NAPW: Ravager vs Simply Beautiful III

[Ryan Ro [NAPW]]

NAPW CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Ravager (c) vs Simply Beautiful III

Twice before have Ravager and Simply Beautiful wrestled. On both occassions, Ravager was able to come out on top. Simply Beautiful earned this shot with a stellar performance in the 30-man over the top rope Sole Survivor match in March. Mutual respect or not, these two each have the same goal: Leave Edmonton as the NAPW Champion. Don't look for either man to take it easy. Ravager's Path of Annihilation looks to continue, but is it SB's time? And will Brian Bruno make his presence felt in this contest?

[Ravager]

Backstage in Raleigh, North Carolina. A somewhat worse for wear looking Ravager staggers backstage. He grabs the first REBEL employee he can find, in this case, Jenny Jersey, and asks a simple, direct question.

Ravager: Have they already left?

Jersey: Who?

Ravager: (tersely) You know who.

Jersey: I think I saw them take off a few minutes ago...

Ravager: Did anybody know?

Jersey: Know about what?

Ravager: (tightening his grip on her wrist) Did anybody know that the REBEL champ was going to make me look like a fool? Did anybody know that Static was going to show up? I mean, he didn't just materialize in the building, did he?

Jersey: Ow! Hey! Static only showed up about ten minutes into the main event! There was no chance to warn you! We were all as surprised as you are! I mean, we didn't even expect to see you here.

Ravager: I needed to find a lumberjack. My two best candidates were here in Raleigh...

OOC Note: What's Ravager talking about? Check here:

www.fwrestling.com/fwc/showthread.php?t=15517

And now back to our promo!

Ravager: ... Saw the melee, thought I'd help my boss out, seeing as he could have let my match with Casino just end.

Jersey: You're not going to do something bad are you?

Ravager: Well, it would be kind of hypocritical to be mad about the attack, now wouldn't it? I just have some concerns about the future. But I guess I'll have to chat with the boss when I get back to Edmonton.

He loosens the grip on Jenny.

Ravager: Sorry if that leaves a bruise. It's been that kind of night.

Jersey: I'll be fine.

Ravager nods, and walks off.

Jersey: But will everyone else be?

Cut to Ravager arriving back at his home in Edmonton. he drops off his bags, then notices something on his wall. The camera pans over to some of the pictures he has posted. One of Simply Beautiful, and the other of Brian Bruno. Ravager chuckles, but it is totally humorless.

So now I got to figure out something.

Is Rex really that cunning? I mean, he planned this assault for months. Let the anger burn. Played Lord knows how many people against each other. But did he plan this subtle detail?

Two men left laying in the ring. Two men who now have a common enemy. Two men who may eventually have to team up to take down this huge new threat. And one of those men is the sworn enemy of my opponent this Tuesday. The man who is coming for my NAPW title. The belt I have defended for over three months. I belt I have defended more often and for longer than any other champion. A man who outlasted 29 other superstars to win a shot at this belt. A man who has lost twice to me. And a man who didn't need any more motivation.

Did you plan to add more fuel to Simply Beautiful's fire Rex? Did you take that into account when you chose that moment to attack me and reveal your grand plans to the world? Are you really that smart? Or are you lucky? Lucky that everything fell into place so perfectly at that one moment in time. Lucky to have won the NAPW title the first time. Lucky to have had a partner like Static to carry you to the tag titles. Lucky to have never had to face men like Casino or D!. Lucky that people forget that you never beat Static, Lloyd Rees... or me. I think you're lucky boss. But your luck will run out soon. But not yet. Because I have business to attend to.

Simply Beautiful. I don't need to tell you what I think of you. You've heard it all before. About respect. About you being the future of NAPW. All of what I've said in the past still holds true. Especially the part about me not being ready to step aside. I have so much more I want to accomplish as champion, and now I have so much more motivation to do it. You see, I won't get revenge on Rex through a gang style beating. I tried that before, and it never got me the title. It got me angry, and it got me ridiculed. Because my failures were magnified by the extreme lengths I went to get ahead. What did get me the title? Determination. A willingness to ignore pain. And the sheer joy of proving every single critic wrong. So if the day comes that I lose this title, people will have to admit that I was the best champ ever. That it was me who made the belt special. And that's how I'm going to get revenge on Rex. By holding this belt for so long, his boy Cyrus will be a viable contender before Rex ever will. I will outlast whatever shenanigans Rex will come up with. I will accept every path our boss sends me down. And I will win, and then rub that success in his face. But for that to happen, Simply Beautiful, I'm going to have to take you down. Again. It won't be easy, and this time I may feel bad about it, but I'm going to do what needs to be done. Nothing personal.

Oh, and don't worry about Bruno. I've made no deal with him. We both got stuck in the wrong situation at the same time. It would be bad for business to team up. ... At this point. But if the time comes and I need to take the Crimes down? ...

Ravager pauses as he looks back to the pictures of Bruno and SB.

I don't know if I'll be in any position to turn down a little help. Just hope you can keep a clear head about it kid.

Ravager turns and starts to unpack as we fade to black.

[Ravager]

A hallway. We have the camera's point of view. We come to a door. It opens into a darkened apartment. A light is flipped on, and we see Ravager sitting on a couch. There is a Safeway bag in front of him, and Ravager is snacking on some vegetables. Two cats sit next to him, one black, the other a tabby. The felines are purring contentedly. We hear a familiar voice, but we don't see the source of it.

Voice: The hell?!

Ravager: It's okay, I brought my own food. I didn't want to raid your fridge.

Voice: How did you...

Ravager: Security in your building sucks. You need to get that fixed.

Voice: What do you want?

Ravager: Thought I'd seek you out for once. Need to know a few things....

Voice: We were all surprised to see Rex do what he did.

Ravager: (smirk) How surprised were you?

Voice: People are upset. Do you think this is good for NAPW?

Ravager: What? A retired wrestler/unfit father/former bar owner who now thinks he's Vince MacMahon? He spends as much time trying to get the belt off me as he's threatening, he'll drive this company into the ground worse than Joey ever could have. Not to mention lose his REBEL title. He thinks I'm his biggest problem? I bet a few of the boys in Raleigh would love to pounce on any one moment of his distraction.

Voice: We're worried about the future of NAPW.

Ravager: Don't be.

Voice: This is bigger than one of your matches! Look, you can handle yourself in the ring. You've proven that time and again. And Simply Beautiful is a tough opponent, but ...

Ravager: Stop. You've never once offered up that type of encouragement. I already have Rex giving him motivation, don't you start too!

Voice: That wasn't my intent.

Ravager: Third time's a charm, that's how it goes. Or at least, that's how it could go. If I let things get to me. I heard a few things. On the "hush hush", of course. Rex apparently offered Bruce Richards a chance at the belt, and pretty much guaranteed him a free path to the gold.

Voice: He wouldn't...

Ravager: Why not? He hates me. No matter what anyone says, the man does not, and probably never will, like me. Most people don't like me. The fans may cheer, but even that's not a guarantee. You see children flock to me after shows? Does anyone ever think of me as an ideal choice to sit at an autograph table? No. I tend to make people "nervous". And that's okay. I use the quiet time to train. Prepare. For anything.

Voice: I don't think you're prepared for what's about to happen in the NAPW with Rex's new attitude.

Ravager: I promised Chris Casino one thing: That I would walk through hell, alone, to keep this belt. I'll make the same promise to Rex. To Simply Beautiful. To ANYONE. You want this belt, you'll have to be willing kill me. Not injure. Not weaken. But KILL. Simply Beautiful won Sole Survivor. But he didn't maim to do it. He didn't spill blood. He didn't feel the flames of Hell on his neck as he strode confidently through. All he did was outlast 29 other men. Through perseverance. And a little bit of luck. Any other day, he'd be on top of the world. But he's facing me this Tuesday. And he's still not prepared for it. I have kept this title by clawing, biting, punching, and defying every (bleep)ing odd set against me. Nobody's ever made me the clear cut favorite. Simply Beautiful was at the top of a lot of lists to get to this shot. I was picked to be jerking the curtain while Kryenik, or Rees, or Casino or any of my other opponents stepped into the main event to defend the title. MY title. One that I'm not giving up. Not to "the future of the NAPW". Not to "the boss". Nobody.

Voice: Just be prepared. After listening to Rex and Static, they may actually be prepared to kill...

Ravager: They know where to find me.

Voice: Now here's a question. Do you think Simply Beautiful will take the offer if Rex presents it?

Ravager: Well, no. Unless I've totally misjudged the man. And when have I ever done that?

Voice: Where would you like me to start?

Ravager: I've fought with Simply Beautiful. I've seen the fire in his eye. I also saw Rex beat down Beautiful's greatest enemy last week. I've seen SB's desire for the gold. And he has known to be a bit self centered. Would he take the offer of a lifetime? I'd like to think he's got more conviction than that. I'd like to think he's more of a competitor than that. But you just never know. How could I fault him for taking an offer that I probably wouldn't turn down?

Voice: I seem to recall you accepting...

Ravager: Past is the past. I'm looking to the future. With me as the long term champ. If Simply Beautiful takes the offer, I'll make him pay by tearing every joint he has. If he's as upstanding as I think he is, then I'll be proud to shake his hand after I beat him again. Nothing will change the outcome. Thanks for you time.

Ravager gathers his things.

Ravager: I fed your cats. I think the tabby has an eye infection. Get it checked. I'd hate to see him suffer.

Ravager exits.

Voice: Okay.....

Fade to black

[Simply Beautiful]

Fade in. The SB mansion, inside the bedroom of Simply Beautiful. He lies in his bed – it’s just about dawn. He’s fast asleep, tangled up in his sheets with just his right leg and head visible.

RING! RING! RING!

SB shoots up, suddenly wide awake. He slaps his hand down on the night table looking for the phone –

RING RING RING!

- It’s not there. He gets up to grab the cordless phone in his study the next room over, but trips as he gets out of bed.

Female’s Voice: (groggy) What was that?

SB: Nothin’, go back to friggin’ sleep.

SB quickly throws on pants and gets to the phone just as the machine picks up. He has the volume turned down so it wouldn’t wake disturb him on his “big night”. Only now did he realize he forgot to unplug the phones as well. Yanking the cord out, he walks back to the comfort of his bed. He takes a look at the beautiful, supermodel-caliber girl he was finally able to seal the deal on tonight lying asleep in his bed. It’d been awhile since he’d tasted a woman’s kiss – not since Suzanna left him. And it tasted good. But something about it still just doesn’t feel right about all this. He had a whole life planned out. The wedding was to be in June. Nine months later? The pitter patter of little SB, Jr.’s feet. But all that was destroyed by Brian Bruno. And whoever the hell it was that she ran off with. If only SB knew the truth…

But he doesn’t. The only truth to him now is that his personal life is ruined. He’s back to the hollow existence of one night stands and thrown out phone numbers that he’d promised himself he’d never go back to. His only safe haven from the hell that his life has become is the wrestling ring. Ironic, isn’t it? The only place SB feels he can get away from it all is the place where guys want to tear him limb from limb.

SB: Hey, sweetheart. (nudges the girl) Ay! Toots! Wake up, ah?

The girl wakes up and sleepily asks him
Girl: What is it, baby?

SB: Don’t call me that, alright?

Girl: Why not, baby? I thought you loved me?

SB: Now who told ya that?

Girl: You did last night, silly. We were pretty drunk.

SB: Yeah, I say a lotta shit when I’m drunk. Don’t mean that much.

Girl: Excuse me? I am NOT a whore.

SB: Well, if the shoe fits…

SLAP!

Girl: What did you think this was? Just a quick lay to get your fix, Mister Big Shot wrestler?

SB: (rubbing his cheek) I…I dunno. But I think you oughta leave.

Girl: Oh, believe me. I’m out of here. She gets up, wrapped in the bed sheet, and walks out the bedroom door and off screen, leaving SB sitting on the bed.

SB: That’s my sheet!

It gets thrown back in, covering his head and upper body. He whips it off and tosses it on the floor.

SB: Yeah, thanks. Don’t let the door hit your FAT ASS on the way out, Tubby! (to himself) Yeah, she might buy the Tubby comment. I’m such a dick.

He gets up and walks over the window to watch her drive away.

SB: Some friggin’ life I’m living here. No girl. No best friend. Even sex isn’t fun anymore (shudders). (his dog, the aptly-named pitbull Sex Machine, walks into the room) At least I still got you, Sex Machine!

The dog barks once.

SB: What, whadda ya want? A bone? I gave you like three bones today man, I don’t think you should have any more bones. (bark) You gotta go out?

Sex Machine’s ears prick up.

SB: Alright, you know where to go. That’s why I built the dog door, so you go in and out through that. (he glances over at the door leading to the backyard) Oh. You don’t fit through that, do ya? I’ll fix that in the morning.

SB walks over to the door, Sex Machine eagerly following. He lets the dog out and he trots outside to do his business.

SB: The NAPW title is the first order of business right now, I got that much figured out. I know I can set aside all my personal problems and just focus on the match. I did it for Sole Survivor. I did it when I beat Bruce, and I did it the other night in A1E. So it’s not like I’m distracted in the ring; shit, I feel better in the ring than I do sitting in this empty mansion.

But now what’s this shit going on with Bruno and Ravager? Ravy says they aren’t teaming up just yet, but he’s been known to stretch the truth. And Rex is back with Static? AND he’s reformed the Crimes with Rees and Banks as his errand boys? What’s that mean for me, huh? Fall in line or get the same treatment as Ravager? (BLEEP) that shit, I’m no sell-out. If Ravager wants to question my character, that’s fine. I know who I am, and I know what I stand for. I don’t need Rex’s stamp of approval to win my matches. And there’s no way I’m workin’ with Rees – that shit ain’t over as far as I’m concerned.

But it is odd to see Brian as the one getting screwed, isn’t it? Something makes me think that he’s not an innocent party in all of this – but how do I prove it? Is this all some elaborate plot to get at me and Ravager at the same time? Son of a bitch, when did wrestling turn into a soap opera? When I was a kid people got into feuds because somebody stole their jacket or sprayed em’ in the eyes with perfume. Nowadays, you gotta deal with all this backstage politics bullshit. I’m lookin’ over both shoulders now trying to figure out what the “Crimes” have in store for me, all the while preparing for the two biggest matches of my life.

You know, I lied earlier. I said that the most important thing to me right now, my “first order of business”, was winning the NAPW Championship. It is, don’t get me wrong. I want that bad. But…something just won’t let me put that above Emily, and the kids. I’m not just playing with house money when I step into the ring with Bruno…I bet their very lives, and I already sold my soul to the devil so I could even get the chance to do it. Bruno’s not gonna have any mercy, neither. He’ll do anything to get at them –and everybody knows how he feels about me.

But Tuesday is all about me. And my time. It’s here, Ravager. Yeah, you’ve been the best NAPW Champion of all time. Better than D!. Better than Rex, and Rees. No one’s gonna take that from you – till I top you, that is. Believe me, man. I respect you. If someone asked me, I’d tell them you were my friend. I promised you I’d help you fight the Untouchables – they’re gone. Now, we have a new threat: Our own freakin’ boss. I’m taking that belt from you, brother. I need it more than you do, if you can even comprehend that. Lately I can’t even look myself in the mirror, my life’s been so (BLEEP)ed up. But that belt is my key, brotha. I gotta have it, one way…or the other.

He’s interrupted by the ringing of a phone.

SB: Who the (BLEEP) is calling now?

He walks over, and checks the call ID: Private.

SB: I don’t know any “private”.

He lets it ring, but turns up the volume on the answering machine.

BEEP.

Message: Hey, how’s my favorite number one contender doing? Look, gimme a ring in the morning when you get this. I’ve got an offer I don’t think you can refuse. Morning.

BEEP.

SB: Huh?

Fade out.

[Ravager]

A movie theatre. "The Scottish Wrecking Machine" Al Thoes sits in the middle of the theatre. He has the Spiderman 3 popcorn bucket and a large pop. He sits alone. For a brief while. He's soon joined by the NAPW champion.

Thoes: What the bloody hell are you doing here?

Ravager: Wanted to catch a movie. Helps me relax a bit before a match. I get too wired, someone gets hurt. You're a long way from home, aren't you?

Thoes: Tagstravaganza next week. Thought I'd get to town early. Get away...

Ravager: It's been a rough few weeks, hasn't it?

Thoes: A wee bit of an understatement, don't ye think?

Ravager: Growing pains. They're a fact of life. I haven't had much luck in REBEL either.

Thoes: At least you're respected.

Ravager: The respect didn't help that much when the Crimes beat me down.

Thoes: Ah yes. problems of yer own, eh laddie?

Ravager: Everyone wants to talk about Rex and the Crimes. Everybody wants to know how concerned I am. And the fact is, I am very worried. Worried that my boss will do everything it takes to take the title off me. Worried that my Simply Beautiful may take the offer of a lifetime to get my belt. He can talk about honor all he wants, but he says he needs this belt more than I do. (chuckles) Though if he needs it so bad, he should have won it with his first shot. I was just getting comfortable then. Now? I like my spot too much to just let it slip away without the fight of a lifetime.

Thoes: Third times a charm.

Ravager: Maybe. Maybe not. I respect the man. I respect any man that puts his family first. That's why I held Rex in high regard for a while. Then I find out that Cyrus was taken away from him. And now he's gone off the deep end. It can happen to anybody. Even Simply Beautiful. The allure of the gold is hard for anyone to resist. You know this.

Thoes: I joined the nFa because I thought it would bring me a title.

Ravager: Exactly.

Thoes: So what do you do?

Ravager: Win my fights in the ring. Focus on my opponent. Which is Simply Beautiful. Rex is an annoyance that will grow in the coming weeks. Static is batshit insane, but I've beaten him before. Rees and Banks are not a direct threat to my title. Yet. As long as they have gold of their own, they'll have other challenges to think about.

Thoes: But what if they gang up on you?

Ravager: I fight back. With all the fury I can muster.

Thoes: You're putting a lot of faith in your own ability.

Ravager: Well, I'm a champion. The longest reigning champion in NAPW history. I have a right to be confident. It's only a problem if I get a swollen ego and let my guard down. Luckily most people think that every title defense will be my last. So I always have something to prove.

Thoes: Take your motivation where you can get it.

Ravager: I never have a problem feeling motivated. Every match is a main event, whether the belt is on the line or not. Every opponent is the biggest challenge I'll ever face. Because every match could be my last. Sure, every wrestler says that. But right now, with the change in management philosophy, that statement could never be more true. Rex has sat back and planned for months to get revenge on me. He'll stop at nothing. Which means I prepare for anything. So even though Simply Beautiful's feelings may be a little hurt, I have to be ready for him to jump to Rex's side. For all the good that'll do him. Friend or enemy, I'm taking him down.

Thoes: Glad to see you have things mapped out...

Ravager: I've been meaning to ask, are things okay with...

"The Irish Adonis" Bobby O'Brady has entered the scene.

O'Brady: (glaring) You're in my seat, mate.

Ravager: No need to get testy, Bobby. Just checking in. It's been a while since we've talked. Or you've won a match. Wanted to make sure nobody does anything desperate.

O'Brady: Worry about defending your own gold, champ.

Ravager: I always do. Enjoy the movie boys. I'm sure we'll talk soon.

O'Brady: Don't count on it.

Ravager smirks at O'Brady, then moves to another seat. O'Brady sits down to a concerned looking Thoes.

Thoes: He only wanted to help...

O'Brady: We don't need his help. With Rex in charge, he's a dead man walking anyways.

The camera pans down to Ravager, who has heard O'Brady's comment.

Ravager: Let em all think that. Only makes my job easier.

Fade to black.

[Simply Beautiful]

SB played the message back to himself a hundred times before breakfast, but it still doesn’t make any sense to him. Why did Rex Caliber want to meet with him? He’s been the owner of NAPW for 3 months now, and hasn’t done so much as said hello to SB and mail him his paycheck on time. Now he wants to have a sit down?

Something didn’t smell right to SB. But what could he do? When your boss calls your house, especially at that hour of the night, it must be pretty urgent, no? Not to mention he’s the boss. So, wary as ever, SB began part two of what will become the defining day in his wrestling career.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fade in. SB, in the SB mansion, just hung up with his trainer Angelo Frazetti (haven’t seen HIM in a while, huh?). They’re going to have a meeting, discuss some strategy, and then put in some last minute work on counter-moves. SB’s decided the best way to beat the Champion is to turn Ravager’s offense into his own offense.

He leans back in his chair, and sneezes.

SB: AAHHHCHOOOOGOD DAMMIT!. Friggin’ allergy season! (reaches into his pocket and throws a pill on the table.) Alright, somethin’ to drink.

SB heads over to the fridge and yanks it open, letting it swing freely and slam into the granite countertop, taking a small hunk right out of it.

SB: JESUS! (BLEEP)in’ ‘frigerator doors. I’d love to meet the (BLEEP) that designed this.

Undeterred by the chunk of debris sitting neatly on his kitchen floor, the Italian Icon reaches into the offending fridge and pulls out a vitamin water.

SB: Now if what that commercial said was true, I should not only be relieved of my allergy symptoms, but I should also become a world class sheep thrower and indoor badminton player. (pops the pill and drinks it down) I’m not feelin’ it. Tracy McGrady and Brian Urlacher are liars, man. (laughs to himself) What a stupid advertising idea. I mean, you watch that and laugh, sure, but does anyone actually buy vitamin water because of THAT commercial? I guess it’s become so popular now that they know they need to just make A commercial and people will flock –

Voice: Lambs to the slaughter?

SB: (spins around) Huh?

Oh, shit. When did Brian Bruno get so good at silent breaking and entering?

Bruno: Don’t worry. As far as I’m concerned, truce until the 29th. I wouldn’t want to spoil my fun early.

SB: Yeah, or get your ass kicked. Get the (BLEEP) outta my house ya lunatic.

Bruno: Is that any way to treat a guest?

SB: I dunno, maybe your idea of hospitality is manipulation mixed with some assault and battery?

Bruno: How crude and unfunny. What happened to all those colorful insult-

SB: (BLEEP).

Bruno: There we are. So, how are you, old friend? Ready to become the NAPW Champion.

SB: You have five seconds to get the hell out of this house.

Bruno: (grins) OK, I’ll leave. But no one will ever see your trainer again. He’ll just be another face on a milk carton, thanks to you.

SB: What?!? What did you do? (moves in on Bruno)

Bruno: Now, now. Calm down, “ESS BEEEE”. No use in beating the answer out of me, I won’t tell you anyway. Besides. I don’t think you could if you wanted to.

SB: Oh you don’t think so? Care to try?

Bruno: Thick-headed. You know the difference between you and me, Andrew?

SB: Personal hygiene?

Bruno: You lack cunning. While we both undoubtedly have a passionate fighting spirit – you couldn’t plan something out if your life depended on it. Why do you think it’s been so easy for me to basically dictate your life to you?

SB: …

Bruno: I didn’t think you had an answer. Now, perhaps you’d like to know why I’ve got your trainer, and where. First; why? Because without that ace up my sleeve you’d call the police and I’d never get to deliver my message in person – and I so do love to personally deliver my edicts. Also…it’s fun to beat that fat bastard up and down his office.

SB: If you hurt him…

Bruno: (annoyed) You’ll what? Drive him to the hospital? Don’t interrupt. Now, my message. By now I’m sure you’ve seen what’s happened in REBEL. I was assaulted by the new “Crimes” and robbed of the Heavyweight Championship.

SB: Oh yeah, damn shame. I’m heartbroken for ya.

Bruno: I assure you, I’m in no way involved with Ravager and won’t be making an appearance during your match. I could care less if you kill him in front of the crowd, so long as he doesn’t try to upstage me and claim MY prize before I get to.

SB: Yeah, well, I’ll let him know that so he doesn’t try to win. Psycho.

Bruno: Enough of your prattle. My proposal is simple. A team-up.

SB: A WHAT???

Bruno: You heard correctly. You and I. SB and Bruno. Vs. the Crimes!

SB: A WHAT???

Bruno: Don’t try my patience.

SB: (almost in shock) This day is unreal.

Bruno: (extends his hand. Behind his back, he grabs a frying pan off the stove) Deal, old friend?

SB: Are you INSANE? You’ve been trying to legitimately KILL me for almost two months now, you’ve attacked me, my family, innocent bystanders. Not to mention we’re fighting in two weeks to decide whether or not you get to dismember your own wife and children…and you want to team up?

Bruno: (smiling, happy to hear of his own misdeeds) Yes. It would be glori-

SB: (BLEEP) you. (spits right in Bruno’s face)

Bruno’s eyes widen in rage.

SB: Now, where’s Angelo?

Bruno: Oh, that’s no problem.

KAA-BONG!

He wraps the frying pan over the top of SB’s head! SB falls to his backside, dazed, before slumping over and into unconsciousness.

Bruno: And that’s that.

He drops the pan to the floor with a clang, and exits right out the front door. He slams the door shut behind him…

Fade out.

[Ravager]

Ravager as he leaves his meeting with Bill Fleming. He seems a bit perturbed, but nothing that will keep him off his game. After all, if that's the worst thing to happen this week...

Everyone wants something. To be friends. Partners. A sympathetic ear. Others want me gone. Retired. Injured. Maybe even dead. I don't know how much I've pissed off some people. All I got to give is one thing:

My all. In the ring. Every night when that bell rings I guarantee a world of pain to whoever my opponent is. It doesn't matter if I respect you or not. It doesn't matter if you're a ten year veteran or a rookie in front of a crowd for the first time. You face me, you're in a main event match. Doesn't matter what spot the match is on the card, with me, you're on top of the world. ... Until I drop you down to earth with the Last Resort or a dose of Instant Karma. Because I love the business, but I love to win more. And being champ? Is the greatest feeling in the world. The NAPW title is the ultimate accomplishment. Forget the money and prestige, the NAPW title means I am the best this company has to offer. It means I have beaten the best. And Simply Beautiful, it means you have to step up to the next level to beat me. You've had two tries to do it, and each time you came up short. I've heard "third time's a charm" so much this week, but here's one thing people aren't saying:

Good things come in threes.

What do I mean? Look at it this way. The first time we faced? I was a week away from getting my first shot at Evan Cartwright. You had just lost the Pure Honor title to Chris Casino, and were looking to get back on track. We fought. It was brutal. But I beat you. Granted, I didn't win the title the next week. But the momentum I had... the buzz. Evan had no choice but to offer me a rematch. And I took it all. If it weren't for that match, I wouldn't be champion right now.

Fast forward a few weeks. We meet again. You're my second title defense. Most people feel I was lucky to get by Lloyd Rees, while you beat three other men to get your first shot. You're angry, you're hot, and you're favored. Once again we tear the house down. And once again I win. I prove I'm no fluke. I take one more step to making people forget about my first failed title reign. And I get a little more confidence. the confidence I need to beat Kryenik in his own backyard. I match everyone thought I had no business winning. A match that MADE me. Casino was a catharsis for me. That was a personal fight molded by a year of fate. Even if there were no title involved, we would still have put on the match of the year. But Kryenik? Beating him made me legitimate. And if it weren't for you, I don't think I would have won.

So here we are again. I have credibility. Not quite enough, seeing as our boss wants the title off of me the worst way possible. But there's no doubt I deserve this belt. And you? You keep impressing everyone. But until you shake off your demons. Until you get your head straight. Until you can look me in the eye and give me your complete, undivided, focus? You'll never be ready to take the next step. And you'll never deserve this belt. You're not far off. But it's far enough right now. I am walking into the Supershow as champion. I'm leaving as champion. And beating you will give me the greatest gift of all. Because the longer I'm champ, the more it infuriates Rex Caliber. A man who isn't even brave enough to come and try to beat me for the belt, one on one. No, he tries to entice others to do it for him. He needs to surround himself with men who maybe, just maybe can elevate him to a higher status. He couldn't be a business man. He failed as a father. He was a joke of an NAPW champion, and his REBEL reign loses more credibility by the day. Now he fancies himself some kind of leader? (chuckles) Please. How can a man who never had any direction in his life try to direct others? With every decision he makes from now on, he'll be exposed for the joke he is. Me being champion is the biggest thorn in his side. Because he sees me and wishes that he could have defended the belt with as much honor and pride. He wishes he could have gotten to the top without having to buy people's affection with fantastic drink specials at his scuzzy little nightclub. He wishes he could just make me go away and be forgotten. And to do it? Well, he's trying to get to you Simply Beautiful. His promises sound great, but you have to know that once he gets what he wants, he'll turn on you next. Because you'll have what he truly wants. And with one win, you'll already be a better NAPW champion than he could ever hope to be. This is purely conjecture on my part, because it gives the slightest hint that you're beating me Tuesday night, which I've made quite clear will not happen. Even if you have rejected him, Simply Beautiful, I still have to take you down. If only to send a message to anyone else Rex may try to send after me:

The belt stays with me until I'm done with it.

And I don't seem myself getting tired of this anytime soon. Call it a hunch. See you Tuesday SB. Bring your A game. You now I'll have mine ready to go.

Ravager stalks off as we fade to black...

Or so we think. We fade up to Ravager's apartment a few hours later. His phone rings, and he answers.

Hello? ... When? ... Who hit him, or do I need to guess? ... Yeah. Is he hurt? ... Well find out. I don't want him to have any excuses. He deserves his shot, and I deserve an opponent who's at 100%.

Ravager hangs up. He goes over to his wall, and adds a note to one of his photos. Brian Bruno's now has the added note:

Alliance Potential:No Chance In Hell.

Oh Simply Beautiful. Didn't I say you needed to exorcise your demons if you wanted to be champ? ...

And now we're out. Fade to Black. See You Tuesday...

[Simply Beautiful]

What a (BLEEP)ing day. I wake up next to girl I barely know, get a clandestine message from my recently gone wacko boss, get assaulted by my lunatic of a best friend, stuck my neck out for my tag team partner and met the looniest bitch I’ve ever seen in my life, and then got a meal with Bill Fleming on my way to see Rex. What the (BLEEP) else can go wrong, right?"

Fade in. Simply Beautiful at NAPW headquarters, waiting patiently just outside the offer of NAPW Owner and REBEL Champion Rex Caliber. He bites his fingernail on his left ring finger and spits it out.

Receptionist (O/S): Rex is ready to see you now. Walk right in.

SB: Thanks toots.

Cut to the next room over. Static and Lloyd Rees sit in a small room, connected by a metal door to Rex’s office.

Rees: So lemme get this straight, b’ye. We wait’n till Caliber gives us a signal?

Static says nothing, just nods. He’s not paying much attention; he wants to see just how strong this Simply Beautiful’s character really is.

Cut to Rex’s office. SB opens the door and walks in. Sitting behind his desk is Rex, puffing on a huge cigar with a cold one poured out in front of him.

Rex: Just the man I wanted to see! Italian Icon baby! How ya doin’? Can I get you something? Cigar? Drink?

SB: No thanks, I don’t smoke and I drove here. You had something important to tell me?

Rex: Yes, indeed. How old are you, son?

SB: I’m older than you.

Rex: You are? Well, that’s not difference. I’m the champ. AND the boss. So how old are you, like 25?

SB: 29.

Rex: 29? Jesus H. Christ, aren’t you a little old to be running around acting like Mick Jagger?

SB: Is Mick Jagger to old to be acting like Mick Jagger?

Rex: Good point. Now, let me get right down to business. You’re 29 years old. and you’ve yet to reach the success you’ve had when you were just in your early twenties, what with being GWF World Champion and all.

SB: I prefer not to talk about that, if it’s all the same to you.

Rex: Certainly. But the fact remains, you started off with a bang here and then trailed off, and now you’re making your big push towards being champion. You’re at the top of your game right now, and I’m sure you’ll have no trouble knocking Ravager off Tuesday night.

SB: You bet your ass.

Rex: (puffs) I’m not done speaking. A little respect, please? Now, as I was saying. You don’t need my help. But honestly, do you want to be my friend, or my enemy?

SB: Neither. I’m your employee, Rex. That’s all we are to each other.

Rex: It doesn’t need to be that way. Look at Rees and Banks! They work for me too, but you don’t see them turning the cold shoulder to my help.

SB: They’re cronies, Rex. That ain’t me.

Rex: Wait…let me make sure I’m getting all of this. You’re saying you don’t want my help?

SB: I’m a wrestler, not a hired hand. I’m not gonna do your work for you and be some kind of paper champion, you got me?

Rex: You should choose your next words carefully. Now, tell me straight. Are we on the same page?

SB doesn’t even hesitate.

SB: You could offer me a million dollars, and I’d never take your help. I’m my own man, so why don’t you run to your bitches and see if one of them wants to try and take MY belt once I win it this Tuesday. Or maybe you’d like to give it a run yourself?

Rex: Oh, would you stop it already? Come down off your high horse kid. You know what this business is about, you’re not stupid. It’s all about power; those who HAVE it, and those who want it. The one’s who got it do whatever they can to keep it, the one’s who want it…well, they’re even more desperate. Who do you think is who when it comes to us?

SB: This isn’t a BUSINESS, Rex. It’s wrestling. You don’t get to hand pick your winners. You can’t make me sell out because it suits your interests. So why don’t you (BLEEP) off?

Rex: (sneering) Get the hell out of my office. You don’t wanna play ball? You’re gonna treat me like Bruce Richards did, and throw my generous offer right back in my face? Fine by me. You’ll pay for it later, kid, not me.

SB: (gets up) Whatever you got for me can’t be worse than what I already have coming to me. So why don’t you just bring it?

With that, he leaves the smoky office of his boss, the REBEL Champion, and steps out into the uncertainty of the Edmonton streets…

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“Yeah, I did it. I just went and made that bulls eye on my back a little bit bigger and a little big brighter. But you know what? I’m my own (BLEEP)ing man, and I’m going to do shit my way. And at the end of the day, I’ll look back at these mother(BLEEP)ers and smile with the NAPW Championship around my waist….What a (BLEEP)ing day, indeed.”

Fade out.