Gladiators (Jasta)

[van]

MayDay was rolling on. Ms. Blackheart had made the announcements regarding the three main events for the night, including the World Title match. But this was about what could be argued as XWA's most prestigious title, The National Title. As I lay Dying's "Confined" sounds over the PA, and the Philly crowd comes to it's feet as Van Hayden entered the arena. He makes his walk down to the ring with focused eyes. Once inside, Van call for a mic and gets right down to business.

Bryan Jasta...FRONT AND CENTER.

The crowd roars as the stoic words of Van reverberate over the PA. He turns to the stage as Jasta's music begins to play.

[jasta]

The National Champion wastes no time making his way into the arena.

Buzz: Love him or hate him, there walks easily the most feared man in wrestling.

Roach: There's not a person alive who can doubt the fact that Bryan Jasta's one of, if not THE best wrestling alive. This is gonna get good, Buzz.

Jasta enters the ring. You could cut the tension between the two men with a sword. Calling for his own mic, Jasta ice grills his opponent for a moment before speaking.

Things in this industry happen in cycles. What's popular now, may not be in 5 years. The men on top right now, may be an afterthought down the road. The legacy you make for yourself in this business is what you're remembered by. My legacy is simple.

He hoists the title high above his head.

I am the the measuring stick of what it means to be a champion. ANY man to ever hold a title in this...or ANY company will forever be held to the expectations of me. Bryan...Jasta. When the book is closed on my career, I will be referred to as the GREATEST champion in XWA history. Not just National Champion, but champion PERIOD. Until another man comes along, wins a title, and defends it not once, not twice, not four times, but NINE times, I will be the benchmark of what a champion is. And now I stand on the threshold of a new challenge. You...Van Hayden. The 2nd man to fall in my now legendary championship reign. When I defeated you a little less then a year ago, you were a rookie riding a nice little wave of success. Much like my foolish last opponent. But now, the man who stands before me is a different man. Or so one would believe. I've read on one of those forums that people say you might be my greatest challenge to date. Tell me, why should I even bother thinking that myself?

[van]

Van steps in tight on Jasta. Both men were now face to face. He raises his mic ans speaks a heated response.

Why? Because unlike the other guys before me. Davis. Alston. Xavier. Hell even Adam. I don't take you lightly. Unlike the last three, I'm not gonna come out here and talk myself up as being the man to end your streak. I don't give a rats ass about that. I'm gonna be the guy who comes out here, just like I am now...stand toe to toe with you, just like I am now...and tell you to your face that I'm here for one reason.

To KICK YOUR ASS.

Is that reason enough for you, Champ?

Van's brashness was something unseen in any of Jasta's previous foes. He lowers his mic and waits.

[jasta]

The brashness of Hayden was an unsettling, but welcomed surprise. Here appeared to be a man who wasn't at all phased by Jasta's domination. He raises his mic to reply.

Is that so? Confident, aren't we? Let's see if that changes any after I drop you on your head, like I've done so many other's after you in 2007. I'll say this much, I AM going to enjoy this. The look on your face as I hold this title over you in victory is one I'm going to cherish for a long...long...LONG time. So enjoy your moment in the sun, my friend. Because the darkness is coming. And when it does, it'll swallow you WHOLE.

Jasta's music plays over the PA. The scene ends with Jasta and Hayden standing face to face in the ring. Neither man wavers. Jasta slowly holds the National Title over his head. The show the goes to the next segment.

END