EPISODE SIXTEEN - CODE BLACK

Sunday, October 25th, 2026 — Travel & Tour Reset

The tropical heat of Puerto Rico gave way to the crisp, damp chill of late October as the Splat! Wrestling charter flight crossed the Gulf of Mexico and touched down on the tarmac in Jackson, Mississippi. The hum of jet engines wound down, replaced by the rustle of luggage bins and the low murmur of an exhausted locker room. The island tour was officially in the books, but there was no time for rest. The calendar had flipped to the final week of October, and the entire company could feel the looming shadow of Halloween weekend.

In the first-class cabin, Veronica Taylor adjusted her designer sunglasses and smoothed the creases of her cream cashmere coat. Across the aisle, Mark Cross leaned against the window, his arms crossed over a black training hoodie. He hadn't spoken more than ten words to Veronica since their turbulent Twin Star Championship victory the previous night in San Juan.

Mark Cross: (glancing over dryly) "You know, in Canterbury, when two people win a match, usually both of them break a sweat."

Veronica didn't even look up from her phone, her manicured thumb scrolling past high-fashion lookbooks.

Veronica Taylor: "Sweat ruins the contour, Mark. You did the heavy lifting, I provided the star power and secured the three-count. In Hollywood, that’s called executive producing. You’re welcome for advancing us to the semi-finals."

Mark shook his head with a quiet chuckle, turning his attention back to the rain-streaked window.

Further back in the cabin, the atmosphere was far more volatile. Amber Payne sat with an ice pack pressed firmly to the back of her neck, her jaw tight as she replayed Aaron Snyder's counter to her brass knuckles in San Juan. Beside her, Nikki Payne kept one hand draped protectively over the Superstar Championship belt resting on her lap, her eyes fixed coldly on the back of Felicia Atherton's head three rows ahead.

Nikki Payne: (voice low, venomous) "I’m sick of these technicalities, Amber. Danni, Mark, Aaron... they think because they got a couple of lucky rollups, KAOS is losing our grip. And Felicia still owes us for Huntsville."

Amber Payne: "Let 'em think whatever they want, little sis. Mississippi is a grind. Four shows in four days. By the time we hit Jackson on Saturday, nobody’s gonna have the legs to stand in our way. And whatever Madoka’s cooking up for that hospital in Vicksburg... we thrive in the dark. They don't."

In the middle rows, Charlie Foxtrot sat with his eyes closed, his breathing slow and even. Camila Ramos sat beside him, gently resting her hand over his. At their feet, Gucci let out a soft sigh, resting his golden muzzle across Charlie's boots. The physical wear and tear of the last month hung heavy on Charlie's frame, but the quiet peace between him and Camila since their beach walk in San Juan remained unbroken.

Camila Ramos: (whispering) "You feeling okay, Chuck? Throat still bothering you?"

Charlie opened his eyes, offering a warm, faint smile as he squeezed her hand.

Charlie Foxtrot: "Just tired, Cami. But I’m here. One day at a time."

Across the aisle, Eddie Boom stared out the window with hollow eyes, tapping his foot in a manic, erratic rhythm. Antonio Cruz sat next to him, twirling a toothpick between his teeth. Matteo Piazza’s furious threats from the San Juan warehouse echoed in Eddie’s ears like a siren. He had failed in Puerto Rico. In Mississippi, failure was no longer an option.

As the charter bus convoy pulled away from the airport and headed toward the host hotel, General Manager Madoka Kawada sat up front with Biff Franklin, reviewing the packed itinerary. Four house shows across the Magnolia State: Hattiesburg on Wednesday, Southaven on Thursday, Gulfport on Friday, and an unprecedented Saturday double-header in Jackson featuring a morning Trunk or Treat, an 11:00 a.m. matinee house show, and the late-night cinematic taping of CODE BLACK at Our Lady of Mercy Hospital in Vicksburg.

The road ahead was grueling, unpredictable, and drenched in atmospheric dread. Mississippi After Dark was underway.

Monday, October 26th, 2026 — Mississippi Training

[MISSISSIPPI TRAINING FACILITY — CENTRAL GYMNASIUM — MORNING SESSION]

The central Mississippi training facility was a cavernous, brick-walled complex with three rings set up across polished concrete floors. Steam rose from the ring canvas as the morning conditioning session got underway. The scent of liniment and pine disinfectant hung thick in the air.

With Danni Anderson taking her scheduled Monday recovery day and Leina Debaillion attending classes at Discover Academy in Asheville, the gym belonged to the active touring core. Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away, ONNA remained at home under strict medical orders, her absence a stark reminder of the brutality that Splat! Wrestling could inflict.

In Ring One, Biff Franklin blew his whistle, calling the roster to the center.

Biff Franklin: "Alright, listen up! This isn't a normal tour week. You've got four house shows in four days, starting Wednesday in Hattiesburg and ending with a double-duty Saturday in Jackson. If your conditioning is lagging, this week will chew you up and spit you out. Get your stretches in, work your timing, and keep your heads on straight!"

In Ring Two, Aaron Snyder stood in the center of the canvas with his arms crossed, watching JoeStar Stanton drill snap-mare reversals and leverage escapes.

Aaron Snyder: "Plant the back foot, JoeStar. You’re giving away two inches of leverage every time you shoot the hips. You've got the Stanton power, but power without precision is just wasted oxygen. Again."

JoeStar wiped sweat from his brow, reset his stance, and exploded into a crisp side-headlock takeover, driving the sparring dummy flush into the mat with authority.

[CUTAWAY - JOESTAR STANTON, CONFESSIONAL]

JoeStar Stanton: "Aaron’s tough on me, but that’s what I need. Everyone looks at my last name and thinks I’m looking for an easy ride or Stanton Enterprises money to pave my way. I proved in Puerto Rico that I can hold my own. This week in Mississippi, I'm sharpening every single tool. When that Rising Star title comes back around, I won't just be ready—I'll be undeniable."

Across the gym, the Shooting Star division competitors were engaged in an intense chain-wrestling circle supervised by Larry Gowan. Kimberly Hart locked up with Poema Tua, trading crisp collar-and-elbow tie-ups and arm-drag counters. Kimberly wrestled with a fierce, chips-on-the-shoulder intensity, eager to prove that her transition to the Shooting Star division was an elevation rather than a setback.

Kimberly Hart: (breaking the lockup, catching her breath) "Not bad, Poema. But you're leaving that left shoulder open on the transition."

Poema Tua: (smiling coolly) "Then try and take it, Kim. Waves don't stop for anybody."

Watching from the apron, Shooting Star Champion Felicia Atherton leaned against the turnbuckle with a protein shake in hand, while Keylla Munoz-Atherton recorded a quick social-media video on her phone.

Felicia Atherton: "Look at them, Key. Sweating through their gear trying to figure out how to be half as efficient as the champion. They can practice all day; they still don't have the pedigree."

Keylla Munoz-Atherton: (checking the lighting on her screen) "Exacto, mi amor. They work hard, but we work smart. Mississippi isn't ready for the Atherton glamour."

In the corner of the facility, Binka Moab stood near the heavy bags, reviewing notes on a digital tablet. Her expression was sour as she recalled Mia Rivera's humiliating sound-system commentary from San Juan.

[CUTAWAY - BINKA MOAB, CONFESSIONAL]

Binka Moab: (adjusting her glasses, speaking with cold precision) "The pedestrian theatrics displayed in Puerto Rico were an egregious breach of professional decorum. That mediocre ring announcer believes she orchestrated an intellectual victory. She merely exposed her own rudimentary faculties. In Mississippi, my focus remains absolute. Physical degradation awaits anyone foolish enough to stand across from me in that ring."

By early afternoon, the ring work shifted to light grappling. Charlie Foxtrot worked through wristlock escapes with Max Ironside, keeping his movements fluid and measured. Larry Gowan stood near the ropes, watching Charlie’s rhythm with an observant, supportive eye while Gucci sat quietly by the ring steps.

Tension, ambition, and quiet anticipation filled every corner of the room. The house-show loop was approaching, and the whispers regarding Saturday's mysterious CODE BLACK match grew louder with every passing hour.

Tuesday, October 27th, 2026 — Mississippi Training

[MISSISSIPPI TRAINING FACILITY — AFTERNOON SESSION]

Tuesday's session pushed the intensity up a notch. With the first house show in Hattiesburg less than twenty-four hours away, the locker room was fully locked into fight mode.

In the primary ring, Chelsea Pryce and Xaria Linette ran a high-impact counter-wrestling drill. "It Girl" Taylor Landry glided through the ropes, hitting a springboard leapfrog into a lightning-fast crucifix pin on a training partner before popping to her feet with effortless flair.

Taylor Landry: (winking at Chelsea) "Tell me that didn't look like money. Felicia can hold onto that Shooting Star title for now, but twenty-four hours' notice is all I need. Whenever I decide to pull the trigger, that belt is coming home to California."

Chelsea Pryce: "Great speed, Taylor. Now do it five more times at full tempo. Flash doesn't mean anything if you can't hit it in minute twenty."

On the adjacent mat, Clayton Halliburton was working grueling, relentless amateur rides with Malik Reed and Cody Mercer. Clayton repeatedly broke down their base, grinding his elbows into pressure points and enforcing his strict, uncompromising standard of professional wrestling.

Clayton Halliburton: (hauling Malik up by the waistband) "Flat on your stomach! Don't give up the base! The mat is sacred, and you're treating it like a playground!"

Clayton shoved Malik toward the ropes and stood in the center of the ring, chest heaving, his eyes burning with intense discipline.

[CUTAWAY - CLAYTON HALLIBURTON, CONFESSIONAL]

Clayton Halliburton: "I hear Charlie Foxtrot talking about his emotional journey and his inner demons. I don't care about your demons, Charlie. I care about what happens when the bell rings and you're locked inside twenty feet of canvas. You claim you're a champion, but you're one bad night away from crumbling. I'm not rushing my shot. I'm going to let you carry that belt until the weight breaks you. And when I take it, there won't be any excuses left."

In Ring Three, Eddie Boom was sparring with manic, reckless energy. He threw vicious, stiff European uppercuts and snap suplexes, completely disregarding standard training etiquette. Antonio Cruz leaned against the ring post, clutching his crowbar and watching Eddie with a nervous smirk.

Antonio Cruz: "Hey, Livewire, take it easy on the boys! Save some of that juice for Wednesday!"

Eddie ignored him, driving a training partner into the turnbuckle with a thud that echoed off the metal rafters. His eyes were wide, bloodshot, and frantic.

Eddie Boom: (panting, muttering to himself) "Gotta win. Gotta get it done. Boss ain't gonna ask twice..."

Near the trainer's table, Mark Cross sat wrapping his wrists alongside Morrigan Ravenshade. Morrigan sat cross-legged on the ring apron, staring into the middle distance with an unsettling, peaceful calm that contrasted sharply with the chaotic energy around her.

Mark Cross: "Big week, Morrigan. Four towns, lots of miles."

Morrigan Ravenshade: (speaking in a melodic, quiet tone) "Miles are meaningless, Mark. The ring is always the same. A confessional where souls are stripped of their pretenses. In the dark of Mississippi, many confessions will be made."

Mark paused, offering a wry, British half-smile. "Right. Well... try not to confess too hard on the house shows, yeah?"

At the front of the complex, Madoka Kawada, Biff Franklin, and the head of production stood around a table covered in production manifests.

Madoka Kawada: "The logistics for Saturday are finalized. We run the Trunk or Treat at 10:00 a.m. in the Jackson arena parking lot, open the doors for the matinee at 11:00 a.m., and wrap the show by 1:30 p.m. The moment the matinee ends, the load-in trucks depart immediately for Vicksburg. The medical team, the film crew, and the props department must be set up at Our Lady of Mercy Hospital before sundown."

Biff Franklin: "It’s a brutal turnaround, Madoka. But the talent knows what’s at stake. They'll be ready."

Madoka nodded, her expression serious. "Let's make sure they survive the house shows first."

HOUSE SHOWS

Wednesday, October 28th, 2026 — Exclusive Backstage Vignette

[DRESSING ROOM / PHOTOSHOOT SET — REED GREEN COLISEUM]

The SPLAT camera transitions smoothly backstage into a private, high-end dressing room prepared for a promotional photoshoot. Soft vanity lights frame an ornate three-panel mirror where the reflection of superstarlet Veronica Taylor gazes back at herself with absolute adoration.

Veronica is dressed to perfection in a glamorous, floor-length, Jessica Rabbit-inspired deep red ensemble with a sweetheart neckline corset bodice, matching velvet opera gloves, a plush faux-fur wrap draped elegantly over her arms, and glittering red high heels. On the arena monitors in the background, muffled boos can be heard echoing through the concourse as fans catch sight of her on screen.

Veronica doesn't even blink, meticulously checking her lip gloss.

A sharp knock rattles the dressing room door. Without bothering to turn around, Veronica addresses security in a cool, silky, dismissive purr.

Veronica Taylor: "You can let them in. Do stand by."

Security turns the handle and pushes the heavy door open. Striding across the threshold is Ashley Ellis, decked out in an eye-catching, Y2K-inspired pop-star outfit: an embellished metallic pink crop top, quilted jacket with structured shoulders, low-rise metallic shorts with draped silver hip chains, and towering platform boots. Her oversized rhinestone sunglasses gleam under the vanity lighting, and her iPhone is held high on a bedazzled gimbal while she livestreams directly to her followers.

Ashley Ellis: (screaming at her phone screen) "OMG CHAT! I AM LITERALLY STANDING IN THE PRESENCE OF MY AURA MOTHER, VERONICA TAYLOR!"

Veronica glances toward the doorway and offers a slow, practiced smirk. She expected nothing less.

Veronica Taylor: "In the flesh. Many would kill for this honor, darling, but you get it. Now tell your audience you have an important meeting. You'll get double the engagement soon enough."

Ashley pouts slightly at having to pause her feed, but the radiant, fame-hungry grin never leaves her face as she addresses her camera one last time.

Ashley Ellis: "Hear that, besties? Veronica is going to chat with me, and guess what? I have to end the stream early! Don’t worry, though—there will be more content as always! Stay Menace, and farm that Aura!"

Ashley taps her screen, ending the stream with a dramatic flourish. Veronica watches her lower the phone before raising a single, manicured eyebrow.

Veronica Taylor: "Good. Now do keep it down. Some of us won main events last week and beat Taylor Landry in the exact same week."

Ashley nods rapidly, hanging on every single syllable as Veronica turns on her vanity stool, looking Ashley up and down with critical precision.

Veronica Taylor: "You’re obnoxious, vain, annoying, and impulsive."

Ashley beams, chest puffed out with total pride.

Ashley Ellis: "OMG THANK YOU!"

Veronica scoffs softly, gesturing dismissively toward Ashley’s phone.

Veronica Taylor: "I don’t mean that entirely as a compliment. You get attention; you could be semi-marketable. But look at last week: you wrestled fairly, and what happened? You got cheated. Where I’m at... well, Mark Cross was lucky to be on the same team as me, and at the house show I beat Taylor Landry—the woman who has bested you numerous times."

Ashley gasps, clutching her chest in sheer awe.

Ashley Ellis: "OMG MOTHER, YOU LITERALLY WALTZED IN HERE AND BEAT TAYLOR LANDRY?! I have had SO many issues getting the win I deserve, and you just look completely flawless and beat her?!"

Veronica chuckles, thoroughly amused by the worship.

Veronica Taylor: "Yes. Because I know how to control situations. That's something you don't know yet. You know how to cause chaos, but there is a massive difference between what you do and what I do. The problem with Keylla was that you tried to win fairly. She didn't, and she took advantage. That’s why what I am offering will take you to the next level. I am offering you a chance to sit with me."

Ashley is practically vibrating with excitement, bouncing on her platform heels.

Ashley Ellis: "OMG YASS MOTHER! I’D LOVE THAT! I deserve those wins, I deserve success! You’re everything I want to be and more! How do you make everyone look so completely out of place next to you? Mark was doing all the heavy lifting; you could have had him carrying your bags too!"

Veronica raises one gloved hand, cutting her off with effortless elegance.

Veronica Taylor: "Again... inside voice. Now, sit on the sofa over there. Direct your energy. We can make this work, and the entire world will finally learn what star power actually is."

Veronica rises from the vanity stool, gliding across the room toward the plush sofa. She rests a delicate, velvet-gloved hand on Ashley’s shoulder before continuing.

Veronica Taylor: "You have the ingredients, Ashley, but the results have been lacking. Beauty gets you noticed; being clever gets you opportunities. But knowing how to use both? That makes you a star. And lucky for you..."

Veronica smoothly sits down beside Ashley, crossing her legs with poised sophistication.

Veronica Taylor: "...I understand both. So, are you in?"

Ashley clasps her hands together, practically squealing with delight.

Ashley Ellis: "Do you even have to ask?! Of course I am, Mother! We are going to be SO TOXIC!"

Veronica's lips curl into a devious, venomous smile.

Veronica Taylor: "Professionally toxic. And they have no idea. Speaking of which... I have a gift to celebrate your first step. A lesson in and of itself from your Hollywood mother."

Veronica reaches beside the sofa cushions and produces a sleek, metallic pink canister, holding it out with dramatic flair.

Ashley stares at the canister, her eyes going wide behind her rhinestone sunglasses. She recognizes the object immediately and squeals in pure joy, clutching it tightly to her chest.

Ashley Ellis: "Is that what I think it is?! MOTHER, YOU EVEN MATCHED MY AESTHETIC! OMG I WON’T LET YOU DOWN! This is going to be SO ICONIC! So much main character energy... why should I ever have to wrestle?!"

Veronica leans back against the sofa, her cold, glamorous smile widening into complete, calculating satisfaction.

Veronica Taylor: "Now you’re getting it."

The camera slowly pushes in on Veronica's calculating smirk and the gleaming pink canister held firmly in Ashley’s hands.

[FADE TO BLACK]

Wednesday, October 28th, 2026 — Hattiesburg House Show

[REED GREEN COLISEUM — HATTIESBURG, MISSISSIPPI]

The Mississippi tour kicked off before a lively, vocal crowd in Hattiesburg. The arena buzzed with excitement as Splat! Wrestling brought its hard-hitting action to the Pine Belt.

Match 1: Singles Match

JoeStar Stanton vs. Eddie Boom

Eddie Boom entered the ring like a caged animal, pacing frantically, with Antonio Cruz escorting him down the aisle and waving his signature crowbar. After the ring introductions, Antonio departed to the back, leaving Eddie to compete alone. JoeStar Stanton walked down the aisle with calm, focused determination.

The match began with Eddie exploding out of the corner with rapid-fire chops and eye rakes, trying to overwhelm JoeStar early. Eddie connected with a flying forearm off the second rope, but JoeStar absorbed the impact, shook his head, and fired back with heavy rights. With no one in his corner, Eddie grew more frantic with every exchange, glancing toward the entrance ramp as if expecting Antonio to reappear.

That distraction cost him. Eddie turned right into a thunderous Factory Slam delayed vertical suplex, held aloft for eight seconds. JoeStar followed up by rebounding off the ropes and turning Eddie inside out with a devastating Steel Line lariat for the emphatic three-count!

Winner: JoeStar Stanton via pinfall (09:14)

Match 2: Singles Match

Veronica Taylor vs. Tessa Vale

Veronica Taylor made her Mississippi house-show debut to a chorus of boos, sauntering to the ring in full supermodel glamour and handing her designer sunglasses to a ringside attendant before the bell. Tessa Vale, a scrappy young enhancement talent, tried to catch her cold with a quick roll-up, but Veronica slipped free with an offended sneer.

From there it was a showcase. Veronica controlled the pace with cold precision, yanking Tessa down by the hair, driving a stiletto-sharp knee into her midsection, and planting her with a picture-perfect snap suplex. When Tessa tried one last desperate charge, Veronica sidestepped, caught her by the wrist, and drilled her into the mat with the Beauty Improvement Pass for the decisive three-count.

Winner: Veronica Taylor via pinfall (04:48)

Match 3: Singles Match

AYA vs. "The Intellectual Assassin" Binka Moab

Binka attempted to stall early, trying to dictate a slow, methodical pace on the mat with collar-and-elbow tie-ups and wristlock grinds. AYA remained completely unfazed, utilizing her elite Shootboxing footwork to slip out of Binka's grasp.

AYA peppered Binka with stiff leg kicks and rapid-fire palm strikes that backed Binka into the corner. Binka fought back with a ruthless thumb to the eye and planted AYA with the Somnambulism neckbreaker for a close two-count. Frustrated, Binka went for her Ruminating Virulence running knee, but AYA ducked underneath, snapped on a waistlock, and transitioned seamlessly down to the canvas into the Skull End Choke! Binka flailed desperately before tapping out immediately!

Winner: AYA via submission (10:48)

Match 4: Mixed Tag Team Match

Max Ironside & Poema Tua vs. Clayton Halliburton & Ashley "The Menace" Ellis

A fantastic clash of styles that kept the Hattiesburg fans on their feet. Clayton Halliburton and Max Ironside opened with a masterclass in technical counter-wrestling, trading hammerlocks, drop toe-holds, and bridge escapes that earned genuine applause from the crowd.

When the action broke down, Poema tagged in and lit Ashley up with fiery knife-edge chops, backing her into the ropes. But Ashley, still buzzing from her new alliance with Veronica Taylor earlier in the day, yanked Poema down by the hair and raked her eyes across the top rope the moment the referee's back was turned. Max stormed in to intervene, but Clayton cut him off with a crisp double-knee armbreaker. With Poema blinded and reeling, Ashley hooked a fistful of tights, rolled her up, and stole the three-count! Clayton shook his head at the cheap finish, but the decision stood.

Winners: Clayton Halliburton & Ashley "The Menace" Ellis via pinfall (12:35)

Match 5: MAIN EVENT — Tag Team Showcase

Aaron "Scarface" Snyder & Mark "The Dragon" Cross vs. KAOS (Superstar Champion Nikki Payne & Amber Payne)

The Hattiesburg main event brought tremendous heat as the reigning Superstar Champion and her veteran sister faced off against two of the promotion’s most respected technicians.

Nikki and Amber utilized classic heel tag-team psychology, cutting the ring in half and isolating Mark Cross in their corner with quick tags, choking him along the middle rope, and delivering tandem snap-suplexes. Mark displayed incredible resilience, absorbing the punishment and ducking a double clothesline to make the hot tag to Aaron Snyder!

Aaron entered like a buzzsaw, dropping Amber with a series of short-arm clotheslines and planting Nikki with a release German suplex. The match devolved into a wild four-way brawl across the ring. Nikki tried to strike Aaron with the Superstar Championship belt, but Mark Cross intercepted her, hoisting Nikki onto his shoulders and hitting the Go 2 Sleep! Amber charged at Aaron, but Aaron caught her arm, executed a fluid judo hip toss, and locked in the Prodigal Cross! Amber screamed in agony before frantically tapping out!

Winners: Aaron Snyder & Mark Cross via submission (16:22)

Thursday, October 29th, 2026 — Southaven House Show

[LANDERS CENTER — SOUTHAVEN, MISSISSIPPI]

The tour rolled north to Southaven, right along the Mississippi-Tennessee border, drawing a passionate mid-South wrestling crowd eager for high-stakes action.

Match 1: Singles Match

"It Girl" Taylor Landry vs. "Miss Magnifica" Keylla Munoz-Atherton

A battle of immense vanity and speed. Keylla entered the ring blowing kisses and filming a live stream, while Taylor entered basking in her own spotlight.

The match was fast, slick, and full of athletic counters. Keylla used her quickness to hit a running dropkick and grounded Taylor with a seated surfboard stretch. Taylor fought out with elbows to the ribs, snapped off a pair of TayTay rolling suplexes, and countered Keylla’s tornado DDT attempt into the Knife in the Back backstabber. As Keylla staggered to her feet, Taylor sprang off the second rope and spiked her into the canvas with the California Vacation (Panama Sunrise) for a clean, decisive victory!

Winner: Taylor Landry via pinfall (08:52)

Match 2: Non-Title Singles Showcase

Rising Star Champion Charlie Foxtrot (w/ Gucci) vs. Malik Reed

Charlie Foxtrot received a massive babyface ovation as he walked to the ring accompanied by Camila and his service dog Gucci. Camila headed to the back after the ring introductions, leaving Charlie and Gucci to the match. Charlie looked sharp and focused, determined to showcase pure wrestling fundamentals.

Malik Reed put up a valiant, athletic fight, catching Charlie with a dynamic leaping hurricanrana and a springboard crossbody for a two-count. Charlie absorbed the flurry, countered a spinning heel kick into a textbook blue thunder bomb, then hoisted Malik onto his shoulders and spun him down with Relic to score the three-count! Charlie celebrated by giving Gucci a pat on the head and embracing Camila on the ramp.

Winner: Charlie Foxtrot via pinfall (07:40)

Match 3: Singles Match

Kimberly Hart vs. Ashley "The Menace" Ellis

Kimberly Hart brought pure aggression to the ring, eager to make a statement in her new Shooting Star environment. Ashley tried to stall on the outside, but Kimberly chased her down, rolled her back in, and unloaded with stiff forearm smashes in the corner.

Ashley managed to rake Kimberly’s eyes against the ropes and hit a snap DDT for a near-fall. But Kimberly roared back, connecting with a running wheelbarrow facebuster. Kimberly trapped Ashley’s arms and locked in her Apex Crusher Mandible Claw, forcing Ashley to tap out violently on the canvas!

Winner: Kimberly Hart via submission (09:15)

Match 4: MAIN EVENT — Tag Team Match

Shooting Star Champion Felicia Atherton & Amber Payne vs. Poema Tua & AYA

The Southaven main event featured the reigning Shooting Star Champion teaming with the dangerous veteran Amber Payne against the formidable duo of Poema Tua and AYA.

Poema and AYA demonstrated exceptional chemistry, utilizing rapid tags and crisp striking combinations to keep Felicia on the defensive. AYA lit up Felicia’s chest with blistering kicks, while Poema grounded Amber with a diving crossbody. The finish turned chaotic when Amber dragged Poema to the outside, brawling against the guardrail. Inside the ring, AYA hoisted Felicia for the Blazing Tornado Brainbuster, but Felicia slipped down the back, shoved AYA into the turnbuckle, and rolled her up from behind, grabbing a fistful of AYA’s tights for leverage while the referee made the three-count!

Winners: Felicia Atherton & Amber Payne via pinfall (14:48)

Friday, October 30th, 2026 — Gulfport House Show

[MISSISSIPPI COAST COLISEUM — GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI]

On Devil's Night, the Splat! Wrestling tour reached the southern coast in Gulfport. The autumn breeze off the water carried a chill as fans packed the arena for the final house show before the massive Halloween double-header.

Match 1: Singles Showcase

Morrigan Ravenshade vs. Cody Mercer

Morrigan’s entrance cast an eerie, hypnotic spell over the Gulfport crowd as she glided to the ring in her dark velvet robes.

Cody Mercer attempted to mount early offense with quick arm drags and a dropkick, but Morrigan caught him mid-air with a vicious spinebuster. She methodically dismantled Mercer with European uppercuts, a diving double foot stomp (The Mourning Star), and a wicked Deadly Nightshade ripcord lariat that nearly took Cody off his feet. Morrigan hoisted Cody up and dropped him flush into the mat with The Final Hymn for the dominant pinfall victory, kneeling solemnly over her fallen opponent afterward without celebrating.

Winner: Morrigan Ravenshade via pinfall (05:10)

Match 2: Singles Match

Veronica Taylor vs. Briar Knox

Veronica Taylor's second match of the week brought more of the same cold efficiency. Briar Knox came out swinging with heavy forearms, but Veronica absorbed the early flurry, ducked a clothesline, and answered with a stinging open-handed slap that echoed through the Gulfport arena.

Veronica toyed with her opponent from there, dodging Briar's strikes with disdainful ease before snapping her down with a snapmare and a spinning back kick. A frustrated Briar lunged forward, and Veronica caught her flush with the Beauty Improvement Pass to put her away.

Winner: Veronica Taylor via pinfall (05:20)

Match 3: Tag Team Match

JoeStar Stanton & Max Ironside vs. Clayton Halliburton & Eddie Boom

An intense, friction-filled tag team encounter. Antonio Cruz escorted Eddie Boom to the ring and departed after the ring introductions, leaving Eddie to fend for himself. Max and JoeStar worked together with veteran harmony, while Clayton and Eddie's partnership deteriorated by the minute.

Clayton wrestled with clinical perfection, keeping JoeStar grounded with wristlocks and body scissors. However, when Eddie tagged himself in, he immediately resorted to biting JoeStar's forehead and throwing wild, reckless strikes that drew a warning from the referee. Disgusted by Eddie's lack of discipline, Clayton refused to take a tag, yelling at Eddie that "the mat is not a circus!"

Distracted by his own partner, Eddie turned around directly into a gut-kick from JoeStar, who lifted Eddie high and planted him with the Iron Verdict STO for the victory! Clayton walked to the back alone, shaking his head in disgust while Eddie dragged himself up off the canvas, alone and seething.

Winners: JoeStar Stanton & Max Ironside via pinfall (11:55)

Match 4: Singles Match

"The Intellectual Assassin" Binka Moab vs. "It Girl" Taylor Landry

Binka entered the ring determined to grind down Taylor’s high-flying rhythm. Binka used her strength advantage to ragdoll Taylor with a high delayed atomic drop (Chromosome Splitter) and applied the Somnambulism neckbreaker across the top rope.

Taylor showed incredible ring awareness, fighting off Binka’s submission attempts with sharp back-elbows. Taylor escaped a powerbomb attempt, transitioned into the Tay Drop (Code Red) for a dramatic near-fall, and followed up with the It Girl Spike DDT. Scaling the turnbuckle, Taylor nailed the AirTay split-legged moonsault perfectly across Binka’s chest to secure the pinfall!

Winner: Taylor Landry via pinfall (10:12)

Match 5: MAIN EVENT — Champions vs. Challengers Tag Team Match

Superstar Champion Nikki Payne & Shooting Star Champion Felicia Atherton vs. Mark "The Dragon" Cross & Aaron "Scarface" Snyder

The Gulfport crowd roared as the two reigning singles champions united against their primary rivals in a blockbuster main event.

The match was a masterclass in psychological warfare. Felicia tried to avoid Aaron Snyder, tagging Nikki in whenever Aaron stepped forward. Nikki used her power to ground Mark Cross with hard lariats and chinlocks, but Mark rallied with his trademark fighting spirit, rocking Nikki with a stiff Shining Wizard.

In the climactic sequence, Mark hoisted Nikki onto his shoulders, looking for the Go 2 Sleep—but Felicia clipped his knee from behind, and Nikki slipped free, tumbling to the mat. As Aaron lunged toward Felicia on the apron, Nikki caught him with a blindside forearm, spun him around, and drove him down with a snap DDT! Nikki hooked the leg and covered Aaron for the clean three-count, stealing the victory to close the house-show loop!

Winners: Nikki Payne & Felicia Atherton via pinfall (17:05)

Post-Show Locker Room Scene: Eve of the Double-Header

Backstage in Gulfport, the locker room was a hive of activity. Bags were already packed, ice wraps were applied quickly, and production road cases were being rolled out to the equipment trucks. The Gulfport show was done, but nobody was unwinding.

Saturday morning was mere hours away. The roster had a 10:00 a.m. call time in Jackson for the community Trunk or Treat, followed immediately by an 11:00 a.m. matinee house show—and then, the descent into the abandoned halls of Our Lady of Mercy Hospital for CODE BLACK.

Madoka Kawada walked through the corridor, clapping her hands to gather everyone's attention.

Madoka Kawada: "Buses leave for Jackson in forty-five minutes. Get your rest tonight. Tomorrow is going to test every single one of you physically, mentally, and creatively. Be on time, be professional, and be ready."

The wrestlers nodded in quiet unison. The long road through Mississippi had reached its final, defining destination.

SATURDAY: HALLOWEEN IN JACKSON

Saturday, October 31st, 2026 — 10:00 AM

[JACKSON ARENA GROUNDS — PARKING LOT TRUNK OR TREAT]

The crisp morning air in Jackson was filled with the vibrant energy of Halloween. The arena parking lot had been transformed into an autumn festival for local families. Orange and black bunting fluttered along the guardrails, fallen oak leaves skittered across the asphalt, and pop-up tents lined the perimeter. Hundreds of children dressed as superheroes, ghosts, witches, and mini-wrestlers walked between decorated car trunks with plastic pumpkin buckets in hand.

Having traveled from Asheville on Friday evening with Maricela Reyes, fourteen-year-old Leina Debaillion stood beside her mother, Danni Anderson, by their trunk, which they had decorated to match Danni's Fairy Queen costume with shimmering pastel streamers, glowing neon hearts, and delicate handmade fairy wings. Leina wore her complete MCU Loki costume—including the iconic green-and-gold outfit, horned headpiece, cape, boots, and every included accessory—smiling as she helped hand out candy bags.

Danni was in her absolute element, dressed as the Fairy Queen in a shimmering pastel costume with delicate wings, a sparkling tiara, and a wand. She radiated bubbly warmth as she knelt down to take photos with young fans, some of whom were wearing homemade versions of her pink and silver "Guardian of Love and Justice" gear.

Danni Anderson: (beaming, handing a giant candy bar to a little girl dressed as a fairy) "Happy Halloween, sweetie! Look at those wings, they're so sparkly! Remember, always protect your friends and eat lots of chocolate today!"

Beside them, GT leaned against the bumper of his TRON-styled motorcycle, dressed as Count Dracula from the Netflix series Castlevania, complete with the aristocratic black-and-red coat, high collar, gloves, boots, and severe vampire styling. He wore the costume with effortless menace, spinning a king-sized candy bar on one finger before dropping it into a boy’s bucket with a smooth grin.

GT: "Keep it stylish, kid. Style is everything."

A few cars down, Charlie Foxtrot and Camila Ramos had their trunk decorated with colorful Street 'Runners graffiti and faux autumn leaves. Charlie embraced the Halloween spirit dressed as Johnny Silverhand from the video game Cyberpunk 2077, sporting a rock-star-inspired black outfit with a sleeveless black shirt, dark jeans, boots, sunglasses, and a metallic cybernetic-arm costume sleeve. Coordinated with him, Camila was dressed as Female V from the same game, wearing a practical cyberpunk mercenary-inspired outfit with a cropped jacket, dark clothing, boots, and a glowing neon wrist-link accessory. Gucci sat proudly in the back of the SUV wearing a lightweight plush lion mane, wagging his tail happily as children gently petted his fur.

Charlie Foxtrot: (handing out snack-sized candy packs with a genuine smile) "Easy with him, buddy. He loves the attention. Happy Halloween!"

Camila Ramos: "Y'all make sure you check your candy before you eat it, hear? Have a blast today!"

Further down the row, JoeStar Stanton was giving out high-fives and full-sized candy bars, while Poema Tua handed out tropical fruit chews and plastic flower leis to cheering kids.

Naturally, the heels kept their unique edge intact:

By the KAOS vehicle, Nikki and Amber Payne sat in folding lawn chairs looking thoroughly unimpressed. Nikki was dressed as Rory Mercury from GATE, wearing a gothic black-and-red ruffled dress with dark ribbons and frills, the Superstar Championship draped across her knees as she scowled at older teenagers walking past. Beside her, Amber was dressed as Kazuto Kirigaya, also known as Kirito, from Sword Art Online, sporting the Black Swordsman's high-collared long black coat with silver trim over dark attire. Amber held a plastic cauldron, begrudgingly tossing individual hard candies into buckets with pinpoint, stinging accuracy.

Nikki Payne: "Take one piece and move along. And don't touch the belt. It's worth more than your entire costume."

Near a sleek luxury sedan, Felicia and Keylla Atherton had decorated their trunk with pink velvet, sparkling accents, and glossy promotional headshots. Felicia was dressed as Harley Quinn, showing off a glamorous, mischievous, comic-book-inspired look with bold two-tone styling and high-fashion edge that fit her bratty heel persona to perfection. Beside her, Keylla was dressed as Poison Ivy, stunning in a vibrant emerald-green ensemble detailed with delicate leafy vine accents and shimmering botanical highlights tailored for her influencer aesthetic. While Keylla checked her phone screen and adjusted her angles for social media, Felicia handed out organic sugar-free fruit snacks to the trick-or-treaters.

Felicia Atherton: "You're welcome. It's gluten-free and low-glycemic. A champion's palate starts young."

Veronica Taylor stood near the corner in oversized designer sunglasses, using a pair of decorative silver tongs to distribute gourmet chocolate truffles so she wouldn't have to touch anything directly.

Veronica Taylor: "One per person. Let's keep the line moving, darling, I have an 11:00 a.m. call time."

And over by Ring Announcer Mia Rivera's festive Day of the Dead display, Binka Moab stood near her own trunk with her arms folded, lecturing an eight-year-old dressed as an astronaut.

Binka Moab: "While your rudimentary replication of an extravehicular mobility suit is moderately charming, you should be aware that the Apollo guidance computer operated on less processing memory than a modern digital wristwatch."

She then dropped a full-sized chocolate bar into the confused child's bag anyway before adjusting her glasses with a huff.

The community event was a massive success, filling the morning with laughter, community warmth, and unforgettable fan interactions before the arena doors opened for the matinee.

Saturday, October 31st, 2026 — 11:00 AM

[JACKSON ARENA — SPECIAL MATINEE HOUSE SHOW]

Inside the arena, the lower bowl was packed with energetic families and wrestling fans ready for a high-octane morning of Splat! Wrestling action. With no television cameras broadcasting live, the matinee operated under pure house-show rules: fast-paced, crowd-engaging, and designed to send the Jackson fans home happy.

Match 1: Singles Match

Poema Tua vs. Ashley "The Menace" Ellis

Poema Tua set a vibrant tone for the morning, entering with immense babyface support against the obnoxious TikTok heel Ashley Ellis.

Ashley spent the opening minutes trying to mock Poema’s surfing hand gestures, but Poema quickly made her pay with a series of deep arm drags and an explosive running dropkick. Ashley managed to turn the tide by snapping Poema’s neck across the top rope, following with a running bulldog for a two-count. Ashley tried to set up her signature facebuster, but Poema slipped out, drilled Ashley with the Island’s End belly-to-back suplex, and climbed to the top rope. Poema soared with Good Night From the Waves, landing perfectly to score the opening-match pinfall!

Winner: Poema Tua via pinfall (08:15)

Match 2: Singles Match

Clayton Halliburton vs. Max Ironside

A technical masterclass that had the Jackson purists on their feet. Clayton Halliburton and Max Ironside engaged in a tense, methodical battle of holds and counter-holds.

Max utilized his veteran ring IQ, countering Clayton’s waistlock rides with hammerlock reversals and targeting Clayton’s left arm with the Half-Nelson Facebuster. Clayton fired back with stiff European uppercuts and locked Max in a suffocating seated abdominal stretch. In the final sequence, Max went for the Accessible Parking roll-up, but Clayton brilliantly shifted his weight, hooked Max’s leg, and sat down on the shoulders with a tight, heavy cradle to capture the three-count! Both men exchanged a brief, respectful nod after the bell before Clayton exited with his business-like scowl.

Winner: Clayton Halliburton via pinfall (11:40)

Match 3: Tag Team Match

Kimberly Hart & "Miss Magnifica" Keylla Munoz-Atherton vs. AYA & "It Girl" Taylor Landry

A dynamic, fast-paced tag encounter showcasing the depth of the Shooting Star division.

Keylla and Taylor started at a blistering pace, trading lightning-fast pinning combinations and athletic dodges. Kimberly tagged in and brought raw power, grounding AYA with a heavy sidewalk slam and stomping her in the corner. AYA mounted a fiery comeback, delivering a flurry of Mach Punch strikes and tagging in Taylor. Taylor entered on fire, hitting a double crossbody on Kimberly and Keylla. As Kimberly was knocked through the ropes to the floor by an AYA roundhouse kick, Taylor hit Keylla with the Knife in the Back, scaled the top turnbuckle, and connected with a flawless AirTay split-legged moonsault for the victory!

Winners: AYA & Taylor Landry via pinfall (12:20)

Match 4: MAIN EVENT — Six-Person Tag Team Spectacular

Danni Anderson, GT & Mark "The Dragon" Cross vs. KAOS (Superstar Champion Nikki Payne & Amber Payne) & Shooting Star Champion Felicia Atherton

The Jackson crowd erupted as the beloved trio of Danni Anderson, GT, and Mark Cross made their entrance for the matinee main event.

The match was non-stop action from the opening bell. Danni’s explosive, joyful energy electrified the building as she used her speed to run circles around Nikki Payne, hitting the Flower Hurricane springboard hurricanrana. GT and Mark Cross controlled the middle portion, isolating Felicia Atherton with crisp double-team maneuvers.

The finish broke down into absolute pandemonium. Amber Payne charged into the ring to break up a pin, but Mark Cross hoisted her up and sent her over the top rope with a massive clothesline. Nikki swung at GT with the Superstar Championship belt, but Danni intercepted her, taking the brunt of the collision to protect her partner.

GT shook off the shock, grabbed Nikki, and threw her across the ring. Felicia Atherton lunged at GT, but GT and Danni met her in the center with a thunderous Double Superkick! As Felicia crumpled to the canvas, Danni scrambled to the top turnbuckle, paused to flash a bright smile to the cheering children in the front row, and leaped into the air with the A.D.H.D. (double rotation moonsault), planting Felicia flush to score the decisive three-count!

Winners: Danni Anderson, GT & Mark Cross via pinfall (15:50)

The bell rang, and the arena exploded with cheers as Danni, GT, and Mark celebrated in the ring. Danni high-fived the young fans along the guardrail, while GT hopped up on the second rope to flex for the crowd.

As the celebration settled, Danni’s gaze caught the Superstar Championship belt resting on the canvas near the ropes, right where Nikki had dropped it after her missed swing. Danni knelt down and carefully lifted the heavy gold title into her hands. Holding it up, she looked at the championship with an emotional, longing expression, running her thumb over the center plate as memories of their Splatoberfest clash lingered in her eyes.

Suddenly, Nikki Payne lunged in from behind and violently snatched the title belt right out of Danni's hands.

Danni spun around, immediately on guard as GT and Mark stepped up to flank her. On the apron, Amber Payne climbed between the ropes with a smug, self-satisfied grin, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with her sister.

Nikki called for a microphone, tucking the Superstar Championship securely under her arm as the Jackson crowd showered her in hostile boos.

"Look all you want, Danni, but you're never having this belt!" Nikki sneered into the mic, her voice dripping with cruel malice. "You think scoring a pinfall in a six-person tag puts you back in the title picture? You're dead wrong. You don't get a title shot—not unless you can beat my sister one-on-one!"

Amber raised her hands in arrogant triumph, smirking down at Danni as the fans’ jeers grew deafening.

Danni’s bubbly smile vanished, replaced by a steely, resolute glare. Standing tall between GT and Mark, she nodded with sharp, unwavering determination, locking eyes with Amber and accepting the condition without hesitation. Smirking in satisfaction, the Payne sisters backed away and slipped out of the ring, clutching the gold as Danni and her partners held the center of the squared circle.

Backstage Interview: Danni Accepts the Challenge

[BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW AREA]

The camera cuts backstage where Jazmin Davis is standing by with a microphone. Beside her, Danni Anderson, GT, and Mark Cross walk in, still catching their breath from the high-energy victory, high-fiving each other before turning to face the camera.

Jazmin Davis: "Danni, GT, Mark—congratulations on a hard-fought six-person tag team victory here in Jackson. But Danni, moments ago in the ring, Superstar Champion Nikki Payne laid down a massive condition. She made it crystal clear: you do not get another opportunity at the Superstar Championship unless you can defeat her sister, Amber Payne, in one-on-one competition. Danni, what is your response?"

Danni stepped forward, her trademark bright energy immediately sharpening into pure, unshakable focus.

Danni Anderson: "My response, Jazmin? You tell Nikki Payne that her challenge is one hundred percent accepted!"

Danni smiled, though her eyes were filled with steely determination.

Danni Anderson: "Look, everybody knows the Payne sisters love playing dirty games, hiding behind each other, and making up rules as they go. But I've never backed down from a fight in my entire career, and I'm not starting today! If going through Amber Payne one-on-one is the price of admission to get my hands back on that Superstar Championship, then consider the ticket punched! I'm going to step into that ring, I'm going to out-fight and pin Amber, and then I'm coming straight after Nikki to take that title for real!"

GT stepped up beside her, nodding in firm agreement, though his expression carried a grounded edge of caution.

GT: "You know I've got your back all day, Danni. But stay sharp. You know how KAOS operates. Amber isn't just going to try to beat you; she's going to pull every cheap shortcut, every illegal distraction, and every lowdown trick in the book to protect her sister's gold."