"Silence" is golden? (Invite)

[Jeremy Pendelton III]

TakeDown. The season premiere from East Lansing, MI. Dubbed the beginning of the "new era" by many...and for some that term was more than just a marketing ploy. For some, this was indeed a new beginning. Even for those who'd been in the XWA since it's first show, there was a feeling that things were changing right before their eyes.

One such believer of this was about to make his presence known. The sound of "Individual" by Epidemic began to play, and the crowd joined in a unison of boos since they knew exactly who that meant was gracing them with him presence.

Matt: Welcome back to our season premiere, an here comes a man we've not heard from this entire offseason. Pretty peculiar considering a man like Jeremy Pendelton usually enjoys being heard.

Buzz: You mean he enjoys hearing himself talk. I'm glad this guy kept quiet, I did know he had it in him. Unfortunately, I think he's about to make up for lost time.

Pendelton was suited up and dressed to the 9's. He calmly walked down to the ring with a huge grin on his face.

Buzz: The thing I find most peculiar though...that smile. He had the same look on his face at XG4. What's the story with that?

Matt: I have a feeling we might get the answer to that question and more.

Pendelton was given a mic after strolling into the squared circle, and stood in the ring grinning still, waiting for the jeers of the crowd to die down to the point where at least his own voice was audible.

First and foremost, I think the XWA couldn't have picked a worse place to begin it's "new era" than here in East Lansing. Every knows this state's real collegiate powerhouse is over in Ann Arbor. You people don't deserve to call yourselves "Spartans".

Those boos got louder once again.

Hell, for a lot of you...this...being here in this Breslin Center, will probably be the closest thing you'll ever get to being actually in a college. Tragic. SO tragic.

Anyway...I'd like to turn back the clock a little for all of you.

2 years ago, I came into this company along with two others...one who was supposedly "talented" and the other supposedly "epic". Insiders said that either one of us had the potential to be the "future" of this company.

Now, each man had his shot at the World Title, fairly quickly...and each man failed. But out of all three of them, one man still has the chance to achieve the goal of obtain THE World's Championship. So to all the insiders, to all of the fans...who has the "future" now?

I didn't come out here and fill all of your ears week in and week out with hot air. I didn't come out here, leeching on the success of other, more established superstars. I didn't whip myself up into a frothy hype over one...lucky...match. I grit my teeth. I paid my dues. I proved myself not by talking...but by doing. And now? I and I alone will reap the benefits, while they have to settle with whatever they can find.

He starts the quintessential pace around the ring.

I have been given the dream you see ladies and gentlemen. I am the "Chosen One". I am the man who is the one, only and true future of professional wrestling...and the future...begins tonight. It begins tonight and it ends when the XWA World Championship rests on my shoulder.

He points at his at the moment empty shoulder.

Matt: You spoke about this type of thing in your blog, Buzz. You think Pendelton's a "wild card" pick?

Buzz: To be honest, it pains me to say it...but yes. The kid's got all the tools, and the bravado to match it. He could be a World Champion, sooner than you think. He's reached that level in a short amount of time, and like he just said...he's still there. I hate when guys like this are right.

It doesn't matter to me who the titleholder is when that time comes. All that matters is that I will not fail to take the "holy grail" a second time. It won't be some last ditch, "digging deep down" act of heroism that defeats me, because I will not be defeated. My time...my destiny...is coming soon, and the world will watch in awe as I do the impossible.

Come to think of it...I don't see it as impossible. I see it as...inevitable.

Suddenly, Jeremy's speech is abruptly interrupted by the theme of another well established XWA Superstar.

Matt: Oh my...this, I think is going to get interesting...

[Syrus The Entertainer]

Can You Dig It?
CAN YOU DIG IT!?
CAAAAAAAAN YOOOOOOOU DIIIIGGIIIIIIIIIIIIITTT!!!

The crowd erupted as the iconic phrase filled the speakers, and "Get Real" begins to play...signaling the arrival of a man who Pendelton should be very familiar with from last season.

Buzz: The Purple One is in the building! The Most Interesting Wrestler In The World!

Unlike his last appearance, he wasn't suited up himself. This time Syrus was coming down to the ring in his warm-up gear...white track pants with a purple stripe running down and some sneakers, wearing one of his brand new white & purple "RUN 'N TELL THAT" T-Shirts that were already selling like crazy, and could be seen on many a fan in attendance.

The man struts his way down the aisle, high-fiving the fans along the way.

Matt: Such a contrast in style here...in sheer ideals. Syrus is a man of the people. He loves these fans. He's made it so clear that they are his #1 motivator. Pendelton on the other hand, his only motivator is success, and his only ally it would appear, is himself.

Buzz: Especially considering his only ally...Robby Sylk...is on the shelf for who knows how long?

He steps into the ring where a mic is handed to him as well. Another stark contrast as he continues from one corner to the next, acknowledging all the fans in attendance. He wasn't showered with jeers, but with admiration. Finally, he focuses all his attention on Pendelton, and waits for the cheers to subside before he speaks.

*Ahem* Always wanted to say this...

SPARTANS!!! PREPARE FOR GLORY!!!

Syrus grins and stood with his arms outstretched as he took in a wicked huge pop from the East Lansing crowd.

That's what it's all about for you, ain't it Jeremy? Glory. You wanna be the king of the mountain, and I don't blame you. Take it from someone who's been there...it feels good. Real good. But you oughta know by now that privilege doesn't come to just anybody.

I'll give you credit where it's due. You are a big deal. You became a big deal, really quickly too. Even if it was partially at my expense. Don't think I don't remember you little pre-meditated stunt that cost me the chance to be a two-time World Champion last season.

JP, you have a problem. Actually you have a couple of problems.

First one is that you've got your priorities mixed up. You come out here talking about your "inevitable destiny", when you've got some other business to attend yourself to before you can even think about goin' for the World Title. And that brings us straight into problem #2.

We don't get along...

SO WE GON' GET IT ON!!!

Once again the crowd erupted as Syrus nodded and pointed in their direction.

Buzz: Sounds like a good match to me.

Right here, in East Lansing...you and me...in this ring...doin' the damn thing! Cuz you might have forgotten that we've got beef, but im'ma sure as hell remind you tonight, and squash the beef right after I squash you. Now...who wants to see the STE dance all over Jeremy Pendelton's face with style and grace?

The fans had already showed their approval to the idea, but were more than happy to reiterate this point to Jeremy. Syrus stood back arms folded awaiting response or reaction.

[Jeremy Pendelton III]

Jeremy stands center of the ring, surrounded by screaming fans, and he too looks out among them, though not nearly with as much gusto as the man standing in there with him.

I've got to give you credit as well. Nobody in the game has the knack for leading the "sheep" quite like you, Syrus. Look out there to all the purple signs. All the T-shirts and the ridiculous fake afros these people actually walk out of their homes to come here wearing. And all because they "love" you.

You're good. You're very good...that much I will say. I'm not one of the previous fools who will downplay the fact that you can get it done in this ring. But the difference between you and I is that I don't give a damn about public opinion or approval. My business...is taking care of business. That's why what was done last year was done. To show you...and the rest of the XWA...that I mean business. And it doesn't matter whether it's an established superstar or a newcomer who stands in my way. My ambition...will not be stopped.

Matt: Call him whatever you want to folks, Jeremy Pendelton is probably one of the most focused young guns in the business today. That's what in my opinion sets him apart from the rest of the "pack".

I saw the pre-game special, where you said you would go in the direction that your fans want you to go. Following their "guidance" if you will, is only going to lead them...and you...to disappointment if I'm the first stop on your path.

You do not want to stand in ring with me when the bell ring, Syrus. I'm a wolf...a hungry wolf. You'll be bitten tonight. Devoured. Bones picked clean, and all of your "Purple People" will look on in sheer horror as I finish you off, and make an even bigger statement than anyone has ever done before.

You're a smart man, aren't you Syrus? Then don't come out here and make a dumb decision. Head backstage and find someone else to "do the damn thing" with...because against me tonight it will not be a show. It'll be a slaughter.

[Syrus The Entertainer]

Almost immediately after Jeremy finishes, Syrus jumps in and says...

That's where you're wrong, Jeremy! You say I don't wanna be in the ring with you when the bell rings and I say I do! Ohhhhhhh baby, do I ever!!!

See, we have ourselves here a little bit of role reversal, sugarfoot. I remember you saying you wanted to see if a certain person was "championship material" last season. Now...I wanna see if you are. You talk a good game. Yeah, you can back it up too...but you and me have never danced one-on-one, and where I come from, that's how you "take care of business".

You're one of those types of guys who will do "anything" to get to the top. Tonight, all you gotta do is one thing and one thing alone...and that's beat me. If you can do that, you might be on the level, Mr. "Wolf".

He pauses for a moment, then makes his impression of the narrator of "300".

"Savoring the meal to come".

I guess that makes me Leonidas then. I might not have a "spear" though, but I do have an "elbow", (hey, that rhymed ) and I'll be more than happy to introduce your chest to the point of it when I give you a taste of the "Choc-Late-Rain"!!!

*He moves his head from the mic to breathe in.*

Now can you DIG that?

[Jeremy Pendelton III]

You want to see if I'm championship material? Syrus, I didn't think that was a debatable topic...but if you really want to get hurt that badly, who am I say no?

Jeremy shrugs his shoulders, and stares right into Syrus' eyes.

You better have a couple of ice-cold cans of "Purple Stuff" ready. You're going to need all the energy you can to keep up with me.

[Syrus The Entertainer]

You don't even have to worry about that...I'm coming for you Jeremy, and I'm gonna get ya.

Now you can Run N' Tell That...

HOME BOY![/size][/color]

Buzz: Antoine Dodson's gonna sue somebody.

STE's music hits again as he backs himself out of the ring to the cheer of the crowd. He makes his way half up the aisle then stops and tuns around again.

Oh yeah, while we're on the subject...every fan in attendance tonight gets a free can of Syrus' Purple Stuff, the new sensation sweeping the nation!

He pulls out a can of his new drink from his own back pocket and cracks it open and pounds it down. Talk about product placement.

Matt: Forget Dodson. Ms. Blackheart's gonna sue somebody. Is this even legal? Anyway...Syrus Vs. Pendelton tonight. This is the first of many blockbusters we're gonna have in this building. Things are shaping up to be big!

Buzz: Think we get a free can too? I wanna try it!

END