Author's Note: Before we begin, I know what you, the casual readers who are unaware of the FWM forum, are thinking, "APEX Homecoming, what is that?" Simply put, it's a soft reboot of my whole promotion.
For over a year, I was unable to update because I had such major writer's block that prevented me from working on the next chapters leading to Unforgiven. What made me realize this as well is, I wasn't having fun with my work anymore. Sure, the booking makes sense, but where's the fun in those? I struggled and I struggled and nothing came out for me. I tried a timeskip to work on my "Road to [insert Wrestling Superbowl name here]", but that didn't work. In the end, after a discussion with my close friends, I now wanted a fresh start, but I didn't want to erase everything from my history; it was best decided to have a soft reboot for APEX. And I have to say it was the best decision I ever made.
For future reference, I decided to have the revived APEX take place in late 2022 (because the sliding timeframe in the FWM is a joke) as I wish to have it around modern times.
In-universe, Jesse Alvarez and Joshua Garza, despite the success of Summer Wars, ran into a lot of problems, especially financial ones. For months on end, they struggled to barely survive and escape the reality of bankruptcy. That is until one man arrived to solve all their problems…and he would be known as the Savior of APEX. Who is this man? Best to read to find out.
DISCLAIMER: All characters (fiction, nonfiction and other OCs) mentioned and lyrics used here are properties of their respective owners; only Jesse Alvarez, Joshua Garza, Alpha & Omega, The Wolves, Kurt Hudson, Alyssa Parker, Lisa Weston, Kenji Matsuo, Zack Carver, "Violet" Clarissa Rivera, Mike "The Mic" Martin, Maria Lopez, and referees (minus Marshal Eriksen) are my property.
Enjoy.
APEX Homecoming [PRE-SHOW] – Nov. 26th, 2022
[TV-14]
Fading in from black, we open to a currently growing AT&T Center filling up with pro-wrestling devotees cheering with great enthusiasm for the return of Apex Caliber Wrestling. At the very center of it all stands Jesse Alvarez and Joshua Garza, dressed formally in well-clean suits and ties, in the ring in front of a table with a black coat covering it and a couple of papers on top. From this scene, it's as if APEX remained the same way we last saw it, but with a few minor changes. The stage before us as the "APEXTron" is designed rather similar to the SummerSlam 2013 stage. The squared circle had red laced ropes, a white canvas, black turnbuckles with "APEX" over them, and LED ring posts and aprons.
Jesse soaks in all the cheers and chants from the grateful San Antonio crowd, feeling welcomed back to his home—back to where ACW had its humble beginnings. He didn't bother to hide his wide smile at how happy he is to see these fans still want APEX to keep going. He almost wanted to cry. But that's gonna have to wait, considering the amount of men and women from the locker room surrounding the ring all the way up to the stage as they wait for their bosses to address why they are all gathered here today.
Finally, after enough praise, Jesse mouths, "Here we go…" and holds up a hand to gesture silence from everyone in the audience. Still chatty, but they were less loud this time. Jesse soon raises the microphone up to his lips and says, "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. You know me as Jesse Anthony Alvarez."
"And I, Joshua Garza," chimes Josh with his own mic. "And we'd like to be the first to say…"
"…Welcome back to Apex Caliber Wrestling," both co-owners greet in perfect unison, earning a quick pop from the audience.
Jesse nods very lightly before holding his hand up so he can be allowed to speak. "Now…before we get down to business, allow me to provide you all a quick recap to why we are gathered here today. Why we are all here for this wondrous occasion, for those who don't know of the state of affairs. It all began right after the ninth editions of Ignition and RAMPAGE…when the USA Network and Paramount Network suddenly decided to cut us off without warning. I'm not sure what brought them to make that decision. Maybe we violated some rules we didn't acknowledge. Maybe they were pricks. Honestly…with this company's decreasing health being all I can focus on, I hardly remember. But I'm getting ahead of myself.
"You see, soon after that, we had to resort to taping our episodes and uploading them on our official website. That way, everyone can catch up on the action and their favorite wrestlers. …But that's not as easy as it sounds. Even though we kept going, there was this looming presence that threatened this company's existence. Ridiculous, I know, but…it felt like something that was going to strike us when we least expected. As optimistic—read: stubborn as hell—as I was to keep APEX going despite our problems…those problems would only continue to rise. The revenue wasn't coming in for our stock, which began a rapid decrease. Soon enough, the roster before you—most of them, at least—were rather unhappy with the situation and how I'm unable to handle it. I understood, but grateful that there are some that purely wanted to wrestle for the sake of wrestling and entertaining you all."
"Sadly, it wasn't even enough to keep up with our decreasing production…especially after the disastrous Hellbound pay-per-view," Joshua grimaces. "…Okay, okay, it wasn't that bad when it came to the matches and the booking, but something about all that didn't settle with me. And it especially didn't help matters when the 'live television experience' was ruined by terrible visuals, bad timing on the camera production, so many botched BS, and… UGH, it's getting me so ANGRY thinking about that night…!"
While Josh was trying to calm himself down, Jesse states, "…Not as angry as I was when the next day…our website was hacked." This brought sudden muttering concern for the crowd hearing this. "I don't know how or why, but when that happened, we couldn't access our website for a whole two hours…and when it was done…the hacker managed to destroy everything we've worked hard to achieve. Every file for our employees, our roster, our episodes, our pay-per-views—GONE. And it took so little time for that bastard to take away EVERYTHING from us… To this day, we still haven't caught the culprit…and as stocks plummeted worse than before…the writing was on the wall: APEX was dying. All because some pissant decided to give us a bad day for his selfish and bored satisfaction. Well, guess what, guy?" Jesse looks straight at the hard camera. "…You didn't kill us. We're FAR from finished, FAR from death. We got a LONG way to go. And that's because we have someone to thank for bringing this company back to its glory. We have one person to greet and welcome to…as the new owner of Apex Caliber Wrestling."
Excitement and confusion spread throughout the audience, some not expecting this kind of news coming in. Jesse continues, "Okay, not officially…at least, not until he signs that contract." He points straight back to the papers on the table. "So without further ado, ladies and gentlemen…stand up and put your hands together…for whom I wish to personally call 'The Savior of APEX'…legendary second-generation luchador of la familia Alvarez…my father…Impresionante Alvarez, Jr.—also known as…RICARDO ALVAREZ!"
The young and proud Jesse Alvarez gestures to the stage while the roster makes space…and the lights go dark, fans cheering loudly…
…
…
…before "One Vision" by Queen plays at the 1:06 mark, strobing lights matching the guitar strums…
…
…and a silhouette appears in the middle of shining light poising from the stage with arms spread wide like if they were a holy being. Soon as the lyrics kicked in, the lights come back on with flash as the silhouette is revealed to be a masked luchador in a suit, who instantly turned around and posed with legs spread wide and single finger held high. Almost as if it was a Freddie Mercury pose.
[HEY!
One man, one goal!
…
HA, one mission!]
To describe this man, he stood six feet and an inch tall, appeared surprisingly fit and buff in his white suit and golden tie to go with his luchador mask. The mask was very Spider-Man inspired, all out white with golden outlines around the eyes and at the base of the mask. This man was Ricardo Alvarez, Jr., legendary Mexican masked wrestler of his time in the '70s and '80s when he debuted as the flamboyant Impresionante Alvarez, Jr.—a name adopted and inherited by his father.
[One heart, one soul!
…
Just one solution…]
Ricardo was welcomed with open arms and a long round of applause from the audience and the roster before him as he starts ambling down the ramp, passing handshakes to a few characters, commentators, ring announcers, interviewers, and referees along the way to the ring.
[One flash…of light!
Yeaaah~!
One god, ONE VISION!]
The legendary luchador goes up the steel steps, walks the ring apron…and decides to perform a slingshot somersault to enter the ring! Jesse and Josh panicked as they moved the table out of the way…and Ricardo rolled perfectly to his feet. So casually, he dusts his shoulders off and straightens both suit and tie, Jesse looking on with disbelief. Ricardo couldn't help but let out a chuckle.
[One flesh, one bone, one true religion
One voice, one hope, one real decision
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
Give me one vision~!
YEAH!]
By then, both father and son embrace each other with a hug at the center of the ring. "One Vision" fades away, replaced by a loud applause from the San Antonio natives. After the hug, Ricardo stands as the center of attention, handed a microphone by Joshua…and deciding to remove his máscara, revealing his face to the entire Multiverse. The attendees were very surprised by what they saw, Ricardo not looking a day over thirty, the manliest beard that ever existed, and a full head of hair with a simple crewcut. Of course, as a fully-blooded Mexican, his skin matched his son's at light brown color. By tradition, the mask is sacred in all of lucha libre and within the family as Jesse takes the mask and places it on the table for Ricardo.
With the introduction of the soon-to-be new owner of APEX Wrestling set, Ricardo takes to the mic and exclaims, "Buenas noches, San Antonio, Texas! ¡¿Cómo están ustedes esta noche?!"
Ricardo's deep voice and Latino accent boosts up the crowd's energy even higher, the elderly man relishing in on their reactions.
"Muy bien, muy bien. Nice to hear we still have loyal fans in this arena," Ricardo says. "Now, if we got that out of the way, allow myself to explain my side of the story. When I overheard my son was having trouble keeping his company alive, I knew I had to step in and lend a hand. Truth be told, I did so already before, granting millions of dollars to my son so he can have enough investment to start up the promotion. Safe to say, it was a success…but with all that's happened, I knew I regretted not being there for him when I missed a chance to guide him down the right path—what it really means to run a business. He held his own before his promotion was hacked and I arrived.
"I knew he was upset; he was angry…and he was desperate to keep his dream alive. I knew I had to make it up to him…and that's why I decided to buy APEX off his hands so he can avoid bankruptcy. So he can avoid missing out on decades of what Apex Caliber Wrestling had to offer for the people all across the Multiverse. I made the right decision to buy the organization…and I know I'll make the right decision once I sign that contract. …And so, let's not waste anymore of your time. We have a show to run and I have some very special announcements to make for tonight. Son…¿estás listo para presenciar algunos cambios por el bien de la empresa?"
"…Sí, Papa," Jesse nods with a smile, taking out a ballpoint pen to sign his name first.
Afterwards, he hands the pen over to his father…and he takes it for the signing and rights transferred over to him to become official in front of the public.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Jesse takes the contract papers and holds it up for the world to see, "I am proud to announce that I have officially sold and handed over all the rights to your new owner, CEO and Chairman of Apex Caliber Wrestling, Ricardooo Alvareeeeez! ÓRALE, VATO!"
Another round of applause from the audience and whole roster, giving their whole approval to Ricardo Alvarez, Jr. as the newest owner for APEX. Ricardo shakes hands with Jesse and Josh to confirm the deal further as he now decides to address the entire locker room what will be laid down with him in charge.
"Todo bien, todo bien, let me get started by addressing the rumors spread throughout the Internet and in the locker room," Ricardo grins. "First and foremost…the state of the champions and their championships reigns. Let me make this clear…that they will NOT be vacating their well-earned titles." Almost as if altogether, the crowd let out a sigh of huge relief along with the current champions. "…That is except for one. You see, one of these champions blatantly refused to return initially when they demanded their overdue payment. So, he opted out of their contracts, vacating his Evolve Championship. …Thankfully, I managed to get him back with us thanks to friends persuading him to return. So Luke Smith, I'm grateful for you to return and give this company a second chance…even if you acted selfishly at the expanse of relinquishing your title."
Luke Smith is now seen standing side to side with his stablemates, arms folded and an impassive expression, showing he couldn't care less. He also gave up the aura that he was confident enough to win it back soon enough since that will be the case. And Ricardo can easily tell from that; nevertheless, he carries on.
"With that in mind…there's another upcoming pay-per-view event to watch out for tomorrow night…an event appropriately called 'Night of Champions'. All champions will be defending their belts, either the winners determined by these listed contests tonight…or those personally chosen by my own hand. Let me first address and make this clear that I am a fair man, but I refuse to tolerate any toxicity and massive egos run RAMPANT in my company while I am here. Whether you like the decisions I make or not…that's your opinion. I'm merely doing what I can to give everyone a fair trial in this new era of resurrection. So I suggest you all act accordingly and watch what you say around me, lest you wish to receive a punishment (snaps his fingers) just like that. …And no, that isn't a threat. I am just ensuring you understand your place and laying out the ground rules. That is all," Ricardo states, establishing himself as a strict, but reasonable superior.
"And now, to get these important announcements out of the way. Since the first match of APEX Night of Champions is a Tag Team Turmoil for the APEX World Tag Team Championships, let's get to see who our contestants are. Obviously, your current World Tag Team Champions…Carter Young and Stan Terra—Alpha & Omega," Ricardo introduces said titleholders, who step forward with their belts held high, proud to still be carrying them.
"And as for the challengers and participants…the first-ever and former World Tag Team Champions, Yugi Mutou and Atem of Altered Egos," the crowd pops at the name drop, especially with Atem in attendance.
"…Yami Bakura and Marik Ishtar—The Gods of Darkness," even though there was no sight of them, the crowd nearly fell in terrified silence for a brief moment before bravely letting out a large portion of boos.
"…Ed and Eddy—The Erupting Eds," another pop drops from the crowd, loving that the Eds are getting an opportunity at the titles.
"…and finally…Takashi Komuro and Kohta Hirano of Apocalypse Academy," the crowd lets out an extensively loud pop, definitely happy for Komuro and Hirano, who felt the same way to deserve this chance.
"…actually, there's one more spot left…but I'll save that for later when the match comes," Ricardo teases to lighthearted boos. "Next, the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match I would like to prefer as…the 'Intercontinental Rumble'. What that means, damas y caballeros, is all 30 men will compete for a chance to face Luke Smith at Night of Champions…not for the Evolve Championship, but for the returning APEX Intercontinental Championship!" Another round of cheers from the San Antonio natives, but they were a bit confused as to why bring back the belt and retire the current one. "To explain this reason…I'm a man of traditions. I do like the concept of the belt itself, all three previous belts merged and evolved into one…but I just happen to think 'APEX Intercontinental Championship' rolls off the tongue better.
"I have three more things to announce, so bear with me a bit longer. This one…is very special…regarding the APEX World Women's Championship," Ricardo turns to face the locker room, specifically the Women's Division. "Ladies…you've been through thick and thin since this company was born. I can say I am proud to know that there's still many that stuck around by loyalty…or in a less respected case, because my son isn't in charge and more money was offered. But that's not the case. I am here, nonetheless, to help this division grow and earn the same amount of respect as every other promotion's division that it deserves. And I am here…to right the wrongs.
"That's why I feel this one individual deserves a chance, a shot at the gold. At Night of Champions…APEX World Women's Champion Satsuki Kiryūin will defend her title against who I feel is the hardest working woman I've ever seen in my life. She, too, has been through thick and thin in her own agony and happiness, just like company, which she remained loyal, especially during its darkest moments. So therefore, I am proud to announce that Satsuki's opponent will be…
"…
"…
"…
"…
"…SAEKO BUSUJIMA!"
The crowd EXPLODED in cheers as Saeko was found standing completely still at the stage in utter shock and mouth agape, Rei and Saya reacting equally to that before replacing that with excitement. Rei hugged Saeko, who covered her mouth, almost about to burst to tears of joy…
…
…while Mai Valentine reeled her foot back in the crowd, prematurely attempted to walk down the ring before she took a moment to let that sink in, visibly shocked and upset that she was NOT chosen for this match.
"Saeko," Ricardo starts. "…I've seen all you've been through…the hell you've gone through and back to get to this point. You are a woman of true strength. I've seen that through your journey in the inaugural Women's Best of the Best. Your performance is one of the absolute finest I've seen in all my years…and you still haven't been rewarded for that. That is a crime I will correct…so congratulations. And I hope you and Lady Satsuki will do your absolute best by tomorrow Sunday."
Wiping away her tears, Saeko nods to Ricardo and gives a thankful bow for this chance at a title shot. Saeko then glances over at Satsuki…who nods to her acknowledgement and bows her head, looking forward to their imminent match. She returns the bow with her own and Ricardo resumes with the remainder of his announcements.
"All right, up next is—"
"HOLD UP A GODDAMN MINUTE!" shouted someone off-screen and off-mic…
…and they're revealed to be Sam Puckett's words as The Four Horsewomen walk down to the ring, Mai Valentine leading the way as the rest shove a few out of their way and the crowd booing HEAVILY. This wasn't genuine heat—this was go-away heat. Literally. They actually started chanting in rhythm, "Fuck OFF! GO AWAY! Fuck OFF! GO AWAY! Fuck OFF! GO AWAY!"
The Horsewomen enter in the ring, Sam flips off the chanting crowd, and Carly Shay swipes Josh's microphone away to hand over to Mai. She holds back her stablemates to make sure this doesn't end up in chaos…yet.
"Um…excuse us four for interrupting your announcements for a brief moment, and apologies in advance, but…Ricardo Alvarez, was it?" Mai asks. "Yeah…let me introduce ourselves. I'm sure you know me as Mai Valentine, three-time UCA Women's Champion. And then there's iGeneration, Carly Shay and Sam Puckett—three-time and current longest-reigning GAIA Tag Team Champions, and your current APEX Women's Tag Team Champions. And finally, our Lyoko Queen…Aelita Schaeffer."
"Yes, yes, I know who you are, and I've seen your matches, ladies—I've checked the profiles of each of my roster before coming here today," Ricardo says, appearing slightly aggravated at the interruption. "I believe there's a problem you have with my decision."
"Yeah, no SHIT, old man," cusses Sam, Mai holding a hand up to calm her down.
"Excuse her," Mai pleas. "Actually…there is, unfortunately. You see, before all that stuff with APEX getting taken off TV for no apparent reason, I was in the rightful place for a title shot at the World Women's Championship. It was in my GRASP—TWICE. I had come close to it so many times only for it to be taken away from others even FURTHER by the likes of your son and Lily Aldrin. Because, oh, we're the Horsewomen. They don't like how we operate and are aligned with Sailor Moon. Well, too bad. We are who we are because we are the best of the absolute best—far better and many legions ahead of the rest of this pathetic women's division COMBINED. …And to stand here and hear you, of all people—a 'fair man'—say that someone like Saeko deserves the title opportunity over me, a practical LEGEND in the industry…that is INSULTING. Not only to ME, but to the Horsewomen—no. Not only to me, not only to the Horsewomen, but to the ENTIRE Queendom in general. So, either you change your decision…or we are going to have a MAJOR problem with you already. …Oh and let me remind you a bit about little Psycho over there when she was in that first-ever Best of the Best Match—SHE LOST. She's a loser. A choke artist. And that match was only relevant in 2015. So you're four years too late on that. …Just correcting you to make the right choice since you said that you are 'righting the wrongs.'"
Waiting for an answer, Mai stands with arms folded as did the Horsewomen, Puckett especially making the threat clear by cracking her knuckles. Jesse is standing visibly angry at the Horsewomen for even talking down to his father and mocking his decision, shown by his rolled-up fists…but he wondered how Ricardo would respond. One look…and we see Ricardo remained impassive the whole time Mai began to talk down on Saeko and so on. He was completely unfazed by the end of it.
Ricardo blinks once, looks down at his microphone…and picks it up to speak, "Okay. Let me say this first…you four are no doubt the most talented female wrestlers I've ever seen in my whole career, exceptionally the best. You are right about that. And I can see that immensely through you. Moon is right to choose you four as her clients with the aptitude you HEED in this squared circle." The Horsewomen smirked very proudly at Ricardo seemingly praising them. "…BUT…talent doesn't matter…and shouldn't be rewarded so easily…if it is being heavily overshadowed…by the most vile and toxic egos I've ever seen come oozing out of all of you DISGUSTINGLY."
The spectators in the AT&T Center hailed Ricardo for turning it around against the Horsewomen, who all immediately dropped their smiles with complete frowns.
"And believe me, I have been in this industry for a LONG TIME to see that well enough with my own eyes. Now allow me to tell you where you all stand—"
AELITA SCHAEFFER SUDDENLY SLAPS THE TASTE OUT OF RICARDO'S MOUTH! The crowd instantly jeering with heavy heat, even surprising her fellow Horsewomen as Jesse checks on his father.
"No, allow ME to tell YOU where YOU stand, you OLD F*CK," Aelita asserts. "We are THE GODDAMN HORSEWOMEN. We are BETTER and SUPERIOR to YOU and EVERYONE in this organization! We OWN this division and EVERYWHERE ELSE we stand at! We are the VERY REASON this division is RELEVANT—why these f*cking rednecks tuned in to Ignition EVERY. SINGLE. WEEK. And if you even THINK about passing over US for some plastic-chested psychopath from the most obvious terrible porno anime in EXISTENCE, then you are already making the worst mistakes than your dumbass son EVER could. You are NO BETTER than him. So you change who Satsuki is facing…or we put out the ashes before that so-called phoenix can even rise again."
Boos continue to grow louder and louder, resuming the "F*ck OFF! GO AWAY!" chants. Jesse gave a heavy glare at the pinkette for even laying a hand on his father like that…but he assured him he was fine. Ricardo stands straight from being slapped to the side, slowly rubbing his cheek and moving his jaw around as he stares down at Aelita.
With the microphone still in his hand, Ricardo picks up to his lips…and says to her face, "As I was saying…allow ME…to tell YOU…where you ALL STAND NOW." An audible light growl at the end was heard in his voice, CLEARLY unhappy with the slap he received while the crowd praised his resilience and the Horsewomen are baffled. "All four of you, I do admit, have great talent. But it shouldn't persuade me so easily when there's this vile amount of ego backing it up. And when you say you are the very reason this division is relevant…that is a lie. Because when I got one look at the Women's Division as a whole, I see nothing but misery. Anarchy. Toxicity. And I can tell you are simple tyrants. And Ms. Valentine…you've already had many opportunities at the World Women's Title. And you failed. Twice. As your new boss, you don't demand respect from me. You don't demand title shots from me. You EARN THEM. You WORK FOR IT. And yet, to stand up to me…and slap me…will prove to be your first and last mistake.
"…But as I said…I am a fair man. And I am to prove true to my words. Oh, actually…since you're here in the arena, then I should get to what I was about to announce before I was rudely interrupted. Considering every single story I have heard about your behavior, your selfishness, and your way of getting the things you want…I'm very disappointed. I refuse to tolerate any crap I have to do with you when I am trying to help bring APEX back from its downfall. But this is the part where I give you a chance. A chance…to keep the Horsewomen together. Because tonight, you will all compete in an Eight-Woman Tag Team Match and should you lose…The Horsewomen are no longer a stable in Apex Caliber Wrestling."
This elicits a massive pop from the audience…and absolute disbelief and anger, all four of them being held back by Jesse and Josh as they were yelling at him for even thinking of this match.
"Fácil, señoras, fácil. Esta no fue mi idea. This wasn't my idea to begin with," Ricardo eases calmly. "It was suggested…by one of your opponents for the night…and she has already picked her team. You know them…as Téa Gardner…Samantha and Hinata as Hart of Hyuga…and Lisa Weston."
Now realizing this, the Horsewomen look back in the crowd of wrestlers and they see the four mentioned women standing out and aligned together, glaring them down from the ramp. There was no doubt all the Horsewomen were infuriated, especially Mai Valentine as she returns to glaring back at Ricardo.
"Ms. Gardner came to me first, and I'll be honest, I wasn't so sure. But I saw she clearly cared a lot for this division she helped build. Something I don't see in you, as you'd rather use this division to elevate yourself and for your own gain until the end of your careers at the expense of others. Argue, you may, about that is really how the wrestling world works…and I can't disagree with that. But I refuse to see this women's division and the rest of management suffer at your hands. So this is your chance to keep the stable together…take it or leave it. Be grateful I'm not kicking you all out of APEX entirely but separating you."
Jesse and Josh stood ready in case Ricardo would be attacked again as the Horsewomen continued glaring down their new boss. Mai holds the scowl for a while before bringing her mic back up to say…
"Congratulations. Day one, and you've already become a contestant for Worst Boss of the Year award," Mai ridicules. "So let me tell you this now…when we win…we promise…to make your life HELL if we have to."
"…I'm well prepared for that," Ricardo coolly replies. "You're not the first to threaten me and you won't be the last. Now…if you don't mind, I have one more thing to announce before we close this pre-show, so…if it's all the same, I'll have to invite you to leave my ring."
Ricardo holds his hand out towards the ropes for their exit with his San Antonio natives cheering him on and eventually chanting "Papa Alvarez! (clap, clap, clap-clap-clap!) Papa Alvarez! (clap, clap, clap-clap-clap!) Papa Alvarez! (clap, clap, clap-clap-clap!)" and the Horsewomen glaring at them as they leave the ring. Then, the chants quickly switch to an old classic…
"Na, na, na, na! Na, na, na, na! Hey, hey-ey! Goodbye~!"
Already, the crowd is singing for the Horsewomen's demise and they're enjoying every second of it as Puckett is swearing like a sailor and flipping birds everywhere at them. They meet up with their opponents for tonight, staring them down; Lisa on Aelita, Hart of Hyuga on iGeneration, and especially Téa on Mai. The glares hold for a while longer…and Mai bumps shoulders with her purposely as the Horsewomen finally depart into backstage. With all that finally settled, Ricardo gestures the audience to cool off as he wishes to get back to business and end this segment with a final note.
"And if there are no more interruptions…allow me to end with one final huge announcement," Ricardo says. "Regarding two special matches for tonight—Tommy Oliver versus Scorpion and Naruto Uzumaki versus Isaac Clarke…
"…
"…
"…I am now turning them into a single-elimination tournament to decide a new challenger for Beowulf's APEX World Championship at Night of Champions!" Another round of cheers from the fans, even more excited to know that these two matches now have greater stipulations for Naruto, Scorpion, Isaac and Tommy to push themselves and possibly bring their A-game. "Quiero decir…why the hell not? Why not raise the stakes and give you all one hell of an event to show that APEX refuses to DIE? This…is our REBIRTH. Our REAWAKENING. Our RESURRECTION. And we're gonna make sure we stick around for GOOD.
"…Ah, that took a while. And with that, I think it's about time to close this prelude and begin the main event. Ladies and gentlemen, there's plenty more announcements to come during the show, so stick around to find out. I sincerely hope you will enjoy the rest of…"
Ricardo slowly drifts off on his sentence…because Jason Krueger is entering the ring along with RC Bane. The Virus Rebellion meet with the boss at the center, the latter who has now become quite exasperated once more with the interruptions.
"Can I help you, Mr. Krueger, Mr. Bane? Or Mr. Murdock, whatever you call yourself?" asks Ricardo.
Jason chooses not to reply…for RC Bane picks up the microphone Mai threw down earlier and speaks for his tag partner.
"Mr. Alvarez, we can stand around here for the next ten minutes and waste our time about how you already continue to make mistake after mistake by NOT allowing us in that Tag Team Turmoil…but for my friend's sake, there are far more personal matters to discuss here," Bane states. "For the past seven years, we've dealt with so much of your son's BS. Especially Jason Krueger, who personally dealt with his bias since Spring Breakdown. Since having to realize how much favoritism he had for Crash Bandicoot instead of being neutral. But even when he vowed to be more 'impartial' and 'unprejudiced', he still has a LONG…LONG way to go."
"Just get to the point, Murdock," Jesse interrupts. "What purpose do you have here? We got a show to run in a few minutes."
Alvarez then takes a moment to return the glare towards Jason has been giving him this whole time, only for the latter to growl at him threateningly.
"Then allow me to get to that," Bane says. "Consider the moment you signed that contract, then so did your father; you handed all rights and ownership to him so he can help APEX thrive again. And…where does that leave you? No longer the boss. And so…it's a perfect opportunity for my friend, Jason…to seize what he's always wanted since Spring Breakdown."
"No," Jesse immediately retorts.
"…No?"
"No. I refuse to fight Jason Krueger, especially on the night of APEX's rebirth," the Latino Kid states, looking over to the Gore Machine. "Jason, I understand your frustration. I know I'd be deeply annoyed if I have to deal with my dumbass self in 2013. What I did, how I behaved…I was a dumb kid. We all make stupid mistakes before reality sets in for us all. Ever since then, I've wanted to move on from my mistakes. But no matter how hard I try…you make sure to remind me of that. And I am sick of it. I'm sick of it as much as you are. I recognize why you'd want a match with me…but it is not going to happen. I am not risking APEX's renaissance for your own needs. Seven years of this…absolutely pointless feud—it needs to stop here and now. I've moved on. And you need to do the same. Now, I'm gonna have to ask you and RC to leave the ring now. We have a show to run."
Unfortunately, Jason wouldn't budge. Not even once did he remove his glare or his position. His amber eyes were sharp on the rather infuriated Alvarez. But he makes one movement…by asking for the microphone from RC, who gladly hands it over to him. And finally…he speaks.
"Alvarez…I would agree with you on that fact…and I've done a lot of growing up since, unlike you," Jason belittles. "I would like to agree with you…if it wasn't for that whispering voice in the very back of my head that is surprisingly more annoying than YOURS. Because it keeps telling me…telling me to do away with you for good. Alvarez…you can apologize as much as you want. You can do what you like to make yourself a 'good guy' in the public eye. You do what you want to ensure your own insecurities…but from first-hand experience, I know, somewhere deep within you…you're still the same selfish and arrogant little shit that supported ALL good guys like a naïve child blinded by what he's seeing up front and not the grey reality on the inside. …But I wanted to move on as well. That's the God-honest truth.
"As I said, I've done a lot of growing up. I'm still 'insane' as these people would declare me to be in their eyes, but I know when to act mature at the right moment. I'm less of an animal unless I need to be in certain matches I'm in. Even so…it drives me MAD how I keep getting pushed farther away from my prizes by the likes of YOU…GARZA…and FORCE. And then…this happens. You and Garza were so high up your own asses after Summer Wars, APEX plummeted faster than I can Gore my victims. You both LET this company fall apart…and we're all forced to start anew with the help of your father. I…am at my breaking point. I have had enough of your bull for too long… And I will agree that this feud of ours needs to end…and it will by MY HANDS…in YOUR BLOOD. …But if you don't want to go through my proposal, then that's fine.
"…
"…
"…
"…I can wait for you to ask for Daddy's permission first."
That…would be enough to bring out the near ire out of Jesse, who had to be held back by Joshua. Both looked to each other, Josh shaking his head and trying to calm down his best friend. Jesse glared heavily at the moderately shit-eating grin Jason. Fuming with furious anger, Jesse holds up his mic and replies, "I don't need anybody's permission to BEAT THE EVER-LIVING SHIT OUT OF YOU, YOU SON OF A—!"
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Ricardo BELLOWS at the top of his lungs, nearly silencing the whole arena. Quickly, he turns to Jesse, "HIJO…you don't get to make the decisions here. I do. And need I remind you that you are a BUSINESSMAN. SO ACT LIKE IT. And as for you, Krueger…I echo Jesse's answer; I refuse to allow one of my employees to be in the same ring as my roster.
"Oh…is that really the case?" Krueger asks. "Or are you just afraid that I'm going to hurt your BABY BOY by giving him his long-awaited just deserts after these years of dealing with his crap?"
"Say what you like, but this match is NOT happening. No matter HOW MUCH you DEMAND or FORCE IT," Ricardo utters.
"…You're right, Mr. Alvarez. It won't happen," Bane asserts, bringing confusion among the APEX authorities and after taking the mic back. "At least, not technically. Because before Jesse rudely interrupted me, I would suggest to finally end their long-lasting feud that's been seven years in the making…by having this match between Jason and Jesse be an Unsanctioned Match. Unofficial. Unauthorized. Anything goes between them—no holds barred. Whether pinfall, submission or even a knockout, they would finally get whatever they've had out of their systems and move on with their lives for good. Despite a referee being involved…this match will be as if it NEVER existed in the APEX archive. That is my absolute best offer we can give, Mr. Alvarez. Take it or leave it. All I can say is…this is us at our kindest…so don't take us for granted."
Tensions were high. Almost everyone in the arena was anxious and on edge. Ricardo nearly hesitates to even answer. He is a businessman, yes, but when it came to Jesse, his father instincts always kicked in; so of course he would be extremely worried over what will endure in this match. Josh walked up to Ricardo and whispered in his ear. It appeared like he was giving him an idea to his own advantage…one that would have Ricardo almost glaring at him for even suggesting such a thing, but Joshua reminded him of the situation at stake here.
This was the best he could come up with. Worst case scenario: Jason and Jesse would find ways to tear each other apart and it won't matter if it happens within or out of APEX. So Ricardo decided he had no choice. He sighed deeply, looking over to Jesse…then at the Virus Rebellion to give his answer.
"…Unsanctioned Match. Unofficial from the record books, I believe?" he asks. Bane nods. Richard runs a hand through his hair and sighs bitterly, reluctantly announcing, "Fine…you got it. 'The Gore Machine' Jason Krueger versus…versus 'The Latino Kid' Jesse Alvarez—Unsanctioned Match… Anything goes. No holds barred."
The crowd, whether excited or anxious, were now anticipating through their loud roars for the Unsanctioned Match. Jason curled up a grin as Jesse himself grew determined. These two were FINALLY going to have their match they've been waiting for six long years. And it's going to be settled right where it all began.
RC speaks, "Well…glad we've come to an agree—"
"I'm not done," Richard holds up a finger, hushing up RC. "If this is going to be an unofficial contest, then I will only allow it on the single condition…that I be the referee of this match."
If the crowd wasn't excited then, they sure would be now. A few moments of silence between the people involved in the ring held their glares…no movement…until RC handed his microphone over to Jason, his raised brow asking him what he thinks of Ricardo's counter-proposal.
Krueger takes the mic with confidence and replies, "I'm fine with that part of the deal, old man. …It'll just make it all worth seeing you grovel for your son's mercy up close and personal as I beat him down to a bloody, messy pulp."
Ricardo could've easily knocked him out if he wanted to—especially the look in his eyes telling so. But he lets his cool demeanor prevail, refusing to stoop low and make himself appear unprofessional in the public eye. The only choice he has is to call it down the middle, and if things go too far, he will have to step in.
"Say what you like, Krueger," Jesse asserts. "I refuse to back down from a golden opportunity like this in front of us."
"…I wouldn't have it any other way, Alvarez," Jason smirks.
"Save it, you two," Ricardo utters. "You do what you have to do to each other tonight. I am just here to make sure neither of you go one step too far, lest I be forced to end the match with a NO CONTEST. It doesn't matter who you are. I am calling it down the middle. Soon as it is said and done, this match NEVER existed. It was NEVER official. It NEVER happened."
"…But it will happen, 'Boss Man'. It will happen," Jason declares, dropping the mic as the Virus Rebellion take their leave from the ring and head towards backstage.
Meanwhile, Jesse remains glowering at Jason, forestalling the inevitable Unsanctioned Match. And as for Ricardo, he felt like he's made the biggest mistake of his life already, getting involved in something he shouldn't have and letting himself get caught up in the moment. But giving a quick glance at Joshua, he knows well enough he did suggest and convince him to the point of proposing this offer. All that matters now is getting the match over with. Richard gestures his son and Joshua to leave the ring now, the two telling the whole roster to head back and getting ready for the pay-per-view starting soon.
As everyone disperses, Ricardo regains his composure and finishes off the segment with a final note, "All right, if we are finally done with the delays and distractions…let's get this show on the road! As I said, there are plenty of more announcements to come tonight, so be ready when they happen. Especially the surprises we have in store for you. And most important of all…enjoy the show."
With that, he gives a winking smirk to the cheering crowd, "One Vision" playing off his exit. Though, one would get a glimpse of him clearly hiding the fear under that grin as he quickly heads to backstage. Nonetheless, everyone was in place from the ring announcers, the timekeeper, a few referees surrounding the ring, the commentators themselves, and more at ringside…because the arena soon goes black…and eventually, so does the pre-show.
