Post by Laura Phoenix - HBIC on Apr 30, 2020 23:52:48 GMT -5
(The tron flickers to life to show a shot of Star Stormz sitting in a room that appears to be in her home. She has a neck brace on.)
Star: Hello, to all my wonderful fans around the world. As you all saw on Demon's Run... some things happened. I'm not gonna sit here and explain myself and my actions at Demon's Run. I did what I felt was best and I owe no apologies for that. But, that's not what I am here to discuss, as you can see.
(She motioned to the neck brace she was wearing)
Star: Things went... well not according to plan... and as you all remember, a certain punk staff member of mine decided to kick me and... well... you all know what happened. But, for kicks, why don't we show you exactly what happened.
(The video cuts to show the following clip from Demon's Run)
Meg Reynolds YOUR SCORE IS NOW 3-3, MACK MCKANE BY SUBMISSION!!!
(...Malachi rolls out of Mack’s limp arm and sits up laughing as they’re both screaming bloody murder at him...as he cheekily flips them both off. All of a sudden over the PA system we hear…)
*Whistle*
(Star looks around confused and then slowly turns around and as soon as she does she gets nailed with a HELLACIOUS Kick To Damnation by PWS:Apex General Manager, LAURA PHOENIX!!! The fans go absolutely WILD as Star goes stiff and takes a NASTY bump off the stage as we hear thuds and cracks that sound assuredly like she took that bump wrong. There’s a loud “OOOOOH” in the arena as a “LA-URA PHOE-NIX!” chant goes up as she snarls down at the ground...then cracks her neck and crosses her arms staring a hole through Everett who’s holding up his hands until he hears a gentle throat clearing behind him...when he turns around he sees a waving Bella Madison who’s jumped out of the fans as he holds up his hands and she stalks him up the ramp and he dives into the fans running off as Mal nods his head smiling and he turns back to a doubled over Mack in the corner who’s confused as Hell.)
(The video cuts back to Star and her expression is anger.)
Star: As you can see, Laura decided to get PHYSICAL with me, kicking me square in the face and causing me to fall off the stage. As you can see... I didn't land well. It was... the scariest moment...
(She began to tear up.)
Star: Excuse me... it has been a very emotional time. After that fall I was taken backstage and I don't remember what they said it was, but I couldn't feel or move my legs. I was so scared I was never going to walk again because of how I fell and how I landed. And it terrified me.
(She grabbed a tissue and wiped her tears)
Star: But don't worry, I am fine. Some pain in my back and neck still, but I am ok. I guess the paralysis was just my body in shock. But it scared me to death. Rattled me to the core. Thoughts raced through my head. Was I going to be able to walk my daughter to her classroom when schools restart? Was I going to be able to take her to the park? Just all of that made me realize just how dangerous this business is, especially with a blade wielding psychopath now as the "face" of the company, and having half the roster, if not more, on his side... I feel the backstage area just isn't safe for me to be in anymore. And that breaks my heart.
(She took a deep breath)
Star: So, while we are doing this quarantine thing, and my doctors don't recommend me travelling with my back and neck right now, I will be working from home from here on out. But in a way different capacity. I am no longer going to be acting as the President and COO of PWS: APEX. I'm taking my health, sanity, and my family into consideration as I step into a 100% office based role within the company. Finances, contracts, paperwork... that sort of thing. I'm not going to be in the arena. I'm not going to be backstage... outside of special circumstances. And I am not going to be taking part in any sort of booking. That is the kind of thing that landed me in this position to begin with.
(She brushed a stray hair out of her face.)
Star: And I know you are wondering what that means for my future in the company AFTER quarantine, right? Well, as it stands now this is a permanent change for me. I leave the day to day onscreen operations of PWS:APEX in the ...
(She gritted her teeth as she spoke the next part)
Star: Capable hands... of Laura Phoenix.
(She shook her head and unclenched her teeth)
Star: So yeah... there you have it. Good luck to you all.
(The tron fizzled to black and the scene switches to the back as we see Laura Phoenix sitting there watching. She rolls her eyes and glances over her shoulder towards the camera.)
Laura Phoenix: I should have kicked her harder.
Morgan Baker vs Richard Rider
The match starts off quickly as Rider quickly tries to schoolboy Morgan but she kicks out before the referee even gets down for the one count. The majority of the match was Richard under control due to his overwhelming size advantage. Morgan is able to fight back though, using her quickness and agility, knocking Rider to the mat, quickly climbing to the top rope and hitting the Halestorm (Swanton Bomb) for the 3 count.
Winner - Morgan Baker
(The show comes back from commercial, as the cameras are ringside. Smoke shoots from the stage, as “Critical Acclaim” by Avenged Sevenfold begins to blare over the sound system, as the loud scream of M. Shadows echoes throughout the arena. Bright lights shine from the stage, before they turn back to the stage, where Nick Madison comes out from behind the curtain, as the fans cheer.)
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Nick Madison!
(Madison makes his way down the ramp and slides into the ring. He gets to his feet and walks over to the corner and climbs the turnbuckle. He poses for the crowd as they cheer. He jumps back down and gets a microphone from a crew member. He circles in the ring for a moment before stopping in the center of the ring and starting to talk.)
Nick Madison: Las Vegas…
(The fans cheer.)
Nick Madison: So, as most of you guys probably saw, there was something that happened at Demon’s Run between my brother-in-law, Michael O’Neil, the British bastard Lukas Emery, and myself. You see I wasn’t going to come out. I was trying my damned best not to let my emotions get the better of me and come out…
(Nick looks down at the ground.)
Nick Madison: When I got down to check on Mike...he wasn’t joking about the concussion. He had no clue where he was…
(He stops.)
Nick Madison:...but then Emery got a mic. He mentioned my son’s name...again...
(He looks up and looks directly into the camera, intensity in his eyes.)
Nick Madison: And then you had the audacity to disrespect the man we named him after, my late close friend, and you chose to yet again run your mouth about me…
(A snarl starts to form on Nick’s face.)
Nick Madison: Listen here, you arrogant son of a bitch. I have had it with you running your mouth. You wanna talk your talk on Twitter? You wanna get on a mic after a match and run me down? I told you to keep my son’s name out of your mouth. But you insist on knocking on my door, so motherfucker, get ready cause I’m here to answer.
(The fans buzz with anticipation.)
Nick Madison: Levi warmed you, but you kept pushing. So you want my attention? You got it. Now, if you got the set, you’ll stop running your mouth and face me in a match…
(The fans cheer.)
Nick Madison:...at Destiny. You’ve been at it for too long. I told you a while back you might piss somebody off, well congratulations! You did just that! But I’m not gonna come to Destiny to run my mouth….
(He steps towards the ropes and leans over them.)
Nick Madison:...I’m coming to kick your ass, bitch.
(With that, Nick tosses down the mic and gets out of the ring. The fans cheer as his music starts to play.)
JR Freeman: Wow! Nick Madison has stated he will come out of retirement and wants to face Lukas Emery at Destiny!
Alf: look, I respect the heck out of Nick Madison, but I don’t think this is a smart move. We saw what Lukas did to Mike at Demon’s Run. Nick has been out of the ring for what? Like five years? I just can’t see how this could be a good idea for Nick.
(We cut away.)
(The cameras cut to the back, where David Shane sat in a small-ish office watching the show on a monitor. He was reclined back in an office chair, his feet up on the desk, as he watched. There was a knock on the door.)
David: Who is it?
(The door opened and in walked Alexis with a big bowl in her arms.)
David: AH! So you did get my message!
(He motioned for her to come closer to him. She squinted a little bit and walked a little closer. He reached out and took the bowl from her hands, which was filled with fresh, hot popcorn.)
David: You put extra butter on this… right?
Alexis: Duh. Scoot over. I gotta see what kind of shitstorm is going on out there. I mean, a missing girl, Russows running wild, and some one who is possibly a psychopath carrying a knife running around? I don’t blame Star for staying home. I almost felt like I needed a police escort just to get this. Should send one of the backstage crew next time.
(She pulled up a chair next to him and propped her feet up too, watching the show on the monitor along with him.)
David: That’s exactly why I’m here.
Alexis: And hiding out in a small office. I’ve never known you to take the smallest office in a location.
David: Just needed some space to sit back, relax, and watch. Besides… this is on the opposite side of the arena and it’s quiet… and no one else knows this is my temporary office. It’s peaceful.
(He shoved a few pieces of popcorn in his mouth)
Alexis: That makes sense.
David: Just here to sit and watch for now. Star got ahold of me a few days after Demon’s Run with her decision. Can’t really say I blame her. I mean between her vendetta with Mack, him being backed up by every single person associated with the Russow Clan…
Alexis: Aka 75% or more of the roster…
David: mmmhmmm. And then Laura herself kicking her, that landing was rough. She’s scared and just needs time. So she is getting the time. I gave her a position that keeps her in the headquarters for the most part. But she can work from home during quarantine. Besides, I’m in a little bit too much pain to fight her on it.
(Alexis chuckled a little bit)
Alexis: And whose fault is that?
David: Yours.
(She elbowed him)
Alexis: Is not!
David: Who jumped off the top rope?
Alexis: Who didn’t catch me?
David: Hey now! It’s not my fault you went all Wonder Woman and tried to fly.
Alexis: Pshhhh I was just trying to win.
David: And ya failed.
Alexis: Did not!
David: Did too. You didn’t win.
Alexis: Neither did you!
(Alexis took the bowl of popcorn and held it off to the side.)
David: Gimme back the popcorn!
Alexis: Not till you admit that you couldn’t answer the referees count.
David: You didn’t either. He deemed us BOTH unable to continue.
Alexis: I totally had that match won.
David: In your dreams. You tried to kill us both.
Alexis: That’s what happens when you get old.
David: I’m only like 2 years older than you.
Alexis: Regardless. I still would have won.
David: I guess we are gonna have to have a rematch. Settle it once and for all.
(Alexis handed him back the popcorn with a smirk on her face.)
Alexis: Sounds fair to me. Destiny?
(David nodded.)
David: Destiny. Done deal. Don’t get too upset when I beat you.
(She elbowed him again as they both laughed, the camera cuts to a commercial)
Vin Halsted vs Miss Puppies
The newcomer wasted zero time in his first match in PWS: Apex by quickly leveling Miss Puppies out of the gate. Vin pretty much dominated the match against the PWS regular and Puppies never one to back down attempts to battle back but to no avail as Halsted hits the “Fahgetaboutit Bomb” from the top rope and pins Puppies for the win.
Winner - Vin Halsted
(The cameras cut backstage to Laura’s office, where she has Aaron. A small package is sitting on the desk as Nick walks in. He walks over to them and gives Laura a hug. He looks down at Aaron and smiles.)
Nick Madison: How’s my little man?
Laura Phoenix: He’s been great. Just wanting Mommy’s attention, but now that daddy’s back…
(She hands Aaron to Nick.)
Laura Phoenix: I have a bunch of stupid paperwork to do, it’s amazing this place survived with the paperwork they let slide.
(She walks and sits down at her desk, and points at the package.)
Laura Phoenix: A package came, it’s got all of our names on it, including Aaron’s.
Nick Madison: Wonder what it is. Does it say who it’s from?
Laura Phoenix: It was a Miami address. So, I’m not sure.
(Nick walks over to the package and picks it up with the hand that isn’t holding Aaron.)
Nick Madison: Wonder what it is buddy.
(He sets the package down and opens it. He flips the top flaps open and looks inside with a smile on his face.)
Nick Madison: Oh sweet! Haven’t seen one of these in years!
(He pulls out a little stuffed bear that seems to be dressed up like him in his old ring gear.)
Laura Phoenix: WOW those were forever ago. It looks like it’s in great condition, too.
(Little Aaron is enamored by the stuffed bear, and instantly grabs for it. Nick hands it to him.)
Laura Phoenix: Is that it?
Nick Madison: Nah, there’s a note in here, too….
(He pulls out the note and opens it up. He starts reading it as a perplexed expression comes over his face.)
Laura Phoenix: What is it?
Nick Madison: It says...it says the note is from an eight year old girl named Adrianna. It says her brother, Wes, is a big fan of mine, and they wanted to give us this bear for Aaron...I guess it was Adrianna’s when she was younger.
Laura Phoenix: How sweet.
Nick Madison: Yeah…
(Nick just looks over the note again.)
Laura Phoenix: What?
Nick Madison: Huh? Oh, it’s nothing.
(He puts the note down and moves Aaron to his other arm, as Aaron holds on to the stuffed bear.)
Laura Phoenix: Looks like he’s got a new favorite.
Nick Madison: Makes sense. I’ll get him out of here so you can get some work done. I can take him to visit some people.
Laura Phoenix: I’m gonna try to knock this all out then I’ll come find you guys.
Nick Madison: Sounds good. Come on buddy, say bye mommy.
(Aaron smiles as Laura waves at him.)
Laura Phoenix: Bye little man!
(Nick takes Aaron’s hand and waves at Laura.)
Nick Madison: Bye mommy!
(They leave the office, leaving Laura to get back to her work.)
And now a special message to Everett Jacobs from our PWS Champion Mack McKane and Associates.
Non-Title
Legion vs. Alanah O’Connell
The match starts with Alannah kicking Legion in the head and hits her with the Irish Rose and goes for the cover, getting the three count.
WINNER: Alannah O’Connell
(The camera fades to the backstage area where we see Heather Haze walking down the empty hallways with her Collateral Damage belt proudly draped over her shoulder.
At the end of the corridor, she then spots Bella Madison getting a hug from Allanah, congratulating her on the match but both looking clearly distraught over Mattie’s kidnapping at the hands of Reverend Synn and his minions.
As Alanah parts ways with Bella, Heather sees her opportunity to cause a little ruckus as she approaches Bella looking all smugly, while keeping a safe distance from her.)
Heather Haze: Hello, Laura’s daughter. I couldn’t help but notice you and that lil leprechaun aren’t keeping up with the whole social distancing. But I guess the rules don’t apply to you around here since you’re ‘special’..
(Heather rolls her eyes while doing ‘air quotes’ with her fingers.)
Heather Haze: (shrugs) Any-who sorry to hear about your seamstress friend. For me It is gonna be awfully weird and getting used to not seeing you all hanging around, laughing, gossiping, and doing absolutely nothing productive with your time. Nonetheless, I really do hope Mack gets her back safe and sound. I can’t imagine the horrors that she’s going through at the hands of that sick demented freak. He’s probably torturing her right now as we speak, maybe even cutting her ear off with his rusty knife.
(Heather somewhat shudders but deep down she’s getting a kick out of it.)
Heather Haze: From my side I have been praying earnestly for her safe return. Oh well, Guess we’ll just have to wait and see, won’t we??
(Bella just sighs and glares at Haze.)
Bella Madison: Yeah I guess we will. Thank your lucky stars you have never been through what Synn is more than likely putting Mattie through. Synn messes with your mind, something I know far too well. This addition of Mack’s...father...that’s something that only Mack knows about. Now, if you excuse me...
(Heather cocks her head sideways.)
Heather Haze: Oh so you and that fiend have some sorta ‘connection’? Explains why you acted all strange at the pay-per-view...unless maybe you just faked your way to get out of a match because you didn’t have the spine to beat your BFF for the belt. You got cold feet. Seriously Bells we have a job to give the fans their money’s worth...but somehow you just love to play the victim in all of this, don’t you?…you just find a leeway or an excuse to just get out of stuff like a jail free card. When are you gonna stop having Laura spoon feed you and start taking things seriously??
(Bella just shakes her head and clenches her fist tightly.)
Bella Madison: Ok, let me make things perfectly clear for you Haze, you have no idea what I have been through and I am not one to give away all my secrets to the likes of you. What happened at Demons Run is something even I cannot explain. But you best be sure that when it comes to Destiny, as much as I love my future sister-in-law, I will take her on and I will find myself with my first championship.
(Heather can’t hold her laughter back any longer as she giggles at Bella in a mocking way.)
Heather Haze: Secrets? Hun you don’t need to give away any secrets to me. You’re like an open book. You know what I think. I think you’re a coward. A yellow bellied gutless coward.
Bella Madison: And I think you are nothing but a shit starter who hides behind the fact that for all your....talent, you are a lonely pathetic bitch that cannot stand to see others succeed. But don’t worry Heather, I’m sure eventually someone will feel sorry enough for you and give you the benefit of the doubt that you are so desperately craving.
(Heather just rolls her eyes.)
Heather Haze: Pshhh whatever. I don’t need to stand here listening to you flap your gums all day, acting all tough. Unlike you, I am super popular. In fact I don’t even know why I am wasting my breath on you. You’re a lost cause...and I can’t wait to see Synn come after you next, bitch.
(Heather then flips Bella off and rudely turns her back to her.)
Bella Madison: ....Hey Haze...one more thing.
(Haze turns around and you can see Bella begin to swing but someone grabs her wrist and spins her around where she comes face to face with Miles Kasey.)
Miles Kasey: Now, now....we’ll have none of that.
Bella Madison: What the...let me go.
(Bella struggles a moment til she realizes Milo won’t submit the grip.)
Miles Kasey: Save it for Synn and the rest, she doesn't deserve it today.
Heather Haze: Yeah bells save your strength.
(Heather then winks at Milo and licks her lips at him seductively before walking off. Bella finally frees herself and stares at Miles for a moment.)
Bella Madison: Ya know, you could have let it happen. It’s not like I haven’t hit her before.
Miles Kasey: I know, but where’s the fun in that? Besides, you two were in my way from getting to my match.
(Miles smirks and continues on his way and Bella just rolls her eyes and heads in the opposite direction as we head to commercial.)
Daniel Russow vs Miles Kasey
Not the first time these two have met in the ring and it showed. Top it off it’s been a while since Daniel and Miles has been seen in a ring....and it definitely shows as from the start of the match Russow and Kasey are at each other tooth and nail, throwing whatever they can think of at each other. Around the 10 minute mark, the two end up taking the battle to the outside of the ring and up the ramp where Daniel DDT’s Miles onto the steel of the ramp. Daniel gets back to the ring by the 5 count where Miles struggles but manages to make it back into the ring just before the 10 count. Daniel takes control from there working over the back and neck of Kasey before hitting the snapmare driver known as the Hangman’s Body Count but instead of pulling Milo to the center of the ring, he goes for the pin and just as it looks like he’s coming away with the win, Kasey gets his foot on the ropes at 2 and 9/10ths. Daniel starts to argue with the ref, giving Kasey time to recover a bit, which has them come to blows back and forth. Daniel is able to get the upper hand, driving his knee into Miles midsection and whips him to the ropes and Miles is able to counter with the Blast from the Past and quickly goes for the cover...1...2...DINGDINGDING....
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and Gentleman, the 20 minute time limit for this match has run out, therefore this match is officially a TIME LIMIT DRAW!!!
Winner - Time Limit Draw
PWS World Championship Match
Deathmatch
Mack McKane vs The Personal Bodyguard of Everett Jacobs
JR Freeman: And now we have to deal with...quite frankly the most heinous, vulgar display of power I’ve seen since Pantera and in all honesty, IN that vein, Everett Jacobs should learn some respect and walk.
Alfonso Banks: Everett Jacobs blames Mack McKane for the kidnapping of Mattie Cormier and he wants satisfaction! And until Mattie is found and returned safely...which Everett HIMSELF promises to do...that satisfaction is going to have to start with his own personal bodyguard taking out Everett’s anguish on Mack McKane and taking the SECOND most important thing to him...that newly won World Championship!
JR Freeman: Because Everett Jacobs is TOO MUCH OF A PUSSY TO DO IT HIMSE-
Alfonso Banks: WOAH WOAH WOAH!!! JR you better contain the calamity that is your mammaries, my friend! THAT is the son of one of PWS’s BIGGEST benefactors! And in these days where work is scarce do you REALLY want to be unemployed!?
JR Freeman: Frankly my dunce, I don’t give a damn! This match is BULLSHIT! And Everett-
Alfonso Banks: Everett Jacobs didn’t make this match! He doesn’t have the authority! Laura PHOENIX made this match that, by the way, Mack McKane AGREED to! So your anger is WOEFULLY misplaced!
JR Freeman: Well I know I’m supposed to be unbiased but as God as my witness, to each and every fan watching at home that CANNOT be here to express their hearts, I will be their voice. GO MACK MCKANE!!!!
(Suddenly the speakers erupted with the sound of “I Want It All/We Will Rock You” by Queen & Armageddon as the familiar HULKING bodyguard of Everett Jacobs comes barrelling out onto the ramp in a competition singlet, pads, and boots...Everett Jacobs is, of course, rubbing his shoulders and screaming encouragement in his ear as the massive mountain of humanity makes his way to the ring and climbs his way inside as Everett Jacobs darts over to the commentary team and starts screaming in JR Freeman’s face.)
JR Freeman: YEAH? YEAH? WELL YOU’RE A SPOILED, SNOT-NOSED LITTLE BRAT AND I HOPE...I HOPE...I HOPE MACK MCKANE GETS HIS HANDS ON YOU! YOU COWARD!
(Everett turns and slides under the ring ropes smacking his bodyguard on the chest and screaming more words of encouragement before leaning on the ropes facing the entrance and screaming…)
Everett Jacobs: IT’S YOUR FAULT SHE’S GONE!!! IT’S TIME TO TAKE YOUR PUNISHMENT!!! GET OUT HERE YOU COWARD!!!
(Everything remains silent...except for Everett screaming his trash talk towards the ramp and hyping up his bodyguard even more as his bodyguard starts shaking his shoulders and loosening up his entire body turning to face the ramp cracking his neck...there’s still no response…)
JR Freeman: What’s going on? Where’s Mack McKane?
Alfonso Banks: I don’t know but with Everett being the only thing we can hear, this place is kinda creepy...where’s the bold proclamation that gets us hundreds of hateful emails from devout Christians each week?
JR Freeman: Oh man, do you ever read those?
Alfonso Banks: Some of those christians have some...VERY colorful language to describe Ma-
(And suddenly...there he was. There was no scream of “ALL OUR GODS HAVE ABANDONED US” leading into “Nihilist” by The Architects...there was no ring of fire, no rising from the stage, no red water falling from the ceiling...walking out on top of the ramp in total silence, fully clad in the last duster trench coat and facemask made of human bones...with his eyes darker than usual to the point we can’t tell if it’s him wearing eye shadow, or if it’s a result of lack of sleep or even...him punishing himself. Mack McKane stands on the ramp...calmly...glaring a hole through Everett Jacobs...totally ignoring his bodyguard. Everett continues screaming at Mack as Meg Reynolds announces.)
Meg Reynolds: Errr...the following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL and it is for the PWS:Apex World Heavyweight Championship to be contested...under DEATHMATCH RULES!!!
(The realization of Meg actually proclaiming it out loud seems to have made it real to Everett’s bodyguard who suddenly seized up behind him looking from Meg to the commentators as he walks up and taps Everett on the shoulder but Everett brushes him off to continue screaming at Mack. The bodyguard calmly makes his way to the back of the ring as Mack...who isn’t saying anything or showing any emotion...utilizes one hand to slowly unbutton his jacket...and once he’s done...Everett has shut his mouth and backed up...the bodyguard turns pale white...and all we hear is JR Freeman CALMLY but intensely express…)
JR Freeman: ...Oh...Mios...Dios.
(Because once the jacket is open...we see Mack’s other arm has been out of the sleeve tucked away inside of it...and once he slides the jacket open...we simply see something slide down the back of his arm and down into his hand...which makes Everett’s eyes open wider. The jacket falls to the ground, the mask still covering the dead-eyed face of Mack McKane...as he slowly raises his arm and rests a fireman’s axe on his shoulder. The bodyguard looks at the commentators...looks at Mack tapping the axe on his shoulder...and looks at Everett who has turned around in a calm voice trying to reassure him when all we see and hear suddenly is…)
Bodyguard: ...FFFFFFFUUUUUUUUCK….THHHHHHHHHHHHAT!!!!!!!
(The bodyguard bails out of the ring and high tails it past the timekeeper running out the back entrance of the arena as Everett screams at him to get back there.)
JR Freeman: And who would have thought that for all his muscle, Everett Jacobs bodyguard would also have more BRAINS than he does!
Alfonso Banks: For the sake of self-preservation, dear God Everett GET OUTTA THERE!!!
(Everett slowly turns around and throws his hands out begging as he suddenly stumbles back onto his ass because before anyone could catch it...Mack McKane stood in the middle of the ring as he slowly raises the axe and lowers it to point the head at Everett who starts freaking out until...the lights in the arena die.)
JR Freeman: Oh please no…
Alfonso Banks: I have...THE worst of feelings about this…
“OHHHHHHH MYYYYYYY CHIIIIILDREEEEEEEEN!!!”
(A BURST of flames flashes on the Tron as a seat can be seen as an older man comes swaggering in and takes a seat. We only know him as Papa McKane…)
Papa McKane: "Son"...s'that what I'm supposed to call you BOY? You ain't no son o' mine. You was nothin' bit baggage...baggage that came with that coked-out whore. Bit my what a sweet-ass she had on her. S'why I kept her around!
(He adjusts in the chair as his glare gets wicked)
Papa McKane: That bitch got what she had comin', I WARNED her! TIME an' TIME AGAIN...DON'T MOVE. But call it the cowardice of a Brit Bitch. See that's when ya get 'em, boy! Ya get 'em FRESH off the boat an' they'll do WHATEVER ya want. But that left...you two substance babies. Bah...weak little pissants. An' you need to tell that PUSSY brother o' yorn that NEXT time? He better make sure the jobs DONE. But till then? Imma have fun with YOU...the littlest Misfit Toy. Aww what's wrong...did we 'break your widdle heawt" when we took Barbie away from her Ken Doll? Fittin' "innit" boy...cause you ain't got the pair to take is on.
(He points a finger for the camera to zoom upwards as we realize he's sitting under the New Orleans city limits sign.)
Papa McKane: Though if this...this "Twitter" bullshit is to be believed...she don't want you back ANYWAY. Face it boy, just like her whore of a mother...ya failed. That's what'chu DO! IT'S IN YOUR DNA!!! Now don't you fret…
(He stands up as Reverend Synister walks into frame dragging a gagged, dirty Mattie by her hair.)
Reverend Synister: ...she ain't gon' be in pain much longer...we done decided...awful lotta pretty mausoleums round here.
...CLOCK'S TICKIN'.
(Syn starts cackling as Mattie cries towards the screen trying to call Mack's name as Papa McKane holds her by the hair sneering as the video cuts out. We see Mack McKane on his knees in tears, shaking with rage as he pulls out his butterfly knife flicking it open and looking at it lovingly…)
Alfonso Banks: ...that was a detestable bit...you don't think?
JR Freeman; DON'T YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT IT MACK! YOU'RE A CHAMPION! YOU'RE A FIGHTER! SHE NEEDS YOU!
(Mack holds the blade to his throat swallowing hard and looking to the sky with tears in his eyes when…)
"WE ARE THE TRUE BELIEVERS!!!"
JR Freeman: OH MIOS DIOS!!! CAN IT BE!?!?!?
Alfonso Banks: THE RUMORS WERE TRUE!!!
JR Freeman: WELL LAURA PHOENIX NEEDED BACK-UP...AND WHAT A DAMN BACKUP PLAN THIS IS!!!
(Levi Russow comes bolting out from the stage, and baseball slides into the ring kicking the blade out of Mack's hand. Levi pops to a knee and he takes McKane by the head and he's giving him an impassioned speech.)
JR Freeman: If ANYONE...knows what Mack McKane is going through…
Alfonso Banks: I...I can't say I'm his biggest fan but...thank God for Levi Russow.
(Levi keeps snarling in Mack's face and in a rare moment of weakness...Mack collapses into his arms weeping like a child.)
JR Freeman: I can't believe we have to leave you here but what is going to HAPPEN I. the next chapter of this WILD story!?
Alfonso Banks: I hope the next step is we get Mattie Cormier back!
JR Freeman: Fans all over the world we THANK you for sticking with us during these frightening...and uncertain times. And we will see YOU...next time on Riot!!!
Winner - Mack McKane
(c) PWS: APEX 2020
Star: Hello, to all my wonderful fans around the world. As you all saw on Demon's Run... some things happened. I'm not gonna sit here and explain myself and my actions at Demon's Run. I did what I felt was best and I owe no apologies for that. But, that's not what I am here to discuss, as you can see.
(She motioned to the neck brace she was wearing)
Star: Things went... well not according to plan... and as you all remember, a certain punk staff member of mine decided to kick me and... well... you all know what happened. But, for kicks, why don't we show you exactly what happened.
(The video cuts to show the following clip from Demon's Run)
Meg Reynolds YOUR SCORE IS NOW 3-3, MACK MCKANE BY SUBMISSION!!!
(...Malachi rolls out of Mack’s limp arm and sits up laughing as they’re both screaming bloody murder at him...as he cheekily flips them both off. All of a sudden over the PA system we hear…)
*Whistle*
(Star looks around confused and then slowly turns around and as soon as she does she gets nailed with a HELLACIOUS Kick To Damnation by PWS:Apex General Manager, LAURA PHOENIX!!! The fans go absolutely WILD as Star goes stiff and takes a NASTY bump off the stage as we hear thuds and cracks that sound assuredly like she took that bump wrong. There’s a loud “OOOOOH” in the arena as a “LA-URA PHOE-NIX!” chant goes up as she snarls down at the ground...then cracks her neck and crosses her arms staring a hole through Everett who’s holding up his hands until he hears a gentle throat clearing behind him...when he turns around he sees a waving Bella Madison who’s jumped out of the fans as he holds up his hands and she stalks him up the ramp and he dives into the fans running off as Mal nods his head smiling and he turns back to a doubled over Mack in the corner who’s confused as Hell.)
(The video cuts back to Star and her expression is anger.)
Star: As you can see, Laura decided to get PHYSICAL with me, kicking me square in the face and causing me to fall off the stage. As you can see... I didn't land well. It was... the scariest moment...
(She began to tear up.)
Star: Excuse me... it has been a very emotional time. After that fall I was taken backstage and I don't remember what they said it was, but I couldn't feel or move my legs. I was so scared I was never going to walk again because of how I fell and how I landed. And it terrified me.
(She grabbed a tissue and wiped her tears)
Star: But don't worry, I am fine. Some pain in my back and neck still, but I am ok. I guess the paralysis was just my body in shock. But it scared me to death. Rattled me to the core. Thoughts raced through my head. Was I going to be able to walk my daughter to her classroom when schools restart? Was I going to be able to take her to the park? Just all of that made me realize just how dangerous this business is, especially with a blade wielding psychopath now as the "face" of the company, and having half the roster, if not more, on his side... I feel the backstage area just isn't safe for me to be in anymore. And that breaks my heart.
(She took a deep breath)
Star: So, while we are doing this quarantine thing, and my doctors don't recommend me travelling with my back and neck right now, I will be working from home from here on out. But in a way different capacity. I am no longer going to be acting as the President and COO of PWS: APEX. I'm taking my health, sanity, and my family into consideration as I step into a 100% office based role within the company. Finances, contracts, paperwork... that sort of thing. I'm not going to be in the arena. I'm not going to be backstage... outside of special circumstances. And I am not going to be taking part in any sort of booking. That is the kind of thing that landed me in this position to begin with.
(She brushed a stray hair out of her face.)
Star: And I know you are wondering what that means for my future in the company AFTER quarantine, right? Well, as it stands now this is a permanent change for me. I leave the day to day onscreen operations of PWS:APEX in the ...
(She gritted her teeth as she spoke the next part)
Star: Capable hands... of Laura Phoenix.
(She shook her head and unclenched her teeth)
Star: So yeah... there you have it. Good luck to you all.
(The tron fizzled to black and the scene switches to the back as we see Laura Phoenix sitting there watching. She rolls her eyes and glances over her shoulder towards the camera.)
Laura Phoenix: I should have kicked her harder.
Morgan Baker vs Richard Rider
The match starts off quickly as Rider quickly tries to schoolboy Morgan but she kicks out before the referee even gets down for the one count. The majority of the match was Richard under control due to his overwhelming size advantage. Morgan is able to fight back though, using her quickness and agility, knocking Rider to the mat, quickly climbing to the top rope and hitting the Halestorm (Swanton Bomb) for the 3 count.
Winner - Morgan Baker
(The show comes back from commercial, as the cameras are ringside. Smoke shoots from the stage, as “Critical Acclaim” by Avenged Sevenfold begins to blare over the sound system, as the loud scream of M. Shadows echoes throughout the arena. Bright lights shine from the stage, before they turn back to the stage, where Nick Madison comes out from behind the curtain, as the fans cheer.)
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Nick Madison!
(Madison makes his way down the ramp and slides into the ring. He gets to his feet and walks over to the corner and climbs the turnbuckle. He poses for the crowd as they cheer. He jumps back down and gets a microphone from a crew member. He circles in the ring for a moment before stopping in the center of the ring and starting to talk.)
Nick Madison: Las Vegas…
(The fans cheer.)
Nick Madison: So, as most of you guys probably saw, there was something that happened at Demon’s Run between my brother-in-law, Michael O’Neil, the British bastard Lukas Emery, and myself. You see I wasn’t going to come out. I was trying my damned best not to let my emotions get the better of me and come out…
(Nick looks down at the ground.)
Nick Madison: When I got down to check on Mike...he wasn’t joking about the concussion. He had no clue where he was…
(He stops.)
Nick Madison:...but then Emery got a mic. He mentioned my son’s name...again...
(He looks up and looks directly into the camera, intensity in his eyes.)
Nick Madison: And then you had the audacity to disrespect the man we named him after, my late close friend, and you chose to yet again run your mouth about me…
(A snarl starts to form on Nick’s face.)
Nick Madison: Listen here, you arrogant son of a bitch. I have had it with you running your mouth. You wanna talk your talk on Twitter? You wanna get on a mic after a match and run me down? I told you to keep my son’s name out of your mouth. But you insist on knocking on my door, so motherfucker, get ready cause I’m here to answer.
(The fans buzz with anticipation.)
Nick Madison: Levi warmed you, but you kept pushing. So you want my attention? You got it. Now, if you got the set, you’ll stop running your mouth and face me in a match…
(The fans cheer.)
Nick Madison:...at Destiny. You’ve been at it for too long. I told you a while back you might piss somebody off, well congratulations! You did just that! But I’m not gonna come to Destiny to run my mouth….
(He steps towards the ropes and leans over them.)
Nick Madison:...I’m coming to kick your ass, bitch.
(With that, Nick tosses down the mic and gets out of the ring. The fans cheer as his music starts to play.)
JR Freeman: Wow! Nick Madison has stated he will come out of retirement and wants to face Lukas Emery at Destiny!
Alf: look, I respect the heck out of Nick Madison, but I don’t think this is a smart move. We saw what Lukas did to Mike at Demon’s Run. Nick has been out of the ring for what? Like five years? I just can’t see how this could be a good idea for Nick.
(We cut away.)
(The cameras cut to the back, where David Shane sat in a small-ish office watching the show on a monitor. He was reclined back in an office chair, his feet up on the desk, as he watched. There was a knock on the door.)
David: Who is it?
(The door opened and in walked Alexis with a big bowl in her arms.)
David: AH! So you did get my message!
(He motioned for her to come closer to him. She squinted a little bit and walked a little closer. He reached out and took the bowl from her hands, which was filled with fresh, hot popcorn.)
David: You put extra butter on this… right?
Alexis: Duh. Scoot over. I gotta see what kind of shitstorm is going on out there. I mean, a missing girl, Russows running wild, and some one who is possibly a psychopath carrying a knife running around? I don’t blame Star for staying home. I almost felt like I needed a police escort just to get this. Should send one of the backstage crew next time.
(She pulled up a chair next to him and propped her feet up too, watching the show on the monitor along with him.)
David: That’s exactly why I’m here.
Alexis: And hiding out in a small office. I’ve never known you to take the smallest office in a location.
David: Just needed some space to sit back, relax, and watch. Besides… this is on the opposite side of the arena and it’s quiet… and no one else knows this is my temporary office. It’s peaceful.
(He shoved a few pieces of popcorn in his mouth)
Alexis: That makes sense.
David: Just here to sit and watch for now. Star got ahold of me a few days after Demon’s Run with her decision. Can’t really say I blame her. I mean between her vendetta with Mack, him being backed up by every single person associated with the Russow Clan…
Alexis: Aka 75% or more of the roster…
David: mmmhmmm. And then Laura herself kicking her, that landing was rough. She’s scared and just needs time. So she is getting the time. I gave her a position that keeps her in the headquarters for the most part. But she can work from home during quarantine. Besides, I’m in a little bit too much pain to fight her on it.
(Alexis chuckled a little bit)
Alexis: And whose fault is that?
David: Yours.
(She elbowed him)
Alexis: Is not!
David: Who jumped off the top rope?
Alexis: Who didn’t catch me?
David: Hey now! It’s not my fault you went all Wonder Woman and tried to fly.
Alexis: Pshhhh I was just trying to win.
David: And ya failed.
Alexis: Did not!
David: Did too. You didn’t win.
Alexis: Neither did you!
(Alexis took the bowl of popcorn and held it off to the side.)
David: Gimme back the popcorn!
Alexis: Not till you admit that you couldn’t answer the referees count.
David: You didn’t either. He deemed us BOTH unable to continue.
Alexis: I totally had that match won.
David: In your dreams. You tried to kill us both.
Alexis: That’s what happens when you get old.
David: I’m only like 2 years older than you.
Alexis: Regardless. I still would have won.
David: I guess we are gonna have to have a rematch. Settle it once and for all.
(Alexis handed him back the popcorn with a smirk on her face.)
Alexis: Sounds fair to me. Destiny?
(David nodded.)
David: Destiny. Done deal. Don’t get too upset when I beat you.
(She elbowed him again as they both laughed, the camera cuts to a commercial)
Vin Halsted vs Miss Puppies
The newcomer wasted zero time in his first match in PWS: Apex by quickly leveling Miss Puppies out of the gate. Vin pretty much dominated the match against the PWS regular and Puppies never one to back down attempts to battle back but to no avail as Halsted hits the “Fahgetaboutit Bomb” from the top rope and pins Puppies for the win.
Winner - Vin Halsted
(The cameras cut backstage to Laura’s office, where she has Aaron. A small package is sitting on the desk as Nick walks in. He walks over to them and gives Laura a hug. He looks down at Aaron and smiles.)
Nick Madison: How’s my little man?
Laura Phoenix: He’s been great. Just wanting Mommy’s attention, but now that daddy’s back…
(She hands Aaron to Nick.)
Laura Phoenix: I have a bunch of stupid paperwork to do, it’s amazing this place survived with the paperwork they let slide.
(She walks and sits down at her desk, and points at the package.)
Laura Phoenix: A package came, it’s got all of our names on it, including Aaron’s.
Nick Madison: Wonder what it is. Does it say who it’s from?
Laura Phoenix: It was a Miami address. So, I’m not sure.
(Nick walks over to the package and picks it up with the hand that isn’t holding Aaron.)
Nick Madison: Wonder what it is buddy.
(He sets the package down and opens it. He flips the top flaps open and looks inside with a smile on his face.)
Nick Madison: Oh sweet! Haven’t seen one of these in years!
(He pulls out a little stuffed bear that seems to be dressed up like him in his old ring gear.)
Laura Phoenix: WOW those were forever ago. It looks like it’s in great condition, too.
(Little Aaron is enamored by the stuffed bear, and instantly grabs for it. Nick hands it to him.)
Laura Phoenix: Is that it?
Nick Madison: Nah, there’s a note in here, too….
(He pulls out the note and opens it up. He starts reading it as a perplexed expression comes over his face.)
Laura Phoenix: What is it?
Nick Madison: It says...it says the note is from an eight year old girl named Adrianna. It says her brother, Wes, is a big fan of mine, and they wanted to give us this bear for Aaron...I guess it was Adrianna’s when she was younger.
Laura Phoenix: How sweet.
Nick Madison: Yeah…
(Nick just looks over the note again.)
Laura Phoenix: What?
Nick Madison: Huh? Oh, it’s nothing.
(He puts the note down and moves Aaron to his other arm, as Aaron holds on to the stuffed bear.)
Laura Phoenix: Looks like he’s got a new favorite.
Nick Madison: Makes sense. I’ll get him out of here so you can get some work done. I can take him to visit some people.
Laura Phoenix: I’m gonna try to knock this all out then I’ll come find you guys.
Nick Madison: Sounds good. Come on buddy, say bye mommy.
(Aaron smiles as Laura waves at him.)
Laura Phoenix: Bye little man!
(Nick takes Aaron’s hand and waves at Laura.)
Nick Madison: Bye mommy!
(They leave the office, leaving Laura to get back to her work.)
And now a special message to Everett Jacobs from our PWS Champion Mack McKane and Associates.
Non-Title
Legion vs. Alanah O’Connell
The match starts with Alannah kicking Legion in the head and hits her with the Irish Rose and goes for the cover, getting the three count.
WINNER: Alannah O’Connell
(The camera fades to the backstage area where we see Heather Haze walking down the empty hallways with her Collateral Damage belt proudly draped over her shoulder.
At the end of the corridor, she then spots Bella Madison getting a hug from Allanah, congratulating her on the match but both looking clearly distraught over Mattie’s kidnapping at the hands of Reverend Synn and his minions.
As Alanah parts ways with Bella, Heather sees her opportunity to cause a little ruckus as she approaches Bella looking all smugly, while keeping a safe distance from her.)
Heather Haze: Hello, Laura’s daughter. I couldn’t help but notice you and that lil leprechaun aren’t keeping up with the whole social distancing. But I guess the rules don’t apply to you around here since you’re ‘special’..
(Heather rolls her eyes while doing ‘air quotes’ with her fingers.)
Heather Haze: (shrugs) Any-who sorry to hear about your seamstress friend. For me It is gonna be awfully weird and getting used to not seeing you all hanging around, laughing, gossiping, and doing absolutely nothing productive with your time. Nonetheless, I really do hope Mack gets her back safe and sound. I can’t imagine the horrors that she’s going through at the hands of that sick demented freak. He’s probably torturing her right now as we speak, maybe even cutting her ear off with his rusty knife.
(Heather somewhat shudders but deep down she’s getting a kick out of it.)
Heather Haze: From my side I have been praying earnestly for her safe return. Oh well, Guess we’ll just have to wait and see, won’t we??
(Bella just sighs and glares at Haze.)
Bella Madison: Yeah I guess we will. Thank your lucky stars you have never been through what Synn is more than likely putting Mattie through. Synn messes with your mind, something I know far too well. This addition of Mack’s...father...that’s something that only Mack knows about. Now, if you excuse me...
(Heather cocks her head sideways.)
Heather Haze: Oh so you and that fiend have some sorta ‘connection’? Explains why you acted all strange at the pay-per-view...unless maybe you just faked your way to get out of a match because you didn’t have the spine to beat your BFF for the belt. You got cold feet. Seriously Bells we have a job to give the fans their money’s worth...but somehow you just love to play the victim in all of this, don’t you?…you just find a leeway or an excuse to just get out of stuff like a jail free card. When are you gonna stop having Laura spoon feed you and start taking things seriously??
(Bella just shakes her head and clenches her fist tightly.)
Bella Madison: Ok, let me make things perfectly clear for you Haze, you have no idea what I have been through and I am not one to give away all my secrets to the likes of you. What happened at Demons Run is something even I cannot explain. But you best be sure that when it comes to Destiny, as much as I love my future sister-in-law, I will take her on and I will find myself with my first championship.
(Heather can’t hold her laughter back any longer as she giggles at Bella in a mocking way.)
Heather Haze: Secrets? Hun you don’t need to give away any secrets to me. You’re like an open book. You know what I think. I think you’re a coward. A yellow bellied gutless coward.
Bella Madison: And I think you are nothing but a shit starter who hides behind the fact that for all your....talent, you are a lonely pathetic bitch that cannot stand to see others succeed. But don’t worry Heather, I’m sure eventually someone will feel sorry enough for you and give you the benefit of the doubt that you are so desperately craving.
(Heather just rolls her eyes.)
Heather Haze: Pshhh whatever. I don’t need to stand here listening to you flap your gums all day, acting all tough. Unlike you, I am super popular. In fact I don’t even know why I am wasting my breath on you. You’re a lost cause...and I can’t wait to see Synn come after you next, bitch.
(Heather then flips Bella off and rudely turns her back to her.)
Bella Madison: ....Hey Haze...one more thing.
(Haze turns around and you can see Bella begin to swing but someone grabs her wrist and spins her around where she comes face to face with Miles Kasey.)
Miles Kasey: Now, now....we’ll have none of that.
Bella Madison: What the...let me go.
(Bella struggles a moment til she realizes Milo won’t submit the grip.)
Miles Kasey: Save it for Synn and the rest, she doesn't deserve it today.
Heather Haze: Yeah bells save your strength.
(Heather then winks at Milo and licks her lips at him seductively before walking off. Bella finally frees herself and stares at Miles for a moment.)
Bella Madison: Ya know, you could have let it happen. It’s not like I haven’t hit her before.
Miles Kasey: I know, but where’s the fun in that? Besides, you two were in my way from getting to my match.
(Miles smirks and continues on his way and Bella just rolls her eyes and heads in the opposite direction as we head to commercial.)
Daniel Russow vs Miles Kasey
Not the first time these two have met in the ring and it showed. Top it off it’s been a while since Daniel and Miles has been seen in a ring....and it definitely shows as from the start of the match Russow and Kasey are at each other tooth and nail, throwing whatever they can think of at each other. Around the 10 minute mark, the two end up taking the battle to the outside of the ring and up the ramp where Daniel DDT’s Miles onto the steel of the ramp. Daniel gets back to the ring by the 5 count where Miles struggles but manages to make it back into the ring just before the 10 count. Daniel takes control from there working over the back and neck of Kasey before hitting the snapmare driver known as the Hangman’s Body Count but instead of pulling Milo to the center of the ring, he goes for the pin and just as it looks like he’s coming away with the win, Kasey gets his foot on the ropes at 2 and 9/10ths. Daniel starts to argue with the ref, giving Kasey time to recover a bit, which has them come to blows back and forth. Daniel is able to get the upper hand, driving his knee into Miles midsection and whips him to the ropes and Miles is able to counter with the Blast from the Past and quickly goes for the cover...1...2...DINGDINGDING....
Meg Reynolds: Ladies and Gentleman, the 20 minute time limit for this match has run out, therefore this match is officially a TIME LIMIT DRAW!!!
Winner - Time Limit Draw
PWS World Championship Match
Deathmatch
Mack McKane vs The Personal Bodyguard of Everett Jacobs
JR Freeman: And now we have to deal with...quite frankly the most heinous, vulgar display of power I’ve seen since Pantera and in all honesty, IN that vein, Everett Jacobs should learn some respect and walk.
Alfonso Banks: Everett Jacobs blames Mack McKane for the kidnapping of Mattie Cormier and he wants satisfaction! And until Mattie is found and returned safely...which Everett HIMSELF promises to do...that satisfaction is going to have to start with his own personal bodyguard taking out Everett’s anguish on Mack McKane and taking the SECOND most important thing to him...that newly won World Championship!
JR Freeman: Because Everett Jacobs is TOO MUCH OF A PUSSY TO DO IT HIMSE-
Alfonso Banks: WOAH WOAH WOAH!!! JR you better contain the calamity that is your mammaries, my friend! THAT is the son of one of PWS’s BIGGEST benefactors! And in these days where work is scarce do you REALLY want to be unemployed!?
JR Freeman: Frankly my dunce, I don’t give a damn! This match is BULLSHIT! And Everett-
Alfonso Banks: Everett Jacobs didn’t make this match! He doesn’t have the authority! Laura PHOENIX made this match that, by the way, Mack McKane AGREED to! So your anger is WOEFULLY misplaced!
JR Freeman: Well I know I’m supposed to be unbiased but as God as my witness, to each and every fan watching at home that CANNOT be here to express their hearts, I will be their voice. GO MACK MCKANE!!!!
(Suddenly the speakers erupted with the sound of “I Want It All/We Will Rock You” by Queen & Armageddon as the familiar HULKING bodyguard of Everett Jacobs comes barrelling out onto the ramp in a competition singlet, pads, and boots...Everett Jacobs is, of course, rubbing his shoulders and screaming encouragement in his ear as the massive mountain of humanity makes his way to the ring and climbs his way inside as Everett Jacobs darts over to the commentary team and starts screaming in JR Freeman’s face.)
JR Freeman: YEAH? YEAH? WELL YOU’RE A SPOILED, SNOT-NOSED LITTLE BRAT AND I HOPE...I HOPE...I HOPE MACK MCKANE GETS HIS HANDS ON YOU! YOU COWARD!
(Everett turns and slides under the ring ropes smacking his bodyguard on the chest and screaming more words of encouragement before leaning on the ropes facing the entrance and screaming…)
Everett Jacobs: IT’S YOUR FAULT SHE’S GONE!!! IT’S TIME TO TAKE YOUR PUNISHMENT!!! GET OUT HERE YOU COWARD!!!
(Everything remains silent...except for Everett screaming his trash talk towards the ramp and hyping up his bodyguard even more as his bodyguard starts shaking his shoulders and loosening up his entire body turning to face the ramp cracking his neck...there’s still no response…)
JR Freeman: What’s going on? Where’s Mack McKane?
Alfonso Banks: I don’t know but with Everett being the only thing we can hear, this place is kinda creepy...where’s the bold proclamation that gets us hundreds of hateful emails from devout Christians each week?
JR Freeman: Oh man, do you ever read those?
Alfonso Banks: Some of those christians have some...VERY colorful language to describe Ma-
(And suddenly...there he was. There was no scream of “ALL OUR GODS HAVE ABANDONED US” leading into “Nihilist” by The Architects...there was no ring of fire, no rising from the stage, no red water falling from the ceiling...walking out on top of the ramp in total silence, fully clad in the last duster trench coat and facemask made of human bones...with his eyes darker than usual to the point we can’t tell if it’s him wearing eye shadow, or if it’s a result of lack of sleep or even...him punishing himself. Mack McKane stands on the ramp...calmly...glaring a hole through Everett Jacobs...totally ignoring his bodyguard. Everett continues screaming at Mack as Meg Reynolds announces.)
Meg Reynolds: Errr...the following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL and it is for the PWS:Apex World Heavyweight Championship to be contested...under DEATHMATCH RULES!!!
(The realization of Meg actually proclaiming it out loud seems to have made it real to Everett’s bodyguard who suddenly seized up behind him looking from Meg to the commentators as he walks up and taps Everett on the shoulder but Everett brushes him off to continue screaming at Mack. The bodyguard calmly makes his way to the back of the ring as Mack...who isn’t saying anything or showing any emotion...utilizes one hand to slowly unbutton his jacket...and once he’s done...Everett has shut his mouth and backed up...the bodyguard turns pale white...and all we hear is JR Freeman CALMLY but intensely express…)
JR Freeman: ...Oh...Mios...Dios.
(Because once the jacket is open...we see Mack’s other arm has been out of the sleeve tucked away inside of it...and once he slides the jacket open...we simply see something slide down the back of his arm and down into his hand...which makes Everett’s eyes open wider. The jacket falls to the ground, the mask still covering the dead-eyed face of Mack McKane...as he slowly raises his arm and rests a fireman’s axe on his shoulder. The bodyguard looks at the commentators...looks at Mack tapping the axe on his shoulder...and looks at Everett who has turned around in a calm voice trying to reassure him when all we see and hear suddenly is…)
Bodyguard: ...FFFFFFFUUUUUUUUCK….THHHHHHHHHHHHAT!!!!!!!
(The bodyguard bails out of the ring and high tails it past the timekeeper running out the back entrance of the arena as Everett screams at him to get back there.)
JR Freeman: And who would have thought that for all his muscle, Everett Jacobs bodyguard would also have more BRAINS than he does!
Alfonso Banks: For the sake of self-preservation, dear God Everett GET OUTTA THERE!!!
(Everett slowly turns around and throws his hands out begging as he suddenly stumbles back onto his ass because before anyone could catch it...Mack McKane stood in the middle of the ring as he slowly raises the axe and lowers it to point the head at Everett who starts freaking out until...the lights in the arena die.)
JR Freeman: Oh please no…
Alfonso Banks: I have...THE worst of feelings about this…
“OHHHHHHH MYYYYYYY CHIIIIILDREEEEEEEEN!!!”
(A BURST of flames flashes on the Tron as a seat can be seen as an older man comes swaggering in and takes a seat. We only know him as Papa McKane…)
Papa McKane: "Son"...s'that what I'm supposed to call you BOY? You ain't no son o' mine. You was nothin' bit baggage...baggage that came with that coked-out whore. Bit my what a sweet-ass she had on her. S'why I kept her around!
(He adjusts in the chair as his glare gets wicked)
Papa McKane: That bitch got what she had comin', I WARNED her! TIME an' TIME AGAIN...DON'T MOVE. But call it the cowardice of a Brit Bitch. See that's when ya get 'em, boy! Ya get 'em FRESH off the boat an' they'll do WHATEVER ya want. But that left...you two substance babies. Bah...weak little pissants. An' you need to tell that PUSSY brother o' yorn that NEXT time? He better make sure the jobs DONE. But till then? Imma have fun with YOU...the littlest Misfit Toy. Aww what's wrong...did we 'break your widdle heawt" when we took Barbie away from her Ken Doll? Fittin' "innit" boy...cause you ain't got the pair to take is on.
(He points a finger for the camera to zoom upwards as we realize he's sitting under the New Orleans city limits sign.)
Papa McKane: Though if this...this "Twitter" bullshit is to be believed...she don't want you back ANYWAY. Face it boy, just like her whore of a mother...ya failed. That's what'chu DO! IT'S IN YOUR DNA!!! Now don't you fret…
(He stands up as Reverend Synister walks into frame dragging a gagged, dirty Mattie by her hair.)
Reverend Synister: ...she ain't gon' be in pain much longer...we done decided...awful lotta pretty mausoleums round here.
...CLOCK'S TICKIN'.
(Syn starts cackling as Mattie cries towards the screen trying to call Mack's name as Papa McKane holds her by the hair sneering as the video cuts out. We see Mack McKane on his knees in tears, shaking with rage as he pulls out his butterfly knife flicking it open and looking at it lovingly…)
Alfonso Banks: ...that was a detestable bit...you don't think?
JR Freeman; DON'T YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT IT MACK! YOU'RE A CHAMPION! YOU'RE A FIGHTER! SHE NEEDS YOU!
(Mack holds the blade to his throat swallowing hard and looking to the sky with tears in his eyes when…)
"WE ARE THE TRUE BELIEVERS!!!"
JR Freeman: OH MIOS DIOS!!! CAN IT BE!?!?!?
Alfonso Banks: THE RUMORS WERE TRUE!!!
JR Freeman: WELL LAURA PHOENIX NEEDED BACK-UP...AND WHAT A DAMN BACKUP PLAN THIS IS!!!
(Levi Russow comes bolting out from the stage, and baseball slides into the ring kicking the blade out of Mack's hand. Levi pops to a knee and he takes McKane by the head and he's giving him an impassioned speech.)
JR Freeman: If ANYONE...knows what Mack McKane is going through…
Alfonso Banks: I...I can't say I'm his biggest fan but...thank God for Levi Russow.
(Levi keeps snarling in Mack's face and in a rare moment of weakness...Mack collapses into his arms weeping like a child.)
JR Freeman: I can't believe we have to leave you here but what is going to HAPPEN I. the next chapter of this WILD story!?
Alfonso Banks: I hope the next step is we get Mattie Cormier back!
JR Freeman: Fans all over the world we THANK you for sticking with us during these frightening...and uncertain times. And we will see YOU...next time on Riot!!!
Winner - Mack McKane
(c) PWS: APEX 2020