Post by gzavadak on May 28, 2013 2:12:09 GMT -5
Introduction
The first round battle royal to determine seeding in the Second Annual Trans-Atlantic Cup Tournament had come and gone. Representatives from the top promotions across the country all stepped into the squared circle at one time to determine the first round matchups in one of the most talked about tournaments that will take place throughout all of 2013.
The self-proclaimed shock trooper working off of God’s divine agenda for humanity did have a shining moment. At one point, Reverend Jerry Matthews had succeeded in laying out nearly the entire competitive field with a steel chair, leveling Mephisto, C.J. Gates, Valentine Lionheart and Hunter Maverick leaving him as the last man standing for the moment. However, in a moment that truly symbolizes the plight a faithful Christian must endure in today’s world, the prophet was eliminated by one of his fallen victims in Hunter Maverick. Simply taking a moment to pray for the soul of one of his opponents had dire consequences.
But, this also set up one of the most intriguing matchups of the entire first round, perhaps a showstealer that will set the pace of the entire tournament. A matchup where tempers have already started to boil over due to a confrontation that has received much coverage by the wrestling industry’s Internet blogosphere, periodicals and dirt sheets:
Taken from SP Backstage Pass:
“As has been noted, a few SHOOT soliders have been working as part of T-ACT (Trans Atlantic Cup Tournament), an international tournament being housed by our friends across the pond. In an interesting story that seemed to go oddly unreported on, During the contract signings for the round two matches of the T-ACT Tournament, sources say that things got heated between SHOOT Project's Sin City Champion, Jacob Mephisto and his round two opponent, PCW's Platinum Champion, Reverend Jerry Matthews.
An anonymous T-ACT Official, who was on hand during the signings, stated that moments after the two signed their contract, they were asked to pose for publicity photos. During the "stare down" pose, Mr. Mephisto smirked and said something (it is as yet unclear what he said) to Mr. Matthews, prompting the latter to shove Mr. Mephisto. SHOOT Project's Sin City Champion simply smirked before slapping Mr. Matthews across the face, prompting a scuffle between the two. They were quickly separated and removed from the room.
Rumors are swirling about possible fines being levied against both men, but nothing has been confirmed at this point. One thing is certain, the match between the two men at Wembley Stadium during the second round of the T-ACT Tournament is sure to be entertaining at the very least.
This coming Monday, May 27, 2013 will be yet another faceoff in the longest ongoing conflict of ideologies in human history. One where an ordained man of God, a man who has dedicated his entire life and purpose to doing the Lord’s work of saving humanity from an eternity spent in hellfire and brimstone against a man who subscribes to the exact kind of secular atheism that seeks to keep religion out of the everyday scope, a man who blames the very deity his opponent serves for the horrible childhood that he seeks to forget on nearly every occasion. There is no telling what kind of violence and atrocities will be committed when a single incendiary remark caused such a spat of bedlam to break out at an ordinary contract signing. And, in this contest, more will be on the line than simple bragging rights or who is the superior champion. It is about whose mindset and agenda will come out as the correct one, as gospel and truth if you will. No doubt Wembley Stadium will be rocking, and surely, the tens of thousands of spectators will witness history….
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene – Tower of London, London, England, May 23, 2013
The scene opens to the top of the battlements of the Tower of London in London, England. The sun is shining through a layer of white puffy cumulus clouds, and a warm breeze cools off the city’s inhabitants on this picturesque spring afternoon. A group of people are being led across the battlements by a woman dressed in medieval clothing, a long flowing blue gown complete with a corset and a large ornamental wig. Her face is powdered heavily with rouge, and her cheeks are a distinct red due to the rest of the foundation she has applied.
The group of people she is leading across the battlements is quite large, and mostly foreign. Many of them appear to be Japanese or Chinese in ancestry, and many are wearing visors and carrying large cameras around their necks. Occasionally during their walk, one will pause and take a picture of the London skyline from the top of the castle walls. A notable pair stands out from the rest of the group, however, sticking out like a sore thumb. This is because the masked pastor, the Reverend Jerry Matthews and his spiritual liaison Deacon Jeremiah Robinson have apparently come to a conscious decision to take in the sights with the rest of the common, sinful rabble. Matthews is sporting his Phantom of the Opera style mask adorned with the black crucifix, as well as his usual white cotton suit and black shirt combo. Deacon Jeremiah is wearing a black suit and white dress shirt, and is sporting a pair of black sunglasses to shield his eyes so that he may better come to observe his surroundings.
The tour group comes when they come to a corner of the battlements where the top of the castle wall meets up with one of the towers. The medievally attired tour guide begins to address the group she has been assigned to chaperone.
Tour Guide: Well, ladies and gentlemen, here we are. The Tower of London. Easily one of the most famous prisons the world has ever known. For centuries, this castle has served as the final residence of many of England’s most infamous prisoners, from social dissenters to religious figures that stood accused of heresy, to even the unlucky relative of the reigning monarch who may have made the ever misguided decision to stir the pot. Now, if you’ll follow me, we can properly begin our tour of the castle.
The tour guide turns on a dime, and seeks to lead the tour group further along the battlements. As the rest of the group goes to follow the tour guide, Matthews and Jeremiah notice that the tower the rest of the tour group is passing has a door, a potential entrance to the prison itself. Matthews and Jeremiah play along as if they plan on following, but stop short at the door. Matthews stands guard while Jeremiah tries the knob. The door opens without protest, and the pair descend down a dark stairway lit only by a few torches further into the tower.
At the bottom of the stairway, Matthews and Jeremiah find themselves in a narrow hallway. On either side of the hallway, the pair find several old, no longer used jail cells lining the hallway. Matthews peers down the hallway and listens for any others that may be in the vicinity. His ears are met only by a stale breeze that carries the age and history of the castle with it. He and Jeremiah examine the first cell on the right. The old wooden door on its front has a small slit in it, one that no doubt was witness to many cries of mercy seeking freedom, cries of innocence, and that also more than likely bore the final messages some people ever heard. The door is cracked open, and a small amount of daylight sneaks through, possibly from a window within it. Matthews and Jeremiah make their way into the cell, and Jeremiah props the door to make sure they have an avenue of escape if need be.
The inside of the cell does indeed contain a single window marked by a number of metal bars that were meant to discourage any possible attempt at escape. There is also a single pair of chains on the wall, with matching wristlets meant to detain the cell’s occupant. Upon seeing this, a small tear begins to fall down Matthews’ right cheek. Upon seeing this, Jeremiah asks his mentor a question.
Jeremiah: Reverend, what’s the matter?
Matthews wipes the tear away with his left hand before answering.
Matthews: Nothing crazy, Jeremiah. Just thinking about all of the good Protestants that no doubt had to suffer in these very walls during the theological struggles that plagued this country with the Catholics. Do you have any idea how much history we are standing on right now?
Jeremiah thinks for a second, and shrugs his shoulders.
Matthews: Well, just to give you an idea of the kind of people that were imprisoned here, let me give you a quick tale. Are you familiar with the story of Thomas Cranmer, a former Archbishop of Canterbury?
Jeremiah: No, Reverend, I’m not.
Matthews: Well, Cranmer was a former Archbishop, and a very influential one at that. He was a man who was very instrumental in shaping the church into how we know it today. He served under King Henry VIII, one of England’s most storied kings, who sought to get out of his marriage to his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Unfortunately for the king, he was not in the favor of that blasted pontiff in Rome, and the pope refused to give him his blessing for an annulment. It was Cranmer who first started to build the king’s case for annulment.
Jeremiah strokes his chin contemplatively as the pastor continues.
Matthews: King Henry later seceded from the Catholic Church, and formed the Church of England, making Cranmer one of the more influential leaders of the new body. He wrote several religious texts that helped to reshape the country’s faith once the break was complete. However, Henry’s older daughter, Queen Mary I, was a Catholic, and didn’t share her father’s hatred for Rome and its pontiff. As a result, she had Cranmer jailed on charges of heresy in 1553, and he was later burned at the stake in 1554. A man who did so much good for Christianity was burned at the stake like a common heretic. All because his faith didn’t coincide with that of his monarch. I think this is a story we can all learn a lesson from, especially given how we are forced to live with our faith today. In a world where gays marry, countless people are addicted to drugs that hinder their ability to think clearly, marriage is no longer the sacred institution it used to be, and broken families are the norm. But, enough of that. Did you bring the ordinance that I requested?
Jeremiah simply nods and reaches into his jacket. Matthews removes his suit jacket and places it on the floor. He then begins to unbutton his dress shirt as Jeremiah pulls out a cat o’ ninetails. Matthews by now has removed his shirt and is now standing bare-chested. He places out an outstretched hand towards his right hand man, who kindly hands over the weapon. Matthews gestures toward him, and Jeremiah exits the cell, leaving Matthews alone in the cell. Matthews then gets down on his knees and prepares to say a prayer.
Matthews: Holy Father, please hear my prayer. Please forgive me for the vast amount of hubris that I showed last week prior to the opening battle royal of the Trans-Atlantic Cup Tournament. When I was ambushed from behind while praying for the forgiveness of others, I alone left myself responsible for the fate that I suffered. But, fear not, for I have seen your plan, and it is one that I understand. A chance to vanquish the heathen of all heathens in Jacob Mephisto, a self-avowed atheist who refuses to properly acknowledge that he is the one to blame for the misfortunes that he has experienced in life, a man who uses his own liberal brand of secular atheism to manipulate the weak into forwarding his own agenda, one that seeks to tear down everything that you have spent countless millennia putting into shape. Please, grant me the strength to dispatch this ever treacherous enemy, and allow me to once again become one of the most favored of the faithful once again. In your name I pray, Amen.
Matthews ends his prayer, and then picks up his left hand which is holding the cat o’ ninetails. He examines it carefully, and then begins to utter some more words, which after a few moments become apparent that they are a version of the Apostle’s Creed.
Matthews: I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth….
The preacher then raises the hand yielding the cat o’ ninetails. He then brings it down fiercely at a sharp angle down across his back. He lets out a scream of pain as he does so, and the medieval torture weapon leaves a clear red line across his back. He then continues.
Matthews: …and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost…..
Matthews brings down the cat o’ninetails again. Once again, he screams in pain and another line is left across his back.
Matthews: …..suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucifed, dead and buried….
A third time he whips himself, as the cat o’ ninetails cracks once again and is followed by a scream.
Matthews: ….He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty…
Again, another crack and another scream, this one notably less fierce as the first few. And so it continues until Matthews finishes the creed, and whips himself another five times. A symbolic number of nine scars mark his back, one for each competitor that finished ahead of him in the opening round battle royal. Once he has finished the ritual, he remains on his knees, his back bloodied and breathing very heavily. He puts forth a serious effort, and is able to rise to his feet after much hesitation. He then turns to the camera and begins to address it.
Matthews: Even a man like myself with the many years I’ve spent in the ministry of the Lord isn’t always able to see the bigger picture without a considerable amount of time spent in self-reflection and meditation. Needless to say, I was very upset with myself when I was one of the earlier competitors eliminated last week in Madison Square Garden. I began to ask myself a serious number of questions, ones like why would God seek to allow one of his most trusted servants from coming up short of the goal that he sought, the tournament’s number one seed and the chance to choose the match type where he could have his way with the competitor unlucky enough to be the other side of the matchup.
Matthews tosses the cat o’ ninetails against the wall. He then leans up against the wall and continues to look into the camera.
Matthews: But, after a careful perusal of the field, it became evidently clear why the dominoes fell as they did.
Matthews lets out a deep breath and continues his rant.
Matthews: Of all the wrestlers in this tournament, none more so conflict with my belief set and ideology than one Jacob Mephisto, the Sin City Champion of SHOOT Project. A man that went out of his way to curse the name of the God that I serve, calling him nothing more than invisible, and a mere figment of my imagination. A man who was raised Catholic and still proceeded to walk the path that he has chosen. A man who lacks the necessary epiphany necessary to become a member of the saved: coming to the self-realization that you, and you alone not God, are to blame for the misfortunes that might befall you on any given day. God didn’t make Jacob’s father beat him mercilessly or take up an addiction to the bottle. Nor did he curse Jacob with a sister who received all of his father’s attention. He put Jacob into this situation to see how he would deal with adversity. And, needless to say, he failed in every aspect of the word.
Matthews wipes the sweat from his brow.
Matthews: Jacob, you aren’t the only one that has experienced misfortune in your life. My mother passed away during childbirth, leaving my father alone to raise me. And he did so until the fateful day where I saw a man who had spent years posing as a family friend, a man who was simply seeking an advance for his next fix of heroin, murder him cold blood, slicing him from ear to ear with a butterfly knife. On that day, I could’ve cursed the good names of the Father and the Son and taken up a path similar to the one you have chosen. But, I didn’t. I instead used it as a reason to become more steadfast in my faith, and as a result, I’ve never been more successful. And God himself imbued me with the will and the power to gain revenge on the murderer himself in due time.
Matthews goes into a crouch on the wall and blood from his back begins to mark the wall.
Matthews: You are a man that prides yourself on manipulating the weak to accomplish your own ends. But, let me be the first to assure you, you aren’t the only one who is adept at such an art. Most recently, I cast aside two of my other associates, Harbinger and Pestilence, who I had been using as pawns in my ongoing struggle with Ryan “The Reaper” Robinson and Team Lethality over the PCW Platinum Championship. They were former convicts who I had “re-educated” to become useful disciples. Men who served as foot soldiers in my war against sin. But, after fulfilling their purpose, I left both men laying to the point where they were stretchered out of the arena. Such is the fate of the weak.
Mephisto, in a few days, you will share a similar fate as Harbinger and Pestilence. You hide behind feelings of atheism and apathy, afraid to acknowledge your own inner weaknesses. I will take advantage of these weaknesses, and notch another victory in the name of God when we meet in Wembley Stadium. The Word of the Lord, Thanks Be to God.
Matthews rises and steps near the chains on the wall. He crosses himself, and places the wristlets on himself, chaining himself to the wall. He signals to Jeremiah who then shuts the door. The scene then fades to black.
The first round battle royal to determine seeding in the Second Annual Trans-Atlantic Cup Tournament had come and gone. Representatives from the top promotions across the country all stepped into the squared circle at one time to determine the first round matchups in one of the most talked about tournaments that will take place throughout all of 2013.
The self-proclaimed shock trooper working off of God’s divine agenda for humanity did have a shining moment. At one point, Reverend Jerry Matthews had succeeded in laying out nearly the entire competitive field with a steel chair, leveling Mephisto, C.J. Gates, Valentine Lionheart and Hunter Maverick leaving him as the last man standing for the moment. However, in a moment that truly symbolizes the plight a faithful Christian must endure in today’s world, the prophet was eliminated by one of his fallen victims in Hunter Maverick. Simply taking a moment to pray for the soul of one of his opponents had dire consequences.
But, this also set up one of the most intriguing matchups of the entire first round, perhaps a showstealer that will set the pace of the entire tournament. A matchup where tempers have already started to boil over due to a confrontation that has received much coverage by the wrestling industry’s Internet blogosphere, periodicals and dirt sheets:
Taken from SP Backstage Pass:
“As has been noted, a few SHOOT soliders have been working as part of T-ACT (Trans Atlantic Cup Tournament), an international tournament being housed by our friends across the pond. In an interesting story that seemed to go oddly unreported on, During the contract signings for the round two matches of the T-ACT Tournament, sources say that things got heated between SHOOT Project's Sin City Champion, Jacob Mephisto and his round two opponent, PCW's Platinum Champion, Reverend Jerry Matthews.
An anonymous T-ACT Official, who was on hand during the signings, stated that moments after the two signed their contract, they were asked to pose for publicity photos. During the "stare down" pose, Mr. Mephisto smirked and said something (it is as yet unclear what he said) to Mr. Matthews, prompting the latter to shove Mr. Mephisto. SHOOT Project's Sin City Champion simply smirked before slapping Mr. Matthews across the face, prompting a scuffle between the two. They were quickly separated and removed from the room.
Rumors are swirling about possible fines being levied against both men, but nothing has been confirmed at this point. One thing is certain, the match between the two men at Wembley Stadium during the second round of the T-ACT Tournament is sure to be entertaining at the very least.
This coming Monday, May 27, 2013 will be yet another faceoff in the longest ongoing conflict of ideologies in human history. One where an ordained man of God, a man who has dedicated his entire life and purpose to doing the Lord’s work of saving humanity from an eternity spent in hellfire and brimstone against a man who subscribes to the exact kind of secular atheism that seeks to keep religion out of the everyday scope, a man who blames the very deity his opponent serves for the horrible childhood that he seeks to forget on nearly every occasion. There is no telling what kind of violence and atrocities will be committed when a single incendiary remark caused such a spat of bedlam to break out at an ordinary contract signing. And, in this contest, more will be on the line than simple bragging rights or who is the superior champion. It is about whose mindset and agenda will come out as the correct one, as gospel and truth if you will. No doubt Wembley Stadium will be rocking, and surely, the tens of thousands of spectators will witness history….
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene – Tower of London, London, England, May 23, 2013
The scene opens to the top of the battlements of the Tower of London in London, England. The sun is shining through a layer of white puffy cumulus clouds, and a warm breeze cools off the city’s inhabitants on this picturesque spring afternoon. A group of people are being led across the battlements by a woman dressed in medieval clothing, a long flowing blue gown complete with a corset and a large ornamental wig. Her face is powdered heavily with rouge, and her cheeks are a distinct red due to the rest of the foundation she has applied.
The group of people she is leading across the battlements is quite large, and mostly foreign. Many of them appear to be Japanese or Chinese in ancestry, and many are wearing visors and carrying large cameras around their necks. Occasionally during their walk, one will pause and take a picture of the London skyline from the top of the castle walls. A notable pair stands out from the rest of the group, however, sticking out like a sore thumb. This is because the masked pastor, the Reverend Jerry Matthews and his spiritual liaison Deacon Jeremiah Robinson have apparently come to a conscious decision to take in the sights with the rest of the common, sinful rabble. Matthews is sporting his Phantom of the Opera style mask adorned with the black crucifix, as well as his usual white cotton suit and black shirt combo. Deacon Jeremiah is wearing a black suit and white dress shirt, and is sporting a pair of black sunglasses to shield his eyes so that he may better come to observe his surroundings.
The tour group comes when they come to a corner of the battlements where the top of the castle wall meets up with one of the towers. The medievally attired tour guide begins to address the group she has been assigned to chaperone.
Tour Guide: Well, ladies and gentlemen, here we are. The Tower of London. Easily one of the most famous prisons the world has ever known. For centuries, this castle has served as the final residence of many of England’s most infamous prisoners, from social dissenters to religious figures that stood accused of heresy, to even the unlucky relative of the reigning monarch who may have made the ever misguided decision to stir the pot. Now, if you’ll follow me, we can properly begin our tour of the castle.
The tour guide turns on a dime, and seeks to lead the tour group further along the battlements. As the rest of the group goes to follow the tour guide, Matthews and Jeremiah notice that the tower the rest of the tour group is passing has a door, a potential entrance to the prison itself. Matthews and Jeremiah play along as if they plan on following, but stop short at the door. Matthews stands guard while Jeremiah tries the knob. The door opens without protest, and the pair descend down a dark stairway lit only by a few torches further into the tower.
At the bottom of the stairway, Matthews and Jeremiah find themselves in a narrow hallway. On either side of the hallway, the pair find several old, no longer used jail cells lining the hallway. Matthews peers down the hallway and listens for any others that may be in the vicinity. His ears are met only by a stale breeze that carries the age and history of the castle with it. He and Jeremiah examine the first cell on the right. The old wooden door on its front has a small slit in it, one that no doubt was witness to many cries of mercy seeking freedom, cries of innocence, and that also more than likely bore the final messages some people ever heard. The door is cracked open, and a small amount of daylight sneaks through, possibly from a window within it. Matthews and Jeremiah make their way into the cell, and Jeremiah props the door to make sure they have an avenue of escape if need be.
The inside of the cell does indeed contain a single window marked by a number of metal bars that were meant to discourage any possible attempt at escape. There is also a single pair of chains on the wall, with matching wristlets meant to detain the cell’s occupant. Upon seeing this, a small tear begins to fall down Matthews’ right cheek. Upon seeing this, Jeremiah asks his mentor a question.
Jeremiah: Reverend, what’s the matter?
Matthews wipes the tear away with his left hand before answering.
Matthews: Nothing crazy, Jeremiah. Just thinking about all of the good Protestants that no doubt had to suffer in these very walls during the theological struggles that plagued this country with the Catholics. Do you have any idea how much history we are standing on right now?
Jeremiah thinks for a second, and shrugs his shoulders.
Matthews: Well, just to give you an idea of the kind of people that were imprisoned here, let me give you a quick tale. Are you familiar with the story of Thomas Cranmer, a former Archbishop of Canterbury?
Jeremiah: No, Reverend, I’m not.
Matthews: Well, Cranmer was a former Archbishop, and a very influential one at that. He was a man who was very instrumental in shaping the church into how we know it today. He served under King Henry VIII, one of England’s most storied kings, who sought to get out of his marriage to his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Unfortunately for the king, he was not in the favor of that blasted pontiff in Rome, and the pope refused to give him his blessing for an annulment. It was Cranmer who first started to build the king’s case for annulment.
Jeremiah strokes his chin contemplatively as the pastor continues.
Matthews: King Henry later seceded from the Catholic Church, and formed the Church of England, making Cranmer one of the more influential leaders of the new body. He wrote several religious texts that helped to reshape the country’s faith once the break was complete. However, Henry’s older daughter, Queen Mary I, was a Catholic, and didn’t share her father’s hatred for Rome and its pontiff. As a result, she had Cranmer jailed on charges of heresy in 1553, and he was later burned at the stake in 1554. A man who did so much good for Christianity was burned at the stake like a common heretic. All because his faith didn’t coincide with that of his monarch. I think this is a story we can all learn a lesson from, especially given how we are forced to live with our faith today. In a world where gays marry, countless people are addicted to drugs that hinder their ability to think clearly, marriage is no longer the sacred institution it used to be, and broken families are the norm. But, enough of that. Did you bring the ordinance that I requested?
Jeremiah simply nods and reaches into his jacket. Matthews removes his suit jacket and places it on the floor. He then begins to unbutton his dress shirt as Jeremiah pulls out a cat o’ ninetails. Matthews by now has removed his shirt and is now standing bare-chested. He places out an outstretched hand towards his right hand man, who kindly hands over the weapon. Matthews gestures toward him, and Jeremiah exits the cell, leaving Matthews alone in the cell. Matthews then gets down on his knees and prepares to say a prayer.
Matthews: Holy Father, please hear my prayer. Please forgive me for the vast amount of hubris that I showed last week prior to the opening battle royal of the Trans-Atlantic Cup Tournament. When I was ambushed from behind while praying for the forgiveness of others, I alone left myself responsible for the fate that I suffered. But, fear not, for I have seen your plan, and it is one that I understand. A chance to vanquish the heathen of all heathens in Jacob Mephisto, a self-avowed atheist who refuses to properly acknowledge that he is the one to blame for the misfortunes that he has experienced in life, a man who uses his own liberal brand of secular atheism to manipulate the weak into forwarding his own agenda, one that seeks to tear down everything that you have spent countless millennia putting into shape. Please, grant me the strength to dispatch this ever treacherous enemy, and allow me to once again become one of the most favored of the faithful once again. In your name I pray, Amen.
Matthews ends his prayer, and then picks up his left hand which is holding the cat o’ ninetails. He examines it carefully, and then begins to utter some more words, which after a few moments become apparent that they are a version of the Apostle’s Creed.
Matthews: I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth….
The preacher then raises the hand yielding the cat o’ ninetails. He then brings it down fiercely at a sharp angle down across his back. He lets out a scream of pain as he does so, and the medieval torture weapon leaves a clear red line across his back. He then continues.
Matthews: …and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost…..
Matthews brings down the cat o’ninetails again. Once again, he screams in pain and another line is left across his back.
Matthews: …..suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucifed, dead and buried….
A third time he whips himself, as the cat o’ ninetails cracks once again and is followed by a scream.
Matthews: ….He descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty…
Again, another crack and another scream, this one notably less fierce as the first few. And so it continues until Matthews finishes the creed, and whips himself another five times. A symbolic number of nine scars mark his back, one for each competitor that finished ahead of him in the opening round battle royal. Once he has finished the ritual, he remains on his knees, his back bloodied and breathing very heavily. He puts forth a serious effort, and is able to rise to his feet after much hesitation. He then turns to the camera and begins to address it.
Matthews: Even a man like myself with the many years I’ve spent in the ministry of the Lord isn’t always able to see the bigger picture without a considerable amount of time spent in self-reflection and meditation. Needless to say, I was very upset with myself when I was one of the earlier competitors eliminated last week in Madison Square Garden. I began to ask myself a serious number of questions, ones like why would God seek to allow one of his most trusted servants from coming up short of the goal that he sought, the tournament’s number one seed and the chance to choose the match type where he could have his way with the competitor unlucky enough to be the other side of the matchup.
Matthews tosses the cat o’ ninetails against the wall. He then leans up against the wall and continues to look into the camera.
Matthews: But, after a careful perusal of the field, it became evidently clear why the dominoes fell as they did.
Matthews lets out a deep breath and continues his rant.
Matthews: Of all the wrestlers in this tournament, none more so conflict with my belief set and ideology than one Jacob Mephisto, the Sin City Champion of SHOOT Project. A man that went out of his way to curse the name of the God that I serve, calling him nothing more than invisible, and a mere figment of my imagination. A man who was raised Catholic and still proceeded to walk the path that he has chosen. A man who lacks the necessary epiphany necessary to become a member of the saved: coming to the self-realization that you, and you alone not God, are to blame for the misfortunes that might befall you on any given day. God didn’t make Jacob’s father beat him mercilessly or take up an addiction to the bottle. Nor did he curse Jacob with a sister who received all of his father’s attention. He put Jacob into this situation to see how he would deal with adversity. And, needless to say, he failed in every aspect of the word.
Matthews wipes the sweat from his brow.
Matthews: Jacob, you aren’t the only one that has experienced misfortune in your life. My mother passed away during childbirth, leaving my father alone to raise me. And he did so until the fateful day where I saw a man who had spent years posing as a family friend, a man who was simply seeking an advance for his next fix of heroin, murder him cold blood, slicing him from ear to ear with a butterfly knife. On that day, I could’ve cursed the good names of the Father and the Son and taken up a path similar to the one you have chosen. But, I didn’t. I instead used it as a reason to become more steadfast in my faith, and as a result, I’ve never been more successful. And God himself imbued me with the will and the power to gain revenge on the murderer himself in due time.
Matthews goes into a crouch on the wall and blood from his back begins to mark the wall.
Matthews: You are a man that prides yourself on manipulating the weak to accomplish your own ends. But, let me be the first to assure you, you aren’t the only one who is adept at such an art. Most recently, I cast aside two of my other associates, Harbinger and Pestilence, who I had been using as pawns in my ongoing struggle with Ryan “The Reaper” Robinson and Team Lethality over the PCW Platinum Championship. They were former convicts who I had “re-educated” to become useful disciples. Men who served as foot soldiers in my war against sin. But, after fulfilling their purpose, I left both men laying to the point where they were stretchered out of the arena. Such is the fate of the weak.
Mephisto, in a few days, you will share a similar fate as Harbinger and Pestilence. You hide behind feelings of atheism and apathy, afraid to acknowledge your own inner weaknesses. I will take advantage of these weaknesses, and notch another victory in the name of God when we meet in Wembley Stadium. The Word of the Lord, Thanks Be to God.
Matthews rises and steps near the chains on the wall. He crosses himself, and places the wristlets on himself, chaining himself to the wall. He signals to Jeremiah who then shuts the door. The scene then fades to black.