Post by Mark Mania on Aug 22, 2012 16:13:58 GMT -4
Los Angeles, the City of Angels. Will this be the place where the Saint captures glory? Or possibly where the pearly Gates will open? No real other heavenly metaphors work for Slade Craven or Delikado, so take the wit where you can get it.
With everything that Mark has been through in his wrestling career, each pay-per-view event is always nerve racking. Not because of the people he’ll be facing or the crowd around him, but because each event could be his last. He never liked to think of it that way, but something was different about Mark at pay-per-views. He brought himself to a different level. He trained harder, he pushed himself further, and he had a whole different mindset. His age didn’t matter, fatigue didn’t matter… he would be motivated and ready for the big show. It could be his last is because Mark doesn’t know when to quit. He see’s red, he goes after it all. This is where he belongs and where he thrives. Could he push himself too hard? Go on too long? Could this be his last pay-per-view? Not if Mark has anything to say about it.
Mark arrived with his assistant, the beautiful and voluptuous Rosa Ramirez, in Los Angeles early this week. Recently Mark had been traveling week to week from his home office in Boston to wherever his event may be; Anaheim, San Jose, et cetera. This week had to be different. This week he had to change his process and start preparing earlier. The company would be fine for a few days without him at the helm. Most of the money was on his back anyways. The amount of press and favor that would come from winning the Overdrive title is far and away worth more than anything he could be doing behind a desk.
Since Mark hired Rosa to be his assistant things had changed. He felt motivated again, he felt like there was always someone there to push him. His first match was against Evan Envi, a bright young star who flew too close to the sun. Evan Envi would be something someday, but if he had to go through Mark Mania, it wouldn’t be an easy road. After defeating Envi, Mark had his match last week, a tag-match that held all of his opponents in this Championship Scramble. He and Slade Craven matched up against CJ Gates and Keaton Saint with the Overdrive Champion, Delikado, as the special guest referee. The match ended in controversy as expected. Delikado interfered and knocked out Mark, leading his team to lose and for Mark, the victim of the pin, to be the first man entered into the scramble match at Shockwave.
There were many different ways for Mark to view this. First of all, it was a blatant betrayal by Delikado, who still clearly fears Mark Mania, as he has for months. But secondly, it showed that Delikado knows Mark is the biggest threat. Everyone knew going into this match that whoever was pinned in the tag match would be entered first into the Scramble. Delikado knew this, purposely took out Mark and had him be the one who was pinned. Why? Because Delikado knows Mark is the biggest threat to his title. Delikado knows that any disadvantage for Mark is good for him. What Delikado didn’t know, was that he would be entered second into the match. This could work wonders for Mark. He’d have time alone in the ring with Deli. One way or another he’d have his shot at the Overdrive champion. He’d have a shot to take the title and for a moment at least, become the Overdrive Champion. In the scramble match, anytime you can win the title brings you closer to walking home with it.
The rules of the match are simple. Two men start off in the ring, as time goes on, the other three competitors will enter, one at a time. The match has a time limit, at the end of the limit, whoever is champion, remains the champion. During the match the belt will change hands multiple times. Mark has been in a scramble match before, and not only was he in one, he won it. He plans on doing the same at Shockwave.
There was no real special way to train for a scramble match. All you can do is stay on your feet and never give up. It’s a battle of perseverance and talent. This isn’t a match that you’re going to win with one big move or with a single submission. This match takes far more than that. More than anything, this match takes experience.
12:30pm
Wednesday 8/22/12
W Hotel, Los Angeles, CA
Conference Room B
Rosa Ramirez: Mr. Mania, I’ve got a rep from Sonic Drive Thru on the line.
Mark Mania: Take a message, I’m not getting involved with those people again.
Mark looks down and is furiously writing while watching a video on the projector screen. Rosa has her laptop open and is running the office through their Vonage phone line.
Rosa Ramirez: I’m sorry sir, Mr. Mania isn’t available right now, could I take a message?
Mark smiled as he thought about the fact that clearly the representative heard Rosa ask Mark and then told him that he wasn’t available. What a world of corporate politics. What’s even worse, they’ll call again tomorrow.
Rosa Ramirez:Eventually you’re going to have to take one of these calls. The company is in dire need of more capital.
He puts down his pen and pauses the video.
Mark Mania: Rosa, we’re still renting out all the floors, we’re still using my salary and savings for everything, don’t worry about it.
Rosa Ramirez: You know that it will never be good enough for you.
Mark Mania: Rosa, I know I told you that you’re here to help me with the business and to work with me, but wrestling comes first. Always has, always will. Anytime I have a chance to become a champion, I need to focus on that more than anything. You think calls are coming in hot and heavy now? Wait until you see how things change if I become the Overdrive champion.
Rosa Ramirez: You’re rig-
Mark Mania: Advertisers love my face and they love the Mania name, but more than that, they love a champion. That’s what we need to focus on.
Mark hankers down and presses play on the video.
Mark Mania: Rosa, did you know that I was the first one entered into my last Scramble match too?
Rosa Ramirez:You were? I remembered that you won, I didn’t know you were the first one in.
Mark Mania: Oh I was, against another APW legend, Michael Lively. Watch.
Mark presses play on the video.
Rosa Ramirez:Wow.
Mark Mania: That’s right, that’s all it took. First one in, and first one to become new Xtreme Champion. Got it first, got it last. Simple as that. It’s easy to think that the champion has the upper hand, but all he’s trying to do is not lose, he just wants to hold on to the title for as long as possible and hope to escape. The challenger has nothing to lose. You have to go all out for the entire match, no matter what it takes. I plan on using the exact same strategy against Delikado to become the champion first and to then be in the driver’s seat all night.
Rosa Ramirez:I was saying “Wow” about how ridiculous you looked wearing that mask.
Mark glares at Rosa with a smirk.
Mark Mania: It was a different time in my life Rosa, believe me. As you also saw, it was a much more extreme match. You can probably attribute that to why I had to wear a mask. Don’t want to mess up this face.
Rosa Ramirez: That must be it.
Mark gives her a quick stare.
Mark Mania:Here’s how I got the title back again.
Mark Mania: Victor Hades was a sick man that eventually ended up beating me for the Xtreme Title at Shockwave two years ago. I knew that I had to capitalize on everyone focusing on him, so I took out Cooper Conrad by whatever means necessary.
Rosa Ramirez:Here’s the thing though, you’re not going to be able to use any sort of extreme measures in this match on Sunday.
Mark Mania: I don’t need the steel chairs or the barbed wire, Rosa. I play to the crowd, to the situation. When it comes to the Xtreme title, you need to be able to give up your body, you need to sacrifice yourself and others to hold on to the title.
Rosa Ramirez:So after that pin of Cooper did you hold on to the title for the rest of the night?
Mark Mania: I most certainly did not. I think there were two more changes before I got one more chance. There was only about ten seconds left before the end of the match, Cooper Conrad was the current champion and Michael Lively had just hit his signature move, the Prelude. He was wasting time before the pin in order to secure the victory. The only thing is, he didn’t see me.
Mark Mania: And that was all she wrote. The clock ran out three seconds later and I was named the Xtreme Champion. The first and only title I’ve won in the APW so far. It’s amazing for how much history I have in this place and for what a second home it is to me, that I only have that one title.
Rosa Ramirez:Not for long though, right?
Mark smiles at Rosa.
Mark Mania: I like the way you’re thinking. This Sunday at Shockwave I’ll finally hold my second APW title and will be able to start making my way back towards the top of this company.
Rosa Ramirez:You’re already on your way there Mr. Mania.
Mark Mania: I don’t need you to blow smoke up my ass, Rosa. You watched what CJ Gates as well as I did. He said that I was stumbling and stuttering, and whatever else he could find in his thesaurus. He’s right. When he arrived to the APW, I was on top of my game. I was leading the business as a main eventer and was truly an icon.
Rosa Ramirez:Everyone still knows the Mania name.
Mark Mania: Yes, but for what Rosa? For what?
Rosa Ramirez:For, uh, for being one of the best of all time.
Mark Mania: Right, but that’s because what I’ve done in the past! Not what I do now. Having my name around is like a novelty for people. That’s not what I want, that’s not what I’m about. That’s not why I came back.
Rosa Ramirez:Why did you come back?
Mark Mania: I came back because I still can be the best. It’s easy to use my age as an excuse, but it’s not one I want to use anymore. Age is nothing but a number. I still have what it takes to be the best and I’ll prove that to everyone again.
Rosa Ramirez:And that comes with you winning on Sunday?
Mark Mania: It’s only a step Rosa, that’s not even close to what I really need to accomplish. Things are a lot different in the APW these days. It’s not Sally Talfourd and Level-One who are the top tier competitors anymore. There is a whole new group that I need to break my way into. Winning the Overdrive title is a step in the right direction. A title that Terry Marvin and Kurt Noble each held. I have the name, but I don’t have the reputation anymore. One step at a time I will get that again. But you’re right, it starts with this Sunday.
Rosa Ramirez:So what are you waiting for? Study the film, hit the gym, and address your opponents.
Mark points at the screen.
Mark Mania: What do you think I’ve been doing? You’re the one bothering me with phone calls from Sonic!
Rosa looks offended, Mark offers a smile to let her know that he’s not truly upset. She picks up on it and fires back.
Rosa Ramirez:Oh come on, you’re not studying tape, you’re reliving your heyday. Just watching yourself win. You need to stay in the present and focus on your opponents for this match, this week.
Mark looks at her puzzled, about to speak, but thinks better of it.
Rosa Ramirez:Exactly what I thought. Watching yourself beat Michael Lively over and over again may feel good, but it’s not going to help you win your match. So, let’s get motivated. Who do we start with first? How about your partner who couldn’t do a damn thing for you last week?
Mark Mania: Oh Slade Craven. We tried to work together. We tried to get the win, but of course, outside interference and suddenly things go completely different than how they should’ve. I don’t exactly know what to think about Mr. Craven. He’s an interesting opponent. There are a lot of similarities between the two of us. Both of us have a long history in wrestling, both of us are battling mediocrity, trying to find our way back to the top. Slade could be somewhat of a wild-card this week. He’s got the ability to pull out an upset. What’s stopping him?
Mark Mania: I think he runs into the problem I do sometimes. It’s easy to live in your glory days and not concern yourself with the present. Slade Craven was an impressive wrestler in his day. The AKA was an elite tag-team and stable. The talent is still there. Slade has a chance for the Overdrive Title and Shadow has a chance for the Xtreme Title, they could go from has-beens to the tip of everyone’s tongue in one night. What’s keeping Craven from doing that?
Mark Mania: I’ve been on a few tag teams in my life. Never anything long term, in APW I teamed up with John Green and Pence Weatherlight for a short time. I partnered with my cousin’s murderer Bonez before I knew his true colors, became the tag champions as a group called Power & Glory. It was great fun, that’s for sure. But it was never where I was my best. I had plenty of talent with a partner but I’ve always been a better singles competitor. I don’t know if the same could be said for Slade Craven. The man seems built for tag-team glory. He’s a great wrestler and a great teammate, but at what point will he get over the hump? What point will he go from a tag team hall of famer to a legitimate singles competitor?
Mark Mania: Could be Sunday. But, with Shadow reclaiming glory and Assassin making his return, I think there will be too much pulling for his attention. When you’ve known people as long as Slade has known his AKA brethren, it’s impossible to not be distracted by it. Slade is making some strides on his own, but I think his partners will pull him back. This isn’t the end for Slade, but it’s not his time for singles gold.
Rosa seems to be writing notes down while Mark is talking. She’s writing on a pad of paper and then scrolling through her laptop.
Mark Mania: Were you even listening to me or was this just a busy work exercise you had me do?
Rosa Ramirez:I’m your assistant Mr. Mania. I’m taking notes and backing up facts. I actually didn’t even realize that Slade Craven was a Hall of Famer.
Mark Mania: Well, as I said, Hall of Fame as a tag team with Shadow. Who knows if he’d deserve it without his tag team partner?
Rosa Ramirez:Well, I just like to check the facts and make sure that you’re not talking out of your ass.
Mark looks at her and smiles.
Mark Mania: Alright, alright. Everything else check out, boss?
Rosa blushes.
Rosa Ramirez:Yes. But that’s just one opponent of many. What about Keaton Saint?
Mark Mania: Ah, the guy who has plagued my existence since I’ve been back. I just can’t beat this damn guy. I don’t know what it is. Is he just too emo looking and it scares me? It’s unbelievable. I mean, when I first came back and fought him at my first Overdrive, maybe you could chalk it up to emotions or adrenaline or whatever you want to call it, but the guy just got the better of me. Now, last week, Deli hand picked him to pin me. Way to kick a guy while he’s down. Here’s the funny thing though. I’d like to say I hate the guy, really I would. But he’s not that bad. He’s a plain and honest guy. He comes out here week in and week out and tries his best and gives it his all. You have to reward that kind of dedication.
Mark Mania: That’s exactly why he’s here in this match. He comes out, works his tail off and gets some W’s. This is a guy that deserves to be in this match. He seems to have always been the bridesmaid and never the bride. You gotta feel for him. But the question is the same that I asked of Slade Craven, what’s stopping him? He doesn’t have a tag partner holding him back. He doesn’t have the Hall of Fame status to act as a distraction. So what could it possibly be?
Mark Mania: I haven’t known him for long, but I’ve been watching him over the past few months. I’ve seen him show up to Overdrive and kick some ass, week in and week out. Something changes after that. Something changes when he gets to the big stage. Test for the Best he had a golden opportunity. He beat me to get there and it should’ve been a good way for him to gain some momentum and make a run. He just couldn’t do it. Granted, Terry Marvin was on a roll and belongs in the Main Event with Kurt Noble right now, Keaton Saint could’ve been there just as easily. The guy is a world class talent in the middle of the month. So, what holds him back when the bright lights are shining?
Mark Mania: The only thing I can think, and I hate to say it, but, is he afraid?
Rosa looks at Mark, confused.
Rosa Ramirez:Afraid?
Mark Mania: Right, afraid. It’s a lot easier to be the underdog. It’s a lot easier to be a suitor. Being on the top, holding the gold, that’s where the difficulty lies. Getting there is a lot easier because no one thinks you can do it. Everyone is talking about the Champion and whether or not he has it in him. The challenger is left alone. Is it possible that Keaton Saint doesn’t want the spotlight? That he wants to be left alone to dominate on Overdrives, leaving the pay per views to the big boys? I guess that’s just something we’ll have to find out.
Rosa Ramirez:You don’t possibly think he could be afraid though do you?
Mark Mania: You never know Rosa. The spotlight shines bright on some people.
Rosa Ramirez:Well, what could be stopping CJ Gates then? Blade is all but retired, so he’s not holding Gates back. CJ has been the Undisputed Champion, he knows the spotlight better than most. What’s going to be the thing that keeps him away from the title?
Mark Mania: I’m glad you asked Rosa. What could hold CJ Gates back? How could he defeat himself here? Here’s the thing. I don’t think he can. Wrestling is a tricky business. Sometimes you can defeat yourself and sometimes you can just get beat. In this situation, I have to beat CJ Gates. He’s not going to make mistakes, he’s not going to be held back, he’s not going to show any hesitation. CJ Gates is going to show up, give 100%, and have a mistake free match. All I can do is be better.
Rosa Ramirez:And you think that will happen?
Mark Mania: That will happen, Rosa. I know it and CJ will know it. He talks about how when he arrived in the APW I was an icon. He saw the motivation every week, he saw the ability I had, and he saw the fire in my eyes. On Sunday, he’s going to see that again. On Sunday, he’s going to see that the old Mark Mania is back.
Rosa Ramirez:I think you should stay away from the world “old”.
Mark Mania: Does vintage Mark Mania sound any better?
Rosa Ramirez:I guess not.
Mark Mania: Didn’t think so. Here’s the deal though. It’s not going to matter if you call me old or call me vintage, hell, call me stale, I don’t care what I’m called. CJ Gates is going to see something on Sunday that he hasn’t seen in a long time. He’s going to see the Mark Mania that made the women swoon and the men cheer. He’s going to see the Mark Mania that had opponents shaking in their boots and management seeing dollar signs. He’s going to see the old Mark Mania, and I’m damn proud of it.
Mark Mania: He and Slade are the only two in this match who really know what I’m capable of. Keaton and Deli may have heard stories, heard tales, but they don’t know. Not yet. I’ve been re-energized, re-fueled. I’m ready to take on all comers and sit everyone back down. I am Mark Mania, and it holds true that if you mess with the best, you’ll go down with the rest.
Rosa looks taken aback.
Rosa Ramirez:Going back to the old catch-phrase eh?
Mark Mania: Rosa, just talking about this match, thinking about all the possibilities, I couldn’t be more excited. I’m going to be like a kid on Christmas Eve before this match. But instead of opening presents, I’ll be opening cans of whoop-ass.
Rosa starts to laugh out loud after Mark’s exclamation.
Mark Mania: Alright, that was lame. I freely admit that.
Rosa Ramirez:Thank God I wasn’t the only one. You’re like a catch-phrase machine today. Maybe you should call back Sonic and give them some tag lines.
Mark Mania: Yeah, yeah. Let’s get on with it, I’m on a roll here.
Rosa Ramirez:I think this break might’ve helped you before you started to claim to be the best there is and best there was.
Mark Mania: Well, the only person who could be more lame, more tacky, and more hacky than me is the person who I still have to talk about. A man who is a true disgrace to the sport and a disgrace to the APW.
Rosa Ramirez:I couldn’t believe you even went out there last week.
Mark Mania: What choice did I have? Saint, Gates, and Craven were all going out. I figured I’d at least have a chance to say a few words.
Rosa Ramirez:Well, Delikado didn’t really let anyone say any more than a few words. And that dildo, what an embarrassment.
Mark Mania: You’re telling me. I wasn’t going to let him play us all like puppets though. I wasn’t going to be held to some ridiculous charade in front of my fans. Those people paid to see Mark Mania, not some fool Cuban with a Howard Stern subscription. That’s all he is. He wants to start controversy. He wants to show up in the tabloids the next week. Guess what Deli, no one gives a damn. We all came down and played your stupid little game of twenty questions, no one said a peep about it. Only thing I heard was that people complained they had to stare at your ugly mug for so long at the beginning of the show. Probably the lowest rated Overdrive before a pay-per-view in the history of APW. The public turns on the TV and they see some crazy Cuban spouting off with a dildo in his hands. Boom TV gets turned off, people start watching America’s Got STD’s and APW suffers for it.
Mark Mania: The guy has such a big ego than he thinks people actually give a damn about what he has to say, he thinks that because Terry Marvin teamed with him for a few weeks and gave him the Overdrive title that he gets to have some say in this company. Well, the title does grant you some privileges. I can’t deny that. But his time as champion is coming to an end. The public is sick of his shtick and they’re sick of his overblown attitude. While it may not be the public that’s getting in the ring with Deli, I’m a man of the people and I’m the first one to give them what they want.
Mark Mania: Let me tell you this, what the public want, by an ever-increasing margin, is for Delikado to lose that championship title. One way or another, I’m not going to allow Deli to walk out with the title. It’s my duty as a man of the people. My duty as a wrestler that people look up to. Whether I win or lose on Sunday, one thing is for sure, Delikado will not win. I will stop it nothing to beat him. He has been prancing around with a chip on his shoulder for far too long and it’s time for the end to come.
Mark Mania: It’s been a long time since I’ve taken something so personally inside of the squared circle. I’ve faced off against many different opponents, had feuds lasting months, I’ve been bloodied and I’ve bloodied others, but I haven’t been so disgusted with a human being like I am with Delikado. It makes me think that having him lose the title may not even be enough. I want to end that bastard’s career. I want him to feel the pain and embarrassment that he’s been forcing upon everyone else the past month. I want him to know that the people will not stand for it. Just so happens the people are going to be speaking through my boot kicking the teeth out of his mouth.
Mark Mania: Gates, Saint, and Craven will all be in that ring with me, and I’ll be doing my damndest to beat them, but my target is Delikado. My goal is to beat him. My goal is to keep the title away from him. And as CJ Gates will be able to tell you all on Sunday, when I have a goal, and I have the fire in my eyes, there isn’t a damn thing that’s going to stop me.
Rosa Ramirez: I’m starting to think you might be ready for this match.
Mark looks at Rosa and smiles.
Mark Mania: I’m thinking you’re right.
Mark knew she was right. It’s been a long time since Mark has felt as motivated as he does now. It’s a cliché for Mark to have delusions of grandeur, but this time feels different. This time Mark knows he has a reason to win. He has a reason to fight. In the past it’s been nothing more than his own pride, which, often came before a fall. Now, it’s different. Now he’s fighting because the people deserve someone better than Delikado as their champion. They deserve someone who will not only entertain them, but also respect them, and their knowledge of the sport. Wrestling purists don’t want to see a fool with a dildo standing in the middle of the ring as their champion. The true wrestling fans, the type that buy tickets and merchandise and put food on the table, want to see Mark Mania. They want to see the best technical wrester, the best orator, and the best looking man in all of wrestling. One way or another, Mark knew they’d be seeing a new champion on Sunday.
If only the match was tonight instead of this weekend. The biggest struggle Mark knew would be getting to Sunday with this same type of fire burning in his stomach. Mark was about to find out that Rosa had some ideas.
With everything that Mark has been through in his wrestling career, each pay-per-view event is always nerve racking. Not because of the people he’ll be facing or the crowd around him, but because each event could be his last. He never liked to think of it that way, but something was different about Mark at pay-per-views. He brought himself to a different level. He trained harder, he pushed himself further, and he had a whole different mindset. His age didn’t matter, fatigue didn’t matter… he would be motivated and ready for the big show. It could be his last is because Mark doesn’t know when to quit. He see’s red, he goes after it all. This is where he belongs and where he thrives. Could he push himself too hard? Go on too long? Could this be his last pay-per-view? Not if Mark has anything to say about it.
Mark arrived with his assistant, the beautiful and voluptuous Rosa Ramirez, in Los Angeles early this week. Recently Mark had been traveling week to week from his home office in Boston to wherever his event may be; Anaheim, San Jose, et cetera. This week had to be different. This week he had to change his process and start preparing earlier. The company would be fine for a few days without him at the helm. Most of the money was on his back anyways. The amount of press and favor that would come from winning the Overdrive title is far and away worth more than anything he could be doing behind a desk.
Since Mark hired Rosa to be his assistant things had changed. He felt motivated again, he felt like there was always someone there to push him. His first match was against Evan Envi, a bright young star who flew too close to the sun. Evan Envi would be something someday, but if he had to go through Mark Mania, it wouldn’t be an easy road. After defeating Envi, Mark had his match last week, a tag-match that held all of his opponents in this Championship Scramble. He and Slade Craven matched up against CJ Gates and Keaton Saint with the Overdrive Champion, Delikado, as the special guest referee. The match ended in controversy as expected. Delikado interfered and knocked out Mark, leading his team to lose and for Mark, the victim of the pin, to be the first man entered into the scramble match at Shockwave.
There were many different ways for Mark to view this. First of all, it was a blatant betrayal by Delikado, who still clearly fears Mark Mania, as he has for months. But secondly, it showed that Delikado knows Mark is the biggest threat. Everyone knew going into this match that whoever was pinned in the tag match would be entered first into the Scramble. Delikado knew this, purposely took out Mark and had him be the one who was pinned. Why? Because Delikado knows Mark is the biggest threat to his title. Delikado knows that any disadvantage for Mark is good for him. What Delikado didn’t know, was that he would be entered second into the match. This could work wonders for Mark. He’d have time alone in the ring with Deli. One way or another he’d have his shot at the Overdrive champion. He’d have a shot to take the title and for a moment at least, become the Overdrive Champion. In the scramble match, anytime you can win the title brings you closer to walking home with it.
The rules of the match are simple. Two men start off in the ring, as time goes on, the other three competitors will enter, one at a time. The match has a time limit, at the end of the limit, whoever is champion, remains the champion. During the match the belt will change hands multiple times. Mark has been in a scramble match before, and not only was he in one, he won it. He plans on doing the same at Shockwave.
There was no real special way to train for a scramble match. All you can do is stay on your feet and never give up. It’s a battle of perseverance and talent. This isn’t a match that you’re going to win with one big move or with a single submission. This match takes far more than that. More than anything, this match takes experience.
12:30pm
Wednesday 8/22/12
W Hotel, Los Angeles, CA
Conference Room B
Rosa Ramirez: Mr. Mania, I’ve got a rep from Sonic Drive Thru on the line.
Mark Mania: Take a message, I’m not getting involved with those people again.
Mark looks down and is furiously writing while watching a video on the projector screen. Rosa has her laptop open and is running the office through their Vonage phone line.
Rosa Ramirez: I’m sorry sir, Mr. Mania isn’t available right now, could I take a message?
Mark smiled as he thought about the fact that clearly the representative heard Rosa ask Mark and then told him that he wasn’t available. What a world of corporate politics. What’s even worse, they’ll call again tomorrow.
Rosa Ramirez:Eventually you’re going to have to take one of these calls. The company is in dire need of more capital.
He puts down his pen and pauses the video.
Mark Mania: Rosa, we’re still renting out all the floors, we’re still using my salary and savings for everything, don’t worry about it.
Rosa Ramirez: You know that it will never be good enough for you.
Mark Mania: Rosa, I know I told you that you’re here to help me with the business and to work with me, but wrestling comes first. Always has, always will. Anytime I have a chance to become a champion, I need to focus on that more than anything. You think calls are coming in hot and heavy now? Wait until you see how things change if I become the Overdrive champion.
Rosa Ramirez: You’re rig-
Mark Mania: Advertisers love my face and they love the Mania name, but more than that, they love a champion. That’s what we need to focus on.
Mark hankers down and presses play on the video.
Mark Mania: Rosa, did you know that I was the first one entered into my last Scramble match too?
Rosa Ramirez:You were? I remembered that you won, I didn’t know you were the first one in.
Mark Mania: Oh I was, against another APW legend, Michael Lively. Watch.
Mark presses play on the video.
Joe sprints toward Lively who has his back turned on his opponent. Joe leaps in the air bulldogging Lively off the apron to the ground. The ref calls for the bell to start the match. Lively's face impacts the thin mat on the ground outside the ring as Joe quickly gets to his feet as the fans roar with approval. Joe flips the mat over exposing the concrete and drive a boot to the side of Lively who was rising to his knees. Joe hooks Lively's head in his grasp grabs some tights to get an added lift and Crazy DDT's the champion on the concrete. He rolls Lively over and hooks the legs as the entire arena stands on their feet. The ref quickly drops down for the pin as every voice jammed in the building counts along.
Rosa Ramirez:Wow.
Mark Mania: That’s right, that’s all it took. First one in, and first one to become new Xtreme Champion. Got it first, got it last. Simple as that. It’s easy to think that the champion has the upper hand, but all he’s trying to do is not lose, he just wants to hold on to the title for as long as possible and hope to escape. The challenger has nothing to lose. You have to go all out for the entire match, no matter what it takes. I plan on using the exact same strategy against Delikado to become the champion first and to then be in the driver’s seat all night.
Rosa Ramirez:I was saying “Wow” about how ridiculous you looked wearing that mask.
Mark glares at Rosa with a smirk.
Mark Mania: It was a different time in my life Rosa, believe me. As you also saw, it was a much more extreme match. You can probably attribute that to why I had to wear a mask. Don’t want to mess up this face.
Rosa Ramirez: That must be it.
Mark gives her a quick stare.
Mark Mania:Here’s how I got the title back again.
As Hades is announced and makes his way toward the ring Cooper Conrad is planted head first on the barbed wire steel chair with a Crazy DDT. Joe covers.
Mark Mania: Victor Hades was a sick man that eventually ended up beating me for the Xtreme Title at Shockwave two years ago. I knew that I had to capitalize on everyone focusing on him, so I took out Cooper Conrad by whatever means necessary.
Rosa Ramirez:Here’s the thing though, you’re not going to be able to use any sort of extreme measures in this match on Sunday.
Mark Mania: I don’t need the steel chairs or the barbed wire, Rosa. I play to the crowd, to the situation. When it comes to the Xtreme title, you need to be able to give up your body, you need to sacrifice yourself and others to hold on to the title.
Rosa Ramirez:So after that pin of Cooper did you hold on to the title for the rest of the night?
Mark Mania: I most certainly did not. I think there were two more changes before I got one more chance. There was only about ten seconds left before the end of the match, Cooper Conrad was the current champion and Michael Lively had just hit his signature move, the Prelude. He was wasting time before the pin in order to secure the victory. The only thing is, he didn’t see me.
Lively then leaps off connecting with his Prelude. The JESUS yells in agony as he lands on the pile and rolls over holding his hip as the timer counts down. People on their feet looking at the timer on the tron then back at Lively. He rolls over and out of no whwere Crazy Joe climbs up the mess.
Chase: He must have escaped the pile before Lively's impact.
Harvey: Nice...
Joe quickly drags Lively to his feet and nails the Crazy DDT on the ladders, rolls him over as the fans explode with excitement as he pins Lively.
Chase: He must have escaped the pile before Lively's impact.
Harvey: Nice...
Joe quickly drags Lively to his feet and nails the Crazy DDT on the ladders, rolls him over as the fans explode with excitement as he pins Lively.
Mark Mania: And that was all she wrote. The clock ran out three seconds later and I was named the Xtreme Champion. The first and only title I’ve won in the APW so far. It’s amazing for how much history I have in this place and for what a second home it is to me, that I only have that one title.
Rosa Ramirez:Not for long though, right?
Mark smiles at Rosa.
Mark Mania: I like the way you’re thinking. This Sunday at Shockwave I’ll finally hold my second APW title and will be able to start making my way back towards the top of this company.
Rosa Ramirez:You’re already on your way there Mr. Mania.
Mark Mania: I don’t need you to blow smoke up my ass, Rosa. You watched what CJ Gates as well as I did. He said that I was stumbling and stuttering, and whatever else he could find in his thesaurus. He’s right. When he arrived to the APW, I was on top of my game. I was leading the business as a main eventer and was truly an icon.
Rosa Ramirez:Everyone still knows the Mania name.
Mark Mania: Yes, but for what Rosa? For what?
Rosa Ramirez:For, uh, for being one of the best of all time.
Mark Mania: Right, but that’s because what I’ve done in the past! Not what I do now. Having my name around is like a novelty for people. That’s not what I want, that’s not what I’m about. That’s not why I came back.
Rosa Ramirez:Why did you come back?
Mark Mania: I came back because I still can be the best. It’s easy to use my age as an excuse, but it’s not one I want to use anymore. Age is nothing but a number. I still have what it takes to be the best and I’ll prove that to everyone again.
Rosa Ramirez:And that comes with you winning on Sunday?
Mark Mania: It’s only a step Rosa, that’s not even close to what I really need to accomplish. Things are a lot different in the APW these days. It’s not Sally Talfourd and Level-One who are the top tier competitors anymore. There is a whole new group that I need to break my way into. Winning the Overdrive title is a step in the right direction. A title that Terry Marvin and Kurt Noble each held. I have the name, but I don’t have the reputation anymore. One step at a time I will get that again. But you’re right, it starts with this Sunday.
Rosa Ramirez:So what are you waiting for? Study the film, hit the gym, and address your opponents.
Mark points at the screen.
Mark Mania: What do you think I’ve been doing? You’re the one bothering me with phone calls from Sonic!
Rosa looks offended, Mark offers a smile to let her know that he’s not truly upset. She picks up on it and fires back.
Rosa Ramirez:Oh come on, you’re not studying tape, you’re reliving your heyday. Just watching yourself win. You need to stay in the present and focus on your opponents for this match, this week.
Mark looks at her puzzled, about to speak, but thinks better of it.
Rosa Ramirez:Exactly what I thought. Watching yourself beat Michael Lively over and over again may feel good, but it’s not going to help you win your match. So, let’s get motivated. Who do we start with first? How about your partner who couldn’t do a damn thing for you last week?
Mark Mania: Oh Slade Craven. We tried to work together. We tried to get the win, but of course, outside interference and suddenly things go completely different than how they should’ve. I don’t exactly know what to think about Mr. Craven. He’s an interesting opponent. There are a lot of similarities between the two of us. Both of us have a long history in wrestling, both of us are battling mediocrity, trying to find our way back to the top. Slade could be somewhat of a wild-card this week. He’s got the ability to pull out an upset. What’s stopping him?
Mark Mania: I think he runs into the problem I do sometimes. It’s easy to live in your glory days and not concern yourself with the present. Slade Craven was an impressive wrestler in his day. The AKA was an elite tag-team and stable. The talent is still there. Slade has a chance for the Overdrive Title and Shadow has a chance for the Xtreme Title, they could go from has-beens to the tip of everyone’s tongue in one night. What’s keeping Craven from doing that?
Mark Mania: I’ve been on a few tag teams in my life. Never anything long term, in APW I teamed up with John Green and Pence Weatherlight for a short time. I partnered with my cousin’s murderer Bonez before I knew his true colors, became the tag champions as a group called Power & Glory. It was great fun, that’s for sure. But it was never where I was my best. I had plenty of talent with a partner but I’ve always been a better singles competitor. I don’t know if the same could be said for Slade Craven. The man seems built for tag-team glory. He’s a great wrestler and a great teammate, but at what point will he get over the hump? What point will he go from a tag team hall of famer to a legitimate singles competitor?
Mark Mania: Could be Sunday. But, with Shadow reclaiming glory and Assassin making his return, I think there will be too much pulling for his attention. When you’ve known people as long as Slade has known his AKA brethren, it’s impossible to not be distracted by it. Slade is making some strides on his own, but I think his partners will pull him back. This isn’t the end for Slade, but it’s not his time for singles gold.
Rosa seems to be writing notes down while Mark is talking. She’s writing on a pad of paper and then scrolling through her laptop.
Mark Mania: Were you even listening to me or was this just a busy work exercise you had me do?
Rosa Ramirez:I’m your assistant Mr. Mania. I’m taking notes and backing up facts. I actually didn’t even realize that Slade Craven was a Hall of Famer.
Mark Mania: Well, as I said, Hall of Fame as a tag team with Shadow. Who knows if he’d deserve it without his tag team partner?
Rosa Ramirez:Well, I just like to check the facts and make sure that you’re not talking out of your ass.
Mark looks at her and smiles.
Mark Mania: Alright, alright. Everything else check out, boss?
Rosa blushes.
Rosa Ramirez:Yes. But that’s just one opponent of many. What about Keaton Saint?
Mark Mania: Ah, the guy who has plagued my existence since I’ve been back. I just can’t beat this damn guy. I don’t know what it is. Is he just too emo looking and it scares me? It’s unbelievable. I mean, when I first came back and fought him at my first Overdrive, maybe you could chalk it up to emotions or adrenaline or whatever you want to call it, but the guy just got the better of me. Now, last week, Deli hand picked him to pin me. Way to kick a guy while he’s down. Here’s the funny thing though. I’d like to say I hate the guy, really I would. But he’s not that bad. He’s a plain and honest guy. He comes out here week in and week out and tries his best and gives it his all. You have to reward that kind of dedication.
Mark Mania: That’s exactly why he’s here in this match. He comes out, works his tail off and gets some W’s. This is a guy that deserves to be in this match. He seems to have always been the bridesmaid and never the bride. You gotta feel for him. But the question is the same that I asked of Slade Craven, what’s stopping him? He doesn’t have a tag partner holding him back. He doesn’t have the Hall of Fame status to act as a distraction. So what could it possibly be?
Mark Mania: I haven’t known him for long, but I’ve been watching him over the past few months. I’ve seen him show up to Overdrive and kick some ass, week in and week out. Something changes after that. Something changes when he gets to the big stage. Test for the Best he had a golden opportunity. He beat me to get there and it should’ve been a good way for him to gain some momentum and make a run. He just couldn’t do it. Granted, Terry Marvin was on a roll and belongs in the Main Event with Kurt Noble right now, Keaton Saint could’ve been there just as easily. The guy is a world class talent in the middle of the month. So, what holds him back when the bright lights are shining?
Mark Mania: The only thing I can think, and I hate to say it, but, is he afraid?
Rosa looks at Mark, confused.
Rosa Ramirez:Afraid?
Mark Mania: Right, afraid. It’s a lot easier to be the underdog. It’s a lot easier to be a suitor. Being on the top, holding the gold, that’s where the difficulty lies. Getting there is a lot easier because no one thinks you can do it. Everyone is talking about the Champion and whether or not he has it in him. The challenger is left alone. Is it possible that Keaton Saint doesn’t want the spotlight? That he wants to be left alone to dominate on Overdrives, leaving the pay per views to the big boys? I guess that’s just something we’ll have to find out.
Rosa Ramirez:You don’t possibly think he could be afraid though do you?
Mark Mania: You never know Rosa. The spotlight shines bright on some people.
Rosa Ramirez:Well, what could be stopping CJ Gates then? Blade is all but retired, so he’s not holding Gates back. CJ has been the Undisputed Champion, he knows the spotlight better than most. What’s going to be the thing that keeps him away from the title?
Mark Mania: I’m glad you asked Rosa. What could hold CJ Gates back? How could he defeat himself here? Here’s the thing. I don’t think he can. Wrestling is a tricky business. Sometimes you can defeat yourself and sometimes you can just get beat. In this situation, I have to beat CJ Gates. He’s not going to make mistakes, he’s not going to be held back, he’s not going to show any hesitation. CJ Gates is going to show up, give 100%, and have a mistake free match. All I can do is be better.
Rosa Ramirez:And you think that will happen?
Mark Mania: That will happen, Rosa. I know it and CJ will know it. He talks about how when he arrived in the APW I was an icon. He saw the motivation every week, he saw the ability I had, and he saw the fire in my eyes. On Sunday, he’s going to see that again. On Sunday, he’s going to see that the old Mark Mania is back.
Rosa Ramirez:I think you should stay away from the world “old”.
Mark Mania: Does vintage Mark Mania sound any better?
Rosa Ramirez:I guess not.
Mark Mania: Didn’t think so. Here’s the deal though. It’s not going to matter if you call me old or call me vintage, hell, call me stale, I don’t care what I’m called. CJ Gates is going to see something on Sunday that he hasn’t seen in a long time. He’s going to see the Mark Mania that made the women swoon and the men cheer. He’s going to see the Mark Mania that had opponents shaking in their boots and management seeing dollar signs. He’s going to see the old Mark Mania, and I’m damn proud of it.
Mark Mania: He and Slade are the only two in this match who really know what I’m capable of. Keaton and Deli may have heard stories, heard tales, but they don’t know. Not yet. I’ve been re-energized, re-fueled. I’m ready to take on all comers and sit everyone back down. I am Mark Mania, and it holds true that if you mess with the best, you’ll go down with the rest.
Rosa looks taken aback.
Rosa Ramirez:Going back to the old catch-phrase eh?
Mark Mania: Rosa, just talking about this match, thinking about all the possibilities, I couldn’t be more excited. I’m going to be like a kid on Christmas Eve before this match. But instead of opening presents, I’ll be opening cans of whoop-ass.
Rosa starts to laugh out loud after Mark’s exclamation.
Mark Mania: Alright, that was lame. I freely admit that.
Rosa Ramirez:Thank God I wasn’t the only one. You’re like a catch-phrase machine today. Maybe you should call back Sonic and give them some tag lines.
Mark Mania: Yeah, yeah. Let’s get on with it, I’m on a roll here.
Rosa Ramirez:I think this break might’ve helped you before you started to claim to be the best there is and best there was.
Mark Mania: Well, the only person who could be more lame, more tacky, and more hacky than me is the person who I still have to talk about. A man who is a true disgrace to the sport and a disgrace to the APW.
Rosa Ramirez:I couldn’t believe you even went out there last week.
Mark Mania: What choice did I have? Saint, Gates, and Craven were all going out. I figured I’d at least have a chance to say a few words.
Rosa Ramirez:Well, Delikado didn’t really let anyone say any more than a few words. And that dildo, what an embarrassment.
Mark Mania: You’re telling me. I wasn’t going to let him play us all like puppets though. I wasn’t going to be held to some ridiculous charade in front of my fans. Those people paid to see Mark Mania, not some fool Cuban with a Howard Stern subscription. That’s all he is. He wants to start controversy. He wants to show up in the tabloids the next week. Guess what Deli, no one gives a damn. We all came down and played your stupid little game of twenty questions, no one said a peep about it. Only thing I heard was that people complained they had to stare at your ugly mug for so long at the beginning of the show. Probably the lowest rated Overdrive before a pay-per-view in the history of APW. The public turns on the TV and they see some crazy Cuban spouting off with a dildo in his hands. Boom TV gets turned off, people start watching America’s Got STD’s and APW suffers for it.
Mark Mania: The guy has such a big ego than he thinks people actually give a damn about what he has to say, he thinks that because Terry Marvin teamed with him for a few weeks and gave him the Overdrive title that he gets to have some say in this company. Well, the title does grant you some privileges. I can’t deny that. But his time as champion is coming to an end. The public is sick of his shtick and they’re sick of his overblown attitude. While it may not be the public that’s getting in the ring with Deli, I’m a man of the people and I’m the first one to give them what they want.
Mark Mania: Let me tell you this, what the public want, by an ever-increasing margin, is for Delikado to lose that championship title. One way or another, I’m not going to allow Deli to walk out with the title. It’s my duty as a man of the people. My duty as a wrestler that people look up to. Whether I win or lose on Sunday, one thing is for sure, Delikado will not win. I will stop it nothing to beat him. He has been prancing around with a chip on his shoulder for far too long and it’s time for the end to come.
Mark Mania: It’s been a long time since I’ve taken something so personally inside of the squared circle. I’ve faced off against many different opponents, had feuds lasting months, I’ve been bloodied and I’ve bloodied others, but I haven’t been so disgusted with a human being like I am with Delikado. It makes me think that having him lose the title may not even be enough. I want to end that bastard’s career. I want him to feel the pain and embarrassment that he’s been forcing upon everyone else the past month. I want him to know that the people will not stand for it. Just so happens the people are going to be speaking through my boot kicking the teeth out of his mouth.
Mark Mania: Gates, Saint, and Craven will all be in that ring with me, and I’ll be doing my damndest to beat them, but my target is Delikado. My goal is to beat him. My goal is to keep the title away from him. And as CJ Gates will be able to tell you all on Sunday, when I have a goal, and I have the fire in my eyes, there isn’t a damn thing that’s going to stop me.
Rosa Ramirez: I’m starting to think you might be ready for this match.
Mark looks at Rosa and smiles.
Mark Mania: I’m thinking you’re right.
Mark knew she was right. It’s been a long time since Mark has felt as motivated as he does now. It’s a cliché for Mark to have delusions of grandeur, but this time feels different. This time Mark knows he has a reason to win. He has a reason to fight. In the past it’s been nothing more than his own pride, which, often came before a fall. Now, it’s different. Now he’s fighting because the people deserve someone better than Delikado as their champion. They deserve someone who will not only entertain them, but also respect them, and their knowledge of the sport. Wrestling purists don’t want to see a fool with a dildo standing in the middle of the ring as their champion. The true wrestling fans, the type that buy tickets and merchandise and put food on the table, want to see Mark Mania. They want to see the best technical wrester, the best orator, and the best looking man in all of wrestling. One way or another, Mark knew they’d be seeing a new champion on Sunday.
If only the match was tonight instead of this weekend. The biggest struggle Mark knew would be getting to Sunday with this same type of fire burning in his stomach. Mark was about to find out that Rosa had some ideas.
