The Rebel Without A Cause :|: Wes Ikeda

"..::Start Roleplay::.."

Four. That's how many men she counted inside the secluded hallway she stood in. The MGM Grand Detroit Hotel and Casino was the lap of luxury. The spas, the restaurants, all just a walk away. But right now, all she saw were those four men. Two more came out of the stairwell, and used the keycard to open up the door to the single executive suite on this floor. The six uniformed security guards had a brief conversation, two of them stayed with her, the other four proceeded into the room. The uneasiness was thick in the air, and causing tension throughout her body, which transferred to the toddler who was growing fussy in her arms.

Natalie Neidhart: He's on the way, baby. It's okay.

CJ laid his head against her shoulder, but he still whimpered a little bit. The six men were talking back and forth, being loud to hear one another, but over that commotion, Natalie heard the man to her right speak into a walkie talkie perched on his shoulder.

Guard: Area clear.

There was a beat of silence, and then a static sounding response through the speaker.

Response: Production trucks are pulling into the dock.

The men with Natalie began to talk more about their plan. Natalie was watching the elevator doors just steps away, the lights blinking, indicating floors in succession, as it climbed the building. They finally opened, and CJ lifted his head immediately when the breath left Natalie's body and the tension in her shoulders lifted. Wes was standing in the elevator with three more security guards. Their eyes met immediately, and he grinned slightly. He was wearing a black suit, with an olive colored dress shirt underneath the buttoned jacket. He'd opted not to wear a tie, the two buttons of his shirt casually undone. He'd had his hair trimmed since she'd last seen him, and he'd cleaned up his facial hair a bit too. He crossed to his wife and youngest son, embracing them both. She closed her eyes when he greeted her with a soft kiss.

Wes Ikeda: How was your flight?

Natale Neidhart: It was good. How was New York?

Wes Ikeda: Awful, but I pretended to enjoy it. Did they make you wait long? Guys, I told you not to make her wait.

Natalie Neidhart: No, by the time the driver got us here. I've only been with them for about ten minutes. They wanted to sweep the room as close to when you got here as possible. Did a lot change in three days?

Three days. That was how long it had been since they'd seen each other. Wes had left in the middle of the week to head to A&E headquarters in New York City to discuss new EBWF projects, some he liked, others not so much. Then it was on to Detroit, Michigan where the Royal Rumble was to be held - an announcement that had been made months ago. A security guard answered Natalie's question.

Security Guard: It was a very credible threat, ma'am.

Wes Ikeda: Every time we show up in this city, there's a credible treat, Mitch. There's a lot of people in this town that'd like to see a bullet between my eyes.

There had been a period of time in Wes' formative years in Detroit where he had been involved with gang activity, theft, and in and out of jail. Now that he was successful, the people whom he had previously associated with felt they were owed something.

Mitch Watson: Well, it's my job to keep you safe now.

Wes Ikeda: I know you're my head of security, but I do wish you hadn't hired outside people. I know you think we needed more, but…

Mitch Watson: It was a very credible threat, sir. There are security personnel with Mrs. McClinton, and currently with Mr. Jericho, but only because he is currently in possession of Blaine and Mckenzie.

Natalie Neidhart: Thanks Mitch. That's comforting.

Mitch leaned down to pick up one of Natalie's bags. Wes took the other, and Natalie adjusted CJ on her hip. The team of security emptied their suite, coming out into the hallway. Mitch lead Wes and Natalie inside.

Mitch Watson: They're bringing your bags up sir. Should we deliver anything to the arena?

Wes Ikeda: No, you can bring it all up here in a bit. Thanks.

Mitch Watson: You've got it. There are two men posted outside the door. Two more at the stairwell door. Two more at the elevator. Two men, one woman with your children at all times. And one man, one woman with your wife. You will inform me if you want to leave this room.

Natalie watched Wes' jaw flex for a moment, but then he nodded.

Wes Ikeda: Okay. But I want the arena secured. I don't want people following me around all day during the event. If I'm in the arena, I want to be without all of this silliness. Okay?

Mitch Watson: I can accommodate that. Should we check in on your sister and Mr. Orton? Randy would probably want someone to accompany her if she was planning on doing any traveling alone.

Wes Ikeda: That might be a good idea.

Mitch Watson: Let me know if you need anything.

Natalie Neidhart: We will. Thanks again.

He gave her a courteous nod, and then reached up, holding in the button on his walkie talkie to speak into it.

Mitch Watson: Thank you ladies and gentlemen, the ring has been delivered to the arena.

He backed out of their suite and closed the door behind him. There was silence for a moment, and Natalie moved toward the couch. Wes saw that CJ was nearly asleep as she gently lowered herself to the cushion.

Natalie Neidhart: You will let them do their jobs won't you?

She watched his chest rise and fall a little as he chuckled, and then he nodded.

Wes Ikeda: I will. You feeling good about your match?

She gave the seat cushion beside her a pat, and he crossed toward her. He took a seat, and she settled into his side. CJ didn't budge.

Natalie Neidhart: It's just the Rumble, right? It's not like I'm meant to win it. It'll be fine.

Wes Ikeda: Do you want to win it? You can win it if you want to. I know a guy.

She felt his grin against her temple.

Natalie Neidhart: No, Trish deserves this time right now. I don't mind being her tag team partner. How are you feeling about your match?

Wes Ikeda: Like I'm glad I'm number thirty.

It was her turn to chuckle.

Natalie Neidhart: I bet.

Wes Ikeda: Your uncle signed a six month deal.

Natalie Neidhart: He did?

She seemed genuinely surprised by that.

Wes Ikeda: He did. His first question was if the Rumble was for the championship. His second question was if he was going to win.

Natalie stifled a laugh in order to keep from waking her son.

Natalie Neidhart: Nice to see he tunes into the program.

That made Wes grin.

Natalie Neidhart: What caused you to even make that offer?

Wes Ikeda: Just trying to give the fans some names they might still relate to going into the busy season.

She contemplated that for a moment.

Natalie Neidhart: Your answer to the loss of John was to sign Bret Hart? Do I need to take your temperature?

Wes Ikeda: That's not what this is about.

Natalie Neidhart: Isn't it? You being in the Rumble. Signing Bret? Offering Alex Shelley a ton of money. It's not because you're afraid that...

He didn't move away from her, but she felt him tense.

Wes Ikeda: I am not afraid of anything.

Natalie Neidhart: You're not a little concerned he's going to take his star power and walk back to Stamford.

Wes Ikeda: He's already betrayed me. That would just be a cherry on top. You know that.

She didn't know that. In fact, a part of her thought that her husband believed that the situation with John Cena could be fixed. That John could be fixed. A move back to WWE would only put the final nail in hope's coffin.

Wes Ikeda: I don't care what he does. Vince can have him. I don't need him. I have everyone Vince wants. He has everyone I no longer have a use for. I'm in the Rumble because it makes the most sense right now.

Natalie Neidhart: Is Chris winning the World Championship?

Wes turned his head to look at her.

Wes Ikeda: You're asking an awful lot of shop questions today, Nat. Is there something specific you're curious about?

She hesitated for a moment. He knew what was happening. She was trying to avoid saying the wrong thing.

Natalie Neidhart: Chris is the number one contender. You're number thirty in the Royal Rumble. You just got back from making a huge deal with the network, and Fozzy is on hiatus.

He leaned back to get a better look at her as she completed her thought.

Natalie Neidhart: If I was someone who knew you'd well, I'd say you were maneuvering your pawns.

Wes Ikeda: Well, sweetheart, chess can be a very methodical, very long game, can't it?

He stood up.

Wes Ikeda: I've been up for about thirty hours. I'm going to go get some sleep. Wake me up when the kids get back, okay?

Her eyes had followed his tall frame when he'd moved to his feet. He turned to look at her now.

Natalie Neidhart: Okay. Should I choose one of the hotel restaurants for dinner?

Wes Ikeda: Yeah, that'd be good. We'll all go down together.

She gave a small smile. He knew she had a lot to say, but she spared him for the moment. He bent down and kissed her forehead, and she watched him disappear behind the closed door of the bedroom.

Announcer: You're listening to 101 WRIF. With Dave and Chuck the Freak in the morning! Detroit's #1 Rock Station…
Dave: That's riiiiighhhhht. Good morning. We're moving into the 9 o'clock hour this morning, and I-75 looks like a parking lot, especially coming from Dearborn. Coming up, Chuck have you heard about this? Kids are taking carbonated pop, and mixing it with racing fuel to get high. Have you seen this?
Chuck the Freak: What? Are you...what?
Dave: Yeah, I'll tell you all about it in a few minutes, but first, right now...on the phone with us, in town for the EBWF Royal Rumble, ladies and gentlemen, straight outta Detroit Rock City...Wes Ikeda. Good morning, Wes!
Wes Ikeda: Good morning, Dave.
Dave: How the hell are you good sir?
Wes Ikeda: I am wondering what on earth is wrong with kids that they are drinking racing fuel…
The two men shared a laugh.
Chuck the Freak: It's definitely one of the stranger stories I've heard today, yeah.
Dave: EBWF Royal Rumble is Sunday at the Joe. Wes, how are you finding our fair city?
Wes Ikeda: It's freezing balls outside, but other than that I'm really impressed with the revitalization projects going on downtown.It's been really nice to be back.
Chuck the Freak: I think I read somewhere that you sent a bunch of water up to Flint a couple of weeks ago.
Wes Ikeda: We've actually been sending money and bottled water once a week for a little over a month now.
Dave: Good man.
Wes Ikeda: I don't know about all that, but I have been trying to be very careful about where we send resources. I found out the other day that they're actually making people show ID for bottles of water. So they're running into this situation where undocumented people or homeless people aren't able to get water that they need, because their crooked government started pumping lead filled water into the whole town…
Chuck the Freak: So you're saying everyone who goes into these relief shelters should be able to have water if they want it?
Wes Ikeda: I'm saying that when I was comin' up, like around 8 Mile and Crusade...they're telling me I can't have a basic neccessity of life because I didn't have an ID. I try not to get super political, but I think that's messed up.
Dave: You didn't have an ID?
Chuck the Freak: Wes is a badass dude, he lived in his car.
Wes laughed.
Wes Ikeda: In the winter.
Dave: What does that say about your success?
Wes Ikeda: I certainly appreciate it more than some other people because of that. Learning how to wrestle here, being able to come from nothing, I think I've certainly paid my dues if nothing else.
Chuck the Freak: You started wrestling in Windsor, right?
Wes Ikeda: Ya, I was at Scott D'Amore's CanAm Wrestling School for a while. I actually got kicked out the first time I was in his program.
Chuck the Freak: What happened, man?
Wes Ikeda: I was in MSP.
The two hosts began to crack up laughing.
Chuck the Freak: No way, how long were you there?
Wes Ikeda: Yeah, up in Jackson. I was there for 18 months.
Dave: So, you got kicked out of Wrestling school because you were in the Michigan State Prison.
Wes Ikeda:That's not technically the reason. I started in BCW in ‘95. I was 18. I did okay there for about a year. Scotty kicked me out of the program about a week before I caught charges. But he did it because I wasn't focused. I didn't appreciate that at the time, but now I know, I had a lot going on in my life, and I wasn't doing the right things, or being a good person. So I was locked up in MSP for 18 months. In the long run, it was probably the best thing for me. It didn't completely straighten me out, but I definitely knew I didn't want to go back there. So when I got out, I went and begged Scott to let me back in BCW. Luckily he did, so I spent a lot of time wrestling over in Windsor, and all around Canada, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota...I faced The Rock at LaSalle Centennial Arena in ‘98. I became BCW World Champion in 1999, and met Chris a couple months after. He helped me with my mic work actually.
Chuck the Freak: They actually tore down the LaSalle arena earlier last month.
Wes Ikeda: I heard about that. That's how old I am now. They're tearing down the places where I used to wrestle.
Dave: So, what is happening with BCW right now?
Wes Ikeda: BCW is still doing shows all around Ontario, sometimes in Detroit. I was around when we merged with Ontario Championship Wrestling. In 2010, BCW merged with Maximum Pro and has been running shows pretty consistently since then. They're getting huge names from NJPW, ROH and Global Force. I think BCW is really finding its niche in this market. Dave: You were the final BCW World Champion.
Wes Ikeda: Technically, yes. I was BCW Champion in 2003 when Scotty put BCW on hiatus. When they came back with the OCW merger, I was already with EBWF, and BCW and OCW consolidated those championships and now they have the BCW CanAm World Heavyweight Champion. But I am technically the reigning, final Border City Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion.
Chuck the Freak: Do you know who the champion is now?
Wes Ikeda: I should hope so, I bought the place.
Wes chuckled.
Chuck the Freak: I think that was information I knew at one point, and then forgot about.
Wes Ikeda: Yeah, I don't really blame people who had forgotten that I bought BCW. It was a really strange time. Scott needed some financial backing, and of course I always believed in the product. I bought BCW in April or May 2012. Then it was just a few months later, that I ended up getting shot in that tragedy, so I didn't really get to do all the things that I wanted to do with BCW. I had a lot of healing to do, and when I finally got back to work, there were a lot of things with EBWF that had to take priority, but we're looking forward to making some announcements about BCW later this year. As of right now, we are still very much involved, I still own BCW. The world champion over there right now is Cody Deaner.
Dave: They are doing a show in Windsor tomorrow night actually.
Wes chuckled a little.
Wes Ikeda: I hadn't heard anything about that. Chuck the Freak: Can we talk about AJ Styles?
Wes Ikeda: I would rather not, but we can if you'd like.
Dave: You seem to have a lot of animosity toward AJ Styles.
Wes Ikeda: I don't know if it's animosity so much as its antipathy. I just really do not like the guy. And it pretty much stems from him not liking me, thinking that I make bad booking decisions, and yet he can't seem to stay away. I think that if AJ Styles wants to critique my every breathing moment that he ought to go find a job somewhere else rather then taking his money from my bank account.
Chuck the Freak: What do you think about him coming in at number one?
Wes Ikeda: That was certainly an interesting play. He's like a toddler, trying to get attention. I'm not sure I would expect much less from him, but it was definitely his way of getting his name back out there in the spotlight. The Miz and Chris Jericho have certainly tried to run away with this Royal Rumble season, and AJ doesn't like it when all of the attention isn't on him. It stands to reason that his girlfriend would have the most devastating loss of her MMA career, and AJ would, just a few short weeks later, find a way to make everything about him.
Dave: He's dating Ronda Rousey right?
Wes Ikeda: Yes that was my first clue that Ronda Rousey must have pretty low self-esteem.
The two hosts made "oooooohhhhhh" noises at Wes' diss.
Dave: You better be careful Wes. She could probably kick your ass.
Wes Ikeda: I have no doubt about that Dave.
Chuck the Freak: Do you think AJ will still be in there by the time you come out at number 30?
Wes Ikeda: The odds are, no he probably won't be. Not to mention that entire roster of 30 guys is insanely talented. When you look at who will be in the ring with Styles you got to look at guys like Brock Lesnar, guys like Edge, Randy Orton.You got a few new guys that are hungry like Sheamus and Tyler Breeze, and you can never count out guys who have been around for a long, long time like CM Punk or Ted DiBiase. It would make me very happy if those guys that come out before me just go ahead and take care of AJ Styles. I don't want to face him. I don't need to face him. I've already beaten him. And I don't think that driving the point home in the Royal Rumble makes me look better. I just intend to be the man who wins, not the man who hands Styles his loss.
Dave: People are making a big deal about the fact that Stone Cold Steve Austin has been named the general manager of EBWF. What role, if any, do you think that Austin will play on Sunday night?
Wes Ikeda: The funny thing about Steve is that originally I didn't want to bring him in. I really had to be convinced that bringing in Austin was the right idea. I knew that we needed some type of authority figure on EBWF television. I didn't know who it should be. My gut instinct was to go with Joanie Helmsley. The problem with having Joanie on television is that I need her backstage, actually running the television program. On the show, she would actually need to be out there in the ring, as opposed to back here running things. And she excels at running things, so I needed her there. We were kicking around the idea of who we wanted to be the general manager of the show and what kind of characters we could develop out of that.I initially wanted Paul Heyman to do it, but Paul andChris convinced me that there wasn't a story in which we could make that possible unless Heyman came out looking like a heel. Don't get me wrong. He's a heel, but we didn't want him to do sort of like a power grab storyline, so they talked me into Austin…
Dave: A heel?
Wes Ikeda: A bad guy. Somebody the crowd doesn't like.
Chuck the Freak: You didn't want Austin because you don't like him?
Wes Ikeda: Oh no, I really like Steve. He's a great guy. He's great to work with. I just didn't know what it looked like with him being in charge of the program. I think I had this idea of Sheriff Austin in the WWE Attitude Era that I wasn't sure translated very well to 2015. But Paul and Chris convinced me that Steve was the right guy for the job, and we really needed somebody to do that job, because I have been a wrestler on television for almost 2 years now. We ran a storyline, on screen, shortly after my return, that the EBWF board of directors had rendered me incompetent in my job, and in order to keep me on the program they signed me as a wrestler. That was all fine and good except we quickly realized that we wouldn't have any authority figures on television. We were confusing the fans in that the writers would say I was making decisions for the show, when in continuity it should have been said that I didn't have any power on the program. We needed to centralize that power for television and Steve really embodies that, he is an excellent character wrestler and I like that about him.
Dave: I don't know, Wes, that all sounds pretty hard.
Wes Ikeda: I'm telling you, running a television program is hard. Running a production company is hard, and doing live TV three hours a week is hard. I wouldn't trade any of it for the world though; I think that we just have a blast doing it. I love the people who work for EBWF. Everybody from wardrobe right up to the wrestlers who tour four days a week doing more than 320 shows per year.
Chuck the Freak: what does a typical EBWF week look like?
Wes Ikeda: We do house shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We do Warfare on Monday night. We're home on Tuesday morning.Stay home Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and leave Friday morning and do it all over again.
Dave: It doesn't sound like you get much time off.
Wes Ikeda: I actually work longer weeks. I do four days on the tour and then I usually do two days in the office. Sometimes I will fly home between house shows and do things in the office in the morning. But Jonie runs a pretty tight ship. I don't always have to be at every dark show, and having kids that is a really nice perk to have someone that I trust that much there to run the show.
Dave: So what are you going to do with your downtime in Detroit while you have some time off?
Wes Ikeda: Well, the first chance I get, that someone lets me out of the arena, I am going to go grab some pizza at Supino's pizzeria because it is my favorite. After that I'll probably go over to Motor City Brewery Works, because I love the Honey Porter there. I usually take a couple growlers home with me.
Chuck the Freak: You really prefers Supino's over Louie's?
Wes Ikeda: That's how you know what area of town a person is from based on what kind of pizza they like, right?
The men shared a laugh.
Chuck the Freak: I guess that's true. Sunday, live from the Joe Louis arena downtown, EBWF Royal Rumble! One of the divas will come out the Women's Royal Rumble winner.Trish Stratus will defend the women's championship against Velvet Sky. We're going to see the men's Royal Rumble. AJ Styles will be there with Dean Ambrose, Jeff Hardy, CM Punk... man, looking down this list there just to so many great EBWF wrestlers! They're going to be at the Royal Rumble on Sunday. Not to mention that The Miz will take on Chris Jericho for the EBWF World Championship. Who are you pulling for in that match Wes?
Wes Ikeda: You know, I try not to pick sides. Chris has been a friend of mine for 17 years, which is hard to believe. The Miz, you know, is your wrestler's favorite wrestler of course. Then again, I'm his favorite wrestler. So I'm the favorite wrestler of the guy who thinks he's your favorite wrestler's, favorite wrestler. I think that means, clearly, that I win.
Dave: I would say that it does. Thanks so much Wes. Hope you guys have a great show. Ladies and gentlemen, straight out of Detroit, Michigan, the one the only, Wes Ikeda.
Wes Ikeda: Thanks guys.
Announcer: You're listening to 101 WRIF, Detroit's Rock Station, more from Dave and Chuck the Freak in just minutes.

Paul Heyman: Tomorrow night, boys. Tomorrow night.
Wes listened to the sound of the tires of the limousine he was currently seated in as it traveled down Fisher Freeway in downtown Detroit. He had been looking out the window at Comerica Park when Heyman had broken the silence. Seated next to Wes, was his best friend, the man in contention for the EBWF World Championship at the Royal Rumble, Chris Jericho. The three of them had just left a pizzeria where they'd enjoy lunch and talked shop.
Chris Jericho: Thanks for lunch, Paul. Only another $136 before you've finally paid off everything I'm owed for ECW.
Paul Heyman: He's never going to let that go.
Wes smiled.
Wes Ikeda: You think he got this rich by not counting every penny?
Paul responded with a laugh.
Paul Heyman: I think you two have an uphill battle tomorrow night.
Wes Ikeda: Why is that?
Chris Jericho: Because we have the audacity to not want to have to put people over all the time.
Paul Heyman: It's my job to relay to you, Mr. Ikeda, what the fans are thinking. Some of them, think that a Chris Jericho World Championship match, and a Wes Ikeda number 30 entry are a little...suspect.
Wes Ikeda: I guess they can think that. You know why this has to happen.
Paul Heyman: I do. So why can't we suggest to the creative team, Wes, that maybe...just maybe. You should win.
Wes Ikeda: We've been over this, Paul. I'd love to win. But I don't know that it's my place. I worked in a place where the guy who owned it couldn't keep his hands off the world championship for more than three months at a time. There are other guys, newer guys...
Paul Heyman: If there are newer guys, why is he getting a world title shot.
Heyman pointed his finger at Jericho. Jericho gave an amused smirk and raised his eyebrow.
Wes Ikeda: Because he's the 2015 EBWF Wrestler of the Year and I hate John Cena.
Chris Jericho: I'm right. here.
Wes Ikeda: This Wrestlemania has to be perfect. I can't do perfect with Enzo Amore and Trent! 15 years, and after my brother died, they told me I wouldn't last three. Here. I am. And here I'll stay. Kurt Angle, Shannon Moore, Triple H and John fucking Cena can go work where they want to, and it won't change a Goddamn thing.
Chris Jericho: Why are you so angry?
Wes shook his head, sighed heavily, but didn't answer.
Chris Jericho: This is Natalie again, isn't it?
Paul Heyman: Natalie? What about Natalie?
Chris glanced at Heyman, but he stayed quiet. It wasn't his story to tell. Wes weighed his options for a moment, then he sighed again.
Wes Ikeda: She wants me to stop wrestling. I've not been the same the last few years. She knows the pain management is hard because I can't take hardly anything since I'm in recovery. She's just worried about me. Partly because of what happened with John. Partly because of her Dad. I'm fairly certain that it has very little to do with me.
Chris Jericho: Do you remember when the doctors told me that they thought I had a heart condition...
Wes Ikeda: They were wrong.
Chris Jericho: They were. But we still spent months thinking that my career was over while that was sorted out.
Wes Ikeda: But it wasn't.
Chris Jericho: And neither is yours. You didn't let me give up on myself that entire time. You're six years younger than me, Wes. You can handle yourself. I probably wouldn't have said this a decade ago, but now? This Wes? I trust you know when enough is enough, and I don't think we're there yet.
Wes didn't say anything. He only gave a slight nod. His eyes met Paul's.
Paul Heyman: I think you know what you have to do.
Wes Ikeda: It ain't going to be pretty.
Paul Heyman: Precisely why I'm divorced, good sir.
Wes Ikeda: I never wanted to be married four times. I think I got it right this time.
Chris Jericho: I do too, but not if you have to leave so much of yourself behind.
Wes seemed to think about that for a moment, and then Jericho watched as he sat up a little straighter and looked pointedly at Heyman.
Wes Ikeda: So about the Diva's Rumble…
Just like that, the subject was changed. Chris found himself wondering if Wes would actually follow through and have that conversation with Natalie. No matter the wait, he knew he'd be one of the first to know if he did.

The camera was shaky as the lens went from darkness to display the scene in front of it. Standing in front of a solid white, block concrete wall, was the number 30 entrant into the Royal Rumble, Wes Ikeda. The front of his shirt had an emblazoned EBWF logo, and his head was cocked slightly to the right. He scratched the hair on his chin, and put his tongue to the inside of his cheek. He made a sort of "tsk" sound, and began to shake his head.
Number thirty. Now, isn't this a treat? When AJ Styles so brilliantly puts himself at number one, and I through no fault of my own, get put in at number 30. AJ thinks he is going to valiantly climb his way over 29 other guys, and then by the time I get there he'll be able to pick up the victory. He's clearly been hitting the bong a little hard lately if he thinks he's going to last that long. I'm sure a lot of people are going to be talking about AJ's odds tonight. It's the thing you do with the man who draws number one. What I'm curious about is why AJ is so into self sabotage? I know you AJ. I used to be you. I used to think that treating my body like a wasteland, and filling my life with people and things that didn't matter, was the way to prove that I'm the man around here. Do you know what real men don't do, AJ? Now, I'm not going to talk about your personal life, because everyone already knows how you act in that regard. Real men, in our business, do not do what you have done.
He shook his head as if to drive home his point.
Wes Ikeda: You have bitched, and moaned and groaned for 10 months since you lost the EBWF World Championship at Wrestlemania 14. You scratched, and clawed, and fought your way back to the main event at Survivor Series. And you couldn't get the job done there either. So then, what did you do, AJ? You started calling me out my name. You started getting louder, and more ruckus, because you know, what everyone else in EBWF knows. When you can't get a world championship match, but you still want to prove you're worth a damn, you have to go after Wes Ikeda. But I wouldn't bite, because you need me a lot more than I need you, don't you AJ? You could have had any number you wanted. You could have been number 15, number 29, but no...you want to prove something to everybody. To the EBWF Universe, to me...but we've tuned out, AJ. We're no longer watching. Miz has been the EBWF World Champion for four months, and you? You're not even phenomenal anymore. Are you even in the top five wrestlers in this company anymore? Oh, but Wes...he's AJ Styles, you carried him to the 2015 match of the year. He's a two time Heel of the Year Slammy Award winner. He's a former world champion. You know who else is a former World Champion, AJ? Ted DiBiase, and he has as good a shot of winning this damn thing as you do. Read: None.
Speaking of former world champions, coming in at number two, none other than Mr. Identity Crisis himself, Trent. Trent could possibly be in a small group of my least favorite people on planet earth. Here's a guy who has been part of big stables, big teams, done a lot of a big things. He's also someone who likes to whine, and whine, and whine until he gets what he wants, and when he finally gets the big opportunity he's always wanted? He quits. That's who Trent is. Trent is a guy that can't align his priorities, and wants to just set around and play video games all day. Trent wants it all, and doesn't want to put in the work. Gone by thirty, no concern of mine.
Dolph Ziggler will be out next and while I think he's definitely earned his nickname, I don't know if I've got a lot of faith in a guy that will be out third, and couldn't even beat Tyler Breeze a couple of weeks ago on Warfare. When you have a hard time pinning a guy that spends more time taking selfies than training, then I'm not sure you're much of a concern of mine. Bully Ray showed up here earlier this year, and I thought for sure he was going to be a road agent, because what business does a fat, bald, old guy have getting back into a wrestling ring? Isn't your neck broken from falling through every buffet table from here to Queens? Aren't your knees really messed up from carrying around all that weight you gained from eating at every buffet from here to Queens? Bully, you like to run your mouth, but no amount of talking is going to get you out of the number four spot, and the odds that come with that. You're just another clown going over the top.
Of course, wouldn't be a show without Mr. Dependable, Dean Ambrose in there. The Lunatic Fringe is a bit of, what we'd call, a loose cannon. You never know with him really. If I had to guess, he'll do what he always does. He'll come in hot, maybe even eliminate a few people, and then, because he doesn't understand a damn thing about pacing himself, he'll peter out and end up getting thrown out. Thirty men in this Rumble. The match will go on for well over an hour, and any man that's still in it after twenty minutes will be low on gas. Lance Storm….
Wes' eyes fluttered shut, and then his chin lulled forward. He began making deep snoring noises and then he pretended to be startled awake.
Wes Ikeda: Wha...what? Why...I...someone mentioned Lance Storm didn't they?
He smirked.
Wes Ikeda: Returning on this historic night, to continue his pathetic delusions of grandeur is EBWF Icon, Bret Hart.
The disbelieving shake of Wes' head said it all.
Wes Ikeda: It's just sad at this point. It's just sad. I know we're family now, and believe me, that's just as disappointing for me as it is for you, but this is sad. I feel bad for you. I feel bad for the other twenty nine guys in the ring. We're going to be afraid to punch you, Bret. I don't mean to play the age card. You opened this federation fifteen years ago You were old then! We thought it was lame that people pointed out your age then! Now, I'm at least ninety-five percent sure you probably have osteoporosis. This is sad. By the time you walk to the ring, it will be time for Ryback to come out to the ring. Ryback, there's a big guy. A Tag Team Champion. The fans seem to like him. He's going to be a pretty decent equalizer coming in at number 9. The first real big man to show up. It'll be a situation where all the guys are going to have to either work together to get him out, or he's going to mow through them. I don't mind Ryback coming along to even the playing field for me.
Wes winked into the camera, and focused for a moment.
Wes Ikeda: My friend, EBWF Legend, Jeff Hardy comes in at number ten, and while I have all the respect in the world for the guy, I think he'd probably be the first to agree with me that he's been, a little, how would one say, lacking during this EBWF run. Does a man like the charismatic enigma really need to be the Breakout Champion? Why is that all he can achieve? How does he come in at number 9 and make a statement. He doesn't. The coolest thing about Jeff Hardy in this match is going to be his face paint, and then he'll be just another blip on the radar screen. One-third of the way into this match, fifteen minutes in, that sweet, sweet Living Colour hook is going to hit. Detroit Michigan is going to stand to it's feet. It will be...Clobberin' Time. CM Punk, now there is a name right? It's going down in history with Hulk Hogan and Degeneration X. CM Punk might just be the best wrestler of his generation. This man was poised to beat Raven's record for the most EBWF World Championships of all time! Then two years ago, your Straight Edge Savior lost his smile and his motivation, and started bitching about how he was underutilized. He rewarded the EBWF's loyalty with his self serving "pipe bombs" and his half assed matches, took his pretty girlfriend back to Chicago, and now shows up for his paychecks. CM Punk isn't the number one contender that the EBWF deserves. And I'm banking that 29 other guys are going to make sure he isn't the one we get either.
Wes sighed.
Wes Ikeda: This is exhausting. And what's worse is that I'm supposed to be a good guy. What's better is that I don't like too many people, even as a good guy, so hopefully some of you can understand where most of my apathy is coming from. Now here's a name I recognize, number 11. Shane. Helms. I never would have thought that of all the sorry suckers to have lived through the nightmare that was the Shannon Moore dynasty, that you. You of all people, would be back for that one final shot at the dream. I get it man. It eats at you. So from one good ole boy to another, come and take it. Number 12, is Ted DiBiase, Jr.
Wes clicked his tongue and gave a thumbs up.
Wes Ikeda: If there were "Hey congrats! You tried!" awards, Teddy, we'd put one right here. Riiiiiiiggghhhhhtttt here on the refrigerator. Of the dozens of men on the roster, Ted, you were actually able to make it into the Royal Rumble. So hey, that's something. This is EBWF, everyone gets a participation award.
Wes shook his head, gritting his teeth, signaling the opposite was true.
Wes Ikeda: In at lucky number 13 is P….J...Black. Who is this...hold on...
Wes held up his index finger, and took out his phone. He tapped in a few things, obviously Googling. After a moment, he squinted, and looked back up into the camera.
Wes Ikeda: Wait, you're saying this is just Justin Gabriel without bangs? I don't know, is he like different or something? Is this a Mick Foley thing where he comes out in a different outfit? No, same stick up his ass, like before? So he gets into the final four, but gets eliminated, is what you're saying. He's the Path to Glory Champion? Good grief, is that what it's come to? Got to have that crazy high spot, got it. Got it.
Wes continued to browse Google news.
Wes Ikeda:Velvet broke up with him?
Wes put his phone to his ear and mouthed "Call Me".
Wes Ikeda: Number 14, is the former EBWF World Champion, the man who did the impossible at Survivor Series 2014 when he defeated he who shall not be named, ending months long tyranny the likes of which EBWF had never seen...Solomon Crowe. You are a truly sick and twisted individual Crowe. I like you. You remind me of a younger version of myself, except not as attractive. I think this number is going to serve you well. I think you'll have ample opportunity to take out some of the guys before you, some after you, and be long gone by the time my music hits twenty-four minutes later.
Wes gave a charming, yet sick looking smile, and then he focused intensely on the camera.
Wes Ikeda: Then we have the man that stands squarely in the middle, between me and AJ Styles. A man who decided last week that he was going to take out Chris Jericho. You decided to be in cahoots with The Miz? Hmmm...tough times in Suplex City, eh Brock? I had no choice but to do what I did, because The Miz was going to see to it that the EBWF World Championship wouldn't have been defended at all at The Royal Rumble. I would think that you of all people wouldn't want that. I would also think that you'd want to be around at the end to get your hands on me for what I did to you with that lead pipe last Monday night. I'll be waiting. If you could do me a favor and take care of Styles for me. I know how much you hate sharing.
Wes grinned again, this time seeming quite pleased with himself for having called out Brock.
Wes Ikeda: Hey, I really hope JBL is number 16 in the Royal Rumble, said no one ever. Moving on, coming in at number 17, all the way from Long Island, Mr. Don't Laugh at Me, Zack Ryder. Welcome to the big time, kiddo! You left Connecticut so you could stop playing a caricature of yourself, pretty lofty goals from a guy who walks around in a pair of $5 sunglasses, but if you believe in yourself, I guess you can do anything. You're just going to have to wait until after Sunday, because the big boys are going to be busy tearing up the ring.
Wes shifted his weight to his other leg.
Wes Ikeda: Jay Briscoe at number 18. The odds are getting better for everybody, now! Everybody except Jay Briscoe, who will be lucky if he leaves Detroit with all of his limbs, and without getting various arena items thrown at him during the Rumble. There's nothing we love more here in Detroit that a gun toting', racist, redneck, Jay. God speed, sir. The third genuinely big man to come into the ring at number 19 is the Celtic Warrior, Sheamus. It truly could not be more perfect. Watch all those dominos fall, Brogue Kick after Brogue Kick. That's going to be worth watching. You're an interesting fella, Sheamus. I mean, you did beat Damien Sandow, which really isn't a victory. That's sort of like dating Layla, everyone has done it. The Rumble probably won't be your night, but I think you'll go down trying. That'll make for a good show. Number 20, we're two-thirds of the way there folks, and if you're not with me up until this point, listen up now, because the number twenty entrant is Enzo Amore. 2009 MTV called Enzo, and it wants the Jersey Shore back. It wants every negative stereotypical reference about Italian Americans, of which I am one, back. It wants you to stop committing gimmick infringement by being a poor man's Pauly D. Enzo Amore, you are literally, the worst. Worse than Snooki. Worse than Mafia Boss Halloween Costumes, worse than Chef Boyardee. The worst. Also, I'm doing fine. Thank you for asking. Stop it, before I box your ears like an Italian grandmother, capice?
font color=white>Wes rubbed his forehead, closing his eyes for a minute before sighing with the absurdity of it all.
Wes Ikeda: Syxx came back to the EBWF a couple of years ago. You wouldn't know it because he seems to appear as if he's an apparition and then disappear as quickly as he came. He'll come out, you'll cheer. He'll go over the top rope. We'll see him at Mania.
Wes threw his hands up in "Jazz Hands" formation, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Wes Ikeda: Yaaayyyyy….. the field really starts to pick up from here. 9 guys left including myself, and opponents don't get any easier. Mankind, a former Breakout Champion, and one truly weird dude is joining the fold at number 22. While he has marginal success while fledgling in the undercard...
Wes cringed.
Wes Ikeda: Shit, I'm breaking the fourth wall with my insider lingo. Truly, how do people do this every year, promos on 30 guys? I'm one of the most talented stick men in the business! Who came up with this match. Thanks VINCE! Thanks. Just another way you make my life miserable! Oh, also, you gave us Mick Foley, so there's that too. A guy who can't wrestle, so he puts himself through flaming barbedwire, making the rest of us look like pussies in comparison. Great. Perfect. Thanks for that. Moving on from Mick Foley and actually considering talent, you have to look at the guy coming in at number twenty three. Roman Reigns. I wasn't sure about him when he first got here. Just another tall, handsome, big dude who thought he'd come to EBWF. He learned pretty quickly that EBWF is the home of the underdog. You don't have to be the pick of the litter to be the EBWF World Champion! Just ask Mike Mizanin! A name that has become synonymous with EBWF Gold! Steppin on and over people on his way to the top!
Wes suddenly dry heaved, stuck up his finger, and then cleared his throat.
Wes Ikeda: Sorry, I just threw up in my mouth a little bit there. Speaking of people who are synonymous with the EBWF Brand, coming in at number 24, the silent assassin, Randy. Orton. He's had a pretty silent year, hasn't he? Some would say that means he's just recoiled and ready to strike. I say that he'll probably continue to languish at home in St. Louis until the King of the Ring. Then at number twenty five, and tell me how the fuck this always happens. Number twenty five, Edge. Every damn year, these two come and go out of EBWF like a revolving door until they get tired of listening to AJ Styles and The Miz talk, and every damn year they draw numbers within two of each other. This time they're coming in back to back. You know what that means? Rated RKO rides again, and it's smooth sailing for the final five. It's genius. I couldn't have randomly picked it out of a hat better myself, than to have the longest reigning champions in EBWF history come out, remind everyone that they are awesome, and then leave, quietly, helping me without even meaning to. Thank you gentlemen, you are truly legends of your time. Long after Ryback will have been eliminated from the fold, his tag team partner Wade Barrett will finally make his entrance, depressing the masses with his bad news, and reminding everyone that he is, indeed still an EBWF Tag Team Champion. He might make it to my entrance, at which point I will summarily dismiss him, and I will not be the least bit sorry for it.
He grinned, and then chuckled, his little quip amusing him.
Wes Ikeda: Twenty seven, a very lucky number indeed for Tyler Breeze. Prince Pretty. The Sultan of the Selfie. Welcome to EBWF. Congratulations on your success thus far. I must say I've been rather impressed with your work. The wrestling ring, however, Tyler, is not a place for pretty boys. It's not a runway of fashion. It is a house of pain. It is hell on the body. It is out of your league, and I am confident, beyond confident that your time in the Royal Rumble will be very, very short.
He held his index finger and thumb very closely together to illustrate his point.
Wes Ikeda: Oh, remember earlier when I said that the talent only got better from him, and that it didn't get any easier? Yeah, no scratch that. The Rock is in at number 28, and since he's filming Ballers and busy giving Vin Diesel a reason to live, it's clear that he's a nostalgia act and not, like, actually a contender for this thing. Finally, number 29, a guy that used to be a big deal around here, but has as of late gone through so many identity crisis that it's impossible to tell what I'm actually going to get, Seth Rollins. If I had to bet good money, I'd say Rated RKO takes him to task in the 90 seconds before my music even hits. There's 29 men, not even half of them have a name that even makes you think that they wouldheadline Wrestlemania. I have been waiting for over three, very long years, to get to this point. I came back from the brink, and I was told that I couldn't have this. At the Royal Rumble? I'm out to prove everyone wrong. At the Royal Rumble, I, like I've been my entire career, am the Underrated, Underappreciated, Underdog, and if any of you want to take the main event at Wrestlemania away from me? Then you can come and take it.
One corner of Wes' mouth turned up into a grin.
Wes Ikeda: And you can live. with that.
The scene faded to an EBWF Logo as EBWF.net exclusive ended.

There were 600 people seated in folding chairs all around a very sophisticated looking ring. Club Alouette was buzzing, and the show was almost over when she heard a voice. She almost didn't answer the man, because no one ever addressed her the way he had.
Indie Wrestler: I can take you out now, Mrs. Ikeda.
She gave him a warm smile, as he, and the two security guards assigned to her, led her into the crowd. She sat near the back, as not to spoil the surprise for anyone. She could see Blaine and McKenzie, both seated near the front. They had security guards with them too, and it made her feel better. She had come in mid segment, and she couldn't quite follow the storyline, but it seemed the man on the stick was a contender for the world championship.
Jon Bolen: And that's why I've chosen my partner here tonight! Sebastian Dark and I are going to take you out Cody Deaner! I want a rematch for my BCW CanAm World Championship and I want it now!
Natalie had to laugh when "We Will Rock You" by Queen hit the quality sound system, and a man with long hair, ripped jeans, a white wife beater and the BCW CanAm World Championship fastened around his waist came from behind the clothes wire black curtain and down the aisleway toward the ring.
Cody Deaner: You know that ain't the way this works son! Ain't nobody going to just hand you a world title shot. I beat you fair and square! I pinned you in the ring. All that mouth running you were doin'. Ain't my fault you were cocky. I got it done. You can have your rematch at CanAm Rising, but not a damn second before. You got yourself a tag team partner. I got myself a tag team partner. Let's do this thing.
Deaner started off toward the ring, and the Bolen was obviously confused. Natalie could hear the two announcers, set up at a folding table just a few feet to her right.
Jason Scott: The Renegade Redneck Cody Deaner has a tag team partner! We've been waiting for Adam Martin and Brandon Fontaine for weeks, Kidd!
Kareoke Kidd: Well, everyone watching at home right now on WIN-TV certainly wants to know who Cody Deaner convinced to get in the ring with Jon Bolen tonight.
Jon Bolen: You got a tag team partner? Fine, Windsor wants a fight! Let's give ‘em a fight tonight...
Bolen dropped the microphone, and the crowd cheered mildly, turning their attention to the entrance way. Bolen and Sebastian Dark waited anxiously in the ring, taunting toward the curtain as Deaner stood just outside the ring. The PA crackled, and then…
"You Never Met a Motherfucker Quite Like Me….
Kareoke Kidd: Ohhhhhhhhh maaaannnnnn Jason! Could it be…
Jason Scott: It is!
Wes Ikeda came from behind the haphazard curtain, in his standard wrestling attire of a black aline undershirt and jeans. Natalie noticed his boots were scuffed from where she was sitting, and he wore the original BCW World Championship around his waste. He hadn't even hit the ring yet, and the crowd was chanting his name. He met Deaner at the end of the aisleway and together they dropped their belts to the concrete floor and slid in under the bottom rope.
Kareoke Kid: The Rebel without a Cause and The Renegade Redneck are taking it to Bolen and Dark!
Jason Scott: It's him! It's really him! Welcome home, Wes! Welcome home.
The match never got started because the men never came to order, but after a heated exchange, Wes tossed Dark out of the ring, leaving Bolen to face the ire of the current CanAm World Champion, Deaner. Deaner hit the Giver Drop, which Natalie recognized as some sort of springboard backflip with a three quarter facelock diving reverse DDT combo that looked mighty impressive. With Bolen down, Deaner began to drag him to the corner, and suddenly that crowd of 650 may has well have been 20,000 strong, that was how loud they sounded. Deaner pointed to Bolen, seated in the corner. Then he pointed to the opposite corner, letting the crowd ride their wave of euphoria as Wes pointed to his own chest and asked "Who me?" The crowd lost it in affirmative response, and Wes popped up to the top of the turnbuckle. There wasn't a person left in their seats, including Blaine Ikeda, who Natalie watched as he pumped his fists in the air as his father's boots left the ring ropes.
Jason Scott: Coast to Coast! Coast to Coast. Goodnight Bolen! We'll see you at CanAm Rising!
Wes sold the Coast to Coast, hobbling up a bit, as the referee handed both he and Deaner their respective BCW World Championships.
Kareoke Kidd: Say what you want about Wes Ikeda, Jason, but he is the true, and possibly only, BCW Legend. Way to remember where you came from, boss.
After a bit of celebration it was obvious the tapings were wrapping, even though the wrestlers in the ring were still playing up to the crowd. Natalie began to push her way to the front, forgetting for a moment the security that was tailing her. Wes had gone to the makeshift dividers that were holding back the crowd to sign autographs. When Natalie got where he could see her, he immediately came over. She hugged him, and speak a little loudly to be heard. He looked like natural. She'd never seen him as anything other than the EBWF Boss. In a gritty environment like this? He looked at home.
Natalie Neidhart: You were amazing! Sold out arena, or 650 people, you were just amazing...
Wes Ikeda: Thank you.
Natalie Neidhart: What do you want to do now?
She meant immediately. Did he want to shower. Did he want to go back to the hotel. Did he want something to eat?
Wes Ikeda: I want to go to Wrestlemania.
She looked up at him.
Natalie Neidhart: We still need to talk, but right now, I think...if you want something, you should go for it.
She saw something in his eyes that had been missing for months. A spark. Then he kissed her forehead.
Young Woman: Oh, my God, like Wes can we take a selfie?
He looked down at her, but she gave an upward nod toward the Ring Rat in the short skirt. He pecked her temple again, and then turned toward the waiting crowd. It was only a moment before one of the seventeen year old townies let her into the ringside area, and she realized what she had to do. He belonged here, and where he was, that was where she needed to be too. She was with him for a few more hours as he listened to stories from people who had seen him wrestle on a night just like this twenty years ago. He signed autographs. He shook every hand. She knew without asking him, that unlike so many other times, he was truly happy to do it. She stood beside him, enjoying every moment. He deserved all of this. He deserved Wrestlemania. At least for now.
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