LIVE! Thursday, September 19th, 2024
From the Haunted OCW HQ in Key West
Episode 3 - "Brace for Impact"
It’s a dark and stormy night out in Key West. A two lane road carves itself through marsh. Through trees. Through above ground cemeteries. Lightning flashes high into the sky providing low visibility. There isn’t a car to be seen. Lightning flashes again. We see a sign facing us that reads ‘Dead End’. Music starts to cut through the dark, rainy atmosphere. Lyrics become familiar
“Big pimpin'
Lights emerge from behind a hill. Headlights. A small car bounces atop the aging road. The lyrics grow louder
“Big pimpin'
The car drives closer and closer. Our view shifts. We’re now inside the vehicle. The music is blaring. Behind the wheel is OCW’s #1 transport/wrestler, The Uber Man! His head nods back and forth as he sucks on a Cherry Jolly Rancher. In short, The Uber Man is cruising.
When
Out of Nowhere
A hand shoots out in the middle of the road
“WHAT THE…”
Uber Man does his best to avoid hitting the arm. He swerves, his tires hyrdroplane. He spins. His car does a 180. It stops. Uber Man’s forehead hits the steering wheel. Slowly, his face raises, his eyes wide with shock. He turns the music down and looks ahead. The arm remains extended, a thumb in the air. Uber Man’s pulse quickens. His breathing becomes labored.
“Is it alive?”
The head to the being holding out the thumb slowly turns and stares in the Uber Man’s direction. Its face is masked by a dark, wet hood. Uber puts his car into park and he slowly opens the door, stepping out. He looks over his door, rain soaking his hair.
“Are you okay? Do you need a ride?”
Without a verbal reply, the dark figure turns and marches toward Uber. Uber drops back into his car and shuts his door. He buckles his seat belt and hurriedly wipes his glasses with his wet shirt, leaving them smudged and blurred. The back door to his car opens and Uber Man straightens up. The figure enters and takes a seat, head down. Uber tries to catch a glance of their face in his rear view mirror but it’s impossible.
“Uh...where to?”
He isn’t sure how to address the being. Doesn’t want to offend them or anything. The being reaches into their pocket and they pull out a drenched flier. They hand it over. Uber glances down at it and back up into the rear view mirror.
“Oh wow what a coincidence.”
Uber says no more and puts the car in reverse. He backs up, turns around and heads in the direction he was previously driving before being deterred. Miles pass. Nothing is said. Uber keeps looking into the rear view mirror hoping to catch a glimpse of his mysterious passenger. He gets nothing. Not even the sound of breath. Just the quiet interior of a running car with the occasional swipe of wipers.
“So you coming from the event down at the end of the road or what?”
The figure seems to shift a bit, perhaps finding the question uncomfortable. But, it says nothing. Uber nods, knowing when to keep his mouth shut.
Uber Man grows a bit more relaxed once they reach signs of civilization. Not like they’d be able to stop the thing in the back should it decide to attack but the surroundings of human life does breed a false sense of security. The car, however, remains silent. Far in the distance three big, red letters start to rise above the rest. The logo to OCW. The OCW Arena is within eyesight. The figure seated behind Uber grips at the damp seat under its soaked legs as though its grown agitated.
“You okay? Do you need some air? Heat?”
He gets no reply. Uber keeps things at status quo. No sense to start something he can’t finish. The bright red letters of OCW grow bigger and brighter. The arena is imminent. Uber’s direction makes it clear that’s where the two are headed. He pulls into the massive arena parking lot and heads toward the backstage area. Uber stops in front of a door and places his car into park. He looks back into his rear view mirror.
“Don’t worry about any payment, I could tell you needed…”
The back door slams shut and the figure is gone. Uber turns around, looking over his shoulder at the soaked seat in the back. He sighs and slaps the headrest of the passenger’s seat.
“Well that’s gonna mold if I don’t get it cleaned. Geez!”
Uber drives away.
Inside the OCW Arena.
Cap Slock and Who’Re share some coffee outside an office.
“I’m pulling for Vhodka. Do you know in all of OCW’s history only two women have held the OCW Title?”
“IT HASN’T BEEN MANY THAT’S FOR SURE.”
“I want her to win it so bad. It’s about time she won something so she can show the rest of the world what we know...that she’s the best in this business.”
A loud bang catches their attention.
“Did you hear that?”
“I AIN’T DEAF, LADY”
Cap Slock and Who’Re make their way down the hall. They round a corner and notice the door wide open, rain pouring in. They look at one another, tension building.
“I’LL CHECK IT OUT!”
Cap Slock steps forward. He gets to the door and BAM! He gets slammed into the wall and knocked out. Who’Re screams. The hooded figure from Uber’s car marches toward her, no hesitation. Who’Re takes off running down the hall, the tall, menacing figure giving pursuit.
“Shut your doors! Call security!”
Who’Re is moving too fast for the figure to catch which seems just fine as its attention is drawn elsewhere. Doors slam shut. Locks are engaged. But, one door remains open.
“Jim! Shut your door!”
Who’Re pleads with OCW’s tech and graphics guy. It’s internet nerd, basically. He’s in his chair eating oreos and drinking mountain dew. Slowly he gets up, his fat, gooey body hard to maneuver. Who’re is gone, tearing down the hallway. Jim reaches his door, muttering.
“Always so dramatic around here…”
He gets to his door and is face to face with the tall, soaked, hooded figure. Jim’s eyes widen.
“Who...who…”
The figure shoves Jim back into his chair and slams the door shut. It reaches up and grabs the top of it’s hood, thrusting it back.
“Matt Knox?!”
Matt Knox stands over Jim, towering over the small, pudgy man. He points at Jim’s computer.
“Where is Marcus Welsh?”
Jim is confused.
“He...he’s dead.”
Knox backhands Jim.
“Where is Marcus Welsh?!”
“He’s dead!”
Knox punches Jim in the nose. Jim leans forward, holding his nose, trying to keep blood from pouring all over his pants.
“You better tell me where Marcus Welsh is right now.”
Jim’s body shakes. He gives a few inconsistent nods.
“Okay, okay...I’ll find him for you. Just give me a minute.”
Knox grabs the back of Jim’s computer chair and thrusts it forward, under his desk. He grips the head rest of the chair, towering over Jim as Jim holds his bleeding nose with one hand and starts searching the internet with the other.
Our view pulls out from within the OCW arena and into the sky as we get a shot of the full moon. The Cursed Countdown intro starts to play.
Spendin' cheese, we be”
On B-L-A-D’s, we doin'
Big pimpin' up in
NYC, it's just that”
one
~And we cut LIVE to the Haunted House in Key West! For the first time in three weeks fans have pre-gathered at the venue. Legit fans (we think). In an effort to capitalize on the marketing opportunity, several booths have been set up selling merch and other items. Smith and Hood remain in their exact same, nondescript location ready to call the action~
Smith: And we’re back, ladies and gentlemen...back on a Thursday!
Hood: Who the hell thought it was a good idea to schedule last week’s show and this week’s show only 6 days apart. Fuckin shit.
Smith: We had to take advantage of that Friday the 13th opportunity.
Hood: Like anybody actually gives a fuck. I’m tired.
Smith: Here, some coffee.
Hood: Oooh
~Hood happily takes the coffee~
Smith: As you can see, the venue is rocking tonight! I don’t know if if’s the promise that M A R I A H might be coming or the potential to see another horror icon bite the proverbial dust...but the fans were here early and in droves!
Hood: My favorite booth is the lease application booth.
Smith: Yea, I saw that one.
Hood: Getting people to fill out a lease application to live in the house when this is all over. Charging a $50 application fee for every applicant. That’s some real carny shit right there. Love it.
Smith: Fans, last week we were witness to ZERO eliminations.
Hood: Shit’s weak.
Smith: So, all seven competitors return for a third night in the house. Will we see some eliminations this go around?
Hood: You’d think so. But the big question...will anybody enter into the Sauna?
Smith: So far the Sauna remains untouched. And…
~A loud explosion goes off. Hood and Smith turn to see a massive blow torch shooting fire in the air as a bunch of fans dressed up as zombies go wild~
Smith: Do we have any security out here?
Hood: Nah, not really. Somebody should tell those fans if they want to go full method in their zombie presentation they can just enter the house and let Marcus bite them.
Smith: We don’t need anymore zombies, Hood.
Hood: Hold on…
Smith: What?
~Hood spots a wayward individual. He grabs them by the shoulders, spins them around and gives them a friendly push toward the house. It’s Amby Brooks!~
Hood: Just had to help our ref out there for a sec. She was walking toward the ocean.
Smith: Yea, that could’ve been disastrous but…
~BANG! They jump and turn. It’s Amby shouldering into the doorway once again before entering the home~
Smith: That’s our Amby!
Hood: So brave. So blind.
Smith: And here comes our host, Jack Puffer!
~Puffer enters the screen looking more serious than usual~
Jack Puffer: First off, I’d like to announce that Harvey Marx is banned from appearing tonight.
Smith: Really? How did you get GM Derek Mobley to agree…
Jack Puffer: It’s my decision. I’m the host!
Smith: Okay, fine.
Jack Puffer: Anyway...we’re all looking forward to a great night of crazy action, right? RIGHT?
Smith: Right!
Jack Puffer: Good. I’ll see you from inside.
~Puffer walks off~
Hood: Damn, Jack is a little on edge.
Smith: Harvey has been stealing the limelight a bit. This was supposed to be his show, after all.
Hood: Jack should just be happy to have a job. Like, my god, he couldn’t even solve the case of the missing cat.
Smith: Did anybody find the cat?
Hood: It was in the fucking tree you idiot!
Smith: Oh, okay. A real pussy willow, if you will.
Hood: Oh fuck you.
~The fans start to cheer. Hood and Smith shut up. In front of the house stands Derek Mobley with Eugene by his side~
Derek Mobley: Fans! Thank you all for attending tonight’s episode of Cursed Countdown!
~Cheers! “OCW! OCW! OCW!”~
Derek Mobley: A few things before we get started. First off, if you haven’t signed the waiver acknowledging you understand the risks of attending tonight’s event then you will be asked to leave immediately. So, get those signed.
~Fans rush to sign the waivers~
Derek Mobley: Also, we have some merchandise stands. A few food trucks. Feel free to indulge just do not drink the ocean water. In fact, do not go in the water.
~Eugene leans in~
Eugene: It’s nasty. I also heard there’s a monster in there.
Derek Mobley: Thanks, Eugene. And, finally, I’d like to give a shout out to a sponsor for tonight’s event! Another unique event that is going to set the pro wrestling world on fire! I’m talking about WrestleMecca which airs on WrestleFlix! WrestleMecca is a one of a kind event set on a mysterious island!
~Eugene leans in~
Eugene: Warrick is going to be there!
Derek Mobley: Thanks for that, Eugene.
~Derek claps his hands as the WrestleMecca logo appears~
Derek Mobley: So check out WrestleMecca LIVE on WrestleFlix! You won’t wanna miss it!
~The lights around the house start to dim~
Derek Mobley: And now...let’s begin with Episode 3 of The Cursed Countdown.
~The fans pop as Derek and Eugene exit and our view floats through the front door and into the main entry where Jack Puffer awaits, hands folded in front~
Jack Puffer: Hello again everyone and welcome to Episode 3! Who’s ready to get CURSED?!
~Big pop from the fans outside. As they die down, Puffer hears the sounds of an evil quack coming from somewhere within the house~
Jack Puffer: That’s weird. Haven’t heard that before…
Voice: Really?
~LCP strolls in from the back~
LCP: Shit’s been going on all week. It’s making it really hard to sleep.
~LCP puts his arm around Jack~
LCP: I don’t want to sound like a dick but if it doesn’t stop I might have to find another place to stay.
Jack Puffer: Squat.
~LCP stares at Jack. Jack stares back~
Jack Puffer: So what’s it gonna be, Lewis.
LCP: Well…seeing as I haven’t seen the Zombie all day I’m feeling pretty good about tonight.
Jack Puffer: Oh?
LCP: Mhm. Had the place all to myself. Except for the quacking.
Jack Puffer: Look who’s a big boy now.
~LCP eyes Puffer. Puffer sighs~
Jack Puffer: Are we going to go through this again or are you going to pick a room?
LCP: Competition is getting pretty fierce, Jack. I think it’s time I get a little work out in.
Jack Puffer: Are you saying what I think you’re saying?
LCP: What do you think I’m saying?
Jack Puffer: Oh geezus. The weight room, is that it?
LCP: You got it!
Jack Puffer: Great!
~Puffer waits for LCP to leave. LCP lingers looking more than a little apprehensive. Jack notices and shakes his head~
Jack Puffer: It’s right over there, Lewis.
LCP: I was just making sure that you knew. See you at sunrise!
~LCP walks off, heading for the weight room~
Jack Puffer: Other door!
~LCP pivots away from the wrong door and opens the correct one~
LCP: I know!
~He opens and enters. Puffer sighs and lingers on the camera for a bit~
Jack Puffer: Could’ve been worse, folks.
Smith: The Weight Room has been very popular.
Hood: Favorites emerge, right?
Smith: They do.
Hood: I think a lot of people are seeing Henri as a favorite. He’s been in the weight room...you think people are dodging him?
Smith: Vhodka was in the weight room last week. She came into this thing as a favorite.
Hood: Exactly. So, if I were looking for a potential free pass...yea, Weight Room.
Smith: That does come into play and will prove to be more prevalent as the rooms narrow.
~The fans go wild as Mack O’Connor hobbles up onto the porch of the house. He turns around and scowls at them all. They go silent. He grunts and heads into the house where Puffer awaits~
Jack Puffer: Mack! What’s up my man!
~Jack holds up a hand. Mack taps him on the nuts. Jack doubles over~
Jack Puffer: Ugh! Why’d you do that?
Mack O’Connor: Look, I’m tired. Had a few too many drinks. Need a place to lay down.
Jack Puffer: Guest Room. It’s upstairs right behind me.
Mack O’Connor: Great.
~Mack marches up the stairs and toward the Guest Room. He enters, slamming the door. Puffer tries to compose himself, his lower abdomen still churning from the unexpected nut shot. He appears a little embarrassed~
Jack Puffer: We’re friends, trust me. Just a couple of bros being bros, you know what I mean?
~Nobody cheers~
Smith: Mack looking to spend another evening asleep!
Hood: Hey...work smarter, not harder!
Smith: The Mack I remember would fight all comers.
Hood: Prison changes a man.
~Huge cheers from the fans as Mike Zybala hustles up the stairs and onto the front porch. He spins around showing off his “FOR THE DUCK” shirt! The fans pop even louder. Mike throws a melancholic superkick into the air for the duck before heading into the house~
Jack Puffer: There he is! There’s our guy!
Mike Zybala: Jack! It’s great to be back! How’s your sack?
Jack Puffer: It’s uh...how did you know about that?
Mike Zybala: You’re on TV, man. Everybody saw it.
Jack Puffer: Oh
~Puffer’s voice trails off~
Mike Zybala: Chin up, man! It’s Episode 3! We’re in here battling ghosts, demons, and the arrogance of society that looks down on passion projects like Outsiders Championship Wrestling.
Jack Puffer: Two our of three ain’t bad.
Mike Zybala: Alright, so listen up. I’ve done a lot of thinking.
Jack Puffer: Uh oh
Mike Zybala: All week there’s been one thing on my mind. One thing I’ve wanted to do.
Jack Puffer: Not sure where this is going.
Mike Zybala: Meteor 2, baby!
~Zybala pulls out a half chewed DVD of Meteor 2 along with a six pack of Gas Station wine and a box of tissues~
Jack Puffer: What are you going to do with those tissues?
Mike Zybala: Not that! Get your mind out of the gutter, man! Meteor 2 has some very emotional scenes near the end. Think Bruce Willis from Armageddon only way sadder.
Jack Puffer: I’ll have to check it out.
Mike Zybala: Oh you must! Anyway...Home Theater up there?
Jack Puffer: That it is!
Mike Zybala: See ya at 7, my good friend!
~Zybala hustles up the steps and pauses by the Guest Room. He hears snoring. Loud snoring~
Mike Zybala: Is that?
Jack Puffer: Yea, Mack’s sleeping.
~Zybala contemplates sneaking in there and forging Mack’s signature on an Outsiders contract before realizing this is all being filmed. So he heads on into the Theater and shuts the door~
Smith: Meteor 2...Mike’s favorite film!
Hood: Dick Ed Houston tried to ruin it for him last week but Mike would not succumb.
Smith: Nope. Never in life has there ever been a truer soul than Mike Zybala. A soul true enough to break this curse, I believe.
Hood: It does kinda feel like fate.
~Boos sound out as we see Henri Toussaint standing on the porch. He looks around, takes them all in, and thinks. A smile crosses his face. He walks toward the fans...they stop booing. He snaps his fingers at an OCW employee and asks for something. He’s handed a marker~
Smith: Is Henri going to give an autograph?
Hood: Geezus. Already pandering to the fans. This isn’t a great start to your career, Henri!
~Henri uncaps the marker and looks out at the fans. He sees one fan wearing a ‘LCP can squat here’ with an arrow pointing to their face. The fan offers their arm. Henri slaps the arm away and signs their forehead. He backs up and across the fan’s forehead is ‘Bitch’. Henri throws the marker at the house as the fans ‘boo!!’ He heads up the steps and enters, greeting Puffer~
Smith: Well, that was rude.
Hood: Not as rude as that shirt. Who the fuck made that?
Smith: No idea. I don’t think it’s official OCW merchandise.
~Puffer extends his hand. Henri slaps it and does an elongated shake. Puffer is totally confused, trying to keep up. Henri finishes shaking Puffer’s hand and slaps him in the chest, hard. Puffer stumbles back, coughing~
Henri Toussaint: Sak Pase
Jack Puffer: Henri! Good to see you…
~Puffer coughs before straightening up. He hears the boos outside~
Jack Puffer: Sounds like you’ve got the friends all riled up.
~Henri smiles~
Jack Puffer: Glad you made it here safely. Roads can be dangerous for professional wrestlers.
~Henri and Puffer both look into the camera. DEADpan for a few seconds before returning to their conversation~
Jack Puffer: It is a sad thing, though.
Henri Toussaint: Pssh. You think the newly crowned EPW champ would go takin’ risks wit his life so soon after winning? Hell naw!
Jack Puffer: Say what you want about Donnie and a lot can be said. He’s boring. Might be a racist. Uses Head and Shoulders. But one thing you can’t say is that he disappears. He’s always there. Always. Even when you wish he wasn’t.
Henri Toussiant: Aight. Let’s move this shit along. I ain’t got all night.
Jack Puffer: Which room, Henri?
Henri Toussaint: Library.
Jack Puffer: Really?
~Puffer lets out a slight chuckle. Henri grabs him by the neck, getting in close~
Henri Toussaint: Da fuck you laughin bout?
Jack Puffer: Nothing!
~Henri lets Puffer go~
Henri Toussaint: Buncha nerds in this bitch figure I might finally catch one up there.
~Henri heads over to the Library. He opens the door and shuts it as Puffer tries to compose himself~
Smith: Say what you want about Henri but that is a dangerous, dangerous man.
Hood: He’s big. He’s strong and he really doesn’t give a fuck.
Smith: Sounds like some OCW champions of the past, to me.
Hood: But can he break the curse or just add to it?
Smith: He has a lot of ‘qualities’ that went into building this curse so that’s a fair question.
Hood: Hey, I’m a journalist. It’s my job to investigate and...oh my gosh look at the shirt on that woman!
Smith: Alright, alright...keep your eyes on the prize...and by prize I mean tonight’s show.