Charlottesville, VA. The camera settles on the John Paul Jones Arena
showing an anxious crowd eagerly awaiting the nights show.
Cut to the interior where we find a capacity crowd, rabidly waving
their signs.
"Hey, at least WE'RE smart enough to retire a cursed match!"
"I'm a hellraiser too"
"Pinhead for president"
"Pope John Paul III"s Real Name – Father Tyme!"
"One of Dare's Aristocrats"
(Cut to the announcers table where we find Plaintiff Mariner and
Daniel Dare. Mariner is dressed in a black suit, gray shirt and red
tie. Dare is dressed in a "Legends of Rage" t-shirt, black chinos and
Adidas running shoes.)
Mariner: Good evening wrestling fans. I'm Plaintiff Mariner and with
me is the messiah of wrestling, Daniel Dare.
Dare: Faithful.
Mariner: Messiah, here we are in Charlottesville in one of the most
beautiful states in the union.
Dare: It's a toilet.
Mariner: Messiah!
Dare: It is! If it's not NYC or Los Angeles, it's a pit.
Mariner: But you can't deny that the beautiful countryside, the
wonderful people…
Dare: Where's the culture? I've seen more culture in a cup of yogurt!
Mariner: You can't be serious.
Dare: I most certainly am!
Mariner: Fine. Moving right along…
Dare: I mean, where's the transvestite district? Where's the crack
house district? Where's a guy to get a good cheap woman and a beer?
Mariner: Let's get the show started, shall we?
("Thoughtless" by Korn begins to play as the fans jump up with a mixed
reaction in the John Paul Jones Arena. TCE steps out from the entrance
way along with Jules Dare. TCE is in an old Young Gunz T-shirt that
has red X's over the faces of Cage and Apache Assassin. Jules is
wearing a low cut green blouse with a pair of skin tight jeans and
green high heels. She smiles smugly as she raises TCE's arm up and
points confidently at her man. The two make their way down to the ring
as quite a few fans begin chanting.)
Fans: T!C!E T!C!E! T!C!E!
(TCE has an ego filled smile plastered on his face. As he gets to the
apron he jumps up showcasing his agility as Jules climbs up the steel
steps. TCE opens the ropes for the former Mrs. Dare and she steps
inside. TCE follows along while Jules makes her way over to Salas.
There she takes the mic from the RAGE announcer and brings the mic
back over to the former champion and Hall of Famer. TCE soaks in the
fans here and there in the crowd chanting for him.)
TCE: Thank you... thank you. It's nice to know that a few of you
actually have a d**n bit of sense. I could only hope for so much being
VERY close to my hometown of Roanoke, VA.
Fans: T!C!E! T!C!E! T!C!E!
TCE: Yes you may continue to call my praises for as long as you want.
It's much better than all of those cretins across the United States,
but I am out here for a reason.
(TCE touches his throat with his left hand and looks over at Daniel
Dare.)
TCE: Last week I shocked the world by announcing that Daniel Dare will
be my tag team partner to face Dark Deception and Apache Assassin for
the Gauntlet Tag Team titles. Last week I also wanted to get out a lot
of frustration... a lot of built up heat... a lot of ill feelings. I'd
be a liar if I said that everything is okay between Dare and me. We
are no where close to being friends. We'll barely be able to be
partners. In fact if I lost the tag team title match I'd be happy if
it was because Daniel cost us the match. You know why? Because he
would be FIRED!!!
Mariner: That was your rule Dare. You announced it after everything
that happened with Joel Gutman, but I don't think you could have
prepared for the backlash on this one.
TCE: You suck at being a co-owner Dare... let's just face the facts.
There's a guy here who preaches he's the meal ticket. Well that's what
Daniel Dare had in me. I am the most successful man in RAGE history,
but instead of embracing me... he pushed me away until I could take no
more. I wouldn't be known as Dare's lap dog anymore. I made the man
more money than he could ever imagine. I sold enough merchandise to
keep all those kids in China working eighteen hours a day. I was the
flagship of the company. You would think the co-owner of RAGE would
have enough sense to back me no matter what. Instead he backed a
cartoon loving, lesbian toting, LOSER! Yeah Mark Kubiak beat me at
Legends of RAGE, but that was after a WHOLE LOT of help. Let's face it
folks... without Dare Kubiak you would NOT be holding onto that title
today.
(Many of the fans boo and hold up Mark Kubiak signs.)
TCE: That's just the way it is people. I accept it. Jules accepts it.
Look at Dare over there... he knows it. Hell even Kubiak knows it, but
he'd never admit it. I MADE Mark Kubiak. Never forget that folks.
Instead of Dare taking his money maker and giving him something
prideful to move on to... I get a Cabana Boy match with the love child
of Brigette Nielsen and Chyna Doll. Although I did hear Bea Arthur was
filing a paternity suit. But seriously Dare... a Cabana Boy match? Who
the hell comes up with this type of stuff? I mean do you just sit
around and come up with these little fantasies in your head and force
them on us wrestlers? Did a guy you work for force you do to this type
of crap? It's just sad how you utilize your talent Dare. That's just
one of the many reasons you are just plain awful at being a co-owner.
You know who would be better? ME! I could make RAGE more successful
than EVER before.
(TCE pauses for a moment and gets a small, evil grin on his face.)
TCE: The first thing I would do is stop these RIDICULOUS videos we are
forced to watch each and every week from Apache Assassin. I'm sick of
them. I know each and every one of you are sick of them. Honestly who
gives a d**n about Vandessa Deal and her dead baby boy?
(This causes a whole lot of heated boos from the crowd.)
TCE: I'm trying to figure out if Double A is more obsessed with me or
his worm food family?
(Many hate filled words are being shouted at TCE, but they seem to
have no effect whatsoever.)
TCE: What the hell did I do? Huh? Double A what did I do? If I recall
it was you who started everything between us. I was fine when it was
you and I in the ring proving who the best of the best is... which I
won that. You were the one who had to go and make it personal. You
started it and I finished it. I RETIRED you Morningstar. What are you
doing back in MY house. I own this place. I owned you, but you dare
come back and start pointing fingers at me? What gives you the right
Apache? I didn't have a d**n thing to do with Vandessa or Junior. They
are dead and gone and there is NOTHING you can do to bring them back.
Coming back into RAGE and trying to fix your bruised ego and call it a
"crusade" for them is a fickle matter that only deserves pity. Stop
making us watch these dull videos that no one cares for. Yes I made
Vandessa and your life difficult, but I can say the same about you old
friend. Then we have to suffer through your old home videos.
(TCE reaches up and grabs his ear with his free hand.)
TCE: I'm going to rip my ears off myself if I have to hear another
sweetie argument. No one cares Double A... no one. Now if you want to
come back to RAGE and avenge all of those who made things difficult
for you and Vandessa... stop while you're ahead. You tried to ride my
coat tails before Morningstar. I allowed you to win the World
Heavyweight title at Battle of the Best and when the time was right
and Dare couldn't help you... I took MY title and ended your dried up
career. Do I need to do that again? No... no I don't. Double A you
want your vengeance? Well you get ONE shot. I'll be willing to face
you for the Gauntlet Tag Team titles, but that is because it benefits
me. After that this thing between you and I is done. I'm not going to
battle with Apache Assassin again. I've proven myself against you time
and time again. There's no need to do it again. So your personal goal
of wrath against all those who smite your lady... well move on. I have
no reason whatsoever to face you Double A. If that was the reason you
came back... sorry. All I can tell you to do is get over it. I took
everything I possibly could from you and there is no need to open that
old forgotten chapter again. Tonight I'm making it official. I REFUSE
to face Apache Assassin again in anything other than our tag team
match at the next pay per view. Come on down anytime you want and try
to entice me by helping Dark all you want, but the thing between you
and I is done. The fork was stuck in it, it's been to the dishwasher,
and now I'm ready to stick it in someone else.
(TCE peers over at Daniel Dare.)
TCE: Get over it Apache. That's all I can tell you man. Nothing you
can do to me will make me change my mind. Nothing you can do will
bring them back. Go home and cry yourself to sleep you miserable old
punk. We're not going to throw you a pity party here in RAGE. No one
cares about you, your dead wife, or your bastard child.
(The boos come back in an uproar at the audacity of TCE speaking of
Michael Morningstar's family.)
TCE: What? You honestly know without shadow of a doubt that Michael
Jr. is Apache's?
(TCE takes a minute and laughs with Jules.)
TCE: Like I said before Morningstar... go home. Go home before you
make me open my mouth anymore on that subject. Please just let your
family rest in peace. Sometime doing what's right is doing nothing at
all. Go back to being retired and things don't have to be any worse
than they all ready are for you.
(TCE drops the mic and makes his way out of the ring closely followed
by Jules Dare.)
Mariner: Uh…
Dare: Don't say anything!
Mariner: I was merely going to…
Dare: Nothing! Got it?
Mariner: Let's go to the ring for our first match. Messiah, Weinstein
Gilmore and Pope John Paul III are in the ring waiting for their
opponent, "Hot Shot" Sean Lorrenza. This one, might I add, will be a
handicap match, folks.
(The lights suddenly dim as "Follow" by Breaking Benjamin blares over
the P.A. system.)
*Salas: .... Making his way to the ring, he stands 6'6" tall and
weighs in at 272 lbs. Currently residing in Los Angeles, California...
He IS "The Real Deal of Professional Wrestling", "God's Gift To
Wrestling", and "The MAIN Attraction In The Wrestling Industry
Today"... Ladies and gentlemen, I give you... "Hot Shot" Sean
Lorrenza!
("Hot Shot" Sean Lorrenza appears on the entrance ramp dressed in his
usual wrestling attire, sporting that famous cocky grin of his. He
stops, and with the grin still painted on his face, looks out at the
crowd and then to towards the ring.)
Mariner: Listen to these fans, Dare. They are, surprisingly, CHEERING
him!
Dare: I don't know what to think of it yet, but I'm sure they just
feel sorry for him (snickers).
Mariner: How can you say that? Sean Lorrenza has EARNED respect from
the fans. His head may be inflated a tad bit too much, but he SURE HAS
worked his butt off throughout his entire career. This man truly eats,
sleeps, and breaths wrestling. There are a lot of people that don't
get to see that side of him, but every single person backstage in that
locker room will agree.
Dare: Yadda, yadda, yadda. Have you ever thought that maybe Lorrenza's
just a HAS BEEN? Look, I understand he won three World Titles in TCW.
The thing is… he was hungrier then. He didn't care about anybody but
himself and always put himself first. THAT is the reason why he was
able to concentrate on trying to be number one.
Mariner: I don't think the passion has left him. I guess we'll just
wait for what the future will hold.
(Sean makes his way up the ring steps and through the ropes, then
drops to one knee. Gold pyrotechnics explode from all four turnbuckles
as he extends his arms and holds his head up ever-so-cockily with that
nasty grin appearing on his face again. )
Mariner: Sean stands off to the far left corner, waiting for his
opponents to decide who shall start off this match.
Dare: And look at Weinstein, Mariner. He's almost JUMPING at the
opportunity to get in there. He wants IN! This ought to be HILARIOUS!
Mariner: Pope John Paul III gestures his right hand towards the ring
as if to say "Be my guest". So Weinstein it is, and this one is
underway!
*BELL RINGS*
Mariner: Gilmore shakes his belly, taunting Lorrenza, then CHARGES!
Running at Lorrenza as fast as he can is Weinstein and… Lorrenza takes
him down with a hip toss. Gilmore looks a little upset as he gets to
his feet. He throws a wild haymaker and…
Mariner and Dare: OUCH!
Mariner: Lorrenza blocked the punch and countered with a shot of his
own right between the eyes of Weinstein Gilmore. Gilmore doesn't look
happy at all, Dare.
Dare: You think I'd care about a fat tub of fucking Crisco like
Weinstein (chuckles)?
Mariner: That's not very professional at ALL, Dare. I apologize for my
broadcast partner, folks. Now back to his feet, Weinstein charging
AGAIN and Lorrenza steps aside, pushing Gilmore into the turnbuckle!
Weinstein was hit full force right in the sternum. What a powerful
blow that was. He's slowly back to his feet now, and… what's this?
Dare (Laughing): Pope just tagged himself in!
Mariner: The ref acknowledges the tag, and in steps Pope John Paul
III. Pope quickly hits a swift kick to the gut of Lorrenza… whoa! I
think Pope may have bitten off more than he can chew, here.
Dare: That was PRICELESS! Someone should ask Sean Lorrenza how it
feels to have some friggin' schmuck who claims to be John Paul III
come into the ring, kick you, and SLAP the damn taste right out of
your mouth!
Mariner: Lorrenza shakes his head at Pope with a grin on his face. I
bet Pope wishes he didn't do that. Sean grabs him and sends him into
the ropes with an Irish whip. John Paul III off the ropes and… SPINE
BUSTER by Lorrenza! The back of Pope's head hit the mat HARD! It looks
like he could be knocked out!
Dare: All the blessings in the world won't stop the headache he'll be
having when he wakes up tomorrow morning, Plaintiff.
Mariner: I couldn't have said it any better myself, Messiah. Sean
brings John Paul III to his feet and sends him into the turnbuckle,
much like he did to Weinstein Gilmore. Lorrenza sets up Pope and hits
him with a turnbuckle powerbomb! And Weinstein now jumps in and
clotheslines Sean Lorrenza as he turns around. The referee grabs
Gilmore and tells him to get back to his corner.
Dare: Weinstein is refusing and motions that he got the blind tag!
Mariner: Weinstein tries to push the ref off, but he better be careful
here because he could be disqualified.
Dare: Hey, the ref has to show he has a little balls sometime, right?
Mariner: Weinstein is now SCREAMING at the ref in frustration. He
jumps up and down, then exits the ring. Is he out of his mind, Dare?
Gilmore just grabbed a chair! He enters the ring, running past the
ref, and… Sean ducked out of the way just in the nick of time! Man,
Lorrenza could've gotten his lights turned out with that chair shot,
had it connected.
Dare: Yeah, it's a good thing he got out of the way, because he'd be
laying right there next to Pope John Paul III, who hasn't moved since
he was powerbombed off of the top turnbuckle by Lorrenza.
Mariner: Gilmore swings the chair again, but Lorrenza hits him with a
kick to the mid-section. He grabs Weinstein and tosses him out of the
ring!
Dare: The Pope is starting to move, and it looks like he's eying that
chair, Mariner. He must've clearly that chair hit the mat when
Lorrenza kick Gilmore.
Mariner: You're right, Dare. Pope crawls to the chair and slowly gets
to his knees while Lorrenza slides under the ropes and to the outside.
Sean brings Weinstein Gilmore to his feet and Irish whips him into the
steel steps. That's gotta hurt.
Dare (Sarcastically): You think?
Mariner: The ref has his focus on the outside of the ring where
Lorrenza and Gilmore are. Lorrenza leaves the hurt Gilmore outside the
ring as he slides back under the ropes and into the ring. Pope's got
that chair and charges…
*CRACKKKKKKKKK*
Mariner: The ref turns around to see Lorrenza down on the mat holding
his head, with the chair in Pope's hand. He motions for the bell to be
rung. Looks like we've got a DQ here, Messiah!
Dare: You've got to be kidding me! That looked like a love tap.
*BELL RINGS*
*Salas: Ladies and gentlemen, you're winner of the match at the result
of a disqualification… "Hot Shot" Sean Lorrenza!
("Follow" by Breaking Benjamin blares over the P.A. system. Suddenly,
Weinstein Gilmore jumps into the ring and he and Pope John Paul III
start to stomp on Lorrenza. The music stops, and the two continue
their attack.)
Mariner: Messiah, this a cheap mugging, I must say. How fair is it
that two people are stomping on one? Speaking of which, who the hell
booked a handicap in the FIRST place!?
(Daniel Dare smiles, but says nothing.)
Mariner: These two thugs now bring Sean Lorrenza to his feet. Pope
slaps Lorrenza across the face again before he and Gilmore whip him
into the ropes. Sean comes back and… OH MY! Lorrenza jumped up and
nailed a double DDT out of NOWHERE to both Weinstein and John Paul
III! Sean picks up Pope and… HSD… HOT SHOT DROP! Lorrenza could've
cracked Pope's jaw with that finisher, and now Weinstein's up.
Lorrenza with an elbow to the face of Gilmore and… ANOTHER Hot Shot
Drop, this time to Weinstein Gilmore! Sean Lorrenza just showed that
he can handle his own for the most part, even against TWO people!
Dare: I wouldn't draw that conclusion so soon, Mariner (snickers).
Mariner: Sean Lorrenza grabs Pope and Weinstein, throwing them both
out of the ring. Weinstein and John Paul III are OUT! Lorrenza steps
out of the ring, grabs a mic, then re-enters.)
Lorrenza: Let this be a warning to the Monsters, Dustin Edberg, and
ANBODY ELSE back there… IT IS TIME FOR A FUCKING WAKE UP CALL AROUND
HERE!
(MAJOR face pop.)
Lorrenza: You know, I've sat in the hospital for nearly two weeks with
broken ribs, a busted jaw, a concussion, and forty stitches put into
my fucking flesh. Not to mention the other aches and bruises to
various other muscles in my body. And you know what? It was all made
possible by not ONE… not TWO… but THREE people! Seriously, it must
really make you guys feel like such dominant men because it took the
three of you to take me out. The thing is, though… I'm not down for
the count yet by ANY MEANS!
(Another crowd pop.)
Lorrenza: Monsters and Edberg, yeah, I'm talking to you guys. What
happened tonight to those two low-life's right out in front (pointing
to Weinstein Gilmore and Pope John Paul III being treated by a medical
staff) was a message that you all should've gotten REAL CLEAR. You
want Sean Lorrenza taken out? You'll have to make sure I'm DEAD in
order for that to happen!
(Sean looks around the crowd before continuing.)
Lorrenza: To make this short and sweet, here's what I'm going to do.
I've got a challenge to make with a couple stipulations. Monsters… you
want a piece of me? I'll let you two have the WHOLE THING in a
handicap match at the next pay-per-view… in a NO DQ match!
Mariner: WHAT!? That would be HUGE!
Dare: Is he STUPID!?
Lorrenza: That's one stipulation. The other… I'll do a fair trade. You
guys were obviously promised a sum of money to take me out, right? How
much were you offered… $10,000? $100,000? WHATEVER the amount of money
it is, I'll tell you what. If you guys happen to BEAT me in this
match, you'll get whatever money you were promised DIRECTLY FROM ME!
But if *I* beat YOU two…
(Lorrenza pauses, then continues.)
Lorrenza: If I beat you two giant turds… I get DUSTIN EDBERG in ANY
match of my choosing!
(The crowd cheers in approval before "Follow" by Breaking Benjamin
hits the speakers. Lorrenza drops the mic before exiting the ring.
Some fans try to reach out and pat him on the back as he makes his way
back up the ramp and to the back.)
Mariner: Can that really happen, Dare? That would be quite a lot at
stake in one match.
Dare: If Lorrenza is asking to return to a hospital on his deathbed,
sure (cackles). But then reality kicks in and wakes him up from his
dream… there's no way in HELL that that match would even happen.
**************
COMMERCIAL
**************
Mariner: Welcome back. (Impressed) Dare, I'm hearing word backstage
that the Scientific Showcase Champion, Cage, has just arrived at the
John Paul Jones Arena.
Dare (In his best Hugh Coleman impersonation): WHO?!?! WHAT?!?! WHO
GIVES A d**n?!?!
Mariner (Turning to his broadcast partner): Come on, Dare; even YOU
have to give Cage credit for fulfilling his commitment to team with
William Swanigan, in the Gauntlet Tag Team Championship main event,
tonight after what The Saint did to him last week.
Dare (Unmoved): Kid, why should *I* be in awe of a man for simply
coming to work like I'm paying him VERY handsomely to do? (Pauses for
a second then continues) In the history of our business, Cage isn't
the only person who's performed at less than one hundred percent; so
don't expect me to show any more appreciation for what Cage is doing
tonight.
Mariner (Frustrated): Never mind.
{The cameras switch to the backstage area where we see the RAGE
Scientific Showcase Champion, Cage, in casual attire, walking toward
the locker rooms while rolling his travel suitcase behind him. The
effects of last week's attack at the hands of The Saint is evidenced
by a bandage on Cage's forehead and the favoring of the small of his
back with his left hand. However, it appears 'The Hardcore Holy
Roller' hasn't had his fill of tormenting the most popular wrestler in
RAGE history as, unbeknownst to Cage, The Saint is seen quietly
stalking him; seemingly ready to pounce at any given moment.}
Mariner (Shocked): Oh my God, Dare; it's The Saint!!! (Angrily) Hasn't
he done enough already? I mean how far is he willing to go to prove
his ridiculous point that Cage views himself as a deity that should be
worshipped?
Dare (Intently watching his monitor): You REALLY don't know The Saint,
do you, kid? (Mariner watches his monitor in silent disbelief) Cage
may have survived some bloody feuds in the past but, personally, I
don't think he has what it takes to go the distance with someone as
relentless and sadistic as The Saint. Believe me, *I* know.
{Suddenly, and without warning, The Saint has a white piece of cloth
forcefully placed over his mouth by someone who is large enough and
strong enough to hold him in place from behind. The struggle that
ensues is quiet enough to go completely undetected by the Scientific
Showcase Champion as he continues his sojourn toward the locker rooms.
The Saint gradually begins to lose consciousness as his unseen
attacker slowly removes the cloth from his mouth and releases The
Saint from his grasp. Although he is virtually out on his feet, The
Saint has the strength left to turn to face his mysterious assailant.}
Mariner (His eyes widen in astonishment): I CAN'T BELIEVE MY EYES,
Dare!!! IS THAT WHO I THINK IT IS?!?!
Dare (Stunned): It is, kid; IT'S APACHE ASSASSIN!!!
{Apache Assassin gives The Saint a swift kick to the stomach, which
causes 'The Hardcore Holy Roller' to double over. The Assassin then
cinches The Saint into DDT position and viciously executes 'The
Silencer' on him. The sound of The Saint's head hitting the cold,
concrete floor is absolutely sickening. The Saint lies flat on his
back, motionless, as Apache Assassin proceeds to grab a handful of The
Saint's hair and drag him toward the arena exit.}
Mariner (Excitedly): APACHE ASSASSIN JUST LAID OUT THE SAINT WITH 'THE
SILENCER', Dare!!! WHERE IS HE TAKING HIM NOW THOUGH?!?! WHAT DOES HE
PLAN ON DOING NEXT?!?!
Dare (Calmly): What I'd like to know is was Apache Assassin's
motivation to save Cage from another beating or was this done to
purely renew his rivalry with The Saint?
{The cameras quickly switch from the broadcast booth to a private
outdoor parking lot behind the John Paul Jones Arena. This is where
The Saint's manager, Dr. Hart, is seen patiently sitting beside a
waiting ambulance, whose rear doors are wide open. Seconds later,
Apache Assassin enters the scene; dragging The Saint behind him by his
hair. Dr. Hart immediately rises from her seat and stands frozen in
horror as she watches one-half of the RAGE Gauntlet Tag Team Champions
turn The Saint over, grab a handful of The Saint's hair with his left
hand and his belt with his right hand. Subsequently, The Assassin
disdainfully and violently tosses The Saint into the ambulance. Apache
Assassin then turns his attention to Dr. Hart and proceeds to approach
her menacingly.}
APACHE ASSASSIN (Standing tall over The Saint's manager): You're
Doctor Hart, right? (Dr. Hart hesitantly nods her head in the
affirmative) And you and The Saint got this ambulance for Cage, right?
(Dr. Hart once again nods her head in the affirmative) Well, let's
just say there's been a slight change in plans. (Pauses for a second
then continues) And when ADAM finally wakes up, you be sure to let him
know that this is just the beginning. Matter of fact, I haven't even
gotten started. (Intensely) As for you, doctor; my best advice to you
is, stay out of my way. This is gonna get much worse before it gets
any better. My word is bond.
{Apache Assassin slowly walks away from the scene as Dr. Hart rushes
into the ambulance to tend to The Saint.}
Mariner (Flabbergasted): Dare, I'm pretty sure The Saint never saw
this coming. Now he has to contend with Cage AND Apache Assassin?!?!
Dare (Reflectively): Kid, almost ten years ago Apache Assassin, as
Wolverine, and The Saint waged a war in the BWFE that the professional
wrestling industry has never forgotten; and, over the years, the
animosity between these two men hasn't subsided in the least bit.
Earlier, I said I don't think Cage has what it takes to go the
distance with The Saint, but I KNOW Apache Assassin does 'cause he's
as equally as relentless and sadistic as The Saint is. Get ready for
World War III, kid.
Mariner: Fans, we want to welcome Petey "Brick" Fratelli to RAGE.
Dare: We'd like to, but I'm just not that kind of guy.
Mariner: Making his debut tonight against wily ring vet, Carter Jobe…
Dare: "Wily Ring Vet" is wrestling shorthand for "jobber who's going
to get creamed".
Mariner: Now, you know that's not true!
Dare: Yeah, right. Whatever helps you sleep at night.
Mariner: Let's go to the ring where Carter Jobe awaits his opponent.
Dare: And his fate.
(Cut to the ring)
**Salas: Ladies and gentlemen, this match is set for one fall and has
a 10 minute time limit. Introducing first, already in the ring, CARTER
JOBE!
(Jobe holds his hands up in the air as the crowd is totally silent.)
Mariner: I'm surprised by the utter lack of crowd response to Jobe.
Dare: He's not even worth a boo. Sad. Truly sad.
**Salas: And his opponent, hailing from Boston, MA and weighing in at
230 lbs, he is PETEY "BRICK" FRATELLI!
(Elvis Costello's - My Mood Swings starts playing, Preceded by the
unmistakable clicking of pool balls. Pete steps out onto the stage in
his wrestling uniform, augmented by his favorite brown leather driving
cap. As he takes center stage he takes a deep breath closing his eyes
he cracks his knuckles, and laughs softly, like it's all a big a joke.
He opens his eyes and jogs down to the ring, nodding left and right
to the audience members. Approaching the ring he climbs up onto the
apron near the turnbuckle, taking off his hat and hooking it on the
pole. He hops over the ropes, hoisting himself with arms and walks to
the far turnbuckle, crossing his arms and smiling almost too smugly,
Keeping the smug grin even as his opponent approaches.)
Mariner: Can't say the man lacks confidence.
Dare: Hell, even YOU could take out Carter Jobe.
Mariner: I don't know, he's a wrestling vet…
Dare: And you're… YOU! I forgot for a moment. Perhaps we SHOULD
schedule you and Jobe. At least it would last over 5 minutes.
Mariner: You don't think Jobe can make this last?
Dare: I'll bet you your paycheck it's under 1 minute.
Mariner: Uh…
Dare: Done! Under one minute.
(The referee calls for the bell)
**Bell rings**
Mariner: There's the bell. Fratelli storms out of the corner, grabs
Jobe and takes him down with a terrific clothesline.
Dare: That's it! It's all over but the crying now.
Mariner: Look at Fratelli! He's looking at the crowd for approval,
then he sets Jobe up for what he calls the "Corner Pocket Shuffle" .
Jobe is whipped into turnbuckle, Fratelli with a running knee to
stomach into monkey flip, then runs into ropes and performs a seated
splash pin.)
Referee: 1…2…3!
**Bell rings**
**Salas: Ladies and gentlemen, in the time of… uh…27 seconds, your
winner, Petey "The Brick" Fratelli!
Mariner: Impressive start.
Dare: And you're out your paycheck for the night.
Mariner: I don't remember agreeing to this.
Dare: Too bad. I made the decision for you.
Mariner: We'll be right back.
**************
COMMERCIAL
**************
Mariner: We are back, and-- Wait a minute! (With urgency) Dare, I'm
hearing word there's an incident backstage involving The Christian
Enigma.
Dare (Confused): Incident? What incident?
{The cameras quickly switch from the broadcast area to the backstage
area where the longest reigning World Heavyweight Champion in the
history of RAGE is seen tied to a post with duct tape over his mouth.
The Christian Enigma is barely conscious and his hair is completely
drenched in blood, which is running down a face that is marked by
various cuts and bruises. Seconds later, one-half of the RAGE Gauntlet
Tag Team Champions, Apache Assassin, enters the scene with a devilish
grin plastered over his entire visage and he arrogantly saunters right
up to The Christian Enigma.}
Mariner (Poignantly): Dare, that's your tag team partner being
accosted by Apache Assassin back there. Don't you feel compelled to
intervene on his behalf?
Dare (Callously): Hell, no. (Plantiff Mariner's eyes widen in
surprise) You see, the genius of this is that I'm killing two birds
with one stone WITHOUT lifting a finger. What Apache Assassin is doing
is only going to motivate The Christian Enigma that much more when we
challenge for the Gauntlet Tag Team Titles. And, more importantly, I
get the pleasure of watching a man I hate, WITH A PASSION, get his
head handed to him. This is a thing of beauty, kid; and I'm gonna
enjoy every second of it.
{Apache Assassin slowly extends his right arm, grabs a handful of The
Christian Enigma's blood soaked hair and lifts TCE's head up so that
he's looking directly into the eyes of 'The New Mexican Nightmare'.}
APACHE ASSASSIN (Sadistically): Matt, I've ALLOWED you to run that big
mouth of yours for nearly a year. Now I want you to listen. (Pauses
for a second then continues) You see the man standing in front of you,
Matt? The man that just bloodied, battered and bruised you? (The
Christian Enigma's eyes burn with a combination of anger and pain)
THIS is the same man who's about to become your worst freakin'
nightmare. You may hold me responsible for costing you the World
Heavyweight Championship at Legends of RAGE, but I hold YOU
responsible for costing ME so much more, Matt. And we've only
scratched the surface here; 'cause I'm gonna hurt you, and keep on
hurting you, until I extract my FULL measure of revenge. (Coldly) So
at EVERY venue in the entire world where RAGE is scheduled to put on a
show, you can expect 'The New Mexican Nightmare' to be right in your
face; JUST like I am right now. (Releases his grip on The Christian
Enigma's hair and turns his back on him) But Matt, I see doubt and
skepticism in your eyes about my commitment to wreaking as much havoc
in your life as you have in mine. Well, quite frankly, I don't blame
you, kid. Similar promises have been made, and broken, since the
professional wrestling industry opened for business many moons before
either one of us was born. (He slowly walks away from the scene as the
camera focuses on a bound Christian Enigma) Do you REALLY want to know
what I'M willing to do to keep MY promise, Matt?
{The Christian Enigma's eyes widen in horror and shock as a tomahawk
comes flying into view, whose blade grazes the top of his head and
becomes embedded in the post he is bound to, right above his head.
Seconds later, two more tomahawks come flying into view, whose blades
narrowly miss The Christian Enigma's ears and become embedded in the
post he is bound to, on the right and left side of his head
respectively. The Christian Enigma's eyes remain widened in terror as
he looks toward Apache Assassin off-camera.}
APACHE ASSASSIN (Ominously): Anything, Matt; absolutely ANYTHING. My
word is bond, son.
{The cameras switch back to the broadcast booth.}
Mariner (Horrified): Dare, Apache Assassin is on a rampage and I don't
think there's anything anybody can do to stop him.
Dare (Almost speechless): Yeah, and I'm really starting to question my
decision to allow him to wrestle under the RAGE banner again.
Mariner: STARTING?
Dare: Hey, I'm a lenient, benevolent owner.
Mariner: Fans, it's time for one of two RAGE Debuts tonight as the
Immortal locks up with former SSW wrestler Prisoner of War.
Dare: And we'll see just how much ring rust PoW has against this
newcomer.
*Salas: Ladies and gentlemen, this match is scheduled for one fall!
Introducing first, already in the ring, from Raleigh, North
Carolina... weighing 268 pounds... THE PRISONER OF WAR!!!
(There's a small positive reaction from the crowd who remember the SSW
wrestler, and he salutes them in kind.)
*Salas: And his opponent, from New York City and weighing in tonight
at 268 pounds… THE IMMORTAL!
(There is no music for the Immortal as he makes his way out from the
back to a mixed reaction from the crowd, but more positive then
negative. He rolls into the ring and gets to his feet as the referee
finishes giving both men instructions.)
BELL RINGS
Mariner: There's the bell and both men lock up, and Immortal delivers
a knee to the stomach, but gets a punch in the face in return from
Prisoner of War! Immortal looks at Prisoner of War with a smile and
fires a shot back, and now both men are exchanging shots in the middle
of the ring. Prisoner of War with a wide right which Immortal ducks
and turns into a nice flip belly-to-belly suplex! PoW lands hard and
pulls himself to his feet, only to catch a big boot right to the jaw!
Dare: PoW got staggered by that and Immortal follows up with a hard
clothesline that takes Prisoner of War right out of his boots. This
new guy definitely has some power behind him.
Mariner: That he does, and he lifts up Prisoner of War and whips him
hard into the turnbuckle. Prisoner of War hits hard and Immortal
charges in, but PoW gets a boot right to the jaw! Immortal gets
knocked back and Prisoner charges, only to be taken down with a snap
powerslam out of nowhere! Immortal looks like he's going to go for a
pin, but thinks differently as he scoops Prisoner of War up to his
feet.
Dare: Prisoner of War's only mounted minimal offense here, and I think
Immortal is ready to end this thing.
Mariner: Immortal lifts PoW up onto his shoulders and hits the
"Cyclone!" Prisoner of War was planted and Immortal puts a knee
across his throat for the cover, one… two… three! This one is over!
BELL RINGS
*Salas: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match… THE IMMORTAL!
Mariner: A successful debut for the Immortal tonight, and he certainly
could be a force to be reckoned with here in RAGE.
Dare: I expect some good things from this kid, Mariner.
Mariner: Of that I'm certain. We'll be right back after this.
**************
COMMERCIAL
**************
Mariner: Fans, we are back, and it's time for half of our main event.
It's a 4 team match for the Gauntlet belts.
Dare: The beauty of this is, regardless if the Apache Assassin or Dark
Deception are pinned, they could lose the belts.
Mariner: That's right. The belts will go to whoever gets a pin on an
opponent. Just another fine example of the mysterious rules here at
RAGE.
Dare: What's so mysterious about this?
Mariner: Uh, the rationale behind it?
Dare: Screw rationale.
Mariner: That's about what I thought. Let's go to the ring for the
match.
(Cut to the ring.)
**Salas: Ladies and gentlemen, this match is set for one fall and has
a one hour time limit. It is for the Gauntlet tag belts. Introducing
first, the team of Cage and Dark Deception!
(Good crowd reaction.)
**Salas: Next, the team of THE HELLRAISERS!
(Another good crowd reaction.)
**Salas: The team of SMD and LIL SEANNY!
(The crowd settles down.)
**Salas: And now your champions, weighing in at a combined weight of
825 lbs, they are your RAGE gauntlet tag champs, DARK DECEPTION AND
APACHE ASSASSIN!
('Breathe' by Prodigy reverberates throughout the arena, which elicits
a deafening mixed reaction from the capacity crowd in the building.
Subsequently, the arena lights strobe while video clips of Apache
Assassin flash across the RAGEVision; including highlights of his epic
Bare Knuckles Title reign and, more importantly, his landmark victory
in the 2006 Battle of the Best Tournament to win the Daniel Dare Cup
and the RAGE World Heavyweight Championship. These images, as well as
his voluminous accomplishments in the BWFE under the guise of
Wolverine, continue to play on the RAGEVision as 'Breathe' by Prodigy
rises in decibel level and the fans look around for the appearance of
the longest reigning champion in the history of the organization and
his gauntlet tag partner.)
Mariner: I can't believe that Dark Deception allowed him to use that
entrance for the team.
Dare: Hey, when Dark Deception makes as big a name for himself as
Apache Assassin, perhaps he can use HIS entrance.
Mariner: Whatever. I still think…
Dare: You're paid to call the show, not think.
Mariner: And, according to you, I'm not getting paid tonight anyway.
Dare: That's right. Would you care to finish out the year that way?
Mariner: **sigh**
Dare: That's what I thought.
Mariner: It looks like Dangerous Dan Williams is going to start things
off against SMD.
Dare: A hall of famer going up against a … hmm, how to put it.
Mariner: A ham and egger?
Dare: Very good. Perhaps I'll forget our earlier bet and go ahead and
pay you anyway.
Mariner: My bill collectors thank you. Hogar grabs SMD and sends him
crashing into the champions corner. Apache Assassin grabs the tag rope
and starts to choke SMD out!
Dare: Good strategy! Wear all the rest of the participants out so they
can get the easy win once they're in.
Mariner: Hogar charges and drives a shoulder into SMD's midsection,
driving the air out of him. Dark Deception lashes out with a foot from
outside that catches Hogar in the head. Hogar backs off as Apache
Assassin stops chocking SMD out and kicks him back to the middle of
the ring. Hogar staggers over and tags in Swanigan.
Dare: Good thing we're using the special reinforced ring tonight.
Otherwise I don't think it could stand up to the weight.
Mariner: Swanigan scoops up the already weakened SMD and nails him
with a running power slam. Swanigan goes for the cover.
Referee: 1…
Mariner: Apache Assassin leaps into the ring from the top rope and
nails Swanigan with an elbow drop across the back of the head. The
referee chases Apache Assassin out of the ring as Dark Deception
sneaks in and nails both Swanigan and SMD with a double DDT. Dark
Deception rolls out before the referee turns back around.
Dare: You have to love their great teamwork.
Mariner: They're both cheating like mad!
Dare: Hey, they don't want to lose their belts if they're not in the
ring!
Mariner: It's your silly rule!
Dare: I know. And it's having the desired effect!
Mariner: SMD finally manages to get to the Hellraisers corner and tags
in Williams. Williams leaps into the ring and sets Swanigan up for a
piledriver. He nails it and goes for the cover.
Referee: 1…2…
Mariner: Apache Assassin once again, this time with a tremendous boot
to the side of Williams head. Apache Assassin is chased out of the
ring once again. Swanigan struggles over to the champs corner and tags
in Dark Deception. Dark Deception is in the ring and picks Williams
up, then takes him right back down with a diamond cutter. Dark
Deception with the cover.
Referee: 1…foot on the ropes.
Mariner: Williams showing great ring awareness there.
Dare: Give it time.
Mariner: Williams gets to his feet and kicks Dark Deception in the
midsection, then nails him with a double axe handle. Williams goes to
the corner to climb up for a flying body press but Lil Seanny tags
himself in!
Dare: Poor old Lil Seanny felt neglected I guess.
Mariner: Williams starts yelling at Lil Seanny who flips him off. Dark
Deception nails Williams with a forearm that sends him sailing over
the top rope. Now Dark Deception picks Lil Seanny up and hoists him
over his head. Apache Assassin is in the ring and…THEY'RE PLAYING
CATCH WITH LIL SEANNY!
Dare: I guess Lil Seanny is good for something after all.
Mariner: Dark Deception and Apache Assassin are throwing Lil Seanny
back and forth like a medicine ball! This is insane! Stop this
insanity now!
Dare: Why? The crowd is digging it!
Mariner: SMD charges the ring to help out his partner. Apache Assassin
nails him with a savage kick to the knee, then a spinning roundhouse
kick to the side of the head sends him crashing to the mat. Dark
Deception picks Lil Seanny up over his head and smashes him hard onto
his partner.
Dare: This is great!
Mariner: Dark Deception goes out of the ring and grabs the ring bell!
He's smashing Steve Hogar on the back of the head with it and the
referee is calling for… well since the bell is obviously in use, he
can't call for that. But he's calling the match over.
Dare: Guess the champs took it one step too far.
Mariner: Ya think? Fans, the referee has called this match by
disqualifying Dark Deception and Apache Assassin.
Dare: Hey, at least they keep the belts.
Mariner: They have to learn how to get that violence under control and
channel it.
Dare: Why? It worked like a champ here tonight.
Mariner: And in the end…
Dare: That's all that counts.
Mariner: We'll be right back.
**************
COMMERCIAL
**************
Mariner: Welcome back to RAGE Unleashed. Fans, this next match is
going to be an absolute war as we've got Dustin Edberg leading his
Monsters for Hire and Iron Barbarian against one heck of an all-star
team in Kyle Mehr, Vipah, Action Jackson, and Mark Kubiak. I don't
know where you got the idea for this match Messiah, but it's
definitely one of the most talent-packed matches we've had in a long
time. This has been an action packed night.
Dare: Only the best here in RAGE, so you better believe we're going to
be in for one hell of a night.
Mariner: Let's go to the ring then!
*Salas: Ladies and gentlemen, this match is scheduled for one fall and
is your main event of the evening! Introducing first, they are the
team of IRON BARBARIAN, THE MONSTERS FOR HIRE, AND DUSTIN EDBERG!
(The crowd explodes into boos as the four men emerge from the back,
all walking to the ring. Edberg has a smug smile on his face while
Iron Barbarian and the Monsters look absolutely all business. They
climb into the ring and await for their opponents to be announced.)
*Salas: And their opponents… they are the team of KYLE MEHR, VIPAH,
ACTION JACKSON, AND MARK KUBIAK!!!
(The crowd explodes into cheers as the foursome come from the entrance
way. The young Mehr is high fiving the crowd, Vipah walks to the
ring, and Action Jackson and Mark Kubiak each carry their respective
titles with them. They all look at the group who are waiting for
them.)
Mariner: This definitely looks like one hell of a war about to break
out, and on the outside, Vipah grabs a chair! Looks like he's ready
for a brawl already… and he NAILS Kubiak in the back of the head?!
Dare: Well, I guess that's one way to do it!
Mariner: Kubiak drops to a knee, and Mehr and Jackson look over at
Vipah with an angry look, and Vipah has the mic!
*Vipah: THAT is payback for when you decided to hit me with a chair a
few weeks ago, boyo!
Mariner: Think he could have picked the absolute wrong time for this!?
Dare: Payback is payback, Mariner! Vipah rolls into the ring while
Action Jackson and Mehr angrily climb up on the apron, and Kubiak
groggily pulls himself up to his feet and onto the apron.
Mariner: On the other side of the ring it looks like Iron Barbarian
will start the match out, and Dustin and the Monsters say a few words
to him.
BELL RINGS
Mariner: There's the bell and Vipah and Iron Barbarian lock up.
Barbarian attempts a headlock but gets thrown off the ropes by Vipah,
and both men collide into each other with a shoulderblock. Neither
man goes anywhere and Iron Barbarian runs the ropes, Vipah drops down,
and as Iron Barbarian comes back Vipah hits a high knee! Barbarian
gets rocked, and Vipah runs the ropes and Kubiak angrily makes a blind
tag! Vipah hits a clothesline, and now the referee is trying to tell
him to get out of the ring.
Dare: Look at the kid, he couldn't even allow Vipah a chance to make a
decent tag.
Mariner: Vipah climbs out of the ring and Kubiak walks in, and Iron
Barbarian is begging him on. Kubiak takes a step forward and… he
collapsed?! Mark Kubiak has collapsed in the middle of the ring!
Dare: What the hell is this?
Mariner: I don't know, Dare… but Mark Kubiak has collapsed to the mat
and isn't moving! Iron Barbarian backs away, and the referee
immediately drops to the mat to check on Kubiak. Something's very
wrong here, Messiah.
Dare: You're d**n right it is… what the hell has happened!?
Mariner: Fans, Vipah looks absolutely in shock and Action Jackson
begins screaming at him! Kyle Mehr is trying to break this up… and
the referee is signaling to the back! We've got a trainer on his way
to the ring… fans the match has come to an abrupt halt. Mark Kubiak
was on a the receiving end of a pre-match chairshot from Vipah and has
COLLAPSED in the middle of the ring.
Dare: It's gotta be a concussion or something… I mean… I… what the
f**k?
(The sound of a headset hitting the desk is heard and the now quiet
crowd watches Daniel Dare slide into the ring. He immediately begins
talking to the referee and trainer, and he begins looking to the
back.)
*Dare: Send some help out here NOW!
Mariner: I… I'm not sure what to say right now. Mark Kubiak has
collapsed to the mat and hasn't moved and Daniel Dare is in the ring
trying to get help for Kubiak. Now wait a minute… where are they
going?! Dustin Edberg is leading his crew from the ring! Dustin's
muttering something to himself and he's leaving?!
(The crowd begins to BOO hysterically at Dustin Edberg, the Monsters,
and Iron Barbarian as they disrespectfully leave the ringside area.
They are even being littered with trash as they walk by.)
Mariner: This is sick, Dustin Edberg is walking away, and Dare has
noticed!
*Dare: Dustin?! Where the hell are you going?! I trained you better
than this! You get back here, not a very nice person!
Mariner: The fans are letting the entire group know what they think of
them… and as they walk to the back out come Jerry Root, Cage, and
Swanny! The three of them pass by Dustin Edberg, and now Cage and
Edberg are trading words! Apache Assassin is even up at the entrance
way, and he's saying a few comments to the crew as they walk by! We
have more trainers coming down, EMTs… and now the locker room is
beginning to empty. Root climbs into the ring to see what's going on,
and Dare is incensed at Vipah!
*Dare: You son of a pregnant dog! What the hell did you do!?
*Vipah: I didn't…
*Dare: Like f**k you didn't!
Mariner: Dare and Vipah are continuing talking, and the crowd here is
absolutely silent. Vipah is just looking at the still unconscious
Mark Kubiak, and Action Jackson is trying to get Kubiak to wake up.
Fans, while Kubiak and Action Jackson might be rivals inside that
ring, there is a sense of mutual respect there, and Jackson is trying
to wake Kubiak up, but nothing is working. Kyle Mehr has left the
ring and he's trying to get his bearings straight as he's on the
outside talking with Swanny.
(There is noticeable emotion coming from the crowd as they see a
stretcher being wheeled down to the ring. The EMT with it slides into
the ring, and they begin to put a neckbrace on Mark Kubiak.)
Mariner: Fans, this is something we would hope we'd never have to see.
Here in RAGE we pride ourselves on giving you the entertainment you
deserve, but tonight something… tonight it… I just don't know what to
say. We've seen wrestlers get up from many chairshots before, the
injuries guys like Kubiak, Cage, Saint, AA have all wrestled with are
numerous… but this just goes to show these men are human beings. In a
world of professional wrestling where toughness is determined by how
much damage you can take… tonight Mark Kubiak is proof that all it
takes is one.
(The EMTs continue to strap Mark Kubiak onto the backboard.)
Mariner: Oh my God… Daniel Dare has just tackled Vipah! Daniel Dare
is throwing punches at Vipah, and the RAGE Co-Owner is the most
emotional I've seen him in a long time. Say what you will about him,
but the man DOES care about his employees, and Swanny, Kyle Mehr, and
Cage interject to break up the fight. Swanny and Mehr pull Vipah out
of the ring, and Vipah's still trying to wrap his head around this.
We know he couldn't have MEANT to do this… but my God. Dare goes back
to checking on Mark with Action Jackson, and the EMTs are asking them
to back away. I… (clears throat) this is something I'd never want
to call.
(The fans in the audience are starting a "KUBIAK" chant, hoping to
help in anyway they can, but still Kubiak is non-responsive. The EMTs
try and get some helps to put Kubiak on the gurney, and the first
person to step up is Action Jackson. He helps pull Kubiak under the
ropes and onto the gurney. The EMTs slide outside of the ring and
each take an end of the gurney and begin heading out of the ringside
area.)
Mariner: This is not something we'd like to see at all, and Vipah is
going up the ramp and he's trying to say something to Kubiak, and he
looks very shaken up by what's happened. Dare is following close
behind and he's shooting daggers at Vipah, and this is just very
heartbreaking.
(Vipah continues to try and check on Kubiak while Jackson has some
words with him. The EMTs say something to the two wrestlers, and then
the EMTs leave Vipah and Jackson in the entrance way as they continue
pushing Kubiak up the ramp. Vipah keeps saying something to Jackson,
and Jackson says something back. Vipah just shakes his head and
Jackson watches the entrance way.)
Mariner: I… fans… we'll hopefully be able to update you on Mark's
condition later this week. We'll see you next week.
(There is no music, no fanfare for the closing of RAGE Unleashed this
week as the camera focuses on several RAGE talent and office staff
watching Mark Kubiak being led away, still unconscious.)