Taking care of Business (o2a)

[adam]

Adam's entrance theme begins to play over the PA, and the fans were on there feet as the XWA original enters Budokan hall. Adam wastes no time making his way to the ring. As he goes up the steps, he points to some fans in the crowd holding a rather elaborate "Daredevil" sign before entering the ring. Once inside, he beckons for a mic.

I'm not gonna lie to any of you people. My career's not exactly been the most focused thing on Earth. For a majority of the year in 2007, I found myself neck deep in a "civil war" that held XWA in the balance. I had my ups, I had my downs. But in the last two months of 07, I finally began to put it together. It's always been my goal to be one of the best. But then I came t realize something. I already am.

A short pause...

Every man, woman, and beast that becomes a wrestler aspires to one day be a champion. I at one time believed that's what it took to be noted as one of the best. But that's a total load of crap. Anyone, ANYONE who says that the only way to be recognized as a world class talent is by how many belts you've held, really has no clue what the hell they're talking about. You people see it as much well as I do. You see some of the guys backstage clambering about title shots. Pissing and moaning when they lose them, bragging left and right when they win them. It's sad really. Because those are the guys who've lost touch on why they do this. The love of being in the ring. The spirit of competition. That's why I lace up the boots. Truth be told, I don't give a crap if I never win a title. So long as when I'm 50 years old, riding the subway back in NYC and hearing a pair of teens talking about the best wrestler of all time, and my name comes up in the convo. That's what matters most as far as I'm concerned.

Adam's words are met by a roaring applause from the fans. He points out to the crowd in acknowledgment before proceeding.

Last week, I pretty much de-fanged a so called "Corbra". Seems like his hiss was worse then his bite. Did I have to answer his challenge? Nope. Not at all. But would I be me if I didn't? Not a chance. So here I am again. Dead center in the middle of the ring with a mic. And what am I looking for? A match. But not what you're thinking, ladies and germs. Not at all. I'm looking for something that's very rare, almost impossible to find in this day and age of egos and guys wanting to get over on the next guy by any and all means. I'm looking for a match were I stand in this ring man up with another competitor. We leave it all in this ring, and when the bell sounds, win or lose, we shake hands and call it a night. You see folks, this business is missing something. HONOR. And that disturbs me. It bothers me that more then half of the roster all want to be cocky, know it all megastars who take up 15 minutes of show time talking about how great they are.

Adam nods, then continues on.

Call me old school, but I haven't gotten where I am in this industry by talking down the next guy. I've gotten here by putting it on the line every night. And there isn't a man I've faced in my career who will EVER say that Adam Devlin half assed it in a match. I don;t do half assed. And tonight, I'm not looking for half assed. I'm looking for someone backstage who's in it for one thing, and one thing only. The fight. Not the glory. Not the fame. Not the prestige. The fight. If that's you, then by all mean, be my guest, gentlemen.

Buzz: Passionate words from Adam, tonight. And true as well.

Roach: I couldn't agree more, Buzz. I couldn't agree more.

[van]

It wouldn't take long at all for Adam's challenge to be answered. Van's theme plays over the PA, and he enters the arena. There was no doubt that he agreed with every word that Adam had said. Van makes his way into the ring, and after receiving a mic, answers the call of Devlin.

Adam. I couldn't have said it better myself. Honor is something lost in this business. A concept that very few, if any get in wrestling anymore. And let's not even start with in XWA. I can name more then my fair share of the grand standing glory hogs unnder XWA employ. And most of them don't even have a full year with the company under their belts yet. Hell, most of them haven't even challenged for titles yet. THAT my friend, is a sad state of affairs.

As the crowd cheers Van's words on, he adds to them with more.

There'sa difference between men like us, and men like "them". You see Adam, we "get it". You and I, we're alot alike. We've had our shots, and yes, we haven't made good on them. But that still doesn't change the fact that we continue to strive and persevere. Wins and losses mean nothing to us, because we do this for the want to be better as MEN. I've always been the one to say that I would do this for free any day of the week. In fact, I started out doing this for free. And my attitude hasn't changed at all since my very 1st match. What keeps me going is getting in the ring, and fighting to the absolute best of my ability. And if the next guy wins, I tip my cap to him, lick my wounds, and learn from what I did wrong, because I don't make the same mistake twice.

Van closes his point by saying...

It would be an honor to stand in this ring tonight, man to man against you here in Budokan Hall. A place were men like us have showcased what's right in wrestling before us. These fans want to see a match between men who's only agenda is to test their skill against each other. Nothing more. Nothing less. I say we give it to them.

The fans answer with a deafening cheer. Van awaits Adam's next response.

[adam]

Adam gives Van a nod in complete agreement before extending his hand to him.

The feeling is mutual, my man. And may the best man win.