Final Battle 2024 Card and TTs

[mattchewie]

The camera cuts to “Ravishing” Rick Rude already in the ring, all alone. The crowd’s reaction to him has already began to mix, as there are quite a few boos mixed in with the usual cheers. He smirks at this reaction and slowly raises the microphone.

Rude: Kyle…my brother…my friend…my family…I would like to first start off by apologizing to you before this even gets started. Last time, I said that you were going to be getting my very best, but I believe that I failed you in delivering that. But I would also like to apologize in the case this turns ugly.

Rude lowers the microphone and adjusts his collar before raising the microphone again and continuing.

Rude: Every step of the way, we’ve had Eric and Bayley at each other’s throats. That has been taken care of by this point and come Final Battle, the two of them will be secured to where they will not be able to pose either of us any distractions. This match is going to be a match in which the two of us will be forced to give it our absolute best, with no interruptions and no excuses.

Rude gets a somber expression for a moment and looks directly into the camera.

Rude: As of late, I’ve embarrassed myself. “Ravishing” Rick Rude doesn’t lose this many matches in this short of a time. Matter of fact, he doesn’t lose this many matches in a year! If I am being perfectly honest, you beating me really set me off course, badly. I’ve been distracted super easily and I’ve not even been able to fully focus on the opponent standing in front of me. This match will be my redemption. That’s not me promising to pull out a win, or anything like that. You know that I respect you more than anyone currently in this company, and I don’t want you to take any of this as me being disrespectful. Granted, I fully expected you to take me to my limit…I just didn’t expect it to go down the way in which it did.

I didn’t expect to lose out on the first round of the King of the Ring tournament, either. But, here we are. I’ve even found myself doubting my abilities. I’m quite used to opponents claiming that my prime has passed me by, but it has never really landed with me if you know what I mean. I’ve always been able to push it back and ignore it, but here lately, with the recent track record that I’ve had…it has made the doubt set in. So, there is the explanation to you people in attendance, to Kyle, to Bayley…to anyone that’s been questioning my actions as of late. I’m removing those doubts, by putting on something that is a bit more familiar to me. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve soaked up every ounce of the cheers and the support that this crowd has funneled my way, as of late, but it has came time for me to be able to resort back to the ways that have always brought success in my career. And that is winning, by any means necessary. In order to complete this transition, however, I will have to redeem myself.

Rude paces for a moment, smoothing down his mustache, deep in consideration.

Rude: Kyle, not only do I have to redeem myself for losing my title but I’ve got a few other losses to atone for along the way. Not only that, I know you’ve heard me mention that I intend to break yet another record by becoming the first three-time Intercontinental champion. Aside from Eric, you’ve known me longer than anyone else in this company, Kyle. I want to ask you, when am I at my most dangerous? When I’ve got a goal in mind, or whenever I’ve got a record that needs to be broken? I know that I’ve mentioned several times that I’ve had the top prize in this company in my sights, don’t get me wrong…I’ve still got that in mind. But there are a few things along the way that I’ve got to get squared away, first.

Rude takes a hand and pulls at his tie, freeing up some room to unbutton his collar.

Rude: Now, there have been a few, since I’ve returned, that have placed doubt upon me saying that my prime has passed me or that it is my time to ride off into the sunset and leave this business behind. I believe you know better than anyone just how much Rick Rude truly has left in the tank. I also believe that you understand that this match that you’re going into is going to be your most brutal and most bloody encounter to date. You’ve stated that you wanted to make the Intercontinental championship the fighting championship, and I’ve stated that I wanted to bring it back to its former glory. But this match isn’t just going to be a wrestling match, and it definitely isn’t just going to be a fight. It is going to be an absolute war.

I don’t plan on just having an all out brawl in this ring, I plan on using every ounce of strength, every bit of brutality, and every technical move that I can use to stretch you and your body into oblivion. By the time that buzzer sounds, it is going to be extremely difficult for me to actually stop brutalizing you in this ring. No matter how close we are, no matter our affiliations to the nWo, no matter how much I consider you family…business comes first. And as far as me beating the ever-loving shit out of you come time for this match, is simply business, nothing more and nothing less.

Boos begin to ripple through the crowd as Rude pulls the tie from his collar and casts it aside. He slides his arms out of his suit jacket and tosses it upon the top rope. He unbuttons his sleeves and rolls them up slightly before continuing.

Rude: I want you to know that I’ll be coming for you like a man possessed. A man who is absolutely obsessed with regaining that title. A man who will not stop until he is forced to. There’s a part of me that wants to ask Bayley not to even be at ringside so that she isn’t going to be forced to watch us brutalize each other, to have to bear witness to the two of us borderline crippling each other….Kyle, the amount of pain that I intend on inflicting upon you, and the amount that I know that you’re going to dish right back out to me is going to take years off of each of our careers…but by god, it will all be worth it. You’ll never have anyone comparing you to Larry, and I won’t have anyone spewing that crap about my prime being behind me. We are going to prove to everyone in this company, everyone in the world that they have barely begun to scratch the surface of what the two of us are actually capable of. No matter how good you think you are, no matter how good I know you are…none of it is going to matter come Final Battle. I vow to you here and now…that title is coming home to me. And there’s not a damned thing that you, or anyone else for that matter can do about it.

Rude lets the microphone fall to his side as he is glaring into the hard cam, his chest heaving.  Not from rage or anger, but pure adrenaline-fueled passion and determination.

[Fauche]

YO YO YO
IF YOU DON'T SHUT YOUR MOUTH
IMA SHUT IT FOR YOU
PUNK

Bombastic, brash and brazen, that throwback boom-bop tune blasting through the PA is met decibel-for-decibel by the capacity crowd when Kyle O'Reilly steps through the curtain. The Diabetic Dragon pauses at edge of the stage, taking a moment to survey the arena before heading down the ramp. Alone. No Bayley in sight tonight, folks. That doesn't stop the Diabetic Dragon from rocking out with that Intercontinental Championship belt of his...



Is there even a guitar part in the track? O'Reilly doesn't care either way. The fans eat it up as he shreds on the gold and leather for a sec before slinging the title strap back over his shoulder.

There's a microphone waiting for him on the steps. Kyle snags it on his way up, then, dipping through the ropes, he joins his nWo brother in the ring. Kyle clocks the intense vibes Rude's housing right away - its like heat rippling off a desert highway. There's no further nonsense, posturing or dilly-dallying from the Champ. With a slash across the neck, he calls for the music to cut so he can get to talking - trash or otherwise.

KO'R: Who woulda thought, right?

Kyle's gaze falls from Rude to the title belt, then back to Rude. The fans are already have quieted down now that the chit chat's happening, but there's a energy in the room. A tension. Its thick. Like... I dunno... syrup or something.

KO'R: I was uh... well... I was standing in the back there, listening to you talk... me and Bayley, I mean... and I didn't even think I was gonna have to come down here. She didn't want to, but like, well... you said it, man. You said it all. We got mutual respect, we've known each other for a real long time, we're both expecting a fight and we know that come Final Battle, that's exactly what we're gonna get.

O'Reilly pauses, giving the audience a chance to communicate their stokedness for the impending title tilt. In the meantime, the Canuck shoots a glance over his shoulder back up the ramp. There's nothing there. Nobody. Was he expecting Bayley? Still? Maybe? Hard to say. Turning back to Rude, he keeps on keepin' on.

KO'R: So I'm thinking, what's there even to add to all that? What's left to say? But then I figure since you're spilling your guts, maybe the right thing for me is to do the same.

Pulling the title belt off his shoulder, Kyle gazes at the plate with his gilded design and his name tacked on the bottom. He's looking at that while he speaks now.

KO'R: My first ever... legit... title that's all mine on my own. Not some made-up that I took outta spite. Not just a Medal. Not one I won with a partner. The only one Larry Sweeney never had a claim to.

I've had this thing for abbbbbbbbout a month now. Still feels weird. Like... like dreaming, I guess. Kinda. And I still don't know if I know exactly what it means for me. I still don't know who or what I am as a champion.

The Human Swiss Army Knife lowers the belt to his side to speak to Rude directly again, even its mostly just thinking out loud. Those anxious feet of his can't stay still, either. Kyle paces as he speaks.

KO'R: I always told myself that when I was champ, I wouldn't run or hide or turn down fights. Never. And I haven't... but like, what's it say about me that I'm not even batting five hundred since getting this thing? How can I lose matches and still hold gold proud? I know I'm not the first, but also... I'm not like all those other guys who make excuses or do whatever it takes to cover up for that. What I was building to's supposed to be built by now, but it feels like I still got add all these missing pieces.

And that sucks. And its frustrating. And its driving me crazy. Cause I thought when I finally proved this point, I'd rest easy and I'd stop losing sleep over showing everyone how wrong they were about me. But now instead, I'm up all night trying to course-correct so that I don't mess up what's supposed to be the biggest moment of my career as a pro wrestler. So I'm like...

His incessant pacing pauses. He pumps the breaks and looks to the Ravishing One.

KO'R: I'm asking myself, "What would Rick do?" Cause I might not be the smartest guy on this show, but I'm sure as spit not dumb enough to pretend I can't learn something from the greatest Intercontinental Champ in history. You always seem like you had it dialed in. Controlled. Mastered.

I couldn't sleep, so I studied. I studied you. I watched and I dug and the closer I looked the more I wondered. Not about that first reign of yours. That was legendary. Untouchable stuff. But this last one? Number two?

Like shoot dude... did you duck a title match at Mania? Why didn't you go gunning for one? Why wouldn't you want that? And don't say it was just to help me or Bayley cause she was the only one watching my back later that night and just last week I seen you dancing it up in this ring with some other chick.

Kyle takes one step closer to Rude.

KO'R: Are you the kinda guy who looks for fights? Or the easy way out? Did you... did you only give me a title shot cause you thought you could beat me?

The crowd is pin-drop quiet.

KO'R: Everyone - everyone - keeps telling me you're a snake. And I'm like, ya know, whatever. nWo? We're cutthroats, right? But cutthroats together? For life, isn't it?

I don't know a whole lot about being a Champion yet. Now you got me wondering if I know a whole lot about Rick Rude, either. The real Rick Rude. Especially when you're promising me a side of you I've never seen.

Tell ya what though, that mystery man is gonna meet a Kyle that we've all know real well - the side of me that's been through Ironman's and Wargames' and Anarchy Rulez' and Barbed Wire Massacre's. You say you got unpredictability on your side, but I've seen every kinda violence there is. And even with all this... this friggin uncertainty I gotta deal with right now... I know that I'm still coming into my first title defense as the only guy who's pinned you this year. If I did it once, I'll find a way to do it again... and again... and as many times as it takes to figure you, me, and this out.

He lowers the mic with one hand and lifts the title with the other.

[Danny]

LIVE at the The Colosseum in Rome, Italy

 
DEADLINE
www.timeanddate.com/countdown/wrestling?iso=20240628T12&p0=24&msg=Final+Battle+Deadline&font=cursive&csz=1




King of the Ring Finals
The Mighty Caleb vs Shinsuke Nakamura



UWF Championship
LA Knight(c) vs Tommaso Ciampa



Intercontinental Championship
Ironman Match
Rick Rude vs Kyle O'Reilly



Randy Orton vs Katsuyori Shibata



Television Championship
Finn Balor(c) vs Sami Zayn



Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns



Jamie Hayter & Rhea Ripley vs Eve and Eddie Guerrero

[mattchewie]

Rude smirks as he looks Kyle up and down.

Rude: Kyle, I have never lied to you and I don’t plan on starting now. So, the thing I really want to know is…do you want brutal honesty here?

Rude takes a slow step towards Kyle, who doesn’t feign a bit and maintains eye contact.

Rude: I didn’t want to give you a title shot because I knew we would end up in this same predicament that we’re in right now. I never doubted your in-ring capability, I never doubted that it would be a difficult match. 9 times out of 10, I head into a match with my head held high because I know that I will walk out the victor. You were that exception. I didn’t know what was going to happen, or what would have been the cause in the case that I lost the match. I did not prepare for the case that I would somehow lose the match. I didn’t factor in Eric and Bayley causing a ruckus. I could give a thousand things that I didn’t factor in. Quite frankly, I didn’t even think there was a possibility that you would win this match.

The crowd cuts him off with a chorus of boos. Rude holds up his hand to quieten them down.

Rude: You people are getting ahead of me, here. Let’s rewind to the last time that I held that title. Did you ever see me nervous while defending that championship? Did you ever see me lose focus? No, I had that championship on lockdown. I lost it only whenever I was good and ready to lose it. I broke the record for the longest reign and that was what I had set my sights on, so if anything I allowed myself to stop fighting to the death to keep it. I guess, the answer to your question…I had that same arrogance in mind walking into this match. Not that I doubted you or had any negative opinions of you, it was just simply I came into the match all smug and ready to win. Color me surprised whenever the match turned out the way that it did, though.

Rude’s smirk slowly fades as his expression turns to that of stone.

Rude: Hell, since we’re in the habit of just shooting straight and all about that brutal honesty…Back in the day, I was guilty of viewing you as Larry’s lapdog. Hell, which one of us wasn’t his lapdog, though? Sure, you got the brunt of it more than the rest of us. But, Larry had an efficient system in place to make sure that none of the rest of us ever came his direction for a title shot. And that’s not me dogging Larry, I would tell this to his face if he were standing in front of me, and you know that for a fact. Larry is a smart man, a brilliant champion. He kept his friends close and those who could potentially beat him even closer. Just look at the two of us. What did we ever gain while being in his shadow? Sure, I had a hell of a reign as Intercontinental champion….but that just left me hungry for more. Much like it does now. But, I’ll get to that in a minute. Right now, I’m focusing on shooting straight with you.

Since I’ve come back, I haven’t looked at you and taken you for granted. I know what you bring to the table, even if you don’t. You’re still the kid that has the attention span of a gnat in front of a string of blinking lights, but my god…you’re talented as hell. I just know that there isn’t a damn person on this roster that is capable of bringing what I see in you, out of you other than myself. And that is exactly what I intend to do in this match.

[/color][/div]

Rude goes to place a hand on Kyle’s shoulder, then pulls his hand back before contact is made.

Rude: The man you beat for that title isn’t the “Ravishing” Rick Rude that you spoke of with such high regard a second ago. The man that you beat was the good guy Rick Rude. However, this Rick Rude? Pardon me for saying it, but this will be vintage “Ravishing” Rick Rude.

Rude turns to look at the hard cam and back to Kyle.

Rude: You mentioned something about the ring rat from a while back, I can address that topic while I’m on the topic I currently am. Considering what I had just said about being the only man on the roster to bring to the surface what I see in you…did it ever occur to you…

Rude looks into the hard cam with an extremely stern look.

Rude: Or did it ever occur to Bayley…the only reason that I’m pulling out these “old school” stylings of my past to make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth and the best that I have to offer, period? To make sure that I’m bringing all of that potential to light so that you can show all of those doubters that you are not a joke? No, it didn’t.

Kyle looks as if he is about to speak, but has a confused expression.

Rude: Don’t stand there and give me that dumb look like I just took your opportunity to answer a question away from you. Don’t even try backpedaling your way out of it when I let you speak, either. You came out here and spewed all kinds of shit just like some jaded lover. Shit that I know for a fact that wasn’t all on your own. While you may not have favored me pissing Bayley off with that ring rat, you never would have paid attention had she not thrown her fit. You picked up a thing that she said here and there and you came out here and tossed whatever you could in my direction. Don’t even try denying that. That is the reason that I’m having Eric and Bayley put in cages at ringside. Because this match is between you and I. That is the reason that I am out here without Eric right now. Those two bring too many mixed emotions with them. It’s not about my longest friendship or about Bayley and I having fun. This is about me making you a close second place on the top ten Intercontinental champions of all time, maybe even tying with me in that top spot. This is about the two of us delivering on the promise that we made to each other and to these people.

The crowd begins stirring with cheers at this. Rude doesn’t even look their way when he holds up his hand to quieten them down.

Rude: You may not know a lot about being champion, yet. But I do know quite a bit about winning titles and what it takes to do so. Did you seriously think that one trip to the learning tree would give you everything that you need to know? Kid, this trip to the learning tree…I’m going to snap off a few of the branches and beat you senseless with them. Mostly because you came out here questioning me and listening to all those people telling you that I am a snake…but also because that’s exactly what it takes to win titles. But as far as you getting a side of me that you’ve never seen goes…

There are very few in existence who have ever had the misfortune of getting what you’re going to get at Final Battle. I’m not even going to care if I rack up into the double digits of wins in this match, as long as that title comes home that is all that I care about. I’m willing to shake your hand at the beginning of the match and after the timer goes off at the end of it…but everything in between? I don’t know of any other way to put it, other than I simply plan on making you my bitch that night. I will slam you into oblivion repeatedly, I will stretch you from here to Seattle if I have to. I will beat you to a bloody pulp. The beating that I plan to deliver onto you will be the very reason that the image of “Viewer Discretion is Advised” for this show. Because it doesn’t matter how hard you think you can throw a punch or hard you think you can kick...I’m not kidding when I say you’re going to have to literally kill me to keep me down and to keep me from regaining that championship. As far as you being the only man to pin me this year, all that does is put the biggest target of all upon your head. All that means is that I’ve got to beat you that much worse than I would need to simply get the title back, now, I’ve got a point to prove. And that point, is that I’ve still got more than enough left in the tank to run this show as the friggin’ franchise.

[/color][/div]

Rude lowers the microphone as he glares directly into Kyle’s eyes.

[rawisrey]

The titantron lights up with a deep red hue, as Shinsuke Nakamura stands with is hand to his chin, pensively collecting his thoughts before he begins to speak in Japanese as the captions translate for him.



Shinsuke Nakamura: Mighty, Mighty, Mighty. The Mighty Caleb, what makes you so Mighty? You wonder why I may look down upon you, when the answer is simply because I am higher above. A good Warrior you are, but a king you will never be. You stand in the wake of a true coronation, and yet you've convinced yourself that your ability as a warrior will carry you to become something you cannot be...Every fighting style has it's flaws, it's Risks...And every great warrior has weakness within them. For The Mighty Caleb, is greatest weakness is my existence. In a different time, he'd fight his way to a hallow victory and hold a false title...he'd be crowned something he isn't and you all would applaud his efforts. Unlucky Caleb, for doing his best and working very hard at the same time as a True King has been awoken from his slumber.

Shinsuke puts his hands together and his fingers intertwine in different ways as he smiles, looking down to the floor.

If I told you someone could lift fifty times his own body weight, you would assume them to be beyond mighty indeed. But I would see them for the ant they are...Caleb is Strong and mighty, just as an ant would be to other insects. But when you notice an insect on the ground, do you stop and consider it a fool? it is so beneath you that it would be a waste of time to consider judging it. That would be an accurate summation of my feelings towards you people in general, however the Mighty Caleb will at least present himself as...amusing to me. While digging into peoples heads can be it's own art, the art I seek to depict at Final Battle will be quite different. Because I keep putting people down, beyond counts and submissions, but the Mighty Caleb will be too dumb to stay down. While his body may scream to remain down, he'll will himself to continue, and I will simply continue to put him down. Just as his career has put him down and he continues to get back up for more, so I must teach him when enough is enough...as all of this is Always by his own hand. You would think he would learn to cease seeking challenges that bring him such heartache, but expecting learning from such a person is too much to ask for is it not?

Nakamura chuckles to himself, and turns his head to one side scratching at his hair making it stand at weird angles looking crazed as he lazily continues.

What kind of fool gives it all out all the time, a Warrior who only knows battle. Am I expected to do the same? Give it my all against the Mighty Caleb until there is nothing left in the tank? No, I don't hunt rabbits with a cannon. You're already defeated, you simply don't know it yet. Because the King of the Ring is mine for the taking, any championship I desire is mine for the taking, all the fun and games I want to have is all Mine for the taking. And I will take, take, take. Take until I've had my full, while you will give me a fight, give me your best, until your legs give in and stop supporting you up. Give and Take, such a basic concept. You want to become King, while I already am. Effort can't beat passion, and my passion is unwavering. But you still believe in yourself and still think you are material befitting a crown. You've made it this far, and now you stand right before me ready to prove yourself. Not knowing you're standing too close to see what position you're truly in, you claimed to have seen nothing to fear when looking upon me...well it's dark at the base of the lighthouse after all. Now it is my job to open your eyes towards your true placement in this world, a great warrior is respected amongst his ranks so what shame is there to be simply that. No shame at all, just as you should have no shame for what you are about to fail to do. And that is stop me, for I have evolved...I have been freed from what held me in too tight to truly fight. Right now everyone on the roster is waiting and shivering, scared that I may choose them to hold my attention...You yourself have used the word demon to describe me.

Shinsukes wide grin grows, almost looking uncomfortable at this point before he continues.

Tell me Caleb, when you first saw me after hearing of a blood spitting demon...and thought I was nothing but human. Was that because it is all there is, or because you couldn't come to accept my existence. My existence being your weakness, I can understand why you would avoid this reality. For if your Gods would allow my madness to flourish across the UWF, then wouldn't it seem to you that those Gods in whatever realms you were in would be just as mad as I? Perhaps you are fighting to prove I'm just another fighter to beat, to prove I'm nothing more than a challenge. But when your gaze turns to scarlet, when you do as everyone has before you, will you accept your reality? Will you acknowledge your King? Perhaps the weight of it will be too much for you to fathom, all I know for sure...is you will give in when it is time for me to take my crown. and as I give you a new reality, you will...Take a knee.

[Fauche]

Kyle counters fire with fire, matching Rude's energized anger with some of his own.

KO'R: You're gonna run this show, huh? You... on top? Over me? Over everybody else? The whole friggin franchise? After you steamroll me? Take my step-sister for granted? Step over every single person who ever called your a friend just to get this title back? Well shoot dude, I only got one question for you then...

O'Reilly pulls back, cooling down his hot as fast as a boiling pot pulled off the burner before asking...

KO'R: You ever play D&D?

A few laughs, a few groans, a few raised eyebrows from the fans. Classic Kyle. He takes Rude's expression and the crowd's reaction to his pivot as a confusion requiring explanation.

KO'R: D&D? It stands for Dungeons and Dragons. Its like this... this really old role-playing game. You gotta get get a bunch of big books to figure it out and then like, ten different shapes of dice. Its kinda nerdy but its pretty sweety, too. There's some movies and stuff...

Realizing (miraculously on his own) that he's tangent'ing, the Diabetic Dragon gets himself back on track.

KO'R: Its... well... whatever. That's not the point. The point is that in the game, you gotta get like a whole entire group of different kinds of guys together. Humans, dwarves, elves, gnomes, whatever... and the besides that, everyone needs a class. Oh, a class is just like a... uh... I guess a special job. You could be a Wizard or a Bard or a Ranger - there's all sorts of sorts. The thing is, though, that in your group - some call it a party - you never want too much of the same thing. You want everyone to bring their own something something to the table cause the more variety you got, the more different problems you can handle.

Yet again, Kyle's feet move in mechanical synchronicity with his wandering mind. Guy just can't stand still for too long.

KO'R: A couple years ago when we were running the nWo at full force, I think we had that pretty dialed in. We were like a all-you-can-eat buffet with a bunch of guys who all had their own kinda class, and that's how come we took over this whole company so fast and easy.

Then what happened? We got friggin merc'd. Wiped out. And the hit that hit the hardest - in D&D, its called a critical - was when Vinny Marseglia took out Larry Sweeney in a Last Heart Beating Match! Larry's my pal and he was good at a lot of stuff, but just like you wouldn't send a Rogue to fight a Nercromancer, he shoulda never been the guy in the ring trying to solve our Marseglia problem.

He says it like its the most obvious thing in the world.



KO'R: Back then, every thought I was just a bag-boy during the day and a run-in guy during the night and punchline all the time. Maybe if you guys had given me the chance, I coulda done more and we wouldn't have nose-dived so bad, and if you don't believe me, just go back and watch Wrestlemania, cause I did what Larry Sweeney couldn't. I beat Vinny in his own personal style of hell. Cause when stuff gets crazy, you're supposed to send the crazy guy in to deal with it!

O'Reilly's getting all frazzled and excited as he gets this off his chest, but then takes a beat to catch his breath before getting back to Rick.

KO'R: I told you this last time and I still think its true - you're about as good at wrestling as good gets. When I hear you talk about going full on sicko mode for this match though? Dude... that's just... that's not... that's not your thing, Rick. That's not your class.

He's probably not trying to be so condescending when he busts out finger quotes to call back and emphasize his opponent's promise of a "vintage" version of himself - however - that is how it comes off.

KO'R: "Vintage" Rick Rude is the guy who dances with sexy ladies to trip out opponents before matches. "Vintage" Rick Rude is the guy who's been working the same six or seven moves for his whole life cause he likes to keep things simple and efficient. "Vintage" Rick Rude can be a real S-O-B when he wants to be... but "Vintage" Rick Rude isn't the kinda guy who gets his hands dirty.

That's why you always got back-up. Whether its been Eric or Kev or Scott or anyone else in another company or even me... you wanna be the handsome face of the franchise while the shady stuff gets taken care of outta sight. And that's fine. That's cool. I don't care... but whatever questions I got about what kinda heart and soul you're packing deep down inside, I sure don't have about your style in this ring. So don't stand there and play like you're one of the psychos. That's my lane, that's always been my lane and if you think the way you're gonna beat me is by swerving into in then dude, I'm gonna t-bone you clean off the road.

You got what you do. I got mine. You wouldn't expect a Cleric to do a Warrior's job just like you wouldn't bring a knife to a gun fight. Now you wanna get nuts? Let's get nuts. Just don't think turning a wrestling match into a near-death experience is gonna do you any favours cause I've been to that edge and I've lived on that edge and I know how to survive on that edge and you wouldn't be the first tourist I've had to knock off it. Friend to friend and wrestler to wrestler, I'm here for whatever you're looking for. A match. A fight. A massacre. The further we get down that list, the worse things are gonna be for you, cause in the nWo, I'm the cold-blooded one. And you're kinda like... I dunno... the pretty boy.

Kyle offers up that last analysis with a real tough-but-fair, sad-but-true kinda half-shrug and leaves it there.

[mattchewie]

Rude takes a second to let out a laugh as he smooths down his mustache with his hand. He looks up at Kyle, lets the laugh escape once more, and uses the hand to wipe off his entire face, seemingly wiping the smile off of his face as well.

Rude: Kyle…I know that I’m just about as sick as everyone else in hearing you beat a dead horse about nobody taking you seriously. I wish I could pull some pop culture reference to make that point land for you, but the only thing that I could think of is the meme that floats around from time to time of a few dudes with baseball bats really laying into an obviously dead horse. If you’re not familiar with it, pull out your phone and do an image search of beating a dead horse, I’m sure you’ll find it.

Anyways, another thing that I’m sick of is you even presuming to know anything about vintage Rick Rude. You’ve known me for what, six-seven years? The vintage Rick Rude that I’m referring to..you weren’t even thought of by that point, may have even been in diapers. As I’m sure you’re aware, there’s thousands of stories that we, as wrestlers, tell on the road. The trips between towns do get boring from time to time, so we swap stories. There was a time that I was listed among the baddest men in the business, outside of the ring. Bar fights, cop fights, you name it…I was in it and I won it. And I didn’t even need a purple belt to do it.

Rude coldly delivers that last line as his eyes narrow and he leans in, looking into Kyle’s.

Rude: You can presume to think that I’m just the pretty boy of the nWo all that you want and that i won’t get my hands dirty…it’s just going to be that much bigger of a surprise for you whenever push comes to shove. You’ve got all these ideas in your head about how you already know me and know exactly what I’m going to do before I even do it. Granted, as a brother of mine you’ve got a head start on everyone else when it comes down to knowing me. But there are things up here that even Eric doesn’t even know that I am capable of.

Rude taps his temple with his index finger.

Rude: The biggest mistake that you’ve made this far is you’ve just tossed your hands up thinking that you’ve already got me figured out. Sure, it bruises my ego that you think that I just stick with the same seven moves just to stay safe, but do you really think that’s all I’ll go for in this match? Careful, buddy. People are going to start thinking that you’re the bard here if you keep throwing out ridiculous shit like that.

Rude leans back and straightens his back.

Rude: Also, you may want to tone it down on throwing out match types and all that, because if you keep it up, I’m going to have to start listing mine…and I promise you, my list is much longer. At any rate, I’m getting the impression that you’ve got it in your head that I’m too good to get my hands dirty? The question is, why do it myself whenever there’s usually somebody there to go do it for me? That just comes down to working smarter and not harder. I get why you think that, but you’re a damned fool if you really believe that I won’t get my hands dirty at the end of the day. And if it’s the cleanliness of these hands that are in question…well…how about you ask your stepsis just how dirty these hands can get, because she knows exactly where these hands have been.

Really Rick? You had to go there? Geez. Rick begins to pace around as he continues.

Rude: You say that me going psycho in this match just isn’t my thing…that almost insults me that you think I’ll lose control that easily. I’d like to think of it as more of an organized chaos type of approach. That my fine feathered friend will be the difference maker in this match. Because the more psycho that you attempt to get, I’m just going to switch it up and keep switching it up until your poor attention span goes into spasms just trying to keep up. I’m not dumb enough to come at you just swinging punches and trying to turn this into a fist fight. Will this match get physical beyond the normal confines of a wrestling match? You bet your ass it will. But that doesn’t mean that it’s just going to be a brawl from beginning to end. I said earlier that I was going to take you to the learning tree, and that’s exactly what I intend to do. Even if I snatch off each of the branches and take turns just smacking you upside the head with each one. That is the problem with this new breed of westling. Every one of you just wants to throw out the words like fight when you’re talking about the match you’ve got coming up. There’s more art to wrestling than just stretching someone or having an all out brawl. It’s a cluster of all of it at the same time. It’s like a lot of guys your age can only focus on one thing or the other, rather than take it all in and look at the big picture. I’m not trying to be ageist here, I always hate it when an opponent comes out and throws out the age card on me. I’m just simply stating a fact, our styles couldn’t be any different.

The pacing stops and Rude whirls around to face Kyle, head on once more.

Rude: You started off by questioning me running this show. I almost take that as if you’re questioning my ability to do so. Sure, I want my title back, just to be able to say that I’m the only three-time IC champion in history, after that…you can have it back. Because, after that….my sights are set on the top spot. And the guy in that top spot has eluded me getting redemption for long enough. That is, after I get my redemption for you pinning me. And as far as the other question…about me being over you. I don’t think that it’s quite that hard to believe, do you? I mean, by this point…you should be used to it, right? If you’re thinking that I’ll pull a Larry and hold that title away from you just to keep it around my waist, please…you know me better than that. I’ll gladly offer up a title match to you whenever I win that title, after I take this title away from you.

Rude straightens as if something just hit him.

Rude: You know…it’s the damnedest thing. Earlier, you came out here questioning why I didn’t defend my title here or there…yet…you’re yet to do the same thing? I mean, sure, you’ve been busy with the king of the ring tournament…but if my reasons for helping you and Bayley out didn’t count for you…then why should similar reasons count for you in this? Right? You’ve had that title for what, a month now? And you’re just now defending it? I had defended my title at least 2-3 times by this point during my first reign. Hmph.

Rude chuckles as he smooths down his mustache again.

Rude: Careful, Kyle. It almost seems as if you’re grasping at straws, already. Don’t worry though, that’s a common trope amongst my opponents.

Rude lets the microphone drop to his side as he smirks widely at Kyle.

[Fauche]

Shrugging off that last comment, Kyle claps back with the thought...

KO'R: Yeah I guess the only difference between me and those guys is the whole "I pinned you" thing.



KO'R: And like... with that in mind, its kinda getting on my nerves listening to you talk so friggin much about how I couldn't possibly understand what sorta stuff you're capable of while meanwhile you've you got me as solved as a one-colour rubik's cube. Like what I did to you at Backlash was nothing but a fluke.

Here's the thing, though. It wasn't. And I mean that as a compliment, cause I super, really, honestly believe you're better than flukes. That's why they never happen you, ya know? Making excuses for the times things don't work out is lazy and dumb and I know you're not either of those things. Which is why I think its weird that after everything that went down, no matter what you're saying or not saying now - you still obviously don't see me as a equal - and definitely not someone who's a step ahead.

The vibe is strained now. Real strained. Each volley back and forth between pals is packing more and more heart. O'Reilly shows a rare bit of tact in easing up his foot on the gas. He steps back away from Rude as he continues.

KO'R: That's all good. Its fine. You're confident. Real confident. Always are. Classic Rick. "Vintage". No matter what the problem is, you're always coming at head-on with all this sexy, macho, can-do attitude and its been a heck of a career, right? But... again... I've seen the tape. We all have on account of you're a legend, dude. There's no hiding a Hall of Fame run. You've been doing it one way forever - the biggest change you ever made - the one you're famous for? Showing up on another show clean-shaven. Even that level of going off-script rocked the boat cause you... you... you're like...

Kyle racks his brain for the perfect analogy and gets all stoked when he finds it.

KO'R: You're like McDonald's, ya know? Frick, everyone likes McDonald's. Micky D's. Big Mac, chicken nugs, saltiest, tastiest french fires in the world... we all love it cause its awesome and its consistent. Same today as we always remembered it being.

The Diabetic Dragon places a hand over his own chest.

KO'R: I'm more like on of those effed up Japanese restaurants where you can't pronounce the name or the stuff on the menu even and its all just these crazy looking fish getting diced up right in front of you to eat raw. Sometimes its rad. Sometimes... well... not so much. Big swings. Results are honestly a little bit mixed.

On any given night, McDonald's is a safe bet to be a banger meal. Meanwhile that Japanese place? Shoot, it might be the most excellent dinner you ever ate or you might just be choking down slimy, stanky eel balls. It might even be a sea urchin that's cooked wrong that accidentally kills you.

That's what unpredictable is. You're aren't foolin' nobody by saying you got some secrets on the menu we never tasted before, just like I'd be lying if I said I could call myself a hundred percent positive that I'm gonna be better than you come Final Battle. Thing is, only one of us is going into this match a little too full of themselves. Me? After all this food talk, I'm coming in hungrier... than... ever...

That hands that was placed on his heart drops down to rub some tummy, then comes back up to adjust the title belt on his shoulder.

KO'R: Now maybe I sold you just a little bit short earlier. After all, I seen you get pretty hardcore with Orange Cassidy back at the Rumble and yeah, okay, you were racking up belt defenses against Miz like every other week back in '18. Props for that - hate to break it to ya, though - I'm not made of the same stuff as the dudes in your highlight reel. I'm not the kinda guy who takes a couple L's then hands in my papers. I'm the UWF's resident Terminator. I'm T-1000. Taking a licking and keepin' on tickin'.

There's nobody but nobody who's better prepared for a Iron Man match with the legendary Rick Rude cause I'm the living, breathing textbook on getting knocked down and getting back up again. I got no doubts that you're gonna beat me up and pin me - more than once, more than twice, whatever - I just don't think you're gonna know what to do about me not giving a eff and coming back for more.

I'll die on the hill that you're the best of the best I-C Champs this company has ever had, but you've only ever fought guys who turned out to be quitters and that's not me. I'm here, now, holding the belt that for some reason you still think is yours and it'd be easier for you to pull your hand out of a rabid-ass rottweiler's mouth than for you to take this from me.

Lowering the mic once more, Kyle keeps a firm grip on said title belt with his other hand as he opens it to Rick again.

[mattchewie]

Rude takes a moment to center himself, wiping his hand all along the length of his face, his patience is truly being tried at this point. He blinks his eyes slowly as he stares at Kyle for an uncomfortable amount of time, trying to find the appropriate words. He lifts his shoulders as he takes in a deep breath and exhales slowly before raising the microphone once more.

Rude: I don’t know if it is the fact that we’ve been out here talking for quite a long time and your attention has started making a sprint out of the ring, or if it’s just that you’re truly not even listening to me. So…I’m going to say this next part slowly so that you may be able to soak it in through that extremely thick skull of yours, once and for all.

Did it ever occur to you that the reason that I keep saying that you don’t know what I may be capable of may be due to the fact that I do see you as an equal or an actual challenge? Or are you too busy playing the victim, yet again? Look, I’m sorry that the majority of your opponents don’t take you seriously. But do us both a favor, as well as every member of this audience, and park all of that bullshit baggage back at the back. I’m tired of you playing this victim card as if I’m not taking you seriously. There are very few men that have an actual clean pinfall over me. There were no feet up on the ropes, you pinned me. The circumstances up to that point were the only things that I brought into question, thus being the reason for the cages at ringside during this match. So that you and I will not leave this match with that thought of “would things be any different if so and so didn’t get involved”. The fact that we’re even having this rematch in such a high stakes match should show you exactly the amount of respect that I hold for you. So, do us both a favor and put that friggin’ shovel down before you keep digging yourself into a hole that no other pop culture reference can help you climb out of it.

[/color][/div]

Rude delivers that last line as ice cold as he possibly can as he stares dead into Kyle’s eyes. He looks down to that belt and then right back into Kyle’s eyes.

Rude: You want to question my unpredictability? Kyle, I want you to think back to every opponent that underestimated me. You’ve been there to see the majority of them do so, and you’ve watched as I completely decimated them in the middle of this ring, time and time again. So I really want you to carefully think about how you carrying yourself at this point.

Rude slowly points to the belt.

Rude: There are those that would think that title defines me and my career. Those same people are the ones that come out here and say the things such as my prime has passed or that it is the highest glory that I’m going to achieve here. I do not classify you as one of those people, before you get all defensive on me again. I came back to prove that “Ravishing” Rick Rude isn’t done, and that he’s got that much more to prove while he’s back. I’m going to be completely honest and pragmatic here whenever I say that this is probably going to be my last run in this business.

Some murmur of boos begins in the crowd as Rude holds up his hand to show that he isn’t finished.

Rude: Age is a fickle mistress, and she waits for no man. You can elude her for years and years, but eventually…she catches up to you. She hasn’t caught me yet, but she’s getting damned close. But, “Ravishing” Rick Rude isn’t finished until he says that he is finished, you got me?

Rude looks to the crowd that cheers at that last statement. He lets the cheering settle a bit before he continues.

Rude: So, for the last time…I will explain myself a bit better to you, Kyle. Me saying that there are things that you’ve never even thought of that I’m going to do to you isn’t me attempting at being unpredictable…it’s me simply stating the absolute truth. You’ve got what, another 20-30 years left in this business if you’re lucky? I’ll be extremely lucky if I can push it another 10. So, with that being said…I can see the horizon up in the distance, faintly. I’ve been on death’s door, recently. What is more dangerous to you…someone who is consciously aware of holding back to maintain a lengthy career…or someone who just doesn’t give an absolute flying fuck anymore about playing it safe for their career and is more than willing to do whatever it takes to pull off the win?

Now…the tension has risen.

Rude: So, go on and insult me by calling me McDonalds or whatever reference you want to make…but deep down you know that I’m the type of restaurant that has five of the dollar signs listed beside of its name whenever you google it. Hall of Fame run? You’re friggin’ right it has been. I may be old school in a lot of ways, I may have a vastly different approach to in-ring repertoire than you, you may even think that I’ll play it safe against you. Believe me whenever I tell you that all bets are off in this match. It has been far too long since I’ve truly been able to test my mettle in this ring and I’ve finally got an opponent that I’ll be able to do so against. You couldn’t have been more correct whenever you stated that all those other guys in the past were quitters who tucked tail and ran whenever they found out that they couldn’t hang. So, ask yourself…do you really think that I gave it my absolute best against any of them? Or do you think that I may be right whenever I say that you’re not going to know what hit you whenever we get into this match? I’m in the ring with someone that I trust with my friggin' life. Friends may fight…but brothers go into all-out wars together, right? So while I’m knocking you down and you keep on coming back for more…how many times do you think you can handle doing so? Even if you are the Terminator…consider me that pipe bomb that’s going to take care of you for a time…and you’ll just have to wait until the sequel before you’ll be able to come back for more. With the type of content that we’ve got with each other, we’d be selling these people short if we only put on a couple of programs, maybe even a trilogy. The type of stuff that we’re capable of is meant for an entire franchise.

Rude lets the crowd stir a bit as he rolls his shoulders and fixes his gaze upon Kyle once more.

Rude: I don’t simply think that belt is mine. I know that it is mine. Just like everyone in the back and everyone in these seats in attendance and everyone watching at home. We haven’t given them a match that is worthy of clarifying just where that belt belongs. If by some chance you’re able to retain it after I am done with you, then there will be no question about who that belt belongs to…but until then, it’s always going to be a question in the back of everyone’s minds...including your own. Because…after all….

Rude steps in closer to Kyle and lowers his voice.

Rude: That’s where all of this “why doesn’t he take me seriously” crap is coming from, isn’t it? Because you have toyed with that idea much like everyone else has…would you have been able to do it again if Bayley and Eric weren’t in the picture? Well, guess where we find ourselves? We’re here to get that answer, I just don’t think you are actually ready and willing to put out everything that will be needed in order to get that answer. I know that you’re a damn good wrestler and I know that you are one tough son of a bitch. But what I don’t know is how far you are willing to take it to get the job done, once and for all. Me? I love ya kid, but this is straight up business right now. When push comes to shove, I’ll have zero regrets if you end up in a wheelchair sipping all of your meals from a straw for the rest of your days if that’s what it takes to put you down to get my title back. Sure, I’ll have some remorse for it, but only because you were too damn stubborn to admit that you just didn’t have what it took to truly put the old man down.

Rude lowers the microphone with his eyes blazing, just waiting on Kyle’s response.

[mrleedles]

Rome, Italy. The Colosseum itself. One of the most important historical sites in all of Europe. For some, this is a place to serve as a true battleground - a final battleground, one could say. For others, this is perhaps the start of a brand new journey in their UWF careers, where history can be made and names can be immortalized.

For Tony D'Angelo, however?

This was a homecoming.



Was it a stereotypical theme song? Yes, absolutely. Was it for a relative newcomer to the UWF who'd only had one match thus far, and one that was an unsuccessful outing? Yes, of course.

However, once The Don came out of the curtains, the fans didn't care. For Tony D'Angelo was their hometown hero tonight, and with it came the adulation of these Italian fans.

Making his way down the ramp, Tony D'Angelo would be feeling like Superman tonight. He was here in front of HIS people, being given a hell of a shot for only the second match of his UWF career, and now? Now was the time to bask in it.



Reveling in the crowd's reactions to The Don of the UWF, Tony D'Angelo would be all sorts of amped up as he made his way up the steel steps and got inside the ring, being handed a microphone from one of the ring crew members. However, before he could truly give an opening address worthy of the attendees here in The Colosseum, Tony would have to take a pause, as he heard something building up in the crowd - something that would take him aback, and leave him smiling for all to see.

TO-NY D!
TO-NY D!
TO-NY D!
TO-NY D!
TO-NY D!

For the first, and in what may very well be the last, time in his UWF career, the fans were chanting The Don's name. It was almost enough to make a man blush, but Tony D couldn't just let this go on, as much as he really wanted it to. Tonight, he had business to take care of, and that started right here, right now.

Tony D'Angelo | The Don: "Signore e signori, il Don è tornato in città!"

Unsurprisingly, given his status as The Don, and given where this show is located, The Don would be speaking in the dialect of the fans to open things off, getting himself another cheap pop, as he shook his head while laughing, impressed by just how loud the people here were for his first PPV showing.

Tony D'Angelo | The Don: "Thank you, thank you, everyone! I know, I know, jus' the same as it's a big deal for each an' every one of ya' 'ere in attendance to be gettin' a UWF pay-per-view live in the motherlan', it feels jus' the same way for me, lemme' tell 'ya. But as much as I'd love to jus' sit 'ere an' let ya' keep chantin' my name 'til the night grows old, the fact of the matter is, I got some business to take care of 'ere tonight, so lemme' get through that 'fore we get to the pleasure after the show, alright?"

Once again, the fans give a cheer for Tony D'Angelo, having firmly cemented him as their favorite in the match here tonight; At least, of the three known participants, of course.

Tony D'Angelo | The Don: "Alriiight, so what we got goin' on, then? We got ourselves a fatal four-way match, huh? Mister Carter, bless his heart, he saw what wen' down on Revolution this past week. He saw how that little rat Sami Zayn, he cos' me my debut match. Now, I ain't one to sit there an' bitch an' moan 'bout things that happened in the past. That jus' ain't my style, but all I gots to say to mister Demon Prince an' mister Sami Zayn is that sooner or later, the two of ya' are goin' to pay for what'cha did on that night. I ain't sayin' it goin' to be tonight, I ain't sayin' it goin' to be on the plane ride back stateside, all I'm sayin' is...the two of ya' crossed an Italian before flyin' on out to the motherlan' for a pay-per-view event, so uh, keep an eye out an' watch what ya' drinkin', alright? Alright."

"So, now that's all settled, let's worry 'bout tonight, shall we? 'Cause tonight, we gotta' deal wit' a guy who ain't nobody 'ere knows, we got a guy who likes to think that people know 'em, an' we got a guy who everyone 'ere knows - an' more likely than not, everyone 'ere wishes he'd go get los' out in the woods, if ya' know what I'm sayin'. Why don't we start wit' the guy who thinks that he's more importan' than he actually is, eh? Robert Roode-"

Just from saying his name, there is a mixed reaction from the crowd - some of the fans? They're booing him simply from being on the opposite side of Tony D'Angelo tonight. But others? They're cheering him because they recognize the name from his past accomplishments.

Tony D'Angelo | The Don: "Now Robert I gotta' lotta' respect for ya', truly, sir. I 'unno much 'bout ya', but ya' seem like a fine enough guy. Ya' don't make ya'self out to be a rat like The Demon Prince or like Sami Zayn does. That's somethin' that takes work. Takes a lotta' har' work to keep up an appearance like that. That's part of why I respect ya', though, 'cause you seem like the type o' guy who's willin' to actually put in the effort to get what he wants aroun' 'ere. 'Course, it ain't gonna' matter much once I win this 'ere fatal four-way match, but 'ey, keep your head up, Robert. Maybe if ya' impress me tonight, show me a lil' somethin' somethin', maybe...there might be a bitta' work for ya', courtesy of The Don."

Smirking at the camera, Tony D'Angelo pauses for a second to let the crowd simmer down, knowing full well what's to come next.

Tony D'Angelo | The Don: "Now, let's go in the opposite direction for a momen' 'ere, pull a quick u-turn, 'cause while I got respect for mister Roode an' I want to see him succeed once this 'ere fatal four-way match is done an' over wit'...there's still one more dirty, filthy, stinkin' rat who I've gotta' share a ring wit' tonight who I'm sure each an' every one of ya' out 'ere in the motherland would wanna' see me beat the ever-lovin'-"

Stopping himself mid-sentence, Tony D'Angelo gestures as if to calm himself down, not wanting to get his temper running too hot this early on in the night. Of course, the fans are...a bit disappointed by this, considering who exactly Tony D is obviously talking about, but still, they listen on.

Tony D'Angelo | The Don: "No, no, I ain't goin' to lose my cool. It jus' ain't worth gettin' myself all worked up over this rat bastard whose block I'm goin' to knock off tonight. Logan Paul-"

In a stark contrast to what had occurred with the first opponent he namedropped, Tony D'Angelo is practically forced to remain silent as the fans BOO the hell out of the UWF's resident influencer, keeping it going strong for at least about a minute or two before they finally pipe down so The Don can properly speak.

Tony D'Angelo | The Don: "Logan Paul, this rat-faced, greasy-haired, smilin' son-of-a...ooh, jus' thinkin' 'bout 'em is makin' me mad! But, I gotta' admit, I gotta' admit..."

Trailing off from his current train of thought, the fans are left waiting as Tony D'Angelo seems to think about what he's about to say, almost as if he's weighing the pros and cons of what's about to be said into this live microphone, especially in front of what is basically his own hometown, or close enough to it.

Tony D'Angelo | The Don: "I gotta' admit...there is not a single damn thin' about ya' that doesn't make me wan' to jus' pop ya' in that mushy mouth of yours an' leave ya' sittin' at home drinkin' that awful ass drink of yours through a damn straw!"

Aaand that is what gets Tony D to firmly win the crowd back over, after teasing the possibility of having anything positive to say about arguably the biggest box office draw currently a part of the UWF.

Tony D'Angelo | The Don: "From the way that ya' talk, to the way that ya' walk, to the way that ya' dress, to the way that ya' act like ya' this mus'-see attraction despite the fact that not a single one o' these people who paid for a ticket to this show 'ere tonight did so specifically to see you, ya' the textbook definition of everythin' a person can do specifically jus' to get me pissed off, so congratulations, Logan Paul, ya' jus' shot up right past both The Demon Prince an' Sami Zayn on my list of people to sen' on a one-way trip to the nearest available hospital bed!"

Feeling himself getting fired up now, Tony D'Angelo, somehow, becomes even more expressive than he already was, pointing out towards the camera as his aforementioned temper flares once more.

Tony D'Angelo | The Don: "But 'ey, don' ya' worry there, Logan Paul, 'cause once I'm done wit' this 'ere fatal four-way match, regardless o' who that mystery participant turns out to be, I'll be sure to sen' Shinsuke Nakamura to the bed right nexta' ya', once I go on to win that Prime Time Medal, an' make sure that the next time the UWF runs a pay-per-view even' 'ere in the motherland, I'll be sure to arrive 'ere wit' some gold wrapped aroun' my waist!"

Pumping his fist in the air out of his own excitement, Tony D'Angelo looks about ready to continue on out here in front of his hometown, but winds up getting cut off by...