[LONDON] (2) Ravager vs. (7) Cameron Cruise

[TH]

Second round match held the Patrick Gym on Vermont's campus in Burlington, VT. One fall to a finish, no time limit.

No RP limit, all regular RP rules apply, deadline is Sunday, April 6 at 11:59:59 PM EDT, give or take a second.

 

[Ravager]

Ravager in his hotel room in Raleigh, North Carolina. The TEAM Challenge Title sits on the table in front of him.

I realize that nothing in this world is ever easy.

Winning the TEAM Challenge title took me to my limits. I had to face a man who managed to embarrass me the year before in the Dupree Cup, and another man who would go on to win the Champion of champions title. And yet I came out on top, despite all the predictions to the contrary.

Keeping the TEAM Challenge title for almost a year has not been easy. I had to go out of my element with different types of matches. Face people I knew next to nothing about, other than that they were among the best TEAM had to offer: Shawn Hart. Rob Franklin. The Canadian Loonie. Professor Tremendous. All of them wanting my gold. All of them looking to knock me out of my spot. All of them more experienced than me. And all of them fell.

Now I sit here and contemplate the second round of the TEAM Invitational Tournament. My first round opponent, shall we say, did not bring his "A" game to the match, and I was able to get by. But now.

Cameron Cruise.

You bring something different to the match:

A will to win.

Good. I need someone to spur me on. After the events I've been through with NAPW, I need to win this tournament more than ever. I need to beat the best in the business, one at a time, until I get to the finals. Until I look across the ring at the other man or woman who fought and scraped to get to the big match. Until I get my arm raised as the winner of the Tournament. I need this. Not want. Not "would really like".

NEED.

I need to show my former fed what they're missing out on.

I need to show the world what they could have, for the right price.

I need to show the fans who the best in the business really is, because apparently holding a title for a year isn't enough anymore.

I need to beat you Cameron Cruise.

I need it to be quick. Effective. Painful. And decisive. I need to be dominant. Unmerciful. Maybe even a bit evil. I need to break you in front of every fan who paid their good money to be entertained on that night.

I need the World to remember the name of Ravager.

And I need them to shiver just a bit when they think of my name.

Nothing personal Cameron.

Just business.

Fade to black.

 

[Ravager]

Ravager, returning to his hotel room in Raleigh, North Carolina. He seems to be a bit on edge.

Just a few hours away from attending REBEL Pro Wrestling's First Year Anniversary show. A fed that fired me for reasons never fully disclosed. Some say a vengeful champion used his stroke to have me kicked out. Some say I was never wanted there. Who knows. All that matters is, every time I'm in Raleigh, I get into a fight that people talk about for weeks to come. But this night will be an exception. I'm only an observer. So any pent up frustration I have will have to wait.

Wait for a man named Cameron Cruise.

Things were already bad enough. I'm in the TEAM Invitational with a ton of stuff to prove. Numerous people to make an impression on. And even a few people I owe some payback to. All the motivation in the World to keep pushing myself to win the tournament. But now I have to sit back and watch as matches go on without me. In a fed that brought me in opening night only to fire me weeks later. I HAVE TO WATCH.

You think that's not going to burn inside me? You think I'm not going to be pent up when we meet Cameron?

You think this fight will be as easy as your last?

I have no delusions about having an easy night with you Cameron. But I have no doubt that your drive, your emotions are not nearly as heightened as mine are right now.

I will be ready for the fight of my life. I always am. But I am also ready to win. Against you, and against anyone else TEAM puts up against me.

Because in the end, nobody NEEDS this more than me.

Fade to black.

 

[TSiegel]

"I have to admit Ravager, you're a feisty lil' bastard...if I do say-so myself."

(Fadein, Cameron Cruise in front of a standard white TEAM backdrop with the logo in Black, bold lettering.)

CRUISE: And I do.

You'll haveta forgive my tardiness...Ravager.

Ravager.

Ya know, that does sound more like something I'd hear in a trashy romance novel, and lord knows that's the last thing I need to have as a vision in my head:

FABIO.

Joey Tribbiani wouldn't even agree but step it up, calling it "Woman's Porn".

As if we have enough kinds of it already.

Rachel called it "Erotica" but really if you think about it, it's just the same verb, no matter how you dress it up.

Kinda like Sh*t.

No matter what you call it, it's still disgusting and corrupting today's Youth.

You "NEED" to beat me.

You "NEED" to show everyone and make it quick, an' painless, blah blah-blah.

Blah.

(Cruise grimaces and sticks his tongue out as if he's tasted something INCREDIBLY bitter. )

Yeeeechhhhh.

C'mon man, don't be the latest to the trend.

Keep the "Nag 'N' *****" snacks to yourself man, because when it comes down to it, no one likes a sore loser pal.

Especially when they've got the passion in 'em to WANNA compete.

No, I never thought this would be an easy match kid, never did to begin with, even with that "Swerve" guy...

But pawn your problems with REBEL PRO on someone else pal, because like everyone else competing here; it's made little difference and little left to desire.

I don't care.

I'm in it just as deep as you are and everyone else; and that's to WIN IT, pal.

Because it's what I do Best Ravager.

WRESTLING.

Now...if you don't mind, I have other things to take care of but please believe, I have every intention of getting back to you.

Because there's nothing better than the feeling of proving somebody wrong, especially when they're just about teetering on the edge of Over Confidence, trust me, I've been doing it all my life.

Why?

Because Ravager it's a Reality Check that you just...won't like.

But nothing personal
(Fadeout.)

 

[Ravager]

Overconfidence. Funny thing, every fan, every critic, every opponent I ever had, has always cast doubts on me. I won't be able to beat this guy. I won't win the NAPW title. ... Okay, well, I won't successfully defend it... okay, well it won't happen again. ... I'll lose this time for sure...

You get the picture Cameron?

Fade in on Ravager, stepping outside after REBEL's Birthday Bash show.

I look back on the time I've spent in TEAM, and can't help but think of everything I did wrong.

Trying to play mind games with Ulysis Solian at the first Supershow.

Turning my back on Jason Payne at the end of the first Free For All match.

Underestimating Fusenhoff last year at the Invitational.

Thinking I could lead a group of men who hated my guts to victory at the Dupree Cup.

I've already been humbled many times Cameron. Name calling is beneath both of us. As are "Friends" references. I know what my mistakes have been. I know I still have many weaknesses. But I rest easy knowing my strengths outnumber them.

I have beaten the best TEAM has to offer again and again while defending the TEAM Challenge title.

I set the standard for all champions during my NAPW title reign.

I have proven to be proficient in any match thrown at me, whether pure wrestling, death matches, or any other type of gimmick a promoter wants to throw at me.

And I've proven the critics wrong time after time. At first it was pure pride. Wanting to prove I was better than people thought. Then it turned into something fun, watching the "experts" shake their heads as they try to figure out where they went wrong. Now? It's just something I have to do. And I do it well. I know I'm never going to impress everyone. My opponents will never sing my praises, and why should they? Accolades don't matter. All that matter is that the one thing I also do best, Cameron.

Wrestling.

Only thing is, I think I can do it just a bit better. Better enough that I can leave more people shaking their heads, wondering why they keep underestimating me.

See you soon Cameron.

fade to black.

 

[TSiegel]

"You set the standard while defending the NAPW title, Ravager?"
(Fadein, Cameron Cruise back in front of the same TEAM backdrop as before.)

CRUISE: Okay....and how the hell does that make a difference around HERE??

This is TEAM, Ravager, not NAPW.

Not REBEL PRO or anywhere else that you've been, this is TEAM, so that "standard"....

Means absolutely Jack Squat here, but just to placate your ego...allow me one little nugget of a Fun Fact for you:

I pinned Dan Ryan, Beast, and Joey Melton single-handedly by myself within a month, and all three are considered WRESTLING LEGENDS in they're own right.

Granted, Dan Ryan's still in this tournament so it's possible that if I make it that far in the tournament that lightning can strike twice.

IF, which means Ravager I'm not looking past anyone else than you right now as far as this tournament's concerned.

You mentioned being humbled quite abit in the past, that includes failing at Mind games with Solian, which...c'mon...that's your own fault.

You mentioned turning your back on Jason Payne.

(Cruise smirks)

Been there, so that's your own fault....and you tried to turn an entire group of men that ACTUALLY DON'T LIKE YOU and LEAD them towards capturing The Dupree Cup.

Now really Ravager....not knowing you for nothing but that's about as stupid as some of the **** you see on Saturday Morning Cartoons.

Napolean had it better than you.

But to learn from one's mistakes is half the battle, Ravager and by what you're telling me...you've got an incredible amount left to learn.

And other than the time I have to compete against you in the ring, you're pretty much sure-fire outta luck.

Why?

Because it's a Reality Check that you just...won't like.

(Fadeout)

 

[Ravager]

Fade in on the TEAM Challenge Championship, sitting on the table in Ravager's hotel room.

It seems that this is the only thing that matters to people.

Not what you've done in the past.

Not what you say you're going to do in the future.

But the right here. Right now.

Right now I am the first, and only TEAM Challenge Champion.

But that probably doesn't impress you much. Because I'm sure you've done better.

For every man I've beaten in the ring, you've beaten six guys who are bigger, stronger, faster, more famous, or more experienced.

For every arena I've fought in, you've fought in front of bigger crowds, in bigger cities, for bigger paydays.

For every point I try to make, you pick it apart to suit your own needs. And you know what, I'd do the same thing, if the situations were reversed.

But all that really matters is this:

In TEAM, I've held the challenge title for almost a year. The anniversary is only three weeks away.

In TEAM, I've been on every Supershow. Only lost one singles match, on the first show. And I made up for my loss to Solian by beating him clean the next chance I got.

I got over losing to Payne in the Free For All Battle Royal by winning the Challenge championship the next show.

I'll get over Fusenhoff... well, that's where you'll come in Cameron.

You see, I have no problems listing my mistakes and my weaknesses, because I'm always improving, always looking for ways to strengthen myself. The Reality is, Cameron, I'm always learning. From my mistakes, and the mistakes of others. Your mistake is thinking I've gotten this far by dumb luck. That I still have a lot to learn. Learn this, Cameron.

I may not have beaten your "legends"... yet, but I've beaten some of the best TEAM has to offer. The first TEAM Champion of Champions D! has fallen to me in NAPW. The current TEAM Champion of Champions Nova tried and failed to be the first Challenge champion. Professor Tremendous. Rob Franklin. Shawn Hart. All tried to take my Challenge title, and failed.

I make mistakes, I admit that. But the thing is, I make improvements with every match. I've learned to fight every match like it's a main event. To treat every opponent like he's the biggest, baddest, and best I'll ever face. That every match could be my last. Because if every match isn't important, why bother?

Which means our match is going to matter a lot to me Cameron. It means I'll have to pull out all the stops to beat you clean and decisively in the centre of the ring. So keep taunting me Cameron. Give me your insights. Try and get in my head. Just know that...

You're about to get a Reality Check of your own. And this one I just... will like. A lot.

Fade to black.

 

[TSiegel]

"So what is it you want, Ravager? A cookie?"

(Fadein, Cameron Cruise back in front of a TEAM "TiT '08" backdrop.)

CRUISE: I mean I get it Ravager, you're always looking for a way to improve, I am too; it's what makes us all HUMAN.

Anyone saying otherwise is selling you something.

But let's call "A Spade A Spade" here:

I don't give a **** about your TEAM Challenge title, and I never did to begin with. I pick apart your "Points" because much like Life in General...I try to make sure it all makes sense when I'm talking to someone, otherwise I'm just wasting my time.

And there's nothing worse off then wasting away a perfectly good day off when I'm not wrestling, especially when the Sun's shining.

But believe me when I tell you I'm not going to stand around here and play the whole "I've beated better than you beat" game either, because quite frankly, I guarantee you I'll win.

Professor Tremendous...

Name speaks for itself, I'll give you that.

Shawn Hart....

(Cruise shrugs his shoulders and holds out his hands.)

I can't even find the words and truthfully...I'm not even sure that that's a GOOD THING, Ravager.

But Rob Franklin??

The Self-Proclaimed "Ice Pick" or "Ice Hammer" or whatever it is he calls himself...it's rather Ingenious moniker for him due to the fact that he's a complete TOOL...

(Cruise sighs...)

But I suppose you could do worse, couldn't you Ravager?

Sure you could.

But considering me the biggest, baddest and best you'll ever face, if even for the moment we're both competing in this Tournament os about the most rediculous thing I've heard, Ravager.

Why? Because I don't even think that way of YOU.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm sure you've got the talent to go far in this business, because you said it yourself:

NOVA couldn't even get the job done, and we're talking about a guy here that's not only won the TEAM Champion of Champions, but he's also won the NFW Ultratitle and beaten men like the Five-to-Six-time CSWA World Champion, Hornet.

Not an easy task, believe me when I tell you.

But you're not the biggest and the best I've faced Ravager, not by a longshot.

You're just another man in my way of accomplishing something that once again, not alot of people think I CAN, and that's winning this tournament.

Hence the whole "Reality Check" cliche, but I'm sure you got that one by now if you were REALLY doing your homework.

And really...something DOES tell me that while I was nothing shy of a BEE-PLUS student in School....that you were no better than a SEE-MINUS.

But at least I did well on the Mid-Term and Final.

Reality Checks though Ravager...my life's been FULL of 'em, so it's been more than overdue for me to dish 'em back out.

As far as TiT '08??

It started with "Swerve" and it's going to continue forth with you, TEAM Challenge Champion or not, BECAUSE it's a Reality Check.

And quite frankly I'm not really in the mood of waiting around to find out whether or not you like it, "A lot".

(Cruise smiles.)

All the best.

(Fadeout.)

 

[Ravager]

I was going to feel offended. Hurt. Angry. I mean, when your opponent reveals how little he thinks of you, you can't help but feel just a little rejected. But then I went and did a bit more research. And all I can really say now Cameron?

Thank you.

Fade in on Ravager as he makes his way to his rental car.

Cameron. One thing I learned, one thing I thought you would have learned...

Never, ever tell your opponent that he's "just another man". I don't think you're "just another man". You're a champion in your own right. You have faced the best in the business. You have every right to feel confident...

But then I remember something you said earlier. What was it? Ah right.

This is TEAM.

Nobody cares what we've done anywhere else.

And after checking around, I found one thing. In TEAM? You've done squat. Two wins up before your victory in round one this year. You have the gall to talk down to me like I'm some kind of rookie biting off more than I can chew, when you can barley handle the mouthful you have right now.

The fact that you're a champion means your worthy of my respect, and all the best I can give in the ring.

The fact that you've beaten the man who won last year's Team Invitational, (and currently holds the NAPW title I want so much) Dan Ryan, means you are a stepping stone to bigger things down the road for me.

The fact that you landed in my bracket, and will face me in the ring in a few short days means that you deserve every ounce of pride, fury, and focus that I can put into a match. Because the only match that matters is the one you're in right now. The only opponent that matters is the one you're facing right now. The toughest opponent you'll ever face is the one you're facing right now. And that person is you Cameron. You're my right now. You're the only opponent who deserves my attention. I could focus on anyone else in this tournament, but you're the only one who has been signed to face me.

Our match is more important than any title match.

Our match will be the most important of the tournament, at least until the next round.

Our match means a lot. I should mean a whole lot more to you Cameron. I'm giving you respect. That's hard to find in this business. But without respect for you opponent, you get complacent. Overconfident. And when a "lesser" opponent beats you... well, it can do things to you. Make you doubt yourself. Send you on a downward spiral. Sometimes people come out of it. I did. Sometimes people don't. Check out any bitter old timer sitting on his own in the dressing room. bet you at one point they thought their opponent was "not the biggest or best they ever faced".

I hope you'll handle it well Cameron.

Because you just given more drive and focus to a man who some would say plans to the point of obsession. Basically, you've added fuel to my fire. And for that I say thank you, Cameron. Your generosity knows no bounds.

Ravager smirks.

And here I thought things might get personal.

Fade to Black.

 

[TSiegel]

"I stand corrected, Ravager"

(Fadein, Cameron Cruise with bags in hand, walking in front of his house to load the car in Jacksonville, NC.)

CRUISE: You don't just wanna cookie, you wanna be held by the hand and led across the street too.

I mean for Pete's sake, Ravager, do I have to do EVERYTHING, for you??

(Cruise sighs.)

I know I've only afew wins under my belt here in TEAM, my record really is less than average, less than that of a Satisfactory acceptance.

But a CLEAR CONSCIENCE and COMMON SENSE would tell someone that that should be a reason for my return, wouldn't it??

Well...everyone but you it seems.

But don't take my understanding of what things are for weakness, Ravager.

Just because I say that you're another man to me, doesn't mean I'm not taking this match seriously, as I said before I'm not looking past you either.

But I'm not gonna dwell on things either.

I'm going back to Vermont with the intent and focus to either make you tap out or to pin your ass to the mat for three seconds and then it's on to the next man in this tournament.

I appreciate the respect given, but on the same token, I don't need it.

Because it's what I do in the ring that's going to make a difference, Ravager. This is a Ruthless business to compete in, and if you're not ready for it, it'll cut your throat and leave you with nothing.

(The Camera cuts up close to Cruise's face)

'Course unless you're men like Fusenshoff, in which case you really may not need much anyway to begin with.

(Camera cutting back to the original view....)

But no, I haven't forgotten about you Ravager, but I'm not going out of my way to make this "One for the Ages" either.

Sure....no one wants to get beat by someone they KNOW they're better than, but then again who does??

Not me, and as I said, I'm not going to dwell on it Ravager, because it's THAT KINDA **** that ruin's a Man's career, or send it into a "Downward Spiral", as you said.

It's good to see that you've got more drive and focus now, because I wasn't really expecting you to have any less to begin with.

Professionally-speaking, it might be just alittle too late.

But Personally-speaking it's just business, nothing personal at all.

And right now, either way it makes no difference to me that you like it or won't....but it's a Reality Check just for you Ravager, and you alone.

(Fadeout as Cruise continues to load his car.)