[DrMcAwesome]

Firewoman and Lucky are talking outside Vic's office, but we can't hear them. They appear to be going over Fire's options and then they both seem to nod in agreement, and Lucky gives her a piece of paper and leaves. The INC follows Vic into his office.

DVD: Oh, nice that you've already made yourself at home in MY office.

FW: Do you want my decision or not?

DVD: All business, I've always liked that about you. Okay, do you want to compete for the Onslaught, Intercontinental, or the World?

FW: All three.

DVD: ....huh?

FW: We can call it a "Triple Jeopardy" match. I get a chance to face and defeat all three singles champs, starting with Mac Flasher and going up the line. If I beat Mac, I can keep the Onslaught, or risk it and go after Stacy Kirkland. If I beat Stacy, I can keep the IC or challenge Beverly Cambridge. If I beat Bev, I win the world title, and vacate the other singles titles. If I lose, the other titles go back to the previous holders.

DVD: So....huh?

FW: Here, Lucky drew you a chart.

Vic looks it over.

DVD: OHhh...okay....you think you can wrestle three championship matches in one night?

FW: .....

DVD: Of course you think you can. Okay, Fire, you got it.

FW: Thanks, Vic...that totally sparkles with me!

Firewoman leaves Vic to shake his head...

********************************************************************************

OOWF MidWeek Mayhem (No. 930) – Fire’s Choice
Live! From Akita, Japan
Aug. 7, 2019

Triple Jeopardy Match
OOWF Onslaught Championship: Firewoman vs. Mac Flasher
OOWF Intercontinental Championship: Firewoman vs. “Black Magic” Stacy Kirkland*
OOWF World Championship: Firewoman vs. Beverly Cambridge**

*-Firewoman must defeat Mac Flasher to face Stacy Kirkland
**-Firewoman must defeat Stacy Kirkland to face Beverly Cambridge
(Firewoman must defeat all three champions to become World Champion, or any titles lost go back to their previous holders)

OOWF Tag-Team Championship
The Frenemies vs. Matt Folz and Moosehead Jack

Shizuru-Mune Mangyuniku-Cox vs. Sebastian Davis vs. “Silver Eagle” Jack Bullet

The Darlings vs. Banned From Everywhere

John Law and Kieran Bourne vs. Los Defenestrators

Card subject to an invasion of Akita Inu puppies. 

[DrMcAwesome]

*MAC FLASHER is seated at an unnamed bar in Akita, Japan enjoying a Kirin Ichiban Shibori beer when BEVERLY CAMBRIDGE grabs a stool next to a suddenly uneasy MAC, who has no idea what to expect*

BEVERLY: “Don’t worry. If I was here to clean your clock on Bridget’s behalf, this stool I’m sitting on would be down your throat.”

MAC: “That’s … Good information to possess, I suppose.”

BC: “You’re getting Firewoman first on Wednesday. She’s going to be gunning for a title greater than yours. Greater than what Stacy Kirkland has. It’s my title. And while I welcome the fight that she’ll bring, I’d rather you not think that she’s looking past you and that you’ll get some fluke win. You’re going to be the example that she’ll show the world if you aren’t careful.”

MF: “I can handle my own. I’ve faced Fire before. I’ve somehow survived. Just be appreciative when I give you the night off.”

BC: “I’ll bring my gear just in case.”

MF: “Are you sure that you aren’t just here to talk about Wednesday?”

BC: “I was given some other messages from Bridget, but she’s an adult. She’ll tell you when she’s ready.”

MF: “So, you’re not going to dump a drink on me? Not going to slap me? Not going to kick my stool out from underneath me?”

BC: “I’d really love to, Mac. But that’s not my battle to fight, regardless of how close I am to Bridget … Or Kylie for that matter. As much as your yellow streak has hurt both of them, this is not my battle.”

MF: “Wow. Kylie took the whole Bridget thing hard?”

BC: “No, Mac. What you did to her … Or what you didn’t do for her.”

MF: “Excuse me? She’s the one who vanished with little warning. She’s the one who just bounced, leaving me alone …”

BC: “And what did you do when she left? Did you try to reach out to her? Did you make any effort at all to keep whatever it was that you two had, because she sure as fuck had no clue, when she was gone? Nope. She left and you went straight to Bridget, without giving Kylie any closure beyond seeing you living this great relationship on OOWF.TV while she’s trying to clean up the mess around the Josie situation. The only reason why she didn’t pretty much castrate you when she came back was that she cared enough about you to be happy for you because you appeared happy with Bridget. You know how much it killed her to see you two together? I mean, I wouldn’t expect you to think about that because it would involve thinking of someone other than yourself. But you showed the world that trait in Johnstown when you attacked Bridget when things might have gone wrong …”

MF: “Well …”

BC: “No. You have nothing to say that will add value to this. For the past month and a half, I’ve had to help pick up the pieces so that Bridget isn’t a complete mess. The fact that she was able to compete a week later is a miracle. Again, you wouldn’t be concerned about that. I mean, she was only there for you through most of your life. Perfectly normal to throw that away to ensure that you got out of a hometown show unscathed. But you know what, she’ll give you yours soon. You’ll learn that it’s not always about you, and that day is coming quick.”

MF: “I …”

BC: “Again. You have nothing. Nothing to say and just nothing in general. This is probably the first time someone’s talked to you in weeks. You made your fucking bed, Mac. This mess is all yours.”

*BEVERLY storms away, leaving MAC to chew on a hell of a tongue-lashing while sipping his beer as the scene fades*

[Leo]

It's Sunday breakfast brunch at the Destroyaterium. Moosehead Jack, Matt Folz and Firewoman sit at a table eating. "Black Magic" Stacy Kirkland enters and lays on the floor looking at the ceiling. Everyone else looks at her in silence for several moments.

SK: Go ahead and do it.

MJ: What are you talking about?

SK: Fire, she can come over here and pin me. We don't have to wait for Midweek Mayhem to get the formality over with.

FW: Oh, please...

Stacy kips up and points an accusing finger right in Fire's face.

SK: If Jack Bullet ever said one right thing in the all the month's I was pretending to be with him it's that Firewoman was the most selfish, egotistical person he had ever known. You have a golden opportunity land right in your lap and you squander it in the stupidest way possible.

Fire stands up with, dare we say, fire in her eyes. The soul pendant around her neck glows green.

FW: I am not stupid.

SK: I didn't say you were stupid. I said purposely choosing to wrestle three title matches in one night, where if you lose the world title you're giving up the other ones you had already and if you win the world title you're giving up the other two belts anyway is stupid. There's no reason to have the first two matches, just ask for the world title match. The only way you make the other decision is for the greater glory of Firewoman. How does this get me on TV more? How does this get more people talking about me on social media? How does this add to my legacy? I don't even care that you're wrestling me. What really pisses me off and should piss off everyone else here is that you gave up the greater good of the Saints for the greater good of yourself.

MF: And that surprises you?

SK: No, but it pisses me off. And it should piss you off too. If it was any of the other three of us in her position, we never would have come up with such a stupid concept.

Fire walks up to Kirkland and slaps her hard in the face. She turns her head with the blow. Stacy comes back with the back of her hand and nails Fire twice as hard. Fire doesn't let on that it hurt like hell and she raises her hand for another slap, when she feels her wrist grabbed from behind. It's Moose. He and Stank are the only two people who would dare touch an enraged Fire and they are the only ones who can get away with it...barely.

MJ: Saints have fought Saints before. One Saint has gone after their greater good over the group before. Fire always does what's best for Fire. However, I have to agree with Stacy that choosing to have three title matches in one night where the outcome is the same if you just went for the world title is monumentally stupid.

Fire shakes free of Moose and now glares daggers at him.

FW: Who says the world title is the end goal here? Maybe I stop after beating Mac Flasher?

MF: Then why not just ask for a match against Mac? The end game here isn't the world title, I can see that. It's to show that you can win all three singles titles in one night. Something nobody has ever done. But at the same time you're treating the Onslaught and IC titles like trinkets to throw into the garbage when they've served your purpose. As a wrestler who has held those titles and takes being a champion very seriously that's what offends me most here.

FW: That's not how I'm viewing the other titles.

MJ: Matt hit it on the head. You're only doing this to show you can win all three singles titles in one night. But who are you trying to prove it to? Yourself or everybody else? And why does it matter? I've been taking a long hard look at things lately, Fire, maybe it's time you did the same. Maybe stupid isn't the right word here. Maybe the height of hubris is. Stacy's mad because you don't have the Saints in mind. Matt is mad because you don't have the other belts in mind. And I'm mad because the height of insanity is doing what you've always done and expecting a different result.

FW: You don't think I can win all three matches?

MJ: I know you can. But then what? How does that make you sleep better that night? You'll just come up with some other crazy 'look how great I am' idea the next day.

FW: I don't have to explain why I picked the matches I did for Mayhem to you or anyone else.

She kicks the breakfast table over and food flies everywhere. Fire goes into room and slams the door as we fade.

[Leo]

Sebastian Davis hears a knock on his hotel room door and answers it. He opens it to find "Silver Eagle" Jack Bullet standing there. Davis doesn't go into a fighting stance, but his body does tense up.

Bullet extends a bottle of booze forward.

JB: A peace offering.

Davis looks at it.

SD: Willie Nelson's Old Whiskey River? Six-years-old aged bourbon.

JB: It also comes with a guitar pick.

SD: How did you get this on a Sunday morning in Japan?

JB: I have contacts.

SD: I thought you were done drinking?

JB: Doesn't mean I'm down on others who do. I thought the Texas connection and water reference might resonate with you.

SD: If you think this is going to make me go easier on you on Mayhem this week. You're wrong. After we've attacked each other the past couple of weeks and you keep poking fun at me for not winning the world title yet. Sometimes you've got to wait for the high tide, I'm a patient man.

JB: I've been on a long journey this past year. I'm not only finding my way out of the bottle, but who that person who has crawled out of the bottle is. I've put three guys in the hospital never to be seen in the OOWF again in Nick Fleming, Demon Smoke and Christian Carter. I've had blood feuds with guys here and I couldn't even tell you why. You and me can get in the ring and tear it down, but on the outside of the ring I don't want it to be just hate and bashing our brains in. I'm not your friend and I'm not your enemy. I'm a fellow competitor who wants the same thing you do, the world title around my waist. If that goal has us crossing paths sometimes, fine, but we don't need to be killing each other just because.

Silence hangs in the air for a long moment. Davis then extends his hand and Bullet shakes it.

SD: Alright, grandpa, I won't jump you in the hallway with a chair...this week. You want to come in for a drink?

Bullet looks questioning at Sebastian. He smiles.

SD: Just kidding with you, old man. Ah...that's what they could have called our feud in hype packages "the old man and the sea." Oh well.

Bullet sighs, but just lets Davis get his few good natured ribs in. Davis then holds up the bottle.

SD: Really, thanks. I can get where you're coming from.

He closes the door as we fade.

[Leo]

Shizuru-Mune Mangyuniku-Cox plays Dance Dance Revolution at Round One Stadium in Akita. The two-story arcade also features a bowling alley, roller rink, karaoke and more. Shizuru gets a big "you're a winner" screen and then back flips off just for style. He turns to find "Silver Eagle" Jack Bullet. Shizuru hugs him.

SMMC: Great American Soaring Eagle, it is great to see you again my friend.

He then takes a step back and bows.

SMMC: It will also be great to face you again in the ring on Mayhem with Sebastian Davis. How did you find me here?

JB: I took a wild guess. Do you know there is a vending machine over there selling women's panties?

SMMC: Yes, they have been worn, you wear them on your head and breath deeply.

JB: ......The old Jack Bullet probably would have said something unintentionally racist there, but I'm trying harder to be a better person.

SMMC: Jack you have always been the best person to me, even though I've given you multiple reasons not to.

JB: Shiz, old buddy, you might be the closest thing I have to a longtime, good friend here in the OOWF. We've had our ups and downs, but who hasn't it. I just wanted to say, being back in the ring with you again on Wednesday will be a real pleasure and I know coming out it we can still be on the same page. A good match doesn't mean hate. I'm hoping Davis gets that too.

SMMC: He might surprise you. Come, let's go to the karaoke room. We can sing "Old Town Road."

Bullet has a dubious look on his face as we fade.

[Fire-Babe]

Firewoman is in her room, seething, when her Skype pops up on the Smart TV on the wall, all Star Trek style.

S: Hey, beauti--

FW: WHAT?!

S: Damn, no need to bite my head off.

FW: *sighing*... I'm sorry... fucking Stacy....

S: Hit a nerve did she.

FW: Yeah, the ones in my face, and the only reason she's not dead yet is....

S: ....because?

FW: Because she's not.

S: You still need her for something, huh?

FW: What do you want?

S: I just wanted to talk to you about this crazy plan you have on Wednesday. I mean, feel free to waste what could be an amazing night for you in Japan, where they hate you....

FW: I think they've softened...

As if on cue, a production assistant comes in with a flower vase full of dead roses.

FW: Who are those from?

PA: *shrugs* Didn't say anything except "Give this to the gaijin traitor Akira."

FW: Get out. Take those with you and dump them in the trash.

The PA shrugs again and leaves, presumably to do just that.

S: You just let him walk into your room.

FW: Yeah, he's new, he doesn't....wait, I did.....huh?

S: So unlike you....what's wrong with your chest?

FW: Not a damn thing...

S: No,it's red under your locket.

FW: It is?

Fire looks, and indeed the skin under where the locket lays is red and irritated. Fire rubs and scratches at it.

S: Don't do that, you'll make it worse.

FW: Damn thing gets hot whenever I get pissed off.

S: Is that why you didn't filet the production assistant?

FW: *annoyed* That doesn't even make sense. Look, sorry, honey but unless you're telling me you're miraculously cured and coming to join me, I need to go review tapes on my opponents.

S: Not yet. Although progress is being made. Dallas is a miracle worker.

FW: Told ya.

S: Now...about Wednesday.

FW: Let me save you the time....I'm selfish, I disrespect the belts, I'm egotistical, I don't care about the Saints...did I leave anything out?

S: Yeah, delusional.

FW: ....that's pretty generally a given.

S: Fire...and believe me, I say this ONLY because I'm exactly one-half the world away....You aren't as young as you used to be.

FW: .......

S: Let me explain--

FW: I think you better.

S: You are still a force to be reckoned with, and hands down the biggest threat to any championship-holder in this company, or any other for that matter.

FW: .......but?

S: But even you can't possibly believe that more than 10 years at OOWF, after however many years in Chikara, ROH, NOAH, Storm's outfit....You'could be potentially in the ring for HOURS with opponents more rested than you are, and--

FW: Go ahead and say younger.

S: I'm not sure Mac is younger than you.

FW: Are you done?

S: No. I'm sitting here in Atlanta, allowing Diamond Dallas Page to spout feel-good bullshit in my ear on an hourly basis to rehab myself for doing my own version of shit like that. It hurts, it's painful, it's humiliating....and it's keeping me out of a wheelchair... I don't want to see you in the same shape.

FW: Are you done?

S: I love you, babe...I also know how far you're willing to go and.....multiply that by potentially three matches of your special brand of crazy....I'm worried that a wheelchair would be best possible outcome for you.

FW: .....

S: ....

FW: Well don't. I'm fine, and I don't need your lecture or support or fake concern. I've been managing just fine without it for months now. Don't even bother to watch if it upsets you so damn much.

S: Fire--

Fire abruptly ends the phone call by throwing a lamp through the screen.... and INSTANTLY grabs her chest in pain. She immediately rips off the locket, which had been glowing green and stares at it, before angrily shoving it into her pocket.

[Jack Quinn]

<Moose is sitting at the bar when 13 sits down next to him with a mic>

13: You've been quiet.

MHJ: Is that a question?

13: You haven't mentioned your opponents this week.

MHJ: The Frenemies. Yeah, I wanted to give them a peaceful last few days with their tag titles.

13: You sound confident

MHJ: You have Matt Folz, the best pure wrestler in the OOWF today, and Moosehead Jack, the most dangerous wrestler in the OOWF today. Across the ring you have two people who would rather be chasing solo glory anyway. Those titles are as good as ours.

13: And your challenge to Folz?

MHJ: Still stands

13: And Fire?

MHJ: <rolling his eyes> Fire's gotta Fire.

<13 nods, Moose lights a cigar and we fade to black>

[Fire-Babe]

Fire's eyes glaze over as she watches tape of Beverly. She yawns and rubs her eyes, and stretches.

FW: I gotta take a break.

She glances quickly at the broken Smart TV screen and stands, stretches again, and walks to the Keurig. She stands and looks at it for awhile, pushes a button here and there, and then sighs in frustration.

FW: LUCKY!!!

Poor, beleagered Lucky comes from his room shaking his head.

L: It's literally the same model as at your New Orleans and Caracao houses.

FW: I can't get those to work, either.

L: You have to...oh, it's unplugged.

FW: SEE? Who would do that?

L: Probably housekeeping...

Lucky bends down and plugs it in. The lights come on and the water starts to heat up. Lucky gets the coffee out and packs into one of those reusable K-cup thingies, to avoid the rant from Fire about how wasteful K-cups are.

FW: You know, I CAN make my own.

Lucky finishes and hands it to Fire. Fire attempts to put in in the right area, but misses and it falls from her hands onto the floor. Lucky shakes his head as he cleans it up.

L: You were saying?

FW: I'm just so tired of watching video....this was a stupid idea.

L: It's not....

FW: Why didn't we just ask for all three of them in a Fatal Fourway?

L: I told you why...it'll be fine. I promise.

FW: If it's not--

L: I have literally NEVER steered you wrong, have I?

FW: ......no...

L: Okay... you know, forget the coffee, just go to bed...big day tomorrow.

FW: I won't sleep anyway....

Fire storms off to her room. Lucky finishes cleaning up the coffee and puts everthing away before turning off the light and screen.

[Sportsguy]

OOC: Not a promo, sorry Fire. Just letting ya'll know I am still alive and sorry for my disapearing act the past few weeks, had some shit to deal with. I'll put up a promo later tonight or tomorrow.

[Fire-Babe]

Fire is sitting at a table with the OOWF banner behind her, Lucky at her side, acting as translator. For simplicity's sake, the Japanese reporters' questions are in Japanese, and translated for Fire by Lucky, and then he translates her answers.

L: Next question?

Japanese Reporter 1: Red Lioness--

L: Pardon me, my client no longer goes by that name.

JR1: *rolling eyes* Do you think your brother's influence is what kept you in NOAH for far longer than you deserved?

FW: *angrily* No, I think it was the fact I was the best damn wrestler in the promotion, including your prescious Ket and Poe.

JR1: But you surely came here to get him to help you enter the business.

FW: I didn't even know Ket was Moose until after I got to Canada, assho--

Lucky covers the microphone so the last word is inaudible, but people can lipread. They speak with Lucky's hand over the microphone

L: Fire!

FW: What? That's such a bullshit question. What are we even doing this for?

L: To promote your unprecedented Triple Jeopardy match.

FW: YOUR stupid idea.

L: Besides, we're here because Typhoon Krosa delayed the show.

FW: It's only a little rain.

Lucky glares a warning at Fire, then removes his hand from the microphone.

L: What Fire means is that she has earned everything she's received, with no handouts from anyone, including the upcoming Triple Jeopardy matches. We specifically asked for this upon her arrival to her first real promotional home, in gratitude for everything she got from the Japanese people during her time here.

Now it's Fire's turn to roll her eyes.

JR2: What about Junichiro Muyo? Was breaking his neck an expression of Red Li--er, Fire's gratitude?

FW: Yeah, cos I left him alive.

L: *to Fire* I'm not translating that. *to reporter* Professional wrestling is a dangerous business sometimes. and Fire wishes to express her continued sympathy to the Muyo family and hopes for a speedy recovery.

There's a general murmur among the crowd assembled, as enough folks speak English that they know that's not what she said.

JR4: Do you think your current run of no championships is a result of Johnny Inagawa's cutting off our pinky in revenge for the brutal way you treated him?

FW: ......

L: If there are no further questions--

JR3: So what will Fire do if she is successful? What's next?

FW: I'll defend the World Championship with every fiber of my being, by any means necessary. I will NEVER give it up.

They crowd goes silent, as there's something about Fire's words that sound ominousthat

L: Okay, folks that's all. As soon as the typhoon warnings are cleared, we'll get the information out about the new show date and time. Arigato.

Lucky stands and bows, then whaps Fire and the shoulder encouraging her to do the same, which she does as sarcastically as possible. The reporters leave the room.

FW: Well, that certainly did not sparkle with me.

L: It was fine.

FW: They hate me.

L: Since when do you care?

FW: *playing with Bullet's Soul NecklaceI I don't know...look did you pitch the change to the Triple Jeopardy match to Vic?

L: I did. Too bad, posters have been printed.

FW: Dammit.

L: What has got you so amped up about this?

FW: Why did you even come up with this idea?

L: Because Fire, you've been drifting, going through the motions for MONTHS now. At first I thought it was just Stank being gone, but that's not it.

FW: I'm fine.

L: Then what was all that "by any means necessary" crap?

FW: ....just....promo talk...you know how we do.

L: Uh huh...I know how most EVERYONE do...

FW: Drop it.

L: Fire, you'll be fine. You'll run the table and win. It'll be amazing, the first ever of it's kind. You'll be wrestling history even more than you already are.

Lucky gathers up all his papers, clipboards,and stuff, and leaves, Fire trailing behind, not so convinced.

[Jack Quinn]

<Moose is walking down the Hall of Random Encounters when he spots Zed drinking a cup of coffee, Moose storms over and slaps it out of his hand>

Zed: What the hell man?

MHJ: YOU UNFRIENDED ME ON FACEBOOK!

<Moose attacks Zed and the two of them brawl down the hall, and out of view.>

[Jack Quinn]

<We cut to the Akita Arena where a horde of reporters are standing around one of the exits, there is a clamoring as Japanese police open the door and Vic Dinero is led out of the arena in handcuffs. What appears to be his lawyer, follows him out of the arena and stops in front of the reporters>

L: As of this moment, I have no comment on the accusations levied against my client, other than to say that all accusations against my client are false, fabricated by a small cabal of people who are only out for their best interests and not the best interests of the OOWF. Thank you.

<The Lawyer catches up to Vic as they are putting him in a police car. As they pull out of the lot, an OOWF official comes out and directs the media to a meeting room. A few moments pass, but we get to the meeting room where Megumi “Mai” Muyo is standing behind a mic>

MM: I am here to speak for my brother, who was unable to make it to the arena in time to make a proper statement. As of right now, the OOWF is on temporary hiatus until we can determine the damage done by Mr. Dinero. The OOWF will announce the continuation of operations as soon as this process has been completed. I appreciate your questions, but at the moment, we do not have enough information to answer questions in a responsible way, as information becomes available to us, we will make it available to you. Thank you.

<Mai walks off the stage, and we fade>

[snelson66]

FADE into a boardroom overlooking Lake Superior. OOWF-TV is on the big conference room display as Stan Fulton and Martha Rodriguez watch what's unfolding.

SF: "Have the corporate jet ready in an hour to fly to Japan. Contact our lenders and determine our cash flow. And find Juni. I want to meet with him face-to-face."

MR: "Are you considering what I think you're considering?"

SF: "I already own PHWF. Let's see what we can do. I don't want to see the OOWF go down."

FADE

[Zed]

Zed sits in an ice tub, a glazed-over look on his face, as Rev. BRICK~! walks in.

B: How are you feeling, champ?

Z: Not great.

Silence.

Z: What happened, man?

B: You tapped.  Then you got beat up again by Moosehead Jack for unfriending him on Facebook.

Z: No, I mean ... what happened?  Like ... how did I get here?  Getting my ass kicked every week?  Feeling 49 years old at 29?  Taking damn ice baths?  You know how much I hate the cold, I'm from North Carolina for Christ's sake.  

B: It's just a slump.  Have faith.

Z: A slump that I might not even get the chance to break out of, if the rumors are true.  

B: I'm sure an amicable conclusion will be reached on the business side of things.

Zed rubs his forehead for a few seconds, another long silence.

Z: I've got to get back to the basics.  Got back to what got me here.

B: Riding in a taxi to Satan's Kingdom, Rhode Island?

Z: ... How the hell do you recall that?  You weren't even here at the time.

B: I can't give away all my secrets.

Z: I need two favors from you right now, Reverend.

B: Name them.

Z: First, I need my mom on the next plane to Akita.

BRICK~!'s eyes widen, but he pulls out his phone to begin arranging a flight.

B: I'll take care of it. What's the second one?

Z: I need a tag partner.

B: I'm sorry, what?

Z: I know.  I've never been a good tag team wrestler.  But it's the one thing missing on a resume I've never cared about.  And if the OOWF dies, I don't want to spend the rest of my life walking with a limp wondering if I was good enough to be a Grand Slam Champion and wasted it on being a selfish dumbass.

B: You're not going to get a title shot overnight, you know.

Z: I don't deserve one.  But I've got to make this happen.  And none of that Freebird rules shit with Kylie and Bridget.  They're strong enough on their own, they don't need me.  I've got to find someone to take this journey with me.

B: And here I thought getting your mom to Japan was going to be the hard part.

Z: That reminds me.  Three favors.

B: Oh no.

Z: Can you help me out of this tub? I can't feel my legs.

Rev. BRICK~! lets out a nervous chuckle as he leans down and extends a hand and we FADE.

[Leo]

Jack Bullet is packing his suitcase in a hotel room in Japan. He hears a knock at the door and opens it. It's BRICK~! Bullet doesn't acknowledge him and goes back to packing. BRICK~! finds the response odd, but enters the room.

BRICK~!: I don't know if you heard, but Zed is looking for a tag team partner so he can claim a grand slam. I immediately thought of putting the Brick Layers back together. After all, a tag title reign is all you need for a grand slam as well.

JB: I don't need to check a box on my resume for the sake of checking a box on my resume.

BRICK~!: Now, I know we screwed you over in the past. But that was a different BRICK~! and a different Zed. That was before I found the light and the right path. We need you Jack and the OOWF needs us united as a shot in the arm.

JB: I've been thinking a lot lately that the last thing the OOWF needs right now is a gentleman cowboy drunk hanging on by a thread.

BRICK~!: Jack, I'm surprised to hear you say that. You've been doing so great with your therapy, AA meetings and coming to church services. You can't be proposing what I think you are.

JB: I'm retiring and going home.

BRICK~!: You can't. That's not how the story of Jack Bullet ends. It ends with you getting a grand slam. It ends with you coming full circle from world champion at Hell on Earth to claiming another title at Hell on Earth. I can make this happen.

JB: Ten seconds from now the OOWF might not even exist. The options for it continuing don't bode well for me. Do you think Ecosystem would give me a fair shake? Or Stan Fulton? Both would have me selling popcorn in the stands. I'm too old and too tired to slam my head against a wall just for something to do. This ends because I say so, not because Eco or Fulton sent me packing laughing all the way about it.

BRICK~!: Those aren't the only options. We don't have a clear picture about what happened or will happened. Now is not the time to leave. Now is the time to stay and fight harder than ever.

Bullet closes his briefcase, picks it up and heads to the door. He turns and faces BRICK~! one last time.

JB: The OOWF is finished and so am I. I suggest you come to grips with this and return to wherever you came from.

Bullet exits, leaving BRICK~! standing shocked in the empty room.

[Leo]

Stacy Kirkland walks through the halls of an almost deserted OOWF temporary headquarters in Japan. Junior Hale trails behind her begging and pleading. Kirkland holds the Intercontinental Title in her hand.

JH: You can't do this Stacy. Not here. Not now.

SK: This is bullshit. I sign my soul away to the fucking Quinns for a shot at the big time and in less than a year this house of cards comes tumbling down.

JH: You're a member of the Saints of Sinners. You're the OOWF IC Champion.

SK: I'm a member of jack shit and champion of nothing. I was better off curtain jerking at the Duluth American Legion Hall for gas money to get home on. This whole situation is garbage and so this cheap hunk of metal and leather.

Stacy finally spies what she had been looking for. A trash can. She holds the belt up high over it.

JH: You can't do this. There's no coming back from this if you do this.

SK: There's no coming back for the OOWF.

She's poised to let go.

JH: WAIT!!!

Stacy stops.

JH: This is what Medusa did to the WWF Women's Title. You don't want to repeat what she did?

SK: Doesn't matter to me.

She's poised to drop it again.

JH: WAIT!!!

She stops again.

JH: You could make a lot of money selling the strap on Ebay. If the doors close, they probably won't ask for it back.

SK: I don't need the money.

She goes to drop it again.

JH: WAIT!!!

Stacy stops again.

JH: What will your brother think of you trashing the title.

Kirkland thinks for a moment. She straps the belt on.

SK: The powers that be, whoever that might be anymore, have until Monday to get their shit figured out or whoever is left can go dumpster diving for it.

Kirkland storms off as Junior breathes a sigh of relief.

[Fire-Babe]

FW: WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE CAN'T LEAVE?!?!

L: Now, Fire...

FW: Don't 'now, Fire' me in that tone of voice... I HATE Japan....more importantly JAPAN HATES ME! I mean...

L: I know but I'm sure this will all get sorted out soon and--

FW: I can't believe Juni would go THIS FAR to keep me from getting another championship.

L: Well, first, I'm not sure that this is about you. I mean, I know you think you are JUST that important, but--

FW: And who's fault is that, Mr. "Let's Book My Client Into Three Championship Matches in ONE NIGHT."

L: You were pretty on board with it when we pitched it to Vic.

FW: Yeah, and now I've had time to get nervous about it, between the Typhoon and now this...you realize, if I was still commissioner--

L: Yes, yes, we know...you're the best.... now--

FW: Okay, well book me a plane and--

L: See, that's where things get tricky, because planes cost money--

FW: I have TWO luxury houses and a million dollar sportscar, I think I can swing it.

L: Well at least three of those things were gifts from various spouses and fiances...so...no, you don't have a couple thousand LIQUID to just buy a plane ticket at the drop of a hat.

FW: .....WHY?

L: Well I did just have to REPLACE ANOTHER very expensive television set.... that was at least---

FW: FINE, fine, fine....just... don't talk to me until we can go home.

L: Maybe you and Moose can take this time to patch things up?

Fire storms away.

[Leo]

As Fire storms away she hears a "pssssssssst" sound from the shadows. She stops and looks. It's Carl from Fresno in a trench coat and fedora.

CF: I know where you can get money for a plane ticket home.

FW: I don't like where this is going.

CF: Jack Bullet is still getting all that extra money from the merchandising deal he won a couple years ago by beating Ecosystem. The Bullet Foundation folded quietly awhile back. That's all in his pocket now. In fact, he's on his way to the airport right now.

FW: Not where I thought this was going, but I still don't like it.

CF: I'm just saying, Jack might help a fake ex-wife out if you beg.

FW: I don't beg and I don't associate with hamburger wrapper sniffing freaks like you.

Fire grabs Carl in a front facelock, kicks her opposite foot high in the air and then drives Carl head first into the pavement with a DDT.

FW: I feel better...but not by much.

She continues on.

[Jack Quinn]

<Moose is sitting in the back of the arena drinking a bottle of Trust Me and smoking a cigar when his phone vibrates. Jack pulls it from his pocket and we see the text>

I heard about the OOWF, that is a shame. Perhaps you would like to have your career come full circle? Think about it. - Gedo

<Moose takes a long drag from his cigar, exhales and slips the phone back in his pocket as we fade

[DrMcAwesome]

*an empty podium stands in front of a banner backdrop with OOWF logos on it as CARL FROM FRESNO, looking very clean and presentable walks to the podium, tripping on the riser and nearly knocking the podium onto the assembled media. Flashbulbs go off as CARL gathers himself and straightens out the podium*

CARL: “I … Uhhhh … There are a lot of people here.”

*CARL pauses as he presses his earpiece further into his ear*

CFF: “Yes, boss. … Anyhow, I am here to announce that someone with a lot of freakin’ money has obtained OOWF and its assets and will run its next card on Sunday in … Oh God … Somewhere in Japan.”

*CARL winces and grabs his ear*

CFF: “Akira? Wasn’t that an anime?”

*CARL winces and grabs his ear again*

CFF: “Oh. Akita. Yeah, so Sunday in Akita, Japan, OOWF returns from its hiatus. The Benefactor also says that fans who had tickets for other cancelled shows in Japan will be refunded at twice the face value of their purchase.”

*a UNNUMBERED SEXY FEMALE JOURNALIST raises her hand and gets CARL’s attention*

SFJ: “You just mentioned a benefactor. When will we know the identity of this benefactor?”

CFF: “Oh … Ummmm …”

*CARL grabs his ear and nods*

CFF: “The Benefactor will be seen when The Benefactor feels that it’s right.”

SFJ: “Will all contracted wrestlers be retained?”

CFF: “Yes. I didn’t even need The Benefactor to answer that one. I’m getting good at this.”

SFJ: “What about the title matches earned by wrestlers? Will they be honored?”

*CARL steps away and whispers into the earpiece before stepping back to the podium*

CFF: “The Benefactor says that anyone who has yet to receive a constructionally … Ummm … Constricted … errrr … One of those things, will still receive those matches.”

SFJ: “So, when will Firewoman get her Triple Jeopardy series?”

CFF: “Oh … Ummmm … Sunday? Yeah Sunday.”

*CARL winces and grabs his ear while apologizing to the voice on the other end*

CFF: “I messed that one up, but The Benefactor will let it happen since I said it was happening.”

SFJ: “What about …”

CFF: “Could you maybe ask a question about my really nice suit? It took me an hour to figure out the buttons on this shirt.”

SFJ: “Is this benefactor Jack Bullet?”

CFF: “Oh … No. Jack Bullet ain’t that guy.”

SFJ: “So, The Benefactor is a male?”

CFF: “I … Ummmmm …”

*CARL grabs his ear and leans into the microphone*

CFF: “The Benefactor says I need to get out of here.”

*CARL trips off the riser and into the backdrop banner as the scene fades*

[Fire-Babe]

Carl from Fresno is talking to a very dubious Lucky. Lucky has his arms folded and is not letting Carl pass any further.

CFF: So she's here.

L: Of course she's here. She's a professional.

CFF: Because she WAS trying to get a flight back to the states last I heard.

L: Well, she's not, she's um...deep in her training right now.

CFF: Look I just have to--

L: You're just begging for another DDT from her, aren't you?

CFF: See, now that I'm officially on the payroll, as the spokesperson for the Benefactor, if she attacks me physically there will be repercussions.

L: You know that's not how anyone in the Saints works, least of all her.

CFF: Still, the Benefactor says I need to lay eyes on her to make sure she's here.

L: It's your funeral.

Lucky turns and opens the door.

L: Fire, can we come in?

He waits for a moment, and there's no answer or anything but there's a slight breeze and then...

L: Okay...after you....

Carl and Lucky come in and see Fire, her hair all a mess, staring at the wall. Well, more precisely what's ON the wall. She has written her three opponents' names on it and then lines extending between them and from them to other opponents. Then a THICK line leading to the words "BENEFACTOR?" boldly written. Lots of names are around that, and notes with the names. There's Rick Scaia, Nate Corbett, Phantos and Lucios, Puck Dupp, Arctic McBearington, Justin Sane, Opus, Fernando, Bing Bong, Trent Powers, Nick Fleming, Solly, LD Williams, Stan Fulton, DH Magnusson, LJ Bennett (although crossed out with "Dead?" written next to it), the Ghost of Spin Hanson, Jim Cornette, TJ the BusinessCat, Cody Rhodes, Sean Quinn, Rose Quinn, Joey Ryan, Vince McMahon, Linda McMahon, Shane McMahon, Eric McMahon Lucas Mann... nearly EVERYONE that's ever been associated and some who haven't... a quick look around and we see nearly ALL of the four walls are covered with names, lines of connection being drawn, notes, some crossed out...Lucky, who was NOT expecting this, lets out a whistle....

CFF: Wow....

L: This is....

CFF: Probably par for the course?

L: No...no no...this is....this is new.....

FW: Hey guys...I've ALMOST got this figured out.

Fire climbs on top of a short bookcase to draw a line between Opus and Spencer Darling, and add some notes in fast, maniacal letters.

L: Um....so.....did Dr. Freedman change your medicine?

FW: HUH? No...OH man, I forgot about him!!

Fire jumps down clumsily, knocking the bookshelf over in the process. This reveals more wall space, so she writes "Dr. Sidney Freedman" and then stares at it thoughtfully before drawing a line to her own name.

FW: Hm.....No, I don't think I'm the Benefactor.

CFF: You're not sure?

FW: Can't be too careful, Carl. I mean, I might know, but I might not...I might be keeping it secret from me.

L: Fire, have you slept?

FW: What? No...no time for that...I know I can figure this out...I'm ... SO CLOSE.....Look, everyone leave, you're disrupting my concentration...

Carl and Lucky back slowly out of the room and quietly close the door as Fire mutters possibilities to herself.

L: There.....well you've laid eyes on her.

CFF: Yep....I sure have....why?

L: I dunno...maybe being in Japan too long...

FADE

[Leo]

"Black Magic" Stacy Kirkland enters Firewoman's room. As she does she takes another look at her phone and a text from Fire that reads "SOS - NEED YOU NOW!!!" Kirkland is taken aback by all the writing on the wall and lines drawn from name to name. Fire is muttering to herself.

SK: You said you needed me?

Fire whips around and her eyes go wide as she sees Stacy.

FW: Yes, you were with Jack Bullet for months. What do you know about his money?

SK: Dude is old school. He carries a bunch of $20 bills around in a silver money clip. He just rounds up for tips. I've seen him tip nearly $19 for a cup of coffee and stiff a waiter 30 cents on a big bill.

FW: That's weird, but not what I meant. What about the Bullet Foundation? Right before the Benefactor appeared, or rather didn't appear, Carl from Fresno mentioned I could get money off of Jack if I wanted out of Japan because he folded the foundation quietly awhile back. And who other than Jack would trust Carl to run anything more than a lemonade stand.

We see a direct line from the Benefactor's name to Carl and a line from Carl to Jack Bullet. Firewoman circles Jack's name in bright red.

SK: I honestly don't know. You didn't pay me to spy on him, just to screw with his head. Carl handled most of that stuff.

FW: Good Carl or the Bad Carl.

SK: Carl Slack, Jack's lawyer.

FW: I forgot about him.

Fire draws a line from Jack and then writes Carl Slack's name.

FW: The only thing I know about him is that he worked with Lucky on that whole fake marriage debacle between Jack and me.

Fire draws a line from Slack to Lucky. The main line from Lucky leads to Fire.

FW: Damn, it really could be me.

Stacy starts backing away slowly.

SK: Uh...I've got to go. Junior and I are...uh...going to do some random kinky shit.

FW: JUNIOR HALE! All the referees. I didn't even consider. If they all pulled their money and cashed in their 401Ks...

Fire trails off as she scribbles names and Kirkland slowly backs out of the room. FADE.

[Leo]

"Silver Eagle" Jack Bullet is caught by Sexy Female Journalist 3.14.

Pi: Jack Bullet, direct and to the point, are you the secret Benefactor who has financially saved the OOWF?

JB: No.

Pi: How do we know you're not lying?

JB: Jack Bullet doesn't lie.

Jack smiles and a light pings off his teeth.

Pi: Well, betting odds in Las Vegas have you as the 3-1 favorite to be the Benefactor. This is largely due to your direct connection to Carl from Fresno and extra money you might have from the Bullet Foundation folding.

JB: I felt terrible about that. But I guess people didn't need a combination barbecue sauce and furniture polish like we thought. However, I have channeled most of the extra money I'm still getting from my lucrative merchandising deal to several youth centers back home in my native Iowa. You can check with Carl to confirm that.

Pi: Good Carl or Bad Carl.

JB: My lawyer, Carl Slack, Good Carl.

Pi: I also have to point out that you were all ready to fly back to the states and call it a career last week. But, you are still here.

JB: Well...I was asked to stick around. I was told there might be some positive changes and I believe we've seen that.

Pi: Who got you to stay?

JB: Jack Bullet doesn't lie, but he doesn't tell everything he knows either.

Jack walks off leaving Pi with a suspicious look on her face. FADE.

[L!zz~]

(Beverly drops into a seat next to where Fire is pouring over her graphs)

Fire: Yes?

Bev: (reaches into her messenger bag and pulls out a stack of files, dropping them onto a table) I know you have extensive connections but there is a lot of interesting stuff in there that might help you figure this out.

Fire: (pauses and looks at her) Why are you giving it to me?

Bev: because I'm highly suspicious of the whole thing.

Fire: Your side business is information. I thought you'd be all over this.

Bev: Normally I would and if you need an ear that will take you seriously just holler but right now my hands are full.

Fire: With what?

Bev: With keeping Bridget from doing something stupid..Kylie and Josie issues...

Fire: I miss that little girl.

Bev: You should go see her when we get home.

Fire: if you know who will let me

Bev: I'll talk to her. (Risesl

Fire: I'm still coming for the title Sunday.

Bev: (holds her hand out for a fist bump) Let's do it. And do it right.

(Fire hesitates than fist bumps her)

Fire: (nods at the files) Thanks...and uh if you need someone to talk to Bridget about men issues let me know. I could write a damn book.

Bev: (laughs) I might pay you to talk to her about it.

Fire; I accept PayPal, Venmo and $cashapp.

(Beverly laughs as she rises, peering over at the graphs, she taps a name)

Bev: thats my bet.

Fire: Really?

(Bev just shrugs as she heads off)

[Zed]

Firewoman is still buzzing about the halls searching for clues when she encounters Zed's Mom, carrying a plate of cookies.

ZM: Hello, Fire! Just who I was looking for!

FW: Oh, hi! It's been so long!

ZM: I know! A lot has sure changed over the years!

FW: Tell me about it.  *looks down*.  Wait...are those...

ZM: Oatmeal with cranberries and white chocolate chips? Your favorite.

FW: My favorite ...

ZM: Made them just for you when I got asked to come over here.

FW: You shouldn't have!

ZM: It's my pleasure.

Zed's Mom hands over the cookies to Fire, who quickly grabs one to try them.

FW: Oh ... my ... gods ...

ZM: So they're good?

FW: They are incredible! Thank you so much!

ZM: Well, I'll probably be around for a while, so if you have any more requests, let me know!

Zed's Mom walks away, and Fire continues to eat the cookies until she is paralyzed in thought.

FW: Wait.  The news of the Benefactor comes out the same week Zed's Mom shows up ... No ... I can't rule it out though ...

Fire sits down the cookies to scribble in a notebook ... then picks the cookies back up and continues eating them as we FADE.