HH:Going Wild- Sipes vs Page (Natural Title)

[Ben Jacobs]

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RP Deadline: Sunday, May 17th @ 11:59 cst
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[Nate Sipes/The New Level]

Redemption Part 1: Shortcuts

12/19/02
State College, PA
***************

[With the current collegiate wrestling season a month old, Penn State’s star prospect finishes his training session. He walks into the locker room and grabs a towel. He wipes the sweat off his face and neck. He’s preparing to gather up his street clothes when the coach walks in.]

Coach: Nate?

NS: Yeah, coach?

Coach: We have to talk about something.

NS: Okay, what about?

[Nate sits down on the bench as the coach sits next to him. The coach’s demeanor as he looks at the floor gives Nate the indication that the news isn’t good.]

Coach: Tell me, Nate, have you been using some… “extra help”?

NS: Like what?

Coach: Like steroids, Nate. We just got the results in for your random drug test and your test came back positive.



NS: Oh, yeah that. Yeah, I took some pills, coach.

[The coach turns his head and looks at Nate with a disheartened/upset look on his face.]

Coach: Well why did you do it?

NS: I knew that I’d have to wrestle Mocco from Iowa and I knew I’d need some extra strength to beat him. Regular training wasn’t working that well so I talked to this one doctor who prescribed me some pills. I took them; they seemed to work.

Coach: They worked alright; they worked in getting you kicked off the team and having your scholarship revoked.

[Nate looks up with a look of shock and horror.]

NS: WHAT?

Coach: NCAA rules state that a result like this warrants a complete rejection of scholarship and removal from the team. I’m sorry, Nate, but you just ended whatever college career you may have had.

[The coach stands up and pats him on the back as he walks out the door. Nate’s head just slumps into his hands as he sits there; contemplating what will become of his shattered life now.]

Present day…

[Nate is busy hitting the heavy bag in his training facility in Pennsylvania. He continues to hit the bag with kicks and punches before moving onto knees and elbows. He backs up and starts nailing some heavy haymakers as the camera crew walks in. Nate sees them and nails the bag one last time. He wipes himself down with a towel as they walk over to him.]

Camera man: Hey, Nate, where’s the rest of your friends?

NS: They’re each preparing for their own matches: the Disciples and HJ are preparing for the tag title match and Doug’s gone into total isolation for his fight with Havoc.

Camera man: Don’t you mean match with Havoc?

NS: Considering the rules, do you really think it can be considered a standard wrestling match?

[The camera man puts his thumb and index finger to his chin.]

Camera man: Hmm…good point. So, how’s your training going?

NS: Great, as usual. This Page kid had better be training as hard as me instead of chasing women and beating up old people everywhere he goes.

Camera man: Well, he did win that Gauntlet Match at the last show. He must train pretty hard for his matches.

NS: Look at who he was facing and tell me, honestly, who posed a serious threat to him in that match? Yes, each of them had the guts to step into the ring, unlike Sinclair, but they don’t have the “it” factor needed to be competitive. They either lost it or they never had it.

Camera man: What about HERO?

[Nate runs his right and through his hair; obviously thinking about his former ally during the war against the FOE. He brings the hand back down to his side and looks back up at the camera man.]

NS: Let’s just get this over with. I want to get some more work in today.

Camera man: You got it, Nate.

[The camera man nods his head and helps his fellow crew members finish setting up the equipment. Nate continues to stand next to the heavy bag as they finish and the red light on the camera flashes on.]

NS: In the world of wrestling, both professional or amateur, it can be easy to become so narrow minded that you lose sight of the big picture. When you fight your way through this sport and have your sights set on one goal, you can be and should be willing to do anything to accomplish it…without destroying yourself in the process. Whether it be your tactics or preparation, the things you do will define your life from that point forward.

[Nate lowers his head and takes a deep breath. He slowly lifts his head back up and pierces the camera with his eyes.]

NS: I know, all too well, the consequences that come with a narrowed vision of the future. At one time, I was set to become a star wrestler for the Penn State wrestling team. However, I had a serious problem: I was too light to be a true heavyweight but too heavy to be a light heavyweight. We had a returning All-American at 197 so I decided to gain muscle and be the team’s heavyweight. My results in the gym weren’t enough and with a big match-up against Iowa coming up, I resorted to more drastic measures. I cheated myself and my body when I decided to pop some pills. The end result: I lost my scholarship and was kicked off the team. I had lost everything I’d worked so hard for because I couldn’t see past the immediate future.

[Nate wipes away a bead of sweat that slowly drips down his forehead before continuing.]

NS: I had to learn from my mistakes and realize that there’s always some bigger challenge or bigger goal than the one right in front of you. That revelation and the knowledge that I gained from it helped me recover from the shame that I’d brought upon myself. It not only led me to RCW but led me to this…

[Nate bends over and reaches into his bag. He pulls out the Natural Title belt and holds it up for the camera.]

NS: …the RCW Natural Championship. In doing so, I not only ended the tyrannical reign of Havoc but brought me back to the top of the food chain which is where I belong.

[Nate slings the belt over his left shoulder. He taps it a couple of times before turning back to the camera.]

NS: Which brings me to my opponent for Hog Heaven, Jonathan Page. The man whose riding a wave of success and is undefeated, thus far, in RCW. An impressive mark for anyone in wrestling…or so one would think. Considering who he’s defeated to get here, it’s not as impressive as he would want you to believe. Cletus Beauchamp, Tony Ruiz, Reggie Rogers, Lee Jackson, an MIA Chris Sinclair, and yes, even HERO. All names of great individuals but not truly talented individuals. Granted, back when Sinclair was a motivated, technically sound wrestler, he was a top contender for the Natural Title. Since Doug defeated him time and time again, that fire became extinguished and he was no longer a contender but rather a pretender. Everybody made a big deal when Ruiz showed up at Southern Dynamite but considering his time spent in the old place consisted of a less than spectacular tag title run and Fed Cup wins over lesser opponents, he isn’t championship caliber; just lucky and opportunistic. As for HERO, he was a great soldier in the war against the FOE as Alex Crowe but hasn’t had what it takes to reach the next level in this new persona. It pains me to say it, Alex, but it’s true: you’re just not championship material right now.

[Nate takes the belt and tosses it back onto his bag.]

NS: With that said, Johnny, you still have much to answer for. Yes, you did defeat four straight competitors in the Gauntlet Match but, like I’ve just said, they weren’t the top stars of RCW. Taking that into account, you had to use underhanded tactics just to get by them and into this match-up. You’d say it’s following my advice and “doing everything to advance my career” but that’s a cop out. All you’ve done is find any shortcut you could find to advance yourself in this company. Truly, it should be HERO facing me at Hog Heaven but as it is, it’s you, Johnny: the British snob of RCW. Your arrogance shows that you don’t and won’t care about taking these shortcuts but like my ordeal with the pills only seven years ago, these things have consequences. You have accomplished your current goal by reaching this match but when I end your hopes and dreams of achieving a championship belt in RCW, you’ll fall back to the bottom. You’ll realize, Johnny, that while your tactics and attitude got you to the championship match, they weren’t enough to defeat a far superior athlete whose been to hell and back the past several months.

[Nate crosses his arms and continues to give the camera a cold stare.]

NS: I’m sure you believe, Johnny, that you can continue to use your underhanded tactics because you haven’t gotten caught. But that’s just it, Johnny, you have and will be caught…by me. Your tactics won’t work because I know them; your shortcuts won’t take you to success because I’ve been there; you will be caught because I will catch you in the Tidal Wave and end this challenge. You think quite highly of yourself, Johnny Page, but I wonder how you’ll feel about yourself when I pound your face in with my strikes and leave you lying in defeat?

[Nate turns towards the back and hit’s a flurry of strikes; punches, kicks, knees and elbows. After he does, he turns back to the camera.]

NS: I know, this bag doesn’t hit back like you’ll try to do at Hog Heaven, Johnny, but you’ll be on that end of the strikes once I get you in that ring.

[Nate hits another hard punch which actually knocks some stuffing out. The accumulation of strikes has weakened the bag; dust flying out of the open “wound” on it.]

NS: Johnny Page, at Hog Heaven, you’ll find out what happens when you mess with a Purist.

[The camera man turns the equipment off and stares in amazement at the bag.]

Camera man: How did you do that?

NS: Anyone can do that, man. All it takes is a little hard work.

Camera man: Didn’t it hurt at all?

NS: Like I said, if you work hard, it’ll just come naturally. Since I realized that enhancements weren’t the way and dedicated myself in the gym, my efforts just make me stronger and stronger. When it comes to these inanimate objects, I just don’t feel pain anymore.

Camera man: But what about your bag? It’s all busted up now.

NS: That’s what duct tape’s for.

[Nate flashes a smile as he undoes the tape from his wrists. As the crew gathers up their gear, Nate does the same with his. As the crew leaves, Nate proceeds up the stairs from his training facility and into his Pennsylvania home. He walks into the living room and turns the TV on. He puts a VHS tape into the VCR/DVD player and presses “Play” on the remote as he sits down. It’s footage of Jonathan Page’s matches, thus far, in RCW. Nate watches them; carefully studying his opponent for Hog Heaven.]

[High Society]

Another week, another win. He had triumphed yet again, dispatching with several more pretenders to the crown and securing his reputation as one of the most promising prospects on the roster. And yet his performance was as much a testament to British ingenuity as it was to athletic prowess. Yes, he’d demonstrated those inherently English traits – a gravity of demeanour, a sharply trained mind and perhaps most importantly of all, a stiff upper lip – and yet he wasn’t the most technically gifted competitor in the ring that night. Even so Page didn’t put much faith in notions of good fortune or fate. You made your own luck in this world, an adage that had been ingrained on his conscious since childhood.

So what had seen him prosper? The desire. The desire had lit a new light inside him, and in his mind’s eye, a halo around his head. He had a clear, uncompromised view of the world and his place in it. The pure of heart shall inherit the earth, and what could be more pure of heart than a simple good-natured desire for money and an easy life? The wish to acquire money without working for it was a virtue that few men shared with him. They worked for it, and by this got power over others. The motives shared by the other men in the ring that night had ultimately been their downfall. They longed for the prestige that they believed championship gold brought whereas he was more interested in the monetary rewards it would afford him. His mind had been devoid of sentiment and his cold, calculated approach had won him the match.

In truth his spat with Tony Ruiz was the only thing that had threatened to cloud his judgement. He’d learnt that emotion must be kept in the negative, never developed into a picture for the rest of the world to see. He’d allowed Ruiz to inflame him. A man who shows nothing of his inner turmoil is always more formidable than one who can’t help but do so and doesn’t even realise what a fool he makes of himself when he does. Conversely, he understood that it was essential one didn’t let this façade of calmness dull the actual feelings inside. It was these feelings of indignity and injustice that spurred him on.

----

It’s close to midnight. Page is sitting in a booth at Lucky’s with three models he picked up whilst in London: Aggie, Carly and Gemma. It’s nearing summer but the club is air-conditioned, the gentle whirring of the ceiling fans barely audible over the raucous country music emanating from the jukebox. Aggie is a sophisticated looking blond, wearing a smart black cocktail dress and high heeled evening shoes. Carly is blonder – platinum in fact – and wearing stacked leather boots, miniskirt and a low cut blouse. Gemma, also blond, wears a gingham shirt tied at the midriff, denim shorts and cowboy boots. The three girls sit quietly, sipping their champagne, while Page is animated in conversation, gesticulating wildly with one hand and nursing an ice cold lager in the other. Noticing the presence of the cameramen he turns to address his public:

Page: Well, well, well. Here we are again. You must excuse me. I was just explaining the finer points of dining etiquette to these ladies.

He turns back to the girls.

Page: So remember girls, a ‘soup, joint and sweet’ dinner is every bit as correct as a seven course meal. Just ensure it’s cooked well and served appropriately.

Turning back to the camera.

Page: Good evening RCW. You’ve actually caught me indulging in a celebratory drink but I see no harm in inviting you to join in on the festivities, providing these ladies don’t object.

The girls remain silent.

Page: Marvellous. Well I’m sure all of you sitting at home are just as eager to congratulate me on my astounding victory last Wednesday night as the boys in the back were. I must put modesty to one side, albeit temporarily, and concede that what I achieved was a hell of a feat. Or at least it would have been for any other mere mortal.

You see, ever since RCW welcomed me through its doors I have attested to being one of the best in the industry today. However, after last week’s performance I am tempted to go one step further and proclaim myself to be the best pound for pound wrestler not only in this organisation but possibly North America. Now it isn’t easy for me to admit this. As I’m sure you know, we Brits are a humble, self-effacing bunch by nature. On the other hand, I do not believe in false modesty.

Page looks to the girls for corroboration. They smile meekly.

Page: Nathan Sipes, the man I am due to face at Hog Heaven for the much coveted Natural Championship belt, believes me to be a fraud. Or at least that’s the impression I was under having sat through his interminable ramblings the other day. He claims my success in the gauntlet match is overshadowed by the poor calibre of opposition. Nathan, Nathan, Nathan. This just reeks of jealousy. Either that or you’ve taken to popping pills again and it’s affected your judgement.

You’re an accomplished athlete, there’s no doubt about that, but you feel threatened by my success. You mentioned some “underhand tactics” I supposedly utilised in the gauntlet match. Care to elaborate? I don’t remember the use of any foreign objects, any low blows, any raking of the eyes. What I do remember is a technically sound performance that showed that I am quite simply in a different league to the RCW contingent. Perhaps you are referring to the involvement of my good…. erm… perhaps you are referring to my valet, Scarlet…

Page shifts uncomfortably as the girls eye him suspiciously.

Page: They say behind every good man there is a great woman. Well, Scarlet has undoubtedly been an integral part of my success, both past and present. That is to say she’s a very sound business woman. Outside the ring she serves a… a multitude of purposes. However, I must stress that her involvement in what occurs in the ring is minimal. She does occasionally take it upon herself to level the playing field, so to speak, but beyond that her role at ringside is that of a prettification. There are few things more satisfying for those pathetic wrestling fans to see than two stunningly attractive people waltzing to the ring with style and grace. I understand this might make me sound a tad arrogant but you must remember I’m quite easy to get on with, once you people learn to worship me.

The girls giggle.

Page: Which brings me on to your Seven Day Army, Nathan. I do hate to think they would have any involvement in our match this Wednesday. After all, you’ve already criticised Scarlet for her presence at ringside. Now I hate to dwell on your past, Nathan. I’ve already alluded to your involvement with performance enhancers and I am very much of the opinion that a man should be forgiven his previous discrepancies.

However, I am an informed man and understand that when you do these things to yourself there are consequences. I worry that you’re suffering from the psychological effects. I mean, how sound of mind can a man be to align himself with a group of religious zealots. These men are not a stabilising influence on you Nathan. In fact, I don’t believe you meant the majority of unpleasant, tawdry things you said in your last correspondence with the RCW faithful. Hardcore Jesus and his Disciples? What awful, blasphemous creations. Are these really the sort of people you wish to associate yourself with?

Page takes a sip of lager and fixes his hair.

Page: I fear you’re in this thing for the wrong reasons Nathan. You seem intent on using your reign as Natural champion to compensate for your mistakes. Perhaps you believe yourself to be a role model to the thousands of people that regularly tune in to RCW broadcasts. Think you can persuade them that your chosen path is the one they should follow. Well I’m sorry, but I can’t allow that. I won’t have a recovering drug addict preaching to the masses, inflicting his warped sensibilities on an impressionable public. Those bible bashers may be gullible enough to swallow your rhetoric but I have more faith in the RCW fans. They may be a gaudy, illiterate bunch but they have aspirations. These people want to better themselves and who better to assist them than yours truly?

You see, as you and your rather self-righteous followers well know the Christians believe in the prophets – peace be upon you. Well I believe in the profits and how to get a piece of them. At Hog Heaven that belt will be mine and I will ensure I restore some dignity and pride to this floundering company. Prepare yourself for a fall Nathan. It’s a long way down from that high horse.

Page finishes his drink and motions to the three girls.

Page: Come on girls. I'll show you how to iron those silk sheets if you're good.

[Nate Sipes/The New Level]

Redemption Part 2: Eye of the Beholder

5/8/07
San Antonio, TX
**************

[The locker room door bursts open as Nate Sipes storms back in; blood and sweat running down his face. He’s just lost a very important Steel Cage Match as it was for the group’s U.S. Title. Despite a great effort, Nate was unable to capture the title. He grabs a white towel from his locker and starts to wipe his face down. As he does, one of the ring crew members walks through the door. The boy, couldn’t be more than 19, has a look of fear on his face as he approaches Nate. Nate, now sitting on the bench and continuing to use the towel to soak up the blood, finally notices the kid standing in front of him. He sets the towel down so that he can fully look at him. Nate has a look of confusion on his face as he realizes that he doesn’t know this person.]

NS: Who are you and what do you want?

Kid: Uh, my name’s Tommy and the boss sent me here with a message.

[The kid pulls a piece of paper out of his pocket and hands it to Nate. Nate unfolds it and starts to read. His exhaustion and confusion turns to anger as he reads on.]

NS: “…have violated your contract and will suffer the consequences?”

[Nate drops the paper on the floor and looks back up at the kid.]

NS: What the hell does he mean by this?

Kid: He said that your performance wasn’t up to par of your past matches and that he thinks he made a mistake. He’s restructuring your contract and taking away your guaranteed money. I think he also said that you’ll be an “enhancer” from now on.

NS: I just bled buckets, put on the performance of a lifetime for Firebomb’s kid and even though I lost, watched the fans give us a standing ovation. Now, you tell me that the boss is just going to throw me away like a piece of garbage?

Kid: I’m just saying what he told me to say.

[Nate shakes his head but looks back up when he gets an idea.]

NS: What if I decide to just walk out right now?

Kid: He said that if you try to quit, he’ll take you to court for violating your contract and make sure you never wrestle again. It’s all explained in that piece of paper.

[Nate just shakes his head as the kid takes a step back after his last comments. Nate takes the towel and wipes away the blood that developed over his face again. As he does, he sighs.]

NS: He sends a boy to do a man’s job.

Kid: Huh?

NS: Nothing kid. Just tell him that I’ll stay but not because an a**hole like him tells me so but because I know that I’m the best talent he has. Just in case he changes his mind, I’ll still be here.

Kid: Uh, okay, Nate. I’ll go tell him.

NS: You do that.

[The kid quickly turns around and walks back out the door. As he does, Nate slings his head and starts shaking it; contemplating what he’s facing in the near future. Soon enough, he drops the towel and puts his head into his hands before he sighs again.]

Present Day…

[Nate walks off the plane that’s taken him back to his adoptive home in RCW. As he makes his way through the Arkansas airport, he proceeds outside and to the awaiting, familiar car in the parking lot. The car is the Chevy Cobalt owned by Nate’s cousin, Doug Gavelon. However, Doug isn’t driving it this time; Doug’s girlfriend Tiffany is. Nate is unsurprised since he knows that Doug has been in isolation all week. He tosses his bag into the back seat before entering into the passenger’s side. He looks over and sees a half-smile from Tiffany; obviously still upset by Doug’s attitude for his match.]

Tiffany: So, how was your flight?

NS: It was fine. I probably have a little jetlag but that’s nothing a little training later on can’t do.

[Nate smiles in an attempt to calm Tiffany down. Instead, she snaps at him.]

Tiffany: Training! All you guys care about is training! You don’t care about your loved ones or staying safe or growing old! All you care about is training for the next match that might leave you in a wheelchair or kill you!

[Nate shrugs his shoulders and has his smile fade. Tiffany realizes what she’s just said and breathes an embarrassed sigh.]

Tiffany: I’m sorry, Nate. It’s just that since Doug went away, I’ve been worried sick. I mean, you saw that promo he did, right?

[Nate nods his head.]

Tiffany: He just didn’t look right. And what if he’s more true to his word than he thinks when he says he’s “going back to his old ways?” I couldn’t go through that again and live.

NS: Don’t worry about him, Tiff. As soon as this business with Havoc is finally over, Doug will be back to normal. In the meantime, you just have to keep yourself safe and I’ll be around for extra support; just in case you need it.

Tiffany: Thanks Nate. So, where to?

NS: I’m meeting Bettie Lee at the Holiday Inn for an interview so take me there.

Tiffany: Since I’m sure you’ll be responding to what Page had to say, what do you think of him?

NS: I think he’s a deranged individual who uses the façade of a sophisticated Englishman to hide his insanity.

[Tiffany manages to make a smile and begins to speak using sarcasm.]

Tiffany: And what makes you say that? On how he says he never cheated during his match or how he says he’s the best pound-for-pound wrestler around?

NS: Just about the entire thing and on top of that he thinks that jealousy is what’s driving me.

Tiffany: Jealousy of what? The fact that he can beat jobbers and wannabes better than anyone?

NS: I suppose so. He has a really warped mind. I’d tell AJ and Ben to pay for him to go to a mental institution but I don’t think they could afford the kind of care he needs.

[Tiffany can’t help but laugh. Nate points at her for a moment.]

NS: There! I knew I could get you to smile eventually.

Tiffany: You tricked me with all of those comments about Page.

NS: Well, he’s an easy target. He’s a loudmouth Briton trying to play wrestler.

Tiffany: That’s not the only thing he’s playing with.

NS: You’ve got that right. Like I said before, if he doesn’t concentrate on the match at hand and is more worried about chasing women, he’ll never take my title.

[Tiffany pulls into the Holiday Inn parking lot and turns off the engine.]

Tiffany: So, do you want me to wait here or will you just be calling it a day once you’re finished talking to Bettie?

NS: You can go back to your place. I’m not done for the day but I can just catch a ride to your apartment. It’s not right for you to just sit here for half an hour and it’d give people the wrong idea if you and me went walking through this place.

Tiffany: That’s true. Well, alright, I’ll see you later then.

NS: Take care, Tiffany.

[Nate grabs his bag from out of the backseat and proceeds into the hotel as Tiffany restarts the car and drives off. Nate walks into the lobby and sees that Bettie Lee’s already waiting for him with her camera man. Nate walks over to her and she quickly spots him.]

BLR: Hey Nate.

NS: Hello Bettie.

BLR: I’m glad you could make it here so quickly. Please, have a seat.

[Nate sits down in the seat next to her; the camera man already has the equipment set up.]

BLR: I’m sorry we don’t have time for more prep but we have other interviews to take care of today and we’re trying to take care of them as fast as possible.

NS: Oh, that’s fine. I have some more training to take care of today anyway.

BLR: Good but please, don’t feel like you have to rush or anything. Just take your time.

NS: You got it.

[The camera man signals he’s ready as Bettie Lee and Nate get set. The camera man turns the camera on and Bettie Lee’s graphic appears on the screen.]

[The graphic fades and the camera shows a wide shot of Bettie Lee and Nate.]

BLR: Hello again, wrestling fans. Bettie Lee Rose here for another in-depth look at one of the top RCW superstars today. Currently, he’s the RCW Natural Champion and is undefeated in one-on-one match-ups. At Hog Heaven: Going Wild, he will be challenge by young upstart, Jonathan Page, for the title. I am talking about “The Purist” Nate Sipes. Nate, thank you for joining me.

NS: It’s my pleasure, Bettie. Of course, if you were to interview Page, I’m sure all of those kind words you just said about me, he’d have said it about himself ten times over already.

[Bettie laughs for a moment.]

BLR: Are you saying that he’s far too arrogant?

NS: Not just arrogant, Bettie, but mentally ill. Yes, he’s undefeated in RCW but that’s because he’s been faced by the likes of Cletus Beauchamp, Reggie Rogers, Lee Jackson, an absent Chris Sinclair and an ill-fated comeback in Tony Ruiz. Suffice to say, that isn’t exactly the cream of the crop in RCW. If he would’ve beaten the likes of Mikey, Ase, Doug, or even the Phil, I’d be more willing to believe in his boasts.

BLR: Does that mean you disagree with him saying that he’s the best pound-for-pound wrestler in RCW and even North America?

[Nate rolls his eyes and wipes his mouth with his right hand; fighting the urge to burst out laughing. He composes himself and turns back to face Bettie Lee.]

NS: Bettie, is that a serious question? Just like I said, he hasn’t faced anyone of importance. In fact, he was practically handed this title shot against me. I know that this kid has some talent and a ton of potential but I think that AJ and Ben made a mistake in giving him such easy opposition leading into this match. It’s inflated his already oversized ego to the point where he thinks these matches where he’s used every cheap tactic possible to get by has impressed everyone when all it’s done is shown how weak he is. Think about it: if he has to use an eye poke to gain an advantage over Lee Jackson, has to use his valet to distract Tony Ruiz and has to pull the tights of HERO just to get here, what does that truly say about him? He can’t beat even the lowliest of competition on his own merits and he doesn’t belong in a championship match at this point in his career. This beating that I give him at Hog Heaven will show that he still has some things to learn about what it takes to succeed in pro wrestling.

BLR: In his latest promo, Page denied your allegations of foul play and said that you were jealous of his success thus far. How do you respond to that?

NS: I believe that, in his warped mind, he doesn’t believe he did anything wrong. I’m sure that he truly believes he conducted his match in an honorable way when anyone with a brain could see that the exact opposite was the case.

[Nate leans forward, rests his forearms on his knees and folds his hands together.]

NS: It’s like they always say: good and evil is in the eye of the beholder. It reminds me of a time in a different organization. The boss of this group could be a great motivator but could also be a mean son of a b*tch to someone he didn’t like. During my first few months in the company, everything was fine between us because I was a hot, young newcomer with this pure, technical style and the fans took to me. They continued to support me long after he did. After I challenged for the group’s United States Championship and just barely failed, he looked down at me like a tyrant does a slave. He had felt that I’d, somehow, cost him a bunch of time and energy and that I wasn’t worth the effort anymore. As such, he made me an “enhancement talent” for the rest of my tenure there with threats of legal action if I left. I’m sure if you were to find this person, he’d say that he was justified in his actions but, like I said before, anyone with a brain would realize that he was wrong. Page is a lot like my former boss in that they both have their own way of looking at the world, they’d both rather step on people than look at them and they both have a huge ego that they carry everywhere that will soon enough lead to their downfall. Eventually, everyone gets what they deserve and what Johnny Page deserves is to be brought down to earth with a massive beating at Hog Heaven.

BLR: How do you feel about Jonathan Page’s attitude towards women and his lifestyle in general?

[Nate readjusts himself in the chair; taking his arms off of his knees and leaning against the back rest.]

NS: He seems like your stereotypical British aristocrat. He loves only the finest things in life and is willing to take any shortcut possible to get ahead in life. It’s obvious that he already believes this match is won beforehand as he’s already having a feast. If he thinks that much of me then he’s in for a rude awakening when we finally face off in that ring. As far as his treatment of women, he seems to treat them like anyone would treat a baseball glove or an old toy; something to be used and abused but to be discarded once the boredom sits in. Obviously, he used Scarlet to gain an advantage during his Gauntlet Match and she didn’t seem to mind the abuse she could’ve taken once she got herself involved all by herself but she will soon learn that pretty boys like Page will only care about something so long before they find no more use for it.

BLR: What about his concerns that the 7 Day Army may get involved in the match?

[Nate looks at Bettie right in the eye, smirks and shakes his head.]

NS: Bettie, I know you’re just asking the questions they gave you but you know as well as I do how ridiculous that last one sounds. I mean, look at the track record of each 7DA member’s matches. Win or lose, we’ve never used outside interference to level the field for our compatriots. If such an act has happened in our matches, it’s come from the opponent. In fact, it should be I who is more concerned that this confused woman Scarlet, believing all the promises of a better life that Johnny’s feeding her, would get involved in the match. In which case, I would never be tempted to strike her but I would strongly convince her to never get involved again.

BLR: And what about his mentioning of your admittance of previous steroid use? Are you completely clean, Nate?

NS: Yes, Bettie. I haven’t tried anything like that since the day my college career ended.

[Nate turns and looks straight into the camera.]

NS: For any of you that don’t believe me, just ask AJ Supreme, Ben Jacobs and all of the doctors who test us for such substances. They’ll all tell you what I already know: I’m completely clean.

[Nate then turns his attention back to Bettie Lee.]

NS: As far as him saying I shouldn’t be poisoning the minds of the fans with my feelings and opinions, he should take his advice to heart. His idiotic ramblings about his inflated greatness, his “angelic” wrestling style and his effect on women is enough to make even the strongest-willed man sick. It’s obvious, Bettie, that he’s talking out of a certain body cavity and trying to build himself up like any insecure, undesirable loser needs to do to get ahead in life. He’s like a child entering the “Terrible Two’s” when all they make sure to let everyone know how special and great they think they are. Well, everyone will see just how “special” Johnny Page is at Hog Heaven when I send him crashing to the mat with a Tidal Wave and leave him curled up in the fetal position after I get my hand raised. He will be outted as the loudmouth, windbag that he is and will fade away from the conscious minds off all RCW faithful, if we’re lucky. I’m sure he’ll continue to spout off at the mouth whenever possible so people will remember he’s still alive but everyone will realize that he’s not for real; he’s not special; he’s a nobody.

BLR: Well, thank you for your time, Nate, and good luck.

NS: Like I said, it was my pleasure.

[Bettie Lee turns to face the camera.]

BLR: Please either buy a ticket at your local Ticketmaster or tune in to watch Nate take on Jonathan Page as well as the rest of our fantastic card this Sunday. I’m sure you all will enjoy as Hog Heaven goes wild! This is Bettie Lee Rose saying good evening everybody and I’ll see you at the next match!

[The camera man shuts off the camera and gives the cut signal as Bettie Lee and Nate shake hands.]

BLR: Thanks again, Nate.

NS: Thank you for giving me a forum.

BLR: Well, we have to get back to the Boys and Girls Club to take care of some more interviews.

NS: Could you give me a ride to the club? I need to get a work out in today and it would save me a phone call.

BLR: Sure, just help us take care of this camera equipment.

NS: No problem.

[Nate picks up some wires and takes them out to the RCW production truck. The camera man and Bettie Lee are right behind him. Nate finds a seat in the back; his bag sitting next to his left leg. The camera man gets in the driver’s seat and Bettie Lee in the passenger’s seat. He starts up the engine and they drive off for the Boys and Girls Club.]

[Nate Sipes/The New Level]

Redemption Part 3: Destiny Fulfilled

2/1/09
Fayetteville, AR
**************

[Backstage at the Barnhill Arena, Nate walks through the door; Natural Championship over his shoulder and huge smile on his face. He’s flanked by the other members of the newly formed group called the 7 Day Army: Doug Gavelon, Hardcore Jesus and the Disciples. Everyone is congratulating Nate on his huge win over Havoc for the title. Nate sits down on the bench in front of his locker; Doug sits next to him and grabs him around the back of the neck in celebration. Doug lets go and starts talking to his cousin.]

DG: You did great, man. That’s the first major victory against the Family and the first nail in their coffin.

NS: Thanks, Doug. Now, we have some work to take care of for Cage of Death.

WC: Yes, we do. It should be fun though.

EB: Just think, in a few weeks, the FOE will be history.

HJ: I’d break out the celebratory alcohol but you all know I’m trying to quit.

[The whole crew laughs at HJ’s joke.]

DG: Alright, guys, let’s give the Natural Champ a chance to get dressed and we’ll go out and celebrate some more.

[The other three members wave to Nate before walking out the door. Doug waits for a moment longer.]

DG: Congrats, man. You did great.

NS: Thanks, thanks.

[Doug pats him on the back and walks out the door. Nate grabs the Natural Title belt and holds it up to his face.]

NS: I did it.

[With the belt in his hands, he places his face on top of it and just soaks in the moment.]

NS: I finally did it.

Present day…

[The scene opens with Nate staring straight into the camera; a serious demeanor on his face. He seems to be swaying a bit; contemplating what his words should be before he speaks them.]

NS: The day is drawing closer when we will separate the winners from the losers; the top of the line to the bottom of the rung; the contenders from the pretenders. We will see which one of us, myself or Johnny Page, is fit to carry on as RCW Natural Champion after Hog Heaven.

[Nate rubs his jaw for a moment and sinks his head slightly. He pulls his hand away as he continues.]

NS: At the last Hog Heaven event, it was my night. I walked into that arena as the underdog against the man with the momentum, Havoc. I defied the odds and brought prestige back to the Natural Championship by wresting it away from that power-mad tyrant. What made the match more special was that this is my first title in professional wrestling. Thanks, in part, to the politics of this business and my mistakes of the past, I had failed to win so prestigious a title until now. By winning this title, my destiny to redeem myself was finally fulfilled. I had finally succeeded in reaching my potential.

[Nate takes a deep breath and looks back up at the camera.]

NS: When you won the Gauntlet Match at the last show, a sudden thought ran through my mind: “What would happen to my belt if this arrogant, self-centered, womanizing, unfit, son of a b*tch were to win it?”

[Nate pauses for a moment to let his thought sink in.]

NS: That’s when I knew I had to train long and hard to make sure that it doesn’t happen at Hog Heaven. To let such a disgusting personality, such as yourself, be considered a champion is an insult to everything that RCW stands for. You walk over people, look down on them, push those aside who can’t help you in the slightest way. You’re everything I’ve fought so hard to prevent during the war against the FOE.

[Nate takes another deep breath before continuing.]

NS: You say that every Briton is humble and yet the personality that you’ve shown has been typical of the British over the years. Throughout history, they walked over entire countries of people who were unable to defend themselves. They were arrogant as they felt everything belonged to them and were shocked if someone thought differently. They thought they were unstoppable. That is, until the day they were met with armed revolution by a distant group of colonies who defeated them and won their independence; ending any invincibility that the British may have shown. Those colonies, of course, became the United States of America. The American spirit has shone brightly not only then but has continued for over 200 years. That spirit, that “never say die” spirit, burns within me. I will show you that 200 years has changed nothing as I end your meteoric rise in RCW at Hog Heaven. You’ll be able to go back to England after our match and tell all of your supposed friends and say “The Yanks are still as ferocious as ever because one just whooped my a**.”



NS: With everything that’s been said, I am man enough to say that you do have raw talent. Once you pay your dues and properly work yourself up the card, you may be able to fight for a title with dignity and honor. Obviously, you don’t, truly, believe in those two words at this point in time. All I can hope for is that living through your defeat with the knowledge that you couldn’t beat the best pure wrestler in RCW can show you some humility. For you to survive in this business for much longer, you will need some or I will come back to finish what I start at Hog Heaven by retaining my title. You will learn, Johnny, that you should never mess with “the Purist” Nate Sipes.

[Nate turns his back as the camera fades to black.]