DEFIANCE Uncut 83

Ballyhoo Brew! The DEFIANCE themed bar just minutes away from the Wrestle-Plex has been fancied up: the usually wide-open floor is occupied by round tables with white tablecloths and candle centerpieces, there are various waiters and waitresses (hired by a top-of-the-line catering company… spared no expense) fluttering between tables taking drink orders and offering passed hors d'oeuvres. Behind the bar, slinging drinks, are Ballyhoo’s usual bartenders: Siobhan Cassidy and Davey LaRue, dressed to the nines for the occasion. The Ballyhoo karaoke stage is fitted with a red carpet and a fancy mic and podium. Behind the podium is a small table with the DEFy awards themselves. Some light jazz music plays as the various DEFIANTS settle into their seats and wander the place to make small talk.

In the middle of all the commotion, we locate Ballyhoo’s owners, Brock Newbludd and Pat Cassidy. Standing shoulder to shoulder with their backs resting against the bar, the two friends share a drink and a couple of pleased smiles as they watch all their guests get settled in for the big night of awards. 

Brock Newbludd:
Not bad, my man. Not bad at all.

His right arm held suspended in a sling (the end result of being put through a table by The Stevens Dynasty), Brock raises a bottle of Miller High Life up to his lips with his good hand and takes a deep drink. Setting the bottle back down on the bar, Newbludd lets out a belch that causes a few heads to turn in his direction. Brock smiles wryly and points a discreet finger at Cassidy. Cassidy turns to glance at himself in the mirror behind the bar, adjusting his suit like he’s James Bond.

Pat Cassidy:
Class it up, Newbludd. We’re respectable business owners, after all. In fact… shall we get this party started?

Brock nods in the response, and the two proprietors climb up ONTO the bar. Although they move rather gingerly considering their current injuries, they eventually get up there. Standing high over the crowd, Newbludd whistles sharply, bringing an end to the various side conversations in the bar. With all eyes on the drinking buddies, Pat Cassidy clears his throat loudly.

Pat Cassidy:
Ladies, gentlemen, boys, girls, and Conor Fuse… before we get this party started officially, Brock and I just wanted to thank DEFIANCE for choosing our fine establishment to host the first ever DEFy awards. If you haven’t had a chance to, please take a look at the memorabilia on the wall. You might find your picture or come to appreciate a little piece of DEFIANCE history. Grab yourself a drink… or seven!

A small murmur of laughter arises out of the crowd. Cassidy smiles, but then quickly puts a stone-cold serious expression back on his face.

Pat Cassidy:
No but seriously… spend a lot of money tonight. Also…

Cassidy nudges Brock gently, but his elbow hits Brock’s sling and Newbludd winces slightly.

Pat Cassidy:
We know that it’s a tall order to get every DEFIANT under the same roof tonight. We know that there’s some bad blood in this room and some feuds that run deep. Believe me… we understand how tempting it would be to just walk up to someone and give them a well-deserved boot up the ass tonight. BUT! Ballyhoo Brew is neutral ground, my friends. Consider this place Sweden. We will all get along tonight, and if we don’t, we have our crack security team ready and willing to quietly escort you out. Or… not so quietly.

Cassidy motions to their head of security, Dametreyus “Dam” Fuqueiawytas, who folds his arms and smiles in agreement. Cassidy flashes Dam a thumbs up.

Pat Cassidy:
And in the spirit of the night, Brock and I have a little impromptu surprise to get the action started. Davey?

From behind the bar, Davey hands up to Brock and Cassidy two small awards and two small envelopes. They almost look like mock Oscars… the kind you win for little league soccer. Cassidy takes both, and hands one to Brock. 

Pat Cassidy:
We’ve got two awards of our own to hand out tonight. Now, these are unofficial DEFys for sure, but we like to think they might be just as meaningful… the first award we’re handing out tonight is for DEFIANCE Tag Team… of 2021. That’s right! While we will hear who won the award for 2020 later tonight, Brock and I looked into our crystal balls and decided we wanted to honor the tag team… of the future! So, without further adieu, Mr. Newbludd…

Cassidy hands Brock one of the envelopes. As Brock begins to open it, Cassidy makes a “drum-roll” sound with his mouth. Brock tosses the envelope aside, holding the small piece of paper within up to his face. Brock squints, reading it, and then looks surprised. He smiles.

Brock Newbludd:
I can’t believe it! Tag team of 2021 goes to… THE SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIALS!

Crickets. People looking at each other. Who?

Cassidy and Brock notice the silence, and then Cassidy makes an exaggerated show of bonking his head, like “what a dummy.”

Pat Cassidy:
Oh, you guys don’t know who that is! Silly us. It is my honor and privilege to introduce to you the newest tag team on the DEFIANCE scene… we have “THE INNOVATOR” Brock Newbludd!

Newbludd strikes a pose. Or as much as he can with his arm in a sling.

Pat Cassidy:
We have… “BLACK OUT” Pat Cassidy! Ladies and gentlemen, we ARE. YOUR! 

Brock Newbludd & Pat Cassidy Together:
SATURDAY NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT SPEEEECCCCIIIAAAALLLLSSSS!!! 

Bartender Davey LaRue lets out an excited whoop at the news and slaps his hand on the bar, causing a loud ‘smack’ to be heard. 

Davey LaRue:
Congrats on de award, boys!

The two owners share a laugh with the barkeep and Cassidy tosses the mic to the grinning Newbludd. Brock snatches it out of the air with his good hand and turns to address the party.

Brock Newbludd:
Thank you Pat, and thank you Davey! That’s right, we are The Saturday Night Specials and we’re serving notice to all the other tag teams in DEFIANCE. 2021 is going to be a great year. It’s going to be a special year. It’s going to be OUR year!

Brock clears his throat and bends down to pick up three cheap looking plastic trophies from off the bar. Resembling the gold painted plastic trophies that are routinely handed out in Little League, the trophies are distinct in the fact that instead of being adorned with a little golden baseball player, they’re decorated with what looks like a golden crap wearing a baseball cap with a pair of ass cheeks on top of it. 

Brock Newbludd:
Now! Like my esteemed colleague mentioned, we have one final award to hand out on behalf of everyone here at Ballyhoo. This award was tightly contested all year long, but one week ago three kissing cousins cemented themselves as the clear winners when they decided to take out me and Cass here. Not only did they seal the win for “Asshats of the Year” by attacking us, they also became front runners for receiving the “Asskicking of a Lifetime” award in 2021. So, without further adieu, please give a round of applause for The Stevens Dynasty!

Brock and Cassidy start clapping while a waiter delivers the trophies to The Stevens’ table. Fortunately for the waiter, the trio hasn’t arrived yet so he simply sets them on the table.

Brock Newbludd:
Apparently The Stevens’ are running late… flat tire on the monster truck maybe? Either way, who cares! They’re going to love it, I know it. Now, let’s get this party started! Congrats to tonight’s winners and remember the rules we just laid out for ya, folks! Thank you very much! Drive fast and take chances! SNS out!

With that, The Saturday Night Specials crawl down off the bar and the camera focuses back on tonight’s host, Lance Warner. Warner is seated at a special table beside the actual “stage” and podium. “Downtown” Darren Keebler is beside him.

Lance Warner:
Thank you all for joining us tonight in what is going to close out 2020 with a BANG! We have all kinds of wards to give out tonight. MATCH, SEGMENT and SHOCK of the YEAR! UPCOMING and BREAKOUT DEFIANTS of the YEAR… and so much more! We will end the night with DEFIANTS of the YEAR and the biggest crowning achievement of the year, DEFIANT of the YEAR with the finalists being Elise Ares, Oscar Burns and Mikey Unlikely!

DDK:
And throughout all of this we will be cutting back to pre-taped matches and segments from last week!

Lance Warner:
It’s going to be a terrific show, I can tell you that.

DDK:
I’m so excited to find out our winners. The finalist list themselves are incredible!

Lance Warner:
I will be hosting the night here on TV, alongside my partner and then I will also be hosting the awards here as well. Additionally, we will have some guests!

DDK:
Excellent stuff. Roll the opening?

Lance Warner:
Let’s do it… roll the opening!

The scene shoots back to the Ballyhoo Brew, where the cameraman is clearly standing on top of the bar like the owners were moments ago. He pans across the “crowd” of people, which is really all of the DEFIANTS. Signs, signs, signs galore!

GRAND OPENING, GRAND CLOSING - The Game Boy
YOU'RE A STUPID BAW JUGGLER - Gage Blackwood
HOLDS UP MIDDLE FINGER - GVP
I SPIKED THE WATER COOLER WITH LSD - Rezin
I DRANK THE ENTIRE WATER COOLER - Brock Newbludd
I’M GOING TO GO SIT IN THE MOP CLOSET FOR 8 HOURS NOW AND HAVE THE TIME OF MY LIFE - Brock Newbludd
WHERE’S OUR COMPLIMENTARY GIFT BAGS? - Elise Ares
AMATEUR HOUR AROUND HERE! - Patrick Cassidy
GIMME ALL THE AWARDS TO GO WITH MY TITLE! - Dex Joy
I’M JUST HAPPY TO BE HERE - Nathaniel Eye
PREFERRED UBER IS HERE - DOWNLOAD THE ‘STALKME’ APP TODAY! - Stalker
I TRIED TO MURDER MY BROTHER IN-LAW - Princess Desire
BLANK PIECE OF WHITE BRISTOL BOARD SIGNIFYING SNOW - Cyrus Bates
UNSAFE! SEATED NEXT TO GVP! - Sgt. Safety.
THIS SIDE UP - Klein’s box.
HOLDING UP A BABY TIGER (THIS IN NOT A SIGN, THIS IS WHAT IS HAPPENING) - Henry Keyes

...And now to DDK and Warner again.

DDK:
What an opening!

Lance Warner:
Did my sign get on?

DDK:
I don’t think so…

Warner holds it up again.

I CARRY THIS TEAM! - Lance Warner

Keebler notices it and snatches it from his hands as Warner laughs. DDK holds up his own sign…

CHRIS TRUTT WHO - DDK

The scene cuts to the parking lot.

The entertainment centrum where Ballyhoo Brew resides is particularly busy with foot traffic, mostly because of the DEFy Awards taking place. The parking lot is in even worse condition as a conundrum of cars clog up the laneways. Through the traffic, a small car finally putters up to the curb. The door swings open and out pops Conor Fuse and Malak Garland.

Malak Garland:
We’re here. Finally. It looks like no one got the memo about ride sharing. I got that email. Did you get that email?

Conor nods.

Conor Fuse:
Sure did.

Malak stretches because he was in the cramped car for such a long time. Conor breathes the crisp night air in.

Conor Fuse:
Oh yeah, would you look at that.

The two friends peer across a parking lot filled to the brim with cars. Malak closes the door to the one they arrived in and the driver speeds off.

Malak Garland:
I’m giving that person three stars. The air freshener was expired by two days.

Conor Fuse:
When are people going to learn to use carpooling? It’s so much more fun with a friend to share the ride with! Co-op play all the way!

Malak and Conor begin the trek to Ballyhoo.

Malak Garland:
And so much friendlier for the environment, too. Carpooling is where it’s at.

Conor Fuse:
Goodluck tonight, Malak!

Conor pats The Keyboard King on the back.

Malak Garland:
Thanks!

The Source of Envy selfishly doesn’t bother to reciprocate the well wishes before the broadcast transitions back inside the bar.

Lance leaves his seat and walks towards the podium.

Lance Warner:
Hello, hello. Is this thing on?

Jack Harmen shouts from the back.

Jack Harmen:
I THINK SO!

Warner nods and continues.

Lance Warner:
Our first award is to recognize one of the ONGOING STORYLINES in DEFIANCE. This was a special award, as voted on by The Faithful and the Favored Saints and did not include a vote from talent. While there’s a lot of bad blood in this room, perhaps, in some ways, this recognizes who has the most amount of bad blood between them… or in one case, who has sent shockwaves into DEFtv week in and week out. The FINALISTS are… The developments of Stalker’s World/The Kabal. Stalker, Rezin and company have shook the ground we walk on day in and day out. Not only is UBER driving ever the same again but the sheer focus they’ve had on one Scott Douglas and others is nerve racking.

The camera switches to Scott Douglas, off in the corner, shooting a dart in the direction of where The Kabal are sitting. Stalker, Rezin and Vacio are as far removed as anyone else.

Lance Warner:
Next is… The Deacon’s battle against Victor Vacio to recover his documents! What were those documents, we may never know. Thankfully, perhaps, we don’t have to.

The camera cuts to Vacio, who sits idly with his crew and then to The Deacon, situated at a table in the middle of the floor with Magdalena, Lindsay Troy and Henry Keyes. Everyone from their table is eyeing The Kabal. No one from The Kabal is looking back, though… 

Lance Warner:
And finally we have… Scrow’s tormented ways and rivalry with Dex Joy. Boy, this has been going on forever!

The camera switches to Scrow. He isn’t even seated at a table, he’s off in the corner opposite to The Kabal and talking to himself. A nearby camera picks up some words. It sounds like it’s all about Dex.

Lance Warner:
And the winners are…

Warner holds out a card, opening it up…

Lance Warner:
The developments of Stalker’s World and The Kabal!

Warner turns to pick up the DEFy trophies (golden fists) and…

Lights out.

The lights in Balleyhoo Brew go pitch black, the dual screen TV’s hanging above the bar - typically showing sports - are now filled with a grainy looking static.

Voice: [modified]
The Reapers are coming… The Reapers are coming… If the warning at DEFtv wasn’t sufficient enough perhaps this one will be!

Suddenly the podium in which Lance Warner was standing behind glows a bright crimson red, the fellow attendees all have their cameras out, snapping quick flashing shots to capture whatever is actually happening in the darkness.

Stalker:
Well… hello there.

In a flash the lights shoot back on. Lance Warner is backing away from the podium stumbling into the hardcore maniac known to DEFIANCE as Jason ‘Stalker’ Reeves. A bit of panic is in Lance’s eyes as he tries to find an escape route before Stalker steps to the side to let the man go without further harm.

Lance Warner:
I’ll just see myself over here…

Stalker glares at Warner as the award announcer scampers to the side, hiding in the limited shadows now provided by the Ballyhoo lights being lit back up. The screens above the bar however, remain lit up with static. Approaching the podium slowly, Stalker’s hands grip each side of the wooden frame while he smirks out at the audience.

Stalker:
The story of Jason ‘Stalker’ Reeves coming to DEFIANCE wins… Ongoing Storyline of the Year…

Pivoting in place behind the podium the part time Uber Driver, part time psychopath, lets out a slightly manic laugh while his hands continue to grip the frame of the podium tightly.

Stalker:
If you all think that my return was something to garner attention from, or that I was here to seek this… ‘light’... or if you think that simply acknowledging my… draw, would be enough to sate MY beasts that lie in the dark. You are sadly… mistaken.

His eyes widen as he leans in closer to the microphone, looking out individually to each of the attendees.

Stalker:
Your worst nightmare is not what you fear when you fall asleep at night, no… not at all. Your worst nightmare is what stands before you tonight. Right now… right here. At DEFtv, The Reapers were a show of power, a show of what is yet to come for Deacon and Lindsay Troy.

Any FALSE HERO that tries to stand in the way of that will be STRUCK down, just like the rest of them. That includes… the likes of Henry Keyes…

A pause in his voice as Stalker scans the audience, almost looking for the man.

Stalker:
Keyes. While you play Superman, I have an army equipped with the Kryptonite needed to destroy the likes of ‘fakes’ like you. An example will be made of you when we meet in the ring, that is of course only if you are willing to dabble in…

With a sinister grin, Stalker leans forward almost whispering into the microphone.

Stalker:
Stalker’s World…

Just as the words leave his lips, the televisions in the back that were still beaming brightly with grainy static, suddenly switch to the black background before the DEFIANCE logo appears on each of them.

Stalker:
It would be cliche to say the best is yet to come. However, since you all seem eager to congratulate me on torturing your very existence…

Gripping the DEFy award in his hand now, Stalker proudly lifts it off the podium while staring into the audience.

Stalker:
So, I’ll tell you the truth…. The Best is not yet to come, for DEFIANCE - you all have a long ride ahead of you - the worst is on it’s way and when I tell you that I will burn this place to the ground to shape it into my image. I mean it. Deacon is an example of what’s to come, Lindsay Troy is an example of what’s to come. Keyes will be another example. And I will never stop, not until this whole place is BURNED to the ground and all that you have before you will be me and…

Lights out.

The podium once again glows a bright crimson red, the screens that were displaying the DEFIANCE logo proudly, show something significantly different. The logo catches a blaze, the letters of DEFIANCE slowly melting away and being replaced with a hardened red logo, sharp letters and crisp ‘award winning’ graphics. Displaying two words, two meaningful and deadly words that when combined - make people shudder. ‘Stalker’s World’ now displays proudly on the Ballyhoo Brew screens, as the lights slowly fade back to normal and Stalker’s presence behind the podium is no more.

The camera goes to Warner, who’s back at the announcers table. Keebler and him share a blank look.

Moments pass.

And pass.

And pass.

Lance Warner:
Well, guess I’m calling a taxi home.

DDK:
The Original Reaper is batshit insane. I could see why The Faithful voted for this but the Favored Saints?

Lance Warner:
Maybe he has someone on the inside. I don’t know…

DDK:
Well, get back up there. Let’s move this along. The atmosphere is gone!

Warner nods and quickly sprints to the podium.

Lance Warner:
So, uh, HI everyone! [Awkward laugh] Where’s Chris Trutt when you need him?

The camera switches back to The Kabal’s table. They seem to be the only ones enjoying things right now. Warner continues to (try to) move forward quickly.

Lance Warner:
Okay, okay, so we have SHOCK of the YEAR! There were so many incredible moments and a massive tie for second place so we have SIX finalists! The finalists are… Cayle Murray’s return to DEFIANCE and alignment with 24K and Mikey Unlikely all in the same night!

Camera switches to the 24K table. They seem to be in their own world and in mid conversation with each other over the rest of Warner’s announcement.

Lance Warner:
Dex Joy destroying Gage Blackwood for the Southern Heritage Championship!

First, a shot of Dex Joy and his “Paper Championship”. Dex is sitting with Nathaniel Eye and The Lucky Sevens although there clearly seems to be some tension at the table. Unfortunately, the tables were pre-arranged before Max and Mason had their little attitude change…

Then the camera switches to Gage Blackwood. He sits with Gunther Adler, Shooter Landell and a few of the staff. Blackwood is none too pleased he’s up for this award.

Lance Warner:
Jay Harvey’s return to DEFIANCE! And Lindsay Troy’s return to DEFIANCE!

Both are shown briefly.

Lance Warner:
Uhh… so, the fifth one is Stalker was actually Scott Douglas’ Uber driver back in 2016. Scotty, I hope you knew about this…

The camera first shows Douglas looking over at The Kabal again. The scene switches to Stalker who takes out a seat of keys from his pocket and dangles them in the air with a smile.

Lance Warner:
And finally… Texts of The Keeling Family’s lack of faith in Minute, revealed by The Comments Section!

The camera lands on Sky High Titans first, scanning the room and then finding The Comments Section sitting across from them. Just like Stalker did with his keys, Malak takes out his phone and smiles like a true Keyboard Warrior claiming another victory in the direction of Minute.

Lance Warner:
And the winner is… CAYLE MURRAY’S RETURN TO DEFIANCE AND ALIGNMENT WITH 24K IN THE SAME NIGHT!

🎵 “I’m Better Than Everybody” by Lakutis 🎵

There it is, the most obnoxious entrance theme in DEFIANCE, heralding the arrival of one of the most obnoxious (and manly, obvs) men in DEFIANCE.

Cayle Murray walks out onto the staging. His suit’s fit is impeccable, fitting every counter to perfection, but it’s made from the most hideous reflective gold material you’ve ever seen. Some audience members are forced to squint as it reflects light back towards them. Behind the ‘Starbreaker’ is 24K’s Head of Security, Jack Hunter, who is still wearing the half-eaten Santa beard he has been chewing on since the 24Kristmas special on DEFtv last week.

Hunter follows Cayle to the podium gormlessly. When Murray gets there, he holds out an expectant hand towards his lackey.

Cayle Murray:
Jack, please…

The ‘Superbest’ produces one of 24K’s patented Golden Microphones. Murray grabs it and swipes away the one set up on the podium, before grabbing his award, holding it up, and taking a long, hard look at the golden fist trophy.

Cayle Murray: 
So, Shock of the Year. Alright.

He nods to himself, then looks out.

Cayle Murray:
I mean, I get it. Who’d have thought that after so long in the wilderness, that I, one of the most popular wrestlers in DEFIANCE history - a man who stood for doing things the right way and upholding values like honour and integrity - would swoop back in alongside such a gaggle of bastards? What an outrage! Such anger! Flabbergastment abound! Professional wrestling hasn’t been the same since! You know, I still get braindead dribblers with 12 followers and badly-drawn anime avatars @’ing me like “why Cayle, why?!” on a Twitter account I haven’t properly used since 2017 every single day…

A pause. Murray raises a finger.

Cayle Murray:
Here’s the thing about this whole deal. This is the Shock of the Year. Unquestionably, me returning to DEFIANCE and joining forces with Mikey Unlikely, Kendrix, and Perfection is the most outrageous thing that could conceivably have happened to this promotion over the past 12 months, and if you think otherwise, you’re a couple of OMG’s short of being a Pop Culture Phenom. This…

Cayle holds the award up.

Cayle Murray:
… has been assigned to the right winner, no doubt. Just… not for the reasons you rosters think.
Another pause.

Cayle Murray:
I had been gone from DEFIANCE since May 8th, 2018, and I returned on September 16th, 2020. Take a look at some of the names welcomed back with open arms during that window. Lindsay Troy, who cracked under pressure the moment she became FIST, bolting faster than it takes one of those goofy ninja stars to leave her hand. Jay Harvey, a man whose ceiling is so low, he should probably live underground. Or how about Mushigihara! The “big scary monster” from the far east who hasn’t won a single meaningful match in almost eight bloody years here. I mean, for fuck’s sake, there are now multiple people with the surname Stevens on this roster…

Murray shakes his head, stopping himself from getting too wound-up by it all.

Cayle Murray:
And of these goobers, each of whom DEFIANCE greeted like an old friend coming in from the cold… how many of them were FIST of DEFIANCE for almost a full calendar year? How many of them single-handedly saved this promotion from oblivion by ending the WrestleUTA invasion? How many of them successfully drove Bronson Box and Eric Dane, the two pillars of DEFIANCE, from their own home turf? How many of them… have done… what I have done?

Up goes Cayle’s hand before the gathered masses can respond.

Cayle Murray:
The answer is the same as the number of times DEFIANCE reached out to me - a guy who has done more to keep this shithole afloat than anyone else over the past five years - since they decided to let my contract expire in May 2018.

Jack Hunter: [from the background]
ZERO. YES.

‘Starbreaker’ looks over his shoulder, flashing Hunter a look that tells him to shut the fuck up without having to open his mouth. Even a human being as incomprehensibly stupid as Lil’ Broozy understands what it means.

Cayle Murray:
Not one call, not one email… not even a tweet. Do you know how many times DEFIANCE has reached out to Jason Natas in the same time period, begging him to come back? My older brother? Hell, I’m willing to bet even Dan Ryan has had at least five or six offers to add Louisiana as a stop on his commute from Texas to Illinois, and what did that guy ever do for DEFIANCE?!

The silence is too brief for anyone to voice their displeasure.

Cayle Murray:
Facts are facts, and they tell you that I am better than Mushigihara, Jay Harvey, Lindsay Troy, and any other dope that has waltzed back in since I’ve been away. Oscar Burns isn’t fit to clean my boots, that grinning little nonce. Fuck Gage Blackwood, the Pop Culture Phenoms, Dex Joy, and Scott Douglas too. None of them have done what I have done for DEFIANCE. Shit, add them together and they barely scratch my accomplishments…

He lowers his head for a moment.

Cayle Murray:
And yet, not. A single. Call.

Cayle raises it again.

Cayle Murray:
So yes, this is the Shock of the Year, but the shock isn’t that I turned my back on the fans, turned my back on DEFIANCE… but that I agreed, finally, to bless DEFIANCE with my presence after DEFIANCE turned its back on ME.

There’s a smile growing across his face, now. Slowly.

Cayle Murray: 
If living well is the best revenge, then I’m the goddamn Count of Monte Cristo. This is my playground now. Understand? I am the best professional wrestler walking this planet. I proved it last time I was here, and I proved it in my absence as well - check the resume if you don’t believe me - and the minute I choose to push that button, I will prove it all over again.

Another pause.

Cayle Murray:
But until then? My brothers and I are going to keep spoiling your fun, while you keep lining our pockets. Fuckity bye.

Cayle waves the crowd goodbye, then lifts the award up, kissing it. A big grin on his face, he raises the Shock of the Year trophy up high, lifting a middle finger in the air with his free hand, making his exit.

The scene goes back to Warner and DDK for the broadcast at home.

Once again… leaving two people who are paid to speak with not much to say.

Lance Warner:
I- I think now would be a great time to get to a commercial and then some in-ring action from last week.

DDK:
I agree. Let’s do that.

Warner turns to look at Keebler. Assuming the cameras are already off (they aren’t), he lets out a sigh.

Lance Warner:
Is every winner going to be such a douchebag tonight?

Don't miss the DEFIANCE ROAD, only on DEFonDemand! 

DDK:
Welcome back to our special edition of tonight’s UNCUT! Coming up next, we have the current #1 Contender for the Southern Heritage Championship, “Bantam” Ryan Batts, goes one-on-one with another young man trying to find some footing after a hard few months in Kerry Kuroyama. 

Lance:
What a difference a few months makes, too. Ryan Batts’ career wasn’t much different than Kerry’s a few months ago before he started applying himself to further training. The man called Bantam has been racking up wins on UNCUT, won a Battle Royale a couple weeks ago and now he could be our next Southern Heritage Champion. Meanwhile, Kerry has been a bit lost in his career since falling to his long-time rival Tyler Fuse, but a win here could turn that all around!

DDK:
Absolutely true. This newfound aggression Batts has been showing seems to serve him well but we’ll see how it will do against the physical style of Kuroyama. Let’s get to the intros. 

Darren Quimbey:
The following contest is scheduled for one fall! First, making his way to the ring from Seattle, Washington, weighing in at 229 pounds… KERRY KUROYAMA!

♫ “Revolve” by The Melvins ♫

The fans pop LOUD in the WrestlePlex as “the Pacific Blitzkrieg” KERRY KUROYAMA gets ready for action. Kerry is all smiles and hand-slaps as he strides to the ring, looking confident and ready.Upon entering the ring, Kerry climbs a turnbuckle and pumps his fist into the air to get the crowd charged up. He poses one more time and then leaps down before awaiting his opponent. 

Darren Quimbey:
And his opponent… from Rancho Santa Margarita, California, weighing in at 204 pounds… ”BANTAM” RYAN BATTS!

♫ “The Last Garrison” by Enter Shikari ♫

The lights in the arena flash rapidly in shades of red as out from the back, Ryan Batts comes out rocking brand new attire. Black thigh-length trunks and a red version of the “Bantam” logo on the left side. Black kneepads and boots with dark red kickpads to round out his new attire as he waves a black and red rally towel overhead on his way to the ring. He throws it to the crowd and then heads inside.

DDK:
A new look for Batts tonight. I still can’t believe he unleashed that attack on Dex Joy of all people last week, but he has made no bones that he wanted to face Tyler Fuse for the title because of their history. 

Batts gets mostly cheers, but like his mentor seems to be trying to do some questionable things lately to get ahead. Batts offers a handshake to Kerry and the Seattleite responds in kind as the bell rings. 

DING DING!

The second the bell rings, Kerry can barely defend himself from how fast the technically-savvy Batts rushes forward and grapples the leg of the Seattleite. It’s fast enough he can barely keep up and then actually gets tripped up by the Scrappy Young Wrestlelad, sending him through the ropes and onto the apron. 

Lance:
My goodness! Batts was like a pitbull gunning right for the leg. 

DDK:
I know! This laser focus of Batts has just been great to see, but he’s walking a fine line lately. 

Batts lets Kerry get back to the ring and now it’s Kerry’s turn to turn up the aggression. He locks up with Batts, but quickly Batts switches around for a go-behind. He tries to get Kerry off his feet, but the bigger wrestler blocks that and then slaps on a cravate. He holds Batts up and Batts leans back to the ropes to shove him off, only for Kerry to come back with a shoulder block that knocks Ryan clean off his feet!

DDK:
Batts gives it to him, but Kerry gives it right back!

Lance:
That he does!

Batts gets picked up by Kerry and then sent to the ropes with a pair of big knife-edge chops! Bantam gets whipped across the ring and Kerry waits for him to come back, but Ryan grabs him by the arm on the rebound and rotates the momentum, sending Kerry to the ropes, then SNAPS him over with an overhead belly to belly suplex! As the action backs up, Tyler Fuse and Princess Desire can be seen watching the action on a monitor backstage.

Lance:
There’s Tyler Fuse and his wife Princess Desire watching the match. No way he’s happy with sitting on the sidelines while Batts finally gets his own title shot next week. 

DDK:
Yeah, definitely not. But back to the action here and Kerry’s trying to regroup on the outside, but look...

When he sees Kerry trying to get himself up off the mat, Batts pounds on the mat with his foot and the crowd starts cheering on the Scrappy Young Wrestlelad. He runs off one set of ropes and then rushes right THROUGH the middle and top rope, wiping out Kerry Kuroyama on the outside with…

DDK:
The Flipside! Batts takes Kerry down with that big move! 

Lance:
Ryan Batts seems to have won back some of the Faithful he might have lost when he attacked Dex Joy on DEFtv to send him that message he was coming for the title!

Once he’s back on his feet after the big move, Batts grabs Kerry by the arm and head then tosses him back into the ring. As Kerry is left seeing stars, Batts measures up his target carefully and then heads up top before coming off with a huge front missile dropkick! Kuroyama is once again on his back and Batts tries to pin him. 

ONE… TWO… NO!

Lance:
Kickout by Kerry, but Ryan Batts looking great right now!

DDK:
That he is… OH! OH! Listen to those chest kicks! He’s been spending the last few months training when he can in Chicago in kickboxing with one of Lindsay Troy’s teachers after their match back in August. 

Kerry is getting PELTED in the left arm by kicks from Batts, each one finding their mark. He winds up for another, but Kerry ducks an oncoming kick and then CHOPS Ryan so hard, sweat bunches off his chest! He fires off a couple more and then switches to a few forearm shots with his right. Once Batts is rattled, he pushes him to the ropes. Batts puts the brakes on by elbowing the arm he tries to whip him with, but when he tries to turn, Kerry pulls him right back into a big belly to back suplex! 

DDK:
Kerry now showing he can suplex as good as he gets!

Kerry isn’t done and then grabs Batts before taking him over with a bridging German suplex!

ONE… TWO… NO!!

The feisty Ryan Batts kicks out, but before he knows what’s going on, Kerry is on him when he kicks him in the back and then rides him forward into a Gedo Clutch!

ONE… TWO… NO!

DDK:
Wow! A couple of quick falls there, but Kerry now putting Batts on the back foot. 

Kerry keeps the fight on Batts, throwing a few more shots so he ends up in the corner. He backs up and then runs at Batts, trying to hit a running palm strike, but Batts gets a boot up and kicks the arm! Kerry flinches badly and then Batts grabs the arm before locking in a modified arm lock in the ropes!

DDK:
Batts staying on that arm! He’s got him locked in… and he’s holding on for the five-count!

Batts does just that until referee Rex Knox makes him break. Batts slides back into the ring and before Kerry knows what hit him, Batts goes after the arm again with two sharp kicks. Kerry fights him off with another forearm and stuns Batts, but he goes low and hits a dropkick right to the leg, then faceplants Kerry into the mat with a reverse STO! Batts then stands up behind Kerry, then grabs him by the waist… then the crowd POPS as he goes right into his signature deadlift German Suplex!

DDK:
Big combo of his own into the bridge! That’s it!

ONE… TWO… NO!

Lance:
Close one there! But Batts still has Kerry down. Look!

Kuroyama kicks out and rolls over onto his stomach, but Batts leaps up and hits a standing sentont to the arm! Kerry howls out in pain and instinctively rolls but Batts gets back up and then jerks the arm more viciously. He kicks one more time, then flips backwards to hit an overhead kick right on the arm! Kerry falls to a knee, hurt with the pain in his arm, but Ryan gets back up, kicks Kerry in the chest, then he goes right for a Keylock! The hold is locked in tight with Kerry now in dire straits!

Lance:
Nice work there by Ryan Batts! He has that Fastest Armbar in the West submission and he’s focused on that arm. 

DDK:
That he is, but Kerry is as gutsy as anybody else in DEFIANCE. He’s not giving up easily. 

Sure enough, that very thing is true. He fights and he fights until he gets a leg on the bottom rope! Batts begrudgingly lets go, but realizes Kerry is in a bad spot and has to strike now. He has Kerry where he wants him and then runs across the ring like a rocket, hitting a corner elbow smash on Kerry. He points to the corner and calls for one more, but he doesn’t count on Kerry running right behind, then SMACKING him in the jaw with the running palm strike!

DDK:
Wow! What a comeback by Kerry! Palm strike with the good arm!

Kerry pulls Batts out of the corner and then hits the ropes before letting him have it using a big corkscrew reverse elbow! Batts goes down and now Kerry feeds off the Faithful. He pats the canvas using his good arm and the crowd cheers when he waits for Batts. He hooks the neck of Batts with an inverted facelock and then takes him up and over for a huge reverse suplex!

DDK:
Big reverse suplex by Kerry! He’s got him… no! Gourdbuster! He chained from one move to the other and now he’s just planted Batts! 

Lance:
Will that do it?

ONE… TWO… NO!

The crowd can’t believe it when Batts gets a shoulder up, but Kerry’s confidence is sky high right now as he picks Batts up again and then rams him upside the jaw with a few forearms. 

DDK:
Kerry is looking great right now! 

Lance:
The forearms now find their mark! Boots Batts in the gut! Are we gonna see the Green River Revolt?

Batts is down on one knee and Kerry sees his chance. He runs off one set of ropes and then tries to approach with the knee to the back of the head, but Batts hears him coming, he ducks out of the path of the oncoming knee then trips Kerry to the mat by his! Quickly, he springs into action and then goes right into an Armbar attempt! He tries to do so, but the bigger Kuroyama rolls forward, then catches Batts with a stacked roll-up as he tries to cinch the submission!

ONE… TWO… THR-KICKOUT!

Lance:
Wow! Close one by Kerry! He almost got Batts with that roll-up! 

The Faithful almost buy into the pinfall and let out a collective gasp! Kerry looks at Knox, but the smallest of DEFIANCE’s officials has two fingers up first. Kerry goes to pick Batts up to try and finish the job, but when he doesn’t expect it, The Scrappy Young Wrestlelad snaps to life and hits the left arm with a double knee armbreaker! Kerry howls again while Batts backs up and leans against the corner with something else in mind. 

DDK:
Great counter by Batts and what’s he got planned?

He looks up to the crowd as Kerry still recoils from the damage to his arm, then Batts surges forward, CRACKING him under the jaw with a running, flying headbutt to the face! Kerry Kuroyama goes down in a heap while Batts scrambles over. 

DDK:
He told me about this earlier this week! He calls that move Batter Up! 

DDK:
Wow! That’s the same move he laid out Dex Joy with last week! 

Batts makes the cover with a hook of the leg. 

ONE… TWO… THREE!

Grinning, Batts holds onto his skull, but slowly stands up and looks happy with his hard-fought victory. 

Darren Quimbey:
Here’s your winner of the match… ”BANTAM” RYAN BATTS!

Lance:
What a match that was! Batts worked that arm the whole way through this match, but when his Fastest Armbar in the West was scouted by Kerry, he still used that arm work to get the opening needed for the win. 

DDK:
And that Batter Up move… if he can do what he did tonight, we could be looking at the next Southern Heritage Champion!

Batts walks over and holds out a hand for Kerry. Knowing this was a close match, the #1 Contender to the Southern Heritage Title wants to give Kerry his due props. Slowly, Kerry gets back up to a knee and accepts the hand from Batts. Kerry raises his arm and the two share some words the camera doesn’t pick up before Batts leaves the ring and celebrates up the ramp. He raises a hand in the air as the camera pans back once more to Tyler Fuse and Princess Desire, watching until they have clearly seen enough. They both disappear from sight. 

Slowly making his way up the ramp, a disheartened Kerry Kuroyama slowly makes the trek up the entrance ramp.  He holds the back of his head with his eyes focused on the floor, as he trudged towards the backstage area.  Kerry had once again found defeat and it was really eating at him.

DDK:
Kerry gave it his all tonight, but just came up short.

Lance:
He’s had some bad days recently, that’s for sure.

♫ “Boots and Blood” by Five Finger Death Punch ♫

DDK:
And it may have just gone from bad to worse.

Lance:
You can say that again.

Not giving Darren Quimby the opportunity to announce the forthcoming match, Gunnar Van Patton comes into view and starts his deliberate march to the ring.  Kerry has just about reached the top of the entrance ramp when the Texan steps into his path.  He looks up to see Van Patton nearly nose to nose with him.

Lance:
This could get ugly real fast.

Knowing just how volatile Van Patton can be, Kerry sighs in frustration, but doesn’t back down at all.  Van Patton sizes Kuroyama up and expels a huge glob of tobacco spit down at Kerry’s feet, showing him exactly what the Lycan thinks of him.  Yet, Van Patton makes sure it is crystal clear.

Van Patton:
Ain’t worth mah time.

The Texan firmly bumps shoulders with Kerry, while restarting his journey to the ring.  Kerry looks back to watch Van Patton slide into the ring, a flame starting to burn in his eye.  Focus shifts back to the Texan.

DDK:
Kerry just dodged a bullet there.  He’s in no shape to deal with a fresh Van Patton.

Lance:
Van Patton must be in a good mood tonight.  Normally, just blinking in his direction is enough for him to get violent.

Darren Quimby:
Already in the ring… from Arlington, Texas... weighing in at 242lbs… GUNNAR VAN PATTON!!!

Once the referee is done checking him for any foreign objects, the Texan seats himself in the corner, awaiting his latest opponent.  The changing of the music blaring through the arena heralds the coming of that man.

Darren Quimby:
And his opponent… from Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, Japan… weighing in at 180lbs… SHO NAKAZAWA!!!

Full of energy, Sho explodes through the curtain and directly to the far end of the stage.  He looks over the crowd before heading to the opposite side.  He points to the ring and starts that way, slapping hands with many of the fans in attendance.  Sho scampers up the metal steps and immediately up to the middle rope, where he once again looks over the capacity crowd.  He raises both arms victoriously before executing a front handspring off the top rope.

Lance:
Speaking with Sho earlier today, he made it clear that he signed up for this match because he had just about enough of Van Patton’s continual bad-mouthing of DEFIANCE.

Sho hops up to the second rope, one again playing to the receptive crowd.  Van Patton keeps his eye locked on him, while rising up from the mat.  Nakazawa leaps high into the air to the middle of the ring, before energetically bouncing to his designated portion of the ring.

DDK:
There’s no doubting the heart of bravery of the masked man, but he is definitely going to have to take things to a new level, if he wants to survive against the Lycan.

With each man in his respective corner, the official calls for the bell.

DING DING DING!!!

Giving Van Patton a taste of his own medicine, Sho darts out of his corner and delivers a John Woo dropkick that sends the Texan stumbling back into his corner.

DDK:
Nakazawa taking it right to the Texan!

Nakazawa keeps the pressure on, not wanting to give his larger foe any chance to respond.

SMACK SMACK SMACK!

A trio of chops light up the Lycan’s chest.  Sho follows them up with a pair of roundhouse kicks to the abdomen and steps up onto the second rope to deliver one to Van Patton’s temple.

DDK:
Sho’s speed on full display here.

Lance:
He may not hit the hardest, but those shots add up.

Sho points at his dazed foe and makes sure his intentions are clear.

Nakazawa:
You will be punished for what you say about my beloved DEFIANCE!

The masked man looks to Irish whip the Texan.  Van Patton counters by quickly spiraling and ferociously yanks on Sho’s arm, causing him to go airborne where the Lycan catches him and immediately dumps him on his head.

DDK:
Short-arm Saito Suplex!

Lance:
Absolutely brutal.  Nakazawa’s neck may be shattered.

Van Patton wastes no time in snagging Nakazawa by the mask and leading him back up to a vertical base.  Showing a lot of heart, a dazed Sho won’t back down.  He knocks the Texan’s hand away with a double hammer fist-like strike.  He puts all he has into a flurry of forearm strikes from the right side.

Lance:
Look at Sho go!

DDK:
I said it before, his heart was never in doubt.

Five strikes connect with Van Patton’s jaw, but a sixth is blocked by the Lycan’s left arm.

SSMMAACCKK!!!

A single Muay Thai elbow in return has Nakazawa crumble to the mat in a heap.

Lance:
Goodnight.

DDK:
Van Patton nearly took Sho’s head off with that elbow.

Once again with his enemy’s mask in his hand, Van Patton pulls him up but keeps him doubled over, so he can unleash a barrage of his own.

SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK SMACK!!!

Again and again, the Lycan’s boot crashes into his opponent’s face.

DDK:
Rapid fire Kawada kicks just obliterating Sho’s face.

Lance:
Sho is learning the hard way that discretion is surely the better part of valor.

One final kick stands Nakazawa up straight.  He is a sitting duck, as Van Patton hits the ropes and turns him inside out with a leaping knee strike.

DDK:
BUSAIKU KNEE KICK!

Van Patton slaps the mat and rises to his feet.  He draws his pistol-shaped hand and does a slicing of the throat motion before pointing it at the face-down and motionless Nakazawa. 

DDK:
Van Patton is looking to finish this quick.

Lance:
Sho is in no position to stop him from doing so either.

Once securing a full Nelson on his adversary, the Lycan pulls him up off the mat by it and proceeds to deposit him square on his head.

DDK:
DEADLIFT DRAGON SUPLEX!

Never releasing the full Nelson, Van Patton forces the nearly unconscious Sho to stand.  The Lycan releases one half of the submission and spins Nakazawa right into suplex position.  Seamlessly, Van Patton takes his enemy vertical and immediately spikes him into the mat with a hellacious brainbuster.

DDK:
FUKSZ!!!

Lance:
If either of those suplexes didn’t do it, that vertical drop brainbuster snapped Sho’s neck.

Van Patton floats into a cover, not bothering to hook the leg, but surely driving his forearm into Sho’s face, so his head is pressed down, as the referee slides into position.

1!

 

2!

 

3!

DING DING DING!!!

Darren Qumby:
And the winner of this contest by pinfall… GUNNAR VAN PATTON!!!

♫ “Boots and Blood” by Five Finger Death Punch ♫

DDK:
Van Patton adds another notch to his belt.

Lance:
Nakazawa had good intentions, but sometimes that just isn’t enough.

Even though he is victorious, the Texan is anything but happy.  He leaves the referee to tend to the lifeless Nakazawa and heads right to the edge of the ring, where he focuses on Darren Quimby.

Van Patton:
Give me the damn mic…

Quimby is quick to oblige, handing it over instantly.  With the microphone in hand, Van Patton marches back to the middle of the ring.  He taps the mic, creating a pair of audible thuds, before bringing it up to his mouth.  He starts pacing back and forth like a caged animal, as he speaks.

Van Patton:
Cut the damn music...  Ah know Avril gets paid a pretty penny to rock this here microphone, but ah don’t feel like waitin’ for her to parade her purdy ass down to the ring, just to say the same thang with a buncha two dolla words. 

The Texan stops his pacing for only a moment to shoot a look back at the battered Sho, who is needing referee assistance to leave the ring.

Van Patton:
Nakazawa, ya weren’t up to the task.  Ya weren’t even close.  But for what it’s worth, ya have mah respect.  Despite ya not havin’ the skill to give me even the tiniest bit of a challenge, ya stood up for DEFIANCE an’ what ya believe in.  Ya did so even in the face of sure defeat.  That takes balls, son.  Which is a hell of a more than ah can say for the other supposed heroes in this place.  Surveying the land, ah thought the clowns were the main issue in this place, but there’s another C-word that’s just as high in number an’ maybe even a bigger damn problem.  That word?  Cowards.

The Texan brushes his golden locks out of his face and leans against the top rope.  He stares directly into the camera, showing the fire in his eyes.

Van Patton:
That open contract ah put out each show’s there for the takin’ an’ every Uncut, the fans’ favorites all bitch out at the opportunity ah offer’em.  Any of them could put the pen to paper and come shut mah yap.  Yet, they’re nowhere to be found.  Where in the blue hell are DEFIANCE’s heroes?  Where’s Burns?  Where’s Joy?  Where’s Troy or Harmen?  Where are the ones that are supposed to stand up for DEFIANCE?  Ah’ll tell ya where.  They’re hidin’ on the main show, afraid to come to Uncut an’ face real competition.  Ah reckon that’s why the clowns dominate this hell hole and that wise-crackin’ bastard Unlikely sits upon the throne.  There’s not a single one of ya willin’ to be the beacon of light DEFIANCE needs.  If yer not tryin’ to solve the problem, yer a damn part of it!  An’ that’s why yer gonna join the court jesters in hell, when ah bring the wrath of the Lord down upon ya.

Van Patton:
Ah reckon it’s about time ah stop offerin’ chances and start takin’em.  If ya won’t come to me, maybe ah’ll come to you.

Having said his piece, the Lycan throws the microphone down to the mat and heads out of the ring.

DEFtv 146
Post main-event fracas…

DEFSec, their timing impeccable as always, has finally swarmed the ringside area and separated the Kabal and the returning Henry Keyes, while a few members of the team have made their way over to Lindsay Troy, Magdalena, and the Deacon. They are soon joined by DEFIANCE’s medical staff, headed by Iris Davine. Magdalena is just now beginning to get her bearings as two of Iris’s assistants kneel down next to the women to check on them.

Lindsay looks over at the Deacon, being tended to by Iris and security, then back toward the stage. She watches as the Kabal is ordered backstage via the floor near the fans, while Keyes is taken up through the curtain. 

Curiously, there appears to be someone, or something waiting for Henry up at the top of the ramp, because Lindsay is just able to make out the tip of a hooked beak beyond the curtain.

Lindsay Troy: (standing up)
I gotta go.

Medical Technician:
Ms. Troy, I need to…

Lindsay Troy: (scrambling for the ropes)
I’m fine, I’ll live, I’m not concussed!

The Queen of the Ring hops down to the floor, dashes up the ramp, and barrels through the curtain just in time to bring up the rear of the horde of DEFSec about to hand over Henry Keyes. Keyes seems oblivious to the events behind him as a very short hooded man in a Plague Doctor Mask tilts his head ever so slightly behind him, seeming to catch sight of Troy. Several other Plague Doctors seem well-trained to escort Keyes from the scene, until the short Doctor puts a hand on Keyes’s shoulder and beckons behind him. Keyes turns back and sees Troy, smiles, and nods to the doctors, who shamble a bit down the hallway to give him space.

Henry Keyes:
...you ok?

Lindsay just stares at him before two short bursts of incredulous laughter escape her mouth.

Lindsay Troy:
Are you friggin kidding me? 

Keyes realizes he probably should have been ready for that reaction and his face shows it.

Henry Keyes:
I uh, eh-heh, I imagine you have some...questions.

Lindsay Troy:
Questions? Why would I have questions? I’m sure you think it’s perfectly normal to just pop back up out of the blue like this. With them. (Points to the eavesdropping Plague Doctors, who have crept closer to the pair) Again.

The Queen throws her arms up because...quite honestly, she really doesn’t know what else to do at this moment. Henry Keyes went *POOF* four years ago with no explanation, no word or anything up until now, and in the company of similar-looking Plague Doctors. Which would be weird in and of itself, if it didn’t turn out to be perfectly normal for the Airship Pirate. 

Henry Keyes:
How can I say this...have you ever had a moment in your life where you felt like you have to drop everything? Then when you do, and then you find yourself doing one more thing, then one more thing, then after a while, you just get so wrapped up in your own world that everything else that came before is just...a cloud?

Lindsay Troy:
…No! 

Keyes gives a short chuckle.

Henry Keyes:
I pray you don’t, because it’s a powerful way to lose yourself. Three years, that was the case - one can’t-say-no quest turned into a heist, which turned into a rescue mission, which turned into a small kingdom of riches; which sounds great! Right?? It SOUNDS great. Then one day, I looked at Helen and this ship full of masked medicinal aides, and I thought to myself - is this what I want? Is this what I CHOSE?

Lindsay stares at Henry, then puts her hands up to her temples and shakes her head.

Lindsay Troy:
Maybe I am concussed. 

Without missing a beat, Keyes presses a hidden button on his arm brace, revealing a small flask all-too-familiar to Troy. He offers it to her.

Lindsay Troy:
No. You don’t get to make that peace offering. Not yet. Quests and heists and rescue missions...what the hell, Henry?! 

She sighs. Her friendship with Keyes has always been a puzzling one, but it’s also - probably - the only real one that the Airship Pirate has ever had.

Lindsay Troy:
Look, I get needing time away from this life and this business. I do. I’ve done it. But you don’t just … up and disappear on people. I don’t know how friendships work for you but that’s not how they work for me. I don’t know why your buddies over there or Helen or whomever didn’t explain that to you while you were off carousing the world and getting into high-end shenanigans.

Henry Keyes:
Exactly!

Keyes uncorks the probably-absinthe-filled flask and takes a quick swig, his energy up from where it was before.

Henry Keyes:
After three years, it hit me like a mallet to the dome - as much as I had become a Pirate King in my own right, life was pirating ME~! This was what I realized a year ago!

In a weirdly unceremonious fashion, the shortest Plague Doctor approaches Henry holding a large raw cut of Presumably Steak with an inquisitive pose, to which Henry quickly nods and shoos him away.

Henry Keyes:
When the epiphany reached me, I was not in proper fighting form - so I dedicated myself to the Iron Church. I worked, and I worked, and I kept an eye on what was happening in DEF - and then I saw the worst thing I could imagine. My one friend from the good times, outnumbered and under attack. I decided that this was my sign to return to the grappling arts I do love so much.

Lindsay Troy: (deadpanning)
And you just happened to be in the area. And what is with the steak?

Henry Keyes:
The steak is for Helen. And...yeah. An airship can get you anywhere with two clicks of a coin.

There is an audible ROARRRRRR~ in the background that does not startle Keyes, followed by weirdly loud...chewing sounds, maybe? Lindsay jumps a mile and her eyes go as wide as saucers, but before she can even ask, Keyes interjects.

Henry Keyes:
We need to catch up more, old friend. Come with me, I’d LOVE for you to meet Helen. Wait - wait, maybe this is the type of question I should ask because it would appear to be strange. How do you feel about...tigers?

Voice:
Coming through!

The backstage curtain parts and the party from the ring appears: Iris Davine, Wyatt Bronson, the two medical technicians, a couple other DEFSec bodies, Magdalena and the Deacon. The Mute Freak is able to walk under his own power, albeit unsteadily, and is supported by Magdalena and Bronson. Lindsay and Henry move out of the way as the group makes their way toward a hallway that will lead them to Iris’s medical wing. 

Lindsay Troy:
I think I’m going to go get that concussion test after all.

She looks over at Henry. He offers the flask again, and she shakes her head.

Lindsay Troy:
You owe me an actual conversation. Then we can talk about toasting each other again.

She walks off after the group, leaving Henry alone with the Plague Doctors. He glances at Short Boy with a raised eyebrow, who responds with a shrug.

Henry Keyes:
I OFFERED to catch up…

Keyes looks in the direction of the departing Troy, forlorn, until an even louder ROARRRRRRRRRRRR!!!1~ echoes. Keyes shares a brief look with Mini Doc and power walks down the hall. We cut to the next thingamarole. 

Moments after coming back through the curtain Scrow is quickly approached by Jamie Sawyers. Scrow is all smiles and not those sinister smiles of his he actually looks happy.

Jamie Sawyers:
Scrow Scrow can I get a word from you?

Scrow stares at Jamie and nods.

Scrow:
Sure why not Scrow is on cloud nine right now. He finally beat Dex Joy! FINALLY!

Jamie Sawyers:
Uh, Scrow that wasn’t Dex Joy out there…

Scrow stops smiling at Jamie and stares stoically toward him.

Scrow:
What?

Jamie Sawyers:
You just beat Oscar Burns…

Scrow has a look of disbelief.

Scrow:
Is Scrow getting pranked here.

He looks around trying to find the hidden camera.

Jamie Sawyers:
Look at the monitor, they are replaying the highlights of the match.

Scrow right eye twitches, and then does as Jamie says and looks up at the monitor.

Scrow:
Now see there is that strike to Dex’s jaw. His dopplegangers tried to help him but there is the three count.

He looks back at Jamie.

Jamie Sawyers:
Maybe this might help.

Jamie pulls out the run sheet for DEFTV and shows Scrow Vs Oscar Burns. Scrow looks at the sheet then at Jamie then back at the monitor which is paused on the encounter between Oscar and Better Future.

Scrow:
You know {Scrow looks back at Jamie} what he thinks Dex. You are more talented than you lead everyone to believe. He beat you in that ring, and now you stand there and tell me it was Oscar Burns!?

Jamie Sawyers:
Scrow my name is Jamie Sawyers, not Dex Joy.

Scrow stares at Jamie with a look of not believing what he is saying.

Scrow:
Make the excuses you want Dex, he beat you in that ring. Now if you will excuse him.

Scrow walks away looking at the people down the hall with an evil eye.

Jamie Sawyers:
Well, that exclusive was interesting.

The scene fades.

Ringside with the announcers, previously taped.

DDK:
Coming up n-

Lance:
Wait. What is this?!

The atmospheric instrumental “It Is Raped” by Nine Inch Nails deafens the audience as its ominous sounds play out from the speakers inside the Wrestle-Plex. The lights flicker on and off in erratic fashion as distortions and inexplicable noises bolster the sudden uneasiness. Within fifteen-or-so seconds of this persistent series of noises and flashes, the letters “AP” materialize on the DEFIAtron.  

DDK:
I’m…

Lance:
… yeah.

DDK:
You too?

Lance:
For sure.

The letters “A” and “P” isolate themselves on the upper and bottom corners of the DEFIAtron, respectively. More letters materialize through a series of phantom slashes coming from an invisible blade. Crimson fills the various cuts until the letters form the name “ARTHUR PLEASANT”. Once his name appears in whole, the newest DEFIANT emerges from the Guerilla Position and slowly saunters out onto the stage with his head down. Adorned in a 2-piece suit with different shades of black and matching matte black Oxfords, Arthur stops in the middle of the stage as strands of his dark hair fall half-way down his abdomen. 

Without warning, three other individuals crawl out from the back on their hands and knees. Each of them are clad in a pair of hole-ridden grey jeans and a white t-shirt. Two of these figures are male; one much taller than the other, and one female. The female, dwarfed by her counterparts, crawls underneath Arthur’s legs. Arthur’s head raises slowly as he takes in the world renowned Wrestle-Plex. Staring down at the ring, Arthur takes a step back and smirks. He then looks over at the interview stage, nodding in silent approval.  

DDK:
Well, folks. This is Arthur Pleasant.

Lance:
Yep. Looks like he has something to say, too!

Arthur Pleasant:
Hi.

The sold-out crowd inside the DEFIANCE Wrestle-Plex is not sure what to make of what they see. Not just with Arthur Pleasant, but with the theatricality of it all.

Microphone in hand, Arthur waits a few moments for the brooding, dark song to cease.  

Arthur Pleasant:
I know, I know. “An unfamiliar!”, yeah?  “A new face in our town!”, right? I roll in with this bizarre performance and nobody is sure what to make of it. OR me. Hehe.

They listen intently, not wanting to miss a word coming out of Arthur’s crooked, snake-like, dry-cracked lips.

Arthur Pleasant:
That’s okay. It was expected, truthfully. Thing of it is... I didn’t come to DEFIANCE for any of you COMPLIANTS out there to “get me”. No, no. It’s a bonus if you do, for sure… but that isn’t, nor should it, be emblematic as to the “why” that I’m here.

Looking out from the raised interview platform, he veers his gaze off into the sea of wrestling fans, knowing full well that they are all astonished as they continue to witness something new and unforeseen.  

Arthur Pleasant:
You see folks, I’m here for one simple reason. History. And DEFIANCE? Ohhhh, she’s absolutely brimming with it! She has so much of it in fact that astronauts can see it glistening from orbit in their little shuttles. Truth be told, I like to mine that stuff like bitcoin. Because history… well, it’s the lifeblood of tomorrow. It’s the "nulla terram" for one’s destiny. It’s the first blot of ink scratched onto the parchment of eternity, and it just so happens that I, Arthur Pleasant, am the feather that puts the two together.

Some boos spill out in a barely audible form. It’s about 80:20 in favor of being unsure what to make of Arthur Pleasant to not liking him.

Arthur Pleasant:
Oh, is that boos I hear? Come on, you can do better than that, can’t you?

The booing intensifies just a smidge. He has them in the palm of his hand.

Arthur Pleasant:
You disappoint me, COMPLIANTS. I’ve heard louder crowd noise from outside an abortion clinic! Anyway..

Arthur pauses for a moment, letting the capacity crowd settle in their dismay.

Arthur Pleasant:
I am not here to name-drop every man, woman, or self-identifying gamma-sexual in some pitiful attempt to get myself noticed. No. I am not here to devalue your champions as if they’re not worth the weight in paper that their names are scrawled on. I am not here to jump the line and take all the accolades for myself before giving others the chance in doing so. Though, believe you me, I very well could.  Mhm.

His arrogance spreads to the audience as they deliver the intended backlash, swathing him in utter derision.

Arthur Pleasant:
I am here... to dance in the arms of history. Because in creating it… and in repeating it… there comes a price.

He pauses for effect.

Arthur Pleasant:
That price, ladies and gentlemen… is me.  That price, DEFIANTS watching in the back… is US.

Arthur looks over at the triumvirate, still on their hands and knees, center stage.

Arthur Pleasant:
The Family has made it to DEFIANCE.  And history… will be forged with your fucking blood.

Arthur drops the microphone and the unsettling Nine Inch Nails song “It is Raped” hits the PA system again.

We then transition from the legions of fans within this sold-out crowd and their mouths simply being agape to a much needed commercial break.

Subscribe to DEFonDEMAND today! DEFY CABLE!

The scene goes back to the bar and Lance Warner at the podium.

Lance Warner:
It’s been a fun night so far. Thank you all for being here and -trying to- put aside your differences for one night. I know we all appreciate it. Anyway, next up we have the SEGMENT of the YEAR award. There are five finalists! Boy, there’s a lot of Conor Fuse here. First off, however, ASMR with Ames! Her ASMR sessions are a huge hit on UNCUT and often involve our highest rated segments for the night as well as typically hold the highest views on our DEFIANCE YouTube channel, let alone her OnlyFaithful channel.

The scene cuts to Ames, sitting at a table with her fellow Keyboard Warriors, Conor Fuse, The Game Boy and a few of Conor’s sidekicks. Ames smiles and waves like the Queen of England and then starts doing ASMR on the items in front of her such as the table, her wine glass, etc but the scene cuts away before she can really get going.

Lance Warner:
Conor’s Scream Land, the Halloween Choose Your Own Adventure Interactive Special!

The camera switches to Conor Fuse (who is actually right beside Teresa Ames as she continues tapping her wine glass). Conor looks uneasy, wondering if Ghostface is there to kill him…

Lance Warner:
More Conor Fuse, joining Patrick Cassidy and Trashcan Tim in the hellacious karaoke beat down!

The camera moves from Conor to Trashcan and Patrick Cassidy, sharing the same table. They’re not impressed. They’re so not impressed they aren’t even looking over in Conor’s direction.

Lance Warner:
The Game Spot, Conor’s new interview segment where he interviewed Magdalena but it was a set-up for the debuting Game Boy to attack The Deacon!

The camera is back to Conor. He’s sinking slowly in his chair…

Lance Warner:
And lastly, You Could Be in the Movies! The PCP casting issues alongside The Lucky Sevens!

The camera finds The Lucky Sevens, who don’t look happy and PCP, who… do? Well, at least The D looks happy. He pulls out a notepad and starts scribbling down further casting ideas. O-Face reaches out and places a hand on the notepad, shaking her head like now is not an appropriate time.

Lance Warner:
And the winners are… DON’T STOP BLEEDIN’! The Conor Fuse karaoke slingalong with “Black Out” Patrick Cassidy and Trashcan Tim!

An awkward tension develops upon Warner’s announcement as no one immediately stands up. Warner looks out towards Conor, who’s waaay deep down in his chair and then towards Patrick and Trashcan. Cassidy shakes his head “no” and downs whatever is left of his beer. Trashcan simply rolls his eyes as if to tell Warner to “look elsewhere”.

Finally, Conor stands (although he’s slouched over) and takes unsure step after unsure step towards the podium. “Black Out” sarcastically claps and “woo’s” as The Best Pout Machine is almost there.

Upon arriving, Conor takes one of the three golden fist trophies and holds onto it. He stands in front of the microphone and takes a deep breath.

Conor Fuse:
Um, yeah… uhhh…

Never seemingly at a loss for words, The Character Formerly Known as Player Two looks in the direction of Cassidy, Trashcan and Newbludd. Clearly, Cassidy is wasted out of his mind. Trashcan is building to a slow fume and Newbludd… well, he doesn’t catch on right now, he’s just watching intently with a smile that might be genuine… or it might be a drunk smile, Conor isn’t sure. No one is.

A cough is heard in the background. The scene is more quiet than when Stalker was up there. Even Cayle had general boos and built tension in the room when he spoke.

For Conor, it’s almost as if no one wants him up there to begin with.

Conor Fuse:
Ummm… so I’d like to thank Patty and Timmy for this Achievement. Uhhh, what a cool Achievement it is. Boy oh boy, did we really have some fun times this year, huh? Either someone was trying to kill me with a ghostface mask, or I… uh… went to some underhanded tactics to make a statement…

Conor’s eyes are shiftier than looking up “shifty eye gifs” on Discord.

Conor Fuse:
I couldn’t have done it… without you guys?

Conor picks up the other two golden fists, meant for Cassidy and Trashcan. Although he got the hint they aren’t coming up, the younger Fuse thought maybe, just maybe, seeing the trophies might change their minds???

It doesn’t. The younger Fuse puts them back down and blushes.

Conor Fuse:
And apparently on top of all of this, I’ve been informed that I’m getting a FIST Championship match next week on DEFtv.

Fuse takes a deeeep gulp. The camera pans over to the 24K table. They’re still disinterested.

Conor glances to his own table. While his bodyguard The Game Boy, statistical guru Alex Pietrangelo and ranking BOT Martin Evans-Everett VI seem happy for Conor, The Comments Section seem rather disgruntled, too. The fact Ames did not win with her ASMR sessions has to put a damper on things.

Reality is starting to set in…

Nobody there likes Conor.

Conor Fuse:
Okay, well, uh, here’s a toast! A toast to all of you! Yes… all of you!

Conor thinks he has something here and keeps rolling with it. Confidence grows in his voice as he does.

Conor Fuse:
To every single DEFIANT, from Gum-man Van Platton, to Jay Barbie, to Walter Levi! I am so happy that I, the Locker Room Leader of DEFIANCE, get to share this night with all of… YOU!

Conor raises a glass.

No one else, other than Conor’s trio of supporters, ends up raising theirs. Not even Tyler Fuse who hasn’t blinked in… hours.

Another reality check.

Conor nods.

Conor Fuse:
Okay, uh… well, maybe I’ll see you all again for BREAKOUT DEFIANT of the YEAR!

Fuse tries to talk himself into the idea that went well. He strolls over to Lance Warner and tussles his hair like a puppy dog and then makes his way back to his table. Warner eyes Keebler like “how can this night get ANY worse?”

Warner smacks the table.

Lance Warner:
I’m feeling this one.

And he makes his way back to the podium.

Lance Warner:
SO many terrific matches in DEFIANCE this past year. DEFIANCE was built on wrestling and you can say what you want about some of our more… colorful characters here… but everyone still brings it within those four corners or they wouldn’t be here. Here are the five finalist matches for MATCH of the YEAR. At ACTS of DEFIANCE, we saw Gage Blackwood and Jay Harvey tear the house down in a brutal pre-match fight and then a straight-up wrestling showcase!

The cameras find both Blackwood and Harvey at their respected tables.

Lance Warner:
Also on ACTS of DEFIANCE, Lindsay Troy and Oscar Burns’ first contest! What an epic encounter that was!

Troy is shown at her table (w/ Deacon, Keyes, etc) and Burns at his. Burns sits with Batts, Jack Mace, a few others. Okay, a LOT of others. It’s almost as if he’s friends with everyone…

Lance Warner:
Not to be outdone, the Ascension rematch, two out of three falls between Troy and Burns also makes the finalist list! Ascension’s ladder match seeing The Deacon and Victor Vacio battle shows why this pay-per-view won EVENT of the YEAR! And finally… if you need more Oscar Burns, it’s Twists and Turns defending his FIST against Mikey Unlikely. This is at DEFCON where Mikey finally captures what he’s long been after, the top of the DEFIANCE mountain!

A drum roll begins as Warner opens the card.

Lance Warner:
The winning match… Ascension’s Two of Three Falls, between Oscar Burns and Lindsay Troy!

Applause erupts from the fans and wrestlers in attendance as approaching the stage for DEFIANCE Match of the Year are two megastars that tore up the ring between three matches, “Twists and Turns” Oscar Burns and “Queen of the Ring” Lindsay Troy. Burns approaches the podium, rocking a fine dark green dress shirt, black khakis and some nice comfy loafers cause fuck shoelaces. Troy approaches wearing a black and white off the shoulder satin dress and heels. Both meet up on either side, with Lindsay standing a few inches above Oscar thanks to her shoes. As the applause dies down, Burns flashes a smile despite his recent in-ring woes.

Oscar Burns:
GCs, I won’t lie to you… I was taken aback by the support you all showed me. Not having one, but THREE separate matches on this list tells me what I need to know… when I’m out there feeling stroppy, I want to give it my all in that ring every night I can. I never said I was the best, I never said I was the greatest of all time, I never said I was here to be best of the best or better than the best and all that nonsense people pepper themselves with…

He looks at the FIST trophy in front of him.

Oscar Burns: 
My career has never been about titles and accolades; everything I want to do and I mean REALLY do… is leave it in the ring each and every night for anyone with a ticket, anyone with a TV or stream… but it better be legal cause we all work hard and SHAME on you ponces for illegally streaming…

He again looks back to the trophy.

Oscar Burns:
If you watch me wrestle and I’ve made someone’s day, that’s good enough for me… as it really should be. And sometimes, you just find the right dance partner like Queenie over here and magic happens in that ring.

He raises the trophy in Lindsay’s direction.

Oscar Burns:
This one’s for us! 

Lindsay smiles and gives Oscar a friendly pat on the shoulder.

Lindsay Troy:
Well, if I didn’t think I made the right decision in coming back to DEFIANCE before tonight, this might be enough to convince me.

She takes her own Golden FIST trophy to hand, just as Oscar did.

Lindsay Troy:
I don’t have a whole lot more to add here, truly, but I do want to say this: when you’re a part of DEFIANCE, you’re guaranteed to have some of the most difficult, yet most rewarding, matches of your career. This was all that and more, so I thank you for that, Burnsy. And who knows...maybe next year, we’ll be back up here again, winning in a different category. 

The Queen of the Ring extends her hand to her MOTY Dance Partner as a small smirk crosses her lips.

Lindsay Troy:
You gave me the shirt. How about making the partnership official?

Oscar Burns shakes her hand.

Oscar Burns:
Done and done. Follow THAT, GCs!

Lindsay Troy:
And Junior….(She looks around the room and spots Junior Keeling) ...if I were you, I’d keep to your lil’ sandbox where you’re nice and safe. 

Tom Morrow is in the audience and blows her a sarcastic kiss while Burns shakes his head, not wanting to get into the middle of their prior issues.

Back to the announce table and Warner and Keebler.

DDK:
Great moment. Those two had incredible battles!

Lance Warner:
I know what I’ll be doing on New Year’s Eve.

DDK:
Watching Oscar Burns vs. Lindsay Troy?

Lance Warner:
Definitely. Just… don’t tell my wife. I’m telling her I’m going out with the guys.

DDK:
Noted.

UNCUT goes elsewhere.

It was a little less than a week ago since Muriel Puddings had been apprehended by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police during a deathmatch rumble.  Ironically, the competitors in the contest were attempting to maim one another with crude holiday-themed objects, yet Muriel was the one who was ultimately captured and extradited back to Chicago.

Now, the Defiance camera crew had all eyes inside of a courtroom, the view of which reveals a disheveled Muriel sitting at the defendant’s table alone.  To her adjacent right, a plump man in a chocolate three-piece suit accessorized with a single monocle over his eye was busy jotting down notes on a yellow legal pad.

On the stand, a woman clad in traditional judge’s garb hammers a gavel about nine or ten times to open the arraignment session.  Yes, it seems a little excessive to have to repeat a loud banging sound when there are only three other people in the room.  However, “in excess” was an accurate descriptor very much applicable to this particular J.D.  The bailiff, who was at her right flank, steps forward to address the district attorney and Muriel.

Bailiff:
All rise.  The Honorable Jenny Jones presiding.

Both Muriel and counsel for the State of Illinois clamor to their feet.  While never one to flatter with her choice of outfit, the wrinkled tan jumpsuit gave Puddings the appearance of a grocery bag with a head.  Judge Jones acknowledges Puddings with a scowl, then immediately turns her attention to the D.A. and delivers a knowing wink.  The portly man with a penchant for late 1800s fashion smiles back.

Judge Jenny Jones:
Please be seated.

While Judge Jones shared her name with a famous talk show host, her physical appearance and nasally tone mimicked a combination of a couple of other individuals in the celebrity courtroom hall of fame.  Her delivery was reminiscent of Judy Sheindlen, and her facial features and hairstyle were oddly similar to that of Judge Harry Stone from 80s sitcom Night Court.  All odd coincidences that certainly were just that, as there is no way that this is just a staged scene where day-play actors were hired to fill the roles.  Not a chance.

Judge Jenny Jones:
This case comes before the court as the State of Illinois versus Muriel Monstertruck Puddings…

Judge Jones’ nose wrinkles quizzically as she reads the middle name, but presses on.

Judge Jenny Jones:
Ms. Puddings was detained and placed in the custody of the Cook County Correctional Facility on charges of two counts of vehicular homicide, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, and obstruction of justice.  Ms. Puddings, how do you plead to these charges against you?

Muriel Puddings:
I didn’t do it.

Judge Jenny Jones:
So, not guilty.

Muriel Puddings:
You said it, bae, and that’s the tea.

Judge Jenny Jones:
I would refrain from any further comments like that if I were you, Ms. Puddings.  Upon reviewing your file, it also states that you were previously arrested for allegations of arson which was ultimately reduced to charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct.  And that you served approximately four months in the Ada County Correctional Facility in Boise, Idaho.

Muriel Puddings:
Yes, Your Majesty.

Judge Jenny Jones:
Your Honor.

Muriel Puddings:
Agree, pleasure’s all mine, ma’am.

The judge growls a warning while simultaneously rolling her eyes.

Judge Jenny Jones:
Moving on.  I also understand that you have chosen to forego representation on all aspects of the proceedings.  While you are within your legal right to do so, this court would strongly advise that you seek counsel, as these are serious allegations with severe consequences.

Muriel Puddings:
I’m an attorney and the General of all insurance.

Judge Jenny Jones:
You are neither of those things, Ms. Puddings.  But I digress.  As your own representative, what is your recommendation as to a bail amount?

Muriel places her fist to her chin in deep thought, giving the question careful consideration.  While she had of course witnessed this process once before, you would think that she would have prepared for this moment prior to the actual arraignment.  But, this is Muriel Puddings, so of course she didn’t.  Finally, she delivers an answer that she feels is both fair and reasonable.

Muriel Puddings:
Your Honor, I feel that my client, me, should have bail set at sixty-nine dollars and four-hundred twenty cents.  Because I’m innocent of all charges.

The judge simply shakes her head in disgust.

Judge Judy Jones:
I suppose that you think this is a laughing matter, Ms. Puddings, but I assure you that you will find nothing funny about what I am about to do.  Based on your egregious behavior and your astounding lack of respect for the extreme circumstances of these allegations, I am hereby setting your bail at three-billion dollars and sixty-nine cents.  You have already proven to be a flight risk, and the nature of your actions and your complete lack of remorse for what you have done is enough for drastic measures to be taken for the benefit of public safety.  Since it is highly unlikely that anyone will be able to meet the requisite for a bond, I recommend that you take this time to seek counsel to defend you.  Does the state have anything to add before we adjourn?

The D.A. grins, shaking his head.

District Attorney:
No, Your Honor.  Thank you.

Judge Judy Jones:
Then this matter is closed.  Bailiff, please escort Ms. Puddings out of my courtroom.

With another repetitive bang of her gavel, the parties all watch as the bailiff brings a shackled Muriel to her feet.  Despite the fact that the judge had just set a new United States record on the amount of bail being set pre-trial, she appears to be completely unnerved.  Quite the contrary, as she eyes the bailiff up and down as he reaches over to grab her arm and lead her to the back.

Muriel Puddings:
Nice.

Muriel attempts to inch her arm closer to her chest in an attempt to have the bailiff’s hand touch her breast, but to no avail.  Instead, she is led out through the back room behind the bench, and our feed abruptly cuts out.

 

Floor 66 - Scrow’s Laboratory

Chicago, Illinois

Days after ASCENSION 2020

After receiving his emergency dental surgery, Scrow has tried to throw himself into his work outside the ring. Working on sample beta for PROJECT Black Death. Scrow has his lab coat on, his hair tied up behind his head. He has a black slacks with a white button shirt underneath the lab coat. His hands pour liquid into each vial, and then put them into a centrifuge. As the vials spin he stares entranced in the spinning. Other scientists work around him. As the bottles spin his eyes twitch we are taken to a view through the eyes of Scrow. We see what appears like little Dex Joy’s trapped in the vials spinning. As the centrifuge slows down, Scrow shakes his head trying to bring him back to reality. He pulls the first vial out and stares at it.

Dex Joy: {from inside the vial with a high pitched voice}
Let me out of here Scrow!

Scrow smiles and just stares at his adversary trapped in a vial filled with some sort of substance.

Tenshe:
Sir..

Scrow: {turning his head}
Wha…

Scrow accidentally drops the vial, the substance bubbles from the ground and Scrow is dumbfounded by the bubbles.

Tenshe:
I apologize sir, we will get that cleaned up right away.

Scrow does not respond, he stares at the bubbles. Once more we are taken to a view through the eyes of the deranged man. It would seem Dex Joy’s head is now in place of the bubbles. Slowly popping as they get bigger. Scrow is rather amused, but at the same time terrified.

Tenshe:
Sir {grabbing Scrow’s shoulder}

Scrow snaps out of it and stares at Tenshe. He falls back and knocks a few test tubes off the table. He looks around the room and everyone is Dex Joy.

Scrow:
No….no….NO! GET OUT OF HIS HEAD!

Tenshe:
Sir, what is wrong?

Scrow: {terrified}
GET AWAY FROM HIM!

Scrow runs out of the room and opens a door reading.
 

Employees Only

The room is empty, and from the general looks of it has all the decor of a break room. The television mounted on the wall plays a video of Nathaniel Eye arriving at the Wrestleplex. He is dressed like a heart throb. The women are swooning over him as he signs autographs. Scrow stares at the monitor, his mouth slightly opened in bewilderment. Knocks on the door outside the room with cries of his name muffled from behind the wood. Scrow ignores them, and just stares at the monitor. Once more we view the scene of events through the eyes of Scrow. Now in place of Nathaniel Eye is Dex Joy.

Scrow:
What….so now he is a heart throb! Wait….wait…

Scrow shakes his head and turns from the monitor.

Scrow: {counting on his fingers}
First he goes the distance and wins the Favoured Saints Championship...no he didn’t win that SCROW DID! ...but {looking around for the championship} where is his championship? He looks back up at the monitor...seething at the sight of Nathaniel. You STOLE it from him!

Scrow shakes his head, the voices outside keep shouting his name. He looks to the door and with volumes of screeching to his voice.

Scrow:
SHUT UP!

The voices stop. He starts counting on his hand once more. He looks up at the monitor and Eye{Dex Joy} is getting a photo op with the Faithful. A woman kisses him on the cheek while a photo is taken. Eye is enjoying the attention. Scrow on the other hand with a cold inner hatred look on his face stares at the scene of events.

Scrow:
Dex Joy wrestling tank, the hour long man, the sex symbol...how {he turns his head to the left} its not possible…{he turns his head to the right} is it? {he looks back at the monitor}

Scrow exits the door and pushes himself through the Dex Joy doppelgangers and heads for his meditation chamber. He is mumbling to himself as he makes his way to the door.

Scrow:
If he can be multi-talented then so can Scrow!

Tenshe stops the other scientists from stopping Scrow as he enters his meditation chamber. Inside the room Hive is getting gassed inside the room. Her arms are stretched outward and above her head. Her back is turned and her head is leaning up to the ceiling. Scrow looks through the window and sees Dex Joy. Now what appears to be resisting the toxin he has struggled to build immunity too. Scrow is in utter shock.

Scrow:
NO! Is there ANYTHING you are not good at? ANYTHING?

The meditation chamber scientist walks up to Scrow. Scrow is lost in a rage of emotions as he watches Dex once again do something he has not been able to do.

Scientist:
Sir, she demanded to go in.

Scrow quickly snaps his head toward the scientist. He grabs the lab coat of the scientist.

Scrow:
So now you can become what Scrow has been trying to become!

Inside the chamber, Hive says to herself.

Hive:
The toxin has no effect on us. Interesting per..

Before she can finish her train of thought a loud crash is heard. She turns around pulling the hood over her head. The scientist has been tossed through the window. The gas quickly escapes. In the gas Hive sees a shadow of a man. It soon is revealed to be Scrow who jumps into the chamber through the window. He stares down at the Scientist who has not moved as the gas subdues him with fear.

Scrow:
Tell me Dex is there ANYTHING you are bad at?

Hive puts her arms out in a calming motion.

Hive:
Scrow listen to the sound of my voice. Do I sound like Dex Joy?

Scrow coughs a bit as some of the gas is starting to affect him now.

Scrow:
TELL HIM! HOW DID YOU DO IT?

Hive:
Scrow..listen we can help you overcome this. We can bring you back to your nirvana. All we require is you let us help you.

Scrow:
I thought Scrow was clear back at Acts of Defiance 2020. He would NEVER team with you!

Hive realizing he is not going to get through to him, thinks fast on what can break him through to reality.

Hive:
Remember after Maximum Defiance, we met in an alley. I told you Dex Joy’s fall from grace would come but not right now.

Scrow perks an eyebrow up.

Scrow:
How could you know that Dex?

Hive:
Because we are NOT Dex Joy...WE are Hive!

Scrow squints his eyes, replying in a soft voice.

Scrow:
Hive?

Hive:
Yes!

Scrow looks around and then down at the ground at Dex Joy AKA the scientist stuck in absolute fear. He points down at Dex with a dastardly smile.

Scrow:
Look at poor Dex the toxin has him stuck in paralysis.

Hive speaks into a watch on her wrist.

Hive:
Enter the room, wear the appropriate PPE.

A group of scientists enter the room in gas masks. They enter the room and assist the scientist.

Scrow:
Still have not figured out how Dex has all these dopplegangers.

Hive reaches out and grabs Scrow by the cheeks forcing him to stare at her.

Hive:
It's because they are scientists, who work for The Kabal. Dex Joy has no such power. He is mortal, he can not be everywhere and everyone at the same time. Scrow, do you trust us?

Scrow watches the scientist take the prone man out of the room. He looks back at Hive.

Scrow:
He has not had any reason not to.

Hive:
Good, we can help you conquer your obsession. We can help you refocus on the main objective.

Scrow:
How would you know his main objective Dex...have you become a telepathy as well?

Hive sighs.

End scene.

Lance Warner:
So this will be interesting. We’ve already got all four members at ringside. Perfection actually AGREED to team with Conor Fuse!

DDK:
Yes, one of our dark matches after last week’s DEFtv took place. My understanding is this happened AFTER the interaction with the PAC-Man arcade machine, too!

Lance Warner:
Well, let’s go to ringside with our call from last week!

The scene switches and referee Mark Shields calls for the bell, starting off with Conor Fuse and Aaron King.

DING DING

They lock into a grapple but Conor slides out and hip tosses King to the canvas. Fuse bounces off the ropes and flies at King, spinning around the surfer’s body and hitting him with a tilt-a-whirl DDT!

DDK:
PWN’ed connects!

Lance:
Conor knows these guys rather well, I have to say. No surprise to see him get the upper hand here so quickly and with one of his impact moves, too!

The younger Fuse kicks King on the mat to make sure he’s hurt. He walks over and tags Perfection.

Perfection hits a Russian leg sweep. Perfection hits a DDT. Perfection hits a dropkick. The 24K member is aaaallllllll over Aaron King while Theodore Cain waits in the corner, hoping King can snap out of this funk.

It’s no use.

DDK:
Perfection with a very well-placed brainbuster! He’s hammering King.

Conor loves it on the outside. Fuse looks down to his supporting cast. He has two people with him. Alex Pietrangelo, his analytical manager. Alex is dressed in a nice powder blue suit and holds a clipboard, taking notes the entire time. There is also recently introduced Martin Evans-Everett VI aka MEE6. Martin wears a spandex powdered blue suit and is considered to be Conor’s BOT. Conor looks down at Martin Evans-Everett VI, pointing at him.

Conor Fuse:
Martin Evans-Everett VI, !rank Theodore Cain!

Martin Evans-Everett VI:
#0.

Conor Fuse:
!rank Aaron King!

Martin Evans-Everett VI:
#10,464.

Conor Fuse:
!rank Perfection!

Martin Evans-Everett VI:
Near Perfect!

Conor giggles.

Conor Fuse:
I love this guy.

DDK:
Do you hear a faint “rank, rank” chant going on, Lance?

Lance: [trying to listen]
I think so…

Back to the ring, Perfection is working over King’s left knee. He twists it around and then falls down, with Aaron’s leg wrapped around his. King screams out as the knee and leg bend awkwardly. Conor claps Perfection on.

Conor Fuse:
Hey Mr. Perfect Man! You so good! You got mad skillzzz!

Fuse claps and claps and claps. Perfection is starting to become irate. Witherhold hurls King into the corner and then marches in slowly, attacking the knee again. King cries out and hops around, before Perfection chop blocks King in the same knee, putting the Gulf Coast member on the canvas!

Conor Fuse:
THAT’S HOW YA DO IT! Alex, what are the current winning percentages of our co-op team?

Alex pulls out a calculator and starts punching in some numbers. He looks up briefly before scribbling more notes down.

Alex Pietrangelo:
Your current percentages are above 90!

Conor rubs his hands together. His eyebrows shift up and down.

Conor Fuse:
Excellent. EXCELLENT!

DDK:
Well, this entourage Conor has certainly is… something.

Lance:
You can say that again. I feel mildly entertained and yet I hate myself for saying that.

Meanwhile, as Perfection continues to whip King around inside the ring, he’s growing more annoyed at The Best Pout Machine…

Although The Gamers sitting nearby are loving it.

Conor shouts some words of encouragement.

Conor Fuse:
Keep it up, my Perfect little bud! Friendship Members League is FEEEEEEELING it!

James raises an eyebrow. He kicks King off to the side of the ring.

Perfection:
What?

Conor nods like Perfection has simply asked Fuse to reinforce what he stated.

Conor Fuse:
Friendship Members League! We are gonna make such an awesome TEEEEAM!

Witherhold is not impressed.

Perfection:
I-

But before he can say much, Conor cuts him off.

Conor Fuse:
Yeah, so you want to join, right?

DDK:
I don’t think these guys are on the same page anymore.

Lance:
How did they even get on ONE page?

Suddenly, King tags Cain. Theodore rushes forward with a head full of steam. Hearing someone coming for him, Perfection turns around…

Right into a clothesline from hell!

DDK:
Oh that was a brutal looking inside-out clothesline from Theodore Cain!

Perfection shakes it off. He slams his hands down, hard on the canvas mat. Witherhold looks up at Conor and then…

Slides out of the ring to a chorus of boos… walking past Conor’s “managers” and up the rampway, to the back.

Meanwhile, Alex Pietrangelo pulls out the calculator and starts computing the winning percentages as Mark Shields actually does his job and administers the TEN count.

Mark Shields:
ONE!

Alex Pietrangelo:
80%!

DDK:
Perfection is… leaving!?

Lance:
I know Conor’s annoying but that’s not worth leaving over, is it? Iron out your issues AFTER the match!

Mark Shields:
TWO!

Alex Pietrangelo:
70%!

Mark Shields:
THREE!

Alex Pietrangelo:
60%!

Mark Shields:
FOUR!

Alex Pietrangelo:
50%!

Conor is somewhat shocked and displeased.

Mark Shields:
FIVE!

Alex Pietrangelo:
40%!

Theodore Cain walks over to the apron beside the rampway, which is also where Conor is.

Mark Shields:
SIX!

Alex Pietrangelo:
30%!

Listening to Alex provide the winning percentages, Conor does some quick math in his own head and realizes it might be inevitable!

Mark Shields:
EIGHT!

Alex Pietrangelo:
20%!

DDK:
Eight? Where’s seven?

Yes, Alex was already accounting for the fact Mark Shields can’t count to TEN properly. Clearly, the referee missed “seven”.

Mark Shields:
NINE!

Alex Pietrangelo:
10%!

Theodore looks over to Conor. It’s as if the two of them, along with Aaron King who is up on his feet now too, are all in agreement Perfection is a dick.

Mark Shields:
TEN!

Alex Pietrangelo:
0%!

Conor congratulates Gulf Coast and hops off the apron. The Faithful boo loudly.

Mark Shields:
ELEVEN!

Alex immediately jumps onto the apron and shouts for the referee to come over. The statistical guru informs Mark the count stops at TEN and to “ring the bell”.

Mark Shields:
Oh shit, that’s right. My bad, bro! Haha! I am so fucking high right now… RING THE BELL.

DING DING DING

And the bell rings.

Darren Quimbey:
The winners of this match, as result of a countout… GULF COAST CONNECTION!

Begrudgingly, King and Cain celebrate in the ring as Conor stands beside his two managers at the bottom of the rampway. Martin Evans-Everett VI pulls out some FML membership leaflets in the hopes Conor would turn around and give them to Gulf Coast inside the ring. However, Fuse certainly seems baffled by Perfection and isn’t in the mood.

Conor Fuse:
No. No MEE6, I’m sorry. Perhaps another time.

He puts his arms around both men.

Conor Fuse:
Well, I guess we’ll call it a night. That was… disappointing…

DDK:
So this was a waste of time, huh.

Lance:
And It wasn’t even Conor wasting our time, either.

YOU CHOOSE AT CONOR'S SCREAMLAND! Only on DEFonDemand!

To the stage and Lance Warner.

Lance Warner:
What a night it has been and now we are getting into the standout DEFIANT awards! We are going to start with UPCOMING DEFIANT of the YEAR! To be eligible, 2020 has to be your “rookie” year in DEFIANCE. I guess that’s why we have someone on here who really isn’t considered a rookie… but a rookie in DEFIANCE nonetheless! Let’s get started! The three finalists are the top vote getters in this category. Voting came from The Faithful, the Favored Saints and all of you, the DEFIANTS! First up… “Black Out” Patrick Cassidy!

Cassidy tries to take in the cheers and put his “drunk face” away. He’s struggling…

Lance Warner:
The Deacon!

The Mute Freak sits beside his manager. He doesn’t really acknowledge anything but Magdalena smiles for him.

Lance Warner:
And Malak Garland!

Malak Garland is blushing, gushing and trembling with excitement.

There’s a split screen showing all three men and Lance at the podium.

Lance Warner:
The winner is… “BLACK OUT” PATRICK CASSIDY!

Malak is crushed and beside himself while The Deacon and Magdalena don’t look like there’s any change in demeanor. They seem happy for Cassidy.

Grinning from ear-to-ear, Cassidy stands up from his seat after his name is announced. He fist bumps Brock Newbludd and gives Doug Matton a pat on the shoulder before making his way up the stage and to the podium - red solo cup in hand. Lance hands him his DEFy and Cassidy assumes the position in front of the mic.

Pat Cassidy: [holding his DEFy in one hand and his solo cup in the other]
Wow! Wow… wow! This really is an honor, guys. This is… this is great, man. Holy crap. And Deacon!

Cassidy points to Deacon’s table.

Pat Cassidy:
Hats off to you, buddy. You deserved this just as much as I did. I’m sure we’re both glad it wasn’t Malak, amIright!?

In the crowd, we hear a cry of frustration and two fists pound against the table in a childish outburst.

Pat Cassidy:
Let me tell you what… it’s been a hell of a year here in DEFIANCE. When the summer started, I was a broke kid from Boston finding odd jobs to be able to afford my wrestling habit. And in the past seven months, I’ve kicked a lot of ass, I’ve had my ass royally beat a few times, I’ve made a lotta friends, I’ve made some enemies, I’ve become a successful businessman, and I’ve helped form THE tag team of 2021. 

Brock yells out a “BALLYHOO!” from the crowd. Cassidy smiles.

Pat Cassidy:
And yeah, I stand here a little beat up thanks to a certain family that will remain nameless…

Cassidy touches his ribs gingerly.

Pat Cassidy:
...but I DO stand here. And while there's a lot of people I owe for this, the only ‘thank you’ that matters right now is to The DEFIANCE Faithful. 

Cassidy takes a quick sip from his solo cup and then looks directly into the camera, growing serious and just a touch emotional.

Pat Cassidy:
You’ve cheered me on, you’ve cried for me, you’ve sung along with me and you’ve laughed at my stupid jokes. Nobody had ANY idea who “Black Out” Pat Cassidy was when I walked into this place, and nobody thought I’d make it far enough to be up here accepting this award. In seven months time, YOU ALL have taken me from a nobody to a household name… and together, we’ve taken this whole scene by storm. Stick with me on this ride, my faithful drinking buddies… and just imagine where we’ll be at this time next year.

Clearing his throat, Cassidy shakes away the emotion. He holds his drink up high.

Pat Cassidy:
Only one thing to do at a time like this… bring ‘em up, boys and girls. Come on, put ‘em high!

Some of the DEFIANTS in the crowd also raise their drinks. Cassidy, still holding his, barks out a laugh.

Pat Cassidy:
Either we do this or you listen to me sing. I’ve got Bel Biv Devoe’s “Poison” ready to go.

At that, most of the drinks go into the air. Cassidy smiles.

Pat Cassidy:
Cheers, boys! And Happy New Year!

Cassidy downs the rest of his solo cup and tosses it aside. He holds the DEFy high one more time before returning to his seat.

Warner and Keebler seem happy.

DDK:
Thank god that went well.

Lance Warner:
Definitely.

Warner walks back to the podium.

Lance Warner:
This night is rolling now! Onto BREAKOUT DEFIANT of the YEAR! Who took 2020 by storm and made the ULTIMATE impact!? The finalists are… Conor Fuse!

Conor claps for himself (as does Alex and MEE6). No one else does, however.

Lance Warner:
Dex Joy!

Dex nods and winks to the camera.

Lance Warner:
And Tyler Fuse!

Tyler is off to the side. He’s near The Kabal table by standing, leaned up against the side of the wall and The Princess is beside him. Both of them don’t look interested.

The split screen continues with Warner.

Lance Warner:
The winner… “THE BIGGEST BOY” DEX JOY!

Conor seems dejected. Tyler shrugs. Those split screens vanish as Dex hugs Nathaniel Eye (Max and Mason don’t clap) before walking up to the stage in a bright yellow high voltage-themed “WARNING: BIG DEX ENERGY!!!!” tee shirt and brown khakis, along with a giant gold bow tie attached to the shirt because we are keeping it classy here for the DEFy awards. He takes the trophy in his hands and looks genuinely happy.

Dex Joy:
Ladies gentlemen and pallies of all persuasions … you legit have no idea how much this means to me! My 2020 as far as DEFIANCE Wrestling goes could not have been any better for me! I got to win the Tag Party tournament with my best friend, Nathaniel! Dude you the real Brazen MVP!

The camera cuts over to Nathaniel Eye tipping his drink to his best friend.

Dex Joy:
We went on to win the Brazen Tag Team championships and held those for a bit! And in what I feel is my crowning achievement, I also won my first singles title here when I kicked the ever loving p-i-s-s out of everybody’s least favorite, most bitterest Scotsman Gage Blackwood. I won’t take anything away from what he did with that title having it for almost a year but I will take away from the fact that when he got on my last nerve it was pretty sweet kicking his ass!!!

A good chunk of applause erupts from the crowd.

Dex Joy:
I will make this solemn pledge, pallies of DEFIANCE Wrestling as your BREAKOUT DEFIANT of the Year, I will fight with everything I have in me until I got nothing left! In 2021, I will get a new Southern Heritage championship and then I’ll go on to defend that title and put myself in the upper echelon of the best champions this place has ever seen! Then I’ll be graduating to the FIST in 2021 when I put THIS FIST through Mikey Unlikely’s jaw or whoever holds that title by then! Thank you!

Dex looks back to Warner, signifying he can take over again.

Lance Warner:
No Dex, thank YOU for all the energy you’ve provided! The kiddies love ya, that’s for damn sure! Folks, we are going to take a brief break for in-ring action and then the grand three awards, FACTION, DEFIANTS and DEFIANT of the YEAR awards!

Meanwhile, Gunnar Van Patton stands from his table, seemingly irate. He looks over to the bar, stating “whiskey, now” and receiving one. Then he exits through the bar doors.

Long fade in from black, to a flat angle shot on a plain, simple door bearing a plain, simple sign. For several moments, the shot slowly tracks in on the door, accompanied by the steady and droning hum of machinery churning from within. There is a foreboding sense of dread as the door steadily gets larger and larger, until we can read the words on the sign, spelled in thick block letters:

BOILER
ROOM

The ever reluctant CHRIS TRUTT, DEFIANCE’s newest backstage addition, steps into the frame with a mic in his hand. He visibly grimaces as he looks the door over, takes a few last glances either way down the hallway, and sighs. His hand is trembling as he reaches for the knob and makes a feeble effort to psyche himself up… 

Chris Trutt:
Okay, Chris… you can do this!

The door opens and he steps inside, followed by the camera. Upon entering the room, the camera takes a long, sweeping establishing shot of the WrestlePlex’s boiler room. The boiler itself, a large tank of hissing and groaning steel and pipes, takes up the bulk of the room. It looks like it hasn’t been maintained in some time.

”ZZZZZZZzzzZZZZZZZZZGGCHKK!!”

No, that wasn’t a diseased possum being squished beneath a steamroller, but something far more repulsive. Chris Trutt looks to the source of the sound, and the camera finds in the corner a nest of random junk, papers, posters, old kitchen appliances, and a strangely orderly vinyl collection. 

In the very center of this squatter’s hovel is a soiled twin-sized mattress, upon which we can see REZIN splayed out on his back with his limbs outstretched in every direction. He snores again.

”SSNNNNZZZZZZZZGHKKK!!”

Remarkably, it cuts through the drone of the boiler. The Goat Bastard is clad in only his black pants and shades. Were it not for the snoring, he’d easily be mistaken as a corpse. The camera follows Chris as he takes one lasting look back at the door. Not too late to back out of this. He looks back to the corner…

…and suddenly Rezin is THERE, awake and wild-eyed, having seemingly roused himself and moved fifteen feet in a matter of seconds.

Chris Trutt:
Geezy Louise-y!

Tar-stained hands wrap around his neck. Rezin’s eyes look like they could bulge from his skull.

Rezin:
WHERE ARE MY DIAMONDS, JULIO?!

Chris Trutt:
...w-what?!

Rezin begins shaking him aggressively by the cuff of his blazer. Chris can only cry out in terror.

Rezin:
I WANT MY DIAMONDS, JULIO, YOU BETTER NOT BE HOLDING OUT ON ME!! NOW WHERE ARE MY GODDAMN DIAMONDS!?!

Chris Trutt:
P-PLEEAASSE, I-I have no idea what you’re talking about! H-HONEST!

Rezin blinks, as if suddenly coming to. He glances around the room as if suddenly unsure of his surroundings.

Rezin:
...wait a sec, where am I?

Chris Trutt:
U-uhhh… the boiler room?

Rezin:
…boiler room?

Chris Trutt:
I-in the WrestlePlex?

Rezin:
WrestlePlex…??

The light bulb finally goes off over Rezin’s head.

Rezin:
OH!! DEFIANCE! Right… I’m back here again.

The defiled daredevil of the ring releases the rookie reporter of the backstage and gives him a look over. He snaps his fingers, and like magic… 

♫ “Into the Void” by Black Sabbath ♫

Chris Trutt:
...uh, where is that music coming from?

Rezin:
Nevermind that, this is just how I do things. More importantly, who in the hell are YOU?

Chris Trutt:
I… I’m, uh, Trutt!

Rezin:
…Trutt? Is that seriously your name?

Chris Trutt:
Yessir, Chris Trutt! Reporter, interviewer, and sometimes host of Uncut at your duty! Pleased to meet you!

Trutt extends a hand. Rezin doesn’t even look at it, let alone take the handshake. He simply stares into the young reporter’s eyes with his unsettling “Nick Cage” stare. An awkward moment passes as he takes a hit off a vape pen that somehow ended up in his hand, and blows smoke directly into his face. The interviewer coughs, and ultimately abandons the salutation effort.

Chris Trutt:
…uh, anywhoozles…

Rezin:
Wait a minute--WAITJUSTAGODDAMBMINUTE here… did you just say “anywhoozles”?

Chris Trutt:
Uhh… yes?

Rezin:
…my dude, I’m going to have to ask you to refrain from that Ned Flanders baby-talk when in my general vicinity, or I might be compelled to butcher you and sell your parts on the black market.

Chris Trutt:
Yeesh… I’ll, uh… try my best.

Rezin pats him a couple times on the cheek and turns back to his mess of a living space. Trutt lets out a sigh of relief.

We get a rare glimpse of the wild Rezin in his natural habitat, fixing himself to a breakfast of leftover hotdogs from the snack bar which he tosses lazily into a hotplate and smothers in yellow mustard. While it cooks, he fixes up a concoction of coffee older than Eric Dane, spiked with a swig of bottom-shelf bourbon, a splash of PBR, and a bit of blueberry Kool-Aid conveniently stored in a Windex bottle. He gulps down his drink and belches, leaving Chris to make a face of disgust.

Chris Trutt:
So, uhh--

Rezin:
AHH! You’re still here? Shit, I thought you were another hallucination… 

Chris Trutt:
Well, no, I’m very real… 

Rezin:
Gawd, what a tragedy. Well, whuzzup then, did you need something...? 

Rezin checks the “watch” tattooed around his right wrist, perpetually set to twenty past four.

Rezin
…cause I got a meeting with Shields up on the roof here in a few, and I don’t like to leave my customers waiting.

Chris Trutt:
Well uh, as it so happens I was here hoping to interview someone from the Kabal…

Rezin:
You mean the Fallen?

Chris Trutt:
Oh… is that the official name then?

Rezin:
Fucked if I knew, bro, you’d have to ask the Boss. Unfortunately, he’s out on a Uber run, and I couldn’t tell ya where the others are. For today, you just get ME… the ol’ dirty-jokin’, smope-dokin’, rear-naked-chokin’ Goat Bastard, raw and unfiltered!

Chris Trutt:
Oh man… well, anywhoooOUHH--ANYHOW, do YOU at least have time to answer a few questions?

Rezin:
Questions?! YOU have questions!? Buddy, I have questions! I’ve had questions since the day I walked into this place!

Rezin:
How is it we’re in New Orleans, but literally NOBODY here has heard of Eyehategod?! How many friggin’ rooms are in this building?! Does DEFIANCE have its own petting zoo TOO?! Why hasn’t the photographer taken my picture for the website?! Is it because I threatened to tear off his face and wear it as a murder-mask if he caught my bad side!?

His half-crazed eyes find the camera, and he advances toward it. His eyes dart around the corners of the frame as if he’s somehow aware he’s being viewed on a screen.

Rezin:
Are we even REAL? Or are we all just part of some fictional wrestling simulation? Could we be nothing more than immaterial avatars, strewn up from the aether and into life by the whims of greater entities? Could it be that all of our hopes, dreams, and ambitions are nothing more than the product of ideas, thought up by people with nothing better to do in their lives other than escape into this “fantasy wrestling” world!?

His eyes suddenly flash with anger.

Rezin:
And if so, THEN WHY THE FUCK DID THEY MAKE ME BALD?!

Over his shoulder, Chris leans in to get his attention.

Chris Trutt:
Um… actually, the questions I have are a bit less… existential in nature...

Rezin rolls his eyes as he backs off the camera and rejoins the interviewer.

Rezin:
Ugh, fine. Well then, I suppose you wanna know what’s cookin’ with the Kabal?

Chris Trutt:
...don’t you mean The Fallen?

Rezin:
G’UGH!! Kabal, Fallen… whatever, I don’t care, Trutt-Crack! Just call it “The Kaballen” from now on… 

Chris Trutt:
Okay, then, what’s cookin’ with “The Kaballen?” Specifically, given the events that happened at the end of DEFtv last week, what’s Stalker’s overall plan for DEFIANCE?

Rezin:
Heh heh… you wanna know all about Stalks’ dastardly schemes? Well, I’d love to fill ya in, but… I can’t quite do that.

Chris Trutt:
Because it’s… a secret?

Rezin:
No, because I literally have NO idea what the plan is!

Chris Trutt:
...no idea, whatsoever? You truly don’t know what’s going on within your own organization?!

Rezin shrugs and makes a fart noise out of the corner of his mouth.

Rezin:
Hey man, one day, Boss says, “I need to you to go after this new title,” so I’m like “Aight, you got it.” Next day, Boss says, “I need you to tag with this dude in a mask,” so I’m like “Cool, cool.” Then Boss says, “I need you to put on this outfit…”

Rezin reaches out of frame and pulls up the Green Reaper mask and cowl.

Rezin:
“...and help me jump these jabronis, with the lights going out and this video playing and shit.” And even though I don’t wanna, cause this damb thing reeks of bourbon and crawdad, I’m like “Sure sure, bruh, whatevs.” I don’t know the rhyme or reason to it, but like any ol’ turd floating through the sewage of existence, I just go with the flow.

Chris Trutt:
So… you don’t have any hand to play in this? You’re just blindly following his orders?

Rezin snaps, and aggressively waves a finger in the reporter’s face as a warning.

Rezin:
Hey-HEY NOW!! The Goat Bastard doesn’t take orders from ANYBODY! I just… take some friendly suggestions, ya know? And yeah, sure, I am WELL AWARE that dressing up in this cheap spooky Batman villain outfit is probably the least PUNK ROCK thing I’ve done since I’ve broken into DEFIANCE!

He tosses the Reaper costume aside with casual indifference.

Rezin:
Back in the day, Stalks and I would have just ran in that ring with chairs, beat everybody in sight into a pulp, and walked out without a word. Just IN -- and BAM! -- and out, knaw’mean? Woulda got the message across perfectly. We were something else back then… we were men to be FEARED. But the Boss… 

The Goat Bastard groans, knowing those glorious days of chaos and insanity will likely never come back.

Rezin:
He’s different these days. Something’s changed in him. He’s all into this performance art with the lights and the costumes and the smoke and the mirrors. I don’t really get it… but hey, I’ll humor it, to a point. I get free rides out of it anyhow.

Chris Trutt:
But doesn’t it worry you that he’s making enemies of two of the most feared and respected figures of DEFIANCE in Deacon and Lindsay Troy?

Rezin:
Ehh, I typically wouldn’t go around setting fire to sleeping giants all willy-nilly. But from another pee-oh-vee, maybe Stalks has served me up a treat, because if there’s two people I absolutely CANNOT STAND in this world, it’s religious nuts, and royalty! I don’t bow to any god, and I don’t kneel to any crown! And do you know whyyyyy?

Rezin’s shark-like sneering grin spreads across his face as he waits for the interviewer to come up with the answer on his own. 

Chris Trutt:
...is it because your punk r--?

Rezin:
IT’S BECAUZE I’M PUNK ROCK AS FUCK, Big Juicy Trutt! Even in the face of oblivion, I will not compromise this! So bring on the Freak, and bring on the Queen, cause I’m gonna invert the cross and pull out the guillotine! Know what I mean?

Chris Trutt:
I suppose. But aside from the two of them, how will the… “Kaballen” react to the recent return of Keyes?

Rezin:
“KEYES?!” What Keyes!? Car Keyes? Piano Keyes? The Florida Keyes? Hey hey, we’re the they Mon-Keyes? And people say we monkey around?

Chris Trutt:
What? NO! I meant HENRY Keyes! The man who broke up your assault on Deacon and Troy!

Rezin:
Wait, you mean that reject Final Fantasy character? That wannabe Nikola Tesla? Oh rest assured, Trutt-Stuff, he’s found his place at the top of my personal shit-list! Who does he think he is, with his goggles, and his hydraulic contraptions, and his pneumatic engineering?! That isn’t PUNK RO-uhh... 

Rezin stops himself and scratches his beard thoughtfully and he re-analyzes that statement.

Rezin:
Okay well I guess steampunk technically is kinda punk rock… but just barely! And everyone knows, steampunks and crust punks are mortal enemies in the overall PUNK ROCK society! They’re all about industrialization, and we’re all about tearing it down!

Chris Trutt:
Where does “cyberpunk” fit into all of that?

Rezin’s gaze gets lost into a thousand-yard stare.

Rezin:
Oh man… do NOT get me started on CYBERPUNK! 

Chris Trutt:
Okay, then let’s just keep this on Henry Keyes… again I will ask, how will “the Kaballen” respond to him coming to the support of your intended targets?

Rezin:
HAH! You think we have any reason to worry about some airship-flyin’ asshole, stickin’ his oily nose where it don’t belong? OH, I assure you, Trutt-Plug… the Boss will deal with this Henry Keyes in due time! 

Chris Trutt:
So this doesn’t alter his plans in any way? Well… not like you’d know one way or the other, I guess.

Visibly triggered, Rezin shakes a fist semi-threateningly, and Trutt likewise shrinks.

Rezin:
BAH! Plans are overrated anyway! LOOK AT ME! You think I got HERE by following some “plan”?!

He holds out his hands to the absolute squalor of his surroundings. The answer couldn’t be any more obvious. Meanwhile, Rezin’s breakfast of “hotdog stir fry” has long since been burnt to a crisp. A gray smoke has been billowing up from the hotplate, filling the boiler room… 

Chris Trutt:
Ummmm… your hotdogs… I think they’re on fire?

Rezin:
See what I mean? I had PLANNED on eating those hotdogs, but then this interview fell in my lap… and now that plan is burnt to a crisp, like my breakfast! But maybe that’s just how I like it! Ya see, when life shoots me a curveball, I just kick it right through the uprights! And Henry Keyes… he’s no different… 

Chris Trutt:
I think you got your sports mixed up. By the way, is it just me, or uh…  is it getting kinda foggy in here?

Grinning, Rezin hits his vape pen and exhales. There’s even more smoke now. It’s a thickening cloud that continues to grow in mass. Trutt’s lungs can’t take it, and he gets caught into a fit of coughing.

Rezin:
Heh heh… fire doesn’t burn according to any plan. It can’t be predicted… it can’t be controlled. Only the rule of CHAOS is what matters! HA-HA!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Coughing profusely, Trutt retreats from the boiler room while Rezin, cackling like a fiend, disappears in the billowing cloud of smoke. Trutt staggers back into the hallway as some force slams the door to the boiler room behind him. The reporter, dumbfounded at what he has just experienced, can only shake his head as he walks away. As Black Sabbath continues to groove in the background, we fade to black.

Lance:
It has been a big edition of Uncut tonight with the DEFy Awards but as far as matches go our next one doesn’t get much bigger than this! 

DDK:
You’ve got that right partner. Mason Luck of the Lucky Sevens takes on a fellow seven foot … AND A HALF … monster, Uriel Cortez!

DDK:
I don’t think anybody will go into this expecting technical master-class wrestling especially when this grudge has become very personal. The Lucky Sevens face the Sky High Titans at Defiance Road and if The Titans win they get five minutes alone in the ring with the man that betrayed them months ago, Tom Morrow. If the Sevens win they get the rights to the Sky High Titans name! Without further interruptions let’s get to … oh boy … Tom Morrow. 

The camera is on the stage now where Tom Morrow is standing and Ken Ellis holds out his mic for him so he doesn’t have to do it. 

Tom Morrow:
Hello everyone! I am Tom Morrow, the brains behind Better Future Talent Agency and the brains behind the charisma and the brawn of my clients! Not one … but two seven foot tall killing machines! With his brother, Max Luck wishing him luck, please welcome seven foot tall! Three hundred and four pounds! Mason Luck!

He points up and the solid green 7 7 7 appears on the DEFIA-Tron that now become golden dollar signs. Lights go out next.

♫ “Money” by Of Mice and Men ♫

The lights come back on and the fans now show the twins putting up “The Winning Hand” while wearing solid green capes! Now both twins have goatees to show that they have indeed turned to the dark side and the weight belts both men wear have green dollar signs. The “Winning Hand” gesture comes out again and the twins look ready to hurt Uriel. Max pats Mason on his back and the older of the two twins hits the ring. After the group of no-gooders gets there Mason steps inside the squared circle. He soaks in the jeers. 

After they get there, Thomas Keeling hits the stage now in a gray Brooks Brothers suit, getting cheers from the crowd wearing the signature aviator goggles of the Sky High Titans. Morrow looks angry and yells “that was my idea!” but Thomas smiles and waves at his son. 

Thomas Keeling:
Hi, son. You’ll get your beating at DEFIANCE Road, but tonight Mason Luck is gonna show you what you have in store. Introducing OUR giant! Standing at seven foot one… 

Crowd:
AND A HALF!

Thomas Keeling:
Please welcome, accompanied by his tag team partner Minute… Weighing 360 pounds! He is The Titan of Industry… URIEL CORTEZ!

♫ “Let’s Go” by Run The Jewels ♫

The largest man in DEFIANCE makes his way out wearing his own signature business suit and smirks for the crowd. Behind him, the luchador Minute has a t-shirt cannon and fires off a couple into the crowd! The camera catches a fan unbundling the shirt to reveal the new “Sky High Titans: Towering Over The Competition” shirt. Morrow looks angry and Max Luck is trying to calm him down as Minute continues to launch a few. 

DDK:
I think some mind games there! For a few weeks, Tom Morrow has been taking all the credit for the Titans name and likeness. 

Lance:
Smart. Now Uriel hits the ring… oh, boy, here we go! The giants are not waiting!

DING DING DING!!!

A boot from Max gets Uriel Cortez in the stomach before he can even get his coat off. Punches by Mason Luck continue to land and Uriel is trying to shield himself but Mason is all over him with the strikes. Max is on the outside cheering on his brother with some juking and jiving Mohammad Ali style. Mason has Uriel backed into a corner. He throws three knee lifts into the chest of Uriel and then puts boots down until he has his foot up trying to choke Uriel. And while he is choking Uriel he looks to the camera outside the ring and smiles. 

Mason Luck:
Encino Men! Coming to a Netflix queue near you! Da-dum!

DDK:
Oh my God is he plugging that show?

Lance:
I heard it too. 

Mason stops choking Uriel with his feet. He runs into Uriel with a clothesline in the corner and then he looks really happy with the damage he has done. Max reaches up to his brother and delivers a high five. Mason smiles and he runs towards Uriel again but he gets the shock of his life as the explosive monster comes out of the corner and he runs over Mason using a running shoulder block. The DEFIANCE Wrestling faithful cheer for Uriel especially when his coat comes off. 

DDK:
Uriel means business. 

The Titan of Industry has Mason up and a big punch sends him flying into a corner. The punch is followed by another splash in the corner and then that gets followed up with his signature Chop of the Ages! Mason is struck down using the chop and Uriel uses it again! 

Lance:
Mason’s chest will never be the same again!

DDK:
That chop lives up to its name. 

Uriel Cortez is now playing up to the crowd and has them in the palm of his hand. Morrow yells at Mason to keep fighting. When he tries to mount up another attack Uriel punches him in the face and then gets Mason off his feet with a full nelson slam. The move hits and Uriel is trying to pin Mason. 

One …
Two … No!!!

Lance:
After that big start by Mason Luck it’s now Uriel on the offensive. 

DDK:
He sure is. The Lucky Sevens have defeated the Sky High Titans before but this is now personal between these two teams. 

Mason is trying to get up when Uriel is scooping him on the shoulder. Big Money Mase sneaks out of the hold and hits blows to the back but Uriel Cortez counters with a big clothesline and then Mason gets sent to the outside of the ring.

DDK:
Uriel is hard to stop once he gets himself going! That’s the training of the Keelings when they brought him up. 

Uriel is over the ropes now and then he goes out to the floor to deliver more punishment on Mason. He hits a head butt and then Mason is backed into a ring post. Uriel runs at him now but Mason is out of the way at the last second and Uriel hits the post hard. Cortez hits with such force that the post shakes a little bit and his shoulder is full of stinging pain. 

DDK:
Ouch! There goes Cortez into that post and you know Mason will exploit that. 

Lance:
I know! And there he goes already! Winning Hand on the shoulder!

Mason Luck uses the Winning Hand and clamps down on the massive shoulder of his opponent. Make no mistake Uriel wishes it was a massage and not a fellow giant trying to rip his shoulder apart. Mason continues to clamp down on it and then punches on the shoulder. He then gets Uriel back to the ring and then he goes in with him. Uriel is trying to fight back up just to get on his knees but each time he does Mason puts a kick into his face or his chest to make sure he stays down. Minute and Thomas Keeling support their friend with cheers but Mason continues to kick him until he stays down. He jumps up and hits a leg drop to Uriel once and then gets back up to hit a second one. Mason covers the giant with his forearm in his face. 

One …
Two … No!!!

DDK:
Mason can’t believe the kick out, but he has a chance to beat Uriel! 

Mason has his hands out. The Winning Hand is now clamped onto Uriel’s face but for the first time ever, a member of the Lucky Sevens gets overpowered and grabs his hand then pulls it back. Mason screams in pain when Uriel delivers a head butt and then a second one. Uriel rocks him and then comes off the ropes but he gets caught with a running high knee from Mason to the face. That blow sends Uriel back a step and then leaves him open for yet another Winning Hand … no the Winning Hand Slam!!!

DDK:
The ring rattled with that one! I can’t believe he manhandled Uriel Cortez like that!

Lance:
I think that’s gonna be the end of this one!

One …
Two …
No!!!

Uriel’s arm comes up while the surprised Big Money Mason looks at his brother and Tom Morrow outside. 

Tom Morrow:
Shoulder! Go for the shoulder!

Mason approves and then when Uriel tries to get up the older of the two Lucks kicks the shoulder of the Titan of Industry. He slams his arm down on the canvas and then stomps on it again. Uriel is left in a rarely seen vulnerable position and then Mason claws his shoulder using the Winning Hand again!

DDK:
You can say whatever you like about Morrow! He has the managerial experience to know how to find a weakness his men can exploit.

Lance:
That sums up his entire career. He’s a snake or a chameleon changing his colors to survive but he’s seen a lot in that time. 

Thomas Keeling is telling Uriel to hang in there but the big claw has him reeling on the mat while seated. Minute is cheering him on every bit of the way with Thomas Keeling telling him to grab the arm. The fans start cheering him on and that gives Uriel the necessary chance to will himself back up. 

DDK:
Uh-ohh Uriel is getting back up! He’s fighting through the Winning Hand!

He tries to clamp down harder but Uriel is already sitting up and he backs up with Mason behind him so he gets smashed between the Titan and the corner. He smashes him again and Big Money Mason loses his grip. Uriel shakes off the pain, turns around and then crushes Mason using another head butt and then another clothesline that knocks him flat on his back. Uriel backs up and then when he gets a chance he leaves the ground with his massive drop kick!!!

Lance:
Wow that drop kick from a man that large! That was like a parked car being thrown at Mason. 

DDK:
And I think we’re coming up to the end!

The rest of Team Better Future are in full on panic mode on the outside especially as Uriel cuts Mason in half with a big spear in the middle of the ring! He tries pinning Mason. 

One …
Two …

DDK:
Oh come on! Max grabs the official and pulls him outside!

Max drags the referee to the floor and then heads into the ring to get right to striking away at Uriel Cortez and this gets the official to ring the bell for the obvious disqualification!

DING DING DING!!!

DDK:
That’s a victory for Uriel via disqualification but I don’t think the Lucky Sevens care!

Max pounds away at Uriel while he’s on the ground and Minute has seen enough so he goes inside. He goes at the leg of Max with two drop kicks and causes him to stumble. Morrow yells at Max to kick his ass and he tries to grab Minute with the Winning Hand. He picks up the luchador but he gets taken over wit a hurrican-rana sending him to the ropes when Uriel gets up and hits a big clothesline to knock him out of the ring! The Sky High Titans look to Mason but he rolls out of the ring to join his brother. Max kicks the steel steps and he wants back in to get his hands on Minute but Morrow holds him back. 

Lance:
There we go! The Sevens want to fight, but Morrow is telling them to retreat. 

Tom Morrow:
No no no! You’ll get your chance soon! Come on!

Max doesn’t want to but Mason tells him that the Titans will get their soon enough. Meanwhile Uriel Cortez, Minute and Thomas Keeling are occupying the ring.

DDK:
Uriel wins tonight by disqualification but with stakes being really high at Defiance Road both teams want to get some momentum ahead of that big match!

Lance:
Morrow holding his guys back! This is far from over. 

BRAZEN - Where the next generation CLASH!

The scene cuts to the Ballyhoo Brew but this time into the parking lot. “Horror” Hector Harris, who has recently been seen on UNCUT supporting his “boys”, “Extra Butter” Gilbert Rogers, “Sticky Floors” Alan Goldstein and “Free Refills” Berry Chernobyl, also known as Screen 7, stands alongside the three of them, pacing back and forth in the lot. The 50-year-old manager is clearly working on a heart attack.

“Horror” Hector Harris:
BOYS… my BOYS… as if you didn’t get to be finalists on the FACTION of the YEAR ballot. What a joke! The Kabal… some psychopath in a mid-life crisis gets a bunch of scumbags together and thinks it’s a COOL and EDGY group… HA. Because he can DRIVE A CAR he thinks he’s untouchable. THE KABAL DESERVE NOTHING. Then we have PCP, the Pop Culture Phenoms, joke after joke after joke they provide. THEY ARE THE JOKE. Elise Ares is a moron entertainer. WE NEED MIKEY! WE NEED MIKEY! I am sick and fucking tired of entertainers! Elise’s schtick is so god damn BORING!!

Harris tries to take a deep breath. Chernobyl puts a hand on his shoulder, genuinely concerned for his “manager”.

HHH:
And then, 24K. What is there to say about them that WE can’t do better!?

Seriously?

Yeah… seriously. This guy believes himself.

HHH:
I run a PODCAST. I rip on DEFIANCE daily. It’s a SHIT SHOW. This federation is a JOKE. LAUGH IT UP. That’s what I do. I am an elite CRITIC. I know the roles, I know what works and what doesn’t. DEFIANCE doesn’t work without MY BOYS. My BOYS are the most prestigious men in this company and they’ll soon get their shots! On my PODCAST, I rip this place to shreds! You should listen to it because I am ALWAYS right and you, the listener, are ALWAYS wrong. IF YOU DON’T SPEAK THE EXACT SAME LANGUAGE AS ME AND… MY BOYS… YOU’RE A FUCKING DICK MUNCH!

Nearing a heart attack, Harris tries to collect himself.

He can’t.

He’s huffing and puffing. Alan Goldstein is nearing tears, thinking he’s going to witness his manager pass out right in front of him. Gilbert Rogers, on the other hand, is just jiggling his massive chest around and around and around.

Finally… Harris pulls it together. He turns to Chernobyl and tells him to “kick down the bar doors”.

Chernobyl does.

BANG!

The doors swing wide open! Harris starts screaming wildly. He’s mouthing off gibberish!

HHH:
YOU MOTHER FUCKERS, THE SHOW IS OVER. IT’S JUST GETTING STARTED. MY BOYS ARE HERE… AND WE ARE TAKING THE FACTION AWar...ds…

Harris’ voice trails off.

The scene pans out… they are standing inside an abandoned bar.

Harris looks over to Goldstein.

HHH:
I thought you said this is where they were meeting?

Goldstein is shaking from fear, realizing he was wrong.

“Sticky Floors” Alan Goldstein:
I… I thought it was?

Harris kicks the ground.

HHH:
FUCK!

The scene fades.

Back to the real bar… Warner is at the podium.

Lance Warner:
FACTION of the YEAR… the finalists are… The Kabal, PCP and 24K!

The screen splits into the three factions and the announcer as he looks at the display card in front of him.

Lance Warner:
The winners… POP CULTURE PHENOMS!

“Live For The Night” by Krewella

This was the first “Stable of the Year” win for the Pop Culture Phenoms, and their first DEFY Award nomination.

The Ballyhoo Brew erupts into a mixture of cheers and boos, but mostly cheers and clapping, as Elise Ares stands up to her feet and scrambles to try and find a note tucked somewhere into her bright red elegant awards dress with what could only be described as a “plunging” neckline not leaving much to the imagination. Beside her The D stands up and pulls a series of index cards out of his pocket and hands them to his long-time tag partner before they head to the stage. The D wears what could only be described as a traditional hitman outfit, a perfectly fitted armani suit he probably bought for his eventual Oscar win in 2006 as Best Director... Behind them, Klein wears a full black tuxedo with a matching box tucked under his arm, ushering the two attention starved grapplers to the stage.

Once on the stage, Lance Warner goes to shake their hand but Elise jumps back instinctively trying not to touch the announcer before The D joins her and stares at the extended hand. The two have a small conference before Klein steps in front of them, takes Lance’s hand and guides him off stage. Elise quickly attacks the microphone stand while The D marvels at the little fist trophies on the tiny table next to them, before picking them up and handing them out to his fellow PCP stablemates.

Elise Ares:
Oh… my God. I have so many people to thank and so much so say, where are my notes? I’m going to forget everything.

The Queen of Sports Entertainment Style fumbles with her index cards.  Her almond-shaped brown eyes are hidden behind giant women’s designer sunglasses as she begins to read.

Elise Ares:
First I need to thank God and his son Jesus Christ for giving me the talent and charisma that I have today. With God, all things are possible. Second, I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank The D, Klein, Flex Kruger…

She pauses for a moment.

Elise Ares:
Crap, I forgot her name… the gothic one. Always hangs around our locker room being all crazy and stuff. Without you all there would be no Pop Culture Phenoms. I’d just be a single, extremely successful megastar, but would be super lonely and the world would be a whole lot less fun without you in it. Thirdly, of course, I need to thank the Aresites for all their support dealing with my ups and downs as both a performer and a human being. Always remember that at the end of the day, despite my struggles, superior talent will always rise to the top. Be patient. Fourth, I need to thank my stylist Jennif…

The D distracts her by handing her a shiny award and her jaw drops while he steps in front of her.

The D:
Tight five. Thank you to the true leading lady of DEFIANCE, Elise Ares, without whom I would not have a career. Thank you to Klein for standing with me, even when I was acting stupid. Thank you to O-Face for being you. And thank you finally to Flex, who’s smarter than you all think. Flex. Come on out here.

Just off stage, Flex, wearing a sleeveless tuxedo with bowtie, looks to be carrying a huge ass giant display cabinet on his back. With a lurch and a thud, he drops it in front of Klein. It’s mostly empty. A razzie here, a SEG award there, but Klein starts to load it up with the five Faction awards shaped in the FIST. The D leans back into the mic for one last quick one.

The D:
And thank you to The Faithful, for without you, there would be no us. 

The D raises his FIST award high in the air, shaped in a fist. Elise snaps out of her daze as the D steps away from the podium.

Elise Ares:
… Marsh, who always made my hair silky smooth. We can’t forget number five, my makeup artist Judy. My parents, not for being even remotely great parents… but for giving birth to me. Genetically, I am in your debt. Sixth, my agent, Reginald Klein Boxman III, Esq. who handles all my daily inconveniences. My childhood friends back home in Cuba... SUCK IT! I made it losers! Oh yeah, speaking of haters... SUCK IT, MIKEY! SUCK IT, KENDRIX! Seventh, my God, how did I forget...

Suddenly music begins to play from inside Klein’s box, as he pulls out a boombox and sits it on the table where the awards once were. It’s a crescendoing Orchestra. He motions with his hands for Elise to wrap it up!

Elise Ares:
Grammy, Senorita Mariana, Eddie, Helena, Carlos, Carmen, Abbie H, Abbie R, Mrs. Buttersworth, Theodore Ruxpin, I LOVE YOU ALL!

Elise continues to shout names as The D gently pushes her off stage. Flex and Klein lift up the trophy case and carry it off stage.

As PCP departs, left on stage are Lance Warner and O-Face, who apparently was there the entire time. She wears an elegant-for-her punk inspired torn black dress and black eyeliner. She was probably hiding in the shadow of Flex’s trophy case. O-Face looks awkwardly to Lance, tilts her head as if studying the announcer, before…

… … …

Static interrupts the broadcast with a 24K symbol appearing in the middle of the TV screen above the podium.

“We Interrupt this boring DEFIANCE broadcast to bring to you a Manly Man 24K announcement...”

The sounds of a high pitch whistle emanate from the TV. As the shot from the screen pans, it reveals the sound to originate from none other than a puffed cheeks and wide eyed Jesse Fredericks Kendrix.

The camera switches from the broadcast to the 24K table, where Kendrix is no longer at, obviously doing this broadcast from elsewhere.

Back to the screen, it’s revealed Kendrix sits in the Sweet Suite and whistles through both index fingers held inside his mouth.

DDK:
I didn’t think this guy could become any more annoying but he found a way.

Lance Warner:
And PCP certainly look very annoyed at the interruption.

Wearing his 24K t-shirt the smug Hollywood Bruv slicks his hair back and holds his hands out flat in front of the camera.

Kendrix:
Listen Yeah?!

There’s that shit eating grin as he strokes at his well kept beard.

DDK:
God dammit!

Kendrix:
Now, JFK knows it’s very rude to interrupt, especially during an acceptance speech at an event he didn’t even bother to RSVP for...but you know me...I just like to interrupt. What can be done, am I right? Classic JFK!
He rolls his eyes at the very thought of his mischievousness.

Kendrix:
Most of the time, I interrupt because I think it’s funny, because I’m bored or simply because I just feel like being an arsehole.

He leans forward and wags his finger directly at the lens.

Kendrix:
But on this particular occasion, JFK is interrupting this award acceptance speech which has not only bored him to death but has, quite frankly, also been littered with misdirected credit.

Sitting back up straight Jesse holds the palms of his hands out flat just above his head and spreads them wide as if presenting the scene before him.

Kendrix:
The Sports Entertainment Guild...Faction of the year!

DDK:
That’s not who won this award, Kendrix. PCP did. SEG did not.
Kendrix’s voice trails off slightly, almost sobbingly. He holds his hand to his eyes, gesturing with his index finger upon his other hand for just one moment as he apparently wipes away a tear. Puffing his cheeks out he exhales.

Kendrix:
I’m sorry, I’m sorry...it’s just...this is one of the happiest moments of my life. It’s incredibly emotional...I mean...SEG, DEFIANCE Faction of the year. What an achievement! PUCUP!

DDK:
PUCUP?

Kendrix:
Elise Ares, The D and the other talentless freaks you’ve got going on there…

Jesse holds his hand to his heart, still feeling very emotional of course.

Lance Warner:
I think he means PCP.

Kendrix:
You finally won the respect of your peers who sit before you all this evening. I’ve never been more proud…

The teary eyed ramble is quickly replaced by a more confident...actually, let’s be honest...it’s more of an arrogant demeanor we all unfortunately know too well.

Kendrix:
I’ve never been more proud...of myself!

He affords himself a chuckle as the camera pans slightly to his right.

DDK:
What on earth?

Lance Warner:
It’s huge!

The shot zooms out revealing Kendrix with his arm around an insanely large Golden FIST Award that JFK proudly looks upon before directing his attention back toward the camera.

Kendrix:
Make no mistake about it. The reason JFK sits here with this seven foot Golden FIST award standing proudly in the 24k Sweet Suite is because Jesse Fredericks Kendrix is the very reason SEG reached heights they have never reached before by winning this prestigious award.

DDK:
Can we get this idiot off the screen already? We have two more real awards to go!

Kendrix:
The D...and especially you, Elise...became main eventers because of JFK. You, Elise, even managed to get a title shot at the only DEFIANCE Grand Slam Champion himself, Mikey Unlikely...alllllll because of me!

He jabs his thumb upon his chest.

Kendrix:
You’re welcome. You are very welcome for JFK taking SEG to the next level. You are very welcome for JFK making the entire world feel sorry for you, Elise...when he screwed you over at ASCENSION.

He removes an Etch A Sketch from the coffee table in front of him.

Kendrix:
So, DEFIANCE. If I may...JFK has only a very small list of people he would kindly like to thank for this well deserved giant Faction of the Year award he demanded as a deserved payment for co-hosting the most popular DEFIANCE show in history...a 24Khristmas.

DDK:
Ugh, get over yourself.

Jesse over exaggeratingly clears his throat;

Kendrix:
In no particular order...Number 1: MIKEY UNLIKELY! Number 2: PERFECTION! Number 3: CAYLE MURRAY! Number 4: MICHAEL UNLIKELY! NUMBER 5: PERFS!

DDK:
This is ridiculous. What a surprise, 24K getting all the credit.

Kendrix:
Number 6: MURPHISTO! Number 7: MIKEY MONEY HIMSELF, MIKEY UNLIKELY! Number 8: JAMES WITHERHOLD! Number 9: ANDREW MURRAY’S BROTHER...CAYLE! Number 10: MIKEY MIKE! Number 11: SLY JIMMY! Number 12: C-BISCUIT!  Number 13: GRAND SLAM MIKEY! 

DDK:
He likes to remind us all about that bullshit, huh?

Lance Warner:
This isn’t exactly a small thank you list either, Keebs.

Kendrix:
Number 14: JFKAYLE! Number 15: THE HOLLYWOOD BRUVS! Number 16: 24K! Number 17: JACK HUNTER! Number 18: THE SUPERBEST! Number 19: THE LITTLE BRUISER! Number 20: THE GREAT YEAR 2020! Number 21: LIL' BROOZY! Number 22: YUNG CONTUSIONS! Number 23: BARN E. DOG!

DDK:
Who the hell even is Barn E. Dog?

Jesse takes a moment to wipe his brow with a handkerchief before grabbing something from the coffee table.

Kendrix:
This thanking business is incredibly tiring. However, I will thank everyone who deserves to be thanked because I am a Manly Man! Last but not least, possibly the second most important member in SEG behind good old JFK here...number 24...it’s JFK’s ARM CAST!

DDK:
This is despicable. He didn’t even thank anyone actually in PCP.
He grabs a second Etch A Sketcher, concentrating really hard at it.

Kendrix:
I think that’s it...give me a sec guys, just checking I’ve not left anything or anyone out of my speech, that would be really rude of JFK. Let me see...Interrupt the acceptance speech, rudely of course, check! Quite rightly Take credit for SEG receiving the Faction of the Year award, check! Show off Giant FIST award due to doing all the hard work for SEG to receive the award...check! Thank everyone else who contributed to gaining the award votes...check! End speech by dedicating the award then smile, wave and say bye bye cunts…

Lance Warner:
Uff.

Jesse’s eyes widen in pure horror.

Kendrix:
How embarrassing, I almost forgot to sign off! As the former leader of SEG I hereby dedicate this beautiful award to…

A drum roll appears out of nowhere.

Kendrix:
24K! 

DDK:
What a surprise, of course!

On cue, Jesse grins, shakes the Etch A Sketch before chucking it nonchalantly over his shoulder and begins to over exaggeratingly wave.

Kendrix:
BYE BYE, CUNTS!

The Broadcast ends with the 24K symbol appearing on screen as JFK closes his eyes while hugging the giant FIST award.

“This exciting and entertaining manly man announcement was brought to you by 24K”

Keebler elbows Warner, whispering.

DDK:
Get Trutt up there or something A-SAP. Let’s get on with the night.

The camera goes back to Ballyhoo Brew. Instead of Lance Warner at the podium, it’s Chris Trutt.

Chris Trutt:
Hi. Here to give the DEFIANTS of the YEAR awards.

Trutt is a little unsure of himself but continues.

Chris Trutt:
The finalists are… The Comments Section!

The table shows The Comments Section. They already look rather dejected from previous losses in the night.

Chris Trutt:
Sky High Titans!

Minute and Cortez are with Thomas Keeling.. They seem eager to hear…

Chris Trutt:
And The ToyBox!

Jestal and Dandelion are dressed in their nicest fun house outfits.

Chris Trutt:
And the DEFIANTS of the YEAR are… THE COMMENT SECTION!

As Trutt’s voice fades, the broadcast pans over to Malak Garland, sitting in the front row with his arms and legs crossed and a sour look on his face. He is flanked by his cohorts, Cyrus Bates and Teresa Ames to each side of him. A spotlight shines upon the trio as they are announced to be the winners of the DEFIANTS of The Year Award but Malak doesn’t budge an inch. Instead, he gives a pouty look directly into the camera focused on him. The broadcast cuts back to Chris Trutt nervously standing on stage.

Chris Trutt:
Ahem! Again, the winners of DEFIANTS of The Year, for 2020, please help me warm welcome The Comments Section! Come up here, please! PLEASE!

Again, the spotlight shines and the broadcast focuses back on Malak and friends but the sour Keyboard King doesn’t move. Cyrus leans over and gently nudges his leader with a soft elbow, trying to get him to move. Teresa whispers sweet motivational nothings into Malak’s ears.

Chris Trutt: [Not realizing he’s speaking into a live microphone]
He’s not deaf, is he? I mean, I can see him. He’s right there in the front row.

It’s simply a matter of time before Malak finally decides to move his body on his terms. Cyrus and Teresa lead the way to the stage as Malak’s facial demeanour does not change the entire time. Once at the small set of steps to ascend onto the stage, Malak pushes his way past Cyrus and Teresa in order to go up the stairs first. The Cute N Qwerty Gurl and Bellicose Brawler blindly accept their mistreatment and end up bracketing the speech podium Malak assumes control of by pushing Trutt out of the way. There is little to no response from the Ballyhoo crowd that consists of mostly DEFIANCE talent.

Malak Garland:
It’s about time I’m up here. Lots to unpack, for sure.

The pouty attitude continues despite the fact The Comments Section is on stage winning the top group award and something that is looked at as second to the top award overall.

Malak Garland: [Pointing to his surroundings]
All of this is lame. Look at this place. Ballyhoo Brew. What a joke of an establishment. I can’t believe DEFIANCE executives thought it would be a good idea to hold the year end awards at such a partisan place.

Malak withdraws a set of colored cue cards from his pocket.

Malak Garland:
Honestly, I feel disrespected about how my genius was ignored in every other category. How did Teresa’s ASMR sessions not win? Literally? That was my creative genius. In fact, Teresa, do some calming finger flutters into the microphone RIGHT NOW!

Tentative at first, Ames essentially forces herself to do some of her patented finger flutters into the microphone. The sound of friction between fingers echoes throughout the otherwise awkwardly silent bar.

Malak Garland:
That’s enough! Move back.

Malak shuffles through his cards, clearly rattled that his speeches for every award he thought he’d win was now of no use. He tosses a few cards onto the stage floor before reading one over and proceeding with his speech. Surprisingly, his mood improves drastically and a smile breaks across his face while reading the card.

Malak Garland: [Reading]
Right. I’d like to thank whatever nondenominational religious, spiritual or fictitious being anyone believes in or does not believe in, for gracing me with the talent to where I got to and I look forward to breaking the high score on Galaga, despite already seeing the high score list consist of one, C. Fuse only. Groan. Am I right, or am I right? I must make an important proclamation.

The sermon continues as Malak angrily slams his fists on the podium.

Malak Garland:
Let it be known that 2021 will be the year of Malak because when there are enough snowflakes falling, everyone should expect an avalanche!

No one in the crowd is sure what to do. They definitely don’t clap at something that comes off as a legit threat. Malak and his gang saunter off stage to near silence. Malak is sure to collect his hardware before disappearing out of sight.

Back to Warner and DDK at their table.

DDK:
Main event time. We should get to that and then, DEFIANT of the YEAR! Enjoy!

Catch DEFIANCE Live in your town! DEFIANCEWrestling.com

DDK:
Fans, welcome back to our final match of the evening for tonight’s DEFy Awards Spectacular version of UNCUT and we don’t have them any bigger than we’re about to get right now! In just one week’s time, “Twists and Turns” Oscar Burns will be renewing an old and bitter rivalry with Scott Stevens. But before we get to DEFtv, the former FIST of DEFIANCE is in the ring with one of DEFIANCE’s most accomplished tag team wrestlers, The D!

Lance:
Two interesting tales, indeed. Burns seems to be in a little bit of a slump since losing what YOU, the Faithful, have declared our Match of the Year in Two out of Three Falls against Lindsay Troy! Meanwhile, The D is looking for a big singles win here tonight while he and Elise Ares have been trying to get their hands on the man that betrayed the PCP, Kendrix and his new cohort Cayle Murray. 

DDK:
This will definitely be a clash of styles and they have a bit of history. Oscar Burns and The D actually had two singles battles over the FIST when Burns held that title and neither ended conclusively thanks to Mikey Unlikely at the time.  The D has done it all as a tag team wrestler with Elise Ares. The first and longest-reigning World Tag Team Champion. Former Trios Champion. Former Unified Tag Team Champion… but this is a HUGE match and an important one Burns also doesn’t want to lose. Let’s go to the intros.

To Darren Quimbey we go for the final match of 2020! 

Darren Quimbey:
The following match is scheduled for one fall! Introducing from Wellington, New Zealand… weighing in at 237 pounds, he is ”TWISTS AND TURNS” OSCAR BURNS!

♫ "Raise Your Flag” by MAN WITH A MISSION ♫

Burns makes his way out and while the reception is mostly positive, he does have some confused detractors who don’t know how to react to his recent dealings. Nevertheless, wearing his “I LIKE GRAPS!” t-shirt is up, along with his familiar orange wrestling gear, Burns heads down. Oscar looks at the surroundings and eyes the ring once before he enters. He warms up in the ring and with the Faithful still mostly cheering him, he raises one finger in the air and leans against the middle rope but doesn’t go through with tossing a free shirt into the crowd. The Technical Spectacle leans back in the corner and waits for his opponent. 

Darren Quimbey:
And his opponent, from Culver City, California, weighing in at 176 pounds, he is a member of The Pop Culture Phemons… THE D!

♫ “Live for the Night” by Krewella♫

Out from the back, The Netflix A-Lister gets a decent reaction from the crowd. Out by his lonesome, he raises his fists for the crowd and keeps a cocksure (hee-hee) smile on his face before he shoots a look down the ramp. Burns doesn’t react to him in any particular way, simply leaning back as The D speeds down to the ring. Once he gets there, he rips off his PCP shirt and throws it into the crowd, telling Burns that’s how it’s done since Burns hasn’t given away his own. Burns tosses it aside and looks all business while The D gets himself ready for what will no doubt be a difficult match. Both men meet in the ring… 

DING DING!

Looking pensive as ever, Burns walks forward from the corner while The Netflix A-Lister does the same, carefully approaching Burns. The Technical Spectacle starts to grapple with both arms out, but The D doesn’t want to play that game and goes low, trying to pick a leg out from under Burns. Quickly though, the former two-time FIST adjusts to go behind the former multiple-time Tag Team Champion, then hoists him up and down using a rear waistlock. 

Burns spins around over The D (Shut up, Will) and goes right to a front facelock, making sure he stays grounded. The D tries to fight his way up quickly, but Burns is too strong. He grabs the head and arm and right away, makes with a big half-hatch suplex!

DDK:
Big suplex early on The D by Oscar Burns! He’s looking a little more composed. You’d think for a man who won DEFIANCE Match of the Year AND had multiple matches count as the best all-round wrestler in DEFIANCE, he’d be happier, but… this doesn’t look like that Oscar Burns. 

Lance:
No, he really doesn’t. 

The Technical Spectacle drives a big elbow smash to the jaw of The D, sending him back to the corner before Burns comes in and cracks him under the jaw using a huge running European Uppercut! The blow rocks The D in the corner and then Burns rolls him out with snapmare, then rolls him back into a grounded crucifix pin. 

ONE… TW-NO!

The D kicks out, but Burns stays on him with another sick elbow smash! The blow once again stuns The D and knocks him off his feet. 

DDK:
Look at Oscar! He’s not playing around tonight or second-guessing himself. He’s out here without Morrow or Better Future. 

And as Burns picks The D up by the side and drives him down with another big double arm suplex, And backstage, Tom Morrow is watching the match closely with Alvaro de Vargas at his side. The two are conversing amongst themselves, but the camera doesn’t catch what they’re saying. 

Lance:
Ugh. There they are now. Morrow has just sensed the doubt in Burns lately and he’s digging in there like a mosquito. Just burrowing in there. 

DDK:
Well, whatever the relationship is between the two, it seems to be working for the moment.

Burns underhooks The D’s arms again and then picks him up before he drives him down to the mat again. Burns rolls through and picks him up a third time and hits the trifecta, bridging right into a pin!

ONE… TWO… NO!

The D kicks out, but The Joint Chief of the Joint Locks continues working over the back of the former Tag Team Champion… or so he thinks! He tries getting The D up and over with a German suplex, but The D flips backwards, lands on his feet and hits the ropes! Burns tries to get up, only to go for a Thrust Kick! Burns blocks out of instinct, but that seems to be something The D counts on as he instead goes low with a kick to Burns’ knees followed by a huge jumping DDT!

Burns grabs at his face as the D plants off the back of his neck, leaps high in the air and drops an elbow down onto the back of Burns’ head. Once there, with his body positioned horizontally on Burns’ back, The D chinlocks Burn’s head back, driving his knee in. 

DDK:
Impressive tandem impact move there Lance, and now he’s trying to play Oscar’s game. I’m not sure if that’s the right move.

Indeed, Oscar begins to pry at the D’s hold, yanking at the fingers and twisting them. The D breaks the hold entirely, standing to his feet and shaking his joints loose. Burns climbs to his knees, cautious, waiting for the D to try to strike. Instead, The D waits, only for Burns to climb to his feet. The D keeps gripping and ungripping his hands as the two circle each other. Burns shoots for the leg, but the D hops out and continues circling. Burns takes two more swipes and the third one finds paydirt. Burns transitions from hooking one of the legs into a plain ol’ tackle, mounted position, before trying to transition…

But the D is close enough to the ropes to prevent any sort of transition.

Lance:
The D and Burns have had history, but they don’t truly know each other like tag team partners or heated rivals might. Seems they’re both feeling the other out here in the early goings.

D and Burns circle, collar and elbow, into a hammerlock by the D. The D smiles, nodding in joy at upstaging Burns until Burns reverses it. The D panics, trying to walk to the ropes but Burns keeps directing him away with quick little twists of the wrist. Burns clips the D’s knee and transitions into a side headlock, as the D just power lifts Burns and drops him on his back in a belly to back suplex. The D floats over, backstanding up to his feet, before dropping a leg across Burn’s throat. 

ONE… NO!

The D stays on the offensive, grabbing Burns off the mat by his wrist and tossing him into the far corner. The D leaps.

DDK:
D in your face! Irish whip back the other side, and AGAIN! 

Lance:

He’s kicked things into a higher gear Keebs, off the ropes, WITH EVERYTHING!

The flying crescent kick takes Burns off his feet, as D slips in for the cover.

ONE… TWO… NO!

The D slams his hand into the mat, thinking he had it. He hops up onto the top turnbuckle, and leaps.

DDK:
B-Movie! MISSES! Burns grabs the D from behind, gutbuster, into a german WITH a bridge!

ONE… TWO… NO!

Burns hops off, sizing up the D who’s trying to push to his feet. Burns quickly rushes behind, trying to grab the D’s hands and hook him into some sort of submission. Instinctively, the D drops down, pulling Burns with him and sending him tumbling through the top and middle rope, to the outside.

The D pleads his innocence to Carla, climbs to the top, and FLIES at Oscar with a flying cross body. Both men take a tumble, as Carla begins her count. 

DDK:
Great strategy by The D! He’s making Burns wrestle his pace! Remember, Lindsay Troy did that in their second match in that three-match series and it eventually worked!

Lance:
True, but somebody’s gotta back in the ring soon or it won’t matter!

Carla Ferrari’s count starts as neither man moves immediately. 

Carla Ferrari:
One! Two! Three! Four!

The D is the first one up, followed shortly by Burns. The PCP member grabs Burns and helps toss him back towards the ring, then he himself starts climbing to the top rope. He takes flight… 

DDK:
B Movie! He lands it on the second attempt! Cover!

ONE… TWO… TH--NO!

Burns kicks out, surprising The Netflix A-Lister this time. He decides he’s gonna try and wrap it up when he hooks Burns by the head as he tries to stand. He puts a boot to the gut for good measures and leaps up…

DDK:
Netflix Mo… NO! NO! BURNS HOLDS ON!

Before the D can complete the flip, Burns stops him over his shoulder, then throws him forward and DRILLS him right down into the Back-Crack-A-Ma-Jig! The crowd gasps from the impact as Burns now goes for the cover. 

ONE… TWO… THR--KICKOUT!

The D barely kicks out of the move and Burns still can’t believe it. He looks way more flabbergasted than usual, slamming a hand down on the mat. Backstage, Tom Morrow and Alvaro de Vargas keep watching. 

DDK:
Burns letting this get to him, badly, but he’s trying to shut out whatever’s happening in his head. 

Oscar takes hold of the waist and then tries to get The D into another suplex, but when he lifts him up, he elbows his way free. He leaps up and then tries a forward roll into a pin, but Burns won’t let go, then overpowers The D into a big release wheelbarrow suplex!

Lance:
What a counter to The D’s counter! Can that do it for him?

Burns with another cover, standing but stacking the legs. 

ONE… TWO… THR-NO!

But when The D tries to kick out, Burns grabs the legs, then tries for a Boston crab. He tries to get the Netflix A-Lister on his back, but when it doesn’t work, he leans back and tries a catapult into the corner…

DDK:
Catapult… NO! THE D LANDS BACK! DOUBLE STOMP TO THE CHEST OF BURNS!

Burns gets caught with a HUGE surprise leap from The D back off the turnbuckle driving all the wind out of his chest with a double foot stomp! The Technical Spectacle is left reeling, then The D hooks his neck…

DDK:
Great counter by The D… NETFLIX MONEY! HE CONNECTS!

Lance:
No way! Is that it!

The standing shiranui connects and hurriedly, The D hooks BOTH legs tightly for the cover. 

ONE… TWO… THREE!!!

The Faithful erupt as The D falls over and breathes another sigh of relief. The final wrestling match of 2020 for DEFIANCE and it is… 

Darren Quimbey:
Here is your winner of the match… THE D!

DDK:
Another upset on the two-time FIST, but The D did this all by himself. Burns got in his own head, made a mistake and The D made him pay for it with that stomp out of the corner and followed it up with Netflix Money!

Lance:
That he did! Burns was wrestling a great match like he always does, but he’s been half a step behind his opposition lately for one reason or another. Tonight, The D scores a massive singles win for himself!

The D gets his arm raised by Carla Ferrari while once again, the man with Match of the Year accolades is left looking up at the ceiling lights. He tries to catch his breath after The D stomped it out of him moments ago. Burns stares him down, but instead of offering him a hand as he usually might, he growls under his breath and rolls out of the ring in frustration. As he hobbles up the ramp under his own power, backstage, Morrow looks over to ADV as they finish watching the match. 

Tom Morrow:
All right, this has gone on long enough. It’s time for a come to Jesus meeting with the Kiwi. 

Alvaro de Vargas:
Yeah, enough of this shit. El necesita elegir. He wants our help or he doesn’t. 

The two depart. Back inside the ring, The D is on the second rope and looks pretty damn happy with himself tonight smiling from ear to ear as he takes in the reaction of the crowd. 

DDK:
Big win for the D, as we all look to 2021!

Don't miss the DEFIANCE ROAD, only on DEFonDemand!

And back to the bar for one final time. Warner is at the podium.

Lance Warner:
What a hell of a main event that was in terms of wrestling! The D with a MASSIVE victory! And now… the true main event of the award show, DEFIANT of the YEAR! We all know who the finalists are but just in case you don’t…

The camera switches to Elise Ares.

Lance Warner:
Elise Ares, making her way to super-stardom and the main event scene in 2020!

The camera adds “Twists and Turns” Oscar Burns.

Lance Warner:
Oscar Burns, DEFIANCE’s pure wrestling machine, putting on match of the year after match of the year.

And finally, the camera adds the current FIST of DEFIANCE.

Lance Warner:
And Mikey Unlikely, reaching the top of the DEFIANCE ladder!

A drum roll begins.

Lance Warner:
The winner and the DEFIANT of 2020… MIKEY UNLIKELY!

🎵 “Gold” by Sir Sly🎵

For a split second a surprised look crosses the face of the FIST OF DEFIANCE, Mikey Unlikely. Quickly the surprise gives way to joy as he picks his jaw up and smiles. All the manly men at the 24K table stand up and applaud. The group surrounds Mikey with one of the manliest hugs, to ever manly.

The FIST, complete with the championship in it’s glass display case, makes his way to the stage. He breathes deep to try to stifle the tears that are about to begin leaking from his body. His black tuxedo is form fitting, and every single stitch in the suit is made from gold thread. The boys have spared no expense on this award winning evening. The now award winning champion faces the audience.

Mikey Unlikely: 
Wow! Woah… Who would have thought that after all this time….

He takes a moment to collect himself. He blinks quickly looking up at the lights.

Mikey Unlikely: 
For so many years I’ve tried to reach this pinnacle… I’ve tried to achieve THIS!

He holds up the FIST of DEFIANCE championship in it’s case. 

Mikey Unlikely:
I tried so hard, and got so far… but in the end… it doesn’t even matter!

The crowd suddenly murmurs and starts looking at one another quizzically. Unlikely puts the title back down at his side.

Mikey Unlikely: 
Wrestlers come and go, the average career probably only lasts a couple of years. I don’t know, I’ve never looked it up.

He pulls out his cell phone on stage and presses a button.

Mikey Unlikely: 
Siri, How long is the average professional wrestling career?

The phone kicks back a noise then the female voice everyone has come to know over the last few years speaks.

Siri: 
Here’s what I found!

Mikey scrolls through the results for half a second.

Mikey Unlikely: 
PFFFFT, I blow these numbers out of the water! You kidding me!? Anyway, as I was saying… I have been working at achieving the top prize that DEFIANCE has to offer, and OBVS I’m going to be remembered for my record breaking FIST of DEFIANCE title reign which currently stands at 295 days.

From the 24K Table: 
TOTALLY OBVS!

Also From the 24K Table: 
I’VE ALWAYS SAID THAT!

He looks at the award sitting in front of him and smiles.

Mikey Unlikely: 
Someday, I’m going to have to relinquish that championship. After I defeat every single star on the DEFIANCE roster, they’re going to have to pry the title from my cold dead hands and offer it up to someone else. Time doesn’t stop. The championship is always heading somewhere else. When you win it, you only get it for a period of time… BUT THIS….

He holds up the DEFIANT OF THE YEAR award high into the air.

Mikey Unlikely: 
This is something that no one can ever take from me. I will forever be the 2020 DEFIANT OF THE YEAR! Mikey Unlikely will ultimately be enshrined in the annals of history thanks to THIS win!

He smiles wide. Almost coyly.

Mikey Unlikely:
This is the physical proof that I’m better than each and every one of you! This is the real prize baby! I just want everyone here to remember one thing. They could have picked any of you…

He points out to the crowd.

Mikey Unlikely: 
They could have chosen Oscar Burns, They could have chosen Lindsay Troy, They could have chosen Gage Blackwood. Hell, Scrow had a heck of a year!

He pauses and waits for a reaction, but doesn’t get one. Just like a Scrow match.

Mikey Unlikely:
They could have voted for any one of you…. But THEY CHOSE ME! I hope it eats away at every fiber of your moral being. I hope it drives you to better and accomplish more in 2021. I hope it shows you what you can achieve if you just work a little harder, push a little more, and never give up. That way it’s all the more sweet when I win it again next year! THANKS BE TO THE MEN!

Mikey excitedly jumps up and down. One hand on the FIST, one hand on the DEFY award! His theme song kicks on again as he celebrates a bit on stage.

🎵 “Gold” by Sir Sly🎵

The scene goes to DDK and Warner at their table.

Lance Warner:
Well, partner.

Keebler shrugs.

DDK:
What a night it’s been.

Lance Warner:
I know we’re supposed to be impartial but seeing The Comments Section and Mikey Unlikely take home the big awards… let alone what else we saw tonight…

DDK:
Let’s just have a few drinks and enjoy the rest of the night. I see Cassidy and Newbludd over there having a great time. What do you say?

Warner nods. The announcers cheers each other. Lance looks into the camera.

Lance Warner:
Thank you for being a part of DEFIANCE in 2020. We’ve got… some kind of party going on at the podium- are those, are those stripp-

Warner cuts himself off. He sees Mark Shields stroll in with some people and they are heading towards the stage to celebrate with the FIST.

Lance Warner:
Okay, well, it’s been an interesting night as always. Despite some of what you saw, I would have to say DEFIANCE has momentum unlike any other wrestling program out there right now. For “Downtown” Darren Keebler, I’m Lance Warner and we are wishing you, all of The Faithful, all of the DEFIANCE staff and talent, a safe and happy New Year and a great 2021! Thank you again for joining us! We hope 2021 is even better!

DDK:
Goodnight!

Warner and Keebler cheers again while more “entertainers” walk in front of them, heading towards the stage.

Fade.

DEFIANT of the YEAR
-Mikey Unlikey (bio)

DEFIANTS of the YEAR
-The Comments Section (bio) - Malak Garland, Cyrus Bates & Teresa Ames

FACTION of the YEAR
-PCP (bio)

BREAKOUT DEFIANT of the YEAR
-Dex Joy (bio)

UPCOMING DEFIANT (Rookie) of the YEAR
-“Black Out” Patrick Cassidy (bio)

MATCH of the YEAR
-Ascension: 2 of 3 Falls, “Twists and Turns” Oscar Burns vs. “Queen of the Ring” Lindsay Troy (match)

SEGMENT of the YEAR
-DON’T STOP BLEEDIN’: Conor Fuse sings karaoke and beats up “Black Out” Patrick Cassidy and Trashcan Tim alongside his Game Boy (segment singalong)

SHOCK of the YEAR
-Cayle Murray returns to DEFIANCE and aligns himself with 24K in the same night! (return & alignment)

ONGOING STORYLINE of the YEAR
-The developments of Stalker’s World/The Kabal (Stalker & Rezin)

The scene cuts to the Ballyhoo Brew parking lot. A disgruntled Gage Blackwood walks with a purpose, duffle bag in hand. With no award to show for himself in 2020, Blackwood sighs heavily, pulling car keys from his pocket as he pops open the trunk. He wants to leave as early as possible, even though the “real” party is just starting… you can hear the music pounding from inside.

Gage Blackwood: [muttering to himself]
Stupid baw jugglers. Everyone loves Dex. Everyone loves Elise. People even love Mikey… MIKEY.

Reaching his car, the former SOHER throws the bag inside and slams the trunk shut. Off in the distance, he hears someone scream but thinks nothing of it.

Blackwood is about to open the driver’s door but looks down at the vandalism on his car… the “K.S.” scratches he noticed one week ago but hasn’t had the time to fix it, yet.

Blackwood takes a closer look.

Revealing a third letter…

“K.S… K.”

Blackwood scratches his head. He hears someone screaming again. This time the camera picks up the words.

“GAGE BLACKWOOD!”

The Noble Raider simply stares down at the lettering, trying to make sense of it.

“FUCK YOU, GAGE!” The voice is coming closer.

Blackwood continues to mumble to himself, trying to figure out what “K.S.K.” means.

Then it hits him.

Gage Blackwood:
Keystone State… Killer.

“I’M BACK BLACKWOOD!”

Gage looks up. By now, he can see a dark figure hurrying towards him, entering the parking lot. As the man walks with a purpose, the shadows keep his identity a secret until he walks underneath one of the parking lot lights.

Chris Ross.

Blackwood is irate.

Gage Blackwood:
What the HELL are you doing here--

By now, Ross is within striking distance of Blackwood and wastes no time, drilling Gage in the side of the mouth with a right fist! Ross slams Blackwood’s head against the hood of Gage’s car. 

Chris Ross:
Surprise motha fucka! Rememba me?! Sure ya do! 

Ross says grabbing Gage, whipping him around and smashing him head first right through the driver’s side window. Ross drills Gage in the ribs with a brutal knee before he grabs a nearby trash can and slams it over his head.

Chris Ross:
I told you mother fucker… one day I would be back. You shoulda killed me when ya had the chance!

Ross yells as he grabs Blackwood and hoists him up before throwing Gage with an overhead belly to belly suplex. Gage lands on the hood of the car! Blackwood is clearly out of it, sprawled out on the hood like a hood ornament. Ross laughs, walking around the vehicle methodically.

Chris Ross:
Just like old times huh Gage?! Where each and every fuckin show I whoop ya ass and make ya my bitch!

Ross notes, grabbing Gage and climbing onto the hood. Chris lifts Gage up onto his shoulders before he slams him down head first into the wind shield with a Death Valley Driver! The former SOHER tumbles off the car, laying in a heap on the concrete.

Chris Ross:
Oh I ain’t done with ya yet, fruit cup! Ya really think ya got the betta of me?! Oh ya dumb mediocre bastard!

Ross drags Gage up to his knees, bringing him to the front of the car. The Keystone State Killa slaps Gage a few times.

Chris Ross:
C’mon stupid! Wake up! I want ya to be awake for this! I mean yeah, I get it, I just dropped ya stupid ass on that peanut shaped head ya have…

Blackwood barely groans, able to keep his eyes open.

Chris Ross:
There ya are! Have a good nap fuck head?! Don’t worry this isn’t a fuckin dream! Oh no!!! Welcome to ya worst nightmare where it’s the best part of my day!

Ross said with a sadistic laugh walking behind Blackwood turning him in front of the camera. 

Chris Ross:
Oh I think you rememba my good friend Screwy Louie right?

Ross reaches into his back pocket and pulls out his screwdriver...

Chris Ross:
Allow me to let ya guys get reacquainted!

Ross laughs before he stabs the sharpened end right into Blackwood’s forehead driving it across Blackwood’s trademark scar, cutting as deep as it can. Blood pours down Blackwood’s face like a broken faucet.

Chris Ross:
Oh come on! Aren’t ya supposed to be this rough tough motha fucka?! Look at yaself! Ya look like a bitch!

Ross pulls the screwdriver away and stands up, turning Blackwood to face the front of the car.

Chris Ross:
Rememba Blackwood… The name is Chris Ross…. Don’t ya fuhgetit! 717… HBG…. Represent…

Suddenly Ross places a foot on the back of Gage Blackwood’s head and slams him face-first right into the front fender with a face-shattering curb stomp! Ross stands there holding his screwdriver laughing as the DEFIANCE signature appears in the bottom right hand corner.

Chris Ross:
DEFIANCE… ya boy is back. And this time I’m not playin anyone’s game!

With that, 2020 comes to a merciful close.

THIS.

IS.

DEFIANCE.