[wld]

**SFJ#47 is standing with L.D. Williams**

SFJ#47: “L.D., last week you had one of your toughest title defenses against Davin Moreland. Your thoughts?”

LD: “Well, Davin didn’t pin me in eighteen seconds to take the title, so I guess I’m not as washed up as some people thought. Davin, I won’t mince words – you took me to the limit. To the limit - not past it. If you want to be World Heavyweight Champion, you’re going to need to bring a little bit more. I’ll give you credit though; I haven’t heard a single complaint or excuse.
You’ll get another chance, Davin. We both know you deserve it. But, before it happens, I have a suggestion. Get your affairs in order. Forget about Bennett, forget about Rick, and most importantly, resolve your issues with your masked friends. Somewhere along the line you’ve managed to convince a lot of people that you’re the heir apparent. I don’t happen to agree. When we find out who the better man is, I don’t want there to be any doubts. No distractions and no excuses Moreland. Next time, we settle this,”

SFJ#47: “What’s your opinion of the elimination match this week?”

LD: “I’m just glad I’m not writing it.”

**L.D. and SFJ#47 both step back so Kayfabe’s attempted spear misses them and Kayfabe goes through the wall behind them.**

SFJ#47: “You were saying?”

LD: “It should be an interesting preview of what’s to come in the War Games match at the pay-per-view. We’ll win Wednesday night, just like we’re going to win at Hell on Earth.”

[karmic]

In the Dingy Locker Room Of "You're Never Gonna Get Your Security Deposit Back"~

D.H. Magnusson: It's the return of Damon Wrath....again. How many time this make, Wrath? Three? Four? It seems like every time you get in th' ring with anybody worth a damn, three things happen: First, y'get your teeth rammed down yer throat. Then ya run off and hide for a few weeks. An' after that ya make your big return, askin' people t'give a damn. No one ever does, an' I'm damned sorry about that, because it's kinda my fault.

Your second match in this company, I made you tap an' set you packin'. Then my main man Spin done it. Then it just kept happenin'. By yourself, workin' with Seamus...everytime time y'get beat, you tuck your tail an' run. I woulda thought that maybe all these big names y'been trainin' with might have taught ya a thing or two about bein' a man but hey, I ain't never been accused a' bein' the brightest.

Coupla weeks ago, I told Seamus I was gonna be sorry about what had t'go down in that ring...You don't get the same benefit. Y'got no respect for the boys, y'got no respect for the fans...You get a pass on the fist one: Anyone in this company who thinks you're disrespectin' them, they can kick your ass themselves - assumin' they can find you. But the fans? Those people're th' reason we're here. They're why we do what we do. They're how we put food on our families tables. They're what keeps each and every one of us goin' night after night after night...

An' I'll be DAMNED if I'm gonna let you slap them in face.

So bring all your fancy trainin' with you. Bring your big name fightin' camps an' sparrin' partners with you. Show me you're HALF th' fighter ya always pretend t'be...an' after I put you down, don't go runnin' an' hidin' and that'll show me you might be half the MAN y'pretend t'be.

Oh, an' Alex? Heal up that wing, buddyboy...you an' me, we got unfinished business.

[Tommy]

*Davin Moreland is his OWN PLOT DEVICE in the GORILLA POSITION!*

DM: LD...well, a clean win is a clean win. Your actions, and the actions of my "teammates" notwithstanding, the match itself was clean, and there are no excuses. Whether or not I get another shot is up to me - you did your part, you finally manned up and faced me. And, you beat me. That's good. Good for you LD.

DM: And I've got some thoughts for the rest of you, especially those on "Team Rick". I will say this one time, and one time only. If I EVER find out who was responsible for your little stomp party, I WILL...END...YOUR...CAREER...even if it takes me years to do it, it will be done. Who knows, maybe someone else will do it for me. I'm not saying that maybe I didn't deserve a little something for the way I've been acting of late; but that was a little too much - and the fact that you couldn't man up and face me without masks? Well, it makes me fear for Team Rick, because there are at least 10 Cowards on our team. Straight. Up. Cowards.

DM: And I know that they didn't come from Run DEA; we've talked and I believe them, besides; we have an 8-(wo)man-tag match together. ALL OF DEA (and Bunny) IN THE SAME RING AT THE SAME TIME! The GREATEST STABLE in the HISTORY of the OOWF! Together at last!

DM: So you're asking yourselves, what are my thoughts on the match? It was a bitch to write, that's what I think.

*Kayfabe attempts a flying superkick out of nowhere, but Davin catches her foot, spins her around...REALLY GOOD DIAMOND CUTTER on the floor*

DM: It should be an interesting preview of what’s to come in the War Games match at the pay-per-view. We’ll win Wednesday night, and cowards notwithstanding, we’re going to win at Hell on Earth. Plus, I get to hit Cole, which is always a good time.

[wld]

**The camera focuses on L.D. Williams.**

LD: “SHUT IT!!!”

**The camera pans to show Chris Cole, Attitude Adjuster, F. Fonzworth MacCappington III, Ryan Hardcore, The Amnesiac, SYB and Skurge sitting in a locker room with L.D. standing in front of them.**

LD: “Alright, This week at Mayhem we-”

AA: “I need a sandwich.”

SYB: “Got it.”

**SYB gets up and almost makes it to the door.**

LD: “If you take ONE MORE STEP, you won’t live to make it to Mayhem.”

**SYB skulks back to his seat.**

AA: “I still need a sandwich.”

LD: “Ma’s in town AA. I could call and ask her to bring you one.”

AA: “Never mind.”

LD: “Now. The elimination match this week. Whatever else you might call it-”

FFMC: “Lazy booking?”

SYB: “A cheap way to stall storylines until the anniversary show?”

**Someone outside the room starts rattling the door angrily. Hardcore gets up and braces a chair under the handle.**

LD: “Whatever else you might call it, it comes down to Team Bennett vs. Team Rick. That means it’s an opportunity. If either team dominates this match, they’ll have an advantage in the War Games match at Hell on Earth. We need that advantage. We need that confidence. And we are going to get it.”

**L.D. pauses and looks around the room.**

LD: “Skurge, Do you know where we are?”

S: “Steinbach?”

LD: “Steinbach. Manitoba. Canada. We are home. Where they make real beer. No more second and third-rate countries where they want to cheer us but are afraid the U.S. might take it the wrong way and move in to ‘fight the terrorists.’ This is our country – God’s country Skurge. I expect you to do your people and your country proud.”

**Skurge gets a very intense looks and nods.**

LD: “You. With the mask. Wait, don’t tell me…Amnesiac.”

TA: “THE Amnesiac.”

LD: “Whatever. You want people to remember your name? Win the match.”

**As THE Amnesiac nods, L.D.’s gaze pauses on SYB for a moment, then skips to Chris Cole.**

LD: “Cole…This match – it’s a main event. You haven’t seen one of those in a while.”

CC: “Watch it.”

LD: “You know you belong in the main event. I know you belong in the main event, Hell, it’s your name. But, there are a lot of people who are convinced that you don’t belong there any more. This is your chance to prove them all wrong.”

CC: “Damn Right.”

LD: “The World’s Greatest….(sigh) FF and Ryan. Win this match, and maybe we can convince somebody to fix that.”

SYB: “What about me?”

LD: “Try not to get killed.”

LD: “AA – Do you want to convince Firewoman you deserve to be a part of your child’s life?”

AA: “No.”

LD: “…Do you want to prove that you deserve to be the Onslaught Champion?”

AA: “Not especially.”

LD: “(sigh) Want a World Title shot?”

AA: “ABSOLUTELY!”

LD: “You know what you have to do. Gentlemen, let me clear. This match isn’t just about winning. It’s not just about causing pain. We need to dominate. We need to humiliate them. This is our chance to carve a hole in Rick’s army mere weeks before this war comes to an end. Domination gentlemen, nothing less.”

**With nods and mutterings of agreement, everyone stands up to leave.**

LD: “And gentlemen – anyone who disappoints will answer to me.”

TA: (snickering) “AND his mother.”

AA: “Dude…SO not funny.”

[Concrete TG]

(GM The Rick is STARING~! directly into the eyes of Concrete TG. And there's no romance there)

GMtR: This isn't something I expect from you, Crete.

CTG: Rick, this war has gone on for far too long.

GMtR: No shit

CTG: Please, Commissioner, hear me out. I will get one thing out of the way before I explain why I am really here. Moosehead Jack has made a demand for a match between me and Stank, and he wishes to be the referee.

GMtR: You're well aware that that match could be a trap.

CTG: I'm expecting it. but the metch is necessary - to prove Moose wrong about this whole "Bounty" business.

GmtR: Done. Now, about the Real Reason you're here....

CTG: Moosehead Jack has done more damage to our Team and attempted to destroy my reputation for too long. I think that it's time I silence him once and for all.

GMtR: We all know that Moose is all talk and his M.O. is to try to get rid of you. This is old news, Crete.

CTG: Perhaps, but Moose has been attempting to chip away with me even before my departure from OOWF last year. As I recall it, I left with your blessing to pursue championship gold in the most prestigous wrestling organization on the planet. I had been hand-picked by Vince McMahon to be the one to unseat Randy Orton and become a champion that the wrestling world could appreciate. There was NEVER a question of my loyalty to this company, and I honored my PRomise to you - at great professional cost - to save you from the one man capable of destroying this company. Moose is more dangerous than Bennett's money amd legal wrangling or any three of Team Bennett's soldiers and their respective abilities.

Moose continues to dig up the remnants of Sterling Glaw's overzealous altruism that Glaw HIMSELF has admitted was not of any machination of the Heroes Guild! Then again, Moose strikes me as someone who would dig up dead horses so he can whip them with impunity.

GMtR: Then how about YOU stop beating on those horses as well?

CTG: Fine. I want a match against Moose at the Anniversary show

GMtR: WHAT DID I JUST FUCKING SAY???

CTG: (Slams his hands on the desk) THIS TIME YOU'RE GOING TO LISTEN TO ME, RICK!

GMtR: !!!!!!

CTG: At the Anniversary show, Moose and I are going to have a match - one that will make Moose salivate in anticipation, and a match that I have carefully constructed to make sure that one way or another, we will be finished, The End. Fini. Endgame. Ragnarok. 3 stages that Hell wishes it could have as its own.

GMtR: ... I'm listening

CTG: Stage ONE - no rules, Submissions only. We start by stretching the joints and bending limbs in new ways. You will hear screams of defiance and anger add we go until someone surrenders

Stage TWO - These fans deserve to have a hand in our fates! Let them bring any weapon they wish - and we will bloody each other to a pinfall.

GMtR: Things we've done before, you're not impressing me.

CTG: Then we have stage three, and you KNOW it'll come to that! The third stage, this final ring of absolute darkest, bloodiest hell that even Abdullah the Butcher wouldn't walk into. This is The Prison of Stygian - no simple cage, Rick! (CTG unrolls a blueprint)

GMtR: (looking it over) I don't know if we have the budget for this..... what is all this crap?

CTG: For this Prison I want a new set of ropes coated with broken glass! I want a cage woven from barbed wire and towing chains and dusted with acid! I want a scaffold made from rusted steel and enough metal and glass encrusted weapons to make Sabu weep with childhood memories! I need gallons of gasoline or lighter fluid to see some of it burn! There will be blood, there will be sweat, there will be tears, there wil be carnage! And if that doesn't finish it, there will be a timed C-4 charge somewhere in this PRison that will make SURE there is an ending one way or another. And when the dust and snoke clear from this battle, there will be one man still standing.... and if Justice is to be finally served, IT WILL BE ME.

GMtR: Moose will never agre.........well ok, yeah HE will, but there is NO WAY I can sanction this!

CTG: you're going to sanction this because if you don't, I will be happy to let the WWE lawyers talk to you about my breach of contract!

GMtR: .......are you.........are you threatening me?

CTG: This is no threat - this is something I have been quietly trying to deal with on my own. WWE has a very strong argument about bringing me back because my abrupt departure was nothing more than "A Storyline". At this point it becomes a matter of reputation, Rick - I'm keeping Moose from trying to ruin mine, and I'm willing to keep yours intact by keeping them at bay. They get their hands on you and you will be the laughingstock of the wrestling world. I get the WWE job back and you will be on your knees in front of LJ Bennett with no one to save you- how will THAT play with your reputation?

GMtR: Look, Crete, I appreciate what you are saying, even if I don't like it, but you know damn well, that if I sanction this kind of match, neither of you will ever be the same again, and then what good are you to me? And even better, where does this stop? Let's say you win, do you really think that will stop Moose? He will just charge in here and demand an even more insane match

CTG: Neither one of us will be the same again because one of three things will happen.... Moose will surrender unconditionally to me because I have dragged him to hell and back, and perhaps he will realize the error of his ways; I will be destroyed, and having been unable to defeat the one man who has stood in my way for so long , I should walk away from this business and return to Florida and find work; or we are both dead and our part of the war will be over. It's a risk I know Moose is willing to take.

GMtR: No, not good enough. I already know Moose is a sick bastard and he will be back for more. And I am beginning to have my suspicions about you. I want it in writing. This is it. This is the last match. If I don't get SOME kind of guarantee for SOME length of time, I am not even considering it

CTG: Fine, for your conscience you can call Legal and get whatever documentation you want that'll satisfy your side of this match. But I can guarantee you: you're not going to need it. If this doesn't end our differences, NOTHING will.

GMtR:And then what? You know damn well neither of you will walk away from this. I cannot have a double homicide in the ring

CTG: There's a waiver for that, too, you know. It's very simple, Rick - I can't pull any more punches when it comes to Moose. I have had to construct this prison to HIS standards - and those are pretty damn high when it comes to combat. Unless his life is at stake you know he won't take it seriously.

GMtR: Is it really to Moose's standards Crete? Or are you doing this for revenge? You know, I remember when you would not stoop to this. I have watched this feud over the years. Crete, before you decide you have to have this match, think for a moment. When this started, this was all about Moose trying to get you to play his game. For years, you refused to play his game, you stuck to your way, you INSISTED on doing it your way. Now, look at you, you are obsessed with a bloodlust that, quite honestly, I would expect from Moose. Who is really winning this?

CTG: In the end, the entire OOWF could win from this - this is a war that we've seen people go to some exceptional lengths to gain advantages and leverage for their side. What I'm doing is dropping the Atom Bomb. What will remain will be a company looking at itself and realizing that this is one war that HAS to end. Instead of seeing the entire company go down in flames and leaving 40+ talented individuals without the OOWF, I make this sacrifice to shine a light on the darkest shadow of Team Bennett to show them that we MUST end this. Better the two of us than the entire company - and THAT is loyalty you'll never see from anyone else here. Who on our team is willing to put their principles, their life - their very SOUL for the sake of seeing something they love continue to flourish? I am no martyr - I am a man who wants this war to end, and when it comes to "By any means necessary" a Hero steps up to that with zero hesitation. I hesitate, Moose eats me alive. I stand up to him and he will crawl away into the shadows and hope that his bones knit.

GMtR: So in other words, I'm Not Allowed to say "No", am I?

CTG: Not this time, Rick. For the sake of the OOWF, you can't.

GmtR: Fine. I am still not sold on this Crete, the risk, for both of you, is just too much. But I know if I don't, someone will, and this will be big. Four years of hate has built to this

CTG: And if I'm right, Rick, this will end the war... even if it means I don't walk away.

GmtR: Crete, I applaud your enthusiasm, but THIS won't end the war. THIS will end things between you and Moose, at least for now. Whoever wins between you, I have no doubt that it will energize that side. But I am not foolish enough to think that this will be the deathblow. The War Games match.......I have to think you would be better off part of that

CTG: The War Games match is indeed a team effort, and I think Stank would be best as the captain of that team. I feel that he has the drive we will need against Team Bennett.

GmTR: .....interesting to hear YOU say that

CTG: Why? Are YOU going to accuse me of putting that bounty on his head as well?

GMtR: Crete, I am not saying anything either way. Though the evidence against you is more than a little convincing

CTG: That's not how I operate, Rick, and you know it. Stank has earned a great deal of respect from me in recent months and to that I'm willing to trust him with the rest of the team. If HE wishes to believe that I wanted to take him out, why would I ask someone else to do it? If I need something done, I do it - no head games, no smoke and mirrors, admittedly some flashy special effects but never hiding my true intentions.

GMtR: Crete, thats a good story, but you have been feuding with Moose for so long......look, I already said, this war, this blood feud, he has you thinking on HIS terms. Can't you see that if has you that far, that putting a bounty out is not such a jump in reasoning? Can you not see what this war has done to you? Look I know you have your principles, and your morals, but damn if Moose hasn't found a way to corrupt them. Crete, you cannot honestly stand there and tell me you are the same Concrete TG now that you were in 2004!

CTG: Rick, this war has affected your memories. I've had to go BACK to being the same Concrete TG I was in the past - I've fought Moose in hardcore matches before, and not as San Chaos. I've faced him at his level, I've beaten him at his level, and he's beaten me at mine. This match is a level that neither one of us has ever considered until now- in a time where more than rules of Kayfabe are broken. There are things going on in this league that are not only affecting the wrestlers, Rick, but family members and friends of said wrestlers. This war has already gone too far, and in retrospect, I have not gone far enough.

GMtR: You really don't see it do you? Look, I will make this match, mostly because I don't care about good vs. evil or any of that other shit. I care that this will pop the hell out of the ratings. But think about this. What are you really trying to destroy? Moose has said it so many times, and I think he has a point, he is your dark side. He is the evil that lurks within all men. You are trying to destroy that, so in a sense, you are trying to destroy yourself. Do you even realize that? And the whole time, Moose cheerfully goes along with it, knowing that with each battle, you are no closer to destroying him, you are closer to destroying yourself.

CTG: Rick, when I shone the purest of light on him he only became darker. Perhaps if I turn the light down a little bit we'll the see the man and not the monster that is Moosehead Jack.

GMtR: Moose is flesh and bone just like the rest of us Crete. But you can't destroy him without destroying yourself

CTG: if that's what it takes, Rick.. if that's what it takes.

(CTG walks out of Rick's office. Rick is left to ponder the carnage that Concrete has laid out for him)

[blownspot]

Minutes later

<Stank walks into Ricks office and sits in the chair across from his desk.>

GMtR - Stank.

Stank - Rick.

<The two men continue to sit in silence for several minutes. Unnerved Rick finally speaks.>

GMtR - Heard from Alexis?

Stank - ...

GMtR - Okay... something on your mind?

Stank - Tell me everything you know about the bounty put on my head.

GMtR - ...

Stank - Don't even think about bullshitting me.

GMtR - ... Tell me what you know about the attack on Davin Moreland after last week's Mayhem.

Stank - Not a damn thing.

GMtR - ...

Stank - That has fuck all to do with what I asked you.

GMtR - Does it? It seems to me someone or someones had a bounty out on Davin... and damn near collected. Maybe the same people behind that are behind the one on you.

Stank - You're not going to shoot straight with me, are you?

GMtR - What do you want me to say, Lucas?

Stank - TELL ME WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT CRETE putting this BOUNTY on MY FUCKING HEAD!

GMtR - Not a damn thing.

Stank - YOU listen to me... I swear to GOD... if I find out you had ANYTHING to do with this bounty, you won't have to worry a damn thing about Bennett... TRUST ME!

GMtR - Fuck, now you sound like him.

Stank - Excuse me!?

GMtR - Has it occurred to you that you might have this WHOLE thing completely wrong?

Stank - What are we talking about?

GMtR - Moose... AND Bennett and FUCKing Eric O'Mac and the rest over there scheming to end OUR side!

Stank - OUR side?

GMtR - YES OUR fucking SIDE! I didn't stutter!

Stank - Let me tell you something about OUR side!

GMtR - Do tell!

Stank - Right now there is no OUR side! There is just YOU and ME in THIS office! I've sacrificed A LOT Rick for you! Paid a HEAVY price! Stood up for you! Rallied the FUCKING troops for you! AND FOR FUCKING WHAT? ... TELL ME!

GMtR - ...

Stank - I should be OOWF World Champion, right now! But NO! I'm too busy fighting this BULLSHIT war FOR YOU! No not YOU... for a BETTER OOWF! One not ruled by the likes of BENNETT, ERIC, and CHRIS FUCKING COLE! What have YOU DONE, RICK? What the MOTHER FUCK have YOU DONE? Not a GOT DAMN thing THAT'S WHAT! Not a THING but sit on your ass, drinking whiskey, cheering for the REDS, the FUCKING YANKEES, and the Dayton Flyers, all while sucking on JON STEWART'S HILARIOUSLY SATIRICAL COCK!

For MONTHS I have been BEGGING YOU to take control of YOUR GOT DAMN COMPANY! But you've done NOTHING! MEANWHILE I've been throwing my ASS in the FIRE all in the name of YOU!

I've been on the FRONT LINES in this war! I expect battle. I expect hardship. I expect blood, sweat and tears! What I DON'T fucking expect is for people on "OUR" own team to TURN against ME! What I don't fucking expect is for "OUR" LEADER, the man whom I've FOUGHT and BLED for TO SCHEME BEHIND MY FUCKING BACK with a TEAM MATE and our FUCKING ENEMY!!

Stank -TELL ME why I should continue to believe in a man who schemes with CRETE to take me OUT?!?

GMtR - I'm not-

Stank - TELL ME why I should BELIEVE in a man who takes BLACKDRAGON off of protection duty with Alexis WHO IS TRYING TO HELP TAKE DOWN BENNETT!?!

GMtR - Stank liste-

Stank - TELL ME why I should believe in a man who consorts with Crete, Blackdragon AND BENNETT doing God KNOWS WHAT!

GMtR - ... We weren't consorting.

Stank - I'm committed to taking down Bennett and his boys, RICK! but Tell me why the FUCK I should be committed to YOU!

GMtR - ...

Stank - WELL?!

<The Rick continues to sit and stare at Stank for several seconds. After a moment longer he speaks.>

GMtR - Come with me.

Stank - What?

GMtR - You want to question my commitment to this war...? Come with me.

<The Rick stands and walks over to the door where he pauses and waits for Stank to move. Stank rises from his chair and follows the GM out of the office as the camera fades>

[Spinch]

(Spin Hansen is in the boiler room. Flames from the old boiler provide a dim light... enough that the Ninja Cameraman can capture a silhouette of Spin.)

SH: I'm sick and tired of being dismissed. I understand that Poe is a very dangerous man. I understand that Eric is about as stable as a fourteen-year old girl whose first boyfriend just broke up with her. I get it. But to be casually dismissed with "I'm going to beat the absolute shit out of Spin Hansen and Outback Jack?" You forget who you're dealing with, you lousy cumrenter. I'm the biggest, nastiest sonofabitch in this federation and I've beaten you more times than I care to count. And Outback Jack? He's the man who put the Taipei Death Match on the map. So go ahead. Wear the belt that, frankly, should be on the waist of someone who actually competed in the PHWF instead of some poseur. Bring the crazy. Bring your rage.

I am. There's a reason why my peers thought that I'd be the man most likely to murder someone for approval. Maybe I'm just bored today.

Maybe I don't need to bask in someone's approval to be motivated to murder someone. Chew on that.

[BC]

Eric O’ Mac grunts as he finishes a set of bench presses. After his last press he looks up and sees Poe standing over him, looking down on him. Eric half-laughs and sits up, using a towel to wipe the sweat off his brow before draping it over his shoulder.

Eric: Well if it isn’t the mysterious Poe. Glad you could finally make it to Canada. Where have you been?

Poe: Selena and I come and go as we please per my contract. We went to Iceland if you must know. We were celebrating my victory and Intercontinental Title shot at the Boy. The fire and ice is a true sight to behold.

Eric: Yeah whatever, so where is your little piece of jailbait?

Poe: She’s in our room.

Eric: You left her alone in this madhouse?

Poe: She’s being looked after by…a friend.

Eric: Friends? Around here? You trust people? You’re a fucking moron.

Poe: Watch your tone.

Eric stands and looks up at Poe.

Eric: And who the hell are you to tell me what to do? We may be partners this week, but that doesn’t make us friends, got it? I’m not scared of you big gay spooky. You may have Darling quivering in his boots, but let’s face it, he’s not the most emotionally stable dude around here.

Poe: And you? I could say the same for you.

Eric: Just stay out of my way, do your role, and we got no problems Edger.

Poe smirks at being called Edger.

Poe: Are my services even needed? Last time we teamed you won the match yourself.

Poe points to the PHWF title belt on top of Eric’s bag.

Poe: You may be earning that belt after all.

Eric gets an angry look on his face, then smiles.

Eric: You’re lucky we’re teaming this week.

Poe smirks and sits on the bench. He lays back and begins pressing the same weight Eric had.

Poe: I’m familiar with this Hansen fellow from last week. What can you tell me about Outback Jack?

Eric watched Poe bench press for a moment in silence.

Eric: Just keep Selena away from me. She freaks me out.

Fade as they begin to discuss strategy.

[blownspot]

<Stank walks into the Destroyitarium with a stunned look on his face. He sits at the bar and orders a beer. Outback Jack walks over and sits next to Stank.>

OBJ - Everything OK?

Stank - ...

OBJ - Want some fried Crow? I whipped some up special for my match against Poe and Eric tonight.

<Stank stares at OBJ like he's crazy... which he is.>

Stank - It takes an extraordinary individual to associate himself with you.

OBJ - Damn right, mate.

Stank - ...

OBJ - You alroight? I swear it taste like Croc on the barbie.

Stank - That's not what's on my mind... though now it kinda is... eww.

OBJ - Suit yourself... what's galling you?

Stank - Rick.

OBJ - What about him?

Stank - He... showed me something... I can't fucking believe it.

OBJ - Out with it, man!

<Stank looks over at his friend and teammate. He contemplates revealing what Rick told him, but decides to hold his cards close to the vest.>

Stank - You'll find out soon enough... I may need to apologize to Crete, though.

OBJ - Oh yeah?

Stank - Maybe... he's still a suspect... but after what Rick has shown me... I don't know what to believe anymore.

OBJ - Alroight. I trust you'll tell me when the time is roight. You sure you don't want any crow?

Stank - I may be eating my fair share after all is said and done.

<fade>

[Fire-Babe]

In the Hallway of Random Encounters, Firewoman is walking, when one Tyson Kincaid comes running up.

TK: I have been looking everywhere for you.

FW: Yeah, well, I'm laying kinda low right now, I have enough attention on me.

TK: We need to talk.

FW: What? No we don't. Don't you have a match to prepare for?

TK: Look, at the PPV, when I thought...

FW: Stop, alright? I need to get going.

Firewoman goes to move past him, but Tyson sidesteps to block her. Firewoman looks at him with irritation (as only she can) and tries to go the other way, but Tyson blocks her again. Firewoman has her back to the wall, and Tyson has his arms against the wall on either side of her.

FW: Really?

TK: Just talk, that's all.

FW: You've got about 3 seconds to get out of my way. I don't like being cornered.

Tyson steps back and starts to apologize but an arm comes out of nowhere and spins him around, until he's the one with his back to the wall, and a forearm to his throat.

AA: I think she said to leave her alone.

FW: What the hell? Alan, stay out of it.

AA: Now, get on your way. I think Eric said he was lonely. Don't ever bother her again.

And with that, he shoves Tyson down the hallway. He turns to look at a grateful Firewoman, except she's not exactly looking very grateful. In fact, she looks pissed.

AA: Now, now, you don't have to say anything. You're welcome.

FW: I'm not thanking you.

AA: I'll make sure he doesn't bother you, and you should probably steer clear of him for now.

FW: Oh my gods, you are still a sexist pig! I didn't need your help just then, and no one...no one, Alan, tells me who I can and cannot talk to.

Firewoman storms off, leaving Attitude Adjuster a bit confused.

AA: Wait...did I just defend.... I need a sandwich....

[Deadly]

[The Dead storms into Blitz's locker room.]

Blitz: Wha...? Hey! What's u...?

Dead: You got your shit ready?

Blitz: Of course, why do you ask?

Dead: Look, we go into that ring tonight and we beat the living hell out of those two.

Blitz: No problem, I...

Dead: Shut the fuck up. You just do your job and we'll have no problems. I'm fucking tired of wallowing at the bottom of the card and you aren't gonna fuck this up for me.

[The Dead heads back to the door.]

Dead: Now hurry up.

[Before Blitz can say anything, The Dead slams the door behind him.]

Blitz: What's gotten into him?