Crossfire 07/08/2009

"What do you want?"

[The owner of Ricochet Pro Wrestling, Buzz Stone, stands at his desk. His hands are down on the top of the desk and he's looking at a man that, despite only meeting him one other time, he has grown to despise. A man by the name of David Dubose.]

Dubose: I suppose you have had your lawyers look the contract over.

Stone: Yes.

Dubose: And by now have found that it is binding, correct?

Stone: Yes.

Dubose: Then there's nothing to discuss. I will be handling all of Johnny Royal's bookings from here on out. You will not dictate who or when he defends the title. He will not dictate that decision either. Do we have an understanding?

Stone: Yes.

Dubose: Good. I was expecting a little more fight out of you, but I guess you know there's little point in that. And Mr. Stone, you have nothing to worry about. I am not here to destroy Royal's career. I am here to simply protect it. Simply put, his success, along with the success of this federation, means more money in my pocket. So congratulations, Mr. Stone. I'm your new best friend. Have a good evening.

[Dubose steps out of the office, a smile on his face, leaving Buzz standing there, his eyes staring at Dubose as he leaves and then at the empty doorway for several moments.]

Stone: FUCK!

[with that, Buzz shoves all of the stuff of his desk, sending it crashing to the floor]

Adam Heaton

versus

Jason Reed

Slick Stevens: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Crossfire. Last week, just two weeks after Ricochet presented Sweet Dreams, we saw the face of Ricochet change.

Joey Summers: We saw the one and only David Dubose come onto the scene waving a contract he made with our World Champion almost a decade ago saying he basically owned Royal's career.

Slick: We have no idea what this will mean to the landscape or what it means for Royal's open challenge.

Joey: What it means? What it means is that Royal is going to be a puppet for Dubose. Dubose is brilliant, because as long as Royal is world champion, he's got Buzz by the balls and he knows it.

Slick: It does seem like that, but the other big thing that happened is that Ricochet is once again part of an alliance...the Apex Wrestling Alliance.

Joey: Why? Seriously though. Didn't they have enough problems when they were apart of the NWA?

Slick: From what I have seen, the AWA is nothing like the NWA, simple as that. And the feds that are a part of the AWA, Ricochet has joined a different class of wrestling fed.

Joey: I'll believe it when I see it. I wasn't around when RPW was apart of the NWA. I've only heard the stories, so I hope you're right.

Slick: And finally, last Crossfire, Sean Cain was presented with the newly reinstated Chaos Championship.

Joey: Now I didn't see this one coming, but I should have. A month or so ago, the news came out that Buzz wasn't a fan of the Trans-Atlantic Championship and that he even throught about retiring it when Royal became a duel champion. But Buzz shocked me by pulling the old switcheroo. The Chaos Championship is going to be something that people are definitely going to want to watch, especially with someone like Cain with the title around his waist.

Slick: And it will be interesting, because, from what I understand, Buzz already has Cain's first title defense lined up. But unfortunately it won't be tonight.

Joey: That's because Cain's not here tonight. He wins a title and then takes a week off. Good for him.

Slick: Cain had some personal business to take care, which is why he couldn't be here tonight.

Joey: Personal business? You've got to be kidding me. He heard what Dunn had to say this week and he wanted nothing to do with him, simple as that. He wants to be as far away from Dunn as possible, because Dunn gave him last Crossfire, but he's going to come after him full force now and I feel sorry for anyone that gets in his way.

[the repetitive guitar beat hits as Thousand Foot Krutch's "Phenomenon" begins]

If you're like us, calling all riders, roll up beside us, no place to hide us,
all freedom fighters, let's unite us, switch on your nitrous and...let's.. go...
Destination, for navigation, man up ya stations, feel the sensation surround invasion,
with communication, move quick, we might avoid contamination

[a quick white flash of pyro explodes at the top of the ramp as Jason Reed steps through the entrance. A quick pop from the crowd enhances Reed's already enthusiastic look on his face.]

Down, Here comes the sound, everyone pound your feet to this Phenomenon,
Now let's make it loud, let's show 'em all how you move to this phenomenon,
Roll! Open your soul, maybe lose control inside of this phenomenon,
just let your self go, and let everyone know you move to this phenomenon.

[Reed makes his way quickly down the ramp, slapping the hands of the fans that offer. He leaps up onto the apron, leaning against the ropes, pumping his fist, before sliding between the ropes, ready for the match to begin]

Slick: This kid impressed a few people in his first appearance last Crossfire.

Joey: Yeah, he got in a little offense against David Dunn, and now all of a sudden he's supposed to be the best thing to happen to Ricochet.

Slick: New blood of any kind in Ricochet is good blood.

Joey: I'll agree with you on that, but he once again drew the short end of the straw, because tonight he's taking on Adam Heaton, the man who lost to Royal at Sweet Dreams. He's got some aggression to work out, and Reed is the unfortunate one to draw a match against him.

Slick: That's the thing about Heaton though. You talk about aggression needing to work out, and I think the exact opposite. Heaton is walking around the back, talking earlier this week, like he really could careless about losing to Royal. I don't know what Heaton's trying to pull, but he says he wants to be tested. I don't know what that means honestly. Heaton and Royal went to their absolute limit, and Royal came out on top. I don't know if you could get tested anymore than that.

[a familiar guitar strumming begins]

I won't take all that they hand me down,
And make out a smile, though I wear a frown,
And I wont take it all lying down,
cause once I get started I go to town.

[Adam Heaton steps through the entrance as the crowd boos him almost entirely. Heaton seems to either not notice the boos or not care as he has a serious look on his face heading toward the ring]

Cause I'm not like everybody else,
I'm not like everybody else,
I'm not like everybody else,
I'm not like everybody else,

[Heaton climbs up the ring steps before climbing into the ring, seeing referee Mike Smith and Jason Reed waiting for him, but paying neither of them little attention]

Slick: Adam continues his aloof attitude toward both the fans and his opponent. He wants to be tested. Wants to go up against the best, but I've always felt that Heaton has somehow held back.

Joey: Heaton is a fighter. Reed hit the nail right on the head when he said Heaton isn't a wrestler, he's a fighter, and that's true. Heaton approaches these matches differently than most people, and that's just how it's going to be.

DING
DING
DING

Slick: And there's the start of the match. What ever daze Heaton seemed to be in just dropped, because he went straight after Reed, and Reed was taken off guard by Heaton's quickness.

Joey: Heaton connects with several blows, knocking Reed back into the ropes. Reed is covering his head, but...oh...Heaton connects with an inside elbow. He grabs Reed's head. Vicious knee strike to Reed's head.

Slick: Reed is down. Those are the same knee strikes that gave Mimic a concussion over a year ago and put him on the shelf for six months. Heaton looks almost disappointed as he covers.

Slick: No, Reed got a shoulder up. Heaton actually got a smile on his face. He's almost happy that the match isn't over yet.

Joey: Heaton is back to his feet, but Reed isn't moving quite as fast.

Slick: Those knees did their damage exactly like they should have.

Joey: I don't understand this though. Heaton has actually backed away and is letting Reed get to his feet. He's looking for a fight and rather than capitalizing on a downed opponent, he's letting him get up.

Slick: I don't know if this is Heaton being honorable against Reed or if he's trying to punish him more, but Reed is back to his feet and is leaning against the ropes for support.

Joey: I don't get Heaton's smile. It's almost a bit frightening to tell you the truth. Oh, and here we go again. Heaton is going in.

Slick: Reed ducks it and rushes to the otherside. Heaton turns, surprised at Reed's quickness. Heaton goes in again.

Joey: Reed avoids another jab, another one.

Slick: Reed is ducking and moving, avoiding everything Heaton throws at him. Heaton a wild right hand.

Joey: Reed ducks it. He comes up behind Heaton. Oh, a shot to the kidney. Heaton's breath is taken from him.

Slick: Heaton turns around. Reed leaps up...oh my goodness...double knee gutbuster. Heaton flips backwards. Reed's covering.

Joey: No, Heaton kicks out.

Slick: And Reed is not taking the same luxury Heaton did. He's right back on the offensive.

Joey: Reed leaps up into the air...leg drop across Heaton's chest. Reed's covering again.

Joey: Heaton kicks out, and Reed is right back to his feet.

Slick: Reed leaps up onto the ropes. Springboard...no...he comes up empty with that moonsault as Heaton rolls away.

Joey: Heaton is back to his feet, and he's not letting Reed get up this time. A huge kick into Reed's side flips him over to his back.

Slick: Heaton drops down with a knee, straight on to Reed's head. Heaton grabs Reed's arm and falls back with a leg lock arm breaker.

Joey: Heaton is stretching out Reed's arm and look at the pain etched on Reed's arm.

Slick: Heaton may have locked it on too close to the ropes. Reed is stretching with his free arm. He's trying to grab ahold of the bottom rope.

Joey: No, Heaton pulls him away. That arm is out of reach now. Reed is going to have to submit or Heaton is going to pull his arm out of his socket.

Slick: Reed's hand is out of reach, but not his legs. He just some how got them wrapped around the bottom rope. Heaton can't believe it, but he's refusing to let go.

Slick: Heaton finally lets go. Smith almost disqualified Heaton right there.

Joey: Heaton had until the count of 5, and he used every second of it to his advantage, and now Reed is down one arm.

Slick: Heaton is back on his feet, and Reed is holding his arm. Heaton measures..vicious kick into Reed's shoulder.

Joey: And now Heaton is lifting Reed to his feet. A hard knee into Reed's chest and Reed is doubled over. Heaton grabs ahold of Reed's head. European uppercut sends Reed back into the corner.

Slick: Two quick knife-edge chops across Reed's chest. Heaton with another inside elbow. Reed's arms are draped over the top rope.

Joey: The only reason the kid's still standing is because of those ropes right now. Heaton has Reed's arm...whips to the otherside...Heaton follows him...

Slick: Reed leaps into the corner. Flip over...inverted DDT by Reed out of nowhere. Both men are down and Mike Smith is starting the count.

Joey: Heaton is using the ropes to get to his feet.

Slick: And Reed has some how gotten to his knees.

Joey: Heaton is back to his feet. He's lifting Reed up.

Slick: Reed taps Heaton in the gut, but Heaton continues to lift him up. Another hit by Reed. Another one. Another one. Heaton lets go. Reed is back to his feet. Forearm across Heaton's chest. Another one. Another one.

Joey: Reed has Heaton pressed up against the ropes.

Slick: Reed rockets across the ring. He rebounds off the ropes. Clothesline by Heaton takes Reed down.

Joey: Rookie mistake there from Reed. You don't try a move like that unless you know your opponent isn't going to fight back.

Slick: Heaton is lifting Reed to his feet.

Joey: And he just threw him over the top rope.

Slick: Wait...Reed landed on the apron.

Joey: Heaton was expecting it. He swings.

Slick: He misses...Reed has Heaton up...back drop...

Joey: No...Heaton flips over...he's out of the ring, but he's on his feet.

Slick: Heaton stumbles...wait a minute...wait a minute...Reed leaps up onto the ropes...springboard...he just crashed into Heaton. The crowd just went crazy.

Joey: Both of them are down. The referee is starting to count.

Slick: Reed is getting back to his feet. He's reaching up to the ropes. He's pulled himself up onto the apron.

Joey: No, Heaton just yanked him right off and back to the floor.

Joey: Heaton is to his feet as well. He's rolling up onto the apron. He's standing.

Slick: No...Reed just grabbed his foot and yanked him down. Heaton bounces off the apron.

DING
DING
DING

Joey: Reed just stole a victory away from Heaton.

Slick: Just like Heaton did for Reed a moment before that. And Heaton is just staring at Reed. Heaton wanted a challenge, and this rookie just gave him one.

Joey: Heaton is just staring at him in utter disbelief. Heaton isn't done with this kid. The match maybe over, but Heaton is going to teach this rookie a lesson...wait...where's Heaton going?

Slick: He's turned and he's walking away. He's leaving Reed kneeling there holding his side. And this is match is over.

Joey: Heaton wanted a challenge, but not a cheat. Reed stole a draw against Heaton and he should be thanking his lucky stars Heaton isn't going to beat him to an inch of his life because of it.

III

[Heavy percussions and guitars suddenly fill the arena, causing everyone to be silent]

Do you know what it takes to be a hero?

[The crowd suddenly jump to their feet as the JR emblem shows on the tron.]

When you lost, a piece of love, a piece of you.
Do you have what it takes to beat the fear that`s
in your heart, to grow up strong, and undo wrong.
To grow up strong, and redo wrong.

[The People's Hero, Johnny Royal steps from the back with the World Championship Belt around his waist as he lets the accolades of the crowd roll over him and purple and gold lights play over the area where he is standing at the top of the ramp with his "Everything is alright with the world" smile beaming from his face.]

Do you know what it takes to be a hero?

[Johnny makes his way down to the ring taking his time with a little strut and he slaps hands with some of the fans along the railing as he makes his way down smiling at each one.]

When you lost, a piece of love, a piece of you.
Do you have what it takes to beat the fear thats
In your heart, to grow up strong, and undo wrong.
To grow up strong, and undo wrong.

[Johnny hops onto the side of the ring and he is quickly through the ropes and he raises his hands above his head as the crowd continues to cheer their hero.]

What it takes to be a hero
To grow up strong and undo wrong

Joey: What is Royal doing coming out here? He's not scheduled.

Slick: As far as I'm concerned, and Buzz is probably the same way, Johnny Royal is the World Heavyweight Champion, and if he wants time, he's got time.

[Johnny Royal is handed a mic and he turns toward the crowd]

Royal: I'm going to make this short and sweet. I don't care what Mr. Dubose has instore for me, but I promised everyone that I was going to be a fighting champion, and I'm going to do that. So right now, I'm putting this title on the line. Who wants a shot at it?

[the crowd goes wild, as Royal holds up the title, and then looks up the ramp, awaiting for an opponent to step from it, when suddenly a voice echoes. It's the voice of David Dubose]

Dubose: No, no, no, no!

[Dubose steps out onto the entrance, holding a mic. The crowd immediately boos him, but he seems to not care one bit.]

Dubose: Royal, we had this discussion. You will wrestle who I want you to, when I want you to. You will defend that title when, where, and against who I tell you to, and you will not be defending it tonight. But if you're so anxious to have a fight, you'll get one...but not tonight and not next Crossfire. You love to compete, but you need to be taught a lesson and so does Mr. Stone. So you won't appear on the next Crossfire. But after that...in four weeks...you're job is to put money in my pocket, and I can't think of any bigger of a money maker than Champion versus Champion, as you will take on the Chaos Champion Sean Cain...non-title of course.

[while Royal is not unhappy with facing Cain, he does not like being ordered around by Dubose.]

Dubose: So do you understand? Or do I keep you away from your people for a month? What's it going to be Royal?

[Royal stares at Dubose a long moment, and then drops the mic, before climbing out of the ring. He heads up the ramp, his head down, as the crowd boos, not so much at Royal, but at the situation, however, Royal hears the boos for him, whether they are or not. As Royal walks past Dubose, Dubose brings the mic back to his mouth]

Dubose: Oh, and Royal don't worry. I'll make sure you defend that little title of yours. And I'll make sure it makes me a very rich man in the process.

[Royal just turns away from Dubose and walks to the back, as Dubose chuckles]

[the scene shifts to the back where newest interviewer, Adam Hartman, stands in front of a door]

Hartman: Ladies and gentlemen, this is Adam Hartman, and I'm coming to you live outside the technical building of Ricochet's headquarters, where the entire staff has been working all week on the technical difficulties the webpage has been having.

Voice: What the hell are you doing?

[Hartman turns around quickly, almost jumping at the question, to see Ryan Bedford standing there]

Hartman: I'm going to talk to the tech guys about the guy who hacked the website this week.

Bedford: That's actually not a bad idea, Adam, but I think you're forgetting something very important.

Hartman: Let's see...I've got a camera guy...hi...and a mic...oh, and some breath mints, because I don't want to interview someone with stinky breath. I also have a whole bunch of questions for them.

Bedford: Like what?

Hartman: Like do they know who did it?

Bedford: What else?

Hartman: Huh?

Bedford: You said you had a whole bunch of questions for them.

Hartman: Oh yeah. When I said a whole bunch of questions, I meant just the one.

Bedford: Ok, but you're still forgetting something.

Hartman: I don't think so, but if you say so, what?

Bedford: That's the janitor's closet.

[Hartman stares at Bedford blinking. He starts to say something, but then stops. Starts to say something again, but once again stops. Finally, he begins to talk again.]

Hartman: Well...ummm...when I said I was going to interview the tech crew, what I meant to say is I was looking for some paper towels.

Bedford: Why?

Hartman: I kind of spilled blue slushy on your desk.

Bedford: What?!

Hartman: I'll clean it up, I promise. I don't think it's had a chance to stain.

Bedford: I had work on there.

[Bedford turns and rushes off]

Hartman: I might owe you a new keyboard too.

[Hartman watches Bedford rush around the corner, giving him a sympathetic smile]

Hartman: My bad.

"Perfection" Thomas Steele

versus

Chris Deppe

[The buildup for "Ruff Ryder's Anthem" by DMX begins to play over the loudspeaker.]

Uh!

[The single chord of the synthesized music continues to play still with no activity.]

Someting new!

[There is an explosion at the top of the ramp Chris Deppe comes out from the back looking cool and calm and he starts to mouth along with the words.]

Stop!
Drop!
Shut em down
Open up shop
Oh
No
Thats how ruff ryders roll!

[Chris nods his head as he beats on his chest as he makes his way down to the ring still mouthing the words to the song.]

Bustas wanna try, bustas wanna lie
Then bustas wonder why, bustasz wanna die
All I know is pain all I feel is rain
How can I maintain, with mad stuff on my brain
I resort to violence, my homies move in silence
Like you dont know what are style is
Memphis brothas the wildest
My homies is wit it
You want it? come and get it
Took it then we split it
You dang right we did it
What the in the world you gonna do
When we run up on you
Messin wit the wrong crew
Dont know what we goin thru
Ima have ta show bustas
How easily we blow bustas
When you find out theres somemore bustas
Thats runnin with your bustas
Nothin we cant handle
Break it up and dismantle
Light it up like a candle
Just cause I cant stand you
Put my stuff on tapes
Like you bussin grapes
Think you holdin weight?
Then you havent met the apes

[Chris climbs the stairs and climbs into the ring turning to the crowd.]

Stop!
Drop!
Shut em down
Open up shop
Oh
No
Thats how ruff ryders roll!

Slick: Chris Deppe is looking to get some revenge for what Thomas Steele did to Shawn Kelley on the last Crossfire.

Joey: Steele did what he had to. Steele wanted Kelley's attention, and he got it. Too bad it took a steel chair to get his attention.

[A calm silence lays over the arena as it slowly goes dark, after a few seconds of silence]

"SHEER PERFECTION!"

[A bright single light lays over the stage as it remains dark. "Pretty Noose" by Sound Garden begins to play as Thomas Steele slowly walks out with his arrogant walk, into the single bright light. He then falls to his knees and flexes for the crowd, once he does this the lights jump on and pyros jump around him in a complete circle. he has his signature smile as he takes a stroll down the ramp walkway, he stops in the middle to taunt the fans flexing in front of them, showing off his great body. When he gets to the ring he stops on the steps and turns around to the crowd to take pleasure in all the boo’s that they are giving him]

Slick: The crowd continues their hatred of Thomas Steele.

[Steele turns around towards the ropes and leaps over them showing off his abilities to the crowd, he grabs the rope to stretch his arms out. Thomas strolls to each corner to make the boo’s that they are giving him louder as he flexes on each rope with his smile never moving. He then goes and grabs a mic from the announce table and with a deep pause and smile]

Thomas Steele: YOU ARE ABOUT TO WITNESS PERFECTION!!!

[Steele climbs up the ropes, turning back toward the crowd]

Joey: What the hell? Chris Deppe just nailed Steele from behind.

Slick: Steele flies off the apron and crashes onto the ramp. Deppe just climbed out of the ring after him.

Joey: He didn't even wait for the bell to ring. That's an underhanded tactic right there.

Slick: I think Deppe wanted to get Steele's attention, and he has it.

Joey: Steele is playing it smart. He's trying to regroup. He's heading up the ramp. Has this match even began?

Slick: No, I don't think so. Referee Jack Robinson is standing in the ring, watching the action...oh, Deppe just caught up with Steele. He hammers him with a right hand. Steele stumbles up the ramp.

Joey: Another right hand by Deppe. Another one. Steele is up against the entrance wall. He fires one back. Deppe is rocked.

Slick: Steele hammers Deppe with another right hand. Followed by a left. Deppe falls backwards, landing on his back.

Joey: Steele is staring down at Deppe...he's going in for a knock-out blow.

Slick: Wait a minute...wait a minute...

Joey: What's he doing here?

Slick: Shawn Kelley is at the top of the ramp. His head is bandaged, but he's standing there behind Steele with a chair. The crowd is going wild.

Joey: Turn around Steele!

Slick: Steele doesn't understand why Deppe is smiling at him. Steele turns around.

SMASH

Slick: Oh my god, Kelley just creamed Steele with that chair. Steele is down. Deppe is back to his feet.

Joey: Steele's trying to get back up. Kelley hammers him with the chair again.

Slick: Steele falls back...right into the arms of Deppe. Boot to the chest...Inglewood Jack on the ramp.

Joey: Steele flies backwards...right into Kelley's arms...what the hell...no...no...

Slick: Kelley has Steele up on his shoulders...he's lifting him up.

Joey: No, he's not going to do it...he's not...

Slick: Oh my god...M TOWN DROP on the ramp. Steele just got slammed into the ramp. He's not moving.

Joey: I can't believe that...somebody get some help out here for Steele. The Ruff Ryders have just destroyed him. Get some help out for him.

Slick: Wait...Kelley has a mic. He's got a smile on his face.

Shawn Kelley: Now that...that was perfect!

Joey: The disrespect by the Ruff Ryders. They're mocking Steele who is hurt and isn't moving.

Slick: The Ruff Ryders are heading off the ramp, and paramedics are rushing down to Steele. Steele opened up something that he couldn't handle, and he just paid for it right there.

[the camera returns to the entrance, where the fans are cheering the one and only Buzz Stone, who has obviously put his earlier feelings aside, to put on a good face for the Ricochet fans. He stands at the top of the entrance a mic in his hands]

Buzz: Last Crossfire, I reinstated the Chaos Championship. In two weeks, Sean Cain will have his very first title defense against an innovator in the Chaos Division. Sean Cain will defend his Chaos Championship against...Kagerro!

[the crowd likes this]

Buzz: In...what else, but a Chaos Rules Match!

[the crowd likes this even more]

Buzz: And that's not all, because on Sunday, August 23rd...Ricochet will be bringing to you their next supercard...Collision...and I'm making the first match right now!

[the crowd quiets waiting for it]

Buzz: These two men have been on a collision course, and now they will meet, one on one, in this ring...when Sean Cain faces David Dunn!

[the crowd really likes this]

Buzz: In Ricochet, Collision is something of a cursed pay per view. Bad things tend to happen right before we have it, but that's not happening this time around. This time around we're going--

Slick: We're back...what the hell just happened?

Joey: It's that same damn technical difficulty we had at Sweet Dreams. That's not a damn technical difficulty then!

Slick: And look at Buzz. He doesn't know what happened either. He's leaving the entrance.

Joey: I don't blame him. He needs to get to the bottom of this. This thing...the website...what the hell is going on?

Slick: I don't know. I just don't know.

VII

[the camera switches to the back where Buzz Stone is rushing down the hallway. Ryan Bedford comes running around an opposite corner.]

Bedford: Buzz, Buzz...what the hell was that?

Buzz: I don't know, but they had to have been to the tech room. Come on.

Bedford: Where are you going?

Buzz: The tech room.

Bedford: The tech room's this way?

[Buzz stops, and then turns, heading down the hallway, quickly followed by Bedford]

Bedford: Am I the only guy who knows where the tech room is?

[Both Buzz and Bedford rush down the hall until they are in front of the room marked TECH. Buzz rushes in, to find an empty room filled with all the tech equipment.]

Bedford: Is it just me, or shouldn't there be somebody in here, you know...running the show?

[suddenly, there is a noise behind them, and they turn around quickly, to see a guy in a tech crew shirt, holding, what looks to be, a slice of pizza. He looks lost staring at the two men in the room]

Techie: Ummm....can I help you?

Buzz: How long have you been away?

Techie: Five minutes...it's pretty much autopilot once we get the show running...I didn't think it would be that big of a deal to go grab a slice...

Buzz: Was anyone else here?

Techie: No...I'm it...am I in trouble?

Buzz: Dammit!

[Buzz walks out of room]

Bedford: If you have any vacation time, I might think about taking it next show. Let him cool off.

Techie: Yeah, sure.

[Bedford follows Buzz out, as Buzz walks down the hallway, his earlier mood returning]

Bedford: Buzz, what's going on here?

Buzz: I don't know.

Bedford: Buzz, I think you and I both know that's not entirely true. I can't help you, if you're not honest with me.

[Buzz stops, his hands on his hips, and then turns to look at Bedford]

Buzz: Alright, Bedford. Come on.

[Buzz heads off to his office, drawing a smile from Bedford who follows him]

VIII

"The Italian Maniac" Antonino Romano

versus

"The Goddamn Fucking Franchise" David Dunn

[The lights go out and a voice comes over the PA system.]

" L`Italia ha ma un figlio, e quell`uomo" Antonino Romano!!!

[Red, white, and green lights fill the arena and there is a picture of the Italian Flag being projected in the ring and "The Godfather" by Fantomas begins to play. As soon as the beat picks up There is a HUGE explosion of pyros and Antonino Romano along with Heather Hoover come out from the back. Romano is oddly enough carrying a leather suitcase.]

Joey: The first couple of Ricochet is on their way out to the ring for this epic match-up.

Slick: The first couple? When did you come up with that?

Joey: Just now.

Slick: While that's almost laughable, this is an epic, supercard quality match-up, and we're getting to see it tonight.

[He makes his way down the ramp slapping hands with the fans and as he comes around the ring he takes Heather's hand and kisses it. Romano then hands her the suitcase, before climbing into the ring. The crowd is giving Romano a mixed reaction, mostly boos, but he does draw some cheers from the crowd.]

Joey: What's in that suitcase?

Slick: I don't know.

[A quiet hush falls over the crowd as the lights deem and a spot light hits the entrance way to the ring. Static starts to fill over the PA system then an explosion behind the entrance by fireworks as a loud ringing sound starts to come out of the PA system as what sounds like drum beats start to bang very rapidly until suddenly…]

#%*I can feel it
Coming in the air tonight
Oh Lord
I’ve been waiting for this moment
For all my life
Oh Lord, Oh Lord*%#

[The crowd jumps to its feet witnessing a man standing at the entrance way. The camera moves in to see none other than David Dunn. Dressed in a plain simple black t-shirt and a pair of old jeans, David looks around at the crowd, smiling, before he starts making his way down to the ring.]

Slick: And here comes David Dunn!

#%*Well I remember
I remember don’t worry
How could I ever forget
Its the first time
The last time
We ever met
But I know the reason why you keep me silenced up
No you don’t fool me
Cause the hurt doesn’t show
But the pain still grows
Its no stranger to you and me*%#

[At the ring now, David climbs up to the apron and steps between the ropes. Smiling still, he walks around the ropes, holding his hands up to the crowd]

#%*I can feel it
Coming in the air tonight
Oh Lord
I’ve been waiting for this moment
For all my life
I can feel it
Coming in the air tonight
Oh Lord, Oh Lord*%#

[Dunn stares across the ring at Romano and Romano stares right back at him]

Slick: These two have a long history together, both as partners and as enemies.

Joey: And it's a history that never quite got settled either, because Cain nearly ended the career of Dunn with that car accident.

Slick: That has never been proven, in fact, Cain out right said he didn't do it.

Joey: And you believe him?

Slick: That's the one thing that can be said for Cain. He maybe absolutely ruthless at times, but he's never been known as a liar.

Joey: He's ruthless, but honest. Sure, I believe that. But it doesn't matter anyway, because at Collision, Dunn is going to get to take on Cain once and for all, and Cain won't know what hit him.

DING
DING
DING

Slick: And Referee Jack Robinson starts the match, and Dunn and Romano are ready for it. They circle each other and lock-up.

Joey: Dunn gets the advantage with a headlock, but Romano takes him immediately back into the ropes and sends him across to the otherside.

Slick: Dunn comes back and takes Romano down with a shouldblock. Dunn into the ropes again. Romano stays down, and Dunn leaps over him.

Joey: Romano back to his feet, clothesline, no, Dunn ducks it.

Slick: Running forearm by Dunn. Romano goes down, and Dunn drops right on him with a quick elbow.

Joey: Dunn back on top with a side headlock, pushing Romano's body into the mat. Dunn would be smart to keep this match on the ground.

Slick: Both men are fairly even in skill, with Dunn having more experience than Romano.

Joey: That only means that Romano is younger, faster, and tougher. Yeah, Cain took Dunn out this last time, but prior to that, Dunn was injury prone and not the most stable guy to boot.

Slick: He did have that reputation for coming and going, but all that matters now is that he's here now, and he's here to stay.

Joey: Romano is fighting back to his feet, but Dunn holds on.

Slick: Antonino drives his elbow into Dunn's ribs. Dunn lets go. Romano has Dunn...slams him down to the mat with an inverted Russian legsweep.

Joey: Romano rolls Dunn over and is covering.

Slick: Dunn kicks out. Both men are getting back to their feet. Romano catches Dunn...hiptoss.

Joey: Dunn is on his back again. Romano goes for a knee drop.

Slick: Dunn rolls out from underneath it and Romano hits the mat.

Joey: Romano hobbles away, as Dunn gets to his feet. Romano turns, but is met by a right hand from Dunn.

Slick: Dunn is using those brawling skills to good use as he hammers Romano with rights and lefts, knocking Romano back into the corner. Dunn brings his knee into Romano's gut, doubling him over. Dunn grabs Romano's head...DDT....

Joey: No, Romano grabs ahold of the ropes, keeping him from going down. Dunn falls backards instead. Romano stomps straight into Dunn's chest hard. Dunn curls up into a ball. That hurt.

Slick: Romano measures and drops a elbow straight down onto Dunn's head. Romano is back up and is lifting Dunn to his feet.

Joey: Romano with a suplex...no, Dunn blocks it....reverses...Romano is on his back.

Slick: Dunn is on his feet. He pulls Romano up. Bodyslam putting Romano in the center of the ring.

Joey: Dunn into the ropes. He's in the air...he nails a leg drop across Romano's throat.

Slick: He's going for a pin.

Joey: Romano kicks out, but Dunn is right back to his feet.

Slick: Dunn lifts Romano up. No, European uppercut by Romano. Dunn falls backwards into the ropes. Romano with a forearm across Dunn's chest.

Joey: Romano lifts Dunn up...he falls backwards....hot shot across the top rope!

Slick: Dunn drops down to a knee holding his throat. Great move by Romano.

Joey: Romano is on the second rope. He leaps off...flip over neckbreaker, the Sicilian Snap... takes Dunn to the mat.

Slick: Romano is covering.

Joey: Dunn gets a shoulder up, but Romano isn't slowing down. He's up, but drops an elbow right down to Dunn. He's covering again.

Slick: Dunn kicks out again. Romano is right back on top, this time shoving his elbow across Dunn's neck.

Joey: Dunn kicks out! Romano is back to his feet. He's measuring Dunn out...waiting for him to get up.

Slick: Dunn is to his feet. Romano rushes him...clothesline...no, Dunn ducks it. Romano turns, Dunn drops...he just picked off Romano's legs. Tripping him up.

Joey: He's going for a sharpshooter...he's got it locked on.

Slick: No, Romano pulls him to the ropes. He's got ahold. Dunn lets go immediately. He's rushing to the ropes.

Joey: Romano is back to his feet.

Slick: Running lariat by Dunn. Romano nearly flips in mid-air and crashes to the mat.

Joey: Dunn is covering.

Joey: Romano gets a shoulder up.

Slick: Dunn is back to his feet. He's lifting Romano up. No, he's got him off his feet. He's putting him on the top rope.

Joey: Dunn is up on the second rope...he nails Romano with an uppercut. What is Dunn going for?

Slick: He's setting up for a superplex. He's up to the top rope. He's lifting Romano up....

Joey: No, Romano just headbutted him. Dunn is wobbly. Another headbutt. Romano shoves Dunn off the top.

Slick: Dunn crashes into the mat hard. He's not getting up.

Joey: Now Romano is standing on the top rope. He's off....he's in the air...diving headbutt!

Slick: He connects with it solid! But that move took a lot out of Romano. He's holding his head.

Joey: But Dunn isn't moving at all. Romano is crawling over. He has an arm across Dunn's chest.

Slick: NO! Dunn got a shoulder up. The crowd just jumped to their feet, but Robinson is saying Dunn got his shoulder up. This match isn't over yet.

Joey: Romano is slowly getting to his feet. The exhaustion is showing on his face. Dunn is just barely moving. He's rolled over to his side.

Slick: Romano stumbles, but he is still standing. He's walking over to Dunn. He's lifting him to his feet.

Joey: Romano's going for it here...he's ending it right here. He's got Dunn's head between his legs.

Slick: Wait a minute...Dunn just dropped to his knee...low blow...low blow....

Joey: No!

Slick: Promised Land...Promised Land! Dunn hit that out of nowhere. He's covering!

Joey: No! Romano got a shoulder up...he got a shoulder up! It's not over...it's not over!

Slick: Dunn can't believe it. He can't believe Romano got a shoulder up after The Promised Land. Dunn is getting back to his feet. He's pulling Romano up. Both men are exhausted.

Joey: Dunn has Romano on his feet.

Slick: European uppercut by Dunn. Romano falls back into the ropes. Forearm across his chest.

Joey: Romano fires back. Dunn is stunned.

Slick: But he fires back a right hand. The two trade blows. No, Romano drives a thumb into Dunn's eye. Dunn is stunned.

Joey: Romano has Dunn up...Sicillian Spine Splitter!!!

Slick: No...Dunn flips over Romano. He lands on his feet. German suplex!

Joey: No...Romano flips over...he lands on his feet....superkick!

Slick: Dunn ducks it...

Joey: Romano turns...he's going for...

Slick: Promised Land! Dunn hit it out of nowhere again....Romano is down...Dunn is covering...he's hooking Romano's leg!

DING
DING
DING

Slick: The crowd is going wild. David Dunn just beat Antonino Romano!

Joey: I can't believe it....Dunn came out of nowhere with that move.

Slick: And Dunn has his hand raised. He's still on his knees. He can barely stand after that match.

Joey: That was one of the best matches we've seen on Crossfire.

Slick: Dunn is walking out of here the winner.

Joey: And Antonino isn't happy with it. He's back to his knees and staring Dunn, but Dunn is heading up the ramp.

Slick: Wait a minute...what's he doing out here?

Joey: David Dubose just walked right past Dunn and down the ramp.

Slick: Dunn just turned around...he's confused just like all of us are.

Joey: What is he doing here? He's heading down to the ring.

Slick: No, he's heading to Heather. What is this all about?

Joey: I don't know, but Heather just handed Dubose the briefcase. What the hell?

Slick: Dubose just smiled at Heather...and then nods at Romano.

Joey: Romano just got a wide smile across his face.

Slick: And just like that Dubose is walking back up the ramp. Dunn is still standing there in disbelief.

Joey: He can't believe what he's seeing. But what is he seeing?

Slick: Dubose just walked past Dunn again...wait a minute...Dubose has a mic...

Joey: What's he going to say?

Dubose: Ladies and gentlemen, meet your new #1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Championship...Antonino Romano!

Slick: What? Did I hear what I think I heard?

Joey: Brilliant! Antonino Romano just bought himself a title shot! No hoopla, no red tape. Just cash on delivery.

Slick: And nobody can believe it...Dunn can't believe it...the crowd can't believe it...and I can't believe it. What low did Romano just stoop to?

Joey: Low...it's brilliant. He's able to sit back and take it easy, knowing he's going to have a World Title shot. And from the sound of it, he'll be able to call it in at anytime.

[the scene switches from Dunn's bewildered face to the smile on Romano's as he motions for the belt to be around his waist as the show begins to fade on Joey Summer's final words]

Joey: Ladies and gentlemen, Antonino Romano just became the smartest man in wrestling!