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*The GNL was a buzz about the recent signings, and the upcoming first event after such a long absence. Everyone was getting ready, and the best had come, or had it? Even through all of the recent happenings, there was a rumor being passed around the locker rooms that had everyone somewhat uneasy. Nobody knew where the rumor was generated from, or even know who to go to about its legitimacy. The front office kept quite hush-hush about any of its 'business arrangements', which meant that everyone in the back would continue to be kept in the dark, and furthermore, would have to wait and see if this 'rumor' of epic proportions would come to pass. 

But today was a day that was going to mark the arrival of someone. And they had to be a big name signing, or else the upper management wouldn't have rolled out the welcome mat quite this way. They've kept pretty busy lately, having the official signing of Iron Man, having to deal with the antics of White Trash Jerry. And then of course there were the not so official signings made by guys who preferred to forego the formalities and just get right to the ring to do their business. Though that was really the mentality of everyone, it was a few men's prerogatives to soak up the attention and acclaim their storied history has awarded them.

Now today seemed special, not only was the welcome mat rolled out in grand fashion in the banquet hall at GNL Headquarters, but reporter trucks sat outside in full force. Not all that often do you get such great publicity for a signing that the boys in the back were still clueless over. Did the GNL snag someone away from the WWE? Maybe someone jumped ship, who knows around here. This business is so fickle, you can never tell where loyalties lie. But either way, the banquet hall was packed to the full of cameras, bright hot lights all aimed at the two long tables, draped in a white black cloth covering them. In the middle, separating the two tables a podium, with the GNL logo brandishing the front of it, and a long microphone coming up from the head of the podium. The tables of course had their own microphones, and there was one on each table, nearest the podium.

My God this has turned into a three-ring circus. All of these people here to see lil old me? Well I'm touched. But I don't know why Dragon would go through all of this effort for an old friend. Is he really THIS happy that after all this time, and exhausting attempts at scoring me, he's finally swayed me? Maybe that's it. Damn! Look at all of those cameras out there. I haven't seen this much attention since the good old days back in the SwF. Who knows, maybe this time...here... this could be it for me. I think that this is where it'll all end. Look at this laundry list of talent though. I think I might be getting in a little over my head, but we'll have to just see about that. Talk about pressure, he hasn't even introduced me to the public, and all ready I'm booked. *Sigh* Well, where is he all ready? That cant be a good sign, when you're not even on time to your own press conference?

*Just at that moment, Dragon paced right past the man he was about to introduce to the world. He quickly greeted the man, and buttoned up his suit jacket. Dragon had spared no expenses in trying to look extra pretty for the cameras, and for trying to make this as grand an occasion as possible. He wasted no time after making sure he looked hospitable, walking through the curtains, leaving his guest, and stepping up the stairs leading to the stage and podium as a few flashbulbs went off, capturing the image of a glorious CEO in a moment that seemed euphoric for him.  What was it he had up his sleeve? Whatever it was, it was epic, and he knew it, and knew the media would eat it up. He wasted little time in addressing all of the media who had attended this auspicious occasion. 

Dragon: Ladies and gentleman of the press, attendants of the media, special guests, and beloved fans of the Generation Next League. It was a historic day when President Harry Truman dropped the atom bombs, it was a historic day...when the Berlin wall was torn down, it was a historic day when the Cold War ended, and it was a historic day when the GNL reopened its doors to the millions of fans, to bring live entertainment to all those that desire it. And I am proud to say, that today as well, is a historic day. A day which will mark the GNL for all time, a day which will show that the GNL is making its way to the top faster than any other federation out there. Today....tonight...the GNL brings forth a harbinger, a change maker, someone that will rock, and has rocked this magnificent sport since he stepped out into the legendary squared circle. Ladies and gentleman, it is an honor, to present, a man, a myth, a legend to the GNL. A man stacking up 55 wins, 11 losses, and 3, yes 3 draws, in his entire career. A man that has rocked this sport time and time again with death defying stunts, a man that has put his body on the line, just for mere echo of the fans CHANTING his name. No I don't mean me. 

*The fans and press chuckle at the joke as he smiles.*

I am proud to present to you all, the newest edition to the GNL family. Ladies and gentleman...Markus Katastrophik!

*Flashbulbs went off in number as Markus stepped up onto the platform. A massive grin across his face as he waved to the media and fans who seemed stunned at his arrival, and appearance. The last time anyone had seen him, he was in pretty bad shape. But he looked clean, looked to be in good health, and most of all, looked enthusiastic to be taking on a new role in a place that had always welcomed him. He walked over and took a seat to the left of the podium, as Dragon took questions from the media, all anxious to ask any number of questions.*

Dragon: Yes you ma'am, in the front.

*The woman stands and clears her throat before eyeing the superstar with more of a seductive, rather than formal grin.*

Woman: Dragon, you seem very pleased to be introducing Markus Katastrophik to the GNL once again. This is a pretty big signing for you and the rest of the GNL. What brought you to wanting to bring Markus back in the GNL?

Dragon: Ms. the GNL has been a home to many great superstars, legends, hall of famers, and even yours truly. Now the way I see it is, with this being the best federation out there, what better way to kick off the returning.....GNL, than to sign a legend himself. Markus Katastrophik is truly epitome of what a true superstar is like, and though out of commission for so long, I believe he as will benefit the company, and bring pleasure to the fans in ways we never imagined. Next question.

*A man in the middle stands and Dragon nods at him. He holds out a tape recorder and speaks*

Man: Mr. Katastrophik, Dragon speaks truly highly of you, as do many of your fans, but I think the question remains. After being out of the business for so long, why now, and why, the GNL?

*Chuckles* Why not? You said it best yourself. Dragon here speaks so highly of me cause of my past performances. I've been blessed with the gift to captivate, and that gift has gotten me quite a way in my career that's spanned for nearly a decade. And you look at me, and hell, I'm still only 27. I've got a good ten-twenty years left in me, at least. I've yet to really hit my prime. So I figured that an opportunity such as this was one I wasn't about to waste.

*The man takes his seat as a radiant ray of beauty towards the right side stands up. She smiles at both the men then speaks after Dragon nods to her.*

Woman: Mr. Katastrophik, now that you have signed with the GNL, and know that there is much competition that it has to offer. I must know, exactly, what are your goals for your career here, AND, are you free Saturday night?

*Markus chuckles yet again* Well, my goal is simple, conquest. I dont think anyone comes here to fail, or to settle for second best. All my career I've lived to be on the top of the mountain, and I've come to a place where though the competition is indeed fierce, I've got a formitable chance at being the man. And as far as Saturday Night is concerned, uhm... *looks at Dragon and stresses for a response a moment* Well... we'll just have to see.

*Dragon points as an elder man stands and clears his throat before asking the next question*

Man: Dragon, where does Markus fit into the scheme of your roster, and what are any immediate plans you have for him?

Markus Katastrophik is, as everyone knows, a main event-er. However, as you all may know that the focuses of our company at this point are all on the Million Dollar Title, and Hardcore Title. However, I do have something, planned for the rest of the titles, and then there's the big one. The Ultimate Heavyweight Championship. And that, you'll just have to wait and see as the shows progress, I'm sure you will find it, quite intriguing in where Mr. Katastrophik will stand according to that. *Dragon smiles as small murmurs and whispers from those in attendance come about*

*Dragon points to a slender red headed female who stands up and pulls her skirt down before raising her tape recorder in Dragon's direction*

Woman: Excuse me Dragon sir, but my sources have made it clear to me that even before we stand here now doing this, you had all ready booked Markus Katastrophik to debut this week. You must have a great deal of confidence in his in-ring ability and what he brings to the table, to refuse this opportunity to showcase him to the world.

Dragon: Yes, I do, by all means. He WILL be debuting at Nextasy this week, and his opponent will be, Jamie Jones. Markus, do you have anything you wish to point out about your upcoming match?

It's been quite a while since I've been in a GNL ring, and I'll just say that for the people who are in New York to witness it, it'll be a wait well worth it. I don't take any of my opponents lightly, but I DO intend on showcasing the talents I possess, and prove to the world, as well as the rest of the GNL staff and roster, why it was that Dragon holds me in such high acclaim, and why it is that he has brought me here. I've got a job to do, and at Nextasy, I'm gonna get the job done, like only Tha Katastrophik One can! *smirk*

*A scrawny man in a checkered suit and bow tie stands up, and looks towards Katastrophik and Dragon.*

Man: Dragon sir, Mr. Katastrophik is a formidable opponent, and though you have been known to stand on your own, you too have an enemy, the President of the GNL, Angelina Summers. Are you going to form an alliance with Markus Katastrophik, and Mr. Katastrophik, do you have any thoughts on perhaps forming a team of your own as you have done in the past?

*Markus takes a moment to ponder the question and looks up to Dragon at the podium*

You wanna get this first?

Dragon: You stated yourself sir, that I have been known to stand alone. I gave Ms. Angelina Summers her job within a matter of minutes, and I can take it away just as quickly and easily. However, because she has formed a team of her own, she has proven to me, and the world that she is too weak to stand on her own. But because her team is so powerful and obviously growing, who knows what future references may hold. However, though I am retired from the ring, and though I am still human, it would be wise to have allies. But who they are, where they are, and if they will come about, you will just have to wait and see. Markus?

I think Dragon over here said it best, its a touchy subject. Something just not so easily answered. Maybe over a beer at a strip club, but that's for an entirely different time...

*The media mutters in laughter*

...but as far as anything immediately. What's left to happen will. You all will just have to watch and wait, just like everyone else, including myself.

Dragon: Ladies and gentleman, time is a luxury both of us fail to have so we must bring this conference to a closing. Thank you for coming, dinner will be served in 15 minutes. 

*Dragon nods as the media quickly jump to their feet muttering more questions which can't be made out, before Dragon and Markus Katastrophik take their leave and disappear behind the curtains*

Dragon you son of a bitch! *chuckle* It's been a long time man! How the hell have ya been?

Dragon: Bro it has, I've been great, packed with work but it's all worth it. It's great to see you again, how's everything going and of course how's Dryden?

It's an up and down lifestyle. Ya win some, ya lose some. Same 'ish, different day. You know the story. I think me and Raven were still engaged when we last talked, weren't we? Well anyway, we separated, and now...well we're not even on speaking terms. Dryden is great though, he's gotten big. All ready 12, in fact he's around here somewhere...

Dragon: Awe man, I'm sorry to hear that bro, I always thought ya'll made a good couple. But hey that's how life goes, I mean I haven't been able to be around for that long with all that's going on, but um, Shelly and I separated too. As far as Dryden goes, where is that little hell raiser, I still gotta teach him to drive my Vette like I promised a couple months ago. *laughs* Speaking of which, Apollo has Alana, he should be bringing her here any minute now.

Wow, I thought you and Shelly would last forever. But hey, these things DO happen. It's just what we do when it happens that makes us who we are. And you're not teaching Dryden anything! I know you. You're bound to slip up and teach him something he doesn't exactly need to know just yet *chuckles*

Dragon: *laughs* What? I would do no such thing hehe, I'm only going to teach him how to drive, above speed limit, but that's about it. That and well, ok so I might teach him things that he doesn't need to know yet, but he's bound to find out sooner or later heh.

*The two laugh as Apollo comes over and hands Alana, Dragon's daughter over to him*

Dragon: *smiles* My girl hehe. Apollo, get the limo ready, we're going to go out and celebrate. Hunny, say hi to Uncle Markus.

*smiles* Wow, you've gotten big. Daddy behaving? *Looks up at Dragon with a sarcastic grin* Man, she's really grown too. You're doin good bro.

Dragon: *smiles* Yeah, life has it's ups and down but it's all good I suppose. She's 3 years old, before I know it she'll be bringing home guys for dates, and watching me toss 'em out the window. Time does fly.

Indeed. Dryden is all ready getting close to the High School years. God that's going to be hell. But he's a good kid

*Dryden walks in somewhat smoothly and calmly, walks over to Dragon and gives him a welcoming hug and stands beside Markus*

Dryden my boy hehe. It's good to see you again kid. And you weren't kidding, he has grown. Either way though, there's the limo, ya'll ready to go?

You guys go on without us. Dryden is gonna catch a ride back to the hotel, and I think I'll stick around and check things out here a little longer, get better acclimated to this place, and meet some of the people.

*Dragon and Markus exchange pleasantries as the two parted ways. Markus hugging son Dryden and sending him off back to the hotel, as Dragon left with his daughter to go eat. This once again left Markus alone to ponder, and to explore his new place of business. It was all rather fancy, almost too fancy. Markus had never been to the SwF headquarters for as long as he worked there, the closest he ever got was into the offices of the CEO, and even then it was all too brief and uncomfortable. Markus greeted the secretary, introduced himself politely and headed towards the marble glazed walls that housed the elevators of this massive building. It was New York though, what else was to be expected? Everything in New York was big, except now New York had 'Tha Katastrophik One' to contend with, and he was prepared to give an entirely new meaning to the word 'BIG'. As Markus stood at the entrance to the elevator, a few of the media officials from inside the banquet hall walked out and moved towards Markus. He noticed this and quickly walked into the elevator, leaving the reporters to run in attempt to catch up. As they made it to the doors, they inched closer to closure, as all the reporters saw was a chuckling Markus shrugging at them as the elevators climbed floor by floor.  But throughout his entire journey, Markus couldn't escape the thoughts swarming through his head like moths to a flame.*

This is real. This time it's to the death. Last time I was here, well this place wasn't here. Good God how many floors does this elevator go up? *Inner sigh* It's going to be interesting. Those people out there, all came to see me. They were all so excited when Dragon introduced me. Have I really made it? Have all these people really fallen in love with me? This is insanity. I've never really noticed it. Before it always seemed like something I fed off of from the fans, but I've never looked at it before like some sort of cult status. Have I really made it though? It'd appear so, but I don't know. I've got to stay level, grounded. I wish Raven was still around. She took care of me before. She kept my head below the clouds. But simple as that, she's not, and I've got to move on past that. Dry seemed to love this place. He looked like a little dear caught in headlights the entire time. I think he's gonna love it. New York will never be the same again! But I cant let Orange County too far from my heart. I've got to remember where I came from, who I came from, who helped get me here. So much that I've got to face, so much ahead of me. This is insanity! I can't believe I'm doing this. But it's destiny.

*The elevator stopped and Markus stepped out, taking a look around at all of the corporate offices around. He looked up at a plaque on the wall which showed all of the different departments in the building. It appeared as though he was on the upper management floor. And from the looks of it, there weren't too many offices here, just a massive conference room, an Executive Lounge, and three corporate offices, those of CEO Dragon, Co- Owner and CEO Nysa and the President of the GNL Angelina Summers.  Markus walked over to the secretary in charge of this floor and asked her if anyone happened to be in, only to be told that it was a working holiday, due to some signing of some guy they were having downstairs. Markus asked the lady if she was aware as to who the signee was.*

Some Markus something or other...

*Markus smiled and stuck out his hand, introducing himself as Markus Katastrophik, much to the embarrassment of the woman behind the desk. She shook his hand and welcomed him aboard the GNL and apologized profusely before wishing him luck. She went on to explain that because of his signing, Dragon had officially called a working holiday, for anyone to take off if they so desired. Markus listened to her grip for a moment about how she thought she'd have the day off as well, but that just cause they were upper management, and she was just an assistant, she had to work, and keep the ship afloat while they were off gallivanting in the city. Markus smiled, bid farewell and went off, walking the span of the floor, checking out where each and everyone of his bosses worked, for future references.*

Ok, this is Dragon's office. Damn... big one. He's moved a step up in the world. Heh. I wonder how much he had to pay for this pretty piece of space. Hmm, And what do we have here? So this is the infamous Nysa, eh? A cute one she is. I'm going to have to introduce myself to this one. Too bad she's not around right now. Talk about finding my baby's new momma! *Laughs to self* Listen to me, I haven't even met this woman yet, and I'm all ready sitting here thinking this. God I really DO need to learn how to keep my hormones in check. And last on this tour... Angelina Summers. Wow, she's another looker. Dragon did well for himself on building this staff. He always was a good judge of 'talent'. *Inner sigh* Well I suppose I should move downstairs to the vault and pick up some film. All play and no work... never helped anyone, well except for Ron Jeremy, then it's just all play regardless.

*Markus made his way down the hall and back to the elevator, riding it down to the basement level where he's greeted by a security guard. He walks through the metal detector and after a few times of going through, the guards finally realize his piercing both ears, tongue and lip, not to mention him telling them that he had both nipples pierced. They took his word for that and just let him pass. And pass he did, into the heavy, long vaults of the GNL, and looked at the most recent promo footage of every member of the GNL, which wasn't very lengthy, but at the same time, he pulled some old footage of himself when GNL was early in its career, and he had joined. He smiled, noticing the label on the tape reading "Markus Katastrophik's First Promo", and another tape that read "Markus Katastrophik Vs. Tresserhorn". This memory of a hard fought victory morphed the smile into a full-on grin. He took the footage and left the vault and into a special screening room, a dark room with a string, two rows of plush reclining seats. Markus gave the film to the projector who set it up, while Markus dimmed the lights, and watched on carefully as cameras fade out, leaving Markus to the video in the basement of the great GNL Headquarters, with one final comment being made as cameras fade to black.*

...Projekt: Jamie Jones...