Post by Level-Two on May 19, 2012 17:03:35 GMT -4
''One's'' Method to the Madness
''What do those tag titles mean to me?''
He thought. The question had been residing in the back of his mind ever since he and his ally had set their sights on their newest endeavour. In the comfort of his million dollar penthouse his explanation would manifest and be known to all.
''Nothing...'' He admitted in a display of reflection. ''Nothing more then a clean slate. Even the most vocal critics of the Sindicate insinuate we are better then the tag titles and they are right. We are. In that however their confusion is blatant for these people do not understand that it isn't the title that makes the champion – it's the champion that makes the title.''
''You don't get it?'' He asked with a raised eyebrow. ''At the end of the day – a title is nothing more then a six to twelve pound piece of gold with a leather strap laced with a few diamond studds worth an average joe's mortgage that is only truly valued by the calibre of the champion that holds it. Unbeknownst to the masses me and Johnny Rebel understand this. Real well... ''
''Do you?'' He asked before he stroked his chin to evoke a thought. ''The tag titles are two championships that are about to be more valued then the prized undisputed championship – this same championship nearly everyone on this brand willing to die for. A title that belongs to us the moment we decide we want to take it for ourselves, too. ''
''We want it all.'' He whispered as he clenched his teeth and his fist. ''Over the past few weeks President Jeff has mistakenly provided us all the opportunities to further our great cause. He threw me their contender CJ Gates and I sent him back with a loss on his column. He doubled the ante and gave us his precious champion Kurt Noble just so he could lie on a level on par with the Sindicates feet. What can he possibly offer us now?''
''At what point does the Sindicate simply start to take whatever our hearts desire!?''
Level-One lifted his head. A large wall dedicated to his dozens of greatest accomplishments stares back at him. On the wall most notably there are two empty glass cases sticking out like a soar thumb. ''Let me ask you people a question...''
...
''What are you going to do when Mayhem is no more and this puzzle of ours is complete?'' He quizzed already knowing the answer while he nodded his head side to side. ''Nothing...''
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At the Sindicates mansion Violet and Kia LeWinter had found themselves caught up in a family squabble. The two sisters were often on the same page but recent events and the pressure that the Sindicate was coming under provided them with new challenges.
''Look, you're right Kia. We should be working together every step of the way we have come too far to change our tactics now...'' Violet admitted. ''I'm sorry, okay?''
''Apology accepted!'' Kia said with a smile that quickly faded. ''So, what are we going to do about Johnny Rebel?''
''I don't know.'' Violet stopped to think about it. ''Maybe the question is – what are we going to do with Level-One? Think about it, Kia. If we can't reason with Johnny Rebel then perhaps our way to him is through, Level-One.''
''Well, Lester can be just as stubborn.'' Kia noted energetically. ''Though, I figure it's worth the shot. So, what's your gameplan?''
''We get Level-One to see this entire tag team thing the same way we see it.'' Violet explained. ''We need to help him see past his prior experiences so he can truly embrace the future.''
''Yay, today we're playing therapist.'' Kia sarcastically replied.
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Level-One sits on a leather sofa in the living room of Sindicate mansion slightly amused to what the LeWinter sisters have in store as they both stand in-front of him with the lights dimmed.
''I didn't know you were into your man like this...'' He said high on his own self confidence. ''Though, I'm not opposed to you two taking it off and showing me a little skin as long as things aren't awkward between us in the near future...''
''Ugh.'' Kia sighed. ''You're not getting a strip tease right now, Lester.''
''That sucks.'' He said in a tone of disappointment. ''Now just to clarify does not right now – mean maybe later?''
''Well...'' Violet held back a flirtatious smile as she delivered the news. ''Level, your here because this is an intervention of sorts. In a few days you will be stepping into the ring for quite possibly the biggest match of your entire career...''
''Extreme tournament 2008, you know? Level-One Vs. Black Death for the True Experts championship? How about Level-One Vs. Crazyman the experts spectacle that I headlined? Or my match at any Rasslemania...'' he continued on.
''Okay, so it might not be your biggest match...'' Violet said rolling her eyes. ''However, this is big for the Sindicate and we want you and Johnny Rebel on the same page.''
Level-One mumbled something under his breath before Kia pulled out a photo holding it out in-front of his face. ''Who is this?''
''El Chupacabra.'' Level-One said with disdain for his rivals painted face. ''A former so called tag team partner I was stuck with back in the EWC...''
''You tried to kill him!'' Violet exclaimed.
''He deserved it!'' Level-One roared back before taking a deep breath. ''He tried to get in between me and the world title...''
''How about him?'' Violet asked holding up yet another picture. This time it hit far more close to home. ''I couldn't imagine ever doing what you did to your own brother...''
''What the fuck is your point?'' He spat back with anger. ''Yeah, me and my brother had dreams about going pro in this business together. Dreams about being tag team stars. Hell, we even had a tag team name already picked out for us...''
''Bound by blood?'' Violet asked him. He didn't know how she knew but wasn't surprised she did, either. ''It never worked out.''
''Damn right it didn't. He went off to live his dreams and left me behind in his shadow.'' He admitted with frustration burning in his eyes. ''It's amazing how I am here today and he's not.''
''You paid his opponent to hurt him, Lester.'' Kia confronted Level-One with the explosive revelation. ''And since then he's never been the same...''
''It was what was best for me!'' Angry and cold he merely stared right through the LeWinter sisters. ''There was room for both of us in this industry together but he wouldn't take me with him. He wanted to be the solo star. The guy who won that world title. He couldn't stand the thought of sharing the spotlight with his younger brother...''
''Him!'' Kia shouted as she held a picture of Johnny Rebel out in front of her. ''How do you feel about him!?''
''I don't know.'' He confessed in a somber tone. ''He's cold. He's distant. He's unpredictable. He's just like me.''
''This wasn't a good idea...'' Kia said as she dropped the photo of Johnny Rebel and walked out of the room leaving him alone with Violet who took a seat beside him. ''Is this why you agreed to this? So you could live out your childhood dream?''
''In a fucked up way, perhaps.'' He said shaking his head free of his thoughts. ''But Johnny Rebel? He isn't even my brother. It's futile. Felipe see's the Sindicate as a big family but I don't even truly know what that is. Men like me... men like Johnny Rebel we crave nothing but power – Violet. This partnership between us it is bound to fail in time. The question I have for you is... will you stay with me or go with him?''
''We are NOT going to even think about this!'' Violet insisted. ''You are a team! Those pictures... those were meant to remind you that you and Johnny Rebel are different from all the rest!''
''You're only fooling yourself...'' Level-One said as he stood up. ''After me and Johnny Rebel win the tag titles and change this division forever... then what!?''
''We'll worry about that when we get there...'' Violet promised. Level-One shook his head and walked right past her.
''The writings on the wall, Violet.'' Level-One declared. ''We're already there.''
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At the airport after being harassed at the security gate for mean mugging a member of the governments gestapo he took a seat on a bench where he found a journal lying right by his side. He couldn't help himself.
It's just another entry...
If I were to flip the pages in this book, I'd revisit a very dark past I couldn't change. What I can change however is the future. I cannot go back and change history but I can push forward and make history. That's what the Sindicate is all about; yet such a simple concepts seems a lost cause to the ignorant masses.
This book is filled with betrayal and deceit. This book of mine details why a guy like me can never be trusted. There isn't a single person who I called a friend that I haven't fucked over nor hurt in my entire life and yet they wonder why I see Johnny Rebel as just another enemy who works alongside me for a similar cause.
As much as I brag and am I aware that I am the best wrestler in the world, I know that everyone who calls themselves a Mega Star has a purpose even if it's as little as taking a fall for the next guy. There was a lot I learned watching Kurt Noble and CJ Gates. Two fan favourites who preach words of honesty, loyalty and respect have their friendship torn apart as their hearts were nothing more then a magnet to the Undisputed championship.
That's when everything made sense.
The Sindicate doesn't truly want to save the tag division, no. They want to keep their two biggest draws tied together until that bond is ready to be ripped apart violently without mercy. The tag titles were meant to keep us together long enough for the final phase to occur.
The final phase is the APW undisputed championship.
Though, seeing into the battle plans of the Sindicate – consciously understanding what they are up too, I begin to see them for the master manipulators as they are and I'm not sure I consciously want to play their game, anymore.
God if you do exist – please, keep me away from that championship. It does bad things to good people... imagine what it'd do to me, to us.
Quickly the journal flipped closed as a hand methodically dropped it back into the same position where it had originally been left. Moments later a figure comes jogging into scene – it's Level-One.
''Man, I really had to go to the bathroom!'' Level-One said grabbing at his stomach. ''I don't know if that was taco meat or dog meat but whatever the fuck it was is kicking!''
''Here you go!'' Level-One stopped paused and looked at the figure in front of him – his boss Felipe DeLoren handed him his journal with a smile on his face. ''This is yours, right?''
''Yeah.'' Level-One took it with suspicion thinking maybe Felipe had read it but the expression on Felipe's face said otherwise as he got up and put an arm around Level-One's shoulder.
''I can't wait until the Sindicate walks out of Montreal with the tag titles in hand. This is a big opportunity for us and I know you and Johnny Rebel will succeed.'' Felipe assured. ''You two are on the same page, right?''
''Of course.'' Level-One said matter of factly.
''So, I've heard.'' Felipe replied. ''So, I've heard...''
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Hi, I'm Level-One... one half of the tag team champions!
Overzealous? How so? If the only thing between the Sindicate and the Studmuffins are the AKA themselves - well then excuse me for the big spoiler! Anyone who doesn't like it can join them and have a big cry about it later because I don't give a shit! The AKA doesn't deserve to share our ring nor bask in our presence. They don't deserve to call themselves contenders and they damn well don't deserve a spot in the APW's historic hall of fame! Fuck the AKA!
These two highly uncoordinated brawlers sum up just about everything that was wrong with the APW back in the day. Sure, I was champion and helped carry the company to new heights but it wasn't all rainbows and waterfalls. My title match with Slade Craven hardly had me motivated. He didn't push me to my limits. He didn't make me put an extra hour in the gym. Hell, there wasn't a single time I or anyone else actually entertained the possibility of him winning – every day was a struggle on my behalf to roll my ass out of the bed to hype this motherfucker up just to sell a few extra pay per views and make my corporate paymasters feel somewhat content.
The only reason Slade Craven ever got a shot at the big time was merely because the talent pool was running near empty. In 2009 you were needed, in 2012 times have changed and you two are nothing more then a liability to the APW. Your names don't headline – they are red lined, your a fucking double negative. The talent pool in the APW is as deep as it ever been and unlike you two hacks – I'm actually able to swim in the deep end and wrestle the sharks with my bare hands!
You hate the fact that I have stood the test of time, don't you? You old hacks are living in your glory days while watching me living out mine, live. You hate the fact that every time that someone said I was done and past my prime they quickly realized I haven't even missed a single step! You hate the fact that when they say you are done and past your prime - they're right. You should have never came back AKA, you aren't welcome in the Sindicates ring.
All you have done since your grand ol' return is lose matches and show up to our parties late, nothing more. Fuck, you attention whores even had to resort to taking your frustrations to Monday Night Meltdown. And while I was too busy actually paying attention to future Overdrive, Asylum and potential Sindicate recruits to heed any of your unwise words, I couldn't help but feel agitated by your arrogance. I don't know if you two missed the memo or what but Monday Night Meltdown are for potential up and coming stars not a soap box for two disgruntled veterans who still aren't fit enough to carry my bags. Though, I must admit I am glad you are getting the jump on it...
Oh, what do you mean I ask? It's clear that you two aren't fit to compete on Thursday Night Overdrive – hell not even Asylum has a straight jacket your size. While Meltdown is the show that show cases future talent – spots on the Overdrive roster are scarce. It's the Sindicates duty to send you two packing to the minor leagues with the intent that you never find yourselfs on another Overdrive card again, you useless sacks of shit!
Furthermore, I would now like to take the time to address the Studmuffins. While admittedly, I don't think they are the champions to revolutionize the division - I have far more respect for them then I do Slade Craven and that other guy who lies around in his Shadow! The fact that Biggs has stepped away from a career in wrestling to take these two under his wing is a testament to how good they are despite how much of an irresponsible decision it may have been!
And while I respect the Studmuffins to a certain degree unlike their legion of koolaid drinking fans I cannot simply ignore the fact that they have only got this far due to the guidance of Biggs. Perhaps it's a testament to how good he actually is but I just wished Armando and Stan would publicly thank Biggs for making them the stars they currently are today! Otherwise, you two will come off as nothing more then ungrateful arrogant spoiled brats who have no idea how their bred has been buttered! Is that what you guys want? I don't think so. Do the right thing!
Though, I must admit a part of me tells me you won't. You two just want the best of both worlds – gay pun not intended. You two pretend like you're above tactics your fans consider to be cheating but yet time after time you allow Biggs to exercise his will as he wishes. Each time Biggs has screwed over your opponents you wash your hands from him only long enough to reap the rewards of his labour before you do it all over again. The Sindicate aren't a couple of schmucks! Either you two are push overs and suckers who will do as your master say or your public displays of apprehension is nothing more then a rouse to fool the idiot masses! Pick your poison – at the end of the day the result isn't anything nice!
Still, I do applaud you two for what you have done to maintain the APW tag division in it's stagnant state of decay. I know it isn't the most flattering compliment but when you factor in the disaster a tag team like the AKA could have been if you were to allow them to get their paws on your titles – tag team wrestling would be dead to the APW and would NEVER come back! At least when President Jeff was about to strip you from your titles at least he had the intention to one day revive the division... yet again!
Oh, how quickly we forget! You two can strut around with the tag team championships all you want at the end of the day if it wasn't for us answering the call you wouldn't even have a championship to defend! Me and Johnny Rebel aren't just you're toughest opponents – we're your saviours. A couple of wrestling gods who swooped down to save your life's! You two are a living testament to the Sindicate's cause and you don't even know it! It's simply Amazing!
Don't you two get it? We're walking main eventers taking a pay cut because we sincerely care about the little people! We are two undisputed champions just waiting for the call any day now with baited breathe! In the mean time – we decided to dedicate our time and talents to build up the APW! Every powerhouse – every faction – hell even Kurt Noble and CJ Gates always talking about destruction – how they or someone else is out to destroy the APW! The fact is nobody fits that bill around here and such a cause even if there was one it is futile! After all I have done for this promotion it can never be destroyed! It may be disrespected, devalued and neglected... but it'll always exist in some capacity. The APW lives forever and the Sindicate is here to ensure that every day is cherished the way it should be!
At Mayhem we aren't trying to destroy the Studmuffins, no. The Sindicate will show up to the arena doing everything we can to build you two up! We will make you hurt but pain is just weakness feeling one's body! We will make you scream but that just means the entire world will hear you! And we will take your titles... not because you are unworthy to hold them but because we deserve it a hell of a lot more then you two do! At the end of the day defeat by our hands will only make the studmuffins that much better...
And if doesn't? Well, maybe you aren't half the tag team champions I thought you were.
The proof of my words are evidenced by the past several weeks alone. The Sindicate has been undefeated as a tag team! Myself and Johnny Rebel have pulled some of the biggest upsets this division has ever seen! Case in point the Studmuffins were given an opportunity to prove their worth against the APW Undisputed Champion Kurt Noble and the number one contender CJ Gates and in a valiant effort they lost. Two weeks later – this same dream team would face the Sindicate and fail miserably, we won! The implications of such a narrative cannot be ignored! The Sindicate has already proven themselves against perhaps the toughest combinations of competitors this company could possibly put together and toss our way!
This is tag team wrestling and while your chemistry may be unrivalled the the only thing on mine and Johnny's minds at Mayhem is walking away with those tag belts strapped around our sternums. We may have our own goals and agendas far and beyond Mayhem but in this moment not a damn thing is going to get in our way from fulfilling our goal and your fooling yourselfs if you truly believe anything, otherwise.
P.S - who's to say Sr. Guapo isn't banging one of Stan's hoes on the side unbeknownst to him, anyways?
Fact is – those championships are as good as ours. There isn't a damn thing you guys can possibly say before that microphones finds it's to Biggs big mouth to make me think otherwise. He may pep talk you two into doing something stupid at Mayhem but at the end of the day, it isn't he who has to endure our furry, is it? He may remind you about the time he had just enough moxy to beat me but I doubt he'll ever indulge in how much of his spirit I took with him on my way down. Biggs may have got you this far but I ensure you, your ride has clocked out now my friends because he can't save you now!
You can analyze our every move and you can theorize as to what the Sindicate is all about but the fact is nobody but the Sindicate can truly understand the Sindicate! Though, I'll let you boys onto a little secret...
The method to our madness is Mayhem!
