The line in the sand, drawn.

[osh]

*The following is a video exert posted on the1xwa.net. The setting is a live event from MCW, Minnesota Championship Wrestling, a midwest based organization that Osh owns stock in, as well as competes.*

Terry Taylor: It's been a great show so far, but as promised, we end with one of the faces of MCW, the legend himself..."The Equalizer" Osh Vaughn. Let's go to the ring.

Osh stands in the ring. The packed arena stood and cheered the veteran on, and he nods in acknowledgment. With his free hand, he motions for everyone to settle down some. He then raises his mic to address his fans.

I never get tired of that. Never. Not after 18 years in the business. 18 years. I sit back and I think about every damn day. I started in this business back in 1990. And here we are, 2009, and god willing I'm still able to do this. What I love. For that reason, I've been blessed. Now, I'm sure you've all heard the news. I recently signed a lucrative, long term contract with the Xtraordinary Wrestling Association...

Minnesota wrestling fans knew all to well of XWA. They respond in cheer.

...But it comes at a price. You see, I'm putting all of my eggs in the XWA basket. I don't want to just be another competitor there. My designs are to do what you know The Equalizer does best, get results. And the result I want is the XWA World Championship. I'm not half assing this. So as such, and I'm going out of character here...I sold my share in MCW. This place has been my home for so long. And it always will be my home. MCW welcomed me back with open arms when my own company, ICWL went under. I have, and always will be MCW, but I'm excited about the chance of being an XWA competitor. Some of the best wrestlers on the planet are on the XWA roster. Up and down the board the place is stacked with talent, so it made sense for me to make the move. So this is going to be the last time you see me in an MCW ring for some time, but know that I'll be back here in Minneapolis when XWA rolls through. And keep your eyes glued to those TVs, because I plan on making my voice heard there, fast. Thank you so much for all the years of support. I love you people, I really do.

It was a heart felt farewell. The crowd soon breaks into a "Thank You, Osh." chant. Trrying his best to fight back tears, Osh begins to lay the mic down for the last time in MCW, but then something unexpected happens...

[scott]

Drowning Pool's "Tear Away" sounds over the PA, and out onto the MCW set steps of all people, Scott O'Dell. The boos of the fans were so loud, it almost shock the entire arena. Scott, dressed in one of his signature suits, stands with a mic in hand. He grins his evil grin as all wonder why he's here.

Terr Taylor: L...ladies and gentlemen, I don't think this guy needs any introduction. XWA Superstar Scott O'Dell. Easily the most hated man in the sport. B...

Before Taylor could continue, Scott brings up his mic and takes aim at Vaughn.

That was touching, Osh. No...really it was. It hits ya' right here.

Scott pats his chest.

It's a damn shame it's all bullshit. C'mon, Old man. These people, Midwesterners and all...aren't stupid. Anyone with a brain in their head knows exactly the reason why you're coming into my house. How old are you, 39? You're best years long behind you. As decorated a superstar as you are, having done all that you have for the biz, you're on your last legs. And because you're on your last legs, you've decided to sign on up with one of the biggest wrestling organizations on the planet for one thing, and it damn sure isn't competition. You're in it for the Payday. God forbid you break one of those frail old bones on the job, or even away from the ring. You're and XWA Superstar now, you're covered. You've got your 5 star healthplan now. Access to the finest doctors. I even hear ya' went and bought you a house out in Long Island for you, the wife and those gorgeous daughters of yours. Well guess what, Osh? I'm here to personally say that all that money you're set to make, you're gonna be earning it. Ya' see, I'm known as quite a few things. Mr. Amazing, The Franchise, The Man You Love To Hate, two time XWA World Champion, two time XWA Heel Of The Year, so on and so on. But I plan on adding one more to the list. And it's going to be the best one of them all. Scott O'Dell...



The man who retired...Osh Vaughn.

With his cocky grin shining, Scott lowers his mic. As the fans hail him with boos, he waits for Osh's response.

[osh]

Osh was pissed at this point. You could see pure rage in his eyes as what was a night of reflection was now a night of show thanks to the brazen Scott O'Dell. Osh grips his mic tight as he speaks his response.

You know somethin', Scotty? I'd heard that you were a douchebag, but this pretty much proves that fact and then some. You make the trip from your cushy lil' estate out in LA all the way here to do what? Stir the pot? Create a lil' controversy? It's no secret that you and me have had a war of words the past 4 months. We've taken our shots at each other over the net, anyone paying attention knows that. But it seems to me that you really, really want my attention, Scott. Well congratulations. You have my...full...attention. I'm not going to lie to you, or any of these fans. The money was a big part of my decision to sign with XWA. A man has to make a living. But that wasn't all. In fact, I have you to thank for making my choice clear. I've spent the last 18 years beating the crap out of smug, pompous, arrogant pricks like you. But in you comes the biggest one of them all. Because let's face it, your resume speaks for itself. In 3 years time you've done what most guys can't do in a whole career. You've made yourself a household name. But of all of those things you mentioned you are, Scotty...there's one you're not. Bigger then the sport.

The fans begin to rally behind the words of Osh.

But it's not just you. There's a whole bunch you young, dumb bastards in XWA who think that their shit smells like roses. And I plan on stuffin' all of their faces in it to show them that their shit...is shit. Difference being I'm going to start with the biggest asshole of XWA and work my way down. You wanna take me out, Scott? I welcome you to try. No...no no no no no...I dare you...to try. I've faced down guys with 10 times the skill set that you have, and I've broken them. When I get in the ring with you, we're gonna see just how good that NCAA All American wrestling game of yours really is.

Osh lowers his mic and waits for the next reply.

[scott]

With a chuckle and a grin, Scott speaks his reply.

You dare me to try? HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! Oh trust me, old man...I'm going to do more then try. You see, you're a little mistaken. I doubt highly that you've ever got in the ring with a man like me. Because there is none. Never has been, never will be. I'm not "The Next" anything. I'm the 1st Scott O'Dell. I'm the man who damn near everyone in the business with a chip on their shoulder aspires to be. I'm the man who flipped wrestling on it's ear. The man who walked up to the brass ring and said "I'll take that, thank you". And three years later people are still trying to catch up. I've got guys who've beaten me who still aren't on my level. There's no one in the game who can say that...but me. When the season starts, my friend...you and I are going to get very well acquainted. You may be "The Equalizer", but when you step in my ring...you're going to be the one with the bulls eye on your head.

Scott lowers his mic yet again.

[osh]

Osh response with his final reply to Scott.

Am I know? Heh heh...that's fine by me. At least that means you'll be bringin' the fight instead of runnin' off at the mouth. But just take these words with you back to Los Angeles. A time honored, tried and true quote. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend". Think on that one, and I'll see you...in March, pal.

Osh drops his mic to the floor. He turns to the fans with raised arms in the air, and they return the gesture with cheer.

[scott]

Scott smirks and leers at the crowd as they cheer on their hero. He says not a word, he simple sets his mic down on the ground. He then adjusts his tie in a calm, collected manner, and walks behind the MCW curtain. And so the battle lines were drawn. All that remained was the firing of the 1st shot in what was sure to be an all out war.