The Called Shot (Bain)

[scott]

As the fans of within the Siayama Super Arena await the next segment, Disturbed's "Decadence" plays on the PA. Into the arena comes the one and only "Mr. Franchise". Decked out in one of his now signature suits, Scott makes the walk down to the ring with his typical cocky swagger. Tonight was the night he was calling his shot. Laying down the gauntlet to the new World Champion. Scott enters the ring and calls for a mic...

What a difference a year makes, eh folks? Last year, XWA came to Japan to showcase the very best that North American Wrestling had to offer. Last year, it was Mayday. The Tokyodome. This year we cap the Japanese tour with Vendetta from the Tokyodome. Last year at Mayday, I waled into the Tokyodome XWA World Champion. And I LEFT the Tokypdome XWA...World...Champion.

With a snide smirk, Scott looks out to the crowd. They boo and hiss at him, but Scott was feeling good. He continues.

Now, granted it was an Ironman match against Kayn. And the match ended in a 3-3 draw. The fact is, Kayn was only good enough to fight me to a tie that night. And then 4 nights later at a live event, I righted that wrong, and beat his ass Last Man Standing style. Fast forward 11 months. XWA is back in Japan, but low and behold, we have a new World Champion. And his name...is Ethan Bain.

Ahuge pop for the mention of the World Champ. Scott smirks unconvincingly.

The Big Ticket. The 2007 XWA Rookie Of The Year. Arguably the brightest young talent on roster. Dare I even say in the WORLD. Is Ethan Bain impressive? Hell yea. He true to life 7 footer. A pure as gold Big Man. One of the roughest, toughest, most athletically gifted 300 pounders in the game. But the book's out on if you're READY to hold that belt, Ethan. You see, I'm not at all convinced yet. I mean, let's look at "The Body Count" as you call it. You've beaten the likes of Evan Fate, Jared Chase, Vikram...who is a tall task for ANY man, even "The Prodigy" Sylas Styles. You ran that Hanzell bumb right out of XWA and put that Xavier fella into early retirement. And most recently, a proven former champion in Jeff Heaven. Impressive. VERY impressive. But let's look at the DEFINING match of your career so far. Was it ONESHOT where you made me tap, then put the screws to XWA's version of Tubbs from Miami Vice, Keith Wyle? Nope, that's not it.

Scott paces about some, then speaks again.

I remember what it was. Only The Strong. You...against "The Monster". For months you ran through everyone you faced. But you stepped in the ring with a LEGEND. THE LEGEND...and you got your ass kicked. The biggest match of your career and you choked. I know it bugs ya' Ethan, It would bug me if it were me. But then again, who's ass hasn't he kicked, right? I'll tell you who's. MINES. 2008 is the year I stake my claim of not just being XWA's best, but the best PERIOD. Last year, I made my place on the top of the mountain. This year I build my god damn palace. But there's something that my kingdom is missing. Platinum. When I beat you...not if...WHEN I beat you, and take my spot back, I'll have sent a clear message to those who think they're over. And that message is NO ONE is over Scott O'Dell. So Bain, I'm challenging you, Tokyodome. You name your match and I WILL beat you in it. You want to be XWA champ? Let's see you beat the GREATEST XWA champ that's ever lived!!!

Lowering his mic, Scott awaits the arrival of the champ.

[eb]

Ethan's new theme, Drowning Pool's "Bodies" sounds over the PA, and to the arena comes the newly crowned XWA World Champion. With the belt draped over his shoulder, Ethan walks tall down the runway, never taking his eyes off of O'Dell. Bain climbs the ring steps, and pauses on the apron before stepping over the top rope. Inside of the ring, he takes the title off his shoulder and taps the name plate that had one word now on it, BAIN...before hoisting it high into the air as the crowd roars in adulation of the new World Champ. Walking to the ropes, Ethan reaches out to receive a mic. He turns back to Scott and readies his response.

Scotty. Let no one in the industry say that you're not a knowledgeable man. I mean, only man who truly wishes to be the best of the best actually pays attention to what other men have done in their careers. Something that very few in this company does. Yes, I was beaten by Dru Nedermeyer. Soundly at that. Just like months earlier I got beat by Sylas Styles before I took the rubber match between us. Both of them proven champions. Both of them legends in the sport. And there is in my mind no shame in losing to EITHER of them. But this isn't about the past Scott. It's not about the then, but the NOW.

As the crowd continues to cheer, Ethan clears his throat to continue.

And right now, I stand here as XWA World Champion. And you stand here as my 1st challenger. And I wouldn't have it any other way. You see Scott, in beating Jeff Heaven twice, I came to realizing something. And that something is that my time...is NOW. Last year, I watched as you and all the other guys did your thing. I watched as you shot up the ranks to become what you are now. I watched as Jasta became arguably the most feared man in wrestling. I watched as my boy Jimmy became one of the hottest young talents in the industry. I watched as Wyle Style swept the world of wrestling like an air born disease. But I knew when the day came, I'D be the man standing at the top of the mountain. And lookie where I am now, eh Scott?

Ethan shots him an antagonizing grin.

But even in being champion now, I know my reign isn't complete. Because I didn't beat THE champion to get to this point. I one it at a ONESHOT. My plan for 2008 was simple. Beat XXL and become World Champ. I only did half of that. The other half comes when Luther's cleared t wrestle again. That way I can stand him up man to man in this ring, and settle who's the better man for this strap. But in order for that to happen, I have to stay champion, don't I? Which means I have to run your ass through the ground at Vendetta. And I WILL. As far as that line about you being the greatest champion of all time, I know one guy who would debate that. The guy who held this belt for over 5 months up until Xgames. The guy who forced you to shave all that pretty hair of yours. But that's another subject all together.

Ethan awaits the next response of Scott.

[scott]

Scott answers with a smirk on his face...

You're joking right? Tell me you're joking. You call Keith's title reign impressive? HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! Who did he face in his title reign, huh? Tell me. No, really...give me some names. Kris Cade? Who else was there?

Scott holds his hand to his ear sarcastically.

My point exactly. He only took on ONE quality wrestler his entire time as champ. You can't even remember who else he fought, because they're all pretty much non factors. NOBODIES!!!

The fans rain down boos on Scott. He grins from ear to ear and continues.

As for me, I took on the likes of the "Combatant Xtraordinare" Kayn, Joey Curtis...back when he was actually doing something with his career, and of course Ryan Fierhart. Quality wins. Quality matches. Wyle just benefited from being in the right place, at the right time. Are you on the same boat? We're gonna find out. Because tonight, it's gonna be you...versus me. Mano e mano. Because if you ask me, I think all the hype about you is exactly that, just hype. You've beaten plenty of guys so far. But I doubt...no...I KNOW you can't beat me. Don't think so, Bain?

PROVE it.

Lowering his mic and smiling his cocky smile, Scott awaits Bain's next reply.

[eb]

Ethan wasn't at all deterred by O'Dell's words. He steps in closer and responds to the challenge.

You want me to prove it? Heh heh, you're ON, buddy boy. But how about we sweeten the pot some, eh Scott? I mean, since you're so high and all powerful. That must mean you can beat anyone, at any time, at any place. Why don't we test that one out. Tonight, you and me get it on. And the winner of tonight's match...

...Gets to pick the LOSER'S match AND opponent next week in Budokan Hall. But that shouldn't be anything tough for the "greatest XWA champion of all time".

Ethan was practically licking his chops at getting his hands on O'Dell. He awaits his response.

[scott]

Scott doesn't back down an inch. He steps right up to Bain. Both men were now eye to eye to each other. Scott raises his mic and speaks.

The reason why I'm the best, is exactly because of what you just said. Cuz I can beat anyone, any time, any place. And tonight, that gets to be you. And then when I do, I'll get to sit back, relax, and watch you get your ass kicked again next week. Consider that a "yes", big man.

The intensity of the situation was at a fever pitch. Scott awaits Bain's next move.

[eb]

Bain simply grins. He brings his mic up to speak one final time.

That's all I needed to hear.

Bain drops his mic. His music cues up, and he backs up a few steps, raising the World Title high while doing so. He steps over the top rope, and drops down to the arena floor. He backs up the walkway continuing to hold the title high, before turning and heading backstage.

[scott]

As Bain leaves, Scott smirks. He points at Bain and smack talks off mic.

Buzz: WOW!!! That couldn't have been more tense an encounter. Two bulls, set to do battle for the grandest prize in wrestling today.

Roach: If tonight is any indication of the match we see in The Tokyodome, we're in for one hell of a war.

Buzz: You said it, Mike. And the winner tonight, gets to pick the loser's match AND opponent next week. There's just as much at stake this week as there is at Vendetta. The winner tonight can do some SERIOUS damage to his opponent. I mean, what kind of match could they possibly think of???

Roach: Not a clue. But you damn well know it's going to be fun to watch.

The scene switches to the next segment.

The End.