Post by UWL Office on Apr 27, 2022 18:39:25 GMT -5
The show opens scanning across the arena.
UWL Rage goes live for the April 30th show with Jackson Burnside's music blaring through the sound system. The crowd is cheering and hyped up from the show intro. The camera pans around the building to show all the ROA fans in attendance. Up at the top of the aisle the lights strobe maniacally. Fog is blasted out from hidden contraptions and it makes the arena seem like the site of a fire. The chorus to "Superbeast" loops back around on itself, and Jackson Burnside finally steps out from the back. Through the noise and music a familiar voice cuts in.
Cliff Morris: - "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Saturday night's premier sporting event! Welcome to UWL Rage!"
The cameras cut from Jackson over to the announce team duo of Cliff Morris and Logan Acker. Logan uses a large notepad to try and blow some of the smoke away from the announce area. It does little good and he frowns. Morris keeps the professional demeanor he's known for as he welcomes the fans to another Saturday night of pro wrestling.
Cliff Morris: - "CLiff Morris reporting, joined as always by my broadcast partner Logan Acker! And tonight, well this is different! We aren't jumping straight into the action and instead we are being greeting by the ROA Champion, Jackson Burnside!"
Logan Acker has since thrown his notepad down. He has come to grips with the futility of blowing the fog away from the ringside area.
Logan Acker: - "I don't know what this is Cliff. We've got the Champ coming out here. Making a ruckus and blowing this smoke all over the place. You know I can't see anything? Burnside is out here, throwing my whole night off, and for what?"
Cliff Morris: - "Jackson Burnside is coming out here to talk about the 2022 Coroantion Cup, Logan."
Logan Acker: - "The 2022 Coronation Cup, which he lost. I'll say that again Cliff! Lost. That's L-O-S-T. How come here's out here and not Caleb Hart?"
Cliff Morris: - "He is still the ROA Champion you know."
Jackson makes his way down the aisle and climbs into the ring. He shields his eyes from the glare, the fog is still settling throughout the venue. The Champ looks around until he finds something, and points out at it. The camera pans out to show Jackson pointing right up to Cliff Morris and Logan Acker, up in their little perch behind the crowd. Jackson taps his ear, maybe telling Logan that he hears him.
Cliff Morris: - "Care to comment?"
Logan Acker: - "Of course. Because he lost. Just reporting the facts Champ. Billy beat you."
Jackson waves his hand dismissively at Logan and paces around the ring. "Superbeast" stops playing. The arena remains foggy, giving it a dim, almost dingy appearance. Jackson adjusts the ROA Championship and finally addresses the crowd.
Jackson Burnside:
"Welcome to UWL! It's Saturday, and you know that that means, it's Saturday Night Rage!!!"
The cheap pop works. Jackson nods approvingly at the response from the crowd.
Jackson Burnside:
"Brothers we're gonna get right into the hard-hitting action you came to see in just a few minutes. First though, I was given a few minutes and asked to come out here to talk about somethin'. Two weeks we concluded the Coronation Cup. And I wish I was standing here, having gone the distance twice in a row, that big trophy sitting on a table here in the ring... all while trying to figure out who was gonna challenge me for this ROA Championship. We don't live in that alternative timeline, because I got beat fair and square by Billy Danielson."
The crowd boos.
Cliff Morris: - "The first person to beat Burnside in a singles match since September, that's the Horizon Champ."
Jackson Burnside:
"And then Billy, well he got beat by Caleb Hart."
This time the crowd cheers. A quick "Caleb" chant starts, but it doesn't last and quickly pitters out.
Jackson Burnside:
"Which means, the stage is set. The match has been booked, the contract as been signed and the ink is dried. At Grand Voyage, for the first time, Caleb Hart goes one on one with the Superbeast for this; the UWL Heavyweight Championship!"
Jackson pats the belt and lets the fans drink it in.
Jackson Burnside:
"I'm out here now, because I want to personally congratulate Caleb, face-to-face man to man. I want to congratulate him, and also say something a bit more personal in front you everybody. So Caleb brother, get on down here quick. Let's shake hands like men so we can get somebody else down here to put on a damn wrestling show. Lets go!"
The arena speakers begin to play...nothing. Nothing happens for a few long seconds. Finally, from backstage, Caleb Hart steps out from the entrance, the Heritage Title proudly hoisted over his shoulder. The crowd erupts at the sight of him, boos also trickling in.
Cliff Morris: - "A raucous welcome for our current ROA Heritage Champion, but it appears that not all of the crowd is on the same page!"
Logan Acker: - "Greatness has a price, and if anyone has figured that out, it would be Caleb. After all, this is the man who has done it all, including WINNING the 2022 Coronation Cup. Not to mention, he's won it for the 2nd time, something that no one in almost twenty years has done. People don't like the fact that the guy is as inevitable as death and taxes...something I'm sure most of them dodge anyways!"
In the ring, Jackson claps for Caleb, motioning out to the crowd to join in with him as Caleb walks down the ramp, slapping hands as he gets closer to the ring. Caleb steps through the ropes. Jackson stops clapping and meets him in the middle of the ring, handing Caleb a microphone. He graciously accepts before turning to look at the Coronation Cup that stands between the two men. Gently patting it, Caleb looks at Jackson and then the title over his shoulder, his eyes fixated.
Cliff Morris: - "Caleb is already making it abundantly clear that his eyes are quite literally on the prize!"
Logan Acker: - "Looking at the belt is one thing. Winning it is a whole other thing...something he knows very well."
Caleb smirks and looks at Jackson as the man holds the microphone up to his mouth.
Jackson Burnside:
"Is that all it's gonna be? Where is it brother? Come on!"
Caleb takes his time. He wants to let Jackson stew. They'll proceed on his terms, when he is ready.
Caleb Hart:
"Whaddya want me to say? Seems like you already filled the blanks in. Old Jackson Burnside knows the routine, knows what Caleb Hart has to say. For once, I think my actions speak better than words. Don't you agree? Heritage Title over my shoulder. Big old trophy in the back. It's got a new line on it y'know. Says 'Caleb Hart - 2022.'"
Jackson nods his head.
Jackson Burnside:
"Amazing. For once Caleb Hart doesn't want to listen to the sound of his own voice." Jackson squares up to Caleb. The Heritage Champ doesn't shrink or back away. He keeps a focused gaze on the ROA Champion even as the latter reaches up. Jackson adjusts the Heritage Championship subtly. Caleb watches Jackson's hand, ready to defend himself if need be, but otherwise shows no concern or fear. "It's pretty wild brother. 'Bout a year ago, less than that, I was standing right where you are. Secondary champ, Coronation Cup under my belt, lookin' across the ring at James Edwards and the World Heavyweight Title."
Caleb Hart:
"I promise Jackson, there's noting 'secondary' about me."
Jackson Burnside:
"You don't have to tell me. Caleb Hart... He repeats his name again. The old tactic of using a person's name to get their attention. "Brother, some people might call you the best in the world. Maybe even, the best UWL ever had?" He poses the question and lets it sit. Caleb declines to answer. "I think a lotta people have their minds made up. Lotta people, yourself included, it's all just a formality right? Jackson Burnside is a lame duck Champion. Mr. Hart, you're just waiting for time to pass and waiting for Grand Voyage to make it official. That right brother?"
Caleb can't help but smile. He gestures, signaling that he agrees with Jackson or at least, won't argue with him. Jackson points up behind Caleb. This causes the challenger to turn around to look over into the crowd.
Jackson Burnside:
"They think it. Read that sign for me- HEY! Can we get a camera on that?!"
It takes a few seconds for the cameraman to oblige. As the shot changes to a fan in the crowd, we hear Caleb read the words.
Caleb Hart:
"There's a hashtag. Then it says 'Caleb wins. L-O-L.'"
Sure enough that is what the sign says #CalebwinsLOL. Cut back to the men in the ring. Caleb Hart can't help but smile to himself. He's hardly said anything and he's under the Champ's skin. Jackson is still pointing out to the fan.
Jackson Burnside:
"If you think it's going down like that, you're in for an awakening brother." He lowers his arm. "I'm going to make something pretty clear dude. I've said it over and over again, but now you're out here. Standing two feet away from me. I am not ready to cede all of this-" Jackson gestures at the arena. "-to you. Something you might not know brother, heck a lotta people might not know, is my career is always on the edge of a knife. Whether or not I go on hinges in success or defeat. I was looking to retire, to deal with Arch Stanton and then give it all up. But you know what happened? I didn't just beat the Hell outta Arch, did I? I took the United States Championship. Right after that I won the Coronation Cup. Then I won this belt brother. I established myself as the top dog in the business, practically overnight. I proved to everyone and to myself that I still got it.
Caleb... now, I live for this. Not just calling myself Champ. Not jut carrying around this belt and the prestige that it imparts. I love, this. Being the hero. Being the face of this new organization. Being a role-model. Doing the media round-up. Sitting in meetings with marketing to pitch ideas. Working with the talent scouts on finding new blood and getting their feet in the door. From the moment I get outta bed Caleb, this is all I do. Not just pro wrestling. UWL. This, new company. It's what I've based my being around. To make it the best, to make myself the best, to put on the best show possible for these people." Jackson squares up again, then steps closer. The two foot gap between them is non-existent. "Brother, if you go to Grand Voyage and think you're gonna take everything from me, you're wrong. If you think you're gonna beat me, because your name is Caleb Hart and winning is just what you do, than your a fool. I tell everyone to try and take it." Jackson pats the ROA Championship. "The key word in that sentence is try."
Caleb breaks eye contact with Jackson, scratching his nose with his mic hand. The crowd loudly chants "Jackson, Jackson, Jackson". Jackson can't help but smile at the support.
Caleb Hart:
"Jackson...if you were expecting me to come out here and be disrespectful, hateful, spiteful, or anything like that, then I think you've read a little too much of my Wikipedia page. You got yourself all riled up for no reason buddy."
Jackson Burnside:
"Oh? Maybe I did you something of a disservice. Maybe, you're right. Too many Caleb Hart stories on the mind."
If he accepts Jackson's apololgy, Caleb doesn't show it. He soldiers on with what he was saying.
Caleb Hart:
"No one knows what it's like having their career on the edge of a knife like I do. Hell, Jax, I've retired twice. Once due to injury, and another due to ...well, you know. But each and every time I fought back - just like you. Teetering on the edge of the knife is the difference between a champion and a challenger. You, my friend, will not hear me say that you are not worthy...of this."
Caleb gently pats the World Championship, nodding approvingly.
Caleb Hart:
"And I'm not saying that just because you're in the ring. You've beaten the biggest, the toughest, the best that this company hasn't seen. Even a close loss to a remarkably dangerous Billy Danielson does not take the luster of the gold, my friend, nor the mystique away from the champion. Jackson Burnside is not a lame duck champion. You represented everything that UWL ever was, and now, here in our new chapter of UWL, you represent us. A proud champion...a fighting champion. But Jax, my issue is not with you saying that you're the champion...it's with you saying that you're the best.
Caleb slightly shakes his head and begins to slowly look back up into Jackson's eyes.
Caleb Hart:
"You may be champion, and at one point in time, you may have been the best that UWL and now ROA has to offer. But Jackson, while you were fighting and clawing your way to the top, you failed to realize that that big mountain of success you were climbing? That was the mountain that I built with my blood, sweat, and tears. The mountain that I took from the back of VFW halls and turned into a global touring brand. The mountain's name is "Mount Hart". And while you were trying to achieve greatness, you failed to realize that at the top of this mountain of excellence was a man that was and is just like you. Willing to go the extra mile, willing to go further and be more than anyone else. First to get here and last to leave. "
Jackson Burnside:
"Sounds like a guy I know. A guy I see in the mirror every morning. You aren't the only one busting his ass to be the best, brother."
Jackson and Caleb are now face and nose to nose. Neither man looks afraid or intimidated. If anything, both men look invigorated, ready for war.
Caleb Hart:
"Look around Jax. You can call me a secondary champion and talk about how much you have given to be where you are. That's fine. Because when it's all said and done, and I take everything you have ever worked for. Not because winning is the only thing that I do. No, my friend. Winning is just the beginning. My goal isn't just to beat you. My goal is remind the you, the boys and girls in the back, and everyone around the world, that Caleb Hart is not secondary, he's legendary. You are incredible, Jackson. But there is a difference between building the mountain and climbing it. At the end of the day, you have another obstacle to overcome. Me?"
Caleb takes a step back and pats the ROA World Championship again.
Caleb Hart:
"I'm looking for the next foundation to lay. Because when you go to build your house, you don't build it on passing sand, you build it on the steadiest footing possible. In the history of this company, no one has been more reliable, more dependable, more steeped in excellence than myself. Pardon me for sounding a little comic book villain-y my friend, but the reality is that as long as I'm chasing after you, as long as there is a champion to conquer and glory to be attained...Jackson, I am inevitable. No hashtags, no catchphrases, just facts. And at Grand Voyage, I'm not coming THINKING that I'm going to beat you. I'm going to show you why some people climb mountains and other people build worlds. At Grand Voyage, I am finally going to take back that which I never lost to begin with."
Caleb slowly backs up towards the ropes.
Jackson Burnside:
"You'll keep on building your mountain over my beaten body."
Caleb Hart:
"That's kind of the point. Jax, I'm not going to try. Trying your hardest doesn't make you a champion. Winning does. At Grand Voyage, that's exactly what I'm going to do."
Caleb drops the microphone and walks out of the ring, slapping hands with fans on the way back. In the ring, Jackson is fired up, beginning to stomp around the ring, motioning to the crowd that he's more than ready for what's coming...he's been counting on it. The two champs stare eye to eye, and the gap between them seems to be miles apart. The Heritage Champion has a cocksure grin as he backs up the aisle. He had the ROA Champion wound up without saying much, and now having said his piece his confidence has grown.
Cliff Morris: - "A lot of strong words here to start this show."
Logan Acker: - "You have the feeling the experience Hart has, everything he's said is true. Jackson cannot deny it, and I think that Hart came out on top of this exchange. He's trying to boast through it Cliff, but I think the ROA Champ is rattled."
Cliff Morris: - "I hate to say it, but I agree. We know that Burnside can beat any one, any day but I think right now more than ever, he's worried. I think no matter what happens, whomever wins Logan, the ROA Championship Match at Grand Voyage is going to be one for the history books."
Logan Acker: - "No doubt about it! I cannot wait for Grand Voyage!"
Jackson is pacing around the ring like a caged bull. He's putting on the appearance of a man ready to fight and back up all his words. If Jackson Burnside is afraid of Caleb Hart it doesn't show. As Rage transitions to the first break of the night, the camera jumps between the ROA Champion and his challenger. Each man looking stoic, his respective title worn on a shoulder on display for all to see.
HEY YEAH! I'M THE ONE THAT YOU WANTED!
HEY YEEEAAAHH! I'M YOUR SUPERBEEAASSSTT!!!"
HEY YEEEAAAHH! I'M YOUR SUPERBEEAASSSTT!!!"
UWL Rage goes live for the April 30th show with Jackson Burnside's music blaring through the sound system. The crowd is cheering and hyped up from the show intro. The camera pans around the building to show all the ROA fans in attendance. Up at the top of the aisle the lights strobe maniacally. Fog is blasted out from hidden contraptions and it makes the arena seem like the site of a fire. The chorus to "Superbeast" loops back around on itself, and Jackson Burnside finally steps out from the back. Through the noise and music a familiar voice cuts in.
Cliff Morris: - "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Saturday night's premier sporting event! Welcome to UWL Rage!"
The cameras cut from Jackson over to the announce team duo of Cliff Morris and Logan Acker. Logan uses a large notepad to try and blow some of the smoke away from the announce area. It does little good and he frowns. Morris keeps the professional demeanor he's known for as he welcomes the fans to another Saturday night of pro wrestling.
Cliff Morris: - "CLiff Morris reporting, joined as always by my broadcast partner Logan Acker! And tonight, well this is different! We aren't jumping straight into the action and instead we are being greeting by the ROA Champion, Jackson Burnside!"
Logan Acker has since thrown his notepad down. He has come to grips with the futility of blowing the fog away from the ringside area.
Logan Acker: - "I don't know what this is Cliff. We've got the Champ coming out here. Making a ruckus and blowing this smoke all over the place. You know I can't see anything? Burnside is out here, throwing my whole night off, and for what?"
Cliff Morris: - "Jackson Burnside is coming out here to talk about the 2022 Coroantion Cup, Logan."
Logan Acker: - "The 2022 Coronation Cup, which he lost. I'll say that again Cliff! Lost. That's L-O-S-T. How come here's out here and not Caleb Hart?"
Cliff Morris: - "He is still the ROA Champion you know."
Jackson makes his way down the aisle and climbs into the ring. He shields his eyes from the glare, the fog is still settling throughout the venue. The Champ looks around until he finds something, and points out at it. The camera pans out to show Jackson pointing right up to Cliff Morris and Logan Acker, up in their little perch behind the crowd. Jackson taps his ear, maybe telling Logan that he hears him.
Cliff Morris: - "Care to comment?"
Logan Acker: - "Of course. Because he lost. Just reporting the facts Champ. Billy beat you."
Jackson waves his hand dismissively at Logan and paces around the ring. "Superbeast" stops playing. The arena remains foggy, giving it a dim, almost dingy appearance. Jackson adjusts the ROA Championship and finally addresses the crowd.
Jackson Burnside:
"Welcome to UWL! It's Saturday, and you know that that means, it's Saturday Night Rage!!!"
The cheap pop works. Jackson nods approvingly at the response from the crowd.
Jackson Burnside:
"Brothers we're gonna get right into the hard-hitting action you came to see in just a few minutes. First though, I was given a few minutes and asked to come out here to talk about somethin'. Two weeks we concluded the Coronation Cup. And I wish I was standing here, having gone the distance twice in a row, that big trophy sitting on a table here in the ring... all while trying to figure out who was gonna challenge me for this ROA Championship. We don't live in that alternative timeline, because I got beat fair and square by Billy Danielson."
The crowd boos.
Cliff Morris: - "The first person to beat Burnside in a singles match since September, that's the Horizon Champ."
Jackson Burnside:
"And then Billy, well he got beat by Caleb Hart."
This time the crowd cheers. A quick "Caleb" chant starts, but it doesn't last and quickly pitters out.
Jackson Burnside:
"Which means, the stage is set. The match has been booked, the contract as been signed and the ink is dried. At Grand Voyage, for the first time, Caleb Hart goes one on one with the Superbeast for this; the UWL Heavyweight Championship!"
Jackson pats the belt and lets the fans drink it in.
Jackson Burnside:
"I'm out here now, because I want to personally congratulate Caleb, face-to-face man to man. I want to congratulate him, and also say something a bit more personal in front you everybody. So Caleb brother, get on down here quick. Let's shake hands like men so we can get somebody else down here to put on a damn wrestling show. Lets go!"
The arena speakers begin to play...nothing. Nothing happens for a few long seconds. Finally, from backstage, Caleb Hart steps out from the entrance, the Heritage Title proudly hoisted over his shoulder. The crowd erupts at the sight of him, boos also trickling in.
Cliff Morris: - "A raucous welcome for our current ROA Heritage Champion, but it appears that not all of the crowd is on the same page!"
Logan Acker: - "Greatness has a price, and if anyone has figured that out, it would be Caleb. After all, this is the man who has done it all, including WINNING the 2022 Coronation Cup. Not to mention, he's won it for the 2nd time, something that no one in almost twenty years has done. People don't like the fact that the guy is as inevitable as death and taxes...something I'm sure most of them dodge anyways!"
In the ring, Jackson claps for Caleb, motioning out to the crowd to join in with him as Caleb walks down the ramp, slapping hands as he gets closer to the ring. Caleb steps through the ropes. Jackson stops clapping and meets him in the middle of the ring, handing Caleb a microphone. He graciously accepts before turning to look at the Coronation Cup that stands between the two men. Gently patting it, Caleb looks at Jackson and then the title over his shoulder, his eyes fixated.
Cliff Morris: - "Caleb is already making it abundantly clear that his eyes are quite literally on the prize!"
Logan Acker: - "Looking at the belt is one thing. Winning it is a whole other thing...something he knows very well."
Caleb smirks and looks at Jackson as the man holds the microphone up to his mouth.
Jackson Burnside:
"Is that all it's gonna be? Where is it brother? Come on!"
Caleb takes his time. He wants to let Jackson stew. They'll proceed on his terms, when he is ready.
Caleb Hart:
"Whaddya want me to say? Seems like you already filled the blanks in. Old Jackson Burnside knows the routine, knows what Caleb Hart has to say. For once, I think my actions speak better than words. Don't you agree? Heritage Title over my shoulder. Big old trophy in the back. It's got a new line on it y'know. Says 'Caleb Hart - 2022.'"
Jackson nods his head.
Jackson Burnside:
"Amazing. For once Caleb Hart doesn't want to listen to the sound of his own voice." Jackson squares up to Caleb. The Heritage Champ doesn't shrink or back away. He keeps a focused gaze on the ROA Champion even as the latter reaches up. Jackson adjusts the Heritage Championship subtly. Caleb watches Jackson's hand, ready to defend himself if need be, but otherwise shows no concern or fear. "It's pretty wild brother. 'Bout a year ago, less than that, I was standing right where you are. Secondary champ, Coronation Cup under my belt, lookin' across the ring at James Edwards and the World Heavyweight Title."
Caleb Hart:
"I promise Jackson, there's noting 'secondary' about me."
Jackson Burnside:
"You don't have to tell me. Caleb Hart... He repeats his name again. The old tactic of using a person's name to get their attention. "Brother, some people might call you the best in the world. Maybe even, the best UWL ever had?" He poses the question and lets it sit. Caleb declines to answer. "I think a lotta people have their minds made up. Lotta people, yourself included, it's all just a formality right? Jackson Burnside is a lame duck Champion. Mr. Hart, you're just waiting for time to pass and waiting for Grand Voyage to make it official. That right brother?"
Caleb can't help but smile. He gestures, signaling that he agrees with Jackson or at least, won't argue with him. Jackson points up behind Caleb. This causes the challenger to turn around to look over into the crowd.
Jackson Burnside:
"They think it. Read that sign for me- HEY! Can we get a camera on that?!"
It takes a few seconds for the cameraman to oblige. As the shot changes to a fan in the crowd, we hear Caleb read the words.
Caleb Hart:
"There's a hashtag. Then it says 'Caleb wins. L-O-L.'"
Sure enough that is what the sign says #CalebwinsLOL. Cut back to the men in the ring. Caleb Hart can't help but smile to himself. He's hardly said anything and he's under the Champ's skin. Jackson is still pointing out to the fan.
Jackson Burnside:
"If you think it's going down like that, you're in for an awakening brother." He lowers his arm. "I'm going to make something pretty clear dude. I've said it over and over again, but now you're out here. Standing two feet away from me. I am not ready to cede all of this-" Jackson gestures at the arena. "-to you. Something you might not know brother, heck a lotta people might not know, is my career is always on the edge of a knife. Whether or not I go on hinges in success or defeat. I was looking to retire, to deal with Arch Stanton and then give it all up. But you know what happened? I didn't just beat the Hell outta Arch, did I? I took the United States Championship. Right after that I won the Coronation Cup. Then I won this belt brother. I established myself as the top dog in the business, practically overnight. I proved to everyone and to myself that I still got it.
Caleb... now, I live for this. Not just calling myself Champ. Not jut carrying around this belt and the prestige that it imparts. I love, this. Being the hero. Being the face of this new organization. Being a role-model. Doing the media round-up. Sitting in meetings with marketing to pitch ideas. Working with the talent scouts on finding new blood and getting their feet in the door. From the moment I get outta bed Caleb, this is all I do. Not just pro wrestling. UWL. This, new company. It's what I've based my being around. To make it the best, to make myself the best, to put on the best show possible for these people." Jackson squares up again, then steps closer. The two foot gap between them is non-existent. "Brother, if you go to Grand Voyage and think you're gonna take everything from me, you're wrong. If you think you're gonna beat me, because your name is Caleb Hart and winning is just what you do, than your a fool. I tell everyone to try and take it." Jackson pats the ROA Championship. "The key word in that sentence is try."
Caleb breaks eye contact with Jackson, scratching his nose with his mic hand. The crowd loudly chants "Jackson, Jackson, Jackson". Jackson can't help but smile at the support.
Caleb Hart:
"Jackson...if you were expecting me to come out here and be disrespectful, hateful, spiteful, or anything like that, then I think you've read a little too much of my Wikipedia page. You got yourself all riled up for no reason buddy."
Jackson Burnside:
"Oh? Maybe I did you something of a disservice. Maybe, you're right. Too many Caleb Hart stories on the mind."
If he accepts Jackson's apololgy, Caleb doesn't show it. He soldiers on with what he was saying.
Caleb Hart:
"No one knows what it's like having their career on the edge of a knife like I do. Hell, Jax, I've retired twice. Once due to injury, and another due to ...well, you know. But each and every time I fought back - just like you. Teetering on the edge of the knife is the difference between a champion and a challenger. You, my friend, will not hear me say that you are not worthy...of this."
Caleb gently pats the World Championship, nodding approvingly.
Caleb Hart:
"And I'm not saying that just because you're in the ring. You've beaten the biggest, the toughest, the best that this company hasn't seen. Even a close loss to a remarkably dangerous Billy Danielson does not take the luster of the gold, my friend, nor the mystique away from the champion. Jackson Burnside is not a lame duck champion. You represented everything that UWL ever was, and now, here in our new chapter of UWL, you represent us. A proud champion...a fighting champion. But Jax, my issue is not with you saying that you're the champion...it's with you saying that you're the best.
Caleb slightly shakes his head and begins to slowly look back up into Jackson's eyes.
Caleb Hart:
"You may be champion, and at one point in time, you may have been the best that UWL and now ROA has to offer. But Jackson, while you were fighting and clawing your way to the top, you failed to realize that that big mountain of success you were climbing? That was the mountain that I built with my blood, sweat, and tears. The mountain that I took from the back of VFW halls and turned into a global touring brand. The mountain's name is "Mount Hart". And while you were trying to achieve greatness, you failed to realize that at the top of this mountain of excellence was a man that was and is just like you. Willing to go the extra mile, willing to go further and be more than anyone else. First to get here and last to leave. "
Jackson Burnside:
"Sounds like a guy I know. A guy I see in the mirror every morning. You aren't the only one busting his ass to be the best, brother."
Jackson and Caleb are now face and nose to nose. Neither man looks afraid or intimidated. If anything, both men look invigorated, ready for war.
Caleb Hart:
"Look around Jax. You can call me a secondary champion and talk about how much you have given to be where you are. That's fine. Because when it's all said and done, and I take everything you have ever worked for. Not because winning is the only thing that I do. No, my friend. Winning is just the beginning. My goal isn't just to beat you. My goal is remind the you, the boys and girls in the back, and everyone around the world, that Caleb Hart is not secondary, he's legendary. You are incredible, Jackson. But there is a difference between building the mountain and climbing it. At the end of the day, you have another obstacle to overcome. Me?"
Caleb takes a step back and pats the ROA World Championship again.
Caleb Hart:
"I'm looking for the next foundation to lay. Because when you go to build your house, you don't build it on passing sand, you build it on the steadiest footing possible. In the history of this company, no one has been more reliable, more dependable, more steeped in excellence than myself. Pardon me for sounding a little comic book villain-y my friend, but the reality is that as long as I'm chasing after you, as long as there is a champion to conquer and glory to be attained...Jackson, I am inevitable. No hashtags, no catchphrases, just facts. And at Grand Voyage, I'm not coming THINKING that I'm going to beat you. I'm going to show you why some people climb mountains and other people build worlds. At Grand Voyage, I am finally going to take back that which I never lost to begin with."
Caleb slowly backs up towards the ropes.
Jackson Burnside:
"You'll keep on building your mountain over my beaten body."
Caleb Hart:
"That's kind of the point. Jax, I'm not going to try. Trying your hardest doesn't make you a champion. Winning does. At Grand Voyage, that's exactly what I'm going to do."
Caleb drops the microphone and walks out of the ring, slapping hands with fans on the way back. In the ring, Jackson is fired up, beginning to stomp around the ring, motioning to the crowd that he's more than ready for what's coming...he's been counting on it. The two champs stare eye to eye, and the gap between them seems to be miles apart. The Heritage Champion has a cocksure grin as he backs up the aisle. He had the ROA Champion wound up without saying much, and now having said his piece his confidence has grown.
Cliff Morris: - "A lot of strong words here to start this show."
Logan Acker: - "You have the feeling the experience Hart has, everything he's said is true. Jackson cannot deny it, and I think that Hart came out on top of this exchange. He's trying to boast through it Cliff, but I think the ROA Champ is rattled."
Cliff Morris: - "I hate to say it, but I agree. We know that Burnside can beat any one, any day but I think right now more than ever, he's worried. I think no matter what happens, whomever wins Logan, the ROA Championship Match at Grand Voyage is going to be one for the history books."
Logan Acker: - "No doubt about it! I cannot wait for Grand Voyage!"
Jackson is pacing around the ring like a caged bull. He's putting on the appearance of a man ready to fight and back up all his words. If Jackson Burnside is afraid of Caleb Hart it doesn't show. As Rage transitions to the first break of the night, the camera jumps between the ROA Champion and his challenger. Each man looking stoic, his respective title worn on a shoulder on display for all to see.
