CHAPTER THIRTEEN: KENTUCKY DEMOLITION DERBY

Sunday, October 4th

The dawn light over Nashville broke cold and gray through the autumn mist, filtering past the high windows of the tour buses lined up outside the Municipal Auditorium. Inside the locker rooms, the physical debris of Splatoberfest had already been swept away by arena crews, but the emotional aftershocks hung thick in the air as the Splat! Wrestling convoy prepared to head north across the state line into the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

On Bus One, the atmosphere was defined by the gleaming gold of newly crowned champions and the bitter silence of dethroned royalty.

In the front row, Nikki Payne sat with her legs draped over the armrest of her leather seat, the brand-new, polished silver and gold Superstar Championship belt resting firmly across her lap. Beside her, Amber Payne had her hood pulled up, chewing gum with a quiet, venomous smirk. The sisters didn’t need to say much. For months, critics had wondered if tournament competition would tear them apart; instead, Amber’s decisive, underhanded interference in the third fall against Danni Anderson had forged them into the most dangerous, unified heel force on the roster.

[CUTAWAY - NIKKI PAYNE, CONFESSIONAL]

Nikki Payne: (smirking, resting her chin on the championship belt) "People are crying on social media. 'Oh, Danni deserved it! Amber cheated!' Newsflash, sweethearts: wrestling isn’t a charity. Danni Anderson had her little fairy tale in her head, and Amber woke her up to reality. I am the inaugural Splat! Wrestling Superstar Champion. History remembers winners, not the people who complain on the bus ride home."

Across the aisle, Felicia Atherton was meticulously polishing the Shooting Star Championship belt with a microfiber cloth before carefully photographing it for her Instagram story. Beside her, Keylla Munoz-Atherton leaned over, reviewing lighting angles and tagging sponsors with rapid-fire thumb strikes.

[CUTAWAY - FELICIA ATHERTON, CONFESSIONAL]

Felicia Atherton: (holding up three manicured fingers with a sharp, bratty grin) "Blonde, Bratty, and Better. I told every single girl in that division that when the stakes were real, superior technique and superior intelligence would win out. Taylor Landry thought she could skate by on hype and seniority. But it’s not cheating if you don’t get caught—it’s called ring IQ. I am the standard now."

[CUTAWAY - KEYLLA MUNOZ-ATHERTON, CONFESSIONAL]

Keylla Munoz-Atherton: (flips her dark hair, checking her reflection in her phone screen) "Felicia brought the first gold into the household, mi amor, and she looks gorgeous with it. But now? Now Madoka announced those Twin Star Tag Team Championships. Miss Magnifica is not going to be left in the shadows. Amber Payne thinks she’s the baddest woman walking these halls, but I’m ready to prove that Colombian glamour beats brute force every single day of the week."

Further back in the bus, the mood was vastly different. Kimberly Hart sat entirely alone, staring out the tinted window with her knees pulled up against her chest, her dark-painted fingernails digging into the fabric of her black hoodie. The loss of the Rising Star Championship to Charlie Foxtrot—after having him dead to rights with brass knuckles inside the first minute—had shattered her manic composure into raw, simmering hostility.

Meanwhile, in the athlete lounge of Bus Two, Charlie Foxtrot leaned against the headrest with his eyes closed. His golden retriever service dog, Gucci, rested his chin gently on Charlie’s combat boot. Charlie’s torso was a tapestry of purple bruises and abrasions from the thirty-minute Ironperson war, and a faint, raspy cough rattled in his chest every few minutes. Yet beside him sat Camila Ramos, her arm securely linked through his, while the Rising Star Championship belt rested in Charlie’s duffle bag on the floor.

Mark Cross sat two rows ahead, peeling an orange and reviewing notes on his tablet. Winning the fatal four-way had cemented the veteran as the number one contender for Nikki Payne’s Superstar Title, while Clayton Halliburton—sitting rigidly across the aisle with noise-canceling headphones—held the golden ticket to challenge Charlie whenever he chose.

The convoy rolled north along Interstate 65, crossing the state line into Kentucky. With three house shows scheduled in Owensboro, Bowling Green, and Lexington ahead of Saturday’s television broadcast in Louisville, the post-PLE reset had officially begun.

Monday, October 5th

[KENTUCKY TRAINING FACILITY - MORNING SESSION]

The Bluegrass State welcomed the roster with crisp autumn air and an immediate return to physical reality. Inside the regional training facility outside Louisville, the ring mats thudded under heavy impacts as Larry Gowan ran an intensive chain-wrestling session.

Mark Cross and Max Ironside worked together in the center ring, exchanging fluid collar-and-elbow tie-ups and crisp arm drags. Max moved with his trademark methodical precision, but there was a quiet, renewed focus in his eyes after coming up short in the fatal four-way.

"Keep the base wide, Max!" Larry called out from the apron, towel around his neck. "Control the center! Don't let Mark dictate the pace with his footwork!"

Mark backed off with a chuckle, wiping sweat from his forehead. "You hear the coach, Max. Even old dragons gotta mind their footwork."

[CUTAWAY - MARK CROSS, CONFESSIONAL]

Mark Cross: "Splatoberfest proved what I've been saying since day one: experience and heart matter. Nikki Payne is walking around like she conquered the universe. She’s talented, sure. But she’s got a target on her back now, and unlike the tournament, she’s gotta deal with The Dragon one-on-one when the time comes."

[CUTAWAY - MAX IRONSIDE, CONFESSIONAL]

Max Ironside: "I didn’t walk out of Nashville with the title shot, and that stings. But this business is about consistency. Amber Payne wants a piece of me this Saturday in Louisville? That's fine. She’s aggressive, she’s ruthless, but I’ve spent twenty years breaking down bullies with pure fundamentals."

In the adjacent ring, Taylor Landry was drilling high-impact springboard cutters with an intensity bordering on fury. Every landing was stiff; every reset was immediate.

"Again!" Taylor snapped at the training partner. "If Felicia thinks pulling tights is going to keep that belt on her shoulder, she's completely delusional. AYA is standing in my way on Saturday for the number one contender spot, and I am not letting anyone take my spotlight."

[CUTAWAY - AYA, CONFESSIONAL]

AYA: (sitting straight-backed, hands folded in her lap, voice cool and measured) "Taylor Landry speaks often about spotlights and status. In shootboxing, words do not stop a strike. On Saturday, we face each other for the right to challenge for the Shooting Star Championship. I will not engage in theater. I will dismantle her technique until she has nothing left."

Across the facility, Ashley Ellis was attempting to coordinate a tag-team drill with JoeStar Stanton for their upcoming Twin Star Championship tournament match against GT and Aaron Snyder. Ashley was recording a TikTok between reps, much to JoeStar's mild exasperation.

"Look, JoeStar, if we’re gonna be the Twin Star icons, our aesthetic has to match," Ashley insisted, adjusting her ring jacket in her phone's front camera. "The vibes have to be immaculate."

"Ashley, with all due respect," JoeStar said, scratching his head and rolling his shoulders, "the vibes don't matter if Aaron Snyder locks in a chickenwing choke. We need to be on the same page physically. GT and Aaron are heavy hitters. We gotta work like a unit, not a photo shoot."

Tuesday, October 6th

[PRODUCTION TRUCKS & PRE-TAPE SESSIONS]

Tuesday was dedicated to filming pre-taped material and television packages scheduled for the upcoming Louisville broadcast.

In the broadcast production bay, director monitors replayed footage from the aftermath of the brutal steel cage match at Splatoberfest. ONNA had been officially placed on the injured reserve list following Poema Tua's cage-top moonsault, while Seo Hyung Kwon remained barred from company events.

A camera crew had captured Poema's candid, unvarnished reaction in the quiet hours following the PLE, and the tape was cued up for broadcast inclusion.

Meanwhile, in the darker, more secluded corners of the facility, two impending debuts were taking shape with drastically different energies.

In an auxiliary ring, Morrigan Ravenshade sat motionless in the center of the canvas in full meditation. Her raven-black hair fell over her shoulders, her breathing steady, rhythmic, and unnervingly quiet. She was preparing for her Louisville television debut against Tessa Vale—treating the ring not as an athletic battleground, but as a sacred confessional booth where opponents were stripped of their secrets.

Down the hallway, inside the cordoned-off dressing area designated for La Familia Empire, the air was thick with tension and cigar smoke.

[PRE-TAPED REALITY SEGMENT: LA FAMILIA'S MARCHING ORDERS]

The room is dim and unwelcoming. Two massive, stone-faced bodyguards in dark suits flank the entrance door, arms crossed. Inside, a heavy mahogany desk sits under a single hanging lightbulb. Leaning against the edge of the desk, playing absently with the cold iron of a crowbar, is Antonio Cruz—"The Jar of Hearts"—a smug, nervous smirk plastered across his face.

Sitting behind the desk, framed by two more imposing goons, is the hidden boss of La Familia, Matteo Piazza. Matteo’s tailored suit is immaculate, his eyes dark and unforgiving. Standing across from him, dressed in his dark ring gear and leather jacket, is "The Demented Livewire," Eddie Boom.

Antonio Cruz: “So when are we getting this shindig started, boss?”

Matteo’s sharp gaze snaps to Antonio, his face hardening instantly. He raises one gloved hand, cutting Antonio off mid-sentence.

Matteo Piazza: “Ya’s better hold that tongue of yours before ya lose it. Let’s not forget, ya failed the last mission to take out Foxtrot.”

Antonio swallows hard, his cocky smirk vanishing as he steps back. Matteo turns his full attention to Eddie and snaps his fingers with cold authority.

Matteo Piazza: “Eddie, get ya ass over here.”

Eddie nods nervously, stepping forward through the space cleared by the goons.

Eddie Boom: “Y-yes, boss?”

Matteo pulls a thick cigar from his breast pocket. One of the bodyguards immediately steps in, flicking open a gold Zippo lighter. Matteo draws the flame, puffing until the tip glows cherry-red, then exhales a thick plume of gray smoke into the dim air.

Matteo Piazza: “So… ya first match. Quite an accomplishment so far. Though… they had to pair ya’s with a source outside of La Familia, and ya know how I feels about that shit.”

Eddie Boom: “Yeah. Morrigan. What should I do, boss?”

Matteo Piazza: “I’d say, we get rid of the dead weight and anyone that dares get in the way of MY empire. We’s here to build up, not to be some charity case. Ya get what I’m saying?”

Eddie Boom: (nodding rapidly) “Yes, boss. I understand.”

Matteo takes another deep drag from his cigar and leans forward, exhaling the smoke directly into Eddie's face. Eddie coughs, blinking through the stinging cloud, but doesn't dare look away.

Matteo Piazza: “Excellent. Now get ya ass out there and don’t disappoint me.”

Eddie Boom: “Understood.”

Matteo turns his icy stare back toward Antonio.

Matteo Piazza: “Now, Antonio… ya may have a chance for redemption. I want ya to make sure Eddie gets that victory in the ring tonight.”

Antonio's arrogant confidence returns in a flash, a cruel smile curling across his lips.

Antonio Cruz: “Oh, will do, boss. I look forward to a little fun.”

Matteo Piazza: “Good. Now get outta here.”

Both men nod quickly and hurry out the door, the heavy oak slamming shut behind them under the watchful eyes of the guards.

HOUSE SHOWS

Owensboro House Show - Wednesday, October 7th

[OWENSBORO SPORTS CENTER - EVENING]

The Kentucky tour officially kicked off in Owensboro before a lively mid-week crowd eager to see the fallout from Splatoberfest.

Match 1: Taylor Landry vs. Keylla Munoz-Atherton

Taylor Landry came out with visible frustration from losing the Shooting Star title match, taking out her aggression on Keylla with sharp European uppercuts and aggressive ground control. Keylla fought back with her flashy, high-energy offense, hitting a stunning tilt-a-whirl headscissors and playing to the cameras at ringside. However, Taylor's veteran edge took over. Countering a crossbody attempt, Taylor spiked Keylla with the Tay Drop Code Red to secure the pinfall.

Winner: Taylor Landry via pinfall (11:24)

Match 2: JoeStar Stanton vs. Clayton Halliburton

Clayton Halliburton entered the ring with ice-cold discipline, methodically working over JoeStar's left shoulder and neck. JoeStar mounted a fiery babyface comeback, rocking Clayton with a massive Factory Slam delayed suplex and a ringing Steel Line lariat that nearly took Clayton's head off. But when JoeStar went for the Iron Verdict, Clayton deftly slid behind, trapped the arms, and dragged JoeStar to the canvas into a vicious, inescapable submission hold, forcing the tap.

Winner: Clayton Halliburton via submission (13:48)

Match 3: AYA & Poema Tua vs. Binka Moab & Ashley Ellis

A fast-paced tag team showcase featuring four distinct styles. Ashley attempted to dictate the match with TikTok poses and dirty heel tactics alongside Binka, but Poema's athleticism and AYA's pinpoint martial arts strikes proved overwhelming. After AYA cleared Ashley from the ring with a blistering kick combination, Poema leveled Binka with a textbook Tropical Twist superkick to seal the victory for the fan favorites.

Winners: AYA & Poema Tua via pinfall (14:15)

Match 4: Nikki Payne & Amber Payne vs. Mark Cross & Max Ironside

The main event pitted the newly crowned Superstar Champion and her sister against two of the locker room's most respected veterans. Mark and Max utilized textbook tag team psychology, isolating Nikki with crisp double-team maneuvers and keeping Amber off balance. The finish came down to classic Payne sister deception: while Nikki engaged the referee in an argument in the corner, Amber struck Max from behind with a low chop block on his knee, allowing Nikki to drop him with the Cheer Drop for the tainted three-count.

Winners: Nikki Payne & Amber Payne via pinfall (18:32)

Bowling Green House Show - Thursday, October 8th

[BOWLING GREEN EVENT CENTER - EVENING]

The tour rolled south to Bowling Green, where tempers flared across every division as competitors sharpened their skills for Saturday's Louisville television card.

Match 1: Ashley Ellis vs. Poema Tua

Ashley attempted to keep Poema grounded with hair-pulls, rope-chokes, and arrogant taunting. Poema absorbed the punishment, rallied behind the cheering Kentucky crowd, and unleashed a barrage of rapid chops and snap arm drags. Poema finished the contest decisively by planting Ashley with the Island's End snap German suplex with a high bridge for the clean pinfall.

Winner: Poema Tua via pinfall (09:40)

Match 2: Aaron "Scarface" Snyder vs. Max Ironside

A brutal, physical masterclass between two grizzled veterans. Aaron targeted Max's ribs with stiff gut-punches and heavy mat leverage, while Max answered with crisp armbars and the Half-Nelson Facebuster. Aaron countered an attempted Han-decapitation knee strike, lifting Max into the air and driving him down with a devastating Blazing Tornado Brainbuster to claim the hard-fought victory.

Winner: Aaron Snyder via pinfall (16:12)

Match 3: Felicia Atherton vs. Taylor Landry (Non-Title Exhibition)

The tension between the Shooting Star Champion and the "It Girl" boiled over immediately. Neither woman gave an inch, trading blistering forearms, hair-pulling, and vicious slap exchanges that spilled out of the ring and over the security barrier. The referee lost total control as both competitors brawled into the bleachers, ignoring the official's count entirely until security separated them.

Result: Double Countout (12:55)

Match 4: Charlie Foxtrot & Mark Cross vs. Clayton Halliburton & Kimberly Hart

The main event saw the new Rising Star Champion team with the top contender against their bitter rivals. Charlie wrestled with visible heart, but looked slightly winded, clutching his chest during breaks in the action. Kimberly and Clayton worked ruthlessly to exploit Charlie's condition, with Kimberly hitting her rope-hung DDT. However, Mark made the hot tag, clearing house with a Shining Wizard on Clayton. Charlie tagged back in, caught Kimberly attempting a sneak attack, and planted her with No Future to score the pinfall, though he remained bent over on one knee coughing after the bell.

Winners: Charlie Foxtrot & Mark Cross via pinfall (17:50)

Lexington House Show - Friday, October 9th

[LEXINGTON CONVENTION ARENA - EVENING]

The final house show stop brought the roster to Lexington, setting the stage for the massive stakes waiting in Louisville.

Match 1: Keylla Munoz-Atherton vs. AYA

Keylla attempted to overwhelm AYA with fast-paced showmanship and high-flying agility, but AYA's disciplined defense proved impenetrable. AYA systematically broke down Keylla's base with stiff low kicks, transitioning smoothly into the Scissors Texas Clover Clutch to force an immediate submission.

Winner: AYA via submission (08:52)

Match 2: Binka Moab vs. JoeStar Stanton

Binka utilized her size and intellectual arrogance to mock JoeStar throughout the contest, targeting his neck with the Somnambulism hangman's neckbreaker. JoeStar weathered the storm, fired up with the crowd behind him, and nailed his devastating Steel Line clothesline before locking in the Stanton Lockdown crossface for the tap-out victory.

Winner: JoeStar Stanton via submission (11:18)

Match 3: Amber Payne vs. Kimberly Hart

A chaotic heel-versus-heel battle that saw zero sportsmanship from either side. Kimberly tried to out-cheat Amber with eye rakes and exposed turnbuckles, but Amber's raw veteran violence was too much to handle. Amber caught Kimberly off the ropes and drilled her into the canvas with a bone-jarring Pain Killer Kudo Driver for the three-count.

Winner: Amber Payne via pinfall (13:40)

Match 4: Nikki Payne & Clayton Halliburton vs. Mark Cross & Charlie Foxtrot

A high-stakes prelude to the Louisville Contender's Showcase. Charlie and Mark displayed strong veteran cohesion early on, but Charlie’s lingering chest tightness flared up midway through the bout. Clayton capitalized ruthlessly, wrenching Charlie's arm in a hammerlock and tagging in Nikki, who hit an Ugly Shot thrust kick. Clayton trapped Charlie on the mat, and with Mark tied up fighting Nikki on the outside, Clayton locked in a modified submission to secure the tap out from the champion, sending a massive shockwave through the arena.

Winners: Nikki Payne & Clayton Halliburton via submission (19:15)

Friday Night, October 9th — Louisville Waterfront & Backstage Prep

Following the Lexington show, the convoy made the late-night drive west along Interstate 64 into Louisville. The city skyline reflected across the dark, rolling surface of the Ohio River under the autumn moon.

[SCENE: LOUISVILLE OHIO RIVER FERRY DOCK]

“The Mystic Phoenix” Charlie Foxtrot walked along the wooden docks of the Ohio River in Louisville with Gucci trotting quietly on his left side, holding hands with "The Gallopin’ Cowgirl," Camila Ramos. The air off the water was sharp and biting. Charlie stopped near the edge of the ferry dock, staring out across the dark expanse of the river.

His thoughts were turbulent, haunted by the recurring nightmares that had plagued his sleep since the brutal thirty-minute war in Nashville. Camila looked over at him, deep concern etching her face. Under the dim amber dock lights, Charlie looked noticeably pale.

Camila Ramos: “You seem distracted there, Chuck.”

Charlie blinked, snapping out of his daze, and looked down at Camila with a faint, weary smile. He hated seeing her worry; he was supposed to protect her, not make her carry his burdens.

Charlie Foxtrot: “Yeah… I’m okay. Just thinking about the show that’ll happen soon.”

Camila tightened her grip on his hand, her brow furrowing.

Camila Ramos: “You sure you can wrestle, Chuck? You don’t look well.”

Gucci looked up at his master, letting out a soft, sympathetic whimper and nudging Charlie’s leg. Charlie looked back out toward the river, a fierce spark igniting in his blue eyes despite the exhaustion dragging at his limbs. He refused to let anything hold him back against Clayton Halliburton and Mark Cross tomorrow night. More importantly, he didn’t want to let his partner, Nikki Payne, down in the Contender's Showcase, especially now that he carried the prestige of the Rising Star Championship.

Charlie Foxtrot: “I’ll be okay, Camila. I’m used to it. Remember, I was a former Marine, so I’ve dealt with much worse situations. Besides, I can’t let Clayton defeat me again. I do give the guy credit for managing to make me tap out, but I will admit, my emotions were still fragile back then. The fact is, I managed to win the Rising Star Title against cheaters like Kimberly Hart at Splatober fair and square with my emotions finally in check. Now that I have them managed, Clayton better be ready to dance along with his tango partner, Mark Cross.”

Charlie paused, clearing his throat against an annoying, persistent tickle that made his chest tighten. He swallowed hard and continued.

Charlie Foxtrot: “I know with Cross teaming with Clayton, it’ll be no walk in the park for sure because Cross has proven to be quite a sneaky ninja in matches. Despite the challenges those two will bring, as long as Nikki Payne and myself work together, communicate, and stay in sync, then we can do this. Because as they always say, teamwork does make the dream work. I believe in my heart that we can pull this off. While I haven’t had much of a challenge against Cross and get to know more about his tactics, Clayton has been a major thorn in my side for a while now.”

Camila studied his face. She could hear the conviction in his voice and see the fire in his eyes, but she knew the physical toll his body was carrying.

Camila Ramos: “Just be careful, Chuck. You better damn well not pass out in that there ring.”

Charlie nodded softly.

Charlie Foxtrot: “Don’t worry, I’ll be okay.”

Camila stepped in close, wrapping her arms around his waist and hugging him tightly. Charlie rested his chin against the top of her head, returning the embrace. She looked up at him with unyielding seriousness.

Camila Ramos: “You better.”

[SCENE: THE STREET 'RUNNERS' DRESSING ROOM — LOUISVILLE TELEVISION CENTER]

Across town inside the Louisville Television Center, the production crew was running overnight light checks in the arena while The Street 'Runners' gathered in their private backstage room. The space carried an edgy, comfortable vibe, decorated with the crew's travel banners and road cases.

Charlie Foxtrot sat in a wide leather armchair, dressed in his workout gear with the Rising Star Championship belt draped proudly over his shoulder. He took a slow sip from a water bottle, trying to soothe the raw scrape in his throat, while holding a team meeting with his inner circle and Camila, who was now officially integrated into the Street 'Runner family. Gucci lay faithfully beside the arm of the chair.

During the discussion, "The Metamorphic Butterfly" Ronny Rizzo raised her hand, her expression clouded with worry as she noticed how pale and drawn Charlie looked under the fluorescent lights.

Charlie Foxtrot: “What is it, Ronny?”

Ronny Rizzo: “Are you sure you’ll be okay tonight, big brother? You look run down.”

Charlie cleared his throat again, taking another measured sip of water before managing a small, reassuring grin.

Charlie Foxtrot: “I’ll be okay, Ronny. If I can get through worse shit when I was in the Marine Corps, then this is nothing.”

Ronny frowned slightly, unconvinced.

Ronny Rizzo: “Hm…”

Beside her, "The Super Spy" Cyrus Stryker placed a calming hand on Ronny’s shoulder. On the couch nearby, Cyrus’s eight-year-old daughter, Valerie, was completely absorbed in playing her Nintendo Switch 2. Cyrus smiled softly, stepping over to the couch.

Cyrus Stryker: “Val, sweetie, how about we turn that off for a while until after the show?”

Valerie looked up at her dad with wide, obedient eyes, then glanced back down at the screen.

Valerie: “Okay, daddy.”

Valerie saved her game carefully before shutting down the console and packing it into her small backpack. "The Bountiful Beauty," Julie Watanabe, stepped forward with a warm smile.

Julie Watanabe: “How about you come with me, Valerie-san, and I can treat you to some ice cream? Only if it’s okay with Cyrus-san and Foxtrot-sama.”

Valerie’s face lit up instantly. She bounced on the couch, looking eagerly between her father and Charlie.

Valerie: “Oh, can I? Pleeease?”

Cyrus Stryker: (raising an eyebrow playfully) “Is your homework done?”

Valerie: (beaming) “Yes, daddy, it is!”

Charlie let out a warm chuckle, looking over at Cyrus.

Charlie Foxtrot: “Well, then I say she’s good to go. It’s ultimately all up to Cyrus.”

Cyrus let out an amused sigh, nodding.

Cyrus Stryker: “Alright, you can go with Miss Watanabe to get ice cream. It’s probably for the best anyway.”

Valerie squealed with delight, jumping up from the couch.

Valerie: “Yaaay! Thank you daddy and thank you Uncle Charlie!”

Julie took Valerie by the hand, and the two headed out into the hallway. Once the door clicked shut, Charlie’s expression shifted, returning to sharp, focused business. His Contender's Showcase match was less than twenty-four hours away, and the locker room was crawling with enemies.

Charlie Foxtrot: “Alright family, just remember to keep your eyes and ears out for anyone from La Familia Empire, especially Eddie and their choir bitch, Antonio Cruz. After what they did to Ronny, we have to keep on our toes at all times.”

Proxy folded her arms across her chest, leaning against the wall with a direct, piercing look.

Proxy: “I have something to say to you, Charlie… just don’t keel over in the ring tonight, especially with how your health is right now.”

Camila placed a comforting hand on Proxy’s shoulder, offering a reassuring smile.

Camila Ramos: “It’s okay, ya’ll. We’re all gonna be yonder there to watch Chuck.”

Charlie let out a quiet laugh, pushing himself up out of the leather chair. The rest of the crew rose with him, gathering in the center of the room.

Charlie Foxtrot: “I’ll definitely keep that in mind. Alright, without further ado, hands in, everyone!”

Charlie extended his right hand into the center. Camila, Proxy, Cyrus, and Ronny placed their hands firmly over his.

Everyone: “1! 2! 3! STREET ‘RUNNERS!”

Their unified cheer echoed through the dressing room as the meeting adjourned.

Outside in the arena bowl, the arena house lights were dimmed to a soft amber glow over the empty ring. The broadcast production trucks outside the loading dock were fully humming, running final system diagnostics for Saturday's live telecast. The graphics packages were loaded: the Contender's Showcase, the Twin Star Tournament kickoff, the debut of Veronica Taylor, and the high-stakes division battles were locked in.

Kentucky was ready. Saturday in Louisville was next.

[FADE TO BLACK]

SATURDAY TELEVISION BROADCAST

Louisville Television Center - Saturday, October 10th, 2026

[LOUISVILLE TELEVISION CENTER - BROADCAST OPEN]

The television broadcast did not begin with the customary explosion of pyro, nor with the driving bass of the program’s theme music. Instead, the broadcast opened in absolute, stark silence as the cameras faded in directly on the center of the ring.

Standing under a single crisp white spotlight, dressed in a sharp charcoal suit with a microphone already held firmly in her hand, was Splat! Wrestling General Manager Madoka Kawada.

The Louisville crowd erupted into an enthusiastic roar of appreciation, but Madoka raised her left hand with calm authority, waiting for the applause to settle into a focused murmur.

Madoka Kawada: "Good evening, Louisville... and welcome to Splat! Wrestling."

Another cheer rippled through the arena bowl before Madoka continued, her tone steady, formal, and commanding.

Madoka Kawada: "One week ago in Nashville, Splatoberfest redefined the landscape of this promotion. We saw history made, championships decided, and wars waged that pushed our athletes to their absolute physical and emotional limits. But at Splat! Wrestling, we do not rest on the accomplishments of yesterday. We build toward tomorrow."

Madoka paused, looking up toward the upper decks.

Madoka Kawada: "It is my privilege to officially announce that our next Premium Live Event will take place on Saturday, January 2nd, 2027, when Splat! Wrestling presents Splat Year's Resolution, live from The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota."

The Louisville crowd cheered loudly at the announcement, with graphics flashing across the screen detailing the date and historic Minneapolis venue.

Madoka Kawada: "At Splat Year's Resolution, we will make history once again by officially crowning the inaugural Twin Star Champions. As announced last Saturday, the Twin Star Championship is built on the foundation of randomly paired partnerships. Tonight, that tournament begins."

Madoka gestured toward the giant LED screen above the stage as the official tournament brackets illuminated above the crowd:

===============================================================
            TWIN STAR CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT BRACKET
===============================================================
[MATCH 1 - TONIGHT]
  GT & Aaron "Scarface" Snyder vs. Ashley Ellis & JoeStar Stanton

[MATCH 2 - IN TWO WEEKS]
  AYA & Poema Tua vs. Danni Anderson & Max Ironside

[MATCH 3 - IN FOUR WEEKS]
  Mark "The Dragon" Cross & ONNA vs. Kimberly Hart & Clayton Halliburton

[MATCH 4 - IN SIX WEEKS]
  Amber Payne & Keylla Munoz-Atherton vs. Eddie Boom & Morrigan Ravenshade
===============================================================

Madoka Kawada: "The first round will feature one tournament match every two weeks leading into Minneapolis. However, I must address Match Three. Following the brutal steel cage match at Splatoberfest, ONNA sustained severe injuries and has been officially placed on the injured reserve list. She has four weeks to be medically cleared by our physicians. If ONNA is unable to compete when her first-round match arrives, an alternate competitor will be selected to partner with Mark Cross."

The crowd buzzed with chatter at the update on ONNA's condition.

Madoka Kawada: "Furthermore, we must address the contenders who earned championship opportunities in Nashville. Mark Cross and Clayton Halliburton earned the right to challenge for their respective titles at any time, at any event—including house shows and Premium Live Events. However, let me make this policy abundantly clear to all competitors: Splat! Wrestling is a sanctioned athletic company. There will be no surprise cash-ins, no opportunistic run-ins while a champion is unconscious. Any contender wishing to invoke their championship match must provide my office with at least twenty-four hours' official written notice prior to bell time."

The crowd cheered in agreement with the strict, sporting regulation.

Madoka Kawada: "This same twenty-four-hour privilege will apply to the winner of tonight's Shooting Star Number One Contender match between Taylor Landry and AYA. In addition, as the former Rising Star Champion, Kimberly Hart will receive a future rematch against Charlie Foxtrot. And due to the deeply controversial outside interference that decided the third fall of the Superstar Championship finale, Danni Anderson has been granted an official rematch against Nikki Payne at a date to be determined."

Madoka lowered her microphone slightly, turning toward the announce table at ringside. Her face softened into a warm, genuine smile.

Madoka Kawada: "And finally... tonight marks a new chapter at our commentary desk. Joining Biff Franklin on broadcast duties is someone who has grown up around this business, someone with unmatched passion and a voice that speaks truth without fear. Splat! Wrestling fans, please join me in officially welcoming our new color commentator... Leina Debaillion!"

The arena gave Leina a warm ovation as the lights came up across the arena bowl. Madoka offered a respectful nod to the commentary desk and stepped out between the ropes, leaving the stage set for the evening.

[BROADCAST DESK - RINGSIDE]

The camera cut to ringside, where veteran play-by-play voice Biff Franklin sat behind the desk, beaming with pride alongside fourteen-year-old Leina Debaillion, who wore a sleek headset over her braided hair and a stylish leather jacket.

Biff Franklin: "Thank you, General Manager Madoka Kawada, and welcome everyone to the Louisville Television Center! I'm Biff Franklin alongside my brand-new broadcast colleague, Leina Debaillion! Leina, welcome to the desk, young lady!"

Leina Debaillion: "Thanks, Biff! It feels incredible to be sitting right here. Nashville was an absolute roller coaster, and seeing my mom get screwed out of that Superstar Title had my blood boiling! But tonight, we’re in Kentucky, we’ve got fresh gold on the line, and I am ready to call some people getting their absolute asses [BLEEP] handed to them!"

Biff Franklin: (laughing nervously, adjusting his papers) "Well, easy on the language, Leina! We are a family-friendly program, but I love the enthusiasm! And folks, before we get to our opening contest, we have to report on a developing, hostile situation that occurred earlier this afternoon in the loading docks."

Footage appeared in a picture-in-picture box showing shaky backstage security camera video:

Earlier today: GT arrived at the Louisville Television Center alone on his custom TRON-styled motorcycle. As GT approached the Heartless dressing room door, the door violently kicked open into his face, knocking him flat on the concrete. Shawn McGrath and the Millennium Men—Bobby and Declan Wilson—swarmed GT in a vicious three-on-one ambush. Shawn McGrath shoved GT against a road case and slapped a pair of heavy police handcuffs onto his wrists, leaving GT completely defenseless as Bobby and Declan drove boots into his ribs.

Danni Anderson and Aaron Snyder rushed around the corner shouting for security, causing Shawn and the Wilson brothers to flee down the service hallway. In the scramble, Bobby dropped the handcuff key on the floor. Danni snatched the key, hastily unlocked the cuffs from GT's bloodied wrists, and called for medical personnel.

Biff Franklin: "A sickening, cowardly assault by Shawn McGrath and the Millennium Men on GT. splat wrestling medics urged GT to go to the local medical center for evaluation, but GT adamantly refused hospitalization! He insisted on remaining in the building to compete in tonight's Twin Star tournament match alongside Aaron Snyder!"

Leina Debaillion: "Gabby is tough as nails, Biff, but those punks did some real damage to his shoulder and ribs. He shouldn't even be walking, let alone wrestling against JoeStar and Ashley tonight. But that’s who GT is—he doesn't back down from anyone!"

Biff Franklin: "We will monitor GT's condition throughout the evening. But right now, it is time for our opening contest! The number one contendership for the Shooting Star Championship is on the line!"

Match 1: Shooting Star Championship #1 Contender Match

"It Girl" Taylor Landry vs. AYA

[RING INTRODUCTIONS]

Mia Rivera: "The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the NUMBER ONE CONTENDERSHIP to the Shooting Star Championship! Introducing first, from Los Angeles, California, weighing in at 120 pounds... 'THE IT GIRL' TAYLOR LANDRY!"

Taylor strutted down the entrance ramp in glittering silver and pink gear, blowing a dismissive kiss toward the crowd before checking her manicured nails. She climbed into the ring, shooting a haughty, confident smirk toward the broadcast desk.

Mia Rivera: "And her opponent, from Tokyo, Japan, weighing in at 125 pounds... A-Y-A!"

AYA made her entrance in crisp, black-and-crimson MMA fight trunks with hand wraps firmly secured, her eyes focused in deadly concentration. She entered the ring without theatrics, dropping into a disciplined southpaw stance the moment the bell sounded.

The bell rang.

TIME: 0:00 / 20:00

The clash of styles became apparent instantly. Taylor tried to circle and taunt, flicking her hair, but AYA exploded forward with a lightning-fast combination of leg kicks that forced Taylor to scramble to the ropes in alarm.

Biff Franklin: "Stiff kicks right out of the gate from AYA! Taylor Landry quickly realizing she cannot play games with an elite shootboxer!"

Taylor regrouped and used the referee's positioning to deliver a sneaky thumb to AYA's eye on the break. Taylor capitalized with rapid offense, snapping AYA down with a crisp arm drag and following up with Knife in the Back—a sharp backstabber that sent AYA arching across the canvas.

Taylor quickly covered:

ONE!

TWO!

AYA kicked out with authority.

Leina Debaillion: "Look at Taylor smiling like she accomplished something. A backstabber isn't gonna keep AYA down for three seconds, honey. You gotta bring real power!"

Taylor maintained the advantage through the middle portion of the contest, wearing AYA down with a seated surfboard stretch and targeting AYA's neck with repeated European uppercuts. When Taylor attempted her signature California Vacation Panama Sunrise at the eight-minute mark, AYA saw it coming, dropping her weight and flipping Taylor overhead with a textbook release belly-to-belly suplex!

TIME: 10:15 / 20:00

The crowd rallied behind AYA as she mounted a furious comeback. AYA drove Taylor into the corner with a rapid-fire Mach Punch Rush, followed by a ringing spinning back kick that echoed through the arena. AYA hoisted Taylor onto her shoulders and planted her with the Blazing Tornado Brainbuster!

AYA floated over for the cover:

ONE!

TWO!

Taylor got her foot on the bottom rope!

AYA immediately reached down to transition into the Scissors Texas Clover Clutch, but Taylor desperately raked AYA's face with her fingertips. As AYA recoiled to clear her vision, Taylor scrambled to the second rope, leaped off with incredible agility, and snapped AYA into the mat with the Tay Drop Code Red!

Taylor hooked both legs with everything she had left!

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

*DING! DING! DING!*

TIME: 13:48 / 20:00

Mia Rivera: "Here is your winner, and the NUMBER ONE CONTENDER for the Shooting Star Championship... 'THE IT GIRL' TAYLOR LANDRY!"

Biff Franklin: "Taylor Landry pulls off the victory! A razor-thin finish, but Taylor secures her spot as the number one contender to Felicia Atherton's Shooting Star Championship!"

Leina Debaillion: "Felicia is definitely sitting in the back sweating right now. Taylor can cash that match in whenever she wants with twenty-four hours' notice. That division is on fire!"

Taylor stood on the turnbuckles, pointing toward an imaginary championship around her waist, mocking the crowd's boos as she backed up the ramp.

Match 2: "The Demented Livewire" Eddie Boom vs. Cody Mercer

[RING INTRODUCTIONS]

Mia Rivera: "The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, already in the ring, from Louisville, Kentucky, weighing in at 205 pounds... CODY MERCER!"

The local enhancement talent stood in the corner, nervously rolling his shoulders and trying to psych himself up for the biggest opportunity of his career.

Suddenly, the arena lights flickered and plunged into an ominous, strobing crimson hue. A distorted, screeching industrial guitar riff tore through the speakers as "The Demented Livewire" Eddie Boom stepped out onto the stage. Dressed in sleek, distressed black ring gear, studded leather wrist cuffs, and dark eyeliner framing a chilling, manic smirk, Eddie carried himself with sinister poise. He sauntered down the ramp, twirling his fingers in mock applause toward the jeering crowd before vaulting smoothly onto the apron and stepping between the ropes.

Mia Rivera: "And his opponent, from Los Angeles, California, weighing in at 175 pounds... 'THE DEMENTED LIVEWIRE' EDDIE BOOM!"

Biff Franklin: "Here is a man making his official Splat! Wrestling in-ring debut tonight, Leina. We have seen the unsettling vignettes and we've seen him lurking around the arena corridors with La Familia, but now we get to witness Eddie Boom inside the squared circle!"

Leina Debaillion: "This guy gives me total creep vibes, Biff. The way he stabbed Charlie Foxtrot in the back and hooked up with that shady syndicate backstage? He’s dangerous, he's arrogant, and he's completely unhinged."

The bell rang.

TIME: 0:00 / 10:00

Cody Mercer stepped out from his corner, raising his hands in a standard grappling stance. Eddie Boom didn't bother locking up; instead, he slowly paced around Mercer, tilting his head with an amused, condescending smirk.

When Mercer stepped forward to initiate a collar-and-elbow tie-up, Eddie fluidly dipped underneath the reach, spun behind him, and delivered a mocking, theatrical bow. As Mercer turned around in frustration, Eddie snapped forward with a blinding, open-handed slap across Mercer's face!

*SLAP!*

The crack echoed throughout the front rows. Mercer staggered back, clutching his stinging cheek, but Eddie showed zero hesitation. Eddie lunged forward with a flurry of sharp, calculated knife-edge chops into the turnbuckle before whipping Mercer across the ring. As Mercer rebounded off the ropes, Eddie dropped down, popped up instantly, and caught Mercer with a snap STO that slammed him hard against the canvas.

Biff Franklin: "Eddie Boom moving with lightning-quick agility and ruthless precision!"

TIME: 03:20

Eddie stood over the fallen Mercer, pressing his boot directly against Mercer's neck while looking out toward the Louisville crowd with a mocking sneer. The referee administered a strict four-count, forcing Eddie to release the hold at the very last second.

Mercer groggily tried to scramble to the ropes, but Eddie dragged him out to the center of the ring, wrapping his legs around Mercer's head and throat to lock in Love and Lust. Mercer gasped for air, thrashing desperately as Eddie pulled back on the hold with cruel leverage, laughing softly to himself while the referee checked for a submission.

Leina Debaillion: "Look at how sadistic this guy is! He isn't just trying to win the match; he’s playing with his food!"

TIME: 05:45

Eddie finally released the choke, allowing Mercer to drag himself up against the ropes. Sensing an opening, Mercer threw two desperate, wild right hands that caught Eddie in the jaw. Mercer charged forward looking for a desperation clothesline—

Eddie ducked with effortless precision, spun on his heel, and unleashed Feedback—a lightning-fast Dragon Whip kick that struck Mercer flush on the side of the head with a sickening thud!

Mercer went limp, crashing flat on his back in the center of the ring.

TIME: 07:15

Instead of going for the immediate cover, Eddie Boom knelt down, grabbing Mercer by his hair and pulling him up to his knees. Eddie whispered something inaudible into Mercer’s ear with a twisted, chilling grin, then pulled him to his feet.

Eddie hooked Mercer's arm into a tight hammerlock behind his back, cradled his neck, and hoisted him into the air before driving him skull-first into the canvas with absolute devastation—THE FINAL BOW!

*THUD!*

Eddie casually draped one arm over Mercer's chest, staring directly into the hard camera with cold, unblinking eyes.

Dan Jacobs counted:

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

*DING! DING! DING!*

TIME: 07:48 / 10:00

Mia Rivera: "Here is your winner via pinfall... 'THE DEMENTED LIVEWIRE' EDDIE BOOM!"

Biff Franklin: "A dominant, chilling statement victory for Eddie Boom in his in-ring debut here in Louisville! He systematically dismantled Cody Mercer from the opening bell to the final three-count."

Leina Debaillion: "He was practically toying with him the entire eight minutes. If that's what Eddie Boom can do on an ordinary night, everybody in the locker room needs to watch their back."

Eddie rose smoothly to his feet, ignoring the referee's attempt to raise his hand. He stepped over Mercer's motionless body, gave another slow, mocking theatrical bow toward the jeering audience, and exited the ring with a dark, satisfied grin.

[CUT TO PRERECORDED SEGMENT: POEMA TUA]

The broadcast transitioned to pre-taped footage recorded in Nashville shortly after the conclusion of the Splatoberfest steel cage match.

The screen opened backstage in a quiet medical corridor. Poema Tua sat on a steel equipment trunk, an ice pack pressed against her bruised ribs and white medical tape wrapping her wrists. She finished a phone call, tucked the device into her gym bag, and looked straight into the camera lens with raw sincerity.

Poema Tua: "ONNA, I gotta give you mad props, dude. You tested me to the limit and you pushed me to the point where I had to do something I never thought I would do... and that was ending you with my finisher from high in the sky."