Prologue:
Jack was feeling pretty good as a late. Inside the ring, Jack returned to action and in his first match since winning the championship, he successfully retained in a Halloween themed Cornfield maze race. Not exactly the way Jack wanted to win, but that’s how it was done. Jack also learned that he would be facing Austin James Mercer at High Stakes and that made him less happy. In fact, it was one of the most annoying things he had on his plate. It was no secret how Jack felt about all the members of Wolfslair, and now he would be facing yet another member. But Jack went ahead and handled his business at Climax Control, and now was preparing to face Mercer at High Stakes.
Jack obviously wanted to be a good champion, if not the best champion. Even through his extremely rough demeanor, and mostly negative attitude, he was all about being a quality champion, even if it meant he had to do things he didn’t particularly like. He wasn’t a fan of the whole 5 questions segment he had to do, as he didn’t really want to read fan questions. He was amazed anyone even wanted to like him. Part of Jack was amused by this, if for no other reason than it gave him a chance to rant and rave and trash just about anyone he was asked out, and trash the people asking him questions. And Jack felt he was doing a fine job of representing the company as champion by doing so. As long as they paid him well, he really wasn’t going to complain. He could have, but that wasn’t the point.
Outside the ring, Benny finally agreed to work with Jack and run the casino once it was completely constructed. Jack would of course really still be in charge, but Benny would believe that he was. Benny on the surface would be in control, making a lot of decisions, but they would be surface level at best. Jack understood he had to keep Benny on a tight leash to actually control things, but at the same time give Benny enough slack to hang himself with, should the need arise. On the surface, while Jack would be moving out of the main ownership, he would be a figure head and promoter given his status at the SCW world champion. He could use the championship to get customers into his casino and gambling. Jack knew that Benny would love his position and power, even if it wasn’t truly there. That’s where Jack needed Benny to be. All that was left of this deal was to finalize it, and for that, Jack would turn to his lawyer in order to make sure all the t’s were crossed and I’s dotted.
But in Jack’s mind, what Benny didn’t know, wouldn’t hurt him. --
The Grand Flamingo Plaza
Las Vegas, NV.
Larry: Are you sure you want to do this? Jack sat at his office computer nodding at Larry, his lawyer, on the other end of the skype call. Larry displayed a handful of papers to Jack.
Jack: Of course I am. I wouldn’t have you look it over if I wasn’t sure. Larry: But this is a big step. I don’t know if you want to give Benny this much power from a legal standpoint. Jack just smiled.
Jack: Benny is getting what I want him to get. Nothing more. Look, I legally own the building where the Casino is going to be. All I need is for Benny to think he’s in charge. Larry: This puts him in charge. Jack: That’s why we’re talking Larry, you need to add some... fine print, as they say. Larry: Fine print? Jack: Absolutely. You make sure that Benny is legally obligated, but when it comes down to it, that I truly have final say. It’s a pretty straightforward process. Benny just has to look, and feel like he’s in charge. Larry: So... you want to scam him? Jack: Scam is an ugly word, Larry. That sounds so... I don’t know... underhanded. Larry: Because it is. Jack: That’s not the point. Let’s just call it something else. Something less bad. Like... we’re making Benny feel important. You just get some wording in there he’s not going to care about and we’ll make his dream come true. It’s simple. Larry: It’s still a scam. Also, I’m a criminal lawyer, not an entertainment lawyer. This isn’t really my forte. Jack: Do you want the cut, or not? Because I can get an entertainment lawyer, this is Vegas. Larry: Alright, alright, I’ll see what I can do. Jack: See? Was that so hard? Larry: Alright, I’m going to go on mute while I figure this out. Jack: Good man. Jack himself put the call on mute looking up at Brian, who was drinking another shot of whiskey, as he was now doing more and more.
Jack: You need to cut down on that, you know? Brian scoffed.
Jack: I’m serious. Brian: Stick, I’ve been doing this longer than you’ve been alive. Jack: And you’re on the verge of drinking yourself into oblivion every day at noon. Don’t make me cut you off, Brian. Brian: Stick, just because you are Mr. World champion or whatever, don’t think you’re better than me, or that you can tell me what to do. I will stop drinking when I’m good and ready. Jack: I wasn’t only talking about the booze. Brian stopped after downing a shot.
Brian: You gonna cut me off like that? After all I done for you? Jack: You’ve done a lot for me, Brian. I’m never going to deny that. Never. You are one of the main reasons this was put together. But you know what’s about to go down here. You’re not stupid. I need you at 100% and not fucking shit-faced when it comes to business. I don’t need you missing shit because you were too drunk. You have the ability to read people and to understand a room. Much, much better than me. I need you working at your best, in order to make this place the best. Brian: Ain’t that sweet, Stick? Jack: Brian, despite all you have done for me, if you don’t have a use, or you have a vice, I don’t need you here. It’s a simple as that. When we’re in business mode, we’re in business mode. Brian: This ain’t got nothing to do with me, Stick. I ain’t got any business in this. Benny’s signing some fucking papers, what the hell do I care? Jack: Because you are going to tell Benny what he wants to hear. Brian: What? Before Jack can say anything, there is a knock at the door, and Jack makes his way over and answers the door.
Jack: Benny. Benny: How are ya, kid? Jack: Doing great. I’m glad you’re here. Benny: I’m sure you are. Benny enters, nodding at Brian who raises a glass to him as Benny sits down. Jack takes his spot at the computer at the desk. He then pulls out his phone.
Jack: One second here, let me just make sure Larry is ready. Jack sends a text from his phone.
“He’s here.”
“Feed him the lines. Just make sure in the end you get the language in there.”
Jack then puts his phone down and presses the unmute button on his skype call.
Jack: Are you there, Larry? There is a moment and then Larry’s audio kicks in and he begins to speak.
Larry: Yes, I’m here. Jack, I know you’re there, and Brian of course, and Benny, are you there as well? Benny: I am Larry, how’s the wife? Larry: She’s great. I just went over the documentation and all the contacts. Everything here looks nice and legal. Benny: Not til I read it. Larry: Of course, I just wanted you to hear from me about it, so you know, you know things are legit. Benny: You’re a lawyer, you’re supposed to speak bullshit. Larry: Be that as it may, I can send everything over, and you and Jack can sign it. Benny sighs and nods.
Benny: I’ll give it a look. Larry: Great. Jack, all looks good, I’m gonna send it here in a little bit. Benny, do you have any questions? Benny: Yeah, plenty. You’re saying I’m in charge, right? Jack: Yes, Benny, this is your business. You run it. I’m gonna be pretty busy and I won’t be able to commit the time to running this place like it should be. I’m just gonna be the figure head. The spokesman if you wanna call me that. Benny: And I get to run it how I want. Jack: So long as it’s not into the ground, Benny. Benny: Very funny kid. Jack: I know. But this is how it needs to be, you get your people in on this and we can really make some money, and that’s the idea, isn’t it? Let’s give Sonny a real reason to be scared. Benny: What about the Mexicans? Jack: What about them? They ain’t running a Casino, Benny. As far as I’m concerned, we stay away from them, they stay away from us. Benny sat and thought about it for a moment.
Brian: Look Ben, you and I ain’t exactly giving Christmas cards and shit, but this is what’s good. You get that rise up and you run this place like the good businessman you are. Simple shit, big money. Benny: And I bring in my guys? Brian: Just don’t bring in shitbags and make everyone’s life here harder than it needs to be, and this is smooth sailing. This is a Casino. It’s money. This is the end results of bright lights and broads and booze. It’s all arranged for US to get THEIR money. We win, they can’t. Think about that power, Benny. And think about all that money... Benny sarcastically laughs.
Benny: You trying to make a play, Brian? Jack: Brian’s just letting you know how it is. This is what we have waiting for us, Benny. Benny again was quiet, until he nodded.
Benny: Send the papers. Jack checked his phone after a moment and then smiled.
Jack: Larry’s sending them now. Outside the office, a printer started up and the multi-page contract made it’s way to the station. Jack collected them, and he and Benny got to work on signing them. It was a partnership of connivence, but could also result in a lot of money Once the casino was finished, and ready to be used. Benny left soon afterward. Brian poured himself yet another shot, but then one for Jack.
Brian: I still fucking got it. Jack: Yeah. The two shared a toast and the scene faded.
--
On Camera:
Click. We are once again with the SCW World champion Jack Washington, kicked back, a sly smile on his face as he leans back in his hotel desk chair, world title draped over his shoulder.
Jack: What happened out there? What in the world happened, Austin? Are you so obsessed with me and getting revenge that you can’t concentrate for 5 minutes and you get your ass kicked and you lose? This is not a good look for you, son. Didn’t you ever watch Anchorman? You keep a tight perimeter! You keep your head on swivel. You have to be focused. I mean, all I did was basically fucking wave at you and you fail miserably in your match. Kid, if this is what you’re about to bring to me at High Stakes, you might as well not even show up. Jack shakes his head, mocking disappointment. But, he holds out his hands and perks up.
Jack: But don’t worry, Management has seen fit to give you another chance to build some momentum. Another chance to fill yourself with confidence before I tear it all away in 3 weeks. I mean, this match is a fucking setup and everyone can see it from a mile away. They give you a chick, hunting demons or some shit, and they give me Alicia Lukas. A member of Wolfslair. I mean, could they be stacking the odds in your favor any more? They are really trying to sell the fans on the idea that you have any sort of fucking chance at High Stakes. This whole “Champions vs. Challengers" thing was lame last time they did it, and now, it’s such a blatant setup, Stevie Wonder can see it. We gotta keep promoting this garbage group of people, let’s give them all title matches and rematches when they lose. But you know what? Let’s go ahead and give them a match where no matter what, they win. Boy, that sounds amazing. How big of a fucking handicap does Wolfslair need? This is pathetic and obviously, as the SCW world champion, I’m going to have to take it upon myself to personally kill off Wolfslair forever. I mean, I’m going to have to start vetting possible challengers and make sure they are Wolfslair free after I beat Austin. I’m getting tired of this. And right back to annoyed.
Jack: Look, I’ve made no bones about not being impressed by Alicia Lukas. I just said the truth. That’s what I do. She’s part of Wolfslair, and she sucks. Pretty cut and dry. I’m just my humble, factual, opinion. I mean, it’s already ridiculous that she didn’t even have to defend her championship prior to High Stakes. I mean, again, the favoritism is obvious. She gets a free pass to just walk into High Stakes as champion? That’s a bunch of bullshit. Are we really protecting them that much? Did we need to make sure she didn’t lose the championship? Are we padding her stats by giving her a free ride? Was management scared that some rando would walk in and beat her? We need to coddle the Bombshells now? I feel like I’m Alex Jones, you know the one with actual charisma, spouting off conspiracy theories, except when you look at the fact of the situation, I don’t sound so crazy, do I? No, I just speak the truth and the facts are just laying right there. I defended my championship, like a true champion and Alicia just... doesn’t have to? What kind of shit is that? This is a joke. And I am supposed to be able to depend on this person to have my back?
First, I’ve already said numerous times I don’t trust anybody. Secondly, Why would I trust anybody from Wolfslair when the guy running them has said he’d stab people in the back. You don’t think Alicia is capable of stabbing me in the back? You better get some glasses because she’d sell out anybody if it means she was in the main event. I can’t trust Alicia, I can’t depend on Alicia to do anything. I’d be better off with a goddamn broom because at least I know the broom isn’t being coddled. This whole match is a goddamn trap and it’s ridiculous. The annoyance grows.
Jack: As far as Keira goes? I keep getting giving cheap shots left and right by keyboard warriors and phony tough guys and some these women need to watch their tones. It’s not a secret, I hate everybody in this company. I think everything sucks but me. I’m in this to be at the top. And I am. But I never said a word to Keira Fisher or her wife, and yet she’s out here hating on me. Hating on my success. It’s not my fault that some folks around here don’t take advantage of opportunities and sieze the day. Get your shit together and maybe you’ll be in the main even more often. It’s really simple. Not complicated at all, but apparently, I’m the asshole because I just call it for what it is. That just seems to be a lot of people’s problems in this company, they can’t handle the truth. I’m out here making hall of famers returning for their last greedy grab at fame an afterthought, just by reading fans questions. I am doing, what I was born to do, and that’s be at the top. I am the star of this show. I am the face of this franchise. I cemented that fact at Violent Conduct. Maybe, if you’re lucky, Keira, you’ll follow my example and win at High Stakes. Or you can do what you always do and come up short. I mean, it’s just Alicia Lukas. You’ll even get a preview on Sunday. It just seems we’re both stuck with trash for partners. Well, I mean, you’re trash too, but my point still stands.
Go chase demons or whatever Buffy the Vampire Slayer shit you’re doing on your own time. This is the time for true champions to rise. And if you ain’t one, then you step aside. I’m just saying that if that hocus pocus scary movie bullshit rears it’s head in this match then I’m calling the goddamn exorcist. The match is already unfair as it is, I have a trash partner and she’s stablemates with my opponent and the other opponent has had some voodoo mumbo jumbo shit going down for months. I swear to go I’m on the only decent, sane person on this roster. I'm going to have to implement some changes around here after High Stakes. Jack takes the time to stand up, peering down at the championship on his shoulder before continuing.
Jack: Now, Austin James Mercer. Mr. Big and bad right? The gentle giant. I had an up close and personal view last week and you don’t impress me either. Yeah, you’re big, is that supposed to make me feel something? Because it really, really doesn’t. I watched you lose to man who is almost a foot shooter and like 100 pounds lighter. And do you know why you lost? It wasn’t because of me. Though it was a dick move to step on my hand like that, but let’s be real, you should have wiped the floor with Kendron Williams. You’re fucking 9 foot tall. You could have taken Kendron out in 2 minutes. Not that it would have impressed me or anything, but still, you could have. But you didn’t. No, you lost, because you are SOFT. S-O-F-T. Kendron Williams is 5 foot nothing and 180 pounds soaking wet with a brick in his pocket. But because you waffled and fucking fence sat, rather that telling Kendron you were going to kick his ass, you left the door open. You shouldn’t be blaming anyone but yourself. You failed. But hey, at least you still have your accomplishments. right?
It has become more and more clear to me that Alex Jones taught every single one of you the same thing. Be proud of achievements. Boast about achievements. You do something, you let everyone know you did that something. But apparently, he either didn’t teach you about it, or you just don’t have a killer instinct. That when you see someone down you kick ‘em in the fucking face to make sure they stay down. Did Alex not teach you this? Did you family of wrestlers not teach you this? Has life not taught you this fact, yet? Come on my guy, You’re making yourself look like you are all show and no go. If people saw you on the street, they would assume you were pretty bad ass, but I guess last week just showed the world that you just play one on TV.
And now we come into this tag match, and it’s obvious they want somebody from Wolfslair to do something right, right? You wanna tout records, Alicia wants to tout title wins and Keira is... whatever the hell she is. And here I am, once again, the only one whole will tell you the truth. Unless you show me something in this match Austin, you might as well pack it in and go home. You are as soft as baby shit and afraid to step on toes. You call is respectful, I call it being a pussy. You see what it got you last week, and this is your last chance to make some kind of impression, do SOMETHING to make yourself known. It’s obvious I’m already in your head and I haven’t really starting fucking with you yet. Last week, was just a test to see how you would react, and you failed miserably. You took the bait like a fucking bass and now all I’m doing is just reeling this big gooberfish in.
Look Austin, management is giving you a mulligan. They want you to have a do over. I get stuck with Alicia and you get Keira. This is tailor made for you to look like a world beater. The only question is, will you fuck that up like you have fucked up already trying to make any sort impression. Because right now, you’re nothing to me. A fly on my shirt. A pest that can wipe out at any time. The only thing that has happened since you won the number one contendership is immediately falling on your face and failing last week. You’re stumbling out of the blocks while I’m already ahead of you. So all the pressure falls on you this week Austin. You have to make a move and it has to be the right one. I know Alicia’s not gonna have my back, I know this whole thing is designed for you to get yourself back on your feet, you have every single advantage. You’re bigger, and possibly stronger than me. But as was demonstrated last week, that really means nothing when it comes to you, even though it should. You don’t want to get the label “big for nothing” do you? You should be tearing people apart, but you just aren’t. All this match is really going to be is one of two things. You getting one last desperate gasp of hope before I take it all away from you, or a small example of everything I’m saying about you right here and now. The choice is really yours Austin, but at the end of the day, it all leads to the same thing. High Stakes, and me, beating you and retaining my championship. Again. Jack then points to himself.
Jack: As for me? I already retained my championship in a silly corn maze, but it was Halloween so whatever. I just proved that the first time wasn’t a fluke. I already kicked Agostino’s ass in the ring, so whatever, I’ll kick his ass at any game that they want to throw at me. This match here, is just another test. On paper, as long as Alicia doesn’t fuck it up, we should easily win. I can only do so much to cover for her. Honestly, I should hope for a double dq or something so that Wolfslair wins absolutely nothing. But that’s not what I’m about. I am already killing it with the 5 questions bit, and obviously the show needed it last week, and I tested them and they failed. I am on track to becoming the greatest SCW world champion in history and this is just the beginning for me. I’m already way ahead of where I should be. I’m not bragging, I’m just stating the facts. So, once I will do what a good leader does and be the part part of the show once again. I will remind everyone that I am the champion, and there is nothing that anyone can do about it.
To me, this is just the next test of my patience. This match will annoy the shit out of me, but that’s okay. It will only add to my legacy.
So, ladies, Austin, for a brief period of time, I will share the ring with you, enjoy it, and let’s hope that the four of us are never in the same ring, ever again. I’ll see you out there. Be ready. Jack turns the camera off, shaking his head as we cut to black
Click. THE CHAMP. HAS. SPOKEN.
