The unmistakable string introduction of Dvorak’s “New World Symphony” fills the studio, triggering a buzz among the ClaW faithful, until the emerging form of Leon Van Zandt draws cheers. Dressed to the nines in a suit and tie, the Professional looks out into the crowd with a smile on his face.
Moss: Here comes the Belgian grappler formerly of the Foreign Legion, Leon Van Zandt, and I’m sure he has something to say here about last episode’s altercation with his former teammate Mushigihara!
Van Zandt takes a moment to tag some hands, before stepping into the ring and borrowing a microphone from Otto Price.
Van Zandt: Meneer Dante.
The mere mention of his former manager elicits a gusher of boos, as The Professional nods in agreement.
Van Zandt: Last time we spoke, you appeared to decline my challenge to Mushigihara at ClassicMania. Well, Meneer Dante, as I’m sure you are aware, I do not walk away from denial that easily. And I am here to not ask, but DEMAND, a match with Mushigihara at ClassicMania. I have said this isn’t over, and it will NOT be, until I have him in this ring with me!
The crowd starts to cheer, only to make a hard right into jeering territory as Eddie Dante and Mushigihara step into the arena.
Howley: Oh boy, looks like things are gonna heat up here tonight!
With a knowing smirk, Dante produces a microphone of his own, and stares daggers into his former client.
Dante: I’ve been thinkin’, Leon old boy, about our little conversation the last time we were here, and how much you CLEARLY wanna settle this matter with the Emperor of Classic Wrestling.
The crowd boos Dante and Mushi, who only responds by mumbling “osu…” as he stoically stares into the crowd.
Dante: And how nothing would thrill me more, than you see you ridden out of Classic Wresting on a gurney, never to bother me or Mushigihara again. And so I thought; “well, why waste an opportunity to do just that?”
A hush comes over the crowd.
Dante: We accept.
The crowd roars in approval, as Dante and Mushigihara remain unmoved, in contrast to Van Zandt’s smile. However, Dante raises a hand up, as if to silence the fans, and goes on.
Dante: UNDER ONE STIPULATION.
Another hush.
Dante: Yes, I will allow Mushigihara to face you at ClassicMania, Leon. HOWEVER. After Mushigihara has destroyed you, and defeated you in that ring? You will LEAVE Classic Wrestling, and never return.
The crowd boos some more, as Dante grins a bit, before starting to look concerned as LVZ himself starts to smile:
Van Zandt: Excellent, Meneer Dante. I think that is acceptable terms to face Mushi.
A pause.
Van Zandt: Oh! I should tell you; last week I was able to get an audience with Meneer Myers, about my challenge to you, and how you would likely try to squeeze a stipulation like that into a potential matchup. Which is why he also allowed me to throw in a stipulation of my own! You see, it WILL be Mushigihara vs. Leon Van Zandt, at ClassicMania. And if Mushigihara wins, I will indeed leave Classic Wrestling, and never return.
Another hush as Van Zandt’s smile widens.
Van Zandt: …but should I be the victor… YOU, Meneer Dante, will step inside this ring.
Dante stares at Van Zandt with a puzzled look.
Van Zandt: Alone.
Dante raises an eyebrow.
Van Zandt: With me.
Dante goes from puzzled to terrified, the color running from his face in real time.
Van Zandt: For FIVE MINUTES.
The crowd roars at the notion of LVZ getting his revenge, as Dante can only look around in sheer terror!
Moss: WHOA!
Howley: IT’S GONNA GET NASTY AT CLASSICMANIA!
Dante can only shake and shudder, as he storms off in a huff. Mushigihara quietly stares at his former partner, before turning tail and flanking his manager. The camera cuts on LVZ, smiling in anticipation, as we cut.