The Bad News (Invite)

[scott]

Overload returns from a break to Scott O'Dell standing in the middle of the ring. The RBC Center showered him with boos, and he returned the favor with a less then impressed smirk. With a mic already in his possession, Scott begins his address.

I want to 1st start out by apologizing to my Upper Echelon brothers. I was supposed to be standing here in this ring the 3 time XWA World Champion, but I didn't get the job done. But...if anyone knows me well, that won't be the last time I have that belt in my crosshairs. That's the advantage of being "The Franchise". All I have to do is show up and I'm already a World Title contender. And between Only The Strong in September and The Devil's Playground in October, I'll get another crack at it. You can bet you minimum wage paychecks on that.

The fan's booing intensifies after his verbal dig.

Tony: Always making new friends wherever he goes, eh Willy?

Willy: Yea, about as many friends as a leper. Like he cares though.

But that's not the reason I'm out here. No, no, no. I'm out here to announce to you all that at Ring Rage, indeed the rules WILL be changing. And for the worst if you're anyone outside of the fraternity of Upper Echelon. You see, over the last couple of weeks, I've been having private conversations with a man who exemplifies what Upper Echelon is. A man who is a natural choice to join our ranks. And this man, regarded one of the all time greats in this sport, a champion in every company he's ever worked for, and a man I've had the privilege of facing in this ring has agreed to join our fold. Yes...we will be adding another member to our brotherhood of champions. And a man who will indeed set the bar for what our goal is. Full on DOMINATION of XWA.

Scott grins as the reaction of the fans was obvious.

That can't be good. Another Upper Ecehlon member to be revealed at Ring Rage? But...who? A champion in every company he's worked? A man O'Dell's faced in the past? That could be a number of superstars.

There are a few names that ring out that if it happens to be one of them, it's be the equivalent of dropping a nuke in XWA. It would change the game big time.

So where does that leave me tonight? Seeing as the guy I was planning on making an example of is precariously not joining the Overload ranks after all, this leaves me with an open dance card. And there's a lil' frustration I need to take out on some poor, hapless chump backstage. Tonight's the night for one of you unknowns to get a chance to bask in my spotlight. This is the one and only time I'm going to be this generous, so please boys...don't keep me waiting.

Scott lowers his mic. He turns his focus to the stage as he awaits his would be challenger.

[ryan]

The boos of the crowd changes into a roaring cheer as Pendulum's "The Tempest" hits the PA.

Willy: That's...That's...

Tony: RYAN FIERHART!!!

The roof of the building nearly pops off as Fierhart steps out from backstage. With a grin on his face, he revels in the adoration of the fans. Walking down the isle, he greets the fans in the front row with handshakes and high fives.

Tony: Ladies and gentlemen, this here is the most storied rivalry in XWA history. These two men went to war for over nine, yes...NINE months in 2007. It's been that long since they've ever even set foot in a ring with each other since.

Willy: I'm gettin' goose bumps, man. This is gonna be off tha' heezy fa' sheezy.

Ryan stands but a few feet from O'Dell in the ring. After calling for a mic of his own, he answers to O'Dell's request.

Well Scotty, I'm not an unknown. But I am someone who's looking to do something that apparently my buddy Adam, Osh Vaughn, Syrus The Entertainer, Van Hayden and a lot of other guys since the last time we met this close hasn't. Shut your yap. You see, I've been keepin' tabs on the way things have been going. I know all to well about what you and Upper Echelon are capable of. I mean, on paper it's the greatest assembly of wrestlers in the business. But that's on paper. Jimmy Ames proved that what's on paper means nothing when he took the National Title off of Primo last week. And you and I both know if there is one man in this business who is capable of not just beating you, not just upstaging you, but making you look like a plain ol' fool, he's standing right in front of you. I recall Syrus saying once that he's your Kryptonite. I beg to differ on that one. Yea, he's beaten you before. But that's all he's done. He's never gotten into your head. He's never gotten under your skin. Thrown you off your game. I have. And I think it's about time someone brought you back down to Earth. You can talk about adding another man to your Upper Echelon roster all you want, makes no difference to me. I survived The Headliners. I survived your 1st little alliance with Primo and Brent Starr in late 2007. And I think I'm more then capable of outlasting you again, and again, and again. Consider your dance card filled, ol' buddy. It's about time I showed you a few new moves.

Ryan lowers his mic. As the fans continue to roar in approval of seeing O'Dell Vs. Fierhart, he awaits Scott's reply.

[scott]

Scott was definitely not expecting Fierhart, and wasn't at all thrilled with his sudden arrival either. He raises his mic for his response.

More like a thorn in my side. Like that itch in the middle of your back that no matter what you can't seem to get to. That's what you are, Fierhart. The only reason why I'd ever say you've gotten under my skin is because I haven't figured out how to get rid of your ass. But I think I might be on the right track this go around. You see, it's been well over a year since the last time we met. And yea, you might have some new tricks up your sleeve, but so do I. And the biggest trick I have is the one I unleash at Ring Rage. It's rather ironic that you show up here tonight, actually. Because the man in question just so happens to be someone you've had history with as well. He might just be what I need to finally put an end to your sorry XWA existence. That is of course, if I don't up and do it tonight myself. I'll admit, I've been waiting a long, loooooooooong time to finally get my hands around your neck again. And if you thought I made your life a living hell the 1st time around, you haven't experienced the kind of hell I'm going to put you through this time. *Heh heh heh* When I'm done with you this time, Ryan...

Scott steps in face to face with his old rival.

...you're going to rue the day you ever...met me. And that's not a guarantee, that's a promise.

With that, Scott drops his mic to the ring floor with a thud. After giving his signature smirk, he takes a step back from Ryan and takes leave of the ring.

Willy: What? Tha...that's it? That's all he has to say? There's a 1st.

Tony: Don't be so coy, Willy. I don't know about you, but Scott O'Dell not having anything more to say is probably the most frightening thing you can have happen. Because it means he plans on saying something by actions, not words. And that puts the whole Overload roster at risk, not just Ryan.

[ryan]

The scene ends with a shot of Ryan still in the ring. He watches as O'Dell makes his way up the ramp, fully anticipating what was to come. No one knew what O'Dell was capable of more then him, and as such, no one was more prepared to deal with what he could dish out more as well. The show then goes backstage for an interview segment.