The crowd was loud a moment ago. Not anymore.

Now there was a ripple. Not panic, not excitement. Something lower. A murmur that crawled up the backs of their necks and told them to pay attention.

Then the music hit.

♫ “Boots and Blood” by Five Finger Death Punch ♫

It didn’t come through the speakers so much as detonate from them. A sharp, ragged scream, and then the drums kicked in, heavy and fast. The lights died, and strobe bursts took over, each flash cutting the darkness like gunfire in a thunderstorm.

He came through the curtain without a word.

Gunnar Van Patton didn’t play to the audience. He didn’t wave. He didn’t look left or right. He walked. Straight ahead. Each step measured, every muscle quiet but loaded. He had the build of a man who trained because the world had given him no other choice.

The ring was twenty feet away. He made it feel like ten.

He hit the apron low, one hand on the mat, and then launched forward with a clean, fluid motion. No wasted movement. He slid beneath the bottom rope like he was sliding into cover, then popped up in one smooth move. Front handspring. Feet under him. Eyes up.

He was in.

No delay.

He stripped off the black t-shirt, flicked it into the crowd, then pulled off the trucker cap and sent that flying too. No ceremony. Just gear he didn’t need anymore.

The referee approached. Standard procedure. Gunnar didn’t speak. He just held out his arms. Let the guy do his job.

Once cleared, he backed into the corner.

No sound now. No show. He adjusted his gloves, cinched down the wrist straps, checked the pads on his knees and elbows. He didn’t rush. Every movement was practiced, like he’d done it a thousand times before and could do it a thousand more.

Then he went still.

Head forward. Breathing slow.

His eyes locked on the center of the ring.

He wasn’t waiting for applause. He wasn’t waiting for the bell.

He was waiting for the war to start.

"Boots and Blood" by Five Finger Death Punch

German Suplex

Saito Suplex

Head and Arm Suplex

Dragon Screw Leg Whip

Standing Sidekick / Superkick

Ong Bak Knees of DEATH~! - A running double knee attack to the foe’s chest that sends them flying like a shotgun dropkick.

"Ghostface Killer" - 720 corkscrew elbow/forearm to the back of fallen opponent's head, think Robinson Special but with a forearm.

"Lament Configuration" - He looks as if he is going for a la magistral cradle by spinning with the arm captured, but instead of going for the pin, he applies a Kata Ha Jime and rolls to the mat. This happens at a breakneck pace.

Go 2 Sleep

—

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Fireman's carry position tossed into a knee strike to the face.

*NOTE: He holds onto a half nelson after delivering the knee strike, so it sets his opponent up for his finisher.

The best brainbuster in the business.

Crossface Chicken Wing / Cattle Mutilation hybrid

FUKSZ

The best brainbuster in the business.