After taping the Johnny Carson show, Simon walks over to the nearby Coliseum, where the Thing is practicing for the big wrestling match that evening. Simon wants to talk to him, but before he has a chance, Master Pandemonium appears and attacks the Thing. He wants to know if Ben is "one of the five", since Firebird had flown to him after they fought. Wonder Man contacts the rest of the Avengers as both he and Ben Grimm try to keep Master Pandemonium occupied. That proves to be harder than it seems when the villain reaches out his arms suddenly transforming them into two terrifying demons. They detach themselves from Master Pandemonium and attack the two heroes. During the fight, Pandemonium realizes that the Thing can't be who he is looking for, but before he can escape the rest of the Avengers arrive to join the fight. Master Pandemonium peels back his tunic to release dozens of demons from within his body. In the commotion, the villain tries to escape, but Hawkeye shoots a tear gas arrow in his direction. As Pandemonium falls back to the street, Iron Man and the Thing move in for the attack. He tries to hold back Iron Man with demon fire, but the Avenger pushes towards him and slams his armored fist right through Master Pandemonium's stomach. He recalls his demons, which swarm over Iron Man before reentering Pandemonium's body. With Iron Man disoriented, Master Pandemonium takes the chance to escape. The Avengers regather, uncertain of what just happened. One thing is certain, though... the Thing is NOT joining the Avengers!

Later, as Master Pandemonium returns to his mansion, he sits with his faithful demon bird Azmodeum contemplating the fate of his soul. As he looks down at the gaping hole on his stomach, he realizes that whatever the fate of his body is, he has to stop...

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