Post by gzavadak on Jul 17, 2013 22:16:43 GMT -5
The road to redemption often proves to be one that is long and full of earthly terrors. The path prescribed to the former PCW Platinum Champion the Reverend Jerry Matthews had begun with a stiff challenge from Lekkter tha Lunatik, but it was a challenge that “The Evangelist” was able to pass with flying colors. It wasn’t easy, but not much in life really was, especially when coupled with the very mission he had newly rededicated himself too: the salvation of man in its entirety.
Even though it was nice to get a win, the real work had only just begun. PCW continued to be a haven for some of the most extreme examples of barbarism that the industry had ever seen, and Nightrain was the foremost example of this alarming trend. The biggest and baddest dog in the yard, and yet he still couldn’t summon the gumption to face God’s Broadsword in person. Instead, he had merely responded with a cryptic message that had only served to agitate the Southern Baptist.
With this situation in mind, he couldn’t have a more ironic opponent for the next edition of Saturday Night Rapture in former Broadcast Champion Smith Jones. He had been able to goad the same heathen out into the open almost immediately, when he was attacked in the ring from behind. And, to top it off, he had survived all of Train’s attempts to cripple him at Slamathon IV in one of the most horrific displays the industry had ever seen. Perhaps the preacher man could learn something from his next opponent in this regard.
But, that didn’t mean that Smith Jones wasn’t exempt from receiving his own lesson, one in humility that would hopefully reinstill some of the faith he had lost so long ago. The religious ghost from his past would indeed be present with bells in San Antonio. And he would be there with a vengeance.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene 1 – Sunday, July 14, 2013 – Birmingham First Baptist Church
The scene opens to the inside of the sanctuary of Birmingham First Baptist Church. The room’s pews are filled to the brim as per usual with the church’s large congregation. The choir is singing along with the organist for the offertory as some of the church’s ushers, led by Deacon Jeremiah Robinson, make their way through the rows making sure to pass the offering plate to each and every soul. The offering plate is filled with whatever dollar amount each member can afford to give, and each such donation is meant by a nod of appreciation once the plate reaches the usher once again.
At the front of the room behind the pulpit stands the Reverend Jerry Matthews. He is wearing a white cotton suit, as well as his facial mask. He is nodding his head along with the rhythm of the offertory, as if he is familiar with the tune being played throughout his house of worship. Once the ushers reach the final row, the congregation rises and joins the choir in singing a brief refrain. As they do, Deacon Jeremiah brings the offering plate forward, and leaves it on a table in the front of the room, right next to a symbolic loaf of bread and cup of wine. The refrain ceases, and the good Reverend flips through his Bible to a particular story as he begins this week’s message.
Jerry Matthews: Brothers and sisters of my faithful flock, allow me to thank all of you for all of the generous donations that you have chosen to make on this day, the Lord’s day. Let us pray that all of these dollars and cents can find their way to perform the types of good works talked about by St. Thomas in the New Testament.
Matthews motions for the congregation to bow their heads, and each of them follow suit. At the end, the room is filled with a raucous “Amen” and then a brief round of applause follows. Once the applause has ended, Matthews continues his message.
Jerry Matthews: Today, my friends, our message will center on the story of Jonah, and while I’m sure that many of you are familiar with it, no other story will trumpet the theme on which I plan to preach.
"Anyways, as many of you know, Jonah was one of the Lord’s many chosen servants in the Old Testament. He had been tasked with traveling to the seaside city of Nineveh, a city that was plagued by awful amounts of wickedness. The Lord intended for Jonah to preach in the city’s streets, in an effort to reverse this trend. Reminds me of someone else I know."
The congregation shares a small laugh at the pastor’s joke.
Jerry Matthews: But, Jonah grew fearful for his life, that he would possibly be stoned or hung by the city’s inhabitants. As a result, he traveled instead to Jaffa and caught a ship for Tarshish, heading in the direct opposite direction of Nineveh in an effort to flee from the Father. Just to show how futile his efforts were, he sent a massive storm to disrupt the voyage. The ship’s sailors grew fearful, and soon came to know that Jonah was the one to blame for their dire straits. Jonah was thrown overboard, and he came to be swallowed by a whale. While in the belly of the whale, it was only then that Jonah came to say a prayer, pleading for the Lord’s forgiveness and committing to his task. God heard his prayer, bless his name.
Congregation: Bless his name.
Jerry Matthews: The Lord Thy God willed the whale to spit Jonah out once it reached shore. Jonah then did indeed make the journey to Nineveh, and began to prophesy on the city’s end unless widespread repentance took hold within forty days. And, in the direct opposite of his darkest fears, not only did the people not attempt to take his life, but instead they took his word to heart. Even the city’s king began to dress in sackcloth and cover himself in ashes while decreeing that a citywide fast for the next forty days would take place. And, lo, the city’s destruction was avoided, all through the work Jonah had been tasked with by the Lord. The Word of the Lord.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Matthews closes his Bible and lets out a deep breath before continuing.
Jerry Matthews: The reason why I bring up Jonah to you, my flock, this day is because I need to apologize to all of you. Because of the manner that many of you found out about the horrible thoughts that filled my head in a moment of weakness. Because, this is some news that all of you should have been privy to first. There is no reasonable explanation I can provide for my lack of consideration in this delicate manner.
I, like Jonah, had been running away from him during my time as the PCW Platinum Champion. Allowing myself to be consumed by petty earthly matters, and neglecting to properly attend to the work he has tasked me with. I feared that I had lost my place among the ranks of the saved, and had the gall to doubt in his plan for me. My weakness clouded my vision and my thought process. For that, brothers and sisters, I am sorry.
Matthews takes a step back from the pulpit. He then bows ceremoniously to the members of his congregation.
Jerry Matthews: All of you deserve better, for I had not been practicing what I preached. And, even though I beat Lekkter tha Lunatik, I have far more to prove to get back into your good graces. And that is why I have engaged Nightrain. PCW will never be able to serve as the shining city on a hill that it could be as long as Nightrain stalks the halls of every arena across this country. I will deliver unto you his head on a pike, and then you all will know that I am still God’s Broadsword. That I am still capable of saving mankind from the fiery jaws of the Great Red Temptor!! And that the Lord God is the only and one true God, and that he did deliver his son, Jesus Christ, to get the monkey of original sin off of our backs!! In his name, I pray! Amen.
Matthews enthusiastically makes the sign of the cross with his left hand, and this has helped to stir up the congregation. A few men rise and begin to scream praises toward the heavens speaking in tongues. A middle aged woman has left her seat for the aisle, and is looking towards the heavens, her head raised and her arms forming her body into the shape of a cross. Hallelujahs, amens, and other loud praises also fill the room as the camera zooms in on Matthews who is pacing furiously now at the front of the sanctuary admiring his handiwork as the scene fades to black.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene 2 – Earlier that morning
The scene opens to the basement of Birmingham First Baptist Church, in what looks to be a Sunday school classroom. The walls are covered with posters depicting various scenes from the Good Book, each with the corresponding Bible verse prominently displayed. A small wooden crucifix hangs above the room’s chalkboard.
In the center of the room is a small wooden table, surrounding it are a number of young children. Their eyes are centered towards the front of the room, where they are presided over by the good Reverend himself, “The Evangelist” Jerry Matthews. He is wearing a white cotton suit and he is situated on one knee at the head of the table. He has with him a black storybook, and he has a smile on his partially burned face.
Jerry Matthews: Good morning, children.
The children all answer as a group.
Children: Good morning, Reverend Matthews!!!
Jerry Matthews brings the storybook up to eye level.
Jerry Matthews: Today, my little lambs, I’m going to read a story, a story about a man who possesses so much potential, but through his own sheer fault, remains among the millions of unwashed who will meet with a most unfortunate end at our Father’s fate.
Scrawled across the storybook’s cover is the title. It reads “The Tale of the Mean, Mean Man” by Rev. Jerry Matthews.
Some of the children clap their hands in excitement. One other girl giggles with glee.
Matthews flips open the cover of the book, and the first page is all black, with a simple white ‘X’ the only image on the page in the center. He then flips to the next page, and begins to read.
Jerry Matthews: Once upon a time, there was a man named Smith Jones. Smith was a very talented man, and became a very successful professional wrestler, so much so that he made his debut in PCW at the end of 2012.
Boy: That’s where you wrestle, pastor.
Jerry Matthews: Yes, my child, indeed. That is where I compete. But, please don’t interrupt. You’ll miss the story’s moral, and our time here would have been wasted.
Boy: Sorry, pastor.
The young boy blushes in embarrassment as Matthews continues his story.
Jerry Matthews: Smith was a man who made quite the impact after his debut, beating Brian Stryker and even being one of the final competitors in the Battlefield match at Struggle for Power. But…..
Matthews wags a finger and again turns the page. The next page displays a rather heroic depiction of “The Evangelist” in his pastoral robes. He is holding a large golden Bible in his left hand, and is fending off an attacking demon with a crucifix.
Jerry Matthews: One day, Smith decided to antagonize one of the Lord’s favorite servants by defiling a house of worship by merely walking through its doors. He failed to realize that he, not God, was to blame for the many rough years he had spent during his childhood. For not properly honoring Him, for failing to keep his faith past his teenage years.
Matthews skin turns to a slightly redder shade.
Jerry Matthews: After a time, Smith faced this most favored servant, and was defeated when he felt the Savior’s Wrath.
Matthews turns the page, and it features a photograph of Matthews with his hand raised victoriously by referee on that Saturday Night Rapture that seems so long ago.
Jerry Matthews: This servant had hoped sincerely that the circumstances would teach young Smith a lesson. Because this servant didn’t hate Smith at all. In fact….
Matthews raises a pointer finger.
Jerry Matthews: He had come to greatly admire Smith from afar, and thought of all the possibilities that this man’s future had. The legacy that he left as one of the most attention-getting Broadcast champions in the company’s entire history. How he had conducted business when he took the strap from Jay Thunder, and put his own brand on the belt. A truly worthy champion.
Another page turn, with Smith Jones hoisting the Broadcast Championship belt over his head.
Jerry Matthews: But then, Smith lost his title to Brian Stryker. A man he had bested on any other number of occasions, a man many viewed as having no business of being in the same ring as him. Quite sad really, children. Because, this was only the beginning of the Lord’s final attempt to recapture Smith’s attention.
Another page turn, with the towering hulk Nightrain standing over a beaten and bruised Smith Jones.
Jerry Matthews: A fierce demon, known as Nightrain, appeared from slumber and put our protagonist through trials that may be reserved for some of the lesser levels of hell.
One last page turn, with Smith Jones staring across the ring at Nightrain at Slamathon IV, the ropes of the ring having been replaced by barbed wire, making the squared circle nothing less than a torture pit.
Jerry Matthews: The trials Smith overcame were quite cumbersome, and while he could thank himself at least a little, never once did he thank the Lord God for giving him the strength to punch adversity square in the jaw and conquering it!!!
Matthews throws down the book, and the children’s excitement quickly turns to an atmosphere of fear and bewilderment. Two boys immediately hide underneath the table, and one girl starts to cry.
Jerry Matthews: Because, my children, young Smith has not learned a single, God-blessed thing since he overcame his ultimate evil!! He continues to count his chickens before they hatch, and to conduct himself as if he is above others. Being a member of the cult of the self, never thinking of displaying even the slightest shred of consideration for his fellow man!!
Matthews is screaming now, and is breathing heavily.
Jerry Matthews: Children, what happens to people like the unfortunate case of the young Smith Jones?!?!
A girl with pigtails who has been paying all too close attention to the preacher man answers with hardly the tenacity of the most silent squeak.
Girl: They all go to hell!!
Matthews points at the girl and a devilish grin crosses his face as he attempts to calm himself down.
Jerry Matthews: That’s correct, my child. Now, be sure to heed my words, young ones. You do not want to end in hell. It’s quite hot this time of year. Now, go join your families before worship. Time is short, I’m afraid.
The children quickly get up and scurry out of the room, as the preacher turns his attention once more towards the camera.
Jerry Matthews: Smith, I once held the highest of high hopes for you. Ever since our only encounter up to this point, I’ve watched from afar when I wasn’t distracted by my war against Team Lethality. When you so easily pinned the next World Heavyweight Champion, Jay Thunder, with such ease at Wrestle Extravaganza. When you formed the New Era with Liam Reilly and Damon Warrens, I saw others that may at least sympathize with my plight. But, I’ve been more than disappointed.
Matthews pulls over one of the smaller child-sized chairs and turns it around before sitting across it.
Jerry Matthews: Because you have continued to conduct yourself in the same sinful fashion you have ever since you debuted late last year. All of this despite your successful finish in the Battlefield match, your Broadcast title reign, and your defeat of Nightrain.
Matthews shakes his head in disappointment.
Jerry Matthews: You continue to whore yourself out in more than one way, all to garner as much attention as you can. To get higher ratings than any other competitor in the locker room, and to generate as much controversy as you can.
Matthews laughs slightly to himself.
Jerry Matthews: Controversy, the term you’ve come to love. No doubt the motivations behind your courtships of Mya Denton and Brytain Montgomery. You truly are scum, Smith. Trying to take advantage of a woman who not even a year ago was raped, and another who is already in a long-term relationship. While I don’t condone either of their relationships outside of the sacred institution of marriage, it doesn’t mean that the social expectations have lowered in any sense. Both relationships have their own amount of sanctity that should be respected, and you tread on them both as if they were welcome mats. It makes me sick.
The Southern Baptist holy man takes a second to spit on the floor in disgust.
Jerry Matthews: I used to hope that, one day, I would be able to count you amongst the flock of the saved. Unfortunately, you are far past this point. There is no saving your soul, Smith, and the kidnapping of Monica Garcia is the final straw. Now, obviously, you will say that I have no credibility in this regard, given what occurred following my incident with Alice Humes Kennedy. But, I will give no such notion any credence. Because, our motivations couldn’t have been further apart. I tried to exorcise Alice of the evil within her, to cleanse her so that she might enjoy an eternity in paradise. To free her from the chains of her vile Satanist husband Draven. They do say that changing people and places can help quite a bit.
Matthews smiles at the irony.
Jerry Matthews: But, you, like nothing more than the most common of extreme Islamic fundamentalists, kidnapped her merely to get attention to your own cause. A cause that serves no lord but the cult of the self. This is a cause that cannot be allowed to gain any more followers. Lest we forget the fate that could await such an misfortunate choice.
"On Saturday night in San Antonio, there will be one hash tag that will dominate all the various realms of the social stratosphere online. And it will stir up levels of conversation the likes of which are never seen."
Matthews picks up the previously discarded story book, and turns the book around so its back cover faces the camera. Scrawled hastily in faint black chalk reads simply:
#SALVATION
Jerry Matthews: That’s right, Smith. I, not you, will be the one they are all talking about. Because I will have immersed the cult of the self’s pope in boils, soars, cuts and wounds. So much so that he’ll think twice about the tweets flowing from his Twitter account. The horrors that will await him once he passes on, the fate of all sinners worldwide. And that he may finally one day realize far too late that Jesus has Risen, and He is Lord! Indeed, he is.
Matthews makes the sign of the cross.
Jerry Matthews: San Antonio will be a haunted city for you, Smith. Because advanced word says that a stark, raving, madman of a religious ghost from your past will plague your entire time you spend in the city. In the form of a reaper, just like Dickens’ Ghost of Christmas Past. And, during this one, final trial, I will show you the destiny you have all but ensured. Pain the likes of which will make your injuries after Slamathon IV look like you were playing a friendly game of Operation with your sister.
"God placed his broadsword over the sharpening stone in anticipation of this one. And this broadsword will make fire rain down from the skies, and you will come to know the error of your ways. The Word of the Lord, Thanks Be to God."
Matthews goes to mockingly make an ‘X’ across his chest, but he shakes his head at that very notion. He once again makes the sign of the cross, and walks off-screen as the scene fades to black.
Even though it was nice to get a win, the real work had only just begun. PCW continued to be a haven for some of the most extreme examples of barbarism that the industry had ever seen, and Nightrain was the foremost example of this alarming trend. The biggest and baddest dog in the yard, and yet he still couldn’t summon the gumption to face God’s Broadsword in person. Instead, he had merely responded with a cryptic message that had only served to agitate the Southern Baptist.
With this situation in mind, he couldn’t have a more ironic opponent for the next edition of Saturday Night Rapture in former Broadcast Champion Smith Jones. He had been able to goad the same heathen out into the open almost immediately, when he was attacked in the ring from behind. And, to top it off, he had survived all of Train’s attempts to cripple him at Slamathon IV in one of the most horrific displays the industry had ever seen. Perhaps the preacher man could learn something from his next opponent in this regard.
But, that didn’t mean that Smith Jones wasn’t exempt from receiving his own lesson, one in humility that would hopefully reinstill some of the faith he had lost so long ago. The religious ghost from his past would indeed be present with bells in San Antonio. And he would be there with a vengeance.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene 1 – Sunday, July 14, 2013 – Birmingham First Baptist Church
The scene opens to the inside of the sanctuary of Birmingham First Baptist Church. The room’s pews are filled to the brim as per usual with the church’s large congregation. The choir is singing along with the organist for the offertory as some of the church’s ushers, led by Deacon Jeremiah Robinson, make their way through the rows making sure to pass the offering plate to each and every soul. The offering plate is filled with whatever dollar amount each member can afford to give, and each such donation is meant by a nod of appreciation once the plate reaches the usher once again.
At the front of the room behind the pulpit stands the Reverend Jerry Matthews. He is wearing a white cotton suit, as well as his facial mask. He is nodding his head along with the rhythm of the offertory, as if he is familiar with the tune being played throughout his house of worship. Once the ushers reach the final row, the congregation rises and joins the choir in singing a brief refrain. As they do, Deacon Jeremiah brings the offering plate forward, and leaves it on a table in the front of the room, right next to a symbolic loaf of bread and cup of wine. The refrain ceases, and the good Reverend flips through his Bible to a particular story as he begins this week’s message.
Jerry Matthews: Brothers and sisters of my faithful flock, allow me to thank all of you for all of the generous donations that you have chosen to make on this day, the Lord’s day. Let us pray that all of these dollars and cents can find their way to perform the types of good works talked about by St. Thomas in the New Testament.
Matthews motions for the congregation to bow their heads, and each of them follow suit. At the end, the room is filled with a raucous “Amen” and then a brief round of applause follows. Once the applause has ended, Matthews continues his message.
Jerry Matthews: Today, my friends, our message will center on the story of Jonah, and while I’m sure that many of you are familiar with it, no other story will trumpet the theme on which I plan to preach.
"Anyways, as many of you know, Jonah was one of the Lord’s many chosen servants in the Old Testament. He had been tasked with traveling to the seaside city of Nineveh, a city that was plagued by awful amounts of wickedness. The Lord intended for Jonah to preach in the city’s streets, in an effort to reverse this trend. Reminds me of someone else I know."
The congregation shares a small laugh at the pastor’s joke.
Jerry Matthews: But, Jonah grew fearful for his life, that he would possibly be stoned or hung by the city’s inhabitants. As a result, he traveled instead to Jaffa and caught a ship for Tarshish, heading in the direct opposite direction of Nineveh in an effort to flee from the Father. Just to show how futile his efforts were, he sent a massive storm to disrupt the voyage. The ship’s sailors grew fearful, and soon came to know that Jonah was the one to blame for their dire straits. Jonah was thrown overboard, and he came to be swallowed by a whale. While in the belly of the whale, it was only then that Jonah came to say a prayer, pleading for the Lord’s forgiveness and committing to his task. God heard his prayer, bless his name.
Congregation: Bless his name.
Jerry Matthews: The Lord Thy God willed the whale to spit Jonah out once it reached shore. Jonah then did indeed make the journey to Nineveh, and began to prophesy on the city’s end unless widespread repentance took hold within forty days. And, in the direct opposite of his darkest fears, not only did the people not attempt to take his life, but instead they took his word to heart. Even the city’s king began to dress in sackcloth and cover himself in ashes while decreeing that a citywide fast for the next forty days would take place. And, lo, the city’s destruction was avoided, all through the work Jonah had been tasked with by the Lord. The Word of the Lord.
Congregation: Thanks be to God.
Matthews closes his Bible and lets out a deep breath before continuing.
Jerry Matthews: The reason why I bring up Jonah to you, my flock, this day is because I need to apologize to all of you. Because of the manner that many of you found out about the horrible thoughts that filled my head in a moment of weakness. Because, this is some news that all of you should have been privy to first. There is no reasonable explanation I can provide for my lack of consideration in this delicate manner.
I, like Jonah, had been running away from him during my time as the PCW Platinum Champion. Allowing myself to be consumed by petty earthly matters, and neglecting to properly attend to the work he has tasked me with. I feared that I had lost my place among the ranks of the saved, and had the gall to doubt in his plan for me. My weakness clouded my vision and my thought process. For that, brothers and sisters, I am sorry.
Matthews takes a step back from the pulpit. He then bows ceremoniously to the members of his congregation.
Jerry Matthews: All of you deserve better, for I had not been practicing what I preached. And, even though I beat Lekkter tha Lunatik, I have far more to prove to get back into your good graces. And that is why I have engaged Nightrain. PCW will never be able to serve as the shining city on a hill that it could be as long as Nightrain stalks the halls of every arena across this country. I will deliver unto you his head on a pike, and then you all will know that I am still God’s Broadsword. That I am still capable of saving mankind from the fiery jaws of the Great Red Temptor!! And that the Lord God is the only and one true God, and that he did deliver his son, Jesus Christ, to get the monkey of original sin off of our backs!! In his name, I pray! Amen.
Matthews enthusiastically makes the sign of the cross with his left hand, and this has helped to stir up the congregation. A few men rise and begin to scream praises toward the heavens speaking in tongues. A middle aged woman has left her seat for the aisle, and is looking towards the heavens, her head raised and her arms forming her body into the shape of a cross. Hallelujahs, amens, and other loud praises also fill the room as the camera zooms in on Matthews who is pacing furiously now at the front of the sanctuary admiring his handiwork as the scene fades to black.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scene 2 – Earlier that morning
The scene opens to the basement of Birmingham First Baptist Church, in what looks to be a Sunday school classroom. The walls are covered with posters depicting various scenes from the Good Book, each with the corresponding Bible verse prominently displayed. A small wooden crucifix hangs above the room’s chalkboard.
In the center of the room is a small wooden table, surrounding it are a number of young children. Their eyes are centered towards the front of the room, where they are presided over by the good Reverend himself, “The Evangelist” Jerry Matthews. He is wearing a white cotton suit and he is situated on one knee at the head of the table. He has with him a black storybook, and he has a smile on his partially burned face.
Jerry Matthews: Good morning, children.
The children all answer as a group.
Children: Good morning, Reverend Matthews!!!
Jerry Matthews brings the storybook up to eye level.
Jerry Matthews: Today, my little lambs, I’m going to read a story, a story about a man who possesses so much potential, but through his own sheer fault, remains among the millions of unwashed who will meet with a most unfortunate end at our Father’s fate.
Scrawled across the storybook’s cover is the title. It reads “The Tale of the Mean, Mean Man” by Rev. Jerry Matthews.
Some of the children clap their hands in excitement. One other girl giggles with glee.
Matthews flips open the cover of the book, and the first page is all black, with a simple white ‘X’ the only image on the page in the center. He then flips to the next page, and begins to read.
Jerry Matthews: Once upon a time, there was a man named Smith Jones. Smith was a very talented man, and became a very successful professional wrestler, so much so that he made his debut in PCW at the end of 2012.
Boy: That’s where you wrestle, pastor.
Jerry Matthews: Yes, my child, indeed. That is where I compete. But, please don’t interrupt. You’ll miss the story’s moral, and our time here would have been wasted.
Boy: Sorry, pastor.
The young boy blushes in embarrassment as Matthews continues his story.
Jerry Matthews: Smith was a man who made quite the impact after his debut, beating Brian Stryker and even being one of the final competitors in the Battlefield match at Struggle for Power. But…..
Matthews wags a finger and again turns the page. The next page displays a rather heroic depiction of “The Evangelist” in his pastoral robes. He is holding a large golden Bible in his left hand, and is fending off an attacking demon with a crucifix.
Jerry Matthews: One day, Smith decided to antagonize one of the Lord’s favorite servants by defiling a house of worship by merely walking through its doors. He failed to realize that he, not God, was to blame for the many rough years he had spent during his childhood. For not properly honoring Him, for failing to keep his faith past his teenage years.
Matthews skin turns to a slightly redder shade.
Jerry Matthews: After a time, Smith faced this most favored servant, and was defeated when he felt the Savior’s Wrath.
Matthews turns the page, and it features a photograph of Matthews with his hand raised victoriously by referee on that Saturday Night Rapture that seems so long ago.
Jerry Matthews: This servant had hoped sincerely that the circumstances would teach young Smith a lesson. Because this servant didn’t hate Smith at all. In fact….
Matthews raises a pointer finger.
Jerry Matthews: He had come to greatly admire Smith from afar, and thought of all the possibilities that this man’s future had. The legacy that he left as one of the most attention-getting Broadcast champions in the company’s entire history. How he had conducted business when he took the strap from Jay Thunder, and put his own brand on the belt. A truly worthy champion.
Another page turn, with Smith Jones hoisting the Broadcast Championship belt over his head.
Jerry Matthews: But then, Smith lost his title to Brian Stryker. A man he had bested on any other number of occasions, a man many viewed as having no business of being in the same ring as him. Quite sad really, children. Because, this was only the beginning of the Lord’s final attempt to recapture Smith’s attention.
Another page turn, with the towering hulk Nightrain standing over a beaten and bruised Smith Jones.
Jerry Matthews: A fierce demon, known as Nightrain, appeared from slumber and put our protagonist through trials that may be reserved for some of the lesser levels of hell.
One last page turn, with Smith Jones staring across the ring at Nightrain at Slamathon IV, the ropes of the ring having been replaced by barbed wire, making the squared circle nothing less than a torture pit.
Jerry Matthews: The trials Smith overcame were quite cumbersome, and while he could thank himself at least a little, never once did he thank the Lord God for giving him the strength to punch adversity square in the jaw and conquering it!!!
Matthews throws down the book, and the children’s excitement quickly turns to an atmosphere of fear and bewilderment. Two boys immediately hide underneath the table, and one girl starts to cry.
Jerry Matthews: Because, my children, young Smith has not learned a single, God-blessed thing since he overcame his ultimate evil!! He continues to count his chickens before they hatch, and to conduct himself as if he is above others. Being a member of the cult of the self, never thinking of displaying even the slightest shred of consideration for his fellow man!!
Matthews is screaming now, and is breathing heavily.
Jerry Matthews: Children, what happens to people like the unfortunate case of the young Smith Jones?!?!
A girl with pigtails who has been paying all too close attention to the preacher man answers with hardly the tenacity of the most silent squeak.
Girl: They all go to hell!!
Matthews points at the girl and a devilish grin crosses his face as he attempts to calm himself down.
Jerry Matthews: That’s correct, my child. Now, be sure to heed my words, young ones. You do not want to end in hell. It’s quite hot this time of year. Now, go join your families before worship. Time is short, I’m afraid.
The children quickly get up and scurry out of the room, as the preacher turns his attention once more towards the camera.
Jerry Matthews: Smith, I once held the highest of high hopes for you. Ever since our only encounter up to this point, I’ve watched from afar when I wasn’t distracted by my war against Team Lethality. When you so easily pinned the next World Heavyweight Champion, Jay Thunder, with such ease at Wrestle Extravaganza. When you formed the New Era with Liam Reilly and Damon Warrens, I saw others that may at least sympathize with my plight. But, I’ve been more than disappointed.
Matthews pulls over one of the smaller child-sized chairs and turns it around before sitting across it.
Jerry Matthews: Because you have continued to conduct yourself in the same sinful fashion you have ever since you debuted late last year. All of this despite your successful finish in the Battlefield match, your Broadcast title reign, and your defeat of Nightrain.
Matthews shakes his head in disappointment.
Jerry Matthews: You continue to whore yourself out in more than one way, all to garner as much attention as you can. To get higher ratings than any other competitor in the locker room, and to generate as much controversy as you can.
Matthews laughs slightly to himself.
Jerry Matthews: Controversy, the term you’ve come to love. No doubt the motivations behind your courtships of Mya Denton and Brytain Montgomery. You truly are scum, Smith. Trying to take advantage of a woman who not even a year ago was raped, and another who is already in a long-term relationship. While I don’t condone either of their relationships outside of the sacred institution of marriage, it doesn’t mean that the social expectations have lowered in any sense. Both relationships have their own amount of sanctity that should be respected, and you tread on them both as if they were welcome mats. It makes me sick.
The Southern Baptist holy man takes a second to spit on the floor in disgust.
Jerry Matthews: I used to hope that, one day, I would be able to count you amongst the flock of the saved. Unfortunately, you are far past this point. There is no saving your soul, Smith, and the kidnapping of Monica Garcia is the final straw. Now, obviously, you will say that I have no credibility in this regard, given what occurred following my incident with Alice Humes Kennedy. But, I will give no such notion any credence. Because, our motivations couldn’t have been further apart. I tried to exorcise Alice of the evil within her, to cleanse her so that she might enjoy an eternity in paradise. To free her from the chains of her vile Satanist husband Draven. They do say that changing people and places can help quite a bit.
Matthews smiles at the irony.
Jerry Matthews: But, you, like nothing more than the most common of extreme Islamic fundamentalists, kidnapped her merely to get attention to your own cause. A cause that serves no lord but the cult of the self. This is a cause that cannot be allowed to gain any more followers. Lest we forget the fate that could await such an misfortunate choice.
"On Saturday night in San Antonio, there will be one hash tag that will dominate all the various realms of the social stratosphere online. And it will stir up levels of conversation the likes of which are never seen."
Matthews picks up the previously discarded story book, and turns the book around so its back cover faces the camera. Scrawled hastily in faint black chalk reads simply:
#SALVATION
Jerry Matthews: That’s right, Smith. I, not you, will be the one they are all talking about. Because I will have immersed the cult of the self’s pope in boils, soars, cuts and wounds. So much so that he’ll think twice about the tweets flowing from his Twitter account. The horrors that will await him once he passes on, the fate of all sinners worldwide. And that he may finally one day realize far too late that Jesus has Risen, and He is Lord! Indeed, he is.
Matthews makes the sign of the cross.
Jerry Matthews: San Antonio will be a haunted city for you, Smith. Because advanced word says that a stark, raving, madman of a religious ghost from your past will plague your entire time you spend in the city. In the form of a reaper, just like Dickens’ Ghost of Christmas Past. And, during this one, final trial, I will show you the destiny you have all but ensured. Pain the likes of which will make your injuries after Slamathon IV look like you were playing a friendly game of Operation with your sister.
"God placed his broadsword over the sharpening stone in anticipation of this one. And this broadsword will make fire rain down from the skies, and you will come to know the error of your ways. The Word of the Lord, Thanks Be to God."
Matthews goes to mockingly make an ‘X’ across his chest, but he shakes his head at that very notion. He once again makes the sign of the cross, and walks off-screen as the scene fades to black.