Post by C.J. Gates on Jun 30, 2011 8:53:07 GMT -4
"What does it take to be the best?
"At one point in time, people would say that to be the best, you would have to beat the best. That to be at the top of the mountain, you would have to topple everyone that stood above you. Everyone that was deemed as better than you.
"Now, some people would have everyone believe that to be the best, you need to be the best at brutalizing your opponents. At dominating them inside of that ring with their size and strength, tossing them around as if they were rag dolls.
"Other people would say that to be the best, you have to make sure that the opponent isn't able to gain any confidence. They would have you believe that you're supposed to be the best at belittling your opponent, spewing trash at them from every angle, running down everything in their lives as worthless. They think that the goal is to make sure that your opponent feels even less like a human bring once they step into that ring.
"Some believe that just being good looking, driving flashy cars and walking that famed walk is enough to make you the best. That by simply showing up is enough to make you the cream of the crop and the next one in line for a title shot.
"Perhaps it's not about looking well, but looking after yourself, making sure that you have a back-up plan ready and waiting. Maybe that back-up plan comes in the form of a tag team partner, always willing to do you bidding.
"Even more, maybe it all comes down to how manipulative you can be. To how well you can turn everything into your own favor, your own ideal. Manipulating every situation so that you look better than you really are.
"But those aren't the codes that I live by. Those aren't what I take into account when I am thinking about what it takes to be the best.
"I'm not trying to come across as cocky, but I think that I have done nothing but succeed since I walked into APW. I have done nothing but win matches and make my presence known. And the keys to my success are all there. To start with, you have to wrestle because you want to, not because you have to, and certainly not because you're expected to. There has to be passion in what you do. You have to give the fans something to remember, you have to leave it all in the ring and you have to persevere in the face of adversity.
"Sure, it might sound like some anti-this or anti-that campaign, but it's not. It's what I have done and what I do every time I step into that ring. I take nothing for granted and I expect nothing more than what I am capable of handling.
"Am I the best? Well, no, I don't think that I'm the best, not yet anyways. But isn't that what this tournament is for? Isn't that why we are here? We aren't fighting at Test for the Best because we are the best, but because we are almost the best. We are on the cusp of stardom, and everyone knows that we are one big break away from the big time.
"This is our one big break.
"This is our time to answer the challenges and to conquer all of the tests thrown our way.
"Something I have been working on since the very beginning. Something that I have been striving for since my first match against Cooper Conrad nearly a year ago. And ever since then, I have never let up on the gas pedal.
"And that is no lie. Ever since I entered APW in July, I have fought on all but one of the shows. For the number lovers out there, of a possible thirty nine shows that have run since I debuted, I have fought on thirty eight of them, a total of thirty nine matches counting the Survive and Conquer match as it's own.
"If nothing else, I have worked hard to get to where I am right now in my career. I have worked my ass off to to where I stand. And while most people in my position might complain that they don't get enough time off to recharge or to heal, but I'm not most people.
"I am C.J. Gates.
"And like I said in January, 2011 is my year.
"Last year might have been the year when Sally Talfourd put everyone on notice, winning the tournament and, as we all know, going on to win the biggest honor that APW has to offer. That was, before her quick and sudden fall from grace.
"What made her successful last year?
"That's what everyone's asking as they look for her to repeat. But me?
"I'm simply going to be better than she was. Better than she is.
"I am going to make sure that I get my revenge."
APW Overdrive
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
June 2nd, 2011
(The scene opens up inside of a locker room backstage, where Gates is seen knocking over a camera. His breathing is heavy and has a few bruises on his face to go with the dried blood in the corner of his mouth. He shakes his head as he limps over to the chair and takes a seat. He reaches down beside him and picks up a closed bottle of water, throwing it across the room, remaining hunched over afterward, taking a few deep breaths. As he sits back up, his right hand finds left side, and a slight grimace crosses his face. It's at that moment that the locker room door opens and in walks a doctor, the same one who, moments ago, advised Gates not to wrestle in the Main Event that evening.)
Doctor: Is it safe to come back inside?
(His eyes scan the room, managing to find the water bottle and camera.)
Doctor: I don't want to keep harping on the subject, Mr. Gates, but I think it is in your best interests not to go out to that ring tonight.
(Gates looks over at the doctor who closes the door.)
Doctor: I don't care what was done to you earlier, you are in no shape to compete.
C.J. Gates: Says you.
Doctor: Yes, says me. I already told you that you'll only do more harm than good if you do.
C.J. Gates: I don't care. Sally has crossed the line and I am not going to let her get away with it. How would you feel if you were in my position? What would you do if you had just been beaten inside of the ring, blindsided by a thorn in your side and a talentless black hole.
Doctor: I'd think of the future.
(Gates shakes his head as he slowly gets up from his seat, wincing.)
Doctor: I would think of what kind of damage I'd be doing that could force me to miss more time than necessary. And I know you don't want this whole thing to end up playing into the hands of Ms. Talfourd, right Mr. Gates?
(Gates shoots a glare over his shoulder.)
Doctor: I'm not against you here, but I'm also not on your side. I'm just trying to look out for the well being of the wrestlers when I do me job, both in the ring and out.
C.J. Gates: She's not going to get away with this. I won't let her.
(The doctor shakes his head. From the television monitor in the far corner of the room, a replay of the earlier attack Gates suffered is shown.)
C.J. Gates: Unfortunately, I am going to have to go against your advice. Because I will be in that match tonight and I will be sure to give Sally a taste of her own medicine. Even if it kills me, I am not going to let her get away with it, and I am definitely not going to let Lester down.
Doctor: There's nothing I can say to change your mind, is there?
C.J. Gates: Not a thing. I am going to make sure that I get my revenge on her.
(Gates begins to limp his way to the door.)
Doctor: Well, if you're going to be stupid and actually fight, can you do me and the entire APW one favor?
C.J. Gates: Depends what that favor is?
Doctor: After the match, maybe tomorrow or something, come by and we'll check up on some things, make sure you didn't screw yourself over by trying to be a hero. Alright?
C.J. Gates: Fine. I'll stop by, now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go make sure a certain tyrant queen gets a taste of revenge.
(As Gates reaches the door he is stopped by the doctors voice.)
Doctor: And one more thing. Don't you think you're paying too much attention to her? I mean, there's got to be others to worry about around here, right?
(Gates glares at the doctor before rolling his eyes and leaving the room, closing the door behind him. The doctor shakes his head, bringing his hands up to rub his forehead as the scene fades to black.)
"Well, Khaos, here we are again.
"Looking around, I could assume that you would be picked to represent Overdrive in this tournament. It came down to only a handful of people, and, well, I guess I landed on you because of what you were able to accomplish at one point in time in APW. And no, you didn't hear that wrong, Khaos, because I am one of the firm believers that you have lost a lot of the spring that you had in your step when you first entered. Back when you first set your sights on the APW Overdrive title.
"And I'm sure you can agree with that, can't you Khaos? I mean, back when you first started tearing everything up, you actually seemed like a threat. You actually seemed like someone that could eventually challenge for the Undisputed title if you just kept your head level and continued to power through everything that was sent your way.
"But things didn't stay that way, did they?
"Maybe everything with Delores got to your head. Maybe the fact that you were gifted a title shot without really being put through the paces to earn it got you a little full of yourself. I don't know what the reasons are, and I don't think you can even begin to list them. After all, I doubt you even see that you've taken a step back.
"But you have. And it's true, while I was a little irked that you were just handed an Overdrive title shot ahead of other, more deserving people, I let it slide. I figured that you had what it took to get the job done, to make something of the opportunity and finally end Biggs' reign. I really had a lot of faith in you.
"And then you couldn't beat Biggs and myself in a tag team match.
"And then you failed to beat me in singles competition the week before Mayhem.
"So my thoughts on you kind of changed. I don't deny that I found you to be a tough competitor, that you were going to be someone to put me through my paces each and every time I had to face off against you. But as we had that first meeting before Mayhem...well, the script was flipped, and everything was starting to become more of a reality. In short, Khaos?
"You're not the man I thought you were. You're not the competitor I hoped you would be. And who knows, maybe this is the tournament where you really pull out all the stops and really begin to show people the true Khaos that signed up, the real monster from the penitentiary that you were billed as at first. But if history is any indication, I have a feeling that you will come up just short. That you will get yourself halfway through the job before you suddenly lose your interest.
"I mean, look at the facts, Khaos. You managed to terrorize Biggs and you managed to break his arm, but when it really came down to it, and you really had to man up, you couldn't get the job done. You couldn't pin the man that everyone has watched dominate with the Overdrive title.
"Maybe that's just a testament to how good Biggs really is. Maybe the real credit should be given to him, and not dealt onto you as some sort of disappointment.
"But if I began to think like that, then I would be here for a good long while trying to figure everything out and trying to make sure that I covered all of my bases. So knowing that you were only able to injure Biggs repeatedly and never really being able to take advantage of that, well, it doesn't leave a good impression on what you will do during Test for the Best.
"If I had to guess, I'd say that you would beat Johnny Rebel in your first round match, give a good fight in your second round match, before ultimately giving up halfway through and allowing your opponent to capture the victory and move on to the finals. Something that would really make Johnny Rebel's blood boil.
"Though, Khaos, I won't write you off completely.
"Because I know that deep down you have what it takes to come out fighting. That you are able to put up a very tough fight when you want to. And because of that possibility, I'm not going to sit back and take you easy. I'm not going to sit back and go through the paces of a match with you, knowing that I have beaten you once before, because that's not how I operate. I will treat every match as if it's the biggest match, and I will treat each match as if it's the first time I've met someone inside of that ring.
"Of course, this could end up being just speculation. There is always the chance I won't even be in the second round match-up, and there is always the possibility that you will screw up earlier on then you intend to. The chance that you will allow Johnny Rebel to walk into the second round ahead of you. And after the way your last match with him went, when you two gift wrapped a win for the newcomer, I can't exactly say that either one of you has the upper hand.
"So maybe I'm just trying to light a fire under your ass, Khaos. Maybe I want another chance to face you to give you a chance to redeem yourself. Rebel has at least shown that he is capable of stringing together wins, and you have shown that you can injure one person and that's it. Nothing more, nothing less, falling into obscurity.
"But I hope that you prove me wrong.
"Show me that you are an actual threat to winning this whole tournament. Show me that you want this tournament as much as I do. As much as anyone else would if they were in your shoes. Show me that you actually have the talent to compete, that your Overdrive title match wasn't just based on luck and happenstance.
"Show me that it wasn't a gift.
"Show me that you can maintain some sort of continuity, and that you aren't just a one trick pony. That you didn't just luck into everything because of one great showing. Show me that Rasslemania was more than just a one night deal because Khaos, that's what it seems to be. It seems like you just got lucky in a match where only half the competitors truly cared. And ever since, you have done nothing but lose the faith that people had put in you. In all honesty, you haven't really done much to warrant a spot inside of this tournament other than luck out yet again. Falling into a void created by the outgoing and the ill prepared.
"Is that all you are good for, Khaos? Luck and gifts? Do you need someone to pull the string in front of you so you will actually move? If not, then you are doing a poor job at showing it. A very poor job at showing me that you deserve the right to fight for a Undisputed title shot. If Rasslemania was your best effort, and you lost, I can only imagine the easy road Johnny Rebel will have in his first round match.
"So, again Khaos, prove me wrong.
"Show me something that we haven't seen from you yet. Open my eyes with some sort of...surprise. Make me take a step back and say 'wow, that guy really knows how to pull out all the stops'.
"Show me that you have what it takes the be the best."
Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
June 6th, 2011
(The scene opens up inside of a doctors office somewhere in Moncton. The doctor can be seen sitting behind his wooden desk, the certificates of his academic prowess lining the wall behind his chair. Across from him sits C.J. Gates who is drumming on the arms of the chair. The doctor looks over a chart in front of him before nodding his head and placing it on the desk in front of him.)
Doctor: Good news, Mr. Gates. You didn't do anything else to hurt yourself. So if you just keep yourself on the healthy side of things, you should be good to wrestle some more.
(Gates smiles slightly.)
C.J. Gates: Thanks, doc. Though I don't think it would have mattered what you're report said.
Doctor: C.J., you have to realize that if you keep getting attacked and keep fighting, something is going to give, and it's most likely going to mean you have to take some time off.
C.J. Gates: Perhaps. But I think I'm good with taking that chance. After all, you've got to go big or go home, and I don't feel like heading back to North Dakota.
(The doctor shrugs as he pushes his chair out from the desk.)
Doctor: Fair enough. Though I just though I'd warn you. I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't.
C.J. Gates: Well, thanks again. But I'm pretty good at making sure I don't get too injured or overdo it too much.
Doctor: You didn't get worked over a bit at the end of the match this past week, didn't you?
(Gates nods.)
C.J. Gates: Yeah, but when I have the time I relax, recoup, make sure that I'm ready to go the next week.
Doctor: And if she keeps attacking you like she has been? What then? One internal injury that isn't immediate and you could be in the hospital quickly.
C.J. Gates: With all due respect, this is what I've been doing for a living for awhile now. I'm pretty sure I know the risks I am taking whenever I step inside of that arena.
Doctor: Like I said, I just wanted to warn you. Who knows, maybe if you end up in the hospital, I'll come by and say 'I told you so'.
C.J. Gates: I'm not going to stop you from doing that, anyways.
(The doctor laughs and shakes his head, shifting his weight so he is sitting forward in his chair.)
Doctor: If you don't mind me asking, who are you fighting this week?
C.J. Gates: Sally Talfourd.
(The doctor stares at Gates with a blank expression.)
Doctor: Wait, so you're saying that you went out to that ring in an effort to get revenge, and now, you're getting that chance?
C.J. Gates: I guess so, yeah. But you never can tell how things would work out. I could have not faced her for months. I just got lucky.
(The doctor shakes his head.)
Doctor: Just be careful out there. I'd hate to be the one doing some sort of operation on you. Okay?
C.J. Gates: Okay. I'll do my best to stay out of trouble. Though, I am going to get my revenge. That, we can all be sure of.
Doctor: And like I said before. Keep your eyes peeled. There's always the possibility of others coming up behind you and catching you napping.
C.J. Gates: I'll take that into consideration. Thanks for your time.
Doctor: Thanks for stopping by, Mr. Gates.
(Gates stands up and exits the office, making his way through the reception area and out the main door into the hallway as the scene fades to black.)
"To go along with those that I have met before, there is also the possibility of a match that the APW has never seen before.
"Of course, I am speaking about you, Johnny Rebel, which I'm sure tickles your fancy just fine, right? After all, you seem to be the sort of person who can't sit still without knowing that your name is being bandied about by just about everyone out there. Without having the name Johnny Rebel sitting on everyone's tongues.
"Something you'll be able to get from this tournament. I have no doubt that you are being pushed as a favorite in this because of your record, because you have yet to be tarnished with an actual loss. Sure, last time out you didn't have the most favorable of outcomes, but it still wasn't a true loss. You were still not pinned for the final three count.
"But then again, as you said yourself, you haven't exactly been met with a lot of competition. You haven't exactly been challenged each and every time you went out there. In fact, if my memory serves me right, you even threatened to leave if you weren't dealt with some sort of competition that you see as a worthy challenge.
"And if my memory serves me right, Jason Kash did the same thing before he got bounced out of APW on his ass.
"Not to say that you are like Jason Kash, but more to say that sometimes, it's not about how you handle yourself in the ring, but how you handle yourself outside of it all. For instance, you went on a six match winning streak and then began to complain to the high heavens that you deserved better, when really you should have just manned up and fought.
"I know, I know, that sort of thought wave is odd for someone like you to handle. To people like you, to people like Sally, to people like Khaos, you all think you should be handed something. All of you expect to be gifted some sort of title or to have your demands met just because you think you're the top shit. Just because you feel like you've earned it.
"Well, Little John, let the record show that I piled up seven wins before my first title shot. That I never even began to boast my claims of being deserving of a title shot until well after that. That I never held the promotion hostage because I felt like I should have been thrown into the spotlight right away. Because I know that is not how it works.
"The way it works, Little John?
"You have to earn it.
"You have to put yourself through your paces and really earn the right to say that you are above the level of competition. And, for the records sake, how many times to you strut out to the ring and demand to be fighting Lester Only? Or Sally Talfourd? How many times did you put on your best Pence Weatherlight impression, demanding a shot at the World title without having done a damn thing to earn it.
"As far as I can remember, you never did. Just like Jason Kash never went toe to toe with James Chambers or Rico Casteel in his first stint.
"Now maybe you threw the odd quip in about how you should be main eventing each and every week, but it wasn't anything special. Nothing that made me take notice, so therefore, nothing that really happened. Instead, we just hear you flapping your gums about how you deserve to be put right up against King Richard instead of every other one of the Merry Men. Instead we hear you pleading, begging on your hands and knees, about how you think you deserve more.
"I put in six months before I began that little spiel. I was beating people left, right and center before I tried to force someone's hand. Am I bitter that I wasn't listened to? Not at all. Because that's when I began to realize, even more so, that you have to earn every reward you are handed. That you must earn every little ounce of respect that you desire. But that's the good thing about APW.
"They don't give in to terrorist demands. Just ask Pence Weatherlight.
"They don't let veterans like you call the shots unless you have actually earned the right to call the shots. Which brings us all to this tournament, this Pay-Per-View, where we all get that chance to take the next step up, to reach into the realm of the Undisputed title. It's then that we can begin to make serious strides toward calling the shots and it's then that we can begin to realize what it really takes.
"Or at least you can. I've already realized what it takes to compete with some of the best. I'm sure you've re-watched Survive and Conquer to see just what I did to make me a threat to winning it all, and I'm sure you've also realized that it took more than two months for me to get to that point. Now, of course, perhaps you feel like you're owed something because of what you accomplished before your little hiatus, and that's fine, it really is.
"But what you accomplished then has no bearing on what's happening now.
"Just like what I accomplished before my hiatus has no bearing to what is going on in APW.
"Sure, you can float out all of those facts and numbers and hope that someone will care and listen, but how often does that work? How often does someone really look that far into the past to figure out the present? Very rarely I'd think.
"But don't worry Little John, I'm not as villainous as you would think I am from this little semi-tirade. I'm not angered at the fact that you're in way over your head, both in your actions outside the ring, and in this little tournament. Sure, you might be able to, once again, stop the wanna-be-terror that is Khaos, but beyond that, your hopes shouldn't be lifted up too high.
"I mean, you have talent, surely you do. I never said that you don't one day deserve the accolades that you are demanding right now, and six straight wins shows that you have something going for you. Whether it be pure talent, pure skill, the ability to adapt to a new environment or the ability to belittle your opponents until they can't stomach the thought of looking you in the eye. Whatever the reason is, you've got it in spades, Little John.
"But sometimes that just isn't enough, right?
"Right. But you already knew that, right Johnny? You've probably also realized that if you and I meet in the next round of this tournament, then I will probably be your toughest bit of competition since you stepped foot in this federation and, if I were to wipe the mat with you, then it will just be proof that you aren't ready for anything more than what you've been getting. Of course, that is all changed if you beat me but....well, I don't like to be too sure of myself, but in a match against you, I'm pretty confident that I could beat you.
"I'm pretty confident that I could beat you inside of that ring.
"In every area where you might see yourself excelling, I see myself as being better. And to boot, I have the fans on my side, backing me. I know you probably don't care about them, and don't care what they have to say, but I do. And I always will. And with them pushing me, fueling me, driving me to strive for the highest heights....well, that usually means that I am going to take the tournament home and step into the spotlight.
"And this is no exception.
"You might think that nice guys only finish last, and that I am destined for failure simply because I don't want to cheat, because I don't believe in cheating to get a win. If that's true, then you are going to, eventually, get the same dose of reality that Sally will eventually get. But still, let me pose this question to you, Little John.
"Since you entered what have you managed to do? Win those six matches, right? That's it, I'd say. Me? Twenty-five wins, eleven losses, two draws, and a part of every card except one. That's a feat that not many can boast, a winning record as well as being constantly challenged and constantly tested. The record doesn't matter? I am a former tag team champion here in APW, and while that title seems to hold little prestige, it's more prestige then you've been able to achieve. Right?
"But truthfully, I'm not too worried about how you see me. If I was, then I'd be a lot worse off then I am. The only people that really matter to me are the fans. The ones you string along, the ones you give the middle finger to everytime you cheat. Do you think they really want to see you win? No. I didn't think you did. I don't think you care either. All you care about is using whatever underhanded means you can to capture victory, to steal it from the hands of the deserving. From the 'hero in peril' as you so polittely put it.
"Though, you're words are wrong. Because I am not in peril. I'm right where I want to be.
"But still, Little John, I welcome you to try and win this tournament, to try and prove me wrong. Show me that you actually deserve all those accolades, that you deserve to be tested like you've never been tested before. Given the competition that you don't think you could find anywhere else. I really do welcome it. After all, you wouldn't be picked for this thing if it wasn't seen as your chance to show the world what you're capable of. To show everyone what you can do.
"So, prove to me that you are the best."
The Office of C.J. Gates
June 26th, 2011
(The scene opens up inside the office of C.J. Gates where the man himself can be seen sitting behind the large wooden desk in front of the large glass window. His cowboy hat rests on the desktop in front of him, his eyes transfixed on the computer screen as his right hand scrolls away on the mouse. As he does, the sound of the door opening can be heard.)
Voice: So I guess this is the night you've been waiting for.
(Gates looks up from his computer to see none other than his father, T.J. Gates, standing before him.)
T.J. Gates: Hope I didn't interrupt anything.
C.J. Gates: Nope, just doing a bit of homework for some upcoming matches.
(He stands up and walks around the desk, giving his father a hug before returning to his seat. T.J. sits opposite him.)
C.J. Gates: I didn't know you were coming out this week.
T.J. Gates: I wasn't planning to, but some business came up unexpectedly, and I figured now's as good a time as ever.
C.J. Gates: Well, I'm glad you could make it, either way.
(A bit of silence falls between the two men as C.J.'s attention returns to the computer screen briefly.)
T.J. Gates: So...
C.J. Gates: So?
T.J. Gates: So is this the night you've been waiting for or isn't it?
C.J. Gates: You mean Test for the Best? Yeah, it's a pretty big night and something I have looked forward to since, well, since I had heard about it. After seeing what it was able to do for Sally, why wouldn't I be looking forward to it.
T.J. Gates: Fair enough. It's going to be a great night for you.
C.J. Gates: Oh? Are you psychic now?
(T.J. laughs.)
T.J. Gates: No, no, but everything has kind of been building toward that way, hasn't it? Tag Team champion, great showing at Survive and Conquer, great showing in the CWC Ascension tournament. It's about time you got your chance, right?
C.J. Gates: Perhaps. But to think of it like that is just proof that Sally is right.
T.J. Gates: Oh? How so?
C.J. Gates: Well, about a month ago she was saying that I was fifth in line for any sort of title shot, and with the departure of Ruckus, I moved up, and even more so when Sally lost her edge.
T.J. Gates: But you've been proving that you have what it takes. You've been doing nothing but fighting and giving it your all.
(C.J. smiles, nodding his head.)
C.J. Gates: That's true, but sometimes it just comes down to the luck of the draw. One person could work so hard and give it their all but then, bam, they get short armed and they fall back to the bottom.
T.J. Gates: Is that what happened to Sally?
C.J. Gates: No, her fall from grace was more...self inflicted. She started going crazy, blaming the fans for her short comings at Survive and Conquer, and then she started blaming me for losing her title at Rasslemania, and from there, well, I'm sure you have seen what's been happening.
T.J. Gates: Unfortunately. It hasn't been pretty, but you've stuck in there. And all I can really do is grin and bear it right?
C.J. Gates: Unfortunately, that's true. It hasn't been easy, that's for sure.
(T.J. smiles at his son.)
T.J. Gates: But I have faith in you this week, C.J. This is what you've been working toward and I know you won't give up on your dream this easily.
C.J. Gates: True. Though, I can't help but crave the possibility of getting some revenge on Sally for what she did the past few months, you know?
T.J. Gates: Completely natural if you ask me. I'd be in the same mindset as you if I were in that position. Sometimes you just can't let people get away with stuff like that.
C.J. Gates: Exactly.
T.J. Gates: Though, you should probably still watch out for Johnny Rebel and Khaos. I don't think either of them really care about your little war with Sally, and both of them will be looking to find a weakness in you after you expel all your energy on Sally.
C.J. Gates: I've got a lot of energy. Remember Survive and Conquer? I fought in a draw before losing in the final minutes, only to go back out there that same night and compete in a long and grueling rumble match, capped off by fighting valiantly inside of a steel cage. I think I can handle three matches in one night.
T.J. Gates: And I'm not saying that you can't. I'm just saying that what you and Sally have floating between you, it's more poison then what's floating between Johnny and Khaos, so they might not exhaust themselves as much to prove a point. Right?
(C.J. falls silent as he stares off past his father before nodding.)
C.J. Gates: Yeah, I guess you're right. Even still, I'm not too worried that I'm going to falter to Rebel in the second round.
T.J. Gates: What about Khaos?
C.J. Gates: I honestly don't think he's going to have what it takes to beat Rebel. And I'd rather fight Rebel anyways. To be the best, I want to make sure that I've beaten some of the best. And if Rebel is going to continue boasting about his record and how he feels there is a lack of competition, well, then I want to prove that he just hasn't really been challenged yet.
T.J. Gates: Fair enough. Though you shouldn't sell Khaos short.
C.J. Gates: I know. I'm not. I'm just not too worried about him right now.
T.J. Gates: Maybe you should be.
C.J. Gates: First, let me deal with Sally. Once she is put out to pasture, I'll take some time to switch gears. And by then I'll know who I'm fighting, and will know what kind of match I should expect.
T.J. Gates: Just don't lose, okay?
(The two men both smile wide before laughing.)
C.J. Gates: I'll make no such promise. In fact, I'm trying not to look too far ahead.
T.J. Gates: Yet you're already looking past Sally?
C.J. Gates: That's something that I know I am going to do. I am going to beat her and make her pay. No questions about that one, Dad.
(T.J. holds up his hands.)
T.J. Gates: Okay, okay, fair enough. Though I really should be going. I told your mother I'd be home before the weekend and the longer I'm her, the less work I am actually getting done.
C.J. Gates: Alright. It was nice of you to stop by though.
T.J. Gates: Any excuse to see my son.
(T.J. smiles at his son again before getting up and exiting the office. After the door closes, Gates lets out a long breath and runs a hand through his hair as the scene fades to black.)
"This is the moment that I have been waiting for.
"And no, I don't mean the tournament. While it is a great opportunity, my first order of business and my first desire is to seek out revenge. And this time, the two of them go hand in hand when Sally Talfourd and I face off in the first round of the Test for the Best Tournament.
"Of course, this meeting can go one of two ways. Sally could return to her conniving ways, slinking along in the mud, playing the numbers game against me. She could pull out her ace in the hole and parade Diamante Valentine to the ring to try and get the upper hand over me. Or she could actually show some sort of competitive edge and give me the fair fight that she has been running from for weeks now.
"All because she is afraid of losing. Again.
"She denies it. She claims that the only reason she won't actually fight me is because it's not worth her time. That is was never worth her time. Even though she was the one that hunted me down, that attacked me time after time when my back was turned. She was the one that started everything yet she denies it. Claims that it was all my fault.
"She's never been able to keep it all straight, though. She has never been able to tell the same story one day to the next. One moment she's condemning the fans for watching her attack me, when they really wanted to see the opposite, even though she was the one that initially started this all because she was jealous.
"That's right Sally, I'm taking a page from Lester's book on this one, because it seems to fit so well. You lost your title and in a fit of desperation, you had to lash out at the one person that you knew was swooping in to take your spot at the top. You knew that you had to take care of those that were coming up behind you, the ones that you say stole your fans. In a nutshell, you were jealous of the success I was finding myself in. Now maybe that is just because you started out at the top, and never got the chance to experience a rise to greatness. You never had the ability to realize what it was like at the bottom. And once you started to slip, well, you couldn't have that, now could you?
"And I know that I'm not off on this one. I know that I'm not just making stuff up like you, pulling stuff out of thin air to try and get a rise out of people. No, I think I'm speaking with some certainty when I say that you just couldn't handle someone else creeping up and taking your spotlight. And since you knew that you had no case against Ryan Ruckus, you decided to use me as your pawn to try and get back to where you once were.
"But I threw a wrench in that plan, didn't I?
"You were never expecting me and Biggs to beat you two weeks before Mayhem, regardless of your partner. But you lost. And then, you never expected me to beat you at Mayhem. And not only beat you, but beat you soundly. Wipe the mat with you so everyone knew how much I wanted that win. How much I put into my matches each and every time I step in between those ropes.
"And it seems everyone knew that except for you, Sally. It would seem that everyone was ready for what I was going to do given the opportunity, except you. Because once that time came, well, you failed to come through on what you've been trying to promote for the past few months. What you've been trying to hammer home. You failed to prove your points to the fans, about how you called me out as a nothing. As a hopeless competitor looking up at something he can never achieve.
"I don't even know if there are any other ways to say it, Sally.
"You failed.
"And this week, at Test for the Best, I am going to prove to any of the fans that actually believed you, that you were only blowing smoke. I am going to prove that I am not only going to set my eyes on a goal, but I am going to accomplish it. I am going to make all my dreams become a reality. And it starts at your expense.
"I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't waiting for a moment like this, a moment where we could settle our differences. We had the chance a few weeks back, but somebody had to take it upon themselves to call in the hired guns for no reason. She had to bring down her lap dog to get the job done because she knew that she couldn't get the job finished herself. That without help, Sally, you couldn't beat me. And you ruined a chance for us to settle our differences.
"Can I get a guarantee that you won't tote Valentine out there? I doubt I could. And even then, how could I begin to take you for your word. To take what you say as the facts. I couldn't. But don't worry, because I am preparing for that eventual possibility. I am getting ready for you to turtle, and hope that your ally can make you a two time Test for the Best winner.
"But I will do my best to make sure that doesn't happen. I will do my best to make sure that you do not take advantage of yet another situation. I am going to make sure that you are unable to manipulate your way to more success. I mean, is there anything else I can say, Sally? I've been trying to hammer this all home for you for the past few months, but you keep believing that you are the only one that is right. That what you say is the law. That the lies are coming from everyone except for yourself.
"So here's a new question. I'll forget about Valentine and the hopeless query as to whether or not you'll actually woman up and fight a fair fight. Instead, I'll ask you this.
"What will it take for you to change your tune?
"What do I have to do for you to realize that you are living in some sort of dream world?
"And no, I'm not going to beg. I'm not going to plead with you to change your stripes. What do I have to do to make you realize the truth?
"I guess that will be what Test for the Best has in store for me. Because unlike others, I am not intimidated by the fact that you were a former APW champion. I am also not intimidated by the fact that you are fairly undefeated at Pay-Per-Views to those not named Level One. I am also not intimidated by the fact that you've won this event before. And you know why, Sally?
"Because I know that I can beat you. I know that I can give you a tough fight and still walk away from the match with my arm raised. And history has proven that I have been able to beat you, and not just at an Overdrive event, but on the big stage at Mayhem. A Pay-Per-View. I rewrote those record books about how you couldn't lose, about how you had everyone's numbers. I made sure that you couldn't use that as an excuse.
"Sure, you could beat the likes of Johnny Rebel and Khaos this week, there's no doubt about that. The problem you will face, is that you won't be able to get to that point. I'm not going to let you get to that point. You won't be able to get past the first round. You will be stuck watching the rest of the tournament from your locker room, wishing you had believed me. Wishing that you had believed the fans. Knowing that you had to be crazy to choose Diamante Valentine as your lackey.
"Because that is my ultimate goal.
"And if another win is all that you will take as a sign that things are changing, that the fans have decided to cheer for the right people, and that you have been passed over, then that is what I'll do. I mean, if I lose and fail, then I won't have to worry about the tournament anymore, and instead, will just have to put up with more of your screeching. If I win, nay, when I win, I will finally get that revenge that I have been seeking for months. I will finally get that satisfaction of having shut down my biggest critic.
"Of shutting down the jealous tyrant queen.
"Of ending your reign of terror at the top. The reign that you have already lost, but are unwilling to let go of. And to think, all of this could have been avoided had you just realized that I do have the talent to succeed. That my lack of titles is not because I am incompetent and unable to win matches. I just haven't been given the opportunity.
"This is my opportunity. This is my chance to take the proverbial bull by the horns and make the most of everything. This is the opportunity that I have been waiting for. While others were being thrown into number one contender's matches, I was waiting for my time. While others were complaining about being overlooked, I was enjoying what I was doing. Rarely did I complain and instead, I did what I told everyone I was going to do.
"I made sure that I went out there every week and gave it my all. I made sure that the fans, the most important people in APW, were sent home happy. I made sure that everyone took notice of what I was capable of.
"But you're the only one that didn't get the message.
"Well, Sally, consider this your last chance to change your mind. Your last chance to agree with me, that you've been wrong since Survive and Conquer. That I cost you nothing, that I owe you nothing, and that you are the only one that has hurt your chances with the fans. And after that last chance has come and gone, consider the message delivered. From there, it will just take time for it to all sink in.
"Unlike the others, I don't want you to prove to me that you are the best. No. Instead, I just want you to go home, because this is my chance.
"And I am going to go big.
"Because this is my time to shine, this is my tournament. This is the moment that I have been waiting for since Survive and Conquer showed me that I am more than capable of taking care of business. People wonder if I'll be able to keep my energy on high during this one night event, and to them, I point to that event.
"I point to when I shocked everyone by getting to the final four.
"And while this time I won't shock as many people, I am going to make sure that I walk away with the win. With the number one contender label. With the guaranteed match-up for the APW Undisputed title.
"And no one is going to stop me."
"At one point in time, people would say that to be the best, you would have to beat the best. That to be at the top of the mountain, you would have to topple everyone that stood above you. Everyone that was deemed as better than you.
"Now, some people would have everyone believe that to be the best, you need to be the best at brutalizing your opponents. At dominating them inside of that ring with their size and strength, tossing them around as if they were rag dolls.
"Other people would say that to be the best, you have to make sure that the opponent isn't able to gain any confidence. They would have you believe that you're supposed to be the best at belittling your opponent, spewing trash at them from every angle, running down everything in their lives as worthless. They think that the goal is to make sure that your opponent feels even less like a human bring once they step into that ring.
"Some believe that just being good looking, driving flashy cars and walking that famed walk is enough to make you the best. That by simply showing up is enough to make you the cream of the crop and the next one in line for a title shot.
"Perhaps it's not about looking well, but looking after yourself, making sure that you have a back-up plan ready and waiting. Maybe that back-up plan comes in the form of a tag team partner, always willing to do you bidding.
"Even more, maybe it all comes down to how manipulative you can be. To how well you can turn everything into your own favor, your own ideal. Manipulating every situation so that you look better than you really are.
"But those aren't the codes that I live by. Those aren't what I take into account when I am thinking about what it takes to be the best.
"I'm not trying to come across as cocky, but I think that I have done nothing but succeed since I walked into APW. I have done nothing but win matches and make my presence known. And the keys to my success are all there. To start with, you have to wrestle because you want to, not because you have to, and certainly not because you're expected to. There has to be passion in what you do. You have to give the fans something to remember, you have to leave it all in the ring and you have to persevere in the face of adversity.
"Sure, it might sound like some anti-this or anti-that campaign, but it's not. It's what I have done and what I do every time I step into that ring. I take nothing for granted and I expect nothing more than what I am capable of handling.
"Am I the best? Well, no, I don't think that I'm the best, not yet anyways. But isn't that what this tournament is for? Isn't that why we are here? We aren't fighting at Test for the Best because we are the best, but because we are almost the best. We are on the cusp of stardom, and everyone knows that we are one big break away from the big time.
"This is our one big break.
"This is our time to answer the challenges and to conquer all of the tests thrown our way.
"Something I have been working on since the very beginning. Something that I have been striving for since my first match against Cooper Conrad nearly a year ago. And ever since then, I have never let up on the gas pedal.
"And that is no lie. Ever since I entered APW in July, I have fought on all but one of the shows. For the number lovers out there, of a possible thirty nine shows that have run since I debuted, I have fought on thirty eight of them, a total of thirty nine matches counting the Survive and Conquer match as it's own.
"If nothing else, I have worked hard to get to where I am right now in my career. I have worked my ass off to to where I stand. And while most people in my position might complain that they don't get enough time off to recharge or to heal, but I'm not most people.
"I am C.J. Gates.
"And like I said in January, 2011 is my year.
"Last year might have been the year when Sally Talfourd put everyone on notice, winning the tournament and, as we all know, going on to win the biggest honor that APW has to offer. That was, before her quick and sudden fall from grace.
"What made her successful last year?
"That's what everyone's asking as they look for her to repeat. But me?
"I'm simply going to be better than she was. Better than she is.
"I am going to make sure that I get my revenge."
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APW Overdrive
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
June 2nd, 2011
(The scene opens up inside of a locker room backstage, where Gates is seen knocking over a camera. His breathing is heavy and has a few bruises on his face to go with the dried blood in the corner of his mouth. He shakes his head as he limps over to the chair and takes a seat. He reaches down beside him and picks up a closed bottle of water, throwing it across the room, remaining hunched over afterward, taking a few deep breaths. As he sits back up, his right hand finds left side, and a slight grimace crosses his face. It's at that moment that the locker room door opens and in walks a doctor, the same one who, moments ago, advised Gates not to wrestle in the Main Event that evening.)
Doctor: Is it safe to come back inside?
(His eyes scan the room, managing to find the water bottle and camera.)
Doctor: I don't want to keep harping on the subject, Mr. Gates, but I think it is in your best interests not to go out to that ring tonight.
(Gates looks over at the doctor who closes the door.)
Doctor: I don't care what was done to you earlier, you are in no shape to compete.
C.J. Gates: Says you.
Doctor: Yes, says me. I already told you that you'll only do more harm than good if you do.
C.J. Gates: I don't care. Sally has crossed the line and I am not going to let her get away with it. How would you feel if you were in my position? What would you do if you had just been beaten inside of the ring, blindsided by a thorn in your side and a talentless black hole.
Doctor: I'd think of the future.
(Gates shakes his head as he slowly gets up from his seat, wincing.)
Doctor: I would think of what kind of damage I'd be doing that could force me to miss more time than necessary. And I know you don't want this whole thing to end up playing into the hands of Ms. Talfourd, right Mr. Gates?
(Gates shoots a glare over his shoulder.)
Doctor: I'm not against you here, but I'm also not on your side. I'm just trying to look out for the well being of the wrestlers when I do me job, both in the ring and out.
C.J. Gates: She's not going to get away with this. I won't let her.
(The doctor shakes his head. From the television monitor in the far corner of the room, a replay of the earlier attack Gates suffered is shown.)
C.J. Gates: Unfortunately, I am going to have to go against your advice. Because I will be in that match tonight and I will be sure to give Sally a taste of her own medicine. Even if it kills me, I am not going to let her get away with it, and I am definitely not going to let Lester down.
Doctor: There's nothing I can say to change your mind, is there?
C.J. Gates: Not a thing. I am going to make sure that I get my revenge on her.
(Gates begins to limp his way to the door.)
Doctor: Well, if you're going to be stupid and actually fight, can you do me and the entire APW one favor?
C.J. Gates: Depends what that favor is?
Doctor: After the match, maybe tomorrow or something, come by and we'll check up on some things, make sure you didn't screw yourself over by trying to be a hero. Alright?
C.J. Gates: Fine. I'll stop by, now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go make sure a certain tyrant queen gets a taste of revenge.
(As Gates reaches the door he is stopped by the doctors voice.)
Doctor: And one more thing. Don't you think you're paying too much attention to her? I mean, there's got to be others to worry about around here, right?
(Gates glares at the doctor before rolling his eyes and leaving the room, closing the door behind him. The doctor shakes his head, bringing his hands up to rub his forehead as the scene fades to black.)
----------------------------------------
"Well, Khaos, here we are again.
"Looking around, I could assume that you would be picked to represent Overdrive in this tournament. It came down to only a handful of people, and, well, I guess I landed on you because of what you were able to accomplish at one point in time in APW. And no, you didn't hear that wrong, Khaos, because I am one of the firm believers that you have lost a lot of the spring that you had in your step when you first entered. Back when you first set your sights on the APW Overdrive title.
"And I'm sure you can agree with that, can't you Khaos? I mean, back when you first started tearing everything up, you actually seemed like a threat. You actually seemed like someone that could eventually challenge for the Undisputed title if you just kept your head level and continued to power through everything that was sent your way.
"But things didn't stay that way, did they?
"Maybe everything with Delores got to your head. Maybe the fact that you were gifted a title shot without really being put through the paces to earn it got you a little full of yourself. I don't know what the reasons are, and I don't think you can even begin to list them. After all, I doubt you even see that you've taken a step back.
"But you have. And it's true, while I was a little irked that you were just handed an Overdrive title shot ahead of other, more deserving people, I let it slide. I figured that you had what it took to get the job done, to make something of the opportunity and finally end Biggs' reign. I really had a lot of faith in you.
"And then you couldn't beat Biggs and myself in a tag team match.
"And then you failed to beat me in singles competition the week before Mayhem.
"So my thoughts on you kind of changed. I don't deny that I found you to be a tough competitor, that you were going to be someone to put me through my paces each and every time I had to face off against you. But as we had that first meeting before Mayhem...well, the script was flipped, and everything was starting to become more of a reality. In short, Khaos?
"You're not the man I thought you were. You're not the competitor I hoped you would be. And who knows, maybe this is the tournament where you really pull out all the stops and really begin to show people the true Khaos that signed up, the real monster from the penitentiary that you were billed as at first. But if history is any indication, I have a feeling that you will come up just short. That you will get yourself halfway through the job before you suddenly lose your interest.
"I mean, look at the facts, Khaos. You managed to terrorize Biggs and you managed to break his arm, but when it really came down to it, and you really had to man up, you couldn't get the job done. You couldn't pin the man that everyone has watched dominate with the Overdrive title.
"Maybe that's just a testament to how good Biggs really is. Maybe the real credit should be given to him, and not dealt onto you as some sort of disappointment.
"But if I began to think like that, then I would be here for a good long while trying to figure everything out and trying to make sure that I covered all of my bases. So knowing that you were only able to injure Biggs repeatedly and never really being able to take advantage of that, well, it doesn't leave a good impression on what you will do during Test for the Best.
"If I had to guess, I'd say that you would beat Johnny Rebel in your first round match, give a good fight in your second round match, before ultimately giving up halfway through and allowing your opponent to capture the victory and move on to the finals. Something that would really make Johnny Rebel's blood boil.
"Though, Khaos, I won't write you off completely.
"Because I know that deep down you have what it takes to come out fighting. That you are able to put up a very tough fight when you want to. And because of that possibility, I'm not going to sit back and take you easy. I'm not going to sit back and go through the paces of a match with you, knowing that I have beaten you once before, because that's not how I operate. I will treat every match as if it's the biggest match, and I will treat each match as if it's the first time I've met someone inside of that ring.
"Of course, this could end up being just speculation. There is always the chance I won't even be in the second round match-up, and there is always the possibility that you will screw up earlier on then you intend to. The chance that you will allow Johnny Rebel to walk into the second round ahead of you. And after the way your last match with him went, when you two gift wrapped a win for the newcomer, I can't exactly say that either one of you has the upper hand.
"So maybe I'm just trying to light a fire under your ass, Khaos. Maybe I want another chance to face you to give you a chance to redeem yourself. Rebel has at least shown that he is capable of stringing together wins, and you have shown that you can injure one person and that's it. Nothing more, nothing less, falling into obscurity.
"But I hope that you prove me wrong.
"Show me that you are an actual threat to winning this whole tournament. Show me that you want this tournament as much as I do. As much as anyone else would if they were in your shoes. Show me that you actually have the talent to compete, that your Overdrive title match wasn't just based on luck and happenstance.
"Show me that it wasn't a gift.
"Show me that you can maintain some sort of continuity, and that you aren't just a one trick pony. That you didn't just luck into everything because of one great showing. Show me that Rasslemania was more than just a one night deal because Khaos, that's what it seems to be. It seems like you just got lucky in a match where only half the competitors truly cared. And ever since, you have done nothing but lose the faith that people had put in you. In all honesty, you haven't really done much to warrant a spot inside of this tournament other than luck out yet again. Falling into a void created by the outgoing and the ill prepared.
"Is that all you are good for, Khaos? Luck and gifts? Do you need someone to pull the string in front of you so you will actually move? If not, then you are doing a poor job at showing it. A very poor job at showing me that you deserve the right to fight for a Undisputed title shot. If Rasslemania was your best effort, and you lost, I can only imagine the easy road Johnny Rebel will have in his first round match.
"So, again Khaos, prove me wrong.
"Show me something that we haven't seen from you yet. Open my eyes with some sort of...surprise. Make me take a step back and say 'wow, that guy really knows how to pull out all the stops'.
"Show me that you have what it takes the be the best."
----------------------------------------
Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
June 6th, 2011
(The scene opens up inside of a doctors office somewhere in Moncton. The doctor can be seen sitting behind his wooden desk, the certificates of his academic prowess lining the wall behind his chair. Across from him sits C.J. Gates who is drumming on the arms of the chair. The doctor looks over a chart in front of him before nodding his head and placing it on the desk in front of him.)
Doctor: Good news, Mr. Gates. You didn't do anything else to hurt yourself. So if you just keep yourself on the healthy side of things, you should be good to wrestle some more.
(Gates smiles slightly.)
C.J. Gates: Thanks, doc. Though I don't think it would have mattered what you're report said.
Doctor: C.J., you have to realize that if you keep getting attacked and keep fighting, something is going to give, and it's most likely going to mean you have to take some time off.
C.J. Gates: Perhaps. But I think I'm good with taking that chance. After all, you've got to go big or go home, and I don't feel like heading back to North Dakota.
(The doctor shrugs as he pushes his chair out from the desk.)
Doctor: Fair enough. Though I just though I'd warn you. I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't.
C.J. Gates: Well, thanks again. But I'm pretty good at making sure I don't get too injured or overdo it too much.
Doctor: You didn't get worked over a bit at the end of the match this past week, didn't you?
(Gates nods.)
C.J. Gates: Yeah, but when I have the time I relax, recoup, make sure that I'm ready to go the next week.
Doctor: And if she keeps attacking you like she has been? What then? One internal injury that isn't immediate and you could be in the hospital quickly.
C.J. Gates: With all due respect, this is what I've been doing for a living for awhile now. I'm pretty sure I know the risks I am taking whenever I step inside of that arena.
Doctor: Like I said, I just wanted to warn you. Who knows, maybe if you end up in the hospital, I'll come by and say 'I told you so'.
C.J. Gates: I'm not going to stop you from doing that, anyways.
(The doctor laughs and shakes his head, shifting his weight so he is sitting forward in his chair.)
Doctor: If you don't mind me asking, who are you fighting this week?
C.J. Gates: Sally Talfourd.
(The doctor stares at Gates with a blank expression.)
Doctor: Wait, so you're saying that you went out to that ring in an effort to get revenge, and now, you're getting that chance?
C.J. Gates: I guess so, yeah. But you never can tell how things would work out. I could have not faced her for months. I just got lucky.
(The doctor shakes his head.)
Doctor: Just be careful out there. I'd hate to be the one doing some sort of operation on you. Okay?
C.J. Gates: Okay. I'll do my best to stay out of trouble. Though, I am going to get my revenge. That, we can all be sure of.
Doctor: And like I said before. Keep your eyes peeled. There's always the possibility of others coming up behind you and catching you napping.
C.J. Gates: I'll take that into consideration. Thanks for your time.
Doctor: Thanks for stopping by, Mr. Gates.
(Gates stands up and exits the office, making his way through the reception area and out the main door into the hallway as the scene fades to black.)
----------------------------------------
"To go along with those that I have met before, there is also the possibility of a match that the APW has never seen before.
"Of course, I am speaking about you, Johnny Rebel, which I'm sure tickles your fancy just fine, right? After all, you seem to be the sort of person who can't sit still without knowing that your name is being bandied about by just about everyone out there. Without having the name Johnny Rebel sitting on everyone's tongues.
"Something you'll be able to get from this tournament. I have no doubt that you are being pushed as a favorite in this because of your record, because you have yet to be tarnished with an actual loss. Sure, last time out you didn't have the most favorable of outcomes, but it still wasn't a true loss. You were still not pinned for the final three count.
"But then again, as you said yourself, you haven't exactly been met with a lot of competition. You haven't exactly been challenged each and every time you went out there. In fact, if my memory serves me right, you even threatened to leave if you weren't dealt with some sort of competition that you see as a worthy challenge.
"And if my memory serves me right, Jason Kash did the same thing before he got bounced out of APW on his ass.
"Not to say that you are like Jason Kash, but more to say that sometimes, it's not about how you handle yourself in the ring, but how you handle yourself outside of it all. For instance, you went on a six match winning streak and then began to complain to the high heavens that you deserved better, when really you should have just manned up and fought.
"I know, I know, that sort of thought wave is odd for someone like you to handle. To people like you, to people like Sally, to people like Khaos, you all think you should be handed something. All of you expect to be gifted some sort of title or to have your demands met just because you think you're the top shit. Just because you feel like you've earned it.
"Well, Little John, let the record show that I piled up seven wins before my first title shot. That I never even began to boast my claims of being deserving of a title shot until well after that. That I never held the promotion hostage because I felt like I should have been thrown into the spotlight right away. Because I know that is not how it works.
"The way it works, Little John?
"You have to earn it.
"You have to put yourself through your paces and really earn the right to say that you are above the level of competition. And, for the records sake, how many times to you strut out to the ring and demand to be fighting Lester Only? Or Sally Talfourd? How many times did you put on your best Pence Weatherlight impression, demanding a shot at the World title without having done a damn thing to earn it.
"As far as I can remember, you never did. Just like Jason Kash never went toe to toe with James Chambers or Rico Casteel in his first stint.
"Now maybe you threw the odd quip in about how you should be main eventing each and every week, but it wasn't anything special. Nothing that made me take notice, so therefore, nothing that really happened. Instead, we just hear you flapping your gums about how you deserve to be put right up against King Richard instead of every other one of the Merry Men. Instead we hear you pleading, begging on your hands and knees, about how you think you deserve more.
"I put in six months before I began that little spiel. I was beating people left, right and center before I tried to force someone's hand. Am I bitter that I wasn't listened to? Not at all. Because that's when I began to realize, even more so, that you have to earn every reward you are handed. That you must earn every little ounce of respect that you desire. But that's the good thing about APW.
"They don't give in to terrorist demands. Just ask Pence Weatherlight.
"They don't let veterans like you call the shots unless you have actually earned the right to call the shots. Which brings us all to this tournament, this Pay-Per-View, where we all get that chance to take the next step up, to reach into the realm of the Undisputed title. It's then that we can begin to make serious strides toward calling the shots and it's then that we can begin to realize what it really takes.
"Or at least you can. I've already realized what it takes to compete with some of the best. I'm sure you've re-watched Survive and Conquer to see just what I did to make me a threat to winning it all, and I'm sure you've also realized that it took more than two months for me to get to that point. Now, of course, perhaps you feel like you're owed something because of what you accomplished before your little hiatus, and that's fine, it really is.
"But what you accomplished then has no bearing on what's happening now.
"Just like what I accomplished before my hiatus has no bearing to what is going on in APW.
"Sure, you can float out all of those facts and numbers and hope that someone will care and listen, but how often does that work? How often does someone really look that far into the past to figure out the present? Very rarely I'd think.
"But don't worry Little John, I'm not as villainous as you would think I am from this little semi-tirade. I'm not angered at the fact that you're in way over your head, both in your actions outside the ring, and in this little tournament. Sure, you might be able to, once again, stop the wanna-be-terror that is Khaos, but beyond that, your hopes shouldn't be lifted up too high.
"I mean, you have talent, surely you do. I never said that you don't one day deserve the accolades that you are demanding right now, and six straight wins shows that you have something going for you. Whether it be pure talent, pure skill, the ability to adapt to a new environment or the ability to belittle your opponents until they can't stomach the thought of looking you in the eye. Whatever the reason is, you've got it in spades, Little John.
"But sometimes that just isn't enough, right?
"Right. But you already knew that, right Johnny? You've probably also realized that if you and I meet in the next round of this tournament, then I will probably be your toughest bit of competition since you stepped foot in this federation and, if I were to wipe the mat with you, then it will just be proof that you aren't ready for anything more than what you've been getting. Of course, that is all changed if you beat me but....well, I don't like to be too sure of myself, but in a match against you, I'm pretty confident that I could beat you.
"I'm pretty confident that I could beat you inside of that ring.
"In every area where you might see yourself excelling, I see myself as being better. And to boot, I have the fans on my side, backing me. I know you probably don't care about them, and don't care what they have to say, but I do. And I always will. And with them pushing me, fueling me, driving me to strive for the highest heights....well, that usually means that I am going to take the tournament home and step into the spotlight.
"And this is no exception.
"You might think that nice guys only finish last, and that I am destined for failure simply because I don't want to cheat, because I don't believe in cheating to get a win. If that's true, then you are going to, eventually, get the same dose of reality that Sally will eventually get. But still, let me pose this question to you, Little John.
"Since you entered what have you managed to do? Win those six matches, right? That's it, I'd say. Me? Twenty-five wins, eleven losses, two draws, and a part of every card except one. That's a feat that not many can boast, a winning record as well as being constantly challenged and constantly tested. The record doesn't matter? I am a former tag team champion here in APW, and while that title seems to hold little prestige, it's more prestige then you've been able to achieve. Right?
"But truthfully, I'm not too worried about how you see me. If I was, then I'd be a lot worse off then I am. The only people that really matter to me are the fans. The ones you string along, the ones you give the middle finger to everytime you cheat. Do you think they really want to see you win? No. I didn't think you did. I don't think you care either. All you care about is using whatever underhanded means you can to capture victory, to steal it from the hands of the deserving. From the 'hero in peril' as you so polittely put it.
"Though, you're words are wrong. Because I am not in peril. I'm right where I want to be.
"But still, Little John, I welcome you to try and win this tournament, to try and prove me wrong. Show me that you actually deserve all those accolades, that you deserve to be tested like you've never been tested before. Given the competition that you don't think you could find anywhere else. I really do welcome it. After all, you wouldn't be picked for this thing if it wasn't seen as your chance to show the world what you're capable of. To show everyone what you can do.
"So, prove to me that you are the best."
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The Office of C.J. Gates
June 26th, 2011
(The scene opens up inside the office of C.J. Gates where the man himself can be seen sitting behind the large wooden desk in front of the large glass window. His cowboy hat rests on the desktop in front of him, his eyes transfixed on the computer screen as his right hand scrolls away on the mouse. As he does, the sound of the door opening can be heard.)
Voice: So I guess this is the night you've been waiting for.
(Gates looks up from his computer to see none other than his father, T.J. Gates, standing before him.)
T.J. Gates: Hope I didn't interrupt anything.
C.J. Gates: Nope, just doing a bit of homework for some upcoming matches.
(He stands up and walks around the desk, giving his father a hug before returning to his seat. T.J. sits opposite him.)
C.J. Gates: I didn't know you were coming out this week.
T.J. Gates: I wasn't planning to, but some business came up unexpectedly, and I figured now's as good a time as ever.
C.J. Gates: Well, I'm glad you could make it, either way.
(A bit of silence falls between the two men as C.J.'s attention returns to the computer screen briefly.)
T.J. Gates: So...
C.J. Gates: So?
T.J. Gates: So is this the night you've been waiting for or isn't it?
C.J. Gates: You mean Test for the Best? Yeah, it's a pretty big night and something I have looked forward to since, well, since I had heard about it. After seeing what it was able to do for Sally, why wouldn't I be looking forward to it.
T.J. Gates: Fair enough. It's going to be a great night for you.
C.J. Gates: Oh? Are you psychic now?
(T.J. laughs.)
T.J. Gates: No, no, but everything has kind of been building toward that way, hasn't it? Tag Team champion, great showing at Survive and Conquer, great showing in the CWC Ascension tournament. It's about time you got your chance, right?
C.J. Gates: Perhaps. But to think of it like that is just proof that Sally is right.
T.J. Gates: Oh? How so?
C.J. Gates: Well, about a month ago she was saying that I was fifth in line for any sort of title shot, and with the departure of Ruckus, I moved up, and even more so when Sally lost her edge.
T.J. Gates: But you've been proving that you have what it takes. You've been doing nothing but fighting and giving it your all.
(C.J. smiles, nodding his head.)
C.J. Gates: That's true, but sometimes it just comes down to the luck of the draw. One person could work so hard and give it their all but then, bam, they get short armed and they fall back to the bottom.
T.J. Gates: Is that what happened to Sally?
C.J. Gates: No, her fall from grace was more...self inflicted. She started going crazy, blaming the fans for her short comings at Survive and Conquer, and then she started blaming me for losing her title at Rasslemania, and from there, well, I'm sure you have seen what's been happening.
T.J. Gates: Unfortunately. It hasn't been pretty, but you've stuck in there. And all I can really do is grin and bear it right?
C.J. Gates: Unfortunately, that's true. It hasn't been easy, that's for sure.
(T.J. smiles at his son.)
T.J. Gates: But I have faith in you this week, C.J. This is what you've been working toward and I know you won't give up on your dream this easily.
C.J. Gates: True. Though, I can't help but crave the possibility of getting some revenge on Sally for what she did the past few months, you know?
T.J. Gates: Completely natural if you ask me. I'd be in the same mindset as you if I were in that position. Sometimes you just can't let people get away with stuff like that.
C.J. Gates: Exactly.
T.J. Gates: Though, you should probably still watch out for Johnny Rebel and Khaos. I don't think either of them really care about your little war with Sally, and both of them will be looking to find a weakness in you after you expel all your energy on Sally.
C.J. Gates: I've got a lot of energy. Remember Survive and Conquer? I fought in a draw before losing in the final minutes, only to go back out there that same night and compete in a long and grueling rumble match, capped off by fighting valiantly inside of a steel cage. I think I can handle three matches in one night.
T.J. Gates: And I'm not saying that you can't. I'm just saying that what you and Sally have floating between you, it's more poison then what's floating between Johnny and Khaos, so they might not exhaust themselves as much to prove a point. Right?
(C.J. falls silent as he stares off past his father before nodding.)
C.J. Gates: Yeah, I guess you're right. Even still, I'm not too worried that I'm going to falter to Rebel in the second round.
T.J. Gates: What about Khaos?
C.J. Gates: I honestly don't think he's going to have what it takes to beat Rebel. And I'd rather fight Rebel anyways. To be the best, I want to make sure that I've beaten some of the best. And if Rebel is going to continue boasting about his record and how he feels there is a lack of competition, well, then I want to prove that he just hasn't really been challenged yet.
T.J. Gates: Fair enough. Though you shouldn't sell Khaos short.
C.J. Gates: I know. I'm not. I'm just not too worried about him right now.
T.J. Gates: Maybe you should be.
C.J. Gates: First, let me deal with Sally. Once she is put out to pasture, I'll take some time to switch gears. And by then I'll know who I'm fighting, and will know what kind of match I should expect.
T.J. Gates: Just don't lose, okay?
(The two men both smile wide before laughing.)
C.J. Gates: I'll make no such promise. In fact, I'm trying not to look too far ahead.
T.J. Gates: Yet you're already looking past Sally?
C.J. Gates: That's something that I know I am going to do. I am going to beat her and make her pay. No questions about that one, Dad.
(T.J. holds up his hands.)
T.J. Gates: Okay, okay, fair enough. Though I really should be going. I told your mother I'd be home before the weekend and the longer I'm her, the less work I am actually getting done.
C.J. Gates: Alright. It was nice of you to stop by though.
T.J. Gates: Any excuse to see my son.
(T.J. smiles at his son again before getting up and exiting the office. After the door closes, Gates lets out a long breath and runs a hand through his hair as the scene fades to black.)
----------------------------------------
"This is the moment that I have been waiting for.
"And no, I don't mean the tournament. While it is a great opportunity, my first order of business and my first desire is to seek out revenge. And this time, the two of them go hand in hand when Sally Talfourd and I face off in the first round of the Test for the Best Tournament.
"Of course, this meeting can go one of two ways. Sally could return to her conniving ways, slinking along in the mud, playing the numbers game against me. She could pull out her ace in the hole and parade Diamante Valentine to the ring to try and get the upper hand over me. Or she could actually show some sort of competitive edge and give me the fair fight that she has been running from for weeks now.
"All because she is afraid of losing. Again.
"She denies it. She claims that the only reason she won't actually fight me is because it's not worth her time. That is was never worth her time. Even though she was the one that hunted me down, that attacked me time after time when my back was turned. She was the one that started everything yet she denies it. Claims that it was all my fault.
"She's never been able to keep it all straight, though. She has never been able to tell the same story one day to the next. One moment she's condemning the fans for watching her attack me, when they really wanted to see the opposite, even though she was the one that initially started this all because she was jealous.
"That's right Sally, I'm taking a page from Lester's book on this one, because it seems to fit so well. You lost your title and in a fit of desperation, you had to lash out at the one person that you knew was swooping in to take your spot at the top. You knew that you had to take care of those that were coming up behind you, the ones that you say stole your fans. In a nutshell, you were jealous of the success I was finding myself in. Now maybe that is just because you started out at the top, and never got the chance to experience a rise to greatness. You never had the ability to realize what it was like at the bottom. And once you started to slip, well, you couldn't have that, now could you?
"And I know that I'm not off on this one. I know that I'm not just making stuff up like you, pulling stuff out of thin air to try and get a rise out of people. No, I think I'm speaking with some certainty when I say that you just couldn't handle someone else creeping up and taking your spotlight. And since you knew that you had no case against Ryan Ruckus, you decided to use me as your pawn to try and get back to where you once were.
"But I threw a wrench in that plan, didn't I?
"You were never expecting me and Biggs to beat you two weeks before Mayhem, regardless of your partner. But you lost. And then, you never expected me to beat you at Mayhem. And not only beat you, but beat you soundly. Wipe the mat with you so everyone knew how much I wanted that win. How much I put into my matches each and every time I step in between those ropes.
"And it seems everyone knew that except for you, Sally. It would seem that everyone was ready for what I was going to do given the opportunity, except you. Because once that time came, well, you failed to come through on what you've been trying to promote for the past few months. What you've been trying to hammer home. You failed to prove your points to the fans, about how you called me out as a nothing. As a hopeless competitor looking up at something he can never achieve.
"I don't even know if there are any other ways to say it, Sally.
"You failed.
"And this week, at Test for the Best, I am going to prove to any of the fans that actually believed you, that you were only blowing smoke. I am going to prove that I am not only going to set my eyes on a goal, but I am going to accomplish it. I am going to make all my dreams become a reality. And it starts at your expense.
"I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't waiting for a moment like this, a moment where we could settle our differences. We had the chance a few weeks back, but somebody had to take it upon themselves to call in the hired guns for no reason. She had to bring down her lap dog to get the job done because she knew that she couldn't get the job finished herself. That without help, Sally, you couldn't beat me. And you ruined a chance for us to settle our differences.
"Can I get a guarantee that you won't tote Valentine out there? I doubt I could. And even then, how could I begin to take you for your word. To take what you say as the facts. I couldn't. But don't worry, because I am preparing for that eventual possibility. I am getting ready for you to turtle, and hope that your ally can make you a two time Test for the Best winner.
"But I will do my best to make sure that doesn't happen. I will do my best to make sure that you do not take advantage of yet another situation. I am going to make sure that you are unable to manipulate your way to more success. I mean, is there anything else I can say, Sally? I've been trying to hammer this all home for you for the past few months, but you keep believing that you are the only one that is right. That what you say is the law. That the lies are coming from everyone except for yourself.
"So here's a new question. I'll forget about Valentine and the hopeless query as to whether or not you'll actually woman up and fight a fair fight. Instead, I'll ask you this.
"What will it take for you to change your tune?
"What do I have to do for you to realize that you are living in some sort of dream world?
"And no, I'm not going to beg. I'm not going to plead with you to change your stripes. What do I have to do to make you realize the truth?
"I guess that will be what Test for the Best has in store for me. Because unlike others, I am not intimidated by the fact that you were a former APW champion. I am also not intimidated by the fact that you are fairly undefeated at Pay-Per-Views to those not named Level One. I am also not intimidated by the fact that you've won this event before. And you know why, Sally?
"Because I know that I can beat you. I know that I can give you a tough fight and still walk away from the match with my arm raised. And history has proven that I have been able to beat you, and not just at an Overdrive event, but on the big stage at Mayhem. A Pay-Per-View. I rewrote those record books about how you couldn't lose, about how you had everyone's numbers. I made sure that you couldn't use that as an excuse.
"Sure, you could beat the likes of Johnny Rebel and Khaos this week, there's no doubt about that. The problem you will face, is that you won't be able to get to that point. I'm not going to let you get to that point. You won't be able to get past the first round. You will be stuck watching the rest of the tournament from your locker room, wishing you had believed me. Wishing that you had believed the fans. Knowing that you had to be crazy to choose Diamante Valentine as your lackey.
"Because that is my ultimate goal.
"And if another win is all that you will take as a sign that things are changing, that the fans have decided to cheer for the right people, and that you have been passed over, then that is what I'll do. I mean, if I lose and fail, then I won't have to worry about the tournament anymore, and instead, will just have to put up with more of your screeching. If I win, nay, when I win, I will finally get that revenge that I have been seeking for months. I will finally get that satisfaction of having shut down my biggest critic.
"Of shutting down the jealous tyrant queen.
"Of ending your reign of terror at the top. The reign that you have already lost, but are unwilling to let go of. And to think, all of this could have been avoided had you just realized that I do have the talent to succeed. That my lack of titles is not because I am incompetent and unable to win matches. I just haven't been given the opportunity.
"This is my opportunity. This is my chance to take the proverbial bull by the horns and make the most of everything. This is the opportunity that I have been waiting for. While others were being thrown into number one contender's matches, I was waiting for my time. While others were complaining about being overlooked, I was enjoying what I was doing. Rarely did I complain and instead, I did what I told everyone I was going to do.
"I made sure that I went out there every week and gave it my all. I made sure that the fans, the most important people in APW, were sent home happy. I made sure that everyone took notice of what I was capable of.
"But you're the only one that didn't get the message.
"Well, Sally, consider this your last chance to change your mind. Your last chance to agree with me, that you've been wrong since Survive and Conquer. That I cost you nothing, that I owe you nothing, and that you are the only one that has hurt your chances with the fans. And after that last chance has come and gone, consider the message delivered. From there, it will just take time for it to all sink in.
"Unlike the others, I don't want you to prove to me that you are the best. No. Instead, I just want you to go home, because this is my chance.
"And I am going to go big.
"Because this is my time to shine, this is my tournament. This is the moment that I have been waiting for since Survive and Conquer showed me that I am more than capable of taking care of business. People wonder if I'll be able to keep my energy on high during this one night event, and to them, I point to that event.
"I point to when I shocked everyone by getting to the final four.
"And while this time I won't shock as many people, I am going to make sure that I walk away with the win. With the number one contender label. With the guaranteed match-up for the APW Undisputed title.
"And no one is going to stop me."
