Post by ccp on Jun 30, 2023 11:42:19 GMT
The more things change in our business the more they stay the same, at least if your me and CCPE. In just a few months, we will celebrate our second year as THE most dominant group of collective talent that holds more Championship across the entire wrestling spectrum than any other group, faction, or enterprise in our industry. Words can’t express how proud I am of the guys and gals I have under contract, but I need to touch something off-rip because some of you might be scratching your heads as you ask yourself a logical question. Isn’t Mac Bane one of your clients? And if so why are you fighting him? Don’t worry, you’re not a complete dumbass if those popped into your head because that is a story all on its own.
Flash Back:
Off Camera
“This is starting to frustrate me to no end.”
The voice belonging to Chris Page opens our scene inside his office at The Velvet Rabbit Las Vegas. It’s midday and the natural sunlight beams through the floor-to-ceiling windows illuminating the luxurious space. We see Chris sitting at his desk with his CEO of CCPE, his right hand, the most powerful woman in all of Professional Wrestling, Kat Jones.
KAT JONES: I know it’s not what you want to hear.
CHRIS PAGE: Don’t get me wrong, I could easily take the match but at this point, it would look like charity, and no disrespect intended to Sin City Wrestling, but I don’t accept handouts that I haven’t earned. I’m not 90% of the business.
Kat quickly responds.
KAT JONES: I know how it appears but if you and Mac want to get this done sign the contract and take the title match and make it happen. You’re Chris Page for Christ's sake!
The problem with taking things that aren’t earned is tainting the overall appeal of what is about to unfold, especially when a World Title is hanging in the balance. I could have been a dick, I could have been selfish or self-centered but doing things the easy way is more of a most of you situation versus being a me situation. I don’t have to have my name at the top of the card if I haven’t earned it, and I don’t need to run around with multiple world titles, although I did, it’s not a necessity to me because my ego isn’t as big as some might make it out to be.
CHRIS PAGE: Let me see that contract.
Kat slides the Sin City Wrestling contract for a title bout between Mac Bane and Chris Page across the top of his desk where Chris retrieves it. Chris studies the contract before taking a pen from the desktop. Chris nearly puts pen to paper before drawing it back. Chris rips the contract up to the minor shock that is displayed on Kat’s face.
CHRIS PAGE: I can’t do it. Michael Harris walked back into the world of wrestling and “beat” me regardless of the gaga that came along with it. I pride myself on being one of the best to lace a pair of boots, and if I couldn’t get the job done against a rusty sack of shit like that then I don’t belong in the conversation.
As much as I wanted to get in the ring with Mac and test my skills, I damn sure wasn’t doing it in a Triple Threat for a first-time meeting. I also know that eventually there is going to be a right time, a right place and the right set of circumstances for this chance encounter to come full circle without getting greedy, without settling on it because a company wants you to. I have too much respect for not only myself but for Mac Bane to allow that to happen. You only get one FIRST, why not make it memorable?
CHRIS PAGE: Call Mac and let him know I’m refusing the offer. I know he might be disappointed, but he’ll understand the reason. He’s not an idiot.
**********
I tend to be correct more often than not. I refused Sin City’s offers twice; the first was an immediate thing and the second, well see above for how that played out. Had I not exercised a little patience the level of importance that has fallen upon Carnival of Chaos for the Entity World Heavyweight Championship would be an all-time low. I’ve sat back since this card was announced and watched guys like Knox and Mont display their little dick syndromes on Twitter, I’ve watched Smash gush over a pissing contest that is laughable at best when you consider the sources, but I guarantee you the one thing the world is going to be talking about is Mac Bane versus Chris Page when the smoke clears and the dust settles.
I don’t need to troll Twitter with a shit load of self-promotion to steal the show.
I just have to show up, ask Tony Savage.
Ask Raion Kido.
Ask Corey Black.
Ask Peter Vaughn.
Ask Todrick Ramsey.
Ask Matt Knox.
Ask damn near anyone that has come across my path what happens, and then ask yourself if I need to do a goddamn thing but lace my boots.
People misconstrued cockiness with confidence. I exude confidence for no other reason than history has a way of shaping the present and the future. My history in Professional Wrestling tells me that win or lose whoever steps through those ropes with me starts off walking… but leaves limping.
**********
Flashback
May 4, 2023
Off Camera:
The scene opens at a public appearance at one of the High Times weed dispensaries owned by Chris Page in Manhattan, New York. Chris sits at a table back against a far wall with Candice Page at his side. There is a massive line running out of the store, down the block toward the Velvet Rabbit. Chris signs and takes a picture with a fan as he calls for a break.
CHRIS PAGE: Let me get like five minutes.
The line is stopped.
CANDICE PAGE: Didn’t expect all this, did you?
Chris’s phone vibrates in the pocket of his sportscoat causing him to retrieve it while answering his lovely bride.
CHRIS PAGE: I don’t expect a lot of the wrestling business anymore. It’s filled with babies screaming about their next “ism” versus lacing your boots, getting in the ring, doing what you LOVE to do, and moving the fuck on. Professional Wrestling is in a sad state; hence why I will seclude myself in the WGWF, and continue to thrive with a roster of talent that cares about WRESTLING and not politics.
Chris checks his notification and starts reading through a text message. An attendant brings over two bottles of water for the power couple. Candice thanks them and sends them on their way. She opens up a bottle and puts it beside Chris.
CANDICE PAGE: What’s up?
CHRIS PAGE: The Entity.
CANDICE PAGE: I thought they closed shop?
CHRIS PAGE: It looks like Smash is putting the band back together for one night in July and wants to know if I’m interested in coming back to defend the title.
Chris grabs his bottle of water and takes a swig while we see Candice spark up a blunt.
CANDICE PAGE: What are you thinking?
CHRIS PAGE: You can’t have a reunion show without the man that was your last World Champion; of course, I’m in… plus he’s considering Vegas for the show, that’s our backyard. No travel, a title defense, and a sizeable check mean big business for us.
When Smash reached out to me it was a no-brainer that I would be more than happy to come back and put the Entity World Title on the line. The original plan was to run it back with Tony Savage, because as the former World Champion, as the guy I beat at MSG on the final night of the company he would deserve the first crack at taking it back. Let’s not kid ourselves either, Tony is a fucking rockstar between the ropes, inside a cage, in a back alley, or anywhere he chooses to throw hands. The timing just wasn’t on our side this time around. I’ll say it loud, I’ll say it proud… Tony, anytime you free up and if The Entity is around you don’t have to ask for a dance because the answer is going to be yes.
Who would I face?
Who would challenge for the strap?
CHRIS PAGE: This could be interesting.
Chris places his phone back in the inner pocket of his sportscoat as Candice exhales smoke and passes him the blunt. Chris brings it to his lips and takes a toke and motions for the security to start letting the next group of fans up to the table.
CANDICE PAGE: Is the Painmaker going to be around?
Chris cuts his eyes toward Candice while cocking an eyebrow.
CHRIS PAGE: You wish.
Chris exhales smoke and passes Candice the blunt. We get an older wrestling fan who slides a picture of a very young Chris Page across the front of the table.
CHRIS PAGE: Oh shit, I forgot that kid existed.
Chris signs and slides it back across the table and just as the fan is about to ask a question he is hurried away by security.
CHRIS PAGE: Talking to them is extra.
CANDICE PAGE: Any idea who you want to work with?
It was instant when the light bulb went off. The timing might not be suitable for Tony but what if we circle and get things in place for something that has the potential to be bigger?
CHRIS PAGE: It appears; according to Smash that Savage is out, which is a shame because he brought his shit the last time, and to be perfectly fair I’d love nothing more to run it back but in this instance when one door closes another one opens.
Chris starts texting someone on his phone. He hits send and within seconds gets a response that brings a smile to his face.
CHRIS PAGE: That was easy.
CANDICE PAGE: Who is it?
CHRIS PAGE: Mac Bane.
CANDICE PAGE: Wait, what?
**********
I told Mac that when things went south in Sin City Wrestling that it would not be a matter of if we’d work opposite each other but essentially a when… and now the stars have officially aligned. I spoke earlier on CCPE heading into its second year, and while Mac is signed to my Enterprise it might have you wondering why do this? That answer is simple. CCPE is the best of the best in the sport of wrestling…. When you’re the best…. You take on the best, and thus far when one of my own has come knocking on my door with their chest puffed out like a big dog they’ve found themselves yelping like little puppies.
This is much more than a one fall to a finish, Mac.
I think you’re smart enough to know that just like I think you’re smart enough to understand that stepping to the plate against me comes with a price. I don’t have to run through a history lesson with you because you’ve taken part in making it with me. The Entity World Title is the last strap of gold I’ve elected to put on my mantle, and when it’s gone it will be the last time that one will be taken away. Championships have never defined me, and never will. What defines me is being the one guy that they all love to talk about from a distance but have no interest in speaking face to face, I’m the guy that can be everyone’s favorite dickbag or your best friend because I treat you the way you treat me, and above all else I am the guy that leaves it in the ring where it matters. The fans can talk about whoever they want going into Carnival of Chaos because I’ll be the guy they’ll be talking about when the goddamn thing is over, and that’s not a J Mont empty promise… that’s bankable.
Dealing with me is a challenge in its own right.
Trying to take something away from me only elevates the stakes.
**********
Present:
On Camera
The scene opens with the iconic signage at the head of the Las Vegas Strip.
CHRIS PAGE: This is where it started for us, Mac.
The camera pans back revealing Chris Page in a grey suit with The Entity World Title slung over his shoulder and his hair pulled back into a ponytail while sporting black shades shielding his eyes from the beaming sun that heats Sin City.
CHRIS PAGE: Don’t get me wrong, we’re not at Fremont Street… but we will be, eventually.
Chris then states.
CHRIS PAGE: You grabbed my attention under the Sin City umbrella, and when in the genesis of CCPE you were on the top of the list for recruits. Fast forward two years later and here we are… all eyes locked on what will unfold on the 5th of July. It’s no secret that we’ve been looking for this chance encounter for the better part of six months, but one thing I want to bring to your attention and make sure you’re perfectly aware of; when that bell sounds at Carnival of Chaos you’re no longer my client, you’re no longer my friend because you’ve just become public enemy number one.
Chris starts to take several slow paces toward the camera.
CHRIS PAGE: Much like myself, you’ve done your homework. You wouldn’t be who you are in this business if you haven’t. So, you’re well aware that my fucks given are at zero when it comes to anyone that is standing across the ring from me. I’ve dedicated my life to a business that is full of self-center bastards everywhere you look but I wouldn’t change any of it because my name is a household name that garners attention for being one of the best and backing it up against all comers. You aren’t going to be an exception.
Chris speaks with a methodical tone as a sly smirk graces his face.
CHRIS PAGE: This IS what I’ve been wanting and YOU are the man that I’ve wanted to test my merrit against for a very, very long time. I could have taken the handout and forced this so many months ago… but I’ve never accepted handouts, and I wasn’t about to start. The truth is, Mac, is that you and I are on a different level than most… it’s a level that everyone claims to compete at but most are just kidding themselves. Guy’s like you and I don’t require extra attention, we don’t need to have a public pissing contest to garner minimal interest in whatever we’re doing because this isn’t amateur hour.
Chris removes the World Title from his shoulder and takes a look at the gold plate.
CHRIS PAGE: Smash, you’re welcome for delivering the only match on this card that’s going to matter.
Ah, Smash.
How could I forget? Rumor and innuendo are that you’re still a little bent after I dropped you on your ass at Madison Square Garden. Is that why you resurrected The Entity for this one night only? To try and garner a little bit of revenge for being made to look like a fool? I mean, I wouldn’t put it past you. After all, you did call me for this event, or should I say text because you couldn’t swallow your pride to pick up that phone. I’m stoked to be here, I’m stoked to see you because when I do I’ll have no qualms about putting you down… again. If you feel froggy I’d suggest you wait until after I’m done with Mac Bane to rear your ugly face because if you think you’re going to taint a battle of this significance you’re sadly mistaken. While Mac Bane and I will be engaged in a war, you’ll just become another casualty by our hands AND then we’ll get back to business. Fuck around and find out, bitch!
The scene flashes and we are now at an empty Fremont Street where Chris Page is shown standing in the middle of the street with the World Title resting on his shoulder.
CHRIS PAGE: It ends here, Mac.
Chris then states.
CHRIS PAGE: Both of our hopes and dreams of being the guy that leaves Fremont Street on their own accord.
One fall to a finish means just that. No rules, no excuses, and no remorse. This isn’t going to be stopped over blood, it’s not going to end in disqualification because we will have a decisive winner for that is what we deserve. Two prominent figures in all of Professional Wrestling clashing like two titans that shall send reverberations around the world.
CHRIS PAGE: I’m not foolish enough to look past you, and how could I when I’ve studied hours upon hours of footage… when I’ve sat back and watched you from ringside to even knowing how your brain thinks? You are a dangerous man capable of vile things just as I am. It’s almost like we’re cut from the same cloth, but are we? I ask Mac because I’ve always been at the forefront of our industry, I’ve never been afraid to stand on my own, I’ve never shielded away from bucking the system, from telling promoters to fuck themselves, but above anything else, I didn’t lace my boots to take this title off the hands of Tony Savage just to lose it to you.
It’s going to take a lot more than busting Austin Ramsey in the skull with a title to show me some sort of edge, it’s going to take more than talking about what you’re going to do because now you must back your play against the man that sits at the head of the table. You know what I’m capable of under the circumstances but now that you stand in my way I’m going to show you firsthand why I am who I am and why you want to be sitting in my chair.
CHRIS PAGE: While The Entity's future might be uncertain, its Championship is not. I fully intend on taking the Entity World Title into a Supershow in August to defend it against Joe Montuori. Unfortunately, for you Mac, I cannot allow you to stand in my way of further embarrassing J Mont… to do that means I must put you down. For your sake, I hope that when this is said and done you can swallow your pride, admit your defeat, and not make excuses for coming to the firm reality that I am, and always will be better than you.
Chris takes a look around the empty street.
CHRIS PAGE: Right over there…
Chris points off in the near distance.
CHRIS PAGE: A Ferris Wheel with all kinds of instruments of destruction will be spinning over there…
Chris points in a separate direction.
CHRIS PAGE: A barbed wire fun house if you will.
Chris then states.
CHRIS PAGE: To our left and our right we have Casinos at our disposal. Man, the fun we are going to have fucking up everything around us including ourselves. This is six months in the making, you can bet your ass that it’s going to deliver.
I don’t make promises that I can’t keep, so when I say I’m leaving with the World Title you can take that to the bank. When I tell you that I’m going to take you to task and establish why I’m one of the best of the best that’s exactly what I’m going to do. As much as I am looking forward to this I’d be lying if I didn’t say I am dreading it just as much because it’s never fun when you must put a loss on the shoulders of someone you respect.
It’s going to be a battle.
It’s going to be a war.
It’s going to be something special to behold.
I don’t anticipate walking out on my own accord, I’ve already taken the liberty of calling the hospital and reserving a room because I know that leaving with this victory is cost me just as much as it’s going to cost you to leave empty-handed. I am going to teach you a very valuable lesson Mac…
I’m going to teach you what leadership by example is all about.
CHRIS PAGE: J Mont, your next buttercup, because when I successfully retain the Entity World Title I’ve been granted permission to put it up against you at Grand Awakening. Now, if I’m willing to do this for you… what are you going to do for me? Are you prepared to put that IIW paperweight on the line? Are you prepared to put that laughing stock of a TIA Title on the line? Ultimately are you going to man up and match me? Or are you just going to talk about it? Ladies and gentlemen, make no mistake about it, I’m not coming to this Carnival to leave empty-handed. I’m going to put a silver bullet in the “Gentleman Wolf”, I’m going to demolish a “one-man wrecking crew” while sending a “cowboy” riding off into the sunset. Make no mistake about it… this is my world, and most of you should consider yourself lucky to breathe the same fucking air.”
Chris winks at the camera before our scene slowly fades to black.
**********
This is our first and our last dance, Mac.
I can't speak for you, but I do believe I've painted the best picture I can to describe how and why this is important to me. You've dominated the state of Las Vegas when it comes to Professional Wrestling while I have dominated the entire fucking globe. For all of our years in the industry to never have had this battle unfold is criminal. I understand that I speak a big game, but I'm also the guy that can look at you with a straight face and say that I'm usually the guy that's backing it up.
I'm looking forward to gracing the ring with you.
I'm looking forward to fighting you.
... but above all else, I'm looking forward to beating you.
It's going to be a hell of a lot of fun to watch the undercard try to deliver and yet fall so far from grace the moment I step on Fremont Street. There are those that have it and those that don't. Losing to Chris Page doesn't mean you suck... it just means you're like everyone else.
.