EVENT:
VENUE:
LOCATION:
ATTENDANCE:
BEST VIEW:
L!GHTS OUT XXX
Finneran Pavilion
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
6,500
Desktop 1920 x 1080
WELCOME TO THE SHOW
[There were sixty-five hundred of them chanting and cheering, their anticipation deafening, as the feed went live. Soon, Dallas Moore had the entire building rocking along as “Fat” Saul stepped out onto the stage.]
♫
FINE KENTUCKY BOURBON AND A DOUBLE-SHOT OF COCAINE
LITTLE BIT OF SMOKE AND, A LOT OF GASOLINE
SAD OLD SONG FROM A RUSTY, OLD SIX-STRING
NINETY-THOUSAND MILES IN A TWO-THOUSAND ROAD KING
I WAS BORN TO RUN, I WAS BORN TO TRAVEL
ANOTHER DAY OF LIFE, “RAISIN’ HELL AND SLINGIN’ GRAVEL”
♫
[His pipe dangled in an ear to ear smile, the tips of his cheeks were rosey and little blue eyes shimmered in the arena lighting. His gray, even his beard, looked good, trimmed and kept. It came down his face from under his fedora, down his chin and rested on his chest, between the straps of his denim overalls. He was happy, and had brought it through the curtain with him, it lifted the crowd. Saul lifted his right hand, bringing a microphone to his mouth.]
FAT SAUL
Tonight, is gonna be special! Ol´ Saul wanna thank every single one of y'all for comin’ out. Also wanna welcome all y'all watchin’ us LIVE on Battleground Network.
[The old man wasn't alone. A very large, well-dressed man stepped from behind the curtain. While he is much younger, there is a strong resemblance to Saul. Bald, slick sunglasses and a pristine white suit, he looked from another world than the gypsy elder he was shaking hands with. Then, they smiled the same smile.]
FAT SAUL
This here is my boy, Junior. We will get into why he is here with me tonight a little later, because right now, this is number thirty! Our thirtieth episode of Lights Out, welcome, y'all!
JUNIOR
All y'all need to get up and stretch out `cause the battles lined up tonight are `bout to keep yuns outcher seats.
[Father and son made their way down the ramp, shaking hands and kissing babies along each side. Junior stopped for a picture with a group of female fans in the front row. Saul rounded the other side of the ring, talking to fans and slapping hands. The music faded in the background as they met at the table. While Saul emptied his pockets of the usual items, Junior pulled the chair around to help his dad take a seat.]
FAT SAUL
Union Battleground's Trench War Champion, Kimitsu Zombie, will be in the ring tonight! While Zombie's title is safe tonight, she's challenging Alyssa Daniels and the Union Battleground Championship is on the line.
[Junior took a seat at the table next to Saul. He too carried a small yellow tablet with red binding. Unlike the old man and his water, Junior had a couple sodas in front of him.]
JUNIOR
Lemme tell ya, Pop. A work horse is somethin’ that performs one helluva job, over and over, for a long period of time.
FAT SAUL
Okay…
JUNIOR
A War Horse is Elena DeDraca! Someone that puts on a helluva beatin’, repeatedly, for as long as she damned well wanna.
FAT SAUL
Smooth… I like it and, I agree. Tonight, she has an unknown challenger… what? Ya shakin’ ya head…
JUNIOR
I don't think it matters.
FAT SAUL
Ya don't think the unpredictably explosive Kraven Drell poses a threat?
JUNIOR
I mean, I ain't sayin’ he won't give her a fight, I'm just sayin’, I think she got this.
FAT SAUL
Kraven Drell will challenge Elena DeDraca a little later for the Union Battleground War Horse Championship.
[While the crowd cheered in excitement, Saul puffed on his pipe and Junior flipped the top page over.]
JUNIOR
Quarterfinal Crown of the King Cobra battles will be contested tonight and four competitors will advance.
FAT SAUL
Datura defeated Maverick to face Lisa Seldon tonight.
JUNIOR
Yeah, and we all know Frankenstein won a vicious throw down with James Edwards to be here tonight.
FAT SAUL
Finn Whelan all-but manhandled Fallon Lockhart to advance to the quarterfinals.
JUNIOR
Yeah, Buddy, ya boy Flash got by Karnivall only to find Whelan waitin’ him out in the next round.
FAT SAUL
Kaelan Laughlin and Mikey Svarro have known about their match tonight for almost a month. Both qualified in London at Relapse when Season Three premiered.
JUNIOR
Svarro won a back and forth with Danny Colt, but none of the qualifiers were as close as Kaelan's victory over Robina Hood.
FAT SAUL
Considerin’ she had just went to war with her old man in a brutal deathmatch, beatin’ Hood and advancin’ in this tournament, that's resilience.
JUNIOR
Mikey got to be thinkin’ about it as he's lacin’ up his boots.
FAT SAUL
I bet AJ Morales has a lot on his mind too. He put down a Heathen to be here tonight, facin’ the only Mummy that Ol´ Saul knows to be wrasslin’.
JUNIOR
A giant competitor that made dust of Will Neilson to simply step into the quarter-finals tonight.
FAT SAUL
Catch up with all of Season Three and keep up with the Crown of the King Cobra, exclusively on Battleground Network. Follow at BattlegroundNet on Twitter (@BattlegroundNet).
JUNIOR
Follow at Union underscore Battle (@Union_Battle) on Twitter for all of the up-to-date news and rumors of ya fave King Cobra battlers!
FAT SAUL
Looks like Mike is ready to get to work, it's time to kick this thirtieth episode off…
[The cameras pan and sweep over the loud and rowdy crowd, coming to focus on Mike Dempsey in the ring.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
The following battle is scheduled for one fall and is a Crown of the King Cobra Quarterfinals Match! Introducing first, standing 6’ even and weighing in at 187 pounds, from San Francisco, California, he is “The Revolution” AJ Morales!
♫
“ALRIGHT, STOP, STOP, HOLD ON, HOLD ON, HOLD ON—
JUST LET ME GO, I’M ON MY OWN, A ROLLING STONE AND I’M IN THE ZONE…”
♫
[After a brief interrupting voice clip, “Rolling Stone” by Falling Reverse hits the PA. As that happens, the lighting near the entrance turns gold, and vapor starts hissing out of the fog machines.]
♫
“DON’T LET ME FALL, JUST LET ME KNOW WHEN WE’LL…”
♫
[A.J. Morales emerges with his head down, his eyes closed, and his fist raised in the air.]
♫
“...MAKE IT…”
♫
[A.J. opens his eyes and looks up.]
♫
“LET’S GOOOOO!”
♫
[A.J. screams the words right on time with the music, bringing his raised fist down so he can start thrashing about and playing air guitar. He keeps this up until the first verse comes in, at which point he starts walking to the ring and giving fist bumps and high-fives to anyone in the crowd who reaches towards him.]
FAT SAUL
Like we said, AJ defeated Heathen Jones to advance to this match here tonight, but more than that, y'all, he's givin’ this tournament his all in honor of his wife, Miss Emery.
[As the second chorus hits, A.J. climbs onto the apron and vaults himself over the top rope with a somersault. He pops up to his feet and gives a clenched fist salute to the side of the crowd facing the entrance ramp. He repeats this salute on all four sides of the ring, ending with the side facing the hard cam. For this last one, he looks directly into the camera, and after he drops the salute, he mouths “Mírame” before turning to his corner, taking off his jacket and beanie, draping both objects over the ring post, and limbering up for the battle.]
JUNIOR
Y'all can keep up with The Revolution on Twitter, just follow at The Rev A J Morales (@TheRevAJMorales).
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, standing 7’ tall and weighing in at 375 pounds, from The Valley of The Kings, Egypt, accompanied by Umi, he is Inaros!
​
♫
"THE LAST RITUAL" BY RHOCASSIO
BEGINS TO PLAY
♫
​
[Clutched beneath one arm is an ancient tome--the Book of the Dead--and behind her stands the towering figure of Inaros. As the beat picks up she stops and turns back to him, pointing a finger toward the ring. Inaros doesn't nod or otherwise acknowledge her... he simply complies, stoic as he begins to march forward.]
FAT SAUL
Ain't that somethin’ to watch?
[Upon reaching the ring, Inaros halts. Umi steps in front of the massive creature, who lowers his head... and Umi takes a moment to remove his Egyptian headdress. After she moves out of his way, Inaros reaches up and grabs the ropes, pulling himself onto the apron before stepping over the top rope. He paces only briefly, walking the ring with authority and a barely restrained rage. Will stares the monster down from across the ring as the referee calls for the bell!]
JUNIOR
I mean, Junior got his reasons, Umi keeps the timeline pretty heated in more than one way, ya know wha-I'm sayin’? Seriously, though, follow at The Sands Demand (@TheSandsDemand) on Twitter. Ya gonna see...
[DING!]
JUNIOR
Oh shit, Pops! Here we go!
[The bell sounds, marking the beginning of this opening quarterfinals bout. Inaros keeps stationed in his corner, simply giving a death stare to his opposition, while Morales in the opposite corner is hyping himself up and getting ready to battle this ancient beast. After a few war cries out to the crowd, The Revolution rushes across the ring and hits Inaros with a flying knee. The impact doesn’t seem to affect the Egyptian mythical monster, as the two just stare at each other. Morales then follows up with a quick barrage of straight jabs and low kicks.]
FAT SAUL
No effect whatsoever!
JUNIOR
Now he's just throwin’ wild strikes tryin’ to bring down this giant...
[This too has little effect on Inaros, who interrupts Morales’ combo strikes by clutching him forcefully by the throat. Inaros picks him up and with a small turn, choke slams him into the turnbuckles behind. The impact bounces Morales off of the turnbuckles and back into Inaros’ embrace. Inaros then grabs The Revolution by his black and streaky blond hair and begins ramming his face into the the corner. After several shots, Morales drops to his knees and the crowd erupts into boos while Umi on the outside of the ring instigates the front row fans even more.]
FAT SAUL
I mean, look at the control she has over this monster.
JUNIOR
Pops, ya gotta see this gal’s pictures. I bet that book is full of them.
[Inaros slowly picks AJ up by his hair and then drags his face across the top rope. The referee tries to stop the seven foot tall undead beast, but you know he’s going to do whatever he wants. Inaros stops midway and then Irish whips Morales across the ring. AJ bounces back and Inaros connects with a brutal shoulder check and Morales slams hard to the canvas. Inaros doesn’t stop here as he grabs him by the waist and deadlifts him straight up and then straight back down with a deadlift powerbomb!]
FAT SAUL, JUNIOR and the CROWD
Oh!
JUNIOR
Damn!
FAT SAUL
Inaros drops for the cover...
[The referee dives in to make the count.]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
JUNIOR
No!
FAT SAUL
Somehow, Morales has kicked out!
JUNIOR
Ain't stoppin’ Inaros though, Pops, ain't even slowin’ him down.
[The big man gets to his feet and begins stomping away on Morales. The weight shakes the ring with each stomp before Inaros finishes off by standing on top of Morales’ head! AJ kicks around trying to escape, but the near 400 pound monster is intent on squeezing his head like a grape. Morales finally manages to slip free and tries to get to his feet, but Inaros catches him in a front chinlock, and wrenches back in a modified guillotine.]
FAT SAUL
Look at the difference here...
[Inaros’ height advantage has AJ on his tiptoes to try and alleviate any pressure possible. Morales’ movements begin to slow and become lethargic and it seems like he is about to go unconscious. Inaros then dips his hips and lifts Morales up into a vertical suplex and slams him back down to the mat. Inaros gets to his feet and looks intently to Umi from the outside, seemingly looking for approval from his commander. Umi nods with a sinister grin from the outside, clutching the tome and pointing back to Morales, she ordered Inaros to continue his destruction.]
JUNIOR
See, she said, “the pictures are in here, big boy, destroy him and Umi will show ya”! Now, watch…
[Inaros lifts Morales back up to his feet, and looks to deliver a short range lariat, but Morales ducks under just in time! Inaros turns back around in a confusing manner, and Morales connects with his signature superkick, the Fuckin Slayerrr! Inaros stumbles back on his heels but stays upright. Morales now runs the ropes and on the return he hits Inaros like a battering ram with his signature spear, the 94 Blitz!]
FAT SAUL
The monster is down!
JUNIOR
AJ's hookin’ that leg!
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
FAT SAUL
Whoa! Look out, now…
[Inaros kicks out with furious force, causing Morales to fly into the air. AJ lands on his feet and awaits for Inaros to lumber his way up to his. Once he gets upright, Morales rushes in and connects with a bicycle knee to the chin and Inaros stumbles back. AJ rushes in and delivers a running elbow smash and Inaros is hanging on the ropes now! Morales keeps the pressure on and begins delivering some loud knife edge chops. With each strike, a cloud of dust plums into the air and the crowd is eating up every shot.]
FAT SAUL
He's got them riled up now!
JUNIOR
What?
FAT SAUL
AJ has the monster reeling!
[Morales now Irish whips the big man across the ring. On the return, he hits Inaros with a crossbody, but the huge impact lays both men out! The impact echoes throughout the arena, and both lay motionless on the mat.]
FAT SAUL
The referee checkin’ them both… really puttin’ off the count.
[The crowd grows in a Morales chant in the tune of la cucaracha while Umi on the outside of the ring screams to get the monster Inaros to regain his wits.]
JUNIOR
There is a lot ridin’ on this one, referee lettin’ them get their bearin's.
[Morales is the first to make any sort of movement, as he crawls his way over to the ropes. He struggles to climb up to his feet, but he doesn’t stop there, as he continues the climb up the nearest turnbuckle!]
JUNIOR
He's gonna go all the way up, Pop!
[With the crowd growing louder with each step, Morales finally makes it to the high rent district and looks out to his opponent still lying on the canvas.]
FAT SAUL
That’s The Revolution up there, y'all!
[Morales raises a clenched fist high into the air to salute the cheering crowd, and then he launches himself! Morales executes a shooting star press and lands flush onto his opponent! Morales hangs onto a leg while the referee drops down to make the count!]
… One!
… Two!
… Thre — Kick out!
JUNIOR
No freakin’ way!
[The air in the room gets sucked out as Inaros kicks out of the beautiful textbook shooting star press. Umi from the outside looks on with a look of worry that slowly turns to ease as her creature still holds signs of life. Morales and Inaros both begin to roll around and try to get back to their feet. AJ being the lighter man, is able to get up first and hunkers over the ropes to save his strength as Inaros struggles to bring his gigantic frame upright.]
FAT SAUL
Here comes AJ, full-speed!
[Just as Inaros stands tall, Morales rushes him and looks to go for a flying knee, but Inaros sticks his big foot out and rocks The Revolution with a big boot and Morales stumbles on the backs of his heels into the corner. Inaros doesn’t waste any time and bullrushes his opponent. Morales tries to escape from the corner, but Umi hangs onto his leg from the outside, and Inaros comes crashing in with an avalanche splash! Inaros then grabs his opponent and Irish whips him across the ring, and Morales collides into the opposite turnbuckle with traumatic force!]
JUNIOR
The whole ring just inched closer to us!
[Morales ricochets out of the corner from the hard collision and Inaros greets him with a heavy boot to the midsection.]
FAT SAUL
Inaros just dominatin’ in there.
[As AJ hunkers over, Inaros hooks the arm and leg and looks to be ready to end this one with his pumphandle powerslam!]
JUNIOR
No stoppin’ it now, folks!
[The crowd is raining down with boos, but it does little to Inaros who looks on at Umi from the outside for reassurance. Umi is nodding her head with glee as Inaros lifts Morales up and slams him with the Curse of the Pharaohs! Inaros hangs on for the cover and the ref drops down to make the count!]
… One!
… Two!
… Three!
FAT SAUL
That's it, she has guided his destruction through to the semifinals.
[DING DING DING!]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Here is your winner, and advancing to the semifinals of the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament, Inaros!
JUNIOR
Come on, Pop; ya know the big guy just wanna see Umi's pictures she keeps in that book.
FAT SAUL
I seriously doubt that's what she wills this monster with.
JUNIOR
Enough to will me against the likes of AJ Morales, that's all I'm sayin’!
FAT SAUL
Morales’ shot at winnin’ this tournament, the same Miss Emery won and capitalized on last year, is gone.
JUNIOR
Inaros is the first to advance to the semifinals, y'all. We'll find out who he will be facin’ here in a bit.
FAT SAUL
Before we do, we were lucky to catch the arrival of the Union Battleground Champion earlier. Let's see what Alyssa Daniels has to say about her match tonight…
TRUST THE PROCESS
[The crowd outside is waiting with excitement to enter the arena despite the cold. Most are heavily bundled anticipating the weather and situation. Suddenly, many begin to scream and cheer from some commotion happening at the entrance. Moments after the initial surge, Union Battleground Champion Alyssa Daniels emerges and greets the waiting fans, also bundled up. She high-fives everyone who puts a hand out on her way through.]
ALYSSA DANIELS
Thank you so much for coming out tonight for Lights Out!
[This elicits screaming cheers from the fans in attendance.]
ALYSSA DANIELS
Tonight, you’ll get to see something that hasn’t been done before! You’ll see the Trench War Champion face the Union Battleground Champion with the latter title on the line! I’ve heard people say that maybe it’s unfair to let a current champion challenge for another belt. But we know better, don’t we? This is Philly, and in Philly we trust …
FANS
THE PROCESS!
[Alyssa grins in response and holds up her Union Battleground Championship for all to see.]
ALYSSA DANIELS
It’s great to be back.
[She tries to continue but is cut off by cheering. She waits for it to subside, still smiling in sincere appreciation.]
ALYSSA DANIELS
If you’re going to be the best, to represent a company as its champion, then you need to beat the best. I expect no less from myself, nor would I expect less from someone else who holds this belt. And until a challenger emerges from the King Cobra tournament, that is our Trench War Champion, Kimitsu Zombie. Who’s ready to see what will undoubtedly be one of the most competitive matches in this company’s history?
[The crowd roars in response, knowing that they will soon see two of the company’s biggest fan favorites fight in a match with the highest stakes. With that, Alyssa begins to mingle with the crowd, signing autographs and taking pictures with fans. A young child tries to climb over the guardrail but is stopped by security. Upon seeing this, Alyssa waves off the security man and helps the child over the railing. She puts the Union Battleground Championship over his shoulder and squats down to pose with him for a picture taken by his parents. Once done, she helps him back over the guardrail, puts the championship back over her shoulder, and waves goodbye to the waiting fans as she disappears back inside the building.]
​
[Back at ringside, Junior was packing Saul's pipe while the old man talked with the fans in the front row.]
FAT SAUL
We will see Kimitsu Zombie challenge Alyssa Daniels for the Union Battleground Championship tonight in our main event.
JUNIOR
Just another huge championship match y'all can catch on Battleground Network.
FAT SAUL
Much like the big one last week between La'Bell and Calabrese…
JUNIOR
Pop, Dog Face didn't even make it out of the first round, tell ya what, Takeshi Kato challengin’ Jordan Parker-Kane was the fight of the night.
FAT SAUL
If ya haven't, be sure to stream an encore of UGP number seven on Battleground Network and follow at Union underscore G P (@Union_GP) on Twitter for all of the fight card action.
[In the ring, Mike Dempsey is ready for the next battle, the second quarterfinal of the night.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
The following battle is scheduled for one fall and is a Crown of the King Cobra Quarterfinals Match! Introducing first, standing 5’10” and weighing in at 213 pounds, from Pontiac, Illinois, he is “The Burner” Flash Kassidy!
♫
ONE PILL MAKES YOU LARGER AND
ONE PILL MAKES YOU SMALL AND
THE ONES THAT MOTHER GIVES YOU DON'T DO ANYTHING AT ALL
GO CHASING RABBITS
♫
[With lights flashing and a strobe light going off Flash Kassidy and Charlie Bloom make their way out to the stage. Flash in his signature coat and glasses. He bobs his head to the beat of the song before spinning around in a circle, a very cocky demeanor about him. He stops and faces the audience, slowly starting to slide his glasses down his nose as he looks over at Charlie, who gives him a determined grin. Flash licks his lips, before putting his arm around her shoulders, and beginning to head down to the ring.]
FAT SAUL
This here’s Ol´ Saul's pick to win this whole damned thing. He took one helluva beatin’ and prevailed to be here tonight.
[Flash was still vibing out to his own music, moving his head and free arm to the beat. ]
♫
CHASING RABBITS PLAYING MADDEN IN A JASON MASK
TAKE A DAB TO THE FORSAKEN LAND
WAVING A MASON FLAG (MASON FLAG)
I'M JUST TALKIN' HELLA GIBBERISH
AND THAT'S NOT A REFERENCE TO EAZY... LIL' BITCH
SO TAKE A HIKE AND PUT ACID TABS IN YOUR MAXIPADS
♫
[As they gets closer to the ring Flash slows his step, looking out at the audience one more time, seemingly brushing their reactions off like it was a chip on his shoulder. Flash gets a running start, leaving Charlie behind as he jumps into the ring.]
JUNIOR
Pure athleticism ...only sligtly fuckin’ influenced.
[Pausing for a moment inside the ring, he waits for Charlie to walk up the ring steps and opens the ropes up for her. As soon as she is in the ring he then runs over to the turnbuckle and climbs up to the second rope, He gazes out over the audience, before letting out a slight giggle in his not so sober fashion. Saul takes a huge hit from his pipe before toasting it toward the young man getting that buzz on the turnbuckle.]
JUNIOR
Y'all high as...
[Flash then points out into the crowd at random before placing one foot on the top rope, and back flipping off, landing directly on his feet. As soon as he does land however, he quickly rolls over into whatever corner Charlie has stationed herself at. Flash gives her a quick kiss on the lips before removing his jacket, and sitting back in the corner. Waiting till the very last second to remove his shades.]
JUNIOR
Keep up with Pop's dude, follow at Flash Me Kassidy, with a “K”, (@FlashMeKassidy) on Twitter.
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, standing 6’4” and weighing in at 202 pounds, from Seattle, Washington, he is “The Seattle Saint” Finn Whelan!
[The lights dim in the arena and cast the arena in a red glow, and for a moment -- only a moment -- the crowd quiets down just a smidge. The guitar riff opening that carries throughout the rest of Asking Alexandria's "Into the Fire" breaks out and brings the crowd to their feet -- both in a positive and negative reaction, completely mixed.]
♫
TAKE 'EM ALL BACK
♫
[Just before the first line of the song, Finn Whelan has appeared, not from the curtain, but from one of the visitor's entrances.]
FAT SAUL
Whelan is here to make Season Three his.
JUNIOR
A lot of folks sayin’ that, though.
[He stops at the top of the steps for a moment, a slight smirk on his face as he glances at the people around him, and then sets his eyes upon the ring down below.]
FAT SAUL
There's a different look in that man's eyes.
[He makes his way down slowly, ignoring the people around him though a few clap him on the shoulders as he descends.]
♫
I'M NOT TOO SURE WHAT I'M SUPPOSED TO DO WITH THIS
THESE HANDS, THIS MIND, THIS INSTABILITY
FROM A CAGE I CREATED, TO A HELL AND HEAVEN MADE
CAN'T LET GO OF THE HATRED
BECAUSE I LOVE THE WAY IT TASTES
♫
[At the barrier, he slings himself over and slides immediately underneath the bottom rope and leaps to his feet in the center of the ring. He heads directly for the ropes in front of him, and hops up onto the bottom one, bouncing slightly as he looks back at the crowd, choosing a few choice words to share with them.]
JUNIOR
He just told that fella over there where to go and how...
[Whelan drops down from it, and pulls off his vest as he heads to his place against the turnbuckle, leaning into it as his music fades out.]
JUNIOR
Follow at the seattle saint (@theseattlesaint) on Twitter and keep up with Finn's manhandlin’ of Season Three.
[DING!]
FAT SAUL
Here we go, y'all. Let's see how these two start...
[The bell sounds, marking the start of this bout and both Flash and Finn circle their way towards the center of the ring. Finn extends his hand out in a gesture of respect, and Flash gives a quick slap and shake and both nod their head, knowing this is all business.]
JUNIOR
Mutual respect there. These two been here before, y'all.
[The roar of the crowd rises as the distance between Flash and Whelan is closed.]
FAT SAUL
They lockin’ up...
[Both men lock up in a collar and elbow tie-up, and Finn uses his height advantage to wrap Flash in a side headlock. Flash throws a few elbows to Whelan’s ribs to loosen the grip, and Flash pops his head out and whips The Seattle Saint across the ring.]
FAT SAUL
He's loose!
[Flash Kassidy goes for his spinning drop kick, but Whelan holds on to the ropes to avoid the attack. Kassidy kips up back to his feet and Whelan now rushes in going for a clothesline, but Kassidy ducks under and runs the ropes.]
FAT SAUL
Oh, Man… they're quicker than a hiccup!
[Flash springboards off the middle ropes and catches and plants Whelan with a brutal DDT. Kassidy hooks the leg for a quick cover.]
… One!
… Kick out!
JUNIOR
Whelan ain't goin’ out that quickly!
[Whelan kicks out with fury and both men quickly climb to their feet. Finn and Flash exchange blows back and forth, but Whelan soon gains control and backs Flash up into the turnbuckle. Finn changes gears and starts laying in some vicious knife edge chops, each one getting a resounding reaction from the crowd.]
JUNIOR
Gettin’ a big ol´ red spot on his chest...
[Finn drags Kassidy out from the corner and Irish whips him across the ring. On the return, Kassidy somersaults to avoid a running knee from Whelan, and doesn’t miss a beat as he bounces off the ropes again. Kassidy on the return catches Whelan off guard and drops him with a beautiful tilt-a-whirl stunner!]
FAT SAUL
Dank!
JUNIOR
AY EF, Pop, but now he's gotta catch him...
[Whelan hits the mat and immediately rolls out of the ring to avoid any further damage while Kassidy plays up the crowd who are going crazy for the high flying move! Whelan on the outside tries to regain his wits, but it allows Kassidy enough time to run the ropes once again.]
FAT SAUL
Nah… Flash just gotta aim true!
[On the return, Kassidy catapults himself over the top rope in a corkscrew plancha and finishes it off with a hurricanrana and sends Whelan hard into the barricades!]
JUNIOR
Holy SHIT!
[The crowd goes wild as Kassidy struggles to get to his knees and celebrates with some of the fans in the front row.]
FAT SAUL
Now, ya gotta get him back inside...
[Kassidy makes it to his feet with help from the barricades and soon grabs Whelan to bring him up as well. Just as Whelan gets to his feet, he launches a stiff knee to Kassidy’s ribs then lifts him up and drops him face first into the barricade. Whelan doesn’t stop there, as he grabs Flash’s messy blond curls and continues to smash his face into the barricade.]
FAT SAUL
...or ya get a-whole-nother kind of fucked up out here.
[Finn then grabs Kassidy and Irish whips him into the steel steps, causing a loud crash and the crowd eats it up. Whelan then heads towards a fan in the front row, shoves him aside, and grabs his chair!]
JUNIOR
Oh-!
FAT SAUL
Damn-!
JUNIOR
Again-?!
[The Seattle Saint cracks the chair across Kassidy’s back several times until the chair itself becomes too distorted to even hold on to. He tosses the chair aside and picks up The Burner and tosses him back into the ring.]
JUNIOR
I don't think I could've watched another one of…
FAT SAUL
Back to the ring.
[With Kassidy unconscious inside the ring, Whelan takes his time climbing up into the apron. Instead of stepping inside, Whelan continues to climb up the nearest turnbuckle! The crowd begins to grow louder at the sight of seeing Whelan going up high, something not normally seen from the ultraviolent technician.]
JUNIOR
And, high up into the rafters...
[The Seattle Saint finally makes it to the top and his towering 6’4” frame makes him look even more imposing. He looks like he may be dialing in for a rare double foot stomp, but before he can launch himself, Kassidy springs into action and bolts up the turnbuckle!]
~ UMPFH! ~
[Saul, Junior and the crowd around them flinched from the impact in the background of the shot.]
JUNIOR
Popped him!
[Flash delivers a swift uppercut to the gut on the way up and then a couple of sharp elbows to the temple.]
FAT SAUL
Ya got him dazed, Kid!
[Kassidy hooks up and the two go flying in the air with Kassidy landing a Spanish Fly! The two come crashing down and the entire building goes into pandemonium!]
FAT SAUL
This is the Battleground, where less than ten can sound like twenty-thousand!
[Dual chants split off for each man as they lay on the canvas completely drained.]
JUNIOR
Either can win here, y'all, `cause ain't neither of them got much left.
[Kassidy is first to make some movement as he struggles to crawl his way over to Whelan. He finally reaches his opponent and musters everything he has to drape an arm over his chest and the ref drops down to make the count.]
… One!
… Two!
… Thre — Kick out!
FAT SAUL
How? I mean…
[Somehow, some way, Finn Whelan kicks out right at the last possible moment and Flash Kassidy cannot believe what just happened.]
JUNIOR
What more could they possibly have?
[The two continue to lay motionless on the mat for several moments with the crowd getting behind both men.]
JUNIOR
Nothin´! Ain't neither one of them even twitchin’.
FAT SAUL
This crowd is strong! Chantin’ for each one of them. Cheerin’ for both!
JUNIOR
Charlie is right there cheerin’ her man to his feet.
[After what seems to be an eternity, Kassidy and Whelan simultaneously work their way up to their feet.]
FAT SAUL
They are out on their feet. Both of them. Here we go...
[Both men are staggering to stand tall and crash into each other to lock up in a collar and elbow tie. Whelan uses his height advantage as leverage to back Kassidy up into the ropes. Finn then goes for the Irish whip, but Kassidy reverses it and sends Whelan across the ring.]
JUNIOR
Even fucked up, ya ain't gettin’ anyone with that twice...
[On the return, Kassidy throws a massive Yakuza kick, but Whelan somehow ducks it! The Seattle Saint continues running the ropes and comes back on the return to plant Kassidy with a spinning sitout sleeper slam!]
JUNIOR
Out of nowhere!
[The Fenian Rising flatlines Kassidy and the crowd erupts! Whelan rolls on top and hooks the leg to make the cover!]
… One!
… Two!
… Three!
JUNIOR
Sorry, Pop.
FAT SAUL
Ah, the Kid gave Ol´ Saul his money's worth.
[DING DING DING!]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Here is your winner, and advancing to the semifinals of the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament, “The Seattle Saint” Finn Whelan!
JUNIOR
Ya nailed it from the start if this one though. Finn Whelan got a focus about him.
FAT SAUL
Like he's just darin’ someone to stop him.
[Suddenly, the arena goes dark for a moment before the large screen above the entrance hummed to life.]
REMEMBER THE DAY
[Darkness is all we see as the scene slowly begins to come on. All we see from a distance is a little bit of light that looks to be around a corner. As we slowly head towards the light, we start hearing this loud noise.]
THUD!......THUD!.....
[Every time we hear that noise, a shadow of some sort can be seen through the little bit of light coming from around the corner. As we start making our way towards the light, once again the sound begins, growing louder.]
THUD!....THUD!....
[We slowly make our way around the corner to see what is going on and whom it may be. As we get to the corner, we slowly peak around and we see this enormous man standing in front of what it looks like to be a constructional steel beam, that is help holding up the ceiling above. The man leans back and once again.]
THUD!...
[We realize he is taking his head and ramming it into the steel beam that's in front of him. The man stops for a split second and he slowly turns his head towards us. All we can see is the side of his face, but it's not a face, it’s a mask of some sort. The man turns back around and just looks at the steel beam in front of him.]
UNKNOWN
The day is almost here... The day that I, Phantom, will step inside that ring.
[The man stands there in a daze, still looking towards the steel beam.]
PHANTOM
This is going to be the first for everything. Union Battleground is about to see Phantom make history. I will reign havoc on anyone who stands in my path. I'm here to cause pain and punishment wherever I go. It doesn't matter who gets put in front of me, no one will surpass me.
[A small chuckle comes from the giant.]
PHANTOM
You see no one has ever seen a man like me. No one has ever came in contact with a man like, so no one is going to know what to expect when I’m standing right in front of them. They may believe they have seen many like me, but I can promise you. NO ONE! Has ever seen anything like me or what I am about to do to this industry.
[As we step out from the darkness, we see that the light that we seen was coming from a candle. The candle was sitting on a small wooden desk just right around the corner. It was merely burnt out, but the flame was still keeping the area remotely lit.]
PHANTOM
Everyone is going to remember the day that Phantom made his great arrival in this company. See the difference between me and most people is, I don't have to prove myself to anyone. People have to prove their worth to me. Are they good enough to step inside the ring with? I think not. Do they deserve a shot at Phantom? I think not. No one is going to be able to crash down on my parade. Union Battleground is where I will make my presence known throughout the wrestling world. Very soon everyone will see what I can do once I step inside that ring. They all will bow to me and once everyone realizes just what kind of monster I really am... Well lets just say they might know what to expect the next time they see me.
[Phantom walks over towards the candle that sits on the wooden desk. He picks the candle up and holds it in front of his face.]
PHANTOM
You see, I will rise to the top before you can bat your eyes. There will be no time before everyone will see what happens when you try and stand in my way. And when they do, it will be like this candle. Lights out for ALL OF YOU!
[The candles light begins to slowly fade as the candle burns completely out.]
COMMERCIAL BREAK
UNORTHODOX TRAINING
MIKEY SVARRO
“I don’t really give a damn if she’s your girlfriend or not buddy, she’s got her tits out. Am I supposed to NOT look?”
[The unmistakable voice of Mikey Svarro is heard from the darkness, and he appears on the screen a moment later. Naturally, he’s being tossed out of what looks like a bar, by a big ass white dude with loads of tattoos. It honestly seems like Mikey is pretty lucky that all the guy did was throw him out.]
MIKEY SVARRO
“Psh, like I’m gonna be coming back here ever again!”
[He yells back ino he bar. Through the door you can see the guy who just threw him out, motion towards the door. There’s not really enough time to check and see if he’s actually coming outside again, because Mikey hightails it. H’s not willing to stick around and find out either. Of course, the camera follows.]
MIKEY SVARRO
“You may be asking yourself an equestrian...Mikey, why you drinking in the middle of the day, before your semi-finals match. WELL I HAVE AN EQUESTRIAN FOR YOU - why not?”
[He reaches into his pocket, grabbing a pack of cigarettes and lighting one up.]
MIKEY SVARRO
"You see, I'm not like these other damn competitors, you're not going to find me in a gym trying to prepare for some matches I have. You're not going to find me dedicating a damn minute to some opponent that doesn't deserve it. By that I mean anyone that isn't me. There's not one person in this damn tournament that I'd sit in the gym for hours upon hours for, least of all a woman. Kaelan has been at a disadvantage ever since the match was announced, because I'm a man and she's a woman. Not even getting into all of her personal shortcomings, she's never been destined to win this tournament, let alone this match."
[Svarro blows smoke all over the camera.]
MIKEY SVARRO
"The Crown of the King Cobra Championship has ALWAYS had my name on it. It was meant for me, and nobody else besides me is going to claim it. Finn Whelan embarrassed half the world when he lost to Emery last year. There's NO reason he deserves to win it now. He's done nothing but bitch and moan about his wife and kids being dead, when the truth is she probably just left him for someone who is almost as hung as myself. Honestly Finn, I’m glad it's you that advanced over Flash Kassidy, because I'm going to show the world how Finn Whelan ain't shit!"
[He chuckles to himself, stomping on his cigarettes butt, before grabbing his shades off his shirt collar.]
MIKEY SVARRO
"Until then, I'll be outsmarting the red-headed step child of Union Battleground..."
[He slides his shades on.]
MIKEY SVARRO
"Listen hard."
[The feed cuts.]
​
[Back at ringside, Saul is puffing away on his pipe and Junior is talking to some fans in the front row nearby.]
JUNIOR
So, before the commercial, we heard a warnin’ from newcomer, Phantom, the competition have to prove their worth to this…
FAT SAUL
Ya know this Phantom is rumored to be as large as the Mummy?
JUNIOR
Had no idea. He has that big ol´ boomin’ voice so, makes sense.
FAT SAUL
Welcome back everyone, Saul here at ringside with my boy, Junior. If ya just tunin’ in, we are halfway through the quarterfinals here on the thirtieth episode of Lights Out!
JUNIOR
So far, Inaros has defeated AJ Morales…
FAT SAUL
Yes, Miss Emery's husband has been eliminated from the Crown of the King Cobra. The same tournament that she won last season.
JUNIOR
She went on to capitalize in the biggest way, but sadly, Morales was eliminated.
FAT SAUL
Umi will lead Inaros into the semifinals against Finn Whelan.
JUNIOR
Who just beat ya boy, Flash Kassidy.
FAT SAUL
We have two more to go tonight, includin’ that fella just found himself thrown out of a local establishment…
JUNIOR
Mikey Svarro is ready for Kaelan Laughlin and, one thing for certain, he doesn't fear the deathmatch bride.
[From ringside to the ring, Mike Dempsey is ready to get the next battle started.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
The following battle is scheduled for one fall and is a Crown of the King Cobra Quarterfinals Match! Introducing first, standing 5’11” and weighing in at 185 pounds, from Las Vegas, Nevada, he is Mikey Svarro!
♫
HATE, SOMETHING, SOMETIME, SOMEWAY, SOMETHING KICK OFF THE FOR ME
SOMETHING, INSIDE
I’LL NEVER EVER FOLLOW
SO GIVE ME SOMETHING THAT IS FOR REAL
I’LL NEVER EVER FOLLOW
♫
[From seemingly out of nowhere the beginning small drum of "Got the Life" by Korn plays over the PA and people already know who it is. Immediately after the instrumental starts and the crowd fills the place with boos. From behind the black curtain, first comes the humongous Rumble Reyes, shades on and his arms crossed. Stoic as ever.]
FAT SAUL
Lil’ bigger than ya, ain't he?
[Reyes stands at the top for a few seconds before Mikey Svarro joins him. He's got his signature shades on and a smirk across his face. He takes in the heat, before starting down the ramp. Rumble walks a little behind him, until they get up to the ring. Rumble hops up onto the apron, holding the rope down as Mikey walks up the steel steps. He ducks under the raised top rope and steps into the squared circle.]
JUNIOR
Be sure to keep up with Mikey on Twitter, just follow at Listen HARD and the number one (@ListenHARD1).
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, standing 5’6” and weighing in at 135 pounds, from Belfast, Northern Ireland, representing 4CW, she is Kaelan Laughlin!
♫
WARRIOR!
♫
[The beginning beat for “Warrior” By Dead By April begins to play as Kaelan Laughlin appears on the main stage with unanimous cheers from the crowd. She stands on the top of the ramp soaking it all in. She begins to speed walk her way down the ramp, slapping outstretched hands along the way.]
FAT SAUL
Here she comes, folks. Misses Deathmatch, Kaelan has no issues turnin’ up the violence.
[Kaelan stops at the bottom of the ramp and bounces on her feet before taking off at a run to slide under the ropes. Sliding into the ring and rising up off her knees, flipping her long hair back as she does. Walking to the ropes to lean over them and throw her hands in the air to pose before hopping off as the music fades out and she begins to pace and stretch getting ready for the match.]
JUNIOR
Follow at Irish Rose Kae (@IrishRoseKae) on Twitter to keep up with Kaelan, y'all.
[DING!]
FAT SAUL
Look at this here, no hesitation in her…
[The bell rings and Kaelan walks towards the middle of the ring with her arms outstretched. She wants to get this started. And physically challenges Mikey to a tie up, one that he shakes his head and scoffs at, of course, Instead, he keeps his distance and begins to circle the ring. Kaelan turns to the crowd with a questioning look and starts to laugh, thinking Svarro’s denial of her challenge is rather funny. This gives Svarro an offer that he WILL accept, rushing forward with her back turned and giving her an axe handle into the nearby corner.]
JUNIOR
Got cocky and he made her lay for it.
FAT SAUL
Are we even watchin’... he suckered her!
[He lands a couple rights, before grabbing her by the head, leading her to the corner directly across from them and lands repeat right hands. He walks out to the center of the ring, rushing forward and landing a knee to Kae’s midsection. She holds her gut as she stumbles out of the corner. Mikey tries to capitalize, rushing forward with a closeline.]
FAT SAUL
Don't blink now...
[Laughlin is too fast for him though, and much more skilled. She grabs hold of his arm and it comes forward, blocking it and pushing him past her. Ends up behind him, grabbing hold and taking him to the canvas with a neckbreaker. Mikey tries his best to get up and is taken back to the canvas with an impressive running dropkick.]
JUNIOR
She just mowed him down, Pop!
[Mikey rolls towards the corner, using the ropes to help up and ending up in the corner. Kaelan runs at him, leaping into the air and landing upon the second rope. She grabs Mikey and leans back, sending him flying with a monkey flip. She turns back to the ring post though, quickly climbing to the top and hitting a flying crossbody.]
FAT SAUL
Stay on top of...
[She hooks his leg.]
… One!
… Tw — Kick out!
JUNIOR
Too soon. She ain't gonna get by him that easily!
[Svarro powers out, and does not look super thrilled and Kae gaining so much steam. In protest, he rolls himself out of the ring. Kaelan stays inside, giving him the ‘bring it’ motion. Svarro stays at the bottom of the ramp, crossing his arm. Kaelan looks annoyed and turns to the referee like ‘what the hell’. The referee shrugs before starting his count.]
One…
JUNIOR
Ref ain't counted all night, but let Mikey…
Two…
FAT SAUL
Mikey is stallin’. Them times before they's scufflin’ out there. They let that go. This...
Three...Four…
[Svarri stays put, smiling at Kaelan like he’s involved in some game of chicken.]
Five...Six…
JUNIOR
Seems legit… gettin’ lil’ deep in the count here...
Seven…
FAT SAUL
Oh, ya betcha, he's up to somethin’.
Eight...Nine…
[Kaelan turns around to the referee, just as he’s about to count the ten. A that very same moment, Mikey slid into the ring. He runs up behind Kaelan, giving her an axe handle to the back of the head for the second time in this match. Kae tumbles forward, only to have Svarro give her a shoulder tackle to her left leg.]
FAT SAUL
On her like a Pit on a bone.
[She falls to the canvas, where Svarro is quick to begin stomping on her. She tries to battle through it, fighting to her feet. When Mikey sees that she’s almost completely up, he hits the ropes. Svarro bounds back into a rollup, one of the moves he can do decently well.]
… One!
… Tw — Kick out!
[It doesn’t take long for Kaelan to kick out, but Svarro is mad the referee wasn’t counting faster; In fact, he takes the time to argue with the referee over just how fast his counting was. The ref comments that he’s equally fair to everyone.]
JUNIOR
He needs to...
[Mikey turns around, and Kaelan connects with a hard right fist. Svarro is caught off guard, causing him to stumble back, and fall on his ass. The audience laughs as Kaelan hits the ropes, bounding off into a seaterd cutter. One more time, she runs for the ropes, except this time she hits a springboard moonsalt to Svarro upon the mat! She doesn’t pin just yet though. Instead, she stalks Svarro as he gets up. A kick to the misection sees Mikey double over.She uses all of strength she has, nailing him with a tiger driver. She keeps hold of Mikey’s legs, immediately locking in the Irish Rose!]
FAT SAUL
A four-legged clover!
[Svarro screams and claws every which way, and even though she’s having a hard time maintaining control, Kaelan has it locked in good. She’s definitely not about to let Mikey out of this one, she’s going to advance! Mikey REACHES for the ropes, and he’s close but not quite there. Kaelan goes to pull away while maintaining the hold, but she has little strength left after the tiger driver, and trying to maintain the Irish Rose.]
FAT SAUL
Referee is checkin’ with Mikey here...
[Svarro is just about to give up, but SOMEHOW one of his fingers latches onto the bottom rope and he’s able to bring it closer, effectively creating a rope break. The referee tells Kaelan to break the hold, and Svarro instantly rolls out of the ring again, and again, the referee starts his count.]
JUNIOR
Back to the outside!
One…
FAT SAUL
Oh, he's workin’ her...
two…
JUNIOR
She looks completely unnerved.
three...four…
[You can see it on her face, Kaelan is not happy about the way Mikey somehow got a rope break. She’s pretty pissed about it. She spends the first four seconds of the count taunting Svarro, knowing he has no intention of getting back into the ring anytime soon. However, after four seconds, Kaelan gets annoyed and exits the ring herself.]
JUNIOR
So long as they're mixin’ it up...
[As she slides out of the ring, gunning for Mikey, he looks as if he’s about to start shitting bricks.]
FAT SAUL
The referee let's them go!
[He takes off running to the perpendicular side of the ring. He’s hoping he can run to another side, and she won’t follow him at all, just continue taunting him. Maybe he could even trick her into getting herself counted out, or possible the pair of them would, and they’d possibly both advance. All this runs through Mikey’s mind, before Kaelan starts chasing him!]
FAT SAUL
She's after him… and buildin’ momentum!
[She uses the posts to spin around, allowing her to go even faster. Kaelan smashes his head into the ring apron, before sliding him into the ring. Kae slides into the ring herself. The problem is that now Svarro has been able to get onto his feet before Kaelan and stomps away on her ribs. Svarro motions to the referee that he should probably check on her.]
FAT SAUL
Oh, what's he up to now...
[Behind the referee's back, Svarro quickly rushes over to the turnbuckle, removing the protective cover off of it and tossing it to the ground below. Kaelan has gotten to her feet, still being checked by the ref while insisting she’s fine. Mikey pushes past the ref, kicking Kae in the gut and then whipping her across the ring, into the turnbuckle. She leans forward, hitting her head directly on the turnbuckle. Svarro rushes forward, sweeping her legs into a schoolboy. OF COURSE, he puts his legs on the highest rope possible to really pin her down.]
FAT SAUL
All of his weight holdin’ her down...
… One!
… Two!
… Thr — Kick out!
[Kaelan somehow throws her shoulder up, breaking out of the pin before the three. Mikey looks like he’s in some kind of dream, that he must be imagining things. He actually puts his head onto the canvas and bangs is hands in frustration.]
JUNIOR
She's workin’ his nerves too, Pop!
[Kaelan has had just about enough of these damn games, and is ready to end this once and for all. She’s driven by frustration herself, and now maybe a hatred for the way Svarro plays the game. She inches forward, a hot look of anger within her eyes. Svarro doesn’t want any of it. He starts backing away slowly, when Kae lunges forward and slams him with a belly-to-belly.]
FAT SAUL
She ain't lettin’ up on him!
[Svarro gets up, albeit with some help from Kaelan who is not messing around anymore. She shows that by delivering an amazing looking Northern Lights suplex, but without a pin. She’s certainly on a roll, and goes to grab Mikey again when he starts yelling out at her not to.]
JUNIOR
What a fuss he's makin’...
[She raises an eyebrow, pausing, before lunging forward again.]
FAT SAUL
...and, she ain't hearin’ it.
[Again, Svarro yells at her not to, and to save him. In fact, he even gets up a little, but only enough to be on his knees, to beg for her mercy. Kaelan is confused AF. She looks out to the crowd first, laughing, before she goes to grab him again. This time, Mikey leans back and SCREAMS in pain before Kae has even touched him. Kae looks to the audience, once again looking confused AF. Kaelan is forced to back away from Mikey as he checks on Mikey’s ‘injury’, supposedly his ankle was broken...or so he told the referee.]
JUNIOR
Ah, come on, Stripes… ya gotta be kiddin’!
FAT SAUL
Hold on, Boy; who's this...
[Out of the crowd, jumps a blonde female. She reaches underneath the apron and pulls out a folded steel chair. People at ringside see her, and begin to shout to her in confusion.]
FAT SAUL
Come on! The official has no idea…
[She slides in with the chair. Lucky for her, the referee is still checking on Mikey’s supposed ankle injury and putting distance between Svarro and Laughlin, of course with his back turned to Kaelan.]
JUNIOR
Kae doesn't know...
[The blonde female yells to Kaelan, who turns around RIGHT into a gut check with the chair! The blonde throws the chair onto the canvas, before dropping Kaelan with a Royal Flush onto the chair!]
FAT SAUL
Skull Crushin’ Finale!
[She slides out of the ring, making sure to grab the chair as she leaves. SUDDENLY Mikey’s ankle injury is feeling SO much better.]
FAT SAUL
Oh, no, not like this…
[He quickly thanks the referee before crawling over to Kaelan, hooking her leg.]
JUNIOR
Stripes feelin’ foolish tryin’ to figure this out, but he's gotta count here...
FAT SAUL
This is BULL!
… One!
… Two!
…. Three!
FAT SAUL
What a robbery!
[DING DING DING!]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Here is your winner, and advancing to the semifinals of the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament, Mikey Svarro!
[Mikey jumps to his feet, yelling for the referee to raise his hand. He does, though rather unsure of what had just happened. Svarro rolls out of the ring before Kaelan can get to her feet, and there is the blonde waiting for him at ringside.]
FAT SAUL
Folks, I'm gettin’ word that she is Rachelle LeRoux.
[Together they head up the ramp backwards, laughing all the while.]
JUNIOR
She's headed out of here with him. She definitely saved his skin.
FAT SAUL
While they help… okay, it appears Kaelan is gonna walk out on her own here ...we have something happenin’ in the back...
THEY ALL FALL DOWN
[Silence hangs in an empty corridor backstage at the Finneran Pavilion, a bit uncommon as typically there would be stage hands and other staff members and employees hustling and bustling around to make sure the show was going off without a hitch. Not in this moment, though, and perhaps there’s a reason for that as the lights in the corridor flicker. An soft, eerie buzz fills the air as the fluorescent lighting struggles to stay lit, a battle which is short lived before the corridor goes dark completely. All continues to be quiet as long moments pass before a the soft tones of a deep voice humming cut through the silence like a knife. It’s a familiar tune, a children’s song that was familiar to anyone who might be paying attention. Near the end of the verse that was being hummed, the melody became verbalized with words.]
KAVEN DRELL
They all fall down.
[In a flash the corridor lights sparked back to life just long enough to reveal a sneering Kaven Drell standing right, dead center in the middle of the hallway which only a few moments earlier had been completely abandoned. He cackles, a bit unhinged, before the lights go dark once again.]
KAVEN DRELL
Brick. By brick. By brick. I am going to tear down everything you have built for yourself, Elena. Second by second. Minute by minute. I am going to take what you hold so dearly, and destroy it. Because in spite of what you think, my beautiful, pale, porcelain doll. I am no hero. I am no savior. You’ll find no cape dangling from my broad shoulders.
[Once again the lights burst back to life and this time Drell, who had been standing further down the corridor the last time the lights had come back on, now finds himself inches from the lens of the camera, his blue eyes alight with life and with excitement for what is to come.]
KAVEN DRELL
You hang your pretty little hat on victories and losses. You take pride in that championship that you carry to the ring with you. You enjoy spouting off about your record. Yet your ignorance shows. You fail to understand who I am, or what I want, because you have allowed yourself to become so boxed in. You take comfort in maintaining the same, boring, mindless pattern and you think that, surely, everyone else wants to be just like you.
[Taking a few steps back, Drell’s head wobbles from side to side, shaking in disappointment.]
KAVEN DRELL
You know, the masses cry when acres upon acres of forest burst into flames. They mourn the wreckage left behind. When plagues come and demolish the worlds population, those who remain weep and sob over all that they have lost. But the reality is that those things are good. They’re the world shedding itself of its apathy, of its corruption, of all that stains it. It is the world allowing itself to be reborn, and start over.
[Softly his eyelids flutter shut as though he is enjoying the thought of the things that he had just mentioned, taking a deep breath of air into his lungs before letting it out slowly shortly afterward.]
KAVEN DRELL
I am no hero, Elena. I am the agent of change. An agent of chaos. I am the forest fire. I am the plague, brought to your doorstep, and the doorstep of Union Battleground. And when everything starts to burn, and the bricks begin to fall…
[With a loud snap the fluorescent lightbulbs burst sending sparks tumbling down to the ground around Kaven Drell, illuminating him in one giant burst of light before all fell quiet and dark once more, except for the sounds of his humming all over again.]
KAVEN DRELL
Ashes. Ashes. They all. Fall. Down.
BAR FIGHT!
[Back at ringside, Junior and Fat Saul are watching on. Junior is flipping through his notepad as Saul swigs from his bottle of water.]
JUNIOR
Kaven Drell will challenge for the War Horse Title a little later in this thirtieth Lights Out!
FAT SAUL
Mikey Svarro has advanced into the semifinals of the Crown of the King Cobra.
JUNIOR
He will take on the winner of this next match…
FAT SAUL
But before we get into that, I know you have been chompin’ at the bit to say somethin’, Boy; go on and let them know what ya got goin’ on next week.
JUNIOR
Next week, right here on Battleground Network, I'm puttin’ on one helluva Bar Fight! in Houston.
FAT SAUL
Road to Anarchy, featurin’ the Road to Anarchy match, tell us about that.
JUNIOR
Road to Anarchy is twelve competitors drafted at random to two teams. Then, they fight through timed one-on-one rounds until one team is eliminated.
FAT SAUL
So, this is a team match?
JUNIOR
Yeah, but there are no tags. Competitors either eliminate their opponent, survive the round or be eliminated themself.
FAT SAUL
And, eliminations are pin, submission or knock-out.
JUNIOR
Ya got it. And, once the opposin’ team is eliminated, it's sudden death with any remainin’ team members.
FAT SAUL
So, there's only one winner?
JUNIOR
Exactly, Pop.
FAT SAUL
Who is in this big match?
JUNIOR
We picked team captains on Thursday, Jason Butler and Keegan Ryan will lead teams of six, the five partners comin’ from a draft pool that includes Alan Envy, Jack Tillman, Dusty Douglas and Karnivall…
FAT SAUL
The sideshow freak here in Union Battleground.
JUNIOR
The very same!
FAT SAUL
Folks, y'all can catch Bar Fight! next Saturday LIVE on Battleground Network and then every other Friday to follow…
JUNIOR
Yes, Sir. Y'all can follow at Bar Fight O C W (@BarFightOCW) on Twitter to see how things continue to come together.
FAT SAUL
It looks like Mike is ready. We have one more quarterfinal match! Let's get to our next battle!
MIKE DEMPSEY
The following battle is scheduled for one fall and is a Crown of the King Cobra Quarterfinals Match! Introducing first, standing 5’6” and weighing in at 130 pounds, from Glasgow, Scotland, she is Lisa Seldon!
♫
I’M NOT AFRAID OF STANDING STILL
I’M JUST AFRAID OF BEING BORED
I’M NOT AFRAID OF SPEAKING MY MIND
I’M JUST AFRAID OF BEING IGNORED
♫
[“Fear of Dying” blasts out over the speakers; a thunderous flurry that soon draws Lisa out to the stage. Lisa steps out, drops to her knees and throws both arms out at her sides, pulling some applause from the crowd.]
FAT SAUL
As we discussed, Lisa Seldon won the most brutal qualifier against James Edwards. A match that had them fightin’ five rows into the London crowd.
[Lisa pops back up and saunters down to the ring, beaming a smile as she takes her time with it. Never breaking her stride she hops up onto the apron, leans back to shoot a wink into the nearest camera and then hops up over the ropes.]
JUNIOR
...Frankenstein is everywhere, y'all. She loves this shit and only way I know to keep up with her is on Twitter, just follow at Lisa canrana (@Lisacanrana), like me...
[She lands with her arms out stretched and does a little spin for good measure. She then takes her corner and hops up for a seat on the top turnbuckle.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
And her opponent, standing 5’7” and weighing in at 130 pounds, from Tampa, Florida, she is Datura!
[The arena turns black. On the screen, scenes of post-apocalyptic landscapes haunt the darkness. Over the speakers, an eerie synth pad sets the mood as a deep, raspy voice begins speaking:]
♫
THE CAR’S ON FIRE
AND THERE'S NO DRIVER AT THE WHEEL
AND THE SEWERS ARE ALL MUDDIED
WITH A THOUSAND LONELY SUICIDES
AND A DARK WIND BLOWS
♫
[A chorus of strings play a melancholic tune as a pale spotlight settles at the top of the ramp. There, it falls on Datura, dressed in a pair of tight, dark jeans and a black hoodie. She stops at the top of the ramp and stares out into the darkness of the crowd and sea of jeers that flood her way.]
FAT SAUL
Datura had a knock down drag out with Maverick, she is definitely gonna give Seldon a helluva go here tonight.
[Elizabeth trudges down the ramp, and the light follow.. The silhouette of hands reaching out to grab her can be seen on the outskirts of the light. Datura ignores them as she climbs up the steps.]
JUNIOR
If ya follow Supreme, ya know her and Regan Street are tearin’ the place down. Follow at I am Datura (@IamDatura) on Twitter to keep up with this inked little devil.
[The strings slow. Datura stands upon the apron, cracks her neck, and enters under the top rope. She makes her way to the corner and unzips her hoodie. She extends her arms outward and rolls her neck, casting her gaze to the sky as her hoodie slides off her arms.]
JUNIOR
Referee callin’ for the bell...
[DING!]
[Datura dashes at Lisa full speed but she counters with a sunset flip and quickly, Frankenstein is scaling the corner turnbuckles. The crowd pops at the counter and setup, but Datura immediately leaps to her feet undaunted.]
JUNIOR
Just watch…
[Seldon leaps off just as Datura stands straight up. Lisa catches her opponent with a crowd pleasing diving DDT! Seldon hooks a leg for a quick pin!]
FAT SAUL
Put her head on a swivel and spiked it!
… One!
… Kick out!
FAT SAUL
...only for two! The referee says...
[Datura kicks out and then, rolls out of the ring, falling to her hands and knees on the floor. Seldon lines herself up then takes off across the ring aiming for Datura, who has just reached both feet! Lisa goes to dive between the ropes when Datura leaps up with an overhead kick that smacks Seldon directly in the face!]
JUNIOR
SONUVA!
[Six or seven rows deep, the fans clutch their faces in the background. The sudden unexpected shot sends Lisa back onto her bottom in the ring leading Datura to slither back into the squared circle.]
FAT SAUL
Still, she rises!
[Seldon gets to both knees when Datura catches her with a wicked enziguri! Lisa falls flat on her back leading Datura to hook a leg!]
… One!
… Kick out!
FAT SAUL
And, refusin’ to stay down!
[Lisa gets to one knee only to be caught by Datura! Seldon counters with a right uppercut that catches Datura solid! The shot nearly buckles the superstar. Lisa quickly hits the ropes furthest away from her opponent. Frankenstein slingshots at Datura full speed ahead with a precise yakuza kick!]
JUNIOR
She spun her head over heels there, Pop!
FAT SAUL
Lisa got some kicks of her own.
[Seldon quickly scoops up a leg!]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
JUNIOR
But Datura ain't stayin’ down neither!
[Seldon hits the mat with slight frustration but quickly regains her focus while Datura holds her jaw on the canvas. Lisa quickly walks over to her opponent to bend over to face her. Datura comes up with a knee! Seldon falls back onto the mat.]
FAT SAUL
Firin’ right back!
JUNIOR
And, stompin’ a mudhole!
[Datura begins to stomp down on Seldon! Lisa reaches up to take hold of Datura’s right leg then twists it! Frankenstein grins at her opponent then crawls toward Datura only to catch a kick in the face! Then another from Datura! Lisa is dazed by the kicks! Datura gets to both feet with then walks over to Lisa and applies a sleeper hold from behind! Frankenstein’s eyes widen as her opponent tightens the hold.]
JUNIOR
They've kicked the snot out of each other. Now, she's ready to put her to bed.
[Datura locks the sleeper in leaving only one arm free for Lisa. She swings it wildly momentarily leading Datura to apply more and more pressure. Seldon gathers herself and reaches up to her own face to feel blood. Frankenstein gets an idea and reaches up to take hold of Datura’s septum piercing leading her eyes to widen with real fear.]
JUNIOR
Oh my GAWD! Oh…
[Seldon then yanks the piercing out!]
~ THAT GASP IN UNISON, BECAUSE, WELL ~
[Absolute shock overwhelmed the entire building.]
FAT SAUL
HOLY SHIT!
[Needless to say, Datura releases her hold of Lisa.]
JUNIOR
Someone help her!
[Datura rolls out of the ring and the ringside medic rushes over to her. A wide grin crosses Seldon’s face after the bloody violence she revels in. The crowd cheers, “Franken-stein!”. The ringside doctor slows Datura’s bleeding face but does not stop it completely.]
JUNIOR
This entire buildin’ has lost it! Bloodthirst or disgust, no happy medium, both are deafenin’ right now.
FAT SAUL
They've got that gal patched up.
[Seldon works up the crowd while Datura turns her focus to Lisa on the outside. She slides in the ropes while her opponent is turned away from her. Lisa turns around just in time to catch a swinging neck breaker from the incoming Datura! Both women get up quickly but Lisa takes hold of Datura then pulls her close for a barrage of muay thai clinch strikes!]
FAT SAUL
Precise, well-placed, very effective!
[Seldon releases her hold to leave Datura staggered and bent over. Lisa spins around looking for a spinning heel kick but Datura catches her right leg! Seldon loses her balance and falls as Datura rises to her feet. Lisa quickly stands up only to be cut back down with a knee lift from Datura! Seldon staggers back up as her opponent comes crashing in. Lisa spins once more and this time lands the spinning heel kick perfect! She catches Datura flush on the jaw to halt her offense completely. The crowd pops.]
JUNIOR
She's taken her down a notch here...
[Datura hits one knee while Seldon continues her momentum. She quickly grapples up Datura for a wicked dragon suplex! Lisa then gets up and rushes over to the corner closest to Datura. She climbs the turnbuckles quickly then turns around to face out at Datura.]
FAT SAUL
Just lookin’ for the “head shot” here.
JUNIOR
Perfectly timed...
[Frankenstein perches on the top turnbuckle waiting patiently for Datura to turn around. She stands up then staggers around toward Lisa, who leaps off aiming for a cross body!]
FAT SAUL
BUT... perfectly reversed!
[Datura counters by catching Lisa then dropping to a knee for a wicked backbreaker! The counter wows the crowd leading Datura to hook a leg for a pin!]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
JUNIOR
Couldn't keep her down to advance.
[Datura’s frustration grows while the veteran Seldon gets back to her feet quickly. Datura gets up looking to strike but gets caught with close quarter muay-thai strikes once more! Shot after shot becomes too much and Datura hits her hands and knees.]
JUNIOR
Just straight pummelin’ her…
[Lisa wastes no time in round house kicking Datura in the side of her head! Lisa quickly drops down alongside her opponent to cradle a leg to push both shoulders flush against the canvas!]
JUNIOR
Damn! She hooked her up!
… One!
… Two!
… Three!
FAT SAUL
Lisa Seldon wanted it and took it, no question.
[DING! DING! DING!]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Here is your winner, and advancing to the semifinals of the Crown of the King Cobra Tournament, Lisa Seldon!
JUNIOR
Ya know, considerin’ the competition, if I had to pick; and, I'm talkin’ just based in these hard-hittin’ fuckers that I've seen tonight, she's the one.
[The referee holds up Lisa’s right hand high while the crowd chants, “Frankenstein”, in a wild fury.]
raisin' up hell
[While Lisa Seldon made her exit to a loud and excited ovation, the cameras converged on Saul and Junior at ringside.]
FAT SAUL
The semifinals of the Crown of the King Cobra are set. Two men that want nothing's more than to win this whole thing, Mikey Svarro or Finn Whelan?
JUNIOR
Mikey is a slick dude, I dig him, but Whelan got a look that's matched his aggression in the ring.
FAT SAUL
Lisa Seldon meets professional wrasslin's Tutankhamun! The Mummy! The monster Inaros!
JUNIOR
Yeah, I don't know that I buy into all of that, but like I just said, “LISA FUCKIN’ FRANKENSTEIN SELDON!”
FAT SAUL
She's your pick?
JUNIOR
After tonight, Hell yeah! Mikey gonna need more than a bag of tricks down the road. Lemme tell ya.
​
[Saul received the all-clear to crash to commercial, but before he could react, a head ringing, metal on metal, bang, reverberated overhead. The second was just as loud. The third, and those that followed, sooner; until, just as quickly as the dragging chain pounded from above, silence.]
“Funny, ain't it…”
[The garbage flew as Heathen Jones stepped out from behind the curtain. With the microphone in his right hand buried in his grizzly. His beady black eyes were shaded by the wide brim of his hat, but they were locked on the old man at ringside.]
HEATHEN JONES
Seems, dis how ya get it done dees days so, meh gonna put it dis way, as long as dat Old Man holds out on meh, duh more y'all gonna hurt. See, meh ain't in ya bracket game no more, leavin’ meh free tuh meh own will an`methods. An´, Saul wanna play his games?
[Junior stood up, Saul tried to stop his son, but failed. Junior was coming around the ring when Heathen noticed him.]
HEATHEN JONES
Ya got a boss old man, meh already fixin’ tuh wreck Graves’ entire roster an`raise up some Hell in every buildin’ on the map. Dis is still duh-Heathen's Arena o`War! Broken souls an`twisted bodies will burn on dis Battleground as duh-Heathen claims meh own throne.
[Heathen may have briefly changed the subject, but that didn't stop Junior. No one was going to speak to his father like that, much less his younger cousin. Heathen barely had time to wrap the chain around his fist before he ate one. Junior rocked him. Heathen stumbled backward, but managed to get the links around his knuckles. As Junior came in to scoop him up, Heathen punched his cousin in the mouth. Junior licked the blood from his lip and dipped into his pocket. He pulled out his hand, adjusting the fit into brass knuckles.]
FAT SAUL
These two's cousins and, they ain't never gotten along. I apologize for their behavior… Folks, we'll be right back…
[As the feed cuts to commercial, Junior opens Heathen's eye up with a straight shot with the brass knuckles.]
COMMERCIAL BREAK
NEW CHAPTER
[So many people have passed her without a second glance but it is just as well. Saga Haug enjoys staying in the darkness until she is ready. She only waits for one person that she senses will become the most important person in her world. Her face is veiled and her hood shades her eyes so that she is almost one with the darkness. It is only when she spots the object of her attention that she reveals herself. She is a pearl shining in the murky depth of people once she makes her appearance. Saga slinks through the passing crowd of production staff and officials to get close. She still waits until Elena is settled and waits for her battle to begin. She removes her hood to reveal herself.]
COLLECTOR OF STORIES | SAGA HAUG
Good evening, warrior. It is a lot better to see you now that you are in your element. Please allow me a few words before you go out and show the people your fury once again.
[Elena looked at the strange female, for the first time seeing her face. It was different, but interesting. The War Horse Champion stood tall, smiling.]
​
THE FIST OF HYDRA | ELENA DEDRACA
I was wondering when you would appear again. Quite the effort for meeting up with me.
COLLECTOR OF STORIES | SAGA HAUG
This one goes where she is most needed. This one sees you shouting so loudly without voice. It sees you beating your fist into the wind. It sees you being ignored as you pierce into the dark with glowing eyes. You are the rightful red ruler of this realm yet you are cast aside as the ones with high profile are cast into prominence. Nobody fights as much as you. Nobody else deserves such praises. They talk about fighting champions. No one else embodies this as much as you. You deserve more and nobody will stop this one from getting it for you.
[It took a moment for the words to sink in with Elena. She was someone that was suspicious by nature, it was what life had taught her. Her green eyes stared at the female, her expression calm and collected.]
THE FIST OF HYDRA | ELENA DEDRACA
You getting it for me? Without any offense, Saga, but what can you actually do? I fulfill my contract obligations, but I can’t beat management up to give me the right treatment. They wanna push other people before me and that's… okay… I think…
[It was obvious that Elena had a hard time saying those things. Not fully believing into it either.]
COLLECTOR OF STORIES | SAGA HAUG
This one can provide you with the voice you need to make your demands. You might show your dominance in the ring. You may get into the hearts and minds of the audience but you need someone to ensure that the powers that be are watching just as closely. It can do that for you and more. You just provide it with what it wants.
THE FIST OF HYDRA | ELENA DEDRACA
You seem to have observed me rather well, which means you have an idea how I operate. I don’t trust. I have trusted people in the past and it didn’t go so well for me. So I tell you this, earn my trust. And not in a half arsed way, darling. I want you to show me why you can do better for me. To understand why all of this is worth it. Is that an offer, Saga?
COLLECTOR OF STORIES | SAGA HAUG
It does not offer you riches or baubles. It can offer you something way more precious. One thing It does not break is its word. This one uses oaths and promises as if they were tools and weapons. This area is where It holds power. So this is the promise to you, Fist of Hydra. If you allow this one to guide you and tell your story, you will rise on the path to glory.
[Saga stood there and stretched her hand out. For a long moment nothing happened, as Elena was still debating with herself. Eventually she reached out, a slick grin on her face.]
THE FIST OF HYDRA | ELENA DEDRACA
I have made deals with the devil since day one, so why not? Although I think there is more to you than meets the eye. More than strange tattoos and a cryptic way of speaking. We will sit down over the details after tonight, Saga. But welcome to…
[Saga licked her lips with a forked tongue which made Elena pause.]
​
COLLECTOR OF STORIES | SAGA HAUG
Welcome to seeing your fate, Warrior.
[With that the scene went to black, leaving the audience puzzled.]
​
[Saul was just as lost, he thought he knew what he had seen. Maybe he had heard all of that correctly. His puzzled look matched those in the front row around him.]
FAT SAUL
Now, Ol´ Saul ain't quite sure what to make of that gal sometimes. I suppose we'll see, `cause it's time, the War Horse Championship is on the line!
[The entire crowd break out into chants and cheers in anticipation.]
FAT SAUL
If ya just joinin’ us, no worries, an encore of this thirtieth Lights Out will be available on Battleground Network immediately following this live stream!
[For the entire show, until right before the commercial break, Saul had been joined by his son. For these two big title matches, it would appear, Saul is telling the stories solo.]
FAT SAUL
Y'all know I am Saul, right here at ringside, and Man, are we about to have an experience. Still to come we have Kimitsu Zombie, the Trench War Champion, challengin’ Alyssa Daniels for the Union Battleground Championship!
[Mike Dempsey is in the ring, ready to introduce the combatants.]
FAT SAUL
Right now though, a man that made an impactful statement last week and has already said his peace tonight… there ain't gonna be much peace at all ...Kaven Drell is set to challenge the War Horse Champion. Let's go to the ring!
MIKE DEMPSEY
The following battle will be for the Union Battleground War Horse Championship! Introducing first, the challenger, standing 6’2” and weighing in at 217 pounds, from Indianapolis, Indiana, he is Kaven Drell!
♫
I DEFY YOUR DEFIANCE
IT'S ALL LIES IN ALLIANCE
I'VE BEEN DAMAGED, LEFT IN RUIN
'CAUSE I'M BROKEN, FLAWED AND HUMAN
♫
[On the final syllable of the word "human" Kaven Drell emerges, moving at a methodical pace without really paying any attention to his surroundings. The fans respond positively to him, though he pays them little mind as he slowly makes his way down toward the ring. Near the end he drifts to the left toward the rows of fans being held back by a barricade, allowing a few of them to reach out and slap him on his chest or pat him on his back as he pauses to stare into the ring, his eyes not focused on any one thing but more the broad task at hand.]
FAT SAUL
That man came in here last show, and destroyed two newcomers before all-but settin’ this one up on his own.
[Eventually, Kaven heads to the ring steps and takes a few sure steps up them, ducking in between the ropes into the ring where he soon finds a seat in his corner and waits for the sound of the bell to signal the beginning of the match.]
FAT SAUL
This is where Junior'd hit y'all with the Twitter, but I don't think Kaven cares all that much for a followin’.
MIKE DEMPSEY
And his opponent, standing 5’8” and weighing in at 130 pounds, from London, England, she is the reigning, defending, undefeated, undisputed, Union Battleground War Horse Champion, “The Fist of Hydra” Elena DeDraca!
♫
THE GLORY OF A NATION DIES
THE SYMBOL OF THIS WAR IS COMING
A WARNING MEANT TO SAVE OUR LIVES FROM
F.E.A.R.'S RELIGION
♫
[There are some cheers when the curtain is flung back and a dour, yet supremely confident Elena DeDraca makes her way onto the stage. Her title hanging gracefully over her left shoulder, while her fingertips softly run over it. She takes a moment on top of the stage before lifting it high over her head.]
FAT SAUL
For such a dark soul, she looks good in the glimmer of gold, don't she...
[As the fog begins to clear and the lights pulsate in tune to the music, Elena looks to her left, and then to her right as she absorbs the general atmosphere she is receiving. The pale queen nods, and she appears to smile while she makes her way down the ramp.]
FAT SAUL
Junior said it earlier, “she's the workhorse on this Battleground…”
[Several hands reach out for Elena's acknowledgement as she heads toward the ring, however she coldly ignores each and every one of them. Once at ringside, she leaps up onto the apron and there are some boo’s as she throws her hand up, pointing directly at the crowd, before she elegantly steps between the top and middle rope.]
FAT SAUL
Now, Ol´ Saul's seen her leave the father of her child in Hell, she shut down a doubter of her particular style last show and here, on our thirtieth tonight, she's takin’ on a some-what unknown from out of nowhere.
[Making her way to the middle of the ring to show off her title once more before handing over to the official. She simply throws back her head and laughs at the referee's suggestion of a weapon check. As her theme music slowly fades out, Lady DeDraca throws up her taunt once more and then she confidently stares daggers down the entranceway, awaiting her opponent.]
FAT SAUL
If ya aren't already, be sure to add at underscore lady DEDRACA (@_ladyDEDRACA) on Twitter.
[The referee holds the War Horse Championship high into the air before handing it off to a ring-hand. He then calls for the bell!]
FAT SAUL
That's what it's all about. Do we continue with the Fist of Hydra or does Kaven Drell bring upon change...
[DING!]
FAT SAUL
...here we go!
[Kaven charges in at DeDraca suddenly! She stands her ground until the last possible moment before shifting to adjust her body to catch Drell then use his forward momentum for a belly to belly suplex! The maneuver thrills the crowd but completely shocks Kaven.]
FAT SAUL
She's already knocked the wind out of him!
[Elena grins at Drell in response then charges at directly at him, who counters with a running clothesline! The crowd begins to cheer causing Kaven to work them up to allow Elena to get back to both feet. Kaven turns just in time to see a charging Elena deliver a picture perfect running drop kick!]
FAT SAUL
Mowed him over and… here comes the pain...
[Drell ends up flat on his back leading DeDraca to climb on top of him to begin raining down mounted shot after shot!]
FAT SAUL
...in a downpour!
[Kaven covers up with little success while The Fist of Hydra lives up to her nickname before the Union Battleground faithful!]
FAT SAUL
Y'all shakin’ this entire buildin’!
[Kaven lifts up both knees suddenly that inadvertently sends Elena through the ropes! She bounces off the apron and then hits the unforgiving outside floor in a pile.]
FAT SAUL
He's smart, crafty… he's up… so is she!
[DeDraca gets back to her feet quickly. Kaven hits the ropes on the opposite side of the ring then slingshots toward Elena in a hurry. She turns just in time to see Kaven dive through the top and middle rope for a suicide dive! Both wrestlers bounce off the floor while the crowd chants loudly!]
FAT SAUL
And, listen to this!
“Kill Drell Kill!”
What a turn of events!
“Kill Drell Kill!”
That was crazy!
“Kill Drell Kill!”
[Anger flushes the face of the champion as the crowd cheers on this undeserving opponent. Drell gets to his feet before her then shakes his ankle to prove he’s fine. Elena gets up then stumbles toward Kaven, who swings wildly at her! He misses his mark and DeDraca takes hold of the back of his head then slams it flush on the announcers table! Then again! The table rocks leading Saul to back up a bit. A lot…]
FAT SAUL
...Oh! Wait, just let me ...Oh! She just rearranged his face with my notes.
[Elena catches a sharp chop after Kaven breaks her hold! They both realize the referee’s count has reached eight leading both to rush over to the apron and slide in. Each wrestler comes up facing the other in a killer staredown.]
FAT SAUL
Referee bein’ a bit tighter with the rules here. As much as he'd wanna let them go, these two here would clearly… well, both in the ring now...
[The two wrestlers charge at one another with Elena lifting a knee to get the advantage in the center of the ring! She cradles up the larger Drell for a beautiful DDT! DeDraca quickly hooks a leg!]
FAT SAUL
Spiked him! Cover...
… One!
… Kick out!
FAT SAUL
No! And, damn, he's right back up!
[Drell gets back to both feet quickly after breaking the pin. He tackles the unsuspecting DeDraca, who counters by locking in a kimura lock as the two hit the mat! The crowd loses it after the amazing counter while Kaven kicks both legs out attempting in pure desperation to reach the bottom rope.]
FAT SAUL
Tryin’ everything he can just to touch that rope...
[The referee comes in close to watch for a tap. Drell refuses to tap and continues to kick out to use his weight to rock the pair closer to the safety of the ropes. Kaven begins to fade as the referee reaches over and lifts up Drell’s right hand. He drops it but Drell comes alive before it can hit the mat!]
FAT SAUL
No! Still fightin’... look at him grindin’ his teeth!
[He thrashes and rocks his body. Suddenly his left leg snags the bottom rope! The referee rushes in to break the hold.]
FAT SAUL
Struggled and clawed, refused! And, they are right back up… look at this!
[Elena gets off the mat a bit surprised that Drell escaped her hold. The crowd goes wild as the two charge at one another again, both out for blood. Kaven catches DeDraca underneath her arms to lift her up into the air. He releases her quickly and as she comes back down Drell nearly takes her head off with a european uppercut!]
FAT SAUL and the CROWD
OH!
[Elena hits the mat lifeless leading Kaven to roll her up!]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
FAT SAUL
YES! ...sorry, Ol´ Saul meant, “she's kicked out!”
[The crowd explodes when the champion kicks out. Drell holds up three fingers at the referee, who grins and dismisses the protest completely.]
FAT SAUL
Drell questionin’ the count. Lemme tell ya, it tested my pacemaker...
[Kaven takes his eyes off the ball momentarily allowing his opponent to gather herself on the mat. He walks over then bends over directly above Elena only to be rolled up into a pin by the champion out of nowhere!]
FAT SAUL
She rolled him up...
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
FAT SAUL
...couldn't hold him! What a trip and y'all know it!
[The crowd continues to go crazy from the high drama while Drell looks shocked by how close that pin was. Elena gets back to her feet which leads the two superstars to circle one another. Each one showing a few bruises from this contest already. Drell has a black left eye while DeDraca has a bruised jaw. Marks of violence in a game of ultimate supremacy.]
FAT SAUL
Both gonna walk away feelin’ this one for quite some time...
[Kaven takes hold of Elena’s right hand then attempts to irish whip her toward the corner but she counters by holding on to whip Drell into the corner! She then backs up a bit then charges the corner looking for a high knee but Kaven moves out of the way at the last possible moment. DeDraca gets tangled up in the ropes! Drell reaches up and takes hold of the champ’s head then drops down for a neck breaker! Elena’s right leg stays tangled up in the ropes causing her to pull something. She rolls around the mat in pain while Kaven hovers above her now like a hungry predator.]
FAT SAUL
Blood in the water! He can smell it...
[Kaven comes in close as the champion sits up. Drell catches an elbow to the face! The shot rocks him and he falls back a bit because of it. Kaven turns his back to Elena, who reaches up to pull him down across her extended knee for a wicked back breaker! The leg was the injured one however and causes her just as much pain in the end.]
FAT SAUL
That move bought her some time, but it slowed her down and churned up the chum...
[Elena gets up slowly and clearly favoring her right leg now. Kaven sits up leading the champion to charge in with a shining wizard! The crowd pops as DeDraca gets up slowly after sending Drell flat on his back.]
FAT SAUL
Still doesn't think she's got him, goin’ to the corner...
[She climbs the turnbuckles slowly. She gets up on the bottom rope then pulls herself up onto the middle one. Kaven suddenly rolls over on the mat then stumbles up to both feet.]
FAT SAUL
Sudden burst! He's surprised her here…
[Kaven eases himself beneath the champion, who’s eyes widen! Drell delivers a sit out powerbomb that causes a “Kill! Drell! Kill!” chant to break out!]
FAT SAUL
She's right back up and...
[The Fist of Hydra struggles to her feet only to catch a rip cord elbow from Drell! Kaven then leaps up onto his smaller opponent before falling back with a headshrinker! The crowd erupts as Kaven Drell hooks a leg.]
FAT SAUL
...he dropped her!
… One!
… Two!
… Three!
FAT SAUL
It happened so fast, Ol´ Saul still spinnin’, y'all.
[DING! DING! DING!]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Here is your winner, AND NEW Union Battleground War Horse Champion, Kaven Drell!
FAT SAUL
There is a new War Horse Champion on the Battleground and...
[“Kill! Drell! Kill!” chants linger throughout the arena. Many DeDraca fans are left in shock as the referee wraps the championship around Kaven’s waist then hoists his right hand high in victory.]
FAT SAUL
...he just smoked… I'm tellin’ ya, it's a bit to come to terms with ...the most dominant champion I've had the honor to call ...and there's the man that's changed it!
[Elena DeDraca is cheered as she makes her exit. The chants continue to sound out as Drell hoists his prize over his head.]
FAT SAUL
Can't see him carin’ much how we feel about it, but what a nod to change and what a season we have in front of us with Kaven Drell defendin’ that strap!
“KILL DRELL KILL!”
FAT SAUL
There's a new battle cry!
“KILL DRELL KILL!”
FAT SAUL
We have one more match, the ultimate battle of this milestone show, for the Union Battleground Championship! Kimitsu Zombie is backstage…
DON'T REVEL IN THE CHASE
[The camera is zoomed into the Trench War Championship belt on a table backstage. A soft hand hovers over it and dances across the surface of the metal plates and rests on the name at the bottom. The shot zooms out to reveal the title’s owner Kimitsu Zombie staring into the title. She pats it one more time and sits down next to it.]
KIMITSU ZOMBIE
This is the only thing I thought I would care about for a long while. No matter where I go and what I do this title has been the one constant in my life. I defend it. When I lose it I get it back then I defend it some more. I was on a path to be the most dominant champion in Union Battleground if the opponents kept stepping up.
[She places the title on her shoulder and looks into the camera]
KIMITSU ZOMBIE
Yet I come into season three and nothing is set up for this. It’s all about the Ultimate Championship. That’s cute. So in order to make myself known again, I will crash that little party. You must be crazy to ignore me Graves, but you really made up for it. Now Daniels is going to feel my frustration.
[She pats her title]
KIMITSU ZOMBIE
That is what has kept this title with me and it is what will allow me to take yours, Alyssa Daniels. You may know what it is like to chase the title and keep it here and elsewhere but you just coast. If you want to be smart and talk about what I’ve done outside of Union Battleground then you know that I’ve faced off against stiffer competition. I have suffered way more than you. I have given my blood to accomplish the things I accomplished. I have won titles, defended them, and lost them.
[Kimitsu almost bursts into a screaming rage but controls herself.]
KIMITSU ZOMBIE
I don’t revel in the chase. That’s for people like you that coast by waiting for the ultimate challenge. I revel in the victory. I fought my way all over the different levels of so many rosters and I’ve never been at the top. Either the company implodes due to the pressure my rise puts on it or I fall under that very same drive. Now I’m frustrated about all that work and I’m ready to succeed at a much higher level. I want what you have. I want to finally hold a company’s top title. I deserve it.
[She leans back on the wall to calm down.]
KIMITSU ZOMBIE
They say this is a battle of champions, but that is only in name. I have the true attitude of a champion, Alyssa. I always seek and destroy. It doesn’t matter what I have to go through or who to achieve my goal. Now the powers that be have put you in front of me and it is the biggest opportunity in my entire career. I believe I have been at the top of Union Battleground for a while. Now it’s time that everyone else sees this when I win the Union Battleground Championship later tonight.
[Kimitsu glares into the camera for a second before walking away.]
[Back at ringside, Saul and his friends in the front row were ready. In the ring, Mike Dempsey was ready.]
FAT SAUL
It's main event time, y'all! We are about to top this amazin’ thirtieth show with our Trench War Champion challengin’ for the big one, the Union Battleground Championship is on the line!
MIKE DEMPSEY
The following battle is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the Union Battleground Championship!
[The cheers, the chants, the noise… the energy swelled from the Battleground testing the very seams of the building while rocking it at the foundations. This is the big ONE. The crowd wanted it badly. And, they were loud about it!]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Introducing first, the challenger, standing 5’5” and weighing in at 125 pounds, from Kimitsu, Japan, she is the Union Battleground Trench War Champion, “Little Yokai” Kimitsu Zombie!
​
[Number Girl's Tattoo Ari blares out and yellow and red lights flash around all over the arena as the guitar riff starts and mingles with the amped reaction from the fans.]
♫
"MIGIKATA!
IREZUMI!
AGEKATA!
ZANZOU!"
♫
[Kimitsu Zombie calmly walks out of the entrance way in her bosozoku uniform carrying a bottle of shochu and her belt on like a bandolier across her body. Kimitsu drinks from the shochu bottle as she struts to the ring, she takes in the crowd's reaction of cheers and jeers. She grins and climbs a turnbuckle bobbing to the music.]
♫
"MIGIKATA!
IREZUMI!
AGEKATA!
ZANZOU!"
♫
[She takes a long chug of shochu and spits a shochu mist into the air then screams in satisfaction with her tongue out. She jumps down into the ring and holds her title up in the air waiting for the match to start.]
FAT SAUL
The Trench War Champion is in the ring, tonight she's the challenger, and she's waitin’ for her opportunity...
MIKE DEMPSEY
And her opponent, standing 5’8” and weighing in at 135 pounds, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she is the reigning, defending, undisputed Union Battleground Champion, “The Heart of Infinity” Alyssa Daniels!
♫
AM I BRAVE ENOUGH? AM I STRONG ENOUGH?
TO FOLLOW THE DESIRE THAT BURNS FROM WITHIN
TO PUSH AWAY MY FEAR, TO STAND WHERE I'M AFRAID
I AM THROUGH WITH THIS, 'CAUSE I AM MORE THAN THIS
♫
[The lights dim as 'I Am The Fire' by Halestorm plays throughout the arena. Magenta spotlights spin through the crowd with the rhythm of the music. Alyssa Daniels steps out onto the ramp to roaring cheers from the crowd, the Union Battleground Championship held tightly on her left shoulder.]
FAT SAUL
Here comes our Champion!
[She smiles and waves in appreciation of their adoration. Her eyes then lock on the ring as her demeanor changes from pleased and happy to intense and focused.]
FAT SAUL
She knows she's in for a challenge tonight…
[She marches down the ramp and leaps up onto the apron then over the top rope displaying her quickness and agility. She then climbs the turnbuckle as the chorus hits, lifting the world championship to the crowd and pumping it to the lyrics.]
♫
I AM THE FIRE!
♫
[The crowd sings along with Alyssa to the rhythm of her pumping fist. She hops down from the turnbuckle and hands the championship to the official. She pulls the ropes to stretch for the upcoming match.]
FAT SAUL
While the referee checks them over, lemme tell y'all how to keep up with these two here. The Trench War Champion can be found on Twitter, just follow at Yoyo Banzai (@YoyoBanzai).
[The referee comes in to hold the Union Battleground Championship high into the air to show the crowd why we’re all here.]
FAT SAUL
And, the Union Battleground Champion, Alyssa Daniels can be followed at Its Me Alyssa D (@ItsMeAlyssaD).
[A ring hand takes the belt shortly after this leading the ref to call for the bell!]
FAT SAUL
After the show, check out what each has to say, `cause here we go, y'all...
[DING!]
FAT SAUL
Zombie waistin’ no time...
[Zombie dashes at Alyssa to strike first with a tilt-a-whirl headscissor! Both women end up on the mat with Kimitsu holding the scissors through the fall but Daniels takes hold of the ropes with her legs!]
FAT SAUL
Referee breakin’ that up. Just too close there...
[Daniels gets back to her feet after the rope break while Zombie charges at Alyssa, who catches Kimitsu across the throat with a perfectly placed chop! Yoyo Banzai hits the mat holding her throat and her eyes widen as the champion hooks her left leg!]
… One!
Kick out!
FAT SAUL
No. That's not what Zombie's here for...
[Alyssa gets back to her feet while Zombie desperately tries to catch her breath after the violent chop. Daniels attempts a standing moonsault with Kimitsu countering by lifting up both knees!]
FAT SAUL
Oxygen levels depleted for both now...
[Alyssa takes off at Zombie, who counters with a picture perfect frankensteiner! Kimitsu quickly drops alongside the champion to scoop up a leg!]
… One!
FAT SAUL
Just that quick, but Alyssa...
… Kick out!
[Alyssa quickly kicks out then rolls over onto her hands and knees. Zombie leaps up the rushes over to the corner in a hurry. The Trench War Champion climbs the turnbuckles in the corner like a woman possessed. She dives off looking for a crossbody only to catch a mouthful of Daniels right foot from a wicked pele counter out of nowhere!]
FAT SAUL
That purdy much took all she…
[The shot sends Zombie to the mat lifeless leading the champion to cover her!]
FAT SAUL
...just dropped across her. Dead...
… One!
… Tw-Kick out!
FAT SAUL
And, that ain't gonna do it.
[After kicking out, Kimitsu rolls to the outside to catch her bearings momentarily. Daniels refuses to allow this and hits the mat to roll beneath the bottom rope. As soon as Alyssa’s two feet hit the outside floor, Kimitsu is lighting her up with punches!]
FAT SAUL
Just couldn't give her a break and now she's pepperin’ ya, watch ya head!
[The Trench War champ continues her onslaught as Daniels tries in vain to cover up!]
FAT SAUL
Now, YES! Fire back!
[The champion uses a sharp elbow into the rib of her smaller opponent to break the onslaught then begins dishing out her own forearms! Now Zombie tries to cover up from the barrage of the champion.]
FAT SAUL
What an exchange! Got the old man rollin’ in my seat! The Champion takin’ her challenger back in...
[Alyssa rolls Kimitsu back into the ring then follows close behind. Zombie rolls to her feet in the ring then takes off in a mad dash. Kimitsu bounces off the ropes then slingshots herself back at Alyssa, who leaps up into the air leading Zombie to duck a bit to launch off the ropes on the opposite side! Kimitsu slingshots back at Daniels, who hits the mat flat leading Zombie to leap over her! The champion leaps up and then takes off at Zombie, who hits the ropes once more in this dizzy display of speed between both wrestlers. Alyssa stops Kimitsu dead in her tracks with a running hurricanrana!]
FAT SAUL
She's down! One of them! I think...
[Zombie catches a charging Daniels from one knee with a quick dragon screw! Both women end up on their backs looking up at the bright lights.]
FAT SAUL
Both down!
[The crowd goes wild as both women leap from their backs to their feet in a single bound at the same exact time.]
FAT SAUL
Okay, both UP-!
[The two women then begin to circle one another.]
FAT SAUL
Look at the focus… the determination… here we go!
[Both women take off at the same time directly at one another! They crash into each other in the center of the ring both aiming for a slingblade! The champions both end up on the mat in a bit of a daze.]
FAT SAUL
BAM! -That was sick!
[The collision caused both women to headbutt each other and now Alyssa and Kimitsu struggle on the mat.]
FAT SAUL
Both want it! Both go for it! They are both on their asses!
[Zombie gets to one knee while Daniels reaches both feet. She then begins delivering body kicks to Kimitsu! Zombie catches Alyssa’s left leg during the exchange leading Daniels to knee her in the face! The violent shot busts open the bottom lip of Zombie.]
FAT SAUL
First blood in the trenches!
[Zombie lies lifeless on the mat while the Union Battleground champion stumbles over to the corner closest to Kimitsu.]
FAT SAUL
The Champion headed up into the heavens!
[Daniels leaps up on the middle turnbuckle then on up to the top. Alyssa turns out to face Zombie, who has yet to move. Daniels dives off looking for a frog splash but Kimitsu rolls out of the ring at the last possible moment! Alyssa crashes on the mat flat on her stomach!]
FAT SAUL
Nobody home! The Champion just ate the canvas!
[Zombie grins while hunched over on the apron looking in at Daniels writhe in pain. Alyssa notices her doing this and quickly rolls out of the ring but Kimitsu backs up a bit.]
FAT SAUL
She rolled out and she's comin’ this…
[The champion stumbles over to Saul’s announce table. She gets to the very edge then puts both hands down onto it to hover above the table to catch her bearings. Alyssa’s right leg can be seen from Zombie’s line of sight but the other is hidden behind the table. Kimitsu takes off and drop kicks the right leg leading Alyssa to fall face first on the announce table!]
FAT SAUL
Now, wait… if y'all would just...
[Zombie follows up by lingering behind the fallen Union Battleground Champion for a few moments... The Trench War Champion suddenly takes off at Alyssa from behind while Daniels sits on her knees at the end of the table!]
FAT SAUL
Lemme just…
[Zombie is looking for a drop kick to the back of the head but Daniels senses this and drops down flat on the floor causing Kimitsu to miss! She slides across the table and ends up in Saul’s lap!]
FAT SAUL
Now, Darlin’... well, lemme help ya...
[Kimitsu is helped back up on the table by the gentlemen Saul. She nods with gratitude at him before being swung around by Alyssa suddenly!]
FAT SAUL
Ol´ Saul mentioned my pacemake… OH!
[Daniels then performs a crowd pleasing face buster on Zombie that breaks the table into two pieces!]
FAT SAUL
My pipe was on that table...
[The crowd grows wild as both women now both attempt to catch their bearings amongst the announcers table debris. Saul gives to temptation and takes a swig from his flask.]
FAT SAUL
Gonna need that Old number seven to survive this one, folks… the Champion's movin’...
[Alyssa is still groggy from eating the table earlier face first. She gets to her feet somehow then reaches down to grapple Kimitsu back up. Daniels carefully rolls Zombie back into the ring to break the referee’s count at six.]
FAT SAUL
Back inside, immediately lookin’ for the win!
[Daniels waste no time in rolling up Kimitsu for a pin!]
… One!
… Two!
… Kick out!
FAT SAUL
Long two and take another drink, y'all, they still at it!
[The crowd goes wild at the perseverance of both of these Union Battleground superstars. Alyssa can’t believe it. Kimitsu gets to her feet before Daniels somehow then nails her in the jaw with a precise drop kick!]
FAT SAUL
Daniels shown to a seat in the corner with that one!
[Zombie gets up then stumbles back a few paces then charges at the champion full speed ahead! Kimitsu hits Alyssa in the face with both knees! She falls forward onto the canvas.]
FAT SAUL
What an up and down contest! When one falls, the other…
[Zombie leaps up on the middle turnbuckle then takes a moment before she can balance herself to get up on the top. This slight delay allows Daniels to begin to stir but Kimitsu leaps off to perform a moonsault! She hooks a leg!
… One
… Two!
… Rope Break!
[The referee points to the left foot of Alyssa Daniels, which now rests on the bottom rope to break the pin.]
FAT SAUL
That's why she's the Champion. She just knows where she is in there...
[Zombie’s face turns red with real frustration. Blood droplets can be seen on the Trench War Champions chin from her busted lip. Alyssa gets to get feet after the rope break. The referee sends each woman to a different corner, he resumes the match.]
FAT SAUL
Can't say I's ever seen them separated like this, but here we go...
[Zombie and Alyssa both charge once more like warriors that Daniels ends abruptly with a swinging neckbreaker! While on the mat alongside Kimitsu, Alyssa swings her legs around to lock in a triangle choke hold! Kimitsu’s eyes widen as this realization sets in.]
FAT SAUL
She's locked on and cinched in!
[Zombie thrashes about with her legs but she is inches away! Alyssa continues to apply pressure from her back while Kimitsu does anything to get free. She takes hold of the back of Daniels head to pull it forward then slides backward to move both women enough to break Alyssa’s hold! The shock crosses the champions face as she realizes Kimitsu has done her homework.]
FAT SAUL
The Trench War Champion has done her scoutin’!
[Daniels swings around only to catch a sharp elbow to the back of the head from Zombie! The crowd begins to chant, “This-Is-Awesome”!]
FAT SAUL
It is, let them know, y'all!
[Alyssa gets up on her hands and knees after the solid elbow shot. She sits up leading Kimitsu to come up from behind looking to end this one with an axe kick but Daniels ducks it from behind! Zombie flies in overtop of Alyssa leading her to get up on one knee to cradle up the Trench War Champion on her shoulders for a picture perfect fisherman’s suplex!]
FAT SAUL
They're both bleedin’ now!
[The elbow from Zombie has busted open the back of the champions head. Blood droplets can be seen on the white canvas but it deters neither wrestlers. Daniels allows Kimitsu to get back to her feet. The two women then come in at one another throwing punches! The crowd comes undone as these two try to kill one another.]
FAT SAUL
Ya gotta protect ya self better than that!
[Kimitsu nearly buckles the champion with an uppercut but Alyssa comes across with a hook that sends the Trench War Champion back to counter! Daniels takes a step forward and pushes Kimitsu into the ropes back first!]
FAT SAUL
The Champion ain't havin’ it...
[She hits then slingshots forward into the champions signature maneuver, Amnesia!]
FAT SAUL
Get back on her...
[Alyssa crawls over to cradle up Zombie’s left leg for a pin!]
… One!
… Two!
… Three!
FAT SAUL
One helluva effort from Zombie tonight!
[DING DING DING!]
FAT SAUL
Alyssa Daniels remains the Union Battleground Champion!
[Alyssa stumbles to her feet. The back of her head will need stitches but that doesn’t matter to her when the referee hands her the Union Battleground championship before raising her hand high in victory.]
MIKE DEMPSEY
Here is your winner, AND STILL Union Battleground Champion, “The Heart of Infinity” Alyssa Daniels!
[Daniels looks down at Zombie, who sits up with disappointment written across her face. The crowd praises the two wrestlers after the performance.]
FAT SAUL
We just experienced a battle…
[Alyssa extends her hand to Kimitsu Zombie who is reluctant at first but then accepts with her own left hand. Daniels pulls her up off the mat then holds her arm high to a cheering crowd.]
FAT SAUL
And, these are the Champions of the Battleground! Thank y'all for an amazin’ thirtieth Lights Out! It's an honor to sit out here and take this trip with y'all.
[Saul toasts his flask as the crowd cheered and applauded the two champions.]
FAT SAUL
The semifinals are set and we have a new War Horse Champion. Until, Ol´ Saul sees y'all in two weeks, be safe and have fun out there.
