The quest for immortality isn’t for the weak.

In a world full of people vying for interchangeable conquests there stands one goal, one group, and one gain above all.

12 have risen above the rest. Their goal? The Triad.

An ancient power that was lost. An artifact with power that goes beyond the scope of our limited imaginations.

Some seek glory. Some lust for fame. Others greed for wealth. Will the truest machinations outweigh the materialistic?

Every competitor has watched the process unfold. Their eyes and ears have absorbed the story that’s been told. But only 23 had the soul to enter the fold.

The 23 strong, confident competitors made their case. They jockeyed and positioned themselves throughout the chase. Each determined to secure their place.

In the end, only 12 were deemed brave enough to fight. A tough choice but one necessary given the trials in sight. A process that will eventually locate the one brave enough to enter the light.

It began as all legends do, a rumor. A rumor skeptics washed away as fodder for fools. When the rumor turned into a whisper the naysayers dwindled. Skeptics maintained their front even if they kept a peripheral watch on the proceedings.

Two months later the whisper has grown into an undeniable shout. The Triad exists. And so does the one with the power to unite it.

You’ve all waited patiently. Whether it be within or without. And tonight, your patience starts to be rewarded.

The Trials are here. The twelve bravest wrestlers the world has to offer are ready. A series of five events begins as these competitors prepare to give everything they have to prove they are the most worthy.

We begin in Miami. A city renowned for its nightlife. Beloved for its frivolity. Bemoaned for its vice.

Like the eve of most expeditions, tonight is ripe for celebration. Those who can keep an eye on the prize will ultimately succeed. Others who may be tempted or even swayed by the allure this vice of a city has to offer will falter.

It’s the first night of many. And, regardless of how fun and exciting things may feel, keep one thing in mind. This journey is anything but. The danger is real. And the deeper we dig the more treacherous things become.

As a wise man once said, it’s time for me to shut the fuck up and let the talented people do their thing.

Let the Trials Begin!

~We instantly cut to Lummus Park Beach! The sun is still out and the fans are going crazy! The TRIAD ring is set up on the beach. Sand surrounding it. The mat features the TRIAD logo. The ropes pink, blue, and white. The ring apron black with ‘TRIAD’ displayed proudly across each side. The steps and posts a light grey to match the ring mat. Volleyball netting is used as a barricade to keep the fans on the beach back. There isn’t much order to this. It appears to be a ‘come one, come all’ seating setup. Fans have arrived and the beach is packed. Local vendors take advantage of the crowd swell by walking around selling beer, jello shots, you call it. Surrounding the ring is merely sand. No floor. No padding. Good old fashioned, white beach sand. The ocean isn’t far away. A steady, beach breeze functions as nature’s AC blowing through the people and across the ring with a steady, comforting presence. The sky is clear. The heavens are gracing us with perfect weather for TRIAD’s debut event. One fan picks up that we’re live and points it out to the people around him. This begins a ‘TRIAD! TRIAD! TRIAD!’ chant~

MoMo: Hello everyone and welcome to the inaugural, debut, first ever episode of TRIAD! Tonight we begin the Trials…Bravery Trials where, after the end of a 10 week schedule of grueling competition one brave wrestler will claim a piece of the TRIAD. It’s…

Voice; Ahem

MoMo: I almost forgot! Let me welcome in my broadcast partner…Leo!

Leo: Aww yea.

MoMo: I look forward to getting to know you, Leo.

Leo: As you should.

MoMo: For those of you unfamiliar with TRIAD I’ll catch you up real quick. Over the next 8 weeks we will host four trials. Each Trial comprised of four triple threats. Each competitor representing one of three teams. The winner of each match will earn 2 points. Points for their individual score as well as their team score. The competitor who avoids being the victim of the pinfall will earn 1 point. And, the competitor who gets pinned or is the victim of the ‘fall’ will get zero points.

Leo: Take a breath.

MoMo: After four weeks these points will be tabulated and the wrestlers with the highest point total from each team will face off in a triple threat to find out who will earn a piece of the TRIAD. And, as far as the teams go? Team play will carry over into the fifth and ultimate event of the TRIALS where point totals go up to 5, 3, and 1, respectively. At the end of it all the members of the winning team and the wrestler possessing a piece of the TRIAD will all earn a spot in The Great Illuminatus.

Leo: Looks like I picked the wrong day to quit looking fly.

MoMo: Now that THAT’s out of the way…let’s get to tonight. Where it all begins…four matches that would headline any card in any promotion. We’ve got legends. We’ve got champions. We’ve got future stars.

Leo: We’ve got Merica.

MoMo: Yes, we’ve got him, too! At least I think it’s him.

Leo: What are you looking at me for? I can never tell with these masked people.

MoMo: Tonight will be a night of tests. Trials, if you will! The overriding theme being that of ‘vice’. Can these wrestlers keep their eye on the prize or will the ‘vice’ that is Miami and all its debauchery hold them back?

Leo: Looking around here at all this skin and extreme lack of self respect…man…I gotta say it’s going to take one very brave soul to stay focused.

MoMo: It feels like a party and in many respects it is. So, enjoy the vibe while its here because as we descend further into the Trials things are going to get very, very serious.

Leo: In other words, drink up!

MoMo: The Trials have arrived! The quest for the Triad is underway! Our first match is imminent! Let the Trials Begin!!

EARLIER TODAY

~We cut outside. The Miami weather has been nice all day. Sunny, clear skies. The perfect climate to go for a swim and get mauled by a Tiger Shark. Or Great White. Whatever. Perfect weather until now. The Trials are upon us and the skies start to churn. Clouds roll in from seemingly out of nowhere. Are the gods angry? Welsh looks up into the sky…a bit of concern on his face. The ominous vibe is hard for anyone to overlook, especially considering what they all know is at stake~

Leo: Weird weather.

Welsh: Yea…

~He chews on his bottom lip, observing the concerning weather~

Leo: You don’t think we’re gonna have to call this off, do you?

~His head snaps down toward Leo~

Welsh: Are you crazy? It’s just some clouds.

~Leo speaks in a hushed tone~

Leo: Seems a little more than that to me…

Welsh: Excuse me?

Leo: HOW IS THE TEAM?

~Welsh’s eyes narrow. He judges Leo for a moment~

Welsh: Complicated. Let’s see how they perform to-

~Welsh freezes. His eyes caught up on something in the short distance~

Leo: Sir?

~Welsh raises an eyebrow.~

Leo: Sir.

~Welsh’s brow furrows~

Leo: Sir!

~He snaps out of it~

Leo: Are you okay?

Welsh: I’m sorry but that guy is freaking me out.

Leo: What guy?

Welsh: THAT guy

~Welsh points. Leo turns and he sees…GLUM~

Leo: The clown?

Welsh: Yes, the fucking clown. Why is he frowning? Why is he just standing there, looking at me?

Leo: I don’t know. It’s a free country…at least that’s what Merica says.

Welsh: Well I can’t focus as long as he’s looking at me with that sad fucking state of a face. Go and do something about it.

~Leo is like ‘it’s just a clown but whatever’. He heads over and gets in front of Glum. He doesn’t really know what to do so he tries to crack a joke~

Leo: You like mushrooms cause you sure seem like a fungi!

~Glum just sighs. Leo takes both hands and puts them in front of his face…he then quickly pulls them apart and to the side, making a ‘gotcha!’ face. Glum pauses before releasing another sigh. We return to the announce team~

MoMo: Glum! He’s here!

Leo: That is one sad clown. I mean, I tried everything...pulled out all my best tricks and he didn’t even budge.

MoMo: Glum’s popularity has been increasing day by day. Rumors swirling that he’ll be in the Battle Royal on September 10th. I’m told people are so high on Glum he may not even have to win the Battle Royal to get into the Strength Trials. He’s basically a lock!

Leo: Did you say you were high on glue?

MoMo: I said Glum!

Leo: Okay, relax.

MoMo: Alright fans...we’ve teased you all enough.

Leo: Let’s tease them a little bit more.

MoMo: No. The teasing must stop. And it stops now. The Trials are set to begin and we’re going to get things kicked off with a triple threat that is sure to fancy your tickle.

Leo: What?

MoMo: Vhodka Black is quite possibly the biggest star in this business. It was a shock she didn’t go #1 in the draft. I’d say she’s a heavy favorite to win the whole thing...she’ll make her TRIAD debut in our opening match.

Leo: You got some money on her or something? Do we need to start an investigation into MoMo?

MoMo: Her opponents weren’t drafted near as high as she was. In fact, they were two of the last three names picked. Alexander Raven was the final pick of the draft...a high value pick for Team Welsh. He’s a name that might be foreign to many watching this broadcast but, rest assured, he’s a very accomplished wrestler who is no stranger to gold.

Leo: He’s the OG Raven, haven’t you heard?

MoMo: The other competitor in this match is Lachlan Kane. Lachlan Kane was the first pick in the final round of the TRIAD draft. He, like Raven, is no stranger to gold. In fact...Kane and Raven have a bit of history, don’t they?

Leo: Yep. Raven beat THAT ASS and took Kane’s title. It was a very humiliating moment for Kane because of how awesome and dominant Raven was.

MoMo: I don’t think that’s quite how it went down. Will Kane be looking for revenge against Raven? Will Raven best Kane like he’s done in the past? Will the two work together to neutralize and destroy the heavily favored Vhodka Black? Can they work together? This match should be one hell of an opener...let’s head down to ringside to get the trials started!

Vhodka Black (0 PTS) vs. Alexander Raven (0 PTS) vs. Lachlan Kane (0 PTS)

~The bell rings and the beach shakes, rattles, and rolls with the thunderous ovation belted by the rowdy people in attendance. Some of them have waited weeks for this moment. Others? Well they just showed up to party. The ominous clouds from earlier have dissipated and, once again, clear blue skies grace TRIAD and it’s inaugural event. Standing in the middle of the ring is a familiar face to those of you who followed OCW...Belvedere! He clears his throat~

Belvedere: Ladies and Gentlemen...welcome to TRIAD!

~”TRIAD! TRIAD! TRIAD!” chants scare all the fish in the sea. The fishermen look on from their boats, shaking their fists. Fans near ringside crack open fresh beers and indulge in heart, foam filled toasts. Belvedere remains stoic, his expensive, brown suit and perfectly combed hair standing firm despite the Miami breeze~

Belvedere: Tonight we will be bringing you four matches that will be the envy of the entire profession. Tonight is a nice of Vice. Keep a clear head and maintain your focus and you will have a chance to succeed. Should you falter and give in to your cravings...you just might find yourself at the bottom of the TRIAD standings heading into the next series of Trials.

~The fans all nod along like “Oh wow, this sounds serious” as they continue to drink beer and burn smokes~

Belvedere: Conquest and glory await those with the bravery to stand in the face of what’s to come and it all starts tonight. It all starts now. So...LET THE TRIALS BEGIN!!

~Huge ovation~

Belvedere: Our first match is a triple threat scheduled for one fall!! Introducing first…

~Our view cuts to the entry way. Paved with white sand and outlined via volleyball netting all the way from the ring, up the beach, toward a stage in the shape of a triangle. A black curtain hangs down with the TRIAD logo stitched into it. Blue and red lights begin to flicker on the stage, images of ravens flying appear via laser lighting shooting from the stage above the patrons. 'Ladies and Gentleman' as these words fill the beach a loud bang of pyro is joined with blinding white lights. These flicker rapidly for a few moments, 'because the devil has my throat,' as these words of the song flow out, out steps Alexander Raven into the centre of the stage. He gazes across the crowd, pulling his cloak tightly around his shoulders, his eyes opened wide a slight smile tugging at his lips. The flashing off the lights stops. 'I am the powers that be!' in sync with these lines he throws his hands up, basking in the reaction of the crowd, beginning to slowly walk down the ramp. He strolls towards the ring leisurely, crossing his arms across his chest, head tilted back, soaking in the world around him. Slowly he begins to ascend the stairs to the left of the entry way, once in the ring, spinning his way to the centre of the ring, dropping to his knees. He hunches over and places his fists on the canvas. 'I am the alpha! and the omega!' as soon as these words come out, he lifts himself backwards slightly, the cloak slipping from his shoulders as he extends his arms to the sky, staring upwards, soaking everything in once again. Slowly he raises to his feet, pushing his cloak from the ring slowly with his foot~

Belvedere: From Melbourne, Victoria, Australia...standing 6’2 and weighing in at 215lbs...representing Team Welsh...please welcome Alexander Raven!!!!

MoMo: And we’re getting our first look at a TRIAD competitor...Alexander Raven! First up, last drafted!

Leo: You just had to throw that ‘last drafted’ bit in there, didn’t you? Alexander Raven is a champion. He is a beast among rats. This man is going to unite the TRIAD.

MoMo: He’s decorated and accomplished, there’s no doubt about that. But so are the other 11 competitors in this field.

Leo: Well, except for Merica.

MoMo: True. Except for Merica.

~Ready to go, Raven takes to a nearby turnbuckle to observe the scene. Fans look up at the pro wrestling star and bask in the moment for a second before starting to boo. Raven sneers, his reputation knows no bounds, apparently. Not to mention the stigma of being on Team Welsh. Undaunted, he closes his eyes and inhales some of that refreshing, invigorating ocean air~

Belvedere: Introducing next…

~Raven’s eyes immediately open as he looks over his shoulder toward the entrance way. Everything quiets down. The entrance ramp goes dark as the speakers come to life with the sound of "Demon" by Savage Hands. Strolling out to an overwhelming chorus of cheers, Lachlan Kane smiles out at the crowd and throws a couple of phantom punches before making his way down the ramp, slapping hands with the fans along the way. He runs up the steel steps and bounces against the ropes on the outside of the ring on the apron's edge before stepping through the ropes into the centre of the ring. He grins again before throwing his hands up to the deafening roar of the crowd. As his music fades away, he takes off his jacket and hands it off to the ring announcer and throws a few more punches to ready himself~

Belvedere: From Waterford, Ireland...standing 5’11 and weighing in at 190lbs...representing Team PIC...Lachlan Kane!!!

MoMo: And our first look at Lachlan Kane...also taken in the final round of the TRIAD draft.

Leo: I don’t know much about this guy but I can tell just by looking that he’s smaller than Raven.

MoMo: That is amazing insight, Leo.

Leo: Don’t mock me, Double Mo.

~Kane finishes throwing a few punches to keep the blood flowing and muscles spry...he looks and locates Raven, who is seated atop a corner, staring down at Kane. The fans continue to chant for Lachlan. Kane looks around, shaking his head. He motions for the fans to get louder...they don’t hesitate. The ovation is deafening in Miami. Raven rolls his eyes~

MoMo: These fans are firmly behind Lachlan Kane.

Leo: That’s because they are drunken idiots. These two have history and tonight another chapter will be written and that chapter will read “The night Raven murdered Kane.”

MoMo: Well, I think there’s another competitor who might have something to say about that!

Belvedere: And, their opponent…

~The stage is plunged into darkness as a woman’s voice sings out over the PA system while the words flash in white lettering on the black tron screens.~

Who you talkin' to man?
Who you talkin' to man?

~The music fully kicks in as the lights come up, Vhodka emerges from the backstage area with a small lit torch in her left hand. She is dressed in high waisted latex briefs that are attached to a studded latex halter top through a harness that travels up her midsection. Her legs are covered by torn fishnet tights with studded straps working their way down like garters to attach onto studded knee pads. Her hair is orange, snarled and hanging down her back, with bangs braided back and pinned underneath to keep them from her eyes. A smile plays across her lips as she nods her head with one hand in the air before she emits a spray of fluid that is ignited by the torch in her hand.~

~After discarding the torch behind her she descends to the ring glancing towards the crowd on either side, occasionally sticking her tongue out at hecklers and pointing to others as she approaches the ring to slide underneath the bottom rope~

~Vhodka stays on hands and knees in the center of the ring, her upper body pushed up with her lower body pressed against the ring for a moment before standing and quickly moving to the corner turnbuckle where she stands taking it all in~

Belvedere: Standing about yay tall and weighing in at…

~Belvedere holds the mic out to the crowd and they scream back HOW DARE YOU!!~

Belvedere: She’s from Bent Fork, Tennessee...representing Team TLS...ladies and gentlemen...Vhodka Black!!!

~The reaction for Vhodka is strong. It’s not as overwhelmingly positive as Kane’s but it’s louder. She leans in her corner, smiling and nodding. Raven remains seated atop his corner, shaking his head, glaring at Vhodka. Kane looks around, nodding to the ovation Vhodka is receiving. No jealousy in sight with this man, simply enjoying the environment and excited for the competition that awaits. Belvedere slowly exits the ring~

MoMo: And here’s Vhodka Black arguably the biggest star in the entire competition!

Leo: The thing about stars is they burn out, Double Mo. Vhodka had her moment in the Great Illuminatus back in February. We all saw how she handles mind games...Meyhu put her down. Look for Raven to do the same.

MoMo: That’s a bit of a leap.

Leo: Is it? People are sleeping on Raven...he’s gonna pin that witchy woman and go from unknown to the favorite to win this whole fuckin thing in one night.

MoMo: You’re conveniently forgetting Lachlan Kane.

Leo: Look, Kane’s good. He wouldn’t be here if he wasn’t. But he’s no Alexander Raven.

MoMo: You might have to eat those words. But enough talking...LET THE TRIALS BEGIN!

~The bell rings! The crowd goes wild! Raven might as well be plugged into commentary. He hops off the top buckle and goes straight for Vhodka. Kane watches Raven walk by him...he’s not insulted. If Raven wants to turn a blind eye then he’ll knock him out when the opportunity presents itself. Meanwhile, Vhodka sees Raven heading her way and she looks left...the fans go wild. She looks right, they go wild. She points at the approaching Raven and they yell “FUCK HIM UP!!” Never one to leave people wanting more she steps up and greets Raven in the center of the ring~

MoMo: And here we go! Raven is going straight for Vhodka!

Leo: Put her down and then take care of Kane. Makes perfect sense.

MoMo: He’s choosing to dance with the devil he doesn’t know, Leo. And that devil may put him down.

~Raven has some choice words for Vhodka. She takes them in and responds with “Well, how about you suck my dick.” Raven’s brow furrows. The fans go wild. Vhodka extends her chin and begs Raven to hit her. The fans lean forward, anxious. Kane keeps a close watch. Raven is like, “Well, since you offered” and he slugs Vhodka with a huge forearm!!! Vhodka stumbles back...she drops to one knee. The fans gasp. She’s shaken! She holds her chin and works her jaw back and forth...she then rises back to her feet to a huge ovation! “VHODKA! VHODKA!” Raven snarls. Vhodka gets back in his face and dares him to let her have a free shot. Raven scoffs. The crowd yells out ‘PUSSY!’ He turns, pointing and screaming at the fans that he’s not a pussy. Kane expresses doubt from his corner. Pissed off, Raven acquiesces and extends his chin daring Vhodka to give him her best shot. Vhodka rears back with her right hand...the fans all rise. She winds up and then...pokes Raven in the eye with her left hand!! Raven stumbles around, holding his eye in pain! The fans go wild~

MoMo: Vhodka just tricked Raven!

Leo: Oh come on!

MoMo: I told you! Don’t dance with the unfamiliar Devil.

~Raven doubles over, holding his face. Vhodka rushes in with a knee to the side of his head!! Raven staggers into the ropes. Vhodka stays on him like a feral, meth addicted cat scratching, clawing, and punching at his head! The fans are going wild! Raven finally tumbles through the ropes, hitting the apron, and landing in the warm, white sand! He covers up, rolling away from the ring until his body reaches the volley ball net acting as a barricade! Vhodka looks up and out at the crowd to a huge ovation...she then turns and spots Lachlan~

MoMo: Raven is out of the ring! I think he’s had enough of Vhodka.

Leo: Trust me, we’ve all had enough of that woman.

MoMo: I haven’t. I’d say the more Vhodka the better!

Leo: Well that just makes you an alcoholic.

~Kane steps from his corner and works his arms back and forth, staying loose. Vhodka steps back, using her foot as a base. Kane approaches. The fans begin to duel. “KANE” chants battling “VHODKA” chants. Kane nears Vhodka...she’s coiled, ready to strike. Kane tenses up...he shakes his hands for a second before extending and locking up with Vhodka! The fans pop! Vhodka immediately slips free and grabs Kane in a side headlock. But Kane shoves her off and into the ropes. Vhodka bounces off...Kane leapfrogs Vhodka...she hits the ropes again...Kane hits the mat...Vhodka hops over him and jumps into the air, landing on the middle rope. She springboards off, turning around with a reverse cross body...but Kane catches her! Kane drops to one knee and wrecks Vhodka’s ribs over his knee! She yells out. Kane returns to his feet and he repeats the act, breaking her ribs over his leg. This time he remains in the position, pushing down on Vhodka’s body, bending her ribs over his leg~

MoMo: Kane is by far the most polished in-ring competitor in this match and we’re seeing it very early on.

Leo: Break her ribs.

MoMo: Pulling for Kane, are you?

Leo: Look, we all know Raven can beat Kane. We’ve seent it. So have Kane kill Vhodka and then Raven can murder Kane.

~The fans continue to be split down the middle on Kane and Vhodka. Some are cheering and others are urging Vhodka to break free. Vhodka reaches up and she tries to claw into Kane’s face. Kane stands up and drops back down once again, slamming Vhodka’s ribs across his leg a third time. This time her body goes limp as do the fans supporting her. Kane’s beginning to sweat. The Miami heat along with all this heavy lifting taking its toll. He pushes down on Vhodka...our ref...~

MoMo: Getting our first look at the TRIAD referee!

Leo: Man, this deep into the match and we never got around to mentioning our ref? Classic TRIAD, baby!

MoMo: It’s Tony the Spider!

~Tony the Spider, our referee, leans in asking Vhodka if she wants to give it up. He’s not getting much of a response. This might be an early dub for Kane. That is, until Kane’s body throttles forward! The fans boo as Raven is back in the ring, standing over Kane, who is on all fours with Vhodka’s body underneath him. Raven’s eye is irritated but, other than that, he looks okay. He grabs Kane by the hair and pulls him up before throwing him, violently into a corner! Kane’s body hits hard. Raven charges in with a huge clothesline!!! Kane slouches forward, his arms draped over the top rope. Raven turns, eyeing Vhodka...she’s struggling, trying to get to her feet, holding her ribs. Raven runs forward and throws a penalty kick into her injured ribs! Vhodka yells out, flipping over and rolling out of the ring. The fans boo! “FUCK YOU, RAVEN! FUCK YOU!” This time he gives them zero play, focusing on the task at hand. He rushes forward with another clothesline, crushing Kane into the corner. Raven gives Kane no respite, reaching out and wrapping both hands around Kane’s throat, choking the life out of his former rival. Kane’s arms flail around as he tries to find something to get Raven off him...but his salvation can only come in the form of referee Tony the Spider. Tony steps in and administers a five count before burrowing his way in between the two and forcing Raven back. The fans cheer. Raven yells at Tony. Kane leans forward, coughing, arms still draped over the top rope. Raven pushes Tony out of the way and he charges in with a shoulder to the midsection...but Kane jumps up and somersaults over Raven!!! Raven’s shoulder slams into the middle buckle!!! The fans go wild!! He stumbles back, holding his shoulder in pain...Kane lands on his feet, sprints forward, hits the ropes and catches Raven with Slingblade!!! The crowd goes wild!! Raven holds his head and neck in pain~

MoMo: Wow! Tremendous athleticism and in-ring awareness by Kane!

Leo: Why is Tony the Spider our referee? I get some people need a job but couldn’t he have been like the popcorn guy?

MoMo: It’s a minuscule sampling but so far he looks more than capable to me! Perhaps Raven needs to focus more on the match and less on these exterior concerns.

~Kane takes a moment to rub his throat before crawling for Raven...but Raven rolls away, under the bottom rope and onto the apron. Kane pushes up to his feet. Raven uses the ropes to pull himself up. Kane lunges forward with a forearm smash into Raven’s head, stunning him. Kane takes off across the ring. As he does, Vhodka reaches up and yanks Raven’s feet out from under him...he falls, slamming his face into the apron and landing into the sand. Kane hits the ropes, rushes forward...Vhodka jumps up and yanks down on the top rope! Kane’s body flips over the ropes recklessly, slamming into the apron, sending him crashing into the sand next to Raven! Some fans boo...but most fans go crazy~

MoMo: Vhodka rising from the dead like Lazarus!

Leo: Raven didn’t flush hard enough.

MoMo: I take umbrage with that analogy.

Leo: Do I look like I give a fuck?

~Raven tries to get to his feet but Vhodka kicks him in the side of the head, keeping him down. Behind her, Kane is trying to get to his feet so she throws a mule kick that smacks him in the face, keeping him down. Vhodka saunters up to a fan at ringside. A portly chap enjoying a tall boy of Coors Light. She runs her finger down the bridge of his nose while taking his beer. He giggles and leans forward. Vhodka takes a long sip of the beer. Raven gets to his feet, staggering around...she turns and spits the beer into his face!! The fans go wild!! He staggers back against the ring apron. Kane gets to his feet and Vhodka smashes the can into Kane’s head, sending him falling face first into the sand. Vhodka tosses the crushed, dripping can into the crowd. The fan leans in, eyes shut...she takes her hand, palms his face and shoves him back into the fans~

MoMo: No kiss for that man.

Leo: Blue balled for sure.

MoMo: I think Vhodka is making it clear there is no line of demarcation. She will exist in the white and the black...whatever it takes to succeed.

~The fan’s swim shorts don’t do much to hide the enjoyment he experienced at the hands of Vhodka. So he’s quickly dragged away by fans and replaced. Meanwhile, Vhodka rushes forward and she lifts a knee into the sternum of Raven. She spins him around and slams him, face first into the apron! Raven drops to one knee. Vhodka straddles him from behind and grabs his head with both hands...her fingers find their way onto his face and they start to scratch and pull and probe! Raven yells...he reaches up, trying to grab something. He doesn’t have long until Vhodka gets an eye or rips a nostril. Sense of urgency taking hold, Raven gets to his feet, staggering around with Vhodka on his back. Kane looks over, holding the back of his head. He sees the ongoing situation. He pops to his feet. Raven doubles over...Kane runs forward, leaps up and SHINING WIZARD into Vhodka’s head!!! Vhodka flies off Raven’s back and lands in the sand!!! The fans react with surprise. Raven stands up and stumbles back against the post, feeling around his face. Kane looks down at Vhodka...a welt starting to form on his head~

MoMo: You reap what you sow. Vhodka smashed Kane in the head with a beer can and now Kane retaliated. If there was some kind of ‘silent’ truce or understanding, it’s gone now.

Leo: So is hitting people with cans and whatnot legal or illegal? Cause I’m under the assumption it’s illegal.

MoMo: We’d have to ask Tony.

Leo: This is where we’re at in terms of in-ring law. TERRIFIC

MoMo: Look...we’re fighting out on a beach in pursuit of a ‘mythical’ artifact. I don’t think anybody is getting DQ’d for eye rakes or the occasional beer can to the head.

Leo: Fair.

~Kane looks at Raven. Raven back at Kane. Raven’s holding his face. Kane is holding head. In unison, they look down at Vhodka. The fans rise with an ‘ohhh fuck’ air to them. Vhodka looks up and sees the two staring at her. She, like the fans, is like ‘oh fuck’ and scrambles to her feet, diving into the ring. Raven and Kane give chase. Raven narrowly misses her leg...but Kane, the quicker and more agile of the two, dives in and grabs her by the leg. He pops to his feet. Vhodka is on her back, begging off. Kane isn’t gonna fall for it. So, she tries to kick him away...he grabs her second leg. She flails and tries to twist and turn...to no avail. Kane falls back with a catapult. Vhodka flies through the air...Raven, in the ring, pops up and catches her, spinning around with a huge spinebuster!! The fans pop for the move!! Vhodka arches her back in pain. Raven isn’t done...he gets to his feet and grabs a handful of orange hair. He yanks Vhodka to her knees. Kane stands next to Raven. Kane grabs Vhodka’s left arm. Raven grabs her right. They hoist her up, together...high in the air before tossing her out of the ring all the way to the ground!! Her back THUDS into the white sand!! The fans go wild! They yell ‘HOLY SHIT!!’ Vhodka slowly rolls over, onto her front side, eyes shut. She looks out~

MoMo: Kane and Raven working together??

Leo: Vhodka, a woman so evil she can bring bitter rivals together.

MoMo: She might be eliminated, physically from this match. That means it could be down to Raven and Kane.

Leo: And we all know how this story ends. Crown yourself, OG Raven!

~Raven and Kane take a moment to admire their work until reality rushes back. They immediately turn, facing one another. They circle each other, their pacing taking them back into the center of the ring. Raven reaches for Kane’s leg but Kane dodges. Kane responds by trying to grab Raven’s head, but he ducks low and pushes forward. Both men spin, facing each other once again. They lean forward, ready to pounce, waiting for each other to make the first move. The crowd is hot and not just because this Miami sun is insane...the two men suddenly lock up! Raven snares Kane in a headlock...Kane shoots Raven off and into the ropes. Kane leaps up for a dropkick but Raven holds onto the top rope. Kane lands on the mat but hurriedly spins to one knee. Raven rushes forward, diving at Kane, trying to tackle him to the mat...but Kane rolls out of the way. Raven lands on all fours...Kane is on his feet, he hits the ropes and leaps into Raven with a sit out dropkick into his ribs!!! Raven’s body rolls under the ropes and onto the apron, he holds his ribs in pain~

MoMo: Lachlan Kane might be the quickest wrestler in the entire field.

Leo: That’s fine. All you gotta do with someone like Kane is catch them. Catch them and punch them in the face.

~Raven gets to his knees on the apron. Kane rushes forward, he grabs the top rope and swings his legs forward...Raven drops back to the mat as Kane’s legs miss. Raven rolls into the ring. Kane’s body slips through the ropes...he plants his feet on the apron and spins around. Raven pops back to his feet...he runs forward and tries to punch Kane in the face...but Kane leaps over Raven with a sunset flip!!! He tries to take Raven over...but Raven holds his base and brings a fist down at Kane...Kane darts back between Raven’s legs and Raven’s fist hits the mat. Kane pops to his feet...he hits the ropes...Raven rises, holding his fist in pain. Kane bounces off and rushes at Raven...Raven catches him...but Kane twists around, trying to get free...Raven holds on and SLAMS Kane across his knee with a Tilt-o-Whirl backbreaker!!! The fans boo!!! Kane arches his back in pain~

MoMo: And Alexander Raven finally caught Lachlan Kane.

Leo: Yes! Pin him...let’s get this night started off right!

MoMo: Meanwhile, Vhodka is still down.

Leo: Why you gotta bring her up for? Let’s focus on Alexander Raven beating up the irish guy.

~Raven does not relent...he drops to his knees and begins to pound Kane’s back with forearms! Kane is face down on the mat, absorbing the blows. Raven rises to his feet...he pulls Kane along and slings him into a corner...Kane hits HARD. Raven charges in with a huge clothesline!!! Raven proceeds to ram his shoulder into Kane’s midsection four times before tossing him out with a hip toss! Kane lands on his ass...his back to Raven. Raven charges in, driving his knee into Kane’s back!!! Kane arches his back in pain, laying on the mat. Raven pulls Kane to his feet and boots him in the gut...he double underhooks Lachland...but carries him toward a corner, lifting him up and hanging him in the corner, his back facing the ring. Raven proceeds to stomp and stomp and stomp on Kane’s exposed back~

MoMo: Raven working Kane’s back over. Smart. It’s damn near impossible to do anything physical with a bad back.

Leo: See? I told you. I fuckin told you. Alexander Raven was the sleeper of the draft and he’s about to put you ALL on notice.

~After beating Kane’s back over and over and over Raven grows tired. Kane just hangs from the corner. Raven then turns his back to Kane and grabs his arms...the crowd rises. They know what’s coming...Running Spine (Running start Vertebreaker)! Raven takes off! But Kane slips free and shoves Raven forward...all that momentum sends Raven’s chest CRASHING into the corner! The ring THUDS with impact…it seems to move. Raven staggers back...Lachlan jumps and hits a back stabber!!! Raven is down!!! Kane makes the cover...Tony slides in~

1!

2!

NO!!!

MoMo: Wow! Close one there! Kane slipped free and gave Raven a bit of his own medicine with that Back Stabber...but it wasn’t enough.

Leo: Focus, Raven! You’ve beat this drunk once before you can do it again!

MoMo: Hey! There’s no evidence Lachlan is a drunk.

Leo: Yes there is. He’s irish!

~Both men lay on the mat, holding their backs...Kane frustrated he didn’t do more to try and secure that very opportunistic pin. Gingerly, Kane makes it back to his feet. He leans against the ropes, waiting for Raven...Raven gets to his feet...Kane shoots off the ropes, sprinting toward Raven...Kane lunges forward with Sling Blade...but Raven spins out of it. Raven hits the ropes, bounces off and ducks a clothesline from Raven. Kane hits the ropes again, bounces off and greets Raven with a Shotgun Dropkick into the chest!! Raven’s body shoots into the ropes, he stumbles forward...Kane, on the ground, catches Raven with his feet and he tosses him over with a Monkey Flip!! Raven lands hard, arching his back in pain. Kane returns to his feet~

MoMo: Lachlan Kane looks great! He’s in total control of Alexander Raven right now.

Leo: Shit.

MoMo: I know Raven defeated Kane in the past but tonight looks like it might be Kane’s night.

Leo: Okay, get the witchy woman back in there.

~We cut outside the ring where Vhodka is finally beginning to stir. Inside the ring, Kane stalks Raven, waiting for him to get back to his feet. Raven does and Kane runs forward, grabbing him by the head and slamming him to the mat with Sling Blade!!! The fans go wild!! Kane’s on a roll! Lachlan heads for the nearest corner...the knowledgeable fans are hyped, waiting to see Lach-Down! Lachlan reaches the top rope, he holds his back for a second before leaping off with his signature Diving Double Foot Stomp!! But Raven moves!!! Lachlan’s feet stomp into the mat...he tucks and rolls forward to lessen the blow. He’s back on his feet and he turns around...he runs toward Raven...Raven does the same and the men take each other down with a double clothesline!!! The crowd pops! Lachlan and Raven are both down, faces etched with pain~

MoMo: They’ve reached a stalemate. These two competitors seem to be made for each other, Leo!

Leo: Put him away, Alexander! Let’s go!

MoMo: Don’t look now but I think pro wrestling’s favorite mother, if you will, is awakening.

Leo: Fucker!

~Vhodka sits up, shaking her head. Looking like she’s risen after a night of Everclear and more Everclear. A beach ball being bounced around lands next to her. She stares at it, takes her index finger nail and pops it. The fans at ringside are temporarily dejected. She grabs the deflated ball and gets to her feet...woozy, she stumbles a bit before sliding in under the bottom rope. Raven and Kane, meanwhile, reach their feet simultaneously...Raven holding his chest, Kane holding his back. They’re about to throw down when they both turn and see Vhodka. Hell hath no fury like a trailer park woman scorned...she takes the deflated beach ball and begins to smack them with it. The fans go wild~

MoMo: And she’s back in this doing things the only way she knows how...her way!

Leo: Man, this isn’t good. C’mon, Raven! You gotta get Vhodka and Kane at each other’s throat.

MoMo: Pray harder and maybe he’ll hear you, Leo.

Leo: Fuck off, ‘MoMo’

~Kane and Raven are backed against the ropes. The impact stings but the act is so unexpected they don’t really know how to combat it. So, they lean into the ropes and charge forward with a double clothesline...but Vhodka ducks! She rushes forward, springboards off the middle rope...Kane and Raven turn around and Vhodka does a corkscrew in mid air...Raven grabs Kane, thrusting him in front...Vhodka takes Kane down with a flying corkscrew clothesline, using the deflated ball to do the job! Kane this the ground, holding his throat. Vhodka looks down at Kane before turning to Raven and getting met with a right hand! Raven unloads, punishing Vhodka with right hands, sending her staggering into the nearest corner. She drops the deflated ball. Raven hits and hits and hits, sending Vhodka to her ass in the corner. Raven then shoves his boot into her throat, choking Vhodka. The crowd boos~

MoMo: Okay, I’ll give it to you. Raven is looking good.

Leo: Hell yea. Take out their #1 pick, Alexander! Cut out their heart!

~Vhodka is in trouble...Raven’s overpowering her while forcing the oxygen from her lungs. The crowd pops as Kane rises and gets behind Raven...he reaches forward and wraps the deflated ball around his throat, dragging him back to the center of the ring! Kane turns around and, holding onto the deflated ball, he drops Raven to the mat with a neckbreaker!!! Raven holds his neck in pain. Lachlan gets back to his feet to a huge ovation. He whips Raven with the deflated ball for a bit before seeing Vhodka start to rise...knowing the weird weapon is more her wheelhouse than his, he tosses it into the crowd. They try to bat it around but, I mean, it’s got no buoyancy...so that dies a quick, uneventful death. Kane grabs Raven and slings him out of the ring, through the ropes. He stares Vhodka down...it’s apparent he wants to test himself against the great Vhodka Black. Vhodka, back on her feet, adjusts her tights and locates Kane. She sprints toward Kane...Kane hits the mat. Vhodka leaps over his body and jumps onto the middle buckle, her back to the ring. Kane tries to nip up, but his back hurts...so he doesn’t make it, falling back to the mat. Vhodka leaps off with Corkscrew Moonsault from the second rope!! Kane hurries and gets his knees up!! Vhodka’s body slams into his knees...Kane holds onto her and rolls her up for a pin!! Tony dives in with the count~

1!

2!

KICK OUT!!

MoMo: Lachlan Kane nearly defeated Vhodka Black! Wow!

Leo: Okay, Raven...I know rest is important but you might wanna get back in there.

MoMo: Vhodka is extremely daring and, at times, reckless. Kane is far more calculating and meticulous. We’ll see if she can throw him off his game or if he’ll force her into a match ending mistake.

~Kane is back on his feet, he won’t argue the close count. He chooses to keep his eye on the prize. He snares Vhodka by the hair, pulling her up. He whips her into the ropes. She bounces off and takes flight! She dives at Kane with a Thesz Press!! Kane is thrown off...he staggers back as Vhodka tries to take him down...he manages to regain his balance, spin around and drops Vhodka with a spinebuster! She’s down once again...Kane reaches for his back. He returns to his feet. Vhodka stirs, getting to one knee...she stands and Kane drills her in the gut. She doubles over...Kane backs into the ropes, he’s looking for Sling Blade. Vhodka is out on her feet...Kane takes off...but he falls!!! His face hits the mat! Raven hops onto the apron...he yanks Kane onto the apron with him...he lifts Kane up and drops him with a Sidewalk Slam onto the apron!!! The fans boo!!! Kane yells out in pain, falling into the sand. Raven, for good measure, picks Kane up and hoists him over his shoulder and powerslams him on top of the steps!!! Kane goes limp, laying atop the steps. Raven then slides back into the ring, ready to take advantage of a half conscious Vhodka Black~

MoMo: Oh come on! Lachlan did all the work!

Leo: Hey, work smarter, not harder. Let’s fuckin go!

MoMo: Kane’s back has taken a beating. I don’t know if he can get back in this...assuming he even has the time to do so. Raven might end it right here.

~Vhodka rises and looks Raven’s way...but before she can do anything he boots her in the gut, brings her in and drops her with a Double Hammerlock DDT!!! She face plants in the mat. Raven immediately transitions, while on his knees, to Vhodka’s side. He grabs her head and locks it under his arm hooking her in The Conspiracy (Bulldog Choke). Vhodka’s head lifts up, her eyes open and her face starts to turn read. The fans yell and scream for her to break free. Raven clamps down, trying to squeeze the life out of her. Tony looks to see if there’s any life left in Vhodka’s eyes~

MoMo: She’s in bad shape. Raven might choke her out.

Leo: Of all the Raven’s to choke Vhodka out...who thought it’d be Alexander? I love it!

MoMo: Not many, that’s for sure.

~Vhodka manages to wiggle her left arm free and she sends it shooting right between Raven’s legs from behind! A low blow!!! The fans go wild!!! Raven staggers forward, doubled over. Vhodka gets to her feet, stumbling...shaking her head. She feels like she’s been on the wrong end of a Human Centipede for quite some time now. She sucks in some wind, she starts to spit fire...she rears back and yells. Raven, still nursing his lower abdomen, turns. Vhodka charges at him, hitting him in the face with a knee!! Raven stumbles into a corner. Vhodka unleashes a flurry of punches, forearms, palm strikes...basically flailing wildly on Raven in the corner, hitting him with every bone she has. Her orange hair going wild, along with the fans~

MoMo: The rise of Vhodka!

Leo: Oh my GOSH...why won’t she just go away!

MoMo: She’s got more heart than most and that inner FIGHT is showing up right now.

~Vhodka backs up...Raven staggers toward her. She kicks him low...maybe another low blow, it’s hard to tell. She does a crotch chop, much to the fans delight. She then hits the ropes, springboards off the middle rope and dives at Raven with Screwdriver (Diving Corkscrew Stunner)!!!! But Raven gets under her, ducking!!!! She lands on his back and he hooks her arms!!! The fans scream! They yell! They panic! Vhodka wiggles, trying to break free as Raven rises with Vhodka upside down, across his back~

MoMo: OH NO! RAVEN’S SPINE! RAVEN’S SPINE!

Leo: LET’S FUCKING GO!

~Raven runs backward, slamming her body into the corner a few times to subdue her antics. He then heads for the center of the ring to drop her with RAVEN’S SPINE!!! But Lachlan’s arm reaches up, yanking down on Vhodka’s leg!!! She breaks free, landing on her feet behind Raven!! Raven staggers forward, confused...he turns around and Vhodka lunges forward, spinning around and hitting SCREWDRIVER!!! Raven’s body flips back, on the mat. Vhodka dives on top for the cover...Lachlan tries to get in the ring, but his back shoots pain through his body and into his legs, slowing his movements. Tony slides in~

1!

2!

…

3!!!!!

~Lachlan dives in, nailing Vhodka right after the three!! The fans pop for the finish~

Belvedere: Here is your winner...VHODKA BLACK!!!!!

MoMo: Vhodka did it! She’s won the first ever TRIAD match! Team TLS is off to a great start with two points!

Leo: OH MY FUCK

MoMo: And Team Welsh...zero points.

Leo: SHIT

~Vhodka is back on her feet, staggering around, allowing Tony to raise her arm in victory. Kane drags his body into a corner where he rests, seated up, hand running through his sweat soaked hair...he was THIS close to breaking up that pin. Vhodka looks around at Kane and Raven...she exhales and then dives out of the ring, landing feet first into the sand, heading to the back. Raven slowly rolls over, onto all fours where he looks up, across his brow at Kane, who looks back at him~

MoMo: The history between those two continues to grow. It was Raven who took Kane’s title. And tonight, Kane stole victory from Raven.

Leo: Fuckin idiot. He’d have got one point either way...he should’ve just let Raven pin Vhodka. She’s got two points now, man...she’s like a quarter of the way to competing for a piece of the Triad!

MoMo: I don’t think Kane was content with second. He was trying to win it, Leo. A valiant effort but one that unfortunately fell short due to the damage Raven did to Kane’s back.

~Raven’s face twists with anger. He starts to make his way toward Kane. Kane’s had enough. He throws his hands at Raven and slides out of the ring. He’s got three more grueling Trials ahead of him and he needs to get that back some rest. Exiting the ring, he pays Raven no mind as Raven leans out over the bottom rope shouting threats toward Kane. The fans applaud Kane’s effort~

MoMo: The feud between those two is far from over, I think. But Kane has to focus on next week. He has to focus on getting healed up so he can try and win two weeks from today in Puerto Rico.

Leo: Yea, you don’t want to sacrifice the war to win an individual battle. Just cause you didn’t win tonight doesn’t mean you aren’t going to win the whole fuckin thing. We’re just getting started.

MoMo: That is the absolute truth. Alright folks, we’re one match in...Team TLS is in the lead with two points. Team PIC with one point. Team Welsh...ZERO

Leo: Imma kill you.

MoMo: Vhodka leads all competitors at this stage with 2 points. Kane with 1. Raven will have to come back next week and try to alleviate tonight’s result. Which, if he’s able to win his match next week, he’ll be in good shape.

Leo: Oh yea, he’ll be fine. No doubt.

MoMo: We’re going to take a quick break. When we return our second match of the night as we get a family against a fiend. Stick around!

~Earlier today. We get a shot of Marcus Welsh heading toward his team’s locker room. He looks confident...but his feelings are less than secure~

Fiduciary responsibility.

Stephen Stratford. Probably not used to being a member of the pool. Definitely not used to being part of a team. Absolutely not used to doing as told. Manipulator? Sure. Most might stay away from someone as mentally sharp and psychologically weaponized as Stratford…but not me. Mental warfare is my wheelhouse and I don’t mind dancing with a familiar devil. He’s got his machinations and I have mine. He has no idea what I’ve got in store for him. I can’t wait for him to find out.

Thaddeus Duke. More money than Musk. Or, that’s what he projects. Our history is surprisingly detailed and incredibly disappointing. But, with any open book there is an ending and, given the authors involved, it’s sure to be worth the wait. I’d attempt to spoil that happy climax for you all but knowing Thad he’ll have eyes and ears on this inner monologue. So, I’ll leave ya with this. Thad owes me and I expect him to make good.

Sarah Wolf. Dollface. Right. More chucky than barbie. Her motivations remain somewhat murky to me. Why is she here? What’s she in this for? Until I have answers to those questions it’ll be hard bending her to my will. But these trials aren’t for the faint of heart and any sort of faux persona someone puts up will be promptly eviscerated revealing who they truly are underneath. Plus, I have a feeling she’s not much for false fronts anyway. This is a code I should crack fairly quickly.

Alexander Raven. A complete unknown. Blank slate. All I’ve got to go on this guy is what’s on his resume. It looks, feels, and smells all too familiar. He wants fame. He wants glory. He wants to be admired. He’s like so many others I’ve manipulated in the past. I doubt I’ll have any trouble working this one. The only question I have is whether or not he’s good enough to get me what I want.

If you haven’t guessed, I want The Triad.

I’ve selected four of the bravest wrestlers this industry has to offer to compete on my ‘team’.

As of now, they are my fiduciary responsibility. An investment into the future. A future that will see one of them, with my help, uniting the Triad. And then, once they’ve done what I’ve selected and helped them do they will owe me. They will pay up.

~We cut to inside Team Welsh’s locker room. Alexander Raven is lacing his boots, taking his time, his eyes staring beyond what’s in front of them. His mind squarely on the monumental journey that awaits~

The last to be picked, but that was no fault of theirs. Raven had been humbled far too often recently. His former achievements, the past he had ran away from. It was all lost to dust and time passed. This however, would be rectified. He refused to be nothing, refused to be a second thought. Refused to be last.

He didn’t know much about Marcus Welsh and truthfully? He didn’t really care what his game was. This wasn’t about soothing and pleasing another authority figure. This wasn’t about playing into the hands of those who had done nothing but keep him held down. This was about showing that he could break the foundations of the invisible hands, and make them see him for who he truly was. A stepping stone was what this was. At least, that was what he had thought.

Time changes things, and with time, understanding. Alexander Raven no longer truly understood himself, what he was fighting for, and who he was fighting. Illusion and reality were becoming one and the same, and his crusade against the distortions of truth was becoming far less clear. This wasn’t just about being everything he thought he could be. No, this was about being better.

Better than he was.

Better than they thought he could be.

This was about proving that just because they didn’t know him, didn’t mean he wasn’t worth knowing. If it took a little baying for blood, a little crazy, a little laughter. It didn’t matter, it was all going to be worth it. This was more than just an experiment. More than a journey. This was about Bravery, and boy oh boy.

He was going to show them the stupidity of their bravery.

~Thad is caught looking down at Raven, wondering what the heck he’s thinking so hard about. We cut to Sarah Wolf. She sits amongst her teammates, no closer or further than any other, but her body language speaks volumes of how shes not here for anyone other than herself. I question how valuable she’ll be for the team, and she shifts in her seat. Her body no long relaxed. It now seems to be ready? For what I can’t say, but her eyes lock on mine as I think that, and for longer than I’d like I believe she heard me? I remind myself that’s not possible while also making sure to keep my expressions to a minimum, lest she pick up on another. Marcus Welsh enters the locker room...none of the team members give him much of a reaction. He heads over, straight toward his #1 pick~

Welsh stands in front of me, a goofy grin spread across his even goofier face. It’s a show, faux-warmth. I observe the outstretched hand that invades the little space between us and wonder how I’m going to play it.

“Team Welsh.” I say, curtly.

His grin starts to show a glimmer of earnestness. I don’t know what he thinks about me, and I don’t know if he knows the depth of my knowledge about him, but given that we’re supposed to be on the same side, it doesn’t hurt to at least offer a little slack.

He’ll need some rope, even if he ends up hanging himself with it.

“It’s an honor, mate.” I say quietly as I put forth my hand to meet his. His handshake is firm, and he presses his fingers into the back of my hand.

“Hey, I picked you first. The honor is mine. I am VERY excited about this.” His tone is energetic, almost like a salesman.

As he softens his grip, my eyes narrow and my grip tightens. I step closer, allowing the discomfort of the situation to linger just briefly, before I place my left hand over our hands.

“You guys keep this up and we’re gonna have to run out for lube.”

The voice cuts through the tension. That derisive, coarse tone and chilling pitch only belongs to one person and her name is Sarah Wolf. I don’t even need to turn to check, but from my peripheral vision, I see as she slings her bag down onto the locker room floor, and approaches us, getting equally close and uncomfortable between myself and Marcus Welsh.

“We having a group hug?” She laughs, and then adds her hand on top of our handshake like some sort of strange alt rock Power Rangers Megazord. Welsh was the guy from Weezer, in my head anyway. “I call middle”

~We cut back to the live feed~

MoMo: Interesting stuff with Team Welsh. They seem to be somewhat well connected but...I don’t know. Something tells me that’s a team of four individuals.

Leo: Of course you’d say that. You fuckin hater. You obviously don’t live in the real world.

MoMo: You’re one to talk! Regardless, Team Welsh with zero points after our first match.

Leo: *shrieks*

MoMo: Up next, Team Welsh sends out their #1 pick in Stephen Stratford. An evil, malicious man who hasn’t been pinned, I’m told, in three years. Yet, despite his dominance, he’s far from the most well known competitor in this match...that would go to Matt Knox.

Leo: Popularity is for pussies.

MoMo: Knox and Stratford is a dream match and one I’m sure Knox would love to have added onto his increasingly heavy plate...however tonight...tonight he must share the ring with his child...with Helena Handbasket.

Leo: So?

MoMo: Not only is the dynamic there for Father and Child to compete against one another...but you add in the malicious Stephen Stratford and, well, things could get pretty dicey pretty quickly.

Leo: Now you’re talking!

MoMo: Will the Knox family hold strong and turn away evil? Or, will evil slip it’s way into the Knox bloodline forever poisoning it? Let’s head down to ringside and find out!

Helena Handbasket (0 PTS) vs. Stephen Stratford (0 PTS) vs. Matt Knox (0 PTS)

~And we’re back at ringside. Everything appears to be in working order. Tony the Spider has had his fill of cheetos to replenish the energy spent reffing that last match. The fans are still in strong spirits as the sun is starting to descend along the western horizon. The vibe is still bright but in that ‘last call’ kinda way before light turns to dark. It’s more warm than hot. The fans continue to indulge and Belvedere, as always, stands in the center of the ring~

Belvedere: Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time for our second match of the evening!

~Huge ovation! ‘TRIAD! TRIAD! TRIAD!’~

Belvedere: The following contest is a triple threat match and it is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first…

~Bones- Imagine Dragons hits! The fans rise to their feet and give a strong ovation! From behind the TRIAD curtain we see the proud and confident Helena Handbasket!! She pauses, taking in the scene. With a bit of a shimmy and rhythm to her movements, she saunters on down the steps and extends her hands, high fiving the fans seeking her attention. Her eyes remain focused on the ring as she mouths the words to her song. Reaching the ring, she takes off, sprinting forward and sliding in under the bottom rope. She nips up and extends her arms at “IS THIS ENTERTAINING?” and the crowd yells out “I-ey-ya-ey-ya-ey-ya!” Helena hustles forward, climbing a corner facing toward the ocean...she looks out at the sea of people crowding the beach and beyond...they clap along to the song as they look up with admiration at Helena Handbasket~

Belvedere: From Pandora’s Box…

~Belvedere turns the mic to the crowd and they yell out ‘BITCHES!!!’~

Belvedere: Standing 5’3 and weighing in at 120lbs...she represents Team TLS...she is Helena Handbasket!!!

MoMo: And there she is! The plucky, infectious Helena Handbasket!

Leo: Infectious? Quick, somebody warn Stratford. He might wanna sit this one out.

MoMo: That’s not what I meant!

Belvedere: Introducing next…

~Hell Broke Luce - Tom Waits hits! Helena’s moment of enjoyment is cut short. She knows to whom this song belongs. She hops off the buckle and paces the ring, eyeing and watching the entrance way. As she does, a tall, menacing figure appears from behind the TRIAD curtain. One that’s all too familiar in the realm of professional wrestling. The fans pop hard when they see the legendary visage of Matt Knox. Slowly, Knox makes his way to the ring. Never once does he look at the fans. They reach out, trying to get their hands to touch greatness. Helena stops pacing, standing in the center of the ring. Knox reaches ringside and looks up at his daughter. He steps up all the way onto the apron, grabbing onto the top rope for leverage. He then steps in through the ropes and walks up to his daughter, looking down at her~

Belvedere: From Monterey, California...standing 6’6 and weighing in at 244lbs...representing Team PIC he is Matthew ‘The Raven’ Knox!!!

MoMo: Father and daughter in the ring. This could get interesting.

Leo: If Knox is the legend people pretend him to be then he should just headbutt his daughter in the face right now. Let her know what’s what.

~Knox reaches out and he rubs the top of Helena’s head in an affectionate manner. The crowd cheers and the women in attendance swoon. Helena smiles, it’s obvious the affection means a lot to her. Knox walks past his daughter and leans in a corner. He hears the women going crazy...he reaches into his pants and pulls out...NO, NOT THAT. He pulls out a bunch of notes paper clipped together...he removes the paper clip and tosses the notes over his head...the wind takes them into the crowd. One eager male fan grabs a note and looks at it, “I THINK THIS IS HIS PHONE NUMBER.” He’s immediately eye gouged by a female fan, who takes the note from him. The rest of the women in attendance scratch and claw for these notes like they’re at a wedding trying to catch the bouquet. Knox has minimal reaction. Helena shakes her head with a roll of the eyes~

MoMo: Knox making sure that a certain portion of his life continues to stay active.

Leo: That’s motivation for Helena to kick his ass.

MoMo: Why?

Leo: You know how fucking expensive Christmas is in that family? Like they can afford any more kids.

Belvedere: And, their opponent…

~The fun and frivolity ends. Helena’s playful facial expression is eviscerated. She crouches forward, ready to pounce. Knox remains in his corner...but his devil may care expression has turned to one of serious intent. “DRAG ME DOWN TO THE HELL HOLE” begins the infamous tune of "The Dove & The Serpent" - Devil Electric! The entire mood around the beach has changed. A laser show shooting out from the entrance way displays a collection of butterflies flying toward us before they disperse, revealing chess pieces moving along a board. The black pieces are moved in coordination, nullifying the queen and locking the king in checkmate. A butcher knife suddenly slashes down the middle of our view and it reveals Stephen Stratford standing atop the stage. His cold, almost annoyed expression takes in the scene before his eyes find the ring. And, more importantly, his two opponents. Slowly, he descends from the stage, each step looking heavy and premeditated. Confidently, he strides down the walkway. Helena remains poised, staring him down, Knox keeps an eye on the situation. Stratford reaches the ring and refuses to look Helena in the eye, instead he works his mouth around a bit as his eyes turn upward, catching the orange and purple skyline~

Belvedere: From New Orleans, LA via Canberra, Australia...standing 6’0 tall and weighing in at 185lbs...representing Team Welsh...Stephen Stratford!!!

~Belvedere exits the ring. Stratford remains outside. We hear the bell sound. The fans are on their feet, ready for some more TRIAD action~

MoMo: And there he is...the most complicated individual in the trials, in my opinion. A very sinister and, some might say, evil man. Stephe Stratford.

Leo: #1 pick in the draft, baby! Gracing us with his presence. Just a shame he’s gotta fight a whole fuckin family in his debut.

MoMo: Luck of the draw.

Leo: Yea, right.

~Helena motions at Stratford to enter the ring. Stratford sighs and finally looks in her direction. He invites her to join him outside the ring. With her dad present and the spotlight directly thrust upon her, she’s not going to risk looking afraid. She takes a step forward. However, a giant hand reaches out, grabbing her by the arm. She looks over and up at her father. Knox steps toward the ropes and looks down at Stratford. Same with Helena, Stratford invites Knox to meet him outside the ring. Knox slowly steps over the top rope this time, instead of between them, he hops off the apron and plants his feet firmly in the sand. He looks down at Stratford. Stratford slowly turns his face up, staring into the very serious, veteran eyes of The Raven. The fans can’t help themselves, a ‘HOLY SHIT’ chant breaks out~

MoMo: Knox showing those paternal instincts. Rather than risk watching his daughter get hurt he’s going to step up and face the evil entity known as Stephen Stratford.

Leo: Sounds like he’s babying her, to me. Total disrespect. Helena should kick him in the balls and let Stratford pin him.

MoMo: Your wheel never stops spinning, does it? Stratford is as dangerous as they come. There’s no way Knox was going to send his daughter into the depths before having explored them himself first.

~Stratford reaches up and tries to rake Knox across the face! But Knox blocks Stratford’s hands! The fans pop! Knox chops Stratford across the chest!! A thunderous chop!! Stratford turns around and drops to one knee. Helena claps from inside the ring. Knox reaches down to grab Stratford by the hair, knowing he can’t waste time. He pulls Stratford up and around and Stratford throws sand in Knox’s face!!! The fans boo!!! Knox stumbles back against the ring steps! Stratford boots him in the gut and follows that up with a straight right hand into Knox’s head!! Knox stumbles to the side, near the netting barricade. Strat sends a boot right into Knox’s midsection...the big man drops to one knee. Strat grabs a handful of Knox’s black hair with his left hand and proceeds to slam his right fist into Knox’s head. The boos fill the Miami air~

MoMo: You cannot underestimate Stratford, at all! If anything, just assume he’s one step ahead of you and try to get in front of that.

Leo: Will you stop trying to fuck my guy over? Sheesh. It’s like the world against Team Welsh over here.

MoMo: Well perhaps the attitude of Team Welsh has something to do with that.

~The crowd rises. Strat pauses, feeling the shift in tone. He looks up and sees Helena on the top rope...she springboards off and dives onto Strat with a springboard senton!!! The fans go wild!!! They both crash into the netting. Strat leans back before stumbling forward. Knox falls out of view. Strat staggers, the netting having kept him from falling. Helena is seated on the netting. Fans reach out to help her..she grabs onto their hands, getting to her feet atop the netted barricade. She then springboards off that with a moonsault!! Strat turns around and feels the full brunt of Helena’s aerial assault!! Strat crashes into the sand! Helena lands on her knees and is in perfect position to hammer Strat in the head with right hands~

MoMo: Helena showing exactly what she can do!

Leo: This is such bullshit! Like Knox needs any help...c’mon!

MoMo: Stratford threw sand in his face! Perhaps he should think twice about his actions next time.

Leo: The sand is there, man. There, here, everywhere! Hell, I’ve got sand in places I haven’t touched in years.

~Helena pauses, looking up at Knox who is regaining his base. The moment she takes off of Stratford is a moment he seizes, reaching up with his arm and hooking her head in a ‘stunner’ position. Helena tries to break free but Strat’s got it cinched in really tight. Knox heads over to break her free but Strat kicks up with his legs and wraps them around Knox’s head. Strat spins his body to the side and he takes both Knox and Helena over!! They flip from their feet to the sand, landing hard...or as hard as one can land in the sand. Strat, on all fours, hurries to his feet. Helena holds her neck. Knox hurries back to his feet. Knox charges forward with a big boot...but Strat ducks it. Knox finds the apron...he hurriedly turns around only to get a thrust shot to the throat! Knox coughs, leaning into Strat. Strat delivers some short, precise right hands into Knox’s head. Helena, back on her feet, hurries forward, locking her arms around Strat’s waist. Strat tries to break Helena’s lock while attempting to keep Knox subdued...but it’s too much. Knox blocks a right hand from Strat and unleashes a huge knife edged chop!! Strat is staggered. Helena drops down and gets her head in between Strat’s legs. She rises up...the crowd goes wild! It’s tough, it’s a lot of weight, but she manages to get to her feet with Strat on her shoulders~

MoMo: Look at the strength possessed within Helena Handbasket!

Leo: Oh come on! I hope those legs snap! Both of em!

MoMo: Yes, I figured you were talking about both legs when you said legs.

Leo: Shaddup.

~Knox can tell Helena won’t be able to keep Strat up for long. So he lunges forward with a clothesline aimed at Strat. But Strat leans back and he takes Helena over with an inverted hurricanrana!!! Helena’s head spikes into the sand, her body coming to rest face down. Knox stumbles near the barricade. Strat hurries back to his feet and he runs to the ring. He leaps up onto the apron. Knox turns around...Strat springboards off the apron and connects with a dropkick into the head of Knox!!! Knox crashes into the netted barricade, dropping to both knees near his daughter! Strat slides back into the ring, covered in sand. On his knees, center of the ring, he starts to brush himself off. The fans begin to boo. He looks out, at the fans, listening to their opinion of him. From his knees, still caked in sand, he extends his arms as if to say, “Get used to it.”~

MoMo: I don’t have to like the man but I must admit he’s beyond impressive, so far.

Leo: He’s going to single handily destroy the Knox family.

MoMo: Still a long way to go but so far he looks to be capable of battling the patriarch and one of, if not the most accomplished child.

Leo: Let’s just call for the bell and give this one to Stratford, eh? Save Helena and Knox from getting injured. Live to fight another trial.

MoMo: Nope. Not how this works.

~Knox checks on Helena. He gets her seated up and against the netted guardrail. She’s alright, just a little thrown from being flipped over. Knox pops back to his feet, eyeing Stratford, who is now standing in the center of the ring. Determination plastered all over his face, Knox heads for the ring steps. Stratford lurks, ready. On the apron, next to the ring post, Knox contemplates his next move...he starts to step up onto the buckles but Strat makes it clear he’s going to kick him off. So, Knox motions like he’s going to enter the ring. Strat throws a kick at Knox...Knox blocks it, something Strat assumed he’d do...so Strat follows that up immediately with a forearm uppercut that sends Knox reeling. Strat dives in with a shoulder, trying to bury it into Knox to send him back into the sand. Knox, however, gets a knee up and smacks Strat in the head with it! Strat is stunned! Knox grabs the top rope and he somersaults over it and into the ring, sticking the landing! The fans pop seeing a big man able to pull off such an agile move. Strat pulls out of the ropes and stands up, he turns around and is immediately greeted with a spinning heel kick!!! Strat falls to the mat, hard! The fans go wild~

MoMo: It took some mental meandering but Matthew Knox finally got one up on Stratford!

Leo: That’s okay. We’re in this for the long haul. Stratford will rebound.

MoMo: Confidence sounds shaken.

Leo: Stirred. Not shaken.

~Knox’s focus remains on the dangerous Stratford. He stomps on Strat to keep him down. He jumps up and comes down with a knee across the throat of Strat!! Strat rolls onto all fours, holding his neck and coughing. Knox is back on his feet, he snares a handful of Strat’s hair and slings him, violently into a corner. Strat hits hard. Knox charges in and hits Strat with a HUGE clothesline!! Strat is rocked. He comes staggering out right into Knox’s waiting arms...Knox hooks Strat and tosses him over with a T-Bone Suplex!! Strat lands hard! He sits up, arching his back in pain. Knox nips up!! More praise from the crowd full of wonder. Knox hits the ropes, he bounces off and dives into Strat, driving a forearm into Strat’s back!! Strat rolls over, his back arched, his arms tensed and fists clinched. Knox sits up...finally cracking a wry smile. The fans go wild, chanting ‘Knox! Knox! Knox!’~

MoMo: Given the machinations of Stephen Stratford...this crowd has turned into extended members of the Knox Family!

Leo: Gross.

MoMo: How is that gross?

Leo: You’re saying they’re all his family members and Knox just gave his number out to all those women. That’s gross, man!

MoMo: They aren’t literal relatives! I don’t think…

~Knox returns to his feet. He grabs Strat by the hair and pulls him in tight...he holds Strat up and drops him across his knee with a backbreaker!! He holds Strat there, pressuring his spine against Knox’s giant knee. Knox appears to enjoy the torture he’s giving Strat. Strat wiggles and writhes...he nearly breaks free. So, Knox pops back to his feet and he lifts Strat up again, looking to nail another backbreaker. He hoists Strat high...but Strat manages to twist his hips, hook his legs around Knox’s head and take him over with a headscissors throw! Knox flips onto the mat and slides near the ropes! Strat lands on one knee...he takes a brief pause, reaching for his back. Knox reaches for the ropes...he pulls himself up. Strat charges in...Knox is too late to recognize. Strat has him...until Helena comes flying into view, springboarding off the ropes, grabbing Strat by the head and taking him down with a springboard neckbreaker!!! The fans go wild!!! Strat’s body convulses on the mat as he holds his neck!! “Helena! Helena!” the fans chant as she pops to one knee. Knox looks down at Strat and then at Helena. She looks up at her father and he gives a nonchalant shrug as if to say “Not bad.” She laughs~

MoMo: I think Stratford is in trouble, Leo.

Leo: Well no shit...it’s been 2 on 1 from the jump. This is some weak ass shit.

MoMo: He’s the one who decided to play dirty. They’re simply retaliating.

Leo: Oh bullshit. He just walked down to the ring and next thing he knows is the Knox Mob coming for him with pitchforks and pregnancy tests.

~To his credit, Stratford doesn’t stay down long. Holding his neck, he fights back to his feet...but Knox is waiting. Knox rushes forward and delivers Little Drop of Poison (Big Boot) right into Stratford’s face!!! Strat spins around and staggers...Helena, like Knox, is waiting. She leaps up and grabs Strat from behind and drops him with Supersnoics (codebreaker)!!! Strat’s body flies back, through the ropes and to the outside!! The fans go wild! Helena pops back to her feet and rushes toward the ropes, looking down. She sees Strat on his back. For a moment she looks like she’s going to head out of the ring to get him, but she pauses. Looking over her shoulder, she lays her vision on Knox~

MoMo: And now an uncomfortable bridge has appeared. If she wants to try and pin Stratford, well, she’s going to have to do so by going through her father.

Leo: I mean, Knox could just lay down for Helena. An early Christmas present.

MoMo: That’s not how they operate, Leo. Knox would be insulting Helena or any of his family members if he just handed them the win.

Leo: Nice. Okay, so tear each other apart, then!

~Helena faces the menacing visage of her father. He gives her a look as if to say, “You sure about this?” She looks out to the crowd and they start to clap and cheer. She motions toward the crowd. With a sigh and a slight, barely noticeable smile, Knox gets into position. The two start to circle each other. Knox reaches for Helena...she ducks and hooks him from behind, around the waist. Knox dives to the mat and his momentum tosses Helena forward, into the ropes. She grabs onto the top rope and spins her legs through the top and middle rope, back around. Knox gets to his feet. Helena charges. Knox ducks. Helena leaps over her father and tries to take him over with a Sunset Flip!! But Knox leans forward and grabs onto the top rope. Helena lets go and returns to her feet...she hits the ropes. Knox turns around...Helena bounces off and dives at Knox with a crossbody! But he catches her!! He tosses her over his shoulders in a Fireman’s Carry. Helena wiggles...Knox loses his grip, she gets her feet free and hooks Knox by the head and takes him over with a Small Package!!! The crowd rises! Tony dives in with the count~

1!

2!

KICK OUT!!

MoMo: Helena’s quickness is giving her father some trouble!

Leo: I mean, I’d be all for Helena knocking ‘Mr Cool’ off her high horse. But that’d mean Strat would get one point instead of two.

MoMo: You can pull for members of other teams...you know that, right?

Leo: There is only one team, Double Mo.

~Knox rushes to his knees, looking over at his daughter. His face an amalgamation of surprise and pride. Helena is already back on her feet. She rushes in, hooking Knox in a front face lock. Knox powers up to his feet and he lifts Helena high in the air, placing her on the top rope. We get a brief cut from below, looking up...Strat is in our view. He’s watching the father and daughter compete against one another. With Helena perched, Knox tries to break free but she won’t release her grip. She kicks off the top buckle, looking for a Tornado DDT...but Knox, instinct kicking in, throws her off. She flies high into the air, her arms and legs kicking...she comes straight down and lands front first on the mat!! Huge impact! The crowd groans! Helena rolls around, holding her stomach in pain. Knox leans in...sort of an ‘oh shit, I didn’t mean to throw you that high...you okay?’ reaction. But Helena reaches up and takes him over with another Small Package!!! The crowd pops!! Tony dives in~

1!

2!

3...KICK OUT!!

MoMo: Wow! Another nearfall. That could’ve been three!

Leo: Here we go. Push him, Helena. Get daddy Knox mad.

MoMo: I doubt it’ll get to that point.

Leo: Oh yea? Watch this, “HEY KNOX! I THINK SHE’S TRYING TO TELL YOU YOU HAVE A SMALL PACKAGE! AKA YOU HAVE A TINY PENIS, HAHA!!!”

MoMo: Professionalism at its finest.

~Strat is caught peeking over the apron from the outside, watching Helena and Knox continue to battle. Knowing that with each pinfall attempt the stakes raise. With each move, the aggression intensifies. Waiting to see if competition turns into war. Knox struggles to his feet, thrown by the quick pin attempts...his primal instincts are kicking into gear. Helena hurries back to their feet and they hit the ropes...Knox, hearing the footsteps, in the throes of competition, lifts a big boot up and BAM!! It plans dead center of Helena’s face!!! Helena hits the mat, HARD. The fans gasp. Knox looks down, visibly shaken~

MoMo: Oh no! Knox just hit Helena with Little Drop of Poison!

Leo: Fuck yes! Here we go...enough of this family ties bullshit. Rip each other up!

MoMo: I know Knox doesn’t want to hold anything back but I doubt he wanted to kick his kid in the face.

Leo: Hey, look, they gotta grow up sometime. And that time is now.

~Knox, down on one knee to check on Helena, hears something. He looks to the side and BOOM! He gets hit with Strategizer (V-Trigger) from Stratford!!! Knox rises to his feet and he falters back into a corner. Stratford rushes in and smacks Knox in the face with a flying forearm!! Strat climbs to the second rope and he begins to punish Knox with right fists into the head. The fans continue to boo~

MoMo: And here we go...Stratford got what he wanted. Cracks in the family so he can divide and conquer.

Leo: We all know the Knox family likes to talk. But they’ve finally met someone who actually walks and he’s going to walk all over them in a manner they’ve never experienced. The Knox family ends tonight.

MoMo: Strong words. I hope they prove to be false.

~Stratford drops back to the mat and reaches up, wrapping his hands around Knox’s throat, choking the life out of him. Knox tries to fight Stratford off but the strength within The Dragon is as fierce as his moniker. Knox drops to his knees...Strat lets go and looks over, seeing Helena begin to stir. Stratford hits the mat and slides out of the ring, disappearing. Helena gets to their knees and looks over at Knox, who is on his, coughing. Helena feels the forming welt on their face from the boot and angrily rises...they rush in and dive on top of Knox with a Meteora, sending Knox crashing into the corner!! Helena does a modified bronco buster only using their knees instead of, ya know, the mother fuckin crotch. The fans yell and point at Stratford but Helena is in the zone, focused on winning, just like their dad taught them~

MoMo: Helena! You need to go after Stratford! He’s trying to play you two against each other!

Leo: Trying? Looks like he’s succeeding.

MoMo: Don’t let this evil man tear you two apart!

~Helena finishes. Knox is slouched in the corner. They pull Knox up to a standing position. Helena steps through the ropes...Knox staggers near the ropes...Helena then leaps over the top rope and drops Knox on his face with Smooth Criminal (Slingshot Bulldog!!) Knox is down!!! Helena rolls him over and makes the cover! Tony dives in! Stratford’s hand reaches up in the background, ready to pull himself in and break it up if he feels he needs to~

1!

2!

KICK OUT!

MoMo: Dangerous game Stratford is playing. Helena almost won it.

Leo: Nah, he knows. He knows it’s gonna take more than that to keep Knox down. And, well, if it doesn’t, then all the better...just means Knox is fuckin weak.

~Helena, back on their feet, heads into a corner. They appear a bit emotional, but focused. Staring down their father as he slowly reaches his feet. Helena fights internally…working up the right amount of courage and anger to unleash their most devastating move on their dad. Knox staggers. Helena closes their eyes and they charge forward...they leap in the air with Screw U! (Spinning high knee strike)!!! But Knox catches them in his arms! He stumbles back, his equilibrium thrown off...and, as he does, he falls to the mat and inadvertently drops Helena with Snake Eyes!!! Helena’s head snaps back, their body tumbles down into the center of the ring. Knox is left seated in the corner, running his hand through his cold, black hair...his mind racing~

MoMo: No matter what decision Knox makes it just seems to get him deeper and deeper.

Leo: Like quicksand. The more he tries, the deeper he sinks.

MoMo: Meanwhile Stratford is watching...waiting...he’s going to pounce at some point.

Leo: And it’ll be glorious.

~Knox pulls himself up...he’s just about had it with Stratford’s games. He looks over the top rope...he tries to locate The Dragon. Yelling at Tony, he tells Tony to find Stratford and get him in the ring. Tony exits, helping Knox look. Knox reaches the second side of his search...the crowd rises...they scream and yell...Knox hears a CLANG! Our view cuts to see Helena being hit by a steel chair as they try to get to all fours, sending them crashing back to the mat. Knox’s blood pressure rises. His fists clench. Stratford stands in the center of the ring, holding the steel chair. Knox charges at Stratford, ready to murder this man...but Stratford throws the chair at Knox!! Knox catches it and staggers back, confused. Stratford exits...Knox looks at the chair...he then holds it, ready to use it should Stratford get back in the ring. He then feels the gaze of hurt filled eyes...looking down he sees Helena looking up at him from the mat, holding her back...she sees her father holding the chair. Knox’s eyes widen...he tries to explain..~

MoMo: Oh no! Helena thinks Knox hit them with that chair!

Leo: Haha, yes! This is so good!

MoMo: Friendly competition is one thing...but a chair shot? That’s going to stir up some major mixed emotions inside Helena. This is getting bad. We might want to end this...for the sake of issues far larger than a wrestling match.

Leo: Fuck off. They’re a carny family. You live by the carnival you die by the carnival.

~Knox spots Stratford watching from outside the ring. He utters, “You mother fucker” and heads that way with the chair. Helena reaches out, grabbing him by the leg. Knox stops...he tries to shake Helena off...he pleads with them to let him go. Helena slowly drags their body up, holding onto Knox’s leg for support. Tony is back in the ring...he rips the chair from Knox and tosses it into a corner. Helena gets to their feet...Knox looks down at his child...they look up at him and hit a jawbreaker on Knox!!! Knox stumbles into a corner, stunned! Helena climbs to the second buckle and pours down double ax handle after double ax handle into Knox’s head~

MoMo: I can’t take much more of this. It’s going too far!

Leo: Don’t worry...at any moment Stratford is going to strike and it’ll all be over.

MoMo: I’m just sick.

~Helena backs up...their father stumbles toward them, dropping to his knees. Helena hits the ropes, bounces off and smacks Knox in the head with SCREW U!!!! Knox falls the mat, unconscious. The fans feel deflated, watching what’s transpiring. Helena, instead of going for the pin...heads for the chair. Tony gets in their way, trying to talk some sense into the momentarily possessed Knox child~

MoMo: Don’t do it, Helena! It was Stratford, not your father!

Leo: Kill him! Break his head open! Do the wrestling world a favor!

~Helena pushes past Tony...and then is blindsided from behind!!! Stratford lays everything he has via a punch to the back of Helena’s head!!! Helena falls into the corner, knocked out. Stratford picks Helena up and hoists them into his arms for a body slam...he backs up, standing on the middle buckle...he’s going for an elevated slam...he then shocks the entire city of Miami by tossing Helena over with a Fallaway Slam!! Their body flies over the corner and lands HARD on the steps!! SICK THUD!! The fans scream and yell! Stratford sits back up on the top buckle, not even caring enough to look at the damage he’s done. Tony dives out of the ring to check on Helena, who is laid out across the steps. Strat sits and waits as Knox slowly gets to all fours...he looks up at Stratford...Startford calmly drops down and saunters toward Knox~

MoMo: Stratford with a huge advantage now...but he may be underestimating the price a person can pay for messing with a man’s family.

Leo: Oh please. Knox is broken down. Helena is broken in half. The Dragon will breathe a little fire and walk out of here with two points...TWO POINTS

MoMo: Very likely the case.

~Knox swings wildly at Straford, from his knees...Stratford dodges the punch and grabs Knox by the head, bringing him in. He stares into the hard cam and he takes Knox to the mat with Halo (Cross Rhodes). Knox is flat on the mat. Stratford makes the cover. Tony slides back into the ring and makes the count...the fans are booing as loud as they can~

1!

2!

3...NO!

MoMo: Shoulder up by Knox!

Leo: That’s okay. Just a little more needed. Let’s go.

~Stratford won’t get in a hurry. He gets to his feet and stomps on Knox. He pulls the big man back to his feet and hits the ropes...Stratford spingboards off and drops Knox with Silencer (Springboard Dropkick)!!!! Knox is back on the ground. Stratford makes the cover~

1!

2!

3!!!

NO!

MoMo: Knox with another shoulder up...but barely!

Leo: Sheesh...okay, we’re fine. One more. Let’s go. One more move!

~Stratford looks down at Knox, he smirks. Old man Knox showing some of that fight he’s heard so much about. Stratford returns to his feet and pulls Knox up. Stratford backs up and runs forward, drilling Knox with Strategizer!!! Knox crumbles to the mat. Strat makes the cover~

1!

2!

3!!!!!!

…

NO!

MoMo: Wow! Knox refuses to be put down.

Leo: Okay, okay...enough screwing around. He’s clearly better than we thought...let’s show the world Zero Sum and end this...NOW

~Stratford returns to his feet, looking down at Knox. He shakes his head and kicks Knox in the face. He then snares Knox by the hair, peeling him off the mat. Stratford hooks Knox’s head for a Snap Mare...he’s going for Zero Sum, his end game move...the Snap Mare Driver!!! Stratford brings Knox forward...but Knox jumps and flips over landing on his feet...Strat stands up and BAM!!! Knox hits him with a Superkick!!! Stratford’s body shoots into a corner, slamming into the buckles hard!! The crowd goes wild. Knox falls to his knees, riddled with pain...all sorts of pain. Strat is dazed, leaning forward in the corner, shaking his head. The fans chant ‘KNOX! KNOX! KNOX!’~

MoMo: Yes! Knox finally caught Stratford!

Leo: SHIT

MoMo: Put him down, Knox! Teach him a lesson!

~Knox feeds off the energy. He rises to his feet and glares at Stratford...Knox charges in and LITTLE DROP OF POISON!!!! Stratford staggers forward, falling to his knees. Knox stalks Strat, yelling at him to ‘get the fuck up!’ Stratford does and Knox hits him with a round kick to the gut!!! Strat doubles over...Knox kicks him in the leg, dropping him to his knees...Knox then finishes off To the Guillotine with an Axe Kick to the back of Stratford’s head!! Strat collapses face first onto the mat! The fans are going wild! Knox drops down and rolls Strat over...Tony slides in with the count~

1!

2!

NO!!!!

MoMo: Stratford kicks out!

Leo: Whew...I can’t take much more of this. C’mon, Strat...shoot this stupid birdman down!

~Knox is back on his feet, staring down at Stratford...he pulls the Machiavellian menace back to his feet before grabbing onto him and dropping him with Lungblower before immediately locking in a Katahijame!!! It’s The Mercy, The Murder!!!! Stratford, however, has this scouted and he instinctively kicks back, bringing all his weight onto Knox’s chest for a pin!! Tony slides in for the count~

1!

KICK OUT!

MoMo: Smart counter by Stratford, wow!

Leo: Dude’s a fuckin savant.

~Both men rush to their feet...Knox is first. Stratford gets to his and Knox hoists him onto his shoulders!!! The fans are going wild!!! Knox tosses Stratford up and he hits INTO THE VOID (GTS)!!!! Stratford collapses to the mat~

MoMo: INTO THE VOID!

Leo: NOOOOOOO

~Knox crawls over and rolls Strat onto his back. Knox makes the cover. Tony slides in...the fans chant along~

1!

2!

3!!!!

Leo: I…

NO!!!

Leo: Just about had a heart attack...OH MY GOSH

MoMo: Stratford kicked out of Into the Void!!! Unbelievable!!!

~Knox looks down at Strat, stunned. Strat is breathing heavy, his eyes are shut, but we can see a slight smile on his face. Knox gets to his feet, staring down at Knox...the man just powered out of his finisher…a finisher that has put champions around the world down. A finisher that has won numerous championships. The thought has to be running through his mind...can Stratford be pinned...can he be beat?~

MoMo: Knox is shaken!

Leo: Well of course...Stratford has had this thing at every turn. He’s operating on an elevated plane of existence. Knox can’t beat him. Nobody can.

MoMo: I think that very thought is running through his mind, Leo. What we’ve seen tonight has been as terrifying as it’s been impressive.

~Knox shakes it off...stay focused. Move ahead...he’s just a man. He can be put down. Knox pulls Stratford off the mat and hoists him onto his shoulders once more...Knox wastes no time in moving to drop Strat with a second Into the Void...but this time Stratford turns it into a DDT!!! Knox lands right on his head!!! The fans boo and sigh...the rally has been cut short. Stratford struggles to his feet and he looks down at Knox...despite it all, Knox has proven to Stratford that he’s every bit as good as the headlines suggest~

MoMo: I don’t know, Leo. Maybe it’s best if Knox stays down. Get this thing over with and work to explain things to Helena.

Leo: Now you’re talking!

~Strat pulls Knox up and goes to whip him into a corner...but he looks for Tony and finds him...Strat then spins around and slings Knox into Tony, knocking him down and out of the ring!!! The fans boo!!! Knox stumbles around, right into another Strategizer from Stratford!!! Knox falls to his knees...ready to topple over. Stratford calmly heads into a corner...the corner where the chair resides. He grabs it and readies it for use. Knox kneels, his head bowed~

MoMo: Oh no...this isn’t necessary.

Leo: KNOCK HIS HEAD OFF

~Stratford rears back and rushes forward...he swings for the fences and SMASH!!! Direct hit!!! The crowd gasps! Strat looks at the warped chair, proud...he then looks down and is shocked to find Knox still kneeling. He looks down to find Helena…they’re on their back, head cracked open. The crowd screams and yells~

MoMo: Oh no!! Helena ran in and took the shot for Knox! She spared him!

Leo: What...that makes no sense...WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT!

MoMo: It’s their father...it’s family!

Leo: I...I don’t get it.

MoMo: Blood runs thicker than anything you could ever imagine, Leo.

~Knox suddenly rises, picking Stratford onto his shoulders...he then tosses him over the top rope and to the outside!!! Stratford lands into the sand, dropping the chair. Knox turns and looks at Helena. He drops to his knees, inspecting the damage, concern etched all over his face. He then turns and sees Stratford back on his feet. Knox is torn...how much additional damage must Helena go through...must he go through...must the family go through? He makes a decision...he covers Helena...Tony drops in for the pin...Stratford heads for the ropes~

1!

2!

~Stratford watches Knox pin his own child~

3!!!!!

~The bell rings. The fans are spent...emotionally exhausted, distressed...some visually upset~

Belvedere: Here is your winner...MATTHEW ‘THE RAVEN’ KNOX!!!!!

~Knox returns to his knees, leaning back, shaking his head...he looks over at Stratford with murder in his eyes. Stratford smirks and slowly backs away, exiting the scene. Could he attack, sure? But the damage is done. He’s given the Knox family plenty to deal with moving forward in the Trials. Tony reaches to raise Knox’s hand but he shoves Tony away. Instead, he picks Helena off the mat and holds them in his arms. He exits the ring, carrying an unconscious Helena to the back as the fans have no reaction...they don’t know how to react~

MoMo: I don’t know how much more of Stratford I can take. That was sickening.

Leo: Look...I’m pissed we didn’t get the two points. But ya know what? I think Strat just fucked both Knox and Helena up for the remainder of the Trials. So...that’s a WIN!

MoMo: Well, I officially hate dragons. Alright fans, we’re all gonna need a little bit of therapy after that one...for those keeping up...Team PIC has three points. Team TLS has two points and Team Welsh gets on the board with one point.

Leo: Minor setback for a big comeback!

MoMo: Knox leads Team PIC with two points. Kane right behind him with one. Vhodka remains the leader on Team TLS as none of the other members have a point. And, on Team Welsh, Stratford sits in the lead with one point.

Leo: So many points.

MoMo: Alright, let’s all get some therapy, call a loved one, do a shot of whiskey….whatever you need. We’ll be back with more action after this!

EARLIER TODAY

~PIC leans back on the edge of a blue cooler staring out onto the Atlantic Ocean. His toes extend into the sand in front of him as he adjusts the Costa aviator sunglasses on his face. The cool ocean breeze kicks up, causing his unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt and luscious locks to fly freely.~

PIC: I’m glad to see most of you were able to make it out early. I’ve met with each of you individually and communicated through text and phone conversations, but I wanted to take some time ahead of our first show tonight for us to get to know each other a little. Anyone want to volunteer to tell us a little about yourself? Knox? Catalina?

~The camera pans away as PIC turns around to reveal four empty beach chairs.~

PIC: What the hell? Where did everyone go?

~He removes his sunglasses and begins to scan his surroundings in hopes of seeing any of his team members. Not too far away, already shirtless and tanning, is Matt Knox with headphones from 1989 covering most of his head as he soaks up the rays. PIC shakes his head as he walks over to Knox, standing directly between Knox and the sun above.~

PIC: Dude, what are you doing? You’re the veteran on the team. I expect you to set the tone.

Matt Knox: I’m also the alcoholic man-child. It’s on you for not reading the fine print…now c’mon, you’re in my sun.

PIC: You’ve got plenty of time for sun later. We’ve got to get this team together if we want to have a shot at winning the TRIAD.

~Matt removes his headphones annoyedly, narrowing his eyes up at PIC before speaking in a lower tone.~

Matt Knox: Oh come off it, man. You want us to be good and selfish. Competing against each other to stack points, get a shot at that bravery piece and put you a few steps ahead of your buddies…

~He lets his gaze size PIC up for a moment and chuckles.~

Matt Knox: You’re one of those that always wanted the booker’s job, aint’cha son?

~PIC is as close to seething as we’ve seen him in a long time.~

PIC: You don’t have the first clue about me. I’d just about rather be doing anything other than running a wrestling promotion. Fact is, you know as well as anyone that I want the TRIAD for one reason and one reason only, so that I can heal my body and get back in the ring where I belong. And when that happens, Knox, with or without your help, don’t be surprised if your name isn’t one of the first I come calling on. Now get your stuff together and start focusing on tonight. You’re in the ring with one of the strongest competitors in this whole thing, not to mention your own daughter who is as crafty as they come. We don’t have room for mistakes.

~Matt stares holes up into PIC’s head, taking a deep breath before suddenly springing to his feet, an inch or so away from the man….then the facade falls and a smile cracks his features.~

Matt Knox: That’s more fucking like it! Come on, let’s go get these crazy kids. I think Cat’s playing that stupid digimon game.

~PIC is taken aback at Knox’s sudden change in demeanor, but this isn’t the time to question it. The two begin walking down the shoreline looking for Knox’s teammates. Off in the distance, Catalina sits cross legged at the edge of the surf, dressed in a green hoodie and black board shorts. The phone in her lap blurs through YouTube wrestling clips, while her eyes dart between that and the screen of the Nintendo Switch she’s playing Tears of the Kingdom on. Her hood is up, her focus absolute.~

Matt Knox: See? Fuckin’ Digimon.

~Knox kicks sand at the seated Cat.~

Matt Knox: TEAM MEETING!

~Cat peaks up from underneath her hoodie. She pauses Zelda, but not her phone.~

Catalina Cortes: Dude, I’m match-cramming. I got a playlist of Sarah Wolf matches and top move compilations going at one-point-five speed. Couldn’t find anything on Merica though, but I started getting gay frog conspiracies in my recs. I guess that’s like still a thing and somehow the frogs are getting even gayer. If you believe the videos, I mean.

~PIC shoots Knox a glance to see if he understood any of what Cat said, but Knox is distracted by what likely will be the mother of child number 78 in a pink bikini.~

PIC: I, uh… well I’m not sure about the gay frogs, but I’m certainly glad to see you studying up for your match. I just don’t understand why you felt the need to walk away from that perfectly good chair over there where the meeting was, to come here and sit in this one.

Catalina Cortes: I have social anxiety, so I eliminated the social and poof, bye-bye anxiety. What’s in the cooler, though?

~Her question catches PIC off guard. Thankfully Knox interjects.~

Matt Knox: You can just say you’re weird, dude.

~Cat unpauses Zelda and goes back to watching the two screens, shrugging.~

Catalina Cortes: I’m comfortable with myself or some shit.

PIC: Weird is good, embrace it. But we really need to get together as a team. Have either of you seen Lachlan or Penelope?

~Before anyone can answer, a figure comes jogging up to them from down the beach, and as they get closer it’s revealed to be Lachlan Kane. The Irishman is dressed for the beach in blue board shorts and a black tank top with sunglasses shielding his eyes from the bright sunlight. A few women stop in their tracks to stare after him with smiles, but he doesn’t pay any attention as he arrives to the small group.~

Lachlan Kane: Sorry I’m late, everyone. My little lad decided he wanted to leave me a going-away present in my duffel bag, so I had to repack before I left Orlando.

~He gives a sheepish grin as he puts his hands in his pockets.~

Knox: Your little shit left you a little shit?

~Kane shrugs.~

Lachlan Kane: A big one, actually. Hope I haven’t missed anything important.

PIC: Kane! Glad you’re here. That gives us three. Now if we can just figure out where Penelope has gone.

~PIC scans the horizon and notices a commotion further off in the distance.~

PIC: Something’s going on over there. You three stay put, I’m gonna check it out.

~The teammates each give their own version of an affirmation as PIC heads towards a huge crowd that has gathered. He pushes and prods his way through the throng, getting covered in a combination of sunscreen and sweat in the process. As he gets to the front, he sees Penelope. She's dressed in a black, sleeveless but legged bodysuit. Her black, wide brimmed hat doing a good job at shading her from the unforgiving sun. She looks around at the crowd, her eyes hidden behind a pair of vintage RayBan Wayfarer sunglasses. The folks in the crowd look almost dazed and lifeless, as if in a trance. Next to Penelope on the sand is a young woman around her age. PIC begins to realize something is very wrong with the situation. A woman is laying down on a bizarre circular symbol Penelope had drawn in the sand. Random glyphs surround the main symbol.~

Penelope: Now…it's important to remember that when performing sacrifices to Ngyr-Korath…fresh is best.

~The crowd all around PIC murmur back in a monotone synchronization.~

Crowd: Fresh…is…best.

Penelope: Correct!

~Penelope reaches into a black satchel at her side and pulls out an ornate dagger.~

Penelope: In order to pierce the heart, you need to get past the breast bone here.

~PIC looks around nervously, hoping against hope that he is somehow imagining all of this as he watches Penelope tap the woman's chest to indicate the spot. The woman is unmoving as if blissfully unaware of the imminent danger she is in.~

Penelope: You need to bring the knife in a sharp downward motion…like this, in order to get through.

~Penelope takes the knife in a reverse-edge grip ala Michael Myers and slowly demonstrates through the air. The crowd all nod in unison and mime the motion themselves.~

Penelope: Does anyone want to have a try?

~Penelope goes to hold out the knife to the zombified crowd but PIC sees his opportunity and steps in, snatching the knife from her hand.~

PIC: No! Good Lord, no! Penelope, what are you thinking? We’ve got the first show in TRIAD history tonight. You can’t be out here brainwashing and killing innocent people on South Beach!

~Penelope shrugs.~

PIC: Now come on! I’ve got the other three over here waiting on you. We’ve got to bond as a team if we have any hopes of taking on the talent that Welsh and TLS have gathered. Gaining that bravery piece of the TRIAD will put us one step closer to our goals.~

~PIC waves Penelope on and, to his surprise, she actually follows. The two retrace the steps he made just a few moments ago as they near the water’s edge.~

PIC: The three of them are just over here. They should be… son of a—

~PIC nears the spot where he left Knox, Cat, and Kane, but they are nowhere to be found. All of Cat’s electronics, her chair… everything has been removed from the sand. PIC’s face turns red, and not from the midday sun.~

PIC: I’ll kill them. I’ll kill all of them!

Penelope: Remember, fresh is best.

~PIC lets out a huge scream as he walks away, leaving Penelope standing in the sand as the scene slowly fades to black.~

MoMo: An interesting group, no doubt about that. But a group that finds itself in the lead with 3 points after two matches.

Leo: Blah blah blah.

MoMo: All of that could change in our next match! I expect this one to be less emotional than the previous match and more an adrenaline fueled ride! Catalina Cortes is nonstop action...Sarah Wolf is nonstop venom...and MERICA is non stop patriotism.

Leo: So what you're saying is there are no stop signs where we're heading.

MoMo: Exactly. Can MERICA shock us all and prove to be a contender in the Trials? Will Cortes prove she was worth the 3rd pick in the draft? Or, can Sarah Wolf twist and turn both aforementioned competitors into submission? Let's head to the ring and find out!

MERICA (0 PTS) vs. Sarah Wolf (0 PTS) vs. Catalina Cortes (0 PTS)

~The sun has just about set. The sky is a dark blue, growing darker by the second. The lights all around Miami are shining bright. Flood lights erected around ringside are moments away from burning down on the fans and competitors. “LIVIN ON A PRAYER” the increasingly drunk crowd croons as the Bon Jovi hit plays in the distance. “Mhm,” Belvedere clears his throat, gaining their collective attention~

Belvedere: Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time for our third Trial of the evening! This match is a triple threat match and it is scheduled for one fall!

~“ONE FALL!” the fans scream!! Belvedere nods as if to say, “Yea, that’s what I said.”~

Belvedere: And now...introducing first…

~RED WHITE AND BLUE pyros will go off everywhere as MERICA by Granger Smith plays. MERICA appears wrapped in the love and glory of the American flag as he proceeds to the ring. Once he reaches the ring MERICA removes the flag, carefully folding it into a triangle and hands it to the Belvedere. Once this is complete MERICA faces the direction of a giant American Flag hanging off in the distance, near the beach~

Belvedere: Fans, please stand as MERICA recites the Pledge of Allegiance.

~MERICA is handed the mic from Belvedere~

MERICA: I pledge allegiance to the fl-

~OOMPH! MERICA is immediately cut off from behind!! He stumbles forward! Belvedere takes the mic and dives out of the ring! The fans are stunned. MERICA reaches for the ropes, turns around and gets a roundhouse kick to the head!! He staggers along the ropes into a corner. CRACK! A running knee directly into his face! MERICA is reeling!! He’s immediately flipped over with a Snapmare! His head is locked underneath the arm of his assailant...a person we finally get a good look of...it’s Sarah Wolf!~

MoMo: It’s Sarah Wolf!

Leo: My girl! She said ‘fuck them entrances’ and rushed in there to fuck MERICA up!

MoMo: I don’t know what she’s got against the Pledge but she ran out here like a woman possessed!

Leo: I think she, like all of us, is kinda insulted this cosplayer was drafted to compete with the absolute elite of this profession.

~Wolf has an inverted facelook applied to MERICA. The crowd stirs with confusion. Is this part of the match? Where is the bell? Is there a third competitor? Is this a terrorist attack on our country? MERICA tries to fight out of it, but Sarah’s hold and positioning give her too much leverage. MERICA appears to be losing consciousness. Is this the night America falls? Is our country about to crumble before our very eyes...at the hands of Sarah Wolf?~

MoMo: I think MERICA’s journey might be over before it ever got started, Leo.

Leo: Haha! Fuck that guy!

~We see a super patriotic fan fight his way toward the netted barricade. He’s obviously fueled on red, white, and booze. He tries to climb over the barricade to get into the ring and show just how much he bleeds red, white, and blue. He trips doing so, landing face first into the sand near the ring. MERICA’s body appears limp, his neck being bent back as far as it can go before breaking. The fans pop! Our view immediately rotates around toward the entrance as we see Catalina Cortes sprinting to the ring!!~

MoMo: It’s Catalina! Here she comes to save MERICA!

Leo: Or steal the fucking pin. If this bell ever rings.

MoMo: Let’s go!

~Cortes spots the patriotic fan...he’s on all fours. She uses his back to propel her momentum upward, onto the apron...she doesn’t stop there, stepping up on the middle and top rope. Wolf lets MERICA go and stands up. Cortes leaps off the top rope with a somersault!! She comes down, wrapping her legs around Wolf’s head and taking her over with a hurricanrana!!! The fans go wild!!! “CAT-A-LINA!” chants fill the Miami sky!! Cortes pops back to her feet...immediately she puts her eyes on Wolf. Wolf shakes off her momentary equilibrium shake and locates Cat. With the two staring each other down, the bell rings to a huge ovation~

MoMo: And we’re officially underway!

Leo: Looks like it’s going to be a race to see who can pin MERICA first...which should be Sarah. She’s already done all the work!

MoMo: Never count MERICA out, Leo! Especially in Miami!

Leo: What the hell does that even mean?

~Wolf and Cortes rush to their feet as quick as they can. They greet each other with forearm shots! Each trading one forearm shot to the head for another. Neither competitor gives any ground...the crowd is frenzied, going crazy over the fast paced, somewhat impromptu action. Wolf’s strikes begin to bite into Catalina more than the ones she’s receiving. Cortes stumbles back. Wolf goes to deliver a devastating forearm...but Cat ducks! Wolf stumbles forward and spins around...Cortes rushes toward the ropes and springboards off with a Shining Wizard! But Wolf catches her leg!! Cat lands on the mat...Wolf looks to twist the leg...Cortes, however, manages to pull her leg in, get her free leg pressed into Wolf and she shoves Sarah off!! Sarah staggers back! Cortes nips up. Wolf leans into the ropes and shoots off. Cortes throws a roundhouse kick...Wolf ducks and hits the ropes. Catalina spins around and jumps into the air, looking to leapfrog Sarah...but Sarah catches her! Wolf rears back, attempting an Alabama Slam...but Catalina manages to flip over and land on her feet...the competitors are back-to-back! Cortes reaches up for a neckbreaker...Sarah swings things back around, facing Cortes. She snares Catalina by the head for a DDT...but Catalina blocks it! So, Sarah wraps her legs around Catalina’s body and locks down on a front face lock!! The fans pop for the fast paced action! Cortes bends over, doing everything she can to remain standing so Wolf can’t take her to the mat and really lock this hold in~

MoMo: Wow, these two competitors are giving it all they have!

Leo: Catalina is good, no doubt. But, I mean, c’mon...Wolf is clearly better.

MoMo: I don’t know about that. She’s stronger, sure. A better submission wrestler, no doubt. But Catalina is extremely athletic and agile. She can turn a match in the blink of an eye.

Leo: And what about MERICA?

MoMo: Well, he’s still alive. Probably the one benefiting the most from these two warriors trying to take each other out.

~This time it’s Cortes who’s in trouble. She can’t break from Wolf’s grip. The sun might be pretty much set but it’s still hot and humid and the longer Catalina’s head is locked in Wolf’s vice grip, the quicker her stamina will deplete. The fans begin to chant “USA! USA!” Wolf looks around like ‘wtf’. MERICA starts to move. He gets to one knee...he gets to his feet. He turns and sees Wolf squeezing the life out of Cortes. He heads over with a double axe handle...Wolf hesitates, refusing to break the hold...MERICA slams his hands into Wolf’s head! Catalina breaks free!! The fans pop! She stands upright, her face covered in sweat, hair slightly wet from the perspiration. Wolf drops to one knee, stunned. Catalina performs a backflip, landing on her feet...she then rushes forward with a dropkick into Wolf’s face, knocking her to the mat! The fans go wild!! Wolf rolls under the ropes and onto the apron. Cortes starts to give chase but MERICA stops her. She looks up at the least known competitor in the Trials...he gives her a thumbs up and starts clapping his hands yelling out “USA! USA!” The fans pick their previous chant back up~

MoMo: Catalina saved MERICA and now MERICA returned the favor!

Leo: Fuckin gross.

MoMo: Nothing wrong with a little patriotism. Fourth of July was last week, ya know.

Leo: Yesterday’s news, in other words. It’s time to turn the page to Halloween if you ask me.

MoMo: It’s July, you freak!

~Wolf reaches her feet on the apron. MERICA raises Catalina’s hand in response to the ‘USA’ chants! The crowd pops. Catalina seems a little thrown by all this...but she doesn’t have time to mentally digest the situation as Sarah dives through the ropes and drives her shoulders into the midsections of both MERICA and Catalina! They stagger back. The chant dies a quick death. Wolf pops back to her feet and she hooks the heads of both her competitors, looking for a Double DDT. She swings her leg, attempting a swift delivery...but MERICA and Catalina block it! The fans pop! In unison, the two raise up and toss Sarah over with a double back body drop!! Wolf flies high in the air before landing with a tremendous thud!! The ring shakes from impact!! The fans go wild! Wolf arches her back, wincing in pain. Catalina rushes forward and dives down, grabbing Wolf by the head and delivering a Rolling Neck Snap! Wolf writhes atop the mat in pain. MERICA picks her up with ease and tosses her over his shoulder! The fans rise. MERICA rushes for the nearest corner and delivers Snake Eyes!!! Wolf’s face SLAMS into the top buckle!! She stumbles back and Catalina slides in behind her, taking her over with a roll up! Tony dives in with a count~

1!

2!

BREAK UP!

MoMo: Catalina might’ve had the pin but MERICA broke it up!

Leo: What is it with everybody double teaming the three FIGHT staples? IT’S A CONSPIRACY. Although I didn’t mind it when Vhodka was getting double teamed.

MoMo: Excuse me? You wanna rephrase that?

~MERICA gets back to his feet. Catalina looks up at him like, “Bro? What the hell?” She gets to her feet. MERICA explains something...maybe speaking about Capitalism. Who knows because Wolf kicks Catalina from behind, sending her forehead into MERICA’s chin!! MERICA is rocked!! He hits the ropes...stumbles forward and nearly takes Catalina’s head off with a lariat!! Catalina spins inside out and lands on the mat, hard! MERICA reaches down, picking Cortes up...he tosses her into a corner! Her body slams into the buckles! MERICA proceeds to drive his shoulder into her midsection once, twice, three times! After the third shoulder he rises up with Catalina over his back...he spins around and drops her on the mat with an Alabama Slam!! The crowd is torn...they’re pro USA but they also like Cortes. MERICA looks down at Catalina...but he’s immediately smothered by Wolf from behind. She takes his back and locks in a sleeper! She wraps her legs around his midsection and tries to choke him out! MERICA stumbles around the ring~

MoMo: Wolf managed to get Cortes and MERICA at odds with each other and is now taking advantage!

Leo: You think Cortes was trying to kiss MERICA?

MoMo: She was not trying to kiss MERICA!

Leo: Relax, I was just asking.

~Reaching back, MERICA grabs hold of Wolf’s hair...he slings her forward, off his back but she holds onto his head, hitting a jawbreaker!!! MERICA stumbles into the ropes. Wolf, on her ass, spins around and looks up at MERICA. She charges after him only to get tripped up by Cortes! She stumbles forward and MERICA boots her in the face, taking her to the mat! Catalina jumps on top of Wolf, pummeling her with rights and lefts from the mount position...Wolf does her best to cover up, but the punches are coming at her too fast. The back of her head starts to bounce off the canvas. Tony gets in to check and see if Wolf has been rendered helpless. Worried, MERICA steps in and pulls Catalina off Wolf. Cortes goes flying, hitting the mat and tumbling against the bottom rope. MERICA bends down to take advantage of Wolf...but she lifts her legs up and locks MERICA in a guillotine!! MERICA yells out, rising up, holding Wolf high in the air. He looks ready to powerbomb her...only for Cortes to pop back to her feet, hit the ropes and leap off with a dropkick into Wolf’s back!! Wolf lands on top of MERICA! Her shin slamming into his throat! His legs fly back, she grabs one and holds on for the pin~

1!

2!

BROKEN UP!

MoMo: Cortes diving in for the save!

Leo: Stupid Catalina...Wolf is clearly the star in there. Just let her win the match before she turns her focus on you and breaks your arm or your throat or whatever.

MoMo: I don’t think anybody in TRIAD is going to give up that easily, Leo.

~Cortes breaks up the pin by jumping up and spinning around, delivering a kick to the side of Wolf’s head! Sarah’s bell is rung...she’s on all fours, shaking her head. Catalina waits. Sarah gets to her feet, staggering around. Cortes rushes Sarah...Sarah grabs her...Catalina spins around with a tilt-o-whirl before locking her legs around Sarah’s head and tossing her over with headscissors!! Sarah’s body flips over and slides, front first toward the corner. Quickly, she reaches for the middle rope, pulling herself up...she turns around and marches recklessly toward Cortes. Wolf throws a haymaker at Catalina’s head...but Cortes ducks the punch and snags Wolf by the arm! She runs for the ropes and climbs them, standing on the top she runs toward the corner, around it and to the perpendicular side of ropes...she then leaps off and flips over, tossing Wolf around and down with an armdrag!! Wolf’s body flips over, landing on its back! She arches her back in pain as the fans go wild!~

MoMo: Amazing athleticism! Say what you want but Catalina Cortes knows how to put on a show!

Leo: For fuck’s sake. THIS WILL NOT STAND

MoMo: Only thing not standing right now is Sarah Wolf.

Leo: Don’t make me eat your last oreo.

MoMo: You wouldn’t dare.

~Despite everything Catalina has thrown at her, Sarah Wolf fights through the pain and dilapidated equilibrium to reach her feet. Cortes is just fine with that. She sprints toward Wolf...Wolf throws a lariat but Cortes tumbles forward, landing on her feet behind Sarah and leaping onto the middle rope. Sarah turns around as Cortes springboards off, spins around, grabs Sarah by the head and takes her down with a Tornado DDT!!! The fans go wild!! Cortes pops back to her feet, turns around and BAM!!! She nearly gets her head removed via a lariat from MERICA! This draws the first boos of MERICA’s career~

MoMo: Ouch! MERICA held nothing back on that one.

Leo: Despite the fact the guy is a masked goof...sure am glad he stood up and did something. We’ve got to neutralize this Cortes woman.

MoMo: WE? Are you saying you’re Team MERICA...Team TLS now?

Leo: Bro...whatever takes Cortes out of this. I’m 100% confident Sarah will have no trouble with the masked weirdo.

~Catalina is down, on her side, holding her head. MERICA looks down at Catalina...then his head turns to Sarah, who is still on her back, reeling from Catalina’s mixer...of offense. MERICA reaches for her, but she slaps his hand away with defiance, rolling onto all fours and reaching for the ropes. MERICA hooks her by the waist...he deadlifts her off the mat! Wolf’s outstretched arms try desperately to hold on to something...but it’s no use, MERICA takes her over a dead lift german suplex! The impact is heavy! The ring shakes!! Wolf instantly reaches for the back of her head, curled up on the mat. MERICA pops back to his feet...he grabs her around the waist once more...again he dead lifts her off the mat...this time Wolf throws her legs back, trying to block the second German. MERICA leans in with his mask and headbutts the shit out of Wolf’s skull...Wolf goes limp for a second allowing MERICA to toss her over with a second German Suplex!! Wolf lands HARD!! She rolls over, front down, her hands holding the back of her head~

MoMo: We’re seeing the viciousness and power of MERICA on full display.

Leo: Okay, this is getting ridiculous.

MoMo: The Trials are underway, Leo! The best of the best giving it their all!

Leo: Hold on.

MoMo: Put your phone away, we’re working here!

Leo: This is more important than you could imagine. I’ll be right back.

MoMo: Where are you going?

~MERICA is back on his feet...we can’t see his face, but his body language is extremely dominant. His movement ooze confidence. He pulls Wolf off the mat and slings her body around so he can hook her waist from behind. He bullies her forward, into a corner...he climbs to the middle rope, bringing her along with him. The crowd rises! A German Suplex from the middle rope! MERICA gets his position...his weight where it needs to be. But then he looks down at Leo, holding his foot! The crowd yells and points! MERICA tries to kick Leo away...Sarah throws a sharp elbow back into MERICA’s face!!! He release his grip and drops to the mat, stumbling back. Sarah turns around and drops to the mat. MERICA reaches for her...she grabs the ropes and shoves her body down, sliding between MERICA’s legs! As she does, she grabs his left leg and pulls back, taking him down! She rises up with an ankle lock!!! MERICA squirms and reaches for the bottom rope...but Wolf pulls him away so he can’t grasp the support! The fans booo!! Leo looks on, clapping and cheering~

MoMo: Unbelievable! I don’t know what’s gotten into my colleague but this is NOT how TRIAD is set to operate. I have no doubt these actions will have consequences moving forward.

~Wolf twists on MERICA’s ankle. MERICA looks to be in quite a bit of trouble. The fans hope rises with their bodies. Catalina is on her feet, standing behind Wolf. She charges at Sarah, leaping into the air with a somersault! But Sarah knows it’s coming...so she drops MERICA’s leg and ducks! Catalina does a full rotation, her ass landing on MERICA’s back! MERICA yells out in pain. Wolf lunges forward before Catalina can react, snaring her arms in a Straight Jacket. Catalina kicks her legs and writhes, trying to break free but Sarah is too strong. Sarah pulls back on Catalina’s arms, bringing her shoulders as far back as she can...she then lifts Catalina up and SLAMS her into the mat with a Straight Jacket Slam! One of Catalina’s arms gets pinned behind her back in the fall, her left arm, and she instantly reaches for it. Sarah dives in after the wounded appendage, Catalina rolls away, trying to keep it from Wolf~

MoMo: Sarah Wolf is a dangerous predator...even without the help of Leo. She picked up on the crowd’s reaction and knew what was coming. Tremendous awareness. But, speaking of Leo...can someone get him away from that ring and back over here!

~Catalina gets onto the apron and tries to get out of the ring but Sarah grabs her by the legs. Cortes reaches for the ring apron but is dragged back into the ring! Wolf grabs her other leg...wheel barrow position...Cortes, using just her right arm, manages to corkscrew her entire body! Her legs break free and she blasts Wolf in the chest with both feet! Wolf’s body flies back into a corner. Catalina nips up, holding her left arm. Cortes measures Wolf up...but MERICA steps in and grabs her by the wounded arm, yanking down! Cortes yells out! MERICA spins around, holding onto the arm and twisting it along the way! He’s got a standing arm bar applied, twisting as hard as he can. Cortes bends over, staring at the mat, her faced etched in pained frustration. Wolf slowly lifts her head, watching MERICA torture Catalina by the arm. Catalina suddenly somersaults forward, landing on her feet...she then flips backward...her arm breaks free and she snares MERICA by his arm and twists it as hard as she can! He flips over, landing on his back! The fans go wild~

MoMo: Simply unbelievable. You know that had to hurt her arm but Catalina fought through it and put MERICA on his back. This woman is amazing!

~With MERICA down, Cortes tends to her arm, leaning forward and holding it. Wolf charges out of her corner...Catalina leans back, avoiding a lariat from Wolf with the Matrix dodge. Wolf whiffs and stops. She turns around and gets popped with a superkick from Cortes!! Wolf staggers into the ropes. Cortes runs up behind her and jumps...Wolf ducks and Cortes lands on the top rope...easily, she maintains her balance and springboards back onto Wolf’s shoulders before taking her down with Cata-Rana!!! Wolf lands on her head, coming to rest on all fours. Catalina spins around, staring at Wolf who stares back...Wolf then collapses to the mat! The fans go wild! Catalina takes a brief pause, reaching for her arm~

MoMo: And finally they’ve got Wolf down. Only question is, for how long? That arm on Catalina isn’t getting any better...the quicker she can get out of here the better.

~While tending to her arm, Catalina watches Wolf. Wolf slowly starts to push her way back up...she gets to her feet. Cortes springs into action, she grabs Wolf’s arm...before Wolf knows what’s going on, Catalina slings her body around so fast it’s a blur. Tossing her body around Wolf while holding onto the arm, Catalina takes Wolf over with Cat’s Cradle (La Magistral Cradle)!!!! It happened so fast it takes Tony a second to realize what just went down...he dives in with the count~

1!

2!

3!!!

NOOO!

MoMo: Kick out! Sarah Wolf kicked out! Oh my word! I thought that was three!

~Leo’s eyes bulge out of his head (not literally)! He leans forward, terrified. Sarah crawls forward...for the first time all night she looks a little rocked. She gets to her feet. Catalina is already there. She turns, facing Catalina...Catalina jumps up and spins around, smacking Sarah in the face with Blaze Kick (540 Reverse Kick)!!! Wolf’s body stiffens up as she falls to the mat. Cortes, holding her arm, heads for the nearest corner...she turns her back to the buckles and stares at Wolf, waiting for her to get up. We get a shot of MERICA laying on the apron, we can’t tell if he’s aware of the situation or if he’s still out. Wolf slowly rises, getting to her knees. Catalina has her set up for Marlowe Massacre (Kinshasa)!!! Cortes starts to take off but her leg is grabbed by Leo!! The fans BOOOO!! Cortes tries to shake Leo off, but he’s holding on like Jeff Van Gundy...his body dangling in the air. Cortes is suddenly thrashed! Wolf rushes in and hits Cortes with a huge splash into the corner! Wolf, obviously shaken from Catalina’s offense, snares the left arm of Cortes and takes her down with an armbar!!! Catalina screams out in pain as Wolf tries to twist her into tapping~

MoMo: YOU GET BACK OVER HERE RIGHT NOW

Leo: Haha, sorry about that...had to see a bitch about a dog or something.

MoMo: Do you realize what you’ve done? You might have just altered history! Catalina might have had this won! This could have changed the entire fortune of the Bravery Trials!

Leo: Just doing my job, friend.

~Catalina’s arm is being wrecked. Tony leans in, he’s asking of she wants to give it up...but she refuses. He looks over at her right arm...the palm facing the mat, just a few inches away. If that thing touches the mat he’s going to call for the bell to preserve Catalina’s arm. Her arm trembles...it shakes. Tony is keeping the closest watch on it. Sarah pulls and twists on the injured arm. Catalina is hanging on by a thread...her face riddled with pain. She’s soaked with sweat. How much pain can this young woman stand before hitting the mat? Wolf pulls and twists...Catalina is on the brink when, suddenly, a hand appears, locking it with hers! Tony looks up and sees MERICA! He’s got his hand locked with Catalina’s! He’s on his side, staring right at Catalina while holding her arm up...the fans cheer at first...but those cheers begin to turn sour~

MoMo: What’s he doing? Help her!

Leo: MERICA doing what we do best...taking advantage! He can’t let her tap, that’d give Wolf the win. But he can let Wolf completely eliminate Catalina from this match.

MoMo: I thought MERICA might be better than this!

Leo: Dude, he’s trying to win. You really think Catalina wouldn’t take his head off with some flippy kick if she had the chance?

~Catalina is helpless. All she can do is succumb to the pain. Her eyes slowly closing...her body going limp. Tony looks down at the incapacitated Catalina, knocked out from the pain. He doesn’t know what to do...does he award it to two people? His momentary bout with indecision gives MERICA a window...he lets go of Catalina’s hand and reaches across her body to punch Wolf, who is seated up, surveying the situation! Wolf’s body snaps back. MERICA returns to his feet, he grabs Cortes and he drags her into a corner where she remains, slumped. He turns his focus back to Wolf. Sarah shakes off the punch, already back on her feet...pissed that he stole victory from her, she charges at him with a palm strike...but MERICA ducks! Wolf turns around...MERICA spins around and greets her with a Roaring Elbow!!! Wolf is rocked!! She bends over...MERICA grabs her, picks her up and drops her on her head with a Gotch Piledriver!!! Wolf’s body convulses atop the mat, her nervous system wrecked. MERICA rises~

MoMo: So much going on! Catalina is out. She could be pinned at any time...but these two have each other to deal with.

Leo: This fuckin goober, man. Wolf had it won and he just comes sliding in there with his stars and stripes fucking shit up. DAMNIT

MoMo: And he’s got Wolf on the mat. She’s hurt. Could we be on the verge of a massive upset?

~MERICA tries to start a “USA” chant...but only the die hard MERICANS join in. Most are still upset over Catalina’s condition. He takes off, charging toward a corner, leaping over Wolf’s body in the process...he runs up the corner to the top and leaps off with a beautiful moonsault!! He comes CRASHING down on Wolf!! The ring shakes with impact! He hooks the leg! Tony slides in~

1!

2!

KICK OUT!!

MoMo: Wolf survives...for now.

Leo: Hold on, I gotta…

MoMo: You’re not going anywhere!

~MoMo slaps some cuffs on Leo, chaining him to the desk. MERICA holds up one finger (red), a second finger (white), and asks for the third (blue). But there is no blue. Not yet. He pops back to his feet, clapping his hands and trying to get the fans behind him. To his credit, he’s gaining some of the steam back he’d lost. Wolf gets to one knee...MERICA goes after her...she tries to hit him with an elbow, but he blocks it and knees her in the side of the head. He pulls her up and whips her, hard into the corner! Wolf slams into the buckles...MERICA charges in with a huge frog splash!!! The crowd rises...they can sense something big is coming. MERICA backs up...Wolf staggers forward...he leans in and hoists her up onto his shoulders!! He spins around, performing MERICA MADE (Angle Slam)...but Wolf slips free and immediately twists MERICA up in an Octopus Hold!!! The crowd gasps at the reversal! MERICA drops to one knee, shaking his head, his arms stretched to their limits~

MoMo: Wolf’s got that locked in pretty tight! She’s like a parasite that you can’t get rid of.

Leo: EXCUSE ME?! If I weren’t handcuffed to this table I’d slap you.

MoMo: Only one of your hands is cuffed.

Leo: But it’s my strong hand. Can’t afford to look weak on national television.

~MERICA is fading...ironically or symbolically or whatever as the sun has pretty much set. Is the country about to fall? Wolf seeks to destroy the country. MERICA’s eyes suddenly flash open...the red, white, and blue flaming from his pupils like daggers of independence. He yells out, “FREEDOM!!!” and fires to his feet! Wolf can’t believe it...she pulls back as hard as she can, trying to tear both his shoulders...but MERICA won’t be denied! MERICA BREAKS THROUGH the hold and tosses Wolf onto his shoulders...he spins around and slams her into the mat with MERICAN MADE!!! The fans go wild!!! Wolf is down!!! MERICA remains on the ground, adrenaline wearing off, giving way to pain. He groans, holding both shoulders...the fans scream ‘USA! USA! USA!’ trying to motivate him enough to make the cover~

MoMo: Wow! MERICA digging deep and finding the energy to drop Sarah Wolf!

Leo: What is going on? America is dead, man! Wake up and lay down!

MoMo: It appears as though the stars and stripes are alive and well down here in Miami!

~MERICA realizes the sense of urgency...he rolls over and he crawls for Wolf...he throws his body on top of her and Tony slides in with the count...the fans count along~

1!

2!

3...NO!!!

MoMo: Catalina lives!

Leo: Never thought I’d say this...but that Cortes girl is okay.

~Catalina flies into view with a standing, corkscrew senton, right on top of MERICA, breaking up the pin!!! The fans react with a pop! Cortes holds her back, on all fours, crawling for the ropes. MERICA is on his back, wincing. Wolf remains down. Cortes, still worse for wear, hangs out over the bottom rope, trying to recharge. MERICA slowly starts to stir. Wolf sits up. MERICA and Wolf reach their feet at the same time...MERICA’s back is to Wolf...he turns around and is caught with Wolf’s Devilock (Mandible Claw)!!!! Wolf manages to slip her hand up under his mask and into his mouth! We can see his jawline but the mask conceals the rest of his face. The fans boo!!! MERICA staggers around, his arms outstretched! But Wolf grips down, sending MERICA to one knee...his jaw, the inner lining of his mouth being clawed at, pressured, and pulled. He tries to bite down on Wolf’s hand but she just twists and grips harder!~

MoMo: The mask proving to be no issue for Sarah Wolf. She just slipped her hand right underneath it and gripped him by the mouth.

Leo: You think a mask is gonna stop that woman from hurting you? Fuckin crazy, man.

~Catalina pulls herself up and turns around, seeing Wolf subduing MERICA..she runs at Sarah...Sarah lets go of the hold, she grabs Catalina and slings her over the top rope!!! MERICA readjusts his mask and gets to his feet...he reaches for Sarah but she turns back around and knees him in the groin...she then delivers a palm strike that pushes the mask back up his face and she shoves her hand back into his mouth with Devilock!!! MERICA falls to the mat this time, his legs giving out. His arms wave around, weakly. He’s going out. Like Cortes, he refuses to tap~

MoMo: MERICA is just about out!

Leo: Choke him out! Let’s fuckin go! Team Welsh needs a win!

~MERICA’s body goes limp. Tony can’t see his eyes due to the mask so he reaches for his arm to see if his KO’d. He lifts it up and it falls to the mat...ONE! He lifts it up a second time, it falls to the mat once more, TWO!~

MoMo: One more time and Sarah Wolf will win this via KO!

Leo: Geezus, Tony...let’s go! Pick that arm up, stop dragging your cheeto filled ass!

~Tony lifts the arm up a third time and let’s it go...it hits the mat at the same time Cortes comes flying in with Marlowe Massacre right into the side of Wolf’s head!!!! Wolf’s body flies into the ropes, slamming into them, ricocheting down to the mat!! The fans go wild!!! Cortes falls on top of MERICA...Tony, thrown by all the last second action, drops down and makes the count...the fans count along~

1!

2!

3!!!!!

~The bell rings~

MoMo: I can’t believe! Cortes with a last minute save to steal the victory!

Leo: What the FUCK just happened!

MoMo: Unbelievable!

Leo: Sarah was robbed! CLASSIC ROBBAGE!

~Holding her head, Sarah looks around, trying to figure out what happened. She gets a view of a replay on one of the many screens hanging around ringside...she sees herself throwing Cortes over the top rope...only Cortes held on! She hung from the top rope, watching and waiting for MERICA to get choked out...she then skinned the cat, got back in the ring and delivered Marlowe Massacre. All of this upsets Wolf...but not near as much as seeing MERICA’s hand hit that mat a third time~

Leo: Look! LOOK! His hand hit a third time! Sarah won!

MoMo: Nope. Tony didn’t call for the bell. Cortes came in first with Marlowe Massacre and scored the pin.

Leo: Bullshit! You see? MERICA’s hand hit first...THEN the stupid knee from Cortes. REVERSE THE DECISION!

MoMo: Agree to disagree all we want but the decision is final.

Belvedere: Here is your winner...CATALINA CORTES!!!!!

Leo: OH MY EFFING FUCK

MoMo: This is just a testament to how close these matches are.

~Wolf lunges at Tony...but he dives out of the ring. She then turns her focus to Catalina, who is on the mat, healing from her wounds. Wolf dives on her, shoving her hand into Catalina’s mouth!! Cortes screams, kicking her feet as Wolf tries to rip her jaw from her face, not unlike that Jizzy guy with the sneakers~

MoMo: Get her off Catalina! She’s going to maim her!

Leo: This is justice!

MoMo: No, justice is what happened to MERICA, leaving Catalina for dead so he could get an easy win. Turned out the fate he judged for her turned out to be his own.

Leo: Oh shut the fuck up Mr. Exposition.

~Wolf twists and clamps down, the look in her eyes is one of determination, determination to twist Catalina’s aesthetically pleasing face into one that would fit right in at some trailer park. The crowd suddenly pops as two hands decorated in red, white, and blue grab Wolf by the hair!! It’s MERICA! His mask back over his whole face with stains of blood on his neck...he takes Wolf and he tosses her out of the ring!! She flies through the ropes landing into the sand...the crowd goes wild!!! She struggles, trying to get back to her feet in the loose ground...but when she does, she sees MERICA staring down at her from the ring, so she pauses~

MoMo: MERICA saving Cortes from certain mutilation!

Leo: How is he still alive...I thought MERICA died!

MoMo: The spirit of the USA is still alive!

~Wolf heads for the ring, reaching underneath it and pulling out a chair. She appears ready to take her chances until Cortes struggles to her feet, standing next to MERICA. Wolf slams the chair into the apron several times, warping it. Looking up, she sees MERICA, stained blood on his neck...Catalina, a very red, and soon to be bruised up jaw...she flings the chair into the ring and stares them both down...a message that this is far from over~

MoMo: Sarah Wolf would love nothing more than to get in there and take our her frustrations...but the odds aren’t in her favor.

Leo: This fuckin sucks, Sarah...but don’t worry. We’ll get it figured out...it’s just Night 1. We’ll make these two idiots pay.

~Sarah spits at the ground and turns, heading to the back. This leaves MERICA and Cortes...both who appear a little thankful that Wolf didn’t re-enter the ring. They take stock of one another...while they didn’t exactly become best friends during the match and, well, both did things the other probably won’t soon forget...at the end, they found some common ground. MERICA reaches his hand out to a huge ovation. Catalina responds with a fist. They do an awkward high five fist bump to a huge ovation! MERICA exits the ring, leaving Catalina alone to bask in her victory while the crowd chants “USA! USA!”~

MoMo: Great sportsmanship shown there! They did everything they could to defeat one another but, in the end, real respects real. MERICA sees MERICA.

Leo: Whatever the fuck that’s supposed to mean. All I know is Welsh is going to be making some phone calls about this one.

MoMo: Be that as it may, Catalina Cortes earns two points for Team PIC...the second victor for Team PIC tonight.

Leo: Don’t get an erection over there.

MoMo: So, as of now...Team PIC is in the lead with 5 points. Team TLS and Team Welsh are tied with two points. Knox and Catalina are tied atop the Team PIC standing with two points. Lachlan Kane is right behind them with one point. Vhodka stands alone atop the Team TLS standings with two points. Nobody else has scored for Team TLS. And, on Team Welsh, Stratford and Wolf are tied for the lead with one point.

Leo: They should both have two, for what it’s worth.

MoMo: Folks, we’ve got one final match remaining and it’s our Main Event! Let’s take a quick break and, when we come back, it’s Miami Vice time!

Leo: C’mon, Thad. We need ya, buddy.

~We get a shot of Catalina limping her beaten, wounded body out of the ring to a huge ovation from the fans. We cut away~

~We return to the announce team~

MoMo: And we're back! That lineup for next week looks sick!

Leo: If by sick you mean a clean sweep for Team Welsh to put them atop the standings where they properly belong then I most definitely concur.

MoMo: That's not at all what I meant. But you keep thinking that. Folks, it's been a wild and crazy night but we've got one match left...and it's our main event. The first ever...Miami Vice Match!

Leo: Huzzah!

MoMo: Team PIC is looking strong...if Penelope were to take this one then that'd be a major blow to Team Welsh and Team TLS after just one week. Team TLS really needs a win here. Even with Vhodka winning they've come up with a goose egg these past three matches.

Leo: Fuckin losers.

MoMo: Which means they are tied with Team Welsh.

Leo: HEY!

MoMo: Welsh and TLS are trotting out some heavy hitters in LCP and Thad Duke. Can they get those desired two points or will Penelope, one of the hottest wrestlers in the business, give Team PIC a massive lead while joining Knox and Cortes at the top of the standings? Let's head to the ring to find out!

LC Pinkston (0 PTS) vs. Thaddeus Duke (0 PTS) vs. Penelope (0 PTS)

~The skies are dark. Illuminated only by the man made light exploding from the Miami skyline. Along the beach, fans are drunk, rowdy, and ready. Ready for action. Some of which will come later...but right now? The type of action they crave belongs inside that TRIAD wrestling ring. Belvedere stands...flood lights beaming down on him, whitewashing his slightly bronze complexion. He clears his throat to a huge ovation~

Belvedere: Ladies and Gentlemen...it is now time for our Main Event of the evening! This match is a triple threat contest scheduled for one fall and is the first ever Miami Vice Match!

~Massive ovation! Fans start trying to quote chant phrases from Miami Vice. But this crowd is pretty young so they totally miss the mark yelling out ‘BARCARDI AND COLA!!!’ Belvedere lets it slide, being the true pro that he is~

Belvedere: Each wrestler will be forced to compete while their vice is in peril. They must remain focused and not allow their vice to be a distraction. The wrestler who is most capable of dealing with their vice while also remaining focused on the task at hand will walk away the winner of the first ever Triad main event!!! Now...introducing first!

~Penelope walks out as her haunting music plays to the crowd. She looks out at the people surrounding the ring, to a fairly mixed reaction. She grins beneath the wide brim of her hat in her devilish way as she surveys the crowd~

Belvedere: "Making her way to the ring, by way of the Hotel California representing Team PIC...she is...Penelope!"

~Penelope, carrying a dead flower in her hands, plucks the black, withered petals off the flower one at a time as she walks and lets them fall to the sand. This leaves a bizarre trail behind her as she goes~

~As she nears the ring, she drops the naked step on the floor at the end of the aisleway. She slides into the ring under the bottom rope. She crawls to the middle of the ring, before sitting back on her haunches~

~She looks up, and spits out a cloud of fine black mist before she lets out an ear splitting shriek. Penelope turns and gestures towards the crowd maniacally. She gets to her feet, slowly removing her hat and shawl, and makes her way to one of the corners as she waits on her opponent~

MoMo: Getting our first look at Penelope. She was victorious inside a Chamber during SPLAT!’s final event, I’m told.

Leo: Let’s hope those facts are right.

MoMo: I’m sure they are. Just curious what her vice is going to be.

Leo: Could be a rose bush. Will she be able to focus on the match when there are so many pedals to pluck?

MoMo: I doubt it’ll be a rose bush.

Belvedere: And, introducing next…

“Hated the Most, So I keep tha Burner Close”

~The opening lyrics to Loco blare through the sound system. Engulfed by a cloud of smoke Lewis Chad Pinkston stumbles from the back. Not entirely sure what he’s doing but he’s having a good time. Bouncing and bobbing to the music and attempting to hype up the crowd. They however are indifferent towards LCP. He waves at them for a moment before standing by the side of the ring. He quickly checks under the ring and wipes his forehead as he pops up. He rolls in under the bottom rope and quickly climbs the second turnbuckle, with only a slight stumble as he raises an arm high~

Belvedere: From PLACENTIA California...standing 6’2 and weighing in at 195lbs...representing Team TLS...Lewis Chad Pinkston!!!

MoMo: And there he is...the second pick for Team TLS. Some thought he went a little early...but if you ask those with ‘inside’ knowledge, Pinkston is a legit threat to win the Trials.

Leo: Who are these inside people? Pinkston’s wife?

MoMo: I shall not name names.

Leo: We’ll see about that.

~Pinkston hops off the second buckle and throws his fist in the air, fired up. He stumbles back and turns around, finding himself dangerously close to Penelope. He yelps and backs up, stumbling into the opposite corner~

Belvedere: And, their opponent…

~'My Name Is Human' by Highly Suspect hits! The knowledgeable fans turn with anticipation. The drunk, locals looking for a good time vibe to the song. From behind the curtain steps arguably the most decorated wrestler in TRIAD. The one, the only, Thaddeus Duke. Duke pauses, taking the scene in. It’s the start of a new quest. An adventure unlike any other. As the song picks up, Thad steps down from the stage and walks through the sand, heading for the ring. Pinkston and Penelope both watch as the pro wrestling prodigy nears. Thad picks the ring steps that split the difference between Pinkston and Penelope. With composed confidence, he makes his way up the steps, sliding through the ropes and into the ring~

Belvedere: From New York City!! Standing 6’1 and weighing in at 223lbs...he is...Thad Duke!!!

~Duke walks across the ring to the other unoccupied corner. He steps onto the second buckle and looks out across the beach and out into the dark, menacing ocean. A golden light shines down upon him and the ring as the fans get a ‘DUKE! DUKE! DUKE!’ chant going. Thad then turns, looking down at Penelope before taking a gander at LCP. He hops off the second rope and leans back into his corner, eager for the Trials to Begin~

Belvedere: And now...let us introduce each competitor’s vice.

MoMo: Thad Duke with a grand entrance. I’d say, without a doubt, he’s the most glamorous wrestler in TRIAD. The biggest star, if you will.

Leo: Thad’s the biggest star in the universe, Mo2. Bigger than the sun.

MoMo: We’ll agree to disagree. But a man that accomplished...that focused...does he truly have a vice?

Leo: The only vice he has is winning.

Belvedere: The vice that Penelope must deal with in tonight’s Main Event.

~Our attention is turned to the far right of the ring. Standing atop a wooden circle with the TRIAD logo painted atop it is...Penelope? A disheveled, haunting version of Penelope. Fans gasp...they look toward the ‘specter’ and then back at it’s far more lively doppelganger inside the ring~

Belvedere: Taken from Hotel California we have...Penelope’s Soul.

MoMo: Well, there’s a first.

Leo: Her SOUL?

MoMo: Penelope’s Soul which resides in Hotel California has apparently been abducted and trapped within whatever power the TRIAD symbol possesses.

Leo: Who would do such a thing!

MoMo: I have my suspicions.

~Penelope steps forward. Her soul appearing to be confined and weakened. She stops, feeling Thad and LCP staring her down. Slowly, she backs into her corner~

MoMo: Obvious concern on Penelope’s face. This is going to be a tough vice for her to overcome.

Leo: Hehehehe

MoMo: Why are you laughing like a creep?

Leo: Sorry, got some sand in my throat.

Belvedere: And now...Thad’s vice.

~A confident Thad leans back, daring TRIAD to do its worst. A light shines behind the ring, near the ocean. A wooden structure planted into the ground in the shape of the TRIAD logo is visible. But, even more so, is what’s tied to it. Tied to the structure is Brooke Blakely! Thad immediately steps through the ropes, compelled to help Brooke. As he does, he feels LCP and Penelope move toward him...he stops, stepping back into the ring and pointing at Brooke saying, “I’ll get you out of this...I promise.”~

Belvedere: We have, tied to a wooden TRIAD logo...Brooke Blakely!

MoMo: Oh wow! It’s no secret Thad has a soft spot for the ladies and, well, lately his eye has been focused on Brooke Blakely.

Leo: Good for Brooke. She got to be part of the Bravery Trials after all. Don’t worry, Thad! I’ll make sure she’s okay. You just win this fuckin thing.

MoMo: Thad is clearly bothered. If anything happens to Brooke he’ll no doubt feel responsible.

Leo: Would you quit spreading wild rumors to distract Thad? Man!

Belvedere: And now...LCP’s vice…

MoMo: Penelope has to deal with her soul. Thad has to deal with the safety of a young, innocent woman. I can only imagine what TRIAD has in store for LCP.

Leo: The stakes are definitely high.

~We cut to the left side of the ring where a wicker TRIAD logo is suddenly set ablaze. People stand around, watching. A man in a suit steps forward toting a giant bag. He reaches inside the bag and removes some very fresh, very potent looking weed. He then tosses the weed into the fire, setting it ablaze without anyone able to thoroughly enjoy its goodness. The fans nearby boo. LCP steps forward, to the ropes like, “COME ON, GUY!” He starts to exit the ring but he pauses...like Thad and Penelope, realizing what this could cost him. He gets back into the ring and points at the man in the suit burning the marijuana, “You’re gonna pay for this!” He wipes away at his eye. Thad leans in, “Are you crying?” LCP replies, “Shut up!”~

Belvedere: LCP will have to contend with the mass waste of opulent product. And now that the vices have been introduced...Let the Trials Begin!

~Belvedere exits. The bell rings. The crowd is on their feet, going wild~

MoMo: And here we go! Our first ever main event...three talented competitors in a Miami Vice match! Who can sustain focus in the presence of their vice? We’re going to find out!

Leo: Thad...just listen to me, man. It’s just Brooke Blakely. You already have Sahara. So what if...I dunno, the tide rises and she gets eaten by a bunch of crabs. The Triad is more important!

~Thad walks up and shoves LCP from behind, daring him to go save his beloved drugs. He reaches out to shove LCP once more but this time LCP turns around and shoves Thad back. This draws a ‘ooohhh’ from the crowd. Thad smiles and nods as if to say, “Okay, big guy. Let’s see what you got.” LCP crouches...he slaps his arms with each hand...he wiggles his fingers...this is the moment to put all that he’s learned to the test. He charges at Thad and...he gets tossed over with a deep arm drag! He hits the mat and pops to his feet...as he does, Penelope is right in his face! He backs up, turns around and sees Thad...he gets taken over again with a deep arm drag! His body hits the mat and slides toward the ropes. Seated, bellied up to the bottom rope LCP slaps the mat, frustrated before returning to his feet~

MoMo: LCP has come a long way but that doesn’t mean he’s anywhere close to Thad.

Leo: Now you’re putting down some hits. Keep that kinda talk going and we might just take care of you when we get the TRIAD.

MoMo: Excuse me?

Leo: When our team wins it...when our team wins it!

~LCP pulls himself up and turns around, staring down the very focused, very confident Thad. In the background we get a shot of Penelope watching...not in any hurry to rush in. LCP performs some mental strategy before rushing at Thad...he cuts right, then dashes left...then lunges at Duke only for Duke to grab LCP by the arm, spin around and slam him into the mat with another Deep Arm Drag!!! LCP hits the mat and spins around, sliding up against the bottom buckle. Holding his arm, he stares up at Thad, furious~

MoMo: LCP finding out that an alternative strategy might be necessary if he’s going to hang with Thaddeus Duke.

Leo: Yea, how about the strategy of tapping out. Tap out due to demoralization. Penelope can get 1 point for, ya know, not fucking things up. And Thad will get the two we all know he’s going to get at the end of this anyway.

~LCP returns to his feet...he walks toward Thad. Thad is ready...LCP then throws his body wildly at Thad and throws a barrage of uneducated, unpredictable punches! The unrefined nature of LCP’s offense has Thad off his base! Thad stumbles into a corner as LCP’s offense grows increasingly frenetic as he sees it’s working. Duke’s reeling against the corner...LCP steps up on the second buckle...he pauses, forming a fist. Thad grabs him by the legs and carries him out of the corner...LCP has that ‘oh shit, oh no’ look on his face. Thad goes for an inverted atomic drop but LCP is sloppy in taking the move that his knee winds up banging against Thad’s knee!! Both men limp around, holding their knees, wincing in pain. They face each other in the center of the ring...equally mad, facing tremendous, momentary pain. And then Penelope enters the fray, rushing forward and leaping into the air, nailing both men with a double, sit out drop kick!! LCP and Thad fall back, hitting the mat hard! She’s back to her feet quickly, going after Thad...an act that draws the ire of the fans~

MoMo: Calculating...Penelope waited until LCP got Thad off his game and then decided to strike.

Leo: How is this woman wrestling without a soul? I thought only TLS could do that...and, why isn’t she on TLS’ team? What is going on?!

MoMo: I’d imagine the capture of her soul might prove to be difficult for Penelope. Then again, it might remove that sense of ‘morality’ that can hold lesser competitors back.

~She gets Thad to his feet and immediately slams her forearm into the side of his head a few times, sending the pro wrestling prodigy stumbling back into a corner. She delivers a palm strike right to Thad’s chin…he leans forward, dazed. She sends him reeling back with a cutting knife edge chop!!! Thad stares up into the cloudy Miami night sky...Penelope delivers a right hand into his jaw line...he leans forward, into her. She knees him in the gut and then positions herself behind him...she hooks his head, gets onto the second rope and she leaps off! She spins around and drops Thad with Sudden Death (Second rope springboard inverted DDT)!!! Thad’s head spikes on the mat...his body goes stiff before falling on the mat, face first! Fans scream and gasp...women rush to the netted barricade, terrified Thad might be paralyzed or, worse, his face might have a bruise. Penelope is back on her feet, to a chorus of boos. LCP sits up, holding his knee...the shadow of Penelope consumes him. He looks up like, ‘oh fuck’~

MoMo: Penelope just laid Thad Duke out and now she’s got her sights set on LCP!

Leo: Kick her in the dick, Lew!

MoMo: You getting that advice from your boss?

Leo: My boss? I’m a free thinking man, Mo-Two.

~We get a quick shot of Leo decked out in Team Welsh gear. Back into the ring, LCP begs Penelope off but Penelope isn’t in the mood to relent. She reaches down, grabbing LCP by the ears, like an angry parent would. LCP lunges forward and delivers a low blow!!! The crowd groans...but Penelope only staggers and winces slightly. LCP looks up like, ‘Uh’. Penelope glares down at him before leaning in with a huge headbutt! LCP is rocked, still on his knees, leaning back...Penelope grabs both his arms and pulls him forward...she lifts her knee and cracks LCP in the face with The Leuectomy (Kamigoye Knee Strike)!!! LCP goes limp, falling to the mat. Penelope stumbles a bit...she drops to one knee, her other knee...she reaches for the knee she hit LCP with, grimacing~

MoMo: Tremendous knee strike from Penelope...but it apparently took its toll.

Leo: Weak ass knees!

~Holding her knee, Penelope looks out toward her soul. It’s as if the soul beckons her. She gets to her feet and starts to limp toward the ropes, heading for her soul. She’s stopped...looking down, she sees Thad holding onto her leg. Penelope smirks and lifts her free leg to stomp on Thad...but Thad immediately sweeps her base, taking her down!!! Her chest falls right into the middle rope, sending her head snapping back. Thad grabs her other leg and pulls her off the ropes and into the center of the ring...the fans are going wild...he’s got her in the wheel barrow position...he falls back with a slingshot!! Penelope flies through the air and lands HARD in a corner!! The back of her head snapping back into the top buckle. Thad nips up and catches a punch drunk Penelope stumbling forward, spinning her around and slamming her to the mat!! The fans are on their feet! Thad hooks the leg and Tony slides in for the pin~

1!

2!

SHOULDER UP!

MoMo: Wow! Close! Ya know, Penelope’s profile states she can take tremendous amounts of pain...but so far, from what I’m seeing...she looks very vulnerable.

Leo: Maybe she went out drinking last night.

MoMo: Or, maybe it’s her soul. Could it be the soul is where she derives her power to endure inhuman levels of pain...and now that the soul has been captured and compromised she’s far more susceptible?

Leo: Haha! That’s preposterous!

MoMo: Or, is it…

~Thad pops back to his feet...he reaches for his neck, momentarily displaying the lingering effects from Penelope’s inverted DDT. He goes back after her until he hears a familiar, muffled voice...rising up, he turns and sees Brooke Blakely struggling, tied to the wooden TRIAD logo. The tide seems to be coming in...her bare feet being grazed by the waves. Thad immediately drops what he’s doing and heads for the ropes...he walks by LCP who is face down...he slightly opens his eye, watching Thad leave. Thad looks down and LCP instantly closes his eye, acting like he’s unconscious. Thad hops through the ropes and his feet touch the sand. LCP lifts his head...he waits for Thad to step over the netting and work his way through the crowd, to Brooke...LCP then pulls himself up. He looks down at Penelope, who is rolling over, onto all fours...LCP rushes in and boots her in the ribs!! She yells out in pain, flipping over, holding her side. LCP looks out to the crowd...he smiles, extends his arms, and struts. They start to boo...confused, he just shrugs this off as a ‘Miami thing’ and goes back after Penelope. Thad, meanwhile, is oblivious to what’s going on, his focus entirely on Brooke~

MoMo: Thad is off to be Brooke’s knight in shining armor...meanwhile LCP is taking advantage of a wounded Penelope. He could steal this!

Leo: Damnit, Thad! It’s just Brooke fuckin Blakely! Who gives a shit! Let the waves take her away...if they do, trust me, another young, hot blonde will emerge!

MoMo: It appears Thad’s Vice is the first to haunt the three competitors.

Leo: Oh bullshit. You say ‘haunt’ while conveniently forgetting about the fucking ghost that’s spelling Penelope’s downfall.

~Thad reaches Brooke. He removes the gag from her mouth...she pleads with him to head back to the ring, but he’s focused on ensuring she’s safe. He drops down and starts to untie her feet...the waves crash into his knees as he’s bent down. The tide is moving fast. Back inside the ring, LCP takes hold of Penelope’s arm...he pulls on it, trying something out...it appears he’s trying to figure out a deep arm drag. Penelope, feeling LCP pull and twist on her arm, reaches over with her free hand and grabs him by the nose! LCP yells out! He gets to his feet...Penelope gets to one knee...LCP thrusts his hips forward, smacking her in the face with his crotch! She’s stunned...she lets go...he hits the ropes and bounces off...he leaps into the air and just throws his body into her, taking her to the mat!! He winds up on top of Penelope, his back on top of her stomach, laying perpendicular to each other. He catches his breath before sitting up and snaring her arm again~

MoMo: LCP may not be the most conventional wrestler in the world but he’s using what he’s got very effectively.

Leo: He’s like that skinny dude you shouldn’t be afraid of but he’s just so fuckin weird and unpredictable you’re like, ‘Yea, I’m gonna stay away from that guy.’

~This time LCP doesn’t fuck around. He takes Penelope’s arm and he ascends the corner. He stumbles a bit...he loses his footing...he damn near falls...but, like a baby giraffe learning to walk, he finally reaches the top. He’s got Penelope’s arm and he carefully and slowly traverses the top rope. We cut to Thad who’s untying Brooke’s final arm...as he does, she turns him around and points at the ring. Thad sees LCP in total control with Penelope in bad shape. LCP looks out at Thad...the two catch each other’s eyesight before LCP leaps off, drops down, snares Penelope by the head and takes her down with a DDT (New School)!!!! The crowd pops for the move!!! Penelope is down! Brooke points and yells, “Go! I’m fine! Go!!” Thad takes off, sprinting back toward the ring. LCP crawls over and pins Penelope...Tony counts~

1!

2!

3!!

NO!

BREAK UP!

~Thad dives in at the last second, breaking up the pin! The crowd pops! LCP gets to one knee, glaring at Thad. Thad, on all fours, glares right back. LCP snares Penelope by the hair and gets to his feet...carelessly, he tosses her out of the ring...her body tumbles into the sand. LCP turns around and finds Thad on his feet. LCP is pissed Thad robbed him of what he assumes would have been a victory. Thad is annoyed LCP nearly penalized him for being chivalrous. The two circle each other...this time far more seriously than earlier on in the match~

MoMo: The tension is picking up. What was fun and games earlier has now turned into a very serious confrontation.

Leo: Put him down, Thad!

MoMo: LCP doesn’t have near the amount of weapons Thad has but, as we’ve seen, he has an unpredictable element that acts as a wild card in these in ring situations.

~The two men lock up! The crowd pops! Thad starts to bully LCP back..LCP gets his right arm free and he begins hammering Thad in the ribs and kidney with right punches. Thad winces, but pushes forward. LCP pinches at Thad’s skin...he claws at it...doing whatever he can to weaken Thaddeus. Thad gets LCP in the corner and drills him in the gut with a knee. LCP coughs, bending over. Thad looks at his side...it’s red, irritated, and bleeding slightly. He smacks LCP across the face with a straight right hand...a blow that acts as punishment. LCP falls into the ropes. He hangs out over the middle rope, looking down at Penelope...she’s on her back, looking up at LCP. She sits up, about to get in the ring when something calls out to her...looking over, she sees her soul, trapped atop the TRIAD logo. She needs to free it if she has any chance in this match...but LCP is in trouble...so she grabs some sand and hands it to LCP. He doesn’t ask, he just takes it. Penelope then crawls under the netted barricade and slowly makes her way, on all fours, through the crowd. Thad, seeing Penelope leave, realizes he’s got a great shot at winning...he pulls LCP off the middle rope...LCP spins around and BAM! Sand in the eye! Thad staggers!! LCP hits the ropes, he bounces off and goes for a spear! He kinda misses, but it kinda doesn’t matter cause the crown of his head barrels into Thad’s midsection!! Duke drops to both knees, coughing uncontrollably, holding his midsection, still blinded~

MoMo: A dirty trick but I can’t fault it. Penelope needs to release her soul and the only hope she has of getting that done before Thad puts LCP down is...or, well, was the sand.

Leo: Fuckin bullshit! Plus, we had a sand spot earlier tonight...like we needed another one...WEAK ASS BOOKING!

MoMo: I mean...the sand is everywhere. I’m shocked we didn’t get more of it tonight.

~With Thad lurched over, coughing up a lung and temporarily blinded, LCP returns to his feet...he hits the ropes...he runs at Thad...Thad’s head isn’t in the right position for a step up Enziguri...so he’s got to call a quick audible...he jumps into the air, leaping over Thad...he grabs Thad by the head and flips over, taking Thad down with a neckbreaker!! LCP nearly lands on his own head but manages to narrowly avoid disaster! Thad’s neck snaps back, he writhes around, reaching for his neck in pain, the trauma from Penelope’s earlier DDT compounding the pain. LCP rolls onto the apron and he hustles for the nearest corner...he slowly climbs and looks out...he spots Penelope...she’s reached her soul. Penelope looks back and sees LCP dangerously close to pulling off the upset. She frantically tries to figure out how to free her soul...the triangle logo beneath her soul lights up...it gives her an idea~

MoMo: And her plan might have backfired! She assumed LCP was a non-threat...but here he is, one big move away from winning!

Leo: Fuckin dumb ass ghost woman! Look what you did! LOOK!

MoMo: LCP is moments away from winning the first Main Event in TRIAD history!

~Penelope grabs a beer bottle from a fan. They yell at her to give it back...she shatters it over their head, knocking them out. She then takes the sharp, broken glass and starts to scrape away at the painted logo...as she does, the soul seems to be gaining in strength. LCP watches, somewhat mesmerized by what’s going on...he then hears the mat move and looks down...Thad is back on his feet. Cursing, LCP has to, once again, adjust his thought process...he leaps off with a double axe handle! But Thad blocks it and hooks LCP for a belly to belly…but LCP knees Thad in the groin and drops him with PLACENTIA Born (Double Arm DDT...only Thad lands more on his shoulder than he does his head). LCP crawls forward, toward the nearest corner. The crowd realizes the end is near...they grow restless. Penelope can hear the angst...she scrapes and scrapes and scrapes~

MoMo: You need to hurry, Penelope!

Leo: C’mon, Thad! Call in the military so they can bomb the fuck out of LCP!

~LCP rolls onto the apron and starts to climb...he staggers on the first buckle...his foot slips on the second. Penelope scrapes and scrapes...she’s just about got the logo completely removed. LCP throws his body across the top buckle and awkwardly works his way to his feet. Penelope gives it one final scrape and the logo is gone!! Her soul suddenly emits an ethereal glow...he looks down at Penelope...Penelope rises to her feet, looking more charged than she has the entire night. She turns. As she does, LCP leaps off the top rope and comes down with a shitty looking moonsault that plants his hip into Thad’s chest!! Thad winces, his chest might be caved in via LCP’s finisher PLACENTIA Raised!!! LCP holds his hip before flinging his body over Thad’s. Tony slides in~

1!

2!

3!!!!

NO!

~The crowd gasps as Penelope rips LCP out of the ring by his foot with ease, just before Tony can get the three count. LCP’s body lands hard atop the sand. He looks up, Penelope stares down at him. He grabs some sand and throws it in her face...but it has no effect. She bends down and grips LCP by the ears, yanking him to his feet. She lifts him off the ground by his ears...he screams out in pain, kicking his feet...she then throws him forward...his back SLAMS into the ring steps!!! He slumps down, seated against them...Penelope then throws a kick right into his face!! LCP falls into the sand, out. Thad hears the impact while seated in a corner, holding his chest. He looks over only to find Penelope ascending the steps. He watches as she enters the ring with a purpose. Thad reaches up, grabbing the top rope and pulling himself up...he’s injured...he’s in pain...and he knows he’s got some kind of monster aiming for him...but he won’t back down. He hears Brooke cheering him on from the crowd while his eyes find Penelope’s soul staring from just behind the barricade. Against better judgment, Thad waves Penelope to come after him, showing the fight this Lionheart possesses, Penelope steps in and they lock up~

MoMo: I think Thad is wearing down, Leo.

Leo: Bro. That dude has to satisfy SAHARA...he’s got plenty left in the tank.

MoMo: Fair point.

~Thad instantly hooks Penelope in a side headlock. Penelope shoves him off...he hits the ropes and rams his shoulder into her. She barely moves. Thad finds this odd...but he hits the ropes again and smashes her with a clothesline...again, she barely moves. Thad’s frow burrows as he looks at Penelope and then her soul...he hits the ropes again and fires up for a superman punch...Penelope ducks and catches him on her shoulders!!! She then drives Thad down into the mat with a Death Valley Driver! Thad instantly reaches for his neck...Penelope looks out to her soul...nothing is said, nothing even moves, but the tone is one of approval~

MoMo: The game has changed. Penelope is now a serious threat to win this match.

Leo: We need to call the fuckin ghostbusters. This shit is ridiculous.

~With Thad down and Penelope in control we get a shot of LCP...he’s holding his aching head. Crawling around he finds the netting and uses it to get to his knees. His body feels wrecked. Aching all over. He then gets a whiff...he looks around and slowly stands...he sees TRIAD pyre where all the delicious weed is being burned. He does the math...Thad’s vice helped him. Penelope’s vice has helped her...it only makes sense. So, he slaps some fans in the face, moving them away as he stumbles, following the scent while holding his head. He reaches the man in the suit tossing the weed into the fire...he asks for some...the man is like ‘no’ and LCP is like “it’s for medicinal purposes, okay?” the man in the suit tells LCP he needs to do some soul searching...LCP is like “I’ve seen enough souls for one night” and he kicks the man in the groin before dropping him with a Step up Enziguri!! This draws a huge cheer from the fans...LCP then digs into the bag, grabbing a handful of weed out~

MoMo: The third and final vice...will it aid LCP?

Leo: Can’t hurt.

~Penelope hovers over Thad...Thad immediately nips up! In doing so, he kicks Penelope in the face!! She staggers back into the ropes...Thad holds his neck for the briefest of moments...Penelope marches forward, off the ropes...Thad spins around, catching her with a roundhouse kick! She falls to the mat. Thad tries to take a moment to therapeutically rub his neck...but he hears the crowd react as Penelope immediately rises to her feet. He turns around, surprised...that kick should have kept her down longer than it did. She stalks him. We cut back to LCP...he has two handfuls of weed...he’s got nothing to wrap it with, nothing to light it with...at least, conventionally. Hearing the fans reacting to the commotion in the ring FOMO sets in. He thrusts his hands into the pyre, lighting the produce gripped within each one. He pulls his hands out and brings his right hand to his face, inhaling. Once done, he brings his left hand to his face, inhaling. LCP throws his head back and releases a cloud of smoke large enough to shade this entire chaotic scene. Back inside the ring, Thad throws a boot into Penelope’s gut...all it does it act as a speed bump. She moves forward. Thad backs into a corner trying to quickly reassess the situation. Penelope reaches out for Thad...but he jumps up and hits her with a flying knee!! Penelope staggers back. Thad charges out of the corner and takes her down with a huge lariat! The fans pop! Again, he leans forward, reaching for his neck...as he does, via the corner of his eye, he sees Penelope immediately sit up and return to her feet~

MoMo: Years ago there was a movie called How Stella Got Her Groove Back. Tonight we’re seeing How Penelope Got Her Soul Back!

Leo: Fucking awful.

MoMo: I thought it was pretty good.

~Penelope, back on her feet, lunges at Thad. He does the same...they lock each other in a clinch. Their foreheads pressed against one another. Both struggling to gain an advantage over the other to attain a dominant striking position. In the distance, we see LCP leading a band of misguided looking beach bums. They carry the TRIAD pyre toward the ring, near the netted barricade. They set it down as LCP drops into the sand and rolls through it, back into ringside. He pops up, his body caked with sand. He orders them to wave their hands, manipulating the smoke toward the ring. They do so, while continuing to toss weed into the fire. LCP takes one more whiff from each hand before depositing the mostly charred vice. Looking up, he sees Thad and Penelope in a deep struggle. Thad tries to overpower Penelope..she responds by trying to tweak his neck. Their bodies are suddenly consumed by darkness as LCP stands over them...he leaps off the top rope and lets out a yell...we can’t really describe the move cause there’s never been anything like it in the history of wrestling. He just jumps as high as he can and flails his body around as wildly as he’s able...he then comes crashing down on both Penelope and Thad!! The fans pop! All three wrestlers are on the mat as a ‘TRIAD’ chant breaks out~

MoMo: Wow! LCP is about as conventional as ketchup Oreos but despite his lack of polish...it works.

Leo: We’ve got souls! We’ve got fire! We’ve got drugs! And, even crazier than that...we’ve got Brooke Blakely!

MoMo: Can confirm we have all four. Each vice has a front row seat...which one will prove to be its competitor’s downfall? We’re about to find out!

~LCP crawls away from the carnage, hanging out over the middle rope, urging the fans to blow some of that smoke his way. They wave their beach towels at the fire, filtering the smoke toward him. Thad remains down. Penelope sits up. LCP gives a thumbs up and rises, turning...he sees Penelope on one knee...he’s got her now...he rushes forward and CHRONIC KICK!!! Penelope falls face down on the mat! LCP throws his hands in the air...the fans scream and point...he looks down...Penelope is back on her knees. LCP hits the ropes and hits another CHRONIC KICK!!! Penelope falls to the mat once again!! LCP points, “STAY DOWN!” He then throws his arms in the air...the fans once again scream. He looks down and Penelope is BACK ON HER KNEES. “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?” LCP yells out. He hits the ropes, bounce off and hits A THIRD Chronic Kick!!!! Penelope falls back to the mat...this time LCP holds his leg~

MoMo: Unbelievable! The soul was a game changer.

Leo: LCP is going to break his own leg trying to crack the skull of that witch.

MoMo: Yea, at some point he might consider ramming a different body part into her head.

~The one move LCP can pull off to perfection is having very little effect on Penelope...as evidenced by the fact she rises back to her knees. LCP has seen some shit. But he hasn’t seen anything like this. Rubbing his leg, he takes off...as he runs toward the ropes, he encourages the towel wavers to send him some smoke...they flap those towels like crazy. LCP hits the ropes...behind him we see a ball of fire...he bounces off, charges at Penelope...but Penelope pops to her feet and catches him by the throat with her hand!! LCP’s eyes widen as Penelope’s one, clear eye narrows, staring him down. She backs him into a corner. Meanwhile, fans start to murmur as the towels used for blowing smoke into the ring are now on fire~

MoMo: LCP gave Penelope all he had and she’s not only unfazed, but in control!

Leo: Well I’ll tell you what isn’t in control...this fuckin fire.

MoMo: Oh my...who would have thought a bunch of stoners stoking a massive flame with towels might be a bad idea.

Leo: LCP recruits as reckless as he wrestles!

~Penelope has LCP cornered, hand attempting to crush his throat. Until Thad flies in for the rescue...a huge splash into the back of Penelope!! Which winds up crushing LCP! Thad backs up, holding his neck. Penelope turns around, aiming her focus toward him. LCP falls to the mat. Thad chops the oncoming Penelope. It does nothing. He punches her in the face, it does nothing. LCP hangs out over the bottom rope, urging for more smoke...he’s greeted by a nice cloud, he smiles...but then he feels some heat...he opens his eyes and sees that the netted guardrail has caught fire! At first he laughs...then his eyes widen...he looks around, sits up in the corner...is he going to get in trouble for this? The stoners fanning the flames grab handfuls of product before taking off. Fans scatter. The net continues to catch fire as a squared circle of flames surrounds the ring. Thad delivers a forearm shot to Penelope...she remains unfazed. She lifts a knee into his gut, sending him down. She grabs onto his arms, staring down at the prodigy~

MoMo: Ohhkay...I think we might need to get away from this net before we catch fire.

Leo: Dude, I’m locked to the table, remember?

MoMo: Right, hold on. There. You’re free.

Leo: Alright, Imma go get a closer look at this match.

MoMo: No you are not!

~Leo is restrained by MoMo. Penelope has Thad set up for The Leuectomy...but the fire catches her eye. Her soul, at ringside, is bothered by the flames. This seems to create something of a glitch in Penelope. Thad leans in, headbutting Penelope in the gut!! Penelope staggers! The fans pop! Finally, some weakness. Thad breaks free...a forearm uppercut follows, sending Penelope stumbling into the corner, her ass running right into LCP’s face. LCP shoves her forward...Thad throws HEAT SEEKER at her...but she ducks!!! Thad spins around. LCP rises behind him. Penelope spins around and spits BLACK MIST at Thad...but Thad ducks!!! The Mist hits LCP in the face! He yells out, stumbling around. Penelope stares at LCP, the unintended target. Her head is violently pushed forward as Thad hits HEAT SEEKER from behind! She flies forward, through the ropes and into the sand. Thad curses, it’d take too long to bring her into the ring and pin her. He then pauses, watching the fire...frantically he looks for Brooke. Brooke motions toward Thad, signaling that she’s okay. Thad smiles. He’s then taken over by LCP!! LCP’s got him rolled up!!! Tony slides in~

1!

2!

3!

NO!

MoMo: WOW

Leo: Ohmygosh ohmygosh ohmygosh

MoMo: LCP, blinded, managed to do that. Kid’s got street smarts.

~Thad scrambles back to his feet, holding his neck. LCP is on his knees, still working on his vision, his face covered in black shit. Thad crouches down, poised to take LCP’s head off. LCP gets to his feet. The scene is chaotic, surrounded by fire with smoke building. Thad charges forward with HEAT SEEKER!! But LCP trips and falls to his knees causing Thad to miss!! Thad’s leg gets caught in the rope! LCP feels around, he finds Thad’s leg and feels up, finding his head...LCP hurries to his feet, he pulls Thad in and he drops him with PLACENTIA Born!!!! Right on Thad’s head, compressing his neck!!! The fans can’t believe what they are seeing! Thad is down! LCP crawls around, looking for the corner, his vision completely fucked~

MoMo: If he can get to the top and hit PLACENTIA Raised, this will be over!

Leo: Are you fucking kidding me!

MoMo: It’s getting hot out here...it’s getting smoky. It’s hard to see.

Leo: Yea, no shit. We’ve torn this beach up.

~LCP feels around, finding the bottom buckle to a corner...he feels up, getting to his feet...slowly he tries to crawl. He gets his body to the top and he reaches his shaky feet. He tries to see, but his vision is extremely blurred. His head reaches a level of smoke that has risen and he starts to cough...this isn’t the good smoke, either...it’s smoke created from net burning, towel burning, and other less than intoxicating items. LCP fights through his coughing fit...he tries to locate Thad through the smoke and blurred vision...he’s like, fuck it..it’s time for a YOLO jump. LCP leaps off the top with PLACENTIA Raised!!! He comes down right on his hip...missing Thad completely!!! The fans rise!! LCP holds his hip in pain...he hurries to his feet, limping, half blind...but he knows he can’t stay down. For a brief second, we get our view through LCP’s lens...it’s blurred, covered with smoke...we can’t hardly see anything until a foot shoots through the blurred smoke and BAM! Returning back to our normal view we see LCP hit the mat after suffering HEAT SEEKER!! The crowd goes wild! Thad, holding his neck, falls on top of LCP...Tony slides in for the pin~

1!

2!

3!!!!!

~The bell rings~

Belvedere: Here is your winner...THAD DUKE

MoMo: Thad prevails!

Leo: YES!!! Finally! Victory!

MoMo: Team Welsh finally secures that elusive victory in tonight’s main event!

Leo: In Thad We Trust!

~Thad wastes no time in rolling from the ring. The fire is getting dangerously close to the squared circle. His feet hit the sand...he leans over, holding his neck. There’s no time for celebration, so he heads straight for the back. We get a shot of Penelope, still in the sand. A figure stands over her...it’s Penny, her soul~

Leo: Oh boy.

MoMo: Yep.

~Penelope’s hands grip the sand as she slowly rises. Getting to her feet, she stares at her soul and then down the aisle at Thad, who is walking through the curtain, leaving the scene. Penelope’s expression is one of desired vengeance. Alongside her soul, the risen, and deadly Penelope marches around the ring, making her way up the aisle~

MoMo: Somehow, someway her soul was compromised tonight, lessening her ability to compete. That won’t be the case moving forward.

Leo: RIP whoever faces Penelope next week.

MoMo: In some respects...tonight, Thad got lucky.

Leo: YOU WATCH YOUR MOUTH

~And that leaves LCP. So close to victory but ultimately tasting bitter defeat. He rolls out of the ring, holding his chin. He gets tossed a rag to help wipe the black shit from his eyes. He looks around at the flames and smoke...he’s disappointed, but undaunted. This is only week 1 and he’s got the highest ceiling of anyone~

MoMo: The vices played a big role tonight, Leo. Penelope’s soul kept her compromised. LCP’s giant marijuana pyre produced a thick layer of smoke, aiding some, distracting others.

Leo: Meanwhile Brooke stayed in her lane and let Thad do his thang.

~We get one final shot of LCP tossing the stained rag over his shoulder. The TRIAD ring in the background beginning to catch fire. He heads toward the aisle and is tossed a pack of Virginia Slims...whatever, he takes one out, uses the smoldering remains of the net nearest him to light it and lets it hang, loosely from his lips. TRIAD employees sprints past him to try and save the ring as he slowly makes his way back, caked in sand, sweat, and whatever that black stuff from Penelope’s mouth was...our view pulls upward, looking down at the chaos on the beach before turning toward the ocean~

MoMo: Night 1 of the Bravery Trials is complete...and, well, would you have expected anything less?

Leo: I honestly expected more wins from Team Welsh. We got some serious work to do.

MoMo: Miami is now in our rear view mirror as exploration awaits. The ocean calls...we’ll turn our sights to Puerto Rico, the second leg of this triangular tango.

Leo: Shit’s real but, ya know, it’s getting….realer.

MoMo: Quite the wordsmith, you are. And at the conclusion of Night 1 the standings are as follows. Team PIC is in the lead with 6 points. Team Welsh is in second with 4 points. And Team TLS is in third with 2 points. Knox and Cortes lead Team PIC with 2 points each. Penelope and Kane are right behind them with 1 each. Team Welsh is led by Thad with 2 points. Stratford and Wolf are right behind with 1 point, each. Raven is in fourth with zero points. And, on Team TLS, Vhodka with a strong lead sitting at 2 points while LCP, Helena, and MERICA leave the night pointless.

Leo: Team Welsh finished strong. Big night in Puerto Rico...I can feel it.

MoMo: Alright folks, we hope you’ve had a great time with us tonight. The Trials are officially underway...the quest for Bravery. The quest for the TRIAD is one step closer to fruition. Tune in two weeks from today for Night 2 of the Bravery Trials! For Leo, I’m Willie ‘MoMo’ Peterson saying so long!

~Miami’s beach burns as the dark, ominous ocean awaits. The Trials have begun. Who will adapt and move forward? Who will stay stagnant and die? We’re going to find out~