Shovel Shot: Sabbath Edition

[DJS]

We come back from commerical break. The crowd is still buzzing from the last match as we get a wide shot of the Bradley Center Arena in all its glory.

SANCTION: Welcome back, according to my timesheet, we're scheduled for an another edition of Shovel Shot in a few moments.

PAIN: That could be tricky, seeing as Vestal is still in hospital after the beating from MadDog's Hounds of Hell. I wonder if he took the shovel with him?

SANCTION: Probably not. Still, I'm interested to see how this is gonna be done, if anything.

The lights go out.

PAIN: Oh here we go! Something's happening!!

A few seconds later the lights go gold and the theme song accompanies the lights:



As the drum fill ends Diamond Jack Sabbath appears on the entrance stage. There is a massive mixed reaction, cause even though he's a heel...he's over. He struts down to the ring, an arrogant grin on his face.

SANCTION: What the hell's this? What is this?

PAIN: It's the new theme song for Diamond Jack Sabbath by Eminem, Mark.

SANCTION: But why? What the hell has Sabbath got to say that it interrupts Shovel Shot?

By this point Jack is already in the ring and has a microphone. He stares around the arena like a king about to address his subjects.

JACK: Evening all, glad we're all looking well.

Booing follows.

JACK: Wait...you boo me when I compliment you? Ah well, whatever gets you going...but anyway, you're proabably wondering what I'm doing out here. Well I'll explain, you see at Revenge- as Sanction mentioned before- Vestal, let's face it, got his arse kicked. He agknowledges that, and with agknowledgement follws realisation. Vestal realised he couldin't do Shovel Shot this week thanks to being hospitalised, so who better to ask that the spokesperson of the Legion, the Crown Jewel, The reason you watch Massacre every week (boo)...Diamond Jack Sabbath. So we came up with an idea whereby I will host the Shovel Shot this week...makes you think what he'll do to return the favour...anyhow, let's gets started.

Jack walks over to the turnbuckle and climbs on it, sitting on it like its a chair.

JACK: Right, so I'm gonna invite my guest out now...

Jack laughs to himself for a few seconds before announcing his guest.

JACK: I've invited this man out here is for several reasons. First of all, in all that's been going on, we've both been at the heart of the company, associated with the same people at the heart of coincidence and yet we've never actually had a proper conversation. Another reason; Jack Hazard. I wanna know why you've been holding him back all these years. You trained him but by doing that, you surpressed some of his better qualities, qualities that will get him to the top, maybe even so far up he's challenging you for that belt. It makes me wonder whether you purposely did that because you knew if he just exposed raw talent he'd get further than you. And the final reason, we have a match and quite frankly, I find it horribly rude to beat the hell out of your opponent without getting to know them first...so Rose, Champ, we're waiting for you with open arms.

Jack stands and waits for a second but then realises something...

JACK: Oh yeah...

He jumps out the ring and looks under the ring for something. Whatever it is, it's specific cause he's darting around the place like nobody's business. Oh well, whatever he's looking for, he's got it; it's the shovel, which Jack holds in the air briefly to a cheap pop. He climbs back in the ring and grabs the mic again.

JACK: Woudln't be Shovel Shot without this would it now? Come on Rosey-boy, no time like the present.

[TAG TO Johawn]

[Johawn]

An unfamiliar bassline starts pumping through the PA system. Well, unfamiliar to most, anyway. At ringside, John Pain seems to know exactly what’s going on. He taps his colleague, Mark Sanction, on the shoulder as he stands up.[/color]

Pain:[/color] Well, that’s my cue. Won’t be long.

He shuffles out from behind the announce desk, picking up a piece of paper as he goes, while, at the top of the Massacre ramp, a sea of confetti falls from the top of the arena like a waterfall. The song picks up, hitting a chunky guitar line, as a man steps out onto the ramp, almost completely obscured by the wall of confetti in front of him. What’s clear is that he’s wearing a suit, and carrying a belt worth more to him than one can possibly imagine.[/color]



As Rose starts walking through the confetti waterfall, looking every bit the champion he is, John Pain is climbing up the ring steps, microphone in hand. He strides along the apron until he reaches the side which Rose is facing. Rose strides straight past the bordering crowds, who boo and jeer him, obviously not grasping that Rose now holds a certain standing in this company now. As if to remind them, John Pain starts speaking.[/color]

Pain:[/color] Ladies and gentlemen! Allow me to introduce your brand new ECKS-DOUBLEYEW-AY WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION…Please, join me in welcoming…ROOOOOOOOOOOOSE!

The boos in the arena double at his words as Rose reaches the steps. He looks around the arena, taking it in as if he’s never seen anything like it before. He climbs up the steps and is greeted by Pain, and the two exchange a few short words before Pain leans back on the middle rope, opening it for Rose to step through. Pain follows the champion in and stands in the corner, waiting for Rose to be ready.[/color]

Sanction:[/color] I dunno why John’s in that ring, folks, but I doubt it’s good news.

Rose stands right in front of Sabbath, and, showing more bravery than he feels, holds his title belt high above his head, staring straight into the Legionnaire’s eyes. He holds in there for a good five seconds before lowering it, and placing it back on his shoulder. He steps away a few paces and nods at Pain, who stands between the two. Pain clears his throat before raising his microphone.[/color]

Pain:[/color] Ahem…the following is a prepared statement from XWA World Heavyweight Champion, Rose…

Sanction:[/color] Oh, please…

Pain:[/color] “To all of my fans throughout the world, and possibly beyond, let me first accept your congratulations on achieving my latest accolade. As I’m sure you’re all aware, I am in the unique position of being the only man to hold both the newly instated (and quickly retired) Television title as well as the World Heavyweight title. Truly a feat which cannot be matched, unless Chris Chaos…

Rose laughs from behind Pain.[/color]

Pain:[/color] …or Jack Sabbath manage to win my newly won title, and, let’s face it, the chances of that happening are less than negligible.

Sabbath raises an eyebrow as Rose grins.[/color]

Pain:[/color] I recognise your admiration and I am grateful for it. Truly I have become a unique figure in this storied organisation, having already beaten and surpassed legendary icons such as Tempest and DGX. It is an indescribably beautiful view from the height of this lonely plateau of the truly immortal.

Sanction:[/color] Man knows how to write a speech. Shame that the actual words are a crock…

Pain:[/color] But enough of that. I accept your love, and in return I offer you the chance to accept my explanations. It has been a long road to today, and in some ways a very difficult one. In other, more technique and skill-based ways, a laughably easy one, unmatched as I am in pure wrestling skills and cunning.

Sanction:[/color] Get to the point…

The audience clearly share his sentiment.[/color]

Pain:[/color] Sacrifices have had to be made, some personal, some professional. But rest assured, all were done for the good of this company. I recognise DGX as one of your favourites, and applaud him for his work for this company. But removing him from this institution was a necessary evil; one which only I was capable of performing. Yes, DGX was the very definition of what we represent, but in order to usher in a new era of prosperity and prestige, he had to be removed. I did what had to be done. I make no apologies.

Pain looks to Rose for approval, and is met with a nod. Pain’s doing a fantastic job.[/color]

Pain:[/color] At XWA Revenge, in what will go down as the single most important night in the history of this industry, another sacrifice was made. A man whom I will readily declare my friend held the title I now wear with dignity. I was pleased for Ciaren, my most successful and famous student. His success was a reflection of my own. However, the actions of DGX months and months ago forced my hand. His flagrant disregard for the rules during a tournament match to crown a new champion left me without a choice but to effectively change the course of history. He forced me into a detour. He made a simple path marginally more bumpy. He was quickly dealt with. However, his actions forced me to, down the line, have to sacrifice friendship for the greater good.

Sanction:[/color] Please…

Pain:[/color] Ciaren’s fighting spirit, will to continue, and aggressive pride are all greatly admirable qualities. But the fact remains that Ciaren has a history of alcoholism, unpredictability, and buffoonery. For all his positive attributes, he is not a man who can lead a company. He is unfit to represent this sport, and is therefore unfit to wear this belt. I did what needed to be done. I did what I did for this sport. In holding this belt I legitimise wrestling, and in turn, legitimise all of you for supporting wrestling. I regret nothing. Not retiring DGX, not my dealings with authority, not using a shovel to defeat my best friend…

Rose suddenly moves unexpectedly, as if reminded of something. He quickly jogs over to Sabbath, who almost looks asleep at this point, and, before resistance can be offered, snatches the shovel from his hands.[/color]

Rose:[/color] Mine, I believe. Carry on.

Pain nods.[/color]

Pain:[/color] In conclusion, while many of you may question my methods and my motives, I am sure I have dispelled any misconceptions of my intentions. All that remains is for me to continue on my journey here in the Xtreme Wrestling Alliance, and continue to represent each seat in this crowd, each point in the ratings, and each performer in this ring, with pride, dignity, and unmatched skill. The Rose era begins tonight, against my esteemed opponent. Thank you for your attention, please enjoy the rest of the show.

And with that, Pain throws the microphone to the floor, and heads back to the ropes to assist Rose’s exit.[/color]

Sanction:[/color] Thank God that’s over…

Sabbath:[/color] Woah, woah, wooooah!

Rose stops in his tracks, and arranges his face into a look of mild curiosity.[/color]

Sabbath:[/color] That was a magnificent speech, don’t get me wrong.

Rose bows slightly in thanks.[/color]

Sabbath:[/color] But I’m afraid you haven’t answered any of my questions…And what’s the Shovel Shot without a little Q and A, hm?

Rose bends down and picks up Pain’s discarded microphone.[/color]

Rose:[/color] Oh, Jacky Boy…I sincerely can’t sympathise enough. But, if you’ll look at what I’m wearing here on my shoulder, you’ll see that I’m the champion around here now. Not only does that make me a very busy man, Jack, but it also means I don’t answer to anyone I don’t feel like answering to. Sorry, bud. Gotta run.

And Rose once again goes to leave.[/color]

Sabbath:[/color] Oh dear, champ. It looks like you’ve forgotten who you’re talking to…You see…

As Sabbath continues his sentence, Rose turns and notices two figures in the distance, just appearing on the stage.[/color]

Sabbath:[/color] I’m sort of a big deal, Rose. And things get done my way. I figure your brother has a few things to get off his chest, “bud.” And you owe him some answers.

Raine hangs back on the stage while Jack Hazard begins walking down the ramp.[/color]

Sabbath:[/color] I hope they’re good ones, Rose. I really do.

Rose:[/color] Heh…I forget just how much you like to play with your food before you eat it…


TAG TO HAZARD/SABBATH. PLAY NICE, BOYS ;D

[Hazard]

Hazard walks up to the ring without the usual excited look seen many times in the past. This isn’t a happy time. As he slides into the ring, he does not take his eyes off Rose. Rose picks up the microphone Pain threw on the floor.

Rose: What do you want?

Once inside, Hazard surges up to Rose, tearing the microphone from his hands. He pauses a few seconds to let the few displaced cheers in the crowd drown out before addressing his brother.

Hazard: I want answers.

Rose sighs, in his opinion, he does not have time for this. He goes to leave the ring again but is stopped in his tracks by Sabbath stepping in the way. He slowly turns back round towards his brother, showing little attention whatsoever.

Hazard: I have a lot of things to ask, so you may as well stick around. For years now, you’ve treated me as second rate. Putting me down. Disregarding me. Why?!

Rose glances at Hazard with an arrogant smirk.

Hazard: You despise everything I do. You hate the fact I like to please the crowd, you hate the fact I do high-risk moves. You hate my in-ring style, what I’m like outside the ring, my lifestyle, my friends, you hate everything! You even hate Natasha! Are you completely incapable of being happy for me, or proud of me?!

Rose rolls his eyes, disregarding Hazard yet again.

Hazard: You trained me, along with Jody. Jody told me I was going to be a star. You never said those words. Never! I’ve spent my entire life looking up to you. From when I was a kid and you go me into football, when you and James got me into wrestling. I remember watching you back when you were starting out here. Everyone loved you, they idolised you. I wanted to be just like you. I tried to be like you, but no, that wasn’t good enough. You never showed faith in me! Jody did, and now Jack does! Nothing I did was good enough for you. Do you remember back when you did all those springboard moves, the Shooting Star Press, all the other top rope moves. I do all them because you did them, I got Jody to show me how. We’d watch countless tapes of your matches and I would ask him to show me everything you did. You used to be just like me, Lewis! So why the hell do you disregard me. Why do you hate everything I do? Why did you not show the same faith and approval in me, that you did Ciaren?!

Hazard, anger coursing through his body, shakes as he brings the microphone gradually to his side. Rose walks over to Sabbath, carefully removing the microphone from his hands. He strides back over to face Hazard with a very cocky swagger.

Rose: I’ll be having this.

[Tag to Rose]