Our scene starts backstage at the previous Olympus. Noah Quinn and Eon Blue sit on crates as the show wraps up.

Noah: Look at us. If someone told me a couple of months ago that we both could be holding belts, I would've seen it coming. The tag division was about to be on lock. I had no doubt that we'd be tag champs sooner rather than later. But I never thought that we'd rise up so high as singles guys. That we could both be singles champions by the end of the year. I know my ego can be big sometimes, but even I'd never see it coming.

Eon: That's right, brother. It's all coming together. The Awakening is on the rise, and soon we'll hold all the gold. I'm proud of us. Nobody thought we had it in us. They turned down my generous offer to join our ranks and follow the light. Ironico, Stark, all of them could be holding gold of their own. They could be as successful as we are now. The church could do for them what it did for us.

Noah: Meh, give yourself more credit. We had all the tools, but maybe it took The Awakening to drag it out of us. This was coming sooner or later, but I'm glad it was sooner. We're the hottest fucking thing in OWA and we're not looking back. Think about once we get back to tag teaming. Nobody's at our pace. And once we blow grab our respective belts, the tag straps are ours for the taking.

Eon: Let's not get ahead of ourselves. The job's not done yet. Let's focus on taking over CW first. I know I've...taken up the beliefs of the father more than you have. Maybe he...has done more for me than he's done for you. I've taken his guidance with open arms. His ways are mine, and I wouldn't have it any other way. We started off together. Our careers have intertwined as friends, as enemies, as rivals, and I ask one thing of you. One thing that'll unite us even more than we already are. Accept Father Fiora. Fully. Devote yourself to the cause, and you'll fully ascend. You'll raise yourself to the highest level. I took the leap and now look at me. I'm about to become the next Openweight Champion.

Noah: Well...I know I said some...insensitive things in the weeks leading up to Game Over. Maybe I could've chosen my words a little better. But things do different things to different people. I never rejected the man. I never turned my back on him. I just...chose to stick with what I know best. I've never been one to fully put my trust in something. I know he's done a lot for you, but I think I'm doing fine how I am, right? Things are looking great.

Eon: I don't hold anything against you from that night, brother. We both did what we needed to do and we both won. I said that I didn't care which one of us won, and I wasn't lying. I knew that my time was coming and was happy to let you take your deserved time in the spotlight. I'm not trying to diminish what you're doing now, it's just that you could be more. Chaos Elite could be more. Devote yourself to the cause, and you can have everything in the world.

Noah: I already have what I want, though. I can achieve anything I want to achieve while still keeping myself...unsupported for the most part. I'm still a member of The Awakening. I'm still loyal to the group. I'll do anything so we can all succeed and it's working. I have a belt. Mark has a belt. And you and Fiora are about to sweep. But I can do whatever I want to do as myself. I don't need to become an honoured disciple like you are. I don't know how much it'll do for me. I don't think it's worth it for me to sacrifice my greed. My self-preservation for something I can achieve with just a little more hard work. I understand what he did for you, I really do. But is it really worth it for me? I don't know yet.

Eon: That's why I ask you to trust me, brother. Trust me when I say that things can only improve. That they can only get better. I know what it sounds like, devoting yourself to something that you're unsure of. But I'm living proof. That's why I'm asking for your trust, brother. I need you to trust me so we can rise higher. I haven't done you wrong yet, have I? You've seen my past. You've seen the man I used to be. If someone just walked up to me and started preaching, I would've knocked his block off. But I've been changed for the better. I've been raised higher than I ever would've dreamed of getting alone. Trust me like you've been doing all this time.

Noah: I'm making an effort. You asked this of me at Game Over. To boost me to the next level. But I didn't need it. We did it together. And I've defended this thing countless times without the help of anybody but myself. Right now, I'm where I want to be. When I inevitably lose this. When I'm lost without a purpose that's not keeping a belt around my waist. Maybe we can talk about this again. When I'm at rock bottom with nothing to lose, I can trust Fiora to pick me back up again. But for now, I'm where I want to be. I trust you, but I trust my gut more.

Eon: I don't want you to get to that point. I know you'll accept it one day or another. I know that there will eventually be a day where you go all in and throw yourself into the cause. But you don't need to get there. I'm trying to steer you away from that fate. The father will accept you in any form, but I know it'll be better for everyone if it's your best. But I suppose that you'll find out one day. I only hope that it happens sooner rather than later.

Noah: Maybe you're right. Maybe I'll find that you're right, one day. That Fiora is the only option that can bring me to the next level. But that day won't be anytime soon. I know it won't.

Eon gives Noah a silent mod and the two make their leave as the scene fades to black.

-----------------------

I’m the reluctant workhorse of OWA. I’m doing things nobody thought I could do, and I’m doing it with a frown on my face. Out of every champion in this company, I’ve gone far and beyond when it comes to putting this thing on the line. I’ve never wanted to. I’d be happy to sit back on my heels and pick and choose where to defend. But also unlike other champions in this place, I haven’t had that luxury. I’ve had challengers thrown at me from who the hell knows where. In what...70? 80 days? In that short time, I’ve already become the second-best TV champ. I’ve never planned on getting there so quickly, and to be honest, I don’t know if I wanted to get there so fast. Call me lazy, but I don’t see anyone else doing what I’m doing. And pretty much against my will, too. I’m the hardest working champion in this company, but I really don’t want to be. And I’m expected to take it with a smile. When I went into Aren’s office, he expected me to be happy. He wanted me to want to defend for the fifth time. He threw me into another defence at CW and looked at me like he was doing me a favour. He saw me as some bright-eyed rookie that wants to take on the hardest challenges every fucking day. And I guess I had to play along. I had to pretend that I wanted everything that he was oh so happy to throw at me. I had to play the role of the happy excited underdog. The respectful rookie that doesn’t really know what he’s getting himself into. Hell, you couldn’t tell me or Nobi apart. And I know that it was music to Aren’s ears. Because I can’t afford to burn any more bridges. I don’t want to piss off the man that can throw me into whatever shitty defence he can think of. I have enough enemies in this place and I don’t feel like making another. Like the man or not, I need him on my side to make this reign a little easier. So I put on the fake smile. I pretend to be someone I’m not. I take on whatever the fuck he gives me gratefully. He’s already given me a huge challenge, so I’m not about to make it even worse. I’ll do whatever the fuck I need to do to keep this thing around my waist, and if it means staying in Aren’s good graces...I guess. It’s not like Tarah was doing anything for me, putting me in defence after defence. A fucking deathmatch, for god’s sake. It shouldn’t even need to be one, but this can be a fresh start. Maybe. If I play my cards right, I shouldn’t only be holding this thing for a long time. I’ve said before that it doesn’t matter who I face because I’ll come out on top every time. But because that my path will be easier. Much easier.

But I guess I shouldn’t be thinking about that too much. After all, the best way to prolong this reign is to...win the title matches. And the title match of the week is against Keelan Calihan. Woo hoo. The guy who could’ve become the god of war...but failed to really show up against Cage. After all that. After weeks of the two of them facing off over and over and over again, it really ended like that. With OWA refusing to exclude two of their shining stars from a pay-per-view. By handing one a GOW contract opportunity and another a title shot. I don't...hate it, I guess. I'm sure it's good for the profits to have two of their biggest wrestlers competing. I don't know what you're complaining about, Keelan. Running away from the place you helped build because you can't find it in yourself to win a fucking singles belt. You've had everything you don't have to earn. An entry in the GOW tourney. A guaranteed title shot if you LOST. It doesn't matter what happens, because either way OWA ensures that Keelan Callihan benefits. I'm sure that gave you lots of motivation to beat Cage, right? Oh well, you don't get a chance at almost a guaranteed world title. But a shot at an achievement that's evaded you for your entire OWA tenure isn't a bad consolation prize, right? But that's not what you want. Sure, you'll take it, but that's not what you want before you run off into the sunset. The only thing you want is the World Heavyweight Championship. You want to take that belt and send off your career on a high note. But the TV Title doesn't sound too bad either, does it? It's not your final goal, but you'll take it. Whether I like it or not, OWA's tasked me to take this belt and elevate it to the next level. To take this thing and raise it up from it's embarrassing days of being at the bottom of this company. From being the punchline of shitty simp jokes. To being passed around like a fucking blunt on the first defence. Hell, on the first fucking day. Wakefield did a part. And in the time between pay-per-views, I've done even more. And I'm not going to let a flight risk erase it. You're not going to spoil all my hard work. I'm not going to let you take this belt and then throw it in the trash as soon as a world title shot comes around. I'm all too happy to let you get closer to that ultimate goal by keeping your waist empty and available.

But this isn't the first time you've gotten an opportunity at this belt. In the days of Stark, you did what I did and walked out to an open challenge. Wakefield felt like putting it on the line, and the two of us took advantage. But the difference between us is that I came out on top. I took every single advantage I was given and used them to the fullest. Sure, you can say that I didn't win this thing 100% cleanly, but you don't seem like a type of man who cares about that shit. And even throughout my reign, I've shown that I deserve this. I've defended this thing countless times on my own against opponents that have no business being handed a title shot on a weekly show. Despite every attempt to wrench this belt from my grasp, I've always come out on top. But I doubt OWA would be too unhappy with you as champ. I'm sure they'd be happy to let you hold onto it as long as you want. I'd ask you if you can do the same, but I'm sure you can. That's why Aren and then were so desperate to drag you back for one more run. You're valued so much in this place despite not doing much on the wrestling side of things. And you have no idea how good you have it here. Big money everywhere you turn. Title shots at the snap of a finger. All you have to do is stomp your feet and yell at whoever has the misfortune to be dealing with you that day. The winner of Fiora vs Derelict is probably going to be facing you. You got an entry in the god of war tournament for re-signing with this place. You got a free shot at my title for fucking losing in the tournament. But I'm sure you'll find something to complain about. OWA's been good to you. And I feel like they're only gonna keep it up as the months go on. But I only complain about it because it's you that's getting the preferential treatment and not me. Hell, if I was the one getting opportunity after opportunity, I wouldn't be complaining. But it's not, so you have to deal with me telling you something you probably already know.

But despite your history in this place, despite all the people expecting you to finally claim that singles title, I know that you don't hold a candle to what I can do in a ring. You've based your career on dirty tricks in and out of the squared circle. Ruthlessness without any mercy. That's what we do, but I'm sure you take that to another level. But you can't try that shit with me. I dare you. Try whatever sneaky shit you want, but be ready for what's to come after you fail. The Awakening is always lurking. Always a step ahead. Always watching. We won't let that shit happen. You won't even get a chance to try what you tried with Cage because you'll be knocked on the floor before the thought even enters your mind. I've got current and future champions ready to knock your block off at the snap of a finger. Not because I'm their leader. Not because I'm using them in some way. Because I'd do the same for them in a heartbeat. Even at your best, you don't stand a chance against four talented wrestlers committed to kicking your ass. We always find a way. We haven't failed yet, so what makes you think that this will be the time we falter? Hell, I don't know how well you'll do against me. And the same goes for the world title scene as well. Once Fiora's the undisputed champ, it'll truly be game over for Olympus. You can hit hard, but we'll hit back twice as hard. OWA is about to be on lock, and whoever doesn't join the brotherhood won't just be left behind. That would be too good for them. They'll be stomped out and made an example of to show The Awakening's true strength. The sooner you and the rest of the roster accepts it, the better, because things are only changing in our favour. I know you'll be one of those who either fight back, or brush us off as nothing. I guess it doesn't matter where you fall because only one option brings success. If you ignore us before it's too late, your fall will be a silent one. But maybe you won't be around long enough to see us at our peak. At least resisting lets you go out with a fight. And we all know how much people in this business love going out with a fight. But if you're smart, fighting back isn't worth the effort. Because resistance will truly be futile. Not only in the Awakening takeover, but in this match. I'm sure you're walking into this with all the confidence in the world, but you're in for a shock. Maybe you'll realize during the match that no matter how much you fight, no matter how much you struggle, this belt will never be yours. Maybe you'll realize what hit you after the final bell rings. Long after I walk out with the TV Title in hand. Maybe you'll see the light. Maybe you'll realize what The Awakening can do for you that you can't do on your own. I don't know if there'll still be an open belt available, but you never know. Surprise me. After I notch my fifth defence, take off the blinders. Maybe you'll shock the world and finally see clearly.

But that, I highly doubt.

November 23th. Bakersfield, California.

Although she did not pick up the win for her team on Odyssey, The Pretty Guardian felt as if she was on top of the world and taking that proverbial one step further than anyone else, but she knew she wasn’t alone in those steps. A few days after Odyssey went on the air, we found ourselves in the mansion home of the Matthews-Brookes family and outside in their spacious and large back garden is where we’re meeting with Rebecca as she uses her kicks against a kick bag, dressed in her casual sports bra and tight leggings. Punch after punch and a series of kicks land to the bag as Rebecca trains for her first ever opportunity at OWA championship gold.

“You know, kicking it harder isn’t going to break it off it’s chain.” A voice calls out from the distance.

“If it comes close to it then so be it,” Rebecca replied back to the voice, turning her head to where the voice came from.

Rebecca looked to her right to see her older brother, Ryan, slowly walk over to her. It had been a while since Rebecca had seen her own brother, since then her own brother had been battling his own personal demons, before finally making the step to retire from professional wrestling as a whole. Rebecca grew a smile on her face to see, or even hearing, her brother nearby. She slips her hands from her gloves and throws them down onto the grass below, walking towards her brother and wrapping her arms around him as he does the same to her.

“How are you feeling now? I’ve heard about what happened.” Rebecca asked as she wrapped her arms around her brother.

“Don’t worry too much about myself, I’m perfectly fine,” Ryan responded as Rebecca embraced in a hug. “I’m feeling a lot better now that I’ve released some stress and weight from my chest. I realized that maybe I jumped the gun to bring myself back into wrestling after mother had passed. Maybe it was for the best, even if I tried so hard to make sure it wasn’t, but we do have to let go of things we don’t want to release from our lives.”

Rebecca pulled away from her brother, a tear slowly shedding from her eye.

“Becks, please.” Ryan pulls a handkerchief from his coat pocket, wiping away the tear from her eye. “None of that, there’s no need to cry now, I’m fine.”

“I just… I got worried when I heard about what happened,” Rebecca spoke through the emotion, weeping with more tears slowly falling from her eyes. “I already lost my own mother and I thought I was going to lose my only brother as well not even four months apart… Things like that makes you think about how much they truly mean to you when they’re gone.”

Ryan continued to wipe away the tears from Rebecca’s face with his handkerchief,

“I know, Becks… I know.” Ryan’s voice grew softer with every word.

He let out a soft sigh as he wrapped one arm around the neck area of Rebecca and pulled her in for another short embrace. Upon letting her go, Ryan took the privilege of taking a seat upon the grass he stood on, Rebecca looked down at him with a quite confused look.

“You know father will not like him sitting on his grass, it was only cut this morning.” Rebecca spoke as she sniffled from her nose.

“So?” Ryan questioned. “Do you not realize that when he decides to pass away, we are left with our own halves of the estate? I’m sure we get to have a say of the land as of right now when it comes down to it, so I will sit on this grass and I will enjoy it with comfort.”

Ryan lifts his arm up to Rebecca. “Will you join me?”

Rebecca looked down onto Ryan, giving off a slight smile and a sigh before gently grabbing a hold of Ryan’s hand and placing herself down onto the grass beside her brother. Ryan and Rebecca looked out past the forest of trees that surrounds the land they sit on, watching the wind brush through the branches.

“Tell me about what you’ve got coming up?” Ryan asked.

“The ladder match?” Rebecca questionably answered. “Yeah… it’s something I’ve never-”

“And about your actions against the people I thought were your friends… What went wrong there?” Another question that Ryan shot towards Rebecca, this time one that she could not answer. “I hope to god that you did not decide on becoming the type of person I used to be. I know well I did not train and teach you everything all to turn your back on everyone that you cherished because you feel left out.”

“I didn’t, Ryan… I didn’t do that! I was trying to prove something to everyone!” Rebecca loudly exclaimed.

“Well what did you do then?” Again, Ryan questioned. “You’ve been telling everyone that you’re doing this for your family, you’re doing this for the ones you love, and yet you’re willing to attack those you love from behind…”

Ryan let out a sigh, bringing his hand and brushing his hair back before looking back to Rebecca.

“...so why did you do it?”

Rebecca is almost brought to more tears in her eyes but she’s able to hold them.

“I wanted to prove something,” she whimpered. “That’s all. I wanted to prove a point.”

“Explain to me,” he pauses for a quick moment. “What point was it?”

“...I wanted to show people that even if and when you are friends with a third of the match’s participants, a match like this is no woman’s land, a match like this is any woman for themselves, and I know that any of them in that same position would do the exact same thing.” Rebecca exclaimed.

“I understand that but there’s better ways of doing such things, this isn’t like you and I hope this isn't some change within you.”

“There isn’t any change within me, I wouldn’t do anything like that for no reason whatsoever!”

Ryan could hear Rebecca’s tone rising under the pressure placed on her over the questioning. He slowly places his arm around her, bringing her closer to himself as he pulls her in.

“You want to win this for mom, don’t you?” Ryan asked.

Rebecca never spoke, only answering with a slow nodding of her head.

“I knew you would,” he spoke. “I would too if I was in a situation like this. But I want you to learn one thing, this isn’t what mom would have wanted. This isn’t how she would tell you to behave, even if you’re trying to prove to your friends it’s every woman for themselves because although it may be for now, what would it be like when the end of the match is said and done… are you by yourself or are you with them?”

“I hope with them…”

“You’d hope or you will?”

Rebecca closes her eyes, taking a deep breath and reopens her eyes as she looks to her brother.

“I will be with them,” she exclaimed. “No matter what we do, we’re friends to the very end.”

A smile grows on the face of Ryan as he nods his head in approval of her younger sibling’s choice of words.

“That’s exactly what I wanted to hear from you.” Ryan said as he began to stand up and back onto his own two feet. “Now, I know how much this means to you and how much it’ll mean if you brought back that championship home to me, showing the dedication and hard work you put into that match, so I will make one promise to you, Beckie.”

“What’s that?” she questioned as she looked up to Ryan.

“I promise that I will push you to the limits,” he said as he grabbed Rebecca’s hand to pull her up to her feet. “A ladder match is not your everyday kind of match, there’s so much more to it than meets the eye, I know that all too well. I will make sure that you push yourself further, you push yourself up that ladder even when you are beaten down and bruised, I will make sure that you are going to take that one step closer than anyone else. I promise that everything I put you through until the day you leave for Atlanta will be worth it to the very end when you have that championship in your hands at the top of that ladder.”

Like a boost of confidence grew onto her, she began to slowly smile as her lips curled.

“Will you be there to see it happen?”

“Of course, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

For Rebecca’s biggest supporter, being there for her when she is almost to her breaking point, it made her feel a whole lot different about everything that surrounded her. She knew that she was doing this for the ones that were by her side from day one, her family to her close friends to even the people that trained her, and with one final boost to push her, she feels much steadier on the path to a war of Goddesses.

Ryan and Rebecca hold onto one another as they both make their way back to the mansion home, to prepare for a new regime, a new plan heading into Civil War, one that they can both agree to. The shot fading away to darkness.

November 24th. Anaheim, California.

“Preparing for a battle is the hardest part of life when you risk the casualties of the friends around you…”

A singular light source brightens up the room, familiar to those who watch closely and know of the surroundings, the basement to Rebecca’s brother’s home. An indoor gymnasium with everything equipped, from treadmills to kick pads to even punching bags and weights, her brother had it all for his own personal usage whenever he had the time for it. The small ceiling light dimmed enough to just illuminate Rebecca and the bench she had seated at. Her hair tied up into a bun, the sweat dripping from her head down her body, onto her clothing, she had looked as if she trained for a couple of hours at least. No sign of Ryan, no sign of her brother’s fiance, just herself. No background noise to accompany her, just the heavy breathing and her own voice being spoken to us, the viewers.

“...and in the heat of battle, there can be casualties, which is something I do not aim to make happen but after what happened on Odyssey? I showed that. Ladies, please, I know that some of you are wandering around asking if Rebecca really is on our side and the honest answer to that would be yes. I am. To be frank, there isn’t a shadow of a doubt that I’d try to change in front of you all because I know better but - the thing is - in battles like this, we all have to take one step further if we truly want to succeed. Alyssa, Hana and Gwen. You all saw it... or more so, you felt it... when the ladder struck into your backs. I will say, it’s not my proudest moment, but it felt as if I wasn’t in anyone’s shadow going into this match. Odyssey showed that we, bonded together, can work and trust one another, but the thing is, there is none of that when it comes down to this match. None of it whatsoever. Some of you work to have that trust in one another, and by the looks of things, you wish to either have a stepping stone to help push you further up that ladder or let yourself be the stepping stone for others.”

Rebecca kept her head down as she spoke, slowly unwrapping her hand of the white tape tied to it, taking her time with it as she unraveled it. A deep sigh is heard coming from Rebecca as she stops unraveling the tape from her hand.

“That’s not what I aim to be, so I had to take matters into my own hands, but does this mean that the trust you all had for me is gone out the window? Of course not, not one bit, because people like such would do it for themselves, for the sake of their own boost to their ego. Me, on the other hand… I do it for my family, my friends like the ones I’ve made here in OWA, for everyone. No in between. Nothing of the like, what you see is what you get and if the time calls to get a bit down and dirty then so be it. I’ll allow it but that doesn’t mean I’ll enjoy it for my own sick and twisted pleasure like what Morrighan or Selene would believe in. Let me explain to you my motives, because for the better half of the past couple of days… you all seem confused by them. When I first stepped onto the Odyssey roster, into Omega Wrestling Alliance, into the ring… I had no clue what was right and what was wrong. I had a trainer who believed in doing anything for the sake of the win and when I finally put thought to it, I realized I was becoming more and more like him as the days… weeks… even months went on.

The sake of a Princess turning into a Queen foiled, I knew I wasn’t ready for the crown, even if they probably were the best or they weren’t. Everything I did in that ring, I did it for my family because at first, they never believed I could make the transition so quickly from the octagon to the squared circle. No previous training, I learned it all on the fly, but I took some inspiration from the likes of Aria Jaxon or Michael Bishop. Dominant strikers in their game, even one of them I could relate to when it concerns transitioning from one sport to another, and in my debut for the company, I succeeded with ease but I was fresh. The rest came down to being here and there, in and out, wondering whether or not I was cut out for this but every time I thought about it, I placed it down on being green… fresh into the sport and still getting the hang of things, the casual and most used excuse for my losses. The more I tried, the closer I’d get and when I did win, it was against someone new to the sport, someone like myself when I first started. I got it though, some of these women had wrestled for years, they might have started off before I was even in the octagon. So I tried, and I tried, and I tired even more. Faced the best of the best, gave them a fight that made them respect me, and in the end was the eventual fail.”

Finally… Rebecca lifted her head up slowly, taking a long hard look into the lens of the camera that recorded her, a glare to her eyes as her death stare was broken by her head lowering down once more to begin unraveling the tape from her other hand. Starting from the fingers, she slowly unraveled through each finger before making it down to her hand, where she began to unravel again.

“The thing is… I don’t send a message and then not stick to it as if I simply just gave up on everything around me, right, Selene? You came back with a bang, you came back swinging and by swinging… I mean that with the literal sense of you swung a chair to cost Hana her one and only chance at the championship alone. A cowardly act if you ask me, and considering that you’ve done nothing with yourself since then, it makes me wonder what the hell you are doing back here if it’s only to lose some more. There isn’t any void here, or anywhere to be precise, they’re all gone long before you decide to rear your ugly head back on this brand again. If it’s a chance that you’ll do something without an entire team to back you up, it seems to me that you can’t even do that. Take the cowardly way into this match, pay the price on the way out, and we’ll send you your best regards when it’s everyone against you.”

Rebecca lifted her head up once again, holding the ball of white wrist tape in her hand before throwing it out of shot and into the darkness, she leaned in and rested her forearms down onto her knees, looking up to the camera as she sighed.

“Morrighan, Banshee, whomever I may have the privilege to be speaking to, I’m glad you did what you did a few nights ago, and even before that two weeks beforehand. My hatred couldn’t get any more higher than how I feel with you. I’m sure you know how I felt when you began to accuse me of abusing illegal substances because it pissed me off you’d make such false claims but the more I listened to you, the more I came to the realization that everything you do and say are nothing more than false claims. The thing with you is that you’re nothing more than full of accusations, and you can’t accept the truth, except for the reality you make inside of your broken mind. Blackmail, threatening, doing anything possible to make sure you got into this match, it’s disgusting. It’s vile. It makes me beating you down feel much more pleasing.

But to swiftly move onto those that I can wholeheartedly trust, beginning with Gwen Harper. A woman I’ve been full of history with when it came down to it, and look at you, Gwen. Making moves but it feels as if everything I said before that match came to fruition, it feels as if what I had said was proven right. Without me, you’re nothing and with me, you are something. Going into this match, I know you’re relying on me making sure that you do everything to put you out there but the harsh truth is that I’ve learned from my battles with you, and we’ve had our fair share of battles but in this one, Gwen, I want to be the one standing tall over you. To you, it might not be fair but to me, it’s only fitting.”

Rebecca clasped her hands together as she brought her hands close to her face.

“Hana Nakajima, a girl I’ve had many interactions with, a girl I’ve had many conversations with, a girl I’ve become very close with. I know that in your eyes, it’s been heartbreak as I’ve explained beforehand, but to you, I want you to know that this isn’t about trying to ruin a friendship, because the bond we have isn’t something I’m looking to break on purpose. We’ve also had our few bouts against one another, you beat me in a Tag Team match early on in my run here in OWA and then at Game Over weekend, we both eliminated ourselves from the battle royal but in a match like this, there is no eliminations and there is no mistakes to be made, what happens in that ring could settle a little score between us, and if I can time it right, I want to be the one who is able to hop right over you. Because you had your chance, even when I was the first to ask out of the two of us, I never got my chance to shine like you have. I need this more than you need this, and don’t say that you need it more because you have no idea how much this means to me.”

Tears began to fill up the eyes of Rebecca but she’s able to hold them in as she had been pointing to herself, she began to relax and bring her hands to that clasped positioning as they were before.

“This leaves me with the OWA Goddesses Champion. The most dominant champion there ever has been in OWA right now, there’s nobody that tops the level of honor and pride like what Alyssa Grace put into this championship. The longest reigning champion, the most defenses as a champion, shining like a star and proving to be the biggest star of them all, everything Alyssa says is backed up in the ring. Nobody can deny it. Outside of the ring, she’s the sweetheart that takes people’s breaths away but inside of the ring, she’s down to earth and so serious. It’s like a switch when she steps through the ropes, and I experienced that first hand on Odyssey, but Alyssa… I want to do what people consider to be the impossible. I want to beat Alyssa Grace and capture the championship from you.

This championship means so much to you, but it means so much to me as well, and I know you’d understand where I’m coming from but I’m not here to say I want it and then let you keep it like a kid in the candy shop. That championship would complete me, my career and finally put me in the position I should be, as an actual competitor on this brand, as actual competition to others that want to step up against me and laugh in my face. If I can beat Alyssa Grace, then I could do anything, because I know that without this championship… You can accomplish so much more. You could be the OWA Women’s World Champion if you wanted to be, you could be anything if you tried, but you need someone to pass the torch to as champion. I’m willing to be that woman. I am going to be that woman, because all of this, it’s all going to be my moment- our moment.”

A tear fell from her eyes, the thought of even having the OWA Goddesses Championship in her hands has brought out her true emotions.

“When my mother passed away in July, I made a promise that even from up there in heaven, I would make her proud and become the girl that I told her I was going to be when I signed the contract. This is the match I’ve waited so long for… I still don’t believe that I’ve made it this far and that it’s all just a lucid dream of mine. But it’s not, it just isn’t, because the emotions feel real, and the pain feels real. The battles I’ve been through have been real, the beatings that I’ve taken down the road to this moment have been real and I won’t accept it to be truly real until the OWA Goddesses Championship is in my hands and I am announced the new champion.”

Rebecca brought her thumb to her face, wiping away the tears that ran down her face before bringing her hand to the side of her face and caressing her cheek. She took a deep breath, letting herself become relaxed and be freed from her emotions. Rebecca looked up to the camera for the final time and sat up straight, crossing her arms before bringing her right hand up to her face and letting her index finger rest on her chin.

“This is for her, this is for my family, this is for everyone. I stand tall and prove the doubters wrong, as I should be doing all this time, and I truly become The War Guardian that protects Odyssey and everyone in OWA. This is our moment. Now it’s time to live it to the fullest.”

With those final words spoken, the singular light luminating the room fades the room to black.

 
Morrighan McDonnell: A bit nervous, are we Ms. Slater?
 
Jovana Slater: Um, maybe a little. I'm honestly surprised that you agreed to this interview, considering how your past interviews usually never end well. What made you change your mind?
 
Morrighan: Because too many people have made plenty of inaccurate statements regarding us, but in light of Civil War, and the circumstances regarding those involved, we felt that a more… formal approach was necessary.
 
Jovana: You mentioned “we,” something that you’ve been doing ever since “the Banshee” emerged in late spring. Why do you refer to yourself in the plural sense?
 
Morrighan: As stated many times, I’m not alone in this crusade… in fact, I’ve never been alone, thanks to my darker persona. How could I take credit for the actions of someone… no, SOMETHING else? People assume that I can, somehow, “control” the Banshee, yet that is far further from the truth than even I care to admit… Jovana, I even tried to initially control the Banshee’s bloodlust, not just in the OWA, but also back in my street-fighting days… In the end, it’s almost like fighting an unnecessary battle that I have no chance of winning, so why fight it?
 
Jovana: So, in other words, you claim that the Banshee acts as its own “independent” agent?
 
Morrighan: Yes, in a manner of speaking… In the past, I was just a horrified spectator, forced to witness the Banshee’s… "questionable" actions, to be polite. However, lessons learned have allowed me to embrace, rather than protest, this darker part of my soul… Now I'm an eager and willing participant, our goals fully aligned… and currently, our singular goal is the Goddesses Championship... In our eyes, it already belongs to us… Alyssa Grace is just a temporary placeholder…
 
Jovana: Let’s use that as a transition to discuss the upcoming ladder match at Civil War III, which will feature Alyssa Grace defending her championship against yourself and four other opponents. I want to get your perspective on all your opponents, starting with Selene. A couple weeks ago, you accused Odyssey GM Viola DeMarco of actually being the “true ringleader” behind the formerly dominant group known as the Void, which included Selene as a member. Even though there is no actual “evidence” to support your theory, what prompted you to make such an accusation?
 
Morrighan: First of all, what's considered “evidence” is simply a matter of perspective. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, than the majority of more simple-minded folk like yourself can easily miss what's been obvious to us for quite some time… Viola is a very talented puppet master, after all… As far as her association with the Void, it should be rather obvious, especially with regards to Selene’s failed resurrection out of nowhere. How else can you explain her sudden presence after months of silence, living in relative obscurity, a forgotten footnote in Odyssey’s embarrassing past? Do you think it was just a coincidence that she happened to “interfere” in a Goddesses Championship match? Hardly, it was rather a pre-planned strategy to keep the belt on Alyssa, one of Viola’s preferred "Goddesses," a certified cash cow she plans to keep on milking until nothing but powder and dust remain… Selene herself hasn’t done much outside of becoming a laughing stock during her little, short-lived “comeback” tour that, for her, will absolutely have no memorable encore…
 
Jovana: Now, I eventually wanna talk about your feud with Ms. DeMarco, because it’s been in the public eye for quite some time, and now other superstars have also begun making similar claims. However, I want to know why you think Selene was inserted into this title match, despite the prominent notion amongst the other participants that her spot is perhaps the most “undeserved?”
 
Morrighan: Again, you say “undeserved” as if it's common knowledge, but who possesses the booking power to make the match? Viola DeMarco. Personally, we have some theories as to why Selene is present in this match... Selene was “rewarded” for her loyalty, as not only did she keep Viola’s involvement with the Void a secret, but she also accomplished her task of ensuring Alyssa left her title match against Hana Nakajima still Goddesses Champion… a calculated measure that runs deeper than you know… Viola’s overall plan was to keep us OUT of Civil War entirely. Just look at her track record, she’s been fighting us the entire year. Every PPV had us on the outside looking in, no matter how well we were performing. We appeared on Hardcore Havoc because of a match we won on Atlantis, a show we’ve probably appeared on more than Odyssey, since Viola also goes out of her way to avoid booking us in on Odyssey, sometimes for several shows in a row… If you don’t believe us, check the records yourself. It all adds up... Now, going back to that “calculated measure” we mentioned... Selene is nothing more than an added “insurance policy,” designed to allow the Goddesses Championship match to conclude with a more… “favorable” result for Viola… These theories all combine into the larger narrative that Viola doesn’t want us anywhere NEAR the Goddesses Championship... but she could no longer ignore the dangers of ignoring our actions, finally forcing her hand. She likely foresaw something like this happening, so a six-woman ladder match was made out of necessity… Five other woman, with a supposedly-equal chance of leaving as champion… So, in conclusion, Selene’s “role” in this match isn’t necessarily to keep Alyssa's championship intact… it’s to “prevent” us from climbing the ladder, both proverbially and literally.
 
Jovana: (under her breath) Wow, I definitely need a road map for that one… ahem… So you believe that Selene is an additional protocol put in place to prevent you from winning the title?
 
Morrighan: … Without any doubt.
 
Jovana: OK… changing gears here, what’s your opinion on the young and popular Hana Nakajima?
 
Morrighan: ...The first word that comes to mind upon hearing her name is “centerfold,” because that’s really the extent of her so-called “talent:” a stupid slut skilled at posing for cameras… She claims that common perceptions of her are just misconceptions, yet just like how idiots in the West confuse “geishas” with “oirans,” she herself is simply a misconception of what a true champion embodies.
 
Jovana: I’m sorry… what are “oirans?”
 
Morrighan: Really? With all the Japanese performers in the OWA, you don’t know the meaning of the word “oiran?” It’s Japanese for what amounts to being a “high-ranking” prostitute, above the lowly, more common hooker known as a “yūjo.” Geishas are often thought of as “oirans” because they, like oirans, are well-trained in the arts of music and dancing… quite fitting if you think about it, really… Like any basic pin-up poster whore, Hana is nothing more than a confused oiran that believes herself a geisha… just like the fact she’s just an Asian sex symbol that mistakenly believes she is a championship-caliber wrestler destined to become the new “face” of Odyssey.
 
Jovana: Hana recently went on record stating that she believes you don’t deserve to be in this title match, that you’re just someone who has, per her own words, “lost your mind.” How would you like to respond to that?
 
Morrighan: Well, what we’d really like to do is to rip out her tiny spleen and use it for dental floss, but Civil War is only a week away, so we will entertain to ourselves the many painful possibilities that we have in store for her… as to her misguided claims, we’d expect nothing less from a tiny terrier fighting amongst a sea of wolves… It’s true that me and the Banshee share a shattered mind, but it has never truly been “lost.” Sense of purpose… perhaps… but our actions are hardly ever reactive to pure emotion… Remember that we discovered Viola’s foul crusade against us long ago, so every decision we’ve made has largely been thought out and planned for… As far as “deserving” to be involved, NO ONE is more deserving than us… Despite Viola’s decisions to fix our matches through various machinations, we continue to outperform everyone on the roster, even with a larger handicap than most... It’s actually insulting to have four undeserving bitches be a part of what should have been a one-on-one title match between us and Alyssa. Hana, Gwen, Rebecca, and Selene should all be licking Viola’s snatch, because anyone with a brain, a set of eyeballs, and a sense of justice knows that Morrighan McDonnell vs. Alyssa Grace for the Goddesses Championship is a Main Event caliber match on ANY card.
 
Jovana: Fair enough… Hana also stated, as others have alluded to in the past, that your “Banshee” persona is just you “pretending” to be a ghost, but that you’re nothing more than just a painted-up freak with a love for the macabre. What do you say to that?
 
Morrighan: Ask Jessy Saxon, NAMI, and anyone else that dared to underestimate us if they think we’re just playing Halloween year-round... Oh that’s right, they are no longer… around… Pity... But please ladies, continue to think and believe just that, because your underestimation of us will only lead to your eventual defeat, whether or not you see it coming… and you won’t… Furthermore, the Banshee isn’t simply a mere “ghost;” we are much more than that… We are the Wraith of the Ring, a Harbinger of Doom that serves a personal oracle of death to all whom cross our path… just like the legends, the Banshee is something that should both be feared and respected…
 
Jovana: Thank you… Onto Rebecca Brookes, someone that you have already crossed paths with prior to this match. What’s your overall opinion on her?
 
Morrighan: The so-called “Californian Angel” with the rather… checkered past…
 
Jovana: Excuse me, but what do you mean by “checkered past?”

Morrighan: Rebecca Brookes is a recovering junkie, despite the little “goody two-shoes” routine she puts on in public… Anyone thinking that they have a chance against us, at this stage of the game, is clearly abusing some illegal substances. She gets more bloody noses from her “recreational activities” than she does from her matches… We won’t deny that Rebecca, unlike some of the others involved in this match, does legitimately have some talent and tenacity underneath that incredibly soft exterior… it’s too bad that her own "demons" continue to lead her to some bad decisions, both strategically and in her personal life, which is like watching a literal train-wreck... Moreover, as you just mentioned, we’ve already battled one-on-one in the ring, and to the surprise of only herself and likely Viola, it was our hand raised in victory. Yet, she still gets unfairly booked in this match-up, just like Selene, Hana, and Gwen. All four women’s scoresheets are extremely unimpressive, but they still get the red-carpet treatment from Viola... We understand the strategy, despite the unfairness: they are all there to prevent us from winning, even they’re too stupid, naïve, and gullible to know that they are just being used as insurance policies. Viola’s crusade against us goes beyond who she desires as champion. Quite frankly, as long as it’s not us, she probably could care less who wins… 
 
Jovana: That brings me around to Gwen Harper, who managed to track you down, attacking you with a large hunting crossbow. More than anyone else in this match, she seems to be more focused on you rather than anyone else, including Alyssa Grace. Why do you think that is?
 
Morrighan: Who knows? We can’t even begin to understand how the mind of some inbred alcoholic hillbilly works… As for any claim she wants to make that she “successfully hunted us,” why don’t we instead separate “fact” from “fiction?” Gwen Harper fancies herself a hunter, but had it not been for our little “breadcrumbs," she would’ve never been able to seek us out… Yes, Gwen, you thought you were trapping us, but the only one who stepped into our trap was you.
 
Jovana: Could you elaborate on that a bit further?
 
Morrighan: ...Certainly… We knew that Gwen wanted retribution after we effortlessly put her through Viola’s table, and that she would employ her amateur-ish tracking skills in order to “find” us… so we used a couple of nobodies soon to be forgotten from memory in order to lure her out… However, since she "blindsided" us with her crossbow, many assumed that she evaded our trap, but here’s the kicker: the trap she "entered" wasn’t intended for her directly… Why would we waste our time on someone who has spent more time lately tearing up dive bars than competing in matches, especially when we have our sights set on much higher goals? No, our “trap” was to ensure that Viola would have NO CHOICE but to include us in a Goddesses Championship match, unfavorable odds and all… but given the cast of characters involved, are the odds against us really so unfavorable?
 
Jovana: I’m not following…
 
Morrighan: No one but us has truly "earned" the right to be the Goddesses Champion, especially over the last few months. Gwen was booked to compete against Jonetta Stone for the GameOver card, where as we were, once again, given the “consolation prize” of a match on Atlantis. We do cherish every given opportunity, but when we consistently elevate our game to the next level, it’s fair to expect that we’d be featured more prominently... As far as Gwen goes, let’s look at her only “claim to fame,” which was that ”spectacular LOSS” against Jonetta, who is superior to Gwen as both a hunter and wrestler in every conceivable way… Yes, we despise Stone perhaps almost as much as Viola, but she has managed to gain something from us that almost no one else here on Odyssey possesses… our respect, regardless if she wants it or not… Gwen is different. We have absolutely ZERO respect for someone that inspires us to shower anytime our nostrils come into range of her foul stench, smelling of roadkill skunk, cheap American beer, and… failure, which reeks from her most of all.
 
Jovana: We’re running low on time, so let’s finally address the Goddesses Champion herself, Alyssa Grace. You seem to be very focused on her, so much so that you’ve even been observed “stalking” her at times. What’s your actual feelings regarding Alyssa?
 
Morrighan: ...At first, there was some respect there. How could anyone not be lured into the "siren song" that is Alyssa Grace? She’s been a dominant and unbeatable warrior in every big match since her amazing win at Final Destination... Not even the legendary Azumi Goto was able to best her, and it cost Azumi her career, forever tarnishing her overrated legacy... Oh, how we would’ve loved to have ended Azumi’s career in an entirely different fashion, but there are some other “dinosaurs” that will soon face extinction by our hands, once our current quest is completed… Unfortunately, Alyssa showed her true colors over the last few months, exposing herself as nothing more than another one of Viola’s willing pawns…
 
Jovana: What, exactly, leads you to believe that?
 
Morrighan: Alyssa has consistently refused to acknowledge us as the rightful contender to her title. At first, we just assumed it was out of fear, and in that regard, who can blame her? Even now, it’s apparent that she has no desire to fight us, because we both already know how the story ends: Morrighan McDonnell… The Banshee… stand united and victorious, as the new OWA Goddesses Champion! But that little stunt of hers when she announced that she would supposedly “take on all comers?” Done at the behest of Viola, who probably assured her that this was the best way to avoid facing us: by allowing anyone, no matter how undeserving, to be potentially named as the contender to the title, we would be lost in the shuffle… But the plan backfired... Week after week, we continue to excel… We also kept communicating our messages directly to Alyssa… but as time went on, the hope that she would do the right thing by PUBLICLY ACKNOWLEDGING US AS THE ONLY RIGHTFUL AND DESERVING CONTENDER quickly faded, as it became apparent that Alyssa is nothing more than a coward, too scared to fight us one-on-one... so Viola gives her the added benefit of several more bodies, none who are even close to our level of talent, just to stack our disadvantages… And now, there are five different "possibilities" that a different Goddesses Champion leaves Civil War that night… However, “possibilities” and “likelihood” are completely different in meaning. Sure, it’s a “possibility” that either Gwen, Hana, Rebecca, or (snickering) even Selene could “win” the title, but the actual “likelihood” of any of those four becoming champion is extremely low. For example, there’s always a “possibility” that Viola walks into the ring, confessing that she’s an actual succubus in the flesh, showing off her leathery wings before descending directly back down to hell... but the “likelihood” of something almost as comical as the "possibility" that Gwen, Rebecca, Selene, or Hana winning the title of that happening is so low that it’s ridiculous… although still more likely to happen than the “likelihood” that anyone BUT us will leave Civil War with the Goddesses Championship… Alyssa is indeed a worthy opponent, yet she has truly never been tested in this manner before… she will need her four additional friends if she wants to survive the night... but her title reign "ended" the instant we set our sights upon it… Even though she has failed to realize it yet… Alyssa, just like the others, will be eviscerated, annihilated, and decimated once the Banshee steps into the ring… Our wail of terror will foretell the fall of a champion, and the ruin of all involved… We shall emerge in the same manner as you last saw on Odyssey… standing tall, upon a ladder, the Goddesses Championship clutched in our grasp… All will witness Odyssey’s Greatest Threat finally becomes what we promised long ago… Viola’s Greatest Nightmare!

It seems no matter where I go, I'd get involved in some capacity in a battle against The Phantom Troupe no matter who in The Phantom Troupe are.

This is actually the first time ever that I'm facing off The Phantom Troupe but I had to deal with them as a Privateer to make sure they didn't do some collateral damage in SSW.

But now it seems I'm going to deal with them for real regardless who the members are.

I mean it's not a surprise. Either some former members are just doing their own thing or someone betrays The Phantom Troupe but it's not surprising either when they did so. The Phantom Troupe never play by the rules as they keep cheating on their matches to either win or get a DQ which is not a good move every single time they do that. All the members are great wrestlers with great accolades but c'mon, if you make a career by cheating, wouldn't their accomplishment are just a big lie? I suppose it doesn't matter to them though because they want to always make a statement albeit with a bad move.

And that's what always Phantom Troupe does. They always make bad moves. I mean the reason why this match even takes place is because John Doe betrays Baba Yaga. I don't understand what Doe wanted from Baba Yaga as Doe has said it that Baba Yaga has done his purpose but to betray your own protege is disgusting. But I know it that Baba Yaga wants a revenge so bad and that's why he'll bring everything he has in his arsenal to take The Phantom Troupe down. Baba Yaga is a very rare talent. I know that. I mean, I teamed up with him once during the OWA Draft show and he did a great job like he always does. He made his debut at Clash of Titans 2020 and he finished in the final four and he won the Openweight Championship right away at Final Destination 2. How impressive is that? That's why I believe Baba Yaga has what it takes to take out The Phantom Troupe once and for all. The pain he's suffering after getting betrayed by John Doe makes him even more stronger than ever. He's set to destroy The Troupe and that spell a disaster for them. It was a bad mistake from Doe, Jacob Senn, and Darkane by causing a problem with Baba Yaga because just like a Boogeyman, Baba Yaga is ready to frighten The Troupe with everything he has.

But Baba Yaga isn't the only one that wants a piece of The Troupe. Noah Reigner too wants to get his hands on The Troupe after they attacked him during his match against Senn. See what I mean when I said The Troupe always make bad moves? They made an enemy in multiple world champion in The Assault Riffle. Had John Doe and Darkane stayed away from him during his match against Senn, The Troupe wouldn't get on Reigner's bad side. There's nothing but great things when you think of Noah Reigner. As I said, he's a multiple time world champion including being a former SSW Puroresu World Heavyweight Champion. What even better is that he beat Senn to win the SSW Puroresu World Heavyweight Championship just a few months after made his SSW debut. Reigner almost beat Senn twice but that's the reason why both Doe and Darkane attacked him during his match against Senn. Whether The Troupe like it or not, The Troupe knows Reigner is a threat and he'll show them why The Troupe made a terrible decisions by messing with Reigner. Watch out for his Kill Shots, you won't know where they are coming from as it was evidence when he gave it to Teddy Mac to save me and many more. Noah Reigner is indeed The Assault Riffle personified.

Speaking of Noah Reigner, you can't forget his rival turn into an ally. That's right, I'm talking about Graham Baker. Damn, this man is really great. He's a 6 times World Champion all over the place. He's someone you don't want to mess with but he's certainly someone that you want to have as your ally and I'm glad he's with The Resistance for this match because he too wants to take The Phantom Troupe down. I guess it was their fault because he beat Darkane fair and square and as heated as Baker and Reigner rivalry is, they respect each-others and that's why he decided to help Reigner out to fend off The Troupe. The Troupe knows Baker is a threat as soon as Baker showed up to help Noah Reigner. I mean c'mon, he was outnumbered but John Doe, Jacob Senn, and Darkane decided to run away instead of landing a strike on Baker. How cool was that? The Phantom Troupe are intimidated by this man. I hope The Phantom Troupe are gathering some courages to face off against Baker because otherwise, they will run away from Baker again at Civil War.

Now there is another man that is in The Resistance and I've known him both professionally and personally and that man is Brian Daniels. The two time Hall of Famers himself is in the house. Brian Daniels was a Stuffed Crust's main ally back in the day and Brian and I never had any problem. We're always on good terms and I'm ready to fight alongside him once again at Civil War. Beside he never changes. Brian is always a nice person. Not only he wants to help out Baba Yaga but he's also trying to help Senn out. Brian tried to talk to Senn to leave The Troupe but it hasn't worked out so far, therefore, Brian has to use his fits to make Senn be able to think straight again.

Now I just mentioned it that Brian hasn't been able to convince Senn so I don't think Senn would listen to me but Senn, you were my Shogun. I was one of your Privateers. We both were in The Dynasty to protect SSW just a few months ago from any nonsense stuff and that's including from The Phantom Troupe too and yet in all of sudden you're best friends with John Doe? What's the deal, Senn? This is a great betrayal in everyone's eyes. I don't know if this is a betrayal in Brian's book though but you betrayed almost everyone that had a believe in you. I should had known this coming though based on your unhealthy obsession towards Arata Asakura and The Shogun Championship in Wrestleworld but never I thought you would had a change in heart in general let alone joining The Phantom Troupe, The group that wanted to put you under a wheel chair. Are you really that ashamed to almost lost to Noah Reigner twice? It's nothing wrong to lost to him because he's a great wrestler. I mean of course you're a great wrestler too because no matter where we both go, I always see you on the top. You're a two time Hall of Famers just like Brian Daniels is too. I don't get it why you wanted to join The Troupe in the first place. But as I said, what I do know though is that you're too great of talent. Whether you like to cheat to win or not is another matter because either way, all your accolades already speaks it for yourself how great you are. But please keep in mind, Senn, despite we never face off against each-others one on one, I always beat you the two times we met both on the 6 Man Tag Team match and The Fatal 4 Way Tag Team match at Wrestleworld, so technically I already beat you twice under my record and I have no intentions to change it anytime soon. Therefore, you better be ready for Civil War. Despite both Brian and Reigner want a piece of you, I wouldn't want to miss a chance to give you and Attitude Adjusment because you need it so bad based on what you've been doing in the last couple of months. You might be The Punisher but now I am The Ass Kicker that ready to kick your ass and give you a beating. Just be prepared for it, Senn.

A'right that's enough about you Senn because I have to address the Spider Head that is known as John Doe. You were one of the founding members and you were definitely the original leader since the moment SSW was founded. I hate to say it but as great as you are, you never really accomplished anything. It's so ironic isn't it? Not only your Troupe friends has much better accolades than you but also, Baba Yaga, your supposed protege already won a championship just 2 months after he made his OWA official debut. But I don't mean to underestimate you anyway because I remember Civil War 2018 which is exactly 2 years ago that you showed up as a SSW mystery member and gave OWA their lost under an OWA PPV. You're that great of talent and I don't understand what you exactly want but it's obvious that you're a dangerous individual, therefore I have to do what it takes to take your head off. I know it's what Baba Yaga wants but I believe all The Resistance members have their eyes on you. You're the reason why we're having this match to begin with but we wouldn't let you finish what you started. What we want is to tear you apart because we need to take off The Head to make The Legs lost their functions. And I'll show you exactly why I'm the SSW Puroresu World Heavyweight Champion. The World Champion of the company that you always want to have a problem with.

There is another man who was once a former member of The Phantom Troupe SSW version and that man is Darkane. I mean to be fair, I know you made a deal with Aria Jaxon that you were only in Phantom Troupe because you wanted the SSW Puroresu World Heavyweight Championshship and you eventually won it but I never thought you'd rejoined The Phantom Troupe just after a few months you battled them. I mean I do get it that this is a different version of The Troupe but someone like you who has won a few World Championship all over the place doesn't need some people to protect you. You're always known as a twisted individual and that's what make you so dangerous and make you winning Championship after Championship but I guess you feel you need to be in The Troupe don't you? Are you getting softer, Darkane? I mean I just said it that you're a dangerous individual because that's a fact but I do have other facts that both Graham Baker and Noah Reigner beat you under your own games too. You can't complain if you feel you were cheated by them because as far as I'm concern, a Deathmatch or a Street Fight doesn't have any rules to begin with. I guess you're indeed starting to doubt yourself and that's why you're rejoining The Troupe to get your confidence back. But Darkane, I believe in you that you'll always be a great in-ring performer as long as you're still wrestling. I know there is an Honor in you. I mean you were there when you saw me winning the SSW Puroresu World Heavyweight Championship. I miss that version of Darkane. But I'll tell you what, I'm going to bring everything I have to you to make you bring out the real Darkane. Don't worry, I have been in some dangerous matches myself and while you might….key word here "might" take me down, you surely wouldn't be able to knock me out.

I'd like to use this chance to say it's good to see you back in OWA, Matt Miles. I mean we were in a same company before but we never really crossed path. I know your tenure in Victory Pro though and the reason why you won The Spoil of War Championship is because you never lost your Midas Touch. You're always a great talent and that's why I'm wondering why you decided to join The Troupe in the first place. Do you feel lonely after Matt Ryder decided to retire from this business? Man that's unfortunate. It's good that you seems to be happy with The Troupe though because that makes me happy too that you'll be happily lost this War Games together with them. The Resistance has no intentions to lose, Miles and I hope you understand that. I do have a confidence to take you one on one though because you lost to The Pizza Boy and I beat him and put him out of his mystery forever and that's why you have to bring everything you have against me. I'll do the same for you and I'll show you why I'm better than you and why I'm the SSW Puroresu World Heavyweight Champion. If you don't like with everything I said then you have to man up and show the Victory Pro Matt Miles version once again because I know you're always great. But can you prove it that you're better than me, Miles?

And last but not least, Teddy Mac. Not only are we going to face off in Wrestleworld War of Worlds but also we're going to face off again in Civil War. I'll tell you what, we just had a War against each-others when I beat you fair and square to retain the SSW Puroresu World Heavyweight Championship. It's unbeliavable that you're hanging out with The Troupe now and while I personally still consider you as a friend, you're obviously my biggest target in this match. You wanted to hit me with a Brass Knuckle to take the SSW Puroresu World Heavyweight Championship from me after all and you were set to do everything to win it by accepting a help from The Troupe and that goes without saying, I'm willing to take put your head on a stick if that's what it takes to bring the victory for The Resistance. We're a great team but you're also a great opponent for me and that's why I'm so eagerly to face you in this match and at War of The Worlds too. I'm sure you're willing to kick my ass all around the ring but can you really take me out, Teddy? I think you already know it that I'm better than you. No matter how many times you pinned me in our match, I was always able to kick them out and that's why you were willing to hit me with The Brass Knuckle to begin with. You know me better than everyone else apart from Reno Dumont that I'm always ready to bring up the good fights and if that's what it takes to open your eyes, then I'm ready to give you another Attitude Adjusment once again. I know you want a piece of me, Teddy and that's why I'm challenging you to try. I hope it wasn't your best though when you were facing off against me because if it was indeed your best, I already know how to knock you out and pinning you 1-2-3 once again. Show me the OWT Version of Teddy Mac. Try to show your best days. Give your everything to me because I'm not holding anything back. I took you down once and I'm willing to do it twice and possibility three times in the row.

To sum up everything I've said: The Resistance is ready to beat The Phantom Troupe in this War Game match because we're bringing The War to you and we're going to win the Olympus Civil War.

After all, people acknowledge me as The White Knight and The Privateer and that's why I'm more than ready to win and end this war for The Resistance. The Resistance is going to win to destroy The Phantom Troupe.

We're ready to end The War of The Wars.

“FUCK!”

The scene fades in as Chase Vedder slams the door of his news set behind him. He begins pacing erratically in the hallways, his fists clenched, his face red, and his nostrils flaring. In a fit of rage, he grabs a nearby folding chair and throws it with destructive force towards the adjacent wall and the steel bows and malforms from the impact. Deep, heavy breaths leave his mouth as he crouches forward and places his hands on his knees. There’s an undeniable rage behind his eyes, desperate to get out… when two tall security guards dressed in black slacks and match polo walk into frame. Vedder immediately unzips his ring jacket and tosses it at the larger, more imposing of the two guards and yells.

“WHAT THE FUCK?! WHERE THE FUCK WERE YOU DOOS?! HOW DID YOU LET THIS HAPPEN?! I gave you worthless drols one job! One fucking job… and you can’t even do that properly. Where the hell were you when this happened?!”

The slightly — and I do mean slightly — shorter security guard steps forward and speaks up to Vedder who is now in nothing more than his ring gear.

“I’m sorry, sir, but we were on a break and--”

“Oh, you’re sorry?! I forgot when I paid you to take breaks! You’re fucking private security detail! The only people you should be apologizing to is each other because you’re both paying for what these two… these two… GAH! This is coming out of your paychecks. I hope you know that! That equipment cost more than it did to hire the two of you combined!”

The taller guard, who has folded Vedder’s jacket up neatly and placed it on another one of the nearby folding chairs, now has his say.

“Excuse me, *cough* Sir. A woman came by and said that we could take a break since we’d been standing there for so long without you coming by. She said you were moving to a new office and that she and her friend would be helping you move out. She seemed very nice, actually. Lovely hair. She also said something about a crew coming in for renovations but I’ve not--”

Vedder is almost-visibly fuming at this point. He looks like he’s going to blow a gasket… but he calmly responds.

“Lovely hair?”

“Yes, sir. It was blue.”

Chase suddenly slams his fist against the door beside him violently.

“BLUE?! FUCKING BLUE?! DID I OR DID I NOT TELL YOU NOT TO--”

He takes a breath.

“...Look inside that room. Tell me what you think of the “renovations” that those two women made.”

The guard reluctantly opens the door, wondering what Chase could have had a problem with… and then his eyes bulge as he realises what has been done to the VNN set. He slowly shuts the door.

“Fucking. Idiots. Get out of my sight before I fire you both-- on second thought, you’re already fucking fired! NOW GO! I don’t want to see you ever again!”

The two security guards finally make their exit, leaving Vedder to take a seat by the door of his destroyed stage area. His face falls into his hands in a look of defeat, tears almost welling up. He rubs his forehead as he compiles his thoughts, clearly still shellshocked from what has transpired.

“This is the problem with you people. After years of knowing I was better than this, knowing that I could be something greater, Nas offered me his hand telling me that things had changed. He promised that no longer would I be treated with disdain by the common folk for spreading hard truths that they weren’t prepared to hear. He said that OWA was ready for facts and objectivity… and yet here I am, barely one match into my return, a broken man. I just want to make the world a better place. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. In a time where so much false information and baseless accusations are thrown around, my only goal as the leading anchor, producer, director and writer was to give people a place on TV where they’d know they were getting the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Is that such a bad thing? Am I a bad person for thinking we should stop living in a world of fake news media? I certainly don’t think so. If you were to ask me — which I know you would — I’d say I’m the shining, white knight in an era shrouded by blackness. Except the response has been as though I’m anything but. I’ve been mocked, degraded and discriminated against purely for my beliefs and not a damn thing has been done about it by OWA officials or its board of directors.”

Vedder looks up and off to the side, scratching his face nervously. There’s an obvious sense of irritation in the movements of his face still, though he tries to hold himself back from spitting out too much vitriol, keeping himself as composed as he possibly can.

“First that uneducated and illiterate drol, Mark Michaels, tries to belittle the legitimacy of the Vedder News Network with slanderous comments and fraudulent video recordings. To make matters worse, he then gets an undeserved win against me thanks to the involvement of his fellow followers of the false prophet known as Nathan Fiora. Now? Now I have these two uncultured females coming to my actual set and causing havoc and destruction that I’ve not seen since Hillary Clinton’s emails were leaked. This is truly, truly heartbreaking for me. I hope you can all understand that. The females heard what I had to say, they saw what Nas did for the sake of the greater good, and how did they respond? They responded with looting and violence like savages. Because that’s what they are: They’re savages. Do I even need to explain why? You already saw what they did. You already heard what they accused Nas, Nero and myself of. They have shown very clearly that they have not even a single ounce of respect in their bodies and yet they try to claim that we are the ones who are problematic? That’s absolutely laughable and, quite frankly, downright insulting. Despite those two female delinquents known as Jaxon and Matsuda have resorted to thuggery and disturbance of the peace, I promise you all that I will not be broken forever. In fact, I believe that their dereliction will only make Nas and I an even stronger force to be reckoned with. Through the fire and flames, through the rubble and stone, Chase Vedder and the Vedder News Network will be built anew, bigger and more powerful than ever before.”

Vedder smiles to himself with a sense of renewed faith… but then his eyebrows furl into a mixture of frustration and realisation.

“The fact that it has even come to this, however, begs the question as to why it did. When you really think about it and look back at these past few weeks, you realise that the signs have been there from the beginning. Just think about everything that I said about what transpired since my return or even further back to when my good friend Nas decided that he was sick of being pushed around and disrespected. What was done about it? His own wife tried to pull the wool over his eyes! His former best friend attempted to blindside him! He was attacked and vilified for telling everyone what they have needed to hear for so long and they spat on him for not staying in line. Then, when I attempted to do the same on his behalf, when I defended my friend, I was spat on and had my good character attacked. You know what that sounds like to me? That sounds like conspiracy. Conspiracy designed to silence the truth-tellers and shut out those who won’t follow the status quo, orchestrated by the upper Echelon of the Omega Wrestling Alliance in an attempt to create an echo chamber full of mindless drones who will agree with every lie that comes out of their mouths. Well, we won’t succumb to such treachery. We know the game that is being played and we’re going to break the system. Hell, if we haven’t given you enough evidence as to what is going on already just take a look at the predicament that Nas and I have found ourselves in with this Tag Team Championship match. It’s myself and Nas against… oh, what’s that? Not only the defending champions in Aria Jaxon and Cloud Matsuda but also Devi Krysis and Azurine Vebbins? Hmm, I wonder what sticks out there… Oh, that’s right! Of the six competitors in this match — that’s right, count ‘em: six! — there’s only two men! “But how can that be, Chase? I thought there was only one female brand?” I hear you ask… and you’d be right! There is only one female brand and yet somehow they are the ones with the most representation. All because the so-called War Queens are, according to OWA officials, above being females and can’t stay in their lane on Odyssey. The fact that they are even allowed to compete in this match, let alone the apparent champions, is a disgrace to the legitimacy of the sport and something that needs to be rectified, effective immediately. Even if we are at a two-on-four disadvantage, Chase Vedder never quits in the face of injustice. We will not succumb to the fake wokeness of Omega Wrestling Alliance and allow these females to try and take over what should be a prestigious tag team division, let alone females as belligerent and destructive and Cloud Matsuda and Aria Jaxon or as downright braindead as Devi Krysis and Azurine Vebbins! The tag team championships deserve to be on men. They deserve men of culture who want to take the tag division and raise it to the next level, not inferior competitors who will only drag the championships down.”

Chase stares at the camera, his brown eyes almost sucking in the light around him. He bites his lip and winces like he wants to let out a scream… and then breathes deeply.

“I think I’ve made it clear what my mission in this match at Civil War is going to be. This match is about more to me than just the championships themselves. It’s about more to me than the plastic and wires and glass that those miscreants destroyed to try and get under my skin. I won’t deny it, it has. It’s got under my skin and now there’s a rage festering inside of me like never before. I put my own hard-earned money into creating the Vedder News Network and before I bring it back from the ashes I will ensure that it is avenged… but the bigger picture here has already been painted for you. Good will prevail. We will take those Tag Team Championships, love and cherish them and treat them with the respect that they deserve, then kick those two Odyssey viswyfs to the curb. Then, as the cherry on top, I will personally see to it that Aria Jaxon and Cloud Matsuda pay for what they have done to me.”

Vedder shoots upwards, his fists clenched. He shakes one of them as he looks away, trying to find the words to describe just exactly how he’s feeling. His grip loosens and he relaxes, then wags his finger to the camera.

“I will not stand idly by and be a victim. Justice shall be served at my hand, swiftly and without prejudice, and I shall once again stand tall with my arm raised, only this time it will be with rightfully earned gold around my waist.”

Finally seeming to have cooled off, Vedder takes a breath and sits down. He looks up to the cameraman with a dismissive glare.

“Now get out of my sight.”

Vedder collects himself in his seat, the last thing we see being him throwing his jacket over his shoulders before he disappears into the void and the scene fades to black.

Kingdom Promo #1 - Lessons in History

In the days of my youth, before I thought about stepping foot in a ring, I was a student of history. I would read chapters of textbooks as if they were bedtime stories, fascinated by the narratives of those who came before us. Had paths been different I would likely have pursued a career in such a field… but my desire to be a part of this industry always took priority. But even now, I take the lessons I have learned from various studies of history with me and one of them remains ever present in my mind: History, while cyclical, explains the present and is the key to changing the future. With that in mind, it’s quite honestly a miracle that I hadn’t radicalized sooner, but I digress.

Civil War is on the horizon, and the number of enemies we must contend with continues to grow. Nearly all of Kingdom threatens our revolution. Lenin faced such odds in the early days of the Soviet Union. And yet, despite an opposing force made up of Russian loyalists and soldiers from capitalist superpowers, the Bolsheviks refused to surrender. It would be several decades before the fall of the Union, and in that time they defeated the fascists of Germany and stood their ground against the capitalist aggressors of the West. They fought for a future that would see an end to exploitation and begin an era of true equity, much like we do today. And much like Lenin and his Bolsheviks, we will not falter in the face of such aggression.

Especially not in the faces of J.D. Damon and Kenny Drake. What was it that one of these dogs said? “A distinct honor. A massacre. A slaughter.” That’s how the runt of the Wolvesden litter chooses to describe this tag team match. He, along with his fellow bitch Kenny, believes this battle is already won. That, with help from their weasel friend Moongoose McQueen serving as our referee, they will have no trouble crushing us under their boots to the roar of the crowd. As if they are heroes...

That is what they would have you believe. And of course, the snakes that surround us here in Kingdom, from the Frontline to Shin-Sekai to those who remain in the middle of this Great War, eat this shit up like it is their last meal before the butchering. They clamour for our revolution to fail, to be crushed, to be silenced by those who would take what belongs to us. Those who would gladly bring us back to the Dark Ages that were Kingdom under The Big Bad Wolf which J.D. can’t seem to shut the fuck up about, or the carnie mayhem of McQueen and Company or a bloody, drunken mess under Jeff X as he is protected by his bootlicking sycophants in Frontline. And look at them now, they’ve all uneasily united against us because they know we are a threat.

That is how they should view us, quite honestly. After all, Maverick and I have shared the ring with both of these men, at times alone and others together. We’ve been through Hell trying to bring down the Big Bad Wolf on our own, we’ve both failed. But J.D.? Please. It hasn’t been difficult for either of us to pick him apart. I eliminated him from Jeff’s Invitational, Mav made him look like the bitch he truly is on PPV, and we both left him in a broken heap after our Street Fight on Kingdom all those months ago. The only thing that allows him to remain delusional is that he has Kenny by his side this time. Or, is it under him? Since he will be the one carrying the two of them, as usual, to an unfortunate defeat.

Kenny, J.D., their chapter in the history books of Omega Wrestling Alliance is an interesting one, a long one, a bloody one, but most importantly, one that has ended. It is one that everyone in this company has learned from, but they are foolish if they think we are trying to emulate it. “You WISH you could be us!” Quite frankly, no I don’t. Nor does Mav. Because when you look at what’s become of the pride of Wolvesden, all you have is a man who finally became champion in the twilight of his career and a selfish man who puts himself before his wife and kid and refuses to step away. “You will NEVER be close to becoming Wolvesden.” Good. Why be the next Wolvesden when we can be the first and only Ashes of the Wake; a revolution that will make Wolvesden look like a group of lost children?

I know why you’re thinking. “What makes the weakest link of the Ashes say such things?” In Oasis’ attempt to handicap the Ashes this week, he has laid all of these pigs’ cards on the table. Maverick and I are prepared for every single scenario they can throw at us. We are ready for McQueen to try and screw us, he’s done it before. We are ready for his little cronies to come and interfere, as well as any member of the Frontline, they’ve done it before. We are prepared for the fight of our lives, we’ve had those before. We’ve studied the enemy, we know their tactics, we know their history and we can rely on that information as much as we can on each other. Can they say the same?

Can Kenny really trust in J.D. to pull his weight? I cannot be so sure considering the way we’ve embarrassed him time after time in the ring and out of it. And what about McQueen? Can either of them really trust him to aid them in this match? After all, Moongoose made it his life’s goal to make Kenny and his family suffer. Who is to say he won’t stab this little alliance in the back and fracture everything these pigs have worked so hard to build? Can they truly put faith in their little coalition?

Even if they can, it will be a lost effort. We’ve butchered the pup of Wolvesden before, we’ll do it again, for that is the key to victory. And this time, Kenny won’t be able to stop us from painting the canvas with Wolvesden blood. We will not yield, we will not falter. Not one step back!

The cold opening brings us to The King’s Penthouse upon the outskirts of Canton, and through the house’s festive theme, there’s a much dark presence felt around the home. As we find ourselves in the upstairs landing, we’re met with two men in dark suits. One being the host of the visit, and the other being the half painted face belonging to the OWA World Champion; Havoc, alongside the champion is his partner, Jada Blaire. Maverick walks down the stairs in front of the champion and Blaire, heading into the sitting room where all three look out to the vast open space and land covering the ground.

“A quite fine place you have for yourself, Jason.” The champion would speak in a moderate tone. “You know how to take care of yourself well, but this isn’t the matter at hand, there’s business to attend to and I’m sure you know what business I speak of.”

“If we’re talking about what’s been happening, then I do apologize once again,” Maverick spoke lightly. “I let things go out of hand and didn’t pay much attention to the details of what I learned about, I should have kept to my words of either winning or learning from those mistakes. I let my anger get the better of me once more and here I am preparing for some sensitivity training.”

Havoc perked up an eyebrow.

“But with all of that out of the way,” Havoc remarked. “There’s a Civil War taking place and I want to know if my trust can be placed with my right hand man going into it if you and I are selected into the teams.”

“I mean, of course you could, I just don’t get the situation of asking me such things.” The Prince remained confused over Havoc’s choice of words. “If anything, I’d be asking Abholos or Jacob Knight more than asking me. You know well where my loyalty lies, and that’s with you--”

“But not with the rest of The Ashes?” Havoc once again questioned.

Maverick would then sigh upon hearing the question being asked in his direction. He brings his head down and brings his fingers to his face, pinching the bridge of his nose and slowly shaking his head before straightening his neck and looking back up at the piercing eyes of Havoc.

“I wouldn’t want to put any pressure on you. I couldn’t think of doing such a thing, but I don’t want to see you fallout with any of the rest of The Ashes.” Havoc placed his right hand, the Sabertooth hand of Havoc right down onto Maverick’s shoulder. “We’re close to winning this war and I don’t want the casualties of war to be from the man I’ve put so much trust into. I don’t want the casualties of war being from someone who’s hated them so much enough that I don’t even know if I could allow them to be put there with you. Fuck, I even worry when you team with Jacob Knight lately.”

“We worked enough to pimp slap Shaker and Horror…” Maverick quickly replied once Havoc finished his sentence.

“...and I really don’t care enough about two jokes like Shaker or Horror. It wouldn’t matter since either one of you could finish both of them, but when we have Wolvesden or The Frontline or even Shin-SEKAI, I need all of you to be focused on the opponents and making sure they are actual fucking casualties of war, not between yourselves.”

“Look at it this way,” Maverick slowly brushes Havoc’s arm off of his shoulder, walking past Jada and The Nightmare King and heading to stand by the window to look out to the view outside. “I wouldn’t react in the way I would if it wasn’t for the fact that these two in question aren’t able to control themselves. Jacob Knight can’t win shit, I had to hold his fucking hand when I confronted him about it and he finally found his voice. Abholos is all about breaking and bending the rules, that’s what he’s about and you put me with him against The Queens of Wrestling? In an OWA Tag Team Championship match? Are you serious?”

“Look, I had my hands full already with Theodor Pavel and guess where that got me.” Havoc’s tone and demeanor became a whole lot more tense. “The last thing I need is someone to bring a knife to the back of one of my men.”

“All they have to do is to stay in their lane, don’t overlap into mine. Knight did that two weeks ago and look where it got us,” Maverick pauses for a moment, letting Havoc passively think. “If they try to fuck with me here, I’m going to let them learn the hard way of what happens when they do. I’m a no nonsense kind of man when it comes down to shit like this, and you know that very well yourself, but by the way these two are acting and how The Vincent acted, they didn’t know it.”

Havoc lets out a large deep breath, adjusting his championship resting on his left shoulder.

“And this, all of this, is why you’re taking that sensitivity training when you come back to the States. Have a safe flight to Japan, sir, I cannot wait to see you when you come back.” Havoc pats Maverick on his shoulder and walks off with Jada Blaire to exit the home.

As they walk away from the window and head for the door, Maverick grabs a small whiskey glass from the table counter and takes a swig of the alcoholic beverage before lowering the glass as it hangs from his hand. Maverick stands in silence as he hears for the door to be shut, once he does hear it shutting, he swings the glass down onto the floor and lets the small glass shatter all over the floor. Maverick brushes his hair back and sighs.

“Yeah… I really need that fucking sensitivity training…”

The scene slowly fades away as Maverick walks away from where he once stood.


As we fade back into the scene of a hotel room in the heart of Tomakomai in Hokkaido, Japan, The Prince of OWA begins things with his laptop screen showing the show graphic for the next Kingdom episode and of Maverick’s two opponents for the night in a Tag Team match -- Wolvesden. Upon reading the details into his match, he finds himself sighing and shaking his head upon knowing that the referee for the match is Moongoose McQueen. Maverick brings his hands to the back of his head and down to his neck, clicking a few buttons on his MacBook Air and opening the camera option.

“Fucking hell…”

The words that come out of Maverick’s mouth as he clicks the record button.

“...now, what the fuck is going on here? The fact that I have to face both Kenny Drake and J.D. Damon along with Moongoose McQueen as the fucking referee and who’s my tag team partner for the night? Jacob fucking Knight. Oh how fucking perfect, how fucking perfect of everything here, right? Either way, Wolvesden, the point of this match is that I have to take both of you down by myself because to be rather honest with you all, I still don’t fucking trust Knight when it comes down to things like this. Currently in Japan competing in a Tag League with someone that I actually fucking trust and here I am listening to Damon talking a whole lot of bollocks about how The Ashes are so obsessed with Wolvesden. How obsessed we are over Damon and Drake. Oh, we are so obsessive over how good Wolvesden are. Amazing people, aren’t they?”

Maverick redundantly questions the camera, shrugging his shoulders as he does so.

“Oh Damon, have you forgotten all of this time how much I really do not give a single and slightest of fucks about Wolvesden? Remember when we had that fight at Boiling Point and I kicked you in the head about three or four times, maybe you don’t remember it because of the major amount of brain damage done to your head because of it, or maybe you want to forget it because of how much I made a fucking embarrassment of you to the point where you’re actually fucking trying now these days… or used to when you actually gave a shit about that title. But guess what… I’m the insane one with the obsession, aren’t I? I’m the one who’s got a boyfriend like Jacob Knight, aren’t I? Oh you poor fucking soul. You’ve run the mill and ran out of shit to even say anything about me, or there’s the chance that you’ve gone back to your old ways, which we all know is where you’re full of fucking shit and talk right out of your arsehole.”

The Prince was quick to sigh over his own train of thoughts when it came to Damon and Wolvesden as a whole.

“But let me ask you this, Damon, are you willing to try-- Nope, no you aren’t when I saw the things you had to say about myself and fuck nugget Knight. But I’m sure you’re willing to try when it comes to Civil War… No, I don’t even think you’ll try there then. I guess it’s time for Kenny Drake to carry yourself once again. Reminder, I supported you when I finally saw some change in you, so you deserve all the fucking slack you get. I hope that now I’ve said that, you do the same again, because if you don’t… I’ll kick your fucking head in again. Now, onto you, Kenny. My dear friend, Kenny Drake, I’ve not met you since Game Over and I am so glad you did because it showed me something about you that even I never knew. You do show some weakness, you son of a fucking bitch, but when it’s exposed you get a whole lot fucking tougher.”

Maverick slowly and gently rubs his left arm, reminding himself about the scars left due to the Grave Consequences match he had with Kenny Drake months beforehand.

“Kenny, my friend, I do wonder how you feel entering this match. Knowing that you’ve beaten both of us, you probably feel a bit relaxed about this whole thing, right? Quick reminder, sir. I gave you a fight for your life, I almost put you in the casket and buried you into the ground, whereas Knight didn’t… you made the old sod tap out so you did. Ol boy didn’t know what happened afterwards and he was lucky he fucking lived after what I did to him two weeks after. Just know that I know things you wouldn’t want others to know, a weakness, and where there is a weakness in Kenny Drake… There is a way to tackle the fucking cunt to the ground. Kenny, I need you to bring a whip to that fucking dog of yours there and put him back to shape or he’ll have to suffer though more shit again. I’m sure your poor dog doesn’t want to get punted again and again and again until I knock more sense into him, right?”

Once again, The Prince shrugs his shoulders.

“No matter what happens, I know a whole lot of shit is about to go down and for once, I cannot wait for it to happen because when it does, I’m going to show fucking everyone that I’m not one to sleep on and you know that too, but everyone sees me as Havoc’s little bitch. Oh, you poor bastards, you’ve no fucking idea what you’ve got ahead of you all when it comes down to Civil War. Let the bloodshed begin, I’d say, and let The Ashes of The Wake stand tall once again at the peak of the mountain.”

With one last cocky smile, The Prince looks into the camera and clicks one singular button to end the feed and letting everything turn to black.

Of champions and comedians (vs El Ironico #2)

(The scene opens on the Olympus interview area with Hugh Jass standing by.)

Hugh Jass: “Hello Ladies and Gentlemen, I am Hugh Jass with an OWA on YouTube exclusive interview. As we continue on our March to OWA Civil War, which comes to you live on Pay Per View on December 5th from Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. But before we get to this Hugh Tri-Branded Pay Per View spectacular, the Alphas of Olympus will be in Atlanta at the State Farm Arena this Friday night! And what a card we have featuring two huge title matches, and right now I’d like to introduce my guest , he will be competing to determine the inaugural OWA Hybrid Champion, here is the Lethal Injection Mark Michaels.”

( Michaels enters the shot clad in his blue jeans, and black leather jacket which just called covers his Chaos Elite T-Shirt.)

Hugh Jass: “ Mark, you have had some ups and downs already in your brief tenure here in OMEGA Wrestling Alliance, but this week you ha e a chance to make history and become the first ever OWA Hybrid Champion. Tell us what does this mean for you, and how do you feel going into this match?”

Michaels: “How do I feel? You brought me all the way down here, and are violating my social distancing space just to ask how do I feel?! You could have texted me ‘sup’ and would have saved everyone here a load of time and trouble. You want to know how I feel? I feel like even though I’ve only been here about six months, this match is long overdue. I mean the way guys get tossed title matches around here it’s insulting to think I’ve had to wait this long when guys like Chase Vedder, and yes El Ironico just kinda walk in off the street and get handed golden opportunities on a silver platter. I feel slighted that management decided to stick me third on the card when there won’t be a mother fucker in that dressing room who could follow me save for perhaps Father Nathan. I feel like this is just like that old song, the one that goes meet the new boss same as the old boss. It’s just another slap in my face from Aren Mstislav and the rest of middle management who decided to put more value in another company’s belt, instead of a moment that will live forever in OMEGA wrestling’s history. I swear, these laughing joking numb nuts wouldn’t know greatness if it pissed on their boots. That’s why I am grateful that Father Nathan called me to a higher purpose than simply living to please those jackasses who continually turn a blind eye to me being the total package. I’m greatful that my brothers in the Awakening believe in my abilities and got my back, just the same as I got theirs. I’m greatful that while Idiots like El Ironico can crack wise and say I’m just little Mark is getting angry at the fact that I was never as good as I thought I was, I can rise above their bullshit and when I do, not a single one of my detractors will be able to stand against my righteousness, they will shatter like clay pots at my feet. Do I think I am that damn good that when I step into a ring I raise the bar each and every time out? You’re goddamn right I am, and by the time this match is over it will be clear that that is no overestimation on my part. That idea, that perception for the longest time has been That I didn’t have what it took to make a splash in the big leagues, I cannot wait for that bell to ring so I can once and for all put that bullshit to rest!”

Hugh Jass: “I see. Now to do so you have to defeat El Ironico obviously. What challenge does the Ironic Luchadore pose going into this match up?”

Michaels: “ You mean besides trying to make sense of the mumble gibberish he calls speech? He poses no real challenge at all. I overpower him in strength, He can go hold for hold with me, and when it comes down to it I simply want it that much more. Because while El Ironico sees this belt as just a prize to be won, I see it as validation of everything I’ve have ever claimed to be. I see this Hybrid Championship as proof that I am the best pure grappler in the business today, I am the single toughest son of a bitch who has ever stepped between the ropes, and I am a man who whether you call it will, or stubbornness, I will never allow myself to screwed out of everything that I deserve. Whether it is every red cent coming my way, or those pundits who wouldn’t know the first thing about wrestling getting their ignorant mouths shut, or the people in the crowd finally appreciating all of my talent in the ring, or most importantly having every single man and woman in that locker room give me my proper respect. It’s what I deserve, and it’s what I am taking starting right now, to hell with anybody and everybody who’s thinking otherwise! When that bell rings I am gonna proceed to kick the ever loving shit out of El Ironico, till the only remaining reminder of him is the little itty bitty pieces of his mangy Carcass stuck to the bottom of my boot!”

Hugh Jass: “And you don’t feel that your comments are a bit too dismissive of your opponent?”

Michaels: “No I don’t think there too dismissive of that goofy fuck. If anything they’re not dismissive of a guy who who’s most devastating move is shoving his thumb up another guy’s ass! Sidebar what kind of man pulls that sodomy bullshit on another man in the middle of a wrestling match? That shit should be kept between the inbred, backwater, deliverance fucks who wear those crappy red hats. Anyways what I’m saying is that when I speak about how I out class El Ironico in every measure that matters, it’s just me plainly stating the facts. The undisputed, undeniable truth of this whole matter. Like when I say that El Ironico hasn’t had enough guts nor enough balls to utter a peep against me, it’s a fact! When I say that he doesn’t belong in this match because he got beat by some fuck I’ve never even heard of, it’s a fact! When I tell you that after this match The Awakening will go on to claim every piece of gold here on Olympus, it’s a fact whether the fans, the promoters, the boys in the locker room, or the fat ass with a microphone asking stupid questions likes it or not!”

Hugh Jass: “ Umm... wow, that was hurtful. I think I have just one last question here for you. With your match up scheduled to determine the First Hybrid champion, what does this title mean to you, and how do you intend to leave your mark should you be declared the winner?”


Michaels: “ I think what you meant to say was WHEN I am declared the winner. Now as the future Hybrid champion I want to settle what this championship actually means. To me being the Hybrid champion isn’t about simply being great in ring technician, it’s not just about being a great high flyer, it’s not about being the toughest pound for pound, and it’s not about what the number on the scale reads. No, being the Hybrid champion means that you are able to do it all in a moments notice. That you can trade holds on the mat as well as you can slug it out in a brawl. It means you can dish out the punishment just as well as you can take it. It means that you’re not just a jack of all trades, you’re a master of every single one. To be the man who has all the tools, all the talent, and the gameplay to back it up. That is what this title in a nutshell is defined to me as being. And since that’s the case then the only way I can ever see anyone ever leaving a lasting impact as a worthy champion is to be that guy. To be that kind of competitor who can do it all, and so my being in this match is a bit of a saving grace for this title, because quite frankly I’m sure is of the few competitors on the Olympus roster who can do it all. I showed I can pop suplexs like no other when I threw Chase Vedder around like a sack of potatoes. I showed I can scrap and brawl with Darkane. I showed I had the stamina to hang with Nas, and last through a dozen opponents in those battle royals. I showed I am tough enough take your best shot, look you in the eye and tell you to your face that you hit like a bitch when I squared off with Nate Cage. And I showed that I have that killer instinct, and I can find one opening and pick up a win against even the best that Olympus can offer when I did so against the “current” World Heavyweight champion The Derelict. That is what I bring every time I step into a ring, and that’s what I will continue to bring every time my Hybrid championship is on the line! That’s what the Hybrid championship deserves, not some dip shit in a cheep mask who time and again has reminded us in the ring why he’s never been anything more than a curtain jerking, comedy act! You were never anything more than professional wrestling answer to the Minions from Despicable Me, than you had better stick to staying in your lane and leave any and all championship aspersions you may have at the door as long as I’m around buddy boy. Ironico, take this ass whipping as a reality check, a reminder of where you belong, hanging on and riding the coattails of middle of the card guys like Finnegan Wakefield. Ironico this is your call to open your eyes to my greatness. This is your call to Awaken.”

( With that Michaels walks out of the shot.)

Hugh Jass: “ Some strong words from Mark Michaels, will he become the Inaugural OWA Hybrid champion? Find out live on Olympus. For OWA On YouTube, I am Hugh Jass.”

The world is a cruel and vile realm that we inhabit. A place born with a lack of forgiveness and compassion to deliver onto those who need it, a world where the hand on your shoulder is only there to put you at ease before the knife digs into your spine or stomach, and a society where only those who can embrace the bitterness this cold world delivers to inflict onto others are able to gain what they desire from it. Everyone wants to live this fantasy that the world demands honor, respect, integrity, and virtue to create the men who should be revered above all others, heroes to be remembered throughout the world and survive the harsh reality of time, but the truth is that the gifts of the world are only provided to the strong and the strength comes from how far into the well of depravity you can go without degrading the legacy you wanted to create for yourself. I was a man of virtue for the wrestling industry when I decided to take a step away from the land of elite to forge a path for the poor unfortunate souls who were cast out in its mass exodus, a man determined to craft a haven for them to be able to become the illustrious name of fame and glory that they desired to be, and I was able to do exactly that. CM Nas, Tarah Nova, Stark, Arata Asakura, these people were able to take advantage of the new realms of wrestling excellence gifted upon them through my actions and with that, how was I rewarded for my sacrifices in this business? How was I rewarded for all the stars that I had created through not just my first appearances here in OWA, but throughout the entire world after my departure through this place to create more of these worlds? What did I gain through that entire struggle of building these places from the ground-up when I put everything at my own personal expense? The only thing I gained was the disrespect and contempt from the entire world around me, the same people who I had brought up to the pedestal of renown and glory, and that is what had brought forth the ire and bitterness of the man who stands before you now. This is what shed the honorable veil that had descended upon my face, the desire to be a hero and legend worth the respect of my peers, and it is all because of the choice this business made to leave me behind like an old hound who needs to be put down once and for all. Everyone had discarded me from their view of being the legendary name who had done everything in the business that you could possibly hope to achieve, the man who had gave up everything from his life outside of wrestling to be the greatest man to ever step foot inside of a ring in skill and accolades, and there was nothing more than a ruined idol of the man that once was in the same vein of Ozymandias decreeing for those to look on my works and despair as the erosion of time and neglect took hold. Everyone has seem to have forgotten the once-proud Saviour, the dominant Fabled Conqueror who took the world into the palm of his hand, The Punisher who had brought the wrestling world to its knees as he pressed his boot on the back of their skulls, no one remembers the man that can be brought to light when the pressure has mounted and the desire of integrity has been removed for vengeance.

With that said, Atlantis and OWA are about to have a real close reminder of the man that once was.

April Song has been a name that has been around the wrestling landscape since my time in the land of elite, a name that has battled and fought for the opportunity to be known as one of the greatest women to ever step through the ring, but she hasn’t been in the places of this business I have been within. She hasn’t endured the struggles I have gone through against all that have stood against him at the greatest levels of competition possible to any person who enters this business, but where she can relate is the fate of being left in obscurity to be forgotten about by the entire world for what they have done in this business. April Song was a pioneer in a group of women who brought women’s wrestling to the spotlight, she was someone who was an innovator to help establish stars to reap the rewards that this business could gift upon those who were willing to take it, but how has she been rewarded by this industry for the sacrifices she gave and the destruction she was forced to endure. Was their multiple world championships and treasure beyond her wildest dreams littered at her footsteps in gratitude for what she did? Was there many representatives from the companies she had been in hounding her for the chance to have her accept their Hall of Fame induction to be honored and revered? Was there a group of young athletes who have credited her for the work she had done from this business? There was nothing of the sort of her and here she is now, continuing to grind for the opportunity to have that spotlight moment she has desired to be the top woman of the world only for her to have to move to the side for the likes of Aria Jaxon and Tarah Nova to take those places, and one of the reasons this business needs a sweeping change for women like her. The reality of the situation that has been brought to us with Atlantis is that she won’t be able to have that spotlight cast upon her with a proud smile on her face and her hand lifted high in the air, it’ll be her lying down unconscious with the darkness taking over and the shameful bitterness of defeat left in her mouth. There’s nothing wrong with this because in the end, this will be the catalyst of the change that you’re probably hoping will take hold in the entire promotion of OWA. The transformation through the apocalyptic destruction brought forth from the hands of The Phantom Troupe, the metamorphosis brought forth from the annihilation we descend upon this federation with vengeful retribution is exactly what you will have wished for and give you the opportunity to take that position you have craved, but it all starts with the sacrificial lamb you will be come as a martyr for the cause. Pride is a disease prevalent throughout this wrestling industry and you hold no exception and I know you wouldn’t dare simply lie down to accept this fact, I know you would never allow nothing short of a brutal fight to determine your fate that has already been decided for you since this match was signed for Atlantis, your pride desires this match to be a classic that you can tell your children and their children about the time you stood right up into the fight of the man proclaimed to be a devil throughout the wrestling world known as Jacob Senn with bravery and determination in your soul. Your pride clings onto the hope that with the skill you have absorbed over the years will overwhelm the lack of limits I have to make sure I get the victory at Atlantis, but I’m a man who has excelled in the past at shattering a person’s pride until there is nothing left but a broken shell of what they once were and you will have to be done no different because of how you will take on this match against me. I’ve been in the same scenario with men like Arata Asakura in other realms of professional wrestling and when the shoe was turned on the other foot, my pride only allowed defeat to be what I was left with because I was too concerned with being the hero of the story, the legend that gained the respect of those around him, instead of being the immoral monster I should have been the entire time. So, don’t take these words as disrespect or a shot against you because that’s not the intention I have when I tell you these words. My intention is not to slander your name and drag it across the mud, but to simply tell you the reality of the situation that has presented itself to you at Atlantis.

You’re set to be a sacrifice for the rebirth of the man known for his brutality and bring forth the vision of a world worthy of reverence born from my image.

Last week on Kingdom was...

Well, let's just say, it didn't go exactly how I had planned; much like the better half of my entire fucking career. Havoc, the leader of the Ashes of the Wake, got the best of me that night. I'm not afraid to admit it. I'm man enough to tell every single fucking person that two weeks ago on Voltage I lost to Havoc. Congratulations, Havoc. In my opinion, that was the BIGGEST win of your pathetic career. It was more monumental than when you won the Ascension to the Heavens briefcase at Final Destination this year. Shit, even more monumental than when you stole the world title from Jeff X. But, I can promise you this one thing, Havoc... your boys... will not have the same pleasure as you.

For months now, The Ashes of the Wake have been a fucking pain in my goddamn ass. A pain for the majority of the Kingdom roster, to be honest. But since day one, these motherfuckers have been gunning for me and my Wolvesden. SINCE DAY NUMERO UNO! Maverick has had some sick obsession with Wolvesden, even going as far as to agree to a Grave Consequences match against Kenny Drake at Game Over a few months ago. To say that was fucking stupid is an understatement. And now? Now him and his boyfriend Jacob Knight have the distinct honor of not only wrestling Kenny... but me as well. Two nights from now it will be Wolvesden against The Ashes. If there is only one thing - ONE THING - that I can promise everyone watching is that... it's going to be a night that everyone witnesses the live MASSACRE... the SLAUGTHER... of these two.

I have had enough of the bullshit from these two and their little friends. I have had it with this group of Wolvesden wannabes walking around thinking that they own the fucking place. NEWSFLASH! You guys ain't SHIT! You want to run your suck holes and claim that Wolvesden is washed up. That we are nothing more than old news, a blip in everyone's memory? You only wish. You guys only wish that you were half the men that Kenny and I are. You only wish that you were as world renowned and feared as Kenny and I are. You only fucking wish... that you were us. But, not matter what you do, no matter what you say, you will NEVER be close to becoming Wolvesden. I know, I know. You all have made it your top priority to rid the entire wrestling world of us. The execution of Wolvesden as a whole. Unfortunately for you all, Wolvesden is not going anywhere. We are eternal, motherfucker. When Kenny and I are long gone and out of the picture? Believe me when I say that an entire new generation of Wolvesden will be in our replace continuing exactly where we left off. 

So boys, come to Kingdom this Sunday night with your heads held high... because Kenny and I are going to fucking rip them off from your bodies!

Wolves...

Aeternum...

About time we are facing off against each-others one on one, Teddy Mac.

I've been eagerly waiting for this opportunity for almost a year since we know each-others and it's going to happen with my SSW Puroresu World Heavyweight Championship on the line. I'm happy that you're my first contender out of everyone else because I believe you want to be a world champion again after the OWT days and I'm happy to give you an opportunity for this because I'm sure this is what you want as well.

But that's the key word "opportunity" not a straight up gift. You want to be the SSW Puroresu World Heavyweight Champion? Come and try beat me with everything you have. I don't think you want me to just give my championship away and I do think you're going to work hard more than ever to feel the glory you once had in OWT.

The SSW Puroresu World Heavyweight Championship is a symbol for everything I've worked for 8 years. From Australia to New Jersey Federation to OWA to Wrestleworld and to SSW, that's a bumpy road I've taken to finally be the number one and be the best of the best and I want to have a good reign and held this Championship as long as possible because you know it that I don't want to lose in my first defense so easily. You're fighting to win my World Championship but I'm fighting to beat you fair and square to stay still and be known as the current SSW Puroresu World Heavyweight Champion.

As I said, I want this match one on one against you for a long time, title or not, but believe me, the circumstance isn't what I expected.

Not only am I challenging you for the Campeonatos De Parejas in Wrestleworld but long before that, the current situation we're having actually started in here. In OWA. Our home. The Nice Guys' territory. I don't think you wanted to hit me with the steel chair, but people in the locker room and media are quickly jumping on our situation and trying to get on our skins by saying that you and I might be breaking up soon.

It was evidently an accident from your part and I want you to forget about that for a moment for this match because I don't want you to have any unnecessary feeling going on when you're facing me. Forget about that. Do face me like a man as usual, Teddy. That's what you have to do going up against me. Don't let any unnecessary thoughts to distract your focus. I know you might have an ill will on me for accidentally costing your match once in Wrestleworld and I'm truly sorry for that. It wasn't my intentions. It was similar like how you accidentally hit me with the Steel Chair. So you have to admit it that it's a 50:50 for both of us. Let's address our mistakes on each-others on another way.

Because you have to understand why this match is so important for both of us.

This match is a competition between two friends that are fighting for glory and not for a game. We play a lot together and we obviously eat a lot together and they are always fun to do. I'd like to keep them going with you and I know it'll be fun to face off against you but as I said, this isn't a game for both of us because I'm sure you want to prove it that you're better than me and beat me for my world title because that's what I want to do as well. This Championship is very important to me. I'll put my life on the line just to defend this belt. I'm at the top of the world right now and I wouldn't want to change it anytime soon.

You're my friend but you're a threat to my World Championship and that's why I have to do what it takes to keep this belt on my shoulders.

I don't want to lose to you Teddy, or rather I can't lose to you because I'm trying to live my moment and I want to be remembered as one of the best SSW Puroresu World Heavyweight Championship in the history of this business. I believe you can understand because you were once on the top of the world in OWT.

I wouldn't want to imagine my world to be destroyed by one of my best friends. Yes I get it, I'm on YOUR position as The Wild Cards are going to challenge Bear And Jag Connection in Wrestleworld but no offence, the difference between you and me is that Reno Dumont and I actually won the number one contendership match to challenge you and Jungle Jaguar while you get this opportunity for free.

That being said, I don't mean anything bad to say what I said. Let me repeat it again, I'm happy to defend the SSW Puroresu World Heavyweight Championship against you Teddy. This is indeed an SSW's belt. The top one if I may add but don't forget it that not only am I the SSW Puroresu World Heavyweight Champion but I'm also an OWA's Alpha as well. I'm in OWA because I want to be here. I'm in OWA because I want to be known as one of the OWA's top Alphas as well and that's why I can't lose to you because this is a perfect chance to establish myself to be known as one of the OWA's best as the unofficial OWA Fourth World Champion.

Yes, we have Derelict as the Omega Heavyweight Championship in our very brand, Olympus. We have Havoc as the OWA World Champion in Kingdom. And we have Nikki Khan as OWA Women's World Champion in Odyssey.

But I'm here too as the SSW Puroresu World Heavyweight Champion. Give me a chance to prove myself as the World Champion. I'm trying to make a Bridge between OWA and SSW FOR OWA as I put my World Title on the line against an OWA's Alpha AT an OWA's show and not the other way around.

We had Moongoose McQueen putting his OWA World Championship on the line against Abholos in SSW and now I'm trying to do the same for OWA. As long as I'm still in OWA, the SSW Puroresu World Heavyweight Championship is an OWA's Championship too. Not an official one but I'm trying to contribute something for both OWA and SSW. I want to be known as a great SSW Puroresu World Heavyweight Champion but I also want to be known as an OWA's representative that are doing well in both SSW and Wrestleworld too. This is the best for both worlds. Me being the SSW World Champ is something what OWA can be proud of.

And that's something you can be proud of me too, Teddy.

I want you to feel happy that I'm in fact a World Champion as much as I'm happy to have you as my friend and a Tag Partner here in OWA because I really mean it.

But do try your best to take The World I'm carrying on my shoulders because that's what we both want.

But not only am I going all out and put my life on the line to defend the SSW Belt but also, I want to prove it that I have what it takes to make it in OWA.

You see, as you know, I'm doing well in both SSW and Wrestleworld where I have won 3 awards and sending The Professional to Hell but somehow, it isn't the case in OWA. I losses more than I win in OWA and that's something I want to change. I want to add some victories on my OWA column. I lost in every opportunities I get and that's why I'm much more determined to beat you more than you can imagine. I also want to prove it that I'm the better wrestler than you.

It's not a secret that you always pins our opponents when we win and I always ate the pins when we lost. I'm trying to atone my OWA sins. As much as I hate to say this, YOU are the best person for my redemption and my turning point. I have to prove it that I'm better than you, at least for this match. I want to beat you fair and square. I want to either make you tap or knock you out to win this match and to defend my Championship. There's no other way.

It's either sink or swim for me.

You're too good of a wrestler. One of the best rising stars in this company, a great challenge, and sometimes I'd like to think I'm holding you back. But that gives me even more reason why I have to beat you to prove it that I'm not a deadweight to you. You have one of the best stories in this business, Teddy. You were once an Underdog, not just in this sport but also in your life as well. So many people doubt you that you could have a wrestling career, let alone winning a world championship. But man, you managed to prove everyone wrong in just 2 years. How inspiring is that?

OWT Championship, OWA Tag Team Championship, and Wrestleworld Campeonatos De Parejas. 3 accolades in just 3 years? That's one hell of a record and now you have a chance to add another one if you beat me.

But I'm sorry. SSW Puroresu World Heavyweight Championship means so much to me and I want to keep this belt as long as I'm still standing and breathing.

You have the "never say die" attitude that I also happen to have and you know me better than anyone else that not only am I having the "never say die" attitude but I'm having the "Do or Die" mindset going on for this match. Forget everything else. I'm trying really hard to have a great reign and to have a better career in OWA. Starting from you, Teddy.

Maybe you want to beat me for yourself, for your Family, and for your fans but that's exactly why I want to beat you as well, Teddy. We're too much look alike. We're having a similar mindset. Otherwise why are we teaming up to begin with? Forget the "trouble in paradise" for now because what I'm having right now is "Keep My Friends closes but my Enemies closer."

Not that you're my enemy as in I hate you Teddy. But you're trying to take my World and I'm going to make you realize how important this belt is to me by defeating you. I'll let you take a closer look on my World when I let you fall before me. I'll let you enter my World when I make you kneel before me. And I'll let you experience my World when you bow down to me.

Welcome to my World and I give you the permission to unleash the beast on the cage.

If you're going to try to bring my World down, I'm going to drag you down with me….as your friend.

(After sustaining a “narrow loss”, if you ask Elijah that is, he’s in his locker room. Sitting there all depressed because losing isn’t fun tbh. Roy pats Elijah on the back while Shea is struggling to hold back his laughter. Elijah looks pissed. Then, two women appear as one is tearing his left wrist tape off while the other is working on his right. A third person arrives and places a towel around his neck. A fourth person comes in with a second towel and wipes the beer off his face because he faced an alcoholic just moments ago.)

Roy: “Who are all these people?”

Elijah: “I’m a machine, Roy. A well-oiled machine. And just like any other machine, I need maintenance. I need some tender, love and care, BABY! Therefore, allow me to introduce to you, my pit crew. This right here is Sandra. She’s in charge of my left wrist tape. Throw up her statistics on the screen right now! She can tape a wrist in ten seconds flat. Can rip it off in four! Her vertical is 27 inches! She wears eye black so the room lights don’t distract her vision. She’s a first-team All American taper. Very impressive stuff all around. This, is uh I don’t remember her name. She does my right wrist tape. Carol? It’s either Carol or Cinnamon, I can’t remember. It begins with a C, so close enough. This is Keith, he’s the towel boy. This is Brittany, she’s the towel girl because I’m not sexist. I’m an equal opportunity employer. It’s no big deal...except, it kinda is, no? Yeah, it is. Hey..HEY! Where is Bobby? WHERE IS MY WATER BOY? His real name is Mike I think but I was like nah, you Bobby now. Short for Bobby Boucher. He’s nowhere to be seen though. Fuck! Hey Shea? Yeah, can you like do me a solid and go fetch me some water, please? I need to recharge my temple of a body.”

Shea: “No.”

Elijah: “No?” 

Shea: “DID I STUTTER?”

Elijah: “Well, no. But like, water? I’m dehydrated af.”

Shea: “HAHA IM GOING TO SHATTER YOUR WINDPIPE WITH AN ACTUAL PIPE HAHA!”

Elijah: “Haha classic Shea. Such a goofball saying and doing goofy thingzzzz. So hey, there’s a cameraman in here. He’s probably expecting me to sit here and be all down in the dumps. I’m sure all of you are expecting the same. But you aren’t going to get that. You see, some would say I lost tonight—“

Shea: “Everybody.”

Elijah: “Hmm?”

Shea: “Everybody would say you lost tonight because you did.”

Elijah: “Except I didn’t really. What would you say if I told you that oh I don’t know, I lost on purpose tonight?”

Shea: “I WOULD SAY YOU’RE A FUCKING LIAR!”

Elijah: “Oh my god I wasn’t asking you, I was asking those who are watching this. But I guess I already let the cat outta the bag, oopsies! Then again, why wouldn’t I, hmm? I’m not into harming animals. It’s struggling to breathe inside that bag, wtf? Huh, would you look at that?! First, we found out that Elijah Hampton is an equal opportunity employer and now we learn he’s against animal cruelty? What a good dude he is. They should make a movie based on his life! Preferably on the Hallmark channel. I’m a big hit when it comes to that older women demographic. So yes, I lost on purpose. It wasn’t because I had money on Jeffery winning. Although I should have. Would have made a fortune too because lets face it, The Elijah Hampton versus Just Jeff X? Hmmm, yeah, Jeff was the clear-cut underdog, let’s be honest. Woulda got a pretty penny. Or a dime, such as myself, ‘cause cute. But no, it had nothing to do with money. I lost due to the kindness that is just oozing from my heart. My heart of gold. I bleed gold like I’m in a Gatorade commercial. GATORADE..IS IT IN YOU?! And cut. There’s actually a second reason as to why I lost, perhaps even a third, but I’ll touch on that later. A consensual touch, might I add. But Jeff has had a tough go at things recently. A couple of weeks ago he was having nightmares on Kingdom. Then to follow it all up, this week, he had to face the biggest NIGHTMARE OF ALL..me in that ring. I wanted to help lift his spirits. Help pick him up and dust off his shoulders. Maybe dust off those shitty tattoos from his arms as well. It’s like they gave a five-year-old the needle and they were like, okay, have at it, scribble all over his arms. But sure, he’s already somewhat accomplished. He’s won a world title..sort of. Had it for a cup of coffee. But he needed more. He needed his first big break and what bigger way to do that than to hold a win over Elijah Hampton? I helped him because I’m a giver. I give to the less fortunate...or in Jeff’s case, the less talented. Haha omg, that was good. Write that down. Put it on a poster. Frame it. Hang it up. And stare at it. Especially with my face on it. Reason number two as to why I lost on purpose, Shea and Roy were wrongfully tossed from ringside. When that happened, I stopped trying because it’s obvious the fix was in. Jeff paid off the ref because he’s a horrible person. He drowns dogs in his downtime. He robs grannies trying to cross the road. And worst of all? He’s said mean things about Elijah Hampton. There’s no coming back from that. No redemption arc in your future. Reason number three as to why I lost, I have a HUGE Openweight championship opportunity waiting for me on the horizon. I need to be 100% healthy for that match. So tonight was a business decision. Get over it. Reason number four as to why I lost, this match happened way earlier than I thought it would. I was told it was going to be the main event because hello, I was in it. But then they remembered last second that Jeff was also in it so they had to move it down the card. I was busy. I was in the middle of my nuru massage with Presley Dawn when I got the news. I had to rush through my routine and my body didn’t feel right. I need proper time for my stretchies, aight? Reason number five as to why I lost, I was appearing on two shows this week. And I get it. As the face of OWA and what a handsome face it is, they want me on all shows and platforms. And don’t get me wrong, I can handle it. I’m a workhorse. No, a work stallion. What I’m getting at is I had a lot on my plate so I overlooked my opponent tonight. Reason number six as to why I lost, the coronavirus. No, I don’t have it. Although when they checked my temperature before heading into the arena, it was 96.8. I was feeling under the weather. Just with everything going on, I was wrestling with a heavy heart. My mind was elsewhere. But look, with all that said? I’ve never been one to make excuses and I’m not about to start now. So congratulations, Jeff X. Congrats on finally reaching that brass ring, shattering the glass ceiling and beating Elijah Hampton. You have the ball now, kid. Run with it.”

(Current Day)

“Hey, you! Yeah, you! You can stop rubbing that Genie now, because I’m here to talk some more. What are your other two wishes? Haha! I’m such a hoot. But no, I’m all business this week. I got my maroon turtleneck on. I only wear that when I’m super determined. So like, I didn’t win last week, which was a real bummer. A Hot Boy Bummer when it comes to me. Just when you thought this year couldn’t get any worse? It does. But like I said, I lost on purpose. I lost because I wanted to prove that even Elijah Hampton is human. Even damn near perfect human beings fall down sometimes. Look, I’m inspirational. There’s no way around it. And this week? You will see me put on an awe-inspiring performance to redeem myself. Actually, no. Art. Awe-inspiring art from yours truly. And I’ll use my opponent’s blood as my paint and smear it all over the canvas. The ring canvas, that is. Because let’s not forget that I’m super tough. I’m a hardcore guy, through and through. A deathmatch legend. I’m fucking dangerous dude. I’ll hit myself in the face with a chair. I’ll drink orange juice after brushing my teeth. Don’t test me. But this week? It isn’t just about me. This is about my best friend, Shea Flaherty. Yes, best friend. He may say otherwise but that’s only because he’s such a jokester. We are back to teaming this week. Returning to our roots in OWA. I’m fine with that. Especially since I know Shea is pissed. Well actually, he’s always pissed. But this week, he’s extra pissed. He’s pissed with a second helping of pissed. All because of what happened on Atlantis. Oh and because he saw me lose last week. I would be an emotional wreck too. Only reason why he lost is because of..no, I’m not even saying your name. You ain’t getting this clout. You know? The thing you are chasing after as is? I get it. You are going after the top dog. Challenging the alpha. Didn’t work out too well for you the last time thoooo. And you won’t fair much better if there is a next time. But I’m not here to talk about what if’s. I’m here to talk about a match that WILL happen. A match we’ll dominate from the second that bell rings. The Council’s Nero and Zaxaria. What’s it like, boys? What’s it like heading into a match where you have a zero chance of winning? Hmm? Probably not good, hmm? Some would even go as far to say, bad? Good. That’s what you get for facing us. Let’s cut to the chase. Which I always do, since I never ramble or go on tangents. Nero, sup? You the muscle of the group, huh? I can relate. I’m a powerhouse beefcake as well. I lift heavy things ‘cause I’m a strong farm boy from St. Louis. I’ve body slammed cows and bulls and chickens. And this week? I plan on suplexing you through that ring from the top rope to assert my dominance and toughness. Gonna drink some extra raw eggs this week in preparation. As for Zax? You’re the red-headed stepchild of The Council. The Jan. And you should feel bad. Not just about yourself, but for the man you’ll be standing side-by-side with as you enter a war zone this week. Yeah, that’s right, I might break out the camo tights this week! You scared, hmm? Yeah, bitch, you should be. They say you are only as strong as your weakest link. Sucks for you since you are both weak af. Ha get it? Cause they trash. THEY SORRY! But you already knew that. There’s a reason why you follow orders and not give them. Just like there’s a reason why you’ve been pushed in the lion’s den this week and not your leader. Look at me, I’m a big bad lion. Rawr ! And you two are just jackal. NOM NOM NOM! You're dead meat."

Can you feel it, boys and girls? Can you feel the undeniable presence of history repeating itself? They say that those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it, but I am actively pursuing a recreation of what has come to pass. Here I stand, two victories away from getting my ticket. That prized God of War medallion. And with it, the guarantee of a world title shot at my fingertips. I came so close two years ago. Failing to secure that prize is a failure I have been trying to work out of my system ever since it happened. I ran roughshod through that tournament. I forced Jeff X to submit, I extinguished the potential of Isaac Thornton. But that wily Bull Connors, oh he had other plans, didn’t he? I went off and chased vendettas while he went on to be a tag champion, world champion…and then world champion again. He headlined Final Destination while I spent the night attacking Layne and Gareth in the thin hope I would accomplish something. Well, I did accomplish one thing: I outlasted the lot of them.
 
Look at the landscape of OWA in 2018 and compare it to now. So many faces have come and gone but here I stand. Almost three years of violence has led me to this moment. There is nothing in this world I want more than to walk into my second God of War final and this time, to get the job done. All I have to do is make history repeat itself one more time. Keelan Callihan, we really must stop meeting like this. Our third date already? Things are moving awfully fast in this relationship, wouldn’t you say? What do they call this in the biz, a rubber match? A tiebreaker? The epic conclusion to a trilogy that will determine who truly is the better man? We can dress it up in some grand parade of poetry, but I would like to keep it simple for once. We have fought each other twice and we both know what it is like to be the victor.
 
I was left despondent after you beat me, that much we know. I had to watch you turn me into an afterthought with your little rebellious campaign. Tell me, Keelan, how did that go for you? Sure, I got a little underhanded to snuff you out in the rematch, but can you honestly say that you wouldn’t do the same in my position? You are The Killer, a fiendish, conniving man who will sink to any depth to win. Unfortunately, I fit that bill to equal measure. At this point, beating you is a matter of principle. The first two times we faced off, pride and ego spurred us on. Two twisted cunts in a battle for supremacy. I do not know if you feel the same way, but I think we proved that in this business, there are now two men who can hang with us. We left every part of ourselves out there and the margins between us are thinner than a church cracker.
 
What it comes down to is motive. The stakes are suitably high for our third outing. The winner will represent Olympus at Civil War against either RD3 or Arata Asakura. I have already beaten one of those men and I am damn sure I can beat the other. Now, if it is you in that position, you can snag that medallion and you have the whole world in your hands. Your contract expires at Clash of the Titans, yes? Oh, I can see it now: Keelan Callihan is the new God of War, and he cashes in his title shot the same night he is set to quit. Who do you want for your swansong, Keelan? Derelict? Fiora? Do you even care? I understand the play here and I must admit, it is a stroke of genius. Force yourself into the title picture, take the top prize for yourself and then allow your contract to expire. What does the company do in that case? They can’t just take the belt from you; they were the ones dumb enough to have your contract run out on a night where you could potentially challenge for a title. Plus, you own a piece of the pie, I am sure the company’s pricey legal team would jump at the chance to defend you. Or you can do what I am sure is your ultimate gameplan and use your position for leverage. The world champion of Olympus in free agency. Where do you go, Keelan? Do you let Olympus and Kingdom bid record amounts of money for your services? Do you take an offer from SSW or WrestleWorld and appear with this company’s belt on one of their shows? Do you stage your own little rebellion as the hottest thing in wrestling in your final blaze of glory?
 
I know you. You want nothing more than to be world champion and not only can you accomplish this, but you could be the most in-demand, talked about world champion this industry has ever seen. I admire the moxy. This is a determined Keelan Callihan, this is a man who is ramping up for the greatest run of his career. And when all is said and done, when you have made your millions and are ready to put your feet up, you will be remembered as one of the greats. Not as one of these veterans who hung on for too long, chasing some mad and senseless dream. You will forever be known as the man who outsmarted everyone to become an icon. You can retire as champion; you can be the true unconquerable measuring stick of professional wrestling.
 
I cannot allow that.
 
Your aspirations are admirable in certain contexts, but not in the one we currently find ourselves. That context being that my desire to be the ruler of this place outweighs your ambition to be its great hijacker. I have learned a lot in our time spent together in the ring. I have gained tremendous respect for your abilities and as scummy as your hustle is, I cannot say it is all that different from the chicanery I am notorious for. Your moment of greatness is being put on ice for as long as I draw breath. I have become consumed by my hunger for gold. I crave it, I long for it. The sheen of that title belt draws me in. I feel like I am in a trance and that there is no thing more important right now than me ripping it from the shoulder of anyone who has it who is not me. Nobi thought he had me all figured out, they always do. I showed him why I am feared, I showed him why all of his achievements mean fucking nothing to me. When I want something, people get hurt, dreams and bodies get broken.
 
Two wins, that is all I need. I know what it takes to beat you and I have so much more of an incentive now than I ever had before. This is not some random exhibition like our first encounter. This is not a desire for vengeance like the second. This is legacy-defining. This is a match where victory is the only thing I will accept. I have been so close to the top and every single time, the scales have not tipped in my favour. Your story might be similar, but the ending will be written by me. This week, I march into our match with more purpose, determination and will than I have ever had. I will pour my soul into defeating you. I do not have the resources you have at your disposal. I do not have sway with the board, I had to go to extreme lengths for my first world title match and it was against five other men in a Thunderdome. At every turn, the universe has conspired against me. This is it. We stand on the precipice of Nate Cage’s rise to greatness. No gimmicks, no bullshit. Come Olympus, I end you, Keelan Callihan. I end your run in this tournament and I end your championship fantasies.
 
I will beat you. I will win the final. And I WILL be world champion. So help me God.

History in the making ( Vs El Ironico for the Hybrid Championship #1):

“ I can only imagine how the people of Georgia feel right now. The eyes of the world seeming falling on you, a decision that many pundits feel is too close to call even after the last week or two of debating, and arguing, and fighting. To know that history will always be marked by the outcome, and that your state will be forever remembered by it. I can’t imagine how these people can contain themselves till I finally get my long awaited win and claim the Hybrid championship for the Awakening. You know ever since the match was set, It seems that with every day that passes, and the closer I get towards Olympus, the closer I get to Hybrid Championship, I keep hearing the people I pass by ask me the same questions. How do you feel Mark? Are you Nervous? Are you excited? Are you feeling loose and relaxed knowing you have tons of experience in title matches, or are you feeling the tension because this title match here and now can set the tone not just for you, but for your stablemates? Can you handle the weight of the Awakening looking to you to get the job done here so you can roll into Civil War with as much momentum behind your backs, and as much gold around your waists as humanly possible? If I was to follow standard operating proceedings, and give the same generic answer that every ham and egger like El Ironico gives, I would tell you that I’m all of it, and that I’m ready. Or if if I was just the stereotypical cartoon character that IWA has tried time and again I’d say I’m pretty pissed off. Pissed off , not just because of what happened in the triple threat match, not just because instead of getting that nice pay per view bonus I’m about to attempt to make this new championship relevant, and not just another piece of tin on a string while I’m the third match on a free tv card. But instead of all that, I actually feel at peace right now. I feel at peace because I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that my talent and tenacity have brought me here knocking on the door of greatness, and that same talent, that same tenacity, it’s gonna help me kick that motherfucker down. Wasn’t About a week ago I talked about how we Americans have the power, and the god given right to shape our destinies to whatever we see fit? Didn’t I speak about how that power and right is the same for us who have become awakened? Simply put the thing that everyone needs to understand about me is, I see something, I want it, and one way or another I go out and get it. It isn’t a question of if, or when, the only question is how many of human traffic cones am I gonna leave unconscious? And how many am I gonna leave screaming in submission? In case you’ve been living under a rock,theAwakening takes what it wants, I TAKE WHAT I WANT, And right now what I want most is the OWA Hybrid championship without question.
But if this week has taught us anything it s that sometimes even when you made it clear the way it’s gonna go down, sometimes that ugly little asshole can’t cobble together the few brain cells he’s has to take the hint a leave with whatever dignity he has left. To not drag this out and continue embarrassing not just yourself, of just whom you represent, but the world at large. I am Speaking of course, about how luck would have it that the last hurdle I have to jump before, the last mountain... well let’s be honest the last molehill, that I have to step over in order to achieve the goals I came to OWA to achieve, is El Ironico. Now I’ll admit it, I got a laugh when I saw wrestling’s answer to the masked singer step through the curtain. I giggled a bit when I heard that he got plopped into the tournament for... I would say reasons but there was zero reason for his ass to be in this tournament to begin with. Regardless of why he was entered into this tournament, regardless of who he blew to to get licensed to wrestle, I am gonna run through him to get The goals that Father Fiora has blessed me to crossing off my list. regardless of whoever gets placed in my way, the outcome is always the same, that as not some mystical prophecy, that’s just plain facts. Now I’m sure someone is muttering under their breath about how I came up just short in that triple threat match on Atlantis, but anyone who knows me, knows that the loss only made me that much more hungry to win this week. That loss is gonna be my motivation this week. Not that I am wallowing in my setbacks, I never allow my failures to define me. And I never, and I mean ever, take an L one week without coming back even stronger the next. Ask anyone who has ever been in the ring with me, and they will tell you that a loss to Mark Michaels is noting more than throwing gas on the fire. To borrow a praise from my cohorts in the Awakening, I’m Keeping the faith that I’m walking out as the first, and time will show me to be, the greatest Omega Wrestling Alliance Hybrid Champion. Because if this match ultimately comes down to who wants it more, than El Ironico doesn’t stand a snowflake’s chance in hell!

You don’t believe me? Let me ask you then, what kind of champion would El Ironico be? I mean You’d have an easier time explaining that the election wasn’t rigged to a Trump supporter, than to provide one single, compelling reason as to why it would be better to just piss on the belt than hand it over to Ironico’s dumbass. I mean who’s idea of a champion is some masked jackass who’s too much off a chicken shit to jump off the top rope after taking all the time to climb there in the first place? And do you really think OWA wants to cut checks to R. Kelly every time that wastes 30 seconds of our lives by singing I believe I can fly?! I’d rather hear nails scraping a chalkboard, it’s a less painful and irritating sound than Ironico’s voice. No, El Ironico is a man lacking in far too many ways to worthy of holding the Hybrid championship, and that would be if he wasn’t facing someone as talented, seasoned, and hungry as I am. He would be scratching his head trying to figure out how to beat a Chase Vedder, or even a Jack Dio, before scratching his ass back to the locker room while his opponent had his hand raised. If There’s no other reason why I deserve to win this tournament, it’s that in the last six months I’ve been tearing it up In that ring with everyone from Darkane to Derelict proving I can hold my own against the best that Olympus has to offer. From the moment I walked through the door I was tossed right into the fire, and by god I’ve come out the other side red hot and ready to burn up Whomever was unfortunate enough to stand in my way. That’s who I am, You Ironico, you on the other hand, you just showed up one week and someone decided to milk that 2017 nostalgia pop as hard as they could. You sucker punched you best buddy AFTER Noah Quinn put an end to his win streak I. Championship matches. You have these little “diss Finn Wakefield like a little bitch parties” but when the time comes for you and him to get it on, I doubt you’d do anything more than tuck your tail between your legs and run, the same way you should be running right now before I stomp your empty head through the mat.
Trust me when I say that I can and will do so without a moment’s hesitation. I’m not of the Ironico fanboys hoping to see you crowd surf. I’m not some also ran who’s just happy to be here. I’m quite frankly a stone cold bastard who is fed up with second place. See I haven’t forgotten the last time you and me were in the same company. I saw guys like you get elevated because you conned some douche in middle management that they could market El Ironico masks and make a fortune doing so. Now that I think of it, with stores running out of toilet paper, El Ironico masks could be in high demand. Anyway, the point is I remember guys like you never once having to prove yourself, never having to earn anything the way I did. And while I labored and clawed my way to crumbs, all the while being made to do that shitty social media champion gimick, You got propped up at the expense of men like me who can actually wrestle. You can call me bitter, you can call me jealous, I don’t really give a fuck, because this match in so many ways is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I’m here to shake off and silence my critics who said that the only reason I ever won a title was because half the roster went MIA. I won championship gold back in that political swamp, that pyramid scheme they call a wrestling promotion, and by god I will win the Hybrid title here in OWA, and walk all over your bloody carcass to do so if need be!

On November 22nd, you are gonna learn why they call me the Lethal Injection, when you get a get a full dose of Mark Michaels. You’re gonna find out first hand that The thing about Lethal Injection is that it’s not a peaceful process, it’s not painless to the victim, it’s just pleasant for the audience who’s watching this public execution. And when that final bell rings and that referee hands me my new OMEGA Wrestling Alliance Hybrid championship belt, you and all the other jackasses who spent the last five years trying to bury me in lower midcard hell are gonna see what happens when a man with all the potential finally starts to see it being Realized. You’re all gonna see that there is nothing I can’t do in that ring. You’re all gonna see that it’s just speed, or strength that wins a match, but having the mindset to go about as more than a conqueror. Ironico you’re gonna learn the same lesson that Derelict has, the same lesson your buddy Finnegan Wakefield learned, the same lesson that Nas learned. Don’t cross the Awakening, because if you’re not awoken you’re gonna get broken plain and simple.”

This kind of shit is what happens when you try and tarnish the prestige of this TV title. When you put it on the line against bums, all you get is clownery and embarrassment. Why allow idiots like El Ironico and Kyle Boe think they even have a chance at this thing? Hell, Boe was already getting measurements on his waist before Flaherty decided to do my job for me and take the poor guy out. I swear the level of competition in my matches every week is the most inconsistent in OWA. One week, I’m left almost dead in a deathmatch against Darkane. And then two weeks later I’m retaining in a three second mockery of a contest against Kyle Boe. Every week, I’m made to defend this strap just because...it needs to be defended? There’s no reasoning. Just challenger after challenger thrown at me like there’s no tomorrow. They want this thing off me so badly that they’ll give a shot to the first guy they see at catering. But it finally seems that they've given up. They realized that it doesn't matter who they throw at me. It doesn't matter how many uncomfortable situations they put me in. After weeks and weeks of doing everything they can to take this off of me, they realized that I'll be walking out with the belt every single time. So finally, my first non-title match as champion has arrived. Two weeks where I don't have that constant stress bearing down on me. Two weeks where I can look at my title and see that there's no chance that this gets taken away. Cool. But of course, when my title isn't on the line, I need to face another champion. Nobody without a belt can hold a candle to me apparently, so there's only one move.

But this isn't just a champion vs champion match. Obviously, there's more to this. In the war between The Awakening and Derelict, I know most people see me as just a foot soldier to be squashed. Civil War is going to be a bloodbath, and I know that Derelict is finally going to get what he's been trying to avoid. But that's only what people see. Derelict vs Fiora. The big pay-per-view marquee matchup that everyone wants to see. But everyone in the middle is expendable. There's only one person, one group who can topple the giant, right? It'll take an army to defeat the...soon to be former OHC. And that's exactly what's been created. The Awakening is on a warpath. We've literally won almost every single match we've been placed in easily. And Derelict is the next obstacle in our path. We're finally turning heads. People are starting to believe that the monster can fall. But it'll take all of our efforts. It'll take the four of us to even have a chance at taking down our biggest competition yet. But I know as a fact that the thought that I can take him down alone hasn't crossed anyone's mind. Not a single person in OWA thinks I have a chance at winning this. Hell, half of them still think that I have no claim to this belt. I've done everything I've set out to do and more, but still, I'm no match for Derelict. But I won't take that as an insult personally. In their minds, Derelict has been built up as this unstoppable beast. An untouchable monster that can't be stopped. An almost mythical beast of strength of power with a fake belt around his waist. Wrestlers have been idolized and praised so much that they think that they're untouchable. He's human. A big and strong human, sure. But he bleeds. He feels pain. He can be pinned like the rest of them. I've said before that I can beat anyone in this company, and that doesn't change with the big bad Derelict. I know that this could be the biggest challenge of my career so far, but I know that I can come out on top. Nobody else has been able to get one over me, and contrary to popular belief, he isn't so different from everyone that's stood in my path.

But you've said it yourself, Derelict. In your own flawed way. A non-believer like the rest of them, you're taking me lightly. Saying that I have promise. Saying that the future is looking bright. The last time I checked, the present is looking pretty good too. Who says I couldn't relieve you of that strap right now? Already, you accept that I could take that title off of you eventually. But you pass it off as something that will happen far in the future. Five, ten years will pass and then maybe I'll pull it off. Don't lie to yourself. I'm the present, and I'll be the present for a long fucking time. I'm the future because I'll be in an even better spot than I'm in right now in a year. And higher after two years. Nobody knows what my ceiling is because it doesn't exist. I don't plateau. I don't stop moving. I keep finding ways to move up, whether it be on my own or as part of a group. Boosting myself and others up the ranks, faster and higher week after week. Who knows where I'll be in a week, or a month, or a year? Surely better than I am right now, and I'm pretty damn good. But even at this point of my career, I know I can be the one to do the so-called impossible. People say that my time is coming, but I know beating you will swerve the popular opinion. But they're right in a way. When I knock your block off, people will think that I'm hitting my peak. I'm nearing the Everest that is my career height. Because if I can beat you, I can beat anyone. But I'm only getting started. The Awakening is only getting started. You might be seen as the final boss, but you won't be seen as anything once we're finally done with you. Right now, you only see me as a guy with potential who can only nip at your heels while you focus on the real challenger in front of you. I don't think that it occured to anyone that I even have a chance at beating you alone. I don't think it occured to you that we're even close to the same level. Sure, our championships might be on different levels. Physically, I'm sure you have an advantage. But I've been overlooked too long to just lie down and take the shit you're putting on my name. This won't just be another dominating chapter in the story of this war. I won't be made an example of from a man who thinks too little of me. People might think that you have this in the bag, but you'd find that there's more to me than meets the eye. Join the club.

Can people not wrap their heads around the fact that people can be successful... together? There doesn't always have to be an alpha male that takes all the credit. That wins all the championships. But that's only what you're seeing. You're only seeing the most vocal member of our ranks. The one who's going to take the title off your waist and finally shut up all the criticizers who whine about the "true" champion. When people think of The Awakening, the first person they think of is Fiora. Which is justified, I guess. The glorious leader. The guy who talks the most shit but can back it up...alone or with The Awakening. But that doesn't mean you can just diminish the rest of us. You might see me as miles above my brethren, but at the end of Civil War, I know we'll all be holding belts. We'll all have our own piece of singles gold. People like you won't be able to blather on about how we're a one man show. When we have a monopoly on every belt on Olympus, you won't be able to deny that we're the real deal. No single effort on Olympus will be able to stop us. We've steamrolled literally every annoyance in our path, but you still cry and complain about how we're just a group of scattered individuals who couldn't make it on their own. A team who hunts as a pack for security. Your definition is outdated. That might have been the case a while ago. I won't deny that we couldn't make it alone. That's how we got caught up in this group. But by now, I think it's clear that we're pretty damn good alone or as a group. We've had...well all of our wins have been singles wins. Sure, sometimes a little nudge is given to make our jobs a little easier, but it's not like those clowns were winning anyways. You've seen it yourself. You took an L, courtesy of another member of our ranks in Mark Michaels. I know most people didn't see it coming. Most people thought it would be an easy win for you. A dominant first victory in your quest to take out The Awakening. But obviously things didn't go the way you wanted them to. Sure, maybe he needed a little more...moral support than usual. But that's your fault for not having someone in your corner. That's what we have that you'll never acquire or appreciate. We have a support system. We have each other's backs. We'll do anything to ensure a win for one of our own. That might be seen as a weakness for you. Even if it was handed to you, I know you would turn it down. Maybe it would've helped you. Maybe it could even prolong your soon to be short reign as champion. You've seen the results yourself, and you still deny it.

Some would call it cowardice. Some would call it an inability to win on our own. But if it's getting results, who cares? I know the same people who criticise us would pay to be in our positions. But not you, Derelict. You're too stubborn for that. Too caught up in your belief that The Awakening is nothing compared to you. That we're just a ragtag group of hyenas. That Noah Quinn doesn't stand a chance. Your ass kicking is coming eventually, but your way of thinking is about to speed up the process. You might've thought last time was a fluke. Or you won't let anyone get involved this time around. Or that you can take all of us on. I know I can beat you on my own. I've taken down opponent after opponent without help. I can hack away at the tree trunk and come out a little worse for wear, but with another win under my belt. But maybe we'll run it in your face a little. The fact that The Awakening is above you and will always be above you. Or maybe I'll get it done myself. The suspense is killing me. Just know to expect the unexpected, ok?

ATLANTIS PROMO: Hyena in the Pack


(The camera opens on Derelict walking down an empty sidewalk on a bright morning in small town america with his bindle over one shoulder and his Omega Heavyweight Championship on the other.  He peers through shop windows in passing as his heavy feet clack off of the concrete, echoing through the near-abandoned streets.)

"Potential, promise, prodigy, gifted...these are a few of the adjectives that have been tagged in front of your name in commentary soundbites and peer evaluation.  Hell I've said a few of them myself, but you don't need any sort of assurance that you're good from anyone when you have that Television Championship around your waist now do you?..thing is...some people say that stuff because it's a safe bet.  They want to look smart for picking the thoroughbred in the race that everyone else thinks a dark horse. If you fail, their words are forgotten to time and their credibility remains intact despite yours diminishing.  It's easy to make such a bold prediction on a blue chip prospect on the sidelines when there are no stakes in it, but that's not the case with me Noah.  I don't say you're good because I want to do good business or make myself look smart.  No, I call you the future because I know that inevitably I'll be the past, and I like to let the young pups at the back of the pack know that the alpha up front knows they're growing, maturing, overtaking the old ranks, and coming up.  I keep my eye on you because I know that someday you'll be a worthy adversary.  Someday you might even be the man who takes this championship title away from me.  Someday will be your day, but if you think you can run ahead in line and nip at my heels now and get away with it then you have a rude awakening in store come Atlantis.  Right now all I see before me is a little boy lost in the shuffle looking to cling to something that he thinks is bigger than him.  You've fallen back into a part of the pack where a beta has declared himself the head of the line, despite falling behind me in the order of things.  You bow your head and tuck your tail and follow him because in your mind you think that it's possible if you all group together that you can take me out and claim my dominant position.  That's not the case though.  There's no equality in your rebel cell, no socialistic mindset.  It's all for Fiora.  If you lot somehow managed to pull me back down into the pile and rip me to shreds, he'd be the one claiming the lead from thereon out.  If you challenged him, he'd sic the rest on you and leave you to die.  If you challenge me, I'll at least give you the fighting chance to try and take my place.  Your day wont fall on this week, but down the line? who knows?  All I know for certain is that right now, as things stand, the only thing you have the potential of being is a handsome young body in a long oak coffin.  The only promise on the path you've chosen is a fork in the road that either leads to abominable destruction of a prodigy, or the arrival of a prodigal son.  As far as I'm concerned you can choose whichever road you want, but it'd be a damn shame if you let your gifts go to waste.  I hope that someday you learn what being the head of the pack means.  Right now you're a follower who can't gain that perspective, but let me tell you exactly the nature of my existence right now: Being at the head of the pack means you're not running with the pack.  No, the pack follows you.  You aren't a part of it, but you're the reason it exists.  They follow close, test your mettle, and try to take your position, because they don't know what being at the top of the dog pile means.  You have to keep running, keep fighting, keep turning them to the back of the line in droves, until one day you get too old and they get too young and they make the mistake of taking from you a burden instead of a status.  People kept asking me why I didn't chase Fiora when he took my belt, and the answer is simple: we'd be running in circles.  It's no coincidence that every single Olympus for nearly a month's time either began or ended with Fiora running somewhere or trying to get ahead of someone while I remain standing in place in time, waiting for someone to catch up.  This belt on my shoulder is meaningless, just like the belt Fiora stole is a mere pittance compared to the gravity of the title it falsely represents.  Hopefully someday you'll understand that, Nathan.  Hopefully someday you'll quit chasing after a holy grail that doesn't exist and come after the true elixir of immortality...but like I said, you wont be finding either this week.  No.  This week I send you to the back of the line with your pretender's championship and your pack of cackling jackals who probably wont even manage to attain a modicum of the success that you may attain someday.  People tell me I'm cryptic, too wrapped up in poetry and riddles, so I'll paint the picture for you since I know you're the muscle of The Awakening and not the brains of the operation: You're hanging with a bunch of losers who've drug you down to their level...so yeah...maybe you should work on that."

(The Derelict stops in front of one of the shop windows and looks above his head to see three brass balls hanging from an ornate sign.  He enters the shop, causing a bell on the door to ding as he pushes through, announcing his arrival.  He slowly walks up to the counter, glancing down at the glass cases as he approaches the pawnbroker behind them, whose busied himself with scoping out and appraising a diamond ring.)

Derelict: Excuse me-

Pawnbroker: Methadone clinic's down the block a piece, friend.

Derelict: That's mighty kind of you, but I'm not here for junk.

Pawnbroker: Oh? Well we don't have a public bathroom in here either so-

(The Derelict swings the title off of his shoulder and clanks it down on the counter.  The startled pawnbroker's magnifying scope pops off of his face as he drops the ring and snaps around to face Derelict.  His eyes greedily pour over the title as he runs his hand down it's face.)

Pawnbroker: Mighty fine piece of tin you got there.  What's that? sapphires? Looks like it's got some platinum to it...maybe platinum plated? oh gosh, maybe solid? not a bad strap of aged leather either.

Derelict: How much?

Pawnbroker: Well, uh...ya lookin' to pawn it or sell it?

Derelict: Sell.

Pawnbroker: Oh then..I s'pose it'd cost me a pretty penny.  However, I know who you are and what this is.  Can't say I'm shocked you'd want to pawn it, but frankly? I ain't buyin'.

Derelict: Oh?

Pawnbroker: I respect what OWA does for wrestling.  I don't agree with you holdin' this belt, but I can't argue that you earned it.  However, I know they just gave you this one after that uh..preacher man took the other, right?

Derelict: Correct.

Pawnbroker: That means they made this 'specially for you.  Now wouldn't it be downright inhospitable if you took somethin' that they made especially for you and sold it to some unremarkable pawn shop out in the middle of nowhere?  'sides, I'd assume this is more their property than yours.

Derelict: Oh? How do you figure old timer?

Pawnbroker: Well, I mean their logo's on the thing.  They made it.  They shilled out to pay for the jewels and the leather and whatnot.  

Derelict: Yes, but I won it.  You even said yourself that they made this belt specifically for me.  Isn't that enough for me to call claim over it?

(The pawnbroker sighs and looks over the title with a mixture of frustration and disgust as he picks it up off of the counter gently and shoves it into the Derelict's chest.)

Pawnbroker: Listen, friend.  If we're being purist here, this ain't even the actual Omega Heavyweight Championship.  Nathan Fiora has that.

Derelict: Does he now?

Pawnbroker: Absolutely.  At best, this is a well made replica.  The DNA of Bull Connors, Jacob Senn, Gareth Cason, CM Nas, and Tarah Nova aren't on this belt.

Derelict: I've touched it.

Pawnbroker: Well yeah, but it doesn't have the same sorta authenticity about it if it's not the one they held.

Derelict: I've beaten half the names on that list you just rattled off.  How's that for authenticity?

Pawnbroker: Mr. Derelict, I'm not trying to start anything here.  I'm just telling you how this all works.  I'm not buyin'.

Derelict: ...because it's not the real Omega Heavyweight Championship...

Pawnbroker: Exactly!

Derelict: ...yet you still regard it as property of OWA that cannot be sold by a third party...

Pawnbroker: Right on again, friend.

Derelict: ..and you don't accept me as the true Omega Heavyweight Champion.

Pawnbroker: N-now hold on now, I didn't say all of that.

Derelict: Yes you did.  Maybe not outright, but you insinuated it.  You stand there and prattle off past champions and keep my name out of the conversation.  You claim this title I won doesn't match the belt that was given to me to replace the purloined platinum of old.  You even posited that you don't care for me much as a wrestler, so tell me where in this conversation you showed any respect for this championship belt or it's title holder?

Pawnbroker: Now Derelict, I respect what you've put your body through to-

Derelict: Champion.

Pawnbroker: W-what?

Derelict: Call me Champion.

Pawnbroker: W-w-well that's not your name.

Derelict: Neither's Derelict, but Champion's my title and it holds more legitimacy than the name I gave myself. I earned it.  Now, refer to me as champion.

Pawnbroker: Y-yes Ch-champion.

Derelict: Thank you.  Now here's what I'm going to do for you; I'm going to take my belt and leave without incident.  I wont break anything, I wont hurt you, I'll just leave.

Pawnbroker: T-thank you.

Derelict: And I'll do so once you've walked around this counter and placed it around my waist.  Are we understood?

Pawnbroker: I-

Derelict: ARE WE UNDERSTOOD!?!

(The Pawnbroker stands trembling, the belt still held out in front of him in his hands as he wheezes with fright of what might happen if he steps around the counter.  Suddenly the belt falls from his trembling fingers and crashes through the plate glass case, landing face up as if intentionally placed there for display.  Derelict and the pawnbroker look down at the belt within the glass crate, then look up at one another. Derelict smiles as the trembling pawnbroker clasps his heart and fights off hyperventilation.)

Derelict: Looks like it was meant to be? I'll let you take it off my hands for free.  Money's a construct of the weak anyway.  You have a nice day, shop keep.

(With that Derelict abruptly turns and exits the store, leaving the pawnbroker leaning against the wall clutching his chest and threatening to collapse.  He takes a deep sigh of relief as the bell above the door jingles, announcing the exit of Derelict.  His eyes widen as the door flies open once more, nearly throwing the bell from the doorjamb.  The pawnbroker hugs the wall as Derelict stomps in, stares him down, reaches through the glass shards, and yanks his title back up on his shoulder.)

Derelict: Changed my mind.  There's a shop up the street. For the case..

(Derelict throws a wad of cash into the pawnbroker's face, causing him to wilt to the floor behind the counter as the camera fades to black )

LOCATION: The Wrestleworld Neutral Territories

Our scene begins over a week ago during Wrestleworld’s Chapter 22 event. Several rookie competitors and trainees are waiting at gorilla position, looking at the monitor as the third match of the evening has come to an end. They all sport a confused expression as the finish begins to sink in: Nobi apparently costing The Bear and Jag Connection their match against Hana Nakajima and April Song. The group are all in shock, looking at each other in disbelief as they try to figure out what they just witnessed. Nobi is the first to walk by as they stare at him with mouths agape. He gives no comment to their questioning. Following behind him are Sweet Melody who simply shrug. Last to come to the back are The Bear and Jag Connection, though they don’t come together. 

Teddy Mac bursts past the curtain first between the two, speeding away from Jungle Jaguar who is still making his way up the ramp. The trainees try to give a round of handshakes and assuring comments to Teddy but he is having none of it. He yanks a water bottle out of one of their hands and takes a quick drink before tossing it to the side. He then shoulders his way through the mob of onlookers. Jungle Jaguar hits the scene and calls out to him, but Teddy rushes through the halls until he is out of sight.

“Teddy -- “

Teddy Mac ignores the comment from a producer as he enters his locker room and closes the door behind him. He goes to the TV and replays the finish for himself to confirm what he saw, watching Nobi interfere.

Teddy Mac: What the hell was that!?

Teddy is distracted from his potential ranting by the sound of buzzing going on behind him. He turns around and approaches the source of the sound: the inside of his travel bag. He unzips and opens the bag up, pulling out his phone. He looks at the screen, seeing it’s a call from his family as he accepts it with a sigh.

Teddy: Hello?

Leslie: Dad, what happened? You and Jag should have won! You beat them!

Teddy Mac: Well...

Lana: What’s wrong with Uncle Nobi? Why did he do that!? 

Teddy Mac: I don’t know, but I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt!

Nicole: (interjects) Benefit of the doubt? Nobi flat out betrayed you!

Leslie: Yeah!

Lana: Is he mad over Phantom Troupe?

Teddy Mac: Listen, misunderstandings happen. Mistakes happen! Uncle Nobi has always been good to me! He’s been good to you guys too -- remember the pony ride he paid for, Leslie? The Little Mermaid doll he got for you, Lana? Or the G-Wagon he sent us for an anniversary gift, Nicole?

Nicole: I knew accepting that would be used against us….

Teddy Mac: Nobi is a good man. He’s one of my best friends in the business! We’ve had our miscommunications and I know he’s not happy with me hanging out with Phantom Troupe and all that, but our bond isn’t going to be breaking any time soon. I know that in my heart of hearts. I’m going to send him a text, alright? I’m sending him a message, telling him to meet me and clear up whatever happened here. We’ll talk on Olympus, make up, probably eat some food like we do whenever we speak to each other, and hug it out like bros. 

Leslie: So you guys aren’t splitting up?

Teddy Mac: Of course not. I promise you.

Leslie: Good. I don’t know whose side I’d take. You’re right about the pony ride...

Teddy Mac: HUH!?

Nicole: Ignore her, hon. Anyway, you did great out there tonight. Result or not, you won.

Lana: Yeah, dad beat them like it was nothing!

Nicole: You never need to worry about him in the ring. He’s always going to make us proud no matter what. Isn’t that right, Leslie?

Leslie: Mhm! I’m still proud of you dad, you put the hurting on those girls!

Nicole: (nervous laughter) Hehe, Teddy, make sure Leslie doesn’t get too excited about that!

Teddy Mac: Hana and April are good people, great competitors! I don’t think I went too hard on those lovely ladies! After all, it’s like I said, a gentleman always has to be nice with the girls! I’m not going to be nice to any of those dudes coming after them, though! That includes the men who I’ll be facing in the God of War tournament! Your daddy is following in the footsteps of Bull Connors! Moongoose McQueen! He’s becoming a big deal! And the road to that starts by beating someone I already beat before - Keelan Callihan!

Leslie: Keelan?

Lana: I thought you said no more girls after this!

Teddy Mac: We’re making an exception for this first round! I know you two especially aren’t fans of Keelan. He’s a bully, he’s selfish, he’s entitled - he’s everything I’ve raised you two to not be. He’s the example of the type of person who doesn’t deserve to be rewarded; who won’t prosper! It’s his poor attitude that led to a hard working man like your pops lapping him back in January, and it’s what will bite him in the butt against me on Olympus too. I know you girls are feeling a bit down after this loss and the Nobi situation, but you gotta trust in your old man! All of the frustration from tonight is getting put towards this upcoming match.We’re bouncing back in a big way! I’m not losing another match anytime soon, I promise. This win against Keelan is going to be the first of many. I’m putting him in his place, then I’m going to beat Cage or Nobi, then I’m taking down whoever Kingdom sends my way, and before you know it you guys will get to take a picture of my World Heavyweight Championship!

Leslie: You really think you can do that!?

Teddy Mac: I know I can do that. I knew I could get a better job than what I had in the office. I knew I could get signed by OWA. I knew I’d be a champion here, my certainty with this is stronger than any of those other feelings I’ve had. Things LOOK a bit rocky with the Phantom Troupe controversy and these Nobi issues, but we’ve had rockier times before this. Every decision I’ve made, every trial I’ve faced on this road, it’s all led to a payoff. Whenever you see something going wrong or are feeling down over me doing something you might not expect, just keep the faith. I’m closer to a breakthrough than ever before. Don’t worry your pretty little heads about any of this. Go to bed and have some sweet dreams; maybe picture the different ways I’ll tear Keelan a new one.

Nicole: Say goodbye and get ready for bed, kids. I’ll be with you in a second.

Lana/Leslie: BYE!

Teddy Mac: Goodnight, girls!

Nicole: …..Just don’t get caught up in all of the drama, Teddy. I’m not used to being this tense. You’re hanging with the wrong crowd, now Nobi is acting crazy -- things are getting too much. This isn’t the type of stuff you’re involved in!

Teddy Mac: It’s the name of the game. We’re in a competition, things get competitive, they get nasty. I’m not the big soft lug I was when you met me….well, I still am...BUT NOT WHEN IT COMES TO BEING IN THAT RING! It’s the same thing I told the girls, don’t worry your pretty little head. I’m a strong man and I’m only going to get stronger. That’s my goal with Phantom Troupe, to be under that tree of knowledge when it comes to swimming with the sharks. I’m toughening myself up for that main event scene. I DO plan on being World Champ and so far the opportunity is slowly making its way to my grasp. I’m in the God of War tournament! WE could do this, Nicole! We’re almost at the finish line and I don’t see anyone stopping it. Not Keelan, not Nobi, not anyone beefing with the Troupe; NOTHING. I’m dedicating every waking hour that I’m not at home to making sure the lovely ladies of my life are going to be ECSTATIC when they see me succeed. I’m not going to get caught up and I’m not going to let you down. Bet on it.

Nicole: ...That’s what I like to hear. We believe in you, Ted. We really do. Be ready for Keelan. Give the girls something to put them at ease. Remind them you’re the greatest hero on the planet. And for the love of God, fix things with Nobi!

Teddy Mac: Will do. Love you.

Nicole: Love you too. Seriously, ask Nobi --

Teddy Mac ends the call mid sentence. He puts the phone back in his bag and slicks his hair back, thinking deeply as he reclines in a chair. He takes a brief glance from his peripheral, noticing the camera peeking through the door during his private moment. He seems unbothered by it, now carrying himself with the awareness that he’s being recorded.

Teddy Mac: Why’d you have to do that Nobi? Don’t switch up on me, man. Don’t tell me I’m going to have to put some distance between us….

Teddy Mac rubs his chin, thinking for a moment.

Teddy Mac: I get it. Both of us have singles goals. Both of us want to eat at that head of the table. I guess some dissension was bound to happen eventually. One of us is going to have to beat the other to the punch when it comes to getting that strap. But we can handle that without turning on each other. Don’t make yourself another enemy in the tournament. 

Teddy Mac sighs as he looks at a Book Two promotional poster with Nobi on it.

Teddy Mac: Don’t make me act out of character…..I really hope you watch this match, man. Watch me beat the Killer. Watch me show you that edge I’ve been sharpening with the Phantom Troupe. Know that I’m not getting corrupted or preparing to turn on you. I’m growing. Doing what’s necessary to survive. Making my move to become champion….

Teddy Mac reaches out, grabbing a t-shirt as he begins to get dressed back into his travel wear.

Teddy Mac: I’m simply becoming who I felt I was meant to be. An example for the industry. A strong figure for my kids. You’ll see there’s a method to my madness when that first round match up ends. I can beat Keelan, I’ve already pinned him before to get us those tag belts so I know I can do it when the path to World title gold is on the line. I’m running through that man, no doubt as long as you don’t get in my way like you did with April and Hana. That’d be a bad move. For our team, and for yourself. Take the olive branch. Let’s be friends again. There’s no need to bring the other down or throw subliminals at one another like we haven’t been through hell and back. Worst case scenario, we can settle it in the ring. Before War of the Worlds, even. We can meet in the God of War semi finals as long as you perform. That foot on the ropes stunt from a few weeks ago already taught us you’ll do whatever to face me, so why not do a repeat and get a crack at me early. Hearing it out loud, this all sounds good to me. How about you?

Teddy Mac looks into the camera, speaking directly to Nobi as if inviting a response. He lets the question hang in the air for a moment before getting up and going to grab a pair of pants. He gestures for the camera man to leave, getting ready to further change as we fade out from the scene.