Whatever It Takes.

[Dave Rydell]

~~~~~

Falling too fast to prepare for this
Tripping in the world could be dangerous
Everybody circling, it's vulturous
Negative, nepotist

Everybody waiting for the fall of man
Everybody praying for the end of times
Everybody hoping they could be the one
I was born to run, I was born for this

~~~~~

Post Match - Synergy

As Dave Rydell comes through the curtain as the lights go dark in the arena and the court delivers a message, he is met once again by Roxy Malone.

Roxy: Dave, the UGWC World Champion came out to say some interesting things about a select few. You were the first on his list. Your thoughts?

Dave: Who?

Roxy: Gabriel Baal, the UGWC World Champion. Do you not know who he is?

Dave: Who?

Roxy: Gabri-

Dave: I know who he is Roxy. He never lets anyone forget who he is.

Roxy: How do you figure?

Dave: He constantly shoves his drivel into the ears of everyone close to the UGWC. The fans, the competitors. Everyone. See, the problem with people like Gabriel Baal, is he isn’t original. He’s all recycled talk. He’s all recycled one liners.

Roxy: Do you care to elaborate?

Dave: I would, but he already beat me to the punch.

Roxy: How so?

Dave: You must not have paid attention. You heard him say my name and assumed it was interesting. I only know what he said because it was drilled into all of our ears like a hammer and nail. You remember that big deal where everyone got a cheap pop or jeer from the crowd by calling me a joke? Remember when I said that really all anyone ever has against me is they THINK I’m a joke? That’s all he said. I’m a joke. My career is a joke. So on and so forth. Gabriel Baal is nothing but a paper champion and a place holder until Outlast.

Roxy: A place holder?

Dave: That’s right. See, Gabriel Baal said something of value, whether he believed in it or not. When he opened and said that “anything could happen. Anything. Dave Rydell could become the World Champion.” He’s not wrong whatsoever because I fully intend on walking out of Outlast with the belt over my shoulder, walking up the ramp, and him laying in the middle of the ring, beaten and broken.

Roxy: That’s a truly bold claim.

Dave: Is it though? I don’t think so. I have proved I’m not messing around week in and week out. I called out one of the top names that this company has to offer and proved my worth. I was able to lure him out and prove my point. Nobody else but me. I earned the right to be a captain at Outlast. I beat Fear, Travis Pierce, and Rogan MacLean. I went out there and showed each member of the 6 pack challenge why I’m going to walk out as the World Champion. I went out there tonight and teamed with Magdalena Lockhart, who? Magdalena Lockhart, and beat two of my teammates at Outlast. Was it ideal? No, no it wasn’t. But a match is a match and the goal is to win. Then what did I do? Magdalena wanted to celebrate, show off and show out. So I dropped her back down to earth with a Virus of Life. I let her know why she wasn’t even on my list.

Roxy: Speaking of your victory, congratulations. Do you have anything to comment on how it all happened?

Dave: Only that I did what I needed to do to set up the win. Just because Lockhart, who? Lockhart got the pinball, doesn’t mean anything. I went out there, kicked ass, maintained peace between my teammates, and sent the message I planned on sending.

Roxy: With Outlast just one week away, do you have anything to say to your opponents?

Dave: Oh, you mean the entire company? Just sit back and relax while I go into the main event and walk out with the World Title. It’s my time.

Dave walks off before Roxy can ask anything else. The camera follows Dave down a few halls. He reaches the locker room door and opens it, but before he comes in he hears someone yell “hey” so he turns.

Voice: What the hell?

Dave rolls his eyes and it is Jessica E. Mathis.

Dave: What?

Jessica: What gives?

Dave: What? We had a match and my team won? I’m not going to tank the team I’m fighting on tonight to preserve the team I have yet to fight on.

Jessica: So that’s it? You just pick us to join your group and then cast us off when you feel like it?

Dave lets the door shut and turns, getting close to Jessica’s face.

Dave: You know what, forget tonight happened. I don’t understand why you’re even back here right now. Just get yourself ready for Outlast. I want you unleashing every bit of potential and rage you have out there in that ring. That’s it.

Before Jessica can answer, Dave just goes into the locker. Fade out.

~~~~~

Whip, whip
Run me like a racehorse
Pull me like a ripcord
Break me down and build me up
I wanna be the slip, slip
Word upon your lip, lip
Letter that you rip, rip
Break me down and build me up

Whatever it takes
'Cause I love the adrenaline in my veins
I do whatever it takes
'Cause I love how it feels when I break the chains
Whatever it takes
You take me to the top I'm ready for
Whatever it takes
'Cause I love the adrenaline in my veins
I do what it takes

~~~~~

O’Malley’s - 20 September 2017 @ 1630

Dave is sitting up at the bar, having a beverage like normal. Ed is seating himself and has a beverage on the way.

Ed: Good work out there.

Dave: Thanks. You know what I find weird?

Ed: What’s that?

Dave: You’re there at the arena before the show, and after, but we never talk about the match until we come to the bar.

Ed: Hmm, that is odd. Ah well, we are here now, right?

Dave: I guess. But to be honest, there isn’t much to be said. I’ve addressed Gabriel’s comments already, and I don’t need to live in the past of Synergy. There’s only one way to go. Forward. And the next stop is Outlast.

Ed: That’s right. Where you are going to be the advancer of your qualifying match. Where you will go on to the main event and earn the World Title.

Dave: That’s right.

Ed takes a big swig of his scotch as a plate of food arrives for Dave.

Ed: Well, we have little to discuss then. You seem pretty well focussed. Enjoy the break. Enjoy the rest. Keep your mind focussed. One more week to go. Is Michelle working?

Dave: Nope. I gave her a week of paid leave. She understands that I can’t be distracted. She understands that this is my life.

Ed: Good. Well, I will be heading out to New Jersey tomorrow. I’ve got some business to attend to in Atlantic City on Friday and will be spending the weekend there. I will see you Monday.

Dave: Enjoy your trip. See ya Monday.

Ed finishes his beverage, grabs his fedora and pats Dave on the back.

Ed: This is it, Dave. It’s time.

Dave: Thanks man. I’m glad you came back. It’s been a good time.

Ed walks off and Dave goes to eating his food. Finger food, as he likes it.

Bartender: Anything else, boss?

Dave: Let me get a refill, please.

Bartender: Sure thing.

Dave gets his refill and continues eating, but then this thing happens.

Fear: David.

Dave seems started as he turns and sees his #1 pick sitting beside him.

Dave: Uh…hey man. I think? When the hell……whatever. Do you want a drink? On the house, since I own the place.

Fear: No.

Dave shrugs his shoulders and takes a sip of his rum.

Fear: I admit I would not have anticipated you selecting me.

Dave: Why? You’ve proven time and again to be a great team player if you wanted to. I feel like after all these years we can put whatever differences aside for one night. Apparently, two nights since you’re here right now. We have a common enemy. It’s just like in the Army. We may not like the Brits or the other armies of the world, but we put our differences aside to get the job done and eliminate the threat. Right now, our threat is Donovan Hastings.

Fear continues to look on, emotionless.

Dave: You were my number 1 pick because you are just that good. I’ve always followed your work. I’ve never admitted this before, but you were part of the reason I decided to get into wrestling. I just happened to end up at the same company that you were in. Why wouldn’t I pick you? You’ve got a fantastic track record. I want my team to destroy Hastings team. I picked you for that reason. And the other two as well.

Fear: Interesting choices on your part. Perhaps not the ones I would have made.

Dave: Well, Hayleigh Fear and Jessica Mathis weren’t exactly my first choices either. But just like in fantasy football, you have your picks set up and even your contingency plans. Yet they don’t always seem to work out. I’m not sure if you play fantasy football, but that’s exactly what happened. So many eligible contenders for the team, it just came to be my pick and where I ranked them.

Fear: I see.

Dave: I mean, do you honestly think I would’ve picked someone who hasn’t showed face in months? Do you think I would’ve picked someone as stale and boring as Travis Pierce?

Fear: Travis Pierce has been a singles champion for the last several months, a distinction that has evaded you for nearly three years.

Dave: And? He’s been the Chaos Champion. While yeah it is gold, it isn’t the gold that matters to you and to me. He’s beaten people like Jessica Mathis. Yeah, I know she’s on the team. But why would I pick a guy to tank the team because of the hatred we share, instead of picking someone who’s going to actually help us out. Let me ask you something, Fear. Are you opposed to being on this team? Is this going to be a problem for you?

Fear: You misunderstand me. I have every intention of being victorious at Outlast. I simply cannot help but wonder if you have chosen to bring sheep to wolves.

Dave: For years, Fear, I have followed and not been a true leader when given the opportunity. I have given up and looked out for many others. I draft the best possible team of people who I know will work as a team, and for themselves equally to get the mission done. Everyone’s goal is to make it to the main event, so when they get in that ring, they are going to pour their heart out to be victorious.

Fear: Nevertheless, I wish you well with your...football fantasy on Sunday. I just hope you are prepared for the reality you face on Monday.

Dave looks forward and sips his rum.

Dave: I am more than prepared. This isn’t about fantasy football, Fear. This is about the World Title. You know that this is the biggest issue I’ve had. This is the one that evaded me in the LWF and what is evading me here. No longer. No longer will I be denied. No longer will I be passed by. It is my turn. It is my time. I drafted you for a reason. You and I both want the same thing. If our team wins, it comes down to which of us makes it to the end of the match. You will do what you need to do to ensure team victory. You won’t sacrifice the team losing to take away you having a shot at the title. Neither will Jessica or Hayleigh. Despite what Jessica thinks happened on Monday or not. So, Fear, tel-

As Dave spoke he turned to make eye contact with Fear, but he was gone. For how long, we don’t know. Dave looks around the room, and shakes his head, smirking, going back to his food and drink.

~~~~~

Always had a fear of being typical
Looking at my body feeling miserable
Always hanging on to the visual
I wanna be invisible

Looking at my years like a martyrdom
Everybody needs to be a part of 'em
Never be enough, I'm the prodigal son
I was born to run, I was born for this

Trump SOHO, New York - 24 September 2017 @ 2040

Dave Rydell comes out of the elevator after checking in and heads to the hotel bar. He gets on a stool and orders a rum, just one, because he has a big day tomorrow. He sits there staring at his glass, taking a sip every couple of minutes, seemingly waiting. Suddenly, Hayleigh Fear appears before us and sits next to him. She has her bag with her.

Dave: Checking in here?

Hayleigh: No.

Dave: Why not? Great hotel. Great service.

Hayleigh: What do you want, Dave?

Dave: Well, I’ve spoken to Jessica and Fear. I just wanted to talk to you about tomorrow.

Hayleigh: What’s there to talk about? I’ve got the same goal as everyone else. Making it to the main event and winning the title.

Dave: Fair enough. But do you think we need to figure out the plan.

Hayleigh: Wouldn’t this be better with all of us?

Dave: It would. But they aren’t here. You and I are. Half is better than none.

Hayleigh: Fair.

Dave: I guess the biggest question is, are you going to let your selfish desires overcome the unity and cohesion of the team? The bigger goal?

Before Hayleigh can answer, Ed Leonard walks up. He just stands there as bother Hayleigh and Dave look at him.

Hayleigh: I guess we will finish this later.

Hayleigh walks off with her bag as Dave rolls his eyes and Ed sits down.

Dave: What are you doing?

Ed: We need to talk.

Dave: About what? Nothing matters except me being on the same page as the team and getting into the main event.

Ed: While I agree, we have some pressing matters.

Dave: Like what?

Ed hesitates for a moment.

Ed: He’s back. He’s here. He’s waiting for you upstairs in my room.

Dave: What about no distractions? What about shutting everything out and ignoring the world until after tomorrow night?! Ed, what the fuck?!

Ed: I know. But he had my ear.

Dave: That isn’t easy to do, all things considered.

Ed: I think you need to listen.

Dave sighs and gets up. The two head off. Fade out.

~~~~~

Whip, whip
Run me like a racehorse
Pull me like a ripcord
Break me down and build me up
I wanna be the slip, slip
Word upon your lip, lip
Letter that you rip, rip
Break me down and build me up

Whatever it takes
'Cause I love the adrenaline in my veins
I do whatever it takes
'Cause I love how it feels when I break the chains
Whatever it takes
You take me to the top, I'm ready for
Whatever it takes
'Cause I love the adrenaline in my veins
I do what it takes

Everyone gets to where there for a reason. Not by circumstance. Not by the fault of anyone else. Not by their own fault. For a reason. I am here now, to captain a team to victory at Outlast, for a reason. I went through the drug abuse issues, the women, the war, the injuries, the losing streaks, the title losses, everything, for a reason.

You see, as the resident bastard of the company, I'm not liked by anyone. And I truly do not care. You all know why I'm here. You know what I want. You have seen what I'll do to earn it. I won't beat the dead horse but just a little bit longer.

Many faces have come and gone from this company. Many names have shown up, did what they came to do, and left. Former World Champions have faded away into obscurity. I've talked about a legacy before. I don't care about that. I have finally taken the selfish road in this venture. And that is to worry about nothing and nobody but myself. Of course, I will worry about the team and do what I can to preserve them through the match. But in the end, just like each one of them…We are all out for ourselves.

I joined the LWF in 2003. For the last 14 years I have found myself at this moment. I have found myself heading to Outlast. I have even found myself on multiple occasions as the captain of a team. Yet there is one thing that has eluded me. I have never been in the main event. Some could say it’s because I’m a joke. Others would say it’s because I’m a punch line. Very few would say it’s because I just wasn’t ready. It won’t elude me anymore. This is the year that I finally take my spot in the main event. This is the year I make it to the final part of an event I’ve been a part of for over 10 years. This is the year of Dave Rydell.

I could easily quit the preliminary matches and buy my way in, but where is the honor in that? I am doing this right. I am going to earn my place in the final match. I am going to lead my team to victory and find myself against the World Champion and 2 others. I will do what I have done many times before and defy the odds. I will silence the critics. I will shut up the nay sayers! When the dust settles and clears, I will stand atop the mountain holding my crown high.

The UGWC World Title is comprised of a belt that I brought to this company. The LWF World Title. I won that belt on the final night of the company’s existence. It was a belt that I wanted for so long. A belt I held in the highest of regards. I finally got it, but then it was over. Then I came over to the UGWC and lost the match to unify it with the GIW Title, thus creating the UGWC World Title. I was so close in getting that belt. I have only had one other shot at that title, but not as Red Fusion, not as Dave Rydell, as the Crazed Anarchist. I put the mask on to play the mind games with someone, and somehow I was placed in the title match against Travis Roberts. It was unexpected and surprising. Yet I came up short because my mind wasn’t on the prize.

Now? Now it is on nothing BUT the prize. Just like the so called “bastard” I am here to claim what is mine. The UGWC World Title. I could sit here and break down every single person in the company, but you’d be here listening to be drivel for days. Focus on the gold. That’s the only thing that matters.

For the first time in my life, I am confident. I am prepared. I am ready. To be the World Champion means you are ready to lead the company to greater heights. This is something we last saw when Travis Roberts held the title. He helped put us on the map even further. Now? We have a selfish, self centered Champion who doesn’t care about the company or the fans. He doesn’t care about the reason for being the World Champion.

With me at the helm, the UGWC will be taken to better and greater heights. Just like the “bastard” I am here for the crown. Just like the “bastard” I am here to take my place as king. I am going to prove that I am not the bastard. You can call me that, you can call me the joke, but I will do whatever it takes. I fell so any times to get here. And now I am here. The only thing to do is win. The only thing to do is to take the crown.

~~~~~

Hypocritical, egotistical
Don't wanna be the parenthetical, hypothetical
Working onto something that I'm proud of, out of the box
An epoxy to the world and the vision we've lost
I'm an apostrophe
I'm just a symbol to remind you that there's more to see
I'm just a product of the system, a catastrophe
And yet a masterpiece, and yet I'm half-diseased
And when I am deceased
At least I go down to the grave and die happily
Leave the body of my soul to be a part of me
I do what it takes

UGWC, at Outlast you can call me…Champion.

End.








OOC: Good luck to everyone. I apologize for a couple segments. I reached out to a few and never heard anything so I did what I thought necessary to adhere to the stipulation. Courtesy and mad respect to Fear for taking part in this post. See you all on the other side!    

[Gabriel Baal]

This last month has seen probably some of my favourite work of yours since I've been here. You've seemed focused and motivated and I can honestly say that I've been impressed with what I've seen. I wouldn't worry too much about adding in people who you hadn't spoken too, it's part of the stipulation so the assumption for me is that anyone can use anyone.

Great job, man.