Ready to Roll (o2 XXL, Sylk, & Bain)

[Μyster Controversy™]

After the explosive announcements made earlier in the evening by Rodolphe Gallas. Brandon Payne's theme music begins to roar over the loud PA System. The fans stand up to there feet and begin to erupt. Payne's moment had finally arrived. At Only the Strong, the so called 'Wrestling Elite' was going to have an opportunity of a lifetime. However, he has a Tornado Tag Team Match to worry about tonight. His partner ? None other then the champ himself, XXL. How will these two man co-exist ?

Payne walks out onto the stage. Looking down at the ground below him as smoke begins to pour out. Tilting his head up and looking around at the crowd. He his welcomed by a chorus of cheers and boo's. Payne had a big victory over Ethan Bain, becoming only the 4th man to pin Bain's shoulders down to the mat. Which is a feat onto itself.

Payne makes his down the ramp way then eventually enters the ring. After doing his usual Arm Extension pose in the corner. He picks up the microphone. Motions for the music to stop, then begins to speak:

WOW !

Thats all I gotta say (laughs). Man oh man ! What a fantastic 24 hours has this been, huh ?

Small pop from the crowd.

I go from defeating one of the very best in the game today, Ethan Bain last night at Solstice. To arriving here tonight on TakeDown to learn that I am the #1 Contender for XXL's World Heavyweight Championship !

Another small pop from the crowd ensues.

I'm almost a little overwhelmed by the situation, but at the same time. Damn proud.... proud to be a part of this great organization. No no. Not just a great organization. But apart of a family. Because that is what XWA means to me now. Its my home away from home so to speak..

A huge reaction comes off the crowd

Those are not idle words my friends, I mean what I say. Coming back after a short hiatus was probably the best decision I've ever made in my career. I could always sit back and dwell on the past and say to myself: "What if I gave it just a little bit more ? What if I done this differently or done that ?" As much as I could stand here and dwell on memories past. Fact is boys and girls. You can't change the past. But you can build towards a bright future.

Before we can move onto the future. We have to worry about the present first right ? So with that being said. As fate would have it. I'm booked into a Tornado Tag Team match with my opponent for Only the Strong, the World Heavyweight Champion XXL !

Huge pop from the crowd.

Now XXL, big man ! Me and you go way back don't we ? We had our little war over the National Championship. It was very memorable and I'll even go so far as to say that you my friend single handily put the National Heavyweight Division on the map. So, much respect coming from this Elite right here.

But I want you to know one thing, bro. Tonight, right here on TakeDown. I've got your back for this tag match. But come Only the Strong ? Heh... all bets are off big man !

Neutral reaction from the crowd.

Because at the Pay-Per-View. I'm going to give you everything that I have in my arsenal. I plan on pushing you to your limit until you can't possibly go no further. I've fought alot of tough guys in my career, yourself included. Our matches were classic a year ago. Lets hope we can both deliver for the fans another classic just one more time eh ?

As for our opponents...

Before Payne could continue futher, he is cut off.

[eb]

Over the PA comes the ominous opening chord of Ethan Bain's entrance theme. The pitch of the crowd was deafening as Bain entered the arena. Now with shorter hair, but with no less an imposing demeanor, Bain makes the walk down to the ring. Once inside, he glares as Payne with a scowl before calling for a mic. As the fans cheer on, Ethan speaks.

Now who on Earth saw this coming, eh? Brandon Payne, you're new #1 Contender. I don't know if I should be happy or disgusted actually. I'm not gonna beat around the bush, Brandon. I don't like you. And I'm more then certain that the feeling is mutual. So now that we've got that obvious bit outta' the way, let me lay out what's gonna happen the course of the next month and a half in XWA. You and XXL are gonna go at it tooth and nail at Only The Strong. And one of you is gonna walk outta Europe World Champion. And you're gonna enjoy yourself as champion for I'll say, a month. Because at Devil's Night...I'm taking back my title. You see, right now I'm in the same boat as Luther was at the top of the season. That being an uncrowned champion. I was never pinned for that title. A fact that no one can even try to deny. The way I see it, it needs to be me and XXL in the ring, one on one to decide the undisputed World Champion. But unfortunately that ain't happening. But I do get a consolation prize tonight.

Ethan smirks before continuing.

And that the opportunity to kick your teeth in...again, as well as show XXL that he's not the hot shot he thinks he is. There's only one man in this business who can call himself the best Big Man alive. And you're lookin' at him. The Big Ticket, Ethan Bain. As far as my partner tonight Robby Sylk goes? I know he's a Tag Team Specialist. But I sure as hell don't want your help, Robby...and damn sure don't need it. Just stay the hell outta my way and I'll show you how a real man fights. I wouldn't want you to mess up your manicure, sweetheart. Don't get me wrong though, congratulations are in order. To you, for finally earnin' your spot in the limelight, and for XXL finally re-capturing the World Title after about a year ago it wasn't even a guarantee he'd even wrestle again. But you two just jumped out of the frying ban and into the fire. You both have got bullseyes painted on your chests, and I've got a pair of SA-12 Gladiators aimed and ready to blow both your asses off the map.

As expected, Bain would set the tone with some heated words. What would be the reaction?

[Μyster Controversy™]

HeHe.. nice to see you too, Donkey Kong.

All kidding aside, I can see your very upset over how things ended for you at Solstice. Well... tough titties said the kittie. Ya win some, ya lose some. Just happy that I was able to add an extra mark to that loss column of yours. Keep it up with your mouth and I'll be happy to add another one.

Fans begin to erupt.

With all due respect to you and the Champ. The only man that I can see that can rightfully call himself the best 'big man' in town is Dru Nedermeyer. Until you reach that level of his, all other big men are just bad copies in my view.

I think it really burns you up that you couldn't go 2-0 over me doesn't it ? You came in to Solstice and underestimated me. You figured that just because of my size and my short losing streak that our match was just going to be a cake walk ?

Proved you wrong didn't I ?

Never......EVAR....... underestimate an Elite !

Huge pop from the crowd.

My job for tonight is to make sure that me and XXL make it to the Only the Strong in one piece. If that means putting you and your little girlfriend on the shelf ? Then so be it then. Believe me, I will have no problem with that whatsoever.

BP lowers the mic.

[eb]

Bain scoff at Brandon's last comment, then responds.

You? Put me on the shelf? HAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! Now that I would pay hard earned money to see. You know, I've been hearin' nothin' over the last few months but you flappin' your gums about being "Wrestling's Elite". But where I stand from steppin' in the ring with you twice, and seeing your performances from February to now? Ehhhhhhhhh...not so much. And to correct you on one thing, I'm not pissed I lost to you. I'm out right ashamed I lost to you. Cuz I know for damn sure that I'm about five levels better then your ass. I'm not gonna say it was a fluke, but if it looks like an orange, and smells like an orange, it damn sure ain't an apple, is it?

Following a sly smirk, Ethan adds:

I'm not even gonna run down the list of names of guys I've put my fist down the throat of. But one of 'em just so happens to be a guy you've never beat. A guy who has an even bigger burger trap then you, dare I say. You know, that dude from California who calls himself "The Franchise". The fact that I was good enough to beat him, but dropped the ball against you baffles me. But I'll get a lil retribution tonight, won't I? You see, I've got nothin' against XXL. It was my intention to be the man to put the World Title up against him. I do on the other hand have somethin' against you...and my "partner" for the night. You both are dime a dozen big mouths who write checks that your asses can't cash. And I might not be able to cash your check one on one tonight. But October's gonna be a long month for ya', Brandon. For you, Sylk, XXL and whoever else they decide they wanna through in The Playground. My eyes are on one thing. Getting my title back. And I'll run through whatever and who ever is in the way of me doing so. How I see it, it doesn't matter who wins at Only The Strong, you or Luther. You're both on barrowed time as far as the World Title is concerned.

["The R*" Robby Sylk]

The sounds of Jimi Hendrix's "Fire" soon begins to play, and out to break up this soiree comes the former World Champion Robby Sylk, looking just a wee bit pissed off. There was plenty reason to be upset, seeing as he no longer held that diamond encrusted platinum belt.

There was the obvious boos as the ever arrogant man from LA made his way to the ring, and as usual, whether they were American or European, Sylk had no interest in acknowledging them. His focus was now on the ring he just stepped in, handed a microphone to address his opponents both of the present, and the future.

Bain, you better bet your ass that I'm staying out of your way. I would much rather sit back, relax and watch you get your ass kicked again. I might even order some popcorn from ringside!

First and foremost, hmph...I guess you must've gotten knocked a little loopy at ID08, but the delusions of you being an uncrowned champion need to end now. Last time I checked, in an elimination match, an elimination counts as a loss! That means that if you didn't WIN the match...you lost the match-so yes bro, you were beaten for the title.

And if that's not all, again...you were probably so groggy that you didn't even know WHO pinned you...but no need to go get the ID08 DVD just yet, I'll tell you who took you out in MSG...

ME!!!

Buzz: He's right. You don't want to admit it, but he's right.

That made ID soooooo much more fulfilling, because not only did I win the title, in the process of doing so I pinned the defending champion, so in a sense Bain, I did beat you for the World Championship. So like I said, you coming out here calling yourself uncrowned is a bigger crock of buffalo turd than Brandon Payne being named new #1 contender!

The boos now were coming hard and heavy. Sylk just smiles before he takes his shades off.

You didn't think I wasn't coming for you either, did you Brandon? The truth is that I don't know what Gallas was thinking doing that. Yeah, you beat this guy in the ring. That's becoming something that's pretty easy to do nowadays. But uh...against the real competition in the XWA? As I recall you haven't done so hot against them. O'Dell and Primo have handed you your ass so many times that I stopped bothering to count, but then here you are-the man who's next in line to wrestle for the World Title. Tell me something, you think that "heart" is going to win that belt?

Payne, that's about all that you bring to the dance from what I see. The H word. Yeah, that sells shirts and wins fans, but it sure as hell doesn't win matches, and it's not going to win you the World Title. Unlike you two, I've faced XXL more times than anyone in the XWA-so I know what I'm talking about. Looking at what I see here tonight, neither of you could beat him-hell-you both couldn't beat me on a bad day!

What we have tonight is two of the top stars in the industry today teamed up with two guys who like to hear themselves talk. One calls himself "Wrestling's Elite" and the other the "Best Big Man In The Business", and anyone who pays attention to things around here know for a fact that neither of those claims are true.

But me...claiming to be the GOLD*? The hottest thing in the ring? Sex & Violence Personified? Now that's money and right on it boys. Payne, if you can somehow manage to get to Devil's Night as the champ, you'll see for yourself just like big Bain here will. In the meantime, you've got nothing to worry about boys, I'll make you look great out here...that's just what I do.

[Xander Xavier Luther]

There was only one theme left to play now, and it does to the response of a roar from the fans in the building. XXL steps out to his entrance theme looking poised and focussed. No business suit this time around though as he stood on the stage with the coveted World Title on his shoulder, he was dressed and ready to compete.

Cut the music. Now, I haven't even gotten the chance to say to anyone how great it feels to be the World Champion again. How vindicating it is for after all it is that I've gone through the last year to be standing here once again with this title on my shoulder. That could be one of those long and heart felt speeches, but you know what everyone? I'll save it for another day, cuz tonight is all about business.

Tonight, you and me Brandon Payne team up in that ring against the two men who along with me can call themselves the World Champions of 2008. At OTS it's all on you to become number 4, but that's another tale for another day too.

Robby, you're right. You have faced me more than anyone else in the XWA, and every time you and me step in that ring it's been a memorable match. I don't think it's going to be any different just because of the fact that there'll be two other men in there. Where you're mistaken though Sylk is coming out here talking the talk like you're some kind of "hot commodity" or something. You might be a hit with the ladies and all that, but Mr. Gold*...need I remind you that there's something more important than nicknames and monikers-something that up until last week you were, but here and now I AM.

What that is was the champion, and he lifts the title off his shoulder to raise it to the crowd.

I've got nothing but respect for all three of you guys down there, and while I don't know if the feeling is mutual, I do know that all else put aside, business is business. I've got what you want, and each one of you is going to get the chance to take it sooner or later, but I hope that you don't think it's going to easy. I'm still a man on a mission, and it's only just begun.

[Μyster Controversy™]

Letting out a small chuckle before he begins to speak. Payne addresses Sylk first:

Actually, I expected you to come out here and take a few shots at me. To be perfectly honest, until you defeated Ethan Bain for the World Championship. I had no idea who the hell you even were.

Seriously ? When I was sitting backstage and one of the boys yelled it: "HEY !! Robby Sylk just beat Ethan Bain for the World Title !" While all the others were standing around in shock that a man like you was able to beat the seemingly unstoppable Donkey Kong over there. I thought to myself, who the fuck is this yahoo !?

Judging your appearance. You don't look a day over fifteen. So little kid, quit playing dress up and go back home to mommy and daddy. Let the big boys handle things m'kay ?

Fans give off a neutral reaction to that comment.

But for your information. I agree, it does take more then 'heart' to get the job done. Because it all takes a few other well known qualities like endurance, strength, and courage. Qualities that apparently you don't have, Robby. Yet qualities that I have had since the day I started wrestling. All the same qualities that has led me back to XWA and to a World Title Shot !

Your a good wrestler, I'll give you credit where credit is due on that. But I think your too much in love with yourself. A little too overconfident. And that is what costed you your title last night. XXL exposed your weakness and went in for the kill. Sometimes, just sometimes.. thats all it takes to win a match. Find an opponents weakness and go for in for the kill.

As for you, Ethan Bain. If your better then I am. If you truly think that you are quote unquote "Five Levels" better then I am. Then tell me something. How come its not you standing here World Heavyweight Champion ? How come did you allow yourself to be beaten by a scrawny little rugrat like Robby Sylk ? I'd be almost embarassed to even be referring to myself as the next Dru Nedermeyer. Matter of fact, you don't even deserve to mention in the same league as he is. To me, your just another dumb gorilla who has more muscle then brains.

XXL, believe me when I say this to you. The respect is very much mutual between you and I. Now that I know where you stand in all of this. Rest assure as I alluded to earlier. Don't worry about me. I've got your back tonight if you need my help. It'll be a pleasure taking care of business tonight with you. Lets get rid of Donkey Kong and his little bitch, Diddy over there. Then will worry about the title match. How's that sound to you ?

Payne lowers the mic.

["The R*" Robby Sylk]

Before Luther could raises his mic to answer, Sylk beats him to it.

Yeah, think to yourselves that this you see right there in Brandon Payne can be the next World's champion...and tremble at the very thought of it. Personally, I get a little queezy in my gut thinking there's a possibility that you could have that title on XXL's shoulder resting on yours. Now there's something to be embarrassed about, losing the XWA's most prized possession to a chariry case like you!

Pacing about the ring, Sylk retaliates toward Brndon's talk about "who he is".

It's not like we all don't know why you're getting this shot, Brandon. Gallas must've just plain old felt sorry for you, coming out here and getting your ass kicked so many times. There's something to be said about biting off more than you can chew my man, and that's exactly what you did.

While you were out here getting your ass kicked by wrestlers who were better on 10,000 levels...guys like me were on the opposite of the spectrum. See that guy standing on stage with the World Title? Yeah, that happens to be the only, and I repeat...only man in the XWA who's beaten me one-on-one.

So you can call me whatever you want to Payne, I call myself what it is that I actually am though, a better wrestler. See, it doesn't matter to me which one of you wins your title match, the belt is coming back to me in October...it's not like I couldn't pin you just like I've done you Bain, or you as well Luther. Been there, done that!

You though, Payne? Now that's just going to be the icing on the cake. Maybe I'll go get some pointers from Scott or Primo on what it'll take to knock you off. We all know that the name Payne is a symbol of excellence in the XWA, but that Payne sure as hell isn't named Brandon!

[eb]

Ethan raises his mic to respond next.

Yea, Robby, you did pin me at ID08. After four other guys spent a good deal of time workin' me over as well seeing as I was not only the favorite, but the biggest guy in the match. But if you wanna put that your cap as something meaningful, go right ahead. It's not like you've done much else that actually matters in this business. Unless you call carrying a dead weight partner and gettin' your ass served by The Bruzas somethin' to right home about. You haven't nad probably never will prove bupkis aside from the fact that you're mouth on mighty. Come see me in this ring one on one and we'll see how much trash you can talk when my fist is down you're throat, chump. The only place you're one of the toip stars in is that little...and I do mean little space in between those big ass ears of yours. So how bout you shut your Metro-Sexual mouth and let the real men talk here, eh sweetheart?

Buzz: And these guys are supposed to be partners? Man, The Boss really worked up a winner tonight didn't he?

As for you Brandon, you're on the same boat. A guy who has to get by talkin' down and callin' people names to appease his own fragile lil' ego. You and Robby here should go out sometime. I bet he'll look good in a dress. And you in a nice suit. Cute couple you both would make. So go right ahead boys, talk yourselves up. Fill your own heads with delusions of grandeur and arenas the world over with hot freakin' air. Because for me, the deciding night is Halloween 2008. The Devil's Playground. And like I said, I don't give a damn who's champ before that night. I'll be the man walking out of Devil's Night with that title. Because on that night, it won't matter who's the best wrestler. Oh no. It'll matter who's the best fighter. Who's the guy that can scrap better then the rest. And that guy is me. And I get to give all of you a lil' taste of that tonight. And as for your Robby, just try not to trip over those Bell-Bottoms tonight, will ya?

["The R*" Robby Sylk]

Oh, I think I recall being one of those four guys who worked you over Bain my boy. I also recall saying that I was going to be the man to come out of The Classic with the title and that's exactly what I did. What you don't comprehend Bain is that it doesn't matter who hits first, it matters who hits last.

There isn't even a need to say anything else out here for me. The man I'm gunning for is the one who has the XWA World Title, and since neither of you Bain or Payne happen to be black and holding platinum belts, I'm wasting my energy out here talking when I'd much rather be using it to do what I do better than either of you...win a match that means something. So far I'm one 1-1 in that department...but this European trip's gonna be really, really good for your boy Robby-Rob.

I'll let you fellas share the spotlight with me for now, but in a few weeks I'll be taking it back. I'll be taking it all back and keeping it all for myself.

And with that Sylk drops his mic and starts to head backstage, passing XXL as he does making brief eye contact. Sylk's focus was more on the belt than the holder though. Getting that back...that was now his mission.

[Μyster Controversy™]

As Sylk made his way backstage. Payne gave him one more final verbal bashing:

Funny man you are Sylk. You are quite the comedian. But rest assure later on tonight will be no laughing matter. Heh.. I'm starting to wonder if you raided MG"s crack house. Because it sounds to me as if your pretty high on yourself, in more ways then one.

The crowd lets out a quick laugh as Payne continues on.

Get all the pointers you need from O'Dell & Primo because none of those are gonna save you from getting destroyed by myself and the Best Big Man in the Business over here. Talk all the shit you want, but when all the talking stops. There are only actions left, and highly doubt that you can back up your word. I'll see your ass out here later tonight, pal !

Turns his attention over to Ethan:

Lemme just say that by teaming with that asshole. Your only setting yourself up for your failure. So Bain, if this is what it takes to settle the score between me and you ? Then so be it then. I'll be ready and ready to beat your candyass all over this arena like its never been beat before !

As far as Devil's Playground is concerned. Going into the match as the Champion or not, you can bet your ass that I'm gonna do whatever it takes to get a spot in that event. Just I can be in there to shut your trap up once and for all.

And Champ. I'll see you later tonight, pal. Come prepared and ready for battle, because I don't know about you. But I'm not about to lose to these primadonna's.

With that being said. Payne drops the mic and makes his exit from the ring to the backstage area. Leaving XXL & Bain alone.