*Jay Phillips is standing in the middle of the ring. The crowd is very energetic and Jay is smiling as he takes in the energy in the arena.*
Jay Phillips: NRWL fans, welcome to Season Five! The last time we saw you, a new champion was crowned. I am standing in this ring tonight to introduce that man to you right now. Ladies and gentlemen, your NRWL Champion, "The Star Player" Johnny Young!!!
*The crowd boos as Johnny Young's music begins playing. He emerges from backstage wearing his sunglasses, exercise pants, and white t-shirt. The NRWL Championship is draped over his shoulder. He walks down the ring slowly and looks around at all the fans. He climbs into the ring and stands in the middle holding the title above his head with one arm.*
JP: Johnny Young. Let me be the first to congratulate you for your victory. How does it feel to be the NRWL Champion?
*Johnny takes off his sunglasses and places them on the collar of his t-shirt. He takes the microphone from Jay and looks up to the ceiling for a moment before speaking.*
Johnny Young: Jay, I started my career when the NRWL started. I've been a part of this company throughout the seasons, the years, and it's the only home I've ever known. I held this title once before early in my career but it was my only taste. When season four started, I came back. I was the only one who came back. Truthfully, it was an honor. I came in and did what I do best. It wasn't until halfway through the season I realized that I wasn't getting any younger. I was considered the veteran. I'm in my early 30's and I'm considered a veteran. I had a moment of clarity. I could do what I do. I could come out, make some noise, put on a good match, and do the same thing the next night, or, I could go a step further. I could focus on defining a legacy. That's what I decided to do. I needed to push myself even harder and put the pieces in place for a Hall of Fame career.
*Johnny lifts the NRWL Championship belt in the air again.*
JY: This... the NRWL Championship, means to much to me. It means that I am the top dog in this company. I really am The Star Player and I intend to be for a long time. You fans may not always like me but I give you everything I've got every night and I will continue to do so.
*The crowd, though still mostly booing, begins to split and there there is a minority of audience members who are cheering.*
JY: Unlike some other champions we've had, I know what it means to be the holder of this title and I know what it means to be defending champion. I won't hide from the challenges and I'll take every single one seriously. Being NRWL Champion requires nothing less. I don't know who will be my first opponent but you can rest assured that they will be in for the fight of their life. Johnny Young, "The Star Player", is the champion that the NRWL has always deserved and I will prove it.
*More fans begin to cheer. Suddenly, Ash's music starts to play and the crowd erupts into cheers. Johnny steps back to the ropes and leans against them while twirling the microphone in his hand, waiting for Ash to come down to the ring. Ash appears from backstage and slaps fan's hands on the way down and trying to get them pumped up. It doesn't take much effort, the fans are going nuts for Ash. He climbs into the ring. Johnny pushes off the ropes and stands in the middle of the ring to meet Ash. Both men stand face to face for a few moments. Finally, Ash cuts the tension by speaking into his microphone.*
Ash: Well, look at this. Hardcore Johnny Young... oh no, sorry. Regular Johnny Young. NRWL Champion! Congratulations! No! Truly! I mean it. You and I put together teams. The winning team captain would get a title shot. I have to admit it. The best man won. He did. Mikey Armstrong totally won that thing. Ever since that night, I haven't stopped asking myself, "Why, Ash? Why didn't you pick Mikey for your team?"
JY: Well, you didn't pick him, I did. And Mikey wasn't the one who got the most important job done. It was me who pinned Slam Jackson at the next event. It was me who defeated the NRWL Champion and that's what counts. Sounds to me like someone is just a sore loser.
Ash: Not at all! In fact, I couldn't be less sore. This isn't about that. I'm here for a completely different reason. You see, the color tournament was missing something that I think the fans really wanted to see. *Ash looks out at the crowd and shakes his head.* No, not an appearance by Red Love, though it would have fit the theme perfectly! No, the fans didn't get to see Johnny Young vs. Ash.
*The crowd bursts into cheers. Both wrestlers look around at the crowd. Ash smiles and looks back at Johnny.*
Ash: So, I was in the back listening to you and you said you'd be a fighting champion. We didn't get to fight as team captains, and seeing as you need an opponent, I think you've got your man. What do you say to that?
JY: Ash, you want a title shot against me? You want to challenge "The Star Player"? Well, you got it! Take a look at this championship belt right now because it's the closest you are going to get to it.
*Johnny holds the belt up once again. Ash is smiling as both men trade some inaudible verbal barbs. Johnny puts the championship belt back over his shoulder. Ash walks out of the ring first and Johnny stands in the middle of the ring for a moment before climbing the ropes and holding the belt high over his head. The crowd gives a mixed response for the new NRWL Champion. Jay Phillips picks up the microphone as Johnny leaves the ring.*
JP: It's official! Johnny Young will defend the NRWL Championship against Ash at the next event. Season Five is already heating up and we're just getting started!
