The show opening starts as the new Warzone theme for Season 5, “Dark Thoughts” by the Funeral Portrait.

https://open.spotify.com/track/7aSFYakNWB9xQGDEZtoBDH?si=668b6d6df9964981 

The patented CWF drone fly goes over the crowd as the fireworks goes off around the stage, and then a line down the center of the ramp, away from the crowd, and then to the ring where all four ring posts are.

The drones fly around the crowd at the Norfolk Scope, showing better than half of the capacity of the crowd filled by fans. A couple of the drones go up to the rafters to reveal that Gideon Rogers and his Shocktroopers are still on duty to protect the audience from the Black Rain. 

Eric Wilson steps out onto the stage to a huge roar from the amassed crowd. He soaks the cheering up for a bit, and then addresses the crowd.

Eric Wilson - Good evening, Norfolk, Virginia! 

The crowd roars with his acknowledgement.

Eric Wilson - Welcome to the first War Zone back after Civil Warfare! We are working toward Cyber Warfare in New York City now. Let’s get some excitement going!

Again the crowd cheers as they react to Eric on the stage.

Eric Wilson – But tonight we’re in Norfolk, and we’ve got some great matches for you. So let’s go to our ringside announcers, Benjamin Price and “Fast” Eddie Vega!

Ben Price - Thank you for that introduction, Eric. We are giving up some excitement tonight! The main event being Fiona O’Connell as she takes on Madd Morales. People will be watching this one for the future, Eddie. One can only imagine big things. 

Eddie Vega - This is Madd’s chance to impress the match makers after his people, the Freaks, ruined his chance at finishing his Valor title reign. 

Ben Price - That’s the price of having an unruly army. Sometimes they will disobey you. 

Eddie Vega - Yeah, last I heard they have been…dealt with. 

Ben Price - I also understand that at some point tonight, Jeremiah Vastrix will confront Vespertine to get her to turn on her allies in Eternal Grove. Sounds like a fools errand, but we will have to see what happens. 

Eddie Vega - I think that Vespertine can see the light. Jeremiah couldn’t be wrong about a woman. Could he?

Ben Price - He just might be, yeah. We also have Dylan Erickson as he takes on Viktor Kriegson in a match of the titans. Both men are big, both men are strong. Who will come out the winner?

Eddie Vega - Viktor, of course. He’s taken on and beaten the best of the business so far. 

Ben Price - And then before that we will have Greg Salazar as he takes on Tarrasque. These two CWF veterans have been here since season one, but have not faced one another yet. How will they compete against one another, I wonder?

Eddie Vega - Should be a heck of a match. 

Ben Price - And we start the show off with a Falls Count Anywhere match as Vespertine takes on Steve Murdock for a shot at Father Nathan’s Elite championship. 

Eddie Vega - A crazy violent match to start the night should get everyone’s blood flowing!

Ben Price - Looks like we are starting this show off with following Jeremiah Vastrix backstage as he looks to be heading toward Vespertine’s dressing room. 

Eddie Vega - Oh man. The shit is going to hit the fan! 

 

Backstage, Vespertine is in her dressing room and getting ready for her match when there is a knock on the door. It’s a specific knock, a pattern only known to Vespertine and…

Vespertine - Come on in, my sweet

Jeremiah Vastrix walks into the room, dressed in his business suit. He does not look cheerful at seeing Vespertine, though. She can easily tell. 

Vespertine - What is it? Is something wrong?

Jeremiah wipes at his face, obviously looking strained. 

Jeremiah Vastrix - I need you to leave the Eternal Grove. I need you to testify in court that they intended to dose the crowd and that you were against it the whole time. 

Vespertine looks at Jeremiah for a long time before speaking. 

Vespertine - I don’t think I can do that. Weren’t you supposed to be mind-wiping people? Isn’t this whole thing supposed to be swept under the rug?

Jeremiah Vastrix - You think I can do that to the entire world? It was a pay-per-view experience! Millions of people across the globe saw over thirteen thousand people get hit with the black rain! Tell me you were not behind this plan! Tell me that it was all Samael Drago! 

Vespertine - I could tell you that, but I would be lying to you, Jeremiah. Do you want that?

Jeremiah punches the wall, putting a hole in it. 

Jeremiah Vastrix - I can’t be a part of this, Ves. I stand against Eternal Grove and all of its members. I ask you one last time: stand with me against them. 

Vespertine - And I tell you one last time. No. 

Jeremiah Vastrix - Then. I have to make an example of you. You and me, Cyber Warfare in a Falls Count Anywhere match, since you seem to love those. I will show the world that I am an active participant against the Eternal Grove…

Vespertine looks Jeremiah up and down.

Vespertine - You’re no hardcore wrestler. 

Jeremiah Vastrix - I am not, but for one night. I’ll do what has to be done. 

Vespertine - I might be the Elite champion by the time Cyber Warfare rolls around. You gonna try for it?

Jeremiah Vastrix - If I have to, I will win the title from you and offer it up in a big match. I’m sorry it’s come to this, Ves. 

Vespertine - It is what it is.  You do what you have to do for the continued success of CWF.  But EG is part of CWF’s success.  You wouldn’t be on the map without us.   We are what the Bastards could never be.   We have taken the place of the Upstarts at the top of the totem pole, and we are what the Dynasty Era is trying for but missing.

(Pauses to switch gears)

And if in that big match, I just happen to join and go for it. You know I WILL win.  I regain the title.  What happens then?

Jeremiah Vastrix - If you win, you win. I will have already distanced myself from you and the Eternal Grove. 

Vespertine -  Wow.  Fast.  But you’re still welcome to my resources and my body anytime you want.  

Jeremiah looks like he wants to say something else, but instead turns and leaves the room without another sound. 

He turns around and leaves and runs smackdab into several (many) FBI agents.

Agent 1 - Sir.   Do you know a person named Vespertine?  We have a warrant for her arrest in the Black Rain Incident of your last show.

Jeremiah Vastrix - She's in there.

He just leaves, and they enter her dressing room.  The camera hides behind the doorway so we don't see what is going on, but we hear the conversation.

Agent 1 - Are you Vespertine?  Real name Kimber le.

Vespertine - Who's asking?

Agent 2 - We have a warrant for your arrest for the mindcontrol/drugging of a lot of people.

Vespertine - Gentlemen, that wasn't me.  But you can arrest me if you have to after, AFTER, I wrestle tonight.  

Agent 2 - Ma'am, you need to come with us.

Vespertine - Sir, if you let me wrestle tonight, I'll give you everything you need.

Agent 1 - That's not how this works.  Are you the mastermind behind the Mind Control?

Vespertine - Before I talk to you, I'm going to wrestle and then call my lawyer.

Cut shot.

Eric Wilson - The following contest is a falls-count-anywhere match and is scheduled for one fall! Featuring first the challenger, hailing from the Gates of Eternity…she is Vespertine!

Instead of Vespertine’s entrance, the ConquestTron lights up to reveal Vespertine and Steve Murdock in the back by the catering table. The two are punching back and forth until Vespertine grabs a small pan from the standing omelet maker and smashes the pan into the side of Steve’s face, omelet and all. Steve jumps back a few feet, pulling the hot omelet off of his face while Vespertine sets the pan back down in front of the guy hired to make the omelets. 

Ben Price - Vespertine and Steve Murdock starting this thing off with a bang. 

Eddie Vega - I think they are starting things off with breakfast.

Ben Price - Well, there is that. Yeah. 

Eddie Vega - Breakfast is the best way to start the day, you know. 

Steve gets the cheesy omelet off of his face and is grabbed and hip-tossed through one of the tables! Just happens to be the table with the electric burner on it, which presses against Steve’s shoulder as the table folds in half! Steve screams out in pain, and the omelet guy grabs the burner away from him, peeling back some skin as he does so. Steve is covered in omelet ingredients, but starts to get up so that Vespertine can kick him in the face! Erica Costa-Alvarez gets backstage from the ring and begins to watch the two for any signs of someone wanting to finish the match. 

Vespertine walks away from the downed Steve Murdock to a different table and starts to make a sandwich from a table covered in fixings. She makes up a quick turkey and cheese sandwich with a Korean slant to it while Steve Murdock gets up and brushes some omelet fixings off of himself. Vespertine takes a bite and slams the sandwich into Steve’s face with a hard right hand. Steve fights back with a couple of punches, grabs Vespertine up in a bodyslam, and puts her through the sandwich table. She is covered in cold cuts and other fixings as the table folds in half. 
Ben Price - Now we have proceeded to lunch.

Eddie Vega - Right? I’d like a burger…

Ben Price - I don’t think that they are taking orders.

Eddie Vega - No, I was talking to you. Go get me a burger! 

Vespertine screams in outrage at being made a mess of while Steve grabs some ham and applies some mustard to one side of it. Vespertine starts to get up, and Steve slaps her in the face with it, covering her eyes with the mustard-covered meat. 

Steve gets Vespertine into a front face lock while she is blinded and drops her to the concrete floor with a DDT! He goes for the quick cover. Erica Costa-Alvarez gets into position to make the count!

….one

……two

……..thr-Vespertine kicks out! 

Steve Murdock stands up and watches as Vespertine gets up. He goes for a punch, but Vespertine ducks under the punch and stabs him in the side with a sandwich knife, sending a good two inches of the blade into Steve’s body. She rips the blade out with a spray of blood, dropping the knife so that she can kick him in the wound. She walks over to the door to the room while Steve gets back up, holding his side as blood flows freely through his fingers. 

 Erica Costa-Alvarez - Steve! Are you going to be able to continue?

Steve looks down at his wound and smiles.

Steve Murdock - I have some time left to me. 

Erica Costa-Alvarez - Alright, but if it gets worse, I will be calling the match.

Steve Murdock - Understood.

Ben Price - Understood? She stabbed him! 

Eddie Vega - Yeah, she did. Taking full advantage of the no-rules thing.

Vespertine reaches the door and goes through into the hallway. Steve is about to follow when he stops and grabs some napkins. He finds some duct tape and lifts his shirt to reveal the ragged puncture wound. He places the wad of napkins there and binds them tight to himself with the duct tape. 

He nods mostly to himself and kicks the door open, smashing Vespertine, who was waiting on the other side. He steps into the hallway where Vespertine stood pressed against the wall, stunned from the door hitting her. He grabs the door and slams it open a few more times to smash her with it again and again. He lets the door close and grabs Vespertine, whipping her across the hallway to slam into the wall on the opposite side. He grabs her by the back of the head and slams her face into the wall, denting the drywall. He pulls her to the side and smashes her face into the wall again, denting it again. He pulls her to the side a third time, and this time, she strikes a stud in the wall. 

Ben Price - Now that’s one way to find a stud in the wall!

Eddie Vega - All they had to do was find me. I’m a stud.

Vespertine goes momentarily limp in Steve’s arms as he walks her over to the door and kicks it in to reveal an unused office. Steve drags Vespertine into the room and grabs her by the back of the head so that he can slam her face into the top of the desk. She grabs the desk to block the attempt and elbows Steve in the midsection to get him to break the hold he has on her and then smashes his face into the top of the solid wood desk! 

Vespertine pulls Steve back, both of them now clearly busted open in the forehead, and headbutts him. She pulls him up into a suplex and drops his back across the top of the desk! There is a loud cracking sound, but the desk holds up. 

Vespertine takes the stapler and opens it up so that she can slam it into Steve’s face and chest a few times to embed some staples into him. Steve sits up, and Vespertine belts him across the forehead with the stapler, sending him back into a lying position. 

Vespertine - It’s almost funny that you thought you could compete with me, Murdock. I’m twice the wrestler you are. You know it, I know it, and the fans know it. It’s going to be me taking on Father Nathan for the Elite championship.

Steve Murdock - I don’t think so!

A double kick from Steve catches Vespertine in the chest, forcing her to drop the stapler and stagger back a few steps. Steve sits up on the desk, grabs a laptop from the desk, and slams it across her face in a move that destroys the computer! Vespertine falls back against the wall and slides down into a seated position, blood streaming from a gash in her cheek. 

Ben Price - This is getting serious. I wonder whose office that was?
Eddie Vega - I don’t know, but someone is going to be mad. 

Steve Murdock walks out of the room and closes the door, and we can see that the office door has a placard with the name Valora Salinas.

Ben Price - Someone’s going to be in trouble deep. 

Eddie Vega - You know it! 

Steve Murdock stands in the hallway as Vespertine walks through the door. He hits a shoulder charge, knocking Vespertine into the wall. Vespertine shoves Steve off of him and they walk down the hallway a bit until they come to another door to a stairwell. Vespertine shoves Steve through the door and follows him into the stairwell. She punches him a few times and goes for her own shoulder charge to knock him down the steps, but he sidesteps the attempt and shoves her headlong down the stairs. 

Steve Murdock begins walking down the stairs, with Eric Costa-Alvarez catching up to the pair. He stops long enough to grab a fire extinguisher from the wall.

Steve Murdock - Who’s in trouble now? The Queen of the Night indeed. I am going to be the one to face Father Nathan. 

He gets to the bottom as Vespertine gets up and brains her with the bottom of the fire extinguisher, leveling her. He tosses it to the side and goes for the pinfall on the landing. Erica gets into position to make the count. 

….one

……two

……..three! NO! Vespertine gets a shoulder up! 

Steve kneels up and looks at Erica, who holds up two fingers. He goes back to Vespertine and places his elbow across her face as he goes for the pinfall again.

….one

……two

……..thre-Vespertine kicks out! 

Steve stands up and lifts his foot to stomp her in the face when she suddenly reaches up to catch the foot as Steve is bringing it down. She twists the foot, and Steve suddenly goes down the rest of the stairs to the basement floor. 

Vespertine slowly gets to her feet and looks down the stairs where Steve lies in a heap on the floor. 

Vespertine - See what happens when you cross the Queen of the Night?

She spits blood onto the floor as she begins walking down the stairs. Steve begins to stir, getting back up. So, Vespertine leaps through the air to hit a missile dropkick! Steve falls backward and goes through the door at the bottom of the stairs and into the maintenance hallway beyond. It’s a hallway filled with pipes for heat, plumbing, and electricity. 

Erica Costa-Alvarez follows along behind them, noting with some concern the small puddle of blood at the bottom of the stairs where Steve landed.

Ben Price - Either Steve is wounded in a new way, or that stab wound opened up again.

Eddie Vega - Either way isn’t good for him.

Vespertine walks through the door to see that Steve Murdock has already made it to his feet. He has his hand on his side, which is bleeding heavily again, and despite the defiant expression on his face, he is pale white. 

Vespertine - It’s over, Steve. Surrender while you still have blood left in your body. I am immortal. You are not.

Steve Murdock - I won’t sur…I won’t…give up. No…

Steve drops to his knees and falls to his side. Vespertine goes for the cover as Erica Costa-Alvarez gets into position.

….one

……two

……..three! 

Erica gets right up and signals to the camera that she needs medical support right away. Vespertine raises her arms in the air in victory.
Vespertine - I’m coming for you, Padre!

Eric Wilson - Winner of the match via pinfall and going on to face Father Nathan…Vespertine!

Ben Price - We are going to get medical down to get Steve Murdock to the hospital and maybe check on Vespertine. We will be back after these messages.

Eddie Vega - Wait! What’s going on here?

Vespertine escapes through a nearby ventilation duct as FBI agents enter the hallway. 

Ben Price - They lost her?

Eddie Vega - Sure seems like it. 

Ben Price - After these messages, we will go to Greg Salazar as he takes on Tarrasque.

Eddie Vega - Gonna be a good one!

 

The segment opens on the water. Gray-blue harbor. Cargo ships in the distance. Naval vessels
sitting heavy against the horizon. Then the camera finds the SUV. The same black vehicle from
Hampton moves through Norfolk traffic while the skyline rises ahead. Inside, Madd Morales sits
in the back with Rook beside him, Graves in the passenger seat. Morales looks out the window.

Madd Morales - Norfolk's different.

Rook glances over.

Rook - Different how?

Morales nods toward the harbor.

Madd Morales - Hampton feels like home. Norfolk feels like movement.

The camera cuts to ships. Roads. Downtown. People moving through crosswalks. Uniforms
mixed with business clothes, students, locals, tourists. Morales continues.

Madd Morales - Everybody's going somewhere. Sailors coming in. Sailors shipping out. People transferring through. College kids. Families. Tourists. Half the city feels like it's either arriving or leaving.

The SUV passes through downtown Norfolk. Morales points toward the buildings.

Madd Morales - Downtown's where you bring somebody if you want them to think Norfolk is clean and expensive.

Rook looks outside.

Rook - Isn't that most downtowns?

Not Newport News. Bad News we call it.

Morales leans forward.

Madd Morales - Granby Street, restaurants, bars, theaters. Everybody dressed up nice enough to pretend they don't have work in the morning.

Graves smirks.

Graves - You sound experienced.

Morales looks toward him.

Madd Morales - I was young once.

Rook snorts.

Rook - Debatable.

Morales ignores him.

The footage changes. The three are walking near the waterfront now. Morales in front. Rook
and Graves behind him. The harbor stretches out beside them. A few people recognize
Morales.One man stops him.

Man - Morales?

Morales turns.

Madd Morales - Depends who's asking.

The man laughs and extends a hand.

Morales shakes it.

Man - Man, I used to watch you back in the day.

Madd Morales - That makes one of us.

The man laughs again. A couple of teenagers approach for pictures. Morales obliges. One
points toward Rook.

Teenager - Y'all security?

Morales answers immediately.

Madd Morales - Nah. These are my parole officers.

Rook looks offended.

Graves nods.

Graves - He's difficult.

The teenagers laugh.

Morales reaches into his pocket and pulls out cash.

Madd Morales - Here.

One of them hesitates.

Teenager- For what?

Madd Morales - Food.

Another kid grins.

Teenager - How much?

Madd Morales - Enough that if I see you spending all of it on dumb shit, I'm taking it back.

The kid laughs.

Teenager - Yes, sir.

Morales points at him.

Madd Morales - Don't call me sir. Makes me feel old.

They move on.

The next shot shows the SUV passing near Old Dominion University. Morales looks out the
window.

Madd Morales - ODU.

Graves glances toward campus.

Graves - You ever go?

Morales smiles.

Madd Morales - Yeah.

Yeah.

Online.

The footage shifts again. A barbershop. Morales steps inside with Rook and Graves. The barber
behind the chair recognizes him instantly.

Barber - Oh shit.

Morales grins.

Madd Morales - There it is.

The barber comes around and embraces him.

Rook looks around at the old photos on the walls.

Morales talks with the barber for a few minutes, then quietly leaves cash on the counter.

The barber notices.

Barber - Nah, man.

Morales waves him off.

Madd Morales - It's good.

Barber - You don't gotta do that.

Madd Morales - I know.

Morales heads toward the door.

Madd Morales - That's why I'm doing it.

Outside, Graves looks toward him.

Graves - You've been doing that all day.

Morales shrugs.

Madd Morales - People remember who showed up when they needed something.

Rook raises an eyebrow.

Rook - So this is strategy?

Morales smiles.

Madd Morales - Everything is strategy. Doesn't mean it can't also be nice.

The camera cuts again. Ocean View. The water. Older homes. Small businesses. The SUV
moves slower here. Morales watches quietly.

Madd Morales - Ocean View.

Rook looks out toward the beach.

Rook - Better than I expected.

Morales nods.

Madd Morales - That's Norfolk.

He points out the window.

Madd Morales - People decide what they think it is before they actually see it.

Graves looks toward him.

Graves - That sound familiar?

Morales turns toward him.

Madd Morales - Very.

The three get out near the water. Morales walks toward the shoreline. The wind catches his
coat. He looks out at the Chesapeake.

Madd Morales - Norfolk taught me something Hampton didn't.

Rook stands beside him.

Rook - What's that?

Morales looks toward the ships.

Madd Morales - Nobody cares who you were somewhere else.

He points toward the harbor.

Madd Morales - People come here with medals, ranks, degrees, reputations, stories. Everybody's somebody from somewhere.

His expression becomes more serious.

Madd Morales - But the city doesn't care.

He turns back toward Rook and Graves.

Madd Morales - You still have to prove yourself here.

Graves nods.

Graves - Useful lesson.

Madd Morales - Very.

The next montage feels almost ceremonial. Morales greeting people outside a corner store.
Rook carrying food containers. Graves shaking hands with an older veteran. Morales slipping
money to a family sitting outside a small restaurant. A group of kids shouting his name from
across the street. Morales crossing over to them.

One asks if he's still champion.

Morales pauses.

Then smiles.

Madd Morales - Not right now.

The kid looks disappointed. Morales crouches slightly.

Madd Morales - That's okay. You know what matters more?

The kid shakes his head.

Madd Morales - Knowing what to do after you lose.

The boy thinks about it. Morales taps his shoulder.

Madd Morales - That's the hard part.

He hands him a few bills.

Madd Morales - Now go buy something before your parents see me encouraging bad financial habits.

The kid runs off.

Rook watches him.

Rook - You're getting sentimental.

Morales stands.

Madd Morales - Don't spread that around.

Later, the three sit inside a local restaurant.

Nothing fancy. Food covering the table. Rook is already halfway through his plate. Graves takes
his time.

Morales leans back.

Madd Morales - Hampton taught me how to survive around people who knew me. Norfolk taught me how to survive around people who didn't.

Rook nods.

Rook - Different skill.

Madd Morales - Completely. You don't get history here. You don't get sympathy. You walk into a room, people decide what you're worth based on what you do next.

His expression hardens slightly.

Madd Morales - That's A.O.C.

Rook points his fork at him.

Rook - There it is.

Morales smiles.

Madd Morales - Adapt to the room. Overcome whatever's in it. Conquer before they decide you don't belong.

Then the camera cuts back outside. Night now. Downtown Norfolk lit up. The SUV moves
through the city again. Morales watches the lights from the back seat.

Madd Morales - People always want reinvention to happen somewhere far away. But I don't need somewhere new. I need somewhere that remembers what pressure looks like.

Graves turns slightly.

Graves - And Norfolk does?

Morales smiles.

Madd Morales - Norfolk lives under pressure. Ships. Military. Money. Tourism. Traffic. People moving in and out constantly. Perfect place to learn what survives.

The camera car begins to fall behind. The SUV continues through the lights.
Morales raises the horns. Rook follows, then Graves. Morales looks directly through the rear
window toward the camera.

Madd Morales - Adapt.

Rook speaks next.

Rook - Overcome.

Graves finishes.

Graves - Conquer.

Morales smiles.

Madd Morales - We are coming!

The SUV turns a corner and starts to drive towards the Scope Arena in the distance.

 

Eddie Vega - After a stellar opener, we have another that promises to keep the hype up, don’t we Ben?

Ben Price - We do indeed, Eddie, as ‘The Paragon’ Greg Salazar takes on his second big man in a row with ‘The Beast’ Tarrasque. What’re your thoughts, Eddie?

Eddie Vega - Well, both wrestlers here fought big men at Civil Warfare, and, well… fare’d rather differently. Tarrasque will be coming into this with the momentum behind him, having beaten Dylan Erikson, a man of equal strength but of a more monstrous size. Salazar left everything in the ring against The Grove’s Hound, Viktor Kriegson, and yet, it wasn’t enough to put the Hound back in his doghouse. He’ll be looking to get that momentum back with a win here tonight.

Ben Price - That he will, Ed. Tarrasque is a nye unstoppable force when he gets going, and with that momentum behind him, he could be difficult to beat.

Eddie Vega - Very true, but Greg Salazar’s the man who’s done everything in the CWF. He could well have something in his wheelhouse tonight, definitely not one to dismiss so easily.

"Ladies and Gentlemen" by Saliva begins playing as Tarrasque walks out from the back. He flexes for the cheering crowd, but those cheers quickly turn to boos as he is joined by Vespertine.

Eric Wilson - This match is scheduled for one fall! Entering the ring first, accompanied by Vespertine of the Eternal Grove, standing at a monstrous 6’7”, and weighing in at 375lbs, he is ‘The Beast’, Tarrasque!
She runs her hand over his shoulder with a cunning smile and follows behind as Tarrasque charges to the ring. He steps over the ropes while Vespertine stands at ringside.

Ben Price - Vespertine acting as the Grove’s mouthpiece here, do you think she’ll persuade Tarrasque to join their ranks?

Eddie Vega - She could well do. They already have so much physical strength behind them in Kriegson and Nash, and they’ve added Mick Brandon into the mix. Adding Tarrasque to their ranks could well make them even more difficult to deal with! 

“Limits” by Cryptic Writings (cover) begins playing as Greg Salazar walks out from the back. He looks down at the ring where Tarrasque towered over the ropes. His eyes squint with determination, cracking his neck and knuckles before he starts to head down to the ring. 

Eric Wilson - Aaaaaaaaaand his opponent, from Seattle, Washington, standing at 6’1” and weighing in at 235lbs, he’s ‘The Paragon’ Greg Salazar! 

Walking up the steps, he wipes his boots on the apron before stepping through the ropes and leaning in his corner of the ring, waiting for the bell to sound to start the match.  

Georgina Ross quickly makes her checks, before signalling for the bell.

DING! DING! DING!

The two men square up, their size difference becoming more and more apparent as they come together. Tarrasque acts first, shoving The Paragon hard enough to send him stumbling back. Greg reacts with a flurry of blows, none of them seeming to even tickle the behemoth in front of him. 

Realising that wasn’t working, Greg rebounds off the ropes and attempts a crossbody, only to be caught mid-air by Tarrasque, who promptly yeets him across the ring. Scrambling to his feet, Greg keeps up the assault by trying a standing dropkick, with similar effects. This time, however, Tarrasque explodes forward, hitting Greg with a huge shoulder tackle, sending The Paragon crumpling to the floor. 

In an attempt to get away, Greg rolls out of the ring. Tarrasque is hot on his tail, as the big man gives chase. With ringside turning into an episode of Benny Hill, Greg tactically leads Tarrasque on a chase until he’s full on charging. Stepping out of the charging behemoth’s way, Greg watches as Tarrasque goes shoulder first into a ring post, the ringing sending wincing sounds echoing through the crowd. Seeing an opening, Greg begins striking out at Tarrasque’s leg.

Ben Price - Really targeting the joints here, Greg might be onto something!

Eddie Vega - Definitely. It’s common knowledge that going for a big man’s legs, it’ll destabilize him. Shame he can’t take a tyre iron to them, to be honest.

A crack sounds right to the rafters as Tarrasque fights Greg Salazar back with a brutal chop, leaving Greg’s chest blooming rose red. Grabbing Salazar by the back of the neck, Tarrasque manhandles him back into the ring. Greg manages to rise as Tarrasque slides back in, and gets another flurry of punches and kicks in as the giant rises, only to have a kick caught by Tarrasque as The Beast finds his feet. 

Picking him up by the back of the thigh, Tarrasque throws Greg into a nearby corner, before following it up with a huge corner splash. The Big Man tries to attempt another, but Greg slips out just in time, only to be spun back round right into a huge backbreaker. Tarrasque keeps his momentum flowing as he deadlifts Greg up from the floor into a delayed vertical suplex, the crowd counting every second Greg’s held aloft until the pair fall backwards. Tarrasque rolls over, hooking Greg’s leg for the pin.

One…

Two…..

Kickout!

Mild annoyance crosses Tarrasque’s face as he stands back up, huffing in annoyance as he does. Greg kips himself back up, before going right back in on Tarrasque’s legs, ducking and weaving as the big man tries to land strikes. Ducking under a wayward lariat, Greg rebounds off the ropes, Greg launches a low drop kick at Tarrasque’s leg, bringing The Beast down to one knee. Rebounding off the ropes again, Greg goes for a dropkick to the chest, only to be caught mid-flight once again. Manhandling Greg once again, Tarrasque rotates The Paragon around and hits him with a particularly stiff powerslam. Standing with a victorious roar, Tarrasque goes for a Standing Moonsault, only to land hard against the mat as Greg barely manages to roll out of the way.

Ben Price - The bigger they are, the harder they fall! Tarrasque’s shown us that perfectly!

Eddie Vega - Greg did well to get away there. Tarrasque moves far quicker than a man his size has any right doing.

With Tarrasque still on the floor, Greg moves quickly, his legs barely fitting round the tree trunks that usually held Tarrasque up, getting a leg bar locked in. He twists and tweaks, trying to do as much damage as possible to the now weaker leg. Tarrasque roars as he rolls over, his free leg catching Greg at centre mass, causing The Paragon to release his hold.

Greg gets up first, Tarrasque now slightly favouring the weaker leg being a little slower to his feet. Greg rebounds off the ropes, catching Tarrasque in the knee with a basement dropkick on the weaker leg, sending The Beast back down to one knee. Swiftly climbing to the top rope, Greg launches himself just as Tarrasque finds his footing again, and…

Ben Price - Tarrasque goes down! Greg’s tactics seem to be working! 

Eddie Vega - There’s a reason targeting a big man’s legs is a common tactic! 60% of the time, it works every time!

Ben Price - Greg’s hooking the leg! Will this be enough!

One…

Two…..

Tarrasque powers out, powering Greg out from the pin and throwing him backwards, rage across his features. Fuelled by adrenaline, Tarrasque rises at the same time as Greg, before hitting him with a lariat, and then another, and then another, before following it up with a monstrously massive powerslam, before going for a pin of his own.

One…

Two…..

Thre-KICKOUT!

Barely getting his shoulder up after the powerful onslaught, Greg stumbles upwards, using the ropes to aid him as Tarrasque fumes behind him. Desperately, Greg goes for another flurry of strikes, only for Tarrasque to hit him with a devastating headbutt, rocking The Paragon to his core. Tarrasque hand begins to curl as he sizes the now groggy Greg, an evil grin spreading across his face. His hand goes to grab Greg’s groin to hit Rise of the Feminine Side, only to have Greg slip out of the way and hit him with a stiff kick to the leg, causing the big man to stumble sideways, clearly favouring the damaged leg.

As Greg comes in for another kick, Tarrasque’s arm shoots out, grabbing Greg by the arm and whipping him into the corner. He goes to hit another large splash, only for Greg to slip out. Using Tarrasque’s momentum against him, grabs Tarrasque from behind and rolls him up into a pin.

One…

Two…..

Three! 

Eric Wilson - And the winner of the match, by way of pinfall, ‘The Paragon’ Greg Salazar! 
Greg immediately rolls away from Tarrasque and out of the ring as the crowd erupts, shock clear across his features as his hands run through his hair. The Beast sits up, a stunned fury colouring his features as he stares daggers towards Greg Salazar.

Ben Price - Oh wow! Great quick thinking from Greg there! Show’s that experience really does pay!

Eddie Vega - That it does! Greg had to really use his smarts to win there! 

Ben Price - After these messages, I think we are going to see Valora Salinas down in the ring. 

Eddie Vega - I wonder what her announcement is going to be?

Ben Price - We will find out right after this! 

Behind the Scenes
Valora’s Office
Backstage 

Kara stands in Valora’s office, her hands on her hips.  

Kara Reinhardt - So let me get this straight.  What I’m hearing is that you’re going back on your deal and will tell me what title I will be going for?

Valora shrugs and leans forward.

Valora Salinas - Trust me, chica.  You’re gonna approve of my plans.  You wanted to convince me you were capable of doin’ what I do?  Bein’ an avatar of war and all that shit?  Congrats, chica.  You just fuckin’ convinced me.  I’m gonna throw you at the Eternal Grove and let you wreck their shit for a bit.  I plan to throw you into the mix for the Conquest title.

Kara stands there and raises an eyebrow.  Nodding. 

Kara Reinhardt - Hmph.  You’re in luck, I wanted that shot anyways.  So me vs. Drago one on one?

Valora shakes her head.

Valora Salinas - No.  If I cut Apathy out of the title picture after her daughter was kidnapped, So no, I’m gonna let mi hermana go on her bloody rampage.  But I also don’t see anything wrong with giving the Eternal Grove a taste of their own medicine.  With you and Apathy in the mix, I have a 2 in 3 chance of getting what I want.

Kara crosses her arms across her chest.

Kara Reinhardt - Why should I work for you?

Valora Salinas - Because, chica.. You and Greg and the rest of Bad Company wanted Ian and I to get involved.  This is us getting involved.  I  would love to do this myself and here and there, I might, but I can’t fight this war myself chica.  Going to war with you, I found a kindred spirit.  Do this and I’ll put pressure on the Upstarts to help you out.

Kara rolls her eyes.

Kara Reinhardt - They’re kids.  They’re not ready for war.  They tried and Drago taking the belt from your daughter started all this.

Valora smirks and shrugs.

Valora Salinas - Uh huh.  Lemme tell you somethin’ about kids, chica.  Best way to get those kids involved is to tell them to stay out but I’ll let that play out.  Now, I’ll see you tonight when I make the announcement.

On Camera Segment:
Warzone S5 E6

‘Bring It’ plays over the PA and cuts the intro short as Valora walks out to a standing ovation.  She looks out over the crowd and nods before making her way down the rampway and to the ring

Ben Price - Valora is taking the leadoff spot tonight as it appears she has something to say!

Eddie Vega - And she doesn’t often come down here and not have something important to say!

Valora grabs a mic and climbs into the ring, looking around.

Valora Salinas - Alright.. Alright.  Now, tonight we start the road to the next pay per view.  Also, I had a chat with Kara and her and I happen to agree as to which title she should pursue.  So.  The Conquest title.  Drago managed to hold onto it.  Barely.  Then he and his fuckin’ shitheels decided to fuck with the innocent people in the crowd.  Welcome to part one of the consequences.  Drago has two challengers for his title.  And there is no guarantee I won’t make him defend that fuckin’ belt before the pay per view.  Challenger one.  Is Apathy.

The crowd cheers coming to their feet

Ben Price - Apathy looks like she will get another shot at the title!

Eddie Vega - She had her shot!  Now she gets another one?!

Valora Salinas - Drago and the Eternal Grove decided to abduct Annika, So because of that, yeah, I’m gonna give Apathy a chance to even the score.  But.  I did say Drago has two challengers.  I wanna introduce you to the second one now.  You know her.  She’s the one woman army, as Eddie Vega has called her, the terminator, Kara Reinhardt!!!

‘Ich tu dir Weh’ by Rammstein plays over the PA and the crowd comes to their feet.  After a few moments, Valora gives the cut single and the music stops as she nods.

Valora Salinas - I would have no problem bringing her out here but I’m in no mood to listen to whining from the other two about unfairness and shit like that.  Besides.  Her and Bad Company are in the house.  See.. Bad Company performs best when they have a target to go after.  I gave them one.

Valora grins.

Valora Salinas - The Eternal Grove.  So, Eternal Grove.. Have fun, knowing that there are people in the building.  Hunting you.  Karma’s a bitch.

Valora drops the mic in the ring and heads to the back

Ben Price - Wow!  Some fans and members of the roster were wanting Valora and Ian to take a stand and Valora certainly led off strong!  Two challengers for the Conquest title. 

Eddie Vega - One of them the female terminator herself, Kara Reinhardt!  And what about that threat.  Bad Company is here?!  Hunting Eternal Grove?!

Ben Price - I would say Eternal Grove definitely has something to worry about

Eddie Vega - and to make matters worse, those Upstarts will likely get involved too!  This isn’t fair! 

Dylan Erickson - https://conquest.ewplace.com/roster/dylan-erickson 

Viktor Kriegson - https://conquest.ewplace.com/roster/viktor-kriegson 

Ben Price -

Eddie Vega -

Eric Wilson - 

Referee - Troy Reynolds

Eric Wilson - The following contest has been scheduled for one fall! Featuring first the challenger, hailing from Sudbury, ON, Canada…he is “the Massacre Maker” Dylan Erickson!

The words appear on the ConquestTron, with a video of Erickson beating smaller opponents to a pulp over the years. There's no special effects, pyro, or anything. The man walks out, towering over everything he sees - trying his best to remain stoic, but doing a pretty damn poor job of it. He walks to the ring, knowing none of these people care a lick about him, but he's just happy to know he's back home. Finally.

Ben Price - Dylan has been struggling of late, losing more than winning. A former World champion getting schooled here should tell you something about the competition here.

Eddie Vega - Or it tells you that he has gotten weak while he spent his time in Russia. 

Ben Price - I guess it could mean that too.

Eddie Vega - I mean, it’s likely a mixture of both. He’s weakened and the people here are good. 

The lights dim. A low, guttural howl echoes through the arena as smoke begins to billow out across the stage and entrance ramp, enunciating the thick, gnarled trees on the screens at the stage's rear. A sickly-green spotlight cuts through the haze, revealing a towering silhouette just as the opening chords of his entrance music hit. The crowd rumbles—not in excitement, but in unease. They know who this is.

A string introduction of Avenged Sevenfold's "Afterlife" plays as a singular spotlight finds its way to the entrance ramp, bringing a tall, imposing figure into view. Flames explode on each side of him, matched only by the flames of anger flicker in his eyes as he looks around the crowd from the stage, his fists clenching and unclenching as they do.

Eric Wilson pipes up as the flames die down behind the imposing figure

Eric Wilson - Entering the ring, weighing in at 300lbs, hailing from Arawn's Court, representing The Hound of Arawn, the Eternal Grove's Executioner, Viktor Krieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeegson!

The heavily distorted guitars of his theme kick in, joined by perfectly timed columns of fire exploding on each side of Viktor. He prowls down the ramp and towards his hunting grounds, brow furrowing with a rage-filled focus, each step perfectly in time with the music.

Moving up the ring steps and onto the apron, his hand grasps onto the top rope, a deep scowl crossing his face as his eyes look over the crowd once more. Wiping his boots on the floor, Viktor enters the ring through the top and middle ropes, before making his way over to an opposite corner, climbing to the middle rope as his hands meet behind his back, surveying the crowd with his now focused scowl. After a longer than comfortable moment, he steps back down, before preparing himself for the bout ahead.

As the bell sounds to start the match, Dylan and Viktor get to meeting in the center of the ring. Dylan punches Viktor, who punches Dylan. They trade punches back and forth until Dylan takes a punch that staggers him back a few steps. 

Viktor follows up with a shoulder tackle that takes Dylan down to the mat. He follows this up with a few stomps and kicks to the right knee of Dylan to keep him down. 

Viktor then pulls Dylan up to his feet and kicks him directly in the right knee cap! Dylan starts to fall again, but Viktor slips behind him and holds him up with a full nelson that he turns into a full nelson bomb! 

Ben Price - Viktor dominating so far in this match.

Eddie Vega - Viktor is going for the knee like I would almost expect a-

Viktor applies a figure four leglock!

Ben Price - That?

Eddie Vega - Yes. 

Referee Troy Reynolds checks to see if Dylan will submit, but he refuses. After a few agonizing seconds, Viktor breaks the hold and pulls Dylan up. He goes straight into the motions for the Ferryman’s Toll!

Ben Price - Why work the knee if you’re going to hit the finisher so fast into the match?

Eddie Vega - No idea?

Dylan is laid out on the mat, looking unconscious. Viktor smiles cruelly as he goes for the pinfall. 

….one

……two

……..three! 

Eric Wilson -WInner of the match via pinfall…Viktor Kriegson! 

Ben Price - I don’t know why it is that Dylan put up no fight?

Eddie Vega - I think that his outside of the ring dealings are distracting him from the real goal of being a wrestler?

Ben Price - Could be, but wait a minute?

Troy Reynolds kneels by the downed Dylan Erickson and sees that he is still out cold. He signals for Daniel Corgan to come to the ring. He does and quickly signals for EMTs to come down to the ring. 

Ben Price - Injured or?

Eddie Vega - Drugged before the match…

Ben Price - Viktor wouldn’t so who would do such a thing?

Eddie Vega - Vespertine…

Ben Price - Isn’t she on the run from the FBI now?

Eddie Vega - She might have done it though. 

Ben Price - Well, we’re going to get Dylan Erickson to the back during these next messages. When we come back…main event! 

Eddie Vega - Gonna be a heck of a match! 

 

 

 

Ben Price - What a show we’ve had so far! Excellent matches all round. Now, however, we have the bout of the night, the match you’ve all been waiting for, as Madd Morales takes on Fiona O’Connell in our main event of the evening.

Eddie Vega - Two incredibly competent fighters here, both wanting to get back to winning ways after their losses at Civil Unrest. Madd Morales’ loss will sting a bit more, as he lost his Valor Title to Rayven Reinhardt. He’ll want to get back in the title picture sooner or later.

Ben Price - That he will. As for Fiona, whilst she didn’t win the Skirmish Championship, she has to be happy for Akame for being crowned the first Skirmish Championship. It’s still with the Upstarts, right?

Eddie Vega - If I were her, I’d hold a bit of resentment there. Sure, her stablemate won, congrats to her, but when I could’ve won, been the one to make CWF History… damn, that’s gotta hurt.

Ben Price - Either way, both wrestlers will be looking to bounce back here tonight. 

The arena plunges into darkness. A low rumble kicks in under the silence then- "Beggin on her knees to be popular!"

The distorted, otherworldly beat of "EvilJordan" by Playboi Carti slithers through the speakers like venom in a vein. Red strobes flash in erratic pulses as static crackles across the tron. Then, from the back, through a curtain of smoke that glows hellish crimson, he emerges, draped in a black designer trench that sways with each step, hood shadowing his face.
Eric Wilson - This match is tonight’s Main Event, and is set for one fall. Entering first, hailing from Norfolk, Virginia, he is The Air Devil, Madd Morales!

He moves like someone who owns the ground beneath him. Its slow, cocky, like the devil on his day off. Every bounce in his step carries swagger, but in his silence, there’s something simmering. Something cruel. Something just waiting for someone to pull the pin. As the beat hits harder. He lifts his head.

His eyes shine under the flickering lights as he takes a deep breath, almost as if he is getting high on his own myth. A slow smirk curls across his lips. He drags a single finger across his throat and then points to the ring like he’s blessing it for sacrifice. At ringside, he sheds the trench coat slow and deliberate, revealing taped fists ripped punk rock jeans that have various anarchism themed patches that change every night, save for the ones on his left and right legs that read "Air" and "Devil".

He climbs the steps and turns his back to the ring for a moment, soaking in the judgment from every soul watching. Then he spins and steps through the ropes like he’s entering church. He doesn’t posture. He just waits, eyes locked forward, body still, the music fading into a final eerie pulse.

Ben Price - Madd does have the home town advantage here. Do you think that will come in useful for him here?

Eddie Vega - It’s hard to say, the crowd seems to be mixed here. He’s a very talented wrestler though, so we’ll see how he deals with it.

As ‘Blood’ by Dropkick Murphys plays over the PA, the fans come to their feet cheering as Fiona comes out from the back very much like a boxer, jogging in place, hopping from one foot to the other.

Eric Wilson - And his opponent, representing The Upstarts, hailing from Dublin, and accompanied by her mother, Tera O’Connell, she is Fiona O’Connell!

She is clearly singing along with her entrance song but no mics pick up her voice and she lets loose a lightning fast flurry of punches before holding up her right hand into the air. Her Mother, Tera, stands behind her and Fiona makes her way to the ring slowly, stopping to shake hands with fans and as the fans cheer, she seems to feed off their energy and then, finally makes her way to the ring where she climbs in and throws another combination of punches and then moves to a corner, watching Mad Morales closely.

Ben Price - Fiona’s looking as up for this as ever! She even has her mother beside her tonight! Fiona’s fierce enough by herself, but with an experienced brawler like her mother beside her, she’ll be even tougher!

Eddie Vega - Always lovely to see Mrs. O’Connell. Reminds me of a younger version of my own mother, absolutely tough as nails… God, I miss her Cannolli…

Ben Price - I’m sure your mother’s Cannoli were delicious, Ed, we do have a match to call…

Eddie Vega - Oh, right… well, I wouldn’t expect any less than being ‘up for it’ from an O’Connell. They’re perseverant, hard working and tenacious. It wouldn’t surprise me if they turned into a true wrestling dynasty one day. 

Ben Price - That would be a rather safe bet, I’d say. Looks like Ashley Beaton’s done her checks, let’s see how this goes!

The pair of wrestlers begin to circle each other as Ashley Beaton signals for the bell.

DING! DING! DING!

A cocky smirk crosses Madd’s face as the pair continue to circle, gesturing for Fiona to bring it on. Fiona does just that, racing forward and forcing The Air Devil back onto the ropes with a quick boxing combination. 

Madd blocks almost as quickly as Fiona’s strikes come in, a few of them breaking through his defences, before he tries to get himself out, pushing Fiona away and attempting a rolling leg sweep. Fiona hops over it, but Madd’s transitions beautifully into an Enziguri. Fiona, having done her research, sees it coming and is able to roll underneath it, turning quickly and grabbing Madd around the waist from behind, hitting him with a beautifully arched German Suplex. 

Madd stumbles back to his feet only to walk into a pinpoint-accurate dropkick from Fiona that sends him flying through the ropes and out of the ring. Twisting his body as he fell, Madd shows exactly why he’s called The Air Devil, as he recovers flawlessly, landing on his feet. His arms spread wide as an arrogant smile crosses his features, inviting Fiona to push him further.

Ben Price - An impressive opening from Fiona!

Eddie Vega - I agree, although Madd looks rather please with hi… wait a minute, Fiona’s back in motion!

Charging forward from where she was, Fiona leaps, flipping over the top rope and taking Madd Morales out with a Celtic Dive, Tera clapping and cheering her daughter on from ringside. Trying to make the most of this advantage, Fiona drags Madd up, flinging him into the ring, before swiftly climbing to the top rope. The crowd’s cheering builds as she leaps, aiming for Madd with a Death from Above, only to belly flop onto the mat as Madd rolls away.

As Fiona stands, grasping at her stomach as she does. Seeing his opening, Madd takes full advantage, hitting her with alternating knee strikes, followed by a devastating back elbow and finishing with a jumping high knee to complete his Grunge-shot Combo. As Fiona stumbles back, Madd speeds forward, rolling her over into a rolling armbar before transitioning beautifully into a Navarro Death Roll. 

Ben Price - Fiona looks like they’re in trouble here, Madd has this locked in tight! She’s fighting for every inch towards those ropes!

Eddie Vega - She might well tap here, Ben! Madd’s been showing off some impressive technical wrestling!

Madd cranks back on his submission, causing Fiona to scream in pain. Tera O’Connell swiftly moves herself around, making sure she’s in Fiona’s line of sight as she encourages her daughter to fight through it. Seeing her mother cheering her on, Fiona grits her teeth, fighting her way towards the ropes. Despite Madd’s best efforts, Fiona manages to wrap her fingers around the bottom rope, with Ashley Beaton calling for a rope break. Madd Morales, however, chooses to ignore it, instead wrenching even harder, causing Ashley Beaton to begin her count.

One.

 

Two.

 

Three.

 

Four.

 

Madd wrenches back again on four, causing Ashley Beaton to drag him off and away. The pair begin to argue as Ashley tries to lay down the law, with Madd’s trash talking leaving him distracted as Fiona uses the ropes to climb herself back up. Noticing his distraction, Fiona moves forward, catching the distracted Madd with a stiff European Uppercut, followed by another impressive Drop Kick that sends Madd into the corner. Fiona charges after him, hoping to keep up her advantage, only for Madd to step out of the way, and redirecting her to slam her shoulder directly into the corner post.

Grabbing her by the hair, Madd starts climbing up to the top rope, dragging Fiona with him. He almost gets her set up for a Spanish Fly, only to have Fiona fight him off, knocking him back down to the floor before nailing him with a Missile Dropkick from the top rope.

Fiona rises first, and manages to get up first, and goes for a Celtic Spike DDT. Madd manages to get his hands down just before impact, however, allowing him to handspring right out of it. Fiona’s taken down as she rushes to her feet with a basement dropkick to her shins, just before Madd manages to connect with a punt kick to the side of her head.

Ben Price - Apoyllon Kick connects! Madd goes to pick Fiona up, and… OH MY!

Eddie Vega - Red Rum! Madd hits Red Rum! He’s going for the pin, surely he’s won this now!

Ashley Beaton speeds down as Madd gets the cover and begins to count.

One…

 

Two….

 

Thre-KICKOUT!

 

Madd’s jaw goes slack for a moment as he sits up from the pin, before anger-filled eyes lock onto Ashley Beaton. Standing at the same time, he steps towards her, voice rising as he argues that it was a three count. Beaton argues back, the two getting into a full on shouting match in the middle of the ring about the pin fall. 

Once again not noticing Fiona fighting her body tooth and nail to get to her feet, clearly still favouring one leg after the held submission earlier, Madd’s caught by surprise as Fiona manages to just about pull off a Springboard Tornado DDT. 

Fiona struggles up to the top rope as quickly as she’s able, her mother’s cheering at ringside almost drowned out by the chanting of the crowd. She tries Death from Above once more, only to be caught as Madd brings his knees up just in time. Madd seamlessly transitions the impact into a calf splicer, targeting Fiona’s damaged leg. An ear-piercing scream sounds above the crowd as Madd twists, shouting at the Dublin native to just tap already as she fights her way back towards the ropes. Once again, Tera is there to motivate her daughter, egging her on to get to the ropes.

Each and every inch is an uphill battle for Fiona as Madd twists and wrenches her leg, sending shooting pains down it.

Ben Price - Surely she has to tap here! That leg’s pretty hurt from earlier. 

Eddie Vega - Never forget the power of having your mother onside, Ben, especially one as fight savvy as Tera O’Connell.

Barely, just barely, Fiona manages to get to the ropes mere moments before she would have tapped. Once again, Madd holds on after the Rope Break is called, but Ashley Beaton drags him off before beginning to count, fury colouring her features as the pair begin to argue once more, the referee clearly on her last rope with The Air Devil. Madd clearly angry, walks away before he gets himself disqualified, almost walking into a superkick from Fiona, but leaning backwards matrix style to avoid it. As Fiona turns back to face him, Madd’s already got himself up to the top rope, his speed he goes for the Eight Deadly Sin, only to have Fiona move out of the way mid-rotation. Madd manages to roll out of it, before charging back at his opponent, only to get caught with a Celtic Spike DDT. The crowd go ballistic as Fiona signals for a Death from Above as Madd tries to roll out of the ring. Grabbing him by the left arm and leg, Fiona tries to drag him into position, only to get caught with a kick to the side of the head from Madd, who rushes to his feet, only to turn straight into a Super Kick from Fiona. The crowd’s cheering and shouting reaches a fever pitch as he lands in a perfect position.

Fiona’s foot slips slightly, her leg almost giving out as she climbs to the top rope, before jumping, and…

Ben Price - Death from Above! Death from Above! She’s finally hit it! 

Eddie Vega - She’s hooked both legs, is this enough?

One…

 

Two….

 

Three!

Eric Wilson - And the winner of the match, by way of pinfall, Fiona O’Connell!

Fiona raises an arm in triumph as she struggles to stand, clearly favouring her damaged leg still. Her mother uses the stairs to get into the ring, and gets half way across the ring when…

WHOOSH!

The whole stadium is plunged into pitch blackness, sending waves of uncomfortable murmuring through the crowd. The sound of rain begins to play through the speakers, sending the crowd into a near-riotous panic, the presence of Gideon Rodgers and his soldiers the only thing preventing a full stampede.

Ben Price - Oh shit, no, nonono, not again!

Eddie Vega - I can see flashlights coming on in the crowd, Gideon Rodgers and his forces have upped their search in the darkness.

As the lights pop-back up, three figures appear in the ring, none of the Black Rain having actually fallen. Viktor stands tall and imposing, looming large over Madd Morales. Karlie Nash tilts their head as they size up Tera from behind, and finally… Vespertine, covered in bandages from their match earlier in the night, stands directly behind Fiona O’Connell.

Eddie Vega - The Eternal Grove! Shit! How did they get past Gideon’s forces?

Ben Price - Where the hell’s Drago? The Grove got Annika at Civil Warfare, do you think they’ll try and take Fiona here tonight?

Eddie Vega - I wouldn’t put it past them, at least there’s none of that rain yet

Fiona’s eyes go wide as Karlie gets the jump on Tera, tackling her to the floor before beginning to rain punches down, the seasoned brawler beneath doing her best to defend herself. Before Fiona can react, Vespertine spins her round and forces the main event’s victor back with combinations of her own. Viktor squares up to Madd Morales, the history between the two of them palpable as the violence unfolds elsewhere in the ring. Deciding this wasn’t his fight, Madd backs off, rolling out of the ring and making his way up the ramp. He pauses about half way up as two figures sprint past him from the back, the Air Devil turning to watch them go.

Ben Price - The Cavalry's here! The Upstarts have come to help Fiona and Tera O’Connell!

Eddie Vega - Two of them, at least! Abbie Dresden and Akame McClancy even the numbers!

Abbie Dresden gets there first, going straight to save Tera from Karlie’s beat down, ripping Nash away from her target to fight her back. Akame McClancy gets to Viktor as Tera O’Connell rolls out of the ring, the big man only barely being able to react as she begins throwing haymakers, the two trading blows.

Seeing the chaos around, Vespertine grins maniacally. She ducks underneath a sluggish punch from Fiona, the match having taken its toll, before tripping the Dublin native up into a leg lock, twisting and wrenching it, sending further pained screams from Fiona echoing around the arena. Abbie and Akame try to get over to her, but their shift gives Viktor and Karlie the opening they need, the pair fighting the Upstarts back as Vespertine tries to cause as much damage as possible

Ben Price - Oh gods, if Vespertine keeps this up much longer, Fiona could be looking at a long-term injury!

Eddie Vega - That’s a painful hold in and of itself! Wait… What’s Tera doing? Oh… oh, this is gonna be good!

The camera pans across, finding Tera O’Connell checking underneath the ring. Pulling out a steel chair, her eyes lock onto Vespertine, whose concentration stays transfixed on Fiona. Sliding herself back into the ring, Tera gets by undetected by the rest of the Grove, before raising the chair up high, and:

CRACK!

Tera puts everything she has into bringing the steel chair down onto Vespertine’s torso, causing her to release the hold. Another crack sounds out as Tera brings the chair down again, colliding this time with Vespertine’s back as she rolls out of the ring.

Hearing the chair shots connect, Viktor and Karlie manage to slip out of the ring, barely avoiding strikes as Akame and Abbie chase them up to the ropes.  Abbie and Akame stay in the ring, keeping themselves between the Eternal Grove and the O’Connells as Viktor, Vespertine and Karlie regroup at the base of the ramp. Tera stands tall behind the upstarts, chair still in hand as the Eternal Grove retreat.

Ben Price - Well… the Eternal Grove got the last word yet again tonight. I wonder what fuelled the attack?

Eddie Vega - Could be one of many reasons, Ben. My main question though, is where was Drago? Not a single word from him tonight?

Ben Price - It wouldn’t surprise me if he had a hand in the planning of this… one thing’s for sure though. Father Nathan’s going to be out for blood next week! Until then, however…

Both - #JoinTheConquest

Vespertine walks out of the locker room area, joining Karlie Nash and Viktor Kriegson in the hallways. They make their way out of the arena to the waiting limo to take them to the hotel.
Outside of the arena with the limo in sight, they are greeted by a group of local law enforcement and FBI agents. All of them with drawn sidearms.

FBI local leader, Sergeant Flynn steps forward.

Sergeant Flynn - Vespertine, you are under arrest for masterminding the Black Rain Incident in South Carolina. You’ve evaded us long enough.

Vespertine - Oh…crap.

Viktor Kriegson - What is this madness? Arrested?

Jeremiah Vastrix appears next to the good Sergeant. 

Jeremiah Vastrix - They are going to get you to turn in your teammates and the real power behind all of this. Samael Drago will go to a federal prison for his crimes. 

Vespertine is handcuffed and led toward a police car to transport him to a holding cell. 

Vespertine - You’re going to regret this, Vastrix. I won’t break and I’ll be out before you know it. You won’t stop me from getting that Elite championship and then defeating you at Cyber Warfare! 

Jeremiah looks at Karlie Nash and Viktor Kriegson with a snarl. 

Jeremiah Vastrix - You may as well get in that limo and report to your boss that the days of the Eternal Grove and the Age of Monsters are numbered. I won’t let you spread this madness anymore!

The car carrying Vespertine drives away with the other agents and police following. Viktor Kriegson and Karlie Nash get into their limo, already on the phone with lawyers in order to get Vespertine out on bail. Jeremiah heads back into the arena.

Jeremiah Vastrix - One down. Three to go…