High Stakes: MAIN EVENT- Doug Gavelon vs Vash

[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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[Vash]

{There are no cameras around as Vash sits up awake suddenly. He leans back against the headboard and sighs, holding his head in his hand for a moment. Zoltan jumps up onto the bed and licks his face once before he lays down next to Vash. Vash scratches Zoltan behind the ears and leans his head back and closes his eyes.}

Vash: “So what do you think, Zoltan, about how the last few months have been? Pretty substantial changes that have come so fast. Rae is back in my life, even if it's limited for now. Though it does complicate things having her around again. So many things that I thought were behind me for good, and now, because of her, I may be forced to dig them up again.”

{Vash looks down at Zoltan, who looks up at him with understanding eyes.}

Vash: “The biggest thing that has changed would definitely be in my career. So far, everything gone according to my plans. Everything has fallen in place. And now I have to get ready for an awesome challenge. But you know as well as I do, I'm ready. I'm more than ready.”

{Vash gets up and walks over to the window. He gazes out into the ice and snow covered woods for a moment before he picks up his phone. He hits a quick-dial number and waits as the other side rings.}

Vash: “Hey, Rae, it's Vash again. I was just calling to confirm that you want me to pick you up this afternoon..... Ok.... I know I'm excited too.... Ok, I'll see you in a few hours.... Bye.”

{Vash hangs up and walks around the room, grabbing clothes out of his dresser and closet. He piles them on the bed as Zoltan watches him. Vash gets a suitcase out of his closet and sets it on the bed near the clothes. He double checks he has everything he needs, then begins to pack up, but is interrupted by the doorbell. Zoltan perks an ear up, then yawns. Vash just shakes his head and goes to the front door. He opens it and sees the RCW camera crew waiting. He motions for them to follow him in.}

Vash: “Now, I know things ended a bit testy last time you all came by, but I trust we can be more respectful and understanding now. Follow me, I've got some work to do still.”

{The camera starts to roll as the crew follows Vash down the hall into his room. He begins to pack again as the camera looks on.}

Vash: “Welcome, RCW viewers, to my humble home once again. As you all can see, I'm trying to get ready for the upcoming weekend. What a groundbreaking weekend we all have ahead of us. RCW's first live pay-per-view event on the Versus Network. We're going to be broadcasting live from the amazing city of Las Vegas.”

{Vash pauses and looks up at the camera with a sly look on his face.}

Vash: “I'm sure it's hard for you all to believe this, but this will be my first trip to Vegas. Another thing to mark this as a groundbreaking weekend. I plan on flyin' out today and spending some of my time this weekend trying my hand at the tables. And I'll be spending some time in some of those famous bars and clubs. It'll be quite the interesting weekend, too, seeing as it's the weekend of Valentine's Day as well.”

{Vash opens a chest that is sitting on the floor at the foot of his bed. He takes out a small duffel and some wrestling gear. He packs the gear into the bag, and then puts the duffel into the big suitcase. He zips it all up, then carries the bag out of the room. The camera follows as he walks out into the main part of the house and sets the bag down by the door. Zoltan suddenly comes charging out of the bedroom and sniffs the bag. Vash stacks some wood in the fireplace and starts a fire before he sits down in one of his armchairs. Zoltan comes in and sits down in front of Vash and whines once. Vash looks down at the dog and laughs.}

Vash: “Don't worry, boy, I'm not leaving you behind. You'll be my second guest out in Vegas this weekend. I wonder who else will have guests in tow this weekend, with romance in the air? Will Gavelon have his beautiful, beloved Tiffany with him as he makes his way to the ring this Sunday? Hopefully, they have some time to set aside to be alone earlier in the day, just as I have some wonderful plans laid for my friend and I.”

{Zoltan yawns and lays down at Vash's feet, keeping a close watch on the camera crew. Vash focuses his attention again on the camera.}

Vash: “So now we all will come together and see how amazing of a show we can put on in the town known best for it's over-the-top entertainment. But it's more than just entertainment for us. Its even more than just what we do. It's not just a job. Wrestling is my life. It's what I was born to do. Every time I climb into the ring, I know there's no where else I belong more. My glory and pride was forged in the squared circle. I've been in RCW for only a few months, but I knew coming into it that this was where I was going to have the chance to show the world who I am. It was going to be my outlet to live out my destiny. I have made a lot of claims, but I have yet to fall short of one of them. I know my worth. I know that I am truly worthy of everything I attest to, I know that I am worthy of greater things than the average man.”

{Vash cracks his knuckles and neck, then settles back into his seat. He looks into the camera with an intense menacing look.}

Vash: “So now, Gavelon, I'm wondering how you will measure up. You have a very successful career with a lot of experiences under your belt. You are exactly why I signed with RCW. I wanted to be in the ring, proving myself against the best. So I fought and worked so that I could earn my way to a shot at the Southern Heritage Championship. It's only been a few months, but here I am. I know there are many people that doubted that I could do it. Especially being put into the SCC, when I had men the caliber of Jeffrey Hollywood and Ase in it. Marcus and I were the last two anyone expected to make it to the end. But I knew I would be right here the whole time, the winner of the SCC. I knew I would be here, getting ready to make my way to Vegas as the number one contender at RCW's first pay-per-view.”

{Vash smiles with a confident, yet almost evil grin.}

Vash: “Did you know I would be here, Doug? Did you predict it? Did you know deep down that it would be me? I hope so. I know these last few weeks you kind of took it a little easier, but I don't blame you. I saw you monitoring the matches of the SCC leading up to this match up. And I know you were in awe of what I was able to do. But I'm sure you aren't simple enough to let my superior talents distract you. I know you were studying my style. You remember every move I made in those matches. I'm pleased to know that you took the time to do your homework. I want you to make sure you are as prepared as you possibly can be. I want to have the very best Doug Gavelon in that ring this Sunday. That way I can prove to the world once again what I already know. I am this good. I am good enough to beat you. I am better than all the other men in this company. I will prove that I'm not just a flash-in-the-pan nobody that got lucky a couple times. This is real. I am the one destined to lead RCW to its supreme greatness.”

{Vash gets up and walks to the door, the camera crew following him once again.}

Vash: “So here we all are, on our way to Sin City. Don't get too distracted. You may wake up Monday and wish that the old saying, 'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas' were true.”

{Vash gestures for the crew to leave as he opens the door for them.}

Vash: “Viva Las Vegas...”

{Vash closes the door as the camera fades out.}

[Doug Gavelon]

“WHAT? ME WORRY?”

{Despite the strife which has plagued his fellow 7 Day Army members, the RCW Southern Heritage Title has been firmly fitted against Doug Gavelon’s shoulder since winning it at School of Hard Knocks II. His personal life is also soaring as his girlfriend Tiffany is now seven months pregnant. However, on the horizon sits a very determined, very hungry, very capable challenger in the newcomer known as Vash. Vash has fought the last several weeks against the toughest competitors that could be mustered for the Southern Championship Challenge: Ase, Jeffrey Hollywood and E.B. Marcus. Can Doug continue his impressive run? Can Doug continue to prove himself as the only wrestler and champion that matters today? While he’s off to Las Vegas to find out, his biggest supporter is at home and already knows the answer to those questions.}

2/11/10
Fayetteville, AR
**************

[At the doctor’s office, Tiffany must run through another routine ultrasound on her growing stomach. She’s had to endure many since she first discovered her pregnancy the previous July. This is the first time she can remember attending one by herself though; Doug having to prepare for his upcoming title defense in Las Vegas. The doctor runs her instrument over Tiffany as smooth as can be as the picture appears on the screen.]

Doctor: Still looks like a healthy baby to me.

Tiffany: Thank God. As great as it’ll be to be a mother, I’ll sure be glad when this is all over.

Doctor: The mother’s always are.

[Tiffany smiles as she looks up at the little human that’s been growing inside her all these months.]

Doctor: Do you FINALLY want me to tell you if it’s a boy or a girl…now that Doug isn’t here for once?

[Tiffany laughs but quickly stops as she feels the baby moving. She massages her stomach as she answers.]

Tiffany: No, we’d better not. Besides, it’ll be even better if he sees for himself when my little girl’s born.

[The doctor smiles and nods her head as she finishes her scan and helps Tiffany sit up.]

Doctor: So Doug’s in Vegas then?

[Tiffany nods her head.]

Tiffany: With all the crazy weather up and down the east coast, he wanted to get out there as soon as possible. That and something about “getting the atmosphere down pat” or something sports-crazy like that.

[Tiffany now shakes her head and rolls her eyes.]

Tiffany: Just when I think that man of mine has taken his wrestling dedication to the highest level he smashes through that ceiling.

[Tiffany smiles and flicks her hair back before the doctor helps her to her feet.]

Tiffany: Still, that’s what he has to do if he wants to stay the champ.

Doctor: Do you think he can win this Sunday?

[Tiffany eyes the doctor with a perturbed look that seems to ask “Are you serious?”]

Tiffany: Not only am I not worried but Doug isn’t either and that’s in the face with one of the toughest guys to come along in RCW in a long time. Doug knows what he has to do and he’ll definitely do it at the pay-per-view. He worked too hard and too long to get his title shot in the first place and now that he has the title, I doubt even death would make him give it up.

[The doctor’s eyes grow wide and she takes in a deep breath. She opens the door to her office before looking back at Tiffany.]

Doctor: So I’ll see you next week barring any emergency?

[Tiffany turns her demeanor from angry back to her now-famous smile.]

Tiffany: Works for me. She certainly isn’t going anywhere for another month or two anyway.

Doctor: Let’s hope it’s the latter.

[Tiffany rolls her eyes again.]

Tiffany: So says the woman who ISN’T pregnant.

[They both laugh as Tiffany walks out the door. After dropping off her file at the front desk she makes her way out of the hospital and to her car. After getting into the driver’s side, a thought crosses her mind…]

~I should call Doug just to see how he’s doing.~

Las Vegas
*********

[Doug makes his way down the Vegas strip; on his way to tape a very special interview for Versus. As he does, his phone starts to ring in his pocket. After taking a moment to enjoy “Through the Fire and Flames” which is his ringtone, he finally answers the call.]

DG: Hello?

Tiffany: You were enjoying your theme music ringtone again, weren’t you?

[Doug smiles as he immediately recognizes Tiffany’s joking voice. A smile quickly comes to his face.]

DG: You know it, babe. So how did you and the little guy make out at the doctor’s office?

[Doug almost laughs as he hears her annoyed sigh on the other end.]

Tiffany: For the last time, it’s a SHE and SHE and I did just fine.

DG: Good; glad to hear it.

Tiffany: You know, she actually had the nerve to ask if I thought you could beat Vash. I mean, come on!

[Tiffany laughs; as does Doug.]

DG: Is that a fact?

Tiffany: Well, don’t you think you’ll win? Was she right to be worried?

DG: Definitely not but whereas you can come right out and say it, I have to be a bit more political. I’m not giving that red-headed stepchild any bulletin board material.

[Doug hears silence; realizing the football reference went over her head.]

Tiffany: What does that even mean?!?!

DG: It means I’m going to kick his a** but don’t quote me on that…at least not until I get to the studio.

Tiffany: Don’t worry. I’ll be on Facebook in a few minutes and then everyone will now.

[Doug smiles again as he looks down at his watch.]

DG: Well, Tiff, I have to get going if I want to make that interview.

[Tiffany sadly sighs on her end.]

Tiffany: Okay. I miss you, baby.

DG: I miss you, too. I’ll be home Monday night though.

Tiffany: Still with the belt?

DG: Yes, still with the belt!

[Tiffany laughs as she finally gets a rise out of Doug.]

Tiffany: Alright, good luck, Doug.

DG: Thanks. Love you.

Tiffany: Love you, too.

DG: ‘Bye.

Tiffany: ‘Bye.

[Doug closes his phone as he makes his way to the Palms Resort. He walks through the complex before coming to the Pearl; the main arena of the Palms and the unofficial home of World Extreme Cagefighting. Being the MMA counterpart to RCW on Versus, Doug made the arrangements for a live interview on WEC’s WrekCage show. Doug makes his way to the announcer’s desk and to the announcers themselves: Todd Harris and former MMA champion Frank Mir. The three men shake hands and exchange pleasantries.]

Frank: Hey champ, how’s everything?

DG: Going great man. Definitely looking forward to dumping Vash on his head.

Frank: That’s always good to hear. Hey, maybe we should train sometime? Adding in some extra MMA techniques would definitely help you out, especially from a top mixed martial artist like me.

[Frank almost flaunts it as he points to himself. Deciding to be polite, Doug smiles and nods his head.]

Todd: Okay Doug, we’re about set up. Are you ready then?

DG: Hell yeah; let’s get this going.

[Doug takes a seat next to the two men and has a microphone placed on his shirt. They go through a routine mic check before the countdown and then the camera starts rolling. The WEC graphic appears on screen.]

[The screen then transitions to a shot of Todd and Frank.]

Todd: Hello WEC fans! I’m Todd Harris alongside, as always, with Frank Mir and we’re joined by a special guest on this special edition of WEC WrekCage. He’s a man who is the current RCW Southern Heritage Champion and who will have a tough test in the company’s first pay-per-view event this Sunday as well as one of the newest members of the Versus family. He is “Burning Hammer” Doug Gavelon. Doug, thanks for joining us today.

DG: Oh it’s my pleasure. Any time I can give a further boost to RCW is a great time for me.

Todd: Well put. Now, Doug, wrestling fans have been flocking to the new show Southern Dynamite on Versus. As the company champion, why do you feel that’s been the case?

[Doug chuckles as he thinks the question over. He thinks how asking the Southern Heritage Champion about the success of RCW is like asking a clock maker what makes his items tick. He leans against the announcer’s table and answers.]

DG: Without a doubt, we give the fans action that just isn’t out there today. Nobody has the athletes we do, nobody puts on the matches that we do and nobody ever will as long as I’m champion.

Frank: Speaking of which, you have a very tough challenger at RCW High Stakes in Vash. How did this match come to be?

DG: Vash outlasted three other competitors over a three week period’s series of matches. They included two former Southern Heritage Champions in Ase and Jeffrey Hollywood and a more-determined Early Beauchamp under the name E.B. Marcus. While I’ve shown the past two RCW supercards just how to beat Ase and Jeffrey Hollywood, it’s still no easy task and this newcomer should be commended for that.

Todd: So does that mean you think he has a chance in your match?

[Doug looks at Todd with an annoyed look; the result of an obvious, stupid question. Doug shakes his head.]

DG: There is a saying that “anything can happen on any given day.” However, I prefer the Mad magazine phrase for this challenge: “What? Me worry?” Sure, he’s a big powerful monster but he’s not the first one I’ve faced. I had to take down the gigantic Eno Redrum during my second week in RCW. I had to go against the Russian Nightmare Nick Zildjian with my comrades at my side inside a steel cage. Hell, I even had to face down GRENDEL to win the World Title in another promotion. Now, can Vash live up to those men and their accomplishments or transgressions as the moment may arise? He certainly has the size of an Eno Redrum and he’s left a path of destruction like Nick Zildjian. If he even thinks he’s on the same level of GRENDEL though then he’s mistaken. To do that, you have to be a champion. Sure, IF he beat me then he’d be there but I’m not about to lose what I fought so hard for just for a flash in the pan to take it from me. No, I’m not worried because he is just like any other monster that may come down the path; scary and kind of ugly when viewed from the most minor of characters. But, when seen through the eyes of the most gallant, most talented of knights, he’s nothing more than a lot of smoke and mirrors.

Frank: Are you saying then that Vash got lucky in the SCC?

[Doug thinks about it before finally nodding “yes.”]

DG: Just look at the talent in that competition and look at the rules: one loss and you’re eliminated. Ase has proven that he can have an off day or an off several months as I’ve proven.

[Doug pulls the Southern Heritage Title up from his side and places it on the table; pointing to it to further his point.]

DG: Hollywood is one of the most talented wrestlers on the planet but when he gets to full of himself, he tends to fail. When you’re matched against an unproven rogue and a reformed redneck and you have the ego of Hollywood, chances are you’ll overlook your opponents. You won’t train as hard; you won’t watch any film; you’ll make an oversight of the obvious weaknesses. That’s where those two and I differ: at this point in my life, I don’t have an off minute, let alone an off day. And no matter my opinions on the opponent, I always know to fully hone both my skills and my body in training. You see, I know the weakness of Vash. He’s a big man; a strong man; he can give and take a lot of punishment. The problem is that a body that size can only serve him for so long. His air will run out if he doesn’t finish off his opponent quickly or finds a chance to rest. Last time I checked, I could go an entire hour and I don’t quit chopping at the tree until the d*mn thing falls over. I will go after Vash fast and often; I’ll kick his knees until they swell up with bruises; I’ll work his arms until he can’t even pick them up; I’ll beat in his forehead until it’s a bloody hamburger of a mess; I’ll run circles around him so fast that he’ll want to quit and rethink ever stepping into the ring with me. He’ll know…after that match, he’ll know that he doesn’t belong in that ring with me. He’ll go home and say to himself…

[Doug slumps his head forward and squeezes his face tightly together; as if in deep thought. Then, he does his best Vash impression.]

DG: “You know, Doug was truly the better man tonight. I though I was tough enough to hack it but I obviously was wrong. I should go back to square one, start fresh and work my way back up. I wonder what Dewey Bird’s schedule looks like for the next show?”

[Doug smirks as he turns back to his regular demeanor.]

DG: But, all kidding aside, when Vash and I lock in that epic battle at High Stakes, nobody will question that I’m the better man because I will beat him down all over the Vegas strip if I have to.

Todd: You mentioned the opponents that Vash has defeated before. Has watching those matches helped you prepare even better for this match?

[Doug looks to Frank as if to ask “Is he really serious with these questions?” Picking up on Doug’s look, Frank just nods his head to say “I have to deal with this all the time.” Doug then turns his attention back to Todd.]

DG: Without a doubt, Todd. In fact, I’ll break down his entire RCW career right now. At the start of his RCW career, Vash not only beat but destroyed Kip Reeves, Lenny M Lansing and Pyros. Obviously, he was matched against these individuals to help boost his self-respect or ego, if you will. However, they’re not the cream of the crop when it comes to one-on-one competition. Kip is a notorious drunk. Seriously, if you can’t beat Kip Reeves then you might as well hang your boots up now. Lenny is a good kid. He’s young, athletic and great at delivering aerial maneuvers. The only problem is that once you crush his heart by taking away his favorite moves, he’ll falter and then fail. As for Pyros, he’s had his own problems for a long time and facing a tough newcomer is hardly the proper rehab.

[Doug looks down to the Southern Heritage Title; stroking the top of it as he continues.]

DG: Then, to get into the SCC, he defeated another young pup in Matt Cook: ton of potential; blew it all. ’Nuff said. Of course, we’ve already covered the competitors in the SCC so I’ll conclude my thoughts on Vash’s RCW tenure with this: I don’t have the alcohol or substance problems of Kip or Pyros; unlike Lenny, I don’t have to rely on just high-flying because I’m the most well-rounded wrestler in RCW; unlike Cook, I know my potential and have no problem seizing it; I have the heart to win that a machine like Ase doesn’t have; a have a mind that keeps me grounded, unlike Hollywood; I don’t need a name change or a haircut to get over like E.B. Marcus. Where all of these competitors failed, I shall succeed because while every last one of them were missing something within, I have everything I could possibly need and at High Stakes I will add a win over Vash to that list.

[Frank’s eyebrows rise as he listens to Doug; surprised at how determined Doug sounds. He calms himself and asks his next question.]

Frank: You know, you’ve brought some very strong language into this match. Why are you being so tough on Vash when he seems to have turned over a new leaf in his interview; being more calm and collected?

[Doug nearly breaks out in laughter; thinking back to the beatings that Vash has given to his opponents and the sneak attack he gave Doug no more than a week ago.]

DG: Sure, I’m being hard on Vash. Then again, he’s been hard on everyone he’s come across in the ring for one reason or another; weakness; egotism; pride…

[Doug again thinks to the attack from last week. He stares right into the camera as the smile fades; a look of determination spreads thick on his face.]

DG: …trying to send a message. Vash, I hope my words tonight haven’t hurt your feelings, especially since I didn’t know you had any feelings to begin with. But I’m hard because it’s necessary. I see in you the talent to be a great champion but your ego has run rampant due to your early success. You haven’t lost yet but the best always start off that way. The truth is you need a wake up call; a reality check.

[Doug points at himself with his left index finger.]

DG: That’s where I come in. I’m the man who will end your undefeated streak and finally show you some humility. Like I said, the beating that I’ll give you will make you rethink things. I just hope that you come to the realization that if you don’t change, if you just stay on this path because your claims “haven’t fallen short yet”, your career will quickly dead end. As long as you know that you rose up against the only wrestler that matters, were struck down like a dog and proven to be, at most, second best then you will have accomplished something after I dump you on your head and defeat you.

[Doug then turns back to Todd and Frank.]

Todd: Finally, Doug, how do you think you could stack up against my co-host here inside the cage?

Frank: Yeah, you do know I’m not in the dark when it comes to facing “fake” wrestlers.

[After saying it, Frank gives a pompous look to the camera. Doug just stares at him with a half-smile.]

DG: Yeah, and I think the last “fake” wrestler you faced kicked your a** all over this town.

[The look leaves Frank’s face as he hangs his head in shame; the smile now fully spreading over Doug’s face.]

Todd: And that’ll do it for this special edition of WEC WrekCage. Everybody be sure to tune into our brothers in arms, RCW’s, first pay-per-view event High Stakes this Sunday. For Doug Gavelon and Frank Mir, I’m Todd Harris saying goodnight everyone!

[The camera turns off as Doug removes the mic; slinging the title belt over his right shoulder. He shakes Todd’s hand and Frank begrudgingly extends his hand as well. Doug then walks back out of the Palms and back down the Vegas strip; on his way to further prepare for his showdown with Vash.]

[Doug Gavelon]

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

[On the eve of the biggest event in RCW history, the collection of athletes known as the 7 Day Army, for the first time in a long time, make final preparations together. Nate is busy toning his strikes on the punching bag; Carl and Beavis are grappling on the mats; Doug is doing push-ups on either side of a medicine ball. The intensity goes further and further as each man pushes themselves. This continues until a loud buzzer goes off. Doug catches his breath before standing up and shutting it off. He turns back to his comrades as they all cool down.]

DG: All right. Good job guys. We keep this up and we’ll own all the belts again.

EB: Hey, the tag belts are ours; always have been; always will be.

WC: Yeah, those British punks aren’t scr*wing us over twice.

[Doug looks intently at his cousin as Nate wipes the sweat from his brow. Nate just looks at him and shrugs.]

NS: Do I really need to say how I’m feeling? If I don’t murder that b*st*rd it’ll be anything short of a miracle for him.

[Doug smiles before nodding his head.]

DG: Good, I’m really glad to hear that. Tomorrow night, we have a duty not just to ourselves but to all the fans who demand great wrestlers who perform at the highest level. This army was formed to prove just that and we’ll continue to prove just that at High Stakes. Nobody can ever defeat this army in an all out war. Not a bunch of British cheap shots; not a sadistic midget; not a young, fiery redhead; nobody.

[Doug’s fellow 7DA members each nod their heads; Beavis clapping his hands together.]

WC: So how are you feeling, Doug?

DG: I’ve never felt better man. This kid has fought some tough battles but he hasn’t beaten the champ. I really hope he knows what he’s in for.

EB: Not from the sounds of it. He sounded more concerned about shooting craps and if you and Tiff were doing anything this weekend.

[Doug just rolls his eyes; wiping down his face with his right hand.]

DG: That just shows what’s wrong with this younger generation today: they just want the glory; they don’t want to put the time in to make it happen.

WC: You think he’s really turned over a new leaf? I mean, he didn’t sound like that vicious b*st*rd I’ve been seeing these past few months.

DG: I’m really not sure anymore but, at this point, I don’t care. If he’s still an a**hole then he’ll deserve what he gets. If he’s truly changed then this’ll be a good life lesson for him moving on.

EB: So when does the camera crew get here?

DG: Should be any moment.

[As if on cue, the camera crew walks into their training facility. Doug just smiles.]

DG: Speak of the devils. Come on in, boys. We need to get this over with so me and the guys can get back to work.

[One crew member vigorously nods as they go to work on setting up the equipment. As they do, Doug walks over and grabs the Southern Heritage Title belt. He walks back to where the crew is set up and in front of the camera. The rest of the 7DA decide to pull up a seat on the sideline and continue to cool down for the moment. The crew finishes up and starts the countdown. As they reach zero, the record light flashes on. Doug stares into the camera with a sly smirk; the belt hanging over his left shoulder.]

DG: One more day; just one more day until we, as a whole, make history. Tomorrow is the day RCW reaches the promise land known as pay-per-view. You know, it wasn’t that long ago that this was a “City of Villains” where everyone thought that you needed to be nasty to get by.

[Doug shakes his head “no.”]

DG: What a change a few months can make. No longer are champions defined by the best rule breaker; no longer are the most talented held down by the status quo; no longer are the hopes and dreams crushed by the tyranny of evil men.

[The smile fades and a serious demeanor grows on Doug’s face.]

DG: But having said that, at least one thing will remain the same tomorrow night as is tonight: this belt…

[Doug holds the title belt right in front of the camera.]

DG: …the only belt that proves to everyone that you’re the best at what you do…

[Doug then slowly pulls it back before settling it back on his shoulder. He pats it a few times as he continues.]

DG: …will remain where it’s been since the second School of Hard Knocks event. That isn’t a boast or me blowing smoke up someone’s a** but the honest truth. I’ve worked too hard and my technique is just too well-sound to lose it now, even to a competitor such as Vash.

[Doug wipes at his face; thinking everything over as quickly as possible; wondering how to go about talking of his opponent.]

DG: Vash, I will admit that you got by some of the toughest competitors around in the SCC. However, don’t think that automatically entitles you to the 15 pounds of gold that presses against my shoulder. You see, each of your opponents was quite game but they all lacked something. For one, you could call Ase the Tin Man as he’s nothing more than a walking piece of metal; no heart present in that cold frame. Both of us know that you need heart to survive in this business and you do have that Vash. For E.B. Marcus, he had the desire to succeed; to go beyond what he thought he was capable of being. The only problem is that I don’t believe that the true talent factor was there. That’s why he failed at your hands, Vash, because you do have the desire and talent to back it up. And then there’s Hollywood: as skilled a competitor as you can find but not one to put anyone over but himself. Not a humble bone in his body and that’s what will always cost him; not just in the ring but in his very life.

[Doug breathes in deeply; licking his lips after doing so.]

DG: And to me, that’s where you also fall short, Vash. Are you truly humble? Can you truly respect anyone else but yourself? Or, is it like many people believe, that this new outlook you’ve shown for our match is just an attempt to lull me into a false sense of security? Well, I can assure you that such a plan will never work. Believe me, with what I’ve done and with where I’ve been, I can smell a swerve coming a mile away. If you’ve truly changed then how do you explain the sneak attack at the last Southern Dynamite? Trying to get an early advantage?

[Doug’s smile returns.]

DG: I’m happy to disappoint you in that regard if that was your mindset. Any time someone waits for me to turn around to make their attack, it just makes me prepare that much more. It gives me that much more desire to make sure that you pay for what you’ve done. That’s why I was still able to stand victorious in the ring afterwards, Vash, because you can take an eye but I’ll use the other one to find you; you can take an arm but I’ll use the other one to beat the hell out of you; you can take a leg but I’ll still use the other to kick your a** all over the Thomas and Mack Center; you can attack my heart but you’ll never break it and I’ll use the fire that I feel inside to engulf you and destroy you.

[Doug rotates his head to the right; again thinking about his opponent’s previous comments. Soon enough, he turns back to the camera.]

DG: Another thing truly bothers me, Vash. Like I said before, you certainly have the desire to succeed in pro wrestling but do you have the dedication? Are you willing to wake up early in the morning on no real sleep, drive to the gym and put in a full day’s work? Can you avoid all the vices that come with a big opportunity such as a title match on a pay-per-view? Are you willing to push yourself to the limits each and every time you step into that ring?

[Doug lowers the belt down to his side; it seems to sway in his hand as does Doug’s mind on his opinion of these questions that he’s delivered to Vash.]

DG: I already know the answer to the second question as the first thing you talked about before was gambling once you hit Vegas or concerned yourself about what Tiffany and I could be doing for Valentine’s Day. I can tell you’ve never been pregnant before as both of us felt that it wasn’t the wisest thing for her to be traveling. So, my gift to her tomorrow will be retaining my title against you. As for gambling, it’s said that you need to quit while your ahead. Have you done so in Vegas, Vash; it being your first time and all? I hope so, Vash, because I’d hate to know that my winning, literally handing you the loser’s share of the money, has left you unable to pay up gambling debts.



DG: Youngsters wasting their potential by making the wrong decisions is certainly common throughout history. The instance that comes to mind was in another violent sport: American football. Going into the 1998 NFL Draft, everyone was wondering which of the top two QB prospects would be better: Peyton Manning or Ryan Leaf? Peyton being from a great athletic family while Ryan seemed to have limitless potential. However, once you talked to them both, their priorities became crystal clear. Each was asked what they would do if drafted number one overall. Peyton described on how he would work his a** off to help his team get to a championship. Ryan talked of going to Vegas and spending money.

[Again, Doug smiles.]

DG: The similarities seem endless, huh Vash? Both men came out strong in their rookie seasons with Ryan looking even more impressive than Peyton but, once the true tests came their way, it was Peyton who truly proved to be the better man. Ryan couldn’t handle the pressure, beleaguered anyone and everyone with his growing pains as a leader and failed miserably on the field. He soon washed out of football. Peyton not only has a Super Bowl ring but is a four time MVP and is considered one of the greatest of all-time. Now, Vash, if you want to avoid the end of Ryan Leaf’s tenure in football then here’s what you need to do: after I dump you on your head, you take into consideration all the people you hurt; all the destruction you caused during your growing pains and realize that you now know what they feel like. I will victimize you Vash because it’s the only way you’ll ever learn to be a true man in this industry and in this world. Unless you do that, you will fail miserably and become nothing more than an afterthought to the fans of RCW. As for me, I won’t compare myself to Peyton Manning, especially since I’m a Steelers fan.

[Doug chuckles but, almost as quickly, the smile fades.]

DG: However, I’m still the only wrestler that matters. I’m still the Burning Hammer. And Vash, after High Stakes, I’ll still be the RCW Southern Heritage Champion because I am…

[Doug throws the belt back over his shoulder.]

DG: …DOUG GAVELON!

[The camera cuts and the crew starts to quickly pack up their gear. As they do, Doug turns back to his comrades. The four men stand in a circle; staring at each other intently; all realizing what stands before them at High Stakes.]

DG: Gentlemen, let’s go show what happens when someone f*cks with the 7 Day Army!

[The four men let out a victorious battle cry before coming together with their right hands in the middle; throwing them into the air as they let out one last yell.]