Post by Mark Mania on Oct 21, 2010 16:39:01 GMT -4
Emily: You fucking asshole!
Mark knew this was coming. The previous week he had written a letter to Sally Talfourd regarding the match they were going to be having. Mark wrote the letter rather than making a video in order to avoid the argument that was surely going to come. Mark knew that there was no way to truly avoid it, but he hoped to push it off for as long as possible. So many of the things he said to Sally were derogatory and overtly perverted. Now, Mark isn’t seeing Emily. They’re not together, but, the mutual attraction is known. It’s clear that Emily is unable to hold back her rage after reading the letter that was sent. The letter alludes to sexual relations between Mark and Sally continuously. Hell, it essentially professes Mark’s love for Sally. Mark doesn’t love Sally. It’s all part of the show, all part of the game. This big game of life that everyone is involved in. Mark knows that the quickest way to a women’s soul is through their heart. Obviously he didn’t expect Sally to just drop everything and get into the sack with him, but he figured he could get her to admit her attraction to him. Only so he could use it against her. Clearly it all back fired. He lost the match, granted it was because of Level-One, but he lost nonetheless. There is no reason to make excuses for losing, it won’t happen this week though.
Mark Mania: Oh come on! You can’t take all of that stuff seriously, I was just trying to get under her skin.
Emily: Well you got under someone’s skin that’s for damn sure!
Mark Mania: That’s why I wrote it as a letter Em. I knew that you’d be pissed if you were standing behind the camera.
Emily: Don’t call me Em.
Mark Mania: Oh stop. You know that it doesn’t change anything. It’s not like I plan on getting into a relationship with Sally. She stands in the way of me and the title, there is no way that I am going to soften up to her.
Emily: That’s not what it seemed like from the letter. It seemed to me like you were trying to keep it from me that you were so attracted to her. I know that you and I aren’t together, but I figured you’d at least say something.
Mark Mania: That’s exactly it Em…Emily. We’re not together. We work together, for a while you were just my employee, granted, you still are, but now we’re more like partners. But even though we’re not together, that doesn’t mean that I really have any feelings for Sally Talfourd. She’s just a little slut anyways, flaunting her body around at everyone who goes near her.
Emily: So you noticed her body!?
Mark Mania: Of course I noticed it! She’s half naked every time she’s on TV. Plus! We were in a damn match together and now we’re facing each other in the Elimination Chamber, believe it or not I need to do research on my opponents. I’m not as young as I used to be where I could just rely on pure instincts to get myself by.
Emily: Well, it’s obvious that one of your instincts was leading you in your match against Sally.
Mark Mania: Oh come on Emily, as you saw from last week when we were all beating the hell out of each other, I hold no feelings for Sally. In fact I’m hoping for her to do nothing but get destroyed in the ring. Her and Level-One are my only real competition and I need to keep them at an arm’s length so that I’m able to beat them when the time counts. You know they always say to keep your friends close but your enemies closer.
Emily: Don’t try and use bull shit clichés with me when you’re trying to explain yourself. You wrote the note to keep it from me, and obviously, since it was available to the ENTIRE WORLD, I was able to see it. Did you really think you’d be able to keep it from me? I mean, I’m the Secretary of the damn company, I know everything that’s going on at all times.
Mark Mania: Obviously I wasn’t trying to keep it a secret from you, I was just trying to avoid any sort of argument right in the middle of my sentences. Imagine if I had tried to say all that in front of you? I wouldn’t have been able to keep a straight face with you being constantly pissed off and trying to make it like this was some big attack on you. You know I care for you, but we’re not seeing each other, and frankly, I’m not even worried about that right now. You know the only thing that’s been on my mind has been the World Title. Ever since I lost to that shit champion Victor Hades the only thing in the world I’ve truly been fighting for is the World Title. And now, the week before I’m going into that match, the last thing I should be concerning myself with is whether or not you believe that I’m in love with Sally Talfourd. I’ll make it easy for you, I’m not. The entire note was an attack on her as a person and as a female wrestler.
This was all true. Mark doesn’t have feelings for Sally. He has feelings for Emily. Obviously right now he’s too proud to admit that and frankly doesn’t want the discussion that will come after that. He needs to be focusing on the title. That’s the only thing that should be going through his head, not an Emily, Sally, Mark Mania love triangle.
Emily: Fine, whatever. I’m going to take off for the day and go see some sights.
Mark looks at her with wide eyes in astonishment as she storms out of the room. At this point Mark becomes aware of his surroundings that don’t involve Emily. He’s in their suite in their Tokyo hotel. He’s in a large sitting area with a long couch wrapping around the back and half of the side walls. It could easily sit twenty-five people comfortably. There are two doors on either side of the room that lead to separate bedrooms. Mike and Bill have a room that looks exactly the same on the floor below them. You can lightly hear their music through the floor. It sounds to Mark as though they’re having a dance off to B.o.B which is just terribly embarrassing in Mark’s eyes. Emily leaving is a hindrance without a doubt. This week of all weeks he’d like to have everyone on board and focusing on One Night in Hell. This is the biggest match of his APW career. The only other time he was in a match in which he had the opportunity to win a title, he won it. It was a match similar to this in the fact that there were so many people in the match. So many people that aren’t even in the APW anymore. Michael Lively who after losing the Xtreme Title decided that he would quit and become a member of the staff at APW. Victor Hades who after defeating Mark Mania in his very first match has essentially disappeared and just vacated the Xtreme Title. Streets Wilson, who, apparently is trying to make another come back. Mark can’t imagine he’s going to make much of a difference this time around either. Cooper Conrad who was destroyed by Nathaniel Havok and is now no longer in the APW either. So, will this be the same thing to happen to Mark again? He defeats the current champion in Level-One and then he steps down all together. The favorite outside of him, Sally, disappears pathetically. And maybe this time Nathaniel Havok gets destroyed and has his career ended. Then Criss Cassidy and Young Mannie, well, it doesn’t really matter if they’re around or not. They don’t offer any difficulty towards Mark anyways.
The music coming from downstairs starts to get louder and it disrupts Mark’s thought process. He walks over to the phone and calls the room below him. It rings three or four times with no answer. Mark swears into the phone as it continues to ring. Finally the music from downstairs quiets and someone picks up the phone.
Bill: ‘Ello?
Mark Mania: What the hell are you guys doing down there? Are you really blasting that ridiculous music?
Bill: Ah Marky! How’s it going my friend?! We’ve been drinking a bit. We couldn’t find a station in English so Mike whipped out his iPod and we hooked it up to the radio.
Mark Mania: That’s the type of crap Mike has on his iPod! Unbelievable. Why don’t you guys come up here and we’ll go over everything for this weekend.
Bill: Perfect, Emily up there or you want me to call her?
Mark Mania: Nah, she saw the letter, just stormed out. We’ll do it without her for now.
Bill: Ha! You poor bastard, you’re not even getting a piece of that yet you still have to deal with all the bull shit. It’s like middle school all over again.
Mark Mania: You were paying girls your lunch money to look at your dick when you were in middle school, please don’t make me remember that.
Bill: I find it strange enough how much you remember about my penis, Mark.
Mark Mania: Dick. Come on up you morons.
Mark hangs up the phone and smiles to himself. The three of them used to have really good times. Earlier in their career, before Smitty had passed away. They all used to have a blast. Mike and Bill used to be pranksters, oh hell, they still are. Mike and Bill and Smitty had a mini-feud once. It was all in good fun. Smitty had been the world champion of XCW at the time. Mike and Bill were the tag team champions and they were scheduled for a handicapped match later on that night. Smitty was cutting a promo in one of the hallways of the arena and Bill rushed up behind Smitty with a wheel barrel full of manure and Mike charged in front of Smitty and pushed him into the wheel barrel. Oh God, that was one of the best pranks they had played. Smitty was so pissed afterwards. Mark remembers the constant smell of shit that radiated around Smitty for days. Smitty was a better guy than he seemed. He constantly had to play the asshole. But in reality, he wasn’t that bad of a guy. Misunderstood. Cearly by Bonez the most. Mark doesn’t want to get into this type of thought process before the biggest match of his APW career though. He clearly has more important things to be thinking about. Like what in the hell is taking Mike and Bill so damn long to get up a single flight of stairs or, where is Emily?
Thankfully as the thoughts of Emily began to grace his mind there was a loud knock on the door.
*knockknockknock*
Bill: Marky!
*knockknockknock*
Bill: Marky!
*knockknockknock*
Bill: Marky!
Mark walks over to the door and opens it Bill and Mike charge into the room.
Mark Mania: You’re an absolute idiot, you know that right?
Bill: Ah screw off. That’s one hell of a television show.
Mark Mania: How do you have time to watch TV, aren’t you the Vice-President of a company?
Bill: Yeah, of YOUR company. And, we’re in charge of getting you endorsement deals. Which, so far, we’ve been getting you commercials, which, believe it or not, are on television! How’d you like those Subway ones?
Mark Mania: Oh hell, one of them made it look like I couldn’t cook for shit.
Mike: Can you cook?
Mark Mania: You’ve been awfully quiet today to decide to just start insulting my cooking.
Mike: Oh come on, whens the last time you actually had to cook. I bet that’s the first time you’ve cracked an egg in years.
Mark Mania: Hey, I had to make breakfast for myself when I couldn’t remember who I was.
Mike: Bullshit, doesn’t count. When is the last time Mark Mania had to make breakfast?
Mark Mania: Good point, good point. Hell with it, it made us a shit ton of money, that makes me happy enough. Take a seat guys, want a drink?
Bill: Beer.
Mike: Vodka tonic please.
Mark Mania: Does this look like a damn bar to you?
Mark walks over to the mini-bar across the room from the couch. He grabs three beers from the fridge and cracks open the cans. He grabs three glasses and empties the beers into them. He takes a big gulp of his own beer before bringing the two to Mike and Bill.
Mike: Ah, a new, humble Mark Mania now that he can’t make breakfast.
Mark flips off Mike and the three of them start to laugh.
Bill: Alright, what happened with Emily?
Mark Mania: Ah, it was BS.
Mike nods his head in the direction of the APW camera that is covering all the action.
Mark Mania: Oh shit. Well, anyways, she didn’t take it so hot, that’s the kind way to put it. She stormed out. I’m sure she’ll come back, but we need to focus on this weekend, I need to be on top of my game at all times for this match. This is finally my chance to win the World Title, I’m not one to let opportunity pass me by.
Bill: Alright, alright. This weekend. Let’s go through guy by buy. I mean, uh, person by person. First off…
Mike: Criss Cassidy.
Mark Mania: Alright, Criss Cassidy, well, he’s a pretty underappreciated guy around here. Doesn’t say much, doesn’t hang out much in the locker room. But he’s consistent. The biggest thing going against him though is that he doesn’t have the type of experience necessary to come up and wrestle with the big boys. I mean, this is easily the biggest match he’s ever been in. He has the chance to walk out with the World Title. I mean, I say chance in the least literal sense of the word. He doesn’t really stand a chance against me or Level-One, or even Sally for that matter. He seems like a good enough guy, and clearly he has a lot of potential. But, I feel like he’d stand a much better chance in that Xtreme Title battle royal that’s going to be occurring earlier in the night. I mean, if he was in that match he’d probably have a good chance of winning it. With this match, he’s pretty close to the worst one in it. I mean, Young Mannie is real bad. Like real bad. So, I think Cassidy has the edge over him. So, at least he won’t be the first one eliminated! He could even do some damage the other competitors before I get in the ring too.
Listen, Criss Cassidy is a guy that I respect. I mean, he’s nowhere near the same level as I am. But, he seems like a genuinely good guy and solid competitor. He’s just in a bit over his head. He beat John Green just a few weeks ago to be allowed into the match. I was actually pretty surprised. I really didn’t think Greenie would let himself fall that much. Unfortunately he did. But, Criss Cassidy picked up the scraps. Now, obviously, I’m going to have to fight for Greenies honor against him, and if I have to, I’ll eliminate him. But, I hope he knows that I don’t have anything against him. I’m forced to beat him this weekend. That’s all there is to it. I need to beat him to get to my main goal. My dream since coming into the APW was winning the World Title, and now that I’m finally given the chance, I’m not going to blow that chance by letting someone like Criss Cassidy stand in my way. Obviously, since I’m the last one to enter the chamber, there is a real good chance I’ll never even be in the same ring as Cassidy.
Bill: Alright, so, Cassidy isn’t that big of a deal. Maybe he’ll do some damage to Havok or Sally to make that a little easier for you.
Mark Mania: That’s certainly what I’m hoping for. I mean, he doesn’t need to, but, it wouldn’t be a bad thing if he did.
Mike: Alright, Young Mannie.
Mark Mania laughs out loud before he begins to talk.
Mark Mania: Come on, you’re kidding me right? The only reason he’s in the match is because Level-One thinks that he’s the worst wrestler in all of APW. Level-One was put on the spot and given the chance to pick whoever he wanted to be in the chamber and he picked Young Mannie. Do you know why he picked Young Mannie? Because he sucks! Level-One decided that Young Mannie was the smallest threat out of everyone in the APW. That’s how unimpressed he is with him. And, if that’s the thought that Level-One has, who am I to argue? I mean, that’s the exact way that I look at Young Mannie. He’s nothing but filler. He’s just the laughing stock of this match. I mean, I hate to say it, because no one really deserves to be insulted that much, but, he truly is. He doesn’t stand even the slightest chance to win this match. Save for everyone else getting killed by a sniper rifle five minutes into the match, there is nothing that could happen that would result in Young Mannie walking away with the world title.
Sure he held his own with Level-One a few weeks ago. Well, he kind of held his own. I mean, everyone knew how it was going to end though. There was really no way that he was going to beat Level-One. Sure, he made him bleed, but Level-One was on his toes, he’s not one to play by the rules, everyone knows that. If Young Mannie can’t handle a little cheating, he’s not going to be winning this World Title. This title is stained with plenty of “questionable” actions surrounding it. But that’s what makes it beautiful. The lengths people will go to, to make sure that they hold the title. I know I’d essentially do anything to be the champion. When we’re all in that chamber it really doesn’t matter what I have to do to win. I’m going to win. Young Mannie is too weak for that type of mind set. He’s too busy being part of the Empire or whatever the hell they all call each other. A bunch of wrestlers called “the Empire” and not a lick of talent between all of them. Put Level-One and I in a match against all of them and there will only be two people standing at the end of the match. I’ll give you two guesses.
Bill: Alright, alright, we made it through the, uh, lesser, talent. Now, there is a guy who is kind of a middle of the road type of guy.
Mike: Nathaniel Havok.
Mark rubs his chin in thought. He smiles slightly and then takes a gulp of his beer.
Mark Mania: The Source of All Evil himself! Who would’ve thought I would be so honored to be visited by the man who is attempting to control the world by finding and killing three women. Just a class act this guy is. He’s made his way up the ranks fairly quickly here in the APW. I mean, he terrorized Cooper Conrad for a while, which was pretty funny to watch, then he started messing with Victor Hades, which, was also fun to watch. But, now he’s starting to get a little above his head. It’s a bit embarrassing really. I mean, he was supposed to be walking out of One Night in Hell with a title, and now, well, now he’s going home empty handed. Sure, he gets a shot at the World Title, but, does he really? He just found out he was going to be in this match at last week’s Overdrive. That’s not nearly enough time to prepare for a match of this magnitude. Hell, Sally Talfourd has been preparing for months because she’s a woman, and like she says, it takes a woman a lot longer to get ready. And with that nice long hair of yours Nathaniel, I’m pretty close to convinced that you’re as much of a woman as she is.
Listen, I understand your whole thing. You’re the ruler of the underworld. I’ve heard it all before. You have demons and minions doing your bidding. I get it. I’ve faced off against self-proclaimed rulers of the underworld before. If you think I’m going to be scared of some smoke and mirrors flashy bull shit, you have another thing coming to you. I mean now, clearly, Victor Hades has fallen off as of late, but he used to be one of the scariest motha’s in the game, and every time that him and I faced off against each other I stood right in his face and smacked his legacy around. Sure, he got the last laugh at Shockwave, but, I’m going to be getting the last laugh after this weekend. So Nathaniel has had a week to prepare for this match, which is all well and good. Maybe he’ll even look at it like it’s a benefit. He hasn’t had chance to get inside his own head and freak himself out. I mean, think about it from his stand point, the biggest match he’s had in APW, and he’s facing Level-One, Sally Talfourd, and Mark Mania. That’s no easy task to ask of anyone. In fact, that’s a pretty steep thing to ask of someone. Give him too much time to think about it he’s going to piss his pants. I mean, I got all of these matches out of my system, I took on Michael Lively and essentially ended his career, I took on Bryan Payne when I was still just starting out in APW and held my own more than other people had. I faced off against Level-One twice already and split the series, and then I went dick to vagina with Sally Talfourd and probably would’ve walked away with a victory if it weren’t for Level-One. What the hell has Nathaniel Havok done? He faced Sally Talfourd. That’s nice. Come back to me with something that I should be impressed with. This match is more geared towards me anyways, we’re in a large metal structure where anything goes. I’m the former Xtreme Champion for god sakes. I know how to get Xtreme. Nathaniel Havok may be acting like he’s some tough SOB that can hold his own with anyone, but, we all know the real truth, he’s just a wannabe that a lot, and I mean a lot to prove.
Mark takes another gulp from his beer and motions with his finger for Bill and Mike to keep the names coming to keep his mind fresh and on task.
Bill: Alright, right, so The Source of All Evil is essentially a non-story. What about…
Mike: Sally Talfourd!
Bill: Will you fucking stop interrupting me like that! Do you want to do the next one? Huh? Is that what you want, you want to ask him about Sally? Go right the hell ahead instead of waiting for me to start and then butting in.
Mike stares at Bill in the face and then slaps him right in the face.
Bill: You son of a bitch!
Bill tackles Mike out of his chair and the two share slaps as Mark stares at them with a dumb grin on his face. He takes another gulp of beer and then puts the glass on the table and gets up to pull the two off of each other.
Mark Mania: Oh will you two grow up! You’ve known each other for too damn long. Bill, obviously Mike was screwing with you on purpose.
Bill: Well, when I put my foot up his ass, I’ll only be screwing with him.
Mike keeps a big smile on his face as he sits down and mocks Bill with stupid faces.
Mike: Alright Mark, moving on, how about Sally Talfourd, she did pretty well for herself a few weeks ago.
Bill looks at Mike steaming mad as Mike still has a dumb smile on his face.
Mark Mania: Well, Sally certainly proved her own. I mean, no two ways around it. Maybe I had her all wrong. I was under the impression that she was just going to be a push over that I’d have fun with for a little bit. I mean, I know she had won Test for the Best, but, I also knew that I wasn’t in Test for the Best, so, I kind of thought she was going to be a little overrated, but, she held her own, proved herself, I was real impressed. Now, when there will be no DQ’s in the chamber, obviously things are going to change quite a bit. But, at least she’s going to give it her all, and hell, she may even do some serious damage to Level-One before I even have to get in the ring. Oh man, here’s what I’m hoping…I’m hoping the two of them start the match together, if they just beat up on each other nonstop that would work perfect. I’ll pick off the smaller pieces while they just get more and more weak, and finally, once it’s just the three of us, because, obviously, it’s going to eventually just be the three of us, hopefully they’ll be so beat up that it will be just a walk in the park for me to finish them off. I mean, just for the fans, I think I’ll eliminate Sally first so that Lester and I can have a little one on one time, but, Sally is definitely a crowd pleaser. So, we’ll keep her around for a little while.
Also, she’s a hell of a competitor. I can’t look beyond that anymore. Apparently my charm fell on deaf ears, as she hasn’t just shown up at the doorstep looking for scraps. Which, is upsetting, but understandable, I guess I did go a little far on the negs. You know, the backhand compliments. Well, I guess I wasn’t very subtle either. It was more like, I’d compliment her, then I’d backhand her. Doesn’t go over too well with Sally apparently. But, hey, it is what it is. And here we all are going to be in a ring together, well, a giant chamber together anyways. She’s going to be a challenge of course, but, luckily I won the ability to be the last person entered into the chamber. There will be a time in which I am the only one in the match who is still at 100%. This gives me a definite advantage and I think regardless of how good Sally Talfourd is, me at 100% and her at less than that can only end with me winning. I won the chance to be the last entered into the match for a reason. I told myself I will do whatever it takes to be the world champion, people will say that I’m taking the easy way to the top, and to that I tell them to screw off. Everything I’m getting, I’m getting fair and square. I haven’t asked for any special treatment or demanded anything. I was given a shot against Level-One and I proved myself to be one of the best in the business, which is EXACTLY why I’m in the match. Sally is in this match because she wanted a second chance at Level-One. She blew her chance and second chances don’t come around too often. If she couldn’t defeat Level-One before, what makes her think she’s going to do it now?
Mike: Alright Level-One!
Bill: Will you shut up you dumb bastard.
Mark laughs at both of them and finishes the beer that he had poured earlier.
Mark Mania: Yes, Level-One. The big man on campus. The man who has been on top of APW for just a little too long. He’s getting a big head with everyone constantly telling him how amazing he is. See, most of the people in the APW come from a different generation in terms of Lester Only. They know him as the biggest, baddest man in wrestling. I remember him from before. He didn’t have the same kind of ego he has now. Sure, he’s always been good, but, he didn’t have an entire company awaiting his every word. No, he used to be relatively unknown. He walked into The Experts as the next big thing. Keep in mind, this was during the time when I was already on top of the world. And I mean, he proved everyone right. He was the next big thing, hell, he is THE big thing in wrestling right now. But let’s not forget one thing, I’ve been in the business for a real long time. The funny thing is that actually Level-One has been in more matches than I have in his career, yet, I’ve been around for years longer than he has. This is a very deceiving statistic though. Because it doesn’t take into account the levity of those matches. There was a long period of time where I would wrestle in about one show a month, but, it would be one hell of a match. Matches of the quality that Level-One has seen very few times.
Level-One is well respected in the wrestling world, there is no way to look around that. But good god, if it wasn’t for the death of Smitty, things would be very, very different in the wrestling world right now. Level-One knows that. Level-One is afraid of that. Because it’s obvious, when you come back after a long time being away from wrestling it takes time to work off the rust. Sometimes it takes a real long time to work off the rust. I’ve been working off the rust for a long time. And truly, right now, I feel better than I ever have before. It’s funny, I remember when I was called back to The Experts by Jesse Gunn to find out about Smitty, everyone was talking about how I was too old and that retirement is where I belonged. That was three years ago. Three whole years ago, yet, here I am. Alive, and better than ever. A true living legend. Now obviously I’m creating my own legacy in APW, and Level-One is the only one who knows that I’m a living legend. But, that’s exactly what is important. He knows. Level-One knows that there are two bona fide legends that are going to be in the ring on Sunday. He knows it’s going to come down to the two of us. The only thing he doesn’t know is how it’s going to end. No one does, but it’s going to be one hell of a night.
Mike: Ok… now…
Bill: There is no one left idiot.
Mike: Oh back off.
Mike slaps Bill in the face quickly and Bill starts to go after him before Mark stands up and grabs Bill and pushes him back into his seat.
Mark Mania: Honestly, how old are you guys? You’ve been friends for FAR too long.
Mike still has a shit-eating grin on his face.
Mike: I think at about the age of sixteen we visited Neverland and never really came back.
Mark Mania: Perfect, Bill, do you want to sing the Toys R Us song while we’re at it? Absolute morons. Alright guys, thanks for the brainstorming. I’m going to take a quick nap before I hit up the gym in a bit.
Mike: Alright man! We’ll see ya later!
Bill: See ya Mark.
Mike and Bill get up as they’re saying this and exchange handshakes with Mark as they’re leaving. As they exit the door they’re pushing each other back at forth and spitting out insults at each other.
Mark Mania: And these are my Vice-Presidents? Awesome.
Mark stands up from the table and brings his empty glass of beer over to the sink next to the mini-bar. He washes out the glass and puts it into the sink. It felt good for Mark to get his initial thoughts of everyone off of his chest. It’s been a long time since he’s been in a match for the World Title of anything. Even before he left there weren’t many title matches going around. Every match he was in was a grudge match. Every match was about putting legends in a ring together and seeing who comes out on top. He faced off against Jesse Gunn, Bobby Azula, Jeremy “RePenT” Clarkson, Maddog, G-Man. Names that mean a lot to Mark, but to those from APW, names that mean nothing. Mark tries not to bring up the past very often, but with such a colorful and long past, it’s difficult to avoid. But the really amazing thing is that Marks past isn’t catching up with him. He’s avoided all controversy, and frankly, it’s been nothing but enjoyable for him. Mark walks into his room and closes the door behind him. He lays down on top of the bed and looks at the ceiling, considering the repercussions of this coming match.
Legacy
I’ve been around for a long time. Too long many people have said. For so long I’ve been relying on my Legacy. When I think about it, it’s upsetting to me. Granted, I haven’t been back for long, about six months so far, but, I’ve still been relying on my Legacy. This week though. This week could change everything. Finally I have an opportunity to create a new Legacy. I will no longer be listing names from the past that I have defeated. I won’t allude to companies that no longer exist, and I will no longer need to allude to a past that is so far back that many of my competitors were in diapers.
My Legacy in APW has begun already of course. I was at one point the Xtreme Champion. I’m not just someone who has been all talk the entire time I’ve been here. I’ve been able to walk the walk since I came to APW and it’s not going to change now. I’m here in APW to cement my new Legacy. I’m sick of talking about the past and talking about everything I’ve done. I’m here to be talking about what I just did and what I’m going to be doing. The idea of a new era in APW seems foreign to so many people as Level-One has cemented himself as one of the best of all time. I can’t just let this happen sitting down. I can’t be ok with second best. I’ve never thought of myself as second best. My Legacy is not one of second best.
Level-One and I have been on a path for a long time it seems. Even before I came to APW, the two of us were on paths that would lead us to this match. Like he said, he achieved everything that I had wanted. He had earned the respect from the new era Experts that I craved. The talk of it being the end of Mark Mania was excessive. So many people were absolutely convinced that I was nothing but washed up. So many people thought of me as a “Legend” that had seen better days. Of course I could still talk the talk, but, I wasn’t stepping up and taking on a role of the legend. I was a legend in experience only. I didn’t behave like a legend.
I’m here to change that. It’s what I’ve been doing all along. I’m here to earn back everyone’s respect. One week at a time, one match at a time, and one title at a time. I’ve already done a pretty damn good job of that. I’ve showed people that I am dedicated to my craft, dedicated to APW, and dedicated to winning. The time has come for me to win again and to win big. I’m going to become the next APW World Champion.
I’m sure people will say that I want to win for the wrong reasons. That I want to win to shove it everyone else’s faces and not for myself. I call bullshit on that. Because that’s not the only reason that I want to win. I want to win for every reason you could possibly think of. For the fame, for the honor, for the respect, and yeah, to shove it in everyone’s face. The man with the world title commands respect. Ever since the name Mark Mania was introduced to APW I have been commanding respect. But right now, Level-One is the reason for that. Level-One respects me for my past. The people of APW respect me because of Level-One. It’s now time for me to command my own respect. I will be winning the APW World Title this weekend. Because it’s time for everyone to truly understand the Mark Mania Legacy.
Respect
Respect is something that is earned. That’s the only possibly way that someone can receive true respect. Through earning it. There are very few in the APW who have earned any true respect. Level-One, Sally Talfourd, Bryan Payne, and Pence Weatherlight. That’s it. Other than that, everyone else needs to earn it. I earned it through becoming the Xtreme Champion, through beating Level-One in a tag match, and giving Level-One one of his biggest challenges in a good long time. But what have the others in this match done to earn any respect?
Nathaniel Havok beat up on a guy who was nothing but mere filler for the Xtreme Title Scramble match. Other than that, he’s just been a freak with a chair, running around wildly attacking people. Good job Nathaniel, you’re really doing your best out there eh? Sure, you faced off against Sally Talfourd once, is that the biggest match you’ve had here? Really? I mean, me and Sally facing off was essentially just for fun. Just giving the crowd something to watch considering mostly everyone else in the APW is as boring as watching paint dry. Yet, facing Sally was your biggest match. Boy oh boy, talk about commanding respect. Give me a break junior. You are going to need to come out real big after this match if you really want to be demanding any sort of respect. Frankly, I just don’t see it.
Criss Cassidy has done, uh, well, nothing. He beat John Green. That’s solid I guess. I’ve beaten him twice, in matches that really mattered. I guess for you though Criss, that was a real important match to you. It meant that you were going to be entered into the Elimination Chamber! Aren’t you just absolutely thrilled!? You get to come into One Night in Hell as one of the number one contenders of the APW World Title. I mean, sure, you’re going to leave as a complete loser, but how is that really much different than you feel all the time anyways?
Young Mannie faced off against Level-One. And he really went at it. He had no chance to win in the world of course, but, he doesn’t have any chance to win this week anyways. We all know that and we’re all fine with that. What I’m not fine with is anyone from “The Empire” insisting that Young Mannie deserves even an ounce of respect from anyone. Young Mannie is a nobody, he’s a non-factor in this match. He could come out with a damn bulldozer and no one would notice him. His time as a contender for the world title will be quick and painful. Level-One is not a very forgiving man. The second he sees you in that ring, he’s going to try and destroy you. And, by “try and destroy you” I mean, he’s going to destroy you. If I even see you for a second in that ring, I will be amazed.
Now the other two members of this match do have my respect. But why is that, what is it that someone must do in order to gain the respect of Mark Mania?
Sally Talfourd is the toughest woman I know. Now, obviously I’m absurdly sexist, because that doesn’t really inspire that much fear into me. But, what does, is that she refuses to quit. She is one hell of a competitor and refuses absolutely refuses to be outworked. She’ll put in more effort than all the guys from this federation. Now, unfortunately, she is a woman, so, all the work she does really doesn’t matter in the end. But, that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t respect her. She deserves all the respect in the world. She went toe to toe with me, with Level-One, with all the big names in the APW. Now, she’s not always victorious, but she wins. There is no doubt about it. She’s a winner. And, if you can’t respect that, you can’t respect much.
Level-One is a different beast. I respected the idea of Level-One far before I respected the actual man. When he was making his way through the ranks of The Experts he kept his mouth shut and just won. No-nonsense type of guy. I liked that. But he was new, I was a veteran, our paths just didn’t really cross much in the early days. But, he became the True Expert Champion. No two ways around that. He won one of the biggest titles someone in the wrestling business can win. It was at this time that I had absolutely freaked out over the death of my cousin and had forgotten all things of my former life. Three years passed and I came back to the business as Mark Mania again. And I couldn’t believe it with my own two eyes, but Level-One was still around, and not only that, he was the World Champion of APW. I thought it was just too perfect to believe. What a career this guy must have had. He was kicking ass when I left and he’s still kicking ass now. That’s respect. I saw his name and I understood why he deserves respect. But, it took getting into the ring with him before I could truly comprehend his abilities. He’s a man that makes you fight at your best. He pushes you to be better, he pushes you to be the best you possibly can be. He’s like the goddamn army. But, there is a flaw in that. Because for the majority of his career, he has been pushing people to be the absolute best. But what happens when someone shows their best, and their best is better than Level-One’s best. Well, that’s when Level-One loses. It doesn’t happen often, but, believe it or not. It does happen. And it is going to happen again this weekend. Each match I get better, each match I get closer to being back on top of the game. This week it’s time for the inevitability to finally be realized. Mark Mania at his best versus Level-One at his best…Mark Mania is better.
Glory
Glory is one of the biggest motivational factors in life. There is no better feeling than glory. Glory doesn’t come easy for most people. Most people spend their entire life without knowing the exact feeling of glory. I’ve experienced glory. I know what it feels like. I’ve felt it time and time again. Level-One knows what it’s like. Sally Talfourd knows what it’s like. It’s funny how it keeps coming down to us three. I almost wonder if there are three other people in this match or not? I mean, I know that Havok, Mannie, and Criss are all going to be present at the match. But are they really there? I certainly don’t think so. I know it, they know it, APW knows it. That’s just how life is unfortunately. Some people can experience glory regularly, other people are left watching the real winners bask in their own glory.
Someone is going to be feeling glory after this elimination chamber match-up. Now, for Havok, Mannie, and Criss. Experiencing glory for the first time is something that you can either handle with grace, or, you can look pathetic. Because believe it or not, every now and then, even someone who is pathetic gets to experience glory. So let me explain to you how you should actually deal with glory, if, and that’s a big if, if a miracle occurs and you get to experience a form of glory this coming weekend.
Act like you’ve been there before. That’s what it’s all about. Don’t show-boat, don’t lose your mind in front of everyone. Grab onto the title like it’s the last thing you’ll ever touch in your life. Look at it, take it in deep, real deep. Let the magnitude of the situation hit your core. Then hold it up for the world to see. Pose real quick for that picture that you’ll never forget. Then, get the fuck out of there. Nothing you can do from then on can help you in any way. You’ll only embarrass yourself. Now, now, don’t get all worried about embarrassing yourself. You’re not going to run into the situation. Because, none of you three stand even the slightest chance of winning the APW World Title. It’s just not going to happen. Actually, I can even group Sally into that group. I mean, she knows what it’s like to win big, but, she’s not going to walk away with that title either. It’s going to come down to Level-One and I. I’m not a fortune teller, I can’t see into the future. But, the writing is on the wall. It’s written deep into the wall. Level-One and Mark Mania will meet to see who is the best. Not because someone else isn’t going to try hard enough, but because this is how it has to happen. The question needs to be answered. This weekend, the answer everyone is looking for will finally be revealed.
Responsibility
I don’t know the full past off all of the people in this match. I obviously know Level-Ones past better than others, but what I don’t know is how many people have been world champions before. I know in the APW it’s only Level-One, so, he’s the only one that I’m going to leave out of this conversation. There is a certain responsibility that comes along with becoming the World Champion. I’m not sure if all of you are aware of that responsibility. All eyes are on you. Everything you do is important. You can’t make any mistakes. You are essentially the face of APW. You’re expected to do far more when you become the champion. If you aren’t constantly the best, you’re not going to hold onto that title for very long.
So, before you become the World Champion, you really need to take all of this into consideration. You can’t just be an absentee champion. I don’t think any of you outside of Sally could handle that. Criss, you’ve never had anywhere near that kind of pressure on you. To go from being an unknown to the World Champion in one night would be just far, far too much for you to be able to deal with. I wish it weren’t true because you’re a nice enough guy, but, you cannot be the World Champion of APW. It just can’t happen. Same goes for Young Mannie, he doesn’t have the ability to be the best of the best. And he doesn’t have tough enough skin to handle the limelight being on him at all times.
Nathaniel Havok, you just have too much other crap going on. I mean, all your minions and your quest for world domination. Just a bit much to take all at once clearly. You can’t be the face of APW and the face of the Underworld at the same time. Plus, nobody wants to hear your crap all the time. You are seriously one of the most boring people to listen to that I’ve ever run into. If I had to listen to you non-stop talking about being the champion and being the best and using your Title of Fire to kill three women, I would absolutely lose it. They’d have to check me into the same mental institution that Victor Hades is probably hanging out in.
Now Sally, you’re very interesting. I’ve never thought of a woman being the fact of a wrestling federation. I mean, sure it could happen. You have nice tits and a smokin’ ass, so you’d definitely put asses in the seats. But, would it be for the right reason? Would people respect you or would they just want to see you naked? I mean, the obvious answer is they just want to see you naked. They’d think that the only reason you won is because you slept with all of us in return for us to let you win. I mean, I’m still waiting for that call, don’t get me wrong, but, obviously everyone is going to know if you won that you had to sleep with us. I’m losing my train of thought here though. The situation is that I don’t think you have what it takes to get up every day and be the face of a company. You need to be on your best every single day and the last thing APW needs is for one week a month the face of our company is crying and complaining about cramps non-stop for a week.
Emily: Wake the hell up!
Emily is standing above the bed where Mark has been napping. Mark wakes up quickly with a look of dread on his face looking up at Emily like she’s about to kill him.
Emily: Oh stop looking like a scared little girl. There is someone here to interview you for Esquire magazine.
Mark Mania: What, why the hell would they be here?
Emily: Apparently one of their editors was out here for something else and he found out you were in the area. I was on the phone with him earlier. I could’ve told you about it to get you ready, but, I opted not to.
Mark Mania: Well, if that’s all the payback for the letter, I’m fine with that.
Emily: Oh no, that’s not all the pay back, that’s just the beginning. Don’t you worry, there will be plenty more “oopsies” coming up. Also, your schedule after this weekend is pretty booked up.
Mark Mania: Oh just great. Alright, give me two minutes, I’ll be right out.
Emily exits the room as Mark gets up and looks at himself in the mirror quickly and straightens out his hair and splashes water in his face real quick to wake up a little bit. Mark walks out of his room and into the living area and is immediately greeted by a strong extensive punch directly to the gut from Emily.
Mark Mania: Ah shit, what the hell was that for?
Emily: That’s for the letter.
Mark Mania: Oh come on, I told you, I don’t actually love Sally Talfourd.
Emily: Oh you dunce, it’s not even about Sally, you disrespected women completely. I’m no wrestler, but damn it, if I were, I would beat the hell out of you for that statement.
Mark Mania: Oh come on Em, you can’t really be upset about that.
Emily: You basically made it sounds like we were an inferior race.
Mark Mania: No, no, Emily, it’s not like that. Just, in the wrestling ring, you know, I mean, men are stronger than women, there is no way to avoid that. I mean, she works just as hard as anyone, and women can work real hard and do great things. Just, not when they’re in a ring with me or Level-One.
Emily: Ugh! You’re such an idiot.
Mark Mania: Wait, where is the guy from Esquire?
Emily: There is no guy from Esquire, I just wanted you out of bed so I could punch you in the gut. I didn’t want to do it while you were sleeping.
Mark Mania: But out of nowhere when I’m walking into the living room?
Emily: At least you were standing.
Mark Mania: Alright, alright. So now are we good.
Emily: For now.
The two stare at each other in silence for a little bit. Mark rubs his stomach where Emily punched him. He walks over to the faucet and pours himself a glass of water and drinks from the glass. Emily sits down at the circular table across from the minibar/kitchen area.
Emily: Alright, so, what’s the plan for this weekend?
Mark Mania: Oh, so we’re finally ready to talk about it?
Emily: Don’t push it.
Mark Mania: Alright, alright. I have a few ideas up my sleeve of what I can do. I already have a huge advantage with being the last one into the match. So, my plan is really just to pick off the weaker opponents one at a time and then take on Level-One and Sally once they’re tired as all hell and I’m fresh as ever. I mean, it’s the entire reason I tried so hard against Greenie. I had to make sure I was the last one in. I mean, sure, one on one with either of them I could still beat them. But, if you can get an advantage, you take the advantage. And, I won the advantage. So, immediately I’m starting off better than anyone else in the match.
Emily: Yeah, you can’t rely completely on that though. What if Level-One is the second to last one out? He’ll be just as fresh as you are.
Mark Mania: Well that’s true. I’m really hoping that doesn’t happen. It’ll make that night so much more difficult. Obviously if it happens, I’ll fight through it. But I’m looking to come out of this match with as few scrapes and bruises as possible.
Emily: Oh Mark, you can’t be serious. It’s an Elimination Chamber match for the world damn title. When you win, you’re going to be battered and bruised worse than you ever have before.
Mark Mania: Damn Emily, I know, but, I gotta keep on that hard face.
Emily: No one is fooled by it Mark. Everyone is a little timid going into this match. There are a whole lot of people in this match that could do a lot of damage to each other. And no matter how little you think of Young Mannie or Criss Cassidy there is just as good of a chance that they could win as you.
Mark Mania: Oh come on Em, no there isn’t. They’re worthless. Absolute filler for this match.
Emily: Young Mannie put in one hell of a performance against Level-One two weeks ago, and Criss Cassidy beat your own partner in John Green.
Mark Mania: Ok, obviously Level-One was still reeling from the effects of facing me two weeks in a row. And well, Greenie is just having some issues that’s all. He’ll recover, it’s just taking a little longer than we all expected. I mean, Criss Cassidy is just in the match because we were kind of afraid of Greenie disappearing on us. And Young Mannie is in the match because Level-One thinks he’s a joke.
Emily: Well the joke is going to be on all of you if you underestimate him and he walks away with the title.
Mark Mania: I’m sorry Em, I already have underestimated him. Color me guilty. I don’t find him to be a threat. It’s like in Ghostbusters when they’re trying to think of the least threatening thing possible, it’s a coin flip for me between Young Mannie and Nathaniel Havok.
Emily: What!? Nathaniel Havok? Come on Mark, you have to appreciate what he’s done. He’s been a thorn in everyone’s side since he joined APW.
Mark Mania: He hasn’t been a thorn in my side. I haven’t seen anything that impressive.
Emily: He ended Cooper Conrads career, someone who gave you a run for your money.
Mark Mania: Meh, he gave Crazy Joe a run for his money.
Emily: Oh, give me a break, you’re the same damn person!
Mark Mania: Crazy Joe did not have the experience I did. Crazy Joe relied on pure instincts and natural ability. I have the experience, I can remember every single match I’ve been in. I know exactly how to react in every situation. There is a big difference between Crazy Joe and Mark Mania trust me.
Emily: The only difference I notice is you’re not wearing that stupid mask anymore.
Mark Mania: Hey, that wasn’t that bad of a mask. I needed something that would cover everything. Come on, if anyone had seen this face there would be an outcry. Everyone would immediately start trying to help me remember. That’s the last thing I needed. I got all that time to work off the rust in America. It’s spectacular.
Emily: Oh that’s right, this is your first time back in Japan since you wrestled here a few years ago right?
Mark Mania: That’s right, it’s weird seeing all of the sights again, but this time as myself. I don’t dare visit any of those places though. I showed you one of the videos from when I was wrestling here. It’s completely out of control. I don’t know if you could handle it.
Emily: Oh give me a break. I could handle it.
Mark Mania: Oh Emily, the last time I showed you a video you almost freaked out because you thought I was going to get too hurt if I kept wrestling like that.
Emily: Yeah, maybe.
The two sit in silence for a bit.
Emily: Do you want to go see any of the people you used to wrestle with?
Mark Mania: No, I was never really friendly with any of them. I didn’t talk much, I can’t fucking speak Japanese, so I kind of just sat around a lot by myself. Watched a lot of Anime unfortunately.
Emily: Oh, yeah, that just sounds like a complete blast.
Mark Mania: It was pretty miserable yeah. But, that's what happens when you spend so much time in Japan. Really, now that I'm here, I don't want to think about any of the things I did here in the past. The only thing that I'm worried about is this week. I need to win that title Emily. I yearn for it. I need it. I will do whatever it takes to win this match. Trust me, this is only the start of the Mark Mania era in APW.
Emily: I don't even know what that means Mark.
Mark Mania: It means that Level-One better be ready to be surprised at One Night In Hell. I will be leaving nothing to be desired after I beat him up and down that chamber. For Level-One it will truly be a night in hell.
Mark knew this was coming. The previous week he had written a letter to Sally Talfourd regarding the match they were going to be having. Mark wrote the letter rather than making a video in order to avoid the argument that was surely going to come. Mark knew that there was no way to truly avoid it, but he hoped to push it off for as long as possible. So many of the things he said to Sally were derogatory and overtly perverted. Now, Mark isn’t seeing Emily. They’re not together, but, the mutual attraction is known. It’s clear that Emily is unable to hold back her rage after reading the letter that was sent. The letter alludes to sexual relations between Mark and Sally continuously. Hell, it essentially professes Mark’s love for Sally. Mark doesn’t love Sally. It’s all part of the show, all part of the game. This big game of life that everyone is involved in. Mark knows that the quickest way to a women’s soul is through their heart. Obviously he didn’t expect Sally to just drop everything and get into the sack with him, but he figured he could get her to admit her attraction to him. Only so he could use it against her. Clearly it all back fired. He lost the match, granted it was because of Level-One, but he lost nonetheless. There is no reason to make excuses for losing, it won’t happen this week though.
Mark Mania: Oh come on! You can’t take all of that stuff seriously, I was just trying to get under her skin.
Emily: Well you got under someone’s skin that’s for damn sure!
Mark Mania: That’s why I wrote it as a letter Em. I knew that you’d be pissed if you were standing behind the camera.
Emily: Don’t call me Em.
Mark Mania: Oh stop. You know that it doesn’t change anything. It’s not like I plan on getting into a relationship with Sally. She stands in the way of me and the title, there is no way that I am going to soften up to her.
Emily: That’s not what it seemed like from the letter. It seemed to me like you were trying to keep it from me that you were so attracted to her. I know that you and I aren’t together, but I figured you’d at least say something.
Mark Mania: That’s exactly it Em…Emily. We’re not together. We work together, for a while you were just my employee, granted, you still are, but now we’re more like partners. But even though we’re not together, that doesn’t mean that I really have any feelings for Sally Talfourd. She’s just a little slut anyways, flaunting her body around at everyone who goes near her.
Emily: So you noticed her body!?
Mark Mania: Of course I noticed it! She’s half naked every time she’s on TV. Plus! We were in a damn match together and now we’re facing each other in the Elimination Chamber, believe it or not I need to do research on my opponents. I’m not as young as I used to be where I could just rely on pure instincts to get myself by.
Emily: Well, it’s obvious that one of your instincts was leading you in your match against Sally.
Mark Mania: Oh come on Emily, as you saw from last week when we were all beating the hell out of each other, I hold no feelings for Sally. In fact I’m hoping for her to do nothing but get destroyed in the ring. Her and Level-One are my only real competition and I need to keep them at an arm’s length so that I’m able to beat them when the time counts. You know they always say to keep your friends close but your enemies closer.
Emily: Don’t try and use bull shit clichés with me when you’re trying to explain yourself. You wrote the note to keep it from me, and obviously, since it was available to the ENTIRE WORLD, I was able to see it. Did you really think you’d be able to keep it from me? I mean, I’m the Secretary of the damn company, I know everything that’s going on at all times.
Mark Mania: Obviously I wasn’t trying to keep it a secret from you, I was just trying to avoid any sort of argument right in the middle of my sentences. Imagine if I had tried to say all that in front of you? I wouldn’t have been able to keep a straight face with you being constantly pissed off and trying to make it like this was some big attack on you. You know I care for you, but we’re not seeing each other, and frankly, I’m not even worried about that right now. You know the only thing that’s been on my mind has been the World Title. Ever since I lost to that shit champion Victor Hades the only thing in the world I’ve truly been fighting for is the World Title. And now, the week before I’m going into that match, the last thing I should be concerning myself with is whether or not you believe that I’m in love with Sally Talfourd. I’ll make it easy for you, I’m not. The entire note was an attack on her as a person and as a female wrestler.
This was all true. Mark doesn’t have feelings for Sally. He has feelings for Emily. Obviously right now he’s too proud to admit that and frankly doesn’t want the discussion that will come after that. He needs to be focusing on the title. That’s the only thing that should be going through his head, not an Emily, Sally, Mark Mania love triangle.
Emily: Fine, whatever. I’m going to take off for the day and go see some sights.
Mark looks at her with wide eyes in astonishment as she storms out of the room. At this point Mark becomes aware of his surroundings that don’t involve Emily. He’s in their suite in their Tokyo hotel. He’s in a large sitting area with a long couch wrapping around the back and half of the side walls. It could easily sit twenty-five people comfortably. There are two doors on either side of the room that lead to separate bedrooms. Mike and Bill have a room that looks exactly the same on the floor below them. You can lightly hear their music through the floor. It sounds to Mark as though they’re having a dance off to B.o.B which is just terribly embarrassing in Mark’s eyes. Emily leaving is a hindrance without a doubt. This week of all weeks he’d like to have everyone on board and focusing on One Night in Hell. This is the biggest match of his APW career. The only other time he was in a match in which he had the opportunity to win a title, he won it. It was a match similar to this in the fact that there were so many people in the match. So many people that aren’t even in the APW anymore. Michael Lively who after losing the Xtreme Title decided that he would quit and become a member of the staff at APW. Victor Hades who after defeating Mark Mania in his very first match has essentially disappeared and just vacated the Xtreme Title. Streets Wilson, who, apparently is trying to make another come back. Mark can’t imagine he’s going to make much of a difference this time around either. Cooper Conrad who was destroyed by Nathaniel Havok and is now no longer in the APW either. So, will this be the same thing to happen to Mark again? He defeats the current champion in Level-One and then he steps down all together. The favorite outside of him, Sally, disappears pathetically. And maybe this time Nathaniel Havok gets destroyed and has his career ended. Then Criss Cassidy and Young Mannie, well, it doesn’t really matter if they’re around or not. They don’t offer any difficulty towards Mark anyways.
The music coming from downstairs starts to get louder and it disrupts Mark’s thought process. He walks over to the phone and calls the room below him. It rings three or four times with no answer. Mark swears into the phone as it continues to ring. Finally the music from downstairs quiets and someone picks up the phone.
Bill: ‘Ello?
Mark Mania: What the hell are you guys doing down there? Are you really blasting that ridiculous music?
Bill: Ah Marky! How’s it going my friend?! We’ve been drinking a bit. We couldn’t find a station in English so Mike whipped out his iPod and we hooked it up to the radio.
Mark Mania: That’s the type of crap Mike has on his iPod! Unbelievable. Why don’t you guys come up here and we’ll go over everything for this weekend.
Bill: Perfect, Emily up there or you want me to call her?
Mark Mania: Nah, she saw the letter, just stormed out. We’ll do it without her for now.
Bill: Ha! You poor bastard, you’re not even getting a piece of that yet you still have to deal with all the bull shit. It’s like middle school all over again.
Mark Mania: You were paying girls your lunch money to look at your dick when you were in middle school, please don’t make me remember that.
Bill: I find it strange enough how much you remember about my penis, Mark.
Mark Mania: Dick. Come on up you morons.
Mark hangs up the phone and smiles to himself. The three of them used to have really good times. Earlier in their career, before Smitty had passed away. They all used to have a blast. Mike and Bill used to be pranksters, oh hell, they still are. Mike and Bill and Smitty had a mini-feud once. It was all in good fun. Smitty had been the world champion of XCW at the time. Mike and Bill were the tag team champions and they were scheduled for a handicapped match later on that night. Smitty was cutting a promo in one of the hallways of the arena and Bill rushed up behind Smitty with a wheel barrel full of manure and Mike charged in front of Smitty and pushed him into the wheel barrel. Oh God, that was one of the best pranks they had played. Smitty was so pissed afterwards. Mark remembers the constant smell of shit that radiated around Smitty for days. Smitty was a better guy than he seemed. He constantly had to play the asshole. But in reality, he wasn’t that bad of a guy. Misunderstood. Cearly by Bonez the most. Mark doesn’t want to get into this type of thought process before the biggest match of his APW career though. He clearly has more important things to be thinking about. Like what in the hell is taking Mike and Bill so damn long to get up a single flight of stairs or, where is Emily?
Thankfully as the thoughts of Emily began to grace his mind there was a loud knock on the door.
*knockknockknock*
Bill: Marky!
*knockknockknock*
Bill: Marky!
*knockknockknock*
Bill: Marky!
Mark walks over to the door and opens it Bill and Mike charge into the room.
Mark Mania: You’re an absolute idiot, you know that right?
Bill: Ah screw off. That’s one hell of a television show.
Mark Mania: How do you have time to watch TV, aren’t you the Vice-President of a company?
Bill: Yeah, of YOUR company. And, we’re in charge of getting you endorsement deals. Which, so far, we’ve been getting you commercials, which, believe it or not, are on television! How’d you like those Subway ones?
Mark Mania: Oh hell, one of them made it look like I couldn’t cook for shit.
Mike: Can you cook?
Mark Mania: You’ve been awfully quiet today to decide to just start insulting my cooking.
Mike: Oh come on, whens the last time you actually had to cook. I bet that’s the first time you’ve cracked an egg in years.
Mark Mania: Hey, I had to make breakfast for myself when I couldn’t remember who I was.
Mike: Bullshit, doesn’t count. When is the last time Mark Mania had to make breakfast?
Mark Mania: Good point, good point. Hell with it, it made us a shit ton of money, that makes me happy enough. Take a seat guys, want a drink?
Bill: Beer.
Mike: Vodka tonic please.
Mark Mania: Does this look like a damn bar to you?
Mark walks over to the mini-bar across the room from the couch. He grabs three beers from the fridge and cracks open the cans. He grabs three glasses and empties the beers into them. He takes a big gulp of his own beer before bringing the two to Mike and Bill.
Mike: Ah, a new, humble Mark Mania now that he can’t make breakfast.
Mark flips off Mike and the three of them start to laugh.
Bill: Alright, what happened with Emily?
Mark Mania: Ah, it was BS.
Mike nods his head in the direction of the APW camera that is covering all the action.
Mark Mania: Oh shit. Well, anyways, she didn’t take it so hot, that’s the kind way to put it. She stormed out. I’m sure she’ll come back, but we need to focus on this weekend, I need to be on top of my game at all times for this match. This is finally my chance to win the World Title, I’m not one to let opportunity pass me by.
Bill: Alright, alright. This weekend. Let’s go through guy by buy. I mean, uh, person by person. First off…
Mike: Criss Cassidy.
Mark Mania: Alright, Criss Cassidy, well, he’s a pretty underappreciated guy around here. Doesn’t say much, doesn’t hang out much in the locker room. But he’s consistent. The biggest thing going against him though is that he doesn’t have the type of experience necessary to come up and wrestle with the big boys. I mean, this is easily the biggest match he’s ever been in. He has the chance to walk out with the World Title. I mean, I say chance in the least literal sense of the word. He doesn’t really stand a chance against me or Level-One, or even Sally for that matter. He seems like a good enough guy, and clearly he has a lot of potential. But, I feel like he’d stand a much better chance in that Xtreme Title battle royal that’s going to be occurring earlier in the night. I mean, if he was in that match he’d probably have a good chance of winning it. With this match, he’s pretty close to the worst one in it. I mean, Young Mannie is real bad. Like real bad. So, I think Cassidy has the edge over him. So, at least he won’t be the first one eliminated! He could even do some damage the other competitors before I get in the ring too.
Listen, Criss Cassidy is a guy that I respect. I mean, he’s nowhere near the same level as I am. But, he seems like a genuinely good guy and solid competitor. He’s just in a bit over his head. He beat John Green just a few weeks ago to be allowed into the match. I was actually pretty surprised. I really didn’t think Greenie would let himself fall that much. Unfortunately he did. But, Criss Cassidy picked up the scraps. Now, obviously, I’m going to have to fight for Greenies honor against him, and if I have to, I’ll eliminate him. But, I hope he knows that I don’t have anything against him. I’m forced to beat him this weekend. That’s all there is to it. I need to beat him to get to my main goal. My dream since coming into the APW was winning the World Title, and now that I’m finally given the chance, I’m not going to blow that chance by letting someone like Criss Cassidy stand in my way. Obviously, since I’m the last one to enter the chamber, there is a real good chance I’ll never even be in the same ring as Cassidy.
Bill: Alright, so, Cassidy isn’t that big of a deal. Maybe he’ll do some damage to Havok or Sally to make that a little easier for you.
Mark Mania: That’s certainly what I’m hoping for. I mean, he doesn’t need to, but, it wouldn’t be a bad thing if he did.
Mike: Alright, Young Mannie.
Mark Mania laughs out loud before he begins to talk.
Mark Mania: Come on, you’re kidding me right? The only reason he’s in the match is because Level-One thinks that he’s the worst wrestler in all of APW. Level-One was put on the spot and given the chance to pick whoever he wanted to be in the chamber and he picked Young Mannie. Do you know why he picked Young Mannie? Because he sucks! Level-One decided that Young Mannie was the smallest threat out of everyone in the APW. That’s how unimpressed he is with him. And, if that’s the thought that Level-One has, who am I to argue? I mean, that’s the exact way that I look at Young Mannie. He’s nothing but filler. He’s just the laughing stock of this match. I mean, I hate to say it, because no one really deserves to be insulted that much, but, he truly is. He doesn’t stand even the slightest chance to win this match. Save for everyone else getting killed by a sniper rifle five minutes into the match, there is nothing that could happen that would result in Young Mannie walking away with the world title.
Sure he held his own with Level-One a few weeks ago. Well, he kind of held his own. I mean, everyone knew how it was going to end though. There was really no way that he was going to beat Level-One. Sure, he made him bleed, but Level-One was on his toes, he’s not one to play by the rules, everyone knows that. If Young Mannie can’t handle a little cheating, he’s not going to be winning this World Title. This title is stained with plenty of “questionable” actions surrounding it. But that’s what makes it beautiful. The lengths people will go to, to make sure that they hold the title. I know I’d essentially do anything to be the champion. When we’re all in that chamber it really doesn’t matter what I have to do to win. I’m going to win. Young Mannie is too weak for that type of mind set. He’s too busy being part of the Empire or whatever the hell they all call each other. A bunch of wrestlers called “the Empire” and not a lick of talent between all of them. Put Level-One and I in a match against all of them and there will only be two people standing at the end of the match. I’ll give you two guesses.
Bill: Alright, alright, we made it through the, uh, lesser, talent. Now, there is a guy who is kind of a middle of the road type of guy.
Mike: Nathaniel Havok.
Mark rubs his chin in thought. He smiles slightly and then takes a gulp of his beer.
Mark Mania: The Source of All Evil himself! Who would’ve thought I would be so honored to be visited by the man who is attempting to control the world by finding and killing three women. Just a class act this guy is. He’s made his way up the ranks fairly quickly here in the APW. I mean, he terrorized Cooper Conrad for a while, which was pretty funny to watch, then he started messing with Victor Hades, which, was also fun to watch. But, now he’s starting to get a little above his head. It’s a bit embarrassing really. I mean, he was supposed to be walking out of One Night in Hell with a title, and now, well, now he’s going home empty handed. Sure, he gets a shot at the World Title, but, does he really? He just found out he was going to be in this match at last week’s Overdrive. That’s not nearly enough time to prepare for a match of this magnitude. Hell, Sally Talfourd has been preparing for months because she’s a woman, and like she says, it takes a woman a lot longer to get ready. And with that nice long hair of yours Nathaniel, I’m pretty close to convinced that you’re as much of a woman as she is.
Listen, I understand your whole thing. You’re the ruler of the underworld. I’ve heard it all before. You have demons and minions doing your bidding. I get it. I’ve faced off against self-proclaimed rulers of the underworld before. If you think I’m going to be scared of some smoke and mirrors flashy bull shit, you have another thing coming to you. I mean now, clearly, Victor Hades has fallen off as of late, but he used to be one of the scariest motha’s in the game, and every time that him and I faced off against each other I stood right in his face and smacked his legacy around. Sure, he got the last laugh at Shockwave, but, I’m going to be getting the last laugh after this weekend. So Nathaniel has had a week to prepare for this match, which is all well and good. Maybe he’ll even look at it like it’s a benefit. He hasn’t had chance to get inside his own head and freak himself out. I mean, think about it from his stand point, the biggest match he’s had in APW, and he’s facing Level-One, Sally Talfourd, and Mark Mania. That’s no easy task to ask of anyone. In fact, that’s a pretty steep thing to ask of someone. Give him too much time to think about it he’s going to piss his pants. I mean, I got all of these matches out of my system, I took on Michael Lively and essentially ended his career, I took on Bryan Payne when I was still just starting out in APW and held my own more than other people had. I faced off against Level-One twice already and split the series, and then I went dick to vagina with Sally Talfourd and probably would’ve walked away with a victory if it weren’t for Level-One. What the hell has Nathaniel Havok done? He faced Sally Talfourd. That’s nice. Come back to me with something that I should be impressed with. This match is more geared towards me anyways, we’re in a large metal structure where anything goes. I’m the former Xtreme Champion for god sakes. I know how to get Xtreme. Nathaniel Havok may be acting like he’s some tough SOB that can hold his own with anyone, but, we all know the real truth, he’s just a wannabe that a lot, and I mean a lot to prove.
Mark takes another gulp from his beer and motions with his finger for Bill and Mike to keep the names coming to keep his mind fresh and on task.
Bill: Alright, right, so The Source of All Evil is essentially a non-story. What about…
Mike: Sally Talfourd!
Bill: Will you fucking stop interrupting me like that! Do you want to do the next one? Huh? Is that what you want, you want to ask him about Sally? Go right the hell ahead instead of waiting for me to start and then butting in.
Mike stares at Bill in the face and then slaps him right in the face.
Bill: You son of a bitch!
Bill tackles Mike out of his chair and the two share slaps as Mark stares at them with a dumb grin on his face. He takes another gulp of beer and then puts the glass on the table and gets up to pull the two off of each other.
Mark Mania: Oh will you two grow up! You’ve known each other for too damn long. Bill, obviously Mike was screwing with you on purpose.
Bill: Well, when I put my foot up his ass, I’ll only be screwing with him.
Mike keeps a big smile on his face as he sits down and mocks Bill with stupid faces.
Mike: Alright Mark, moving on, how about Sally Talfourd, she did pretty well for herself a few weeks ago.
Bill looks at Mike steaming mad as Mike still has a dumb smile on his face.
Mark Mania: Well, Sally certainly proved her own. I mean, no two ways around it. Maybe I had her all wrong. I was under the impression that she was just going to be a push over that I’d have fun with for a little bit. I mean, I know she had won Test for the Best, but, I also knew that I wasn’t in Test for the Best, so, I kind of thought she was going to be a little overrated, but, she held her own, proved herself, I was real impressed. Now, when there will be no DQ’s in the chamber, obviously things are going to change quite a bit. But, at least she’s going to give it her all, and hell, she may even do some serious damage to Level-One before I even have to get in the ring. Oh man, here’s what I’m hoping…I’m hoping the two of them start the match together, if they just beat up on each other nonstop that would work perfect. I’ll pick off the smaller pieces while they just get more and more weak, and finally, once it’s just the three of us, because, obviously, it’s going to eventually just be the three of us, hopefully they’ll be so beat up that it will be just a walk in the park for me to finish them off. I mean, just for the fans, I think I’ll eliminate Sally first so that Lester and I can have a little one on one time, but, Sally is definitely a crowd pleaser. So, we’ll keep her around for a little while.
Also, she’s a hell of a competitor. I can’t look beyond that anymore. Apparently my charm fell on deaf ears, as she hasn’t just shown up at the doorstep looking for scraps. Which, is upsetting, but understandable, I guess I did go a little far on the negs. You know, the backhand compliments. Well, I guess I wasn’t very subtle either. It was more like, I’d compliment her, then I’d backhand her. Doesn’t go over too well with Sally apparently. But, hey, it is what it is. And here we all are going to be in a ring together, well, a giant chamber together anyways. She’s going to be a challenge of course, but, luckily I won the ability to be the last person entered into the chamber. There will be a time in which I am the only one in the match who is still at 100%. This gives me a definite advantage and I think regardless of how good Sally Talfourd is, me at 100% and her at less than that can only end with me winning. I won the chance to be the last entered into the match for a reason. I told myself I will do whatever it takes to be the world champion, people will say that I’m taking the easy way to the top, and to that I tell them to screw off. Everything I’m getting, I’m getting fair and square. I haven’t asked for any special treatment or demanded anything. I was given a shot against Level-One and I proved myself to be one of the best in the business, which is EXACTLY why I’m in the match. Sally is in this match because she wanted a second chance at Level-One. She blew her chance and second chances don’t come around too often. If she couldn’t defeat Level-One before, what makes her think she’s going to do it now?
Mike: Alright Level-One!
Bill: Will you shut up you dumb bastard.
Mark laughs at both of them and finishes the beer that he had poured earlier.
Mark Mania: Yes, Level-One. The big man on campus. The man who has been on top of APW for just a little too long. He’s getting a big head with everyone constantly telling him how amazing he is. See, most of the people in the APW come from a different generation in terms of Lester Only. They know him as the biggest, baddest man in wrestling. I remember him from before. He didn’t have the same kind of ego he has now. Sure, he’s always been good, but, he didn’t have an entire company awaiting his every word. No, he used to be relatively unknown. He walked into The Experts as the next big thing. Keep in mind, this was during the time when I was already on top of the world. And I mean, he proved everyone right. He was the next big thing, hell, he is THE big thing in wrestling right now. But let’s not forget one thing, I’ve been in the business for a real long time. The funny thing is that actually Level-One has been in more matches than I have in his career, yet, I’ve been around for years longer than he has. This is a very deceiving statistic though. Because it doesn’t take into account the levity of those matches. There was a long period of time where I would wrestle in about one show a month, but, it would be one hell of a match. Matches of the quality that Level-One has seen very few times.
Level-One is well respected in the wrestling world, there is no way to look around that. But good god, if it wasn’t for the death of Smitty, things would be very, very different in the wrestling world right now. Level-One knows that. Level-One is afraid of that. Because it’s obvious, when you come back after a long time being away from wrestling it takes time to work off the rust. Sometimes it takes a real long time to work off the rust. I’ve been working off the rust for a long time. And truly, right now, I feel better than I ever have before. It’s funny, I remember when I was called back to The Experts by Jesse Gunn to find out about Smitty, everyone was talking about how I was too old and that retirement is where I belonged. That was three years ago. Three whole years ago, yet, here I am. Alive, and better than ever. A true living legend. Now obviously I’m creating my own legacy in APW, and Level-One is the only one who knows that I’m a living legend. But, that’s exactly what is important. He knows. Level-One knows that there are two bona fide legends that are going to be in the ring on Sunday. He knows it’s going to come down to the two of us. The only thing he doesn’t know is how it’s going to end. No one does, but it’s going to be one hell of a night.
Mike: Ok… now…
Bill: There is no one left idiot.
Mike: Oh back off.
Mike slaps Bill in the face quickly and Bill starts to go after him before Mark stands up and grabs Bill and pushes him back into his seat.
Mark Mania: Honestly, how old are you guys? You’ve been friends for FAR too long.
Mike still has a shit-eating grin on his face.
Mike: I think at about the age of sixteen we visited Neverland and never really came back.
Mark Mania: Perfect, Bill, do you want to sing the Toys R Us song while we’re at it? Absolute morons. Alright guys, thanks for the brainstorming. I’m going to take a quick nap before I hit up the gym in a bit.
Mike: Alright man! We’ll see ya later!
Bill: See ya Mark.
Mike and Bill get up as they’re saying this and exchange handshakes with Mark as they’re leaving. As they exit the door they’re pushing each other back at forth and spitting out insults at each other.
Mark Mania: And these are my Vice-Presidents? Awesome.
Mark stands up from the table and brings his empty glass of beer over to the sink next to the mini-bar. He washes out the glass and puts it into the sink. It felt good for Mark to get his initial thoughts of everyone off of his chest. It’s been a long time since he’s been in a match for the World Title of anything. Even before he left there weren’t many title matches going around. Every match he was in was a grudge match. Every match was about putting legends in a ring together and seeing who comes out on top. He faced off against Jesse Gunn, Bobby Azula, Jeremy “RePenT” Clarkson, Maddog, G-Man. Names that mean a lot to Mark, but to those from APW, names that mean nothing. Mark tries not to bring up the past very often, but with such a colorful and long past, it’s difficult to avoid. But the really amazing thing is that Marks past isn’t catching up with him. He’s avoided all controversy, and frankly, it’s been nothing but enjoyable for him. Mark walks into his room and closes the door behind him. He lays down on top of the bed and looks at the ceiling, considering the repercussions of this coming match.
Legacy
I’ve been around for a long time. Too long many people have said. For so long I’ve been relying on my Legacy. When I think about it, it’s upsetting to me. Granted, I haven’t been back for long, about six months so far, but, I’ve still been relying on my Legacy. This week though. This week could change everything. Finally I have an opportunity to create a new Legacy. I will no longer be listing names from the past that I have defeated. I won’t allude to companies that no longer exist, and I will no longer need to allude to a past that is so far back that many of my competitors were in diapers.
My Legacy in APW has begun already of course. I was at one point the Xtreme Champion. I’m not just someone who has been all talk the entire time I’ve been here. I’ve been able to walk the walk since I came to APW and it’s not going to change now. I’m here in APW to cement my new Legacy. I’m sick of talking about the past and talking about everything I’ve done. I’m here to be talking about what I just did and what I’m going to be doing. The idea of a new era in APW seems foreign to so many people as Level-One has cemented himself as one of the best of all time. I can’t just let this happen sitting down. I can’t be ok with second best. I’ve never thought of myself as second best. My Legacy is not one of second best.
Level-One and I have been on a path for a long time it seems. Even before I came to APW, the two of us were on paths that would lead us to this match. Like he said, he achieved everything that I had wanted. He had earned the respect from the new era Experts that I craved. The talk of it being the end of Mark Mania was excessive. So many people were absolutely convinced that I was nothing but washed up. So many people thought of me as a “Legend” that had seen better days. Of course I could still talk the talk, but, I wasn’t stepping up and taking on a role of the legend. I was a legend in experience only. I didn’t behave like a legend.
I’m here to change that. It’s what I’ve been doing all along. I’m here to earn back everyone’s respect. One week at a time, one match at a time, and one title at a time. I’ve already done a pretty damn good job of that. I’ve showed people that I am dedicated to my craft, dedicated to APW, and dedicated to winning. The time has come for me to win again and to win big. I’m going to become the next APW World Champion.
I’m sure people will say that I want to win for the wrong reasons. That I want to win to shove it everyone else’s faces and not for myself. I call bullshit on that. Because that’s not the only reason that I want to win. I want to win for every reason you could possibly think of. For the fame, for the honor, for the respect, and yeah, to shove it in everyone’s face. The man with the world title commands respect. Ever since the name Mark Mania was introduced to APW I have been commanding respect. But right now, Level-One is the reason for that. Level-One respects me for my past. The people of APW respect me because of Level-One. It’s now time for me to command my own respect. I will be winning the APW World Title this weekend. Because it’s time for everyone to truly understand the Mark Mania Legacy.
Respect
Respect is something that is earned. That’s the only possibly way that someone can receive true respect. Through earning it. There are very few in the APW who have earned any true respect. Level-One, Sally Talfourd, Bryan Payne, and Pence Weatherlight. That’s it. Other than that, everyone else needs to earn it. I earned it through becoming the Xtreme Champion, through beating Level-One in a tag match, and giving Level-One one of his biggest challenges in a good long time. But what have the others in this match done to earn any respect?
Nathaniel Havok beat up on a guy who was nothing but mere filler for the Xtreme Title Scramble match. Other than that, he’s just been a freak with a chair, running around wildly attacking people. Good job Nathaniel, you’re really doing your best out there eh? Sure, you faced off against Sally Talfourd once, is that the biggest match you’ve had here? Really? I mean, me and Sally facing off was essentially just for fun. Just giving the crowd something to watch considering mostly everyone else in the APW is as boring as watching paint dry. Yet, facing Sally was your biggest match. Boy oh boy, talk about commanding respect. Give me a break junior. You are going to need to come out real big after this match if you really want to be demanding any sort of respect. Frankly, I just don’t see it.
Criss Cassidy has done, uh, well, nothing. He beat John Green. That’s solid I guess. I’ve beaten him twice, in matches that really mattered. I guess for you though Criss, that was a real important match to you. It meant that you were going to be entered into the Elimination Chamber! Aren’t you just absolutely thrilled!? You get to come into One Night in Hell as one of the number one contenders of the APW World Title. I mean, sure, you’re going to leave as a complete loser, but how is that really much different than you feel all the time anyways?
Young Mannie faced off against Level-One. And he really went at it. He had no chance to win in the world of course, but, he doesn’t have any chance to win this week anyways. We all know that and we’re all fine with that. What I’m not fine with is anyone from “The Empire” insisting that Young Mannie deserves even an ounce of respect from anyone. Young Mannie is a nobody, he’s a non-factor in this match. He could come out with a damn bulldozer and no one would notice him. His time as a contender for the world title will be quick and painful. Level-One is not a very forgiving man. The second he sees you in that ring, he’s going to try and destroy you. And, by “try and destroy you” I mean, he’s going to destroy you. If I even see you for a second in that ring, I will be amazed.
Now the other two members of this match do have my respect. But why is that, what is it that someone must do in order to gain the respect of Mark Mania?
Sally Talfourd is the toughest woman I know. Now, obviously I’m absurdly sexist, because that doesn’t really inspire that much fear into me. But, what does, is that she refuses to quit. She is one hell of a competitor and refuses absolutely refuses to be outworked. She’ll put in more effort than all the guys from this federation. Now, unfortunately, she is a woman, so, all the work she does really doesn’t matter in the end. But, that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t respect her. She deserves all the respect in the world. She went toe to toe with me, with Level-One, with all the big names in the APW. Now, she’s not always victorious, but she wins. There is no doubt about it. She’s a winner. And, if you can’t respect that, you can’t respect much.
Level-One is a different beast. I respected the idea of Level-One far before I respected the actual man. When he was making his way through the ranks of The Experts he kept his mouth shut and just won. No-nonsense type of guy. I liked that. But he was new, I was a veteran, our paths just didn’t really cross much in the early days. But, he became the True Expert Champion. No two ways around that. He won one of the biggest titles someone in the wrestling business can win. It was at this time that I had absolutely freaked out over the death of my cousin and had forgotten all things of my former life. Three years passed and I came back to the business as Mark Mania again. And I couldn’t believe it with my own two eyes, but Level-One was still around, and not only that, he was the World Champion of APW. I thought it was just too perfect to believe. What a career this guy must have had. He was kicking ass when I left and he’s still kicking ass now. That’s respect. I saw his name and I understood why he deserves respect. But, it took getting into the ring with him before I could truly comprehend his abilities. He’s a man that makes you fight at your best. He pushes you to be better, he pushes you to be the best you possibly can be. He’s like the goddamn army. But, there is a flaw in that. Because for the majority of his career, he has been pushing people to be the absolute best. But what happens when someone shows their best, and their best is better than Level-One’s best. Well, that’s when Level-One loses. It doesn’t happen often, but, believe it or not. It does happen. And it is going to happen again this weekend. Each match I get better, each match I get closer to being back on top of the game. This week it’s time for the inevitability to finally be realized. Mark Mania at his best versus Level-One at his best…Mark Mania is better.
Glory
Glory is one of the biggest motivational factors in life. There is no better feeling than glory. Glory doesn’t come easy for most people. Most people spend their entire life without knowing the exact feeling of glory. I’ve experienced glory. I know what it feels like. I’ve felt it time and time again. Level-One knows what it’s like. Sally Talfourd knows what it’s like. It’s funny how it keeps coming down to us three. I almost wonder if there are three other people in this match or not? I mean, I know that Havok, Mannie, and Criss are all going to be present at the match. But are they really there? I certainly don’t think so. I know it, they know it, APW knows it. That’s just how life is unfortunately. Some people can experience glory regularly, other people are left watching the real winners bask in their own glory.
Someone is going to be feeling glory after this elimination chamber match-up. Now, for Havok, Mannie, and Criss. Experiencing glory for the first time is something that you can either handle with grace, or, you can look pathetic. Because believe it or not, every now and then, even someone who is pathetic gets to experience glory. So let me explain to you how you should actually deal with glory, if, and that’s a big if, if a miracle occurs and you get to experience a form of glory this coming weekend.
Act like you’ve been there before. That’s what it’s all about. Don’t show-boat, don’t lose your mind in front of everyone. Grab onto the title like it’s the last thing you’ll ever touch in your life. Look at it, take it in deep, real deep. Let the magnitude of the situation hit your core. Then hold it up for the world to see. Pose real quick for that picture that you’ll never forget. Then, get the fuck out of there. Nothing you can do from then on can help you in any way. You’ll only embarrass yourself. Now, now, don’t get all worried about embarrassing yourself. You’re not going to run into the situation. Because, none of you three stand even the slightest chance of winning the APW World Title. It’s just not going to happen. Actually, I can even group Sally into that group. I mean, she knows what it’s like to win big, but, she’s not going to walk away with that title either. It’s going to come down to Level-One and I. I’m not a fortune teller, I can’t see into the future. But, the writing is on the wall. It’s written deep into the wall. Level-One and Mark Mania will meet to see who is the best. Not because someone else isn’t going to try hard enough, but because this is how it has to happen. The question needs to be answered. This weekend, the answer everyone is looking for will finally be revealed.
Responsibility
I don’t know the full past off all of the people in this match. I obviously know Level-Ones past better than others, but what I don’t know is how many people have been world champions before. I know in the APW it’s only Level-One, so, he’s the only one that I’m going to leave out of this conversation. There is a certain responsibility that comes along with becoming the World Champion. I’m not sure if all of you are aware of that responsibility. All eyes are on you. Everything you do is important. You can’t make any mistakes. You are essentially the face of APW. You’re expected to do far more when you become the champion. If you aren’t constantly the best, you’re not going to hold onto that title for very long.
So, before you become the World Champion, you really need to take all of this into consideration. You can’t just be an absentee champion. I don’t think any of you outside of Sally could handle that. Criss, you’ve never had anywhere near that kind of pressure on you. To go from being an unknown to the World Champion in one night would be just far, far too much for you to be able to deal with. I wish it weren’t true because you’re a nice enough guy, but, you cannot be the World Champion of APW. It just can’t happen. Same goes for Young Mannie, he doesn’t have the ability to be the best of the best. And he doesn’t have tough enough skin to handle the limelight being on him at all times.
Nathaniel Havok, you just have too much other crap going on. I mean, all your minions and your quest for world domination. Just a bit much to take all at once clearly. You can’t be the face of APW and the face of the Underworld at the same time. Plus, nobody wants to hear your crap all the time. You are seriously one of the most boring people to listen to that I’ve ever run into. If I had to listen to you non-stop talking about being the champion and being the best and using your Title of Fire to kill three women, I would absolutely lose it. They’d have to check me into the same mental institution that Victor Hades is probably hanging out in.
Now Sally, you’re very interesting. I’ve never thought of a woman being the fact of a wrestling federation. I mean, sure it could happen. You have nice tits and a smokin’ ass, so you’d definitely put asses in the seats. But, would it be for the right reason? Would people respect you or would they just want to see you naked? I mean, the obvious answer is they just want to see you naked. They’d think that the only reason you won is because you slept with all of us in return for us to let you win. I mean, I’m still waiting for that call, don’t get me wrong, but, obviously everyone is going to know if you won that you had to sleep with us. I’m losing my train of thought here though. The situation is that I don’t think you have what it takes to get up every day and be the face of a company. You need to be on your best every single day and the last thing APW needs is for one week a month the face of our company is crying and complaining about cramps non-stop for a week.
Emily: Wake the hell up!
Emily is standing above the bed where Mark has been napping. Mark wakes up quickly with a look of dread on his face looking up at Emily like she’s about to kill him.
Emily: Oh stop looking like a scared little girl. There is someone here to interview you for Esquire magazine.
Mark Mania: What, why the hell would they be here?
Emily: Apparently one of their editors was out here for something else and he found out you were in the area. I was on the phone with him earlier. I could’ve told you about it to get you ready, but, I opted not to.
Mark Mania: Well, if that’s all the payback for the letter, I’m fine with that.
Emily: Oh no, that’s not all the pay back, that’s just the beginning. Don’t you worry, there will be plenty more “oopsies” coming up. Also, your schedule after this weekend is pretty booked up.
Mark Mania: Oh just great. Alright, give me two minutes, I’ll be right out.
Emily exits the room as Mark gets up and looks at himself in the mirror quickly and straightens out his hair and splashes water in his face real quick to wake up a little bit. Mark walks out of his room and into the living area and is immediately greeted by a strong extensive punch directly to the gut from Emily.
Mark Mania: Ah shit, what the hell was that for?
Emily: That’s for the letter.
Mark Mania: Oh come on, I told you, I don’t actually love Sally Talfourd.
Emily: Oh you dunce, it’s not even about Sally, you disrespected women completely. I’m no wrestler, but damn it, if I were, I would beat the hell out of you for that statement.
Mark Mania: Oh come on Em, you can’t really be upset about that.
Emily: You basically made it sounds like we were an inferior race.
Mark Mania: No, no, Emily, it’s not like that. Just, in the wrestling ring, you know, I mean, men are stronger than women, there is no way to avoid that. I mean, she works just as hard as anyone, and women can work real hard and do great things. Just, not when they’re in a ring with me or Level-One.
Emily: Ugh! You’re such an idiot.
Mark Mania: Wait, where is the guy from Esquire?
Emily: There is no guy from Esquire, I just wanted you out of bed so I could punch you in the gut. I didn’t want to do it while you were sleeping.
Mark Mania: But out of nowhere when I’m walking into the living room?
Emily: At least you were standing.
Mark Mania: Alright, alright. So now are we good.
Emily: For now.
The two stare at each other in silence for a little bit. Mark rubs his stomach where Emily punched him. He walks over to the faucet and pours himself a glass of water and drinks from the glass. Emily sits down at the circular table across from the minibar/kitchen area.
Emily: Alright, so, what’s the plan for this weekend?
Mark Mania: Oh, so we’re finally ready to talk about it?
Emily: Don’t push it.
Mark Mania: Alright, alright. I have a few ideas up my sleeve of what I can do. I already have a huge advantage with being the last one into the match. So, my plan is really just to pick off the weaker opponents one at a time and then take on Level-One and Sally once they’re tired as all hell and I’m fresh as ever. I mean, it’s the entire reason I tried so hard against Greenie. I had to make sure I was the last one in. I mean, sure, one on one with either of them I could still beat them. But, if you can get an advantage, you take the advantage. And, I won the advantage. So, immediately I’m starting off better than anyone else in the match.
Emily: Yeah, you can’t rely completely on that though. What if Level-One is the second to last one out? He’ll be just as fresh as you are.
Mark Mania: Well that’s true. I’m really hoping that doesn’t happen. It’ll make that night so much more difficult. Obviously if it happens, I’ll fight through it. But I’m looking to come out of this match with as few scrapes and bruises as possible.
Emily: Oh Mark, you can’t be serious. It’s an Elimination Chamber match for the world damn title. When you win, you’re going to be battered and bruised worse than you ever have before.
Mark Mania: Damn Emily, I know, but, I gotta keep on that hard face.
Emily: No one is fooled by it Mark. Everyone is a little timid going into this match. There are a whole lot of people in this match that could do a lot of damage to each other. And no matter how little you think of Young Mannie or Criss Cassidy there is just as good of a chance that they could win as you.
Mark Mania: Oh come on Em, no there isn’t. They’re worthless. Absolute filler for this match.
Emily: Young Mannie put in one hell of a performance against Level-One two weeks ago, and Criss Cassidy beat your own partner in John Green.
Mark Mania: Ok, obviously Level-One was still reeling from the effects of facing me two weeks in a row. And well, Greenie is just having some issues that’s all. He’ll recover, it’s just taking a little longer than we all expected. I mean, Criss Cassidy is just in the match because we were kind of afraid of Greenie disappearing on us. And Young Mannie is in the match because Level-One thinks he’s a joke.
Emily: Well the joke is going to be on all of you if you underestimate him and he walks away with the title.
Mark Mania: I’m sorry Em, I already have underestimated him. Color me guilty. I don’t find him to be a threat. It’s like in Ghostbusters when they’re trying to think of the least threatening thing possible, it’s a coin flip for me between Young Mannie and Nathaniel Havok.
Emily: What!? Nathaniel Havok? Come on Mark, you have to appreciate what he’s done. He’s been a thorn in everyone’s side since he joined APW.
Mark Mania: He hasn’t been a thorn in my side. I haven’t seen anything that impressive.
Emily: He ended Cooper Conrads career, someone who gave you a run for your money.
Mark Mania: Meh, he gave Crazy Joe a run for his money.
Emily: Oh, give me a break, you’re the same damn person!
Mark Mania: Crazy Joe did not have the experience I did. Crazy Joe relied on pure instincts and natural ability. I have the experience, I can remember every single match I’ve been in. I know exactly how to react in every situation. There is a big difference between Crazy Joe and Mark Mania trust me.
Emily: The only difference I notice is you’re not wearing that stupid mask anymore.
Mark Mania: Hey, that wasn’t that bad of a mask. I needed something that would cover everything. Come on, if anyone had seen this face there would be an outcry. Everyone would immediately start trying to help me remember. That’s the last thing I needed. I got all that time to work off the rust in America. It’s spectacular.
Emily: Oh that’s right, this is your first time back in Japan since you wrestled here a few years ago right?
Mark Mania: That’s right, it’s weird seeing all of the sights again, but this time as myself. I don’t dare visit any of those places though. I showed you one of the videos from when I was wrestling here. It’s completely out of control. I don’t know if you could handle it.
Emily: Oh give me a break. I could handle it.
Mark Mania: Oh Emily, the last time I showed you a video you almost freaked out because you thought I was going to get too hurt if I kept wrestling like that.
Emily: Yeah, maybe.
The two sit in silence for a bit.
Emily: Do you want to go see any of the people you used to wrestle with?
Mark Mania: No, I was never really friendly with any of them. I didn’t talk much, I can’t fucking speak Japanese, so I kind of just sat around a lot by myself. Watched a lot of Anime unfortunately.
Emily: Oh, yeah, that just sounds like a complete blast.
Mark Mania: It was pretty miserable yeah. But, that's what happens when you spend so much time in Japan. Really, now that I'm here, I don't want to think about any of the things I did here in the past. The only thing that I'm worried about is this week. I need to win that title Emily. I yearn for it. I need it. I will do whatever it takes to win this match. Trust me, this is only the start of the Mark Mania era in APW.
Emily: I don't even know what that means Mark.
Mark Mania: It means that Level-One better be ready to be surprised at One Night In Hell. I will be leaving nothing to be desired after I beat him up and down that chamber. For Level-One it will truly be a night in hell.
