MAIN EVENT: Maelstrom vs. Jean Rabesque

[TBirdSCIL]

Please keep all RP for this match in this folder...

 

[JLebron]

We all exude......

[updated:LAST EDITED ON May-18-03 AT 10:42 PM (EST)](FADE IN:...... to black and white footage of a stool sitting in the middle of a room, the walls are covered with large pictures featuring many of the GLCW superstars. The camera moves about slowly, focusing on the photos on the wall.... photos of Manson, of Anarky.... photos of Justice, Poe and Ash.... still more photos of the UA, Nemesis, Morgan and Jobber... MWG is also seen as well as Rabesque.... we see a shot of Larry Tact but just then the camera pans back to the still shot of Jean Rabesque..... it stays there.... it focuses it bit more.... then it pulls back and a large shadow is seen against the wall of pictures as someone makes his way from behind the camera and walks straight to the wall. Immediately we recognize him as the GLCW Heavyweight Champion, the man known simply as Maelstrom. He drags the GLCW title in tow behind him as he glares at the picture of Jean Rabesque on the wall momentarily before turning, dropping the title carelessly to the floor and sitting on the stool.....)

MAELSTROM: For nearly six years we've been runnin' in the same circles Raby..... SIX YEARS, an' yet we've never... EVER gone one on one 'gainst each other!

(grins as he nods faintly)

MAELSTROM: Well, here's yer chance Raby.... here's what ya been wishin' for! Here's yer opportunity to PROVE what ya been yammerin' 'bout for so long..... here's yer chance to PROVE to the world ..... PROVE to yerself that ya are what ya been claimin' for so long.... that ya REALLY are the BEST DAMN WRESTLER IN THE WORLD!

(laughs to himself)

MAELSTROM: Yeah, yeah..... I know what ya must be thinkin' by now.... what makes ME the prime opportunity for ya to prove that? Do I fancy myself, as YOU do, the BEST in the World? (shakes his head no) Actually, I don't even think 'bout such things. Has my ego now rivaled Manson's or Anarky's? (once again shakes his head no) Hardly, merely a statement of .... FACT!

(his smile falters as he glares stoically)

MAELSTROM: FACT OF WHAT YA MAY ASK? The fact that there is NO better way to prove yer claim than by defeatin'.....

(points his thumb at his massive chest)

MAELSTROM: ...... ME! Ya see Raby, whether you'll admit it or not, we BOTH know that defeatin' ME will be the pinnacle of yer career! Sure, there's a title at stake.... (glances briefly at the GLCW title coiled on the floor) but let's be honest huh? We BOTH know that it's about MORE than just the title for ya.... we BOTH know that yer TRUE prize is gettin' that "W" over me in the record books!

(shakes his head disparagingly as he laughs faintly)

MAELSTROM: It usually is for guys like you Raby. Guys who CARE 'bout what people think.... guys who CATER to the whims of the fans...... guys who seek to raise their wattage from a 60 watt bulb to 100 watts!

(pauses)

MAELSTROM: RUN TO THE LIGHT RABY!! RUN TO IT! ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD!! SLAY THE BEAST AN' WIN YER KINGDOM!!

(falls silent as his words echo eerily... when that fades, he resumes speaking....)

MAELSTROM: It's all good Raby.... I'm not belittlin' ya..... if anythin', I'm makin' lite of ALL the attitudes that are so prevalent in today's GLCW! Yer views, while a bit more toned down than most, are not so different from those of..... let's say, Manson, or Anarky.... or ME for that matter! We all exude confidence, whether it's feigned or not is a different story.... one that'll probably remain a mystery. What difference does it make anyhow huh? It's all part of the game...... feigned or not! It's all essential to our survival, though more for some than others. Ya know what it all boils down to Raby? It filters down to the most basic of things.... it's all BULLS(BLEEP)T!!

(reaches down and grabs the GLCW title off the floor, afterwards, he turns and tears Jean Rabesque's picture off the wall and crumples it in his fist)

MAELSTROM: That's right Raby.... it's ALL BULLS(BLEEP)T..... all bulls(BLEEP)t until the second I lure yer A$$ inside that ring.....

(Maelstrom raises the crumpled picture of Jean Rabesque into his mouth and starts chewing as he walks right up to the camera and spits it out onto the lens. The shredded mess that once was a picture of Jean Rabesque clings momentarily to the lens, totally obscuring everything, until it slides down that is, leaving us with a saliva-smeared image of an empty stool amidst faint echoes of laughter..... FADE OUT....)

 

[SteveA]

Finally.....

[updated:LAST EDITED ON May-19-03 AT 06:52 PM (EST)](the screen focuses in on a GLCW backdrop, and then slowly pans to the side, where we see Jean Rabesque, one would think that this would be the opportunity for some kind of montage, a chance to showcase a great deal of history that is being taken off of PPV, and thrown onto free television, but for some reason, Rabesque chooses to avoid that line, and instead, we get the same, Rabesque wears the normal gear, and smiles as the camera rolls in, as he removes his shades and upon taking a slow, thoughtful breath..... speaks)

Rabesque: 1997. 1997, Mael. Damn, that was a long time ago. THAT was when this match was supposed to take place. We couldn’t have written the story any better. Champion Maelstrom, vs. Number One Contender Jean Rabesque. It’s amazing that no matter how much things change, they always find a way to stay the same.

Let’s flashback back to 1997 for a minute if you will. There was a hierarchy set up. The established superstars ran the place. You had Flatliner, NE, KONN, Black Sage, Brian Lawler, and of course..... Maelstrom. But then, along came what some referred to as a “punk.” A guy with a couple of his buddies that came on the scene and changed how everyone looks at wrestling. They didn’t know what to make of them, but all they knew was that he was different. Many of the wrestlers of the time liked to stage their elaborate stunts, similar to today, but this group demeaned everything they did, something that had never been done before. And then this leader survived a ten man elimination match, and from there a three way dance where should have been declared the number one contender for the World Championship and have a match scheduled, live on Pay per view from Cincinnati, with the almighty Maelstrom. So here was to be the scene... legendary champion, a man few have EVER been able to defeat, against the upstart guy that no one had ever heard of. It was going to be a box office smash!

Until something that came along and dealt a blow to this harmonious cycle. What happened Maelstrom? I’m not naive enough to say you were scared, because I know that wasn’t the case, but I know that something happened that prevented that from occurring. So the match never happened, and I became the NFWA World Champion basically by default. It’s haunted me in a way sense that point Mael. What would have happened? How would each of us be looked now had that match occurred? We’ll never know that Mael, but isn’t funny how history has a way of bringing everything back in a circle? Since then, we’ve danced around each other, we’ve run in the same circle, we’ve run in different cycles. We’ve been tag team partners for crying out loud, but NEVER one on one in the same ring. NEVER. One would think that this would be the match for a show MUCH bigger than Riptide. Unfortunately, that’s not our decision, but it’s time to make this Riptide the most memorable show ever to come across GLCW television.

You made a lot of points in your spot there Mael. Some valid, some not so. Am I enough of a fool to think for one second that I could possibly be the favorite heading into this match? Of course not. I realize full well that this going to take the absolute match of my life to win this title. I know full well how your triple digit won column vs. single digit loss column works. I got it. But who’s to say that this can’t happen? Are you going to come out and make that claim Mael? Are you going to have the audacity to come out on GLCW television and tell me that I can’t beat you? Come on, Mael, is that what this is leading to? Is that really what you think?

I make the claim consistently that I am the best wrestler walking the planet today. I stand by that statement. Does that mean that I am going to win every single match that I am thrown in? No, but that means that there is no one here, or anywhere that will outwrestle me. I could outwrestle you Maelstrom, let’s be honest. You haven’t gotten where you are by being a technical wrestling dynamo, and if you think that for one second that you’re fooling yourself. Hell, look at you Maelstrom, you’re a freaking Adonis in the wrestling ring, and when I enter, I understand that you’re going to try to throw me around like a rag doll. I know that if you get your hands on me and lock in The Mortal Sin, there’s a pretty good chance that I’m not going to get out of it. You’re a brawler, you’re a power wrestler Mael, that’s what you do. So it’s going to lead to one interesting match-up. Can the technical wrestler take out the man with the size advantage, with the power advantage, and the brawling advantage? Can I keep you at enough of a distance that all of your strength will be irrelevant? That’s the true question going into Riptide Mael. But I still remain the best wrestler on the planet, it’s all a matter of whether that will be enough to get me past you.

So, now, you’re right, this would probably be the biggest win of my career. Why try to deny it? Everyone knows it’s true. I would be taking out the most dominant man this industry has seen in a long, long time. But this goes far beyond you Mael. Ever since I tried to make my mark on this business, seven years ago, I have taken the road less traveled. Do you realize how hard it has been? Sure, for someone of your size, this probably came a bit easier. Do you realize how much easier I could have made it on myself just to adopt the ways of everyone else, taken up some funny name, and made a comedy act like everyone else? But I didn’t do that Mael, I stood to what I believed in, and I have fought for everything that I have gotten. Now, most critics tend to dismiss what is different, as being inferior, and that’s their prerogative. They can believe whatever it is that they want to believe, but right now, I feel like I have something to prove to myself.

It’s not about beating you Mael, it’s about beating the best. I have always made it a point of shooting my goals higher than anyone imagined I could, and settling for nothing less. When I came to the GLCW, my sole purpose was to become the Great Lakes Champion, and not just for the goal, to prove that what I’ve been saying all along is without a doubt the truth. For months, the championship committee tossed me aside as inferior competition got title shot after title shot. This is my one chance. I realize that if I blow this, they will take every opportunity to throw me down to the bottom of the heap and see to it to make sure that I never get this chance again. THAT’S what this is about Maelstrom. I have worked too hard, and too long to let this opportunity slip away.

Am I confident? I am. Can I beat you? You bet your ass I can. It won’t be easy, but this is NOT just another title defense for you Mael. You can count on that. So you can play it up all you want, and chewing up the picture of me...... nice touch. Too bad it’s not working. Oh, and one more thing Mael. If you ever...... EVER...... compare me to Manson again...... I will destroy you. Not a threat, just a statement. You beat that no talent piece of crap for the title I realize, but you might as well consider THIS your real title match Mael, because you know damn well that I’m the best the GLCW has to offer. No false gimmicks, no false hype, I am the NEXT Great Lakes Champion, I am Jean Rabesque.

(fade out)

 

[JLebron]

Closer than ya think

[updated:LAST EDITED ON May-19-03 AT 09:57 PM (EST)](FADE IN.....a GLCW backdrop.... in fact the SAME GLCW backdrop that Jean Rabesque was just doing his mic spot from no more than five minutes ago.....

CUTTO: ..... the same backdrop, just from a different angle..... an angle that affords us a vantage point from the backdrop itself to where the cameramen would be when they were filming Jean Rabesque's mic spot. From there we can see a camera setup amidst the dim lighting..... someone moves around behind it..... someone very large. He approaches us.... dragging something behind him.....

CUT BACK TO: ..... the original vantage point where we're once again viewing the GLCW backdrop where Jean Rabesque was just a few moments earlier..... someone large continues to approach.... that same someone who was spotted mere seconds ago lurking behind the camera setup..... that same someone who was handling the very camera used during Jean Rabesque's mic spot..... the figure enters our view, dragging the GLCW Heavyweight strap in tow behind him..... he turns, giving us his patented faint grin, revealing to us what we've already surmised as we trade glares with the man known to us simply as......)

MAELSTROM: That was quite a performance ya gave there Raby..... quite a performance indeed. Ya'd be surprised how surreal things look through the eye of the camera when ya capture yer prey live on film.

(begins laughing faintly)

MAELSTROM: Ya tend to see things from a different perspective than ya do from a monitor..... ya almost seemed..... bigger than life, or at least somethin' similar to it. Who knows, maybe it's the lens itself, afterall they do say that the camera adds 'bout 10 pounds or so.

(chuckles)

MAELSTROM: Then again, peerin' through that lil' lens does tend to magnify everythin' else...... includin' yer tells Raby. Funny how somethin' as basic as a lens can actually help pierce armor an' facade alike huh? Ya projected such a calm demeanor, yet almost imperceptable were the small worry lines that creased over yer forehead each time ya spoke 'bout how much more of a technical wrestler ya were over me..... the subtle tense motion of yer throat swallowing heavily each time ya mentioned how ya COULD defeat me...... the thin beads of sweat that glistened over yer brow as ya proclaimed yerself, the NEXT GLCW Heavyweight Champion!

(smiles broadly as he slowly closes and re-opens his eyes)

MAELSTROM: Yer tells betrayed ya Raby...... yer body language casts doubt upon yer own words..... yer own body seems to have issues with what yer rantin'. How does it feel to know that yer prey is closer to ya than ya could have ever imagined..... was right there in the SAME room with ya.... studyin' ya...... filmin' ya..... AS YA SPOKE!? Observin' ya feigning confidence. Yer worst enemy, is closer than ya think Raby.... it wears ya like a glove.... attemptin' to soothe ya as ya blink..... it protects ya from the truth ya know but refuse to openly admit..... yer worst enemy embraces ya closer than yer own shadow ever could.....

(grins maliciously)

MAELSTROM: Yer worst enemy Raby...... rivals even me.....

(Maelstrom glares stoically, narrowing his eyes as walks right up to the camera until he's so close that all we can see of him is his face, at which point he lifts the camera up and raises it up over his head. Immediately our image shakes as we now get a birds-eye view of Maelstrom as he winks at us and whispers the words, "CLOSER THAN YA THINK". He then lets his arms fall behind his back, releasing the camera altogether in one fluid motion. The moment the camera leaves his grasp, everything begins moving so fast that it actually appears to move in slow motion.... that is until it strikes the floor with a heavy crash, giving us a moment or two of snow and static right before we ..... FADE OUT....)

 

[SteveA]

Already acknowledged

(the screen comes in on the same backdrop, another time though, as Rabesque has apparently chosen not to continue the ‘who’s watching who?’ cycle, he just stands before us again, a man with his thoughts, dressed in the normal gear, his new shirt, reading simply, ‘THE BEST THERE IS’ adorns his body, and is selling out at GLCW merchandising stands everywhere, but for now, Rabesque simply looks into the camera, and gives a smile, takes a deep breath, and speaks)

Rabesque: Come on Mael, I thought you were better than that. The whole facade of being behind the camera, examining my every motion, trying to make a profound statement about something or another. And to think of it, all that work, all that energy.... and you put towards making a point..... that I already made myself. Confused? You shouldn’t be? Maybe instead of analyzing my forehead Mael you might want to stop and listen to the words that are actually coming out of my mouth.

Am I confident? Yeah, you could call it that, but rewind a little more from those statements. I came out and said that this is going to take the match of my life to win the Great Lakes Title. I came out and called you possibly the most dominant man the sport has ever seen. I know that by far I am the underdog going into Riptide. Yeah, Mael, I got it. But do I know that I can pull this off? You bet your ass I can. There’s nothing, absolutely nothing being feigned here Mael. I am a very realistic man, and I know full well how this thing could play out. So spare me all of this “Enemy is closer than you think” crap, because it is exactly that Mael..... CRAP!

So what I would recommend to you Mael is to stop trying to analyze and reanalyze everything that I say. If I were you I’d be preparing for the match of your career, at least in the GLCW.

So what would force to make a claim like that? You’re the champ, right? And what am I, the nobody challenger? But, I was giving this some thought, which one of us has more to prove in this match? Let’s think about this Mael. You’re the Great Lakes Champ, but what did you have to go through to get to this point? Who’d you have to beat to win that title? Mike Manson??? Where the hell is the honor in that Mael? You beat a chump that somehow managed to be handed a title. Congratu-fricking-lations Mael. But of course, after you defeated the then Great Lakes Champion (chuckles) Mike Manson, I’m sure you have had a number of top quality defenses against some truly top notched competition. You know, just like that powerhouse um..... um...... well, maybe not, huh Mael?

You see, despite all of your history Mael, and despite of that shiny gold belt you pretend doesn’t matter, you really haven’t accomplished much here in the GLCW. You have as much to prove if not more than I do in this match. For what might be the first time here in GLCW, you actually have a match on your hand. You have a man that is harder to beat than just about any man on the planet. You have the number one contender, and a man that has NOT been given a shot. As far as I’m concerned Mael, this match is the finals of the REAL tournament to crown a GLCW Great Lakes Champ. Because as long as Jean Rabesque hasn’t been given a title match, then that title means NOTHING!

(Rabesque stops for a moment, as if to gather his thoughts, his facial expression has now changed slightly, now to one more rivaling reflection than confidence)

The more I think about this match that more the dynamic of the whole thing fascinates me. It really is an interesting dichotomy between the two of us Mael. On one hand, you have the larger than life superhero. He is the man that has come from some far away island, initiated in some bizarre culture that none of us can explain. He comes to the wrestling world, an unstoppable force, plowing through everything in sight for years. A true warrior, a true unstoppable warrior.

Then, on the other hand, you have the working man’s hero. Blue collar background, a man that has had to inch and claw for everything in the wrestling world, and everything in life. In many situations, this man has more in common with the people in the crowd paying their hard-earned money to see him than with the person staring right back at him in the ring. He is the man the people get behind out of respect, where the man gets his support.....out of awe.

It should be incredibly interesting how all of this plays out Mael. I’ve already called this David vs. Goliath, and that is becoming more evident as every single day goes by. But I’m sure you know how that one ended up, don’t you Mael? Once again, I’m not stupid enough to come out here and proclaim victory. I’m not going to guarantee anything. The one thing that I will guarantee Mael is that you’re going to experience a challenge that you haven’t faced for an incredibly long time. Take everything you’ve experienced lately inside of a wrestling ring and completely throw it out the window, because you have no idea what you’re in store for. You very well might win this thing Mael, but it won’t be easy. You have my word on that.

My enemy might be closer than I think Mael, but you have know how the old saying goes. “Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.” I guess you might be able to describe what I’m doing that way. Regardless, you don’t need to bother wasting another spot proving a point that I already acknowledged. Something new would be very much appreciated. (smiles) No false gimmicks, no false hype, I am the NEXT Great Lakes Champion, I am Jean Rabesque.

(fade out)

 

[JLebron]

The crossroads of yer fate

[updated:LAST EDITED ON May-21-03 AT 05:20 PM (EST)](FADE IN:..... to a hallway leading to the wrestler's dressing rooms. The camera proceeds onward winding up the halls, passing an occasional GLCW star on its way. Stars like Anarky who is spotted just as he disappears into his dressing room. JC is also spotted, apparently up to no-good as he sees us, gives a surprised look and nervously slinks away. At the end of the hall we see Maelstrom walking, as always dragging the GLCW title in tow behind him. As we approach him, he is confronted by the GLCW Commissioner himself, K.K.....)

KK: Hey Mael.... Hold up a minute will you?

(Maelstrom stops in his tracks, narrows his eyes as he slowly turns and wordlessly regards KK)

KK: Listen, I was just in a meeting with Scott Malec and the head of the film makers and recording union. I won't go into the details of that meeting, but suffice it to say that Malec was absolutely livid when that meeting was over....

(Maelstrom continues to regard KK impassively)

KK: Listen Mael, I know how it is, being a wrestler and all. I know that sometimes we get a little, um.... how shall I say this.... excited in trying to make our point? I understand how you can get all caught up in it, but listen, you simply can't go around using and destroying filming cameras! Not-with-standing the fact that those are unionized jobs and utilizing those cameras for your own personal amusement could create a labor incident and strain union/management relations, but you took it upon yerself, on a mere whim I might add, to destroy property that doesn't even belong to the GLCW! Those cameras are leased from the FOX Sports Network!

(Maelstrom simply glares back at KK, continuing to offer no reaction whatsoever)

KK: Well Maelstrom? Don't you have anything to say regarding all this?

(Maelstrom's massive chest heaves as he sighs faintly before finally responding)

MAELSTROM: Only wondering if yer done so I can get on with my business.

(KK glares back at Maelstrom, who in turn simply glares back at KK. They both remain like this for a few seconds until KK breaks the silence)

KK: Well, I'm done, but Malec wanted me to hand you the BILL for that camera. He says it belongs to YOU now.

(KK hands the bill to Maelstrom who regards it momentarily, then smiles faintly before crumpling it, and tossing it into his mouth and proceeds to chew it up. After a few moments of this, Maelstrom spits it out and it lands right next to KK's boot. KK gets visibly upset but maintains his composure as Maelstrom smirks and glares at KK. KK himself just shakes his head, looks down at the masticated bill on the floor then back at Maelstrom before turning and walking away muttering to himself. It's at this point that Maelstrom notices us, turns to face us, and begins to speak......)

MAELSTROM: Raby.... there's a fine line 'tween contradiction an' confidence..... well, actually there prolly' isn't any sorta line at all, who the hell knows huh? At any rate, what I'm leadin' up to is the fact that yer trippin' over yer own words. Ya claim that ya won't guarantee ANYTHING, yet in the same breath yer guaranteeing that I'll be experiencin' one helluva a challenge! Ya claim that ya won't be stupid enough to proclaim victory, yet ya keep referrin' to yerself as the NEXT GLCW Heavyweight Champion! Ya tell me to spare ya all the “Enemy is closer than you think” stuff cuz it's crap, yet ya end yer segment by bein' an advocate for the sayin', "keep yer friends close an' yer enemies closer".

(raises his eyebrow and gives a mock look of surprise)

MAELSTROM: Well Raby, which is it? Are yer frontin' or merely feignin' ignorance to cover yer double-talk? Don't bother answerin' that Raby.... it's a .... "rhetorical" question.

(smiles maliciously)

MAELSTROM: But one question I would like for you to answer is how the hell do you figure I have somethin' to prove in this match if yer supposedly, by yer own admission, the underdog? Or has the fact that I already defeated YOU in a fourway with Manson an' Edmunds conveniently slipped yer mind? While I will admit that defeatin' Manson was NO great accomplishment, what makes you think that YOU are considered any different, better or tougher than anyone else I've defeated here so far? I mean, if ya wanna match common denominators..... I CONVINCINGLY defeated a man who YOU only drew with recently..... Nikolai Ash! Does that automatically suggest that I'll defeat ya too? Hardly, but it does make for some interestin' comparisons.... since YOU decided to compare yerself to everyone in the GLCW. So where is the logic to yer thinking? An' don't give me that tripe 'bout exudin' confidence, cuz confidence is nothin' more than a state of mind.... NOT a state of fact! There are plenty of nuts out there who believe they can fly or are the second comin' of Christ, but that doesn't make it so now does it? Ya see Raby, it's NOT what ya believe ya can do that matters.... it's what ya actually CAN do that matters. Belief an' knowledge Raby.... the crossroads of fate..... YER FATE!

(Maelstrom proceeds to walk away when he suddenly glances down and sees the crumpled up, masticated bill for the camera on the floor.... he grins faintly and takes a step forward at which point the camera crew instinctively begins to back away from him, making his image decrease in size with every step they take until we ultimately..... FADE OUT.....)

 

[JLebron]

How ya handle yer business.....

[updated:LAST EDITED ON May-24-03 AT 05:28 PM (EST)](FADE IN:...... to an office setting. The images jumps and bounces a bit as apparently, the camera moves down a short corridor. The walls of the corridor itself is littered with magazine and newspaper headline photos of many of the GLCW wrestling stars. One shows Manson, The Jobber and UA, all proudly holding their respective GLCW titles, above them is a caption which reads "GLCW crowns its first champions!". Other shots show Scott Malec, smiling broadly with both fists clutching huge wads of cash, above him is a caption which reads, "Scott Malec's GLCW breaks all barriers as it becomes the #1 grossing wrestling promotion since the FWF!". Yet another photo, a rather large poster-sized one, shows multiple action shots of Anarky, Manson, Poe, Rabesque, Nemesis, the UA, Maelstrom, The Jobber, Stephen Morgan, Sean Edmunds, Jared Wells, Jared Justice, MW Grossard and many more..... all under a huge caption which reads, "Rival wrestling promotions flounder as the GLCW hoards all of the Wrestling Industry's premiere talent!". The cameras focus only momentarily on that picture before it continues to move on into what appears to be a main office of sorts...... FADE OUT.....

CUT BACK TO: ....the same main office, nobody seems to be around though, the reception area, the entire office for that matter is empty. The camera proceeds on until it comes upon a door whose gold letters read, "GLCW Pres. & Owner, Scott Malec. The door itself appears to be ajar, there are pieces of wood splinters on the floor which apparently are from the door frame which is chipped away, suggesting the door was forced open. We see a hand reach out from behind our view and push the door open, allowing us a glimpse into Scott Malec's office. The office itself is in shambles. One wall is spray-painted with the words "The GLCW is in a state of Anarky!" The camera moves a bit closer and we hear a crunch. The camera immediately shifts and our image shakes as it looks toward the floor, revealing what was a Pez dispenser, now smashed. The camera continues to pan around until it comes upon the desk, laying in an ashtray, still lit, is a cigar..... a Cuban cigar. Next to that is a silver-steel Halliburton, one identical to the one Stephen Morgan presented to Anarky and Manson before his big match with Maelstrom. On it is a note addressed to "S.M." with the phrase, "Lets make a deal" written on it. It's precisely at this moment that we hear a sound and the camera suddenly whirls about to show, standing at the doorway, the GLCW Heavyweight Champion himself.... the man known simply as Maelstrom....)

MAELSTROM: (glaring stoically as he enters, dragging the GLCW title in tow, looks briefly about and takes a seat in Malec's leather swivel chair) Well, I was comin' up here to speak to Malec 'bout this nonsense 'bout my payin' for the damages to his "precious" camera durin' one of my mic spots, but it looks like I'm not the only one who has issues with him.

(grins as he shakes his head disparagingly)

MAELSTROM: Malec, ya seem to be pissin' off as many people as I am.... if not more! Well, we all have our crosses to bear.... our skeletons an' so forth..... (smirks as he nods) I won't attempt to assume what lies in yer closet.... actually, I really don't care. That's all on you Malec.... you an'......

(looks around at the crushed Pez dispenser on the floor, then at the spray-painted writing on the wall, an' lastly to the still smoking Cuban cigar and Halliburt briefcase)

MAELSTROM: ..... yer ASSociates?? (chuckles to himself) At any rate Malec, ya an' I will talk later 'bout this "Camera Bill" nonsense..... I've never been one to resolve my business by word of mouth or mail. That's NOT the way I handle MY business, I always handle my business.... (smacks his fist into his palm) IN PERSON! Which leads me to the next order of business.... Mr. "No False Gimmicks, No False Hypes, Best Wrestler In The World" ....... Raby! I've gotten a little restless waitin' on yer response ya see.... ya know the one where I asked ya to explain yer logic? While I'll know you'll inevitably come out an' say somethin' to the effect that you've been busy working out.... busy preparin' for this match..... busy sweatin' perhaps? (chuckles) The fact remains that the question still remains unanswered. Are ya perhaps, outta yer element? Or is it merely that ya just..... CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!?

(pauses as he grins widely)

MAELSTROM: For someone who's been lookin' forward to this day for such a long time, yer heart doesn't quite seem to be in it..... unless of course it's 'cuz yer heart has abandoned ya?

(nonchalantly shrugs his shoulders as he raises an eyebrow and mocks questioning look)

MAELSTROM: Well has it Raby? Have ya lost yer "cajones"? Have ya realized an' admitted to yerself as Rocky did in the first film, that he simply could NOT beat Creed? Has yer confidence been shaken enough that yer no longer in denial?

(laughs faintly as he gets up from Malec's leather swivel chair and walks slowly towards the camera)

MAELSTROM: Don't take it personal Raby..... after all look 'round here! Look over there!

(points toward the spray-painted wall as the camera follows)

MAELSTROM: Look back there!

(camera follows as he tosses a thumb backward toward the lit Cuban cigar and Halliburt briefcase on Malec's desk)

MAELSTROM: Look over here!

(points in front of him on the floor where the crushed Pez dispenser is)

MAELSTROM: Apparently, it's all 'bout HOW ya handle yer business......

(winks)

MAELSTROM: .... You'll soon find out FIRST-HAND, just like Manson, Morgan an' the UA did.... for that matter, just like EVERYONE who stepped in the ring 'gainst me did...... just how "I" handle MY business.....

(Maelstrom's eyes narrow as he smiles maliciously and reaches out toward the cameras, placing his palm over the entire lens..... obscuring our view totally, until we hear a crash an' we suddenly find ourselves staring at static and snow..... FADE OUT....)

 

[SteveA]

I expected more

(the screen comes in on a GLCW backdrop, the same we have gotten really used to seeing, and in front of it stands Jean Rabesque, dressed in the normal gear, tonight, however, the look of sheer confidence is gone from his face, one of mild disgust can clearly be seen, as he glares into the camera and speaks)

Rabesque: Come on Mael, I honestly expected more from you. Now, maybe Manson, maybe Anarky, definitely someone like Minion, but not you. What was the problem? My pace a little too slow for you? Did the fact that maybe *I* have other priorities ever come across your mind? I thought you were a man of honor, a man that wasn’t like the rest and at least had some kind of code. I guess I was wrong. That’s fine, water under the bridge, as they say, right? But I have to be honest Mael..... I expected more.

But now, on to the matter at hand. I don’t back down from my previous statements Mael. I still feel that you have more to prove in this match than I do. Now, let’s get onto what was absolutely ridiculous in your.... first (glares up at the camera)...... little spot there. You actually use the example of that 4-way match as some kind of ammunition against me? Mael.... you didn’t beat me in that match. I eliminated myself because there was something at the time that was a bit more pressing and preoccupied me just a bit. Sean and I are got ourselves COUNTED OUT, because all we were really into at that moment was tearing into each other. Now, yes, you did win the match, but to say you BEAT me, as if you did something that deserves some kind of accolade is absolutely absurd! Hell, Mael, Manson used that same argument against me. Have you stooped to his level now?

Now, the next case you present has to do with one Nikolai Ash. Yeah, you beat him, in what I guess you COULD call an easy fashion. When you’re a power wrestler like I’ve already outlined, that sort of thing tends to happen. When you’re a mat technician like myself, things don’t come so easy. Sure, Ash and I went thirty. Does that mean I couldn’t have beaten him? Ridiculous. I just have other ways of doing it, and on that night, they wouldn’t let us go any further. So what does that prove Mael? Nothing. I’ve already established that if you get your hands on me early it COULD be a quick match, but I’m willing to go sixty minutes with you Mael. I’m ready to wear you down, and grind you into submission. THAT’S how I win matches, and that’s how I hope to win at Riptide. Now, if we’re going to bring up Ash, if I’m not mistaken, as tainted as it may be, doesn’t he hold a victory over you Mael? Sure, it may sound absurd for me to be making this argument, but in light of some of the ammunition you decided to throw at me, I feel somewhat..... justified.

And while we’re on the subject, let’s analyze a certain tag team match from just a short while ago. Yeah, you remember, six-man tag. The two of you Mael..... were partners. Want to refresh my memory about what happened in that match? Yeah, that’s right, Golem abandoned us, but what happened afterwards? I don’t think it was me that was taking that pinfall to Mike Manson Mael. I seem to recall very distinctly seeing your shoulders pinned to the mat.

So I’ll ask again Mael, what have you proven here in the GLCW? A very simple question, yet the answer can be quite complex. I’ll reaffirm my belief that you really haven’t done much of anything outside of shattering equipment. Some could call you a paper champion if they wanted to. Hell, it’s not like you beat anyone with any kind of talent for that belt. Now, I never said that I have been some dynamo lighting up the arenas coast to coast as if I’m some sort of superhero. But then again..... I’m not the champion....(chuckles)...... yet. I was just making the point that I think it would be nice if the champion could prove he is exactly that..... a champion. And Mael, you have to prove that to me.

(Rabesque stops for a moment, gathers his thoughts, usually a sign that he is about to change subjects, and then continues)

Now, Mael, you can make all the comments you want about how I’ve lost my cajones, but you know exactly where I was. I’m where I always I am, training my ass off in the gym, watching tape, and getting prepared to carry your ass to my latest Match of the Year candidate. I’ve been getting focused, preparing for everything that I know awaits me. You knew it was coming, and you know it’s the truth. I have more important things going in my life than mugging for the camera Mael. I guess it might turn out than you had more in common with Manson and Co. than any of us would have ever thought.

You Mael? You’re running around Scott Malec’s office, trying to replace a camera you decided to shatter into a million pieces. Focused isn’t a word that I would use to describe your state of mind right now Mael, and to be honest, that suits me just perfectly. So you can talk about my lack of words all you want, but I’ll take what I’m doing over what you’re doing every darn day of the week. So you decide to come out and talk, and you grace us with what? Footage of the GLCW offices. Thanks, you know what we really needed to see that. Thank you for the groundbreaking footage.

So you want me to explain my logic, eh? Fine.... here you go, swallow it if you can. Mael, you’re big, you’re tough, no big secrets here. I’m the underdog, I know I have the largest uphill climb of my career, and it will take the match of my career to make it happen. But you know what? The hell with all that. I’m going to make all of that happen. If it takes the match of my life to win it, then the match of my life is exactly what’s going to happen. That’s where the confidence comes in, because the more you speak, the more I realize how vulnerable you really can be if attacked from the right angles. I am going to win this match, no matter the odds, no matter the challenge. I know you’ll find holes in it Mael. Pick away, because I know longer care. I’m coming into Riptide the number one contender, and I’m coming out of Riptide the Great Lakes Champion. Period, end of discussion. No false gimmicks, no false hype....

You know the rest.........

(fade out)

 

[JLebron]

The Eyes have it.....

[updated:LAST EDITED ON May-26-03 AT 10:30 AM (EST)](FADE IN:.... a pair of eyes glaring at us, as they narrow we begin to hear faint laughter...... FADE OUT.....

[/center]

CUTTO: .... Maelstrom dressed in a business suit carrying the GLCW title inside of a transparent briefcase as he walks down the aisle waving at the cheering fans.....

CUTTO: .... Maelstrom sitting behind a desk with the GLCW logo on a wall behind him. There's a LONG line of kids in front of him extending out into the horizon, each eagerly waiting to meet him and get an autographed photo of him.....

CUTTO: .... Maelstrom standing in the middle of a ring raising the GLCW title to his lips, kissing it, then raising it proudly over his head amidst the thunderous cheers of the fans.....

CUTTO: .... Maelstrom in a gym, working out at a feverish pace. He's curling what looks to be some very heavy weights as he notices the camera and smiles faintly as beads of sweat run down his face and chisled muscles. He slowly squeezes out one more rep and when he gets it up to his chest, he holds it there and begins speaking.....)

MAELSTROM: (grunting) Do--- does thi---, th--- this suit yer im--- image of me better R---- Raby?!

(his grin falters as he struggles to raise the heavy bar over his head and then with an obvious great effort, tosses the bar away from him. A huge crash is heard as the bar bounces off another workout apparatus and lands heavily on the floor, imbedding itself into it actually. Our image shakes and jumps a bit as the camera crew apparently were unnerved by that. Moments later, Maelstrom pulls up a stool and takes a seat. His chest heaves deeply as he tries to regain his composure from the workout. Seconds later, he offers a smirk and resumes speaking......)

MAELSTROM: Do ANY of those earlier shots ya saw of me help to capture the image ya expected from me? The image ya expect of YER idea of what a true champion should represent Raby? Ya say Raby, that ya expected more from me as if ya were disappointed in me? Well, guess we all can't be as "predictable" as YOU are!!

(begins laughing)

MAELSTROM: I suppose if I actually cared 'bout any of that nonsense as YOU do, it would impact on me.... but that's not me Raby, an' unlike most, I don't pretend to be somethin' I know I'm not! Besides' ya really think I care 'bout what ya think!? (pauses briefly then yells out boisterously) THE EYES HAVE IT RABY!! They're the gateway to yer very soul, answers lay there for the takin' if ya know how to read 'em, but yer too busy "blinking".... a sure sign of illiteracy. Ya question my honor 'cuz perhaps I'm not playin' by YER rules? 'Cuz I DARED to actually question what's so painfully obvious.... yer heart!? 'Cuz I didn't reciprocate the respect ya gave me? Well, this may come as yet another shock an' disappointment to ya Raby.... but I'm not 'bout all that tripe! Hell, ya'd think ya woulda had a clue to that on the day we tagged together an' I told ya straight out that if ya didn't carry yer own weight, I'd make YOU a target as well! Did ya think that just 'cuz we tagged a few times that I'd let up on ya a bit? Huh? Is that it? Well, if that IS what ya were thinkin' then yer as stupid as Manson is delusional! An' while we're on the subject of Manson, ya seemed to feel the need to, as ya say, "justify" bringin' up the fact that he pinned me.....

(his eyes narrow as he smiles maliciously)

MAELSTROM: Problem is, ya conveniently left out a few details.... such as the FACT that YOU dropped the ball by NOT watching my back when it was exposed to Manson! Such as the FACT that Manson needed a pair of BRASS KNUCKS to pin my shoulders! An' if ya think that I didn't beat YOU in the 4 way, then yer just livin' in denial! My objective in that match was to remain the GLCW champion.... which I did! Yer objective, yours, Manson's an' Edmunds was to TAKE that strap from me.... which NONE of ya did! Which makes ALL of ya beaten by.... (thrusts a thumb at his chest) .... ME! So Raby, when ya feel the need to JUSTIFY yerself by tossin' facts around.... make sure ya speak on ALL the facts... not just the ones that are convenient to YOU! Hell, that's precisely why I never mentioned that match with ya an' Manson back in the IWF. Ya know, the one where ya were "spermed" on, or was it urinated on? (raises a hand to his chin and chuckles to himself) I've gone on record as saying that the IWF's integrity was suspect back then, an' I still stand behind that statement, an' of course, I'm sure I don't have all the facts to that bizarre match 'tween you an' Manson, which is why I've never cared to, nor would I EVER bring it up!

(winks as he grins maliciously)

MAELSTROM: Ya see Raby..... I DEAL IN STONE COLD FACTS! Like the fact that yes, I did lose via interference/countout to Ash, however, I came back an' humbled his ass provin' that his win over me was nothin' more than a fluke, if not altogether just a simple miscarriage of justice. Unlike you Raby, I don't contradict myself! Or are we now GUARANTEEING victory where we previously stated that we wouldn't be stupid enough to do so, eh Raby? An' correct me if I'm wrong, which I'm not, but didn't ya previously state that for this match YOU were the underdog.... that ya know that YOU would have the largest uphill climb of YER career 'gainst ME?!..... that it would take YOU the match of YER career to make it happen?! All that is suddenly overcast in contradictation by one simple statement ya just made...... that ya had OTHER PRIORITIES!?

(feigns a perplexed look then bursts out laughing)

MAELSTROM: WHAT OTHER PRIORITIES!? I AM YER PRIORITY RABY! THIS IS IT! This is the moment of TRUTH! This is YER opportunity to prove to the world that all that tripe ya been rantin' 'bout actually carries some semblance of weight! Ya speak 'bout my provin' stuff to ya as though you or what ya think actually matters to me Raby. Ya speak of my provin' to ya that I'm a worthy champion.... as if yer opinions actually carried any weight! Ya even go so far as to say that maybe Manson an' I have more in common than most thought.....

(puts his hand on his chin and feigns thinking)

MAELSTROM: Hell, ya got me there! When I think on it, we actually DO have ONE thing in common.... WE'RE BOTH THE ONLY MEN TO CAPTURE THE GLCW HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE SO FAR! Sorta an exclusive, unofficial, kinda club thingie we got goin' if ya may..... a club that YOU, Raby, are NOT a member of! But yer in luck Raby, 'cuz unlike most clubs, this one isn't bogged down with complicated forms or rules. Fact is, there are NO rules in this club, an' the ONLY dues you'll ever have to pay Raby is a ONE-TIME entrance fee. No, I'm not talkin' 'bout cash Raby, all ya gotta do to become a member is one simple thing Raby.....

(smiles widely)

MAELSTROM: All ya gotta do is to follow through on yer GUARANTEE, which is by yer own admission, to overcome the largest uphill climb of yer career.... to fight the match of yer career..... the match of yer life!

(pauses)

MAELSTROM: All ya gotta do Raby, is face an' endure reality for once in yer life.......

(Maelstrom winks at us before stepping off the stool, reaching down for the GLCW title and walking off the set, dragging the title in tow behind him..... leaving us with the earlier clips of Maelstrom in a suit with the GLCW title in its transparent briefcase..... leaving us with the earlier clip of Maelstrom taking time out to sign autographs for a throng of younsters.... leaving us with Maelstrom kissing the GLCW title and raising it over his head..... leaving us with all that and one thing more..... leaving us with the echoes of his laughter as those clips all merge into the one of Maelstrom's narrowed eyes glaring at us just as we begin to.... FADE OUT....)​

 

[SteveA]

Twisted Words

(the screen comes in on the same background, same everything, monotony can be a wonderful thing, can’t it? but for now, we focus in once again on Jean Rabesque, who has made no desperate attempts to cut some sort of parody of his opponent’s words, even though everyone knows he could, and in fact, he just might, but for now he once again stands in front of the GLCW logo, the smile that had been absent from our last encounter has once again returned, as Rabesque looks on and speaks)

Rabesque: Dang, Mael, that was one heck of a display you decided to put out there. I mean, shaking hands with the kids, hitting the gym, I mean..... it almost brought a tear to my eye Mael. Such drama, such perseverance....... you know that shows the true heart of a Great Lakes Champion. (Rabesque stops for a moment, and then breaks into laughter) Or it can just be yet another desperate ploy to try to get some shock value points. Hell if I know.

Mael, if there is another drawback to you, it’s that you tend to read WAY TOO MUCH into things. I know that’s your style, to try to find every discrepancy in your opponent’s words, and to try to mangle it the words, and to do everything in your power to overanalyze them until they fit your argument. Yeah, I got that, but let’s be realistic. I questioned your priorities Mael, yeah, I did. I never mentioned anything about what the Great Lakes Champion should be. I never mentioned anything of the sort. All I did was point out that instead of focusing on me, your next opponent, you were up in Malec’s office, cutting unnecessary promos having nothing to do with anything related to your match. Meanwhile, while you were “tired of waiting for me,” I was busting my ass doing everything in power to make sure I can kick your ass at Riptide.

Trust me, I’m not complaining here Mael. I appreciate and laud the fact that you’re underestimating me. I’ve been underestimated for years, and everyone who underestimates me, ends up on the short end of the stick. That’s fine, if you want to play cameraman and break cameras and spend your time making the trip up to Malec’s office, then go ahead, be my guest.

As far as the other crap that came out of your mouth, then let’s once again analyze..... not overanalyze, and comment. You can question my heart all you want Mael. Do you expect that to get under my skin? Your ignorance does nothing to upset me. If you want to sit there in your little pseudo-gym and question my work ethic, or my ability, that’s fine. History speaks for itself Mael, and my track record speaks for itself. If you want to question, again, be my guest, because all you are doing is showing how little you know me. If you don’t want to respect me...... GOOD! All the better, Mael. Take me lightly, Mael, please. It’ll make my challenge all the more easier. And I never mentioned ANYTHING about expecting you to let up on me a bit, so you can drop that ridiculous line of thinking right now. You see, I know what you’re trying to do Mael. You’re still twisting words trying to make a point, and when you do so, you imply that I said things that I never said. I never said that Mael, and you know that I never said that.

Now, as far as our six-man tag match from months back, since when is it MY responsibility to make sure you didn’t get your ass knocked out? This is the almighty Maelstrom we’re talking about, right? The same almighty Maelstrom that never needs anyone to have his back? The same man that never wants any friends, never wants any kind of alliance? Right? Same guy, right? And suddenly, when he gets his ass knocked out in the middle of the ring and pinned by Michael Manson, he expects someone to magically be there to have his back? You speak of MY.......CONTRADICTIONS Mael, but as far as I’m concerned, that’s the pot calling the kettle black. You get knocked out, and you got your ass pinned. YOU DROPPED THE BALL Mael.....not me.

Now, as far as that famed 4 way match goes, we enter into Maelstrom strategy #2, and that is to assume that he knows what his opponent is thinking. You stated that my goal coming into that match was to capture your title. No Mael....... I’m sorry to burden you with that bad news, but it really wasn’t. Don’t flatter yourself. At that point, I had other things going on that we’re a little more important. Sean and I were just coming off you know... My FIRST Match of the Year Candidate, the match that overshadowed your little encounter when you beat Manson, and it turns out that we just weren’t ready to stop beating the living hell out of each other. Neither one of us cared at that point about your little title, especially at some house show. So if it makes you feel better that you (chuckles) BEAT me, when I got myself voluntarily counted out, then by all means, be my guest. If your self-esteem requires that, then far be it for me to neglect that. I HAD other priorities at the time Mael. Of course, you interpret that as me speaking in the present tense, which again, could not be further from the truth. At the time, you just weren’t that important to me. Sorry, but that’s how it is. Now, of course, you’re right there on the radar screen, as we approach a collision course. You see, you are NOW me priority Mael. There was no contradiction there Mael, as much as might try to create one.

I do kind of have to chuckle at the fact that you state that my opinions carry no weight Mael, yet you seem to be incredibly hung up on them. So, apparently what I have to say must mean something, right? You speak of how you and Manson are in some kind of club, a club that I am not YET a member of. True, very true. But I’ll again rehash the point that I made earlier, what opportunity have I had Mael? If anything, I would say that my road to this point has possibly been a bit more difficult than yours. Unlike you, I had to face a real opponent at our last “mega-show,” and I while I was battling to become the Number One Contender, you were taking on the Morgan’s and James’ of the world. Now, spare me any comments you might make about this, because I know you’re salivated trying to pick up the scraps and manipulate them into an argument. Save us all the torture Mael. Yes, I know I lost to Flats, spare me the argument that I know is coming. Of course, now we’ll have to listen to you deny that you were going to bring that up, and mention how *I* was the one who mentioned it.

I’m on to the way you work Mael. So, why don’t I tell you what to talk about next time so you can spare us all? I’d like to hear some words of wisdom on how you think you’re going to accomplish a victory here? Because in reality, isn’t that what really matters? I’ll even tell you how I think I can win. I’m going to wear your ass down, big man. And then maybe, just maybe (chuckles).... I’ll make your ass tap! And don’t tell me it can’t be done Mael.... (chuckles again) Flatliner said the same thing!

Reality is one thing that I’m all too familiar with Mael. Not all of us get our warrior training on some island no one else seems to be able to find. Some of us had to face REALITY much earlier than that. So don’t lecture me on that Mael. I’ve faced reality ever since the day my drunk-ass father kicked me out on the street. Ever since the day I found a wrestling school to give me something to do. Ever since the day that I entered the wrestling ring, and have worked my way up from the VERY BOTTOM. Not all of us started out on the top Mael, some of us really did have to face reality. You have no comprehension of what that word REALLY means.

No guarantees Mael, except for the match of your life. Get ready, because it sure as hell is going to be a lot of fun! No false gimmicks, no false hype...... the waves of change are sweeping, can you feel it?..... I am Jean Rabesque.

(fade out)

 

[JLebron]

Twist And Shout

[updated:LAST EDITED ON May-27-03 AT 06:37 PM (EST)](FADE IN:...... to the sounds of violins playing in the background as the light slowly illuminates and we find ourselves face to face with the man we know simply as....)

MAELSTROM: Can ya hear it Raby? (cocks an ear) Can ya hear it? They're playin' YER song Raby! I mean after hearin' all those hard-luck stories of how ya never had anythin' easy, of how ya always had to work for where yer at.... (whispers underneath his breath) .... somethin' which isn't all that impressive to begin with..... but getting' back on track, ya whined of yer drunk A$$ father kickin' ya out on the street an' all.....

(pauses as he cocks an ear and instantly the violins start playing again)

MAELSTROM: What the hell Raby? It ALMOST brings a tear to my eye! Well, alright, I suppose I've gone overboard and overstated myself as I tend to do with ya, but hey, YOU make it so easy RABY! An' then ya wonder why NO ONE takes ya seriously! Ya speak of contradictions as if ya actually know what the hell yer talkin' 'bout Raby! Ya speak of the pot callin' the kettle black yet YER the one who's color blind! All yer doin' is contrivin' Raby! An' ya have the nerve to compare ME to Manson when here ya are doin' the same exact thing he does.... TWIST AND SHOUT!!!

(pauses as a few seconds of "Twist & Shout" starts playing)

MAELSTROM: TWIST AND SHOUT RABY!! That's precisely what yer doin'! First ya twist the truth, then ya shout it out! Problem is, yer NOT doin' a very good job of it. Here's a for instance Raby, ya go on to question since when is it yer job to watch my back..... more specifically in the 3-man tag match 'gainst Manson an' the UA. Now, ya see Raby, I won't deny that I don't need any friends.... that I don't want any type of alliances. All of that is true ya see, there's just one thing however..... That was a..... T-A-G T-E-A-M match!! An' correct me if I'm wrong, but the premise behind a tag team match IS to watch each other's back! Fact of the matter is, that when I warned my tag partners 'bout not pullin' their weight.... the ONLY thing I expected from them was to "watch my back", just as I watched theirs! Obviously something which ya were inept at! I knew all along that I couldn't count on Golem..... hell, I stated it before, durin' as well as after the match. So I put it all on ya. I gave ya a shot at provin' yer worth but all ya proved was just how inadequate ya were! Now, on to yer next rendition of Twist & Shout, the 4-way title match! Now, are ya really that dense to think that ANYONE would believe that ya had other things in mind other than capturin' the title that night, particularly since ya failed so miserably at it? Hell, sounds more like sour-grapes an' excuses than anythin' else. But just to ply a bit more salt on yer wound, the match was a T-I-T-L-E match Raby! Four men go in, one man emerges the champ, or in MY case.... (grins) STILL THE CHAMP! So spare me this tripe 'bout you an' Edmunds havin' unfinished business 'cuz yer only makin' yerself look the fool even more. Fact of the matter is Raby... ya don't know if yer comin' or goin'. First ya claim that yer NOT goin' to guarantee anythin', then ya go on a rant and claim that yer goin' to be the next GLCW champ, then ya once again switch gears an' claim that yer NOT makin' ANY guarantees while at the same time guaranteeing the supposed... match of my life.

(pauses as he offers a mock look of bewilderment and shrugs his massive shoulders in a very comical, animated manner)

MAELSTROM: An’ if ya think yer opinions carry weight cuz ya THINK I’m hung up on them, then yer more delusional than Manson is! What ya refer to as “hung up on” is in reality nothin’ more than simply takin' pleasure in pointin’ out the discrepancies, the contradictions in yer.... STORIES! I never thought I'd ever hear myself say somethin' like this, but yer just as bad if NOT worse than Manson when it comes to distortin' the truth!

(sudden dramatic music plays, much like the type you would find in a B-rated suspense/horror movie)

MAELSTROM: Yeah that's right Raby, I'm ignorin' yer earlier hollow threat an' comparin' ya to Manson! At least that's Manson overall personality..... he does it ALL the time, kinda like a pathological liar I suppose. You however, yer doin' it to try an' wiggle outta blinking, tryin' to save face instead of admittin' that ya F(BLEEP)ED UP! Ya do it when ya can't possibly explain away a point or fact. Actually, you an' Manson have a lot more in common than ya think.... Ya BOTH like to compare opponents, always claimin' that YER opponents are tougher.... that YER wins were more impressive. Are you guys related or just tryin to outdo each other? Cuz I gotta tell ya, yer both kinda mirroring each other right now! Yer both in denial..... ya both think yer the BEST wrestlers in the world..... ya both give yerself more credit than ya deserve.... yer both hungerin' for the spotlight..... but most of all, yer both full of S(BLEEP)T! Who'd a figure that yer denial would play such a HUGE part in yer never-ending quest for acceptance, huh?

(grins maliciously)

MAELSTROM: The same quest that's now makin' ya delusional as well if ya REALLY believe that you'll EVER make me tap out! Listen up an' listen up good Raby, VERY FEW have even managed a victory over me let alone a submission. Fact of the matter is that NOBODY has EVER made me tap..... E-V-E-R! Ya see Raby, that’s not a statement of wishful opinion, like yer, “I’m best wrestler in the world, I’m the next GLCW champ” statements. No, no, no..... that’s a statement of FACT! So in answer to yer question Raby, ‘bout my sayin’ that I can’t be made to tap out.....

(smiles widely)

MAELSTROM: NO! I can’t be made to tap! Least of all by someone like YOU! Yeah I'm arrogant, but it's more than just simple arrogance that allows me to say somethin' like that Raby. I can say that cuz I’ve battled ‘gainst men much more tougher, men with much more talent, heart an’ strength than ya could ever hope to have. Legends, Icons, self-proclaimed GODS of wrestling.... you name 'em! An’ they ALL failed to make me tap! So stop playin’ it safe by sayin’ “MAYBE” you’ll make me tap..... an’ show some "cajones" for once... show some balz! Display some of that so-called "confidence" ya profess so much 'bout! Seein’ how yer rantin’ and ravin’ ‘bout how ya THINK ya could beat me..... of how yer so much more of a technical wrestler than me..... of how you’ve faced much tougher competition than me.... of how ya had the most memorable match an’ on an’ on an’ on...... why not stand behind yer words for once with somethin’ more concrete than guaranteeing somethin’ as “SAFE” as the all too common....“the match of my life”. Somethin’ which by the way, I sincerely doubt will come anywhere near bein’ the match of my life. Yer not the first to guarantee somethin' like that ya know, I’ve heard it before from the "closet self-doubters", a statement which only magnified the stink of their uncertainty an’ insecurity. Just in case yer too obtuse to see where I’m headin’ with this, let me give ya a for instance yet again..... Ya see, like for example, since ya can't make up yer mind whether or not ya can actually guarantee victory over me, I'll give ya an easier one to mull over, since that is, ya did say that I couldn't guarantee such a thing. I G-U-A-R-A-N-T-E-E that you an' yer self-professed superior technical wrestling ability can't make me tap!

(grins)

MAELSTROM: Ya see Raby, I can make a claim like that ‘cuz unlike you, I don’t stutter, stammer or blink! Unlike you, my statements don't Twist and Shout. Unlike you.... I don't flip flop on my guarantees. Ya see Raby, I STAND by MY guarantees......

(A reprise to "Twist & Shout" ensues as Maelstrom smiles faintly and we slowly.... FADE OUT....)

 

[SteveA]

Sigh....

(the screen comes in on silence, no corny music, no unnecessary props, just a man in front of a logo, ready to air his thoughts, again we find Jean Rabesque, wearing the normal gear, ready to speak his mind)

Rabesque: Is all of this really necessary Mael? I mean, the music, the pageantry, what the hell is the point? After enduring you hugging children and lifting weights, now we have to witness violin music and “Twist and Shout.” What?? Again, spare me, Mael. Do you think you’re making some kind of profound point here? Do you think you’re accomplishing something?

First off, I never asked for your sympathy. You just don’t get it, do you? I was never trying to make anyone feel sorry for me when I speak of my father. My father is a drunken bastard that can go to hell if he hasn’t already. I was making a simple point Mael. I’ve had to overcome obstacles my entire life. I’ve been dealing with hardship since the day I was born. It’s something I’m used to, it’s something you might even be able to say..... is in my blood. As I begin to really analyze our forthcoming match, it really shapes up as being no different than whatever else I’ve gone through. Sure, the stakes are high, sure the odds are against me, but that’s no different. It was impossible for me to break into the wrestling business. It was impossible for me to make it to the big time. It was impossible for me to win any kind of world title. And now, it’s supposedly impossible for me to beat the almighty Maelstrom. Noticing a theme here? That’s all Mael, no sob story here, spare me the darn melodrama, PLEASE!

The next point you.... attempted to make was how I twist words around and try to make them convenient to fit my needs. But again, I have to disagree with you, and I challenge you to actually make a case for this. I held up my end of the tag team Mael. So, let me get this straight. It is not only my responsibility to watch my own back, to make sure I don’t get knocked out, to make sure I don’t get beat, AND to look after you Mael? I held up my weight by not getting beat Mael. I didn’t drop the ball at all, you did by not being prepared when Manson knocked your ass out. What did you want me to do? What did you expect? It was three on two Mael! I had to look out for myself to ensure that what happened to you..... wouldn’t happen to me. And anyway, you’re Maelstrom, right? The man who is superior to all of us? Now why would you need some CHUMP like me looking out for you? (chuckles)

And now, for the final time, let me speak of this little house show match that you can’t seem to let go of Mael. I’m sorry that this might hurt your feelings, but I really didn’t care about the title in that match. I never asked to be in that match, nor did I even WANT to be there. So I made the best of a negative situation. I had some unfinished business to take care of, and I took care of it. I know that that might make you uneasy Mael, that somebody actually wasn’t interested in your precious title, but I really didn’t care at the time. Something else came along that was much more important.

I also never said I wasn’t making any guarantees. In fact, I have made ONE, that you’re in for the match of your life. I don’t back down from that statement. Now, in a moment of self-glorification, I did proclaim myself the next Great Lakes Champion, and you know, that very well could happen, but other than that, you’re making stuff up Mael. I know exactly what the situation is, and I know exactly what is in front of me. Don’t try telling me that I don’t, because that will prove once and for all that you really don’t know what you’re talking about. I still realize that I have to pull off something absolutely extraordinary to win this match. I’m no fool. But I’ll ask again, are you going to be foolish enough to G-U-A-R-A-N-T-E-E that you have what it takes to get passed me, Mael? Come on, I dare you.

And then, you had the gall, the audacity to compare to one Michael Manson. How foolish can you be Mael? The thing is... none of your accusations hold any kind of water. First off, I never, NEVER stated that the opponents I’ve faced or the road that I’ve traveled was any harder than yours. I simply stated that for a Great Lakes Champion, you’ve had the easy route and I’ve had to go the roundabout way to get to this point, and that my route was AS difficult as yours. Manson makes up fictitious accounts, dressed up referees and basically does anything in his power to make himself look tougher than he really is. You see, the reason that he does that is to disguise the fact that he really has no talent whatsoever. Me, on the other hand, you’re dealing with the exact opposite.

Now, I would like to get one more thing abundantly clear. When I say that I am the best wrestler in the world, that does not mean under any circumstance I can’t be beaten. That doesn’t mean there aren’t certain men in this business that can’t pin me. What that does mean is that when you get on the mat, that there is no one.... NO ONE that can outwrestle me. People can out brawl me, out fly me, or like in most cases, out cheat me, but they CANNOT outwrestle. And how can I make that claim? Because there has yet to be a single person that has come along that has proven otherwise. Ash tried, he came close, but he couldn’t do it. You wanna be the next to try Mael? You see, I’m not like Manson at all, I actually can BACK UP what I say. I don’t hunger for any spotlight, I hunger to go out, to entertain the world, and prove that I am....simply the best. That’s the truth, Mael.

And now, as far as getting you into a tizzy about making you tap, fine, it really doesn’t make a huge difference to me if you tap or not. It’s all the same to me whether you tap... or you pass out from the pain. That’s honestly irrelevant. If it’s something you take great pride in fine, I can understand that. I’m the same way. Then again, keep in mind that Edmunds.... and Flatliner, both said the same thing. (chuckles) But if you want to make some sort of unnecessary guarantee to prove something to yourself, then that’s honestly fine by me. It matters none.

So what now Mael? You trying to lure me into some more bold statements so that you jump all over my throat? Is that what you’re going for by point my lack of cajones. Of course, if I ever did say something like that, your (mockingly) “well.... you were timid, and now you’re trying to act all big and bad” backlash would be overwhelming. It is somewhat funny that the behavior you love to rip apart is the same kind of behavior you’re encouraging right now. I think I can beat you Mael, and I know that if the stars are in my favor, I KNOW I CAN beat you. I’m leaving it right there, I’ll leave the rest for fate to decide. If you’re so confident Mael, why don’t you go ahead and G-U-A-R-A-N-T-E-E victory over me Mael. Come on.... show some cajones. (smiles)

Then again.... I would love nothing more than proving you as the biggest liar this sport has ever seen if you did make such a claim. (chuckles) No false gimmicks, no false hype....

You know the rest........

(fade out)

 

[JLebron]

Within the realm

[updated:LAST EDITED ON May-28-03 AT 10:44 PM (EST)](FADE IN:.... to the sounds of clapping.... moments later, we see Maelstrom leaning up against a plain black wall, clapping his hands....)

MAELSTROM: Bravo Raby, BRAVO!! I gotta hand it to ya, ya sure backed outta that one gracefully! Ya not only refused to take the bait, but now yer tryin' to bait ME!

(laughs boisterously)

MAELSTROM: Well done Raby! Well done indeed. But if yer waitin' on me to bite, it'll be a LOOONG wait 'cuz ya see, I'm not gullible enough to guarantee things that are not within the realm of my "complete" control! Guaranteeing victory is the folly of fools, much like gamblin' is to chance. Then again, I was NOT the one that went 'round "claiming" to be the NEXT GLCW CHAMPION, was I? 'Sides, lets say that I were to guarantee such a thing as victory, an' my guarantee came true, I'm sure the words "FIX" or "PAYOFF" would suddenly become the whisper of the day, 'cuz whether ya wanna believe it or not, some people are in such denial that their fragile, insecure egos wouldn't know how to handle somethin' like that.... ya know the type, those who contradict an' blink.... those who double-talk their own guarantees.... (winks) know what I mean Raby? As for these other issues that are obviously botherin' the hell outta ya. Ya know, the ones regarding yer droppin' the ball in our 3-man tag match an' yer loss in the 4-way title shot.....

(sighs heavily)

MAELSTROM: Yer beatin' a dead horse Raby. I've already proven my point as well as disproved yers, so I won't be goin' back to the video tape cuz frankly, it's gotten old and tired. So if ya wanna go on an' delude yerself into believin' that ya did in fact successfully watch my back, that ya weren't in fact, despite yer own admission of it, ONLY watching out for YOUR interests in the tag match, then so be it. Same goes for the 4-way, that is if ya really think that yer "claims" of NOT bein' interested in capturin' my title will actually fly with the general public, I mean lets face it, I really could care less 'bout the fans myself, but they're NOT as dumb as ya think! Even YOU gotta realize that!

(yawns loudly as he begins to stretch)

MAELSTROM: No Raby, there's simply no gain in such a thing..... I've ALREADY guaranteed that ya CAN'T make me tap, an' instead of proving all that confidence yer brimming with by takin' up that challenge, yer only response to that was to attempt to divert attention away from it. Whatsamatta Raby, have ya taken yer pretense too far or have ya just realized that yer words are simply bolder than yer actions could ever be? Must be a bi+ch to be an outcast within yer own realm.....

(A faint smile ensues followed by mocking, sarcastic laughter just as we begin to..... FADE OUT....)