Shine On (Last Dancers)

["The R*" Robby Sylk]

And now, it all came down to this. Los Angeles, California. His own stomping ground. Hometown for the champ, right? Well, when the sound of "For The Vein" began to play, the crowd inside of the Staples Center didn't exactly jump for joy when the new, two-time XWA World Champion stepped out from backstage. In fact, booing was what a lot of them were doing, as if it bothered the man who survived the Devil's Playground.

High he held the title for all to see as he made the walk down the aisle toward the ring to address the fans on this, the biggest night of the XWA's season. He had a cocky nod as he took in the cackling from the fans hanging over the barricade. There really wasn't anything that could have dampened the man's mood right now.

Buzz: And there goes the champion! Look at this guy! Is he on top of the world or what?

Roach: As much as I'd like to say he's got all the reason to be partner, I think we're seeing one of the biggest egos in the XWA get bigger and bigger. Humility is not in Robby Sylk's vocabulary...

And now, the champion speaks...

Well now. Well, well, well. You know I'd love to say that it's good to be back home here in L.A., but I don't quite think that you people in this building have any clue the sheer greatness that stands in the middle of this ring right now. Let me spell it out to you all really slowly so that you can get an idea...

Tag Team Champion. Soul Survivor. American Classic and Devil's Playground winner in the same year and to top it all off, two-time XWA World Champion!!! Now, there's a guy who's going to be in the ring with me tonight that calls himself the "franchise", right? Haha...I seriously, seriously beg to differ.

See, Scott O'Dell and I have a lot in common. Both of us are XWA alumni, here from season one until now. Both of us say a lot and get away with it because we can back it up, and both of us now have held this strap twice. But the difference between you and I Scott is simple...I do things on a bigger stage, a broader scale and a higher level!

Roach: Modesty isn't in his vocab either, obviously...

If the resume doesn't say it all, then there's one other point that I've got to make that should put it all in perspective. There's only one man in the Last Dance this year who was in it last year...and that man is the GOLD*! I think that I said that this was destiny before, now didn't I? Heh...I think that you're all starting to see the "prophecy" unfold now, aren't you?

Now, I could go on and on about all that I've done this year, but I'd be sounding a lot like Scott then, now wouldn't I? Yet, for him being "that damn better", it doesn't look like he could quite get over the afro...I mean hump of Syrus, now could he?

Of course, there was a sudden pop for the mention of Syrus The Entertainer.

Speaking of which, Syrus...you and I, well...we've got our history coming up in this business, something not too many people know about. Yet, you come out here week after week talking about how you're such a big star. Such a crowd pleaser. Well, I'm a show stealer, brotha...and it's been twice already that I've showed and proved that no matter who says what, I plain old get the job done and do it looking better than anyone who's ever done it before! That's what it means to be a real star, Sy...and tonight it looks like I'm going to finally get to show YOU how it's done as well!

And then, that leaves Tommy Tryton. I think we've had our fair share of "how'd they win that belt" stories this year, haven't we? I mean hell, people have to check their programs to memorize the name of the Diamond Champ now. This belt here goes around the waist and on the shoulder of the man who exemplifies excellence in this business...not one who gets a lucky moonsault or whatever inside of a steel cage. At least I'll give the other two some credit, cuz they've paid the dues. You? I'm not letting you slip through the back door, buddy. You're going to have to earn this belt the hard way, and seeing as you're going to be in the ring with greatness...and STE and O'Dell...I don't think that you're going to be able to do that.

So now, the catch line tonight is "saving the best for last", so let's see what you've all got saved up, because I know it's good. Now's your chance to make that all important last impression, so let's get to it. You think you're good enough to take this bad boy from me? Let's hear what kind of miracles you've got up your sleeves to try and do that...

And then he waits to hear just that.

[scott]

And so the entrance theme of O'Dell begins. For the 1st time ever, it was met with something never seen or heard before...cheers. The L.A. born and raised O'Dell steps out from backstage met with a thunderous applause from the fans. Eyeing down the "champion" the whole way, Scott enters the ring and call for a mic.

Let me start out by saying that you comparing yourself to me is like comparing Lakers of now, to the Lakers of old. Like comparing Bryant, Gasol and Odom to Kareem, Magic and Worthy. You're good...but you damn sure ain't "Showtime".

I pop from the crowd ensues, and Scott continues.

You're two title wins come on the heels of two matches where you were in the right place, at the right time, and hit the right move. A pair of multi-person matches that anyone could have won. And granted, so where mines at Night Of Champions, and ONESHOT after Jon Payne vacated the title. But as UFC announcer supreme Mike Goldberg once said, you're not a true champion until you've DEFENDED that championship. And last I checked, you lost your 1st defense to XXL. Me? I defended the World Title three times. So when you can actually keep that belt on your shoulder, then and only then can you even think about speaking of yourself in my area code. And even then you're still nowhere close.

You see, Sylk. The reason they called me "The Franchise" is the exact reason why I'm standing in this ring right now. Because I save my best for when the lights shine brightest. Just when everyone thinks they've matched me, I take things up a notch. And I can take an ass kicking like I did, but still be THE main event draw. Take a look around, Robby.

The camera follows Scott as he "presents" the crowd.

A jam packed Staples Center full of Californians who came here to see one thing. Scott O'Dell do it...again. I'd expect nothing less then you to take the low road, especially with that lil' Syrus comment. You've been taking the low road to the top the moment you stepped in a XWA ring. How low? Hell...you screwed Destiny Knight...I don't think you can get any lower then that.

Buzz: Ooooooooooooooh...now THERE'S a cheap shot.

Like I said after my match with Syrus, he can wear his win over me like a badge of honor all he wants. He got a freebee, because I damn sure don't do those cute lil' gimmick matches. And we will see each other again one on one. But it'll be on my terms next time. And when it does happen, we test how good a wrestler he is, because we all know he shines when the rules are out the window. But it's not about retribution tonight, it's about that 20 pound belt on your shoulder. And tonight, it's comin' home.

["The R*" Robby Sylk]

Not in your area code, you say? Aren't you from like...Venice Beach or something? Who'd want to be in THAT area code anyway, Scott?

He grinned. The only man in the arena who did in fact, and those from Venice in attendance were particularly not amused.

Since the "low road" is such an easy one to travel, there's no reason not to keep on rollin'.. So, you defended this belt three times...congratulations, really. I'm sure there's someone out there aside from you who might think that's cool...but downplaying that to what I've done isn't flying. See, it doesn't matter whether it's Magic, Worthy, Kareem, Kobe or Shaq for that matter O'Dell...a champ is a champ, and whether you like it or not, I've earned this belt both times by putting my OWN work in for it...more than I can say for someone who was stripped of the damn thing the first time around.

Back in June, I took a Magnus suplex that knocked the wind right out of me, and what'd I do to follow that up? Win this baby, and on the way eliminate the man who came in as the champion, Bain. How do I follow that up, by getting payback on XXL by pinning him 1-2-3 in one of the most brutal matches in all of the XWA! You only get that kind of opportunity if you're good at what you, brother...so you can come off the high horse now Scott, and just face the fact that you aren't the only one around these parts who does things "his way".

[scott]

Scott rolls his eyes...then replies.

Wanna know something sad? The fact the best any of you can ever do is bring up that I got stripped of the title. But then what happened just a month later? I won it back. Right around the same time that you were running around with...what's his name again? Eh, doesn't matter does it. I think they call that coming back from adversity. But of course I'd expect a guy who's ego is even more inflated then mines...and yes ladies and gents...THAT'S saying something...not to see anything past his own hot air. When's the last time you ever took on a challenge you knew you damn well didn't belong in? Oh wait...you haven't. You covet your precious lil' win-loss record to much for that. I got my head split open by Sykes two weeks ago. I got my ass handed to me in spades by a modern day legend in Jayson Jones. I got up ended in a match I created by Van Hayden at Solstice. Hell, I even had to shave my head because after losin' to Keith Wyle for that very title. I don't see you ponying up that cute lil' quaff of yours soon.

You see Robby, I've done a lot of big things here in XWA. And most of them don't have any title, let alone the World Title attached to them. You predicate your success on having that belt. It's what completes you. It's what makes Robby Sylk...Robby Sylk. But Scott O'Dell is Scott O'Dell...title or no title. There lies the difference between us. You've got quite a resume, don't get me wrong. 2007 Soul Survivor, Tag Team Champion, 2008 American Classic and Devil's Night winner. All well and good, but where's the stuff you've done that doesn't have a title or title shot attached to it? Non-existent...or at least not memorable to the point that no one cares to remember at least. You see, Sylk. You need the XWA World Title. That title...made you. And guess what? I made that title. So I guess in a strange way...I made Robby Sylk. Go fig, eh? But then that means I made Ethan Bain. And I made Keith Wyle. Can't say I made Jon Payne or XXL because neither of them even held the title long enough for it to even count as a "title reign", but that's what marital problems and damn near gettin' killed by a Sasquatch will do for ya.

Scott grins, then adds.

"A champion is a champion". Interesting. So just because you've held a title, makes you a champion, right? I beg to differ. I've been a champion on every level I've competed on, and I know by experience that champions aren't born, they're forged in the fire of competition. And tonight my man, the temperature is going up to 10,000 degrees. And we're going to see if in fact you are a champion. Tonight, it's your match to lose, my friend. Sykes, Tyrton and me? We've got nothin' to lose. You on the other hand? You've got everything to lose. And something tells me that you will...lose that is. Doesn't have to be me, no no no. But If I were a bettin' man, I'd bet that Robby Sylk doesn't walk out of Staples Center champion. And you can quote me on that one.

["The R*" Robby Sylk]

I don't think that's necessary, Scott. See, I've heard the same song and dance before, twice in fact...and both of those nights ended with everyone on the field leaving a little empty handed, if you get my drift.

He pats the centerplate of the title a couple of times before he goes on.

So...you made Robby Sylk, huh? And you say my ego's big huh? I think that I've about enough of all the crap you spit out about how you've done ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh so much for the XWA, Mr. Franchise. Robby Sylk made Robby Sylk...and Robby Sylk did it by taking the bull by the horns and putting everyone in their place. As far as I'm concerned Scott, the only thing that are to me is next.

You know...I'm paying attention to just about one thing that's come out of your mouth so far, and that's the fact that I do have a lot to lose tonight...which is precisely why I'm not going to lose. And even if I DO somehow manage to lose tonight, that's not going to change the fact that I'm a bonafide success story, just the same as you...and if you're ego is too big to accept that Scott, it's all good because my ego is big enough to remind you...any and every chance that I get.

[tryton]

Just then, the entrance theme of Tryton cuts into things. Tommy steps out from backstage all smiles and makes the walk to the ring. He grabs up a mic and wastes no time diving into the fray.

Fellas, fellas. Please. Last I checked this wasn't a meat check contest. You both have "Big Ones" so let's leave it at that and focus on the facts. And the facts are no one gives a damn what you've done, no offense Scott, up until this moment in time. Everything has lead up to tonight. One match. Four men. One title. THE title. And in the end, when the dust settles, the best man will be the last one standing, the XWA World Champion.

Funny you should mention success stories though, Rob. Because I think I have you beat there. You see, I'm the odd man out tonight. How's that you wonder? Simple. I unlike either of you or Syrus am NOT an "XWA Original". Before 2008, only a few people knew who Tommy Tryton was. Now? Everyone knows. I'm the 1st man to ever set foot in an XWA ring and challenge for that title who didn't start their careers in XWA. I think that about trumps anything either of you could toss out. Yea, Scott gave me the launch pad I needed to make it where I am, but I put in the leg work. And now, tonight I cash in my advance. I didn't come all this way to finish in 2nd place. I'm here tonight to win. And ego's got nothin' to do with it. Skill, determination and a lil' luck maybe...that's the name of the game. And I've got it all in spades. So fellas, please. Save it for when the bell rings. You'll need it.

A confident Tryton waits for the response.

[Syrus The Entertainer]

And it was just about time now for things to really get interesting now.

Can you dig it?

CAN YOU DIG IT!?

CAAAAAAAAAAAAAN YOOOOOOOOOOU DIGIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!!!!!!!!!??

Because someone had to help break up this gloat-fest sometime, the man for the job steps out onto the stage to a huge roar from the Cali crowd.

Roach: Oh boy...

Syrus was decked out in one of his most pimpish purple suits. Making his way down the aisle high fiving the fans as he went. Yes indeed this was the night of all nights in the XWA, and it saw him in the big spotlight. There was no way in the world he wasn't going to milk it for all that it was worth.

A mic waited for him in the ring alongside of the other principles of tonight's title match. He popped his collar and began to speak.

What we have here tonight is a case of two men who've been to the promised land, and two men who're looking to get there. Now, Robert...you and me do have history yeah. Tag team partners at one point as matter of fact, and you know what? I knew from that first time I saw you in the ring that you had potential to be on the top of the mountain, and looky-here, looky-here, here you are. One of the three men in this company who's held the World Title twice...and there with you is the other.

Scott...you know I was gonna take that uh, higher road and NOT say anything about that little thing that happened last week, but then I thought to myself...if the tables were turned and I was the one leakin' and losing, would SCOTT O'DELL not be out here gloating his ass off about how he's the best thing in wrestling since the headlock and how I'd be on that *ahem* list of the best in the business who he's beaten?

A dramatic pause...

Yeah, um...that's what I thought too. Now I heard what you said after that match, and I hear what you say here tonight, and it all looks to me like you can't take what you say you can dish out, brotha!!! We all have our bad nights out here, and that was damn sure not a good one for you, but ain't you supposed to be the best? It doesn't matter if it's Fight To The Finish, a Steel Cage or a Stripper On A Pole match!

It doesn't matter whether there's "rules" or not...or whether I got the wrestling ability of...Buzz Berman! All that matters is that when that bell rings, you're either going to win or you're not. You just weren't good enough that night, Mr. Franchise. You're just gonna have to live with the fact that you ain't "better" than anyone. We're all right here on the same level just like Tryton's sayin', and you're just as capable of getting spanked like a red-headed government mule as the next man.

Now, I had my chance earlier this year to be the champ there, and I lost to Ethan Bain. After that night, your boy learned something real that I've been carrying with me all the way up to right now...and that's the fact that you don't need to be a champion to be star!

*POP*

You don't even need to have won any of those special, ultra brutal PPV matches to be one, even though it might help here and there. All you've gotta be is good at making these people sitting in these seats know exactly who you are...and there's no doubt that everyone in the building knows who the STE is baby!

*BIGGER POP*

I do everything main event status! That's what makes this star shine ya'll, and as long as I got that, like the song says...no one's got a swagger like Syrus! When it comes to getting this crowd up off they asses, I wrote the book on it...or at least I got a big-ass chapter on it! There's gonna be a really big show tonight, gentlemen...I guarantee you that.

[tryton]

Tommy brings his mic up for a response.

That's understatement to end them all. The curtain's up and the spotlight is on. And it's going to take everything that we individually have to come out on top. I've seen, paid attention to, and know exactly what each of your best is. But you ain't even close to knowing what my best is. But you will, fellas. When I'm holding that title over my head.

[scott]

Scott responds to Syrus' words 1st.

That's where you're mistaken, my friend. I am...the best. Being the best isn't about how you win, it's how you lose. And I've lost much...MUCH bigger matches then the one you and I had. But here I am, main eventing at XGames. You tell me if that's not being the best. You said it yourself. You don't need to be champion to be a star. Yet both of you have been chasing the World Title all year. Every match you've wrestled has been to move one step closer to the World Title. I challenged Bain at the start of the year because there was no one else left to challenge him. Neither of you were title contenders, and Luther vacated it after his injury, and Bain won it in the ONESHOT at March Madness. Simply a matter of Gallas And Blackheart playing the best hand they had, me. Since then, The World Title's been the last thing on my mind. Title or not, winning or losing, I'm still The Franchise. That's what makes me the best. You see Sykes, you beating me was one of, if not THE most pivotal wins of your career. But if I beat you, it'd just be another one down for Scott O'Dell. End of story.

You see, I've come to a realization recently. That being, I don't need to talk anymore. I'm the most hated man in wrestling for a reason. Because I'm smug. I'm arrogant. I'm a complete and total jackass. And...I'm good at it. No...I'm the best at it. Of all the lines that I might have, there's just one that matters the most. The Bottom Line. And that right there on Sylk's shoulder...is the bottom line. Bigger paycheck. Bigger hotel rooms. Free swag when you walk mega-malls. Guest spots on morning talk shows. It's front row seats at the Superbowl, free of charge. It's more then just a title, gentlemen. It's the grandest trophy in the sport. It's instant celebrity. As I said, the bottom line.

He then shifts his focus to Tryton.

And you're just a lil' mistaken, my friend. You think you've seen my best. So does Syrus here. But you know what happens when you assume, right? Right. My best is a level that hasn't even been reached yet. I'll agree to an extent with what Sykes just said. Anyone can beat the next guy on any given night. Take heed to that fellas. Cuz tonight? It's my night. And who am I to deny these people the sight of seeing one of there own, Scott O'Dell...win another title in Staples Center. As much as I'd love to continue this little sharing of ideals. I'd much rather go get my gear on, and wait for the call to the ring. I'll see you gentlemen in the main event.

With that, Scott sets his mic on the ground. He takes a final look at his three opponents, and takes his leave of the ring.

["The R*" Robby Sylk]

As O'Dell was leaving, there was something (of course) that Sylk had to say on top.

I think Scotty forgot something about that title there...the part about it meaning that you're the best wrestler in the XWA when you have it in your hands. I mean, that IS what being a champion is about, right?

Roach: I think that I might actually agree with that...

What's the point of even having a World Title here if all that you have to do to be the best is say that are...like some people every chance they get! This title is what separates being one of the best from being the best of the best, and right about now, that's ME. I walked out the Devil's Playground the champion against five of the best to be the best, and now I'm walking into XGAMES2 again three more of the best to stay that way. About the only thing O'Dell's the best at is spinning his own press. Hell...he's so good at it that I actually almost started to believe him.

Like I believe he ever set foot in South Central outside of his car.

We'll see what's left to say when all he has to show for all of his talk is getting re-stitched, and all you have left is a long wait until next season to reach the top of the mountain, because the man who's going to be sitting there is the man who's there right now! You all might be good at somethings, but the GOLD* is good at the one thing that makes me a cut above the competition...winning.

So you're both damn right it's gonna be a big show tonight, but there won't be any happy endings for you if you get my drift. You're not the best until you've beaten him, and that's the mission the three of you have tonight.

Good luck with that.

[Syrus The Entertainer]

Well, heh heh, you're right...that South Central stuff was kinda funny wasn't it? I wanna see some pictures of that as proof, and they better not be some Photoshop!

Syrus gets a little giggle on, but then gets back to the business.

But since everyone wants to come out here and talk about how they don't need to talk and how their actions and accolades speak for themselves, answer me this one then Sylkie...why haven't ya'll shut up yet?

The crowd gets firmly behind him on that one.

It's dudes like you and O'Dell that always amaze me when you do that kind of stuff. These people ain't dumb out here, we ALLLLLLLLLLL know that you're gonna talk about yourself just as sure as you breathe oxygen out yo lungs! Some of us have just gotten accustomed to tuning all that hot oxygen...if you get MY drift...out.

If O'Dell thinks he's the best, then I guess that makes me better than the best since I beat him technically three times in a row. Is that a badge? Damn sure not as big as the one he walks around with about all he's done...so until he pins me at least twice, I think we know what the story is on that, and there's something that doesn't need to be spoke on again.

As far as you go, I agree. You're the champ, you're the man. We're trying to get where you are right now and that is the mission tonight...but if you think you're unbeatable Robby-Rob...you're in for the same shock to the system as O'Dell was.

We're goin' hard tonight, and I don't know about ya'll, but I'm about to play the role of Mr. Momentum Killer...and I ain't even wearing green.

Can you dig that?

"YEAH!!!"

I said...CAN YOU DIG IT!?

"YEAH!!!"

CAAAAANNNNNNNNN YOOOOOOOOU DIGGIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Naturally, he doesn't say the catchphrase unless he's got nothing else left to say...

[tryton]

With a stark smirk of slight disgust, Tryton shakes his head before speaking his final reply.

If Scott's only good at "Spinning his own press" as you say, both of you clowns are only good for talking trash about a guy after he's backstage. Real big of you boys. I was actually starting to think you might have had some kind of credibility to you. Thanks for proving that you're both just a pair of loud mouths. Hopefully you can prove you're as good at wrestling as you are at talking out of your asses. I'll put this in a way that even a pair of clowns like you can understand it.

Put up, or shut up.

And on that note, I'm going to follow my own advice, and do the rest of my talking in the ring.

Tommy drops his mic to the floor. He gazes at the two remaining men and shakes his head again at there needless propaganda. Ever so slightly, all the things that Adam Devlin had been preaching the months that they had feuded finally came to make sense just in the few minutes he stood in the ring with these "superstars". The seeds planted in Tommy's mind about his recent career choice started to take root, and Tommy came to the realization in that one fleeting moment that the last thing he ever wanted to do is become "one of them". Tommy steps through to second rope, drops down to the arena floor, and starts his walk up the ramp. Chances are they'd have something to say about him as well, but at this point, Tommy could care less. All it was, was shameless back patting at this point. Absolution would come to the man who wins the match, not the one who talks the most smack.