One's Road to Rasslemania P.1: Dredd

[Level-Two]

One's Road to Rasslemania P.1: Dredd

At visionary wrestling's inter promotional pay per view ''Clash of the Titans'' the Sindicate celebrated their victory which saw Level-One and current APW Undisputed Champion Terry Marvin walk away with the tag team championships. It meant that they were regarded as one of the best tag teams in the world and shot their stock even higher then it already was. In their backstage locker room, they celebrated.

''We did it! The Sindicate has shown their dominance on a global platform and has gained the respect and the attention of wrestling promotions beyond the monolithic confines of the APW! Tonight the Sindicate celebrates!''

Felipe DeLoren howled like a starving hyena as he poured the liquor into both of the LeWinter sister sisters glasses. The Sindicate + Olivia Munn celebrated with the tap of their glasses. Chatter began amongst the group and Terry Marvin took the opportunity to pull Level-One aside.

''Can I get a few?'' Terry Marvin asked Level-One.

The two then glanced at Olivia Munn whom was feeling like the odd one out until Level-One poured his glass of champagne into hers. Olivia couldn't help but smile as she drew a sip and walked off.

''Man, we're this close to Rasslemania and you're giving my girl your liquor?'' Terry Marvin said as he watched her walk off. ''Now she's going to keep me awake all night if you know what I mean.''

''Is that a bad thing?''

''Who's complaining?'' Terry joked as he slapped Level-One on the shoulder. ''Hey, I just wanted to talk to you about a few things with Rasslemania looming over both of your heads. I feel it's my job to make sure we're on the same page on that night like we were today.''

''Really?'' Level-One said feeling slightly taken aback. ''I don't know about you man but I am ready. Hell, I'd step inside the cell with Biggs tonight if I could.''

Terry Marvin didn't look like he was convinced in the slightest.

''Are you sure?'' Terry asked. ''I don't know man you told me everything was good at Christmas Chaos and now I am here main eventing with CJ Gates and not you....''

''Yeah, remind me again why don't you!?'' Level-One fired off annoyed. ''We just won the visionary tag team championships can we at least let his blow over before we talk about Rasslemania?''

''You know Biggs is going to use us winning these things as just another way to rub your face in your own shit, right!?'' Terry Marvin pressed on. ''You can't let him get into your head. You need to know that I probably couldn't have done this without you.''

''Thanks but no thanks.'' Level-One said pointing at Terry Marvin's half of the tag team belts. ''Anything Biggs can possibly say about the situation is over ridden by the fact he wasn't there to help his own tag team partner CJ Gates as he endured a losing effort alongside Mark Mania. Isn't Biggs such an upstanding individual? It's no wonder why these fans have no qualms with supporting their own kind.''

''Well then, it's good to have you back.''

''It's good to have me back? I never left, Terry.''

''Seriously?'' Terry asked putting his tag team belt aside. ''We haven't been to one Hollywood party together since Christmas Chaos and you've flaked on me and Oliva Munn more time's that I can count text messages.''

''Sorry about that...'' Level-One said as he felt the phone in his pocket begin to vibrate. ''This whole briefcase deal has made my life quite hectic and whether or not I am trending on twitter anymore have been the least of my worries.''

''Well, Felipe DeLoren just booked out a whole club for us. It's just Sindicate members and associates only, you'll be safe there. You ready to party?''

Level-One smiled. ''Sure, there's nothing wrong with a little pick me up per say. Let me just grab this call real quick...''

Level-One reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone receiving the call. Terry Marvin watched him take it and knew whatever he was hearing on the other end was bad news. In a fit, Level-One hung up the phone.

''I need to go.'' Level-One said urgently, as he grabbed his tag team title belt and billion dollar briefcase stuffing them both into his duffel bag.

''What!?'' Terry Marvin asked in protest. ''Why?''

''Patricia!'' Level-One declared. ''She's in danger and she really needs my help, right now. I'm sorry.''

Terry Marvin stepped in front of him with his arms spread out wide.

''Hold on! Partying and Rasslemania IX should be the only two things on your mind right now, Lester. I know Biggs he's watching tape of you right now formulating a plan to sneak out with a cheap win over you like CJ did!''

''So what? He won't beat me!''

''You need to listen to me!'' Terry Marvin begged. ''Forget about the girl! Faythe was just like Patricia when it comes to our careers she's holding you back like Faythe held me back. I let her go... and now look at me. Look at how GREAT I have become! Look at how it all worked out for me and my career!

''Yeah, I'm looking right at it, Terry...''

Level-One wasn't impressed in the slightest as he held his stare before shoving Terry Marvin aside. Terry Marvin couldn't believe he was watching his friend walk out the door after everything they had endured just hours before. His girlfriend Oliva Munn now a little tipsy stood alongside Terry, after overhearing their conversation.

''Aw, he's like a hero.'' Oliva Munn noted. ''You'd give everything up to save me if I needed saving, wouldn't you Terry?''

''Of course...'' Terry Marvin said as he held Olivia Munn tightly for a few seconds before breaking his embrace in a panic. ''Wait, where's my undisputed title!?''

In Toronto, Canada; Level-One arrived outside of the APW head quarters downtown. Alongside him was a young professional heavyweight boxer on the come up by the name of Peter Volsky whom possessed a vicious right hand. Although they were diametrically opposed in every way one thing brought them together; their love for Patricia Lewis.

''So, apparently Patricia Lewis is being held way up there...'' Peter Volsky said as he pointed to the huge APW HQ skyscraper. ''I hope you brought the goods!''

''Billion Dollar briefcase right here!'' Level-One held the briefcase in front of his face - well, rubber mask. ''They say if we hand it over we get back our girl.''

''Why are you wearing a Barack Obama mask? I thought you DIDN'T want to draw attention to yourself!''

''Well, I was seriously considering the Micheal Callahan option but the hype surrounding his title match with Keaton Saint at Rasslemania, I think it'd blow our cover.''

''Whatever, let's just go and get Patricia.'' Peter Volsky said stepping forward but before he stepped through the front door he saw a sign.

No dogs.
No smoking.
No Level-One.

''You know, I'd really love to hear how that one happened but I don't think we have the time.'' Peter stated.

''It was the best April fools joke, ever!''

Peter Volsky entered the building first and Level-One followed. Before they could enter, they were met at a check point by security.

''Great going, Lester.'' Peter Volsky mumbled as he turned to the security guard. ''Hi, sir. Me and my friend here are on a diplomatic mission.''

The security guard stared blankly at Peter Volsky and the masked Level-One.

''Is dat Prezadant Ohbamha?'' The security guard mumbled.

''Why yes sir, you would be correct. I am President Obama.'' Deliberate pause. ''I am here to meet today with President Jeff to discuss how I can run a country half as well as he does a wrestling promotion.''

Teleprompter glance.

''Thank you.''

The security guard clapped his hands and let the two men through as he sung the President's praise.

''Is it just me or did that guy have downs syndrome?'' Peter asked as the duo headed straight for the elevator doors.

''The APW has always been politically correct - everyone gets an equal opportunity around here, it's why we called Sally Talfourd our heavyweight champion.''

''Sally Talfourd... didn't she beat you last year?''

''Hey, keep your eyes on the mission rookie!'' Level-One demanded before they entered the elevator and he removed his mask.

The two stood in the elevator side by side. The ride up was a rather awkward one with very few little words exchanged as they went up.

''Patricia must mean a lot to you, doesn't she?'' Peter Volsky asked. ''I mean, for you to be risking your match at Rasslemania and everything.''

''Risk? Is there something that you know that I don't?''

Peter Volsky clenched his fist. ''The fans are not interested in what you eat for breakfast, Mr. Only. Their only concern is hearing how you're going to be your opponent - Biggs - into a bloody pulp. That's it. Nothing else matters.''

Level-One knew he had a point but as the elevator doors opened up he knew he had come too far to go back now.

''Where are we?'' Peter asked.

''The business sector.'' Level-One confirmed. ''The elevator won't take you any higher - up top is where President Jeff sits.''

Level-One stopped by a door. It was closed shut as a meeting was being held inside of it.

''What are you doing now?''

''Thinking ahead.'' Level-One said patting his pants. ''Shit, I forgot my wallet. Give me yours!''

Peter Volsky didn't think much of it and handed it over. He watched as Level-One stripped it clean of all cash and slipped it under a door with a picture of himself along with it.

''Dude, I was carrying at least 1k!''

''I know.'' Level-One said in disgust. ''It's not much but it'll do. The APW is getting a new general manager soon so whoever is behind those doors, I need to make sure they're Level-One fans if you know what I am saying.''

''That's bribery!''

Level-One grinned devilishly as handed the empty wallet back to him. ''That's called winning a tight decision victory in your dying sport, Volsky.''

Peter Volsky snarled at the assertion before the two approached a set of glass windows over looking the city below.

''Are you really ready to die out there this Sunday?'' Peter asked. ''Is there any length you won't go to get what you want?''

Level-One kicked in the glass window. ''You're asking me this question as if we're not going to scale this building thousands of feet above street level.''

''We're doing what!?'' Peter Volsky cried in horror. ''Dude, I'm afraid of heights!''

Level-One put a hand on Peter Volsky's shoulder to console him.

''We all are until we find ourselves at the top of the mountain.''

Peter Volksy nodded his head and obliged to go along with the plan. Level-One carefully stepped out first handicapped by the fact he was carrying the briefcase in hand. He kept tight to the wall and slowly shifted his feet over step by step as Peter Volsky followed his lead.

''This all becomes much easier when you pretend there's nothing but a stack of tables waiting for you below.'' Level-One shouted.

''Oh, wonderful.'' Peter sarcastically replied. ''In your twisted mind this is some sort of gimmick match, you know, it wouldn't surprise me if this was already done! Your sport is circus!''

''I can't argue with that.''

A small window washing platform was conveniently left abandoned half way up the structure - the distant sounds of ambulance sirens cry out from afar. Level-One jumped onto the structure and climbed in as he watched Peter Volsky slowly make his way towards it.

He made it.

''What the hell was this doing here?'' Peter Volsky asked as Level-One looked out down below. ''Does this mean someone...''

''I don't think you want to know.''

He hit the switch as the mechanical device carried them up the building.

''Peter, there's only one entrance into this part of the building for those who haven't been given the pass - are you ready?''

''No, no I am not ready!'' Peter cried.

Level-One shrugged his shoulders as he pulled out a pocket knife, exposing it's blade.

''I'll give you a few moments then.''

Meanwhile...

APW President Jeff has spent the last half hour with the press whom he let into his office to conduct interviews in order to promote his very own brain child, Rasslemania.

''Stefan Raab, Thru Howling Winds... and pouring rain... YOU WILL FEAR, THE HURRICANE!''

The press teams snapped their pictures and howled in support of the APW boss before shouting more questions about Rasslemania.

''President Jeff - can you please issue a statement regarding Level-One? We haven't seen or heard of him since he was laid out by Biggs on the last episode of Thursday Night Overdrive!''

President Jeff sighed as he straightened up his tie and tried to remain professional.

''Level-One?'' President Jeff hisses. ''I haven't heard from him either. He's no showed autograph signings, house shows, open workouts, press conferences and scheduled Meltdown television appearances under the guise that he is training hard for his match against Biggs. I would love to know where Level-One is just as much as you all do.''

The press gasps as they point at the window behind President Jeff's office desk before he can even turn around...

... CRASH!

President Jeff is knocked to the floor as the bodies of Level-One and Peter Volsky comes smashing through the glass resulting in the scaffold they were standing on crashing to the pavement below. Only sustaining minor cuts and bruises as a result both men are able to pull themselves up to their feet to the shock of the press.

''Hey, guys!'' Peter Volksy greets. He spots President Jeff on the ground and offered a helping hand to him while Level-One refused to but President Jeff shrugs it off as if it was no different.

''What the hell is going on here!?''

Level-One steps in front of President Jeff billion dollar briefcase still in hand and faces the press whom watch on stunned by the events they all have witnessed.

''Alright, it's time to come clean. It's time to look you all in the eyes and be real with you all. No tricks, no antics, no politics.''

The press looks amongst themselves with uncertainty before they begin to snap photos and document his each and every word.

''Biggs is a formidable opponent. At Rasslemania, I will be in for the fight in my life. And while I know that I will prevail because I am the better man, I have tried to prepare in hopes of giving my people - my friends and my family the best Level-One they have ever seen because I owe them that much.''

He takes a pause.

''I sacrificed a lot to be here today. I sacrificed my girlfriend. I sacrificed watching my children grow. Dare I say it, I sacrificed my sanity. After the Sindicate bought out my contract, I made a vow to myself that I wouldn't return to be the second best. If I was to return, it would only be to the glory days in which I left and I fully intend to stay true to that vow.

Do you understand that, Terry Marvin?''

The press began to whisper to each other until Level-One dares to speak again.

''And now it's time to make one last sacrifice. At the top of this building some hooded thugs are holding someone I care about hostage. They say that I won't see her again until I hand over this briefcase. So, that's exactly what I am going to do. At Rasslemania, I will opt out on becoming Undisputed Champion in my home town but you will watch me defeat Biggs once and for all...''

Level-One smiled as he turned to President Jeff and padded him softly on his chest. Unbeknownst to the President he had just lost his key card.

''And I will get my title shot whether it's against CJ Gates or Terry Marvin when Rasslemania is done and over with, Jeff.''

He nodded at his ally Peter Volsky before they cut through the press lines and out of President Jeff's office. The President wasn't in his usual mood. With a big match coming up against Stefan Rabb his alter ego known as ''Hurricane Jeff'' in his hay day was starting to crack through, which only meant bad news for the German.

''Little does he know - only I have the key to get up there.'' President Jeff bragged to the press with an empty pocket.

Level-One and Peter Volsky with the President's key in hand were able to reach the top of the building where Patricia was being held. Or... so they thought. With a swift blow Level-One watched Peter Volsky collapse to the ground. He too would put up a struggle but the masked attackers over powered him and brought him to his knees.

''Mr. Only, I am glad you could make it. I'm afraid our plans have changed. Your briefcase and your girl stays with us. You will get both back under one condition and one condition only.'' A mystery man threatened.

''You must defeat Biggs at Rasslemania.''

With one swift blow, Level-One was knocked out. If this was the universes mysterious way of motivating him in preparation for one of the biggest matches of his career; god sure has one hell of a budget...

And way too much fucking time on his hands.

---

School boy

This thing between me and Biggs? It's over a year in the making. This isn't about rankings, title belts or even respect - to me? It's about re writing history. It's about closure. It's about moving above and beyond a demon that has haunted me without mercy for over a year in an effort to be the best man I can be, a champion.

I don't want to kill Biggs - I just want to watch him die slow.

Biggs, I'm sure you're familiar with the saying - cheaters never prosper? On the night of July, 3rd, 2011 at Test for the Best you proved that proverb was complete and utter shit as you held my title as if it was yours. However, over a year later as you stand before me today I realized the person you cheated out of that victory at Test for the Best wasn't me...

It was you.

You cheated yourself out of the satisfaction of knowing your the best in the world. The iconic image of you rolling me up with a handful of tights with your feet dangling on the ropes as you desperately tried to hold a wrestling god to the mat for a mere three seconds is at best described as anti climatic and nobody left the arena with the belief that you were actually the better man but rather... the luckier one.

So, let's take that test again...

Which former ''champion'' NEVER successfully defended their belt?
A) Level-One
B) CJ Gates
C) Kurt Noble
D) Biggs

Ouchie, did poor little Biggsy get a paper cut?

Yeah, that's right. As the old saying goes you aren't truly a champion until you've defended the belt and that's something that hasn't been done since Bryan Payne who only held the title for two weeks. So, while he held the most prestigious belt in pro wrestling nobody really remembers it. Nobody is clamoring for his hall of fame induction in the year 2014, are they? No, because like you - you never went through the trials and tribulations that create REAL undisputed champions like me, Terry or even CJ Gates and Kurt Noble.

Biggs, don't you get it!? You need to beat me as much as I need to beat you! And I figured there would be no better way to prove a point then to do it in a Hell in Cell. This is a match where fans anticipate blood, guts and gore and if you were to decide to win this match by rolling me up the referee may not even dignify such a blatant display of cowardice with a serious count and that's not even factoring in all the fans from Toronto, who would jump that barricade to beat the ever loving shit of you for refusing to stand toe to toe with me like a man on the biggest show of the year.

By agreeing to wrestle you under ANY circumstance I am giving you an opportunity to redeem yourself and put you right back into title contention with a victory over me and while I don't expect a thank you note anytime soon, I would hope you'd at least take the time to acknowledge that when you decide you want to put us all to sleep with another one of your pointless hour long diatribes! This match will be pivotal to the growth of my career and it will prove to be a milestone as we look towards your inevitable retirement.

Who has retired once, became general manager and endured a month long losing streak within the past two years? Please fill in a name.

Answer: Johnny Rebel

WRONG!

It is none other then Biggs because not even Johnny Rebel wrestled that poorly! What's really golden about all this is that Biggs repeatedly claims that I am past my prime! Can you believe it!? I mean, I know Biggs never set the bar high for himself but we haven't seen him at the height of his career since he borrowed the title for a pay per view cycle!

Hey, Biggs... now that Johnny is out of a job why don't you get back to booking your favorite APW Mega Stars in wrestling matches again!?

What Biggs actually means to say in so many words - is that I am not an undisputed champion anymore and he no longer believes in the power of his favorite wrestling god but that's more of a testament to my ability rather then a indictment! The truth is, I am not past my prime and pretending that I am means that you are completely dismissive of the ability of Terry Marvin a man who has beaten you twice or even dismissive of the abilities of your own friend CJ Gates whom managed to get the better of me for once in his life!

Though, I guarantee you that I will not disappoint you like I did CJ. I will not give you the satisfaction of falsely believing you are better than you actually are! If you are to beat me like a man at Rasslemania then I will wear my loss on my sleeve where my heart is and I will give you that credit - conversely, I anticipate you refusing to give me mine even if Ellie is force feeding you spaghetti O's through a rubber tube and wheeling your ass around the retirement home where your favorite child hood wrestlers have been sent to die -- but hey, at least they passed on not knowing that whatever they could've possibly did in their sub par careers has already been surpassed by me.

How many hall of fame inductions has Level-One received?

A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Zero

Biggs, you know deep down that I am one of your heroes! In fact, you worship me. If it wasn't for the fact I metaphorically turned down your request for an autograph per say, you would have nothing but good things to say about me! The whole world saw first hand how jealous you got when Terry Marvin got an invite to work closely with the Sindicate while your mailbox remained empty and we all watched you do a complete 180 as you called a truce with your GREATEST rival; CJ Gates in the name of creating the Space Cowboys - a tag team, that was only forged in the name of thwarting the Sindicate with no real merits or purpose of it's own.

It is these acts that prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you envy me and everything I have built from the ground up! Though, I must admit - you pulling that retirement stunt in hopes of qualifying for an APW hall of fame spot? Not too shabby - although downright pathetic. I am already secure in knowing that once I step out of the ring for good, I too will join the ranks of the lesser men inducted before me but until then? I'll make the most of my time. The hall of fame is what children like you long for while men like me can barely find the energy to find a suit and show up to the ceremony. The experts, the ewrestling knights and the Extreme Wrestling Corporations hall of fame inductions are nothing more then a confirmation on what boys like you already know deep down in your heart of hearts...

I am the best.

Three separate hall of fame inductions and each of them came before I was 26 years old. Is that it? You think I am done here, Biggs? No. Retirement isn't something that even crosses my mind because I have so much more to give, I have so much more I want to accomplish. To guys like you and even Terry, I have done it all and maybe that's true but there's a fire in me that tells me I need to do it again...

... and again.

Until there is no doubt left. It is this reason why I am confident that I will emerge victorious in Toronto. You've already exhibited that you aren't in this for the long haul. You have shown us all that you are ready to walk away from it all resigned to the fact that your going to be remembered for being really good but not as one of the best. Lastly, you have told us all without uttering a single word that just a year ago you thought you had nothing more to give us, nothing more to give the APW and it's millions of fans world wide. That's a quite the statement to make, Biggs.

Though, obviously something brought you back...

Who's Biggs biggest rival?

A) CJ Gates
B) Shadow
C) Terry Marvin

Me.

I am the fuel that still feeds your existence and I always have been. Anyone who knows a damn thing about you would've have heard about the comments you've made to reporters behind the scenes and out of sight; when asked what is your biggest accomplishment the statement that always follows is beating Level-One for the Undisputed Championship at Test for the best. To the unenlightened it's nothing more than an obvious answer but to those who can see the implications of such a statement is clear. You defeating me meant more to you than the undisputed championship ever did.

Oh, and I can prove it Biggs.

After beating me at Test for the Best in 2011 in what was the performance of your life, you immediately lost that drive needed to compete at the highest level. Why? Well, because you already beat me. Your larger than life itself hero! On that night, your greatest hopes and dreams were achieved when you held my shoulders to the canvas for three seconds.

With no Level-One around to live for, Biggs announces his retirement. A retirement which soon ended conveniently as soon as the golden handcuffs stipulation on my contract had expired and I was able to legally return to active competition.

Let's connect some more dots! In the lead up to one night in hell, you fight me and Terry Marvin in a tag team match alongside CJ Gates to a draw. Mind you, an impressive feet considering we're legally the greatest tag team in the world! You were so motivated, so bitter that I chose Terry instead of you... that you follow THAT up with a draw against Terry Marvin.

One night in hell... Biggs is fueled by his school boy obsession does everything in his power to avoid an actual fight like the coward he is. However, per usual - with me, you and Terry in the ring you find it in yourself to rise to the occasion once again in a attempt to prove your medal in the eyes of your favorite wrestling so you specifically target and eliminate me from the match. With your purpose now fulfilled, you were ready for Terry Marvin to tuck you into bed.

Thursday Night Overdrive, a triple threat main event between Evan Envi, Biggs and myself. I swear to god on that night, I had never felt better. Apparently, it still wasn't good enough because you took the opportunity to sneak a pin over Evan Envi because in your mind, it's no different then pinning my shoulders to the mat. You're in the record books as beating me, again.

And let's not even talk about the countless tag team matches super Biggs came out to play for.

Please state your conclusion:

Biggs inconsistencies directly correlate with whether or not I am in the ring with him or not.

They say you're my kryptonite and it some fucked up way, you are. Your sole mission statement is to destroy me in the name of building yourself up up. You don't have what it takes to go through the motion of building your own name, so you use mine as a means for a short cut to your hearts desires. For the first time in my life, I'm faced with an opponent like this. I am faced with an opponent who would truly rather be me, then beat me.

I didn't spend time watching old tapes and I didn't waste time learning new moves.

The Biggs I will be facing at Rasslemania IX will be the best Biggs anybody has ever seen and you can't use outdated tactics to prepare for him. Biggs, you often say I never take you serious enough and I over look you but this time I will prove to be one step ahead of you because I have figured you out. I've learned to think like you. I know you better than you know you! In preparation for this match, I have been seeing action from angles I have never seen before. I have studied the steel structure we'll be thrown in. I know it's dynamics. I know it's measurements. Shit, I know it's weak points and where I need to toss your body if I want to collapse one of it's fucking walls.

I've embraced this war Biggs and you will learn the hard way that Rasslemania is my domain, not yours.

Promo grade: A+