High Stakes: High Society vs New Level

[Ben Jacobs]

Post RPs below.

RP Limit

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2 per person/per match

RP Deadline[/u]
Saturday, Feb. 13th @ 11:59pm (board time)

Match/Segment Deadline[/u]
Monday, Feb 15th @ 10:00am (board time)

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[High Society]

Carnaby Street, London, at one time a thriving metropolis of shops and retailers at the forefront of the fashion world, now a busy thoroughfare littered with overpriced designer outlets and dubious looking eateries. The buildings are in varying degrees of disrepair, crumbling bricks here, a shattered window there. The people that tread these weathered streets wander aimlessly, heads bowed, shoulders hunched, as if coasting through an unpleasant dream.

Two men stand apart from this dishevelled mob, their expensively tailored clothes and confident posture enough to distinguish them as men of stature. While those around them lurch forward these two men stand upright, backs straight, chests puffed out. The mid-afternoon sun glistens off pavements slick with rain as Jonathan Page and Vauxhall, thoroughly engrossed in conversation, march onwards, purposefully and with dignity.

The scene opens as the two men continue their journey through the famous London street

Page: How ironic that on returning to England we are greeted by the most crystal blue skies and rays of brilliant sunlight when just a few hours previously we were threatened with imminent snowstorms. Not that we're adverse to a bit of cold weather. But as the RCW contingent make their way to Las Vegas, that hole of immorality, renowned den of iniquity, here we are back in Blighty. Blighty, where a man can breathe. Blighty, where the streets aren't ruled by hoodlums and scoundrels looking to feed their habit. Blighty, where decent folk are treated as such and the underclass know their place.

[Page licks his lips before continuing]

We couldn't bear the thought of spending a minute more than we had to in Nevada. In fact when it was first announced where High Stakes was due to take place I will admit to being totally baffled. Why would RCW hold their first pay-per-view event in such a place? It seemed to me another one of those ill-advised schemes cooked up by messers Jacobs and Supreme, with little regard for logistics and more emphasis put on the almighty dollar. But when I really stopped to think about it, it all made sense. Las Vegas perfectly encapsulates the American Dream. Don't believe me? Well think about it. In a disgusting nation of opportunistic, lottery ticket holders who care for nothing that is long term, only the cheap thrill, the kick, the one moment of pleasure, the easy way out, the bragging rights… where else in the world represents the values of the charlatan, or in other words American Joe? That's right. Las Vegas.

[Vauxhall smiles wryly]

Las Vegas, home of the chancer, the workshy freeloader, the diletante. How appropriate then that High Society should be taking on two men who not only subscribe to these values but represent them perhaps better than anyone else currently signed to an RCW contract.

[Page stops for a moment, raising his hand to intimate Vauxhall do the same. Pausing he surveys his surroundings]

You know, this barren little street with its dour faces and battered shop fronts was at one time a hive of activity. Not only that but just a few decades ago it was home to some of the most creative minds in the world who between them helped shape popular culture as we know it. Music, fashion, literature, film - all of it seeking influence from this place. Why do I bring this up? To show you how drastically times can change.

[Vauxhall places a hand on his partner's shoulder]

Vauxhall: John, in the past I've been criticised for not speaking up. Those lazy journos have dismissed me as the brawn in this little operation. Well as you know mate, I have a mind and I intend to use it. So let me tell this story. It's one I know very well.

[Page tilts his head back and laughs]

Page: Go on, by all means.

[Vauxhall moves forward, staring directly into the lens of the camera]

Vauxhall: When I arrived here there was one team that ruled the roost. The New Level were the dominant tag team and they disposed of all challengers. It got to the stage where each and every match they were involved in was a foregone conclusion. No one could topple them. Interest in this division started to wane. Why would the people be interested in a match they already new the outcome to. All the time and effort Jacobs and Supreme had invested in this division and for what? The whole thing went down in flames quicker than an Early Beauchamp comeback.

[Page puts a handkerchief to his mouth, stifling his giggles]

It's true! But then this man [once again placing his arm round Page], this brilliant man had other ideas. He knew that with the right partner he could rejuvenate this division and save RCW fans the indignity of spending their hard earned cash on tag matches that held about as much promise as a Nate Sipes drug test.

[Page splutters, fighting back the laughs]

This man started to make his vision a reality as soon as he gave me a call. Because I was hungry. I needed the kind of success I knew he was capable of giving me and now, with those belts safely in our possession, I will do anything to help us keep them. Because not only do I value the gold, but I value what we as a team have done for this division. During our reign we have put arses on seats, money in the pockets of the RCW bigwigs, and pretty much single- handedly brought this company national recognition on a scale which it never imagined possible. We have received absolutely no recognition for these accomplishments and the only thing we have to show for them are the two hunks of gold we have sitting at home. But we don't need people to pat us on the back to tell us how great we are. We don't need plaudits. We're quite content in the knowledge that we have done more for this company than anybody else and that alone is enough to make me hold my head high.

[Page responds with modest applause]

As for The New Level… well they've shown that when the going gets tough, the wimps start crumbling. We posed the first serious threat to their run as champs and within a flash they were lying on their backs whimpering, wondering what the hell just happened. See, we don't pull any punches outside the ring, or in it. We shoot from the hip and that makes people feel uncomfortable. That's probably why we haven't been given the kind of approbation we deserve. We unnerve people. Well that's our job, as far as I'm concerned. We're not living in a nanny state here. This is real life and if it upsets people, too bad.

[Vauxhall motions with his hand]

So just like Carnaby Street it seems The New Level have taken an almighty fall from grace. Not only are they no longer champions but the chances of them getting the belts back is highly improbable. The Queens are dead. Long live the Kings.

[Page smiles, nodding his head in agreement before striding forward]

Page: High Society doesn't owe anyone a god damn thing. Not RCW and certainly not The New Level. Carl and Beavis may think that this rematch is their divine right, but it's not. AJ Supreme and Ben Jacobs don't run this company or much of anything else - haven't you learned even that? No, they don't control this company. True they support it, but I control it. We control it. I don't care how it appears otherwise. Power doesn't have to show off. Power is confident, self-assuring, self-starting and self-stopping, self-warning and self-justifying. When you have it, you know it. Let the ill-informed laugh! Those are the facts. This is a power set-up, and we are at the controls. You think about that. So Carl, Beavis… when you buck against us, you're bucking against power, rich man's power - which means government power.

[Page pauses to allow his words to sink in]

Page: And I'll tell you both something the wrestling promoters are afraid to tell you. If it weren't for High Society, there would be no RCW - not as it is today. You think about that.

[The two men continue their walk, pausing outside a shop front where a window cleaner is busy at work]

So when you start dictating the kind of stipulations that will accompany our match at High Stakes you probably thought you were putting us at a disadvantage. In those feeble minds of yours you probably thought that the prospect of a ladder match [Page pats at the rung of the workman's ladder] would send us into a state of mild hysteria. Well let me tell you now, High Society has never done anything that High Society doesn't want to do. Never have and never will. So far from being a disadvantage, this is just yet another opportunity to show the world that we are more than capable of beating you any place, any time.

[Vauxhall glares menacingly, kneading a fist into his left palm]

Interesting that you would choose this particular type of match though. In my mind it only serves as a further reminder of the difference in our stature. After all, the ladder is the tool of the working man, the stooge, the oppressed… the underclass. Of course the advantage is yours going into this match up. Hell, the pair of you have probably been cleaning windows as long as you've been able to walk. As for us, we've never struggled to pay the rent. These kind of menial jobs are totally alien to us. But as with all great athletes, talent will ultimately prevail. Versatility is the key to our success and if we have to climb the rungs of this grubby structure in order to retain our belts, so be it.

Vauxhall: The name "High Stakes"… it suggests some sort of a gamble. I can't see any risk involved. As far as I'm concerned this match is a formality. The sooner we grab those belts the sooner we can get paid and get the hell out of Las Vegas. The only thing at risk, is your personal wellbeing.

[Page's face becomes deadly serious]

Page: Carl, Beavis, when you're lying in a heap at the foot of that ladder, looking up as we snatch those belts, I want you to remember that this is how it was always meant to be. Us on top, you at the bottom of the pile. It's nothing personal. It's the hierarchy. History will always remember the victors but find some solace in the fact that you were beaten by the very best.

Page and Vauxhall laugh manically as the scene fades to black.
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[High Society]

A cluttered office. Papers are stacked in various unruly piles, cluttering both the floor and the old oak desk that stands in the centre of the room. The blinds are pulled to, allowing just a single ray of light to penetrate the dimly lit room. Sitting in a leather bound chair by the window is Georgia Lee. A telephone receiver rests between her ear and her shoulder as she uses her hands to scribble frantically into a small notebook. She ushers the cameras in with an impatient flourish of the arm. She pulls a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she berates the person on the other end of the phone.

Georgia Lee: What I'm saying is I need to know that my boys will be amply recompensed should they suffer any injuries during the course of their match… Of course I know of the risks involved… that's why I want some promise of… well of course there's more chance of serious injury. It's a ladder match for goodness sake! Well I promise you this, if either of them come to any serious harm we will be taking immediate legal action… Yes, that means we will be sueing RCW. That is all I have to say on the matter. Call me when you feel more agreeable. Goodbye.

[Georgia sighs heavily before turning to face the cameras]

No rest for the wicked I see. Well let me cut to the chase. I've called you all before me because I wish to vent my frustrations regarding the upcoming match between The New Level and High Society. I would have contacted Mr Supreme and Mr Jacobs directly but they are so evasive it's not worth the time and effort it takes to track them down. What is more I always feel that addressing the people directly is a much more productive manner in which to voice one's opinion. I shan't have my opinions mediated through the RCW publicity machine.

[Georgia gets up from her chair and walks towards the oak desk. She eases herself onto it, crossing her legs]

Let me start by saying I have the utmost confidence in Jonathan and Vauxhall. There is no doubt in my mind that their ability will see them retain those belts and prove to RCW once and for all just who the most worthy champions are. However, one thing that does concern me is this company's willingness to put its two greatest assets in a match that could potentially end their careers. I have tried my utmost to have the match take place under different stipulations but management insist this is how things must take place. That it is good for business.

[Georgia laughs incredulously]

Good for business? When has RCW ever cared about what is good for business? Was it good for business when the booking agents failed to involve High Society in RCW's very first network television show? Was it good for business when AJ Supreme and Ben Jacobs prevented Vauxhall's scheduled match with Drexl against Wacko Carl and Puck? Was it good for business to allow The New Level this rematch so soon after they lost the belts to Jonathan and Vauxhall? When Supreme and Jacobs talk about what is good for business they mean what is good for them. They don’t care about the talent. They're so totally preoccupied with lining their own pockets they fail to see the damage they are causing this company. That is why from now on I shall be paying much closer attention to the fiscal interests of my clients. If they are to be subjected to this kind of treatment they should at the very least be rewarded financially.

[She points at the camera, a solemn expression etched on her face]

And that responsibility starts now. AJ, Ben, if either of my men are unable to walk out of the arena this Sunday I shall be pursuing legal action. The shoddy treatment of RCW's two greatest stars must stop. You have taken them for granted for too long now and although it might be too late to stop this match from taking place but it's not too late to make sure they receive the support RCW has failed to deliver.

[Georgia begins to stand]

Gentlemen, that is all.

[Nate Sipes/The New Level]

2/6/10
Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
********************

[The day after the latest edition of Southern Dynamite, the New Level took a flight, not home to North Carolina, but further up north. They braved the harsh weather to take part in a once in a lifetime opportunity. Having spent most of the previous night and morning in the air, the two men aren’t in the best mindset for what’s to come but they know what this would mean. Heavy, hooded jackets cover both men as they make their way down a windy, snowy street. They continue their walk until they come to a building with a distinctive sign on the front.]

[The former champions nod at each other before entering; knocking the snow off their shoes as they walk through the door.]

EB: So does Apter still work at this place?

WC: No, I think he left a few years ago.

EB: Oh well, should still be good. And I know the bosses will like the publicity this gets.

WC: All we have to do is watch our language when we mention High Society.

[Beavis gives his partner a dead serious look as they approach the receptionist.]

Receptionist: Hello, you must be Carl and Beavis.

WC: That’s us.

Receptionist: Good, you’re right on time. Mr. Ruoss is expecting you on the third floor.

EB: Thank you.

[Carl and Beavis proceed over to the elevator and push the large “3.”]

WC: So, it was nice of High Society to keep RCW around long enough for us to do this, huh?

[Beavis shakes his head.]

EB: I can’t wait to take those belts back. It won’t shut him up permanently but it’ll keep Johnny’s mouth shut after we kick his a**.

WC: I hear that. And can you believe he’s still attacking Nate? Like he hasn’t been through enough?

EB: Well, you figure that he lost something like twenty million matches to him so he knows he can’t beat him physically. Now that Nate’s having personal problems, might as well attack him psychologically.

WC: At any rate, I’m taking that out of his a**.

[The doors slide open and the New Level walk down a hallway; focusing on the door reading “Jeffrey Ruoss - Managing Editor” at the other end.]

WC: So how’s your knee doing anyway?

EB: I’ll make it. I wouldn’t give up this chance to beat Page; once and for all. You just worry about taking that doped up pr*ck to hell.

WC: Not a problem. He’s already proving to be as big an idiot as Page. Vauxhall’s certainly learned everything he knows from Page. If his head swells any bigger, he won’t need steroids to pump him up.

[Beavis puts his hand up to stop Carl as they’re within a footstep of the door.]

EB: Careful now, he might go into another tirade about being the savior of RCW.

[Carl just smirks and shoves Beavis back; Beavis taking special care not to put excess pressure on his right knee. Carl knocks at the door and a muffled “Come in” can be heard. They open the door and are met by a man sitting at a desk. He stands up and holds out his right hand.]

Man: Carl, Beavis, nice to meet you guys. I’m Jeff Ruoss.

EB: Thanks for inviting us here.

Jeff: Oh the pleasure’s all mine. I’ve really enjoyed your guys’ stuff.

WC: Thanks a lot.

[Jeff shakes hands with Carl and Beavis before motioning for them to sit down; they do.]

Jeff: I know you guys are busy so I’ll be as quick as possible. What I’ll do is record our interview and then it’ll go into the next issue of PWI. It should be out next week in time for High Stakes. I think it’ll make a great feature and it’ll definitely give you guys some great publicity.

EB: That’s what we were just saying. So let’s get to it then.

Jeff: Alright; sounds good.

[Jeff reaches into his desk and pulls out a tape recorder. He checks to make sure there’s a blank tape in it and the batteries work. Once both are proven true, he presses record and the interview begins.]

Jeff: Before we begin, I just want to say thanks to you guys for taking this interview.

WC: It’s our pleasure.

Jeff: Now, after your defeat at RCW’s previous supercard event, Never Surrender, you mentioned wanting a specific match for your rematch for the RCW Hog Wild Tag Team Titles. Tell me why you decided on a Ladder Match?

EB: Well, it’s a match that we’ve obviously competed in before with great success. In fact, the last time we competed in a Ladder Match, there were two other teams involved; not just one. And in my opinion, the two other teams, the New Downward Spiral and Excessive Force, were more accomplished and much more cohesive as units than our opponents for High Stakes.

[Jeff has a confused look appear on his face.]

Jeff: That’s despite the fact that High Society are the current champions.

WC: That’s right and that’s because High Society has not only been around for less than six months as a team but each victory has come under…less than stellar circumstances. They’ve, essentially, put a black eye on the tag division by winning the ways they have. When you win based on how many cheap tricks you can pull out of your hat instead of your own merits then you’ve already proven that you don’t deserve to be a champion. High Society is just like that and they’ll be proven as phonies once we get them in the ring again.

EB: Besides, this is the kind of match that we knew was needed after High Society stole our titles. This way, we don’t have to rely on a referee having to deal with distraction after distraction. That’s High Society’s game and we’re through playing it. Now, pulling my partner to the mat for a cheap pin won’t work and neither will clocking me in the face with my belt. You have to take out both team members and then still have enough energy to climb up and snatch the Hog Wild Tag Team Titles. After this match, there will be no excuses Page and Vauxhall will think of that’ll hold water. We’ll leave them lying on the mat as we climb up the ladder and take back what’s rightfully ours. They will lose on their own merits and there’s nothing they’ll be able to do or say about it.

[Beavis’s leg starts to stiffen up so he slides his body to his left side; slightly propping up his leg to relieve the pain. Carl takes note of this but doesn’t bring attention to it. He figures it’s better that Jeff doesn’t know about it; don’t let anybody know any weakness that may pop up.]

Jeff: You guys have mentioned, quite often, on how Jonathan Page seems to be the mouthpiece of High Society. Why do you feel that’s so?

WC: Because, despite his words that say otherwise, Vauxhall can’t come up with a conscious thought if Page doesn’t whisper it in his ear. Like I told my partner earlier, Vauxhall has shown that he’s learned everything he knows from Johnny Page. Every word that spews from his mouth; every swaggering step he takes to the ring; every short cut he takes in a match; all of it is Page’s trademark being handled by the much bigger Vauxhall. Sure, Vauxhall can speak from time to time but he’s nothing more than a puppet to Page’s master. We’ve said it over and over again but that doesn’t make it any less true: if Vauxhall didn’t have Page to guide him, he’d be lost in this world. He wouldn’t know what to do with himself.

EB: Exactly right. He relies so much on the success of Page. If Page is feeling cocky then Vauxhall will follow suit. If Page is having problems, Vauxhall will stay in a corner somewhere; remaining as silent as a library full of deaf children. Without Page, Vauxhall will never attain even the most remote of success. His self-esteem would be completely shot, he’d wither and fall under the pressure of being another huge beast in RCW and he’d fade away but not after losing to the lowliest of opponents. I guarantee it. He can say all he wants about being “rusty” for one-on-one matches but that’s the real story: he’s afraid of the inevitable failure.

[Jeff looks down at the next question on his list and knows that it may cause a stir with the team. Slowly, he looks back up at them and asks his question.]

Jeff: Tell me your exact feelings on the continuing accusations made by Page and Vauxhall against your 7 Day Army partner Nate Sipes.

[Carl and Beavis look at each other with looks of disdain before each shake their head. After a few moments, Beavis finally speaks again.]

EB: It’s a low blow. In fact, it’s the only way either of them can attack Nate anymore because they know, in an actual match, Nate would wipe the floor with them. However, if not for us being best friends and running mates with Nate, nobody would even care about it. Hell, Nate doesn’t care what Page has to say anymore because 1) Nate has way more important matters right now and 2) High Society no longer poses a threat to him. The truth is Nate made a mistake in college. I doubt he’s the only one or the most severe offender. But to look at his sincerity of being a changed man since then, just check every drug test, just look at his lifestyle, just talk to the guy, and you’ll see that these claims are completely false.

WC: Besides, I think it’s also a case of passing the blame. I mean, think about it: Vauxhall shows up and then they start talking about Nate’s substance use in college? Seems kind of fishy to me. Just look at that big freak, Vauxhall, and you can tell that not all of that is from lifting weights or eating right. I’m more than positive that he’s taking short cuts in life like he’s taken in the ring. That “rust” that he claimed was the factor in my match with him? Probably fatigue from his body breaking down from what he was putting in it. By trying to put non-existent heat back on Nate, they take some of the actual heat off of themselves. Still, I’d be more worried about Vauxhall’s urine tests than I would be about Nate’s.

Jeff: Do you have any proof of this?

EB: No but then neither does High Society have proof about Nate. Just foolish, hollow words that’ll help lead to their downfall.

[Both Beavis and Carl smile as Jeff nods his head; understanding that they were making a point. It’s well-taken on his part as he continues.]

Jeff: What do you feel about the claims of High Society that they’ve brought this new success and popularity to RCW themselves?

[Beavis can’t help but chuckle as he waves on for Carl to speak on the matter. Carl shrugs and does so.]

WC: Quite honestly, we think it’s a certain excrement produced by a cow.

[Beavis continues to chuckle; louder after the bullsh*t joke.]

WC: I mean, what success exactly is he talking about? The Versus network announcement was being hyped up before they stole our belts. The ratings, of course, were going to go up with the increase of viewership for Southern Dynamite on Versus. The matches are more competitive and of better quality because we’ve seen a rise of hungry challengers to the established names. In fact, each show is better when neither Brit is on the show. So, how did they make RCW better?

[Beavis thinks about it and then responds.]

EB: Actually, they did make it better by being less involved once we moved onto Versus. The first week, we did monstrous numbers and who wasn’t there? High Society. Thanks to that, the audience in the first week got to witness better, younger, hungrier talent in men such as Lenny M Lansing, the reformed E.B. Marcus and the luckiest man on Earth Vash. Had High Society been there that first week, throughout the country, everyone would’ve heard a unanimous “click” sound as all the viewers would be turning off their TV sets.

Jeff: Why do you think that is?

WC: Isn’t it obvious? People don’t like Page and Vauxhall. They hate people who act like they’re better than everyone else; looking down their noses at them. Acting like any loss they’ve had in life can be explained away by thousands of excuses. The people of this world, even Britain, respect a man who can admit when he’s made a mistake and make up for it. They can look past someone’s shortcomings and accept them if they admit they were wrong. The fans can flock to see someone if they know that person’s word is his bond.

[Carl shakes his head.]

WC: You can’t say that about Page because it wouldn’t be true. This man lies so much he makes Bernie Madoff look like Nelson Mandela.

EB: And of course, with Vauxhall being a mindless drone, monkey see, monkey do.

Jeff: So do you guys have anything to admit to being wrong about?

[The New Level contemplates the question. Soon enough, Beavis comes up with an answer.]

EB: Yeah, I’ll admit that we took those two lightly going into our first meeting. We’d just witnessed Nate beat the holy hell out of Page for weeks on end. Why wouldn’t we beat them? Little did we know what tricks they had up their sleeve. Needless to say, we’ll never make that mistake again. Sure, we’ll talk about how much we despise those morons but once the match starts, the talking stops; the fighting starts. We’ll have to stay on our toes to make sure they don’t pull out any more bags of tricks. If we do that then we’ll walk out of Vegas with our titles once again.

Jeff: Do you guys have any regrets going into this match?

[Carl nods his head.]

WC: I’m sure my partner would agree that we both regret not being able to pin Page or make him submit. Yes, we asked for this match but it still takes a bit of the joy out of our victory knowing we didn’t put Page’s shoulders to the mat or make him tap the mat. That being said, we’ll take great pleasure slamming him off the ladder, throwing him through a table and leaving him lying on his back; counting the lights.

EB: I completely agree with that mindset. Taking the life out of Page’s body will have to do for not making him quit; one way or another.

[Jeff nods his head; understanding the kind of pain that all four men are bound to go through with this idea of intense pain in the air.]

Jeff: Finally guys, how do you respond to High Society saying that they’ll win the Ladder Match because “that’s how it’s supposed to be?”

EB: Once again, they play off that high class-low class dynamic. They continue to believe that because they were born with a silver sthingy where the sun doesn’t shine that it entitles them to instant success. That’s what killed Page for so long when he didn’t win on his own. That’s why he needed back up in the form of Vauxhall, Scarlet and now Georgia Lee. That’s why this match is as heated as it is.

WC: Moreover, it’s still a matter of us versus them. The American Revolution is long over but it still refuses to end between the U.S. and Britain. Page and Vauxhall look down at us because we’re nothing but commoners; peons; blue collar losers. However, everybody, not just in the U.S. but all over the world, look down at people like Page and Vauxhall for all the arrogance they express; for all the crap they spew; wishing they had a chance, just one chance, to walk over to them and spit in their eye. By destroying High Society at High Stakes and taking our belts back, we will, in part, accomplish that for everyone in the world who knows that the people have the real power whereas people like Page will always be second best because they can never make it to the New Level of confidence and power.

Jeff: Gentlemen, thank you for joining me once again.

[Jeff turns off the recorder as all three men stand up. Once again, they shake hands.]

Jeff: Take care guys and good luck.

WC: Thanks a lot.

[The New Level turns around and walks back into the hallway; closing Jeff’s door behind them.]

EB: So what time’s our flight?

WC: In about an hour so we have to hurry.

EB: And tell me again why we couldn’t just stay at Nate’s place and instead have to catch the next flight to Vegas; a full week ahead of schedule?

WC: Nate’s still not being a very social person. He told me something about “crossing a lake” or something like that.

[Beavis nods his head.]

EB: Sounds like Nate.

[The two men make it into the elevator and push the large “1”; the door slowly closing in front of them. By Wednesday, the newest issue of Pro Wrestling Illustrated hits the shelves. On the cover is the High Stakes graphic of the Tag Team Title Match.]

[Underneath it reads: “Revenge or Endgame? The New Level’s Stakes get Higher!”]

[Nate Sipes/The New Level]

2/6/10
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
**********************

[Having finished their interview with PWI, the New Level boards their plane as they begin their travel to Las Vegas. Carl and Beavis find their seats in first class. Beavis takes the window seat; Carl the aisle seat. Carl tucks their bags away in the overhead compartment before sitting down.]

WC: Just made it man.

EB: I can’t believe there were that many people on the turnpike with this kind of weather.

WC: Well, everybody has someplace to go.

EB: I can think of a place where Page and Vauxhall can go.

[Carl chuckles; signaling for a stewardess. One sees him and immediately makes her way over.]

Stewardess: Yes sir, can I help you?

WC: Yeah, could I get a newspaper for me and a pillow for my compadre?

Stewardess: Sure, I’ll be right back.

WC: Thank you.

[Carl leans in to Beavis so that no one else can hear him.]

WC: It’s nice to see a woman being courteous again. Georgia Lee made me start to lose hope.

EB: Tell me about it.

WC: Are you surprised she hasn’t opened her big mouth yet?

[The stewardess returns and Carl greets her with a polite nod; taking the newspaper and handing the pillow to Beavis. Beavis sets it behind his head and gets himself comfortable; closing his eyes in the process.]

EB: Oh give it time. I’m sure she’ll slip up sooner than later.

[The plane takes off and the New Level is off to Las Vegas.]

2/13/10
Las Vegas, NV
*************

[As Beavis reads over the latest edition of PWI, the New Level being on the cover, Carl drives them to the Thomas and Mack Center as they prepare for one last open forum before tomorrow’s most important match. Carl pulls into the parking garage and finds the closest spot to the building’s entrance. Beavis sets the magazine down as both men exit their rent-a-car.]

WC: Can you believe how whiny that Georgia was?

EB: She makes Gloria Allred look like Mother Theresa. It seems like she’ll sue over anything, even if a fly were to pass through Page’s hair.

WC: Yeah but that’s only if the fly lived. Page puts so much spray in that thing that he’s probably carrying a nest of DDT with him everywhere.

[Beavis bursts out laughing as they find the entranceway. They walk down a hallway; finally locating the media area for RCW. They open the door and find the RCW camera crew waiting for them.]

EB: Hey guys.

Camera man: Oh hey, fellas. We’ll be ready in a bit.

WC: Okay, we’ll be ready.

[Carl and Beavis take a spot in front of the camera. Behind them is an RCW banner; the High Stakes logo being right underneath it.]

WC: Do you think she’s really stupid enough to sue this place?

EB: As airheads go, she’s right up there. I believe that if she was ever crazy enough to get knocked up and didn’t abort, she would still have enough gall to eat her young.

[Carl nods in agreement as the crew finishes setting up. They go through the standard countdown before the red light turns on; the camera recording the New Level’s every word.]

WC: So, once again, a certain loudmouth PR rep, who is more like a shriveling lawyer, tries to sound tough and speak her mind where it doesn’t belong. Now, I’m not saying that women have no place in wrestling as Tiffany, Delilah and even Heather Divine have proven their case but women who think they know everything and yet have only accomplished to be brainwashed by their clients deserve nothing but pity from the people.

EB: Georgia, we knew it was only a matter of time before you opened your big mouth. Complaining about High Society competing in a Ladder Match; threatening a lawsuit if they’re seriously hurt. What you fail to see is that is possible for any match. Every single time one of us sets foot in that ring, we run the risk of permanent injury. Even a “normal” match can end in a knee tear or even a broken neck.

[Beavis briefly looks down at his right knee but not long enough for the camera to pick it up. It simply appears that Beavis is looking down to contemplate his next words.]

EB: And it’s one thing to want to defend your men in a no-win situation for them but it’s something entirely different to threaten legal action against the company that they claim to represent as such “honorable champions.” First, you claim to bring RCW to such prominence; to essentially own the company, in fact. Hell, Page even went so far as to say that he allowed the Ladder Match to happen. Now, you say that you have no control and that you have no real power in RCW. Why am I not surprised that there’s been a communication breakdown between you and High Society? Do they even know how worthless you are to them? I mean, they cheated to take our belts but at least they did it by themselves. They never needed you and they never will. If anything, you’re dragging them down by forcing them to be something they’re not: fan favorites.

[Carl nods in agreement.]

WC: It’s true, Georgia Lee. Neither Page nor Vauxhall care about the fans because the fans don’t care about them. Why try to fix something that’s permanently broke? Just step aside and keep picking up high school kids who’ll waste their lives getting their a**es kicked in major sports so that Page and Vauxhall can fail on their own. It’s destined to happen and it won’t be your fault. Instead of complaining about this supposed “racism” towards High Society, just sit back and let nature take its course. Page and Vauxhall will lose the titles and fall back down the corporate ladder to the point where even the Phenominals will be ahead of them in the rankings.

[Beavis licks his lips as he starts up again.]

EB: As for your concerns about us getting our rematch so soon, let me break it down so that a bimbo such as yourself can understand. First, we are former champions and signed a contract for the match in which we lost where there would be a rematch at a time and place of our choosing. If you were any real lawyer, instead of somebody just stepping up on a soapbox, you would understand how contracts work. Second, we have common victories over The New Downward Spiral and Climax of the Night. Also, we’ve beaten teams like Excessive Force, Pain & Suffering and even former Southern Heritage Champion the Phil in one case. Not even High Society can claim such a record. Finally, who else is able to step up and challenge for the belts? TNDS and Cot’N are at each other’s throats; Mikey and Delilah each have their own problems to attend to; same goes for Doug and Nate; Creed can’t team up with HJ because HJ can’t get cleared on that leg of his; Pain & Suffering have been AWOL for months. Who else is there to step into that ring at High Stakes, stand face-to-face with the paper champions and not just take them to the limit but do it in the most spectacular way possible: beating them all over the Thomas and Mack Center with a ladder?

[Carl pats his partner on the back.]

WC: You know what this whining really reminds me of?

[Beavis turns to his partner; intrigued by what his partner might be thinking.]

WC: It reminds me of watching another company on TV back when Beavis and I were wrestling independents back in our home state of North Carolina. This company was kind enough to give our comrade Doug Gavelon a World Title shot and one of his opponents in the contest was a guy named Henry W. Miller. Miller, as far as I could tell, was a world-class whiner and a bush league wrestler. He’d complain about not getting a title shot when he’d been on a two month losing streak. He’d complain about having to qualify for a title match by going through a Hardcore Match. He’d complain about everything because he just wasn’t good enough to compete against top-flight talent and he knew it. That’s what you, Georgia, and especially your boys remind me of now. You three are nothing more than a female and British versions of Miller. When you can’t stand up to the challenge known as life, you complain away about how unfair it is. When you find that you’re just not good enough to make it in this business, you find a way to blame everyone but yourselves. When you find yourselves in a Ladder Match, instead of watching tape and figuring out a strategy, you watch old History Channel faux-documentaries and try to figure out the best way to go about a conspiracy theory.

[Beavis chuckles; thinking back to the days of Henry W. Miller; remembering how badly Doug beat him every time out. It gives him even more confidence going forward.]

EB: But yes, Georgia, Page and Vauxhall, you will be competing in a Ladder Match at High Stakes, you will be defending our titles and we will take them back. Go ahead and complain to AJ and Ben about it because I doubt they care about the b*tching from one American b*tch and two British ones. They’re more concerned with athletes who will go out to that ring every night, compete in any and every match imaginable and put on the performance of a lifetime. That’s been our MO since being in RCW and that’ll continue to be the way we do things around here once we get our hands on you at High Stakes. Usually, it’s just our tagline. However, in this case, it happens to be true. When we lock horns with you in the Ladder Match, we will take you to a New Level but you will strain under the pressure and take a mighty fall back to Earth. Enjoy the ride, boys, because we’ll enjoy the view at the top of the ladder.

[The camera cuts and the New Level immediately walks out; waving good-bye to the crew.]

WC: So what now?

EB: Well, I know Doug and Nate are somewhere in town. We should hunt them down and just have a nice, big training session. I’m sure they’d have a ton of advice that could benefit us even more so.

WC: That’s true. So what do you want to do about Georgia Lee if she gets involved in our match?

[Beavis shrugs as the two men make their way back through the parking garage.]

EB: If she’s foolish enough to get involved during a Ladder Match then she’ll deserve what she gets. After that, she’ll be the worst PR rep in the world with one tooth.

[Carl bellows with laughter as they get to their rent-a-car. Carl leaps into the driver’s side as Beavis carefully slides into the passenger’s side. Carl starts up the ignition as they drive off down the Vegas Strip.]