A Whole New World

[The arena is filled, but the camera does not begin there. It travels to the back, where Lefty Muggins, Commissioner of Ricochet Pro Wrestling, is walking down the hallway. He has a determined and partially angered look on his face. Without knocking, he opens the door marked simply Daniel James. Daniel James looks up from his computer screen, while Reign steps in front of the desk, blocking any possibly of an attack on. Muggins looks at Reign for a second, before turning toward James]

Lefty Muggins: What the hell are you doing, Daniel?

[James stares at Muggins, bringing his hands together, crossing his fingers together, to look over his hands at James, wearing a poker face, showing no emotion. Before James says anything, Reign grabs Muggins by the arm roughly]

Reign: You will show, Mr. James, some respect.

[Muggins tries to pull away from Reign angrily, but can't break Reign's grip. However, James waves Reign off]

Daniel: It's ok, Reign. Mr. Muggins is the Commissioner, he has an open door policy.

[Reign lets go of Muggins, and Muggins straightens out his shirt, the anger on his face increasing]

Daniel: Now, what do you mean, Lefty?

Lefty: How the hell can you run the show tonight without the referees?

Daniel: I have my ways.

Lefty: Just swallow your pride and let Jack and Mike back. Come on, this can't go on forever, especially now with Hugh gone.

Daniel: Their suspension was only for tonight's show, so they will be back at the next show. I have also reactivated Juan Sanchez from his desk job to being an active referee once again.

Lefty: Sanchez? You've got to be kidding me. You and I both know he's a screw-up in the ring.

Daniel: Which is exactly why he's been sitting at a desk for the last six months, but right now, with Jassman's unfortunate departure from the company, we need to add a new referee, and aren't you all about second chances? This could be his.

Lefty: Fine, but that still doesn't answer what's going to happen tonight. Who's going to officiate the matches? What matches are happening?

Daniel: That's not your concern. You'll have to wait, just like everyone else.

Lefty: Daniel, I've bit my tongue long enough, but over it. You are running this company in the ground. You sign Diamond Mine and then hand him a title shot. Great wrestler, but nobody deserves to just walk into Ricochet and be handed a title shot. I don't care who they are. Cain destroys Jassman last week, and you hand him a title shot. I'm not a fan of Cain, but he more than deserves a title shot, and he didn't need to do something like that to prove it.

Daniel: He showed init--

Lefty: Yeah, I know. He showed initiative. That's bullshit and you know it. You wanted him in the match anyway. Cain is your little errand boy. You can't control Cavenaugh...you can't control Diamond Mine...so what do you do? You point the epitome of chaos inbetween both of them and tell him he can do whatever he wants. It's not control, but it's more than you can get from the other two.

Daniel: So what would you have had me do?

Lefty: Honestly, I would have stuck with Robinson and upheld the title. Put it up in a tournament, because there are a lot of deserving guys in the back that deserve a title shot some of them have been here for years and never gotten one.

Daniel: And in a few months, they'll get their wish at Irish Wake, but for the moment, I'm the boss, and I say what goes. If you don't like that, you know what you can do.

Lefty: If you want me gone, fire me, but for some reason, you haven't done that yet. I just don't know why. You either need me for something, or you don't have the power to fire me.

Daniel: Lefty, let's get one thing clear. If I wanted you gone, you would be gone. Just ask Jassman.

Lefty: And let me be clear. I'm not Jassman.

Daniel: Maybe we'll find out.

Lefty: And I wonder what happens when someone wants to find out how much like Jassman you are.

Daniel: Then that will be a very interesting day indeed. Now if you'll excuse me, we have a show to do. You can stay if you like, but your services won't be needed tonight.

[Daniel stands up and walks around his desk in front of Reign and Muggins. Muggins watches him slowly, as both Daniel and Reign leave the office]

 
 
 
Welcome to


Initiative

Keep holding on
When my brain's tickin' like a bomb
Guess the black thoughts have come Again to get me
Sweet bitter words
Unlike nothing I have heard
Sing along mocking bird
You don't affect me

[the crowd turns to the entrance ramp to see Daniel James and Reign step out from the entrance. The crowd gives him a very mixed reaction, as they still don't know how to take James]

That's right
Deliverance of my heart
Please strike
Be deliberate

[James pats Reign on the back and nods to entrance. Reign shakes his head, but James says something to him, and Reign reluctantly turns and heads back, leaving James alone to head to the ring by himself]

Wait
I'm coming undone
Irate
I'm coming undone
Too late
I'm coming undone
One looks so strong
So delicate
Wait
I'm starting to suffocate
And soon I anticipate
I'm coming undone
One looks so strong
So delicate

[James climbs into the ring, and then is handed a mic by Mark Foster]

Buzz Stone: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this very unusual edition of Crossfire.

Joey Summers: What a second week for me. I didn't think we could top what I saw in my first night here in Ricochet, but it looks like we are off to a good start.

Buzz: We have no clue what is going on here tonight, so we're going to see it unfold at the same time you are, just like right now, where we have Daniel James, the owner of the company, standing in the center of the ring, for who knows what.

Joey: I've seen James at his absolute worst and his absolute best, and if I had to pick one, I think the old Mr. Nobody persona that he liked to show off back in the day, the cold and calculating diabolacle genius is the man we are seeing in this ring right now. The same who fired me at one point of my career. While for the wrestling fan, it will make for some entertaining television, I think every employee here in Ricochet, from the wrestlers down to Mark Foster, has something to worry about.

Buzz: Just ask the referees that.

Joey: Just ask Hugh Jassman, who will probably never step foot inside a wrestling ring ever again.

Buzz: If he can ever walk ever again, but the boss is in the ring, and he's ready to address the crowd.

Daniel James: Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to welcome all of you to Ricochet Pro Wrestling and Crossfire. It is a very special night of wrestling for you, because tonight will not be about wins or losses. It will be about initiative. Those that show initiative will be rewarded, starting with--

*** IT HAS TO START SOMEWHERE ***
*** IT HAS TO START SOMETIME ***
*** WHAT BETTER PLACE THAN HERE ***
*** WHAT BETTER TIME THAN NOW ***

[Loud guitars and pounding drums reverberate off the walls of Wachovia Spectrum as “Guerilla Radio” by Rage Against the Machine fills the jammed packed stadium. The crowd pops loudly, almost drowning out Guerilla Radio. A blast of pyrotechnics go off in the entrance way, and the crowd is momentarily silenced by the explosion. Amidst the smoke of the pyro, a silhouette appears. Standing in the smoke is a giant of a man, 6’7”, 295 pounds of pure muscle; his head is to the ground, his hair covering his face.]

Buzz Stone: Daniel James seems less than impressed here Joey….

[James just glares towards the entrance way as the smoke clears from the pyro. Walking out through the smoke is Diamond Mine, dressed in his trademark blue jeans and a black, “King of Wrestling” t-shirt. As is standing in the entrance way, he quickly jerks his head back to remove the hair from his face. The crowd jumps right back in, showering “The Cornerstone” with cheers. He immediately shoots a smile directly towards the RPW Owner in the ring, which is not returned.]

Joey Summers: This Ricochet audience have really adopted Diamond Mine as one of their own over his short time here in RPW.

Buzz Stone: The fans may love him, but our Owner is certainly not impressed with this interruption….

[Diamond Mine pulls a microphone out from his back pocket and begins to speak, as he makes his way down to ringside. But before his is able to speak, James cuts him off.]

Daniel James: Just who in the hell do you think you are coming out here and interrupting me?

Diamond Mine: Now I am sorry for that boss, I truly am. But you see, I told that Production Crew of yours you sent to visit me that I was going to host an episode of the hottest wrestling talk show, The CornerStone, here tonight on Crossfire.

Daniel James: And?

Diamond Mine: And I felt that seeing how you have instilled a great spirit into tonight’s show, one of impromptu matches and flying by the seat of our pants, I thought that I would follow in your lead and have an impromptu edition of The CornerStone, right here, right now!!!

[The crowd pops at the announcement as Diamond Mine walks up the ring steps and enters the ring.]

Daniel James: And this has what exactly, to do to me?

[Diamond Mine chuckles to himself for a moment, and then answers.]

Diamond Mine: Everything DJ, everything!!!

Buzz Stone: Did he just call the RPW Owner Daniel James, DJ?

Diamond Mine: Because on tonight’s episode of The CornerStone, I have scheduled the most important guest to ever appear on my show……………… You!!!

[A small smile creeps into the corner of Daniel James’ lips as Diamond Mine pays him a compliment.]

Diamond Mine: Now normally there would be the roman pillars and the lush carpeting for the show, but tonight it is going to be very real; and very raw. So tonight there will be no pillars, no carpeting, just me, you and our microphones.

Daniel James: Let’s just get this over with……

Diamond Mine: Fair enough………. I think it would be fair to say that you have had a fairly busy past couple of weeks now DJ. I mean you had some tough decisions to make, and situations to fix here in Ricochet, I would not have wanted to be in your shoes…..

Daniel James: You have no idea.

Diamond Mine: For a man in your position, who has been around this industry for ages, I am sure that you are well aware that this industry is just full of different sayings and beliefs.

Daniel James: Correct.

Diamond Mine: And those sayings and beliefs are what the foundation of our industry is based on.

Daniel James: Ok………..

Diamond Mine: Now one of those foundation sayings or beliefs is that the referee’s decision is final.

Daniel James: I can see where this is going.

Diamond Mine: Good to hear it, but let’s allow everyone in on what I am thinking here. At Collision, your referee made a rather controversial decision in upholding the RPW World Heavyweight Championship after the double pin.

Daniel James: A decision that got him suspended I might add.

Diamond Mine: Indeed you are correct, you did suspend him. But did you ever think that maybe Jack Robinson made his decision based on his in ring experience, something quite frankly, you simply do not have???

Daniel James: Regardless of his “in ring” experience, the RPW Rule Book clearly states that in the case of a draw, as was the case with the double pin, that the title remains with the Champion, and so he deserves his suspension and Snake Eyes is the deserving Champion.

Diamond Mine: Well maybe if Snake Eyes was the cause of the double pin, then I could agree with you. But I he was not responsible for my shoulders getting pinned to the mat, he could not even get his own shoulders up before the three count, let alone hold mine down.

Daniel James: But your shoulders were pinned regardless.

Diamond Mine: That is a fact I am all too aware of DJ, and is the single reason why I have not been demanding for the RPW Title to be awarded to me since that night. It is unfortunate however, that the same cannot be said for Cavenaugh. I know that I did not win the RPW World Title at Collision, but neither did Cavenaugh and that is why Jack Robinson held up the title, because apparently unlike you, he did not want the RPW Title to be paraded around by a man who does not currently deserve to hold it!!!

Daniel James: Now I hate Mike as much as everyone else around here, but it was a draw, plain and simple, the belt remains his!!!

[Diamond Mine just laughs at James’ ignorance and then continues.]

Diamond Mine: I did not come out here tonight with the expectation of changing your mind, I know you well enough to know that once you have made a decision, it is final.

Daniel James: So then why are we here?

Diamond Mine: So the error of your ways can be pointed out to you in front of the entire World, so that when the time comes, we can all bask in your short sightedness and your ignorance.

Daniel James: You better remember who you are talking to here!!!

Diamond Mine: I know exactly who I am talking to, and I know that you have no problem firing anyone you want at the drop of a dime. But you need to be made aware of certain things, like with the RPW World Title, and like with one “American Terrorist” Sean Cain.

Daniel James: That’s the “American Nightmare” there DM.

Diamond Mine: Actions speak louder than words DJ, and his actions from last week speak for themselves, as do yours DJ, and I do not believe that you even understand the precedent that you set when you grave into Cain’s demands.

Daniel James: Sounds to me like you are afraid of the “American Nightmare.”

Diamond Mine: Please DJ……. We both know that is not the case. But what you do not know is just how much of a slippery slope you are currently standing on.

Daniel James: Oh really? Why don’t you elaborate for me then genius!

Diamond Mine: You know something DJ, that is a great idea, surprising coming from you, but I digress. I just so happened to have a little show planned for you tonight to further illustrate my point.

[Diamond Mine turns his attention to ringside and more specifically, the Ricochet ring announcer, Mark Foster, who is sitting on his chair.]

Diamond Mine: Hey Mark, do you think you could come into the ring for a few moments and help me out???

[Mark turns and looks over at James, who nods for him to come into the ring, and so he does.]

Diamond Mine: And bring your chair with you, because I think our Boss over here could use a seat for this performance.

[Foster slides his chair into the ring, and then follows behind it. Diamond Mine grabs the chair and sets it up in the corner of the ring for Daniel, who begrudgingly accepts the seat. Diamond Mine then joins Foster back in the center of the ring with James looking on.]

Diamond Mine: Now last Crossfire, all Sean Cain had to do in order to get what he wanted was to assault Jassman, terrorize him even, ultimately to the point of unconsciousness. And then after weaseling his way into the World Title Rematch at Black Monday, he continued his assault on Jassman as the show went off the air.

Daniel James: What you call terrorizing, I call taking the initiative!

Diamond Mine: And what you call taking the initiative, I called painting a target on the backs of every single RPW Staff Member for any disgruntled RPW Superstar who fells that they have been wronged or are owed something.

Daniel James: So be it.

Diamond Mine: Well DJ, allow me to act out my little scene here for you and we will see how this all plays out.

[Diamond Mine turns to Foster, who has been standing next to Diamond Mine patiently.]

Diamond Mine: Alright Mark, for this scene you are going to be our RPW Staff member alright???

[Mark’s face goes white, obviously not wanting to be involved anymore.]

Diamond Mine: So one of our players is set, now all we need now is a disgruntled RPW Superstar who wants something so badly that they will do whatever it takes to get it...........

[Foster’s eyes glare over at James, who is just sitting and watching, but says nothing.]

Diamond Mine: Now who here tonight could play that role??? Well it just so happens that I planned ahead and booked myself a second guest for tonight’s CornerStone……….

*** LESSONS ARE TAUGHT ***
*** MISTAKES ARE MADE ***
*** LEARN TO BEWARE THE BEAST!!! ***

["Beware the Beast" by Firewind rips through the Wachovia Spectrum as screams from the crowd abound. "The Genetic Beast" parts the curtains with reckless abandon as he heads directly for the ring. Leaping up onto the apron, Kennedy holds onto the ropes and leans his body and head back into a roar that echoes throughout the whole arena. "The Genetic Beast" turns his head and glares directly at Daniel James before entering the ring. Kennedy walks over to Diamond Mine and then shake hands as a sign of mutual respect as "Beware the Beast" fades out.]

Diamond Mine: Welcome Kai, pleasure to have you here………

Buzz Stone: What the Hell!!!!

[Kai does not even give Diamond Mine time to respond as he jumps into action as he grabs Mark Foster by his collar and lifts him a good foot or two from the ground. Foster begins to scream for help from his boss, but James does not react and remains seated in his chair.]

Diamond Mine: Well now that all of our players are in place, let’s see how this little scene plays out....... Now Kai Kennedy, I recall hearing some rumors that you were unhappy about something here in Ricochet, so is there anything you want from Mr. James here???

[With a smile on his face, Kennedy answers.]

Kai Kennedy: I want what was promised to me when I returned to Ricochet……….. I want a shot at the WWA World Title!!!

Diamond Mine: And just exactly are you willing to do in order to get that shot???

Kai Kennedy: Whatever is necessary!

[As the words leave Kai’s mouth, Mark Foster begins to wimper incoherently]

Daniel James: Pathetic!

[James stands up from his chair and speaks.]

Daniel James: Do you honestly think that any of this was going to work? I know for a fact that neither of you have what it takes to actually carry out this little show off toughness………..

[Smiles across the face of DM and KK. At this point, Kennedy puts Foster down, and Foster, embarrassed, bolts from the ring and to the back. Diamond Mine turns and looks at Kennedy as he speaks.]
Diamond Mine: DJ, I told you from the start that this was just a quick scene, a demonstration of what could happen to any one of your employees after your actions from last Crossfire. Kai and I have too much integrity to get what we want this way. You see DJ, if there is something that either of us wants, we are going to come out to this very ring and we are going to earn it. BUT, I cannot say that is true for the rest of your roster, and I can certainly say that it is not true for Sean Cain........

[Diamond Mine, without hesitation, and mere moments after finishing speaking, drops his microphone and executes his Devastator, but his foot stops just short of DJ's chin.]

Kai Kennedy: Just realize how slippery of a slope you are on James, because the target of someone’s initiative could even end up being you; so you may want to re-evaluate what you have done, or else I would watch your back. Be careful what you ask for James because you just might get it!!!

[Daniel James is taken aback as Diamond Mine slowly and deliberately pulls his foot away from James’ chin. “Guerilla Radio” plays once more as Kai Kennedy and Diamond Mine leave the ring and head to the back, while RPW Owner Daniel James is left speechless in the ring.]

 

Son of The Dark Knight

He's Back
[We open to the backstage area where our hero is leaning back with an mp3 player jacked up to his ears and he seems to be letting whatever the music is flow through him letting it do whatever it is that the People's Hero does. Heather Hoover, backstage interviewer, steps onto the scene and she slowly makes her way to our hero. She looks around noting that noone else is around before she speaks.]

Hoover: Can I have a moment of your time Mr. Royal?

[Of course Johnny doesn't hear as he has earphones in his ears, but he does manage to see Heather out of the corner of his eyes so he looks in her direction.]

Royal: Yes?

[Heather smiles down at Johnny.]

Hoover: I was wondering if I could speak with you for a moment?

[Johnny looks up at Heather and he sighs before he presses a button on his mp3 player and he stands up to his full six foot even height.]

Royal: Shoot.

[Heather furrows her brow for a moment looking up at Johnny but a moment later her brow unfurrows as if she was trying to puzzle through something but she now has if figured out.]

Hoover: I just want to know how you feel about the man that you warred with for well over half a year being rewarded all his escapades by getting a title shot.

[Johnny twists up his mouth looking down at Heather and he shakes his head.]

Royal: Uh uh, it's not even going down like that Heather. That chapter of my life is over. You want me to get mad and say something that would probably recreate the feud that Ezekiel or Cain or whatever his name is now had. I don't care to do that. I have my daughter back now and that's the end of that.

[Johnny glares down at Heather for a moment and she seems to back away from the glare. Johnny shakes his head and he reaches out and grabs the mic which she easily relinquishes.]

Royal: Now, if you don't mind Heather I have a little something to say.

[Johnny looks at Heather who nods her head.]

Royal: As of late, your hero has been absent. Your hero has been wallowing in his own self pity letting my own personal issues get in the way of what I promised a long time ago to myself, to my family and to my fans. I haven't been giving my all.

[Johnny shakes his head.]

Royal: That is unacceptable. From this point forward, the People's Hero will be just that, a hero for the people. I will be that someone that you can look up to, someone that you can rely on.

[Johnny lets his "Everything is alright with the world" smile slip onto his face.]

Royal: The People's Hero is back!

[Johnny hands the mic back to Heather and he walks away with his patented smile still on his face.]
Head in the Game
[We switch to another part of the locker room area where we join a conversation in mid stream between "The Genetic Beast" Kai Kennedy and "The Cornerstone" Diamond Mine.]

Diamond Mine: I gotta say kid, despite what we just did out there, your attitude and actions of late have left me wondering where your head is at???

Kai Kennedy: I'm tired of dealing with this crock of shit, DM. I came back here on personal invitation by the management, and get fed this lame excuse as to why the World Title tournament was canceled, which left me a little dry in the mouth.

[Diamond Mine, unimpressed by the answer, rolls his eyes at Kennedy before continuing.]

Diamond Mine: After I retired from the Alliance, and I was out in the public doing god knows what, do you know the number one thing that I was always asked by the fans???

Kai Kennedy: Where's all the tapioca pudding stored in the retirement home?

Diamond Mine: That was up there, but not number one kid.

[Kai, obviously not pleased with being called kid, answers with a slightly harsher tone in his voice.]

Kai Kennedy: What then?

[Diamond Mine smiles, knowing that his jab got to Kennedy.]

Diamond Mine: The number one thing that I was asked after retiring was what did I think about Kai Kennedy taking up my reigns as the new King of Wrestling???

[Kai does not react to the comment, but merely looks at out of the corner of his eye at "The Cornerstone."]

Diamond Mine: I was constantly asked what I thought about how Kai Kennedy had made a lifestyle change and was trying to emulate me, be a reincarnated version of Diamond Mine. So I tuned into the HWA and to my surprise, I saw you there taking yourself seriously, with a look of confidence in your eye that was never there before. You were taking care of your business the right way, the honorable way, in the dead center of the ring.

[Diamond Mine pauses for a moment and looks directly at "The Genetic Beast."]

Diamond Mine: And my reply to all of them was simple, direct, and to the point. You were not a reincarnated version of me, far from it. What they were finally seeing was "The Genetic Beast" taking the next step in his career and truly realizing his full potential.....

[Kai sits there quietly, just taking the moment in.]

Diamond Mine: So when you made your return to Ricochet and the WWA, I expected the best from you, instead we get to see you trying to take care of your business inside the center of a court room, with lawyers and judges???

Kai Kennedy: Look, I don't know what you want me to tell you....

Diamond Mine: That is exactly the point Kai, this is not an industry for talking about our problems, this is an industry for action and dealing with our problems in the middle of the ring, in front of a sold out arena...... If you want something, go out to the ring and prove that you deserve it. Prove it to them until they have no choice but to give you exactly what you want. That is the Kai Kennedy these people want to see, paid to see, and want to believe in......... Think about it kid............

[With that, Diamond Mine gets up from his chair and walks out of sight, leaving Kai to think about what was just said. Kai slowly stands up, and turns to face the mirror, caressing the tribal tattoo on his face.]

Kai Kennedy: ...believe...in me?
He's a Funny Guy
[the camera goes to another part of the backstage arena, where we see Funnybone, the unlikely Trans-Atlantic Champion, with his makeshift plastic Trans-Atlantic Championship around his waste, pacing back and forth in front of the lockerroom of one Johnny Royal. He has a maddening smile on his face, as he is holding, what appears to be an oversized, cartoony cricket mallet]
Funnybone: Ring around the Royalies. Pockets full of Asyas. Boom. Boom. Boom. Boom. Arielle pees on the ground.

[He holds the mallet in front of his face before laughing hysterically and walking off camera, with the shot returning to ringside]
Joey: With everyone here in Ricochet, Funnybone may be the most disturbing member of the roster.
Buzz: I'm wondering why Funnybone was out in front of Royal's door though. They're supposed to be friends, afterall they're part of FIGHT CLUB!!!
Joey: Three exclamation points.
Buzz: Right, and not since Damage, Inc. have I seen a more....ummm...unique stable in wrestling.
Joey: I agree with you. Heaton, Royal, and Funnybone are all great talent in their own right, but when it comes right down to it, their personalities don't seem to mesh. Maybe they see something more than I see, but it just seems weird.
Buzz: Wait, I'm getting word from the back that there is something going on.
Initiative II
[the camera returns to a close-up shot of Daniel James's face]
Daniel James: Earlier tonight, I was interrupted before I could make my announcement. As I said, tonight is about initiative, which is why I required every RPW superstar to be in attendance tonight.
[the camera shot changes, showing different shots of superstars through-out the backstage arena watching monitors in their lockerroms. Johnny Royal and Adam Heaton sharing a lockerroom watching, Kai Kennedy watching from his lockerrom, Antonino Romano sitting down, Kagerro...newest superstar, Lazarus, Diamond Mine watching it in passing, Michael Cavenaugh and Jason Dredd, Sean Cain with a little smirk on his face, and finally Stewie Franchise, taping up his fists up. All of them paying attention to the monitors that has James's image on it]
Daniel James: Initiative can take many forms, and tonight it will see who wants to take the initiative to have a shot at a championship. A title that has yet to be defended by its new owner. A title shot opportunity against the Trans-Atlantic Championship, Funnybone. Now, how do you earn such a shot? All you have to do is be the first person to enter the ring.
[confusion rings out amongst the wrestlers watching]
Daniel James: There are no security to break you up. No referees to count you out. You simply have to be the first one to enter the ring, and you earn a Trans-Atlantic title shot. Starting now!
[James's image clicks off, as multiple shots of the wrestlers in the back are shown, still staring at the screen, before they all begin to move.]
Fight to the Ring
Joey Summers: I can't believe what Daniel James has just done. Everyone is safe and sound, and BOOM!!! sends them into a blind panic.
Buzz Stone: I think it will be interesting who actually goes for it.
Joey Summers: What do you mean?
Buzz Stone: Well, you've got guys like Cavenaugh, Cain, and Diamond Mine...what would their point be going after a smaller title. And then you have someone like Kennedy and Romano who have both said they only have one title on their mind and that is the World Title.
Joey: And then think of Johnny Royal and Adam Heaton. They're Funnybone's partners in FIGHT CLUB!!! Would they go after his title like that?
Buzz: I think we are about to find out, because we have cameras rushing all over the back to find out what's going on back there.
Joey: And we have our first camera back there, and all hell is breaking loose.
[the camera switches from ringside to the back where Antonino Romano and newest wrestler Lazarus out in the hallway at the same time. Lazarus stands over Romano, but Romano doesn't bat an eye, driving a forearm into Lazarus's chest, knocking him backwards into the wall, but as soon as he does that, Lazarus drives a knee into Romano's chest, doubling him over, before grabbing his head, and slamming him head first into the wall.]
Joey: Lazarus maybe a rookie here in Ricochet, but the man under the mask is said to be a long standing veteran.
Buzz: Or so we've been lead to believe. We don't know if this is someone straight off the wrestling school bus or Mimic's umpteenth return.
Joey: Well, Mimic was never this tall.
Buzz: That's besides the point, but...oh...Romano just grabbed something and clocked Lazarus in the head with it. What the hell was that?
Joey: I think it was a fire hydrant, and Lazarus is down to one knee after that shot. It wasn't long ago that Antonino Romano was The Maniac and one of the most hardcore wrestlers in the world. Despite his change in style, he knows his way around weapons.
Buzz: Romano is heading down the hallway, leaving Lazarus right there, but we've got more action going on in another part of the lockerroom.
[the camera switches to a view of Jason Dredd hammering Stewie Franchise with several blows, but Franchise rakes his eyes, sending Dredd stumbling backwards. Franchise rushes Dredd, going for a clothesline, but Dredd ducks it, and Franchise rushes past him, before stopping. Dredd catches Franchise with a mule kick]
Joey: Franchise stumbles backwards, and Dredd catches him with a roundhouse kick.
Buzz: Franchise slams into the wall...oh my god...Dredd just did something out of the Matrix!
Joey: I don't think I've ever seen someone do something like that. He just ran up the wall, and dropped Franchise with a sidekick that drove Franchise's head into the wall again!
Buzz: That maybe the most exciting thing I've seen in a--
Joey: Oh my god, Dredd just got taken down with a double clothesline.
Buzz: Adam Heaton and Johnny Royal came out of nowhere to take Dredd down. And now they are running full force down the hallway.
Joey: Let's go back to Romano, because someone else just entered the mix.
[the scene shifts againt to Antonino Romano, who is walking down the hallway. Romano rounds a corner, and is suddenly kicked in the face as he does so. Romano stumbles backwards, holding his face, and then looks at who kicked him, seeing Kagerro standing there. Kagerro leaps up, catching him with a jump kick, and sends him backwards. Kagerro drives another kick into his ribs, but Romano catches her leg, and backhands her, causing her to stumble backwards]
Buzz: Romano just connects with a right hand to Kagerro.
Joey: Romano doesn't care that she's a woman.
Buzz: That ship has sailed with Kagerro. She's put herself out there with the men, and she's going to be treated as such.
Joey: This is my first time seeing Kagerro in action up close, but from what I've read about her, she doesn't have a problem with that at all.
Buzz: I hope not, because Romano just nailed her with another hard punch.
Joey: Romano drives a knee into her chest, but she blocks it. Uppercut by Kagerro. Romano is stunned from that.
Buzz: Jumping sidekick by Kagerro. Romano just went into the wall.
Joey: And now Kagerro is heading to the ring....
Buzz: No she's not...Lazarus just came out of nowhere.
Joey: Kagerro is down after that vicious clothesline by Lazarus. Lazarus obviously has no problem hitting a woman. He did it without hesitation.
Buzz: And now Lazarus is heading to the ring.
Joey: And look who just came out from the entrance.
Buzz: Johnny Royal and Adam Heaton just came out and are standing on top of the ramp.
Joey: But now what are they doing?
Buzz: I have no idea.
Joey: I think they just realized that only one of them can win this thing.
Buzz: And they just nodded at each other, and now...oh...Heaton swings the first blow, connecting hard with Royal, but Royal connects back.
Joey: The two friends are trading blows back and forth. Royal has Heaton on the ropes. Heaton is stumbling backwards.
Buzz: He's on the edge...he's going off....
Joey: No...Royal wouldn't let that happen. He pulled Heaton back to the entrance.
Buzz: And Heaton is thankful...wait a minute....wait a minute....look who just came out....on top of the jumbotron.
Joey: It's Jason Dredd. How the hell did he get up there?
Buzz: It doesn't matter, because I'm more worried about how he's going to get off of there.
Joey: Heaton and Royal just realized he's up there!
Buzz: Oh my god!!!
Joey: Dredd just lept off the jumbotron and just crashed down on Heaton and Royal with a crossbody.
HOLY SHIT
HOLY SHIT
HOLY SHIT
Joey: The crowd is going nuts after that move by Dredd!
Buzz: Wait...something else is going on in the back.
[the camera switches back to see Kagerro, Lazarus, and Antonino Romano all trading blows back and forth. The three of them are pushing themselves toward the entrance curtain, but the camera pans back to see Stewie Franchise slowly moving moving down the hallway. Franchise picks up speed and rushes around the corner]
Joey: Oh my god....Stewie Franchise just had his head taken off by....what the hell is he doing out there?
Buzz: It's Reign! Well, he is an active member of the roster according to his contract. I guess he has every right to be out here as everyone else.
Joey: He just killed Franchise with that clothesline though, and what the hell is he doing now?
Buzz: He's standing over him saying something to him.
Reign: Sorry, Franchise...you're going to sit this one out.
Joey: Now what the hell is Reign doing? He's leaving....he's walking away.
Buzz: Reign was out here with a singular mission, but why would James or Reign himself have any problem with Franchise and this match?
Joey: I don't know. I'm sure we'll get an answer, but I wonder at what cost to Franchise when he finds out why.
Buzz: And the rest of the party is here...because Romano, Kagerro, and Lazarus just burst through the curtains.
Joey: I find it interesting that Kennedy isn't out here.
Buzz: He wants the World Title, simple as that.
Joey: So does Romano, but he's out here. The Trans-Atlantic Championship is one step away from the World Title. Romano knows that, as does everyone else out here. Holding gold in RPW is a big deal, whether it's the World or the Trans-Atlantic Championship.
Buzz: All hell has broken loose on the top of the ramp. I thought Dredd was a shoe-in after taking out both Heaton and Royal, but he's still stunned from his own move.
Joey: And now with the three new entrants, this is anyone's game.
Buzz: Whoa...Lazarus just lifted Romano up and threw him backwards into the support beam.
Joey: A show of strength by Lazarus right there in his...well, would this even be considered his wrestling debut with no referees?
Buzz: I don't think he's even thinking about that tonight. He has one goal in mind, and that's winning this fight to the ring.
Joey: And his fight may have just ended right there, because Kagerro, out of nowhere, just nailed him with a standing missile dropkick, sending him head first into the same beam he sent Romano into.
Buzz: Kagerro's heading down the ramp to the ring...
Joey: No she's not. Dredd just grabbed her leg, and trips her up by pulling it out from under her.
Buzz: Kagerro face plants into the steel ramp, and Dredd is getting back to his feet. He's moving down the ramp, but...no...Royal and Heaton are back-up!
Joey: Dredd sees them...he runs....it's a three way dash to the ring!
Buzz: Oh my god...Heaton just launched himself and tackled Dredd. They both slam into the apron.
Joey: Royal's in the ring...Royal's in the ring...he earns the Trans-Atlantic Title shot! And if Heaton hadn't tackled Dredd...Dredd would have been the one going against Funnybone instead!
Buzz: Maybe that was Heaton paying Royal back for not letting him fall?
Joey: It's a rare thing in this sport for a wrestler to put a friend above himself.
Buzz: Heaton is in the ring now with Royal, and Heaton just raised Royal's hand.
Joey: And the crowd loves it, as these two are two of the most popular guys in Ricochet, and a match between Royal and Funnybone should be great!
Shoplifting: Never Lower Your Guard

Heather's Nightmare

[We return from commercial to Heather Hoover standing backstage with “The American nightmare” Sean Cain.]

Heather: I’m here with… [Cain places his hand over her mouth.]

Cain: They all know who I am. Just stand there and hold that microphone like the good pieces of ass you are before I make you do the same thing you did to get this job. You see all these people know that I am the only reason they spent their hard earned cash to be at this show. And for all those people I have only one thing to say. Welcome to Philadelphia motherfuckers!

[He smirks knowing the response he just got from his hometown crowd.]

Cain: But now to business, “The American Nightmare” is here to give someone a painful wrestling lesson. So Daniel, you power hungry son of a bitch, get whoever you want to step through those ropes with me. Because the entire wrestling world knows, that Philadelphia is the most hardcore wrestling city in the United States. And I am the most sadistic son of a bitch in RPW. While Stewie Franchise is pissing himself, I’m ready to fight. While Heaton is wondering why he fucking sucks, I’m ready to fight. And you know why Heather?

[He moves his hand away from Heather’s mouth.]

Heather: Because you’re the American Nightmare?

Cain:no

Heather: [looking confused.] Then why?

Cain: Because I’m the next World Heavyweight Champion, you stupid herpes infested slut. So why the rest of you fuckers from the Jurassic Champ to the so-called King of Wrestling are worried about having a match tonight, [he smiles.] I’ll be sitting back here wailing on Daniels to once again put his only Franchise player in a match. Because Philly want to see their hero make someone bleed. God Bless the American Nightmare. [he turns his head to Heather.] You’re dismissed.

 

Something Funny Happened on the Way to My Title Shot

[Johnny Royal and Adam Heaton walk through the back, still celebrating Royal's victory. The two men round a corner, and suddenly, Royal's face is smashed with a cream pie. Both men stop dead as Royal clears the pie out of his face, seeing Funnybone, holding his mallet, laughing maniacally]

Adam Heaton: What the hell, man?

[the question doesn't get Funnybone to stop laughing. Instead, he just turns and walks up the hallway, dragging the mallet behind him, leaving Royal and Heaton staring at him. Royal turns to look at Heaton, pie dripping off his face. Heaton looks at him, and can't help but to giggle]

Johnny Royal: It's not funny.

Adam: It's a little funny.

[Johnny laughs a little too, as the two start heading to their lockerroom]

Johnny: Oh maybe a little.

Adam: Still, he's starting to creep me out just a bit.

Johnny: Yeah, me too.

Adam: You still think this whole Fight Club thing is a good idea!

Johnny: With the lot in this fed, absolutely.

Adam: Alright, just remind me not to let him help me celebrate victories, because I can do without pies in the face.

Johnny: At least it's something tasty.

Adam: Thank god for small favors.

 

 

Welcome to Philadelphia, Motherfucker!

God shed His grace on thee….

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

[The entranceway is bombarded by Red, white, and Blue pyrotechnics as the lights in the arena slowly dim giving the explosions a more prolific effect. As the last explosion fades out, as the sound of guitar intro of "Great American Nightmare" by Rob Zombie fills the arena.]

Dig deep down from Planet X, yeah
Thirteen ghosts in the devil`s head
Step right up and feel the fire
Hardcore love of the never dead

Buzz: Oh my god, here we go. "The American Nightmare" Sean Cain has entered the arena!

Joey: He stated just a little while ago, that he wanted someone in the ring tonight, and after what he did last week, I wonder if there is anyone...anyone at all, who will take him up on his offer?

[He opens the curtain a slowly steps through it letting his eyes peer from under the American flag covering him to the ring. He then takes his left arm pounds his chest and before raising it slowly in the air. The fans begin to boo him heavily as red, white, and blue pyros shoot up in front of him. With the patritotic flames in place, he steps through the them and begins to make his way down the ramp like a man possessed stopping here and there to berate or flip off a fan.]

Call me the American nightmare
Call me the American dream
Call me your soul corrupted
Call me everything you need

[Sean Cain circles around the ring and stops at the ring opening. The fans are on their feet hoping to be able to throw something at him without security catching them. He steps through the ropes getting a loud reaction from all those who hate him in the crowd. He doesn’t care about any of it, he just stands there in the middle of the ring with his arms folded looking at everyone with great disdain.]

Yeah, motherfucker
Yeah, who do you love
Yeah, motherfucker
Who do you love, yeah

[He heads over to the farthest corner, grabs the top rope with both hands squats down to stretch his arms and legs.]
Black boots stomp and penetrate, yeah
Lust and death gone in your head
Rat pack mind degenerated
Thirteen ghosts sing the body red

[Now prepared for action he drops his coat outside the ring, crutches down in the corner, holding onto the top rope with his right hand staring up the ramp waiting for someone to step through the entrance]

Call me the dark intruder
Call me the haunted sea
Call me your Monster Zero
Call me anything you need

[As the music fades at the end of the previous verse, the crowd is booing him loudly]

Buzz: There's nobody stupid enough to take Cain on. Last week, to prove a point, he put Jassman in the fucking hospital. Cain has been more sadistic than he ever was when he was just Ezekiel.

[suddenly, the crowd goes crazy as a man steps out from the entrance]

Joey: Oh my god...oh my god...

Buzz: Look who just stepped out onto the ramp!

Joey: It's Michael Cavenaugh...the World Champion...a man that doesn't back down from any fight.

Buzz: And the crowd just realized who they were cheering for, but Cavenaugh may have found the one guy that is hated across this business more than he is.

Joey: And Cavenaugh is heading down to the ring!

Buzz: What the hell is either of these guys doing though? They are just weeks away from what will sure to be a gruelling triple threat match between themselves and Diamond Mine. Why are they risking injury tonight?

Joey: Because both of these men like to fight, and that's exactly what they are about to do!

Buzz: Oh my god...Cavenaugh just hit the ring...he takes down Cain!

Joey: The two are trading blows on the mat. Cain just pushed Cavenaugh off of him, and they are back on their feet.

Buzz: Hard right hand by Snake Eyes, but Cain answers back. It's Cain's turn to take Cavenaugh down, as he drives him to the mat.

Joey: Cain is reigning down punches to Snake Eyes...no...Snake Eyes pushes Cain off. The two are back to their feet....blows are being handed back and forth. Snake Eyes rakes Cain across the eyes.

Buzz: Snake Eyes has the advantage now. He has Cain into the corner, and is bringing down forearms across Cain's chest.

Joey: No, Cain just raked Cavenaugh across the eyes. Vicious knee to Snake Eye's head. Snake Eyes goes down.

Buzz: He's getting out of the ring. Snake Eyes has had enough of Cain already, but Cain isn't ready to see this one end yet.

Joey: Cain is out of the ring...walks right into a trap by Snake Eyes. He just sent him head first into the ring post. See, Snake Eyes was just taking the fight to a different level. He's never going to back down from a fight.

Buzz: Then this fight isn't going to end until one of them is dead, because we know James isn't going to send security to break it up! Wait...what's the crowd buzzing about?

Joey: Look who just walked out onto the ramp. It's Diamond Mine! The third man in this World Title match at Black Monday.

Buzz: What the hell is he doing with a steal chair?

Joey: I think he's about to join in on this fight, and he brought some extra....no....wait a minute...he's stopped half way down the ramp. He's setting up the chair? He's having a seat!

Buzz: Diamond Mine didn't come down here to fight. He came down here to watch. Brilliant move on his part, because now he can see his two opponents tear themselves a part.

Joey: And tear each other apart they can, because Cain just got slammed head first right in front of us into the ring post again, and I think Cain maybe bleeding slightly after three blows like that.

Buzz: Cain just answered back with an uppercut double ax handle. What a powerful move that was, because Snake Eyes was just knocked back to our table. This is getting a little too close for comfort for me.

Joey: My god, Cain grabbed Snake Eyes, and slams him into the ring apron, but he's not stopping there. He just tossed him into the guardrail. Snake Eyes is on his knees...

Buzz: My god, another vicious knee to Snake Eyes's head. Snake Eyes is out of it from that blow, and now Cain isn't the only one who's busted open, because after that kneestrike, Snake Eyes now has blood on his face as well.

Joey: Oh my god, Snake Eyes just rushed Cain, and he takes him to the ground again. He's hammering him with blows, but Cain turns him over, and it's his turn with more strikes.

Buzz: They're fighting back to their feet. Both men are sending blow after blow to the other. Cain rolls back into the ring, and Cavenaugh follows right behind him.

Joey: Oh, hard kick by Cain to Cavenaugh as he gets to the ring. Cain picks Cavenaugh up. Sending him to the ropes....

Buzz: Oh...spinebuster by Cain! And Cain doesn't stop with that...he's stomping on Cavenaugh. Over and over.

Joey: Snake Eyes is fighting back to his feet. Oh my god, look at that right hand he just connected with. It sent Cain reeling backwards.

Buzz: What the hell?! Security is rushing down to the ring! I thought James wasn't going to have security come out for anything tonight!

Joey: I don't think James is sending them...Lefty Muggins just came out onto the ramp.

Buzz: Look at Diamond Mine's face. Security almost just run over him on their way down to the ring, and now security is in the ring, and is trying to seperate these two wrestlers! Muggins should just mind their own business and let them fight.

Joey: Muggins is smart. With these two wrestlers, they will literally fight until one or both of them is injured. While it may not be as exciting, nobody wants to see them hurt.

Buzz: Security can't control them. They're breaking free and still going after each other. Neither man backing down.

Joey: There are a dozen security guards in the ring, either trying to get ahold of Cain or Snake Eyes, or standing between them. I think they just regained order in this match, and they're dragging Cain from the ring.

Buzz: Security just realized that Diamond Mine is up the ramp though.

Joey: And he just stood up, and is staring at Cain, a little smile on his face. Cain just went after Diamond Mine!

Buzz: No, security has him. Now there are security standing between him and Diamond Mine!

Joey: The Commissioner has a mic! What is he going to say?!

Lefty Muggins: Ladies and gentlemen, as of late, I have been a lousy Commissioner. You have deserved better out of me.

Joey: What's he getting at?

Buzz: I think he's taking James's out, because it sure sounds like a goodbye speech to me!

Lefty: I have been wrestling since the 80s, and I have never backed down from a fight. Until lately. Daniel James is no longer the man I came to respect months ago. I made excuses. Saying he had a bad day...a bad week...a bad month. And I've let things go, and I have backed down from the way he does things, even when I felt they were unfair. I sat back and watched him fire David Dunn. I sat back and watched him refuse to negotiate with Bryan Willett. I sat back and watched him fire Christian Maurier. I sat back and watched him try to bully Kai Kennedy into backing down. But no more!

Joey: This isn't a goodbye speech, Buzz. This is a "Come to Jesus" speech! Because it sounds like he's not going to take James's shit anymore.

Lefty: I've seen James make the World Title his own personal play toy. He offers Cavenaugh up to Cain, screwing them both out of a match that deserved better, only to throw Cain into the match between Cavenaugh and Mine. He brings in Diamond Mine, and in his very first match here in Ricochet, he gives him the World Title shot. Diamond Mine is one of this sports most decorated superstars, but he has done absolutely nothing in Ricochet. When you let someone who has done nothing in our fed, and give them the World Title shot...a title that is supposed to be the biggest thing we have...it tarnishes that title...it slaps the face of every man in the back who has been here and deserves that same shot. When you take a man like Cain, who, like him or not, has earned a title shot, and jerk him around, and only give him the title shot after he puts a man in the hospital...you tarnish that title...and it slaps the face of every man in the back who have played by the rules and tried to earn their title shots.

Buzz: Strong words by our Commissioner, and neither Cain nor Diamond Mine nor Cavenaugh seems to like where this is heading.

Lefty: I'm tired of seeing the World Title being taken for granted, just because we have an owner that likes to use wrestlers as pawns in order to get his rocks off. It is time to end that.

Buzz: What the hell is he about to do?

Lefty: Now, I can't change anything that James has already done. Whether I like it or not, Diamond Mine and Cain, you are in the World Title match. None of you three deserve to be part of this political power struggle, but like it or not, you three are a part of it, and I'm going to make sure that when your match ends at Black Monday. There will be no controversy. No flukes. No possibility of a draw. And only one man walks away as the victor!

Joey: What is he about to do?

Lefty: By making the World Title match at Black Monday, Ricochet's first ever...LADDER MATCH!!!

[the crowd goes absolutely nuts at this announcement, as the three wrestlers don't seem to mind it at all]

Joey: Oh my god....Ricochet's first ladder match. That's huge!

Lefty: Now, after tonight, I have no doubt that James will do everything in his power to try to get rid of me from Ricochet Pro Wrestling, but if I'm going out, I'm going out with a bang. James has talked about initiative, but what he fails to realize that true talent, shows initiative every single night. By stepping into that ring every opportunity, and putting their best match on, win or lose. That is initiative. One night does not show initiative. Try 20 nights...try 40 nights...try 100s of nights. Coming out to this ring, without whining or complaining, and giving the crowd your absolute best. To me...that is initiative. Not signing a huge contract. Not attacking a helpless man. You show initiative by taking the World Champion to his absolute limit....and then getting right back into the ring, and going after him again. You show initiative by wrestling in the most hardcore environment and walking out with the Cannibal Cup. You show initiative by accepting a fight when you could have sat back in your lockerroom and taken the night off. However, there are people in this lockerroom that have showed initiative every since night one of stepping into Ricochet Pro Wrestling. They have done so without demands. Without cheap shots. They have worked their matches, and let their actions speak in the ring, not on the mic. There are people in the back that deserve a title shot just as much, if not more, than some of you standing in front of me. And I'm about to reward one of them.

Buzz: He's not going to do what I think he's going to do?

Lefty: I'm adding a man to this match that has shown initiative since they first stepped foot into Ricochet Pro Wrestling over a year ago!

Buzz: He can't.

Lefty: A man who has put on some of the most exciting matches in Ricochet history....and he has never once had a World Title opportunity.

Buzz: No.

Lefty: And that man is...

Joey: Yes.

Lefty: Adam Heaton!

[the crowd goes absolutely nuts, as the looks of the three superstars in or near the ring is priceless. Their faces drop. None of them happy with the addition to a fourth man to this match, but the crowd feels the opposite, as one of their absolute favorites was just entered into the World Title match]

Lefty: And if that is my last thing I do here in Ricochet Pro Wrestling....then I end on a good note!

[the crowd continues to cheer, as Lefty nods toward the three wrestlers, and turns, leaving the arena, leaving the three wrestlers with pissed off and angry looks on their face]

 

Huh?

[the camera goes to the back where Johnny Royal and Adam Heaton are standing in the dressing room, both staring at the monitor. Heaton's mouth is slightly open at the announcement]

Johnny: You just got a World Title shot.

Adam: I know.

Johnny: You're taking on Cavenaugh, Cain, and DM.

Adam: I know.

Johnny: And?

Adam: I don't have the first damn clue.

Johnny: That was how I felt my first time too.

Adam: Great.

Johnny: Yeah.

Adam: I just have one question.

Johnny: What's that?

Adam: What the hell is a ladder match?

 

Initiative III

[Lefty Muggins walks through the hallways, a little smile on his face after what he just did. As he rounds a corner, he stops cold, seeing Daniel James and Reign moving toward him.]

Daniel: You son of a bitch!

Lefty: Save it.

Daniel: How dare you screw with what I planned?

Lefty: You know what, Daniel, it's about time someone buggered your plan up. Maybe you'll think next time before you bugger someone.

Daniel: You're fired!

[without missing a beat, Lefty swings his left hand, connecting James's jaw. James instantly falls backwards, only avoiding hitting the ground by Reign catching him]

Lefty: It was worth it!

[Lefty starts to walk again, but stops, looking down at James]

Lefty: How's that for initiative for you?

[Lefty walks past him, and disappears around the corner, while James holds his chin in pain]

 

End of Show