Iced

[Jim "The Amp" Johnson and WarHead are at the announcer's table.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Fans, I'm being told there is something going on backstage. Let's go to the camera feed. 

[Max Destruction is alone in the training area of the NRWL Arena hitting a heavy bag. He finishes a round of punches and steps back from the bag. He blindly reaches for the towel on the bench behind him. He is surprised to find someone is handing it to him. He quickly takes it, wipes his eyes and sees John Fraust standing in front of him. Max looks Fraust up and down.]

Max Destruction: What do you want?

John Fraust: I saw the card for the next event. Somehow, you managed to get yourself a title shot against Bruno Kowalski.

Max Destruction: That's right. You all puffed out your chests and declared yourselves the next in line but you'll all have to sit back and wait. Bruno and I have some business to clear up and it surrounds that belt. The NRWL Championship is coming home to The 4 Elements, just like the Tag Team Championship is coming back to us as well. It's our time, John. The rest of you are just extras in the Era of the 4 Elements.

John Fraust: Please. You guys have spent a lot of time running your mouths. The only era you guys will be a part of is the New Ice Age because I'm getting another shot at that belt and once I put that strap around my waist, the Elements will never be able to stop me!

Max Destruction: Is that so?

John Fraust: Oh yeah.

[Suddenly, from behind a row of lockers, Mikey Armstrong steps out into view. From a side room, Tommy V. steps through the door. From the shower area, Marcus walks into the room. All four members of The 4 Elements surround John Fraust.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: What's going on here?

WarHead: Oh, this is not good.

[Fraust looks around at the members of the 4 Elements. He sneers as he turns to look at each man. He looks down and adjusts the tape on his hands.]

John Fraust: So, this is how it's going to go.

[Fraust sighs and then throws himself at Max Destruction with a barrage of fists. He turns in time to toss Marcus to the side. He dodges a punch by Mikey and uses the momentum to shove him into the lockers. He spears Tommy V. and lands a few punches before Marcus and Max grab him by the arms and throw him violently backward into the bench that is bolted to the floor.]

John Fraust: Ahhh.. god!

[Tommy, Max, Mikey, and Marcus all surround Fraust and begin to stomp on him.]

WarHead: Oh no...

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: They are going to kill him!

[The sound of a microphone bouncing off a table is heard. The camera cuts away from the commotion backstage and back to the ringside area where WarHead is running from the announcer's table toward the backstage area.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: WarHead! Where are you going? WarHead! This is bad. It's out of control back there! Someone stop this!

[The camera returns to the exercise room where Fraust is being slammed into the lockers like a battering ram. The point of impact on the lockers is bloodied. Max walks over to the heavy bag, bear hugs it, and rips it right off of the ceiling. Fraust lay on the ground as Max approaches him and slams the bag into his midsection. Fraust begins coughing and choking. He manages to swing his fists in a last ditch effort to defend himself. Marcus picks Fraust up off the floor and runs him into a rack full of weights and bar bells. Fraust falls to the floor as Mikey, Tommy V. and Max collectively push the weight rack on top of Fraust.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: [whispering] Oh my god. Oh my god. Please... please. Leave him alone.

[Max pulls Fraust's motionless body out from under the weights and drags him back over to the bench. He lifts Fraust and powerbombs him through the bench. Fraust lay below him in the splinters, motionless, in a pool of blood. Max huffs and puffs for a moment while the other members of The 4 Elements stand around Fraust's body.]

Max Destruction: Welcome to Era of The 4 Elements.

[All four men walk out of the exercise room together. A few seconds later, WarHead bursts through the door and kneels down next to Fraust.]

WarHead: Come on, man. Can you hear me? Fraust? Come on. Fraust!!!! SOMEBODY HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[The camera switches back to the announcer's table. Jim "The Amp" Johnson is looking away from the monitors with a hand over his mouth. With is other hand, he waves away the camera.]

The Line Is Long

[Jay Phillips is in a backstage interview area with Johnny Young. Johnny is looking at his wrist and adjusting his wrist tape.]

Jay Phillips: Johnny Young, we are starting another great season here in the NRWL. I wanted to get your thoughts on this season and where you think it will take you?

[Johnny looks up from the wrist tape and slides his sunglasses down over his nose a bit to look at Jay.]

Johnny Young: Jay, the last two seasons have been pretty big for The Star Player. I had another championship run, I was involved in some very memorable fights with some great opponents, and I lived up to the title of The Star Player. This season, I have one thing in mind, and that's getting the NRWL Championship around my waist yet again. Bruno Kowalski, you've been a great champion but all title reigns must come to an end. The Star Player is coming to get his belt back.

Jay Phillips: Well, I think the message is quite clear. The Star Player is looking for a shot at the NRWL Championship and --

[Suddenly, Max Destruction steps in to interrupt the interview.]

Max Destruction: Not so fast, Johnny. If there's one guy who should have a title shot, it's me. Bruno can't keep hiding from me forever. He's danced around the issue long enough. That title is mine. Not yours.

[Max looks over at someone else coming into the interview area. John Fraust steps into view and stares down Max and Johnny.]

John Fraust: Both of you will have to wait. I earned my title shot and closed out last season with a hell of a match against Bruno. It took everything he had to stop me. I'm not done with him yet. I've been in this game a long time and I've more than earned another crack at the title.

[Tiger Johnson walks in and looks at Fraust, Johnny, and Max.]

Tiger Johnson: Fraust, I can't disagree. You've earned everyone's respect and I am sure another title opportunity will come your way, but not yet. I've been in this business a lot longer than you and I've overcome every obstacle that has been in my way. No one thought I would be back in the NRWL but here I am. A champion is a man who perseveres. I'm back and I'm here for the NRWL Championship.

[Johnny Young steps in the middle of everyone.]

Johnny Young: Boys, the line to the top is a long one and we aren't the only ones in it. One thing is for certain. There can only be one top dog in this company. Today, it's Bruno Kowalski. I'm telling you right now, I'm going to be back on top. I don't care if I have to go through all of you and the rest of the NRWL locker room. The Star Player is reclaiming his spot. This is my season.

[Johnny walks off, leaving the other three standing there. Jay Phillips appears to be at a loss for words. Max, Tiger, and Fraust are staring at each other.]

Jay Phillips: Well... if nothing else, it's going to be an interesting season.

John Fraust: Yeah. Real interesting...

[Fraust, Tiger and Max walk away in separate directions. Jay adjusts his collar and looks at the camera as the scene fades out.]

Left With Questions

[Jay Phillips is standing outside of Fraust's dressing room.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: And we're going backstage right now with Jay Phillips who is hoping to get a word from Fraust following his defeat against NRWL Champion, Bruno Kowalski.

WarHead: Not the smartest idea, Jim, but I never did consider Jay an Einstein. 

Jay Phillips: Well guys, I'm standing here outside of Fraust's dressing room. I hear some kind of conversation behind the door but I can't make out who he is talking to. I knocked on the door just a moment ago but got no response. Guys, I don't know if I'm going to get this interview right now. Maybe we'll come back and--wait--

[The dressing room door opens and a man wearing old, faded jeans, and a black hoodie steps out. The man turns his head to Jay and casually pulls the hood from his head. It is Mark Blood.]

WarHead: Whoa! That's the last person I'd expect to see coming out of Fraust's dressing room.

[Jay looks at Mark Blood, confused.]

Jay Phillips: Mark Blood! What are you doing here?

Mark Blood: If you are here for an interview, I don't think he's interested in talking right now.

[Jay looks into the dressing room but only catches a glimpse of Fraust closing the door.]

Jay Phillips: I'm a little confused, Mark. Why are you here?

Mark Blood: Listen, I have to go.

[Mark pulls the hood back over his head.]

Mark Blood: See you around sometime.

[Mark Blood walks down the hall and out of a door into the parking lot.]

Jay Phillips: Sometime? Did he... Did he just walk out of the NRWL? What's going on? Guys.... back to you.

[A camera shows Jim and WarHead at the announce table.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: I'm not sure what we just saw. There's a lot of questions here. I just hope that we get answers.

WarHead: Strange, for sure. Something just happened between these two. From the way Mark Blood looked and talked, I think he's a goner.

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: I sure hope not. He's a great young talent who has put a lot of time and energy into the NRWL. Something doesn't feel right about this.

WarHead: Maybe Fraust could provide some answers but I wouldn't count on him being very forthcoming.

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Perhaps we'll get that answer in Season Six.

For The Faithful

[Jay Phillips opens a dressing room door and finds the room in total darkness. He creeps in.]

Jay Phillips: Fraust? Are you in here?

[Jay looks back at the camera.]

Jay Phillips: He must not be here yet. He was supposed to be in his dressing room for an interview. I guess he's running late. I ---

[Jay is pulled into the darkness. The camera man steps in on instinct alone. After a few moments, a single light bulb overhead clicks on and Jay is standing right underneath it. He appears visibly shaken. A shadowy figure stands just outside the light.]

???: Relax, Jay. You're fine.

[The figure steps into the light, revealing the person to be Fraust.]

Fraust: You wanted an interview.

Jay Phillips: Yes. I wanted to ask you about your feelings going into the NRWL Championship match against Bruno Kowalski.... Why is it so dark in here?

Fraust: Because the lights aren't on.

Jay Phillips: Right. So, at the final event for this season, you are stepping into the ring against Bruno Kowalski, the NRWL Champion. You have earned many accolades over the years. You were the longest reigning NRWL Division 2 Champion, you were a member of the legendary You Suck! stable, you redefined the hardcore match in WFW and IRW. You are even an NRWL Hall of Famer. One thing you never captured was the NRWL Championship. How does it feel to get that opportunity, finally, after all these years?

[There is a long pause. Fraust just stares at Jay with a scowl. Finally, his scowl fades and he takes a deep breath.]

Fraust: I've had a unique career. I've been one of the most famous NRWL wrestlers in history, and yet, I'm also something of a black sheep. In the WFW and IRW, people loved watching my matches. I was one of the most popular guys in those companies. When I came to the NRWL, it was the same thing. I was always near the main event.. but I never really was the main event. You know what I mean? WFW, IRW, NRWL... I never really had a shot at the big one.

Jay Phillips: Why do you think that is?

Fraust: I never played the game. I always did my thing. Guys who catered to the audience, had a larger than life persona, they were the ones who were the focus. Mike Blood pulled me aside, tried to remake me into someone else so I could fit that mold, but it didn't work. So... I walked away.

[Jay is about to speak but Fraust holds his hand up.]

Fraust: Don't. Before you say anything, ask anything, let me be clear. No, I don't feel sorry for myself. Not anymore. I accepted my fate. You really, truly, can't deny that there is any accomplishment higher than the NRWL Hall of Fame. In time, I learned that. I was happy with the career I made for myself.

Jay Phillips: Then... why did you come back?

[Fraust looks at the camera and points into it.]

Fraust: Them. Not for the young, fresh NRWL fans. I don't fight for them. I'm talking about the people who rooted for me in WFW. The ones who paid to see me in IRW. The ones who were let down when I left NRWL after Season Two. After all these years, after simply vanishing, I felt it necessary to come back and keep fighting for them. Was getting an opportunity at the NRWL Championship something I had in mind? Truthfully, no, not really. But that opportunity is here now.

[Fraust lowers his brow and stares deep into the camera.]

Fraust: Bruno, you've done well for yourself in your career. You've been a worthy NRWL Champion. But it's a title reign about to come to an end. For every old school Fraust fan out there in the audience, it's time for them to get the champion they always hoped to have. I look forward to our match... but you shouldn't.

[Fraust turns and walks away from the small bloom of light in the room, leaving Jay standing there alone.]

Jay Phillips: Well, it sounds like Fraust is ready for his match. Fans, I have a feeling this match is going to a memorable finish to Season Five's competition. I'm going to be watching this one closely.

[Fraust's arm appears in view again to click the light bulb off.]

Fraust: Time to go, Jay.

Jay Phillips: ....How do I get out of here...?

Back To The Beginning

[A camera is slowly working its way down a creepy, dimly lit hallway. The walls are made of a gray brick. The fluorescent lamps overhead flicker occasionally. The camera turns down another hallway with rotting wooden doors along the sides. A pipe overhead runs the length of the hallway. A large hole in the pipe reveals that it is long been dry. A rat scurries across the floor into a small hole in the wall. At the end of the hallway, the door on the left appears to be broken through. The camera slips through the broken door into a small room with a single light bulb overhead. In the corner is a man sitting on top of some cinder blocks. He is taping up his hands. The man looks up to reveal himself as John Fraust.]

John Fraust: No more distractions. I came back to the NRWL for one thing. The NRWL Championship. In the six man TLC match, five other men are going to know what it is like to feel pain unimaginable. Five other men are going to know that they should have stepped aside instead of walking into the ring and getting in my way. The Ice Man is back.

["Death Rattle" by Pantera begins to play. Fraust stands up, walks past the camera, and out of the room. The camera stays focused on the cinder blocks while the lights slowly dim until the room is left in total darkness. "Death Rattle" continues to play through the darkness. Eventually, it too slowly fades out.]

The Fighting Spirit Will Never Die

*Mark Blood's music plays and he walks out to the ring dressed casually wearing jeans and a t-shirt. He receives a positive response from the crowd. He is no longer wearing an eye patch and appears to be healed from the assault by John Fraust and his protege Killer Malone. He stands in the ring and grabs a microphone from an attendant outside of the ring. He looks down at the ring mat for a moment until the music and crowd noise quiets down.*

Mark Blood: Thank you for that. 

*The crowd cheers again.*

MB: You know, when I started here, everyone saw me as my father's son. Everyone expected me to be a particular someone. The bar was raised higher for me than everyone else. It's the curse of being a second generation star. I'll be honest. I bought into it. I thought I was better than everyone else. I expected to receive more respect than I got because I felt that the Blood name deserved it. I quickly learned that it wasn't the case. Respect is earned, not handed down from generation to generation. I can say that I am a changed man in that respect. There is one thing about me that hasn't changed. I have always tried to be my own man. Despite feeling that I should be respected because of my father's history, I wanted to carve out my own legacy. My father made his career as the face of Masters of Wrestling. As for me? I wanted... no, I want, to be the face of the New Revolution Wrestling League. And damn it, I promise that I will one day be the top guy in this company and take it to heights it has never seen before!

*The crowd cheers. Mark looks toward the ring entrance.*

MB: There's a guy in the back who feels I will never be that guy. He thinks I'm a waste of space around here and has done everything he can to make my life a living hell. That man helped train me. He was a friend of my father. He was like a big brother to me. But not anymore. John Fraust, you've made it your mission to destroy me. I'm here tonight to put an end to it. Slither out from whatever rocks you are hiding in and face me in the ring like a man!

*Almost immediately, Fraust's music begins to play and he walks out to the ring to a chorus of boos. He walks over to the announce table and grabs a microphone. He smirks up at Mark Blood in the ring and then climbs in.*

John Fraust: So very touching. I have to say, you speak with such passion. Such fire! If I didn't know better, I would actually believe you could do it. I could actually see the son of the great Mike Blood dominating the NRWL just as Mike dominated Masters of Wrestling. 

*Fraust turns to the crowd.* 

Such a beautiful picture. Such a perfect story!!!

*He quickly turns around and gets in Mark's face.*

JF: But it's just that. A story. A fairy tale. A fantasy of a boy who grew up idolizing is father and believing he could emulate him. When I helped train you all those years ago I hoped that boyhood dream would come true but I never believed it would happen. I didn't believe it then and I don't believe it now. 

*Mark's face is flush with red and he appears ready to strike Fraust. Fraust steps back and raises a hand.*

JF: Hold on. I'm not done. It's no secret that I love your father like he's my own father. What he accomplished in his career is more than I ever did. In fact, there aren't many people in the entire wrestling world who could say they accomplished more than him. I never thought you could rise to that same level but you never needed to. You only needed to successfully carry on his legacy. When I came back to the NRWL, I looked for the guy who was carrying the torch for the Blood family. I found him but the torch wasn't lit anymore. I didn't see the proper successor. You want to know the truth, Mark? I came back to the NRWL to be the mentor to you that your father was to me. I was sickened to find that you weren't worth the effort. So yeah, I have made it my purpose to run you out before you tarnish your family name anymore than you already have.

*Both men stare at each other. The crowd is getting loud, some cheering in support of Mark Blood, others in support of John Fraust.*

MB: Then maybe it's time for me to prove to you that I am good enough. No more of your backstage attacks. No more tag team matches. Just you. Just me. One on one in this ring. 

JF: Now you're talking.

MB: But it's not enough. You've taken too much from me. You've kept me down all season long and I am ending this. It'll be one on one... but it will be Extreme Rules. No holds barred! No disqualification! No count outs! Falls count anywhere!

JF: You really want to go out with a bang. Fine by me. It's your funeral. I'll do you one favor. I promise to make it quick.

MB: I wasn't done.

JF: Oh! *Fraust steps back with an exaggerated surprise reaction* There's more?! Please, have mercy.

MB: There won't be anything quick about it because this is all happening.... in an IRON MAN MATCH!

*The crowd explodes in cheers of excitement. Fraust's face takes on a brief look of legitimate surprise. He quickly steels himself once again.*

JF: You're on. See you in the ring. 

*Both men stare each other down. Finally, Fraust drops his microphone, says someone inaudible to Mark as he walks by him, and exits the ring. Mark Blood's music plays. Mark stands in the ring and stares at Fraust as he walks back. Fraust walks to the stage, turns around and both men stare each other down from the distance between them. He turns around and walks into the back. Mark Blood stands in the middle of the ring, raises his face to the ceiling, closes his eyes, and takes in the energy from the crowd.*

Why Fraust Came Back

*John Fraust's music starts playing and he walks out with Killer Malone at his side. Both men ignore fans as they walk down to the ring. They step through the ropes and look around. Fraust motions for a microphone.*

John Fraust: Nine years ago, I joined the NRWL. By the time I joined, I had already put myself through some terribly violent matches with other wrestling companies. I knew that I had shortened my career quite a bit so I set out to make an impact in the NRWL while I could. By the time the third season was starting up, I was in pretty rough shape so I walked away. The NRWL inducted me into the Hall of Fame shortly afterward.

*A mix of cheers and boos fill the arena.*

JF: I am a Hall of Fame wrestler. In this ring, there is nothing else I need to prove. Having the distinction of being a Hall of Famer is a bigger accomplishment than any championship belt. No one would deny that. People have been asking why I came back and the general consensus is that I came back to win the NRWL Championship that I never held. Well, all of those people are wrong. I came back for one reason. When I came to this company, Mike Blood, the greatest wrestler in the history of the sport, came to me and offered to take me under his wing.

*The crowd cheers at hearing Mike Blood's name. Fraust waits a moment for the crowd to quiet down. He doesn't seem to mind the interruption from the fans.*

JF: He saw something in me and out of all the new talent in the NRWL he picked me. It was an honor to work with him and he made me a better wrestler. The most important lesson he taught me was not a move in the ring, not a tactic to rile up all of you fans, no, he taught me how important it was to pass the torch. That, is the reason I came back. I am here to do what Mike Blood did for me. There was one guy who really impressed me above all. He reminded me of myself. He had all the skills he just needed some guidance. That man is standing right next to me. That man is Killer Malone!

*The crowd begins to boo loudly as Killer Malone takes the microphone from Fraust. He looks around and sneers at the crowd.*

Killer Malone: You can boo me all you want. You should know by now that I have never cared for your approval. I've always done things my way. Sometimes you like it, sometimes you don't. Makes no difference to me. Unlike the rest of those pukes in the back, I'm going places. When John Fraust pulled me aside and offered his help, I couldn't turn him down. It was good to see that someone saw me for who I really was. I am a fighter, a competitor, and I'll do whatever I have to do to get to the top. When I turned my back on Marty Anderson, it wasn't because I hated the guy. I needed to make a statement and move on for my own sake. I'd be a fool not to make the most of an opportunity. Fraust understands that. You should too.

*The crowd boos even more loudly. Fraust laughs and takes the microphone back. He smirks and says something in Killer Malone's ear. Both men laugh at some inside joke.*

JF: When you get this much heat from the crowd, you know you are doing something right. There is something else I need to address. I helped Mike Blood train his son, Mark Blood. Unlike Killer here, Mark Blood has not impressed me. I've watched every single match in his career. He shows so much potential but somehow, he just falls short. He seems unfocused, unsure of himself. I've been hard on him since I came back. Mark, I know you are back there. I want to talk to you face to face. Get out here.

*Fraust and Malone stand there waiting until Mark Blood's music starts playing. He comes down to the ring to a mixed reaction from the crowd. He climbs into the ring and walks right up to Fraust, staring him in the face. Fraust gives him a cold stare.*

JF: You --

*Mark Blood rips the microphone out of Fraust's hand.*

Mark Blood: You shut your mouth. No one wants to hear you talk anymore. You come out here trying to be like my father and shepherd someone to greatness. That's fine and good luck to you. Here's what I don't get. What does this have to do with me? If you are so unhappy with me, why even bother to put your energy into beating me down backstage? Sicking your protege on me? What's the point of it all?

*Fraust motions for another microphone and takes a new one for himself.*

JF: If you'd let me talk, maybe you'd learn something. You've got the fire. You've got the skills. I just don't know why you can't pull it together. It's a shame really. You want to know why I am singling you out? It's pretty simple. I am here to stand in Killer Malone's corner, and, I'd like to stand in yours as well. I'm not about hugs and pats on the back. No, I show my disapproval. If I'm not on your case, you are doing something right. In your case, you're doing something wrong but I am going to fix that. Stand alongside us.

*Killer Malone leans into Fraust's microphone.*

KM: Come on, man. It's going to be a great run, you know that.

*Mark Blood turns and looks out to the crowd with his brow lowered. He tilts his head to each side and then finally nods. He drops his microphone and turns to shake John Fraust's hand. Fraust smiles and Killer Malone raises his fists in the air. Malone turns around to look out to the crowd. Mark Blood looks over at him, smirks, and then pulls Fraust's arm and drops him with a DDT. Blood jumps up quickly as Malone turns around. Before Malone can react, Blood hammers fists into his face and then kicks him out of the ring. As Mark Blood turns around to look for Fraust, Fraust clotheslines him. Fraust jumps on top of Blood and starts slugging him in the head. Malone slides into the ring with a toolbox he found under the apron. Fraust looks up at him and then pulls Blood up on his knees. He locks Mark Blood in a full nelson. Malone wraps his hands around the toolbox and drives it hard into Blood's brow and face. The toolbox bursts open and tools spills over the ring mat. Fraust releases Mark Blood who falls motionless on the tools. Face down, a pool of blood forms.*

*Killer Malone and John Fraust look down at Mark Blood for a moment and then turn and walk backstage. The crowd boos them at deafening levels. NRWL medical staff rushes past them to help Mark Blood in the ring.*

A Helping Hand

*Hardcore Adam is in the locker room lacing up his boots. A door opens off screen and he looks up. He cautiously stands up to face John Fraust.*

John Fraust: Hey man. I see you are going to be in the big Fatal Four Way match tonight. Winner gets a title shot. I just wanted to tell you good luck.

Hardcore Adam: Well, thanks. I appreciate the support.

JF: Of course. Look, I can admit when I'm wrong and I was wrong before our match. You're one of the good ones. You haven't lost a step. Who knows? Maybe your brightest days are ahead of you. I was wrong and I apologize.

HA: *Speaking a cold, stand off tone* It's fine. It's the business, right? It's what we do.

JF: Yeah. Well, if you need anything out there tonight, or beforehand, you just let me know. I've got your back.

HA: Yeah, you know, with all due respect, I think I'll be fine. Are we done here?

JF: What's with the cold shoulder? I'm trying to help you out here.

HA: Do you think I wear sunglasses to the ring because I'm blind? I see what you've been up to. You come out, attack the NRWL, the wrestlers, the fans, you seem to have made acquaintances with Killer Malone, and the both of you vicious attack Mark Blood. I don't know what that kid did to you. He's just trying to make it in a business that rewards very few people. You're a snake. You aren't even good at hiding the fact.

JF: You really don't get it, Adam. I think we can help each other out. Be careful what you say. Be careful what you do. You call me a snake but you've got it completely backwards. If you'd listen to what I have to tell you, you'd understand.

HA: Understand this. Not. Interested.

*John Fraust walks out of the locker room. As the door closes behind him, he looks back and sneers at the door. Killer Malone walks up beside him.*

Killer Malone: Well? What did he say?

JF: Didn't even listen.

KM: What to go back in there and make him listen?

*John Fraust thinks about it for a moment.*

JF: No. I think we'll take a different approach here. This is going to be harder than I thought. Let's get ready for our matches tonight.

Bloody Japan

*Katsutoshi and Leiko are walking through the halls backstage. Katsutoshi walks proud having just challenged John Fraust to a match. Leiko looks at him with adoration. As they turn a corner, Katsutoshi bumps right into Fraust who is just standing there with a dead stare.*

Katsutoshi: Uhh... Geez. What are you standing here for?

John Fraust: I heard what you said out there.

K: Ah, right. Well look...

JF: No, hey, I get it. It's a great opportunity to make a name for yourself. I get it. I've been around long enough to know the game. Listen, I just wanted to introduce myself.

*Katsutoshi looks at Leiko, who merely shrugs at him. Both look a little confused.*

JF: John --- *Fraust belts Katsutoshi in the jaw with a right hand. Katsutoshi falls down and nearly knocks over Leiko. She looks at Fraust, fearfully. Fraust looks at her and then fakes a lunge toward her. She stumbles back but catches herself against a wall before falling over. She looks at Fraust and then pulls on Katsutoshi's arm. Katsutoshi is shaking his head trying to get his bearings but ultimately follows Leiko back from where they came.* --- Fraust.

*After a moment, a door opens in the hallway next to John Fraust. Mark Blood steps out and sees Fraust standing there.*

Mark Blood: Hey! Good to see you, man. I've been meaning to catch up with you since you came back. How are things?

JF: Not so good, Mark. Not good at all.

MB: What? Why? What's wrong?

JF: Well, for starters, I've been watching you over the last year. Your father and I trained you to get to this point and, well, frankly I expected more.

MB: Fraust, look, it's been a little rough lately but I have a plan. I know where I need to be and I'm working on it.

JF: Your plan sucks, Mark. You obviously haven't learned anything at all! Who the hell needs a "pure" wrestler these days? You need to adapt! You need to constantly evolve to make it in this business. Your father knew that. Just because this company made him look like some washed up technical wrestler doesn't mean that is who he was. He was in more brutal matches than I could ever imagine being in! I don't know where this righteous fight for purity came from but you're in the wrong business. You'll never make it.

MB: You know what? I should have known you'd think this way. You were exactly the problem with wrestling for years. You straightened out, cleaned up, started doing things the right way. What happened? You come back from... where did you go anyway?! You come back here and suddenly you're back to your old, grungy self. If anything, I am the one who expected more.

JF: I kind of thought you'd say that....... you're pathetic.

*Fraust walks away and down the hallway. Mark Blood, boiling with rage, follows him down the hallway.

MB: No! Don't walk away from me! Stop! What's your problem?!

*As Mark walks past a closet door that is partially open, Killer Malone pushes it up the rest of the way, knocking Mark off balance. Malone, armed with a bat, pokes Mark in the ribs and then whacks the bat across his shoulder blades. Mark Blood growls in pain and tries to stand up but is then clotheslined by Killer Malone. Malone kneels down and starts punching him. Malone stands up and John Fraust stands beside him. Both men look down at Mark Blood, who is motionless.*

Killer Malone: He's going to want to fight me now, you know.

JF: Yeah, but he'll come around... even if we have to beat it into him.

*Both men walk away as Mark Blood starts to stir on the floor. He has no idea where he is or even what happened. Once he is able to sit up and shake his head, his eyebrows lower and he clinches his teeth in anger.*

The Return Of John Fraust

*The fans in the NRWL Arena hear music begin to play and an ominous video begins to play on the screen. When the word "Fraust" appears on the screen, the crowd erupts into cheers. After a few moments, John Fraust appears at the top of the stage and stands there surveying the crowd. For the first time in years, the legendary John Fraust has returned to the NRWL. He is wearing a classic "You Suck!" t-shirt, the name of the stable he was once a part of so many years before. Despite the throwback shirt, he appears to be a changed man. He looks more weathered and wise. He is no longer the young wrestler who last stepped into the ring before Season Three. This is a man who has returned with a goal in mind. He walks down to the ramp with a laser focus on the ring. He climbs in and grabs a microphone from the ring announcer outside the ring. Fraust stands there for a full minute waiting for the crowd to calm down. Finally, he speaks....*

John Fraust: So this is the NRWL in 2012.

*The crowd begins to cheer again.*

JF: Do you remember... remember my name?

*The crowd starts chanting "Fraust!" over and over again. Fraust looks out at the crowd with a stone face.*

JF: So you do remember. It's funny. It's been a very, very long time. There are probably a lot of questions about my absence and in time they will be revealed but the most important thing that you all should be asking is why? And why now? That I can answer for you now. You see, when I stepped away, the NRWL was at its peak. Things were good. There were some big stars, big names, that carried the company and it was only going up from there. But then, what happened? The NRWL is now nine years old but only on its fifth season. There was an awfully large gap there. But it did come back. The great NRWL finally made its return.... only it didn't. It turns out that this NRWL isn't really great at all.

*The fans begin to boo.*

JF: It's true. The NRWL came back but it brought no stars with it. Where did everyone go? Beats me but the only recognizable face was Johnny Young, a man who was an overhyped, underwhelming wrestler at best. All the other guys had no identity at all and because of it, the NRWL had no identity as a whole. And as for Johnny Young? He's the champion now! That's a problem. I helped build this place and the legacy has been completely tarnished. And worst of all, you fans accept it. Shame on all of you for accepting this watered down product. It's truly sad that you keep this mess alive when you know things could be so much better.

*The fans, now booing loudly, seem to have no effect. Fraust merely shakes his head and looks down at the mat for a moment.*

JF: It gets worse, you know. The suits seem to at least agree that they hired a bunch of nobodies to be their stars so they hired back some old faces. Only, look who they brought back? Hardcore Adam? Tiger Johnson? Marcus? None of these guys were worth anything then and they certainly aren't now. After I heard that this was going on I knew I had to stop it. Someone needs to step in and save the NRWL. Not the wrestlers, not you disappointing fans, but the legacy of the NRWL itself. That's why I am here now, to be the one man army that pulls this company up from the pit of irrelevance it is teetering on and ---

*Music beings to play and the fans start cheering when Hardcore Adam comes out to the ring. Adam slaps hands with a few fans on the way to the ring, however, he never takes his eyes off of John Fraust. He grabs a microphone from ringside and climbs into the ring.*

Hardcore Adam: Says the man who never was NRWL Champion. Says the man who bailed out on the NRWL when he realized that his scheme to put himself at the top of the heap failed. Oh, the fans remember you, John Fraust. The hardcore legend himself who one day, out of the blue, thought that buddying up with Mike Blood and looking like the model "champion wrestler" would bring him success. That didn't happen though. I know. I was there. You watched as opportunity knocked on other, more honest people's, doors. You took your ball and went home. Now, years later, you decide that you are still better than everyone else and it's up to you to fix what isn't even broken. I've got news for you, Fraust. The talent backstage right now is more than capable to carry the NRWL for the next decade. A lot of us came back because we wanted to be a part of the new golden era. I don't know if you noticed, but the NRWL is more successful now than it was before. The crowds are bigger. There's more intense energy in the ring than ever before. The only thing that needs to be fixed around here is your attitude and I'm the guy who is going to do it.

*The crowd goes wild as two legends stand face to face in the ring on the verge of exploding into a brawl.*

JF: You've made a huge mistake, Adam. You think you're hardcore. Why don't you prove it? You and me. One on one. Extreme Rules.

HA: And I thought you'd never ask. See you at the next event, savior.

*Fraust smiles and begins to turn away but then turns back and sucker punches Adam in the jaw. Hardcore Adam retaliates and both men trade blows. Hardcore Adam is clotheslined out of the ring. John Fraust slides out of the ring but before he can continue his attack, Adam quickly pulls a kendo stick out from under the ring apron and jabs him in the gut with it. Adam begins to crack the kendo stick against Fraust's shoulders and back. Fraust runs to another side of the ring and pulls out a sledgehammer. Adam picks up the steel steps and both men begin sparring with words. Before they can resume combat, several wrestlers from backstage break up the fight. Both men argue with each other as they are pulled away. The fans cheer wildly and can't wait until they get to see the continuation of the match in just a few short days.*