---

May 26th, 2001

---

[7:00 pm | The Hersheypark Arena, Hershey Pennsylvania]

[The scene cuts to the parking lot and we see Tony Bradshaw, with mic in hand, walking idly around the door from the parking lot to the backstage area. About 50 meters away, a car speeds in and skids into a parking place. We can see that it is in fact Gary Luger’s Firebird. The engine gets switched off and Luger gets out of the car. He slams the door shut and strides towards the entrance to the backstage area.]

Tony Bradshaw: Hey, Kev, get your ass in gear, Luger is headed this way, perfect opportunity for some much needed answers.

[Tony Bradshaw and Kevin Bradley, the cameraman, make their way directly towards Luger. They meet him no more than 5 meters from the door to the backstage area. Bradshaw approaches Luger and holds the mic out as he begins questioning him.]

Tony Bradshaw: It’s good to see you, Gary.

Gary Luger: Yeah, I know. Look Tony, I’m not really in the mood for the usual pleasantries, so can you cut straight to the chase? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out what you want to know.

Tony Bradshaw: Sorry, Gary. You’re right, it must be a fairly traumatic time.

Gary Luger: Damn right it is, now can you point me in the direction of the offices so that I can try and find out where Nikki and Veronica are?

Tony Bradshaw: Sure, Gary, go through that door, take your first right and it is then the third door on the left. Speak to one of the receptionists, I believe she took a message from Nikki for you, telling you where she was.

Gary Luger: Thanks man.

Tony Bradshaw: Don’t mention it, wish them both well for me, will you?

Gary Luger: Sure thing, Tony.

[Gary then walks on into the backstage area to find out where Nikki and Veronica currently are. Just then, "Indestructible" by the Matthew Good Band hits the speakers, prompting a loud response from the fans. Chris Davison, the current HWF Canadian Champion, steps out with his title over his shoulder. His head is covered in a backward cap, his muscular torso clad in an open slik shirt. Completing his street clothing is a pair of black cargo pants. He walks down the aisle with an unconcerned look on his face, tagging hands with a few fans before sliding into the ring and jumping to the turnbuckles. He raises the title high in the air to a surprisingly loud pop. Stepping off of the buckles, he's handed a microphone and signals to cut the music, waiting for the cheers to die down before speaking.]

Chris Davison: You know, it was only last week that... [adopts a Texan accent] "the Wreckin' Crew" decided that they would sound off to myself, David Zakin, and Tempest. A mistake that led to a Canadian Title defense at Dark Horizon against none other than the man known as Rooster Williams.

[Davison scratches his head, confused.]

Chris Davison: Pardon me if I'm wrong... but anyone that takes on a name as dumb as "Rooster" deserves to be shot. Or, at the very least, pitched from the rafters. And... what a coincidence! I get to throw him from the rafters at Dark Horizon!

[Chris grinned to the mild reaction at the suggestion.]

Chris Davison: And it comes as no surprise to me that the Wrecking Crew think they've got it all in the bag... but then, come on... I am the best damn Canadian Champion the HWF has ever seen, and they know it. I've beaten Storm, I've pinned Phoenix twice, I've even put one of my best friends through a glass mat... all for this.

[He raises the Canadian Championship in the air to a pop.]

Chris Davison: There's never been anyone better than me in this division. Statistically, realistically, every god damn way you can think of, I'm better than Jonathan Storm or Mayhem... Havoc... whoever he is now... or anyone in the division. And now you're trying to tell me that Rooster fucking Williams, some backwoods hick missing his medication, is going to take this title from me in a pay-per-view confrontation?!

[His voice rises louder with each word, and he finishes with more of a bellow than a statement.]

Chris Davison: But no... no way in Hell. Rooster will NOT take this belt from me at the pay-per-view, not now, not ever... and I will take this title home with me after Dark Horizon... and there's no way in Hell I'm going to do anything otherwise.

["Indestructible" hits again, and Davison drops the microphone, lifting the belt to an ovation. Davison steps from the ring and soon disappears to the back.]

Tim: Well fans, welcome to Saturday Suicide!! The first no-match, pre-PPV Saturday Suicide!!

Jeff: Yeah, we picked this idea up from the *cough*EWA*cough*.

Tim: What was that Jeff?

Jeff: I said the EWA, alright!?!

Tim: Very good... anyway, let's cut to the back.

[The scene switches to the backstage. Gavin Coens sits... in a singular metal hot tub! He just gets up to reach for a drink when someone smashes the glass away. Coens looks up and we catch a glimpse of black clothing. A hand shoves Gavin's head beneath the water for several seconds, and when he finally is allowed back up for air, he gasps loudly. Before Coens can climb out of the tub, a black baseball bat crashes down into his abdomial area, taking all the air out of him. He slumps down into the tub. The camera pans back to show someone dressed in total black, even a black mask. The masked man PUSHES the hot tub over and slams it with the baseball bat a few times before stalking off.]

Tim: Coens just got wailed on! This whole "Suicide-without-matches" thing is ALREADY getting out of hand.

Jeff: More importantly, dude... that masked guy ruined a perfectly good hot tub!

Tim: Uh-hunh.

[Commericals]

Tim: Alright, we're back folks. I've received word that there's something going on backstage Jeff, we've got a camera running back there now! [The shot cuts to a camera running down the hall of the backstage area. The camera quickly turns left and into the locker room to see Chris Davison lying on his stomach and clutching the back of his head. Everything in the room in strewn about, as the camera pans to see the destruction. The camera steadies on Davison once more as he tries to get up, but just falls back to his stomach.]

Jeff: What the hell was that? Who attacked Davison out of nowhere?

Tim: I'm not sure what Davison did to recieve that beating but by the looks of it, the attackers meant business.

[As they come back, we see Jonathan Storm in the ring with a mic in hand. His music has just faded out and he looks around at the fans as he begins to speak.]

Jonathan Storm: You know... lately alot has been going through my head. I've been torn in every direction, but one thing has kept me together... the sweet feeling of snapping another man in half. I mean I've really had alot to think about and not alot to celebrate these past weeks, but Jin gave me something to brighten my day. Do you know the feeling of power that rushes into you as you break a man physically? It's unbelievable... I ju-

[Storm is cut off mid-sentence by the hardcore riff of 'Nakamushi Deathmatch' by the Garlic Boys. The fans stand just in time to see TATSUMI streak from the entrance and head down the isle]

Jeff: Great... he pissed the Jap off...

[Storm drops his mic as TATSUMI slides into the ring. Before TATSUMI can even get to his feet he's met with a flurry of kicks to the back and ribs. TATSUMI fights to his feet only to fall victim to a couple of stiff rights from Jonathan. Storm just smiles as he nails a quick knee lift to TATSUMI's gut and whips him across the ring. TATSUMI hits the far ropes and bounces out as Storm moves to the center of the ring and drops his head down. TATSUMI rushes back and flips up, rolling over Storms back, landing on his feet, and continuing towards the opposite ropes. TATSUMI runs up the ropes and springboards off the top into a moonsault press. Storm turns just in time to catch TATSUMI over his shoulder in mid-air. Storm moves up and simply dumps TATSUMI over the top rope, turning his back to celebrate a bit just after dropping TATSUMI to the floor. TATSUMI never hit the floor though, he managed to snag the top rope on the way down and now hangs from it by both arms]

Tim: What an exchange by these two! TATSUMI is showing some incredible quickness here!

Jeff: Don't sell Storm short though... he's adapted really well to this crazy Japanese Lucha shit that TATSUMI uses!

Tim: I don't think Storm knows TATSUMI is hanging there...

[TATSUMI pulls himself up, over the top rope, and back into the ring. The fans cheer this HBK-esque maneuver, but with Storm none-the-wiser he simply assumes the cheers are for him. Storm slowly turns, and is shocked to find TATSUMI standing just a foot from him. Before Jonathan can react TATSUMI plants a curiously low kick, hitting rather near Storm's 'groin'. TATSUMI forces Storm down into a standing headscissors and quickly underhooks his arms. TATSUMI hoists Storm vertical and then plants him head first on the mat with the Noushi ([Brain Death] Double Underhook Piledriver). TATSUMI slowly rises to his feet, looking down at Storm with vengeance in his eyes. TATSUMI slowly leans over and grabs the mic Storm discarded earlier]

Tim: Storm is out... you don't get up from the Noushi.

Jeff: Great... get the subtitle guy ready, the Jap is gonna speak.

Tim: He speaks English.

Jeff: Oh...

TATSUMI: You put my best friend on the shelf for months... you took pride in hurting him. This Sunday I'm gonna make you pay. See I could do it right now, I could break a leg or ankle, it'd be easy. Too easy. I want you awake, I want you to feel the pain, hear the muscle tear, the bone snap, I wanna hear you scream for mercy. I'll see you at Dark Horizon.

Jeff: Wow, not only can he talk he can pitch a line of bullshit with the best of them!

Tim: Huh?

Jeff: What? You think this guy is gonna beat Storm? That's Jonathan Storm, the man who beat Lance Sterling... he's the fucking Impact!

[TATSUMI drops the mic beside Storm and then slowly leaves the ring. He begins mingling with the fans at ringside as he slowly heads up the ramp]

Tim: Well fans, we've got alot still to come tonight. We'll se-

[Tim is interrupted as the groggy voice of Jonathan Storm cuts through the air]

Jonathan Storm: Whoa whoa... I'm not... going down like that.

[TATSUMI, who's now at the top of the ramp and nearing the entrance way, turns, snapping his attention back to the kneeling Storm back in the ring. Storm rubs his head a bit before continuing...]

Jonathan Storm: You know... at Dark Horizon I was just planning to embarrass you. I was just gonna put you through the glass mat, keeping you from 'avenging' your little buddy. Not anymore. See you've crossed the line, you pushed a man who's on the verge of snapping to the very edge. Now I'm not just gonna beat you, now I'm gonna put you right beside your little buddy! Maybe it'll be a broken arm... perhaps a leg... hell, maybe even a neck. The point is... come Sunday you're gonna feel the Impact, and you're never gonna be the same again!

[TATSUMI just glares at Storm and Storm shoots the stare right back at him. Storm slowly struggles to his feet as TATSUMI disappears into the back]

Jeff: Oh Yeah! That's what I'm talking about! Storm is gonna kill that damn little Jap!

Tim: Do you have to call him a Jap?

[Davison is walking through the hallways of the arena, when suddenly, Rooster appears from nowhere to start beating him down. Davison gets thrown into the brick, but dodges a heavy punch, and Rooster's fist hits the wall with a sickening thud. Davison starts fighting back and the two brawl into a stairwell. The fight continues as the camera cuts away. We cut to another section backstage. Michael Trey exits his locker room, equipped with a wrench and a small satchel. Trey walks with a purpose and grins devilishly.]

Tim: What's Trey up to now?

Jeff: I don't know, but hopefully the old man is retiring...

Tim: Shut it, Jeff.

[Michael turns the corner and shuts a door behind him... entering.... SPIKE'S LOCKERROOM?!]

Tim: ... what is up with that?

[Commercials]

[Fading in from commercial, we see Jonathon Storm and Phoenix, sitting in their locker room. Storm grabs a bottled water and takes a long drink.]

Jonathon Storm: Listen, 'Nix... you know Trey in and out. This Smackdown match should be easy.

[He pauses as he hears the door slam out around the corner.]

Jonathon Storm: Hey... Gav? That you?

[Storm gets up carefully. A tapping noise comes from the little hallway leading to the door. Storm walks to the corner... and gets hammered by a black baseball bat. He stumbles backward and then recieves another shot right to the shoulder, sending him to the ground. 'Nix is up to his feet now, but he gets a jab to the gut. Bent over, the attacker breaks the bat over Phoenix's back. We get a glimpse of black pants, delivering kicks to both men. As the masked man leaves, we get a glimpse of his entire black attire from behind as he slams the door on his way out.]

Jeff: Alright, let's bring the action back in the arena.

Tim: Let's.

["The World Is Not Enough", the UNKLE remix blasts over the speakers. The silver lights and pyro take over as the crowd gets to its feet. Not a major pop but more out of respect, the crowd cheers as Michael Trey walks down to the ring, with Claire dragging the Smackdown! Title in the rear. Trey hops up and grabs a microphone. He's still got that satchel with him too...]

Tim: There's that satchel again....

Michael Trey: HERSHEY! Yeah... glad to see everyone is still awake in the building. I'll tell you, this has been one night, but I've got a present for all of you. But first, a few words... you see, I've got this pest control problem. Yup. There are these two little bugs, these PARASITES. No matter what I do, I can't get rid of them. These little bloodsuckers. I've tried everything. I've tried squishing them, I've tried chasing them out. I've even tried to burn these punks, but they're still around and bugging the HELL out of me. In case you didn't pick up on it... Spike and Phoenix are the blood sucking parasites. Now, tomorrow night we have a three-way Smackdown match. This will determine the owner of the Smackdown Title. As most of you know... I don't deserve this title right now. But I'm going to prove to you that I do. I'm going to prove to you, the fans, just how much I care about you and this federation and this belt. I'm going to do that by changing rules and winning matches, starting this weekend with Phoenix and Spike. But back to the problem at hand... I've still got an infestation on my hands. So... hey, SPIKE!

[We wait momentarily, until Spike appears on the entry ramp. He mouths some stuff at Trey, trying to get him to get on with it.]

Michael Trey: Ah, there he is. My own personal leech. The guy who always needs someone to feed off of, whether it's Thrilla or Davison or Renegade or ME. Spike, uhm... I have some bad news. You see, your lockerroom... it's high on the flood plain, or something. Yup.

[Spike gives Trey a "what the hell are you talking about" look. Trey just grins back and reaches into his satchel, removing a small remote control device.]

Michael Trey: More clear. I understand. See, I always heard that to get rid of pests, the best remedy was to flood them out. So I took the liberty of doing some plumbing adjustments in your lockerroom, bud. All the pipes have been pre-loosened... all I need to do is set off this small explosive charge and...

[The Extream-screen cuts back to security footage of Spike's lockerroom. He's already rushing back there. Trey laughs and clicks a button on the remote, and WOOOSH... a pipe flys outwards, spraying water ALL over. Spike rushes in, getting drenched. He tries to grab his back and other belongings... pretty unsuccessfully.]

Michael Trey: There... problem is taken care of.

[Trey packs up his things and the crowd bursts into laughter. He holds his arms up and "The World Is Not Enough" blasts once again. Suddenly, Spike arrives from backstage, but Trey jumps a barrier and heads through the crowd, making his escape as the show cuts somewhere else.]

Tim: Where the hell are we going now?

[Tony Bradshaw straightened his shirt collar as the crew bustled around getting ready for the his next interview on the pre-PPV Suicide. Normally he loved these shows. Maybe this one would be good too. Maybe. Tonight, thanks to his assignment to host this segment, he was scheduled to sit down with the Tempest, before her bid to become HWF World champion at Dark Horizon. She hadn’t spoken to him since that frightening incident after the Kiss the Bride match way back at Se7en. Would she tonight? He swallowed hard and thought… “There’s only one way to find out.”]

Tim: We'll be right back folks!!

[Commericals]

[As the lights came up Tony Bradshaw smiled and tried not to sweat or look nervous. He failed miserably at both.]

Tony Bradshaw: Welcome back folks. Tonight I have the immense pleasure… er, I mean the honor of um… of speaking with one of the contenders for the world title at Dark Horizon, Tempest.

[Tempest peered at him with great amusement.]

Tempest: Tony, you can stop waffling, I don’t mind talking to you, ok?

Tony Bradshaw (blinking): Really? Oh… well good. I mean I uh… that is… well, you know…

Tempest (bemused): Are you trying to apologize, ask me a question, or chant some sort of mantra, Tony?

Tony Bradshaw (clears throat): Well, I uh… I would like to apologize for that particular question that you threw me out over. It was… *gulp* insensitive at best.

Tempest (chuckles a little): Yes it was. But that’s ok Tony. I forgive you on the condition that you’ll try to keep your head out of your ass from, now on.

Tony Bradshaw (looking relieved): Well, thank you Tempest. Um… well let’s see, a lot has happened since we last talked. The world title itself has been shuffled around quite a bit. Do you think that it’s ended up in the hands of the right people as far as you and Gavin Coens fighting for it?

Tempest: No, actually I don’t.

Tony Bradshaw (looks stunned): you… you’re kidding.

Tempest (shakes head): No I’m not. I think what happened to Kyle Solomon last week was highway robbery. Silky Palms’ jealous little outburst that cost Kyle the title was awful. I’d hate to have something like that happen to me… or anyone really. He’s a much better champion than that indicates. And Silky had no right to be involved.

Tony Bradshaw (nervously): Um, he prefers to be called…

Tempest (interrupting): Careful Tony. I don’t care what he prefers to be called. He’ll be lucky if I don’t call him a whole bunch of other names I can think of.

Tony Bradshaw (cautiously): Some would say you had no right to be involved in his tournament math though.

Tempest (smiling, wags her finger at him a little bit): Ah, but that match was no DQ, was it not? Just like my tournament match that he chose to bring in help to win. Just like the match he robbed Kyle of. No DQ is a double-edged sword. You can use but it’s at the risk of the other guy or girl choosing to do the same.

Tony Bradshaw: But… you have to admit that it wasn’t the usual straight up Tempest we’re used to seeing. You understand that don’t you?

Tempest (nods): Yeah I do. I believe Tony, that you and I talked about this just a little after I joined the HWF. I wasn’t really comfortable with hardcore or the lawlessness that it implies. I always liked rules because I felt like they protected me. But the longer I stay here, the more I realize that it works both ways. Without those rules, others are not as protected from me either. And that really is worth them worrying about, whether they believe it or not.

Tony Bradshaw: So you’re not intimidated by this Hell in a Cell match with a glass ceiling?

Tempest (smiles): Nope. Actually I kinda like it. It’s got a little of everything; me, Gavin, symbolism, violence. And it stands a good chance of not being interfered with.

Tony Bradshaw: Of course it’s also no DQ. Any plans in that regard?

Tempest(shakes head): Only a little insurance. I’m gonna stay in that cell and take on Gavin to e to toe… or hopefully toes to the side of his head, but anyway… I’ve heard entirely too much sniveling form him and a few others. I want a straight fight to get it through people’s heads that Tempest is for real. As far as I’m concerned that cell stays locked until one of us is done for a three count. I do have a few friends to help insure that, but that’s all I’m willing to ask friends to do.

Bradshaw: And do you trust them? I understand you can trust Davison, but you feel you can trust Trey and Zakin around a title you know they’d like to get their hands on as well?

Tempest: Absolutely. Hey know if they want a shot all they have to do is ask if I win.

Bradshaw: And what of Solomon? You said his loss was unfair. Would you try to right that if you win?

Tempest: Yup. Kyle’s a good guy, better than even he believes I suspect. So yeah, I’d give him a shot whenever he wants. (grins) Besides he keeps me on my toes.

Tony Bradshaw: And what of Gavin Coens? You’ve had little to say about your opponent thus far.

Tempest (sighs): What do you say about a man who considers himself God? He’s talked about me being self absorbed or whatever, but I’m not the one with the messiah complex. (shrugs) I dunno, I’ve always felt that the ultimate connection with your fans was to entertain them, make them laugh and maybe even share your life with them, the real one that is, not the contrived one that Gavin likes to portray.

Tony Bradshaw: So that’s why we’ve seen more of you in your appearances than thing to do with your opponent?

Tempest: (shrugs) Who should you be seeing in a promo of mine, but me? Besides, I don’t enjoy just telling lies about my opponents for ten minutes and calling that entertainment.

Tony Bradshaw (confused): Lies?

Tempest: Yup, lies. I mean there’s all sorts of accusations about who deserves this and who deserves that, none of which have the first thing to do with my hard work here. And for me to go one and just call him worthless and say he isn’t worthy to be champion and all, would be a lie. I know how hard he’s worked and that’s why I’m looking forward to fighting him. But I’m looking for it without the interference because I really believe he’s relied too heavily on other people to give him things. I mean would he be I this match if not for the Inner Circle?

Tony Bradshaw: Hm, worth thinking about…

Tempest (nods): I may have been wrong to tell him about living in a glass house though. After all, I guess we all do. But…

[Tempest looks around furtively and leans forward.]

Tempest: Didn’t you say he was gonna come by too? I gotta go hide if that’s the case…

Tony Bradshaw: Hide? I thought you weren’t scared of him though.

Tempest (giggles): I’m not. I just need to find a good place to take aim form.

[She slipped a small pink water pistol from her jacket and made a shushing motion at Bradshaw as she tiptoed off the set and he tried not to laugh. Suddenly, the camera catches movement high up. Davison and Rooster have made their way up to the rafters, dueling it out with fists. Beneath them, Buck is quickly pulling out tables and sliding them in the ring. He begins opening them as Rooster gets an advantage, starting to hit harder. Suddenly from nowhere, he kicks Davison square between the legs, doubling him over. With Davison hunched, Rooster applies a standing headscissors. Buck has set up tables upon tables, a huge crash landing zone in the ring. Rooster points up, then down to the ring, which is a good twenty, twenty five feet.]

Tim: No! You'll kill him!

Jeff: KILL HIM!

[Rooster grabs Davison around the waist and lifts, holding him high in the air for a few long moments... and then he drops him the twenty-odd feet to the crash zone of tables. They fold and shatter on impact, leaving Davison crumpled beneath a pile of wood and broken frames. The entire arena has gone absolutely insane, chanting "H-W-F" and "holy shit" all at once. As Buck and Rooster look on, pleased with their work, Davison is fished out of the mass of broken tables and eventually helped onto a stretcher.]

Tim: CHRIS DAVISON HAS BEEN DESTROYED!

"In the world of the Hardcore Wrestling Federation we have a lot interesting characters with their own stories. Some are respected, some are hated, some are lusted for and some are feared. One such of these characters is Havoc."

[As the man speaks scenes different scenes shift on the screen. A flash of Havoc's entrance as he walks up from the hole in the stage.]

"Mayhem who was once the face that looked like a monster has over the past 2 months undergone a change that's turned him truly into a monster into Havoc."

[Havoc jumping Corman in the ring after he was revealed as the attacker. Havoc smashing his former "manager" Alexa Sages' head into a wall.>

"As Mayhem he was respected for both his abilities and his code of honor, but as Havoc he's feared as a seemingly uncontrollable element to the federation."

[Havoc, at POC, Havoc being thrown off the cage, dislocating his shoulder in landing. Havoc wining his POC match by hitting his finisher "the Reaper's Touch" on Corman, throwing him through the cage and down through a set of flaming tables.]

"Today we'll take a look at the man become monster, or as he likes to call himself the EMF."

[The scene opens to Mitch Barber, an interviewer for the Hardcore Wrestling Federation sitting in a nicely furnished office. Across from him sits Havoc, as usual a sadistic smile is plastered across his face.]

Mitch: Well first off Havoc, thank you for allowing me this interview, I'm really happy about this.

Havoc: That'll change.

Mitch: Ummm, okay…Okay first things first, the big question…what happened?

Havoc: Whatever do you mean?

Mitch: Well the change, from Mayhem into Havoc. It's been brought up and you've never really given anyone a real answer.

Havoc: Hmmm, don't like my answers huh?

Mitch: Well they're just so cryptic.

Havoc: You're right. Okay you want to know my reasons? Let me put it to you this way. I was reminded of what I really am.

Mitch: And what's that?

[The smile on Havoc's face gets wider with the question.]

Havoc: One Evil Muther F-cker.

[Mitch sighs at yet another obviously cryptic answer.]

Mitch: Well I went around backstage and I got some opinions from other wrester here, would you like to see them?

Havoc: Why the hell not?

[The scene flashes to Jonathan Storm.]

Mitch: What do you think of the change from Mayhem into Havoc, it was quite a surprise wasn't it?

Storm: Watching a lunatic become a madman isn't the most enjoyable thing to watch...but watching him pick his targets was amusing. He got Kyle Corman out of the HWF, and he's been pretty much a beast...all in all, I like his style now...especially because he's picking better targets.

Mitch: But didn't Havoc attack you?

Storm: Yeah...but after that, he's been pretty tame.

Mitch: Okay, one of the biggest questions I hear floating around backstage is why? Do you have any theories?

Storm: I think it's because he couldn't handle the pace of the HWF in his previous persona. Now that he's changed, he can, and it's going to make things a whole lot more interesting.

[The scene flashes to Lance Sterling.]

Mitch: You've recently been in a match on the side of Havoc. What did you think of him? Knowing who he was once before?

Sterling: The guy scares me, plain and simple. It takes a hell of a lot to be able to make ME frightened of somebody…and he comes the closest to doing it. The guy has talent, and he's one violent son of a bitch, I'll give him that. Teaming with him is one thing, but I pray I never face him, 'cuz he could probably even give me a run for my money.

Mitch: Wow. Now the change came as a big surprise for most, what do you think is responsible?

Sterling: I don't know. Frankly, I don't WANT to know. It must have been something pretty bad to make him change into a heartless, cold-blooded killer.

[The scene shifts to Tempest's face.]

Mitch: What do you think of the change from Mayhem to Havoc?

[Tempest shivers a little as she says.]

Tempest: Well, I dunno what's gotten into him. He was alwasy a little cracked, but hey I liked that about him. Now... he's scary. And I dunno what changed him either.

Mitch: Well that answered my second question but do you have any theories as all why the change?

[Tempest shakes her head and says]

Tempest: I just can't imagine. I mean one minute he was fine it seemed and then he turned on even those who were close to him. I can't imagine...

Mitch: Well thanks for your time Tempest.

[Scene shifts to Michael Trey.]

Mitch: so what do you think of the this unbelievable change from Mayhem to Havoc?

Trey: To be honest, I'm still not sure what to think. Mayhem was always off his rocker anyway, what with his chainsaws and the mask, all that stuff. If you've ever sat down and tried to have a normal conversation with the guy... well, it just never ends up being a normal conversation. But now, with this change to Havoc, I'm just damn scared to even hang around the guy anymore. Whatever was done to mess with the guy's head must have been pretty heavy. I'm just hoping that eventually he'll come out of it.

Mitch: Yeah, we all can hope that. Do you have any theories on what might have caused this dramatic change?

Trey: Of course I have my theories. Mind control by Bisc Limpkit... we all know that Bisc had my... uh... fiance, I guess, Claire... he had her under hypnotic suggestion. And Mayhem probably was Bisc's backup plan, in case Phoenix failed to get the job done. And now that Bisc is in his lovely coma, Havoc is just running around on the loose. Obviously something else created this monster, Bisc just set it free. I don't even want to imagine what would cause such aggression though...

Mitch: yeah. Well Mr Trey, thanks for your time.

Trey: No problem.

[The scene then shifts back to Havoc and Mitch as they look away from the screen.]

Mitch: So, what do you think?

Havoc: I think I have some people to visit after I'm done with Luger. At the very least people respect what I can do to them.

Mitch: That's another thing, you talk about going into that match ready to kill Luger, how can you be serious?

Havoc: Easily

Mitch: Why he hasn't done anything to you?

Havoc: Hmmm, I know. And do I look like I care? No, he's in the way of something I want, and that's the hardcore belt. I'm more then ready to do anything I can to take it. I mean there are others in this Fed who have burned me worse then Luger, it maybe should be them I should go after. But right now my target is Luger and when I get a target I see it through to the bitter end.

Mitch: I'm really starting to see why others feel their ways about you.

Havoc: Oooh, what do you think of me?

Mitch: I can't say. It's part of my job to be objective and thus I won't say my opinions about you.

[Havoc standing up laughs as he steps up to him.]

Havoc: You don't have to say a thing, your silence speaks volumes.

[Havoc shooting out his arm palms Mitch's in an iron grip. Lifting him right out of the chair Havoc hold him high in the air, demonstrating his power. Havoc putting his right hand behind Mitch's back lifts him high into the air. Throwing all of his energy and weight into his left hand Havoc drives Mitch's head into the concrete floor. Cameras frantically move as people scream running to get some help. Havoc walking up to a camera picks it up and centers it on his head.]

Havoc: Hope you enjoyed the show Luger; this is only a coming attraction to what you have coming. See you tomorrow.

[The camera cuts to the back where Michael Trey and Tony Bradshaw are discussing the upcoming PPV.]

Tony Bradshaw: I'm not sure you should take these two lightly Mike, we've both seen them in action before and I've...

[Suddenly Bradshaw is cut off by a loud THUD! Trey's been attacked from behind! The attacker is completely dressed in black, except for the white bold lettering on the front of his t-shirt that reads "Release". Trey crashes to the ground hard as the attacker begins to follow up with a couple of swift kicks to the ribs and a final shot to the back with the black baseball bat he nailed Trey with. The attacker stops his assault, looks at Bradshaw, and then simply nods. He then turns and begins to dart through the hallways. The camera dollies down to see Trey on his side with a bit of blood leaking through his lips.]

Tony Bradshaw: We need some help over here!!

[Commercials]

[The scene now cuts to Luger in an elevator. He looks impatiently as it takes its time to get to the desired floor. He steps off the lift and we see that Luger has actually gone down to the local hospital, to see Nikki and Veronica. He walks out into the ward quickly strides over to the desk at the reception of the ward.]

Sister: Yes sir, can I help you?

Gary Luger: I hope so, yes. This is Hope Ward isn’t it?

Sister: Yes sir, is there someone here you wish to visit?

Gary Luger: Yes, I believe there is a Veronica Maze on this ward?

Sister: There is, but I’m afraid she already has a visitor and the doctor said she couldn’t cope with any more than that.

Gary Luger: But I need to see her, and her visitor. Is there any...

[Gary is interrupted as he is tapped on the shoulder. He spins round to see that it is in fact Nikki stood behind him. Her face is paler in complexion than usual and she looks a little worried. She just puts her arms round Gary and rests her head on his chest. He puts an arm round her and with his other hand lightly brushes her hair back.]

Gary Luger: How are you feeling, and how about Veronica as well?

Nikki: I’m fine, just a little shaken. Veronica is pretty badly cut, the bastard treated her like some vegetables that you would slice and dice. She is going to have some very nasty scars to remind her of the ordeal for a long time to come.

Gary Luger: How terrible, I can’t believe that even Havoc would stoop this low. Anyways, can we get in the ward so that we can talk a little more privately. **Gary turns his attention to the nurse again** We’ll just go in now, if that’s OK.

Sister: Go right ahead, sir, it seems like you need to be there.

[Gary just nods solemnly and he leads Nikki back in again and they go into the ward. They come to Veronica’s bed and they each take a seat next to the bed.]

Gary Luger: Veronica, I’m so sorry this has happened, I really don’t know what to say. This sort of stuff should be happening to me, not you.

Veronica: Yeah, well it has happened now. It’s a good job I am on this drip right now, otherwise I would be asleep, powerless to my thoughts, and that would be the worst place to go at the moment. Last night I had nightmares about it, I don’t know how even months of counselling is going to help all this. The man should be locked up, with the key thrown away forever.

Gary Luger: you’re damn right it should. I was going to be content with just beating Havoc tomorrow night and then leaving him to wallow in whatever emotion he cares to feel then, but now my intentions are altogether more menacing, he will be made to pay tenfold for what he has done to both of you. It’s not so much the physical pain that is the issue here, the wounds will heal, but in your mind it will be sadly all too different. It will be like he owns a part of you and he will haunt you in the knowledge of that. I can’t express how sorry I am that he has become embroiled in your lives instead of staying solely in my professional life.

Nikki: Don’t blame yourself, Gary, there was nothing you could have done to change what happened. He had scouted us out so that he knew when us two were alone, when you were out of the frame. That is the kind of man he is.

Veronica: He’s a coward, no other word to describe it, a coward.

Vikki: Yeah, what he did could not have been any less honorable if he had tried.

Gary Luger: I know all that, but it won’t change what I think. All the ifs and buts, they will make me wonder for an age to come what might have happened if I had done something differently that day. Now let me make something clear to you Nikki, this needn’t apply to Veronica because she can’t help but comply with it, but you Nikki, I want you to promise me that you will not set foot within a mile of any HWF event for the forseeable future. It is just too great a risk to run. There is no telling what Havoc might try and do next. Do you agree with me on that?

Nikki: Sure, I guess. If it’s for my own safety and all that then I’ll go along with it.

Gary Luger: Good, I don’t want to see you end up in a hospital bed as well. It’s terrible enough that one of you has landed up here, it would be a disaster if you both ended up here.

Nikki: Yeah, I guess so.

Gary Luger: Anyway, I’m really sorry, but this is just going to have to be a flying visit. Unfortunately the HWF want me back so that I can do some signings or something. I asked them for compassionate leave of absence from that duty but they refused my appeal. I will be back to check on you tomorrow morning, both of you. Nikki, if when you are finished here you need a lift anywhere, or somewhere to crash for the night, then you call me, OK?

Nikki: Sure thing, Gary. I will do at around 10 tonight, when they ask the visitors to leave. I couldn’t bear to spend another night here, it gives me the creeps.

Gary Luger: OK, that’s fine. Bye now girls, be good and do what the doctor tells you.

Nikki and Veronica: **In unison** Bye Gary.

[All three manage a weak laugh as Gary leaves and heads back to HWF work. The camera cuts to backstage, as we watch Inferna walking down the hallway after grabbing a water bottle. As she starts to open it up, Jonathan Storm, suprisingly alone, accidentally bumps into her, causing her to spill the water all over herself. Storm keeps walking away, before she turns him around. Inferna dressed in a little red tank-top and tight black leather pants, and Storm in his "I Kicked Lance Sterling's Ass..." Inner Circle t-shirt, and black basketball shorts.]

Inferna: Where do you think you're going?

Jonathan Storm: Back to my dressing room...I have other things to do than to worry about you.

Inferna: You just spilled my water all over me, jackass!

Jonathan Storm: ...

[Obviously, this is getting her nowhere. She moves closer to him, clearly agitated at him.]

Storm: If you're trying to pick a fight, this is the wrong guy to start with...

Inferna: *interrupting* ...Well you also picked the wrong chica to mess around with, Storm. So I'd apologize, clean up this mess, and get out of my way.

Jonathan Storm: Do you know who I am? I'm Jonathan Storm. I lead the most influential faction in the HWF. I'm a former Canadian Champion. Who are you? Someone who attached herself at the hip to some stupid pimp, who can't even beat Tempest, let alone Rayne.

[Clearly, this is only making her angrier. Storm smirks, and begins to walk away, leaving her with this last comment...]p Jonathan Storm: If you want someone to clean up the mess, I'm sure Silky will. It's not like he hasn't had to clean up after you two before.

[She rushes after him, spins him around and slaps him! He looks up at her...she looks up at him...and the camera fades out!]

[Commercials]

[The camera cuts to the backstage hallway, Tempest and David Zakin are slowly walking through the halls, no doubt discussing Dark Horizon. Suddenly they stop in their tracks as a man in black, holding two black baseball bats, steps out a little further down the hallway. The three are locked in a stare down when out of nowhere Tempest and Zakin are knocked down from behind by a recieving cart!! Yet another man dressed in black was driving the cart!! Both men take the opportunity and begin to wail on Tempest and Zakin with the bats!]

Tim: What the hell? Again? How many men are there dressed in black?

Jeff: Not sure... but we've seen this getup before, could it be the reformation of the Anti-Heroes?

[Finally the men in black stop their assault and give both members of the Resistance a final kick to the gut for good measure. They look towards each, nod, and begin to make their way down the hallway once more.]

Tim: This is just getting OUT OF CONTROL!!

Jeff: Y'know what would cheer me up though?

[Suddenly, the lights cut out, thrusting the arena in darkness for a split second before mult-colored strobe lights begin to flash around.]

Jeff: YES!!

[The intro to "Slow" by Professional Murder Music starts up over the PA system. The heavy beat kicks it at the 8 second mark, and a _HUGE_ explosion of pyro shakes the arena. As the smoke clears, Lance Sterling walks out onto the stage. He wears jeans, a black T-shirt, and black biker jacket. Sterling walks down to the ring, and stops on the apron to look around at the crowd. He gets in the ring and climbs the turnbuckle, raising one fist in the air as the music fades out, and lighting returns to normal.]

Lance Sterling: You know, one year ago I stood in this very ring, and I was reduced to fighting the scum of the earth: Chris Goings. Now I stand before you all again, as a man facing his destiny. Tomorrow night is Dark Horizon, an event which will change the face of the HWF... forever. In over a year working here, I've beaten the best the HWF has had to offer. Michael Trey, John Justice, Justin Storm, J. Simon Rykopathe, the list goes on. I've stood the test of time, and I am still on top of the mountain. But it is only now, for the first time in my entire illustrious career, that I fear the future.

[The crowd cheers as Sterling says he is afraid.]

Lance Sterling: You people make me SICK! Show me some goddamn respect, you ignorant bastards! I'm a living, breathing legend!

[_HUGE_ boos for this. Sterling puts both hands on his hips and looks around.]

Lance Sterling: Shut up! Dammit, shut the hell up! Tomorrow night, I face the greatest challenge ever. Of course, I'm talking about Jayson Starr. In the entire year we've been here, we've never had a straight-up, face-to-face battle.. until now. Jayson, last week I set the challenge down: Your career vs. mine. In all my years wrestling, hatred has never escalated this much, but for you..JUST for you, I'm putting everything on the line. Just for you, Jayson, should I lose to you tomorrow, it will be the FINAL time you ever see me in an HWF ring again.

[The crowd breaks into cheers at the thought of Sterling gone from the HWF]

Lance Sterling: You people are pissing me off, SHUT THE HELL UP! I'd love to just go and punch each and every one of you in your filthy, fucking--

[Before Sterling can fnish his sentence, he is interupted as "Them Bones" by Alice in Chains blasts over the PA system. Sterling's eyes nearly bug out of his head as he frantically looks around for Jayson. He paces around the ring at first, then steps forward and leans onto the ropes, looking out and down towards the ramp. The music still plays, but nobody emerges. Lance turns around and comes face to face with Jayson, who came from the crowd opposite. Sterling backs up, raising both hands in the air and giving a Ric Flair-esque 'show mercy' look. Jayson shakes his head and catches a microphone thrown to him from outside the ring]

Jayson Starr: You just don't get it, do ya, Lancey-boy? You talk about how a year ago you were fighting..ugh.. Chris Goings. Well, a year ago I was here, kicking your sorry ass!

[Jayson gets a big cheer from the crowd. Sterling eyes him down, silently mouthing "You wish!"]

Jayson Starr: Come on, you know its true. You and that motley crew of yours, the Imperfect Alliance, or whatever you called them, with them around you acted like you were the big man on campus. But Lance, what happened when they were gone? What were you then? Here, let me refresh your memory: Schoolboy, Lance. Schoolboy. Ring a bell?

[Sterling becomes irate, tightening his fist in anger and mouthing off several expletives at Jayson.]

Jayson Starr: Temper, temper. Save it for tomorrow!

Lance Sterling: Oh, I will. I'll save every shred of anger I have pent up inside me...and I'll use it all to rip you apart! I've always been better than you, Jayson. I always WILL be better than you. And if I have to I'll prove it by beating your ass tomorrow night, and putting you out of the HWF for good!

Jayson Starr: Only in your dreams, Lance. Let's ask the fans here who they want to win. Hey, do you want to see Lance beat me tomorrow?

[Scattered cheers. Sterling glares menacingly]

Jayson Starr: OR... would you rather see me put away this pompous windbag once and for all?

[The arena ERUPTS into cheers, clearly being Pro-Jayson]

Lance Sterling: Since when did any of these assholes have an opinion that counted? The fact of the matter is, Jayson, that you're a dead man come tomorrow night.

Jayson Starr: No, Lance. The fact of the matter is that you're going to realize that you're worthless. You couldn't do a damn thing without your buddy Justin Storm telling you what to do. That's why ever since he skipped town, you've been stuck. Without him here, you can't do anything on your own. You sure as hell can't beat me. I know it, the fans know it, and after tomorrow, YOU'LL know it.

[The two men, former friends and now arch-enemies, stare each other down. Face to face, nose to nose. The arena erupts in cheers around them, the camera doing several full circles of the two. Finally, we fade to black.]