Post by biggs on Feb 20, 2013 21:08:55 GMT -4
Thursday, February 14th
Shortly after Terry Marvin vs. Evan Envi
”Don't tell me I just wasted my opportunity to cash in the Billion Dollar Briefcase...” I groan as I rub my head in pain. I clench my teeth and hold my hands up to my eyes. It's far too bright backstage, and my head feels like there's a couple of jackhammers beating down on my brain. I've never been drunk in my life, but what I'm feeling right now is what I imagine a hangover would feel like.
”Whether I tell you or not, it doesn't change the fact that the Sindicate has the Billion Dollar Briefcase back in their possession,” C.J. Gates tells me matter-of-factually as he prepares an icepack for my head. He screws on the cap and wraps it in a towel before handing it to me.
”Thanks.”
”Sure thing. Listen, Biggs, I know that you're mad at yourself for losing the briefcase, but if it's any consolation, I would have done the same thing. With Terry Marvin down like that, well, I think I would have viewed it as the perfect opportunity as well.”
”No offense, C.J., but it wasn't the perfect time. I should have known better, with Level-One and Evan Envi both out there. I got tunnel vision, saw nothing else but the fact that Terry was down and out, and the bottom line is that I got too greedy. Is there something about being a good guy that makes you stupid!?”
”Excuse me?”
”Well, I'm just saying, the old me, I would have sat on that briefcase, probably both literally, and figuratively. There's a reason I used to always say 'Evil will always win, because good is stupid!' I just feel like I made that decision far more rashly than I otherwise would have.”
I can tell that C.J. is a bit miffed about my 'good is stupid' comment, but like the good friend that he is, he lets me continue to vent.
”I mean, I'm known for my meticulous planning! And when I take the time to prepare, well, I'm better than most anyone in this business! I'm like Batman, darn it!”
”Except for the fact that you're not an orphan Billionaire playboy with a brooding personality...”
”You know what I meant! But I can't help but be irritated with myself, because not even an hour after I found out that I could cash in the briefcase myself, there I was, trying to cash it in! It was so gosh darn predictable of me!”
”Just like it's predictable that you're beating yourself up about it right now. Listen, Biggs, it's perfectly natural to be upset about what happened, but you're your own harshest critic. The fact is that you almost gave the fans a classic Overdrive moment, and while it didn't necessarily pan out, just think about how excited the fans where when they heard your music play, and saw you running down that ramp. And also think about how much sweater it will be when you actually do win the Undisputed Championship the next time.”
I adjust the ice-bag so it's closer to the center of my forehead. ”If there is a next time. At the rate I'm going, I'll be lucky to get another shot before the year is out.”
”Biggs, quit pouting. You're no fun to be around when you start pouting.”
”I'm not pouting! And if I was, I'd have every right to be! I messed up, man! I made a stupid decision, one that I can't just let slide off my back!”
”I'm not saying that you should just let it slide off your back, Biggs. The bottom line is that you've already tried to cash in the Billion Dollar Briefcase, you didn't succeed, and you lost the case. You can't change it now, so don't dwell on it. Be upset about it, sure, but don't keep beating yourself up over it! Because if you let it, Biggs, this moment could derail you. You want to know why I think I was able to beat you again and again last fall and winter?”
I have a sour disposition as I snap back at C.J., ”Sure, why?”
”It's because you got so hung up on the fact that you felt that I had wronged you, that you couldn't get past it. You were the one holding yourself back. And if you fall into that same cycle again before your big match with Level-One, well, as much as I'm rooting for you at RassleMania, I wouldn't like your chances in that match. I'm just saying something, because I want to help you. I want to see you defeat Level-One at RassleMania!”
I sit there for a moment, thinking about what C.J. said. He's right. If I get hung up on how foolish I was with the Billion Dollar Briefcase, then I give Level-One an advantage. The fact is, before tonight, I didn't even have the opportunity to cash in the briefcase. The situation I'm in now is no different than it was an hour-and-a-half ago. ”You know what, Ceej, you're right. But then again, you usually are. The fact is that I'm still facing Level-One in a few weeks. I need to focus on that, and not focus on the pity party I was throwing for myself. And after I beat Level-One, and you beat Terry Marvin for the APW Undisputed Championship, who's to say that the two of us won't face off for the shiny gold belt? Let's make it happen, my friend!”
”That's the spirit!”
We exchange a high five, which causes me to drop the ice-pack. C.J. picks it up for me and hands it back.
”Thanks again. Also, I wasn't pouting earlier.”
”Yes, you were. But what can I say, I'll put up with it...”
”It's because you're a big softie!”
”No I'm not!”
”How about this, I wasn't pouting, and you're not a softie! Works for you?”
”Works for me!”
We exchange a hearty handshake. It's kind of funny to think that just over a year ago, C.J. Gates was my arch-rival, my grand nemesis. And now, he's the best friend I've got here in APW. It's funny how things change. Sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. Still, I'm glad to count C.J. as my friend.
”I've got to go check on something, I'll be right back, partner,” C.J. says as he begins to head towards the door. As he leaves the locker room, the text notification goes off on my cell phone.
”I wonder who it's from...” I mutter as I pull the phone from my bag. I'm taken aback as I read who sent me the message:
From: Sr. Guapo
Mi amigo, things between us didn't end well, let's talk. Talk 2 u l8er.
”Son of a gun, after all this time!”
I can't help but smile as I begin to type my response.
Depeche Mode's “Spacewalker” begins to play as the words FIRST CONTACT flash across the starry background in big, bold blue letters. The video switches to Biggs and The Studmuffins, “Sr. Guapo” Armando Asante and “Stunning” Stan Everdeen hanging out in front of what appears to be a ski lodge. All three are dressed warmly, although both the Studs are dressed in ridiculous neon colored winter gear, that combined with the snow, has an almost blinding effect. Biggs is clad in his usual dark blue.
”Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Biggs' First Contact! Of course, I am Biggs, and today, I am joined by my friends, Sr. Guapo and “Stunning” Stan, the Studmuffins! Now as many of you are well aware, when I came back to action last year, Stan and I kind of, maybe, sort of put our good friend Sr. Guapo on the injured reserve, snapping his ankle with the help of a steel folding chair. But as you can now see, we've but that all behind, and have resumed being friends! Right, Armando?”
”Si, mi amigo! Es agua under the bridge! We're cool like a cucumber!” Sr. Guapo says with a smile.
”Cooler than two cucumbers!” Stan interjects.
”There's a lot of things I've done in my past that I regret, and putting you on the shelf is near the top of that list, Armando. I'm glad we were able to set things straight.”
”Me too! And guess what, amigo, since you're now single, that means you can be the wing-man for both Stan and me! How fantastico is that!?” Sr. Guapo's eyes light up as he says this.
Biggs is clearly not excited by the idea, but feigns enthusiasm. ”Fantastic...”
Luckily for Biggs, a couple of very attractive looking women walk by, drawing the attention of the Studmuffins.
”Look, Armando, some sexy snow bunnies! Let's go try and seduce them!”
”Let's!” Sr. Guapo calls out to the women, ”Hey sexy ladies, wait for Sr. Guapo!”
The Studs run off, leaving Biggs by himself.
”The more things change, the more they stay the same, eh? In any event, I'm glad that things were able to get back to the way they were between me and the Studmuffins. I know that I'm very lucky in this regard. It's not always possible to go back to the way it was, a fact one of my opponents this week, Kurt Noble, knows all too well.”
“Kurt, I know that we've had our differences, I know that we've never seen eye-to-eye. In fact, more often than not, our world views and wrestling philosophies have been diametrically opposed. Heck, you cost me the APW Undisputed Championship by counting my shoulders to the mat during my title defense against C.J. Gates, even though you weren't a licensed referee. Also, the last time we met, when I teamed with your soon-to-be ex-wife, Amy, and you teamed with my ex-wife Ellie, you darn well tried to injure me, attacking my head trying to re-aggravate the concussion I suffered after the bell had already been rung! And yet despite all this, Kurt, I don't hate you. I don't want to hurt you, or get payback or anything like that. No, rather, Kurt, I pity you.”
“Because the fact of the matter is, Kurt, that the situation you find yourself in, alienated from your wife, ducking in fear from your ex-best friend, well, quite frankly, Kurt, you brought it all upon yourself. You can blame Terry Marvin. You can blame Chris Hart. The fact is, Kurt, you, and you alone, are responsible for putting yourself in the situation you are in. But the corollary of that fact, Kurt, is that you are responsible for pulling yourself out of the depths.”
“You see, Kurt, just because everything around you is falling apart: your marriage, your friendships, even your relationship with the fans, you have the power to turn things around. I truly believe that you feel remorse for you did to Chris at Survive & Conquer. I think you are really, truly sorry that you threw him off the roof of the arena. I believe that you wish that you could have done things differently with Amy. But I also think that you believe that you yourself are beyond atonement. And you aren't Kurt. Sure, you've done some bad things, actually, some very bad things, but if there's one thing people love, it's a good ol' fashioned story of redemption. I'm going through it right now myself!”
“But in order for any change to come about Kurt, you need to believe that you can change. You need to believe trust that you can become the person you hope to be, and trust the fans to make their own mind up about you. And you can start this week, Kurt, if you choose to do so.”
“The way I see it, both you and Chris Hart have let things between the two of you get horribly, hopelessly out of hand. You made your own bed when you decided to throw him off of Wembley Stadium. Yet his response, to try and literally kill you, in kind, well, quite frankly, the guy needs to take a chill pill. You two are beyond being able to hug it out. In fact, I don't think that the two of you could really co-exist on the same roster at this point. But it doesn't change the fact that both of you have blown things way out of proportion. This is professional wrestling, not Celebrity Death Match!”
“I will admit, I am a wee-bit worried about stepping into the ring with you, considering how unstable you've been as of late. You're a very dangerous individual right now, Kurt, and not necessarily because of your in-ring skill. You're a distracted man, Kurt, you're an unstable personality. Who's to say you won't snap and go all ape-crazy on A.C. Smith or myself? If you lose control on us like you lost control with Hart, Kurt, well, it's not going to end well for any of us, will it? Because you could potentially seriously injure A.C. or myself, and you would add one more thing to your ever growing list of regrets.”
“But even though I know I'm putting my life and career at risk by stepping into the ring with you, Kurt, I also know that I have a bit of win streak over you. You may be a wild card, an X-factor, but I am nothing but consistent. Every time we've faced off, Kurt, I have defeated you, and I'll be darned if I let you beat me even once!”
“Because no matter how viscous you get, Kurt Noble, no matter how crazy you go, you still have limitations that I can overcome each and time I face you. You have a bum knee. You're more of a brawler than a technician. I have had an answer for everything you've thrown at me in the ring, and I'm certain that nothing has changed in the last few months since the last time we faced off. I'm still faster than you, I'm still more technically sound, and I'm also in a better place physically and mentally.”
“I'd be enough of a challenge for you, even without the looming threat of Chris Hart. Throw in A.C. Smith, and there's simply too much for you to overcome this week. Kurt, I respect what you've done in this business. I respect the fact that you're a former Undisputed Champion. And while I believe that you want to pull yourself out of the depths, I also know that you've been on a downward slide, personally, professionally, just in general. You can scratch and claw your way out, but you won't be able to it in just one week.”
“And A.C. Smith, my friend, my foe. As it stands, we're tied at one apiece. I've beaten you once, you've beaten me once. Granted, when you did beat me, you flat out whupped my butt! You dominated me in a way that nobody ever has in my career! You're a powerhouse, plain and simple. But you're not just a straight forward power wrestler, you've got some technical savvy as well, a very potent combination. I fear your abilities in the sense that I respect what you're capable of. It's not enough that I'm faster than you. It's not enough that I have a deep understanding of counter-wrestling and submission holds. Because you're just as fast, just as technically sound, and able to power your way out of many of my submission holds if I haven't sufficiently worn you down before attempting to apply them.”
“I know that you have the stigma of being the low man on the totem-pole in this match, that folks view you as perhaps a step behind Kurt and myself, rather unfairly, might I add. But all that does, A.C., is give you motivation heading into this contest. You want to prove the people wrong, you want to move up the card, show that you should be main eventing! I remember when I was in your position, how hungry I was to prove I deserved to be at on the marquee, how I wanted to earn the right of being in the Main Event, night in and night out! I remember the frustration I felt, seeing guys I had beaten or knew that I could beat, getting their shot at the top before I did. And yet, I knew in my heart, that eventually, the cream would rise to the top. My time eventually came, and I have no doubt that your time will come as well, A.C., but not at my expense!”
“You're hungry, I can appreciate that! But I'm hungry too! You think you're one of the best this business has to offer! Well, I know that I am!”
“Even though we're on a mid-card match, on an episode of Overdrive that's in the middle of the road to RassleMania, that does not mean that we can't go out there and give Moncton, New Brunswick a classic wrestling match for the ages! We have three distinct personal story lines heading into the match: The upstart looking to prove he can play with the big boys; the weary, worn down soul, in search of redemption, just looking to make it through the match; and the determined, focused wrestler trying to make a statement on his way to RassleMania!”
“If either one of you comes out tomorrow night giving any less than your absolute best, then I can guarantee that you will lose the match! I know for a fact that I'm going to be firing on all cylinders! The fact that Level-One is out with an arm injury means that he does not have the same opportunity that I do to build up momentum heading into RassleMania. You can bet that I'm going to use the advantage I have of being able to actually step into the ring to actually step into the ring and give the very best performance I can each and every week! I don't care if it's in front of a crowd nearing the hundreds of thousands like at a RassleMania, I don't care if it's in front of 25 people in a high-school gymnasium! I am simply too good, and too proud to give it anything less than my all! I'm not doubting that either one of you feel the same, I'm just telling you where I'm coming from. And also what I'm expecting from the two of you.”
“The fact of the matter is that we find ourselves in a Triple Threat Match tomorrow night. The only thing predictable about a Triple Threat is that it is unpredictable! No count outs, no disqualifications, one fall to a finish! Considering the talent involved in this contest, any one of us would be hard pressed to come out of this one the victor! Because more often than not, just when you think you have the match won, the other guy who you didn't pin or put in a submission hold comes up to break things up, forcing you back to square one! This match is all about picking your spots, finding your opportunities, and taking absolute advantage of them! Now ask yourselves this, A.C. and Kurt, who amongst the three of us has had the best track record of taking advantage of each and every opportunity that has come their way, last week not withstanding? Well that would be me!”
“I'm going in to tomorrow night's match motivated and ready. I'm excited to tie up with you again, A.C., and Kurt, I'm looking forward to overcoming you once more. Because tomorrow night, there will be only one winner, one victor, one man who gets his hand raised after the match!”
“Tomorrow night, in Moncton, I intend that person to be me! I may be a fan favorite now, but that doesn't necessarily make me a good guy! Considering the rules of the match, or lack thereof, I can, and will make use of anything I deem necessary to ensure my victory!”
Kurt, as much as you hope that things could be the way they were, with you on top of the world, beloved by all, that's not the situation we're walking into tomorrow night. And A.C., I know that you wish the future was now, but you're just going to have to settle for the present for the time being. Tomorrow night is my time, not either of yours. Tomorrow night, A.C. and Kurt, you'll both be reminded of why I am quite simply OUT OF THIS WORLD!”
As Biggs finishes up his spiel, the Studmuffins walk back onto camera, both with red, stinging slap marks across their cheeks.
”I take it things didn't go so hot?”
”Not so much, mi amigo!”
”They didn't take so kindly to us hitting on them, so they hit back! And gosh darn it, it stings!”
”The cold will do that. In any event, thanks for tuning in folks. Until next time, keep watching the stars!”
“Spacewalker” plays again as The Studmuffins rub their cheeks in pain. Sr. Guapo tries to put some snow on the sore spot, but shrieks out in pain due to the cold, prompting Biggs and “Stunning” Stan to break out in laughter. The show fades to black with the APW logo and copyright at the bottom of the screen.
Shortly after Terry Marvin vs. Evan Envi
”Don't tell me I just wasted my opportunity to cash in the Billion Dollar Briefcase...” I groan as I rub my head in pain. I clench my teeth and hold my hands up to my eyes. It's far too bright backstage, and my head feels like there's a couple of jackhammers beating down on my brain. I've never been drunk in my life, but what I'm feeling right now is what I imagine a hangover would feel like.
”Whether I tell you or not, it doesn't change the fact that the Sindicate has the Billion Dollar Briefcase back in their possession,” C.J. Gates tells me matter-of-factually as he prepares an icepack for my head. He screws on the cap and wraps it in a towel before handing it to me.
”Thanks.”
”Sure thing. Listen, Biggs, I know that you're mad at yourself for losing the briefcase, but if it's any consolation, I would have done the same thing. With Terry Marvin down like that, well, I think I would have viewed it as the perfect opportunity as well.”
”No offense, C.J., but it wasn't the perfect time. I should have known better, with Level-One and Evan Envi both out there. I got tunnel vision, saw nothing else but the fact that Terry was down and out, and the bottom line is that I got too greedy. Is there something about being a good guy that makes you stupid!?”
”Excuse me?”
”Well, I'm just saying, the old me, I would have sat on that briefcase, probably both literally, and figuratively. There's a reason I used to always say 'Evil will always win, because good is stupid!' I just feel like I made that decision far more rashly than I otherwise would have.”
I can tell that C.J. is a bit miffed about my 'good is stupid' comment, but like the good friend that he is, he lets me continue to vent.
”I mean, I'm known for my meticulous planning! And when I take the time to prepare, well, I'm better than most anyone in this business! I'm like Batman, darn it!”
”Except for the fact that you're not an orphan Billionaire playboy with a brooding personality...”
”You know what I meant! But I can't help but be irritated with myself, because not even an hour after I found out that I could cash in the briefcase myself, there I was, trying to cash it in! It was so gosh darn predictable of me!”
”Just like it's predictable that you're beating yourself up about it right now. Listen, Biggs, it's perfectly natural to be upset about what happened, but you're your own harshest critic. The fact is that you almost gave the fans a classic Overdrive moment, and while it didn't necessarily pan out, just think about how excited the fans where when they heard your music play, and saw you running down that ramp. And also think about how much sweater it will be when you actually do win the Undisputed Championship the next time.”
I adjust the ice-bag so it's closer to the center of my forehead. ”If there is a next time. At the rate I'm going, I'll be lucky to get another shot before the year is out.”
”Biggs, quit pouting. You're no fun to be around when you start pouting.”
”I'm not pouting! And if I was, I'd have every right to be! I messed up, man! I made a stupid decision, one that I can't just let slide off my back!”
”I'm not saying that you should just let it slide off your back, Biggs. The bottom line is that you've already tried to cash in the Billion Dollar Briefcase, you didn't succeed, and you lost the case. You can't change it now, so don't dwell on it. Be upset about it, sure, but don't keep beating yourself up over it! Because if you let it, Biggs, this moment could derail you. You want to know why I think I was able to beat you again and again last fall and winter?”
I have a sour disposition as I snap back at C.J., ”Sure, why?”
”It's because you got so hung up on the fact that you felt that I had wronged you, that you couldn't get past it. You were the one holding yourself back. And if you fall into that same cycle again before your big match with Level-One, well, as much as I'm rooting for you at RassleMania, I wouldn't like your chances in that match. I'm just saying something, because I want to help you. I want to see you defeat Level-One at RassleMania!”
I sit there for a moment, thinking about what C.J. said. He's right. If I get hung up on how foolish I was with the Billion Dollar Briefcase, then I give Level-One an advantage. The fact is, before tonight, I didn't even have the opportunity to cash in the briefcase. The situation I'm in now is no different than it was an hour-and-a-half ago. ”You know what, Ceej, you're right. But then again, you usually are. The fact is that I'm still facing Level-One in a few weeks. I need to focus on that, and not focus on the pity party I was throwing for myself. And after I beat Level-One, and you beat Terry Marvin for the APW Undisputed Championship, who's to say that the two of us won't face off for the shiny gold belt? Let's make it happen, my friend!”
”That's the spirit!”
We exchange a high five, which causes me to drop the ice-pack. C.J. picks it up for me and hands it back.
”Thanks again. Also, I wasn't pouting earlier.”
”Yes, you were. But what can I say, I'll put up with it...”
”It's because you're a big softie!”
”No I'm not!”
”How about this, I wasn't pouting, and you're not a softie! Works for you?”
”Works for me!”
We exchange a hearty handshake. It's kind of funny to think that just over a year ago, C.J. Gates was my arch-rival, my grand nemesis. And now, he's the best friend I've got here in APW. It's funny how things change. Sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. Still, I'm glad to count C.J. as my friend.
”I've got to go check on something, I'll be right back, partner,” C.J. says as he begins to head towards the door. As he leaves the locker room, the text notification goes off on my cell phone.
”I wonder who it's from...” I mutter as I pull the phone from my bag. I'm taken aback as I read who sent me the message:
From: Sr. Guapo
Mi amigo, things between us didn't end well, let's talk. Talk 2 u l8er.
”Son of a gun, after all this time!”
I can't help but smile as I begin to type my response.
***
Depeche Mode's “Spacewalker” begins to play as the words FIRST CONTACT flash across the starry background in big, bold blue letters. The video switches to Biggs and The Studmuffins, “Sr. Guapo” Armando Asante and “Stunning” Stan Everdeen hanging out in front of what appears to be a ski lodge. All three are dressed warmly, although both the Studs are dressed in ridiculous neon colored winter gear, that combined with the snow, has an almost blinding effect. Biggs is clad in his usual dark blue.
”Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Biggs' First Contact! Of course, I am Biggs, and today, I am joined by my friends, Sr. Guapo and “Stunning” Stan, the Studmuffins! Now as many of you are well aware, when I came back to action last year, Stan and I kind of, maybe, sort of put our good friend Sr. Guapo on the injured reserve, snapping his ankle with the help of a steel folding chair. But as you can now see, we've but that all behind, and have resumed being friends! Right, Armando?”
”Si, mi amigo! Es agua under the bridge! We're cool like a cucumber!” Sr. Guapo says with a smile.
”Cooler than two cucumbers!” Stan interjects.
”There's a lot of things I've done in my past that I regret, and putting you on the shelf is near the top of that list, Armando. I'm glad we were able to set things straight.”
”Me too! And guess what, amigo, since you're now single, that means you can be the wing-man for both Stan and me! How fantastico is that!?” Sr. Guapo's eyes light up as he says this.
Biggs is clearly not excited by the idea, but feigns enthusiasm. ”Fantastic...”
Luckily for Biggs, a couple of very attractive looking women walk by, drawing the attention of the Studmuffins.
”Look, Armando, some sexy snow bunnies! Let's go try and seduce them!”
”Let's!” Sr. Guapo calls out to the women, ”Hey sexy ladies, wait for Sr. Guapo!”
The Studs run off, leaving Biggs by himself.
”The more things change, the more they stay the same, eh? In any event, I'm glad that things were able to get back to the way they were between me and the Studmuffins. I know that I'm very lucky in this regard. It's not always possible to go back to the way it was, a fact one of my opponents this week, Kurt Noble, knows all too well.”
“Kurt, I know that we've had our differences, I know that we've never seen eye-to-eye. In fact, more often than not, our world views and wrestling philosophies have been diametrically opposed. Heck, you cost me the APW Undisputed Championship by counting my shoulders to the mat during my title defense against C.J. Gates, even though you weren't a licensed referee. Also, the last time we met, when I teamed with your soon-to-be ex-wife, Amy, and you teamed with my ex-wife Ellie, you darn well tried to injure me, attacking my head trying to re-aggravate the concussion I suffered after the bell had already been rung! And yet despite all this, Kurt, I don't hate you. I don't want to hurt you, or get payback or anything like that. No, rather, Kurt, I pity you.”
“Because the fact of the matter is, Kurt, that the situation you find yourself in, alienated from your wife, ducking in fear from your ex-best friend, well, quite frankly, Kurt, you brought it all upon yourself. You can blame Terry Marvin. You can blame Chris Hart. The fact is, Kurt, you, and you alone, are responsible for putting yourself in the situation you are in. But the corollary of that fact, Kurt, is that you are responsible for pulling yourself out of the depths.”
“You see, Kurt, just because everything around you is falling apart: your marriage, your friendships, even your relationship with the fans, you have the power to turn things around. I truly believe that you feel remorse for you did to Chris at Survive & Conquer. I think you are really, truly sorry that you threw him off the roof of the arena. I believe that you wish that you could have done things differently with Amy. But I also think that you believe that you yourself are beyond atonement. And you aren't Kurt. Sure, you've done some bad things, actually, some very bad things, but if there's one thing people love, it's a good ol' fashioned story of redemption. I'm going through it right now myself!”
“But in order for any change to come about Kurt, you need to believe that you can change. You need to believe trust that you can become the person you hope to be, and trust the fans to make their own mind up about you. And you can start this week, Kurt, if you choose to do so.”
“The way I see it, both you and Chris Hart have let things between the two of you get horribly, hopelessly out of hand. You made your own bed when you decided to throw him off of Wembley Stadium. Yet his response, to try and literally kill you, in kind, well, quite frankly, the guy needs to take a chill pill. You two are beyond being able to hug it out. In fact, I don't think that the two of you could really co-exist on the same roster at this point. But it doesn't change the fact that both of you have blown things way out of proportion. This is professional wrestling, not Celebrity Death Match!”
“I will admit, I am a wee-bit worried about stepping into the ring with you, considering how unstable you've been as of late. You're a very dangerous individual right now, Kurt, and not necessarily because of your in-ring skill. You're a distracted man, Kurt, you're an unstable personality. Who's to say you won't snap and go all ape-crazy on A.C. Smith or myself? If you lose control on us like you lost control with Hart, Kurt, well, it's not going to end well for any of us, will it? Because you could potentially seriously injure A.C. or myself, and you would add one more thing to your ever growing list of regrets.”
“But even though I know I'm putting my life and career at risk by stepping into the ring with you, Kurt, I also know that I have a bit of win streak over you. You may be a wild card, an X-factor, but I am nothing but consistent. Every time we've faced off, Kurt, I have defeated you, and I'll be darned if I let you beat me even once!”
“Because no matter how viscous you get, Kurt Noble, no matter how crazy you go, you still have limitations that I can overcome each and time I face you. You have a bum knee. You're more of a brawler than a technician. I have had an answer for everything you've thrown at me in the ring, and I'm certain that nothing has changed in the last few months since the last time we faced off. I'm still faster than you, I'm still more technically sound, and I'm also in a better place physically and mentally.”
“I'd be enough of a challenge for you, even without the looming threat of Chris Hart. Throw in A.C. Smith, and there's simply too much for you to overcome this week. Kurt, I respect what you've done in this business. I respect the fact that you're a former Undisputed Champion. And while I believe that you want to pull yourself out of the depths, I also know that you've been on a downward slide, personally, professionally, just in general. You can scratch and claw your way out, but you won't be able to it in just one week.”
“And A.C. Smith, my friend, my foe. As it stands, we're tied at one apiece. I've beaten you once, you've beaten me once. Granted, when you did beat me, you flat out whupped my butt! You dominated me in a way that nobody ever has in my career! You're a powerhouse, plain and simple. But you're not just a straight forward power wrestler, you've got some technical savvy as well, a very potent combination. I fear your abilities in the sense that I respect what you're capable of. It's not enough that I'm faster than you. It's not enough that I have a deep understanding of counter-wrestling and submission holds. Because you're just as fast, just as technically sound, and able to power your way out of many of my submission holds if I haven't sufficiently worn you down before attempting to apply them.”
“I know that you have the stigma of being the low man on the totem-pole in this match, that folks view you as perhaps a step behind Kurt and myself, rather unfairly, might I add. But all that does, A.C., is give you motivation heading into this contest. You want to prove the people wrong, you want to move up the card, show that you should be main eventing! I remember when I was in your position, how hungry I was to prove I deserved to be at on the marquee, how I wanted to earn the right of being in the Main Event, night in and night out! I remember the frustration I felt, seeing guys I had beaten or knew that I could beat, getting their shot at the top before I did. And yet, I knew in my heart, that eventually, the cream would rise to the top. My time eventually came, and I have no doubt that your time will come as well, A.C., but not at my expense!”
“You're hungry, I can appreciate that! But I'm hungry too! You think you're one of the best this business has to offer! Well, I know that I am!”
“Even though we're on a mid-card match, on an episode of Overdrive that's in the middle of the road to RassleMania, that does not mean that we can't go out there and give Moncton, New Brunswick a classic wrestling match for the ages! We have three distinct personal story lines heading into the match: The upstart looking to prove he can play with the big boys; the weary, worn down soul, in search of redemption, just looking to make it through the match; and the determined, focused wrestler trying to make a statement on his way to RassleMania!”
“If either one of you comes out tomorrow night giving any less than your absolute best, then I can guarantee that you will lose the match! I know for a fact that I'm going to be firing on all cylinders! The fact that Level-One is out with an arm injury means that he does not have the same opportunity that I do to build up momentum heading into RassleMania. You can bet that I'm going to use the advantage I have of being able to actually step into the ring to actually step into the ring and give the very best performance I can each and every week! I don't care if it's in front of a crowd nearing the hundreds of thousands like at a RassleMania, I don't care if it's in front of 25 people in a high-school gymnasium! I am simply too good, and too proud to give it anything less than my all! I'm not doubting that either one of you feel the same, I'm just telling you where I'm coming from. And also what I'm expecting from the two of you.”
“The fact of the matter is that we find ourselves in a Triple Threat Match tomorrow night. The only thing predictable about a Triple Threat is that it is unpredictable! No count outs, no disqualifications, one fall to a finish! Considering the talent involved in this contest, any one of us would be hard pressed to come out of this one the victor! Because more often than not, just when you think you have the match won, the other guy who you didn't pin or put in a submission hold comes up to break things up, forcing you back to square one! This match is all about picking your spots, finding your opportunities, and taking absolute advantage of them! Now ask yourselves this, A.C. and Kurt, who amongst the three of us has had the best track record of taking advantage of each and every opportunity that has come their way, last week not withstanding? Well that would be me!”
“I'm going in to tomorrow night's match motivated and ready. I'm excited to tie up with you again, A.C., and Kurt, I'm looking forward to overcoming you once more. Because tomorrow night, there will be only one winner, one victor, one man who gets his hand raised after the match!”
“Tomorrow night, in Moncton, I intend that person to be me! I may be a fan favorite now, but that doesn't necessarily make me a good guy! Considering the rules of the match, or lack thereof, I can, and will make use of anything I deem necessary to ensure my victory!”
Kurt, as much as you hope that things could be the way they were, with you on top of the world, beloved by all, that's not the situation we're walking into tomorrow night. And A.C., I know that you wish the future was now, but you're just going to have to settle for the present for the time being. Tomorrow night is my time, not either of yours. Tomorrow night, A.C. and Kurt, you'll both be reminded of why I am quite simply OUT OF THIS WORLD!”
As Biggs finishes up his spiel, the Studmuffins walk back onto camera, both with red, stinging slap marks across their cheeks.
”I take it things didn't go so hot?”
”Not so much, mi amigo!”
”They didn't take so kindly to us hitting on them, so they hit back! And gosh darn it, it stings!”
”The cold will do that. In any event, thanks for tuning in folks. Until next time, keep watching the stars!”
“Spacewalker” plays again as The Studmuffins rub their cheeks in pain. Sr. Guapo tries to put some snow on the sore spot, but shrieks out in pain due to the cold, prompting Biggs and “Stunning” Stan to break out in laughter. The show fades to black with the APW logo and copyright at the bottom of the screen.
