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Main Event: Sindicate vs. Frontrunners
Topic Started: Mar 28 2013, 03:59 PM (202 Views)
Bobbie Hearst
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=============== Right before showtime on 5/4/13 ===============

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddUKxUw1p_A[/youtube]

We are in the studio for EPSN once again, at the talk desk. We’re with professional wrestling columnist and reporter Bill Simmons, and boy does he look happy to have a segment all to himself!

”Welcome back ladies and gentlemen, I’m Bill Simmons still with you as we talk our way through Visionary Wrestling’s third showing: One Night in Rio. And we’re left with the main event ... and boy, is it a main event!

Now, long-time wrestlers will know all the names in this match. And fans of each will know the storied history of it all. But ... and forgive me fans, because you know I’m partial to this young lady ... but if you’re looking at this match and thinking that Sally Talfourd is the lynchpin to it all, you wouldn’t be wrong.

For two years, she set the benchmark in wrestling with Level-One. For the past six months, she’s been encountering Terry Marvin in these big-time events. And, in the past month and some, she’s formed what will likely be one of the most dominant tag team sin the industry with Rex Evans.

Now, given the performance that both these teams put on last time they met, I’m expecting big things. But we know what happens when Sally gets in the ring one-on-one with Lester and we know what happens when she gets in the ring one-on-one with Terry. Now, after some more time to refine their team, work on their communication, and gel together ... we’re about to see what happens when Sally and Rex get in the ring with Terry and Level.

It’s the Frontrunners taking on the ViW Tag Team Champions in the Sindicate and, boy, can I hardly wait for it! I just wish I knew what was going through the minds through these wrestlers’ minds going into this match ...


=============== In the early mornings of 1/4/13 ===============

There’s a party going on and we’re all invited. A whole bunch of young, fit, beautiful men, women and ... well, those people you can’t quite tell if they are a man or a woman. Anyway, we’re here in a large-ish hotel room. Crowded, the conversations are lively and the drinks are flowing. All these people look so happy, and why shouldn’t they: Sally Talfourd has notched up her first CRW win since jumping on board! If that’s not a reason to celebrate, there isn’t one.

Anyway, the more we look around, the less we see of the one, the only, the victorious Sally Talfourd. Where is she? This is her party after all. Anyway, as the crowds moves with its natural ebb and flow, we see that there’s a balcony out, letting any star-gazing lovers take in the majesty that Minneapolis has to offer. And it’s there we find the ever-beautiful and ever-picturesque ‘Last Magician’. And what a picturesque sight we have. She leans on the rails, the cool breeze blowing her hair back, the glint of the city catching her eyes. This is indeed a very happy woman.

”Sally! What are you doing out here!?” A gaggle of women come out to surround Sally, a cackle of laughter and splish-splash of full glasses to follow.

Sally, coming around, blinks a few times and then feigns a smile. ”Oh, you know: Taking in the view; getting some fresh air. It’s quite plea ...”

”Come back in! It’s your party!”

”Ladies, ladies ... isn’t there another megastar around here that just beat one of the most dominating and intimidating wrestlers in CRW to harass?” Matt (Manager to the Stars!) is here to save the day. He takes Sally around the shoulder and turns her back out to the view of the city. There’s some whispering behind the two, some giggles, and then Sally’s friends are gone. ”I figured you didn’t much want to talk to them?”

”Yeah, thanks,” Sally goes back to staring out at the world. ”Are we all set for tomorrow? Flights and all?”

”Yep, booked up. Bags were packed while you were out and CRW is sending down the gear that we left at the arena. It’ll be waiting for up ... so they aid. I don’t really ...” Matt catches that Sally is just, well, not even listening to him. Not even a word registered by the looks of her. ”Sally? Are you OK?”

”Yeah ... it’s just ...” Sally turns around to lean her elbows and back on the railing, looking inside (but certainly not a part of) the party going on. There’s merriment and celebration and a carefree attitude inside. But outside? Outside is different. ”I’m worried about Rex.”

”What? Rex your partner? Rex who is now the CRW World Champion? Rex who is about to win the ViW Tag Team Titles? You’re worried about him?” The shock and almost mockery drips off each word almost as much as a salesman trying to sell off a car. ”You’re worried about him?”

”I’m worried about his problems in prison? They guy watched his friends get killed off ...” Sally trails off, getting chocked up. The whole premise is about as incomprehensible for her as it is to anyone else. ”And as soon as he goes back in .... is he going to be safe?”

”Sally, look,” Matt comes to stand in front of his client, planting his hands on her shoulders, ”Let’s not pretend nothing’s going on with Rex outside the ring. Yeah, he’s in the shit. No one wants to be in his position. But, we need to focus on ViW and Rio, OK?”

Sally nods. Contemplation reads across her face. ”You’re right. That’s what’s best for Rex. We focus on our match, use this momentum from Vendetta where we’ve both walked out winners ... I can help Rex out in the only way I can: By winning these tag titles.”

”And how will that help him?”

”It’ll give him hope.”

=============== In the later night hours of 1/4/13 ===============

”Sally Talfourd! Sally! Miss Talfourd!” Journalists, resporters, and bloggers rush at our most favourite wrestler as she carts her way out of the airport terminal way down in Rio de Janeiro. They swamp her, eager to hear from her - even more eager to get a picture of her.

As the mob rushes at her with body and question alike, she looks bewildered, a little shocked. She expected a grand reception, but not one this grand. It’s at this moment Matt starts to earn his wage, getting in between the swarm and his client. ”Folks, Sally’s been on a very long flight, she’s got media and press events scheduled for the next few days, and in between all that, there’s training and preparation. So if you don’t mind ...”

Matt tries to push on, but one reporter is louder than the rest. ”Sally! A quick word on your Vendetta win?”

”Well, you know, I’m happy to start off my CRW career on the right foot.”

”And your expectations for One Night in Rio?”

”I expect it will be an even bigger, even better event than Clash of the Titans. Visionary Wrestling gets all the best form the industry and puts them in the same ring. How can you have a bad show with that?”

”You’ve had a long history with Level-One and Terry Marvin ...”

Sally starts to move through the throng, she holds up a hand to try and get through. ”I don’t think we’ve got time to go through three years of history. But, yeah, there’s a story there.”

”One last question! How is your partner going into this match?”

=============== 2/4/13 ===============

”Well? How are you Rex?”

”I’m world champ, how do you think I am?” Rex, for one of the first times we’ve seen him, grins at Sally. He pats his belt, resting there on the table that Nate was so gracious to bring to this meeting. He’s still in lockdown, but it’s a little more relaxed down here in Brazil.

”I mean ... with what happened back in prison?” Sally looks concerned, gazing across the desk with a serious worry in her eyes.

”Look, let’s put that aside. Nothing we can do about it. I’m focused on the match, I suggest you are too.” Rex draws a line right under any of that thinking. What’s done is done. ”If anything, it’s giving me a little something extra in this match.”

”Ok, ok. Good.” Sally starts to relax, resting back in her seat. ”Ok, so you remember after Clash, we sat down with my trainer Rob and we took it apart, bit-by-bit? Then we hit the ring?”

”Jesus! I remember that. That Rob ...”

”Yeah, I know. But he’s good,” Sally can’t help but smile. She’s known for ages how tough Rob can be. ”Anyway, I wanted to go over some of those things tomorrow in our training session. Matt’s organising to have the ring available for practice so we can get used to the setting. I, personally, haven’t been here before.”

”Me neither.”

”And we can, you know, work on those things that let us down last time. Tagging in, double-teaming, and the change-over. That will really tighten things up, I think.” Sally stands up from the seat, wandering over to the only window in the room. She looks out, then turns back with a smile. ”I can’t wait for this match. Honestly ... I’ve not been more excited for a match in a while.”

”Well, you get to step in against some old friends of yours.”

”Hahaha! Friends ...” Sally traisl off, her memories taking over. Before she can get too lost in them, she snaps back too. ”Yeah, we do have a bit of history. I mean, Level-One and I main evented, like, four or five pay-per-views alone.”

”And you don’t seem to be able to escape a match with Marvin these days.”

”Mmhm! APW’s Test for the Best, then Survive and Conquer, then Clash of the Titans. I mean, if it’s a big event, we’re meeting.” She wanders over to Rex, then comes to stand behind him. Then, suddenly, she slaps him on the shoulder. ”But this time? This time I’ve got you! CRW World Champion and a true tag team partner!”

=============== 3/4/13 ===============

The Sindicate.

You know a disease that, like, disappears from the face of the world and then ... BAM! It comes back, and it’s even more deadlier? Yeah, that’s what the Sindicate is to me.

You see, back in 2012 ... I had my run in with the Sindicate. I was almost a part of it. There was a match and it was either you or me going into that horrible, horrible group, wasn’t it Level-One? And I won. I escape their clutches and you were drawn in. Or maybe you were always a part of it? I was never quite sure about that.

Anyway, to say that this is only the second time I have come face-to-face with the Sindicate would be to ignore the past, well, three years of my history. But wait!, I hear you saying. Didn’t i just say my run-in happened in 2012? Well, yeah, I did. But my history goes a lot further back with you, doesn’t it Level-One, AKA Lester Only?

Before we get into it, Lester, let’s be upfront. You and I were the headline acts a year ago? Two years ago? That’s not to say that we’re, you know, washed up and past it. But that is to say that new talent - talent like Terry Marvin, talent like Rex Evans - they are walking in the footsteps we first laid. And you know what? Rex has a good measure of Terry. He’s had his encounters with Terry over the last months as much as me. But when it comes to you ... well, let me tell you that when Rex came to me and asked “How much do you know about this Level-One?” I replied ...

Absolutely everything.

I’ve known you for longer than anyone else in this business, Lester. I know Terry, but I know you Lester. I see how you work in tag teams ... and you just don’t the fact that you won those belts truly amazes me. It really does. You see, I have a record against you in tag teams. Teams where you are partnered with like and unlike both. And every time. Every. Single. Time. You have come up short. You always botch your teams. You always discard your partner, turn on your partner, blindside your partner. It doesn’t matter who they are.

When the going gets tough, Lester Only gets going.

That’s the essence of it. You’re not capable of sharing the limelight with anyone. And, again, I’m shocked and surprised that you’ve managed to last this long working with Terry Marvin. But, you never know, there’s always a dividing point and this match way just well be it.

Don’t get me wrong - I’m sure Terry has his questions about you as well. I’m sure he wonders every time he steps in the ring with you whether you’re actually going to leave him at the altar. But he trusts to you a degree. That’s Terry’s strength and weakness: He is capable of trust when he needs to. And in this match ... he’s got no choice. I see in him a desire unmatched by anyone I’ve ever met. And he wants to keep those titles. But to do that, he has to trust you.

But the big question is: Can he trust you?

I’ve seen the best and the worst of you Lester, and I know that if I was Terry Marvin, I wouldn’t be trusting you at all. That’s the bottom line of it all. No one can trust you, Lester.

Then you take a look at Rex and I ... and there’s no reason to not trust. There’s no reason either one of us would turn on the other. There’s no reason one of us might walk out on the other. It’s not just because we’ve got nothing to lose, but it’s because we trust each other. We want to work with each other. We want both of us to succeed, not just one of us. We can share, Lester. But we know you and Terry cannot.

That’s the essential difference between our teams, isn’t it? We want these titles because we genuinely want to be recognised as a team. Not as two individuals but as a team. We want these titles because it will show the world that a real tag team - a tag team that takes it all back to the roots of tag team wrestling - has returned to the ring. That a real tag team is here to remind the world what tag team wrestling is.

We work as a team in and out of the ring. We are a genuine team in this business of alliances and, well, partnerships of convenience. You and Terry are only hitched together because Terry’s the Level-One of two, three years ago, right? Terry is the immortal, unconquerable megastar that will help you get back to the top again, isn’t he Lester? And Terry ... Lester is the megastar you idolised to the point that getting any chance to work alongside him is a dream come true? I mean, let’s be honest here: We’ve all got dreams and aspirations, and you’re just fulfilling yours Terry. There’s nothing to hide about it, because ...

... that’s what Rex and I are doing. We’re living a dream. We’re living a dream right now. Competing on the world stage, wrestling with a proper tag team partner, wrestling for tag team glory. We’re both very accomplished singles wrestlers - much like you both - but now it’s time for a new challenge. A new phase in our careers. A phase where we work with someone we can trust. Where we work with someone who is deserving of glory as much as us. Where we work together to attain a greatness that has alluded us both.

Until now.

The only thing standing in between us and our dream is you two. You two wrestlers using each other for very selfish, very narcissistic reasons. You want to bump up your resume and your career records before it’s all too late. Lester, you’re getting on. Terry, you seem to be on the start of a farewell year. Neither of you look like you’re in this for the proper reasons. You’re not in this to give the fans a team to believe in. You’re not in this to show off the true art of tag team wrestling. You’re not in this to do anything but show off how great a pair of wrestlers you are. The Frontrunners? We’re here to be a team. To establish ourselves as a team. To e recognised as a team. Nothing more and nothing less.

And it seems that we have to beat you two to do that. The same way that, really, we had to do that last time. Doug and Noble? Yeah, they were there. But, in the end, it was you and me on those belts, Terry. And now it’s us four vying for the win again. There’s no Noble or Doug to get in the way. There’s no one to distract us. It’s just us four now, trying to see who the better team is. Who works better together. Who can function together. Rex and I know we can. We know we’re a better team than you.

Singles records and the like don’t count for anything here, just the match. This match. The one. The one where millions will be watching. The ones where ... actually ... you both know what a big match is like. You both know what a headline event is like. There’s no need to try and intimidate you both with all these expectations and mind games. Let’s face it: If there were fours wrestlers made for the big time events, with the world watching, it’s us. Let’s show each other the respect that, you know, we’ve all earned.

We’ve been in main events before. We’ve wrestled for titles before. We’ve even been across from each other before. But this ... this is different. This is bigger than anything we’ve done before. We’re wrestling for the ViW tag titles - no small accolade. We’re at the dawn of a whole new chapter in professional wrestling. Who should be the face of that? Who has the ability to earn that. Let me tell you this: Rex and I are hungry for that opportunity. We’re hungry to get in that ring and show the world that we’re ready to start a new era of wrestling by taking it back to the basics. Two wrestlers who work together, who gel together, who know what they are each thinking. Two wrestlers so ‘on the ball’ that they are the envy of any team that’s thinking of stepping into the ring.

That’s what you find in our team: An attention to detail that is unrivaled. A degree of skill and technique that is unrivaled. A passion for the art of wrestling that is unrivaled.

I’ve seen enough of both of you in the ring to know that you’re a little good at everything, but you’re not great at anything. You can wrestle, but you’re not a master of the technicals. You can work yourself up, but you can’t work with your partner. You can move a crowd, but you can rally them to get you over the line. That’s where Rex and I step in. We are masters of the technical. We can work with each other. And the crowd do love us. All of that together creates one deadly team.

You know, it’s easy to think about only one side of the coin. Because all this time, while I’ve been talking about how we have to beat you to be recognised as a true tag team ... so do you. I mean, you guys won the tag titles and all, but look at how you won them. A cluster-rumble if ever I saw one! I mean, I’m into some pretty crazy things (keep your mind out of the gutter!), but that was beyond the level of crazy I’m used to! I mean, look at how crazy I got! But, there in lies the Sidicate’s problem: You haven’t won them in a true and proper tag team match. Two-on-two and no distractions. This is the true test of tag teams.

So in as much as we are testing ourselves, so are you. You are at the same crossroads as us. Are you good enough? Are you team enough? Are you skilled enough? Do you deserve to hold those titles that you’ve got. That’s the real question: Do you deserve to hold the ViW titles? These titles that are full of prestige and pride. And now we have a match to determine who has the honour of holding them. Will it be the Sindicate - two men who hold the world of wrestling in contempt - or the FrontRunners - two wrestlers who epitomize this business?

Which of the two teams deserve to hold those belts? Which of the two teams can win those belts? I think we already know the answer to that ....
 
Tritch

April 1st, 2013 – The Hilton, Room 423; Minneapolis, MN

I can’t even describe the emotions that are going on within me.

Several of my friends were just brutally murdered and I’ve been horribly disfigured… yet somehow I don’t think I’ve ever been in high spirits.

Last night I did it. I destroyed him. I beat him. I took his belt. Just like I said I would.

My name might have been well known before last night. People might have been talking about my triumphs beforehand. But last night I finally feel like I proved myself.

In the past I proved that I can run with the big dogs, like at Survive & Conquer and Clash of the Titans. But last night I proved not only that I can run with them, but that I AM a big dog. I am a Frontrunner.

I am the Code Red Wrestling Heavyweight Champion of the Word.

And after next weekend, I will be one half of the Visionary Wrestling Tag Team Champions of the World, having beaten a multiple time True Expert and finally beating APW Undisputed Champion Terry Marvin.

I am here.

And I’m not going anywhere.





“How ‘bout a smoke, champ?” A whisper comes from over my shoulder, and I drop my pencil onto the desk. Before answering, my eyes flicker to the end table on the other side of the room, where the gold plates and jewels of my title glisten in the small slits of sunlight sneaking through the vertical blinds.

A smile creeps into my expression, and it is returned to me by Hank as I climb to my feet, accepting the cigarette in front of me. We walk to the balcony, where the fifty-degree weather is a bit of a letdown, stinging the exposed areas of our skin. We stand in silence for a few moments, much like we always do.

“You know, I wouldn’t be upset if you went home, Hank,” he turns to me confused, taking a deep drag as his eyebrows furrow. “In May, when I get out. They can assign me new escorts. You should go back to Appleton.”

His response surprises me: laughter. He chuckles before taking the last drag and lighting another for both of us. He looks at me, staring with a smirk.

“You don’t get it, man. Many may think you ruined our lives, but you didn’t. You saved them,” he looks to the ground, with what I can tell is a sad smile. “I got divorced, right before we heard about your case. I was miserable. And now? I’m escorting a world class athlete, appearing on television, and going to places like fucking Fiji.”

We fall back into silence for just a moment.

“Well, what are you going to do in a year when my probation is over?” He laughs again as we both finish out second cigarettes.

“I don’t know. Get a place in New York? You’ve turned me into a pretty big CRW fan,” he shakes my hand, but I bypass it and squeeze him in a hug.

“Thank you for saving me. And hey, maybe Talon can get you some kind of security job?” He nods, mulling it over as we hear the sliding door open.

“Trying to steal my world champion from me, Hank?” He holds his hands up in retreat as Ally steps onto the patio, gently wrapping her arms around my neck and pulling me down for a kiss. “How are you feeling, honey?”

“Like shit, but on top of the world,” she smiles at my answer, kissing me again. And again.

“Can I trust Sally to take care of you in Brazil?” She asks, but then her expression changes as she comes to a realization. “Actually, can I trust her at all? You still haven’t introduced us.”

“Of course you can,” I wrap my arm around her shoulders as we move back into the room, wincing in pain as last nights injuries start to resurface. “Sally is my tag team partner, nothing more. You’re going to have to get used to not being the only woman in my life.”

“I don’t think I like that idea,” sitting down onto the couch next to my brother, she curls up on top of my lap with a fake frown. “I don’t like sharing!”

She kisses me once more, on the neck, as my brother begins stirring awake. He climbs to his feet and walks to the end table, staring down at my championship belt with a smile.

“I can’t believe my brother is a world champion,” he says, rubbing the back of his head with a yawn. “Mom would be so proud.”

An awkward silence falls in the room, and Tommy then clears his throat and steals one of my cigarettes before walking to the patio.

“I thought I told you not to make it a regular thing?” I shout after him, but he slams the sliding door pretending he didn’t hear me.

“It’s hard being a parent. Especially to a teenager, and especially if you’ve never been one before,” Richard pipes up, staring at my little brother through the window. He changes his attention to me with a smile and a nod. “But you’ve done as good a job as possible, given the circumstances.”

“Rex, can I talk to you?” The words Rick has said to me barely have enough time to sink in, but the feeling is there. I’m… a parent.

Nathan stands in the doorway, his baggy carpenter pants and German military jacket telling me that he has been awake for hours. Sliding Ally off of my lap, Rick tosses me a wife beater and I pull it on as we step into the hallway.

“I wanted to start by saying something I haven’t yet really had the chance to say,” he looks at me with water welling in his eyes, which almost startles me. “You earned that title belt in there, and I am so god damn proud of you I could hardly breathe last night. Congratulations Rex, I mean it.”

He wipes his eyes, running a hand through his untamed brown hair and clearing his throat. He holds up a hand motioning to a conference room where there is a table covered in paperwork. I toss a confused glance his way, but he sends only a smile back and gestures for me to sit down.

“First I want to talk business. As you know, I’ve been trying and failing to get you sponsorship deals since we started this escapade. Prison makes it difficult to sell products, but now that you’ve got the World Heavyweight Championship and just about a month left…” a smirk creeps into his expression, and I simply nod with a smile.

“It’s like that Mike Jones song, huh?” We share a laugh and he shows me some of the paperwork and deals I’m being offered. Most of them, like Subway and Monster, won’t come to an agreement until I’m officially released. But…

“TapouT wants to talk to you, like, yesterday. You have to meet with them today and we’re going to push your flight to Rio back to tomorrow, because they want you in their clothing at all times while you’re in Brazil,” I can’t help but smile. Things are looking up. I’m going to be able to pay for myself, and for my little brother. Not to mention my mother’s hospital bills. Everything.

“What are we talking here?” I was never one to get into the money side of things, but at this day in age it’s important.

“Well first off they’re going to keep your closet and your gear bag fully stocked, but when you wear their shorts during any match you get five kay,” my jaw drops. Five thousand dollars just to wear some shorts. “Plus an extra thousand for any other event you wear their clothes at, televised or not. You’ll have to do some photo-shoots and interviews and stuff like that, but you will officially be a TapouT athlete.”

We move on to other business; setting up future deals with Young & Reckless and Musclepharm, renegotiating my Code Red contract, making my way to Insurgency to cap off my program with Gordon Fury. Business is booming, and I’m in high spirits.

Which is exactly why things crash so hard when Nathan decides to change the subject.

“I’m worried about you,” he says it so bluntly, and right in the middle of such an uplifting conversation. One second we’re talking about a one-year sponsorship contract with extension options, the next he’s making me feel like shit. “Your victory last night I think was the perfect way to mask what you’re actually going through.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” my fists clench, and at the mere sign of anxiety and discomfort my entire body starts to ache. Every bruised bone, every sore muscle, every centimeter of cut skin… they all throb simultaneously, letting me know that they’re fed up.

“I’m not trying to offend you, Rex. But you’ve been through a lot. Your mind is broken. It has been for a long time. And I’m afraid all of these incidents piling up is going to… I just… I don’t want you to become what you were last year,” his voice falters, and I can tell he is truly concerned. And he’s right.

Mendoza even said she thinks I’m manic-depressive. What if all of these things are piling up in my subconscious, just waiting for the right time to implode my well being?

“I just want you to try and slow down. Take everything in. Because if you just let it keep going like it has been, everything will accumulate to the point where you can’t take it anymore. And if that happens?” He pauses, and it makes me shiver. Because I know he is right. “Then you will be flipping tables, punching people in the face, and landing yourself right back in prison.”

My head droops, staring at the wood grain pattern atop the table sat between us. He is absolutely right. I can’t let things get to that point again. I can’t.

“Th-“ I try to speak, but the words won’t come. The room starts to spin as I start to think of everything. I place my palms firmly on the table, attempting to push myself to my feet, but I quickly drop to the floor in tears. Nathan rushes around the table, dropping to the ground and wrapping his arms around me. “THEY’RE ALL DEAD!”




Nathan and I had gone back to the room, pretending nothing had happened. But they knew something had changed. Hank and Rick have been traveling with me for a year, they can tell when my mood changes. And Ally knows how to read me. As soon as I had walked back into the room, she knew. Tommy was the only one left in the dark.

And now I sit in the back of a limousine, a day later but still just as upset, hood pulled tight over my face with my temple pressed against the window, watching the faces covered in rain as we drive through Minneapolis. Ally’s hand is in my lap, her fingers interlocking mine atop my championship belt.

“I can’t believe I’m going to fucking Rio,” he’s so excited. I was afraid I would have to shield him from certain things, like what’s happening to me in prison, but it seems like he’s just oblivious. Guess it saves me the hassle. Should I be yelling at him for swearing?

Fuck it.

“The police are waiting for us at the front doors. An entourage of four will be walking us to the security checkpoint, and we’re on our own from there,” Rick explains. “Try not to stop for autographs or anything, the police aren’t going to take kindly to that.”

Hank reaches over to my lap, waiting for Ally to let go of my fingers. She takes her time, but finally groans and lets him lock me in handcuffs. He then places my sunglasses on my face and a cigarette in my lips, lighting it and rolling down the window just slightly.

I never realized just how much Hank does for me.

“Alright, let’s go,” the car pulls to a stop, and Rick is the first out of the car, attempting to usher us out of the vehicle. I lean over to kiss Ally goodbye, and she sticks out her bottom lip.

“Be careful. I’ll miss you,” she whispers, kissing me once more as I step out of the vehicle. Hank wraps the championship belt around my waist, and within seconds I’m surrounded by police officers and my normal entourage.

We start toward the building; camera flashes and loud voices ring out around me. We don’t make it very far, as just inside we have to stop for Nathan to collect the tickets. Hank, Rick, and four police officers surround my brother and I as we stand just off to the side of the line. I take a second to glance around, and see a group of angry looking women approaching us. I tap Hank, as I notice they’re all staring intently at me. The one in the front suddenly yells across the room at me.

“You are a disgrace! What are you thinking?” Hank and Rick step between us, and I hear the women yelling things at the people around them, but the one in the front never takes her eyes off of me. I hear the police officer just behind me call for back up from airport security. “My sons are wrestling fans, and ever since they saw your career advancing they’ve idolized you. I caught my twelve year old smoking cigarettes last week, and my eleven year old got suspended from school for beating another student to a pulp.”

I hold my cuffed hands up in retreat, but take a step toward her to show that I truly am apologizing.

“Ma’am that was never my intent. I’m just trying to live my dream,” she cuts me off by throwing her hands in my face, getting visibly angry.

“You are a disgrace to this country. You broke the law, and you should spend your time in prison where you belong. The fact that they let you out to dance around our television sets setting bad examples for our children is a testament to how far gone our government is,” my shoulders drop and I look to the ground, shaking my head as there is clearly no way I can change her mind.

“Nothing will happen to you or your children. If you really disagree with the things that are happening, then turn off your damn television,” and I turn the opposite direction. I realize it was a poor choice of words, but when they aren’t open to changing their mind… what’s the point? She continues screaming at me, but then I hear a real scream.

I turn back to face the group, and they all turn the same direction. A woman is shoved to the ground as someone in a hooded sweatshirt is charging our direction. I am frozen in place, but my heart sinks and my body trembles, as I know what’s going on. I can see his face beneath the hood, and a familiar tattoo is just beneath his left eye. It resembles a scar I recently received.

“Viva los chicanos! Para Spider!” He screams as he nears us, pulling a gun from his waistband and pointing it at me. Everything slows down around me. The women in front of me duck down, and the police officers behind me won’t have time to get between us.

One of three things is about to happen. I’m going to be shot. My brother is going to be shot. Or Rick is going to be shot. I’m not letting two of those things happen.

My eyes close while twisting my wrists inside the cuffs. A deep breath and a scream of pain escape my lungs as I rip my arms outward as hard as possible. I hear the pop, and the pain shoots up my arms as the handcuffs snap, but I take no time to let it register, using all of my strength to shove Tommy and Rick out of the way.

And the gunshot rings out.

I think my heart stops.

But I feel no pain.

My eyes open, and I see Hank sprawled out on top of the shooter, wrenching his arms backward for the local police to handcuff him.

I exhale deeply, a sigh of relief. But the women in the airport? They just got exactly what they wanted.




April 2nd, 2013 – Airplane; En Route to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

The hits just keep coming, right?

On one end of the spectrum, I’m on top of the world.

March started with a draw to Sally Talfourd and a tag team victory over Terry Marvin, Michael Callahan, and Gravedigger. Then Clash of the Titans happened.

Sally and I beat Guv’nor, Jason Kash, and Neon Pegasus in the first round, establishing ourselves as a tag team. Then we went on to defeat EMPIRE, the very established tag team of Juan Ramirez and Santana, to prove that we were a good tag team.

And then the main event happened. APW Undisputed Champion, Multi-time True Expert, Current True Expert, #1 Contender to the True Expert, a former APW Undisputed Champion… and me.

All of that talent in a TLC match for the Visionary Wrestling Incorporated Tag Team Championships. What the fuck was I doing in there?

All of those veterans, all of that experience in the ring… and then there was me, an Extreme Tournament choke still in his rookie year. So again I ask, what the fuck was I doing in there?

Proving to myself that I had what it took to be there. Proving to myself that I belonged in there. And though Sally and I still walked out runner-ups, just one month later we are challenging for those belts again. So I think I accomplished what I set out to do.

And I had hoped it would be all uphill from there.

March 8th, Trent Stone passed out in the Breathtaker. Two days later I sent Wayland Jackson to the hospital after knocking him out, confining him now to a wheelchair.

But those victories didn’t matter to me. Because while they were happening, Brandon Garcia was still playing mind games. Brandon Garcia was fucking with my head, and putting my family in the hospital.

So when I lost to Rowyn Starr, something snapped inside of me. But that leads to the other end of the spectrum so I’ll skip over that for now.

Because two nights ago… I finally did it.

Six police officers walked me down that ramp and locked me inside the cell. And then the man who has tortured my friends and I for months, the man who has pushed me to do things I would never do, the man who is the reason my psyche is broken walked down that ramp and made the mistake of locking himself in the cell with me.

I finally proved that one on one I am the superior athlete. I destroyed him. I won.

I am the Code Red Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion.

And in three days I walk into my second shot at the ViW Tag Team Championships with Sally Talfourd.

So high spirits, right?

Wrong.

On the other end of the spectrum…

March twenty-fourth seven of my close friends were murdered. I was beaten within an inch of my life, leaving bruising all over my body. Then they used a shiv to carve a teardrop beneath my eye and a letter x over my heart.

Earlier today, a bunch of angry mothers called me out for what I do. I’m not the one who makes the laws; I’m not the one that decided to let me leave prison. Why blame me? I made a mistake and I pay for it every day. But I’m going to do everything I can to accomplish my goals and my dreams.

Then shortly after, I had another near death experience. One of the gangs that attempted to kill me in prison was known as the Chicanos. Today in the airport, one of their gang members decided to pull a gun on me.

So everything isn’t exactly roses for me.

But this match in Rio is more important than me. I have to put my all into this because I’m not just fighting for me; I’m fighting for Sally.

And there are no excuses this time.

We’re not going through three rounds this time. We don’t have to worry about who we’re facing. We’re having one match, and we’re wrestling two people.

Terry Marvin and Level One.

The Sindicate.

The ViW Tag Team Champions.

And though Lester is an incredible athlete with accomplishments I could only hope to reach half of, I’m not walking into this match wanting to beat him. Maybe one day he and I will see each other across the ring and it will mean something. But right now?

I’m going to be looking across the ring at Terry Marvin.

I’m going to be looking across the ring at the man that made me tap out at Survive & Conquer. The man that cut the biggest accomplishment of my career at that time just short. The man I haven’t been able to top other than in giant tag team matches that barely saw the two of us tie up.

Friday is about Rex Evans vs. Terry Marvin, and Level One vs. Sally Talfourd. Sally and Lester have years of history, Terry and I have months. But proportionally, it’s equal, because I haven’t even been in the business for a year.

So when the Frontrunners walk down that ramp on Friday, I’m going to be looking to do two things.

First and foremost, to walk out of the HSBC Arena with one half of the Visionary Wrestling tag team championships.

And the second?

To prove that I am as good, if not better, than the Real Show.

To redeem my loss at Survive & Conquer.

My thirst for vengeance was quenched on Sunday when I decimated Garcia, but making Terry tap on Friday could take a close second.

Lester, Terry, your reign is going to be cut short.

Sally and I are planning to fly out of Rio with championship gold around our waists, and we will settle for nothing less.





“Hey Nate, you think you could post this one on line somewhere?” I set down my pencil, ripping the pages out of my journal and handing them to my manager.

“You sure man?” He asks, a puzzled look on his face.

“Yeah, it’s about time I give the people something to read again,” and with that I lean the airplane seat back, closing my eyes to focus on the match.

I can do this. We can beat them.

Suppress the pain.

Don’t think about it.

Focus.
 
Tmarv

1 month! That’s all the time we had to sit on top of the Tag Team throne. And just like that we face extinction. We won’t go the way of the DoDo.

The Frontrunners are poised to knock us off our perch. Others have tried to dethrone me. Folks have been trying for long over a year to knock me off my high horse.

They’ve failed then.

They’ll fail now.

But one has to ask about my partner Level One. How committed is he to this team. How committed he to these titles. How much does he want his individual glory back.

I thought I could lighten his mood with a couple well placed pranks.

I thought I could improve his mental state.

I thought I could prepare him for the change that is coming.

I thought that leaving Overdrive would give him everything he’s ever wanted. He had a chance to shine now. He had his moment to be out of my shadow, to no longer be under oppressive rule. I did this for Lester.

I thought maybe he’d appreciate that.

I guess what I think rarely matters.

I hope he’s ready… I hope his head is on strait. Cause this is bigger than he is…


April 1, 2013 – April Fools Day
The Saboteur - Terry Marvin


“Don’t you think this is a bit juvenile?”

Felipe DeLoren stands in the doorway of a dressing room. The walls of the dressing room are littered with pictures of teenage girls, most with lipstick stains on them. He’s talking on his cell phone and the other voice is laughing.

“So what’s your point?”

The APW Undisputed Champion and One half of the ViW Tag Team Champions the Sindicate shouts out from the other end of the phone.

“He’s not gonna like this.”

“Uh, that’s kinda the point! ”

Terry scoffs from the phone as into the room with Felipe walks Olivia Munn looking not too pleased to be there.

”Where’s he at?”

Felipe holds up the phone with a smirk. Olivia looks at it with a look of disbelief. She rolls her eyes and takes the phone.

”Seriously? You beg me for this favor and you don’t even show up? “

”I’m on a fucking airplane right now. I’m a busy guy after all.”

”I assume SHE’S with you? “

She didn’t even try to hide the bitterness and venom in her voice.

”How was your threesome anyways?”

The comment caught Felipe off guard as he almost dropped the phone and coughed a bit. Olivia looked like she just got kicked in the gut and tried to save face a bit.

”Honestly, don’t you think this is a little juvenile?”

“That’s the point! Why does everyone keep asking that? Jesus, what is wrong with you people all of a sudden? There is absolutely nothing wrong with playing a good joke, especially if it’s at the expense of a Tight ass like Level One!”

Terry laughs but Felipe and Olivia seem a bit on the annoyed side.

“He’s gonna be pissed! You know this, and yet you still wanna push his buttons just a few days before you guys defend the Visionary Tag Team Titles. WHY?”

A loud sigh comes from the other line. Felipe and Olivia wait impatiently as Terry starts to explain.

“Look, Level One needs to lighten up. With everything that’s been going on lately and all the stress that he’s been under, that YOU’VE put him under Felipe, I just want to give him a laugh. Especially since he’s about to be the head hancho on Overdrive again!”

Felipe Nods in almost a understanding, but Olivia looks on as if she’s completely confused. She goes to question this but Felipe puts his hand up and shakes his head. He turns back to the phone.

“But THIS isn’t going to make him laugh, Terry. This is going to make him want to punch your teeth in. And since you’ve both got the Frontrunners in FIVE DAYS, perhaps you should both be a well oiled machine?”

There is a long pause on the other end of the line and Felipe thinks that MAYBE he got Through to Marvin.

“Just fucking do it! The LeWinters are already on board… GET THERE.”

Or Not! Felipe almost crushes the phone in his hand. He takes a deep breath and continues listening.

“If he get’s pissed, he’ll channel it against Sally and Rex and we’ll still keep these titles. Our partnership never had a DAMN thing to do with us being friends or even liking each other. It’s always been about business. Deep down, Level One is a soulless business machine. He’ll make the right decision for his career. Meanwhile, I’m gonna have fun with him!”

A loud laughter is the last thing we here before the line on the other end goes dead. Felipe seems furious as he looks at Olivia who seems to be smiling all of a sudden. He glares at her.

“HE better be down with this.”

”He already is, Trust me.”

Felipe looks at her disconcerned and is about to say something when screaming fans can be heard down the hallway. They both back further into the room as a commotion can be heard right outside.

In a flash the doors burst open and in runs a young looking man with his head covered and two mountainous body guards on either side. The boy takes the blanket off his head and reveals none other than Justin Beiber.

Justin and Olivia hug and exchange pleasantries before she introduces him to Felipe.

“What Up Pops?”

Felipe mouths the word “Pops” to Olivia as he’s seemingly getting upset. But she waves him off.

“So you the dude gonna hook me up with Level One. I’m a huge fan, and when I heard he loved my music, I couldn’t wait to meet him…”

Felipe and Olivia can’t hide their smile as it seems they’re finally getting into the pranking mood!




The raucous laughter can be heard as Felipe and the LeWinter sisters are sitting around with Terry Marvin on a conference phone and having a good old time.

“Seriously?”

Felipe, who has tears coming out of his eyes nods his head.

“When Justin handed him the new ‘Level One Theme song’ remix of “BABY” I almost pissed my pants.”

Terry sighs satisfied.

“I’ll admit, that was worth it. He won’t talk to any of us. He just sits up in his office and won’t come down. I think you might have broke him.”

The sisters both smile and look at each other, still giggling

“I can’t wait till part too.”

The LeWinter sisters both laugh and cheer in anticipation. Felipe’s smile fades instantly.

“Part 2? ”

“Of course. Every great master prank has 3 parts. Two smaller ones to set up a HUGE bombshell. Part 2 is gonna be a doozey.”

“Why didn’t I know about this? ”

“Trust me, you want to be as surprised as everyone else!.”

A knock on the door can be heard as the LeWinter sisters look like they just peed themselves in anticipation. Felipe looks at the door as the knock comes again. He slowly rises up and cautiously and goes to the door as the sisters compose themselves. He opens the door and in walks a stern looking President Jeff.

“Where is he?”

Felipe looks at the LeWinter Sisters for an explanation, but they just shrug innocently. Felipe goes for the phone but notices that nobody’s on the other line. He swallows hard and looks at President Jeff.

“Mr. Jeff, what brings you to our fine establishment?”

“Level One… where is he?”

The girls quietly snicker.

“Well, these are Sindicate private offices, so you can’t just barge in here. I’ll let him know you’re looking for him and he’ll get back to you in a couple days.”

“BULLSHIT!”

Jeff reaches into his briefcase and pulls out papers. The sisters laugh, making Felipe increasingly pissed off.

“If Level One wants to make demands and threats against me, that’s fine. But I’m not going to just sit around and take it anymore. I’m going to fight back. And in this case, I’m simply going to give him exactly what he wants. Where is he?!”

Felipe calls for an office aid to take him through the back.

He quickly picks up his phone and dials, impatiently waiting as it rings. A laughing voice comes on the other side.

“What did you do?”

“Me? I didn’t do a damn thing. Level One sent a few choice emails to President Jeff.

Well, they came from his email account anyways.”


“WHAT DID YOU DO?”

The LeWinters burst out into laughter. Terry does the same on the other end.

“Let’s just put it this way. Level One finally expressed his distaste for being on Overdrive. It seems that Thursday Nights no longer fit into his schedule. But don’t worry Felipe, you can still catch him on APW programming…. EVERY MONDAY NIGHT!”

The laughter grows louder and louder, but Felipe doesn’t see the joke and runs after President Jeff.




”You’re a son of a bitch!”

Level One bursts into the Office where Terry Marvin’s face is posted on a large HD monitor. Felipe DeLoren is sitting there looking annoyed by the coming argument.

Terry chuckles a bit at the rage on Level One’s face. He shakes his head and grins.

“What’s the matter Lester? You can’t take a joke!”

Level One doesn’t even blink.

”Ha Ha, real fucking funny. I almost killed Justin Beiber. Did you REALLY want me to go to jail for murdering a little girl?”

Felipe chuckles a bit and Level One stares him down.

”And WHERE the fuck are you?”

“Why, I’m out promoting the Sindicate brand of course. Being the face of APW and the face of the Sindicate, I have to get our message across. We can’t all lounge around and play with jail bait pop stars.”

This doesn’t help to quell the fury within Level One. He shakes controllably.

”The Face of the Sindicate? Well I think it’s time for a facelift. I’ve got half a mind to cash in my billion dollar briefcase.”

Felipe’s eyes widen.

“Come on Guys… we’ve got more important things to do. We’ve got a VIW tag title match this week. We should be focusing on that.”

”Sure, we can, right after I become the Undisputed Champion. Then you’ll know what it’s like to be in the back seat.”

“That’s a good thought, but you can’t cash that in on me this week. ”

Level One scoffs a bit.

”See! Now who’s backing down? I knew you were afraid of taking me !”

“That’s not what I mean… You literally can’t cash it in on me. I’m no longer on Overdrive.”

Level One’s eyes go wide but only for a second. Felipe puts his hand in front of his face to shield his eyes from Level One’s reaction. But Level One starts laughing.

”THAT was your grand finale of a prank? It’s kinda weak don’t you think? Like I’d ever believe you were Switching to Asylum.”

“Except it’s not a prank. It’s true, I’m leaving for Asylum and taking the Undisputed title with me.”

Level One keeps smiling and shaking his head.

”Give it up! This April Fools thing is played out. I’m over it. You can stop now.”

Terry’s facial expression never changes and this causes Level One’s face to question it a bit. He looks at Felipe who gives him this look of “It’s True.” Level One’s smile disssapears as he glares at Marvin!

”Tell me you’re kidding.”

“Afraid not!”

Level One is FURIOUS AGAIN!

”THIS IS BULLSHIT! After all I’ve done. After all We’ve done to make you what you are… you’re just abandoning us, abandoning the Sindicate?”

“Whoa… You don’t get it Level One. I’m not abandoning anything. I’m doing this for you, for the Sindicate. I’m taking the reigns of Asylum and you’re in a position to take charge of Overdrive…”

Level One pauses, processing this information.

“This is our chance. This is what we’ve been waiting for. The APW is completely controlled by Sindicate members now… All you gotta do is cash in that title shot and APW IS OURS!”

Level One looks at Felipe questioningly, still not sure if this is bogus or not. Felipe nods and Level One looks up at Terry, still processing.

“Look, we can bicker back and forth all we want. The fact of the matter is this… We have to defend the VIW Tag Team Titles against Sally and Rex Evans… A MAJOR force to contend with. These titles…the ones that we busted our asses for… The ones that solidify us as the greatest tag team in the world…the ones that 17 other teams tried and failed to obtain. We’re not in the business of FUCK TAG TEAMS anymore Level One. We’re in the business of making the Sindicate the most dominant brand in wrestling history!”

Level One just looks down contemplating what he said.

“So what do you say we quit arguing and do what we do best… Make Sally our personal BITCH, and bring Rex down with her?”

Level One thinks about it for a second, then he looks up at Terry and smiles a confident smile!




Pranks and Practical Jokes are all well and good, but the time for fucking around is certainly over. When a couple of entitled, arrogant ass clowns get up the gumption to try to STEAL what is rightfully mine, NOBODY is laughing!

The FrontRunners, Sally Talfourd and Rex Evans, are salivating at the chance of ripping the Visionary Wrestling Tag titles from the grips of the Sindicate after we battled through 3 brutal rounds and literally HUNG on for our lives just to touch them. It’s a JOKE that we’ve gotten so little time to bask in our glory. There certainly is NO rest for the wicked!

Don’t get us wrong, we know we’re the wicked. We know we’re the scourge of society that the world wishes they could be rid of. And someday, maybe a hero will rise up and strike us down. Someday, maybe we’ll get what’s coming to us.

But it won’t be today.

And it won’t be the Frontrunners!

Sally Talfourd has got some nerve placing herself in the FRONT of anything! For just under a year and a half she’s been looking at my ass from a very VERY far view in second place. EVERYTHING Sally tried to accomplish this year… I beat her to it! Everytime Sally got close to something… I snatched it away.

What’s wrong Sally, just can’t quite cope with being SECOND best? It’s hard, isn’t it? To admit to yourself that you’re not as good as you thought you were. To admit that there’s somebody out there better. You got used to perching on the golden throne. Now that it’s gone it feels like a piece of your soul is missing.

Don’t worry Sally, I’ve got that piece in the palm of my hand. I am slowly squeezing and squeezing until I’ve drained the last ounce of energy and it crumbles to dust and ash scattered into the South American ether sphere.

I know you hate me Sally… a hate driven out of pure jealousy. Your story wasn’t over yet, and here I come swooping in and stealing the spotlight… such a sad little tale. I guess I shouldn’t be so mean to you though, after all, I wouldn’t want you packing it in and cowardly running away like you’ve already done once. See that’s the Sally I remember! Not the great warrior that took Level One to the wood shed SOOOO many times. Not the proud woman standing tall in the basking glory of the fans.

I remember the Sally Talfourd quietly walking away from everything. NOBODY noticed. NOBODY cared. How does it feel to have a great run end in a whisper? Personally it would plague me every day of my life. It would eat away at me, force me into a fit of depression! NOBODY deserves to just disappear.

And here’s your chance isn’t it Sally? Here’s your chance to be remembered. Here’s your chance to stand up like a spoiled infant and scream “I’M STILL HERE. PAY ATTENTION TO ME DAMMIT.”

Once again Sally, you will be trumped by GOD’S GIFT to Wrestling as I dangle these titles in front of your eyes as glorious bait. Just when you think you’ve got your fingertips on them, I’ll yank them away and you’ll tumble and fall just like you always do when I’m on the other side.

Just like Test for the Best.

Just like Survive and Conquer.

I am your Kryptonite, superwoman. I’m your unicorn. Beating me is that great magical creature that people tell you DOESN’T exist, that’s a figment of your imagination. YOU know they’re wrong… though like most things in life, you FAIL to prove it!

But you’re not the only Frontrunner here are you? No, no… you couldn’t possibly do this alone concidering your past failures. You went out and recruited some help, albeit you could have probably aimed a little higher than a resident of the Department of Corrections.

Rex Evans shouldn’t be defined by his status as a long term inmate. People make mistakes, and I have a high amount of respect for Rex and all he’s managed to overcome given his unique situation! Especially as he stands tall as the CRW World Champion! He should hold his head up high, proud of his accomplishments.

However, don’t confuse respect for admiration! You may have conquered the CRW crown, but don’t think for one second that means a DAMN thing in the grand scheme. Cause tomorrow night you face down a demon far greater than your past, far greater than Brandon Garcia. Tomorrow Night you come face to face with the GREATEST collaboration of wrestlers this world has ever seen. The Sindicate takes whatever the fuck we want. The Sindicate DOES whatever the fuck we want. And some little prison bitch from the wrong side of the tracks isn’t going to change that!

You know what I can do Rex… you’ve seen it at Survive and Conquer. You saw it at Clash of the Titans. I don’t have to brag and boast to you cause you have FIRST HAND experience. So you know that I won’t stop, won’t rest until I’ve struck down every single thing that threatens me, that threatens the Sindicate, that thereatens our spot on the golden throne. You’ve seen me cling to these belts, LITERALLY. You know that to take them from me, you’ll LITERALLY have to kill me. Now I know you’re capable of that… But can you physically do it?

Can you mentally do it? Are you in the right frame of mind after watching your closest friends inside that living hell be systematically slaughtered? Or is that little hint of doubt creaping into the back of your mind. That little voice that says… YOU are alone Rex. That’s why you’re so desperate to win these titles. That’s why you’ve thrown everything you have into this partnership with Sally…cause you know that when this all goes terrible wrong like it’s bound to that you’ll be alone.

You’ll have no titles to keep you warm.

You’ll have no Sally, cause why would she continue to associate with a man who’s constantly failed her?

Am I supposed to feel sorry for you Rex? Am I supposed to have sympathy for a man who’s only outlet is the Wrestling world? WE’re the FUCKING SINDICATE! WE feel sorry for no man. And when we crush your hopes and dreams in Rio, when we take the one thing that you cling to…that you hold on to... When we pervert the world of Wrestling for you.. you’ll be left with NOTHING!

I’m not a cruel man Rex… I don’t want to take that from you. I don’t want to send you into that dark festering depression. But I will. And I won’t lose a second’s sleep over it either.

That’s how much these titles mean to me REX, that I’d rather see a man I respect torn into a hopeless mess than give them up.

The Sindicate may not be the most cohesive unit around. Level One and I may bicker like an old married couple every single day of our lives. But when we step in that ring, When the lights go down, and crowds come out, and the fans line the stands in hopeful anticipation, THAT is the moment we shine. THAT is when nothing else matters and we form this unbreakable chemical bond. NOBODY can shatter that. Nobody can break that.

The Sindicate is here to stay and it’s time for all you mindless peons out there to accept that fact. When you think wrestling… you think Sindicate. When you think Visionary… you think Sindicate. WE infect your mind. We infect your soul. We infect your life.

Try as much as you want, but there is no cure, there is no vaccination.

At One Night in Rio, we’ll walk into that building as the GREATEST Tag Team this world has ever seen. We will step into the ring with a pair of runner ups, with a pair who have perennially fallen by the wayside when the chips were down and EVERYTHING was on the line. And the Front Runners will again fail to live up to that name. They will run behind. They will fall behind. And when all is said and done, Sally and Rex will be shaking their heads wondering what they could have done differently, what they could have done more.

And the answer? Absolutely NOTHING!

You’re clashing with GODS! You’re clashing with an entity beyond your pitiful comprehension.

Sally Talfourd will once again know despair.

Rex Evans will once again know loss.

At One night in Rio the world will once again be chanting for the heads of the Sindicate, will be praying for a great champion to rise up and strike us down. They will be disappointed. They will ALWAYS be disappointed.

Level One is the greatest champion to ever grace a wrestling ring. His know how and perseverance has constantly been put to the test and he always comes out on top. He’s been buried by Felipe DeLoren and made to look like the puppet to the Sindicate… but things are not always as they seem. Level One isn’t my understudy… he isn’t my backup. Level One is my partner…he’s my equal. We’re on the same page, and we are un-fucking-stoppable.

Bring everything you can Frontrunners. We’ve handled it before. We’ve sent you back to that locker room licking your wounds and hanging your heads. It’ll be a familiar memory to you both.

This is still the Real Show Era.

This is still the Season of Showtime

I will not be stopped.

I will not be held down.

I am a visionary…and like any true Visionary I will fight and battle and innovate until I’ve taken my very last breath. And if that happens front runners, feel free to pry those titles out of my cold dead hands.

But until then, just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Sally, Rex… you’re about to experience the GREATEST THING TO EVER HAPPEN TO WRESTLING.

One Night in Rio won’t be a Happy Ending.

One Night in Rio won’t be a Jailbreak.

One Night in Rio will be Sindicated Domination.

We will secure our foothold. We will hold down those that oppose us. We will stand tall.

Cause we’re the Sindicate, that’s what we do. That’s what we’ve always done. And we won’t let Ms. Saigon and resident number 1116186 derail all we’ve worked for, all we’ve accomplished.

One night in Rio…it’s time to accept your fate.

Turn out the lights. Pump up the Crowd, and tune up the band.

IT

IS

SHOWTIME!

 
Level-One

April 1, 2013 – April Fools Day
The Sabotaged - Level-One

It's been awhile since he felt this good.

After defeating his arch enemy Biggs at Rasslemania in a Hell in the Cell match the media was buzzing; though this time it wasn't about the trivial nuances pertaining to his growing celebrity. They weren't talking about what he ate for breakfast nor his latest batch of controversial tweets but rather what he was born to do;

Wrestle.

The media storm came from the five star match he and his counterpart delivered on the biggest stage in professional wrestling which saw the two rivals pick up match of the night honors and the respect of notable talking heads like Sam Strachon. This publicity was a far cry from the negative publicity he was used to and only further proved that he had made the right decision to break away from the #CelebrityStatus era.

Outside the APW headquarters in Toronto - he addressed a set of persistent reporters.

''The front runners?'' Level-One said before snarling at the reporters outside the APW headquarters. ''Psh, they sound more like the runner ups too me!''

The press surrounding laugh it up as a black limousine pulls up beside the curb. He spots it but he doesn't pay it much mind.

''Look, I don't know about that jail bird Rex Evans but Sally Talfourd has certainly proved herself to be a formidable opponent. While neither has done anything to deserve a rematch, I suppose the network Visionary Wrestling has signed with needs a worthy main event to launch their product and there's no better way to do that than through the Sindicate...''

Before he says anything more the limo's door fly’s open and none other than teen pop star, Justin Bieber steps out on scene alongside two bodyguards. As a result, the press immediately ditches Level-One and swoon around the pop star who makes his way up a flight of stairs approaching the Mega Star.

''Hey, kid. How did the clothesline taste?'' Lester mocked.

The teen heart throb snapped his finger twice which had his two large security guards pick him up off his feet allowing him to look Level-One directly in his face.

''That's was so not cool, man!'' He whined. ''But yo, I'm willing to work things out like men...''

''Heh.'' Lester laughed. ''Men...?''

''My manager talked to my boy Lupe and pulled some strings! So, it looks like you're going to be in some need of some new theme music!''

Level-One snarled because he was hardly impressed.

''Really?'' He asked. ''You think I give a fuck about my theme music? Kid, the only thing I am concerned about is showing up and adding another ''W'' to my win column.''

''Well, we'll see what NBC's advertisers think about that! Plus, you've already pissed off an entire nation of #bielibers whom have been flooding you with death threats all week for the stunt you pulled on me at 'Mania!''
Bieber cried. ''You need to make this up to me or my lawyer will be giving you a call!''

''Fine!'' Lester hissed. ''What's your price, kid?''

The screechy singer smiled as he looked to both of his bodyguards who lowered him to the ground. Justin scoured through his pockets before pulling a plastic sleeve with a CD in it which he promptly handed over to Level-One.

''I'm not going to lie bro, I was a fan of you before what happened at Rasslemania and I still am and it would be an honor for to come out to a song I made just for you. It's awesome, dog!''

''Alright deal. Anything else, kid? Do you want autograph or something?''

''Wait, aren't you going to listen to it first?'' Justin asked. ''I mean, you can't just say you're going to make my song your theme song if you haven't even heard it man!''

''Yeah but you’re a famous singer and everything - you have millions of haters and... fans worldwide! So, chances are you have an immense amount of talent and I'm sure this song you made for me will reflect that, Justin.''

''Thanks man!''

The screechy pop tart went in for a hug but met Level-One's hand on his chest.

''Woah, slow it down bromeo. Do I look like Selena Gomez to you? I assure you that if I was her, I'd be touching myself right now. Hey, think you could get me her number...?''

Justin Bieber looked at his security team for help to which they simply nodded their head side to side in pity.

''I ain't even gay like that man!''

We believe you, Justin.

Later that day, Level-One stopped by his ex-girlfriend Patricia Lewis's humble abode where the recently reunited couple took a listen to his new theme song.

''I can't wait to hear this!'' Patricia said, clearly a fan girl.

She popped the CD into the computer and the two listened to the complete abomination of a sound wave in what was a song worse than all his others.

''And I was like maybe, maybe, maybe, oh
Like maybe, maybe, maybe , no
Like maybe, maybe, maybe , oh
you'd beat Terry, but you won't, ohh - noo'''


In a rage Level-One over turns the computer tower cutting the music off in an instant - Patricia cried out in horror that she just bought the damn thing but the Mega Star was too busy throwing a fit to hear any of it.

''What the FUCK is this!'' He roared. ''That sniveling little bastard dissed me on my own theme song! How the hell did he even know where to find me!? Goddamn it!''

''Who said you even need to use it!?''


''The five paged contract I signed after he gave me his stupid CD!''



The theme song debacle was bad but Level-One would soon find out that his day was about to get even worse when he read the headline on the Monday newspaper.

LEVEL-ONE DEMOTED TO MONDAY NIGHT MELTDOWN!

''What!'' He cried out loud as he sat up in his seat with his paper in hand. ''This is obviously a misprint there's no way that's possible!''

So for the second time in one day, Level-One made a trip back to the APW Headquarters that were located ten minutes from Patricia's house. As the two entered her car, Patricia Lewis fiddled with the radio.

''And I was like maybe, maybe, maybe, oh
Like maybe, maybe, maybe , no
Like maybe, maybe, maybe , oh
you'd beat Terry, but you won't, ohh - noo'''


''REALLY PATRICIA!?''


''What?'' Patricia said harmlessly. ''It's kinda catchy...''

Upon arriving at the APW Headquarters, he urged his ex girlfriend to wait for him into the car. His relationship with President Jeff had been growing increasingly strained not only on screen but off of it; and he didn't want her to get caught up in the middle of it. Plus, there's was a slight chance Level-One would walk out with a murder charge and a quick escape planned was needed.

''Take a seat...'' President Jeff said with a smile across his face. ''Let me guess, you're here to thank me for your promotion to Meltdown?''

''You think you're funny, Jeff!?''
Level-One hissed. ''We've spent the last week in intense negotiations and you think pulling this little stunt is going to help stick around in your floundering wrestling promotion!?''

''We are number one, Lester.''

''Yeah and I played a instrumental part in making that happen for you.'' Lester shot back. ''I don't know what the hell your problem is.''

''My problem?''
Jeff said spinning around in his chair and dumping a file on the desk. ''How about these emails I found of you basically telling me and the APW to go fuck ourselves.''

''Emails?'' Level-One said snarling at the assertion. ''If I wanted to say fuck you to your face, I would've done it.''

''Lester...''

''Fuck you, Jeff.''

The APW President said no more while the two locked eyes. In a split second, Level-One snapped and grabbed President Jeff by the collar of his suit.

''You just got your ass beat by Stefan Raab so, let's imagine what a four time APW Undisputed Champion could do to you...''

''I could end your career.''

Lester smiled as he pushed President Jeff up against the window of his office. ''Well, I'll do you one better - I can end your life.''

President Jeff twists his head and looks down as he immediately begins to plead with the seasoned veteran.

''Alright, alright! It was just a joke!''

''A joke?''

''Yes, its April fools!''' President Jeff pleads. 'You know, ha - ha!? Come on, let me go. You're not actually demoted to Meltdown!''

''Who put you up to this?''

President Jeff took a deep breath.

''Terry Marvin.''


Level-One hoists President Jeff up onto his shoulders and goes to throw him out the window like a dart but instead tosses him off his shoulders backwards letting President Jeff hit the floor hard. President Jeff feels his heart racing as he realizes he just endured a brush with death.

''Happy April fools, Jeff.''



Later that night, he confronted Terry Marvin about the April fools pranks and per usual Terry Marvin tried to smooth talk his way out of the sticky situation. He was still recoiling from the news that Terry Marvin was being traded to Asylum but he never let it show.

“So what do you say we quit arguing and do what we do best… Make Sally our personal BITCH, and bring Rex down with her?”

Level One thought about it for a second before he looked up at Terry and smiled a confident smile.

''Now that's something I can get behind!'' Level-One said as he reached out and shook Terry Marvin’s hand. ''Seriously, though - those were some pretty creative pranks you got me with - I mean, the Justin Bieber remix? That really took the cake!''

Terry Marvin laughed it up before the two parted ways - Terry Marvin made his way out but before Felipe DeLorean could follow him Level-One grabbed him by the arm and yoked him up against the wall, startling the LeWinter sisters whom were previously out of view.

''What time is it?'' Lester hissed sharply, as Felipe DeLoren struggled to glance down at his Rolex watch. ''Tell me!''

''It's 12:10...'' Felipe DeLoren gargled while he struggled under Level-One's grasp. ''You need to let me go, you crazy son of a...''

''That means todays April the second - April fools is over.'' Level-One said as he pressed up against Felipe's throat even harder with his forearm. ''What the fuck were you thinking signing off on this? This is just your pathetic ploy to protect your golden boy, Terry Marvin.

''No, it isn’t...''

''Don't you fucking lie to me!''

Felipe's face began to turn purple and the LeWinter sisters finally decided to interject by pulling Level-One of Felipe by pulling, scratching and biting him until he let up. Felipe gasped for air as he wiped the water from his eyes. He didn't say anything, rather, he stumbled at out the door to live another day to tell Terry Marvin all about it.

''Lester, what the hell is your problem?'' Violet cried before Level-One snapped around and faced the two sisters. ''This is the best way to control the APW like we always wanted.''

''That's what YOU always wanted!'' He retorted. ''The Sindicate is MINE and ever since Terry Marvin joined he's been asserting himself as the leader. I am not the fucking side kick here. I am not going to play second fiddle and go along with whatever he decides what’s best for him and his career!''

''Lester, this was our way of keeping the Sindicate together.'' Violet explained. ''The Sindicate needs to remain united! You guys at the VIW tag team champions, remember!?''

''Yeah, I remember. This IS my way of protecting us. It is Terry Marvin's selfishness and arrogance is what will DESTROY the Sindicate if we allow it to grow!'' Lester insisted as he clenched his fist. ''There's only one way to truly save the Sindicate and that's by humbling Terry Marvin once and for all.''

''What the hell are you talking about!?'' Kia whined. ''We don't need to do this, Lester!''

''Yes we do.''
Lester stated firmly. ''And you two are finally going to decide whose side you're on - mine or his.''

The LeWinter sisters looked at each other with neither of them offering up anything resembling an answer in disgust Level-One snarled as he headed out the door.

''I'll do everything in my power to retain those tag titles but just understand that this shit is only a mask we wear to cover up what we really look like behind it.''

''For your sakes, you two better hope you two end up on the right side of history.''

''I hear the battle cries from afar and civil war is on the horizon.''

''I will regain my throne and I will save my Sindicate no matter how much blood I will need to spill.''




You know, we haven't even shined these belts...

Though time has always been a valuable asset to the Sindicate. To be honest, I don't know what monkey determined the Runner Ups deserved and immediate rematch but its clear Visionary Wrestling realizes that they have struck a gold mine with the Sindicate and are trying to get the biggest bang for their buck by having us defend as early and as often as possible. This strategy would fail with 99% of tag teams but both me and Terry have displayed unrivaled stints of consistency lasting years at a time and thus the odds are now in VIW's favor in that not only was their investment a good one but their pocket books will see them receive the return they were looking for...

This game is a rigged game AND we're the ones rigging it!

If there was one advantage we have over our opponents is that we are smarter than they are and every move we make is a calculated one with our final destination in sight. Every year, I donate money to support referee unions not because I want them to count to three a little faster but because I know the only thing standing in between me and a win is a bad call by the referee nine out of ten times! Sure, I put 90% of my work into the gym but that other 10% is going to separate me from people like Rex & Sally! We are better than you and if it means having a drink or two with Sam Strachon for favorable commentary coverage so the rest of the world knows that too than so fucking be it!

It isn't our fault we were blessed with a higher IQ than a dirty jail bird like Rex Evans. He may be able to escort Sally Talfourd through crime ridden neighborhoods safely and open her car door for her in the event she loses her keys but even that sort of knowledge is useless when you're kept in a dog cage all day only let out when it's time to do a few circuit tricks to make more money for a bunch of rich white guys who'd spit on you if only their DNA sample wasn't worth more than your flesh. I won't knock you for committing crimes but you were dumb enough to get caught and therein lies your malfunction!

You might be a tough guy with notable in ring talent but your nothing more than a puppet with dirty hands plucking your flimsy strings and now succubus Sally has found her host to suck dry and leech off of until she's onto something new, again. The only difference is unlike the rest of her victims she already knew you were an easy mark which makes her move all the more pathetic. Well, the Sindicate will save you from her because once her tag team aspirations have been exhausted and put to rest she'll be looking for the next best thing to align herself with never realizing that she's already burned her bridges with the best. The Sindicate.

After all Sally Talfourd should know all about the Sindicate considering that she was legally a former member herself. Though, let's not ruin your honeymoon - I'd hate for you to know that you’re not the only guy she'll fuck... over!

I can't imagine how Sally Talfourd took her loss up the ass at Clash of the Titans. She'll never risk her image and tell you to your face but I know she sees you as the reason you two lost the first time around and to be honest, I can't say it's not true. You weren't up there hanging from those tag titles; she was. Certainly, the same could be said for me but I didn't need to. That's the difference. Furthermore - you were the only one of the six competitors in the final match that failed to progress to the tournament titles unscathed which means Sally Talfourd had to carry your weight there. That's just downright pathetic, Rex.

If you want to keep scouting out Sally Talfourds cleavage you better step up your game and at least save face by having Sally Talfourd take the fall this time or its back to the showers for you, bubba. I can assure you Succubus Sally isn't teaming up with you for charity or because she's into bad boys - if she was she'd be chasing one of us - she's only into you because she sees your cock as her meal ticket! As much as I would love to say Sally Talfourd has earned her place solely based on her talent, it just wouldn't be true. She is just as calculated as the Sindicate is the only difference is - we leave with our self-respect and dignity in tact by the end of the night while she's handed a box of tissues to wipe the tears and spunk off her face.

Oh, I'm sure the femin-natzis are all up in arms now telling me how much of a chauvinistic pig I am and the internet wrestling nerds are docking points on their promo critiques nobody reads anyways but the truth is the truth! I may respect Sally Talfourd the competitor but I always will despise Sally Talfourd the person - despite what smiley face persona she may feel like displaying this week.

The problem with you is that you always wanted to be treated like just another one of the guys when it comes to receiving opportunities and coverage but yet you wouldn't dare cover up long enough for a single fan to forget you have a pair of tits. Your gender is a big part of your success. As talented as you are everything you do is magnified by the fact you’re a female in a sport that is dominated by Alpha Males Level-One and Terry Marvin and because of it you haven't had to work harder than anyone else, in fact - it’s to the contrary! It's why thousands of amateurs will never qualify for something like the experts tournament but some girl I hired to answer phones at a desk for 10 dollars an hour is eligible to steal my spot, enter and tear up the fucking ranks with zero in ring experience...

Vannah...

It's why I can't stand hearing you telling us how you're here to bring wrestling back to the forefront of the wrestling business as if it was something it was EVER missing. Ironically while doing this, you're pushing up your breasts onto the interviewer or whoever it is that is entertaining your bullshit! I can't go five seconds without seeing your rotate your hips, stick out your chest, purse your lips, giggle or wink at the camera seductively - each and every action done to further your career and build up your fan base that you have already shown that you'd be willing to turn your back on if they dare not cheer your name loud enough, you petty bitch!

Though, I can't let my hate undersell the fact that you are indeed one of the better wrestlers in the business and it's very well possible that you and Rex walk out with the tag titles if me and Terry aren't on our A game but will be much like we were at Clash of the Titans. That's the funny part about this whole thing, isn't it? You two already HAD your shot and you failed to capitalize. We beat you BOTH at your best - so why is anyone going to believe that this time will be any different? Essentially, your best shot at victory is if me and Terry Marvin self-destruct and defeat each other.

... but that won't happen. Not today, at least.

It's funny that since me and Terry added these tag team titles to our ranks that we have been criticized for entering the Visionary Wrestling tag team ranks as a super team. As if we found each other on craigslist’s and were impressed with each others resume so we decided to join forces to win the tag titles. Are you kidding me!? The Sindicate was here BEFORE Visionary Wrestling even existed and chances are it'll still be here AFTER they close up shop and fold! The Sindicate is BIGGER that these tag titles - if anything, we're going to be the pioneers that bring tag team wrestling back from the grave! The Sindicate is THEE definition of a tag team and that's why it works.

That's why we're better than you.

The only person who can be charged with trying to forge a super team is YOU, Sally Talfourd. You team up with Rex in the light of Clash of Titans being announced. Your criteria? Well, that was based off the outcome of Survive and Conquer. Please, don't try to pull the wool over our eyes. I saw Matt Slater trying to hit that ass up for a tag team run on twitter but that poor sucker didn't stand a chance because he barely scored a top ten finish. So, seeing as Succubus Sally couldn't defeat nor team up with Terry Marvin - she LITERALLY went for the next best thing in Rex Evans whom scored a third place finish in the match.

That's right! The so called FRONT RUNNERS are actually THEE definition of RUNNER UPS!

You were runner ups when you started this team and you were the runner ups at the Clash of Titans and at one night in Rio the outcome will be no different. Your test tube tag team was a great experiment but let's just say, you lack chemistry. Seriously, you two are becoming a parody of yourselves and it's about time you cut it out before you make me bust a gut before the match even starts!

But hey guys...

THE JOKE IS ON YOU!

Congratulations on being the second greatest tag team around!
Edited by Level-One, Apr 5 2013, 12:34 PM.
 
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