Category: Shows

  • Unmasked: Episode I – The Phantom Menace

    Grand

    Uncle Slam took to the Hexagon to address the fans. He said that while the last couple of weeks weren’t without hiccups, he was proud of the Masqots’ efforts and hoped to do a good job as Matchmaker…

    Which is why he was announcing the January premium live event – Super Smash Masks Turbo 4K Remix!

    The night would revolve around a staggered entry, over-the-top-rope battle royale featuring the whole roster! A lottery would be held at the January 20th Unmasked to determine the order of entrants.

    Oh, he slapped his forehead, how could he forget!? 

    The winner of the match would be crowned the first-ever Grand Champion!

    Should the reigning Mettle Champion happen to win, the title would be forfeited, and their reigns frozen, to be resumed the next time they hold it.

    Slam hotdogged and grandstanded for the audience before making his way to the back.

    Gift

    Covered in gauze and sutures, TRIV grimaced while holding a bouquet of flowers in one hand and a box of chocolates in the other. 

    He stood in front of a black door with a familiar white skull symbol on it. Stuffing the chocolates under his arm for a moment, he reached forwards…

    Knock, knock, knock!

    A moment later, the door creaked open to reveal El Supervillaino!

    Thunder clap

    The Rogue Incarnate posed dramatically, framed against the eerie red mist which for some reason hung in his locker room.

    TRIV cleared his throat. Realising who it was that had disturbed his Machiavellian scheming, El Maestro del Caos put up his dukes.

    Offering the roses and chocolates in return, TRIV said that he wasn’t here to fight, but to apologise.

    Lowering his guard, Villaino tilted his head in curiosity.

    The evil genius had presented TRIV with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of something revolutionary, the bejewelled luchador explained.

    He didn’t give it due consideration and disrespected Villaino when he rejected him.

    Villaino’s horns were like the ears of an excitable puppy. The black, soulless eyes of his mask were a little less dead than usual.

    TRIV said that by throwing him through a window, Villaino had given him the tough love he needed. He asked if the invitation to join Villaino’s family still stood?

    The patriarch bowed his head and drummed his fingertips together. Eventually, he opened his hands at his sides. Of course it still stood, he said!

    Cackling, he opened his locker room door fully, inviting TRIV to enter the mysterious red realm within.

    Still clutching his gifts, TRIV entered the lair of Supervillaino…

    Pirata Aterrador

    Martillo Negro de la muerte

    Pirata side-stepped a big boot by Martillo and carved him up with knife-edge chops. Merely pissing the war machine off, however, Aterrador ate a URANAGE! Muerte hit the ropes and dropped a leg across his throat. He covered his airways until the referee threatened to DQ him. Martillo picked the swashbuckler up and threw him outside!

    Night Owl

    Pirata just got sent overboard!

    The harbinger stepped over the ropes and peeled Pirata off the floor. He hurled him with authority into the timekeeper’s area, narrowly avoiding ringside personnel… Not that it would bother him! Aterrador stumbled out – INTO A RIPCORD LARIAT WHICH TURNED HIM INSIDE-OUT! Martillo heaved him up and shoved him into the Hexagon.

    Queen Bea

    Martillo is whippin his hammer out!

    Zebra tried stopping Martillo from bringing his warhammer into the ring, but the berserker barged past him. He raised it over his head as Pirata crawled backwards… LORA THE PARROT FLEW IN MUERTE’S FACE! Well, ok, the Bulky Buccaneer threw her, but still! Martillo looked down at the plush bird.

    Night Owl

    MARTILLO IS GOING TO STOMP ON LORA!

    NOOO!”, cried Pirata – SCHOOLBOY! TWO-POINT-NINE – he almost got the upset victory! Muerte shot up and stormed towards Aterrador… DROP TOE-HOLD ONTO THE WARHAMMER! A dazed Martillo rolled over as Zebra removed the weapon. A CANNONBALL SENTON BOMB NETTED PIRATA ANOTHER NEAR-FALL! Muerte recovered as Aterrador looked around for what to do next.

    Queen Bea

    Leviathan, hydras, kraken – Pirata has slain em all, but he ain’t faced a beast like Martillo before!

    Pirata grabbed his wrist and WALKED THE TOP ROPE… ARM DRAG – MARTILLO COUNTERED WITH A SPINNING SPINEBUSTER! The extinction event hoisted Aterrador up… PUMPHANDLE NECKBREAKER! The slaughter continued with a TILT-A-WHIRL BACKBREAKER! He was punishing Pirata now. Muerte slashed his throat and picked the pirate up. TOWER HACKER BOMB – DESTRUCTOR DEL TITÁN!

    Night Owl

    The cap’n escapes and lands on his feet behind Martillo! Hey, what’s he doing!?

    Muerte wheeled round – ATERRADOR SPAT RUM IN HIS FACE! Martillo wiped his burning eyes as Pirata stashed his flask in his gear. He climbed the ropes, then grabbed Muerte’s head. He was looking to hit the SHIRANUI! WALK THE PLANK, MARTILLO – HE THREW ATERRADOR OFF! Pirata got up… CAZADOR DE ALMAS – PACKAGE PILEDRIVER BY MUERTE! HE GOT THE THREE!

    Queen Bea

    The warhammah smashed the cutlass to pieces, Owlie!

    Martillo Negro de la Muerte

    Philanthro-fish

    Backstage, Coldblooded Mutanto floated in his personal aquarium to prepare for his match later on. Green trunks covered his modesty.

    Dr. Greg fulfilled one of his many responsibilities as he filled in some paperwork.

    Ring, ring!

    The manager/personal assistant/chauffeur & many more things to the Creature Feature picked up his phone.

    Initially frowning, he raised his eyebrows, told the caller it was Mutanto’s pleasure, then hung up and returned to his administrative duties.

    Ring, ring!

    Greg answered the phone again; it wasn’t unusual to get more than one call in a short period of time.

    He furrowed his brow and removed his glasses. Assuring the person on the other end that Mutanto was honoured, he ended the call and resumed his clerical work.

    Ring, ring!

    Mutanto opened his eyes. His indentured servant grabbed the phone from the table a third time. Greg demanded to know which charity the latest caller represented, and how much Mutanto had pledged to give them!?

    The Million Dollar Monster immediately clawed his way out of the tank like in a horror movie, sloshing water everywhere.

    Greg cowered as the giant amphibian snatched the phone from him. He bellowed down the receiver that the caller wouldn’t get a penny out of him, and that he’d report their attempted extortion to the authorities!

    Mutanto lifted Greg off the floor by his lapels. He roared in his face that if he was on the take, he’d be fish food. Greg pleaded for his life, promising that he’d never rip his master off…

    Snicker!

    Mutanto released Greg and let him drop to the wet floor – thud!

    The long-suffering Dr. got up, brushed himself off, then they both looked at the doorway.

    El Grande Malo leant against the frame with his arms folded. He asked what was wrong.

    You, said Greg accusingly, pointing at The Pride of Mexico.

    , he confirmed. After they embarrassed him at New Games+, Malo swore revengeance. He impersonated Dr. Phil (Dr. Greg tried to correct him) and promised several charities big donations in Mutanto’s name. Now the Million Dollar Monster would have to pay up, or suffer bad PR for not keeping his word.

    The gilled luchador screamed and punched the wall of his aquarium, cracking the glass.

    Malo smiled and said that he felt like the man who stole from the rich and gave to the poor – Robin Williams.

    He left a boiling Coldblooded Mutanto to cool off next to his terrified slave.

    Streaming January 30th

    TRIV

    Coldblooded Mutanto

    Mutanto smelled blood as he eyed the bandaged TRIV. He started the match with a SPEAR which sent his two-tone opponent through the ropes! Coldblooded headed to the floor. He picked up TRIV and rammed him into the barricade – thud! Mutanto launched him into the steel stairs – RUMBLE! Blood seeped through TRIV’s bandages.

    Night Owl

    Mutanto has opened the wounds inflicted on TRIV by Supervillaino!

    Creature Feature rolled TRIV inside the Hexagon. He dropped him with a sidewalk slam, then hauled him up and planted him with a RELEASE POWERBOMB for a NEAR-FALL! Mutanto pulled TRIV to the ropes, pushed down on them, and stood on him! The referee counted to FOUR, at which point Coldblooded relented.

    Queen Bea

    I got no sympathy for TRIV. He’s too prideful, competin’ in his condition!

    The Oaxacan fought back, working the mid-section of Mutanto like a punchbag! TRIV stunned Coldblooded with a jawbreaker, ducked a big boot, then rocked him with an atomic drop! A dropkick sent him into the corner. Mutanto rebounded with a ROARING ELBOW, but TRIV countered with an ARM DRAG!

    Night Owl

    TRIV is using the giant’s momentum against him – very smart!

    ARM DRAG, another ARM DRAG, and another ARM DRAG! Coldblooded tumbled through the ropes. Dr. Greg helped his master up, only to be shoved away. Mutanto turned round… TOPE SUICIDA BY TRIV! The black-and-white human missile took the amphibian down, but it came at a cost – more blood permeated his dressing!

    Queen Bea

    See, he’s a liability to himself!

    TRIV struggled to his feet and went to roll under the ropes, but Mutanto grabbed his ankle and pulled him out. The scaly luchador kicked him in his bandaged ribs, then hooked his arm – RELEASE FISHERMAN SUPLEX ON THE FLOOR! Coldblooded slid into the Hexagon and preemptively raised his arms in victory as he waited for the countout…

    Night Owl

    Can TRIV dig deep and beat the referee’s count of ten!? He’s already at seven!

    HE MADE IT IN AT NINE! A furious Mutanto hauled him up and hooked the arm. He was going to DREDGE him with the RUNNING FISHERMAN BRAINBUSTER – TRIV DROPPED DOWN BEHIND HIM! Coldblooded spun round, but TRIV swept his legs… BOSTON CRAB LOCKED IN! Mutanto thrashed and flailed like a fish out of water – HE TAPPED OUT!

    Queen Bea

    Mutanto thought he was eatin ribs tonight, but TRIV is havin fish!

    Triv

    fda

    A throng of people gathered round a market stall somewhere on the grounds of MASQcon. 

    Flasks, beakers, and vials of all shapes and sizes were painstakingly arranged on a tabletop, producing clouds of every colour of the rainbow. A sign with vintage-style typography advertised Medico Muerte’s Miraculous Medicines.

    The Mettle Champion himself stood behind the stall, halfway through a well-rehearsed sales pitch.

    A glass jar stuffed with banknotes and coins indicated that it’d been a lucrative day thus far.

    Just as the Luchadoc seemed poised to make another killing, a suited man with a clipboard in hand stepped forwards.

    Introducing himself as an agent for regulatory authorities, he said he was acting on an anonymous tip, and asked Medico if he could produce his documentation for manufacturing and selling products to the public.

    Muerte tugged on the neck of his mask in discomfort. He stated that he wasn’t aware he needed his documentation on the island of Masqopolis, and he assumed it had sovereignty over such matters.

    The representative corrected him, explaining that Medico must still play by federal rules. If he wasn’t able to prove his right to trade, the agent would have to shut him down.

    The crowd of potential customers whispered amongst themselves. Medico rubbed the back of his head, clearly panicking.

    He assured the representative that he could procure his paperwork the next day if he’d be happy to come back?

    Absolutely, said the agent, to Medico’s surprise and relief. In the meantime, he added, we’ll have to seize your goods.

    Oh, said Medico, deflated.

    With that, several individuals wearing dark coach jackets and shades emerged from the crowd. They carefully sealed his chemistry set piece by piece, and bagged his remedies and tinctures.

    The crowd dissipated, leaving El Masko in their wake. Medico looked him in the eye and started shaking.

    Masko wondered aloud whether Medico’s chloroform supply was in the goods being held, then wished the Mettle Champion luck in his first defence later.

    He left Muerte to stew in his public humiliation, having a taste of his own medicine.

    Phonkytown

    El Hijo Del Phonk stood with a podcasting-style microphone in the ring, which was furnished with tacky gamer chairs and blue carpeting covered with social media icons. He welcomed us to his new interview segment, Phonkytown.

    Your boy said he has the best hookups, then plugged some sponsors, and hyped his first guest as a red carpet, A-list actor!

    Hey, wait a minute…

    Sure enough, the golden visage of a surprised Wes Hollywood was beamed onto the MASQ Vision screen atop the stage.

    He sat in a director’s chair, seemingly on-set, wearing a frown in addition to his mask.

    Phonk thanked the thespian for joining them, noting that he’s a busy man these days.

    Hollywood’s eyes darted offscreen, presumably seeking guidance from handlers. He refocused on Phonk and – gulp – licked his lips. He warily thanked the influencer for having him on the show, particularly as the two had gotten off to a rocky start…

    The Keyboard Warrior insisted it was all water under the bridge and apologised for offending Wes with the content of his film review. Phonk then asked if the fans could get some info on the movie he’s been filming.

    Slightly more at ease, the anthropomorphic Oscar said that Phonk was right – his legions of followers meant that he got the hottest scoops. As such, studio execs had greenlit Hollywood to give him the synopsis for the psychological thriller:

    It was about an actor who landed the role of a lifetime, and was given VIP treatment. Everything about the production seemed totally legit, until he realised that it was a sham, and he’d been set-up by an old enemy who wanted to… Humiliate… Him…

    Wes inhaled sharply. He sat still, blinking repeatedly as it dawned on him – there was no movie.

    The whole thing was a ruse.

    Inside the Hexagon, a laughing Phonk turned so that Hollywood’s feed would show him the troll face on the back of his mask.

    The crowd gave a mixed reaction. Some shared in Phonk’s delight at the prank, while others covered their faces, embarrassed for Wes.

    The corners of Hollywood’s mouth twitched. His eyes had a thousand-yard stare. Even Phonk looked a little unnerved when he turned back round, not getting the reaction he thought he would. The golden luchador leant forwards in his director’s chair and abruptly ended the feed to Arena 81.

    Phonk stroked his chin, unsure what to make of things. He switched back into presenter mode, thanking viewers for checking out his prank, and reminding them to comment, like & subscribe to Phonkytown. He dabbed, then signed off on the segment.

    El Hijo Del Phonk

    El Supervillaino

    Phonk gestured to Supervillaino to give him a moment. He pulled his phone out and started livestreaming right from the Hexagon! Standing next to the Rogue Incarnate, Phonk stroked his chin and cackled maniacally. Villaino followed suit, and the two tried to outdo each other with increasingly diabolical laughs… PHONK THREW VILLAINO’S CAPE OVER HIS HEAD!

    Night Owl

    What a ploy by El Hijo Del Phonk, getting close enough to temporarily blind Supervillaino!

    El Querido Digital tore into the ropes and flattened Villaino with a running knee to the dome! He tore his cape away and covered him for an early TWO-COUNT! Villaino got to his feet. Phonk tagged him with chops, then hit the ropes once more… ONLY TO BOUNCE OFF THE BEEFY VILLAINO!

    Queen Bea

    That’s it, Villaino! Now cancel this idiot from real life!

    Villaino plucked Phonk off the canvas and hoisted him up for a stalling suplex. The crowd counted along as he kept him suspended mid-air… TEN, TWENTY, THIRTYHE DROPPED HIM AT 33 SECONDS! Villaino got a TWO-COUNT! He sent him into the turnbuckle, then trapped him with multiple corner clotheslines!

    Night Owl

    Ya gotta think that Wes Hollywood is watching this bout and rooting for Supervillaino, wishing it was him doling out the punishment!

    The Keyboard Warrior staggered out from the corner. El Maestro del Caos lifted him up once more with a MILITARY PRESS… HE DUNKED HIM TO THE FLOOR! Phonk landed with a splat on the mats. He used the ring skirt to pull himself up by a count of SIX! Villaino reached through the ropes for him – SMACK!

    Queen Bea

    How many [bleep] keyboards does this nerd have!?

    Keys flew everywhere as Phonk clattered Villaino with a keyboard. The malevolent luchador fell backwards. Phonk scaled the turnbuckle from the apron. DAB ON THE HATERS! He landed the dabbing flying elbow right to the lump of coal Villaino calls a heart – TWO-AND-A-HALF! Phonk held up four fingers – Villaino was about to GET PHONKED

    Night Owl

    Can Phonk pretzel those jacked legs of Supervillaino into the figure four!?

    He tried, but Villaino kicked him onto the mat. The muscular powerhouse scrambled to his feet and charged at Phonk, who stuck out his leg! Rogue Number One blocked the trip attempt, however, and hoisted Phonk into a sitout reverse piledriver – THE SUPERVILLAINO DRIVER! He pinned his shoulders down for the THREE!

    Queen Bea

    Sometimes evil triumphs over good, kids!

    El Supervillaino

    1

    Uncle Slam was busy taking calls and doing paperwork in his office, every square inch of which was covered in American flags and patriotic iconography.

    Thud, thud!

    The Matchmaker looked up from his desk. He called to the visitor to come in.

    He took a sharp intake of breath and sat up straight as the hulking Martillo Negro de la Muerte ducked through his door to enter (and fill) the room, warhammer over his shoulder.

    Biting his tongue, Slam painfully feigned a smile and asked how he could help?

    Martillo stepped up to the desk and leaned over it, bathing the patriot in shadow.

    He said that he was looking forward to the trial by combat at Super Smash Masks Turbo 4K Remix, but he had a request.

    Slam couldn’t stop himself from rolling his eyes. He supposed Muerte wanted to enter the match lastlike every other Masqot?

    Martillo snarled and the Matchmaker gulped.

    The berserker said on the contrary – he wanted to enter the match first.

    Slam frowned and a pause followed. He said that entrants were supposed to be determined by lottery, but he couldn’t imagine anybody else would want the first spot…

    He promised Martillo that he’d ask The Board, but couldn’t guarantee they’d agree.

    Muerte smirked under his executioner’s mask. He said that he had a good feeling they’d go for it, then turned to leave.

    Just as he reached the door, Slam stopped him and asked why he wanted to go first? It presented the worst chance of winning.

    Lowering his warhammer and patting it into his meaty hand, Martillo said that, win or lose, it gave him the best opportunity to inflict pain and suffering on as many people as possible.

    Ah, said Slam, nodding – of course.

    With that, Muerte exited, leaving Slam to exhale and wonder how the hell he was going to keep this destroyer under control…

    El Masko

    King Homewrecker

    King initiated a tie-up, which Masko accepted, only to knee him in the ribs! Homewrecker hurled him into the ropes, then nailed him with a spinning heel kick. Masko shook off the cobwebs, but his sleazy foe grounded him once more with a headscissor takedown, then covered him for a one-count.

    Night Owl

    Don’t let his laciviousness fool you; King is a skilled & dangerous competitor!

    Your Mom’s Favourite Wrestler ran towards Masko, but the honourable luchador cut him off with a THESZ PRESS! Punch, punch, punch – he pulled King to his feet and lobbed him into the corner. Masko charged in with a big splash, then scooped Homewrecker up into a slam. He pinned him for a two-count!

    Queen Bea

    Do ya think Homewreckah likes older women, Owlie?

    Masko hit the ropes and went for a knee drop, but King rolled out of harm’s way. Masko grimaced as he held his kneecap, leaving himself open to a DDT by Homewrecker. The gyrating grappler went to the apron and slingshotted himself in with a hilo for a two-count! King slapped the mat.

    Night Owl

    Homewrecker should’ve known Masko wouldn’t be a pushover; he gave a valiant effort in the ladder match at New Game+!

    Homewrecker lay in wait as Masko got to his feet… SPRINGBOARD FOREARM – MASKO CAUGHT HIM! T-BONE SUPLEX! Masko pumped his fist and the crowd rallied behind him. Chop, chop, chop! He ducked a clothesline and spiked King with a BACKSLIDE DRIVER! He covered him for a close NEAR-FALL!

    Queen Bea

    Zebra is countin quickah for El Masko, I swear!

    Masko signalled for the end. He spun a groggy Homewrecker round, sandwiched his head, and hooked his arms – HONOR BOMB! KING REVERSED THE TIGER BOMB WITH A HURRICANRANA! Masko rolled onto his feet, dazed. He stumbled round… PILEDRIVER BY HOMEWRECKER! The womaniser covered him for TWO-POINT-NINE! King kicked the bottom rope.

    Night Owl

    Frustration is boiling over for Homewrecker! Will he make a critical mistake!?

    Homewrecker sat on Masko’s back and pulled his arms back. PLEASURE AND PAIN – THE CAMEL CLUTCH! MASKO COUNTERED WITH A SNAPMARE! He threw a lariat at King, but the lewd luchador ducked it and pulled him into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Homewrecker went up high to complete the combo… MOONSAULT – BACKDOOR MAN! HE GOT THE THREE!

    Queen Bea

    What a man, Owlie! What a specimen! What a stud! Hey, Homewreckah, ovah he-uh!

    King Homewrecker

    Shrinkage

    Rivulets of condensation trickled down the steamy bathroom mirror. In its misty reflection, a male scrubbed his back with a sudsy sponge on a stick as he sang in the shower.

    … Creepin’ with the girl next door

    Picture this, we were both butt naked

    Bangin’ on the bathroom floor

    He switched the shower off and stepped out of the cubicle, revealing the mask of King Homewrecker. Thankfully, the shot stayed above his waist.

    The womaniser whistled the rest of the tune to Shaggy’s “It Wasn’t Me” as he wrapped a towel around his waist and stepped into the locker room.

    He stopped dead in his tracks, asking what are you doing here?

    La Leona Del Sol stood in the doorway, one hand on the frame, one on her hip.

    The lioness slinked her way into the room and brushed against Homewrecker.

    She said that she’d never met a man like him. He infuriated her at first, but she couldn’t stop thinking about him. She should’ve gone to the office about him telling Penny that they’re a couple, but it was actually kind of sweet – like something out of a romcom.

    King’s eyes widened and he licked his lips. Leona took Homewrecker’s bag from the bench and skulked back to the door with it. She glanced back over her shoulder, biting her bottom lip seductively. She asked if Homewrecker would like to get changed in her dressing room…

    Your Mom’s Favourite Wrestler rushed after her into the corridor –

    LEONA WHIPPED HIS TOWEL OFF AND SHOT BACK INSIDE THE LOCKER ROOM!

    KING TURNED AND BANGED ON THE DOOR WHILST YELLING TO LET HIM IN, BUT DEL SOL HELD IT SHUT ON THE OTHER SIDE!

    The sleazy luchador turned round in all his glory. How could this get any worse…

    OH MY GAWD, cried Poison Penny in her nasal voice, as she rounded the corner with her personal cameraman.

    Homewrecker held his head in his hands and groaned.

    Penny said that Leona told her she was going to get Homewrecker back, but she didn’t think it’d be this good! She asked King if it was cold in here?

    Scowling, Homewrecker snatched the lid off a nearby trash can and used it to cover himself up as he ran away, Penny and her cameraman in hot pursuit.

    El Grandé Malo

    Medico Muerte

    With a potential future Grand title match at stake, Medico took the fight to Malo! Flooring him with a takedown, Muerte stayed away from the barbed wire and subdued the challenger with amateur wrestling techniques. He forced Malo to exert himself with several one-count lateral presses. Malo, however, outsmarted the quack and escaped!

    Night Owl

    Medico’s still banged up from his ladder match. He has zero interest in barbed wire tonight!

    The Mexico… Maine resident blasted Muerte with martial arts kicks. Malo ducked a clothesline and hit a crossbody! He picked Medico up and dragged him over to the barbed wire… REVERSE STO – MUERTE SLIPPED AWAY! The Luchadoc lunged at Malo, who caught him – EXPLODER SUPLEX INTO THE BARBED WIRE! THE BARBS SNAGGED AND TORE MEDICO’S FLESH!

    Queen Bea

    Checkmate is usin wirecuttahs to free Medico!

    A bloodied Muerte stumbled out and dodged a SUPERKICK by Malo, then dropped him with the THREE AMIGOS suplexes! The snake oil salesman pulled him up, then snapped him into the mat with a POWERBOMB! Medico wasn’t done with his patient yet, though. He waited for him to rise… MUERTE MONKEY FLIPPED MALO INTO THE BARBED WIRE!

    Night Owl

    Malo has fought ranchers drunk on moonshine, but I don’t think even they used barbed wire!

    Checkmate freed the veteran with the wirecutters. Medico went for a side suplex, but Malo spiked him with a CRADLE DDT! He kept hold of him and picked him up… BRAINBUSTER ONTO THE KNEE! He covered him for TWO-AND-A-HALF – almost a new champion! Malo lay in wait… BUSAIKU KNEE, THE SÚPER ÚLTIMO ATAQUE – MEDICO MOVED!

    Queen Bea

    Malo is tangled up worse than fairy lights in that barbed wire!

    Once again extracted from the wire, a bloodied Malo stumbled into the Mettle Champion’s clutches. Muerte trapped him in a GORY SPECIAL! Malo screamed as his wounds were further opened in the submission hold. Medico transitioned it into the GORY BOMB! He hooked the leg for a TWO-POINT-NINE – nearly retaining the title!

    Night Owl

    Malo is exemplifying his moniker, the Pride of Mexico, in this brutal bout!

    Muerte grabbed the wirecutters. HE SWUNG AT MALO, WHO DUCKED… SUPERKICK, THEN A LUNG BLOWER! The challenger got a TWO-POINT-NINEso close! Malo picked Medico up – LOW BLOW! Malo fell to his knees. Muerte used the wirecutters to gather a short length of barbed wire… LETHAL INJECTION – BARBED-WIRE ASSISTED HANDSPRING CUTTER FOR THE THREE!

    Queen Bea

    Somebody get out here with a bucket – I think Medico just decapitated Malo!

    Medico Muerte

    Tip

    El Padrino sat alone at a table in a fancy restaurant. In front of him was a plate with a tiny portioned delicacy that likely cost more than your rent, and a vintage bottle worth more than your car.

    A wizened waiter approached the connected Masqot. He informed him that his dinner guest had arrived.

    The Don looked confused and stated that he wasn’t expecting company.

    The waiter apologised and explained that the gentleman was insistent that he meet Padrino.

    Sighing, the pinstriped luchador dabbed his mouth with a napkin, then beckoned him in.

    Opening the door, the waiter announced fellow MASQ newcomer, Pirata Aterrador!

    The walls rattled as the bombastic swashbuckler stomped into the room, Lora the plush parrot swaying on his shoulder. He greeted Padrino like an old friend with a hearty clap on the back – quickly withdrawing his hand at the look on the Godfather’s face.

    Keeping his composure, Padrino smiled and asked to what does he owe the pleasure?

    Pirata grabbed a fistful of bread rolls from the table and attacked them with his mandibles. Crumbs littered his beard as he explained that he wished to go into business with Padrino.

    The Don raised his eyebrows. He held his hands open at his sides and said that he’s always willing to do business. He clasped his hands and leant his chin on them, inviting Pirata to share the details. 

    An excited Aterrador launched into his spiel, talking about the smuggling operation he runs – rum, tobacco, fine silks…

    Padrino choked. The waiter looked down at his shoes. Maintaining his composure, a vein throbbed in Padrino’s temple as he assured Pirata that he only conducted legitimate business. He took a sip of wine to calm himself.

    The plundering pirate obliviously asked why, then, had he heard through the grapevine about Padrino’s own cigar & alcohol smuggling business, at the docks here in Masqopolis!?

    The legitimate businessman sprayed red wine over the white tablecloth. The waiter looked up at the ceiling. Padrino reiterated that Pirata was grossly misinformed, and that he couldn’t do business with him.

    Aterrador blinked several times, his mouth open. He turned his head to Lora the plush parrot, seeking her counsel. Nodding along, he sighed and stood up from the table. Apologising for the misunderstanding, he tipped his hat to Padrino, then left the fine-dining establishment.

    Padrino himself stood up and walked around the table to the shrivelled waiter. He took out his wallet, leafed through several crisp banknotes, then placed them into the waiter’s breastpocket and patted it, looking him in the eyes but not saying a word. The waiter smiled and thanked The Don for his tip.

    La Leona Del Sol

    El Padrino

    Padrino made a point of extending his hand to Leona, ever the gentleman. She shrugged and shook it, skeptical of his sportsmanship. They locked up and he immediately shoved her to the mat, then slicked his hair back. They tied up again, and once more he overpowered her, then flashed her a smile.

    Night Owl

    El Padrino learned long ago that the best approach is to kill them with kindness!

    The Don invited Del Sol to another collar-and-elbow, but the lioness kicked his hand away. Padrino’s smile faltered. They circled each other… HEADSCISSOR TAKEDOWN BY LEONA – PADRINO REVERSED IT INTO A SLAM! He laid into her with boots, then hit the ropes and dropped an elbow across her sternum!

    Queen Bea

    I go weak at the knees for Homewreckah, but Leona’s gotta be sick of all these men smilin at her!

    That seemed to be the case, as the Lionhearted Luchadora drilled Padrino in the gut. She sent him reeling with a European uppercut, then threw him into the ropes. HURRICANRANA BY LEONA! The San Benito native hit the ropes and flattened a kneeling Padrino with a dropkick to the temple!

    Night Owl

    Del Sol is a fierce opponent, no doubt! Her affinity with the ropes will make her one to watch in the Super Smash Masks match!

    Leona stalked Padrino like a grazing gazelle as he got to his feet. She pounced with a front facelock, then led them backwards into a corner – TORNADO DDT! She rolled over for a cover and a TWO-COUNT! Del Sol headed onto the apron and lay in wait as Padrino recovered…

    Queen Bea

    This is a great oppahtunity for Padrino to make a name for himself – main eventin his debut match!

    SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE – PADRINO SNATCHED HER OUT OF MID-AIR WITH A SPINEBUSTER! Leona sat bolt upright on impact, nursing her back. The Don kicked her, then ran the ropes and drove the wind from her lungs with a RUNNING SENTON! He slid into a pin which netted a TWO-COUNT!

    Night Owl

    Leona is no slouch herself. She came this close to taking Medico out of the Mettle tournament in the first round. Put them against each other now and she could take his title!

    Padrino peeled Leona off the mat and sandwiched her head… POWERBOMB – DEL SOL REVERSED IT WITH A WHEELBARROW BULLDOG! The gangster’s slicked hair left an oily mark on the canvas. The Solar Sensation heaved him up and whipped him into the corner… RUNNING ELBOW! She sent to the opposite corner – RUNNING ELBOW!

    Queen Bea

    She’s buildin up steam!

    Leona whipped him once more – BUT PADRINO SCOOPED HER INTO A POWERSLAM! Pulling her up by her whiskers, The mobster trapped her head once more, then folded her in half with his trademark POWERBOMB! He pinned her for TWO-AND-A-HALF! He gave the referee a questioning look but played it off with a smile – as always.

    Night Owl

    It’s creepy to me how well Padrino can keep up that facade. Isn’t that what sociopaths do!?

    Calling for the end, Padrino yanked Del Sol off the canvas and picked her up for the SCOOP BRAINBUSTER – BUT SHE LANDED ON HER FEET BEHIND HIM! He spun round with a knife-edge chop, but she ducked and leapt onto the middle rope – SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE! She went for a double whammy… LEONASAULT – THE LIONSAULT FOR TWO-POINT-NINE!

    Queen Bea

    These two are very evenly matched, Owlie! It could go either way!

    Padrino seemed to realise this, as he rolled under the ropes and fetched a CROWBAR from under the Hexagon! Naturally, Checkmate tried to disarm him. The two wrestled for control of the equaliser, pulling back and forth. Leona approached them in a bid to aid the referee – DEL SOL DUCKED AN ERRANT SWING!

    Night Owl

    Leona almost got her damn head taken off!

    Padrino let go of the crowbar so that Checkmate took possession, then blamed him for almost knocking Leona out! He turned… CUTTER DEL SOL! PADRINO BLOCKED THE OSCUTTER, HOWEVER, WITH A SLEEPER HOLD! Leona struggled in the submission but faded quickly. The Don spun her round – SCOOP BRAINBUSTER! He hooked her leg for the begrudging THREE-COUNT!

    El Padrino

    Queen Bea

    What a genius, Owlie! Padrino applied his resourcefulness for business in the ring!

    Night Owl

    He was going to bash Leona’s brains in with a crowbar!

    Queen Bea

    That’s called a hostile takeover, Owlie!

    Night Owl

    Tactics notwithstanding, Padrino has put the Masqots on alert. The Don has arrived in MASQ, and he means business!

    Join us on January 20th for the go-home Unmasked, folks!

    Goodnight!

    Fade to black and roll credits.

  • New Game+ 2025

    Banhammer

    Cold open to Uncle Slam sat with his fingers steepled at the foot of a long hardwood desk, which extended into the shadows of a darkened office. He wore a stern expression which clashed with his loud stars-and-stripes suit.

    A female voice spoke from the shadows. The speaker introduced herself as Madame, a representative of The Board.

    She thanked him for waiting and said that The Board had deliberated long enough, and they’d reached a decision: they would not terminate Martillo’s contract. Further, he remained in the Mettle tournament.

    Frowning, Slam recounted Muerte’s brutal assault of several staff members at Bloody Snowflakes. He’d not been seen or heard from since, which meant he showed no remorse. He deserved to be fired, Slam stated.

    Madame explained that the reboot was make-or-break for MASQ. The Mistery meant that the business had to adapt to survive. Martillo’s rampage had gotten the most engagement on social media. The metrics spoke for themselves, and they’d be foolish to ignore the numbers.

    Blinking in disbelief, Slam asked if it would be ok for someone to be shot on-air – so long as it got engagement.

    Madame reiterated coldly that Martillo wasn’t fired… But Slam could be if he didn’t watch his tone. The rampage happened on his watch, after all.

    A dejected Slam sighed and stood up, buttoning his suit jacket. He said he had to make several phonecalls to injured personnel and inform them that their attacker would face zero consequences.

    Madame was silent as Slam left the conference room on a bitter note.

    El Masko

    El Supervillaino

    Supervillaino overpowered Masko in a collar-and-elbow tie-up. He whipped him from corner to corner and chased him with big clotheslines each time. Villaino ragdolled him with slams and suplexes, punctuating his punishment with a pop-up backbreaker! Masko nursed his back and struggled to his feet by a count of FIVE!

    Night Owl

    Supervillaino is targeting the spine of Masko to prevent him from standing!

    Masko fought back from his knees. He worked Villaino’s torso like a punch bag, then stunned him with a jawbreaker. The horned powerhouse returned fire with a LARIAT, but Masko ducked it and hit an atomic drop! Chop, chop, chop – he made mincemeat of Villaino’s chest! Villaino charged at him, but Masko pulled down the ropes!

    Queen Bea

    If I were Masko, I dunno if I’d get into a brawl on the floor with Villaino!

    The everyman stayed on him, but Villaino raked his eye. He pulled a garbage can from under the Hexagon – CRACK! Masko’s face was stamped into the aluminium. Villaino ordered Statocaster to move, then grabbed his chair… SMACK, SMACK, SMACK! Masko clutched his back again. Villaino lay the dented chair on his spine… SENTON SPLASH ONTO THE CHAIR!

    Night Owl

    There’s no way Masko can get up after that!

    Somehow, the principled luchador met a count of SEVEN! Villaino ran at him, but MASKO SIDE-STEPPED HIM, and VILLAINO RAN HEADFIRST INTO THE STEEL RINGPOST! A groggy Villaino lunged forwards… MASKO HIT A DROP TOE-HOLD INTO THE STEEL STEPSRUMBLE! Villaino staggered to his feet at a count of SIX!

    Queen Bea

    I don’t think Masko can keep Villaino down for 10 without breakin the law!

    Masko clubbed Villaino’s beefy back with forearms, then backed up… VILLAINO CAUGHT HIM WITH A SPINNING SPINEBUSTER THROUGH THE COMMENTARY DESKCRUMPLE! Masko was covered in cables and monitors; Bea & Owl narrowly escaped. El Maestro Del Caos threw random debris at Masko until Checkmate commanded him to back off. MASKO RECOVERED AT EIGHT!

    Queen Bea

    I want hazard pay if this is gonna keep happenin!

    Villaino grabbed his horns in frustration. He peeled back a floor mat, then snatched Masko. SUPERVILLAINO DRIVER – MASKO ESCAPED… DDT ON THE CONCRETE! Villaino was out cold. HE ROSE AT NINE-POINT-NINE! Rogue Incarnate picked up the steel stairs… THUDMASKO DROPKICKED THEM! THEY LANDED ON TOP OF VILLAINO, WHO WAS TRAPPED FOR THE TEN-COUNT!

    Night Owl

    Masko showing superhuman resilience and resourcefulness!

    El Masko

    Part

    Fedora Noir introduced Wes Hollywood backstage. The fast-talking correspondent asked if the red-carpet alumni had any words for El Hijo Del Phonk, given that they had to be pulled apart by Deadbolt’s men at Bloody Snowflakes.

    Wes scoffed, saying that Phonk wished he could be a background actor in Hollywood’s life. It wasn’t the first time he’d had to deal with ignorant members of the public, and it wouldn’t be the last. That said, the Beverly Hills resident was about to be so busy that Phonk would have to settle for trolling somebody else…

    Noir chased the lede, as always.

    Hollywood chuckled. He couldn’t say too much, as he was bound by a NDA, but his agent had forwarded him the script for a huge blockbuster movie. Plenty of A-listers would’ve killed for the part, but the studio had specifically asked for him to be their leading man.

    Impressed, Fedora asked if shooting would interfere with his MASQ commitments.

    Wes regretted that he would, indeed, have to miss the premiere episode of Unmasked on January 10th.

    Noir lamented Hollywood’s status but wished him luck on the project and said he looked forward to seeing him in action again.

    Streaming January 10th

    It’s Complicated

    La Leona Del Sol prowled the corridors backstage. To her confusion, several crew members took turns congratulating her as she walked by. She tried to shrug it off but couldn’t help glancing over her shoulder as she carried on. She saw that they looked in her direction and laughed amongst themselves.

    Snarling, the lioness turned and went to confront them –

    Poison Penny, however, shoved a microphone in her face and trapped her in an impromptu interview.

    The gossipy correspondent chastised Leona for not coming to her sooner with the exciting news. A bewildered Leona asked what Penny meant, and did this have anything to do with everyone’s strange behaviour!?

    Penny giggled and clarified that she was talking about Leona’s new relationship. Of course people were keen to wish her luck!

    What new relationship, Leona asked.

    Penny childishly placed a hand over her mouth as though she were sharing some scandalous secret, before divulging that she meant Leona and Homewrecker’s relationship, of course!

    A speechless lioness simply stared into the camera with her mouth open.

    Penny nodded eagerly. Homewrecker himself had told her the two were an item, she said.

    Leona’s lip curled and her pupils dilated.

    Naturally, Penny had reported the news to her followers. Leona asked her how many subscribers. Penny unabashedly said it was just a few hundred… Thousand, before asking if it was hard dating a co-worker – especially one you may have to face in the ring?

    The Lionhearted Luchadora shoved the microphone away and growled that the interview was over. Formerly snickering stagehands scattered as she stomped past.

    Hammertime

    Uncle Slam gazed through the curtain at El Hijo Del Phonk & Medico Muerte, who stood in the Hexagon, having made their entrances. Turning back to gorilla, he looked at the scores of Deadbolt’s security forces who lined the corridor.

    A door at the far end of the hallway flung open. Martillo Negro de la Muerte stooped down and entered through it sideways, his warhammer clipping the doorframe as he did.

    Martillo shouldered the weapon and slowly walked towards the curtain. He stopped and observed the nervous looks on the faces of Deadbolt’s men. Smirking, he lowered the hammer and dragged it along the floor as he walked, intentionally antagonising them.

    SCRAAAAAATCH!

    Reaching Uncle Slam, he looked down at the Matchmaker in disdain. Slam stared back and told Martillo he hoped he burned. Martillo said that if he did, he’d reduce MASQ to ashes.

    Theme song playing, Martillo shoved past him and made his entrance…

    El Hijo Del Phonk

    Medico Muerte

    Martillo Negro de la muerte

    Fire surrounded the Hexagon. All 3 Masqots were sweating already. DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE BY MARTILLO! THE HARBINGER DRAGGED PHONK TO THE FLAMES… SNAPMEDICO BROKE HIS CANE OVER MARTILLO’S BACK! Martillo turned and growled at him. HE PULLED MEDICO TOWARDS THE FIRE… PHONK ROLLED IN AND SLAPPED MARTILLO IN THE FACE!

    Queen Bea

    This guy has a [bleep] deathwish!

    An enraged Martillo grabbed a DOUBLE GOOZLE! DOUBLE CHOKESLAM – Phonk & Medico desperately fought free. They chopped Martillo down with strikes, then floored him with a DOUBLE SUPLEX! The flames shot up. THEY DRAGGED HIM TO THE FIREMEDICO JABBED PHONK WITH HIS BEAK! THE QUACK PULLED MARTILLO’S HAND TOWARDS THE FLAMES…

    Night Owl

    Medico knows they can’t both win. He seized his opportunity!

    MARTILLO THREW MEDICO OFF WITH ONE HAND! Phonk then hit the snakeoil salesman with a RUNNING KNEE, BUT MEDICO KEPT HIS BALANCE! They traded punches. MARTILLO CRACKED THEIR HEADS TOGETHER! URANAGE TO PHONK! HE LIFTED MEDICO UP WITH THE PUMPHANDLE… THE LUCHADOC SQUIRMED INTO A SLEEPER HOLD ON HIS BACK!

    Night Owl

    The heat of the fire will make Martillo fade quickly!

    Martillo thrashed but fell to one knee. Medico couldn’t grapevine the superheavyweight but rolled onto his back to ground him. Phonk recovered and leapt to the top rope; the apron was alight, not the corners. DAB ON THE HATERS – FLYING ELBOW TO MARTILLO! Having collectively taken him out, Medico broke the submission. He & Phonk squared off, panting.

    Queen Bea

    They gotta finish this now – before Martillo comes round!

    Medico lurched towards Phonk, who STUCK HIS LEG OUT! Muerte telegraphed it and blocked the trip. He nailed Phonk with rolling vertical suplexes – THREE AMIGOS! Medico stalked Phonk as he sat up… LETHAL INJECTION CUTTER – PHONK THREW HIM OFF! He turned right into a SUPERKICK BY PHONK! MEDICO TEETERED OVER THE FLAMES BUT SAVED HIMSELF!

    Night Owl

    The sleeping beast has woken!

    TILT-A-WHIRL BACKBREAKER TO PHONK! Framed by fire, Martillo the Balrog motioned to Medico to bring it! The plague doctor ducked a LARIAT, jumping onto his back for another sleeper hold. Martillo threw him down – LETHAL INJECTION! MEDICO HIT THE CUTTER ON THE WAY DOWN! MARTILLO STAGGERED BACK… HIS FURRY BOOT CAUGHT FIRE!

    Queen Bea

    Let that be a lesson, everyone – never wear Uggs to an inferno match!

    Medico Muerte

    Burning Hammer

    The flames surrounding the Hexagon were promptly shut off. Fire marshalls equipped with extinguishers ran towards Martillo as he bailed through the ropes. The berserker, however, swung his warhammer in their direction to ward them off! The fire had spread to his other boot, and he now posed a danger to the ringside area and all its crew. Well, an even bigger danger than he posed at Bloody Snowflakes

    Night Owl

    Call a damn fire truck and use the water cannon if you have to!

    Muerte, however, hopped over the barricade. The crowd scattered as the flaming behemoth cut a path right through the stands. Smoke billowed from his boots, which fell apart as he continued to walk in them.

    Queen Bea

    Those uppers have gotta be melted into his freakin’ skin!

    Showing no urgency, and no signs of pain, Martillo turned to look back at the Hexagon – at Medico Muerte. He raised his warhammer, then pantomimed slashing his throat with it.

    Night Owl

    He just sent him a message: you set me on fire, and I won’t forget it!

    Reaching the exits, Muerte kicked the doors open and disappeared from view – leaving smoke and melted pieces of leather in his wake.

    Briefcase

    El Grande Malo made use of the gym inside Arena 81. He may have been eliminated from the tournament, but he needed to stay in fighting shape. He lifted the barbell over his head on the bench press. A pair of golden webbed hands suddenly gripped it.

    The slimy visage of Coldblooded Mutanto leant into view. Pressing down, he bore his teeth and advised Malo not to bite off more than he can chew. The Pride of Mexico sweated and pushed back. Relenting, Mutanto laughed and racked the weight.

    Malo shot up. Before he could swing at the Creature Feature, though, Dr. Greg – Mutanto’s servant – appeared with a metal briefcase.

    Greg said that he and Mutanto sympathised with Malo, but the fishy businessman was innocent. He suggested that the village elder who told Malo the story had misremembered it.

    The Pride of Mexico dismissed Greg’s notion. He reiterated that Mutanto had exploited the townsfolk and gutted the settlement of its resources.

    Mutanto growled. Greg thrusted the briefcase into Malo’s arms. He said that its contents ought to make things right, then exited alongside the Million Dollar Monster.

    A conflicted Malo looked down at the case. Was it wrong to accept it if it meant making the elders whole again?

    He opened it…

    A JET OF BLACK INK SQUIRTED ALL OVER HIM!

    Startled, Malo dropped the booby-trapped case and wiped his eyes. He looked at his reflection in the mirror, covered head to toe, and screamed in fury.

    is coming…

    Bad Reputation

    Appearing at a social outreach programme earlier in the day, El Masko spoke to youths about the importance of hard work and integrity. He said that they could achieve anything with perseverance, and to look at him as an example.

    Someone cleared their throat loudly. Medico Muerte stepped forwards to stick his beak into things.

    He asked Masko if that’s all it took to succeed. Masko frowned, unsure of where The Luchadoc was going with this…

    Answering his own question, the quack accused Masko of using performance-enhancing drugs to get ahead in MASQ!

    The shocked crowd gasped, and whispers quickly followed. 

    Caught offguard, Masko blurted out that Medico’s claims were outrageous, and that he prided himself on not taking shortcuts.

    Muerte, however, pulled in the audience as he would with any typical sales pitch. He said that Masko knew Medico’s natural remedies were better than the synthetic chemicals he used. Masko had attacked Muerte’s products & reputation to discourage other Masqots from buying them, so that he could keep doping and winning!

    Enraged at Medico’s lies, Masko flipped the table he was sitting at, startling the attendees.

    Realising he’d played right into Medico’s hands, he calmed down and apologised to those in attendance for losing his temper.

    It was clear, however, that Muerte had succeeded in damaging his reputation, just as Masko did to him – no matter how justified.

    Window Shopping

    As he did at Bloody Snowflakes, TRIV found a quiet section in which to reflect in Arena 81. Whilst he previously took in the empty photo frames, he now stood in front of a huge hanging tapestry.

    The woven curtain formerly documented the known masklines of Masqopolis, with intricate illustrations and beautiful calligraphy. The Mistery, however, had burned all names and masks from the tableau. The spiderweb lines led only to ragged holes with singed, frayed edges.

    Black horns entered the frame, followed by the white skull of El Supervillaino. He glanced up at the tapestry lazily, remarking that TRIV is a very contemplative fellow.

    The two-tone, bejewelled luchador replied that he related to the blank slate nature of things since The Mistery. Everything had the chance to start fresh – himself included.

    Villaino stifled a yawn, then clapped his hands. He asked if TRIV had reached a decision in joining his dastardly family. Eyeing the gemstone stitched into TRIV’s forehead, Villaino added that he envisaged him in a bank robber role…

    TRIV looked him in the eye and said with sincerity that he’d weighed the offer carefully. After much soul searching, though, he’d decided against it. He couldn’t damage his reputation or maskline more than he already had by riding with LOS REBELDES DEL BIEN.

    Rogue Incarnate laughed diabolically. He told TRIV there were no hard feelings and wished him luck before walking away.

    TRIV looked up again at the tapestry…

    CRACKVILLAINO CLOBBERED HIM WITH A STEEL CHAIR! SMACK, SMACK, SMACKHE BEAT TRIV MERCILESSLY!

    Bending the chair beyond recognition, El Maestro del Caos threw it aside and resorted to punching and kicking TRIV.

    Leaning in closely, he told TRIV that he’d planned this. After all, TRIV had to be initiated into his other family. Villaino was just showing him the same tough love.

    Villaino pulled TRIV up by his head and asked where it was he trained – Wooden Jaw? Plastic Jaw? Ah, that was it – Glass Jaw Academy…

    SHATTERVILLAINO TOSSED TRIV THROUGH A FREAKIN’ WINDOW!

    Glass littered the floor as a bloodied TRIV lay groaning. Deadbolt’s men, having heard the commotion, finally turned up to hold Supervillaino back.

    El Masko

    Medico Muerte

    The crimson-spattered, solid sapphire Mettle Championship dangled in the air above the Hexagon. Both competitors eyed it hungrily from the canvas. Ladders leant against the turnbuckles and stood erected at ringside. The first combatant to climb 20 feet and retrieve the belt would forever be remembered as the first-ever Mettle Champion!

    Night Owl

    After two nights of brutal action, we’re finally going to crown the inaugural Mettle Champion!

    Kinesiology tape covered Masko’s back, whilst burn gel soothed Medico’s torso. Cuts and bruises covered their bodies. They stepped forwards and got in each other’s faces, butting heads and talking trash. Checkmate forced himself between them and kept them separated just long enough to call for the bell.

    Queen Bea

    The only winner in this match is gravity!

    The everyman dared Medico to lock up. Muerte obliged, only to duck behind him. He laid into him with forearms and elbows to the back! Masko immediately fell forwards. The Luchadoc descended on him, stomping him and dropping knees across his spine! The placebo pusher even resorted to peeling the tape off him!

    Queen Bea

    I heard that stuff dun do nuffin anyways!

    Yanking Masko to his feet, Medico hoisted him up for a vertical suplex! Another, another – THREE AMIGOS! He wasn’t done yet! Another, and another – FIVE AMIGOS! More!? Suplex, suplex, suplex – EIGHT AMIGOS! Medico finally stopped popping his hips and fell into the ropes to take a breather. Masko lay in pieces on the mat!

    Night Owl

    How in the world is Masko going to climb a ladder after sustaining this damage!?

    Muerte grabbed a ladder from the corner – CLACK! HE THREW THE LADDER ACROSS MASKO’S BACK! Masko yelped and arched his back. Medico looked to prescribe more pain as he jerked Masko to his feet… THUDBELLY-TO-BACK SUPLEX ON THE LADDER! Steel met bone as Muerte dropped his foe onto the hardware!

    Queen Bea

    Even if Masko somehow won, he’d have to vacate the damn thing to injury!

    Medico grabbed another ladder and propped it open over Masko and under the Mettle title. He started climbing as Masko stirred. Muerte reached the top and stretched his hand out, fingertips brushing the sapphire belt… MASKO TIPPED THE LADDER OVER! MEDICO LANDED THROAT-FIRST ACROSS THE TOP ROPE! Both men lay on the mat.

    Night Owl

    Medico could have a crushed larynx!

    Masko pulled himself up using the ropes. Favouring his back, he picked Muerte up. MASKO WHIPPED HIM FACEFIRST INTO A LADDER IN THE CORNER! MEDICO’S BEAK GOT STUCK BETWEEN THE RUNGS! Masko helped him out by whipping his head back, flooring him, then SLAMMING THE LADDER DOWN ON TOP OF HIMCRACK!

    Queen Bea

    Do we know if Medico practices dentistry, too? He’s gonna need it!

    Kicking the ladder off of Muerte, Masko left it on the canvas but opened the hinges. He rolled Medico inside it… CLACK, CLACK, CLACK! MASKO SANDWICHED MEDICO IN THE LADDER, THEN SHUT IT ON HIM OVER AND OVER AGAIN! He picked up the second grounded ladder… SMACK! HE THREW IT ONTO THE MUERTE-LADDER SANDWICH!

    Night Owl

    Magneto didn’t have to deal with as much steel as these two guys!

    Snatching the ladder which he previously knocked into the ropes, Masko positioned it under the belt and climbed. Medico busted the hinges of the grounded ladder to free himself. He scaled Masko’s ladder and the two TRADED PUNCHES AT THE TOP! THE LADDER WOBBLED UNDER THEM AS THEIR WEIGHT SHIFTED… THEY KNOCKED EACH OTHER OFF!

    Queen Bea

    Hey, what happens if neither of these fellas are fit to climb the damn thing!?

    Both men crashed and burned to the mat. The ladder fell into the ropes. Front-row fans drummed their hands on the barricades; spectators in the stands stomped their feet. These elite athletes were putting themselves through hell for the Mettle Championship! They stirred and slowly rose, beaten and exhausted.

    Night Owl

    Just think: whoever wins that belt, they’ll have to defend it 6 times to earn a Grand title shot. Six more matches just like this!

    They met in the middle and traded blows. Punches, kicks, headbutts… MASKO SENT MEDICO TO THE FLOOR WITH A PELÉ KICK! He tore into the ropes as Muerte recovered… SUICIDE DIVESMACK! MEDICO PULLED A LADDER IN FRONT OF HIM AND MASKO COLLIDED WITH IT MID-AIR! The audience gasped as he landed in a heap.

    Queen Bea

    Jeez Louise, that sounded like a freakin’ car wreck – looked like one, too!

    Picking the ladder up, the Luchadoc balanced it between the ring apron and barricade, creating a bridge. He hauled Masko to his feet, then SET HIM UP IN THE POWERBOMB… MASKO COUNTERED WITH A HURRICANRANA! THUD – HE SENT MUERTE FACE-FIRST INTO THE EDGE OF THE LADDER!

    Night Owl

    Incredible awareness by Masko!

    Masko slid under the ropes gingerly. He snatched the fallen ladder and placed it carefully in the centre of the Hexagon. He slowly ascended it, losing his footing more than once. He neared the top as Medico popped into view at the apron. MASKO REACHED FOR THE BELT… MUERTE ENTERED THE RING…

    Queen Bea

    He ain’t gonna stop ‘im in time!

    MEDICO RAN UP THE LADDER… CODE FREAKIN’ BLUE – THE SUNSET BOMB! CRUNCHMEDICO PUT MASKO THROUGH THE BRIDGED LADDER! The fans were on their feet, chanting HOLY [bleep]! Ringside personnel swarmed around Masko to check his status. Muerte rolled onto his back. The Mettle title glittered and danced above him, but he was spent.

    Night Owl

    Masko could be seriously hurt! This might end in a no contest!

    A hush fell over the crowd after their initial excitement died down. One of the EMTs working on Masko stood up and gave the dreaded X signal to the back. Additional hands made their way down the ramp with a stretcher. Medico watched as they carefully extricated Masko from the debris.

    Queen Bea

    Is it ovah!?

    Muerte seemed to wonder the same, as he pulled Checkmate down to him and motioned to Masko, then at the title above the ring. The senior referee tried to assuage him and went to liaise with the medics… MASKO’S FIST PUNCHED THE AIR! Staff clung to him but he shoved them off. HE STOOD ON HIS OWN TWO FEET!

    Night Owl

    You have got to be KIDDING me!

    The crowd went banana for El Masko’s heroic performance. Win or lose, he was their champion tonight! The gutsy luchador looked at Medico and motioned that they had unfinished business! Even with his blacked-out, beaked mask, Muerte’s face was priceless.  He staggered to his feet and started climbing the ladder haphazardly.

    Queen Bea

    What else can they do – disembowel each other with the laddah!?

    Masko couldn’t close the gap without an equaliser. He frantically grabbed a ladder and hobbled onto the apron with it… CLATTERHE THREW THE LADDER LIKE A JAVELIN AT MEDICO! The plague doctor narrowly avoided the projectile but it was enough to send him off-balance. THE LADDER ROCKED AND HE HELD ON WITH ONE HAND!

    Night Owl

    This is getting out of hand – that ladder could’ve gone into the crowd!

    Steadying himself, Muerte eyed the sapphire belt. Masko, meanwhile, tumbled through the ropes into the Hexagon. He draped an arm through the rungs and forced himself to climb the ladder. Medico reached for the title, but Masko was gaining on him. MUERTE SLUGGED HIM WITH A RIGHT HAND, THEN ANOTHER, AND ANOTHER!

    Queen Bea

    Do we have Masko’s next of kin on file!?

    MEDICO GRABBED MASKO’S HEAD AND BOUNCED IT OFF THE LADDER, THEN AGAIN, AND AGAIN! Masko swayed groggily… HE GRABBED MUERTE’S BEAK! MASKO HELD ONTO MEDICO’S APPENDAGE WITH BOTH HANDS! HE USED IT TO PULL HIM DOWN, THEN CLUBBED HIM ACROSS THE BACK WITH FOREARMS! Having subdued Muerte, Masko HOOKED HIS ARMS…

    Night Owl

    There’s no way… THERE’S NO WAY!

    HONOR BOMB OFF THE TOP OF THE GODDAMN LADDER! MASKO DEMOLISHED MEDICO WITH THE TIGER BOMB! The crowd jumped to their feet and serenaded them with an encore of HOLY [bleep] chants! Checkmate covered his eyes with his hands before remembering his job, and set about checking on both men.

    Queen Bea

    Nevermind their backs – I don’t know how much more o this my heart can take!

    Whilst down, Masko once again pumped the air with his fist. The crowd copied the gesture, and a LET’S GO MASKO chant broke out. Their support fuelled him as he stood on quaking legs and righted the ladder under the title. It was his for the taking! He climbed up as Muerte stirred.

    Night Owl

    Masko’s fight-or-die attitude has resonated with the fans! They love him!

    Masko hauled ass up the ladder, but Medico wasn’t far behind on the opposite side. Masko threw a punch at Muerte, but the quack grabbed it. MASKO REACHED FOR THE METTLE CHAMPIONSHIP WITH HIS FREE HAND… HE GRABBED THE STRAP! MEDICO PULLED HIMSELF UP… HE SHOVED SOMETHING IN MASKO’S FACE – A WHITE CLOTH!

    Queen Bea

    What is that!? Owlie, your eyesight is bettah than mine!

    MASKO TRIED TO FIGHT HIM OFF, BUT MUERTE HELD THE RAG OVER THE EXPOSED NOSE AND MOUTH OF HIS MASK! MASKO FADED… HIS BODY WENT LIMP… MEDICO PUSHED HIM OFF THE LADDER! MASKO LANDED FLAT ON HIS BACK – HE WAS OUT COLD! MUERTE HAD CHLOROFORMED MASKO! The crowd went nuclear as Medico sat atop the ladder – unchallenged.

    Night Owl

    I hate this. I really hate this!

    The Luchadoc mockingly waved down at Masko from his perch. Standing up, he reached for the Mettle Championship. He opened the carabiner clip and took the belt – his belt now. Savouring the moment, he held the blood-spattered, sapphire title over his head. MEDICO MUERTE WAS THE FIRST-EVER METTLE CHAMPION!!!

    Medico Muerte

    Queen Bea

    Ya gotta give him props, Owlie!

    Night Owl

    El Masko showed heart, grit, and guts!

    Queen Bea

    And Medico Muerte used his brain!

    Night Owl

    Masko had determination and fighting spirit!

    Queen Bea

    Yeah, and Medico had chloroform!

    Having since climbed down, Muerte insisted that Checkmate fasten the Mettle Championship around his waist. The referee grudgingly obliged. Masko had come to and rolled onto the apron, his head hung in disappointment. He gave a small fist pump to the crowd and mouthed thank you.

    Night Owl

    New Game+ is in the history books, ladies and gentlemen. MASQ has crowned its inaugural Mettle Champion, and now we look to the year ahead!

    Join us January 10th for the premiere episode of our flagship show, Unmasked!

    Goodnight!

  • Bloody Snowflakes 2024

    Welcome

    Night Owl welcomed viewers to Arena 81 & thanked us for subscribing to MASQTV.

    He introduced himself, then coughed as a blue haze drifted over from his cigar-chomping, whiskey-downing colleague, Queen Bea, who he also dutifully introduced.

    The duo spoke in anticipation of tonight’s card, then let the proceedings begin…

    Come On and Slam

    MASQ Matchmaker, Uncle Slam, marched out to Jerry Goldsmith’s stately “The Parachutes”. The stars-and-stripes clad patriot played to the crowd en route to the Hexagon. Stepping inside, he was handed a mic to address the audience.

    Echoing the broadcasters, he expressed gratitude to those in attendance and watching from home. MASQ had been through the wringer with The Mistery; a full investigation had been launched and the company was happily cooperating.

    Freaky weather events are so last season, though, and Slam wanted to focus on the future. He’d headhunted the hottest, hungriest Masqots in the business, all of whom wanted to prove themselves and, yes, make money and win titles.

    That’s what brought everyone to Bloody Snowflakes, of course – the quarter-finals of the Mettle Championship Tournament! The finals would be held in one week’s time at New Game+.

    Slam wanted to confess to Santa: he’d been very naughty. He’d kept a secret from the Masqots; the fans deserved a reward for their loyalty, it’s Christmas, and this is what the Mettle title was all about… Every contest in the tournament was a stipulation match!

    Slam grinned at the consequent pop. He handed the ring announcer, Statocaster, some revised flashcards, then left the ring in time for the first bout…

    La Leona Del Sol

    Medico Muerte

    Medico challenged Leona to a tie-up, which the Lionhearted Luchadora accepted. Muerte used his weight advantage to monkey flip her into the corner! Del Sol staggered back into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, followed by a textbook hilo, then a baseball slide which sent her under the ropes! The Luchadoc whipped Leona into the barricade, then the steel stairs – CRASH!

    Queen Bea

    That’s no way to treat a lady – throw her harder!

    He hauled her up… BRAINBUSTER ONTO THE RING APRON! He covered for a TWO-COUNT, then threw her onto the commentary booth. Night Owl & Queen Bea quickly vacated. Muerte climbed the desk and pulled his gutsy opponent up… HURRICANRANA INTO THE CROWD BY DEL SOL! Nobody caught Medico.

    Night Owl

    I think the doctor needs a doctor!

    The Solar Sensation LEAPT FROM THE TABLE WITH A CROSSBODY ONTO THE CONCRETE! The quack struggled to his feet… A SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE OFF THE HAND RAILING earned the lioness a TWO-COUNT! Del Sol forced Medico up the bleachers with elbow strikes, until eventually they fought through a door into the concourse!

    Night Owl

    It looks like they intend to test the boundaries of Falls Count Anywhere!

    Approaching a merchandise kiosk, Leona ran up the wall and planted Muerte with a TORNADO DDT INTO A BOX OF REPLICA METTLE CHAMPIONSHIPS! The sawbones kicked out at TWO-AND-A-HALF, crawling to a neighbouring food court. Leona grabbed him but ate a LUNCH TRAY TO THE FACE!

    Queen Bea

    Eat up, cat lady!

    Medico hopped onto a table and hit the CODE BLUE sunset bomb for TWO-AND-THREE-QUARTERS! He picked up a half-eaten cheeseburger and taunted, “Junk food is bad for kitties” – BUT DEL SOL KICKED IT IN HIS FACE! They exchanged blows and threw foodstuffs at each other, working their way over to a large fountain…

    Queen Bea

    Hope youse brought your water wings!

    LEONA DUNKED MUERTE IN THE WATER WITH A WHEELBARROW BULLDOG! She vaulted off the marble sculpture with a LEONASAULT – NOBODY HOME! Spluttering water, Del Sol tossed her hair back… LETHAL INJECTION! The Luchadoc nailed the handspring cutter with a splash for the ONE, TWO, THREE!

    Night Owl

    The doctor injects himself into the semi-finals of the Mettle tournament!

    Medico Muerte

    Rotten Tomato

    Viewers were greeted by the troll face on the back of El Hijo Del Phonk’s mask. The viral luchador turned around with his phone held up, livestreaming himself. He told his legions of subscribers about a movie theatre visit earlier that day, to watch a festive family film. The Keyboard Warrior didn’t care for it, to put it mildly, trashing the script and actors involved.

    The golden visage of Wes Hollywood entered the shot, interrupting Phonk’s broadcast. Taking exception to the influencer’s critique, the thespian told him that he ought to be more respectful. Very few people, he elaborated, appreciate the discipline, artistry & sacrifice that goes into acting.

    Smirking, Phonk bit back at the anthropomorphic Oscar, asking which straight-to-DVD, bargain-basket movie he’d  ever been in. An incensed Hollywood slapped the phone out of Phonk’s hand!

    Just as the two put up their dukes, Deadbolt’s security came in and separated them.

    El Grande Malo

    El Supervillaino

    No sooner did the bell ring than Supervillaino YANKED on the bullrope, causing Malo to eat canvas. Rogue Incarnate reeled Malo in like a fish… AND DECAPITATED HIM WITH A LARIAT! Playing with his food, he scooped him up into a choke toss suplex, then drove him into the mat with a powerslam!

    Night Owl

    Hellacious power offence from Supervillaino early on!

    He threw his head back, cackled maniacally, then slapped a turnbuckle – ONE! And another – TWO! THREE! FOUR! Malo pulled the rope but ‘Villaino won the ensuing tug of war – He marched towards FIVEMALO BEAT HIM TO IT AND HIT A CROSSBODY! ‘VILLAINO CAUGHT HIM! MILITARY PRESS – MALO LANDED ON HIS FEET!

    Night Owl

    Malo has to rely on speed and agility whilst being tethered to ‘Villaino!

    The Pride of Mexico peppered Supervillaino with martial-arts kicks, then rocked him with a SUPERKICK AND LEG LARIAT! The powerhouse went over the ropes – PULLING MALO WITH HIM! Thinking fast, Malo hopped up and flattened him with a SOMERSAULT PLANCHA! Malo unhooked himself from the rope and looked back at the Hexagon.

    Queen Bea

    That’s right, ya can’t win this thing on the floor. How’s he gonna shift ‘Villaino!?

    Malo bunched up the rope and heaved the muscular ‘Villaino up the steel stairs. ONE! Malo slapped a turnbuckle. TWO! He dragged ‘Villaino along the apron. THREE! FOUR! SUPERVILLAINO STUCK HIS FOOT ON THE STEEL POST! Malo doubled back. El Maestro del Caos grabbed hold of him… MALO DOMED HIM WITH A REVERSE STO INTO THE TURNBUCKLE!

    Queen Bea

    He just knocked him into next Christmas!

    A DAZED SUPERVILLAINO, THOUGH, REFLEXIVELY HIT A CORNER CLOTHESLINE! Both men tumbled back inside the Hexagon, tangled in the bullrope. They rose to their feet and started LASHING EACH OTHER! CRACK, SNAP, SLAPWELTS APPEARED ON THEIR FLESH! ‘VILLAINO GRABBED THE COWBELL DANGLING FROM THE ROPE AND SWUNG IT AT MALO, WHO DUCKED!

    Night Owl

    He nearly got his bell rung!

    Malo hit the ropes… SÚPER ÚLTIMO ATAQUE!? ROGUE INCARNATE BLOCKED THE BUSAIKU KNEE… REVERSE PILEDRIVER – THE SUPERVILLAINO DRIVER! Malo slumped to the mat. ‘Villaino grabbed the rope and cackled as he slapped the turnbuckles. ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! Malo grabbed his ankle! Supervillaino subdued him with a kick to the face, then turned to the final corner – SIX!

    Queen Bea

    First, the Mettle title; next, world domination for Supervillaino!

    El Supervillaino

    Claws

    A battle-tested Leona sat alone on the bench in the trainer’s room after her match. Surely disappointed to be out the tournament, her head, nevertheless, was held high and she looked fiercer with her cuts and bruises.

    King Homewrecker inserted himself in the scene, swaggering up to Del Sol like a peacock spreading its feathers. He leant on the wall beside Leona, tensing his muscles. Your Mom’s Favourite Wrestler gave an insincere apology for Leona’s loss to Muerte earlier in the night, and asked if she needed a rubdown after a shower?

    Del Sol facepalmed so hard she may have concussed herself. Laughing in his face, she bet the pickup King that with such weak game, all he’d managed to wreck is a sock.

    The sting of emasculation by a woman brought the incel in Homewrecker racing to the surface. He insulted Leona’s looks, insisted that he was never into her, and asked if he could have the number to a real wildcat – her mom.

    Leona sprang to her feet and the two stood inches apart…

    The standoff was diffused when Dr. Martins entered the room, having fetched gauze for Del Sol’s wounds.

    Homewrecker pulled out of the confrontation, blowing the lioness a kiss as he left.

    El Masko

    Wes Hollywood

    Tables stood propped in the corners of the Hexagon, bridged between the apron and barricades, and erected at ringside. Wes offered his hand to Masko, who shook it – AND NEARLY GOT WHIPPED STRAIGHT INTO A TABLE! He stopped himself and chastised Hollywood for his underhandedness, who tanned his hide with lightning-fast boxing blows.

    Queen Bea

    I know who’s under that hood – it’s Sylvestah Stallone!

    A roundhouse kick to the head put Masko onto the apron, and A SPRINGBOARD TRIANGLE DROPKICK SENT HIM FLYING TO THE FLOOR, NARROWLY MISSING A TABLE! Wes slapped the rope in frustration. He stayed on him and lifted him up for a reverse suplex – but Masko flipped and landed safely on his feet!

    Night Owl

    Masko showing great athleticism and situational awareness!

    The movie star spun right into blistering chops. Masko sprung off the steel steps with a Thesz press! He dragged Hollywood to a bridged table… SUPLEX THROUGH THE TABLE – NO, WES FLIPPED IT! He lunged at Masko with a Muay Thai clinch, but Masko side-stepped it and rammed him into the announce table!

    Queen Bea

    Hey, ya dunce, our table doesn’t count!

    Heeding Queen Bea’s words, the everyman pulled Wes off the desk and shoved him under the ropes, back into the Hexagon. Following him in, Masko drilled him with a POWERBOMB! He snatched a folded table from one of the corners, WAFFLED Hollywood with it, then set it up in the middle of the ring.

    Night Owl

    MASQ tables are sturdier than IKEA’s, that’s for sure!

    Masko pulled Wes into a BACKSLIDE DRIVER, but the heavier A-lister SANDBAGGED him! Breaking free, Hollywood spun round – DRAGON SUPLEX! He kept hold of Masko… AND TOOK HIS HEAD OFF WITH A RIPCORD LARIAT! Wes adjusted the table and scooped Masko up. FIREMAN’S CARRY SIDEWALK SLAM – MASKO COUNTERED WITH AN ARM DRAG! 

    Queen Bea

    Come on, I wanna see one of youse go through a table!

    They rolled onto their feet. Kicking Hollywood low, Masko hauled him into the HONOR BOMB! WES ESCAPED THE TIGER BOMB BY STEPPING ONTO THE TOP ROPE! Perched, he and Masko locked eyes… CRUNCH! DIVING SPLASH THROUGH THE TABLE – BUT MASKO DOVE ASIDE! Hollywood lay in splintered wood as Masko celebrated.

    Night Owl

    The folk hero will fight again to uphold honour for the lawless Mettle title!

    El Masko

    Elder Abuse

    A mob of fans swarmed around what looked like a gold and green fish wearing a tailored designer suit. Coldblooded Mutanto roared with laughter as folks stared in awe and clamoured to get his autograph and have selfies taken with him – not before paying Dr. Greg, of course, who stuffed the notes in his fanny pack and played crowd control.

    Me next, me next called one voice, louder than the others. Gasps could be heard as the black, red, and white mask of El Grande Malo emerged from the throng. Mutanto glared at him as he approached.

    The Pride of Mexico asked for an autograph. Greg held out his hand, demanding $50. Politely declining, Malo explained that Mutanto owed him $50, and they could take it out of that.

    Bystanders scratched their heads and looked at each other, shrugging.

    Malo elaborated that, during his years spent training in lucha libre in Mexico, the elders of one village told him a story – a true story.

    Their settlement once did well for itself, situated on a trade route between neighbouring towns. Merchants would buy tickets to see the matches, and frequent the saloon and local businesses while they were there.

    Dr. Greg tried to usher everyone away as Mutanto’s fishy eyes looked side-to-side, but Malo continued.

    One fateful day, a gold & green devil stepped off a carriage and introduced himself. He sold the elders on lies of investing in the village. They emptied the coffers and gave him their life savings.

    He disappeared that night and they never saw him again. A storm came through shortly after and devastated the village. Now it’s a ghost town.

    Shocked and appalled, the people started booing and heckling Mutanto. The Million Dollar Monster threatened to sue Malo before storming off, with Greg running to keep up.

    Malo took over signing duties for his newfound adoring fans.

    An Apple a Day…

    Earlier in the day, prospects watched their classmate training in the ring. He hit the ropes and took a back body drop from the coach. Landing hard, he nursed his back and groaned in pain. Before the instructor could ascertain the student’s condition, a luchador with a plague mask – Medico Muerte – slid under the ropes.

    With a cursory glance at the victim, he clicked his tongue and deduced that he was badly hurt. Fetching his equipment, he didn’t administer care, but erected a market stall with a sandwich board advertising his wares.

    The tutor protested but Medico talked over him. His elevator pitch had the novices reaching for their wallets – lest they, too, chance injury – when El Masko hopped the barrier to make the save.

    Having watched the session from the bleachers, the everyman informed Medico’s would-be rubes that he’s a snake oil salesman.

    Feining outrage, Muerte gathered his things and stormed off – but not before warning Masko, “it’ll take more than an apple to keep the Luchadoc away“… 

    El Hijo Del Phonk

    Coldblooded Mutanto

    The dumpster sat flush with the ring apron at the end of the ramp. Mutanto bellowed that he’s going to TAKE OUT THE TRASH and charged at Phonk, who PULLED DOWN THE TOP ROPE! MUTANTO WENT OVERBOARD HEADFIRST – STRAIGHT FOR THE REFUSE CONTAINER! DR. GREG CLOSED THE LID JUST IN TIMEBANG! The Creature Feature rolled off in a heap.

    Night Owl

    This thing almost ended as soon as it began!

    Checkmate warned Greg that he’s out of here if he gets involved again. Phonk threw the lid open and stalked Mutanto as he recovered. The Keyboard Warrior made a beeline for him, looking to knock him in… ONLY TO BOUNCE OFF THE GIANT! Phonk landed with a splat.

    Queen Bea

    That musta been like runnin’ into a brick freakin’ wall!

    Mutanto rolled Phonk inside the Hexagon and followed. He hoisted him up for a RELEASE POWERBOMB – but Phonk LEAPT ONTO HIS FEET! He hit the ropes… Coldblooded cut him off with a STIFF LARIAT! He lifted him to his feet by the throat and hit a BIG BOOT WHICH SENT PHONK SPIRALLING INTO THE DUMPSTER!

    Night Owl

    Now Mutanto just has to close the lid on him!

    The Million Dollar Monster reached through the ropes… SMACKPHONK RATTLED HIM WITH A KEYBOARD TO THE HEAD! He must’ve stashed it in the dumpster beforehand! Keys littered the floor as Mutanto staggered back. Phonk slid under the rope – RUNNING KNEE! And another, and another! A FOURTH ONE SENT MUTANTO CARTWHEELING INTO THE DUMPSTER!

    Queen Bea 

    That fish don’t need to be thrown out yet, it’s still good!

    The most-viewed Masqot dove for the lid and SLAMMED IT SHUTCRACKRIGHT ONTO MUTANTO’S WEBBED HANDS! Having saved himself, a screaming Mutanto stood up, headbutting the lid open. Phonk stood on the apron and stunned him with kicks to the chest and head! He climbed up top… FLYING DABBING ELBOWDAB ON THE HATERS!

    Night Owl

    He just sacrificed himself in a bid to win! Can he capitalise!?

    Nursing his ribs, Phonk went to climb out… THUDDR. GREG BRAINED HIM WITH THE LID! Checkmate personally grabbed Greg by the collar and threw his ass outta here to a big pop! Mutanto and Phonk climbed out and faced each other… Mutanto roared and thundered towards him with a SPEEAAR – BUT PHONK STUCK OUT HIS LEG AND TRIPPED HIM INTO THE DUMPSTER, THEN CLOSED IT!

    Queen Bea

    Can I dislike and unsubscribe from this!? El Hijo Del Phonk goes to the semi-finals!

    El Hijo Del Phonk

    Family

    In the empty concourse of Arena 81 during the show, TRIV looked up at the big, empty photo frames on the walls pensively.

    Black horns pierced the shot, followed by the black mask and white skull symbol of El Supervillaino.

    TRIV didn’t acknowledge him. El Maestro del Caos broke the silence, reflecting on how maddening it was to know your maskline was revered, but being unable to remember why due to The Mistery…

    TRIV nodded silently.

    Rogue Incarnate chuckled and stepped forwards so that they stood shoulder-to-shoulder. He, too, looked up at the empty frames.

    They say you can’t choose your family, ‘Villaino mused – I disagree. You know better, too, he added.

    TRIV turned his head and looked at him for the first time.

    Supervillaino opined that LOS REBELDES DEL BIEN were bad… But his family would be diabolical, and he wanted TRIV to be its first member.

    TRIV contemplated. He said that he wanted to make his maskline proud and live up to his potential, but with his chequered past… He wasn’t sure what that looked like.

    The horned rogue laughed and clapped him on the back.

    Sleep on it, he advised, then left TRIV to consider his offer…

    TRIV

    King Homewrecker

    Martillo Negro de la Muerte

    Martillo stood in the centre of the ring. Even Checkmate hesitated in ordering him to a corner. The beast’s fists were clenched and his body quaked with every breath. TRIV and Homewrecker somehow caught each other’s eye around Muerte’s massive frame and shared a nod. The knight and rogue, respectively, struck up an uneasy alliance as they rushed Martillo!

    Queen Bea

    You’re gonna need an army to take this thing down!

    HE FOLDED TRIV IN HALF WITH A URANAGE, THEN TURNED KING INSIDE-OUT WITH A TILT-A-WHIRL BACKBREAKER! Martillo pulled TRIV up… RATTLEHE TOSSED HIM INTO THE CAGE! Muerte heaved up Homewrecker… CLANKHE HURLED HIM HEADFIRST INTO THE MESH! The destroyer stood tall and raised his arms.

    Night Owl

    A dominating display by Martillo, but can the superheavyweight scale the cage!?

    Answering that question, Muerte started climbing the structure, which bowed under his mass! TRIV shook off the cobwebs and ran to the cage. ‘Wrecker called him, and he turned round. He offered his hands, and Your Mom’s Favourite Wrestler VAULTED OFF THEM… SPRINGBOARD REVERSE DDT OFF THE CAGE WALL! The Hexagon and cage trembled as Martillo hit the canvas!

    Queen Bea

    Uncle Slam is gonna wanna put Rent-a-Ring on speed dial!

    TRIV held out a hand. King took it, pulling himself up. TRIV motioned for them to pick up Muerte together, and bent down… PILEDRIVER BY ‘WRECKER! The crowd gave it to King with both barrels, who dished it right back. He started ascending the cage – but Martillo rose to his feet!

    Night Owl

    I don’t like Homewrecker’s short-term health prospects!

    Muerte advanced on ‘Wrecker, who bailed on his escape plan – CROSSBODY OFF THE CAGE… MARTILLO CAUGHT HIM WITH A SPINNING SPINEBUSTER! King sat bolt upright, flexing his fingers, before slowly sinking down! The harbinger eyed the cage – but TRIV soldiered to his feet! He ran at Muerte… PUMPHANDLE NECKBREAKER – TRIV COUNTERED WITH A HEADSCISSORS! CLATTER!

    Night Owl

    Martillo goes facefirst into the steel!

    TRIV DOUBLE-TAPPED HIM WITH A DROPKICK RATTLE! Martillo turned round groggily. Chop, chop, chop – TRIV swung at him like a lumberjack with a hatchet! The tenacious journeyman tore into the ropes and rebounded with a clothesline! A second, a third clothesline – still the bad omen wouldn’t go down!

    Queen Bea

    I don’t like him, but he’s sure showin’ mettle!

    Muerte threw a LARIAT at TRIV, who ducked it and went behind with a waistlock. He didn’t stand a chance of lifting the superheavyweight – not without help… CORNER MISSILE DROPKICK BY HOMEWRECKER! The momentum sent Martillo backwards into a GERMAN SUPLEX BY TRIV! King immediately followed with a CORNER SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT – DOUBLE-TEAM BACKDOOR MAN!

    Night Owl

    Homewrecker is back in the picture, and he just turned the tide!

    TRIV raced to his feet to meet ‘Wrecker. The rogue shrugged as if to say yeah, I know, then extended a hand. TRIV shook it – the band was back! TRIV PULLED HIM INTO A PICTURE-PERFECT ARM DRAG! King reared back… ANOTHER ARM DRAG, THEN A THIRD! TRIV held out his arms, asking do you think I’m that stupid!?

    Queen Bea

    TRIV just killed any chance either of ‘em had at winnin’ this thing!

    He stepped back – bumping right into Martillo. He hung his head and sighed, crapHE SPUN ROUND WITH A RIGHT HAND – MUERTE BLOCKED IT! He pulled him into a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Homewrecker came at him… OVERHEAD BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX – KING LANDED ON TOP OF TRIV! Martillo pulled at his mane and screamed in bloodlust!

    Night Owl

    I think the berserker is about to kill them both, period!

    Muerte dragged Homewrecker to his feet. He lifted him in a torture rack, then spun him out with a TOWER HACKER BOMB – DESTRUCTOR DEL TITÁN! Martillo grabbed TRIV next… PACKAGE PILEDRIVER – CAZADOR DE ALMAS! He nailed a back-to-back signature and finisher on both opponents! The kaiju shook the ropes and stomped the mat, then headed for the cage.

    Queen Bea

    If he goes to night two, you might as well retire the Mettle belt now – cos he’ll win it and nevah, evah lose it!

    Muerte climbed the enclosure once more. His boot slipped and its fur got snagged as one of the chain links broke, but he steadied himself. Reaching the top, he pulled himself up and swung his leg over to straddle the cage – HOMEWRECKER WALL-RAN UP IT… FRANKEN-FREAKIN’-STEINERRRR OFF THE TOP OF THE CAAAGE!

    Night Owl

    ARE YOU KIDDING ME!?

    Queen Bea

    HOLY [bleep]!

    The fans came unglued for the breathtaking manoeuvre! TRIV stared at the carnage on the mat in front of him – even he had to give King props for that. Snapping out of it, he went to climb the cage… But stopped. He looked over his shoulder, sighed, and went back.

    Night Owl

    TRIV is helping Homewrecker to his feet!

    He slapped ‘Wrecker on the chest, nodded at one side of the cage, then the other. His body language said, you earned it, and he can’t stop both of us. King nodded, and limped over to his side. TRIV followed suit on the opposite side. Martillo resurrected himself like an unstoppable slasher villain.

    Queen Bea

    It’s like watchin’ one of them nature shows! Which one is he gonna eat!?

    The weapon of mass destruction honed in on TRIV – the faster climber. He lurched over to him… MUERTE SNATCHED HIS ANKLE! TRIV turned – kick, kick, kick… MARTILLO PULLED HIM INTO HIS CLUTCHES! HE CARRIED HIM ACROSS THE RING… OVERHEAD BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX! HE LOBBED TRIV INTO HOMEWRECKER LIKE A CANNONBALL!

    Night Owl

    This is human devastation!

    Both men grated down the fencing and landed in a tangled mess between the cage and ropes. Battered and bruised, they slowly pulled themselves up and raised their heads together. Muerte sized them up and RAN FULL TILT TOWARDS THEM… WHAT WAS HE THINKING!? CRASH!

    Night Owl

    THE CAGE WALL HAS COLLAPSED! I REPEAT, THE CAGE IS BROKEN!

    Queen Bea

    WE JUST CAME BACK AND NOW OSHA ARE GONNA SHUT US DOWN!

    Crimson Mask, Ringside EMT, immediately motioned to the back to send more help as he tended to the competitors, all of whom lay on the floor, having rolled or slid down the fallen cage panel. Checkmate climbed down to assist; Dr. Martins, Deadbolt, and a legion of his security flooded the ringside; Uncle Slam came out, the furrowed brow of his mask betraying his concern.

    The Matchmaker whispered into Checkmate’s ear. The Head Referee replied and, when pressed, nodded with conviction. Slam patted him on the back and jogged over to Statocaster, the Ring Announcer. Similarly, he whispered into his ear. ‘Caster nodded, raised his mic and made the announcement to Arena 81 at large…

    Statocaster

    Ladies and gentlemen, Head Referee, Checkmate, has confirmed that he saw which competitor first made contact with the floor, therefore having escaped the cage and won the match!

    Night Owl

    Here we go – who advances!?

    Queen Bea

    Are they even gonna be able to show up next week!?

    Statocaster

    The winner of the match, advancing to New Game+ in the Mettle Championship tournament is…

    Martillo Negro de la Muerte!

    Martillo Negro de la Muerte

    Rampage

    The wrecking ball, however, didn’t raise his hands or celebrate in any other way… URANAGE TO CRIMSON MASK! MARTILLO LAID OUT THE FREAKIN’ EMT! The crowd gasped in shock. MUERTE TOSSED A CAMERAMAN OVER THE DAMN BARRICADE! WHAT WAS HE DOING!? The ringside erupted into carnage. Deadbolt ordered his security personnel to subdue the hulking warlord…

    BIG BOOT, CLOTHESLINE, HEADBUTT! OVERHEAD BELLY-TO-BELLY, SPINEBUSTER, POWERSLAM! DEADBOLT’S SECURITY FLEW THROUGH THE AIR ONE-BY-ONE! The last of their ranks stepped up to the human bulldozer… DESTRUCTOR DEL TITÁN – TOWER HACKER BOMB THROUGH THE COMMENTARY DESK! MUERTE HAMMERED HIS CHEST AND ROARED! WHO WAS NEXT!?

    DEADBOLT, A SUPERHEAVYWEIGHT HIMSELF, TOOK OFF HIS JACKET AND STEPPED TOWARDS MUERTE! Uncle Slam held his arm out, telling him to stand down. The audience boo’d, chanting LET THEM FIGHT, LET THEM FIGHT! Knowing they were watching from gorilla, an exasperated Slam commanded every Masqot in the back to get out here and deal with this now – or be fired!

    Reinforcements came running out, but the rampaging Martillo had already parted the crowd like the Red Sea and was heading for the exits, no doubt looking to level Masqopolis itself!

    Night Owl

    … Am I on!? Can you hear me now!? I don’t know what to say, folks… It is anarchy at ringside! Bodies are strewn everywhere!

    Queen Bea

    Doesn’t this place run background checks!? Martillo is a [bleep] lunatic!

    Night Owl

    What is Uncle Slam going to do about this!? Is Martillo still in the tournament!?

    We’re out of time, folks! If we’re even on the air after this, tune in for New Game+ next week!

    Queen Bea

    Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals!

    Fade to black & roll credits.