Champ Chaos!

[“Turn My Swag On” by Soulja Boy plays on the PA system and Scotty Paris, with Trixie, comes out from behind the curtain to a surprising cheer from the crowd.  On his way down the ramp he points to the belt and them to himself, smiling the whole time.  He and Trixie climb into the ring and Scotty takes a mic as his music dies down.  The crowd is actually cheering “Scot-ty!  Scot-ty!  Scot-ty!”]

Scotty:  It was only a matter of time.  I couldn’t be denied for much longer.  They tried to keep me down, but they failed!  They are failures, I’m a success!

[The crowd cheers with approval.]

Scotty:  I fought back against shifty backstage politics keeping me out of the title hunt.  I fought back from atrocious refereeing that denied me a title shot.  I fought back against injury that would’ve retired a lesser man.  And when the time was right, I made my move and used my guaranteed title match contract after they all forgot I even had one!  And here I am.  The NRWL Champion!  I can’t think of anyone more deserving!

[The crowd cheers, but is cut-off by Dropbox’s “Wishbone” as The 4 Elements come out from behind the curtain.  The cheers turn to boo’s as they make their way down the ramp and into the ring  They form a semicircle around Scotty and Trixie.]

Tommy V:  Congratulations on your cheap win, Scotty.  Boy, that was really a test of valor, what you did at the last show - coming out and immediately challenging someone who just went through a war of a match.

Marcus:  Yeah.  You want to talk about someone who has overcome the deck being stacked against him.  THIS man [points to Max Destruction] has been getting ducked and dodged during Bruno’s entire, unimpressive, title reign. 

Mikey:  Despite Max showing he’s got what it takes, he had to claw and scrape to get his title shot.  And while he was doing that, you were [does scare quotes] “recovering” from your injury, sunning yourself in front of your pool.  And now you crow about how you’re back from such an injury?  You don’t have any idea what it’s like to be REALLY injured, like I was!  The real miracle recovery story here is me, not you.

Max:  There’s two ways you’re leaving this ring in the next 2 minutes.  You’re walking out without the belt, or you’re being carted off without the belt.

[The 4 Elements slowly start advancing, when suddenly “Crying  Like a Bitch” by Godsmack starts playing the crowd erupts in cheers!  Bruno Kowalski and Marty Anderson make their way down the ramp and climb into the ring.]

Bruno:  Well, you guys have a lot of nerve.  Accusations, lies, and playing the victim.  It’s tired, and we’re all sick of hearing it.  For all the blah, blah, blah you guys come out here and spew, you haven’t really done anything except have a brief tag team title run, which I would contest that your
victory in that match was due more to dissension in the Sons of Darkness than anything you did.

Marty:  And on top of that, you guys promptly lost those belts...to Bruno and me!  And you’re not going to be getting them back any time soon.

Tommy V:  Oh, you guys really want to go there?  Typical of you Bruno and this caveman you align yourself with - deny us a rightful rematch for those belts and duck and dodge us.  You’re scared.  We all know it.  You can’t hide forever.  We’re coming for those belts and there’s nothing you or anyone can do about it!

[“Stain” by Full Devil Jacket starts playing and the crowd cheers even louder!  Johnny Young and Jacob Washing walk out of the curtain and down to the ring with serious intent.  They climb in and take mics.]

Johnny:  Aw yeeeeaah!  You guys need to slow your roll.  When you mention those tag team belts, you guys aren’t next in line. That honor goes to Jacob and myself.  We’ve done nothing but tear through every tag team we’ve been put up against.

Jacob:  We’re the #1 contenders for a reason. You JV’ers need to take your little club back to the treehouse you came from.  When you grow up and become men, then maybe you’ll be treated like some.  Until then we got nothing to say to you.  But Bruno and Marty, we’re coming for your belts the next show, so you--

Max:  Enough of this.  Scotty, you and me for that belt.  Here’s a sample of things to come!

[Max decks Scotty in the face.  Bruno charges Max but Marcus jumps and Thesz presses Bruno and starts pounding him in the face.  Marty kicks Marcus in the head to get him off Bruno while Jabob and Johnny lock up with Tommy V and Mikey.  Scotty gets up and runs and spears MaxIt’s complete bedlam in the ring as all 9 men pummel each other.  One by one The 4 Elements slither their way out of the ring and onto the ramp.  They yell at the other 6 people in the ring.  Scotty holds the belt up and waves at Max to come get it.  Bruno and Marty stand opposite of Jacob and Johnny, as the twosomes eye each other suspiciously.  The scene fades out.]

Calling Out the Champs

[Jay Phillips is standing in the interview set with Jacob Washington and Johnny Young.]

Jay: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here with Jacob Washington and Johnny Young. Gentlemen, congratulations on your impressive win last show over tag champs Bruno Kowalski and Marty Anderson.

Jacob Washington: Why aren’t we tag team champions, now?

Jay: Uh….it was a non-title--

Jacob: That’s right. A bullcrap non-title match! Johnny Young is the Star Player and former two-time NRWL Champion. I’m a pure athlete and unarguable they stand-out guy of Season 5. Why was that not a title match?!

Jay: I--

Jacob: I’ll tell you why, Bruno and Marty are scared! They know that the second they put those titles on the line against us, they lose them. Who do they grant a title shot to? The 4 Developments! A team they already know they can beat! Cowardice. Plain and simple.

Jay: Uh….Johnny? Care to weigh-in?

Johnny: Aaaaaa yeeeaaahhh!!! My man Jacob keeps it real! At the next show, no matter who is tag team champs, they put those belts on the line against us! And make no mistake, we WILL be the champs after that. But before that, we’re going to keep dominating the tag team scene by totally embarrassing that loser Storm Harrison and his enforcer, Caleb! The big man and the little man are go-wing dooooowwwwnnnn!!  Yeeeaaaah!

[Johnny flexes in front of the camera, smiling.]

Jay: What a packed card we have for tonight! I wouldn’t miss this for anything! The show, coming up next!

[Scene fades out.]

Reaching Critical Mass

[“Crying Like a Bitch” pumps over the PA system as the crowd erupts with cheers. Bruno Kowalski walks out from behind the curtain and the cheers gets louder.]

Jim “The Amp” Johnson: It just got really really loud in here!

WarHead: What?!?

[Bruno has the NRWL Tag Team Championship belt around his waist, and the NRWL Championship over his shoulder. He pauses at the top of the ramp, taps the Tag Team Belt, taps the NRWL belt, and raises it and his arms in the air. The audience roars with approval.]

Jim: It’s deafening in here!!

WarHead: No, I don’t want a root beer!! Thanks though!!

[Bruno walks down to the ring, fist-bumping fans on the way down. He climbs into the ring and takes a mic as the music dies down.]

Bruno: So…..who’s ready for Season 6?!

[Crowd cheers again. After a moment the cheers start dying down, but the audience starts chanting “Bru-no! Bru-no! Bru-no! Bru-no!”]

Jim: The crowd loves the champ!

WarHead: He reminds me of me.

Bruno: Thank you! Wow! Yeah, sounds like you guys are just as anxious as I am. I’ve been looking forward to this for weeks now! I can’t wait to be back where I belong - in this ring wrestling. Are you guys as pumped as I am? ARE YOU GUYS PUMPED?!?

[Crowd cheers loudly in affirmation.]

WarHead: I’d say so.

Bruno: Things are heating up quickly. We haven’t even had a match yet and already there’s a whole bunch of goings-ons! A bunch of guys in the back are already throwing their names into the hat to take a crack at my title. Let’s see, we have…..Johnny Young.

[Crowd cheers at Johnny’s name and starts chanting “John-ny! John-ny!”]

Bruno: …….Hardcore Adam.

[Crowd cheers and starts chanting “HCA! HCA! HCA!”]

Bruno: …….Tiger Johnson.

[Crowd cheers and starts chanting “Ti-ger John-son!” *clap*clap*clapclapclap*]

Bruno: …….Max Destruction.

[crowd boo’s and starts chanting “You sold out! You sold out!”]

Jim: No love for Max from the capacity crowd.

Bruno: …….and John Fraust.

[Crowd cheers loudly and starts chanting “Fraust! Fraust! Fraust! Fraust!”]

Bruno: I think all of them have a legitimate claim at getting a title shot. And you know what? Bring ‘em all on. To those gentlemen I say, I fully expect you to give me all you got. But when the dust settles, I’m walking away from each one of you with this belt!

[“Breathe Into Me” by Red starts playing and Jacob Washington comes out from behind the curtain with a mic. The music fads and he talks as he walks down the ramp.]

Jacob Washington: OK, Bruno. Are you done tooting your horn? Because I while I can’t speak for these people are out here, I can say that everyone in the back is done listening to you.

Jim: What nerve! He isn’t speaking for everyone in the back!

WarHead: Well...let’s hear him out. Maybe he is...

Jacob: Now, I’ll give those guys you mentioned their props. Their all title contenders. I can speak personally that Johnny Young is probably the most talented guy in the business after me. But the fact remains that nobody turned more heads last season than I did! Did you notice how the general consensus is that Season 5 was the NRWL best season ever? That’s because of Jacob Washington!

Jim: That’s not the reason!!!

WarHead: Yeah! The reason was me returning to commentary!

Jim: No it wasn’t!

WarHead: But I took a poll!

[Jacob is at the ring apron. He climbs into the ring and steps up to Bruno.]

Jacob: So, why don’t we cut through all the red tape and get down to brass tacks. People want to see Jacob Washington as the NRWL champion. You did your job as the placeholder champion, but you were NRWL then. I am NRWL...NOW. So, be a good worker and put that title on the line against me!

Jim: Complete disrespect for the champion!!!

WarHead: Well, not “complete.” He could’ve said worse. I probably would’ve.

Bruno: Did you ever stop to think that maybe the reason Season 5 was so popular is because of the champion? [Bruno taps the NRWL belt on his shoulder] There’s a bunch of reasons why the past 2 seasons were so successful. Particularly the influx of new talent. And speaking of which, the line at this belt just got a lot longer, and lot tougher.

Jacob: I know you’re not referring to rabble of HAW guys that just signed.

Bruno: As a matter of fact--

Jacob: Don’t even get me started on them! They have no idea what they signed up for! They probably think this place is the same as it was in Season 1, where guys like WarHead could be champion!

WarHead: Hey!!!

Jacob: Bruno, you and I both know this place is very different. And you and I both know that their caliber of talent doesn’t belong here. I’m just not scared to say it out loud like you are.

Bruno: I think you highly underestimate the talent of the former HAW wrestlers. If you bothered to do your homework and watch some film, you’d know there’s guys that are going to turn heads. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see some of them shoot up the ranks and get a shot at my belt very quickly.

Jacob: Don’t worry Bruno, that won’t be your problem, because that belt will be mine if they do. And when they do, I’ll handle them more easily than I’m going to handle you. Enjoy the rest of your time on top. If I don’t get to you first, Johnny will. Then, you can sit in the locker room and watch the main event for the belt between me and him!

[“Breathe Into Me” starts playing. Jacob drops his mic, taps the NRWL belt and says something inaudible to Bruno whle poking him in the chest. Bruno smirks and holds the belt over his head and the crowd cheers with approval. Jacob smiles and claps sarcastically and walks out of the ring. He walks backwards up the ramp smiling and trash-talking Bruno, who just stands in the ring with the belt high in the air.]

Jim: This season is going to be one for the ages!

WarHead: I can’t remember so much tension before a season. This thing is about to explode!

Jim: I can’t wait to see how everything unfolds! NRWL’s Season 6 is about to begin!!!

[scene fades]

Post-Event Actions

[“Crying Like a Bitch” by Godsmack blasts out of the speaker and the crowd erupts in cheers.  After a few seconds, Bruno emerges from behind the curtain and the crowd cheers louder.]

Jim “The Amp” Johnson:  We are less than 24 hour removed from the finale’ of Season 5, and we are graced with a visit from the champion!

WarHead:  The reigning, DEFENDING champ, Jim!

[The NRWL Championship belt is around Bruno’s waist and the NRWL Tag Team Championship is draped over his shoulder.  Noticeably jumping out are the series of butterfly bandages across his forehead.  Bruno stands at the top of the ramp for a moment.  He points to the NRWL Championship belt, and then points at the bandages on his forehead and smiled wryly, earning an audience pop.]

Jim:  Bruno, showing off some of the battle scars from last night.

WarHead:  He knows he was in a fight, that’s for sure.

[He makes his way down to the ring.  He climbs into the ring, grabs a mic as the music dies down…]

Bruno:  Let me start first by saying, Wow.  What a match, right?

[Crowd cheers with approval.]

Jim:  I’ll say!

WarHead:  It was no Flaming Castle of Doom, but yeah, great match!

Bruno:  That was, without a doubt, the TOUGHEST match I have ever been in.  You would think that knowing I won would’ve allowed me to sleep like a baby last night, but not really.  The doctors are certain I sustained a concussion and I didn’t get much sleep last night as I was to be woken every 45 minutes as a precaution.  Fraust is a warrior.  A fierce warrior.  I don’t want to say that I underestimated him, but halfway through the match, it became apparent that he was going to fight tooth and nail to take this belt from me.  He would not stay down.  At a point, it gets scary because you start to think about what you have to do to put someone out, and then you wonder if you're capable of performing such acts.

WarHead:  Truth.  I know that feeling all too well.

Bruno:  Luckily, sticking to my gameplan, I wore him down and caught a lucky break to where his body said “no more!” and I didn’t have to resort to anything that I would cause me to question my own integrity later.  I don’t think we--myself especially--have heard the last of Fraust.  And he showed last night that he still has a lot left in the tank.  I think that before he hangs it up, he’ll be holding this belt.  …...but not for a while, because here is where it’s staying for quite some time!

[“Wishbone” by Dropbox suddenly begins playing and The 4 Elements emerge from behind the curtain.]

Jim:  Oh, what are these guys doing here?

WarHead:  Look!  It’s Mikey Armstrong!  He’s walking!

[The 4 Elements make their way down the ramp.  They all get mics and climb into the ring.  Bruno looks on edge.]

Tommy:  What’s wrong, Bruno?  You look kind of tense.  Relax, we’re not here to make any trouble.  We simply want what's ours.

Marcus:  That’s right.  When Season 6 kicks off, we want it to start the right way, with The 4 Elements as Tag Team Champions.

Max:  Look at yourself, Bruno.  What happened to you?  You just kicked the crap out of Fraust, and now you’re out here buttering him up with hollow compliments like your some annoying girl posting on her friend’s Facebook pictures, “Oh girl, I love your shoes!  OMG you’re so pretty!”  Stop it!  It’s beneath you.  You destroyed Fraust.  Own it!  If Fraust beat you, I bet he would’ve owned it.  He would’ve come out here and said that he annihilated you as he predicted.  Not of this greasing each other up kind of garbage.  You make me sick.

Mikey Armstrong:  I have something to say.

[Mikey receives a small pop from the crowd.]

Mikey:  I am now medically cleared to wrestle!  After months of physical therapy and rehap on my leg, I was able to fight my way through paralysis and return to the ring.  The doctors said I would never chew food again, but I thought knew I would.  And here I am now, a walking miracle of the modern world!  And my first order of business is to be Tag Team Champion.  Now, hand it over.

Bruno:  Did you get a lobotomy or something while in the hospital?  I know I took a few hits to the head myself last night, but in what universe does a champion, who just took a severe beating to keep his belt--simply hand it over to someone the next day?  Check yourself back into this plane of existance, Mikey.  You want to hold a belt, you have to earn it!

Mikey:  You know, Bruno, that is no way to talk to a superior talent.  I was giving you a chance of having the honor of bestowing the NRWL Tag Team Championship belt to me.  I mean, on top of that, that belt is going to be worthless soon because due to my amazing recovery and re-entry, they’re sure to create a belt and name it after me and replace those Tag Team belts.  They’ll be called The Armstrong Championship belts!

Jim:  What nerve!

WarHead:  You have to admit….it does have a good ring to it.

Bruno:  This is ridiculous.  I don’t have time for this nonsense.  As NRWL and NRWL Tag Team champion, I have more important things to deal with.

[Bruno goes to leave but Tommy V. blocks his path.]

Jim:  Uh oh.

Tommy:  Whoa, where are you going, champ?  You don’t walk out on The 4 Elements.  When we’re done with you, we’ll let you know.

Marcus:  Yeah.  And what was it you said to Fraust?  “If you want the belt, come take it,” or something along those lines?  Well, what if we want to take that Tag Team belt now?

[The 4 Elements begin to close in on Bruno.  Suddenly, Marty Anderson runs out from backstage with a big shiner under his eye and a fat lip and tears down to the ring.]

Jim:  Marty Anderson coming to his partner’s defense!

WarHead:  Ouch.  That brawl with Tommy left its mark on his face, didn’t it?

[Marty slides into the ring and stands next to Bruno and yellow audibly.]

Marty:  You want to take these belts!  Go ahead and try!

[Marty turns and punches Tommy V right in the face.]

Jim:  Oh man!

WarHead:  Payback!

[Marcus jumps on Marty.  Bruno spears Mikey and starts pummeling him before being pulled off by Max and suplexed.  Tommy gets up and starts stomping Marty while Marcus drops knees.  Marty and Bruno turtle for protection.]
Jim:  Oh come on!  This isn’t fair!
[Suddenly, Johnny Young and Jacob Washington tear out from backstage and run into the ring.]

WarHead:  Johnny and Jacob to the rescue!!

[Johnny dropkicks Tommy while Jacob delivers a brutal clothesline to Mikey.  Marcus runs and Johnny but Johnny sidesteps him and pulls down the rope and Marcus goes tumbling over and smacks on the mat below.]

Jim:  It’s complete chaos in the ring!!!

[Jacob and Max are locked up but Johnny comes over and puts Max in a full nelson slam!  Max, Mikey, and Tommy all roll out of the ring, holding different body parts in pain.  The 4 Elements walk backward up the ramp, angrily staring at their foes in the ring.  “Stain” by Full Devil Jacket starts playing.  Marty and Bruno get up and join Johnny and Jacob in yelling at The 4 Elements from the ring.  Bruno and Marty hold up their belts as Marty gestures to come get the belt.]

Jim:  Wow!  What an ending to Season 5!!!

WarHead:  Or, is this starting Season 6 with a bang?!??

Jim:  I don’t know, but either way, what action!  I can’t wait to see what Season 6 has in store!

WarHead:  Me too!

Jim:  And I’m also looking forward to the Hall of Fame inductions, where a certain wrestler-turned-commentator is rumored to be a first ballot inductee!

WarHead:  Pssh!  Oh stop it, you!

Jim:  Tune in for the Hall of Fame ceremony and Season 6!!!

[scene fades out.]

Parallels

[Jim "The Amp" Johnson and WarHead are sitting at the ringside announce table. Jay Phillips is standing in the middle of the ring.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: Alright fans, we've got Jay Phillips in the ring and he's going to be speaking with a very promising young wrestler tonight in Jacob Washington.

WarHead: That's my line, Jim, and you didn't even do it right. It goes AAAALLLLLLLLLLL RRRIIGGHHHTTT!!!! See? You have to put the emotion into it.

Jay Phillips: Fans, my guest at this time... Jacob Washington!

["Breathe Into Me" by The Red begins to play through the arena and he casually walks down to the ring to a mixed, though mostly negative, reaction from the crowd. He steps through the ropes and stands next to Jay.]

JP: Jacob, when Season Five began many called you the future face of this company. We've got a big six man Tables Ladders and Chairs match coming up after the tag team tournament to determine the number one contender for Bruno's title. You, Jacob Washington, are one of the participants in that match. What is your mindset going into the match?

Jacob Washington: Jay, plain and simple, I --

["Stain" by Full Devil Jacket begins to play, cutting off Jacob. Jacob smirks and shakes his head while he watches Johnny Young step out onto the stage. The crowd begins to cheer loudly. Johnny has a microphone in his hand and takes his time walking down to the ring.]

WarHead: Jacob Washington barely opened his mouth. I envision this not ending well at all.

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: I'd have to agree with you, WarHead. I don't know what Johnny's game plan is here but I hope he came ready to fight.

[Johnny steps into the ring. The music dies down.]

Johnny Young: Jacob, you and I haven't really gotten along since you came here. That's no secret. Hell, we've already brawled in this ring in a number one contenders match before. You know.... I kind of hate you. BUT, I also kind of like you an awful lot. I've been trying to figure out why.

JW: Well, it's probably jealousy. I walk in here, make a name for myself, live up to the hype, and am poised to run guys like you into obsolescence. That's why you hate me. You like me because I'm just so good you can't help but be impressed.

[Johnny nods and ponders Jacob's statement.]

JY: A good theory. Definitely a possibility. Now try mine out. A gifted wrestler with a lot of hype around him comes to the NRWL. In a roster where there's some old favorites and a lot of new faces, he manages to live up to that hype, exceed it even. In time, he gets his well deserved title shot and wins the big one. From there, he takes off and builds a great career. Becomes the face of the NRWL.

JW: So you're painting a picture of my future. Amazing. Did you get that from some magic 8 ball? None needed. You only need to watch me to see that the future you described is inevitable.

JY: Well, maybe. I don't know. The truth is, I could actually see that happening for you. Only thing is, I wasn't talking about you. I was talking about the story of a "Star Player". I'm talking about me. Awww yeeaahhh!

[The crowd bursts into cheers. Fans are chanting "Johnny! Johnny!"]

WarHead: I never thought about it, but he's right. I was there! People thought Johnny was going to be this huge deal. Ten years later, the proof is standing right in front of us.

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: The parallel is there, for sure.

JY: So, let me get this out of the way first. In that number one contenders match, it's every man for himself and if I were a betting man in Vegas, I'd be wise to put my money on The Star Player. But I am getting ahead of myself. Before we get to that match, we've got a tag team tournament coming up. I want in that tournament. More importantly, I want to win that tournament. I looked around and decided that the best fit for a tag team partner....... is you.

JW: Are you serious? So you come out here, interrupt me, tell me that you will win a number one contenders match that we are both in - you're wrong, by the way - and then tell me that you want me as your tag team partner? No way I'm carrying you to the finish line just to share some gold.

JY: Your cocky attitude reminds me of me. Your ability to work under the pressure of the hype machine reminds me of me. You've got the look of a champion, yeah, like me. Don't get me wrong, Jacob. I really do see you as a top guy in this company someday. Championship gold around your waist is a no brainer. It will happen. I'm just saying... it'll happen a lot sooner if you team up with me. Think about it. Put your attitude in check for just one moment and consider what I've done. I'm not asking you to like me. I'm asking you to listen to that growling inside. That hunger for some gold. Jacob, you and I can take this tournament.

[Jacob grinds his teeth, looks to the ring mat, and shakes his head. He smiles and looks up at Johnny. Then he walks right up to Johnny until they are nose-to-nose.]

JW: Ok. I'll bite. Let's do this. I don't feel too good about having a has been like you weighing me down but taking the tag titles and then going on to win the NRWL Championship from Bruno would be nice. I am hungry for gold. If I can get a double helping, why not?

JY: Well then. That's that. See you at the tournament. Partner. Aw. Yeah.

[Both men stare each other down. Finally, Johnny steps back, eyes up his partner, and then steps through the ropes and out of the ring. Jacob's music begins to play as he stands in the ring and watches Johnny walk back through the stage curtain.]

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: This could be quite a force in the tag team tournament. That's all dependent on if they can even function as a team.

WarHead: Fraust and I weren't always on the same page but we had a pretty good run with Nuclear Winter. With Johnny and Jacob, neither one of these guys is fond of the other but they have the same goal in mind. If they can somehow keep their focus, they really might win this whole thing. It's a big might, though.

Jim "The Amp" Johnson: No matter what happens, we won't know until the tournament!

Matchmaker

*"What You Got" by Reveille blasts over the speakers and the crowd is instantly on its feet.  Ash emerges backstage with the NRWL Championship belt held overhead.  He makes his way down the ramp, slapping fans' hands and pumping up the crowd on his way.  He climbs into the ring and continues riling up the crowd.  After a minute, he puts the belt around his waist, takes the mic and the cheers quell...*

Ash:  Hey everyone.  Guess what?  The fans' favorite wrestler....IS THE NRWL CHAMPION!!!

*crowd explodes with cheers*

Ash:  Boy, does this feel good!  A guy can get used to this *shines belt around his waist with the sleeve of his hoodie*  My hat, if I had one, goes off to Johnny Young.  He gave me a tough fight.  But I knew it wasn't going to be a walk in the park because--

*"Breathe Into Me" by Red starts playing and Jacob Washingtong steps out to the stage.  He walks down to the ring and stops on the mat outside of the ring.  He takes a mic.*

Jacob:  I'm really sorry to interrupt your celebration here, Ash, but I just can't stand by idly and let you make an idiot out of yourself.  Listen to you!  It's embarrassing!  You're doing everything in your power to squeeze every last bit of approval from these people out here.  Are you really that insecure?  Just stop it already.

Ash:  Who.....*who* are you?  I'm sorry sir, but you must be lost.  It's a big arena so it's understandable.  Please see an usher and they will help you locate your seat.

*crowd laughs at Jacob*

Jacob:  *smiling*  Oh ho ho!  Aren't you a clever boy?  Cracking jokes and dishing out fourth-grade level digs.  Way to act the champion.  What exactly did you do to earn that title shot?  I'll answer that for you.  Nothing.  And now you're out here parading it around like you're great or something.

Ash:  I am great!  Just like these fans here!  You're not bad yourself.  You did quite well in your match.  But...you're a rookie, and that's all I got for you.

Jacob:  So you beat Johnny Young!  Big whoop!  He hasn't done anything worth anything his entire NRWL career.  And actually, neither have you!  In fact, I'll go a step further and say that EVERYONE who has ever held the best since Season 3, is a complete and total joke!  As of now, that belt really has no value, if any dork can hold it and it's not offered to deserving talent!

Ash:  Let's cut to the chase, Jacob, cause I'm done wasting time with you.  Your out here because you want a crack at this I'll bet.  Am I right?

Jacob:  Yeah!

Ash:  Why do you deserve a title shot?

Jacob:  I--

Ash:  I'll answer for you.  You don't!

*crowd cheers with approval.  Jacob smiles and rolls his eyes.  He walks over to the steps and climbs them slowly and steps into the ring.  He steps toe-to-toe with Ash and looks him in the eye, still smiling wily. Just then, "Stain" by Full Devil Jackets plays.  Ash and Jacob turn their gaze towards the top of the ramp, and Johnny Young steps out to a thunderous applause from the crowd.  He walks down to the ring, grabs a mic, and steps in and leans back against the turnbuckle.*

Johnny:   Aaawww yeeeaahh...how about we start talking about how the Star Player fits into all this?  Ash, who is this guy you let into the ring?

Ash:  Jared Wilkenson.

*Jacob turns to Johnny and stands right in his face*

Jacob:  My name is Jacob Washington.  You got something to say to me?

Johnny:  Jacob....Jacob...?  Oh!  You're the guy who said a minutes ago that I never accomplished anything in the NRWL.  Interesting...I didn't think being a 2-time NRWL Champion qualified as "not accomplishing anything."  Congratulations on your incredible display of ignorance.  I'm wondering when I'm going to get a rematch, because Jacob, you clearly aren't next in line for anything!  You are irrelevant.

Jacob:  Might I point out, that you lost your title....to THIS guy?  *Jacob points at Ash*  That's all the proof anyone needs to know that you are a bigger joke than he is.  But me, I'm the real deal!  I'm gonna--

*"Wake Up* by myDownfall starts blasting and "Hardcore" Adam comes out to cheers.  He also climbs into the ring with a mic.*

Adam:  All this talk about "rookies" and "deserving" and "next in line,"....you know, I'm usually pretty low key.  I don't ask for a lot.  I go out, I do my job, and I go home.  But it certainly seems that the only way you get cracks at the belt is by coming out here, beating your chest, and crying for a shot.  That's not my style, but if that's what it takes, then here we go.  Ash, congratulations on your first title win, but I'm better than you.  Johnny, you're the star player, but I'm better than you.  Jacob, you're tough as nails, but I'm better than you.  I want a shot at that belt.

*Tiger Johnson's theme hits and Tiger walks down to the ring.  He climbs in with a mic*

Tiger:  Ok, listen up everybody.  Everyone in this ring can might have a valid claim for a title shot.  But here's another way to look at who should get a title shot.  I've been in the business for a long time.  "Hardcore" Adam can attest to that.  Hell, I remember when he was just called "Adam" and was known as the "Master of Submissions."  But besides that, I'm the biggest man in the NRWL, I'm the toughest man in the NRWL, and I have the most devastating moves in the NRWL.  I'm sure Adam can vouch for the power of the leg.  So that belt should belong to the toughest guy in the federation, and that's me!

*Jacob, Johnny, Adam, and Tiger all get in each others' faces and start quarreling*

Ash:  Guys!  Guys!  Cool it!  I'm the champion, and not only am I the champion, but I'm also the fans favorite!  *crowd cheers*  I have my finger on the vein of what the fans want because I'm on the same page as they are!  And rather than listen to you guys all talk about how great you are, we want to see you show us how great you are!  So, I propose a Fatal 4-Way match between you, with the winner getting #1 contender and a shot at the belt the following show!

*crowd cheers are prospective match*

Ash:  But remember, once one of you proves that you're better than the other three, you still have the hard part after that - ME!  *Ash hold the belt overhead to a loud cheer*  Good luck, gentlemen.  I'll see one of you at the following show!

*"What You Got" blasts and Ash exits the ring, holding the belt up in one hand the his fist up in the other, pumping up the crowd as he walks backwards up the ramp.  The four men in the ring stare at him as he walks away, and then they all turn and face each other silently as the scene fades*

A New Face of the Franchise?

*”Breathe Into Me* by The Red starts playing over the arena speakers and Jacob Washington makes his way down to the ring.  He takes a microphone and looks around for a few seconds before speaking*

Jacob:  Well, for those of you who don’t know who I am, my name is Jacob Washington.  I was signed for the NRWL’s Season 5 because the management of this company knew that it needed a real kick in the ass.  And I’m the man who’s here to do that kind of ass-kicking!  This season we’re seeing some new faces, but we’re also seeing some familiar ones.  It really is a shame the NRWL went and wasted so much money signing a bunch of washed-up has-beens like Marcus, Tommy V, John Fraust, and—hell I’ve even seen WarHead walking around backstage!

*crowd erupts into cheers at the mention of WarHead*

Jacob:  Oh..ok.  Mm hmm.  *sarcastically, mocking the fans, twirling his index finger in the air* Yeah.  WarHead.  Woooo!  Yeah!  Go WarHead!  You’re the hottest item in the NRWL!  I sleep with a cardboard cutout of you!  Yeah!  *returns to seriousness*  See?  That’s what’s wrong with all of you people.  You worship guys who have no business even having their name known by you.  Tell me, what has WarHead done since he left the IRW?  Yeah, I went there!  But really, what has he done?  You can say he won the NRWL Championship in Season 1 as the first champion.  Yup, he won it on a fluky Fatal 4 way match, and proceeded to lost the title almost immediately after and hasn’t done crap since!  Yet you people adore him!

Then last season the NRWL brings in a whole new roster and you put your hearts behind me like Slam Jackson and Ash.  Together, they’ve amounted to a whole lot of nothing.  Slam might’ve won the title, but became invisible immediately after.  And once he lost his title, the fickle *sardonica, faux-stupid voice* “Slamnation” *end sardonicism* abandoned him.  Now look, he’s all depressed and left the company.  I’m sure we’ll find him on a sidewalk somewhere with a “The End Is Near” sign draped over his body, selling pencils form a cup.  And Ash?  When your biggest accomplishment is being the captain of a losing team, I think it’s time to find a new line of work.

It really is sad and pathetic when the best thing that came out of Season 5 was a scrawny little imp named Mikey Armstrong who lucked his way to a couple of surprise upsets.  If that’s the best you’ve got, it’s no wonder management went out to find someone like me, to put some respectability back into this roster.  You people need me, even though you really don’t deserve m----“

Voice:  Quiet.  Shut up.  Stop talking.

*Mikey Armstrong walks out from backstage and stands at the top of the ramp*

Mikey:  You know, Jac Dub, you were doing fine right up until the end there.  WarHead, Ash, Slam, sure I’ll grant you their not the greatest people to have to make your roster look good.  Where you lost me and everyone else who has three functioning brain cells is where you said that it was sad and pathetic that I was the best thing to come out of Season 5, while in the same paragraph declaring yourself some kind of godsend.  Do you not see what’s wrong this that??  I am undefeated.  I am amazing.  And I am a juggernaut.  And you…will be looking for a new line of work once everyone sees that you can’t hack it.

Jacob:  Is that what you think?  Alright!  You’re going to be my first stepping stone.  I’m gonna swat you like the annoying mosquito that you are!  I’m a pure athlete, and you’re just a shifty, shady, shaggy little dweeb!  After I’m done with you, the only reason people will call you amazing is that it’s amazing that you’re able to walk after the beating you’re going to get.

Mikey:  Boy, this sounds familiar.  Where have I heard this before?  …..Oh yeah!  From EVERY opponent I ever faced!  Keep dreaming Jacob, but try not to cry too hard when you finally wake up and realize it all was just you playing make-believe!

*Mikey’s music hits and he walks backstage.  Jabob stands in the ring, with a scowl on his face*