The Champ's Thoughts - James Raven, Death March

[petervaughn]

*The picture opens up on what appears to be a video from last night's Massacre. We see James Raven in the ring, announcing the #1 contender to the World Title: himself. He rants about no longer being selfless, before throwing down the mic. The video pauses, and the camera that was focused on the large-screen television slowly moves backwards. We see we're in a decent-looking apartment, nothing too fancy but a nice place to live. The camera slowly adjusts around, showing Peter Vaughn standing to the side, a smile on his face. You have to think he jumped right on a flight back to his hometown right after Massacre, something that World Champions can afford to do. He certainly didn't take the bus like he used to.*

Peter Vaughn: Well, that was a special way to end the night, wasn't it?

*Vaughn walks away from the camera. Unless he's got a third, invisible arm that stretches like Monkey D. Luffy, he's got a cameraman in his home. We don't see too much else, though, as Vaughn heads to the open balcony. He steps out, with the camera right behind him, and takes a few deep breaths of Dallas air before turning back.*

Peter Vaughn: So I've seen the outrage growing out there due to GM James Raven's decision to make himself the #1 contender. I can see the arguments. Lux is due a rematch. Supreme Machine is undefeated. Betsy is Raven's #1. Knox won at the PPV, if not last night. They all have good qualities, and I get that the fanbases are upset. But those of you who are telling me I should be furious... why?

*A small laugh escapes his lips. Vaughn looks back out across the Dallas skyline, his eyes showing a mixture of emotions. He seems happy, and yet there's something burning there: a hunger that can't be denied.*

Peter Vaughn: James Raven is, in my view, one of the greatest wrestlers in history. He has won countless World Titles, he's a Hall of Famer, and I don't think you'll find a single person who says his career doesn't warrant a World Title shot. Sure, he fell to Mack O'Connor near the end of the GCWA, and he's not the young star he used to be, but he's still a dream match. He's a legend. I've wanted this match since he came to OCW, and while I didn't see him putting himself ahead of everyone else, especially Betsy, I welcome the challenge he brings. I'm impressed he was willing to take that step, honestly.

*After a few moments, with Vaughn flexing his fingers into a fist as he thinks about what's to come, he finally continues.*

Peter Vaughn: First, though, Raven and I are going to have to make some decisions on the team captains for Death March. It's a heavy responsibility for us to choose the best of the best to lead the teams. I'm already starting to think about who would have the strongest advantage in matches like this, and who would likely choose the greatest teams around them. It will be interesting to see how emotions affect Raven's picks. After all, I don't have any real connections with any of the wrestlers. Most of them want nothing to do with me, and those that do, well, I'll have to see if they are worthy enough or not. But Raven... well, I hate the position he'll be in. He has to choose Betsy for his first pick, right? If he didn't, it would show that he doesn't trust her to win. But surely he'll pick her, right? Then again... I have first pick. What if I took her?

*Vaughn contemplates the possibilities for a moment.*

Peter Vaughn: That might help James out. That way, he doesn't have to worry about offending her, and she'd get the glory of being #1. Of course, she'd also be working against him from then on, but she's a pro. She'd accept that. I'll have to think about it. After all, there's Xavier Lux, who is a fierce fighter, and he has Paco to actually do the work and put together a strong team. There's Supreme Machine, who's basically a team in himself, although I'd be worried about the fear he might cause his team. There's always Outcast, but... yeah, no.

*With a shake of his head, Vaughn dismisses Outcast from the conversation... at least for now. After all, the temptation is there to make Outcast compete for Vaughn's benefit.*

Peter Vaughn: Suffice to say, it's going to be a week of strategizing. I've got my work cut out for me. Raven's an intelligent man, after all. He'll make the right choices for him, thinking only of himself, which is exactly what I'm going to do. That being said, I'll be fielding calls all week from anyone that wants to talk to me about being a team captain. You think you're worthwhile? Step up and let me know.

*Vaughn looks back out at the skyline, enjoying it. He hasn't been here long, so the glow of having a nice apartment like this hasn't faded yet. But he can't help but dream about what would open up for him once he earns a victory over James Raven.*

Peter Vaughn: If you'll excuse me, I need to get going. Training for Raven begins today, although I've been preparing for this in some ways my whole life. But come December 5th, I will be in the greatest shape of my life, as I have my greatest night ever. See you then.

*After one more glance, Vaughn leaves the balcony. The camera zooms in on the peons below, heading to and from their normal, everyday jobs, before we fade out.*