Empires Erased IV: War, No Peace

[Nathaniel Havok]

Empires Erased IV: War, No Peace

[The scene opens up, as the following words make their way onto the screen…

“Action Packed Wrestling Presents…
In association with Havey Creations…
War, No Peace”

The scene opens up in the Source’s Chambers. Nathaniel Havok sits atop his thrown, with no one around. The peace and quiet allows him to focus every bit of his energy, on whatever he’d like. No distractions, no pressure, nothing. As he continues to contemplate his future, Nathaniel understands that the tasks ahead of him, must be executed with flawless precision. This includes not only rebuilding the Underworld, but also his APW affairs. Mainly, his North American Championship match at RassleMania.]

Nathaniel Havok
I have spent the better part of my week, sitting here in this very spot, thinking about everything I’ve been through. What I’ve done, what I’ve accomplished, and even everything that I’ve had to endure. The things that I’ve done in Action Packed Wrestling, they’ll live on in infamy. But today, right now, in this moment, I’m here to tell everyone that I am far from finished.

I’ve spoken about the North American Championship for months. How I need it, what I need to do to obtain it, and how things would change once I had it. Thus far, my journey to the gold hasn’t really worked out in my favor. I’ve spent countless months making excuses for my shortcomings. Jackass bosses, sight stricken referees, you name it, I’ve used the excuse in the past.

So what can I do? What is a man to do, when he’s continued to fail in his attempts time after time? It’s simple, really. You take a step back, regroup, and try again. Yeah, I’ve been knocked down countless times before, but the measure of a man is seen in how many times he can get back up! Me? Nothing has kept me down! Why? Because nothing can! I have proven over the course of my APW career, that Nathaniel Havok is a top contender!

I’ve battled Sally Talfourd, I’ve taken it to Level-One. I’ve beaten hall of fame inductee Pence Weatherlight, and I’ve even gained a victory over the APW President. I possess a body of work in Action Packed Wrestling, that can be compared to even the best that APW has ever offered! In the past, these things defined Nathaniel Havok. Now? Nathaniel Havok is defined by his cowardice acts, political leverage, and lack of bragging rights. But RassleMania? That’s where everything changes.

[Nathaniel stands from his thrown, walking down, and begins to pace back and forth, rubbing his chin.]

Nathaniel Havok
The dirt sheets, they all say the same thing. Nathaniel Havok is a favorite to win the North American Championship at RassleMania. This would be an amazing thing to brag about, to any normal wrestler. However, Nathaniel Havok is always seen as the odds-on favorite. Odds have always been in my favor, and it’s been like that for years. Throughout my career, I’ve made a name for myself by giving it everything I’ve got, and most of the time, having the match of the night. But recently, well… We all know how that’s going.

Down on my luck, that would be an understatement. Full of myself, that I very-well might be. Not the same man I used to be? Well, if you think that, then hold on to your seat when you watch RassleMania! In the past, I’ve always had a plan. I’ve always been prepared, and I’ve always brought it like no one else in the history of this business! There’s a reason they call me “The Man With the Show on His Shoulders”, and believe me, after RassleMania, I will be the talk of the show!

[Nathaniel walks over to a wall in his chambers. This wall displays a “what’s what” of battle weapons. Swords, spears, armor, you name it. He grabs a sword from the wall, placing it in his hands for examination.]

Nathaniel Havok
Not only a display of intimidation, but a weapon that demands respect. Never underestimate the power of the sword, regardless of what they say about the pen. Actually, here’s an idea! You bring a pen, I’ll bring a sword, and then let’s see who walks out of the battle, shall we?

[Nathaniel chuckles.]

Nathaniel Havok
No, it doesn’t work like that. This sword, it represents power. Not only that, but this sword can represent a position of power. Such as the North American Championship that I’ve sought after for so long.

[He holds the sword in the air, waving it from side-to-side.]

Nathaniel Havok
With gold, comes power. With power, comes leadership. You see, there’s a much bigger picture, to what we have going on. A grander plot, with a thicker story that you could ever imagine. It’s up to me to make it happen, and there’s no contract that can ever take the place of that North American Championship. Believe me, I still need that belt. The escalation of my plan, depends on Nathaniel Havok winning the gold, and there’s no better place to do it than RassleMania!

I wasn’t placed in this match by accident. And I’ll let you in on a little secret, I wasn’t really placed in this match per my “new contract”, either. As a matter of fact, this match was made for Nathaniel Havok to win, thanks to my track record in ladder matches. Bragging aside, this match was made for me to win, thanks to the fact that a plan can come together, without a plan actually coming together.

…do you follow?

[Scoffing, Nathaniel places the sword back on the wall. He slowly walks back to his throne, and sits back down.]

Nathaniel Havok
Let us not forget, that there are seven different people that Nathaniel Havok is going to be going up against, all seven of which will be looking to walk out of RassleMania as the North American Champion as well. I can’t help but be excited to see some of them in this match. Others, not so much. Nevertheless, Meltdown has definitely brought to you the best main event possible, for RassleMania, and our main event can rival that of the World Heavyweight or Undisputed Championship matches!

With so much talent in the ring at the same time, it’s easy to see how one could get “lost in the shuffle”. Take a guy like Evan McDonald for instance. Evan is finally getting his big break, ready to shine bright on the grandest stage in professional wrestling. I like this kid, I admire his heart and determination. In a short amount of time, he’s made a name for himself on the Meltdown brand. Without a doubt, he’s got a bright future in this company. Unfortunately, though… Being in a match with champions from the past, as well as those a little more polished than himself, he IS being overshadowed.

I have no doubt in my mind that he will be able to break away from that shadow, and prove his worth at RassleMania. But being in this match with the Enforcer of Sorrow, is the worst thing that could possibly happen. Evan, I like you, but I’m sorry. RassleMania, it’s not going to end well for you. I think you already know that, don’t you? But don’t worry, because like I said, you’ve got a very bright future in this company. I have no doubt that you’ll be able to bounce back, and be a champion some day. But that day will not come, until Nathaniel Havok has accomplished on Meltdown, EXACTLY what he came to do.

The story of Evan McDonald, is much like the story of Cid Phoenix. Another talented young buck that I admire, but just doesn’t have what it takes to get the job done in a match with Nathaniel Havok at the big show. Phoenix has done some great things since coming to APW. If he hadn’t, he wouldn’t be in this match. But the fact remains that the kid has never been in a position like this. The experience factor will come into play. And no matter how good you are, Phoenix, you’re just not good enough to get the job done. You know how they say “there’s always next year”, right? Well, sorry kid, but there’s always next year.

You’ve got plenty of time to sharpen your skills, hone your craft, and elevate your game. The sky is the limit for both you, and Evan. I really mean that, the two of you can do anything you set your minds to. UNLESS Nathaniel Havok is one of your opponents. If that’s the case, if you see your name next to mine, and I’m NOT your tag team partner… You can go ahead and bank on the fact that Nathaniel Havok will leave the victor. And you? Well, you can just leave.

I’ll spare you the “I’ve never hit a woman” speech. Truth is, I’ve got no problem getting into the ring against the opposite sex, and I’ve done it countless times before. The women in this match, they’re some of the best competitors on the APW roster. I mean, you’ve got Niobe Martin, who undoubtedly lives up to her nickname. I’ve had the privilege of watching her work, and the woman can kick some serious ass. The same thing can be said about Robina Hood, as well! Robina has been nothing but ferocious and determined since she debuted in Action Packed Wrestling. Both of these women could easily be your next North American Champion! But trust me, I don’t see that happening either.

While Niobe very-well might cause her opposition nightmares, she’s still not going to be able to withstand the will and determination of Nathaniel Havok. As a matter of fact, nobody is going to be able to. Therefore, the same could be said for Ms. Hood. While they both can kick as much ass as a donkey jockey, they’re just not going to be able to stop me. Because when push comes to shove, it’s going to come down to heart. And nobody in this match has any kind of heart that could measure up to the Enforcer of Sorrow. The deciding factor in itself is enough for these women to go ahead and chalk this one up as an “also ran”. But don’t worry, competing at RassleMania is one hell of an accomplishment all in itself.

But notice how I never mentioned Amy Zing?

[Nathaniel rubs his chin, chuckling to himself.]

Nathaniel Havok
Amy, you know how I feel about you. But the fact of the matter, is that I’ve already owned up to my mistakes. Where as you, you haven’t. The second chances you’ve been given time after time, they just don’t seem to get you any closer to that glory you desire, do they? While you continue to “reach for the stars”, you haven’t yet realized that you’re only crippling yourself. Yes, you’re a great competitor. But great can only take you so far, when you’re placing yourself in a lose-lose situation! Think about it, Amy! You’ve been in the ring with me, you know what I’m capable of!

What makes you think that this time is going to be any different? The last time we were in the ring with one another, I beat you. Sure, you looked great! You took it to the Enforcer of Sorrow, and I’m not going to make it sound like I mopped the floor with your pretty little face. But the fact remains that I’ve beaten you before, and you can bet your ass that I’m going to do it again! Amy, in this match, there are no lawyers, there’s no amount of family that can save you. It’s just you, me, and six other people. All of which will be gunning for the same thing. But none of them, not even you, are going to be able to stop me from reaching my next goal.

[Nathaniel pauses, thinking back to the last few weeks, and how he hasn’t been so lucky against a certain someone.]

Nathaniel Havok
Probably the most dominant female in this match, and probably the hottest up-and-coming Megastar on the roster… Lenny Lansbury has certainly been making a name for himself… I mean herself, since debuting in Action Packed Wrestling.

[Nathaniel chuckles, but is able to quickly regain his composure.]

Nathaniel Havok
When you debuted, I bitched and moaned about the fact that you were gaining main event status right away. I thought it wasn’t fair, figured that there were plenty ahead of you, more deserving of the push. However, you’ve continuously been able to prove me wrong, making me eat my own words on more than one occasion. Guv’nor, you’re a great in-ring competitor, and probably right up there with some of the best in this company. You’re right, though. I have been in the ring with you before, countless times. You’re also right in saying that it gives me an upper hand.

Lenny, I’m ready. This time, you won’t be able to surprise me with anything that you’re willing to do. I’m going to be ready, and I’m going to beat you, just like I’m going to beat everybody else in this match. I’ve spent countless hours and precious minutes of my life, looking for a way to get the better of you. I’ve found it, Lenny. I know exactly what I have to do, and it’s very simple. You see, this isn’t the kind of match where you can slap on a submission, or hit a hot move to get the win. You’re going to have to climb the ladder, reach as high as you can, and come down with the gold. But what are you going to do, when I take out your legs, and you can’t climb? Lenny, Guv’nor, I’m coming after you! And if I have it my way, you won’t be able to walk out of the ring at RassleMania!

You said something that really got to me, Lenny. You think that these fans care? You think that THIS is wrestling? Lenny, it’s not! I don’t know what it’s like where you come from, but where I come from, wrestling USED to be a sport! It wasn’t about ratings, and it damn sure wasn’t about the money! You wrestled, because you loved the art! You loved the art form, and you wanted to be apart of the competition! Now, it’s about who can make the money, who can sell the tickets and merchandise! At one time, I thought that they pushed you, because you were that guy. You proved me wrong, but you’re the one who’s messed up in the head! Trust me, at the pay per view, I’m going to take great pleasure in knocking some sense into you!

[Nathaniel begins to smile, knowing what’s coming next.]

Nathaniel Havok
And then there was one…

I’ve been waiting for this for a long, long time. The chance for Nathaniel Havok to get into the ring with Warren Peace. I’ve admired your work for quite some time, and I know what you can do, my friend. You shocked the world by winning the Championship a few weeks ago, and I for one was happy to see it! You’ve earned your spot, you’ve made a name for yourself, and you’re just so God damn talented!

[Nathaniel hops up from the throne, coming back down to get closer to the camera.]

Nathaniel Havok
I know how good you are, Warren! But I couldn’t give a good God damn! Yes, you’ve broken away from the pack, you’re the North American Champion! You’ve done everything you possibly could to make your dream come true, and I’ll be the very first one to give you a round of applause, and congratulate you for everything you’ve accomplished. But look at who’s addressing you right now, Warren. You know what I’ve done, and you know what I am capable of.

Warren, your time is up. Your fifteen minutes of fame, they’re done and over with. Much like the Guv’nor, I see you as a high priority threat. You and I both know that Warren Peace can take control of a match at anytime, and come out on top. Knowing this, is what’s going to keep me from making the mistake of underestimating you. There will be no peace in this match, only war. We’re going to battle with one another, in hopes of walking out with the same prize!

What all of you fail to realize, is that in war, those with the best battle plan, usually come out on top. Me, my battle plan is simple. I’m going to go into this match with the highest of expectations for my competition. It goes back to overestimation, and how overestimation can make things a lot easier. And while there’s no possible way to overestimate a champion, I can damn sure take into account, the fact that he hasn’t done the things that I have, here in Action Packed Wrestling!

Warren, Lenny, everyone… You all know what I’ve done in my APW career. Other companies aside, you all have seen what Nathaniel Havok has done, since he’s come to APW just a few short years ago. I’ve ran through some of the toughest competition in the business, I’ve compromised the integrity of this company by almost owning it at one point in time, and I’ve literally turned this place upside down with the mastermind ability that I possess. Lenny, you can’t say that. Warren, you’ve been a champion just like myself, but you can’t say it either! Nobody can say it, nobody but me! So what are the lot of you going to do at RassleMania, when you finally realize it? Furthermore, what are you going to do, when Nathaniel Havok walks out as the new APW North American Champion?

[Nathaniel chuckles once again.]

Nathaniel Havok
Havok, has spoken.

[With a grin on his face, Nathaniel walks away from the front of his throne, and out of camera view. The scene then fades to black.]