WZCW Goodbye: Eurasian Battle Royal

[Kermit]

Final Chapter: Future Ball
Part 3 or 4

Chris K.O., Haven, Yellow, and Oso Azul are sitting in Chris K.O.â??s living room. Several stage workers are breaking down the room as it appears to be a â??setâ? you might see on television. Kermit the Frog, in a business suit, walks into the scene as he directs the stage workers.

KERMIT: Tear it all down. Weâ??re liquidating everything. Also, make sure the Havenmobile gets to FedEx by 5. That thing is going to appear on an episode of Pawn Stars.

Kermit exits the scene. The group looks sad. Haven perks up and pulls out a sphere.

HAVEN: Blah, blah, blah. Exposition. This is ball that allows us to look into the future! One last look before the final WZCW event. Even you Oso Azul!

Oso Azul is a rapid bear that is chained to the ground. He swipes furiously at the other three as he dawns a blue luchador mask.

HAVEN: Blah, blah, blah. Oso Azul was an All-Stars character that never came to be. Blah, blah, blah. Rapid bear in a luchador mask. Blah, blah, blah.

Letâ??s touch the ball!

Oso Azul touches the ball third to see his future after WZCW.

----------------------------------------------------------

Blood and body parts are everywhere as Oso Azul hibernates in a cave with his family. In the summers, his family runs a snow cone shop. Life is decent.

[Skairipa]

#TheEnd #GoingOutOnTop

Two Days After Kingdom Come: A Beach In Malibu, California

Kingdom Come had come and gone, and of course I won just like I said I would, becoming 2-0 at Kingdom Come. I didn't know what my next challenge would be, and right now I didn't care. I was enjoying my vacation in LA, far away from the cold and snow in New York and enjoying the sun and sand in Malibu. The best part? It wasn't even crowded because these weak people would freeze in anything under 70 degrees. I was laying on my beach chair getting some sun when my phone buzzed with a text. To my surprise, it was from my sister Gabi. How did I not forget to block her number when I cut her out of my life months ago?

Callie are you still mad at me? It's been months, it's time to let it go. I saw your match at Kingdom Come, you've become so good. I can't wait to see you win a title again.

I rolled my eyes, such an obvious attempt to suck up to get back into my life now that I'm a million times more successful than she'll ever be, gross. I thought about it for a minute, then deleted her text and blocked her number. My life has been so much better ever since cutting her out and I didn't need her back, buh bye.

I chuckled and put my phone down on the towel next to me, and put my sunglasses back on, she was the past and I don't live in the past, not when I have such a bright future.

Two Weeks Later: A Restaurant In Los Angeles, California

I had decided to extend my vacation since there was another snowstorm in New York and I had enough stuff with me where I didn't need to go home. I was starting to like it out here, maybe I should get a second house out here, but then again the traffic is terrible and hipsters are annoying, bleh. I was enjoying dinner at the nicest restaurant in the city, when I got a message with some shocking news.

ATTN ALL WZCW TALENT: It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you that WZCW will be closing it's doors. Management have discussed this and unfortunatley decided it's something we must do. We will be doing a farewell show and every championship will be defended in a series of battle royals and plenty of faces from the past will compete. Thank you for your service and good luck at the final show. Who will become the final champions of WZCW?

I was in shock, I was mad, I was sad, truth be told, I was slightly heartbroken. I had gotten really good at wrestling and as much as everyone around WZCW annoyed me, some of them were....good competition. Plus how dare this company close before I got a chance to become World Champion! I wasn't even sure how to react to the news, a million thoughts were running through my head, suddenly my waiter came over to check on me.

You! More wine! Chop Chop!

I shooed the waiter away, and he shot me a glare as he walked away, whatever. He was soooo not my problem. I had much bigger problems to worry about, like for starters the fact that I just won a freaking ladder match that's going to mean nothing! I mean I put my body on the line, risked my freaking life to win that match, and now it means nothing? They might be going out of business but they were sooo hearing from my lawyer for that one. But more importantly, what would be next? I needed to talk to someone who could think clear headed right now, I needed to talk to Kira.

Kira! Did you hear the news? WZCW is closing.

I took a a bite of steak and ate a few french fries as I waited for the waiter to come with my new glass of wine. It took him long enough. I took a sip of wine as my phone buzzed with Kira getting back to me.

Oh no that's terrible, sorry to hear that. Are you okay?

Of course I'm okay, I'm me. But that said I have a bunch of thoughts on this running through my head and I don't even know what to think. I mean my cosplaying has become bigger and more successful than ever partly due to WZCW, but I don't wanna just cosplay, that's a boring thought after I managed to become much more than a simple cosplayer. I know how good I am at wrestling and obvi other companies would be offering me millions to go there, but I don't know if that's what I really wanna do. What do you think?

I realized I rambled in the text, oh well. I had a lot on my mind at the moment, this was truly not a good time to give me this news, I wasn't in the right state of a mind or a calming location. But I finished up my meal as I got a text back.

I think you need to take time and think about this, in fact why don't you focus on killing it at the last show first? I mean you always say you wanna go down as the greatest superstar ever right? Imagine being the last ever WZCW World Champion, or winning the Eurasian Championship for the first time. Or even breaking your own record to get back the Elite Championship one last time. You have a chance to really make history at this last show, I say you focus on that and worry about the future after that. It's not like you need to rush into doing anything.

I left money on the table for the bill and walked out of the restaurant, and was now on the way back to my suite at the hotel. I took that time to think about what Kira said, she raised a good point. Maybe I was too focused on the future. After all, I didn't need to rush into anything. I walked into the hotel and took the elevator back up to my suite, after getting back into the room and sitting down, I took back out my phone to text Kira back.

You know what, you're right. The time has come to go from legend of tomorrow, to legend. Tomorrow is today and it's my destiny to finally become the World Champion, in fact maybe I'll take every title on the way out, after all is there a better way to make history than by holding every title all at once? Nobody has ever done that.

I smirked at the thought as I changed into my pajamas to get comfy for the night, and plopped down on the bed. Truthfully I'd be happy to end up being the final holder of any championship, but all the belts? That, that would be the best moment of my life. And I would do anything to make that happen.

I flipped through the channels on the tv, but didn't find anything I wanted to watch so I turned the tv off. Shortly after I got a text back from Kira, sometimes I'm surprised by how much time she makes for me and my craziness, she must really care about me. I should probably stop taking her for granted. I mean I did get her a brand new sports car for Christmas, but is that enough? Before I could continue thinking I got a text back.

There ya go that's the way to think. But I just read the news online, Apparently there's going to be a bunch of old faces from the past showing up, probably some of the best to ever wrestle for the company. What do you think of that? This could be tough for you to overcome.

She was right, the Lethal Lottery was hard enough and that wasn't even a ring full of superstars, but now who knows how many people I would have to fight. But beating a bunch of people who can't let go of the past and want one last moment of glory? That would be sweet. After all they need to learn the future is now.

Bring it on. I'm not afraid of a bunch of old timers, in fact beating them too would just make my moment that much greater when I stand tall as one of the final champions. Don't you think?

Do you need to run through everyone?

No, I've done that a million times. Besides I have no interest right now in playing into the unknown of the past. But they're the past for a reason, because they can't hack it anymore and I'll be damned if I'm gonna let them get in my way. As for the current roster? Some of them are completely useless, and the rest are probably people I know I can beat. This might be the end of WZCW, but I am the present and the future of wrestling, and it's my destiny to be the last champion. It's just a matter of which title I choose to take, if not all of them.

Kira and I talked about a variety of things after that, life, our holidays, how she was liking the new car I got her, and other things. The conversation stopped around 4 AM in Texas when she fell asleep on me, poor thing works herself too hard, even though she knows she doesn't need to. I went to bed about an hour later, after figuring out what my final cosplay for WZCW would be, after all I had to make the last one the best one, or at least one of the best.

The Day Before The Farewell Show: Location Unknown

Finally I decided to end my long vacation in California and head to Las Vegas on my private jet. I had narrowed it down to 2 costumes for what I would wear for the last show. Ever since the news came about about WZCW closing it's doors I had gotten a wide variety of offers, some from wrestling companies, some for reality TV shows, some for shows about me and my life, hell I even got an offer from a record label for some reason! I fully expected something like this to happen, but I couldn't wrap my head around any of it, not right now, I needed to be totes focused on WZCW for a little while longer.

I had been trying to strategize for how to make my moment happen, but it was simply too much to attempt, and my mind didn't wanna focus on that anyway. My mind over the last few days in fact didn't wanna focus on anything except for one thing, Kira. I had been thinking recently how even when I was a bitch to her when I first met her how she killed me with kindness and put up with my bullshit for some reason, probably to help her business. And how even once we became friends how she was always there for me when I needed her, whether it was for something as simple as dog sitting or talking me off the ledge when I go a little crazy, which let's face it, happens a lot. I had been thinking about how much I need her in my life, how she had become my main support system over the last few months and how I would be lost without her, it made me realize something....I care about her a lot, like more than I thought.

But I didn't know how to express that to her, I mean truthfully I was never good at that type of thing, sure I could express things like that to Sid, but he's a dog. I debated calling her multiple times over the last couple days to talk about it with her, but I would always change my mind, tell myself it was crazy talk. But now I was sitting on this plane trying to focus on other things and I simply couldn't. I was never a "feelings" person, I cared about myself, my dog, winning, the amount of followers I have, and looking good more than anything. Sure I had my friends, and Bates, and I guess some family I don't talk to, but I always saw people as tools to use to my advantage and nobody was any use to me if I had nothing to gain from them. But something happened that changed that, Kira had become my lifeline and someone I talked to almost daily, she had become my best friend and someone I couldn't do without. I had to express that to her, I had to tell her that I think I might love her.

But was that a bad thing to do over text? Or even a phone call? I don't know. I thought about it the rest of the plane ride, and when I finally got off the plane and into the waiting car, I texted her.

Kira, we need to talk. After the show tomorrow I'm going to get a good nights sleep then I'm flying to Texas, it's important. Don't worry, it's nothing bad...I think. Don't bother trying to figure out what it's about ahead of time cause I'm not telling you. Wish me luck with the show, I'll see ya in a couple days. XOXO

I was going to be a bundle of nerves in a couple days, I had never really let myself be vulnerable with anyone, but that was a couple days away. Tomorrow was the last ever WZCW show and now hopefully I'd be able to focus on the task at hand. Thankfully that task was what I do best, win some matches, make some history and win titles. The story of Callie Clark isn't over, it's only the end of the first book. But will it have a happy ending? Bet your ass it will.

[Showtime]

It was a gray and cloudy day in London. The type of day you see every second day and then every second day in-between that as well. Riding in a limousine cab is newly elected Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Heâ??s looking out the window towards the sky with a boyish grin on his face. Riding alongside him in his cab are three very ill looking children of different race and gender. They are on their way to the hospital for a funding announcement that will hopefully lead to children like them being kept of the waiting list.

Boris: Ahh, another beautiful day in our countries great capital. The clouds, theyâ??re practically letting that sun shine through. No wait, looks like more mist now, but Iâ??m buzzing about all this. The money weâ??re pumping into NHS, arenâ??t you excited kids?

The three children stare back at him with blank tired faces. One coughs and a little bit of blood is on his hanky. They all speak in unison.

Children: Are we Brexit yet?

Boris looks back at them in awkward silence.

Boris: I, erâ?¦ umâ?¦ well you, you know, umâ?¦ what till you kids see what your rooms will like when they finished being made. They come with a telly. Youâ??ll be able to watch James Corden play me sharply on SNL. Killing it there, just like weâ??ll be when we get Brexit done.

Children: Are we Brexit yet?

Boris: January 31, 2020. Just a little further.

Children: Are we Brexit yet?

Boris: Just a little further.

Children: Are we Brexit yet?

Boris: Just a little further.

Children: Are we Brexit yet?

Boris: Just a little further.

Children: Are we Brexit yet.

Boris slams his fist down, or more like his drink glass, which spills a little on his hand.

Boris: Oh bloody lord, listen you buggy pale faces, Iâ??ve said when itâ??s happening and that weâ??re hard at work on it, and I donâ??t answer any further to those bloody scribs with their knickers up in bunches like some bloody welsh get when talking about England and what weâ??re doing, now, in a minute, is what I say about all this to you-

The phone rings cutting off Borisâ?? tirade.

Boris: Hello talk to me. A what? A cougar? Well did you try throwing it some crumpets and biscuits to get it to leave. Are you saying to me itâ??s not a wild animal. WHO IN THE BLOODY HELL ISâ?¦ Showtime David Cougar.

The door of the limo opens and former two time EurAsian champion Showtime David Cougar enters the cab. Boris caught himself at the sound of Showtime opening the door and made it sound like he was greeting him. Showtime sits beside him and sees the children.

Cougar: Hi there kids, must be sometime to be sitting in a limo with a legend. Give me 5 champ.

Boris: No, you probably shouldnâ??t do that with any of them.

Cougar: Oh, well kids, me and your Prime Minister have some important business to take care of, so weâ??re gonna have to ask you to leave us.

Boris: What, no? I canâ??t just up and boot them out.

Cougar: Look, was I not right about everything.

Boris pauses, and then nods his head. The cab comes to a stop and Boris opens the door and guides the three children out onto the sidewalk.

Boris: Maybe Jeremy Corbyn will pick you up and get you the rest of the way. Heâ??s desperate for some popularity.

The cab drives off leaving the three children standing along in the rain. The one child coughs again, spitting out more blood while the one at the other ends arm falls off from its socket.

Boris: Alright you better tell me what is so important that I had to do that sinful matter.

Cougar: Well, by now Iâ??m sure youâ??ve heard the news.

Boris: Oh boy, what did he do know and will I be on SNL again?

Cougar: Okay, first no, and second thatâ??s not really you. It actually has to do with WZCW, its running itâ??s last show.

Boris: Bloody hell that is a big deal.

Cougar: Indeed, and as a two time WZCW EurAsian champion and, its best, its only fitting that I be knighted by the queen before I compete one last time for the title.

Boris: What? Are you bloody ridiculous?

Cougar: Boris, itâ??s me. Just call and tell them that and weâ??ll get in.

Boris: I canâ??t believe Iâ??m doing this.

Boris pulls out his phone and makes a call.

Boris: Hello, Prime Minister Johnson, I need to request a knight job for today, soon if possibleâ?¦ itâ??s for a wrestler, what? Showtime David Cougarâ?¦..

Boris pulls away from the phone.

Boris: They say sheâ??s a big fan, not as big as Big Dave, but big.

Cougar: Bloody hell, canâ??t please them all.

Boris: Alright everything is a go. I canâ??t believe that bloody worked.

Cougar: I have that affect on people.

Boris: So this is the recipe for victory? The Queen, cut cut tap, makes you a knight and you slay all your opponents.

Couagr: Well Iâ??m no white knight trying to save us all. The EurAsian title, next to the World Title, is something I worked very hard and spent a long time to win. Iâ??m very proud of victory and my reign and everything that came after that that was built on that. The EurAsian title, a brand new title at the time, began the careers of myself, Ty Burna, Big Dave, the pillars of our era. It is a very important title, very proud of it. There isnâ??t much I can say or do that I havenâ??t done before to win that title. In my darkest times, I even held a knife to Matt Tasticâ??s grandpa, donâ??t repeat that, but one thing I havenâ??t done, is get knighted.

Boris smirks as the two approach Buckingham palace. The gates open and then pull up and get out near the entrance and walk inside down the large halls. Various staff and people greet and shake their hands. Showtimeâ??s popularity has no boundaries. At long last the reach the royal chamber. Showtime adjusts his suit.

Cougar: How do I look?

Boris: EurAsian.

Cougar: No, Iâ??m Canadian.

Boris laughs and Showtime enters the room and is heard calling to her majesty.

[Echelon]

Kagura found herself kneeling, her head bowed down to the floor. She stood in a room filled with her family members, as she groveled in front of them, begging them to forgive her recent actions of hostility. She knew eventually this day would come, but she never realized it would be so soon. Her journey as a professional wrestler was coming to an end. She knew something was up when her contract did not come up for renewal during her negotiations with Vance Bateman before the Lethal Lottery. She expressed her desire to sign a new one after Kingdom Come, but to her surprise â?? well, everyoneâ??s surprise â?? she received word that the company was folding. Kenneth Banks, on his way out of the company, liquidated all of his stocks and sold what was left of the promotion for pennies. Perhaps it was one last middle finger to those that wronged him. One last show of absolute power. Bateman was only a paper manager, the captain tasked to navigate WZCW to her final resting place in the undying lands.

â??ごめんなさい [Iâ??m sorry,]â? the raven haired beauty said.

Her great uncle let out a sigh. Beside him sat her grandfather. They were the leaders of her clan. They had the final say here.

â??もういいよ、子供 [Thatâ??s enough, child.]â?

Kagura lifted her head and shifted herself back into a kneeling position. She told her uncle and grandfather everything. Sheâ??d wrestle one last match and then sheâ??d be leaving the States and returning to Japan. Sheâ??d done a lot of thinking and knew the best thing to do was to make amends now while the wounds were still fresh. The longer it took to apologize the harder it would be to forgive and move on, and she didnâ??t want that added stress for herself or her family.

Her uncle looked her in the eyes, his gaze becoming more sympathetic. â??神楽は厳しいように見えるかもしれませんが、あなたの行動は追放されました。あなたのライフス タイルのた めではありません。家族の誰もあなたのキャリアを本当に公に支持しなかったが、私たちは皆、あ なたがアメリ カに行くために去った日をとても誇りに思っていました。この数ヶ月間、孤立した気分にさせられ たら、許して くださることを願っています [Kagura, though it may seem harsh, you were banished for your behavior. Not for your lifestyle. Though no one in the family ever really publicly supported your career, we were all very proud the day you left to go to the States. I hope you can forgive us if we made you feel isolated these last few months.]â?

Kagura nodded. A part of her was so mad at the world and the people around her that she drug her families name through the mud with her foolish actions. The disownment came because of her fame. People knew who she was regardless of her clans distinction. After thinking about it, she came to the realization that she would have made the same decision to disown herself if she were standing in her uncle shoes.

â??この時点で、あなたが望むようにあなたの人生を生きるのは自由です、もう恥ずかしい行為は控え てください 。 [At this point forward, youâ??re free to live your life however you wish, just please refrain from anymore shameful acts.]â?

Kagura raised an eyebrow, â??そういうのと同じように、私を歓迎してくれるの? [Just like that, youâ??re welcoming me back?]â?

Her uncle shrugged, â??君が気が戻ってくるのにどれくらい時間がかかるか待っていた。幸いなことに、私たちは長く待つ 必要はあり ませんでした。お前は俺たちの一人だワタライという名前とそれが何を表しているのか覚えておい てください。 女神アマテラスの精神もあなたの中に存在します。いつか自分の子供たちに伝統を伝えてほしいと 思います [We were waiting to see how long it would take for you to come back to your senses. Fortunately for all of us, we didnâ??t have to wait long. Youâ??re one of us, child. Remember the name Watarai and what it stands for. The spirit of the goddess Amaterasu resides within you too. I will hope that one day youâ??ll pass down the traditions to your own children.]â?

She smiled, â??あれはずっと私の計画でしたよ、おじさん。レスラーであることは楽しかったし、それはいつも私 の心の近く に何か、愛するものになるだろうが、それは私の呼び出しではありませんでした。家に帰ったら神 社に戻ります 」 [That was my plan all along, uncle. Being a wrestler was fun and itâ??ll always be something near and dear to my heart, but it wasnâ??t ever my calling. Iâ??ll return to the shrine when I come home.]â?

---

Meanwhile, in an unknown location back in the States, Kaguraâ??s manager Sasuke Gozaburo was relaxing in a bar. The old man stayed behind while his protégé went back home to make amends with her family. He didnâ??t want to go. Sure, Japan had been his home once too, but the country brought back so many painful memories. In the end, he was glad that Kagura hadnâ??t become completely jaded by the industry. It was a tough business. It had certainly changed that girl into something fierce. When theyâ??d first met, Kagura had been this shy and quiet little wallflower. He had to lead her by the hand on practically everything. Now she was this tough and grizzled veteran who had seen and dealt with her fair share of shit. She had this iron glare that would tear right through a man. The kids in wrestling today had to deal with exposure that just didnâ??t exist in his era. Sure, he wrestled more often, but they were on television in front of a worldwide audience several times a month. Kagura did her best and smashed every expectation that he ever had. She was a two time world champion. No one expected her to rise to that level, but she did, and he was glad he was able to see her hold that belt high both times.

He tilted his beer back, absentmindedly watching the football game of the television, when he felt a pat on his shoulder. He turned to see the smirking face of his old friend, opponent, and occasional tag partner from the territories, long-time color commentator, Jack Cohen. The magnificent one took a seat and joined him at the bar, ordering a beer of his own.

â??Well, Jackie-boy, this looks like the end of the line for us.â?

The older man nodded, â??Indeed. I was just thinking about retirement the other day, Sauce. WZCW took me in and gave me a job. Bateman, Myles, Serra, and Banks were all good to me. I never thought Iâ??d be relevant again, certainly not with the youngsters, but itâ??s funny how it all works out I guess.â?

â??I completely understand,â? the Asian man replied.

The bartender brought over a bottle and placed it in front of the balding man. The sound of glass clanking together rang out, as the two men toasted their careers and WZCW respectfully. Sasuke began to muse.

â??In the end I am grateful. You were the one that brought me in, Jack. They wanted me to manage some kid and it turned out to be Kagura. She wasnâ??t the best prospect from Japan either. There were several guys and gals who were better, but Banks liked her style. I thought it was cliché really, a shrine maiden wrestler. As if that wasnâ??t already a niche gimmick. I thought her appeal wouldnâ??t last, but she made it work because she was the real deal.â?

â??It reminds me of one particular man from the past," Cohen mused. "Mark the Mortician, remember him? Big, scary looking dude who walked around like a zombie. His father was a funeral director and taught him the trade. Funny how those over the top gimmicks become more realistic when played by those who actually live the life of the character theyâ??re supposed to be.â?

Sasuke chuckled, â??Kaguraâ??s not like me or any other wrestler in the world. She managed to bring a piece of the art of our country to this industry and made it entertaining. In the end, she became more than that. Sheâ??s not simply a shrine maiden who wrestles, nor is she a wrestler who happens to be a shrine maiden. Sheâ??s just simply a wrestler with her own unique style and identity that transcends any type of stereotype or niche. Iâ??m proud of her, Jack. I really truly am.â?

A somber wave of silence washed over the men as Sasuke began to reminisce about his life. About his wife and his deceased child. â??In many ways, Kaguraâ??s like a daughter to me.â?

Cohen nodded. Sasukeâ??s daughter was killed in a car accident many years ago, and while Kagura could never replace her or fill the void that still lingered in the former world championâ??s heart, having met the girl and having her in his life helped.

â??Weâ??ll save the memories then, Sauceâ? replied the announcer. â??Besides, we still have one last show to do before we pack it all up and go our separate ways.â?

â??Thatâ??s true,â? he replied. â??When itâ??s over, you and the wife are always welcome at my place whenever youâ??re in town.â?

Jack smiled, â??Iâ??ll have to take you up on that offer eventually my friend.â?

The two men proceeded to drink long into the night, sharing stories of the good old days, and new ones of the current era, and the kids theyâ??d seen grow into stars along the way.

---

Across the globe, Kagura sat on a bench in a park nestled deep within her hometown. Her fiancé Derrick was beside her. The couple hadnâ??t spoken much in the weeks leading up to Kingdom Come. Heâ??d been in attendance, but sheâ??d been so wrapped up in her anger and frustration that she hadnâ??t even seen him. Derrick could sense the shift in his soon-to-be wifeâ??s demeanor backstage when he saw her that evening. They talked long into the night after the show. A few days after he arrived back home, heâ??d gotten the call that the promotion was shutting down. They both became such a whirlwind of emotions, that he wound up giving her space to think things over. Two weeks later and here they were, reunited once again, but with little to talk about. Kagura was abnormally quiet. Derrick wanted to break the ice, but didnâ??t want to seem pushy.

Suddenly she opened her mouth, â??考えると超現実的ですが、次の試合はWZCWで最後の試合になります。私たちは王国の後に私の 行動と私の 怒りについて多くのことを話しました。私は普通そういう人ではない。何もかもイライラして、ス ナップしただ けなんだ [Itâ??s surreal to think about, but my next match will be my last one in WZCW. We talked a lot after Kingdom Come about my behavior and my anger. Iâ??m not normally that kind of person. I just got so frustrated with everything that I just snapped.]â?

â??I know me leaving last year wasnâ??t easy on you,â? he replied in English. â??But Iâ??m proud of you for pushing forward. You picked yourself back up and won Gold Rush, and then the world title for a second time. You have a will and determination that few can match. Iâ??ll admit that I didnâ??t watch a whole lot of you during the last few months, but I was with you through some dark times before, and Iâ??m sure I saw worse.â?

Kagura lowered her eyes a bit, thinking back to her â??possessionâ? right before she won King for a Day. She and Derrick were together every day and sheâ??d put him through the emotional ringer. Despite that he not only stayed, but their time together made him fall in love with her even further.

â??Besides, you had your reasons.â?

She nodded. Even when he left to go back to Japan after Kingdom Come, her anger did not subside. It was only after learning of WZCWâ??s fate that she finally started to let some of it go. Whether she hated or liked her co-workers, Vance Bateman, or Kenneth Banks, this was their livelihoods here. Everyone was in the same boat now, facing the unemployment line together.

â??私は今、すべてで大丈夫です[Iâ??m okay with everything now,]â? she replied. â??私は本当にそうです。私の怒りは、私が受けていた尊敬と認識の欠如に対する私の認識から主に起 因しますが 、私は本当に素晴らしいキャリアを持っていました。たぶん、私のタイトルの支配は短く、記憶に 残るすべてで はありませんでしたが、チェイスは、私はそれらの瞬間を決して忘れません。私は他の誰かがどち らかを疑う[I really am. My anger mostly stemmed from my perception of the lack of respect and recognition I was receiving, but I really did have a wonderful career. Maybe my title reigns were short and not all that memorable, but the chase was, and Iâ??ll never forget those moments. I doubt anyone else will either.]â?

â??I certainly wonâ??t,â? he said. â??I watched you win the world title the first time. Watching the crowd surf you back and forth across the arena was incredible. You really did become a hero and an inspiration that night. But despite that, youâ??re human too.â?

â??あなたとサスケは、本当に悪い時代を見た唯一の二人です。祖父を含む他の誰もが、中古の知識を 持っていま した。私にくっついてくってくれてありがとう、デリック。そして、私があなたを押しのけようと しても、決し て私をあきらめないために。君がいなかったら、こんなに遠くまではやらなかっただろう [You and Sasuke are the only two people who really saw the bad times. Everyone else, my grandfather included, had second-hand knowledge. Thank you for sticking by me, Derrick. And for never giving up on me, even when I tried to push you away. I wouldnâ??t have made it this far without you.]â?

Suddenly Kagura leaned forward and planted a kiss on his lips. He pressed his forehead against hers for a moment, as if mentally syncing his thoughts.

â??Thank you for allowing me to share your journey; at least a part of it.â?

She reached out and grabbed his hand as her engagement ring gleamed in the sunlight. She only wore it when they were out in public like this. Kagura smiled.
â??まもなく一緒に新しい旅に出ます残りの人生を続けるもの [Soon weâ??ll be embarking on a new journey together, darling. One thatâ??ll last the rest of our lives.]â?

Derrick laughed, â??I canâ??t wait babe.â?

---

In an undisclosed location far away from prying eyes lay a room that few had seen. This place was special, for it was the very same room that we first saw Kagura. It was still dark and musty, and the light could barely generate enough power to light the center, leaving large pockets of shadows in the corner. Smoke began to seep in from the crack in the door, slowly filling the room with an acrid smell. Suddenly the door burst open, but the entryway was revealed to be empty. The light began to flicker. It crackled and died, bathing the room in complete darkness. The door shut, as if by magic. Seconds later the light sprung to life once more, as a masked figure dressed in black appeared in the middle. Eerie laughter began to fill the room. It echoed off the walls and slowly built to a cacophony of noise. The figure reached up and removed the Shinto mask to reveal a familiar face for the final time. Her beautiful features were unobstructed by her recent choice of face paint, but her outfit was certainly that of Youkai Kagura.

She grinned like a Cheshire cat, as her eyes glinted with a certain amount of madness. Confidently, she opened her mouth to address her competition one last time in her native language.

â??これは私の友人と敵、私たちのキャリアの最後の試合です。私がこの打撃を言うとき、皆さんも私 と同じよう に感じると思います。しかし、それは私たちすべてを売り払うためのあの野郎ケネス・バンクスの せいではあり ません。しかし、私たちは皆、最後に支払われ、私たちの陽気な方法について行く前に、すべての 最後のコンテ ストを1行で持つことができます。私は競争力のある血が沸騰しているのを感じることができます !私が勝った ことがないメイヘム選手権、エリート選手権、ユーラシア選手権、世界選手権は、すべてグラブの ためにアップ しています。最後のチャンピオンとして出て行くのはどっちですか。タイタス・アビソンか、それ ともタイロン ・ブレイズか、マイキー・ストームレイジ、ザンダー、あるいはキャリー・クラークか?それはバ ルボサ、ビッ グウィル、エベレスト、蒸気船リッキー、イブテイラー、あるいはショータイムのような戻ってく る伝説になり ますか?ラッシュやバッティオタク、S.H.I.Tのような古いお気に入りかも?誰にもわかり ません。私は 確かにしません。私が知っているのは、勝ちたいということです。私はそれらすべてを獲得し、W ZCWの最後 のグランドチャンピオンとして歩いてみたい! [This is it my friends and foes, the final match of our careers. Iâ??m sure you all feel the same way I do when I say this blows. Itâ??s not our faults though, itâ??s that bastard Kenneth Banks for selling us all out. But before we all get paid one last time and go about our merry ways, lets have one last contest with everything one the line. I can feel my competitive blood boiling! The Mayhem championship that I have never won, the Elite championship, the Eurasian championship, and the World championship are all up for grabs. Which one of us will walk out as the last champions standing? Will it be Titus Avison, or Garth Black, or perhaps Xander, or maybe Mikey Stormrage, Callie Clark, or even Mark Keaton? Will it be a returning legend like Eve Taylor, or Tyrone Blades? Maybe an old favorite like Ramparte, or Batti Otaku, or ElegAnt? Who knows? I certainly donâ??t. What I do know is that I want to win. I want to win them all, and walk out as WZCWâ??s final grand champion!]â?

Kagura laughed and place a hand to her chin, â??それはそれに素敵なリングを持っています。「グランドチャンピオン」神楽大空。 [That has a nice ring to it. â??Grand Championâ?? Kagura Ohzora.]â?

Suddenly her expression dropped, as did her posture. Sadness filled her soul for a brief moment. Then she smiled. But it wasnâ??t devious this time. This time, it was genuine. Kagura straightened herself up and spoke in English in a rare display. It was broken and no where near concise, but it was clear enough.

â??I want all you to know that I love you like family. This place is like home to me. I have friends and enemies but I treasure my time here. So many years spent travelling, training, and fighting the best. Kagura would not be me without all of you. Thank you all. One last time we fight for glory and honor. Win or lose, I have no regrets.â?

Kagura closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Suddenly she lurched forward and spat red mist all over the camera screen. It slowly slid down the lens, covering the feed in a haze as the light dimmed and faded leaving nothing but darkness for the final time in its wake.

[JustCarl]

“One final show”

Carl was sitting on his couch, looking up at the camera.

“The WZCW took me in when I was just another indie darling. Took me in when I couldn’t convert my indie experience into wins with the pros. And now the WZCW is going out with one final show, going out with a bang. Had so many plans for 2020, but life can be a cruel unpredictable mistress. It’s a bittersweet thought, I could win my first WZCW title in a few days… but then the reality sets in that I’d be the last person to hold that title, and then the reality sets in that it would be my last title. Reality is a cruel bitch, but she tells no lies. The WZCW had a good run, a great run. Untouchable by its peers. But all good things must come to an end, such is life. And now we stare down the final show and even though that pit in your stomach won’t leave, it really is the final show.”

Carl signs.

“Only one thing left to do, time to go out there for the last time and give it my all one more time. Fight until you can’t fight anymore and at the end of the night if you did it right, you’re leaving with your name etched in the history books for wrestling historians to critique for years to come. The “coulda, shoulda, wouldas” will kick in shortly after the show, the could I have done better? Should I have pushed myself harder? Would the WZCW still be alive if I won more matches?

And no, I couldn’t have done better because I did my best. I shouldn’t have pushed harder because I was already pushing past my limit. And I am nowhere near vain enough to think it would last longer if I did better. But these thoughts, they creep up on your like a late evening breeze and then they too will chill you to your bones. I look at myself in the mirror and my face changes to all my doubters screaming at me, COULDA, WOULDA, SHOULDA!”

Carl shutters in place.

“But all you can do is brush them off. This is the final show, there is no changing that. There is no going back and changing the timeline, Barry Allen can’t come fix this for us. This is it my friends. One more show.”

Carl gives a half smile.

“To everyone who I have faced, from Keaton to Milenko to Vlad to Chris KO to Mr. Jones to etc etc. Thank you for helping me grow in the ring. And to my future opponents on the last show, thanks for helping me as well. And I’d thank you to just lay down and let me win as well, if you don’t mind.”

Half smile turns into a full smile.

“Folks, this is the end. The end of an era. Thanks for sticking with Carl along the ride and thanks for believing in me. Now it’s time to believe in myself and push myself to that first title victory. It won’t be easy but nothing good ever is. The opposition will want it just as badly as me, but I cannot give it to them. I cannot fail again. Because for me, this isn’t just the last WZCW match. This is my last match. Well, matches. And I intend to go out on top, to prove I wasn’t just some sham. To prove to myself that I really belonged. So this is me putting everyone on notice!... is that still a thing people say? Regardless. I am going to win my first and last title and then I am riding off into the sunset with my girlfriend and my sanity. Where we end up, who knows? But just somewhere far away from the noise… but somewhere I can hang my first and last title above a fireplace to admire it.”

Carl gets to his feet.

“Don’t cry that it’s over, be happy that it happened. WZCW will live on in all of us. And THAT’S Just Business.”

[Lee]

Chapter 4: The Grandest prize of them all, the EurAvison title.

I am finally able to track him down, but my secret is out too. I'm Rebecca Serra and I've been TMZ's mystery reporter for some years now. I am also as synonymous with WZCW as the legend is. I interviewed him for his first ever match and I will interview him for his last ever match. Before that though, I will ask his assistant Rosie Danvers about life on the road with him.

Becky: Rosie, always a pleasure. Did you think you'd get to this day?

Rosie: Well Becky it's a tough one, I never thought I'd see the day but in the grand scheme of things I'm new to his picture in one way but I also feel like I've been about forever. For his 12 year wrestling career I've probably been about 2/3 years of it. It's been, interesting, to say the least.

Becky: How so?

Rosie: I've been a big fan of him for a long time. I used to watch his movies and he was what got me into WZCW.

Becky: A lot of people say that.

Rosie: Indeed they do, there are actual wrestlers now who got into it through him. So me just living my life, working hard and ending up as his Personal Assistant was what I thought the achievement I was after. Little did I know that this was just the beginning. I'll not go into his achievements as I'm sure he'll relish telling you that.

Becky: As he does every week.

Rosie: That's true, but for me I got to see the world. Saudi Arabia was a place I never thought I'd be able to go to and...

Becky: We're not really supposed to mention that any more.

Rosie: Australia? The UK? Paris? Berlin? Barcelona? Toronto? Seoul? Tokyo? I could go on but these are places I could only dream as when I was a kid yet I've been a part of it all.

Becky: TMZ have got a lot of mileage out of rumours of you two. Is it true?

Rosie: Are you jealous?

Becky: Ha! I thought if it was true I'd know.

Rosie: And you don't know therefore it's not true.

Becky: Well that aside you've been seen as his cheerleader and the brains beyond the outfit, would you say that's fair?

Rosie: Absolutely not. Who cheer leads for him more than himself? The people? The people are fickle. Really it's he who write the legends, it's he who cements them. The brains? Really is there anyone more intelligent than he in the whole of the history of this industry? Of the film industry? In fact of two industries he's been the top. I keep him grounded when it's needed, I see things from another angle but he's the brains.
Becky: I think now is the time to speak to him really. You've heard legends of this man, this is...Titus Avison!

Titus walks out as Rosie switches places with him, Titus has a smile on his face and sits down on the armchair facing Becky.

Becky: You are a hard man to track down.

Titus: You literally have my number, you should have just called.

Becky: That makes for a boring story.

Titus: Since when have you done boring?

Becky: Exactly!

Titus: So the news has leaked out. Everyone's coming out of the woodwork and my phone has been non-stop. Even Doug Crashin has called to see if he can appear.

Becky: What did you say to that?

Titus: I gave him your number.

Becky: Oh so that's who 555-56737 is?

Titus: Ha!

Becky: You're such a dick.

Titus: You say that but I got a lot of eyes on the fed in the beginning.

Becky: And the middle, and the end. Though yes that's a good start, tell us how you came to WZCW. Especially after that five time Oscar winning career.

Titus: I only had three Oscars at time, remember I got two during my breaks.

Becky: Even so, how many 24 year old's have three Oscars?

Titus: Just me, and I was 23 when I got my third. The things with threes is it's the point where you think â??ah that's a nice whole numberâ? and then you think, now what? For one of my movies, Macho Library, I played a Mexican wrestler who was forced to work in a library. One person I met on set was a titan in the industry, his name is Jack Cohen. He mentioned to me that he thinks I had what it took and I should give it a go. He had just accepted a job at a company called WZCW that was starting the year after.

It played on the back of my mind. No matter what film I was in I'd go to the hotel and watch some wrestling. Here I saw people like Joseph Rios, D.C. and Daddy Mac on TV. Funnily enough I'd beat all later on in my career.

One day James Montana called me and said it would be best for my health and career to take a year or so out from movies so that I wouldn't become oversaturated. I guess we call that the Dwayne Johnson syndrome now. Immediately I said wrestling and I could hear him drop the phone. He eventually agrees knowing I would do it whether he wanted me there or not. I then went to a wrestling school, where I was trained by Keith Fitt. Keith had given me tips for Macho Library so going to his school was a no brainer. Cohen called me up, I was not ready but thought why not?

It's interesting if you watch my first couple of matches and compare them to now. How I was hired and kept around, I do not know but they saw something in me. Eventually. Well management did.

Becky: The roster did not?

Titus: This was their sport and I was a cocky upstart actor who dared to give it a try. All I have to say to them now is where are they? They're the ones who are calling asking if I can get on the goodbye show. They're the ones wrestling in a 150 seater hall for $50. They could have had it all but they had the wrong attitude.

Becky: Well not everyone was against you, there was your tag team partner.

Titus: Paramount Joe T?

Becky: Everest.

Titus: Oh of course, well what can we say. It's weird to a lot of fans Everest and I are hand in hand with each other. To another set he's a guy who makes appearances in Flex's promos. We were friends, foes, friends and foes and friends. I love the guy, I really do but he got me in the right frame to work as an individual. That's when Hasheem appeared.

Becky: It is wildly regarded that Muhammed Hasheem is the most hated man in WZCW history. Would you agree?

Titus: You say that, he was a literal terrorist, but at the time he issued challenge after challenge after challenge. Who took him up on that offer? It wasn't Downward Spiral. It wasn't Jason Sincade. It wasn't even â??The highlightâ? Aaron Craig. It was me. Titus.

That feud with Hasheem was one that cemented my legacy, one that sowed the seeds of being a hero but to become a hero one must become a villain.

Becky: Dynasty.

Titus: I think Dynasty has come up once in the last 5 years. When you ask me who was in Dynasty I can tell you Ben Legend, Milenko, The One Big Will, Disasterpiece, Reaper and Joseph Rios. Was I in the team? No. I was manipulated, that's for sure but I wanted to be out of Everest's shadow but it was a poor show by me.

When I went backstage Myles was there raging at me, so were you. I was immediately taken to the office and given a suspension. I wasn't fired, they said I would be welcome back eventually but they needed this to blow over. The worst was seeing Seabass though â??where's that hero that stood up for the little man against Hasheemâ?.

Then it hit me. Red Mask was born.

Becky: Red Mask, I met the other day, is another aspect of WZCW that is often forgotten. He was the hero to many and we all knew it was you. Are you still Red Mask?

Titus: How can I be if Red Mask rescued you and I messaged at the same time? Silly.

Becky: I guess you are right. Tell me how he came to be.

Titus: Red Mask was actually based off a couple of things from early in my career. I once auditioned for the Red Power Ranger and was rejected as it was unbelievable to see me as a physical actor. Hilariously I played that role during the reboot. Then there was Black Mask from Batman, a role they decided to cut from The Dark Knight and which, incidentally, will be played by Ewan McGregor in Birds of Prey.

I then pitched a brand new movie to Warner Bros., Fox, Disney and Paramount which would be a unique superhero. His name was Red Mask and was your typical superhero, whilst being a spoof of the genre. All four told me that superhero movies are a fad and will die out soon.

So I went back to this idea and thought as I had the money from WZCW and acting why not become my own Red Mask. The Cave of Wonders was made and with that I was able to train further. I knew Keystone inside out. I was their hero.

It was a year into this that I got a call from Seb Copeland, he asked me if I could get Red Mask into the ring. He had a sneaky suspicion I would be able to contact him. I did and he made his WZCW debut.

Becky: His big feud was Carmen Bratchny.

Titus: Indeed it was, they locked horns so much that it led to the part the legends were written about. I was back. He unmasked me and the crowd went crazy. I've rarely heard a cheer like that. They had forgotten what I had done.

I then became the Elite X champion. Beating Bratchny in a steel cage match. Finally I was taken seriously backstage. I was a champion.

Becky: At the time you were the longest reigning champion, correct?

Titus: Yeah but when you're wrestling Ben Legend and Kyle Christiansen week after week it's not hard. We all know what cemented the legacy.

Becky: Lethal Lottery two. What an event. I can still picture the ending now. Bratchny rushes you at the ropes. You duck. He bounces into them. He turns around. Roundhouse kick. He goes over the top. You turn around looking for anyone else then the realisation hits. The bell goes. You drop to your knees. Confetti everywhere. Tears in the eyes. Legends were made.

Titus: Not quite. I had to vanquish my biggest foe. Everest. The thing with Everest, we collided so much because we were so similar. Similar starts. Similar backgrounds but this was the point it's why Kingdom Come II sold out in minutes. Minutes! For a 90,000 seater stadium. The entire thing was a blur but I didn't hear the referees three count. I heard an eruption. I saw the crowd stand. It was immense. I'll never forget it.

Becky: Well the next period was a bit weird where you lost the title, bummed around for a bit, won the title then you left.

Titus: Someone told me that time that the fed would be better off without me. I won a World title and lost it straight away. Being honest that happens a lot with me. Three times in fact. But they were right, for a time. I needed a break and WZCW needed one for me. So the next break happened. I won two Oscars in that time but kept an eye on WZCW. Though some were not the best, like Bruce Irwin.

Becky: I met him in Australia the other day.

Titus: He told me, he's a nice guy really. Just a bit slow.

So as I was saying, after two more Oscars it's time to set the record straight. Legends are being heard but what are they doing? They need someone to set things straight and tell it like it is. For the first time in my life I was booed at Lethal Lottery. The fans hated me, fickle people, but the brass loved it. The put me in the Hall of Fame but I wanted more.

Becky: What was that?

Titus: The grandest prize of them all.

Becky: The EurAsian title?

Titus: The EurAvison era. 951 days. Beating Johnny Scumm on my birthday. Defeating S.H.I.T at Apocalypse. Flex on both Gold Rush and Ascension. The time I embarrassed Vee A.D.Z in front of his parents as he fought in an empty arena. Daggershield, Manicni and Le Gentlemen Masque all at once? Done. The might Bruce Irwin. Then there was Kingdom Come. That ladder match with Theron was brutal. I chuckled to myself. Who can forget making Logan McAllister tap out to a Boston crab in Boston? Kagura, Wren, Tony Mancini, Vis Imperium, Tyrone Blades.

Funnily enough part of Vis Imperium that day was Mark Keaton. The current champion. He smiles and plays it like a guitar like it's his. We all know it's mine. I am coming for you and the EurAvison era will end WZCW.

Becky: I don't doubt that at all. Any last things?

Titus:

Everest, it's a shame you won't be wrestling tonight. I'd love to give you one last Tit Drop.

I'm hearing rumours that Big Dave has expressed interest, frankly I would love to see him in the ring again.

Showtime has called, we'll be having one last MaCutcheon's whisky as we celebrate friendship.

Ricky, Ricky, Ricky. I hope that mad bastard rocks up. I really do.

Constantine or Anthony Michaels, you both look the same but I need to prove it one last time.

Ramparte and Mikey Stormrage, you have become two of my favourite people in the world. I can't wait to kick you in the balls.

There's a lot of goodbyes to be done, I'll save that until after the show but here's a generic one. To the fans, viewers of WZCW whether you watched once or you actually were inspired to wrestle, you're the reason this has happened. To do this for 12 years is absolutely crazy to me. You've been a big part of my life and I hope I've had the impact on yours. For you see, you've heard legends of that man. It's true, all of it.

For one last, emotional, time. Fade to black.

Click for Spoiler:

I'm not crying. You're crying. Nah it's me. Legit. Thank you.

[Theo]

*Life may end, but legacies live forever*

Bzzzzzzzzzz

*A humming sound echoes in a dimly lit room. A young yet aged face can be seen briefly*

It's time to say goodbye to this cruel world. It's time to be real. It's time to be normal. I'm a freak but soon I'll be a real boy

*The buzzing sound grows louder as a pair of hair clippers approach the face of the young boy*

I reckon you don't do that son. I did that once and it lead to some bad bad things.

Papa, I...I thought you were out. Your presence was not expected.

I was out little guy but I sensed trouble. And it seems my senses still work. It's as if I'm Spiderman with a beard. I'm Beardedman!

*Beard puts his hands on his hips in traditional superhero pose as his son looks up, redness in his eyes and tears on his cheeks*

What's bugging you little dude? Papa doesn't like seeing Little Beard so sad.

*Beard wipes away the tears from his sonâ??s face and some runny boogies from his nose*

They keep picking on me papa. Because of my face. Because of our legacy.

*Beard looks on concerned as his son tells him the torturous tales of the trolls from school. His son pauses and Beard lets out a sigh*

Alright kiddo. Take a seat on Papaâ??s knee. I think itâ??s time for a story. A very true and very unbelievable story.

*Beard looks around and puts down the seat to the toilet and flicks on the overhead lighting as his son sits on his knee, like a child would Santa Claus.*

These trolls and bullies date back to the beginning of our existence. When my quadruple great grandfather, Jebediah Beard graced this here earth. You see QGG, as we call him, wanted to be a circus performer. No one believed he had any special talents or skills. All QGG had was a luxurious beard. His beard was a folk legend. It glistened in the light, birds would nest their young in his beard, its flow was like a glorious river. He believed his beard was magicial but the town folk thought he was just another crazy old man. That all changed. You see one day, the daughter of a very rich individual become deathly ill. QGG happened to be in town trying to join the traveling circus. The rich man overheard QGG talking about his beardâ??s powers and he asked if he could heal his daughter.

QGG was unsure but he believed in himself but even this was an impossible task. QGG went with the rich gentleman and attempted the impossible. Crowds gathered as word got out that old Jebediah was going to heal this girl. He bestowed upon her a piece of his beard. And then...it all went black.

What happened Papa?

*Beardâ??s son asks with worry in his voice.*

Suddenly a burst of light shattered the windows and blinded those nearby. A tornado of golden dust and the power of life circled the ill girl as it levitated her above her deathbed. Suddenly her eyes opened and her feet touched the ground. SHE WAS CURED! But it didnâ??t come without sacrifice my boy. For poor Jebediah took on her illness and tragically passed within minutes.

But he saved the girl Papa?

He sure did kiddo. The beard, while attached to the body, has amazing powers. But removing it can cause serious damage. I once removed mine and it took me to a dark place. A place we never talk about. I put my trust into a very powerful man and I took over and tried to destroy a community. A community known as WZCW.

And now WZCW is walking into the light, just like old Jebediah. Before you kiddo, I was a wrestler. And I did some crazy stuff. I was world champion, I was a tag team champion, I was king for a day, I wrestled a guy named Grizzly Bob, I wrestled an actual Grizzly. It saved my life. I made friends, I gained a new family. Your godfather was briefly with the company.

Really? Uncle Talent was a wrestler?

Youâ??re rootinâ?? tootinâ?? right he was. And a surprisingly good one. So was I. So I think itâ??s time we say goodbye to our family son. Without them I wouldnâ??t have the greatest family of them all, you. Thank you WZCW, you saved my life and helped me create a new one. Weâ??ll forever be kicking ass. Peace, love, and Beards.