Post by Robert Daniels on Mar 9, 2021 23:22:42 GMT -5
Battleground Network Presents
MAINSTREAM WRESTLING IS LIVE FROM LOS ANGELES AND WE’RE INSIDE THE STAPLES CENTER FOR MAINSTREAM 64...ZERO HOUR!
"Highway to Hell" by AC/DC begins to play and the crowd at the Staples Center erupts as The American Monster Jacob Hammerstein walks onto the stage. The former Mainstream World Heavyweight Champion is dressed casually, black below the knee cargo shorts, black and white checkerboard Vans, and an official Cartier Eat This Ass T-shirt. Hammerstein looks relaxed, almost in a good mood, as he walks down the ramp to the ringside area. Graham Stevens hands him a microphone as he walks up the ring steps. The Hall of Famer wipes his feet on the ring apron before stepping through the ropes and taking the center of the ring.
HAMMERSTEIN: I got a lot of things I want to say, but Bombay says the format only gives me ten minutes. To that, I say, Bombay if you think I'm following a damn format, you don't know me at all.
A big grin crosses Hammerstein's face as the crowd reacts.
HAMMERSTEIN: Honestly, I won't take too long, because there's a whole hell of a lot of good fightin' about to go down tonight, and I'm ready to sit up there in the luxury box and enjoy it.
Hammerstein's expression turns more serious.
HAMMERSTEIN: You haven't heard much from me since Julianna Dimaria beat me for The Mainstream World Heavyweight Championship. People have asked me why, and I'll tell you why. I haven't been active on social media or in public for two reasons. One, because the spotlight belongs to OUR Mainstream World Heavyweight Champion. And, two, because I've been spendin' time at home with the hottest mother of three in the world, Holly Hammerstein, and the three most incredible kids in the world, Zoe, Reese, and Flynn. I love you guys.
The American Monster blows a kiss to the camera and waves. He bows his head and is quiet for a few seconds. He sighs and raises his head, a poignant and sentimental look on his face.
HAMMERSTEIN: Bein' a professional wrestler and a husband and father is a tough balancin' act. You pour yourself into your career, because this is such a 'what have you done for me lately' business, and opportunities to really make it are few and far between. But, while you're out tearin' the house down, there are little people at home that just want their Daddy to come home. There's a faithful devoted wife who just wants her husband to sleep beside her every night.
Hammerstein lowers the microphone and pauses to collect himself.
HAMMERSTEIN: So, since I have been home the past week or so, I've been doin' some thinkin'. I came back here, not knowing if I still had what it takes to make it. I won The Emerald City Classic. I beat Jason Cashe for the World Heavyweight Title, and I defended it against some of the best in this sport. I want all you people to know how much of an honor and privilege it's been to come out here and fight and bleed for you, whether in pursuit of, or in defense of The World Title. It's been a good run, but, it's time. It's time for me to go home and be the husband and dad that my family deserves.
The American Monster pauses a bit, taking a deep breath.
HAMMERSTEIN: So, as of right now, I am officially retired from….
"Ready or Not" begins to roll in through the PA System. Every viewer at home, everybody in a seat turned towards the stage. Jacob Hammerstein slowly turned his eyes to the entrance as Jason Cashe stepped out from the back. Also not booked tonight, he was in street clothes and had a microphone in hand as he and Hammerstein starred the other down.
JASON CASHE: Am I hearing this right? Are you.. Quitting?
HAMMERSTEIN: I don--
JASON CASHE: Let me cut you off right there!
Pacing on stage, Cashe had some frustrations showing. Fidgety as he walked a little right before turning and walking back towards the left.
JASON CASHE: All this TALK of you dominating. Being the measuring stick around here.. And no sooner as you lose the belt, you want to quit? That's.. That's something!
HAMMERSTEIN: I--
JASON CASHE: No, YOU are going to stand there and hear what I have to say! See Hammy.. In my career there have been but TWO people who at any given time has had my number. I can try to fight it, try to ignore it as fact but no matter where, when or the match type. I have come up short more times than not against them. One of them is Chris Madison..
Pause for dramatic effect. Hearing fans live again had its moments. Giving Madison his due cheers just being mentioned. Cashe let the moment pass.
JASON CASHE: The other is you!
Again, dramatic effect was needed. Fans gave a good pop for Hammerstein! Deservingly so with all he has accomplished not just in Mainstream but in many promotions.
JASON CASHE: I have had opportunities to beat Madison on many occasions and to my count, I have beaten him once in a handful of attempts. I respect Madison! I might have my distance from him on a personal level but there is an earned loyalty to him as a Warrior in this business!
HAMMERSTEIN: Your point Cashe?
JASON CASHE: My point.. My point is that I need one more attempt. I need one more opportunity to do what I haven't done in a handful of tries. I want the chance to beat you! You want to leave, retire, ride off into the sunset? Fine but do it tomorrow. Do it after you have that charity match on April 1st but here in Mainstream? Have your final match… With ME!
While he might not be the most liked guy around. The fans liked the idea and gave a nice pop for the suggestion. All of them quickly quieting down as Hammer puts his mic to his mouth for a response.
HAMMERSTEIN: Do you really want what you are asking for? If you lose, there isn't another chance down the road. I will not go easy or compete with any less fight in me than when I was World Champion! Are you sure about this?
JASON CASHE: Am I sure? Shit, let me sweeten the deal for you Hammy! Let's do it TONIGHT!
Talk about dramatic effect! The live crowd for Zero Hour was erupting! Cashe paused to let them have their excitement. His eyes never leaving Hammerstein as the former Champion stood in the ring feeling the live fans all around him.
HAMMERSTEIN: Tonight? On Pay-Per-View?!
This was getting ridiculous at this point. Cashe shook his head at the crazy reaction from the live audience. Hammerstein smiles but before he can say anything more, Cashe offers something more.
JASON CASHE: So before you stain the ceilings with champagne to celebrate your retirement.. Step in the ring with me, here tonight. Hammer, nobody can call this a rivalry. This between us isn't a feud. You have, at every turn walked passed me when we have fought. This won't be for titles or position on the card, it will be purely, simply, a fight! What do you say?
The crowd was answering for him, chanting "Yes" as if that wasn't a borrowed chant from another world.
HAMMERSTEIN: Let's do it! If I am leaving, I can do it fighting! You have your match!!
JASON CASHE: Hot Damn! See you later tonight!
Flipping the microphone away, Cashe turns and heads back into the back. Going to get the match sanctioned and then get ready for one final battle between two dogs in the fight. Hammerstein nodding has a grin expressed across his face.
CHARLES HUDSON: We’ve got a rematch of the Main Event from this past Anniversary Show back on Thanksgiving!
MCKAYLA LEWIS: Jason Cashe is ready to bid farewell to the former Mainstream Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion but not without one last hoorah! Stay turned folks we’re going to take our first commercial break but when we return we’ll have more Mainstream Wrestling!