Post by John Green on Aug 30, 2009 17:21:01 GMT -4
The scene opens with John Green and Chris Johnson standing in the Air Canada Center in Toronto, Ontario. They are both wearing their respective business attire and John is walking with a purpose to find his dressing room for the upcoming PPV Shockwave. Chris is in hot pursuit. John opens the door and doesn’t even look back. Chris quickly goes into the dressing room along with his associate.
Chris: Hey, John. Listen to me. (John ignores him) What was up with this month, huh? You got yourself fucked up this month and you weren't doing anything special? (No answer) Come on, man. You have been like this ever since you got beat by Jesse at Test For The Best. At least tell me what’s going on in your head.
Green: (He slowly lifts his head and faces Chris) You want to know what is going through my head so bad?
Chris: First of all, I want to know why you are fucking off man.
Green: I can tell you the exact reason why. I want to be taken seriously, Chris. If I have to make my impact by losing then taking the win at the PPV, then so be it. After all, I think that my fans embraced the fact that I can snap at any moment. Sure, they want a superstar who is talented and can give their all in that ring and win. However, they also want a superstar who can beat the living hell out of someone. I plan to do both.
Chris: What does beating down a superstar have to do with anything with the loses?
Green: Chris, if I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times, I came into this company to make an impact. I don’t know how many times I have to stress that point before it gets through somebody’s thick head. Quite honestly, I’m getting sick of reminding you what I’m doing in APW. I’ve already said that I had two goals in this company.
My first goal was to become champion of every kind in APW. You know, I did everything from challenging the champion , Shadow, and almost beating him and proving that I could back up what I say. Granted, I knew that I couldn’t take down Shadow with power, but I was going to do everything in my power to try. I will be beat Shadow though, so you can consider one of my goals checked off and completed.
My second goal, which has yet to be accomplished, was to become World Champion once again. It doesn’t seem like that important of a goal, because no superstar should be in this company if they don’t want to become APW Champion. I have had many opportunities at championship gold and have had a streak in losing in those matches, but I’m looking to end that streak soon. It’s about time that I wear a belt around my waist that isn’t there to hold my pants up. I want a belt that symbolizes the talent and effort it takes to be recognized as a champion. I can’t do that without title shots, but more importantly, I can’t do it without being ruthless.
Chris: So, this whole LOSING thing was to prove a point?
Green: Are you listening to me? You’re damn right it was to prove a point. I want to prove that I shouldn’t be brushed to the side and not seen as a top player in the APW. If I didn’t want to be seen as a top player, then I wouldn’t have tried as hard as I could to win that tournament at Test For The Best. Don’t you see? I want to be the best, Chris, and I can’t be the best unless I make an impact.
You see, the days of when I was known as John “the Champ” Green are done. I told people that I dropped the nickname “the Champ” and that I only wanted to be known as John Green. I said “what” I did, but I never explained “why” I did that. Quite honestly, I thought that “the Champ” was too gimmick-like and people wouldn’t take me seriously if I was just seen as a gimmick superstar and nothing more. I still don’t think people take me seriously. I know that I haven’t won too many matches and that my overall record is under .500, but maybe it took all those losses and all the overlooking that got me thinking. I can’t get a title shot if I keep losing matches. For some matches, I’ve been screwed out of a victory because of cheap shots that people take to win a match.
Chris: (Interrupts) Cheap shots? What do you call what you did to all those people to win back then? Like Michael Lively
Green: (Yells) DAMN IT Chris! THAT MATCH DOESN’T MATTER TO ME! IT HAS NO IMPORTANCE WHATSOEVER OTHER THAN TO SHOW THAT WHEN I GET FRUSTRATED, I CAN KICK SOMEBODY’S ASS! (Brings voice down) So, if you don’t want to experience that, forget about Lively.
Chris: (Gulps) Wow, I’m sorry, man. I didn’t know you were this mad.
Green: Think about it. All of this time I’ve spent in APW and no one will give me the time of day. Some of these other guys who just debuted are getting more respect than me. (Thinks for a second) I don’t know if I try too hard to earn respect or if I’m not trying hard enough. I have to give a clear-cut example of intensity to show the boys in the back that I’m past the level of mid-carder. I can step above those ranks and I can play with the best of them. (John smirks and then smiles)
Chris: Well, you know something? I’m glad you’re realizing this. You need this intensity. You need this focus. You’ve finally figured out what you needed to become successful and you’re going to capitalize on that. At the PPV, you are going to show Zero, Bennet, and Hades who deserves to be the best.
Green: (John’s smile disappears) There’s only one thing that I don’t like about that match, Chris. The title of “Number One Contender” to a title isn’t on the line.
Chris: You have to show them who’s boss. You have to take them out and stop they're momentum completely. Can you imagine what a loss would do for them all? Hades would be pissed as he was trying too make a very great comeback, Zero was doing very well in APW, and Ted Bennet is trying to make a name for himself.
Green: That’s a lot easier said than done, Chris. After all, the Zero was the partner for mine in that tag match a while ago and he won the entire match.
I’m not going to take Zero or Hades for granted. That’ll be my downfall and it will kill any chance of convincing the boss that I deserve a shot at any title. Ted is kind of a push over though. Right now, I need to prove something to myself. By defeating them all, I will prove to everyone that I am worthy of something. It’s going to be really interesting, though. I need to be over-prepared for this match. I need to act like this is RassleMania. I should wrestle every match as if it is the most important match of my career. For every match from now on, I will go into the ring with the mentality that I can win. This match against the Zero, Hades, and Bennett is not a “can-win” match, or a “should-win” match, but it is a “must-win” match.
Chris: I don’t think there’s anybody more dedicated to this business or anybody who thinks as much about this business as you do.
Green: I eat APW, I drink APW, I live it, I breathe it, and you better believe that I will come back for more. I can not fool around at all in the weeks leading up to Shockwave. I want to place myself among the elite superstars in the APW. How do I do that? I build up a strong winning streak that takes me to a future title reign.
Chris: You know that Zero is going to be coming for you since you and him will be the ones to show something. You have to be on top of your game.
Green: I have to be on top of my game, on top of his game, and on top of everybody else’s game in order to accomplish what I set out to do. Chris, you are not by my side just to guide me to become a better wrestler, but you are with me to prove something to myself. The Iron Man match taught me a lot about us that night. You proved to me that you are a tough S.O.B. and why you deserve to be a trainer. I proved to myself that no matter how stacked the odds are against me, I will do anything to overcome them. Chris, the APW hasn’t seen John Green hit his peak yet. I’m nowhere near my peak of greatness. The name of the next Pay-Per-View, like I’ve said before, is apropos. I have not hit my best level yet, which is why I must rise… to send a shockwave throughout everywhere.
Chris: Hey, why don’t you sit here and I’ll go get all of your bags, so that you’ll have all of your stuff here for the show?
Green: You do that. I need to be left alone to think for a while.
Chris: Alright, I’ll get the bags. (Starts to leave, but then turns back to John) Do you want me to call Dave again?
Green: Why do you need to call him again?
Chris: You seem to be focused enough to have a match right now.
Green: Are you challenging me again? Listen, Chris, we’ve already had an Iron Man match. What do you think I have to prove to you that you’re challenging me again?
Chris: John, you may have seen my wrestling skills, but you didn’t know that I can get extreme as well.
Green: (Sits in a chair and slightly lays back) Are you telling me that you want to face me in a hardcore match?
Chris: Let me tell you, John. The APW crew already has the ring set up and besides, if you want to be ready for your opponents, then you need to learn how to take the punishment from weapons, too. You can consider this a lesson in toughness. I won’t charge you as much for this lesson. The lesson is free if you can defeat me.
Green: I think I can add another stipulation to that match.
Chris: What’s that?
Green: How about you just make the lesson free anyway, but the loser has to buy dinner?
Chris: That sounds perfect. There was place in Ontario that I couldn’t wait to eat at, and now you’re going to pay for it.
Green: Just call Dave and get his referee ass down here. (Chris dials up the number to Dave’s cell phone) You know, Chris, maybe it would be easier if we brought Dave along with us; that way, you wouldn’t have to get him to take a flight up here from Pittsburgh. Then again, after I beat you again, I doubt we’ll need him to referee any of our matches.
Chris: You keep thinking that. Go find some weapons and put them around the ring. No cheap shots or I’m going to charge you for the lesson.
Green: Don’t worry, I actually consider you somewhat of a friend, I wouldn’t cheap shot you. (Turns around and then quickly smacks Chris in the back of the head and runs off to the ring)
Chris: (Screams) You dirty bastard! I’m gonna…(Into the cell phone) No, not you, Dave. I meant John. (Listens) Yeah, we’re going to have a hardcore match in Ontario. (Listens) No, there are no fans in the building. (Listens) Yeah, I guess it is an empty arena match. (Listens) Alright, I’ll see you when you get down here. (Chris hangs up the cell phone) John!
Green: (Comes back into the dressing room) What’s up?
Chris: We’re going to have to wait until tomorrow to have the match. Dave can’t get a plane that quick. Don’t worry about the weapons right now.
Green: That’s okay; I was just standing right outside the doorway anyway. I didn’t even go out to the ring.
Chris: Well, get some rest. You’re going to need it before you count out your money and pay for my steaks.
Green: That’s what you think. I don’t know, Chris. If you lose twice in a row to me, I think that you should shut your mouth more often.
Chris: I’m only preparing you for Sunday. My training for the tournament at Test For The Best helped, did it not?
Green: Yes it did. However, my match with Zero and the others isn’t a hardcore match. It’s a elimination 4-way match.
Chris: What’s your point? You’ll be better prepared to take punishment. I know for a fact that you will not go into that match and dominate the entire encounter. They're going to take it to you.
Green: I know. Let’s just get out of here. I need to get ready for tomorrow.
Chris: That sounds like a plan to me.
Chris and John leave the arena and head to their hotel rooms for the night. One scene fades to the next scene, which is the next day at the arena. Chris’s and John’s associate and official arbiter between the two, David Swartz, is already at the arena. John is the first to arrive and talks to Dave.
Green: (To Dave) Hey, man. This is going to be crazy. I just have to let you know that ahead of time. The pins can be anywhere in the arena, anything goes, it’s just going to be insane. Are you going to do ring introductions or anything? I mean, we’re in the arena, not Chris’s gym in Pittsburgh.
Dave: Yeah, I’ll do the introductions. I even brought one of the APW sound technicians along because he’s the only one who really understands the system.
Green: I see what you mean. I’m going to change into my gear and then after Chris gets here, which I’m assuming he’s not, he’ll get changed and you call us both out whenever we’re set to go. Got it?
Dave: I got it. Good luck out there.
Green: Thanks, man.
John heads into the arena, knowing that his bags are already in the locker room. Not five minutes later, Chris arrives in a Mercedes.
Chris: Hey, Dave. It’s good to see that you got down here without a problem.
Dave: Yeah, no problem at all. By the way, I am coming with you guys on the road, right?
Chris: Yeah, that’s fine. This way, it’ll be much easier on the travel expenses. Is John here yet?
Dave: Yes he is, he already went to the locker room to change for the match. He’s waiting for you.
Chris: Great. I’m going to go get ready. I’ll see you out there.
Dave: Good luck in the match.
Chris: Thanks, Dave.
John and Chris both get prepared as Dave heads out to the ring to do the introductions. The arena is completely empty. There is an announcer’s table for the announcers of APW, but there is nobody sitting there. The referee, Dave, prepares to make the introductions. He forgets that there is no timekeeper, so he walks to the outside of the ring and rings the bell. He grabs a microphone and speaks.
Dave: Ladies and gentlemen…(Looks around and shrugs his shoulders), the following contest is an Empty Arena match and it is scheduled for one fall. There are no disqualifications in this match and pin falls count anywhere.
”Brainstew” by Green Day hits over the PA system as Chris Johnson makes his way to the ring.
Dave: Introducing first, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, weighing in at 238 pounds, Chris Johnson!
Chris enters the ring and just turns around and waits for John to come down that aisle and begin the match. He doesn’t wait long as “King Nothing by Metallica is played over the PA system. John Green steps through the curtain in his traditional attire.
Dave: And his opponent, from Atlanta, Georgia, weighing in at 264 pounds, he is the Retribution Killer and “Mr. T.N.I., Total Nonstop Impact” John Green!
Dave rings the bell to begin the match and then quickly gets back inside the ring. John and Chris have a stare-down in the center of the ring. They back away from each other and then lock up with a collar-and-elbow tie-up in the middle of the ring. John pushes Chris back to a corner as they are still in the tie-up. John breaks cleanly and backs away. Chris pulls himself together and John and Chris circle the ring again. This time, Chris gets the upper hand and pushes John back to the corner. Chris starts to break cleanly and then slaps John across the face. Chris backs up with a smirk. John starts to laugh a little bit in the corner.
The two circle each other again, but this time when they go for the lock-up, John ducks and then hits Chris with a right hand. He follows it up with several right hands and then Irish-whips Chris into the far ropes. Chris takes down John with the shoulder block. Chris bounces off of one ropes and hops over John. John does the leap frog after Chris bounces off the second set of ropes. Chris ducks under and immediately stops behind John. John quickly turns around and pokes Chris in the eye. Chris walks over to the corner, holding his eyes as John just laughs.
Green: You can NOT outdo me with that, my friend.
Chris shakes his head after he regains a little bit of sight. He comes toward John and then they stare each other down. Chris then hammers John with a right hand, but John retaliates. They fire punches for 30 seconds until Chris ducks one and delivers a T-Bone Suplex to John. John rolls out of the ring, but Chris doesn’t waste any time. He bounces off the ropes and does a suicide dive over the top rope, taking both men out. Chris goes for the cover, but only gets a two count.
Chris whips John into the steel steps and the top half of the stairs completely detaches from the bottom half and goes flying. The trainer looks under the ring and finds a garbage can and a garbage can lid. He removes the lid and goes over toward John. John punches the lid straight up and it smashes Chris right in the face. The impact sends Chris straight backwards and down to the ground. John can’t recover quickly enough to make the cover, so instead, he grabs the dented trash can lid and smashes it across Chris’s back. He lifts Chris up to his knees and smashes the lid on Chris’s head. Chris simply collapses after the shot. John goes for the cover, but doesn’t get the three-count. Chris gets his shoulder up at the count of two.
John thought he had Chris pinned for the three, so he gets frustrated early. John throws Chris over the barricade into the chairs that are set up at ringside. John attempts to springboard off of the barricade and does a suicide elbow drop into Chris who is surrounded by steel chairs. John lands on a couple chairs and doesn’t catch much of Chris. The impact of John landing keeps both participants down, though. Referee Dave hops over the barricade to check on both Chris and John to see if they are okay. Chris actually gets back to his feet first due to John taking more of the punishment from that suicide-like dive to the chairs. Chris waits until John gets up and then he cracks his protégé in the head with a steel chair. John falls back and lays motionless on the ground after the impact of the chair.
Chris: You wanted some total nonstop impact? I just gave you total nonstop impact!
Chris stops trash-talking for a second and goes for the cover, but John kicks out at 2 and a half. Chris pulls John up and drags him closer to the backstage area, but John fights him off and Irish-whips Chris into a wall. Both men are down. John gets back up to his feet and picks Chris up with him. John attempts a suplex on the ground, but Chris blocks it. John goes for it again, but again, it is blocked. Instead, Chris counters with a snap suplex that takes John back-first into the wall! John holds his back in pain as Chris goes for another cover, but John gets the shoulder up before the three-count.
Chris picks John up and Irish-whips him into the wall, but John scales the wall and pulls off an amazing moonsault! John rolls up Chris…
One…
Two…
THR….NO! Chris KICKED OUT!
John didn’t think that he would have Chris with that, but he is still a little surprised that Chris isn’t worn out yet. He takes Chris backstage in the arena and takes him to the locker room. He slams Chris into the lockers and one of the lockers dents. John sees Chris lying on the ground, so John takes the opportunity to open the locker and see if anybody was using the locker. The locker wasn’t being used, so John picks Chris up and sticks his head in the open and empty locker. John steps back and prepares to kick it shut. John’s kick connects, but Chris just barely escapes near decapitation and he clotheslines John down. Chris is catching his breath as he saw his life nearly flash before his eyes. Chris begins to open another empty locker, but John charges at him. Chris flings the door open and it smashes John in the face, knocking him down again. Chris closes the locker door and attempts to roll John up for the pin, but he only gets a count of two due to a nonchalant cover.
Chris takes John out of the locker room and into a bathroom. He throws John into one of the walls. Chris looks over and opens up a stall. He smiles as he thinks what he can do to John. He lifts John up onto his shoulder into a power slam position. John reverses it and ends up in a Tombstone position. John walks into the stall and Tombstones Chris into the toilet! He lays Chris’s feet down and flushes the toilet. John walks out and shuts the stall door.
Green: Hey, Dave. Remind me not to play poker against Chris.
Dave: Why’s that?
Green: He likes going all-in with a flush.
After John made that joke, Chris comes out of the bathroom stall and spears John down on the tile. Chris uses the electric hand dryer to attempt to dry himself off. After it shuts off, John gets up and smashes Chris face-first into the hand dryer. John lifts Chris up and looks to be going for the ddt onto the bathroom tile, but Chris slides behind John’s back and shoves John face-first into a mirror. It shatters upon impact. John falls to his back and Chris is down as well. John is slightly bleeding from the forehead due to being shoved into a mirror. Chris takes advantage of this and goes for the cover on a bloodied John Green…
One…
Two…
THRRRRR…John KICKS OUT AT TWO AND THREE-QUARTERS!
Chris seems more frustrated than before, but he now has the upper hand. Chris takes John out of the bathroom and takes him through the hallways. John hits a shot to the gut, but Chris elbows him in the back of the neck. He throws John into one wall, and then throws him into a wall on the opposite side. Chris throws him back into the first wall and then again off the second. John falls down to the ground, so Chris picks him back up. Chris kicks John in the gut and sets up for the rope-scaling Unprettier that he calls the “Chris Splat”. Chris climbs his feet up the wall, but when he goes to turn, he is too close to the other wall, so his feet land on the other wall. He kicks off again, but lands on the first wall. John musters the strength to hang Chris upside down and ram him into the wall. Chris is smashed against the wall and both competitors are now down. Dave knows that there is nothing he can do except count to three or signal a submission. He checks on both men, but John stirs first and starts crawling down the hallway. He slowly gets back to his feet, and challenges Chris to follow him back out to ringside. Chris gets up and walks gingerly toward John as he goes through the curtain. Chris follows him out to the ramp where John meets him with a right hand. Chris retaliates with a right hand off his own. The two trade punches on the ramp before John gets the upper hand. John attempts a clothesline, but Chris does and catches John with a neck breaker. Chris gets an arm over John as Dave counts...
One…
Two…
THRRRRRRRRR…NO! John GETS THE SHOULDER UP!
Chris can’t believe it, but he doesn’t have enough energy left to argue with the referee. He walked down to ringside and left John for dead at the top of the ramp. John started to get back to his feet as Chris was looking for weapons. Chris pulled a table out from underneath the ring and set it up. John starts heading toward the ring slowly as Chris finds a ladder and thinks about setting it up. Instead, as he sees John approaching, he rams the ladder into John’s gut. He finds a fire extinguisher and nails John in the head with it. John falls back and ends up on the table. Chris begins to climb one side of the ladder almost as if he’s going to attempt a moonsault. John rolls off of the table and shakes the ladder in order for Chris to lose his balance. John doesn’t tip the ladder over, but instead, climbs it himself. John and Chris battle on top of the ladder. John throws a right hand and Chris retaliates. They trade shots at the top of the ladder, but John blocks one and catches Chris with a right and then immediately slams his trainer’s face into the top of the ladder. John steps up another rung and then…SUNSET FLIPS Chris FROM THE LADDER THROUGH THE TABLE!
Dave: HOLY SHIT!
Chris is motionless as his body has just gone through a table from about 10 feet up. John can’t make the cover quick enough, though, as the fall took a lot out of him, too. John slowly crawls over and puts an arm over Chris…
One…
Two…
THRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…WHAT? Chris GOT THE SHOULDER UP!
John is in complete shock that Chris kicked out. Chris is still out from that super sunset flip through a table, so John takes the time to look for another table. John goes to another side of the ring and pulls out a table.
Green: You know, I hope the Xtreme matches on Sunday won’t be ruined if we use all of their tables!
John sets up the table on the opposite side of the ring. He pays no attention to Chris, who is somehow climbing back in the ring. John finishes setting the table up and then he turns his attention to Chris. John goes over and lifts Chris up and puts him in the opposite corner. He hits him with a series of knife-edge chops before Irish-whipping him to the other side of the ring. Chris hits the turnbuckle hard and John prepares to splash him in the corner. John charges but gets back body-dropped by Chris onto the apron. John lands on his feet on the outside and attempts to nail Chris with a right hand, but it is blocked and countered with Chris dropping John’s throat on the top rope. Chris steps outside and hooks the Chris Splat. He scales the turnbuckles…AND DRIVES John THROUGH THE TABLE ON THE OUTSIDE WITH THE Chris SPLAT! Now, John is the one who is lying motionless on the arena floor. Chris musters enough energy to turn him over, but he can only get one hand over John. Dave counts…
One…
Two…
THRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…John GOT THE SHOULDER UP AT THE VERY LAST SECOND!
Chris is in complete and utter disbelief at what is transpiring. John kicked out of his best move through a table. Chris certainly underestimated his trainee, but he’s not done with him yet. Chris finds yet another table and throws it into the ring. He walks around and puts the ladder in the ring as well. Chris sets the ladder and table up right next to each other. John is still down on the outside. Chris goes to the outside and throws John into the ring. Chris gets a chair from the outside and puts it in the ring as well. He prepares to DDT John into the chair, but John counters into the Headsplitter! John has a rush of adrenaline now and gets back to his feet. He thinks about pinning Chris, but then he looks over to the ladder and the table. He picks Chris up and sits him on the table. John grabs the chair and nails Chris right in the face which makes Chris lay down on the table. John begins to climb the ladder as if he now is going to attempt a moonsault that wouldn't be successful at his size. He gets to the top and gets his balance. John takes a deep breath and jumps AND NAILS A DRAGON SPLASH! John used the perfect move as he already has Chris in a pinning predicament…here’s the cover…
One…
Two…
THREE! John Green DEFEATS Chris Johnson AGAIN!
Dave: (Goes to the outside and rings the bell) Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner of the match, “Mr. T.N.I., Total Nonstop Impact”, "The Retribution Killer" John Green!
Dave helps both men back to their feet and then helps them both to the back. In the locker room, John and Chris’s RN stitches up John after he had been busted open earlier in the match.
Chris: You know what, John? I might have to stop challenging you. I don’t know how you do this.
Green: (As he’s being stitched up) I think it’s the drive and determination to become one of the best in the business.
Chris: This is exactly why you should not be underestimated by anyone in APW.
Green: Exactly, but Chris, I won the match for two reasons. One reason was to prove that I am as tough as anybody in APW.
Chris: What was the second reason?
Green: (Smiles) The second reason is that you have to pay for dinner.
Chris: Oh, damn. I forgot about that stipulation.
Green: (Laughs) I didn’t.
Chris: I know you didn’t. Where do you want to eat, Mr. T.N.I?
Green: Oh, I’ll figure it out later. I need to take a little rest and rest in a hot tub or something. Damn, empty arena matches really take a lot out of you.
Chris: Tell me about it. I went through two tables today, well, three if you count the one I put you through…
Green: I wasn’t counting, I was just thinking of more ways to beat you.
Chris: I’m still surprised that you didn’t go for the pin after the Headsplitter.
Green: Were you still conscious after I nailed you with the Headsplitter on the chair?
Chris: I was conscious, but I just didn’t know where I was.
Green: Oh okay. I figured that it would take something big to defeat you, so I did what I did and I won.
Chris: It’s a good thing I had that filmed, man. I’m going to send it to Jeff and ask if he’ll put it on APW 24/7. I saw our Iron Man match and it was phenomenal.
Green: Listen, man. I don’t think we should worry about getting “Match of the Year” honors when we’re not even on a television show or a Pay-Per-View. We didn’t even have commentary for our match. Matches get pretty boring without commentary to keep us going.
Chris: That’s very true. (Looks at watch) I’m going to go head back to the hotel. Family Feud is on right now and I need something to entertain myself as I heal my wounds. I’ll see you whenever you decide where you want to go for dinner tonight.
Green: That sounds good to me. I’ll see you later.
Chris: Okay, later.
Chris exits the room as one of the APW Cameramen who was filming the match got a shot of Green inside the dressing room.
Green: You know Zero, Hades, and Bennett, I don’t know why you all consider me a “sacrificial lamb.” I think it’s really funny when you don’t really know me at all and you think that I’m just someone who will stand by and let you guys walk all over me. News flash: I’m a lot tougher than anyone in the company gives me credit for. You see, my matches this month didn’t mean anything. A win over Bennett would have proved nothing in the long haul of things. You see, I was saving up my strength and my will to win for an opportunity like this.
You see guys, you impressed a lot of people myself included in APW so far, I was admittedly surprised that you all were victorious here. Good job. You’re the new superstars to look out for. However, you still have to prove something to me. If Jesse hadn’t reversed my Tap Out, then this whole situation might not have happened. Somebody else might be standing here in APW as the number one contender for the APW Championship. It could have even been me.
I want you to think about one thing before our match. There is one thing that you all should never do when you’re facing me, and it’s what everybody does. Everybody underestimates me and overlooks me. That will be the end of you. You have to realize that I job to no one. If you defeat me, then you earn it. I don’t let just anybody defeat me in a match. The only thing that matters when I step in that ring is that the intensity level inside that squared circle is kicked up a notch…BAM!
There is only one thing that is unfortunate in this match and that is the fact that the title of Number One Contender to the APW Championship is not on the line. It’s unfortunate for me, but very fortunate for you all. If that title was on the line and you all decided to take it easy and lay back, I would take advantage of that in a heartbeat. If that title was on the line and I pinned you all 1, 2, 3 in the middle of that ring, then everything that you guys worked for would be gone (Snaps fingers) like that. You have no idea how lucky you are to just be involved in a match with nothing at stake. Just imagine waking up Sunday morning and you would have to swallow your pride as you had been beaten the night before by "Mr. T.N.I., Total Nonstop Impact." How am I going to make an impact, you ask? The answer is simple: By making an example out of you all and proving that you aren’t the only one worthy of being known as future “champion.”
And if you don’t like what I say, then your life killed by the Retribution Killer, so deal with that.
John gets his bags together and exits the arena. He drives in his car to his hotel as the scene fades to black.
Chris: Hey, John. Listen to me. (John ignores him) What was up with this month, huh? You got yourself fucked up this month and you weren't doing anything special? (No answer) Come on, man. You have been like this ever since you got beat by Jesse at Test For The Best. At least tell me what’s going on in your head.
Green: (He slowly lifts his head and faces Chris) You want to know what is going through my head so bad?
Chris: First of all, I want to know why you are fucking off man.
Green: I can tell you the exact reason why. I want to be taken seriously, Chris. If I have to make my impact by losing then taking the win at the PPV, then so be it. After all, I think that my fans embraced the fact that I can snap at any moment. Sure, they want a superstar who is talented and can give their all in that ring and win. However, they also want a superstar who can beat the living hell out of someone. I plan to do both.
Chris: What does beating down a superstar have to do with anything with the loses?
Green: Chris, if I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times, I came into this company to make an impact. I don’t know how many times I have to stress that point before it gets through somebody’s thick head. Quite honestly, I’m getting sick of reminding you what I’m doing in APW. I’ve already said that I had two goals in this company.
My first goal was to become champion of every kind in APW. You know, I did everything from challenging the champion , Shadow, and almost beating him and proving that I could back up what I say. Granted, I knew that I couldn’t take down Shadow with power, but I was going to do everything in my power to try. I will be beat Shadow though, so you can consider one of my goals checked off and completed.
My second goal, which has yet to be accomplished, was to become World Champion once again. It doesn’t seem like that important of a goal, because no superstar should be in this company if they don’t want to become APW Champion. I have had many opportunities at championship gold and have had a streak in losing in those matches, but I’m looking to end that streak soon. It’s about time that I wear a belt around my waist that isn’t there to hold my pants up. I want a belt that symbolizes the talent and effort it takes to be recognized as a champion. I can’t do that without title shots, but more importantly, I can’t do it without being ruthless.
Chris: So, this whole LOSING thing was to prove a point?
Green: Are you listening to me? You’re damn right it was to prove a point. I want to prove that I shouldn’t be brushed to the side and not seen as a top player in the APW. If I didn’t want to be seen as a top player, then I wouldn’t have tried as hard as I could to win that tournament at Test For The Best. Don’t you see? I want to be the best, Chris, and I can’t be the best unless I make an impact.
You see, the days of when I was known as John “the Champ” Green are done. I told people that I dropped the nickname “the Champ” and that I only wanted to be known as John Green. I said “what” I did, but I never explained “why” I did that. Quite honestly, I thought that “the Champ” was too gimmick-like and people wouldn’t take me seriously if I was just seen as a gimmick superstar and nothing more. I still don’t think people take me seriously. I know that I haven’t won too many matches and that my overall record is under .500, but maybe it took all those losses and all the overlooking that got me thinking. I can’t get a title shot if I keep losing matches. For some matches, I’ve been screwed out of a victory because of cheap shots that people take to win a match.
Chris: (Interrupts) Cheap shots? What do you call what you did to all those people to win back then? Like Michael Lively
Green: (Yells) DAMN IT Chris! THAT MATCH DOESN’T MATTER TO ME! IT HAS NO IMPORTANCE WHATSOEVER OTHER THAN TO SHOW THAT WHEN I GET FRUSTRATED, I CAN KICK SOMEBODY’S ASS! (Brings voice down) So, if you don’t want to experience that, forget about Lively.
Chris: (Gulps) Wow, I’m sorry, man. I didn’t know you were this mad.
Green: Think about it. All of this time I’ve spent in APW and no one will give me the time of day. Some of these other guys who just debuted are getting more respect than me. (Thinks for a second) I don’t know if I try too hard to earn respect or if I’m not trying hard enough. I have to give a clear-cut example of intensity to show the boys in the back that I’m past the level of mid-carder. I can step above those ranks and I can play with the best of them. (John smirks and then smiles)
Chris: Well, you know something? I’m glad you’re realizing this. You need this intensity. You need this focus. You’ve finally figured out what you needed to become successful and you’re going to capitalize on that. At the PPV, you are going to show Zero, Bennet, and Hades who deserves to be the best.
Green: (John’s smile disappears) There’s only one thing that I don’t like about that match, Chris. The title of “Number One Contender” to a title isn’t on the line.
Chris: You have to show them who’s boss. You have to take them out and stop they're momentum completely. Can you imagine what a loss would do for them all? Hades would be pissed as he was trying too make a very great comeback, Zero was doing very well in APW, and Ted Bennet is trying to make a name for himself.
Green: That’s a lot easier said than done, Chris. After all, the Zero was the partner for mine in that tag match a while ago and he won the entire match.
I’m not going to take Zero or Hades for granted. That’ll be my downfall and it will kill any chance of convincing the boss that I deserve a shot at any title. Ted is kind of a push over though. Right now, I need to prove something to myself. By defeating them all, I will prove to everyone that I am worthy of something. It’s going to be really interesting, though. I need to be over-prepared for this match. I need to act like this is RassleMania. I should wrestle every match as if it is the most important match of my career. For every match from now on, I will go into the ring with the mentality that I can win. This match against the Zero, Hades, and Bennett is not a “can-win” match, or a “should-win” match, but it is a “must-win” match.
Chris: I don’t think there’s anybody more dedicated to this business or anybody who thinks as much about this business as you do.
Green: I eat APW, I drink APW, I live it, I breathe it, and you better believe that I will come back for more. I can not fool around at all in the weeks leading up to Shockwave. I want to place myself among the elite superstars in the APW. How do I do that? I build up a strong winning streak that takes me to a future title reign.
Chris: You know that Zero is going to be coming for you since you and him will be the ones to show something. You have to be on top of your game.
Green: I have to be on top of my game, on top of his game, and on top of everybody else’s game in order to accomplish what I set out to do. Chris, you are not by my side just to guide me to become a better wrestler, but you are with me to prove something to myself. The Iron Man match taught me a lot about us that night. You proved to me that you are a tough S.O.B. and why you deserve to be a trainer. I proved to myself that no matter how stacked the odds are against me, I will do anything to overcome them. Chris, the APW hasn’t seen John Green hit his peak yet. I’m nowhere near my peak of greatness. The name of the next Pay-Per-View, like I’ve said before, is apropos. I have not hit my best level yet, which is why I must rise… to send a shockwave throughout everywhere.
Chris: Hey, why don’t you sit here and I’ll go get all of your bags, so that you’ll have all of your stuff here for the show?
Green: You do that. I need to be left alone to think for a while.
Chris: Alright, I’ll get the bags. (Starts to leave, but then turns back to John) Do you want me to call Dave again?
Green: Why do you need to call him again?
Chris: You seem to be focused enough to have a match right now.
Green: Are you challenging me again? Listen, Chris, we’ve already had an Iron Man match. What do you think I have to prove to you that you’re challenging me again?
Chris: John, you may have seen my wrestling skills, but you didn’t know that I can get extreme as well.
Green: (Sits in a chair and slightly lays back) Are you telling me that you want to face me in a hardcore match?
Chris: Let me tell you, John. The APW crew already has the ring set up and besides, if you want to be ready for your opponents, then you need to learn how to take the punishment from weapons, too. You can consider this a lesson in toughness. I won’t charge you as much for this lesson. The lesson is free if you can defeat me.
Green: I think I can add another stipulation to that match.
Chris: What’s that?
Green: How about you just make the lesson free anyway, but the loser has to buy dinner?
Chris: That sounds perfect. There was place in Ontario that I couldn’t wait to eat at, and now you’re going to pay for it.
Green: Just call Dave and get his referee ass down here. (Chris dials up the number to Dave’s cell phone) You know, Chris, maybe it would be easier if we brought Dave along with us; that way, you wouldn’t have to get him to take a flight up here from Pittsburgh. Then again, after I beat you again, I doubt we’ll need him to referee any of our matches.
Chris: You keep thinking that. Go find some weapons and put them around the ring. No cheap shots or I’m going to charge you for the lesson.
Green: Don’t worry, I actually consider you somewhat of a friend, I wouldn’t cheap shot you. (Turns around and then quickly smacks Chris in the back of the head and runs off to the ring)
Chris: (Screams) You dirty bastard! I’m gonna…(Into the cell phone) No, not you, Dave. I meant John. (Listens) Yeah, we’re going to have a hardcore match in Ontario. (Listens) No, there are no fans in the building. (Listens) Yeah, I guess it is an empty arena match. (Listens) Alright, I’ll see you when you get down here. (Chris hangs up the cell phone) John!
Green: (Comes back into the dressing room) What’s up?
Chris: We’re going to have to wait until tomorrow to have the match. Dave can’t get a plane that quick. Don’t worry about the weapons right now.
Green: That’s okay; I was just standing right outside the doorway anyway. I didn’t even go out to the ring.
Chris: Well, get some rest. You’re going to need it before you count out your money and pay for my steaks.
Green: That’s what you think. I don’t know, Chris. If you lose twice in a row to me, I think that you should shut your mouth more often.
Chris: I’m only preparing you for Sunday. My training for the tournament at Test For The Best helped, did it not?
Green: Yes it did. However, my match with Zero and the others isn’t a hardcore match. It’s a elimination 4-way match.
Chris: What’s your point? You’ll be better prepared to take punishment. I know for a fact that you will not go into that match and dominate the entire encounter. They're going to take it to you.
Green: I know. Let’s just get out of here. I need to get ready for tomorrow.
Chris: That sounds like a plan to me.
Chris and John leave the arena and head to their hotel rooms for the night. One scene fades to the next scene, which is the next day at the arena. Chris’s and John’s associate and official arbiter between the two, David Swartz, is already at the arena. John is the first to arrive and talks to Dave.
Green: (To Dave) Hey, man. This is going to be crazy. I just have to let you know that ahead of time. The pins can be anywhere in the arena, anything goes, it’s just going to be insane. Are you going to do ring introductions or anything? I mean, we’re in the arena, not Chris’s gym in Pittsburgh.
Dave: Yeah, I’ll do the introductions. I even brought one of the APW sound technicians along because he’s the only one who really understands the system.
Green: I see what you mean. I’m going to change into my gear and then after Chris gets here, which I’m assuming he’s not, he’ll get changed and you call us both out whenever we’re set to go. Got it?
Dave: I got it. Good luck out there.
Green: Thanks, man.
John heads into the arena, knowing that his bags are already in the locker room. Not five minutes later, Chris arrives in a Mercedes.
Chris: Hey, Dave. It’s good to see that you got down here without a problem.
Dave: Yeah, no problem at all. By the way, I am coming with you guys on the road, right?
Chris: Yeah, that’s fine. This way, it’ll be much easier on the travel expenses. Is John here yet?
Dave: Yes he is, he already went to the locker room to change for the match. He’s waiting for you.
Chris: Great. I’m going to go get ready. I’ll see you out there.
Dave: Good luck in the match.
Chris: Thanks, Dave.
John and Chris both get prepared as Dave heads out to the ring to do the introductions. The arena is completely empty. There is an announcer’s table for the announcers of APW, but there is nobody sitting there. The referee, Dave, prepares to make the introductions. He forgets that there is no timekeeper, so he walks to the outside of the ring and rings the bell. He grabs a microphone and speaks.
Dave: Ladies and gentlemen…(Looks around and shrugs his shoulders), the following contest is an Empty Arena match and it is scheduled for one fall. There are no disqualifications in this match and pin falls count anywhere.
”Brainstew” by Green Day hits over the PA system as Chris Johnson makes his way to the ring.
Dave: Introducing first, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, weighing in at 238 pounds, Chris Johnson!
Chris enters the ring and just turns around and waits for John to come down that aisle and begin the match. He doesn’t wait long as “King Nothing by Metallica is played over the PA system. John Green steps through the curtain in his traditional attire.
Dave: And his opponent, from Atlanta, Georgia, weighing in at 264 pounds, he is the Retribution Killer and “Mr. T.N.I., Total Nonstop Impact” John Green!
Dave rings the bell to begin the match and then quickly gets back inside the ring. John and Chris have a stare-down in the center of the ring. They back away from each other and then lock up with a collar-and-elbow tie-up in the middle of the ring. John pushes Chris back to a corner as they are still in the tie-up. John breaks cleanly and backs away. Chris pulls himself together and John and Chris circle the ring again. This time, Chris gets the upper hand and pushes John back to the corner. Chris starts to break cleanly and then slaps John across the face. Chris backs up with a smirk. John starts to laugh a little bit in the corner.
The two circle each other again, but this time when they go for the lock-up, John ducks and then hits Chris with a right hand. He follows it up with several right hands and then Irish-whips Chris into the far ropes. Chris takes down John with the shoulder block. Chris bounces off of one ropes and hops over John. John does the leap frog after Chris bounces off the second set of ropes. Chris ducks under and immediately stops behind John. John quickly turns around and pokes Chris in the eye. Chris walks over to the corner, holding his eyes as John just laughs.
Green: You can NOT outdo me with that, my friend.
Chris shakes his head after he regains a little bit of sight. He comes toward John and then they stare each other down. Chris then hammers John with a right hand, but John retaliates. They fire punches for 30 seconds until Chris ducks one and delivers a T-Bone Suplex to John. John rolls out of the ring, but Chris doesn’t waste any time. He bounces off the ropes and does a suicide dive over the top rope, taking both men out. Chris goes for the cover, but only gets a two count.
Chris whips John into the steel steps and the top half of the stairs completely detaches from the bottom half and goes flying. The trainer looks under the ring and finds a garbage can and a garbage can lid. He removes the lid and goes over toward John. John punches the lid straight up and it smashes Chris right in the face. The impact sends Chris straight backwards and down to the ground. John can’t recover quickly enough to make the cover, so instead, he grabs the dented trash can lid and smashes it across Chris’s back. He lifts Chris up to his knees and smashes the lid on Chris’s head. Chris simply collapses after the shot. John goes for the cover, but doesn’t get the three-count. Chris gets his shoulder up at the count of two.
John thought he had Chris pinned for the three, so he gets frustrated early. John throws Chris over the barricade into the chairs that are set up at ringside. John attempts to springboard off of the barricade and does a suicide elbow drop into Chris who is surrounded by steel chairs. John lands on a couple chairs and doesn’t catch much of Chris. The impact of John landing keeps both participants down, though. Referee Dave hops over the barricade to check on both Chris and John to see if they are okay. Chris actually gets back to his feet first due to John taking more of the punishment from that suicide-like dive to the chairs. Chris waits until John gets up and then he cracks his protégé in the head with a steel chair. John falls back and lays motionless on the ground after the impact of the chair.
Chris: You wanted some total nonstop impact? I just gave you total nonstop impact!
Chris stops trash-talking for a second and goes for the cover, but John kicks out at 2 and a half. Chris pulls John up and drags him closer to the backstage area, but John fights him off and Irish-whips Chris into a wall. Both men are down. John gets back up to his feet and picks Chris up with him. John attempts a suplex on the ground, but Chris blocks it. John goes for it again, but again, it is blocked. Instead, Chris counters with a snap suplex that takes John back-first into the wall! John holds his back in pain as Chris goes for another cover, but John gets the shoulder up before the three-count.
Chris picks John up and Irish-whips him into the wall, but John scales the wall and pulls off an amazing moonsault! John rolls up Chris…
One…
Two…
THR….NO! Chris KICKED OUT!
John didn’t think that he would have Chris with that, but he is still a little surprised that Chris isn’t worn out yet. He takes Chris backstage in the arena and takes him to the locker room. He slams Chris into the lockers and one of the lockers dents. John sees Chris lying on the ground, so John takes the opportunity to open the locker and see if anybody was using the locker. The locker wasn’t being used, so John picks Chris up and sticks his head in the open and empty locker. John steps back and prepares to kick it shut. John’s kick connects, but Chris just barely escapes near decapitation and he clotheslines John down. Chris is catching his breath as he saw his life nearly flash before his eyes. Chris begins to open another empty locker, but John charges at him. Chris flings the door open and it smashes John in the face, knocking him down again. Chris closes the locker door and attempts to roll John up for the pin, but he only gets a count of two due to a nonchalant cover.
Chris takes John out of the locker room and into a bathroom. He throws John into one of the walls. Chris looks over and opens up a stall. He smiles as he thinks what he can do to John. He lifts John up onto his shoulder into a power slam position. John reverses it and ends up in a Tombstone position. John walks into the stall and Tombstones Chris into the toilet! He lays Chris’s feet down and flushes the toilet. John walks out and shuts the stall door.
Green: Hey, Dave. Remind me not to play poker against Chris.
Dave: Why’s that?
Green: He likes going all-in with a flush.
After John made that joke, Chris comes out of the bathroom stall and spears John down on the tile. Chris uses the electric hand dryer to attempt to dry himself off. After it shuts off, John gets up and smashes Chris face-first into the hand dryer. John lifts Chris up and looks to be going for the ddt onto the bathroom tile, but Chris slides behind John’s back and shoves John face-first into a mirror. It shatters upon impact. John falls to his back and Chris is down as well. John is slightly bleeding from the forehead due to being shoved into a mirror. Chris takes advantage of this and goes for the cover on a bloodied John Green…
One…
Two…
THRRRRR…John KICKS OUT AT TWO AND THREE-QUARTERS!
Chris seems more frustrated than before, but he now has the upper hand. Chris takes John out of the bathroom and takes him through the hallways. John hits a shot to the gut, but Chris elbows him in the back of the neck. He throws John into one wall, and then throws him into a wall on the opposite side. Chris throws him back into the first wall and then again off the second. John falls down to the ground, so Chris picks him back up. Chris kicks John in the gut and sets up for the rope-scaling Unprettier that he calls the “Chris Splat”. Chris climbs his feet up the wall, but when he goes to turn, he is too close to the other wall, so his feet land on the other wall. He kicks off again, but lands on the first wall. John musters the strength to hang Chris upside down and ram him into the wall. Chris is smashed against the wall and both competitors are now down. Dave knows that there is nothing he can do except count to three or signal a submission. He checks on both men, but John stirs first and starts crawling down the hallway. He slowly gets back to his feet, and challenges Chris to follow him back out to ringside. Chris gets up and walks gingerly toward John as he goes through the curtain. Chris follows him out to the ramp where John meets him with a right hand. Chris retaliates with a right hand off his own. The two trade punches on the ramp before John gets the upper hand. John attempts a clothesline, but Chris does and catches John with a neck breaker. Chris gets an arm over John as Dave counts...
One…
Two…
THRRRRRRRRR…NO! John GETS THE SHOULDER UP!
Chris can’t believe it, but he doesn’t have enough energy left to argue with the referee. He walked down to ringside and left John for dead at the top of the ramp. John started to get back to his feet as Chris was looking for weapons. Chris pulled a table out from underneath the ring and set it up. John starts heading toward the ring slowly as Chris finds a ladder and thinks about setting it up. Instead, as he sees John approaching, he rams the ladder into John’s gut. He finds a fire extinguisher and nails John in the head with it. John falls back and ends up on the table. Chris begins to climb one side of the ladder almost as if he’s going to attempt a moonsault. John rolls off of the table and shakes the ladder in order for Chris to lose his balance. John doesn’t tip the ladder over, but instead, climbs it himself. John and Chris battle on top of the ladder. John throws a right hand and Chris retaliates. They trade shots at the top of the ladder, but John blocks one and catches Chris with a right and then immediately slams his trainer’s face into the top of the ladder. John steps up another rung and then…SUNSET FLIPS Chris FROM THE LADDER THROUGH THE TABLE!
Dave: HOLY SHIT!
Chris is motionless as his body has just gone through a table from about 10 feet up. John can’t make the cover quick enough, though, as the fall took a lot out of him, too. John slowly crawls over and puts an arm over Chris…
One…
Two…
THRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…WHAT? Chris GOT THE SHOULDER UP!
John is in complete shock that Chris kicked out. Chris is still out from that super sunset flip through a table, so John takes the time to look for another table. John goes to another side of the ring and pulls out a table.
Green: You know, I hope the Xtreme matches on Sunday won’t be ruined if we use all of their tables!
John sets up the table on the opposite side of the ring. He pays no attention to Chris, who is somehow climbing back in the ring. John finishes setting the table up and then he turns his attention to Chris. John goes over and lifts Chris up and puts him in the opposite corner. He hits him with a series of knife-edge chops before Irish-whipping him to the other side of the ring. Chris hits the turnbuckle hard and John prepares to splash him in the corner. John charges but gets back body-dropped by Chris onto the apron. John lands on his feet on the outside and attempts to nail Chris with a right hand, but it is blocked and countered with Chris dropping John’s throat on the top rope. Chris steps outside and hooks the Chris Splat. He scales the turnbuckles…AND DRIVES John THROUGH THE TABLE ON THE OUTSIDE WITH THE Chris SPLAT! Now, John is the one who is lying motionless on the arena floor. Chris musters enough energy to turn him over, but he can only get one hand over John. Dave counts…
One…
Two…
THRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…John GOT THE SHOULDER UP AT THE VERY LAST SECOND!
Chris is in complete and utter disbelief at what is transpiring. John kicked out of his best move through a table. Chris certainly underestimated his trainee, but he’s not done with him yet. Chris finds yet another table and throws it into the ring. He walks around and puts the ladder in the ring as well. Chris sets the ladder and table up right next to each other. John is still down on the outside. Chris goes to the outside and throws John into the ring. Chris gets a chair from the outside and puts it in the ring as well. He prepares to DDT John into the chair, but John counters into the Headsplitter! John has a rush of adrenaline now and gets back to his feet. He thinks about pinning Chris, but then he looks over to the ladder and the table. He picks Chris up and sits him on the table. John grabs the chair and nails Chris right in the face which makes Chris lay down on the table. John begins to climb the ladder as if he now is going to attempt a moonsault that wouldn't be successful at his size. He gets to the top and gets his balance. John takes a deep breath and jumps AND NAILS A DRAGON SPLASH! John used the perfect move as he already has Chris in a pinning predicament…here’s the cover…
One…
Two…
THREE! John Green DEFEATS Chris Johnson AGAIN!
Dave: (Goes to the outside and rings the bell) Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner of the match, “Mr. T.N.I., Total Nonstop Impact”, "The Retribution Killer" John Green!
Dave helps both men back to their feet and then helps them both to the back. In the locker room, John and Chris’s RN stitches up John after he had been busted open earlier in the match.
Chris: You know what, John? I might have to stop challenging you. I don’t know how you do this.
Green: (As he’s being stitched up) I think it’s the drive and determination to become one of the best in the business.
Chris: This is exactly why you should not be underestimated by anyone in APW.
Green: Exactly, but Chris, I won the match for two reasons. One reason was to prove that I am as tough as anybody in APW.
Chris: What was the second reason?
Green: (Smiles) The second reason is that you have to pay for dinner.
Chris: Oh, damn. I forgot about that stipulation.
Green: (Laughs) I didn’t.
Chris: I know you didn’t. Where do you want to eat, Mr. T.N.I?
Green: Oh, I’ll figure it out later. I need to take a little rest and rest in a hot tub or something. Damn, empty arena matches really take a lot out of you.
Chris: Tell me about it. I went through two tables today, well, three if you count the one I put you through…
Green: I wasn’t counting, I was just thinking of more ways to beat you.
Chris: I’m still surprised that you didn’t go for the pin after the Headsplitter.
Green: Were you still conscious after I nailed you with the Headsplitter on the chair?
Chris: I was conscious, but I just didn’t know where I was.
Green: Oh okay. I figured that it would take something big to defeat you, so I did what I did and I won.
Chris: It’s a good thing I had that filmed, man. I’m going to send it to Jeff and ask if he’ll put it on APW 24/7. I saw our Iron Man match and it was phenomenal.
Green: Listen, man. I don’t think we should worry about getting “Match of the Year” honors when we’re not even on a television show or a Pay-Per-View. We didn’t even have commentary for our match. Matches get pretty boring without commentary to keep us going.
Chris: That’s very true. (Looks at watch) I’m going to go head back to the hotel. Family Feud is on right now and I need something to entertain myself as I heal my wounds. I’ll see you whenever you decide where you want to go for dinner tonight.
Green: That sounds good to me. I’ll see you later.
Chris: Okay, later.
Chris exits the room as one of the APW Cameramen who was filming the match got a shot of Green inside the dressing room.
Green: You know Zero, Hades, and Bennett, I don’t know why you all consider me a “sacrificial lamb.” I think it’s really funny when you don’t really know me at all and you think that I’m just someone who will stand by and let you guys walk all over me. News flash: I’m a lot tougher than anyone in the company gives me credit for. You see, my matches this month didn’t mean anything. A win over Bennett would have proved nothing in the long haul of things. You see, I was saving up my strength and my will to win for an opportunity like this.
You see guys, you impressed a lot of people myself included in APW so far, I was admittedly surprised that you all were victorious here. Good job. You’re the new superstars to look out for. However, you still have to prove something to me. If Jesse hadn’t reversed my Tap Out, then this whole situation might not have happened. Somebody else might be standing here in APW as the number one contender for the APW Championship. It could have even been me.
I want you to think about one thing before our match. There is one thing that you all should never do when you’re facing me, and it’s what everybody does. Everybody underestimates me and overlooks me. That will be the end of you. You have to realize that I job to no one. If you defeat me, then you earn it. I don’t let just anybody defeat me in a match. The only thing that matters when I step in that ring is that the intensity level inside that squared circle is kicked up a notch…BAM!
There is only one thing that is unfortunate in this match and that is the fact that the title of Number One Contender to the APW Championship is not on the line. It’s unfortunate for me, but very fortunate for you all. If that title was on the line and you all decided to take it easy and lay back, I would take advantage of that in a heartbeat. If that title was on the line and I pinned you all 1, 2, 3 in the middle of that ring, then everything that you guys worked for would be gone (Snaps fingers) like that. You have no idea how lucky you are to just be involved in a match with nothing at stake. Just imagine waking up Sunday morning and you would have to swallow your pride as you had been beaten the night before by "Mr. T.N.I., Total Nonstop Impact." How am I going to make an impact, you ask? The answer is simple: By making an example out of you all and proving that you aren’t the only one worthy of being known as future “champion.”
And if you don’t like what I say, then your life killed by the Retribution Killer, so deal with that.
John gets his bags together and exits the arena. He drives in his car to his hotel as the scene fades to black.
