obsessed with beating you, specifically. They lost sight of what their goal was in the first place. Not me. It doesn’t matter if it’s Scotty Adams, Monolith, Layne Kurobane, Jeff X, fucking Dampshaw, whoever holds the title is simply a target for Nate Cage.
 
Oh, but I’m putting my REPUTATION on the line with this match, am I? Well, didn’t you also say that I don’t have much of a reputation? That I’m a leech who relied on the reputations of others? Well, which one is it Layne? Am I laying it all on the line or do I have nothing to lose? Make your fucking mind up. It’s as if you yourself have got lost in your little word salad and are having trouble climbing your way out. The only one in this match with anything on the line is you, and that’s precisely why you’re fucked. Because you know that that title you hold changes the men who hold it. What happened to the first two people to have that thing? They couldn’t handle life without it. They disappeared into the ether without a trace. And then, when they came back, claiming to be refreshed and ready to renew their careers…they faltered. Monolith is eating pin after pin on Olympus. And Scotty? He had one match back, tapped out to Donny and bolted.
 
That’s you, Layne, that’s what’s going to happen. You like to think of what becomes of me when I can’t get the job done, eh? That’s adorable. Because history is not on your side, little man. History shows that when a Spartan falls, he becomes a ghost. It’s you who’s afraid, you who’s running from what is creeping up on you. Once I take that hardware from you and actually become the first Spartan Champion with a fucking backbone, you will fade to ash like the false warriors before you. The name Layne Kurobane will be another name checked off a list. I’ve proven that I can deal with a loss, can you say the same? I lost to CASPIAN on Kingdom and went on to have the greatest OWA tag title reign ever. I lost to Scott Oasis and went on to dominate the God of War tournament. I lost to Bull Connors and I haven’t lost since. But you? Layne, my friend, the cracks are already beginning to show. Ever since Scott Oasis destroyed you at Clash, I’ve seen the fragile skin under the exposed armour. You’ve become an erratic, self loathing mess. Donny didn’t need me to beat you, I just wanted a front row seat to see it happen myself. When. WHEN you lose this weekend. The result will be a sad affair. The end of Layne Kurobane as we know him. Goodbye and good luck with whatever path you take afterwards, because I don’t see you showing your face on Kingdom for some time.
 
I suppose that brings me to the one thing that Jeff’s been right about for once, the guarantee of a new champion. Jeff knows, I know, we all know that the endless reign is about to conclude. But who will be the man who comes out of the other side with the spoils? The man who prides himself on being ordinary? Or the man who specialises in embarrassing said ordinary man? Jeff, how much longer must we do this dance? You’re constantly out of time, two steps behind, desperately trying to catch up as I take the lead. It’s hard for me to even know what to say to you, because it was everything Layne said. Yes, I took the remnants of the inferior Wolvesden and actually turned it into something worth fighting for. It’s easy for an outsider to look at things and believe that Wolvesden was this well-oiled machine, the world at its fingertips.
 
Truth is that I knew Kenny Drake was insane early on. But I stuck with him because I do believe that deep down, I did care for him in a strange way. He genuinely believed in me when not a lot of people did, and I can’t act like that didn’t happen. But Wolvesden outlived its usefulness, so I gutted it. It now exists as a symbol, a monument to bad ideas taken too far. People only feared us because they didn’t understand what the fuck we wanted or who the fuck we were. Kenny’s religious ramblings confused and bewildered, but he was never a frightening individual. Tarah Nova proved that. Scott Oasis proved that. Everyone eventually chops Kenny down to size and figures that he’s a bullshit artist. I was one of many to send Kenny to the chopping block, and I’d do it again.
 
Oh, but Ground Zero is SUCH a failure, isn’t it, Jeff? That’s why, after only three months of existence, we’re about to take home three belts in one weekend. It took Wolvesden two and a half YEARS before it got its first sniff of gold. You know why? BECAUSE OF ME. Kenny drake has been in this business for 17 fucking years. SEVENTEEN YEARS. You know how many titles he’d captured before I came along? FUCKING ZERO! Yet, a mere month after I showed Kenny just what the fuck he was doing wrong, we had gold around our waists. That’s no fucking coincidence, Jeff. I did in one month what Kenny failed to do in over a decade and a half. I elevated Wolvesden to heights it had never seen before. You say I’m not a leader, that I’m nothing more than a puppet, who do you think was pulling the strings when Wolvesden went on its run of dominance, Jeff? When I got here, Wovesden was a group of fucking clowns, a bunch of grown men playing dress-up, leaving animal heads in people’s locker rooms and telling ghost stories around the campfire. I mobilised them, actually made them worth something. Every step of the way, I gave Kenny direction. For the first time in his miserable life, he had direction, he had somebody who actually knew how to utilise his strengths.
 
But then, he started to go off the fucking deep end. I realised that he was beyond saving. Who got pinned to lose us the tag titles? Kenny. In fact, every match we lost as a team, Kenny was the one who took the fall. You can look that one up if you like, because it’s true. If we ever faltered, if we ever failed to find victory, it was always Kenny fucking Drake that was the root cause. Kenny was the weak link in Wolvesden, the proof is in the fucking pudding, Jeff. I didn’t cut him loose in an act of self-sabotage, I did it as an act of self-preservation. He was losing his mind to insanity and the failures were mounting. He lost us the tag team titles. He lost in his mad odyssey to breaking Tarah Nova. When he came out in the Clash, I knew that his days were numbered. I elected to eliminate him from that match and from my life. Funny how Wolvesden only started to dominate after I came in…and they fell when I left. Wolvesden is nothing without me, everything they’re feared for, the very reputation they have in OWA, the very reason you talk about them in the way that you do…it’s all Nate Cage. Nobody fears Kenny Drake, there's fuck all to fear. They fear me and the sense of uncertainty I bring. They fear my ability to take an ailing force and make it worth a damn. I cut the head off the serpent that I nurtured, and in its place grew something stronger. Ground Zero is everything that worked about my vision for Wolvesden without a lunatic trying to destroy it all.
 
No group that is in title contention after a few months is a failure. No group that consistently garners the most heated reactions from audiences around the globe is a failure. When we enter that arena, the people are on their feet, hurling their hatred at us. Layne seems to think that that bothers me, like that will throw me off in this match. When the fuck has booing ever thrown me off? I simply see it as the chorus of my arrival. It adds an extra oomph to my theme music, I think. Ground Zero might be a failure to you, Jeff, because you can never admit to yourself when something’s just plain better than you are. Donny Dragon hasn’t been pinned or submitted at all since coming to Kingdom. James Anderson’s not even had a match yet and he’s already vying for a title – something nobody else in this company can say – and me? I’m the Devil of OWA, Jeff. I’m despised, vilified and detested. And it drives me to continue, it tells me that I’m doing something right. As long as they care about me, how can they forget me? That’s the fatal logic in Layne’s argument, right there. Week after week, the noises only become louder, so loud that I can hardly hear myself think. The last time you heard something that intense, Jeff, your hometown was being destroyed by Mother Nature.
 
It’s cute that you think you’re the hero of this tale. I suppose by default you are. Problem is that the hero doesn’t always win. And why you’ve been selected as the champion of the people, I’ll never know. You embody all the worst aspects of people, and I enjoy picking away at you until you’re nothing more than an angry little ball of fury, powered only by your own blind rage. There will be no loud cheer in Phoenix. There will be no feelgood moment of tens of thousands of people throwing up the stupid fucking X symbol. There will be a broken commoner, lying in a heap, holding his head and letting it sink in what he’s done: allowed Satan himself to take the one thing that kept him going. You say you’re constantly improving, that you’re not the man you were six months ago. There’s an old saying in the UK that goes you can’t polish a turd. It’s crass, vulgar, and to the point. Jeff, no matter how much you improve, it’s only ever measured against a scale that I dictate. I know what you’re capable of, and it isn’t enough to keep me down. Righteous Rules made me realise that in this life, I’ve been reckless with my body. I never went into that match with the intention of winning, I just wanted to see you broken. Though it cost me my own body to do that, I ultimately got what I wanted.
 
And one more thing, do you really want to know why I call myself the Red Right Hand? It’s not because I’m here to do the bidding of other men. It’s quite simple, really: Kenny Drake saw himself as God, so God sent the Devil to remind him he is mortal.
 

State Farm Stadium.
Glendale, Arizona.

(Billy and Jimmy Wild are laying down in the middle of a ring - the same ring where they will be fighting to retain their OWA Openweight Tag Team Championship. These very belts are draped over the brothers as their eyes are focused upward, wondering what’s next for them. Noticing a live camera pointed in their direction, both brothers sit-up and gesture for it to zoom in on them.)

Billy Wild: Welcome to the dance ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the greatest show on Earth. The final battle approaches and your sibling protagonists are gearing up for the fight of their lives! In one corner you have those pair of incels - Donny Dragon and James Anderson. In the other you have the spawn of Barbie - Sweet Roxy and DiVa - affectionately known as the Dollhouse. For weeks these two teams have been chasing my brother and I, trying to steal what we’ve worked so hard to keep. They tried anything and everything to claim our birthright! But what those four dolts don’t understand that this is our show! Our anime! Our season finale! We’re the star attraction, the focus of this show. We have a near perfect record in OWA! My brother and I are undefeated in singles competition! In fact Jimmy defeated the cruiserweight champion on his own! We are no longer the mere boys that everyone thinks we are. The Wild Boys are bonafide champions! Pillars of the tag team community! These pair of belts are the biggest prize in two-on-two wrestling! Why? Because we made it that way! Jimmy and I have shown the world what a pair of rugrats like ourselves can do when the chips are down! We have demonstrated how dangerous we are, how far we’re willing to go to put the world on notice! The Dollhouse sit there, lost in their own head! They see and hear nothing but the B.S. they make up because they can’t deal with the reality that Jimmy and I are the most dominant pair. In fact you could say we are…

Jimmy Wild: The One True Pairing

Billy Wild: Before any of you start vomiting, we don’t mean it in that way. I love my brother, but that doesn’t mean I ‘love’ my brother.

Jimmy Wild: No brother lovers over here! A man can love another man if he damn so wishes, as long as they don’t have the same momma and/or poppa.

Billy Wild: Wisely stated my brilliant bro. Jimmy and I are the perfect tag team - not a couple of hipster looking cultist freaks thrown together like Ground Zero. We were born to fight as the perfect unite, we were meant to overcome anything that comes our way as a cohesive unit. The road wasn’t always kind to us. We slept in cars, other people’s apartments, sometimes in YMCAs. Once we got to Japan, we made some cash here and there. We bought a little house back out in Rancho Cucamonga and we make enough to help day with supplies for his business.

Jimmy Wild: We trained with the best of them - particularly Tarah Nova and Stephanie Matsuda. We’re well versed in Lucharesu, innovated by the Mexican-Japanese Sanada family. We’re a world-class act.

Billy Wild: World class!

Jimmy Wild: In fact you could se we’re...elite. 

(Billy and Jimmy wink at the camera.)

Jimmy Wild: Like my brother said, it wasn’t easy for us. We had matches nearly every day when we were in Mexico. We got our heads busted open in England. We got lost in South Africa, fed to India’s largest giant in Delhi, barely walked out with our lives in Australia -

Billy Wild: Brisbane ain’t no joke!

Jimmy Wild: We’ve been through every kind of strive imaginable and yet here we are, princes of our universe! Born to be kings! Fighting for survival! Rules of the OWA tag division! People think we’re pushovers, that somehow we got lucky obtaining these belts. We beat Bull Connors and Tarah freaking Nova! We beat our senpai to get these things! So here we sit - my brother and I - wondering what do the two of you have to bring to the table? What do the two of you have that we don’t? Because from where we’re sitting we don’t see anything that has us worried. For Billy and I it’ll be like business as usual. And to be honest? Business is booming!

Billy Wild: Booming!

Jimmy Wild: Once we defend these titles are Final Destination, we walk into the next story arc with all of the momentum in the world.

Billy Wild: Speaking of momentum, it’s time the Wild Boys star blasting off again. We have a big day this weekend my brother. Remember who’s coming to town.

Jimmy Wild: Oh yeah! Don’t we have to meet them at the hotel!?

Billy Wild: Yeah, bro! Forget about these fools for for now.

(The Wild Boys stand up)

Jimmy Wild: You’re right. If we wanted to fight jokers…

(Billy and Jimmy grin at the camera)

Wild Boys: We would be playing Smash.

It really all starts to feel like a formula. 

First they acknowledge my reputation, then they discard it. Next they exalt their own abilities, even to the point of embellishment.

That just how it seems to unfold for me, Reginald Dampshaw III.

At first you said that you need another technical wrestler like me in your ideal version of OWA and I'm glad you still think that way but now you called me as a broken down Olympian. Please Dampshaw, make up your mind about me personally. You're a great athlete and I do acknowledge the fact that you were the better man that night when we faced off one on one in the ring. The only other time when we met was in The Keys To The Kingdom match which neither of us won that match. And finally we're going to meet again in this Battle Royal match. You right, I do want to avenge my loss that day in this match. I don't need to hold such a grudge because it's a waste of time and not worth of my energy. There's no room for hatred if we want to evolve ourself as not only a human decent being but also as a better wrestler. For example, look what happened to Moongoose McQueen at this very stage. He's a gifted athelete and a seasoned veteran. He has won countless accolades but he hasn't won anything yet in this company. Why? It's because he has turned into a crazy lunatic individual. He lets all the angers to consume him. Not to mentioned, I beat him fair and square as well once. Now Dampshaw, I don't need you to respect me because respect is not given and it is earned. It's fair that you don't respect me yet because I failed to beat you once. I'm going to get your respect at Final Destinations by winning this Battle Royal Match.

As for the rest who has been quiet ever since, then it's good for you guys. You all have to be focused for this match and train as hard as possible just like I do. I know this match means a lot to you all but it means a lot more to me as I'm trying to repeat my Amateur Wrestling story by winning this Battle Royal match.

Oh It's True! It's damn true!

Wow, wow, wow, Ronnie Osbourne, cool down your jets honey. Why are you so angry to me? It's a fact that I'm beautiful. That's why every men want to be with me and every women want to be like me. Did you just ask me Kimi whoever her name is my Big Sister? Pffttt, if Kimi and I have some parrarrels then it must be because she's just a knock-off version of me. She must be ugly and so are you, Ronnie. Not only am I more beautiful than you are but also I'm more talented than you. I'll prove it to you when I'll throw you out of the ring. Do you really want to get compared with a cartoon character so bad? Well then you are Robin to my Batman. You need someone else to get you some attentions. You have to be with me because I'm just a charismatic and talented individuals. You need me to have these people give you some attentions. Don't worry, I'm a good girl, Ronnie sweetheart, I'm willing to let you to spend some moments with me in that very ring before I kick your ass.

As for others who have been sooooooo quiet then I thought so. Just keep being quiet because you all going to see what I'm gonna do to Ronnie Osbourne personally. Let a Real Woman does her job.

They say the greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist. The greatest trick Allesandro Devione has ever pulled was convincing the world that he’s a credible cruiserweight champion. A champion whose only notable wins was against Nolan Eliwood and yours truly. A champion who was beaten by a Wild Boy on a random Thursday night! This man - excuse me, I meant this savior of the masses thinks that he is the one guide this promotion into a new age! This “messiah” thinks that he deserves to look down upon those he deems unworthy and feels he’s allowed to treat people however he wants! Is this your king ladies and gentlemen!? This this your messiah!? Is this your GOD!?

No, he isn’t.

Let me tell you about the man they call Allesandro. A man who bobs and weaves from challengers backstage, something I’m sure he learned from his daddy. This is a man who fought well and may have gotten lucky against me in our first match and instantly he’s some kind of legendary superstar! Crazy, right? He goes around, yelling about how important he is and how much prestige he brings to that OWA Cruiserweight Championship, but yet when offered to put the pride of his belt and our division on line against Spartan Champion Layne Kurobane, he backs off. You know who took up that mantle? I did. Who wasn’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with greats such as Keelan Callihan and Aria Jaxon? The Greatest Showman himself. And on the fateful day the OWA World Champion was pinned by a mere commoner, who was the mere peasant that did the deed? Who was that foolish mongrel, that pitiful dog who took down one of the most dangerous men in this sport!?

Kevin. Freaking. Maverick.

There are no gods in OWA, ladies in gentlemen. Just extremely capable men and women who put their bodies on the line night in and night out. Do not believe false prophets like Devione! He aims to cover the truth of our reunion: I earned my way back to the top. Through trial and tribulation, through victory and defeat I crawled my way to the grandest stage of them all in order to avenge my loss to a man who doesn’t deserve to be champion. The cruiserweight division needs a fighting champion. The division needs someone who lives and breathes the style, someone who knows what it’s like to express what it means to be a cruiserweight. Devione claims he’s taken this growing division to the next level. Just because you say something doesn’t mean that it’s true. Just because you think you’re special doesn’t mean that you are. The thing that connects me to the crowd is hard work. Every day these people go out and bust their collective asses - be it at work or school. Countless hours that turn into days and when check day comes they spend it on seeing people like us. The people make us into who we are, something that people like Allesandro doesn’t get. Everyone wants to tell the common man how to think, how to be, etc. They don’t realize that we were once “common folk”. And there’s nothing wrong with being “common” - in fact there’s no such thing in my opinion. Everyone is special in their own way. We all have dreams, wants, and desires. Pro wrestling is a platform where athletes can inspire the world. In that ring we tell a story about overcoming our demons. We show these people how to overcome adversity. We given them hope that if they can just keep on fighting that one day things will get better. Ever since I joined OWA I’ve visited children’s hospitals, shelters, and the like. I’ve been told by so many people how much my victory over Scott Oasis meant to them. These same people were the ones who encouraged me to confront you that night and demand a rematch. They’re the same people who will be watching and attending Final Destination to see me take what’s rightfully mine. I will usurp the crown from the prince of lies and I shall reign as the people’s cruiserweight champion. This weekend the pauper becomes the prince. You call me a dog, but I take that as a compliment. Dogs are fierce, loyal, and most of all they know how to survive. The canine species are natural hunters and carry themselves with honor and dignity. I rather be a dog than a false prophet any day of the week. It’s ironic considering that one of my trainers, Reznor Bogard is known as the “Lone Wolf”. So I guess you pegged me well Devione. But know and understand this: every dog has its day.

And come Final Destination, I will have mine.

FINAL DESTINATION: DISPLAY OF DOMINANCE
We’re headed to the Final Destination.  One final ride...for Miranda.

Ahem.  Allow me to introduce myself.  I am Nathan Fiora, a man who has managed to be entered in this match not even two months after returning to the ring.  Final Destination has The Chicago Noise written all over it and the fans are absolutely loving it. It has taken you all of you longer to accomplish the same, so what does that say about me?  I’m a man who rises above the rest due to the sheer talent and charisma I possess. What does it say about all of you? You haven’t been trying hard enough to gain opportunities or keep hoping this one will be the one to push you to superstardom.  But that’s not the man I am. I prove myself to receive opportunities since Bob Taylor knows that my name equals even more money in his pocket. Some may question my placing in this match but let me hit you with the facts. In the time that I’ve returned to the ring, I’ve managed to place myself as one of Kingdom’s most important talents.  I’ve faced the likes of Keelan Callihan and Jeff X, making both men fear the possibility of failure in the process. While yes, I may have not beaten either one of them, you have to remember I’ve been out of the ring for about a year. So it’s been taking me a bit to get used to the whole wrestling thing again, but I’ve been very much preparing for this match that is about to go down.  Some may be wondering where I’ve been all week as I’ve been quieter than I usually am. Simply, I don’t see the point of speaking until knowing that I am ready for what is yet to come in this war. How have I been preparing in my lead up to Final Destination? I’ve been going to the gym every day, getting some training with some old friends at the performance center and getting my mind on what is on the line.  

The Ascension to the Heaven's briefcase is the key to my success and to make my sister proud.  For YEARS, I’ve been fighting for an opportunity to show how good I am and what I’m capable of when I’m not being held back.  In EAW, I was absolutely held back from what I was capable due to real life circumstances and injuries, where I had to restart every time from the bottom, making myself known again.  I’m tired of doing this again and again when the whole wide world knows that I’m one of the best wrestlers and talkers out there. No one can doubt that and if they do, they haven’t seen my career as a whole and my journey recently.  In OWA, that’s changed slightly. They recognized my face value and have started me in a place where I can see is reasonable. I haven’t been in a wrestling ring in a while, so I see their doubts in me, but I’m sure in the past few weeks they’ve regretted doing that in the first place.  I put out an absolute classic with Keelan, another one with Jeff X and tomorrow night is guaranteed to be the third addition to my list. Imagine, how many people can say that when they just started a few months ago? Very few opponents of mine in this match can say that, as they’ve had to slowly build up their castles, but I can’t deny that they’ve made it this far.  You all have done amazing things and I have to give you credit for your accomplishments, but that was all before I arrived. I’ve caused an earthquake up in this company and I’m not afraid of causing casualties on my way to the top. I’ve taken down some of the best this business has to offer and I have no reason to show mercy.

And I start with you, Moongoose.  Where do I even start? We have a whole short history that’s started to build up in OWA, only waiting to be officially ignited.  Don’t think I’ve forgotten about you and our history with one another. You have been watching my every movement, just waiting for the most opportune moment to strike and try to screw me over.  You had me during our last match where you managed to get a pin on me, but I’m not falling for your lunatic games again. You watched as I won our tag team match last week and I saw that dumb smirk on your face.  How about I wipe that smirk right off your face by telling you what I did after our first match. I beat your arch rival Finnegan Wakefield and gained the title you couldn’t quite get after you lost it to him. You were probably really frustrated watching that beautiful ending to a short feud.  You did everything you could to beat that man and couldn’t while I only needed one match. I got the job done before I was unceremoniously fired by EAW and I would be champion to this day. How does it make you feel knowing that I was better than you in that regard? When you gave up was my time to shine and I held onto a title you probably wish you still had.  And even when you try, I still shine brighter than you. While you failed time and time again, I came out stronger, making my rise to the top. That’s what you’re good at; watching me win. I put in everything I can while you just give up when things don’t go your way. You’ve been in this circuit longer than I have, but I have gone through some things that would absolutely force me to stop wrestling altogether.  However, with all the controversy and chains I’ve been applied, I’ve managed to rise and prove those wrong. I hope you don’t mind repeating history at Final Destination, holding that briefcase right in your face. Just promise you won’t throw one of those flashbangs at me because you’d really, and I mean really, regret it. So while we wait for the results, go twiddle your thumbs and do your whole creepy psychopath schtick.  You can be a hypocrite and say that people split personalities when you’re the embodiment of that very thing. That’s the tea, but I don’t have a lot of time to continue. Onto the next one.

Persephone Bane, who are you?  I don’t think you even know at this rate honestly.  I remember seeing Aria beat you up so many times and I honestly think she hit you one too many times.  Seeing your current condition, maybe some hits to the head might turn you back into the sweet innocent girl that you were before.  While you have my respect for your work rate, I don’t know if I can say much else. You’ve been given several times to prove yourself and what have you done?  You’ve dropped the ball. Everyone else in this match has at least accomplished something big but yikes, I don’t know what to really say about you. Sure, you can blow us all out the water with a godly performance but your track record doesn’t guarantee you a win here.  So I’d recommend that you sober to the fact that you’re going to be overseen by me, the reality deliverer. You seem to have an identity issue darling and I wish I could help you but you’ve gone on the deep end, cosplaying as every emo teen. I can’t be associated with that because my SoundCloud followers aren’t about that life.  What I can help with is little message called hiding from your past. Changing your personality doesn’t erase all the L’s that you’ve taken this year. I get it, you’re trying to make it to the top but I dunno if you’ll be able to do that when you change your identity every other moon. In a harsher tone, I’ve got a lot to say. Call The Omega Awards Show because I have the winner for the bust of the year!  She’s gonna need medical attention cause I’m going to single-handedly murder her career in one match. You can change your makeup a million times and you wouldn’t strike any legitimacy in my heart. I’m ready to take a few weapons and hand you the biggest L of your career. Leave the change of wardrobe home because another change to your look won’t take the stench of failure off of you. Honey, stay home because I’d hate to make you cry about more things that are out of your control.  

Sabertooth, a great in the making but he still has a lot to do before he gains that moniker.  A former TV Champion in his own right, but seems like he’s trying to hop onto the next gear before he gets that career-changing win.  While I completely expect you to put in an excellent effort towards winning the match, the odds are not in your favor. You have to give yourself a pep talk and depend on your old friend to get you by.  That’s sweet and heartwarming, but this match will be ruthless on you. You said you need this win, but don’t you think everyone here needs that win? Do you desire it as much as the others? Who wants to be Mr. or Ms. ATTH the most?  I think I do personally. Everyone here has stayed too comfortable with their positions, including you. If you really needed it, you could’ve been a world champion contender. You would be world champion right now, and this applies to everyone in this match.  You all act like they haven’t been around for that long, but look at what I’ve been able to do. The reality in this situation is that you’re lying to yourself Sabertooth; you don’t really want or need this. I don’t see that desperation in your eyes; I still see the eyes of a man who is just glad to be here.  I’ve been keeping my eye on you and I’m looking forward to what you’ll do in this match, but can you overcome everyone here? I know you’ve beaten Cason, but will that transition here just as well. There are random variables in this match and everyone is going to be trying to climb up the ladder to glory. Do you NEED IT SABERTOOTH?  When I face you in this match, I better see that fire in your eyes because if you fail here, you’re an absolute fraud. You’ll move on and pretend like you didn’t need this but in reality, it’ll be the truth. You don’t need to avenge your dead sister as I do. I will not die until I have a world title in my hands. I will wrestle ‘til the day I die if it means that I’ll hold gold in my grave.  I don’t see that passion in your Saber, but prove me, wrong son. I want you to shine here but I sadly can’t see you winning this affair. I wish you the best of luck, but just like your effort, you’re not the main event of this spiel.

So I’ve been hearing about this guy all over the place and I had to see what he was all about.  He’s considered to be one of the most dangerous, heck, he even calls himself Legit Dangerous? What’s dangerous really?  I think he’s dangerous, but not dangerous enough for me. Danger is my middle name; I’ve had to get stitches everywhere, several surgeries due to the injuries I’ve picked up over the years.  Gareth, you’ve been an impressive talent in OWA and I don’t take any of your accomplishments away from you and I do believe your danger comes in when you’re in the ring. However, in the words of the great Jamal King: WE AIN’T JUST SETTLING THIS IN THE RING, SUCKA!  The rule book is thrown out for this kind of bout and that’s where I work my magic. As I said, I’m not discrediting you as you’re a former TV Champion and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a world title on your waist one day. But if I had to be honest, I don’t think you’re exactly cut out to shine in this kind of bout.  If this was a regular match, I would be insane to bet against you, but the best know how to work any kind of match. You’re a fighter, who has a million ways to take down a guy like me, but the equation doesn’t appear the same this time around. Sure, your wins have piled up and I give you all the credit in the world. That’s scary for me admittedly; son, you’re a prodigy in the making.  Wins matter when they’re for something important, so let’s hope you have a shot to win this. While this environment may be somewhat familiar to you, I don’t think you know what kind of things I can do with these kind of weapons. Break my arm or a finger or two? I’ll keep fighting because I’m numb to this pain at this point. I might just bring out some weapons to give you a lesson on Hardcore 101 afterward: Up close and personal.  Keelan got a kenzan to the head so maybe I’ll just step it up a notch and bring a nail gun. Who knows? I’m random like that and because of that, you won’t be able to figure out what my next move may be. I could do a submission, go for a finisher, or I might just jump 20-30 feet from a ladder onto you and our opponents. When I hear Gareth Cason, I don’t think of a guy who’d do that, but maybe that’s just me. Prove me wrong son, I’d like to see you try and learn what it means to adapt and conquer.  You ask everyone to bring you a challenge, but I’d rather you come up to me. SHOW ME THE HYPE. WHO IS GARETH CASON WHEN NATHAN FIORA IS AROUND? ARE YOU A MAN OF FEROCITY OR WILL YOU COWER IN FEAR? MAKE ME FEAR YOU BECAUSE I’LL CONSIDER YOU A JOKE EVEN IF YOU BREAK MY BODY INTO A MILLION PIECES. STATICS BOW DOWN TO ABNORMALITIES AND ANOMALIES. Until we see each other, I wish you the best of luck in the ring and in the hospital bed you’ll be in the next day. THIS. IS. LEGIT. REALITY.

Now onto Saturday and Sunday.  Reality is gonna consume OWA, whether y’all like it or not.  We’ll see what else I have to say beforehand, so stay tuned to my voice because I’m going to save the sound of OWA when I win.  That’s...that’s the fire that burns in me. An eternal passion for victory. That’s what Nathan Fiora means. That’s reality, baby.

The television screen turns to static as Nate Cage’s latest Final Destination address goes off of the air.  Most of the patrons in the small, smoky bar simply groan and roll their eyes at the leader of Ground Zero’s comments, but not Jeff X.  No, Jeff simply sits at the bar staring up at the static, actually looking pleased.  A smile spreads across his face as the bartender hands him a mug filled to the brim with cold Bud Light.  Jeff nods at the young lady in appreciation before grabbing his beer and walking out of the back door.  The camera follows him outside to a fenced in patio area where the bar patrons can smoke. Jeff light up a cigarette and takes his seat at one of the tables, propping his feet up on it - seemingly very calm and composed despite his most hated rival’s recent words.

“Ah Nate Cage...for a man who talks so much about others being predictable it’s always the same old thing with him, isn’t it?  He climbs on his stage and talks to his ‘soldiers’ as if he’s some sort of God.  Although, truth be told I’m not sure why he even calls them soldiers.  The majority of them couldn’t even beat their dick without coming away with a black eye.  And the only reason they buy into the bullshit that constantly coming spewing out of his mouth is because their combined IQ is sitting roughly right around room temperature.  But you know that, don’t you?  You’re not a stupid man, Cage.  Surely you know that the vast majority of your followers are completely useless.  But this superiority complex that you clearly suffer from still leads you to climb on a stage and address them all for the world to see.  So everyone can see that you are the one true leader of Ground Zero!  The most powerful group in OWA!  Truly a bunch to be feared and respected!  Piss on that.  You might want people to think that your little band of merry men is force to be reckoned with, but the simple fact of the matter is that you haven’t belonged to an organization that’s struck fear into anybody since Kenny Drake kicked your ass out of Wolvesden.  And I know that you’re really proud of turning your back on Kenny and forcing Wolvesden to disband, but personally I don’t see why.  When you were sitting in Kenny’s shadow, the two of you ran roughshod over this company as Tag Team Champions.  Wolvesden was at the forefront of everyone’s minds.  The talk of the industry!  But you didn’t know your role.  You couldn’t accept that fact that your talent level doesn’t allow you to be anything more than a sidekick.  So you turned your back on the man who got you to where you are now and started up your own little group.  But it just hasn’t been the same, has it?  I’m in that locker room every week and I can tell you with absolute certainty that nobody cares about Ground Zero.  You fools aren’t even a thought on most people’s mind.  The truth is, Cage...you’re just not cut out to be a leader.  Wolvesden died when Kenny Drake stepped aside and Ground Zero died before it even began because you’re the man who’s running the show.  You’ve never been fit to be a leader.  You’ve been called the red right hand because that’s what you’re best at.  As smart as you claim to be, you’re not capable of being the brains of any operation.  And at Final Destination, I’m going to expose you as the fraud that you are when I lay your best laid plans to waste and shatter your precious dreams of becoming Spartans Champion.  Then maybe Donny and James...even being the imbeciles they are...maybe even they will realize that under your guidance, they are destined to do nothing more than have their dreams dashed as well.”


Jeff pauses to drink from his mug and take a drag from his cigarette.

“I know how badly you want this Spartans Championship, Nate.  You’re fixated on it.  It’s all you can think about.  It has completely consumed you.  Every waking moment of your pathetic existence you are haunted by the fact that you failed to achieve the title on your first try.  I know the feeling.  I feel the same way when I think of that loss you gave me that you love to bring up so much.  I failed to defeat you and not only that...I tapped out.  I went against everything that I’ve ever stood for when I willingly gave up in our match.  It makes me sick.  I lie awake at night thinking about that day and it’s only irked more as this little dance we’ve been doing for months now became more and more heated...more and more violent.  It makes my skin crawl to admit it, but it’s right there on film...I did it.  You defeated me by submission in the middle of that ring.  But I was still new to this place then.  I had spent over a decade away from a wrestling ring before I had arrived in OWA.  It was of my own doing, of course.  My incarceration has been well documented and for most people, they’re career would have been over after that.  But I got my second chance with OWA.  At the time, in my mind, I thought that I’d be every bit as good as I always was...but I was wrong.  The beginning of my career here didn’t go exactly according to plan.  While I proved very early on that I could hang with the best this business had to offer, the wins weren’t exactly piling up.  Sadly, I have to admit that it took me a while to get my groove back and shake off the rust that came with sitting in a prison cell for ten long years.  You took advantage of that during the God of War tournament and yes, you won.  But as you stated...I’m a hard worker.  I kept plugging away and little by little I became more and more of the competitor that I once was in my younger days and I finally got my chance to step into the ring with you again.  Only this time, it was under your rules...your terms.  And even with every advantage...things didn’t go quite as you planned that time around, did they?  In one of the most bloody, archaic matches this company has ever witnessed, neither of us were able to stand on our own two feet by the end and the match was ruled a no contest.  But that result brought me no pleasure either Nate.  If anything it just drove me even more mad.  While I fared better than our first go around and didn’t come away with a loss...I didn’t come away with a win either.  The fact that I have yet to beat you in two tries...it’s all I’ve been able to think about for months Nate.  That same feeling that you have about the Spartans title?  That feeling that keeps you up at night?  That feeling that makes you watch that Hardcore Havoc match over and over again?  That’s exactly how I feel about beating you.  The history that’s gone on between us has only fueled that fire to burn even brighter.  Make no mistake Cage...I want that Spartans Championship too...and I want it bad.  But even more so than that...I want to make sure that your dreams die bloody.  I want you to continue to not be able to sleep at night.  I want you to pace back and forth around your house wondering just wondering where you went wrong with your plans.  I want you to spend months watching this tape...just like you’ve done with Hardore Havoc...only this time instead of watching Scotty Adams rise up victorious...you will see me.  Jeff X.  Your bitter and most hated rival.  Standing alone in the middle of the ring with the Spartans Championship raised high above my head and every fan in Phoenix going absolutely wild with joy because you once again failed to get everything you ever desired.  I want you to know that it was me that took it all away from you.  And I will Nate.  You spoke yourself of how hard I work and it’s true.  I was better at Righteous Rules than I was during the God of War tournament.  And I’m better now than I was during Righteous Rules.  I have grown miles and miles as a competitor and am currently one of the hottest things in this industry right now.  But you?  You’re a shell of your former self.  Ground Zero is a cheap imitation of Wolvesden and your feud with your sister has left you a broken man.  You may have come away the victor due to a technicality at Divine Retribution, but we all watched that match Nate.  It was on national television.  We all saw Natalie break you.  She proved that she has surpassed you in every way and now she’s competing for the World Championship.  You can feed us all the bullshit you like, but I know you Cage.  Maybe better than anyone.  And I know it eats you up to know that she’s the superior sibling.  Imagine how bad it’s going to feel after this weekend when she’s World Champion and you have fallen to me and once again failed to achieve that Spartans gold.  It’d be enough to drive a man mad...well...madder than you already are anyway.  And that Cage...that is what I want more than anything...to not just break you physically...no, I’ve done that already…but to break you down mentally.  That would bring me more pleasure than any championship in the world ever could.”

Jeff takes one more hit from his smoke and flicks the butt out into the dark.  He then washes the taste of the cigarette out by taking another sip from his mug.


“But we’re not alone in this match, are we Nate?  No, joining us in this war is the man who currently holds that belt that we both seek...Layne Kurobane.  The man who has been nothing short of breathtaking as he’s taken on any and all comers for his championship and come out the other side victorious each and every time.  A man whose reign has been legendary.  A man who has earned my respect by doing things the right way.  Being a champion that we could all be proud of.  He really is a good man.  A good man with an even better championship reign.  But...all good things must come to an end.  Layne you have every right to feel confident.  After all, nobody has been able to remove that belt from your waist yet, have they?  But your confidence is quickly bordering on arrogance.  You think that you’ll never lose that title of yours just because you haven’t yet?  You’re not untouchable man.  Scott Oasis proved that at Clash of Titans.  Donny Dragon proved it just a couple of weeks ago.  What?  You think if your title had been on the line in those contests that the result would somehow have been different?  Your not immune to defeat Layne, no matter how bad you might want to believe that you are.  I’ve long looked forward for the opportunity to challenge you for the Spartans Championship.  And not just because I want to become champion myself...but the competitor in me wants that challenge.  I’ve long viewed you as someone who could really push me to my absolute limits and as a competitor...and as someone who loves this business...I’ve long relished that chance.  I thought that maybe you had felt the same way.  That you too looked forward to the challenge of stepping into the ring with me.  But then you turn around and tell me that I don’t belong here?  That my place is somewhere else causing violence and chaos...not competing for championships.  Well Layne...you’re right.  My place is somewhere causing violence and chaos.  But unfortunately for you that violence that you speak of...that chaos that I’m going to cause...it’s going to take place in the Spartans Championship Match at Final Destination.  You say not to lie to myself about who I am and I won’t.  I know what I’m good at Layne and you’re right...I do thrive on the chaos.  It brings out the best in me and it always has.  You may execute a pretty suplex...I’ll give you that.  But can you thrive in that same chaos?  Because that’s what this match is going to be Layne.  Complete and utter chaos.  Will you be able to survive that?  I know what I am Layne...a ‘simple man’ as you so eloquently put it.  Yes I like to enjoy a smoke and a stiff drink at the end of each day.  After all I’m the ‘poster boy for the common working man’ as Nate Cage likes to say.  But both of you say these things as if it’s a negative.  No.  I’m damn proud of what I am.  I’m damn proud of where I come from.  And I’m damn proud to have the support of people just like me that bust their ass working forty plus hours every week so that they can spend their hard earned money to watch us do what we do best.  Yes, I’m a simple man.  Yes, I had to earn everything I’ve gotten.  I know what I am Layne...and I know that I belong here.  The question is...what are you?  Do you really know who you are?  You show up every week like this All-American can-do-no-wrong man that every parent wants their children to grow up to be like.  But this is the real world Layne.  I know that’s not the truth.  You have your demons just like the rest of us do.  The difference between the two of us is that I let the whole world know mine.  There's never been any question about who I truly am.  You?  You live a facade.  You’re not perfect, you just want everyone to think that you are.  You can talk a big game, but I’ve dealt with men like you before Layne.  I see through it all.  Through the arrogant talk...through the golden boy persona...I know the truth.  And the truth is...you’re afraid.  You’re terrified because you know that this weekend is the moment that you finally get exposed.  You’ve realized that despite that fact that you’ve always taken on all comers...this time you’ve bitten off more than you can chew.  While Nate and I may thrive in these chaotic circumstances...it is something you are ill prepared to handle.  Your pretty moves and textbook technical acumen won’t mean much when you’re caught in the middle of a real war.  You’re a tactician Layne.  You’re not a fighter.  The prettiest suplex in the world won't mean much once you get hit in the mouth.  For the first time in your career, you find yourself completely out of your element.  But I’m not like Cage, Layne.  I don’t doubt your level of intelligence.  You already know all of that.  You know that your time as Spartans Champion is coming to an end and there’s not a damn thing you can do about it.  But even though I know that you're terrified...I want you to fear not...you have many other challenges that will lie ahead of you in your career and I promise that I will wear that belt of yours with pride and that I will do it justice...but make no mistake about it...I WILL be the one who wears it when we walk out of that ring at Final Destination.”

Jeff tips the mug up once more and kills what remains of the beer inside of it.  He wipes his beard as he slams the mug back on the table and stands up.


“Well...if you’ll excuse me this ‘simple man’ needs another drink.  So I’m going to go get one.  And do you know what else this ‘simple man’ needs?  The Spartans Championship...so tomorrow night...I’m going to go get one.”

Jeff heads back into the bar and emphatically slams the door behind him.

You know, I was the first one out of all people who spoke for this Battle Royal match and I didn’t even mention anyone but apparently for some reasons, a few people still mentioned me and I guess that’s a good thing regardless they mean it in a good way or a bad way. It means they know, The Olympic Gold Medalist is a big threat for this match. They know I have the skills and the powers to win this match. They know I’m the real deal and ready to battle everyone who stands in my way.

I don’t mind it if you want to rebuild OWA with your ideal imaginations, Reginal Dampshaw III. I’m sure you’ll do great with it and honestly, I have no problem with it since I only want to wrestle to give these fans a classic wrestling match they will never forget and I’m always ready to conquer the world myself. I appreciate it that I’m a part of your plan, Dampshaw, I really do. I believe you and me can tear the house down together like we did a few months ago when you beat me. I’m going to be honest now, Dampshaw, I still felt unsatistified when you beat me that night. I don’t hold a grudge on you on personal level and I do respect you personally, but I still want to beat you professionally. I have this chance to do it by winning this Battle Royal match and I really want to win this match to make a statement that I’m the next big thing in this company. It’ll be tough to do it, especially since you’re also in this match as well but I’m going to do whatever it takes to win this match and I’m going to create a classic moment in this match where I become the first ever Battle Royal winner in Final Destinations. I’m not going to stop myself to do it, I have to do it to climb up the ladder.

I’ve been listening to you Jake Keeton and you know what? If I had one dollar for every single time people said they want to take my Gold Medal, I’d be rich and I’d own this company. My gold medal is staying around in my neck. That gold medal is belong to me. Forever and always. I earned this gold medal by winning it in the olympics with a broken frickin neck, therefore, you have to be ready when you meet me in that very ring. I’m not a Superhero like you said I am. I don’t have any magic or super powers at all but I do have a lot of skills to throw you out from the ring. If one strategy doesn’t work, I’ll always have something under my sleeves. I’m an Olympic Gold Medalist after all and if you don’t understand what I’m saying right now, then my fists will do all the talking for you. You’re going to regret the day when you mess with me boy.

Now, I’m going to say The Udy has a better attitude than Jake Keeton. Udy is a respectful young kid and you know what Udy? I do respect you too, kid. You have the potential, the spirit, and the determinations to be a big star in this company. You’re a good role-model and you should be proud of it. I do hope I can face you one on one in later dates myself but believe me Udy, I’ll make sure you get what you want and what I want at Final Destinations. Don’t take this as a personal attack, kid, because I really mean this in a good way. I want to see what you’re made off for having all good attributes in you. Your personality and your wrestling skills are top notch. I truly hope you can achieve your first title as soon as possible. If I wasn’t in this match, you’d be my pick as the person that I want to see winning this match but I’m truly sorry, Udy. I really need to win this match myself. You’ll get your moment soon enough after this but you have to sit this one out because I’m here to win this match.

Your personality is also as good as Udy, Alex Scott. I did pin you once, sure, but I don’t think it was your best yet. If it was then I’m pretty sure you’ve improved your game to be better than before. You’re still going to give me a tough fight if we meet in a one on one situation in this Battle Royal match. You have all the potential in yourself Alex, I knew that since the moment I met you but I need you take a step back for now because I’m trying to create a good moment for myself. I’m going to give my all to win this match.

I have to give Jordan Rattler a personal shoutout. This young man really loves America as much as I do. It’s great to see another patriot man here in OWA, Jordan. Your love for this country is really impressive. It’s hard to find someone like you and me these days and that’s a good thing. Unlike me, you were born in this country. The USA Bloods is flowing in your vains. You’re here to serve for this country. Man it’s great to see you here and I do hope we can team-up one day when we get a chance to do so. Now, I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, I want to win this match and therefore, I’m not going to let my emotional feeling to get the best of me. As much as I like you, Jordan, I want to win this match. There’s no friends and boundaries in this kind of match because everyone are fighting for theirselves, including me. Now as a fellow patriot, I want you to watch and learn how an American does his job and I’m willing to show it to you and everyone else to do it by winning this match.

We never really had a one on one match, Adelmar Sauer, and the only time we met was in that Keys To The Kingdom match. We both failed to win and we never really gained anything from it. Therefore, I want to win this match and I believe you want to do it too but Adelmar, I’m going to say this to you now: you’re hard to deal with and there’s no way I can throw you out easily. You’re so talented Adelmar but so does everyone. I have to say though that you are the strongest competitor in this match but you won’t win this match easily as we all are fighting to survive. Do you have a will to win this match just like I do? I truly hope so Adelmar because your power won’t be enough to win this match. You still need some motivations for it.

I don’t know much about you, Etienne Laurent, but you’re so cocky and so overconfident and that’s not a good thing. Your arrogance will lead you to your own downfall. You aren’t special Laurent and you never won a Gold Medal with a broken frickin neck just like I did. You are an art critic so I’m sure you know how much beatiful arts that I have produced in both Amateur wrestling and professional wrestling. There is no flawless in me and I’m sure you know that already. You have a talent Laurent, I’ll give you that but you know I’m the better wrestler than you are.

Last but not least, Dax Staley. You’re one hell of a talent. There’s a quality star written in your face. You have a strong personality and great wrestling ability to make it big in this company. I do wish you the best of luck in this match but don’t think I’m going to let you win this match easily. I’ve been here longer than you are and I’m going to make a history by winning this Battle Royal match. I want to create something memorable in professional wrestling just like how I did it in Amateur Wrestling. I’m going to say this to you now: you’re going to make an impact here and there in this match but I have a strong will to win this match myself. No one can stop me. No one and that’s including you, Dax.

This isn’t a Final Destinations, this is The Star of a New Journey for The Olympic Gold Medalist. Oh It’s Real! It’s damn real!

 
 
Natalie is sitting in a room with a group of injured veterans. Most of them are missing one or more limbs, some have lost eyes, but they appear to be in high spirits, joking around with their fellow veteran.
 
Natalie: I want to thank all of you for welcoming me here today, sitting with you and hearing your stories, stories that some people will never get to tell or hear…it brought back some memories. Not all of our memories of what we went through out there are good. We all have friends that we wish could be here to share this moment with us. Friends who we’d trade places with without hesitation if it meant they got to go home and see their parents again. But there are good memories, too. The comradery, the sense of belonging. I’d never met any of you before today and it feels like I’ve known you for years. Her Majesty’s Royal Navy will always be a source of strength and determination, no matter what adversity it faces. You’ve all reminded me of that today.
 
We cut to Natalie walking into a military base mess hall, where she’s greeted with a loud cheer from the soldiers within. We cut to a series of interviews with various soldiers.
 
Soldier 1: We don’t get much time to unwind when we’re serving. When we’re out in the field, there’s not a lot to keep us going. But we all gather round the TV on Saturday nights for Odyssey. To see a veteran like Natalie doing what she’s doing makes us feel represented. She isn’t playing a character, that’s who she is. She fought overseas, she’s been through it with us. She isn’t lying when she says she can relate to what we go through. How can you not love her?
 
Soldier 2: I served with Natalie, remember when she was just a rookie. She picked it up in no time, kinda like she did with wrestling I suppose. Once she sets her mind to something, she won’t let anything stop her. She’s a real workhorse, she always has to be pushing herself harder than anyone else in the room. Anyone who’s not inspired by her needs to wake up I reckon. She’s a pretty special talent.
 
Natalie is sitting at the mess hall table, soldiers around her, enjoying coffee and biscuits.
 
Natalie: To come back to where I did my training feels right, you know? This isn’t just for sentiment, either, this is where I’ve been doing all my training in the lead up to Final Destination. If you haven’t done a military workout before, then you haven’t worked out. It’s just a level of intensity and physical demand that you can’t simulate anywhere else. The boys here have welcomed me back with open arms, it’s honestly like I never left. Part of me feels like I could throw a uniform on and be deployed in active duty tomorrow. There’s no brotherhood like the Royal Navy, let me tell you. These lads know a more intimate side of Natalie Cage than anyone else, including my own family. You have to bear your soul on the battlefield, otherwise you might not last. You have to come to terms with who you are and make it count. Every second could be your last. You never know when a stray bullet or a dormant mine from the 80s could ruin your day. I’ve always tried to have that same thrill in my day-to-day life. I’m not some kind of crazed wildcard for the sake of it, I was made this way. Life taught me that it’s the only way to live.
 
Natalie walks into the gym. There is a makeshift wrestling ring and her coach is waiting for her.
 
Natalie: This is my coach, Ron. Everything I need, I get from him. Strength, conditioning, agility, technique, it all comes from him.
 
Ron: You ready for a f****** beating, Nat?
 
Natalie: Haha, always!
 
A montage plays of Natalie going through her training. Heavy bag, shadow boxing, sparring, beep test, footwork, free weights, laps, and of course, hand-to-hand combat. It is interspersed with her interview footage.
 
Interviewer: What do you think is the biggest misconception of Natalie Cage?
 
Natalie Cage: That I’m some brute. That I’m a one-dimensional slugger who just hits things really hard and hopes that they don’t get back up. In fact, Ms. Goto touched upon her strategy in her latest diatribe. She wants to beat me with her crisp technique, grace and elegance. And that’s something that’s really bugged me in the entire build to this match. There’s this belief that it’s technician vs. brawler, that I need to hit hard and hit often if I want to put Azumi down. That she’s gonna baffle me with superior technical acumen and that that’ll be my downfall. What people seem to miss is that I’m technical as f***. Even if I’m a more mechanical fighter than most, a little rough around the edges, I know my way around that ring. I’ve had to have extensive hand-to-hand combat training to be in the military, I’ve been kickboxing since I was 5 years old, I’m a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, going for my black in the Summer. You know my brother’s nasty roundhouse kick that he knocks people’s heads off with? Who do you think taught him that? Who do you think taught my brother any of his striking technique? Sure, he may have showed me how to move around a wrestling ring, but he owes his combat skills to his little sister.
 
You see, I’ve been preparing for this day for my whole life. I’ve always known that the day would come where everything I’ve fought for would culminate in something great. I’ve always known that I’d have to lay everything on the line to take the next step in my life. As long as Azumi Goto holds that championship, my next step’s being blocked. Azumi’s said about what I expected her to say, that faux humility that really pisses me off. I love the girl to bits, don’t get me wrong, but f****** hell love, take a damn compliment for once in your life. “Oh, I’m not an all-time great, I’m still so young, oh woe is me. I’m 26 and literally have the most-coveted title in this entire industry.” Spare me, for God’s sake. That woman will probably say in her Hall of Fame induction that she doesn’t feel she deserves it. For someone who claims to have more confidence than me, she certainly isn’t showing it. Always on the backfoot, always defending herself. This is what I feared I’d get from her, the timid little Ace who is incapable of recognising her own greatness.
 
You know something? It offends me, it really does. Sometimes, she doesn’t even come off as grateful. Okay, so she can acknowledge how much she’s evolved as a performer and all that bollocks, but she doesn’t own it. Look at me, I know how good I am, I know I’m the f****** elite. I won the Clash, I beat all comers, I KNOW that I’m great. I KNOW that I can take that title and elevate it to unimaginable heights. That’s the kind of champion Odyssey deserves. Sure, the belt’s sitting on someone who is probably the best straight up wrestler in the world today, but every other time she speaks she has to drag us all down with how she doesn’t feel like she’s at the level she needs to be. You know what I’d respect? If Azumi just came out and said that she was the dog’s bollocks, that I’m a loser who’s in way over her head. That’d be awesome. That’d be something different that’d really get my blood pumping. It’d get a rise out of me and make me feel alive. But Azumi’s just been so…disappointing.
 
I mean, what’s she told me that I didn’t already know? I know that her technique’s great, I know how hard she’s worked to get here. Change the bloody record, Azumi, your shtick’s played out. You can’t coast on this “I’m gonna dig down deep and pull out the win” Rocky Balboa bulls*** with me. I can see right through it. I’ve got you shook, Azumi, we both know it. I’m looking at you, sitting in your little hotel room, cherishing the last couple of days you’ve got with that title. Because you and I both know that you’ve never, EVER had to contend with someone as tenacious as me before. You’re looking at yourself in the mirror and realising that you straight up can’t win in this scenario. Your little dream’s about to end prematurely at the hands of somebody who simply wants it more. You’re taking it all for granted, aren’t you? The media appearances, the superstardom, stuff that other performers would kill to have. Me? I wake up every morning at 5AM with a smile on my face, ready to seize the day by the throat and enjoy the gifts that life has bestowed upon me.
 
It seems to me like you’re almost talking yourself into beating me. Like if you repeat it over and over again that you’re gonna outperform me on the big stage, then you’ll will it into existence. All I’ve seen from you so far is a scared little girl, unwilling to come to terms with who she is or where she stands. You’re the ruler of your division and all you can do is harp on about how much left you still have to learn and experience. Live in the moment, woman, the here and now. Because if you look past me even for a moment, it’s gonna cost you dearly.
 
Interviewer: But don’t you respect Azumi Goto? Don’t you like her?
 
Natalie Cage: Obviously. And when all’s said and done, I’ll buy us both a pint and we can enjoy our friendship. But just look at the differences in our preparation for this match alone. I’ve gone into the dugout, I’ve reconnected with my past, and I’ve trained harder than I ever have in my life. What the f*** is Azumi doing? I’ve not seen any evidence of her even being remotely ready for this contest. She’s moping about in her hotel room, watching OWT shows and recovering from jet lag, while I’m perfecting every punch, every kick, every hold, every move that I know. For a woman who is so obsessed with using technique to beat me, I’m not sure how exactly she’s going to outwrestle me when she’s being an utter recluse. Does she think she’s in an early 2000s pop music video? Is she leaning on the side of the car window and imagining herself in a ballad? I’m out here working, sweating my balls off, making sure that my body and mind are at the utmost level of clarity before the biggest match of my life. Azumi? She’s playing emo and hoping that the world doesn’t see how shook I’ve got the champ. When was the last time you saw a world champion so lacking in confidence for a defence? Where’s the Azumi who kicked April Song’s head off? Where’s the Azumi who damn near broke Diantha Moreau’s leg? All I’ve seen is a woman who has no idea how to respond to my words because I’ve done nothing but speak the truth: she’s desperately trying to convince her fans and herself that she’s got a frog’s chance in hell of walking out of this match unscathed, but she’s just coming off as a pathetic excuse for a paper champion.
 
To think, Azumi’s waited all this time for her big coronation as world champ, and this is what she’s done with it. Her big headline match and she’s prepped for it by allowing herself to be thrown off-kilter by a rookie. Is that really who you want leading your brand? A woman who lets mean words get to her? Or do you want a woman who tells it like it is? Who actually has the balls to have some confidence and treat every match as though it’s her last? Because that’s what I bring to the table. Azumi knows full well that she’s got options. Without that belt, she can fly back over to Japan and just do JET full-time. Hell, she’d probably be better off doing that. She spends so much time flying between Japan and the States – sometimes in a two-day span for multiple matches – and it’s all gonna catch up to her. While she’s busy trying to work out what timezone she’s in and where the aches and pains in her body are coming from this time, I’ll be busy dismantling her limb from limb. I’m all OWA, all the time. This is my home, this is what I fight for. I’m not questioning her loyalty, but I do think she spreads herself far too thin. The weight of carrying a brand and running a whole other promotion is a lot for somebody to do, and I’m more than willing to take advantage of that.
 
Interviewer: It sounds like you’re not even giving Azumi a chance.
 
Natalie Cage: I can’t afford to. This is bigger than her. This is my life we’re talking about. This is something that I’ve wanted since childhood: purpose. If Azumi wants to play misery guts and ignore her responsibilities, fine. I’m spending every waking hour preparing for war. She should be doing the same, but she’s not. And when her so-called technical elegance fails her, when she realises that I’ve got her scouted and know what she’s willing to do to me, that’s when I’ll strike. She knows that she can’t beat me, it’s why she’s spent more time reassuring herself than she has actually coming for my throat. The reign of the Ace is at its end. This is my third opportunity for a title here in the OWA, and I’m not going to waste it on a woman who doesn’t even feel like the champion anymore. Azumi, you’re a hollow, empty, shell of the competitor you were as recently as last month, and I’m here to pick the bones. I mean Jesus, I'm literally the only reason she's champion right now. Natasha Night had totally f***** her, and I made the save. As far as I'm concerned, that belt is mine by right.

Azumi, when I raise that title up and you can do nothing but reflect on your failures to lead the charge, I hope it awakens that competitive spirit inside of you once more. The millions that you claim to fight for are going to be hurt and betrayed. It’s okay though, because I’ll give you a rematch and you can show me what you’re really made of there. For now though, enjoy these final days as champ, because it’s never going to happen again.
 
See you soon.
 
We cut back to Natalie in the gym, where she hits her trainer with a roundhouse kick so hard that it sends him flying into the ropes and bouncing to the mat.
 
Credits.

 
 
Brothers, sisters, rejoice! Rejoice in what good news I bring. For you are all witnessing my final address as challenger. In mere days, you will see me return to the compound as a champion! And not just any champion, a Spartan. A warrior of the finest ilk, one who has been rigorously tested to the point of their physical limitations. One who will put their body through all manner of hell in order to claim what is rightfully theirs. And what is that? We all know, don’t we? We all know that the crown of the Spartans has always been mere inches from my grasp. No more, I say, no more. The time for waiting has elapsed, I’ve done plenty of it. I’ve already addressed my opponents directly, so it’s only right that I address all of you. The people who see me as a so-called…what was it? A meal ticket? Oh contrare, that Layne Kurobane is a riot, isn’t he?
 
 
Oh, how I’ve listened. How I’ve listened to the words of lesser men and been routinely disappointed. I’ve had to watch on with dismay as a division that once stood tall has become the personal sandbox for a man who believes he brings storms. A man who believes himself to be the best because he has swatted away a line of fools. He said it himself, he cannot even remember most of his victims. Simply put, none of them are worthy of being called memorable. And as much as he would like to believe that his little crusade of casting names into oblivion will continue, you never forget the name of the one who ended it all.
 
 
Look upon him, the king of the Spartans. Isn’t he a sight to behold? Strong, fast, dangerous. This man has been nothing short of impressive in the eyes of the people. And if there’s one thing about me that we can all agree on…it’s that I despise people. The man known as Layne Kurobane operates with such precision, it’s like clockwork. Unfortunately, that will be his downfall. Layne talks and talks at length about how he’s heard it all before. About how everyone talks a big game and he slaps them down. He says that as if he hasn’t recycled classic material for me in his retort. He even used that age-old phrase, “smoke and mirrors,” it’s all anyone has to say these days, isn’t it? Somebody comes along who likes to add a little bit of finesse to their work and it’s all smoke and mirrors. So, why don’t we do away with the façade and talk reality? We could begin with the fact that I haven’t been pinned or submitted in six months. We could talk about how I’ve defeated two of the world title contenders at Final Destination fair and square in singles competition. But Layne…he must know all that, mustn’t he? He does his research.
 
But you see, there’s a disconnect between doing the research and engaging with the material. Me? I’m a man who lives by his means. I do not look to be anything I’m not entitled to be. Layne seems to have it in his head that intellect is all about having some grand plan. That I have every detail mapped out. This is real life, Layne, not a movie. Please, feel free to sarcastically comment on my intellectual superiority, sarcasm is but a defence mechanism for those who fear intelligence. As much knowledge that you have, you don’t understand it. You hear, but never listen. You see, but do not observe. Well, listen and observe right now. Look around. Do I look like a man who doesn’t have a path to greatness? Do I look like a man who lives off bottom feeders? I am a man who inspires the weak to make something of themselves, to be better than whatever they were told their ceiling was. These people look to me to be better, and I can’t let a sycophant like you run his mouth with nothing but a superiority complex and meaningless platitudes tell me otherwise. You’re a weasel, Layne, a scum sucking maggot who knows his time is drawing to a close. Of course I never planned on Jeff inserting himself into proceedings, but unlike you, I can deal with a well-laid plan going awry.
 
The best-laid plans of mice and men gang aft a-gley, to quote Robert Burns. Do you really envision me scheming away in my office, constantly worrying about each possible scenario? I’d go mad, Layne, off my fucking rocker. No, no, you’re not special enough to warrant such preparation. I asked for a title match because I knew you’d give me one, because you know that you’ve run through all the competition on Kingdom and that I’m the only cunt that poses a challenge at this point. You can say that I begged, if it helps you sleep at night. You can say that I’m just some whiny, entitled brat who threw his toys out of the pram when he didn’t have anything to do. Do you think I went to war with the likes of Scott Oasis, Carlos Rosso, Bull Connors and Aria Jaxon to be upset by schoolyard insults from a man whose name sounds like it came from a random anime generator? Layne, leave thinking highly of yourself to the professionals, you just look sad doing it.
 
I don’t need outside help, I don’t need you to make a mistake, I just need my will and my wits to see me through. The bitterness I’ve had over never holding that title is starting to consume me, and crushing your bones into dust seems to be the only viable solution. Of course, it has occurred to me that I’m going to be sharing our little contest with somebody I utterly despise, but why would that worry me? I know what Jeff can throw at me, and I know I can take it. If the two of you want to team up, see if I’ll stop you. Because you will have to tear each other apart. You make it seem like I’m relying heavily on that to happen, but isn’t it a guarantee? You can only beat on me for so long until you realise that one of you has to walk away with the title. Your alliance will be built on shaky foundations, I simply have to wait. I’m very good at waiting, as we all know. So, I’m not going to get impatient when we’re at our most crucial point. What kind of fool do you take me for?
 
 
Jeff X, we all know him well, don’t we? You’ve all seen what we’re capable of doing to each other. Violence has defined our relationship, and it will continue to. Though I’m a little offended that he felt the need to remind me of when our hatred began to bubble. I’ll never forget throwing you off that stage, Jeff. The idea of you challenging for the Spartan Title made me fucking sick, and I opted to prevent it. I like watching you struggle, because you seem to think there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Jeff is a man who values hard work, it’s all he talks about in regards to this match. How he earned this and earned that. How he got his lovely little keys and worked his way up to a Spartan Title shot. And how I didn’t have to do any of that.
 
Truth be told, I’m not entirely sure where he’s coming from. No, I didn’t have to jump through any stupid hoops to get my title shot, I was given one. I didn’t have to destroy my body, I didn’t have to put myself on a mission to get on the Final Destination card. Layne probably would have given you the match if you asked for it, too. Apparently, you were too dumb to try. Granted, the last time you did try, I beat the shit out of you, but I didn’t think you’ve give up so easy. Hard work, that is it, that is what he brings to the table. We all work hard, Jeff, life is hard. Do you think I was able to accomplish what I have by putting my feet up and leaving it to chance? Don’t be so fucking naïve. Do you know why I like to talk about the lone win I have over you? Because it really pisses you off when I do. It never fails to get a rise out of you, no matter what. All I have to do is mention you tapping out to me and suddenly it’s all you can fixate on.
 
Though we all know that Jeff’s inability to ever truly get one up on me is well documented. Whether I’m eliminating him from the Clash or denying him his opportunity to become Spartan Champ, it’s all the same scenario with different ingredients. Jeff thinks he has momentum on his side and there I am, the Devil on his back, ready to put an end to whatever aspirations he has. Why do I do it? Because it’s just so fucking FUN, Jeff. And we’re not done yet, are we? Because Layne is a non-factor in this. He’s already lost before we step in the ring. He’s losing his fucking marbles, is what he’s doing. His words are increasingly erratic, his confidence is rocked. The man got distracted by my standing on a fucking table and lost his match to Donny here. I’d like to see him pay attention to two men who would like nothing more than to rip his nearest and dearest from him. This is the end of Layne Kurobane as we know him, but it will not be the beginning of a new Jeff X.
 
Jeff talks about how he can’t wait to see the look on my face when he’s got the gold? He really has deluded himself into that “hard work pays off” mentality that people use to justify why they’re putting themselves through hell in the name of a goal. I’m always working hard, but for God’s sake, I don’t let it become my very identity. Jeff, just because you’re the poster boy for the common working man, it doesn’t mean you’re going to rise up and start a revolution. This tale doesn’t end with the gutsy underdog pulling off the feelgood win. This tale ends with a realist calling his shot and proving himself to be everything he says he is. Work smarter, not harder. I am not a false god, I am not a pariah, I am simply a man who knows when he’s looking at two people who are in way over their heads. Layne likes to deal with his pain through constant competition, Jeff likes to find solace in the bottom of a bottle. We all have our demons, and my demon has been sitting on Layne Kurobane’s shoulder for six months too long. But the time and the moment couldn’t be more perfect. I’m staring at a champ who’s broken, and a challenger who needs breaking. I’m about to reap what I’ve been sowing for a year now, and all that stands in my way is the obstacle of the outmatched. Will I be ruthless? Will I be cunning? Will I be a cheap little shit? I’ll be what I want to be. The question is, will either of you two bring anything I don’t expect? I doubt it, because what I see when I look at Layne and Jeff is the means to an end. And the end is getting ever closer.
 
 
Fear not, my friends. For the next time you see me, I will be carrying the prize that I have promised!
 

What a journey it has been.

It all started even before OWA was conceived as an idea.

Carlos Rosso.

Aren Mstislav.

Scott Oasis.

Nico Borg.

All legends of the industry who fell at some point over the years to the growing power of Nasir Moore. Carlos Rosso is a man who’s been doing this at a high level ever since I was an inexperienced young lad trying to find his footing and learn how to do all of this. That’s a LONG time for all of you OWA Babies whose first true experience in this business is this company. A man world traveled dozens upon dozens of times over. Carlos has held every single championship class in this industry many times over. World Titles, Midcard Titles, Tag Titles. He’s held them all with honor and power. But I’ve always been his kryptonite. ONE TIME he has defeated me. In our I would say...six, maybe seven encounters over the years. Then there’s Aren Mstislav. A Man who won the Grand Slam very early. He was a man destined for greatness since day one. All of this came natural to him. He always had a leg up on me at least, no matter how far I’d get, he’d be that much further ahead of me. It was the ultimate driving force to never be left behind and to always be the leader. To force each and every single other person around me to eat my dust. For me to be the undeniable number one best performer of every aspect of this industry. And oh boy did it work wonders. Aren and I traded wins over the years, from 2014 to 2017. But it truly took me until that grand stage in 2017 to get that career defining victory over my greatest rival ever in this business. My career skyrocketed into legendary status following that victory, which leads me to the next two men. Scott Oasis and Nico Borg. I’ll address Scott first since I have less to say about him. We’ve crossed paths a couple times, yet the two of us have yet to have that one epic matchup where we truly put each other to the test. For now just know that in singles contest, we’ve only faced once...AND I LEFT THAT MATCH THE VICTOR! And finally as for Nico Borg. This man was considered INVICTUS! Unconquerable. And he truly lived up to that monicker. Many MANY of the all time greats stepped up to dethrone the man, and no one could get the job done. Then there’s me. And this victory is the one that made me undeniable. My first world championship victory. That match is how I became the Conquering Messiah. The Man of Miracles. The Best Wrestler Alive. And best believe ever since The Omega Wrestling Alliance opened its doors I have more than maintained that status, title or no title.

Carson Ramsay

Miltiades

Stark

Nobi

Jacob Senn

John Doe

Christopher Sabertooth

Brian Daniels

First off OWA knew what it was doing by placing me in the Main Event match of the first ever Kingdom, that being the first ever OWA Show. Then I was awarded the Omega Heavyweight Championship. Genius maneuver from Bob Taylor before he turned into a piece of shit. I was the safety blanket behind the likes of Keelan Callihan and Finnegan Wakefield. The future was invested in those two at the time. But I was the backbone still, despite the plan being to make one of those two the face. Eventually push came to shove and I had to grow and adopt the role of the man, the role I was vocal that I should occupy no matter what! The Best Wrestler. The Best Talker. The Best All Around Performer. The man who carries the weight and responsibility of all of this upon his shoulders. That’s ME! Only I could bare the brunt of it all and still showcase abilities beyond all others. And that leads me to the list of men I named. Carson Ramsay was another man Bob wanted to make into “the guy”. Unfortunately for him his first opposition was me. Meaning if he couldn’t hang, he was not going to make it to Hardcore Havoc, which of course he did NOT! He was replaced by the debuting Jacob Senn alongside Miltiades. THE TWO MEN SEEN AS THE TWO BIGGEST THREATS TO ME AND MY REIGN ATOP THE MOUNTAIN! BUT IT WAS ALL FOR NOT! I DEFEATED BOTH OF THEM AT THE SAME TIME! Tables, Ladders, and Chairs. It made no difference. Next came Stark. This was all a part of a bigger plot. Stark wanted Jacob Senn all to himself. Jacob wanted to beat me. In Stark’s mind, in order to get Senn’s full attention, he had to eliminate me. Too bad Stark had no idea who he was messing with when he tried me. I SENT HIM PACKING WITHOUT MUCH ISSUE! This then led Miltiades back into the mix as Senn would then be busy with Stark. Miltiades was a more than worthy adversary. And I got to do exactly what I stated I would do with my power and influence. I showcased a talented young man’s abilities in front of the world on one of the biggest platforms and made him into a star! Nobi debuted afterwards and he also stepped up to try and knock me off of the mountaintop. Even the unshakable will of Nobi was too weak to match mine! I truly had ascended to godhood in this industry! The most praised and revered man in our business. Grown men trembled at the mere mention of my name being matched up against theirs. I would eventually lose what was the cornerstone of my power, but I’ll come back to that.

John Doe, Christopher Sabertooth, HELL EVEN THE ALMIGHTY BRIAN DANIELS HIMSELF ALL TRIED TO TAKE ME DOWN AT SOME POINT IN SEASON ONE! NONE OF THEM COULD DO IT! I WAS NUMBER ONE IN THE CLASH OF THE TITANS’ MATCH AND I LASTED AGAINST ALL TWENTYNINE OTHER ENTRANTS! OUT OF ALL OF THE SUPPOSED SUPERPOWERS OF THE OMEGA WRESTLING ALLIANCE! ARIA JAXON, SCOTT OASIS, KEELAN CALLIHAN, JACOB SENN, TARAH NOVA, KENNY DRAKE AND MYSELF...I WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO MAINTAINED THEIR STATUS AT THE VERY TOP FROM DAY ONE ALL THE WAY TO NOW! AND THERE’S A VERY SIMPLE EXPLANATION FOR THAT! ALL OF THE PEOPLE THAT I NAMED...NONE OF THEM CAN MATCH ME AT MY BEST! NOT NOW AT LEAST!

Yes I know. Jacob Senn dethroned me for the Omega Heavyweight Title and he’s had a wondrous reign with it, certainly living up to the legacy I set for it initially. But straight up...he is NOT leaving Final Destination with the Big Silver Title! That’s a promise. Not just because I feel the need to end the night of the show I crafted with my two hands as the victor and reclaiming the championship I built the impressive legacy for with those same two hands. But how poetic would it be for me to put this entire CM Nas versus Jacob Senn saga to bed in the Main Event of Final Destination? Senn, I NEED to beat you. I cannot sleep at night knowing after all of this time we’re still unsettled against each other. We’ve both got definitive victories over one another, meaning that this one right here is for keeps! The entire world’s watching. And we’ve both come a long way in relation to each other, haven’t we Senny boy? I mean when we first came to blows with one another, you loathed me because I was the man who’s rise to the top had stifled your dictator like grip over the main event scene at the time. Not only had I reached your level, but I was quickly showing signs and potential to outgrow you...and you were threatened by that. Once I had pinned you definitively, you snapped. You lashed out all of your emotions and beat me senseless. Even when I tried to be cordial with you, it didn’t make a difference in your eyes. You wanted me DEAD! Which forced my hand. I was forced by YOU to become much more dark and aggressive compared to my normal behavior at the time. Once everything went down, we essentially traded spots on the moral spectrum. You became the well respected veteran who just wanted another shot to claim the top spot. Meanwhile I was the young greedy champion who’d gone drunk with power. I have owned up to it being a mistake to let the gold corrupt my mind and my vision for the industry. However now we’re both at a crossroads. It’s not about trying to kill each other anymore Senn. Now it’s just a matter of settling a simple debate. Which one of us is the better wrestler? Jacob Senn or CM Nas?

At least that’s what I would WANT to say….but along the way a wrench got thrown into things, and now there’s another threat thrown into the mix. And it is quite unsettling for me seeing as who it is. None other than Tarah Nova. Tarah is someone who I always viewed as criminally underappreciated as a pioneer for the industry and someone who’s unique outlook and approach to professional wrestling should be praised by all. Just because I have the utmost respect and love for her, that does not mean I’m going to pull any punches. Any of you who were there for Scorched Earth would know very well. One particular thing happened at Scorched Earth that pisses me off quite frankly, and I cannot sleep right knowing it. I couldn’t beat Tarah Nova straight up in singles competition...now to most of you that might not seem like an issue. “Tarah Nova is one of the best performers ever, and without a doubt one of the most dangerous and perseverant. You shouldn’t feel shame in any way for failing to secure victory against her. Surviving the encounter in a tie is praise worthy enough.” For a normal performer yes, you could most certainly say that. However I am CM Nas! I PRIDE MYSELF ON BEING ABLE TO OVERCOME ANY AND ALL OBSTACLES! I’VE TANGLED WITH AND TOPPLED SOME OF THE STRONGEST, MOST VIOLENT, MOST DESTRUCTIVE FORCES TO EVER LACE UP A PAIR OF BOOTS! Yet I could not definitively put away this little woman for a three count. Do you realize that I find that embarrassing? Once again that is not to undermine Tarah Nova. She’s a one of a kind athlete. However it must be repeated once again. I! AM! C! M! NAS! GODDAMNIT! 

Now that leads me to what will take place Sunday Night. HUH?! April 21st, 2019. HUH?! State Farm Stadium. HUH?! Glendale, Arizona. HUH?! OWA Omega Heavyweight Championship. HUH?! The Big Silver Title. HUH?! The World Title of The Blue Brand. HUH?! Friday Night Olympus’ Richest Prize. HUH?! The Definitive Number One Belt of the Omega Wrestling Alliance. HUH?! Final Destination One Main Event. HUH?! Closing Match of Day Two. HUH?! Triple Threat Matchup. HUH?! Jacob Senn. HUH?! Tarah Nova. HUH?! CM Nas. HUH?!

All jokes aside. It will be an epic encounter that this world just is not ready for. None of the three of us will leave that night the way we enter it. Knowing those two, and knowing myself. Everything will be left out there in that ring. My entire life has led up to this one moment. This single match. My will burns too much to be extinguished by either of you, no matter how formidable or durable either of you plan and most likely will be! I’LL NEED TO DIG DEEPER THAN I EVER HAVE BEFORE TO PUT IT TO AN END! I might just have to end it all for not just the both of you, but even myself to give it a conclusive finish. But you know what. If that’s what I must do to reclaim what is rightfully mine and maintain the status I’ve constructed for myself this past year, then that’s what’s going to happen! Unfortunately for my opponents on that night, Jacob Senn and Tarah Nova. There is no survival for the two of you, there’s only destruction.

HAKAI~!

(Maggall is seen in the dark on a chair, his head facing slightly away with his eyes closed as if he’s sleeping. Maggall whispers something.)
 
Trash.
 
Voice: What was that Maggall???
 
(Maggall slightly shakes in his apparent sleep and says it louder.)
 
Trash!
 
Voice: What???
 
(Maggall wakes up while saying it.)
 
TRASH!!!!!
 
(Maggall looks at the camera mad.)
 
Man Carlos, nobody cares what you think about the other champions or anyone on this damn roster. Nor their matches. Nor their grandmamas. Nor your grandmama. Nor your short stack sister, nor any of your family. None of it!
 
Why do you even care about these people? You even went as far as to start advocating for this place to gain credibility in your eyes by calling a title a Jr Heavyweight title because Cruiserweight divisions “aren’t real.” So nonsensical, so maddening! Not only does the term Cruiserweight exist in MMA, boxing, and professional wrestling, but more importantly these people do not deserve respectful titles in the first place! The only Jr Heavyweight Champion was the leader of the Phantom Troupe!
 
He was a real brother by the way.
 
Humph! Coming out here talking about lovely chocolate skin, then turning around saying you love some vanilla ass midgets! I guess Unchained ain’t mean shit. Then again that’s the story of Carlos, everything is a show, everything is just a prop, and you stand for nothing! Fuck what I learned at the Grotto, I knew about you back when I was as puny as these people in the locker room and my mamma told me about this hood hunk she loved to watch on TV that should be my role model! I looked to my mamma and said, Donovan T’s cool, but what about that skinny little fucker he’s tossing around? That’s right before she slapped me upside my head and I learned my first lesson, Carlos doesn’t compare to real powerhouses, he is nothing when compared to people that go out there and are authentic! Chairs are for sitting was your globally known phrase, but you had no problem using one on me when you knew your pencil neck couldn’t hang with me! So no surprise you love two tea spoons of white sugar, and spend time hyping up a polar bear mauling a sister, though fuck her for abandoning the Troupe. I see through you Carlos, tell Mao I called you a tsundere.  You love this locker room, that’s why you have these attention starved bitches’ names coming out your mouth, so you can make them feel important. These people don’t get to have their names uttered by me.
 
You think I even know any of the other matches happening at this event, that isn’t my own? Please.
 
I heard some guy call himself a time lizard, took me out completely. This place is crazy. The opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference, I don’t care about anything going on in OWA!
 
I’m not here to uplift shit, not even that title, that all comes as an unintended consequence of my presence. My magnanimity is being here! I’m bigger than life, I represent what these people could never be, so therefore they want to see. This whole roster is filled with people that look and act like the people in the damn crowd! That’s never been true entertainment. People want to see superheroes cause they have powers and intelligence no common man ever could. This business was built off the back off giants, wrestlers use to be revered freaks of nature, and is now barely surviving cause the little ants are running the show. You got some good skills old man, you’d still have a spot on my roster, but your type should never be in the way of young fresh beasts like myself. I’m the one that turns heads on sight, I’m the one that if I busted into a room the people would scatter, and I’m the one that towers above all others! I’m here to take what’s mine, I am here to fulfill destiny!
 
Now everyone knows, this big event of Final Destination is the end for many careers, maybe even a few in this match. People just won’t say it. Some people don’t even know how to go out right and have a bang. Without me at this event, it would just be lights flickering out. But don’t worry, Maggall’s got you all covered.
 
Just like he does an opponent at the end of this match.
 
(That’s enough talking for Maggall, he waves his hand with a back slap motion, and the video ends.)