Post by Peter Vaughn on Dec 31, 2022 2:10:24 GMT -5
The Road So Far:
The Most Honorable Peter Vaughn
The Flames of Fate (Level Up)
The Fire Still Burns (WSOW)
How To Win Friends & Influence People
Building To A Confrontation...
The duo of Peter Vaughn and Andrew Logan have a long history together. Very little of it has been what you would consider "nice".
Vaughn first encountered Logan during his jobber days, trying to fight back against the massive beast and basically taking a hell of a beating. But Logan saw something in Vaughn that day, even through the squash. He was one of the first to try and recruit Vaughn to his side, wanting to teach him to be a ruthless wrestling machine like himself. Vaughn turned him down, and took another beating for 'standing on his principles'. Principles that Vaughn no longer believes in himself.
Logan would later go to prison for a few years due to his actions with the Left Hand, but would eventually get out under suspicious circumstances, reclaiming a spot near the top of a criminal enterprise. For some reason, he has not let go of his obsession with Vaughn. Maybe he's more interested now that he sees that Vaughn has followed the 'potential' he saw so many years ago. Once again, the two have crossed paths, which has led to, among other things, a destroyed office building and a ranch nearly set ablaze.
Now, after Vaughn was set up for a "retribution bombing" at a local farmer's house, he has been 'invited' to meet with Logan once again. Will Vaughn finally opt to work with Logan? Or will we once again see fireworks between the two hardened individuals?
October 23rd, 2005
~We find ourselves back in the past, entering what appears to be a school restroom. There appears to only be one student in the room, standing as he stares at the image of himself in the mirror. We can tell that it's a teenage Peter Vaughn. We can also tell that he's been in apparently a one-sided fight, as he's got a busted lip and a nice shiner growing around his eye. Peter, though, seems more concerned about his shirt, which has a dribble of blood across it. He's working on it with soap and water, trying to clean it, obsessed in taking out the stain. He continues to work on it, scrubbing away, as we slowly cut away.~
December 31st, 2022
~The shot returns to the present, where we see Peter Vaughn checking himself out in the reflection. He makes a few nudges to the tie he's wearing, a strange sight for Vaughn, to be sure. He then steps forward, triggering the automatic doors, which slide open. Vaughn walks inside, looking around the lobby area for a second, before continuing on to the elevator area. A guard is waiting there, who steps forward towards Vaughn, considering him.~
Guard: This building is closed to everyone except those in the private party tonight, sir.
Peter Vaughn: A party, huh? I figured there had to be a reason I needed to be shined up like this. Well, here's my invitation.
~Vaughn reaches into his pocket, as the guard tenses up. But Vaughn just pulls out his cell phone, popping it open and bringing up the invite he had gotten through text. He opened the PDF and showed the guard, who immediately scans it. The guard checks his machine, then nods.~
Guard: You'll want to head up to the 30th floor.
Peter Vaughn: You'd make an excellent liftman, wouldn't you?
Guard: What the hell's a liftman?
Peter Vaughn: Never mind. So, the 30th floor?
Guard: That's right. Have a good time.
Peter Vaughn: We'll see how the party goes...
~The guard shrugs and leans back against the wall, as Vaughn gets inside the elevator. He lets the door shut and pushes the 30 button, feeling the elevator as it begins to rise upwards... taking him to an unknown destination. We cut away again.~
So it's finally time. Time for me to claim another World Championship.
You know, this just seems to be my time of year for it. It was at the latter half of 2021 that I won the OCW World Title. It was during the beginning months of 2022 that I would hold three World Titles at the same time. Maybe it's just my fate to excel during the winter months. It must be something about the atmosphere that makes me practically unbeatable during this time of year. Maybe it's because my birthday just took place. Could be.
Of course, the path isn't going to be an easy one. Not at all. Because James Raven & Chris Page have, unfortunately, dropped the ball once again. And hey, let's face it, I'm one of the biggest Raven fanboys out there, and everyone knows Chris is my boy, but I can't ignore this mistake. After all, we were building towards something. The World Title Division was getting set up to be a very impressive place to be. I fought in Showcases against Mark Flynn and Max Daemon, taking them both down. I proved myself once again over Buster Gloves. I showed the world that I deserved to be in a unique match with the best of the best to fight for the World Championship.
And then Raven & Page just said, screw it, put it up for grabs in the Rumble.
You have your most prestigious championship, the gold that deserves, no, CRAVES to be around the waist of the greatest wrestler in the company, and you just lay it out there for random chance. You realize, now, that some of the lowest members of the federation, guys like Mike Mason and Ace Sky, have just as much chance of becoming a World Champion as I do? And it could be a fluke. Someone could slip next to the ropes, the Punisher could trip into them, and wow, he's World Champion.
Boom! Instant destruction of the brand. The crowds drop the brand like a hot potato from the microwave. The WGWF immediately goes back into hibernation. It's all over.
Luckily for you two, I'm not going to let that happen.
Sure, there's a bunch of undeserving losers in this Rumble who nonetheless are contending for the top title. Well, I'm certainly going to make it my goal to toss each and every one of those worthless non-competitors, like Samantha Volts or Vos or whatever her name is, and end their nights before anything tragic can happen. I'm going to save this company, and I'm not doing it for Raven, and I'm not even doing it for Page.
I'm going to do it for myself, because nobody else deserves to be World Champion like I do.
Nobody.
October 23rd, 2005
~We're back at Peter Vaughn's apartment building, as he slowly trudges his way up the stairs to his floor. Once again, the elevator showed an "Out of Order" sign, as it's been impossible to keep it operational without the proper parts (or funding). Peter has his head down as he marches upwards, so he doesn't realize who's standing above him until he almost bumps into them.~
Peter Vaughn: Oh, excuse me...
~Peter goes to sidestep around the man, who quickly grabs him by the shoulders.~
Mr. Vaughn: You really are lost in the clouds, aren't you, son?
~Peter's father leans in closer, getting a better look at his son as his eyes widen, staring at his dad. Mr. Vaughn is quickly shaking his head, realizing what must have happened. He reaches behind him, picking up a bottle of water, and pours some on a clean rag from his pocket, before pressing it against Peter's bloody mouth. The son winces in pain, probably having not realized how severe the cut was.~
Mr. Vaughn: I know I've told you to always keep a stiff upper lip, son, but this isn't what I had in mind. So who was it this time? The Travers brothers again?
Peter Vaughn: 'ey 'ernt a'one.
Mr. Vaughn: Okay, my fault, shouldn't ask you to talk with a cloth in your mouth. One second...
~Mr. Vaughn expertly finishes cleaning the cut on Vaughn's lip, then leans back, as Peter gingerly presses against it. It's been a while, so at least the bleeding has stopped.~
Peter Vaughn: Ouch!
Mr. Vaughn: Yeah, it's going to be tender for a few days. So what happened?
Peter Vaughn: It... it was Johnny & Billy... but they weren't alone.
Mr. Vaughn: So you fought, what, four on one this time?
Peter Vaughn: I... I didn't fight. I just stood up to them, like you said...
Mr. Vaughn: Yeah, well, to them, that's putting up a fight. Cowards will always be willing to strike if they've got the numbers. C'mon, let's put some ice on that lip, and then we can call the school.
~Mr. Vaughn puts an arm around his son, even as Peter vigorously shakes his head.~
Peter Vaughn: You know that won't do anything but get me in more trouble...
Mr. Vaughn: Son... *sighs* We've got to come up with something else, then. Let's go.
~The two move off, heading for their apartment, as Mr. Vaughn leaves his mop bucket behind in the stairwell. The camera focuses on it... ~
December 31st, 2022
~... And then we transition to a different mop bucket, hidden in the corner near the elevator as the doors open. Vaughn steps out, readjusting his cufflinks, which appear to be annoying him. He walks forward, taking in the sight of the apparent holiday party taking place. Well-dressed couples are moving here and there, dining on the nice, high-class buffet laid out to the side of the open room. There's a fountain placed near the center, making for a very glamorous entryway. Vaughn walks forward, checking out the fountain before continuing on towards the main section of the party. One man steps forward, eyes narrowing as he takes in Vaughn, who just doesn't look like someone who'd be at an event like this, well-dressed or not.~
Businessman: Excuse me, can I help you?
Peter Vaughn: I've been told in the past that nobody can help me. But then, most people have been proven wrong.
~The man tilts his head slightly, confused. Vaughn gives a deep sigh before continuing.~
Peter Vaughn: In regards to tonight, you can help me by showing me where Andrew Logan is. He's the man who invited me here.
Businessman: You're... you're with Mr. Logan??
~He gulps audibly, obviously concerned about even saying Logan's name. Vaughn smiles.~
Peter Vaughn: He'd like to think I am, at least. Where is he?
~Wordlessly, the man points to the left, and Vaughn follows his direction, noticing a group of men clustered around a single figure at a table. Vaughn heads that way, not even saying goodbye to the nervous businessman, who is already looking for his wife so he can get out of there. Vaughn walks up to the table, leaning on the chair in front of it, as the man sitting there raises his hand. He was in the midst of cutting a rather bloody-looking steak.~
Andrew Logan: Ahhh, Peter. Fashionably late as always, I see. Have a seat.
Peter Vaughn: I'm not really here to hang out, Andrew. I'm here to find out why you invited me.
Andrew Logan: Stop being a bitter guest and sit down. It's not like you have anywhere else to go.
~Vaughn looks back behind him, seeing that a line of suits has begun to form. They all look ready for a fight. Several of the other guests are already heading away, clearly deciding that the party is over. Vaughn shrugs, then finally sits down, leaning back in the chair as Logan continues on his steak, taking a bite and grinning with bliss.~
Andrew Logan: They truly make a brilliant porterhouse steak, if you're interested.
Peter Vaughn: I ate before I came here.
Andrew Logan: Ahhh, a lack of trust on your part. Then again, we HAVE tried to kill each other, haven't we? I suppose I can't blame you. But you showed up, so you must be curious about my latest offer.
Peter Vaughn: Honestly, maybe I'm a little curious. Why would you still want me to work with you, after all we've been through?
~Logan takes his time answering, taking a long swig from his glass before continuing. All around Vaughn, the party seems to be shutting down. It was likely just there to give Vaughn a bit of false confidence in his surroundings.~
Andrew Logan: It's BECAUSE of what we've been through that I want to align ourselves together, Peter. You've become quite a dangerous man in the last year. Why, some might say you're even more ruthless than I am. They'd be wrong, but they might still say it. You and I, Peter, have never been more alike.
Peter Vaughn: And yet, no matter what you say, Andrew, I don't see it... because, really, I'm just that much better than you.
~This seems to give Logan pause for a second, but he still chuckles before taking another bite of steak.~
Andrew Logan: Look, Peter, it's because of my respect for you that you've made it this far. But don't take your position here too lightly. You see, you've now got two choices available to you. One, you can agree to my terms here tonight, and we can work to make your future even brighter in 2023. Two, well, you've walked right into the Lion's Den, and you don't really have any way out. Surely not even your ego allows you to think that you can fight all the way through myself and my men here tonight?
~There's a rustle behind Vaughn, as several of the individuals appear to be preparing themselves with various weapons. Vaughn doesn't even bother to look at them. He just returns Logan's grin, showing no fear as he prepares himself for what's to come.~
I've never been one to back down from a fight, not even in my younger days.
I'm definitely expecting one hell of a fight at the Rumble, no matter when I enter the squared circle. So who am I considering the biggest threats? Well, if I'm being honest, I'd say anyone from the CCPE could make a run for the gold. Bam Miller is a good friend, one who deeply enjoys fights like this. I could see him bringing with him an arsenal of bricks to KO the competition. Hey, I wonder if he built a brick pedestal outside and landed on it, would he still be able to return to the Rumble? Maybe there are other uses for his bricks than just hitting people... not that I expect him to try anything different.
Fred Debonair gets to choose his entry, so I expect him right at the very end. I mean, any other choice would be laughable. I could see Kido or Cholo wanting to enter first to prove themselves, but not Debonair. That means I'm almost guaranteed to be fighting him after all the numbers have been called, and that might give ol' Freddy an advantage. Hey, good for him. He took what was offered, while Flynn & I were screwed. I respect him for it. That being said, there will be no hesitation in hauling his ass over the ropes when the time is right. It's all business, after all.
Of course, there's also Flynn, who easily should be one of the odds-on favorites in this one. When Flynn and I get in there, I fully expect us to work as a team and launch every single other pretender out of there. There's no reason for us to brawl right away, since obviously, we'll be much stronger as a duo against all the people who, for their own selfish reasons, will team up against us. Once all those guys are gone, though, I'll be watching my back, and I'm sure Marky Mark will be, too, because we both know that only one of us is winning this Rumble. I will feel absolutely no grief if I'm the one who once again defeats you, Mark. Maybe it'll just be the start of a trend, who knows?
Next, there's the CCPE guys I'm not that fond of at the moment, like Macky Banned and Holding His Nuts. I kid, I kid, Mac, Holden. But hey, I did wonder, any of you guys trust the ones you'll be working with? Mac, are you planning to toss Cable out on his keister as soon as he turns his back? Rossy, you going to low blow Mac when you get the chance? I mean, for all Fred, Mark, and I might be willing to do to each other, we'll still trust ourselves to dispose of the garbage first. Do any of you guys feel the same way?
If you all were smart, you'd immediately turn on Raion Kido, or Kiddo to his friends. He's probably the biggest threat in this Rumble, and I'll give him his props: he immediately made allies with you guys BECAUSE we were going into a Rumble. Can you imagine if Kido entered this one without having made those connections? He'd be public enemy #1, and everyone would be gunning on him. No, Kido's developing some smarts. He allied himself with the Trinity in the XWF, and he's found allies here, because he knows he needs them to survive. So again, if you were intelligent men, Mac, Holden, you'd powerbomb Kido out of the match if the opportunity arose. But, you probably won't... because you've gotten so soft.
So what about Tristan? Is he going to be wheeled out there for the competition? Will he even be medically cleared? What about Cable? The man's probably near a heart attack at this point, I don't know if I'd trust putting him in a Rumble like this. Maybe get that guy to sign a waiver first. The two old-timers have both had their time in the WGWF. It's reached a point where we need fresh blood, and they're still clinging on by their long, ancient fingernails, desperate to stay relevant. Obviously, those two will be my top targets, because there's no point in someone from outside the CCPE even competing in this event.
Once I'm holding the WGWF World Heavyweight Title, hey, maybe I'll even be able to rename it. The CCPE Championship. It has a hell of a ring to it, doesn't it, Chris? James?
Eh, you'll warm up to it once I'm champ...
October 23rd, 2005
~We find ourselves back in the Vaughn apartment, as Mr. Vaughn is treating his son's various cuts and scrapes. The shirt has been carefully placed to the side, with the father noticing a wash has been attempted.~
Mr. Vaughn: Why did you clean the shirt and not your face, son?
Peter Vaughn: My face will heal. But I don't have that many more shirts...
Mr. Vaughn: ... Fair point, I suppose.
~Mr. Vaughn puts an ice-wrapped towel against Peter's jaw. Peter hisses in a bit of air, feeling the cold sting, then relaxes.~
Mr. Vaughn: We really need to do something about this...
Peter Vaughn: Telling the teachers won't change anything.
Mr. Vaughn: Okay, so let's look at it from another angle. It can't keep being 3-on-1 and 4-on-1, son. You'll never make it through that.
~The father gets down next to his son, considering his next words carefully.~
Mr. Vaughn: Have you thought about... maybe making some more friends?
~The way Mr. Vaughn emphasizes "friends" catches Peter's attention, as he looks up at his father with an unsure look. Mr. Vaughn then smiles... ~
December 31st, 2022
~... And we can see the same type of smile on Vaughn's face as he slowly pushes himself up out of the chair. He looks behind him at the quiet men in suits, all waiting for his decision. Logan, for his part, takes another bite of his steak, unconcerned.~
Peter Vaughn: You know, Andrew, it was curious that you chose a building like this to have this meeting. You thought, hey, I'll have the run of the floor, so everything will be fine, right? But you were short-sighted once again, I'm afraid... because you didn't think about what else is needed in a building like this.
~Logan carefully finishes what he's eating, swallowing before he responds.~
Andrew Logan: Oh, really? Enlighten me, Peter. What is so necessary?
Peter Vaughn: ... Maintenance.
~Logan's eyebrows rise, puzzled for a moment, before he suddenly seems to understand. He pushes back from the table, getting up, even as a loud yell can be heard behind the suits. They spin around, surprised, as a wave of building custodians swarms in, each armed with their own individual weapons themselves. Within seconds, it's a complete donnybrook, as the suits and the coveralls go to war. For his part, Vaughn has already leaped over the table, swinging away at Logan, who fights back just as hard.~
Andrew Logan: You unpredictable scumbag!
Peter Vaughn: Says the man who invited me to an ambush!
~The two foes strike at each other, with Vaughn scoring with an uppercut that sends Logan reeling backwards. As Vaughn grabs at him, though, wanting to take him into the table, Logan lifts him up. He tosses Vaughn aside, his size advantage still a factor, as he stumbles away towards the nearby doorway. He hurries through, with Vaughn in hot pursuit.~
Peter Vaughn: Get your ass back here, Andrew! The party's only just started!!
~Vaughn races after Logan, knocking aside a bodyguard who tries to stop him with a pistol. The gun goes off harmlessly when it hits the ground, even as Vaughn drops the man with Revenged. Vaughn kips up, hurrying after Logan, who apparently is on his way towards the roof. Vaughn gets to the roof access door, but it's already been slammed shut, apparently getting jammed closed on the other side. Vaughn, annoyed, kicks away at it.~
Peter Vaughn: C'mon, damn it, Andrew! That's a safety hazard, you coward!
~A third kick seems to shift whatever's blocking the door, and a fourth kick finally knocks it open. Vaughn hurries out, only to see a helicopter already taking off. Logan can be seen, waving at Vaughn, as the helicopter gains altitude, soaring away from the roof. Vaughn stops and watches them go, pacing back and forth as it disappears into the distance. Behind him, a custodian can be seen coming onto the roof, locating Vaughn and heading over to him.~
Custodian: Sir? Head Custodian, sir?
Peter Vaughn: Yeah, Vincent? Everything good down there?
Custodian: Yes, sir. The guards never knew what hit them.
Peter Vaughn: And the tracking device?
~The custodian gets out an iPhone from his pocket and checks it, pressing a few buttons.~
Custodian: It looks like the signal from the helicopter is coming in loud and clear.
Peter Vaughn: Good. Have the Coalition monitor it and tell me where he lands. That, on its own, will tell us a lot about our next move.
Custodian: Yes, sir. And what are you going to do, sir?
~Vaughn seems to think about it for a moment, staring off where the helicopter disappeared.~
Peter Vaughn: Well, I'd hate to see all that free food wasted. If nobody's been thrown into it, I might as well make a bag or two to take back to the ranch. It might help pay off having to wear this damn monkey suit.
Custodian: Very good, sir.
~Vaughn straightens up, dusting off his suit, before turning and heading back down below. The custodians are likely already working on their 'clean-up'. We slowly fade out.~