Post by Dave Rydell on Oct 29, 2016 14:31:33 GMT -5
Part 1--- 25OCTOBER2016
Fading in on Ed and Dave seated in the corner booth at O’Malley’s (The newly rebuilt location in Chicago), they are enjoying dinner while conversating. Dave has his normal glass of rum while Ed is slowly enjoying a nice scotch.
Ed: Synergy turned into a nightmare, eh?
Dave: You knew it would. It’s that same bullshit mentality with the creative team and the bookers of this place. Same thing happened last month. You saw the chaos that ensued.
Ed: Why don’t you go on your previous journey and try and conquer it?
Dave: Because, Ed, that’s a stupid gimmick. Too many hands in a small pot… it’s going to get crowded.
Ed: Speaking of previous issues, what of Mr. Orson?
Dave: Martin? Meh, if he truly had an issue with what happened, we would have settled it by now. He doesn’t give a shit, I’m over it. I got my little bit of satisfaction by making sure he wasn’t the World Champion. That’s all that matters to me.
Ed: So what’s next?
Dave: Battleground, Ed. Battleground is next. That little shit sipper, Alexander, has quite the mouth on him too. I’m thoroughly excited to smack him in it and put his sorry ass in his place.
Dave goes back to his meal and Ed sips his scotch.
Ed: Do you think you can win this year?
Dave: I don’t see why I can’t. I think my biggest threat in this match is Wallace. He can be beaten. I just have to wear him down.
Ed: A lot of people are continuing to use you as the butt of their jokes.
Dave: Fuck ‘em. Let ‘em. Ingalls tried that bullshit. Look what happened. I know who you’re talking about too, by the way.
Ed: Oh yeah?
Dave: Yeah. That green little shit, Austin Alexander. That punk ass mother fucker is going to get what’s coming to him one day. Might not be at Battleground, but he’s going to piss off the wrong person and get his fucking teeth kicked in.
Ed: You don’t have to get hot about it.
Dave: Then don’t bring up an unpleasant piece of shit like him again.
Dave goes back to his food. He finishes up and takes a drink of his rum.
Dave: This is it Ed. This is the home stretch to my final goal before I can retire.
Ed: Then let’s keep the train rolling.
The two raise their glasses and clink them before taking a sip. Fade out.
Part 2--- 27OCTOBER2016
Fading in on Dave inside of a storage locker, he is going through some boxes that he hasn’t unpacked from when he moved to Chicago. He is rooting around and pulls out some photos of his days in XHF. He smirks and sets them to the side. Before closing the box, he pauses and looks at something. He pulls out another photo. It’s him holding his first Championship. The EWF Championship. Dave takes a moment before setting that down and closing the box.
As Dave moves to the next box, he notices something else somewhat buried. He moves some things around before picking up a dusty and clearly old title belt. He holds it up getting a better look, and it’s the LWF World Championship. He stands there, holding the belt…
Reminiscing moment…
Red Fusion slowly uses the ropes to pull himself up on the chamber floor. He is tattered and torn with cuts from going into the chamber glass. Inside the ring, Derik Felix drops John Russo and makes the cover, 1….2….WHAM! Red Fusion somehow mustered the strength to hit the Leap of Faith on both of them! Fusion rolls off holding his chest. He uses the ropes to pull himself up as Russo starts to stir. Red Fusion locks in, and as Russo turns around, VIRUS OF LIFE!!!! 1….2….3!!!!! RED FUSION ELIMINATES JOHN RUSSO!!!!
Derek Felix is now up and stalks Fusion. As Fusion is up, he hits him with the Hatian Legsweep! Felix heads for the corner and climbs up. The crowd is roaring as he steadies himself. Felix leaps for Felix Rising but Fusion somehow rolls out of the way! Felix is quickly back up but in a severe amount of pain. Fusion grabs him for the Virus of Life but Felix shoves him away. Felix attempts Fade 2 Black, but Fusion sidesteps him. Out of nowhere, Fusion jumps, VIRUS OF LIFE TO THE WORLD CHAMPION!!!!! Fusion covers, 1….2….3!!!!!!
Winner and NEW LWF World Champion: Red Fusion!!!!
Red Fusion clutches the title tightly as he has finally reaches the mountain top. Seven years and he is the MAN!
Back to reality, Dave shakes his head and wipes the base plate of the title. He sets it in the pile with the photos before getting the boxes stacked up how they were. Dave grabs the belt and the photos and heads out of the storage locker. He shuts the door and starts walking back to his truck. Once in, he starts it up and looks at his phone. A missed call from an old friend. He calls back and puts it on speaker as he is about to drive.
Voice: Hello?
Dave: Brother… what’s up?
Voice: Not much, I just wanted to give you a shout. I know you’ve got a huge night coming up. Figured I’d give you some advice after all these years.
Dave: Heh, I appreciate that man. So whatcha got?
Voice: Do you remember that ultimate submission match we had?
Dave: Yeah man. One of my better moments.
Voice: And do you remember the drive and determination you had in that match?
Dave: Of course I do. I’ve been trying to find it again.
Voice: Find it, and fast. If you are as motivated, dedicated, driven, and just outright ready like you were for that match, you will be absolutely fine and will be the next Battleground winner.
Dave: How is that going to help me though?
Voice: I’ve never had someone not tap out to my move… You withstood it the entire match. And you made me pass out. I didn’t tap out, but you won the match by making me reach the limit of consciousness. Find that will to win that you had and you will win again. You took that same will and won the LWF Title in the elimination chamber at Lockmania. Only so many people can say they won on LWF’s biggest stage. You are one of them. Take it, and put it to use.
Dave: I appreciate that man. I really do. But I look at everything I’ve done and I could retire today and….I just don’t know how much longer I have in me.
Voice: You’re not ready to retire just yet. I know from experience.
Dave: Have you ever thought of making a comeback?
Voice: I have, a lot.
Dave: And?
Voice: All I can say is, never say never.
Dave smirks.
Dave: My crowning achievement is winning the LWF Title. Ever since then, my career has gone nowhere. I just find myself thinking that I reached my peak back then. My career is basically dead at this point.
Voice: It’s only dead if you let it die. Don’t let your legacy die now. Continue it. Win Battleground. I promise you your career will skyrocket to heights you have yet to even dream of.
Dave: I appreciate that man. Listen, I hate to cut this short but I just pulled up to the house. I’ve got some things to do before I go to the gym. Keep in touch though. It’s been way too long.
Voice: Anytime. Just keep your eyes on the prize. Don’t let what that new punk says get in your head. And don’t read too far into what Wallace has to say either. Everyone has their breaking point. If you can find mine, you can find his. Good luck at Battleground.
Dave: Thanks brother. Take care, alright?
Voice: You too.
Fade out.
Part 3--- 28OCTOBER2016
Fading in on Dave’s office at his house, we see Ed and Dave scrolling through a computer. They’re playing various songs and Dave continuously shakes his head. Ed starts to get frustrated.
Ed: I know this used to be one of the things that annoyed everyone most about you, but this is good. You’ve had Shinedown bringing you out for quite some time now. You wanted to pick new music, so let’s get our heads in it and why.
Dave: I’m just not feeling some of the music man. I need something heavy hitting and something that is just completely numbing to everything else but the goal.
Ed sighs and continues to scroll. Dave stops him when a song plays.
Dave: Stop! What is that one?
Ed: It is… “Strife” by Trivium.
Dave: That’s it. That’s the one. Get this to the production crew asap!
Ed burns the song to a disc and goes to leave, but then stops.
Ed: Why this song?
Dave: Because it embodies motivation, determination, and everything that I want. Just the instrumental alone is probably the most motivating thing I’ve ever heard.
Ed: It’s your music.
At that moment Ed leaves. Fadeout.
Part 4--- 30OCTOBER2016
Dave Rydell is walking through the terminal at O’Hare. He is about to board the plane to L.A. Ed Leonard left the night prior to get everything set up for his arrival. Not because he’s a lackey, but because he’s a damn good manager. As Dave walks down the terminal, he stops at one of the convenience stores and grabs a bottle of water, of course, paying for it. He heads to his gate and flashes his boarding pass. Dave is about to walk down the jetway, but stops for a moment as he hears some commotion. He turns to look and notices a few younger individuals getting into a scuffle.
While the two are tussling around, airport security rushes to break up the fight. A few bystanders pull out their phones and start recording. Some are cheering them on, others are just watching. Even a few try to join in breaking them up. Suddenly, a brawl breaks out as someone is sucker punched. Rydell just looks on and shakes his head as now dozens and dozens of people are brawling in the terminal. Suddenly down the terminal, some hooligan teenagers are seen looting the convenience stores and breaking open the vending machines. A man walks up to Dave and looks on as well.
Man: Apparently one guy made a pro Trump comment. The other guy likes Hillary but is mad because she is under investigation again.
Dave: Ha, good ol’ politics. It’ll make anyone edgy.
Dave shakes his head again and chuckles to himself and then starts to head down the jetway. As the door closes, objects are now being thrown, and men in riot gear make their way to the scene. Dave just sighs and makes his way onto the plane.
Dave: Idiots. Although a few of them might make for better competition in Battleground.
Fade out.
Part 5--- 31OCTOBER2016
Dave Rydell is walking through the halls of the arena with his bag slung over his shoulder. He is flanked by Ed Leonard. They head toward the locker room area and go in. Dave sets his bag down and takes his shirt off to begin his pre match stretches.
Ed: You’re stretching now? You’ve still got four hours until the show begins, let alone however long it takes to get to your match.
Dave: I’d rather be as limber as possible for it. I’m not going to over do it.
Ed: Look, I’m just wanting to make sure you are mentally ready. I think you’re over preparing.
Dave: You can’t over prepare. One thing I took from the military is to always be over prepared because you do not know what will happen. Anything can happen at a moments notice, and you could be stuck outside the wire for several days without food and water. I know this isn’t the same scenario, but dammit, it’s Battleground and I’m not risking anything.
Ed: I’m just making sure your mind is right.
Dave: If you’ve got a problem with how I’m doing things to get me ready for MY match, then leave. You wanted to come back. You wanted to be my manager. You are not the one competing so you don’t know the toll it takes.
Ed: Alright, I get it. I’ll go get some waters.
Dave goes back to his stretching while Ed leaves. As Ed heads down the hall, he is stopped by Grey Coppi.
Grey: Ed, long time no see.
Ed: I've been around. What can I do for you?
Grey: Think I could get some insight on how you think your client will do tonight?
Ed: Ahhh yes. It's Halloween and the freaks come out.
Grey: Are you calling me a freak?
Ed: I'm pooling you with the group of folks that come out each and every week wanting to know what my client is going to do. He's going to win Battleground. You and your posse of shit sippers need to let it go. He's a strong competitor and will win tonight. Every week, the likes of you and that sad sack, Jason Ingalls, count my client out. You count my friend out. And week after week, you guys are proven wrong. Sure, people win and lose. But every time you count him out, you drive him to shut you up. So go ahead. Wonder what he is going to do. Because when you think he is down and out, he will be there to crack skulls and put you all to shame. Get the hell out of my face.
Grey scurries off as Ed moves on to find water. Back in the locker room, Dave is stretching his hamstrings out being very methodical with the way he loosens up. Jordan King walks into the locker room with his bag and sets it down.
JK: I thought I was the only one who showed up early.
Dave: You know me better than that.
JK: Very true. Listen, mate. I know the belts were important to you. I just…
Dave: Stop. While I appreciate it, just stop. I will do whatever I can do with everything in my power to keep them. The Co-Operative titles are different. It’s about a team. Hastings and I weren’t a team… it was an uneasy and horrendous pairing. I just saw an opportunity and capitalized on it. The rest is history, as you well know.
JK: Good to know. Are we still cool, mate?
Dave: Of course.
The two shake hands and Jordan exits the locker room. Shortly after, Ed walks back in with a case of water. He sets it down and Dave goes back to stretching.
Ed: What was that all about?
Dave: Burying the hatchet. The right way.
Ed: Interesting.
Dave: What makes you say that?
Ed: Usually you hold grudges and find ways to get some sort of payback on your enemies.
Dave: You must not have heard me when I said things are different. You must not have heard me when I said I’m not doing the gimmick bullshit and I’m not getting in quarrels with anyone because they said the wrong thing to me. If I get involved in a feud, it’s because of gold. If you’re not in this business to win the World Championship, you are in the wrong business.
Ed: I get it.
Dave: Clearly you don’t, Ed. You know what, just leave.
Ed: Dave… stop.
Dave: No, Ed. Leave. We can talk about this manger stuff another day. I have to win Battleground.
Dave turns his back and continues to stretch while Ed just looks on. After a moment or two, he turns and walks out, shutting the door behind him. Fade out.
Part 6--- Victory, Defeat, and the Riot Act
August 1, 1715. Why is that date significant you ask? In Great Britain, they put into force, something called the ‘Riot Act.’ It was originally written in 1714. Now, I know what you’re all thinking. How can this possibly be of any significance when your match involves only six people?! Great question! It has nothing to do with the match. I just wanted to throw that little bit of history out for you due to the fact that I’m in a match that involves half a dozen people. Not constituted as a riot, by the terms set in this Riot Act. However, a riot will indeed ensue as we are all going after one prize.
While you read this, it is assumed you’ve seen all of the promos that were cut by all of my opponents. Everyone usually pays special attention to what a few of them have to say. It’s kind of hard to follow Donovan these days. He’s a bit…sporadic. Yet he still seems to be on the winning side. He seems to have a special bond now with one of the competitors in this epic matchup, in one Alan Wallace.
See, Alan is a man I respected, that I looked up to. He mentored me. He helped me get on my way back to the Cross Hemisphere Championship. But I digress. This isn’t about the direction I was going in many moons ago. This letter of intent is about Battleground. At Battleground, I stand alone. I stand alone in the fight of the year. I stand alone in a fight that will be the thing I need to sky rocket me back to the top.
Now while there are men such as these involved in Battleground, there are others. The likes of Jet Somers and Travis Pierce bring a whole new tune to this event. The Piercing Weapons used to be the talk of this company. They used to run this place with an iron fist. Yet now they are going to be enemies. Frenemies, perhaps. I have beaten Travis before, and if it comes to it, I will again in this demonic structure. Jet Somers and I have teamed, yet never faced one on one. He is an agile and fierce competitor. Yet he seems to be trying to find that stride once more to get back to the top instead of completely retire. My advice, Jet, is to stay retired.
And now, the man of the hour who seems to have some sick and twisted hatred for me since he debuted. Austin Alexander. The comparisons you make about me are laughable at best. A stain on the mat? Please. I am stomped far worse than you in lesser profile matches. Have you ever heard of KvK? A man named Phoenix? How about the fact that I have a winning record over the current World Champion, Travis Roberts? Still don’t consider me a threat just because you’re a big guy? The bigger they are, the harder they fall.
The fact that you get this urge to touch me every time you hear my name, makes me question your motives as a man and a competitor. I do truly appreciate the attention you’ve been showing me. You’ve been getting me talked about. You’ve been getting my name out there in some fashion for this Battleground event. What you fail to realize is that I have been in this realm before. You just set foot in this company. You are about to embark on one of the most treacherous, dangerous, and most brutal journeys that you’ve ever had the chance to be a part of. Kudos, however, on all of the baby jokes you made. Pretty clever. I’m not quite sure though that your brain can fathom the damage that I will inflict on you in the cell.
And for the record… I’m well aware that I am the walking punch line of every joke in the UGWC. It doesn’t do anything but motivate me to win. And just last I have, I will. I will win. And when I stand tall at the end of the match, with my arms raised in victory, you will just see how overrated I am.
I’ve been on the side of victory, the side of defeat, and everything in between. I am the best candidate to win Battleground because I am going to continue the prestige of this event. I am going to continue the streak and go on to win the UGWC World Championship. And then, I will continue to hold the World Title to the high standard that the current Champion has brought it to. Travis Roberts, you are looking at your next opponent after Battleground.
For everyone involved in Battleground, it is a chance at greatness. For me, it is a must win. I absolutely have to win Battleground. I am a man with nothing to lose in this match. I have absolutely everything to gain. Battleground is my night. Battleground is my destiny. Battleground is my chance to reclaim my rightful spot in the main event scene. Battleground is my chance. For the rest of you, consider Battleground your annihilation. And consider me the pale rider on the horse. My name is death, and all of hell shall follow me.
End.
Fading in on Ed and Dave seated in the corner booth at O’Malley’s (The newly rebuilt location in Chicago), they are enjoying dinner while conversating. Dave has his normal glass of rum while Ed is slowly enjoying a nice scotch.
Ed: Synergy turned into a nightmare, eh?
Dave: You knew it would. It’s that same bullshit mentality with the creative team and the bookers of this place. Same thing happened last month. You saw the chaos that ensued.
Ed: Why don’t you go on your previous journey and try and conquer it?
Dave: Because, Ed, that’s a stupid gimmick. Too many hands in a small pot… it’s going to get crowded.
Ed: Speaking of previous issues, what of Mr. Orson?
Dave: Martin? Meh, if he truly had an issue with what happened, we would have settled it by now. He doesn’t give a shit, I’m over it. I got my little bit of satisfaction by making sure he wasn’t the World Champion. That’s all that matters to me.
Ed: So what’s next?
Dave: Battleground, Ed. Battleground is next. That little shit sipper, Alexander, has quite the mouth on him too. I’m thoroughly excited to smack him in it and put his sorry ass in his place.
Dave goes back to his meal and Ed sips his scotch.
Ed: Do you think you can win this year?
Dave: I don’t see why I can’t. I think my biggest threat in this match is Wallace. He can be beaten. I just have to wear him down.
Ed: A lot of people are continuing to use you as the butt of their jokes.
Dave: Fuck ‘em. Let ‘em. Ingalls tried that bullshit. Look what happened. I know who you’re talking about too, by the way.
Ed: Oh yeah?
Dave: Yeah. That green little shit, Austin Alexander. That punk ass mother fucker is going to get what’s coming to him one day. Might not be at Battleground, but he’s going to piss off the wrong person and get his fucking teeth kicked in.
Ed: You don’t have to get hot about it.
Dave: Then don’t bring up an unpleasant piece of shit like him again.
Dave goes back to his food. He finishes up and takes a drink of his rum.
Dave: This is it Ed. This is the home stretch to my final goal before I can retire.
Ed: Then let’s keep the train rolling.
The two raise their glasses and clink them before taking a sip. Fade out.
Part 2--- 27OCTOBER2016
Fading in on Dave inside of a storage locker, he is going through some boxes that he hasn’t unpacked from when he moved to Chicago. He is rooting around and pulls out some photos of his days in XHF. He smirks and sets them to the side. Before closing the box, he pauses and looks at something. He pulls out another photo. It’s him holding his first Championship. The EWF Championship. Dave takes a moment before setting that down and closing the box.
As Dave moves to the next box, he notices something else somewhat buried. He moves some things around before picking up a dusty and clearly old title belt. He holds it up getting a better look, and it’s the LWF World Championship. He stands there, holding the belt…
Reminiscing moment…
Red Fusion slowly uses the ropes to pull himself up on the chamber floor. He is tattered and torn with cuts from going into the chamber glass. Inside the ring, Derik Felix drops John Russo and makes the cover, 1….2….WHAM! Red Fusion somehow mustered the strength to hit the Leap of Faith on both of them! Fusion rolls off holding his chest. He uses the ropes to pull himself up as Russo starts to stir. Red Fusion locks in, and as Russo turns around, VIRUS OF LIFE!!!! 1….2….3!!!!! RED FUSION ELIMINATES JOHN RUSSO!!!!
Derek Felix is now up and stalks Fusion. As Fusion is up, he hits him with the Hatian Legsweep! Felix heads for the corner and climbs up. The crowd is roaring as he steadies himself. Felix leaps for Felix Rising but Fusion somehow rolls out of the way! Felix is quickly back up but in a severe amount of pain. Fusion grabs him for the Virus of Life but Felix shoves him away. Felix attempts Fade 2 Black, but Fusion sidesteps him. Out of nowhere, Fusion jumps, VIRUS OF LIFE TO THE WORLD CHAMPION!!!!! Fusion covers, 1….2….3!!!!!!
Winner and NEW LWF World Champion: Red Fusion!!!!
Red Fusion clutches the title tightly as he has finally reaches the mountain top. Seven years and he is the MAN!
Back to reality, Dave shakes his head and wipes the base plate of the title. He sets it in the pile with the photos before getting the boxes stacked up how they were. Dave grabs the belt and the photos and heads out of the storage locker. He shuts the door and starts walking back to his truck. Once in, he starts it up and looks at his phone. A missed call from an old friend. He calls back and puts it on speaker as he is about to drive.
Voice: Hello?
Dave: Brother… what’s up?
Voice: Not much, I just wanted to give you a shout. I know you’ve got a huge night coming up. Figured I’d give you some advice after all these years.
Dave: Heh, I appreciate that man. So whatcha got?
Voice: Do you remember that ultimate submission match we had?
Dave: Yeah man. One of my better moments.
Voice: And do you remember the drive and determination you had in that match?
Dave: Of course I do. I’ve been trying to find it again.
Voice: Find it, and fast. If you are as motivated, dedicated, driven, and just outright ready like you were for that match, you will be absolutely fine and will be the next Battleground winner.
Dave: How is that going to help me though?
Voice: I’ve never had someone not tap out to my move… You withstood it the entire match. And you made me pass out. I didn’t tap out, but you won the match by making me reach the limit of consciousness. Find that will to win that you had and you will win again. You took that same will and won the LWF Title in the elimination chamber at Lockmania. Only so many people can say they won on LWF’s biggest stage. You are one of them. Take it, and put it to use.
Dave: I appreciate that man. I really do. But I look at everything I’ve done and I could retire today and….I just don’t know how much longer I have in me.
Voice: You’re not ready to retire just yet. I know from experience.
Dave: Have you ever thought of making a comeback?
Voice: I have, a lot.
Dave: And?
Voice: All I can say is, never say never.
Dave smirks.
Dave: My crowning achievement is winning the LWF Title. Ever since then, my career has gone nowhere. I just find myself thinking that I reached my peak back then. My career is basically dead at this point.
Voice: It’s only dead if you let it die. Don’t let your legacy die now. Continue it. Win Battleground. I promise you your career will skyrocket to heights you have yet to even dream of.
Dave: I appreciate that man. Listen, I hate to cut this short but I just pulled up to the house. I’ve got some things to do before I go to the gym. Keep in touch though. It’s been way too long.
Voice: Anytime. Just keep your eyes on the prize. Don’t let what that new punk says get in your head. And don’t read too far into what Wallace has to say either. Everyone has their breaking point. If you can find mine, you can find his. Good luck at Battleground.
Dave: Thanks brother. Take care, alright?
Voice: You too.
Fade out.
Part 3--- 28OCTOBER2016
Fading in on Dave’s office at his house, we see Ed and Dave scrolling through a computer. They’re playing various songs and Dave continuously shakes his head. Ed starts to get frustrated.
Ed: I know this used to be one of the things that annoyed everyone most about you, but this is good. You’ve had Shinedown bringing you out for quite some time now. You wanted to pick new music, so let’s get our heads in it and why.
Dave: I’m just not feeling some of the music man. I need something heavy hitting and something that is just completely numbing to everything else but the goal.
Ed sighs and continues to scroll. Dave stops him when a song plays.
Dave: Stop! What is that one?
Ed: It is… “Strife” by Trivium.
Dave: That’s it. That’s the one. Get this to the production crew asap!
Ed burns the song to a disc and goes to leave, but then stops.
Ed: Why this song?
Dave: Because it embodies motivation, determination, and everything that I want. Just the instrumental alone is probably the most motivating thing I’ve ever heard.
Ed: It’s your music.
At that moment Ed leaves. Fadeout.
Part 4--- 30OCTOBER2016
Dave Rydell is walking through the terminal at O’Hare. He is about to board the plane to L.A. Ed Leonard left the night prior to get everything set up for his arrival. Not because he’s a lackey, but because he’s a damn good manager. As Dave walks down the terminal, he stops at one of the convenience stores and grabs a bottle of water, of course, paying for it. He heads to his gate and flashes his boarding pass. Dave is about to walk down the jetway, but stops for a moment as he hears some commotion. He turns to look and notices a few younger individuals getting into a scuffle.
While the two are tussling around, airport security rushes to break up the fight. A few bystanders pull out their phones and start recording. Some are cheering them on, others are just watching. Even a few try to join in breaking them up. Suddenly, a brawl breaks out as someone is sucker punched. Rydell just looks on and shakes his head as now dozens and dozens of people are brawling in the terminal. Suddenly down the terminal, some hooligan teenagers are seen looting the convenience stores and breaking open the vending machines. A man walks up to Dave and looks on as well.
Man: Apparently one guy made a pro Trump comment. The other guy likes Hillary but is mad because she is under investigation again.
Dave: Ha, good ol’ politics. It’ll make anyone edgy.
Dave shakes his head again and chuckles to himself and then starts to head down the jetway. As the door closes, objects are now being thrown, and men in riot gear make their way to the scene. Dave just sighs and makes his way onto the plane.
Dave: Idiots. Although a few of them might make for better competition in Battleground.
Fade out.
Part 5--- 31OCTOBER2016
Dave Rydell is walking through the halls of the arena with his bag slung over his shoulder. He is flanked by Ed Leonard. They head toward the locker room area and go in. Dave sets his bag down and takes his shirt off to begin his pre match stretches.
Ed: You’re stretching now? You’ve still got four hours until the show begins, let alone however long it takes to get to your match.
Dave: I’d rather be as limber as possible for it. I’m not going to over do it.
Ed: Look, I’m just wanting to make sure you are mentally ready. I think you’re over preparing.
Dave: You can’t over prepare. One thing I took from the military is to always be over prepared because you do not know what will happen. Anything can happen at a moments notice, and you could be stuck outside the wire for several days without food and water. I know this isn’t the same scenario, but dammit, it’s Battleground and I’m not risking anything.
Ed: I’m just making sure your mind is right.
Dave: If you’ve got a problem with how I’m doing things to get me ready for MY match, then leave. You wanted to come back. You wanted to be my manager. You are not the one competing so you don’t know the toll it takes.
Ed: Alright, I get it. I’ll go get some waters.
Dave goes back to his stretching while Ed leaves. As Ed heads down the hall, he is stopped by Grey Coppi.
Grey: Ed, long time no see.
Ed: I've been around. What can I do for you?
Grey: Think I could get some insight on how you think your client will do tonight?
Ed: Ahhh yes. It's Halloween and the freaks come out.
Grey: Are you calling me a freak?
Ed: I'm pooling you with the group of folks that come out each and every week wanting to know what my client is going to do. He's going to win Battleground. You and your posse of shit sippers need to let it go. He's a strong competitor and will win tonight. Every week, the likes of you and that sad sack, Jason Ingalls, count my client out. You count my friend out. And week after week, you guys are proven wrong. Sure, people win and lose. But every time you count him out, you drive him to shut you up. So go ahead. Wonder what he is going to do. Because when you think he is down and out, he will be there to crack skulls and put you all to shame. Get the hell out of my face.
Grey scurries off as Ed moves on to find water. Back in the locker room, Dave is stretching his hamstrings out being very methodical with the way he loosens up. Jordan King walks into the locker room with his bag and sets it down.
JK: I thought I was the only one who showed up early.
Dave: You know me better than that.
JK: Very true. Listen, mate. I know the belts were important to you. I just…
Dave: Stop. While I appreciate it, just stop. I will do whatever I can do with everything in my power to keep them. The Co-Operative titles are different. It’s about a team. Hastings and I weren’t a team… it was an uneasy and horrendous pairing. I just saw an opportunity and capitalized on it. The rest is history, as you well know.
JK: Good to know. Are we still cool, mate?
Dave: Of course.
The two shake hands and Jordan exits the locker room. Shortly after, Ed walks back in with a case of water. He sets it down and Dave goes back to stretching.
Ed: What was that all about?
Dave: Burying the hatchet. The right way.
Ed: Interesting.
Dave: What makes you say that?
Ed: Usually you hold grudges and find ways to get some sort of payback on your enemies.
Dave: You must not have heard me when I said things are different. You must not have heard me when I said I’m not doing the gimmick bullshit and I’m not getting in quarrels with anyone because they said the wrong thing to me. If I get involved in a feud, it’s because of gold. If you’re not in this business to win the World Championship, you are in the wrong business.
Ed: I get it.
Dave: Clearly you don’t, Ed. You know what, just leave.
Ed: Dave… stop.
Dave: No, Ed. Leave. We can talk about this manger stuff another day. I have to win Battleground.
Dave turns his back and continues to stretch while Ed just looks on. After a moment or two, he turns and walks out, shutting the door behind him. Fade out.
Part 6--- Victory, Defeat, and the Riot Act
August 1, 1715. Why is that date significant you ask? In Great Britain, they put into force, something called the ‘Riot Act.’ It was originally written in 1714. Now, I know what you’re all thinking. How can this possibly be of any significance when your match involves only six people?! Great question! It has nothing to do with the match. I just wanted to throw that little bit of history out for you due to the fact that I’m in a match that involves half a dozen people. Not constituted as a riot, by the terms set in this Riot Act. However, a riot will indeed ensue as we are all going after one prize.
While you read this, it is assumed you’ve seen all of the promos that were cut by all of my opponents. Everyone usually pays special attention to what a few of them have to say. It’s kind of hard to follow Donovan these days. He’s a bit…sporadic. Yet he still seems to be on the winning side. He seems to have a special bond now with one of the competitors in this epic matchup, in one Alan Wallace.
See, Alan is a man I respected, that I looked up to. He mentored me. He helped me get on my way back to the Cross Hemisphere Championship. But I digress. This isn’t about the direction I was going in many moons ago. This letter of intent is about Battleground. At Battleground, I stand alone. I stand alone in the fight of the year. I stand alone in a fight that will be the thing I need to sky rocket me back to the top.
Now while there are men such as these involved in Battleground, there are others. The likes of Jet Somers and Travis Pierce bring a whole new tune to this event. The Piercing Weapons used to be the talk of this company. They used to run this place with an iron fist. Yet now they are going to be enemies. Frenemies, perhaps. I have beaten Travis before, and if it comes to it, I will again in this demonic structure. Jet Somers and I have teamed, yet never faced one on one. He is an agile and fierce competitor. Yet he seems to be trying to find that stride once more to get back to the top instead of completely retire. My advice, Jet, is to stay retired.
And now, the man of the hour who seems to have some sick and twisted hatred for me since he debuted. Austin Alexander. The comparisons you make about me are laughable at best. A stain on the mat? Please. I am stomped far worse than you in lesser profile matches. Have you ever heard of KvK? A man named Phoenix? How about the fact that I have a winning record over the current World Champion, Travis Roberts? Still don’t consider me a threat just because you’re a big guy? The bigger they are, the harder they fall.
The fact that you get this urge to touch me every time you hear my name, makes me question your motives as a man and a competitor. I do truly appreciate the attention you’ve been showing me. You’ve been getting me talked about. You’ve been getting my name out there in some fashion for this Battleground event. What you fail to realize is that I have been in this realm before. You just set foot in this company. You are about to embark on one of the most treacherous, dangerous, and most brutal journeys that you’ve ever had the chance to be a part of. Kudos, however, on all of the baby jokes you made. Pretty clever. I’m not quite sure though that your brain can fathom the damage that I will inflict on you in the cell.
And for the record… I’m well aware that I am the walking punch line of every joke in the UGWC. It doesn’t do anything but motivate me to win. And just last I have, I will. I will win. And when I stand tall at the end of the match, with my arms raised in victory, you will just see how overrated I am.
I’ve been on the side of victory, the side of defeat, and everything in between. I am the best candidate to win Battleground because I am going to continue the prestige of this event. I am going to continue the streak and go on to win the UGWC World Championship. And then, I will continue to hold the World Title to the high standard that the current Champion has brought it to. Travis Roberts, you are looking at your next opponent after Battleground.
For everyone involved in Battleground, it is a chance at greatness. For me, it is a must win. I absolutely have to win Battleground. I am a man with nothing to lose in this match. I have absolutely everything to gain. Battleground is my night. Battleground is my destiny. Battleground is my chance to reclaim my rightful spot in the main event scene. Battleground is my chance. For the rest of you, consider Battleground your annihilation. And consider me the pale rider on the horse. My name is death, and all of hell shall follow me.
End.
