Post by Dave Rydell on Sept 21, 2018 23:29:15 GMT -5
Post Outlast Draft Results
Dave Rydell is walking out of the locker room. He heads down the hall and passes where the draft just took place. The studio set is being town down as the captains are walking out. Dave glances over and locks eyes with Maggie Lockhart. She gives him a nod, and he does in return. She gets up to walk out, but as Dave goes to enter, here comes Ted.
Ted: Mr. Rydell, you’ve been drafted to Team Lockhart for Outlast...can I get your thoughts?
Dave: Can you fuck off? Like, fuck all the way off? I’m busy.
Dave brushes past Ted and goes into the room to meet with Maggie, but as he gets in there, she’s gone. Dave looks irritated. Fade out.
*****
September 23, 2018 - Dave Rydell’s Hotel Room
Darkness. “Thunderkiss ‘65” plays and the audio waves spring to life once more with another episode of ‘The Rydell Files’ podcast!
Dave: We are live, once again. It’s been quite some time since I sat behind this microphone. A couple years, actually. But with it being Outlast month and all, I figured, what the hell? Why not fire up the iMac and sling some audio nonsense your way!
*paper shuffles*
Dave: So, with what took place on Synergy, many have asked, where do I go from here? That’s a silly fucking question if you ask me. I go to Outlast. See, what many people don’t understand or even seem to fathom, is that when I came back I set out on a mission. Just like when I was in the Army, I set out on many missions. This time, I have one. Win the UGWC World Heavyweight Title...at all costs. ‘But Dave, you just won the Co-Operative Titles with Angie Vaughn!’ Why yes, yes I did. And I super stoked about the partnership...nay, totes stoked about the partnership with Angie. She’s a hell of a competitor and ruthless in that ring. The point is, the mission hasn’t changed. The mission is still to win the World Title. And without buying a shot, my first chance is at Outlast.
*****
Synergy
Dave Rydell is getting ready to walk out for his match and in walks Necron, fresh off his win in the 6 person Co-Operative match. Dave just glares over and goes back to packing. Necron not paying him any attention.
Dave: Are you ready for Outlast?
Silence.
Dave: Necron. Are you ready for Outlast?
More silence. Dave turns and he is gone.
Dave: What the fuck? Is everyone David fucking Copperfield these days?
Fade out.
*****
Back on the podcast
Dave: I’m teaming with Maggie Lockhart, Kenzi Grey - my most recent foe, and one of my arch nemesis - that’s right, I have more than one...Travis Pierce. While I probably wouldn’t have picked this team, I am on that team. Maggie is our captain, and as such we are going to follow her to victory. Unfortunate for her...I was born into leadership. I conducted myself in that role while serving in the Army, and if need be, I will step up and take over so as to ensure victory.
*paper shuffles*
Dave: You know, recently, as in yesterday, I met with my teammates. We had a little sit down and talked things out. Not sure why it was needed. Just seemed to be a get to know you session. I can tell you though, with absolute certainty, Team Lockhart is taking the win against Team Vaughn. No offense, partner. I play for keeps. No hard feelings.
*****
September 22, 2018 @ 0950 - PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
Dave Rydell is walking the halls at the arena. He heads down a large one where he sees a camera crew ready to go for the team meeting. One of them stops him and asks him some questions.
Camera Man: Mr. Rydell, you’re about to go into a meeting with your Outlast team. Can I get your thoughts?
Dave: I’ve done these little meetings before. It doesn’t help. Nothing ever gets done. We all have the same goal. I really hope this meeting isn’t long. I can’t stand a third of these people. To be honest, I just want to get this over with. I’ve got a busy day. Excuse me.
Dave walks off and heads into the meeting room. Maggie is there waiting at the table, along with Kenzi Grey. Travis Pierce barges in right behind him. Fade out.
*****
Lord of Trios Main Event - UGWC World Heavyweight Title Match: Zane Scott(c) v Phrixus Deimos v Dave Rydell
As both Zane and Dave are motionless on the mat, Fear is on the top rope. He is eyeing the two on the mat. Fear leaps for the Meteor Press. As Fear finished the turn, he is met with Virus of Life from Dave Rydell out of nowhere! Rydell drops into the cover...one....two...thre....BROKEN BY ZANE!!!!!!
“That is the closest I have ever come to winning the UGWC World Title. Thwarted by none other than Zane Scott.”
Both Zane and Dave slowly stand up. Zane strikes with a right hand, only to be blocked. Dave responds and lands one. A second, and Zane staggers back. Dave goes for the Virus of Life but Zane shoves him away. Dave bounces off the ropes and ducks under a double arm sledge from Zane. Zane turns, Virus of Life! Blocked again! Zane holds onto his arm and pulls him in to the Purge! Zane falls into the cover, one....two....three!
“And that was the end. My closest moment at winning it all...gone in the blink of an eye. Outlast is a new day, however. And that day will be mine.”
Fade out.
*****
Back on the podcast.
Dave: I’m certainly never thrilled with Co-Operative actions. It’s quite simple really. I’m putting my fate in someone else’s hands. It’s always a risk. I know Graber and I were very close friends at the time, but there were moments where I questioned if he was in it for the same reasons I was. Then we won the titles, beating Sex and Violence. And we all know damn well that I questioned teaming with Donovan Hastings. That fucking lunatic. Who could honestly ever trust him?
*paper shuffles*
Dave: Teaming with three people whom I’ve never befriended? More or less made enemies with two of them... I just won, with Angie Vaughn, Kenzi’s Co-Operative Titles. She’s none too pleased with me. And Travis fucking Pierce. Oh do I know you all too well. The better man in the majority of our contests. I had a chance to be a 5 time Cross Hemisphere Champion, but I blundered it away against you at No Holds Barred. At Outlast, though, the story is different. And you will watch it unfold before your eyes. I will spoil the ending for you shortly, though. So stay tuned.
*****
Outlast Team Meeting, Part 1
As Dave walks in and goes to sit, looking at Maggie and Kenzi, Travis busts in in true Travis fashion. He smirks and looks around the room. He too takes his seat. Maggie stands up and looks around the room.
Maggie: Alright guys, listen up.
All eyes are on Maggie.
Maggie: Each of you know me, you know who I am anyway. You just don't know why I drafted you. I don't expect each of you to like me, or respect me. For now anyway the four of us are a team and I am the team captain.
You know that I have been adamant about who I am and what I represent here in the UGWC. I've called myself the “Future” of the professional wrestling industry and pissed off a lot of people in the process. Some of you might even be in this room. The reason that I called you all here is to tell you why I drafted you. You see, to me, I think we have one of the best Outlast teams of all time.
I can tell already by the looks on your faces that some of you may not believe that yet. You probably think that I'm crazy, and you probably think that the Coalition will think that I'm crazy once the word of this gets out. And that's okay, as all of you can attest to, I've been called a lot worse in Unified Global Wrestling. So if they want to call me crazy for what I believe in, that's fine. But I want the three of you to know that I drafted you because I believe in you. When I look around this room, I see in us the potential future of the UGWC.
Kenzi Grey, Travis Peirce, Dave Rydell. Not a single one of you can look me in the eye right now and tell me that this room isn't filled with passion and desire. We're champions, both current and former, yes. But we're champions of heart. We conduct ourselves as champions, we fight as champions. Each of us knows that there isn't a single person in this room that would not be satisfied with not only beating Angelica Vaughn's team but making it on to the Outlast Finals in order to fight for, and win, UGWC's top prize. There's not a single one in this tournament who wouldn't fight to become UGWC World Heavyweight Champion, but I believe that I've surrounded myself with the people who want that future for themselves the most. And It's okay if they, the people outside of this room, don't believe us. It's not the Coalitions job to believe us. It's not for the folks backstage or those in the front office to believe us. However, it is our job to give them a reason to believe in us. It's our job to prove to them that we are what we say we are… The best goddamn team to ever enter the Outlast tournament.
Because you know what I think? I think we had luck in the draft, luck in the draw, too. I think the other captains are going to feel foolish once they see just how many members of our team go on into that final, too. Because we've got the heart, we've got the skill, we've got the drive, and oh yeah, we've got something that everyone else in this tournament doesn't have… And that's each other. So before we get started, is there anything else that any of you would like to say before we discuss business here today?
Kenzi Grey looked at her other teammates, most of which she had done battle with inside the ring at one time or another. The look in her eyes was one of apprehension, but she quickly steeled herself as she stood up, raking back her long dark braids as she eyed her team…the people she would have to trust to watch her back during their clash with Angie’s team.
Kenzi: Look, I know that some of you guys are looking at me and then you’re looking at Angie and you are wondering if you can trust me. I’m a #CoolKid and Angie is a #CoolKid. Heck! Roxy Cotton is on Angie’s team and she and I are a championship team in another company…but that is one thing…and this…this is another. I take what I do in the ring seriously and I want you all to know that is just what I intend to do when we are in that ring together. Those guys are my friends…but you are all my allies.
First her eyes fell on Travis, a man that had bested not just one, but two of her #CoolKid brethren to retain an inexplicable stranglehold on the Chaos Title. She almost chuckled as she remembered her dream where Travis was a completely unbeatable child version of himself…now she would get a chance to see for herself, up close and personal if he really was that totally unbeatable.
Kenzi: Travis, I know you are looking at me and you are wondering if I might somehow try to stab you in the back after the way you defeated Roxy and Angie to hold on to that Chaos Title of yours, but I assure you, that is the furthest thing from my mind. They had their chance and you were better on those two occasions. I know how tough they both are, so I tip my hat to you, Sir. Come Outlast, when that bell rings, I want you to know that you and I will have the same goal…to go out and win that match…to advance and earn a chance at the World Championship.
At the mention of that, she turned to Dave Rydell, a man that she had lauded on more than one occasion for his singular drive to go out and win the World Title. She had made a point to point out her admiration to him for that laser-like focus.
Kenzi: Dave, you and I have fought each other on several occasions for bragging rights and for championships, but at Outlast you and I both have an unprecedented chance to reach for that brass ring. Maybe you think that I have been sat in your path to stop you from reaching your goal…but I assure you Dave, that isn’t the case. I told you that I admired your drive and your focus, and I didn’t lie. What is ironic is that I get to prove it to you when we step into the ring as partners at Outlast. I want you to know that I intend to be there for you in the hopes that I can get you the opportunity that you want…a chance at the World Title…one that I will also be gunning for. Even if my record in Outlast tournaments isn’t the greatest.
That statement of fact led her right to the eyes of Maggie, the woman who had eliminated her last year at Outlast. Kenzi worked her hands as she tried to flesh out the words to articulate what she was feeling. She could have mused on it all day, but it was much better to just open your mouth and let the words just flow.
Kenzi: Maggie, I told everyone when I came here that the only reason it had taken me so long to sign is because I wondered if I was really ready. Losing to you last year was a blow to me and my ego. Not because you weren’t good, but because I wasn’t good enough. That though plagued me and every time that Sarah brought up the idea that I go to UGWC, I reminded her of my performance and she told me that it was only a moment in time. When I finally bit the bullet and joined, I had a single focus to be much better than I was that night. I won a few matches and I hoped that it was enough to erase the memory of that loss…
Kenzi take another deep breath.
Kenzi: When you picked me…I felt like a giant weight was lifted off my chest. I felt like maybe…just maybe I had finally put that chapter of my life behind me and I was able to move forward. If you could see where I was in 2017 and how far I had come in 2018, maybe I had actually managed to prove that I belonged here! So…thank you Maggie…thank you for that vote of confidence. It means a lot more than you could ever know.
Kenzi gave her teammates one last look, then quietly reclaimed her seat.
*****
Back on the podcast.
Dave: People continuously ask me why I did what I did when I came back at Day of Reckoning. Why I hopped the barrier and slid into the ring after the UGWC Co-Operative Title match. Why I picked that moment to make my comeback. Why I dropped Konrad Raab with the Virus of Life and left Fear alone. A chance to once again take down my arch nemesis and stand tall over him once again.
*paper shuffles*
Dave: I dropped Konrad to prove a point. I showed Fear that he has every reason to fear me. I showed him by striking out of nowhere. I showed him by showing up, seizing the opportunity and taking down a threat. I showed him that no one is safe from my path of destruction. I showed him that even in mercy, I can take you out. I took out Konrad Raab because he was weak. He IS weak. And I proved that. He is clouded by frustration and no path to anything. He was pissed about my attack, and rightfully so. So he tried to take care of business against me in the fatal four way match. Good on him for wanting it...but he didn’t get the job done. I’m still fucking standing. And my business with him is FAR from over. Alas, I know I won’t be seeing him at Outlast, so his day will have to wait. I will get the last word.
*****
Back at the Team Meeting
Dave looks at each of his teammates, especially glaring at Travis given their history. He stands up and strokes his beard before speaking.
Dave: For the last 15 years I have participated in numerous Outlast events. I haven’t made it to the main event of a single one.
Dave pauses for a moment, Looking around the room.
Dave: Maggie, oh Captain my Captain! We’ve squared off a few times. You are a fierce competitor who has what it takes to lead this team to victory. But if history serves true, this will be a daunting task. Daunting. Who am I kidding? This is going to be one of your hardest challenges yet. I’ve captained a team numerous times. It is fucking horrible. Sometimes you get lucky and the team wants to mesh. Other times they want to slit each other’s throats instead of their opponents. I have a good feeling you’re going to be able to manage just fine.
Dave gives Maggie a nod, then turns his attention to Kenzi Grey. His most recent opponent.
Dave: Kenzi, for the last three weeks, our paths have been intertwined. First the battle royal, then our one on one match, then the title match this past Monday. Next? Outlast. You’re a fierce competitor with whom I am greatly honored to team with. But understand that when push comes to shove, and that shot at the main event is on the line, I will ensure that if I have a chance to move on, I am taking it by any means necessary.
Dave stops, then looks directly at Travis Pierce.
Dave: What the hell is there to even say about you? Aside from you being one of the most coniving, manipulative, double crossing, backstabbing, pieces of trash I’ve ever met in my life. Yes, you’ve got the skill set in the ring, but you are a dirty asshole. And I mean that in every sense of the term. We’ve been battling for years. The last time we met, you got the better of me. Trust me, the next time that happens, the result will be different. But for now, we have to team together. Believe me, I like it as much as you do. And by that I mean not at all.
Dave turns away from Travis, and directs his attention to the group.
Dave: Outlast is coming up. I thank you for picking me. I don’t know why you did; I’ve got the worst record of anyone at the event...but I am grateful. Let’s kick some ass.
Dave sits back down. Travis is leaning on one elbow, his head resting against his hand as he stares at Rydell.
Travis: Are you finished?
Travis sits back in his chair.
Travis: Are you finished? Good.
Travis stands up as Rydell is glaring at him.
Travis: Listen, this is all quite simple. You two…
He points at Kenzi and Maggie.
Travis: Let’s face it, you guys were non-factors last year. You admit that, we’re not having an arguement here. Dave over here has been the captain that went down with his ship, I mean, it’s practically an annual tradition.
Travis looks directly at Rydell.
Travis: How many times have you been an Outlast captain?
Dave starts to open his mouth, but Travis cuts him off.
Travis: No, it’s rhetorical. The piercing truth is that none of you know how to get the job done in this tournament. Me? I’ve been to the promised land, I’ve been in that main event. So all you guys have to do is follow my lead. I’ve got the whole cooperative thing on lock. I mean, Kenzi, let’s face it, the only reason you and Sarah are still Co-Op champs is because The Piercing Weapons haven’t reunited to challenge you, and you have been defending against hacks like Konrad Raab and Dave here.
Kenzi frowns and looks at Rydell, who stares at Travis and holds up his new title belt. Travis glances back and forth between them both.
Travis: Wait...wait...he beat you?
Travis breaks out in hysterical laughter, falling back into his seat, and waves with his hand for somebody else to go ahead and talk while he continues to giggle.
Maggie: Enough!
Maggie said directed at Pierce, but her voice carried through the room and brought with it a few moments of strained silence.
Maggie: I don’t really care if you guys want to gel or not.
The Captain said to all of the team members while directing the comment at Rydell.
Maggie: I know what the three of you really want, you want to make it to the finals, just like I do, and the way I see it there’s only one way to go about this to get that done. So I don’t want to hear any more shit come out of anyone’s mouth bad-mouthing one another. Like it or not, for one night we are a team, an Outlast team, and our goal is to outlast everybody else. Right Pierce?
Travis just sits there, crossing his arms, looking away as Maggie glares at him.
Maggie: Kenzi was right. All of the things between us, all of the wedges that would drive us apart… they don’t matter. Most of that are things in the past, some even in the distant past, and I’ll be damned if I’ll let that drag us down. Each of you on this team has something to prove, so I suggest that the four of us really look around this room and be thankful that the draft worked out so well for us. Kenzi, you’ve been on a role since that loss. I have no doubt in my mind that your focus is on this team right now, plus your knowledge of half of the other team gives us an advantage. Travis, you do have the experience to know how to get to the finals, something that the rest of us can learn from you. And Dave, you’ve proven lately that you are not only back in the game, but your heart is in the right place, too. I don’t really give a damn if you all want to be a team, but what I ask is that you understand that for right now, each other is the best chance you’ve got to make it to the finals; the best chance that you’ve got right now to become the UGWC World Heavyweight Champion.
End Team Meeting.
*****
Post Synergy
Dave and Angie both walk into the locker room with their newly won championships in hand. Dave sets his down and pulls his towel out of his bag while Angie sits in a nearby chair, and looks at the belt.
Dave: Congratulations. Well done. I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect us to come out with the win, but we did. You did it.
A moment of silence drowns the room.
Angie: But at what cost? Those are my friends.
Dave: Listen, I’ve gained and lost more friends than I care to count in this business. I gained and lost a best friend in Martin Graber in this company alone. They come and go. But the true ones...the REAL ones, they stick around when it gets shitty. If they’re any kind of competitors, they understand. It was purely business.
Angie sits there looking at the belt as Dave looks on. Fade out.
*****
Back on the podcast.
Dave: Not seeing him at Outlast will be a treat. Because it will show me that he is just as good as I thought he was. And by that, I mean not at all. However, a man who I will be seeing at Outlast is actually the guest today. A multi-time Champion. A man who needs no introduction, but I’m going to give it anyway. But first...
*paper shuffles*
Dave: Recently on social media, Angie and I have been asked for a title rematch against Kenzi and Sarah. I’m more than happy to oblige if the powers that be deem it necessary. And just like we won them, we will defend them. This is not a one and done for the Vaughn and Rydell Connection. Eh, team names are in the works. But the point is these belts aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. So try us if you must...fail, you will.
*paper shuffles*
Dave: And now for our guest. Please welcome, the UGWC World and Cross Hemisphere Champion, Alan Wallace.
*****
Dave walks out of the team meeting, with an irritated look on his face. He is met by the cameraman from earlier. He asks him a few questions.
Dave: No, I don’t think my part went well. I strayed away from the goal. I focused too much on Travis and not enough on why I’m even here. That motherfucker always gets under my skin. I can’t stand him.
Next question is asked.
Dave: Maggie has a good head on her shoulders. Hopefully she can keep everyone in line for Outlast. You know, for the teams sake. But truthfully, I don’t give a shit. I’m going to the main event. I’m taking Outlast. It is my damn night and no one else’s.
Next question is asked.
Dave: Sure, we could coexist. If we can all get on the same page, we stand a chance. I just hope Travis knows if he gets in my way, I will drop him like a bad habit. But that’s not the point. The goal is winning. Anything less than that is unacceptable. I’ve got to go. Excuse me.
Fade out.
*****
Some Months Back - Synergy: Mizore Payne v Dave Rydell
Dave Rydell pops up and hits Mizore Payne with the Virus of Life, cover! 1.....2.....3!!!! Dave rolls out of the ring and laughs in victory over Payne.
“Another victory that became pointless with my own actions. I failed myself on my quest. No longer. This victory will not be forgotten as it was a step in my path to the promised land.”
*****
Dave: Alan, welcome to the show. Glad to have you back.
Alan: I’ve been here before? Hmmm, the low points that we tend to block from our memories, right? I digress... I appreciate the invite. It’s always a pleasure to help skyrocket the ratings of someone else’s show. Travis Pierce should have taken advantage of it when his cesspool was still airing. He would have gained more than three fans.
Dave: Well, you’re just ever so humble, aren’t you? Don’t answer, it’s rhetorical. However, answer this. I’ve got to ask. What say you to a friendly little challenge for that there Cross Hemisphere Title sometime down the road? After all, you won’t be World Champion after Monday.
Alan: I am more than willing to defend against anyone that is worthy of a shot. The problem for you, Mr. Rydell, is that even though it seemed to have worked for you in regards to our Cooperative division, it takes much more than hitting the gym and shaving your head to be deemed worthy of receiving a shot at the prestigious Cross-Hemisphere Championship. So possibly try earning a shot, instead of praying that a merciful Vain will just give you one. As for the World Title remark, it sounds like wishful thinking from someone less fortunate, and that is a shame, because you’ve spent so much time attempting to force people to believe that you have changed, I question why you would resort back to such childish banter? We are supposed to mature as we grow older, Mr. Rydell... or did you not receive that memo during your multiple extended hiatuses?
Dave: My time away is none of your concern. You should be concerned about keeping that belt at Outlast. Which you won’t. Mark my words. And one would assume my multiple reigns as Cross Hemisphere Champion could merit some good grace into a shot, but I could see your point. I will earn it, don’t you worry. And I will take that off your hands, because in my opinion, after your showing on Synergy, you’re not really deserving of it. A coward move, if you will. Next question. How did it feel when you reached the top of that ladder and pulled down both of those belts?
Alan: What occurred during the match with Jet was perfectly acceptable, as it was within the contract that I signed. For those that take issue with this, please feel free to consult with The Consortium about it. As for how it felt to pull both of those titles down, was a feeling that I am unable to put into words, which is a pity for those that will never experience it. My apologies, Mr. Rydell.
Dave: Only a few people in the business can know that feeling. Heading into Outlast, an event that will make or break someone’s spirits and career all at the same time...what do you think your chances are?
Alan: Everyone will be gunning for “Yours Truly”, this we both know. My chances? I think I have the best chance of anyone before me that has attempted to become the only person to successfully defend the UGWC World Title twice at Outlast.
*****
Some Months Back - Synergy: Gabriel Baal v Dave Rydell
Gabriel Baal covers Dave Rydell for the three count. He gets up and heads out of the ring. Dave Rydell finally gets up after a few moments. He holds his neck as he watched Gabriel Baal walk up the ramp and to the back. Dave rolls out of the ring, disappointed, frustrated, furious.
“A man who has constantly tormented me on social media. We finally set foot in the ring together and I let him beat me. I failed myself. I wrote a check my ass couldn’t cash. He capitalized and beat me. My downfall. I should have beaten him. He is human. He is fallible just like the rest of us. The time will come when I best him. Should he make it to the main event, Outlast will be that time.”
*****
Back on the podcast.
Dave: You recently beat Jet Somers to retain your Cross Hemisphere Title...quite the show you put on. Should we expect to see this type of fuckery at Outlast?
Alan: I suppose you will have to tune in to see. Fortunately for you, Mr. Rydell, there will be multiple monitors in the back that you will be able to watch the Main Event on.
Dave: Quite the funny man. Sadly for you, I will be on the monitors, not watching them. The last time you came on the show, you said your money was on me to win Battleground 2015. Clearly you were wrong. Do you have regrets about your decision to side with a losing horse?
Alan: You aren’t really helping your point, Mr. Rydell. You will do what nobody thinks you’re capable of, and then you follow that up by discussing one of your many failures? I must admit, I’m slightly confused by your tactics. From the look on your face, it seems you are, as well. But to your point about that match back in 2015... I tend to tell people what they want to hear, in order for them to feel better about themselves. You’re welcome.
Dave: It was quite liberating having your alleged backing, but I knew it was all...bullshit. Well, I can assure you that Outlast...this Outlast is going to be my night. I appreciate you coming on the show, and I will see you in the main event, when I take your title from you.
Alan: Better men and women have tried - and failed - Mr. Rydell, but I do admire your spirit. It will make it all the more worthwhile when your dreams are crushed as you don’t even make it to the Main Event Match. And a question for you, if I may? When that happens... when you are forced, yet again, to admit to yourself that you aren’t in my league... can we expect another extended departure for Dave Rydell? Because I hear Florida is fabulous this time of year.
Dave: Not a chance. I’m not going anywhere until that belt is around my waist. As always, it’s a pleasure to have you on the show. Hopefully you understand sarcasm.
Alan: You know I - -
Dave: It was rhetorical, asshole.
Vain goes to get up and Rydell flips him the bird as he walks out, smiling.
Dave: Fuck off.
End Podcast.
*****
PPG Paints Arena - Outlast Day
The camera fades in on Dave Rydell standing alone in the ring, facing the Tron. He looks down at the mat, dead center then around to the empty seats.
Numerous times I’ve stood in this ring as a captain. Numerous times over the last 15 years I’ve stood in this ring, competing on this day. And every single time...15 fucking times, I failed in my quest. I failed to make it out of the qualifier.
Last year, however, when I was team captain. I assembled a team that was lackluster at best. Hayleigh Fear. Jessica Mathis. Fear. Myself. No one thought we had a snowballs chance in hell. And it looked like it from the start. Hayleigh Fear and Jessica Mathis got squashed. Fear and I were left to fend for ourselves. But we persevered as much as we could.
Last year was probably my best showing at the event. Fear put Travis Pierce away. Only to be taken out by Donovan Hastings. I then mounted a comeback for the ages. I took out Donovan Hastings. I did. Dave Rydell did. And then what did I do? I took out the only man that matters on this night. Alan fucking Wallace. He didn’t make it to the main event because of me, last year. Tonight, he goes in as Champion. And tonight, just like last year, I will drop him and take away his most prized possession. No, not just the World Title. I take his pride. Because he will get up from the mat and leave the ring knowing that he was beaten by me. The biggest joke in this company. And there won’t be a fucking thing he can do about it.
You know, many times I have been in this ring. I have been in arenas like this all across the world. I’ve beaten men and women, and been beaten by the same. I’ve had my fair share of successes and failures. I’ve proved that I, like everyone else who’s going to be in that main event, like each and every one of those team captains, and just like Alan fucking Wallace, that I am human.
We have our flaws, we have our strengths, we have our weaknesses. I’ve been to the top of the mountain before, in another company. I’ve had the edges of the spotlight shine on me here. I’ve touched the mountain top here, but never planted my flag.
Tonight, at Outlast, I plant my flag. I go into the qualifying match as a sure fire underdog. I go in with no expectation to main event. I go in as a fucking loser. A goddamn disgrace to the business. A joke to everyone in the back. But I walk out as the one who Outlasts the entire company. I walk out as the UGWC World Heavyweight Champion. I plant my flag and I make my mark.
I set the tone for things to come in the future. And people like Alan Wallace, Eden Morgan, Gabriel Baal, Zane Scott...they take a back seat to me. They take a back seat to the man that they’ve run roughshod over for so many years. They take a back seat to their worst fear. A loser.
They become the worst thing they ever imagined on this night. They become their vision...of me.
End.
x1
x1
x1
x1
x1