Aired - September 18, 2026
0. SHOW RUNDOWN 1. SHOW OPENING 2. CROWD SHOT AND WELCOMING 3. MATCH 1 4. THE COMMISSIONER VS THE KING 5. MATCH 2 6. MATCH 3 7. THE RETURN OF THE OUTLAW 8. MATCH 4 9. MATCH 5 10. THE WIZARD’S WARRIORS 11. MAIN EVENT 12. CLOSING
Black screen.
Silence.
A single metallic scrape.
An ancient sword is slowly dragged across stone.
Sparks fall into darkness.
One spark lands upon parchment.
The page ignites at the edges.
The fire does not consume it.
Instead—
Words appear through the ash.
ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS
A heavy drum strikes.
Below the number—
A painted image of Robin Hood.
Then another.
Little John. Maid Marion. Allan A Dale. Friar Tuck.
A royal seal crashes onto the bottom of the parchment.
The crest of King Arthur.
Low choir.
The page tears down the middle.
Behind it—
A crown.
Cracked.
An arrow buried through its center.
Voice-over: “Some kings demand loyalty.”
A flash.
King Arthur stands beneath the banners of Camelot, the Mythic Crown secured around his waist.
His expression is no longer regal.
It is furious.
Another flash—
Robin Hood stands across the battlefield.
Defiant. Unbowed.
Another—
King Arthur declaring the bounty upon the Merry Band.
Rapid images.
Gold coins spilling across a table.
Wanted notices being nailed into wood.
A gloved hand reaching for one.
Then another. Then dozens.
Voice-over: “Others purchase betrayal.”
The coins suddenly run with blood.
The image burns away.
Black screen.
A bell rings somewhere far in the distance.
Not a wrestling bell. A temple bell.
Red light slowly reveals an enormous wooden gate.
The gate is covered in old scars.
Cuts. Burn marks. Blood-darkened handprints.
A chain hangs across it.
At one end stands Raigen.
At the other— Taro Okami.
Neither man moves.
The chain tightens.
QUICK FLASH — RAIGEN / TARO OKAMI
Fire explodes across the screen.
Taro Okami turns on Raigen.
The fireball erupts against Raigen’s face.
Lord Kurogami watches.
Smiling.
Another flash— The contract signing.
Elias Coldmere between the two men.
Hana Nakamura pleading with Taro Okami.
Taro Okami says nothing. Lord Kurogami speaks for him.
Then— Raigen signs.
The pen touches parchment.
A drop of blood lands beside the signature.
The words appear one at a time.
ONE HUNDRED YEARS - BLOODLINE
CLEANSING
The final words burn larger than all the others.
TRIALS OF BLOOD
A great wooden door slams shut.
Voice-over: “Some debts are inherited.”
A pause.
Voice-over: “Some must be beaten from the blood.”
A roar shakes the darkness.
The sound of something enormous striking steel.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
The screen flashes white with every impact.
QUICK FLASH — JACK LUMBER
Jack Lumber drives an axe into a massive tree.
The trunk shudders.
Another strike.
The tree splits.
The image transforms—
The tree becomes the silhouette of Frankenstein’s Monster.
Towering.
Motionless.
Dr. Frankenstein stands behind him.
Watching.
Another flash—
Jack Lumber staring directly into the camera.
No fear.
No hesitation.
His words from the previous week echo through the darkness.
Jack Lumber: “The bigger they are…”
A violent flash of Frankenstein’s Monster.
Jack Lumber “…the harder they fall.”
The screen shakes.
A huge hand closes around Jack Lumber’s throat—
But before we see what happens—
An axe blade cuts across the image.
Black.
Tonight’s opponent emerges from the darkness.
Kong.
Massive. Primal. Waiting.
Voice-over: “Before a man can kill the monster…”
Kong pounds his chest.
Jack Lumber raises his axe over one shoulder.
Voice-over: “…he must survive what stands before it.”
The image disappears.
One playing card falls through darkness.
Black.
Another follows.
Then another.
They land face down upon a stone table.
A hand enters frame.
Long fingers. Perfectly still.
The first card turns.
An image of Little John trapped in The Veto.
The second turns.
Tin Man falling before Severin Crowne.
The third— Blank.
A fourth card lands beside it.
Then a fifth.
QUICK FLASH — SEVERIN CROWNE
Severin Crowne sits alone in darkness.
One black card between his fingers.
A faint smile.
Behind him— Sheriff of Nottingham. Sir Agravaine.
Then— Regina. Malice.
Their images appear only for an instant.
The Huntsman remains farther back.
Watching. Uncertain.
A final figure attempts to emerge from the shadows—
Rosalyn the Queen of Thorns.
A black card cuts across the image.
She disappears.
Voice-over: “Some men build armies.”
Close on Severin Crowne’s eyes.
He turns the blank card over.
A crown has been drawn upon it.
A thick black line crosses through the crown.
Voice-over: “Others simply decide who is useful.”
Severin Crowne lets the card fall.
It lands upon the bounty notice for Robin Hood.
Silence.
Then—
Rapid flashes.
King Arthur gripping the Mythic Crown.
Robin Hood drawing an arrow.
Sir Lancelot watching his king.
Gold coins covered in blood.
Raigen standing before the Blood Dojo gate.
Taro Okami beneath the oni mask.
Lord Kurogami raising one hand.
A blood-red chain snapping tight.
Jack Lumber swinging the axe.
Kong roaring.
Frankenstein’s Monster opening his eyes.
Dr. Frankenstein smiling.
Severin Crowne turning over another black card.
Regina.
Malice.
The Huntsman staring toward Severin Crowne.
Robin Hood’s wanted poster.
A flame touches its corner.
The parchment burns.
But Robin Hood’s face remains.
The drums stop.
Black screen.
One heartbeat.
A second. A third.
The Mythic Crown appears in darkness.
An arrow flies through it.
The crown shatters.
A temple bell tolls.
Then—
A black card covers the broken pieces.
The NPCW: DARK FABLE crest erupts through red flame.
Voice-over: “In DARK FABLE…”
A beat.
Voice-over: “…every crown creates an enemy.”
The flame intensifies.
Voice-over: “Every debt demands payment.”
A tremendous impact echoes.
Voice-over: “Every monster eventually meets the axe.”
A black card drifts through the flames.
Voice-over: “And every man has a price…”
The card turns. Nothing written upon it.
Voice-over: “…until he proves otherwise.”
One final bell.
Voice-over: “This… is DARK FABLE.”
Hard cut to the live aerial shot of Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum.
The broadcast does not immediately cut to ringside.
Instead—
The camera is positioned inside the main talent entrance at Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum.
Concrete loading corridors stretch behind a pair of enormous steel doors.
Security personnel move between equipment cases while production staff prepare for the live broadcast.
Outside, headlights sweep across the entrance.
A vehicle pulls into the secured area.
The doors open.
Robin Hood steps inside first.
Beside him is Allan A Dale.
Behind them come Friar Tuck and Little John.
The four members of the Merry Band carry their bags over their shoulders, talking quietly as they enter the building.
Robin Hood looks toward the camera.
A tired smile.
Robin Hood: “Apparently we’re popular now.”
Allan A Dale: “One hundred thousand dollars buys quite a few new friends.”
Friar Tuck: “Those are generally called enemies.”
Little John: “Depends who gets paid.”
They continue deeper into the entrance corridor.
Then—
Movement behind an equipment truck.
Cheshire Cat appears. Smiling.
Robin Hood stops.
Another figure steps from behind a production crate.
Ares. Then— Mars.
Hercules emerges from the opposite side.
And finally— Will Scarlett.
The smile disappears from Robin Hood’s face.
The Merry Band immediately spread out.
Allan A Dale: “Robin…”
Robin Hood: “I see them.”
Cheshire Cat slowly applauds.
Cheshire Cat: “There he is.”
A beat.
Cheshire Cat: “One hundred thousand dollars walking through the front door.”
Friar Tuck: “You cannot possibly be foolish enough to believe the king can simply place prices upon men.”
Ares: “I don’t particularly care whether he can.”
Mars: “I care whether he pays.”
Little John drops his bag.
Little John: “Then come collect.”
That is enough.
Hercules charges. The corridor erupts.
Hercules crashes directly into Little John, driving him backward into a stack of road cases.
Ares lunges toward Friar Tuck.
Mars attacks Allan A Dale.
Will Scarlett goes straight for Robin Hood.
Within seconds the entire loading entrance has become a battlefield.
Production staff scatter.
A camera operator backs rapidly away but keeps filming.
Little John catches Hercules with a massive forearm.
Hercules answers with one of his own.
The two enormous men collide again and slam against the side of a production truck.
Nearby, Friar Tuck blocks a strike from Ares and shoves him into a steel barricade.
Mars grabs Allan A Dale by the collar.
Allan A Dale drives an elbow into his ribs.
Then another.
Will Scarlett catches Robin Hood from behind.
Robin Hood twists free and drives him into the wall.
Cheshire Cat has not joined the fight.
Not yet. He simply watches. Smiling.
Robin Hood turns— Too late.
Cheshire Cat grabs a metal equipment handle protruding from a nearby crate and swings.
The steel catches Robin Hood directly across the forehead.
The sound echoes through the corridor.
Robin Hood drops to one knee.
The crowd inside the Coliseum can be heard reacting through the live feed.
Blood immediately begins running down Robin Hood’s face.
Allan A Dale: “ROBIN!”
Will Scarlett grabs the wounded outlaw.
Will Scarlett: “That looks collectable to me.”
Robin Hood drives a fist into his stomach.
Will Scarlett doubles over.
Robin Hood staggers backward.
Blood now runs over one eye.
Friar Tuck sees it.
His expression changes completely.
He barrels into Ares, driving him into Mars.
Little John throws Hercules aside and moves toward Robin Hood.
Then— A whistle shrieks through the loading area.
Security floods into the corridor.
At the center of them— Elias Coldmere.
Furious.
Elias Coldmere: “STOP!”
More security personnel pour between the two groups.
Little John has to be physically restrained from reaching Hercules again.
Ares is pulled backward.
Mars continues shouting across the security line.
Will Scarlett struggles against two guards.
Cheshire Cat simply raises both hands.
Still smiling.
Elias Coldmere storms directly into the middle.
He sees the blood covering Robin Hood’s face.
His expression hardens.
Elias Coldmere: “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
Ares: “Collecting.”
Elias Coldmere: “Collecting what?”
Mars: “The bounty.”
Elias Coldmere stares at him.
Then at the others.
Elias Coldmere: “There is no bounty.”
That stops some of the shouting.
Cheshire Cat: “Your king disagrees.”
Elias Coldmere: “He is not my king.”
A reaction rises from inside the arena.
Elias Coldmere: “And he does not have the authority to place a cash bounty on contracted NPCW talent.”
Will Scarlett: “He offered one hundred thousand dollars.”
Elias Coldmere: “Then take it up with him.”
He steps closer.
Elias Coldmere: “Because you will not collect it by ambushing people in my building.”
Hercules pushes against the security holding him.
Hercules: “They walked away.”
Elias Coldmere: “And you should be thankful they are still capable of walking.”
He points toward all five attackers.
Elias Coldmere: “Listen carefully.”
The corridor quiets.
Elias Coldmere: “There is no sanctioned bounty.”
A beat.
Elias Coldmere: “There is no authorization to hunt the Merry Band.”
Another.
Elias Coldmere: “And if any one of you attempts this again, I will suspend you.”
Ares glares at him.
Elias Coldmere: “Not fine you.”
A step closer.
Elias Coldmere: “Not warn you.”
Another.
Elias Coldmere: “Suspend you.”
Before anyone can answer—
A massive horn sounds outside.
Everyone turns.
Headlights blast through the open loading entrance.
A huge black truck swings sharply into the secured area.
The brakes scream.
The passenger door flies open.
Behind the wheel—
Blood-Moon Warden.
His masked face turns toward the chaos.
He does not speak.
He does not need to.
Allan A Dale immediately understands.
Allan A Dale: “Move!”
Little John pulls Robin Hood toward the truck.
Friar Tuck grabs their bags.
Will Scarlett tries to push through security.
Elias Coldmere: “Do not!”
Security closes ranks.
Robin Hood reaches the passenger side.
Blood covers half his face now.
He looks back across the corridor.
Straight at Cheshire Cat.
Then Ares.
Then Will Scarlett.
Finally toward the distant interior of the Coliseum.
Toward wherever King Arthur is waiting.
Robin Hood wipes blood from his eye.
Smears it across the back of his hand.
A thin smile appears.
Robin Hood: “Tell the king he missed.”
The Merry Band pile into the truck.
Blood-Moon Warden slams it into gear.
The engine roars.
The truck tears away from the loading entrance and disappears into the night.
For several seconds—
Everyone watches it leave.
Then Elias Coldmere turns slowly.
His anger has not diminished.
It has found a direction.
Elias Coldmere: “Where is Arthur?”
No one answers.
Elias Coldmere: “Never mind.”
He turns toward the interior corridor.
Elias Coldmere: “I know where he is.”
Elias Coldmere storms away.
Security maintains the barrier behind him.
Cheshire Cat watches the Commissioner disappear.
The smile finally fades.
Cut.
The broadcast shifts to the arena.
A sweeping camera shot moves across Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum.
The building is packed.
Torchlight burns along the stone arches.
Red-and-gold light rolls over the audience.
Signs rise throughout the crowd.
ROBIN WILL NEVER KNEEL
THE BOUNTY IS DEAD
NINE DAYS UNTIL RUIN
THE AXE WANTS ANOTHER MONSTER
CLEANSE TARO
THE BLACK CARD IS SPREADING
The camera descends toward ringside.
At the broadcast desk sits Julian Ward.
Beside him, Brick Brody is already shaking his head at the monitor showing the aftermath of the loading-area attack.
Julian Ward: “Welcome to NPCW: Dark Fable. We are live from Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum on September 18th, 2026. I am Julian Ward, alongside Brick Brody.”
A beat.
Julian Ward: “And nine days before Age of Ruin, what was already a dangerous situation surrounding King Arthur and Robin Hood has now moved beyond the ring.”
The screen behind them shows Robin Hood being struck and blood beginning to run down his forehead.
Julian Ward: “Last week, after another defeat involving the Champions of Camelot, King Arthur placed a one-hundred-thousand-dollar bounty on the Merry Band.”
The footage changes to the ambush.
Julian Ward: “Tonight, several men apparently decided to test whether that money was real.”
Brick Brody: “That is what happens when a king starts waving around six figures and telling every brute in the building to collect.”
Julian Ward: “Commissioner Elias Coldmere has now made his position unmistakably clear. NPCW does not recognize that bounty.”
Brick Brody: “Tell that to Robin Hood’s forehead.”
The replay shows the metal equipment handle striking Robin Hood.
Brick Brody: “The Commissioner can declare the money imaginary all he wants. The blood was real.”
Julian Ward: “And Robin Hood now leaves this building nine days before challenging King Arthur for the Mythic Crown at Age of Ruin.”
The Age of Ruin graphic appears.
KING ARTHUR vs ROBIN HOOD
MYTHIC CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP
ROBIN HOOD MUST KNEEL IF HE LOSES
Julian Ward: “If Robin Hood loses on September 27th, he must kneel to the king.”
Brick Brody: “Assuming he gets there in one piece.”
Julian Ward: “And based upon the expression on Elias Coldmere’s face moments ago, I suspect King Arthur is about to receive a very direct explanation of where his authority ends.”
Brick Brody: “Good luck with that conversation.”
The screen goes black.
Then—
An axe strikes timber.
The first match graphic appears.
CONVERGENT CHAMPION JACK LUMBER vs KONG
NON-TITLE MATCH
Julian Ward: “And the violence will continue inside the ring tonight.”
Footage from last week shows Jack Lumber defeating Dragon King before the entire Monster Bash surrounded him.
Frankenstein’s Monster steps into the ring.
The Convergent Championship between them.
Julian Ward: “Last week, Convergent Champion Jack Lumber defeated Dragon King and then found himself surrounded by the Monster Bash.”
Brick Brody: “So naturally he came back this week and asked for another one.”
Julian Ward: “Tonight, Jack Lumber faces Kong in a non-title match.”
A beat.
Julian Ward: “And nine days from now, the champion defends against Frankenstein’s Monster.”
The graphic changes.
DOROTHY vs ATHENA
Footage flashes of the War Council’s latest defeat.
Julian Ward: “Dorothy goes one-on-one with Athena, who arrives tonight under enormous pressure after another defeat for the War Council last week.”
Brick Brody: “If I were Athena, I would worry less about Dorothy and more about what Zeus says when she gets back through the curtain.”
The graphic changes.
HERACLES vs HANSEL
The Universal Championship appears behind Hansel.
Julian Ward: “Heracles faces Hansel.”
Footage shows Hansel surviving the ten-minute challenge against Ghost of Christmas Past at Wrestlefest.
Julian Ward: “And tonight we are also expecting confirmation of exactly when Hansel will receive the Universal Championship opportunity he earned against Ghost of Christmas Past.”
Brick Brody: “First he has to survive Heracles.”
The screen changes.
ALICE vs BELLONA
Julian Ward: “Alice meets Bellona, another member of the War Council trying to reverse its recent fortunes.”
Brick Brody: “Trying stops mattering eventually.”
Flames consume the screen.
The Eternal Flame Championship appears.
ETERNAL FLAME CHAMPIONSHIP
SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM vs SCARECROW
The crowd erupts.
Julian Ward: “And championship gold will be defended tonight. Sheriff of Nottingham puts the Eternal Flame Championship on the line against Scarecrow.”
A black card briefly crosses the screen.
Footage from last week shows Severin Crowne tossing another card toward Tin Man.
Then—
Regina.
Malice.
The Huntsman.
Each holding one.
Julian Ward: “And after last week, anything involving Sheriff of Nottingham inevitably raises another question.”
Brick Brody: “How many black cards does Severin Crowne have left?”
Julian Ward: “Perhaps the more important question is how many people intend to accept them.”
The final graphic appears.
Dragon fire.
Lightning.
RAIGEN & TAKUMA RYUJIN
versus
KAMINARI HONO — ENRAI & KAEN
The crowd responds loudly.
Julian Ward: “And in tonight’s main event, Raigen teams with Takuma Ryujin against Kaminari Hono, Enrai and Kaen.”
Footage shows last week’s contract signing.
Raigen signing.
Taro Okami signing.
The Dojo of Blood.
Julian Ward: “Last week, Raigen and Taro Okami placed their signatures beneath consequences that could last generations.”
The words appear.
RAIGEN LOSES — 100 YEARS OF BLOOD SYNDICATE ALLEGIANCE
RAIGEN WINS — TARO OKAMI MUST UNDERGO CLEANSING AT THE DRAGON’S VEIL
Julian Ward: “Nine days from now they enter the Dojo of Blood at Age of Ruin.”
Brick Brody: “But tonight Raigen gets two more Syndicate problems.”
The full card fills the screen.
CONVERGENT CHAMPION JACK LUMBER vs KONG — NON-TITLE
DOROTHY vs ATHENA
HERACLES vs HANSEL
ALICE vs BELLONA
ETERNAL FLAME CHAMPIONSHIP — SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM vs SCARECROW
RAIGEN & TAKUMA RYUJIN vs KAMINARI HONO — ENRAI & KAEN
The camera returns to Julian Ward and Brick Brody.
Julian Ward: “Six matches.”
A beat.
Julian Ward: “One championship defense.”
Another.
Julian Ward: “And nine days separating everyone in this division from Age of Ruin.”
Brick Brody: “After what happened in the parking area, I would stop assuming everybody survives all nine.”
The crowd roars around them.
Julian Ward: “And somewhere backstage, Elias Coldmere is currently looking for the Mythic Crown Champion.”
Brick Brody: “That might be tonight’s first fight.”
Julian Ward: “But our first sanctioned fight is coming next.”
The first match graphic returns to the screen.
JACK LUMBER vs KONG
Julian Ward: “Convergent Champion Jack Lumber faces another monster.”
A beat.
Julian Ward: “Dark Fable continues.”
The camera returns to ringside.
The great screen fills with the image of the Convergent Championship.
Beneath it—
CONVERGENT CHAMPION JACK LUMBER vs KONG
NON-TITLE MATCH
Footage from last week plays briefly.
Jack Lumber driving Dragon King into the canvas with the Spear.
Three.
Then the aftermath.
Dragon King.
Ogre.
Kong.
Dr. Frankenstein.
And finally—
Frankenstein’s Monster stepping into the ring.
The Convergent Championship raised between champion and challenger while security struggles to keep the two apart.
At the desk, Julian Ward watches the final image fade.
Julian Ward: “Nine days from tonight, Jack Lumber will defend the Convergent Championship against Frankenstein’s Monster at Age of Ruin.”
Brick Brody: “And last week, after beating Dragon King, the champion got surrounded by the whole family.”
Julian Ward: “Tonight, Jack Lumber has voluntarily stepped back into that same problem.”
The graphic changes.
KONG
Julian Ward: “Another member of the Monster Bash. Another enormous opponent.”
Brick Brody: “I am starting to think Jack Lumber has a very poor understanding of preparation.”
Julian Ward: “He has made his philosophy clear. If he is going to prepare for Frankenstein’s Monster, he wants to do it against the largest opposition available.”
Brick Brody: “Then he found the right laboratory.”
The arena lights darken.
A low mechanical hum begins.
Then—
Heavy chains drag across the great screen.
A deep roar rolls through the Coliseum.
Dr. Frankenstein steps through the entrance first.
He wears the same clinical expression he carried a week ago.
No emotion.
No acknowledgment of the audience.
He turns toward the darkness behind him.
A massive silhouette emerges.
Kong.
The crowd reacts immediately.
Kong steps beneath the entrance lights.
Huge shoulders.
Thick arms.
A frame built less like an athlete than something designed to move weight by force.
Dr. Frankenstein begins down the aisle.
Kong follows.
Each step deliberate.
Each one heavy.
Julian Ward: “Last week it was Dragon King. Tonight it is Kong. And the closer we move toward Age of Ruin, the more the Monster Bash seems intent upon making the champion prove his words repeatedly.”
Brick Brody: “He said the bigger they are, the harder they fall.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “Eventually one of the big ones is going to land on him.”
Kong reaches ringside.
He climbs onto the apron and steps over the top rope.
The canvas dips beneath his weight.
Dr. Frankenstein remains outside.
His eyes move toward the entrance.
Then—
An axe strikes timber.
The Coliseum erupts.
A second strike.
A third.
The screen fills with a towering evergreen.
Another axe blow splits through the trunk.
The tree crashes.
Through the falling image steps the reigning Convergent Champion, Jack Lumber.
The championship rests over one shoulder.
He stops at the top of the ramp.
Looks toward Kong.
Then toward Dr. Frankenstein.
No smile tonight.
No joke.
Just recognition.
Julian Ward: “There is the champion. Last week Jack Lumber absorbed three Spike Piledrivers, multiple Brainbusters, outside interference and a Dragon Bomb before defeating Dragon King.”
Brick Brody: “And apparently that made him feel confident enough to do this again.”
Jack Lumber starts down the aisle.
The championship remains over his shoulder.
At ringside, Dr. Frankenstein takes one small step toward the ramp.
Jack Lumber notices him.
He does not alter course.
The two pass within several feet of one another.
Dr. Frankenstein turns to watch him go.
Jack Lumber climbs onto the apron.
Kong moves immediately toward him.
Honest Abe steps between them.
Jack Lumber enters.
Removes the championship.
He looks down at it for a moment.
Then raises it toward Kong.
The crowd roars.
Kong does not react.
Jack Lumber hands the title to the timekeeper.
At ringside, Dr. Frankenstein watches every movement.
Louie Linville moves to the center of the ring.
Louie Linville: “The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is a NON-TITLE MATCH!”
A strong reaction rises.
Louie Linville: “Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Dr. Frankenstein... representing the Monster Bash... KONG!”
Boos roll through the Coliseum.
Kong pounds one enormous fist against his chest.
Louie Linville: “And his opponent... he is the reigning CONVERGENT CHAMPION... JACK LUMBER!”
The crowd erupts.
Jack Lumber raises one fist.
Then lowers it.
His eyes remain locked on Kong.
Honest Abe checks both men.
Backs away.
Calls for the bell.
It rings.
Minute 1
There is no hesitation.
Jack Lumber lowers his shoulder and explodes across the ring.
Spear.
The champion crashes directly into Kong’s midsection and drives the larger man backward.
The crowd surges.
But Kong refuses to stay down.
He powers himself upright, catches Jack Lumber as the champion closes again and hoists him completely overhead.
Gorilla Press Drop.
Jack Lumber crashes hard onto the canvas.
The two men separate almost immediately.
Julian Ward: “Exactly as expected. No cautious opening. Jack Lumber attacked the body immediately, and Kong answered with raw power.”
Brick Brody: “That Spear moved him.”
A pause.
Brick Brody: “The problem is it did not keep him moved.”
Minute 2
Jack Lumber gets underneath the larger man.
Atomic Drop.
The impact jolts Kong forward.
The champion tries to follow, but Kong catches the leg.
He twists sharply.
Kneebuster.
Jack Lumber’s leg crashes across the knee.
The champion immediately pulls away and tests the joint.
Julian Ward: “Interesting response from Kong. Rather than simply matching strength, he attacks the leg.”
Brick Brody: “Take away the legs and you take away the Spear.”
Julian Ward: “And perhaps some of the champion’s ability to lift an opponent of this size.”
Minute 3
Kong reaches for him again.
Jack Lumber fires first.
A stiff uppercut catches the giant beneath the jaw.
Kong’s head snaps back.
He staggers one step.
Then catches Jack Lumber by the head and whips him over with a Snap Mare.
The champion lands seated.
Immediately rolls away before Kong can follow.
Julian Ward: “Jack Lumber has repeatedly shown he is willing to stand directly in front of much larger men and trade.”
Brick Brody: “That is admirable right up until somebody larger decides to sit on you.”
Minute 4
Jack Lumber moves toward the ropes.
Dr. Frankenstein suddenly steps closer.
As Honest Abe shifts position inside the ring, Dr. Frankenstein reaches through the ropes and hooks Jack Lumber’s ankle.
A sharp pull.
The champion’s feet disappear beneath him.
Jack Lumber crashes backward.
He immediately turns toward ringside.
Dr. Frankenstein is already standing upright again.
Hands behind his back.
Expression innocent.
Julian Ward: “There is Dr. Frankenstein.”
Brick Brody: “You sound surprised.”
Julian Ward: “I am not surprised. I am identifying interference.”
Brick Brody: “A scientist adjusted the variables.”
Jack Lumber points toward Dr. Frankenstein.
Jack Lumber: “Stay out of it!”
Dr. Frankenstein offers no response.
Minute 5
Kong closes in.
Jack Lumber catches him.
He twists the giant across his body—
TIMMMMMBEEERRRRR!
Kong crashes onto his back.
The crowd rises.
Jack Lumber moves quickly into the cover.
Honest Abe drops—
but Kong shifts beneath him.
The pin is reversed.
Suddenly the champion’s shoulders are down.
Honest Abe: “ONE!... TWO!...”
Jack Lumber kicks free.
Both men scramble upright.
Julian Ward: “Excellent counter from Kong! Jack Lumber attempted to turn that impact into a victory and nearly found himself pinned instead.”
Brick Brody: “That is what happens when you assume the big man is too hurt to think.”
Minute 6
Jack Lumber charges again.
Spear.
This one drives Kong flat onto the canvas.
The champion immediately hooks the leg.
Honest Abe: “ONE!”
Kong powers a shoulder up.
Jack Lumber sits back on his knees.
A little frustration now.
Julian Ward: “Only one.”
Brick Brody: “Same thing we saw with Dragon King last week. These monsters do not stay down because you hit them once.”
Julian Ward: “Jack Lumber learned that lesson and still won.”
Brick Brody: “Against Dragon King.”
He gestures toward the ring.
Brick Brody: “This is Kong.”
Minute 7
The champion reaches under the arms.
The crowd reacts when Jack Lumber begins lifting.
He muscles the enormous Kong off the canvas.
Yukon Bodyslam.
The ring shakes.
Jack Lumber pushes himself upright.
But Kong rises behind him.
He catches the champion.
Lifts him high overhead.
Another Gorilla Press Drop.
Jack Lumber crashes down.
Both men remain grounded for several seconds.
Julian Ward: “Extraordinary power from both men.”
Brick Brody: “And pride. Jack Lumber wanted everybody to know he could lift Kong.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “So Kong reminded him he could do the same thing easier.”
Minute 8
Jack Lumber gets up first.
Another stiff uppercut catches Kong beneath the jaw.
The big man rocks backward toward the ropes.
The champion steps forward.
At ringside—
Dr. Frankenstein suddenly climbs onto the apron.
Honest Abe turns immediately.
Honest Abe: “Get down!”
Dr. Frankenstein begins arguing.
Pointing toward the champion.
Feigning outrage.
Inside the ring, Jack Lumber turns toward him.
Julian Ward: “Now the referee is being deliberately occupied.”
Brick Brody: “Then Jack Lumber should stop looking.”
Julian Ward: “That is exactly why the distraction works.”
Honest Abe orders Dr. Frankenstein back to the floor.
He finally complies.
Slowly.
Minute 9
The distraction has cost the champion.
Kong closes from behind.
He grabs Jack Lumber around the torso.
SPINE CRUSHER.
The champion is driven violently into the canvas.
Kong remains standing over him.
Dr. Frankenstein gives one approving nod.
Julian Ward: “There is the consequence of that distraction.”
Brick Brody: “And it is not complicated. Jack Lumber took his eyes off the biggest man in the ring.”
Julian Ward: “Because Dr. Frankenstein climbed onto the apron.”
Brick Brody: “And?”
Minute 10
Kong steps forward.
A heavy boot swings toward the midsection.
Jack Lumber catches the leg.
The crowd reacts.
The champion shoves the boot aside.
Kong loses balance for a moment.
Jack Lumber steps directly into him—
STIFF UPPERCUT.
The shot rocks the giant.
Kong staggers backward.
Julian Ward: “Excellent reversal from the champion.”
Brick Brody: “There. That is what he needs. Stop admiring the size and hit the jaw.”
Minute 11
Jack Lumber lands another stiff uppercut.
Kong absorbs it.
The champion moves forward again.
But Kong suddenly launches himself.
Diving Headbutt.
The massive skull crashes into Jack Lumber’s chest and shoulder.
Both men hit the canvas.
The Coliseum reacts sharply.
Julian Ward: “Diving Headbutt from Kong!”
Brick Brody: “That is a lot of man coming through the air.”
Julian Ward: “And Jack Lumber absorbed every bit of it.”
Brick Brody: “He did not have much choice.”
Minute 12
The champion rises holding one shoulder.
Kong reaches toward him.
Jack Lumber fires a sharp Elbow Smash across the side of the head.
Kong tries to cover up.
The elbow still lands.
Another step backward.
The champion follows.
Julian Ward: “Jack Lumber is refusing to allow the heavier impacts to keep him down.”
Brick Brody: “That is what makes him dangerous.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “Also what eventually gets stubborn men hurt.”
Minute 13
Kong regains position.
He grabs Jack Lumber around the head.
Snap Mare.
The champion flips forward and lands hard.
He tries to brace against the throw but cannot stop it.
Kong stalks after him.
Dr. Frankenstein watches from ringside.
His attention never leaves the champion.
Julian Ward: “Thirteen minutes now, and neither man has established complete control.”
Brick Brody: “Then the next mistake decides it.”
Julian Ward: “With Dr. Frankenstein at ringside, I am not certain mistake is the only concern.”
Minute 14
Jack Lumber pushes himself upright.
Kong charges.
The champion lowers his shoulder.
SPEAR.
The impact drives Kong backward and down.
The Coliseum erupts.
Jack Lumber rises immediately.
He turns toward the fallen giant.
Ready to capitalize.
At ringside—
Dr. Frankenstein reaches beneath the apron.
He pulls out a steel chair.
Julian Ward: “Wait a moment.”
Honest Abe has dropped beside Kong, checking the enormous competitor after the Spear.
His body shields his view of the opposite ropes.
Dr. Frankenstein steps close.
Jack Lumber turns.
CRACK!
The steel chair slams across the side of the champion’s head.
Jack Lumber collapses.
The crowd erupts into furious boos.
Julian Ward: “CHAIR SHOT!”
Brick Brody: “That will do it.”
Julian Ward: “Honest Abe did not see it!”
Dr. Frankenstein immediately drops the chair and kicks it beneath the ring.
Kong looks up.
Sees Jack Lumber down.
He crawls across the canvas.
Covers.
Honest Abe turns.
Drops into position.
Honest Abe: “ONE!”
Boos thunder through the Coliseum.
Honest Abe: “TWO!”
Jack Lumber does not move.
Honest Abe: “THREE!”
The bell rings.
The boos become deafening.
Kong rolls away.
Jack Lumber remains flat on the canvas.
At ringside, Dr. Frankenstein smiles.
Julian Ward: “Kong has defeated the Convergent Champion, but that result was handed to him by Dr. Frankenstein and a steel chair.”
Brick Brody: “The record says Kong won.”
Julian Ward: “The record will also show exactly how.”
Brick Brody: “History remembers winners longer than explanations.”
Julian Ward: “And nine days before Jack Lumber defends the Convergent Championship against Frankenstein’s Monster, the Monster Bash has finally handed the champion the defeat they could not give him last week.”
KONG DEFEATS CONVERGENT CHAMPION JACK LUMBER BY PINFALL IN THE 14TH MINUTE AFTER DR. FRANKENSTEIN STRUCK JACK LUMBER WITH A STEEL CHAIR.
The result disappears.
The scene does not.
Jack Lumber is still down.
Dr. Frankenstein steps onto the apron.
Then enters the ring.
He walks toward the timekeeper’s side.
Extends one hand.
The timekeeper hesitates.
Dr. Frankenstein points.
The Convergent Championship.
Reluctantly, it is handed over.
Dr. Frankenstein turns.
He walks back toward Kong.
Then gives him the championship.
The crowd erupts in renewed boos.
Kong takes the belt.
Looks down at it.
Then places one boot beside the fallen Jack Lumber.
He raises the Convergent Championship over his head.
Not his championship.
Not his victory prize.
A warning.
Julian Ward: “That does not belong to him.”
Brick Brody: “No.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “That is the point.”
Dr. Frankenstein kneels beside Jack Lumber.
The champion is beginning to stir.
His eyes struggle to focus.
Dr. Frankenstein leans closer.
Then looks directly into the camera.
Dr. Frankenstein: “Last week, you survived one specimen.”
He looks toward Kong.
Then back down.
Dr. Frankenstein: “Tonight, another specimen put you on your back.”
The crowd continues booing.
Dr. Frankenstein rises.
He places one hand against the Convergent Championship still held by Kong.
Dr. Frankenstein: “But neither was the final experiment.”
The great screen comes alive.
A towering image fills it.
Frankenstein’s Monster.
The reaction changes immediately.
Dr. Frankenstein smiles.
Dr. Frankenstein: “At Age of Ruin, there will be no Dragon King.”
A beat.
Dr. Frankenstein: “No Kong.”
Another.
Dr. Frankenstein: “There will be the Alpha Monster.”
The image of Frankenstein’s Monster grows larger behind him.
Dr. Frankenstein: “And when the experiment is complete…”
He looks down at Jack Lumber.
Dr. Frankenstein: “…the lumberjack will be exactly where he is now.”
A pause.
Dr. Frankenstein: “Looking up.”
Heavy boos rain down.
Dr. Frankenstein takes the Convergent Championship from Kong.
He lays it across Jack Lumber’s chest.
Then pats the center plate once.
Dr. Frankenstein: “Enjoy it for nine more days.”
He rises.
Kong stands beside him.
The screen behind them continues showing Frankenstein’s Monster.
Julian Ward: “Last week, Jack Lumber defeated Dragon King and refused to retreat when the entire Monster Bash surrounded him.”
A beat.
Julian Ward: “Tonight, Dr. Frankenstein made sure courage was not enough.”
Brick Brody: “And now the champion has nine days to decide whether what happened tonight was a warning…”
The camera tightens on Jack Lumber, still on the canvas with the Convergent Championship across his chest.
Then—
Frankenstein’s Monster on the screen above him.
Brick Brody: “…or a preview.”
Julian Ward: “At Age of Ruin, Jack Lumber will have the opportunity to answer that himself.”
Dr. Frankenstein and Kong leave the ring.
The camera remains on the fallen champion.
Nine days.
The Age of Ruin logo appears in the corner of the screen.
Cut.
The camera cuts backstage.
The door to the Champions of Camelot dressing room is closed.
Raised voices can already be heard from the other side.
Inside—
King Arthur stands near the center of the room with the Mythic Crown Championship resting across a table beside him.
His expression is severe.
Across from him stands Sir Lancelot.
No armor between them now.
No battlefield.
Only tension.
Near the back of the room, Merlin watches in silence.
Sir Lancelot: “It is not honorable.”
King Arthur’s eyes narrow.
Sir Lancelot: “You placed money upon men’s heads.”
A beat.
Sir Lancelot: “Not for a sanctioned match.”
Another.
Sir Lancelot: “Not for a tournament.”
His voice hardens.
Sir Lancelot: “You placed a bounty upon the Merry Band.”
King Arthur: “They are outlaws.”
Sir Lancelot: “They are wrestlers under contract to this company.”
King Arthur: “They are thieves who openly mock the authority of Camelot.”
Sir Lancelot: “Then defeat them.”
The room goes still.
King Arthur slowly turns toward him.
Sir Lancelot: “If Robin Hood challenges your crown, defeat him.”
A beat.
Sir Lancelot: “If Little John attacks your knights, defeat him.”
Another.
Sir Lancelot: “If the Merry Band stands against Camelot, then meet them in the ring.”
He steps closer.
Sir Lancelot: “But paying others to hunt them in hallways and loading areas is not justice.”
A long pause.
Sir Lancelot: “And it is not becoming of the King of Camelot.”
King Arthur’s expression changes.
Cold.
King Arthur: “Careful.”
Sir Lancelot does not move.
King Arthur: “You appear to be forgetting where you stand.”
Sir Lancelot: “I know exactly where I stand.”
King Arthur: “Do you?”
Arthur moves closer.
King Arthur: “Because lately you have developed a remarkable confidence for a knight who has spent much of the last two weeks losing.”
That lands.
Sir Lancelot’s jaw tightens.
Merlin continues watching from the shadows.
King Arthur: “You failed against Mordred at Wrestlefest.”
A beat.
King Arthur: “Then you failed again.”
Another.
King Arthur: “And now you stand before your king and lecture him on honor.”
Sir Lancelot: “Because someone should.”
The words cut through the room.
King Arthur takes another step forward.
King Arthur: “You will watch your tone.”
Sir Lancelot: “I have served Camelot faithfully.”
King Arthur: “Then remember what service means.”
A beat.
King Arthur: “Respect.”
Another.
King Arthur: “Obedience.”
His voice lowers.
King Arthur: “And knowing when your king has finished speaking.”
Before Sir Lancelot can answer—
The door slams open.
Elias Coldmere storms into the room.
He does not knock.
He does not pause.
King Arthur turns sharply.
For perhaps the first time tonight, the king looks genuinely stunned.
King Arthur: “What in God’s name do you think you are doing?”
Elias Coldmere: “Fixing your mistake.”
King Arthur: “You do not enter my chambers without permission.”
Elias Coldmere: “These are not your chambers.”
A beat.
Elias Coldmere: “They are a dressing room inside my division.”
The crowd can be heard reacting from inside the Coliseum.
King Arthur stares at him.
Elias Coldmere walks directly toward the table.
He points at the Mythic Crown Championship.
Elias Coldmere: “You are going to remove the bounty.”
King Arthur: “No.”
No hesitation.
Elias Coldmere: “That was not a negotiation.”
King Arthur: “Neither was the bounty.”
Elias Coldmere: “Exactly.”
A beat.
Elias Coldmere: “And that is the problem.”
King Arthur folds his arms.
King Arthur: “The Merry Band has attacked my authority repeatedly.”
Elias Coldmere: “Then wrestle them.”
King Arthur: “They are criminals.”
Elias Coldmere: “They are contracted performers.”
King Arthur: “They steal.”
Elias Coldmere: “Then file a complaint.”
King Arthur: “They undermine Camelot.”
Elias Coldmere: “Then beat them.”
The room tightens around the exchange.
Elias Coldmere: “But you do not get to declare open season on members of this roster because your pride was wounded.”
King Arthur: “My pride?”
Arthur laughs once.
No humor in it.
King Arthur: “You watched what they have done.”
He points toward the arena.
King Arthur: “They embarrass my knights.”
Another gesture.
King Arthur: “They parade an outlaw before these people as though defiance were heroism.”
His eyes narrow.
King Arthur: “And now that outlaw comes for my crown.”
Elias Coldmere: “Then on September 27th, you get the chance to stop him.”
A beat.
Elias Coldmere: “Inside the ring.”
Arthur says nothing.
Elias Coldmere: “What happened tonight was not a match.”
His expression hardens.
Elias Coldmere: “Robin Hood walked into this building and five men jumped him because of money you offered.”
King Arthur: “Then perhaps he should choose his allies more carefully.”
Sir Lancelot looks toward Arthur.
Disgust is beginning to show.
Elias Coldmere: “You think this is funny?”
King Arthur: “I think consequences are frequently mistaken for cruelty by men too weak to impose them.”
Elias Coldmere: “Good.”
A beat.
Elias Coldmere: “Then here is one.”
He steps closer.
Elias Coldmere: “Remove the bounty.”
King Arthur: “No.”
Elias Coldmere: “Remove it.”
King Arthur: “You presume too much.”
Elias Coldmere: “And you presume that crown makes you untouchable.”
Silence.
Elias Coldmere points directly toward the Mythic Crown Championship.
Elias Coldmere: “It does not.”
For the first time, Arthur’s eyes flick toward the title.
Elias Coldmere: “If that bounty remains active…”
A pause.
Elias Coldmere: “…I suspend you.”
The room freezes.
Sir Lancelot turns toward the Commissioner.
Even Merlin’s expression shifts slightly.
King Arthur: “You would suspend the Mythic Crown Champion?”
Elias Coldmere: “Without hesitation.”
A beat.
King Arthur: “Nine days before Age of Ruin?”
Elias Coldmere: “Yes.”
Arthur stares at him.
Elias Coldmere: “And if you make me go one step further…”
He points again toward the championship.
Elias Coldmere: “…I strip you of the Mythic Crown.”
The reaction from inside the arena is enormous.
King Arthur’s face darkens.
King Arthur: “You would not dare.”
Elias Coldmere: “Try me.”
A long silence.
No one moves.
Sir Lancelot watches Arthur.
Merlin watches Elias.
Elias Coldmere does not blink.
King Arthur: “You would destroy the main event of Age of Ruin because of an outlaw?”
Elias Coldmere: “I would protect the authority of this division from a champion who thinks his title allows him to invent his own laws.”
A beat.
Elias Coldmere: “You defend that championship because NPCW sanctions the match.”
Another.
Elias Coldmere: “You hold that title because this company recognizes you as champion.”
He steps even closer.
Elias Coldmere: “Do not confuse recognition with sovereignty.”
That lands.
Arthur’s hands close into fists.
Merlin finally speaks.
Merlin: “Arthur.”
One word.
A warning.
The king glances toward him.
Merlin gives the slightest shake of his head.
Not submission.
Calculation.
King Arthur looks back toward Elias Coldmere.
Several seconds pass.
Then—
King Arthur: “Fine.”
His voice is low.
Furious.
King Arthur: “The bounty is withdrawn.”
Elias Coldmere: “Clearly.”
Arthur’s eyes flash.
King Arthur: “Effective immediately…”
A beat.
King Arthur: “…the one-hundred-thousand-dollar bounty upon the Merry Band is rescinded.”
The crowd inside the arena erupts.
Elias Coldmere gives one curt nod.
Elias Coldmere: “Good.”
Arthur steps forward.
King Arthur: “Do not mistake compliance for submission.”
Elias Coldmere: “I do not care what you call it.”
Another step.
Elias Coldmere: “I care that nobody else gets attacked because the Mythic Crown Champion decided humiliation needed a price tag.”
Arthur stares at him.
Elias Coldmere: “And understand something else.”
A beat.
Elias Coldmere: “If one more person goes after the Merry Band because they believe that bounty still exists…”
His voice hardens.
Elias Coldmere: “…I will assume you encouraged it.”
That draws a reaction from Arthur.
Elias Coldmere: “And then we have this conversation again.”
He glances toward the championship.
Elias Coldmere: “Without the warning.”
Elias Coldmere turns.
He storms out.
The door slams behind him.
Silence.
A long one.
King Arthur continues staring at the closed door.
His face is rigid.
Sir Lancelot finally speaks.
Sir Lancelot: “He was right.”
Arthur slowly turns.
That was the wrong thing to say.
King Arthur: “Leave.”
Sir Lancelot: “Arthur—”
King Arthur: “I said leave.”
Sir Lancelot: “My king, this is exactly what I was trying to tell you.”
King Arthur: “And I have heard enough from you.”
He steps closer.
King Arthur: “You question my judgment.”
A beat.
King Arthur: “You criticize my authority.”
Another.
King Arthur: “You stand in my dressing room and agree with a commissioner who threatens to strip me of what I earned.”
Sir Lancelot: “I agreed that the bounty was wrong.”
King Arthur: “And that is why you will leave.”
Sir Lancelot stares at him.
The tension becomes almost physical.
Merlin watches.
Says nothing.
Finally—
Sir Lancelot: “As you command.”
The words are respectful.
The tone is not.
Sir Lancelot turns.
He walks toward the door.
Stops.
Looks back once.
Sir Lancelot: “A crown does not become stronger simply because everyone around it becomes afraid to speak.”
Arthur says nothing.
Sir Lancelot leaves.
The door closes.
Now only King Arthur and Merlin remain.
For several seconds, Arthur does not move.
Then—
He grabs the Mythic Crown Championship from the table.
Stares down at it.
His breathing slows.
The anger does not disappear.
It changes shape.
Merlin: “That was unwise.”
King Arthur: “Which part?”
Merlin: “All of it.”
Arthur looks toward him.
Merlin: “The bounty made your anger public.”
A beat.
Merlin: “The Commissioner just made your limitation public.”
Arthur’s grip tightens around the championship.
King Arthur: “He threatened my crown.”
Merlin: “Because you gave him the opportunity.”
Arthur turns away.
King Arthur: “No.”
A pause.
King Arthur: “He reminded me of the problem.”
Merlin: “Which problem?”
Arthur looks toward the closed door.
Then toward the camera without truly acknowledging it.
King Arthur: “Too many people believe authority belongs to whoever carries the rulebook.”
A beat.
King Arthur: “Too many people believe power must ask permission.”
Merlin studies him.
King Arthur: “The bounty is gone.”
His voice is calmer now.
That somehow makes it more dangerous.
King Arthur: “Very well.”
A pause.
King Arthur: “We proceed differently.”
Merlin: “How?”
Arthur turns toward him.
King Arthur: “Contact Crowne.”
The room seems to grow colder.
Merlin raises an eyebrow.
Merlin: “Severin Crowne?”
King Arthur: “He understands arrangements.”
A beat.
King Arthur: “Obligation.”
Another.
King Arthur: “Leverage.”
Arthur looks down at the Mythic Crown Championship.
King Arthur: “And unlike Lancelot…”
He lifts his eyes.
King Arthur: “…he understands that honor is only useful when it produces victory.”
Merlin watches him for several seconds.
Then slowly nods.
Merlin: “I will contact him.”
King Arthur turns toward the mirror.
The Mythic Crown Championship reflected across his chest.
His expression settles into something colder than anger.
Calculation.
The camera holds.
Cut.
The camera returns to ringside.
The great screen fills with bronze-and-gold Olympian imagery.
A shattered shield appears.
Then two faces.
DOROTHY vs ATHENA
At the broadcast desk, Julian Ward watches the graphic settle.
Julian Ward: “The pressure surrounding the War Council has increased considerably over the last several weeks. Athena and Bellona are nine days away from challenging the Blonde Bombshells for the North Star Tag Team Championship at Age of Ruin, but their recent results have not reflected the expectations of Zeus.”
Footage from last week appears.
Maid Marion catches Athena with the Kiss Goodnight Roundhouse Kick.
Three.
The shot changes to Zeus staring into the ring.
Furious.
Brick Brody: “Expectations?”
He snorts.
Brick Brody: “They keep losing.”
Julian Ward: “Last week, Athena and Bellona were defeated by Lark of Sherwood and Maid Marion, despite repeated involvement from Zeus.”
Brick Brody: “And if I know Zeus, he spent the last seven days explaining that in considerable detail.”
The lights lower.
Thunder rolls across the Coliseum.
A bolt of white-gold light flashes across the entrance.
Zeus emerges first.
The Lightning Rod rests in one hand.
He does not raise it.
He does not acknowledge the audience.
His expression remains severe.
Behind him comes Athena.
There is none of the usual measured confidence in her entrance tonight.
She walks with her shoulders squared, eyes fixed on the ring.
Zeus pauses at the top of the ramp.
He says something quietly to her.
Athena gives one short nod.
They begin walking.
Julian Ward: “There is a different demeanor around Athena tonight.”
Brick Brody: “There should be.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “Nine days before a championship match, losing stops being a rough patch and starts becoming a habit.”
Athena reaches ringside.
She climbs the steps.
Zeus remains on the floor, gripping the Lightning Rod.
Athena enters the ring and turns toward the entrance.
Her music dies.
Then—
A warm golden glow fills the arena.
The image of a long road stretches across the great screen.
Green fields.
A distant city shimmering beneath an emerald light.
The crowd rises.
Dorothy steps through the entrance.
She pauses.
Looks across the Coliseum.
Then toward Athena.
Her expression hardens.
Dorothy starts down the aisle.
Julian Ward: “And Dorothy enters this match carrying momentum of a very different kind.”
Brick Brody: “She better carry something heavy. Athena looks like a woman who has been listening to an angry god all week.”
Dorothy reaches ringside.
She notices Zeus immediately.
Her eyes drop briefly to the Lightning Rod.
Then return to Athena.
Dorothy climbs onto the apron and enters.
Athena steps forward.
Honest Abe immediately moves between them.
Louie Linville takes his position at center ring.
Louie Linville: “The following contest is scheduled for one fall!”
The crowd responds.
Louie Linville: “Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Zeus... representing the War Council... ATHENA!”
Boos move through the Coliseum.
Athena raises her chin.
At ringside, Zeus watches without expression.
Louie Linville: “And her opponent... DOROTHY!”
A strong cheer rises.
Dorothy raises one hand toward the audience.
Then turns immediately back toward Athena.
Honest Abe checks both women.
Signals.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Neither woman commits immediately.
Dorothy circles left.
Athena mirrors her.
They close.
Separate.
Another attempt produces the same result.
Then the pace suddenly accelerates.
Dorothy hooks the head and spins through—
Kansas Cyclone.
The Tornado DDT drives Athena toward the canvas.
But Athena manages to gather Dorothy almost simultaneously, powering her upward and answering with the Goddess Bomb.
Both women hit hard.
Both roll away.
Neither gains control.
Julian Ward: “An explosive opening sequence, and neither woman comes away with the advantage.”
Brick Brody: “Good. Athena does not need another slow start.”
A pause.
Brick Brody: “And Dorothy clearly did not come here to give her one.”
Minute 2
Dorothy attacks first.
She catches Athena around the waist.
Spinebuster.
Athena bounces off the canvas but scrambles immediately toward the corner.
Dorothy follows.
That proves dangerous.
Athena surges forward with the Shield Bash.
Her shoulder drives into Dorothy’s midsection and crushes her against the turnbuckles.
Dorothy folds around the impact.
Athena backs away.
Julian Ward: “Power answered by power.”
Brick Brody: “And Dorothy learned something there. Do not follow Athena into a corner unless you want to become part of it.”
Minute 3
The pace becomes more deliberate again.
Athena reaches for control.
Dorothy creates space and launches a Bicycle Kick.
The strike catches Athena high.
She staggers but remains upright.
Dorothy closes—
Athena turns behind her.
She drives one knee between Dorothy’s shoulder blades and pulls backward.
Gorgon Clutch.
Dorothy’s neck is wrenched as Athena leans into the hold.
Dorothy fights her way upright and twists free.
Both women separate again.
Julian Ward: “Athena is beginning to attack the back and neck.”
Brick Brody: “That is smarter than trying to trade kicks all night.”
Minute 4
Athena catches Dorothy moving forward.
She powers her overhead.
Pallas Drop.
Dorothy crashes onto the canvas.
Athena steps toward her—
but Dorothy surges back to her feet and drives forward.
A hard kick sends Athena through the ropes.
She hits the floor.
Honest Abe begins the count.
One.
Two.
Athena rises to one knee.
Three.
Four.
Zeus steps closer but does not touch her.
Five.
Six.
Athena pulls herself onto the apron.
Seven.
She pauses.
Eight—
Athena slides beneath the bottom rope.
Dorothy is waiting.
Julian Ward: “Back at eight. Dorothy nearly turned that exchange into a dangerous count.”
Brick Brody: “And look at Zeus.”
The camera catches him staring at Athena.
Brick Brody: “He did not like seeing her outside that long.”
Minute 5
Dorothy steps forward.
Athena explodes.
Huntress Spear.
The tackle drives Dorothy flat onto her back.
Athena rises immediately.
No celebration.
No wasted movement.
She looks briefly toward Zeus.
He gives one curt nod.
Julian Ward: “That may be exactly the response Zeus wanted.”
Brick Brody: “Forget what Zeus wants. That is what Athena needs.”
Minute 6
Dorothy regains her footing.
She catches Athena charging.
Spinebuster.
The Olympian warrior hits hard.
Dorothy reaches for her again—
but Athena slips beneath the arms.
Hooks both.
Wisdom’s Wrath.
Dorothy is driven face-first into the canvas.
Both women remain down briefly.
Julian Ward: “Another violent exchange.”
Brick Brody: “Neither one is building momentum because every time somebody lands something meaningful, the other woman hits back.”
Minute 7
Dorothy rises first.
She comes off the ropes.
Emerald City Elbow.
The strike catches Athena across the upper chest.
Athena stumbles.
Dorothy moves in again.
This time Athena catches her momentum.
Tilt.
Turn.
Owl Wing Backbreaker.
Dorothy’s spine crashes across the knee.
Athena drops her to the canvas.
Julian Ward: “The Owl Wing Backbreaker, and again Athena returns to the back.”
Brick Brody: “That is the first real pattern she has established tonight.”
Minute 8
Dorothy refuses to remain grounded.
She rises.
Another Emerald City Elbow.
Athena absorbs it and reels toward the ropes.
Dorothy closes.
Again—
Athena catches her.
Another Owl Wing Backbreaker.
Dorothy folds across the knee and falls onto her side.
Zeus finally shows the faintest sign of approval.
Julian Ward: “Twice in two minutes.”
Brick Brody: “Now she is thinking.”
A pause.
Brick Brody: “Break the back and everything else gets harder.”
Minute 9
Athena steps in.
Dorothy drives beneath her.
Spinebuster.
Athena hits the canvas.
She rises into the corner.
Dorothy charges.
Athena meets her with another Shield Bash.
Both women stagger away from the collision.
Julian Ward: “Still no clear separation.”
Brick Brody: “Nine minutes and they are still arguing with impact.”
Minute 10
They lock up near the ropes.
The struggle spills outward.
Dorothy kicks Athena through the ropes again.
The Olympian lands on the floor.
Honest Abe starts counting.
One.
Two.
Dorothy turns back toward center ring.
That is the mistake.
Zeus steps closer.
The Lightning Rod flashes upward.
CRACK.
The weapon catches Dorothy from the floor.
She recoils sharply.
Honest Abe is still watching Athena outside.
Three.
Four—
Athena slides back into the ring.
She sees Dorothy staggered.
Moves immediately.
Cover.
Honest Abe drops.
“ONE!”
“TWO!”
Dorothy kicks out.
The crowd erupts.
Athena sits up sharply.
At ringside, Zeus withdraws the Lightning Rod as though nothing happened.
Julian Ward: “Zeus just struck Dorothy with that Lightning Rod!”
Brick Brody: “And Dorothy still kicked out.”
Julian Ward: “Because she survived blatant interference.”
Brick Brody: “That is one interpretation.”
Julian Ward: “It is the accurate interpretation.”
Minute 11
Athena reaches down.
Dorothy suddenly twists free.
Kansas Cyclone.
The Tornado DDT plants Athena.
Dorothy hooks the leg.
Honest Abe: “ONE!”
Athena powers out.
Dorothy stares briefly at the referee.
Only one.
Across the ring, Athena rolls toward the ropes.
Julian Ward: “Only one from Athena, but that Kansas Cyclone completely changed the momentum.”
Brick Brody: “And Dorothy needs to stop looking surprised. Hit her again.”
Minute 12
Dorothy does exactly that.
She drives Athena backward.
Another kick sends the Olympian through the ropes.
Athena lands on the floor.
One.
Two.
She grabs the apron.
Three.
Zeus shouts something at her.
Four—
Athena slides back inside.
Dorothy steps toward her immediately.
Julian Ward: “Third trip to the floor for Athena tonight.”
Brick Brody: “And every time, Zeus looks angrier.”
Minute 13
They close again.
Athena tries to brace herself.
Dorothy gets underneath her.
One-Armed Neckbreaker Slam.
Athena is driven down.
She rolls onto her back.
Dorothy remains standing over her.
The crowd builds.
Julian Ward: “One of Dorothy’s strongest exchanges of the match.”
Brick Brody: “And Athena did not have an answer for that one.”
At ringside, Zeus tightens his grip on the Lightning Rod.
Minute 14
Athena catches Dorothy from behind.
Gorgon Clutch.
The knee digs into the spine again.
Dorothy reaches toward the ropes.
They are several feet away.
Athena pulls backward harder.
Honest Abe asks.
Dorothy: “NO!”
She slowly forces herself upright.
Turns her body.
Breaks the grip.
Julian Ward: “Again Athena attacks the back.”
Brick Brody: “And this time she keeps Dorothy in it longer.”
Julian Ward: “But still cannot force the submission.”
Minute 15
Dorothy creates distance.
She drives a kick through Athena’s guard and sends her between the ropes for the third time.
Athena drops to the floor.
One.
Two.
Three.
She rises.
Four.
Athena reaches the apron.
Five—
Back inside.
Dorothy closes.
Athena catches her immediately.
Owl Wing Backbreaker.
Dorothy crashes across the knee once more.
Julian Ward: “Athena returns at five and immediately attacks the back again.”
Brick Brody: “That is good discipline. Quit worrying about being thrown outside and punish her for being close enough when you come back.”
Minute 16
Athena reaches down.
Dorothy catches the head.
Bulldog.
Athena’s face is driven into the canvas.
Dorothy rolls through and gets back to one knee.
The crowd begins rallying behind her.
Zeus paces outside.
Julian Ward: “Dorothy continues finding answers despite the damage accumulating across her back.”
Brick Brody: “That is stubbornness.”
Julian Ward: “It is resilience.”
Brick Brody: “Same thing until you lose.”
Minute 17
Dorothy gets beneath Athena.
Bodyslam.
The Olympian hits hard.
Dorothy reaches down—
Athena twists behind her.
Gorgon Clutch.
The hold cinches again.
Dorothy’s body bends backward.
She reaches desperately toward the ropes.
Finally twists sideways and breaks free.
Both women are breathing heavily now.
Julian Ward: “Third Gorgon Clutch.”
Brick Brody: “And every one of them makes the next one worse.”
Minute 18
Dorothy explodes from the ropes.
Spinebuster.
Athena crashes down.
Dorothy tries to maintain the advantage.
But Athena rises through the pain and catches her in motion.
Owl Wing Backbreaker.
Again.
Both women fall.
For several seconds neither moves.
Julian Ward: “Eighteen minutes, and neither woman has been able to break the other.”
Brick Brody: “But look at Dorothy’s back.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “Athena has been working the same target all night.”
Minute 19
Athena tries to intercept her.
Dorothy drives through.
Spinebuster.
Athena attempts to brace against the takedown.
It does not matter.
She crashes flat onto the canvas.
Dorothy remains standing.
The crowd rises with her.
Julian Ward: “Another Spinebuster, and Dorothy is beginning to build sustained offense.”
Brick Brody: “Then this is where Athena either stops her or explains another loss to Zeus.”
The camera finds Zeus.
His expression is stone.
Minute 20
Dorothy comes forward.
Emerald City Elbow.
The strike catches Athena.
The Olympian reels backward.
She reaches the turnbuckles.
Climbs quickly to the middle rope.
Dorothy turns.
Athena leaps.
Helm Breaker.
The Double Axe Handle crashes down across Dorothy’s upper body.
Both women stagger.
Athena drops to one knee.
Dorothy remains standing only briefly before falling against the ropes.
Julian Ward: “Helm Breaker!”
Brick Brody: “That changed it.”
Julian Ward: “Twenty minutes of punishment, and now both women are struggling simply to remain upright.”
Minute 21
Dorothy pulls herself away from the ropes.
Athena is still recovering.
At ringside—
Zeus moves.
The Lightning Rod rises again.
Dorothy sees him this time.
Too late.
The weapon drives into her from the floor.
Dorothy’s body jolts.
She collapses backward.
The crowd erupts in fury.
Honest Abe’s attention had shifted toward Athena.
He never sees the contact.
Julian Ward: “AGAIN!”
Brick Brody: “That one was worse.”
Julian Ward: “Zeus has struck Dorothy with the Lightning Rod for a second time!”
Athena looks toward ringside.
Then at the fallen Dorothy.
For one brief moment—
she hesitates.
Zeus shouts.
Zeus: “FINISH IT!”
Athena drops across Dorothy.
Hooks the leg.
Honest Abe slides into position.
“ONE!”
Boos thunder throughout the Coliseum.
“TWO!”
Dorothy’s body shifts.
Not enough.
“THREE!”
The bell rings.
The boos become deafening.
Athena releases the leg and sits upright.
Zeus raises the Lightning Rod outside the ring.
Honest Abe raises Athena’s arm.
She looks toward Zeus.
He nods once.
Finally satisfied.
Julian Ward: “Athena gets the victory, but she required two separate interventions from Zeus and the Lightning Rod to do it.”
Brick Brody: “She needed a win.”
A pause.
Brick Brody: “She got one.”
Julian Ward: “And nine days before the War Council challenges the Blonde Bombshells for the North Star Tag Team Championship at Age of Ruin, Athena has finally stopped the sequence of defeats—but the manner of that victory raises another set of questions entirely.”
ATHENA DEFEATS DOROTHY BY PINFALL IN THE 21ST MINUTE AFTER ZEUS STRUCK DOROTHY WITH THE LIGHTNING ROD.
Athena’s music begins.
Zeus climbs onto the apron.
He steps through the ropes.
Dorothy remains down near the center.
Athena rises.
For several seconds, Zeus looks at her.
No embrace.
No congratulations.
He simply gives another short nod.
Approval.
Nothing more.
Brick Brody: “That is all she gets?”
Julian Ward: “From Zeus, apparently.”
Brick Brody: “Then she better enjoy it. Those North Star titles are nine days away.”
Zeus turns toward the entrance.
Athena follows.
Behind them, Dorothy begins sitting up.
One hand presses against her back.
The other against the side where the Lightning Rod struck.
She looks toward the departing pair.
Anger replaces pain.
Julian Ward: “Dorothy will remember this.”
Brick Brody: “She ought to.”
The camera follows Zeus and Athena up the aisle.
Then cuts back to Dorothy watching them leave.
Cut.
The camera returns to ringside.
The great screen fills with an image of the Universal Championship surrounded by falling snow.
Then—
HANSEL
The championship image fades behind him.
Across the screen appears another figure.
HERACLES
Behind him—
ZEUS.
At the broadcast desk, Julian Ward looks toward the graphic.
Julian Ward: “At Wrestlefest Labour Day, Hansel survived ten minutes with Universal Champion Ghost of Christmas Past and earned himself a championship match.”
Footage flashes briefly.
The Wrestlefest clock reaches zero.
The bell rings.
Ghost of Christmas Past and Hansel stare across the ring from one another.
Julian Ward: “That championship opportunity remains ahead of him. Tonight, however, Hansel faces a very different physical challenge.”
The image changes to Heracles.
Brick Brody: “And this is exactly the kind of match you want before fighting for a championship.”
Julian Ward: “You consider Heracles preparation?”
Brick Brody: “I consider surviving Heracles proof you deserve to keep talking about the championship.”
Thunder rolls through the Coliseum.
The arena becomes washed in gold-white light.
A towering Olympian crest appears across the great screen.
Zeus steps through the entrance first.
The Lightning Rod remains in his hand.
Earlier tonight, the weapon helped Athena defeat Dorothy.
The audience immediately reacts.
Heavy boos.
Zeus does not acknowledge them.
Behind him comes Heracles.
Massive.
Broad.
Built like the living embodiment of brute strength.
He rolls his shoulders once beneath the entrance lights.
Then follows Zeus toward the ring.
Julian Ward: “We already saw Zeus become directly involved in Athena’s match earlier tonight.”
Brick Brody: “And Athena won.”
Julian Ward: “After Zeus struck Dorothy twice with the Lightning Rod.”
Brick Brody: “You keep adding details after the important part.”
Heracles reaches ringside.
He climbs onto the apron.
Steps through the ropes.
Zeus remains outside.
He says something toward Heracles.
The Olympian warrior gives a short nod.
Then—
The arena darkens.
A low, haunting melody begins.
A path through a darkened forest appears across the great screen.
Candy-colored lights burn faintly between dead trees.
Then the image burns away.
Hansel steps through the entrance.
The crowd rises strongly.
He pauses at the top of the ramp.
His eyes go first to Heracles.
Then to Zeus.
He has seen what happened earlier tonight.
His expression makes that clear.
Hansel begins down the aisle.
Julian Ward: “There is no mystery surrounding what is waiting at ringside.”
Brick Brody: “Then Hansel has no excuse if Zeus catches him looking the wrong way.”
Hansel reaches the ring.
He climbs onto the apron.
Before entering, he looks directly at Zeus.
The Olympian patriarch raises the Lightning Rod slightly.
Not enough to threaten.
Enough to remind.
Hansel gives him a cold stare.
Then enters.
Heracles moves forward.
Honest Abe steps between them.
Louie Linville walks to center ring.
Louie Linville: “The following contest is scheduled for one fall!”
The audience answers.
Louie Linville: “Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Zeus... representing Olympus... HERACLES!”
Boos roll through the Coliseum.
Heracles raises both arms.
Louie Linville: “And his opponent... the man who has earned a future opportunity at the Universal Championship... HANSEL!”
A strong cheer rises.
Hansel raises one fist.
Then turns toward Heracles.
Honest Abe checks both men.
Signals.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Neither man commits immediately.
They circle.
A tentative lockup breaks almost as quickly as it begins.
Then the pace explodes.
Heracles catches Hansel around the waist.
He powers him upward.
Labors End.
The Sitout Powerbomb drives Hansel into the canvas.
But Hansel rolls through the damage, forces himself upright and comes charging back with a Flying Forearm Smash.
The strike catches Heracles across the jaw.
The Olympian rocks backward but stays standing.
Julian Ward: “Immediate power from Heracles, immediately answered by speed from Hansel.”
Brick Brody: “That Powerbomb told Hansel everything he needs to know.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “Do not get caught twice.”
Minute 2
Heracles does exactly that.
He catches Hansel again.
Another Labors End.
The Sitout Powerbomb plants him.
This time Heracles tries to rise over him.
But Hansel reaches upward.
Front Facelock.
He traps the head and begins pulling the larger man downward.
Heracles widens his stance and eventually forces separation.
Julian Ward: “Hansel immediately trying to take away some of that vertical power.”
Brick Brody: “Good strategy. The strong man is less impressive when you make him carry your weight around his neck.”
Minute 3
The two reset.
Heracles reaches for another power exchange.
Hansel slips underneath.
He catches the body.
Spine Crusher.
The impact drives Heracles into the mat.
The Olympian tries to brace against the landing but cannot.
Hansel rises quickly.
Julian Ward: “First clean physical takedown from Hansel.”
Brick Brody: “That will get Heracles’ attention.”
At ringside, Zeus gives no reaction.
Only watches.
Minute 4
Heracles surges forward.
He scoops Hansel into motion.
Elysium Driver.
The Running Powerslam drives Hansel hard into the canvas.
Heracles stays close.
But Hansel somehow finds enough space to fire another Flying Forearm Smash during the recovery.
The strike catches Heracles flush.
Both men stagger.
Julian Ward: “Again they trade impact without creating separation.”
Brick Brody: “And if that continues, I favor the larger man.”
Minute 5
Heracles spins suddenly.
Gauntlet Smash.
The Back Elbow catches Hansel across the side of the head.
Hansel reels.
Then comes back with another Flying Forearm Smash.
This one knocks Heracles a full step backward.
Hansel does not pursue immediately.
He uses the moment to breathe.
Julian Ward: “Hansel continues answering nearly every heavy strike.”
Brick Brody: “He survived ten minutes with the Universal Champion.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “He is not going to panic because Heracles hits hard.”
Minute 6
Hansel changes approach.
He catches Heracles leaning forward.
Front Facelock.
He drops his weight.
Heracles tries to power free.
Hansel keeps the hold tight and forces him lower.
The Olympian eventually muscles enough room to escape.
But the sequence takes energy.
Julian Ward: “Smart control from Hansel.”
Brick Brody: “And every second Heracles spends pulling somebody off his neck is a second he is not Powerbombing him.”
Minute 7
They meet again in the center.
Hansel strikes first.
Flying Forearm Smash.
Heracles attempts to cover up.
The strike still lands cleanly.
The Olympian staggers backward toward the ropes.
Hansel advances.
Julian Ward: “Hansel is beginning to establish a rhythm.”
Brick Brody: “Which means Heracles needs to interrupt it.”
The camera catches Zeus staring toward the ring.
Minute 8
Heracles explodes forward.
Elysium Driver.
Another Running Powerslam.
Hansel is driven down.
Heracles tries to follow.
But Hansel attacks the legs.
He takes Heracles down.
Steps over.
Boston Crab.
Heracles immediately reaches toward the ropes.
They are too far away.
Hansel sits back.
Honest Abe kneels beside the Olympian.
Honest Abe: “Do you submit?”
Heracles: “NO!”
Zeus steps closer to the apron.
Heracles begins dragging himself forward.
One forearm at a time.
He finally twists enough to break the pressure and forces Hansel off.
Julian Ward: “First submission attempt of the match, and Heracles survives.”
Brick Brody: “That was useful.”
Julian Ward: “For Hansel?”
Brick Brody: “For everybody watching. We just found out Heracles can be forced onto the defensive.”
Minute 9
Heracles gets upright and immediately drives Hansel face-first into the turnbuckle.
The impact snaps Hansel’s head backward.
Heracles pulls him away.
But Hansel recovers quickly.
Spine Crusher.
Both men hit hard.
Heracles rolls onto one shoulder.
Hansel falls backward after the effort.
Julian Ward: “Nine minutes and the physical strain is beginning to show.”
Brick Brody: “Neither man has found anything the other one cannot answer.”
Minute 10
Heracles catches Hansel in motion.
Elysium Driver.
Another Running Powerslam.
But Hansel attacks the lower body the moment he escapes.
He traps the leg.
Spinning Toe Hold.
Heracles twists in pain.
Hansel turns again.
Then releases before Heracles can kick free.
Both men back away.
Julian Ward: “Hansel has made the leg a target.”
Brick Brody: “Good.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “You cannot run through somebody if one leg stops cooperating.”
Minute 11
The two hesitate.
Then Heracles catches Hansel around the waist.
A tremendous lift.
Colossal Throw.
The Overhead Belly-to-Belly Suplex sends Hansel across the ring.
He lands badly and rolls toward the ropes.
Heracles rises behind him.
Julian Ward: “That is the raw strength difference.”
Brick Brody: “Hansel can be clever all night.”
A pause.
Brick Brody: “He still weighs what he weighs.”
Minute 12
Heracles moves in.
Hansel ducks beneath the arms.
Spine Crusher.
The Olympian crashes down again.
Hansel stands over him for a moment.
Then backs away to create distance.
Julian Ward: “Again Hansel finds the opening.”
Brick Brody: “And Heracles is letting him.”
At ringside, Zeus shouts toward his wrestler.
Minute 13
Heracles turns sharply.
Gauntlet Smash.
The Back Elbow catches Hansel before he can close.
Hansel tries to block.
Too late.
The strike knocks him backward.
Heracles finally begins walking him down.
Julian Ward: “A heavy answer from Heracles.”
Brick Brody: “That is what Zeus wanted. Stop waiting for the smaller man to choose the pace.”
Minute 14
Hansel regains his footing.
Heracles reaches for him.
Hansel slips around the body.
Belly-to-Belly Suplex.
The crowd rises as Hansel throws the much larger opponent.
Heracles crashes down.
Hansel drops to one knee after the effort.
Julian Ward: “Impressive strength from Hansel.”
Brick Brody: “And that will irritate Heracles more than getting hit.”
Minute 15
Heracles rises.
Hansel moves toward the leg again.
At ringside—
Zeus climbs onto the apron.
He raises one hand toward Honest Abe.
The referee immediately turns.
Honest Abe: “Get down!”
Zeus argues back.
Inside the ring, Hansel has already caught Heracles’ leg.
Spinning Toe Hold.
He turns through the pressure.
Heracles grimaces.
But Honest Abe is still occupied by Zeus and cannot fully monitor the exchange.
Julian Ward: “And once again Zeus inserts himself into the match.”
Brick Brody: “He has not touched anybody.”
Julian Ward: “He has removed the referee from the action.”
Brick Brody: “Then Hansel should stop wasting time and tear the leg off.”
Zeus finally drops back to the floor.
Minute 16
Heracles retaliates immediately.
He catches Hansel charging.
Lion’s Roar Buster.
The Spinebuster shakes the ring.
Hansel lands hard.
But even from the mat, he attacks the leg again.
Another Spinning Toe Hold.
Heracles kicks violently until Hansel is forced away.
Both men rise slowly.
Julian Ward: “Hansel has committed completely to damaging that leg.”
Brick Brody: “Because it is working.”
Minute 17
Heracles refuses to slow down.
He catches Hansel.
Colossal Throw.
Hansel flies across the canvas.
But as Heracles follows—
Hansel catches him in transition.
Spine Crusher.
Both men hit.
Neither rises immediately.
The audience begins clapping rhythmically.
Julian Ward: “Seventeen minutes of almost uninterrupted physical exchange.”
Brick Brody: “And now fatigue becomes another opponent.”
Minute 18
Heracles reaches his feet first.
He grabs Hansel.
Lion’s Roar Buster—
No.
Hansel twists free.
The crowd rises.
Dropkick.
Both boots crash into Heracles’ chest.
The Olympian drops backward.
Hansel immediately covers.
Honest Abe: “ONE!”
Heracles shifts.
“TWO!”
Heracles powers a shoulder up.
Hansel rolls away.
Julian Ward: “First serious cover of the match.”
Brick Brody: “And Heracles had to work to get out.”
Julian Ward: “Hansel is getting closer.”
Minute 19
Heracles rises angry.
He waits for Hansel to turn.
Gauntlet Smash.
The Back Elbow lands flush.
Hansel tries to defend.
Cannot.
He falls toward the ropes.
Heracles stalks forward.
Julian Ward: “That may have stopped Hansel’s momentum.”
Brick Brody: “For the moment.”
Minute 20
Hansel recovers before Heracles can capitalize.
He dives low.
Hooks the leg.
Spinning Toe Hold.
Heracles is twisted down again.
Hansel releases and immediately covers.
Honest Abe: “ONE!”
Heracles kicks his free leg.
“TWO!”
A hard shoulder escape.
Heracles survives.
Hansel sits beside him.
Breathing heavily.
Julian Ward: “Another two-count.”
Brick Brody: “And that bad leg is getting worse.”
Minute 21
Heracles tries to stand.
His leg hesitates.
That gives Hansel the opening.
Dropkick.
Heracles falls backward again.
Hansel dives into another cover.
Honest Abe: “ONE!”
Heracles powers out immediately.
Hansel rolls through.
Julian Ward: “Only one this time.”
Brick Brody: “Because Heracles knew exactly what was coming.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “But the fact Hansel keeps making him kick out matters.”
Minute 22
The Olympian surges.
He catches Hansel beside the ropes.
Mount Olympus Crash.
The Sidewalk Slam drives Hansel flat into the canvas.
Heracles remains on one knee afterward.
The damaged leg refuses to let him rise cleanly.
Zeus slams the Lightning Rod against the floor in frustration.
Julian Ward: “Massive impact from Heracles, but watch the leg.”
Brick Brody: “That is the price of the last ten minutes.”
Minute 23
Heracles drags Hansel upward.
He powers him between the legs.
Lifts.
Labors End.
The Sitout Powerbomb plants Hansel violently.
The audience gasps.
Heracles remains seated after the impact.
Then slowly turns toward him.
Julian Ward: “Labors End!”
Brick Brody: “That may have finally done it.”
Julian Ward: “But Heracles has not covered.”
Brick Brody: “Because that leg will not let him move quickly enough.”
Heracles begins pulling himself upright.
Minute 24
Zeus suddenly climbs onto the apron again.
He raises both arms.
Honest Abe turns toward him.
Command of the Skies.
The distraction draws the referee completely away from the action.
But this time—
Hansel sees it.
He sees Zeus.
Then looks toward Heracles.
The Olympian expects the distraction to create the opening.
Instead, Hansel moves first.
He drives forward.
Spine Crusher.
Heracles crashes into the canvas.
Hansel hooks the leg.
But Honest Abe is still arguing with Zeus.
Hansel: “ABE!”
The referee turns.
Sees the cover.
Drops.
“ONE!”
Zeus’ expression changes.
“TWO!”
Heracles tries to push free.
The damaged leg gives nothing.
“THREE!”
The bell rings.
The Coliseum erupts.
Hansel releases the leg and rolls onto his back.
Exhausted.
Heracles remains down.
At ringside—
Zeus stares into the ring.
His own distraction has failed.
Worse.
It created the opening that finished his man.
Julian Ward: “This time the interference backfired!”
Brick Brody: “That is the risk when you keep going to the same trick.”
Julian Ward: “Zeus tried to distract Honest Abe, Hansel recognized the opportunity, and Heracles paid for it.”
Brick Brody: “And Hansel just beat a man who threw him around this ring for twenty-four minutes.”
Julian Ward: “Nine days before Age of Ruin, with a Universal Championship opportunity still waiting ahead, Hansel has delivered another significant victory.”
HANSEL DEFEATS HERACLES BY PINFALL IN THE 24TH MINUTE FOLLOWING A SPINE CRUSHER AFTER ZEUS’ ATTEMPTED DISTRACTION BACKFIRED.
Honest Abe raises Hansel’s arm.
The crowd answers loudly.
Hansel remains on one knee.
Breathing hard.
He looks toward Zeus.
Then toward Heracles.
Finally—
Toward the great screen.
For a moment, the Universal Championship appears behind him.
The image of Ghost of Christmas Past fades into view beside it.
Julian Ward: “At Wrestlefest, Hansel proved he could survive the Universal Champion.”
A beat.
Julian Ward: “Tonight, he proved he can defeat one of the strongest men in this division.”
Brick Brody: “Surviving gets you an opportunity.”
He watches Hansel stare toward the championship image.
Brick Brody: “Winning is what makes people start wondering what you might do with it.”
The camera closes on Hansel.
Behind him—
The Universal Championship.
Cut.
The broadcast cuts away from the Coliseum.
No arena noise.
No commentary.
No location identifier.
Only darkness.
Then—
A lantern ignites.
The camera resolves on dense woodland beneath the night sky.
Ancient trees crowd together.
Mist hangs low across the forest floor.
Somewhere in the distance, an owl calls.
A narrow fire burns inside a rough stone circle.
No banners.
No lights.
No production staging.
Sherwood.
Or somewhere close enough to feel like it.
The camera slowly advances.
Seven figures stand among the trees.
Allan A Dale.
Friar Tuck.
Little John.
Blood-Moon Warden.
Maid Marion.
Lark of Sherwood.
And standing in front of all of them—
Robin Hood.
There is dried blood running from the cut along his forehead.
A fresh bandage has been placed above one eyebrow, but it has already begun to stain red.
Yet that is not what makes the image feel different.
The black-and-white face paint is gone.
The severe black presentation is gone.
The darker gear that had defined the White and Black Avenger is nowhere to be seen.
Instead—
Green.
Brown.
Leather.
Cloth.
Sherwood colors.
The familiar outlaw returned to the forest.
A bow rests across his back.
Not raised.
Not displayed as a threat.
Simply there.
As though it never left.
Behind him, the others remain silent.
Maid Marion stands closest.
She looks toward the cut on Robin Hood’s forehead.
Then toward the camera.
Little John has both arms folded.
Still visibly furious from the attack earlier tonight.
Friar Tuck stands solemnly beside him.
Allan A Dale leans against an old tree, expression unusually serious.
Lark of Sherwood watches from the edge of the firelight.
And several steps behind them all—
Blood-Moon Warden.
Motionless.
Masked.
Guarding the gathering without needing to announce that he is doing so.
Robin Hood looks directly into the camera.
For several seconds—
He says nothing.
The forest speaks for him.
Wind through the branches.
Fire cracking behind him.
Finally—
Robin Hood: “I have been hunted before.”
A pause.
Robin Hood: “Long before there was a hundred thousand dollars attached to my name.”
He reaches up.
Touches the cut across his forehead.
Looks briefly at the blood on his fingers.
Then back into the lens.
Robin Hood: “Kings have hunted me.”
A beat.
Robin Hood: “Sheriffs have hunted me.”
Another.
Robin Hood: “Soldiers.”
Another.
Robin Hood: “Mercenaries.”
His eyes narrow.
Robin Hood: “Men who wanted money.”
A faint smile appears.
Robin Hood: “Men who wanted favor.”
Another beat.
Robin Hood: “And men who simply wanted to prove they could drag an outlaw out of the woods.”
Behind him, Little John gives the smallest shake of his head.
Robin Hood: “None of them learned.”
He steps closer to the camera.
The firelight catches the wound on his forehead.
Robin Hood: “You do not frighten a man by hunting him…”
A pause.
Robin Hood: “…when hunting is how he learned to survive.”
The camera slowly widens.
The Merry Band remains behind him.
Not arranged ceremonially.
Standing naturally.
Together.
Robin Hood: “Tonight, King Arthur’s money sent men after us before we had even properly entered the building.”
His tone remains measured.
No shouting.
That makes it sharper.
Robin Hood: “They broke my head open.”
He points toward the wound.
Robin Hood: “They came at Allan.”
A glance toward Allan A Dale.
Robin Hood: “At Tuck.”
Toward Friar Tuck.
Robin Hood: “At John.”
Little John stares toward the camera.
Robin Hood: “Because a king who cannot control an outlaw decided perhaps he could purchase one.”
A beat.
Robin Hood: “And that tells me something.”
He steps nearer the fire.
Robin Hood: “It tells me he is afraid.”
The statement hangs in the forest.
Robin Hood: “Not afraid that I can hurt him.”
Another beat.
Robin Hood: “Afraid that I can beat him.”
Behind him, Maid Marion’s expression hardens with quiet pride.
Robin Hood: “Because in nine days…”
He pauses.
The wind shifts through the trees.
Robin Hood: “…there will be nowhere left to send his knights.”
Another step forward.
Robin Hood: “Nowhere to send his hunters.”
A beat.
Robin Hood: “No bounty.”
Another.
Robin Hood: “No speeches.”
His voice lowers.
Robin Hood: “No one standing between the outlaw…”
A pause.
Robin Hood: “…and the king.”
The camera moves closer.
Robin Hood: “At Age of Ruin, King Arthur stands across the ring from me.”
Behind him, the shadows seem to gather tighter around the group.
Robin Hood: “He says if I lose…”
A faint smile.
Robin Hood: “…I kneel.”
He looks downward for a moment.
Then slowly lowers himself.
One knee touches the forest floor.
The others behind him do not move.
For a second—
The image resembles submission.
Then Robin Hood reaches down.
He takes a handful of soil.
Closes his fist around it.
And rises.
Robin Hood: “That is the closest he will ever come.”
The camera catches the dirt falling slowly from his fingers.
Robin Hood: “I do not kneel to kings.”
A beat.
Robin Hood: “Kings answer to the people they claim to rule.”
Another.
Robin Hood: “And somewhere along the way, Arthur forgot that.”
His expression changes.
Less anger.
More certainty.
Robin Hood: “The Mythic Crown does not belong to Camelot.”
A pause.
Robin Hood: “It does not belong to Arthur.”
Another.
Robin Hood: “It does not belong to me.”
Behind him, Friar Tuck watches carefully.
Robin Hood: “A crown is supposed to mean responsibility.”
A beat.
Robin Hood: “Service.”
Another.
Robin Hood: “The obligation to stand in front of the people…”
His eyes harden.
Robin Hood: “…not above them.”
The camera catches Blood-Moon Warden in the background.
Still completely motionless.
Robin Hood: “At Age of Ruin, I am going to dethrone King Arthur.”
No theatrical emphasis.
Just declaration.
Robin Hood: “And when I take the Mythic Crown from him…”
A pause.
Robin Hood: “…I return it to the people.”
The fire snaps behind him.
Robin Hood: “Not because they need another king.”
Another beat.
Robin Hood: “Because they need proof that kings can fall.”
Silence.
The camera slowly moves lower.
Taking in the green and brown clothing.
The older colors.
The older identity.
Robin Hood notices.
He looks down at himself.
Then back at the camera.
A different smile now.
More familiar.
More dangerous in a completely different way.
Robin Hood: “And perhaps some of you noticed.”
He opens his arms slightly.
Green tunic.
Brown leather.
Sherwood colors.
Robin Hood: “The black is gone.”
A beat.
Robin Hood: “The white is gone.”
He gestures toward his unpainted face.
Robin Hood: “So is this.”
Behind him, Allan A Dale gives a faint smile.
Robin Hood: “The White and Black Avenger served his purpose.”
A pause.
Robin Hood: “There was a time when I needed him.”
He looks down briefly.
The words become more personal.
Robin Hood: “When anger was easier to wear than hope.”
A beat.
Robin Hood: “When vengeance felt cleaner than faith.”
Another.
Robin Hood: “When every wrong demanded another scar.”
He touches the cut on his forehead again.
This time—
He almost laughs.
Not because it is funny.
Because the symbolism is obvious even to him.
Robin Hood: “I think I have enough scars.”
Behind him, Maid Marion lowers her eyes briefly.
Then looks back up.
Robin Hood: “That man was built for revenge.”
A pause.
Robin Hood: “But revenge does not take a crown back for the people.”
Another.
Robin Hood: “An outlaw does.”
He reaches over one shoulder.
Takes the bow into his hand.
The traditional weapon looks entirely natural there.
Robin Hood: “So the White and Black Avenger is retired.”
A faint reaction among those behind him.
Not surprise.
Acceptance.
Robin Hood: “No funeral.”
A slight smile.
Robin Hood: “No ceremony.”
He looks around the forest.
Robin Hood: “He simply walks back into the trees.”
A beat.
Robin Hood: “And Robin Hood walks out.”
The camera tightens.
For the first time since the shot began—
He looks less like a man being chased.
More like the outlaw from the stories.
Robin Hood: “Green.”
A pause.
Robin Hood: “Brown.”
Another.
Robin Hood: “Bow in hand.”
His voice firms.
Robin Hood: “Sherwood at my back.”
Behind him, Little John steps forward.
Then Friar Tuck.
Then Allan A Dale.
Maid Marion and Lark of Sherwood close the distance as well.
Blood-Moon Warden remains behind them.
The silent final line.
Robin Hood: “This is the man Arthur should have been afraid of from the beginning.”
Little John: “He is now.”
Friar Tuck: “Fear may finally teach him humility.”
Allan A Dale: “Or improve the song.”
That earns the smallest smile from Robin Hood.
It disappears almost immediately.
Maid Marion steps beside him.
Maid Marion: “He tried to isolate you.”
Robin Hood looks toward her.
Then at everyone around him.
Robin Hood: “He failed.”
Lark of Sherwood: “He tried to buy your enemies.”
Robin Hood: “He failed.”
A pause.
From behind them—
The first words spoken by Blood-Moon Warden.
Low.
Measured.
Blood-Moon Warden: “Then take the crown.”
Everyone becomes silent again.
Robin Hood looks back toward him.
The masked Warden does not move.
Robin Hood turns toward the camera.
Robin Hood: “Nine days, Arthur.”
A beat.
Robin Hood: “You wanted the outlaw hunted.”
He raises the bow.
Not aiming.
Simply holding it.
Robin Hood: “You found him.”
Another beat.
Robin Hood: “At Age of Ruin, bring your crown.”
A faint smile.
Robin Hood: “Leave the bounty at home.”
The camera holds on him.
Traditional green and brown.
Blood still marking his forehead.
The Merry Band standing behind him beneath the trees.
No black paint.
No White and Black Avenger.
Only Robin Hood.
The fire slowly dies lower.
Cut to black.
The camera returns to ringside.
For a moment, Julian Ward and Brick Brody simply watch the black screen where Robin Hood had been standing seconds earlier.
Julian Ward: “That may have been the clearest statement Robin Hood has made since this rivalry began.”
Brick Brody: “Yeah.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “And I think Arthur is going to hate every word of it.”
Julian Ward: “The White and Black Avenger is gone. Robin Hood says he is returning to the outlaw he was before vengeance became the identity.”
Brick Brody: “That matters.”
Julian Ward looks toward him.
Brick Brody: “Because angry men are dangerous.”
A pause.
Brick Brody: “But men who know exactly who they are can be worse.”
The Age of Ruin graphic appears behind them.
KING ARTHUR vs ROBIN HOOD
MYTHIC CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP
Julian Ward: “Nine days from now, Robin Hood does not intend merely to defeat King Arthur.”
A beat.
Julian Ward: “He intends to dethrone him.”
Brick Brody: “And the king just lost the bounty.”
He looks toward the screen.
Brick Brody: “Now he gets the outlaw.”
Cut.
The camera returns to ringside.
The great screen fills with a fractured storybook image.
A painted pathway twists through dark woodland before disappearing beneath a blood-red sky.
On one side—
ALICE
On the other—
BELLONA
Behind Bellona stands Zeus.
At the desk, Julian Ward watches the image settle.
Julian Ward: “The War Council has already had one measure of success tonight. Athena defeated Dorothy, though not without considerable involvement from Zeus.”
Brick Brody: “A win is a win.”
Julian Ward: “And now Bellona has the opportunity to give the War Council something it has badly needed heading toward Age of Ruin.”
Brick Brody: “Momentum.”
The lights darken.
Thunder cracks through the Coliseum.
Gold-white light flashes across the stage.
Zeus appears first.
The Lightning Rod remains in one hand.
His expression is stern, though noticeably less furious than it was when the evening began.
Behind him comes Bellona.
She walks with considerably more aggression than Athena did earlier.
Shoulders forward.
Jaw set.
Eyes already fixed on the ring.
Julian Ward: “There is nothing subtle about Bellona.”
Brick Brody: “Good.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “The War Council has had enough subtlety.”
Bellona reaches ringside.
She grabs the middle rope and pulls herself onto the apron.
Zeus remains outside.
He says something quietly toward her.
Bellona nods once.
Then steps through the ropes.
She immediately starts pacing.
Waiting.
Her music cuts.
The Coliseum lighting shifts.
Blue-white light washes across the entrance.
A distorted clockface appears across the great screen.
Its hands spin backward.
Then forward.
Then stop.
A keyhole forms in its center.
The image opens.
Alice steps through.
A strong reaction rises.
She pauses beneath the entrance arch.
Looks toward Bellona.
Then toward Zeus.
Her expression is cautious.
But not intimidated.
Alice starts down the aisle.
Julian Ward: “After everything we have seen from Zeus tonight, Alice would be foolish not to account for the man standing outside the ring.”
Brick Brody: “She can account for him all she wants.”
A pause.
Brick Brody: “She still has to fight Bellona.”
Alice reaches ringside.
She climbs onto the apron.
Bellona immediately moves toward her.
Fast Count Frank steps between them.
Alice enters.
The two women stare across the ring.
Louie Linville walks to center.
Louie Linville: “The following contest is scheduled for one fall!”
The crowd responds.
Louie Linville: “Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Zeus... representing the War Council... BELLONA!”
Boos roll through the Coliseum.
Bellona raises both fists.
Louie Linville: “And her opponent... ALICE!”
A strong cheer rises.
Alice gives the crowd a short wave.
Then immediately focuses on Bellona.
Fast Count Frank checks both women.
Signals.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Bellona charges immediately.
No circling.
No hesitation.
She unloads with multiple forearms.
One.
Two.
Three—
Alice catches the next arm.
Turns beneath it.
Bellona’s momentum carries her forward.
Alice rolls through—
Code Red Sunset Flip Powerbomb.
Bellona is driven hard onto her shoulders and back.
The crowd erupts.
Alice rolls away quickly before Bellona can recover.
Julian Ward: “Excellent counter from Alice! Bellona tried to overwhelm her immediately and found herself driven into the canvas instead.”
Brick Brody: “That is the risk when you start the match trying to run somebody over.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “If they move, you look foolish.”
Bellona rises quickly.
She does not look embarrassed.
She looks angry.
Minute 2
Bellona charges again.
This time Alice meets her halfway.
She ducks beneath the first strike.
Hooks the body.
Another Code Red Sunset Flip Powerbomb.
Bellona hits hard again.
But she scrambles upright almost immediately.
She closes the distance before Alice can reset.
Multiple Forearms.
The strikes hammer across Alice’s face and upper chest.
Alice backs toward the ropes.
Bellona continues firing until Fast Count Frank steps closer.
Julian Ward: “Alice catches her a second time, but Bellona refuses to remain grounded.”
Brick Brody: “That is more like it.”
A pause.
Brick Brody: “Do not let Alice turn this into a puzzle. Hit her until there is nothing left to solve.”
At ringside, Zeus gives a short nod.
Minute 3
Alice slips out from the ropes.
She catches Bellona’s arm.
Over-the-shoulder Arm Drag.
Bellona rolls across the canvas.
She is back up almost immediately.
Another barrage of forearms.
Alice absorbs the first.
The second catches her across the cheek.
A third drives her backward.
Bellona follows.
Alice creates distance again.
Neither woman completely controls the exchange.
Julian Ward: “Alice keeps redirecting the aggression, but Bellona keeps forcing the fight back into close quarters.”
Brick Brody: “Exactly where Bellona wants it.”
Julian Ward: “And this is already a very different match from the longer struggle we saw involving Athena.”
Brick Brody: “Maybe Zeus told her not to waste twenty minutes.”
Minute 4
Alice moves laterally, trying to create another angle.
Bellona does not chase blindly this time.
She waits.
Alice steps forward.
That is the opening.
Bellona attacks the leg.
Battlefield Sweep.
Alice’s feet are taken out from under her.
Before she can roll away—
Bellona traps the ankle.
Turns.
Ankle Lock.
Alice immediately reaches toward the ropes.
Too far.
Bellona twists harder.
Alice tries to roll through.
Cannot.
Fast Count Frank drops beside her.
Fast Count Frank: “Do you submit?”
Alice: “NO!”
Bellona wrenches the ankle again.
Alice claws forward.
One hand reaches.
Still several inches short.
Julian Ward: “The Battlefield Sweep into the Ankle Lock! Bellona has caught her completely!”
Brick Brody: “And there is nowhere to go.”
Alice tries to turn onto her back.
Bellona drags the leg back toward center ring.
The pressure increases.
Alice cries out.
Her hand hovers above the canvas.
She reaches one last time toward the ropes.
Nothing.
Then—
Tap.
Tap.
Tap.
Alice submits.
The bell rings.
The match is over almost as quickly as it began.
Bellona releases the ankle and rises immediately.
No wasted movement.
No celebration at first.
She simply stands over Alice.
Fast Count Frank moves between them and raises Bellona’s arm.
At ringside—
Zeus finally smiles.
Barely.
But unmistakably.
Julian Ward: “Four minutes.”
A pause.
Julian Ward: “That is all Bellona needed.”
Brick Brody: “Now that is a statement.”
Julian Ward: “Alice successfully countered the early aggression twice, but the moment Bellona found the leg, the match changed completely.”
Brick Brody: “And this time Zeus did not have to touch anybody.”
Julian Ward: “That may be the most important distinction.”
BELLONA DEFEATS ALICE BY SUBMISSION IN THE 4TH MINUTE WITH THE BATTLEFIELD SWEEP ANKLE LOCK.
Bellona’s music begins.
She walks toward the ropes.
Zeus climbs onto the apron.
He steps through.
For several seconds, he looks at Bellona.
Then places one hand on her shoulder.
A firm nod.
Approval.
Bellona gives him one in return.
No smile.
No embrace.
The War Council does not celebrate that way.
Julian Ward: “After weeks of frustration, the War Council has now produced two victories tonight.”
Brick Brody: “And this one did not require an explanation.”
The camera cuts to Alice, seated near the ropes, holding her ankle.
Then back to Bellona and Zeus.
Julian Ward: “Nine days before Athena and Bellona challenge the Blonde Bombshells for the North Star Tag Team Championship at Age of Ruin, Bellona may have delivered exactly the kind of performance Zeus has been demanding.”
Brick Brody: “Four minutes.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “That is how you tell your future champions to wake up.”
Bellona steps through the ropes.
Zeus follows.
Together they begin walking up the aisle.
The Age of Ruin graphic appears briefly behind them.
BLONDE BOMBSHELLS vs WAR COUNCIL
NORTH STAR TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
The camera remains on Bellona.
Focused.
Cold.
Walking beside Zeus.
Cut.
The camera returns to ringside.
The great screen is consumed by orange flame.
The fire gathers around the image of the Eternal Flame Championship.
Then two figures appear on opposite sides.
SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM
SCARECROW
Across the bottom—
ETERNAL FLAME CHAMPIONSHIP
TWO OUT OF THREE FALLS
The Coliseum responds loudly.
At the broadcast desk, Julian Ward watches the championship graphic burn across the screen.
Julian Ward: “The Eternal Flame Championship is about to be defended, and this is not simply a championship match. It is another chapter in the conflict surrounding the Wizard’s Warriors and the growing alliance assembled by Severin Crowne.”
Footage from last week appears.
Tin Man challenging Sheriff of Nottingham for the championship.
Then—
Severin Crowne interfering.
The deciding Snap Brainbuster.
The Sheriff retaining.
The image changes.
Severin Crowne throwing another black card toward Tin Man.
Julian Ward: “Last week, Tin Man came within one fall of taking this championship, only for Severin Crowne to remain a factor throughout the contest.”
Brick Brody: “And tonight another Wizard’s Warrior gets his chance.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “Maybe Scarecrow learned something from watching what happened to his friend.”
The Age of Ruin graphic briefly appears.
WIZARD’S WARRIORS
vs
SEVERIN CROWNE, SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM & SIR AGRAVAINE
Julian Ward: “And in nine days at Age of Ruin, this conflict expands further. The Wizard’s Warriors will face Severin Crowne, the Sheriff of Nottingham, and Sir Agravaine in six-man competition.”
Brick Brody: “Which makes tonight useful.”
Julian Ward: “For whom?”
Brick Brody: “Everybody.”
A pause.
Brick Brody: “Scarecrow gets the championship. Crowne gets to study another opponent. The Sheriff gets to see whether the Wizard’s Warriors have anything worth worrying about.”
The arena lights drop.
A single black card appears on the great screen.
It rotates slowly through darkness.
Then stops.
Flames rise behind it.
The crest of Nottingham burns into view.
Severin Crowne steps through the entrance first.
Dark coat.
Measured expression.
No wasted movement.
The reaction is immediate.
Boos roll across the Coliseum.
Behind him comes the reigning Eternal Flame Champion, Sheriff of Nottingham.
The championship rests around his waist.
The Sheriff pauses beside Severin Crowne.
Crowne says something quietly.
The champion nods.
Then they begin walking toward the ring.
Julian Ward: “Wherever the Sheriff of Nottingham goes now, Severin Crowne is rarely far away.”
Brick Brody: “Why would he be?”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “Crowne makes deals. The Sheriff keeps winning championships. That sounds like a functioning arrangement to me.”
Julian Ward: “The question has always been how much of those victories belongs to the champion and how much belongs to the man standing beside him.”
Brick Brody: “The belt does not ask.”
The Sheriff reaches ringside.
He removes the Eternal Flame Championship and raises it briefly toward the audience.
Boos intensify.
Severin Crowne gives the belt one glance.
Then looks toward the entrance.
The Sheriff steps into the ring.
His music fades.
For several seconds—
Darkness.
Then a dry wind moves through the Coliseum.
The great screen transforms into an empty field beneath a gray sky.
Dead crops bend beneath the wind.
A wooden cross stands alone.
Something hangs from it.
Then—
The figure moves.
Scarecrow raises his head.
The image shatters.
The real Scarecrow steps through the entrance.
The crowd rises strongly.
He stands still for several seconds.
Head tilted.
Looking toward the champion.
Looking toward Severin Crowne.
Then begins walking.
Julian Ward: “Scarecrow has never required grandeur.”
Brick Brody: “He does not need it.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “There is something unsettling about a man who looks like he has already been left in a field for twenty years and came back angry about it.”
Scarecrow reaches ringside.
Severin Crowne steps slightly aside.
The two men look at one another.
Neither speaks.
Scarecrow climbs onto the apron.
Steps through the ropes.
The Sheriff immediately raises the Eternal Flame Championship between them.
Scarecrow looks at the title.
Then at the champion.
Honest Abe takes possession of the championship.
He raises it high.
The crowd responds.
Then hands it through the ropes to the timekeeper.
Louie Linville steps to the center of the ring.
Louie Linville: “The following contest is for the ETERNAL FLAME CHAMPIONSHIP and will be contested under TWO-OUT-OF-THREE-FALLS rules!”
A roar rises.
Louie Linville: “Introducing first, the challenger... representing the Wizard’s Warriors... SCARECROW!”
A strong cheer fills the Coliseum.
Scarecrow stares across the ring.
Louie Linville: “And his opponent... accompanied to the ring by Severin Crowne... he is the reigning ETERNAL FLAME CHAMPION... the SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM!”
Heavy boos.
The Sheriff gives a cold smile.
Honest Abe checks both men.
Looks toward Severin Crowne.
Honest Abe: “Stay out of this.”
Crowne merely looks back.
No answer.
Honest Abe signals.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Both men begin cautiously.
A tentative lockup breaks.
They reset.
The Sheriff catches Scarecrow around the waist and twists him down with a Russian Legsweep.
Scarecrow rolls through the landing.
The champion closes again.
This time Scarecrow gets underneath him.
Back Body Drop.
The Sheriff sails over and crashes onto his back.
Both men rise quickly.
Julian Ward: “Even opening exchange, but Scarecrow demonstrated immediately that he will not simply allow the champion to dictate position.”
Brick Brody: “And the Sheriff learned not to lean too far forward around him.”
Minute 2
The Sheriff uses the ropes.
He springs forward.
Springboard Dropkick.
The boots catch Scarecrow high.
The challenger staggers—
then grabs the champion.
Field Spinner.
Scarecrow lifts the Sheriff into an Airplane Spin.
Round and round.
The champion is finally thrown down.
Both men need a moment to regain their bearings.
Julian Ward: “Two very different styles already colliding.”
Brick Brody: “The Sheriff wants angles.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “Scarecrow wants to grab something and throw it until it stops moving.”
Minute 3
The champion recovers first.
He moves behind Scarecrow.
Russian Legsweep.
The challenger crashes down cleanly.
This time he does not answer immediately.
The Sheriff rises and looks toward Severin Crowne.
Crowne gives nothing away.
Julian Ward: “Clean control from the champion.”
Brick Brody: “That is what the Sheriff needs. Do not wrestle Scarecrow’s match.”
Minute 4
They meet in the center.
The Sheriff hooks Scarecrow across the shoulders.
Execution Order.
The Death Valley Driver plants the challenger.
But Scarecrow pushes himself up almost immediately.
The Sheriff turns—
Haymaker Lariat.
The huge arm crashes across the champion’s chest.
The Sheriff flips backward onto the canvas.
Julian Ward: “Execution Order answered by that Haymaker Lariat!”
Brick Brody: “That is a miserable trade.”
Julian Ward: “For both men.”
Brick Brody: “Exactly.”
Minute 5
The Sheriff regains his footing.
Scarecrow steps forward.
The champion catches him.
Powerbomb.
Scarecrow is driven violently into the mat.
The Sheriff remains standing over him.
He looks toward the championship at ringside.
Then back down.
Julian Ward: “The champion is beginning to find the larger impacts.”
Brick Brody: “And in a two-out-of-three-falls match, you do not need everything to finish somebody.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “You just need enough to finish them twice.”
Minute 6
The Sheriff attempts to repeat the momentum.
Execution Order.
Scarecrow hits hard.
But again the challenger rises.
He ducks underneath a follow-up.
Back Body Drop.
The Sheriff is launched across the ring.
Both men remain down briefly.
Julian Ward: “Scarecrow continues answering the champion’s larger moves.”
Brick Brody: “He is built for ugly matches.”
Minute 7
The Sheriff gets behind him.
Sleeper.
The champion pulls Scarecrow backward.
The challenger immediately begins fighting.
Honest Abe moves close.
Honest Abe: “Do you submit?”
Scarecrow: “NO!”
He drives backward.
The Sheriff maintains the hold.
Scarecrow surges forward suddenly.
Haymaker Lariat.
The motion breaks the Sleeper and catches the champion as he loses position.
Both men separate.
Julian Ward: “First submission attempt of the championship match.”
Brick Brody: “And Scarecrow did not even consider it.”
Minute 8
The challenger presses forward.
He catches the Sheriff.
Field Spinner.
The champion is lifted.
Spun repeatedly.
Then dropped heavily onto the canvas.
The Sheriff tries to brace against the landing.
Cannot.
Scarecrow stands above him.
Julian Ward: “The challenger now beginning to impose himself physically.”
Brick Brody: “This is where the Sheriff needs Crowne’s favorite thing.”
Julian Ward: “Which is?”
Brick Brody: “A better plan.”
Minute 9
The Sheriff rises swinging.
Lariat.
It catches Scarecrow.
The challenger stumbles.
Then catches the Sheriff around the head.
Brainbuster.
The champion is driven down.
Scarecrow rolls away rather than covering.
Both men continue breathing hard.
Julian Ward: “Heavy exchange from both.”
Brick Brody: “And neither man wants to be the first one who looks desperate enough to start throwing covers at everything.”
Minute 10
The Sheriff creates space.
Runs to the ropes.
Springboard Dropkick.
The strike connects perfectly.
Scarecrow goes down.
The Sheriff hooks the leg.
Honest Abe: “ONE!”
“TWO!”
Scarecrow kicks out.
The champion immediately sits up.
Looks toward the referee.
Then toward Severin Crowne.
Julian Ward: “First serious pin attempt.”
Brick Brody: “Two.”
A pause.
Brick Brody: “Now the champion knows he is getting closer.”
Minute 11
The Sheriff gets behind Scarecrow.
Russian Legsweep.
The challenger lands.
The Sheriff moves in again.
But Scarecrow catches him.
Field Spinner.
Around they go.
The Sheriff crashes to the mat.
The challenger staggers toward the ropes himself after the spinning motion.
Julian Ward: “Neither can maintain control.”
Brick Brody: “That is dangerous in a falls match.”
Minute 12
The Sheriff catches Scarecrow from behind.
German Suplex.
The challenger lands across his shoulders.
But Scarecrow immediately rolls through.
Small Package.
Honest Abe drops.
The champion twists desperately.
Before a count can settle, the Sheriff forces enough separation to escape.
Both men scramble upright.
Julian Ward: “Nearly stolen by the challenger.”
Brick Brody: “That is what the Sheriff needs to remember.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “You can lose a fall without ever getting hurt.”
Minute 13
The Sheriff heads toward the ropes.
Springboard Dropkick.
Scarecrow absorbs it.
The challenger reaches out and catches the champion around the head.
Side Chinlock.
The Sheriff lowers his base.
Scarecrow grinds the hold.
The champion works an arm between them and eventually twists free.
Julian Ward: “Scarecrow slowing the pace.”
Brick Brody: “He wants the Sheriff carrying his weight.”
Minute 14
The Sheriff advances.
Scarecrow lowers his body.
Back Body Drop.
The champion sails overhead.
He lands hard.
Scarecrow turns.
Cover.
Honest Abe: “ONE!”
The Sheriff shifts.
“TWO!”
Severin Crowne steps toward the apron.
“THREE!”
The bell rings.
The Coliseum erupts.
Scarecrow rolls away.
The Sheriff sits up immediately.
Shock across his face.
Louie Linville: “The winner of the FIRST FALL... SCARECROW!”
The crowd roars again.
Julian Ward: “Scarecrow has taken the opening fall!”
Brick Brody: “And look at the champion.”
The Sheriff is staring at Honest Abe.
Brick Brody: “He did not think that was happening.”
The scoreboard appears.
SCARECROW — 1
SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM — 0
The Sheriff remains seated.
Wind knocked from him.
Across the ring, Scarecrow leans against the ropes.
Tired.
But ahead.
Minute 15
The next fall begins almost immediately.
The Sheriff explodes through the ropes.
Suicide Dive.
He crashes into Scarecrow on the floor.
Both men slam against the barricade.
Scarecrow forces himself upright.
The Sheriff advances.
Haymaker Lariat.
The challenger catches the champion and drives him backward.
Both men collapse on the floor.
Julian Ward: “The second fall begins outside!”
Brick Brody: “The Sheriff just went from wrestling to desperation.”
Minute 16
They return to the ring.
Scarecrow catches the champion in another Small Package.
The Sheriff recognizes it.
He shifts his weight immediately and neutralizes the attempt before Honest Abe can count.
The two men separate.
Julian Ward: “The same trap almost caught him earlier.”
Brick Brody: “Not twice.”
Minute 17
Scarecrow attacks.
Field Spinner.
The champion is lifted again.
He tries to fight down.
Cannot.
The challenger spins him repeatedly before dumping him onto the mat.
The Sheriff remains down.
Julian Ward: “The first fall has not slowed Scarecrow at all.”
Brick Brody: “It may have made him more confident.”
Minute 18
The champion reaches the ropes.
Springs.
Springboard Dropkick.
Scarecrow tries to protect himself.
The boots break through the defense.
The challenger crashes backward.
The Sheriff lands awkwardly but pushes himself up.
Julian Ward: “Important offense from the champion.”
Brick Brody: “He needs more than important.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “He needs a fall.”
Minute 19
Scarecrow closes.
Back Body Drop.
The champion tries to brace.
No.
He sails over again.
Hits hard.
Scarecrow looks toward Severin Crowne.
The manager’s expression remains unreadable.
Julian Ward: “The challenger continues winning these direct power exchanges.”
Brick Brody: “Crowne sees it.”
Minute 20
The Sheriff creates distance.
Springboard Dropkick.
Scarecrow falls backward.
Before the champion can capitalize, the challenger catches him in a Headlock.
The Sheriff drives forward toward the ropes.
Forces the break.
Both men remain visibly tired.
Julian Ward: “Twenty minutes into this contest.”
Brick Brody: “And the champion is still behind.”
Minute 21
The Sheriff grabs Scarecrow.
Russian Legsweep.
The challenger lands.
The Sheriff turns—
Back Body Drop.
Scarecrow launches him again.
The champion rolls toward the corner.
Julian Ward: “Every time the Sheriff believes he has control, Scarecrow finds another answer.”
Brick Brody: “That becomes a mental problem eventually.”
Minute 22
Scarecrow catches him again.
Field Spinner.
Round and round.
The champion hits the canvas.
Cover.
Honest Abe: “ONE!”
The Sheriff kicks out.
Scarecrow looks toward the referee.
Only one.
Julian Ward: “The champion escapes early.”
Brick Brody: “That does not mean he is fresh.”
Minute 23
Scarecrow catches the Sheriff near the ropes.
Side Chinlock.
The champion struggles.
At ringside—
Severin Crowne moves.
He reaches through the ropes.
Pulls Scarecrow out before the challenger can react.
Honest Abe’s sightline is blocked by the champion’s body near the ropes.
On the floor—
Crowne catches Scarecrow.
HIT-AND-RUN SPINEBUSTER.
The challenger crashes onto the floor.
Crowne immediately steps away.
Inside the ring, the Sheriff crawls toward the center.
Julian Ward: “Crowne!”
Brick Brody: “There it is.”
Julian Ward: “Severin Crowne just drove Scarecrow into the floor!”
Honest Abe turns.
Crowne is already several steps away.
Scarecrow pulls himself toward the apron.
Minute 24
The challenger returns.
The Sheriff is waiting.
Lariat.
Scarecrow tries to block.
The strike powers through.
He falls backward.
The Sheriff drops to one knee afterward.
Julian Ward: “That interference has changed the rhythm.”
Brick Brody: “Which is why people keep Crowne around.”
Minute 25
The Sheriff catches Scarecrow.
Russian Legsweep.
Scarecrow rolls through the impact.
He rises.
Haymaker Lariat.
The champion is knocked nearly inside out.
Both men drop.
Julian Ward: “Scarecrow still has fight left.”
Brick Brody: “He better.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “Because Crowne has entered the match whether the referee knows it or not.”
Minute 26
The Sheriff reaches the ropes.
Springboard Dropkick.
Scarecrow is knocked backward.
He rebounds.
Brainbuster.
The champion is driven down.
Both men remain on the canvas.
Julian Ward: “Another brutal exchange.”
Brick Brody: “They are starting to look like men who have wrestled twenty-six minutes.”
Minute 27
The Sheriff catches Scarecrow upright.
Snap Brainbuster.
The challenger crashes down.
He tries to turn onto his side.
The champion remains too exhausted to cover immediately.
Julian Ward: “Snap Brainbuster from the Sheriff.”
Brick Brody: “That is one of the shots that saved his championship last week.”
Minute 28
The champion forces himself upright.
Lariat.
Scarecrow attempts to shield himself.
Too late.
He drops to the canvas.
The Sheriff leans against the ropes.
Julian Ward: “The Sheriff is finally stringing offense together.”
Brick Brody: “And he needs to make it matter.”
Minute 29
Scarecrow surges back.
Haymaker Lariat.
The champion tries to cover up.
The arm crashes through the guard.
The Sheriff falls backward.
Scarecrow drops to both knees afterward.
Julian Ward: “Neither man has enough left for sustained control.”
Brick Brody: “That is when mistakes become fatal.”
Minute 30
Scarecrow reaches the Sheriff first.
Side Chinlock.
The challenger leans his weight onto the champion.
The Sheriff tries to turn.
Scarecrow pulls him back down.
Honest Abe watches closely.
The Sheriff slowly fights upward and breaks the hold.
Julian Ward: “Simple offense can become devastating this deep into a match.”
Brick Brody: “You do not need fancy at thirty minutes.”
Minute 31
The Sheriff gets behind Scarecrow.
Sleeper.
The crowd rises.
Scarecrow’s arms immediately reach for the ropes.
The champion pulls him backward.
Honest Abe: “Do you submit?”
Scarecrow: “NO!”
The challenger begins fading—
then throws his weight forward.
Back Body Drop.
The Sheriff is launched over.
The Sleeper breaks.
Scarecrow falls to one knee.
Julian Ward: “Second Sleeper attempt.”
Brick Brody: “And still no submission.”
Minute 32
The Sheriff charges.
Lariat.
Scarecrow absorbs the strike.
He drops backward onto the canvas.
The champion remains standing.
Barely.
Julian Ward: “Another Lariat from the champion.”
Brick Brody: “But still no fall.”
Minute 33
The Sheriff grabs from behind.
German Suplex.
Scarecrow lands hard.
He rolls over.
Rises.
Haymaker Lariat.
The champion crashes backward.
Scarecrow falls beside him.
Julian Ward: “They are trading whatever remains.”
Brick Brody: “Not much.”
Minute 34
The Sheriff reaches Scarecrow.
Snap Brainbuster.
The challenger is driven down.
But as both men rise again—
Body Block.
Scarecrow throws his entire body into the champion.
Both collapse.
Julian Ward: “Thirty-four minutes.”
A pause.
Julian Ward: “One fall still separates them.”
Brick Brody: “And the Sheriff is running out of time to fix that.”
Minute 35
The Sheriff hooks the body.
Russian Legsweep.
Scarecrow hits the mat.
The challenger responds by catching the head.
Headlock.
The Sheriff tries to stand.
Both men sway from exhaustion.
Finally the champion forces the break.
Julian Ward: “Neither man has enough energy left to dominate.”
Brick Brody: “Then this comes down to whoever cheats better.”
Julian Ward: “That is a revealing assumption.”
Brick Brody: “Look outside the ring.”
The camera finds Severin Crowne.
Waiting.
Minute 36
The Sheriff moves toward Scarecrow.
The challenger slips away.
Both men stagger toward opposite ropes.
Honest Abe follows the champion for a moment, checking his condition.
Behind him—
Severin Crowne reaches beneath the ring.
Steel chair.
The crowd erupts in boos.
Scarecrow turns.
CRACK!
Crowne drives the chair into him.
Scarecrow collapses against the apron.
Crowne immediately drops the chair.
Kicks it beneath the ring.
Honest Abe turns.
Too late.
All he sees is the challenger on the floor.
Julian Ward: “CHAIR SHOT!”
Brick Brody: “And Abe missed every bit of it.”
Julian Ward: “For the second time tonight, Severin Crowne has directly attacked the challenger.”
Brick Brody: “Then Scarecrow better start worrying less about the Sheriff and more about the man outside.”
Minute 37
Scarecrow somehow drags himself back into the ring.
The Sheriff reaches for him.
Scarecrow instinctively throws him overhead with another Back Body Drop.
The champion lands hard.
The crowd rallies.
Scarecrow takes one unsteady step forward.
At ringside—
Severin Crowne moves again.
His hand reaches beneath the bottom rope.
Something small passes into the Sheriff’s hand.
A foreign object.
Hidden immediately.
Julian Ward: “Crowne just gave him something.”
Brick Brody: “A gift.”
Julian Ward: “A weapon.”
Scarecrow reaches for the champion.
The Sheriff uses the concealed object during the close-range struggle, hidden from Honest Abe’s view.
Scarecrow recoils.
The Sheriff immediately folds him into the cover.
Honest Abe drops.
“ONE!”
The crowd boos.
“TWO!”
Scarecrow tries to move.
“THREE!”
The bell rings.
The Coliseum erupts in anger.
The Sheriff rolls away.
The foreign object disappears from his hand as quickly as it arrived.
Louie Linville: “The winner of the SECOND FALL... the SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM!”
The scoreboard changes.
SCARECROW — 1
SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM — 1
Julian Ward: “We are tied, but that fall belongs as much to Severin Crowne as it does the champion.”
Brick Brody: “The score does not have a column for moral outrage.”
The Sheriff sits against the ropes.
Exhausted.
Across the ring—
Scarecrow lies on his side.
Equally spent.
One fall remains.
Minute 38
The deciding fall begins.
The Sheriff moves first.
He grabs Scarecrow.
Snap Brainbuster.
The challenger is driven down.
He tries to defend.
Cannot.
The Sheriff falls beside him afterward.
Neither man can capitalize quickly.
Julian Ward: “The final fall begins with another Snap Brainbuster.”
Brick Brody: “At this point, one clean opening could end everything.”
Minute 39
The Sheriff gets upright.
Lariat.
Scarecrow is knocked backward.
He rebounds off the ropes.
The challenger ducks low.
Back Body Drop.
The champion goes over.
Both men remain down.
Julian Ward: “Still nothing between them.”
Brick Brody: “Except forty minutes and a lot of damage.”
Minute 40
The Sheriff crawls toward the ropes.
Scarecrow reaches him.
Back Body Drop.
The champion crashes down again.
He tried to brace.
Had nothing left.
Scarecrow drops to one knee.
The crowd realizes the championship may be slipping away.
Julian Ward: “Scarecrow has the champion down!”
Brick Brody: “But can he do anything with it?”
The challenger pulls himself upright.
The Sheriff follows.
Barely.
Minute 41
They meet at center ring.
The Sheriff lunges.
He slips behind Scarecrow.
Sleeper.
The arms lock around the challenger’s neck.
The Coliseum rises.
Scarecrow immediately reaches for the ropes.
Too far.
He tries to throw the Sheriff over.
The champion keeps his weight behind him.
Scarecrow steps forward.
One step.
Another.
The Sheriff tightens the hold.
Honest Abe moves alongside them.
Honest Abe: “Do you submit?”
Scarecrow: “NO!”
The challenger reaches forward.
His fingers stretch toward the ropes.
Still several inches away.
The Sheriff drags him backward.
The Sleeper tightens.
Scarecrow’s movements become slower.
The crowd begins pounding on the barricades.
Julian Ward: “Scarecrow has survived this hold twice tonight!”
Brick Brody: “Maybe not a third time.”
Scarecrow tries to turn.
Nothing.
He reaches once more.
The ropes remain beyond him.
Honest Abe: “Do you submit?”
A long pause.
The Sheriff squeezes tighter.
Scarecrow’s hand trembles.
Then—
Tap.
The bell rings.
For a moment, the Sheriff does not release.
Honest Abe pulls at his arm.
Honest Abe: “BREAK IT!”
The Sheriff finally lets go.
Scarecrow collapses.
The champion falls backward onto the canvas.
Completely exhausted.
The bell continues ringing.
Severin Crowne climbs onto the apron.
Honest Abe retrieves the Eternal Flame Championship.
He raises the Sheriff’s arm.
Then hands him the belt.
The Sheriff barely has enough strength to hold it.
Julian Ward: “Forty-one minutes. Three falls. And after everything that happened around this ring, the Sheriff of Nottingham is still Eternal Flame Champion.”
Brick Brody: “Do not pretend the last fall was handed to him.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “He caught Scarecrow in the Sleeper and made him quit.”
Julian Ward: “That is true. The final fall was decided by the champion’s Sleeper. But the path to that deciding fall included a Hit-and-Run Spinebuster from Severin Crowne, a steel-chair attack, and a foreign object that directly produced the Sheriff’s equalizing fall.”
SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM DEFEATS SCARECROW TWO FALLS TO ONE TO RETAIN THE ETERNAL FLAME CHAMPIONSHIP.
SCARECROW WON THE FIRST FALL BY PINFALL IN THE 14TH MINUTE FOLLOWING A BACK BODY DROP. SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM WON THE SECOND FALL BY PINFALL IN THE 37TH MINUTE AFTER INTERFERENCE FROM SEVERIN CROWNE AND THE USE OF A FOREIGN OBJECT. SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM WON THE DECIDING FALL BY SUBMISSION IN THE 41ST MINUTE WITH THE SLEEPER.
The result fades.
The scene remains.
Scarecrow lies near the ropes.
Exhausted.
The Sheriff sits against the opposite turnbuckles.
The Eternal Flame Championship rests across his lap.
Severin Crowne enters the ring.
He walks past the fallen challenger.
Does not look down.
He reaches the Sheriff.
Offers one hand.
The champion takes it.
Crowne pulls him upright.
The Sheriff raises the Eternal Flame Championship.
The crowd boos.
Julian Ward: “The Wizard’s Warriors will see both of these men again in nine days.”
The Age of Ruin graphic appears.
WIZARD’S WARRIORS
vs
SEVERIN CROWNE, SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM & SIR AGRAVAINE
Brick Brody: “Then they learned something useful tonight.”
Julian Ward: “Which is?”
Brick Brody: “If you fight one of Crowne’s men…”
He looks toward Severin Crowne.
Brick Brody: “…you are fighting Crowne too.”
Julian Ward: “And at Age of Ruin, the Wizard’s Warriors will at least have the advantage of knowing exactly where he is supposed to be.”
The camera tightens on Severin Crowne.
He looks toward the fallen Scarecrow.
Then slowly reaches inside his coat.
For a moment, the crowd expects another black card.
Crowne pauses.
A faint smile.
Then removes his hand empty.
Nothing offered.
Nothing needed.
He turns away.
The Sheriff follows with the Eternal Flame Championship over his shoulder.
Behind them—
Scarecrow begins pulling himself upright.
His eyes remain fixed on Severin Crowne.
Nine days remain.
Cut.
The camera cuts backstage.
Hana Nakamura stands in the interview area beneath the black-and-red Dark Fable backdrop.
Beside her are the three members of the Wizard’s Warriors.
Tin Man stands closest to Hana, arms folded across his chest.
Lion is beside him, visibly agitated.
And on the far side—
Scarecrow.
Still exhausted from the Eternal Flame Championship match.
His neck is reddened from the Sleeper.
One shoulder bears the marks of the steel-chair attack from Severin Crowne.
He looks angry.
Not defeated.
Hana Nakamura: “I’m here with the Wizard’s Warriors, and after what happened tonight, I think there are several things that need to be addressed.”
She turns first toward Scarecrow.
Hana Nakamura: “You were one fall away from becoming Eternal Flame Champion.”
Scarecrow gives a humorless laugh.
Scarecrow: “One fall.”
He rubs the back of his neck.
Scarecrow: “One chair.”
A beat.
Scarecrow: “One little object passed through the ropes.”
His eyes narrow.
Scarecrow: “And one man who apparently thinks standing outside the ring means he isn’t in the match.”
Hana Nakamura: “You’re speaking about Severin Crowne.”
Scarecrow: “Who else?”
He looks directly into the camera.
Scarecrow: “The Sheriff beat me in the final fall.”
A pause.
Scarecrow: “I’ll give him that.”
Another.
Scarecrow: “He caught me in the Sleeper.”
His jaw tightens.
Scarecrow: “But I never should have been fighting a third fall.”
That lands.
Lion steps forward slightly.
Lion: “That’s the part people keep ignoring.”
Hana Nakamura turns toward him.
Lion: “Crowne wants everybody staring at the result.”
He points toward the arena.
Lion: “He wants you to see the Sheriff holding the championship.”
Another gesture.
Lion: “He wants you to see Tin Man lose by count-out.”
His voice grows firmer.
Lion: “He wants you to see us frustrated.”
A beat.
Lion: “Because then nobody looks at how he keeps getting there.”
Hana Nakamura: “And that brings us to Tin Man.”
The atmosphere changes.
Tin Man looks toward her.
Hana Nakamura: “For the past several weeks, Severin Crowne has repeatedly offered you one of his black cards.”
A replay appears on the monitor beside them.
Tin Man standing outside the ring last week.
The referee counting.
Seven.
Eight.
Nine.
Ten.
Then—
Severin Crowne tossing another black card toward his feet.
The footage freezes.
Hana Nakamura: “Last week, you deliberately stayed outside the ring and accepted a count-out loss rather than return to face him.”
Tin Man: “Yes.”
Hana Nakamura: “And after the match, he offered you the card again.”
Tin Man: “Yes.”
Hana Nakamura: “You still haven’t explained why you walked away.”
A long pause.
Tin Man looks toward the monitor.
Then back toward Hana Nakamura.
Tin Man: “Because I finally understood what he wanted.”
Hana Nakamura: “Which was?”
Tin Man: “The fight.”
She waits.
Tin Man: “Not the match.”
A beat.
Tin Man: “The fight.”
He unfolds his arms.
Tin Man: “Every time I stepped back into that ring, I was doing exactly what Severin Crowne wanted.”
Another pause.
Tin Man: “Getting angrier.”
Another.
Tin Man: “Trying harder to prove I couldn’t be bent.”
His eyes remain steady.
Tin Man: “Trying to beat him badly enough that the card stopped mattering.”
He shakes his head.
Tin Man: “And it never stopped mattering.”
Hana Nakamura: “So you walked away.”
Tin Man: “I stopped playing his game.”
Lion looks toward him.
Not completely convinced.
Hana Nakamura: “But you still looked at the card.”
Silence.
Tin Man does not deny it.
Hana Nakamura: “And that is the question a lot of people are asking.”
She hesitates slightly.
Hana Nakamura: “Is Severin Crowne getting to you?”
The expression on Lion’s face hardens.
Scarecrow turns his head toward Tin Man.
Hana Nakamura: “Is he luring you away from the Wizard’s Warriors?”
Tin Man looks at Hana Nakamura for several seconds.
Then toward Lion.
Then Scarecrow.
Finally back toward the camera.
Tin Man: “No.”
A beat.
Tin Man: “I am a Wizard’s Warrior.”
Another.
Tin Man: “I was one before Severin Crowne decided I was useful.”
His voice hardens.
Tin Man: “I’ll be one after he decides I’m not.”
Lion’s expression eases slightly.
Scarecrow says nothing.
Still watching.
Tin Man: “I haven’t accepted anything.”
A beat.
Tin Man: “I haven’t promised him anything.”
Another.
Tin Man: “And I have not turned my back on these men.”
He gestures toward Lion and Scarecrow.
Tin Man: “But I’m also not going to lie and pretend I don’t understand why his offer matters.”
Hana Nakamura: “What does that mean?”
Tin Man: “It means Crowne sees things other people don’t.”
That answer draws a reaction from both of his partners.
Lion: “Tin—”
Tin Man raises one hand.
Tin Man: “Let me finish.”
Lion stops.
Tin Man: “He watches people.”
A beat.
Tin Man: “He finds the weakness.”
Another.
Tin Man: “Not always in the body.”
He taps one finger against his own chest.
Tin Man: “Sometimes in here.”
Then against his temple.
Tin Man: “Sometimes here.”
His hand lowers.
Tin Man: “And then he offers exactly enough to make you wonder.”
Scarecrow: “That sounds like being tempted.”
Tin Man looks toward him.
Tin Man: “It is.”
The answer is immediate.
No excuse.
Tin Man: “That doesn’t mean I’m leaving.”
A long silence.
Scarecrow studies him.
Then gives a small nod.
Not complete reassurance.
But acceptance.
Lion: “Good.”
He steps closer.
Lion: “Because at Age of Ruin, we don’t need somebody wondering.”
A beat.
Lion: “We need all three of us.”
Hana Nakamura: “And that brings us to September 27th.”
The monitor changes.
The AGE OF RUIN logo burns onto the screen.
Then—
WIZARD’S WARRIORS
TIN MAN — SCARECROW — LION
versus
SEVERIN CROWNE — SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM — SIR AGRAVAINE
Hana Nakamura: “Nine days from now, the three Wizard’s Warriors face Severin Crowne, Sheriff of Nottingham, and Sir Agravaine.”
Lion looks toward the graphic.
Lion: “Good.”
Hana Nakamura: “Good?”
Lion: “No black cards.”
A beat.
Lion: “No standing outside.”
Another.
Lion: “No pretending Crowne isn’t part of the fight.”
His eyes narrow.
Lion: “He’ll be in the ring.”
Scarecrow: “Where I can reach him.”
That gets a reaction from Hana Nakamura.
Scarecrow steps closer to the camera.
Scarecrow: “Tonight, he hit me with a chair.”
A beat.
Scarecrow: “Then he handed the Sheriff something he could hide from the referee.”
His voice lowers.
Scarecrow: “At Age of Ruin, there won’t be any need to reach through the ropes.”
Another.
Scarecrow: “You’ll already be standing on the wrong side of them.”
Hana Nakamura: “And the Sheriff?”
Scarecrow: “He has my respect.”
A pause.
Scarecrow: “More than Crowne does.”
Another.
Scarecrow: “He beat me in the deciding fall.”
His expression hardens.
Scarecrow: “But he’s going to have to learn something too.”
Hana Nakamura: “What?”
Scarecrow: “Standing beside Severin Crowne means inheriting every enemy Crowne creates.”
Lion: “And he’s creating plenty.”
The monitor briefly flashes images.
Sheriff of Nottingham with the Eternal Flame Championship.
Sir Agravaine beside Severin Crowne.
Regina holding a black card.
Malice holding another.
The Huntsman staring at his.
Then—
The card lying at Tin Man’s feet.
Hana Nakamura: “Crowne’s influence does appear to be expanding.”
Lion: “Influence.”
He scoffs.
Lion: “That’s a polite word.”
Hana Nakamura: “What would you call it?”
Lion: “A net.”
A beat.
Lion: “And every week he throws it wider.”
He turns toward Tin Man.
Lion: “But nets can be torn.”
Tin Man looks back at him.
Tin Man: “They can.”
The tension between them eases.
Just slightly.
Hana Nakamura: “So what happens at Age of Ruin?”
Tin Man turns toward the camera.
Tin Man: “Crowne keeps telling everybody that people are useful.”
A beat.
Tin Man: “That alliances are transactions.”
Another.
Tin Man: “That obligation lasts longer than loyalty.”
He glances toward his partners.
Tin Man: “He’s wrong.”
Scarecrow steps alongside him.
Lion does the same.
For the first time in the interview—
The Wizard’s Warriors stand shoulder to shoulder.
Tin Man: “We are not together because somebody handed us cards.”
A beat.
Tin Man: “We are not together because somebody offered us protection.”
Another.
Tin Man: “And we are not together because somebody decided we could be useful.”
He looks toward Lion.
Then Scarecrow.
Back to the camera.
Tin Man: “We chose each other.”
A silence follows.
Lion: “That’s the difference.”
Scarecrow: “And in nine days…”
His eyes narrow.
Scarecrow: “…Crowne learns whether a card is stronger than that.”
Hana Nakamura looks between the three men.
Hana Nakamura: “Then let me ask you one final time.”
She turns to Tin Man.
Hana Nakamura: “If Severin Crowne offers you that black card again at Age of Ruin…”
A pause.
Hana Nakamura: “…what happens?”
Tin Man looks directly into the camera.
No hesitation this time.
Tin Man: “I give it back.”
A beat.
Tin Man: “Personally.”
Lion smiles.
Scarecrow’s expression becomes something considerably darker.
Tin Man: “After we beat him.”
The Age of Ruin graphic fills the monitor behind them.
WIZARD’S WARRIORS
versus
SEVERIN CROWNE — SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM — SIR AGRAVAINE
SEPTEMBER 27
Hana Nakamura: “The Wizard’s Warriors say they remain united.”
A beat.
Hana Nakamura: “And in nine days, Severin Crowne will have to face all three of them at once.”
The camera settles on Tin Man, Lion, and Scarecrow standing together.
No card between them.
Cut.
The camera returns to the Coliseum.
The arena lights lower.
Across the great screen, black clouds gather over a mountain range.
Lightning forks through crimson sky.
Then—
Dragon fire burns upward from beneath the image.
Four figures appear.
On one side—
RAIGEN and TAKUMA RYUJIN.
Behind them—
LADY AYAME RYU.
On the other—
KAMINARI HONO.
ENRAI and KAEN.
Behind them—
LORD KUROGAMI.
Across the bottom of the screen—
MAIN EVENT
The crowd rises.
At ringside, Julian Ward watches the graphic remain above the entrance.
Julian Ward: “Nine days from Age of Ruin, the consequences surrounding Raigen have become impossible to separate from the Blood Syndicate.”
The screen changes.
Last week.
The black table.
The contracts.
Taro Okami signing.
Then—
Raigen placing his own signature beneath the terms.
Julian Ward: “Last week, Raigen formally accepted a wager that could follow his family for generations. If he loses to Taro Okami inside the Dojo of Blood, he owes one hundred years of allegiance to the Blood Oni Syndicate, with any remaining obligation passing into his bloodline.”
The words appear briefly.
ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Then—
DRAGON’S VEIL CLEANSING
Julian Ward: “If Raigen wins, Taro Okami must enter the Dragon’s Veil sanctuary and undergo a cleansing.”
Brick Brody: “Which means tonight is not just another tag match.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “Kurogami has nine days to soften Raigen up before the contract comes due.”
The graphic changes again.
Last week’s main event.
John Henry pins Taro Okami.
Three.
Then raises three fingers.
Julian Ward: “And the Syndicate enters tonight after another troubling development. Taro Okami was defeated by John Henry for the third consecutive time.”
Brick Brody: “That is somebody else’s problem tonight.”
He gestures toward the screen.
Brick Brody: “Enrai and Kaen have one job.”
A pause.
Brick Brody: “Make sure Raigen remembers who surrounds Taro Okami.”
The lights go completely dark.
A temple bell sounds.
One strike.
Then another.
Lightning splits the great screen.
Red smoke spreads across the entrance.
The blackened image of a burning pagoda forms.
Out of the smoke steps Lord Kurogami.
Cane in hand.
Expression calm.
Behind him—
Enrai.
Then Kaen.
The two members of Kaminari Hono take positions on either side of him.
Lord Kurogami raises the cane once.
Both men begin walking.
Julian Ward: “Kaminari Hono have always operated as disciplined extensions of Lord Kurogami’s influence.”
Brick Brody: “And tonight discipline matters.”
Julian Ward: “Because?”
Brick Brody: “Because this is not about winning a grudge for themselves.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “This is about preparing Raigen for what Kurogami wants him to become.”
Enrai and Kaen reach ringside.
Lord Kurogami remains several steps behind.
His eyes move across the empty ring.
Then toward the entrance.
Enrai steps through the ropes.
Kaen follows.
They take opposite corners.
No acknowledgment of the crowd.
No wasted movement.
Their music fades.
For several seconds, darkness returns.
Then—
A deep dragon roar shakes the Coliseum.
Blue-white fire rolls across the great screen.
The Dragon’s Veil crest appears.
Lady Ayame Ryu steps through the entrance.
The reaction rises.
She stands calmly beneath the light.
Behind her comes Takuma Ryujin.
Then—
Raigen.
The crowd erupts.
The burn scar remains visible.
His eyes are already fixed upon Lord Kurogami.
Lady Ayame Ryu turns slightly.
She says something quietly to both men.
Takuma Ryujin nods.
Raigen never looks away from the Syndicate side.
Julian Ward: “For Raigen, this is deeply personal. For Takuma Ryujin, it is also a defense of the Dragon’s Veil against a faction that has repeatedly attempted to impose itself upon those who left its influence.”
Brick Brody: “And Ayame knows exactly what Kurogami is capable of.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “Which means she better watch that cane.”
The trio begin down the aisle.
As they approach ringside, Lord Kurogami steps forward.
Raigen stops.
The two men stare at one another.
No words.
Lady Ayame Ryu places one hand against Raigen’s shoulder.
Not restraining him.
Reminding him.
Raigen breaks the stare.
He climbs onto the apron.
Takuma Ryujin follows.
Lady Ayame Ryu takes position at ringside opposite Lord Kurogami.
Inside the ring, Raigen and Kaen immediately begin moving toward one another.
Honest Abe gets between them.
Louie Linville steps to center ring.
Louie Linville: “The following tag team contest is tonight’s MAIN EVENT and is scheduled for one fall!”
The Coliseum answers loudly.
Louie Linville: “Introducing first, accompanied to the ring by Lord Kurogami... representing the Blood Oni Syndicate... ENRAI and KAEN... KAMINARI HONO!”
Boos rain down.
Enrai remains still.
Kaen rolls his shoulders.
Louie Linville: “And their opponents, accompanied to the ring by Lady Ayame Ryu... TAKUMA RYUJIN... and RAIGEN!”
The crowd erupts.
Takuma Ryujin raises one hand.
Raigen stares through the opposite corner.
Honest Abe checks both teams.
Enrai elects to start.
So does Raigen.
The referee signals.
The bell rings.
Minute 1
Raigen moves forward cautiously.
Enrai gives him no time to settle.
He slips behind.
Hooks the head.
Head Crusher Sitout Rear Mat Slam.
Raigen is driven hard into the canvas.
He absorbs the impact but immediately rolls toward his corner.
Enrai does not pursue.
Instead, he looks toward Lord Kurogami.
One nod.
Tag to Kaen.
Julian Ward: “Immediate control from Enrai, and an equally immediate tag.”
Brick Brody: “That tells you what this match is going to be.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “They are going to keep fresh bodies on Raigen.”
Minute 2
Kaen attacks the leg before Raigen can fully regain his footing.
He twists the ankle.
Drops.
Ankle Lock.
Raigen grimaces immediately.
Honest Abe lowers himself beside them.
Honest Abe: “Do you submit?”
Raigen: “NO!”
Kaen twists harder.
Raigen reaches toward the ropes.
Several feet away.
He rolls onto his side and kicks backward until the pressure breaks.
Kaen releases before being pulled into a counter.
Julian Ward: “The Syndicate attacking the leg in the second minute.”
Brick Brody: “Smart.”
Julian Ward: “Because of the match at Age of Ruin?”
Brick Brody: “Because a man cannot fight inside a blood dojo very well if he cannot stand.”
Minute 3
Kaen reaches again.
This time Raigen catches the arm.
He twists beneath it.
Armbar.
Kaen is forced down toward the canvas.
Raigen extends the joint.
Kaen refuses to submit.
He shifts enough weight to ease the pressure.
Raigen releases and immediately reaches toward his corner.
Tag.
Takuma Ryujin enters.
Across the ring, Kaen makes the same decision.
Tag to Enrai.
Julian Ward: “Both teams reset.”
Brick Brody: “Now we find out whether Takuma Ryujin can change the rhythm.”
Minute 4
Takuma Ryujin steps toward center ring.
Enrai catches him first.
Vertical lift.
Then—
Bunker Buster.
The suplex transitions violently into the Neckbreaker.
Takuma Ryujin crashes down.
Enrai stands immediately.
Walks toward his corner.
Tag to Kaen.
Julian Ward: “Excellent execution from Enrai.”
Brick Brody: “That team is moving like machinery.”
Julian Ward: “And that makes isolation particularly dangerous.”
Minute 5
Takuma Ryujin attacks quickly.
A series of Dash Middle Kicks drives into Kaen’s body.
One.
Two.
Three.
Kaen gives ground.
Takuma presses.
At ringside—
Lord Kurogami moves toward the ropes.
As Takuma Ryujin passes, Kurogami pulls the cable sharply.
The ropes twist around Takuma’s arms and torso.
He becomes trapped.
Honest Abe moves toward him.
Lord Kurogami is already stepping away.
Julian Ward: “Kurogami has trapped Takuma Ryujin in the ropes!”
Brick Brody: “And now Kaen gets two free minutes if he is smart.”
Honest Abe works to free Takuma.
Valuable seconds disappear.
Minute 6
The ropes finally release.
Kaen is waiting.
He catches Takuma Ryujin.
Lifts him across the back.
Ura Shouten.
The Overhead Gutwrench Backbreaker Rack transitions violently into the Reverse Swinging Side Slam Facebuster.
Takuma is driven into the canvas.
Kaen immediately turns.
Tag to Enrai.
Julian Ward: “That rope snare allowed Kaminari Hono to isolate Takuma Ryujin, and now the damage begins.”
Brick Brody: “That is why Kurogami is dangerous without ever stepping through the ropes.”
Minute 7
Enrai grabs Takuma before he can reach his corner.
Kumagoroshi.
The Fisherman Buster drives him down.
Cover.
Honest Abe: “ONE!”
Takuma Ryujin kicks free.
Only one.
Enrai rises.
Takuma scrambles.
Reaches.
Tag to Raigen.
At almost the same moment—
Enrai tags Kaen.
Julian Ward: “Only one, but Takuma Ryujin desperately needed that tag.”
Brick Brody: “And Raigen walks straight back into the man who attacked his ankle.”
Minute 8
Kaen meets him immediately.
Discus rotation.
Tokko Lariat.
The arm crashes across Raigen’s chest.
Raigen absorbs the strike and falls backward.
Kaen covers.
Honest Abe: “ONE!”
Raigen powers out.
Kaen sits up.
No frustration.
He simply gets back to work.
Julian Ward: “Only one.”
Brick Brody: “But look how much offense the Syndicate has already forced Raigen to absorb.”
Minute 9
Raigen rises aggressively.
Front Kick.
The strike drives into Kaen’s chest.
Kaen answers immediately.
He wraps the head.
Spins.
GTR.
The Spinning Headlock Lariat flows into a Backbreaker.
Raigen crashes across the knee.
Kaen releases him and turns.
Tag to Enrai.
Julian Ward: “Every answer from Raigen is being met with something heavier.”
Brick Brody: “That is the benefit of keeping the tags moving.”
Minute 10
Enrai steps through.
Raigen intercepts him.
Front Kick.
The strike catches Enrai squarely.
He staggers.
Raigen moves forward again.
Enrai decides against extending the exchange.
Tag to Kaen.
Julian Ward: “Smart retreat from Enrai.”
Brick Brody: “You call it retreat.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “I call it remembering he has a partner.”
Minute 11
Raigen begins moving toward Kaen.
At ringside, Lady Ayame Ryu calls out.
She points toward Raigen’s stance.
A subtle adjustment.
A reminder to conserve his base.
Raigen follows the guidance.
He shifts away from the injured ankle.
But Kaen catches him anyway.
Ushigoroshi.
Raigen is dropped across the knee.
He rolls toward the ropes.
Lady Ayame Ryu immediately moves closer.
Julian Ward: “Lady Ayame Ryu trying to guide Raigen through the accumulated damage.”
Brick Brody: “Guidance only works if the other man stops hitting you.”
Minute 12
Kaen reaches down.
Raigen traps the leg.
Leglock.
Kaen drops toward the canvas.
Before Raigen can fully extend the hold—
Kaen drives his head forward.
Headbutt.
The strike breaks the grip.
Both men recoil.
Raigen reaches his corner.
Tag to Takuma Ryujin.
Julian Ward: “Raigen finally creates an opening and gets out.”
Brick Brody: “He needed to.”
Minute 13
Takuma Ryujin enters.
Lady Ayame Ryu immediately calls toward him.
She points to Kaen’s midsection.
Then the leg.
A weakness.
Takuma sees it.
He attacks.
The sequence drives Kaen toward the ropes.
But Kaen catches him.
Concrete Brainbuster.
The impact sends Takuma Ryujin rolling beneath the bottom rope.
He crashes to the floor.
Honest Abe begins counting.
One.
Two.
Lady Ayame Ryu moves toward him.
Lady Ayame Ryu: “Takuma! Up!”
Three.
Four.
Takuma reaches the barricade.
Five.
Six.
He pulls himself onto the apron.
Seven—
Back inside.
Takuma Ryujin immediately reaches the corner.
Tag to Raigen.
Across the ring—
Kaen tags Enrai.
Julian Ward: “Back at seven, and both sides immediately make changes.”
Brick Brody: “Nobody wants a tired man standing in the middle of this fight.”
Minute 14
Raigen catches Enrai’s leg.
Leglock.
The Syndicate fighter twists.
Raigen applies more pressure.
At ringside—
Lord Kurogami raises the Cane of Judgment.
Lady Ayame Ryu sees him.
Too late.
The cane thrusts through the ropes.
CRACK.
It catches Raigen.
The hold breaks immediately.
Honest Abe had been checking Enrai’s position.
He misses the contact.
Julian Ward: “CANE!”
Brick Brody: “There it is.”
Julian Ward: “Lord Kurogami has struck Raigen with the Cane of Judgment!”
Enrai rolls toward his corner.
Tag to Kaen.
Lady Ayame Ryu moves toward Kurogami.
He raises the cane between them.
A warning.
Minute 15
Kaen enters.
Raigen meets him.
But the confrontation immediately collapses into chaos.
Takuma Ryujin enters.
Enrai follows.
All four men are suddenly fighting.
Raigen catches Kaen.
Demon Sleeper.
The hold locks around the head and neck.
Nearby—
Takuma Ryujin catches Enrai.
Northern Lights Suplex.
But Kaen twists out of the Sleeper in the confusion and catches Takuma.
Concrete Brainbuster.
At the same time—
Enrai attacks Raigen.
Head Crusher Sitout Rear Mat Slam.
The ring becomes a pile of bodies.
Honest Abe desperately tries to restore order.
Raigen is knocked through the ropes.
He lands on the floor.
The referee starts counting.
One.
Two.
Three.
Raigen pulls himself up.
Four.
Five.
Lady Ayame Ryu shouts toward him.
Six.
Seven—
Raigen slides back inside.
Honest Abe finally forces Takuma Ryujin and Enrai back to their corners.
Julian Ward: “Complete breakdown!”
Brick Brody: “And nobody won it.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “They just hurt each other.”
Minute 16
Kaen reaches Raigen first.
Tokko Discus Lariat.
The strike turns Raigen inside out.
Kaen drops into the cover.
Honest Abe: “ONE!”
“TWO!”
Takuma Ryujin dives into the ring.
Breaks the fall.
The Coliseum erupts.
Honest Abe immediately orders him back.
Kaen rises furious.
He turns toward his corner.
Tag to Enrai.
Julian Ward: “Takuma Ryujin saves the match.”
Brick Brody: “And maybe saves Raigen from taking another loss nine days before Age of Ruin.”
Minute 17
Enrai enters and immediately attacks.
Raigen catches him.
Bodyslam.
Enrai lands hard.
But as Raigen moves closer—
Enrai traps the arms.
Butterfly Lock.
Raigen’s shoulders are pulled backward.
The hold tightens.
Honest Abe checks.
Honest Abe: “Do you submit?”
Raigen: “NO!”
Raigen fights his way toward the ropes.
Enrai maintains the pressure.
Eventually Raigen manages to turn through enough space to force the break.
Julian Ward: “Raigen refuses the submission.”
Brick Brody: “He better get used to that feeling.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “The Dojo of Blood will be worse.”
Minute 18
Raigen creates separation.
Front Kick.
Enrai absorbs the strike.
Then powers forward.
Running Sitout Powerbomb.
Raigen crashes down.
Both men remain seated momentarily.
Then crawl toward their corners.
Tag to Takuma Ryujin.
Tag to Kaen.
Julian Ward: “Simultaneous changes.”
Brick Brody: “Fresh men.”
Minute 19
Takuma Ryujin enters fast.
Northern Lights Suplex.
Kaen is thrown overhead.
But Kaen rolls through.
Turns.
Tokko Discus Lariat.
Takuma is knocked backward.
Kaen does not press.
He reaches immediately.
Tag to Enrai.
Julian Ward: “Again Kaminari Hono refuses to let one man remain in the ring long enough to become predictable.”
Brick Brody: “That is excellent tag wrestling.”
Minute 20
Enrai steps through.
Takuma Ryujin catches him quickly.
Bridging Dragon Suplex.
Enrai attempts to brace against the throw.
Cannot.
He lands across the shoulders.
Takuma holds the bridge momentarily before releasing.
Then crawls toward his corner.
Tag to Raigen.
Julian Ward: “Beautiful Dragon Suplex from Takuma Ryujin, and now Raigen returns.”
Brick Brody: “The question is how much he has left.”
Minute 21
Raigen enters.
Enrai begins circling.
At ringside, Lady Ayame Ryu suddenly calls out.
She steps closer to the apron.
Her eyes lock onto Enrai.
One sharp command.
Enrai turns instinctively toward her.
That fraction of hesitation is enough.
Raigen attacks.
The two collide violently.
Enrai answers with the Karma Pumphandle Half Nelson Driver.
Raigen is driven into the canvas.
But the Dragon’s Veil fighter somehow rolls through the impact and catches Enrai before he can escape.
He folds him into a cover.
Honest Abe: “ONE!”
Lord Kurogami steps toward the apron.
“TWO!”
Enrai kicks out.
Raigen rolls away.
The crowd rises.
Julian Ward: “Two!”
Brick Brody: “That was close.”
Julian Ward: “The timing from Lady Ayame Ryu created the opening, but Enrai nearly turned it into disaster with that Half Nelson Driver.”
Enrai reaches the corner.
Tag to Kaen.
Minute 22
Kaen enters aggressively.
Raigen meets him.
Kick to the midsection.
He hooks the body.
Piledriver.
Kaen is driven headfirst into the canvas.
The Coliseum erupts.
Raigen hooks the leg.
Honest Abe drops.
“ONE!”
Enrai starts through the ropes.
Takuma Ryujin enters from the opposite corner.
He moves directly into Enrai’s path.
“TWO!”
Lord Kurogami raises the Cane of Judgment.
Lady Ayame Ryu steps between him and the apron.
For the first time tonight—
Kurogami cannot reach the ring.
“THREE!”
The bell rings.
The Coliseum explodes.
Raigen releases the cover.
For several seconds he remains kneeling over Kaen.
Breathing heavily.
Then looks directly toward Lord Kurogami.
Takuma Ryujin backs away from Enrai.
No further attack.
The match is over.
Lady Ayame Ryu remains between the ring and Lord Kurogami.
The Syndicate leader stares past her.
Straight at Raigen.
Honest Abe raises Raigen’s arm.
Takuma Ryujin joins him.
The crowd roars.
Julian Ward: “Nine days before the Dojo of Blood, Raigen has survived everything Kaminari Hono and Lord Kurogami could throw at him.”
Brick Brody: “And there was plenty.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “The ankle. The cane. The rope trap. Four men fighting at once.”
Julian Ward: “But when the opportunity came, Raigen planted Kaen with the Piledriver and secured the victory.”
RAIGEN & TAKUMA RYUJIN DEFEAT KAMINARI HONO BY PINFALL IN THE 22ND MINUTE AFTER RAIGEN PINNED KAEN FOLLOWING A PILEDRIVER.
The result fades from the great screen.
The confrontation does not.
Raigen is handed no championship.
There is nothing physical to raise.
Instead—
He walks toward the ropes.
Lord Kurogami remains on the floor.
The Cane of Judgment held at his side.
Raigen points directly toward him.
Then toward the entrance.
One name forms across the great screen behind them.
TARO OKAMI
The crowd erupts.
Raigen looks at the image.
Then back at Kurogami.
Julian Ward: “That is where Raigen’s attention goes now.”
The screen changes.
AGE OF RUIN
RAIGEN vs TARO OKAMI
DOJO OF BLOOD
Brick Brody: “He beat Kaen tonight.”
A beat.
Brick Brody: “He does not have to beat Kaen in nine days.”
Lord Kurogami slowly smiles.
He lifts the Cane of Judgment.
Not swinging it.
Pointing it toward Raigen.
Then he lowers it.
At his side, Enrai helps Kaen from the floor.
Lady Ayame Ryu climbs onto the apron.
Takuma Ryujin stands behind Raigen.
The Dragon’s Veil side holds the ring.
The Blood Syndicate holds the aisle.
Neither retreats.
Julian Ward: “For weeks, Lord Kurogami has tried to make the coming match feel inevitable.”
A pause.
Julian Ward: “Tonight, Raigen has reminded him that inevitability still has to survive the fight.”
Brick Brody: “Nine days.”
He looks toward the Age of Ruin graphic.
Brick Brody: “Then the contract stops being paper.”
The camera closes on Raigen.
Then Lord Kurogami.
Finally—
The image of Taro Okami burning between them on the great screen.
Julian Ward: “At Age of Ruin, Raigen and Taro Okami enter the Dojo of Blood.”
A beat.
Julian Ward: “And one of them leaves owing a price that may change far more than his own future.”
The Coliseum continues roaring.
Cut.
The camera returns to a wide shot of Scrooge’s Camelot Coliseum.
The crowd remains on its feet following the main event.
At ringside, Julian Ward and Brick Brody sit beneath the slowly dimming arena lights.
Behind them, the great screen shows the final image from moments ago—
Raigen standing inside the ring beside Takuma Ryujin and Lady Ayame Ryu.
Across the aisle—
Lord Kurogami.
Between them, the image of Taro Okami burns beneath the Age of Ruin logo.
Julian Ward: “Nine days remain until Age of Ruin.”
A beat.
Julian Ward: “And tonight, almost every conflict leading toward September 27th became more dangerous.”
The screen changes.
Earlier tonight.
Raigen drives Kaen into the canvas with the Piledriver.
Three.
Julian Ward: “Our evening ended with Raigen and Takuma Ryujin defeating Kaminari Hono.”
Footage shows the Cane of Judgment striking Raigen.
Then Lord Kurogami’s rope snare trapping Takuma Ryujin.
Then the chaotic four-man exchange.
Julian Ward: “The Blood Syndicate attacked from every direction. Lord Kurogami involved himself repeatedly. Raigen absorbed the punishment.”
The Piledriver appears again.
Julian Ward: “And when the opportunity arrived, he pinned Kaen.”
The screen burns red.
RAIGEN vs TARO OKAMI
DOJO OF BLOOD
AGE OF RUIN
Brick Brody: “Good win.”
A pause.
Brick Brody: “Doesn’t change the contract.”
The words appear beneath the graphic.
ONE HUNDRED YEARS
DRAGON’S VEIL CLEANSING
Brick Brody: “Nine days from now, Raigen is not fighting Kaen.”
He looks toward the screen.
Brick Brody: “He is fighting the man who betrayed him, inside a match built by the people who want to own his future.”
Julian Ward: “And tonight, at least, Raigen proved he will enter that fight on his feet.”
The graphic fades.
A forest appears.
Firelight.
Then—
Robin Hood.
Green and brown.
No black gear.
No white-and-black face paint.
The wound from tonight’s attack visible across his forehead.
Behind him stand Allan A Dale, Friar Tuck, Little John, Maid Marion, Lark of Sherwood, and Blood-Moon Warden.
Julian Ward: “Earlier tonight, Robin Hood arrived at this building and was immediately attacked.”
Footage shows the entrance-area ambush.
Cheshire Cat.
Hercules.
Ares.
Mars.
Will Scarlett.
Then the blow that splits Robin Hood’s forehead open.
The audience boos.
Julian Ward: “Men came hunting the Merry Band because King Arthur had offered one hundred thousand dollars to anyone willing to collect.”
The image changes.
Blood-Moon Warden’s truck roaring away with the Merry Band aboard.
Then—
Elias Coldmere storming into the Champions of Camelot dressing room.
Julian Ward: “Commissioner Elias Coldmere responded with an ultimatum.”
The image freezes on Elias Coldmere standing across from King Arthur.
Julian Ward: “Withdraw the bounty…”
A beat.
Julian Ward: “…or face suspension and the loss of the Mythic Crown Championship.”
The footage shows the king’s furious compliance.
BOUNTY WITHDRAWN
Brick Brody: “That might be the first time tonight Arthur heard the word no and could not punish the person saying it.”
Julian Ward: “But what followed may prove equally important.”
Footage shows Sir Lancelot confronting the king.
Julian Ward: “Sir Lancelot called the bounty dishonorable.”
Then—
King Arthur ordering him out.
Finally—
The king alone with Merlin.
CONTACT CROWNE
The words remain on the screen.
Brick Brody leans forward.
Brick Brody: “That.”
He points toward the image.
Brick Brody: “That is the part I would remember.”
Julian Ward: “After being forced to remove the bounty, King Arthur instructed Merlin to contact Severin Crowne.”
A beat.
Julian Ward: “We do not know why.”
Brick Brody: “Not yet.”
The image fades.
The forest returns.
Robin Hood kneels briefly and takes the soil of Sherwood into his hand.
Then rises.
Julian Ward: “And later tonight, the man the king attempted to hunt made his own declaration.”
The traditional green-and-brown image fills the screen.
Julian Ward: “The White and Black Avenger has been retired.”
A beat.
Julian Ward: “Robin Hood says the outlaw has returned.”
The Age of Ruin graphic appears.
KING ARTHUR vs ROBIN HOOD
MYTHIC CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP
IF ROBIN HOOD LOSES, HE MUST KNEEL
Julian Ward: “And he says that at Age of Ruin, the Mythic Crown will be taken from King Arthur and returned to the people.”
Brick Brody: “The bounty is gone.”
A pause.
Brick Brody: “The face paint is gone.”
Another.
Brick Brody: “The problem is not.”
The image changes.
A steel chair crashes into Jack Lumber.
The Coliseum boos loudly.
Then—
Kong covers.
Three.
Julian Ward: “The Monster Bash also delivered its strongest warning yet to Convergent Champion Jack Lumber.”
Footage shows Dr. Frankenstein holding the championship.
Then Kong standing over the fallen champion with it.
The image of Frankenstein’s Monster towers over the scene from the great screen.
Julian Ward: “Jack Lumber defeated Dragon King last week.”
A beat.
Julian Ward: “Tonight, Kong defeated the champion after Dr. Frankenstein struck Jack Lumber with a steel chair.”
The Age of Ruin graphic appears.
CONVERGENT CHAMPIONSHIP
JACK LUMBER vs FRANKENSTEIN’S MONSTER
Julian Ward: “And in nine days, the champion faces what Dr. Frankenstein calls the Alpha Monster.”
Brick Brody: “Last week Jack Lumber stood surrounded and refused to move.”
He watches the image of the fallen champion.
Brick Brody: “Tonight they finally put him down.”
A pause.
Brick Brody: “Now we find out whether that made him afraid…”
Another.
Brick Brody: “…or angry.”
Flames replace the image.
The Eternal Flame Championship appears.
Scarecrow pins the Sheriff of Nottingham.
The first fall.
Then—
Severin Crowne’s Hit-and-Run Spinebuster.
The steel chair.
The foreign object passed through the ropes.
Finally—
The Sheriff locking in the Sleeper.
Scarecrow submits.
Julian Ward: “The Eternal Flame Championship also remains with the Sheriff of Nottingham after a forty-one-minute, two-out-of-three-falls battle with Scarecrow.”
The score appears.
SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM — 2
SCARECROW — 1
Julian Ward: “Scarecrow won the opening fall.”
The chair shot flashes.
Julian Ward: “Severin Crowne played a direct role in the Sheriff surviving long enough to equalize.”
Then the Sleeper.
Julian Ward: “And the champion ultimately won the deciding fall by submission.”
The image changes.
Backstage.
Tin Man, Lion, and Scarecrow stand together.
Julian Ward: “Afterward, the Wizard’s Warriors answered another question.”
A black card appears.
Then disappears.
Julian Ward: “Despite the repeated offers from Severin Crowne, Tin Man insists he remains loyal to Lion and Scarecrow.”
The Age of Ruin graphic appears.
WIZARD’S WARRIORS
versus
SEVERIN CROWNE — SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM — SIR AGRAVAINE
Julian Ward: “In nine days, there will be nowhere for those tensions to hide.”
Brick Brody: “And Tin Man said if Crowne hands him another card…”
A faint grin.
Brick Brody: “…he intends to hand it back personally.”
The screen changes.
Athena covers Dorothy after the Lightning Rod interference.
Three.
Then—
Bellona twists Alice into the Battlefield Sweep Ankle Lock.
Tap.
Julian Ward: “The War Council also emerged from tonight with two victories.”
Brick Brody: “Finally.”
Julian Ward: “Athena defeated Dorothy, though twice Zeus used the Lightning Rod to alter the match.”
The image shifts to Bellona.
Julian Ward: “Bellona, however, needed no assistance. She forced Alice to submit in only four minutes.”
The North Star Tag Team Championships appear.
BLONDE BOMBSHELLS vs WAR COUNCIL
AGE OF RUIN
Julian Ward: “The War Council finally has momentum heading toward its North Star Tag Team Championship opportunity.”
Brick Brody: “And if I am Athena, I would remember which victory made Zeus smile.”
The footage changes.
Hansel catches Heracles with the Spine Crusher.
Three.
Julian Ward: “And Hansel continued building toward his Universal Championship opportunity.”
The image shows Zeus distracting Honest Abe.
Then the distraction backfiring.
Julian Ward: “This time Zeus’ attempted interference worked against him.”
The Universal Championship fills the screen.
Ghost of Christmas Past appears on one side.
Hansel on the other.
The crowd immediately grows louder.
Julian Ward: “And that brings us to next week.”
The screen goes black.
A bell tolls.
Then—
NEXT WEEK ON DARK FABLE
The Coliseum erupts.
Julian Ward: “Next Friday night, September 25th.”
A beat.
Julian Ward: “Two nights before Age of Ruin.”
An axe strikes timber.
The first graphic appears.
JACK LUMBER vs OGRE
Julian Ward: “The Monster Bash campaign against the Convergent Champion continues.”
The image of Ogre appears opposite Jack Lumber.
Julian Ward: “After defeating Dragon King, and after tonight’s defeat against Kong, Jack Lumber faces the third monster in succession.”
Brick Brody: “Ogre.”
A pause.
Brick Brody: “And at this rate, Dr. Frankenstein is going to make Jack Lumber wrestle the entire laboratory before Sunday.”
The screen changes.
The imagery of Sherwood meets black cathedral stone.
FAIREST HUNTERS vs THE BLACK CHAPEL
Julian Ward: “Tag team competition will see the Fairest Hunters meet The Black Chapel.”
Brick Brody: “Two teams that do not need much encouragement to make something ugly.”
Snow begins falling across the screen.
The Coliseum reaction changes instantly.
The Universal Championship appears.
UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST
versus
HANSEL
The crowd erupts.
Julian Ward: “And now it is official.”
A beat.
Julian Ward: “The championship opportunity Hansel earned at Wrestlefest will be redeemed next week.”
The championship rotates between the two men.
Julian Ward: “Universal Champion Ghost of Christmas Past defends against Hansel.”
Brick Brody: “At Wrestlefest, the Ghost could not beat him in ten minutes.”
A pause.
Brick Brody: “Next week there is no clock saving either man.”
The graphic remains for several seconds.
Then fades.
A rapid sequence begins.
Morgana Le Faye.
Sir Agravaine.
Lion.
Sir Galahad.
Mordred.
More shadows appear behind them.
Julian Ward: “And that will not be all.”
Another flash of Morgana Le Faye.
Julian Ward: “Morgana Le Faye will be here.”
Sir Agravaine.
Julian Ward: “Sir Agravaine.”
Lion.
Julian Ward: “Lion.”
Sir Galahad.
Julian Ward: “Sir Galahad.”
Then—
Mordred.
Julian Ward: “Mordred.”
The Age of Ruin logo slowly burns behind all of them.
Julian Ward: “And more, as Dark Fable presents its final night before Age of Ruin.”
The complete preview appears.
NEXT WEEK — DARK FABLE
JACK LUMBER vs OGRE
FAIREST HUNTERS vs THE BLACK CHAPEL
UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP — GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST vs HANSEL
PLUS — MORGANA LE FAYE, SIR AGRAVAINE, LION, SIR GALAHAD, MORDRED AND MORE
The camera pulls back from the commentary desk.
Julian Ward: “Tonight, King Arthur’s bounty drew blood before the Commissioner killed it.”
The image of the wounded Robin Hood.
Julian Ward: “The outlaw returned to Sherwood.”
Traditional green and brown.
Julian Ward: “Jack Lumber was finally brought down by the Monster Bash.”
The steel chair.
Julian Ward: “Hansel earned another victory on the eve of his championship opportunity.”
Hansel.
Julian Ward: “The War Council finally began winning again.”
Athena and Bellona.
Julian Ward: “The Eternal Flame remained in Nottingham after forty-one minutes of war.”
The Sheriff holding the championship beside Severin Crowne.
Julian Ward: “The Wizard’s Warriors declared themselves united.”
Tin Man, Lion, and Scarecrow.
Julian Ward: “And Raigen survived another encounter with the Blood Syndicate.”
The final Piledriver.
The images disappear.
Only the Age of Ruin logo remains.
SEPTEMBER 27, 2026
NINE DAYS
Brick Brody: “Nine days.”
He leans back.
Brick Brody: “Everybody keeps counting down like September 27th is when the damage starts.”
A pause.
Footage flashes rapidly behind him.
Robin Hood’s bloodied forehead.
Jack Lumber beneath the Convergent Championship.
Dorothy struck by the Lightning Rod.
Heracles pinned.
Scarecrow trapped in the Sleeper.
Raigen struck by the Cane of Judgment.
Brick Brody: “Look around.”
The images stop.
Brick Brody: “The damage got here early.”
The screen goes black.
Then—
A single black card falls.
It lands beside the image of the Mythic Crown.
The audience murmurs.
Julian Ward looks toward the screen.
The final words spoken earlier tonight return in audio.
King Arthur: “Contact Crowne.”
Silence.
The card slowly slides over the crown.
Covering half of it.
Julian Ward: “And perhaps the most important conversation of the night…”
A beat.
Julian Ward: “…has not happened yet.”
The Dark Fable crest burns into view.
Julian Ward: “For Brick Brody, I’m Julian Ward.”
One bell tolls.
Julian Ward: “Good night from Camelot.”
The final image remains.
The Mythic Crown.
Half covered by a black card.
Fade to black.
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