Tier 2

MoMo: Folks we sit here awaiting the second tier of The Great Illuminatus in awe of what’s transpired at the very base of this structure.

Hood: The ground seems to be rehabbing itself, as well.

MoMo: Snow and dirt slowly eroding to reveal blades of grass underneath. TLS with a front row seat to this slow transformation.

Hood: Much like TLS did a few years ago The Great Illuminatus is unmasking itself.

MoMo: I’m told the second tier is about to get underway. The plot thickens. The uphill climb steepens. The treachery deepens.

Hood: Blah blah blah...it’s just gonna get real fuckin tough, ya’ll.

MoMo: We’ll have three matches in this Tier, from what I can tell and all three are main event worthy. Which three wrestlers will move on into the third tier? Who will face who in this second tier? Let’s find out!

~We cut back inside The Great Illuminatus. Chamber 1 is shown. A door slides open revealing the first wrestler to compete in this Chamber and it’s...XWF Universal Champion, SEB! He steps into the chamber. It is identical to the one beneath his feet. He looks around. The champion remains very fresh~

MoMo: SEB didn’t have to do much to put Sahara away in Tier 1. A factor that should aid him in this second Tier.

Hood: Yep. Could give him an advantage IF he’s facing someone who has already competed.

~We float over into Chamber 2. The door slides open and pro wrestling legend Shawn Warstein steps inside. Like SEB, he recognizes the identical nature of his confines. Unlike SEB, Warstein shows the pains and aches of a brutal match in Tier 1. He holds his head. His jaw looking a little swollen. But, he approaches the ring and leans over the top rope, awaiting his opponent~

MoMo: CYPH3R kicked Warstein about as hard as he could as often as he could but due to the leg work performed by Warstein he was unable to capitalize.

Hood: Shawn wore him down and earned his way into this second Tier. We’ll see if he can do the same to whoever awaits him.

~We float over into Chamber 3. The door slides open and in steps the unsettling version of Alexander Raven. He’s still sporting the Vita Mors mask. Calmly, he enters the chamber and keeps his gaze directly across the ring, assuming that’s where his opponent will emerge~

MoMo: Alexander Raven with arguably the biggest win of his life in Tier 1 when he took out Paul Freedom. Now he faces an even greater challenge.

Hood: The man is one step closer to uniting the TRIAD. It’s remarkable how far he’s come…even if he’s wearing a mask from Party City.

~Raven waits. The door across from him slowly slides open. A tall, menacing figure steps out~

MoMo: I can’t believe it!

Hood: Here we fucking go!

~Matt Knox steps into the flickering light. He smiles when he sees his opponent. The two stare each other down as we float over into Chamber 2~

MoMo: Matt Knox will take on Alexander Raven! The battle of the birds!

Hood: Who says The Great Illuminatus doesn’t have a sense of humor? Amazing!

~Inside Chamber 2, Warstein hears the door across the chamber sliding open. He immediately straightens up and ceases any activity that might give his injuries away. A tall, imposing figure emerges...the flames lighting the room flicker and turn LIME for just a moment as THE MARVEL Matt Meyhu makes his first appearance inside The Great Illuminatus. He points at Shawn. Shawn points back at him. Two Team TLS members about to go at it~

MoMo: It looks like The Great Illuminatus is trying to run Team TLS out of this competition.

Hood: Yea, Shawn had to put CYPH3R down. Now he’ll face Meyhu. The greatest team in TRIAD history is being eviscerated.

~We float on over into Chamber 1 where SEB remains. The door across from him slides open and he gives it his full attention. He smiles when he sees his opponent...out, into the light steps Sean Parker~

MoMo: And here we go! Sean Parker avenged his Angkor Wat loss in Tier 1 by removing Sarah Wolf. Now he gets to look the apex of this profession in the face and see if he can stand up against him.

Hood: SEB is the top champion of the premiere promotion in all of pro wrestling. If you can knock him out then that puts you in the conversation as one of the best this sport has to offer.

~Parker smiles. SEB enters the ring. Parker hops over the top rope and into the ring, providing a little showmanship. SEB sees the black stains all over his face and makes a remark about a ‘big bad wolf’. Parker informs SEB to worry about him and nobody else. SEB nods and the two men lock up in the center of the ring~

MoMo: And we’re off! Tier 2 is underway!

Hood: Look at these matches, man. Parker against SEB. Warstein against Meyhu. Knox against Raven. It’s unreal.

MoMo: And we aren’t even halfway up the pyramid yet.

Hood: This truly is the greatest competition in pro wrestling history.

~We float on over into Chamber 2 where Meyhu enters the ring pointing at Warstein and joking. Shawn isn’t nearly as jovial, entering the ring across from Meyhu. The two men circle each other, sizing one another up. Meyhu extends a fist...a show of respect to his Team TLS contemporary who helped get him there. Warstein nods and obliges. The two men rear back and lock up!!! Outside we see TLS taking a sip of his drink and uttering, ‘Weak Ass Booking’~

MoMo: Team TLS is eating itself alive inside The Great Illuminatus.

Hood: You see the camaraderie and support. The respect they have for each other. That’s why they dominated the Wit Trials.

MoMo: No doubt about that.

one

~And we float on over into Chamber 3. Knox steps over the top rope and into the ring. Raven methodically enters from his side. Knox throws a few jokes Raven’s way...but he gets no response. He raises an eyebrow and points at the mask. He makes fun of it and does the ‘spooky finger’ gesture...Raven lunges forward and wraps both hands around Knox’s throat, bullying him back into a corner. The look in Knox eyes tells us he didn’t expect that type of strength~

MoMo: Knox is going to realize this is a different Alexander Raven.

Hood: Hell, at this stage, might as well just call him Vita Mors.

MoMo: That flippant, devil-may-care attitude needs to get thrown out the window. Knox is dealing with the greatest wrestlers at the top of their games inside this structure.

~Raven has him backed into a corner, choking the life out of Knox...so Matt jams a thumb into the eye hole of the Vita Mors mask. Raven stumbles back, holding his face, shaking his head. Knox coughs a few times. Raven turns around and Knox runs him over with a huge clothesline!! Raven falls to the mat, hard. Knox stomps on Alexander, keeping him down. The focus has returned to Matt Knox...Raven is not one to be trifled with tonight. He drops down, placing his knee across the windpipe of Raven. We float over into Chamber 2~

MoMo: Raven woke Matt Knox up. The pro wrestling legend is done making jokes.

Hood: No doubt he was feeling high after eliminated Stratford. But you have to maintain your focus throughout this match.

MoMo: Absolutely.

~Meyhu snares Warstein in a side headlock. Warstein’s head aches under the pressure so he shoves Meyhu off him. Matt looks over at Shawn, feeling the sense of urgency behind the shove. Warstein rises up, playing it off. He hits the ropes and charges at Matt...Matt leapfrogs Warstein with ease. Warstein bounces off the ropes and Meyhu leaps up and twists around with a flying forearm into the face of Shawn! Shawn hits the mat and instantly reaches for his head. Meyhu pops back to one knee, staring down at his former teammate~

MoMo: I think Meyhu knows Warstein’s got a wounded head.

Hood: Define ‘wounded head’.

MoMo: You know what I mean. Battered from CYPH3R’s kicks!

Hood: Okay, just asking, man. Relax.

~Meyhu opens his right hand and he grips Warstein around the head with an Iron Claw!! Shawn yells out in pain as Meyhu squeezes, trying to force Warstein to tap out or, I guess, crush his head. Shawn reaches up and grips Meyhu by the nose and rips at it. Matt yells out….his grip weakens and Warstein sits up, eventually getting to his feet. Meyhu maintains his hold on Warstein’s head while Warstein hooks Meyhu’s nose. Shawn backs Meyhu against the ropes and knees him in the gut...Meyhu release his hold. Warstein lets go of his nose and delivers a forearm uppercut, straightening Meyhu out. He grabs Matt by the arm and whips him off the ropes but lifts another knee sending Meyhu flipping over, landing flat on his ass in the center of the ring. The Marvel reaches for his midsection, rolling over in pain. We float on over into Chamber 1~

MoMo: Warstein doing what he can to keep the fresh Matt Meyhu off him. But it’s clear Meyhu has found the source of the blood in the water and is going in for the kill.

Hood: I’m assuming Meyhu got a bye from the first tier due to his spectacular performance in the Wit Trials.

MoMo: Unbeaten until the finale and a former winner of The Great Illuminatus.

Hood: I mean, it makes sense. Just sucks for Warstein.

MoMo: He’s overcome worse. And he’s going to face worse as this match goes on, if he can advance.

~SEB hooks Parker into a side headlock. Parker shoves SEB off! SEB hits the ropes and drops Parker with a shoulder tackle. Parker kips up and stares at SEB. SEB motions for Parker to hit the ropes...Parker does and he knocks SEB over with a shoulder tackle. SEB kips up. Parker does a ‘touche’ nod of the head as the two men circle once more. They lock up again and Parker sends SEB into the ropes...SEB bounces off...Parker leapfrogs the XWF Universal Champion. SEB hits the ropes and Parker takes him over with an armdrag!! SEB pops back to his feet, as does Parker...they lock up again...this time SEB sends Parker into the ropes. SEB leapfrogs Parker. Parker hits the ropes and SEB takes Parker over with an armdrag. Both men pop up to one knee and stare each other down~

MoMo: Two very athletic wrestlers at the top of their game going at it here in Tier 2!

Hood: SEB has the ‘freshness’ advantage. He needs to make good use of it while it remains an advantage.

MoMo: Parker’s got as much resilience as any wrestler I’ve ever seen. So, yea, I’d agree...SEB needs to utilize any advantage he has.

~The two men get back to their feet and they lock up for a third time. Parker snags another side headlock. He feels around SEB’s body...he takes his arm and locks it behind SEB’s back. He continues to feel around and test SEB’s body. There doesn’t seem to be any weak spots. SEB straightens up, wincing as his arm is pinned behind his back. So, he throws a sharp elbow behind him, smacking Parker in the mouth! Parker staggers back and drops to one knee, holding his jaw. SEB turns around and smiles down at Parker as we float back over into Chamber 2~

MoMo: Parker was trying to find a weak spot. Something that got damaged in his previous match but he has no idea SEB beat Sahara in, like, thirty seconds.

Hood: Nope. Meanwhile I think SEB knows Parker’s jaw is fucked up. Sarah Wolf nearly ripped it off trying to beat him in their match.

MoMo: Yep.

~Warstein drops down to one knee and secures a chinlock on Meyhu. It doesn’t last very long as the Marvel powers up and drives three elbows into Warstein’s midsection! Shawn lets go and Meyhu hits the ropes. He charges forward with a clothesline...but Warstein ducks! Meyhu hits the ropes again and Warstein charges in behind him. Meyhu bounces off the ropes and Shawn is there for another knee lift...Meyhu, however, catches the leg and he tosses Warstein over the ropes and onto the apron with a Release Fisherman’s Suplex! Warstein tumbles, landing hard. He tries to sit up but falls back over, holding his head. Meyhu reaches through the ropes, grabbing at Shawn~

MoMo: Tough fall there. Shawn Warstein is in trouble early on.

Hood: Getting a little taste of his own medicine. Meyhu working over a bodypart and, if we’re being honest, probably the most important one.

MoMo: Yes, the brain is pretty important.

Hood: For everyone not named Latoya Hixx.

~Meyhu pulls Warstein through the ropes and hooks him for a draping DDT. But Shawn jabs Meyhu in the ribs. He does this again and again, halting the Marvel. Warstein grabs Meyhu’s leg and pulls it over the middle rope...Warstein then drops to the apron with a dragon screw leg whip, snapping Meyhu’s leg across the middle rope! Meyhu drops down to the mat, clutching his right leg. Warstein gets to his knees and looks into the ring, taking a moment~

MoMo: If it isn’t broke don’t fix it. Warstein took CYPH3R out by focusing on the knee and he’s looking to do the same to Meyhu.

Hood: Meyhu’s leg is a lot bigger than CYPH3R’s. I doubt it’ll be as easy.

MoMo: Plus, Meyhu doesn’t rely on leg strikes as much as CYPH3R does.

Hood: It’s an interesting strategy but, at this point, Warstein needs some sort of equalizer.

~We float on over into Chamber 3. Knox’s knee remains jammed in Raven’s throat. He reaches down, trying to remove the Vita Mors mask...but Raven grabs Knox by the hair and sits up, headbutting him in the face!! Knox stumbles to his feet, staggering back. Raven rises. He marches toward Knox. Knox throws a wild punch that Raven dodges. Raven responds with a short uppercut into Knox’s chin. Knox falls back into the corner. Raven rushes forward, driving his shoulder into Knox’s midsection. He then picks Knox up, spins around and drills him into the mat with a Spinebuster~

MoMo: Knox went for that mask and it seemed to agitate Raven.

Hood: I mean if you wanna piss off a masked dude just try and remove their mask and reveal how ugly they are underneath. Pretty people don’t wear masks, bro.

~Raven wraps both hands around Knox’s throat and deadlifts him off the mat. Knox wears a look of shock as Raven throws him back into the corner. Knox lands hard. Raven charges in with a huge clothesline! Knox comes stumbling forward and Raven catches him, spins around and dumps him on the mat with a huge powerslam!! Knox groans, wincing on the mat, favoring his back. Raven rises to his feet, staring down at ‘The Raven’ as we float back over into Chamber 2~

MoMo: Knox, like SEB, had the advantage of being relatively fresh heading into Tier 2. That advantage seems to be gone.

Hood: To be fair, Alexander Raven looks like he just stepped out of a cryo chamber or something. Dude isn’t hurting at all.

MoMo: Can he be hurt? What has that mask done to him?

~Shawn pulls himself up on the outside and climbs up the ropes. He sits on the top rope and balances himself on the middle rope...he jumps off and drives a foot into Meyhu’s knee! Meyhu reaches for his knee, laying on the mat. Shawn grabs the right leg and looks to work it over like he did to CYPH3R. But, Meyhu takes his free leg and boots Warstein in the gut. Shawn stumbles back, doubling over. Meyhu kicks Warstein in the face with the free leg, sending Shawn flying back into the corner, his head rocked! Meyhu fires up, getting to one leg as he rubs and tends to his right knee~

MoMo: Those one legged kicks of Meyhu carried a lot more force than CYPH3R’s.

Hood: Yep. Warstein underestimated how much strength a one legged Meyhu has...it temporarily blew up his plan.

MoMo: Yea but, to Shawn’s credit, that right leg of Meyhu does seem a little compromised.

Hood: Not as compromised as Shawn’s head.

~Meyhu gets to his feet and goes after Warstein. Shawn throws a kick at Meyhu’s knee...but the Marvel just absorbs it and stumbles forward, delivering a right hand to Shawn’s head. Warstein is rocked. Meyhu hits him again and again, punching Warstein in the head over and over until he drops to his knees in the corner. Meyhu palms Warstein’s head and presses forward, forcing Shawn to look at him. Meyhu balls up his fist...but Shawn dives into Meyhu’s knee, driving his shoulder into the right knee cap!! Meyhu stumbles into the corner, dropping to one knee and hugging the middle buckle as Shawn rolls toward the center of the ring, holding his head~

MoMo: Warstein’s making up some ground but is the damage already done?

Hood: He’s not gonna give up. Guy may have brain leaking out of his skull but he won’t stop fighting until the match is over.

MoMo: That’s why he’s one of the very best to ever do this

~We float on over into Chamber 1. Parker gets back to his feet only for SEB to grip him by the chin. He backs Parker against the ropes...but Sean kicks SEB in the gut, sending him stumbling back. Parker charges up and runs forward...only for SEB to take him down with a drop toehold!! SEB immediately takes Parker’s back, snags his arm and applies a crossface!! His hands lock underneath Parker’s chin as he slides the hold back and forth, working Parker’s chin and jaw. Parker yells out in pain, his face still stained with the black shit~

MoMo: Tremendous awareness here by SEB. A toe hold into a crossface to work over Sean’s injured jaw. Smart.

Hood: Nobody ever accused SEB of being stupid. Or bad looking.

MoMo: What have they accused him of?

Hood: Having one-too-many last names.

~Parker fights to all fours. SEB keeps the hold applies, preferring to do as much damage to Sean’s jaw as possible rather than take flight. Parker reaches back and grabs SEB by the head...he then flips him over with a Snapmare! SEB hits the mat hard. Parker dives down into SEB’s back with a forearm smash!! SEB arches his back in pain. Parker gets back to his feet...he hits the ropes and he charges forward for Masamune Decapitation...but SEB sprawls out and pushes up with his hands, tossing his feet around Parker’s head for a headscissors takedown! Parker holds his ground, breaks free and snags SEB around the waist. He then tosses him over with a Wheelbarrow Suplex!! SEB flies back, the back of his head slamming against the bottom rope! He instantly curls up, holding his head and neck in pain~

MoMo: Great back and forth between these two. I’m not sure it was intended but it appears Parker has hurt SEB’s neck.

Hood: I’d take a sore jaw over a sore neck...just saying.

MoMo: SEB’s advantage is waning away. Parker is elevating himself in this match with every passing moment.

Hood: Yep. The XWF Universal Champion is being put to the test.

~We float back over into Chamber 2. Warstein fights to his feet. His equilibrium off, he stumbles a bit. Meyhu is still hugging the second buckle. Shawn charges in and dives at the back of Meyhu’s right leg...but Meyhu jumps up onto the second buckle and Warstein rams his head into the turnbuckle. He staggers back as Meyhu leaps off with an inverted crossbody!! He takes Shawn down. Meyhu fires back to his feet and leans into the ropes while Warstein gets to his feet. Meyhu shoots off the ropes and throws HUBRIS at Warstein...but Warstein ducks! Meyhu spins around and Warstein kicks Meyhu in the side of his right knee. He drops to one knee. Warstein lifts a knee into Meyhu’s face, knocking the Marvel to the mat~

MoMo: Much like his first match against CYPH3R this one is very even.

Hood: Yep. Warstein is fighting from underneath here and he’s making the most of it.

MoMo: Evening the odds, for sure.

~Warstein grabs Meyhu’s right leg and he kicks at the knee a bit. He spins around, looking to lock in a figure four but Meyhu kicks him in the ass Warstein staggers forward. Meyhu kips up...his right knee buckles a bit. Shawn hits the ropes and bounces off. He charges at Meyhu with a roaring elbow!! Meyhu ducks! But Meyhu catches Shawn and throws him over his head with an over the head belly to belly throw! He sends Warstein over the top rope and flat on his back against the stone floor outside the ring!! Shawn arches his back in pain before rolling over, reaching for his spine and kicking his foot against the ground. Meyhu takes a knee, catching his breath as we float back into Chamber 3~

MoMo: Tremendous strength exhibited there by Matt Meyhu. Warstein’s strategy of going for the knee may not be enough to get in the win.

Hood: Always time to call an audible.

MoMo: True but is it too late in the match to completely re-work your plan?

Hood: Good question.

~Knox tries to crawl away from Raven. But Raven stomps on his back sending pain shooting through Knox, halting his path. Alexander then grabs Knox by the hair and pulls him to his feet. He whips him into a corner, violently. Knox hits hard and leans forward. Alexander measures him up and charges in...but Matt falls to the mat, avoiding the impact! Raven hits the buckles with tremendous force! He stumbles back and Knox takes him over with a schoolboy...but, instead of going for the pin he dives on top of Raven and reaches for the mask~

MoMo: Knox has been in TRIAD long enough to know this isn’t your ordinary pro wrestling world. That mask might be the source of Raven’s newfound power.

Hood: I’d certainly try to get rid of it. Nothing else about Raven has, from what I can tell, changed.

MoMo: He may as well. It’s getting late here in Tier 2 and he’s running out of opportunities.

~Knox gets his hands under the mask and starts to remove it...but Raven punches Knox in the heart. Knox stands up and backs away, holding his chest...his heart beating in an irregular fashion. Raven stands, adjusting his mask. He charges toward Knox. Knox backs away, wearing a look of fear...he backs up toward the ropes. Alexander rushes in and Knox drops to the mat, holding down the top rope!! Raven flips over the top rope and lands hard on the apron! Knox takes off across the ring. Raven pulls himself up. Knox bounces off the ropes, charges in, and blasts Raven in the face with a big boot over the top rope!! Raven’s body slams into the stone wall. Knox’s momentum carries him over the top rope as he finds his footing on the apron. He marches forward, grabbing Raven by the head and slamming it repeatedly into the stone as we float back over into Chamber 2~

MoMo: Knox fighting back. Using that situational awareness to catch Raven in a trap.

Hood: Now he’s got to get that mask off. If he can do that, I feel like he’s got a shot.

MoMo: I’d agree.

~Warstein gets to his feet on the outside. Meyhu watches. Shawn nears the ropes. Meyhu takes off and dives through the ropes with a spear!! But Warstein catches him, hooking Matt’s head under his arm!! He’s got him hooked for a draping DDT onto the stone...but Meyhu shoves Shawn off of him! Warstein’s body slams into the stone, the back of his head knocking against the surface!! He stumbles forward as Meyhu leans down and hoists him up for a back body drop into the ring!! But Shawn holds onto Meyhu as he flips over the top rope and he pulls The Marvel over with a Sunset Flip!!! Instead of going for a pin, however, he hooks Meyhu’s right leg and rolls over, locking the knee and twisting on it! Meyhu yells out reaching for his leg in pain~

MoMo: Tremendous counter and then re-counter! Both these competitors are showing the experience that comes with war after war in this profession.

Hood: The stage nor the mystique surrounding it as either man shook. They are right at home, taking their time, trying to find a winning advantage.

~Shawn wrenches on the leg. Meyhu takes his free leg and he kicks Shawn in the face. He does it again and again...Warstein lets the hold go as he lays back, eyes glazed over. Meyhu curls up, holding his right knee. Warstein crawls for the ropes and pulls himself up, fighting through a potential concussion. He sees Meyhu on his knees and he charges forward with KING’S CROWN!!! But Meyhu pops up, catches Warstein and drills him into the mat with a powerbomb!!! Warstein is down!! Meyhu stumbles into a nearby corner, nursing his right leg as we float back over into Chamber 1~

MoMo: Insane. Meyhu’s power is incredible. Marvelous, even. He’s able to do with one leg what most require two.

Hood: It appears Shawn’s all in on working the leg. We’ll see if it pays off.

MoMo: To his credit, Meyhu is weakening. It’s just tough when he can legitimately knock you out via one shot of his other leg.

~Parker spins around and sees SEB favoring his neck. He rushes in, snaring SEB by the hair...SEB gets to his feet and punches Parker in the midsection, trying to keep him at bay. But, Parker knees SEB in the gut and applies a front facelock. He twists and turns on SEB’s head and neck. SEB drops to one knee, the pressure sending paralyzing shocks through his system. SEB fires back up and hooks Parker around the waist for a Northern Lights Suplex...but Parker wrenches on SEB’s neck, spins him around and drops him with a swinging neckbreaker!! SEB reaches for his neck, rolling around the mat in pain as Parker sits up, catching his breath~

MoMo: Parker taking control right now. An injured neck poses a lot of problems.

Hood: Yep, just ask Knox.

MoMo: Get away from that 4th wall.

~Parker doesn’t allow complacency to set in. He fires up and gets back to his feet. He pulls SEB up and slams him into the nearest corner. Parker hammers him with some forearm uppercuts that send SEB’s head snapping back. Each one more impactful than the previous. Parker pulls SEB out of the corner and eyes the ropes...perhaps looking for a springboard stunner or something to that effect. But, SEB utilizes this momentary pause to grab Parker by the head and sit out, nailing him with a jawbreaker!!! Parker falls to the mat, holding his jaw in pain as SEB clutches his neck~

MoMo: Tremendous move there by SEB. It was clear Parker was preparing to hit something SEB might not have been able to come back from.

Hood: Yep. It’s easy when you get in the heat of battle to forget your own injuries as you focus on the limitations of your opponent. And, well, it always costs ya.

MoMo: Adrenaline is a hell of a drug.

~We float back over into Chamber 2. Meyhu seems ready. Warstein is slowly rising to his feet. Meyhu charges forward with HUBRIS!!! It nearly takes Shawn’s head off!! Warstein turns inside out, landing hard on the mat. Meyhu drops down and makes the cover. He looks around for a ref...one materializes right in front of him. It’s that same strange being. It makes the count...Meyhu watches, a bit of confused concern on his face~

KICK OUT!!

MoMo: Warstein kicked out!

Hood: Meyhu getting his first look at...whatever that thing is in there.

~Meyhu sits up on his knees, eyeing the creature. Warstein, despite all his pain comments, “Yea, those things are fucking weird.” Meyhu looks down at Warstein, “Right?” he then drills Shawn in the head with a double axe handle! Warstein rolls away, under the ropes and to the apron for some respite. Meyhu returns to his feet and turns to look at the being again but it’s gone. He looks around to try and find it...but, instead, all he’s met with is Shawn springboard off the top rope with a drop kick into Meyhu’s right knee! The Marvel falls to the mat as we float back over into Chamber 3~

MoMo: Can’t lose your focus, Meyhu.

Hood: Keep that head on a swivel, champ!

~Raven drops to one knee, his head smashed repeatedly into the stone. Knox grabs onto the mask and he pulls with all his might...he rips it free!! Raven’s face is revealed and it’s battered and bloodied from the stone wall shots. Knox spits on the mask and tosses it to the side. He grabs Raven by the hair and slings him back into the ring, through the ropes. Knox heads for the nearest corner where he promptly ascends to the top. Raven is on his feet, stumbling around. Knox dives off the top with a Meteora! It drives the back of Raven’s head into the mat!! Raven’s legs fly up and Knox catches them for the pin!! The being materializes and makes the count~

3...NO!

MoMo: Raven kicks out right before the three!

Hood: No mask. No spooky powers. He’s gonna have to do this himself.

MoMo: He’s got it in him. I believe in him!

Hood: Well, at least he’s got one person backing him.

~Knox pulls Raven up and whips him into a corner, hard. Raven slams into the buckles. Knox charges in and drills Raven with a massive clothesline!! Knox backs up, allowing Raven to stumble his way. Knox then hoists Raven up and spins around with an Alabama Slam!!! Alexander is ROCKED! The entire chamber shakes from impact. Knox fires back up to his feet...but he pauses as something lurking in the corner catches his eye. He stomps on Raven a few times, keeping watch. Is it another ghostly family member? We float back over into Chamber 2~

MoMo: Knox is seeing things again.

Hood: That’s a sure fire sign of syphilis.

MoMo: Is it?

Hood: I think so? I don’t know. One of those sex diseases causes hallucinations I’m pretty sure.

~Meyhu struggles to get to his feet...he finally does only to have his leg taken out from behind by Warstein!! Meyhu crumbles to the mat!! Shawn grabs onto Meyhu’s leg and he immediately applies a single leg boston crab!!! Meyhu yells out, center of the ring. The being reappears, staring down at him. Meyhu looks up and screams ‘NO NO’...can’t tell if that’s declining to submit or demanding that thing stay away from him. Either way he’s in pain as Shawn continues to lean back, giving the hold everything he’s got~

MoMo: Uh oh...Meyhu is in trouble!

Hood: I’ll be damned. If Warstein pulls this off I’ll tip my cap. Basically like chopping down a redwood.

MoMo: He’s remaining focused. He isn’t wavering. Consistency usually prevails.

~We float back over into Chamber 1. Parker struggles to the ropes, trying to pull himself up. But he gets slugged across the face by SEB! Parker falls over the middle rope...half in, half out, his arms hanging over the rope. SEB kicks him in the back of the head before exiting through the ropes and measuring Sean up. SEB charges forward and kicks Parker right in the face!! Parker flails back into the ring, blood leaking from his mouth. SEB enters and kicks Parker over onto his stomach...he then sits on Parker’s back and applies a camel clutch, working Parker’s jaw. Sean has blood running down his chin as he spits and yells, trying to fire himself up~

MoMo: Parker’s jaw might be dislocated...or worse.

Hood: Ya know some pornstars can dislocate their jaws.

MoMo: That’s information I really didn’t need at this moment.

~Parker seems like he might be going out. SEB applies as much pressure as he can. One of those creepy beings materializes and watches, waiting for Parker to give it up. Parker’s arms weaken...he’s about to face plant into the mat...but then, he fires up! He digs down deep like he did in Tier 1 and fights up to all fours!! SEB looks around, shocked at Parker’s resilience!!! Parker gets to his feet and he charges backward, slamming SEB into the corner!! SEB holds onto Parker’s chin...so Parker slams him again and this time the back of SEB’s neck hits the top buckle...he lets Parker go and falls to one knee as Sean stumbles into the ropes, holding his chin~

MoMo: Sean Parker showing tremendous resilience...deep down this man believes he is the one to unite the TRIAD!

Hood: That he does. You have to believe in yourself, man. If you don’t nobody else is going to.

MoMo: That’s no lie.

~We float back over into Chamber 2 where Warstein continues to work Meyhu’s leg in the single legged Boston Crab. Meyhu rises up with both hands and using the tremendous strength he has with his free leg, he’s able to kick at Warstein and weaken the hold. Shawn, though, holds onto Meyhu’s right leg, flips him over and seamlessly locks in a Figure Four!! Meyhu sits up, using both hands and glares at Warstein...pain shooting through his body. Warstein stares back at him, his eyes still glazed over from the head trauma...he punches at Meyhu’s leg and yells at him to submit but Meyhu says ‘never’ and he falls back, grimacing in pain, looking toward the ropes as Warstein gives the hold everything he’s got~

MoMo: And now Warstein has him in a Figure Four. Meyhu isn’t immortal...at some point that leg is gonna break.

Hood: He may not be immortal but he’s as close to it as any man I’ve ever seen. Warstein continues to fight this uphill battle but I’ll be damned if he isn’t nearing the summit.

~We float on over into Chamber 3 where Knox stomps on Raven while eyeing the figure lurking in the shadows. Knox leaves Raven and nears the corner of the ring, trying to land a visual or an identity on who this person may be. Raven rolls onto all fours, fighting through the pain. Knox is standing in the corner, narrowing his vision to get a better look. Raven then flies in with a huge splash, wrecking Knox against the buckles!! He then pulls Knox over for a roll up!! The strange being appears to make the count~

3!!!

NO!

MoMo: Knox kicked out! He kicked out!

Hood: Stay focused, Knox.

MoMo: I don’t know who he thinks he sees in there but it’s becoming a big distraction.

~Knox’s kickout sends Raven flying to his feet and stumbling into the corner. Knox hurries to his feet...Raven launches out of the corner with a knee lift but Knox dodges it and wraps his hand around Raven’s throat. He bullies him back and thrusts his arm forward, sending Raven flipping over the top rope and to the apron. Knox steps through the ropes and grabs Raven, slinging him into the stone wall like a sack of shit. He then looks toward the figure in the dark and motions for them to step out. We finally see what Knox sees...a man emerges from the darkness and Knox immediately recognizes him~

MoMo: It’s Marcus Welsh!

Hood: So he IS in the pyramid.

MoMo: I can’t tell if this is good for Knox or not.

Hood: Where is PIC? I don’t want Welsh to fuck this shit up and have the pyramid explode, killing us all.

MoMo: PIC’s in there somewhere!

two

~We float back over into Chamber 2. Meyhu slams his palms into the mat...his body soaked with sweat as Warstein keeps the Figure Four applied. Meyhu begins to crab walk, as best he can, toward the ropes. Warstein shakes and sends increasing pressure into Meyhu’s legs, praying he’ll get a tap. Meyhu finally reaches the ropes and grabs them from behind. But the being does not stop the match. Meyhu is like ‘wtf’. The being just watches. Warstein smiles and slams his fist into Meyhu’s leg a few times as Meyhu rips at his hair with both hands, the pain starting to become too much~

MoMo: They want to see if Meyhu has what it takes to break free without the aid of the ropes, I think.

Hood: They? Are these creatures part of the TRIAD?

MoMo: Maybe? I mean they are here. They seem to be some sort of governing body.

Hood: And where is Tony the Spider?

MoMo: At this point, who knows.

~We float back into Chamber 1. SEB fires out of his corner and looks to lock Parker in NIGHTFALL (Sleeper Hold). Parker has this scouted and he bends at the knees and jumps back as hard as he can, slamming SEB into the corner a third time!! SEB is rocked. Parker spins around and charges forward, lifting a knee into SEB’s head. He then takes off, running toward the opposite corner where he kicks off and sprints toward SEB, leaping through the air with a HUGE splash!! But SEB moves!!! Parker lands on the top buckle and gets hung up. SEB spins around and starts kicking Parker in the midsection, sending him bouncing up and down on the top buckle before spinning Parker around, facing the ring and hitting a CODEBREAKER!! Parker flips over and lands on his knees, his jaw leaking blood. SEB grabs his neck and fights through the pain, reaching for the ropes to get to his feet~

MoMo: Parker is in deep trouble!

Hood: SEB’s got him!

~SEB runs past Parker. Parker struggles to his feet. SEB hits the ropes and charges at Parker. He leaps into the air with EMPIRE KICK!!!! But Parker avoids the kick and grabs SEB as he flies by and drops him with a NECKBREAKER!! SEB hits hard and sits up, his body seizing up from the pain. Parker kips up, he hits the ropes, he bounces off and he drills SEB in the back of the neck with Masamune Decapitation!!!! SEB flatlines. Parker makes the cover!! The being appears and makes the count~

3!!!!!

MoMo: SEB has been eliminated!

Hood: Sean Parker advances! What a win for Parker!

MoMo: He just beat the XWF Universal Champion!

Hood: There’s nothing this young man can’t achieve!

MoMo: And now he’s moving on to Tier 3!

~Parker struggles to his feet, stumbling into a corner, holding his mouth. He watches as the being removes SEB from the ring...Parker looks on with a great deal of respect in his eyes for the pro wrestling champion. He then takes a seat in the corner, catching his breath and hoping his jaw can get right in time before he ascends to the next level. We then float on over into Chamber 2. Meyhu is flat on his back...he raises his hand like he’s about to tap out...he hears the count of 1,2,3 in the chamber next to them and can taste the bitterness of defeat. Meyhu violent spins his body, reversing the hold!! The pain shoots into Warstein’s legs as he yells out, pushing up with both hands. Meyhu reaches for the ropes, applying added pressure~

MoMo: Meyhu heard the three count that eliminated SEB. A harsh reminder of what awaits the person who loses focus or gives up.

Hood: Yep, it can all end in a flash and none of these competitors want that.

MoMo: They all believe they can unite the TRIAD.

~Warstein untangles the legs, freeing himself from the pain. He struggles to his feet. Meyhu sits up against the ropes. Shawn charges in at him with a knee...but Meyhu ducks and Warstein’s leg slings through the ropes, spinning him around. Meyhu is on his feet...he kicks Warstein in the gut and drops him with a DDT!! Warstein’s head plants into the mat, nearly knocking him out. Meyhu sits up, forgoing the cover and working on his knee while he’s got a window to do so. We then float back over into Chamber 3~

MoMo: I think Shawn has finally leveled the playing field with Meyhu. The question is whether or not he can get across the goal line.

Hood: Yea, Matt’s leg is in pretty rough shape. But so is Shawn’s head. One more blow to that skull of his and he may be knocked out.

MoMo: Mhm and it’s difficult to knock someone out by hitting them in the knee.

Hood: Only one man I know who could do such a thing.

MoMo: Who is that?

Hood: Chet Dakota

MoMo: Oh geez

~Knox tells Welsh to get fucked. Welsh smiles and points at Raven, letting Knox know that Raven is returning to his feet. Knox charges forward and delivers a huge splash onto Raven, up against the stone wall. Raven collapses to his knees...Knox snares Raven and slings him back into the ring, through the ropes. Knox looks over at Welsh, surprised. Welsh extends his hand, “You help me. I help you. Let’s win this together.” Knox looks down at Welsh’s hand and thinks~

MoMo: I knew it! Welsh still wants the TRIAD for himself and he’s hoping Knox will get him there.

Hood: Well, Knox wouldn’t have a spot inside The Great Illuminatus if it weren’t for Welsh so...he does owe him something.

MoMo: This isn’t fair. We’re looking at a potential 2 on 1 scenario. That’s not how this is supposed to be united!

~Knox reaches out to take Welsh’s hand. Marcus smiles...Knox then punches Welsh in the face!!! Welsh falls to the ground, instantly knocked out. Knox spits on Welsh and tells him to fuck off. He turns around to head back into the ring but gets met with a bicycle kick from Raven, over the top rope, and into his face!! Knox is staggered on the apron. Raven spins Knox around and hooks him...he then hoists him onto his back and carries him into the ring...he’s got Knox in position for Raven’s Spine!!!! Knox wiggles and tries to break free...he does and he lands on his feet behind Raven. Raven spins around and Knox nearly decapitates him with Little Drop of Poison!!! Raven turns inside out and hits the mat. Knox makes the cover...the being appears and makes the count~

3...NO!

MoMo: Shoulder up for Alexander Raven!

Hood: Man, Knox. I might’ve taken that offer.

MoMo: Why? Knox believes he can do this on his own. Plus...you really think Welsh is going to share that thing with anybody?

Hood: Eh, good point.

~We float back into Chamber 2. Meyhu is on his feet, limping around. Warstein gets to all fours...Meyhu kicks him in the side of the head. Warstein flips over onto his back…a far away gaze in his eyes. Meyhu pulls him off the mat and brings him in for EGO TRIP (Flatliner). But Warstein kicks at Meyhu’s injured leg. Meyhu’s leg buckles. He looks at Warstein...concern in the eyes of the Marvel. Warstein kicks him again and again….Meyhu’s leg isn’t gonna hold up. He kicks him again and Meyhu falls to one knee~

MoMo: He’s chopped him down!

Hood: That’s fear in Meyhu’s eyes!

~Warstein takes off...he hits the ropes and charges at Meyhu with KING’S CROWN!!! But Meyhu pops up and catches him for a powerbomb!! However, Meyhu’s right leg won’t hold...he stumbles back and falls, dropping Warstein on the top buckle with SNAKE EYES!! Meyhu struggles to his feet as Warstein spins around...Meyhu grabs him and drops him with EGO TRIP!!!! Warstein flips over and Meyhu makes the cover...the being appears for the count~

3!!!!

MoMo: Shawn Warstein has been eliminated!!!

Hood: Holy shit. Meyhu somehow survived that.

MoMo: Warstein was fighting uphill all match and damn near pulled it off. Amazing effort.

Hood: And now Meyhu carries an injured leg into Tier 3.

MoMo: Yep. Warstein might not have won The Great Illuminatus but he could have cost Meyhu his shot at immortality.

~The being removes Warstein as Meyhu staggers forward to try and stop them, unsure of what the fate of his fellow warrior and former teammate might be. But, there’s no sense in the effort...the being is too strong and too elusive. They can’t be stopped or caught. Warstein is removed as Meyhu leans over the middle rope staring into the darkness with uncertainty in his eyes. We float back over into Chamber 3 for our final match of Tier 2~

three

MoMo: So Matt Meyhu and Sean Parker advance. Who will join them...Alexander Raven or Matt Knox?

Hood: Let’s find out.

~Knox slams the mat with his fist. He then punches Raven in the head a few times. Welsh starts to wake up and he spots the Vita Mors mask nearby. He slowly crawls for it. Knox gets to his feet and pulls Raven up...he hoists Raven onto his shoulders for Into the Void (GTS)!!! Welsh snares the Vita Mors mask. Raven slams his elbow into Knox’s ear several times until Knox lets him go and Alexander drops down. He then hoists Knox up and drops him with a Samoan Drop!! Knox is down and Raven sits up, catching his breath~

MoMo: Welsh has the Vita Mors mask.

Hood: You think he’s gonna put it on?

MoMo: I don’t know. But whatever he does with it is not going to aid Knox, I’m afraid.

~Welsh crawls toward the ring and offers Raven the Vita Mors mask. Raven crawls toward Welsh and takes it. Welsh pats Raven on the back as Raven stands up and looks at the mask. He then looks at Knox~

MoMo: What’s he thinking about?

Hood: No clue. But the fact he hasn’t immediately put that thing on is interesting.

~Raven sees Knox slowly getting to one knee...he then tosses the mask out of the ring, back to Welsh. Welsh catches it and looks up like ‘wtf are you doing?’ Raven heads after Knox!~

MoMo: Raven refused the mask!

Hood: Ya know? I think he wants to win this AS Alexander Raven. Prove he’s the better Raven!

MoMo: Maybe. That’s a bold move.

Hood: Fortune favors the bold, MoMan. I’m down with it.

~Raven pulls Knox up and gets him on his back for Raven’s Spine!!! But Knox wiggles free and lands behind Raven. He shoves him forward and into a corner. Raven hits front first. Knox charges in with a clothesline...but Raven throws a mule kick into Knox’s got. Knox stumbles back. Raven turns around and hammers Knox with right hands. Knox responds with right hands of his own. Welsh leans over the bottom rope, watching in awe at the two pro wrestling stars shining before his eyes~

MoMo: Back and forth back and forth...Raven and Knox exchanging right hands!

Hood: Each man teetering on the edge of defeat.

MoMo: Who will prevail and earn a spot in Tier 3?

~Raven starts to prevail!! Knox is getting hammered with right hands...so he lifts a knee to stop Raven. Raven doubles over. Knox turns his back on Raven to rake off but Raven drills him in the kidney with a forearm! Knox leans back, in pain. Raven then picks him up for RAVEN’S SPINE!!!! Knox kicks his legs...he breaks free and lands on his feet behind Raven. Raven spins around and Knox slugs him in the face. Raven is ROCKED! Knox hoists him up onto his shoulders for INTO THE VOID!! Knox tosses him up and Raven comes down!!! But Raven holds onto Knox’s head and takes him over with a Small Package!! The being appears with the count~

3!!!!!

MoMo: He did it! He did it!

Hood: I can’t believe it!

~Welsh throws his hands in the air, falling back onto the apron and kicking his legs with glee. Raven pops back to his feet, stumbling around...his face a battered mess...a happy, battered mess. He leans in a corner, looking down at Knox. Knox sits up and stares at the mat in disbelief~

MoMo: Matt Knox has been eliminated!

Hood: Alexander Raven is heading to Tier 3. I repeat...ALEXANDER RAVEN IS HEADING TO TIER 3!

~The being grabs hold of Knox. Knox tries to fight it off but it’s too strong. Knox looks over at Raven and sees Welsh entering the ring. Knox yells out, “Don’t listen to him, Raven! You do this shit on your own!” Knox can’t resist as he’s soon dragged into the darkness, vanishing from sight. Raven looks down at Welsh who offers the Vita Mors mask. Welsh says, “I always knew you had it in you, OG. Here...I think you’re gonna need this for what awaits. Let’s do this together.” Raven looks down and takes the mask. Welsh pats him on the arm and raises his hand in victory~

MoMo: Oh that’s such bullshit! Welsh never had that kind of confidence in Raven. He’s just saying that now because Raven is his best shot to get his hands on the TRIAD!

Hood: He drafted Raven, didn’t he? This might be the start of a beautiful friendship, MoMo.

MoMo: IF Raven accepts. He didn’t agree to anything.

Hood: He didn’t say ‘no’ either.

MoMo: Regardless...Raven chose to do it himself and he vanquished the #1 Raven in pro wrestling. Does that mean Alexander is now THE Raven?

Hood: It does to me.

~Raven turns, hearing the door open. His next key visible. Welsh pats him on the back and leads the way as Raven looks down at the Vita Mors mask and slowly follows him into the opening. We float on into Chamber 2. Meyhu is limping into his new opening, snaring his lime key while looking, nervously at his knee. Then we float into Chamber 1 where Sean Parker’s face...covered in black shit and blood inserts the key into its lock, as the stone door behind him shuts. We zoom out to an exterior shot of The Great Illuminatus. TLS picks up his phone and sends a text to PIC “Welsh is heading to Tier 3 with Alexander Raven.”~

MoMo: TLS trying to get word to PIC.

Hood: Can he put some clothes on, sheesh.

MoMo: It’s TRIAD’s final event. The man wants to be comfortable.

~The second level of the pyramid shakes off the grime and dust revealing the same shiny, metallic looking exterior underneath. It emits a penetrating light that nearly blinds TLS. Once finished, more grass sprouts from the ground surrounding the pyramid. A few small trees emerge. The place is slowly turning into the beginnings of an oasis. TLS regains his vision and looks around. He then looks down at his phone “Message failed to send.” He curses~

MoMo: Alright folks...the pyramid continues to, apparently, come to life as the wrestlers advance upward. Tier 3 is next and I have no idea what awaits...all I know is Matt Meyhu, Sean Parker, and Alexander Raven move on with Kieran King, Catalina Cortes, and Vhodka Black still in there, somewhere.

Hood: The stakes continue to raise, my man. Say, is that an apple tree near the pyramid?

MoMo: I’d leave that alone if I were you.

Hood: Ah, temptation.

MoMo: Let’s all catch our breath as we await the beginning of Tier 3.

~One more shot of The Great Illuminatus is shown. Tiers 1 and 2 shining via a majestic metallic exterior and an increasing about of lush, green foliage rising around it. We then fade away~

four

Temple of Artemis. One of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Like much of our history it came to ruin around 356 BC. A man known as Herostratus set fire to the ancient wonder, burning it to the ground. Amid the chaos, thieves roamed the debris, seeking treasure.

One such thief stumbled upon the greatest treasure imaginable. A metallic object giving off a heavenly light. He snatched it and took off before being seen.

A man of low wit, he was soon captured for attempting to steal food and was brought to court in Pelia, the capital of Macedonia. King Philip II tried him.

When it became clear he was nearing certain death, the thief remembered a story he heard while rummaging through the damage back at the Temple of Artemis. The story of how King Philip II’s son was born on the very day the temple burned down.

The thief concocted a tale about how he had heard about the young prince’s birth and sought to deliver a gift to the child. This gift was The TRIAD.

King Philip II was enamored with the beauty of the TRIAD and accepted the gift on the thief’s behalf, releasing him with the condition he never return to Macedonia or speak of the TRIAD to anyone.

The TRIAD was then placed under the crib of King Philip II’s son, Alexander III.

Alexander III grew strong and confident. At a young age he recognized the TRIAD and its power. He developed an understanding for it that few could acquire.

At 20 years old he became King of Macedonia and would embark on a reign still talked about today.

His conquests would expand his empire and give him the nickname ‘Alexander the Great’.

Each battle a foregone conclusion as his armies entered wielding the TRIAD. Filled with power none could match.

After years of military dominance, Alexander the Great grew increasingly ruthless. Putting the innocent men of the cities he conquered to death and selling the innocent women and children into slavery. Like most, the TRIAD and it’s power had turned him cruel and arrogant.

A man whose family had been butchered appeared at a camp inhabited by some of Alexander’s more prominent military figures. He relayed a story of an artifact taken from The Temple of Artemis and given to Alexander at birth. An artifact of great power. Power that would enable a man to conquer the world. When asked how he knew about this artifact, he revealed he was the thief who delivered it to King Philip II.

This was when the secret of the TRIAD began to spread. Others in his army eager to attain the godlike status of their leader developed designs on attaining the TRIAD for themselves.

Plots thickened around Alexander the Great and he soon fell ill under mysterious circumstances. Days into his illness with death looming as an ironclad certainty, Alexander began to regret his recent actions and looked at the TRIAD a curse rather than a blessing.

He ordered a man he most trusted to take the TRIAD and place it deep within the catacombs of the Library of Alexandria. A place most would never think to look for an all powerful weapon.

The man did as ordered and left Alexander’s side. Alexander the Great would die three days later.

Alexander’s men looked high and low for the TRIAD but they could not find it. Word of the holy man tasked with delivering it to the great library never escaped its intended chamber.

The army decided to continue its voyage of world conquest without the TRIAD and they became disjointed. Disorganized. Eventually, they began to fall and all that was gained became lost.

The Macedonian Empire would inevitably collapse.