Returns A King (Invite)

[x]

The opening credits were over, the pyro display was complete. Overload was live from General Motors Place. A sold out crowd packed into to get a glimpse at the best wrestling North America had to offer. And from many of the signs in the crowd, they came to see something else as well. The entrance theme of Lionel Xander cues over the PA, and something is heard that hadn't been heard his entire career in XWA.

Cheers.

Vancouver welcomed their countryman with open arms as he returned to the country of his birth something he'd strived to be since signing with XWA some 3 1/2 years ago. A Champion.

Tony: This is something I never thought I'd witness. Cheers for Lionel Xander. Forgive me if I seem a bit weirded out.

Travis: I'd expect that from you. These fans have an appreciation for their own, unlike the fans back in the US. They recognize the strides Xander has made to reach the top of the mountain.

Tony: But what about the toes he stepped on along the way? That gets throne out of the window because we're in Canada?

Before Travis could speak in defense, Xander had already entered the ring. With mic in hand, he addresses his countrymen.

Canada. This is for you.

He hoists the Global title over his head for all to see. The fans pop, and he continues.

At long, long last, I am exactly where I belong. The top. For almost 4 years I've busted my ass, and put on some of the greatest matches XWA has ever had. But time and time again I got passed up for less then skilled talent, talent I could beat blindfolded, because they were "marketable". Chumps like Syrus The Entertainer, Robby Sylk, Tommy Tryton and the former Global Champ Jimmy Ames. But the dark days are over. Lionel Xander is Global Champion.

He pauses for a moment.

Let me repeat that for you all. LIONEL XANDER is Global Champion.

He grins, then continues.

This is a groundbreaking moment ladies and gents. Because I'm a pioneer. A trail blazer. I'm now the 1st ever foreign World Champion in XWA history. Some would argue that the distinction would go to Primo Valiante when he was then National Champion, but that was before this title was relegated the "World" title of Overload. But that's not where it ends. There's something even more meaningful to this. I'm the 1st World Champion that wasn't hand picked by XWA brass. They've been holding their thumb on me since day one, because they knew if it was a matter of skill rather then marketability, I would have railroaded 70% of the roster by now, on BOTH brands. Before the season started, I walked into the office of XWA Vice President Rodolphe Gallas and demanded my shot against Ames. And Gallas being the actual brains of the operation, gave it to me. And what did I do? Made the most of the opportunity, that's what.

The crowd continues to cheer, and Xander adds...

But all isn't well with me. Not yet. Because the next PPV is going to be one of the big ones. Ring Rage, home on The Crucibal. A grueling match that's going to put me in the ring with 3 other competitors inside of a Steel Cage. The man who climbs out that cage, gets this here Global Title. You'd think I'd be worried right? Wrong. Because anyone who's followed my career, which is everyone in this great country of ours, knows one of the nicknames I've gained over the years aside from "The Giant Killer" and "X-Rated"...is "King Of The Cage". Including 2 cage matches here in XWA, I've not lost one my entire career. A career that started in 1999. The smarks would say "But you lost The Crucibal last year when Tryton won the World Title". What those smarmy message board nerd would fail to see is that last years Crucibal, though it didn take place in a cage, wasn't under traditional Steel Cage rules.

But that's aside from the point. The point is, in a match where I don't even need to be pinned to lose the damn thing, I'm still the odds on favorite. I own the Steel Cage match. And Ring Rage is in my hometown of Toronto. Do you actually for one second think I'm going to lose? Maybe the jackholes backstage who think this is their moment to shine. But it's not happening, boys. Lionel Xander is XWA Global Champion. Get used to that phrase. You're going to be hearing it for a good, long time.

Lionel lowers his mic. He motions to leave the ring, but is halted by the playing of a certain superstars entrance theme.

[ames]

It was the entrance theme of the former champ, Jimmy Ames. Stepping out from backstage for the 1st time in months without the Global Title, Jimmy makes his way down to the ring to the cheer of the fans himself. He might not be Canadian, but they recognized him as one of the top draw talents of XWA none the less. As he reaches ringside, he slides into the ring, and is handed a mic by a ringside crew member. Nodding to the crowd, he responds to Xander's comments.

Well, what can I say dude? You finally did it. Not only have you won your 1st XWA title, but you finally managed to beat me in a title match. I guess the old saying "3rd times a charm" really does hold true. I'm not gonna make any excuses because...excuses ain't cool, and I'm as cool as the other side of the pillow. What I am gonna say is congratulations on the win.

Travis: Jimmy's accepting his defeat quite graciously. Not even one wise crack in that statement.

Tony: Unlike Xander, Jimmy's got a lil' something called "respect".

Travis: Here we go. You just can't get over the idea that Xander is champ, can you? Admit it.

With that being said, Lionel. As former global champion, you do know that I have a lil' something called the championship rematch clause, correct? It's a lil' provision in every XWA superstars contract that states "Upon failing to retain a championship, said former champion has a rematch they may use within 30 days of the event of which they lost their respective title". Bottom line, we're not done yet. Not by a long shot. Now, the next XWA PPV is Ring Rage. Where that title will be defended in a 4 Man Steel Cage match called "The Crucibal". A match you yourself are familiar with, as like you said, you competed in the 1st one last year. Now the selections for the match have yet to be revealed, but...I can confirm one person who will be joining you inside of that Steel Cage in the Air Canada Centre. ME!

The crowd responds with a booming cheer at the unexpected news.

You see, Lionel. After Vendetta, I got on the horn with Mr. G myself. He knew exactly what my intentions where the moment I heard my voice. And those intentions my friend, is to get back that Global Title. So, with that said...I've utilized my 30 day rematch clause, to have my name entered as the 2nd man in the Global Title Crucibal. You might be called "King Of The Cage" in some circles, Lionel. But the worst thing about being a king...is that unless your rule is sovereign or absolute, you're bound to end up overthrown.

Grinning ear to ear at Lionel's less then excited reaction to the news, Jimmy lowers his mic and waits to here what his rival had to say.

[x]

The idea of having to deal with Ames again didn't sit well with Xander one bit. Trying his best to hold his temper, you could clearly see he was grinding his teeth in angst. But then something dawns on him.

You think you're so smart, don'tcha? You come out here with your smug lil' attitude thinking you're at the top of the food chain.

Tony: That's what I call the pot callin' the kettle black.

I'm actually glad you decided to pull this off. Using your rematch to get a spot in The Crucibal. Because it means after Ring Rage, when I climb out of that cage and retain this title, I'll never have to see your face again. Because bet your ass you will never see another title shot while I'm champion. I don't care who else ends up in the match, I'm going in Global champ, and I'm leaving Global champ. End of story.

[ames]

Jimmy wastes no time in responding.

That's where you're wrong, my friend. The story doesn't end there. I know you'd like it to, but nuh-uh...not a chance. While you're right...Ring Rage may be my last chance to regain the Global Title this season, if you think you're done with Jimmy...you've got another thing coming. At Vendetta, you may have finally gotten over the hump and beat me for a championship on your 3rd attempt at it. But lets not forget a week before that, I beat you in this ring. The way the story went for both of us is that I couldn't find a way to beat you when nothing was on the line, and you couldn't find a way to beat me when everything was on the line. We both changed our fortunes in that area. So the way I see it, the story doesn't end at Ring Rage, it ends tonight.

Jimmy's challenge ensues.

You may be the new Global champion, Xander. But you're not as hot as you say you are. You're at the peak of your career. As good as you've been ever. But I'm not. I'm not even close to as good as I can be. But I'm already on your level. What's that tell ya'? I know what it tells me. But rather then stand here and explain it to you, how about we come on back out here later tonight, and I show it to you first hand. One more match. You and me, one on one. This time, it's not about the title, the rivalry or anything else. This time, it's simply about who's better then the other. Something a title can't and never will determine. How 'bout it? Or are you afraid of gettin' shown up in front of your fellow countrymen?

[x]

Smirking as Jimmy speaks, Xander brings his mic up for a final response afterwards.

Agrudge match? That's what it all boils down to, eh? You know what? Since I've made my living practically the last two years beating your ass on national television, I don't see any reason why I shouldn't do it one more time "for old times sake". It's gonna be something real nostalgic for you. A match with sentimental meaning. Because tonight, in this very ring, is the last time I face you one on one. And it's also the closest you will ever, EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVER be to being Global Champion again.

Xanders music cues up over the PA system once again. He sets his mic on the floor and steps out onto the ring apron. Dropping down to the arena floor, he adjusts the Global Title on his shoulder with a cocky grin on his face, and starts on his way backstage.