Animosity #21: May 31, 2016

Scott Parker: Welcome ladies and gentlemen to episode twenty one of Empire Wrestling Animosity. We are fresh off the heels of our first Supershow!

Gemma Foster: A Supershow that saw Ben Macbeth defeat Billy Way to become Empire Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion.

Scott Parker: And he immediately received a message. The mysterious Raza Azarov came to the ring after the contest and assaulted Billy Way.

Gemma Foster: Macbeth said that he would get answers from Azarov tonight. The two men knew each other before coming to Empire Wrestling and it seems that Azarov followed the champion here for a reason. A reason that we should learn tonight.

Scott Parker: We are in for an exciting night. Let’s get to the action.


Serve a Purpose


Random Conflict’s “Obsession is a Young Man’s Game” starts to play over the speakers. Misha LeCavalier appears from the back with a microphone in her hand, dressed in her ring attire. She slowly makes her way down to the ring. As she reaches it’s base, Misha rolls into the ring.

She looks out at the crowd a bit as it begins to simmer down.

Misha LeCavalier: Greetings, Empire Wrestling. By name, you’ve probably heard my name; and I’ve you’ve bumped around online, then you’ve definitely have heard my voice. However, you may not know my face. Therefore, allow me to properly introduce myself to you all. My name is Misha LeCavalier.

She paces around the ring a bit.

Misha LeCavalier: Now, I recently made an audio log, addressing my opponent for the night. So, there’s no need to tear into Alex Zion any further—that would be cruel and unusual punishment.

She nods her head.

Misha LeCavalier: In fact, Alex, you might as well come out here right now. Let’s get this show on the road. This beating you’re about to take is inevitable, but, it will serve a specific purpose. It will let everyone in Empire Wrestling know just who they are dealing with.

Misha leans against the ropes.

Misha LeCavalier: So, enough talk. Slither on down here now.


Misha LeCavalier Vs. Alex Zion


This was a one sided match as LeCavalier had control early on as she hit early suplexes and hard blows to Zion. Zion at one point had LeCavalier set up for the Iconic Uppercut (Front facelock, transitioned into a swift European uppercut) but she spun away and hit him with Mirror’s Edge (Divorce Court). After that she was able to connected with a few more slams before locking in On The Other Side of Grace (Seated Fujiwara Armbar) and made Zion tap.

WINNER: Misha LeCavalier


Looking Up


Kevin Olson and an EW camera operator catch "The Adorkable Angel" Azurine Vebbins dusting off two steel chairs. Considering the positive on-air rapport they share, he decides to conduct an impromptu sit-down interview.

Kevin Olson: Hey Azzy, would you mind if we both sat down for a quick chat? Those chairs look spotless...can't see a single speck.

Azurine nods, smiles in a demure manner, and folds her hands in front of herself on her lap.

Azurine Vebbins: Halo, Kay-vin! I wood love ta haph a quick chat. It dose nade ta bay quick bay-cos I'm dan-sin' wit Sofia Homs ta-nite.

(Hello, Kevin! I would love to have a quick chat. It does need to be quick because I'm dancing with Sofia Harms tonight.)

Kevin Olson: Yes, you are. Kind of segues into my first question, actually? Do you feel any sense of improvement since we've last talked?

Azurine Vebbins: Yays and no. Yays bay-cos I gra-pull my hot owt ay-voi-ray time I stip inta dat rin'. No bay-cos I fayl ah-po-nints dismiss me as a space ta mock deyr E-Dubya Bingo cods wit. I may not bay da sin-toi of a-tin-shun like my blestie Casey but I day-soi-ve ta not bay lookt past.

(Yes and no. Yes because I grapple my heart out every time I step into that ring. No because I feel opponents dismiss me as a space to mark their EW Bingo cards with. I may not be the center of attention like my blestie Casey but I deserve to not be looked past.

Kevin Olson: Casey's a 2-Time Primetime Champion while you have only officially won one match.

Azurine Vebbins: I fi-ult pay-poi-woik dat I bayt Chris Vec-toi bay-cos I was-int ray-mewft from da bil-din'. Sa tich-ni-clay I haph two wins and one of my loss-is came from coi-rint E-Dubya Hay-vay-wayt Cham-pay-un Ben McGrath. Just nade ta kayp poi-foam-in' and oin my way ta Bay-Dubya-Eff wit Miss Young. And as fa a follow-up a-bowt if I'm jay-lus of Casey? No. Made shoo-ah ta bay da foist ta con-gra-cha-late hoi on gay-tin' hoi hot's day-zi-ah. Mine kayps me on a love-lay...y'know. Nixt quay-shun.

(I filed paperwork that I beat Chris Vector because I wasn't removed fron the building. So technically I have two wins and one of my losses came from current EW Heavyweight Champion Ben McGrath. Just need to keep performing and earn my way to BWF with Miss Young. And as for a follow-up about if I'm jealous of Casey? No. Made sure to congratulate her on getting her heart's desire. Mine keeps me on a lovely...y'know. Next question.)

Kevin Olson: Duly noted, Azurine. Finally, what do you think of your time here in Empire Wrestling?

Azurine Vebbins: A rayl blast wit grayt fraynds. I'm a sim-pull, ma-dist, and han-ist woman who loves hoi woik. And while I do vew New Yoak as a secint-rate city ta Chicago...

Some audible boos are heard.

Azurine Vebbins: It's bay-cos I can't knayl bay-fa da gaw-jus ga-dis of a goil-fraynd I haph in Alexa since way ah not at home. I woik hay-ah bay-cos some day I will bay deyr and brin' ta da rin' what way ah owt-side of it...a match made in Hay-vin.

(A real blast with great friends. I'm a simple, modest, and honest woman who loves her work. And while I may view New York as a second-rate city to Chicago... It's because I can't kneel before my gorgeous goddess of a girlfriend I have in Alexa since we are not at home. I work here because some day I will be there and bring to the ring what we are outside of it...a match made in Heaven.)


Sofia Harms Vs. Azurine Vebbins


This was a closely fought bout as the two exchanged a few holds early on. Harms tried to shock Vebbins with a roll up but only got two. Vebbins took control of the match with a few knees to the gut of Harms. Harms speared Vebbins through the ropes and both landed fairly hard. They titried red to make it back into the ring but both rolled in just after the ten and we had a double countout.

DRAW


Austin’s Empire


Earlier Today...

The scene opens to where Austin Boonchan is setting down his briefcase in the locker room backstage. It switches to the camera viewing the door instead of him. The door swings open as Austin takes a look around and then looks straight at the camera, smiling. He walks out, closes the door, and adjusts his glasses.

Austin Boonchan: It's been a while since I've spoken to the Empire. Hi there, how are you?

He takes off his glasses.

Austin Boonchan: You see, I don't think the EW general manager realizes that I am so close to getting a chance to prove why I deserve to have my name in the books in the BWF. I don't think he also realizes that I should be getting matches with dudes that are just coming into the Empire Wrestling. If you wanna book them against me, they're going to be defeated in the ring and the cause is by the hands of yours truly. This is EXACTLY what's going to happen to Emperor Ian. Never heard of this man before, but all I can say is that I don't deserve to fight him and he doesn't deserve to fight me. I should be fighting my way up for a championship shot, not fighting my way to just get rid of the young boys.

But it doesn't matter, if the general manager of Empire Wrestling wants me to fight them, fine, let that be. I'll keep proving why I am one of the greatest wrestlers in Empire Wrestling and why I am one of the few that should be getting a championship shot sooner or later.

Hey Ian, if you ever wanna fight again after this match tonight, don't. Because after I'm done with you, I'm moving onto something better. I will show myself to the Empire once again why the empire belongs to me, Austin Boonchan.

He walks away and then stops himself. He raises a finger and points at the camera.

Austin Boonchan: Another thing, don't test me, kid.

He puts on his shades and walks away as he says "That applies to everyone in the EW!". The camera switches back into the arena where the fans are ready to watch the next match.


Unique Goals


We cut to Kevin Olson standing backstage with Emperor Ian.

Olson: In just a few minutes, we will see the EW debut of former BWF superstar Emperor Ian. Ian, any particular goals you've set out to accomplish here?

Ian takes a swig of beer.

Ian: Uh, the goal of having a regular paycheck.

Olson: That's it?

Ian: Well maybe also bang a few ring rats. That's always good too.

Olson: Well OK. So, what's going through your mind as you get ready to step in the ring?

Ian: Well...(loud belch)...well luckily for me, I've taken out a pretty large life insurance policy just in case anything happens in there. I mean we all know about what happened in TJ, and what very well coulda happened to that Enzyte guy.

Olsen: You mean Enzo?

Ian: Yeah I guess. Anyway Calvin, as I was saying, I have a life insurance policy that will provide for my family if something should happen to me in that ring. Not that I want anything to happen to me of course. I love being alive and want to live a long full life.

He takes another swig of beer.

Olson: Alright, so how about a few words on your opponent?

Ian: Uhh...who am I facing again?

Olson: You seriously don't know who you're facing? Have you prepared at all?

Ian: Of course Karl. Why I'm as prepared to wrestle as Donald Trump is prepared to govern this great nation of ours. Everything will be fine.

Olson: No comment. Well good luck to you Emperor.

Ian: Yeah, you take care Carter.

Kevin rolls his eyes as Ian finishes his beer and walks off.


Scream


We find ourselves backstage, where the cameraman turns a corner to find the subject for his scheduled backstage segment. He hears a noise and the camera turns away but when it turns back we see 'The Monster Messiah' Martin Karloff standing there as if he has appeared. He is eating something from a small plastic bag.

Martin Karloff: You are late.

We can see the camera actually shaking a bit.

Martin Karloff: Better three hours too soon than a minute too late. Shakespeare said that. You should keep that in mind. Would you like one?

Martin offers a peeled grape to the cameraman who seems to decline.

Martin Karloff: When I was young, my orphanage let me put together a haunted house in my room for all the other kids to visit because I was so upset we weren't allowed to go trick or treating. There was a kid named Chuck who bullied me a lot who tried to spoil my fun. The other children took turns putting on a blindfold I passed around some bowls and they took turns feeling inside the bowl while I put on my best spooOOoooOOooky voice. One bowl had some cooked spaghetti and I told the other children it was a dead mans brains. One was a rubber glove that I filled with chicken bones and gelatin I told them was a dead mans hand. The third had a couple peeled grapes and I told them they were a dead mans eyeballs. The other kids enjoyed being able to get into the holiday spirit for once. Then Chuck came in. Chuck took the first bowl and dumped the spaghetti on me and took the glove from the second and gave me a nice big slap with it. So I took the third bowl and showed him what was in there. I told him that if I were to lose any of them I would have to replace them with his own actual eyes. I ate one of the grapes and said 'Oops' and grabbed a nearby spoon. I wasn't serious of course, but Chucky didn't know that as urine streamed down the front of his pants.

Martin looks at the peeled grape in his hand.

Martin Karloff: We got to go trick or treating the year after that.

Martin pops the grape in his mouth and chews. He swallows.

Martin Karloff: Cody Williams asked for a worthy opponent and then threw a tantrum after he was beaten. I accomplished both of my tasks in defeating him and making an impact in Empire Wrestling and exposing him for the entitled child that he is. There is another entitled child that requires exposure. A child by the name of Christopher. Christopher seems to think he can waltz into any match he wants and do as he pleases. He went so far as to keep my dear friend and former roommate Allen Chaney from championship gold.

Martins demeanor shifts, we can hear something change in him.

Martin Karloff: Do you know what the penalty is for such a thing Christopher? Pain. The kind of pain I will force you to remain conscious for. We're talking bludgeoning, rending, tearing, maiming, mauling, lacerating, disembowe-Mmmmph

Martin's stream of thought is interrupted by a kiss on his lips from his fiance Xaria Linette who has entered. He is immediately calmed down.

Xaria Linette: Save the monster for the ring, Mon Amour.

Martin nods.

Martin Karloff: Yes, my angel. I just have one more thing.

Xaria Linette: What makes the grass grow?

Martin Karloff: No no...not that. You see, Christopher Vector cares little for the fans in Empire Wrestling but very soon he will have something in common with them.

Xaria Linette: And what is that, Mon Beau?

Martin Karloff: Very soon both of them will be screaming for me... Christopher, I can't wait... to hear you scream.

The camera fades to black at the sight of the Monster Messiah embracing his Scream Queen.


Emperor Ian Vs. Austin Boonchan


This match never officially got started because Chris Vector came to the ring and swung a chair at both men, missing both, but they left the ring. Vector got on the microphone and demanded Wade Mason come out and explain why he “had it out for him”. He stood in the ring until Martin Karloff hit the stage.


Martin Karloff Vs. Chris Vector


Vector swung his chair as Karloff and missed wildly which allowed Karloff to connect with the Sine Oculus (Pele Kick). Vector staggered up to his feet and was rocked with Spinal Remains (Vertabreaker). Karloff picked up an easy win and left through the cheering crowd.


Closure


In the backstage area Wade Mason stands in his office, in front of a television monitor. The monitor is not playing the feed from the ring but instead the screen is just black. He pushes the play button on the remote and then folds his arms.

An image takes over your screen. The shot is a voyeuristic angle of a man sitting at a bar. The image is grainy and of sub standard quality, however, it is clear enough to see the mans face and identify him. Once he begins speaking his voice is easily recognizable, solidifying his identity as undeniable. It’s Mosh XL, he is quite drunk.

Mosh XL: Yeah I was a bit down and out for a while. I got fired from the sports channel over some bullshit “ethics” complaints from guests. But then I got this podcast gig covering pro wrestling, they liked my edgy nature and “untraditional” tactics. Wouldn’t you know it? This first asshole that I was sent to interview wouldn’t give me the time of day.

Bartender: What did you do?

Mosh XL: I did what any intrepid reporter would do. I dug up some dirt on him. If he wasn’t going to give me a story then I would find one without him. I gave him every opportunity to talk to me and provide me with a positive story. What is going to happen is his own bonehead fault.

Mosh takes a mouthful of beer and lets out a satisfied belch.

Mosh XL: I was lucky. I found a buddy of his that hated him and got my bosses to pay what it cost to bring this guy over from Europe. In return he would tell me everything about this Ben Macbeth motherfucker. When Azarov got here we proceeded to fuck this Macbeth guy’s life up.
Mosh belches again and laughs at the same time, creating a grotesque gurgle of sorts.

Mosh XL: What we did was genius. We made it look like he beat the shit out of me and then his buddy came in and started taunting him. To top it all off I made up a fake lawsuit so that this guy couldn’t wrestle for the main championship. It was great shit.

Bartender: Woah man. You’re crazy. Should you be telling me all of this?

Mosh XL: What the fuck do I care? You’re gonna go tell someone? I’ve told lots of people about this. No one will believe it if you told them. I don’t give a fuck.

Bartender: Fair enough. Still, I wouldn’t mess with guys like that.

Mosh XL: Well I got one hell of a story out of it. At first it was just going to be a podcast but now it’s going into some real publications. I’m gonna make some serious money telling people about this guy's life.

A voice is heard off camera. We can’t see the man but just like Mosh, his voice is easily recognizable.

Ben Macbeth: No. You will not. No one will tell my story but me. But the story you just told? I can relay that to whomever I please.

A hand takes hold of the camera and lifts it up, focussing on Mosh’s surprised expression.

Mosh XL: I was just fucking around Macbeth. It’s not true man. Azarov really did attack me!

Ben Macbeth: Considering that I’ve spoken to a great deal of the people you have boasted to about this, I find that hard to believe. If you ever come near me again, sir, you will find yourself in the hospital for real. And for a very long time.

The feed shuts off, the last shot being of Mosh’s terrified expression.

The scene returns to Mason watching the monitor.

Wade Mason: That explains the letter I got saying that the lawsuit was dropped. Just in time to promote your World Heavyweight Championship match too.

Empire Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion Ben Macbeth walks into frame, his expression conveys a reserved smugness.

Ben Macbeth: Sometimes an individual must take destiny into his own hands. Doing so seems to have worked in my favour. Something that ludicrous was not going to keep me from obtaining the World Heavyweight Championship.

Wade Mason: So it seems. Now that that is taken care of, what are you going to do about Raza Azarov? He isn’t under contract so I can refuse him entry to the building.

Ben Macbeth: That is the second reason for why I am here. I’m going to find out what he wants but he won’t show up until you sign this.

Macbeth hands Mason a manilla envelope. Mason opens it and pulls out a document.

Wade Mason: His talent contract. Why would I sign this?

Ben Macbeth: Do you want another lawsuit? He may be mentally unstable but he is not stupid. He is still a human being. He wants money to appear on this show in an official capacity. He won’t show up otherwise. If you sign him then I can figure out what he wants and you can make him pay. He keeps showing up in Empire Wrestling uninvited and causing problems. You’re happy with these occurrences?

Wade Mason: You make a valid point. I’ll legitimize his contract mainly because I want to see what he has to say for himself, much like everyone else. Do you have any guesses as to why he is here?

Ben Macbeth: I have loose theories, yes. The last time I saw him we were on relatively amicable terms. I want to know what has changed.

Wade Mason: After what he did to Billy Way at the Supershow, I have decided to have double the security force ready and waiting.

Ben Macbeth: It’s a nice gesture Mr. Mason, however, I ask that you do not deploy them. Let me deal with Mr. Azarov. You do not know what his capable of. I do. If our interaction takes a turn you would be best served by limiting the number of potential victims. I will get answers, just don’t send them out there. No matter what.

With that Macbeth turns on his heels and walks out of the room leaving Mason looking slightly concerned.


Bailey Mayhew Vs. Ursula Areano


It was announced that Areano would be granted a rematch for the Primetime Championship and Casey Grey sat at ringside. Mayhew and Areano fought in a back and forth bout that saw a lot of near endings. Mayhew hit the Wings of a Butterfly (Butterfly Suplex) and thought she had the match won but Areano kicked out just in time. Areano started to fight back and looked for Crossing The Border (Crippler Crossface) but Mayhew held onto the ropes and couldn’t be pulled down. She pulled Areano down into a small package and picked up the win.

WINNER: Bailey Mayhew

Areano debated with the referee that her own arm was under the ropes and there shouldn’t have been a pinfall but to no luck. Grey showed off the Primetime Championship and smiled.


Billy Way Vs. Kayla Taylor


Taylor was flying solo tonight and was attacked before she even made it to the ring. Way jumped her from behind and tossed her into the ring. He mounted her and unloaded with vicious right hands until she was busted open. He pulled her up to her feet and hit The Billy Way(Swinging Reverse STO) and covered for a win.

WINNER: Billy Way

He continued to assault her after the match until referees and Krista May Williams rushed to the ring to stop him. He rolled out the far side of the ring and left with no other altercation.


Motive


The lights in The Warehouse dim and then “Tumble In The Rough” cues up. Empire Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion Ben Macbeth walks out onto the stage. The Tomorrow Man is wearing his signature fur coat. He has the World title over one shoulder and his umbrella resting on the other. Macbeth surveys the crowd before walking to the ramp.

Scott Parker: This is it Gemma. Wade Mason has signed Raza Azarov’s contract. We should finally get some answers.

Gemma Foster: Am I the only one that thinks that Raza Azarov is just going to come out here and stab Macbeth? I mean have you seen that guy’s eyes? He always looks so stabby.

Scott Parker: At the Supershow Azarov did lay waste to Billy Way and then motioned that he would soon do the same to Ben Macbeth so I don’t think that it’s impossible. I suppose we’ll see.

Macbeth reaches the ring and walks up the steps. He enters the ring and rests his umbrella in the corner before taking hold of a microphone. His music dies down, as does the mixed reaction from the New York City fans.

Ben Macbeth: I am not a man who enjoys wasting time. It a precious commodity that cannot be replicated. With that fact in mind, I have become very tired of a certain individual repeatedly wasting my time. Raza, I got you want you want, now come out here and explain yourself.

The Tomorrow Man turns his attention to the stage and the audience waits silently in anticipation. Ten seconds go by and there is no movement on the stage.

Gemma Foster: Look around champ! He might come from the crowd. Or the rafters!

Scott Parker: I don’t think—

Parker is cut off when the build of “Arcarsenal” cues up. A portion of the audience cheers when Raza Azarov steps out onto the stage. His face is decorated with his signature war paint and he presents a devious grin as he advances down the aisle.

Gemma Foster: I am legitimately fearful for what is about to happen.

Scott Parker: You don’t know what is about to happen.

Gemma Foster: I know! That makes it worse!

Azarov slides into the ring under the bottom rope and walks right past Macbeth, shouldering him en route to the corner where Macbeth’s umbrella rests. Azarov climbs to the top rope and looks out into the audience with a sinister grin. He then drops down and notices the umbrella. Azarov scoffs and collects a microphone.

Raza Azarov: You know Benjamin, I feel very fortunate right now. I feel really blessed to be standing in this ring with you bub.

Azarov chuckles.

Raza Azarov: No not because of who you are. Not because of who you think you are, that is. Not because you are “The Tomorrow Man”, not because you are the World Heavyweight Champion. I feel fortunate because I should be dead.

Macbeth stares through his sunglasses at Azarov, waiting for further explanation.

Raza Azarov: Isn’t that right Ben? I should be dead. According to you and my wife, I already had one foot in the grave. Right Ben? Isn’t that how it is? That’s why you two had to saaaave me, right? Saaaave me from myself?

Ben Macbeth: Audrey came to me Raza. She was worried about you, she thought you needed help. And you did.

Raza Azarov: And why the fuck did she think that you were fit to help me? Because you competed in the same European fight clubs that I did? Because we went through the same hell that is the Asian underground combat circuit? Because you operated outside of law, outside of society? That meant that you understood me, right Ben? We could be friends because we were the same, right?

Azarov picks up the umbrella.

Ben Macbeth: Yes. That is right. Did I not help you Raza? I befriended you. I brought you back from the edge. I did save you.

Azarov rests leans on the umbrella.

Raza Azarov: You did help me. Between you and my wife you helped me see that I was slowly slipping away. I didn’t want to admit it at the time but it was true. We became friends, you taught me how to turn it off.

A beat. Azarov drops his head for a moment but then raises the microphone to his lips.

Raza Azarov: But then what happened Benjamin?

Silence.

Raza Azarov: What...happened...?

Azarov’s gaze shifts up from the mat and he stares at Macbeth, hate in his eyes. He’s almost seething with anger.

Raza Azarov: Don’t answer. You and I both know that you won’t admit what you did. You need to save face in front of all of these fucking people. These sheep. These wastes of flesh.

Those in the audience who supported Azarov during his entrance are now firmly against him and behind Macbeth. No one wants to be called a waste of flesh.

Raza Azarov: You people can boo me all you want but I am going to tell you the truth. The truth that he won't admit. Let me tell them for you Benjamin, let me make it easy for you.

A beat.

Raza Azarov: You left me. You fufilled your part of the bargain. You saaaaved me and my wife negotiated your contract with Empire Wrestling. She got you the perfect deal, she pushed your working visa through, she got you a nationwide wrestling license. You were able to leave Europe and start immediately. You weren’t effected by any bureaucratic red tape. You left. You left me.

There is a brief moment of silence, the anger in Azarov’s statement seems to resonate with Macbeth. He chooses his next words carefully.

Ben Macbeth: I thought that you knew. I thought Audrey told you that that was part of the deal.

Raza Azarov: No Benjamin. My wife failed to inform me that your friendship with me was simply a means to an end. She failed to inform me that you were using me as a way to expedite your dreams. That was one thing that we never discussed over Sunday fucking brunch.

Another pause. Macbeth takes off his sunglasses and puts them into the pocket of his fur coat.

Ben Macbeth: I’m sorry Raza. I did not mean to abandon you.

Raza Azarov: Well you did Ben. And wouldn’t you know it, as soon as you left everything fell apart again. I went back to fighting and I lost everything. I lost her.

Ben Macbeth: Audrey left you?

Raza Azarov: Yes. Because of you. If you had just stayed a little longer, if you had better concealed your motives. If you had showed any fucking tact at all then maybe I would still be happily married. Maybe I would have been able to leave all of this behind.

Azarov rasies up the umbrella and inspects it.

Raza Azarov: Maybe...I wouldn’t have to do this.

Azarov jerks forward and spits a black mist into Macbeth’s face. With breakneck speed Azarov swings the umbrella and it cracks the champion in the side of the head. Macbeth stumbles sideways and Azarov spears Macbeth to the ground. Like a blood lusted gorilla Azarov drops double hammer fists onto Macbeth’s face, quickly bloodying the champions face. When Macbeth is sufficiently subdued, Azarov stands.

Gemma Foster: This guy is an animal! I knew it.

Scott Parker: He just blindsided the champion. Ben Macbeth has been taken apart.

Azarov picks up the umbrella and repeatedly hits Macbeth in the mid-section with it. Azarov then drives the point into his face with vicious force. Azarov then exits the ring and reaches under the apron. He pulls out a long box and opens it. Inside it has two light tubes. He enters the ring with them and lays them on the mat. He then picks up the umbrella again.

Gemma Foster: We need security out here now!

Scott Parker: Macbeth told Mason to keep security in the back.

Gemma Foster: This is our champion! Mason needs to do something!

Macbeth staggers to his feet. His face is stained by the black mist and blood from his mouth and nose is dripping onto his chest. Azarov doesn’t even give him a second to recover before driving the point of the umbrella into Macbeth’s mid-section. Azarov then kicks the light tubes into place under Macbeth’s face and curb stomps him face first into the glass, shattering it. Macbeth rolls over onto his back holding his face. A dozen shards of glass are protruding from his cheeks and forehead. There is blood running down both sides of his face onto the mat.

Gemma Foster: Oh my God!

Finally Wade Mason appears with some EMTs. Satisfied with his handiwork, Azarov exits the ring and backs through the crowd. The entire time his gaze is fixed on his former friend as we faded to black.