Post by C.J. Gates on Mar 25, 2011 17:35:51 GMT -4
"Rasslemania.
"This is what we have all been waiting for. The grandest stage of them all, the biggest show of the year. This is the event that showcases the true competitors of the federation. The event where real champions step forward, and fake title holds slink back into the shadows, waiting to grab another belt, another day.
"But just who those fake title holders are is still yet to be seen. Though that will all be revealed soon enough.
"Last year, everyone watched as Pence Weatherlight defeated Level One in an iron man match in the main event. That was the light at the end of the tunnel, the match everyone was looking forward to. And this year, Level One once again takes center stage as he tries to take the title away from Sally Talfourd.
"And even though it's hard for me to root for either one of them, one thing we know for sure is that it will be a great fight. On one hand we have a man trying to win over the fans to propel him back to the world of World Heavyweight champion, and on the other, we have a woman doing anything but. We have a woman pushing everything positive away from her.
"Part of me hoped that Sally would draw back her claws at Overdrive, but unfortunately, she didn't see a reason to do that. She didn't see a purpose in playing nice or showing kindness, even if it was an abnormal kindness. I mean, it wasn't that long ago that her and I shook hands before and after our match.
"Eventually she will get a dose of reality, whether Lester is the one who dishes that out or not.
"But I can't be worried about her this week. Because I have bigger things on my plate right now. I have more important matters to attend to before I can focus in on Sally. I need to keep my mind on the task at hand so that Blade and I can win back the APW Tag Team titles in what will no doubt be a great match.
"A match that even Pence Weatherlight takes a back seat to it. The fans wanted to see it the moment we made it official. I know that I am focused and ready for what is to come, and I know that Blade will be focused as well. I just hope that Beautiful Disaster is ready so that we can give the fans what they want. What they expect. Give them all what they paid to see.
"A match that will rival our match at Survive and Conquer."
(The scene opens up inside the office of C.J. Gates where the man himself can be seen sitting behind the big wooden desk that stands in front of the large glass window, like always. He is wearing black pants and a black dress shirt, his cowboy hat on the desk in front of him. He is sitting back in the chair with his cell phone to his ear, looking to be in mid conversation. The rest of the office hasn't changed, and if anything, is cleaner than it has been in the past. As the scene opens, Gates' end of the conversation can be heard.)
C.J. Gates: I just wanted to make sure we were cool, that we were on the same page.
(Gates pauses.)
C.J. Gates: Alright, I was a bit worried. The way you were talking about going after Kaycee with a chair last week kind of got me worried.
(Again, Gates pauses.)
C.J. Gates: Well, I know they are our enemies at Rasslemania, but they are also a team that we respect, right?
(Gates nods his head to something said on the other end of the line.)
C.J. Gates: Exactly, so then weapons wouldn't have solved anything. That's the only reason why I was so adamant in getting you to rethink.
(Gates shakes his head.)
C.J. Gates: No, no, I'm not side tracked. I've got my head in this match one hundred percent, like always.
(Gates pauses again.)
C.J. Gates: Yeah, yeah, shut up about the chicken, okay? I got my revenge though. But we're cool, right? We're ready to go into Rasslemania and get our titles back?
(Gates smiles as he nods his head.)
C.J. Gates: Excellent, that's what I like to hear, Blade, that's what I like to hear.
(He sits forward in the chair slightly.)
C.J. Gates: Alright, I'll call you again sometime in the next week so we can talk about the match. Later.
(Gates hangs up his phone and hesitates for a moment before placing it down on the desk top. He runs his hands through his hair before dropping them back to the arms of the chair he's sitting in. As he lets out a long sigh, the door to the office opens and in walks a man younger than Gates with wavy brown hair. C.J. looks up from the desk and smiles, getting to his feet.)
C.J. Gates: B.J! What brings you here?
B.J. Gates: Just wanted to see my older brother. Been awhile since you were home, though I'd make sure you were still alive.
(The two brothers embrace in the middle of the office before taking seats on the black couches.)
C.J. Gates: It has been kind of chaotic. My plate got kind of full, and as it did, I got even more focused on wrestling.
B.J. Gates: I'm not trying to lay any guilt on you, big bro. Just saying, that's all. Besides, I figured I'd stop by and see if you were here before I head down to California.
(C.J. Gates smirks as he raises an eyebrow.)
C.J. Gates: California? Does that mean you're going to be watching Rasslemania?
B.J. Gates: Of course. It's an important night for you, thought I would watch it in person. Cheer you on from the seats.
C.J. Gates: Awesome. Though, I don't know if this pay-per-view is the most important. I think that is still reserved for Survive and Conquer.
B.J. Gates: But this is Rasslemania! This is when the best of the best square off. Besides, you get a chance at redemption against Beautiful Disaster.
C.J. Gates: Yeah, but at Survive and Conquer, that was my coming out party. That was the show that helped vault me a bit farther up the ladder, you know?
B.J. Gates: True I guess, but you were the same before the show.
(C.J. Gates nods his head.)
C.J. Gates: But how many times was I labeled as a definite threat before that show? How many times did people say I could do damage as a singles wrestler before I made it to the final four?
B.J. Gates: I guess you have a point...
C.J. Gates: I don't meant to slam you or anything, but it's true. People are looking at me differently and it's because of that show. Though, on the flip side, this is my first Rasslemania with APW. First of many I hope.
B.J. Gates: I'm sure on that part. Besides, Rico's got a big opportunity too.
C.J. Gates: He definitely does. When you get to California, you should give him a call. I'm sure he'd like to hear from back home.
B.J. Gates: Definitely will. So how have you been liking APW? You're starting to create some waves around here.
C.J. Gates: It's been enjoyable, that's for sure. Even when my name is constantly getting rolled through the mud by a few individuals, I'm still able to have fun. Still putting on a great show for the fans.
B.J. Gates: Who are those people?
(C.J. Gates chuckles.)
C.J. Gates: Namely? Sally Talfourd and Pence Weatherlight. Nothing new really, basically the same people that were doing it when dad came out on business.
B.J. Gates: Ah, yeah, well you'll get your revenge on them soon enough.
C.J. Gates: I got a measure of revenge on Pence Weatherlight a few weeks ago, but he's still running his mouth. He's still trying to talk down to me, swearing at me, while still calling himself an upstanding commodity in APW. He made a big deal about getting my attention at Overdrive, only to do a complete one-eighty and prove me right.
B.J. Gates: How did he prove you right?
C.J. Gates: Well, I kept trying to tell him that he was going about everything all wrong. He wants to be a main event star, right? He wants World title matches. But he doesn't realize you have to earn that. You can't just flap your gums and get awarded title shots at random. Basically he's just trying to bully Sally into meeting his demands.
B.J. Gates: Because he knows that he couldn't earn it if he had to.
C.J. Gates: Exactly. And mom said you were the slow one.
(B.J. smiles and then looks over confused.)
B.J. Gates: Wait, what?
C.J. Gates: Nothing. Anyways, you're right. He lost a match to me, lost a match to Brandon Young, and then prides himself on getting a win over two guys at Overdrive. And he thinks he still deserves to be World champion?
B.J. Gates: What the hell does that make you are that Brandon Young guy?
C.J. Gates: Gods maybe? I don't know but if he seriously gets a World title shot out of all his bitching, moaning and complaining...I will probably take issue to that.
B.J. Gates: I don't blame you really. What about Sally?
C.J. Gates: She and I used to be friends, we used to be allies, but lately she's...she's seeing red or something. She's been throwing my name out like I'm just using her for my own fame. Which is entirely false, but she won't listen to any sort of reason on it. Though, eventually I'll get a chance to inform her on everything. Eventually.
(The brothers sit in silence for a bit.)
B.J. Gates: How are things going with you and Vivian? She still putting up with your shit?
C.J. Gates: Eh, not so much. She kind of got upset at the fact that my schedule kept growing. She didn't really want to be following me around on the road, or seeing me only every so often.
B.J. Gates: So she split, huh?
C.J. Gates: I'd say it was mutual, that's for sure. We both kind of agreed that we'd probably be better off single for the time being. Let her do what she needs to do, while I work. Besides, I could use someone that could understand a wrestler's schedule.
B.J. Gates: Yeah, that makes sense. Good thing you never introduced her to mom and dad. They would have probably got hooked on her and been devastated by the break up.
C.J. Gates: Well, that's our parents. Remember what they did to O.J. when he broke up with his girl? It was classic.
(B.J. laughs.)
B.J. Gates: So do you want to get some dinner? Maybe we could grab some chicken or something.
(C.J. Gates stares hard at his brother before shaking his head and laughing.)
C.J. Gates: Fuck you, okay? No need to bring that shit up.
B.J. Gates: I'm just pulling your leg man. But that prank war stuff was funny shit. Loved it.
C.J. Gates: Yeah, I bet you loved that Erasure song, too. Probably sang along with it, right?
B.J. Gates: Now you're the one that can fuck off.
C.J. Gates: But glad you enjoyed the prank war. I didn't really intend for it to become a war, but after I fired off the first salvo, Brandon fired back and from there...well...the rest is history.
(C.J. Gates nods.)
C.J. Gates: Though it was enjoyable. Good to know that Brandon and Kaycee are as easy going about things as I am. Most people would have flipped, lost their cool, and gone postal on something.
B.J. Gates: Yeah, but man, you ate chicken that was breaded with baby powder! That's awesome! Gold medal goes to Brandon for that prank.
(B.J. continues to laugh as C.J. Gates just shakes his head.)
C.J. Gates: Man, I should kick your ass out of here.
B.J. Gates: Alright, I'm sorry about that. Anyways, I should probably be going. Got a few other people to see before I make the trek out. Might also see what Rico's up to.
C.J. Gates: Alright, bro, it was good to see you. Maybe we can get together after Rasslemania. Either celebrate the win or...well...mourn the loss, I guess.
B.J. Gates: Sounds good, just let me know. My number is still the same, just give me a call.
(The brothers get up and embrace again before B.J. exits the office. C.J. closes the door behind him and turns back around, taking his time to walk from the door to the desk. He stops and turns around, leaning against the desk.)
C.J. Gates: It's a well known fact that the prank war that evolved at Overdrive was all fun and games. That everyone involved, for the most part, enjoyed every moment of it. Sure, walking down the ramp to Erasure might not have been my idea of a good time, but it could have been worse, right? It could have been something a hell of a lot worse. And even though we all managed to have fun that night, that is where it ends.
That is where the fun ends and things begin to get serious. Yes, fun can still be had as Rasslemania approaches, but as the night wears on, that level of fun changes. It turns to a more serious nature. At least, to me it does.
And I think Brandon and Kaycee might be able to agree with me on that one.
Because if there is one thing that the four of us have in common, it's that we are competitive. That we take each match seriously. All four of us are in every single match until the bitter end. That was very evident at Survive and Conquer when we went to the limit. When we allowed the time to run out while everyone was trying their hardest to get the upper hand. We all wanted to win then, and I am sure that we all want to win now. We all want to raise those tag team titles high.
Though there is a big difference between our match and every other match on the card. From the opening bout to the main event, every match is filled with hatred. Every match is teeming with pent up rage that both sides just want to hammer into their opponents faces. But not us.
Sure, maybe at the last Pay-Per-View I was trying to assert myself as more of a force than anything else. I was more amped up than I probably had any right being. I was thinking on a different level. But since that show I have come to the realization that any match between Beautiful Disaster and the Exchange Rate boils down to one thing and one thing only.
Respect.
There might be remnants of some sort of anger left in Blade and myself because the Young's were the team that knocked us off of the pile. They were the team that took our titles away. And sure, there is probably a little chip on our shoulder because we weren't given the first title shot after we lost them. But in the grand scheme of things, it's hard to get really angry, to harbor any real hatred against two people that you respect. Two people that you think highly of when you're set to face off against them.
And I know somewhere Kaycee and Brandon are looking at each other, trying to figure out what happened to me. Trying to figure out where the jackass is that I once was. The one that respected them with back-handed compliments. And I can't say that those back-handed compliments won't return, but I can say that I learned a lot since the last time we fought. I can say that my perception of you two has changed since Survive and Conquer.
Are you truly better team then the Exchange Rate? Well, that is what we are here to find out this weekend, aren't we?
To find out which team is the better team of the two of us.
(Gates walks around his desk and takes a seat in the chair behind it. He leans back in it for a moment before taking a deep breath and resting his elbows on the arm rests.)
C.J. Gates: It might not look like it, but I am more than prepared. More ready for this match than I was when we lost the titles. I've cleared my head, and I've managed to focus in on the two of you in hopes that we can recreate the magic that we had at Survive and Conquer.
Or even just the amazing match that Kaycee and I had prior to that. Back when I was more of a jackass then I should have been. I know, I was out of line at that time, but you have to understand where I was coming from. You have to understand that I was feeling the pressure to rise up and become noticed. That I was watching one of the better teams APW has seen climbing up the ranks toward me. Of course I was going to be a bit of a dick when the time called for it.
But that is all in the past. Because as Brandon helped point out to me about a month ago, I need to stop acting that way. I need to stop whining and realize that we are in the spotlight every time we are fighting, whether that's as a team or on our own. That all eyes are on us. That I have already climbed the ladder, and I already stand on top, I just need to show it. I just need to make sure that the fans go home happy.
Because in the end, isn't that what all of this is about? Making sure that the fans of Beautiful Disaster, the fans of the Exchange Rate, and the fans of APW as a whole are left speechless. Making sure that they are left with their jaws on the floor.
And I'm sure we can do just that.
Like I said, we are similar in the way that we go about our business. And because of that, we will be able to steal the entire show. We will be able to walk into the stadium tonight with our heads held high and at the end of the match both teams will be able to walk away with their heads still held high.
(Gates raises his hands and smirks.)
C.J. Gates: I know, I know, I might sound like I'm going insane. I might sound like I'm not making any sense. But truth be told, part of me believes that this match isn't really about a win or a loss. It's not really about the tag team titles. Yes, yes, I know that a win and the titles would be great, it would be icing on the proverbial cake, but it's not what everything boils down to.
Blade would agree. He might have this nagging thought that he needs to redeem himself for what happened before, but he would still agree. The victory and a title reign is secondary to putting on a great match, and stealing the show away from anyone that thinks they could top a tag team ladder match clinic like we will be putting on.
(Gates pauses again and chuckles slightly as he gets up from his chair.)
C.J. Gates: Still, though, there's this distinct feeling that I'm missing something. That there isn't enough gritty trash talk flowing between us. Maybe we're just above that, and we don't need to resort to such tactics but...I still feel like it's been missing.
Though really, what is there to say? Perhaps we could take digs at your song choice, Kaycee? I mean, really, Erasure...that was really the song you thought of instantly? One can only assume you thought of it because you were listening to it in your iPod not too long ago. And no, I will not use that as a segue into taking jabs at you being a woman.
I can't really pull out losses from your recent past because, really, there aren't any. I mean, outside of what happened with Level One, but Blade and I lost to Sally the very next week. Give and take I'd say. Kaycee has beaten Blade, Brandon and I beat Pence, and while you two did come away on the winning end of that six man tag match, I think we can all agree that losing that match wasn't exactly my fault. If anything, we can all point the finger at Pence and Lester for that catastrophe.
So what else is there? I've built up this new level of respect for the two of you, so I can't strip you down verbally like I did before. Though I will admit, if you come out sporting that purple hair, Brandon, then I might have a few choice words for you. Though who knows, perhaps you'll find out that purple is a very fetching color on you, and that you have a new calling.
(Again, Gates chuckles as he paces in front of his desk. After a few moments he shakes his head.)
C.J. Gates: Though there is something that I haven't been able to shake since we lost the titles, and for once, it hasn't been the differences between Blade and myself. I'd be lying if I said that the loss at Survive and Conquer didn't hurt. I'd be lying if I said that taking my first loss at an APW Pay-Per-View didn't sting. Because I was on a roll. I had thrown aside anyone that was thrown against me. Jeff Green and Blade? Disposed of at Shockwave. Although that was also when the Exchange Rate was born. Sports Nutz? We beat them for their titles at One Night in Hell. Red Shield Mafia? Finito at Christmas Chaos, in a title defense to boot.
It was that road bump at Survive and Conquer that is the only blemish on that record. And even though Blade and I didn't capture that victory, I still managed to capture a moral victory later that same night.
And yes, while a three and one record doesn't seem like that big a deal in the grand scheme of things, think of it this way. At the biggest shows of the year, I had maintained victory up until that one blip. In the big time, I had managed to keep my cool and maintain my composure long enough to capture victory. To block everything out and focus on the task at hand.
Now we head to the grandest stage of the calender year. Now we head into Rasslemania...and I know that I can maintain that composure and that cool. I know that I can repeat all of those previous victories. I know it. It's just a matter of doing it. Of proving the doubters wrong, something that I have been more than capable of doing in recent months.
Will it all come together this week in California, or will Blade and I be looking at the current champions retaining their titles. Who knows? Maybe this Pay-Per-View will turn out like the other three did, with victories. Maybe I will regain that form that I had at the end of last year. Turn the clocks back to 2010 when everything was coming up right for the Exchange Rate.
There is one thing that I can say with one hundred percent certainty, is that I will do what I always do inside of that ring.
I will bring all of the energy that I have.
I will stop at nothing to make sure those fans are entertained.
I will pull out all of the stops to win back those tag team titles.
All the while, you two will be put to the test to see if you can go big, or if you're only going home empty handed.
See you two in the ring.
(Gates walks back toward his chair, and sits down.)
C.J. Gates: And finally, to my partner Blade. I just want to make sure you understand that I am not going to let up. I am not going to mail it in because I've begun a tear in singles competition both here and in the tournament. Say we recapture those titles, then I will definitely stand beside you as the rightful tag team champions. I will defend those titles time and time again with you. I have not quit on our team, I have never quit on our team. You know that if I wasn't in the Elite Eight of that tournament, you and I would be tagging it up over there as well.
I have faith in you, I really do. Don't mistake all of my advice for nothing, because I am only making sure that you are going to show up. I am only making sure that you have your head in this thing so that we stand a better chance at winning.
Do I blame you for losing the tag team titles? Definitely not.
Do I want the titles back? Of course I do.
Am I still part of the Exchange Rate? Until the end.
So let's come together this weekend and show the Beautiful Disaster that they aren't the only team at the top of the pile. That they have some stiff competition to maintain their status as the best of the division.
Let's show them what the Exchange Rate is all about.
(Gates sits back in his chair with a smile on his face as the scene fades to black.)
"This is what we have all been waiting for. The grandest stage of them all, the biggest show of the year. This is the event that showcases the true competitors of the federation. The event where real champions step forward, and fake title holds slink back into the shadows, waiting to grab another belt, another day.
"But just who those fake title holders are is still yet to be seen. Though that will all be revealed soon enough.
"Last year, everyone watched as Pence Weatherlight defeated Level One in an iron man match in the main event. That was the light at the end of the tunnel, the match everyone was looking forward to. And this year, Level One once again takes center stage as he tries to take the title away from Sally Talfourd.
"And even though it's hard for me to root for either one of them, one thing we know for sure is that it will be a great fight. On one hand we have a man trying to win over the fans to propel him back to the world of World Heavyweight champion, and on the other, we have a woman doing anything but. We have a woman pushing everything positive away from her.
"Part of me hoped that Sally would draw back her claws at Overdrive, but unfortunately, she didn't see a reason to do that. She didn't see a purpose in playing nice or showing kindness, even if it was an abnormal kindness. I mean, it wasn't that long ago that her and I shook hands before and after our match.
"Eventually she will get a dose of reality, whether Lester is the one who dishes that out or not.
"But I can't be worried about her this week. Because I have bigger things on my plate right now. I have more important matters to attend to before I can focus in on Sally. I need to keep my mind on the task at hand so that Blade and I can win back the APW Tag Team titles in what will no doubt be a great match.
"A match that even Pence Weatherlight takes a back seat to it. The fans wanted to see it the moment we made it official. I know that I am focused and ready for what is to come, and I know that Blade will be focused as well. I just hope that Beautiful Disaster is ready so that we can give the fans what they want. What they expect. Give them all what they paid to see.
"A match that will rival our match at Survive and Conquer."
(The scene opens up inside the office of C.J. Gates where the man himself can be seen sitting behind the big wooden desk that stands in front of the large glass window, like always. He is wearing black pants and a black dress shirt, his cowboy hat on the desk in front of him. He is sitting back in the chair with his cell phone to his ear, looking to be in mid conversation. The rest of the office hasn't changed, and if anything, is cleaner than it has been in the past. As the scene opens, Gates' end of the conversation can be heard.)
C.J. Gates: I just wanted to make sure we were cool, that we were on the same page.
(Gates pauses.)
C.J. Gates: Alright, I was a bit worried. The way you were talking about going after Kaycee with a chair last week kind of got me worried.
(Again, Gates pauses.)
C.J. Gates: Well, I know they are our enemies at Rasslemania, but they are also a team that we respect, right?
(Gates nods his head to something said on the other end of the line.)
C.J. Gates: Exactly, so then weapons wouldn't have solved anything. That's the only reason why I was so adamant in getting you to rethink.
(Gates shakes his head.)
C.J. Gates: No, no, I'm not side tracked. I've got my head in this match one hundred percent, like always.
(Gates pauses again.)
C.J. Gates: Yeah, yeah, shut up about the chicken, okay? I got my revenge though. But we're cool, right? We're ready to go into Rasslemania and get our titles back?
(Gates smiles as he nods his head.)
C.J. Gates: Excellent, that's what I like to hear, Blade, that's what I like to hear.
(He sits forward in the chair slightly.)
C.J. Gates: Alright, I'll call you again sometime in the next week so we can talk about the match. Later.
(Gates hangs up his phone and hesitates for a moment before placing it down on the desk top. He runs his hands through his hair before dropping them back to the arms of the chair he's sitting in. As he lets out a long sigh, the door to the office opens and in walks a man younger than Gates with wavy brown hair. C.J. looks up from the desk and smiles, getting to his feet.)
C.J. Gates: B.J! What brings you here?
B.J. Gates: Just wanted to see my older brother. Been awhile since you were home, though I'd make sure you were still alive.
(The two brothers embrace in the middle of the office before taking seats on the black couches.)
C.J. Gates: It has been kind of chaotic. My plate got kind of full, and as it did, I got even more focused on wrestling.
B.J. Gates: I'm not trying to lay any guilt on you, big bro. Just saying, that's all. Besides, I figured I'd stop by and see if you were here before I head down to California.
(C.J. Gates smirks as he raises an eyebrow.)
C.J. Gates: California? Does that mean you're going to be watching Rasslemania?
B.J. Gates: Of course. It's an important night for you, thought I would watch it in person. Cheer you on from the seats.
C.J. Gates: Awesome. Though, I don't know if this pay-per-view is the most important. I think that is still reserved for Survive and Conquer.
B.J. Gates: But this is Rasslemania! This is when the best of the best square off. Besides, you get a chance at redemption against Beautiful Disaster.
C.J. Gates: Yeah, but at Survive and Conquer, that was my coming out party. That was the show that helped vault me a bit farther up the ladder, you know?
B.J. Gates: True I guess, but you were the same before the show.
(C.J. Gates nods his head.)
C.J. Gates: But how many times was I labeled as a definite threat before that show? How many times did people say I could do damage as a singles wrestler before I made it to the final four?
B.J. Gates: I guess you have a point...
C.J. Gates: I don't meant to slam you or anything, but it's true. People are looking at me differently and it's because of that show. Though, on the flip side, this is my first Rasslemania with APW. First of many I hope.
B.J. Gates: I'm sure on that part. Besides, Rico's got a big opportunity too.
C.J. Gates: He definitely does. When you get to California, you should give him a call. I'm sure he'd like to hear from back home.
B.J. Gates: Definitely will. So how have you been liking APW? You're starting to create some waves around here.
C.J. Gates: It's been enjoyable, that's for sure. Even when my name is constantly getting rolled through the mud by a few individuals, I'm still able to have fun. Still putting on a great show for the fans.
B.J. Gates: Who are those people?
(C.J. Gates chuckles.)
C.J. Gates: Namely? Sally Talfourd and Pence Weatherlight. Nothing new really, basically the same people that were doing it when dad came out on business.
B.J. Gates: Ah, yeah, well you'll get your revenge on them soon enough.
C.J. Gates: I got a measure of revenge on Pence Weatherlight a few weeks ago, but he's still running his mouth. He's still trying to talk down to me, swearing at me, while still calling himself an upstanding commodity in APW. He made a big deal about getting my attention at Overdrive, only to do a complete one-eighty and prove me right.
B.J. Gates: How did he prove you right?
C.J. Gates: Well, I kept trying to tell him that he was going about everything all wrong. He wants to be a main event star, right? He wants World title matches. But he doesn't realize you have to earn that. You can't just flap your gums and get awarded title shots at random. Basically he's just trying to bully Sally into meeting his demands.
B.J. Gates: Because he knows that he couldn't earn it if he had to.
C.J. Gates: Exactly. And mom said you were the slow one.
(B.J. smiles and then looks over confused.)
B.J. Gates: Wait, what?
C.J. Gates: Nothing. Anyways, you're right. He lost a match to me, lost a match to Brandon Young, and then prides himself on getting a win over two guys at Overdrive. And he thinks he still deserves to be World champion?
B.J. Gates: What the hell does that make you are that Brandon Young guy?
C.J. Gates: Gods maybe? I don't know but if he seriously gets a World title shot out of all his bitching, moaning and complaining...I will probably take issue to that.
B.J. Gates: I don't blame you really. What about Sally?
C.J. Gates: She and I used to be friends, we used to be allies, but lately she's...she's seeing red or something. She's been throwing my name out like I'm just using her for my own fame. Which is entirely false, but she won't listen to any sort of reason on it. Though, eventually I'll get a chance to inform her on everything. Eventually.
(The brothers sit in silence for a bit.)
B.J. Gates: How are things going with you and Vivian? She still putting up with your shit?
C.J. Gates: Eh, not so much. She kind of got upset at the fact that my schedule kept growing. She didn't really want to be following me around on the road, or seeing me only every so often.
B.J. Gates: So she split, huh?
C.J. Gates: I'd say it was mutual, that's for sure. We both kind of agreed that we'd probably be better off single for the time being. Let her do what she needs to do, while I work. Besides, I could use someone that could understand a wrestler's schedule.
B.J. Gates: Yeah, that makes sense. Good thing you never introduced her to mom and dad. They would have probably got hooked on her and been devastated by the break up.
C.J. Gates: Well, that's our parents. Remember what they did to O.J. when he broke up with his girl? It was classic.
(B.J. laughs.)
B.J. Gates: So do you want to get some dinner? Maybe we could grab some chicken or something.
(C.J. Gates stares hard at his brother before shaking his head and laughing.)
C.J. Gates: Fuck you, okay? No need to bring that shit up.
B.J. Gates: I'm just pulling your leg man. But that prank war stuff was funny shit. Loved it.
C.J. Gates: Yeah, I bet you loved that Erasure song, too. Probably sang along with it, right?
B.J. Gates: Now you're the one that can fuck off.
C.J. Gates: But glad you enjoyed the prank war. I didn't really intend for it to become a war, but after I fired off the first salvo, Brandon fired back and from there...well...the rest is history.
(C.J. Gates nods.)
C.J. Gates: Though it was enjoyable. Good to know that Brandon and Kaycee are as easy going about things as I am. Most people would have flipped, lost their cool, and gone postal on something.
B.J. Gates: Yeah, but man, you ate chicken that was breaded with baby powder! That's awesome! Gold medal goes to Brandon for that prank.
(B.J. continues to laugh as C.J. Gates just shakes his head.)
C.J. Gates: Man, I should kick your ass out of here.
B.J. Gates: Alright, I'm sorry about that. Anyways, I should probably be going. Got a few other people to see before I make the trek out. Might also see what Rico's up to.
C.J. Gates: Alright, bro, it was good to see you. Maybe we can get together after Rasslemania. Either celebrate the win or...well...mourn the loss, I guess.
B.J. Gates: Sounds good, just let me know. My number is still the same, just give me a call.
(The brothers get up and embrace again before B.J. exits the office. C.J. closes the door behind him and turns back around, taking his time to walk from the door to the desk. He stops and turns around, leaning against the desk.)
C.J. Gates: It's a well known fact that the prank war that evolved at Overdrive was all fun and games. That everyone involved, for the most part, enjoyed every moment of it. Sure, walking down the ramp to Erasure might not have been my idea of a good time, but it could have been worse, right? It could have been something a hell of a lot worse. And even though we all managed to have fun that night, that is where it ends.
That is where the fun ends and things begin to get serious. Yes, fun can still be had as Rasslemania approaches, but as the night wears on, that level of fun changes. It turns to a more serious nature. At least, to me it does.
And I think Brandon and Kaycee might be able to agree with me on that one.
Because if there is one thing that the four of us have in common, it's that we are competitive. That we take each match seriously. All four of us are in every single match until the bitter end. That was very evident at Survive and Conquer when we went to the limit. When we allowed the time to run out while everyone was trying their hardest to get the upper hand. We all wanted to win then, and I am sure that we all want to win now. We all want to raise those tag team titles high.
Though there is a big difference between our match and every other match on the card. From the opening bout to the main event, every match is filled with hatred. Every match is teeming with pent up rage that both sides just want to hammer into their opponents faces. But not us.
Sure, maybe at the last Pay-Per-View I was trying to assert myself as more of a force than anything else. I was more amped up than I probably had any right being. I was thinking on a different level. But since that show I have come to the realization that any match between Beautiful Disaster and the Exchange Rate boils down to one thing and one thing only.
Respect.
There might be remnants of some sort of anger left in Blade and myself because the Young's were the team that knocked us off of the pile. They were the team that took our titles away. And sure, there is probably a little chip on our shoulder because we weren't given the first title shot after we lost them. But in the grand scheme of things, it's hard to get really angry, to harbor any real hatred against two people that you respect. Two people that you think highly of when you're set to face off against them.
And I know somewhere Kaycee and Brandon are looking at each other, trying to figure out what happened to me. Trying to figure out where the jackass is that I once was. The one that respected them with back-handed compliments. And I can't say that those back-handed compliments won't return, but I can say that I learned a lot since the last time we fought. I can say that my perception of you two has changed since Survive and Conquer.
Are you truly better team then the Exchange Rate? Well, that is what we are here to find out this weekend, aren't we?
To find out which team is the better team of the two of us.
(Gates walks around his desk and takes a seat in the chair behind it. He leans back in it for a moment before taking a deep breath and resting his elbows on the arm rests.)
C.J. Gates: It might not look like it, but I am more than prepared. More ready for this match than I was when we lost the titles. I've cleared my head, and I've managed to focus in on the two of you in hopes that we can recreate the magic that we had at Survive and Conquer.
Or even just the amazing match that Kaycee and I had prior to that. Back when I was more of a jackass then I should have been. I know, I was out of line at that time, but you have to understand where I was coming from. You have to understand that I was feeling the pressure to rise up and become noticed. That I was watching one of the better teams APW has seen climbing up the ranks toward me. Of course I was going to be a bit of a dick when the time called for it.
But that is all in the past. Because as Brandon helped point out to me about a month ago, I need to stop acting that way. I need to stop whining and realize that we are in the spotlight every time we are fighting, whether that's as a team or on our own. That all eyes are on us. That I have already climbed the ladder, and I already stand on top, I just need to show it. I just need to make sure that the fans go home happy.
Because in the end, isn't that what all of this is about? Making sure that the fans of Beautiful Disaster, the fans of the Exchange Rate, and the fans of APW as a whole are left speechless. Making sure that they are left with their jaws on the floor.
And I'm sure we can do just that.
Like I said, we are similar in the way that we go about our business. And because of that, we will be able to steal the entire show. We will be able to walk into the stadium tonight with our heads held high and at the end of the match both teams will be able to walk away with their heads still held high.
(Gates raises his hands and smirks.)
C.J. Gates: I know, I know, I might sound like I'm going insane. I might sound like I'm not making any sense. But truth be told, part of me believes that this match isn't really about a win or a loss. It's not really about the tag team titles. Yes, yes, I know that a win and the titles would be great, it would be icing on the proverbial cake, but it's not what everything boils down to.
Blade would agree. He might have this nagging thought that he needs to redeem himself for what happened before, but he would still agree. The victory and a title reign is secondary to putting on a great match, and stealing the show away from anyone that thinks they could top a tag team ladder match clinic like we will be putting on.
(Gates pauses again and chuckles slightly as he gets up from his chair.)
C.J. Gates: Still, though, there's this distinct feeling that I'm missing something. That there isn't enough gritty trash talk flowing between us. Maybe we're just above that, and we don't need to resort to such tactics but...I still feel like it's been missing.
Though really, what is there to say? Perhaps we could take digs at your song choice, Kaycee? I mean, really, Erasure...that was really the song you thought of instantly? One can only assume you thought of it because you were listening to it in your iPod not too long ago. And no, I will not use that as a segue into taking jabs at you being a woman.
I can't really pull out losses from your recent past because, really, there aren't any. I mean, outside of what happened with Level One, but Blade and I lost to Sally the very next week. Give and take I'd say. Kaycee has beaten Blade, Brandon and I beat Pence, and while you two did come away on the winning end of that six man tag match, I think we can all agree that losing that match wasn't exactly my fault. If anything, we can all point the finger at Pence and Lester for that catastrophe.
So what else is there? I've built up this new level of respect for the two of you, so I can't strip you down verbally like I did before. Though I will admit, if you come out sporting that purple hair, Brandon, then I might have a few choice words for you. Though who knows, perhaps you'll find out that purple is a very fetching color on you, and that you have a new calling.
(Again, Gates chuckles as he paces in front of his desk. After a few moments he shakes his head.)
C.J. Gates: Though there is something that I haven't been able to shake since we lost the titles, and for once, it hasn't been the differences between Blade and myself. I'd be lying if I said that the loss at Survive and Conquer didn't hurt. I'd be lying if I said that taking my first loss at an APW Pay-Per-View didn't sting. Because I was on a roll. I had thrown aside anyone that was thrown against me. Jeff Green and Blade? Disposed of at Shockwave. Although that was also when the Exchange Rate was born. Sports Nutz? We beat them for their titles at One Night in Hell. Red Shield Mafia? Finito at Christmas Chaos, in a title defense to boot.
It was that road bump at Survive and Conquer that is the only blemish on that record. And even though Blade and I didn't capture that victory, I still managed to capture a moral victory later that same night.
And yes, while a three and one record doesn't seem like that big a deal in the grand scheme of things, think of it this way. At the biggest shows of the year, I had maintained victory up until that one blip. In the big time, I had managed to keep my cool and maintain my composure long enough to capture victory. To block everything out and focus on the task at hand.
Now we head to the grandest stage of the calender year. Now we head into Rasslemania...and I know that I can maintain that composure and that cool. I know that I can repeat all of those previous victories. I know it. It's just a matter of doing it. Of proving the doubters wrong, something that I have been more than capable of doing in recent months.
Will it all come together this week in California, or will Blade and I be looking at the current champions retaining their titles. Who knows? Maybe this Pay-Per-View will turn out like the other three did, with victories. Maybe I will regain that form that I had at the end of last year. Turn the clocks back to 2010 when everything was coming up right for the Exchange Rate.
There is one thing that I can say with one hundred percent certainty, is that I will do what I always do inside of that ring.
I will bring all of the energy that I have.
I will stop at nothing to make sure those fans are entertained.
I will pull out all of the stops to win back those tag team titles.
All the while, you two will be put to the test to see if you can go big, or if you're only going home empty handed.
See you two in the ring.
(Gates walks back toward his chair, and sits down.)
C.J. Gates: And finally, to my partner Blade. I just want to make sure you understand that I am not going to let up. I am not going to mail it in because I've begun a tear in singles competition both here and in the tournament. Say we recapture those titles, then I will definitely stand beside you as the rightful tag team champions. I will defend those titles time and time again with you. I have not quit on our team, I have never quit on our team. You know that if I wasn't in the Elite Eight of that tournament, you and I would be tagging it up over there as well.
I have faith in you, I really do. Don't mistake all of my advice for nothing, because I am only making sure that you are going to show up. I am only making sure that you have your head in this thing so that we stand a better chance at winning.
Do I blame you for losing the tag team titles? Definitely not.
Do I want the titles back? Of course I do.
Am I still part of the Exchange Rate? Until the end.
So let's come together this weekend and show the Beautiful Disaster that they aren't the only team at the top of the pile. That they have some stiff competition to maintain their status as the best of the division.
Let's show them what the Exchange Rate is all about.
(Gates sits back in his chair with a smile on his face as the scene fades to black.)
