FADE IN......
Standing center screen in front of a 'TEAM' backdroop is "The Ego Buster" Dan Ryan. Around his waist, the CSWA UNIFIED World Title. Ryan's head is tilted back just a bit, eyes behind dark sunglasses.
Ryan: "Ok...I've waited long enough."
"Lance Spencer. Hey. So I was thinking I'd do the gentlemanly thing and let you go first. You're the young guy, the one everyone seems to be giving no chance to here. I figured, let the kid make an impression."
"But enough's enough."
"Now I understand....you were a part of Gold Rush a while back. No doubt you're aware that after winning my own ring that night, I pulled off something that had never been done before."
"I beat Troy Windham at his own game."
"And so, despite the limited schedule defending it I do remain the UNIFIED World Champion."
"Now then, people may tell you I haven't been around much lately. They'd be right, at least where it concerns the local territories. They may say I retired. I didn't. I've been in Canada, taking in the local scenery and after a life in Texas, the lesser temperatures."
"But this tournament....well, I've won this tournament before and I've got time on my hands to do it one more time. I've been pulled back from my famously hectic schedule long enough that the itch is starting to come back."
"Now I won't insult you, won't disrespect you or your career. There are comparisons and contrasts between us that go without saying."
"Bottom line, you need to make no mistakes sir. You need to not only be on your A-game, but you need to pull out the match of a lifetime."
"If you don't know me that well, know that the men that have managed to put my shoulders to the mat can be counted as the absolute very best that have ever stepped in the ring. And know in turn that I have put every last one of them to the mat myself."
"So...."
"If you have some retort to make, make it. Maybe I'll have something else to say. If not, and this is all we have?? No sweat, Lance..."
"No one expects you to win anyway."
FADE OUT...