Ready For XIII: Finale

[Deleted]

Date: 11/08/09
Time: 8am
Place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Price is out running, not deviating from his normal training schedule despite not having a match this Monday on Slam. Price however is focusing all of his training toward Thursday night. XIII. Ladder Match. Hector Rodriguez. Price knows, all fun aside, that he needs to train harder than ever to make sure that he is ready for the grueling task that comes with any ladder match. Not only do you have to beat down an opponent like you normally would, you have to make sure they stay down long enough for you to climb up a ladder to get the title. Price knows that he can win this match, but he also knows that he HAS to win this match. For too long now Hector and his amigo Carlos have been running their mouths about him. Talking about how he can't win unless he has help.

Price: Well fuck them both. They think I can't win alone, well I will prove them wrong. This Thursday I'll be coming down to that ring alone and I will retain my Television Title alone. Anyone who thinks that I need help, I ask you to watch this match very closely.

Price ends his run in downtown Philly outside of his favorite gym. He checks his watch and sees that the owner is late. The gym is usually closed on Sunday's but the owner knows Price and how determined he is every time a match comes up so he let's him work out alone. The owner finally shows up and unlocks the door before heading back home. Price enters the gym and starts his workout the same way he does every week. First it's the heavy bag for thirty minutes, followed up by free weights. After the free weights Price will move onto the bench press and then finish up the whole workout with a half hour of cardio.


Two Hours Later

Following another brutal workout Price is back at his home and in the shower, letting the hot water massage his sore muscles. Every time Price works out it's the same results. He will spend the rest of the day sore. But he knows that it's always worth it, because it's that intense training that keeps him match ready every week. It's that intense training that helps him keep winning. Price finally decides to get out of the shower and dries off before picking out a pair of blue basketball shorts from his dresser drawer. He heads downstairs and grabs a Gatorade out of the fridge before heading into the living room to watch some TV. He channel surfs for a short time before finally coming to the WCF Channel. On the screen the announcers are talking about tomorrow nights Slam and are doing a rundown of the matches.

Zach Davis: First up we have Cole Connors vs Jimmy Dean.

Price: Aka Noob vs The "Is He Really Still Around" Guy. Hey you know what, Jimmy Dean and Logan really need to start tagging up. Think of all the marketing that could be done with them as a team.

Zach Davis: Next up we have the Hotdog Mascot vs Anastasia Petrova in a Buns Of Steel Match.

Price just shakes his head at that one.

Zach Davis: And then we have Johnny Reb and Doc Henry in action against the team of Mikami and Ryan Daniels.

Price: ToT finally representing. Those two had better win.

Zach Davis: And then for our main event we have a US Title Match. Kevin Hardaway vs Logan.

Price: You know it's a sad show when the most entertaining match of the evening involves Logan.

The announcers continue on about the show and Price quickly loses interest as Shannan goes on another "I Love Logan" type rant and Zach tries to ignore and continue on with the show.

Price eventually changes the channel to the Falcons game and kicks back with a six pack of beer and a bag of doritos. Once the game is over Price has to get dressed and grab his luggage. Despite not having a match for Slam, Price has already decided that he is still going to find a way to make his presence know.

Price: Can't disappoint the fans now can I?

Date: 11/09/09
Time: Between 9pm and 11pm
Place: Slam

Brad Kane: Hello, fans, and hello... Kevin Hardaway... and Jay Price. Hector. And Logan, you too, if you're conscious enough to hear me. Seems like we have a problem here. Hector, Logan, sorry guys... Hardaway won the match fair and square. Screwed or not, and as much as I hate to say it.. we have a new US Champ.

The fans give a mixed reaction. Hardaway adjusts the belt on his shoulder.

Brad Kane: In addition, I have several announcements to make, so you all better listen up.

Shannan Lerch: I wonder what this could be?

Brad Kane: First of all, Kevin. Bad news. I reviewed the contract for your Hardcore Title contendership match last week... and there was a problem. You see, Kevin, the contract wasn't written very well, and for that, we, the WCF staff, apologize. But I must inform you that by you participating in this United States Title match, WCF has fulfilled its obligations to you in regards to Title shots. So there will be no Hardcore Title shot at One for you.

The crowd begins to boo. Hardaway is angry and realizes he's been screwed, but the United States Title is over his shoulder, regardless.

Brad Kane: And now for you, Jay Price. I'm booking my first match as commissioner... and damn is it a good one, if I do say so myself. We all knew this match had to happen... at One, for your Television Title.... LOGAN VERSUS JAY PRICE!

The crowd erupts! Price smiles, happy with the match. In the ring, there is a fire in Logan's eyes and he realizes he has a chance to take something away from Price now.

Brad Kane: As for the next two announcements, Seth requested that he make them himself. So without further adieu...

Master of Puppets hits, and the fans boo as Seth walks out from the back. Seth and Kane shake hands as Kane leaves and hands Seth the microphone.

Seth Lerch: Ah, Hector. Hector, Hector, Hector. Now why'd you have to go and do that, sticking your nose where it didn't belong?

Hector stares intently at Seth.

Seth Lerch: I have two very important announcements for you. Firstly, Hector, bad news! For your unjust and unfair interference in tonight's match... your XIII match against Jay Price is now NON-TITLE!

The crowd boos, and Hector is livid.

Zach Davis: WHAT!? Hector came out AFTER the match! He didn't even attack anybody! What the hell is Seth thinking... I guess he just doesn't care about fair at this point.

Seth Lerch: But wait, Hector! Wait. Don't get mad. Because I have good news for you! Because an opportunity has opened up. You see, with Hardaway's situation, that leaves my good friend Greenfever without an opponent for One...

Shannan Lerch: Uh oh... I think I get the plan here.

Seth Lerch: So I am happy to announce that you will be Greenfever's victim at One for the Hardcore Title!

The fans cheer, and Hector seems happy with the announcement... though Seth has a smile on his face as well.

Seth Lerch: See? Everyone wins. You get your precious Title shot... and I get to see you murdered. If you're still conscious at XIII after your match with Price, watch Greenfever's match with Slickie, because in just over a month, Rodriguez... that is going to be you.

Seth drops the mic as Master of Puppets hits again and he and Jay Price, who joined him on stage, leave. In the ring, Hector helps Logan out while Hardaway leaves as well, US Title in hand.

Zach Davis: Well... One sure is shaping up nicely!

Shannan Lerch: Hardcore Title match between Greenfever and Rodriguez... and Logan one on one with Jay Price! Finally!

Zach Davis: Fans, we'll see you in Las Vegas for XIII!

Slam fades to black.

Backstage Jay Price and Seth Lerch talk shortly before heading their separate ways. Price is walking toward the parking lot when Hank Brown runs up behind him, microphone in hand.

Hank: Jay..Jay..just a quick word with you please.

Price: Come on now Hank, can't you see I'm trying to get out of this dump of a city.

Hank: Jay I promise this won't take but a few minutes. I just want to get your thoughts on what WCF's new commissioner just announced for ONE. It will be Logan going one-on-one with you for your Television Title, how do you feel about that?

Price: How do I feel about it? I feel like I don't have a damn thing to worry about.

Hank: No worries at all about stepping into the ring with one of WCF's most recognizable names, a WCF legend and surefire future hall of famer?

Price: Nope.

Hank: Okay well what about XIII? You're ladder match with Hector Rodriguez has been changed from a Television Title match to just a regular one-on-one contest.

Price: Now see that's an example of people's simple mindedness getting the better of them. People like you look at this match up and see just another regular old ladder match and say "meh". What you need to look at is the past. Not counting last night, can you name one instance where an encounter between Price and Rodriguez didn't end with either someone getting knocked out or bloodied? This isn't just some ladder match between two people thrown together for the hell of it. Hank, this match is going to be the battle that ends the war. It's already guaranteed that nobody is going to walk out of this match 100%, but I'm personally guaranteeing that someone isn't going to be walking out period.

Price looks into the camera with a dead serious face and then turns to walk away.

Hank: Jay are you trying to say that you're going to attempt to end Hector's career?

Price (with his back still turned to Hank): No. I'm saying that I WILL end his career.

Price walks off leaving behind a very confused and concerned Hank Brown, and heads toward the parking lot. His cell phone rings and he reaches in his pocket to grab it. He looks down at the caller Id and checks the name before answering it.

Price: Hello.
*silence*
Price: Yeah you heard right.
*silence*
Price: No I can handle this one by myself.
*silence*
Price: Yeah I'm sure. Trust me I got this.
*silence*
Price: Same to you. All right I'm about to head to the airport so I can get home tonight. I'll see you in Vegas for XIII.

Price tucks his cell phone away in his pocket and walks toward his newest acquisition, a black 1967 Shelby GT500 with leather interior, and hits the unlock button from a remote on his keyring. He opens up the door and ducks down inside before pulling the door shut and driving off into the night.

Date: 11/10/09
Time: 2am
Place: Chicago's O'Hare Airport

Price: You have to be kidding me, right?

Airport Employee: I'm afraid so sir. All flights going into the tri-state area are being delayed due to inclimate weather. You'll probably want to get a hotel room as soon as possible and then try again in the morning.

Price: Fan-freaking-tastic.

Price grabs his carry on bag off of the floor and heads toward the double doors that lead outside. As he is walking, nearby paparazzi spot him and rush toward him, cameras clicking away.

Paparazzi: Mr. Price...Mr. Price

Price: What do you want parasite?

Paparazzi (camera still clicking away): Come on Jay. We're just giving the people what they want.

Price: Fuck the people. I've said it once and I'll say it again, I'm in this business for me and me alone. Now if you don't mind, I have things I need to do.

Price attempts to walk away but the man with the camera continues to get in his way, shoving the camera in his face. Price stops, looks around to see if anyone is watching, and grabs the camera before throwing it to the ground.

Paparazzi: Hey you can't do that, it's against the law.

Price: Oh, well if that's against the law, then I guess this will really get me in trouble.

Price grabs hold of the man and drags him into the nearby mens room.

Price: Let me show you where people like you belong.

Price takes the man's head and shoves it into a toilet, occasionally flushing it, as the man tries not to drown in the dirty water. Price finally pulls the man out of the toilet and drags him over to a hand dryer hanging on the wall.

Price: Aww now you're all wet. Let me help you dry off.

Price picks the man up and slams his head into the button on the machine, turning it on. Price drops the man under the machine, letting the hot air blow down on him. Price drys his own hands off before walking back out of the bathroom, smiling like nothing happened, and heads outside to catch a taxi.

4am

Price has finally gotten himself settled into a room and has decided to try and get some sleep before attempting to get another flight back home. Once he has changed into some clothes more comfortable for sleeping in, he turns the TV onto the news to check the weather forecast for later today.

News Anchor: In local news authorities are still looking for any leads on the brutal attack of a man inside of an airport bathroom in Chicago's O'Hare Airport. The victim, a 30 year old male, was found lying in a pool of his own blood inside of the mens room unconscious. At this time authorities have no leads and no suspects, and are continuing the investigation with little hope.

Price: Ha.

Price watches the news a little while longer, sees that the bad weather on the east coast will clear up by early this afternoon, and decides to get some sleep before his flight.

Date: 11/11/09
Time: 11am
Place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Jay Price is sitting in a large, luxurious office in downtown Philadelphia with two very eager men. These two men, however, are not just any men. These are two very powerful, very wealthy investors that are looking at their next big money maker.

Craig: Jay, buddy, we all know that you are talented beyond anything ever seen in the professional wrestling world. At such a young age you've already seen the type of success reserved for legends. Now, it's time for you to take things to the next level. If you want to be in the public's spotlight you're going to need to get your name out there even more than it already is. And the best way to do that....merchandise.

Dave: That's right Jay...merchandise. Think of all the greatest wrestlers in history, okay, they all had one thing in common. Their faces were out there on posters, action figures, clothing and even movies. That's where we want to take you.

Price: You're saying you want to put my face and name on random crap to sell to people.

Craig: Pretty much.

Price: And it'll make all three of us a shit load of money?

Dave: Damn right it will.

Price: I'm in. Once XIII is over with we can get started on finalizing all the details.

Craig: Sounds good Jay. We'll be keeping in touch.

All three men stand up and exchange handshakes before Price leaves the office. Craig and Dave look at each other and smile, just thinking about all the money they're about to make.

Date: 11/12/09
Time: 6pm
Place: Las Vegas, Nevada

An interview area has been set up in the backstage area of the arena, and currently Hank Brown is preparing himself for a follow-up interview with Jay Price. Hank is standing in front of a large black curtain with the green WCF logo in the center, nervously shifting through some index cards. Price walks up behind Hank and taps him in the shoulder, causing Hank to jump and drop all of his index cards on the ground.

Price: Damn Hank, you need to get laid or something. You're way too tense.

Hank scrambles to grab all the cards off of the ground and then stands back up, sweating profusely.

Hank: Sorry about that Jay. If it's okay with you, I'd really like to get this interview started.

Price looks slightly confused at Hank's rush to do the interview but goes along with it.

Price: Fine with me.

Hank: Okay then. Well first things first, I think we should clarify the words you left us with the last time we spoke. Correct me if I'm wrong but you said, and I quote, "I'm saying that I WILL end his career." Correct?

Price: Correct.

Hank: Would you like to clarify what you meant?

Price: Pretty much speaks for itself. At XIII, I will be walking into the ladder match with two objectives. One, to win the match. Two, end the career of the one known as Hector Rodriguez. It sounds so harsh but Hank, it needs to be done.

Hank: But why? Why try to end the career of such a young up and comer?

Price: Because he's a threat. I'll admit it, he's a threat to what I want to do in WCF. He's not a threat to me personally, but he is a threat to all of the plans that I have for my future. And my future is WCF's future. Hector's been talking a lot about how he's climbing the WCF ladder faster than I am, how he's booked higher on the cards, even how he's faced World Champions in his matches. Well congratulations Hector, you should feel very proud of yourself. I on the other hand, well apparently everything I've done doesn't mean shit in the eyes of Hector. The fact that I won a championship before him, and the fact that he still hasn't won one yet, well apparently you can throw that out because it's a jobbers belt. He's faced World Champions in matches, quite a feat for a rookie just starting out. But oh wait, how many of those matches has he actually won? Oh that doesn't matter because he's booked so much higher than me in his matches. And in the end, wins and losses and titles apparently don't mean shit as long as you're booked well, right Hector?

Hank: Harsh words from the champ. Now Jay about your promise to keep this match strictly a one-on-on affair. Hector claims that this promise is basically just you trying to show that you have finally have a pair of balls. Thoughts?

Price: Let Hector talk all he wants about the past. Now as for the promise I made, that still stands. The ToT will stay in the back during the match and I will make sure it stays that way. Honestly, how many more times am I going to have to answer that question?

Hank: Well then we can move on to the last question I have for you then. In a recent promo that you cut, you claimed that this match with Hector is going to be the end of this feud. Are you saying, without a doubt, win or lose, that this will be the last time you and him will face off?

Price: If I have things my way, then that will be exactly what happens. See, despite what so many may think of me, I am the single biggest thing to happen to the wrestling industry in decades. I plan on rolling through XIII and then ONE straight into the new year. And when that new year starts, you can bet your ass you're gonna be seeing some major shake-ups courtesy of yours truly.

Hank: Well Jay thanks once again for your time and we'll be seeing you tomorrow night at XIII.

Price checks his watch and sees that it's time for the WCF press conference concerning tomorrow night's PPV. Price usually doesn't like to attend these types of dog and pony shows, but Seth asked him to be there to help draw up the heat for the match, hopefully to pull in more cash. Price heads up to his hotel room to get changed into something a bit more business like for the event.

Price: I swear, sometimes it's hard being this damn good.

Date: 11/13/09
Time: Before the start of the PPV
Place: Backstage, Guiliano Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

Price is backstage in his locker room getting himself pumped up for tonights match. Dressed in an all black warm-up suit with the hood up, jumping rope to get his adrenaline pumping. With his head bowed down and the Television Championship around his waist, Price quickens the pace sporadically to shock his system into pumping even more blood throughout his body. From inside of his duffel bag the sound of his cell phone ringing can be heard.
Price stops and walks over to the bag to answer it.

Price: Hello?
*silence*
Price: Hey what's going on?
*silence*
Price: Just trying to get myself ready for tonight.
*silence*
Price: Yeah I know it's a big match. But you know me, I had this shit in the bag the day it was announced.
*silence*
Price: (laughing) Oh yeah, you're really funny. Anyway so what's up?
*silence*
Price: Yeah I know you wanted to be here tonight but the time just isn't right.
*silence*
Price: This monday's Slam won't work either. I'm not even on the card so I haven't decided if I'm going to show up or not.
*silence*
Price: Next monday...that might work out. I'll let you know what's going on as soon as I hear something.
*silence*
Price: All right I'll talk to you later. Bye.

Price hangs up the phone and puts it back into his duffel bag before taking the Television Title off of his waist and placing it on a chair in front of him.

Price: These people think I'm something. Shit, they ain't seen nothing yet.

Price drops to the ground and begins knocking out sets of diamond push-ups, all the while keeping his eyes focused on the title belt in front of him.

Price: Tonight, things are going to start changing around here. First Rodriguez, and then at ONE, Logan. It's the dawning of a brand new era, and there's only room on top for one person.