~As the shot comes up, we find ourselves outside of the multi-story building recently purchased by Peter Vaughn, located right next to his recent creation, the Garden of Betrayal. The building appears to be currently under major development, as construction workers are coming and going from every direction, working on numerous rooms at once. The cameraman seems nervous, focusing a couple of times on the various escape routes in the building, before slowly making his way down to the back where a conference room is located. Inside, his anxiety isn't helped by the swinging of an axe, smashing down into the glossy wood in front of him.~
Cameraman: Jesus, Mary, & Joseph!!
~The swing causes the cameraman to stumble back in the doorway, giving us a brief view of the ceiling... which clearly is going to need some work, as there are missing and damaged panels above. Suddenly, Peter Vaughn is there, leaning over the cameraman, the axe in his hand. He raises his eyebrows.~
Peter Vaughn: Is there a problem, boyo?
~With the axe moved to his right hand, Vaughn reaches down with his left, and after a moment, the cameraman takes him up on it, getting pulled to his feet. It takes a few moments for the camera to orient correctly again, which some people love to see in a movie, while others truly hate the slight bouts of blurriness. But we strive for reality here at Sin City. With the cameraman back on his feet, Vaughn nods to him, then gets both hands on the axe once again, causing him to step back.~
Peter Vaughn: Am I making you nervous? You think, with all these people around, I'd just start carving you up like a Thanksgiving turkey or something? Geez. I figure we've worked together long enough for you to at least trust I won't kill you.
~The cameraman doesn't say a word, but looks out a side window, where we can see the Garden of Betrayal next store. It's a reminder of how Vaughn brought down the warehouse that was standing there while the cameraman was in it. He focuses back on Vaughn, who shrugs.~
Peter Vaughn: One miscalculation and I'll be paying for it the rest of my time here. Sigh.
~Vaughn then turns, swinging the axe again, splitting another chunk off of the large conference table that was in this room. While it was showing its age like everything else in this building, it's still a little startling to see it getting destroyed like this. Vaughn pulls the axe free, looking back over his shoulder.~
Peter Vaughn: I know what you're going to say. I should have just had the table removed and sold it to some company, right? Well, it was assembled in this room, and it's not small enough to go through the doors. Plus, think of all the shady deals and criminal acts that probably took place here. This WAS part of a lawyer's office, after all. It's best just to cut down everything that was part of that. I mean... I hate lawyers.
~With a little more power behind it, Vaughn brings the axe down again. He's causing a major split near the center of the table, making it larger with each swing. One might think that a chainsaw would work better, but an axe just feels more... personal.~
Cameraman: So, you wanted me to come by, right?
Peter Vaughn: Hey, I'm always interested in seeing you, boyo. But if you mean for Sin City, sure. I've got my own contractual obligations to take care of, don't I? So let's talk about High Stakes 13.
~Vaughn pops the axe free once more, only to turn to the camera with a contemplative look on his face.~
Peter Vaughn: So I easily took down that pretender, Tyler McCulligan, as I think everyone expected. At least, most of them. It's funny how a few people think that a 'regular' match is going to trip me up, like I've gotten too used to Roulette challenges for me to be able to handle a straight-up match. You know, a Three Falls match or an Iron Man match could easily come up on the wheel, too, you know. I have to be prepared for everything.
~He laughs, shaking his head, with the axe set over his shoulder. He doesn't look like Paul Bunyan, but maybe showing a little Patrick Bateman. The destroyed office setting helps.~
Peter Vaughn: And now, I'm set for the final tests of my historic Roulette Title run. I get to once again face Rodrigo Afonso, putting my prized championship on the line once again. By the time High Stakes 13 rolls around, I'll have landed 169 days as champion. That'll surpass Alex Jones and tie me with Kristopher Ryans in third place. To get third all to myself? I've got to take down Rodrigo once again. It's a job I don't like lightly... but it's a job I'm well equipped to handle.
~Vaughn's hands subconsciously tighten on the axe, and you can't help but wonder if any sort of Extreme Rules match could easily get out of hand with this man. After all, he nearly killed a man with a sledgehammer not that long ago.~
Peter Vaughn: Once I make my way past Rodrigo, the path is pretty clear for me. There will only be one or two more opportunities at most for someone to stop my reign from breaking the record. And once I get to day 191, all bets are off, my friend. Because I'll have accomplished every goal I've ever wanted as champion... except for how far I can set the record. I'll have done everything in the division that I had in mind, elevating it to a truly desirable piece of hardware that everyone will want to get their hands on. It will be... complete.
~Vaughn squeezes the axe again, taking a close look at the sharpened blade in his hand, finely honed to do the work it's meant for.~
Peter Vaughn: And I'm not going to let anyone stand in my way.
~Vaughn then spins, slamming the axe down full-power into the table. With a resounding crash, the table separates, falling into two large pieces on the carpeted ground. A few construction workers outside peek their heads in, ensuring everything's good, before departing again. The cameraman, meanwhile, is a little too nervous to move. Vaughn, breathing heavily from that swing, turns back, smiling over his shoulder.~
Peter Vaughn: That's all I've got for you. Now scram. I've still got some more... redecorating to do.
~As Vaughn prepares the axe once again, the cameraman takes his cue and quickly leaves the room, probably a little fearful from the intensity that he just saw. The sounds of chopping can still be heard as the cameraman retreats, leading to the shot fading out.~
~The picture returns, although it's a little harder to see what's going on, as bright lights are shining into the lens. We can hear a strong country beat going on as the camera swings down, below the lights, to show a large dance floor. Various people dressed in their best country gear are dancing back and forth, enjoying the music in what is apparently the Neon Cowboy club in Dallas, Texas. That's from reading the sign on the wall, for those not following along. The camera pans along the dancers, all of whom look like they're having a fun, alcoholic-filled time, but none of them are familiar to us. That changes when the camera veers to the right, showing the pool area of the club, where Peter Vaughn can be seen, leaning over the table with a pool cue in hand.~
Peter Vaughn: Eight ball, left corner pocket.
~Vaughn lines the shot up carefully, already having calculated the angle he would need for the shot. He lances the cue forward, smashing the black eight ball and sending it careening into the left corner pocket, having called his shot. Vaughn straightens up, looking pleased as he turns back to Sadie Anderson, who's standing nearby with her own cue.~
Peter Vaughn: Another game? Should I rack them up?
Sadie Anderson: You know, Peter, when you told me you wanted us to go to the Neon Cowboy, I wasn't expecting us to just play pool...
~Sadie smiles at her 'boyfriend', if that term can be applied to someone like Vaughn. While he struggles with feeling full emotions due to trauma in his past, he's been genuinely trying to make things work with Sadie over the last month. It's still a work in progress, however, as he looks at her in confusion.~
Peter Vaughn: But... I thought you'd love this place. It had very strong reviews online as a place to take a date...
Sadie Anderson: I'm sure it did, Peter. But the pool tables are more of a... secondary option here. I know you love games of skill, but... how about we try going out on the dance floor?
~Vaughn turns and looks over his shoulder towards where some country line dancing is going on, then looks back at Sadie, a reluctant look on his face.~
Peter Vaughn: Dancing, uh, has never been my thing.
Sadie Anderson: You mean to tell me that the great wrestler Peter Vaughn has two left feet?
~Sadie mockingly speaks with a glint of humor in her eyes. Vaughn, immediately feeling challenged, shakes his head.~
Peter Vaughn: No, of course not! I've just never...
~A second later, Sadie has pulled the cue from his hand, putting it on the table, and starts pushing him towards the dance floor, not taking no for an answer.~
Sadie Anderson: You only learn by doing, champ. Now let's get out there. Try and follow what everyone else is doing!
Peter Vaughn: But... but...
~The two end up on the country dance floor, where the line dance is still ongoing. Sadie quickly moves into step with them, while Vaughn robotically tries to keep up. He's a step behind for most of it, watching for what one person next to him does before completing it himself. It's a challenge, but he starts to rise to it, working to keep up with Sadie, who clearly has experience on the line. The song ends, with some on the dance floor clapping for the fun they just had. Sadie laughs, grabbing hold of Peter's arm.~
Sadie Anderson: See, Peter? You did great!
Peter Vaughn: No, I was off-step too many times there. I have to focus more, get that secondary bounce when it takes place...
Sadie Anderson: Hey, you know you don't have to do everything perfectly, right? This is all just for fun! You know what fun is, right?
Peter Vaughn: ...
Sadie Anderson: Okay, well, that's something else we're going to work on.
~Sadie laughs again, her happiness bringing a small smile to Vaughn's face as the next song begins. It's "Two Dozen Roses" by Luke Combs & Shenandoah. The slower song brings Sadie closer to Vaughn, and they begin to dance around the floor with other couples. Vaughn is still looking around, trying to mimic others, as Sadie puts her arms around his shoulders.~
Sadie Anderson: Just relax into it and enjoy the moment.
~Vaughn does his best to oblige, with the two continuing their slow dance across the floor as the picture slowly cuts away.~
Relax... and enjoy the moment.
It's a good lesson for everyone to learn. It can be so easy to get overwhelmed with responsibilities and obligations and lose sight of the good moments that are out there, waiting for you. Sometimes you have to revel in the small victories.
Like you, Rodrigo, being able to come back and face me after taking such a horrendous beating from me in our Barroom Brawl.
That was a heck of a fight, wasn't it? I mean, I thought it would go longer, but overall, it certainly was one of the better encounters I've had as the Roulette Champion. Getting to slam your head into the jukebox as "Don't Stop Me Now" plays, well, it's always great to send a tribute back to a great movie like Shaun of the Dead. And giving you the Key Holder on the broken glass? Well, it was a tremendous ending to our conflict, and let's face it, it would have caused a lot of younger wrestlers much like yourself to consider finding a new career.
But you came back. Good for you.
You even got yourself into the winning column by making Bill Barnhart tap out. It's sad that this once would have been considered impressive, but Barney's been on a rough road as of late. I've beaten him twice now, and I do wish he would just retire and maybe stop damaging his good name. But he still had enough clout for people to get excited for your victory, and thus, we're booked again, this time at one of the biggest shows of the year, High Stakes.
You've been put in the unenviable position of being the man to try and stop my inevitable journey to the top of the Roulette Title rankings, with all of the odds against you. I'm hoping you're going to come at me with renewed determination, and maybe you've even learned a few things along the way. Maybe you can even figure out how to dodge the Key Holder. Not many have, but it IS possible.
Of course, avoiding the Key Holder only removes the threat of ONE of my great maneuvers. You've never felt the Plunge come crashing down on your vulnerable throat, for one thing, or felt the intense impact of the Revenged. From what I hear, it's a terrifying sensation... until you're knocked unconscious. Some have woken up with no awareness of what happened, thinking the match is still going, when I'm already on my way back to the locker room, victoriously holding up my championship.
Yes, you've faced me once, Roddy, but that doesn't mean that you're an 'expert' in Peter Vaughn now. There's a lot more you have to go through before you can claim that title. You've got to be someone like Supreme Machine, who I faced in a series of matches in TPW, or Matthew Knox, who I've battled across the world in various styles of matches. You have to be Jack Washington, the only man here in Sin City who has managed to take me down in singles competition. I hate to say it, Roddy, but you're nowhere close to being any of those men.
Add in the fact that you're going to have to fight me in a completely different style of match, and well, the odds are certainly stacked against you. Some people like it that way. For me, I never want to be seen as the underdog... which is why I've worked long and hard to make sure that's rarely the case. Everyone's going to be expecting me to dominate this contest once again, Rods... and I aim to make sure their expectations are realized.
It's going to be a war for sure. We'll be living up to the show's name, as the stakes, for me, will have never been higher in Sin City since I arrived earlier this year. You have got your chance to make up for your failure at my hand, and a chance to get your first championship here. But I have everything on the line. I've promised that I'm going to be the longest-reigning Roulette Champion in SCW history... and I'm not letting that promise be broken.
I always want to be known as a man of my word, after all.
~Peter Vaughn's favorite vehicle, Gabriella, moves on down the country road, as Peter drives with Sadie sitting beside him, a large smile still on her face.~
Sadie Anderson: I had a great time tonight, Peter.
Peter Vaughn: I'm glad. But it'll be better next time. I'll get in some practice, and when we dance next time, I'll be sure not to step on your toes as many times as I did...
Sadie Anderson: You don't have to worry about that. I got my foot out of the way... most of the time.
Peter Vaughn: Yes, but if I'm going to continue down this path with you, I have to keep improving. I have to keep learning.
~Sadie lets out a sigh, looking away out the window for a moment as they take the turn that heads towards the PMV Ranch.~
Sadie Anderson: You know, sometimes you act like I'm a training module for you. Or maybe a new sparring partner.
Peter Vaughn: What? No, you know that's not it at all...
~Vaughn glances over, worried, but Sadie just gives him a friendly punch in the arm.~
Sadie Anderson: You just remember that I'm very good... at sparring.
~She smiles again, with Vaughn looking forward again, looking a tiny bit thrown off by that statement. As they pull into the parking area of the ranch, Sadie looks questioningly to the right.~
Sadie Anderson: Huh. Whose Cadillac is that?
Peter Vaughn: No idea, I haven't seen it before.
~The two get out of the truck and walk towards the main house, where Keith can be seen, stepping out onto the porch to greet them. He does not look happy.~
Keith Cooper: I'm sorry, Mr. Vaughn, Miss Anderson. I told them that you weren't here and that they should come back, but they refused to leave. They were determined to see you tonight.
Sadie Anderson: Really? Who are they, new ranchers here to harass us?
Peter Vaughn: I'm fairly certain all of our bills have been paid lately, although with Thomas' recent injuries, we COULD have missed one. If so, I'll square it away right now.
Keith Cooper: Nah, I don't think it has anything to do with that. Uh, you'll see, I suppose.
~With that, Keith steps to the side, as Sadie and Peter move forward, both a little puzzled by how their night is ending. Inside, in the living room space, we see three people getting to their feet. One is clearly a lawyer, dressed in a suit despite the still-warm Texas temperatures. You can always smell a lawyer when they get close. Beside him, a younger woman holding a child in her arms gets to her feet, a weak smile growing on her face.~
Peter Vaughn: Hello, I'm Peter Vaughn, and this is my ranch. You're here a little past business hours, but then, we don't really HAVE business hours, I guess. So what can we do for you?
~The woman steps closer to Vaughn, studying his face, her smile changing slightly as she considers him. Vaughn, though, has his attention more on the lawyer, knowing where the most trouble is likely to lie.~
Peter Vaughn: Well? What's this about? I guarantee to you that we run an upfront business here. I make sure nobody cuts any corners, because we keep everything in the limits of what the laws tell us we can do. I mean, we might come close to the edge in some cases, but we never go OVER the line...
~Vaughn stops as the woman reaches out, putting a hand to his face. He looks over at her, confused.~
Woman: Yes... the nose is right. The features are there. I... I do think I remember you...
Peter Vaughn: Ummm... well, I'm on TV a lot...
~Sadie gives an annoyed grunt from the side, and Vaughn takes the cue from her, stepping back from the lady so that she's no longer touching his face. The lawyer nods his head and steps forward.~
Brock Hudson: My name is Brock Hudson, Mr. Vaughn. I'm a lawyer and investigator from Nevada. My client here is Carrie Primance. I believe you might remember her.
~Vaughn shakes his head, glancing over at Sadie, whose eyes have narrowed as if she's figured out something.~
Peter Vaughn: To be honest, no, I'm afraid I don't. But I DO see a lot of fans from time to time. Is that what this is about?
Carrie Primance: You really don't remember me? Was I that forgettable? I know we both had a lot to drink... but it was such an amazing night. And such a rewarding one...
~The woman hefts up the child in her arms, lifting him towards Peter.~
Carrie Primance: I'd like you to meet William.
~Vaughn looks down at the child, his nose wrinkling slightly. William may need to be changed after such a long wait.~
Peter Vaughn: Uh... hello, William. You know... if I'm going to do autographs, it's better to be on a picture or trading card or something, it lasts longer...
~Carrie lets out a short laugh, as if believing that Vaughn is kidding around, although the look on his face is complete puzzlement.~
Carrie Primance: William... is your son, Peter.
Peter Vaughn: Oh, is he now? Well, that's just.... wait.... WHAT?
~Vaughn's eyes go wide as Carrie once again offers William to him, basically thrusting the child into his arms. Peter takes him unwillingly, although his first instinct was probably to let him drop to the ground. But there are things that even Peter Vaughn wouldn't consider doing. He takes the child, looking at him, and there IS a bit of familial resemblance there, although it's always impossible to tell from just comparing two individuals. He looks back over his shoulder at Sadie, seeking some assistance, but she's already storming out of the room, heading back to her barracks. Vaughn watches her go, holding William, as the room seems to shrink down as the shot cuts away.~
One of the things I always strive for is being prepared for anything. Of course, this is an impossible standard to shoot for. Nobody can be ready for everything that comes their way.
Still, I've made it my trait to be able to react to every single Roulette challenge that's come my way. And you know what, Roddy? If there's one thing I've learned during my long run with the title, it's that they always do thing bigger and more dangerous at the main shows of Sin City. At Into The Void XII, I had to compete in a fierce Triple Threat Ladder match to become the champion. Malachi got himself suplexed through a ladder in that match, and was never really the same afterwards.
Then there was Summer XXXtreme XI, where I once again faced two men in an Ultimate X match. Okay, one was the Troll, but I still had to strain my utmost to survive future Internet Champion Milo Kasey and keep my championship, putting my health on the line from such serious falls off the top of the two ropes above. After that, we have Violent Conduct IX, where Eddie Lyons and I lived up to the shows' name in our Knockouts Only match. I nearly killed that man that night with a sledgehammer, and while part of me does somewhat regret it, the more rational part of me knows that I did what must be done.
But now it's all about High Stakes, Roddy. That means that the Roulette wheel is going to likely have only the most intense, dangerous styles of contests available. If you thought the Barroom Brawl got nasty, just wait until you see what the owners of Sin City likely have in store for us on October 22nd. Hell, with Halloween close at hand, there are just too many insane possibilities to consider.
But here's the thing, Roderick. No matter what they put on that wheel, no matter what crazy, life-threatening task they put before me, we all know that I'll still have more experience in that challenge than you will. Even before Sin City, I had competed in all styles of contests, from Hazardous Ladder wars to barbed wire, triple-steel cage matches. I've shed blood all around the world in my quest to become one of the greatest wrestlers ever, making everyone who ever doubted me pay for their lack of faith.
As much as you've managed in your first few months here, boyo... you're still just a rookie when it comes to competitions such as this. The pressure on you is going to be immense, and sure, you're probably starting to adapt to it. I'm hopeful that you continue to build on it, assuming you survive, and start becoming a generational talent in our business. But you're not there with me yet. You're going to be completely off-balance from whatever they throw at us, and in the end, that's likely going to be your downfall.
It might be getting slingshot into a series of explosive panels, going off as soon as your body adds the tiniest amount of pressure to them.
It might be the crash into the side of a steel cage, cutting open the flesh above your eyes, blinding you from the final impact that's coming your way.
It might be a long fall from a steep height, crash-landing in a horrible position, and being only able to hear the concerned shrieks of the audience in attendance as I come flying down onto you, delivering the Plunge.
Really, it's completely unpredictable which way you're going to fall. The only certainty, Rod, is that you're the one going down.
And I know, you don't want to prepare for that contingency. You don't want to think about how my defeating you a second time can seriously hamper your future in the company. But you really need to look at it from the perspective of those who came before you. Sure, some of them are no longer here, as they were too weak to be able to recover from the thrashings I gave them.
But then there are role models like Kasey, who has achieved so much since I took him down multiple times. There are guys like Lyons, who somehow picked himself up and shook off any brain damage I gave him to keep competing, landing himself a shot to take down Kasey and claim that Internet Championship for himself. There's Washington, Goth, and Carter, all of whom lost to me during 2023, and all of whom are in the main event at High Stakes.
So you can't prepare for what's coming for you, my friend. But you CAN prepare for the fight for survival afterwards. You can still make something of yourself here in Sin City. You can still move on from the Roulette Division and strive for greatness.
But all that will have to come later... because you've still got to hold yourself together for the pain and punishment that's to come.
I can't predict how much damage I'm going to do to you. All I can say is, when it's all over and done with, I'll still be moving forward with my near-record title reign, and you, Alfonso? You'll have to find a way to change the new trajectory of your career and make it great once again.
Hey, I have faith in you, boyo.
~The picture comes up once more, with a very frustrated Peter Vaughn knocking on the closed door to Sadie Anderson's room in the main house.~
Peter Vaughn: Sadie? C'mon, open up. We need to talk.
~There's no answer behind the door, as Vaughn knocks again.~
Peter Vaughn: Sadie, please! You have to understand! This HAS to be some sort of weird misunderstanding, or some sort of money-grabbing swindle. There's no possibility that I have a son! Not a chance in the world! The lawyer's already arranging for a DNA test, and we're going to do one ourselves as well, to make sure nothing's being switched out. It's all going to be worked out!
~Vaughn waits, but there's still no noise from behind the door, other than a very faint sound. It could be crying.~
Peter Vaughn: Sadie, please... can't you just come and talk to me?
~Finally, we hear movement, as someone comes closer to the door. Peter waits expectantly for it to open... but it doesn't.~
Sadie Anderson: Go... away...
~We only hear Sadie's voice from behind the door, as she then moves further away. Vaughn is at a complete loss, not knowing what he's supposed to do next. Should he break down the door? Take off the hinges? Or should he just leave it alone for now, and hope for better in the morning? Unfortunately, as Vaughn has learned throughout his life... not everything can easily be fixed. He slowly decides to walk away himself, his head down, as the camera slowly fades out.~