MD49: Gordito vs. Phoenix vs. Blade vs. Barbosa - No. 1 Contender's Match

[Phoenix]

Four men compete for a chance at the World Heavyweight Championship at the Lethal Lottery on Meltdown this week as Gordito, Phoenix, Blade and Barbosa will try and outlast each other to get a shot at the belt. Gordito will no doubt be wanting to get a second shot at the title after his impressive bout at All or Nothing while Phoenix will look to overcome the defeats that Gordito and rival Blade have recently bestowed upon him. While these rivalries will occur, they have to keep their eyes out on the wild card element in the form of Barbosa, a man of such complexity yet he continues to impress with recent shots at the Tag Team and EurAsian Championship. Who will be meeting the Champion at Lethal Lottery?

Deadline is Tuesday November 30th at 11:59 PM EST.

 

[Барбоса]

*The now recognisable dimly lit room is seen again. The smoker is again pacing around the room while the depressive is playing cards by himself. The manic player is conspicuous by his absence…*

KYLIE FRICKIN' MINOGUE!!!

I cannot think of a worse song to have to make our entrance to. We are supposed to inspire fear in our opponents not leave them with a smile on their face!

What difference does it make? We do our talking in the ring and as long as we have a good game plan and are in good physical shape, Miss Minogue's rhythmic tones could give us a further psychological edge on our unsuspecting opponent. Just look at what happened in our last matches. At All or Nothing, High Society underestimated you and look what it got them? Defeat. And last week on Meltdown, we…

Oh no! Don't try that psycho babble on me again! We may well have beaten Blade last week and gotten an opportunity to become #1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Title but it was nothing to do with your planning! And it certainly was not anything to do with that cretin who had the crowd, the locker room and even the announcers laughing at us! No, it was all down to me!

I had to shake off the ridicule of the Universe!

I had to break the shackles imposed on us by that simpleton allowing himself to be mesmerised by Kurtsey!

*Manic enters the scene singing to himself.*

La la la la la la la la; La la la la la la la la; I just can’t get you out of my head. Boy, your lovin’ is all I think about.

YOU!

*The smoker walks around the poker table and lunges at the singing simpleton, who manages to dodge out of reach and put the table between him and his would-be assailant.*

What is the matter? Why are you trying to…

*He is cut off as the smoker makes another lunge that against just misses.*

Why? WHY? I'll tell you why… two words… KYLIE FRICKIN' MINOGUE!!!

The title is very apt and that's three words…

*The depressive, who has taken little notice of the potential assault going on around him, utters a slight laugh.*

Ha! Not smart… even for you.

*The smoker is now chasing the manic around the table in what looks like some kind of frenzied game of musical chairs.*

We let you out in public thinking that without a match to ruin or an interviewer to hit, you cannot possibly do any harm but you somehow manage to destroy the image I have carefully built over the past few weeks by having some ridiculous contest that allowed the sad and demented members of the WZCW Universe choose our new entrance music… Lithium was just fine! And what in the name of all that is or isn't sacred possessed you to put that squeaky-clean Antipodean on the list?!?

Your favourite songs were put on there too…

Yes, but did it not occur to you that by putting such a ridiculous jingle on the shortlist you were essentially making it a poll with just one candidate? Of course, the public were going to vote for something that would make me look just as idiotic as them! Did you not hear me screaming at you to take it down?

Ah yes… I thought I heard something that sounded like shouting but I thought that was just normal background noise.

Background noise? BACKGROUND NOISE?!? It was inside your head, you moron! That's it! I am going to prove your Minogan friend wrong by getting you out of my head right now…

*The smoker dives over the table and flattens Kylie's #1 fan. However, before he can throw a punch, the depressive grabs his arm.*

I told you to lay off on the beatings and I told you that this musical development is not a problem.

*The smoker seems to listen to this and then smirks.*

Yes… yes, I suppose it does not matter. I'll just not use Miss Minogue… I do not care if the WZCW fans hate me more for not listening to them…

But a contract was signed. Myles and Bateman will enforce the results of the poll as it was a WZCW.com exclusive…

*Before the smoker can rear back to crush his target, the depressive again intervenes.*

That is not what I meant. Miss Minogue has given us the perfect opportunity to take advantage of our 'condition.' The locker room will not know is this is a ploy or an actual break down. Indeed, it has already proven itself to be very useful. As I was about to say earlier, just last week, Blade and Beckford could deal with the conundrum.

*The depressive actually starts to get louder, even excitable.*

Because of this joke, we were a second away from becoming EurAsian champion!

Because of this joke, we are now in the picture to become #1 Contender!

And because of this joke, we will advance to Lethal Lottery and take the World Heavyweight Title from Ty Burna!

You tell me… does that sounds stupid?

*The smoker, almost shocked at the ferocity and passion of the depressive's outburst, again contemplates what he has said. Then suddenly, his eyes widen, he stands up and points a finger at the depressive like he has come to some kind of revelation.*

You… you had this planned all along, didn't you? I knew there was a reason why I felt the immediate need to pin Blade after the Doppelgänger rather than finish Beckford and win the EurAsian title…

Yes, it was my doing. I surmised that by pinning Blade we would get elevated without having to be mired in a mid-card title picture. Did I expect our chance to come so soon? Perhaps not…

Hmm… that was a chance I would rather not have taken… And you'd better not try anything so risky in our next match.

That is why you need me. To plan and strategise. Besides the only objective in our next match is victory so we are working towards the same goal.

*The smoker retorts almost mockingly.*

So what do you suggest for our big match?

Well it is quite simple really. We let our singing friend here make our entrance, dancing and prancing about like an idiot, putting all our opponents on edge and then once the bell goes, you take over with your own brand of aggression. More specifically, while Blade may be looking for revenge for being pinned by a rookie such as ourselves, it is likely that he and Phoenix will somehow prevent one another from being in the final reckoning so if you can find a way past Gordito, we'll be heading to Lethal Lottery. And before you ask, I have scouted Mr. Ruiz somewhat and history suggests that while he has tremendous heart and I know that it is not part of your usual attack but he has weak knees so perhaps that is something you can exploit.

I am beginning to realise that I should not underestimate you and the potential depths of your planning… Maybe together we will enter Kingdom Come as World Heavyweight Champion…

YIPEEE! A nice shiny championship belt! WOOHOO!

*The smoker turns back towards the manic.*

That is all well and good but I still need to punch something…

Well… er… I know what you're thinking… don't…

*As the smoker advances, stumbling backward, the manic actually seems like he is trying to think for the first time...*

WAIT! WAIT! WAIT! I just remembered. I have a surprise for you!

*He quickly scurries towards to door and ushers in another person. This one just stands there with a vacant stare, verging on comatose. Despite striking this less than imposing figure, upon seeing this newest arrival, both the smoker and the depressive openly display shock and worry.*

Wh… where did you find him?

Standing in a very, very dark corner while I was wondering about during my time off…

Does he say or do anything…?

Nope.

But… but we haven't seen him in… in years. Ever since that infamous day when…

*The smoker, depressive and manic all get a vacant look on their faces and look up to the sky seemingly reminiscing about something collectively… However, as they do this, the newest arrival seems to react somewhat. It is not much but he definitely shows some kind of life but before it can bloom into anything more than slight unglazing of the eyes and a head twitch, the reminiscing ends and the twitcher is quickly felled by a searing right cross from the smoker. However, all three still look a little flustered.*

I… I thought maybe you could use him to 'train' with…

Hmmm… okay, I'll accept this peace offering… but if you interfere in any of our matches again without it being planned like you did by getting ordered about by that phoney doctor, it will be the end of you…

*Manic nods his agreement and the smoker returns to 'warming up' on his new punching bag, who takes the beating without the hint of resistance. However, the depressive sidles up to the side of the manic and whispers in his ear.*

I've got a little errand for you to run…

Oh, what is it?

Well, I'll tell you if you promise to stay out of Blade's way and if you see Kurtsey again that you will not listen to a word he says and get the hell out of there before you make any more mess!
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*The next scene opens with Барбоса just about to walk out of a door. Before he leaves the room completely, the end of the conversation can be heard.*

Oh yes, Mr. Myles. I have no problem in using the entrance music that our great fans have chosen for me and I promise that I will be more amenable to the interviewers in future. And thank you again for giving us… I mean me this great opportunity to face Ty at Lethal Lottery. You shall not regret it!

*As Барбоса closes the door behind him, Myles can just about be heard.*

I had better not…

* Барбоса walks off down the hall. Once he is out of earshot of anyone, he begins to talk to himself.*

How did I do, boss?

You did well. Hopefully, offering to do interviews and other public relation events will gain us some brownie points with Myles.

YES! Can I go get some ice cream now?

*However, before an answer comes, Барбоса freezes in place staring down the hall where Blade has walked across his path. The Dubliner has not seen Барбоса, who quickly dives behind a nearby trash can and puts his hands over his head.*

He didn't see me, he didn't see me! Please, don't let him have seen me!

*After a full minute of this, Барбоса eventually sticks his head out from behind the trash can and seeing that Blade has gone, he breathes a sigh of relief. However, as he stands up and goes to continue on his way to find ice cream, he runs straight into the Crashin Movement, who have seemingly been watching him hide. Барбоса shrugs his shoulders and gives both Crashin and Holmes a big gormless smile but when he looks to Kurtsey, a look of confusion and then fear flashes across his face and before Kurtsey can say anything, Барбоса screams and runs away, leaving the Movement perplexed.*

 

[Thriller Ant]

We’ll be ready for you in about 5 minutes.

Phoenix gives a subdued nod to the producer, who quickly walks back toward the interviewing area. Phoenix is sitting in a folding chair in a makeshift green room backstage, complete with privacy curtains and a food table. He seems deep in thought, and begins talking aloud to himself, almost oblivious to the camera nearby.

I can’t blow this opportunity again. I fought my way through the Gold Rush, all the way to the finals. I had Gordito where I wanted him. But I missed. I…I missed. He took advantage and three seconds later I went from World Title contender to the guy to fill an open spot in the EurAsian Title match.

I have to prove that I deserve to be here. I’ve accused other guys of being all talk and no action before, but what if I am too? I keep feeling like I never win the big matches, whether it is Gold Rush or the pay-per-view matches with the Daves or the matches with Garth. Maybe I can’t back up what I say.

This week I have three opponents. Barbosa is insane, and I have no clue what to do with him. Gordito has beaten me once already. The kid is really good and has a great future in this company. Then, there is Blade. We’ve been on different pages since the first time we interacted, and that doesn’t seem to be changing any time soon. He’s good, but not nearly as good as he thinks he is.

Phoenix gets out of the chair and starts pacing, running his hands through his hair. Suddenly, he slams the chair onto the concrete floor and begins talking once more, but now yelling instead of muttering.

Forget that shit! I am good enough to be number one contender, and tonight I prove it. Barbosa cannot beat me. Gordito cannot beat me again. Blade cannot beat me. It is time for me to show everyone that I am the most dangerous man in WZCW instead of just telling them over and over. It’s put up or shut up time, and I plan on having a lot more to say.

The producer pokes his head in hesitantly as Phoenix finishes his last sentence.

Ummm, sorry if I’m interrupting anything, but we are ready for you on set.

Excellent. I’ll be right there.

Phoenix follows the producer over to the interview area where Becky Serra is waiting. He waits off camera as she gets the signal and begins.

Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time is one of four men competing to become number one contender to the WZCW World Heavyweight Championship tonight, Phoenix.

Phoenix walks over next to Becky to begin the interview as the screen fades to black.

 

[DirtyJosé]

[We open to a pair of red doors on a concrete wall. As they open, Gordito emerges, in his wrestling tights with a red towel drapped around his shoulders. His brightly colored mohawk hangs to the side of his head, damp with sweat. It appears he's been working out intensely. As he starts walking forward, Stacey Madison steps out from the side of the screen, mic in hand.]

Stacey: So, it seems fortune doesn't stop smiling upon the Dirty One...

[Gordito stops walking, and turns his head to one side to acknowledge Stacey without turning himself around.]

Gordito: If you wanted to get me for an interview you could've called me.

[Stacey steps forward towards Gordito.]

Yeah, well, unlike Becky, I like to get my subjects unprepared, so that they aren't able to feed me the usual lines. So...

[Stacey catches up to him and steps in front of him.]

...again, it seems that your run of good luck continues. You lose your one big shot to "shake things up", and somehow stomping out a nobody has put you back in the WZCW World Title hunt. I mean, do you think it makes sense that a WZCW veteran like Phoenix is forced to have to face you again before he gets the title shot he deserves? You already lost your shot, didn't you?

[Gordito starts walking as he responds. Stacey and the camera follow.]

And Phoenix lost his, didn't he? Both against me, and in the EurAsian Title match at All or Nothing.

Forget about Phoenix. What about Everest? Or Blade? Or Showtime?

Wait, wait, wait, baby. Everest is getting a shot, isn't he? Showtime's got his hands full with Austin Reynolds, enough that he had to bring in that tool Constantine, and Blade....I mean, look. I don't understand your point, Stacey. Are you saying that everyone should take turns getting a chance at the title, or don't you think that we should all have to prove ourselves worthy of the shot?

That's not what I'm saying and you know it. What I'm asking is, why are you even in this match at Meltdown 49? Why are you even in a four way match to determine the number one contender to Ty Burna's World Title?

[Gordito shrugs.]

Because I'm the Dirty One; the Innovator of Filth, the M.C. of Mayhem, and one hell of a guy?

Please, the last thing we need is someone like you thinking he's big stuff around here.

What do you want from me, Stace'? Maybe it's because I'm still one of the most competitive and athletic guys around here? Maybe it's because it's what the fans want? I mean, maybe it's because I've earned it?

You've earned it?

Well geez, it's not like I'm getting a title shot right away. It's a match for the right to be the number one contender. With not just one but three other men standing in my way. But yeah, I think I've earned it. I've gone out and tried to show my fellow performer that anything is within reach, as long as you work for it. I've worked for this. And I gave Ty one hell of a fight at All or Nothing. He took me to my limits...and I've spent my time working to break those limits.

[They continue walking, making a few turns winding their way around the arena backstage area. They come into a larger open area, where merchandise is being arranged onto sales racks. Clearly visible is one of WZCW's newest hot sellers, the black and red "I'm a Sludge Pitter!" t-shirt.]

"Never stop learning". That's what my pop always told me. Well, really, it was "Never stop learning. Being stupid gets you dead.". I came here wide-eyed and ready to do some damage. I've come from stealing the show with Baez to headlining in a World Title match. Along the way, I've taken some lumps, and some shots, and some pretty brutal beatings. I've been broken down and abused, but every time I got my ass right back up and got better. I healed, and I learned where I needed to improve, and I came back better than I was before. Pop told me to learn, so I learn, the hard way if I have to. If I didn't, I'd be nothing.

I don't want your veggies-and-vitamins routine. I want to know what chance you think you have even getting another shot at the title. Your prior victory over Phoenix was a fluke...if you can't handle Kurtesy, you can't handle a focused Phoenix.

Good thing the guy isn't ever focused. He wasn't focused on me for our last match. He wasn't ready for the Dirty Train, that's for sure. And did you see him last week? How's he going to work on learning on to come up aces against me when all he can do is fall back into his usual focus on Blade? All due respect baby, the two of them aren't much more than gatekeepers around here.

Excuse me...what did you just say?

Gatekeepers, the two of them. If you want to make a statement, you go to Blade and Phoenix. How often have we seen the greenest rookie get paired up with Blade. He's quick to complain about it, but why do you think he pulls those kind of matches? Hell Stace', the two of them have tried before to take me out of a match, and I bested them then. Until they focus on being more than what they are, they'll just keep being the same old guys they've always been. If they fall back into their little crush on each other, they can't hope to keep up with me.

So now you're saying you've got it made, right? You think this match is already wrapped up and in the bag? I'd call that fairly presumptuous, wouldn't you?

That's not what I'm saying at all...in fact, I could be just sticking my foot in my mouth right now. I just don't see the biggest threat in this match being Phoenix or Blade. I think the biggest threat is the fourth man, the rookie Barbosa.

The weirdo?

Yup, the one who just let the WZCW Universe chose his entrance music. The one who comes out to Kylie Minogue. The one....who looked strong on Meltdown last week. And I'm talking he looked strong amongst the likes of Kurtesy, a man I've yet to beat, and Chris Beckford, the EurAsian Champion. Don't forget that Blade was in that match, too.

[Stacey starts to smirk and chuckle a bit.]

So let me get this straight: you're not afraid of Phoenix or Blade, but you're afraid of the new guy?

I'm not afraid of Barbosa. I'm also not afraid of losing. If he brings the better game, then baby he deserves to win. All I'm sayin' is that I'm expecting the surprise to be him. I've never locked up with him before, like I have the other two. I'm going to have to learn on my feet with him.

[They turn a few corners, and end up out of the open area and back into enclosed hallways.]

All right, I'll make this simple for you, ok? Why do you deserve to be in the hunt for the World Title?

I came here to be the best, baby. The Dirty Train is a one way track leading all the way to perfection, or at least the closest I can come to it before I break. That's taken me this far. Why do I deserve to be in the hunt? I'll let my match on Meltdown this week prove whether or not I'm worthy. I've been proven wrong before, but I feel like I'm ready to hit this with full speed behind me.

[They stop outside Gordito's locker room.]

I know you want me to be a dick about it, Stace', but it's not going to happen. The WZCW Universe has shown me that there's still room for a guy with a big heart to make it here. As long as they're at my side, I'll go any length, I'll endure any punishment, and I'll spend every last drop of energy I have working to be the absoute best for them.

I can't wait to see you eat your words on Meltdown. I hope Phoenix teaches you a lesson.

Don't hold your breath, baby. The Dirty One is not planning on disappointing his fans.

[Gordito steps into the locker room, leaving Stacey standing at the door as the screen fades to black.]

 

[Blade]

It’s a freezing cold morning in Calgary, Canada, barely a degree above 0. Blade is trudging through the snow in his usual attire, despite the extremely cold weather, with Rebecca Serra behind, trying to keep up. Blade is looking around frantically as he walks through the streets, looking for the place where he became the man he is today. He comes to the end of the road and a large brown house stands before him. The expression on his face is a mixture of respect, pride and awe.

Blade: This is it. The Dungeon.

Rebecca suddenly looks impressed when she realises what is the legendary building that stands before her.

Rebecca: Wow... But it looks like nobody’s home.

Blade: It doesn’t matter. I was told I’m welcome here whenever I choose. I was the greatest student ever to come through here. I was also one of the last, and the only survivor out of my class.

Blade walks around to the back of the house and walks in the back door into the kitchen. A strong odour is coming from the bin, causing Rebecca to cover her nose, but Blade doesn’t seem to notice it as he walks towards the stairs that descend to the basement. He walks down the stairs and stops at the bottom as a genuine smile appears across his face.

Blade: It’s exactly how I remember it...

Weights are scattered around the basement, as well as some training mats. In the middle is a large, worn out ring, covered in dust, grease and some blood. Blade walks forward and gets inside the ring.

Rebecca: Eww, Blade, get out of there. That’s disgusting!

Blade: Not really, most of this blood and sweat is mine.

Blade smirks before running off the ropes a few times. He takes a bump in the centre of the ring and winces.

Blade: Ouch... It’s still the toughest mat in the world.

Rebecca walks around the basement, careful not to touch any of the dirty equipment. Blade walks around the ring, smiling to himself.

Blade: Y’know, it’s ironic, some of my favourite memories here are memories that my mind blocked out due to them being so traumatic. I didn’t remember some of the torture I felt here till a couple years ago. But it made me who I am today. It’s made me one of the toughest and technically brilliant wrestlers in WZCW. But there’s one.... No one who has been through the pain I’ve been through due to my training....

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April 2002, the Dungeon

Blade is on his back on the mat. He has his eyes closed and his teeth are gritted. He can barely move due to pain as the trainer stands above him, walking around Blade’s barely moving body.

Trainer: So, are you going to save us both some time and effort and just give up?

Blade: No...

Trainer: I can’t hear you!

Blade: NO!

The trainer smirks, a smirk that seems to match the one Blade has in the present day. The trainer gets down to one knee and grabs him by the hair and pulls him forward to make him sit up. Blade lets out a scream of pain.

Trainer: The pain isn’t going to stop until you say you quit. You’re the only one who can stop it. And it won’t end until you say stop.

The trainer walks behind Blade and grabs him by the wrists, wrenching his arms back before driving his knee into Blade’s spine and pulling his arms back as far as they’ll go. Blade screams out in pain again, and this time a tear falls from his eye.

Trainer: GIVE UP!

Blade: NO! I can’t!

Trainer: No you don’t. Even if you quit now, you’ll still be qualified enough to be a wrestler. Save yourself the pain, kid.

Blade: No... No...

The trainer pulls Blade’s arms back even further. Blade grits his teeth, determined not to give the trainer the satisfaction of hearing him scream again.

Trainer: Why are you so determined not to just quit?

Blade: My... Father!

The trainer laughs loudly as he twists Blade’s shoulders.

Trainer: Ha! Because your dad was a second-rate failure of a wrestler, you feel the need to become one and do him proud, huh?

Blade: Agh... No! I need to prove I’m better than him!

The trainer shakes his head.

Trainer: The wrestling industry doesn’t care about your daddy issues.

Blade: Shut up! I’m going to be a champion!

The trainer laughs again, harder than the first time.

Trainer: And what exactly makes you think that?

Blade: It’s... It’s destiny.

The trainer finally lets go of Blade, who falls sideways onto the mat. Blade tries to get up, but doesn’t have the strength. The trainer stands over Blade, who looks up at him.

Trainer: You did it kid, it’s over. You’re the only one in your class who didn’t drop out, and now you’ve graduated. Well done. You’re going to be a champion, I know it.

Blade: Whatever... You don’t really believe that.

Trainer: Yeah, I do kid. I’ve heard people say it a thousand times before... But no one has ever fought through the pain to say it with such confidence without even losing their breath... You’ve got a kind of determination I’ve never seen....

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Blade: Every time someone from our class dropped out, that meant that those who are left had more time to be tortured... So the more people that dropped out, the more people that wanted to drop out. It was a domino effect, but I had to take the pain. It was the only way I knew I could get to where I wanted to be. That was the worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life, but I would never have made it this far without it. And now, I finally have the chance I need. I am in my first ever number 1 contenders match for the WZCW world heavyweight championship... And I go into it with confidence. I have won the war with Phoenix, but he continues to be bitter and angry. See, the definition of insanity is expecting different results in the same situation, and that’s what has become of Phoenix. Barbosa actually hid just from the sight of me. He thinks I didn’t see him, but I did, behind a trash can, like some kind of rat... And I feel sorry for him. Gordito has rocketed to success over the last two months. But he’s lasted just a couple of weeks with that success without confidence becoming cockyness. That is every person’s downfall. Their humility brings them success until their over-confidence, and I’m sad to see that it has happened to Gordito. But his downfall is my gain as I will go on to face the demonic world champion. All these men have their weaknesses and their strengths, but I have the greatest strength of all; anyone who knows me, who truly knows me, eventually believes me when I say the world title is my destiny. My 3 opponents might never believe me, and neither will Ty Burna, but I don’t need them to. I’m the only one who needs to believe it... That title shot at Lethal Lottery... Is mine.


Rebecca: Come on Blade... We have to get back to the States for Meltdown.

Blade nods and rolls out of the ring. He follows Rebecca to the stairs, but doesn't follow her up them. He turns around and looks back at the dungeon.

Blade: It's destiny...

He turns off the light and leaves.