The ultimate challenge (Primo)

[cade]

Kris Cade's theme plays over the PA, and the No. 1 contender makes his way into the arena. Coming of evening the score with the man who's fast becoming his bitter rival in Jonny Punch, Kris had his sights set on seeing some more action here in Greece. But this time, it wasn't the loud, brash and lewd Punch he had his sights on. Kris enters the ring and calls for a mic.

Here we are. Athens, Greece. On of the birthplaces of wrestling. The sport I sleep, eat and breathe. Now...I could have sat backstage and taken the night off. But that's not how Kris Cade gets down. And seeing as my opponent at Only The Strong, the XWA World Champ Keith Wyle is competing tonight in of all things a Steel Cage Fatal 4 Way match, I can't let him be warmed up for the fight without doing the same. Since day one, I've sought out the baddest, toughest and most accomplished men to step in the ring, and in the process, I've become amongst them. And I'll be the first person to say it's an honor to be mentioned in the same light as men like Styles, Fierhart, Lionheart, Fate & Nedermeyer. Men who've left there mark on this industry. But right now in XWA, there's a man who's leaving equally an impressive mark. A man who many dislike. Hell, people out right LOATHE the guy. But there's no question that he might be the best pound for pound wrestler in the world today.

That man, is Italy's own Primo Valiante.

The crowd shows there respect for the man who was once the youngest champion in European wrestling history.

I've done my homework. I've followed your career thus far. And I say it with now qualms, you're one of the best in the world. You're a dominator. One of the elite. And I know that you spent years right here in Athens, training under some of the best Greco-Roman wrestlers ever. That's the reason why tonight, I'm challenging YOU to a match. There's no better way to test my skill. To show the world that I'm ready for this match at Only The Strong, then to step in the pit with a lion.

Cade stands in wait of Primo's response.

[primo]

Primo's theme music plays over the PA, and "The Roman Crippler" enters the arena met by something unseen in his career in the states, Cheer. Primo makes his way to the ring, and stands toe to toe with the No.1 Contender for a moment. After receiving a mic, Primo speaks his response.

You and I, Mr. Cade...we're a lot alike. More so then most would realize actually. We both seek worthy foes when we step in this ring. We strive for our names to go down in the history books. When the final page of our careers are written, we aim to have it say "The Best Ever In The Sport". And for that reason, unlike any other man in this company, you have my utmost respect.

Buzz: Primo showing someone respect??? Gd damn it, hell just froze over, Mike...

After a surprised reaction from the fans, Primo adds...

But be that as it may, Cade. There's only room for ONE man to be regarded as the best ever. And when all is said and done, I intend for that man to be ME. You may be a mere week away from the SECOND biggest match of your career, but tonight...you put it quite perfectly. Tonight you face not A lion...but THE Lion. The undisputed KING of this Jungle. And unlike many of these other peons in XWA, I need not a title to vindicate my claim of being XWA's best wrestler. The proof is self explanatory. If you defeat me tonight, you're indeed ready to become a World Champion. But if not, well...you'll probably still go on to beating that joke of a wrestler Keith Wyle. Because I'm FAR more competent then he. And there's no shame in being beat by one who's simply superior to you...

Roach: The man is just incapable of saying anything sincere without putting down on everyone else. What a freakin' narcissist.

Buzz: SOMEONE'S gotta but this dude in his place one day...

Primo awaits Cade's response.

[cade]

Kris gets a chuckle from Primo's candidness.

Well, Primo. I guess the same thing can be said for you as well. The two of us have pretty much ran through everyone we've faced in XWA. We've both had lengthy title reigns to take. But as for you being superior to me, that remains to be seen. Where I see it, you and I are on an even keel. Until later tonight. Will this match prove who's the better wrestler? Probably not. Because I don't think for a second that this will be the last time you and I step in the ring. But what tonight's match WILL do is be an eye opening experience. Because from the moment you stepped in XWA, you've had it out for North American wrestling. You've called it a joke. You've called it a circus of T&A and unnecessary violence. Well that's not me. I'm here tonight to prove to MYSELF that I'm ready to step my game up, and to prove to YOU that not all of us Americans are loud mouth, overbearing egomaniacs. Some of us actually DO take what we do seriously.[/b]

Kris waits...

[primo]

Primo smirks...

Is that so? Well then, Mr. Cade. I look forward to seeing just how serious you can be. Perhaps it'll be a learning experience, and you can actually show that some of you American wrestlers actually have some kind of dignity.

Primo waits for Cade's next response.

[cade]

Kris leaves Primo with one final comment.

I'm showing you that we've got WAY more then just dignity. Strap on those kick pads of your tight, Primo. 'Cuz you're EARNING your pay check tonight.

Cade's music cues over the PA, and the two young superstars stand in the center of the ring for a few moments more. Cade makes his way to the apron to climb down the ring steps, setting the mic down in the process.

[primo]

Primo stands alone in the ring. A satisfied grin on his face. He knew exactly what he was up against. For the first time in his career, Primo was actually anticipating a challenge. But he had no intention on being the springboard of Cade's possible title reign. Not by a longshot...

Roach: This is gonna be good. REAL good. A battle between two classic grapplers. The kind of match people dream of, between two of the games top young stars.

Buzz: It's a dream match, folks. But not at ALL the last time you'll ever see these two bulls lock horns. I can't wait.

FIN