Martin Karloff- Mastermind

The camera catches up with the Monster Messiah. The Janitorial staff backstage in Milwaukee before Glory are not very happy with Martin Karloff. Martin is drawing on the walls with a sharpie and has covered one wall with what seems to be rows upon rows of mathematical equations that no one can seem to make out.

“An irregular fraction? You must be joking. That would never...oh no wait I see it now. You are wise beyond your earthly years.” Martin says.

“Sir, could you....could you please stop?” The Janitor asks.

“Phorry, devour his eyes.” Martin says to the small dog he was watching after while Johnny and Josh were out grabbing lunch. Martin was juice fasting. Phorry yaps at Martin in response.

“I would, but I'm not supposed to be eating solid food right now. I'm doing a cleanse.” Martin says. Phorry barks in response.

“I'm feeling very healthy thank you, despite the inconsistent state of my bowels I find the boost in energy to be worth it.” Martin says.

“Are you...talking to that dog?” The Janitor asks.

“Yes, Phorry has a good mind for math and probability but she does not seem enthused about the prospect of eating your eyes and my diet will not allow it. This is a very fortunate day for you so I suggest you keep that fortune going and leave me alone before I reconsider my commitment to my diet.” Martin says. The Janitor, now slightly shaken leaves and Martin goes back to adding to his equation. Martin turns and acknowledges the camera with a small nod before gesturing for it to come closer.

“I have a gift for integers. Probability. I did the math and found that Caroline and I? We are equals. It is in my best interest to have her as an ally. So I saw to it she kept the title. Intentionally. In the past few weeks I went about my process incorrectly and was telling myself the end of the equation was winning the New Gen title again but why would I double down on an equation I have already solved? It is time to move on to the next equation and this equation is going to be much more difficult but should prove to yield even better results. There are so many new variables and seemingly irrational numbers and to be honest it is the difficulty of this endeavor that excites me the most and the beginning of this equation seemingly begins very simply.... The Red Queen plus The Monster Messiah equals... and I don't have the answer to that yet but I am willing to believe that as a sum we are capable of more than than just as two integers... I have strayed from my initial topic. Yes, I intentionally assisted Caroline in retaining the New Gen title as a show of good faith and NOTHING MORE despite the theorizing of several sad individuals on twitter known as 'shippers'. I remain a very happily married man. I believe Caroline and I are capable of more than management in Redemption might think and I believe this is a step in the right direction when it comes to furthering a goal. That goal being to be recognized as the top stars in this company.” Martin says.

“Now there is the possibility that Caroline does not wish to pursue this partnership any further and therein lies a good bit of fortune as probability has shifted in my favor. We have been paired once more to face off against the current Tag Team Champions. Clearly if we were to overcome this obstacle Caroline would see the tremendous upside in a partnership with me.” Martin says, Phorry barks in response.

“No, not getting ahead of myself. Visaulizing victory. It is not a sin to think a few steps ahead.” Martin says. Phorry barks again.

“Of course not. If things don't work out I am more than capable of taking care of myself. I didn't require aid to win the New Gen title.” Martin responds. Phorry barks again.

“No, it should be fine as long as I use the bathroom before the match.” Martin says.

“Phorry does bring up an excellent point though. Rebel Ink have proven themselves to be incredibly capable. Caroline and I will have to be on the same page to come out of this victorious. I have shown that I am capable of putting my own personal glory aside in the interest of victory. Can Caroline say the same? I certainly hope we can arrive at some sort of understanding.” Martin says.

“I am much more than some body paint and horror film references. There is no one in Redemption as tactically brilliant as I am. No one else sees combat the same way I do. I know the next four moves you are going to attempt and I know how to counter all of them. I study. I watch. I see the chinks in the armor and every small delay that could spell your downfall. I know things about Damon and Aurora Graves that they don't. Let me put it this way... the two of them want to play off their loss to the Radicalliance like it never happened and was just a fluke but... Joshua and Ronald found an exploit they didn't even know they found. I see it. I see the cracks in the foundation and after this match...if Caroline and I are able to get on the same page... then the only celebration that Aurora and Damon will be attending will be in honor of the fact that their tag titles weren't on the line when their bravado got them beat once more. All you see are numbers.” Martin says, gesturing to the wall of equations.

“I see Gospel. The Truth. A Testament to the might of the almighty Number. I am more than Man. I am more than Monster. I am the Mastermind.” Martin says before smirking. He turns back to his equations as the cameraman backs out of the room. Phorry barks.

“Yes, yes I see...” Martin says before we fade out.