The Enemy of My Enemy

[Nathaniel Havok]

Chapter I: …Is a Friend Indeed

Monday -- June 3, 2013
APW Headquarters – Canada
12:00

[APW Headquarters… For Nathaniel Havok, this is a place that he avoids like the plague. There are only a few reasons for an APW Megastar to be at Headquarters in Canada. Disciplinary reasons, vignette tapings, contract discussions… The list is very slim. With recent happenings, Nathaniel is obviously in Canada for disciplinary reasons. Otherwise, he and Jeff wouldn’t be on speaking terms once again. The scene opens up inside the office of the APW President, Hurricane Jeff. He sits at his desk on a conference call, as his door swings open. He legs quickly drop from the top of his desk, as Nathaniel Havok walks through the threshold. Obviously, with Nathaniel Havok in his office, there’s no more “being comfortable”. He holds his hand up to Nathaniel, signaling that he’s on an important call. Nathaniel sees this as an opportunity to “act out”, grabbing the phone from Jeff’s ear and hanging it up. None-too-pleased, Jeff reacts just as Nathaniel thought he would.]

Jeff: Are you kidding me? I was on a conference call with Chinese government officials! Do you realize what you’ve just done!?!? You’ve probably just ruined our next tour overseas!

[Nathaniel looks at Jeff with a cocky smirk on his face. He chuckles a bit, shaking his head before he sits down across from Jeff.]

Jeff: Do you think this is funny? You could have cost APW a lot of money! How about I take it out of your pay? Would it be funny then?

[Nathaniel sits there looking at Jeff with the same cocky smile across his face.]

Jeff: Fine, sit there and don’t say a damn word! There’s a first time for everything, I guess!

Havok: Well, if you don’t want me talking, I guess I better start talking then.

Jeff: What in the hell did you do that for, you childish bastard?

Havok: You don’t arrange a meeting with Nathaniel Havok, and not be ready on time. So, I was just helping you end the call, so you could talk to me in a timely manner. My apologies, I was just trying to help.

Jeff: Yeah, well, you didn’t!

[There’s an awkward silence for a few moments, before Jeff stands from his desk. He walks over to the window, looking out the blinds to the beautiful view below. Still looking out the window, he begins to address Nathaniel.]

Jeff: I really don’t know what’s gotten into you lately. All of the sudden, you’ve stopped protecting this business, and started exposing it. You’ve broken down the curtain, and broken this business wide out into the open. You know, for a man who wants to “save this business”, you’re really doing some damage to it. Costing me money, you money, and the rest of your co-workers money as well.

Havok: I have no peers, no co-workers. I’m head and shoulders above the rest, you know that.

Jeff: Save your ego for somebody who can’t beat you.

[Jeff walks away from the window, and sits back down at his desk.]

Jeff: I’ve driven you out of Action Packed Wrestling before, Nathaniel. And if I was able to do it once, you can bet your ass that I can do it again.

Havok: I’m not that stupid, Jeff. Do you honestly think that I’d put my career on the line again? No, not going to happen.

[Nathaniel reaches into his back pocket, and pulls out his contract.]

Havok: Besides, thanks to that douchebag you hired, Alexander Duvall… You can’t fire me, Jeff! Face it, man… You’re powerless.

Jeff: I might be a lot of things in this world, Nathaniel… But I’m far from powerless.

Havok: Save your ego for someone who can’t outsmart you.

[There’s another awkward silence between the two, broken up by the APW President.]

Jeff: What in the hell is wrong with you, man? You’re telling the world that you want respect put back into this business, yet you’re running around bitching and moaning like a little child! I mean…

Havok: That’s where you’re wrong, Jeff! I’m not bitching, I’m not moaning, and I’m not going around spreading lies! You know damn well that everything I’ve said is the truth! You know it, the locker room knows it, and now the whole world knows it!

Stop trying to make wrestling fans out as idiots, Jeff! They’re not stupid, they know what goes on! The internet, dirt sheets, rumor mills, they all know what we do! You need to stop worrying about your bank account, and worry about the people behind the computer screens who are laughing their asses off at the stale ass product we’re pushing out. You know, the consumer? I know that other companies don’t want to listen to these people, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t!

So what if they’re a bunch of fat hicks sitting behind computer desks, that couldn’t ever make it in the sport! That doesn’t change the fact that they’re the ones buying the merchandise and tuning in! The majority of them clown on professional wrestling as a whole. Their complaints are valid, and it seems like they could garner better ratings than our “creative geniuses”! Listening to them is going to make you even more money! Who cares what the governments think? Do you think the porn industry cares what the government has to say? No, because they’re filthy fucking rich! You would be too, if you’d stop caring about what people thought of the product, and just focused on pleasing WRESTLING fans!

Jeff: You think I don’t know that? You think I haven’t thought about that a thousand times before? Nathaniel, this isn’t my first go-round! I know, okay? I fucking know!

Havok: Then why are we wasting our time here, Jeff? Why aren’t we doing something about it? Instead of sitting here arguing like a few fucking schmucks, why aren’t we both on the same side here? Why aren’t we out there doing something about it?

Jeff: WE ARE, ALRIGHT!?!? WE ARE ON THE SAME SIDE, HERE!

[Another awkward silence, yet again broken up by Hurricane Jeff.]

Jeff: You and I… We’re not too far apart from one another. We’re pretty similar, Havok. The only difference is you play for one side, and I play for another.

You have to understand my position as the President of Action Packed Wrestling! I don’t just have the Canadian government breathing down my neck, nor is it just the American government. We’re the largest grossing professional wrestling company in North America. Furthermore, we’re one of, if not the top grossing professional wrestling company in the entire world. Nathaniel, I answer to A LOT of people.

You know, I started this company with a single goal in mind. I wanted to make professional wrestling better. The product was stale, the business was on a decline. Now, look at APW! Look at what we’ve done! Not just you, not just me, but we ALL have made APW what it is today! Sure, there are a few people that make me a bit more money than others, and sure, they take advantage of it… But what can I do?

Havok: You can take your shows back over, and put your damn foot down! That’s what you can do, Jeffry! Or, better yet, you can hire a general manager with some balls, and watch “certain wrestlers” stop politicking their way to the top! I understand that Level-One didn’t used to be this way, I really do. But somewhere along the way, he lost sight of what was really important to this business, and went into business strictly for himself!

Jeff, regardless of what you think… If we’re really on the same side here, the League is here to help you.

We can clean up this game, Jeff. We can rid the locker room of politicians, supermodels who can’t wrestle, and pretty boys who are scared to take a hit to the face! We can put those who think they’re better than others in their place, by putting them at mid-card status where they belong! We can clean this place up, Jeff. You just have to give the League your blessing. And with that blessing, will come the change that everyone needs. With that blessing, your company can be respected once again.

It’s going to take time, you and I both know that. But with time, will come repair. Repair to this company, repair to this business, and repair to the respect that we USED to have! Do you think that people took your company serious, when Biggs was the champion? Do you honestly think that REAL wrestling fans aren’t sick and tired of a lackluster talent like Jason Kash? Do you REALLY think that the fans believe Amy Zing can wrestle? Jeff, I think you know the answer to all of these questions.

So now, the only question is… Does the League have your blessing?

[Jeff looks across the desk at Nathaniel, who awaits his response.]

Havok: Come on, Jeff. I’m not being Nathaniel Havok, the wrestler. Right now, you’re talking to Nathaniel Jacobs, the wrestling FAN. And I can tell by the look on your face that you’re actually listening to me! I can tell I’m getting through to you, Jeff! Just give us your blessing. Do it, and we’ll take care of the rest, boss. And who knows, maybe this is the start of something new for you and I. Maybe, just maybe… You and I can strike up a friendship because of all of this.

You know I respect you. Furthermore, regardless of whether or not you admit it… I know that you respect me as well. Jeff, if we’re really on the same side here, your blessing is all that’s needed. The League can take care of it, and you can stay busy doing whatever it is that you do here. You won’t have to fire any general managers, you won’t have to take back over. THE LEAGUE will take over. We’ll fix it for you, and you’ll be happy with the result.

Now, I know… You’re probably thinking back to the takeover that Nathaniel Havok attempted a few years ago, but this is nothing like that. This is TRULY for the betterment of our sport. All we need, is the okay from you. I know you watched last Thursday. You saw how Gooch reacted to me wanting to beat Lester’s brains in! So you have my word, this is as tactical an approach as you can get. We’ll be strategic in our plans, swift with our actions. Nothing shady, Jeff.

…I promise.

[Jeff continues to sit back in silence, thinking to himself. He grabs a pin off of his desk, and begins twirling it through his fingers.]

Jeff: I believe you. Furthermore, I believe in you. I’ve always believed in you, Havok. I told you over a year ago that you could do ANYTHING you wanted to in Action Packed Wrestling, but I also told you that you just needed to develop the right attitude.

…And now, I think you have.

There are guys out there that need to be put in their place. Guys that should take a step back and allow people like you the chance to main event with a guy like Level-One, to see what you’re made of. To see if you can stop the “poster boy” of Overdrive. Who knows, maybe you’ll get that chance sooner than later. That’s not up to me, though. I gave Duvall the chance he wanted, and along with that chance, came the power to make the decisions.

If you and the rest of the League think that you can clean it all up, then fine… You have my blessing.

Nathaniel, this better not backfire on me. I’m giving you the chance to prove to me and the rest of the world, that you’ve changed your ways. I’m liking this “nonviolent approach” that the League is taking, but don’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty if need be, if you know what I mean. And as far as what you’ve been saying to the public goes… Maybe you’re right. Maybe we need to go in a new direction. Besides, maybe calling certain people out the way you’ve been, will make them want to fight you sooner than they’d probably like.

Take care of your business, Havok. You and the League, do what you’ve set out to do. Nothing more, nothing less. You have my blessing, like I already said. Because while we might be enemies in the eyes of those around us… The enemy of my enemy is a friend indeed, if you get what I’m saying.

Chapter 2: It's Just Not Meant for You

Tuesday -- June 11, 2013
Unknown Location – Los Angeles, California
19:00

[As the scene fades on chapter one, the scene quickly reopens again. This time, we find ourselves in what looks to be a beautiful office building. Nathaniel is manning the camera, as he places it on a tripod, and takes a step back. He looks around the building, taking in its beauty before he begins.]

Havok: About fourteen years ago, I was told that I could do anything that I wanted in this business. All I had to do was apply myself, perfect my craft, and make a name for myself. I did all of that, and then some! Today, the name Nathaniel Havok might garner mixed reactions, but the name is synonymous with professional wrestling. I’m as well-known as Santa Claus, as talented as Michael Jackson, and as wealthy as The APW President himself!

My opponent for this week, he’ll never be able to say the same. Tommy Knox, I don’t know how you’ve made it into this tournament, but I’ll give you credit where credit is due. Congratulations, Tommy. However, this is where your downfall begins and ends. I’m sure you didn’t think you’d be seeing me this soon in the tournament. I’m certain that you hoped luck would play a factor on your round one opponent. But as I’m sure you know, luck can go either way. And for you, this luck, just happened to turn out to be bad luck.

My apologies on your misfortunes, Tommy. If I had it my way, I wouldn’t be seeing you until the finals of this tournament. Because that way, it would make my victory even that much more sweet. But the ball bounced this way, Tommy. You and I, we have the privilege of dazzling a capacity crowd, a chance to tear the roof off of the New Orleans Arena. You’re a great wrestler, Tommy. I really have nothing bad to say about your in-ring abilities. However, that’s as far as it goes.

What people don’t know about you, is what they really NEED to know. And that’s where I come in.

Those people don’t like you already, Tommy. You know that, and I’m sure you could care less. Much like Nathaniel Havok, you’re out for your success, not their approval. You’re an amazing technical star in this business, a suplex artist, and a hell of an athlete. But your vices lead to your downfall against me, and in this tournament!

Tell the people the truth, Knoxville! Once that camera goes off, you’re no longer Tommy Knox “the wrestler”. When that red light goes off and the cameras are no longer on, you turn into Tommy Knoxville… The strung out drug addict who kisses the ass of the almighty Jason Kash!

[Nathaniel places his hand over his mouth, acting as if he shoulnd’t have said what he has just said.]

Havok: Oh, I’m sorry! Did I ruin the plan? Did I debunk what Lenny said, when he told you to make some friends? I’m not an idiot like the rest of the locker room, Knox! I can already see your alignment with Foul Play coming. Having Lenny drop hints doesn’t help your situation, and it doesn’t provide mystique or interest to your endeavours!

It’s just too damn bad, you could have really been something in this business.

But instead of attempting to make yourself a better in-ring performer, you allow vices and political leverage to dictate the kind of “professional” you are! It’s a damn shame that a man like you can’t TRULY see inside of himself enough to realize that he doesn’t need outside influence to become a success! Instead, he attaches himself to a political renegade who crumbles to the same vices as himself, leading him to nothing more than mid-card status for the rest of his wrestling career!

I’ve given you the credit that you deserve, Knoxville. But I’ve also exposed you to the world for the bastard that you really are. Because what you are, is a puppet. You’re nothing more than a puppet on a string, stroking the ego of Jason Kash, playing the mid-card game on Overdrive, just because he’s told you to do so! You know damn well that being on Asylum means that you play second fiddle to your drug buddy, so you “take his advice”, but go nowhere on Overdrive!

Because without Jason Kash on Overdrive to help you, you can do nothing but fall victim to your own stupidity. That’s why I’m going to take ample amounts of pleasure in knocking you out of this tournament! I’m going to find instant gratification in knowing that I was responsible for your elimination, Knox!

You and I, we’ve never crossed paths before. So for you to instantly think that just because you were able to beat down some sad sack last week, that you’re going to be able to do the same to me… Means that you’re higher than Jason Kash in Amsterdam, giving it away to gay guys in exchange for some smoke!

…either that, or you’re just plain stupid. And I know you’re not THAT stupid!

Nevertheless, don’t base your chances in this match off of something you were able to do to someone else! Rookie mistake, that’s all it is! A rookie mistake that you shouldn’t be making, seeing as how you’ve been in this business for over 6 years now! So tell me, are you going to end up being one of those wrestlers who just never learns? Are you going to be one of those guys who is content with his position in the middle of the pack, just because he’s too God damn stubborn to admit that he needs to better himself?

…sounds like a druggy to me!

The drugs have really gotten to you, if you think for one minute that Nathaniel Havok has avoided Tommy Knox! Hell, son! I don’t even think about getting into the ring with you! Why? Because you’re just not man enough to get the job done against someone like me! To me, you’re nothing but an also-ran “wrestler”! Why would I be frantic in ensuring I’m drafted to Overdrive, over a shrub like you? Tommy, don’t let your ego get the best of you!

…I wouldn’t even let you WASH my jockstrap, let alone hold it!

It’s time for you to be put in your place! While you have all the ability in the world, you’re never going to reach your full potential! To me, you’re nothing but an afterthought! A man who I KNOW I can beat, and a man who I KNOW will never live up to his hype! You’re a joke, much like Amy Zing! A marketable douche that management has given a small push to. But what’s going to happen when I knock you out of this tournament, leaving management and creative to throw their hands in the air and tell you that “they have nothing for you”? What’s going to happen, Knox?

Proclaiming that you’re going to “knock me on my ass” without even taking into account that I’m twice as good as you, is yet another mistake made, probably because of the drugs. Face it, Tommy! You know that I’m twice as good as you will EVER be! Nathaniel Havok is ten times the man that Tommy Knox is, and it has nothing to do with drugs in that aspect. It’s just a hard fact of life that you’re going to have to get used to! I’ve done my homework on you, Tommy… And it’s obvious to me that you have NO CLUE about me! So with that being said, I ask you…

…have you EVER been a World Heavyweight Champion?

No, you haven’t. Me? I’ve been a World Heavyweight Champion on MANY occasions, most recent of which happened, when I beat your drug buddy, stealing his title and holding the B-Show title hostage! And even then, I didn’t have to try! I did it to prove a point to Hurricane Jeff! But now, Jeff and I are on the same page.

I don’t know, maybe I have changed a bit. Maybe I’m looking to try a different way, to get the push I deserve.

I am a former APW World Heavyweight Champion, Knox. That’s something you’ll never be able to say for yourself! While I admire your in-ring work, your abilities, and your heart… You’re nothing more than a mid-card talent at best. You’re just not on my level, and you know you’re not! So you hang out with Jason Kash, trying to get a few pointers, knowing that Jason Kash could make easy work of you. Well I’ve got a newsflash for you, bro! Nathaniel Havok, as he said earlier, has beaten Jason Kash. Therefore, by default, I can beat you!

This tournament is my chance, Knox. It’s my chance to get a Shockwave title match with Level-One, my chance to become a 2 time World Heavyweight Champion. Not to be the “breakout guy in the League”, not to be the center of attention, and not even for personal gain. I’ll win the title, because with all the gold, the League proves their point. I have to get past you first, and I’m not ruling out an upset.

Because it WOULD be an upset.

However I am going into this match knowing one thing, I NEED to win this tournament!

Regardless of what you’ve done, regardless of what you THINK you’re going to do, Nathaniel Havok has a motivation that you don’t! The League is relying on Delikado and Havok in the finals! We plan on putting on an amazing match at the Test for the Best pay per view, proving yet another point that the League is trying to make. LEAGUE wrestling… Is ELITE wrestling! We’re in a class all by ourselves, but equals in the minds of each other. While I expose the politics, we all partake in the act of leading by example. Whenever you see a League member on the card, you know that you can expect a classic wrestling match.

Both you and I can put on AMAZING wrestling matches, but we’re both reckless in our approach. Very evenly matched on paper. But boy, I assure you, I have way more heart than you do! I’m twice as experienced, twice as good, and twice as likely to win this damn match! Furthermore, if I were a betting man, I’d say that the odds I have of winning this tournament, are extremely high! You can’t say the same, because the lack of heart you show is quite apparent! You don’t have the desire needed to go the distance in a tournament like this! That’s why I’ll be walking out the victor on Thursday night!

I’ve exposed you, and now I’ll beat you. Knox, this tournament just isn’t meant for you.

I’ll see you Thursday.

And I’ll go ahead and get it out of the way, because you can’t prologue the inevitable.

Tommy, I’m deeply, deeply sorry.

[Havok smirks.]

Havok: Havok has spoken.

[Havok grabs the camera, and we go to static.]