Banhammer
ft. Uncle Slam
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.
Mettle tournament semi-final
Last Masqot Standing
El Masko
vs.
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 STEPS – RUMBLE! 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 DESK – CRUMPLE! 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… THUD – MASKO DROPKICKED THEM! THEY LANDED ON TOP OF VILLAINO, WHO WAS TRAPPED FOR THE TEN-COUNT!
Night Owl
Masko showing superhuman resilience and resourcefulness!
winner
El Masko
Part
ft. Wes Hollywood
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
ft. La Leona Del Sol & King Homewrecker
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
ft. Uncle Slam & Martillo Negro de la Muerte
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…
Mettle tournament semi-final
triple threat inferno
El Hijo Del Phonk
vs.
Medico Muerte
vs.
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… SNAP – MEDICO 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 FIRE – MEDICO 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!
winner
Medico Muerte
Burning Hammer
ft. Martillo Negro de la Muerte
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
ft. El Grande Malo & Coldblooded Mutanto
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
ft. El Masko & Medico Muerte
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
ft. TRIV & El Supervillaino
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…
CRACK – VILLAINO CLOBBERED HIM WITH A STEEL CHAIR! SMACK, SMACK, SMACK – HE 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…
SHATTER – VILLAINO 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.
Mettle tournament final
Mettle Championship
Ladder
El Masko
vs.
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… THUD – BELLY-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 HIM – CRACK!
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 DIVE – SMACK! 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! CRUNCH – MEDICO 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… CLATTER – HE 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!!!
winner & first 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!