[Mark Ward]

 Post all roleplays for this match here.

Limits: 1 roleplay per week. 10,000 words maximum.

Good luck!  

[Andrew]

 ROULETTE

Narrator:  As everyone knows, unless they are idiots, Bill Barnhart won the Number One Contender for Roulette Championship match at Summer XXXTreme VII on August 25, 2019, by defeating Joshua Acquin, and he is the current Number One Contender for that Championship. At Climax Control 250 Teddy Warren defended the Roulette Championship against Griffin Hawkins, the person he defeated for the Roulette Championship at Summer XXXTreme VII, and their match at Climax Control 250 was the rematch for Hawkins to try to regain the Roulette Championship. The winner of the match was Griffin Hawkins so that means Bill Barnhart will be facing off against Griffin Hawkins at High Stakes IX against with the Roulette Championship on the line.

The Network puts up a photo of a Roulette wheel, in a casino at a hotel near Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii.



The network replaces the first photo with the second photo. We see a shot of part of a Roulette wheel showing the ball sitting on Number 7 Red.

Bill:  I am sure you are wondering why I included a photo of a Roulette wheel, at a Casino, with the ball that landed on Number 7 Red. If you had at least two working brain cells you would know the answer. But since most of you are morons I will explain it to you. My match at High Stakes IX is my SEVENTH in Sin City Wrestling. Since SEVEN is classified as a lucky number, and a perfect number, and I am in a Championship match for the Roulette Championship, I consider myself extremely fortunate, lucky if you want to use that term, and perfect, that I will be earning the Roulette Championship on my seventh match in Sin City Wrestling. Here is my gambling tip for everyone. Place all your money on Bill Barnhart for the win, which is being represented by this graphic showing the ball landing in Number 7 Red on the Roulette wheel, and you will be financially well off for a long time for betting on me to win the Roulette Championship. This is a golden opportunity, literally since Championship gold is on the line, and I am not going to waste this opportunity.

ROULETTE WHEEL SPIN FOR RULES  AND STIPULATIONS OF THE MATCH

Previously we only heard the voice of Bill Barnhart making comments and now the Network switches to the cameraman who is with Bill. We see Barnhart standing at a location inside the Blaisdell Arena. Bill is casually dressed in blue jeans, black pullover shirt, and black athletic shoes. We do not see Bea or their English Bulldog Iris so we make the assumption they are out taking care of other things.

Bill:  I am here at the Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii where Sin City Wrestling is holding their High Stakes IX event. Again I refuse to tell you where in the Arena I am located so as to prevent jerks from trying to attack me to benefit Griffin Hawkins at High Stakes IX. At this event I will be facing off against Griffin Hawkins, who won the Roulette Championship match at Climax Control 250, in his re-match against Teddy Warren, who defeated him for the Roulette Championship at Summer XXXTreme VII. First I wish to congratulate Griffin Hawkins on regaining the Roulette Championship he lost to Teddy Warren. Next I wish to inform you, Hawkins, that it is my pleasure to be facing off against you to fulfill my second dream match in Sin City Wrestling. Lastly I wish to inform you that I will feel a little bad when I defeat you to earn the Roulette Championship causing you to have only a two week reign as Roulette Champion this time around but not as bad as you would like me to.

Bill pauses for a moment as he looks around to ensure nobody is invading his space where he is airing his comments.

Bill:  Griffin I want to inform you of a few things. In most matches we get scheduled for we know ahead of time what the rules and stipulations of the match will be. It is easy for us to plan ahead, train for that type of match, and know, without a doubt, what type of match we will be having. However in a Roulette Rules match the Roulette Wheel is spun before the match starts and whatever it lands on is the type of match match and stipulations the participants have to work with. It is difficult to be moments away from the bell to start the match and only then finding out what the rules and stipulations of the match will be. That is why the wrestlers most successful in matches like the Roulette Rules match are those like me who are always ready for any type of match.

Bill takes a drink then puts the bottle of water down so he can continue his comments.

Bill:  So, Griffin, please pay attention as I am about to enlighten you beyond your wildest dreams. There is NOTHING the Roulette wheel can land on for our match that I have not yet experienced in a wrestling match before. I have had every type of match known in the sport of wrestling. I have also had over a dozen matches in my career that were so evil, so demonic, so dangerous, and so life-threatening, that those types of matches will never be allowed in the sport of wrestling again. What does that mean? It means they will never show up on the Roulette Wheel in Sin City Wrestling.  When you entered the match at Summer XXXTreme VII you knew ahead of time it would be an Ultimate X over the pool on a Cruise ship match. You had over a month to wrap your mind around the concept of the match. But at High Stakes IX you have no advance warning of what our match rules and stipulations will be. I would estimate that maybe, just maybe, you have been involved in half the match types listed on the Roulette wheel. That means there is a fifty percent chance the Roulette wheel will land on a match type you are unfamiliar with. With me, as I already informed you, I have experienced every match type listed on the Roulette wheel during my wrestling career. There is NOTHING the Roulette wheel can stop on that I have never experienced. So with you having only fifty percent knowledge of the types of matches listed on the Roulette wheel and me with 100 percent knowledge of the types of matches on the Roulette wheel it is a simple ADVANTAGE – BILL BARNHART!!!

WHAT DOES OCTOBER 20, 2019 MEAN FOR GRIFFIN HAWKINS AND BILL BARNHART?

The scene has shifted to another location within the Blaisdell Arena. Since we see a wrestling ring set up, and many seats for spectators to watch from, we make the assumption this location is the spot where Sin City Wrestling will be holding High Stakes IX. Bill Barnhart walks into camera view and when the cameraman informs him they are live broadcasting he launches into his comments.

Bill:  I am standing at the ring where I will have my Roulette Championship match against Griffin Hawkins at High Stakes IX. I issue a welcome to all the viewers, especially to you Griffin Hawkins, as I have some very important information to present to you concerning what our match at High Stakes IX means to you. I am sure you are so proud of yourself for defeating Teddy Warren and regaining the Roulette Championship as that is to be expected when you were so surprised you regained the Roulette Championship the shock in your eyes was noticeable. You have the right to be happy and proud of what you accomplished at Climax Control 250 but you will be sad and disappointed when I de-throne you as Roulette Champion at High Stakes IX providing you with a very short two week reign during your second time as Roulette Champion.

Bill pauses his comments for a drink break. This time he pulls out a six pack of Classic Coke. He grabs a can, pops the top, and quickly downs the Classic Coke. He tosses the can into a trash can then lets out a loud burp.

Bill:  Buuuuurrrrrppppp!!!!!  Oh yeah that felt good! Not as good as when I defeat you, Griffin, to obtain the Roulette Championship at High Stakes IX. Now, Hawkins, let us get back on the subject of you puffing your chest out, beating on your chest with your fists, and claiming what a great wrestler you are because you defeated Teddy Warren. When we go back to the Ultimate X match at Summer XXXTreme VII and look at all the wrestlers in the match I would say that Teddy Warren was one of the weakest wrestlers in the match. Even though he was not at the top of the list of those expected to win he managed to win. He did not win by beating down all the other wrestlers in the match. What Teddy did was hold back and bide his time until the other wrestlers in the match beat each other down and then he made his move to the Roulette Championship and walked away the winner. Warren did not out-wrestle the others in the match but he did out-smart you all. So for you to brag about your win over Teddy Warren at Climax Control 250 is a joke. Yes you did defeat Teddy Warren but you defeated a wrestler who is not as good as you are. But shall we look at what I did at Climax Control 249? I faced off, in the first of my dream matches in Sin City Wrestling, against Fenris who is, without a doubt, one of the top three wrestlers in our Federation. What happened in my match Griffin? I know you will only state that I lost to Fenris, and I did, and I am not denying that fact. What happened is that everyone thought Fenris was going to have an easy time with me and everyone, including Fenris, was shocked how well I performed in our match. That match was nearly won by both of us several times during the course of the match. It was a last-ditch maneuver by Fenris that reversed a hold I had on him and he got the pinfall on me. I cannot do anything but congratulate him and commend him on his outstanding wrestling abilities. Now, Griffin, we need to get real here okay? I nearly defeated Fenris who is more than twice the wrestler Teddy Warren could ever hope to be. You defeated a wrestler who is fifty percent the wrestler Fenris is. And where do I put you in comparison with Fenris? I would say you are around 75 percent the wrestler Fenris is. So if I came up equal to Fenris in my match with him that means I performed at 100 percent of what Fenris is which gives me a 25 percent advantage over you in our match. As I have stated before ADVANTAGE BILL BARNHART!!!

Barnhart opens two cans of Classic Coke this time and downs them back to back. He tosses the empty cans into the trash before continuing with his comments.

Bill:  BUUUUURRRRRPPPPP!!!!! So, Hawkins, let me give you closing comments. I will give you only three items even though I have way more I could give you. ONE:  I will win the Roulette Championship at High Stakes IX and you will lose the Roulette Championship to me. TWO:  You will have no reason to feel bad, disappointed, or inadequate, when I defeat you in our upcoming match. You can still brag that you held the Roulette Championship, lost it to Teddy Warren, then regained it from Teddy Warren, and nobody can take away from you the fact that you are currently a two-time Roulette Champion. THREE:  Just as Fenris defeated me and showed respect to me after the match was over so I will defeat you and show you the utmost of respect after our match is over. I like you, Hawkins, and as I have stated numerous times this match we have coming up is my second dream match in Sin City Wrestling. I may never get my third dream match against Casey Williams but at least I will have fulfilled two of my dream matches. That is all I want to state for today. I know you think you will defeat me but I know The difference between THINK and KNOW is about as far apart as our planet Earth is to the center of our Milky Way Galaxy. Have a nice day!

Bill Barnhart turns from the camera and heads for the exit door. The cameraman keeps focused on Bill until he exits the door and closes the door behind him then the Network cuts to a commercial break.

[Griffin Hawkins]

  It had been a while since I had been to the old training school. Mickey Ramone made me the man you see now with his hard nosed old school attitude. I decided to arrive, see how he and his training school is holding up.

I hoped things wouldn't be awkward.

I didn't know how he'd take me coming back after so long. Finally one day I decided to head to Windsor Ontario Canada to see how things are going. I arrived at the gym and to my surprise, its still standing and still active. I see many trainers working with young up and coming rookies in the ring, doing their cardio, squats, and other exercises. I almost feel a twinge of nostalgia as I look at these young guys. I look at a huge Caucasian male with short blonde hair getting himself a bottle of water.

Griffin Hawkins: Excuse me..but...

His eyes suddenly grows huge as he looks at me.

Skip Jensen: Oh...my...God!

Griffin Hawkins: ...something wrong?

Skip Jensen: Dude...you're Griffin Hawkins! Oh my God, I am a HUGE fan of yours dude!

Griffin Hawkins: ...you...are? I'm kinda surprised that I'd meet a fan here..

Skip Jensen: Surprised? Dude, you are like..a legend here! All the guys and girls here know who you are. You graduated from here and people have kept track of you since!

Griffin Hawkins: Wow, I had no idea...so..whats your name dude?

Skip Jensen: Skip! Skip Jensen...been training here for like a year now.

Griffin Hawkins: Well, it's nice to meet you Skip...I'm looking for Mickey, is he around?

"Right here..."

I slowly turn around and see a familiar old man with white hair and a bit of a rough looking face. He was in his usual sweats with a whistle around his neck.

Griffin Hawkins: Mick..hey...

Mickey Ramone: So the prodigal son returns..

Skip Jensen: Sir, I was just telling Griff all about...

He cuts him off.

Mickey Ramone: Get back to work Jensen. I wanna talk with Hawkins alone.

He nods and walks off. Leaving me alone with my old trainer.

Mickey Ramone: Never thought I'd see you around these parts again.

Griffin Hawkins: I know it's been a while, but with my current match coming up, I'm feeling a bit nostalgic to come back to where it all started.

Mickey Ramone: Is that so? I figure a big star like you wouldn't show his face around here again..most forget this old run down place.

Griffin Hawkins: Not me Mick...I haven't forgotten my roots. I'm coming up against an old vet, Bill Barnhart.[/colro]

Mickey Ramone: I know..I've been watching you for a while. I saw you win back your title, good shit. Just make sure you don't lose it again.

Griffin Hawkins: That's always a concern. That's why I want you to train me, like the old days.

I could tell he wasn't expecting a request like that. He looked at me as if I just came from another planet.

Mickey Ramone: I swear kid, you are something else. You take off for a few years, become a big superstar..and now you come back expecting me to train you?

Griffin Hawkins: Well....yes.

Mickey Ramone: That man Bill Barnhart...he's a threat. Big son of a bitch, been around the block for quite a while he could take your title if you're not careful.

Griffin Hawkins: That's why I want your training Mick..you come from the same era as him, you know how people like him wrestle. I figure on this occasion, I play his game.

Mickey Ramone: Then you've already lost. If you're gonna play his game, then you've already lost. He uses strength and submission...you need to use what brought you to the dance, speed and agility.

Griffin Hawkins: So...does this mean you'll train me?

Mickey Ramone: Let's say I do...and you win. Will this be the last I see of you around here?

Griffin Hawkins: Well...I guess I could come around here more often, maybe be a guest trainer for some of the kids here.

Mickey Ramone: Jesus Christ Hawkins, these boys and girls already fawn over you like you're some kind of God..do you really wanna bring that around here on a regular basis?

Griffin Hawkins: Well I figure it's better than just coming here and disappearing for another few years..besides, I could help out many of them so they don't fuck up as much as I did.

Mickey Ramone: Alright fine....I'll train you. But you gotta listen and follow directions. If you're not careful...that big bastard is gonna make your reign the shortest one ever. Now get in the ring..we got work to do.

Griffin Hawkins: Mick..this is the start of a beautiful friendship...

Mickey Ramone: ...I'm starting to regret this already.

I took off my leather jacket and got in the ring with Mickey, and we trained for hours. I started to feel like I did back when he first trained me, only my head is on straight this time. I hope it's enough to beat Barnhart.

-------------------------------------------

~Many Years Ago~

Things were never easy for me. I had the drive to wrestle...but a lot of times I allowed myself to get sidetracked by my usual vices..it would cause me to be late, not show up on time, just doing everything I shouldn't be doing. Years ago, I joined the training school, and I didn't exactly take it as seriously as I should have. In the ring I was tying up with a rookie, but I felt lethargic and not awake. After I fell after a drop toe hold, I didn't really feel like getting up. I heard the whistle blowing, it was Mick who climbed into the ring.

Mickey Ramone: Just what the hell was that?...

I slowly get up.

Griffin Hawkins: ...I guess I'm just tired sir...

Mickey Ramone: Really? is that why a few of my students tell me that you were out all night last night at the strip club to explain why you were late this morning?

I didn't know how to reply to that...

Griffin Hawkins: It's not what you....

Mickey Ramone: Answer the question..were you or were you out last night at the strip club?

I couldn't lie to him...he would only make things harder for me if I did.

Griffin Hawkins: .....Yes.

Mickey Ramone: ....You're done. Get the hell out of my gymnasium.

Griffin Hawkins: .....what?

Mickey Ramone: Pack up your shit, and get out. You've wasted enough of my time.

I felt my heart sink to the floor...my dream was dead due to my own stupidity. He walked back into his office and shut the door. I did not want to just end things just like that. I quickly rush after him, nearly breaking the door open to his office.

Mickey Ramone: I thought I told you to leave Hawkins. Why are you still here?

Griffin Hawkins: Mick...I can't leave..

Mickey Ramone: You clearly don't give two shits about being here, you care more about heading to the titty bar all hours of the night and showing up hungover thinking that I'm just gonna keep training you.

Griffin Hawkins: Okay..you're right, I missed up. I was banged up from all the training and wanted to just go somewhere to unwind..

Mickey Ramone: People unwind by hitting the gym, taking ice baths, looking over what errors they did and learn from them...they don't go stuffing bills down some stripper's g-string.

Griffin Hawkins: I understand sir...but you can't just kick me out, this has been something that I've wanted since I was a kid, I finally got my foot in the door and it's gonna be horrible that I messed up everything...just..give me another chance.

He then gets up from his chair, walking by the many photos of himself from the old days, and current ones with graduates from his school.

Mickey Ramone: I've been doing this for a long time Hawkins...I've seen people like you pass through here many times...they don't take this school seriously. Some just want to be a wrestler so they can make money and get laid...they have no passion for the sport. What you have is a gift..something that you have been blessed with. And it angers me to see a kid like you waste it when you stay out all hour of the night and show up late..that tells me right there that you don't have the heart to do what I have done for years to put food on my family's table. So tell me...am I right..or wrong about you?

This seems to be a loaded question...I didn't know how to answer it, but I wanted to be honest.

Griffin Hawkins: ...I'm here to learn sir...I'll do anything to prove myself to you if you give me this one more chance. I promise I will do whatever is necessary to succeed under your watch.

Mickey Ramone: ....This is your final chance Hawkins. What this means is, you arrive here around the same time everyone else does, at 8:00. Not 8:35, not 8:15...8 AM on the button. You want to be here? Prove it to me by showing up instead of going out to party all night. Are we clear?

Griffin Hawkins: ..Yes...yes we are.

Mickey Ramone: Good..now get your ass back out there and train...don't blow this second chance.

Griffin Hawkins: ...Thank you.

I was thankful that he gave me another chance. Mickey was old school, a hardass, but he knew the business in and out...and knew when someone had potential. I thank him to this day for giving me my chance...little did I know, I'd be facing an established vet in the future.

-----------------------------------------------

Cameras open in the old gym where I am wrestling against an up and comer. Hopefully this kid will amount to something and not go through the things I went through. After a few grappling and some tie in moves, Mickey shouts for us to take 5. I get out of the ring, resting on the steel steps, grabbing a bottle of water.


"Veterans of this sport...have always came into a company like a conquering hero. Someone like Ace Hart burst into Sin City some months ago, acting like the whole locker room should kiss his ass just because he was a big name elsewhere...hence why he didn't last long. And then in comes none other than Bill Barnhart. Unlike Ace..he has respect for the locker room and is not looking to use this company as a place to promote some second rate company. Barnhart is a vet...he's been around this sport for many years, no stranger to gold. And now he arrives here at SCW looking to add to his resume. The only problem is..it's on my time. Why? Because he is the number one contender, and I am the Roulette Champion..I made a promise to win my belt back and I always deliver. I haven't even had the time to open the bottle of champagne with Alice until I was reminded that my first title defense is at High Stakes against the big bad Bulldog himself."


I take a swig of the bottled water.


"First ever meeting between you and I Barnhart. This is the dream match you have been talking about for weeks now. You ran down a laundry list of people that you wanted to fight, and on top of that list.....was me. Don't think I took my eye off you for one moment. Because you earned that number one contendership...that meant that you would get a shot at whoever is Roulette Champion at High Stakes IX, the biggest show of the year. I kept my focus on beating Teddy Warren for the Roulette Title...knowing that I would be going up against you immediately. As I was preparing for you....I watched in the shadows as you went out and wrestled...but what happened?"


I made sure to keep an eye on him.


"You lost...to Tony Thorn...and then to Jake Raab. And then....you lost to Fenris. You haven't really been doing all that well lately by the looks of it. You're supposed to be the number one contender to the Roulette Title, your first taste of Gold. But you continuously come up short again and again. This isn't me ragging on you at all, I'm just saying that this is a match that you can't afford to lose Bill. Because this loss would be bigger than the last ones you have experienced so far. If you lose to me, there won't be a rematch. You will have to go to the bottom of the long line of contenders...you'll start from the beginning to get a shot at my title. You worked hard for this particular shot Bill...my advice, don't blow it."


I can hear many rookies in the back hitting the heavy sandbags.


"A month ago...you laid out a challenge to all the men who were in the 6 Man Ultimate X Match for the Roulette Title...I wanna know why that is. Yes..you won the number one contendership, but a challenge like that makes you look insecure..as if people are saying that your victory may have been a fluke, an accident. You said that out of everyone, Caleb Storms is the only man to have guts enough to accept the challenge. When in reality, those same men refused to give you the time of day because you made yourself look like an overgrown child who's trying to get everyone to notice him. And who was the only one who accepted your challenge? Caleb Storms..like wow...Caleb Storms. The same guy who practically wet his pants whenever Fenris challenged him..the same guy who can't even buy a win these days...and you're proud of that victory over him? Because I got news for you bro...I beat that guy a month ago in a title match and won, so I wouldn't be putting out my hall of fame speech just yet. Truth is Billy Boy...I'm not Caleb Storms. I'm Griffin Hawkins..the man who's been a prominent fixture in the Roulette Division, and what you don't get, is that I am ready to defend this belt against you in any match possible."


I really wanted to make a statement using Barnhart. I got my title back and was looking to pick up where I left off.


"It seems that all you talk about is dream matches. You want a dream match with this guy, you want a dream match with that guy, you wanna face this guy, that guy, whatever whatever whatever. That's the difference between us Bill. I didn't come back here just to have "dream matches". For me..it's not enough to just be back. I want to go straight to the top. In fact, my main goal is to one day become World Heavyweight Champion. So you can have all your dream matches and whatnot, but at the end of the day it don't mean a damn thing until you win it or if you walk out with the gold. You wanted me in a match? Well...you should be careful what you ask for."


I take another drink of water before I continue.


"You mentioned before about how you study your opponents which is all well and good. You can sit at your house and study all the matches about me all you like, hell, you can show up at High Stakes IX with a PHD in your back pocket when it comes to Griffin Hawkins...because truthfully, you don't realize that I can beat you any kind of way, whether it be pinfall...or submission. I even dug into my old moves in my title match and pulled out a blast from the past...the Whammy Bar, a move that I have not used in years and I made Teddy Warren tap out to win the Roulette Title for the second time. See Bill, you probably studied me from beginning to finish, but do you really know me? You studied men like Fenris, and he ended up proving you wrong. If you're gonna study, study hard..because I am coming to win."


I slowly rise up.


"See...I am a veteran just like you Bill. I've been doing this for 15 years and I have seen men like you come and men like you go. You're not the first veteran that I shared a ring with. I have faced men who have been in this business just as long as you have. I know what I am getting into. Sure, you're big, you're strong, you got the power to throw me around like a ragdoll, but you're not the first big guy I've been in the ring with. Your experience means nothing to me, what means more is that I am willing to lay it all on the line to prove once again why I am the greatest athlete in SCW history. So bring all you got Big Dog....because It's time that someone puts you down.


I then get back up and get back in the ring. Under Mickey's watchful eye I begin training with one of the young upstarts of the gym as the camera crew leave.

[Andrew]

 WIN THE WAR

Narrator:  There is an idea by most people that you must win the majority of battles in order to win the overall war. Not so. Bill Barnhart informed me he will enlighten you on that subject.

The scene cuts to the hotel room of Bill and Bea Barnhart and their English Bulldog Iris. Their hotel is located near the Blaisdell Arena where Sin City Wrestling is holding their High Stakes IX event. We see Bill is very casual today wearing khaki shorts, Atlanta Georgia tee shirt, and flip flops. Bea is wearing black jeans, a white blouse, and black flat shoes. Iris? Well you know her right? Iris is wearing her pink diamond-studded doggy collar. While Bill and Iris take a seat on the couch to present their comments Iris runs around sniffing every inch of the hotel room to see if she can pick up smell from other animals that stayed in the room before she did.

COMMENTING ON COMMENTS

Bea:  Hi and thanks for joining us for our comments today. This upcoming High Stakes IX event is truly exciting for us. This is the event where Bill, in his seventh match in Sin City Wrestling, defeats Griffin Hawkins in a Roulette Championship match. You will witness history made on October 20, 2019, when Bill earns the Roulette Championship.

Bill:  I wish to comment on some things Griffin Hawkins said recently so there is no misunderstanding on his part or on the part of the fans. Griffin you felt the need to tell the fans information that is public knowledge. Not sure why you decided to do that except to try to make people think you had information nobody else had.

Bea:  Yeah I was wondering the same thing.

Bill:  What you did, Griffin, was joke around that after I earned the Number One Contendership by defeating Joshua Acquin that I issued an open challenge to all the participants in the Ultimate X Roulette Championship match at Summer XXXTreme IV. You tried to make the claim that it made me out to be a coward. Shame on you for even attempting that. I made the open challenge for a good reason. Within minutes of defeating Joshua Acquin I heard the rumors that my win over him, to earn Number One Contender for the Roulette Championship, was tainted since Joshua Acquin is considered way below my level of wrestling and people do not feel that defeating someone like him should earn someone like me the Number One Contender position. When I issued the challenge for sure I expected you to respond but only Caleb Storms responded. Maybe you were the one having doubts after you lost the Roulette Championship at Summer XXXTreme IV.

Bea: The silence of all the participants in the Ultimate X Roulette Championship match at Summer XXXTreme IV, except for Caleb Storms, was very revealing.

Bill:  Also, Hawkins, you had to stoop to another low by mentioning the three losses I have in Sin City Wrestling. As you well know, Griffin, everyone loses matches in the sport of wrestling and with as many losses as you have on your record you should know better than to try to disrespect others on their losses.

Bea:  We will explain the wins and losses things in a bit but first Bill will address the names you mentioned that he took a loss to so far.

Bill: Hawkins you mentioned Mark Cross and you acted like it was  a travesty to the sport of wrestling. I did research on March Cross and although he is in Sin City Underground, which is classified as a development division of Sin City Wrestling, he is a top-level performer and I feel he should be in Sin City Wrestling. I will admit I did not take him as seriously as I should have and he managed to defeat me by pinfall. Can anyone, including you Griffin, state that you never lost a match due to not taking an opponent as seriously as you should have? Then you mentioned I lost to Jake Raab and you thought that was an insult to my esteemed career. Jake may have emotion control problems but we both went toe-to-toe the entire match and he ended up getting the pinfall on me. I know that has happened to you many times in your wrestling career so for you to talk down to others looks bad on you. Then you claimed that my loss to Fenris was an insult to me. Nah! I just faced one of the best wrestlers in Sin City Wrestling, held my own in the match, and we both had a tough time getting the three count. In the end it was Fenris with the win and I respect him for that victory where you apparently do not respect him for his wrestling abilities.

Bea:  Now we get to the reality part of our comments.

Bill:  I mean no disrespect to you, Griffin, as you are the Roulette Champion, and for your second time, but you saw how well I performed against Fenris at Climax Control 249. That match could have gone either way. I hung in there during the match and both of us had very close pinfall and submission attempts on the other. Fenris never backed down in that match and neither did I. What does that match with Fenris have to do with you possibly thinking that I am disrespecting you with my comments? The way I see myself measuring up to Fenris is that we are equal. However the way I see myself measuring up to you is that you are 75 percent what I am. Since I come up equal with Fenris and you are below my level you are screwed in our match. I will win this war.

WINNING BATTLES COMPARED TO WINNING THE OVERALL WAR

Bea:  Most people feel that the winner of wars is always the person or country that wins the most battles. I am here to inform you that is not always the case. When you enter a war your goal should be to win the overall war and not to win as many battles as you can. That probably does not make sense to you now but it will make sense to you shortly.

Bill:  For you who do not know, as it happened a long time ago, during World War II the United States lost the majority of battles in the Pacific against Japan and around fifty percent of the battles in Europe and Africa. But in the end the United States won the war on both Fronts because the won that one battle that won the entire war. To put this into numbers you can understand, and I have mentioned this in previous comments so they may sound familiar, what good is winning 99 out of 100 battles then losing battle number 100 and losing the overall war? Those 99 wins just got flushed down the toilet. But what if you had 100 battles and lost 99 of those battle but when you went into battle number 100 that one victory won the entire war for you? Does anyone not agree that it is better to lose 99 battles then win the one battle that wins the overall war than to win 99 battles then lose the one battle that loses the overall war for you? If that does not make sense to you then you are an idiot and you will end up losing more often than winning.

BILL BARNHART IS BETTER THAN GRIFFIN HAWKINS AND EVERYONE KNOWS IT

Bill walks over to where Bea is sitting on the couch and he joins her on the couch. Iris looks up and sees Daddy Bill sitting with Mommy Bea then she returns to sniffing around the hotel room to see what smells she can find.

Bea:  This is an extremely exciting time for me. I am serving as the Manager for Bill so during his matches I get to be at ringside to offer support and encouragement. I would make the comment that Griffin Hawkins is a coward who has to have interference in matches in order to win but I cannot say that about his match at Climax Control 250. When the Roulette wheel stopped spinning it landed on an anything goes, no Disqualification, match so all was fair in that match. However, Griffin, as the Manager for Bill, I am warning you ahead of time, so that you cannot claim you did not receive a warning, that if the Roulette wheel for your match with Bill lands on a match type where there are rules, no interference, I assure you if you get interference in a match type where that is not allowed you and your hired help will not only have to deal with Bill Barnhart but you will have to deal with me and Iris. I promise you that you would prefer to only have to deal with Bill.

Bill:  I hope the Roulette wheel lands on a match type that has specific rules, specific way or ways to win the match, that also includes that the Roulette Champion will lose their Championship on a Disqualification or count-out, as that causes problems for wrestlers who need to cheat in order to get a win or get themselves disqualified in order to retain their Championship even when taking a loss. That way the winner of our match is the wrestler who remains fully within the rules of the match. However, on the other hand, if the Roulette wheel lands on any type of match where there are no rules, no Disqualifications, no holds barred, Hardcore Rules, etc., where anything goes, man that would be a match made in Heaven for me as I am one of the best when it comes to performing in those type of matches.

Iris comes sniffing through the camera shot. She stops to look up at Daddy Bill to see if he has doggy snacks for her. Bill reaches into the pocket of his Khaki shorts and he pulls out several doggy snacks that are called Scooby Snacks and he hands them to Iris. With the suction power of a vacuum cleaner Iris quickly inhales the Scooby Snacks, chews them up, and swallows them. Immediately she begs Daddy Bill for more snacks but he has to turn her down. Feeling sad and rejected Iris turns and continues sniffing around the hotel room.

Bill:  Griffin I want a good match with you. I want a match fully within the rules if the Roulette wheel does not fall on a Hardcore Rules or No Rules slot. I do not want illegal blows, holds, or maneuvers if they are not allowed. I do not want the match to deteriorate into an all-out Hardcore match if that is not what the Roulette wheel landed on. I want a fair clean professional performed match that both of us will enjoy, as I had against Fenris, so that when the bells rings, and the dust settles, and I have my hand raised in victory as the newly crowned Sin City Wrestling Roulette Champion, there will be no whining, bitching, moaning, or complaining from you and your friends.

Bea:  I echo what Bill just said. I want everyone on both sides of this match to enjoy the match, have fun with the match, and have a clean victory so there is no complaints to be filed. That is not much to ask, Hawkins, but we shall see if your side keep true to the sport of wrestling or not.

IRIS AT THE DOG PARK

Bea:  Before we close this presentation we want to share with you an incident that happened with Iris when we took her to a dog park here in Honolulu. What happened to Iris is relevant to how Bill will deal with Griffin Hawkins.

Bill:  We enter the dog park, and I am leading Iris on her leash, and immediately some of the other dogs, thinking they are going to intimidate Iris, charge her and they are circling around her barking and trying to bite her. I told their owners they need to back their dogs off Iris but the owners were just as rude and insulting as their dogs. I figured I gave them a chance to behave, and to make their dogs behave, but they decided to be the jerk and do nothing.

Bea:  What happened next is priceless.

Bill:  Since the owners of the other dogs refused to control their pets I gave them a warning that me and Iris will take care of the situation if they do not do so. The other owners laughed at me so I took action. I knelt down next to Iris and told her I am letting her off the leash and whatever she does to the other dogs is her business and I will back her up and support her in whatever she does. Iris barked her approval to me so I unlatched the leash from her collar and she went off on the dogs attacking her.

Bea:  With Iris being heavy and stocky and with a head as hard as granite Iris ran around head-butting the other dogs, some in their heads and others with body shots, and a few of the other dogs gave up and ran back to their owners. There was only one dog remaining who had yet to back down. This dog was something of a mix between a Rottweiler, Lab, and possibly Pit Bull. This dog thought he was badass. I assume in the past he always picked on smaller and weaker dogs to build up his ego. He kept charging Iris and Iris kept head-butting him. Although that slowed him down he did not give up.

Bill:  I gave Iris cheers and advice. I reminded Iris that with her being shorter than this big dog she can take the advantage if she stays low. What Iris did next was classic and something I did not expect from her because, as everyone knows, Iris is a bit slow in the intelligence department. The larger dog charged toward Iris and Iris rolled on her back. At first I thought it was over for her if the big dog bit her in the stomach. The bigger dog was not able to stop before he was standing over Iris straddling her. He did not realize her head was below his groin. Now if you are sitting there watching this presentation and you are thinking no way Iris bit him in his family jewels yes Iris bit him in the family jewels.

Bea:  That big dog let out a yelp and cry that made him sound like a baby screaming. I swear I saw tears streaming from his eyes too. He limped off toward his owner and his owner came over and went off on us claiming our dog was mean and vicious even though his dog started the fight. I told him Iris was attacked by his dog and Iris won the fight and he needs to back off or he might have his family jewels readjusted also. The owner of the dog was shocked and scared so he and his dog left the dog park. I yelled toward the other owners and their dogs if they wanted more of me and Bill and Iris and they all shook their heads NO and ran out of the dog park.

Bill:  There are lessons to be learned from this incident at the dog park with Iris. Iris may be a slow-witted English Bulldog but she will fight to defend herself and she will back me up during wrestling matches at all times. Just as Iris refused to back down from those dogs, including the largest one who refused to give up the fight, until Iris gave him a gender reassignment bite, so I am like that in my wrestling matches. The bottom line is that in our match, Griffin, my focus in 100 percent on you. I will not allow myself to be distracted by anything or anyone you try to have interfere in our match. I have Bea and Iris at ringside and they will make sure, if we have a match where interference and weapons are not allowed, that if you or any of your friends use weapons or interfere in the match, Bea and Iris will take care of them. Just as Iris told that big dog they could do their fight the easy way or the hard way, and the big dog decided he wanted it the hard way and Iris gave it to him, so I tell you we can do our match the easy way or the hard way. If you choose the hard way I will not be held accountable for the damage I inflict upon you. Although I would be happy to have the Roulette wheel land on a spot that has specific rules and stipulations you can be assured that if the Roulette wheel lands on the spot that says it is a Hardcore match, no rules, no time limit, no holds barred, weapons are allowed, anything goes, I will be comfortable with that. Want to know why? It is due to all the vile brutal vicious and life-threatening matches I had against my half-brother Chris Shipman that I am confident in matches that allow everything to fly and be legal. No matter what the Roulette wheel lands on I will show you how easily I will win this battle that wins the overall war for me.

Bea:  Thanks for joining us today. Time for us to take Iris out for a meal. See you on October 20, 2019 at High Stakes IX.

Bea motions to the cameraman to indicate they are done with their comments for today. The cameraman calls into the Network to inform them. He then places his camera into a slow fade out and the moment the scene goes to black the Network cuts to regularly scheduled programming for this time.

[Griffin Hawkins]

 ~Many Halloweens Ago~

Trick or Treating was always a highlight for me. Whether it be dressing up as my favorite character or going door to door for free candy....something about it made me happy. Probably because it was one of the only nights of the year where I didn't have to put up with my Dad. At 11 years old...I still had a sense of excitement whenever I went out for trick or treating. Unfortunately for my brother, he reached the age where he is no longer old enough to go out for free candy. I figured it meant I go alone for once.

Wrong.

My sister was still young enough to go trick or treating, that means this year...I have to take her. Something I was not looking forward to. That year, I went as Luke Skywalker while she went as a Ballerina. I did not look forward to it...but I couldn't go unless she went with me.

This was gonna be interesting for sure..

And so we went on our way, trick or treating. We went from house to house, getting candy from various home owners.

Griffin Hawkins: Trick or Treat!

The man in glasses gives me a pack of reese cups...M&M's and two Butterfinger bars.

Wendi Hawkins: Trick or Treat!

The man gave her some twizzlers, a pack of skittles, and two snickers bars. We both said thank you as we went on our way to towards the next houses.

Wendi Hawkins: Isn't this fun!?

I wasn't exactly having fun...but I figured I say so for her sake.

Griffin Hawkins: Yeah...its fun..

Wendi Hawkins: Come on, don't be grumpy..we're gonna have all kinds of fun!

I wish I had her optimism.

Griffin Hawkins: Yeah, I guess we'll have fun. At least we're getting candy...

Wendi Hawkins: I'll even share mine with you.

That at least made me feel somewhat better. I guess it wasn't so bad. We went all through the neighborhood getting candy from houses. Next door I ran into my friend Kyle who was dressed as Jason Voorhees. We spoke for a while until I heard something very unexpected.

Wendi Hawkins: Give back my candy you jerk!

I quickly turn and see what has Wendi upset. I see what looks to be a slightly bigger kid standing in front of her, taunting her with her bag of candy as he dangles it in front of her.

Kyle: Oh man..that's Robbie Hudson...

Robbie was one of the biggest bullies in school..always picking on those weaker than him. I always steered clear of him in the hallways, but on this occasion he was messing with my little sister..I couldn't allow him to get away with that. I rush down to confront him, wanting him to lay off of her.

Griffin Hawkins: Hey! Leave my sister alone Robbie!

Robbie Hudson: Well look who it is, Luke Skywalker...

Griffin Hawkins: ...give her back the candy, I don't want any trouble. We just want the candy so we can go home.

Robbie Hudson: Oh you guys can go..but I think I'm gonna keep this candy. So go away or I'll pound your face into the dirt.

There was no way I was gonna get that candy back without a fight. I then remember Charles teaching me how to fight..using only one trick that works. I take one step forward and deliver a swift kick right between his legs. He goes down in a heap, dropping the candy. Wendi quickly picks it all up as we run away. We get as far as we can from him as we can as we run past the houses, turning the corner as we go back en route to our usual way home.

Wendi Hawkins: I don't see him anymore....do you?

I look to the back and there's no sight of him.

Griffin Hawkins: I think we lost him...are you okay?

Wendi Hawkins: I'm okay..just glad I got my candy back..

Griffin Hawkins: I wasn't gonna let that big goof take your candy.

Wendi Hawkins: Thanks Griffin...I'm glad you came with me tonight.

Griffin Hawkins: Me too...I guess this was a fun night after all. Maybe we do this again next year?

Wendi Hawkins: Okay! Let's go home.

We went on our way...that was the first time I took on someone bigger than I was who was standing between me and something important. Course, as we know, this wouldn't be the last time I fight I battle like this.

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~Present Day~

I indeed was so happy that Alice Knight was back in Sin City. Me and her had a lot of catching up to do...and to start, we decided to hit the gym and train for our matches. On the ride back, she reminded me the spookiest night of the year was coming. It also made me remember an old Halloween story from long ago that I...kept hidden for a while. I told her the whole story as I drove.

Griffin Hawkins: ....and then I said no, that's a girl's costume! But Mom said..it's fine! Little Indian Boys have long hair and braids too! There was only 45 minutes left to go trick or treating, so what could I do?....I put the damn thing on and I went door to door. And everyone was going...oh, what a pretty little girl....but by the time we got to the third house, I stopped correcting them. I mean..why draw attention to it? Honestly..after the fear and shame wore off, I'm just glad they thought I was pretty.

Alice Knight: Aww. I have a similar story. I wanted to go as Slimer from Ghostbusters. And everyone encouraged me to do it since, I didn't know I was at the time, a fat little girl. But Griff... like you owned being a pretty Indian, I owned being the slimer. I even ate two hotdogs at once... I grew up since then... right?

She seemed to make a lot of sense...I actually felt better.

Griffin Hawkins: You are absolutely right! Man, I can't even tell this kinda stuff to my brother without him making fun of me for it..

Alice Knight: Big brothers do that, its their job. But you've always been cool enough to me, so no judging.

Griffin Hawkins: That's a relief...so what are you doing for Halloween?

Alice Knight: Same thing every year probably, horror movie fest..got a lot of bad 80s horror flicks and I'm gonna binge watch them all. And you?

Griffin Hawkins: Taking the little ones out trick or treating of course.

Alice Knight: Aww that's sweet..any idea what you're gonna be?

I then stop for a moment, realizing I haven't gotten a costume yet.

Griffin Hawkins: Oh.....damn, I have no idea...

Alice Knight: You don't know?....

Griffin Hawkins: I've been so busy getting the Roulette Title back and focusing on Bill Barnhart that I forgot to get a costume..

Alice Knight: Well then, let's remedy that...we're going costume shopping! As a matter of fact, we'll wear our costumes in our matches!

Griffin Hawkins: You sure Christian will allow that, you're not exactly on his Christmas card list...

Alice Knight: It'll be fine! What have we got to lose?

And so, we went on our trip to the costume shop. There we picked them off the racks and began trying them on, Alice came out of her fitting room, dressed as a Hot Dog. And I came out dressed as...Batman.

Alice Knight: Oh yeah, at High Stakes I'm gonna be a Wiener! And you...the Dark Knight!

I then decide to get into character..going into Christian Bale's voice.

Griffin Hawkins: Ever since...my parents died, I haven't been able to get over it since. Bill Barnhart...he's a suspect, just like all my foes...Joker...The Riddler....sometimes Catwoman...I mean one minute she's like...oooh, you're my big handsome dark knight..the next it's, I took your sentimental Mom necklace because I'm a villain! Make up your mind Selena! Anyways...I'm gonna go out and I'm gonna avenge my parents by beating Barnhart! Now where is he hiding huh!? Swear to me!

Alice is thinking on it, she doesn't think it's convincing enough.

Alice Knight: Hmm...not quite. Try the other costumes.

We then go off to separate fitting rooms. I come out dressed as a Pirate, while Alice is dressed as....Napoleon Dynamite...complete with a Vote for Pedro t-shirt.

Griffin Hawkins: Arr..what ye gonna do at High Stakes matey?...

Alice Knight: I told you! I'm gonna flippin' go out and beat Twisted Sister! Gosh!

Griffin Hawkins: Arrr...I be going to defend me treasure against that gourd bellied codpiece Bill Barnhart...he's after all me treasure, but I be willing to give him a fight he'll remember as I make him walk the plank! Ye will be hearing a scream all the way down in Davy Jones' locker...Mickey Dolenz's locker too...and Peter Tork's locker. All the Monkees had lockers!

We still didn't feel like we got it right.

Griffin Hawkins: Still...not quite there...

Alice Knight: Let's try one more...

Soon we both come out in our new costumes...she's Mrs.Potato Head...and I am Freddy Krueger.

Alice Knight: Oh yeah, this has potential....and so do you?

Griffin Hawkins: Heh heh heh...first, they tried putting me through a table...Ha Ha Ha!...then...they tried throwing me off the stage...ha ha ha haaa! And this...this is my best one. They even tried throwing me in water...Ha ha ha haaa! But I just keep on tickin'...the dream people gave me this job...in SCW, I am FOREVER! Too bad Barnhart's not!

Alice Knight: By George I think you've got it! We're gonna give our opponents a good scare!]

Griffin Hawkins: ...with Mrs.Potato Head?

Alice Knight: You obviously forgot where they store the parts on the Potato head toy...

...She did have a point.

Griffin Hawkins: uhh..let's just buy the costumes..

We go back in and change back into our street clothes and buy the costumes. They do say life's no fun without a good scare....I was looking to give Barnhart a hell of a fright..

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I figured since Halloween was on its way....this should be special. The cameras open up in what appears to be the boiler room. The atmosphere itself is creepy enough with being in a cold lonely part of the arena. I begin to step from behind the corridor...dressed in a familiar red and green striped sweater, a fedora....and the iconic glove with claws in it. I give a sick smile as I make my way in front of the camera.


"This is the part of the fall season that I enjoy...Halloween. Anyone can whatever they want. Vampires, Clowns....hell, some for God knows what reason go as Donald Trump. As you can see....I am dressed for the occasion. You know who is also dressed up? Bill Barnhart. See, he wears a costume all year round, and that is the costume of a contender. He takes that costume in pride, thinking that he's gonna upgrade himself from a contender...to a champion. All Hallows Eve is fast approaching, anyone can convince people that they are something...but a champion, that's gonna be a hard one to pull off William.."


I begin to play with my glove just a little bit.


"I saw your little promo days ago Bill...very riveting stuff. But I am wondering...where is all this confidence coming from? Where is all this arrogance coming from all of a sudden? For weeks you have been acting like one big humble son of a gun... saying you respect me. But now you're acting cocky. You act is if it's a given that you're just gonna walk in and take the Roulette Title from me just like that. Like it's a forgone conclusion that I'm gonna have a short reign with the gold. Like really..have you watched me? Do I got the word rookie written on my forehead? Come on Billy...you've been around the block long enough to know that you should NEVER underestimate your opponent, because that is what you're doing to me. If you think that you're just gonna bowl me over that easily and take my title, well my friend..you are a few gallons short of a full keg. Because if anyone knows me, they know that I am not some fluke transitional champion. If you watched me long enough, you would've known that. But let's see if you can back up every thing you say."


I was kind of disappointed that he was taking me lightly.


"You bring up the fact that I lost my match with Teddy Warren. Like wow..tell me something that I don't know. Yes. I lost my title to him...but I only needed one rematch to get it back. But the thing is Bill..you're the LAST person to get on someone about their win loss record. Wasn't it you who lost to Jake Raab not long after you became the number one contender? I mean yeah, I lost to somebody who you don't think is as good as I am...but you lost to somebody who has done absolutely NOTHING in SCW but lose matches over and over again, someone who whines and cries like a baby whenever someone says something bad about him. And let's not forget, I beat the guy that beat you a week later..what does that say for you Bill? What if the number one contendership was on the line? I'd be facing Raab at the super card instead of you. See...I said from the beginning, anyone no matter who they are can lose a match, I have in the past..but I never let it hold me back. I wouldn't be at the top of SCW if I allowed one loss to define me. Meanwhile...you got the next big loss coming your way...very soon."


I walk across the boiler room, my claw is out as I make sure it's seen on camera.


"And yes we get it, you've been in every match known to man...you've been in so many torturous matches, you've been beaten up back and forth..blah blah blah...yeah, we get the point. You've been in every match there is...but you're delusional if you think it makes you the odds on favorite going in. Sorry to disappoint you Bill, but that doesn't make you special. Every last one of us have been in all kinds of matches...not just me, but everyone on in the SCW locker room. Men like Alex Jones, Austin James Mercer, Fenris and many others have fought their whole career in matches where they nearly destroyed themselves winning, and they're not as arrogant as you. You don't become a major player in this company just by having normal matches. We've all been in Cage Matches, Ladder Matches, Last Man Standing Matches, Falls Count Anywhere Matches. Hell, last time I was here I was in a Las Vegas Street Fight with Steve Ramone and I kicked his ass all over Sin City. When was the last time you were in a match like that? We've all been in grueling matches....but the only difference between us and you is we don't brag about it all the the and think about it as an advantage. You can barely get a win in singles matches...how can you handle what comes up on the wheel? You can say you had every match on that wheel...but what you don't get through your thick skull is that my reign was built on whatever stipulation the wheel stopped on. Over the summer I fought in al kinds of matches and still retained. While you on the other hand is trying to talk yourself up like you're some kind of badass that's not afraid of what that wheel stops on when deep down inside..you're nervous as hell that you're gonna choke at your first chance at a SCW title. See, people have said that I have been a fighting champion..one of the most dominant Roulette Champions we've had in a long time. You obviously haven't done your homework on me. Because I can adapt to any kind of match that comes up..and that's not bragging, it's fact. Whatever match that wheel lands on, I'll take you on and I will leave you laying."


I really didn't know what kind of match I'd have..all I knew is, I had to retain.


"I realize I'm going into an uphill battle. It's true Billy..you're bigger than me, you're stronger than me, you're more technical than me. But does that mean you'll take the title? Not as long as I got breath in this body. Because I've been taking on people bigger and badder than you all through my career. Hell, I won my first professional title years ago from a guy who I know for a fact was bigger and stronger than you. He was big, jacked up..thought he could take me out. But I kissed him upside the cranium with a barb wire baseball bat..and I took his title. So yeah Bill, you could throw me around, beat me up until I can no longer stand....but the thing is, I've taken beatings and STILL came back from it all, and when it was all said and done, I was the one with my hand raised. So you can sprout out all this false bravado about how you're guaranteed to win just to convince yourself that you'll win, but just know you're not the first to try and kill the metal. I'll live on...will you?"


I sit down in the chair.


"All you seem to care about is dream matches. Dream match this...dream match that. But is this really a dream match Bill? Because when I think of dream matches for SCW..I think of a show stopping match between me and Alex Jones. I think of testing my strength against J2H if he ever came out of retirement. I think of one day climbing in the ring against Fenris and see if I can snuff out The White Wolf. Now those are dream matches. You on the other hand...is not what I have mind for a dream match..in fact, I don't think people see this as a dream match seeing as you haven't been around here long enough for them to consider this one. But if you want to call this a dream match...then that's fine. But this match will be a nightmare for you.....and I will be the Springwood Slasher for this dream."


I small laugh escapes my lips..not quite Freddy, but close enough.


"See Bill...I am not overlooking you at all. In fact your reputation has followed you. You were a huge name down in Asylum Wrestling Alliance. You held every title there is to hold there...a Grand Slam winner...now THAT is impressive! No seriously, it is. That is something that not even I accomplished. So you deserve those accolades. But the thing is Bill....is that this is a whole new company. This is Sin City Wrestling in case you have not seen the bright lights. You're not gonna be able to bowl through the roster like a hurricane through a trailer park. The last veteran who had that mindset, ended up packing it in and going home. You may have been a big name in the last company you worked for, but here...things are different. And as we have seen, you might not be as good as you say you are with your recent string of losses. But this one match may make it all worth it. You earned your big opportunity...but making the best of it, that's the hard part."


I slowly get up.


"So you're saying that people should bet on you....funny...and why should they when they see who is in this match? Because obviously you have NOT watched me for very long, otherwise you'd know that I never fail to put on one hell of a performance. You should have done your homework on me Bill..because once you take your eye off the ball, you're gonna be left looking up at those pretty lights. This is your seventh match...bravo...I'm sure you're writing up your hall of fame speech. You're just now getting back in the swing of things thinking that you're gonna pick up from where you left off from the previous company...but you don't seem to get that times have changed since you've been champion. What we have is a lot of young and hungry athletes who are looking to prove why they are the best in the industry today. And now..at High Stakes IX, I'm gonna put this bad dog to sleep.....for good. Until then....sweet dreams.."


A sinister laugh escapes me as I walk away. The camera crew begin to pack everything in.