Post by C.J. Gates on Apr 9, 2011 16:37:23 GMT -4
(The scene opens up inside of a gym, around the area where the wrestling ring is. The rest of the gym is fairly empty, and one could guess that it's fairly late in the day. Pacing inside of the ring is none other than the APW Suicidal Champion Rico Casteel, dressed in a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, looking around the gym impatiently. Standing on the outside of the ring, wearing his mustard colored suit and holding his wide brimmed hat in his hands, is Colonel Frederick de LaFontaine III. As Rico paces the ring, he smirks, while the Colonel steals glances at the door. After a few moments, Colonel notices Rico smirking.)
Colonel: What's with the stupid grin, boy?
Rico: Oh, nothing. Just remembering Rasslemania. Remembering everyone hitting the mat after being thrown over the top rope.
(He continues to pace, every so often pointing outside of the ring.)
Rico: That's where Curtis Williams' short lived dreams ended. And there, that is where Criss Cassidy was sent back to being inactive. The Gambler lost on his bet right there and Mr. Dangerous ate the mat over there. And here...
(Rico pauses at one of the sides and grabs the top rope with both hands.)
Rico: This is where I dumped Khaos to the floor to secure the victory. To win the battle royal...
Colonel: To make your Rasslemania moment.
Rico: Exactly. I made sure to come through on my promise of being the winner. In my mind there was never any doubt. But to some...a little pain made them see things my way.
Colonel: Speaking of which, how's your shoulder doin', son?
(Rico takes a step back from the ropes and swings his arm in a slow circle.)
Rico: Never better, really. Those two weeks off have definitely done me some good. Can't wait to get back into the ring, though.
Colonel: Good, I say, good. Because you've got a tall order on tap this week, as I'm sure you have seen. Right, boy?
Rico: Yes, I have seen. And really, aside from a few sideshows being thrown in to go out with a bang, I can't wait.
Colonel: I don't think I'd call them sideshows. Back in my day, we used to treat men of their caliber with respect and admiration. Not with insults, son.
(Rico scoffs at the words and shakes his head.)
Rico: Aside from them being added so that we can close the doors of the IWC Arena with a bang, what purpose do they provide?
Colonel: I'll give you that one. But that's why we're here, isn't it? We want to make sure that your pahtna can actually handle his end of the battle.
(Rico nods his head and smiles.)
Rico: Speaking of which, where is he? Didn't you tell him to be here ten minutes ago?
Colonel: He'll be, I say, he'll be here, just hold your horses. Don't worry about anything, Rico.
Rico: Worry? What's there to worry about?
Colonel: Exactly...
Rico: Just the fact that my partner this week was in the corner of my opponent. Just that they had all that time prior to Rasslemania to get to know one another, and I can only assume that he is late right now getting all of the information on what James wants to know.
(The Colonel shakes his head and smirks.)
Colonel: You are one paranoid sumbitch, aren't you?
Rico: You need to be ready for anything, right? I'm just getting myself prepared.
Colonel: Fair. I'll give you that one. But he probably didn't bond with James as much as you think he did. He seemed to be a bit more...well, he surely wasn't all there.
Rico: He might not have bonded. Maybe James is just throwing some of the C.R.A.P money at him so that he'll fuck me over in the match.
(Again, the Colonel shakes his head.)
Colonel: You really, I say, you really need to calm down. I assure you that he isn't out to get you, nor is he working with your opposition. He might be a wild card, but he's not a traitor.
Rico: Wild card?
Colonel: That's what they call him. "The Wild Card".
(Rico now nods, a slight smile creeping across his face.)
Rico: "The Loose Cannon" and "The Wild Card" on the same side of the ring? Can only mean no one will know what we're going to be throwing at them.
Colonel: Then you're alright then? You've calmed down?
Rico: Of course not. I still don't know what that loon is doing. As soon as he gets here, then I will be able to tell what he's capable of. But right now, in my head, he's having dinner with the enemy.
(Rico turns around as the Colonel simply shakes his head.)
Colonel: You got to, I say, got to forget about him, boy. Don't worry what he's doing. If he gets out of line at Asylum, just pop him one for good measure. Like my grandpa used to do with his cane when I'd take a cookie before dinner.
Rico: What...are you talking about?
Colonel: Nothing, nothing. Listen, he should be here soon, so make sure you're ready to show him the ropes.
(Rico begins to stretch out his neck and arms as the door to the gym can be heard opening, the familiar ring of a bell echoing throughout the gym.)
Rico: It's about damn time you should up...
(Rico and the Colonel both begin to turn around.)
Voice: Hey Drizzle, Drizzle, this cat's in the hizzle!
(Rico's face cracks into an angry snarl as the scene fades out.)
TO BE CONTINUED
"I warned everyone. I told them that there was no way I was leaving Rasslemania with anything short of a victory in the Battle Royal. Yet some people still doubted my ability. Some people still thought that I was just blowing smoke. But they learned the truth the hard way.
"Just like Kristina Blackwell learned when she doubted my ability to win the Suicidal title. Just like Nate Bishop learned - twice - when he not only tried to tell me that I was wrong at every turn, but when he also claimed he could easily take my title away from me. Funny thing, though...I'm still a champion, and I didn't even have to create my own title.
"But now my attention turns away from the handful of wrestlers in the Battle Royal, and away from everyone who thought I was destined for failure. Now my sights are set on one man and one man only.
"James Chambers.
"That's right, James, the moment is drawing nearer. My chance to dethrone you is becoming more of a reality with each day that passes. I'm sure you've realized that. I'm sure you've begun to sweat. Because you and I both know that if there is one person in the Asylum that poses a threat to you and your title, it's me. I proved that the last time we fought, and this week, I will prove that again.
"Though, naturally, Reginald wants to try and stack the deck against me. He wants to preserve his champion as long as he can before "The Loose Cannon" usurps him. And in doing so, he has decided to add in two celebrities for flavor, two men that will do nothing but put people in the seats. And the kicker? They're both associates of yours. No, I'm not talking about the Riboflavin's, I'm talking about Craig T. Nelson and Gary Busey.
"Two of your corner men from Rasslemania.
"So, I'm sure you can understand my suspicion that Reginald is showing his favor to you. Showing the world that he isn't afraid to stack the deck in his World champions favor. And to be honest? I don't really mind. Because what it does for me, is it allows me to prove myself even more so. It allows me to prove that even when the odds are stached against me, I can still walk out a winner. That I can still walk out with my head held high.
"And really, that's all I care about. Because this week is just the precursor to the weeks to come. This is just the beginning of your end as the Heavyweight champion. But you already knew that, didn't you? Deep down, you already knew that your time was coming to an end. That you were going to be pushed into obscurity in a short time.
"You are just afraid to admit it.
"I will say one thing for you, though, you are a worthy competitor. Unlike Madok Mortalis and Nate Bishop, stepping into the ring with you is an actual match. A test of my superior ability. A battle against someone who is almost as tough and as menacing as I am. Truthfully, James, our eventual battle is something I look forward to. Something that everyone looks forward to. The buzz is immense, James, as I'm sure you have noticed. Everyone wants to see the two of us go toe to toe for your title.
"But I don't want to look too far ahead quite yet. Believe it or not, I am still focused on this week, and on this tag team match we are stepping into. Still focused on making you look like the punk you are. And honestly? Even though I have to share my side of the ring with Gary Busey, it doesn't matter who I am teamed with. Busey, Jerry Van Dyke, Jim Belushi, Carrot Top...it doesn't matter. I will still walk away as the winner of the last match that the Asylum will have in the IWC Arena. I will still embarass the Heavyweight champion.
"Don't get me wrong though, I'm sure that you will do your best to prove me otherwise. To show the world that James Chambers is still as dominant as he seemed to be during his War Games match. But what you seem to forget, is that I wasn't there. I wasn't standing across from you inside of that cage. And if I was? Things would have definitely been different.
"Because I've thought long and hard about you and I. I've thought about the similarities that you pointed out last time, but also, the things that separate us apart. I am one hundred percent focused on each and every match that I have. I am one hundred percent focused on tearing down my opponents with anything and everything.
"It also means that I take myself quite seriously both in and out of the ring. Which I'm sure you can echo. And really, the only thing you and I don't share is the loose cannon mentality that runs through my body. That ability to constantly keep your opponents off guard, because they can never be too sure what to expect. The mean streak I will use to leave you battered, bloody and beaten inside of that ring.
"I could take your victory over President Jeff as a sign of things to come, but in my mind, you beat a has been trying to relieve his glory days. A man that was covered with ring rust, and had no business being inside of that ring, even you can agree with that. And without your team, you would have wound up eating a loss. Even still, I know that you are a handful. I know that you will provide some sort of competition, more competition than any of my doubters ever brought to the table.
"But you don't doubt me, do you James? You know I can beat you whenever I want. You know I am a threat to not only your title, but to you as well.
"And you're worried."
Colonel: What's with the stupid grin, boy?
Rico: Oh, nothing. Just remembering Rasslemania. Remembering everyone hitting the mat after being thrown over the top rope.
(He continues to pace, every so often pointing outside of the ring.)
Rico: That's where Curtis Williams' short lived dreams ended. And there, that is where Criss Cassidy was sent back to being inactive. The Gambler lost on his bet right there and Mr. Dangerous ate the mat over there. And here...
(Rico pauses at one of the sides and grabs the top rope with both hands.)
Rico: This is where I dumped Khaos to the floor to secure the victory. To win the battle royal...
Colonel: To make your Rasslemania moment.
Rico: Exactly. I made sure to come through on my promise of being the winner. In my mind there was never any doubt. But to some...a little pain made them see things my way.
Colonel: Speaking of which, how's your shoulder doin', son?
(Rico takes a step back from the ropes and swings his arm in a slow circle.)
Rico: Never better, really. Those two weeks off have definitely done me some good. Can't wait to get back into the ring, though.
Colonel: Good, I say, good. Because you've got a tall order on tap this week, as I'm sure you have seen. Right, boy?
Rico: Yes, I have seen. And really, aside from a few sideshows being thrown in to go out with a bang, I can't wait.
Colonel: I don't think I'd call them sideshows. Back in my day, we used to treat men of their caliber with respect and admiration. Not with insults, son.
(Rico scoffs at the words and shakes his head.)
Rico: Aside from them being added so that we can close the doors of the IWC Arena with a bang, what purpose do they provide?
Colonel: I'll give you that one. But that's why we're here, isn't it? We want to make sure that your pahtna can actually handle his end of the battle.
(Rico nods his head and smiles.)
Rico: Speaking of which, where is he? Didn't you tell him to be here ten minutes ago?
Colonel: He'll be, I say, he'll be here, just hold your horses. Don't worry about anything, Rico.
Rico: Worry? What's there to worry about?
Colonel: Exactly...
Rico: Just the fact that my partner this week was in the corner of my opponent. Just that they had all that time prior to Rasslemania to get to know one another, and I can only assume that he is late right now getting all of the information on what James wants to know.
(The Colonel shakes his head and smirks.)
Colonel: You are one paranoid sumbitch, aren't you?
Rico: You need to be ready for anything, right? I'm just getting myself prepared.
Colonel: Fair. I'll give you that one. But he probably didn't bond with James as much as you think he did. He seemed to be a bit more...well, he surely wasn't all there.
Rico: He might not have bonded. Maybe James is just throwing some of the C.R.A.P money at him so that he'll fuck me over in the match.
(Again, the Colonel shakes his head.)
Colonel: You really, I say, you really need to calm down. I assure you that he isn't out to get you, nor is he working with your opposition. He might be a wild card, but he's not a traitor.
Rico: Wild card?
Colonel: That's what they call him. "The Wild Card".
(Rico now nods, a slight smile creeping across his face.)
Rico: "The Loose Cannon" and "The Wild Card" on the same side of the ring? Can only mean no one will know what we're going to be throwing at them.
Colonel: Then you're alright then? You've calmed down?
Rico: Of course not. I still don't know what that loon is doing. As soon as he gets here, then I will be able to tell what he's capable of. But right now, in my head, he's having dinner with the enemy.
(Rico turns around as the Colonel simply shakes his head.)
Colonel: You got to, I say, got to forget about him, boy. Don't worry what he's doing. If he gets out of line at Asylum, just pop him one for good measure. Like my grandpa used to do with his cane when I'd take a cookie before dinner.
Rico: What...are you talking about?
Colonel: Nothing, nothing. Listen, he should be here soon, so make sure you're ready to show him the ropes.
(Rico begins to stretch out his neck and arms as the door to the gym can be heard opening, the familiar ring of a bell echoing throughout the gym.)
Rico: It's about damn time you should up...
(Rico and the Colonel both begin to turn around.)
Voice: Hey Drizzle, Drizzle, this cat's in the hizzle!
(Rico's face cracks into an angry snarl as the scene fades out.)
TO BE CONTINUED
"I warned everyone. I told them that there was no way I was leaving Rasslemania with anything short of a victory in the Battle Royal. Yet some people still doubted my ability. Some people still thought that I was just blowing smoke. But they learned the truth the hard way.
"Just like Kristina Blackwell learned when she doubted my ability to win the Suicidal title. Just like Nate Bishop learned - twice - when he not only tried to tell me that I was wrong at every turn, but when he also claimed he could easily take my title away from me. Funny thing, though...I'm still a champion, and I didn't even have to create my own title.
"But now my attention turns away from the handful of wrestlers in the Battle Royal, and away from everyone who thought I was destined for failure. Now my sights are set on one man and one man only.
"James Chambers.
"That's right, James, the moment is drawing nearer. My chance to dethrone you is becoming more of a reality with each day that passes. I'm sure you've realized that. I'm sure you've begun to sweat. Because you and I both know that if there is one person in the Asylum that poses a threat to you and your title, it's me. I proved that the last time we fought, and this week, I will prove that again.
"Though, naturally, Reginald wants to try and stack the deck against me. He wants to preserve his champion as long as he can before "The Loose Cannon" usurps him. And in doing so, he has decided to add in two celebrities for flavor, two men that will do nothing but put people in the seats. And the kicker? They're both associates of yours. No, I'm not talking about the Riboflavin's, I'm talking about Craig T. Nelson and Gary Busey.
"Two of your corner men from Rasslemania.
"So, I'm sure you can understand my suspicion that Reginald is showing his favor to you. Showing the world that he isn't afraid to stack the deck in his World champions favor. And to be honest? I don't really mind. Because what it does for me, is it allows me to prove myself even more so. It allows me to prove that even when the odds are stached against me, I can still walk out a winner. That I can still walk out with my head held high.
"And really, that's all I care about. Because this week is just the precursor to the weeks to come. This is just the beginning of your end as the Heavyweight champion. But you already knew that, didn't you? Deep down, you already knew that your time was coming to an end. That you were going to be pushed into obscurity in a short time.
"You are just afraid to admit it.
"I will say one thing for you, though, you are a worthy competitor. Unlike Madok Mortalis and Nate Bishop, stepping into the ring with you is an actual match. A test of my superior ability. A battle against someone who is almost as tough and as menacing as I am. Truthfully, James, our eventual battle is something I look forward to. Something that everyone looks forward to. The buzz is immense, James, as I'm sure you have noticed. Everyone wants to see the two of us go toe to toe for your title.
"But I don't want to look too far ahead quite yet. Believe it or not, I am still focused on this week, and on this tag team match we are stepping into. Still focused on making you look like the punk you are. And honestly? Even though I have to share my side of the ring with Gary Busey, it doesn't matter who I am teamed with. Busey, Jerry Van Dyke, Jim Belushi, Carrot Top...it doesn't matter. I will still walk away as the winner of the last match that the Asylum will have in the IWC Arena. I will still embarass the Heavyweight champion.
"Don't get me wrong though, I'm sure that you will do your best to prove me otherwise. To show the world that James Chambers is still as dominant as he seemed to be during his War Games match. But what you seem to forget, is that I wasn't there. I wasn't standing across from you inside of that cage. And if I was? Things would have definitely been different.
"Because I've thought long and hard about you and I. I've thought about the similarities that you pointed out last time, but also, the things that separate us apart. I am one hundred percent focused on each and every match that I have. I am one hundred percent focused on tearing down my opponents with anything and everything.
"It also means that I take myself quite seriously both in and out of the ring. Which I'm sure you can echo. And really, the only thing you and I don't share is the loose cannon mentality that runs through my body. That ability to constantly keep your opponents off guard, because they can never be too sure what to expect. The mean streak I will use to leave you battered, bloody and beaten inside of that ring.
"I could take your victory over President Jeff as a sign of things to come, but in my mind, you beat a has been trying to relieve his glory days. A man that was covered with ring rust, and had no business being inside of that ring, even you can agree with that. And without your team, you would have wound up eating a loss. Even still, I know that you are a handful. I know that you will provide some sort of competition, more competition than any of my doubters ever brought to the table.
"But you don't doubt me, do you James? You know I can beat you whenever I want. You know I am a threat to not only your title, but to you as well.
"And you're worried."
