MIA No More (Invite)

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{{AC/DC's classic "Hell's Bells" hits the PA of the AT&T Center, signaling the arrival of the self proclaimed "King Of Rock & Wrestling", the incomparable Cody Black. The Texas fans come to their feet as "The Black Man" amps up the live crowd as only he could.}}

Willy: Cody Black is in the house! Man have I missed this guy!

Tony: The last time we saw Cody Black was in a submission win over Kaster Troy. But it looks like he's back from his travels abroad to grace the XWA ring with his unique style once again.

{{As he walks down the ramp, he give High-5's to the fans along the front row. As he walks past the camera, he throws up the universal rock hand sign before sliding into the ring. After calling for a mic, Cody soaks up the cheers of the Texas fateful before speaking.}}

I gotta tell ya' folks, it feels Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally good bein' back on XWA TV, man.

{{Cody grins from ear to ear as the fans break out into a "COOOODY" chant. He tells them all to quiet down some before continuing.}}

But just because I haven't been in this ring, or even on XWA TV, that doesn't mean I haven't been keepin' tabs. There's been a lot that's happened since the last time I was here. Some of it cool, some of it crap, but all of it pretty entertainin'. But I'm out here because of one thing that caught my eye last week at Only The Strong. There were a couple of matches that were top notch. Some hard fought contests. But there was one match that caught my eye above all the rest. And that match was between Bryan Jasta and Dru Nedermeyer.

{{Cody paces.}}

What caught my eye was the fact that neither man yielded. Sure, there was plenty of other matches like that at the show. But how many times do you really get to see two men at the top of their game in their prime go head to head? I'm not knockin' anyone else in XWA, no. But the average age of XWA's competitors is 26. Twenty...six. Which means we've got a lot of young bucks in this company who are good yes, but not as good as they can be. Which is somethin' to be said about some of them, let me tell ya'. But I'm like both of those men. I've been in the game for a while. And I'm always lookin' for the next challenge. Which leads me to tonight, and one Dru Nedermeyer. You put on one hell of a performance beatin' Jasta as you did. But guess what? It's my turn, big man.

{{The fans react with a loud cheer. Cody grins and nods approvingly before continuing.}}

Now some people might say I'm a lil' crazy callin' you out. I beg to differ. I've built my career on rise to the occasion. And right now, you're the best in the biz. A legend amongst legends. And from one legend to another, It's high time you and me got in the ring and got it on.

{{Cody lowers his mic. As the fans continue to cheer on, He looks to the stage awaiting the appearance of Nedermeyer, however...}}

[jasta]

It would be the entrance theme of Bryan Jasta that would play. He steps out from backstage with purpose in his eyes. Wasting no time in his approach, Jasta joins black in the ring. After beconing for a mic of his own, Jasta responds to the prior words of Black.

With all do respect Mr. Black, you need to lay off of the peyote...or whatever it is you "do". The issue between Nedermeyer and I was quite simple. A matter of pride. I wanted to see for myself...with my own hands...if I had what it took to best "The Best". And as it stands, I didn't. But that was just another night, and another loss. I've had plenty in my career, as I'm sure you have as well. I KNOW I have the skill to beat that man. It came down to me making a mistake, and him capitalizing on it. Just like any "Veteran" would do. But I don't make a habit of making mistakes. But then here you come, out here tonight talking about "It's my turn, Big Man." You come out here after some two months out of action in XWA and all of a sudden decide you want a match against someone the likes of Nedermeyer? Why not demand a World Title shot while you're at it? What I'm trying to say if you hadn't figured it out yet is...

You're JADED.

As boos emanate from the fans, Jasta digs in.

Yes, you managed to beat your old friend Kaster Troy two times, but to think you're on either of our levels? No, no, no...you've got a lot more to prove before that statement is true. And yes, you've been a top dog elsewhere, I know all to well of your career away from XWA. One of the founding fathers of once company, one of the "Big 3" in another. And with a resume that spans from the late 90's. Yes, you're good. But like you said about XWA's younger talent, you're not quite good enough. Or should I say you've yet to prove that you're good enough.

Jasta lowers his mic, awaiting Cody's reaction.

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{{After chuckling to himself a bit from Jasta's poignant input, Cody speaks his reply.}}

Ya' know what? I'm gonna give you that one, Jasta. Maybe I am bein' a bit jaded. Maybe even naive. But if wantin' to take the fight to a man who's widely regarded as the best in the biz period today is jaded, then call me Cody Green. But you're right. I haven't proven anything in XWA yet. I'm still gettin' my footing down here, hoping that 2009 will be a more productive year for me. But I'll tell ya one thing, Jasta. I know for damn sure that I'm good enough to beat YOU.

{{The crowd comes alive as Cody turns it up a notch.}}

Just like you, I've kept an eye on your career as well, Jasta. You're an intimidator. You're the guy who plays on a man's mind, to get into his head and destroy him from within. It's no wonder you've dominated for so long. But who have you dominated, Jasta? The young bucks. These up and comin' kids who aren't privy to not lettin' you get under their skin. The guys who think from their little heads and not their big ones. I'm not one of 'em. I've been around the yard a few times, and I know how to deal with men like you. Straight ahead. So I'm gonna bottom line it like this. It's clear you didn't come out here just lecture me, cuz I'm not the best listener in the world. So if that's not the case, that must mean you're lookin' for a fight. And if you are, all you have to do is ask.

{{With his blood already starting to boil, Cody waits for Jasta's reply.}}

[jasta]

Jasta smirks...then responds.

Oh, but I think you've just done exactly that. You see, it's one thing to say you can beat me. Countless men have. It's another thing to actually do it. Countless men have FAILED in their attempts. Only three times this whole year have I tasted defeat. THREE. And I don't plan on having you be number four. If it's a fight you want, Cody. A fight you'll get. You and me, in this ring...one on one. No tricks, no gimmicks, NO EXCUSES. Be happy though. You finally get to prove you XWA worth, against an XWA elite. We'll see when the bell rings...is you're up to the task.

With that, Jasta drops his mic. He glares at Cody with a grin as his music plays. Backing up to the ropes, he steps through and on to the apron. Climbing down the stairs, Jasta starts on his way backstage.

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{{Though not what he had intended for, Cody was still quite satisfied with what he got. Jasta was no slouch. A win over him would turn heads and set his XWA career in the right direction. Cody watches as Jasta heads up the ramp to the back. As the camera zooms in on his confident grin, Overload goes into it's next scheduled segment.}}

{{The End}}